Maine coastal storm and flood of February 2, 1976

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrill, Richard Arthur; Chin, Edwin H.; Richardson, W.S.

1979-01-01

A business section of Bangor, Maine, was flooded with 12 feet (3.7 m) of water on February 2, 1976. The water surface elevation reached 17.46 feet (5.32 m) above national geodetic vertical datum of 1929 (NGVD), approximately 10.5 feet (3.2 m) above the predicted astronomical tide at Bangor. The unusually high water resulted from a tidal storm surge caused by prolonged strong, south-southeasterly winds which occurred near the time of astronomical high tide. Winds exceeded 64 knots off the New England coast. The resulting flood was the third highest since 1846 and is the first documented tidal flood at Bangor. This report documents the meteorological and hydrologic conditions associated with the flooding and also contains a brief description of storm damage from Eastport to Brunswick, Maine. Included are flood elevations in the city of Bangor and along the coast of Maine east of the Kennebec River. (Kosco-USGS)

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 6: Primary nozzle diffuser analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foley, Michael J.

1989-01-01

The primary nozzle diffuser routes fuel from the main fuel valve on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) to the nozzle coolant inlet mainfold, main combustion chamber coolant inlet mainfold, chamber coolant valve, and the augmented spark igniters. The diffuser also includes the fuel system purge check valve connection. A static stress analysis was performed on the diffuser because no detailed analysis was done on this part in the past. Structural concerns were in the area of the welds because approximately 10 percent are in areas inaccessible by X-ray testing devices. Flow dynamics and thermodynamics were not included in the analysis load case. Constant internal pressure at maximum SSME power was used instead. A three-dimensional, finite element method was generated using ANSYS version 4.3A on the Lockheed VAX 11/785 computer to perform the stress computations. IDEAS Supertab on a Sun 3/60 computer was used to create the finite element model. Rocketdyne drawing number RS009156 was used for the model interpretation. The flight diffuser is denoted as -101. A description of the model, boundary conditions/load case, material properties, structural analysis/results, and a summary are included for documentation.

Comparison of Space Radiation Calculations from Deterministic and Monte Carlo Transport Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, J. H.; Lin, Z. W.; Nasser, A. F.; Randeniya, S.; Tripathi, r. K.; Watts, J. W.; Yepes, P.

2010-01-01

The presentation outline includes motivation, radiation transport codes being considered, space radiation cases being considered, results for slab geometry, results from spherical geometry, and summary. ///////// main physics in radiation transport codes hzetrn uprop fluka geant4, slab geometry, spe, gcr,

Detection and Tracking of Moving Objects with Real-Time Onboard Vision System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erokhin, D. Y.; Feldman, A. B.; Korepanov, S. E.

2017-05-01

Detection of moving objects in video sequence received from moving video sensor is a one of the most important problem in computer vision. The main purpose of this work is developing set of algorithms, which can detect and track moving objects in real time computer vision system. This set includes three main parts: the algorithm for estimation and compensation of geometric transformations of images, an algorithm for detection of moving objects, an algorithm to tracking of the detected objects and prediction their position. The results can be claimed to create onboard vision systems of aircraft, including those relating to small and unmanned aircraft.

Construction of a 40-mile long roadside scale model of the solar system in northern Maine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCartney, K.

2001-05-01

The Maine Solar System Model is currently under construction along Route 1 between Houlton and Presque Isle, in Aroostook County, northern Maine. The scale is 1:93,000,000, or 1 mile equals an astronomical unit. There is a 40 mile distance between the Sun (diameter 49.5 feet) and Pluto (diameter 1 inch). The model will include the Sun, nine planets and seven moons, with diameters and distances all to the same scale. Except for the Sun, all components will be three-dimensional and built to withstand the northern Maine climate. Construction is generally of steel with fiberglass globes positioned on steel posts at least ten feet above ground and 55 feet off the roadway. Road safety concerns require that the Jupiter and Saturn sites include parking lots. Educational information associated with the model will be provided on brochures, since textual information at the sites would require excessive stops and parking problems. Learning exercises will also be provided by travelling trunks prepared by Maine teachers to support the State of Maine Learning Results. This is a community project with the various components being built by ten area schools and with active assistance from many community members and organizations. It is being built with with very little money, with most materials and labor donated.

Improved Main Shaft Seal Life in Gas Turbines Using Laser Surface Texturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNickle, Alan D.; Etsion, Izhak

2002-10-01

This paper presents a general overview of the improved main shaft seal life in gas turbines using laser surface texturing (LST). The contents include: 1) Laser Surface Texturing System; 2) Seal Schematic with LST applied; 3) Dynamic Rig Tests; 4) Surface Finish Definitions; 5) Wear Test Rig; 6) Dynamic Test Rig; 7) Seal Cross Section-Rig Test; and 8) Typical Test Results. This paper is in viewgraph form.

Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of High Performance Polymer Electrolytes for Printed Electronics and Energy Storage

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-31

release. 2 energy conversion and storage devices – including supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries , and fuel cells – that power portable electronics...main innovations were the development of ion gels, materials that combine an ionic liquid with a gelating block copolymer to give mechanical strength...resulted in the training of 3 graduate students and two postdoctoral fellows. The main innovations were the development of ion gels, materials that

Use of strontium isotopes to identify buried water main leakage into groundwater in a highly urbanized coastal area.

PubMed

Leung, Chi-Man; Jiao, Jiu Jimmy

2006-11-01

Previous studies indicate that the local aquifer systems in the Mid-Levels, a highly urbanized coastal area in Hong Kong, have commonly been affected by leakage from water mains. The identification of leakage locations was done by conventional water quality parameters including major and trace elements. However, these parameters may lead to ambiguous results and fail to identify leakage locations especially where the leakage is from drinking water mains because the chemical composition of drinking water is similar to that of natural groundwater. In this study, natural groundwater, seepage in the developed spaces, leakage from water mains, and parent aquifer materials were measured for strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) compositions to explore the feasibility of using these ratios to better constrain the seepage sources. The results show that the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of natural groundwater and leakage from water mains are distinctly different and thus, they can provide additional information on the sources of seepage in developed spaces. A classification system based on the aqueous 87Sr/86Sr ratio is proposed for seepage source identification.

A novel energy recovery system for parallel hybrid hydraulic excavator.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Cao, Baoyu; Zhu, Zhencai; Chen, Guoan

2014-01-01

Hydraulic excavator energy saving is important to relieve source shortage and protect environment. This paper mainly discusses the energy saving for the hybrid hydraulic excavator. By analyzing the excess energy of three hydraulic cylinders in the conventional hydraulic excavator, a new boom potential energy recovery system is proposed. The mathematical models of the main components including boom cylinder, hydraulic motor, and hydraulic accumulator are built. The natural frequency of the proposed energy recovery system is calculated based on the mathematical models. Meanwhile, the simulation models of the proposed system and a conventional energy recovery system are built by AMESim software. The results show that the proposed system is more effective than the conventional energy saving system. At last, the main components of the proposed energy recovery system including accumulator and hydraulic motor are analyzed for improving the energy recovery efficiency. The measures to improve the energy recovery efficiency of the proposed system are presented.

A Novel Energy Recovery System for Parallel Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator

PubMed Central

Li, Wei; Cao, Baoyu; Zhu, Zhencai; Chen, Guoan

2014-01-01

Hydraulic excavator energy saving is important to relieve source shortage and protect environment. This paper mainly discusses the energy saving for the hybrid hydraulic excavator. By analyzing the excess energy of three hydraulic cylinders in the conventional hydraulic excavator, a new boom potential energy recovery system is proposed. The mathematical models of the main components including boom cylinder, hydraulic motor, and hydraulic accumulator are built. The natural frequency of the proposed energy recovery system is calculated based on the mathematical models. Meanwhile, the simulation models of the proposed system and a conventional energy recovery system are built by AMESim software. The results show that the proposed system is more effective than the conventional energy saving system. At last, the main components of the proposed energy recovery system including accumulator and hydraulic motor are analyzed for improving the energy recovery efficiency. The measures to improve the energy recovery efficiency of the proposed system are presented. PMID:25405215

Integrating GIS with AHP and Fuzzy Logic to generate hand, foot and mouth disease hazard zonation (HFMD-HZ) model in Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samphutthanon, R.; Tripathi, N. K.; Ninsawat, S.; Duboz, R.

2014-12-01

The main objective of this research was the development of an HFMD hazard zonation (HFMD-HZ) model by applying AHP and Fuzzy Logic AHP methodologies for weighting each spatial factor such as disease incidence, socio-economic and physical factors. The outputs of AHP and FAHP were input into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) process for spatial analysis. 14 criteria were selected for analysis as important factors: disease incidence over 10 years from 2003 to 2012, population density, road density, land use and physical features. The results showed a consistency ratio (CR) value for these main criteria of 0.075427 for AHP, the CR for FAHP results was 0.092436. As both remained below the threshold of 0.1, the CR value were acceptable. After linking to actual geospatial data (disease incidence 2013) through spatial analysis by GIS for validation, the results of the FAHP approach were found to match more accurately than those of the AHP approach. The zones with the highest hazard of HFMD outbreaks were located in two main areas in central Muang Chiang Mai district including suburbs and Muang Chiang Rai district including the vicinity. The produced hazardous maps may be useful for organizing HFMD protection plans.

Rail industry job analysis : passenger conductor.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

This document describes the results of a job analysis that was conducted for the position of railroad Passenger Conductor. Key aspects of the position were identified, including main tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (...

Rail industry job analysis : freight conductor.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-03-01

This document describes the results from a job analysis that was conducted for the position of Freight Conductor. Key aspects of the position were identified, including main tasks and knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) ne...

Placement of low-slump concrete : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

Low-slump concrete is being used on bridge decks mainly to prevent or minimize spalling and delaminations resulting from corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Other beneficial effects reported include high strength and durability. This study investigat...

District heating with geothermally heated culinary water supply systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pitts, D.R.; Schmitt, R.C.

1979-09-01

An initial feasibility study of using existing culinary water supply systems to provide hot water for space heating and air conditioning to a typical residential community is reported. The Phase I study has centered on methods of using low-to-moderate temperature water for heating purposes including institutional barriers, identification and description of a suitable residential commnity water system, evaluation of thermal losses in both the main distribution system and the street mains within the residential district, estimation of size and cost of the pumping station main heat exchanger, sizing of individual residential heat exchangers, determination of pumping and power requirements duemore » to increased flow through the residential area mains, and pumping and power requirements from the street mains through a typical residence. All results of the engineering study of Phase I are encouraging.« less

Isolators Including Main Spring Linear Guide Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goold, Ryan (Inventor); Buchele, Paul (Inventor); Hindle, Timothy (Inventor); Ruebsamen, Dale Thomas (Inventor)

2017-01-01

Embodiments of isolators, such as three parameter isolators, including a main spring linear guide system are provided. In one embodiment, the isolator includes first and second opposing end portions, a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions, and a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion. The linear guide system expands and contracts in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis.

New model of inverting substation for DC traction with regenerative braking system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, Abdul Malek Saidina; Samat, Ahmad Asri Abd; Isa, Siti Sarah Mat; Shamsuddin, Sarah Addyani; Jamaludin, Nur Fadhilah; Khyasudeen, Muhammad Farris

2017-08-01

This paper presents a power electronic devices application focus on modeling, analysis, and control of switching power converter in the inverting DC substation with regenerative braking system which is used to recycle the surplus regenerative power by feed it back to the main AC grid. The main objective of this research is to improve the switching power electronic converter of the railway inverting substation and optimize the maximum kinetic energy recovery together with minimum power losses from the railway braking system. Assess performance including efficiency and robustness will be evaluated in order to get the best solution for the design configuration. Research methodology included mathematical calculation, simulation, and detail analysis on modeling of switching power converter on inverting substation. The design stage separates to four main areas include rectification mode, regenerative mode, control inverter mode and filtering mode. The simulation result has shown that the regenerative inverter has a capability to accept a maximum recovery power on the regeneration mode. Total energy recovery has increase and power losses have decreases because inverter abilities to transfer the surplus energy back to the main AC supply. An Inverter controller with PWM Generator and PI Voltage Regulator has been designed to control voltage magnitude and frequency of the DC traction system.

Children with Obesity Prioritize Social Support against Stigma: A Qualitative Study for Development of an Obesity Prevention Intervention

PubMed Central

Amini, Maryam; Djazayery, Abolghassem; Majdzadeh, Reza; Taghdisi, Mohammad-Hossein; Sadrzadeh-Yeganeh, Haleh; Eslami-Amirabadi, Maryam

2014-01-01

Background: Childhood obesity is a world-wide health problem and development of interventions to prevent or control it is a priority. Obesity is prevalent and on the increase among school-students in Iran, too. As the first step for development of an intervention, the current study was designed to complete our understanding of ideas, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of primary school children in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Twenty-seven primary school-students (11 boys, 16 girls) in grade-five, most of whom were overweight or obese, participated in four focus-group discussions (FGDs). All FGD notes were analyzed to find the main themes. Results: Nine themes in three main categories emerged after analysis. The themes in the category of barriers of losing weight included environmental, psychological and physiological barriers. Category of intervention components included nutrition improvement, physical activity promotion, social support and education. Setting and deliverer of the intervention were included in the intervention conditions category. The children proposed a multi-component approach for development of an intervention. They mentioned nutrition and physical activity improvement, social support and education as the main elements of an effective intervention. Conclusions: The findings indicate that obese children need to be supported against different barriers of losing weight, mainly social barriers, especially humiliation by the community. PMID:25489443

Methodology of determining soil structure in important groundwater areas: case studies in Kauvonkangas, Finnish Lapland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kupila, Juho

2016-04-01

Finland is fully self-sufficient in clean groundwater and even has a capacity of exportation. There are approx. 6000 groundwater areas with a total yield of 5.4 million m3/day. Currently only 10% of this groundwater resource is in use. For the efficient and safe exploitation of these areas in the future, detailed modeling of soil structure is an important method in groundwater surveys. 3D -models improve the general knowledge of linkage between land use planning and groundwater protection. Results can be used as a base information in water supply service development and when performing the measures needed in case of environmental accidents. Also, when creating the groundwater flow models the collected information is utilized and is usually the main data source. Geological Survey of Finland has carried out soil structure studies in co-operation with authorities, municipalities and the local water suppliers. The main objectives of these projects are to determine the geological structure of groundwater area for estimating the validity of the present exclusion area, the quantity of ground water volume and recharge capability and possible risks to the groundwater. Research areas are usually under an active water supply service. Kauvonkangas groundwater area is located in the municipality of Tervola, in Southern part of Finnish Lapland. Extent of the area is 7.9 km2 and it is an important water source for the local and nearby population centers. There are two active water supply companies in the area. Field studies in the project will include general geological and hydrological mapping, soil drilling with observation pipe installation, test pumping and water sampling. Geophysical measures will play a key-role, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and gravimetric measurements. Studies will be carried out in spring and summer 2016. The main results will be the models of the bedrock and groundwater level and main characteristics of the soil layers in the area. Results will also include the main flow directions of the groundwater. Structure models will be done with Groundhog -software. Kauvonkangas -project is funded by local water supply companies Meri-Lapin Vesi and Tervolan Vesi, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and Geological Survey of Finland.

Overview of Petroleum Settings in Deep Waters of the Brazilian South Atlantic Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anjos, Sylvia; Penteado, Henrique; Oliveira, Carlos M. M.

2015-04-01

The objective of this work is to present an overall view of the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the western South Atlantic with focus on the Brazilian marginal basins. It includes the structural evolution, stratigraphic sequences, depositional environments and petroleum systems model along the Brazilian marginal basins. In addition, a description of the main petroleum provinces and selected plays including the pre-salt carbonates and post-salt turbidite reservoirs is presented. Source-rock ages and types, trap styles, main reservoir characteristics, petroleum compositions, and recent exploration results are discussed. Finally, an outlook and general assessment of the impact of the large pre-salt discoveries on the present-day and future production curves are given.

Mean sea-level rise impacts on Santos Bay, Southeastern Brazil--physical modelling study.

PubMed

Alfredini, Paolo; Arasaki, Emilia; do Amaral, Rogério Fernando

2008-09-01

The greenhouse effect and resulting increase in the Earth's temperature may accelerate the mean sea-level rise. The natural response of bays and estuaries to this rise, such as this case study of Santos Bay (Brazil), will include change in shoreline position, land flooding and wetlands impacts. The main impacts of this scenario were studied in a physical model built in the Coastal and Harbour Division of Hydraulic Laboratory, University of São Paulo, and the main conclusions are presented in this paper. The model reproduces near 1,000 km(2) of the study area, including Santos, São Vicente, Praia Grande, Cubatão, Guarujá and Bertioga cities.

Hybrid powertrain system

DOEpatents

Grillo, Ricardo C.; O'Neil, Walter K.; Preston, David M.

2005-09-20

A hybrid powertrain system is provided that includes a first prime mover having a rotational output, a second prime mover having a rotational output, and a transmission having a main shaft supporting at least two main shaft gears thereon. The transmission includes a first independent countershaft drivingly connected to the first prime mover and including at least one ratio gear supported thereon that meshes with a respective main shaft gear. A second independent countershaft is drivingly connected to the second prime mover and includes at least one ratio gear supported thereon that meshes with a respective main shaft gear. The ratio gears on the first and second countershafts cooperate with the main shaft gears to provide at least one gear ratio between the first and second countershafts and the main shaft. A shift control mechanism selectively engages and disengages the first and second countershafts for rotation with the main shaft.

Diversification of visual media retrieval results using saliency detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muratov, Oleg; Boato, Giulia; De Natale, Franesco G. B.

2013-03-01

Diversification of retrieval results allows for better and faster search. Recently there has been proposed different methods for diversification of image retrieval results mainly utilizing text information and techniques imported from natural language processing domain. However, images contain visual information that is impossible to describe in text and the use of visual features is inevitable. Visual saliency is information about the main object of an image implicitly included by humans while creating visual content. For this reason it is naturally to exploit this information for the task of diversification of the content. In this work we study whether visual saliency can be used for the task of diversification and propose a method for re-ranking image retrieval results using saliency. The evaluation has shown that the use of saliency information results in higher diversity of retrieval results.

What Was Learned from the New VFE-2 Experiments?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luckring, James M.; Hummel, Dietrich

2008-01-01

In the present paper the main results of the new experiments from Vortex Flow Experiment (VFE-2) are summarized. These include some force and moment results, surface and off-body measurements, as well as steady and fluctuating quantities. Some critical remarks are added, and an outlook for future investigations is given.

76 FR 12715 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-08

... and marketing evaluation and strategies; and outreach and implementation of the project results. The... devise strategies and means to efficiently harvest the redfish resource in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) while... in terms of their potential effects on results. Sources of variability include: Area fished; seasonal...

Results from the calibration of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welsh, Barry Y.; Jelinsky, Pat; Vedder, Peter W.; Vallerga, John V.; Finley, David S.; Malina, Roger F.

1991-01-01

The paper describes the main features and selected results of the calibration of the scientific instruments to be flown on the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer in 1991. The instrument payload includes three grazing incidence scanning telescopes and an EUV spectrometer/deep survey instrument covering the spectral region 70-800 A. The measured imaging characteristics, the effective areas, and the details of spectral responses of the instruments are presented. Diagrams of the cross-sectional views of the scanning telescope and the deep-survey/spectrometer telescope are included.

Main results of the experiments conducted during the flight of the Kosmos-1129 Biosatellite and the status of preparation of studies on the next biosatllite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ilin, E. A.

1980-01-01

Experiments included studies on the biological effects of weightlessness. Space flight stress, disorientation, and physiological factors are discussed for each experimental subject. The subjects included rats, drosophila flies, and plants. Metabolic rates were monitored along with other changes in the subject's activity cycles.

Relation between Alice Software and Programming Learning: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Costa, Joana M.; Miranda, Guilhermina L.

2017-01-01

This paper presents the results of a systematic review of the literature, including a meta-analysis, about the effectiveness of the use of Alice software in programming learning when compared to the use of a conventional programming language. Our research included studies published between the years 2000 and 2014 in the main databases. We gathered…

Combined impacts of tidal energy extraction and sea level rise in the Gulf of Maine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, M. R.; Kresning, B.

2016-12-01

The objective of this study was to assess the combined effects of SLR and tidal energy extraction on the dynamics of tides in the Gulf of Maine in both US and Canadian waters. The dynamics of tides in the Gulf of Maine is dominated by tidal resonance, which generates one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Further, sea level rise (SLR) is affecting tidal circulations globally, and in the Gulf of Maine. A large tidal energy resource is available in the Gulf of Maine, particularly in the Bay of Fundy, and is expected to be harvested in the future. Currently, more than 6 projects are operational or under development in this region (in both US and Canadian waters). Understanding the far-field impacts of tidal-stream arrays is important for future development of tidal energy extraction. The impacts include possible changes in water elevation, which can potentially increase flooding in coastal areas. Further, SLR can affect tidal energy resources and the impacts of tidal energy extraction during the project lifetime - which is usually more than 25 years. A tidal model of the Gulf of Maine was developed using Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) at one arcminute scale. An array of turbines were simulated in the model. After validation of the model at NOAA tidal gauge stations and NERACOOS buoys, several scenarios; including SLR scenario, and tidal extraction scenario, were examined. In particular, the results of a recent research was used to assess the impacts of SLR on the boundary of the model domain, which was neglected in previous studies. The results of the impacts of the tidal energy extraction with and without the SLR were presented, and compared with those from literature. This includes the decrease of tidal range and M2 amplitude in Minas Basin due to the 2.5 GW extraction scenario, and possible changes in Massachusetts coastal area. The impacts were compared with the level of uncertainty in the model. It was shown that the impact of SLR on the dynamics of tides is more than those from energy extraction assuming 2.5 GW extraction in Minas Passage.

Studies and analyses of the Space Shuttle Main Engine: SSME failure data review, diagnostic survey and SSME diagnostic evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, R. C.; Kelley, B. A.; Tischer, A. E.

1986-01-01

The results of a review of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) failure data for the period 1980 through 1983 are presented. The data was collected, evaluated, and ranked according to procedures established during this study. A number of conclusions and recommendations are made based upon this failure data review. The results of a state-of-the-art diagnostic survey are also presented. This survey covered a broad range of diagnostic sensors and techniques and the findings were evaluated for application to the SSME. Finally, a discussion of the initial activities for the on-going SSME diagnostic evaluation is included.

Analytical results for 544 water samples collected in the Attean Quartz Monzonite in the vicinity of Jackman, Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ficklin, W.H.; Nowlan, G.A.; Preston, D.J.

1983-01-01

Water samples were collected in the vicinity of Jackman, Maine as a part of the study of the relationship of dissolved constituents in water to the sediments subjacent to the water. Each sample was analyzed for specific conductance, alkalinity, acidity, pH, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and silica. Trace elements determined were copper, zinc, molybdenum, lead, iron, manganese, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, and strontium. The longitude and latitude of each sample location and a sample site map are included in the report as well as a table of the analytical results.

Maine State Briefing Book on low-level radioactive waste management

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1981-08-01

The Maine State Briefing Book is one of a series of state briefing books on low-level radioactive waste management practices. It has been prepared to assist state and Federal agency officials in planning for safe low-level radioactive waste disposal. The report contains a profile of low-level radioactive waste generators in Maine. The profile is the result of a survey of radioactive material licensees in Maine. The briefing book also contains a comprehensive assessment of low-level radioactive waste management issues and concerns as defined by all major interested partices including industry, government, the media, and interest groups. The assessment was developedmore » through personal communications with representatives of interested parties, and through a review of media sources. Lastly, the briefing book provides demographic and socioeconomic data and a discussion of relevant goverment agencies and activities, all of which may impact management practices in Maine.« less

Using Technology in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boles, Stephanie Reeve

2011-01-01

The author describes how she has come to use technology in her classroom over the years. Her main topics include using the internet, experiencing podcasts, using technology for assessment, and recording results from science research. (Contains 3 online resources and 5 figures.)

Quality Markers in Cardiology. Main Markers to Measure Quality of Results (Outcomes) and Quality Measures Related to Better Results in Clinical Practice (Performance Metrics). INCARDIO (Indicadores de Calidad en Unidades Asistenciales del Área del Corazón): A SEC/SECTCV Consensus Position Paper.

PubMed

López-Sendón, José; González-Juanatey, José Ramón; Pinto, Fausto; Cuenca Castillo, José; Badimón, Lina; Dalmau, Regina; González Torrecilla, Esteban; López-Mínguez, José Ramón; Maceira, Alicia M; Pascual-Figal, Domingo; Pomar Moya-Prats, José Luis; Sionis, Alessandro; Zamorano, José Luis

2015-11-01

Cardiology practice requires complex organization that impacts overall outcomes and may differ substantially among hospitals and communities. The aim of this consensus document is to define quality markers in cardiology, including markers to measure the quality of results (outcomes metrics) and quality measures related to better results in clinical practice (performance metrics). The document is mainly intended for the Spanish health care system and may serve as a basis for similar documents in other countries. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Discrepancy between results and abstract conclusions in industry- vs nonindustry-funded studies comparing topical prostaglandins.

PubMed

Alasbali, Tariq; Smith, Michael; Geffen, Noa; Trope, Graham E; Flanagan, John G; Jin, Yaping; Buys, Yvonne M

2009-01-01

To investigate the relationship between industry- vs nonindustry-funded publications comparing the efficacy of topical prostaglandin analogs by evaluating the correspondence between the statistical significance of the publication's main outcome measure and its abstract conclusions. Retrospective, observational cohort study. English publications comparing the ocular hypotensive efficacy between any or all of latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost were searched from the MEDLINE database. Each article was reviewed by three independent observers and was evaluated for source of funding, study quality, statistically significant main outcome measure, correspondence between results of main outcome measure and abstract conclusion, number of intraocular pressure outcomes compared, and journal impact factor. Funding was determined by published disclosure or, in cases of no documented disclosure, the corresponding author was contacted directly to confirm industry funding. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The main outcome measure was correspondence between abstract conclusion and reported statistical significance of the publications' main outcome measure. Thirty-nine publications were included, of which 29 were industry funded and 10 were nonindustry funded. The published abstract conclusion was not consistent with the results of the main outcome measure in 18 (62%) of 29 of the industry-funded studies compared with zero (0%) of 10 of the nonindustry-funded studies (P = .0006). Twenty-six (90%) of the industry-funded studies had proindustry abstract conclusions. Twenty-four percent of the industry-funded publications had a statistically significant main outcome measure; however, 90% of the industry-funded studies had proindustry abstract conclusions. Both readers and reviewers should scrutinize publications carefully to ensure that data support the authors' conclusions.

Little meteorological workshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poler Čanić, K. Å.; Rasol, D.

2010-09-01

Little meteorological workshop (LMW) is a project the main goal of which is promotion and popularisation of meteorology in Croatia. The project has been taking place at the Science Festival in Zagreb since 2007 where the audience includes the general public. Since 2009 the project has been introduced as an extracurricular school activity in some primary schools where the main audience are children and teachers. Here, the methods used in the LMWs will be presented. Furthermore, the evaluation results of the LMWs that were held in schools will be shown.

Environmental Assessment for Construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center Complex and Implementation of BRAC 05 Realignment Actions in Niagara Falls, New York

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

and moves mainly in secondary fractures . Minerals in solution are calcite, dolomite , gypsum, and halite, resulting in hard and salty groundwater. Much...Lowland physiographic province. The Niagarian Provincial series is "richly fossiliferous" with 400 feet of deposits, including dolomite , limestone...delivered into the on-base distribution system through 10- to 12-inch mains. The. average water pressure supplied to the Installation is approximately

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Study. A Plan Prepared for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). Volume 1. Main Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

It was viewed as leading to the public expenditure of funds which contributed mainly to the benefit of private landowners whose properties abutted...to the water’s edge. Thus, a new and rather unique "public" benefitted by Corps projects evolved. Facilities, including private boat houses...afforded by Reclamation reservoirs were initially incidental benefits , but the growing popularity of Reclamation’s reservoirs soon resulted in project

Pencil beam characteristics of the next-generation proton scanning gantry of PSI: design issues and initial commissioning results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedroni, E.; Meer, D.; Bula, C.; Safai, S.; Zenklusen, S.

2011-07-01

In this paper we report on the main design features, on the realization process and on selected first results of the initial commissioning of the new Gantry 2 of PSI for the delivery of proton therapy with new advanced pencil beam scanning techniques. We present briefly the characteristics of the new gantry system with main emphasis on the beam optics, on the characterization of the pencil beam used for scanning and on the performance of the scanning system. The idea is to give an overview of the major components of the whole system. The main long-term technical goal of the new equipment of Gantry 2 is to expand the use of pencil beam scanning to the whole spectrum of clinical indications including moving targets. We report here on the initial experience and problems encountered in the development of the system with selected preliminary results of the ongoing commissioning of Gantry 2.

A Compilation of Laws Pertaining to Indians. State of Maine, January 1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maine State Dept. of Indian Affairs, Augusta.

Compiled from the Maine Revised Statutes of 1964 (including amendments through 1973), the Constitution of Maine, and the current Resolves and Private and Special Laws, this compilation of laws pertaining to American Indians includes statutes relative to the following: (1) Constitution of Maine (bond issues; guaranteed loans for Indian housing;…

Does prolonged semi-erection in prepubertal high flow priapism result in increased penile size?

PubMed

Awwad, Ziad M

2005-03-01

High flow priapism is a rare pathology resulting mainly from trauma to the perineum leading to arterial-lacunar fistula. Management includes arterial embolization using absorbable material, as well as conservative approach. In this case, the effect of prolonged semi-erection in prepubertal high flow priapism on increased penile size is discussed.

[The Phenotype of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Frequent Exacerbations in the Aspect of Long-term Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Results].

PubMed

Zafiraki, V K; Namitokov, A M; Skaletsky, K V; Kosmacheva, E D; Shulzhenko, L V; Ramazanov, J M; Omarov, A A; Pershukov, I V

2017-03-01

To evaluate the results of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depending on the frequency of exacerbations of COPD. We enrolled in this prospective study 103 patients with CHD and COPD who underwent PCI (n=103) including 25 who satisfied criteria of COPD phenotype with frequent exacerbations (main group). Analysis included comparison of rates and times to major adverse cardiac events (MACE - myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac death, repeat revascularization) in the main group and other patients. Clinical and functional features of patients with major adverse cardiac events were also analyzed. Study groups did not differ significantly on demographic characteristics and the presence of comorbidity. MACE frequency was almost 2 times higher in the main group (relative risk 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-3.3). There was a tendency to higher rate of MACE among patients with history of more or equal 1 COPD exacerbations in a year (40% vs. 24%, p=0.09). The following clinical and functional characteristics of COPD, were associated with MACE in remote period after PCI: frequency of exacerbations, results of the COPD Assessment Test, exercise capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. Conclusion/ COPD phenotype with frequent exacerbations in patients with CHD undergoing PCI is associated with increased risk and earlier occurrence of MACE.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activities of lupin seeds extracts.

PubMed

Lampart-Szczapa, Eleonora; Siger, Aleksander; Trojanowska, Krystyna; Nogala-Kalucka, Małgorzata; Malecka, Maria; Pacholek, Bogdan

2003-10-01

Determination of influence of lupin natural phenolic compounds on antibacterial properties of its seeds was carried out. Raw material were seeds of Lupinus albus, L. luteus, and L. angustifolius. The methods included the determination of the content of proteins, total phenolic compounds, free phenolic acids, and tannins as well as antibacterial properties with ethanol extracts. The content of total phenolic compounds was smaller in testas than in cotyledons and the highest levels are observed in bitter cultivars of Lupinus albus cv. Bac and L. angustifolius cv. Mirela. Lupin tannins mainly occurred in cotyledons of the white lupin, predominantly in the bitter cultivar Bac. Free phenolic acids were mainly found in testas. Only extracts from the testas displayed antibacterial properties, which excludes the possibility of alkaloid influence on the results. The results suggest that inhibition of test bacteria growth depended mainly upon the content of the total phenolic compounds.

Ten-year results from the long-term soil productivity study in aspen ecosystems of the northern Great Lakes region

Treesearch

Richard Voldseth; Brian J. Palik; John Elioff

2011-01-01

Impacts of organic matter removal and compaction on soil properties and productivity are reported from the first 10 years of the Long-Term Soil Productivity Study in Great Lakes aspen ecosystems. Organic matter removal treatments included main bole, total tree harvest, and total tree harvest with forest floor removal. Compaction treatments included minimal compaction,...

[The use of genetic angiogenesis inductors in surgical treatment of chronic lower limb ischemia].

PubMed

Gavrilenko, A V; Voronov, D A; Bochkov, N P

2013-01-01

The efficacy and safety of gene-engineering recombinant constructions with endothelial growth factor gene and angiogenin for the treatment of the chronic lower limb ischemia were studied. 134 patients were included in prospective controlled study. The main group, who received both traditional treatment and genetic therapy, consisted of 74 patients. The rest 60 patients were included into the control group. Of 74 patients from the main group, genetic therapy was used together with conservative means in 39 patients and with reconstructive vascular operations in 35 patients. The gene-engineering angiogenesis stimulation therapy proved to be effective and safe. The combination of angiogenesis genetic stimulation with reconstructive vascular surgery demonstrated significantly better results, then monotherapy.

High-Level Ab Initio Calculations of Intermolecular Interactions: Heavy Main-Group Element π-Interactions.

PubMed

Krasowska, Małgorzata; Schneider, Wolfgang B; Mehring, Michael; Auer, Alexander A

2018-05-02

This work reports high-level ab initio calculations and a detailed analysis on the nature of intermolecular interactions of heavy main-group element compounds and π systems. For this purpose we have chosen a set of benchmark molecules of the form MR 3 , in which M=As, Sb, or Bi, and R=CH 3 , OCH 3 , or Cl. Several methods for the description of weak intermolecular interactions are benchmarked including DFT-D, DFT-SAPT, MP2, and high-level coupled cluster methods in the DLPNO-CCSD(T) approximation. Using local energy decomposition (LED) and an analysis of the electron density, details of the nature of this interaction are unraveled. The results yield insight into the nature of dispersion and donor-acceptor interactions in this type of system, including systematic trends in the periodic table, and also provide a benchmark for dispersion interactions in heavy main-group element compounds. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Flavour production by Saprochaete and Geotrichum yeasts and their close relatives.

PubMed

Grondin, Eric; Shum Cheong Sing, Alain; James, Steve; Nueno-Palop, Carmen; François, Jean Marie; Petit, Thomas

2017-12-15

In this study, a total of 30 yeast strains belonging to the genera Dipodascus, Galactomyces, Geotrichum, Magnusiomyces and Saprochaete were investigated for volatile organic compound production using HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis. The resulting flavour profiles, including 36 esters and 6 alcohols compounds, were statistically evaluated by cluster and PCA analysis. Two main groups of strains were extracted from this analysis, namely a group with a low ability to produce flavour and a group producing mainly alcohols. Two other minor groups of strains including Saprochaete suaveolens, Geotrichum marinum and Saprochaete gigas were diverging significantly from the main groups precisely because they showed a good ability to produce a large diversity of esters. In particular, we found that the Saprochaete genus (and their closed relatives) was characterized by a high production of unsaturated esters arising from partial catabolism of branched chain amino-acids. These esters were produced by eight phylogenetically related strains of Saprochaete genus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Altruism, the values dimension of caring self-efficacy concept in Iranian pediatric nurses.

PubMed

Alavi, Azam; Zargham-Boroujeni, Ali; Yousefy, Alireza; Bahrami, Masoud

2017-01-01

Self-efficacy is the most influential among factors affecting nurses' performance. Yet, understanding of the constituent elements of the caring self-efficacy concept was not considered. This study was to introduce altruism as one of the main aspects of caring self-efficacy in pediatric nurses. This is part of a larger study on the concept of caring self-efficacy conducted with qualitative content analysis approach in Iran. Participants included 27 clinical pediatric nurses and instructors, selected purposively. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis method. Theme "altruism" as one of the main themes extracted from the analysis of the interviews in this study. This theme includes two main categories of "humanistic care" and "caring attitude." This paper introduces altruism as one of the values aspects of caring self-efficacy in pediatric nurses. Efficient nurse with features Humanistic care, through the provision of maternal care and family-centered care and caring attitudes resulting from religious beliefs and loving children to care for the children.

A Model of Subduction of a Mid-Paleozoic Oceanic Ridge - Transform Fault System along the Eastern North American Margin in the Northern Appalachians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuiper, Y. D.

2016-12-01

Crustal-scale dextral northeasterly trending ductile-brittle fault systems and increased igneous activity in mid-Paleozoic eastern New England and southern Maritime Canada are interpreted in terms of a subducted oceanic spreading ridge model. In the model, the fault systems form as a result of subduction of a spreading ridge-transform fault system, similar to the way the San Andreas fault system formed. Ridge subduction results in the formation of a sub-surface slab window, mantle upwelling, and increased associated magmatism in the overlying plate. The ridge-transform system existed in the Rheic Ocean, and was subducted below parts of Ganderia, Avalonia and Meguma in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The subduction zone jumped southeastward as a result of accretion of Avalonia. Where the ridge-transform system was subducted, plate motions changed from predominantly convergent between the northern Rheic Ocean and Laurentian plates to predominantly dextral between the southern Rheic Ocean and Laurentian plates. In the model, dextral fault systems include the Norumbega fault system between southwestern New Brunswick and southern Maine and New Hampshire, and the Kennebecasis, Belle Isle and Caledonia faults in southeastern New Brunswick. A latest Silurian transition from arc- to within-plate- magmatism in the Coastal Volcanic Belt in eastern Maine may suggest the onset of ridge subduction. Examples of increased latest Silurian to Devonian within-plate magmatism include the Cranberry Island volcanic series and coastal Maine magmatic province in Maine, and the South Mountain Batholith in Nova Scotia. Widespread Devonian to earliest Carboniferous granitic to intermediate plutons, beyond the Coastal Volcanic Belt towards southern Maine and central New Hampshire, may outline the shape of a subsurface slab window. The possibility of ridge-transform subduction in Newfoundland and in the southern Appalachians will be discussed. The northern Appalachians may be a unique location along the Eastern North American Margin and possibly on Earth, in that it may preserve the only known evidence for an ancient Mendocino-style triple junction and San Andreas-type fault.

Geochemical cartography as a tool for assessing the degree of soil contamination with heavy metals in Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymon Borkowski, Andrzej; Kwiatkowska-Malina, Jolanta

2016-04-01

Spatial disposition of chemical elements including heavy metals in the soil environment is a very important information during preparation of the thematic maps for the environmental protection and/or spatial planning. This knowledge is also essential for the earth's surface and soil's monitoring, designation of areas requiring improvement including remediation. The main source of anthropogenic pollution of soil with heavy metals are industry related to the mining coal and liquid fuels, mining and metallurgy, chemical industry, energy production, waste management, agriculture and transport. The geochemical maps as a kind of specific thematic maps made on the basis of datasets obtained from the Polish Geological Institute's resources allow to get to know the spatial distribution of different chemical elements including heavy metals in soil. The results of the research carried out by the Polish Geological Institute showed strong contamination in some regions in Poland mainly with arsenic, cadmium, lead and nickel. For this reason it was the point to prepare geochemical maps showing contamination of soil with heavy metals, and determine main sources of contamination and zones where heavy metals concentration was higher than acceptable contents. It was also presented a summary map of soil contamination with heavy metals. Additionally, location of highly contaminated zones was compiled with predominant in those areas types of arable soils and then results were thoroughly analyzed. This information can provide a base for further detailed studies on the soil contamination with heavy metals.

Eligibility for Renal Denervation: Anatomical Classification and Results in Essential Resistant Hypertension

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okada, Takuya, E-mail: okabone@gmail.com; Pellerin, Olivier; Savard, Sébastien

PurposeTo classify the renal artery (RA) anatomy based on specific requirements for endovascular renal artery denervation (RDN) in patients with drug-resistant hypertension (RH).Materials and MethodsThe RA anatomy of 122 consecutive RH patients was evaluated by computed tomography angiography and classified as two types: A (main RA ≥20 mm in length and ≥4.0 mm in diameter) or B (main RA <20 mm in length or main RA <4.0 mm in diameter). The A type included three subtypes: A1 (without accessory RAs), A2 (with accessory RAs <3.0 mm in diameter), and A3 (with accessory RAs ≥3.0 mm in diameter]. A1 and A2 types were eligible for RDN withmore » the Simplicity Flex catheter. Type B included twi subtypes based on the main RA length and diameter. Patients were accordingly classified into three eligibility categories: complete (CE; both RAs were eligible), partial (PE; one eligible RA), and noneligibility (NE; no eligible RA).ResultsBilateral A1 type was the most prevalent and was observed in 48.4 % of the patients followed by the A1/A2 type (18 %). CE, PE, and NE were observed in 69.7, 22.9, and 7.4 % of patients, respectively. The prevalence of accessory RAs was 41 %.ConclusionsOf RH patients, 30.3 % were not eligible for bilateral RDN with the current Simplicity Flex catheter. This classification provides the basis for standardized reporting to allow for pooling of results of larger patient cohorts in the future.« less

The Genesis of Active Citizenship in the Learning Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benn, Roseanne

2000-01-01

Survey results from 75 British adult learners indicated that the main site where they acquired skills of active citizenship (including interpersonal competence, confidence, and knowledge of government) was the workplace. Very small numbers felt that schools equipped them with these skills. (SK)

Can nurse teachers manage student incivility by guided democracy? A grounded theory study

PubMed Central

Rad, Mostafa; Ildarabadi, Eshagh

2017-01-01

Introduction Managing incivility in academic settings is among the basic concerns and challenges of most educational systems, including nursing education. Incivility management cannot be considered devoid of disruptive behaviors. However, incivility management is a complexphenomenon upon which few studies are conducted. Objectives The present study aims at discovering teachers and students’ experiences regarding incivility and developing an approach to manage nursing students’ incivility. Design The present study was conducted based on the qualitative research design of the grounded theory methodology. Settings This study was conducted at schools of nursing in academic settings in Iran. Participants Study participants in the present study include nurse teachers (N=20) and nursing students (N=9). Method In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted using theoretical and purposive sampling. Constant comparative analysis was used for data analysis. Results The results include four main categories; (1) deterioration of learning; (2) dominant individual and organisational culture; (3) guided democracy; and (4) movement toward professionalism. Guided democracy is recognised as the main basic psychosocial process for incivility management. Conclusions Incivility management is pursued to help learners develop professional performance. As indicated by the results of the present study, guided democracy is an effective strategy for incivility management in nursing education. PMID:28716787

An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2001-2006.

PubMed

Santos, Raquel; Goossens, An

2007-12-01

Reports on airborne dermatoses are mainly published in the context of occupational settings. Hence, in recent years, dermatologists and also occupational physicians have become increasingly aware of the airborne source of contact dermatitis, resulting mainly from exposure to irritants or allergens. However, their occurrence is still underestimated, because reports often omit the term 'airborne' in relation to dust or volatile allergens. For the present update, we screened the journals 'Contact Dermatitis' (July 2000 to December 2006); 'Dermatitis', formerly named 'American Journal of Contact Dermatitis'; 'La Lettre du Gerda' (January 2000 to December 2006); and also included relevant articles from other journals published during the same period. This resulted in an updated list of airborne dermatitis causes.

Flame trench analysis of NLS vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeytinoglu, Nuri

1993-01-01

The present study takes the initial steps of establishing a better flame trench design criteria for future National Launch System vehicles. A three-dimensional finite element computer model for predicting the transient thermal and structural behavior of the flame trench walls was developed using both I-DEAS and MSC/NASTRAN software packages. The results of JANNAF Standardized Plume flowfield calculations of sea-level exhaust plume of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), Space Transportation Main Engine (STME), and Advanced Solid Rocket Motors (ASRM) were analyzed for different axial distances. The results of sample calculations, using the developed finite element model, are included. The further suggestions are also reported for enhancing the overall analysis of the flame trench model.

Hot-Fire Test Results of an Oxygen/RP-2 Multi-Element Oxidizer-Rich Staged-Combustion Integrated Test Article

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hulka, J. R.; Protz, C. S.; Garcia, C. P.; Casiano, M. J.; Parton, J. A.

2016-01-01

As part of the Combustion Stability Tool Development project funded by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center was contracted to assemble and hot-fire test a multi-element integrated test article demonstrating combustion characteristics of an oxygen/hydrocarbon propellant oxidizer-rich staged-combustion engine thrust chamber. Such a test article simulates flow through the main injectors of oxygen/kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engines such as the Russian RD-180 or NK-33 engines, or future U.S.-built engine systems such as the Aerojet-Rocketdyne AR-1 engine or the Hydrocarbon Boost program demonstration engine. For the thrust chamber assembly of the test article, several configurations of new main injectors, using relatively conventional gas-centered swirl coaxial injector elements, were designed and fabricated. The design and fabrication of these main injectors are described in a companion paper at this JANNAF meeting. New ablative combustion chambers were fabricated based on hardware previously used at NASA for testing at similar size and pressure. An existing oxygen/RP-1 oxidizer-rich subscale preburner injector from a previous NASA-funded program, along with existing and new inter-connecting hot gas duct hardware, were used to supply the oxidizer-rich combustion products to the oxidizer circuit of the main injector of the thrust chamber. Results from independent hot-fire tests of the preburner injector in a combustion chamber with a sonic throat are described in companion papers at this JANNAF conference. The resulting integrated test article - which includes the preburner, inter-connecting hot gas duct, main injector, and ablative combustion chamber - was assembled at Test Stand 116 at the East Test Area of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The test article was well instrumented with static and dynamic pressure, temperature, and acceleration sensors to allow the collected data to be used for combustion analysis model development. Hot-fire testing was conducted with main combustion chamber pressures ranging from 1400 to 2100 psia, and main combustion chamber mixture ratios ranging from 2.4 to 2.9. Different levels of fuel film cooling injected from the injector face were examined ranging from none to about 12% of the total fuel flow. This paper presents the hot-fire test results of the integrated test article. Combustion performance, stability, thermal, and compatibility characteristics of both the preburner and the thrust chamber are described. Another companion paper at this JANNAF meeting includes additional and more detailed test data regarding the combustion dynamics and stability characteristics.

Correlation and evaluation of inplane stability characteristics for an advanced bearingless main rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weller, W. H.

1983-01-01

A program of experimental and analytical research was performed to demonstrate the degree of correlation achieved between measured and computed rotor inplane stability characteristics. The experimental data were obtained from hover and wind tunnel tests of a scaled bearingless main rotor model. Both isolated rotor and free-hub conditions were tested. Test parameters included blade built-in cone and sweep angles; rotor inplane structural stiffness and damping; pitch link stiffness and location; and fuselage damping, inertia, and natural frequency. Analytical results for many test conditions were obtained. In addition, the analytical and experimental results were examined to ascertain the effects of the test parameters on rotor ground and air resonance stability. The results from this program are presented herein in tabular and graphical form.

Keeping community health workers in Uganda motivated: key challenges, facilitators, and preferred program inputs

PubMed Central

Brunie, Aurélie; Wamala-Mucheri, Patricia; Otterness, Conrad; Akol, Angela; Chen, Mario; Bufumbo, Leonard; Weaver, Mark

2014-01-01

Introduction: In the face of global health worker shortages, community health workers (CHWs) are an important health care delivery strategy for underserved populations. In Uganda, community-based programs often use volunteer CHWs to extend services, including family planning, in rural areas. This study examined factors related to CHW motivation and level of activity in 3 family planning programs in Uganda. Methods: Data were collected between July and August 2011, and sources comprised 183 surveys with active CHWs, in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 43 active CHWs and 5 former CHWs, and service statistics records. Surveys included a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to elicit CHW preferences for selected program inputs. Results: Service statistics indicated an average of 56 visits with family planning clients per surveyed CHW over the 3-month period prior to data collection. In the survey, new skills and knowledge, perceived impact on the community, and enhanced status were the main positive aspects of the job reported by CHWs; the main challenges related to transportation. Multivariate analyses identified 2 correlates of CHWs being highly vs. less active (in terms of number of client visits): experiencing problems with supplies and not collaborating with peers. DCE results showed that provision of a package including a T-shirt, badge, and bicycle was the program input CHWs preferred, followed by a mobile phone (without airtime). IDI data reinforced and supplemented these quantitative findings. Social prestige, social responsibility, and aspirations for other opportunities were important motivators, while main challenges related to transportation and commodity stockouts. CHWs had complex motivations for wanting better compensation, including offsetting time and transportation costs, providing for their families, and feeling appreciated for their efforts. Conclusion: Volunteer CHW programs in Uganda and elsewhere need to carefully consider appropriate combinations of financial and nonfinancial inputs for optimal results. PMID:25276566

Limnological Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hambler, David J.; Dixon, Jean M.

1982-01-01

Describes collection of quantitative samples of microorganisms and accumulation of physical data from a pond over a year. Provides examples of how final-year degree students have used materials and data for ecological projects (involving mainly algae), including their results/conclusions. Also describes apparatus and reagents used in the student…

Joint Research Centre Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Fitness-for-Purpose (F4P) Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobron, N.; Adams, J. S.; Cappucci, F.; Lanconelli, C.; Mota, B.; Melin, F.

2016-08-01

This paper presents the concept and first results of the Copernicus Climate Change Service Fitness-for-Purpose (C3S F4P) project. The main goal aims at evaluating the efficiency and overall performance of the service, mainly with regard to users information needs and high level requirements. This project will also assess the fitness- for-purpose of the C3S with a specific emphasis on the needs of European Union (EU) Policies and translate these recommendations into programmatic and technical requirements. The C3S Climate Data Records (CDS) include various Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that are derived from space sensors, including from Copernicus Sentinels sensors. One module of the F4P platform focuses on the benchmarking of data sets and algorithms, in addition to radiative transfer models used towards understanding potential discrepancies between CDS records. Methods and preliminary results of the benchmark platform are presented in this contribution.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, E.A.; Smed, P.F.; Bryndum, M.B.

The paper describes the numerical program, PIPESIN, that simulates the behavior of a pipeline placed on an erodible seabed. PIPEline Seabed INteraction from installation until a stable pipeline seabed configuration has occurred is simulated in the time domain including all important physical processes. The program is the result of the joint research project, ``Free Span Development and Self-lowering of Offshore Pipelines`` sponsored by EU and a group of companies and carried out by the Danish Hydraulic Institute and Delft Hydraulics. The basic modules of PIPESIN are described. The description of the scouring processes has been based on and verified throughmore » physical model tests carried out as part of the research project. The program simulates a section of the pipeline (typically 500 m) in the time domain, the main input being time series of the waves and current. The main results include predictions of the onset of free spans, their length distribution, their variation in time, and the lowering of the pipeline as function of time.« less

Theoretical studies of massive stars. I - Evolution of a 15-solar-mass star from the zero-age main sequence to neon ignition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Endal, A. S.

1975-01-01

The evolution of a star with mass 15 times that of the sun from the zero-age main sequence to neon ignition has been computed by the Henyey method. The hydrogen-rich envelope and all shell sources were explicitly included in the models. An algorithm has been developed for approximating the results of carbon burning, including the branching ratio for the C-12 + C-12 reaction and taking some secondary reactions into account. Penetration of the convective envelope into the core is found to be unimportant during the stages covered by the models. Energy transfer from the carbon-burning shell to the core by degenerate electron conduction becomes important after the core carbon-burning stage. Neon ignition will occur in a semidegenerate core and will lead to a mild 'flash.' Detailed numerical results are given in an appendix. Continuation of the calculations into later stages and variations with the total mass of the star will be discussed in later papers.

How to write an introduction section of a scientific article?

PubMed

Armağan, Abdullah

2013-09-01

An article primarily includes the following sections: introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Before writing the introduction, the main steps, the heading and the familiarity level of the readers should be considered. Writing should begin when the experimental system and the equipment are available. The introduction section comprises the first portion of the manuscript, and it should be written using the simple present tense. Additionally, abbreviations and explanations are included in this section. The main goal of the introduction is to convey basic information to the readers without obligating them to investigate previous publications and to provide clues as to the results of the present study. To do this, the subject of the article should be thoroughly reviewed, and the aim of the study should be clearly stated immediately after discussing the basic references. In this review, we aim to convey the principles of writing the introduction section of a manuscript to residents and young investigators who have just begun to write a manuscript.

A flight investigation of basic performance characteristics of a teetering-rotor attack helicopter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. E. K., Jr.

1979-01-01

Flight data were obtained with an instrumented AH-16 helicopter having uninstrumented, standard main-rotor blades. The data are presented to facilitate the analysis of data taken when the same vehicle was flown with instrumented main-rotor blades built with new airfoils. Test results include data on performance, flight-state parameters, pitch-link loads and blade angles for level flight, descending turns and pull-ups. Flight test procedures and the effects of both trim variations and transient phenomena on the data are discussed.

Predictive value of the complex magnetocardiographic index in patients with intermediate pretest probability of chronic coronary artery disease: results of a two-center study.

PubMed

Chaikovsky, Illya; Hailer, Birgit; Sosnytskyy, Volodymyr; Lutay, Mykhaylo; Mjasnikov, Georgiy; Kazmirchuk, Anatoly; Bydnyk, Mykola; Lomakovskyy, Alexander; Sosnytskaja, Taisia

2014-09-01

The aim of this paper is to investigate the predictive value of the new integrated magnetocardiographic (MCG) index (CI) in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with suspected CAD with intermediate pretest probability of the disease and uninformative results of routine tests. The study was carried out in the Clinic of Cardiology of the Main Military Clinical Hospital of Ukraine, Kiev (clinic 1), and in the Second Medical Clinic of the 'Katholisches Klinikum Essen', Germany (clinic 2).The main group (group 1) included 89 patients without a history of myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography was performed because of chest pain. Depending on the results of coronary angiography, this group was divided into two subgroups: (i) those with at least 70% stenosis in at least one of the main coronary arteries (subgroup 1a) and (ii) those without hemodynamically significant stenosis (subgroup 1b). The control group included 43 healthy volunteers.In all participants, the MCG examination was performed using a seven-channel MCG system located in an unshielded room. An integrated MCG index (CI), consisting of six parameters, was calculated. It can be shown that CI was significantly higher in patients with stenosis 70% or more compared with the patients without stenosis and healthy volunteers. Sensitivity was 93%, specificity was 84%, positive predictive value was 85%, and negative predictive value was 93%. The MCG test at rest has the potential to be useful in the noninvasive diagnosis of CAD in patients with intermediate pretest probability of disease and uninformative results of routine tests.

Multiple micro-predators controlling bacterial communities in the environment.

PubMed

Johnke, Julia; Cohen, Yossi; de Leeuw, Marina; Kushmaro, Ariel; Jurkevitch, Edouard; Chatzinotas, Antonis

2014-06-01

Predator-prey interactions are a main issue in ecological theory, including multispecies predator-prey relationships and intraguild predation. This knowledge is mainly based on the study of plants and animals, while its relevance for microorganisms is not well understood. The three key groups of micro-predators include protists, predatory bacteria and bacteriophages. They greatly differ in size, in prey specificity, in hunting strategies and in the resulting population dynamics. Yet, their potential to jointly control bacterial populations and reducing biomass in complex environments such as wastewater treatment plants is vast. Here, we present relevant ecological concepts and recent findings on micropredators, and propose that an integrative approach to predation at the microscale should be developed enabling the exploitation of this potential. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell-derived microparticles in haemostasis and vascular medicine.

PubMed

Burnier, Laurent; Fontana, Pierre; Kwak, Brenda R; Angelillo-Scherrer, Anne

2009-03-01

Considerable interest for cell-derived microparticles has emerged, pointing out their essential role in haemostatic response and their potential as disease markers, but also their implication in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. They derive from different cell types including platelets - the main source of microparticles - but also from red blood cells, leukocytes and endothelial cells, and they circulate in blood. Despite difficulties encountered in analyzing them and disparities of results obtained with a wide range of methods, microparticle generation processes are now better understood. However, a generally admitted definition of microparticles is currently lacking. For all these reasons we decided to review the literature regarding microparticles in their widest definition, including ectosomes and exosomes, and to focus mainly on their role in haemostasis and vascular medicine.

Peat resources of Maine. Volume 2. Penobscot County

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cameron, C.C.; Mullen, M.K.; Lepage, C.A.

1984-01-01

In July 1979, the Maine Office of Energy Resources, in conjunction with the Maine Geological Survey, began the Maine Peat Resource Evaluation Program. The Program, which was funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE), was undertaken to determine the amount and location of fuel-grade peat in Maine. Two hundred thirty-three areas containing peat deposits were evaluated under the Program. A total of 47 deposits covering 21,666 acres and containing 40,923,000 short tons (dry weight) of peat in Penobscot County have been evaluated under the Maine Peat Resource Evaluation Program. These deposits range in size from 35 to 3301 acresmore » and in estimated resources from 45,000 to 6,994,000 short tons. Maps of individual deposits showing the distribution and depth of peat, core sites, and the surficial geology of the area adjacent to the deposits are shown in Figures 4 to 46. Cores showing the vertical distribution of peat and sediment as well as sample locations, and the results of laboratory analyses are also included. 22 references, 46 figures, 3 tables.« less

Raindrop Characteristics Analysis by Laser Raindrop Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, X. Q.; Liu, N. N.; Lin, J.; Yao, W. Y.; Xiao, P. Q.; Shen, Z. Z.

2018-05-01

Raindrop characteristics, including speed and size of raindrops, in Zhengzhou city of Yellow River basin were analyzed through a natural rainfall on the loess slope. Results showed that the process of natural rainfall belonged to a parabola and counts, size and terminal velocity would increase with the rainfall intensity rising. Besides, the size and terminal velocity of natural raindrops were relatively scattered; In the process of individual rainfall, the terminal velocity and its peak value were mainly focused between 1∼4.2m/s and 1.4-3.4m/s, respectively. Size of raindrops were mainly consisted of 0.125-0.5mm, The final velocity of 0.125mm is mainly between 1-3.4m/s, and the final velocity of the raindrops with 0.25mm particle size is mainly concentrated on the range of 1-4.2m/s, 0.375mm diameter of the raindrops mainly concentrated on the 1-3.4m/s, the 0.5mm diameter of the raindrops mainly concentrated on the 3.4-4.2m/s.

Comparison possibilities of ultrasound and its combination with laser in surgery and therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zharov, Vladimir P.; Menyaev, Yulian A.; Kabisov, Ruslan K.; Alkov, Sergey V.; Nesterov, A. V.; Loshchilov, Vladimir I.; Suen, James Y.

2000-05-01

This article presents the further developments of combined laser-ultrasound medical technologies with paying attention the possibility ultrasound in surgery and therapy. The analyses of main effects at the low frequency ultrasonic treatment of biotissues including cavitation, acoustic streams, acoustic pressure, mechanical influence etc are analyzed. The main promising areas of application of low frequency ultrasound are considered including bactericidal treatment of infections wounds, spray treatment of wounds in head and neck surgery, tumor treatment etc. In particular the clinical result of using ultrasonic devices based on imposing ultrasonic oscillations in a range of 22-66 kHz on a cutting instrument with a special form, radiation intensity up to 10 W/cm2 and oscillation amplitude up to 40-60 micrometers with respect to oncology for halt bleeding from a tumor, liquidating pain, acoustic denervation are presented. Some limitation of medical application of ultrasound are discussed and perspective combination with laser for increasing efficiency of new combined technologies are found. Among them: combination photodynamic therapy and ultrasonic treatment of tumors, laser-ultrasonic treatment of infections wounds including using spray, laser-ultrasonic drug delivery. The preliminary result of experimental study of some of above-mentioned technologies are presented.

The Mixture of Salvianolic Acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Total Flavonoids from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Attenuate Sulfur Mustard-Induced Injury

PubMed Central

Li, Jianzhong; Chen, Linlin; Wu, Hongyuan; Lu, Yiming; Hu, Zhenlin; Lu, Bin; Zhang, Liming; Chai, Yifeng; Zhang, Junping

2015-01-01

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicating chemical warfare agent used in numerous military conflicts and remains a potential chemical threat to the present day. Exposure to SM causes the depletion of cellular antioxidant thiols, mainly glutathione (GSH), which may lead to a series of SM-associated toxic responses. MSTF is the mixture of salvianolic acids (SA) of Salvia miltiorrhiza and total flavonoids (TFA) of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. SA is the main water-soluble phenolic compound in Salvia miltiorrhiza. TFA mainly includes mangiferin, isomangiferin and neomangiferin. SA and TFA possess diverse activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities. In this study, we mainly investigated the therapeutic effects of MSTF on SM toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Treatment with MSTF 1 h after subcutaneous injection with 3.5 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.7 LD50) SM significantly increased the survival levels of rats and attenuated the SM-induced morphological changes in the testis, small intestine and liver tissues. Treatment with MSTF at doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg caused a significant (p < 0.05) reversal in SM-induced GSH depletion. Gene expression profiles revealed that treatment with MSTF had a dramatic effect on gene expression changes caused by SM. Treatment with MSTF prevented SM-induced differential expression of 93.8% (973 genes) of 1037 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in a total of 36 pathways, such as the MAPK signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, antigen processing and presentation. These data suggest that MSTF attenuates SM-induced injury by increasing GSH and targeting multiple pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway, as well as antigen processing and presentation. These results suggest that MSTF has the potential to be used as a potential therapeutic agent against SM injuries. PMID:26501264

Cetacean high-use habitats of the northeast United States continental shelf

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kenney, R.D.; Winn, H.E.

1986-04-01

Results of the Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program previously demonstrated at a qualitative level that specific areas of the continental shelf waters off the northeastern US coast consistently showed high-density utilization by several cetacean species. They have quantified, on a multispecies basis and with adjustment for level of survey effort, the intensity of habitat use by whales and dolphins, and defined areas of especially high-intensity utilization. The results demonstrate that the area off the northeast US, which is used most intensively as cetacean habitat, is the western margin of the Gulf of Maine, from the Great South Channel to Stellwagenmore » Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. Secondary high-use areas include the continental shelf edge and the region around the eastern end of Georges Bank. High-use areas for piseivorous cetaceans are concentrated mainly in the western Gulf of Maine and secondarily at mid-shelf east of the Chesapeake region, for planktivores in the western Gulf of Maine and the southwestern and eastern portions of Georges Bank, and for teuthivores in the western Gulf of Maine and the southwestern and eastern portions of Georges Bank, and for teuthivores along the edge of the shelf. In general, habitat use by cetaceans is highest in spring and summer, and lowest in fall and winter.« less

Community pharmacists' views of the use of oral rehydration salt in Nigeria.

PubMed

Oyetunde, Olubukola; Williams, Veronika

2018-06-01

Background Oral rehydration salt (ORS) is an affordable and effective intervention for the management of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), especially in children under 5 years. A knowledge/practice gap exists among community pharmacists (CPs) in Lagos, Nigeria, and in many low to middle income countries. This gap results in underutilization of ORS for diarrhoea management. Objective The objective was to explore CPs' views of the barriers and facilitators to the use of ORS in practice. Setting Community pharmacy practices, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods Qualitative methods were used to explore pharmacists' views. Recruitment of participants were mainly at zonal meetings. A total of ten CPs participated based on maximum variation and snowballing sampling. Semi-structured interviews conducted covered knowledge, experiences and contextual issues. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed using framework approach to thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Pharmacists' views of barriers and facilitators to the use of ORS. Results Barriers to the use of ORS include caregivers' expectation for an antimicrobial, which was often explicitly and specifically for metronidazole. Also, CPs seemed to doubt applicability of ORS alone, therefore, responded to caregivers' complaints about ORS, by dispensing metronidazole. These barriers appeared to have normalised metronidazole for AWD treatment in this setting. Current facilitators include the caregivers' improved awareness of ORS and access to primary health centers that often resulted in increased demand for ORS in pharmacies. Conclusion CPs' views showed that caregivers' expectations for an antimicrobial may be the main barrier to the use of ORS in their practices.

Funding California Schools: The Revenue Limit System. Technical Appendices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weston, Margaret

2010-01-01

This document presents the technical appendices accompanying the report, "Funding California Schools: The Revenue Limit System." Included are: (1) Revenue Limit Calculation and Decomposition; (2) Data and Methods; and (3) Base Funding Alternative Simulation Results. (Contains 5 tables and 26 footnotes.) [For the main report,…

The parts of a research paper? What your readers expect

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Scientific papers are organized into sections that are easy for scientific readers to follow. This second part of a three part series, summarizes the points that should be considered when writing the main sections of a research report. These sections typically include Introduction Methods, Results,...

Blended Course Design for Multi-Campus Technology Instruction: An Expository Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thrasher, Evelyn; Coleman, Phillip; Willis, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

This manuscript shares the results of an experimental blended course design that combines online and synchronous technology instruction across four geographically dispersed computer classrooms using ITV technology. Lessons learned include equipment requirements, both in the main classroom and remote classrooms, taking insufficient bandwidth into…

Effects of chlorophenoxy herbicides and their main transformation products on DNA damage and acetylcholinesterase activity.

PubMed

Benfeito, Sofia; Silva, Tiago; Garrido, Jorge; Andrade, Paula B; Sottomayor, M J; Borges, Fernanda; Garrido, E Manuela

2014-01-01

Persistent pesticide transformation products (TPs) are increasingly being detected among different environmental compartments, including groundwater and surface water. However, there is no sufficient experimental data on their toxicological potential to assess the risk associated with TPs, even if their occurrence is known. In this study, the interaction of chlorophenoxy herbicides (MCPA, mecoprop, 2,4-D and dichlorprop) and their main transformation products with calf thymus DNA by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy has been assessed. Additionally, the toxicity of the chlorophenoxy herbicides and TPs was also assessed evaluating the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. On the basis of the results found, it seems that AChE is not the main target of chlorophenoxy herbicides and their TPs. However, the results found showed that the transformation products displayed a higher inhibitory activity when compared with the parent herbicides. The results obtained in the DNA interaction studies showed, in general, a slight effect on the stability of the double helix. However, the data found for 4-chloro-2-methyl-6-nitrophenol suggest that this transformation product can interact with DNA through a noncovalent mode.

Effects of Chlorophenoxy Herbicides and Their Main Transformation Products on DNA Damage and Acetylcholinesterase Activity

PubMed Central

Benfeito, Sofia; Silva, Tiago; Garrido, Jorge; Andrade, Paula B.; Sottomayor, M. J.; Borges, Fernanda; Garrido, E. Manuela

2014-01-01

Persistent pesticide transformation products (TPs) are increasingly being detected among different environmental compartments, including groundwater and surface water. However, there is no sufficient experimental data on their toxicological potential to assess the risk associated with TPs, even if their occurrence is known. In this study, the interaction of chlorophenoxy herbicides (MCPA, mecoprop, 2,4-D and dichlorprop) and their main transformation products with calf thymus DNA by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy has been assessed. Additionally, the toxicity of the chlorophenoxy herbicides and TPs was also assessed evaluating the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. On the basis of the results found, it seems that AChE is not the main target of chlorophenoxy herbicides and their TPs. However, the results found showed that the transformation products displayed a higher inhibitory activity when compared with the parent herbicides. The results obtained in the DNA interaction studies showed, in general, a slight effect on the stability of the double helix. However, the data found for 4-chloro-2-methyl-6-nitrophenol suggest that this transformation product can interact with DNA through a noncovalent mode. PMID:24795892

System for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine

DOEpatents

Hughes, Michael John

2016-12-27

A system for tuning a combustor of a gas turbine includes a flow sleeve having an annular main body. The main body includes an upstream end, a downstream end, an inner surface and an outer surface. A cooling channel extends along the inner surface of the main body. The cooling channel extends at least partially between the downstream end and the upstream end of the main body.

Evaluation Indicators of Aesthetic Effects on Hair Transplantation.

PubMed

Miao, Yong; Liu, Bing-Cheng; Fan, Zhe-Xiang; Hu, Zhi-Qi

2016-02-01

Hair transplantation involves the transplantation of hair, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. Based on our experience, the aesthetic result of hair transplantation mainly relies on 4 indicators, including selection of the donor site, direction and angle of grafted hairs, density, and survival rate of implanted hair follicles. We believe that good results can be achieved as long as attention is paid to the above 4 points.

[Essential characteristics of qualitative research and its commonly used methods].

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-wei

2008-02-01

The main objectives of qualitative research lies in exploring the opinion, attitude, behavior, and experience of a person as a social role, also a patient. This essay introduces the basic characteristics of qualitative research, including its natural property, inductive method adopted, open character and wholism concept; the results of qualitative research are presented in a text form; and its commonly used methods include observation, individual interview and focus group discussion.

[Research on compatibility of prescriptions including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Trogopterus Dung based on complex network analysis].

PubMed

Li, Meng-Wen; Fan, Xin-Sheng; Zhang, Ling-Shan; Wang, Cong-Jun

2017-09-01

The applications of prescriptions including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Trogopterus Dung in contemporary literatures from 1949 to 2016 are compiled and the data mining techniques containing scale-free complex network method are utilized to explore its practical characteristics, with comparison between modern and ancient ones. The results indicate that malignant neoplasms, coronary heart disease which present Qi deficiency and blood stasis type are the main diseases treated by prescriptions including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Trogopterus Dung according to the reports during 1949 to 2016. The complex network connection shows that Glycyrrhizae Radixet Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Astragali Radix, Typhae Pollen, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the primary drugs related to Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Trogopterus Dung. The next are Paeoniae Radix Alba, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Foria, et al. Carthami Flos, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizoma, Bupleuri Radix are the peripheral ones. Also, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radixet Rhizoma, Trogopterus Dung-Glycyrrhizae Radixet Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Trogopterus Dung-Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Astragali Radix, Trogopterus Dung-Astragali Radix are the main paired drugs. The paired drugs including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Trogopterus Dung-Glycyrrhizae Radixet Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Trogopterus Dung-Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Trogopterus Dung-Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Trogopterus Dung-Typhae Pollen have a higher support degree. The main compatible drugs are different in ancient and modern prescriptions including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Trogopterus Dung. Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Typhae Pollen, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix are utilized frequently in modern prescriptions while less used in ancient ones. It is also shown that more attentions are paid to the drugs contributing to invigorating Qi and promoting blood circulation in modern times with comparative results between modern and ancient prescriptions. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Convergence and determinants of health expenditures in OECD countries.

PubMed

Nghiem, Son Hong; Connelly, Luke Brian

2017-08-17

This study examines the trend and determinants of health expenditures in OECD countries over the 1975-2004 period. Based on recent developments in the economic growth literature we propose and test the hypothesis that health care expenditures in countries of similar economic development level may converge. We hypothesise that the main drivers for growth in health care costs include: aging population, technological progress and health insurance. The results reveal no evidence that health expenditures among OECD countries converge. Nevertheless, there is evidence of convergence among three sub-groups of countries. We found that the main driver of health expenditure is technological progress. Our results also suggest that health care is a (national) necessity, not a luxury good as some other studies in this field have found.

Manchester College, Funderburg Library. Report of the Self-Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Research Libraries, Washington, DC. Office of Management Studies.

This report on the results of a new program to systematically examine and strengthen the role of the library in the college's instructional process is organized into three main sections: situational analysis, needs assessment, and action planning. The first section discusses current developments in higher education, including economic trends,…

KINETIC STUDIES RELATED TO THE LIMB (LIMESTONE INJECTION MULTISTAGE BURNER) BURNER

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of theoretical and experimental studies of subjects related to the limestone injection multistage burner (LIMB). The main findings include data on the rate of evolution of H2S from different coals and on the dependence of the rate of evolution on the dist...

Survey and identification of panicle blanking bacteria in Arkansas

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Outbreaks of bacterial panicle blight (BPB) of rice in recent past years have resulted in severe yield losses in the Southern United States including Arkansas. Bacterial species, Burkholderia glumae was identified as the main causative agent among others causing BPB in rice. The symptoms of BPB inc...

Circuit Riding: A Method for Providing Reference Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plunket, Linda; And Others

1983-01-01

Discussion of the design and implementation of the Circuit Rider Librarian Program, a shared services project for delivering reference services to eight hospitals in Maine, includes a cost analysis of services and description of user evaluation survey. Five references, composite results of the survey, and postgrant options proposal are appended.…

49 CFR 830.5 - Immediate notification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust... utilized. (8) Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused... airspace. (11) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major...

49 CFR 830.5 - Immediate notification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust... utilized. (8) Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused... airspace. (11) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major...

49 CFR 830.5 - Immediate notification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust... utilized. (8) Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused... airspace. (11) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major...

49 CFR 830.5 - Immediate notification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... any internal turbine engine component that results in the escape of debris other than out the exhaust... utilized. (8) Release of all or a portion of a propeller blade from an aircraft, excluding release caused... airspace. (11) Damage to helicopter tail or main rotor blades, including ground damage, that requires major...

Data Capture and Analysis Using the BBC Microcomputer--an Interfacing Project Applied to Enzyme Kinetics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Lawrence; Graham, Ian

1986-01-01

Reviews the main principles of interfacing and discusses the software developed to perform kinetic data capture and analysis with a BBC microcomputer linked to a recording spectrophotometer. Focuses on the steps in software development. Includes results of a lactate dehydrogenase assay. (ML)

Tort Law and the Civil Jury.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pittman, Keith A.

1997-01-01

Briefly reviews the historical developments of tort law and identifies some of its main component. Tort law concerns wrongful acts (not involving a breach of contract) that may result in a civil action. Major areas include personal injury and wrongful death, intentional torts, negligence, professional malpractice, misrepresentation, and libel.…

Applications of Subsurface Radar for Mine Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-31

sofware routines for signal/image processing and image display, which are included in the Appendix along with examples of recent images obtained of the... maxima and minima. The case of the M19 shown a main backscattering lobe only 5* wide. These results demonstrate the realiability and consistency of

Picker vs. stripper harvesting in the Texas High Plains: Agronomic implications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Many changes have occurred during the last decade in the Texas High Plains which have resulted in increased cotton yields and improved fiber quality. The main factors associated with both higher lint yield and quality include a shift in varieties planted, with virtually no "storm-proof stripper type...

Concerned Parents Speak Out On Children's Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barcus, F. Earle

Research investigated parents' opinions about children's television (TV). Questionnaire respondents were mainly parents of children ages 2-6; mothers outnumbered fathers 9:1. Results included the findings that children watched TV an average of three hours a day; this varied little throughout the country and between those viewing Public…

Seven Special Kids: Employment Problems of Handicapped Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, R. C.

A study of the employment problems facing physically and mentally handicapped youth is reported. To illustrate the main points, results of extensive interviews with seven handicapped youth are juxtaposed with statistics and findings. The study looks at tne continuum of services offered to handicapped individuals, including understanding the…

Referential Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dahlgren, Svenolof; Sandberg, Annika Dahlgren

2008-01-01

Referential communication was studied in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including children with autism and Asperger syndrome. The aim was to study alternative explanations for the children's communicative problems in such situations. Factors studied were theory of mind, IQ, verbal ability and memory. The main results demonstrated…

A Systematic Review of Individual Motivational Factors in Orthodontic Treatment: Facial Attractiveness as the Main Motivational Factor in Orthodontic Treatment

PubMed Central

Broukal, Zdenek

2014-01-01

Introduction. Physical, mental, and social consequences of malocclusion may impact the quality of life. The aim of this review is to describe main factors motivating parents for orthodontic treatment for their children. Methods. A systematic review study design was used to identify articles analyzing different motivational factors in orthodontic treatment appearing in Medline database, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The search terms used were teasing, motivating factors, orthodontics, malocclusion, quality of life, smile attractiveness, and perception of malocclusion. Papers selected up to May 2013 included retrospective and prospective longitudinal studies, randomized control trials, cross-sectional studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. Results. 13 articles included in this review identified aesthetics as the main motivational factor in orthodontic treatment. Children mention teeth crowding, large overbite, missing teeth, and largest maxillary anterior irregularities also as motivational factors. Parents want their children to look nice and worry of being accused of neglecting parental duties. Conclusions. Dissatisfaction with one's appearance, dentist recommendation, interest and worries of parents, and the impact of peers who wear braces rank among the main motivation factors of seeking orthodontic treatment. Understanding these factors allows better planning of resources and better assessment of the requirements and priorities of treatment. PMID:24963296

Main Sources, Socio-Demographic and Anthropometric Correlates of Salt Intake in Austria

PubMed Central

Hasenegger, Verena; Rust, Petra; Purtscher, Anna Elisabeth; Erler, Judith; Ekmekcioglu, Cem

2018-01-01

Excessive salt intake is known to increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, salt intake exceeds the recommendations in most countries. To face this problem, it is important to identify high consumers as well as the main contributors of salt intake. Overall, data of 2018 adults between 18 and 64 years were analysed to determine the main sources, socio-demographic and anthropometric correlates of salt intake. Dietary intake was assessed from 24-h-recalls, information on socio-demographic characteristics was obtained using a questionnaire and anthropometric data were measured. Salt intake was significantly higher in males than in females. There was a significant positive association between salt intake and body mass index. No significant differences in salt intake were observed for other variables including affluence, educational level, smoking status and physical activity. The main contributor to salt intake were condiments including table salt (32.6%), followed by cereals and cereal products (27.0%), meat and meat products (16.1%) and dairy products (14.0%). These results highlight that specific population groups need to be targeted by public health initiatives and that a reduction in salt intake can only be achieved in tandem with the food producers by the reduction of salt in processed foods. PMID:29509671

Atlas of Surveyor 5 television data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, R. M.; Jordan, R.; Larson, K. B.

1974-01-01

This atlas is a compendium of the Surveyor 5 television mosaics. It it divided into two main sections. The first consists of improved mosaics of panoramas and basic cartographic data used in investigating surface detail, and the second contains individual frame data, including photoindex mosaics and tabulations in which individual frames are identified. A short section containing a set of special-purpose mosaics assembled by the staff of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is also included. For more details about the Surveyor 5 mission, television data, or science results, a brief bibliography is included.

Time-of-travel study in the Sebasticook River basin, Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.

1981-01-01

Time of travel was determined for four reaches of the Sebasticook River, two on the East Branch Sebasticook River and two on the main stem of the Sebasticook River. Reach A included 7.8 miles of the East Branch Sebasticook River from Dexter to Corinna, Maine. Reach B included 8 miles of the East Branch Sebasticook River from Newport to its mouth, and one mile of the Sebasticook River to Peltoma bridge near Pittsfield, Maine. Reach C included 3.5 miles of the Sebasticook River from Hartland to West Palmyra, Maine. Reach D included 31.4 miles of the Sebasticook River from Pittsfield to Winslow, Maine. Using a 20-percent solution of rhodamine WT, three dye tracer study runs were made in each reach. Water samples were collected at 11 sites in the study area. The samples were then analyzed for dye concentrations. Time-of-travel data for each subreach are depicted in a series of illustrations and summarized in tabular form. Examples are given to illustrate the use of the data presented. (USGS)

Does facing traffic improve pedestrian safety?

PubMed

Luoma, Juha; Peltola, Harri

2013-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the potential safety importance of the walking direction along a road by examining pedestrian accidents as a function of exposure to risk. The study was limited to rural two-lane roads with no pavement or pedestrian lane. The accident data included police-reported road accidents from Finland between 2006 and 2010 in which a motorized vehicle had struck a pedestrian walking along the road. There were 18 accidents involving a fatally injured pedestrian and 87 accidents involving a non-fatally injured pedestrian. The exposure data collected from the roughly 3400km included 258 pedestrians. The main finding was that the mean effect of facing traffic compared to walking with traffic was a 77% decrease in fatal and in non-fatal injury pedestrian accidents. The results further showed that the effects were greater for main roads than for secondary roads. The main implication of this study is that information about the importance of facing traffic should be reinforced with specific information about its substantial safety benefits. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shear wave prediction using committee fuzzy model constrained by lithofacies, Zagros basin, SW Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiroodi, Sadjad Kazem; Ghafoori, Mohammad; Ansari, Hamid Reza; Lashkaripour, Golamreza; Ghanadian, Mostafa

2017-02-01

The main purpose of this study is to introduce the geological controlling factors in improving an intelligence-based model to estimate shear wave velocity from seismic attributes. The proposed method includes three main steps in the framework of geological events in a complex sedimentary succession located in the Persian Gulf. First, the best attributes were selected from extracted seismic data. Second, these attributes were transformed into shear wave velocity using fuzzy inference systems (FIS) such as Sugeno's fuzzy inference (SFIS), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference (ANFIS) and optimized fuzzy inference (OFIS). Finally, a committee fuzzy machine (CFM) based on bat-inspired algorithm (BA) optimization was applied to combine previous predictions into an enhanced solution. In order to show the geological effect on improving the prediction, the main classes of predominate lithofacies in the reservoir of interest including shale, sand, and carbonate were selected and then the proposed algorithm was performed with and without lithofacies constraint. The results showed a good agreement between real and predicted shear wave velocity in the lithofacies-based model compared to the model without lithofacies especially in sand and carbonate.

Cyanide and the human brain: perspectives from a model of food (cassava) poisoning.

PubMed

Tshala-Katumbay, Desire D; Ngombe, Nadege N; Okitundu, Daniel; David, Larry; Westaway, Shawn K; Boivin, Michael J; Mumba, Ngoyi D; Banea, Jean-Pierre

2016-08-01

Threats by fundamentalist leaders to use chemical weapons have resulted in renewed interest in cyanide toxicity. Relevant insights may be gained from studies on cyanide mass intoxication in populations relying on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. In these populations, sublethal concentrations (up to 80 μmol/l) of cyanide in the blood are commonplace and lead to signs of acute toxicity. Long-term toxicity signs include a distinct and irreversible spastic paralysis, known as konzo, and cognition deficits, mainly in sequential processing (visual-spatial analysis) domains. Toxic culprits include cyanide (mitochondrial toxicant), thiocyanate (AMPA-receptor chaotropic cyanide metabolite), cyanate (protein-carbamoylating cyanide metabolite), and 2-iminothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (seizure inducer). Factors of susceptibility include younger age, female gender, protein-deficient diet, and, possibly, the gut functional metagenome. The existence of uniquely exposed and neurologically affected populations offers invaluable research opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of cyanide toxicity and test or validate point-of-care diagnostic tools and treatment options to be included in preparedness kits in response to cyanide-related threats. © 2016 New York Academy of Sciences.

Cyanide and the human brain: perspectives from a model of food (cassava) poisoning

PubMed Central

Tshala-Katumbay, Desire D.; Ngombe, Nadege N.; Okitundu, Daniel; David, Larry; Westaway, Shawn K.; Boivin, Michael J.; Mumba, Ngoyi D.; Banea, Jean-Pierre

2016-01-01

Threats by fundamentalist leaders to use chemical weapons have resulted in renewed interest in cyanide toxicity. Relevant insights may be gained from studies on cyanide mass intoxication in populations relying on cyanogenic cassava as the main source of food. In these populations, sublethal concentrations (up to 80 µmol/L) of cyanide in the blood are commonplace and lead to signs of acute toxicity. Long-term toxicity signs include a distinct and irreversible spastic paralysis, known as konzo, and cognition deficits, mainly in sequential processing (visual–spatial analysis) domains. Toxic culprits include cyanide (mitochondrial toxicant), thiocyanate (AMPA-receptor chaotropic cyanide metabolite), cyanate (protein-carbamoylating cyanide metabolite), and 2-iminothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (seizure inducer). Factors of susceptibility include younger age, female gender, protein-deficient diet, and, possibly, the gut functional metagenome. The existence of uniquely exposed and neurologically affected populations offers invaluable research opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of cyanide toxicity and test or validate point-of-care diagnostic tools and treatment options to be included in preparedness kits in response to cyanide-related threats. PMID:27450775

Mapping virtual addresses to different physical addresses for value disambiguation for thread memory access requests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gala, Alan; Ohmacht, Martin

A multiprocessor system includes nodes. Each node includes a data path that includes a core, a TLB, and a first level cache implementing disambiguation. The system also includes at least one second level cache and a main memory. For thread memory access requests, the core uses an address associated with an instruction format of the core. The first level cache uses an address format related to the size of the main memory plus an offset corresponding to hardware thread meta data. The second level cache uses a physical main memory address plus software thread meta data to store the memorymore » access request. The second level cache accesses the main memory using the physical address with neither the offset nor the thread meta data after resolving speculation. In short, this system includes mapping of a virtual address to a different physical addresses for value disambiguation for different threads.« less

Multi-pass amplifier architecture for high power laser systems

DOEpatents

Manes, Kenneth R; Spaeth, Mary L; Erlandson, Alvin C

2014-04-01

A main amplifier system includes a first reflector operable to receive input light through a first aperture and direct the input light along an optical path. The input light is characterized by a first polarization. The main amplifier system also includes a first polarizer operable to reflect light characterized by the first polarization state. The main amplifier system further includes a first and second set of amplifier modules. Each of the first and second set of amplifier modules includes an entrance window, a quarter wave plate, a plurality of amplifier slablets arrayed substantially parallel to each other, and an exit window. The main amplifier system additionally includes a set of mirrors operable to reflect light exiting the first set of amplifier modules to enter the second set of amplifier modules and a second polarizer operable to reflect light characterized by a second polarization state.

Linking Essential Tremor to the Cerebellum: Neurochemical Evidence.

PubMed

Marin-Lahoz, Juan; Gironell, Alexandre

2016-06-01

The pathophysiology and the exact anatomy of essential tremor (ET) is not well known. One of the pillars that support the cerebellum as the main anatomical locus in ET is neurochemistry. This review examines the link between neurochemical abnormalities found in ET and cerebellum. The review is based on published data about neurochemical abnormalities described in ET both in human and in animal studies. We try to link those findings with cerebellum. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main neurotransmitter involved in the pathophysiology of ET. There are several studies about GABA that clearly points to a main role of the cerebellum. There are few data about other neurochemical abnormalities in ET. These include studies with noradrenaline, glutamate, adenosine, proteins, and T-type calcium channels. One single study reveals high levels of noradrenaline in the cerebellar cortex. Another study about serotonin neurotransmitter results negative for cerebellum involvement. Finally, studies on T-type calcium channels yield positive results linking the rhythmicity of ET and cerebellum. Neurochemistry supports the cerebellum as the main anatomical locus in ET. The main neurotransmitter involved is GABA, and the GABA hypothesis remains the most robust pathophysiological theory of ET to date. However, this hypothesis does not rule out other mechanisms and may be seen as the main scaffold to support findings in other systems. We clearly need to perform more studies about neurochemistry in ET to better understand the relations among the diverse systems implied in ET. This is mandatory to develop more effective pharmacological therapies.

Unimodal dynamical systems: Comparison principles, spreading speeds and travelling waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Taishan; Chen, Yuming; Wu, Jianhong

Reaction diffusion equations with delayed nonlinear reaction terms are used as prototypes to motivate an appropriate abstract formulation of dynamical systems with unimodal nonlinearity. For such non-monotone dynamical systems, we develop a general comparison principle and show how this general comparison principle, coupled with some existing results for monotone dynamical systems, can be used to establish results on the asymptotic speeds of spread and travelling waves. We illustrate our main results by an integral equation which includes a nonlocal delayed reaction diffusion equation and a nonlocal delayed lattice differential system in an unbounded domain, with the non-monotone nonlinearities including the Ricker birth function and the Mackey-Glass hematopoiesis feedback.

The fossilized size distribution of the main asteroid belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottke, William F.; Durda, Daniel D.; Nesvorný, David; Jedicke, Robert; Morbidelli, Alessandro; Vokrouhlický, David; Levison, Hal

2005-05-01

Planet formation models suggest the primordial main belt experienced a short but intense period of collisional evolution shortly after the formation of planetary embryos. This period is believed to have lasted until Jupiter reached its full size, when dynamical processes (e.g., sweeping resonances, excitation via planetary embryos) ejected most planetesimals from the main belt zone. The few planetesimals left behind continued to undergo comminution at a reduced rate until the present day. We investigated how this scenario affects the main belt size distribution over Solar System history using a collisional evolution model (CoEM) that accounts for these events. CoEM does not explicitly include results from dynamical models, but instead treats the unknown size of the primordial main belt and the nature/timing of its dynamical depletion using innovative but approximate methods. Model constraints were provided by the observed size frequency distribution of the asteroid belt, the observed population of asteroid families, the cratered surface of differentiated Asteroid (4) Vesta, and the relatively constant crater production rate of the Earth and Moon over the last 3 Gyr. Using CoEM, we solved for both the shape of the initial main belt size distribution after accretion and the asteroid disruption scaling law QD∗. In contrast to previous efforts, we find our derived QD∗ function is very similar to results produced by numerical hydrocode simulations of asteroid impacts. Our best fit results suggest the asteroid belt experienced as much comminution over its early history as it has since it reached its low-mass state approximately 3.9-4.5 Ga. These results suggest the main belt's wavy-shaped size-frequency distribution is a "fossil" from this violent early epoch. We find that most diameter D≳120 km asteroids are primordial, with their physical properties likely determined during the accretion epoch. Conversely, most smaller asteroids are byproducts of fragmentation events. The observed changes in the asteroid spin rate and lightcurve distributions near D˜100-120 km are likely to be a byproduct of this difference. Estimates based on our results imply the primordial main belt population (in the form of D<1000 km bodies) was 150-250 times larger than it is today, in agreement with recent dynamical simulations.

Diagnostic Value of Multidetector CT and Its Multiplanar Reformation, Volume Rendering and Virtual Bronchoscopy Postprocessing Techniques for Primary Trachea and Main Bronchus Tumors

PubMed Central

Luo, Mingyue; Duan, Chaijie; Qiu, Jianping; Li, Wenru; Zhu, Dongyun; Cai, Wenli

2015-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic value of multidetector CT (MDCT) and its multiplanar reformation (MPR), volume rendering (VR) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB) postprocessing techniques for primary trachea and main bronchus tumors. Methods Detection results of 31 primary trachea and main bronchus tumors with MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB postprocessing techniques, were analyzed retrospectively with regard to tumor locations, tumor morphologies, extramural invasions of tumors, longitudinal involvements of tumors, morphologies and extents of luminal stenoses, distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae, and internal features of tumors. The detection results were compared with that of surgery and pathology. Results Detection results with MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB were consistent with that of surgery and pathology, included tumor locations (tracheae, n = 19; right main bronchi, n = 6; left main bronchi, n = 6), tumor morphologies (endoluminal nodes with narrow bases, n = 2; endoluminal nodes with wide bases, n = 13; both intraluminal and extraluminal masses, n = 16), extramural invasions of tumors (brokethrough only serous membrane, n = 1; 4.0 mm—56.0 mm, n = 14; no clear border with right atelectasis, n = 1), longitudinal involvements of tumors (3.0 mm, n = 1; 5.0 mm—68.0 mm, n = 29; whole right main bronchus wall and trachea carina, n = 1), morphologies of luminal stenoses (irregular, n = 26; circular, n = 3; eccentric, n = 1; conical, n = 1) and extents (mild, n = 5; moderate, n = 7; severe, n = 19), distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae (16.0 mm, n = 1; invaded trachea carina, n = 1; >20.0 mm, n = 10), and internal features of tumors (fairly homogeneous densities with rather obvious enhancements, n = 26; homogeneous density with obvious enhancement, n = 1; homogeneous density without obvious enhancement, n = 1; not enough homogeneous density with obvious enhancement, n = 1; punctate calcification with obvious enhancement, n = 1; low density without obvious enhancement, n = 1). Conclusion MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB images have respective advantages and disadvantages. Their combination could complement to each other to accurately detect locations, natures (benignancy, malignancy or low malignancy), and quantities (extramural invasions, longitudinal involvements, extents of luminal stenoses, distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae) of primary trachea and main bronchus tumors with crucial information for surgical treatment, are highly useful diagnostic methods for primary trachea and main bronchus tumors. PMID:26332466

Ore-forming fluid system of bauxite in WZD area of northern Guizhou province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Tao

2017-12-01

The ore-forming fluid system of bauxite in Wuchuan-Zheng,an-Daozhen (short for WZD) Area of northern Guizhou Province was studied from the perspective of deposit formation mechanism. It was discovered that ore-forming fluids were mainly effective for transporting and leaching during the formation of bauxite. The means of transport mainly included colloidal transport, suspended transport and gravity flow transport. In the course of their leaching, fluids had a range of chemical reactions, as a result of which elements such as silicon and iron migrated downwards. In this process, properties of fluids changed as well.

Modeling of enhanced spontaneous parametric down-conversion in plasmonic and dielectric structures with realistic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loot, A.; Hizhnyakov, V.

2018-05-01

A numerical study of the enhancement of the spontaneous parametric down-conversion in plasmonic and dielectric structures is considered. The modeling is done using a nonlinear transfer-matrix method which is extended to include vacuum fluctuations and realistic waves (e.g. Gaussian beam). The results indicate that in the case of short-range surface plasmon polaritons, the main limiting factor of the enhancement is the short length of the coherent buildup. In the case of long-range surface plasmon polaritons or dielectric guided waves, the very narrow resonances are the main limiting factor instead.

Structuring supplemental materials in support of reproducibility.

PubMed

Greenbaum, Dov; Rozowsky, Joel; Stodden, Victoria; Gerstein, Mark

2017-04-05

Supplements are increasingly important to the scientific record, particularly in genomics. However, they are often underutilized. Optimally, supplements should make results findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (i.e., "FAIR"). Moreover, properly off-loading to them the data and detail in a paper could make the main text more readable. We propose a hierarchical organization for supplements, with some parts paralleling and "shadowing" the main text and other elements branching off from it, and we suggest a specific formatting to make this structure explicit. Furthermore, sections of the supplement could be presented in multiple scientific "dialects", including machine-readable and lay-friendly formats.

Cryogenic propellant management: Integration of design, performance and operational requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Worlund, A. L.; Jamieson, J. R., Jr.; Cole, T. W.; Lak, T. I.

1985-01-01

The integration of the design features of the Shuttle elements into a cryogenic propellant management system is described. The implementation and verification of the design/operational changes resulting from design deficiencies and/or element incompatibilities encountered subsequent to the critical design reviews are emphasized. Major topics include: subsystem designs to provide liquid oxygen (LO2) tank pressure stabilization, LO2 facility vent for ice prevention, liquid hydrogen (LH2) feedline high point bleed, pogo suppression on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), LO2 low level cutoff, Orbiter/engine propellant dump, and LO2 main feedline helium injection for geyser prevention.

Gene Expression Profile Change and Associated Physiological and Pathological Effects in Mouse Liver Induced by Fasting and Refeeding

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fang; Xu, Xiang; Zhou, Ben; He, Zhishui; Zhai, Qiwei

2011-01-01

Food availability regulates basal metabolism and progression of many diseases, and liver plays an important role in these processes. The effects of food availability on digital gene expression profile, physiological and pathological functions in liver are yet to be further elucidated. In this study, we applied high-throughput sequencing technology to detect digital gene expression profile of mouse liver in fed, fasted and refed states. Totally 12162 genes were detected, and 2305 genes were significantly regulated by food availability. Biological process and pathway analysis showed that fasting mainly affected lipid and carboxylic acid metabolic processes in liver. Moreover, the genes regulated by fasting and refeeding in liver were mainly enriched in lipid metabolic process or fatty acid metabolism. Network analysis demonstrated that fasting mainly regulated Drug Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry and Endocrine System Development and Function, and the networks including Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry and Gene Expression were affected by refeeding. In addition, FunDo analysis showed that liver cancer and diabetes mellitus were most likely to be affected by food availability. This study provides the digital gene expression profile of mouse liver regulated by food availability, and demonstrates the main biological processes, pathways, gene networks and potential hepatic diseases regulated by fasting and refeeding. These results show that food availability mainly regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and is highly correlated with liver-related diseases including liver cancer and diabetes. PMID:22096593

Gene expression profile change and associated physiological and pathological effects in mouse liver induced by fasting and refeeding.

PubMed

Zhang, Fang; Xu, Xiang; Zhou, Ben; He, Zhishui; Zhai, Qiwei

2011-01-01

Food availability regulates basal metabolism and progression of many diseases, and liver plays an important role in these processes. The effects of food availability on digital gene expression profile, physiological and pathological functions in liver are yet to be further elucidated. In this study, we applied high-throughput sequencing technology to detect digital gene expression profile of mouse liver in fed, fasted and refed states. Totally 12162 genes were detected, and 2305 genes were significantly regulated by food availability. Biological process and pathway analysis showed that fasting mainly affected lipid and carboxylic acid metabolic processes in liver. Moreover, the genes regulated by fasting and refeeding in liver were mainly enriched in lipid metabolic process or fatty acid metabolism. Network analysis demonstrated that fasting mainly regulated Drug Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry and Endocrine System Development and Function, and the networks including Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry and Gene Expression were affected by refeeding. In addition, FunDo analysis showed that liver cancer and diabetes mellitus were most likely to be affected by food availability. This study provides the digital gene expression profile of mouse liver regulated by food availability, and demonstrates the main biological processes, pathways, gene networks and potential hepatic diseases regulated by fasting and refeeding. These results show that food availability mainly regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and is highly correlated with liver-related diseases including liver cancer and diabetes.

Rapid analysis of the main components of the total glycosides of Ranunculus japonicus by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS.

PubMed

Rui, Wen; Chen, Hongyuan; Tan, Yuzhi; Zhong, Yanmei; Feng, Yifan

2010-05-01

A rapid method for the analysis of the main components of the total glycosides of Ranunculus japonicus (TGOR) was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). The separation analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC system and the accurate mass of molecules and their fragment ions were determined by Q-TOF MS. Twenty compounds, including lactone glycosides, flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid aglycones, were identified and tentatively deduced on the basis of their elemental compositions, MS/MS data and relevant literature. The results demonstrated that lactone glycosides and flavonoids were the main constituents of TGOR. Furthermore, an effective and rapid pattern was established allowing for the comprehensive and systematic characterization of the complex samples.

2-dimensional models of rapidly rotating stars I. Uniformly rotating zero age main sequence stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roxburgh, I. W.

2004-12-01

We present results for 2-dimensional models of rapidly rotating main sequence stars for the case where the angular velocity Ω is constant throughout the star. The algorithm used solves for the structure on equipotential surfaces and iteratively updates the total potential, solving Poisson's equation by Legendre polynomial decomposition; the algorithm can readily be extended to include rotation constant on cylinders. We show that this only requires a small number of Legendre polynomials to accurately represent the solution. We present results for models of homogeneous zero age main sequence stars of mass 1, 2, 5, 10 M⊙ with a range of angular velocities up to break up. The models have a composition X=0.70, Z=0.02 and were computed using the OPAL equation of state and OPAL/Alexander opacities, and a mixing length model of convection modified to include the effect of rotation. The models all show a decrease in luminosity L and polar radius Rp with increasing angular velocity, the magnitude of the decrease varying with mass but of the order of a few percent for rapid rotation, and an increase in equatorial radius Re. Due to the contribution of the gravitational multipole moments the parameter Ω2 Re3/GM can exceed unity in very rapidly rotating stars and Re/Rp can exceed 1.5.

[Allocation decisions of health insurance rehabilitation managers--An explorative case study concerning stroke rehabilitation].

PubMed

Hasenbein, U; Wallesch, C-W

2003-12-01

We investigated processes of and subjective reasons for resource allocation in three out of four rehabilitation specialists of a regional office of a major health insurance. Decisions of health insurance personnel include approval of and duration of rehabilitation treatment and choice of clinical provider. Insurance specialists are mainly involved in documentation and coordination, whereas decisions mainly follow expert recommendations, mainly of the medical service. Allocation is based primarily on somatic impairment and disability, psychosocial function, motivation and rehabilitation potential are regarded as secondary. Goals and expected results of rehabilitation are neither individually defined nor their achievement evaluated. Decision processes are dominated by routines and agreements. Only exceptionally, defined rules and procedures are applied. Active case management is hampered by a highly specialized internal structure of the investigated insurance fund. The optimal fulfillment of individual requirements for a limited-time rehabilitation treatment is the central criterion for decision making. However, the specialists lack detailed information concerning appropriateness, quality and efficacy of rehabilitation providers, especially when taking patient-related variables into account. Instead, they trust that only high-quality institutions are contracted. Systematic control and feedback of rehabilitation results is not available. The surveyed rehabilitation managers do not include cost aspects in their decision-making. They would regard this as alien to a member- and patient-oriented policy. Improvement potentials with respect to rehabilitation case management are being reviewed.

Exploring perceptions of instructors about childbirth preparation training courses: A qualitative study

PubMed Central

Otogara, Marzieh; Karimi-Shahanjarini, Akram; Hazavehei, Seyed Mohammad Mehdi; Poorolajal, Jalal; Radnia, Nahid; Akrami, Forouzan; Bagheri, Fahimeh

2017-01-01

Background Childbirth preparation training courses on maternal and neonatal health increase awareness, and capability of pregnant women in overcoming fear and anxiety and managing labor pains. Objective To identify the affecting factors and barriers of these courses from the perspective of their instructors. Methods This qualitative study of the content analysis type, has been conducted on 16 certified teachers of the training courses of the Hamadan city in 2015. Data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews and were then analyzed by using MAXQDA10 application. Results Participants’ experiences are indicated on three main themes including the objectives of the course, facilitators and barriers. The main objectives of the course were reported as to improve maternal and newborn health, promote natural childbirth and preparedness for parenting and breastfeeding. The main facilitators of the successful implementation include observing educational standards, strengthening the communication and relationship between mothers and staff, mobilization, and the role of instructor. The major barriers are reported as inadequate support from management system, insufficient intra-sector collaboration, poor attitude of obstetricians and physicians, inadequate access, theory-practice gap and not intended to labor naturally. Conclusion The results of our study show that multiple factors are involved in the participation of pregnant women in antenatal classes. Promoting natural childbirth requires intra-sector and inter-sectoral collaboration, as well as the community participation. PMID:28607658

Linear Programming and Its Application to Pattern Recognition Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omalley, M. J.

1973-01-01

Linear programming and linear programming like techniques as applied to pattern recognition problems are discussed. Three relatively recent research articles on such applications are summarized. The main results of each paper are described, indicating the theoretical tools needed to obtain them. A synopsis of the author's comments is presented with regard to the applicability or non-applicability of his methods to particular problems, including computational results wherever given.

Nanostructured silver sulfide: synthesis of various forms and their application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadovnikov, S. I.; Rempel, A. A.; Gusev, A. I.

2018-04-01

The results of experimental studies on nanostructured silver sulfide are analyzed and generalized. The influence of small particle size on nonstoichiometry of silver sulfide is discussed. Methods for the synthesis of various forms of nanostructured Ag2S including nanopowders, stable colloidal solutions, quantum dots, core–shell nanoparticles and heteronanostructures are described. The advantages and drawbacks of different synthetic procedures are analyzed. Main fields of application of nanostructured silver sulfide are considered. The bibliography includes 184 references.

Factors associated with hepatitis C infection among patients with skin diseases.

PubMed

Luksamijarulkul, Pipat; Chantavoraluk, Somjai

2013-12-01

The present study attempted to assess factors associated with positive anti-HCV among patients with skin diseases. A retrospective analysis of 3,496 subjects' history profiles from the HCV antibody surveillance projects performed from 2000 to 2007. Only 150 subject profiles with skin diseases were included in the analysis of factors associated with positive anti-HCV Patient profiles including socio-demographic parameters, the main risk behavior or risk exposure, types of skin diseases, anti-HIV status, and results of anti-HCV were analyzed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results revealed that only 10 from 150 studied patients (6.7%) were positive for anti-HCV antibody. Patient profiles including socio-demographic parameters, the main risk behavior or risk exposure, types of skin diseases, and anti-HIV status among patients with or without anti-HCV were compared and analyzed to assess factors associated with positive anti-HCV. It was found that patient's income, types of skin disease, and anti-HIV status were significantly associated with positive anti-HCV among this group, p = 0.0240, p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0462, respectively. This analysis found three studied factors including patient's income, types of skin disease, and anti-HIV status to be significantly associated with HCV infection in patients with skin diseases. However, a large-scale work should be done to confirm the present study.

On-line implementation of nonlinear parameter estimation for the Space Shuttle main engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckland, Julia H.; Musgrave, Jeffrey L.; Walker, Bruce K.

1992-01-01

We investigate the performance of a nonlinear estimation scheme applied to the estimation of several parameters in a performance model of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The nonlinear estimator is based upon the extended Kalman filter which has been augmented to provide estimates of several key performance variables. The estimated parameters are directly related to the efficiency of both the low pressure and high pressure fuel turbopumps. Decreases in the parameter estimates may be interpreted as degradations in turbine and/or pump efficiencies which can be useful measures for an online health monitoring algorithm. This paper extends previous work which has focused on off-line parameter estimation by investigating the filter's on-line potential from a computational standpoint. ln addition, we examine the robustness of the algorithm to unmodeled dynamics. The filter uses a reduced-order model of the engine that includes only fuel-side dynamics. The on-line results produced during this study are comparable to off-line results generated previously. The results show that the parameter estimates are sensitive to dynamics not included in the filter model. Off-line results using an extended Kalman filter with a full order engine model to address the robustness problems of the reduced-order model are also presented.

Apparatus for cooling an electric machine

DOEpatents

Palafox, Pepe; Gerstler, William Dwight; Shen, Xiaochun; El-Refaie, Ayman Mohamed Fawzi; Lokhandwalla, Murtuza; Salasoo, Lembit

2013-07-16

Provided is an apparatus, for example, for use with a rotating electric machine, that includes a housing. The housing can include a housing main portion and a housing end portion. The housing main portion can be configured to be disposed proximal to a body portion of a stator section of an electric machine. The housing main portion can define a main fluid channel that is configured to conduct fluid therethrough. The housing end portion can receive fluid from said main fluid channel and direct fluid into contact with a winding end portion of a conductive winding of the stator section.

Slum upgrading strategies involving physical environment and infrastructure interventions and their effects on health and socio-economic outcomes.

PubMed

Turley, Ruth; Saith, Ruhi; Bhan, Nandita; Rehfuess, Eva; Carter, Ben

2013-01-31

Slums are densely populated, neglected parts of cities where housing and living conditions are exceptionally poor. In situ slum upgrading, at its basic level, involves improving the physical environment of the existing area, such as improving and installing basic infrastructure like water, sanitation, solid waste collection, electricity, storm water drainage, access roads and footpaths, and street lighting, as well as home improvements and securing land tenure. To explore the effects of slum upgrading strategies involving physical environment and infrastructure interventions on the health, quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing of urban slum dwellers in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Where reported, data were collected on the perspectives of slum dwellers regarding their needs, preferences for and satisfaction with interventions received. We searched for published and unpublished studies in 28 bibliographic databases including multidisciplinary (for example Scopus) and specialist databases covering health, social science, urban planning, environment and LMIC topics. Snowballing techniques included searching websites, journal handsearching, contacting authors and reference list checking. Searches were not restricted by language or publication date. We included studies examining the impact of slum upgrading strategies involving physical environment or infrastructure improvements (with or without additional co-interventions) on the health, quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing of LMIC urban slum dwellers. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before and after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) were eligible for the main analysis. Controlled studies with only post-intervention data (CPI) and uncontrolled before and after (UBA) studies were included in a separate narrative to examine consistency of results and to supplement evidence gaps in the main analysis. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias for each study. Differences between the included study interventions and outcomes precluded meta-analysis so the results were presented in a narrative summary with illustrative harvest plots. The body of evidence for outcomes within the main analysis was assessed according to GRADE as very low, low, moderate or high quality. We identified 10,488 unique records, with 323 screened as full text. Five studies were included for the main analysis: one RCT with a low risk, two CBAs with a moderate risk and two CBAs with a high risk of bias. Three CBAs evaluated multicomponent slum upgrading strategies. Road paving only was evaluated in one RCT and water supply in one CBA. A total of 3453 households or observations were included within the four studies reporting sample sizes.Most health outcomes in the main studies related to communicable diseases, for which the body of evidence was judged to be low quality. One CBA with a moderate risk of bias found that diarrhoeal incidence was reduced in households which received water connections from a private water company (risk ratio (RR) 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 1.04) and the severity of diarrhoeal episodes (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.22). There was no effect for duration of diarrhoea. Road paving did not result in changes in parasitic infections or sickness in one RCT. After multicomponent slum upgrading, claims for a waterborne disease as opposed to a non-waterborne disease reduced (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.98) in one CBA with a high risk of bias but there was no change in sanitation-related mortality in a CBA with a moderate risk of bias.The majority of socio-economic outcomes reported within the main studies related to financial poverty, for which the body of evidence was of very low quality. Results were mixed amongst the main studies; one RCT and two CBAs reported no effect on the income of slum dwellers following slum upgrading. One further CBA found significant reduction in monthly water expenditure (mean difference (MD) -17.11 pesos; 95% CI -32.6 to -1.62). One RCT also showed mixed results for employment variables, finding no effect on unemployment levels but increased weekly worked hours (MD 4.68; 95% CI -0.46 to 9.82) and lower risk of residents intending to migrate for work (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.01).There was no evidence available to assess the impact of slum upgrading on non-communicable diseases or social capital. Maternal and perinatal conditions, infant mortality, nutritional deficiencies, injuries, self-reported quality of life, education and crime were evaluated in one study each.Nine supporting studies were included that measured varying outcomes (6794 households or observations within eight studies reporting sample sizes). One CPI evaluated cement flooring only while three UBAs and five CPIs evaluated multicomponent slum upgrading strategies. All studies but one had a high risk of bias.The studies reinforced main study findings for diarrhoea incidence and water-related expenditure. Findings for parasitic infections and financial poverty were inconsistent with the main studies. In addition, supporting studies reported a number of disparate outcomes that were not evaluated in the main studies.Five supporting studies included some limited information on slum dweller perspectives. They indicated the importance of appropriate siting of facilities, preference for private facilities, delivering synergistic interventions together, and ensuring that infrastructure was fit for purpose and systems were provided for cleaning, maintenance and repair. A high risk of bias within the included studies, heterogeneity and evidence gaps prevent firm conclusions on the effect of slum upgrading strategies on health and socio-economic wellbeing. The most common health and socio-economic outcomes reported were communicable diseases and indicators of financial poverty. There was a limited but consistent body of evidence to suggest that slum upgrading may reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases and water-related expenditure. The information available on slum dwellers' perspectives provided some insight to barriers and facilitators for successful implementation and maintenance of interventions.The availability and use of reliable, comparable outcome measures to determine the effect of slum upgrading on health, quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing would make a useful contribution to new research in this important area. Given the complexity in delivering slum upgrading, evaluations should look to incorporate process and qualitative information alongside quantitative effectiveness data to determine which particular interventions work (or don't work) and for whom.

Diagnostic Value of Multidetector CT and Its Multiplanar Reformation, Volume Rendering and Virtual Bronchoscopy Postprocessing Techniques for Primary Trachea and Main Bronchus Tumors.

PubMed

Luo, Mingyue; Duan, Chaijie; Qiu, Jianping; Li, Wenru; Zhu, Dongyun; Cai, Wenli

2015-01-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of multidetector CT (MDCT) and its multiplanar reformation (MPR), volume rendering (VR) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB) postprocessing techniques for primary trachea and main bronchus tumors. Detection results of 31 primary trachea and main bronchus tumors with MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB postprocessing techniques, were analyzed retrospectively with regard to tumor locations, tumor morphologies, extramural invasions of tumors, longitudinal involvements of tumors, morphologies and extents of luminal stenoses, distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae, and internal features of tumors. The detection results were compared with that of surgery and pathology. Detection results with MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB were consistent with that of surgery and pathology, included tumor locations (tracheae, n = 19; right main bronchi, n = 6; left main bronchi, n = 6), tumor morphologies (endoluminal nodes with narrow bases, n = 2; endoluminal nodes with wide bases, n = 13; both intraluminal and extraluminal masses, n = 16), extramural invasions of tumors (brokethrough only serous membrane, n = 1; 4.0 mm-56.0 mm, n = 14; no clear border with right atelectasis, n = 1), longitudinal involvements of tumors (3.0 mm, n = 1; 5.0 mm-68.0 mm, n = 29; whole right main bronchus wall and trachea carina, n = 1), morphologies of luminal stenoses (irregular, n = 26; circular, n = 3; eccentric, n = 1; conical, n = 1) and extents (mild, n = 5; moderate, n = 7; severe, n = 19), distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae (16.0 mm, n = 1; invaded trachea carina, n = 1; >20.0 mm, n = 10), and internal features of tumors (fairly homogeneous densities with rather obvious enhancements, n = 26; homogeneous density with obvious enhancement, n = 1; homogeneous density without obvious enhancement, n = 1; not enough homogeneous density with obvious enhancement, n = 1; punctate calcification with obvious enhancement, n = 1; low density without obvious enhancement, n = 1). MDCT and its MPR, VR and VB images have respective advantages and disadvantages. Their combination could complement to each other to accurately detect locations, natures (benignancy, malignancy or low malignancy), and quantities (extramural invasions, longitudinal involvements, extents of luminal stenoses, distances between main bronchus tumors and trachea carinae) of primary trachea and main bronchus tumors with crucial information for surgical treatment, are highly useful diagnostic methods for primary trachea and main bronchus tumors.

Does Assessing Suicidality Frequently and Repeatedly Cause Harm? A Randomized Control Study

PubMed Central

Law, Mary Kate; Furr, R. Michael; Arnold, Elizabeth Mayfield; Mneimne, Malek; Jaquett, Caroline; Fleeson, William

2015-01-01

Assessing suicidality is common in mental health practice and is fundamental to suicide research. Although necessary, there is significant concern that such assessments have unintended harmful consequences. Using a longitudinal randomized control design, we evaluated whether repeated and frequent assessments of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors negatively affected individuals, including those at-risk for suicide-related outcomes. Adults (N = 282), including many diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), were recruited through psychiatric outpatient clinics and from the community at large, and were randomly assigned to assessment groups. A Control Assessment group responded to questions regarding negative psychological experiences several times each day during a 2-week Main Observation phase. During the same observation period, an Intensive Suicide Assessment group responded to the same questions, along with questions regarding suicidal behavior and ideation. Negative psychological outcomes were measured during the Main Observation phase (for BPD symptoms unrelated to suicide and for BPD-relevant emotions) and/or at the end of each week during the Main Observation phase and monthly for 6 months thereafter (for all outcomes, including suicidal ideation and behavior). Results revealed little evidence that intensive suicide assessment triggered negative outcomes, including suicidal ideation or behavior, even among people with BPD. A handful of effects did reach or approach significance, though these were temporary and non-robust. However, given the seriousness of some outcomes, we recommend that researchers or clinicians who implement experience sampling methods including suicide-related items carefully consider the benefits of asking about suicide and to inform participants about possible risks. PMID:25894705

Does assessing suicidality frequently and repeatedly cause harm? A randomized control study.

PubMed

Law, Mary Kate; Furr, R Michael; Arnold, Elizabeth Mayfield; Mneimne, Malek; Jaquett, Caroline; Fleeson, William

2015-12-01

Assessing suicidality is common in mental health practice and is fundamental to suicide research. Although necessary, there is significant concern that such assessments have unintended harmful consequences. Using a longitudinal randomized control design, the authors evaluated whether repeated and frequent assessments of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors negatively affected individuals, including those at-risk for suicide-related outcomes. Adults (N = 282), including many diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), were recruited through psychiatric outpatient clinics and from the community at large, and were randomly assigned to assessment groups. A control assessment group responded to questions regarding negative psychological experiences several times each day during a 2-week main observation phase. During the same observation period, an intensive suicide assessment group responded to the same questions, along with questions regarding suicidal behavior and ideation. Negative psychological outcomes were measured during the main observation phase (for BPD symptoms unrelated to suicide and for BPD-relevant emotions) and/or at the end of each week during the main observation phase and monthly for 6 months thereafter (for all outcomes, including suicidal ideation and behavior). Results revealed little evidence that intensive suicide assessment triggered negative outcomes, including suicidal ideation or behavior, even among people with BPD. A handful of effects did reach or approach significance, though these were temporary and nonrobust. However, given the seriousness of some outcomes, the authors recommend that researchers or clinicians who implement experience sampling methods including suicide-related items carefully consider the benefits of asking about suicide and to inform participants about possible risks. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The Health Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions of Iranian Patient with Osteoarthritis about Pain Management: A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Zamanzadeh, Vahid; Ahmadi, Fazlollah; Foolady, Marjaneh; Behshid, Mozhgan; Irajpoor, Alireza

2017-01-01

Introduction: Pain is the main reason for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) to visit health clinics. Health seeking behaviors indicate unmet patient needs and lack of understanding of OA pain patterns. This study aimed to describe the experiences of Iranian patients with OA and explore their health seeking behaviors and perceptions on pain management related to osteoarthritis. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data was collected by interviewing 19 patients, 2 family members, and 5 health care providers from the in-patient and out-patient clinics, and physicians’ offices. Data saturation was reached after 31 in-depth and semi-structured interviews (five second interviews). Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis, using comparison, reflection and interpretation techniques. The criteria used to enhance rigor included credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Results: Two main categories and six subcategories emerged from data analysis. The first main category included "adapting to the reality" which had three subcategories: Facing OA pain, seeking health care, and accepting pain as a part of life. The second main category included "behavior fluctuation" with three subcategory of role conflict, responsibility for self-care and, adherence to prescribed treatment versus self-treatment. Conclusion: Care seeking behaviors for chronic pain sufferers are void of cultural, emotional, social and financial situation and patient expectations. Some misconceptions emerged about the health problem and its management, which may lead to negative attitudes toward treatment and therapists and finally lead to non-adherence to treatment. Patients need for education to enhance appropriate health care utilization. PMID:28299300

Evolution of X-ray activity of 1-3 Msun late-type stars in early post-main-sequence phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pizzolato, N.; Maggio, A.; Sciortino, S.

2000-09-01

We have investigated the variation of coronal X-ray emission during early post-main-sequence phases for a sample of 120 late-type stars within 100 pc, and with estimated masses in the range 1-3 Msun, based on Hipparcos parallaxes and recent evolutionary models. These stars were observed with the ROSAT/PSPC, and the data processed with the Palermo-CfA pipeline, including detection and evaluation of X-ray fluxes (or upper limits) by means of a wavelet transform algorithm. We have studied the evolutionary history of X-ray luminosity and surface flux for stars in selected mass ranges, including stars with inactive A-type progenitors on the main sequence and lower mass solar-type stars. Our stellar sample suggests a trend of increasing X-ray emission level with age for stars with masses M > 1.5 Msun, and a decline for lower-mass stars. A similar behavior holds for the average coronal temperature, which follows a power-law correlation with the X-ray luminosity, independently of their mass and evolutionary state. We have also studied the relationship between X-ray luminosity and surface rotation rate for stars in the same mass ranges, and how this relationships departs from the Lx ~ vrot2 law followed by main-sequence stars. Our results are interpreted in terms of a magnetic dynamo whose efficiency depends on the stellar evolutionary state through the mass-dependent changes of the stellar internal structure, including the properties of envelope convection and the internal rotation profile.

The Health Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions of Iranian Patient with Osteoarthritis about Pain Management: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Zamanzadeh, Vahid; Ahmadi, Fazlollah; Foolady, Marjaneh; Behshid, Mozhgan; Irajpoor, Alireza

2017-03-01

Introduction: Pain is the main reason for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) to visit health clinics. Health seeking behaviors indicate unmet patient needs and lack of understanding of OA pain patterns. This study aimed to describe the experiences of Iranian patients with OA and explore their health seeking behaviors and perceptions on pain management related to osteoarthritis. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, data was collected by interviewing 19 patients, 2 family members, and 5 health care providers from the in-patient and out-patient clinics, and physicians' offices. Data saturation was reached after 31 in-depth and semi-structured interviews (five second interviews). Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis, using comparison, reflection and interpretation techniques. The criteria used to enhance rigor included credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Results: Two main categories and six subcategories emerged from data analysis. The first main category included "adapting to the reality" which had three subcategories: Facing OA pain, seeking health care, and accepting pain as a part of life. The second main category included "behavior fluctuation" with three subcategory of role conflict, responsibility for self-care and, adherence to prescribed treatment versus self-treatment. Conclusion: Care seeking behaviors for chronic pain sufferers are void of cultural, emotional, social and financial situation and patient expectations. Some misconceptions emerged about the health problem and its management, which may lead to negative attitudes toward treatment and therapists and finally lead to non-adherence to treatment. Patients need for education to enhance appropriate health care utilization.

Revisiting tropical instability wave variability in the Atlantic ocean using SODA reanalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Decco, Hatsue Takanaca; Torres Junior, Audalio Rebelo; Pezzi, Luciano Ponzi; Landau, Luiz

2018-03-01

The spatial and temporal variability of energy exchange in Tropical Instability Waves (TIWs) in the Atlantic Ocean were investigated. A spectral analysis was used to filter the 5-day mean results from Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) reanalysis spanning from 1958 to 2008. TIWs were filtered over periods of 15 to 60 days and between wavelengths of 4 and 20 longitude degrees. The main approach of this study was the use of bidirectionally filtered TIW time series as the perturbation fields, and the difference in these time series from the SODA total results was considered to be the basic state for energetics analysis. The main result was that the annual cycle (period of 360 days) was the main source of variability of the waves, and the semi-annual cycle (period of 180 days) was a secondary variation, which indicated that TIWs occurred throughout the year but with intensity that varies seasonally. In SODA, barotropic instability acts as the mechanism that feeds and extracts energy to/from TIWs at equatorial Atlantic. Baroclinic instability is the main mechanism that extracts energy from TIWs to the equatorial circulation north of the Equator. All TIW patterns of variability were observed western of 10° W. The present study reveals new evidences regarding TIW variability and suggests that future investigations should include a detailed description of TIW dynamics as part of Atlantic Ocean equatorial circulation.

Revascularization for Left Main and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Current Status and Future Prospects after the EXCEL and NOBLE Trials

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Revascularization of severe left main and multivessel coronary artery disease has been shown to improve survival in both stable ischemic heart disease and acute coronary syndrome. While revascularization with coronary artery bypass surgery for these disease entities carries class I recommendation in most current guidelines, recent trials has shown potential comparable survival and cardiovascular outcomes between percutaneous and surgical interventions in patients with less complex coronary anatomy. Despite the conflicting results observed in the most recent left main revascularization trials, Everolimus-Eluting Stents or Bypass Surgery for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease (EXCEL) and Nordic-Baltic-British left main revascularization (NOBLE), both treatment strategies remain important for the management of left main disease (LMD) and multivessel disease (MVD) reflecting on the importance of heart team discussion. This review is focused on revascularization of LMD and MVD in patients who are not presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, encompassing the evidence from historic and contemporary trials which shaped up current practices. This review discusses the heart team approach to guide decision making, including special populations that are not represented in clinical trials. PMID:29856140

Revascularization for Left Main and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Current Status and Future Prospects after the EXCEL and NOBLE Trials.

PubMed

Al-Hijji, Mohammed; El Sabbagh, Abdallah; Holmes, David R

2018-06-01

Revascularization of severe left main and multivessel coronary artery disease has been shown to improve survival in both stable ischemic heart disease and acute coronary syndrome. While revascularization with coronary artery bypass surgery for these disease entities carries class I recommendation in most current guidelines, recent trials has shown potential comparable survival and cardiovascular outcomes between percutaneous and surgical interventions in patients with less complex coronary anatomy. Despite the conflicting results observed in the most recent left main revascularization trials, Everolimus-Eluting Stents or Bypass Surgery for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease (EXCEL) and Nordic-Baltic-British left main revascularization (NOBLE), both treatment strategies remain important for the management of left main disease (LMD) and multivessel disease (MVD) reflecting on the importance of heart team discussion. This review is focused on revascularization of LMD and MVD in patients who are not presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, encompassing the evidence from historic and contemporary trials which shaped up current practices. This review discusses the heart team approach to guide decision making, including special populations that are not represented in clinical trials. Copyright © 2018. The Korean Society of Cardiology.

Malfunction of medical equipment as a result of mains borne interference.

PubMed

Railton, R; Currie, G D; Corner, G A; Evans, A L

1993-08-01

Medical equipment has become more intelligent as the manufacturers have incorporated the latest microprocessor based technology. Equipment malfunction can be caused at any time by inherent errors in the control program but it is particularly important that this is designed to cope with the effects of electrical interference which, in addition, may cause corruption of the software. We have considered interference found in the mains supply in the hospital environment. Using a test protocol with appropriate interference simulators, a wide range of medical equipment was removed temporarily from use and its immunity to electrical mains borne interference tested. Battery operated mains rechargeable devices were unaffected by mains voltage variations including drop-outs and sags whereas mains powered devices were affected to varying degrees of severity. In particular, repetitive drop-outs caused loss of power due to fuse blowing in some life support equipment. Impulses affected 25% and pulse bursts 50% of the equipment tested with some evidence that the more recent designs coped better. The EEC Directive on electro-medical compatibility compliance may cause the design of equipment to be improved but hospitals will have to cope with the above problems in their existing equipment for many years to come.

Fault interaction and stresses along broad oceanic transform zone: Tjörnes Fracture Zone, north Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homberg, C.; Bergerat, F.; Angelier, J.; Garcia, S.

2010-02-01

Transform motion along oceanic transforms generally occurs along narrow faults zones. Another class of oceanic transforms exists where the plate boundary is quite large (˜100 km) and includes several subparallel faults. Using a 2-D numerical modeling, we simulate the slip distribution and the crustal stress field geometry within such broad oceanic transforms (BOTs). We examine the possible configurations and evolution of such BOTs, where the plate boundary includes one, two, or three faults. Our experiments show that at any time during the development of the plate boundary, the plate motion is not distributed along each of the plate boundary faults but mainly occurs along a single master fault. The finite width of a BOT results from slip transfer through time with locking of early faults, not from a permanent distribution of deformation over a wide area. Because of fault interaction, the stress field geometry within the BOTs is more complex than that along classical oceanic transforms and includes stress deflections close to but also away from the major faults. Application of this modeling to the 100 km wide Tjörnes Fracture Zone (TFZ) in North Iceland, a major BOT of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that includes three main faults, suggests that the Dalvik Fault and the Husavik-Flatey Fault developed first, the Grismsey Fault being the latest active structure. Since initiation of the TFZ, the Husavik-Flatey Fault accommodated most of the plate motion and probably persists until now as the main plate structure.

Recovery process of shear wave velocities of volcanic soil in central Mashiki Town after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake revealed by intermittent measurements of microtremor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hata, Yoshiya; Yoshimi, Masayuki; Goto, Hiroyuki; Hosoya, Takashi; Morikawa, Hitoshi; Kagawa, Takao

2017-05-01

An earthquake of JMA magnitude 6.5 (foreshock) hit Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at 21:26 JST on April 14, 2016. Subsequently, an earthquake of JMA magnitude 7.3 (main shock) hit Kumamoto and Oita Prefectures at 1:25 JST on April 16, 2016. The two epicenters were located adjacent to central Mashiki Town, and both events caused significantly strong motions. The heavy damage including collapse of residential houses was concentrated in "Sandwich Area" between Prefectural Route 28 and Akitsu River. During the main shock, we have successfully observed strong motions at TMP03 in Sandwich Area. Simultaneously with installation of the seismograph at TMP03 on April 15, 2016, between the foreshock and the main shock, a microtremor measurement was taken. After the main shock, intermittent measurements of microtremor at TMP03 were also taken within December 6, 2016. As the result, recovery process of shear wave velocities of volcanic soil at TMP03 before/after the main shock was revealed by time history of peak frequencies of the microtremor H/V spectra. Using results of original PS logging tests at proximity site of TMP03 on July 28, 2016, the applicability for the shear wave velocities to TMP03 was then confirmed based on similarity between the theoretical and monitored H/V spectra.

The Funding of Library and Information Services in West Africa.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boadi, B. Y.; Havard-Williams, P.

1984-01-01

Results of a study of the funding patterns of 148 library and information services over a three-year period (1976/77-1978/79) in the Anglophone countries of The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and the Sierra Leone reveal that national governments are the main sources of income. Six references are included. (EJS)

Creativity--A Selective Review of Research. Research into Higher Education Monographs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, James; And Others

Largely as a result of the extensive work carried out during the past decade, the concept of creativity has become increasingly important in educational and psychological thinking. This monography attempts to impose a framework within which to describe the main varieties of research on creativity. The monograph includes the following areas as…

Quality Assurance in UK Higher Education: Issues of Trust, Control, Professional Autonomy and Accountability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoecht, Andreas

2006-01-01

This article explores the issues of trust, control, professional autonomy and accountability in higher education quality assurance in the UK. The main part of this article is conceptual, but it includes results from semi-structured interviews with academic staff that were conducted at two "new university" business schools. Both…

Evaluative Conditioning in Humans: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hofmann, Wilhelm; De Houwer, Jan; Perugini, Marco; Baeyens, Frank; Crombez, Geert

2010-01-01

This article presents a meta-analysis of research on "evaluative conditioning" (EC), defined as a change in the liking of a stimulus (conditioned stimulus; CS) that results from pairing that stimulus with other positive or negative stimuli (unconditioned stimulus; US). Across a total of 214 studies included in the main sample, the mean…

Statistical analysis of 59 inspected SSME HPFTP turbine blades (uncracked and cracked)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, John T.

1987-01-01

The numerical results of statistical analysis of the test data of Space Shuttle Main Engine high pressure fuel turbopump second-stage turbine blades, including some with cracks are presented. Several statistical methods use the test data to determine the application of differences in frequency variations between the uncracked and cracked blades.

Meeting Basic Needs: Strategies for Eradicating Mass Poverty and Unemployment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Labour Organisation, Geneva (Switzerland).

This work presents the concerns and conclusions of the World Employment Conference held in Geneva in 1976. It includes a formerly published article which summarizes the preparatory work, discussions which took place, and the main results of the Conference. The organizers hoped that the Conference would propose national and international strategies…

Virtual Learning Spaces in the Web: An Agent-Based Architecture of Personalized Collaborative Learning Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nunez Esquer, Gustavo; Sheremetov, Leonid

This paper reports on the results and future research work within the paradigm of Configurable Collaborative Distance Learning, called Espacios Virtuales de Apredizaje (EVA). The paper focuses on: (1) description of the main concepts, including virtual learning spaces for knowledge, collaboration, consulting, and experimentation, a…

Research on Model of Student Engagement in Online Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peng, Wang

2017-01-01

In this study, online learning refers students under the guidance of teachers through the online learning platform for organized learning. Based on the analysis of related research results, considering the existing problems, the main contents of this paper include the following aspects: (1) Analyze and study the current student engagement model.…

Testing the Utility of Person-Environment Correspondence Theory with Instructional Technology Students in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perkmen, Serkan

2012-01-01

The main objective of this study was to examine the validity and usefulness of the person-environment correspondence theory with instructional technology students in Turkey. The participants included 211 students and three teachers. Results revealed that instructional technology students value achievement most and that they believe that entering a…

Gender Differences and Offender Reentry: A Review of the Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spjeldnes, Solveig; Goodkind, Sara

2009-01-01

Historically, men have been incarcerated at rates far greater than women. As a result, reentry and reintegration programs have focused mainly on men's needs. The Second Chance Act of 2007 authorized funding for offender reentry programs and research on special populations--including about women and parents acknowledging the importance of…

Commercial NiMH Cells in LEO Cycling: Thermal Vacuum Life Test Performed for the Floating Potential Probe (FPP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Darcy, Eric; Strangways, Brad

2003-01-01

Contents include the following: 1. Introduction: What is the (Floating Potential Probe) FPP? Why was NiMH battery selected? Haw well would crimped seal cell performed in long term vacuum exposure? 2. Verification tests: Battery description. Test methods. Results. Main findings. FPP status.

Myths about Russia: Constructive and Destructive Impacts on the Consciousness of Modern Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogdanovskaya, Irina Markovna

2016-01-01

This article provides an interdisciplinary theoretical analysis of contemporary social mythology and summarizes the results of an empirical study. The main groups of mythologized images of Russia in the consciousness of modern youth include: mythologized images of Russian domain and the historical perspective of Russia; symbolic and metaphorical…

Development and applications of optical interferometric micrometrology in the Angstrom and subangstrom range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, James L.; Abel, Phillip B.

1988-01-01

The characteristics of the scanning tunneling microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) are briefly reviewed, and optical methods, mainly interferometry, of sufficient resolution to measure AFM deflections are discussed. The methods include optical resonators, laser interferometry, multiple-beam interferometry, and evanescent wave detection. Experimental results using AFM are reviewed.

Nanoparticles and Ocean Optics

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-30

have included eukaryotic hosts ( Emiliania huxleyi) and its specific viruses. We then did experiments with field samples from the Bigelow Laboratory...Maine. This virus (ø 43) infected the coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi, at a rapid rate that we have never observed in a eukaryotic virus...Fig. 1-Results of infection of eukaryotic coccolithophorid, Emiliania huxleyi, with new virus

Development and Cause of Aeolian Desertification in Alpine Region-In Case of Maqu County in the Source of Yellow River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Junfeng; Qian, Quangqiang; Luo, Wanyin; Dong, Zhibao

2016-04-01

Maqu county locates in the northeast of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which main native vegetation is alpine meadow. It was suffered severe desertification in recent years. In this study, we used Landsat images to investigate development of desertification. The result showed that the area of desertification land increased significantly, patch numbers and patch area of desertified land also increased from 1975-1990, the increased desertified land mainly converted from grassland. The degree of desertification also increased from 1990-2000, mainly because fixed sandy land converted to mobile sandy land and semi-fixed sandy land. The area of desertification land decreased from 2000-2010, the desertification land mainly converted to low coverage grassland. The reason responsible for desertification development including natural factors, such as temperature increased, the Yellow River runoff decreased, rodents and pests damage, and unreasonable management measures, such as long-time overgrazing, digging turf for building fence and herbs. In the beginning of this century, the implementation of ecological restoration project was main reason responsible for desertification reversion.

The Statistic Results of the ISUAL Lightning Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Chia-Wen; Bing-Chih Chen, Alfred; Liu, Tie-Yue; Lin, Shin-Fa; Su, Han-Tzong; Hsu, Rue-Ron

2017-04-01

The ISUAL (Imager for Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning) onboard FORMOSAT-2 is the first science payload dedicated to the study of the lightning-induced transient luminous events (TLEs). Transient events, including TLEs and lightning, were recorded by the intensified imager, spectrophotometer (SP), and array photometer (AP) simultaneously while their light variation observed by SP exceeds a programmed threshold. Therefore, ISUAL surveys not only TLEs but also lightning globally with a good spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. In the past 12 years (2004-2016), approximately 300,000 transient events were registered, and only 42,000 are classified as TLEs. Since the main mission objective is to explore the distribution and characteristics of TLEs, the remaining transient events, mainly lightning, can act as a long-term global lightning survey. These huge amount of events cannot be processed manually as TLEs do, therefore, a data pipeline is developed to scan lightning patterns and to derive their geolocation with an efficient algorithm. The 12-year statistic results including occurrence rate, global distribution, seasonal variation, and the comparison with the LIS/OTD survey are presented in this report.

Analysis of factors influencing safety management for metro construction in China.

PubMed

Yu, Q Z; Ding, L Y; Zhou, C; Luo, H B

2014-07-01

With the rapid development of urbanization in China, the number and size of metro construction projects are increasing quickly. At the same time, and increasing number of accidents in metro construction make it a disturbing focus of social attention. In order to improve safety management in metro construction, an investigation of the participants' perspectives on safety factors in China metro construction has been conducted to identify the key safety factors, and their ranking consistency among the main participants, including clients, consultants, designers, contractors and supervisors. The result of factor analysis indicates that there are five key factors which influence the safety of metro construction including safety attitude, construction site safety, government supervision, market restrictions and task unpredictability. In addition, ANOVA and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were performed to test the consistency of the means rating and the ranking of safety factors. The results indicated that the main participants have significant disagreement about the importance of safety factors on more than half of the items. Suggestions and recommendations on practical countermeasures to improve metro construction safety management in China are proposed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Final report of the regional key comparison EURAMET.M.G-K1: European Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters ECAG-2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, Olivier; Klein, Gilbert; Baumann, Henri; Dando, Nicolas; Tracey, Ray; Ullrich, Christian; Castelein, Stefaan; Hua, Hu; Kang, Wu; Chongyang, Shen; Songbo, Xuan; Hongbo, Tan; Zhengyuan, Li; Pálinkás, Vojtech; Kostelecký, Jakub; Mäkinen, Jaakko; Näränen, Jyri; Merlet, Sébastien; Farah, Tristan; Guerlin, Christine; Pereira Dos Santos, Franck; Le Moigne, Nicolas; Champollion, Cédric; Deville, Sabrina; Timmen, Ludger; Falk, Reinhard; Wilmes, Herbert; Iacovone, Domenico; Baccaro, Francesco; Germak, Alessandro; Biolcati, Emanuele; Krynski, Jan; Sekowski, Marcin; Olszak, Tomasz; Pachuta, Andrzej; Agren, Jonas; Engfeldt, Andreas; Reudink, René; Inacio, Pedro; McLaughlin, Daniel; Shannon, Geoff; Eckl, Marc; Wilkins, Tim; van Westrum, Derek; Billson, Ryan

2012-01-01

During November 2011 a EURAMET key comparison of absolute gravimeters was organized in the Underground Laboratory for Geodynamics in Walferdange, Luxemburg. The comparison assembled 22 participants coming from 16 countries and four different continents. The comparison was divided into two parts: a key comparison that included six National Metrology Institutes or Designated Institutes, and a pilot study including all participants. The global result given by the pilot study confirms that all instruments are absolutely coherent with each other. The results obtained in the key comparison confirm a good agreement between the NMI instruments. Finally, a link to ICAG-2009 shows also that the NMI gravimeters are stable in time. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

A model for the Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump shaft seal system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paxson, Daniel E.

1990-01-01

A model of the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP) shaft seal system on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is described. The model predicts the fluid properties and flow rates throughout this system for a number of conditions simulating failed seals. The results agree well with qualitative expectations and redline values but cannot be verified with actual data due to the lack thereof. The results indicate that each failure mode results in a unique distribution of properties throughout the seal system and can therefore be individually identified given the proper instrumentation. Furthermore, the detection process can be built on the principle of qualitative reasoning without the use of exact fluid property values. A simplified implementation of the model which does not include the slinger/labyrinth seal combination has been developed and will be useful for inclusion in a real-time diagnostic system.

Feasibility basis for use of new solid household waste processing equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vertakova, Y. V.; Zvyagintsev, G. L.; Babich, T. N.; Polozhentseva, Y. S.

2017-10-01

Economic efficiency assessment of innovative organizational project of solid household waste processing enterprise (SHW) is given. A distinctive feature of this project is new mining and chemical technology use of waste depolymerization. The proved feature is fuel-resource production in portion modules of tubular type. They are patented and approved under laboratory conditions. The main ways of SHW processing in the world including Russia are described. Advantages and disadvantages are revealed. Comparative analysis is carried out. Technology prioritization is a result of this analysis. During organization of such enterprise, it was proved that not only SHW processing is a result of its functioning. The other result is environmentally friendly production using secondary raw materials. These products can be sold and can have bring income. Main investment and current expenses necessary for the offered project implementation are defined. This allows making economic assessment of innovative enterprise efficiency.

Early mobilization: Why, what for and how?

PubMed

Miranda Rocha, A R; Martinez, B P; Maldaner da Silva, V Z; Forgiarini Junior, L A

2017-10-01

Early mobilization strategies in the intensive care unit may result in the prevention and reduction of polyneuromyopathy in the critical patient, improved quality of life, shortened ICU and hospital stay, and lesser mortality during hospitalization. However, it is well known that factors such as the protocol used, the population included in the studies, the timing of the strategy, the severity of the patients and different barriers directly influence the outcomes. This study examines the main protocols described in the literature and their associated results. The main techniques used were kinesitherapy, transfer and locomotion training, as well as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and cycle ergometry. Although two trials and a meta-analysis found no positive results with mobilization, programs that focus on specific populations, such as patients with weakness due to immobility and with preserved neuromuscular excitability can derive more positive effects from such treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Continuous Trailing-Edge Flaps for Primary Flight Control of a Helicopter Main Rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornburgh, Robert P.; Kreshock, Andrew R.; Wilbur, Matthew L.; Sekula, Martin K.; Shen, Jinwei

2014-01-01

The use of continuous trailing-edge flaps (CTEFs) for primary flight control of a helicopter main rotor is studied. A practical, optimized bimorph design with Macro-Fiber Composite actuators is developed for CTEF control, and a coupled structures and computational fluid dynamics methodology is used to study the fundamental behavior of an airfoil with CTEFs. These results are used within a comprehensive rotorcraft analysis model to study the control authority requirements of the CTEFs when utilized for primary flight control of a utility class helicopter. A study of the effect of blade root pitch index (RPI) on CTEF control authority is conducted, and the impact of structural and aerodynamic model complexity on the comprehensive analysis results is presented. The results show that primary flight control using CTEFs is promising; however, a more viable option may include the control of blade RPI, as well.

Small main-belt asteroid spectroscopic survey: Initial results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Shui; Binzel, Richard P.; Burbine, Thomas H.; Bus, Schelte J.

1995-01-01

The spectral characterization of small asteroids is important for understanding the evolution of their compositional and mineralogical properties. We report the results of a CCD spectroscopic survey of small main-belt asteroids which we call the Small Main-belt Asteroid Spectroscopic Survey (SMASS). Spectra of 316 asteroids were obtained, with wavelength coverage ranging from 4000 to 10000 A (0.4 to 1 micrometers). More than half of the objects in our survey have diameters less than 20 km. Survey results include the identification of the first object resembling ordinary chondrite meteorites among the main-belt asteroids (Binzel, R. P., et al, 1993) and observations of more than 20 asteroids showing basaltic achondrite spectral absorption features that strongly link Vesta as the parent body for the basaltic achondrite meteorites (Binzel, R. P., and S. Xu 1993). A potential Mars-crossing asteroid analog to ordinary chondrite meteorites (H chondrites), 2078 Nanking, is reported here. Through a principal component analysis, we have assigned classifications to the members of our sample. The majority of the small main-belt asteroids belong to S and C classes, similar to large asteroids. Our analysis shows that two new classes are justified which we label as J and O. Small asteroids display more diversity in spectral absorption features than the larger ones, which may indicate a greater variation of compositions in the small asteroid population. We found a few candidates for olivine-rich asteroids within the S class. Although the total number of olivine-rich candidates is relatively small, we present evidence suggesting that such objects are more prevalent at smaller sizes.

75 FR 82137 - Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-29

...) on the Chicago Division near Gary, Indiana. The proposed discontinuance is from control point (CP) Kirk Yard Junction to, but not including, CP Stockton 2 on the Matteson Subdivision Main 1 and Main 2; and from CP Kirk Yard Junction to, but not including, Stockton 1 on the Lake Front Subdivision Main...

Comparison of cutting and pencil-point spinal needle in spinal anesthesia regarding postdural puncture headache

PubMed Central

Xu, Hong; Liu, Yang; Song, WenYe; Kan, ShunLi; Liu, FeiFei; Zhang, Di; Ning, GuangZhi; Feng, ShiQing

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH), mainly resulting from the loss of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), is a well-known iatrogenic complication of spinal anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture. Spinal needles have been modified to minimize complications. Modifiable risk factors of PDPH mainly included needle size and needle shape. However, whether the incidence of PDPH is significantly different between cutting-point and pencil-point needles was controversial. Then we did a meta-analysis to assess the incidence of PDPH of cutting spinal needle and pencil-point spinal needle. Methods: We included all randomly designed trials, assessing the clinical outcomes in patients given elective spinal anesthesia or diagnostic lumbar puncture with either cutting or pencil-point spinal needle as eligible studies. All selected studies and the risk of bias of them were assessed by 2 investigators. Clinical outcomes including success rates, frequency of PDPH, reported severe PDPH, and the use of epidural blood patch (EBP) were recorded as primary results. Results were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous variables. Rev Man software (version 5.3) was used to analyze all appropriate data. Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our study. The analysis result revealed that pencil-point spinal needle would result in lower rate of PDPH (RR 2.50; 95% CI [1.96, 3.19]; P < 0.00001) and severe PDPH (RR 3.27; 95% CI [2.15, 4.96]; P < 0.00001). Furthermore, EBP was less used in pencil-point spine needle group (RR 3.69; 95% CI [1.96, 6.95]; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Current evidences suggest that pencil-point spinal needle was significantly superior compared with cutting spinal needle regarding the frequency of PDPH, PDPH severity, and the use of EBP. In view of this, we recommend the use of pencil-point spinal needle in spinal anesthesia and lumbar puncture. PMID:28383416

Occurrence of emerging pollutants in urban wastewater and their removal through biological treatment followed by ozonation.

PubMed

Rosal, Roberto; Rodríguez, Antonio; Perdigón-Melón, José Antonio; Petre, Alice; García-Calvo, Eloy; Gómez, María José; Agüera, Ana; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2010-01-01

This work reports a systematic survey of over seventy individual pollutants in a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) receiving urban wastewater. The compounds include mainly pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as some metabolites. The quantification in the ng/L range was performed by Liquid Chromatography-QTRAP-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry. The results showed that paraxanthine, caffeine and acetaminophen were the main individual pollutants usually found in concentrations over 20 ppb. N-formyl-4-amino-antipiryne and galaxolide were also detected in the ppb level. A group of compounds including the beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol and propanolol; the lipid regulators bezafibrate and fenofibric acid; the antibiotics erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, the antiinflammatories diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen and mefenamic acid, the antiepileptic carbamazepine and the antiacid omeprazole exhibited removal efficiencies below 20% in the STP treatment. Ozonation with doses lower than 90 microM allowed the removal of many individual pollutants including some of those more refractory to biological treatment. A kinetic model allowed the determination of second order kinetic constants for the ozonation of bezafibrate, cotinine, diuron and metronidazole. The results show that the hydroxyl radical reaction was the major pathway for the oxidative transformation of these compounds. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HIV serostatus disclosure: development and validation of indicators considering target and modality. Results from a community-based research in 5 countries.

PubMed

Préau, Marie; Beaulieu-Prévost, Dominic; Henry, Emilie; Bernier, Adeline; Veillette-Bourbeau, Ludivine; Otis, Joanne

2015-12-01

HIV serostatus disclosure is a complex challenge for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite its beneficial effects, it can also lead to stigmatization and rejection. The current lack of multi-dimensional measurement tools impede an in-depth understanding of the dynamic of disclosure. To develop and validate complex measures of serostatus disclosure. This international community based research study was performed by joint research teams (researchers/community based organizations (CBO)) in five countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Mali, Morocco and Romania). A convenience sample of 1500 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in contact with local CBO were recruited in 2011 (300 in each country). Face-to-face interviews were performed using a 125-item questionnaire covering HIV status disclosure to 23 potential disclosure targets and related issues (including personal history with HIV, people's reaction to disclosure, sexuality). A principal component analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were performed, in order to identify the main components of HIV disclosure, create measures and classify participants into profiles. Patterns of disclosure were summarized using two main measures: direct and indirect disclosure. Disclosure to sexual partners, whether steady or not, was different from patterns of disclosure to other targets. Among the participants, three profiles emerged - labelled Restricted disclosure, Mainly indirect disclosure and Mainly direct disclosure, respectively representing 61%, 13% and 26% of the total sample. The profiles were associated with different aspects of PLHIV's lives, including self-efficacy, functional limitations and social exclusion. Patterns varied across the five studied countries. Results suggest that multi-dimensional constructs should be used to measure disclosure in order to improve understanding of the disclosure process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ecotoxicological and environmental problems associated with the former chemical plant in Tarnowskie Gory, Poland.

PubMed

Malina, Grzegorz

2004-12-15

The environmental problems related to the former chemical plant in Tarnowskie Gory, with respect to the Quaternary and Triassic groundwater as main receptors, are described and the eco-toxicological impact is discussed. The historical use of that site included industrial mining of ores (Ag, Pb, Zn) and use of Ba, B, Sr, Al, Cu during production of pigment. The majority of used and produced substances were toxic or hazardous. The applied technologies resulted in generation of waste which were mostly dumped without any elementary protection principles. Hydrodynamic modelling showed potential hazard to water-intakes. The variations of spatial distributions of selected contaminants within the Triassic carbonate series indicate that the chemical waste dumped in vicinity of the plant are the sources of groundwater contamination of boron. The results of soil and groundwater monitoring at the constructed landfill show significant contamination, mainly due to leaching from dumped waste, but also from infiltration of non-operating underground installations, and spills of toxic substances during the plant operation. The Quaternary aquifers are heavily contaminated due to the leaching out of chemical compounds from dumping sites. This is hazardous to the Triassic reservoirs--the main sources of potable water for the region. The characteristics of the key contaminants (As, B, Ba and Sr) are provided, including their transport, fate and toxicity. The spatial and temporal distribution of contaminants in groundwater is presented, and observed trends of groundwater quality decrease, mainly with respect to the Triassic aquifers, are discussed. The groundwater risk assessment being developed for the Tarnowskie Gory site should consider the present situation, and provide an approach towards evaluation and assessment of the required remediation measures.

SPRUCE Stability of Peatland Carbon to Rising Temperatures: Supporting Data

DOE Data Explorer

Wilson, R. M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Hopple, A. M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Tfaily, M. M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Sebestyen, S. D. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Schadt, C. W. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Pfeifer-Meister, L. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Medvedeff, C. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; McFarlane, K J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Kostka, J. E. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Kolton, M [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Kolka, R. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A; Kluber, L. A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A

2016-01-01

This data set reports the results of extensive field measurements and laboratory analyses of samples from the SPRUCE experiment. Results indicate that ecosystem-scale warming of over 2 m of peat exponentially increased CH4 emissions —but not ecosystem respiration of CO2. Multiple lines of evidence, including incubations and in situ analyses of 14C, dissolved gases, and microbial community metabolic potential, indicate that CH4 emissions increased due to surface processes and not degradation of deeper buried carbon. The supporting data provided include the summarized and aggregated data used to generate the six figures in the main text of the paper and the 12 supplementary figures.

Haptic Technologies for MEMS Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calis, Mustafa; Desmulliez, Marc P. Y.

2006-04-01

This paper presents for the first time a design methodology for MEMS/NEMS based on haptic sensing technologies. The software tool created as a result of this methodology will enable designers to model and interact in real time with their virtual prototype. One of the main advantages of haptic sensing is the ability to bring unusual microscopic forces back to the designer's world. Other significant benefits for developing such a methodology include gain productivity and the capability to include manufacturing costs within the design cycle.

Twelfth International Symposium on Methodologies for Intelligent Systems (ISMIS󈧄) Held in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 11-14, 2000

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-14

without any knowledge of the problem area. Therefore, Darwinian-type evolutionary computation has found a very wide range of applications, including many ...the author examined many biomedical studies that included literature searches. The Science Citation Index (SCL) Abstracts of these studies...yield many records that are non-relevant to the main technical themes of the study. In summary, these types of simple limited queries can result in two

[Reconstruction in plastic surgery using osmotic tissue expanders].

PubMed

Gronovich, Yoav; Binenboym, Rami; Retchkiman, Meir; Eizenman, Nirit; Lotan, Adi; Stuchiner, Barak; Tuchman, Izhak

2015-03-01

Tissue expander is a major reconstructive modality. Its main disadvantages include: long and inconvenient period of inflation with temporary deformity of the surrounding tissue. Osmotic expander was developed in order to eliminate some of these limitations. It is a self-filling device which absorbs fluids in order to achieve tissue expansion faster. We present our experience with 28 consecutive cases of tissue reconstruction using osmotic expanders. We wish to emphasize the main advantages and limitations of this device. The present study was launched in May 2008, until April 2014, for twenty eight patients, median age 26 years with reconstructions using an osmotic expander (total of 35 expanders). The reasons for using tissue expander included large congenital nevi (75%) and scars. In all of the cases, the operative and post-operative management was uneventful. During the expansion period, there were 2 outpatient clinical visits. The average expansion time was 9 weeks. In 11% (three patients) there was partial extrusion of the expander. In all other cases there were no complications and the final aesthetic results were satisfying. Osmotic expander is an advanced modality for tissue reconstruction. The final shape and size are precisely predictable. Its initial small size allows for a small surgical incision and short overall operating time. The expansion period is shorter and more convenient for the patient. Its main disadvantage includes the inability to control the filling rate and the need to remove the expander in case of damage to the overlying tissue. Osmotic expander is a reliable tool for tissue expansion. It allows for a satisfying aesthetic result in a shorter period of time and with less inconvenience to the patient.

Simulation of fault performance of a diesel engine driven brushless alternator through PSPICE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Narayanan, S.S.Y.; Ananthakrishnan, P.; Hangari, V.U.

1995-12-31

Analysis of the fault performance of a brushless alternator with damper windings in the main alternator has been handled ab initio as a total modeling and simulation problem through proper application of Park`s equivalent circuit approach individually to the main exciter alternator units of the brushless alternator and the same has been implemented through PSPICE. The accuracy of the parameters used in the modeling and results obtained through PSPICE implementation are then evaluated for a specific 125 kVA brushless alternator in two stages as followed: first, by comparison of the predicted fault performance obtained from simulation of the 125 kVAmore » main alternator alone treated as a conventional alternator with the results obtained through the use of closed form analytical expressions available in the literature for fault currents and torques in such conventional alternators. Secondly, by comparison of some of the simulation results with those obtained experimentally on the brushless alternator itself. To enable proper calculation of derating factors to be used in the design of such brushless alternators, simulation results then include harmonic analysis of the steady state fault currents and torques. Throughout these studies, the brushless alternator is treated to be on no load at the instant of occurrence of fault.« less

Design verification test matrix development for the STME thrust chamber assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dexter, Carol E.; Elam, Sandra K.; Sparks, David L.

1993-01-01

This report presents the results of the test matrix development for design verification at the component level for the National Launch System (NLS) space transportation main engine (STME) thrust chamber assembly (TCA) components including the following: injector, combustion chamber, and nozzle. A systematic approach was used in the development of the minimum recommended TCA matrix resulting in a minimum number of hardware units and a minimum number of hot fire tests.

Nozzle for a turbomachine

DOEpatents

Lacy, Benjamin Paul; Kraemer, Gilbert Otto; Yilmaz, Ertan; Melton, Patrick Benedict

2012-10-30

A turbomachine includes a compressor, a combustor operatively connected to the compressor, and an injection nozzle operatively connected to the combustor. The injection nozzle includes a main body having a first end section that extends to a second end section to define an inner flow path. The injection nozzle further includes an outlet arranged at the second end section of the main body, at least one passage that extends within the main body and is fluidly connected to the outlet, and at least one conduit extending between the inner flow path and the at least one passage.

Immune-modulating therapy in acute pancreatitis: Fact or fiction

PubMed Central

Akinosoglou, Karolina; Gogos, Charalambos

2014-01-01

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bearing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatment of AP remains unspecific and supportive and is mainly targeted to aggressively prevent systemic complications and organ failure by intensive care. As acute pancreatitis shares an indistinguishable profile of inflammation with sepsis, therapeutic approaches have turned towards modulating the systemic inflammatory response. Targets, among others, have included pro- and anti-inflammatory modulators, cytokines, chemokines, immune cells, adhesive molecules and platelets. Even though, initial results in experimental models have been encouraging, clinical implementation of immune-regulating therapies in acute pancreatitis has had a slow progress. Main reasons include difficulty in clinical translation of experimental data, poor understanding of inflammatory response time-course, flaws in experimental designs, need for multimodal approaches and commercial drawbacks. Whether immune-modulation in acute pancreatitis remains a fact or just fiction remains to be seen in the future. PMID:25386069

[Glandular papilloma of the right main bronchus. Detection of an exon 2 mutation of the KRAS gene (c.35G>A)].

PubMed

Wohlschläger, J; Welter, S; Stamatis, G; Theegarten, D; Hager, T; Mairinger, F; Worm, K; Schmid, K W; Müller, K M

2013-07-01

Benign epithelial tumors of the tracheobronchial system and the lungs are exceedingly rare. These entities encompass squamous and glandular papillomas (as well as their mixed forms) and adenomas (alveolar adenoma, papillary adenoma, salivary gland-like pleomorphic and mucinous adenomas and mucinous cystadenomas). These tumors are considered to be biologically benign neoplasms; however, they can pose considerable diagnostic difficulties, especially during frozen section evaluation, as they can mimic malignant tumors and in particular they can resemble well differentiated papillary adenocarcinomas. As a result of the extreme rarity of these tumors only a few descriptive diagnostic series exist and a systematic investigation including molecular data does not exist. This article presents the case of a 64-year-old patient with a glandular papilloma of the right main bronchus including the immunohistochemical and molecular work-up as well as a review of the current literature.

[Physiotherapy for juvenile idiopathic arthritis].

PubMed

Spamer, M; Georgi, M; Häfner, R; Händel, H; König, M; Haas, J-P

2012-07-01

Control of disease activity and recovery of function are major issues in the treatment of children and adolescents suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Functional therapies including physiotherapy are important components in the multidisciplinary teamwork and each phase of the disease requires different strategies. While in the active phase of the disease pain alleviation is the main focus, the inactive phase requires strategies for improving motility and function. During remission the aim is to regain general fitness by sports activities. These phase adapted strategies must be individually designed and usually require a combination of different measures including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage as well as other physical procedures and sport therapy. There are only few controlled studies investigating the effectiveness of physical therapies in JIA and many strategies are derived from long-standing experience. New results from physiology and sport sciences have contributed to the development in recent years. This report summarizes the basics and main strategies of physical therapy in JIA.

Tumour-induced osteomalacia: An emergent paraneoplastic syndrome.

PubMed

Alonso, Guillermo; Varsavsky, Mariela

2016-04-01

Endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes are distant manifestations of some tumours. An uncommon but increasingly reported form is tumour-induced osteomalacia, a hypophosphatemic disorder associated to fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) secretion by tumours. The main biochemical manifestations of this disorder include hypophosphatemia, inappropriately low or normal tubular reabsorption of phosphate, low serum calcitriol levels, increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and elevated or normal serum FGF-23 levels. These tumours, usually small, benign, slow growing and difficult to discover, are mainly localized in soft tissues of the limbs. Histologically, phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours of the mixed connective tissue type are most common. Various imaging techniques have been suggested with variable results. Treatment of choice is total surgical resection of the tumour. Medical treatment includes oral phosphorus and calcitriol supplements, octreotide, cinacalcet, and monoclonal antibodies. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The Latin American Biological Dosimetry Network (LBDNet).

PubMed

García, O; Di Giorgio, M; Radl, A; Taja, M R; Sapienza, C E; Deminge, M M; Fernández Rearte, J; Stuck Oliveira, M; Valdivia, P; Lamadrid, A I; González, J E; Romero, I; Mandina, T; Guerrero-Carbajal, C; ArceoMaldonado, C; Cortina Ramírez, G E; Espinoza, M; Martínez-López, W; Di Tomasso, M

2016-09-01

Biological Dosimetry is a necessary support for national radiation protection programmes and emergency response schemes. The Latin American Biological Dosimetry Network (LBDNet) was formally founded in 2007 to provide early biological dosimetry assistance in case of radiation emergencies in the Latin American Region. Here are presented the main topics considered in the foundational document of the network, which comprise: mission, partners, concept of operation, including the mechanism to request support for biological dosimetry assistance in the region, and the network capabilities. The process for network activation and the role of the coordinating laboratory during biological dosimetry emergency response is also presented. This information is preceded by historical remarks on biological dosimetry cooperation in Latin America. A summary of the main experimental and practical results already obtained by the LBDNet is also included. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Full power level development of the Space Shuttle main engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, J. R.; Colbo, H. I.

1982-01-01

Development of the Space Shuttle main engine for nominal operation at full power level (109 percent rated power) is continuing in parallel with the successful flight testing of the Space Transportation System. Verification of changes made to the rated power level configuration currently being flown on the Orbiter Columbia is in progress and the certification testing of the full power level configuration has begun. The certification test plan includes the accumulation of 10,000 seconds on each of two engines by early 1983. Certification testing includes the simulation of nominal mission duty cycles as well as the two abort thrust profiles: abort to orbit and return to launch site. Several of the certification tests are conducted at 111 percent power to demonstrate additional safety margins. In addition to the flight test and development program results, future plans for life demonstration and engine uprating will be discussed.

[Niche and interspecific association of the dominant fish in the south coastal waters of Wenzhou, China].

PubMed

Dong, Jing Rui; Shui, Bo Nian; Hu, Cheng Ye; Shui, Yu Yue; DU, Xiao; Tian, Kuo

2017-05-18

The studies about the niche and interspecific association in China were mainly focused on the plants, birds and marine animals, and seldom on fish. Based on the fishery resources survey in spring (May) and autumn (September) in 2015, the associations among major fish species in south coastal waters of Wenzhou were investigated. The methods including niche breadth, niche overlap, variance ratio (VR), Χ 2 -test, association coefficient (AC), percentage of co-occurrence (PC) and point correlation coefficients (Ф) were used. The results showed that 47 fish species were identified, including 9 orders, 27 families and 41 genera. Four species were dominant species and 9 were important species, which together accounted for 17%. The niche breadth cluster analysis demonstrated two clearly identifiable ecological niches. The first one referred to wide niche that included Harpodon nehereus, Collichthys lucidus, Engraulis japonicas, Pampus echinogaster, Argyrosomus argentatus, Polynemus sextarius, Decapterus maruadsi and Trichiurus haumela, and the second one was narrow niche that included Muraenesox cinereus, Amblychaeturichthys hexanema, Cunoglossus robustus, Pseudosciaena polyactis and Ilisha elongate. The niche overlap value of the main fish was 0-0.90, indicating that there was difference in the resource utilization among the species. The ecological niche widths of C. robustus and M. cinereus were narrow, and the overlap values were high. This indicated that there was competition between these two species. The VR analysis revealed significant positive correlation among the main fish species. In view of the advantages of Ф value, which could reduce the impact of the analysis results of Χ 2 -test, AC and PC to the interspecific association, the Ф value method was selected in this study, and the association of 63 couples were positive. Both the interspecific association and ecological niche had different degrees of correlation with the stability of community structure and community succession.

Supporting Active Patient and Health Care Collaboration: A Prototype for Future Health Care Information Systems.

PubMed

Åhlfeldt, Rose-Mharie; Persson, Anne; Rexhepi, Hanife; Wåhlander, Kalle

2016-12-01

This article presents and illustrates the main features of a proposed process-oriented approach for patient information distribution in future health care information systems, by using a prototype of a process support system. The development of the prototype was based on the Visuera method, which includes five defined steps. The results indicate that a visualized prototype is a suitable tool for illustrating both the opportunities and constraints of future ideas and solutions in e-Health. The main challenges for developing and implementing a fully functional process support system concern both technical and organizational/management aspects. © The Author(s) 2015.

History of telescopic observations of the Martian satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascu, D.; Erard, S.; Thuillot, W.; Lainey, V.

2014-11-01

This article intends to review the different studies of the Mars satellites Phobos and Deimos realized by means of ground-based telescopic observations as well in the astrometry and dynamics domain as in the physical one. This study spans the first period of investigations of the Martian satellites since their discovery in 1877 through the astrometry and the spectrometry methods, mainly before the modern period of the space era. It includes also some other observations performed thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope. The different techniques used and the main results obtained for the positionning, the size estimate, the albedo and surface composition are described.

SSME/side loads analysis for flight configuration, revision A. [structural analysis of space shuttle main engine under side load excitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, W.

1974-01-01

This document describes the dynamic loads analysis accomplished for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) considering the side load excitation associated with transient flow separation on the engine bell during ground ignition. The results contained herein pertain only to the flight configuration. A Monte Carlo procedure was employed to select the input variables describing the side load excitation and the loads were statistically combined. This revision includes an active thrust vector control system representation and updated orbiter thrust structure stiffness characteristics. No future revisions are planned but may be necessary as system definition and input parameters change.

[Analysis of genetic models and gene effects on main agronomy characters in rapeseed].

PubMed

Li, J; Qiu, J; Tang, Z; Shen, L

1992-01-01

According to four different genetic models, the genetic patterns of 8 agronomy traits were analysed by using the data of 24 generations which included positive and negative cross of 81008 x Tower, both of the varieties are of good quality. The results showed that none of 8 characters could fit in with additive-dominance models. Epistasis was found in all of these characters, and it has significant effect on generation means. Seed weight/plant and some other main yield characters are controlled by duplicate interaction genes. The interaction between triple genes or multiple genes needs to be utilized in yield heterosis.

Theoretical research program to study chemical reactions in AOTV bow shock tubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, P.

1986-01-01

Progress in the development of computational methods for the characterization of chemical reactions in aerobraking orbit transfer vehicle (AOTV) propulsive flows is reported. Two main areas of code development were undertaken: (1) the implementation of CASSCF (complete active space self-consistent field) and SCF (self-consistent field) analytical first derivatives on the CRAY X-MP; and (2) the installation of the complete set of electronic structure codes on the CRAY 2. In the area of application calculations the main effort was devoted to performing full configuration-interaction calculations and using these results to benchmark other methods. Preprints describing some of the systems studied are included.

A Post-Stardust Mission View of Jupiter Family Comets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, M.

2011-01-01

Before the Stardust Mission, many persons (including the mission team) believed that comet nuclei would be geologically boring objects. Most believed that comet nucleus mineralogy would be close or identical to the chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), or perhaps contain mainly amorphous nebular condensates or that comets might even be composed mainly of preserved presolar material [1]. Amazingly, the results for Comet Wild 2 (a Jupiter class comet) were entirely different. Whether this particular comet will ultimately be shown to be typical or atypical will not be known for a rather long time, so we describe our new view of comets from the rather limited perspective of this single mission.

Main visual symptoms associated to refractive errors and spectacle need in a Brazilian population

PubMed Central

Schellini, Silvana; Ferraz, Fabio; Opromolla, Paula; Oliveira, Laryssa; Padovani, Carlos

2016-01-01

AIM To determine the main visual symptoms in a Brazilian population sample, associated to refractive errors (REs) and spectacle need to suggest priorities in preventive programs. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine counties of the southeast region of Brazil, using a systematic sampling of households, between March 2004 and July 2005. The population was defined as individuals aged between 1 and 96y, inhabitants of 3600 residences to be evaluated and 3012 households were included, corresponding to 8010 subjects considered for participation in the survey, of whom 7654 underwent ophthalmic examinations. The individuals were evaluated according their demographic data, eye complaints and eye examination including the RE and the need to prescribe spectacles according to age. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package and descriptive analysis using 95% confidence intervals (P<0.05). RESULTS The main symptom detected was asthenopia, most frequent in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life, with a significant decline after the 4th decade. Astigmatism was the RE most associated with asthenopia. Reduced near vision sight was more frequent in those ≥40y with a progressive decline thereafter. Spectacles were most frequently required in subjects of ≥40 years of age. CONCLUSION The main symptom related to the vision was asthenopia and was associated to astigmatism. The greatest need for spectacles prescription occurred after 40's, mainly to correct near vision. Subjects of ≥40 years old were determined to be at high risk of uncorrected REs. These observations can guide intervention programs for the Brazilian population. PMID:27990372

Screening for modulators of cisplatin sensitivity: unbiased screens reveal common themes.

PubMed

Nijwening, Jeroen H; Kuiken, Hendrik J; Beijersbergen, Roderick L

2011-02-01

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent to treat a variety of solid tumors. The cytotoxic mode of action of cisplatin is mediated by inducing conformational changes in DNA including intra- and inter-strand crosslink adducts. Recognition of these adducts results in the activation of the DNA damage response resulting in cell cycle arrest, repair, and potentially, apoptosis. Despite the clinical efficacy of cisplatin, many tumors are either intrinsically resistant or acquire resistance during treatment. The identification of cisplatin drug response modulators can help us understand these resistance mechanisms, provide biomarkers for treatment strategies, or provide drug targets for combination therapy. Here we discuss functional genetic screens, including one performed by us, set up to identify genes whose inhibition results in increased sensitivity to cisplatin. In summary, the validated genes identified in these screens mainly operate in DNA damage response including nucleotide excision repair, translesion synthesis, and homologous recombination.

Implant Supported Fixed Restorations versus Implant Supported Removable Overdentures: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Selim, Khaled; Ali, Sherif; Reda, Ahmed

2016-01-01

AIM: The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate and compare implant retained fixed restoration versus implant retained over denture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Search was made in 2 databases including PubMed and PubMed Central. Title and abstract were screened to select studies comparing implant retained fixed restorations versus implant retained removable overdentures. Articles which did not follow the inclusion criteria were excluded. Included papers were then read carefully for a second stage filter, this was followed by manual searching of bibliography of selected articles. RESULTS: The search resulted in 5 included papers. One study evaluated the masticatory function, while the other 4 evaluated the patient satisfaction. Two of them used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as a measurement tool, while the other two used VAS and Categorical Scales (CAT). Stability, ability to chew, ability to clean, ability to speak and esthetics were the main outcomes of the 4 included papers. CONCLUSION: Conflicting results was observed between the fixed and removable restorations. PMID:28028423

77 FR 67391 - Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rules on Public Land in Water Canyon, Humboldt County, NV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-09

... speed limit is proposed because there have been numerous accidents along the main access/canyon road in Zone 1. These accidents have primarily been a result of excess speed due to no posted or enforceable..., or irritant gas device. Motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, all...

A family of BAPTAs for GEO and LEO applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Auer, W.

1989-01-01

The application of a Bearing and Power Transfer Assembly (BAPTA) to a Solar Array Drive for communications satellites is presented. The basic principles which were used as guidelines for design and development are developed and the three main subassemblies are described in detail. The results of vibration qualification and thermal vacuum life tests are included.

Surface Analysis of LDEF Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wightman, J. P. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

The abstract to the M.S. thesis included as appendix to this report contains the details of the research performed under this grant. Presentations and publications resulting from the research are listed as the main content of the report itself. The thesis describes the surface characterization procedures and analysis of materials flown in the NASA Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF).

An Information-Systems Program for the Language Sciences. Final Report on Survey-and-Analysis Stage, 1967-1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, Robert R.; And Others

The main results of the survey-and-analysis stage include a substantial collection of preliminary data on the language-sciences information user community, its professional specialties and information channels, its indexing tools, and its terminologies. The prospects and techniques for the development of a modern, discipline-based information…

[Live style and risk of lifestyle diseases].

PubMed

Kábrt, Jan

2014-01-01

Metabolic syndrome included obesity, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension and disorder of lipid metabolism are serious complication affecting many people of economic advanced countries. Unhealthy live style with limited physical activity and overfeeding are the main cause of this disorder. Adjustment of the live style with regular physical activity has the better result compared with a diet intervention alone.

Response format, magnitude of laterality effects, and sex differences in laterality.

PubMed

Voyer, Daniel; Doyle, Randi A

2012-01-01

The present study examined the evidence for the claim that response format might affect the magnitude of laterality effects by means of a meta-analysis. The analysis included the 396 effect sizes drawn from 266 studies retrieved by Voyer (1996) and relevant to the main effect of laterality and sex differences in laterality for verbal and non-verbal tasks in the auditory, tactile, and visual sensory modality. The response format used in specific studies was the only moderator variable of interest in the present analysis, resulting in four broad response categories (oral, written, computer, and pointing). A meta-analysis analogue to ANOVA showed no significant influence of response format on either the main effect of laterality or sex differences in laterality when all sensory modalities were combined. However, when modalities were considered separately, response format affected the main effect of laterality in the visual modality, with a clear advantage for written responses. Further pointed analyses revealed some specific differences among response formats. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the measurement of laterality.

Towards a phylogenetic generic classification of Thelypteridaceae: Additional sampling suggests alterations of neotropical taxa and further study of paleotropical genera.

PubMed

Almeida, Thaís Elias; Hennequin, Sabine; Schneider, Harald; Smith, Alan R; Batista, João Aguiar Nogueira; Ramalho, Aline Joseph; Proite, Karina; Salino, Alexandre

2016-01-01

Thelypteridaceae is one of the largest fern families, having about 950 species and a cosmopolitan distribution but with most species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. Its generic classification remains controversial, with different authors recognizing from one up to 32 genera. Phylogenetic relationships within the family have not been exhaustively studied, but previous studies have confirmed the monophyly of the lineage. Thus far, sampling has been inadequate for establishing a robust hypothesis of infrafamilial relationships within the family. In order to understand phylogenetic relationships within Thelypteridaceae and thus to improve generic reclassification, we expand the molecular sampling, including new samples of Old World taxa and, especially, many additional neotropical representatives. We also explore the monophyly of exclusively or mostly neotropical genera Amauropelta, Goniopteris, Meniscium, and Steiropteris. Our sampling includes 68 taxa and 134 newly generated sequences from two plastid genomic regions (rps4-trnS and trnL-trnF), plus 73 rps4 and 72 trnL-trnF sequences from GenBank. These data resulted in a concatenated matrix of 1980 molecular characters for 149 taxa. The combined data set was analyzed using maximum parsimony and bayesian inference of phylogeny. Our results are consistent with the general topological structure found in previous studies, including two main lineages within the family: phegopteroid and thelypteroid. The thelypteroid lineage comprises two clades; one of these included the segregates Metathelypteris, Coryphopteris, and Amauropelta (including part of Parathelypteris), whereas the other comprises all segregates of Cyclosorus s.l., such as Goniopteris, Meniscium, and Steiropteris (including Thelypteris polypodioides, previously incertae sedis). The three mainly neotropical segregates were found to be monophyletic but nested in a broadly defined Cyclosorus. The fourth mainly neotropical segregate, Amauropelta, was found to include species considered to be part of Parathelypteris. In Old World thelypteroids, which correspond to nearly half the diversity in the family, an increase in sampling is still needed to resolve relationships and circumscription of genera, particularly in the christelloid clade (i.e., Amphineuron, Chingia, Christella, Pneumatopteris, Pronephrium, and Sphaerostephanos). Based on currently available knowledge, we propose the recognition of 16 genera in the family. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Field campaign on sediment transport behaviour in a pressure main from pumping station to wastewater treatment plant in Berlin.

PubMed

Gunkel, M; Pawlowsky-Reusing, E

2017-05-01

As part of the project KURAS, the Berliner Wasserbetriebe realized a field campaign in 2015 in order to increase the process knowledge regarding the behaviour of transported sediment in the pressure main leading from the pumpstation to the wastewater treatment plant. The field campaign was conducted because of a lack of knowledge about the general condition of the pressure main due to its bad accessibility and the suspicion of deposits caused by hydraulic underload. The practical evidence of the sediment transport performance of this part of the sewer system, dependent on different load cases, should present a basis for further analysis, for example regarding flushing measures. A positive side-effect of the investigation was the description of the amount of pollutants caused by different weather conditions in combined sewer systems and the alterations of the sewage composition due to biogenic processes during transport. The concept included the parallel sampling of the inflow at the pumpstation and the outflow at the end of the pressure main during different weather conditions. By calculating the inflow to the pressure main, as well as its outflow at different flow conditions, it was possible to draw conclusions in regard to the transport behaviour of sediment and the bioprocesses within an 8.5 km section of the pressure main. The results show clearly that the effects of sedimentation and remobilization depend on the flow conditions. The balance of the total suspended solids (TSS) load during daily variations in dry weather shows that the remobilization effect during the run-off peak is not able to compensate for the period of sedimentation happening during the low flow at night. Based on the data for dry weather, an average of 238 kg of TSS deposits in the pressure main remains per day. The remobilization of sediment occurs only due to the abruptly increased delivery rates caused by precipitation events. These high pollution loads lead to a sudden strain at the wastewater treatment plant. It was found that the sediment transport behaviour is characterized by sedimentation up to a flow velocity of 0.35 m/s, while remobilization effects occur above 0.5 m/s. The assumption of bad sediment transport performance in the pressure main was confirmed. Therefore, the results can be used as a basis for further analysis, for example regarding periodical flushing as a means of cleaning the pressure main. The findings, especially regarding the methods and processes, are transferable and can be applied to other pressure mains in combined sewer systems. Besides the outlined evaluation of the sediment transport behaviour of the pressure main, the collected data were used in the project to calibrate a sewer system model, including a water quality model for the catchment area, and as a contribution towards an early physically based sediment transport modelling in InfoWorks CS.

46 CFR 61.20-3 - Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... control for the means of stopping machinery driving forced and induced draft fans, fuel oil transfer pumps..., including fluid control systems. 61.20-3 Section 61.20-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Equipment § 61.20-3 Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems...

46 CFR 61.20-3 - Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... control for the means of stopping machinery driving forced and induced draft fans, fuel oil transfer pumps..., including fluid control systems. 61.20-3 Section 61.20-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Equipment § 61.20-3 Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems...

46 CFR 61.20-3 - Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... control for the means of stopping machinery driving forced and induced draft fans, fuel oil transfer pumps..., including fluid control systems. 61.20-3 Section 61.20-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Equipment § 61.20-3 Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems...

46 CFR 61.20-3 - Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... control for the means of stopping machinery driving forced and induced draft fans, fuel oil transfer pumps..., including fluid control systems. 61.20-3 Section 61.20-3 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND... Equipment § 61.20-3 Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including fluid control systems...

Long-term food-exposure of zebrafish to PCB mixtures mimicking some environmental situations induces ovary pathology and impairs reproduction ability.

PubMed

Daouk, Tarek; Larcher, Thibaut; Roupsard, François; Lyphout, Laura; Rigaud, Cyril; Ledevin, Mireille; Loizeau, Véronique; Cousin, Xavier

2011-10-01

Although the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been banned for several decades, they are still present in the environment and are occasionally mechanically released from sediment or transferred through the trophic chain. Field analyses have established correlations between exposure to PCBs and alterations in fish physiology including reproductive function. Experimental exposures have been mainly performed using dioxin-like PCBs or other congeners at very high concentrations. However, these studies are often difficult to relate to real-life conditions. In the present study, we performed a life-cycle exposure using zebrafish model and mixtures representative of some environmental situations in terms of doses, composition and containing mainly non dioxin-like congeners. Exposure was performed through diet which is the main contamination route in the field. We demonstrated a bioaccumulation of PCBs in males and females as well as a maternal transfer to the eggs. Survival, growth and organ size were similar for all conditions. Several reproductive traits were altered after exposure to a PCB-contaminated diet, including a reduction in the number of fertilized eggs per spawn as well as an increase of the number of poorly fertilized spawns. This latter observation was found irrespective of the sex of contaminated fish. This is related to modifications of ovary histology revealing a decrease of maturing follicles and an increase of atretic follicles in the ovaries of females exposed to PCBs. These results indicate that exposure to PCBs mixtures mimicking some environmental situations, including mainly non dioxin-like congeners, can lead to a dramatic reduction in the number of offspring produced by a female over a lifetime. This is of great concern for wild species living under natural conditions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of climatic indices to analyse viticultural suitability in Extremadura, south-western Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moral, Francisco J.; Rebollo, Francisco J.; Paniagua, Luis L.; García, Abelardo; de Salazar, Enrique Martínez

2016-01-01

Although climate is recognised as one of the main drivers of viticulture success, its main features have not been sufficiently described in many viticultural regions, including Extremadura, which contains one of the largest grapevine-growing areas in Europe. Using climatic data from 80 weather stations located throughout Extremadura, seven bioclimatic indices were calculated to estimate heat accumulation and potential water balance during the growing season and the thermal regime during the ripening of grapes. Differences in some climatic indices were found, and after a multivariate geographic analysis, four groups were delimited containing weather stations with similar climatic features, with variability between groups explained by heat accumulation and tempearture and thermal amplitude during the ripening season. Suitability for cultivation of grapevines without thermal restriction and temperate nights during the ripening period are the main characteristics of the weather stations studied, but spatial variability found in climatic potential denotes the importance of differentiating locations to properly relate the viticultural climate to grape quality factors and the style of wines produced. The climatic features of the four groups are very similar to those described in other viticultural regions, including those in close proximity to Extremadura and others worldwide, but few studies have used broad and updated temporal climate data for computing bioclimatic indices as in this case study. Finally, trends in climate indices were analysed. Results revealed that all groups have experienced warmer growing seasons, driven mainly by changes in minimum temperatures. This fact has numerous potential impacts, including changes in grapevine phenological timing, disruption of balanced composition in grapes (ultimately affecting wine characteristics), alterations in varieties grown and spatial changes in viable winegrape-growing zones.

Norm - contaminated iodine production facilities decommissioning in Turkmenistan: experience and results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gelbutovskiy, Alexander; Cheremisin, Peter; Egorov, Alexander

2013-07-01

This report summarizes the data, including the cost parameters of the former iodine production facilities decommissioning project in Turkmenistan. Before the closure, these facilities were producing the iodine from the underground mineral water by the methods of charcoal adsorption. Balkanabat iodine and Khazar chemical plants' sites remediation, transportation and disposal campaigns main results could be seen. The rehabilitated area covers 47.5 thousand square meters. The remediation equipment main characteristics, technical solutions and rehabilitation operations performed are indicated also. The report shows the types of the waste shipping containers, the quantity and nature of the logistics operations. The project waste turnovermore » is about 2 million ton-kilometers. The problems encountered during the remediation of the Khazar chemical plant site are discussed: undetected waste quantities that were discovered during the operational activities required the additional volume of the disposal facility. The additional repository wall superstructure was designed and erected to accommodate this additional waste. There are data on the volume and characteristics of the NORM waste disposed: 60.4 thousand cu.m. of NORM with total activity 1 439 x 10{sup 9} Bq (38.89 Ci) were disposed at all. This report summarizes the project implementation results, from 2009 to 15.02.2012 (the date of the repository closure and its placement under the controlled supervision), including monitoring results within a year after the repository closure. (authors)« less

Turbokon scientific and production implementation company—25 years of activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favorskii, O. N.; Leont'ev, A. I.; Milman, O. O.

2016-05-01

The main results of studies performed at ZAO Turbokon NPVP in cooperation with leading Russian scientific organizations during 25 years of its activity in the field of development of unique ecologically clean electric power and heat production technologies are described. They include the development and experimental verification using prototypes and full-scale models of highly efficient air-cooled condensers for steam turbines, a high temperature gas steam turbine for stationary and transport power engineering, a nonfuel technology of electric power production using steam turbine installations with a unit power of 4-20 MW at gas-main pipelines and industrial boiler houses and heat stations. The results of efforts in the field of reducing vibroactivity of power equipment for transport installations are given. Basic directions of further research for increasing the efficiency and ecological safety of home power engineering are discussed.

Test results of the highly instrumented Space Shuttle Main Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcconnaughey, H. V.; Leopard, J. L.; Lightfoot, R. M.

1992-01-01

Test results of a highly instrumented Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) are presented. The instrumented engine, when combined with instrumented high pressure turbopumps, contains over 750 special measurements, including flowrates, pressures, temperatures, and strains. To date, two different test series, accounting for a total of sixteen tests and 1,667 seconds, have been conducted with this engine. The first series, which utilized instrumented turbopumps, characterized the internal operating environment of the SSME for a variety of operating conditions. The second series provided system-level validation of a high pressure liquid oxygen turbopump that had been retrofitted with a fluid-film bearing in place of the usual pump-end ball bearings. Major findings from these two test series are highlighted in this paper. In addition, comparisons are made between model predictions and measured test data.

[Subnational analysis of probability of premature mortality caused by four main non-communicable diseases in China during 1990-2015 and " Health China 2030" reduction target].

PubMed

Zeng, X Y; Li, Y C; Liu, S W; Wang, L J; Liu, Y N; Liu, J M; Zhou, M G

2017-03-06

Objective: To investigate the current status, temporal trend and achieving Health China 2030 reduction target of probability of premature mortality caused by four main non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumour, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease in China both at national and provincial level during 1990 to 2015. Methods: Using the results of Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (GBD 2015), according to the method of calculating premature mortality probability recommended by WHO, the current status and temporal trend by different gender from 1990 to 2015 were calculated, analyzed, and compared. Referring to " Health China 2030" target of reduction 30% of probability of premature mortality caused by major NCDs, we evaluated the difficulty of achieving the reduction target among provinces (not including Taiwan). Results: From 1990 to 2015, the probabilities of premature mortality in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumour, and chronic respiratory disease were all declined consistently for both men and women in China, the total of four main NCDs decreased from 30.69% to 18.54% with higher decreasing in women (from 25.97% to 12.40%) than that in men (from 34.94% to 24.19%). In 2015, the top five provinces in terms of probability of premature mortality caused by four main NCDs were Qinghai (28.81%), Tibet (25.88%), Guizhou (24.67%), Guangxi (23.56%), and Xinjiang (23.21%) in turn, while the top five provinces with the lowest probability were Shanghai (8.40%), Beijing (9.39%), Hong Kong (10.10%), Macao (10.31%), and Zhejiang (11.70%). If achieving the " Health China 2030" target, the probabilities of premature mortality in Qinghai and Tibet with the highest probability should decline to about 20.17%, and 18.12%, respectively in 2030, while 5.88%, and 6.57% in Shanghai and Beijing, respectively. From 1990 to 2015, the probability of premature mortality of four main NCDs declined by 2.00% a year on average, the top five provinces with the fastest decline were Beijing (3.48%), Shanghai (3.24%), Zhejiang (2.81%), Fujian (2.75%), and Guangdong (2.67%), and 11 provinces including these five provinces could achieve the " Health China 2030" target by the usual rate of decline, while other 22 provinces could not achieve the target, they need greater rate of decline in order to achieve the target. Conclusion: From 1990 to 2015, the probabilities of premature mortality of four main NCDs were declined consistently in China both at national and provincial level, compared with women, the men had higher probabilities and declined slower, there were significant different in probabilities of premature mortality and their change speed among provinces. Based on the results from 1990 to 2015, there were about two thirds of the provinces, which the task of achieving the Health China 2030 target will be daunting.

[Globalization and infectious diseases].

PubMed

Mirski, Tomasz; Bartoszcze, Michał; Bielawska-Drózd, Agata

2011-01-01

Globalization is a phenomenon characteristic of present times. It can be considered in various aspects: economic, environmental changes, demographic changes, as well as the development of new technologies. All these aspects of globalization have a definite influence on the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Economic aspects ofglobalization are mainly the trade development, including food trade, which has an impact on the spread of food-borne diseases. The environmental changes caused by intensive development of industry, as a result of globalization, which in turn affects human health. The demographic changes are mainly people migration between countries and rural and urban areas, which essentially favors the global spread of many infectious diseases. While technological advances prevents the spread of infections, for example through better access to information, it may also increase the risk, for example through to create opportunities to travel into more world regions, including the endemic regions for various diseases. The phenomenon ofglobalization is also closely associated with the threat of terrorism, including bioterrorism. It forces the governments of many countries to develop effective programs to protect and fight against this threat.

Implications of Earth analogs to Martian sulfate-filled Fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holt, R. M.; Powers, D. W.

2017-12-01

Sulfate-filled fractures in fine-grained sediments on Mars are interpreted to be the result of fluid movement during deep burial. Fractures in the Dewey Lake (aka Quartermaster) Formation of southeastern New Mexico and west Texas are filled with gypsum that is at least partially synsedimentary. Sulfate in the Dewey Lake takes two principal forms: gypsum cement and gypsum (mainly fibrous) that fills fractures ranging from horizontal to vertical. Apertures are mainly mm-scale, though some are > 1 cm. The gypsum is antitaxial, fibrous, commonly approximately perpendicular to the wall rock, and displays suture lines and relics of the wall rock. Direct evidence of synsedimentary, near-surface origin includes gypsum intraclasts, intraclasts that include smaller intraclasts that contain gypsum clasts, intraclasts of gypsum with suture lines, gypsum concentrated in small desiccation cracks, and intraclasts that include fibrous gypsum-filled fractures that terminate at the eroded clast boundary. Dewey Lake fracture fillings suggest that their Martian analogs may also have originated in the shallow subsurface, shortly following the deposition of Martian sediments, in the presence of shallow aquifers.

Non-symmetric approach to single-screw expander and compressor modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziviani, Davide; Groll, Eckhard A.; Braun, James E.; Horton, W. Travis; De Paepe, M.; van den Broek, M.

2017-08-01

Single-screw type volumetric machines are employed both as compressors in refrigeration systems and, more recently, as expanders in organic Rankine cycle (ORC) applications. The single-screw machine is characterized by having a central grooved rotor and two mating toothed starwheels that isolate the working chambers. One of the main features of such machine is related to the simultaneous occurrence of the compression or expansion processes on both sides of the main rotor which results in a more balanced loading on the main shaft bearings with respect to twin-screw machines. However, the meshing between starwheels and main rotor is a critical aspect as it heavily affects the volumetric performance of the machine. To allow flow interactions between the two sides of the rotor, a non-symmetric modelling approach has been established to obtain a more comprehensive model of the single-screw machine. The resulting mechanistic model includes in-chamber governing equations, leakage flow models, heat transfer mechanisms, viscous and mechanical losses. Forces and moments balances are used to estimate the loads on the main shaft bearings as well as on the starwheel bearings. An 11 kWe single-screw expander (SSE) adapted from an air compressor operating with R245fa as working fluid is used to validate the model. A total of 60 steady-steady points at four different rotational speeds have been collected to characterize the performance of the machine. The maximum electrical power output and overall isentropic efficiency measured were 7.31 kW and 51.91%, respectively.

Generalized fluid theory including non-Maxwellian kinetic effects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Izacard, Olivier

The results obtained by the plasma physics community for the validation and the prediction of turbulence and transport in magnetized plasmas come mainly from the use of very central processing unit (CPU)-consuming particle-in-cell or (gyro)kinetic codes which naturally include non-Maxwellian kinetic effects. To date, fluid codes are not considered to be relevant for the description of these kinetic effects. Here, after revisiting the limitations of the current fluid theory developed in the 19th century, we generalize the fluid theory including kinetic effects such as non-Maxwellian super-thermal tails with as few fluid equations as possible. The collisionless and collisional fluid closuresmore » from the nonlinear Landau Fokker–Planck collision operator are shown for an arbitrary collisionality. Indeed, the first fluid models associated with two examples of collisionless fluid closures are obtained by assuming an analytic non-Maxwellian distribution function. One of the main differences with the literature is our analytic representation of the distribution function in the velocity phase space with as few hidden variables as possible thanks to the use of non-orthogonal basis sets. These new non-Maxwellian fluid equations could initiate the next generation of fluid codes including kinetic effects and can be expanded to other scientific disciplines such as astrophysics, condensed matter or hydrodynamics. As a validation test, we perform a numerical simulation based on a minimal reduced INMDF fluid model. The result of this test is the discovery of the origin of particle and heat diffusion. The diffusion is due to the competition between a growing INMDF on short time scales due to spatial gradients and the thermalization on longer time scales. Here, the results shown here could provide the insights to break some of the unsolved puzzles of turbulence.« less

Generalized fluid theory including non-Maxwellian kinetic effects

DOE PAGES

Izacard, Olivier

2017-03-29

The results obtained by the plasma physics community for the validation and the prediction of turbulence and transport in magnetized plasmas come mainly from the use of very central processing unit (CPU)-consuming particle-in-cell or (gyro)kinetic codes which naturally include non-Maxwellian kinetic effects. To date, fluid codes are not considered to be relevant for the description of these kinetic effects. Here, after revisiting the limitations of the current fluid theory developed in the 19th century, we generalize the fluid theory including kinetic effects such as non-Maxwellian super-thermal tails with as few fluid equations as possible. The collisionless and collisional fluid closuresmore » from the nonlinear Landau Fokker–Planck collision operator are shown for an arbitrary collisionality. Indeed, the first fluid models associated with two examples of collisionless fluid closures are obtained by assuming an analytic non-Maxwellian distribution function. One of the main differences with the literature is our analytic representation of the distribution function in the velocity phase space with as few hidden variables as possible thanks to the use of non-orthogonal basis sets. These new non-Maxwellian fluid equations could initiate the next generation of fluid codes including kinetic effects and can be expanded to other scientific disciplines such as astrophysics, condensed matter or hydrodynamics. As a validation test, we perform a numerical simulation based on a minimal reduced INMDF fluid model. The result of this test is the discovery of the origin of particle and heat diffusion. The diffusion is due to the competition between a growing INMDF on short time scales due to spatial gradients and the thermalization on longer time scales. Here, the results shown here could provide the insights to break some of the unsolved puzzles of turbulence.« less

Targeting pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in the United States and Peru: partnership types, contact rates, and sexual role

PubMed Central

Carnegie, Nicole Bohme; Goodreau, Steven M.; Liu, Albert; Vittinghoff, Eric; Sanchez, Jorge; Lama, Javier R.; Buchbinder, Susan

2015-01-01

Background We aim to identify optimal strategies for deploying pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in the US and Peru to maximize population-level effectiveness in an efficient manner. We use epidemic models to simulate the impact of targeting strategies. Most studies have focused on targeting either the general population or high-risk MSM. Alternative strategies, including serodiscordant couples, may better balance effectiveness and efficiency. Methods We use dynamic, stochastic sexual network models based in exponential-family random graph modeling, parameterized from behavioral surveys of MSM in the US and Peru. These models represent main partnerships and casual contacts separately, permitting modeling of interventions targeting men whose risk derives from combinations of relational types. We also model varying rates of uptake and adherence to PrEP. We assess sensitivity of results to risk compensation via increases in condomless casual contacts and condomless sex in main partnerships. Results Targeting all men who are not exclusively insertive has the largest impact on HIV incidence, but targeting only those with high levels of casual activity yields comparable results using fewer person-years on PrEP. The effect is robust to risk compensation in the US, but less so in Peru. Targeting serodiscordant main partnerships does not significantly impact incidence, but requires fewer person-years on PrEP per infection averted than other strategies. Conclusions PrEP could be effective in reducing new infections at the population level in both settings. Serodiscordant partnerships are an attractive component of a targeting program, but targeting should include other high-risk men. PMID:25942463

Limno-reservoirs as a new landscape, environmental and touristic resource: Pareja Limno-reservoir as a case of study (Guadalajara, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Carrión, I.; Sastre-Merlín, A.; Martínez-Pérez, S.; Molina-Navarro, E.; Bienes-Allas, R.

2012-04-01

A limno-reservoir is a hydrologic infrastructure with the main goal of generating a body of water with a constant level in the riverine zone of a reservoir, building a dam that makes de limno-reservoir independent from the main body of water. This dam can be built in the main river supplying the reservoir or any tributary as well flowing into it. Despite its novel conception and design, around a dozen are already operative in some Spanish reservoirs. This infrastructure allows the new water body to be independent of the main reservoir management, so the water level stability is its main distinctive characteristic. It leads to the development of environmental, sports and cultural initiatives; which may be included in a touristic exploitation in a wide sense. An opinion poll was designed in 2009 to be carried out the Pareja Limno-reservoir (Entrepeñas reservoir area, Tajo River Basin, central Spain). The results showed that for both, Pareja inhabitants and occasional visitors, the limno-reservoir has become an important touristic resource, mainly demanded during summer season. The performance of leisure activities (especially swimming) are being the main brand of this novel hydraulic and environmental infrastructure, playing a role as corrective and/or compensatory action which is needed to apply in order to mitigate the environmental impacts of the large hydraulic constructions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belsom, Keith Cletus; McMahan, Kevin Weston; Thomas, Larry Lou

A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine generally includes a main body having an upstream end axially separated from a downstream end. The main body at least partially defines a fuel supply passage that extends through the upstream end and at least partially through the main body. A fuel distribution manifold is disposed at the downstream end of the main body. The fuel distribution manifold includes a plurality of axially extending passages that extend through the fuel distribution manifold. A plurality of fuel injection ports defines a flow path between the fuel supply passage and each of the plurality ofmore » axially extending passages.« less

Properties of inductive reasoning.

PubMed

Heit, E

2000-12-01

This paper reviews the main psychological phenomena of inductive reasoning, covering 25 years of experimental and model-based research, in particular addressing four questions. First, what makes a case or event generalizable to other cases? Second, what makes a set of cases generalizable? Third, what makes a property or predicate projectable? Fourth, how do psychological models of induction address these results? The key results in inductive reasoning are outlined, and several recent models, including a new Bayesian account, are evaluated with respect to these results. In addition, future directions for experimental and model-based work are proposed.

Observed galaxy number counts on the lightcone up to second order: I. Main result

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bertacca, Daniele; Maartens, Roy; Clarkson, Chris, E-mail: daniele.bertacca@gmail.com, E-mail: roy.maartens@gmail.com, E-mail: chris.clarkson@gmail.com

2014-09-01

We present the galaxy number overdensity up to second order in redshift space on cosmological scales for a concordance model. The result contains all general relativistic effects up to second order that arise from observing on the past light cone, including all redshift effects, lensing distortions from convergence and shear, and contributions from velocities, Sachs-Wolfe, integrated SW and time-delay terms. This result will be important for accurate calculation of the bias on estimates of non-Gaussianity and on precision parameter estimates, introduced by nonlinear projection effects.

Improving Allergen Prediction in Main Crops Using a Weighted Integrative Method.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Wang, Jing; Li, Jing

2017-12-01

As a public health problem, food allergy is frequently caused by food allergy proteins, which trigger a type-I hypersensitivity reaction in the immune system of atopic individuals. The food allergens in our daily lives are mainly from crops including rice, wheat, soybean and maize. However, allergens in these main crops are far from fully uncovered. Although some bioinformatics tools or methods predicting the potential allergenicity of proteins have been proposed, each method has their limitation. In this paper, we built a novel algorithm PREAL W , which integrated PREAL, FAO/WHO criteria and motif-based method by a weighted average score, to benefit the advantages of different methods. Our results illustrated PREAL W has better performance significantly in the crops' allergen prediction. This integrative allergen prediction algorithm could be useful for critical food safety matters. The PREAL W could be accessed at http://lilab.life.sjtu.edu.cn:8080/prealw .

Bioinspired locomotion and grasping in water: the soft eight-arm OCTOPUS robot.

PubMed

Cianchetti, M; Calisti, M; Margheri, L; Kuba, M; Laschi, C

2015-05-13

The octopus is an interesting model for the development of soft robotics, due to its high deformability, dexterity and rich behavioural repertoire. To investigate the principles of octopus dexterity, we designed an eight-arm soft robot and evaluated its performance with focused experiments. The OCTOPUS robot presented here is a completely soft robot, which integrates eight arms extending in radial direction and a central body which contains the main processing units. The front arms are mainly used for elongation and grasping, while the others are mainly used for locomotion. The robotic octopus works in water and its buoyancy is close to neutral. The experimental results show that the octopus-inspired robot can walk in water using the same strategy as the animal model, with good performance over different surfaces, including walking through physical constraints. It can grasp objects of different sizes and shapes, thanks to its soft arm materials and conical shape.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the main meal quality index when applied in the UK population.

PubMed

Gorgulho, B M; Pot, G K; Marchioni, D M

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Main Meal Quality Index when applied on the UK population. The indicator was developed to assess meal quality in different populations, and is composed of 10 components: fruit, vegetables (excluding potatoes), ratio of animal protein to total protein, fiber, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, processed meat, sugary beverages and desserts, and energy density, resulting in a score range of 0-100 points. The performance of the indicator was measured using strategies for assessing content validity, construct validity, discriminant validity and reliability, including principal component analysis, linear regression models and Cronbach's alpha. The indicator presented good reliability. The Main Meal Quality Index has been shown to be valid for use as an instrument to evaluate, monitor and compare the quality of meals consumed by adults in the United Kingdom.

Spin Tracking of Polarized Protons in the Main Injector at Fermilab

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiao, M.; Lorenzon, W.; Aldred, C.

2016-07-01

The Main Injector (MI) at Fermilab currently produces high-intensity beams of protons at energies of 120 GeV for a variety of physics experiments. Acceleration of polarized protons in the MI would provide opportunities for a rich spin physics program at Fermilab. To achieve polarized proton beams in the Fermilab accelerator complex, shown in Fig.1.1, detailed spin tracking simulations with realistic parameters based on the existing facility are required. This report presents studies at the MI using a single 4-twist Si-berian snake to determine the depolarizing spin resonances for the relevant synchrotrons. Results will be presented first for a perfect MImore » lattice, followed by a lattice that includes the real MI imperfections, such as the measured magnet field errors and quadrupole misalignments. The tolerances of each of these factors in maintaining polariza-tion in the Main Injector will be discussed.« less

76 FR 32266 - Maine Northern Railway Company-Trackage Rights Exemption-Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, Ltd.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-03

... written trackage rights agreement, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, Ltd. (MMA) has agreed to grant... milepost 109 on MMA's Millinocket Subdivision) and Brownville Junction, Me. (at or about milepost 104.84 on the Mattawamkeag Subdivision of the Eastern Maine Railway (EMR)), including MMA's Brownville Junction...

Solar System Test of Gravitational Theories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, Irwin I.

2003-01-01

We are engaged in testing gravitational theory, mainly using observations of objects in the solar system and mainly on the interplanetary scale. Our goal is either to detect departures from the standard model (general relativity) - if any exist within the level of sensitivity of our data - or to place tighter bounds on such departures. For this project, we have analyzed a combination of observational data with our model of the solar system, including primarily planetary radar ranging, lunar laser ranging, and spacecraft tracking, but also including both pulsar timing and pulsar VLBI measurements. In the past year, we have included new data in the analysis, primarily tracking data from the Mars Pathfinder mission. Although these data are relatively few in number, they extend the time span of high-precision tracking on the surface of Mars from six years to over 20. As a result, the statistical standard deviation of our estimate of Mars precession rate has nearly halved, and the rest of the parameters in our solar-system model have experienced a corresponding, albeit smaller, improvement (about 20% for t,he relevant asteroid masses, 10% for the semimajor axis of Mars orbit, and smaller amounts for most other parameters). In the coming year, we plan to continue adding data to our set, as available. Ne 2 expect to use these data and improved models to obtain estimates of the gravitational- theory parameters and to publish these results.

Can nurse teachers manage student incivility by guided democracy? A grounded theory study.

PubMed

Rad, Mostafa; Karimi Moonaghi, Hossein; Ildarabadi, Eshagh

2017-07-17

Managing incivility in academic settings is among the basic concerns and challenges of most educational systems, including nursing education. Incivility management cannot be considered devoid of disruptive behaviors. However, incivility management is a complexphenomenon upon which few studies are conducted. The present study aims at discovering teachers and students' experiences regarding incivility and developing an approach to manage nursing students' incivility. The present study was conducted based on the qualitative research design of the grounded theory methodology. This study was conducted at schools of nursing in academic settings in Iran. Study participants in the present study include nurse teachers (N=20) and nursing students (N=9). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted using theoretical and purposive sampling. Constant comparative analysis was used for data analysis. The results include four main categories; (1) deterioration of learning; (2) dominant individual and organisational culture; (3) guided democracy; and (4) movement toward professionalism. Guided democracy is recognised as the main basic psychosocial process for incivility management. Incivility management is pursued to help learners develop professional performance. As indicated by the results of the present study, guided democracy is an effective strategy for incivility management in nursing education. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Optimization of the Multi-Spectral Euclidean Distance Calculation for FPGA-based Spaceborne Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cristo, Alejandro; Fisher, Kevin; Perez, Rosa M.; Martinez, Pablo; Gualtieri, Anthony J.

2012-01-01

Due to the high quantity of operations that spaceborne processing systems must carry out in space, new methodologies and techniques are being presented as good alternatives in order to free the main processor from work and improve the overall performance. These include the development of ancillary dedicated hardware circuits that carry out the more redundant and computationally expensive operations in a faster way, leaving the main processor free to carry out other tasks while waiting for the result. One of these devices is SpaceCube, a FPGA-based system designed by NASA. The opportunity to use FPGA reconfigurable architectures in space allows not only the optimization of the mission operations with hardware-level solutions, but also the ability to create new and improved versions of the circuits, including error corrections, once the satellite is already in orbit. In this work, we propose the optimization of a common operation in remote sensing: the Multi-Spectral Euclidean Distance calculation. For that, two different hardware architectures have been designed and implemented in a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA, the same model of FPGAs used by SpaceCube. Previous results have shown that the communications between the embedded processor and the circuit create a bottleneck that affects the overall performance in a negative way. In order to avoid this, advanced methods including memory sharing, Native Port Interface (NPI) connections and Data Burst Transfers have been used.

Etiology and microbial patterns of pulmonary infiltrates in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation.

PubMed

Torres, A; Ewig, S; Insausti, J; Guergué, J M; Xaubet, A; Mas, A; Salmeron, J M

2000-02-01

To evaluate the etiology and microbial patterns of pulmonary infiltrates in liver transplant patients using a bronchoscopic diagnostic approach and the impact of diagnostic results on antimicrobial treatment decisions. A prospective cohort study. A 1,000-bed tertiary-care university hospital. Fifty consecutive liver transplant patients with 60 episodes of pulmonary infiltrates (33 episodes during mechanical ventilation) were studied using flexible bronchoscopy with protected specimen brush (PSB) and BAL. A definite infectious etiology was confirmed in 29 episodes (48%). Eighteen episodes corresponded to probable pneumonia (30%), 10 episodes had noninfectious etiologies (17%), and 3 remained undetermined (5%). Opportunistic infections were the most frequent etiology (16/29, 55%, including 1 mixed etiology). Bacterial infections (mainly Gram-negative) accounted for 14 of 29 episodes (48%), including 1 of mixed etiology. The majority of bacterial pneumonia episodes (n = 10, 71%) occurred in period 1 (1 to 28 days posttransplant) during mechanical ventilation, whereas opportunistic episodes were predominant in periods 2 and 3 (29 to 180 days and > 180 days posttransplant, respectively; n = 14, 82%). Microbial treatment was changed according to diagnostic results in 21 episodes (35%). Microbial patterns in liver transplant patients with pulmonary infiltrates corresponded to nosocomial, mainly Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia in period 1, and to opportunistic infections in period 2 and, to a lesser extent, period 3. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation including PSB and BAL fluid examination frequently guided specific antimicrobial therapy.

Specialty fibers for fiber optic sensor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, K.; Koh, J.; Coon, J.; Chien, C. K.; Artuso, A.; Chen, X.; Nolan, D.; Li, M.-J.

2007-09-01

Over the last several years, Fiber Optic Sensor (FOS) applications have seen an increased acceptance in many areas including oil & gas production monitoring, gyroscopes, current sensors, structural sensing and monitoring, and aerospace applications. High level optical and mechanical reliability of optical fiber is necessary to guarantee reliable performance of FOS. In this paper, we review recent research and development activities on new specialty fibers. We discuss fiber design concepts and present both modeling and experimental results. The main approaches to enhancing fiber attributes include new index profile design and fiber coating modification.

Selected bibliography of NACA-NASA aircraft icing publications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinmann, J. J. (Compiler)

1981-01-01

A summary of NACA-NASA icing research from 1940 to 1962 is presented. It includes: the main results of the NACA icing program from 1940 to 1950; a selected bibliography of 132 NACA-NASA aircraft icing publications; a technical summary of each document cited in the selected bibliography; and a microfiche copy of each document cited in the selected bibliography.

HIV, Art, a Journey Toward Healing: One Man's Story

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kellman, Julia

2005-01-01

This paper includes two main narrative strands--one personal and the other the result of the author's research with Joe, a member of an art class for people with HIV/AIDS in a local hospital. Both stories, Joe's and the author's, probe the mystery of disease, expression, and the search for coherence. The author's research and Joe's story weave…

Why Bother about Writing a Masters Dissertation? Assumptions of Faculty and Masters Students in an Iranian Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hasrati, Mostafa

2013-01-01

This article reports the results of a mixed methodology analysis of the assumptions of academic staff and Masters students in an Iranian university regarding various aspects of the assessment of the Masters degree thesis, including the main objective for writing the thesis, the role of the students, supervisors and advisors in writing the…

Quality Assurance and Risk Management: A Survey of Dental Schools and Recommendations for Integrated Program Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredekind, Richard E.; Cuny, Eve J.; Nadershahi, Nader A.

2002-01-01

Surveyed U.S. and Canadian dental schools about integration of quality assurance (QA) and risk management (RM) and what mechanisms have been most effective in measuring accomplishments. Main findings included that a majority of schools had a written QA program and committee and many reported significant changes resulting from the program; over…

Assessment of Non-English Speaking Students in Rhode Island. Final Summary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhode Island Univ., Kingston. Curriculum Research and Development Center.

In 1979, Rhode Island legislators mandated an assessment of the number of non English speaking children in the State. The resulting study was comprised of two main phases. The first, a census of non English speaking students, included (1) a teacher survey, in which every teacher listed his/her students and indicated an observed primary language…

Modeling of Economy Considering Crisis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, Lev F.

2009-09-01

We discuss main modeling's problems of economy dynamic processes and the reason forecast's absence of economic crisis. We present a structure of complexity level of system and models and discuss expected results concerning crisis phenomena. We formulate the basic perspective directions of the mathematical modeling of economy, including possibility of the analysis of the pre crisis, crisis and post crisis phenomena in economic systems.

Some recent progress in classical general relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finster, Felix; Smoller, Joel; Yau, Shing-Tung

2000-06-01

In this short survey paper, we shall discuss certain recent results in classical gravity. Our main attention will be restricted to two topics in which we have been involved; the positive mass conjecture and its extensions to the case with horizons, including the Penrose conjecture (Part I), and the interaction of gravity with other force fields and quantum-mechanical particles (Part II).

State Involvement in School Restructuring Under No Child Left behind in the 2004-2005 School Year. ECS Policy Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiBiase, Rebecca Wolf

2005-01-01

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was passed with a promise to "change the culture of America's schools." A focus on accountability for results is among its main vehicles for transformation, including the requirement that significant action be taken in schools and districts that continue to underperform academically. Toward that end, NCLB…

Health Project Management. A Manual of Procedures for Formulating and Implementing Health Projects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bainbridge, J.; Sapirie, S.

The manual presents 16 main steps for health project management, from project formulation through termination. The manual defines a health project as a temporary intensive effort to set up and put into operation a new or revised service that will result in the reduction of specific health or health-related problems. (Typical examples include the…

Childhood Fears among Children Who Are Blind: The Perspective of Teachers Who Are Blind

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Zboon, Eman

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate childhood fears in children who are blind from the perspective of teachers who are blind. The study was conducted in Jordan. Forty-six teachers were interviewed. Results revealed that the main fear content in children who are blind includes fear of the unknown; environment-, transportation- and…

E-Learning Teacher Training Courses for Differentiated Instruction in Multicultural Classrooms: Reflections upon the Participants' Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimitriadou, Catherine; Nari, Eirini; Palaiologou, Nektaria

2012-01-01

The focus and purpose of this paper is to present an e-learning teacher training course, including its aims and main results from teachers' interviews. The case study presented here examines the effectiveness of an in-service training seminar which was targeted toward teachers at multicultural schools. It concerns qualitative research that…

Luminescence nanothermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaque, Daniel; Vetrone, Fiorenzo

2012-07-01

The current status of luminescence nanothermometry is reviewed in detail. Based on the main parameters of luminescence including intensity, bandwidth, bandshape, polarization, spectral shift and lifetime, we initially describe and compare the different classes of luminescence nanothermometry. Subsequently, the various luminescent materials used in each case are discussed and the mechanisms at the root of the luminescence thermal sensitivity are described. The most important results obtained in each case are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed.The current status of luminescence nanothermometry is reviewed in detail. Based on the main parameters of luminescence including intensity, bandwidth, bandshape, polarization, spectral shift and lifetime, we initially describe and compare the different classes of luminescence nanothermometry. Subsequently, the various luminescent materials used in each case are discussed and the mechanisms at the root of the luminescence thermal sensitivity are described. The most important results obtained in each case are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed. This work was supported by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (Project S2009/MAT-1756), by the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (MAT2010-16161) and by Caja Madrid Foundation.

Numerical modelling of channel processes and analysis of possible channel improvement measures on the Lena River near city Yakutsk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krylenko, Inna; Belikov, Vitaly; Zavadskii, Aleksander; Borisova, Natalya; Golovlyov, Pavel; Rumyantsev, Alexey

2017-04-01

City Yakutsk (administrative, culture and industrial center of the North East of Russia) situated on the left bank of large Russian river Lena last decades has faced with many problems, concerning intensive channel processes. Most dramatic among them are sediment accumulation near main water intake structure, supplying city Yakutsk by the drinking water, and deterioration in conditions of the navigation roots to the main city ports. Hydrodynamic modelling has been chosen as the main tool for analyses of the modern tendencies in channel processes and for the evaluation of possible channel improvement measures efficiency. STREAM_2D program complex (authors V. Belikov et al.), which is based on the numerical solution of two-dimensional Saint-Venant equations on a hybrid curvilinear quadrangular and rectangular mesh and take into account sediment transport, was used for the simulations. Detailed field data about water regime of the Lena river, bathymetry of the channels and topography of the floodplains was collected for model developing. Model area has covered 75 km of the Lena river valley including branched channels and wide floodplain from Tabaga to Kangalassy gauge cites. Data of these stations were used for model boundary conditions assigning. Data of gauge station city Yakutsk as well as measured during field campaign water levels and flow velocities was taken into account for model calibration and validation. Results of modelling has demonstrated close correspondence with observed water levels and discharges distribution between channel branches for different hydrological situations. Different combinations of hydrographs of 1, 10, 50% exceedance probability was used as input for modelling of channel deformations. Simulation results has shown that in future 10 years aligning of water discharges distribution between main Lena river branches near Yakutsk is possible, that is a positive tendency from the point of view of water supply of the city. More than 15 variants of channel improvement measures, including different dam constructions, river bed dredging, closing of some river branches were considered and included into modelling scenarios. Analyses of results of modelling has allowed to reveal, that more expensive big dams which are partitioning off a part the main channel are not so effective, because their construction lead to significant increasing of flow velocities and corresponding increasing in sediment transport. Local channel regulations measures (small dam at Ponomarev island near Yakutsk and bed dredging) can give some effect in a few years due to formation of the new line of the depths maximum near water intake structure and Yakutsk port. For improving of the navigation conditions near Ghatay port closing of the small channel branch Ghataiskaya can be effective.

Game theory based models to analyze water conflicts in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China.

PubMed

Wei, Shouke; Yang, Hong; Abbaspour, Karim; Mousavi, Jamshid; Gnauck, Albrecht

2010-04-01

This study applied game theory based models to analyze and solve water conflicts concerning water allocation and nitrogen reduction in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China. The game simulation comprised two levels, including one main game with five players and four sub-games with each containing three sub-players. We used statistical and econometric regression methods to formulate payoff functions of the players, economic valuation methods (EVMs) to transform non-monetary value into economic one, cost-benefit Analysis (CBA) to compare the game outcomes, and scenario analysis to investigate the future uncertainties. The validity of game simulation was evaluated by comparing predictions with observations. The main results proved that cooperation would make the players collectively better off, though some player would face losses. However, players were not willing to cooperate, which would result in a prisoners' dilemma. Scenarios simulation results displayed that players in water scare area could not solve its severe water deficit problem without cooperation with other players even under an optimistic scenario, while the uncertainty of cooperation would come from the main polluters. The results suggest a need to design a mechanism to reduce the risk of losses of those players by a side payment, which provides them with economic incentives to cooperate. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Importance of proximity to resources, social support, transportation and neighborhood security for mobility and social participation in older adults: results from a scoping study.

PubMed

Levasseur, Mélanie; Généreux, Mélissa; Bruneau, Jean-François; Vanasse, Alain; Chabot, Éric; Beaulac, Claude; Bédard, Marie-Michèle

2015-05-23

Since mobility and social participation are key determinants of health and quality of life, it is important to identify factors associated with them. Although several investigations have been conducted on the neighborhood environment, mobility and social participation, there is no clear integration of the results. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding regarding how the neighborhood environment is associated with mobility and social participation in older adults. A rigorous methodological scoping study framework was used to search nine databases from different fields with fifty-one keywords. Data were exhaustively analyzed, organized and synthesized according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by two research assistants following PRISMA guidelines, and results were validated with knowledge users. The majority of the 50 selected articles report results of cross-sectional studies (29; 58%), mainly conducted in the US (24; 48%) or Canada (15; 30%). Studies mostly focused on neighborhood environment associations with mobility (39; 78%), social participation (19; 38%), and occasionally both (11; 22%). Neighborhood attributes considered were mainly 'Pro ducts and technology' (43; 86) and 'Services, systems and policies' (37; 74%), but also 'Natural and human-made changes' (27; 54%) and 'Support and relationships' (21; 42%). Mobility and social participation were both positively associated with Proximity to resources and recreational facilities, Social support, Having a car or driver's license, Public transportation and Neighborhood security, and negatively associated with Poor user-friendliness of the walking environment and Neighborhood insecurity. Attributes of the neighborhood environment not covered by previous research on mobility and social participation mainly concerned 'Attitudes', and 'Services, systems and policies'. Results from this comprehensive synthesis of empirical studies on associations of the neighborhood environment with mobility and social participation will ultimately support best practices, decisions and the development of innovative inclusive public health interventions including clear guidelines for the creation of age-supportive environments. To foster mobility and social participation, these interventions must consider Proximity to resources and to recreational facilities, Social support, Transportation, Neighborhood security and User-friendliness of the walking environment. Future studies should include both mobility and social participation, and investigate how they are associated with 'Attitudes', and 'Services, systems and policies' in older adults, including disadvantaged older adults.

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

López-Ortiz, Citlali; Gladden, Kim; Deon, Laura; Schmidt, Jennifer; Girolami, Gay; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah

2012-02-01

Objective : This pilot study aimed to examine a classical ballet program created for children with cerebral palsy (CP) as an emerging physical rehabilitation modality. The main program goals were to promote participation and to provide an artistic, physically therapeutic activity. Methods : The study was conducted in collaboration with a tertiary rehabilitation hospital, one outpatient physical therapy clinic, and one community center. As a pilot exploratory study, the research design included questionnaires to assess the participants' (children ( n  = 16), parents ( n  = 16), and therapists ( n  = 13)) perceptions on the therapeutic benefit of the dance program. A binomial statistical model was adopted for the analysis of the results. Results : Main results were that the children reported high enjoyment level ( p  < .0001) and desire for more classes (.0001); the parents reported perceived therapeutic benefit ( p  < .0001); and the therapists viewed the class as a positive adjunct to therapy ( p  < .0001). Conclusions : The main limitation of this work was the utilization of subjective outcome measures. However, this is the first step toward the development of objective measures of an intervention that, to our knowledge, has not been analyzed in the past. We conclude that the program has the potential of developing into an evidence based rehabilitation resource for children with CP.

Recent changes of rice heat stress in Jiangxi province, southeast China.

PubMed

Huang, Jin; Zhang, Fangmin; Xue, Yan; Lin, Jie

2017-04-01

Around the intensity, frequency, duration, accumulated temperature, and even extremes of high-temperature events, nine selected temperature-related indices were used to explore the space and time changes of rice heat stress in Jiangxi province, southeast China. Several statistical methods including Mann-Kendall trend test (M-K test) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in this study, and main results were listed as follows: (1) The changes in the intensity indices for high-temperature events were more significant, it was mainly embodied in that more than 80 % of stations had positive trends. (2) R-mode PCA was applied to the multiannual average values of nine selected indices of whole stations, and the results showed that the higher hazard for rice heat stress could be mainly detected in the middle and northeast area of Jiangxi. (3) S-mode PCA was applied to the integrated heat stress index series, and the results demonstrated that Jiangxi could be divided into four sub-regions with different variability in rice heat stress. However, all the sub-regions are dominated by increasing tendencies in rice heat stress since 1990. (4) Further analysis indicated that the western north Pacific sub-tropical high (WPSH) had the significant dominant influence on the rice heat stress in Jiangxi province.

Hierarchical Synthesis of Coastal Ecosystem Health Indicators at Karimunjawa National Marine Park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danu Prasetya, Johan; Ambariyanto; Supriharyono; Purwanti, Frida

2018-02-01

The coastal ecosystem of Karimunjawa National Marine Park (KNMP) is facing various pressures, including from human activity. Monitoring the health condition of coastal ecosystems periodically is needed as an evaluation of the ecosystem condition. Systematic and consistent indicators are needed in monitoring of coastal ecosystem health. This paper presents hierarchical synthesis of coastal ecosystem health indicators using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Hierarchical synthesis is obtained from process of weighting by paired comparison based on expert judgments. The variables of coastal ecosystem health indicators in this synthesis consist of 3 level of variable, i.e. main variable, sub-variable and operational variable. As a result of assessment, coastal ecosystem health indicators consist of 3 main variables, i.e. State of Ecosystem, Pressure and Management. Main variables State of Ecosystem and Management obtain the same value i.e. 0.400, while Pressure value was 0.200. Each main variable consist of several sub-variable, i.e. coral reef, reef fish, mangrove and seagrass for State of Ecosystem; fisheries and marine tourism activity for Pressure; planning and regulation, institutional and also infrastructure and financing for Management. The highest value of sub-variable of main variable State of Ecosystem, Pressure and Management were coral reef (0.186); marine tourism pressure (0.133) and institutional (0.171), respectively. The highest value of operational variable of main variable State of Ecosystem, Pressure and Management were percent of coral cover (0.058), marine tourism pressure (0.133) and presence of zonation plan, regulation also socialization of monitoring program (0.53), respectively. Potential pressure from marine tourism activity is the variable that most affect the health of the ecosystem. The results of this research suggest that there is a need to develop stronger conservation strategies to facing with pressures from marine tourism activities.

Vibration analysis in reciprocating compressors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kacani, V.

2017-08-01

This paper presents the influence of modelling on the mechanical natural frequencies, the effect of inertia loads on the structure vibration, the impact of the crank gear damping on speed fluctuation to ensure a safe operation and increasing the reliability of reciprocating compressors. In this paper it is shown, that conventional way of modelling is not sufficient. For best results it is required to include the whole system (bare block, frame, coupling, main driver, vessels, pipe work, etc.) in the model (see results in Table 1).

Development of a system to measure local measurement conditions around textile electrodes.

PubMed

Kim, Saim; Oliveira, Joana; Roethlingshoefer, Lisa; Leonhard, Steffen

2010-01-01

The three main influence factors on the interface between textile electrode an skin are: temperature, contact pressure and relative humidity. This paper presents first results of a prototype, which measures these local measurement conditions around textile electrodes. The wearable prototype is a data acquisition system based on a microcontroller with a flexible sensor sleeve. Validation measurements included variation of ambient temperature, contact pressures and sleeve material. Results show a good correlation with data found in literature.

Wireless pilot monitoring system for extreme race conditions.

PubMed

Pino, Esteban J; Arias, Diego E; Aqueveque, Pablo; Melin, Pedro; Curtis, Dorothy W

2012-01-01

This paper presents the design and implementation of an assistive device to monitor car drivers under extreme conditions. In particular, this system is designed in preparation for the 2012 Atacama Solar Challenge to be held in the Chilean desert. Actual preliminary results show the feasibility of such a project including physiological and ambient sensors, real-time processing algorithms, wireless data transmission and a remote monitoring station. Implementation details and field results are shown along with a discussion of the main problems found in real-life telemetry monitoring.

Communication and perception of uncertainty via graphics in disciplinary and interdisciplinary climate change research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lackner, Bettina C.; Kirchengast, Gottfried

2015-04-01

Besides written and spoken language, graphical displays play an important role in communicating scientific findings or explaining scientific methods, both within one and between various disciplines. Uncertainties and probabilities are generally difficult to communicate, especially via graphics. Graphics including uncertainty sometimes need detailed written or oral descriptions to be understood. "Good" graphics should ease scientific communication, especially amongst different disciplines. One key objective of the Doctoral Programme "Climate Change: Uncertainties, Thresholds and Coping Strategies" (http://dk-climate-change.uni-graz.at/en/), located at the University of Graz, is to reach a better understanding of climate change uncertainties by bridging research in multiple disciplines, including physical climate sciences, geosciences, systems and sustainability sciences, environmental economics, and climate ethics. This asks for efforts into the formulation of a "common language", not only as to words, but also as to graphics. The focus of this work is on two topics: (1) What different kinds of uncertainties (e.g., data uncertainty, model uncertainty) are included in the graphics of the recent IPCC reports of all three working groups (WGs) and in what ways do uncertainties get illustrated? (2) How are these graphically displayed uncertainties perceived by researchers of a similar research discipline and from researchers of different disciplines than the authors of the graphics? To answer the first question, the IPCC graphics including uncertainties are grouped and analyzed with respect to different kinds of uncertainties to filter out most of the commonly used types of displays. The graphics will also be analyzed with respect to their WG origin, as we assume that graphics from researchers rooted in, e.g., physical climate sciences and geosciences (mainly IPCC WG 1) differ from those of researchers rooted in, e.g., economics or system sciences (mainly WG 3). In a subsequent analysis, some basic types of graphics displaying uncertainty are selected to serve as input for the construction of "makeshift graphics" (displaying only the main features but including no detailed title or caption). These makeshift graphics are then used to assess how the displayed features are perceived and understood by researchers of various disciplines. In this initial study, this analysis will be based on results of a workshop including the wide diversity of researchers within the FWF-DK Climate Change. We will present first results of this work.

Preliminary study for understanding the moderating role of government regulations in telecom sector of Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tariq, Beenish; Mat, Nik Kamariah Nik

2017-10-01

Telecommunication sector of Pakistan is a significant contributor toward the economic development of Pakistan. However, telecommunication sector of Pakistan underwent a lot of changes from regulatory and marketing perspective in 2015, resulting in decreased cellular penetration, dropped down the cellular subscribers and decreased telecommunication revenue. Hence, this research paper is designed to validate the constructs used in addressing the moderating role of government regulations based on Oliver's four-stage loyalty model in telecom sector of Pakistan. This preliminary study has mainly employed the quantitative method (i.e. survey questionnaire), consisting of a total of 72 items related to eight constructs under study and used 7 points Likert scale. The main analysis method used is the reliability test of the constructs. The results reveal that the Cronbach alpha readings were between 0.756 and 0.932, indicating internally consistent and reliable measures of the constructs used. This result enables the constructs to be included in the actual data collection without change.

Velocimetry with refractive index matching for complex flow configurations, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, B. E.; Vafidis, C.; Whitelaw, J. H.

1987-01-01

The feasibility of obtaining detailed velocity field measurements in large Reynolds number flow of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) main injector bowl was demonstrated using laser velocimetry and the developed refractive-index-matching technique. An experimental system to provide appropriate flow rates and temperature control of refractive-index-matching fluid was designed and tested. Test results are presented to establish the feasibility of obtaining accurate velocity measurements that map the entire field including the flow through the LOX post bundles: sample mean velocity, turbulence intensity, and spectral results are presented. The results indicate that a suitable fluid and control system is feasible for the representation of complex rocket-engine configurations and that measurements of velocity characteristics can be obtained without the optical access restrictions normally associated with laser velocimetry. The refractive-index-matching technique considered needs to be further developed and extended to represent other rocket-engine flows where current methods either cannot measure with adequate accuracy or they fail.

On the comparison of stochastic model predictive control strategies applied to a hydrogen-based microgrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velarde, P.; Valverde, L.; Maestre, J. M.; Ocampo-Martinez, C.; Bordons, C.

2017-03-01

In this paper, a performance comparison among three well-known stochastic model predictive control approaches, namely, multi-scenario, tree-based, and chance-constrained model predictive control is presented. To this end, three predictive controllers have been designed and implemented in a real renewable-hydrogen-based microgrid. The experimental set-up includes a PEM electrolyzer, lead-acid batteries, and a PEM fuel cell as main equipment. The real experimental results show significant differences from the plant components, mainly in terms of use of energy, for each implemented technique. Effectiveness, performance, advantages, and disadvantages of these techniques are extensively discussed and analyzed to give some valid criteria when selecting an appropriate stochastic predictive controller.

Transition Crossing in the Main Injector for PIP-II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ainsworth, R.; Chaurize, S.; Kourbanis, I.

2017-05-01

Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) [1] is Fermilab’s plan for providing powerful, high-intensity proton beams to the laboratory’s experiments. PIP II will include upgrades to the Booster, Recycler and Main Injector which will be required to accelerate 50% more beam as well as increasing the Booster repetition rate from 15 to 20 Hz. To accommodate the faster rate, the momentum separation of the slip stacking beams in the Recycler must increase which will result in in larger longitudinal emittance bunches in MI. In order to cross transition without losses, it is expected a gamma-t jump will be needed. Gamma-t jump schemesmore » for the MI are investigated.« less

Second-moment equality and the structural chemistry of the main-group intermetallic compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, S.

1991-01-02

The authors determine electron counting rules for ZA{sub 2{minus}x}B{sub x} compounds, where Z is an electropositive atoms and A and B are main-group atoms. These rules are derived from a Huckel-type theory. Agreement between theory and experiment for all the major ZA{sub 2{minus}x}B{sub x} families, which include the MgCu{sub 2}, MoSi{sub 2}, CeCd{sub 2}, CeCu{sub 2}, MgAgAs, CaIn{sub 2}, AlB{sub 2}, ThSi{sub 2}, and Cu{sub 2}Sb structure types, is excellent. The results are interpreted by use of the method of moments.

Transition Crossing in the Main Injector for PIP-II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ainsworth, R.; Chaurize, S.; Kourbanis, I.

2017-01-01

Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) is Fermilab’s plan for providing powerful, high-intensity proton beams to the laboratory’s experiments. PIP II will include upgrades to the Booster, Recycler and Main Injector which will be required to accelerate 50% more beam as well as increasing the Booster repetition rate from 15 to 20 Hz. To accommodate the faster rate, the momentum separation of the slip stacking beams in the Recycler must increase which will result in in larger longitudinal emittance bunches in MI. In order to cross transition without losses, it is expected a gammat jump will be needed. Gamma-t jump schemes formore » the MI are investigated« less

Psychiatric Discharge Process

PubMed Central

Alghzawi, Hamzah M.

2012-01-01

Background. Integration of research evidence into clinical nursing practice is essential for the delivery of high-quality nursing care. Discharge planning is an essential process in psychiatric nursing field, in order to prevent recurrent readmission to psychiatric units. Objective. The purpose of this paper is to perform literature overview on psychiatric discharge planning, in order to develop evidence-based practice guideline of psychiatric discharge plan. Methods. A search of electronic databases was conducted. The search process aimed to locate different levels of evidence. Inclusion criteria were studies including outcomes related to prevention of readmission as stability in the community, studies investigating the discharge planning process in acute psychiatric wards, and studies that included factors that impede discharge planning and factors that aid timely discharge. On the other hand, exclusion criteria were studies in which discharge planning was discussed as part of a multi faceted intervention and was not the main focus of the review. Result. Studies met inclusion criteria were mainly literature reviews, consensus statements, and descriptive studies. All of these studies are considered at the lower levels of evidence. Conclusion. This review demonstrated that discharge planning based on general principles (evidence based principles) should be applied during psychiatric discharge planning to make this discharge more effective. Depending on this review, it could be concluded that effective discharge planning includes main three stages; initial discharge meeting, regular discharge meeting(s), and leaving from hospital and discharge day. Each stage of them has requirements should be accomplished be go to the next stage. PMID:23762767

OARSI Clinical Trials Recommendations: Design and conduct of clinical trials of rehabilitation interventions for osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, G K; Hinman, R S; Zeni, J; Risberg, M A; Snyder-Mackler, L; Bennell, K L

2015-05-01

A Task Force of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) has previously published a set of guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials in osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee. Limited material available on clinical trials of rehabilitation in people with OA has prompted OARSI to establish a separate Task Force to elaborate guidelines encompassing special issues relating to rehabilitation of OA. The Task Force identified three main categories of rehabilitation clinical trials. The categories included non-operative rehabilitation trials, post-operative rehabilitation trials, and trials examining the effectiveness of devices (e.g., assistive devices, bracing, physical agents, electrical stimulation, etc.) that are used in rehabilitation of people with OA. In addition, the Task Force identified two main categories of outcomes in rehabilitation clinical trials, which include outcomes related to symptoms and function, and outcomes related to disease modification. The guidelines for rehabilitation clinical trials provided in this report encompass these main categories. The report provides guidelines for conducting and reporting on randomized clinical trials. The topics include considerations for entering patients into trials, issues related to conducting trials, considerations for selecting outcome measures, and recommendations for statistical analyses and reporting of results. The focus of the report is on rehabilitation trials for hip, knee and hand OA, however, we believe the content is broad enough that it could be applied to rehabilitation trials for other regions as well. Copyright © 2015 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blend lines in the polarized spectrum of the Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sowmya, K.; Nagendra, K. N.; Sampoorna, M.

2012-07-01

Blend lines form an integral part of the theoretical analysis and modelling of the polarized spectrum of the Sun. Their interaction with other spectral lines needs to be explored and understood before we can properly use the main spectral lines to diagnose the Sun. They are known to cause a decrease in the polarization in the wings of the main line on which they superpose, or in the polarization of the continuum, when they are assumed to be formed either under the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions or when their intrinsic polarizability factor is zero. In this paper, we describe the theoretical framework to include the blend lines formed under non-LTE conditions, in the radiative transfer equation, and the numerical techniques to solve it. The properties of a blend line having an intrinsic polarization of its own and its interaction with the main line are discussed. The results of our analysis show that the influence of the blend lines on the main spectral lines, though small in the present context, is important and needs to be considered when interpreting the polarized spectral lines in the second solar spectrum.

Net Improvement of Correct Answers to Therapy Questions After PubMed Searches: Pre/Post Comparison

PubMed Central

Keepanasseril, Arun

2013-01-01

Background Clinicians search PubMed for answers to clinical questions although it is time consuming and not always successful. Objective To determine if PubMed used with its Clinical Queries feature to filter results based on study quality would improve search success (more correct answers to clinical questions related to therapy). Methods We invited 528 primary care physicians to participate, 143 (27.1%) consented, and 111 (21.0% of the total and 77.6% of those who consented) completed the study. Participants answered 14 yes/no therapy questions and were given 4 of these (2 originally answered correctly and 2 originally answered incorrectly) to search using either the PubMed main screen or PubMed Clinical Queries narrow therapy filter via a purpose-built system with identical search screens. Participants also picked 3 of the first 20 retrieved citations that best addressed each question. They were then asked to re-answer the original 14 questions. Results We found no statistically significant differences in the rates of correct or incorrect answers using the PubMed main screen or PubMed Clinical Queries. The rate of correct answers increased from 50.0% to 61.4% (95% CI 55.0%-67.8%) for the PubMed main screen searches and from 50.0% to 59.1% (95% CI 52.6%-65.6%) for Clinical Queries searches. These net absolute increases of 11.4% and 9.1%, respectively, included previously correct answers changing to incorrect at a rate of 9.5% (95% CI 5.6%-13.4%) for PubMed main screen searches and 9.1% (95% CI 5.3%-12.9%) for Clinical Queries searches, combined with increases in the rate of being correct of 20.5% (95% CI 15.2%-25.8%) for PubMed main screen searches and 17.7% (95% CI 12.7%-22.7%) for Clinical Queries searches. Conclusions PubMed can assist clinicians answering clinical questions with an approximately 10% absolute rate of improvement in correct answers. This small increase includes more correct answers partially offset by a decrease in previously correct answers. PMID:24217329

Application of a wind-wave-current coupled model in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean sea), for wind energy purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

María Palomares, Ana; Navarro, Jorge; Grifoll, Manel; Pallares, Elena; Espino, Manuel

2016-04-01

This work shows the main results of the HAREAMAR project (including HAREMAR, ENE2012-38772-C02-01 and DARDO, ENE2012-38772-C02-02 projects), concerning the local Wind, Wave and Current simulation at St. Jordi Bay (NW Mediterranean Sea). Offshore Wind Energy has become one of the main topics within the research in Wind Energy research. Although there are quite a few models with a high level of reliability for wind simulation and prediction in onshore places, the wind prediction needs further investigations for adaptation to the Offshore emplacements, taking into account the interaction atmosphere-ocean. The main problem in these ocean areas is the lack of wind data, which neither allows for characterizing the energy potential and wind behaviour in a particular place, nor validating the forecasting models. The main objective of this work is to reduce the local prediction errors, in order to make the meteo-oceanographic hindcast and forecast more reliable. The COAWST model (Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave Sediment Transport Model; Warner et al., 2010) system has been implemented in the region considering a set of downscaling nested meshes to obtain high-resolution outputs in the region. The adaptation to this particular area, combining the different wind, wave and ocean model domains has been far from simple, because the grid domains for the three models differ significantly. This work shows the main results of the COAWST model implementation to this particular area, including both monthly and other set of tests in different atmospheric situations, especially chosen for their particular interest. The time period considered for the validation is the whole year 2012. A comparative study between the WRF, SWAN and ROMS model outputs (without coupling), the COWAST model outputs, and a buoy measurements moored in the region was performed for this year. References Warner, J.C., Armstrong, B., He, R., and Zambon, J.B., 2010, Development of a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system: Ocean Modeling, 35 (3), 230-244.

Spatial variability in degassing at Erebus volcano, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilanko, Tehnuka; Oppenheimer, Clive; Kyle, Philip; Burgisser, Alain

2015-04-01

Erebus volcano on Ross Island, Antarctica, hosts an active phonolitic lava lake, along with a number of persistently degassing vents in its summit crater. Flank degassing also occurs through ice caves and towers. The longevity of the lake, and its stable convection, have been the subject of numerous studies, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the lava lake. Two distinct gas compositions were previously identified in the main lava lake plume (Oppenheimer et al., 2009; 2011): a persistent 'conduit' gas with a more oxidised signature, ascribed to degassing through a permeable magma conduit; and a H2O- and SO2- enriched 'lake' composition that increases and decreases cyclically due to shallow degassing of incoming magma batches. During the past decade of annual field seasons on Erebus, gas compositions have been measured through FTIR spectroscopy at multiple sites around Erebus volcano, including flank degassing through an ice cave (Warren Cave). We present measurements from four such vents, and compare their compositions to those emitted from the main lava lake. Summit degassing involves variable proportions of H2O, CO2, CO, SO2, HF, HCl, OCS. Cyclicity is evident in some summit vents, but with signatures indicative of shallower magmatic degassing than that of the lava lake. By contrast, flank degassing at Warren Cave is dominated by H2O, CO2, and CH4. The spatial variability in gas compositions within the summit crater suggests an alternative origin for 'conduit' and 'lake' degassing to previous models that assume permeability in the main conduit. Rather, the two compositions observed in main lake degassing may be a result of decoupled 'conduit' gas and pulses of magma rising through discrete fractures before combining in the lake floor or the main plume. Smaller vents around the crater thus emit isolated 'lake' or 'conduit' compositions while their combined signature is observed in the lava lake. We suggest that this separation between gas sources is enabled by a complex shallow fracture network, collapses of which also promote frequent changes to crater morphology. Flank degassing results from decoupling and ascent of CO2-rich gas through deeper fractures, and re-equilibration to lower temperatures and pressures.

14 CFR 27.547 - Main rotor structure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Main rotor structure. 27.547 Section 27.547... structure. (a) Each main rotor assembly (including rotor hubs and blades) must be designed as prescribed in this section. (b) [Reserved] (c) The main rotor structure must be designed to withstand the following...

Thiamine Deficiency Induced Neurochemical, Neuroanatomical, and Neuropsychological Alterations: A Reappraisal

PubMed Central

Höller, Yvonne; Storti, Monica; Christova, Monica; Tezzon, Frediano; Golaszewski, Stefan; Trinka, Eugen

2013-01-01

Nutritional deficiency can cause, mainly in chronic alcoholic subjects, the Wernicke encephalopathy and its chronic neurological sequela, the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Long-term chronic ethanol abuse results in hippocampal and cortical cell loss. Thiamine deficiency also alters principally hippocampal- and frontal cortical-dependent neurochemistry; moreover in WKS patients, important pathological damage to the diencephalon can occur. In fact, the amnesic syndrome typical for WKS is mainly due to the damage in the diencephalic-hippocampal circuitry, including thalamic nuclei and mammillary bodies. The loss of cholinergic cells in the basal forebrain region results in decreased cholinergic input to the hippocampus and the cortex and reduced choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase activities and function, as well as in acetylcholine receptor downregulation within these brain regions. In this narrative review, we will focus on the neurochemical, neuroanatomical, and neuropsychological studies shedding light on the effects of thiamine deficiency in experimental models and in humans. PMID:24235882

[Neurotheology: neurobiological models of religious experience].

PubMed

Passie, T; Warncke, J; Peschel, T; Ott, U

2013-03-01

Religions are evolutionary selected social and cultural phenomena. They represent today belief and normative systems on which the main parts of our culture are based. For a long time religions have been seen as mainly originating from a spectrum of religious experiences. These include a broad spectrum of experiences and are astonishingly widespread in the population. The most consistent and transculturally uniform religious experiences are the mystical experiences. Only these (and the prayer experience) have factually been researched in detail neurobiologically. This article presents a review of empirical results and hypothetical approaches to explain mystical religious experiences neurobiologically. Some of the explanatory hypotheses possess logical evidence, some are even supported by neurobiological studies, but all of them have their pitfalls and are at best partially consistent. One important insight from the evidence reviewed here is that there may be a whole array of different neurophysiological conditions which may result in the same core religious mystical experiences.

A study of the effects of disk flexibility on the rotordynamics of the space shuttle main engine turbo-pumps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flowers, George T.

1989-01-01

Rotor dynamical analyses are typically performed using rigid disk models. Studies of rotor models in which the effects of disk flexibility were included indicate that is may be an important effect for many systems. This issue is addressed with respect to the Space Shuttle Main Engine high pressure turbo-pumps. Finite element analyses have been performed for a simplified free-free flexible disk rotor model and the modes and frequencies compared to those of a rigid disk model. The simple model was then extended to a more sophisticated HPTOP rotor model and similar results were observed. Equations were developed that are suitable for modifying the current rotordynamical analysis program to account for disk flexibility. Some conclusions are drawn from the results of this work as to the importance of disk flexibility on the HPTOP rotordynamics and some recommendations are given for follow-up research in this area.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mainzer, A.; Masiero, J.; Bauer, J.

Enhancements to the science data processing pipeline of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, collectively known as NEOWISE, resulted in the detection of >158,000 minor planets in four infrared wavelengths during the fully cryogenic portion of the mission. Following the depletion of its cryogen, NASA's Planetary Science Directorate funded a four-month extension to complete the survey of the inner edge of the Main Asteroid Belt and to detect and discover near-Earth objects (NEOs). This extended survey phase, known as the NEOWISE Post-Cryogenic Survey, resulted in the detection of {approx}6500 large Main Belt asteroids and 86 NEOs in its 3.4more » and 4.6 {mu}m channels. During the Post-Cryogenic Survey, NEOWISE discovered and detected a number of asteroids co-orbital with the Earth and Mars, including the first known Earth Trojan. We present preliminary thermal fits for these and other NEOs detected during the 3-Band Cryogenic and Post-Cryogenic Surveys.« less

Overview of LIDS Docking and Berthing System Seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, Christopher C.; Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr.; deGroh, Henry C., III; Steinetz, Bruce M.; Oswald, Jay J.; Smith, Ian

2007-01-01

This viewgraph presentation describes the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) docking and berthing system seals. The contents include: 1) Description of the Application: Low Impact Docking System (LIDS); 2) LIDS Seal Locations: Vehicle Undocked (Hatch Closed); 3) LIDS Seal Locations: Mechanical Pass Thru; 4) LIDS Seal Locations: Electrical and Pyro Connectors; 5) LIDS Seal Locations: Vehicle Docked (Hatches Open); 6) LIDS Seal Locations: Main Interface Seal; 7) Main Interface Seal Challenges and Specifications; 8) Approach; 9) Seal Concepts Under Development/Evaluation; 10) Elastomer Material Evaluations; 11) Evaluation of Relevant Seal Properties; 12) Medium-Scale (12") Gask-O-Seal Compression Tests; 13) Medium-Scale Compression Results; 14) Adhesion Forces of Elliptical Top Gask-o-seals; 15) Medium-Scale Seals; 16) Medium-Scale Leakage Results: Effect of Configuration; 17) Full Scale LIDS Seal Test Rig Development; 18) Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE 6A and 6B); and 19) Schedule.

D Visualization for Virtual Museum Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skamantzari, M.; Georgopoulos, A.

2016-06-01

The interest in the development of virtual museums is nowadays rising rapidly. During the last decades there have been numerous efforts concerning the 3D digitization of cultural heritage and the development of virtual museums, digital libraries and serious games. The realistic result has always been the main concern and a real challenge when it comes to 3D modelling of monuments, artifacts and especially sculptures. This paper implements, investigates and evaluates the results of the photogrammetric methods and 3D surveys that were used for the development of a virtual museum. Moreover, the decisions, the actions, the methodology and the main elements that this kind of application should include and take into consideration are described and analysed. It is believed that the outcomes of this application will be useful to researchers who are planning to develop and further improve the attempts made on virtual museums and mass production of 3D models.

Management of local economic and ecological system of coal processing company

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiseleva, T. V.; Mikhailov, V. G.; Karasev, V. A.

2016-10-01

The management issues of local ecological and economic system of coal processing company - coal processing plant - are considered in the article. The objectives of the research are the identification and the analysis of local ecological and economic system (coal processing company) performance and the proposals for improving the mechanism to support the management decision aimed at improving its environmental safety. The data on the structure of run-of-mine coal processing products are shown. The analysis of main ecological and economic indicators of coal processing enterprises, characterizing the state of its environmental safety, is done. The main result of the study is the development of proposals to improve the efficiency of local enterprise ecological and economic system management, including technical, technological and business measures. The results of the study can be recommended to industrial enterprises to improve their ecological and economic efficiency.

Efficiencies of multilayer infiltration systems for the removal of urban runoff pollutants.

PubMed

Hou, Lizhu; Liu, Fang; Feng, Chuanping; Wan, Li

2013-01-01

Current rates of urban development will result in water runoff becoming a major complication of urban water pollution. To address the worsening situation regarding water resource shortage and pollution, novel multilayer infiltration systems were designed and their effectiveness for removing pollutants in urban runoff tested experimentally. The multilayer infiltration systems effectively removed most pollutants, including organic matter (chemical oxygen demand (CODCr)), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) and total phosphorus (TP). CODCr, TN, NH4(+)-N, and TP were reduced by 68.67, 23.98, 82.66 and 92.11%, respectively. The main mechanism for nitrogen removal was biological nitrogen removal through nitrification and denitrification. Phosphorus in the urban runoff was removed mainly by fixation processes in the soil, such as adsorption and chemical precipitation. The results indicate that the proposed novel system has potential for removal of pollutants from urban runoff and subsequent reuse of the treated water.

[Vulnerability to HIV infection in serodiscordant couples in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil].

PubMed

Fernandes, Nilo Martinez; Hennington, Élida Azevedo; Bernardes, Jefferson de Souza; Grinsztejn, Beatriz G

2017-06-01

A new era in HIV/AIDS treatment began in 1996 with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The advent of these new medicines expanded the treatment resources and improved life expectancy and quality of life for persons living with HIV and AIDS, favoring the maintenance and initiation of relationships between partners with discordant HIV serological status. The main objective of this study with serodiscordant couples was to understand the three dimensions of vulnerability - programmatic, social, and individual - in these couples. The study, belonging to the field of social constructionism, used analysis of discursive practices and production of meanings. Forty in-depth interviews were conducted with couples followed in a clinical research institute. The main results include the lack of information on sexuality in the family and in schools, distorted knowledge on HIV prevention and transmission, inadequacies in HIV testing, and flaws in communicating test results.

Characterization of phosphorus forms in lake macrophytes and algae by solution (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Feng, Weiying; Zhu, Yuanrong; Wu, Fengchang; Meng, Wei; Giesy, John P; He, Zhongqi; Song, Lirong; Fan, Mingle

2016-04-01

Debris from aquatic macrophytes and algae are important recycling sources of phosphorus (P), which can result in continuing blooms of algae by recycling bioavailable P in the eutrophic lakes. However, knowledge of forms of P in aquatic macrophytes and algae and their contribution to internal loads of P in lakes is limited. Without such knowledge, it is difficult to develop appropriate strategies to remediate and or restore aquatic ecosystems that have become eutrophic. Therefore, in this work, P was extracted from six types of aquatic macrophytes and algae collected from Tai Lake of China and characterized by use of solution (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. When extracted by 0.5 M NaOH-25 mM EDTA, extraction recovery of total P(TP) and organic P(Po) exceeded 90 %. Concentrations of Po in algae and aquatic macrophytes were 5552 mg kg(-1) and 1005 mg kg(-1) and accounted for 56.0 and 47.2 % of TP, respectively. When Po, including condensed P, was characterized by solution (31)P-NMR Po in algae included orthophosphate monoesters (79.8 %), pyrophosphate (18.2 %), and orthophosphate diester (2.0 %), and Po in aquatic macrophytes included orthophosphate monoesters (90.3 %), pyrophosphate (4.2 %), and orthophosphate diester (5.5 %). Additionally, orthophosphate monoesters in algal debris mainly included β-glycerophosphate (44.1 %), α-glycerophosphate (13.5 %), and glucose 6-phosphate (13.5 %). Orthophosphate monoesters in aquatic macrophytes mainly included β-glycerophosphate (27.9 %), α-glycerophosphate (24.6 %), and adenosine 5' monophosphate (8.2 %). Results derived from this study will be useful in better understanding nutrient cycling, relevant eutrophication processes, and pollution control for freshwater lakes.

Long-term Monitoring Program Optimization for Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compound Plume, Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calderone, G. M.

2006-12-01

A long-term monitoring program was initiated in 1995 at 6 sites at NAS Brunswick, including 3 National Priorities List (Superfund) sites. Primary contaminants of concern include chlorinated volatile organic compounds, including tetrachloroethane, trichloroethene, and vinyl chloride, in addition to metals. More than 80 submersible pumping systems were installed to facilitate sample collection utilizing the low-flow sampling technique. Long-term monitoring of the groundwater is conducted to assess the effectiveness of remedial measures, and monitor changes in contaminant concentrations in the Eastern Plume Operable Unit. Long-term monitoring program activities include quarterly groundwater sampling and analysis at more than 90 wells across 6 sites; surface water, sediment, seep, and leachate sampling and analysis at 3 sites; landfill gas monitoring; well maintenance; engineering inspections of landfill covers and other sites or evidence of stressed vegetation; water level gauging; and treatment plant sampling and analysis. Significant cost savings were achieved by optimizing the sampling network and reducing sampling frequency from quarterly to semi- annual or annual sampling. As part of an ongoing optimization effort, a geostatistical assessment of the Eastern Plume was conducted at the Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine. The geostatistical assessment used 40 monitoring points and analytical data collected over 3 years. For this geostatistical assessment, EA developed and utilized a database of analytical results generated during 3 years of long-term monitoring which was linked to a Geographic Information System to enhance data visualization capacity. The Geographic Information System included themes for groundwater volatile organic compound concentration, groundwater flow directions, shallow and deep wells, and immediate access to point-specific analytical results. This statistical analysis has been used by the site decision-maker and its conclusions supported a significant reduction in the Long-Term Monitoring Program.

24 CFR 880.602 - Replacement reserve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... equivalent to .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages... projects, an amount equivalent to at least .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages and other buildings, or any higher rate as required from time to time by: (A...

24 CFR 880.602 - Replacement reserve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... equivalent to .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages... projects, an amount equivalent to at least .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages and other buildings, or any higher rate as required from time to time by: (A...

24 CFR 880.602 - Replacement reserve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... equivalent to .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages... projects, an amount equivalent to at least .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages and other buildings, or any higher rate as required from time to time by: (A...

24 CFR 880.602 - Replacement reserve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... equivalent to .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages... projects, an amount equivalent to at least .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages and other buildings, or any higher rate as required from time to time by: (A...

24 CFR 880.602 - Replacement reserve.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... equivalent to .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages... projects, an amount equivalent to at least .006 of the cost of total structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, garages and other buildings, or any higher rate as required from time to time by: (A...

Maine Kids Count 2003 Data Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jelcich, Susan, Ed.

This Kids Count data book details statewide trends in the well-being of Maine's children. The statistical portrait is based on indicators in the areas of physical and mental health, including insurance enrollment, adolescent health and safety, and child welfare; social and economic status, including poverty, unemployment, and teen pregnancies; and…

Choline Intake and Its Food Sources in the Diet of Romanian Kindergarten Children.

PubMed

Reinhard Prelicz, Cristian; Lotrean, Lucia Maria

2017-08-18

The objective of this study is to assess the usual intake and food sources of choline in a group of Romanian kindergarten children. A cross-sectional study was performed among 71 children aged 4-6 years from four kindergartens from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Dietary intake data were collected by means of three-day food records. The mean (SD) daily intake of choline was 215 (32) mg/day, 22.5% of the participants fulfilling the adequate intake (AI) for children 4-6 years of age of 250 mg of choline per day. The main food sources were meat (mainly poultry), eggs, grains, cereals, and baked products (mainly bread), and dairy products (mainly milk). The results of the logistic regression analyses show that an appropriate consumption of choline/day was statistically significantly associated with the consumption of at least one egg per three days (OR = 7.5, p < 0.05), a minimum of two portions of milk or dairy products per day (500 mL milk or yoghurt, or 60 g of cheese/day) (OR = 4.4, p < 0.05), and at least one portion of meat/day (90 g/day) (OR = 14.4, p < 0.05). The results underline the need for future surveys in this field, as well as actions to encourage an appropriate diet for children, including an appropriate content of choline.

Cost aware cache replacement policy in shared last-level cache for hybrid memory based fog computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Gangyong; Han, Guangjie; Wang, Hao; Wang, Feng

2018-04-01

Fog computing requires a large main memory capacity to decrease latency and increase the Quality of Service (QoS). However, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), the commonly used random access memory, cannot be included into a fog computing system due to its high consumption of power. In recent years, non-volatile memories (NVM) such as Phase-Change Memory (PCM) and Spin-transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM) with their low power consumption have emerged to replace DRAM. Moreover, the currently proposed hybrid main memory, consisting of both DRAM and NVM, have shown promising advantages in terms of scalability and power consumption. However, the drawbacks of NVM, such as long read/write latency give rise to potential problems leading to asymmetric cache misses in the hybrid main memory. Current last level cache (LLC) policies are based on the unified miss cost, and result in poor performance in LLC and add to the cost of using NVM. In order to minimize the cache miss cost in the hybrid main memory, we propose a cost aware cache replacement policy (CACRP) that reduces the number of cache misses from NVM and improves the cache performance for a hybrid memory system. Experimental results show that our CACRP behaves better in LLC performance, improving performance up to 43.6% (15.5% on average) compared to LRU.

[The structure of vegetative organs, and saponins histochemical localization and content comparization in Polygala sibirica L].

PubMed

Teng, Hong Mei; Fang, Min Feng; Hu, Zheng Hai

2009-02-01

Anatomical, histochemical and phytochemistry methods were used to investigate the structure of vegetative organs, and saponins localization and dynamic changes in Polygala sibirica L. The root consisted of developed periderm and secondary vascular. The secondary phloem was thick, and mainly composed of parenchyma. There were well-developed vessels and fibers in the secondary xylem. The stem was composed of epidermis, cortex and vascular bundle. The ring of sclerenchymatous cells lied between cortex and phloem might be the apoplastic protective screen which could protect the stem from drought. The leaf was bifacial one. The root and stem possessed characteristics adapting to arid environment. Histochemical localization results showed that saponins distributed in secondary phloem and phelloderm of root, in epidermis, cortex and phloem of stem, mainly in mesophyll of leaf. It displayed that saponins accumulated mainly in parenchyma cells of vegetative organs, among of which, the secondary phloem was the main storage site. The HPLC results also showed that the saponins accumulated in all the vegetative organs of Polygala sibirica L., with higher content in roots and lower content in the aerial part that included stems and leaves. The study indicated the aerial part of Polygala sibirica L. also had medicinal value. The saponins content had dynamic variance at the developmental stage, the crude drug should be gathered at period from April to May.

Contribution of Geographic Information Systems and location models to planning of wastewater systems.

PubMed

Leitão, J P; Matos, J S; Gonçalves, A B; Matos, J L

2005-01-01

This paper presents the contributions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and location models towards planning regional wastewater systems (sewers and wastewater treatment plants) serving small agglomerations, i.e. agglomerations with less than 2,000 inhabitants. The main goal was to develop a decision support tool for tracing and locating regional wastewater systems. The main results of the model are expressed in terms of number, capacity and location of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) and the length of main sewers. The decision process concerning the location and capacity of wastewater systems has a number of parameters that can be optimized. These parameters include the total sewer length and number, capacity and location of WWTP. The optimization of parameters should lead to the minimization of construction and operation costs of the integrated system. Location models have been considered as tools for decision support, mainly when a geo-referenced database can be used. In these cases, the GIS may represent an important role for the analysis of data and results especially in the preliminary stage of planning and design. After selecting the spatial location model and the heuristics, two greedy algorithms were implemented in Visual Basic for Applications on the ArcGIS software environment. To illustrate the application of these algorithms a case study was developed, in a rural area located in the central part of Portugal.

Investigating the causality of changes in the landscape pattern of Lake Urmia basin, Iran using remote sensing and time series analysis.

PubMed

Mehrian, Majid Ramezani; Hernandez, Raul Ponce; Yavari, Ahmad Reza; Faryadi, Shahrzad; Salehi, Esmaeil

2016-08-01

Lake Urmia is the second largest hypersaline lake in the world in terms of surface area. In recent decades, the drop in water level of the lake has been one of the most important environmental issues in Iran. At present, the entire basin is threatened due to abrupt decline of the lake's water level and the consequent increase in salinity. Despite the numerous studies, there is still an ambiguity about the main cause of this environmental crisis. This paper is an attempt to detect the changes in the landscape structure of the main elements of the whole basin using remote sensing techniques and analyze the results against climate data with time series analysis for the purpose of achieving a more clarified illustration of processes and trends. Trend analysis of the different affecting factors indicates that the main cause of the drastic dry out of the lake is the huge expansion of irrigated agriculture in the basin between 1999 and 2014. The climatological parameters including precipitation and temperature cannot be the main reasons for reduced water level in the lake. The results show how the increase in irrigated agricultural area without considering the water resources limits can lead to a regional disaster. The approach used in this study can be a useful tool to monitor and assess the causality of environmental disaster.

[Comatose states: etiopathogenesis, experimental studies, treatment of hepatic coma].

PubMed

Strekalova, O S; Uchaĭkin, V F; Ipatova, O M; Torkhovskaia, T I; Medvedeva, N V; Storozhakov, G I; Archakov, A I

2009-01-01

The review presents the modern concepts on biochemical mechanisms of processes, that result in comatose states (CS), with emphasis on the search of new therapeutic approaches. CS of various origin causes severe suppression of brain cells functioning and stable unconsciousness. Numerous reasons of various CS are classified into two main groups: primary brain damages (ischemia, tumor, trauma) and secondary damages originating from system injuries in the body (endocrine, toxic e. c.). The most often primary CS is the hypoxic-ischemic one, as result of corresponding encephalopathy. Its mechanism is the brain cells "energy crisis"--because of decreased blood supply or its deficiency by energy substrates or/and by oxygen. Among secondary CS the substantial place takes hepatic coma as a consequence of hepatic encephalopathy in severe liver diseases--cirrhosis, acute liver failure, sharp intoxication. Its main reason is associated with exess of ammonia entering the brain tissue (it accumulates in blood because of lack of its removing by damaged hepatocytes). Ammonia reacts with glutamate in brain astrocytes and the product of this reaction, glutamine, induced osmotic imbalance, that results in change of form and functions of these important brain cells. It induces, in turn, neurons functions damages, changes in neurotransmission and cerebral blood flow and all these may give rise CS. The most of CS studies are carried out in human. Experimental models ofhepatic CS are reproduced mainly in rats, the most often by surgery methods. Other models included administration of thioacetamide or D-galactosamine, sometimes in combination with lipopolysaccharide. In earlier studies ammonia administration together with liver damages by ligation or by CCl4 was used. The main principles of hepatic coma treatment include the care of encephalopathy, detoxification, and liver treatment. Elaboration of new nanodrugs with increased penetration into tissues and cells, in particular, on the base of phospholipid nanoparticles, may increase substantially the therapeuti efficiency. One of such drug is thought to be a new hepatoprotective preparation phosphogliv--nanoparticles of soy phosphatidylcholine with glycyrrhizic acid. It is supposed, that the further development of phospholipid nanoforms, with minimal particle sizes, may reveal the more action in CS treatment.

Side Effects of HIV Medicines: HIV and Diabetes

MedlinePlus

... the foods we eat and is our main source of energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type ... the foods we eat and is our main source of energy. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart ...

Redesigning Main Streets in Small Communities: The Viagra of Transportation Investment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-16

The national Main Street movement is building momentum. Over 1,200 small : communities across America have rediscovered their Main Streets with impressive : investment in time, energy and money. The tangible measures of return include: : economic gro...

Budget Period 1 Summary Report: Hywind Maine Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keiser, Meagan

2014-02-28

In accordance with the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) agreed to between the Department of Energy (“DOE”) and Statoil for the Hywind Maine project, Statoil hereby submits a Budget Period 1 Summary Report which includes accomplishments for the project. The report includes summaries of the other submitted reports (see Section 1.2-2) and progress regarding innovations leading to potential reductions in the Cost of Energy (see Section 3). The Hywind Demo project, the world’s first full-scale 2.3 megawatts (MW) floating wind turbine, installed at a water depth of 200 meter (m), 10 kilometer (km) off the coast of Norway, has provenmore » that the Hywind floating substructure is a suitable platform for conventional multi- MW turbines. A principal goal of the Hywind Maine Project was to leverage that experience, both to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of the technology and to further develop and optimize the technology all in order to bring the costs down in a larger scale development. With the Hywind Maine Project, Statoil planned to deploy four turbines of 3 MW in approximately 140 meters water depth. Although the project in Maine will not move forward, much value was gained through the BP1 work package. Advanced modeling related to the design basis, which will have applicability beyond the Maine project, was completed. In addition, initial supply chain analyses were conducted, which will help assist with development of updated cost of energy models. Geophysical and various environmental surveys were also conducted, the results of which Statoil has committed to share publicly, and which will help build a database of information that future developers may be able to access. Finally, Statoil gained a greater understanding of the US offshore wind industry and related markets, which will assist the company as it looks for full-scale, commercial opportunities.« less

Different Water Use Strategies of Juvenile and Adult Caragana intermedia Plantations in the Gonghe Basin, Tibet Plateau

PubMed Central

Jia, Zhiqing; Zhu, Yajuan; Liu, Liying

2012-01-01

Background In a semi-arid ecosystem, water is one of the most important factors that affect vegetation dynamics, such as shrub plantation. A water use strategy, including the main water source that a plant species utilizes and water use efficiency (WUE), plays an important role in plant survival and growth. The water use strategy of a shrub is one of the key factors in the evaluation of stability and sustainability of a plantation. Methodology/Principal Findings Caragana intermedia is a dominant shrub of sand-binding plantations on sand dunes in the Gonghe Basin in northeastern Tibet Plateau. Understanding the water use strategy of a shrub plantation can be used to evaluate its sustainability and long-term stability. We hypothesized that C. intermedia uses mainly deep soil water and its WUE increases with plantation age. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen were used to determine the main water source and leaf carbon isotope discrimination was used to estimate long-term WUE. The root system was investigated to determine the depth of the main distribution. The results showed that a 5-year-old C. intermedia plantation used soil water mainly at a depth of 0–30 cm, which was coincident with the distribution of its fine roots. However, 9- or 25-year-old C. intermedia plantations used mainly 0–50 cm soil depth water and the fine root system was distributed primarily at soil depths of 0–50 cm and 0–60 cm, respectively. These sources of soil water are recharged directly by rainfall. Moreover, the long-term WUE of adult plantations was greater than that of juvenile plantations. Conclusions The C. intermedia plantation can change its water use strategy over time as an adaptation to a semi-arid environment, including increasing the depth of soil water used for root growth, and increasing long-term WUE. PMID:23029303

Exploring Mechanisms for Effective Technology-Enhanced Simulation-based Education in Wilderness Medicine: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

MacKinnon, Ralph; Humphries, Christopher

2015-01-01

Background: Technology-enhanced simulation is well-established in healthcare teaching curricula, including those regarding wilderness medicine. Compellingly, the evidence base for the value of this educational modality to improve learner competencies and patient outcomes are increasing. Aims: The aim was to systematically review the characteristics of technology-enhanced simulation presented in the wilderness medicine literature to date. Then, the secondary aim was to explore how this technology has been used and if the use of this technology has been associated with improved learner or patient outcomes. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE were systematically searched from 1946 to 2014, for articles on the provision of technology-enhanced simulation to teach wilderness medicine. Working independently, the team evaluated the information on the criteria of learners, setting, instructional design, content, and outcomes. Results: From a pool of 37 articles, 11 publications were eligible for systematic review. The majority of learners in the included publications were medical students, settings included both indoors and outdoors, and the main focus clinical content was initial trauma management with some including leadership skills. The most prevalent instructional design components were clinical variation and cognitive interactivity, with learner satisfaction as the main outcome. Conclusions: The results confirm that the current provision of wilderness medicine utilizing technology-enhanced simulation is aligned with instructional design characteristics that have been used to achieve effective learning. Future research should aim to demonstrate the translation of learning into the clinical field to produce improved learner outcomes and create improved patient outcomes. PMID:26824012

Walk and roll robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Andrew (Inventor); Punnoose, Andrew (Inventor); Strausser, Katherine (Inventor); Parikh, Neil (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A mobile robotic unit features a main body, a plurality of legs for supporting the main body on and moving the main body in forward and reverse directions about a base surface, and a drive assembly. According to an exemplary embodiment each leg includes a respective pivotal hip joint, a pivotal knee joint, and a wheeled foot adapted to roll along the base surface. Also according to an exemplary embodiments the drive assembly includes a motor operatively associated with the hip and knee joints and the wheeled foot for independently driving pivotal movement of the hip joint and the knee joint and rolling motion of the wheeled foot. The hip joint may include a ball-and-socket-type joint interconnecting top portion of the leg to the main body, such that the hip joint is adapted to pivot said leg in a direction transverse to a forward-and-reverse direction.

Modelling a Compensation Standard for a Regional Forest Ecosystem: A Case Study in Yanqing District, Beijing, China

PubMed Central

Li, Tan; Zhang, Qingguo; Zhang, Ying

2018-01-01

The assessment of forest ecosystem services can quantify the impact of these services on human life and is the main basis for formulating a standard of compensation for these services. Moreover, the calculation of the indirect value of forest ecosystem services should not be ignored, as has been the case in some previous publications. A low compensation standard and the lack of a dynamic coordination mechanism are the main problems existing in compensation implementation. Using comparison and analysis, this paper employed accounting for both the costs and benefits of various alternatives. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and the Pearl growth-curve method were used to adjust the results. This research analyzed the contribution of each service value from the aspects of forest produce services, ecology services, and society services. We also conducted separate accounting for cost and benefit, made a comparison of accounting and evaluation methods, and estimated the implementation period of the compensation standard. The main conclusions of this research include the fact that any compensation standard should be determined from the points of view of both benefit and cost in a region. The results presented here allow the range between the benefit and cost compensation to be laid out more reasonably. The practical implications of this research include the proposal that regional decision-makers should consider a dynamic compensation method to meet with the local economic level by using diversified ways to raise the compensation standard, and that compensation channels should offer a mixed mode involving both the market and government. PMID:29561789

Development of a Selective Culture Medium for Primary Isolation of the Main Brucella Species▿

PubMed Central

De Miguel, M. J.; Marín, C. M.; Muñoz, P. M.; Dieste, L.; Grilló, M. J.; Blasco, J. M.

2011-01-01

Bacteriological diagnosis of brucellosis is performed by culturing animal samples directly on both Farrell medium (FM) and modified Thayer-Martin medium (mTM). However, despite inhibiting most contaminating microorganisms, FM also inhibits the growth of Brucella ovis and some B. melitensis and B. abortus strains. In contrast, mTM is adequate for growth of all Brucella species but only partially inhibitory for contaminants. Moreover, the performance of both culture media for isolating B. suis has never been established properly. We first determined the performance of both media for B. suis isolation, proving that FM significantly inhibits B. suis growth. We also determined the susceptibility of B. suis to the antibiotics contained in both selective media, proving that nalidixic acid and bacitracin are highly inhibitory, thus explaining the reduced performance of FM for B. suis isolation. Based on these results, a new selective medium (CITA) containing vancomycin, colistin, nystatin, nitrofurantoin, and amphotericin B was tested for isolation of the main Brucella species, including B. suis. CITA's performance was evaluated using reference contaminant strains but also field samples taken from brucella-infected animals or animals suspected of infection. CITA inhibited most contaminant microorganisms but allowed the growth of all Brucella species, to levels similar to those for both the control medium without antibiotics and mTM. Moreover, CITA medium was more sensitive than both mTM and FM for isolating all Brucella species from field samples. Altogether, these results demonstrate the adequate performance of CITA medium for the primary isolation of the main Brucella species, including B. suis. PMID:21270216

Modelling a Compensation Standard for a Regional Forest Ecosystem: A Case Study in Yanqing District, Beijing, China.

PubMed

Li, Tan; Zhang, Qingguo; Zhang, Ying

2018-03-21

The assessment of forest ecosystem services can quantify the impact of these services on human life and is the main basis for formulating a standard of compensation for these services. Moreover, the calculation of the indirect value of forest ecosystem services should not be ignored, as has been the case in some previous publications. A low compensation standard and the lack of a dynamic coordination mechanism are the main problems existing in compensation implementation. Using comparison and analysis, this paper employed accounting for both the costs and benefits of various alternatives. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and the Pearl growth-curve method were used to adjust the results. This research analyzed the contribution of each service value from the aspects of forest produce services, ecology services, and society services. We also conducted separate accounting for cost and benefit, made a comparison of accounting and evaluation methods, and estimated the implementation period of the compensation standard. The main conclusions of this research include the fact that any compensation standard should be determined from the points of view of both benefit and cost in a region. The results presented here allow the range between the benefit and cost compensation to be laid out more reasonably. The practical implications of this research include the proposal that regional decision-makers should consider a dynamic compensation method to meet with the local economic level by using diversified ways to raise the compensation standard, and that compensation channels should offer a mixed mode involving both the market and government.

Innovation status of gene therapy for breast cancer.

PubMed

Anaya-Ruiz, Maricruz; Perez-Santos, Martin

2015-01-01

To analyze multi-source data including publications and patents, and try to draw the whole landscape of the research and development community in the field of gene therapy for breast cancer. Publications and patents were collected from the Web of science and databases of the five major patent offices of the world, respectively. Bibliometric methodologies and technology are used to investigate publications/patents, their contents and relationships. A total of 2,043 items published and 947 patents from 1994 to 2013 including "gene therapy for breast cancer" were retrieved. The top five countries in global publication share were USA, China, Germany, Japan and England. On the other hand, USA, Australia, England, South Korea and Japan were the main producers of patents. The universities and enterprises of USA had the highest amount of publication and patents. Adenovirus- and retrovirus-based gene therapies and small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference therapies were the main topics both in publications and patents. The above results show that global research in the field of gene therapy for breast cancer is increasing and the main participants in this field are USA and Canada in North America, China, Japan and South Korea in Asia, and England, Germany, and Italy in Europe. Also, this article demonstrates the usefulness of bibliometrics to address key evaluation questions and define future areas of research.

Exploring perceptions of instructors about childbirth preparation training courses: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Otogara, Marzieh; Karimi-Shahanjarini, Akram; Hazavehei, Seyed Mohammad Mehdi; Poorolajal, Jalal; Radnia, Nahid; Akrami, Forouzan; Bagheri, Fahimeh

2017-04-01

Childbirth preparation training courses on maternal and neonatal health increase awareness, and capability of pregnant women in overcoming fear and anxiety and managing labor pains. To identify the affecting factors and barriers of these courses from the perspective of their instructors. This qualitative study of the content analysis type, has been conducted on 16 certified teachers of the training courses of the Hamadan city in 2015. Data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews and were then analyzed by using MAXQDA10 application. Participants' experiences are indicated on three main themes including the objectives of the course, facilitators and barriers. The main objectives of the course were reported as to improve maternal and newborn health, promote natural childbirth and preparedness for parenting and breastfeeding. The main facilitators of the successful implementation include observing educational standards, strengthening the communication and relationship between mothers and staff, mobilization, and the role of instructor. The major barriers are reported as inadequate support from management system, insufficient intra-sector collaboration, poor attitude of obstetricians and physicians, inadequate access, theory-practice gap and not intended to labor naturally. The results of our study show that multiple factors are involved in the participation of pregnant women in antenatal classes. Promoting natural childbirth requires intra-sector and inter-sectoral collaboration, as well as the community participation.

Association Mapping of Main Tomato Fruit Sugars and Organic Acids

PubMed Central

Zhao, Jiantao; Xu, Yao; Ding, Qin; Huang, Xinli; Zhang, Yating; Zou, Zhirong; Li, Mingjun; Cui, Lu; Zhang, Jing

2016-01-01

Association mapping has been widely used to map the significant associated loci responsible for natural variation in complex traits and are valuable for crop improvement. Sugars and organic acids are the most important metabolites in tomato fruits. We used a collection of 174 tomato accessions composed of Solanum lycopersicum (123 accessions) and S. lycopersicum var cerasiforme (51 accessions) to detect significantly associated loci controlling the variation of main sugars and organic acids. The accessions were genotyped with 182 SSRs spreading over the tomato genome. Association mapping was conducted on the main sugars and organic acids detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) over 2 years using the mixed linear model (MLM). We detected a total of 58 significantly associated loci (P < 0.001) for the 17 sugars and organic acids, including fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, malic acid. These results not only co-localized with several reported QTLs, including fru9.1/PV, suc9.1/PV, ca2.1/HS, ca3.1/PV, ca4.1/PV, and ca8.1/PV, but also provided a list of candidate significantly associated loci to be functionally validated. These significantly associated loci could be used for deciphering the genetic architecture of tomato fruit sugars and organic acids and for tomato quality breeding. PMID:27617019

Association Mapping of Main Tomato Fruit Sugars and Organic Acids.

PubMed

Zhao, Jiantao; Xu, Yao; Ding, Qin; Huang, Xinli; Zhang, Yating; Zou, Zhirong; Li, Mingjun; Cui, Lu; Zhang, Jing

2016-01-01

Association mapping has been widely used to map the significant associated loci responsible for natural variation in complex traits and are valuable for crop improvement. Sugars and organic acids are the most important metabolites in tomato fruits. We used a collection of 174 tomato accessions composed of Solanum lycopersicum (123 accessions) and S. lycopersicum var cerasiforme (51 accessions) to detect significantly associated loci controlling the variation of main sugars and organic acids. The accessions were genotyped with 182 SSRs spreading over the tomato genome. Association mapping was conducted on the main sugars and organic acids detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) over 2 years using the mixed linear model (MLM). We detected a total of 58 significantly associated loci (P < 0.001) for the 17 sugars and organic acids, including fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, malic acid. These results not only co-localized with several reported QTLs, including fru9.1/PV, suc9.1/PV, ca2.1/HS, ca3.1/PV, ca4.1/PV, and ca8.1/PV, but also provided a list of candidate significantly associated loci to be functionally validated. These significantly associated loci could be used for deciphering the genetic architecture of tomato fruit sugars and organic acids and for tomato quality breeding.

Environmental analysis of Ribeiro wine from a timeline perspective: harvest year matters when reporting environmental impacts.

PubMed

Vázquez-Rowe, Ian; Villanueva-Rey, Pedro; Moreira, Ma Teresa; Feijoo, Gumersindo

2012-05-15

A series of Galician (NW Spain) wines, such as Rías Baixas and Ribeiro have acquired international renown in the past few years. In this particular study, viticulture, vinification and bottling and packaging in a winery of the Ribeiro appellation were studied from a life cycle assessment perspective, with the main objective of identifying the largest environmental impacts for four different years of production (2007-2010). The selected functional unit was a 750 mL bottle of Ribeiro white wine, packaged for distribution. Inventory data was gathered mainly through direct communication using questionnaires. Results showed considerable annual variability in environmental performance, stressing the importance of including timeline analysis in the wine sector. Therefore, environmental scaling was proposed for the assessed wine based on the individual environmental impacts for each harvest year. Furthermore, the main hot spots identified were compost and pesticide production and emissions, in the agricultural phase and bottle production and electricity consumption, in the subsequent stages of wine production, in most of the selected impact categories. Suggested improvement opportunities included shifts in the compost transportation policy, recovery of natural resources for vineyard infrastructure, the introduction of new packaging formats in the bottling process and the use of pesticides with lower toxicity potential. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research and demonstration results for a new "Double-Solution" technology for municipal solid waste treatment.

PubMed

Erping, Li; Haoyun, Chen; Yanyang, Shang; Jun, Pan; Qing, Hu

2017-11-01

In this paper, the pyrolysis characteristics of six typical components in municipal solid waste (MSW) were investigated through a TG-FTIR combined technique and it was concluded that the main pyrolysis process of the biomass components (including food residues, sawdust and paper) occurred at 150-600°C. The main volatiles were multi-component gas including H 2 O, CO 2 , and CO. The main pyrolysis temperatures of three artificial products (PP, PVC and leather) was ranged from 200to 500°C. The wavelength of small molecule gases (CH 4 , CO 2 and CO) and the the chemical bonds (CO and CC) were observed in the infrared spectrum Based on the pyrolysis temperature interval and volatile constituent, a new "double-solution" process of pyrolysis and oxygen-enrichment decomposition MSW was designed. To achieve this process, a double-solution project was built for the direct treatment of MSW (10t/d). The complete setup of equipment and analysis of the byproducts has been reported in this paper to indicate the performance of this process. Energy balance and economic benefits were analysed for the process supporting. It was successfully demonstrated that the double-solution process was the environmentally friendly alternative method for MSW treatment in Chinese rural areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RNA-Seq Meta-analysis identifies genes in skeletal muscle associated with gain and intake across a multi-season study of crossbred beef steers.

PubMed

Keel, Brittney N; Zarek, Christina M; Keele, John W; Kuehn, Larry A; Snelling, Warren M; Oliver, William T; Freetly, Harvey C; Lindholm-Perry, Amanda K

2018-06-04

Feed intake and body weight gain are economically important inputs and outputs of beef production systems. The purpose of this study was to discover differentially expressed genes that will be robust for feed intake and gain across a large segment of the cattle industry. Transcriptomic studies often suffer from issues with reproducibility and cross-validation. One way to improve reproducibility is by integrating multiple datasets via meta-analysis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on longissimus dorsi muscle from 80 steers (5 cohorts, each with 16 animals) selected from the outside fringe of a bivariate gain and feed intake distribution to understand the genes and pathways involved in feed efficiency. In each cohort, 16 steers were selected from one of four gain and feed intake phenotypes (n = 4 per phenotype) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with gain and feed intake as main effect variables. Each cohort was analyzed as a single experiment using a generalized linear model and results from the 5 cohort analyses were combined in a meta-analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) across the cohorts. A total of 51 genes were differentially expressed for the main effect of gain, 109 genes for the intake main effect, and 11 genes for the gain x intake interaction (P corrected  < 0.05). A jackknife sensitivity analysis showed that, in general, the meta-analysis produced robust DEGs for the two main effects and their interaction. Pathways identified from over-represented genes included mitochondrial energy production and oxidative stress pathways for the main effect of gain due to DEG including GPD1, NDUFA6, UQCRQ, ACTC1, and MGST3. For intake, metabolic pathways including amino acid biosynthesis and degradation were identified, and for the interaction analysis the pathways identified included GADD45, pyridoxal 5'phosphate salvage, and caveolar mediated endocytosis signaling. Variation among DEG identified by cohort suggests that environment and breed may play large roles in the expression of genes associated with feed efficiency in the muscle of beef cattle. Meta-analyses of transcriptome data from groups of animals over multiple cohorts may be necessary to elucidate the genetics contributing these types of biological phenotypes.

A usability evaluation of Lazada mobile application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Azham; Mkpojiogu, Emmanuel O. C.; Jamaludin, Nur Hafiza; Moh, Somia T. L.

2017-10-01

This paper reports on a usability evaluation of Lazada mobile application, an online shopping app for mobile devices. The evaluation was conducted using 12 users of ages 18 to 24. Seven (7) were expert users and the other 5 were novice users. The study objectives were to evaluate the perceived effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction of the mobile application. The result provides a positive feedback and shows that the mobile shopping app is effective, efficient, and satisfying as perceived by the study participants. However, there are some observed usability issues with the main menu and the payment method that necessitates improvements to increase the application's effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The suggested improvements include: 1) the main menu should be capitalized and place on the left side of mobile app and 2) payment method tutorial should be included as a hyperlink in the payment method page. This observation will be helpful to the owners of the application in future version development of the app.

Cluster and principal component analysis based on SSR markers of Amomum tsao-ko in Jinping County of Yunnan Province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Mengli; Lei, En; Meng, Hengling; Wang, Tiantao; Xie, Linyan; Shen, Dong; Xianwang, Zhou; Lu, Bingyue

2017-08-01

Amomum tsao-ko is a commercial plant that used for various purposes in medicinal and food industries. For the present investigation, 44 germplasm samples were collected from Jinping County of Yunnan Province. Clusters analysis and 2-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) was used to represent the genetic relations among Amomum tsao-ko by using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Clustering analysis clearly distinguished the samples groups. Two major clusters were formed; first (Cluster I) consisted of 34 individuals, the second (Cluster II) consisted of 10 individuals, Cluster I as the main group contained multiple sub-clusters. PCA also showed 2 groups: PCA Group 1 included 29 individuals, PCA Group 2 included 12 individuals, consistent with the results of cluster analysis. The purpose of the present investigation was to provide information on genetic relationship of Amomum tsao-ko germplasm resources in main producing areas, also provide a theoretical basis for the protection and utilization of Amomum tsao-ko resources.

The Crab pulsar light curve in the soft gamma ray range: FIGARO II results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Massaro, E.; Agrinier, B.; Barouch, E.; Comte, R.; Costa, E.; Cusumano, G. C.; Gerardi, G.; Lemoine, D.; Mandrou, P.; Masnou, J. L.

1992-01-01

The FIGARO II experiment (a large area, balloon borne, crystal scintillator detector working from 0.15 to 4.3 MeV) observed the Crab pulsar on 1990 Jul. 9 for about seven hours. The study of the pulse profile confirms some structures detected with a low significance during the shorter observation of 1986, and adds new important elements to the picture. In particular, between the two main peaks, two secondary peaks appear centered at phase values 0.1 and 0.3, in the energy range 0.38 to 0.49 MeV; in the same energy range, a spectral feature at 0.44 MeV, interpreted as a redshifted positron annihilation line, was observed during the same balloon flight in the phase interval including the second main peak and the neighboring secondary peak. If the phase interval considered is extended to include also the other secondary peak, the significance of the spectral line appears to increase.

Evaluation of space shuttle main engine fluid dynamic frequency response characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, T. G.

1980-01-01

In order to determine the POGO stability characteristics of the space shuttle main engine liquid oxygen (LOX) system, the fluid dynamic frequency response functions between elements in the SSME LOX system was evaluated, both analytically and experimentally. For the experimental data evaluation, a software package was written for the Hewlett-Packard 5451C Fourier analyzer. The POGO analysis software is documented and consists of five separate segments. Each segment is stored on the 5451C disc as an individual program and performs its own unique function. Two separate data reduction methods, a signal calibration, coherence or pulser signal based frequency response function blanking, and automatic plotting features are included in the program. The 5451C allows variable parameter transfer from program to program. This feature is used to advantage and requires only minimal user interface during the data reduction process. Experimental results are included and compared with the analytical predictions in order to adjust the general model and arrive at a realistic simulation of the POGO characteristics.

Nonlinear dynamics of global atmospheric and Earth system processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saltzman, Barry

1993-01-01

During the past eight years, we have been engaged in a NASA-supported program of research aimed at establishing the connection between satellite signatures of the earth's environmental state and the nonlinear dynamics of the global weather and climate system. Thirty-five publications and four theses have resulted from this work, which included contributions in five main areas of study: (1) cloud and latent heat processes in finite-amplitude baroclinic waves; (2) application of satellite radiation data in global weather analysis; (3) studies of planetary waves and low-frequency weather variability; (4) GCM studies of the atmospheric response to variable boundary conditions measurable from satellites; and (5) dynamics of long-term earth system changes. Significant accomplishments from the three main lines of investigation pursued during the past year are presented and include the following: (1) planetary atmospheric waves and low frequency variability; (2) GCM studies of the atmospheric response to changed boundary conditions; and (3) dynamics of long-term changes in the global earth system.

Status on the Verification of Combustion Stability for the J-2X Engine Thrust Chamber Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casiano, Matthew; Hinerman, Tim; Kenny, R. Jeremy; Hulka, Jim; Barnett, Greg; Dodd, Fred; Martin, Tom

2013-01-01

Development is underway of the J -2X engine, a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen rocket engine for use on the Space Launch System. The Engine E10001 began hot fire testing in June 2011 and testing will continue with subsequent engines. The J -2X engine main combustion chamber contains both acoustic cavities and baffles. These stability aids are intended to dampen the acoustics in the main combustion chamber. Verification of the engine thrust chamber stability is determined primarily by examining experimental data using a dynamic stability rating technique; however, additional requirements were included to guard against any spontaneous instability or rough combustion. Startup and shutdown chug oscillations are also characterized for this engine. This paper details the stability requirements and verification including low and high frequency dynamics, a discussion on sensor selection and sensor port dynamics, and the process developed to assess combustion stability. A status on the stability results is also provided and discussed.

Research on ion implantation in MEMS device fabrication by theory, simulation and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Minyu; Zhao, Yulong; Jiao, Binbin; Zhu, Lingjian; Zhang, Guodong; Wang, Lei

2018-06-01

Ion implantation is widely utilized in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), applied for embedded lead, resistors, conductivity modifications and so forth. In order to achieve an expected device, the principle of ion implantation must be carefully examined. The elementary theory of ion implantation including implantation mechanism, projectile range and implantation-caused damage in the target were studied, which can be regarded as the guidance of ion implantation in MEMS device design and fabrication. Critical factors including implantations dose, energy and annealing conditions are examined by simulations and experiments. The implantation dose mainly determines the dopant concentration in the target substrate. The implantation energy is the key factor of the depth of the dopant elements. The annealing time mainly affects the repair degree of lattice damage and thus the activated elements’ ratio. These factors all together contribute to ions’ behavior in the substrates and characters of the devices. The results can be referred to in the MEMS design, especially piezoresistive devices.

Development of the Oxford Hills Healthy Moms Project using a social marketing process: a community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention for low-socioeconomic-status mothers in a rural area in Maine.

PubMed

Dharod, Jigna M; Drewette-Card, Rebecca; Crawford, David

2011-03-01

A physical activity and nutrition community intervention called the Oxford Hills Healthy Moms (OHHM) Project was developed using a multifaceted social marketing process, including review of state surveillance results, key informant interviews, and a survey and focus group discussions with low-socioeconomic-status (low-SES) mothers. This formative work was used to make key decisions on the selection of the intervention region, segmentation of the audience, and design of intervention strategies addressing multiple levels of the socioecological model. The OHHM Project aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity levels among low-SES mothers in the Oxford Hills region of Maine. The OHHM Project includes five components: (a) physical activity buddy program, (b) cooking club with education, (c) fruit and vegetable discount buying club with education, (d) increased access to produce vendors, and (e) increased access to places for physical activity.

Stability of Hydrocarbons of the Polyhedrane Family: Convergence of ab Initio Calculations and Corresponding Assessment of DFT Main Approximations.

PubMed

Sancho-García, J C

2011-09-13

Highly accurate coupled-cluster (CC) calculations with large basis sets have been performed to study the binding energy of the (CH)12, (CH)16, (CH)20, and (CH)24 polyhedral hydrocarbons in two, cage-like and planar, forms. We also considered the effect of other minor contributions: core-correlation, relativistic corrections, and extrapolations to the limit of the full CC expansion. Thus, chemically accurate values could be obtained for these complicated systems. These nearly exact results are used to evaluate next the performance of main approximations (i.e., pure, hybrid, and double-hybrid methods) within density functional theory (DFT) in a systematic fashion. Some commonly used functionals, including the B3LYP model, are affected by large errors, and only those having reduced self-interaction error (SIE), which includes the last family of conjectured expressions (double hybrids), are able to achieve reasonable low deviations of 1-2 kcal/mol especially when an estimate for dispersion interactions is also added.

Spatial and temporal characterizations of water quality in Kuwait Bay.

PubMed

Al-Mutairi, N; Abahussain, A; El-Battay, A

2014-06-15

The spatial and temporal patterns of water quality in Kuwait Bay have been investigated using data from six stations between 2009 and 2011. The results showed that most of water quality parameters such as phosphorus (PO4), nitrate (NO3), dissolved oxygen (DO), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) fluctuated over time and space. Based on Water Quality Index (WQI) data, six stations were significantly clustered into two main classes using cluster analysis, one group located in western side of the Bay, and other in eastern side. Three principal components are responsible for water quality variations in the Bay. The first component included DO and pH. The second included PO4, TSS and NO3, and the last component contained seawater temperature and turbidity. The spatial and temporal patterns of water quality in Kuwait Bay are mainly controlled by seasonal variations and discharges from point sources of pollution along Kuwait Bay's coast as well as from Shatt Al-Arab River. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic diversity of red-grained rice landraces in Hani's terraced fields based on phenotypic characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiaomei; Zheng, Yun; Zhang, Tingting; Zhang, Xiaoqian; Ma, Mengli; Meng, Hengling; Wang, Tiantao; Lu, Bingyue

2018-06-01

In order to provide useful information for protection and utilization of red-grained rice landraces from Hani's terraced fields, the phenotypic diversity of 61 red-grained rice landraces were assessed based 20 quantitative traits. The results indicated that the phenotypic diversity was abundant in red-grained rice landraces. Coefficients of variation (CV) ranged from 4.878% to 72.878%, and the largest of CV was the panicle neck length, while grain width was smallest. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') of 20 traits ranged from 1.464 to 2.165, the largest and the smallest H' values were observed in filled grain number and chalkiness, respectively. Cluster analysis based on unweighted pair group method showed 61 red-grain rice landraces grouped into eight clusters at a cut-off value of 6.2631. The first cluster included 11 landraces, the main cluster II involved 42 landraces, and the cluster IV included 3 landraces. Laopinzhonghongmi, Chena2, Laojingnuo, Bianhao6 and Baimi were separated from the main clusters.

Investigating pyrolysis characteristics of moso bamboo through TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS.

PubMed

Liang, Fang; Wang, Ruijuan; Hongzhong, Xiang; Yang, Xiaomeng; Zhang, Tao; Hu, Wanhe; Mi, Bingbing; Liu, Zhijia

2018-05-01

This study was carried out to investigate pyrolysis characteristics of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), including outer layer (OB), middle layer (MB) and inner layer (IB) and bamboo leaves (BL), through TG-FTIR and Py-GC/MS. The results showed that 70% of weight loss occurred at rapid pyrolysis stage with temperature of 200-400 °C. With increase in heating rate, pyrolysis process shifted toward higher temperature. IB, OB, MB and BL had a different activation energy at different conversion rates. BL had a higher activation energy than IB, OB and MB. The volatiles of bamboo was complicated with 2-30 of C atoms. IB, OB and MB mainly released benzofuran, hydroxyacetaldehyde and 2-Pentanone. BL released furan, acetic acid and phenol. The main pyrolysis products included H 2 O, CH 4 , CO 2 , CO, carboxylic acids, NO, NO 2 . Pyrolysis products of IB was the most and that of BL was the lowest. MB had the lowest pyrolysis temperature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the information content of long-term wastewater characteristics data in relation to activated sludge model parameters.

PubMed

Alikhani, Jamal; Takacs, Imre; Al-Omari, Ahmed; Murthy, Sudhir; Massoudieh, Arash

2017-03-01

A parameter estimation framework was used to evaluate the ability of observed data from a full-scale nitrification-denitrification bioreactor to reduce the uncertainty associated with the bio-kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of an activated sludge model (ASM). Samples collected over a period of 150 days from the effluent as well as from the reactor tanks were used. A hybrid genetic algorithm and Bayesian inference were used to perform deterministic and parameter estimations, respectively. The main goal was to assess the ability of the data to obtain reliable parameter estimates for a modified version of the ASM. The modified ASM model includes methylotrophic processes which play the main role in methanol-fed denitrification. Sensitivity analysis was also used to explain the ability of the data to provide information about each of the parameters. The results showed that the uncertainty in the estimates of the most sensitive parameters (including growth rate, decay rate, and yield coefficients) decreased with respect to the prior information.

Genotypic Diversity and Virulence Characteristics of Clinical and Environmental Vibrio vulnificus Isolates from the Baltic Sea Region

PubMed Central

Bier, Nadja; Bechlars, Silke; Diescher, Susanne; Klein, Florian; Hauk, Gerhard; Duty, Oliver; Strauch, Eckhard

2013-01-01

The genetic diversity of Vibrio vulnificus isolates from clinical and environmental sources originating from the Baltic Sea region was evaluated by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and possible relationships between MLST clusters, potential genotypic and phenotypic traits associated with pathogenicity, and source of isolation were investigated. The studied traits included genotyping of polymorphic loci (16S rRNA, vcg, and pilF), presence/absence of potential virulence genes, including nanA, nab, and genes of pathogenicity regions, metabolic features, hemolytic activity, resistance to human serum, and cytotoxicity to human intestinal cells. MLST generated 35 (27 new) sequence types and divided the 53 isolates (including four reference strains) into two main clusters, with cluster I containing biotype 1 and 2 isolates of mainly environmental origin and cluster II containing biotype 1 isolates of mainly clinical origin. Cluster II isolates were further subdivided into two branches. Branch IIB included isolates from recent cases of wound infections that were acquired at the German Baltic Sea coastline between 2010 and 2011 and isolates from seawater samples of the same regions isolated between 1994 and 2010. Comparing the MLST data with the results of genotyping and phenotyping showed that strains of MLST cluster II possess a number of additional pathogenicity-associated traits compared to cluster I strains. Rapid microbiological methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry combined with typing of selected virulence-associated traits (e.g., serum resistance, mannitol fermentation, nanA, and pathogenicity region XII) could be used for risk assessment purposes regarding V. vulnificus strains isolated from the Baltic Sea region. PMID:23542621

A Preliminary Review of Fatigue Among Rail Staff

PubMed Central

Fan, Jialin; Smith, Andrew P.

2018-01-01

Background: Fatigue is a severe problem in the rail industry, which may jeopardize train crew's health and safety. Nonetheless, a preliminary review of all empirical evidence for train crew fatigue is still lacking. The aim of the present paper is, therefore, to provide a preliminary description of occupational fatigue in the rail industry. This paper reviews the literature with the research question examining the risk factors associated with train crew fatigue, covering both papers published in refereed journals and reports from trade organizations and regulators. It assesses the progress of research on railway fatigue, including research on the main risk factors for railway fatigue, the association between fatigue and railway incidents, and how to better manage fatigue in the railway industry. Methods: Systematic searches were performed in both science and industry databases. The searches considered studies published before August 2017. The main exclusion criterion was fatigue not being directly measured through subjective or objective methods. Results: A total of 31 studies were included in the main review. The causes of fatigue included long working hours, heavy workload, early morning or night shifts, and insufficient sleep. Poor working environment, particular job roles, and individual differences also contributed to fatigue. Conclusion: Fatigue in the rail industry includes most of the features of occupational fatigue, and it is also subject to industry-specific factors. The effect of fatigue on well-being and the fatigued population in the railway industry are still not clear. Future studies can consider associations between occupational risk factors and perceived fatigue by examining the prevalence of fatigue and identifying the potential risk factors in staff within the railway industry. PMID:29867630

[Health care financing: is it enough and appropriate?].

PubMed

Puig-Junoy, Jaume

2006-03-01

The object of this short paper is to present the results of Spanish public health care expenditures projections until 2013 according to the expected impact of the main demographic and technological health cost drivers. Future annual health expenditures are estimated using a simple method based on the decomposition of the past main growth factors in two scenarios. The main cost drivers considered were the following: demography, which includes the increasing number of people and the impact of population ageing; the increase in the price of health care inputs above the general price level; and the impact of changes in medical practice related with expanding medical technology. In 2013, public health care expenditure may be around 5.7% and 6% of gross domestic product (GDP); that is, at least, between 0.24 and 0.53 additional GDP points will be spent on public health care. The main factor responsible for the future expenditure increase will continue to be the increase in the average health service intensity, followed by demographic factors. In the base-case scenario, public expenditure increase until 2013 will be compatible with a real 2.5% annual increase in consumption of non-health goods and services. In order to finance the future costs, the Spanish population will have to devote to public health expenditure less than 7% of income increase until 2013. Despite being important, the expected Spanish GDP growth until 2013 may be enough to finance the increase in public health expenditure as a result of the impact of demographic changes. Expanding medical technology is expected to continue being the main driver of future costs.

Post-fire vegetation succession in Mediterranean gorse shrublands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Luis, Martin; Raventós, José; González-Hidalgo, José Carlos

2006-07-01

In Western Mediterranean areas, forest fires are frequent in forests established on old croplands where post-fire regeneration is limited to obligate-seeder species. This has resulted in the spread of Mediterranean gorse ( Ulex parviflorus) increasing the risk and severity of fires. The aim of this paper is to test the autosuccessional hypothesis on a Mediterranean gorse shrubland dominated by seeders species. Particular objectives are: a) to analyze the effect of fire on seedling emergence, survival and growth on the main species involved on plant regeneration process. b) to identify changes in the relative abundance of species as consequence of fire by using a before-after experiment. Then, after experimental fires, seedling emergence, survival and growth rates were analyzed for the main species present in the vegetation regeneration process. Our results show that Mediterranean gorse communities are dominated by Fabaceae species (64% of individuals, mainly of Ulex parviflorus). However, our study demonstrates that vegetation regeneration after fire does not display an autosuccessional pattern and is produced a change on dominance from Fabaceae (mainly U. parviflorus) to Cistaceae (mainly C. albidus) species. Cistaceae seedlings (mainly Cistus albidus and Helianthemum marifolium) were the most abundant post-fire (63% of total germination) while species of Fabaceae (including U. parviflorus and Ononis fruticosa) represented 25%, and Lamiaceae (restricted to Rosmarinus officinalis) comprised only 3% of total emergences. Seedling survival did not differ significantly from one species to another (25-30% of initial individuals over 3 years) but seedling growth rates were also higher for Cistaceae than for Fabaceae individuals. Then, after fire, in terms of biomass, Fabaceae presence decreased from 78.7% to 13.1% while Cistaceae increase from 8% to 83.4%. Given that fire frequency, intensity or severity is partially controlled by the composition and structure of the plant community population changes in the main species, could affect the future fire regime and in turn, affect the hydrological, ecological and economic role of a large stretch of forest and woodland areas in western Mediterranean ecosystems.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kupca, L.; Beno, P.

A very brief summary is provided of a primary circuit piping material properties analysis. The analysis was performed for the Bohunice V-1 reactor and the Kola-1 and -2 reactors. Assessment was performed on Bohunice V-1 archive materials and primary piping material cut from the Kola units after 100,000 hours of operation. Main research program tasks included analysis of mechanical properties, corrosion stability, and microstructural properties. Analysis results are not provided.

The Further Development of the Conceptual Model and Operational Dimensions of the AASA National Academy for School Executives. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curtis, William H.; And Others

The main purpose of this project was to develop a blueprint for the future growth of the AASA-National Academy for School Executives. The resulting comprehensive model is displayed in outline form through the use of a conceptual framework that includes three major processes -- program planning and development, implementation, and evaluation. Each…

What Affects Reintegration of Female Drug Users after Prison Release? Results of a European Follow-Up Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zurhold, Heike; Moskalewicz, Jacek; Sanclemente, Cristina; Schmied, Gabriele; Shewan, David; Verthein, Uwe

2011-01-01

The main objective of this follow-up study is to explore factors influencing the success or failure of women in reintegrating after their release from prison. Female drug users in five European cities were tracked after being released from prison. Out of 234 female prisoners contacted in prisons, 59 were included in the follow-up study. Structured…

In-house welding studies supporting the prelaunch assessment of the STS-6 main engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hawkins, L. L.

1983-01-01

Welding studies were undertaken as a result of problems with the Challenger engines. The process used to perform these welds on heat exchanger coils, and sample test data, are described. Recommendations for process improvement are included. Effort to simulate problem welds, as well as good welds, test data, and conclusions for the high pressure fuel turbopump are also are discussed.

[Diagnostic rationalism. Views of general practitioners on fibromyalgia].

PubMed

Daehli, B

1993-09-20

Clinical practice is characterized by having to make numerous important decisions, including the diagnosis. In this study, general practitioners were asked to agree or to disagree with statements of fibromyalgia. The main purpose was to test the usefulness of two well-known models for decision-making when studying diagnosis in cases of uncertainty and scepticism. The results show that the models are inadequate to explain the decisions.

The Effect of the SCAMPER Technique in Raising Awareness Regarding the Collection and Utilization of Solid Waste

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çelikler, Dilek; Harman, Gonca

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the SCAMPER technique in raising awareness among science students regarding the collection and utilization of solid waste. The participants included a total of 65 third-year students. According to the study results, the science students described schools and visual media as their main source of…

Design and implementation of telephone dialer based on Arduino

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zilong; Lei, Ying

2017-03-01

Introduces a system design scheme of the telephone dialer based on Arduino, including the design principle, hardware and software design and the experimental results in this paper. The scheme is based on the dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) dialing mode, using the Arduino UNO as the main controller, the serial port send out the telephone number to be dialed, speaker synthesize the voice.

Comparative Effects of Antihistamines on Aircrew Mission Effectiveness under Sustained Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

measures consist mainly of process measures. Process measures are measures of activities used to accomplish the mission and produce the final results...They include task completion times and response variability, and information processing rates as they relate to unique task assignment. Performance...contains process measures that assess the Individual contributions of hardware/software and human components to overall system performance. Measures

REPTILES OF THE NEVADA TEST SITE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanner, W.W.; Jorgensen, C.D.

1963-10-01

Results are reported from an ecological study of reptiles of the Nevada Test Site. Twenty-nine species of reptiles were found, including one tortoise, thirteen lizards, ard fifteen snakes. The effects of nuclear detonations were apparent on the distribution of reptiles near ground zero. The degree of disturbance decreased outward from ground zero. Food and suitable habitat were the main factors affecting the distribution of reptiles. (C.H.)

Child behavior check list and Korean personality inventory for children with functional visual loss.

PubMed

Kyung, Sung Eun; Lee, Sang Mi; Lim, Myung Ho

2014-08-01

To investigate the clinical psychiatric characteristics of children with the main complaint of functional visual loss, their behavior and personality were evaluated by the means of the Korean child behavior check list (K-CBCL), and the Korean personality inventory for children (KPI-C). The evaluation was carried out by the K-CBCL and the KPI-C, the domestically standardized tools, with 20 child subjects suspected of functional visual loss, among the patients who visited our hospital, between August, 2005 and December, 2012. The control group included 160 children in general schools of the same region. The 20 patients whose main complaint was functional visual loss were diagnosed as having a functional visual disorder. The child patient group showed a higher score for the K-CBCL and KPI-C sub-scales of somatic complaints, social problems, aggressive behavior, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, total behavioral problems, somatization and hyperactivity, than that of the control group. The results of the K-CBCL and KPI-C tests among children with functional visual loss, were significantly different from those of the normal control group. This result suggested that psychological factors may influence children with a main complaint of functional visual loss.

[Assessment of cancer incidence in Tunisia 1993-1997].

PubMed

Hsairi, Mohamed; Fakhfakh, Radhouane; Ben Abdallah, Mansour; Jlidi, Rachid; Sellami, Ahmed; Zheni, Seifallah; Hmissa, Sihem; Achour, Noureddine; Nacef, Taoufik

2002-02-01

The objective of this study is to estimate in Tunisia on a national scale the incidence of the main cancerous localizations for the period 1993-1997 while taking results of registers of the cancer of the region of the North, Sousse and Sfax as a basis. After having verified the relation of exponential type between the incidence of cancers and the life expectancy at the birth (Evo) in a certain number of country we extrapolated levels of governorates incidence included in registers of the North, Sousse and Sfax to the other governorates while taking the similarity of the Evo level as a basis. The incidence rate of in all localizations are 100.11/100.000 for male and 86.4/100.000 for female. The main cancerous localizations for male are the lung (20.8/100.000) the bladder (10.7/100.000), the cutaneous cancers (7.2/100.000) and the prostate (6.1/100.000). For female the main localization are the breast (19.7/100.000), skin (5.8/100.000) and the cervix uteri (4.8,100.000). These results illustrate the interest of tobacco control, screening of the breast cancer of and cervix uteri cancer, as components fundamental of the cancer control.

Low Back Pain Functional Disability in Athletes; Conceptualization and Initial Development of a Questionnaire

PubMed Central

Zamani, Elham; Kordi, Ramin; Nourian, Ruhollah; Noorian, Negin; Memari, Amir Hossein; Shariati, Mohammad

2014-01-01

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent causes of disability not only in the general population but also in athletes. Despite a large number of self-reported back specific disability questionnaires, there is no specific, well documented, outcome measure for athletes suffering from back pain. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the main descriptive themes representing functional disability in athletes due to LBP. Patients and Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews to characterize the experiences of athletes with LBP. Twenty athletes with LBP were recruited and the main descriptive elements of their LBP related disability were extracted. Then a preliminary questionnaire using these themes was proposed. Results: The main disability indicators were pain intensity; stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, sport specific skills, back range of motion (ROM), sitting, walking, sleep patterns, self-care, and recreational activities, fear of pain and avoidance behavior, and changes in sexual activity. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that apart from non-sports items, some sport related items should be included in the assessment of LBP disability levels in athletes. Our results have also been organized as a preliminary LBP disability questionnaire for athletes. PMID:25741417

Human resource for health reform in peri-urban areas: a cross-sectional study of the impact of policy interventions on healthcare workers in Epworth, Zimbabwe.

PubMed

Taderera, Bernard Hope; Hendricks, Stephen James Heinrich; Pillay, Yogan

2017-12-16

The need to understand how healthcare worker reform policy interventions impact health personnel in peri-urban areas is important as it also contributes towards setting of priorities in pursuing the universal health coverage goal of health sector reform. This study explored the impact of post 2008 human resource for health reform policy interventions on healthcare workers in Epworth, a peri-urban community in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the implications towards health sector reform policy in peri-urban areas. The study design was exploratory and cross-sectional and involved the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection, presentation, and analysis. A qualitative study in which data were collected through a documentary search, five key informant interviews, seven in-depth interviews, and five focus group discussions was carried out first. This was followed by a quantitative study in which data were collected through a documentary search and 87 semi-structured sample interviews with healthcare workers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically whilst descriptive statistics were used to examine quantitative data. All data were integrated during analysis to ensure comprehensive, reliable, and valid analysis of the dataset. Three main factors were identified to help interpret findings. The first main factor consisted policy result areas that impacted most successfully on healthcare workers. These included the deployment of community health workers with the highest correlation of 0.83. Policy result areas in the second main factor included financial incentives with a correlation of 0.79, training and development (0.77), deployment (0.77), and non-financial incentives (0.75). The third factor consisted policy result areas that had the lowest satisfaction amongst healthcare workers in Epworth. These included safety (0.72), equipment and tools of trade (0.72), health welfare (0.65), and salaries (0.55). The deployment of community health volunteers impacted healthcare workers most successfully. This was followed by salary top-up allowances, training, deployment, and non-financial incentives. However, health personnel were least satisfied with their salaries. This had negative implications towards health sector reform interventions in Epworth peri-urban community between 2009 and 2014.

KEY COMPARISON Update of the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tc-99m comparison of activity measurements for the radionuclide 99mTc to include new results for the LNE-LNHB and the NPL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michotte, C.; Courte, S.; Ratel, G.; Moune, M.; Johansson, L.; Keightley, J.

2010-01-01

In 2007 and 2008 respectively, the Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais-Laboratoire national Henri Becquerel (LNE-LNHB), France and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK, submitted ampoules with between 10 MBq and 130 MBq activity of 99mTc to the International Reference System (SIR), to update their results in the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tc-99m comparison. Together with the four other national metrology institutes (NMI) that are participants, thirteen samples have been submitted since 1983. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been recalculated to include the latest primary results of the PTB and the LNE-LNHB as this makes the evaluation more robust. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR are given in the form of a matrix for all six NMIs. A graphical presentation is also given. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI Section II, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Analysis of in-flight boundary-layer state measurements on a subsonic transport wing in high-lift configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanDam, C. P.; Los, S. M.; Miley, S. J.; Yip, L. P.; Banks, D. W.; Roback, V. E.; Bertelrud, A.

1995-01-01

Flight experiments on NASA Langley's B737-100 (TSRV) airplane have been conducted to document flow characteristics in order to further the understanding of high-lift flow physics, and to correlate and validate computational predictions and wind-tunnel measurements. The project is a cooperative effort involving NASA, industry, and universities. In addition to focusing on in-flight measurements, the project includes extensive application of various computational techniques, and correlation of flight data with computational results and wind-tunnel measurements. Results obtained in the most recent phase of flight experiments are analyzed and presented in this paper. In-flight measurements include surface pressure distributions, measured using flush pressure taps and pressure belts on the slats, main element, and flap elements; surface shear stresses, measured using Preston tubes; off-surface velocity distributions, measured using shear-layer rakes; aeroelastic deformations of the flap elements, measured using an optical positioning system; and boundary-layer transition phenomena, measured using hot-film anemometers and an infrared imaging system. The analysis in this paper primarily focuses on changes in the boundary-layer state that occurred on the slats, main element, and fore flap as a result of changes in flap setting and/or flight condition. Following a detailed description of the experiment, the boundary-layer state phenomenon will be discussed based on data measured during these recent flight experiments.

Esophageal surgery in minimally invasive era

PubMed Central

Bencini, Lapo; Moraldi, Luca; Bartolini, Ilenia; Coratti, Andrea

2016-01-01

The widespread popularity of new surgical technologies such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and robotics has led many surgeons to treat esophageal diseases with these methods. The expected benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) mainly include reductions of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and pain and better cosmetic results. All of these benefits could potentially be of great interest when dealing with the esophagus due to the potentially severe complications that can occur after conventional surgery. Moreover, robotic platforms are expected to reduce many of the difficulties encountered during advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures such as anastomotic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomies, and vascular sutures. Almost all esophageal diseases are approachable in a minimally invasive way, including diverticula, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, achalasia, perforations and cancer. Nevertheless, while the limits of MIS for benign esophageal diseases are mainly technical issues and costs, oncologic outcomes remain the cornerstone of any procedure to cure malignancies, for which the long-term results are critical. Furthermore, many of the minimally invasive esophageal operations should be compared to pharmacologic interventions and advanced pure endoscopic procedures; such a comparison requires a difficult literature analysis and leads to some confounding results of clinical trials. This review aims to examine the evidence for the use of MIS in both malignancies and more common benign disease of the esophagus, with a particular emphasis on future developments and ongoing areas of research. PMID:26843913

Active control of multi-element rotor blade airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Torok, Michael S. (Inventor); Moffitt, Robert C. (Inventor); Bagai, Ashish (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A multi-element rotor blade includes an individually controllable main element and fixed aerodynamic surface in an aerodynamically efficient location relative to the main element. The main element is controlled to locate the fixed aerodynamic surface in a position to increase lift and/or reduce drag upon the main element at various azimuthal positions during rotation.

Remedial Investigation Report on Bear Creek Valley Operable Unit 2 (Rust Spoil Area, Spoil Area 1, and SY-200 Yard) at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Volume 1, Main text

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1995-01-01

This report on the BCV OU 2 at the Y-12 Plant, was prepared in accordance with requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for reporting the results of a site characterization for public review. It provides the Environmental Restoration Program with information about the results of the 1993 investigation. It includes information on risk assessments that have evaluated impacts to human health and the environment. Field activities included collection of subsurface soil samples, groundwater and surface water samples, and sediments and seep at the Rust Spoil Area (RSA), SY-200 Yard, and SA-1.

Discrete maximal regularity of time-stepping schemes for fractional evolution equations.

PubMed

Jin, Bangti; Li, Buyang; Zhou, Zhi

2018-01-01

In this work, we establish the maximal [Formula: see text]-regularity for several time stepping schemes for a fractional evolution model, which involves a fractional derivative of order [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], in time. These schemes include convolution quadratures generated by backward Euler method and second-order backward difference formula, the L1 scheme, explicit Euler method and a fractional variant of the Crank-Nicolson method. The main tools for the analysis include operator-valued Fourier multiplier theorem due to Weis (Math Ann 319:735-758, 2001. doi:10.1007/PL00004457) and its discrete analogue due to Blunck (Stud Math 146:157-176, 2001. doi:10.4064/sm146-2-3). These results generalize the corresponding results for parabolic problems.

Evaluation of subsurface damage in concrete deck joints using impact echo method

DOE PAGES

Rickard, Larry; Choi, Wonchang

2016-01-01

Many factors can affect the overall performance and longevity of highway bridges, including the integrity of their deck joints. This study focuses on the evaluation of subsurface damage in deteriorated concrete deck joints, which includes the delamination and corrosion of the reinforcement. Impact echo and surface wave technology, mainly a portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA), were employed to evaluate the structural deficiency of concrete joints. Laboratory tests of core samples were conducted to verify the nondestructive test results. As a result, the primary advantage of the PSPA as a bridge assessment tool lies in its ability to assess the concrete’smore » modulus and to detect subsurface defects at a particular point simultaneously.« less

Fluidic Oscillator Array for Synchronized Oscillating Jet Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A fluidic oscillator array includes a plurality of fluidic-oscillator main flow channels. Each main flow channel has an inlet and an outlet. Each main flow channel has first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof, and has a first and a second feedback ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. The feedback ports are located downstream of the control ports with respect to a direction of a fluid flow through the main flow channel. The system also includes a first fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each first control port and each first feedback port, and a second fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each second control port and each second feedback port.

Air/fuel supply system for use in a gas turbine engine

DOEpatents

Fox, Timothy A; Schilp, Reinhard; Gambacorta, Domenico

2014-06-17

A fuel injector for use in a gas turbine engine combustor assembly. The fuel injector includes a main body and a fuel supply structure. The main body has an inlet end and an outlet end and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the outlet and inlet ends. The main body comprises a plurality of air/fuel passages extending therethrough, each air/fuel passage including an inlet that receives air from a source of air and an outlet. The fuel supply structure communicates with and supplies fuel to the air/fuel passages for providing an air/fuel mixture within each air/fuel passage. The air/fuel mixtures exit the main body through respective air/fuel passage outlets.

Fluidic Oscillator Array for Synchronized Oscillating Jet Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A fluidic oscillator array includes a plurality of fluidic-oscillator main flow channels. Each main flow channel has an inlet and an outlet. Each main flow channel has first and second control ports disposed at opposing sides thereof, and has a first and a second feedback ports disposed at opposing sides thereof. The feedback ports are located downstream of the control ports with respect to a direction of a fluid flow through the main flow channel. The system also includes a first fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each first control port and each first feedback port, and a second fluid accumulator in fluid communication with each second control port and each second feedback port.

Employment Shifts in the Technical and Further Education Workforce in Victoria.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Chandra

2003-01-01

Analyzes changes in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) work force in Victoria, Australia, that occurred during the period 1993-98. Main changes include increased participation of women, significant growth in part-time employment, decline in full-time (mainly male) employment, and an increased use of seasonal teachers. (Includes 10 figures and…

Survey of Hearth Products in U.S. Homes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siap, David; Willem, Henry; Price, Sarah K.

There are over 7 million gas-fired fireplaces currently installed in US households. On an annual basis, these use substantial energy. However, the details of the fireplace energy use and the factors that influence it are currently not well understood. Fireplaces are a type of hearth product, which is a product category that primarily consists of fireplaces, stoves, and gas log sets. For the purpose of this study, the fuels used in hearth products are primarily natural gas, propane, or electricity. They may be vented or unvented. This study reports the results of a web survey of 2,100 respondents in themore » United States performed in February 2016. The responses were cleaned and weighted using the raking method to form a nationally representative population. The reported data include hearth product characteristics, usage information, and repair and maintenance practices. The hearth product characteristics include the hearth product type, fuel type, ignition system type, features, venting, and installation details. The usage information includes seasonal usage of the main burner and standing pilot (if present), daily usage, and the primary utility (whether decorative or for heating). These raw data are further processed and combined with values from the literature to estimate the annual operating hours and energy use and to assess how these are impacted by the hearth product type, features, age, and the main heating appliance, if present. Based on the survey responses, the estimated average annual hours of usage was 234 for the main burner, and 4,593 for the standing pilot. The results presented provide the most comprehensive data regarding hearth products in the United States published to date. These new data allow for an improved understanding of hearth products’ energy use, which in turn may facilitate the development of more informed analyses, and ultimately more efficient hearth products and reduced energy use. These new data also provide insight into topics not previously studied, such as the effect of hearth product features on energy use.« less

Representing anthropogenic gross land use change, wood harvest, and forest age dynamics in a global vegetation model ORCHIDEE-MICT v8.4.2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Chao; Ciais, Philippe; Luyssaert, Sebastiaan; Li, Wei; McGrath, Matthew J.; Chang, Jinfeng; Peng, Shushi

2018-01-01

Land use change (LUC) is among the main anthropogenic disturbances in the global carbon cycle. Here we present the model developments in a global dynamic vegetation model ORCHIDEE-MICT v8.4.2 for a more realistic representation of LUC processes. First, we included gross land use change (primarily shifting cultivation) and forest wood harvest in addition to net land use change. Second, we included sub-grid evenly aged land cohorts to represent secondary forests and to keep track of the transient stage of agricultural lands since LUC. Combination of these two features allows the simulation of shifting cultivation with a rotation length involving mainly secondary forests instead of primary ones. Furthermore, a set of decision rules regarding the land cohorts to be targeted in different LUC processes have been implemented. Idealized site-scale simulation has been performed for miombo woodlands in southern Africa assuming an annual land turnover rate of 5 % grid cell area between forest and cropland. The result shows that the model can correctly represent forest recovery and cohort aging arising from agricultural abandonment. Such a land turnover process, even though without a net change in land cover, yields carbon emissions largely due to the imbalance between the fast release from forest clearing and the slow uptake from agricultural abandonment. The simulation with sub-grid land cohorts gives lower emissions than without, mainly because the cleared secondary forests have a lower biomass carbon stock than the mature forests that are otherwise cleared when sub-grid land cohorts are not considered. Over the region of southern Africa, the model is able to account for changes in different forest cohort areas along with the historical changes in different LUC activities, including regrowth of old forests when LUC area decreases. Our developments provide possibilities to account for continental or global forest demographic change resulting from past anthropogenic and natural disturbances.

Antigenotoxic Studies of Different Substances to Reduce the DNA Damage Induced by Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A

PubMed Central

Madrigal-Santillán, Eduardo; Morales-González, José A.; Vargas-Mendoza, Nancy; Reyes-Ramírez, Patricia; Cruz-Jaime, Sandra; Sumaya-Martínez, Teresa; Pérez-Pastén, Ricardo; Madrigal-Bujaidar, Eduardo

2010-01-01

Mycotoxins are produced mainly by the mycelial structure of filamentous fungi, or more specifically, molds. These secondary metabolites are synthesized during the end of the exponential growth phase and appear to have no biochemical significance in fungal growth and development. The contamination of foods and feeds with mycotoxins is a significant problem for the adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. The toxic effect of the ingestion of mycotoxins in humans and animals depends on a number of factors including intake levels, duration of exposure, toxin species, mechanisms of action, metabolism, and defense mechanisms. In general, the consumption of contaminated food and feed with mycotoxin induces to neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effect in humans and/or animals. The most significant mycotoxins in terms of public health and agronomic perspective include the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes, fumonisins, patulin, and the ergot alkaloids. Due to the detrimental effects of these mycotoxins, several strategies have been developed in order to reduce the risk of exposure. These include the degradation, destruction, inactivation or removal of mycotoxins through chemical, physical and biological methods. However, the results obtained with these methods have not been optimal, because they may change the organoleptic characteristics and nutritional values of food. Another alternative strategy to prevent or reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins is by applying antimutagenic agents. These substances act according to several extra- or intracellular mechanisms, their main goal being to avoid the interaction of mycotoxins with DNA; as a consequence of their action, these agents would inhibit mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. This article reviews the main strategies used to control AFB1 and ochratoxin A and contains an analysis of some antigenotoxic substances that reduce the DNA damage caused by these mycotoxins. PMID:22069607

Spatial and temporal variations of water quality in Cao-E River of eastern China.

PubMed

Chen, Ding-jiang; Lu, Jun; Yuan, Shao-feng; Jin, Shu-quan; Shen, Ye-na

2006-01-01

Evaluation and analysis of water quality variations were performed with integrated consideration of water quality parameters, hydrological-meteorologic and anthropogenic factors in Cao-E River, Zhejiang Province of China. Cao-E River system has been polluted and the water quality of some reaches are inferior to Grade V according to National Surface Water Quality Standard of China (GB2002). However, mainly polluted indices of each tributary and mainstream are different. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in the water are the main polluted indices for mainstream that varies from 1.52 to 45.85 mg/L and 0.02 to 4.02 mg/L, respectively. TN is the main polluted indices for Sub-watershed I, II, IV and V (0.76 to 18.27 mg/L). BOD5 (0.36 to 289.5 mg/L), CODMn (0.47 to 78.86 mg/L), TN (0.74 to 31.09 mg/L) and TP (0 to 3.75 mg/L) are the main polluted indices for Sub-watershed III. There are tow pollution types along the river including nonpoint source pollution and point source pollution types. Remarkably temporal variations with a few spatial variations occur in nonpoint pollution type reaches (including mainstream, Sub-watershed I and II) that mainly drained by arable field and/or dispersive rural dwelling district, and the maximum pollutant concentration appears in flooding seasons. It implied that the runoff increases the pollutant concentration of the water in the nonpoint pollution type reaches. On the other hand, remarkably spatial variations occur in the point pollution type reaches (include Sub-watershed III, IV and V) and the maximum pollutant concentration appears in urban reaches. The runoff always decreases the pollutant concentration of the river water in the seriously polluted reaches that drained by industrial point sewage. But for the point pollution reaches resulted from centralized town domestic sewage pipeline and from frequent shipping and digging sands, rainfall always increased the concentration of pollutant (TN) in the river water too. Pollution controls were respectively suggested for these tow types according to different pollution causes.

[Progress on molecular biology of Isaria farinosa, pathogen of host of Ophiocordyceps sinensis during the artificial culture].

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Wu, Xiao-Li; Liu, Ying; Chen, Da-Xia; Zhang, De-Li; Yang, Da-Jian

2016-02-01

Isaria farinosa is the pathogen of the host of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. The present research has analyzed the progress on the molecular biology according to the bibliometrics, the sequences (including the gene sequences) of I. farinosa in the NCBI. The results indicated that different country had published different number of the papers, and had landed different kinds and different number of the sequences (including the gene sequences). China had published the most number of the papers, and had landed the most number of the sequences (including the gene sequences). America had landed the most numbers of the function genes. The main content about the pathogen study was focus on the biological controlling. The main content about the molecular study concentrated on the phylogenies classification. In recent years some protease genes and chitinase genes had been researched. With the increase of the effect on the healthy of O. sinensis, and the whole sequence and more and more pharmacological activities of I. farinosa being made known to the public, the study on the molecular biology of the I. farinosa would be deeper and wider. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

DTI and VBM reveal white matter changes without associated gray matter changes in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome

PubMed Central

Belke, Marcus; Heverhagen, Johannes T; Keil, Boris; Rosenow, Felix; Oertel, Wolfgang H; Stiasny-Kolster, Karin; Knake, Susanne; Menzler, Katja

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose We evaluated cerebral white and gray matter changes in patients with iRLS in order to shed light on the pathophysiology of this disease. Methods Twelve patients with iRLS were compared to 12 age- and sex-matched controls using whole-head diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques. Evaluation of the DTI scans included the voxelwise analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD). Results Diffusion tensor imaging revealed areas of altered FA in subcortical white matter bilaterally, mainly in temporal regions as well as in the right internal capsule, the pons, and the right cerebellum. These changes overlapped with changes in RD. Voxel-based morphometry did not reveal any gray matter alterations. Conclusions We showed altered diffusion properties in several white matter regions in patients with iRLS. White matter changes could mainly be attributed to changes in RD, a parameter thought to reflect altered myelination. Areas with altered white matter microstructure included areas in the internal capsule which include the corticospinal tract to the lower limbs, thereby supporting studies that suggest changes in sensorimotor pathways associated with RLS. PMID:26442748

Pediatric Palliative Care in Iran: Applying Regionalization of Health Care Systems

PubMed

Khanali Mojen, Leila; Rassouli, Maryam; Eshghi, Peyman; Zendedel, Kazem; Akbari Sari, Ali; Heravi Karimooi, Majideh; Tahmasebi, Mamak; Shirin Abadi Farahani, Azam

2018-05-26

Background: Establishing palliative care services is a priority in the health system of Iran. Considering the necessity of integrating these services into the health system, this study aimed to explore the stakeholders’ perceptions about the provision of a conceptual framework for palliative care services for children with cancer according to the health system in of Iran. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 29 participants including palliative care specialists, policy-makers, health care providers, the parents of children with cancer selected through purposive sampling, between August 2016 and February 2017. Interviews continued until saturation of data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA10 software. Results: The codes extracted from interviews produced the main theme “ classes of palliative care services” with the two main categories “comprehensive care” including, strengthening family shelter, maintaining the child in a familiar environment, achieving stability and “establishing social justice” including, easy access to services, financial relief and quality care. Conclusion: Presenting a framework based on level of palliative care services, the findings of this study paves the way for integrating these services into Iranian health system. Creative Commons Attribution License

Assessment of carbon footprint and energy performance of the extra virgin olive oil chain in Umbria, Italy.

PubMed

Rinaldi, S; Barbanera, M; Lascaro, E

2014-06-01

The cradle to grave carbon footprint (CF) and energy footprint (EF) analysis of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) produced in the Province of Perugia (Umbria, Italy) is assessed. In this study, olive orchard cultivation, EVOO extraction, bottling, packaging, storage at -18°C and distribution in the main importing countries were studied from a life cycle assessment perspective, with the main objective of identifying the processes with the largest environmental impacts. The selected functional unit was 1L of EVOO, packaged for distribution. Inventory data was gathered mainly through both direct communication using questionnaires and direct measurements. To determine the CF the ISO/TS 14067:2013 was followed while the EF was evaluated according to ISO standards 14040 and 14044. Results showed that the most impacting process is the distribution, mainly due to the choice of employing air transport. The main other hot spots identified were the olive orchard fertilization, EVOO freezing during its storage at the olive mill factory and the manufacture of glass bottles. Suggested improvement opportunities included shifts in the EVOO transportation policy, the introduction of lighter glass bottles in the bottling process, the use of cooling agent with lower global warming potential and the employment of biodiesel in the farming machineries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The granulocytes are the main immunocompetent hemocytes in Crassostrea gigas.

PubMed

Wang, Weilin; Li, Meijia; Wang, Lingling; Chen, Hao; Liu, Zhaoqun; Jia, Zhihao; Qiu, Limei; Song, Linsheng

2017-02-01

Hemocytes comprise diverse cell types with morphological and functional heterogeneity and play indispensable roles in immunological homeostasis of invertebrates. The morphological classification of different hemocytes in mollusk has been studied since the 1970's, yet the involvement of the different sub-populations in immune functions is far from clear. In the present study, three types of hemocytes were morphologically identified and separated as agranulocytes, semi-granulocytes and granulocytes by flow cytometry and Percoll ® density gradient centrifugation. The granulocytes were characterized functionally as the main phagocytic and encapsulating population, while semi-granulocytes and agranulocytes exhibited low or no such capacities, respectively. Meanwhile, the lysosome activity and the productions of ROS and NO were all mainly concentrated in granulocytes under both normal and immune-activated situations. Further, the mRNA transcripts of some immune related genes, including CgTLR, CgClathrin, CgATPeV, CgLysozyme, CgDefensin and CgIL-17, were mainly expressed in granulocytes, lower in semi-granulocytes and agranulocytes. These results collectively suggested that the granulocytes were the main immunocompetent hemocytes in oyster C. gigas, and a differentiation relationship among these three sub-population hemocytes was inferred based on the gradual changes in morphological, functional and molecular features. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

International medallists' and non-medallists' developmental sport activities - a matched-pairs analysis.

PubMed

Güllich, Arne

2017-12-01

The study examined developmental participation patterns of international top athletes. Pairs of 83 international medallists (including 38 Olympic/World Champions) and 83 non-medallists were matched by sport, age and gender. A questionnaire recorded their volume of organised (coach-led) practice/training in their respective main sport and in other sports through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and also involvement in non-organised (peer-led) sport activity. Analyses revealed that the medallists started practice/training in their main sport at an older age than non-medallists and accumulated slightly, but significantly less main-sport practice/training through childhood/adolescence. But they participated in more practice/training in other sports, particularly before entering their main sport. The medallists also maintained engagement in other sports over more years and specialised later than the non-medallists. Other sports engaged in were mostly unrelated to an athlete's main sport. The results were robust across different types of sports. The observations are reflected against tenets of the "deliberate practice" and "Developmental Model of Sport Participation" frameworks. Early diversified practice and learning experiences are discussed relative to the expansion of youngsters' potential for future long-term learning. In elite athletes, interaction of sport-specific practice/training with early other-sports participation mostly facilitates long-term attainment of international senior medals.

[Occupational exposure investigation and protective measures in a tertiary infectious disease hospital].

PubMed

Ding, H M; Zhou, X P; Huang, J Z

2018-02-20

Objective: To investigate the cause of occupational exposure among 136 nurses in a tertiary infectious disease hospital, and puts forward the prevention strategy. Methods: A total of 136 nurses exposed to occupational exposure between 2014 and 2016 were included in the study. Analysis was conducted from the years of work of nurses, exposure routes, and the pathogens. Results: The nurses suffer from the highest risk of occupational exposures (73.91%) .Nurses working for less than 5 years and interns are most likely to suffer occupational exposure (45.59% and 35.29% respectively) . Occupational exposure was mainly caused by needle injuries, in which infusion was the main route of occupational exposure (36.76%) . The improper treatment of needle pulling after infusion is the main link of needle puncture (36.76%) . Occupational exposure pathogens were mainly HBV (63.24%) . Conclusion: Nursing staff is the high-risk group of occupational exposure. Irregular operation, lack of awareness of protection, improper disposal after the needle withdrawal and poor safety assessment of the operating environment are the main causes of occupational exposure. It is suggested to strengthen the training of occupational safety and protection, enhance clinical nurses occupational safety protection consciousness, standardize medical operation, so as to prevent the occurrence of occupational exposure.

Influence of lithium slag from lepidolite on the durability of concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Luo; Shaowen, Huang; Yuxuan, Zhou; Jinyang, Li; Weiliang, Peng; Yufeng, Wen

2017-04-01

This paper mainly studies the effect of lithium slag from lepidolite on the property of concrete including dry shrinkage, anti-carbonation, wear resistance and chloride ion resistance. Concrete interface structure has been observed with SEM. The results show that adding lithium slag to concrete can improve concrete property including dry shrinkage, wear resistance and chloride ion resistance. However, the wear resistance tends to decrease when the amount of lithium slag reach 20%. Lithium slag also has negative effect on anti-carbonation property. With the increasing amount of lithium slag, anti-carbonation property of concrete decrease gradually.

Issues in advanced automation for manipulator control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bejczy, A. K.

1976-01-01

This paper provides a brief description and analysis of the main issues in advanced autonomous control of manipulators as seen from a system point of view. The nature of manipulation is analyzed at some depth. A general multilevel structure is outlined for manipulator control organization which includes the human operator at the top level of the control structure. Different approaches to the development of advanced automation of mechanical arms are summarized. Recent work in the JPL teleoperator project is described, including control system, force/torque sensor, and control software development. Some results from control experiments are summarized.

Acute total left main stem occlusion treated with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention

PubMed Central

Mozid, A M; Sritharan, K; Clesham, G J

2010-01-01

Acute total occlusion of the left main stem (LMS) is a rare cause of myocardial infarction but carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality including presentation as sudden death. We describe the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented acutely with chest pain and ST segment elevation in lead aVR on her ECG suggestive of possible LMS occlusion. Emergency coronary angiography confirmed acute total LMS occlusion as well as an anomalous dominant right coronary artery. The patient underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention of the LMS with a good angiographic result and resolution of her symptoms. The patient was treated for acute left ventricular failure but made a gradual recovery and was discharged home 7 days after admission.

Detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from recreational beach using the mecA gene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkifli, Aisya; Ahmad, Asmat

2015-09-01

Water samples were collected in triplicates from three different locations choosen from the recreational beach of Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson as sampling station including main area of recreation activity for the public. Bacteria were isolated from the water and cultured. Out of 286 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus enumerated by using culture method, only 4 (1.4 %) confirmed as Meticillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) based on PCR detection of mecA gene. Interestingly, all of MRSA detections were found at the main area of recreational activity. Our results suggested that public beaches may be reservoir for transmission of MRSA to beach visitors and PCR using the mecA gene is the fastest way to detect this pathogenic bacteria.

Numerical Ergonomics Analysis in Operation Environment of CNC Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, S. F.; Yang, Z. X.

2010-05-01

The performance of operator will be affected by different operation environments [1]. Moreover, poor operation environment may cause health problems of the operator [2]. Physical and psychological considerations are two main factors that will affect the performance of operator under different conditions of operation environment. In this paper, applying scientific and systematic methods find out the pivot elements in the field of physical and psychological factors. There are five main factors including light, temperature, noise, air flow and space that are analyzed. A numerical ergonomics model has been built up regarding the analysis results which can support to advance the design of operation environment. Moreover, the output of numerical ergonomic model can provide the safe, comfortable, more productive conditions for the operator.

The Main Anatomic Variations of the Hepatic Artery and Their Importance in Surgical Practice: Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Noussios, George; Dimitriou, Ioannis; Chatzis, Iosif; Katsourakis, Anastasios

2017-04-01

Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery are important in the planning and performance of abdominal surgical procedures. Normal hepatic anatomy occurs in approximately 80% of cases, for the remaining 20% multiple variations have been described. The purpose of this study was to review the existing literature on the hepatic anatomy and to stress out its importance in surgical practice. Two main databases were searched for eligible articles during the period 2000 - 2015, and results concerning more than 19,000 patients were included in the study. The most common variation was the replaced right hepatic artery (type III according to Michels classification) which is the chief source of blood supply to the bile duct.

Study of vortex beam and orbital angular momentum by metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Shengtao

Recent explosive growth of research on metasurfaces has created a myriad of attractive applications within the field of flat optics, paving an avenue for extending current research results to other fields such as biology and physics. This thesis mainly focused on the research topics of manipulation of vortex beams via metasurfaces, including generation/reception, hologram and tuning mechanism. To be specific, the main contributions can be summarized as: 1) semi-ring slits for OAM detection and discrimination; 2) nano-void photon sieves array to realize complex OAM multiplexing strategy; 3) titanium dioxide (TiO2) metasurfaces for the demonstration of vortex holograms; and 4) reconfigurable chalcogenide compound Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) metasurfaces to demonstrate the intriguing tunable scheme.

Levoglucosan and Lipid Class Compounds in the Asian Dusts and Marine Aerosols Collected During the ACE-Asia Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, M.; Simoneit, B. R.; Kawamura, K.; Mochida, M.; Lee, M.; Lee, G.; Huebert, B. J.

2002-12-01

In order to characterize organic aerosols in the Asian Pacific region, we collected filter samples at Gosan (formerly Kosan) and Sapporo sites as well as on mobile platforms (R.V. R.H. Brown and NCAR C-130) in the western North Pacific. The aerosol extracts were analyzed by capillary GC-MS employing a TMS derivatization technique. We identified over 100 organic compounds in the samples. They are categorized into seven different classes in terms of functional groups and sources. First, sugar-type compounds were detected in the aerosols, including levoglucosan, galactosan and mannosan, which are tracers for biomass burning. Second, a homologous series of fatty acids (C12-C30) and fatty alcohols (C12-C30) mainly from plant waxes and marine lipids were present. The third group includes dicarboxylic acids (>C3) and other atmospheric oxidation products. Although oxalic (C2) and malonic (C3) acids were not detected by this method, they are very abundant in the aerosols. The fourth group includes n-alkanes (C18-C35) which usually showed a strong odd/even predominance, suggesting an important contribution from higher plant waxes. The fifth includes polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) ranging from phenanthrene to coronene, all combustion products of petroleum and mainly coal. Saccharides were the sixth group and consisted mainly of a- and b- glucose, sucrose and its alditol, and minor amounts of xylitol, sorbitol and arabitol. These saccharides are tracers for soil dust. Phthalates were detected as the seventh class, with a dominance of dioctyl phthalate. The results suggest that organic aerosols originate primarily from (1) natural emissions of terrestrial plant wax and marine lipids, (2) smoke from biomass burning (mainly non-conifer fuels), (3) soil resuspension due to spring agricultural activity, (4) urban/industrial emissions from fossil fuel use (coal), and (5) secondary reaction products. These compounds are transported by the strong westerly winds and therefore secondary oxidation is also significant in Southeast Asia and the western North Pacific.

Examination of a Rotorcraft Noise Prediction Method and Comparison to Flight Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyd, D. Douglas, Jr.; Greenwood, Eric; Watts, Michael E.; Lopes, Leonard V.

2017-01-01

With a view that rotorcraft noise should be included in the preliminary design process, a relatively fast noise prediction method is examined in this paper. A comprehensive rotorcraft analysis is combined with a noise prediction method to compute several noise metrics of interest. These predictions are compared to flight test data. Results show that inclusion of only the main rotor noise will produce results that severely underpredict integrated metrics of interest. Inclusion of the tail rotor frequency content is essential for accurately predicting these integrated noise metrics.

Small-Maturity Asymptotics for the At-The-Money Implied Volatility Slope in Lévy Models

PubMed Central

Gerhold, Stefan; Gülüm, I. Cetin; Pinter, Arpad

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT We consider the at-the-money (ATM) strike derivative of implied volatility as the maturity tends to zero. Our main results quantify the behaviour of the slope for infinite activity exponential Lévy models including a Brownian component. As auxiliary results, we obtain asymptotic expansions of short maturity ATM digital call options, using Mellin transform asymptotics. Finally, we discuss when the ATM slope is consistent with the steepness of the smile wings, as given by Lee’s moment formula. PMID:27660537

Preliminary performances measured on a CMOS long linear array for space application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renard, Christophe; Artinian, Armand; Dantes, Didier; Lepage, Gérald; Diels, Wim

2017-11-01

This paper presents the design and the preliminary performances of a CMOS linear array, resulting from collaboration between Alcatel Alenia Space and Cypress Semiconductor BVBA, which takes advantage of emerging potentialities of CMOS technologies. The design of the sensor is presented: it includes 8000 panchromatic pixels with up to 25 rows used in TDI mode, and 4 lines of 2000 pixels for multispectral imaging. Main system requirements and detector tradeoffs are recalled, and the preliminary test results obtained with a first generation prototype are summarized and compared with predicted performances.

Research studies using OSO-6 zodiacal light experiment data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The results of research studies on the OSO-6 zodiacal light experiment, conducted during the period from May 1976 to October 1977 are described. A discussion is included of the instrument performance and the empirical calibrations developed. Main areas of the research performed, i.e., (1) zodiacal light variation analysis; (2) integrated starlight and diffuse galactic light; and (3) earth/moon libration region counterglow, are covered. Considerable data processing was performed during these studies and it is summarized. Recommendations for future research to complete the interim results are given.

Relations between aggression and adjustment in chinese children: moderating effects of academic achievement.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Chen, Xinyin; Wang, Li

2014-01-01

The primary purpose of the study was to examine the moderating effects of academic achievement on relations between aggressive behavior and social and psychological adjustment in Chinese children. A sample of children (N = 1,171; 591 boys, 580 girls; initial M age = 9 years) in China participated in the study. Two waves of longitudinal data were collected in Grades 3 and 4 from multiple sources including peer nominations, teacher ratings, self-reports, and school records. The results indicated that the main effects of aggression on adjustment were more evident than those of adjustment on aggression. Moreover, aggression was negatively associated with later leadership status and positively associated with later peer victimization, mainly for high-achieving children. The results suggested that consistent with the resource-potentiating model, academic achievement served to enhance the positive development of children with low aggression. On the other hand, although the findings indicated fewer main effects of adjustment on aggression, loneliness, depression, and perceived social incompetence positively predicted later aggression for low-achieving, but not high-achieving, children, which suggested that consistent with the stress-buffering model, academic achievement protected children with psychological difficulties from developing aggressive behavior. The results indicate that academic achievement is involved in behavioral and socioemotional development in different manners in Chinese children. Researchers should consider an integrative approach based on children's behavioral, psychological, and academic functions in designing prevention and intervention programs.

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

López-Ortiz, Citlali; Gladden, Kim; Deon, Laura; Schmidt, Jennifer; Girolami, Gay; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah

2012-01-01

Objective: This pilot study aimed to examine a classical ballet program created for children with cerebral palsy (CP) as an emerging physical rehabilitation modality. The main program goals were to promote participation and to provide an artistic, physically therapeutic activity. Methods: The study was conducted in collaboration with a tertiary rehabilitation hospital, one outpatient physical therapy clinic, and one community center. As a pilot exploratory study, the research design included questionnaires to assess the participants' (children (n = 16), parents (n = 16), and therapists (n = 13)) perceptions on the therapeutic benefit of the dance program. A binomial statistical model was adopted for the analysis of the results. Results: Main results were that the children reported high enjoyment level (p < .0001) and desire for more classes (.0001); the parents reported perceived therapeutic benefit (p < .0001); and the therapists viewed the class as a positive adjunct to therapy (p < .0001). Conclusions: The main limitation of this work was the utilization of subjective outcome measures. However, this is the first step toward the development of objective measures of an intervention that, to our knowledge, has not been analyzed in the past. We conclude that the program has the potential of developing into an evidence based rehabilitation resource for children with CP. PMID:25431617

Nonlinear Stochastic PDEs: Analysis and Approximations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-23

numerical performance. Main theoretical and experimental advances include: 1.Introduction of a number of effective approaches to numerical analysis of...Stokes and Euler SPDEs, quasi -geostrophic SPDE, Ginzburg-Landau SPDE and Duffing oscillator REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT...compare their numerical performance. Main theoretical and experimental advances include: 1.Introduction of a number of effective approaches to

[Treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease at the emergency surgical care hospital].

PubMed

Reznitsky, P A; Yartsev, P A; Shavrina, N V

To assess an effectiveness of minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies in treatment of inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. The study included 150 patients who were divided into control and main groups. Survey included ultrasound, X-ray examination and abdominal computerized tomography. In the main group standardized treatment algorithm including minimally invasive and laparoscopic technologies was used. In the main group 79 patients underwent conservative treatment, minimally invasive (ultrasound-assisted percutaneous drainage of abscesses) and laparoscopic surgery that was successful in 78 (98.7%) patients. Standardized algorithm reduces time of treatment, incidence of postoperative complications, mortality and the risk of recurrent inflammatory complications of colic diverticular disease. Also postoperative quality of life was improved.

Exploration of the counseling needs of infertile couples: A qualitative study

PubMed Central

Jafarzadeh-Kenarsari, Fatemeh; Ghahiri, Ataollah; Zargham-Boroujeni, Ali; Habibi, Mojtaba

2015-01-01

Background: Identification of the main needs of infertile patients is essential to provision of appropriate supportive services and care based on their needs. Thus, the present study aims to explore infertile couples’ counseling needs. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out with an inductive qualitative content analysis approach during 2012–2013. The participants of this study included 26 Iranian infertile couples and 7 medical personnel (3 gynecologists and 4 midwives). The infertile couples were selected through purposive sampling and considering maximal variation from patients attending state-run and private infertility treatment centers as well as infertility specialists, offices in Isfahan and Rasht, Iran. Unstructured in-depth interviews and field notes were utilized for data gathering and replying to this research main question, “What are the counseling needs of infertile couples?” The data from medical personnel was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was carried out through conventional content analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed two main themes. The first theme was “a need for psychological counseling,” which included four subthemes: Emotional distress management, sexual counseling, marital counseling, and family counseling. The second theme was “a need for guidance and information throughout treatment process,” which included three subthemes: Treatment counseling, financial counseling, and legal counseling. Conclusions: The counseling needs of infertile couples are varied, and they require various psychosocial support and counseling interventions. The participants of this study identified clearly the significance of psychological counseling and information throughout the long and onerous journey of infertility and its treatment. PMID:26457091

Causes of visual impairment in children with low vision.

PubMed

Shah, Mufarriq; Khan, Mirzaman; Khan, Muhammad Tariq; Khan, Mohammad Younas; Saeed, Nasir

2011-02-01

To determine the main causes of visual impairment in children with low vision. To assess the need of spectacles and low vision devices (LVDs) in children and to evaluate visual outcome after using their LVDs for far and near distance. Observational study. Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, from June 2006 to December 2007. The clinical record of 270 children with low vision age 4-16 years attending the Low Vision Clinic were included. All those children, aged 4-16 years, who had corrected visual acuity (VA) less than 6/18 in the better eye after medical or surgical treatment, were included in the study. WHO low vision criteria were used to classify into visually impaired, severe visually impaired and blind. Results were described as percentage frequencies. One hundred and eighty nine (70%) were males and 81 (30%) were females. The male to female ratio was 2.3:1. The main causes of visual impairment included nystagmus (15%), Stargardt's disease (14%), maculopathies (13%), myopic macular degeneration (11%) and oculocutaneous albinism (7%). The percentages of visually impaired, severe visually impaired and blind were 33.8%, 27.2% and 39.0% respectively. Spectacles were prescribed to 146 patients and telescopes were prescribed to 75 patients. Spectacles and telescope both were prescribed to 179 patients while Ocutech telescope was prescribed to 4 patients. Retinal diseases nystagmus and macular conditions were mainly responsible for low vision in children. Visually impaired children especially with hereditary/congenital ocular anomalies benefit from refraction and low vision services which facilitate vision enhancement and inclusive education.

Infrared Spectroscopy of Star Formation in Galactic and Extragalactic Regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Howard A.; Hasan, Hashima (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This report details work done in a project involving spectroscopic studies, including data analysis and modeling, of star-formation regions using an ensemble of archival space-based data including some from the Infrared Space Observatory's Long Wavelength Spectrometer and Short Wavelength Spectrometer, and other spectroscopic databases. We will include four kinds of regions: (1) disks around more evolved objects; (2) young, low or high mass pre-main sequence stars in star-formation regions; (3) star formation in external, bright IR (infrared) galaxies; and (4) the galactic center. During this period, work proceeded fully on track and on time. Details on workshops and conferences attended and research results are presented. A preprint article entitled 'The Far Infrared Lines of OH as Molecular Cloud Diagnostics' is included as an appendix.

Organisational Rules in Schools: Teachers' Opinions about Functions of Rules, Rule-Following and Breaking Behaviours in Relation to Their Locus of Control

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demirkasimoglu, Nihan; Aydin, Inayet; Erdogan, Cetin; Akin, Ugur

2012-01-01

The main aim of this research is to examine teachers' opinions about functions of school rules, reasons for rule-breaking and results of rule-breaking in relation to their locus of control, gender, age, seniority and branch. 350 public elementary school teachers in Ankara are included in the correlational survey model study. According to the…

The presence of insect at composting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudruňka, J.; Lyčková, B.; Kučerová, R.; Glogarová, V.; Závada, J.; Gibesová, B.; Takač, D.

2017-10-01

During composting biodegradable waste, microbic organisms reproduce massively, most of which belong to serious biopathogens which are able to penetrate various environmental layers. Their vector species include dipterous insect (Diptera) which reaches considerable amounts in composting plant premises as well as home composting units, mainly during summer months. Therefore measures must be taken to eliminate or reduce this unwanted phenomenon (sanitisation, disinfection). For evaluating obtained results, relative abundance calculation was chosen.

Demonstration Assessment of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Roadway Lighting, I-35W Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Phase I Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kinzey, B. R.; Myer, M. A.

2009-08-01

On the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the GATEWAY program conducted a two-phase demonstration of LED roadway lighting on the main span, which is one of the country's oldest continuously operated exterior LED lighting installations. The Phase I report provides an overview of initial project results including lighting performance, economic performance, and potential energy savings.

Astronomical Research Institute Photometric Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linder, Tyler R.; Sampson, Ryan; Holmes, Robert

2013-01-01

The Astronomical Research Institute (ARI) conducts astrometric and photometric studies of asteroids with a concentration on near-Earth objects (NEOs). A 0.76-m autoscope was used for photometric studies of seven asteroids of which two were main-belt targets and five were NEOs, including one potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). These objects are: 3122 Florence, 3960 Chaliubieju, 5143 Heracles, (6455) 1992 HE, (36284) 2000 DM8, (62128) 2000 SO1, and 2010 LF86.

Papermaking: Then and Now. A History of Hand Papermaking from Its Beginning, Plus a Process for Using Natural Fibers To Make Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vickerman, Kathrine D.

In addition to a historic overview of papermaking, this book explains the painstaking process of papermaking and details the results of actually making paper from samples of grass gathered from Arizona to Minnesota, and Maine to California, including 11 states and climates. The book describes how to teach papermaking and offers a list of equipment…

Aspartame and Its Analogues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlova, L. A.; Komarova, T. V.; Davidovich, Yurii A.; Rogozhin, S. V.

1981-04-01

The results of studies on the biochemistry of the sweet taste are briefly reviewed. The methods of synthesis of "aspartame" — a sweet dipeptide — are considered, its structural analogues are described, and quantitative estimates are made of the degree of sweetness relative to sucrose. Attention is concentrated mainly on problems of the relation between the structure of the substance and its taste in the series of aspartyl derivatives. The bibliography includes 118 references.

JPRS Report, Soviet Union Economic Affairs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-29

principles for this sys - tem. The system will include quotas for the income part of the budgets; payments from the enterprises’ computed profit...against the entire economic sys - tem. And these statements are not being subjected to the proper criticism. And if individual published items writ- ten...envisioned in the decree concerning the restructuring of the banking sys - tem adopted in July 1987. The main result of banking activity is profit

Study of Varying Boundary Layer Height on Turret Flow Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

fluid dynamics. The difficulties of the problem arise in modeling several complex flow features including separation, reattachment, three-dimensional...impossible. In this case, the approach is to create a model to calculate the properties of interest. The main issue with resolving turbulent flows...operation and their effect is modeled through subgrid scale models . As a result, the the most important turbulent scales are resolved and the

Effects of aircraft noise on the equilibrium of airport residents: Supplementary analyses to the study carried out around Orly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Francois, J.

1981-01-01

The effects of aircraft noise on humans living near airports were studied. Two main questions were considered: do residents give evidence of psychological or physiological disturbances in unusually intense noise sectors; and do personality or health factors account for the high interindividual variability of annoyance? The methodology used and results obtained are presented. Samples of the survey questionnaires are included.

French space program: report to Cospar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1975-01-01

Programs and results obtained are reviewed for all French laboratories working in areas of research related to space. Main topics include lunar specimen studies; spectroscopic planetology; space radiation; ionospheric and magnetospherics; aeronomy; meteorology, comprising the Meteosat program and the Eole experiment and earth resources investigations; geodesy; and geodynamics-research covering space biology and exobiology is also discussed. French satellites and sounding rockets are listed, as well as French experiments onboard foreign spacecraft. (GRA)

Silviculture affects composition, growth, and yield in mixed northern conifers: 40-year results from the Penobscot Experimental Forest

Treesearch

Paul E. Sendak; John C. Brissette; Robert M. Frank

2003-01-01

This long-term experiment in Maine, U.S.A., was designed to provide information on the best silvicultural practices for managing stands of mixed northern conifers in northeastern U.S.A. We evaluated growth and yield and changes in species composition, quality, and structure during the first 40 years of the experiment. Replicated treatments include the selection system...

Bases of the scientific conception of the “green frame” designing in urban areas for providing ecological safety of the urban environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bespalov, V.; Kotlyarova, E.

2017-10-01

In modern conditions of a stable urban areas development special place is occupied by the problem of ecological security of built-up areas, including residential, recreational, industrial areas and objects of transport and engineering infrastructure. The main results of the study are to establish the basis of formation of the concept of choice of energy-efficient technologies and tools of forming an ecologically efficient “green frame” of urban areas on the basis of a single integrated scientific concept. Analysis allowed us to divide the measures for improvement into the following main groups: organizational and planning, engineering and technical and special engineering and environmental. The significance of these results for the construction industry, including transport infrastructure, is to increase the level of environmental safety in the construction and reconstruction of urban areas due to the organization of their improvement on the basis suggested by the authors scientific approach. Its basis is integrated accounting of the natural and climatic features of the landscaping territory, the types and level of environmental impact of negative anthropogenic factors, the features of architectural and planning solutions of the existing or projected on the studied area, the structure and types of green spaces and their functional ecological properties.

Environmental monitoring of Micro Prespa Lake basin (Western Macedonia, Greece): hydrogeochemical characteristics of water resources and quality trends.

PubMed

Tziritis, Evangelos P

2014-07-01

The Micro Prespa basin is a trilateral catchment area of significant importance with a unique ecosystem closely related to the homonymous lake. In this frame, a fully operational monitoring project was carried out including continuous real-time measurements in Micro Prespa Lake with the use of a multi-sensor probe, as well as periodical sampling and analyses of all available water systems for an extended set of 85 parameters. Four main interacting water systems were identified, including alluvial and karstic aquifers, Micro Prespa Lake and adjacent drainage network. The results outlined that general environmental conditions are satisfying in respect to the relative legislation and the hydrogeochemical signatures. However, trends of environmental pressures were ascertained as a result of natural (geogenic) factors, embracing seasonal peaks for Ni, Pb, and NH4 mainly in groundwater systems. Based on chlorophyll a records, Micro Prespa is classified as oligotrophic to slightly mesotrophic, subjected to seasonal variations. Heavy metal concentrations are low, except Ni which appears to have elevated values during the dry hydrological period. Finally, the hydrogeochemistry of drainage network is primarily influenced by surface runoff of the surrounding mountainous areas, hence elevated phosphorus values of the Aghios Germanos stream are possibly linked with the leaching of the granitic formations on the east.

Inactivation of the PTS as a Strategy to Engineer the Production of Aromatic Metabolites in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Carmona, Susy Beatriz; Moreno, Fabián; Bolívar, Francisco; Gosset, Guillermo; Escalante, Adelfo

2015-01-01

Laboratory and industrial cultures of Escherichia coli employ media containing glucose which is mainly transported and phosphorylated by the phosphotransferase system (PTS). In these strains, 50% of the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), which results from the catabolism of transported glucose, is used as a phosphate donor for its phosphorylation and translocation by the PTS. This characteristic of the PTS limits the production of industrial biocommodities that have PEP as a precursor. Furthermore, when E. coli is exposed to carbohydrate mixtures, the PTS prevents expression of catabolic and non-PTS transport genes by carbon catabolite repression and inducer exclusion. In this contribution, we discuss the main strategies developed to overcome these potentially limiting effects in production strains. These strategies include adaptive laboratory evolution selection of PTS(-) Glc(+) mutants, followed by the generation of strains that recover their ability to grow with glucose as a carbon source while allowing the simultaneous consumption of more than one carbon source. We discuss the benefits of using alternative glucose transport systems and describe the application of these strategies to E. coli strains with specific genetic modifications in target pathways. These efforts have resulted in significant improvements in the production of diverse biocommodities, including aromatic metabolites, biofuels and organic acids. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The harmful chemistry behind krokodil (desomorphine) synthesis and mechanisms of toxicity.

PubMed

Alves, Emanuele Amorim; Grund, Jean-Paul Cornelis; Afonso, Carlos Manuel; Netto, Annibal Duarte Pereira; Carvalho, Félix; Dinis-Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge

2015-04-01

"Krokodil" is the street name for the homemade injectable mixture that has been used as a cheap substitute for heroin. Its use begun in Russia and Ukraine and nowadays is being spread over several other countries. Desomorphine is the semi-synthetic opioid claimed to be the main component of krokodil and considered to be responsible for its psychoactive characteristics. The starting materials for desomorphine synthesis are codeine tablets, alkali solutions, organic solvent, acidified water, iodine and red phosphorus, all of which are easily available in retail outlets, such as supermarkets, drugstores, etc. The resulting product is a light brown liquid that is called krokodil. People who inject krokodil present a great variety of serious signs and symptoms, including thrombophlebitis, ulcerations, gangrene, and necrosis, quickly evolving to limb amputation and death. These effects are thought to result from the toxic components produced as byproducts during the homemade drug synthesis. In this work, we reviewed several aspects of krokodil use, including its epidemiology, pharmacology and the chemical properties of the main active ingredient (desomorphine). To enhance our understanding of the clinical and toxic effects and to support the implementation of harm reduction measures, we also describe the "bathtub chemistry" of krokodil and the content of the final solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Final report on the regional supplementary comparison APMP.AUV.A-S1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plangsangmas, Virat; Leeudomwong, Surat; Scott, Andrew; Zhong, Bo; Huang, Yuchung

2014-01-01

A regional supplementary comparison APMP.AUV.A-S1 has been carried out for the measurement of sound pressure level, frequency and total distortion of a multi-frequency sound calibrator. The role of the Pilot laboratory was undertaken by the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT). The multi-frequency sound calibrator was circulated through thirteen National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). Two NMIs were added to the original time schedule after starting the circulation. The measurements took place between September 2008 and July 2010. This report includes the measurement results from all the participants. Supplementary Comparison Reference Values (SCRVs) have been determined from the results. Deviations from the SCRVs are mostly within declared expanded uncertainties. It has been found that a term for the inherent instability in this type of device needs to be included in any uncertainty budget, and a recommended minimum value of this has been given. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCAUV, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Simulation of a 20-ton LiBr/H{sub 2}O absorption cooling system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wardono, B.; Nelson, R.M.

The possibility of using solar energy as the main heat input for cooling systems has led to several studies of available cooling technologies that use solar energy. The results show that double-effect absorption cooling systems give relatively high performance. To further study absorption cooling systems, a computer code was developed for a double-effect lithium bromide/water (LiBr/H{sub 2}O) absorption system. To evaluate the performance, two objective functions were developed including the coefficient of performance (COP) and the system cost. Based on the system cost, an optimization to find the minimum cost was performed to determine the nominal heat transfer areas ofmore » each heat exchanger. The nominal values of other system variables, such as the mass flow rates and inlet temperatures of the hot water, cooling water, and chilled water, are specified as commonly used values for commercial machines. The results of the optimization show that there are optimum heat transfer areas. In this study, hot water is used as the main energy input. Using a constant load of 20 tons cooling capacity, the effects of various variables including the heat transfer ares, mass flow rates, and inlet temperatures of hot water, cooling water, and chilled water are presented.« less

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolic compounds in bread: a review.

PubMed

Angelino, Donato; Cossu, Marta; Marti, Alessandra; Zanoletti, Miriam; Chiavaroli, Laura; Brighenti, Furio; Del Rio, Daniele; Martini, Daniela

2017-07-19

Cereal-based products, like breads, are a vehicle for bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. The health effects of polyphenols like phenolic acids (PAs) are dependent on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The present review summarizes the current understanding of potential strategies to improve phenolic bioaccessibility and bioavailability and the main findings of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating these strategies applied to breads, including the use of raw ingredients with greater phenolic content and different pre-processing technologies, such as fermentation and enzymatic treatment of ingredients. There is considerable variability between in vitro studies, mainly resulting from the use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization. Of the few in vivo bioavailability studies identified, acute, single-dose studies demonstrate that modifications to selected raw materials and bioprocessing of bran could increase the bioavailability, but not necessarily the net content, of bread phenolics. The two medium-term identified dietary interventions also demonstrated greater phenolic content, resulting from the modification of the raw materials used. Overall, the findings suggest that several strategies can be used to develop new bread products with greater phenolic bioaccessibility and bioavailability. However, due to the large variability and the few studies available, further investigations are required to determine better the usefulness of these innovative processes.

Rapid characterization of seismic sources in Chile: Contribution of the GNSS component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrientos, S. E.; Riquelme, S.; Baez, J. C., Sr.

2017-12-01

The recently created National Seismological Center (CSN) of the University of Chile was tasked to upgrade the countrýs seismic network in 2013. The upgrade included new 65 collocated accelerometer and broadband instruments together with 130 GNSS devices designed to transmit their data in real time. Forty units of the GNSS devices include the RTX option, a real time 1-Hz positioning capability at 4-cm error level. The observation system is complemented with 297 additional stand-alone strong motion instruments mainly located in basins for seismic engineering purposes. Broadband data can be accessed in real time from IRIS Data Management Service under networks C and C1. Strong motion event data can be retrieved through the CSN database (evtdb.csn.uchile.cl). A server is being established to handle GNSS data requests through an NTRIP Caster. Completion of the connectivity of the GNSS remote units to the main acquisition servers is expected to take place within several months. In addition to the 40 units providing real time positioning through the RTX option, Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithms are being tested on the CSN main servers to enable real time estimates every second for all GNSS remote devices. Because of the high earthquake productivity rate in Chile, the RTX system capabilities have been positively tested in two cases already, demonstrating their excellent performance: i) the main aftershock (M7.6) of the April 1, 2014, northern Chile event and ii) the April 24, 2017, (M6.9) event in central Chile. The former produced coastal horizontal static displacements of the order of 30 cm while the latter of the order of 5 cm. In addition to rapid earthquake characterization through static deformation, W-phase displacement waveform inversions are included in the fast analysis providing excellent results. These new applications and methodologies have profoundly impacted the rapid evaluation of the tsunamigenic potential of large earthquakes in the near field.

Tools for a sustainable management of coastal seas: analysis of Cullera Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mestres, M.; Sierra, J. P.; Sánchez-Arcilla, A.; Mösso, C.; González del Río, J.; Rodilla, M.

2003-04-01

The quality of the water in Cullera Bay (Eastern Spanish coast) has a relevant influence on the economy of the city of Cullera, which is focused mainly on agriculture, fisheries and tourism.. However, the bay waters are highly eutrophized (e.g., González del Río, 1987) because of the large input of nutrients from the river Júcar and from an existing marine outfall that discharges untreated wastewater during the summer months. Cullera Bay has been chosen, within the framework of the European project ECOSUD, to establish a set of indicators that may be used to assess the “health state” of a coastal or estuarine region. The main goal of the ECOSUD project, which also includes the Brazilian Patos Lagoon, is to develop a methodology and tools that will help coastal managers make decisions taking into account the sustainability of coastal and estuarine resources. The execution of the project involves a combination of field campaigns and numerical modelling. The former include integrated observations of the most relevant physical and biological magnitudes, such as water currents, meteorological characteristics, and concentrations of suspended matter, nutrients and pollutants. The latter include numerical simulations of the hydrodynamic fields induced by wind conditions and river discharge, and the simulation of pollutant and nutrient transport. The combined results allow to estimate what physical, chemical or biological parameters influence the water quality in the Bay, and their effects on selected economically important indicators such as the clam population and tourism. The data obtained from the three field campaigns undertaken during the 2002 summer, and the corresponding numerical simulations, reveal the influence of the riverine and outfall discharges on the nutrient concentration gradients inside the Bay. These are determined by the local hydrodynamics, which are mainly driven by the prevailing wind (mainly from the South and Southeast, during summertime) and the river discharge. Under certain wind conditions, the barrier effect of the Cullera Cape plays an important role in determining the water quality within the Bay.

Generalized sediment budgets of the Lower Missouri River, 1968–2014

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heimann, David C.

2016-09-13

Sediment budgets of the Lower Missouri River were developed in a study led by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The scope of the study included the development of a long-term (post-impoundment, 1968–2014) average annual sediment budget and selected annual, monthly, and daily sediment budgets for a reach and period that adequate data were available. Included in the analyses were 31 main-stem and tributary stations of the Lower Missouri River and two Mississippi River stations—the Mississippi River below Grafton, Illinois, and the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri.Long-term average annual suspended-sediment loads of Missouri River main-stem stations ranged from 0.33 million tons at the Missouri River at Yankton, South Dakota, station to 71.2 million tons at Missouri River at Hermann, Mo., station. Gaged tributary gains accounted for 9–36 percent of the local reach budgets and cumulative gaged tributary contributions accounted for 84 percent of the long-term average suspended-sediment load of the Missouri River at Hermann, Mo., station. Although the sediment budgets for seven defined main-stem reaches generally were incomplete—missing bedload, reach storage, and ungaged tributary contributions—the budget residuals (net result of sediment inputs and outputs) for six of the seven reaches ranged from -7.0 to 1.7 million tons, or from -9.2 to 4.0 percent of the reach output suspended-sediment load, and were within the 10 percent reported measurement error of annual suspended-sediment loads for large rivers. The remaining reach, downstream from Gavin’s Point Dam, extended from Yankton, S. Dak., to Sioux City, Iowa, and had a budget residual of -9.8 million tons, which was -88 percent of the suspended-sediment load at Sioux City.The Lower Missouri River reach from Omaha, Nebraska, to Nebraska City, Nebr., had periods of concurrent sediment data for each primary budget component with which to analyze and determine a suspended-sediment budget for selected annual, monthly, and daily time increments. The temporal changes in the cumulative annual budget residuals were poorly correlated with the comparatively steady 1968–2011 annual stage trends at the Missouri River at Nebraska City, Nebr., station. An accurate total sediment budget is developed by having concurrent data available for all primary suspended and bedload components for a reach of interest throughout a period. Such a complete budget, with concurrent record for suspended-sediment load and bedload components, is unavailable for any reach and period in the Lower Missouri River. The primary data gaps are in bedload data, and also in suspended-sediment gains and losses including ungaged tributary inputs and sediment storage. Bedload data gaps in the Missouri River Basin are much more prevalent than suspended-sediment data gaps, and the first step in the development of reach bedload budgets is the establishment of a standardized bedload monitoring program at main-stem stations.The temporal changes in flow-adjusted suspended-sediment concentrations analyzed at main-stem Missouri River stations indicated an overall downward change in concentrations between 1968 and 2014. Temporary declines in flow-adjusted suspended-sediment concentrations during and following large floods were evident but generally returned to near pre-flood values within about 6 months.Data uncertainties associated with the development of a sediment budget include uncertainties associated with the collection of suspended-sediment and bedload data and the computation of suspended-sediment loads. These uncertainties vary depending on the frequency of data collection, the variability of conditions being represented by the discrete samples, and the statistical approach to suspended-sediment load computations. The coefficients of variation of suspended-sediment loads of Missouri River tributary stations for 1968–2014 were greater, 75.0 percent, than the main-stem stations, 47.1 percent. The lower coefficient of variation at main-stem stations compared to tributaries, primarily is the result of the lower variability in streamflow and sediment discharge identified at main-stem stations. To obtain similar accuracy between suspended-sediment loads at main-stem and tributary stations, a longer period of record is required of the tributary stations. During 1968–2014, however, the Missouri River main-stem station record was much more complete (87 percent) than the tributary station record (28 percent).

Electric vehicle drive train with contactor protection

DOEpatents

Konrad, Charles E.; Benson, Ralph A.

1994-01-01

A drive train for an electric vehicle includes a traction battery, a power drive circuit, a main contactor for connecting and disconnecting the traction battery and the power drive circuit, a voltage detector across contacts of the main contactor, and a controller for controlling the main contactor to prevent movement of its contacts to the closed position when the voltage across the contacts exceeds a predetermined threshold, to thereby protect the contacts of the contactor. The power drive circuit includes an electric traction motor and a DC-to-AC inverter with a capacitive input filter. The controller also inhibits the power drive circuit from driving the motor and thereby discharging the input capacitor if the contacts are inadvertently opened during motoring. A precharging contactor is controlled to charge the input filter capacitor prior to closing the main contactor to further protect the contacts of the main contactor.

Electric vehicle drive train with contactor protection

DOEpatents

Konrad, C.E.; Benson, R.A.

1994-11-29

A drive train for an electric vehicle includes a traction battery, a power drive circuit, a main contactor for connecting and disconnecting the traction battery and the power drive circuit, a voltage detector across contacts of the main contactor, and a controller for controlling the main contactor to prevent movement of its contacts to the closed position when the voltage across the contacts exceeds a predetermined threshold, to thereby protect the contacts of the contactor. The power drive circuit includes an electric traction motor and a DC-to-AC inverter with a capacitive input filter. The controller also inhibits the power drive circuit from driving the motor and thereby discharging the input capacitor if the contacts are inadvertently opened during motoring. A precharging contactor is controlled to charge the input filter capacitor prior to closing the main contactor to further protect the contacts of the main contactor. 3 figures.

Somatotype in high performance female netball players may influence player position and the incidence of lower limb and back injuries

PubMed Central

Hopper, Diana M

1997-01-01

Aims To investigate the relation between somatotype, performance characteristics, and the incidence of injury during the Australian Netball Championships. Method Two hundred and forty high performance netball players competed at the Australian Netball Championships in which 213 (89%) were measured using the Heath-Carter somatotype scale. During these championships, in conjunction with the injury assessments, data analysis included a three factor analysis of variance (level of competition, playing position, and injury) for the dependent somatoype variables (endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectopmorphy), and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results For the three dependent somatotype variables, there were no main effects between endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectopmorphy and the incidence of injury. However, for the mesomorphy and ectomorphy variables, significant main effects for the playing position were found. No main effects existed between the somatotype variables and levels of competition. Conclusion The somatotype variables did not influence the incidence of injury, but mesomorphy and ectopmorphy did influence the different playing positions. PMID:9298552

Large Eddy simulation of flat plate film cooling at high blowing ratio using open FOAM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baagherzadeh Hushmandi, Narmin

2017-12-01

In this work, numerical analysis was performed to predict the behaviour of high Reynolds number turbulent cross-flows used in film cooling applications. The geometry included one row of three discrete coolant holes inclined at 30 degrees to the main flow. In the computational model, the width of the channel was cut into one sixth and symmetry boundaries were applied in the centreline of the coolant hole and along the line of symmetry between two adjacent holes. One of the main factors that affect the performance of film cooling is the blowing ratio of coolant to the main flow. A blowing ratio equal to two was chosen in this study. Analysis showed that the common practice CFD models that employ RANS equations together with turbulence modelling under predict the film cooling effectiveness up to a factor of four. However, LES method showed better agreement of film cooling effectiveness both in tendency and absolute values compared with experimental results.

Continuum and discrete approach in modeling biofilm development and structure: a review.

PubMed

Mattei, M R; Frunzo, L; D'Acunto, B; Pechaud, Y; Pirozzi, F; Esposito, G

2018-03-01

The scientific community has recognized that almost 99% of the microbial life on earth is represented by biofilms. Considering the impacts of their sessile lifestyle on both natural and human activities, extensive experimental activity has been carried out to understand how biofilms grow and interact with the environment. Many mathematical models have also been developed to simulate and elucidate the main processes characterizing the biofilm growth. Two main mathematical approaches for biomass representation can be distinguished: continuum and discrete. This review is aimed at exploring the main characteristics of each approach. Continuum models can simulate the biofilm processes in a quantitative and deterministic way. However, they require a multidimensional formulation to take into account the biofilm spatial heterogeneity, which makes the models quite complicated, requiring significant computational effort. Discrete models are more recent and can represent the typical multidimensional structural heterogeneity of biofilm reflecting the experimental expectations, but they generate computational results including elements of randomness and introduce stochastic effects into the solutions.

Coral reefs as the first line of defense: Shoreline protection in face of climate change.

PubMed

Elliff, Carla I; Silva, Iracema R

2017-06-01

Coral reefs are responsible for a wide array of ecosystem services including shoreline protection. However, the processes involved in delivering this particular service have not been fully understood. The objective of the present review was to compile the main results in the literature regarding the study of shoreline protection delivered by coral reefs, identifying the main threats climate change imposes to the service, and discuss mitigation and recovery strategies that can and have been applied to these ecosystems. While different zones of a reef have been associated with different levels of wave energy and wave height attenuation, more information is still needed regarding the capacity of different reef morphologies to deliver shoreline protection. Moreover, the synergy between the main threats imposed by climate change to coral reefs has also not been thoroughly investigated. Recovery strategies are being tested and while there are numerous mitigation options, the challenge remains as to how to implement them and monitor their efficacy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Debris Disks Among the Shell Stars: Insights from Spitzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberge, Aki; Weinberger, Alycia; Teske, Johanna

2008-01-01

Shell stars are a class of early-type stars that show narrow absorption lines in their spectra that appear to arise from circumstellar class. This observationally defined class contains a variety of objects, including evolved stars and classical Be stars. However, some of the main sequence shell stars harbor debris disks and younger protoplanetary disks, though this aspect of the class has been largely overlooked. We surveyed a set of main sequence stars for cool dust using Spitzer MIPS and found four additional systems with IR excesses at both 24 and 70 microns. This indicates that the stars have both circumstellar gas and dust, and are likely to be edge-on debris disks. Our estimate of the disk fraction among nearby main sequence shell stars is 48% +/- 14%. We discuss here the nature of the shell stars and present preliminary results from ground-based optical spectra of the survey target stars. We will also outline our planned studies aimed at further characterization of the shell star class.

Large Eddy simulation of flat plate film cooling at high blowing ratio using open FOAM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baagherzadeh Hushmandi, Narmin

2018-06-01

In this work, numerical analysis was performed to predict the behaviour of high Reynolds number turbulent cross-flows used in film cooling applications. The geometry included one row of three discrete coolant holes inclined at 30 degrees to the main flow. In the computational model, the width of the channel was cut into one sixth and symmetry boundaries were applied in the centreline of the coolant hole and along the line of symmetry between two adjacent holes. One of the main factors that affect the performance of film cooling is the blowing ratio of coolant to the main flow. A blowing ratio equal to two was chosen in this study. Analysis showed that the common practice CFD models that employ RANS equations together with turbulence modelling under predict the film cooling effectiveness up to a factor of four. However, LES method showed better agreement of film cooling effectiveness both in tendency and absolute values compared with experimental results.

Main field and secular variation modeling with Defense Meteorological Satellite Program magnetic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alken, P.; Olsen, N.; Finlay, C. C.; Chulliat, A.

2017-12-01

In order to investigate the spatial structure and development of rapid (sub-decadal) changes in the geomagnetic core field, including its secular variation and acceleration, global magnetic measurements from space play a crucial role. With the end of the CHAMP mission in September 2010, there has been a gap in high-quality satellite magnetic field measurements until the Swarm mission was launched in November 2013. Geomagnetic main field models during this period have relied on the global ground observatory network which, due to its sparse spatial configuration, has difficulty in resolving secular variation and acceleration at higher spherical harmonic degrees. In this presentation we will show new results in building main field models during this "gap period", based on vector magnetic measurements from four Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. While the fluxgate instruments onboard DMSP were not designed for high-quality core field modeling, we find that the DMSP dataset can provide valuable information on secular variation and acceleration during the gap period.

The effects of pharmacist interventions on adult outpatients with cancer: A systematic review.

PubMed

Colombo, L R P; Aguiar, P M; Lima, T M; Storpirtis, S

2017-08-01

Most antineoplastic drugs are highly toxic and have low therapeutic indexes, which can result in drug-related problems. In this context, pharmacist interventions may play an important role in the success of the treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pharmacist interventions on adult outpatients with cancer using antineoplastic drugs. A literature search was performed using PubMed, ISI Web of Science and LILACS databases from January 1990 to April 2016, using MeSH terms or text words related to pharmacist interventions, cancer and outpatient care. Studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish on the effects of pharmacist interventions in outcome measures in adult outpatients with cancer were included. Two independent authors performed study selection and data extraction with a consensus process. The articles were analysed according to previously established criteria, such as country, study design, setting, population, type of cancer, description of the intervention and control groups, outcomes, main conclusions and study limitations. A total of 874 records were identified, of which 11 satisfied the inclusion criteria. The studies were conducted mainly in the United States and included patients aged >50 years. Most studies had a before-after design. Pharmacist interventions primarily included educating and counselling patients on the management of adverse events. Rates of nausea and vomiting control, medication adherence and patient satisfaction were the most common outcome measures; a significant benefit in these parameters as a result of pharmacist interventions was noted in most studies. The findings from this systematic review indicate that pharmacist interventions can improve outcome measures in outpatients with cancer. However, the collective quality of the studies was poor and gaps identified indicate that further research is needed to provide more robust results. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Phase space effects on fast ion transport modeling in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podesta, Mario

2015-11-01

Simulations of burning plasmas require a consistent treatment of energetic particles (EP), possibly including the effects of instabilities. Reduced EP transport models are emerging as an effective tool to account for those effects in long time-scale simulations. Available models essentially differ for the main transport drive, which is associated to gradients in real or phase space. It is crucial to assess to what extent those different assumptions affect computed quantities such as EP profile, Neutral Beam (NB) driven current and energy/momentum transfer to the thermal populations. These issues are investigated through a kick model, which includes modifications of the EP distribution by instabilities in real and velocity space. TRANSP simulations including the kick model are applied to NB-heated NSTX discharges featuring unstable toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs). Results show that TAEs mainly affect fast ions with large parallel velocity, i.e. the most effective for NB current drive. Other portions of the EP distribution are nearly unperturbed. Core NB driven current decreases by 10-30%, with even larger relative changes toward the plasma edge. When TAEs evolve in so-called avalanches, the model reproduces measured drops of ~ 10% in the neutron rate. Consistently with previous results, the drop is caused by both EP energy loss and EP redistribution. These results are compared to those from a simple diffusive model and a ``critical gradient'' model, which postulates radial EP gradient as the only transport drive. The importance of EP velocity space modifications is discussed in terms of accuracy of the predictions, with emphasis on Neutral Beam driven current. Work supported by U.S. DOE Contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Dependability of results in conference abstracts of randomized controlled trials in ophthalmology and author financial conflicts of interest as a factor associated with full publication.

PubMed

Saldanha, Ian J; Scherer, Roberta W; Rodriguez-Barraquer, Isabel; Jampel, Henry D; Dickersin, Kay

2016-04-26

Discrepancies between information in conference abstracts and full publications describing the same randomized controlled trial have been reported. The association between author conflicts of interest and the publication of randomized controlled trials is unclear. The objective of this study was to use randomized controlled trials in ophthalmology to evaluate (1) the agreement in the reported main outcome results by comparing abstracts and corresponding publications and (2) the association between the author conflicts of interest and publication of the results presented in the abstracts. We considered abstracts describing results of randomized controlled trials presented at the 2001-2004 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conferences as eligible for our study. Through electronic searching and by emailing abstract authors, we identified the earliest publication (journal article) containing results of each abstract's main outcome through November 2013. We categorized the discordance between the main outcome results in the abstract and its paired publication as qualitative (a difference in the direction of the estimated effect) or as quantitative. We used the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology categories for conflicts of interest: financial interest, employee of business with interest, consultant to business with interest, inventor/developer with patent, and receiving ≥ 1 gift from industry in the past year. We calculated the relative risks (RRs) of publication associated with the categories of conflicts of interest for abstracts with results that were statistically significant, not statistically significant, or not reported. We included 513 abstracts, 230 (44.8 %) of which reached publication. Among the 86 pairs with the same main outcome domain at the same time point, 47 pairs (54.7 %) had discordant results: qualitative discordance in 7 pairs and quantitative discordance in 40 pairs. Quantitative discordance was indicated as < 10, 10-20, > 20 %, and unclear in 14, 5, 14, and 7 pairs, respectively. First authors reporting of one or more conflicts of interest was associated with a greater likelihood of publication (RR = 1.31; 95 % CI = 1.04 to 1.64) and a shorter time-to-publication (log-rank p = 0.026). First author conflicts of interests that were associated with publication were financial support (RR = 1.50; 95 % CI = 1.19 to 1.90) and one or more gifts (RR = 1.42; 95 % CI = 1.05 to 1.92). The association between conflicts of interest and publication remained, irrespective of the statistical significance of the results. More than half the abstract/publication pairs exhibited some amount of discordance in the main outcome results, calling into question the dependability of conference abstracts. Regardless of the main outcome results, the conflicts of interests of the abstract's first author were associated with publication.

Managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process in a parallel computer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Archer, Charles J; Blocksome, Michael A; Miller, Douglas R

2014-05-20

A parallel computer includes nodes, each having main memory and a messaging unit (MU). Each MU includes computer memory, which in turn includes, MU message buffers. Each MU message buffer is associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node. In the parallel computer, managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process includes: receiving, by an MU of a compute node, one or more data communications messages in an MU message buffer associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node; determining, by an application agent, that the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process is full prior tomore » initialization of the uninitialized process; establishing, by the application agent, a temporary message buffer for the uninitialized process in main computer memory; and moving, by the application agent, data communications messages from the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process to the temporary message buffer in main computer memory.« less

Managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process in a parallel computer

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J; Blocksome, Michael A; Miller, Douglas R; Parker, Jeffrey J; Ratterman, Joseph D; Smith, Brian E

2014-05-20

A parallel computer includes nodes, each having main memory and a messaging unit (MU). Each MU includes computer memory, which in turn includes, MU message buffers. Each MU message buffer is associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node. In the parallel computer, managing internode data communications for an uninitialized process includes: receiving, by an MU of a compute node, one or more data communications messages in an MU message buffer associated with an uninitialized process on the compute node; determining, by an application agent, that the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process is full prior to initialization of the uninitialized process; establishing, by the application agent, a temporary message buffer for the uninitialized process in main computer memory; and moving, by the application agent, data communications messages from the MU message buffer associated with the uninitialized process to the temporary message buffer in main computer memory.

76 FR 29747 - State Program Requirements; Proposal To Approve Maine's Base National Pollutant Discharge...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-23

...'s Base National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting Program AGENCY... of Maine's Base NPDES Permitting Program in these territories as part of the administrative record to... Maine's base program as EPA approved it in 2001. Thus, the state's program would not include regulation...

[Analysis of the main components of inner ear antigens inducing autoimmune Meniere's disease in guinea pigs].

PubMed

Lu, Ling; Tan, Chang-Qiang; Cui, Yu-Gui; Ding, Gui-Peng; Ju, Xiao-Bin; Li, Yu-Jin; Cai, Wen-Jun

2008-08-01

To investigate the main components of inner ear antigens inducing autoimmune Meniere's disease (AIMD) in guinea pigs. The guinea pigs were immunized with isologous crude inner ear antigens (ICIEAg). Then, the hearing function was measured with auditory brainstem response (ABR), the vestibular function was measured with electronystagmography (including spontaneous nystagmus and caloric test), and inner ear histopathological changes were observed by inner ear celloidin section with haematoxylin-eosin staining and observed under light microscope. According to these results, the AIMD-model animals from non-AIMD-model ones were distinguished. The special antibodies against ICIEAg in sera were measured with ELISA. The antigen-antibody reactions against different components of ICIEAg were detected by Western blotting with sera of AIMD and non-AIMD guinea pigs respectively. Then, we analysed the contrast between them and found the main components of the ICIEAg that were positive reaction in AIMD guinea pigs and negative reaction in non-AIMD guinea pigs. The result of ELISA demonstrated that the sera of both the AIMD and non-AIMD guniea pigs contained the special antibodies against ICIEAg after immunized with ICIEAg. The difference of the amount of antibody against ICIEAg between AIMD guinea pig group and non-AIMD guinea pig group was not significant. Western blotting assay showed only the sera of AIMD guinea pig contained the antibodies against the specific antigens with the molecular of 68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000. ICIEAg contain many different components, the AIMD might only happen in the guinea pigs in which the special immunization against the main components that could induce this kind of disorder appeared. The inner ear antigens with molecular of 68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000 might be the main components inducing AIMD in guinea pigs.

Antimicrobial drug-related problems in a neonatal intensive care unit

PubMed Central

Nunes, Bruna Meirelly; Xavier, Tatiana Costa; Martins, Rand Randall

2017-01-01

Objective The goal was to determine the main drug-related problems in neonates who were using antimicrobials. Method This was an observational, prospective and longitudinal study. Drug-related problems were classified according to version 6.2 of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Foundation classification. A descriptive analysis was performed, in which the clinical and therapeutic variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies or as the mean and standard deviation, as appropriate. Results In total, 152 neonates with a predominance of males (58.5%), gestational age of 32.7 ± 4.2 weeks and weight of 1,903.1 ± 846.9g were included. The main diagnostic hypothesis of infection was early sepsis (66.5%), and 71.7% of the neonates had some risk factor for infection. Among the neonates, 33.6% had at least one drug-related problem. Of these, 84.8% were related to treatment effectiveness and 15.2% to adverse reactions. The main cause of drug-related problems was the selected dose, particularly for aminoglycosides and cephalosporins. Conclusion The use of antimicrobials in the neonatal intensive care is mainly associated with problems related to medication effectiveness, predominantly the prescription of subdoses of antimicrobials, especially aminoglycosides. PMID:28876403

[Rationality of commodity criteria and traditional breeding of Polygala tenuifolia based on agronomic traits and determination of chemical components].

PubMed

Wang, Dan-Dan; Bai, Lu; Xu, Xiao-Shuang; Zhang, Fu-Sheng; Xing, Jie; Jia, Jin-Ping; Tian, Hong-Ling; Qin, Xue-Mei

2016-10-01

The agronomic traits (plant height, root diameter, root length, first lateral root height, lateral root amount, root weight) of 18 Polygala tenuifolia samples with different agronomic traits were analyzed, respectively. HPLC was used to analyze three main characteristic components including tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. At last, the correlation between six agronomic traits and three main characteristic components were analyzed by scatter plot. We found no significant correlation between root diameter and three main characteristic components. There were no obvious correlations between tenuifolin and the remaining five agronomic traits. Short root length and first lateral root height as well as high lateral root amount resulted in high levels of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in P. tenuifolia samples. High levels of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose were observed in P. tenuifolia samples with longer root. So, the current commodity criteria and traditional breeding of P. tenuifolia did not conform to pharmacopoeia standards, which excellent medicinal materials should have high contents of the main characteristic components. It was urgent to revise the current commodity criteria and breeding methods. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Oxidative Addition and Reductive Elimination at Main-Group Element Centers.

PubMed

Chu, Terry; Nikonov, Georgii I

2018-04-11

Oxidative addition and reductive elimination are key steps in a wide variety of catalytic reactions mediated by transition-metal complexes. Historically, this reactivity has been considered to be the exclusive domain of d-block elements. However, this paradigm has changed in recent years with the demonstration of transition-metal-like reactivity by main-group compounds. This Review highlights the substantial progress achieved in the past decade for the activation of robust single bonds by main-group compounds and the more recently realized activation of multiple bonds by these elements. We also discuss the significant discovery of reversible activation of single bonds and distinct examples of reductive elimination at main-group element centers. The review consists of three major parts, starting with oxidative addition of single bonds, proceeding to cleavage of multiple bonds, and culminated by the discussion of reversible bond activation and reductive elimination. Within each subsection, the discussion is arranged according to the type of bond being cleaved or formed and considers elements from the left to the right of each period and down each group of the periodic table. The majority of results discussed in this Review come from the past decade; however, earlier reports are also included to ensure completeness.

Contribution of pheromones processed by the main olfactory system to mate recognition in female mammals

PubMed Central

Baum, Michael J.

2012-01-01

Until recently it was widely believed that the ability of female mammals (with the likely exception of women) to identify and seek out a male breeding partner relied on the detection of non-volatile male pheromones by the female's vomeronasal organ (VNO) and their subsequent processing by a neural circuit that includes the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), vomeronasal amygdala, and hypothalamus. Emperical data are reviewed in this paper that demonstrate the detection of volatile pheromones by the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) of female mice which, in turn, leads to the activation of a population of glomeruli and abutting mitral cells in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). Anatomical results along with functional neuroanatomical data demonstrate that some of these MOB mitral cells project to the vomeronasal amygdala. These particular MOB mitral cells were selectively activated (i.e., expressed Fos protein) by exposure to male as opposed to female urinary volatiles. A similar selectivity to opposite sex urinary volatiles was also seen in mitral cells of the AOB of female mice. Behavioral data from female mouse, ferret, and human are reviewed that implicate the main olfactory system, in some cases interacting with the accessory olfactory system, in mate recognition. PMID:22679420

Stereo tests as a screening tool for strabismus: which is the best choice?

PubMed Central

Ancona, Chiara; Stoppani, Monica; Odazio, Veronica; La Spina, Carlo; Corradetti, Giulia; Bandello, Francesco

2014-01-01

Purpose To compare four stereo tests (Lang I, Lang II, Titmus, and TNO) and assess their effectiveness. The main focus of this study is to identify the most useful stereo test as a challenging tool in the screening of strabismus. Patients and methods A total of 143 Caucasian subjects, 74 males (52%) and 69 females (48%), aged between 4 years and 78 years (mean age 19.09±15.12 years) were examined at our Strabismus Service (Scientific Institute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy) and included in this observational cross-sectional study. Subjects recruited in this study were either affected by strabismus, including microstrabismic patients, or healthy volunteers. Subjects affected by ophthalmological diseases, other than strabismus, were excluded. All patients underwent both ophthalmological and orthoptic examination, including stereo tests, Hirschberg Corneal Light Reflex Test, Worth Four-Dot Test, the 4 Prism Diopter Base-Out Test, Cover Testing, Bruckner Test, visual acuity, automated refraction under 1% tropicamide cycloplegia and thereafter, posterior pole evaluation. Results All data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 2.0, to perform all statistical calculations. The main finding of this study is that Lang I stereo test achieved the highest sensitivity (89.8%) and specificity (95.2%) in detecting strabismus, including microstrabismus as well, compared to all the other stereoacuity tests. Furthermore, Lang I is the stereo test with the highest positive predictive value and negative predictive value, both greater than 90%. Conclusion The stereo test with the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value is Lang I. These results suggest its applicability as a screening test for strabismus in people older than 4 years. PMID:25419114

Awareness of Societal Issues Among High School Biology Teachers Teaching Genetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazarowitz, Reuven; Bloch, Ilit

2005-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate how aware high school biology teachers are of societal issues (values, moral, ethic, and legal issues) while teaching genetics, genetics engineering, molecular genetics, human heredity, and evolution. The study includes a short historical review of World War II atrocities during the Holocaust when scientists from all the above-mentioned disciplines had been involved in trying to support and develop the eugenics theories. It investigates pre- and postwar theories of the eugenics movement in the United States which were implemented successfully in Germany and a literature survey of the studies of societal issues related to these subjects. The sample consisted of 30 male and female biology teachers. Enclosed are teachers' answers in favor or against including debates about societal issues in their classrooms while teaching the disciplines mentioned above. Teachers' answers were analyzed in relation to three variables: years of teaching experience, gender, and religion faith. Data were collected from questionnaires and personal interviews and analyzed according to qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that amongst the teachers there is a medium to low level of awareness of societal issues, while mainly emphasizing scientific subjects in preparation of matriculation examinations. The majority of the teachers do not include societal issues in their teaching, but if students raise these issues, teachers claimed to address them. No differences in teachers' opinions to societal issues were found in relation to gender or religious faith. Teachers with more years of teaching experience tend to teach with a more Science, Technology, and Society (STS) approach than novice teachers. The results are discussed in relation to teachers' professional development and teaching strategies are suggested to be used in their classrooms based on a STS approach, which includes the societal issues as a main goal.

[Identifying the specific causes of kidney allograft loss: A population-based study].

PubMed

Lohéac, Charlotte; Aubert, Olivier; Loupy, Alexandre; Legendre, Christophe

2018-04-01

Results of kidney transplantation have been improving but long-term allograft survival remains disappointing. The objective of the present study was to identify the specific causes of renal allograft loss, to assess their incidence and long-term outcomes. A total of 4783 patients from four French centres, transplanted between January 2004 and January 2014 were prospectively included. A total of 9959 kidney biopsies (protocol and for cause) performed between January 2004 and March 2015 were included. Donor and recipient clinical and biological parameters as well as anti-HLA antibody directed against the donor were included. The main outcome was the long-term kidney allograft survival, including the study of the associated causes of graft loss, the delay of graft loss according to their causes and the determinants of graft loss. There were 732 graft losses during the follow-up period (median time: 4.51 years) with an identified cause in 95.08 %. Kidney allograft survival at 9 years post-transplant was 78 %. The causes of allograft loss were: antibody-mediated rejection (31.69 %), thrombosis (25.55 %), medical intercurrent disease (14.62 %), recurrence of primary renal disease (7.1 %), BK- or CMV-associated nephropathy (n=35, 4.78 %), T cell-mediated rejection (4.78 %), urological disease (2.46 %) and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (1.09 %). The main causes of allograft loss were antibody-mediated rejection and thrombosis. These results encourage efforts to prevent and detect these complications earlier in order to improve allograft survival. Copyright © 2018 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Suggestions for better data presentation in papers: an experience from a comprehensive study on national and sub-national trends of overweight and obesity.

PubMed

Djalalinia, Shirin; Kelishadi, Roya; Qorbani, Mostafa; Peykari, Niloofar; Kasaeian, Amir; Saeedi Moghaddam, Sahar; Gohari, Kimiya; Larijani, Bagher; Farzadfar, Farshad

2014-12-01

The importance of data quality whether in collection, analysis or presenting stage is a tangible and undeniable scientific fact and the main objects of researches implementation. This paper aims at explaining the main problems of the Iranian scientific papers for providing better data in the field of national and sub-national prevalence, incidence estimates and trends of obesity and overweight. To assess and evaluate papers, we systematically followed an approved standard protocol. Retrieval of studies was performed through Thomson Reuters Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, as well as Iranian databases including Irandoc, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranMedex. Using GBD (Global Burden of Diseases) validated quality assessment forms to assess the quality and availability of data in papers, we considered the following four main domains: a) Quality of studies, b) Quality report of the results, c) Responsiveness of corresponding authors, and d) Diversity in study settings. We retrieved 3,253 records; of these 1,875 were from international and 1378 from national databases. After refining steps, 129 (3.97%) papers remained related to our study domain. More than 51% of relevant papers were excluded because of poor quality of studies. The number of reported total population and points of data were 22,972 and 29 for boys, and 38,985 and 47 for girls, respectively. For all measures, missing values and diversities in studies' setting limited our ability to compare and analyze the results. Moreover, we had some serious problems in contacting the corresponding authors for complementary information necessary (Receptiveness: 17.9%). As the present paper focused on the main problems of Iranian scientific papers and proposed suggestions, the results will have implications for better policy making.

Venezuela offshore oil and gas production development: Past, present and future

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perez La Salvia, H.; Schwartz, E.; Contreras, M.

1995-12-01

This paper presents a short history of offshore oil and gas production in Venezuela starting in Lake Maracaibo in 1923. The main emphasis has been the results of the recent R and D and the exploratory offshore programs in areas like Orinoco Delta located in the Atlantic Ocean, Northeast and Northwest Venezuela in the Caribbean sea. In the R and D offshore program the main objectives were: (1) To establish the local environmental, oceanographical, geotechnical and seismicity conditions for the Venezuelan Continental Platform. (2) To give a technical support to the PDVSA Operating Affiliates during the exploratory programs including: (a)more » to develop accurate drilling vessel positioning systems; (b) evaluation of sea bottom geotechnical conditions for safely operating the jack-ups and drilling vessels involved in the exploratory wells and (c) to identify those areas which because of their special nature require further investigation to establish preliminary type of platforms required for the areas to be developed or to evaluate other solutions proposed by Foreign Consultant Engineering Companies to the PDVSA Operating Affiliated Companies. The main objective of PDVSA for the coming future will be to develop the North of Paria Gas Field through the initially named Christopher Columbus Project now Sucre Gas, S.A., a consortium conformed by LaGoven, S.A. Shell, Exxon and Mitsubishi. objective of this paper is to give an idea of the history of the Venezuelan Oil and Gas Offshore development giving emphasis to the results of the INTEVEP S.A. Red offshore program and to show some results of the particular characteristics of oceanographical, environmental, geotechnical and seismic conditions in the main areas evaluated during the exploratory program: Orinoco Delta, Gulf of Paria and North of Paria.« less

Estimation of residence time in a shallow lacustrine embayment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razmi, A. M.; Barry, D. A.; Lemmin, U.; Bakhtyar, R.

2012-12-01

Near-shore water quality in lacustrine bays subjected to effluent or stream discharges is affected by, amongst other things, the residence time within a given bay. Vidy Bay, located on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, receives discharge from a wastewater treatment plant, the Chamberonne River and a storm-water drain. The residence time of water in the bay largely depends on water exchanges with the main basin (Grand Lac) of Lake Geneva. Field investigations and modeling of the hydrodynamics of Vidy Bay have shown that currents are variable, due mainly to wind variability over the lake. However, in broad terms there are two main current patterns in the bay, (i) currents are linked to large gyres in the Grand Lac, or (ii) currents are partially independent of the Grand Lac and are controlled by small-scale gyres within the bay. Residence times in Vidy Bay were computed using the hydrodynamic model Delft3D. Since the Vidy Bay shoreline follows a shallow arc, the definition of the off-shore extent of the bay is ambiguous. Here, the largest within-bay gyre is used. Particle tracking was conducted for each of the three discharges into the bay. Model results were computed using meteorological data for 2010, and thus include the natural variability in wind patterns and seasonal stratification. An analysis of the results shows that a water parcel from the waste water outfall has a residence time ranging from hours to days. The water residence time is minimum near to the surface and maximum at the near bottom layer. The results confirmed that wind force, thermal stratification, and water depth are the main factors influencing residence time.

Assessment and quantification of post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome severity at farm level.

PubMed

Alarcon, Pablo; Velasova, Martina; Werling, Dirk; Stärk, Katharina D C; Chang, Yu-Mei; Nevel, Amanda; Pfeiffer, Dirk U; Wieland, Barbara

2011-01-01

Post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) causes major economic losses for the English pig industry and severity of clinical signs and economic impact vary considerably between affected farms. We present here a novel approach to quantify severity of PMWS based on morbidity and mortality data and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). In 2008-2009, 147 pig farms across England, non-vaccinating for PCV2, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Factor analysis was used to generate variables representing biologically meaningful aspects of variation among qualitative and quantitative morbidity variables. Together with other known variables linked to PMWS, the resulting factors were included in a principal component analysis (PCA) to derive an algorithm for PMWS severity. Factor analysis resulted in two factors: Morbidity Factor 1 (MF1) representing mainly weaner and grower morbidity, and Morbidity Factor 2 (MF2) which mainly reflects variation in finisher morbidity. This indicates that farms either had high morbidity mainly in weaners/growers or mainly in finishers. Subsequent PCA resulted in the extraction of one component representing variation in MF1, post-weaning mortality and percentage of PCV2 PCR positive animals. Component scores were normalised to a value range from 0 to 10 and farms classified into: non or slightly affected farms with a score <4, moderately affected farms with scores 4-6.5 and highly affected farms with a score >6.5. The identified farm level PMWS severities will be used to identify risk factors related to these, to assess the efficacy of PCV2 vaccination and investigating the economic impact of potential control measures. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study: What have we learned.

PubMed

Weiss, Roger D; Rao, Vinod

2017-04-01

The multi-site Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment Study (POATS), conducted by the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network, was the largest clinical trial yet conducted with patients dependent upon prescription opioids (N=653). In addition to main trial results, the study yielded numerous secondary analyses, and included a 3.5-year follow-up study, the first of its kind with this population. This paper reviews key findings from POATS and its follow-up study. The paper summarizes the POATS design, main outcomes, predictors of outcome, subgroup analyses, the predictive power of early treatment response, and the long-term follow-up study. POATS examined combinations of buprenorphine-naloxone of varying duration and counseling of varying intensity. The primary outcome analysis showed no overall benefit to adding drug counseling to buprenorphine-naloxone and weekly medical management. Only 7% of patients achieved a successful outcome (abstinence or near-abstinence from opioids) during a 4-week taper and 8-week follow-up; by comparison, 49% of patients achieved success while subsequently stabilized on buprenorphine-naloxone. Long-term follow-up results were more encouraging, with higher abstinence rates than in the main trial. Patients receiving opioid agonist treatment at the time of follow-up were more likely to have better outcomes, though a sizeable number of patients succeeded without agonist treatment. Some patients initiated risky use patterns, including heroin use and drug injection. A limitation of the long-term follow-up study was the low follow-up rate. POATS was the first large-scale study of the treatment of prescription opioid dependence; its findings can influence both treatment guidelines and future studies. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Targeting pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in the United States and Peru: partnership types, contact rates, and sexual role.

PubMed

Carnegie, Nicole B; Goodreau, Steven M; Liu, Albert; Vittinghoff, Eric; Sanchez, Jorge; Lama, Javier R; Buchbinder, Susan

2015-05-01

We aim to identify optimal strategies for deploying pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States and Peru to maximize population-level effectiveness in an efficient manner. We use epidemic models to simulate the impact of targeting strategies. Most studies have focused on targeting either the general population or high-risk MSM. Alternative strategies, including serodiscordant couples, may better balance effectiveness and efficiency. We use dynamic stochastic sexual network models based on exponential-family random graph modeling, parameterized from behavioral surveys of MSM in the United States and Peru. These models represent main partnerships and casual contacts separately, permitting modeling of interventions targeting men whose risk derives from combinations of relational types. We also model varying rates of uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assess sensitivity of results to risk compensation through increases in condomless casual contacts and condomless sex in main partnerships. Targeting all men who are not exclusively insertive has the largest impact on HIV incidence, but targeting only those with high levels of casual activity yields comparable results using fewer person-years on PrEP. The effect is robust to risk compensation in the United States, but less so in Peru. Targeting serodiscordant main partnerships does not significantly impact incidence, but requires fewer person-years on PrEP per infection averted than other strategies. PrEP could be effective in reducing new infections at the population level in both settings. Serodiscordant partnerships are an attractive component of a targeting program, but targeting should include other high-risk men.

Risk assessment of maize damage by wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) as the first step in implementing IPM and in reducing the environmental impact of soil insecticides.

PubMed

Furlan, L; Contiero, B; Chiarini, F; Colauzzi, M; Sartori, E; Benvegnù, I; Fracasso, F; Giandon, P

2017-01-01

A survey of maize fields was conducted in northeast Italy from 1986 to 2014, resulting in a dataset of 1296 records including information on wireworm damage to maize, plant-attacking species, agronomic characteristics, landscape and climate. Three wireworm species, Agriotes brevis Candeze, A. sordidus Illiger and A. ustulatus Schäller, were identified as the dominant pest species in maize fields. Over the 29-year period surveyed, no yield reduction was observed when wireworm plant damage was below 15 % of the stand. A preliminary univariate analysis of risk assessment was applied to identify the main factors influencing the occurrence of damage. A multifactorial model was then applied by using the significant factors identified. This model allowed the research to highlight the strongest factors and to analyse how the main factors together influenced damage risk. The strongest factors were: A. brevis as prevalent damaging species, soil organic matter content >5 %, rotation including meadows and/or double crops, A. sordidus as prevalent damaging species, and surrounding landscape mainly meadows, uncultivated grass and double crops. The multifactorial model also showed how the simultaneous occurrence of two or more of the aforementioned risk factors can conspicuously increase the risk of wireworm damage to maize crops, while the probability of damage to a field with no-risk factors is always low (<1 %). These results make it possible to draw risk maps to identify low-risk and high-risk areas, a first step in implementing bespoke IPM procedures in an attempt to reduce the impact of soil insecticides significantly.

Mobility and fractionation of Fe, Pb and Zn in river sediments from a silver and base-metals mining area: Taxco, México.

PubMed

Espinosa, E; Armienta, M A

2007-08-01

The impact of mining wastes on both the concentration and environmental mobility of Zn, Pb and Fe was studied in a shallow river. The studied tributary of the Taxco river is located south of the historical Ag, Zn, Cu and Pb mining area of Taxco, about 150 km south of México City. Methodology included total concentration determinations and sequential extraction analyses of the operational defined fractions of sediments. Results indicated that Fe, Pb and Zn concentrations are up to 5, 100 and 390 times respectively, greater than regional background concentrations. Higher contents of Pb and Zn were observed in the rainy season versus the dry season, whereas Fe was lower in the rainy season. Zinc and lead increased downflow in the dry season, and did not show any trend during the rainy season. Speciation showed that Zn was mainly linked to the carbonatic fraction (25-39%), to the hydrous Fe/Mn oxides fraction (15-25%) and to the organic matter and sulfide fraction (14-48%); lead was mainly associated to the hydrous Fe/Mn oxides (49-59%) and residual (22-39%) fractions; finally, iron was contained mainly in the residual (65-78%) and the hydrous Fe/Mn oxides fraction (15%). Mobility decreased according to the relation: Zn > Pb > Fe. Sediments were classified as strongly polluted in zinc, strongly to very strongly polluted in Pb, and moderately to strongly polluted in iron. However, a low proportion of metals in the exchangeable fractions, indicates low bioavailability. Limestone presence played a very important role on Zn and Pb fractionation and environmental mobility. Results show the importance of including geological background in river pollution studies.

Landfill mining: Developing a comprehensive assessment method.

PubMed

Hermann, Robert; Wolfsberger, Tanja; Pomberger, Roland; Sarc, Renato

2016-11-01

In Austria, the first basic technological and economic examinations of mass-waste landfills with the purpose to recover secondary raw materials have been carried out by the 'LAMIS - Landfill Mining Österreich' pilot project. A main focus of its research, and the subject of this article, is the first conceptual design of a comprehensive assessment method for landfill mining plans, including not only monetary factors (like costs and proceeds) but also non-monetary ones, such as the concerns of adjoining owners or the environmental impact. Detailed reviews of references, the identification of influences and system boundaries to be included in planning landfill mining, several expert workshops and talks with landfill operators have been performed followed by a division of the whole assessment method into preliminary and main assessment. Preliminary assessment is carried out with a questionnaire to rate juridical feasibility, the risk and the expenditure of a landfill mining project. The results of this questionnaire are compiled in a portfolio chart that is used to recommend, or not, further assessment. If a detailed main assessment is recommended, defined economic criteria are rated by net present value calculations, while ecological and socio-economic criteria are examined in a utility analysis and then transferred into a utility-net present value chart. If this chart does not support making a definite statement on the feasibility of the project, the results must be further examined in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Here, the benefit of the particular landfill mining project per capital unit (utility-net present value ratio) is determined to make a final distinct statement on the general benefit of a landfill mining project. © The Author(s) 2016.

Diversity of Group I and II Clostridium botulinum Strains from France Including Recently Identified Subtypes

PubMed Central

Mazuet, Christelle; Legeay, Christine; Sautereau, Jean; Ma, Laurence; Bouchier, Christiane; Bouvet, Philippe; Popoff, Michel R.

2016-01-01

In France, human botulism is mainly food-borne intoxication, whereas infant botulism is rare. A total of 99 group I and II Clostridium botulinum strains including 59 type A (12 historical isolates [1947–1961], 43 from France [1986–2013], 3 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), 31 type B (3 historical, 23 recent isolates, 4 from other countries, and 1 collection strain), and 9 type E (5 historical, 3 isolates, and 1 collection strain) were investigated by botulinum locus gene sequencing and multilocus sequence typing analysis. Historical C. botulinum A strains mainly belonged to subtype A1 and sequence type (ST) 1, whereas recent strains exhibited a wide genetic diversity: subtype A1 in orfX or ha locus, A1(B), A1(F), A2, A2b2, A5(B2′) A5(B3′), as well as the recently identified A7 and A8 subtypes, and were distributed into 25 STs. Clostridium botulinum A1(B) was the most frequent subtype from food-borne botulism and food. Group I C. botulinum type B in France were mainly subtype B2 (14 out of 20 historical and recent strains) and were divided into 19 STs. Food-borne botulism resulting from ham consumption during the recent period was due to group II C. botulinum B4. Type E botulism is rare in France, 5 historical and 1 recent strains were subtype E3. A subtype E12 was recently identified from an unusual ham contamination. Clostridium botulinum strains from human botulism in France showed a wide genetic diversity and seems to result not from a single evolutionary lineage but from multiple and independent genetic rearrangements. PMID:27189984

Topics and structure in preoperative nursing consultations with patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

PubMed

Pettersson, Monica E; Öhlén, Joakim; Friberg, Febe; Hydén, Lars-Christer; Carlsson, Eva

2017-12-01

The preoperative education, which occurs in preoperative patient consultations, is an important part of the surgical nurse's profession. These consultations may be the building blocks of a partnership that facilitates communication between patient and nurse. The aim of the study was to describe topics and structure and documentation in preoperative nursing consultations with patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. The study was based on analysis of consultations between seven patients and nurses at a Swedish university hospital. The preplanned preoperative consultations were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The structure of the consultations was described in terms of phases and the text was analysed according to a manifest content analysis RESULTS: The consultations were structured on an agenda that was used variously and communicating different topics in an equally varied manner. Seven main topics were found: Health status, Preparation before surgery, Discovery, Tumour, Operation, Symptoms and Recovery after surgery. The topic structure disclosed a high number of subtopics. The main topics 'Discovery', 'Tumour' and 'Symptoms' were only raised by patients and occupied only 11% of the discursive space. Documentation was sparse and included mainly task-oriented procedures rather than patients' worries and concerns. There was no clear structure regarding preoperative consultation purpose and content. Using closed questions instead of open is a hindrance of developing a dialogue and thus patient participation. Preoperative consultation practice needs to be strengthened to include explicit communication of the consultations' purpose and agenda, with nurses actively discussing and responding to patients' concerns and sensitive issues. The results of the study facilitate the development of methods and structure to support person-centred communication where the patient is given space to get help with the difficult issues he/she may have when undergoing surgery. © 2016 Nordic College of Caring Science.

A Retrospective Study of Causes of Low Vision in Saud Arabia, A Case of Eye World Medical Complex in Riyadh.

PubMed

Z Alotaibi, Abdullah

2015-10-20

Vision is the ability of seeing with a definite understanding of features, color and contrast, and to distinguish between objects visually. In the year 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness formulated a worldwide project for the eradication of preventable loss of sight with the subject of "Vision 2020: the Right to Sight". This global program aims to eradicate preventable loss of sight by the year 2020. This study was conducted to determine the main causes of low vision in Saudi Arabia and also to assess their visual improvement after using low vision aids (LVD).The study is a retrospective study and was conducted in low vision clinic at Eye World Medical Complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The file medical record of 280 patients attending low vision clinics from February 2008 to June 2010 was included. A data sheet was filled which include: age, gender, cause of low vision, unassisted visual acuity for long distances and short distances, low vision devices needed for long distances and short distances that provides best visual acuity. The result shows that the main cause of low vision was Optic atrophy (28.9%). Retinitis pigmentosa was the second cause of low vision, accounting for 73 patients (26%) followed by Diabetic retinopathy and Macular degeneration with 44 patients (15.7%) and 16 patients (5.7%) respectively. Inter family marriage could be one of the main causes of low vision. Public awareness should be embarked on for enlightenment on ocular diseases result in consanguineous marriage. Also, it is an important issue to start establishing low vision clinics in order to improve the situation.

Photospheric and coronal magnetic fields in six magnetographs. I. Consistent evolution of the bashful ballerina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Virtanen, Ilpo; Mursula, Kalevi

2016-06-01

Aims: We study the long-term evolution of photospheric and coronal magnetic fields and the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), especially its north-south asymmetry. Special attention is paid to the reliability of the six data sets used in this study and to the consistency of the results based on these data sets. Methods: We use synoptic maps constructed from Wilcox Solar Observatory (WSO), Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO), Kitt Peak (KP), SOLIS, SOHO/MDI, and SDO/HMI measurements of the photospheric field and the potential field source surface (PFSS) model. Results: The six data sets depict a fairly similar long-term evolution of magnetic fields and the heliospheric current sheet, including polarity reversals and hemispheric asymmetry. However, there are time intervals of several years long, when first KP measurements in the 1970s and 1980s, and later WSO measurements in the 1990s and early 2000s, significantly deviate from the other simultaneous data sets, reflecting likely errors at these times. All of the six magnetographs agree on the southward shift of the heliospheric current sheet (the so-called bashful ballerina phenomenon) in the declining to minimum phase of the solar cycle during a few years of the five included cycles. We show that during solar cycles 20-22, the southward shift of the HCS is mainly due to the axial quadrupole term, reflecting the stronger magnetic field intensity at the southern pole during these times. During cycle 23 the asymmetry is less persistent and mainly due to higher harmonics than the quadrupole term. Currently, in the early declining phase of cycle 24, the HCS is also shifted southward and is mainly due to the axial quadrupole as for most earlier cycles. This further emphasizes the special character of the global solar field during cycle 23.

Impact of uncertainty on modeling and testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coleman, Hugh W.; Brown, Kendall K.

1995-01-01

A thorough understanding of the uncertainties associated with the modeling and testing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Engine will greatly aid decisions concerning hardware performance and future development efforts. This report will describe the determination of the uncertainties in the modeling and testing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine test program at the Technology Test Bed facility at Marshall Space Flight Center. Section 2 will present a summary of the uncertainty analysis methodology used and discuss the specific applications to the TTB SSME test program. Section 3 will discuss the application of the uncertainty analysis to the test program and the results obtained. Section 4 presents the results of the analysis of the SSME modeling effort from an uncertainty analysis point of view. The appendices at the end of the report contain a significant amount of information relative to the analysis, including discussions of venturi flowmeter data reduction and uncertainty propagation, bias uncertainty documentations, technical papers published, the computer code generated to determine the venturi uncertainties, and the venturi data and results used in the analysis.

Thrust augmentation nozzle (TAN) concept for rocket engine booster applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forde, Scott; Bulman, Mel; Neill, Todd

2006-07-01

Aerojet used the patented thrust augmented nozzle (TAN) concept to validate a unique means of increasing sea-level thrust in a liquid rocket booster engine. We have used knowledge gained from hypersonic Scramjet research to inject propellants into the supersonic region of the rocket engine nozzle to significantly increase sea-level thrust without significantly impacting specific impulse. The TAN concept overcomes conventional engine limitations by injecting propellants and combusting in an annular region in the divergent section of the nozzle. This injection of propellants at moderate pressures allows for obtaining high thrust at takeoff without overexpansion thrust losses. The main chamber is operated at a constant pressure while maintaining a constant head rise and flow rate of the main propellant pumps. Recent hot-fire tests have validated the design approach and thrust augmentation ratios. Calculations of nozzle performance and wall pressures were made using computational fluid dynamics analyses with and without thrust augmentation flow, resulting in good agreement between calculated and measured quantities including augmentation thrust. This paper describes the TAN concept, the test setup, test results, and calculation results.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liese, Eric; Zitney, Stephen E.

A multi-stage centrifugal compressor model is presented with emphasis on analyzing use of an exit flow coefficient vs. an inlet flow coefficient performance parameter to predict off-design conditions in the critical region of a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO 2) power cycle. A description of the performance parameters is given along with their implementation in a design model (number of stages, basic sizing, etc.) and a dynamic model (for use in transient studies). A design case is shown for two compressors, a bypass compressor and a main compressor, as defined in a process simulation of a 10 megawatt (MW) supercritical COmore » 2 recompression Brayton cycle. Simulation results are presented for a simple open cycle and closed cycle process with changes to the inlet temperature of the main compressor which operates near the CO 2 critical point. Results showed some difference in results using the exit vs. inlet flow coefficient correction, however, it was not significant for the range of conditions examined. Here, this paper also serves as a reference for future works, including a full process simulation of the 10 MW recompression Brayton cycle.« less

Natural history, treatment and prevention of hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation: past, present and future.

PubMed

Dumortier, Jérôme; Boillot, Olivier; Scoazec, Jean-Yves

2014-08-28

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is the main indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Post-transplant HCV re-infection is almost universal and results in accelerated progression from acute hepatitis to chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Comprehension and treatment of recurrent HCV infection after LT have been major issues for all transplant hepatologists and transplant surgeons for the last decades. The aim of this paper is to review the evolution of our knowledge on the natural history of HCV recurrence after LT, including risk factors for disease progression, and antiviral therapy. We will focus our attention on possible ways (present and future) to improve the final long-term results of LT for HCV-related liver disease.

Effect of ultrasonic capillary dynamics on the mechanics of thermosonic ball bonding.

PubMed

Huang, Yan; Shah, Aashish; Mayer, Michael; Zhou, Norman Y; Persic, John

2010-01-01

Microelectronic wire bonding is an essential step in today's microchip production. It is used to weld (bond) microwires to metallized pads of integrated circuits using ultrasound with hundreds of thousands of vibration cycles. Thermosonic ball bonding is the most popular variant of the wire bonding process and frequently investigated using finite element (FE) models that simplify the ultrasonic dynamics of the process with static or quasistatic boundary conditions. In this study, the ultrasonic dynamics of the bonding tool (capillary), made from Al(2)O(3), is included in a FE model. For more accuracy of the FE model, the main material parameters are measured. The density of the capillary was measured to be rho(cap) = 3552 +/- 100 kg/m(3). The elastic modulus of the capillary, E(cap) = 389 +/- 11 GPa, is found by comparing an auxiliary FE model of the free vibrating capillary with measured values. A capillary "nodding effect" is identified and found to be essential when describing the ultrasonic vibration shape. A main FE model builds on these results and adds bonded ball, pad, chip, and die attach components. There is excellent agreement between the main model and the ultrasonic force measured at the interface on a test chip with stress microsensors. Bonded ball and underpad stress results are reported. When adjusted to the same ultrasonic force, a simplified model without ultrasonic dynamics and with an infinitely stiff capillary tip is substantially off target by -40% for the maximum underpad stress. The compliance of the capillary causes a substantial inclination effect at the bonding interface between wire and pad. This oscillating inclination effect massively influences the stress fields under the pad and is studied in more detail. For more accurate results, it is therefore recommended to include ultrasonic dynamics of the bonding tool in mechanical FE models of wire bonding.

Five vicarious genera from Gondwana: the Velloziaceae as shown by molecules and morphology

PubMed Central

Mello-Silva, Renato; Santos, Déborah Yara A. C.; Salatino, Maria Luiza F.; Motta, Lucimar B.; Cattai, Marina B.; Sasaki, Denise; Lovo, Juliana; Pita, Patrícia B.; Rocini, Cintia; Rodrigues, Cristiane D. N.; Zarrei, Mehdi; Chase, Mark W.

2011-01-01

Background and Aims The amount of data collected previously for Velloziaceae neither clarified relationships within the family nor helped determine an appropriate classification, which has led to huge discordance among treatment by different authors. To achieve an acceptable phylogenetic result and understand the evolution and roles of characters in supporting groups, a total evidence analysis was developed which included approx. 20 % of the species and all recognized genera and sections of Velloziaceae, plus outgroups representatives of related families within Pandanales. Methods Analyses were undertaken with 48 species of Velloziaceae, representing all ten genera, with DNA sequences from the atpB-rbcL spacer, trnL-trnF spacer, trnL intron, trnH-psbA spacer, ITS ribosomal DNA spacers and morphology. Key Results Four groups consistently emerge from the analyses. Persistent leaves, two phloem strands, stem cortex divided in three regions and violet tepals support Acanthochlamys as sister to Velloziaceae s.s., which are supported mainly by leaves with marginal bundles, transfusion tracheids and inflorescence without axis. Within Velloziaceae s.s., an African Xerophyta + Talbotia clade is uniquely supported by basal loculicidal capsules; an American clade, Barbacenia s.l. + Barbaceniopsis + Nanuza + Vellozia, is supported by only homoplastic characters. Barbacenia s.l. (= Aylthonia + Barbacenia + Burlemarxia + Pleurostima) is supported by a double sheath in leaf vascular bundles and a corona; Barbaceniopsis + Nanuza + Vellozia is not supported by an unambiguous character, but Barbaceniopsis is supported by five characters, including diclinous flowers, Nanuza + Vellozia is supported mainly by horizontal stigma lobes and stem inner cortex cells with secondary walls, and Vellozia alone is supported mainly by pollen in tetrads. Conclusions The results imply recognition of five genera (Acanthochlamys (Xerophyta (Barbacenia (Barbaceniopsis, Vellozia)))), solving the long-standing controversies among recent classifications of the family. They also suggest a Gondwanan origin for Velloziaceae, with a vicariant pattern of distribution. PMID:21693665

Imaging of shoulder instability

PubMed Central

Martínez Martínez, Alberto; Tomás Muñoz, Pablo; Pozo Sánchez, José; Zarza Pérez, Antonio

2017-01-01

This extended review tries to cover the imaging findings of the wide range of shoulder injuries secondary to shoulder joint instability. Usefulness of the different imaging methods is stressed, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance. The main topics to be covered include traumatic, atraumatic and minor instability syndromes. Radiography may show bone abnormalities associated to instability, including developmental and post-traumatic changes. CT is the best technique depicting and quantifying skeletal changes. MR-arthrography is the main tool in diagnosing the shoulder instability injuries. PMID:28932699

Wear resistance of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with the Addition of Bone Ash, Hydroxylapatite and Keratin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emre, G.; Akkus, A.; Karamış, M. B.

2018-01-01

In this study mechanichal and tribological properties of keratin, bone ash and hydroxylapatite by adding to PMMA ( known as the main prosthesis material) were investigated. Hydroxylapatite, bone ash, and keratin materials were added as PMMA in to the content of PMMA, in the proportions of %1, %3 and %5, respectively. The resulting mixtures were put into the molds and solidified in order to obtain samples to be used in the wear experiments. Each experiment was conducted by preparing three experimental samples. The wear data were compared according to the average values of the experimental samples. In the wear test, the results were also evaluated according to the average values obtained from each group and the results of the control group. It was observed that, the wear resistance of the PMMA including 3%, 5% bone ash and PMMA including 5% keratin flour were higher than the values of the control group.

Parasitology: United Kingdom National Quality Assessment Scheme.

PubMed Central

Hawthorne, M.; Chiodini, P. L.; Snell, J. J.; Moody, A. H.; Ramsay, A.

1992-01-01

AIMS: To assess the results from parasitology laboratories taking part in a quality assessment scheme between 1986 and 1991; and to compare performance with repeat specimens. METHODS: Quality assessment of blood parasitology, including tissue parasites (n = 444; 358 UK, 86 overseas), and faecal parasitology, including extra-intestinal parasites (n = 205; 141 UK, 64 overseas), was performed. RESULTS: Overall, the standard of performance was poor. A questionnaire distributed to participants showed that a wide range of methods was used, some of which were considered inadequate to achieve reliable results. Teaching material was distributed to participants from time to time in an attempt to improve standards. CONCLUSIONS: Since the closure of the IMLS fellowship course in 1972, fewer opportunities for specialised training in parasitology are available: more training is needed. Poor performance in the detection of malarial parasites is mainly attributable to incorrect speciation, misidentification, and lack of equipment such as an eyepiece graticule. PMID:1452791

Summary of the First AIAA CFD High Lift Prediction Workshop (invited)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumsey, C. L.; Long, M.; Stuever, R. A.; Wayman, T. R.

2011-01-01

The 1st AIAA CFD High Lift Prediction Workshop was held in Chicago in June 2010. The goals of the workshop included an assessment of the numerical prediction capability of current-generation CFD technology/ codes for swept, medium/high-aspect ratio wings in landing/take-off (high lift) configurations. 21 participants from 8 countries and 18 organizations, submitted a total of 39 datasets of CFD results. A variety of grid systems (both structured and unstructured) were used. Trends due to flap angle were analyzed, and effects of grid family, grid density, solver, and turbulence model were addressed. Some participants also assessed the effects of support brackets used to attach the flap and slat to the main wing. This invited paper describes the combined results from all workshop participants. Comparisons with experimental data are made. A statistical summary of the CFD results is also included.

Oleuropein in Olive and its Pharmacological Effects

PubMed Central

Omar, Syed Haris

2010-01-01

Olive from Olea europaea is native to the Mediterranean region and, both the oil and the fruit are some of the main components of the Mediterranean diet. The main active constituents of olive oil include oleic acid, phenolic constituents, and squalene. The main phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste. The present review focuses on recent works that have analyzed the relationship between the major phenolic compound oleuropein and its pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer activities, antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effect. PMID:21179340

[Epidemiology, treatment and results of proximal humeral fractures: experience of a district hospital in a sports- and tourism area].

PubMed

Sonderegger, J; Simmen, H-P

2003-02-01

The epidemiology, therapy and results of proximal humeral fractures in a touristic area were investigated and our concept for treatment presented. Between 1.1.1999 and 30.04.2000 adult patients with proximal humeral fractures were included, the fractures classified (Codman/Neer and AO) and results determined after an average of 9 months. 62 adults were treated. 59 (95 %) had an accident during leisure time, mainly skiing accidents (52 %). 7 patients (11 %) had an associated luxation of the shoulder. 51 (82 %) were treated conservatively, 11 (18 %) operatively with a T-plate. The conservatively treated had to wear a Gilchrist-cast for an average of 29 (operatively 13) days, started passive movement after 20 (operatively 9) days, and active movement after 44 (operatively 45) days. The 32 employed (52 %) were not able to work for 46 days on average. Overall, 52 patients (84 %) were totally or mostly satisfied with the result. 5 among the 13 patients (38.5 %) with 3- or 4-part-fractures, and 4 among the 11 operated patients (36.4 %) were not satisfied with the result. Proximal humeral fractures are common skiing injuries, they need a long and intensive treatment and are economically expensive. The Codman/Neer and AO-classifications are equal. The results for simple, mainly conservatively treated fractures (Codman/Neer 1, 2A, 2-part) are good. Complex, mainly operatively treated fractures (Codman/Neer 3- and 4-part) have a much poorer prognosis. Diagnostically the computed tomography with 3-D-reconstruction is recommended for a better representation of the fracture and a safer choice of the therapeutical strategy.

STE thrust chamber technology: Main injector technology program and nozzle Advanced Development Program (ADP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

The purpose of the STME Main Injector Program was to enhance the technology base for the large-scale main injector-combustor system of oxygen-hydrogen booster engines in the areas of combustion efficiency, chamber heating rates, and combustion stability. The initial task of the Main Injector Program, focused on analysis and theoretical predictions using existing models, was complemented by the design, fabrication, and test at MSFC of a subscale calorimetric, 40,000-pound thrust class, axisymmetric thrust chamber operating at approximately 2,250 psi and a 7:1 expansion ratio. Test results were used to further define combustion stability bounds, combustion efficiency, and heating rates using a large injector scale similar to the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) STME main injector design configuration including the tangential entry swirl coaxial injection elements. The subscale combustion data was used to verify and refine analytical modeling simulation and extend the database range to guide the design of the large-scale system main injector. The subscale injector design incorporated fuel and oxidizer flow area control features which could be varied; this allowed testing of several design points so that the STME conditions could be bracketed. The subscale injector design also incorporated high-reliability and low-cost fabrication techniques such as a one-piece electrical discharged machined (EDMed) interpropellant plate. Both subscale and large-scale injectors incorporated outer row injector elements with scarfed tip features to allow evaluation of reduced heating rates to the combustion chamber.

The Fossilized Size Distribution of the Main Asteroid Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottke, W. F.; Durda, D.; Nesvorny, D.; Jedicke, R.; Morbidelli, A.

2004-05-01

The main asteroid belt evolved into its current state via two processes: dynamical depletion and collisional evolution. During the planet formation epoch, the primordial main belt (PMB) contained several Earth masses of material, enough to allow the asteroids to accrete on relatively short timescales (e.g., Weidenschilling 1977). The present-day main belt, however, only contains 5e-4 Earth masses of material (Petit et al. 2002). To explain this mass loss, we suggest the PMB evolved in the following manner: Planetesimals and planetary embryos accreted (and differentiated) in the PMB during the first few Myr of the solar system. Gravitational perturbations from these embryos dynamically stirred the main belt, enough to initiate fragmentation. When Jupiter reached its full size, some 10 Myr after the solar system's birth, its perturbations, together with those of the embryos, dynamically depleted the main belt region of > 99% of its bodies. Much of this material was sent to high (e,i) orbits, where it continued to pummel the surviving main belt bodies at high impact velocities for more than 100 Myr. While some differentiated bodies in the PMB were disrupted, most were instead scattered; only small fragments from this population remain. This period of comminution and dynamical evolution in the PMB created, among other things, the main belt's wavy size-frequency distribution, such that it can be considered a "fossil" from this violent early epoch. From this time forward, however, relatively little collisional evolution has taken place in the main belt, consistent with the surprising paucity of prominent asteroid families. We will show that the constraints provided by asteroid families and the shape of the main belt size distribution are essential to obtaining a unique solution from our model's initial conditions. We also use our model results to solve for the asteroid disruption scaling law Q*D, a critical function needed in all planet formation codes that include fragmentation between rocky planetesimals.

Health technology assessment of magnet therapy for relieving pain.

PubMed

Arabloo, Jalal; Hamouzadeh, Pejman; Eftekharizadeh, Fereshteh; Mobinizadeh, Mohammadreza; Olyaeemanesh, Alireza; Nejati, Mina; Doaee, Shila

2017-01-01

Background: Magnet therapy has been used increasingly as a new method to alleviate pain. Magnetic products are marketed with claims of effectiveness for reducing pain of various origins. However, there are inconsistent results from a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the analgesic efficacy of magnet therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of magnet therapy on reliving various types of pain. Methods: A systematic search of two main medical databases (Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline) was conducted from 1946 to May 2014. Only English systematic reviews that compared magnet therapy with other conventional treatments in patients with local pain in terms of pain relieving measures were included. The results of the included studies were thematically synthesized. Results: Eight studies were included. Magnet therapy could be used to alleviate pain of various origins including pain in various organs, arthritis, myofascial muscle pain, lower limb muscle cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome and pelvic pain. Results showed that the effectiveness of magnetic therapy was only approved in muscle pains, but its effectiveness in other indications and its application as a complementary treatment have not been established. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that magnet therapy could not be an effective treatment for relieving different types of pain. Our results highlighted the need for further investigations to be done in order to support any recommendations about this technology.

Health technology assessment of magnet therapy for relieving pain

PubMed Central

Arabloo, Jalal; Hamouzadeh, Pejman; Eftekharizadeh, Fereshteh; Mobinizadeh, Mohammadreza; Olyaeemanesh, Alireza; Nejati, Mina; Doaee, Shila

2017-01-01

Background: Magnet therapy has been used increasingly as a new method to alleviate pain. Magnetic products are marketed with claims of effectiveness for reducing pain of various origins. However, there are inconsistent results from a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the analgesic efficacy of magnet therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of magnet therapy on reliving various types of pain. Methods: A systematic search of two main medical databases (Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline) was conducted from 1946 to May 2014. Only English systematic reviews that compared magnet therapy with other conventional treatments in patients with local pain in terms of pain relieving measures were included. The results of the included studies were thematically synthesized. Results: Eight studies were included. Magnet therapy could be used to alleviate pain of various origins including pain in various organs, arthritis, myofascial muscle pain, lower limb muscle cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome and pelvic pain. Results showed that the effectiveness of magnetic therapy was only approved in muscle pains, but its effectiveness in other indications and its application as a complementary treatment have not been established. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that magnet therapy could not be an effective treatment for relieving different types of pain. Our results highlighted the need for further investigations to be done in order to support any recommendations about this technology. PMID:29445660

Reducing stillbirths in Ethiopia: Results of an intervention programme.

PubMed

Lindtjørn, Bernt; Mitike, Demissew; Zidda, Zillo; Yaya, Yaliso

2018-01-01

Previous studies from South Ethiopia have shown that interventions that focus on intrapartum care substantially reduce maternal mortality and there is a need to operationalize health packages that could reduce stillbirths. The aim of this paper is to evaluate if a programme that aimed to improve maternal health, and mainly focusing on strengthening intrapartum care, also would reduce the number of stillbirths, and to estimate if there are other indicators that explains high stillbirth rates. Our study used a "continuum of care" approach and focussed on providing essential antenatal and obstetric services in communities through health extension workers, at antenatal and health facility services. In this follow up study, which includes the same 38.312 births registered by community health workers, shows that interventions focusing on improved intrapartum care can also reduce stillbirths (by 46%; from 14.5 to 7.8 per 1000 births). Other risk factors for stillbirths are mainly related to complications during delivery and illnesses during pregnancy. We show that focusing on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care and antenatal services reduces stillbirths. However, the study also underlines that illnesses during pregnancy and complications during delivery still represent the main risk factors for stillbirths. This indicates that obstetric care need still to be strengthened, should include the continuum of care from home to the health facility, make care accessible to all, and reduce delays.

Structure and tectonics of the Main Himalayan Thrust and associated faults from recent earthquake and seismic imaging studies using the NAMASTE array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karplus, M. S.; Pant, M.; Velasco, A. A.; Nabelek, J.; Kuna, V. M.; Sapkota, S. N.; Ghosh, A.; Mendoza, M.; Adhikari, L. B.; Klemperer, S. L.

2017-12-01

The India-Eurasia collision zone presents a significant earthquake hazard, as demonstrated by the recent, devastating April 25, 2015 M=7.8 Gorkha earthquake and the following May 12, 2015 M=7.3 earthquake. Important questions remain, including distinguishing possible geometries of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT), the role of other regional faults, the crustal composition and role of fluids in faulting, and the details of the rupture process, including structural causes and locations of rupture segmentation both along-strike and down-dip. These recent earthquakes and their aftershocks provide a unique opportunity to learn more about this collision zone. In June 2015, funded by NSF, we deployed the Nepal Array Measuring Aftershock Seismicity Trailing Earthquake (NAMASTE) array of 46 seismic stations distributed across eastern and central Nepal, spanning the region with most of the aftershocks. This array remained in place for 11 months from June 2015 to May 2016. We combine new results from this aftershock network in Nepal with previous geophysical and geological studies across the Himalaya to derive a new understanding of the tectonics of the Himalaya and southern Tibet in Nepal and surrounding countries. We focus on structure and composition of the Main Himalayan Thrust and compare this continent-continent subduction megathrust with megathrusts in other subduction zones.

[Accidents of the everyday life (AcVC) in children in Dakar: about 201 cases].

PubMed

Mohamed, Azhar Salim; Sagna, Aloïse; Fall, Mbaye; Ndoye, Ndeye Aby; Mbaye, Papa Alassane; Fall, Aimé Lakh; Diaby, Alou; Ndour, Oumar; Ngom, Gabriel

2017-01-01

Accidents of everyday life (AcVC) are common in children and can led to disabling injuries and death. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological aspects of AcVC and the related injury mechanisms in Dakar. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013. All the children victims of domestic accidents, sport and leisure accidents or school accidents were included. We studied some general parameters and some parameters related to each type of AcVC. Two hundred and one children were included, accounting for 27% of emergency consultations. There were 148 boys and 53 girls. Children less than 5 years of age were most affected (37.8%). Football and wrestling game were the main causes of AcVC. AcVC occur mainly at home (58.2%) and in the areas of sport and recreation (31.8%). The fractures predominated in the different types of AcVC: 54.9% of domestic accidents, 68.8% of sport and recreation accidents and 40% of school accidents. From an epidemiological perspective, our results are superimposable to literature. Fractures predominated contrary to literature where bruises were preponderant. Wrestling game is the main cause of these fractures, after football. The acquisition of knowledge about the epidemiological aspects of AcVC and the related injury mechanisms will allow for prevention campaigns in Dakar.

Scarf pin-related hijab syndrome: A new name for an unusual type of foreign body aspiration

PubMed Central

Kakamad, Fahmi H.; Bakir, Delan Ahmed

2017-01-01

Background Foreign body aspiration refers to the inhalation of an object into the respiratory system and is a serious and potentially fatal event. A distinct group of patients has recently been recognized among Muslim nations. These patients include women who wear headscarves and place the safety pin in their mouth prior to securing the veils, leading to accidental foreign body aspiration. The aim of this study was to analyze the main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with scarf pin aspiration. Methods This prospective study involved patients with a history of scarf pin aspiration admitted to a single center during an 18-month period. Their main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Results In total, 27 patients were included. The needle was extracted by flexible bronchoscopy in 12 (44.4%) patients, rigid bronchoscopy in 13 (48.1%), and thoracotomy in 2 (74%). One patient died during rigid bronchoscopy. All remaining 26 patients were satisfied with the postsurgical outcome at a mean follow-up of 1 week. Conclusions Scarf pin aspiration differs from other types of foreign body aspiration considering the specific population affected, and its management algorithm may thus differ from that of other foreign bodies. The left main bronchus is the most common site of pin impaction. Rigid bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure for successful retrieval. PMID:28627978

Scarf pin-related hijab syndrome: A new name for an unusual type of foreign body aspiration.

PubMed

Baram, Aram; Kakamad, Fahmi H; Bakir, Delan Ahmed

2017-12-01

Background Foreign body aspiration refers to the inhalation of an object into the respiratory system and is a serious and potentially fatal event. A distinct group of patients has recently been recognized among Muslim nations. These patients include women who wear headscarves and place the safety pin in their mouth prior to securing the veils, leading to accidental foreign body aspiration. The aim of this study was to analyze the main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with scarf pin aspiration. Methods This prospective study involved patients with a history of scarf pin aspiration admitted to a single center during an 18-month period. Their main presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. Results In total, 27 patients were included. The needle was extracted by flexible bronchoscopy in 12 (44.4%) patients, rigid bronchoscopy in 13 (48.1%), and thoracotomy in 2 (74%). One patient died during rigid bronchoscopy. All remaining 26 patients were satisfied with the postsurgical outcome at a mean follow-up of 1 week. Conclusions Scarf pin aspiration differs from other types of foreign body aspiration considering the specific population affected, and its management algorithm may thus differ from that of other foreign bodies. The left main bronchus is the most common site of pin impaction. Rigid bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure for successful retrieval.

[A review on fundamental studies of secondary forest management].

PubMed

Zhu, Jiaojun

2002-12-01

Secondary forest is also called as natural secondary forest, which regenerates on native forest that has been disturbed by severe natural or anthropogenic disturbances. The structural and dynamic organizations, growth, productivity and stand environment of secondary forests are significantly different from those of natural and artificial forests. Such significant differences make secondary forests have their own special characteristics in forestry. Secondary forests are the main body of forests in China. Therefore, their management plays a very important role in the projects of natural forest conservation and the construction of ecological environment in China or in the world. Based on a wide range of literature collection on secondary forest research, the fundamental studies of secondary forest management were discussed. The major topics are as follows: 1) basic characteristics of secondary forest, 2) principles of secondary forest management, 3) types of secondary forest, 4) community structure and succession dynamics of secondary forest, including niches, biodiversity, succession and so on, 5) main ecological processes of secondary forest, including regeneration, forest soil and forest environment. Additionally, the research needs and tendency related to secondary forest in the future were also given, based on the analyses of the main results and the problems in current management of secondary forest. The review may be helpful to the research of secondary forest management, and to the projects of natural forest conservation in China.

Identification of statistically independent climatic pattern in GRACE and hydrological model data over West-Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusche, J.; Forootan, E.; Eicker, A.; Hoffmann-Dobrev, H.

2012-04-01

West-African countries have been exposed to changes in rainfall patterns over the last decades, including a significant negative trend. This causes adverse effects on water resources, for instance reduced freshwater availability, and changes in the frequency, duration and magnitude of droughts and floods. Extracting the main patterns of water storage change in West Africa from remote sensing and linking them to climate variability, is therefore an essential step to understand the hydrological aspects of the region. In this study, the higher order statistical method of Independent Component Analysis (ICA) is employed to extract statistically independent water storage patterns from monthly Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE), from the WaterGAP Global Hydrology Model (WGHM) and from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) products over West Africa, for the period 2002-2012. Then, to reveal the influences of climatic teleconnections on the individual patterns, these results were correlated to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) indices. To study the predictability of water storage changes, advanced statistical methods were applied on the main independent Sea Surface Temperature (SST) patterns over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans for the period 2002-2012 and the ICA results. Our results show a water storage decrease over the coastal regions of West Africa (including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo and Nigeria), associated with rainfall decrease. The comparison between GRACE estimations and WGHM results indicates some inconsistencies that underline the importance of forcing data for hydrological modeling of West Africa. Keywords: West Africa; GRACE-derived water storage; ICA; ENSO; IOD

Intercellular interaction mechanisms for the origination of blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia

PubMed Central

Sachs, Rainer; Johnsson, Kerstin; Hahnfeldt, Philip; Luo, Janet; Chen, Allen; Hlatky, Lynn

2011-01-01

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by a specific chromosome translocation, and its pathobiology is considered comparatively well understood. Thus, quantitative analysis of CML and its progression to blast crisis may help elucidate general mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Hitherto it has been widely postulated that CML blast crisis originates mainly via cell-autonomous mechanisms such as secondary mutations or genomic instability, rather than by intercellular interactions. However, recent results suggest that intercellular interactions play an important role in carcinogenesis. In this study, we analyzed alternative mechanisms, including pairwise intercellular interactions, for CML blast crisis origination. A quantitative, mechanistic cell population dynamics model was employed. This model used recent data on imatinib-treated CML; it also used earlier clinical data, not previously incorporated into current mathematical CML/imatinib models. With the pre-imatinib data, which include results on many more blast crises, we obtained evidence that the driving mechanism for blast crisis origination is intercellular interaction between specific cell types. Assuming leukemic-normal interactions resulted in a statistically significant improvement over assuming either cell-autonomous mechanisms or interactions between leukemic cells. This conclusion was robust with regard to changes in the model’s adjustable parameters. Application of the results to patients treated with imatinib suggests that imatinib may act not only on malignant blast precursors, but also, to a limited degree, on the malignant blasts themselves. Major Findings A comprehensive mechanistic model gives evidence that the main driving mechanisms for CML blast crisis origination are interactions between leukemic and normal cells. PMID:21487044

A functional neuroimaging study of the clinical reasoning of medical students.

PubMed

Chang, Hyung-Joo; Kang, June; Ham, Byung-Joo; Lee, Young-Mee

2016-12-01

As clinical reasoning is a fundamental competence of physicians for good clinical practices, medical academics have endeavored to teach reasoning skills to undergraduate students. However, our current understanding of student-level clinical reasoning is limited, mainly because of the lack of evaluation tools for this internal cognitive process. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study aimed to examine the clinical reasoning processes of medical students in response to problem-solving questions. We recruited 24 2nd-year medical students who had completed their preclinical curriculum. They answered 40 clinical vignette-based multiple-choice questions during fMRI scanning. We compared the imaging data for 20 problem-solving questions (reasoning task) and 20 recall questions (recall task). Compared to the recall task, the reasoning task resulted in significantly greater activation in nine brain regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal cortex, which are known to be associated with executive function and deductive reasoning. During the recall task, significant activation was observed in the brain regions that are related to memory and emotions, including the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Our results support that medical students mainly solve clinical questions with deductive reasoning involving prior knowledge structures and executive functions. The problem-solving questions induced the students to utilize higher cognitive functions compared with the recall questions. Interestingly, the results suggested that the students experienced some emotional distress while they were solving the recall questions. In addition, these results suggest that fMRI is a promising research tool for investigating students' cognitive processes.

Space Transportation Main Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monk, Jan C.

1992-01-01

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) definition, design philosophy, robust design, maximum design condition, casting vs. machined and welded forgings, operability considerations, high reliability design philosophy, engine reliability enhancement, low cost design philosophy, engine systems requirements, STME schematic, fuel turbopump, liquid oxygen turbopump, main injector, and gas generator. The major engine components of the STME and the Space Shuttle Main Engine are compared.

Twelfth Annual Conference on Manual Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wempe, T. E.

1976-01-01

Main topics discussed cover multi-task decision making, attention allocation and workload measurement, displays and controls, nonvisual displays, tracking and other psychomotor tasks, automobile driving, handling qualities and pilot ratings, remote manipulation, system identification, control models, and motion and visual cues. Sixty-five papers are included with presentations on results of analytical studies to develop and evaluate human operator models for a range of control task, vehicle dynamics and display situations; results of tests of physiological control systems and applications to medical problems; and on results of simulator and flight tests to determine display, control and dynamics effects on operator performance and workload for aircraft, automobile, and remote control systems.

Clinical history as a predictor of penicillin skin test outcome.

PubMed

Wong, Benjamin B L; Keith, Paul K; Waserman, Susan

2006-08-01

Up to 10% of the population reports an "allergy" to penicillin, whereas approximately 1.1% has positive penicillin skin test results. Where penicillin skin tests are unavailable, some have advocated using history to decide whether to use a penicillin-related antibiotic. To determine if clinical history predicts penicillin skin test results. Retrospective medical record review of 94 consecutive patients who had previously taken penicillin referred for penicillin allergy. Case histories were taken, penicillin skin tests performed, and an oral challenge recommended if skin test results were negative. Of 91 cases studied, the average patient age was 27 years (range, 6 months to 82 years; 36% female). Fifty-two (57%) experienced hives as their main adverse reaction. Sixteen (18%) had at least 1 positive test result. Of this group, 9 had hives as their main symptom, whereas 1 had respiratory problems and 1 had angioedema. Most patients with positive skin test results had experienced their reaction at least 3 years ago. Regression analysis showed that age, sex, and clinical history, including type of reaction, time of reaction after penicillin ingestion, or time since the last reaction, were not associated with skin test positivity. Seventy-two (96%) of the 75 patients who had negative skin test results underwent oral challenge. Seventy had negative challenge results. The negative predictive value of a negative penicillin skin test result was 97%. Clinical history was not predictive of subsequent penicillin skin test results.

Models of convection-driven tectonic plates - A comparison of methods and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Scott D.; Gable, Carl W.; Weinstein, Stuart A.

1992-01-01

Recent numerical studies of convection in the earth's mantle have included various features of plate tectonics. This paper describes three methods of modeling plates: through material properties, through force balance, and through a thin power-law sheet approximation. The results obtained are compared using each method on a series of simple calculations. From these results, scaling relations between the different parameterizations are developed. While each method produces different degrees of deformation within the surface plate, the surface heat flux and average plate velocity agree to within a few percent. The main results are not dependent upon the plate modeling method and herefore are representative of the physical system modeled.

Comparison of spatial interpolation of rainfall with emphasis on extreme events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amin, Kanwal; Duan, Zheng; Disse, Markus

2017-04-01

The sparse network of rain-gauges has always motivated the scientists to find more robust ways to include the spatial variability of precipitation. Turning Bands Simulation, External Drift Kriging, Copula and Random Mixing are amongst one of them. Remote sensing Technologies i.e., radar and satellite estimations are widely known to provide a spatial profile of the precipitation, however during extreme events the accuracy of the resulted areal precipitation is still under discussion. The aim is to compare the areal hourly precipitation results of a flood event from RADOLAN (Radar online adjustment) with the gridded rainfall obtained via Turning Bands Simulation (TBM) and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method. The comparison is mainly focused on performing the uncertainty analysis of the areal precipitation through the said simulation and remote sensing technique for the Upper Main Catchment. The comparison of the results obtained from TBM, IDW and RADOLAN show considerably similar results near the rain gauge stations, but the degree of ambiguity elevates with the increasing distance from the gauge stations. Future research will be carried out to compare the forecasted gridded precipitation simulations with the real-time rainfall forecast system (RADVOR) to make the flood evacuation process more robust and efficient.

Insulation assembly for electric machine

DOEpatents

Rhoads, Frederick W.; Titmuss, David F.; Parish, Harold; Campbell, John D.

2013-10-15

An insulation assembly is provided that includes a generally annularly-shaped main body and at least two spaced-apart fingers extending radially inwards from the main body. The spaced-apart fingers define a gap between the fingers. A slot liner may be inserted within the gap. The main body may include a plurality of circumferentially distributed segments. Each one of the plurality of segments may be operatively connected to another of the plurality of segments to form the continuous main body. The slot liner may be formed as a single extruded piece defining a plurality of cavities. A plurality of conductors (extendable from the stator assembly) may be axially inserted within a respective one of the plurality of cavities. The insulation assembly electrically isolates the conductors in the electric motor from the stator stack and from other conductors.

[Advance in therapy of acute rhinitis--comparison of efficacy and safety of xylometazoline in combination xylometazoline-dexpanthenol in patients with acute rhinitis].

PubMed

Kehrl, W; Sonnemann, U; Dethlefsen, U

2003-04-01

Acute Rhinitis is based on an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with nasal discharge and obstruction. Symptomatic treatment includes local application of decongestants as Xylometazoline and epithelia-protective agents as Dexpanthenol. After proving a synergistic effect of Xylometazoline and Dexpanthenol (Nasic) in patients after nasal surgery, this result should be checked in patients with acute non-allergic rhinitis. Randomised verum controlled double-blind parallel-group-comparison of five days treatment with nasal sprays containing the combination of Xylometazolin-Dexpanthenol or Xylometazolin. The assessments of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, hyperplasia of nasal concha and redness of the nasal mucous membrane were defined as main-target parameters. 152 outpatients diagnosed with non-allergic, acute rhinitis were included in this study. 151 patients completed the study according to protocol. The superiority of the treatment with Xylometazolin-Dexpanthenol could be proven for the main outcome measures in comparison to Xylometazolin clinically relevant and statistically significant. The result was also validated by the secondary endpoints. The clinically proven efficacy is emphasized by the rhinoscopic findings and safety parameters showing a better tolerability of the combination. Accelerating the wound healing corroborates the superiority of the combination and is due to the epithelia protective effect of Dexpanthenol. These results allow especially under socio-economic points of view the conclusion that shorter treatment time with a diminishing risk of a "rebound effect" will improve compliance.

Numerical Study on Deflection Behaviour of Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Osama A.; Khattab, Rania; Hawat, Waddah Al

2017-10-01

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to conventional reinforcing steel bars in reinforced concrete applications. The production of FRP bars has lower environmental impact compared to steel reinforcing bars. In addition, the non-corroding FRP materials can potentially decrease the cost or need for maintenance of reinforced concrete structural elements, especially in harsh environmental conditions that can impact both concrete and reinforcement. FRP bars offer additional favourable properties including high tensile strength and low unit weight. However, the mechanical properties of FRP bars can lead to large crack widths and deflections. The objective of this study is to investigate the deflection behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with Glass FRP (GFRP) bars as a longitudinal main reinforcement. Six concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars were modelled using the finite element computer program ANSYS. The main variable considered in the study is the reinforcement ratio. The deflection equations in current North American codes including ACI 440.1R-06, ACI 440.1R-15 and CSA S806-12 are used to compute deflections, and these are compared to numerical results. It was concluded in this paper that deflections predicted by ACI 440.1R-06 equations are lower than the numerical analysis results while ACI 440.1R-15 is in agreement with numerical analysis with tendency to be conservative. The values of deflections estimated by CSA S806-12 formulas are consistent with results of numerical analysis.

Identification and comparative quantification of bio-active phthalides in essential oils from si-wu-tang, fo-shou-san, radix angelica and rhizoma chuanxiong.

PubMed

Tang, Yuping; Zhu, Min; Yu, Sheng; Hua, Yongqing; Duan, Jin-Ao; Su, Shulan; Zhang, Xu; Lu, Yin; Ding, Anwei

2010-01-15

Phthalides are important bio-active constituents in Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San, two commonly used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined prescriptions mainly derived from Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. In this paper, the contents of eight phthalides, including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, E-butylene-phthalide, 3-butylphthalide, neocnidilide and senkyunolide A were determined or estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed GC-MS was a simple, rapid, and high sensitive method for analyzing phthalides in Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong, and the extractable contents of each phthalides including Z-ligustilide, E-ligustilide, Z-butylenephthalide, etc. varied after Radix Angelica, Rhizoma Chuanxiong were combined into a formulation, such as Si-Wu-Tang and Fo-Shou-San. Furthermore, inhibition activity of essential oils from Si-Wu-Tang, Fo-Shou-San, Radix Angelica and Rhizoma Chuanxiong on uterine contraction was tested in an in vitro assay, and the results showed that the activity of the essential oil is higher as the content of the phthalides increase, which demonstrated that phthalides are possibly main active components inhibiting mice uterine contraction in vitro. All of the results suggested that comparative analysis of chemical components and pharmacological activities of each herb and formula is possibly helpful to elucidate the active components in traditional Chinese medicine, and to reveal the compatibility mechanism of TCM formulae.

Opportunities and challenges for the integration of massively parallel genomic sequencing into clinical practice: lessons from the ClinSeq project.

PubMed

Biesecker, Leslie G

2012-04-01

The debate surrounding the return of results from high-throughput genomic interrogation encompasses many important issues including ethics, law, economics, and social policy. As well, the debate is also informed by the molecular, genetic, and clinical foundations of the emerging field of clinical genomics, which is based on this new technology. This article outlines the main biomedical considerations of sequencing technologies and demonstrates some of the early clinical experiences with the technology to enable the debate to stay focused on real-world practicalities. These experiences are based on early data from the ClinSeq project, which is a project to pilot the use of massively parallel sequencing in a clinical research context with a major aim to develop modes of returning results to individual subjects. The study has enrolled >900 subjects and generated exome sequence data on 572 subjects. These data are beginning to be interpreted and returned to the subjects, which provides examples of the potential usefulness and pitfalls of clinical genomics. There are numerous genetic results that can be readily derived from a genome including rare, high-penetrance traits, and carrier states. However, much work needs to be done to develop the tools and resources for genomic interpretation. The main lesson learned is that a genome sequence may be better considered as a health-care resource, rather than a test, one that can be interpreted and used over the lifetime of the patient.

A model for the space shuttle main engine high pressure oxidizer turbopump shaft seal system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paxson, Daniel E.

1990-01-01

A simple static model is presented which solves for the flow properties of pressure, temperature, and mass flow in the Space Shuttle Main Engine pressure Oxidizer Turbopump Shaft Seal Systems. This system includes the primary and secondary turbine seals, the primary and secondary turbine drains, the helium purge seals and feed line, the primary oxygen drain, and the slinger/labyrinth oxygen seal pair. The model predicts the changes in flow variables that occur during and after failures of the various seals. Such information would be particularly useful in a post flight situation where processing of sensor information using this model could identify a particular seal that had experienced excessive wear. Most of the seals in the system are modeled using simple one dimensional equations which can be applied to almost any seal provided that the fluid is gaseous. A failure is modeled as an increase in the clearance between the shaft and the seal. Thus, the model does not attempt to predict how the failure process actually occurs (e.g., wear, seal crack initiation). The results presented were obtained using a FORTRAN implementation of the model running on a VAX computer. Solution for the seal system properties is obtained iteratively; however, a further simplified implementation (which does not include the slinger/labyrinth combination) was also developed which provides fast and reasonable results for most engine operating conditions. Results from the model compare favorably with the limited redline data available.

On the Design and Test of a Liquid Injection Electric Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, T. A.; Kenney, J. T.; Youmans, E. H.

1973-01-01

A liquid injection electric thruster (LINJET) was designed and tested. The results of the tests were very encouraging with thruster performance levels well in excess of design goals. Supporting activities to the engine design and test included a five-million pulse life test on the main capacitor, a 46-million pulse test on the trigger electronics, design and fabrication of a zero resistance torque connector for use with the torsional pendulum thrust stand, design and fabrication of a logic box for control of engine firing, and a physical and chemical properties characterization of the perfluorocarbon propellant. While the results were encouraging, testing was limited, as many problems existed with the design. The most significant problem was involved with excessive propellant flow which contributed to false triggering and shorting. Low power active thermal control of the propellant storage cavity, coupled with a re-evaluation of the injection ring pore size and area exposed to the main capacitor discharge are areas that should be investigated should this design be carried forward.

Production and characterization refuse derived fuel (RDF) from high organic and moisture contents of municipal solid waste (MSW)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dianda, P.; Mahidin; Munawar, E.

2018-03-01

Many cities in developing countries is facing a serious problems to dealing with huge municipal solid waste (MSW) generated. The main approach to manage MSW is causes environmental impact associated with the leachate and landfill gas emissions. On the other hand, the energy available also limited by rapid growth of population and economic development due to shortage of the natural resource. In this study, the potential utilized of MSW to produce refuse derived fuel (RDF) was investigate. The RDF was produced with various organic waste content. Then, the RDF was subjected to laboratory analysis to determine its characteristic including the calorific value. The results shows the moisture content was increased by increasing organic waste content, while the calorific value was found 17-36 MJ/kg. The highest calorific value was about 36 MJ/kg obtained at RDF with 40% organic waste content. This results indicated that the RDF can be use to substitute coal in main burning process and calcinations of cement industry.

Diversity and abundance of leafhoppers in Canadian vineyards

PubMed Central

Saguez, Julien; Olivier, Chrystel; Hamilton, Andrew; Lowery, Thomas; Stobbs, Lorne; Lasnier, Jacques; Galka, Brian; Chen, Xiangsheng; Mauffette, Yves; Vincent, Charles

2014-01-01

Abstract Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are pests of many temperate crops, including grapevines ( Vitis species). Uncontrolled populations can induce direct and indirect damage to crops due to feeding that results in significant yield losses and increased mortality in infected vineyards due to virus, bacteria, or phytoplasmas vectored by leafhoppers. The main objective of this work was to determine the diversity of leafhoppers found in vineyards of the three main Canadian production provinces, i.e., in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Approximately 18,000 specimens were collected in 80 commercial vineyards from 2006 to 2008. We identified 54 genera and at least 110 different species associated with vineyards, among which 22 were predominant and represented more than 91% of all the leafhoppers. Species richness and diversity were estimated by both Shannon’s and Pielou’s indices. For each province, results indicated a temporal variation in species composition. Color photographs provide a tool to quickly identify 72 leafhoppers commonly associated with vineyards. PMID:25373220

Effectiveness of Workplace Weight Management Interventions: a Systematic Review.

PubMed

Weerasekara, Yasoma Kumari; Roberts, Susan B; Kahn, Mira A; LaVertu, Amy E; Hoffman, Ben; Das, Sai Krupa

2016-06-01

A systematic review was conducted of randomized trials of workplace weight management interventions, including trials with dietary, physical activity, environmental, behavioral, and incentive-based components. Main outcomes were defined as change in weight-related measures. Keywords related to weight management and workplace interventions were used to search relevant databases, and 23 eligible studies were reviewed in detail using a data extraction form and quality assessment checklist. The trials were conducted mainly in the USA and Europe, with four additional countries represented. Interventions were mostly multicomponent and were implemented in both sexes and in a range of employment categories. Intervention effectiveness appeared unrelated to region of the world and was highest in 6-12-month trials. The results ranged widely from clinically significant 8.8-kg weight loss in one trial to less effective than the control treatment in others. Some workplace interventions achieve clinically significant benefits, and further studies are needed to replicate those results in wider sociocultural and geographical contexts.

Report on the bilateral comparison between BIM (Bulgaria) and VSL (The Netherlands)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekker, Paul; Kunova, Angela; Dierikx, Erik

2017-01-01

A bilateral comparison has been organized between VSL, The Netherlands and BIM, Bulgaria in the field of spectral regular transmittance measurements. This comparison is registered as EURAMET project nr. 1073 and EURAMET.PR-K6.2 in the BIPM key comparison database. The aim of the comparison is to demonstrate the improvement of calibration measurement capabilities of BIM in this working field. If this comparison is successful, i.e. the results support the claimed improvement in uncertainties, the improved CMC's for BIM will be included in Appendix C of the CIPM mutual recognition arrangement (MRA). The results of this comparison are linked to key comparison CCPR K6. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

[Column chromatography purification and analysis of biodiesel by transesterification].

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Yi, Huai-feng; Chen, Yu; Wu, Yu-long; Yang, Ming-de; Chen, Zeng; Tong, Jun-mao

2012-02-01

In the present paper, crude biodiesel prepared with sorbifolia oil as raw material by transesterification was purified by column chromatography, then the composition of biodiesel was analyzed by gas chromatography, FTIR, GC-MS and 1H NMR. Column chromatography can separate the crude biodiesel into two fractions: petroleum ether eluted fraction (A1) and methanol eluted fraction (A2). Petroleum ether eluted fraction was mainly biodiesel fraction, which was produced from sorbifolia oil by transesterification, including methyl linoleate, methyl cis-9-octadecenoate and so on; methanol eluted fraction was mainly glycerol fraction, which came from the side reaction of transesterification. The results show that the purity of refined biodiesel increased from 77.51% to 93.872, and the product recovery rate reached up to 91.04% after the purification by column chromatography. The results obtained by FTIR and 1H NMR further showed that the column chromatography can effectively improve the purity of biodiesel. This paper provides a basis for industrialization of purification of biodiesel.

Definition of an Enhanced Map-Matching Algorithm for Urban Environments with Poor GNSS Signal Quality.

PubMed

Jiménez, Felipe; Monzón, Sergio; Naranjo, Jose Eugenio

2016-02-04

Vehicle positioning is a key factor for numerous information and assistance applications that are included in vehicles and for which satellite positioning is mainly used. However, this positioning process can result in errors and lead to measurement uncertainties. These errors come mainly from two sources: errors and simplifications of digital maps and errors in locating the vehicle. From that inaccurate data, the task of assigning the vehicle's location to a link on the digital map at every instant is carried out by map-matching algorithms. These algorithms have been developed to fulfil that need and attempt to amend these errors to offer the user a suitable positioning. In this research; an algorithm is developed that attempts to solve the errors in positioning when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal reception is frequently lost. The algorithm has been tested with satisfactory results in a complex urban environment of narrow streets and tall buildings where errors and signal reception losses of the GPS receiver are frequent.

Characterizing the Influence of Abstraction in Full-Scale Wind Turbine Nacelle Testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schkoda, Ryan; Bibo, Amin; Guo, Yi

2016-08-21

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in full-scale wind turbine nacelle testing to complement individual component testing. As a result, several wind turbine nacelle test benches have been built to perform such testing with the intent of loading the integrated components as they are in the field. However, when mounted on a test bench the nacelle is not on the top of a tower and does not have blades attached to it - this is a form of abstraction. This paper aims to quantify the influence of such an abstraction on the dynamic response of the nacellemore » through a series of simulation case studies. The responses of several nacelle components are studied including the main bearing, main shaft, gearbox supports, generator, and yaw bearing interface. Results are presented to highlight the differences in the dynamic response of the nacelle caused by the abstraction. Additionally, the authors provide recommendations for mitigating the effects of the abstraction.« less

Characterizing the Influence of Abstraction in Full-Scale Wind Turbine Nacelle Testing: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schkoda, Ryan; Bibo, Amin; Guo, Yi

2016-08-01

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in full-scale wind turbine nacelle testing to complement individual component testing. As a result, several wind turbine nacelle test benches have been built to perform such testing with the intent of loading the integrated components as they are in the field. However, when mounted on a test bench the nacelle is not on the top of a tower and does not have blades attached to it--this is a form of abstraction. This paper aims to quantify the influence of such an abstraction on the dynamic response of the nacelle through amore » series of simulation case studies. The responses of several nacelle components are studied including the main bearing, main shaft, gearbox supports, generator, and yaw bearing interface. Results are presented to highlight the differences in the dynamic response of the nacelle caused by the abstraction. Additionally, the authors provide recommendations for mitigating the effects of the abstraction.« less

Definition of an Enhanced Map-Matching Algorithm for Urban Environments with Poor GNSS Signal Quality

PubMed Central

Jiménez, Felipe; Monzón, Sergio; Naranjo, Jose Eugenio

2016-01-01

Vehicle positioning is a key factor for numerous information and assistance applications that are included in vehicles and for which satellite positioning is mainly used. However, this positioning process can result in errors and lead to measurement uncertainties. These errors come mainly from two sources: errors and simplifications of digital maps and errors in locating the vehicle. From that inaccurate data, the task of assigning the vehicle’s location to a link on the digital map at every instant is carried out by map-matching algorithms. These algorithms have been developed to fulfil that need and attempt to amend these errors to offer the user a suitable positioning. In this research; an algorithm is developed that attempts to solve the errors in positioning when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal reception is frequently lost. The algorithm has been tested with satisfactory results in a complex urban environment of narrow streets and tall buildings where errors and signal reception losses of the GPS receiver are frequent. PMID:26861320

Using Life Cycle Assessment methodology to assess UHT milk production in Portugal.

PubMed

González-García, Sara; Castanheira, Erica G; Dias, Ana Cláudia; Arroja, Luis

2013-01-01

Milk and dairy products constitute an important ingredient in the human diet. Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk is the main dairy product consumed in Portugal and its production entails large inputs of resources which derive on negative environmental effects such as nutrient enrichment of the ecosystem and climate change. In this study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was considered for the environmental assessment of packaged UHT milk produced in Portugal, including simple (whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed) and cocoa milk from a cradle-to-gate perspective and to identify the environmental hot spots. Results showed that the production of the raw milk in the dairy farm is the main hot spot in almost all the categories under assessment mainly due to the emissions from enteric fermentation, manure management and fertilisers production and application. Furthermore, on-site emissions derived from dairy factory are remarkable together with the packages and energy requirements production. The values reported in this study are in the range of other related papers. However, differences were also identified due to several reasons such as allocation approach, data sources, characterisation factors, farm management regimes and assumptions considered. Therefore, these aspects should be carefully addressed and sensitivity to the assumptions and uncertainty of the results should be evaluated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applying innovative approach “Nature of Science (NoS) within inquiry” for developing scientific literacy in the student worksheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widowati, A.; Anjarsari, P.; Zuhdan, K. P.; Dita, A.

2018-03-01

The challenges of the 21st century require innovative solutions. Education must able to make an understanding of science learning that leads to the formation of scientific literacy learners. This research was conducted to produce the prototype as science worksheet based on Nature of Science (NoS) within inquiry approach and to know the effectiveness its product for developing scientific literacy. This research was the development and research design, by pointing to Four D models and Borg & Gall Model. There were 4 main phases (define, design, develop, disseminate) and additional phases (preliminary field testing, main product revision, main field testing, and operational product revision). Research subjects were students of the junior high school in Yogyakarta. The instruments used included questionnaire sheet product validation and scientific literacy test. For the validation data were analyzed descriptively. The test result was analyzed by an N-gain score. The results showed that the appropriateness of worksheet applying NoS within inquiry-based learning approach is eligible based on the assessment from excellent by experts and teachers, students’ scientific literacy can improve high category of the N-gain score at 0.71 by using student worksheet with Nature of Science (NoS) within inquiry approach.

A Bayesian phylogenetic study of the Dravidian language family

PubMed Central

Kolipakam, Vishnupriya

2018-01-01

The Dravidian language family consists of about 80 varieties (Hammarström H. 2016 Glottolog 2.7) spoken by 220 million people across southern and central India and surrounding countries (Steever SB. 1998 In The Dravidian languages (ed. SB Steever), pp. 1–39: 1). Neither the geographical origin of the Dravidian language homeland nor its exact dispersal through time are known. The history of these languages is crucial for understanding prehistory in Eurasia, because despite their current restricted range, these languages played a significant role in influencing other language groups including Indo-Aryan (Indo-European) and Munda (Austroasiatic) speakers. Here, we report the results of a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of cognate-coded lexical data, elicited first hand from native speakers, to investigate the subgrouping of the Dravidian language family, and provide dates for the major points of diversification. Our results indicate that the Dravidian language family is approximately 4500 years old, a finding that corresponds well with earlier linguistic and archaeological studies. The main branches of the Dravidian language family (North, Central, South I, South II) are recovered, although the placement of languages within these main branches diverges from previous classifications. We find considerable uncertainty with regard to the relationships between the main branches. PMID:29657761