Sample records for md current address

  1. Neurology Falls. Patient Falls Risk Assessment, Neurology Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-07-06

    currently valid ()MB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOf IR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 21 JUL 2008 2. REPORT TYPE Final...Hospital, Baltimore, MD 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) LT John M Gardner, MSC, USN 5d. PROJECT...NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD Residency Site

  2. MD Simulations of tRNA and Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases: Dynamics, Folding, Binding, and Allostery

    PubMed Central

    Li, Rongzhong; Macnamara, Lindsay M.; Leuchter, Jessica D.; Alexander, Rebecca W.; Cho, Samuel S.

    2015-01-01

    While tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are classes of biomolecules that have been extensively studied for decades, the finer details of how they carry out their fundamental biological functions in protein synthesis remain a challenge. Recent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are verifying experimental observations and providing new insight that cannot be addressed from experiments alone. Throughout the review, we briefly discuss important historical events to provide a context for how far the field has progressed over the past few decades. We then review the background of tRNA molecules, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and current state of the art MD simulation techniques for those who may be unfamiliar with any of those fields. Recent MD simulations of tRNA dynamics and folding and of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase dynamics and mechanistic characterizations are discussed. We highlight the recent successes and discuss how important questions can be addressed using current MD simulations techniques. We also outline several natural next steps for computational studies of AARS:tRNA complexes. PMID:26184179

  3. Roster of NSAP (Navy Science Assistance Program) Field Team Members, Fiscal Years 1971-1986

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-08-05

    CAPTOR Evaluation Program, NSWC. Current Job/Position: Operational Requirements Analyst for a new generation of mines. Current Address: Officer in...to NSAP Field Assignment: General Engineer; combat systems engineering on new ship design concepts, NSWC. Current Job/Position: Electronic Engineer...ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE Naval Surface Weapons Center (Code D23) 5 August 1985 10901 New Hampshire Avenue 13. NUMBER OF PAGES Silver Spring, MD 20910

  4. 77 FR 20611 - Notice of Intent To Request an Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-05

    ... Service's (ARS) intention to seek approval to collect information in support of research and related... consideration. ADDRESSES: Address all comments concerning this notice to Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Jill Philpot, ARS Webmaster...

  5. 75 FR 21005 - National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps; Notice of Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-22

    ... (BCRS), discuss recruitment and marketing strategies for the NHSC, and address current workforce issues.... Place: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, MD 20852, Phone...

  6. CallFUSE Version 3: A Data Reduction Pipeline for the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-05-01

    Earth orbit with an inclination of 25 to the equator and an approximately 100 minute orbital period. Data obtained with the instrument are reduced...throughout the mis- sion reveal that the gratings’ orbital motion depends on three parameters: beta angle (the angle between the target and the anti- Sun ...University, Bal- timore, MD; wvd@pha.jhu.edu. 3 Space Telescope Science Institute, ESS/SSG, Baltimore, MD. 4 Current address: Earth Orientation Department

  7. High-Bandwidth Tactical-Network Data Analysis in a High-Performance-Computing (HPC) Environment: Packet-Level Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS . 1...UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) Technical and Project Engineering, LLC QED Systems, LLC Alexandria, VA...AND ADDRESS (ES) US Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-CIH-C Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR

  8. The health care response to pandemic influenza.

    PubMed

    Barnitz, Laura; Berkwits, Michael

    2006-07-18

    The threat of an H5N1 influenza virus (avian flu) pandemic is substantial. The success of the current U.S. influenza pandemic response plan depends on effective coordination among state and local public health authorities and individual health care providers. This article is a summary of a public policy paper developed by the American College of Physicians to address issues in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan that involve physicians. The College's positions call for the following: 1) development of local public health task forces that include physicians representing all specialties and practice settings; 2) physician access to 2-way communication with public health authorities and to information technology tools for diagnosis and syndrome surveillance; 3) clear identification and authorization of agencies to process licensing and registration of volunteer physicians; 4) clear guidelines for overriding standard procedures for confidentiality and consent in the interest of the public's health; 5) clear and fair infection control measures that do not create barriers to care; 6) analysis of and solutions to current problems with seasonal influenza vaccination programs as a way of developing a maximally efficient pandemic flu vaccine program; 7) federal funding to provide pandemic flu vaccine for the entire U.S. population and antiviral drugs for 25% of the population; and 8) planning for health care in alternative, nonhospital settings to prevent a surge in demand for hospital care that exceeds supply. *This paper is an abridged version of a full-text position paper (available at http://www.acponline.org/college/pressroom/as06/pandemic_policy.pdf) written by Laura Barnitz, BJ, MA, and updated and adapted for publication in Annals of Internal Medicine by Michael Berkwits, MD, MSCE. The original position paper was developed for the Health and Public Policy Committee of the American College of Physicians: Jeffrey P. Harris, MD (Chair); David L. Bronson, MD (Vice Chair); CPT Julie Ake, MD; Patricia P. Barry, MD; Molly Cooke, MD; Herbert S. Diamond, MD; Joel S. Levine, MD; Mark E. Mayer, MD; Thomas McGinn, MD; Robert M. McLean, MD; Ashley E. Starkweather; and Frederick E. Turton, MD. It was approved by the Board of Regents on 3 April 2006.

  9. Outcomes of Bacteremia in Burn Patients Involved in Combat Operations Overseas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    MD, Mark S Rasnake, MD, Duane R Hospenthal, MD, PhD, FACP, Steven E Wolf, MD, FACS BACKGROUND: Burn patients constitute approximately 5% of...GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Ressner R. A., Murray C. K., Griffith M. E., Rasnake M. S ., Hospenthal D. R., Wolf S . E...5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) United States Army Institute of Surgical

  10. Colloquia | Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program

    Cancer.gov

    The Cancer Prevention and Control Colloquia Series features current research findings from guest researchers from a variety of research disciplines. Topics cover current challenges and methods used by investigators to address gaps, advance the field of cancer prevention and control, and promote the application of successful strategies. When Usually twice a month on Tuesday from 11:00 am - noon between September and June. Where NCI's Shady Grove Campus, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD (conference room locations vary).

  11. Helicopter Performance Evaluation (HELPE) Computer Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-07-01

    AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATN: AMSRL-OP-AP-L Aberden Proving Ground , MD 21005...Laboratory report in process, Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD, 1994. McCormick, Jr., B. W. Aerodynamic of V/STOL Flight. Academic Press, p. 154, 1967...in process, Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD, 1994. Saunders, G. It Dynamics of Helicopter Fliht. NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 140-142, 1975. Walbert

  12. Baltimore City Faith-Based Prostate Cancer Prevention and Control Coalition

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-02-01

    University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine Baltimore MD 21201- 1082 REPORT DATE: February 2007 TYPE OF REPORT...Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine Baltimore MD 21201- 1082 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR

  13. Microenvironment -Programmed Metastatic Prostate Cancer Stem Cells (mPCSCs)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    accomplished all goals in Aims 1 and 2. Our lab recently relocated from the MD Anderson Cancer Center to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. We ...G. Tang, M.D., Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX 77030 REPORT DATE: October 2016 TYPE OF... Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX 77030 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical

  14. Pathfinder, v7 n1, Jan/Feb 2009. Making an Intelligence Difference

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-02-01

    ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,Office of Corporate Communications,4600 Sangamore Road ,Bethesda,MD, 20816 ...Published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Office of Corporate Communications 4600 Sangamore Road, Mail Stop D-54 Bethesda, MD 20816

  15. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems in Breast Cancer Solid Tumors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MD 21201- 1082 REPORT DATE: December 2007 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Summary Addendum...Baltimore, MD 21201- 1082 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical

  16. Should MD-PhD programs encourage graduate training in disciplines beyond conventional biomedical or clinical sciences?

    PubMed

    O'Mara, Ryan J; Hsu, Stephen I; Wilson, Daniel R

    2015-02-01

    The goal of MD-PhD training programs is to produce physician-scientists with unique capacities to lead the future biomedical research workforce. The current dearth of physician-scientists with expertise outside conventional biomedical or clinical sciences raises the question of whether MD-PhD training programs should allow or even encourage scholars to pursue doctoral studies in disciplines that are deemed nontraditional, yet are intrinsically germane to major influences on health. This question is especially relevant because the central value and ultimate goal of the academic medicine community is to help attain the highest level of health and health equity for all people. Advances in medical science and practice, along with improvements in health care access and delivery, are steps toward health equity, but alone they will not come close to eliminating health inequalities. Addressing the complex health issues in our communities and society as a whole requires a biomedical research workforce with knowledge, practice, and research skills well beyond conventional biomedical or clinical sciences. To make real progress in advancing health equity, educational pathways must prepare physician-scientists to treat both micro and macro determinants of health. The authors argue that MD-PhD programs should allow and encourage their scholars to cross boundaries into less traditional disciplines such as epidemiology, statistics, anthropology, sociology, ethics, public policy, management, economics, education, social work, informatics, communications, and marketing. To fulfill current and coming health care needs, nontraditional MD-PhD students should be welcomed and supported as valuable members of our biomedical research workforce.

  17. Pathfinder, Volume 7. Number 4, Jul/Aug 2009. GEOINT in Action

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-08-01

    Rd,Bethesda,MD, 20816 -5003 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...Communications 4600 Sangamore Road, Mail Stop D-39 Bethesda, MD 20816 -5003 Telephone: (301) 227-7388, DSN 287-7388 E-mail: pathfinder@nga.mil

  18. Pathfinder, v6 n3, May/Jun 2008. Unifying the Intelligence Profession

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-06-01

    ADDRESS(ES) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,Office of Corporate Communications,4600 Sangamore Road ,Bethesda,MD, 20816 -5003 8. PERFORMING...Sangamore Road, Mail Stop D-54 Bethesda, MD 20816 -5003 Telephone: (301) 227-7388, DSN 287-7388 E-mail: pathfinder@nga.mil Director Vice Adm. Robert

  19. Dynamics of and Characteristics of Numerical Models of Weakly Nonlinear Flows

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-09-30

    for Environmental Science 2020 Horns Point Road PO Box 775 Cambridge, MD 21613-0775 phone: (410) 221-8477 fax: (410) 221-8490 email: walstad...AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science ,Horn Point Laboratory,2020 Horns Point Road,Cambridge,MD,21613-0775 8

  20. Damage Control Resuscitation: Directly Addressing the Early Coagulopathy of Trauma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-02-01

    FACS, Jay Johannigman, MD, FS, FACS, Peter Mahoney, FRCA, RAMC , Sumeru Mehta, MD, E. Darrin Cox, MD, FACS, Michael J. Gehrke, MD, Greg J. Beilman, MD...opportunity to formally evaluate the immediate and direct treatment of the coagulopathy of trauma is available. Submitted for publication September 22, 2006...the results were not evaluated in randomized human trials.33–35 Additionally, the potential benefits of mitigating ischemia-induced reperfusion injury

  1. Pathfinder, v6 n4 Jul/Aug 2008. Our Compact with the Warfighter -- Maintaining a Sacred Trust

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-08-01

    NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,Office of Corporate Communications,4600 Sangamore Road ,Bethesda,MD, 20816 -5003 8...Office of Corporate Communications 4600 Sangamore Road, Mail Stop D-54 Bethesda, MD 20816 -5003 Telephone: (301) 227-7388, DSN 287-7388 E-mail

  2. Coastal Marine Demonstration of Forecast Information to Mariners for the U.S. East Coast

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-09-30

    Maryland Center for Environmental Science PO Box 775 Cambridge, MD 21613-0775 410.221.8477 fax:410.221.8490 walstad@hpl.umces.edu George L. Mellor... Environmental Science ,PO Box 775,Cambridge,MD,21613-0775 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES

  3. Pathfinder: The Geospatial Intelligence Magazine Serving the Front Line, March/April 2009. Volume 7, Number 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    ADDRESS(ES) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency,4600 Sangamore Rd Mail Stop D-54,Bethesda,MD, 20816 -5003 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9...Bethesda, MD 20816 -5003 Telephone: (301) 227-7388, DSN 287-7388 E-mail: pathfinder@nga.mil Director Vice Adm. Robert B. Murrett, U.S. Navy Deputy

  4. Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report. Certificate Number: 920918S1. 11274 U.S. Navy Ada/M, Version 4.5 (/NO OPTIMIZE) VAX 8550/8600/8650 (Cluster) = Enhanced Processor (EP) AN/UYK-44 (Bare Board)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-10-27

    Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD USA 1 ELECTE I= 7 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(E JUN 3 1993U . , PERFORMING...Standard [Ada83) using the current Ada Compiler Validation Capability (ACVC). This Validation Summary Report ( VSR ) gives an account of the testing of... 7 - Control Part (Redirection) Options F.14 Compiler Options F-59 LINKER OPTIONS The linker options of this Ada implementation, as described inl this

  5. Multifunctional PSCA Antibody Fragments for PET and Optical Prostate Cancer Imaging

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    INVESTIGATOR: Robert E. Reiter, MD, MBA CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90095-1406 REPORT DATE ...currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2016 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED...expressed in prostate cancer. These engineered antibody fragments (cys-minibodies and cys-diabodies) can be labeled with radioisotopes for non- invasive

  6. Fouling-Resistant Membranes for Treating Concentrated Brines for Water Reuse in Advanced Energy Systems- Final Technical Report

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

    Hendren, Zachary; Choi, Young Chul

    The high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in the wastewater quality generated from unconventional oil and gas development make the current state-of-the art approach to water treatment/disposal untenable. Our proposed membrane technology approach addresses the two major challenges associated with this water: 1) the membrane distillation process removes the high TDS content, which is often 8 times higher than that of seawater, and 2) our novel membrane coating prevents the formation of scale that would otherwise pose a significant operational hurdle. This is accomplished through next-generation electrically conductive membranes that mitigate fouling beyond what is currently possible, and allow formore » the flexibility to treat to the water to levels desirable for multiple reuse options, thus reducing fresh water withdrawal, all the way to direct disposal into the environment. The overall project objective was to demonstrate the efficacy of membrane distillation (MD) as a cost-savings technology to treat concentrated brines (such as, but not limited to, produced waters generated from fossil fuel extraction) that have high levels of TDS for beneficial water reuse in power production and other industrial operations as well as agricultural and municipal water uses. In addition, a novel fouling-resistant nanocomposite membrane was developed to reduce the need for chemicals to address membrane scaling due to the precipitation of divalent ions in high-TDS waters and improve overall MD performance via an electrically conductive membrane distillation process (ECMD). This anti-fouling membrane technology platform is based on incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the surface layer of existing, commercially available MD membranes. The CNTs impart electrical conductivity to the membrane surface to prevent membrane scaling and fouling when an electrical potential is applied.« less

  7. High-Temperature, 400 W, DC-to-AC Inverter Using Silicon Carbide Gate Turn- Off Thyristors and p-i-n Diodes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-10-01

    7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRL-SE-DP 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197...ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION...limited to 250 V. The junction termination extension (JTE) reduces the electric field crowding at the edges of the VI + – S1 S2 D1 D2 S3 S4 D3 D4 S5

  8. Visiting EPA Region 3’s Offices

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Information on visiting EPA Region 3’s offices in Philadelphia, Pa., Annapolis, Md., Fort Meade, Md. and Wheeling, W. Va. including the address, building access, public transportation and driving directions.

  9. Ensemble MD simulations restrained via crystallographic data: Accurate structure leads to accurate dynamics

    PubMed Central

    Xue, Yi; Skrynnikov, Nikolai R

    2014-01-01

    Currently, the best existing molecular dynamics (MD) force fields cannot accurately reproduce the global free-energy minimum which realizes the experimental protein structure. As a result, long MD trajectories tend to drift away from the starting coordinates (e.g., crystallographic structures). To address this problem, we have devised a new simulation strategy aimed at protein crystals. An MD simulation of protein crystal is essentially an ensemble simulation involving multiple protein molecules in a crystal unit cell (or a block of unit cells). To ensure that average protein coordinates remain correct during the simulation, we introduced crystallography-based restraints into the MD protocol. Because these restraints are aimed at the ensemble-average structure, they have only minimal impact on conformational dynamics of the individual protein molecules. So long as the average structure remains reasonable, the proteins move in a native-like fashion as dictated by the original force field. To validate this approach, we have used the data from solid-state NMR spectroscopy, which is the orthogonal experimental technique uniquely sensitive to protein local dynamics. The new method has been tested on the well-established model protein, ubiquitin. The ensemble-restrained MD simulations produced lower crystallographic R factors than conventional simulations; they also led to more accurate predictions for crystallographic temperature factors, solid-state chemical shifts, and backbone order parameters. The predictions for 15N R1 relaxation rates are at least as accurate as those obtained from conventional simulations. Taken together, these results suggest that the presented trajectories may be among the most realistic protein MD simulations ever reported. In this context, the ensemble restraints based on high-resolution crystallographic data can be viewed as protein-specific empirical corrections to the standard force fields. PMID:24452989

  10. Medical Robotic and Telesurgical Simulation and Education Research

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-09-01

    Hospital Nicholson Center 601 E Rollins St Orlando, FL 32803 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...Principal Investigators: R.M. Satava, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle , WA R.D. Smith, Florida Hospital Nicholson Center...Blalock 1210 Baltimore, MD 21287 USA Thomas S . Lendvay, MD, FACS Associate Professor Co-Director, Seattle Children’s Robotics Surgery Center

  11. Development of a Blood-Based Biomarker Panel for Indeterminate Lung Nodules

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-01

    Taguchi CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX 77030 REPORT DATE: September 2016 TYPE OF REPORT...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Rene...protein, autoantibody and microRNA) to distinguish malignant lung nodules from benign lung nodules. We have so far assayed 20 protein markers, 122

  12. Intuitive Speech-based Robotic Control

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-04-01

    NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM -DW Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8...controlling helicopters, executing telephone and automobile functions, automating the handling of customer calls, converting spoken language into sign...RESEARCH LAB RDRL CIM P 2800 POWDER MILL RD ADELPHI MD 20783-1197 1 ARMY RSCH LABORATORY – HRED RDRL HRM A J MARTIN MYER CENTER BLDG

  13. Advanced, Energy-Efficient Hybrid Membrane System for Industrial Water Reuse

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

    Toy, Lora; Choi, Young Chul; Hendren, Zachary

    In the U.S. manufacturing sector, current industrial water use practices are energy-intensive and utilize and discharge high volumes of waters, rendering them not sustainable especially in light of the growing scarcity of suitable water supplies. To help address this problem, the goal of this project was to develop an advanced, cost-effective, hybrid membrane-based water treatment system that can improve the energy efficiency of industrial wastewater treatment while allowing at least 50% water reuse efficiency. This hybrid process would combine emerging Forward Osmosis (FO) and Membrane Distillation (MD) technology components into an integrated FO-MD system that can beneficially utilize low-grade wastemore » heat (i.e., T < 450 °F) in industrial facilities to produce distilled-quality product water for reuse. In this project, laboratory-, bench-, and pilot-scale experiments on the hybrid FO-MD system were conducted for industrial wastewater treatment. It was demonstrated at laboratory, bench, and pilot scales that FO-MD membrane technology can concentrate brine to very high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels (>200,000 ppm) that are at least 2.5 times higher than the TDS level to which RO can achieve. In laboratory testing, currently available FO and MD membranes were tested to select for high-performing membranes with high salt rejection and high water flux. Multiple FO membrane/draw-salt solution combinations that gave high water flux with higher than 98% salt rejection were also identified. Reverse draw-salt fluxes were observed to be much lower for divalent salts than for monovalent salts. MD membranes were identified that had 99.9+% salt rejection and water flux as high as 50-90 L/(m 2·h) for flat-sheet membranes and >20 L/(m 2·h) for hollow fibers. In bench-scale testing, a single unit of commercially available FO and MD membrane modules were evaluated for continuous, integrated operation. Using the laboratory- and bench-scale test data, numerical modeling was performed on the FO and MD processes to estimate engineering parameters for a larger-scale pilot unit. Based on the experimental studies and modeling results, a pilot-scale, integrated FO-MD prototype unit was designed and built for trailer-mounted operation. This prototype system was fed real industrial wastewater, which could not be further treated by conventional technologies, from an oil production facility and was successfully operated for over 15 weeks without major stoppage. About 90% water recovery was possible, while concentrating the TDS from 12,000 ppm up to 190,500 ppm. The FO-MD prototype rejected most wastewater contaminants while producing water with <300 ppm TDS, even when the feed TDS was higher than 150,000 ppm. No chemical cleaning was necessary during the pilot testing period. Flushing the system with dechlorinated tap water was sufficient to reset the membranes for the next set of test conditions. Pilot performance and membrane autopsy showed that, even though the feed was concentrated more than 10 times, membrane fouling was unnoticeable and no defects were detected on the FO and MD membrane surfaces. This project demonstrated the technical feasibility of the hybrid FO-MD process by taking water already treated to the limit with the highest level of current technologies and further concentrating it 10-fold by using mostly low-cost materials. Because no membranes suitable for full-scale plant applications are available at present, economical feasibility of the hybrid technology is still uncertain, but it is expected that broader industry participation can further reduce FO-MD process costs.« less

  14. 32 CFR Appendix B to Part 518 - Addressing FOIA Requests

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Avenue, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5360. (6) Records involving debarred or suspended contractors..., ATTN: IAMG-CIC-FOI/PO, 4552 Pike Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5995. (k) Inspector General...

  15. 32 CFR Appendix B to Part 518 - Addressing FOIA Requests

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Avenue, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5360. (6) Records involving debarred or suspended contractors..., ATTN: IAMG-CIC-FOI/PO, 4552 Pike Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5995. (k) Inspector General...

  16. 32 CFR Appendix B to Part 518 - Addressing FOIA Requests

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Avenue, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5360. (6) Records involving debarred or suspended contractors..., ATTN: IAMG-CIC-FOI/PO, 4552 Pike Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5995. (k) Inspector General...

  17. 32 CFR Appendix B to Part 518 - Addressing FOIA Requests

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Avenue, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5360. (6) Records involving debarred or suspended contractors..., ATTN: IAMG-CIC-FOI/PO, 4552 Pike Road, Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5995. (k) Inspector General...

  18. A Model for Situation and Threat Assessment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    CUBRC , Inc.) 8151 Needwood #T103 Derwood, MD 20855 UNITED STATES steinberg@cubrc.org A model is presented for situation and threat assessment...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Subject Matter Expert (SME) Calspan-UB Research Center ( CUBRC , Inc.) 8151 Needwood #T103 Derwood, MD...1 A Model for Situation and Threat Assessment Alan Steinberg CUBRC , Inc. steinberg@cubrc.org November, 2005 2 Objectives • Advance the state-of

  19. Quantifying Soldier Shooting Performance of the M4 Carbine with and without a Vertical Grip

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    thereof. Destroy this report when it is no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. Army Research Laboratory Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD...Samson V Ortega Jr, William H Harper, and Frank Morelli Human Research and Engineering Directorate, ARL...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) US Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-HRS-B Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8. PERFORMING

  20. Blood Biomarker Profile of TBI Associated Cognitive Impairment Among Old and Young Veterans

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    INVESTIGATOR: Kristine Yaffe, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Northern California Institute for Research and Education San Francisco, CA 94121 REPORT...MD 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Northern California Institute for Research and Education ...and Resiliency for Dementia: Comparison of Male and Female Veterans (Yaffe: PI) Time Commitment: 1.2 calendar months Supporting Agency: DOD

  1. Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report. Certificate Number: 920918S1. 11272, U.S. Navy Ada/M, Version 4.5 (/OPTIMIZE) VAX 8550/8600/8650 (Cluster) Enhanced Processor (EP) AN/UYK-44 (Bare Board)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-09-01

    and Technology Gaithersburg, MD DI USA ELECTE _993_ _ _ _ 7 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(E JUN 3 1993 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...current Ada Compiler Validation Capability (ACVC). This Validation Summary Report ( VSR ) gives an account of the testing of this Ada implementation. For...34 $MAXLENREALBASEDLITERAL ൘:" & (1..V- 7 => 𔃺’) & "F.E:" SMAXSTRINGLITERAL "’ & (1..V-2 => ’A’) & ’ A-1 The following table contains the values for the remaining macro

  2. Urban Terrain Building Types: Second Edition Public Releasable Version

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents...longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. Army Research Laboratory Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5067 ARL-TR-4395a November 2012...ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-SL-BA Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5067 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11

  3. NASA Future Forum

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-08-11

    U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., addresses the audience at the 2011 NASA Future Forum, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at the Riggs Alumni Center on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, Md. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

  4. Service provider perceptions of telerehabilitation as an additional service delivery option within an Australian neurosurgical and orthopaedic physiotherapy screening clinic: A qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Cottrell, Michelle A; Hill, Anne J; O'Leary, Shaun P; Raymer, Maree E; Russell, Trevor G

    2017-12-01

    The Neurosurgical & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening Clinic and Multidisciplinary Service (N/OPSC&MDS) originated as a complementary, non-surgical pathway for patients referred to public neurosurgical and orthopaedic specialist services. Patient access to the N/OPSC&MDS could potentially be improved with the implementation of telerehabilitation as an additional method of service delivery. To evaluate service provider's views on (1) current barriers to patients' accessing N/OPSC & MD services, and (2) the implementation of telerehabilitation within the N/OPSC&MDS. Qualitative descriptive study design. Healthcare providers (n = 26) were recruited from six N/OPSC&MD services located throughout Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore service providers' views with respect to existing barriers to patients accessing the N/OPSC&MDS, and if telerehabilitation could be feasibly adopted to address current barriers. Template analysis resulted in six themes: (1) barriers to some patients' accessing current N/OPSC&MD services are complex & multifaceted; (2) telerehabilitation could improve patient access to appropriate management for their musculoskeletal condition; (3) telerehabilitation may have limitations when compared to face-to-face healthcare; (4) the delivery of telerehabilitation needs to be flexible; (5) perceived barriers, and (6) facilitators to the successful implementation of telerehabilitation within the N/OPSC&MDS. This study represents a critical step in determining the readiness of service providers for the implementation of telerehabilitation within the N/OPSC&MDS. Although cautious, service providers are overall accepting of the implementation of telerehabilitation, acknowledging that it could eliminate several current barriers, subsequently achieving more equitable access to the service. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Maternal depression and infant development: theory and current evidence.

    PubMed

    Miklush, Lisa; Connelly, Cynthia D

    2013-01-01

    Maternal depression (MD) is a condition that has wide-ranging effects on the woman, her family, and the broader global society. It is generally agreed that MD is associated with untoward effects on the developmental trajectory of offspring. The aim of this article is to review the historical and theoretical underpinnings informing current thought linking MD with infant development, and to highlight some of the neuroendocrine and epigenetic processes related to MD and its sequelae. A broad understanding of the association between MD and infant developmental outcomes can inform nursing care of the childbearing family.

  6. Importance of the What, When, and Where of Mosquito Collection Events

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    Division of Entomology , Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910 J. Med. Entomol. 46(4): 717Ð722 (2009...Department of Defense. 1 Corresponding author, e-mail: foleydes@si.edu. 0022-2585/09/0717Ð0722$04.00/0 2009 Entomological Society of America Report...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Walter Reed Army Institute of Research,Division of Entomology ,503 Robert Grant Ave,Silver Spring,MD,20910

  7. 75 FR 47199 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-9-10 Series Airplanes, DC-9-30...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-05

    ... Airplanes, DC-9-81 (MD-81) Airplanes, DC-9-82 (MD-82) Airplanes, DC-9-83 (MD-83) Airplanes, DC-9- 87 (MD-87...) airplanes, DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, MD-88 airplanes, and MD-90-30 airplanes. That AD currently requires... INFORMATION: Discussion On June 18, 2010, we issued AD 2009-15-16, Amendment 39-16345 (75 FR 38017, July 1...

  8. Control of Atherosclerosis Regression by PRMT2 in Diabetes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-08-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-16-1-0374 TITLE: Control of Atherosclerosis Regression by PRMT2 in Diabetes PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Edward Fisher, MD, PhD...for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM...TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE August 2017 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 01 Aug 2016- 31-July 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Control of

  9. The integration of the risk management process with the lifecycle of medical device software.

    PubMed

    Pecoraro, F; Luzi, D

    2014-01-01

    The application of software in the Medical Device (MD) domain has become central to the improvement of diagnoses and treatments. The new European regulations that specifically address software as an important component of MD, require complex procedures to make software compliant with safety requirements, introducing thereby new challenges in the qualification and classification of MD software as well as in the performance of risk management activities. Under this perspective, the aim of this paper is to propose an integrated framework that combines the activities to be carried out by the manufacturer to develop safe software within the development lifecycle based on the regulatory requirements reported in US and European regulations as well as in the relevant standards and guidelines. A comparative analysis was carried out to identify the main issues related to the application of the current new regulations. In addition, standards and guidelines recently released to harmonise procedures for the validation of MD software have been used to define the risk management activities to be carried out by the manufacturer during the software development process. This paper highlights the main issues related to the qualification and classification of MD software, providing an analysis of the different regulations applied in Europe and the US. A model that integrates the risk management process within the software development lifecycle has been proposed too. It is based on regulatory requirements and considers software risk analysis as a central input to be managed by the manufacturer already at the initial stages of the software design, in order to prevent MD failures. Relevant changes in the process of MD development have been introduced with the recognition of software being an important component of MDs as stated in regulations and standards. This implies the performance of highly iterative processes that have to integrate the risk management in the framework of software development. It also makes it necessary to involve both medical and software engineering competences to safeguard patient and user safety.

  10. Analysis of Gastric Adenocarcinoma Data in a Pan-GI Context to Reveal Genes, Pathways, and Interactions that Yield Novel Therapeutic Advantages

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-09-01

    that Yield Novel Therapeutic Advantages PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Rehan Akbani CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer ...mdanderson.org, jajani@mdanderson.org 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center...is the study of gastric cancer , where the purpose is to reveal new insights into the biology of the disease that could potentially have therapeutic

  11. Raman Sidescattering in Laser-Produced Plasmas.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-12-27

    MENYUK AND N. M. EL-SIRAGY Labomtyjb Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies -~ University of Maryland College Park, MD 20 742 LnW. M. MANHEIMER2 Plasma...NOTATION *Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 **Permanent Address: Physics Dept., Univ. of Tanta

  12. A Conversation Among the IAS-USA Board of Directors: Hot Topics and Emerging Data in HIV Research and Care.

    PubMed

    Benson, Constance A; Currier, Judith S; Del Rio, Carlos; Gallant, Joel E; Gulick, Roy M; Marrazzo, Jeanne M; Richman, Douglas D; Saag, Michael S; Schooley, Robert T; Volberding, Paul A

    The IAS-USA volunteer Board of Directors met in October 2016 for its annual meeting. For the second year, the Board conducted a live, hour-long, interactive, roundtable webinar covering current questions and issues in HIV research, prevention, and care. Important highlights from the Board's discussion, which was moderated by Paul A. Volberding, MD, are included below. Members of the IAS-USA volunteer Board of Directors are Constance A. Benson, MD; Judith S. Currier, MD; Carlos del Rio, MD; Joel E. Gallant, MD, MPH; Roy M. Gulick, MD, MPH; Jeanne M. Marrazzo, MD, MPH; Douglas D. Richman, MD; Michael S. Saag, MD; Robert T. Schooley, MD; and Paul A. Volberding, MD.

  13. Muscle dysmorphia in Hungarian non-competitive male bodybuilders.

    PubMed

    Babusa, B; Túry, F

    2012-03-01

    Muscle dysmorphia (MD) has been described as a male body image disorder, characterized by a pathological preoccupation with muscle size. The aim of the study was to examine the MD features, eating disorder characteristics and body attitudes in non-competitive male bodybuilders in a Hungarian sample. Sixty male bodybuilders and 60 undergraduate university students completed the self-report questionnaires of the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale, the Body Attitude Test and the Eating Disorders Inventory. MD was associated with current bodybuilding activity, higher ideal body weight and eating disorder characteristics. Moreover, current selfreported steroid users displayed higher tendency for MD symptoms than self-reported steroid non-users. Results emphasize the relationship between MD symptoms, eating disorder characteristics and steroid use. MD and body image related concerns among men could be a wide-spread phenomena also in the Central-Eastern European region.

  14. Parameters for Quantitative Comparison of Two-, Three-, and Four-level Laser Media, Operating Wavelengths, and Temperatures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-08-01

    S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-SEE-O 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...Kudryashov, and D. Gar - buzov, “Resonant pumping and upconversion in 1.6 m Er lasers,” J. Opt. Soc. Amer. B., vol. 24, pp. 2454–2460, Sep. 2007. [4] A...1 DIRECTOR US ARMY RESEARCH LAB IMNE ALC HRR 2800 POWDER MILL RD ADELPHI MD 20783-1197 1 DIRECTOR US ARMY RESEARCH LAB RDRL CIM

  15. Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Somatic Symptoms, Health Care Visits, and Absenteeism among Iraq War Veterans

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-01-01

    Health Care Visits, and Absenteeism Among Iraq War Veterans Charles W. Hoge, M.D. Artin Terhakopian, M.D. Carl A. Castro, Ph.D. Stephen C. Messer, Ph.D...Disorder With Somatic Symptoms, Health Care Visits, and Absenteeism Among Iraq War Veterans 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Walter Reed Army

  16. Keynote Address: When Breath Becomes Air-As Physician Becomes Patient.

    PubMed

    Kalanithi, Lucy; Wakelee, Heather; Carlson, Robert W

    2017-05-01

    As part of the NCCN 22nd Annual Conference: Improving the Quality, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Cancer Care, Lucy Kalanithi, MD, wife of now-deceased best-selling author Paul Kalanithi ( When Breath Becomes Air ), and Heather Wakelee, MD, Paul's oncologist, discussed-for the first time together in a public forum-Paul's experience of going from a neurosurgery resident to a patient with cancer with a terminal diagnosis. Robert Carlson, MD, moderated the discussion. Copyright © 2017 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

  17. Impact of Critical Care Trained Flight Paramedics on Casualty Survival During Helicopter Evacuation in the Current War in Afghanistan

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    survival during helicopter evacuation in the current war in Afghanistan Robert L . Mabry ...MD, MC, Amy Apodaca , MS, Jason Penrod , PharmD, Jean A . Orman , ScD, MPH, Robert T. Gerhardt , MD, MPH, and Warren C. Dorlac, MD, Fort Sam Houston...GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Mabry R. L ., Apodaca A ., Penrod J.,

  18. What will it take? Pathways, time and funding: Australian medical students' perspective on clinician-scientist training.

    PubMed

    Eley, Diann S; Jensen, Charmaine; Thomas, Ranjeny; Benham, Helen

    2017-12-08

    Clinician-scientists are in decline worldwide. They represent a unique niche in medicine by bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. A national, integrated approach to training clinician-scientists, typically programs that comprise a comprehensive MD-PhD pathway, are customary. Such a pathway is lacking in Australia. The objective was to gather perceptions from Australian medical students on factors they perceive would influence their decision to pursue clinician-scientist training. A cross-sectional mixed methods design used quantitative and qualitative questions in an online self-report survey with medical students from a four-year MD program. Quantitative measures comprised scaled response questions regarding prior experience and current involvement in research, and short- and long-term opinions about factors that influence their decisions to undertake a research higher degree (RHD) during medical school. Qualitative questions gathered broader perceptions of what a career pathway as a clinician-scientist would include and what factors are most conducive to a medical student's commitment to MD-PhD training. Respondents (N = 418; 51% female) indicated Time, Funding and Pathway as the major themes arising from the qualitative data, highlighting negative perceptions rather than possible benefits to RHD training. The lack of an evident Pathway was inter-related to Time and Funding. Themes were supported by the quantitative data. Sixty percent of students have previous research experience of varying forms, and 90% report a current interest, mainly to improve their career prospects. The data emphasise the need for an MD-PhD pathway in Australia. A model that provides an early, integrated, and exclusive approach to research training pathways across all stages of medical education is suggested as the best way to rejuvenate the clinician-scientist. A national pathway that addresses factors influencing career decision making throughout the medical education continuum should include an appropriate funding structure, and provide early and continuing advice and mentoring. It should be flexible, gender equitable, and include post-graduate training. The implications of implementing MD-PhD programs represent a substantial investment. However this should not be a deterrent to Australia's commitment to an MD-PhD pathway, but rather a challenge to help ensure our future healthcare is guided by highly trained and competent clinician-scientists.

  19. Report on a seminar on financing and service delivery issues in caring for the medically underserved.

    PubMed Central

    Tavani, C

    1991-01-01

    Current national activities directed toward improving access to health care and assessing the potential effectiveness of various financing and service delivery strategies were reviewed by an invited group of 39 public and private sector health policy experts. Health care access problems of the medically underserved population were defined and a range of strategies for addressing them were presented. The seminar was held at Columbia, MD, July 6-7, 1988, sponsored jointly by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Health Resources and Services Administration, PHS. PMID:1899935

  20. A Phase II Trial on the Effect of Low-Dose versus High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mass in Adults with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    MD, PhD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: University of Utah REPORT DATE : October 2013 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual PREPARED FOR: U.S...of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE ...October 2013 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 15 September 2012-14 September 2013 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE A Phase II Trial on the Effect of

  1. 76 FR 12847 - Change of Address; Requests for Exemption From the Bar Code Label Requirements

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-09

    ... INFORMATION CONTACT: Rikin Mehta, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903... and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 51, Silver Spring, MD... Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 51, Silver Spring, MD...

  2. 75 FR 32866 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Patuxent River, Solomons, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-10

    ...-9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ``Public Participation... four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be... Patuxent River, MD. The start and finish lines will be located near the Solomon's Pier. A large spectator...

  3. Deep Brain Stimulation of Medial Dorsal and Ventral Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus in OCD: A Retrospective Case Series

    PubMed Central

    Lenartz, Doris; Kuhn, Jens; Sturm, Volker

    2016-01-01

    Background The current notion that cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits are involved in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has instigated the search for the most suitable target for deep brain stimulation (DBS). However, despite extensive research, uncertainty about the ideal target remains with many structures being underexplored. The aim of this report is to address a new target for DBS, the medial dorsal (MD) and the ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus, which has thus far received little attention in the treatment of OCD. Methods In this retrospective trial, four patients (three female, one male) aged 31–48 years, suffering from therapy-refractory OCD underwent high-frequency DBS of the MD and VA. In two patients (de novo group) the thalamus was chosen as a primary target for DBS, whereas in two patients (rescue DBS group) lead implantation was performed in a rescue DBS attempt following unsuccessful primary stimulation. Results Continuous thalamic stimulation yielded no significant improvement in OCD symptom severity. Over the course of thalamic DBS symptoms improved in only one patient who showed “partial response” on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive (Y-BOCS) Scale. Beck Depression Inventory scores dropped by around 46% in the de novo group; anxiety symptoms improved by up to 34%. In the de novo DBS group no effect of DBS on anxiety and mood was observable. Conclusion MD/VA-DBS yielded no adequate alleviation of therapy-refractory OCD, the overall strategy in targeting MD/VA as described in this paper can thus not be recommended in DBS for OCD. The magnocellular portion of MD (MDMC), however, might prove a promising target in the treatment of mood related and anxiety disorders. PMID:27504631

  4. The scope and variety of combined baccalaureate-MD programs in the United States.

    PubMed

    Eaglen, Robert H; Arnold, Louise; Girotti, Jorge A; Cosgrove, Ellen M; Green, Marianne M; Kollisch, Donald O; McBeth, Dani L; Penn, Mark A; Tracy, Sarah W

    2012-11-01

    The landscape of combined baccalaureate-MD programs has changed substantially in the last two decades but has not been documented in detail. The authors review the current state of these programs and discuss opportunities for future study of their evolving role and potential impact.In 2011, using a definition of baccalaureate-MD program built on prior research, the authors reviewed Association of American Medical Colleges sources and medical school Web sites to identify and characterize 81 active programs. In addition, they surveyed the 57 medical schools offering those programs; 31 schools with 39 programs responded. The resulting database inventories the number and distribution of programs; institutional affiliations; missions or goals; length; size; admissions criteria; curricula; and retention requirements.Since the inception of combined programs in 1961, their number and curricular length have increased. Pressures that spurred earlier programs remain evident in the goals of today's programs: attract talented high school or early college students, especially from diverse backgrounds; prepare physicians to meet societal needs; and offer an enriched premedical environment. Baccalaureate educational activities achieve program goals through special courses, medical experiences, community service, and learning communities tailored to students' needs. Admission and retention criteria are comparable to those of traditional medical schools.Combined baccalaureate-MD programs have evolved along several paths during the last half century and have enriched the baccalaureate experiences of medical students. Shifting expectations for the selection and education of future physicians warrant focused research on these programs to document their effectiveness in addressing those expectations.

  5. Gene-by-social-environment interaction (GxSE) between ADCYAP1R1 genotype and neighborhood crime predicts major depression symptoms in trauma-exposed women.

    PubMed

    Lowe, Sarah R; Pothen, John; Quinn, James W; Rundle, Andrew; Bradley, Bekh; Galea, Sandro; Ressler, Kerry J; Koenen, Karestan C

    2015-11-15

    Few studies have explored interactions between genes and social environmental exposures (GxSEs) for trauma-related psychopathology, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and major depression (MD). The extant literature suggests the possibility of a GxSE between the rs2267735 variant of the ADCYAP1R1 gene and neighborhood crime. The current study aimed to explore this possibility among a predominantly African American sample of trauma-exposed women. Female participants (N=1361) were recruited from a public hospital, and completed measures of PTS and MD symptoms and provided DNA samples. Participants' home addresses were mapped onto 300 neighborhoods (2010 census tracts), and data on crime within neighborhoods was collected. Multilevel models detected a significant GxSE between rs2267735 and neighborhood crime for MD symptoms (p=.01). Having two copies of the risk (C) allele was associated with higher MD symptoms for participants living in high-crime neighborhoods. At least six limitations are noteworthy: (1) low statistical power; (2) use of self-report symptom inventories; (3) lack of information on symptom onset; (4) homogeneous sample from a single metropolitan area; (5) non-specific index of crime; and (6) use of census tracts to define neighborhoods. The results provide further evidence of GxSEs for psychiatric outcomes among trauma-exposed populations. Further investigations of genetic factors for trauma-related psychopathology should include careful assessments of the social environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Gene-by-social-environment interaction (GxSE) between ADCYAP1R1 genotype and neighborhood crime predicts major depression symptoms in trauma-exposed women

    PubMed Central

    Lowe, Sarah R.; Pothen, John; Quinn, James W.; Rundle, Andrew; Bradley, Bekh; Galea, Sandro; Ressler, Kerry J.; Koenen, Karestan C.

    2015-01-01

    Background Few studies have explored interactions between genes and social environmental exposures (GxSEs) for trauma-related psychopathology, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and major depression (MD). The extant literature suggests the possibility of a GxSE between the rs2267735 variant of the ADCYAP1R1 gene and neighborhood crime. The current study aimed to explore this possibility among a predominantly African American sample of trauma-exposed women. Methods Female participants (N = 1361) were recruited from a public hospital, and completed measures of PTS and MD symptoms and provided DNA samples. Participants’ home addresses were mapped onto 300 neighborhoods (2010 census tracts), and data on crime within neighborhoods was collected. Results Multilevel models detected a significant GxSE between rs2267735 and neighborhood crime for MD symptoms (p = .01). Having two copies of the risk (C) allele was associated with higher MD symptoms for participants living in high-crime neighborhoods. Limitations At least six limitations are noteworthy: (1) low statistical power; (2) use of self-report symptom inventories; (3) lack of information on symptom onset; (4) homogeneous sample from a single metropolitan area; (5) non-specific index of crime; and (6) use of census tracts to define neighborhoods. Conclusions The results provide further evidence of GxSEs for psychiatric outcomes among trauma-exposed populations. Further investigations of genetic factors for trauma-related psychopathology should include careful assessments of the social environment. PMID:26334183

  7. 77 FR 18963 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-29

    ...) Model MD900 helicopters. The existing AD requires a visual inspection, and if necessary, an eddy current... with an airworthy lower hub. If there is no crack as a result of the visual inspection, eddy current... nondestructive eddy current inspection of the lower hub. That AD was prompted by cracks found on four lower hubs...

  8. Cigarette smoking and mammographic density in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort.

    PubMed

    Jacobsen, Katja Kemp; Lynge, Elsebeth; Vejborg, Ilse; Tjønneland, Anne; von Euler-Chelpin, My; Andersen, Zorana J

    2016-02-01

    Smoking before first childbirth increases breast cancer risk, but the biological mechanism remains unknown and may involve mammographic density (MD), one of the strongest biomarkers of breast cancer risk. We aimed to examine whether active smoking and passive smoking were associated with MD. For the 5,356 women (4,489 postmenopausal) from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort (1993-1997) who attended mammographic screening in Copenhagen (1993-2001), we used MD (mixed/dense or fatty) assessed at the first screening after cohort entry. Active smoking (status, duration, and intensity) and passive smoking were assessed at cohort baseline (1993-1997) via questionnaire, together with other breast cancer risk factors. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations (odds ratios, 95 % confidence intervals) between smoking and MD, adjusting for confounders. Two thousand and twenty-six (56.5 %) women had mixed/dense MD, 2,214 (41.4 %) were current, and 1,175 (21.9 %) former smokers. Current smokers had significantly lower odds (0.86, 0.75-0.99) of having mixed/dense MD compared to never smokers, while former smoking was not associated with MD. Inverse association between smoking and MD was strongest in women who initiated smoking before age of 16 years (0.79, 0.64-0.96), smoked ≥15 cigarettes/day (0.83, 0.71-0.98), smoked ≥5 pack-years (0.62, 0.43-0.89), smoked >30 years (0.86, 0.75-0.99), and smoked ≥11 years before first childbirth (0.70, 0.51-0.96). Association between smoking and MD diminished after smoking cessation, with increased odds of having mixed/dense breasts in women who quit smoking >20 years ago as compared to current smokers (1.37, 1.01-1.67). There was no association between passive smoking and MD. We found an inverse association between active smoking and MD.

  9. Exploring Hamiltonian dielectric solvent molecular dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bauer, Sebastian; Tavan, Paul; Mathias, Gerald

    2014-09-01

    Hamiltonian dielectric solvent (HADES) is a recent method [7,25], which enables Hamiltonian molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of peptides and proteins in dielectric continua. Sample simulations of an α-helical decapeptide with and without explicit solvent demonstrate the high efficiency of HADES-MD. Addressing the folding of this peptide by replica exchange MD we study the properties of HADES by comparing melting curves, secondary structure motifs and salt bridges with explicit solvent results. Despite the unoptimized ad hoc parametrization of HADES, calculated reaction field energies correlate well with numerical grid solutions of the dielectric Poisson equation.

  10. 75 FR 75482 - Draft Guidance for Industry on Residual Solvents in Animal Drug Products; Questions and Answers...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-03

    ... Administration, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist that..., Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-145), Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD... seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. V...

  11. 76 FR 35802 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Patuxent River, Solomons, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-20

    ... number is 202-366-9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ``Public... four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be.... Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. The start and finish lines will be located near the Solomon's Pier...

  12. Reaching the Mountaintop: Addressing the Common Core Standards in Mathematics for Students with Mathematics Difficulties

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powell, Sarah R.; Fuchs, Lynn S.; Fuchs, Doug

    2013-01-01

    The Common Core State Standards provide teachers with a framework of necessary mathematics skills across grades K-12, which vary considerably from previous mathematics standards. In this article, we discuss concerns about the implications of the Common Core for students with mathematics difficulties (MD), given that students with MD, by…

  13. 76 FR 41662 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-15

    ... different compliance time; adds an eddy current inspection; retains the requirement to replace a cracked... and recurring 300-hour visual and eddy current inspections of the lower hub for a crack and, if there... AD requires a visual inspection, and if necessary, an eddy current inspection of the lower hub for a...

  14. Development of Novel p16INK4a Mimetics as Anticancer Therapy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    Anticancer Therapy PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mark Klein, M.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Minnesota Veterans Medical Research and Education...Foundation Minneapolis, MN 55417 REPORT DATE: October 2014 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Report PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical ...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Minnesota Veterans Medical Research and Education Foundation M AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT

  15. 75 FR 31509 - Rescinding the Notice of Intent for an Environmental Impact Statement: Prince George's County, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-03

    ..., DelMar Division, 10 S. Howard Street, Suite 2450, Baltimore, MD 21201, Telephone: (410) 779-7152, e-mail... Department of the Environment, and University of Maryland, is rescinding the NOI to prepare an EIS for roadway improvements which would address mobility and safety for travelers to and from the University of...

  16. Isolongifolenone: A Novel Sesquiterpene Repellent of Ticks and Mosquitoes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-West, Beltsville, MD 20705. 2 Corresponding author, e-mail...AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Research Center,Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory,Beltsville

  17. Machine learning algorithm accurately detects fMRI signature of vulnerability to major depression.

    PubMed

    Sato, João R; Moll, Jorge; Green, Sophie; Deakin, John F W; Thomaz, Carlos E; Zahn, Roland

    2015-08-30

    Standard functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analyses cannot assess the potential of a neuroimaging signature as a biomarker to predict individual vulnerability to major depression (MD). Here, we use machine learning for the first time to address this question. Using a recently identified neural signature of guilt-selective functional disconnection, the classification algorithm was able to distinguish remitted MD from control participants with 78.3% accuracy. This demonstrates the high potential of our fMRI signature as a biomarker of MD vulnerability. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Preparing MD-PhD students for clinical rotations: navigating the interface between PhD and MD training.

    PubMed

    Goldberg, Charles; Insel, Paul A

    2013-06-01

    Many aspects of MD-PhD training are not optimally designed to prepare students for their future roles as translational clinician-scientists. The transition between PhD research efforts and clinical rotations is one hurdle that must be overcome. MD-PhD students have deficits in clinical skills compared with those of their MD-only colleagues at the time of this transition. Reimmersion programs (RPs) targeted to MD-PhD students have the potential to help them navigate this transition.The authors draw on their experience creating and implementing an RP that incorporates multiple types of activities (clinical exam review, objective structured clinical examination, and supervised practice in patient care settings) designed to enhance the participants' skills and readiness for clinical efforts. On the basis of this experience, they note that MD-PhD students' time away from the clinical environment negatively affects their clinical skills, causing them to feel underprepared for clinical rotations. The authors argue that participation in an RP can help students feel more comfortable speaking with and examining patients and decrease their anxiety regarding clinical encounters. The authors propose that RPs can have positive outcomes for improving the transition from PhD to clinical MD training in dual-degree programs. Identifying and addressing this and other transitions need to be considered to improve the educational experience of MD-PhD students.

  19. Practices of Management Development: A Malaysian Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Law, Kian Aun

    2008-01-01

    This paper deals with a case study of Management Development (MD) practices at Malaysian Assurance Alliance (MAA). The aim of this research is to investigate how a large Malaysian insurance corporation developed and integrated MD initiatives with current organizational needs and tasks. Attempts were made to map and categorize the MD initiatives…

  20. 78 FR 17996 - MCM Rail Services LLC-Petition for Retroactive Exemption-In Sparrows Point, Md.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-25

    ... LLC--Petition for Retroactive Exemption--In Sparrows Point, Md. AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board... of rail line in Sparrows Point, Md. (the Line). DATES: MCM's supplemental information is due by April... Railroad, and currently named the Baltimore Industrial Railway, is located at 1430 Sparrows Point Boulevard...

  1. Comparative transcriptomics of genetically divergent lines of chickens in response to Marek’s disease virus challenge at cytolytic phase

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Marek’s disease (MD) remains an economically significant threat to poultry industry worldwide. Genetic resistance to MD is a promising alternative strategy to augment current control measures (vaccination and management). However, only a few functional genes reportedly conferring MD resistance have ...

  2. Environmental and economic sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet.

    PubMed

    Germani, Alessia; Vitiello, Valeria; Giusti, Anna Maria; Pinto, Alessandro; Donini, Lorenzo Maria; del Balzo, Valeria

    2014-12-01

    The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been proposed as a healthy dietary pattern for disease prevention. However, little information exists on the cost and on the environmental impact of such a dietary model. We compared the environmental impact and the costs of the current food consumption pattern of the Italian population and the Mediterranean model in order to investigate its overall sustainability. The environmental impact was calculated on the basis of three indexes, i.e. Carbon, Ecological and Water Footprint. The costs (Euro) per person of the MD and of the current Italian household food expenditure were considered on a weekly basis according to the 2013 data from the Observatory prices and tariffs of the Ministry of Economic Development and the service SMS consumers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The MD resulted to produce a lower environmental impact than the current food consumption of the Italian population. The monthly expenditure of the MD is slightly higher in the overall budget compared to the current expenditure allocated to food by the Italian population, but there is a substantial difference in the distribution of budget according to the different food groups.

  3. Measuring Overcast Colors with All-Sky Imaging

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-04-01

    NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) United States Naval Academy (USNA),Mathematics...Science Department,Annapolis,MD,21402 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR...are vestigial (29 No- vember 2006 curve). A few overcasts are bluest near the horizon, and this causes particularly large colori- metric excursions

  4. Lessons Learned During the Refurbishment and Testing of an Observatory After Long-Term Storage

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hawk, John; Peabody, Sharon; Stavely, Richard

    2015-01-01

    Thermal Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS) 2015, Silver Spring, MD NCTS 21070-15. This paper addresses the lessons learned during the refurbishment and testing of the thermal control system for a spacecraft which was placed into long-term storage. The DSCOVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Observatory (formerly known as Triana) was originally scheduled to launch on the Space Shuttle in 2002. With the Triana spacecraft nearly complete, the mission was canceled and the satellite was abruptly put into storage in 2001. In 2008 the observatory was removed from storage to begin refurbishment and testing. Problems arose associated with hardware that was not currently manufactured, coatings degradation, and a significant lack of documentation. Also addressed is the conversion of the thermal and geometric math models for use with updated thermal analysis software tools.

  5. Measuring the Price of Anarchy via Perspective Optimization of Unmanned Vehicles in ISR Operations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-24

    nagi@buffalo.edu Dr. Moises Sudit1,3 sudit@cubrc.org 1 CUBRC , Inc. Buffalo, NY USA 2 Raytheon, Inc. Annapolis Junction, MD USA 3 University at Buffalo...ADDRESS(ES) CUBRC , Inc. Buffalo, NY USA 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR

  6. First-Principles Equation of State and Shock Compression of Warm Dense Aluminum and Hydrocarbons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Driver, Kevin; Soubiran, Francois; Zhang, Shuai; Militzer, Burkhard

    2017-10-01

    Theoretical studies of warm dense plasmas are a key component of progress in fusion science, defense science, and astrophysics programs. Path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) and density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD), two state-of-the-art, first-principles, electronic-structure simulation methods, provide a consistent description of plasmas over a wide range of density and temperature conditions. Here, we combine high-temperature PIMC data with lower-temperature DFT-MD data to compute coherent equations of state (EOS) for aluminum and hydrocarbon plasmas. Subsequently, we derive shock Hugoniot curves from these EOSs and extract the temperature-density evolution of plasma structure and ionization behavior from pair-correlation function analyses. Since PIMC and DFT-MD accurately treat effects of atomic shell structure, we find compression maxima along Hugoniot curves attributed to K-shell and L-shell ionization, which provide a benchmark for widely-used EOS tables, such as SESAME and LEOS, and more efficient models. LLNL-ABS-734424. Funding provided by the DOE (DE-SC0010517) and in part under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. Computational resources provided by Blue Waters (NSF ACI1640776) and NERSC. K. Driver's and S. Zhang's current address is Lawrence Livermore Natl. Lab, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA.

  7. Development of novel non agoinst PPAR-gamma ligands for lung cancer treatment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-08-01

    Melin Khandekar, M.D., Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION : Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA 02114 REPORT DATE: August 2017 TYPE OF REPORT...5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Massachusetts General Hospital 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114 55 AND...ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S

  8. Separation and preparation of 6-gingerol from molecular distillation residue of Yunnan ginger rhizomes by high-speed counter-current chromatography and the antioxidant activity of ginger oils in vitro.

    PubMed

    Gan, Zhilin; Liang, Zheng; Chen, Xiaosong; Wen, Xin; Wang, Yuxiao; Li, Mo; Ni, Yuanying

    2016-02-01

    Molecular distillation residue (MD-R) from ginger had the most total phenol content of 247.6mg gallic acid equivalents per gram (GAE/g) among the ginger oils. High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) technique in semi-preparative scale was successfully performed in separation and purification of 6-gingerol from MD-R by using a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (10:2:5:7, v/v/v/v). The target compound was isolated, collected, purified by HSCCC in the head-tail mode, and then analyzed by HPLC. A total of 90.38±0.53mg 6-gingerol was obtained from 600mg MD-R, with purity of 99.6%. In addition, the structural identification of 6-gingerol was performed by EI/MS, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR. Moreover, the orders of antioxidant activity were vitamin E (VE)>supercritical fluid extraction oleoresin (SFE-O)=MD-R=6-gingerol>molecular distillation essential oil (MD-EO) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)=VE>6-gingerol>MD-R=SFE-O>MD-EO, respectively in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging and β-Carotene bleaching. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. The Management of Information Analysis Centers: [Proceedings of a Forum] Held at National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Md., May 17-19, 1971.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, William A., Ed.

    The papers given at the May 17-19 forum on Management of Information Analysis Centers held at the National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, Md. are presented in four sessions separated by topic. Besides the welcoming remarks and the keynote address session 1 contains three general papers on information analysis centers and automatic data…

  10. Cross-sectional-derived determinants of satisfaction with physician-scientist training among Canadian MD/PhD graduates.

    PubMed

    Twa, David D W; Skinnider, Michael A; Squair, Jordan W; Lukac, Christine D

    2017-01-01

    Although MD/PhD programs require considerable commitment on behalf of students and learning institutions, they serve as an integral means of training future physician-scientists; individuals who engage in translational medicine. As attrition from these programs has longstanding effects on the community of translational medicine and comes at substantial cost to MD/PhD programs, we aimed to identify determinants that were associated with satisfaction among MD/PhD graduates, a feature that might inform on limiting program attrition. Anonymized data from a national survey of 139 Canadian MD/PhD alumni was analyzed. Factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the reliability of three questions that measured satisfaction and logistic regression was used to assess the association of outcomes with 17 independent determinants. Eighty-one percent of graduates were satisfied with MD/PhD training. Factor analysis confirmed the reliability of the questions measuring satisfaction. Determinants of self-reported satisfaction with physician-scientist training included co-authorship of more than six manuscripts during MD/PhD training. Additionally, protected research time at the place of current appointment was strongly associated with agreement that MD/PhD training had helped career progression. Demographic variables were not associated with any satisfaction indicator. Taken together, the majority of Canadian MD/PhD graduates are satisfied with their physician-scientist training. Project collaboration leading to co-authorships and protected research time were strongly associated with training satisfaction among graduates. If the value of collaboration can be realized among current and future physician-scientist trainees who are dissatisfied with their training, this might ultimately reduce program attrition.

  11. Mechanisms and Treatment of Deployment-Related Lung Injury: Repair of the Injured Epithelium

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    effects of physical , chemical, and infectious stimuli on acute lung injury. Progress - We obtained local (National Jewish Health ) IACUC approval for...INVESTIGATOR: Gregory P. Downey, MD RECIPIENT: National Jewish Health Denver, CO 80206 REPORT DATE: October 2017 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual...ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) . AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER National Jewish Health 
 Denver, CO 80206 9

  12. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Volume 21, Number 3

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-01

    PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR),Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center,11800 Tech Road, Suite 220...MCAF-CS),Silver Spring,MD,20904 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR...travel, use of air con- ditioning, and other recreational activities that increase risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria (e.g., use of hot tubs

  13. Relational quality, illness interference, and partner support in Ménière's disease.

    PubMed

    Pyykkö, Ilmari; Manchaiah, Vinaya; Zou, Jing; Levo, Hilla; Kentala, Erna

    2018-01-01

    The current study aimed to better understand how patients and their significant others (SOs) cope with Menière's disease (MD). The study used a cross-sectional design and the data were collected using questionnaires. Seventy-five dyads in which one person had MD. SOs of patients with MD not only experienced activity and participation restrictions but also had positive experiences. In relational quality, the SOs reported uncertainty of their future, limited visits in noisy places, limited activities as walking, watching TV, and participating in social life. The illness interference correlated with the patients' complaints, and most significant was the problem of imbalance. The quality of life was significantly reduced in patients with MD, and the illness interference in terms of quality of life was correlated with the SOs in items related to mood and anxiety. The stress related conditions of the SOs were correlated with two positive items (e.g. alleviating the stress factor). The SOs could also identify one positive item (i.e., improved relationship). Perceptions of MD as interfering in couples' lives influence dyadic coping in unique ways. The current study identified that dyadic coping has both positive aspects and limitations as a consequence of their partner's MD.

  14. QwikMD — Integrative Molecular Dynamics Toolkit for Novices and Experts

    PubMed Central

    Ribeiro, João V.; Bernardi, Rafael C.; Rudack, Till; Stone, John E.; Phillips, James C.; Freddolino, Peter L.; Schulten, Klaus

    2016-01-01

    The proper functioning of biomolecules in living cells requires them to assume particular structures and to undergo conformational changes. Both biomolecular structure and motion can be studied using a wide variety of techniques, but none offers the level of detail as do molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Integrating two widely used modeling programs, namely NAMD and VMD, we have created a robust, user-friendly software, QwikMD, which enables novices and experts alike to address biomedically relevant questions, where often only molecular dynamics simulations can provide answers. Performing both simple and advanced MD simulations interactively, QwikMD automates as many steps as necessary for preparing, carrying out, and analyzing simulations while checking for common errors and enabling reproducibility. QwikMD meets also the needs of experts in the field, increasing the efficiency and quality of their work by carrying out tedious or repetitive tasks while enabling easy control of every step. Whether carrying out simulations within the live view mode on a small laptop or performing complex and large simulations on supercomputers or Cloud computers, QwikMD uses the same steps and user interface. QwikMD is freely available by download on group and personal computers. It is also available on the cloud at Amazon Web Services. PMID:27216779

  15. QwikMD — Integrative Molecular Dynamics Toolkit for Novices and Experts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ribeiro, João V.; Bernardi, Rafael C.; Rudack, Till; Stone, John E.; Phillips, James C.; Freddolino, Peter L.; Schulten, Klaus

    2016-05-01

    The proper functioning of biomolecules in living cells requires them to assume particular structures and to undergo conformational changes. Both biomolecular structure and motion can be studied using a wide variety of techniques, but none offers the level of detail as do molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Integrating two widely used modeling programs, namely NAMD and VMD, we have created a robust, user-friendly software, QwikMD, which enables novices and experts alike to address biomedically relevant questions, where often only molecular dynamics simulations can provide answers. Performing both simple and advanced MD simulations interactively, QwikMD automates as many steps as necessary for preparing, carrying out, and analyzing simulations while checking for common errors and enabling reproducibility. QwikMD meets also the needs of experts in the field, increasing the efficiency and quality of their work by carrying out tedious or repetitive tasks while enabling easy control of every step. Whether carrying out simulations within the live view mode on a small laptop or performing complex and large simulations on supercomputers or Cloud computers, QwikMD uses the same steps and user interface. QwikMD is freely available by download on group and personal computers. It is also available on the cloud at Amazon Web Services.

  16. An Evaluation of EHD Enhancement and Thermoacoustic Refrigeration for Naval Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-12-01

    unlimited FedDocs D 208. 14/2 NPS-ME-91-05 *d for: Taylor Research Center, Annapolis, MD NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California Rear Admiral R. W...West, Jr H. Shull Superintendent Provost This report was prepared for and funded by the David Taylor Research Center, Annapolis, MD 21402-5067...MONITORING ORGANIZATION David Taylor Research Center 6c. ADDRESS [City, State, and ZIP Code) Mechanical Engineering Department (Code ME] Monterey, CA

  17. Antecedents of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia in a non-clinical sample.

    PubMed

    Lamanna, J; Grieve, F G; Derryberry, W Pitt; Hakman, M; McClure, A

    2010-01-01

    Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) has recently been conceptualized as the male form of Eating Disorders (ED); although, it is not currently classified as an ED. The current study compares etiological models of MD symptomatology and ED symptomatology. It was hypothesized that sociocultural influences on appearance (SIA) would predict body dissatisfaction (BD), and that this relationship would be mediated by self-esteem (SE) and perfectionism (P); that BD would predict negative affect (NA); and that NA would predict MD and ED symptomatology. Two-hundred-forty-seven female and 101 male college students at a midsouth university completed the study. All participants completed measures assessing each of the constructs, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test each model's fit. In both models, most predictor paths were significant. These results suggest similarity in symptomatology and etiological models between ED and MD.

  18. 21 CFR 812.19 - Address for IDE correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Document Control Center (HFM-99), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug... Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 5901-B Ammendale Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705-1266. (b... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Address for IDE correspondence. 812.19 Section 812...

  19. 75 FR 65017 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Revocations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-21

    ...: 6701 Moravia Park Drive, Unit B, Baltimore, MD 21237. Date Revoked: September 17, 2010. Reason: Failed.... License Number: 018717N. Name: IFE Global Logistics Inc. Address: 100 North Hill Drive, 16, Brisbane, CA... Logistics Inc. Address: 1001 Nicholas Blvd., A, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Date Revoked: September 10...

  20. 77 FR 64992 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Revocations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-24

    ...: Logistics, Inc. Address: 313 West Arundel Road, Baltimore, MD 21225. Date Revoked: September 21, 2012... Monterey Pass Road, Suite C, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Date Revoked: September 5, 2012. Reason: Failed to....: 019327N. Name: David A. Knott dba Dak Logistics Services. Address: 131-E Sunset Avenue, Suite 210, Suisun...

  1. An Osmotic Membrane Bioreactor-Membrane Distillation System for Simultaneous Wastewater Reuse and Seawater Desalination: Performance and Implications.

    PubMed

    Luo, Wenhai; Phan, Hop V; Li, Guoxue; Hai, Faisal I; Price, William E; Elimelech, Menachem; Nghiem, Long D

    2017-12-19

    In this study, we demonstrate the potential of an osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR)-membrane distillation (MD) hybrid system for simultaneous wastewater reuse and seawater desalination. A stable OMBR water flux of approximately 6 L m -2 h -1 was achieved when using MD to regenerate the seawater draw solution. Water production by the MD process was higher than that from OMBR to desalinate additional seawater and thus account for draw solute loss due to the reverse salt flux. Amplicon sequencing on the Miseq Illumina platform evidenced bacterial acclimatization to salinity build-up in the bioreactor, though there was a reduction in the bacterial community diversity. In particular, 18 halophilic and halotolerant bacterial genera were identified with notable abundance in the bioreactor. Thus, the effective biological treatment was maintained during OMBR-MD operation. By coupling biological treatment and two high rejection membrane processes, the OMBR-MD hybrid system could effectively remove (>90%) all 30 trace organic contaminants of significant concern investigated here and produce high quality water. Nevertheless, further study is necessary to address MD membrane fouling due to the accumulation of organic matter, particularly protein- and humic-like substances, in seawater draw solution.

  2. Effect of Teriparatide, Vibration and the Combination on Bone Mass and Bone Architecture in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    Cord Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Thomas J. Schnitzer, M.D., Ph.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION : Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 REPORT...Bone Architechture in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Effect of Teriparatide, Vibration and the Combination on Bone Mass and Bone Architechture in Chronic...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Northwestern University, 633 Clark St., Evanston,IL 60208-0001 AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

  3. A Rod Ricochet Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-08-01

    PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER AH80 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Steven B. Segletes 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-WM-TD Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5066 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-3257 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S

  4. Intranasal Rapamycin Rescues Mice from Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Shock

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-18

    PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of...Infectious Diseases,Fort Detrick,MD,21702 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR...Student’s t-test. Statistical comparisons of survival data were performed by Fisher’s exact test with Stata software (Stata Corp., College Station, TX

  5. A Model-based Analysis of First-Generation Service Discovery Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-10-01

    NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) National Institute of Standards and Technology,Information Technology Laboratory,Gaithersburg,MD,20899 8. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER

  6. Trapped in a Daydream: Daily Elevations in Maladaptive Daydreaming Are Associated With Daily Psychopathological Symptoms.

    PubMed

    Soffer-Dudek, Nirit; Somer, Eli

    2018-01-01

    Background: Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) characterizes individuals who engage in vivid, fanciful daydreaming for hours on end, neglecting real-life relationships and responsibilities, resulting in clinical distress and functional impairment. Sufferers have embraced the term MD in cyber-communities devoted to this problem because it seemed to uniquely fit their experience and since existing diagnostic labels and their therapies seemed inadequate. However, scientific research in the field has been scarce, relying on cross-sectional or case study designs. Existing knowledge on MD suggests the involvement of dissociative and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, as well as positive reinforcement comparable to processes in addiction disorders. The present study aimed to rigorously explore factors that accompany MD employing a longitudinal daily-diary design, hypothesizing that temporal increases in MD will associate concurrently with, and will temporally precede, other symptoms and emotional changes. In addition, we aimed to explore which symptoms may act as precursors to increases in MD, in order to identify possible mechanisms bringing about daydreaming in these individuals. Methods: In a sample of 77 self-diagnosed individuals with MD we assessed relevant daily symptoms for 14 days, including MD, depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and dissociation, as well as positive and negative emotion. Results: Increases in MD were strongly related to concurrent increases in all other symptoms and negative emotion, and to decreased positive emotion. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms, dissociation, and negative emotion also temporally followed MD. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were the only consistent temporal antecedent of MD. Conclusions: MD and obsessive-compulsive symptoms coincided in what seems to be a vicious cycle; understanding possible shared mechanisms between these symptoms may inform our understanding of the etiology of MD. For example, Serotonin levels may possibly be involved in the development or maintenance of this condition. The findings may also provide clues as to potentially beneficial interventions for treating MD. For example, perhaps utilizing response prevention techniques may be useful for curbing or intercepting unwanted daydreaming. Future studies on MD should address its compulsory nature.

  7. Neurobiological Underpinnings of Math and Reading Learning Disabilities

    PubMed Central

    Ashkenazi, Sarit; Black, Jessica M.; Abrams, Daniel A.; Hoeft, Fumiko; Menon, Vinod

    2013-01-01

    The primary goal of this review is to highlight current research and theories describing the neurobiological basis of math (MD), reading (RD), and comorbid math and reading disability (MD+RD). We first describe the unique brain and cognitive processes involved in acquisition of math and reading skills, emphasizing similarities and differences in each domain. Next we review functional imaging studies of MD and RD in children, integrating relevant theories from experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience to characterize the functional neuroanatomy of cognitive dysfunction in MD and RD. We then review recent research on the anatomical correlates of MD and RD. Converging evidence from morphometry and tractography studies are presented to highlight distinct patterns of white matter pathways which are disrupted in MD and RD. Finally, we examine how the intersection of MD and RD provides a unique opportunity to clarify the unique and shared brain systems which adversely impact learning and skill acquisition in MD and RD, and point out important areas for future work on comorbid learning disabilities. PMID:23572008

  8. Long-time atomistic simulations with the Parallel Replica Dynamics method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perez, Danny

    Molecular Dynamics (MD) -- the numerical integration of atomistic equations of motion -- is a workhorse of computational materials science. Indeed, MD can in principle be used to obtain any thermodynamic or kinetic quantity, without introducing any approximation or assumptions beyond the adequacy of the interaction potential. It is therefore an extremely powerful and flexible tool to study materials with atomistic spatio-temporal resolution. These enviable qualities however come at a steep computational price, hence limiting the system sizes and simulation times that can be achieved in practice. While the size limitation can be efficiently addressed with massively parallel implementations of MD based on spatial decomposition strategies, allowing for the simulation of trillions of atoms, the same approach usually cannot extend the timescales much beyond microseconds. In this article, we discuss an alternative parallel-in-time approach, the Parallel Replica Dynamics (ParRep) method, that aims at addressing the timescale limitation of MD for systems that evolve through rare state-to-state transitions. We review the formal underpinnings of the method and demonstrate that it can provide arbitrarily accurate results for any definition of the states. When an adequate definition of the states is available, ParRep can simulate trajectories with a parallel speedup approaching the number of replicas used. We demonstrate the usefulness of ParRep by presenting different examples of materials simulations where access to long timescales was essential to access the physical regime of interest and discuss practical considerations that must be addressed to carry out these simulations. Work supported by the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.

  9. 76 FR 53346 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-26

    ... propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the left and right rib.... Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New...

  10. The Structure of Cognition: Attentional Episodes in Mind and Brain

    PubMed Central

    Duncan, John

    2013-01-01

    Cognition is organized in a structured series of attentional episodes, allowing complex problems to be addressed through solution of simpler subproblems. A “multiple-demand” (MD) system of frontal and parietal cortex is active in many different kinds of tasks, and using data from neuroimaging, electrophysiology, neuropsychology, and cognitive studies of intelligence, I propose a core role for MD regions in assembly of the attentional episode. Monkey and human data show dynamic neural coding of attended information across multiple MD regions, with rapid communication within and between regions. Neuropsychological and imaging data link MD function to fluid intelligence, explaining some but not all “executive” deficits after frontal lobe lesions. Cognitive studies link fluid intelligence to goal neglect, and the problem of dividing complex task requirements into focused parts. Like the innate releasing mechanism of ethology, I suggest that construction of the attentional episode provides a core organizational principle for complex, adaptive cognition. PMID:24094101

  11. Crystal MD: The massively parallel molecular dynamics software for metal with BCC structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Changjun; Bai, He; He, Xinfu; Zhang, Boyao; Nie, Ningming; Wang, Xianmeng; Ren, Yingwen

    2017-02-01

    Material irradiation effect is one of the most important keys to use nuclear power. However, the lack of high-throughput irradiation facility and knowledge of evolution process, lead to little understanding of the addressed issues. With the help of high-performance computing, we could make a further understanding of micro-level-material. In this paper, a new data structure is proposed for the massively parallel simulation of the evolution of metal materials under irradiation environment. Based on the proposed data structure, we developed the new molecular dynamics software named Crystal MD. The simulation with Crystal MD achieved over 90% parallel efficiency in test cases, and it takes more than 25% less memory on multi-core clusters than LAMMPS and IMD, which are two popular molecular dynamics simulation software. Using Crystal MD, a two trillion particles simulation has been performed on Tianhe-2 cluster.

  12. Tables of Calculated Transition Probabilities for the A-X System of OH

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-06-01

    June 1981 US ARMY ARMAMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND BALLISTIC RESEARCH LABORATORY ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND , MARYLAND Approved for public release...Laboratory ATTN: DRDAR-BLP Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD 21005 1L16112AH43 II. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE USA Armament Research and...Development Command /I JUNE. 1981 USA Ballistic Research Laboratory 4 ATTN: DRDAR-BL 1/1) S 2P’GE Aberden Provine Ground . MD 21001 56 Pazes 14

  13. Mediterranean diet and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

    PubMed

    Anania, Caterina; Perla, Francesco Massimo; Olivero, Francesca; Pacifico, Lucia; Chiesa, Claudio

    2018-05-21

    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most common chronic liver disease, and is characterized by a wide spectrum of fat-liver disorders that can result in severe liver disease and cirrhosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the major risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Currently, there is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment of NAFLD. However, lifestyle interventions based on exercise and a balanced diet for quality and quantity, are considered the cornerstone of NAFLD management. Mediterranean diet (MD), rich in polyunsaturated fats, polyphenols, vitamins and carotenoids, with their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, has been suggested to be effective in preventing cardiovascular risk factors. In adults, MD has also been demonstrated to be efficacious in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. However, few studies are available on the effects of the MD in both adult and pediatric subjects with NAFLD. Thus, the aims of the present narrative review are to analyze the current clinical evidence on the impact of MD in patients with NAFLD, and to summarize the main mechanisms of action of MD components on this condition.

  14. Reactive Hypoglycemia

    MedlinePlus

    ... can I do? I think I have reactive hypoglycemia. How can I address my symptoms? Answers from M. Regina Castro, M.D. Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) refers to low blood sugar that ...

  15. 78 FR 36212 - Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-17

    ... repository Community address Prince George's County, Maryland, and Incorporated Areas Maps Available for..., Laurel, MD 20707. Unincorporated Areas of Prince George's Prince George's County County. Department of...

  16. Development of an Animal Model of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Induced Acute Spinal Cord Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-05-01

    Department of Neurosurgery 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185 Baltimore, MD 21287 AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER rtment of...Neurosurgery 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army...impactor and mounting platform were fabricated to be placed anteriorly or posteriorly over a large animal (e.g., pig, sheep, dog ). Repeated impacts

  17. A Concise Physical Interpretation of Several Analytical Grueneisen Formulations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-01

    Formulations 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER AH80 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Steven B. Segletes 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-WM-TD Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 8...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-3881 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 11

  18. Modeling the Penetration Behavior of Rigid Into Ballistic Gelatin

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER AH80 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Steven B. Segletes 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-WM-TC Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-4393 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S

  19. Analysis of Erosion Transition in Tungsten-Alloy Rods into Aluminum Targets

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-03-01

    PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER AH80 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Steven B. Segletes 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-WM-TD Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5066 8. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-3153 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 11. SPONSOR

  20. Critique of Test Methodologies for Biological Agent Detection and Identification Systems for Military and First Responders

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) New...Horizons Diagnostics, Columbia, MD 21045 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR...MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER( S ) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release, distribution

  1. Protecting High Energy Barriers: A New Equation to Regulate Boost Energy in Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

    PubMed

    Sinko, William; de Oliveira, César Augusto F; Pierce, Levi C T; McCammon, J Andrew

    2012-01-10

    Molecular dynamics (MD) is one of the most common tools in computational chemistry. Recently, our group has employed accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) to improve the conformational sampling over conventional molecular dynamics techniques. In the original aMD implementation, sampling is greatly improved by raising energy wells below a predefined energy level. Recently, our group presented an alternative aMD implementation where simulations are accelerated by lowering energy barriers of the potential energy surface. When coupled with thermodynamic integration simulations, this implementation showed very promising results. However, when applied to large systems, such as proteins, the simulation tends to be biased to high energy regions of the potential landscape. The reason for this behavior lies in the boost equation used since the highest energy barriers are dramatically more affected than the lower ones. To address this issue, in this work, we present a new boost equation that prevents oversampling of unfavorable high energy conformational states. The new boost potential provides not only better recovery of statistics throughout the simulation but also enhanced sampling of statistically relevant regions in explicit solvent MD simulations.

  2. The Behavior and Dissolution of Gas Bubble Clouds in an Ocean Environment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-05-08

    William T. Shaffer, Class of 1992 U. S. Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland Dr. Mare~ti Crza Naval Architechture , Ocean, & Marine Engineering Acccepted for... ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. U.S.N.A. - TSPR; 198 (1992) 9. SPONSORING

  3. 78 FR 62676 - Anthony E. Wicks, M.D. Decision and Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-22

    ... registration BW7987184, while listing his address as Pain Management of Winter Springs, 165 W. SR 434, Winter... practice address. Id. at 2, ] 5. \\2\\ Documentary evidence, which the Government acquired through... prescriptions for oxycodone,\\4\\ diazepam, and lorazepam.\\5\\ GX 15, at 2, ] 7; GX 13. \\3\\ The documentary...

  4. Ram Accelerator Performance Calculations Using a Modified Version of the NASA CET89 Equilibrium Chemistry Code

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-12-01

    Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRL-WT-PA Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5066 9 . SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING...8 1.5 DISTANCE vs. TIME CALCULATION ........................................... 9 2. D ISCU SSIO N...21 Figure 9 : Comparison of calculated thrust curves ..................................... 32 v

  5. Database security and encryption technology research and application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Li-juan

    2013-03-01

    The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the current database information leakage problem, and discuss the important role played by the message encryption techniques in database security, As well as MD5 encryption technology principle and the use in the field of website or application. This article is divided into introduction, the overview of the MD5 encryption technology, the use of MD5 encryption technology and the final summary. In the field of requirements and application, this paper makes readers more detailed and clearly understood the principle, the importance in database security, and the use of MD5 encryption technology.

  6. Optimizing the Strength and SCC Resistance of Aluminum Alloys used for Refurbishing Aging Aircraft

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-05-07

    Element Number Authors Ferrer, Charles P. Project Number Task Number Work Unit Number Performing Organization Name(s) and Address( es ) US Naval Academy...Annapolis, MD 21402 Performing Organization Number(s) Sponsoring/Monitoring Agency Name(s) and Address( es ) Monitoring Agency Acronym Monitoring...NUMBERS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND

  7. Quality Assurance System. Volume 1. Report (Technology Transfer Program)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-03-03

    WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Surface Warfare Center CD Code 2230 - Design Integration Tools Building...192 Room 128-9500 MacArthur Blvd Bethesda, MD 20817-5700 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS...presented herein. TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME I - FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS SECTION PARAGRAPH TITLE 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Scope 1.2 Organization of

  8. Computer Implementation of a Muzzle Blast Prediction Technique

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-05-01

    AVERDEEN PROVING GROUND , MARYLAND • 1y 4 4q* Destroy this report when it is no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. Additional copies of this...Laboratory AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS ATTN: APXBR-LFD Aberdeevi Proving Ground , MD 21005-5066 RDT&E 1LI61102AH43 Ii. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12...REPORT DATE !I.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory May 1985 ATTN: AMXBR-OD-ST 13. NUMBER OF PAGES Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD. 21005-5066 . 89 14

  9. Technology Evaluation for Treatment/Disposal of TNT Red Water

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-04-01

    U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD 21010-5423 __ E=4N DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED I I TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION FOR...ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND , MARYLAND 21010-5423 April 1990 I I SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF T-HI5 PA iiREPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE W 7"f 4 I. REPORT SECURITY...and ZIP Code) 7b, ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) ATTN: CETHA-TE-D Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD 21010-5401 BaG. NAME OF FUNDING /SPONSORING 8b

  10. Surface Layer Effects on the Mechanical Behavior of Metals.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-05-01

    D-A142 280 SURFACE LAYER EFFECT ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF / IETALS(U) DAVID W TAYLOR NAVAL SHIP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER BETHESDA MD I R...MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART 14A T 104AL BU*r.AU O STAP,49S43- DAVID W. TAYLOR NAVALISHIP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER * k Bethesda, Maryland...2802-014 II. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE David W. Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center May 1984 Annapolis, MD 21402 13. NUMBER OF PAGES

  11. Enhanced configurational sampling with hybrid non-equilibrium molecular dynamics-Monte Carlo propagator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suh, Donghyuk; Radak, Brian K.; Chipot, Christophe; Roux, Benoît

    2018-01-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories based on classical equations of motion can be used to sample the configurational space of complex molecular systems. However, brute-force MD often converges slowly due to the ruggedness of the underlying potential energy surface. Several schemes have been proposed to address this problem by effectively smoothing the potential energy surface. However, in order to recover the proper Boltzmann equilibrium probability distribution, these approaches must then rely on statistical reweighting techniques or generate the simulations within a Hamiltonian tempering replica-exchange scheme. The present work puts forth a novel hybrid sampling propagator combining Metropolis-Hastings Monte Carlo (MC) with proposed moves generated by non-equilibrium MD (neMD). This hybrid neMD-MC propagator comprises three elementary elements: (i) an atomic system is dynamically propagated for some period of time using standard equilibrium MD on the correct potential energy surface; (ii) the system is then propagated for a brief period of time during what is referred to as a "boosting phase," via a time-dependent Hamiltonian that is evolved toward the perturbed potential energy surface and then back to the correct potential energy surface; (iii) the resulting configuration at the end of the neMD trajectory is then accepted or rejected according to a Metropolis criterion before returning to step 1. A symmetric two-end momentum reversal prescription is used at the end of the neMD trajectories to guarantee that the hybrid neMD-MC sampling propagator obeys microscopic detailed balance and rigorously yields the equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. The hybrid neMD-MC sampling propagator is designed and implemented to enhance the sampling by relying on the accelerated MD and solute tempering schemes. It is also combined with the adaptive biased force sampling algorithm to examine. Illustrative tests with specific biomolecular systems indicate that the method can yield a significant speedup.

  12. Enhanced configurational sampling with hybrid non-equilibrium molecular dynamics-Monte Carlo propagator.

    PubMed

    Suh, Donghyuk; Radak, Brian K; Chipot, Christophe; Roux, Benoît

    2018-01-07

    Molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories based on classical equations of motion can be used to sample the configurational space of complex molecular systems. However, brute-force MD often converges slowly due to the ruggedness of the underlying potential energy surface. Several schemes have been proposed to address this problem by effectively smoothing the potential energy surface. However, in order to recover the proper Boltzmann equilibrium probability distribution, these approaches must then rely on statistical reweighting techniques or generate the simulations within a Hamiltonian tempering replica-exchange scheme. The present work puts forth a novel hybrid sampling propagator combining Metropolis-Hastings Monte Carlo (MC) with proposed moves generated by non-equilibrium MD (neMD). This hybrid neMD-MC propagator comprises three elementary elements: (i) an atomic system is dynamically propagated for some period of time using standard equilibrium MD on the correct potential energy surface; (ii) the system is then propagated for a brief period of time during what is referred to as a "boosting phase," via a time-dependent Hamiltonian that is evolved toward the perturbed potential energy surface and then back to the correct potential energy surface; (iii) the resulting configuration at the end of the neMD trajectory is then accepted or rejected according to a Metropolis criterion before returning to step 1. A symmetric two-end momentum reversal prescription is used at the end of the neMD trajectories to guarantee that the hybrid neMD-MC sampling propagator obeys microscopic detailed balance and rigorously yields the equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. The hybrid neMD-MC sampling propagator is designed and implemented to enhance the sampling by relying on the accelerated MD and solute tempering schemes. It is also combined with the adaptive biased force sampling algorithm to examine. Illustrative tests with specific biomolecular systems indicate that the method can yield a significant speedup.

  13. Efficient hybrid non-equilibrium molecular dynamics--Monte Carlo simulations with symmetric momentum reversal.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yunjie; Roux, Benoît

    2014-09-21

    Hybrid schemes combining the strength of molecular dynamics (MD) and Metropolis Monte Carlo (MC) offer a promising avenue to improve the sampling efficiency of computer simulations of complex systems. A number of recently proposed hybrid methods consider new configurations generated by driving the system via a non-equilibrium MD (neMD) trajectory, which are subsequently treated as putative candidates for Metropolis MC acceptance or rejection. To obey microscopic detailed balance, it is necessary to alter the momentum of the system at the beginning and/or the end of the neMD trajectory. This strict rule then guarantees that the random walk in configurational space generated by such hybrid neMD-MC algorithm will yield the proper equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. While a number of different constructs are possible, the most commonly used prescription has been to simply reverse the momenta of all the particles at the end of the neMD trajectory ("one-end momentum reversal"). Surprisingly, it is shown here that the choice of momentum reversal prescription can have a considerable effect on the rate of convergence of the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm, with the simple one-end momentum reversal encountering particularly acute problems. In these neMD-MC simulations, different regions of configurational space end up being essentially isolated from one another due to a very small transition rate between regions. In the worst-case scenario, it is almost as if the configurational space does not constitute a single communicating class that can be sampled efficiently by the algorithm, and extremely long neMD-MC simulations are needed to obtain proper equilibrium probability distributions. To address this issue, a novel momentum reversal prescription, symmetrized with respect to both the beginning and the end of the neMD trajectory ("symmetric two-ends momentum reversal"), is introduced. Illustrative simulations demonstrate that the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm robustly yields a correct equilibrium probability distribution with this prescription.

  14. Efficient hybrid non-equilibrium molecular dynamics - Monte Carlo simulations with symmetric momentum reversal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Yunjie; Roux, Benoît

    2014-09-01

    Hybrid schemes combining the strength of molecular dynamics (MD) and Metropolis Monte Carlo (MC) offer a promising avenue to improve the sampling efficiency of computer simulations of complex systems. A number of recently proposed hybrid methods consider new configurations generated by driving the system via a non-equilibrium MD (neMD) trajectory, which are subsequently treated as putative candidates for Metropolis MC acceptance or rejection. To obey microscopic detailed balance, it is necessary to alter the momentum of the system at the beginning and/or the end of the neMD trajectory. This strict rule then guarantees that the random walk in configurational space generated by such hybrid neMD-MC algorithm will yield the proper equilibrium Boltzmann distribution. While a number of different constructs are possible, the most commonly used prescription has been to simply reverse the momenta of all the particles at the end of the neMD trajectory ("one-end momentum reversal"). Surprisingly, it is shown here that the choice of momentum reversal prescription can have a considerable effect on the rate of convergence of the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm, with the simple one-end momentum reversal encountering particularly acute problems. In these neMD-MC simulations, different regions of configurational space end up being essentially isolated from one another due to a very small transition rate between regions. In the worst-case scenario, it is almost as if the configurational space does not constitute a single communicating class that can be sampled efficiently by the algorithm, and extremely long neMD-MC simulations are needed to obtain proper equilibrium probability distributions. To address this issue, a novel momentum reversal prescription, symmetrized with respect to both the beginning and the end of the neMD trajectory ("symmetric two-ends momentum reversal"), is introduced. Illustrative simulations demonstrate that the hybrid neMD-MC algorithm robustly yields a correct equilibrium probability distribution with this prescription.

  15. The xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related retrovirus debate continues at first international workshop.

    PubMed

    Stoye, Jonathan P; Silverman, Robert H; Boucher, Charles A; Le Grice, Stuart F J

    2010-12-22

    The 1st International Workshop on Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Retrovirus (XMRV), co-sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, The Department of Health and Human Services and Abbott Diagnostics, was convened on September 7/8, 2010 on the NIH campus, Bethesda, MD. Attracting an international audience of over 200 participants, the 2-day event combined a series of plenary talks with updates on different aspects of XMRV research, addressing basic gammaretrovirus biology, host response, association of XMRV with chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer, assay development and epidemiology. The current status of XMRV research, concerns among the scientific community and suggestions for future actions are summarized in this meeting report.

  16. Olfactory Deficits in MCI as Predictor of Improved Cognition on Donepezil

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-01

    those of the author( s ) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other...Improved Cognition on Donepezil. 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Davangere Devanand, M.D. Betty Diamond 5d. PROJECT NUMBER...5e. TASK NUMBER E-Mail: dpd3@cumc.columbia.edu 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8

  17. Potential for North American Mosquitoes to Transmit Rift Valley Fever Virus

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-01-01

    ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Turell MJ Dohm DJ Mores CN Terracina L Wallette DL Jr Hribar LJ Pecor JE Blow JA 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f...WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort...Detrick, MD 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER TR-08-044 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S

  18. Empathic and Self-Regulatory Processes Governing Doping Behavior

    PubMed Central

    Boardley, Ian D.; Smith, Alan L.; Mills, John P.; Grix, Jonathan; Wynne, Ceri

    2017-01-01

    Evidence associating doping behavior with moral disengagement (MD) has accumulated over recent years. However, to date, research examining links between MD and doping has not considered key theoretically grounded influences and outcomes of MD. As such, there is a need for quantitative research in relevant populations that purposefully examines the explanatory pathways through which MD is thought to operate. Toward this end, the current study examined a conceptually grounded model of doping behavior that incorporated empathy, doping self-regulatory efficacy (SRE), doping MD, anticipated guilt and self-reported doping/doping susceptibility. Participants were specifically recruited to represent four key physical-activity contexts and consisted of team- (n = 195) and individual- (n = 169) sport athletes and hardcore- (n = 125) and corporate- (n = 121) gym exercisers representing both genders (nmale = 371; nfemale = 239); self-reported lifetime prevalence of doping across the sample was 13.6%. Each participant completed questionnaires assessing the aforementioned variables. Structural equation modeling indicated strong support for all study hypotheses. Specifically, we established: (a) empathy and doping SRE negatively predicted reported doping; (b) the predictive effects of empathy and doping SRE on reported doping were mediated by doping MD and anticipated guilt; (c) doping MD positively predicted reported doping; (d) the predictive effects of doping MD on reported doping were partially mediated by anticipated guilt. Substituting self-reported doping for doping susceptibility, multisample analyses then demonstrated these predictive effects were largely invariant between males and females and across the four physical-activity contexts represented. These findings extend current knowledge on a number of levels, and in doing so aid our understanding of key psychosocial processes that may govern doping behavior across key physical-activity contexts. PMID:29018370

  19. Empathic and Self-Regulatory Processes Governing Doping Behavior.

    PubMed

    Boardley, Ian D; Smith, Alan L; Mills, John P; Grix, Jonathan; Wynne, Ceri

    2017-01-01

    Evidence associating doping behavior with moral disengagement (MD) has accumulated over recent years. However, to date, research examining links between MD and doping has not considered key theoretically grounded influences and outcomes of MD. As such, there is a need for quantitative research in relevant populations that purposefully examines the explanatory pathways through which MD is thought to operate. Toward this end, the current study examined a conceptually grounded model of doping behavior that incorporated empathy, doping self-regulatory efficacy (SRE), doping MD, anticipated guilt and self-reported doping/doping susceptibility. Participants were specifically recruited to represent four key physical-activity contexts and consisted of team- ( n = 195) and individual- ( n = 169) sport athletes and hardcore- ( n = 125) and corporate- ( n = 121) gym exercisers representing both genders ( n male = 371; n female = 239); self-reported lifetime prevalence of doping across the sample was 13.6%. Each participant completed questionnaires assessing the aforementioned variables. Structural equation modeling indicated strong support for all study hypotheses. Specifically, we established: (a) empathy and doping SRE negatively predicted reported doping; (b) the predictive effects of empathy and doping SRE on reported doping were mediated by doping MD and anticipated guilt; (c) doping MD positively predicted reported doping; (d) the predictive effects of doping MD on reported doping were partially mediated by anticipated guilt. Substituting self-reported doping for doping susceptibility, multisample analyses then demonstrated these predictive effects were largely invariant between males and females and across the four physical-activity contexts represented. These findings extend current knowledge on a number of levels, and in doing so aid our understanding of key psychosocial processes that may govern doping behavior across key physical-activity contexts.

  20. Influence of the electron cyclotron resonance plasma confinement on reducing the bremsstrahlung production of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source with metal-dielectric structures.

    PubMed

    Schachter, L; Stiebing, K E; Dobrescu, S

    2009-01-01

    The influence of metal-dielectric (MD) layers (MD structures) inserted into the plasma chamber of an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) onto the production of electron bremsstrahlung radiation has been studied in a series of dedicated experiments at the 14 GHz ECRIS of the Institut für Kernphysik der Universität Frankfurt. The IKF-ECRIS was equipped with a MD liner, covering the inner walls of the plasma chamber, and a MD electrode, covering the plasma-facing side of the extraction electrode. On the basis of similar extracted currents of highly charged ions, significantly reduced yields of bremsstrahlung radiation for the "MD source" as compared to the standard (stainless steel) source have been measured and can be explained by the significantly better plasma confinement in a MD source as compared to an "all stainless steel" ECRIS.

  1. Volumetrics relate to the development of depression after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Maller, Jerome J; Thomson, Richard H S; Pannek, Kerstin; Bailey, Neil; Lewis, Philip M; Fitzgerald, Paul B

    2014-09-01

    Previous research suggests that many people who sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), even of the mild form, will develop major depression (MD). We previously reported white matter integrity differences between those who did and did not develop MD after mild TBI. In this current paper, we aimed to investigate whether there were also volumetric differences between these groups, as suggested by previous volumetric studies in mild TBI populations. A sample of TBI-with-MD subjects (N=14), TBI-without-MD subjects (N=12), MD-without-TBI (N=26) and control subjects (no TBI or MD, N=23), received structural MRI brain scans. T1-weighted data were analysed using the Freesurfer software package which produces automated volumetric results. The findings of this study indicate that (1) TBI patients who develop MD have reduced volume in temporal, parietal and lingual regions compared to TBI patients who do not develop MD, and (2) MD patients with a history of TBI have decreased volume in the temporal region compared to those who had MD but without a history of TBI. We also found that more severe MD in those with TBI-with-MD significantly correlated with reduced volume in anterior cingulate, temporal lobe and insula. These findings suggest that volumetric reduction to specific regions, including parietal, temporal and occipital lobes, after a mild TBI may underlie the susceptibility of these patients developing major depression, in addition to altered white matter integrity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Probing the structure and function of biopolymer-carbon nanotube hybrids with molecular dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Robert R.

    2009-12-01

    Nanoscience deals with the characterization and manipulation of matter on the atomic/molecular size scale in order to deepen our understanding of condensed matter and develop revolutionary technology. Meeting the demands of the rapidly advancing nanotechnological frontier requires novel, multifunctional nanoscale materials. Among the most promising nanomaterials to fulfill this need are biopolymer-carbon nanotube hybrids (Bio-CNT). Bio-CNT consists of a single-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) coated with a self-assembled layer of biopolymers such as DNA or protein. Experiments have demonstrated that these nanomaterials possess a wide range of technologically useful properties with applications in nanoelectronics, medicine, homeland security, environmental safety and microbiology. However, a fundamental understanding of the self-assembly mechanics, structure and energetics of Bio-CNT is lacking. The objective of this thesis is to address this deficiency through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, which provides an atomic-scale window into the behavior of this unique nanomaterial. MD shows that Bio-CNT composed of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) self-assembles via the formation of high affinity contacts between DNA bases and the CNT sidewall. Calculation of the base-CNT binding free energy by thermodynamic integration reveals that these contacts result from the attractive pi--pi stacking interaction. Binding affinities follow the trend G > A > T > C. MD reveals that long ssDNA sequences are driven into a helical wrapping about CNT with a sub-10 nm pitch by electrostatic and torsional interactions in the backbone. A large-scale replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation reveals that ssDNA-CNT hybrids are disordered. At room temperature, ssDNA can reside in several low-energy conformations that contain a sequence-specific arrangement of bases detached from CNT surface. MD demonstrates that protein-CNT hybrids composed of the Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor are biologically active and function as a nanobiosensor with specific recognition of Knob proteins from the adenovirus capsid. Simulation also shows that the rigid CNT damps structural fluctuations in bound proteins, which may have important ramifications for biosensing devices composed of protein-CNT hybrids. These results expand current knowledge of Bio-CNT and demonstrate the effectiveness of MD for investigations of nanobiomolecular systems.

  3. Effects of Environmental Stress on Individual Decision Making

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-12-15

    disciplines including medicine, economics, education, political science , engineering, geography , marketing, management science and psychology. Research in...ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences Bethesda, MD 20814 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9...UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES F. EDWARD HEBERT SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 4301 JONES BRIDGE ROAD BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814-4799 APPROVAL SHEET

  4. A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nicholas Theodore, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Dignity Health San Francisco, CA 94107-1773 REPORT DATE: October 2015...TASK NUMBER E-Mail: Nicholas.Theodore@bnaneuro.net 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Dignity Health AND ADDRESS...patients aims to reduce cell death and axonal damage leading to improved neurological function in patients. 2. KEYWORDS acute spinal cord injury

  5. Using molecular simulation to explore the nanoscale dynamics of the plant kinome.

    PubMed

    Moffett, Alexander S; Shukla, Diwakar

    2018-03-09

    Eukaryotic protein kinases (PKs) are a large family of proteins critical for cellular response to external signals, acting as molecular switches. PKs propagate biochemical signals by catalyzing phosphorylation of other proteins, including other PKs, which can undergo conformational changes upon phosphorylation and catalyze further phosphorylations. Although PKs have been studied thoroughly across the domains of life, the structures of these proteins are sparsely understood in numerous groups of organisms, including plants. In addition to efforts towards determining crystal structures of PKs, research on human PKs has incorporated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the conformational dynamics underlying the switching of PK function. This approach of experimental structural biology coupled with computational biophysics has led to improved understanding of how PKs become catalytically active and why mutations cause pathological PK behavior, at spatial and temporal resolutions inaccessible to current experimental methods alone. In this review, we argue for the value of applying MD simulation to plant PKs. We review the basics of MD simulation methodology, the successes achieved through MD simulation in animal PKs, and current work on plant PKs using MD simulation. We conclude with a discussion of the future of MD simulations and plant PKs, arguing for the importance of molecular simulation in the future of plant PK research. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

  6. Perspective: PhD scientists completing medical school in two years: looking at the Miami PhD-to-MD program alumni twenty years later.

    PubMed

    Koniaris, Leonidas G; Cheung, Michael C; Garrison, Gwen; Awad, William M; Zimmers, Teresa A

    2010-04-01

    Producing and retaining physician-scientists remains a major challenge in advancing innovation, knowledge, and patient care across all medical disciplines. Various programs during medical school, including MD-PhD programs, have been instituted to address the need for continued production of physician-scientists. From 1971 through 1989, 508 students with a prior PhD in the sciences, mathematics, or engineering graduated in two years from an accelerated MD program at the University of Miami School of Medicine. The program, designed to address potential clinical physician shortages rather than physician-scientist shortages, quickly attracted many top-notch scientists to medicine. Many program graduates went to top-tier residencies, pursued research careers in academic medicine, and became academic leaders in their respective fields. A retrospective examination of graduates conducted in 2008-2009 demonstrated that approximately 59% took positions in academic university medical departments, 3% worked for governmental agencies, 5% entered industry as researchers or executives, and 33% opted for private practice. Graduates' positions included 85 full professors, 11 university directors or division heads, 14 academic chairs, 2 medical school deans, and 1 astronaut. Overall, 30% of graduates had obtained National Institutes of Health funding after completing the program. These results suggest that accelerated medical training for accomplished scientists can produce a large number of successful physician-scientists and other leaders in medicine. Furthermore, these results suggest that shortening the medical portion of combined MD-PhD programs might also be considered.

  7. Swiss national MD-PhD-program: an outcome analysis.

    PubMed

    Kuehnle, Katrin; Winkler, David T; Meier-Abt, Peter J

    2009-09-19

    This study aims at a first evaluation of the outcome of the Swiss national MD-PhD program during the last 16 years. One hundred and twenty six former and current students in the Swiss national MD-PhD program were surveyed via a Web-based questionnaire in September 2007. Twenty-four questions assessed information regarding participant demographics, information on the PhD thesis and publication activity, current positions and research activity, as well as participant's opinions, attitudes and career goals. Eighty questionnaires were received from 126 MD-PhD students and graduates (63.5% response rate). The responders consisted of present students (36%), former graduates (56%), and dropouts (8%). The percentage of women in the program was 23%, and the average duration of the program was 4.2 +/- 1.4 years. Research interests were predominantly in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology and cancer research. A considerable portion of the MD-PhD graduates had an excellent publication record stemming from their PhD research work, and 89% were planning to continue a research-orientated career. Over 50% of those MD-PhD graduates completing their thesis before 2002 had already reached an assistant or full professor position at the time of the survey. Nearly all participants considered the MD-PhD training helpful to their career and high quality standards were assigned to the acquired practical and intellectual skills. However, criticism was expressed concerning the general mentoring and the career related mentoring. Moreover, general mentoring and career related mentoring were significantly less well perceived in research groups employing more than seven PhD students at the same time. The MD-PhD students and graduates surveyed were satisfied with their education and most of them continued a research-orientated career. Regarding the overall positive evaluation, this study supports the view that MD-PhD graduates are well qualified for a successful career in academic medicine.

  8. Topical Minoxidil: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Aditya K; Charrette, Andrew

    2015-01-01

    Topical minoxidil has become a mainstay in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Despite being a longstanding treatment for AGA, relatively few reviews of its efficacy have been published. The current study sought to synthesize the available efficacy data by performing a systematic review of the literature and conducting random-effects pairwise meta-analyses for the outcomes percent increase in hair count from baseline, investigator assessment, and patient self-assessment. Results showed that minoxidil is more effective than placebo in promoting total and nonvellus hair growth (mean difference [MD], 16.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.34-24.03 and MD, 20.90; 95% CI, 9.07-32.74). A significantly higher proportion of participants in the minoxidil group had greater hair growth than participants in the placebo group as judged by both investigators and self-reports (relative risk [RR], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.58-3.31 and RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.34-1.80). Despite significant clinical efficacy, cosmetically acceptable results are present in only a subset of patients. Compliance is thought to be a major limiting factor and is being addressed by novel formulations and combinations.

  9. Against the Odds Exhibition Opens

    MedlinePlus

    ... the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Photo courtesy of Bill Branson NIH Director Dr. Elias ... addresses visitors to the opening of the exhibition. Photo courtesy of Bill Branson Brothers Niko and Theo ...

  10. Metadynamics for training neural network model chemistries: A competitive assessment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herr, John E.; Yao, Kun; McIntyre, Ryker; Toth, David W.; Parkhill, John

    2018-06-01

    Neural network model chemistries (NNMCs) promise to facilitate the accurate exploration of chemical space and simulation of large reactive systems. One important path to improving these models is to add layers of physical detail, especially long-range forces. At short range, however, these models are data driven and data limited. Little is systematically known about how data should be sampled, and "test data" chosen randomly from some sampling techniques can provide poor information about generality. If the sampling method is narrow, "test error" can appear encouragingly tiny while the model fails catastrophically elsewhere. In this manuscript, we competitively evaluate two common sampling methods: molecular dynamics (MD), normal-mode sampling, and one uncommon alternative, Metadynamics (MetaMD), for preparing training geometries. We show that MD is an inefficient sampling method in the sense that additional samples do not improve generality. We also show that MetaMD is easily implemented in any NNMC software package with cost that scales linearly with the number of atoms in a sample molecule. MetaMD is a black-box way to ensure samples always reach out to new regions of chemical space, while remaining relevant to chemistry near kbT. It is a cheap tool to address the issue of generalization.

  11. Evidence for ProTα-TLR4/MD-2 binding: molecular dynamics and gravimetric assay studies.

    PubMed

    Omotuyi, Olaposi; Matsunaga, Hayato; Ueda, Hiroshi

    2015-01-01

    During preconditioning, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) selectively activates TLR4/MD-2/Toll/IL-1 receptor-domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF) pathway instead of pro-inflammatory myeloid differentiation protein-88 (MyD88)/MyD88-adaptor-like protein (MAL) pathway. Extracellular prothymosin alpha (ProTα) is also known to selectively activate the TLR4/MD2/TRIF-IRF3 pathway in certain diseased conditions. In the current study, biophysical evidence for ProTα/TLR4/MD-2 complex formation and its interaction dynamics have been studied. Gravimetric assay was used to investigate ProTα/TLR4/MD-2 complex formation while molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to study its interaction dynamics. Through electrostatic interaction, full-length ProTα (F-ProTα) C-terminal peptide (aa 91 - 111) superficially interacts with similar TLR4/MD-2 (KD = 273.36 nm vs 16.07 μg/ml [LPS]) conformation with LPS at an overlapping three-dimensional space while F-ProTα is hinged to the TLR4 scaffold by one-amino acid shift-Mosoian domain (aa-51 - 90). Comparatively, F-ProTα better stabilizes MD-2 metastable states transition and mediates higher TLR4/MD-2 interaction than LPS. ProTα via its C-terminal peptide (aa 91 - 111) exhibits in vitro biophysical contact with TLR4/MD-2 complex conformation recognized by LPS at overlapping LPS-binding positions.

  12. Enhanced conformational sampling of nucleic acids by a new Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics approach.

    PubMed

    Curuksu, Jeremy; Zacharias, Martin

    2009-03-14

    Although molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been applied frequently to study flexible molecules, the sampling of conformational states separated by barriers is limited due to currently possible simulation time scales. Replica-exchange (Rex)MD simulations that allow for exchanges between simulations performed at different temperatures (T-RexMD) can achieve improved conformational sampling. However, in the case of T-RexMD the computational demand grows rapidly with system size. A Hamiltonian RexMD method that specifically enhances coupled dihedral angle transitions has been developed. The method employs added biasing potentials as replica parameters that destabilize available dihedral substates and was applied to study coupled dihedral transitions in nucleic acid molecules. The biasing potentials can be either fixed at the beginning of the simulation or optimized during an equilibration phase. The method was extensively tested and compared to conventional MD simulations and T-RexMD simulations on an adenine dinucleotide system and on a DNA abasic site. The biasing potential RexMD method showed improved sampling of conformational substates compared to conventional MD simulations similar to T-RexMD simulations but at a fraction of the computational demand. It is well suited to study systematically the fine structure and dynamics of large nucleic acids under realistic conditions including explicit solvent and ions and can be easily extended to other types of molecules.

  13. A Survey of Invasive Catheter Practices in US Burn Centers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    exist. The purpose of this study was to define the breadth of current practices and identify areas of practice variation that may be targets for...Centers Robert L . Sheridan, MD,*|| Alice N. Neely, PhD,† Mayra A. Castillo, RN, BS,‡ Heather A. Shankowsky, RN,§ Shawn P. Fagan, MD,*|| Kevin K. Chung, MD...Practices in US Burn Centers 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Sheridan R. L ., Neely A. N., Castillo M. A

  14. Symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, body dysmorphic disorder, and eating disorders in a nonclinical population of adult male weightlifters in Australia.

    PubMed

    Nieuwoudt, Johanna E; Zhou, Shi; Coutts, Rosanne A; Booker, Ray

    2015-05-01

    The current study aimed to (a) determine the rates of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and eating disorder; (b) determine the relationships among symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders; and (c) provide a comprehensive comparison of symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders in a nonclinical population of adult male weightlifters in Australia. The participants (N = 648, mean age = 29.5 years, SD = 10.1) participated in an online survey, consisting of Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire, and the Eating Attitude Test-26. Results indicated that 110 participants (17%) were at risk of having MD, 69 participants (10.6%) were at risk of having BDD, and 219 participants (33.8%) were at risk of having an eating disorder. Furthermore, 36 participants (5.6%) were found at risk of having both MD and BDD, and 60 participants (9.3%) were at risk of having both MD and an eating disorder. Significant correlations and associations were found between symptoms of MD and BDD, and symptoms of MD and eating disorders. Support was provided for the comorbidity of, and symptomatic similarities between, symptoms of MD and BDD, and symptoms of MD and eating disorders. This may reflect a shared pathogenesis between symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders. Strength and conditioning professionals, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, and personal trainers should be aware that adult males who are working out with weights (i.e., free weights or machines) may be at increased risk of having MD, BDD, and eating disorders.

  15. Despin of a Highly Spinning Object: Despin of the Army’s Unattended Expendable Jammer.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-09-01

    AD-A07 725 HARRY DIAMOND LABS AOELPHI MD F/6 17/4 DESPIN OF A HIGHLY SPINNING OBJECT: DESPIN OF THE ARMY’S UNATTE-ETC(U) SEP al I POLLIN...OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED lDespin of a Highl%. Spinning Object: Despin of the Technical Report Armss UattededExpedabe Jamer6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT...Diamond Laboratories AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS 28W8 Powder Mill Road Program Ele: 6.37.55. A Adelphi, MD 20783 11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS

  16. Grounding Undns

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    PROJECT NUMBER BYU1 5e. TASK NUMBER MA 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER RY 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Maryland Office of...Research Administration & Advancement College Park MD 20742-5100 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER N/A 9. SPONSORING...Armed with these metrics, the Undns ruleset is better revised, vestigial rules removed or demoted for maintenance, and redundant locations distinguished

  17. 75 FR 36371 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement Addressing Campus Development at Fort Meade, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-25

    ...; notice of public meeting; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of Defense (DOD) announces the... provides information on how to participate in the public review process. The public comment period for the.... followed by a public meeting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 21, 2010 (see ADDRESSES for meeting location...

  18. Viral Oncolytic Therapeutics for Neoplastic Meningitis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Massachusetts General Hospital RICHARD BRINGHURST, M.D. 55 FRUIT ST BOSTON...Martuza. The cell lines were tested for mycoplasma, Hoechst DNA staining, PCR, and culture testing for contaminant bacteria, yeast, and fungi ...complication of breast cancer affects 5-8% of patients when circulating cancer cells seed in the meninges. Their subsequent growth causes severe

  19. Cummins MD & HD Accessory Hybridization CRADA -Annual Report FY15

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

    Deter, Dean D.

    2015-10-01

    There are many areas of MD and HD vehicles that can be improved by new technologies and optimized control strategies. Component optimization and idle reduction need to be addressed, this is best done by a two part approach that includes selecting the best component technology, and/or architecture, and optimized controls that are vehicle focused. While this is a common focus in the light duty industry it has been gaining momentum in the MD and HD market as the market gets more competitive and the regulations become more stringent. When looking into systems optimization and idle reduction technologies, affected vehicle systemsmore » must first be considered, and if possible included in the new architecture to get the most benefit out of these new capabilities. Typically, when looking into idle reduction or component optimization for MD/HD, the vehicle s accessories become a prime candidate for electrification or hybridization. While this has already been studied on light duty vehicles (especially on hybrids and electric vehicles) it has not made any head way or market penetration in most MD and HD applications. If hybrids and electric MD and HD vehicles begin to break into the market this would be a necessary step into the ability to make those vehicles successful by allowing for independent, optimized operation separate from the engine.« less

  20. The Multidimensional Curriculum Model (MdCM)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vidergor, Hava E.

    2010-01-01

    The multidimensional Curriculum Model (MdCM) helps teachers to better prepare gifted and able students for our changing world, acquiring much needed skills. It is influenced by general learning theory of constructivism, notions of preparing students for 21st century, Teaching the Future Model, and current comprehensive curriculum models for…

  1. Plasma effects on the passive external thermal control coating of Space Station Freedom

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Carruth, Ralph, Jr.; Vaughn, Jason A.; Holt, James M.; Werp, Richard; Sudduth, Richard D.

    1992-01-01

    The current baseline chromic acid anodized thermal control coating on 6061-T6 aluminum meteoroid debris (M/D) shields for SSF has been evaluated. The degradation of the solar absorptance, alpha, and the thermal emittance, epsilon, of chromic acid anodized aluminum due to dielectric breakdown in plasma was measured to predict the on-orbit lifetime of the SSF M/D shields. The lifetime of the thermal control coating was based on the surface temperatures achieved with degradation of the thermal control properties, alpha and epsilon. The temperatures of each M/D shield from first element launch (FEL) through FEL+15 years were analyzed. It is shown that the baseline thermal control coating cannot withstand the -140 V potential between the conductive structure of the SSF and the current plasma environment.

  2. 21 CFR 172.869 - Sucrose oligoesters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... than 40% Do. Do. (5) Free Sucrose Not more than 0.5% “Free Sucrose Method,” issued by Mitsubishi... Convention, 12601 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20852 (Internet address http://www.usp.org) (7) Residue on...

  3. 78 FR 19585 - Change of Address; Biologics License Applications; Technical Amendment

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-02

    ... Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 22, rm. 1120, Silver... and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 5901B Ammendale Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705. This action is...

  4. On Listening.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strother, Deborah Burnett

    1987-01-01

    Discusses the formation of the International Listening Association to address concerns related to listening. The importance of teaching students effective listening skills is also outlined. New technology has increased the amount of listening in which students are engaged. Includes references. (MD)

  5. 77 FR 76473 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Hearings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-28

    .... ADDRESSES: The hearings will be held (chronologically) in Ocean City, MD; Lewes, DE; and Toms River, NJ....; Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, Public Hearing Room 119, Toms River, NJ 08754...

  6. High Mammographic Density in Long-Term Night-Shift Workers: DDM-Spain/Var-DDM.

    PubMed

    Pedraza-Flechas, Ana María; Lope, Virginia; Sánchez-Contador, Carmen; Santamariña, Carmen; Pedraz-Pingarrón, Carmen; Moreo, Pilar; Ederra, María; Miranda-García, Josefa; Vidal, Carmen; Llobet, Rafael; Aragonés, Nuria; Salas-Trejo, Dolores; Pollán, Marina; Pérez-Gómez, Beatriz

    2017-06-01

    Background: Night-shift work (NSW) has been suggested as a possible cause of breast cancer, and its association with mammographic density (MD), one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer, has been scarcely addressed. This study examined NSW and MD in Spanish women. Methods: The study covered 2,752 women aged 45-68 years recruited in 2007-2008 in 7 population-based public breast cancer screening centers, which included 243 women who had performed NSW for at least one year. Occupational data and information on potential confounders were collected by personal interview. Two trained radiologist estimated the percentage of MD assisted by a validated semiautomatic computer tool (DM-scan). Multivariable mixed linear regression models with random screening center-specific intercepts were fitted using log-transformed percentage of MD as the dependent variable and adjusting by known confounding variables. Results: Having ever worked in NSW was not associated with MD [Formula: see text]:0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86-1.06]. However, the adjusted geometric mean of the percentage of MD in women with NSW for more than 15 years was 25% higher than that of those without NSW history (MD >15 years :20.7% vs. MD never :16.5%;[Formula: see text]:1.25; 95% CI,1.01-1.54). This association was mainly observed in postmenopausal participants ([Formula: see text]:1.28; 95% CI, 1.00-1.64). Among NSW-exposed women, those with ≤2 night-shifts per week had higher MD than those with 5 to 7 nightshifts per week ([Formula: see text]:1.42; 95% CI, 1.10-1.84). Conclusions: Performing NSW was associated with higher MD only in women with more than 15 years of cumulated exposure. These findings warrant replication in futures studies. Impact: Our findings suggest that MD could play a role in the pathway between long-term NSW and breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 905-13. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  7. Rates of glaucomatous visual field change in a large clinical population.

    PubMed

    Chauhan, Balwantray C; Malik, Rizwan; Shuba, Lesya M; Rafuse, Paul E; Nicolela, Marcelo T; Artes, Paul H

    2014-06-10

    To determine the rate of glaucomatous visual field change in routine clinical care. Mean deviation (MD) rate was computed in one randomly selected eye of all glaucoma patients and suspects with ≥5 examinations in a tertiary eye-care center. Proportions of "fast" (MD rate, <-1 to -2 dB/y) and "catastrophic" (<-2 dB/y) progressors were determined. The MD rates were computed in tertile groups by the number of examinations, baseline age, and MD. The MD rates were compared to the Canadian Glaucoma Study (CGS), a prospective study with IOP interventions mandated by visual field progression, by pairwise matching of patients by baseline MD. There were 2324 patients with median (interquartile range) baseline age and MD of 65 (56, 74) years and -2.44 (-5.44, -0.86) dB, and follow-up of 7.1 (4.8, 10.2) years with 8 (6, 11) examinations. The median MD rate was -0.05 (0.13, -0.30) dB/y, while the mean follow-up IOP was 17.1 (15.0, 19.7) mm Hg. The MD rate was progressively worse, with a doubling of fast and catastrophic progressors, with each tertile of increasing age. Worse MD rate was associated with lower follow-up IOP. Neither MD rate nor the number of fast and catastrophic progressors was significantly different in clinical care patients matched to CGS patients. Most patients under routine glaucoma care demonstrate slow rates of visual field progression. The MD rate in the current study was similar to an interventional prospective study, but considerably less negative compared to published studies with similar design. Copyright 2014 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

  8. How are Canadian universities training and supporting undergraduate medical, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students for global health experiences in international low-resource settings?

    PubMed

    Bessette, Jennifer; Camden, Chantal

    2016-12-27

    Canadian medical (MD), physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students increasingly show an interest in global health experiences (GHEs). As certain moral hazards can occur as a result of student GHEs, a growing consensus exists that universities must have an established selection process, in-depth pre-departure training (PDT), adequate onsite supervision and formal debriefing for their students. This study aimed to identify current practices in Canadian MD, PT and OT programs and discuss areas for improvement by comparing them with recommendations found in the literature. Canadian MD, PT and OT programs (n = 45) were invited to answer an online survey about their current practices for GHE support and training. The survey included 24 close-ended questions and 18 open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were performed on the data and results were discussed in comparison with recommendations found in the literature. Twenty-three programs responded to the survey. Student selection processes varied across universities; examples included using academic performance, interviews and motivation letters. All but one MD program had mandatory PDT; content and teaching formats varied, as did training duration (2-38 hours). All but one MD program had onsite supervision; local clinicians were frequently involved. Debriefing, although not systematic, covered similar content; debriefing was variable in duration (1-8 hours). Many current practices are encouraging, but areas for improvement exist. Integrating global health content into the regular curriculum, with advanced study options for students participating in GHEs, could help universities standardize support and training.

  9. 77 FR 25649 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Patuxent River, Solomons, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-01

    ..., an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we... Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one, using one of..., please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree...

  10. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Volume 20, Number 11

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-01

    5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR),Armed Forces...Health Surveillance Center,11800 Tech Road, Suite 220 (MCAF-CS),Silver Spring,MD,20904 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING... performed to determine the circumstances surrounding the event, the week of train- ing (WOT) in which it occurred, comor- bid conditions diagnosed

  11. Patterns of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Secondary to Blast Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    INVESTIGATOR: Dewleen G. Baker, M.D. RECIPIENT: Veterans Medical Research Foundation San Diego, CA 92161 REPORT DATE: January 2017 TYPE OF...REPORT: Annual Report PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT...NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Veterans Medical Research Foundation 3350 La Jolla

  12. Characterization of Bc1-2, Bc1-xL, and Bax Pore Formation and Their Role in Apoptosis Regulation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax Pore Formation and Their Role in Apoptosis Regulation PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Frank Stenner -Liewen, Ph.D. Sharon Schendel, Ph.D...AUTHOR(S) Frank Stenner -Liewen, Ph.D. Sharon Schendel, Ph.D. John C. Reed, M.D., Ph.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING

  13. Targeting Biological Sensing with Commercial SERS Substrates

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-SEE-E 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 8. PERFORMING...Pellegrino* *U.S. Army Research Laboratories, RDRL-SEE-E, 2800 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783 Department of Mechanical Engineering and...demonstrated typical RSDs ranging from 10-15% under drop and dry conditions. While these standard Klarite substrates do demonstrate a high

  14. Toward a Comprehensive Strategy for Addressing the Teacher Shortage.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hawley, Willis D.

    1986-01-01

    The likely consequences of different educational policies affecting teacher supply and demand are examined in relation to the predicted teacher shortage. Includes a table describing 23 policies and practices of schools that attract qualified teachers. (MD)

  15. Correlation range in a supercooled liquid via Green-Kubo expression for viscosity, local atomic stresses, and MD simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Levashov, Valentin A.; Egami, Takeshi; Morris, James R.

    2009-03-01

    We present a new approach to the issue of correlation range in supercooled liquids based on Green-Kubo expression for viscosity. The integrand of this expression is the average stress-stress autocorrelation function. This correlation function could be rewritten in terms of correlations among local atomic stresses at different times and distances. The features of the autocorrelation function decay with time depend on temperature and correlation range. Through this approach we can study the development of spatial correlation with time, thus directly addressing the question of dynamic heterogeneity. We performed MD simulations on a single component system of particles interacting through short range pair potential. Our results indicate that even above the crossover temperature correlations extend well beyond the nearest neighbors. Surprisingly we found that the system size effects exist even on relatively large systems. We also address the role of diffusion in decay of stress-stress correlation function.

  16. Neurobiological Underpinnings of Math and Reading Learning Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ashkenazi, Sarit; Black, Jessica M.; Abrams, Daniel A.; Hoeft, Fumiko; Menon, Vinod

    2013-01-01

    The primary goal of this review is to highlight current research and theories describing the neurobiological basis of math (MD), reading (RD), and comorbid math and reading disability (MD+RD). We first describe the unique brain and cognitive processes involved in acquisition of math and reading skills, emphasizing similarities and differences in…

  17. The relationship between anabolic androgenic steroids and muscle dysmorphia: a review.

    PubMed

    Rohman, Lebur

    2009-01-01

    This review explores the condition of muscle dysmorphia (MD) and its relationship with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Particular emphasis is placed upon whether anabolic steroids are a predisposing, precipitating or perpetuating factor of MD. Furthermore, psychiatric complications of AAS abuse are examined. The current evidence from the literature suggests that AAS (ab)use is possibly a perpetuating factor in the evolution of MD. Psychiatric complications of AAS include mood and behavior changes, perceptual abnormalities, and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, there appears to be a credible dependence theory to AAS in fruition.

  18. Molecular dynamics simulations of metallic friction and of its dependence on electric currents - development and first results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meintanis, Evangelos Anastasios

    We have extended the HOLA molecular dynamics (MD) code to run slider-on-block friction experiments for Al and Cu. Both objects are allowed to evolve freely and show marked deformation despite the hardness difference. We recover realistic coefficients of friction and verify the importance of cold-welding and plastic deformations in dry sliding friction. Our first data also show a mechanism for decoupling between load and friction at high velocities. Such a mechanism can explain an increase in the coefficient of friction of metals with velocity. The study of the effects of currents on our system required the development of a suitable electrodynamic (ED) solver, as the disparity of MD and ED time scales threatened the efficiency of our code. Our first simulations combining ED and MD are presented.

  19. The Role of Interleukin-6 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Weight Loss, Hypoglycemia and Fibrinogen Production, in Vivo

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-07-01

    acute inflammation, since direct admin- Research Institute, Bethesda, MD 20614, USA. Address corespondence to: Dr G . Srssmann, Ouka America istration of...ELiSA, Romts e expresd W im x 10-MlO or mGio B-9 Sonay md ELISA. mpeeively. Nomal k-vels of IL.6 in WDFt mice we 0.02 :t 0.01 og&ud in ElISA. Mwe addkiod...pharmaceutical-grade antibody was used (a 6. Strassmann G , Fong M, Kenney JS, Jacob CO (1992) gift from Dr C.O. Jacob, Syntex, Palo Alto, CA). The Evidence for

  20. Childhood trauma and neighborhood-level crime interact in predicting adult posttraumatic stress and major depression symptoms.

    PubMed

    Lowe, Sarah R; Quinn, James W; Richards, Catherine A; Pothen, John; Rundle, Andrew; Galea, Sandro; Ressler, Kerry J; Koenen, Karestan C; Bradley, Bekh

    2016-01-01

    Previous research has identified several individual-level factors that modify the risk of childhood trauma on adult psychiatric symptoms, including symptoms of major depression (MD) and posttraumatic stress (PTS). Neighborhood-level factors also influence the impact of individual-level exposures on adult psychopathology. However, no prior studies to our knowledge have explored cross-level interactions between childhood trauma and neighborhood-level factors on MD and PTS symptoms. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore cross-level interactions between a neighborhood-level factor - neighborhood-level crime - and childhood trauma on MD and PTS symptoms. Participants in this study (N=3192) were recruited from a large public hospital, and completed self-report inventories of childhood trauma and MD and PTS symptoms. Participant addresses were mapped onto 2010 census tracts, and data on crime within each tract were collected. Multilevel models found a significant cross-level interaction between childhood trauma and neighborhood crime on MD symptoms, such that the influence of high levels of childhood trauma on MD symptoms was enhanced for participants living in high-crime neighborhoods. Supplementary analyses found variation in the strength of cross-level interaction terms by types of childhood trauma and crime, with the strongest associations including emotional neglect paired with personal and property crime. The results provide preliminary support for interventions that help childhood trauma survivors find housing in less vulnerable neighborhoods and build skills to cope with neighborhood crime. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Childhood Trauma and Neighborhood-Level Crime Interact in Predicting Adult Posttraumatic Stress and Major Depression Symptoms

    PubMed Central

    Lowe, Sarah R.; Quinn, James W.; Richards, Catherine A.; Pothen, John; Rundle, Andrew; Galea, Sandro; Ressler, Kerry J.; Koenen, Karestan C.; Bradley, Bekh

    2015-01-01

    Previous research has identified several individual-level factors that modify the risk of childhood trauma on adult psychiatric symptoms, including symptoms of major depression (MD) and posttraumatic stress (PTS). Neighborhood-level factors also influence the impact of individual-level exposures on adult psychopathology. However, no prior studies to our knowledge have explored cross-level interactions between childhood trauma and neighborhood-level factors on MD and PTS symptoms. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore cross-level interactions between a neighborhood-level factor – neighborhood-level crime – and childhood trauma on MD and PTS symptoms. Participants in this study (N = 3,192) were recruited from a large public hospital, and completed self-report inventories of childhood trauma and MD and PTS symptoms. Participant addresses were mapped onto 2010 census tracts, and data on crime within each tract was collected. Multilevel models found a significant cross-level interaction between childhood trauma and neighborhood crime on MD symptoms, such that the influence of high levels of childhood trauma on MD symptoms was enhanced for participants living in high-crime neighborhoods. Supplementary analyses found variation in the strength of cross-level interaction terms by types of childhood trauma and crime, with the strongest associations including emotional neglect paired with personal and property crime. The results provide preliminary support for interventions that help childhood trauma survivors find housing in less vulnerable neighborhoods and build skills to cope with neighborhood crime. PMID:26499372

  2. 75 FR 53574 - Safety Zone; Fireworks Displays, Potomac River, National Harbor, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-01

    ... would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or..., dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. This rule is needed to ensure safety on the...

  3. Isolation and purification of Gallid herpesvirus 2 strains currently distributed in Japan.

    PubMed

    Machida, Yuka; Murata, Shiro; Matsuyama-Kato, Ayumi; Isezaki, Masayoshi; Taneno, Akira; Sakai, Eishi; Konnai, Satoru; Ohashi, Kazuhiko

    2017-01-20

    Gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2) causes malignant lymphomas in chickens (Marek's disease, MD). Although MD is controlled through vaccination efforts, field isolates of GaHV-2 have increased in virulence worldwide and even cause MD in vaccinated chickens. GaHV-2 strains are classified into four categories (mild, virulent, very virulent and very virulent +) based on the virulence exhibited in experimental infection in unvaccinated or MD-vaccinated susceptible chickens. Although MD cases are sporadically reported in Japan, the recent field strains of GaHV-2 in Japan have not been characterized. During isolation of recent field strains by using primary chicken kidney cell cultures, a method classically used for GaHV-2 isolation, vaccine strains were simultaneously isolated. Therefore, it is necessary to separate vaccine strains to characterize the virulence and pathogenicity of the GaHV-2 strains currently distributed in Japan. In this study, we prepared cell suspensions from the spleens of MD-symptomatic chickens, inoculated day-old-chicks and isolated GaHV-2 strains by primary chicken kidney cell cultures at 2-3 weeks post inoculation. The isolated strains were passaged several times on chicken embryo fibroblast cells, and PCR analysis revealed that the isolated strains were not contaminated with vaccine strains. Moreover, the contaminant vaccine strains were completely removed by the purification of plaques observed in chicken kidney cells. These procedures are necessary to isolate GaHV-2 field strains from vaccine strains in order to carry out future studies to characterize these strains and glean insights into GaHV-2 virulence and pathogenicity.

  4. No Girls Allowed: Women in Male-Dominated Majors Experience Increased Gender Harassment and Bias.

    PubMed

    Dresden, Brooke E; Dresden, Alexander Y; Ridge, Robert D; Yamawaki, Niwako

    2018-06-01

    The prevalence of gender harassment in male-dominated workforces has been well established, but little is known regarding the experiences of women in male-dominated majors within academia. The current study examines the experiences and gender-related biases of 146 male and female students in male-dominated (MD) and gender-equivalent (GE) majors. This study hypothesizes that men from MD majors, as opposed to GE majors, will exhibit more explicit and implicit bias regarding women in positions of power and authority, resulting in a higher prevalence of gender harassment towards women in MD majors. Results showed that there was no significant difference in self-reported explicit bias against women in positions of power and authority between men from MD and GE majors, but there was significantly more implicit bias among men from MD majors as opposed to GE majors. Additionally, women from MD majors experienced significantly more gender harassment than women from GE majors. Implications of these findings and suggestions to assist those working in education to combat these biases and instances of harassment are discussed.

  5. [MD PhD programs: Providing basic science education for ophthalmologists].

    PubMed

    Spaniol, K; Geerling, G

    2015-06-01

    Enrollment in MD PhD programs offers the opportunity of a basic science education for medical students and doctors. These programs originated in the USA where structured programs have been offered for many years, but now German universities also run MD PhD programs. The MD PhD programs provided by German universities were investigated regarding entrance requirements, structure and financing modalities. An internet and telephone-based search was carried out. Out of 34 German universities 22 offered MD PhD programs. At 15 of the 22 universities a successfully completed course of studies in medicine was required for enrollment, 7 programs admitted medical students in training and 7 programs required a medical doctoral thesis, which had to be completed with at least a grade of magna cum laude in 3 cases. Financing required scholarships in many cases. Several German universities currently offer MD PhD programs; however, these differ considerably regarding entrance requirements, structure and financing. A detailed analysis investigating the success rates of these programs (e.g. successful completion and career paths of graduates) would be of benefit.

  6. Acupuncture for Disturbed Sleep in Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-25

    Diego, School of Nursing , 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110 N/A 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S...AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) TriService Nursing Research TSNRP Program, 4301 Jones Bridge RD Bethesda, MD 20814 11...dysfunction components of the PSQI (p = 0.003, P = 0.004). Implications for Military Nursing : Military nurses can practice AA, which has expanded non

  7. Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Version 4 (ANAM4): Examination of Select Psychometric Properties and Administration Procedures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-03-01

    Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. Bethesda, MD 20817 REPORT DATE: March 2018 TYPE OF REPORT: Final PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research ...position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. 2 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting...REPORT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Institute

  8. The Thoc1 Ribonucleoprotein as a Novel Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Treatment Assignment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    INVESTIGATOR: James L. Mohler, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Health Research, Inc., Roswell Park Division Buffalo, NY 14263-0001 REPORT DATE...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Health Research, Inc. Buffalo,NY 14263 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM...support for cancer clinical trials. Specific Aims: 1. Facilities: Physical facilities dedicated to the conduct of cancer focused research, and to

  9. A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nicholas Theodore, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Dignity Health San Francisco, CA 94107-1773 REPORT DATE: October 2017...theodore@jhmi.edu 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Dignity Health 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 185...at all three active centers, which include: Barrow Neurological Institute/Dignity Health (the main study site) in Arizona, the University of Arizona

  10. A Novel Hydrogel-Based Biosampling Approach

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center Seedling Program, APG, MD 21010-5424 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...Std. Z39.18 ii Blank   iii PREFACE The work described in this report was authorized under the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological...a complex area of intensive, ongoing research. After a biorelease event, sampling is at the core of all pre- and post- decontamination analyses

  11. Fatigue Prediction Verification of Fiberglass Hulls

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-10-01

    UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) United States Naval Academy,Department of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering...Annapolis,MD,21402 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11...the relatively low number of cycles-to-failure these speci- mens were more efficiently tested on the Satec 50UD ma- chine. The wet specimens were

  12. 100 Years of Army Artillery Meteorology: A Brief Summary

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-02-01

    ARL-TN-0871 ● Feb 2018 US Army Research Laboratory 100 Years of Army Artillery Meteorology: A Brief Summary by J L Cogan...to the originator. ARL-TN-0871● Feb 2018 US Army Research Laboratory 100 Years of Army Artillery Meteorology: A Brief Summary...WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) US Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-CIE Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

  13. State of STEM (SoSTEM) Address

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-01-29

    Montgomery Blair High School Student Newspaper “Silver Chips” Online Editor-in-Chief Aanchal Johri, right, and Photo Editor Emma Howells, left, from Silver Spring, MD. interview NASA Astronaut Joe Acaba at the annual White House State of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (SoSTEM) address, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  14. Scalability of Robotic Controllers: An Evaluation of Controller Options-Experiment III

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-04-01

    NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM -DW Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425...In this condition, the operator manually controlled all the robotic functions using a COTS Microsoft Xbox* 360 game controller (figure 3). The...Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 5 Figure 3. Game controller (GC/MC). 2.2.3.2 Virtual

  15. Cognitive Changes in Presymptomatic Parkinson’s Disease

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-09-01

    Distribution Unlimited The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author( s ) and...GRANT NUMBER DAMD17-98-1-8616 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Kenneth M. Heilman, M.D. 5e. TASK NUMBER E...Mail: heilman@neurology.ufl.edu 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT

  16. Acute Blast Injury Reduces Brain Abeta in Two Rodent Species

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Medical...Research Center,Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate,Department of Neurotrauma,Silver Spring,MD, 20910 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9...monoclonal antibody that recognizes phosphorylated epitopes on the mouse mid-sized and heavy neurofilament proteins (1:500; Covance , Denver, PA, USA

  17. Herbal medicine for adults with asthma: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Shergis, Johannah L; Wu, Lei; Zhang, Anthony L; Guo, Xinfeng; Lu, Chuanjian; Xue, Charlie C

    2016-08-01

    Many people with asthma use herbal medicines to help reduce symptoms and improve asthma control. To update the systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of herbal medicine for adult asthma. Nine English and Chinese databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, AMED, CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang). Herbal medicines combined with routine pharmacotherapies compared with the same pharmacotherapies alone or placebo. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and GRADE Summary of Findings tables were used to evaluate methodological quality. Twenty-nine (29) studies involving 3,001 participants were included. Herbal interventions used multi-ingredients such as licorice root, crow-dipper, astragali, and angelica. Compared with routine pharmacotherapies alone, herbal medicines as add-on therapy improved lung function (FEV1: MD 7.81%, 95% CI 5.79, 9.83, I(2) = 63%; PEFR: MD 65.14 L/min, 95% CI 58.87, 71.41, I(2) = 21%); asthma control (MD 2.47 points, 95% CI 1.64, 3.29, I(2) = 55%); reduced salbutamol usage (MD -1.14 puffs/day, 95% CI -2.20, -0.09, I(2) = 92%); and reduced acute asthma exacerbations over one year (MD -1.20, 95% CI -1.82, -0.58, one study). Compared with placebo plus pharmacotherapies herbal medicines as add-on therapy improved lung function (FEV1: MD 15.83%, 95% CI 13.54, 18.12 and PEFR: MD 55.20 L/min, 95% CI 33.41, 76.99). Other outcomes were not reported in these placebo studies. Included studies were low to moderate quality. Adverse events were rare. Herbal medicines combined with routine pharmacotherapies improved asthma outcomes greater than pharmacotherapies alone. Included studies did not blind participants therefore more studies that address such weaknesses are warranted.

  18. Investigation of polarization effects in the gramicidin A channel from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.

    PubMed

    Timko, Jeff; Kuyucak, Serdar

    2012-11-28

    Polarization is an important component of molecular interactions and is expected to play a particularly significant role in inhomogeneous environments such as pores and interfaces. Here we investigate the effects of polarization in the gramicidin A ion channel by performing quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and comparing the results with those obtained from classical MD simulations with non-polarizable force fields. We consider the dipole moments of backbone carbonyl groups and channel water molecules as well as a number of structural quantities of interest. The ab initio results show that the dipole moments of the carbonyl groups and water molecules are highly sensitive to the hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) they participate in. In the absence of a K(+) ion, water molecules in the channel are quite mobile, making the H-bond network highly dynamic. A central K(+) ion acts as an anchor for the channel waters, stabilizing the H-bond network and thereby increasing their average dipole moments. In contrast, the K(+) ion has little effect on the dipole moments of the neighboring carbonyl groups. The weakness of the ion-peptide interactions helps to explain the near diffusion-rate conductance of K(+) ions through the channel. We also address the sampling issue in relatively short ab initio MD simulations. Results obtained from a continuous 20 ps ab initio MD simulation are compared with those generated by sampling ten windows from a much longer classical MD simulation and running each window for 2 ps with ab initio MD. Both methods yield similar results for a number of quantities of interest, indicating that fluctuations are fast enough to justify the short ab initio MD simulations.

  19. ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL CLIMATE IN FOSTERING DIVERSITY IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH WORKFORCE: A CASE STUDY

    PubMed Central

    Butts, Gary C.; Hurd, Yasmin; Palermo, Ann-Gel S.; Delbrune, Denise; Saran, Suman; Zony, Chati; Krulwich, Terry A.

    2012-01-01

    This article reviews the barriers to diversity in biomedical research, describes the evolution and efforts to address climate issues to enhance the ability to attract, retain and develop underrepresented minorities (URM) - underrepresented minorities whose underrepresentation is found both in science and medicine, in the graduate school biomedical research doctoral programs (PhD and MD/PhD) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM). We also describe the potential beneficial impact of having a climate that supports diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce. MSSM diversity climate efforts are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan to increase diversity in all institutional programs PhD, MD/PhD, MD, and at the residency, post doctoral fellow, and faculty levels. Lessons learned from four decades of targeted programs and activities at MSSM may be of value to other institutions interested in improving diversity in the biomedical science and academic medicine workforce. PMID:22786740

  20. Cancer Treatment–Related Cardiotoxicity: Current State of Knowledge and Future Research Priorities

    PubMed Central

    Adhikari, Bishow; Brell, Joanna; Davis, Myrtle; Desvigne-Nickens, Patrice; Freedman, Andrew; Minasian, Lori; Force, Thomas; Remick, Scot C.

    2014-01-01

    Cardiotoxicity resulting from direct myocyte damage has been a known complication of cancer treatment for decades. More recently, the emergence of hypertension as a clinically significant side effect of several new agents has been recognized as adversely affecting cancer treatment outcomes. With cancer patients living longer, in part because of treatment advances, these adverse events have become increasingly important to address. However, little is known about the cardiovascular pathogenic mechanisms associated with cancer treatment and even less about how to optimally prevent and manage short- and long-term cardiovascular complications, leading to improved patient safety and clinical outcomes. To identify research priorities, allocate resources, and establish infrastructure required to address cardiotoxicity associated with cancer treatment, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored a two-day workshop, “Cancer treatment–related cardiotoxicity: Understanding the current state of knowledge and future research priorities,” in March 2013 in Bethesda, MD. Participants included leading oncology and cardiology researchers and health professionals, patient advocates and industry representatives, with expertise ranging from basic to clinical science. Attendees were charged with identifying research opportunities to advance the understanding of cancer treatment–related cardiotoxicity across basic and clinical science. This commentary highlights the key discussion points and overarching recommendations from that workshop. PMID:25210198

  1. Evolution of System Safety at NASA as Related to Defense-in-Depth

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dezfuli, Homayoon

    2015-01-01

    Presentation given at the Defense-in-Depth Inter-Agency Workshop on August 26, 2015 in Rockville, MD by Homayoon Dezfuli. The presentation addresses the evolution of system safety at NASA as related to Defense-in-Depth.

  2. 78 FR 23563 - FCC Reduces Backlog of Broadcast Indecency Complaints by 70% (More Than One Million Complaints...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-19

    ...-sexual) nudity the same as or differently than isolated expletives? Commenters are invited to address... Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. [ssquf] U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority...

  3. 76 FR 20689 - Guidance for Industry on Influenza: Developing Drugs for Treatment and/or Prophylaxis; Availability

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-13

    ... Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 51, rm. 2201, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to... exploration and verification of drug effects under epidemic and pandemic conditions. A draft notice of...

  4. 21 CFR 600.2 - Mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... (HFM-99), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville... biological products regulated by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Unless otherwise stated... Research, Food and Drug Administration, 12229 Wilkins Ave., Rockville, MD 20852. Examples of such...

  5. 21 CFR 600.2 - Mailing addresses.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... (HFM-99), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville... biological products regulated by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Unless otherwise stated... Research, Food and Drug Administration, 12229 Wilkins Ave., Rockville, MD 20852. Examples of such...

  6. Molecular dynamics-driven drug discovery: leaping forward with confidence.

    PubMed

    Ganesan, Aravindhan; Coote, Michelle L; Barakat, Khaled

    2017-02-01

    Given the significant time and financial costs of developing a commercial drug, it remains important to constantly reform the drug discovery pipeline with novel technologies that can narrow the candidates down to the most promising lead compounds for clinical testing. The past decade has witnessed tremendous growth in computational capabilities that enable in silico approaches to expedite drug discovery processes. Molecular dynamics (MD) has become a particularly important tool in drug design and discovery. From classical MD methods to more sophisticated hybrid classical/quantum mechanical (QM) approaches, MD simulations are now able to offer extraordinary insights into ligand-receptor interactions. In this review, we discuss how the applications of MD approaches are significantly transforming current drug discovery and development efforts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Weight Rich-Club Analysis in the White Matter Network of Late-Life Depression with Memory Deficits

    PubMed Central

    Mai, Naikeng; Zhong, Xiaomei; Chen, Ben; Peng, Qi; Wu, Zhangying; Zhang, Weiru; Ouyang, Cong; Ning, Yuping

    2017-01-01

    Patients with late-life depression (LLD) have a higher incident of developing dementia, especially individuals with memory deficits. However, little is known about the white matter characteristics of LLD with memory deficits (LLD-MD) in the human connectome, especially for the rich-club coefficient, which is an indicator that describes the organization pattern of hub in the network. To address this question, diffusion tensor imaging of 69 participants [15 LLD-MD patients; 24 patients with LLD with intact memory (LLD-IM); and 30 healthy controls (HC)] was applied to construct a brain network for each individual. A full-scale battery of neuropsychological tests were used for grouping, and evaluating executive function, processing speed and memory. Rich-club analysis and global network properties were utilized to describe the topological features in each group. Network-based statistics (NBS) were calculated to identify the impaired subnetwork in the LLD-MD group relative to that in the LLD-IM group. We found that compared with HC participants, patients with LLD (LLD-MD and LLD-IM) had relatively impaired rich-club organizations and rich-club connectivity. In addition, LLD-MD group exhibited lower feeder and local connective average strength than LLD-IM group. Furthermore, global network properties, such as the shortest path length, connective strength, efficiency and fault tolerant efficiency, were significantly decreased in the LLD-MD group relative to those in the LLD-IM and HC groups. According to NBS analysis, a subnetwork, including right cognitive control network (CCN) and corticostriatal circuits, were disrupted in LLD-MD patients. In conclusion, the disease effects of LLD were prevalent in rich-club organization. Feeder and local connections, especially in the subnetwork including right CCN and corticostriatal circuits, were further impaired in those with memory deficits. Global network properties were disrupted in LLD-MD patients relative to those in LLD-IM patients. PMID:28878666

  8. InforMD: a new initiative to raise public awareness about breast density

    PubMed Central

    Hugo, Honor J; Zysk, Aneta; Dasari, Pallave; Britt, Kara; Hopper, John L; Stone, Jennifer; Thompson, Erik W; Ingman, Wendy V

    2018-01-01

    On a mammogram, breast density (also known as mammographic density) is shown as white and bright regions and is associated with reduced sensitivity in cancer detection and increased breast cancer risk. However, many Australian women are unaware of the significance of breast density as it is not routinely reported or discussed. In order to address this lack of knowledge, Australian breast cancer researchers with expertise in mammographic density formed the InforMD alliance (INformation FORum on Mammographic Density) in 2016. The alliance is working to raise awareness of breast density with the goal of improving breast cancer diagnosis and health outcomes for women. The InforMD website (www.InforMD.org.au) was launched in October 2016, coinciding with a major nationwide public awareness campaign by the alliance during breast cancer awareness month. The website contains unbiased, accurate, updated information on breast density. The website also provides summaries of major research articles in layperson language, recent news items related to breast density, links to relevant information for health professionals, events, and feature articles. Members of the public and health professionals can also subscribe for news updates. The interactive online Forum section facilitates discussion between health professionals, scientists and members of the public. To increase online traffic to the website, Facebook (www.facebook.com/BeInforMD) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/BeInforMD_) pages were launched in December 2016. Since its launch, InforMD has generated considerable interest. The public awareness campaign reached over 7 million Australians through a combination of newspaper, TV, radio, and online news. The website has attracted 13,058 unique visitors and 30,353 page views (data as of 19/12/2017). Breast cancer researchers have a significant role to play in disseminating information to the public on breast density. A combination of mainstream and social media, together with a well-informed and updated website, has laid the groundwork for the InforMD alliance to reach a wide audience. PMID:29492101

  9. InforMD: a new initiative to raise public awareness about breast density.

    PubMed

    Hugo, Honor J; Zysk, Aneta; Dasari, Pallave; Britt, Kara; Hopper, John L; Stone, Jennifer; Thompson, Erik W; Ingman, Wendy V

    2018-01-01

    On a mammogram, breast density (also known as mammographic density) is shown as white and bright regions and is associated with reduced sensitivity in cancer detection and increased breast cancer risk. However, many Australian women are unaware of the significance of breast density as it is not routinely reported or discussed. In order to address this lack of knowledge, Australian breast cancer researchers with expertise in mammographic density formed the InforMD alliance (INformation FORum on Mammographic Density) in 2016. The alliance is working to raise awareness of breast density with the goal of improving breast cancer diagnosis and health outcomes for women. The InforMD website (www.InforMD.org.au) was launched in October 2016, coinciding with a major nationwide public awareness campaign by the alliance during breast cancer awareness month. The website contains unbiased, accurate, updated information on breast density. The website also provides summaries of major research articles in layperson language, recent news items related to breast density, links to relevant information for health professionals, events, and feature articles. Members of the public and health professionals can also subscribe for news updates. The interactive online Forum section facilitates discussion between health professionals, scientists and members of the public. To increase online traffic to the website, Facebook (www.facebook.com/BeInforMD) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/BeInforMD_) pages were launched in December 2016. Since its launch, InforMD has generated considerable interest. The public awareness campaign reached over 7 million Australians through a combination of newspaper, TV, radio, and online news. The website has attracted 13,058 unique visitors and 30,353 page views (data as of 19/12/2017). Breast cancer researchers have a significant role to play in disseminating information to the public on breast density. A combination of mainstream and social media, together with a well-informed and updated website, has laid the groundwork for the InforMD alliance to reach a wide audience.

  10. Weight Rich-Club Analysis in the White Matter Network of Late-Life Depression with Memory Deficits.

    PubMed

    Mai, Naikeng; Zhong, Xiaomei; Chen, Ben; Peng, Qi; Wu, Zhangying; Zhang, Weiru; Ouyang, Cong; Ning, Yuping

    2017-01-01

    Patients with late-life depression (LLD) have a higher incident of developing dementia, especially individuals with memory deficits. However, little is known about the white matter characteristics of LLD with memory deficits (LLD-MD) in the human connectome, especially for the rich-club coefficient, which is an indicator that describes the organization pattern of hub in the network. To address this question, diffusion tensor imaging of 69 participants [15 LLD-MD patients; 24 patients with LLD with intact memory (LLD-IM); and 30 healthy controls (HC)] was applied to construct a brain network for each individual. A full-scale battery of neuropsychological tests were used for grouping, and evaluating executive function, processing speed and memory. Rich-club analysis and global network properties were utilized to describe the topological features in each group. Network-based statistics (NBS) were calculated to identify the impaired subnetwork in the LLD-MD group relative to that in the LLD-IM group. We found that compared with HC participants, patients with LLD (LLD-MD and LLD-IM) had relatively impaired rich-club organizations and rich-club connectivity. In addition, LLD-MD group exhibited lower feeder and local connective average strength than LLD-IM group. Furthermore, global network properties, such as the shortest path length, connective strength, efficiency and fault tolerant efficiency, were significantly decreased in the LLD-MD group relative to those in the LLD-IM and HC groups. According to NBS analysis, a subnetwork, including right cognitive control network (CCN) and corticostriatal circuits, were disrupted in LLD-MD patients. In conclusion, the disease effects of LLD were prevalent in rich-club organization. Feeder and local connections, especially in the subnetwork including right CCN and corticostriatal circuits, were further impaired in those with memory deficits. Global network properties were disrupted in LLD-MD patients relative to those in LLD-IM patients.

  11. Microsatellite markers associated with resistance to Marek's disease in commercial layer chickens.

    PubMed

    McElroy, J P; Dekkers, J C M; Fulton, J E; O'Sullivan, N P; Soller, M; Lipkin, E; Zhang, W; Koehler, K J; Lamont, S J; Cheng, H H

    2005-11-01

    The objective of the current study was to identify QTL conferring resistance to Marek's disease (MD) in commercial layer chickens. To generate the resource population, 2 partially inbred lines that differed in MD-caused mortality were intermated to produce 5 backcross families. Vaccinated chicks were challenged with very virulent plus (vv+) MD virus strain 648A at 6 d and monitored for MD symptoms. A recent field isolate of the MD virus was used because the lines were resistant to commonly used older laboratory strains. Selective genotyping was employed using 81 microsatellites selected based on prior results with selective DNA pooling. Linear regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to detect associations between marker genotypes and survival. Significance thresholds were validated by simulation. Seven and 6 markers were significant based on proportion of false positive and false discovery rate thresholds less than 0.2, respectively. Seventeen markers were associated with MD survival considering a comparison-wise error rate of 0.10, which is about twice the number expected by chance, indicating that at least some of the associations represent true effects. Thus, the present study shows that loci affecting MD resistance can be mapped in commercial layer lines. More comprehensive studies are under way to confirm and extend these results.

  12. The Future of Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment

    Cancer.gov

    On January 12, 2017 prostate cancer experts William Dahut, M.D. of the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Heather Cheng, M.D. of the University of Washington had a vibrant discussion about current and future research areas and treatment options for prostate cancer. The panel was moderated by Ana Fadich, MPH, CHES Vice President at Men’s Health of the Men's Health Network.

  13. 33 CFR 334.140 - Chesapeake Bay; U.S. Army Proving Ground Reservation, Aberdeen, Md.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ..., the patrol boat may operate a distinctive rotating blue and red light, public address system, sound a... with a white light between sunset and sunrise, by and at the expense of the owner. (h) Removal of pound...

  14. 33 CFR 334.140 - Chesapeake Bay; U.S. Army Proving Ground Reservation, Aberdeen, Md.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ..., the patrol boat may operate a distinctive rotating blue and red light, public address system, sound a... with a white light between sunset and sunrise, by and at the expense of the owner. (h) Removal of pound...

  15. 33 CFR 334.140 - Chesapeake Bay; U.S. Army Proving Ground Reservation, Aberdeen, Md.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ..., the patrol boat may operate a distinctive rotating blue and red light, public address system, sound a... with a white light between sunset and sunrise, by and at the expense of the owner. (h) Removal of pound...

  16. 33 CFR 334.140 - Chesapeake Bay; U.S. Army Proving Ground Reservation, Aberdeen, Md.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ..., the patrol boat may operate a distinctive rotating blue and red light, public address system, sound a... with a white light between sunset and sunrise, by and at the expense of the owner. (h) Removal of pound...

  17. 33 CFR 334.140 - Chesapeake Bay; U.S. Army Proving Ground Reservation, Aberdeen, Md.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ..., the patrol boat may operate a distinctive rotating blue and red light, public address system, sound a... with a white light between sunset and sunrise, by and at the expense of the owner. (h) Removal of pound...

  18. 76 FR 66041 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-25

    ... Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS.... SUMMARY: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Ecosystem and Ocean Planning Committee..., Baltimore, MD 21240 and telephone: (410) 859- 3300. Council address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council...

  19. 78 FR 28845 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Revocations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-16

    ..., 2013. Reason: Failed to maintain valid bonds. License No.: 015187N. Name: Gage Shipping Lines, Ltd. Address: 23 South Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Date Revoked: April 26, 2013. Reason: Failed to maintain a..., Miami, FL 33178. Date Revoked: April 22, 2013. [[Page 28846

  20. A Multicenter, Randomnized Controlled Trial of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nicholas Theodore, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Dignity Health San Francisco, CA 94107-1773 REPORT DATE: October 2016...nicholas.theodore@bnaneuro.net 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Dignity Health 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...and query resolution. As new study staff are assigned to the study on the site-level, the CRO provides remote training to familiarize them with the

  1. Constraints on the Grueneisen Theory

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-02-01

    Constraints on the Grüneisen Theory 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER AH80 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Steven B. Segletes 5f...WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-WM-TD Aberdeen Proving Ground...MD 21005-5069 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-4041 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME

  2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Pulmonary Contusion and Hemorrhagic Shock

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    Contusion and Hemorrhagic Shock PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Martin Schreiber, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Oregon Health & Science University 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239 Blood Systems...extubated the animals was not logistically or physically feasible. To improve the welfare of the animal and consistency in the model, we revised our model

  3. Structural Performance of Aluminum and Stainless Steel Pyramidal Truss Core Sandwich Panels

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-07-01

    PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-WMM-D Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 8. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-4867 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11...Instron- Satec 4-post hydraulic test frame, with a capacity of 1 million lb. The samples were sandwiched between hardened end plates to protect the

  4. Effects of Imperfect Automation on Operator’s Supervisory Control of Multiple Robots

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-08-01

    7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM -AT Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8...Survey, the Ishihara Color Vision Test, and the Cube 6 Comparison test. Participants then received training and practice on the tasks they were about to...completing various tasks, several mini- exercises for practicing the steps, and exercises for performing the robotic control tasks. The type and

  5. Development of Antimicrobial Coatings by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Using a Guanidine-Based Precursor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-29

    or approval of the use thereof. Destroy this report when it is no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. Army Research Laboratory...Leadore, and Daphne D. Pappas Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, ARL A reprint from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces...NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-WMM-C Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5069 8

  6. Fabrication of Microwave Guides Using High TC Superconductors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-01-14

    PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8 PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONU REPORT NUMBER Brimrose Corporation of America 5020 Campbell Blvd 1 Baltimore, MD...Q brimrose AF0o.m. 9o-o i brimrose corporation of america 0 5020 campbell blvd. 0 baltimore, maryland 21236 301/529-5800 * fax: 301/529-9491...Boiling AFB, DC 20332-6448 5 Contract #F49620-89-C-0111 TECHNICAL MONITOR: Dr. Harold Weinstock NAME OF CONTRACTOR: Brimrose Corporation of America

  7. A hybrid liquid-phase precipitation (LPP) process in conjunction with membrane distillation (MD) for the treatment of the INEEL sodium-bearing liquid waste.

    PubMed

    Bader, M S H

    2005-05-20

    A novel hybrid system combining liquid-phase precipitation (LPP) and membrane distillation (MD) is integrated for the treatment of the INEEL sodium-bearing liquid waste. The integrated system provides a "full separation" approach that consists of three main processing stages. The first stage is focused on the separation and recovery of nitric acid from the bulk of the waste stream using vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). In the second stage, polyvalent cations (mainly TRU elements and their fission products except cesium along with aluminum and other toxic metals) are separated from the bulk of monovalent anions and cations (dominantly sodium nitrate) by a front-end LPP. In the third stage, MD is used first to concentrate sodium nitrate to near saturation followed by a rear-end LPP to precipitate and separate sodium nitrate along with the remaining minor species from the bulk of the aqueous phase. The LPP-MD hybrid system uses a small amount of an additive and energy to carry out the treatment, addresses multiple critical species, extracts an economic value from some of waste species, generates minimal waste with suitable disposal paths, and offers rapid deployment. As such, the LPP-MD could be a valuable tool for multiple needs across the DOE complex where no effective or economic alternatives are available.

  8. Dopamine alleviates nutrient deficiency-induced stress in Malus hupehensis.

    PubMed

    Liang, Bowen; Li, Cuiying; Ma, Changqing; Wei, Zhiwei; Wang, Qian; Huang, Dong; Chen, Qi; Li, Chao; Ma, Fengwang

    2017-10-01

    Dopamine mediates many physiological processes in plants. We investigated its role in regulating growth, root system architecture, nutrient uptake, and responses to nutrient deficiencies in Malus hupehensis Rehd. Under a nutrient deficiency, plants showed significant reductions in growth, chlorophyll concentrations, and net photosynthesis, along with disruptions in nutrient uptake, transport, and distribution. However, pretreatment with 100 μM dopamine markedly alleviated such inhibitions. Supplementation with that compound enabled plants to maintain their photosynthetic capacity and development of the root system while promoting the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B, altering the way in which those nutrients were partitioned throughout the plant. The addition of dopamine up-regulated genes for antioxidant enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle (MdcAPX, MdcGR, MdMDHAR, MdDHAR-1, and MdDHAR-2) but down-regulated genes for senescence (SAG12, PAO, and MdHXK). These results indicate that exogenous dopamine has an important antioxidant and anti-senescence effect that might be helpful for improving nutrient uptake. Our findings demonstrate that dopamine offers new opportunities for its use in agriculture, especially when addressing the problem of nutrient deficiencies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. The role of statistical fluctuations on the stability of shockwaves through gases with activated inelastic collisions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sirmas, Nick; Radulescu, Matei

    2016-11-01

    The present study addresses the stability of piston driven shock waves through a system of hard particles subject to activated inelastic collisions. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations have previously revealed an unstable structure for such a system in the form of high density non-uniformities and convective rolls within the shock structure. The work has now been extended to the continuum level by considering the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for granular gases with a modified cooling rate to include an impact threshold necessary for inelastic collisions. We find that the pattern formations produced in MD can be reproduced at the continuum level by continually perturbing the incoming density field. By varying the perturbation amplitude and wavelength, we find that fluctuations consistent with the statistical fluctuations seen in MD yield similar instabilities to those previously observed. While the inviscid model predicts a highly chaotic structure from these perturbations, the inclusion of viscosity and heat conductivity yields equivalent wavelengths of pattern formations to those seen in MD, which is equal to the relaxation length scale of the dissipative shock structure. The authors acknowledged funding through the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (NSERC) and Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

  10. PuReMD-GPU: A reactive molecular dynamics simulation package for GPUs

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

    Kylasa, S.B., E-mail: skylasa@purdue.edu; Aktulga, H.M., E-mail: hmaktulga@lbl.gov; Grama, A.Y., E-mail: ayg@cs.purdue.edu

    2014-09-01

    We present an efficient and highly accurate GP-GPU implementation of our community code, PuReMD, for reactive molecular dynamics simulations using the ReaxFF force field. PuReMD and its incorporation into LAMMPS (Reax/C) is used by a large number of research groups worldwide for simulating diverse systems ranging from biomembranes to explosives (RDX) at atomistic level of detail. The sub-femtosecond time-steps associated with ReaxFF strongly motivate significant improvements to per-timestep simulation time through effective use of GPUs. This paper presents, in detail, the design and implementation of PuReMD-GPU, which enables ReaxFF simulations on GPUs, as well as various performance optimization techniques wemore » developed to obtain high performance on state-of-the-art hardware. Comprehensive experiments on model systems (bulk water and amorphous silica) are presented to quantify the performance improvements achieved by PuReMD-GPU and to verify its accuracy. In particular, our experiments show up to 16× improvement in runtime compared to our highly optimized CPU-only single-core ReaxFF implementation. PuReMD-GPU is a unique production code, and is currently available on request from the authors.« less

  11. Presence of muscle dysmorphia symptomology among male weightlifters.

    PubMed

    Hildebrandt, Tom; Schlundt, David; Langenbucher, James; Chung, Tammy

    2006-01-01

    Limited research exists on muscle dysmorphia (MD) in men and in nonclinical populations. The current study evaluated types of body image disturbance among 237 male weightlifters. Latent class analysis of 8 measures of body image disturbance revealed 5 independent types of respondents: Dysmorphic, Muscle Concerned, Fat Concerned, Normal Behavioral, and Normal. One-way analysis of variance of independent measures of body image disturbance and associated psychopathology confirmed significant differences between groups. The Dysmorphic group reported a pattern of body image disturbance consistent with MD by displaying a high overall level of body image disturbance, symptoms of associated psychopathology, steroid use, and appearance-controlling behavior. Findings generally supported classifying MD as a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder and an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder. Implications for studying body image disturbance in male weightlifters, and further evaluation of the MD diagnostic criteria are discussed.

  12. Development of thalamocortical connections between the mediodorsal thalamus and the prefrontal cortex and its implication in cognition

    PubMed Central

    Ferguson, Brielle R.; Gao, Wen-Jun

    2015-01-01

    The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) represents a fundamental subcortical relay to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and is thought to be highly implicated in modulation of cognitive performance. Additionally, it undergoes highly conserved developmental stages, which, when dysregulated, can have detrimental consequences. Embryonically, the MD experiences a tremendous surge in neurogenesis and differentiation, and disruption of this process may underlie the pathology in certain neurodevelopmental disorders. However, during the postnatal period, a vast amount of cell loss in the MD occurs. These together may represent an extended critical period for postnatal development, in which disturbances in the normal growth or reduction of the MD afferents to the PFC, can result in PFC-dependent cognitive, affective, or psychotic abnormalities. In this review, we explore the current knowledge supporting this hypothesis of a protracted critical period, and propose how developmental changes in the MD contribute to successful prefrontal cortical development and function. Specifically, we elaborate on the unique properties of MD-PFC connections compared with other thalamocortical afferents in sensory cortices, examine how MD-PFC innervation modulates synaptic transmission in the local prefrontal circuitry, and speculate on what occurs during postnatal development, particularly within the early neonatal stage, as well as juvenile and adolescent periods. Finally, we discuss the questions that remain and propose future experiments in order to provide perspective and novel insights into the cause of neuropsychiatric disorders associated with MD-PFC development. PMID:25620923

  13. Online distribution channel increases article usage on Mendeley: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Kudlow, Paul; Cockerill, Matthew; Toccalino, Danielle; Dziadyk, Devin Bissky; Rutledge, Alan; Shachak, Aviv; McIntyre, Roger S; Ravindran, Arun; Eysenbach, Gunther

    2017-01-01

    Prior research shows that article reader counts (i.e. saves) on the online reference manager, Mendeley, correlate to future citations. There are currently no evidenced-based distribution strategies that have been shown to increase article saves on Mendeley. We conducted a 4-week randomized controlled trial to examine how promotion of article links in a novel online cross-publisher distribution channel (TrendMD) affect article saves on Mendeley. Four hundred articles published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research were randomized to either the TrendMD arm ( n  = 200) or the control arm ( n  = 200) of the study. Our primary outcome compares the 4-week mean Mendeley saves of articles randomized to TrendMD versus control. Articles randomized to TrendMD showed a 77% increase in article saves on Mendeley relative to control. The difference in mean Mendeley saves for TrendMD articles versus control was 2.7, 95% CI (2.63, 2.77), and statistically significant ( p  < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between pageviews driven by TrendMD and article saves on Mendeley (Spearman's rho r  = 0.60). This is the first randomized controlled trial to show how an online cross-publisher distribution channel (TrendMD) enhances article saves on Mendeley. While replication and further study are needed, these data suggest that cross-publisher article recommendations via TrendMD may enhance citations of scholarly articles.

  14. Standardized UXO Technology Demonstration Site Scoring Record No. 946

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-07-01

    VA 22350 U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001 Distribution Unlimited, July 2017. The use of a...Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.1.2 System Description ...4 2.1.3 Data Processing Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.1.4 Data Submission

  15. 21 CFR 312.140 - Address for correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... biological products regulated by CBER. Send the IND submission to the Document Control Center (HFM-99... North VII, 7620 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855. (2) For biological products regulated by CDER. Send the IND submission to the CDER Therapeutic Biological Products Document Room, Center for Drug...

  16. 21 CFR 312.140 - Address for correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... biological products regulated by CBER. Send the IND submission to the Document Control Center (HFM-99... North VII, 7620 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855. (2) For biological products regulated by CDER. Send the IND submission to the CDER Therapeutic Biological Products Document Room, Center for Drug...

  17. 21 CFR 312.140 - Address for correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... submission to the Central Document Room, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug... Generic Drugs (HFD-600), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Metro Park... Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 12229 Wilkins Ave., Rockville, MD 20852. (3) For...

  18. 21 CFR 312.140 - Address for correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... submission to the Central Document Room, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug... Generic Drugs (HFD-600), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Metro Park... Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 12229 Wilkins Ave., Rockville, MD 20852. (3) For...

  19. Influence of spatial variation of phenomenological parameters on the modeling of boundary conditions for flows with dynamic wetting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hizumi, Yuka; Omori, Takeshi; Yamaguchi, Yasutaka; Kajisima, Takeo

    2014-11-01

    For reliable prediction of multiphase flows in micro- and nano-scales, continuum models are expected to account for small scale physics near the contact line (CL) region. Some existing works (for example the series of papers by the group of Qian and Ren) have been successful in deriving continuum models and corresponding boundary conditions which reproduce well the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results. Their studies, however, did not fully address the issue of adsorption layer especially in the CL region, and it is still not clear if general conclusion can be deduced from their results. In the present study we investigate in detail the local viscosity and the corresponding stress tensor formulation in the solid-liquid interface and in the CL region of immiscible two-phase Couette flows by means of MD simulation. The application limit of the generalized Navier boundary condition and the continuum model with uniform viscosity is addressed by systematic coarse-graining of sampling bins.

  20. Trimethylamine-N-oxide switches from stabilizing nature: A mechanistic outlook through experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rani, Anjeeta; Jayaraj, Abhilash; Jayaram, B.; Pannuru, Venkatesu

    2016-03-01

    In adaptation biology of the discovery of the intracellular osmolytes, the osmolytes are found to play a central role in cellular homeostasis and stress response. A number of models using these molecules are now poised to address a wide range of problems in biology. Here, a combination of biophysical measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method is used to examine the effect of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on stem bromelain (BM) structure, stability and function. From the analysis of our results, we found that TMAO destabilizes BM hydrophobic pockets and active site as a result of concerted polar and non-polar interactions which is strongly evidenced by MD simulation carried out for 250 ns. This destabilization is enthalpically favourable at higher concentrations of TMAO while entropically unfavourable. However, to the best of our knowledge, the results constitute first detailed unambiguous proof of destabilizing effect of most commonly addressed TMAO on the interactions governing stability of BM and present plausible mechanism of protein unfolding by TMAO.

  1. Brain Microstructure and Impulsivity Differ between Current and Past Methamphetamine Users.

    PubMed

    Andres, Tamara; Ernst, Thomas; Oishi, Kenichi; Greenstein, David; Nakama, Helenna; Chang, Linda

    2016-09-01

    Methamphetamine (Meth) use disorder continues to be highly prevalent worldwide. Meth users have higher impulsivity and brain abnormalities that may be different between current and past Meth users. The current study assessed impulsivity and depressive symptoms in 94 participants (27 current Meth users, 32 past Meth users and 35 non-drug user controls). Additionally, brain microstructure was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were assessed in the striatum, and FA, MD, radial and axial diffusivity were quantified in five white matter structures using DtiStudio.Across the three subject groups, current users had the highest self-reported impulsivity scores, while both Meth user groups had larger striatal structures than the controls. Past Meth users had the highest FA and lowest MD in the striatum, which is likely due to greater magnetic susceptibility from higher iron content and greater dendritic spine density. In white matter tracts, current Meth users had higher AD than past users, indicating greater water diffusion along the axons, and suggesting inflammation with axonal swelling. In contrast, past users had the lowest AD, indicating more restricted diffusion, which might have resulted from reactive gliosis. Although current Meth users had greater impulsivity than past users, the brain microstructural abnormalities showed differences that may reflect different stages of neuroinflammation or iron-induced neurodegeneration. Combining current and past Meth users may lead to greater variability in studies of Meth users. Longitudinal studies are needed to further evaluate the relationship between recency of Meth use and brain microstructure.

  2. Parabolized Navier-Stokes Computation of Surface Heat Transfer Characteristics for Supersonic and Hypersonic KE Projectiles

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-08-01

    Fin Aerody- namic Heating for the 105mm M774," ARBRL-MR-03315, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory/ AARADCOM, Aberden Proving Ground , Maryland...Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD 21005-5066 9. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER US Army...Research Laboratory ARL-TR-191 ATTN: AMSRL-OP-CI-B (Tech Lib) Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland 21005-5066 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES This report

  3. The Role of Skp2 in the Prostate Tumorigenesis Following Rb and p53 Loss

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    of Developmental and Molecular Biology Room 521 Ullmann 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, NY 10461-1975 AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER rt t f l t l Molecular Biology Room 521 Ullmann 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, NY 10461-1975...Congratulations! Mary Anne Clifford Tuesday , October 21, 2014 1:33 PM October 21, 2014 Hongling Zhao, M.D., Ph.D. Department of DMB Ullmann - 521 Dear

  4. Building a Discourse-Tagged Corpus in the Framework of Rhetorical Structure Theory

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-01-01

    lmcarlnord@aol.com Daniel Marcu Information Sciences Institute University of S . California Marina del Rey, CA 90292 marcu@isi.edu Mary Ellen Okurowski...Rhetorical Structure Theory 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK...UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Department of Defense,9800 Savage Road,Fort Meade,MD,20755 8. PERFORMING

  5. Hull Material Evaluation for Navy 44 Sail Training Vessel

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-01-01

    NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) United States Naval Academy,Annapolis,MD,21402 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S...AND ADDRESS( ES ) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for...compared in a SATEC UD50. In the flex test, a 1” x16” fiberglass coupon was placed on 1” diameter supports spaced fourteen inches apart with the tensile

  6. Effectiveness of Stereoscopic Displays for Indirect-Vision Driving and Robot Teleoperation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-08-01

    7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM -AT Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8...course of varying negative and positive terrain features (i.e., holes in the ground, drop- offs, and hills; figure 4c ). Participants were instructed...ORGANIZATION COPIES ORGANIZATION 31 1 ARMY RSCH LABORATORY – HRED RDRL HRM A J MARTIN MYER CENTER BLDG 2700 RM 2D311 FORT MONMOUTH NJ 07703

  7. An Annotated Bibliography of MANPRINT-Related Assessments and Evaluations Conducted by the U.S. Army, 2nd Edition: 1953 to 2009. Volume 2 - MANPRINT Assessment and Evaluations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-02-01

    Research Laboratory Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 ARL-SR-189 February 2010 An Annotated Bibliography of MANPRINT-Related...Middlebrooks, Ph.D. Human Research and Engineering Directorate, ARL Approved for public release; distribution...7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-HRM-AV Fort Hood, TX 76544-5073 8. PERFORMING

  8. IGG Subclass and Isotype Specific Immunoglobulin Responses to Lassa Fever and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis: Natural Infection and Immunization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-09-30

    EQUINE N ENCEPHALOMYELITIS: NATURAL INFECTION AND IMMUNIZATION , I PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Renata J. Engler, LTC, MC CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Uniformed...Services University of the Health Sciences Department of Medicine Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 REPORT DATE: September 30, 1990 ELECTEO 0CT 3 11990 TYPE OF...Uniformed Services University (If applicable) of Health Sciences I 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code

  9. Anthrax Vaccine does not affect semen Parameters, Embryo Quality, or Pregnancy Outcome in Couples with a Vaccinated Male Military Service Member

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-02-01

    concern that accination of predominantly reproductive-aged service- embers may result in deleterious effects on fertility or etal health (6). There are...requests: William H. Catherino, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Building A...ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,4301 Jones Bridge Road

  10. The relationship of deiodinase 1 genotype and thyroid function to lifetime history of major depression in three independent populations.

    PubMed

    Philibert, Robert A; Beach, Steven R H; Gunter, Tracy D; Todorov, Alexandre A; Brody, Gene H; Vijayendran, Meeshanthini; Elliott, Lilly; Hollenbeck, Nancy; Russell, Daniel; Cutrona, Carolyn

    2011-07-01

    Major depression (MD) is often associated with disturbances of the hypothalamic/pituitary/thyroid (HPT) axis. Unfortunately, whether this association is secondary to common underlying genetic variation or whether the MD-associated disturbances in HPT function are chronic or state-dependent is unknown. To examine these questions, we genotyped 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in previous genome wide association analyses of thyroid function in DNA contributed by 1,555 subjects from three longitudinal ethnically diverse studies that are well-characterized for lifetime MD and thyroid function. We then examined associations between genetic variants and key outcomes of thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine (FT4) and depression. We confirmed prior findings that two variants in deiodinase 1 (DIO1), including a variant in the 3'UTR of DIO1 (rs11206244), were associated with altered FT4 levels in both White and African American subjects. We also found that rs11206244 genotype was associated with lifetime MD in White female subjects, in particular those from high-risk cohorts. However, we found no association of current FT4 levels with lifetime MD in either ethnic group. We conclude that genetic variation influencing thyroid function is a risk factor for MD. Given the evidence from prior studies, further investigations of role of HPT variation in etiology and treatment of MD are indicated. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. The antiparasitic isoxazoline A1443 is a potent blocker of insect ligand-gated chloride channels.

    PubMed

    Ozoe, Yoshihisa; Asahi, Miho; Ozoe, Fumiyo; Nakahira, Kunimitsu; Mita, Takeshi

    2010-01-01

    A structurally unique isoxazoline class compound, A1443, exhibits antiparasitic activity against cat fleas and dog ticks comparable to that of the commercial ectoparasiticide fipronil. This isoxazoline compound inhibits specific binding of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor channel blocker [(3)H]4'-ethynyl-4-n-propylbicycloorthobenzoate (EBOB) to housefly-head membranes, with an IC(50) value of 455pM. In contrast, the IC(50) value in rat-brain membranes is>10muM. To study the mode of action of this isoxazoline, we utilized MdGBCl and MdGluCl cDNAs, which encode the subunits of housefly GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels, respectively. Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to confirm that A1443 blocks GABA- and glutamate-induced chloride currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing MdGBCl or MdGluCl channels, with IC(50) values of 5.32 and 79.9 nM, respectively. Blockade by A1443 was observed in A2'S-MdGBCl and S2'A-MdGluCl mutant channels at levels similar to those of the respective wild-types, and houseflies expressing A2'S-MdGBCl channels were as susceptible to A1443 as standard houseflies. These findings indicate that A1443 is a novel and specific blocker of insect ligand-gated chloride channels. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Discovery of new MD2 inhibitor from chalcone derivatives with anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced acute lung injury

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yali; Wu, Jianzhang; Ying, Shilong; Chen, Gaozhi; Wu, Beibei; Xu, Tingting; Liu, Zhiguo; Liu, Xing; Huang, Lehao; Shan, Xiaoou; Dai, Yuanrong; Liang, Guang

    2016-01-01

    Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening acute inflammatory disease with limited options available for therapy. Myeloid differentiation protein 2, a co-receptor of TLR4, is absolutely required for TLR4 sense LPS, and represents an attractive target for treating severe inflammatory diseases. In this study, we designed and synthesized 31 chalcone derivatives that contain the moiety of (E)-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one, which we consider the core structure of current MD2 inhibitors. We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds in MPMs. For the most active compound 20, we confirmed that it is a specific MD2 inhibitor through a series of biochemical experiments and elucidated that it binds to the hydrophobic pocket of MD2 via hydrogen bonds with Arg90 and Tyr102 residues. Compound 20 also blocked the LPS-induced activation of TLR4/MD2 -downstream pro-inflammatory MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways. In a rat model with ALI induced by intracheal LPS instillation, administration with compound 20 exhibited significant protective effect against ALI, accompanied by the inhibition of TLR4/MD2 complex formation in lung tissues. Taken together, the results of this study suggest the specific MD2 inhibitor from chalcone derivatives we identified is a potential candidate for treating acute inflammatory diseases. PMID:27118147

  13. 78 FR 52505 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-23

    ... Street, Baltimore, MD 21231; telephone: (410)-522-7777. Council Address: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 674-2331. FOR FURTHER..., 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901; telephone: (302) 526-5255. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION...

  14. Demonstration of Military Composites With Low Hazardous Air Pollutant Content

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-07-01

    84506 § Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, West Bethesda, MD 20817 **Red River Army Depot, U.S. Army TACOM, Texarkana , TX 75507-5000 14...Depot, US Army TACOM Texarkana , TX 75507-5000 * To whom all correspondence should be addressed ABSTRACT Liquid resins used for molding

  15. A ‘modified de Gramont’ regimen of fluorouracil, alone and with oxaliplatin, for advanced colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Cheeseman, S L; Joel, S P; Chester, J D; Wilson, G; Dent, J T; Richards, F J; Seymour, M T

    2002-01-01

    The standard de Gramont (dG) regimen of fortnightly leucovorin, bolus fluorouracil and 22-h infusion of fluorouracil, d1+2, and the same regimen plus oxaliplatin, are effective but also cumbersome. We therefore present simplified ‘Modified de Gramont’ (MdG) regimens. Forty-six advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients entered a dose-exploring study of MdG, including an expanded cohort of colorectal cancer patients at optimum dose. Treatment (fortnightly) comprised: 2-h i.v.i. leucovorin (350 mg d,l-LV or 175 mg l-LV, not adjusted for patient surface area); bolus fluorouracil (400 mg m−2), then ambulatory 46-h fluorouracil infusion (2000–3600 mg m−2, cohort escalation). Subsequently, 62 colorectal patients (25 unpretreated; 37 fluorouracil-resistant) received MdG plus oxaliplatin (OxMdG) 85 mg m−2. Fluorouracil pharmacokinetics during MdG were compared with dG. The optimum fluorouracil doses for MdG alone were determined as 400 mg m−2 bolus + 2800 mg m−2 46-h infusion. A lower dose of 400 mg m−2 bolus + 2400 mg m−2 infusion which, like dG produces minimal toxicity, was chosen for the OxMdG combination. Fluorouracil exposure (AUC0–48 h) at this lower dose is equivalent to dG. With OxMdG, grade 3–4 toxicity was rare (neutropenia 2.8% cycles; vomiting or diarrhoea <1% cycles), but despite this there were two infection-associated deaths. Oxaliplatin was omitted for cumulative neurotoxicity in 17 out of 62 patients. Objective responses in colorectal cancer patients were: 1st-line MdG (22 assessable): PR=36%, NC=32%, PD=32%. 1st-line OxMdG (24 assessable): CR/PR=72%; NC=20%; PD=8%; 2nd line OxMdG (34 assessable): PR=12%; NC=38%; PD=50%. MdG and OxMdG are convenient and well-tolerated. OxMdG was particularly active as 1st-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Both regimens are being further evaluated in the current UK MRC phase III trial. British Journal of Cancer (2002) 87, 393–399. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6600467 www.bjcancer.com © 2002 Cancer Research UK PMID:12177775

  16. ELF: An Extended-Lagrangian Free Energy Calculation Module for Multiple Molecular Dynamics Engines.

    PubMed

    Chen, Haochuan; Fu, Haohao; Shao, Xueguang; Chipot, Christophe; Cai, Wensheng

    2018-06-18

    Extended adaptive biasing force (eABF), a collective variable (CV)-based importance-sampling algorithm, has proven to be very robust and efficient compared with the original ABF algorithm. Its implementation in Colvars, a software addition to molecular dynamics (MD) engines, is, however, currently limited to NAMD and LAMMPS. To broaden the scope of eABF and its variants, like its generalized form (egABF), and make them available to other MD engines, e.g., GROMACS, AMBER, CP2K, and openMM, we present a PLUMED-based implementation, called extended-Lagrangian free energy calculation (ELF). This implementation can be used as a stand-alone gradient estimator for other CV-based sampling algorithms, such as temperature-accelerated MD (TAMD) and extended-Lagrangian metadynamics (MtD). ELF provides the end user with a convenient framework to help select the best-suited importance-sampling algorithm for a given application without any commitment to a particular MD engine.

  17. Application of the multi-disciplinary thematic seminar method in two homecare cases - a comparative study.

    PubMed

    Scandurra, Isabella; Hägglund, Maria; Koch, Sabine

    2008-01-01

    A significant problem with current health information technologies is that they poorly support collaborative work of healthcare professionals, sometimes leading to a fragmentation of workflow and disruption of healthcare processes. This paper presents two homecare cases, both applying multi-disciplinary thematic seminars (MdTS) as a collaborative method for user needs elicitation and requirements specification. This study describes the MdTS application to elicit user needs from different perspectives to coincide with collaborative professions' work practices in two cases. Despite different objectives, the two cases validated that MdTS emphasized the "points of intersection" in cooperative work. Different user groups with similar, yet distinct needs reached a common understanding of the entire work process, agreed upon requirements and participated in the design of prototypes supporting cooperative work. MdTS was applicable in both exploratory and normative studies aiming to elicit the specific requirements in a cooperative environment.

  18. Registration of Medical Devices

    PubMed Central

    George, Bobby

    2010-01-01

    Globally the medical device (MD) market has been growing quite rapidly over the past decade. The regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals and devices differ substantially. The regulatory authorities in different regions of the world recognize different classes of medical devices (MDs), based on their design complexity, their use characteristics, and their potential for harm, if misused. With the vast majority of MDs in developing countries being imported, the respective governments need to put in place policies & regulations to address all elements related to MDs, ranging from its development, manufacturing, registration to post-marketing obligations & disposal so that public can have access to high quality, safe & affordable products for appropriate use. This article highlights current regulations pertaining to registration of MDs in India, in light of those existing in Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) member countries & Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. PMID:21814626

  19. Role of institutional climate in fostering diversity in biomedical research workforce: a case study.

    PubMed

    Butts, Gary C; Hurd, Yasmin; Palermo, Ann-Gel S; Delbrune, Denise; Saran, Suman; Zony, Chati; Krulwich, Terry A

    2012-01-01

    This article reviews the barriers to diversity in biomedical research and describes the evolution of efforts to address climate issues to enhance the ability to attract, retain, and develop underrepresented minorities, whose underrepresentation is found both in science and medicine, in the graduate-school biomedical research doctoral programs (PhD and MD/PhD) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. We also describe the potential beneficial impact of having a climate that supports diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine diversity-climate efforts are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan to increase diversity in all institutional programs: PhD, MD/PhD, and MD, and at the residency, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty levels. Lessons learned from 4 decades of targeted programs and activities at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine may be of value to other institutions interested in improving diversity in the biomedical science and academic medicine workforce. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

  20. Coarse-graining to the meso and continuum scales with molecular-dynamics-like models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Plimpton, Steve

    Many engineering-scale problems that industry or the national labs try to address with particle-based simulations occur at length and time scales well beyond the most optimistic hopes of traditional coarse-graining methods for molecular dynamics (MD), which typically start at the atomic scale and build upward. However classical MD can be viewed as an engine for simulating particles at literally any length or time scale, depending on the models used for individual particles and their interactions. To illustrate I'll highlight several coarse-grained (CG) materials models, some of which are likely familiar to molecular-scale modelers, but others probably not. These include models for water droplet freezing on surfaces, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) models of explosives where particles have internal state, CG models of nano or colloidal particles in solution, models for aspherical particles, Peridynamics models for fracture, and models of granular materials at the scale of industrial processing. All of these can be implemented as MD-style models for either soft or hard materials; in fact they are all part of our LAMMPS MD package, added either by our group or contributed by collaborators. Unlike most all-atom MD simulations, CG simulations at these scales often involve highly non-uniform particle densities. So I'll also discuss a load-balancing method we've implemented for these kinds of models, which can improve parallel efficiencies. From the physics point-of-view, these models may be viewed as non-traditional or ad hoc. But because they are MD-style simulations, there's an opportunity for physicists to add statistical mechanics rigor to individual models. Or, in keeping with a theme of this session, to devise methods that more accurately bridge models from one scale to the next.

  1. Prefrontal cortex and mediodorsal thalamus reduced connectivity is associated with spatial working memory impairment in rats with inflammatory pain.

    PubMed

    Cardoso-Cruz, Helder; Sousa, Mafalda; Vieira, Joana B; Lima, Deolinda; Galhardo, Vasco

    2013-11-01

    The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) form interconnected neural circuits that are important for spatial cognition and memory, but it is not known whether the functional connectivity between these areas is affected by the onset of an animal model of inflammatory pain. To address this issue, we implanted 2 multichannel arrays of electrodes in the mPFC and MD of adult rats and recorded local field potential activity during a food-reinforced spatial working memory task. Recordings were performed for 3weeks, before and after the establishment of the pain model. Our results show that inflammatory pain caused an impairment of spatial working memory performance that is associated with changes in the activity of the mPFC-MD circuit; an analysis of partial directed coherence between the areas revealed a global decrease in the connectivity of the circuit. This decrease was observed over a wide frequency range in both the frontothalamic and thalamofrontal directions of the circuit, but was more evident from MD to mPFC. In addition, spectral analysis revealed significant oscillations of power across frequency bands, namely with a strong theta component that oscillated after the onset of the painful condition. Finally, our data revealed that chronic pain induces an increase in theta/gamma phase coherence and a higher level of mPFC-MD coherence, which is partially conserved across frequency bands. The present results demonstrate that functional disturbances in mPFC-MD connectivity are a relevant cause of deficits in pain-related working memory. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Ligand Binding Pathways and Conformational Transitions of the HIV Protease.

    PubMed

    Miao, Yinglong; Huang, Yu-Ming M; Walker, Ross C; McCammon, J Andrew; Chang, Chia-En A

    2018-03-06

    It is important to determine the binding pathways and mechanisms of ligand molecules to target proteins to effectively design therapeutic drugs. Molecular dynamics (MD) is a promising computational tool that allows us to simulate protein-drug binding at an atomistic level. However, the gap between the time scales of current simulations and those of many drug binding processes has limited the usage of conventional MD, which has been reflected in studies of the HIV protease. Here, we have applied a robust enhanced simulation method, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), to sample binding pathways of the XK263 ligand and associated protein conformational changes in the HIV protease. During two of 10 independent GaMD simulations performed over 500-2500 ns, the ligand was observed to successfully bind to the protein active site. Although GaMD-derived free energy profiles were not fully converged because of insufficient sampling of the complex system, the simulations still allowed us to identify relatively low-energy intermediate conformational states during binding of the ligand to the HIV protease. Relative to the X-ray crystal structure, the XK263 ligand reached a minimum root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 2.26 Å during 2.5 μs of GaMD simulation. In comparison, the ligand RMSD reached a minimum of only ∼5.73 Å during an earlier 14 μs conventional MD simulation. This work highlights the enhanced sampling power of the GaMD approach and demonstrates its wide applicability to studies of drug-receptor interactions for the HIV protease and by extension many other target proteins.

  3. The relationship of community activities with cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of mobility disorder in Japanese older adults.

    PubMed

    Okura, Mika; Ogita, Mihoko; Yamamoto, Miki; Nakai, Toshimi; Numata, Tomoko; Arai, Hidenori

    This study aimed to examine the relationship of participating in community activities (CA) with cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of mobility disorder (MD) among older Japanese people. Elderly residents in institutions or those requiring long-term care insurance services were excluded; questionnaires were mailed to 5401 older adults in 2013. The response rate was 94.3% (n=5094). We used multiple imputation to manage missing data. The questionnaire addressed physical fitness, memory, mood, and CA. Participants were divided into two groups (good and bad) based on the median scores for physical fitness, memory, and mood. We identified items related to periodically performed CA, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood, and examined correlations between scores on these sets of items. The mean age was 75.9 years; 58.4% of participants were women. The following CA significantly predicted reduced cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of MD: volunteer activity, community activity, visiting friends at home, pursuing hobbies, paid work, farm work, and daily shopping. These results were corrected for age, sex, and response method (mail or home-visit). Higher CA scores were associated with lower cognitive impairment and lower depressive mood independent of MD. CA is negatively associated with cognitive impairment and depressive mood among community-dwelling elderly independent of MD; promoting CA may protect against cognitive impairment and depressive mood in this population. However, MD, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood may lead to reduced CA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Multiscale Molecular Dynamics Model for Heterogeneous Charged Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stanton, L. G.; Glosli, J. N.; Murillo, M. S.

    2018-04-01

    Modeling matter across large length scales and timescales using molecular dynamics simulations poses significant challenges. These challenges are typically addressed through the use of precomputed pair potentials that depend on thermodynamic properties like temperature and density; however, many scenarios of interest involve spatiotemporal variations in these properties, and such variations can violate assumptions made in constructing these potentials, thus precluding their use. In particular, when a system is strongly heterogeneous, most of the usual simplifying assumptions (e.g., spherical potentials) do not apply. Here, we present a multiscale approach to orbital-free density functional theory molecular dynamics (OFDFT-MD) simulations that bridges atomic, interionic, and continuum length scales to allow for variations in hydrodynamic quantities in a consistent way. Our multiscale approach enables simulations on the order of micron length scales and 10's of picosecond timescales, which exceeds current OFDFT-MD simulations by many orders of magnitude. This new capability is then used to study the heterogeneous, nonequilibrium dynamics of a heated interface characteristic of an inertial-confinement-fusion capsule containing a plastic ablator near a fuel layer composed of deuterium-tritium ice. At these scales, fundamental assumptions of continuum models are explored; features such as the separation of the momentum fields among the species and strong hydrogen jetting from the plastic into the fuel region are observed, which had previously not been seen in hydrodynamic simulations.

  5. 77 FR 3796 - Mladen Antolic, M.D.; Decision and Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-25

    ... Registrant had engaged ``in sexual activity with patient(s),'' that he ``[i]nappropriately dispens[ed... registered address of 509 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32804. GX 1. His registration has an expiration... relationship for purposes of engaging a patient in sexual activity), 458.331(1)(q) (inappropriately dispensing...

  6. 32 CFR 806.26 - Addressing FOIA requests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... (AFMC): HQ AFMC/SCDP, 4225 Logistics Avenue, Suite 6, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5745. (4) Air Force..., Suite 2300, Arlington, VA 22209-2802. (3) Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE): HQ... (AFOSI): HQ AFOSI/SCR, P. O. Box 2218, Waldorf, MD 20604-2218. (10) Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC): HQ...

  7. 32 CFR 806.26 - Addressing FOIA requests.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... (AFMC): HQ AFMC/SCDP, 4225 Logistics Avenue, Suite 6, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5745. (4) Air Force..., Suite 2300, Arlington, VA 22209-2802. (3) Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE): HQ... (AFOSI): HQ AFOSI/SCR, P. O. Box 2218, Waldorf, MD 20604-2218. (10) Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC): HQ...

  8. NAHBE (Naval Academy Heat Balanced Engine) M151 Retrofit Evaluation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-08-15

    ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PRGRAM ELEMENT PROJECT. TASK AREA I WORK UNIT NUMIIERS Sonex Research, Inc. 300 Chinquapin Round Road Annapolis, MD 21401...lower. 3. At wide open throttle (WOT) the pressure drop through the air delivery system prevented supplying sufficient secondary air to operate at

  9. 21 CFR 812.19 - Address for IDE correspondence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... and Radiological Health, Document Mail Center, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, rm. G609, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002. (2) For devices regulated by the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, send it to the Document Control Center (HFM-99), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and...

  10. One Burn, One Standard

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    Johannes Kepler University Linz Software GmbH Research Department Medical Informatics Hagenberg, Austria Herbert L. Haller, MD Trauma Hospital Linz of...0000000000000004 Address correspondence to M. Giretzlehner, PhD, Johannes Kepler University Linz, RISC Software GmbH, Research Department Medical Informatics, Softwarepark 35, 4232 Hagenberg, Austria. One Burn, One Standard LETTER TO THE EDITOR

  11. 76 FR 7817 - Announcing Draft Federal Information Processing Standard 180-4, Secure Hash Standard, and Request...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-11

    ... before May 12, 2011. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to: Chief, Computer Security Division... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine Barker, Computer Security Division, National Institute of Standards... Quynh Dang, Computer Security Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD...

  12. 78 FR 59060 - Gabriel Sanchez, M.D.; Decision and Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-25

    ... One could ``go swimming,'' and ``may not need medications'' because his ``MRI [didn't] show any... officer's MRI ``failed to demonstrate serious enough pathology for the officers to receive the large... pathologies shown on the MRI ``can usually be addressed by other means, such as physical therapy, exercise...

  13. 76 FR 51417 - Surinder Dang, M.D.; Revocation of Registration

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-18

    ... alleged that on January 17, 2006, one of Respondent's ``employees removed 30,000 dosage units of... hearing, the Government called one witness to testify and introduced documentary evidence. Respondent did... addressed whether Respondent had rebutted the Government's prima facie case. ALJ at 29-30. The ALJ found...

  14. Cognitive control dysfunction in emotion dysregulation and psychopathology of major depression (MD): Evidence from transcranial brain stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

    PubMed

    Salehinejad, Mohammad Ali; Ghanavai, Elham; Rostami, Reza; Nejati, Vahid

    2017-03-01

    Previous studies showed that MD is associated with a variety of cognitive deficits and executive dysfunctions which can persist even in remitted states. However, the role of cognitive impairments in MD psychopathology and treatment is not fully understood. This article aims to discuss how executive functions central components (e.g., Working memory and attention) mediate MD psychopathology considering the role of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC) and present findings of a brain stimulation experiment to support this notion. The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dLPFC on enhancing cognitive control functions was investigated. Twenty-four patients with MD (Experimental group=12, Control group=12) received 10 sessions of tDCS (2mA for 30min) over 10 consecutive days. The experimental group received active stimulation and the control group received sham stimulation. Participant's performance on cognitive functions (PAL, SRM, RVP and CRT from CANTAB) and their depression scores were assessed before and after tDCS. Results showed that brain stimulation of the dLPFC improved executive dysfunction in patients and a significant improvement on depression scores was also observed suggesting that cognitive control dysfunction may be a mediator in emotional dysregulation and psychopathology of MD. No follow-up investigation was done in this study which does not allow to infer long-term effect of tDCS. Low-focality of tDCS might have stimulated adjacent areas too. Cognitive components, namely cognitive control dysfunction, play role in MD psychopathology as they are involved in emotion dysregulation in MD. The amount of contribution of cognitive components in MD psychopathology is however, an open question. tDCS can be used as an intervention to improve cognitive dysfunction in MD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. A novel matrix dispersion based on phospholipid complex for improving oral bioavailability of baicalein: preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Yang; Dong, Wujun; Ye, Jun; Hao, Huazhen; Zhou, Junzhuo; Wang, Renyun; Liu, Yuling

    2017-11-01

    Phospholipid complex is one of the most successful approaches for enhancing oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed plant constituents. But the sticky property of phospholipids results in an unsatisfactory dissolution of drugs. In this study, a matrix dispersion of baicalein based on phospholipid complex (BaPC-MD) was first prepared by a discontinuous solvent evaporation method, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone-K30 (PVP-K30) was employed for improving the dispersibility of baicalein phospholipid complex (BaPC) and increasing dissolution of baicalein. The combination ratio of baicalein and phospholipids in BaPC-MD was 99.39% and baicalein was still in a complete complex state with phospholipid in BaPC-MD. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyzes demonstrated that baicalein was fully transformed to an amorphous state in BaPC-MD and phospholipid complex formed. The water-solubility and n-octanol solubility of baicalein in BaPC-MD significantly increased compared with those of pure baicalein. Compared with baicalein and BaPC, the cumulative dissolution of BaPC-MD at 120 min increased 2.77- and 1.23-fold, respectively. In vitro permeability study in Caco-2 cells indicated that the permeability of BaPC-MD was remarkably higher than those of baicalein and BaPC. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the average C max of BaPC-MD was significantly increased compared to baicalein and BaPC. AUC 0-14 h of BaPC-MD was 5.01- and 1.91-fold of baicalein and BaPC, respectively. The novel BaPC-MD significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of baicalein by improving the dissolution and permeability of baicalein without destroying the complexation state of baicalein and phospholipids. The current drug delivery system provided an optimal strategy to significantly enhance oral bioavailability for poorly water-soluble drugs.

  16. The Role of AKT2 in Human Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-06-01

    factors, Aktl becomes phosphorylated at these two serous cystadenocarcinomas , four mucinous cystadeno- residues. It has been shown that AKT2 is activated...AD Award Number: DAMD17-01-1-0397 TITLE: The Role of AKT2 in Human Breast Cancer PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Zeng Qiang Yuan, Ph.D. Jin Q. Cheng, M.D...in Human Breast Cancer DAMD17-01-1-0397 6. AUTHOR(S) Zeng Qiang Yuan, Ph.D. Jin Q. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES

  17. Validation of Automated Prediction of Blood Product Needs Algorithm Processing Continuous Non Invasive Vital Signs Streams (ONPOINT4)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-01-25

    ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Maryland, Baltimore 22 S. Greene St. R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, T5R46 Baltimore, MD 21201 8...the revised trauma score, shock index (= heart rate/systolic blood pressure), and assessment of blood consumption, our M2 (bleeding risk index...11 4.2 Transfusion Prediction Model Evaluation in Special Subsets (Model Stress Test) ....... 15 4.3 Feature Sets and Model Stability

  18. 7TH Annual Anesthesia and Critical Care Symposium (7th) Held in Paris (France) on 22-24 April 1994,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-09-30

    4006 6. AUTHOR(S) Christopher M. Grande, M.D. 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION International Trauma...Anesthesia & Critical REPORT NUMBER Care Society (ITACCS) P.O. Box 4826 Baltimore, Maryland 21211 9. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ...nan accessibas la Iscompressian direare - sortagraphie p r usie pour usage parentbral, bolites de 1 I or-D SORT DU OCLICAMlT De-.i ap lasmar que courre

  19. The Use of Thermal Spraying to Enhance the Bonding Characteristics of a Urethane Coated Propeller

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-05-03

    NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER U.S. Naval Academy USNA Trident Scholar project report Annapolis, MD no. 265 (1999...9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS( ES ) 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Accepted by the U.S...TEST: A 90-degree Peel Test was used to examine the bond strength of the specimens. A SATEC tensile test machine was used with a 2000 lb. load cell

  20. Proceedings of the Annual PL/DARPA Seismic Research Symposium (14th) Held in Tucson, AZ on 16-18 September 1992

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-08-17

    01731-5000 UP, No. 1106 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER DARPA/NMRO 3701 North...the peaceful uses of nuclear explosives, UCRL -5414, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 1973. Nordyke, M.D., A review of Soviet data on the peaceful...Lawrence Livermore national Laboratory, UCRL -JC-107941, preprint. Haskell, N. A. (1964). Radiation pattern of surface waves from point sources in a

  1. Dynamic Impact Deformation Analysis Using High-speed Cameras and ARAMIS Photogrammetry Software

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-06-01

    NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-WMM-B...Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-5212 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND...desired (highlighted) panel, and then selecting the Edit option. The values in the “Name,” “Calibration scale,” “Cert. Temp.,” and “Exp. Coff

  2. Human Factors Assessment of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Limb Protection Program (QuadGard Phase 3 Pre-Pilot Production Design)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM Aberdeen Proving...user’s hand must be inserted toward the elbow area of the QuadGard III sleeve. This issue was overcome by equipment familiarization and practice ...ADELPHI MD 20783-1197 NO. OF NO. OF COPIES ORGANIZATION COPIES ORGANIZATION 17 1 ARMY RSCH LABORATORY – HRED RDRL HRM DW E REDDEN

  3. Workload Analysis of the Crew of the Abrams V2 SEP: Phase I Baseline IMPRINT Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-09-01

    PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM -B Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5425 8...running a stop sign or a deer darting across the road, the high workload demands of driving become more apparent. The frequency of automobile accidents...OF COPIES ORGANIZATION COPIES ORGANIZATION 29 1 ARMY RSCH LABORATORY – HRED RDRL HRM A J MARTIN MYER CENTER BLDG 2700 RM 2D311

  4. Frictional Torque on a Rotating Disc

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    Tracker Eur. J. Phys. 33 615–22 [2] Alam J, Hassan H, Shamim S , Mahmood W and Anwar M S 2011 Precise measurement of velocity dependent friction in...on a rotating disc 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT...NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) US Naval Academy,Physics Department,Annapolis,MD,21402-1363 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

  5. The AFHSC-Division of GEIS Operations Predictive Surveillance Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Early Detection and Response to Disease Outbreaks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-01

    borne hantavirus diseases. In Kenya, USAMRU-K discovered hantaviruses in live rodents from Marigat and Garissa (Figure 15). These viruses are now...1Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA Full list of author information is available at the end...6. AUTHOR (S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Armed Forces Health

  6. IGG Subclass and Isotype Specific Immunoglobulin Responses to LASSA fever and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis: Natural Infection and Immunication

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-03-01

    VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS: NATURAL INFECTION AND IMMUNIZATION PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Renata J. Engler CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Uniformed Services...University of Health Sciences 4301 Jones Bridges Road Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 DTIC REPORT DATE: March 1, 1989 E T E MAR0 6 1990 TYPE OF REPORT...University (if applicable) of Health Sciences I 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) 4301 Jones Bridges Road

  7. Construction, MD simulation, and hydrodynamic validation of an all-atom model of a monoclonal IgG antibody.

    PubMed

    Brandt, J Paul; Patapoff, Thomas W; Aragon, Sergio R

    2010-08-04

    At 150 kDa, antibodies of the IgG class are too large for their structure to be determined with current NMR methodologies. Because of hinge-region flexibility, it is difficult to obtain atomic-level structural information from the crystal, and questions regarding antibody structure and dynamics in solution remain unaddressed. Here we describe the construction of a model of a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab) from the crystal structures of fragments. We use a combination of molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation, continuum hydrodynamics modeling, and experimental diffusion measurements to explore antibody behavior in aqueous solution. Hydrodynamic modeling provides a link between the atomic-level details of MD simulation and the size- and shape-dependent data provided by hydrodynamic measurements. Eight independent 40 ns MD trajectories were obtained with the AMBER program suite. The ensemble average of the computed transport properties over all of the MD trajectories agrees remarkably well with the value of the translational diffusion coefficient obtained with dynamic light scattering at 20 degrees C and 27 degrees C, and the intrinsic viscosity measured at 20 degrees C. Therefore, our MD results likely represent a realistic sampling of the conformational space that an antibody explores in aqueous solution. 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Combining Rosetta with molecular dynamics (MD): A benchmark of the MD-based ensemble protein design.

    PubMed

    Ludwiczak, Jan; Jarmula, Adam; Dunin-Horkawicz, Stanislaw

    2018-07-01

    Computational protein design is a set of procedures for computing amino acid sequences that will fold into a specified structure. Rosetta Design, a commonly used software for protein design, allows for the effective identification of sequences compatible with a given backbone structure, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can thoroughly sample near-native conformations. We benchmarked a procedure in which Rosetta design is started on MD-derived structural ensembles and showed that such a combined approach generates 20-30% more diverse sequences than currently available methods with only a slight increase in computation time. Importantly, the increase in diversity is achieved without a loss in the quality of the designed sequences assessed by their resemblance to natural sequences. We demonstrate that the MD-based procedure is also applicable to de novo design tasks started from backbone structures without any sequence information. In addition, we implemented a protocol that can be used to assess the stability of designed models and to select the best candidates for experimental validation. In sum our results demonstrate that the MD ensemble-based flexible backbone design can be a viable method for protein design, especially for tasks that require a large pool of diverse sequences. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays demonstrate high fidelity of multiple displacement-based whole-genome amplification.

    PubMed

    Tzvetkov, Mladen V; Becker, Christian; Kulle, Bettina; Nürnberg, Peter; Brockmöller, Jürgen; Wojnowski, Leszek

    2005-02-01

    Whole-genome DNA amplification by multiple displacement (MD-WGA) is a promising tool to obtain sufficient DNA amounts from samples of limited quantity. Using Affymetrix' GeneChip Human Mapping 10K Arrays, we investigated the accuracy and allele amplification bias in DNA samples subjected to MD-WGA. We observed an excellent concordance (99.95%) between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) called both in the nonamplified and the corresponding amplified DNA. This concordance was only 0.01% lower than the intra-assay reproducibility of the genotyping technique used. However, MD-WGA failed to amplify an estimated 7% of polymorphic loci. Due to the algorithm used to call genotypes, this was detected only for heterozygous loci. We achieved a 4.3-fold reduction of noncalled SNPs by combining the results from two independent MD-WGA reactions. This indicated that inter-reaction variations rather than specific chromosomal loci reduced the efficiency of MD-WGA. Consistently, we detected no regions of reduced amplification, with the exception of several SNPs located near chromosomal ends. Altogether, despite a substantial loss of polymorphic sites, MD-WGA appears to be the current method of choice to amplify genomic DNA for array-based SNP analyses. The number of nonamplified loci can be substantially reduced by amplifying each DNA sample in duplicate.

  10. Impact of business infrastructure on financial metrics in departments of surgery.

    PubMed

    Wai, Philip Y; O'Hern, Tim; Andersen, Dave O; Kuo, Marissa C; Weber, Cynthia E; Talbot, Lindsay J; Kuo, Paul C

    2012-10-01

    In the current environment, pressure is ever increasing to maximize financial performance in surgery departments. Factors such as physician extenders, billing and collection, payor mix, contracting, incentives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and administrative incentives may greatly influence financial performance. However, despite a plethora of information from the University HealthSystem Consortium and the Association of American Medical Colleges, best-practice information for business infrastructure is lacking. To obtain a sampling of current practices, we conducted a survey of departments of surgery. An anonymous 30-question survey addressing demographics, productivity, revenue and expense profile, payor mix, physician extender and staff personnel, billing and collections methodology, and financial performance was distributed among members of the Society of Surgical Chairs via SurveyMonkey. This was approved by the Loyola Institutional Research Board. Multivariate linear regression analyses and t tests/rank-sum tests were performed, as appropriate. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. A total of 25 (19%) departments responded; 14 were integrated with the hospital/health system, and 11 were integrated with the medical school. In 60% (n = 15), the main hospital had 500 to 1,000 beds; 48% (n = 12) had >4 hospitals in their system. For FY10, MD clinical full-time equivalents (FTEs) were 49 ± 10; total work relative value units (wRVUs) were 320 ± 8 k; and total billed cases were 43 ± 16 k. A total of 23 of 25 used physician-extenders with an average of 18 ± 5 per department and in 22 of 23, the physician extenders billed. On average, there were 18 ± 6 clinical-support staff, 25 ± 11 front-office staff, and 13 ± 3 back-office support staff FTEs. Among these FTEs, there were 16 ± 5 devoted to business operations (billing, coding, denial/claims management, financial oversight). Collections/wRVUs were $60 ± 3 (range, 39-80). Regression modeling demonstrated that total wRVUs were determined by the number of MD FTEs (P = .01), number of physician extenders (P = .01), number of front-office staff (P = .01), number of back-office staff (P = .02), and number of total business staff (P = .01). Collections/wRVUs were predicted by number of hospitals (P = .04), number of MD FTEs (P = .03), number of physician extenders (P = .01), and number of cases/total business staff (P = .02). Interestingly, wRVUs/MD was predicted by number of MD FTEs (P = .01) but were not greatly impacted by numbers of clinical or business support staff. In 4 of 25, the billing and coding staff were incentivized and had a Collections/wRVU = 64 ± 5 whereas nonincentivized staff had collections/wRVU = 59 ± 3. (P = NS) Also, %Accounts receivable >90 days (15% vs 25%) were not substantially different. Only 48% (12/25) have departments have recouped Centers for Medicare and Medicaid dollars for Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, Meaningful Use, Patient-Centered Medical Homes, or other Accountable Care-like programs. One-half (13) of the departments had both an inpatient and outpatient electronic medical record. Finally, on a scale of 1-10 (10 = highest), the average level of satisfaction with billing and collections processes was 6. Our results indicate that the physician extender, clinical support staff, and business staff environment can impact surgeon productivity, and there is opportunity for improvement. Determining best practices for ratios of support staff/MD and optimizing the role of electronic medical record in workflow and billing/collections are critical in the current environment. Our pilot study requires extension across more institutions for validation. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Effective Use of Females to Support Nation Building Operations in Afghanistan

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    Building. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2008. Donini , Antonio, et al,eds. Nation-Building Unraveled? Aid, Peace and Justice in Afghanistan...Conflict, and Peacekeeping, ed. Mazurana et al. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2005. Frels, M . “Women Warriors: Oxymoron or Reality...MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2005. McSally, M . “Women in Combat: Is the Current Policy Obsolete?” Master’s Thesis, Maxwell AFB, AL: Air

  12. Pre-examination factors affecting molecular diagnostic test results and interpretation: A case-based approach.

    PubMed

    Payne, Deborah A; Baluchova, Katarina; Peoc'h, Katell H; van Schaik, Ron H N; Chan, K C Allen; Maekawa, Masato; Mamotte, Cyril; Russomando, Graciela; Rousseau, François; Ahmad-Nejad, Parviz

    2017-04-01

    Multiple organizations produce guidance documents that provide opportunities to harmonize quality practices for diagnostic testing. The International Organization for Standardization ISO 15189 standard addresses requirements for quality in management and technical aspects of the clinical laboratory. One technical aspect addresses the complexities of the pre-examination phase prior to diagnostic testing. The Committee for Molecular Diagnostics of the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (also known as, IFCC C-MD) conducted a survey of international molecular laboratories and determined ISO 15189 to be the most referenced guidance document. In this review, the IFCC C-MD provides case-based examples illustrating the value of select pre-examination processes as these processes relate to molecular diagnostic testing. Case-based examples in infectious disease, oncology, inherited disease and pharmacogenomics address the utility of: 1) providing information to patients and users, 2) designing requisition forms, 3) obtaining informed consent and 4) maintaining sample integrity prior to testing. The pre-examination phase requires extensive and consistent communication between the laboratory, the healthcare provider and the end user. The clinical vignettes presented in this paper illustrate the value of applying select ISO 15189 recommendations for general laboratory to the more specialized area of Molecular Diagnostics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Association of circulating adipokines with metabolic dyslipidemia in obese versus non-obese individuals.

    PubMed

    Rahimlou, Mehran; Mirzaei, Khadijeh; Keshavarz, Seyed Ali; Hossein-Nezhad, Arash

    2016-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that circulating adipokines may play an important role in the pathogenesis of some obesity related chronic disease such as dyslipidemia and type2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between vaspin, omentin-1 and retinol binding protein-4 levels with metabolic dyslipidemia (MD) criteria in obese and non-obese individuals. The study was conducted on 170 obese and 81 non-obese individuals. After collecting the blood samples, serum levels metabolic parameters as well as three circulating adipokines and body composition were measured. No significant difference was noted regarding the mean serum levels of omentin-1 and vaspin between the obese and non-obese groups, while, serum level of RBP4 was significantly higher in the non-obese group. We found the 0.22 increased risk of MD in obese individuals with higher RBP4 concentration. After the adjustment for confounding factors, this association was still significant. No significant association was noted between MD and its components relative risks with omentin-1 and vaspin levels. Our study demonstrated that circulating RBP4 was significantly higher in the obese individuals which may increase the risk of MD in them. Further researches are needed to address this association. Copyright © 2015 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Peyro Saint Paul, Laure; Debruyne, Danièle; Bernard, Delphine; Mock, Donald M; Defer, Gilles L

    2016-01-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially highly disabling neurological disorder. No disease-modifying treatments are approved in the progressive and not active forms of the disease. High doses of biotin were tested in an open-label pilot study involving 23 patients with progressive MS and reported positive results. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 154 progressive MS patients confirmed the beneficial effect of MD1003 (high-dose biotin) on reversing or stabilizing disability progression, with a good safety profile. It is proposed that MD1003 in progressive MS 1) increases energy production in demyelinated axons and/or 2) enhances myelin synthesis in oligodendrocytes. Biotin is highly bioavailable; absorption and excretion are rapid. The major route of elimination is urinary excretion. A high oral dose of biotin seems generally well tolerated but a few important safety concerns were identified: 1) teratogenicity in one species and 2) interference with some biotin-based laboratory immunoassays. The animal toxicity data are limited at such high doses. Further preclinical studies would be useful to address the mechanism of action of MD1003. Assessment of clinical benefit duration in responders will be also very important to set. Results of randomized, placebo-controlled trial are reassuring and provide hope for the treatment of progressive MS.

  15. Nonlinear digital signal processing in mental health: characterization of major depression using instantaneous entropy measures of heartbeat dynamics.

    PubMed

    Valenza, Gaetano; Garcia, Ronald G; Citi, Luca; Scilingo, Enzo P; Tomaz, Carlos A; Barbieri, Riccardo

    2015-01-01

    Nonlinear digital signal processing methods that address system complexity have provided useful computational tools for helping in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. More specifically, nonlinear measures have been successful in characterizing patients with mental disorders such as Major Depression (MD). In this study, we propose the use of instantaneous measures of entropy, namely the inhomogeneous point-process approximate entropy (ipApEn) and the inhomogeneous point-process sample entropy (ipSampEn), to describe a novel characterization of MD patients undergoing affective elicitation. Because these measures are built within a nonlinear point-process model, they allow for the assessment of complexity in cardiovascular dynamics at each moment in time. Heartbeat dynamics were characterized from 48 healthy controls and 48 patients with MD while emotionally elicited through either neutral or arousing audiovisual stimuli. Experimental results coming from the arousing tasks show that ipApEn measures are able to instantaneously track heartbeat complexity as well as discern between healthy subjects and MD patients. Conversely, standard heart rate variability (HRV) analysis performed in both time and frequency domains did not show any statistical significance. We conclude that measures of entropy based on nonlinear point-process models might contribute to devising useful computational tools for care in mental health.

  16. Speaker Introductions at Internal Medicine Grand Rounds: Forms of Address Reveal Gender Bias.

    PubMed

    Files, Julia A; Mayer, Anita P; Ko, Marcia G; Friedrich, Patricia; Jenkins, Marjorie; Bryan, Michael J; Vegunta, Suneela; Wittich, Christopher M; Lyle, Melissa A; Melikian, Ryan; Duston, Trevor; Chang, Yu-Hui H; Hayes, Sharonne N

    2017-05-01

    Gender bias has been identified as one of the drivers of gender disparity in academic medicine. Bias may be reinforced by gender subordinating language or differential use of formality in forms of address. Professional titles may influence the perceived expertise and authority of the referenced individual. The objective of this study is to examine how professional titles were used in the same and mixed-gender speaker introductions at Internal Medicine Grand Rounds (IMGR). A retrospective observational study of video-archived speaker introductions at consecutive IMGR was conducted at two different locations (Arizona, Minnesota) of an academic medical center. Introducers and speakers at IMGR were physician and scientist peers holding MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degrees. The primary outcome was whether or not a speaker's professional title was used during the first form of address during speaker introductions at IMGR. As secondary outcomes, we evaluated whether or not the speakers professional title was used in any form of address during the introduction. Three hundred twenty-one forms of address were analyzed. Female introducers were more likely to use professional titles when introducing any speaker during the first form of address compared with male introducers (96.2% [102/106] vs. 65.6% [141/215]; p < 0.001). Female dyads utilized formal titles during the first form of address 97.8% (45/46) compared with male dyads who utilized a formal title 72.4% (110/152) of the time (p = 0.007). In mixed-gender dyads, where the introducer was female and speaker male, formal titles were used 95.0% (57/60) of the time. Male introducers of female speakers utilized professional titles 49.2% (31/63) of the time (p < 0.001). In this study, women introduced by men at IMGR were less likely to be addressed by professional title than were men introduced by men. Differential formality in speaker introductions may amplify isolation, marginalization, and professional discomfiture expressed by women faculty in academic medicine.

  17. [Association between Minamata disease status and activities of daily living among inhabitants in previously methylmercury-polluted areas].

    PubMed

    Ushijima, Kayo; Sung, Woncheol; Kawakita, Minoru; Mukai, Yoshito; Tamura, Kenji; Tanaka, Shiro; Tanaka, Mika; Maruyama, Sadami

    2008-07-01

    Minamata disease (MD), first discovered in 1956, is a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning due to daily intake of fish and shellfish that have been contaminated by methylmercury discharged from chemical factories. However, reports of ill health increased sharply following the 2004 Supreme Court ruling instructing the Japanese government to pay damages to MD patients. We examined the distribution of disability in activities of daily living (ADL), and the association between MD status in terms of compensation system and ADL disability among the general population of previously methylmercury-polluted areas. Data were collected by two-stage stratified sampling of residents 40-79 years old in 172 postal-code areas on the Shiranui Sea coast, the endemic area of MD. Questionnaires were distributed to eligible subjects (n = 2100) and collected at a later visit or by mail. Information on demographic factors, basic ADL (BADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL) was obtained using questionnaires. We performed logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between MD status in terms of compensation system and ADL disability. We classified the 1422 residents who completed the questionnaire in accordance with their MD status in terms of compensation system: Early (those who received MD compensation before the Supreme Court decision), Recent (those who applied for compensation after the Supreme Court decision), Not Yet (those who have not yet applied for compensation, but have health-related anxieties about MD effects), and Normal (those who have not applied for compensation, and do not have health-related anxieties about MD effects). Adjusting for confounding factors, MD status was significantly associated with the disability grades of BADL and IADL with an increasing trend in the order of Normal, Not Yet, Recent, and Early. The odds ratios (95% CI) based on Normal were 2.08 (1.08-4.01), 3.87 (2.14-7.01), and 4.50 (2.66-7.61) for BADL and 2.41 (1.62-3.61), 3.20 (2.12-4.85) and 3.68 (2.52-5.38) in Not Yet, Recent, and Early for IADL, respectively. Early, Recent, and Not Yet had lower ADL grades than Normal. Moreover, the population with a low ADL grade and health-related anxieties had increased throughout the previously methylmercury-polluted areas. The issue of ill health among populations living in previously methylmercury-polluted areas should be addressed in the wider context of public and community health.

  18. Dynamics of electrical double layer formation in room-temperature ionic liquids under constant-current charging conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Xikai; Huang, Jingsong; Zhao, Hui; Sumpter, Bobby G.; Qiao, Rui

    2014-07-01

    We report detailed simulation results on the formation dynamics of an electrical double layer (EDL) inside an electrochemical cell featuring room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) enclosed between two planar electrodes. Under relatively small charging currents, the evolution of cell potential from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations during charging can be suitably predicted by the Landau-Ginzburg-type continuum model proposed recently (Bazant et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 106 046102). Under very large charging currents, the cell potential from MD simulations shows pronounced oscillation during the initial stage of charging, a feature not captured by the continuum model. Such oscillation originates from the sequential growth of the ionic space charge layers near the electrode surface. This allows the evolution of EDLs in RTILs with time, an atomistic process difficult to visualize experimentally, to be studied by analyzing the cell potential under constant-current charging conditions. While the continuum model cannot predict the potential oscillation under such far-from-equilibrium charging conditions, it can nevertheless qualitatively capture the growth of cell potential during the later stage of charging. Improving the continuum model by introducing frequency-dependent dielectric constant and density-dependent ion diffusion coefficients may help to further extend the applicability of the model. The evolution of ion density profiles is also compared between the MD and the continuum model, showing good agreement.

  19. Dynamics of electrical double layer formation in room-temperature ionic liquids under constant-current charging conditions.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Xikai; Huang, Jingsong; Zhao, Hui; Sumpter, Bobby G; Qiao, Rui

    2014-07-16

    We report detailed simulation results on the formation dynamics of an electrical double layer (EDL) inside an electrochemical cell featuring room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) enclosed between two planar electrodes. Under relatively small charging currents, the evolution of cell potential from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations during charging can be suitably predicted by the Landau-Ginzburg-type continuum model proposed recently (Bazant et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 106 046102). Under very large charging currents, the cell potential from MD simulations shows pronounced oscillation during the initial stage of charging, a feature not captured by the continuum model. Such oscillation originates from the sequential growth of the ionic space charge layers near the electrode surface. This allows the evolution of EDLs in RTILs with time, an atomistic process difficult to visualize experimentally, to be studied by analyzing the cell potential under constant-current charging conditions. While the continuum model cannot predict the potential oscillation under such far-from-equilibrium charging conditions, it can nevertheless qualitatively capture the growth of cell potential during the later stage of charging. Improving the continuum model by introducing frequency-dependent dielectric constant and density-dependent ion diffusion coefficients may help to further extend the applicability of the model. The evolution of ion density profiles is also compared between the MD and the continuum model, showing good agreement.

  20. Reducing Cancer Health Disparities through Community Engagement: Working with Faith-Based Organizations (Project CHURCH)

    Cancer.gov

    Lorna H. McNeill, PhD, MPH, is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Health Disparities at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. McNeill's research is on the elimination of cancer-related health disparities in minority populations. Her research has particular emphasis on understanding the influence of social contextual determinants of cancer in minorities, with a special focus of the role of physical activity as a key preventive behavior and obesity as a major cancer determinant. Her research takes place in minority and underserved communities such as public housing developments, black churches, community-based clinics and low-income neighborhoods-communities with excess cancer death rates. She has been continuously funded, receiving grants from various funding agencies (i.e., National Institutes of Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, etc.), to better understand and design innovative solutions to address obesity in racial/ethnic minority communities. Dr. McNeill is PI of several community-based studies, primarily working with African American churches. One is a called Project CHURCH, an academic-faith-based partnership established to: 1) identify underlying reasons for health disparities in cancer and cancer risk factors (e.g., screening, diet) among AAs using a cohort study (N=2400), 2) engage AAs as partners in the research process, and 3) to ultimately eliminate disparities among AAs. In 2014 Dr. McNeill furthered her partnership through the Faith, Health, and Family (FHF) Collaborative. The goals of FHF are to enhance the Project CHURCH partnership to address family obesity in African Americans, strengthen the partnership by developing a larger coalition of organizations and stakeholders to address the problem, assess church and community interest in family obesity and develop an agenda to address obesity in faith settings. To date we have 50 churches as members. Dr. McNeill is also director of the Center for Community-Engaged Translational Research (CCETR) at MD Anderson. CCETR works with MD Anderson faculty to develop collaborations with underserved communities with a focus on conducting high-quality, relevant cancer prevention research.

  1. MD-miniRNA could be a more accurate biomarker for prostate cancer screening compared with serum prostate-specific antigen level.

    PubMed

    Xue, Dong; Zhou, Cui-Xing; Shi, Yun-Bo; Lu, Hao; He, Xiao-Zhou

    2015-05-01

    Prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia detection remains a great challenge, lacking of effective non-invasive and specific diagnostic biomarkers. In the current study, we aimed to identify the relative expression of plasma MD-miniRNA and its diagnostic performance in differentiating prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia patients from healthy controls, compared with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. All of the clinical participants (63 prostate cancer patients, 32 prostatic hyperplasia patients, and 50 healthy controls) were obtained from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University in China between January 2013 and April 2014. Clinical characteristics were well matched. Plasma samples were extracted to test the relative expression of MD-miniRNA using the method of qRT-PCR. SPSS 22.0 statistical software package was used to analyze the data and GraphPad Prism 6.0 was used to generate the graphs. Relativity expression of plasma MD-miniRNA was significantly upregulated in prostate cancer, compared with prostatic hyperplasia patients and healthy controls. Serum PSA level revealed similar differences among these groups. MD-miniRNA presented a relatively high diagnostic accuracy with AUC of 0.86 (95 % CI 0.80-0.93) in differentiating prostate cancer patients from healthy controls. Simultaneously, MD-miniRNA was able to discriminate prostate cancer patients from prostatic hyperplasia controls with AUC of 0.79 (95 % CI 0.70-0.88). In addition, MD-miniRNA displayed a better diagnostic performance than PSA level. However, the panel of these two biomarkers revealed the best diagnostic performance, compared with either single biomarker. Results of this study showed that plasma MD-miniRNA could serve as a promising and noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing prostate cancer. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its clinical diagnosis accuracy.

  2. 21 CFR 314.95 - Notice of certification of invalidity or noninfringement of a patent.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... of business within the United States, the application holder's attorney, agent, or other authorized official. The name and address of the application holder or its attorney, agent, or authorized official may be obtained from the Orange Book Staff, Office of Generic Drugs, 7500 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD...

  3. 78 FR 75335 - Intent To Grant an Exclusive License for a U.S. Government-Owned Invention

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-11

    ..., ``Automated Inhalation Toxicology Exposure System and Method,'' and related foreign rights. The intended licensee is Biaera Technologies, LLC, with its principal place of business at 277 Eastern Boulevard North, Suite 3, Hagerstown, MD 21740. ADDRESSES: Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command...

  4. Meeting Summary | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    The Trans-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Angiogenesis Workshop was convened May 20-21, 2013 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD to evaluate the state-of-the-science for angiogenesis research disciplines and to address scientific gaps influencing public health outcomes on human disease. Because angiogenesis research applies to many diseases, a

  5. 77 FR 48503 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-14

    ... instrument and instructions should be directed to the attention of Vanda R. White, National Voluntary..., Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140; phone: (301) 975-3592; email: vanda.white@nist.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I... provide information, such as name, address, phone and fax numbers, contact person(s), and select the test...

  6. An Integrated Modeling and Observational Study of Three-Dimensional Upper Ocean Boundary Layer Dynamics and Parameterizations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-04-26

    for public release ; distribution is unlimited. 4 Figure 3. First Kuroshio survey. Colors show MODIS SST image. Inset shows the survey...Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: stevens@scripps.edu 15

  7. 75 FR 57803 - Preparation for International Conference on Harmonisation Steering Committee and Expert Working...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-22

    ... Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, email: [email protected] , or FAX: 301-595-7937... name, address, telephone, and fax number), written material, and requests to make oral presentations to... either hardcopy or on CD-ROM, after submission of a Freedom of Information request. Written requests are...

  8. 77 FR 19004 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-29

    ... Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery AGENCY: National Marine... Salmon Fishery. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before 5 p.m. EST April 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send... Seine Salmon Buyback, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

  9. A Fast Response Capability within NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-01-01

    A Fast Response Capability within NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS P. B. Burke NOAA/National Ocean Service/CO-OPS 1305 East-West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD 20910...USA pat.burke@noaa.gov T. Graff NOAA/National Ocean Service/CO-OPS 1305 East-West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA tammy.graff@noaa.gov... flotation hull, an instrumentation tower mounted atop the hull and a current meter mount with a mooring attachment. The triangular tower housed two

  10. Hybrid MD-Nernst Planck Model of Alpha-hemolysin Conductance Properties

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cozmuta, Ioana; O'Keefer, James T.; Bose, Deepak; Stolc, Viktor

    2006-01-01

    Motivated by experiments in which an applied electric field translocates polynucleotides through an alpha-hemolysin protein channel causing ionic current transient blockade, a hybrid simulation model is proposed to predict the conductance properties of the open channel. Time scales corresponding to ion permeation processes are reached using the Poisson-Nemst-Planck (PNP) electro-diffusion model in which both solvent and local ion concentrations are represented as a continuum. The diffusion coefficients of the ions (K(+) and Cl(-)) input in the PNP model are, however, calculated from all-atom molecular dynamics (MD). In the MD simulations, a reduced representation of the channel is used. The channel is solvated in a 1 M KCI solution, and an external electric field is applied. The pore specific diffusion coefficients for both ionic species are reduced 5-7 times in comparison to bulk values. Significant statistical variations (17-45%) of the pore-ions diffusivities are observed. Within the statistics, the ionic diffusivities remain invariable for a range of external applied voltages between 30 and 240mV. In the 2D-PNP calculations, the pore stem is approximated by a smooth cylinder of radius approx. 9A with two constriction blocks where the radius is reduced to approx. 6A. The electrostatic potential includes the contribution from the atomistic charges. The MD-PNP model shows that the atomic charges are responsible for the rectifying behaviour and for the slight anion selectivity of the a-hemolysin pore. Independent of the hierarchy between the anion and cation diffusivities, the anionic contribution to the total ionic current will dominate. The predictions of the MD-PNP model are in good agreement with experimental data and give confidence in the present approach of bridging time scales by combining a microscopic and macroscopic model.

  11. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and risk of bladder cancer in the EPIC cohort study.

    PubMed

    Buckland, G; Ros, M M; Roswall, N; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H B; Travier, N; Tjonneland, A; Kiemeney, L A; Sacerdote, C; Tumino, R; Ljungberg, B; Gram, I T; Weiderpass, E; Skeie, G; Malm, J; Ehrnström, R; Chang-Claude, J; Mattiello, A; Agnoli, C; Peeters, P H; Boutron-Ruault, M C; Fagherazzi, G; Clavel-Chapelon, F; Nilsson, L M; Amiano, P; Trichopoulou, A; Oikonomou, E; Tsiotas, K; Sánchez, M J; Overvad, K; Quirós, J R; Chirlaque, M D; Barricarte, A; Key, T J; Allen, N E; Khaw, K T; Wareham, N; Riboli, E; Kaaks, R; Boeing, H; Palli, D; Romieu, I; Romaguera, D; Gonzalez, C A

    2014-05-15

    There is growing evidence of the protective role of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on cancer. However, to date no epidemiological study has investigated the influence of the MD on bladder cancer. We evaluated the association between adherence to the MD and risk of urothelial cell bladder cancer (UCC), according to tumor aggressiveness, in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The analysis included 477,312 participants, recruited from ten European countries between 1991 and 2000. Information from validated dietary questionnaires was used to develop a relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED), including nine dietary components. Cox regression models were used to assess the effect of the rMED on UCC risk, while adjusting for dietary energy and tobacco smoking of any kind. Stratified analyses were performed by sex, BMI, smoking status, European region and age at diagnosis. During an average follow-up of 11 years, 1,425 participants (70.9% male) were diagnosed with a first primary UCC. There was a negative but non-significant association between a high versus low rMED score and risk of UCC overall (HR: 0.84 [95% CI 0.69, 1.03]) and risk of aggressive (HR: 0.88 [95% CI 0.61, 1.28]) and non-aggressive tumors (HR: 0.78 [95% CI 0.54, 1.14]). Although there was no effect modification in the stratified analyses, there was a significant 34% (p = 0.043) decreased risk of UCC in current smokers with a high rMED score. In EPIC, the MD was not significantly associated with risk of UCC, although we cannot exclude that a MD may reduce risk in current smokers. © 2013 UICC.

  12. Discovery of new class of methoxy carrying isoxazole derivatives as COX-II inhibitors: Investigation of a detailed molecular dynamics study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Joy, Monu; Elrashedy, Ahmed A.; Mathew, Bijo; Pillay, Ashona Singh; Mathews, Annie; Dev, Sanal; Soliman, Mahmoud E. S.; Sudarsanakumar, C.

    2018-04-01

    Two novel isoxazole derivatives were synthesized and characterized by NMR and single crystal X-ray crystallography techniques. The methoxy and dimethoxy functionalized variants of isoxazole were screened for its anti-inflammatory profile using cyclooxygenase fluorescent inhibitor screening assay methods along with standard drugs, Celecoxib and Diclofenac. The potent and selective nature of the two isoxazole derivatives on COX-II isoenzyme with a greater magnitude of inhibitory concentration, as compared to the standard drugs and further exploited through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Classical, accelerated and multiple MD simulations were performed to investigate the actual binding mode of the two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug candidates and addressed their functional selectivity towards COX-II enzyme inhibitory nature.

  13. The Relationship of Deiodinase 1 Genotype and Thyroid Function to Lifetime History of Major Depression in Three Independent Populations

    PubMed Central

    Philibert, Robert A.; Beach, Steven R. H.; Gunter, Tracy D.; Todorov, Alexandre A.; Brody, Gene H.; Vijayendran, Meeshanthini; Elliott, Lilly; Hollenbeck, Nancy; Russell, Daniel; Cutrona, Carolyn

    2011-01-01

    Major depression (MD) is often associated with disturbances of the hypothalamic/pituitary/thyroid (HPT) axis. Unfortunately, whether this association is secondary to common underlying genetic variation or whether the MD-associated disturbances in HPT function are chronic or state-dependent is unknown. To examine these questions, we genotyped 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in previous genome wide association analyses of thyroid function in DNA contributed by 1555 subjects from three longitudinal ethnically diverse studies that are well-characterized for lifetime major depression and thyroid function. We then examined associations between genetic variants and key outcomes of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and depression. We confirmed prior findings that two variants in deiodinase 1 (DIO1), including a variant in the 3’ UTR of DIO1 (rs11206244), were associated with altered free thyroxine (FT4) levels in both White and African American subjects. We also found that rs11206244 genotype was associated with lifetime MD in White female subjects, in particular those from high-risk cohorts. However, we found no association of current FT4 levels with lifetime MD in either ethnic group. We conclude that genetic variation influencing thyroid function is a risk factor for MD. Given the evidence from prior studies, further investigations of role of HPT variation in etiology and treatment of MD are indicated. PMID:21563302

  14. Surgical physician assistants help solve contemporary problems.

    PubMed

    Blumm, Robert M; Condit, Doug

    2003-06-01

    Recent surveys performed by the AAPA estimate that in 2002 approximately 183 million visits were made to PAs and 223 million medications were prescribed or recommended by PAs. The AAPA estimates that just more than 46,000 PAs currently are in clinical practice, with New York and California having the largest numbers of practicing PAs. Helen Keller said, "The most pathetic person in the world is the person who has sight but no vision." Most individuals accept life and its shortcomings, but visionaries are different. They see not only that which is evident, but also that which exists in imagination. Visionary physicians and surgeons who aided in the creation of the physician assistant and use of PAs in surgery include: Eugene Stead, MD; John Kirklin, MD, FACS; E. Harvey Estes, Jr., MD; Richard Smith, MD, FACS; and Marvin Giledman, MD. They believed that well-educated nonphysicians could work alongside physicians as a team and, thus, expand the delivery of health care in America. PAs have crossed into the new millennium with new challenges. Together, as a team with supervising surgeons, PAs can meet the challenges and establish new alliances that will alleviate today's constraints. As Rear Adm. Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, Deputy Surgeon General, said, "Physician assistants are ideal partners and professionals in the nation's health system. They are colleagues with physicians to assure improved access to quality health care in a cost-effective manner.

  15. Anesthetic Management of a Child With Unspecified Mitochondrial Disease in an Outpatient Dental Setting.

    PubMed

    Gordon, Taylor R; Montandon, Richard J

    2017-01-01

    Mitochondrial disease (MD) represents a category of metabolic disorders with a wide range of symptoms across a variety of organ systems. It occurs with an incidence of greater than 1:5000 and can be difficult to specifically diagnose because of the variety of clinical presentations and multiple genomic origins. Although phenotypically variable, MD symptoms often include hypotonia, cardiac defects, dysautonomia, and metabolic dysfunction. Mitochondrial disease presents a unique challenge in terms of anesthetic management, as many anesthetic drugs suppress mitochondrial function. Additional considerations may need to be made in order to evaluate the patient's metabolic compensation prior to surgery. This article presents an in-depth discussion of a case involving a nearly 10-year-old boy with a history of an unspecified form of MD, who presented for endodontic treatment of tooth No. 30 under deep sedation. The article also provides a thorough review of the current literature surrounding the anesthetic management of patients with MD.

  16. Rational design of novel TLR4 ligands by in silico screening and their functional and structural characterization in vitro.

    PubMed

    Honegr, Jan; Malinak, David; Dolezal, Rafael; Soukup, Ondrej; Benkova, Marketa; Hroch, Lukas; Benek, Ondrej; Janockova, Jana; Kuca, Kamil; Prymula, Roman

    2018-02-25

    The purpose of this study was to identify new small molecules that possess activity on human toll-like receptor 4 associated with the myeloid differentiation protein 2 (hTLR4/MD2). Following current rational drug design principles, we firstly performed a ligand and structure based virtual screening of more than 130 000 compounds to discover until now unknown class of hTLR4/MD2 modulators that could be used as novel type of immunologic adjuvants. The core of the in silico study was molecular docking of flexible ligands in a partially flexible hTLR4/MD2 receptor model using a peta-flops-scale supercomputer. The most promising substances resulting from this study, related to anthracene-succimide hybrids, were synthesized and tested. The best prepared candidate exhibited 80% of Monophosphoryl Lipid A in vitro agonistic activity in cell lines expressing hTLR4/MD2. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Medical cyber-physical systems: A survey.

    PubMed

    Dey, Nilanjan; Ashour, Amira S; Shi, Fuqian; Fong, Simon James; Tavares, João Manuel R S

    2018-03-10

    Medical cyber-physical systems (MCPS) are healthcare critical integration of a network of medical devices. These systems are progressively used in hospitals to achieve a continuous high-quality healthcare. The MCPS design faces numerous challenges, including inoperability, security/privacy, and high assurance in the system software. In the current work, the infrastructure of the cyber-physical systems (CPS) are reviewed and discussed. This article enriched the researches of the networked Medical Device (MD) systems to increase the efficiency and safety of the healthcare. It also can assist the specialists of medical device to overcome crucial issues related to medical devices, and the challenges facing the design of the medical device's network. The concept of the social networking and its security along with the concept of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are addressed. Afterward, the CPS systems and platforms have been established, where more focus was directed toward CPS-based healthcare. The big data framework of CPSs is also included.

  18. Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 3): USA Aberdeen, Operable Unit One, Michaelsville, MD. (Second remedial action), June 1992

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

    Not Available

    1992-06-30

    The 20-acre USA Aberdeen Michaelsville Landfill is a municipal landfill located along the Chesapeake Bay in Harford County, Maryland. The site is in the northern portion of the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in the Aberdeen Area (AA) between Michaelsville Road and Trench Warfare Road. The majority of materials reportedly disposed of at the site included domestic trash, trash from nonindustrial sources at APG, solvents, waste motor oils, PCB transformer oils, wastewater treatment sludges, pesticides containing thallium, insecticides containing selenium, and rodenticides containing antimony. The ROD addresses protection of the ground water by minimizing leachate flow and preventing current or futuremore » exposure to waste materials as the first of two OUs planned for the site. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the soil are organics, including pesticides; and metals, including chromium and lead.« less

  19. It's Time for an Adventure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eldam Pommer, R.

    2017-12-01

    In recent years, studies have repeatedly illustrated the significance of children seeing themselves reflected in careers and cultures that they may not typically identify with. The current lack of diversity in accessible media, however, limits the potential for self-reflection from children of different socioeconomic, racial, and gender identity backgrounds. This isolates substantial sections of our population from experiencing these moments of recognition and inspiration. As scientists in a rapidly evolving field that requires diversity in perspective and ideas, it is incumbent upon us to innovate new ways to engage with these future generations in the pursuit of inspiring future earth scientists. Inspired by the work of others (e.g. Doc McStuffins, The Sandwich Swap) and through a successful crowdfunding campaign, I was able to develop a project which integrates children's love of adventure with foundational critical thinking skills. That project is MD and Finn. MD and Finn is a self-written/published children's book series which was developed to address the lack of diversity in children's literature. MD is a little girl who continuously explores, discovers, and builds the world around her with her best friend, Finn the fox. They encourage one another to ask questions, brainstorm, make mistakes, and learn from absolutely everything. While the primary goal of the series is to create a character in which young girls can see themselves solving problems, learning from mistakes, and enjoying the little pieces of science in daily life, as the project progresses, characters from different races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, and disabilities are purposefully introduced. In bringing these books to life, I have been given the unique opportunity to regularly engage with classrooms and families who may be meeting an actual scientist for the very first time. For a few young girls, they may also finally be seeing just a little bit of themselves - in a lab coat. To learn more, please visit www.MDandFinn.com.

  20. Advanced Computational Methods for High-accuracy Refinement of Protein Low-quality Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zang, Tianwu

    Predicting the 3-dimentional structure of protein has been a major interest in the modern computational biology. While lots of successful methods can generate models with 3˜5A root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) from the solution, the progress of refining these models is quite slow. It is therefore urgently needed to develop effective methods to bring low-quality models to higher-accuracy ranges (e.g., less than 2 A RMSD). In this thesis, I present several novel computational methods to address the high-accuracy refinement problem. First, an enhanced sampling method, named parallel continuous simulated tempering (PCST), is developed to accelerate the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Second, two energy biasing methods, Structure-Based Model (SBM) and Ensemble-Based Model (EBM), are introduced to perform targeted sampling around important conformations. Third, a three-step method is developed to blindly select high-quality models along the MD simulation. These methods work together to make significant refinement of low-quality models without any knowledge of the solution. The effectiveness of these methods is examined in different applications. Using the PCST-SBM method, models with higher global distance test scores (GDT_TS) are generated and selected in the MD simulation of 18 targets from the refinement category of the 10th Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP10). In addition, in the refinement test of two CASP10 targets using the PCST-EBM method, it is indicated that EBM may bring the initial model to even higher-quality levels. Furthermore, a multi-round refinement protocol of PCST-SBM improves the model quality of a protein to the level that is sufficient high for the molecular replacement in X-ray crystallography. Our results justify the crucial position of enhanced sampling in the protein structure prediction and demonstrate that a considerable improvement of low-accuracy structures is still achievable with current force fields.

  1. Microsecond Simulations of DNA and Ion Transport in Nanopores with Novel Ion-Ion and Ion-Nucleotides Effective Potentials

    PubMed Central

    De Biase, Pablo M.; Markosyan, Suren; Noskov, Sergei

    2014-01-01

    We developed a novel scheme based on the Grand-Canonical Monte-Carlo/Brownian Dynamics (GCMC/BD) simulations and have extended it to studies of ion currents across three nanopores with the potential for ssDNA sequencing: solid-state nanopore Si3N4, α-hemolysin, and E111N/M113Y/K147N mutant. To describe nucleotide-specific ion dynamics compatible with ssDNA coarse-grained model, we used the Inverse Monte-Carlo protocol, which maps the relevant ion-nucleotide distribution functions from an all-atom MD simulations. Combined with the previously developed simulation platform for Brownian Dynamic (BD) simulations of ion transport, it allows for microsecond- and millisecond-long simulations of ssDNA dynamics in nanopore with a conductance computation accuracy that equals or exceeds that of all-atom MD simulations. In spite of the simplifications, the protocol produces results that agree with the results of previous studies on ion conductance across open channels and provide direct correlations with experimentally measured blockade currents and ion conductances that have been estimated from all-atom MD simulations. PMID:24738152

  2. Evolution of the Antidepressant Prescribing in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Between 2010 and 2014: Results from the French National Database on Alzheimer's Disease (BNA).

    PubMed

    David, Renaud; Manera, Valeria; Fabre, Roxane; Pradier, Christian; Robert, Philippe; Tifratene, Karim

    2016-07-02

    Safety warnings from health authorities are currently intended to limit the use of psychotropic agents in dementia-related conditions. Evidence concerning the use of antidepressants in dementia is, however, scarce and contradictory. To evaluate antidepressant use among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders in the French population between 2010 and 2014. Antidepressant prescriptions in individuals with AD, mixed dementia (MD), and vascular dementia (VaD) in the French National Alzheimer Database between 2010 and 2014 were analyzed (N = 199,544). Multivariate analysis showed an annual significant increase (p < 0.001) in the prescription rate of antidepressants from 26% (2010) to 31% (2014), and identified female gender, younger age, higher education, living in long-term facilities, more severe cognitive decline, and presence of vascular signs (VaD and MD) as associated factors for antidepressant prescribing. The annual increase of antidepressant prescribing among individuals with AD, MD, and VaD in French specialized settings may be partially related to the lack of current valuable medications for dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

  3. Feature-selective Attention in Frontoparietal Cortex: Multivoxel Codes Adjust to Prioritize Task-relevant Information.

    PubMed

    Jackson, Jade; Rich, Anina N; Williams, Mark A; Woolgar, Alexandra

    2017-02-01

    Human cognition is characterized by astounding flexibility, enabling us to select appropriate information according to the objectives of our current task. A circuit of frontal and parietal brain regions, often referred to as the frontoparietal attention network or multiple-demand (MD) regions, are believed to play a fundamental role in this flexibility. There is evidence that these regions dynamically adjust their responses to selectively process information that is currently relevant for behavior, as proposed by the "adaptive coding hypothesis" [Duncan, J. An adaptive coding model of neural function in prefrontal cortex. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2, 820-829, 2001]. Could this provide a neural mechanism for feature-selective attention, the process by which we preferentially process one feature of a stimulus over another? We used multivariate pattern analysis of fMRI data during a perceptually challenging categorization task to investigate whether the representation of visual object features in the MD regions flexibly adjusts according to task relevance. Participants were trained to categorize visually similar novel objects along two orthogonal stimulus dimensions (length/orientation) and performed short alternating blocks in which only one of these dimensions was relevant. We found that multivoxel patterns of activation in the MD regions encoded the task-relevant distinctions more strongly than the task-irrelevant distinctions: The MD regions discriminated between stimuli of different lengths when length was relevant and between the same objects according to orientation when orientation was relevant. The data suggest a flexible neural system that adjusts its representation of visual objects to preferentially encode stimulus features that are currently relevant for behavior, providing a neural mechanism for feature-selective attention.

  4. Comorbidity and Suicidality in Patients Diagnosed with Panic Disorder/Agoraphobia and Major Depression.

    PubMed

    Batinic, Borjanka; Opacic, Goran; Ignjatov, Tijana; Baldwin, David S

    2017-06-01

    Comorbidity of anxiety and depression (both current and lifetime) is associated with greater chronicity and an increased risk of suicidality. We wished to ascertain which symptom clusters had the strongest association with suicidality. Our aims were (1) to examine the presence of current comorbidity and suicidality in patients diagnosed with panic disorder/agoraphobia (PD/A) and major depression (MD), and their relationship with duration of psychiatric treatment and frequency of hospital admission; and (2) to examine which coexisting symptoms were most strongly predictive of suicidality in sub-groups and the overall group. The study sample comprised 100 patients with PD/A and MD. The following assessment instruments were applied: the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the Whiteley Index of Hypochondriasis. High rates of current comorbidity were seen in both groups. Patients with MD had significantly higher suicidality scores, but were also older, with a longer duration of psychiatric treatment and more frequent hospitalizations. In the overall group, psychiatric comorbidity was correlated with duration of psychiatric treatment and frequency of hospitalizations (with the exception of hypochondriasis which was not correlated with frequency of hospitalization). In both sub-groups and the overall group, suicidality was correlated with scores for all examined comorbidity (with the exception of hypochondriasis in the PD/A group): however, after multiple regression only obsessive-compulsive symptomatology predicted suicidality in all sub-groups and the overall group, as well as depression in the overall group. Depression supposed as dependent variable and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology as a mediator explained around 37% of the variance in suicidal ideation. Patients with PD/A or MD show high rates of current comorbidity. The effect of depression on suicidality was significant, but a non-trivial impact was also mediated by obsessive-compulsive symptomatology.

  5. DEFINING THE RELEVANT OUTCOME MEASURES IN MEDICAL DEVICE ASSESSMENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DEFINITION PROCESS IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT.

    PubMed

    Jacobs, Esther; Antoine, Sunya-Lee; Prediger, Barbara; Neugebauer, Edmund; Eikermann, Michaela

    2017-01-01

    Defining relevant outcome measures for clinical trials on medical devices (MD) is complex, as there is a large variety of potentially relevant outcomes. The chosen outcomes vary widely across clinical trials making the assessment in evidence syntheses very challenging. The objective is to provide an overview on the current common procedures of health technology assessment (HTA) institutions in defining outcome measures in MD trials. In 2012-14, the Web pages of 126 institutions involved in HTA were searched for methodological manuals written in English or German that describe methods for the predefinition process of outcome measures. Additionally, the institutions were contacted by email. Relevant information was extracted. All process steps were performed independently by two reviewers. Twenty-four manuals and ten responses from the email request were included in the analysis. Overall, 88.5 percent of the institutions describe the type of outcomes that should be considered in detail and 84.6 percent agree that the main focus should be on patient relevant outcomes. Specifically related to MD, information could be obtained in 26 percent of the included manuals and email responses. Eleven percent of the institutions report a particular consideration of MD related outcomes. This detailed analysis on common procedures of HTA institutions in the context of defining relevant outcome measures for the assessment of MD shows that standardized procedures for MD from the perspective of HTA institutions are not widespread. This leads to the question if a homogenous approach should be implemented in the field of HTA on MD.

  6. [Autism, genetics and synaptic function alterations].

    PubMed

    Perche, O; Laumonnier, F; Baala, L; Ardourel, M-Y; Menuet, A; Robin, V; Mortaud, S; Montécot-Dubourg, C; Richard, O; Pichon, J; Briault, S

    2010-10-01

    Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a deficit of language and communication both associated with a restricted repertoire of activities and interests. The current prevalence of autistic disorder stricto sensu is estimated at 1/500 whereas autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increases up to 1/150 to 1/200. Mental deficiency (MD) and epilepsy are present in numerous autistic individuals. Consequently, autism is as a major public health issue. Autism was first considered as a non biological disease; however various rational approaches for analysing epidemiological data suggested the possibility of the influence of genetic factors. In 2003, this hypothesis was clearly illustrated by the characterization of genetic mutations transmitted through a mendelian manner. Subsequently, the glutamate synapse appeared as a preferential causal target in autism because the identified genes encoded proteins present in this structure. Strikingly, the findings that an identical genetic dysfunction of the synapse might also explain some MD suggested the possibility of a genetic comorbidity between these neurodevelopmental conditions. To date, various identified genes are considered indifferently as "autism" or "MD" genes. The characterization of mutations in the NLGN4X gene in patients with Asperger syndrome, autism without MD, or MD without autism, was the first example. It appears that a genetic continuum between ASD on one hand, and between autism and MD on the other hand, is present. Consequently, it is likely that genes already involved in MD will be found mutated in autistic patients and will represent future target for finding new factors in autism. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. Miniaturized Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer for CubeSat Atmospheric Measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rodriguez, M.; Paschalidis, N.; Jones, S.; Sittler, E.; Chornay, D.; Uribe, P.; Cameron, T.

    2016-01-01

    To increase the number of single point in-situ measurements of thermosphere and exosphere ion and neutral composition and density, miniaturized instrumentation is in high demand to take advantage of the increasing platform opportunities available in the smallsat/cubesat industry. The INMS (Ion-Neutral Mass Spectrometer) addresses this need by providing simultaneous measurements of both the neutral and ion environment, essentially providing two instruments in one compact model. The 1.3U volume, 570 gram, 1.8W nominal power INMS instrument makes implementation into cubesat designs (3U and above) practical and feasible. With high dynamic range (0.1-500eV), mass dynamic range of 1-40amu, sharp time resolution (0.1s), and mass resolution of MdM16, the INMS instrument addresses the atmospheric science needs that otherwise would have required larger more expensive instrumentation. INMS-v1 (version 1) launched on Exocube (CalPoly 3U cubesat) in 2015 and INMS-v2 (version 2) is scheduled to launch on Dellingr (GSFC 6U cubesat) in 2017. New versions of INMS are currently being developed to increase and add measurement capabilities, while maintaining its smallsat/cubesat form.

  8. 77 FR 64709 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-23

    ... visual inspection, and if necessary, an eddy current inspection of the main rotor lower hub assembly... specifies an initial 100-hour and recurring 300-hour visual and eddy current inspections of the lower hub... a total cost per helicopter of $85 and a total cost of $1,020 for the fleet. Eddy current inspecting...

  9. The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Application of Industrial Engineering Techniques to Reduce Workers’ Compensation and Environmental Costs

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-10-01

    TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Surface Warfare Center CD Code 2230-Design Integration...Tools Bldg 192, Room 128 9500 MacArthur Blvd Bethesda, MD 20817-5700 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S...Implementation of Task 2.4 • Task 7.0 Conduct Workshops • Task 8.0 Final Report To ensure success with the project, the research needed to be performed at the

  10. State of STEM (SoSTEM) Address

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-01-29

    Dr. John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, left, is interviewed by Montgomery Blair High School Student Newspaper “Silver Chips” Online Editor-in-Chief Aanchal Johri, center, and Photo Editor Emma Howells, from Silver Spring, MD. ahead of the annual White House State of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (SoSTEM) address, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  11. A Simple Data Logging System for Ballistic Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-07-01

    6. AUTHOR(S) Thomas Kottke 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN...AMSRD-ARL-WM-TE Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5066 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER ARL-TR-3853 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S...IC2 PIC18F458-I/L-ND $185.50/25 IC SOCKET PLCC 44POS SMT for IC2 ED80010-ND $15.05/10 IC SRAM 512KX8 LP WIDE 32- SOIC IC1 and IC4 428-1075-ND $118.00

  12. Fitwits MD™: an office-based tool and games for conversations about obesity with 9- to 12-year-old children.

    PubMed

    McGaffey, Ann L; Abatemarco, Diane J; Jewell, Ilene Katz; Fidler, Susan K; Hughes, Kristin

    2011-01-01

    Physician feelings of ineffectiveness and family-related barriers hamper childhood obesity discussions. Physicians desire appealing, time-efficient tools to frame and sensitively address obesity, body mass index, physical activity, nutrition, and portion size. Our university design-led coalition codeveloped tools and games for this purpose. In this feasibility study, we evaluated physician-level counseling of 9- to 12-year-old children and their parents/caretakers using Fitwits MD (Carnegie Mellon University School of Design, Pittsburgh, PA), a brief, structured intervention with flashcards and take-home games. Residency-based physicians in three low- to mid-level socioeconomic urban offices provided self-report data over 8 months through surveys, comment cards, and interviews. We recruited 33 physicians and 93 preadolescents and families. Child-centered key messages resulted in 7-minute conversations, on average. For those physicians who used Fitwits MD, 96% felt improved comfort and competence and 78% noted barrier reduction. Fitwits MD improved residency-based physician self-efficacy and emphasized important health education topics regarding office-based childhood obesity discussions with preadolescents and parents/caretakers.

  13. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Voltage-Gated Cation Channels: Insights on Voltage-Sensor Domain Function and Modulation

    PubMed Central

    Delemotte, Lucie; Klein, Michael L.; Tarek, Mounir

    2012-01-01

    Since their discovery in the 1950s, the structure and function of voltage-gated cation channels (VGCC) has been largely understood thanks to results stemming from electrophysiology, pharmacology, spectroscopy, and structural biology. Over the past decade, computational methods such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have also contributed, providing molecular level information that can be tested against experimental results, thereby allowing the validation of the models and protocols. Importantly, MD can shed light on elements of VGCC function that cannot be easily accessed through “classical” experiments. Here, we review the results of recent MD simulations addressing key questions that pertain to the function and modulation of the VGCC’s voltage-sensor domain (VSD) highlighting: (1) the movement of the S4-helix basic residues during channel activation, articulating how the electrical driving force acts upon them; (2) the nature of the VSD intermediate states on transitioning between open and closed states of the VGCC; and (3) the molecular level effects on the VSD arising from mutations of specific S4 positively charged residues involved in certain genetic diseases. PMID:22654756

  14. [Mental Health in General Family Medicine - obstacles and expectations perceived by Family Physicians].

    PubMed

    Fernandes, Liliana; Basílio, Nuno; Figueira, Sofia; Nunes, José Mendes

    2017-03-01

    This study seeks to understand the difficulties experienced by family physicians (FP) in the management of mental disorders (MD) and their proposals to improve the quality of care. It is qualitative study with semi-structured interviews with ten family physicians. These were recorded, transcribed and their content analyzed. Eight thematic categories were identified: perceived working conditions and available resources; perceived level of training in mental health; therapies used for treatment of MD; mental health instruments used in consultation; MD addressed in Primary Health Care (PHC) and referral to hospitals; patient's reaction to referral; articulation of PHC with hospitals; proposals to improve mental health care in PHC. Articulation with the Mental Health Services suffers from lack of accessibility, one-way communication and delayed response. The FP propose creation of consultancies; multidisciplinary teams in the community; creating a two-way communication platform; continuous learning through discussion of cases. The FP have responsibilities in providing MHC. This requires working in a multidisciplinary team. Services should be organized to function as a learning system that allows the progressive improvement of the professionals and the improvement of the interfaces between them.

  15. Power Projection: The Current and Future Relevance of the M1A1Tank to Marine Corps Capabilities

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    Kenneth W. Estes, Marines under Armor : The Marine Corps and the Armored Fighting Vehicle, 1916-2000 (Annapolis, MD: Naval institute Press, 2000), 183...is the M2 heavy barrel machine gun that has been in the U.S. inventory for decades. It can be fired from under armor and has a range of 1800 meters...Accessed 9 January 2002. Estes, Kenneth W. Marines under Armor : The Marine Corps and the Armored Fighting Vehicle, 1916-2000. Annapolis, MD

  16. Effects of mutations on active site conformation and dynamics of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Coxsackievirus B3.

    PubMed

    Shen, Hujun; Deng, Mingsen; Zhang, Yachao

    2017-10-01

    Recent crystal structures of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3D pol ) from Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) revealed that a tyrosine mutation at Phe364 (F364Y) resulted in structures with open active site whereas a hydrophobic mutation at Phe364 (F364A) led to conformations with closed active site. Besides, the crystal structures showed that the F364W mutation had no preference between the open and closed active sites, similar to wild-type. In this paper, we present a molecular dynamics (MD) study on CVB3 3D pol in order to address some important questions raised by experiments. First, MD simulations of F364Y and F364A were carried out to explore how these mutations at Phe364 influence active site dynamics and conformations. Second, MD simulations of wild-type and mutants were performed to discover the connection between active site dynamics and polymerase function. MD simulations reveal that the effect of mutations on active site dynamics is associated with the interaction between the structural motifs A and D in CVB3 3D pol . Interestingly, we discover that the active site state is influenced by the formation of a hydrogen bond between backbone atoms of Ala231 (in motif A) and Ala358 (in motif D), which has never been revealed before. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. History of adaptation determines short-term shifts in performance and community structure of hydrogen-producing microbial communities degrading wheat straw.

    PubMed

    Valdez-Vazquez, Idania; Morales, Ana L; Escalante, Ana E

    2017-11-01

    This study addresses the question of ecological interest for the determination of structure and diversity of microbial communities that degrade lignocellulosic biomasses to produce biofuels. Two microbial consortia with different history, native of wheat straw (NWS) and from a methanogenic digester (MD) fed with cow manure, were contrasted in terms of hydrogen performance, substrate disintegration and microbial diversity. NWS outperformed the hydrogen production rate of MD. Microscopic images revealed that NWS acted on the cuticle and epidermis, generating cellulose strands with high crystallinity, while MD degraded deeper layers, equally affecting all polysaccharides. The bacterial composition markedly differed according to the inocula origin. NWS almost solely comprised hydrogen producers of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, with 38% members of Enterococcus. After hydrogen fermentation, NWS comprised 8% Syntrophococcus, an acetogen that cleaves aryl ethers of constituent groups on the aromatic components of lignin. Conversely, MD comprised thirteen phyla, primarily including Firmicutes with H 2 -producing members, and Bacteroidetes with non-H 2 -producing members, which reduced the hydrogen performance. Overall, the results of this study provide clear evidence that the history of adaptation of NWS enhanced the hydrogen performance from untreated wheat straw. Further, native wheat straw communities have the potential to refine cellulose fibers and produce biofuels simultaneously. © 2017 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

  18. Analytical and molecular dynamics studies on the impact loading of single-layered graphene sheet by fullerene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hosseini-Hashemi, Shahrokh; Sepahi-Boroujeni, Amin; Sepahi-Boroujeni, Saeid

    2018-04-01

    Normal impact performance of a system including a fullerene molecule and a single-layered graphene sheet is studied in the present paper. Firstly, through a mathematical approach, a new contact law is derived to describe the overall non-bonding interaction forces of the "hollow indenter-target" system. Preliminary verifications show that the derived contact law gives a reliable picture of force field of the system which is in good agreements with the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Afterwards, equation of the transversal motion of graphene sheet is utilized on the basis of both the nonlocal theory of elasticity and the assumptions of classical plate theory. Then, to derive dynamic behavior of the system, a set including the proposed contact law and the equations of motion of both graphene sheet and fullerene molecule is solved numerically. In order to evaluate outcomes of this method, the problem is modeled by MD simulation. Despite intrinsic differences between analytical and MD methods as well as various errors arise due to transient nature of the problem, acceptable agreements are established between analytical and MD outcomes. As a result, the proposed analytical method can be reliably used to address similar impact problems. Furthermore, it is found that a single-layered graphene sheet is capable of trapping fullerenes approaching with low velocities. Otherwise, in case of rebound, the sheet effectively absorbs predominant portion of fullerene energy.

  19. 77 FR 22949 - Administrative Simplification: Adoption of a Standard for a Unique Health Plan Identifier...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-17

    ..., MD 21244-8013. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of... addresses prior to the close of the comment period: a. For delivery in Washington, DC-- Centers for Medicare... comments received before the close of the comment period are available for viewing by the public, including...

  20. One more river to cross--looking back, moving forward: advancing the NMA "equality agenda" in the era of 21st-century medicine.

    PubMed

    Gadson, Sandra L

    2005-10-01

    The following is an excerpt of the inaugural address given July 27, 2005 by Sandra L. Gadson, MD, who was installed as the 106th president of the National Medical Association (NMA) during NMA's 2005 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in New York, NY.

  1. Profile: Iora Health Transactional vs. relationship-based care.

    PubMed

    Howe, Michelle

    2017-05-01

    Last November, Nursing Management Congress2016 attendees experienced a one-of-a-kind keynote address when Zubin Damania, MD, took the stage. Through self-produced song and video, he explored the ethics of delivering compassionate care in our challenging healthcare system. Here, read about the Iora Health model that Dr. Damania celebrates as "having it right."

  2. Cardiac involvement in female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers in comparison to their first-degree male relatives: a comparative cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.

    PubMed

    Florian, Anca; Rösch, Sabine; Bietenbeck, Michael; Engelen, Markus; Stypmann, Jörg; Waltenberger, Johannes; Sechtem, Udo; Yilmaz, Ali

    2016-03-01

    Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophies are X-linked recessive disorders associated with both skeletal myopathy and progressive cardiomyopathy in males. Female DMD/BMD carriers (DMDc/BMDc) are mostly free of skeletal muscle symptoms, but they are also prone to cardiomyopathy. The aim of the current study was to characterize the frequency, pattern, and extent of cardiomyopathy in female DMD/BMD carriers (DMDc/BMDc) in comparison to their first-degree male MD relatives. Thirty-six (age 44 ± 14 years) female MD carriers (20 DMDc and 16 BMDc) constituted the 'MD carrier group' and were prospectively enrolled. All MD carriers underwent a complete CMR study comprising cine- and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. In 22 of these women ('female MD carrier comparison group', 7 DMD and 15 BMD), at least one first-degree male relative with a previously established diagnosis of MD underwent the same CMR protocol and was assigned to the 'male MD comparison group' (n = 24, 6 DMD and 18 BMD). In the total MD carrier group, 17 (47%) MD carriers had at least one pathological CMR finding [5 (14%) with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) and 16 (44%) with the presence of LGE]. All LGE-positive patients (n = 16) showed non-ischaemic LGE with subepicardial involvement of the LV lateral free wall being the most frequent pattern (13/16, 81%). Compared with BMDc, DMDc demonstrated more frequently a pathological CMR result (65 vs. 19%; P = 0.008)--in spite of being significantly younger (40 ± 11 vs. 50 ± 16 years, P = 0.038). In the male MD comparison group, the same LGE pattern as in female carriers was seen, but with a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac abnormalities compared with their female carrier relatives constituting the female MD comparison group (75 vs. 27%; P = 0.003). Cardiac involvement is a frequent finding in female carriers of DMD, but less frequently observed in carriers of BMD. Those DMDc and BMDc with cardiac involvement demonstrate the same myocardial fibrosis pattern as their male counterparts with overt disease. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2015. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. Multiscale Modeling of Damage Processes in fcc Aluminum: From Atoms to Grains

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Glaessgen, E. H.; Saether, E.; Yamakov, V.

    2008-01-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) methods are opening new opportunities for simulating the fundamental processes of material behavior at the atomistic level. However, current analysis is limited to small domains and increasing the size of the MD domain quickly presents intractable computational demands. A preferred approach to surmount this computational limitation has been to combine continuum mechanics-based modeling procedures, such as the finite element method (FEM), with MD analyses thereby reducing the region of atomic scale refinement. Such multiscale modeling strategies can be divided into two broad classifications: concurrent multiscale methods that directly incorporate an atomistic domain within a continuum domain and sequential multiscale methods that extract an averaged response from the atomistic simulation for later use as a constitutive model in a continuum analysis.

  4. Incomplete cortical reorganization in macular degeneration.

    PubMed

    Liu, Tingting; Cheung, Sing-Hang; Schuchard, Ronald A; Glielmi, Christopher B; Hu, Xiaoping; He, Sheng; Legge, Gordon E

    2010-12-01

    Activity in regions of the visual cortex corresponding to central scotomas in subjects with macular degeneration (MD) is considered evidence for functional reorganization in the brain. Three unresolved issues related to cortical activity in subjects with MD were addressed: Is the cortical response to stimuli presented to the preferred retinal locus (PRL) different from other retinal loci at the same eccentricity? What effect does the role of age of onset and etiology of MD have on cortical responses? How do functional responses in an MD subject's visual cortex vary for task and stimulus conditions? Eight MD subjects-four with age-related onset (AMD) and four with juvenile onset (JMD)-and two age-matched normal vision controls, participated in three testing conditions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). First, subjects viewed a small stimulus presented at the PRL compared with a non-PRL control location to investigate the role of the PRL. Second, they viewed a full-field flickering checkerboard compared with a small stimulus in the original fovea to investigate brain activation with passive viewing. Third, they performed a one-back task with scene images to investigate brain activation with active viewing. A small stimulus at the PRL generated more extensive cortical activation than at a non-PRL location, but neither yielded activation in the foveal cortical projection. Both passive and active viewing of full-field stimuli left a silent zone at the posterior pole of the occipital cortex, implying a lack of complete cortical reorganization. The silent zone was smaller in the task requiring active viewing compared with the task requiring passive viewing, especially in JMD subjects. The PRL for MD subjects has more extensive cortical representation than a retinal region with matched eccentricity. There is evidence for incomplete functional reorganization of early visual cortex in both JMD and AMD. Functional reorganization is more prominent in JMD. Feedback signals, possibly associated with attention, play an important role in the reorganization.

  5. Incomplete Cortical Reorganization in Macular Degeneration

    PubMed Central

    Cheung, Sing-Hang; Schuchard, Ronald A.; Glielmi, Christopher B.; Hu, Xiaoping; He, Sheng; Legge, Gordon E.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose. Activity in regions of the visual cortex corresponding to central scotomas in subjects with macular degeneration (MD) is considered evidence for functional reorganization in the brain. Three unresolved issues related to cortical activity in subjects with MD were addressed: Is the cortical response to stimuli presented to the preferred retinal locus (PRL) different from other retinal loci at the same eccentricity? What effect does the role of age of onset and etiology of MD have on cortical responses? How do functional responses in an MD subject's visual cortex vary for task and stimulus conditions? Methods. Eight MD subjects—four with age-related onset (AMD) and four with juvenile onset (JMD)—and two age-matched normal vision controls, participated in three testing conditions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). First, subjects viewed a small stimulus presented at the PRL compared with a non-PRL control location to investigate the role of the PRL. Second, they viewed a full-field flickering checkerboard compared with a small stimulus in the original fovea to investigate brain activation with passive viewing. Third, they performed a one-back task with scene images to investigate brain activation with active viewing. Results. A small stimulus at the PRL generated more extensive cortical activation than at a non-PRL location, but neither yielded activation in the foveal cortical projection. Both passive and active viewing of full-field stimuli left a silent zone at the posterior pole of the occipital cortex, implying a lack of complete cortical reorganization. The silent zone was smaller in the task requiring active viewing compared with the task requiring passive viewing, especially in JMD subjects. Conclusions. The PRL for MD subjects has more extensive cortical representation than a retinal region with matched eccentricity. There is evidence for incomplete functional reorganization of early visual cortex in both JMD and AMD. Functional reorganization is more prominent in JMD. Feedback signals, possibly associated with attention, play an important role in the reorganization. PMID:20631240

  6. Fast and flexible gpu accelerated binding free energy calculations within the amber molecular dynamics package.

    PubMed

    Mermelstein, Daniel J; Lin, Charles; Nelson, Gard; Kretsch, Rachael; McCammon, J Andrew; Walker, Ross C

    2018-07-15

    Alchemical free energy (AFE) calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are key tools in both improving our understanding of a wide variety of biological processes and accelerating the design and optimization of therapeutics for numerous diseases. Computing power and theory have, however, long been insufficient to enable AFE calculations to be routinely applied in early stage drug discovery. One of the major difficulties in performing AFE calculations is the length of time required for calculations to converge to an ensemble average. CPU implementations of MD-based free energy algorithms can effectively only reach tens of nanoseconds per day for systems on the order of 50,000 atoms, even running on massively parallel supercomputers. Therefore, converged free energy calculations on large numbers of potential lead compounds are often untenable, preventing researchers from gaining crucial insight into molecular recognition, potential druggability and other crucial areas of interest. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) can help address this. We present here a seamless GPU implementation, within the PMEMD module of the AMBER molecular dynamics package, of thermodynamic integration (TI) capable of reaching speeds of >140 ns/day for a 44,907-atom system, with accuracy equivalent to the existing CPU implementation in AMBER. The implementation described here is currently part of the AMBER 18 beta code and will be an integral part of the upcoming version 18 release of AMBER. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. European National Society Cardiovascular Journals

    PubMed Central

    Alfonso, F.; Ambrosio, G.; Pinto, F.J.; van der Wall, E.E.

    2008-01-01

    Anesti Kondili MD, Djamaleddine Nibouche MD, Karlen Adamyan MD, Kurt Huber MD, Hugo Ector MD, Izet Masic MD, Rumiana Tarnovska MD, Mario Ivanusa MD, Vladimír Stane˘k MD, Jørgen Videbæk MD, Mohamed Hamed MD, Alexandras Laucevicius MD, Pirjo Mustonen MD, Jean-Yves Artigou MD, Ariel Cohen MD, Mamanti Rogava MD, Michael Böhm MD, Eckart Fleck MD, Gerd Heusch MD, Rainer Klawki MD, Panos Vardas MD, Christodoulos Stefanadis MD, József Tenczer MD, Massimo Chiariello MD, Aleksandras Laucevicius MD, Joseph Elias MD, Halima Benjelloun MD, Olaf Rødevand MD, Piotr Kul/akowski MD, Edvard Apetrei MD, Victor A. Lusov MD, Rafael G. Oganov MD, Velibor Obradovic MD, Gabriel Kamensky MD, Miran F. Kenda MD, Christer Höglund MD, Thomas F. Lüscher MD, René Lerch MD, Moufid Jokhadar MD, Habib Haouala MD, Vedat Sansoy MD, Valentin Shumakov MD, Adam Timmis MD. (European National Society Cardiovascular Journals Editors, see Appendix for complete affiliations) PMID:18665206

  8. Free-Energy Calculations. A Mathematical Perspective

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pohorille, Andrzej

    2015-01-01

    Ion channels are pore-forming assemblies of transmembrane proteins that mediate and regulate ion transport through cell walls. They are ubiquitous to all life forms. In humans and other higher organisms they play the central role in conducting nerve impulses. They are also essential to cardiac processes, muscle contraction and epithelial transport. Ion channels from lower organisms can act as toxins or antimicrobial agents, and in a number of cases are involved in infectious diseases. Because of their important and diverse biological functions they are frequent targets of drug action. Also, simple natural or synthetic channels find numerous applications in biotechnology. For these reasons, studies of ion channels are at the forefront of biophysics, structural biology and cellular biology. In the last decade, the increased availability of X-ray structures has greatly advanced our understanding of ion channels. However, their mechanism of action remains elusive. This is because, in order to assist controlled ion transport, ion channels are dynamic by nature, but X-ray crystallography captures the channel in a single, sometimes non-native state. To explain how ion channels work, X-ray structures have to be supplemented with dynamic information. In principle, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can aid in providing this information, as this is precisely what MD has been designed to do. However, MD simulations suffer from their own problems, such as inability to access sufficiently long time scales or limited accuracy of force fields. To assess the reliability of MD simulations it is only natural to turn to the main function of channels - conducting ions - and compare calculated ionic conductance with electrophysiological data, mainly single channel recordings, obtained under similar conditions. If this comparison is satisfactory it would greatly increase our confidence that both the structures and our computational methodologies are sufficiently accurate. Channel conductance, defined as the ratio of ionic current through the channel to applied voltage, can be calculated in MD simulations by way of applying an external electric field to the system and counting the number of ions that traverse the channel per unit time. If the current is small, a voltage significantly higher than the experimental one needs to be applied to collect sufficient statistics of ion crossing events. Then, the calculated conductance has to be extrapolated to the experimental voltage using procedures of unknown accuracy. Instead, we propose an alternative approach that applies if ion transport through channels can be described with sufficient accuracy by the one-dimensional diffusion equation in the potential given by the free energy profile and applied voltage. Then, it is possible to test the assumptions of the equation, recover the full voltage/current dependence, determine the reliability of the calculated conductance and reconstruct the underlying (equilibrium) free energy profile, all from MD simulations at a single voltage. We will present the underlying theory, model calculations that test this theory and simulations on ion conductance through a channel that has been extensively studied experimentally. To our knowledge this is the first case in which the complete, experimentally measured dependence of the current on applied voltage has been reconstructed from MD simulations.

  9. Practical landmarks for visual field disability in glaucoma.

    PubMed

    Saunders, Luke J; Russell, Richard A; Crabb, David P

    2012-09-01

    To assess whether mean deviation (MD) from automated perimetry is related to the visual field (VF) component for legal fitness to drive (LFTD) in glaucoma patients. Monocular 24-2 VFs of 2604 patients with bilateral VF damage were retrospectively investigated. Integrated visual fields were calculated and used as a surrogate to assess LFTD according to current UK driving licence criteria. The better eye MD (BEMD), worse eye MD (WEMD) and a measure utilising MD of both eyes were compared, to assess respective diagnostic capabilities to predict LFTD (using the integrated visual field surrogate test as the gold standard) and a 'Probability of Failure' (PoF) for various defect levels was calculated. BEMD appears to be a good predictor of the VF component for a patient's LFTD (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve: 96.2%); MDs from both eyes offered no significant extra diagnostic power (area under the curve: 96.4%). PoF for BEMD thresholds of ≤-10 dB and ≤-14 dB were 70 (95% CI 66% to 74%) and 92% (87% to 95%), respectively. There is a strong relationship between BEMD and a patient's LFTD. PoF values for LFTD associated with readily available MD values provide practical landmarks for VF disability in glaucoma.

  10. Single-session tDCS-supported retraining does not improve fine motor control in musician's dystonia.

    PubMed

    Buttkus, Franziska; Baur, Volker; Jabusch, Hans-Christian; de la Cruz Gomez-Pellin, Maria; Paulus, Walter; Nitsche, Michael A; Altenmüller, Eckart

    2011-01-01

    Focal dystonia in musicians (MD) is a task-specific movement disorder with a loss of voluntary motor control during instrumental playing. Defective inhibition on different levels of the central nervous system is involved in the pathophysiology. Sensorimotor retraining is a therapeutic approach to MD and aims to establish non-dystonic movements. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates cortical excitability and alters motor performance. In this study, tDCS of the motor cortex was expected to assist retraining at the instrument. Nine professional pianists suffering from MD were included in a placebo-controlled double-blinded study. Retraining consisted of slow, voluntarily controlled movements on the piano and was combined with tDCS. Patients were treated with three stimulation protocols: anodal tDCS, cathodal tDCS and placebo stimulation. No beneficial effects of single-session tDCS-supported sensorimotor retraining on fine motor control in pianists with MD were found in all three conditions. The main cause of the negative result of this study may be the short intervention time. One retraining session with a duration of 20 min seems not sufficient to improve symptoms of MD. Additionally, a single tDCS session might not be sufficient to modify sensorimotor learning of a highly skilled task in musicians with dystonia.

  11. Cherry-picking functionally relevant substates from long md trajectories using a stratified sampling approach.

    PubMed

    Chandramouli, Balasubramanian; Mancini, Giordano

    2016-01-01

    Classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations can provide insights at the nanoscopic scale into protein dynamics. Currently, simulations of large proteins and complexes can be routinely carried out in the ns-μs time regime. Clustering of MD trajectories is often performed to identify selective conformations and to compare simulation and experimental data coming from different sources on closely related systems. However, clustering techniques are usually applied without a careful validation of results and benchmark studies involving the application of different algorithms to MD data often deal with relatively small peptides instead of average or large proteins; finally clustering is often applied as a means to analyze refined data and also as a way to simplify further analysis of trajectories. Herein, we propose a strategy to classify MD data while carefully benchmarking the performance of clustering algorithms and internal validation criteria for such methods. We demonstrate the method on two showcase systems with different features, and compare the classification of trajectories in real and PCA space. We posit that the prototype procedure adopted here could be highly fruitful in clustering large trajectories of multiple systems or that resulting especially from enhanced sampling techniques like replica exchange simulations. Copyright: © 2016 by Fabrizio Serra editore, Pisa · Roma.

  12. Analysis of communication in the standard versus automated aircraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Veinott, Elizabeth S.; Irwin, Cheryl M.

    1993-01-01

    Past research has shown crew communication patterns to be associated with overall crew performance, recent flight experience together, low-and high-error crew performance and personality variables. However, differences in communication patterns as a function of aircraft type and level of aircraft automation have not been fully addressed. Crew communications from ten MD-88 and twelve DC-9 crews were obtained during a full-mission simulation. In addition to large differences in overall amount of communication during the normal and abnormal phases of flight (DC-9 crews generating less speech than MD-88 crews), differences in specific speech categories were also found. Log-linear analyses also generated speaker-response patterns related to each aircraft type, although in future analyses these patterns will need to account for variations due to crew performance.

  13. Meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of droxidopa for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

    PubMed

    Elgebaly, Ahmed; Abdelazeim, Bassant; Mattar, Omar; Gadelkarim, Mohamed; Salah, Rehab; Negida, Ahmed

    2016-06-01

    Droxidopa has been approved for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) under the US Food and Drug Administration accelerated approval program, which warrants confirmatory evidence on long-term efficacy of droxidopa. Hereby, we synthesize evidence from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the safety and efficacy of droxidopa for patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. A computer literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central was conducted using relevant keywords. Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted and synthesized using Review Manager version 5.3 for Windows. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to investigate long-term durability of droxidopa against placebo. Four RCTs with a total of 485 patients (droxidopa, n = 246; placebo, n = 239) were eligible for the final analysis. The mean difference (MD) of change in the main outcomes from baseline to endpoint favored droxidopa than placebo [Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) MD -0.61, P = 0.004; dizziness/lightheadedness score MD -0.83, P = 0.008; and standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) MD 4.09, P = 0.03]. The efficacy of droxidopa decreased gradually after 2 weeks, and its statistical significance was lost after 8 weeks (OHQ score MD -0.18, P = 0.61; dizziness/lightheadedness score MD -0.71, P = 0.11; and standing SBP MD 2.96, P = 0.29). None of the adverse events were significantly higher in the case of droxidopa compared to placebo. Droxidopa is a safe and effective drug for the short-term management of NOH symptoms. However, current evidence is insufficient to confirm the efficacy of droxidopa for long-term use. Therefore, further studies with increased sample size are needed.

  14. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of spin labelled double and single-strand DNA for EPR studies.

    PubMed

    Prior, C; Danilāne, L; Oganesyan, V S

    2018-05-16

    We report the first application of fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to the prediction of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of spin labelled DNA. Models for two structurally different DNA spin probes with either the rigid or flexible position of the nitroxide group in the base pair, employed in experimental studies previously, have been developed. By the application of the combined MD-EPR simulation methodology we aimed at the following. Firstly, to provide a test bed against a sensitive spectroscopic technique for the recently developed improved version of the parmbsc1 force field for MD modelling of DNA. The predicted EPR spectra show good agreement with the experimental ones available from the literature, thus confirming the accuracy of the currently employed DNA force fields. Secondly, to provide a quantitative interpretation of the motional contributions into the dynamics of spin probes in both duplex and single-strand DNA fragments and to analyse their perturbing effects on the local DNA structure. Finally, a combination of MD and EPR allowed us to test the validity of the application of the Model-Free (M-F) approach coupled with the partial averaging of magnetic tensors to the simulation of EPR spectra of DNA systems by comparing the resultant EPR spectra with those simulated directly from MD trajectories. The advantage of the M-F based EPR simulation approach over the direct propagation techniques is that it requires motional and order parameters that can be calculated from shorter MD trajectories. The reported MD-EPR methodology is transferable to the prediction and interpretation of EPR spectra of higher order DNA structures with novel types of spin labels.

  15. PyContact: Rapid, Customizable, and Visual Analysis of Noncovalent Interactions in MD Simulations.

    PubMed

    Scheurer, Maximilian; Rodenkirch, Peter; Siggel, Marc; Bernardi, Rafael C; Schulten, Klaus; Tajkhorshid, Emad; Rudack, Till

    2018-02-06

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become ubiquitous in all areas of life sciences. The size and model complexity of MD simulations are rapidly growing along with increasing computing power and improved algorithms. This growth has led to the production of a large amount of simulation data that need to be filtered for relevant information to address specific biomedical and biochemical questions. One of the most relevant molecular properties that can be investigated by all-atom MD simulations is the time-dependent evolution of the complex noncovalent interaction networks governing such fundamental aspects as molecular recognition, binding strength, and mechanical and structural stability. Extracting, evaluating, and visualizing noncovalent interactions is a key task in the daily work of structural biologists. We have developed PyContact, an easy-to-use, highly flexible, and intuitive graphical user interface-based application, designed to provide a toolkit to investigate biomolecular interactions in MD trajectories. PyContact is designed to facilitate this task by enabling identification of relevant noncovalent interactions in a comprehensible manner. The implementation of PyContact as a standalone application enables rapid analysis and data visualization without any additional programming requirements, and also preserves full in-program customization and extension capabilities for advanced users. The statistical analysis representation is interactively combined with full mapping of the results on the molecular system through the synergistic connection between PyContact and VMD. We showcase the capabilities and scientific significance of PyContact by analyzing and visualizing in great detail the noncovalent interactions underlying the ion permeation pathway of the human P2X 3 receptor. As a second application, we examine the protein-protein interaction network of the mechanically ultrastable cohesin-dockering complex. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Insertion torque recordings for the diagnosis of contact between orthodontic mini-implants and dental roots: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Meursinge Reynders, Reint; Ladu, Luisa; Ronchi, Laura; Di Girolamo, Nicola; de Lange, Jan; Roberts, Nia; Plüddemann, Annette

    2016-03-31

    Most orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) are inserted between dental roots. The prevalence of contacting these structures is high. Such contacts can cause permanent root damage and implant instability. Increased torque levels during implant insertion (the index test) could be a more accurate and immediate measure for diagnosing implant-root contact (the target condition) than radiographs (the reference standard) and could ultimately lead to a reduction or elimination of X-ray exposure. To address this issue, we asked three questions: (1) whether OMIs with root contact had higher insertion torque values than those without, (2) what is the accuracy of the index test compared with the reference standard to diagnose the target condition and what are the adverse effects of the index test, and (3) whether intermediate torque values have clinical diagnostic utility. Methods were conducted according to our published protocol, which was based on the PRISMA-P 2015 statement. We applied broad spectrum eligibility criteria that included randomized and non-randomized studies on clinical, animal, and cadaver models. Not including such models would be unethical because it could slow down knowledge creation on the adverse effects of implant insertion. We conducted searches in more than 40 electronic databases including MEDLINE and 10 journals were hand-searched. Grey literature and reference lists were also searched. All research procedures were conducted independently by three reviewers. Authors of selected studies were contacted to obtain additional information. Outcomes on the three different research models were analysed separately. Systematic error was assessed with the Cochrane 'Risk of bias tool' for non-randomized studies. One clinical, two animal, and two cadaver studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria of the first research question. All studies and subgroups demonstrated higher insertion torque values for OMIs with the target condition than those without. Mean differences (MD) between these effect estimates were statistically significant in one beagle model (MD, 4.64; 95 % CI, 3.50 to 5.79) and three subgroups of cadaver studies (MD, 2.70; 95 % CI, 1.42 to 3.98) (MD, 3.97; 95 % CI, 2.17 to 5.78) (MD, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.67 to 1.20). Highest mean differences were identified in most self-drilling compared with pre-drilling groups. Clinical heterogeneity between studies was high, and many items were underreported. All studies except one cadaver study scored at least one domain as 'serious risk' of bias. No studies addressed the second research question. One cadaver study addressed the third question which showed the importance of recording torque levels during the entire implant insertion process. Responses of contacted authors were helpful, but often difficult to obtain. Implants fractured in one animal and in one cadaver model. All eligible studies scored higher insertion torque values for implants with root contact than those without, but none of these studies assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the index test. The inclusion of non-randomized and animal and cadaver models in this systematic review provided key findings that otherwise would have been wasted. Such studies are important in the context of the wide applicability of this test, the high prevalence of the target condition, and the underreporting of adverse effects of interventions. A protocol for a potential new diagnostic pathway was presented, and the importance of contacting authors was addressed. The applicability of the findings should be interpreted in the context of underreporting and the many limitations of the included studies.

  17. Impact of Ménière's Disease on Significant Others' Health and Lives.

    PubMed

    Manchaiah, Vinaya; Pyykkő, Ilmari; Levo, Hilla; Kentala, Erna

    2018-01-01

    Ménière's disease (MD) is a chronic and, in part, intermittent illness that poses multiple challenges for both the physical and psychological well-being of patients, as well as on those around them. The patients face psychosocial consequences, which include disruptions to life goals, employment, income, relationships, leisure activities, and daily living activities that also influence their family members and friends. However, there is a limited understanding of the impact of MD on significant others (SOs). The current study was aimed at identifying how the SOs of patients with MD respond to different aspects of the impact of the disorder on health and life (i.e., psychological aspects, activities, participation, and positive aspects). The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The study sample was 186 SOs of patients with MD who were recruited through Finnish Ménière's Federation. Participants completed a 25-item structured questionnaire focusing on different aspects of the impact of the disorder on health and life, and also provided some demographic information. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson's correlation, and K-means cluster analysis techniques. Examination of response patterns suggests that the disorder had, on average, a marginal effect on SOs' psychological aspects, activities, and participation as the SOs generally focused on complaints. Interestingly, SOs reported some positive consequences as a result of their partners' condition. The results show a limited association between SOs' demographic variables and response patterns. The Pearson's correlation suggested a strong association between the subscales psychological aspects, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Also, a weak negative correlation was observed among positive aspects and participation restrictions. The cluster analysis resulted in three clusters, namely, (1) "nonengaged," (2) "supportive," and (3) "concerned." The current study results identify that the SOs' reaction to patients' condition varies and this may be from coping with victimization. Although the impact of MD on SOs is limited, some of the SOs may have more severe consequences and may require rehabilitation. The information gathered about SOs' coping and adjustment in this study can also help while developing management and/or rehabilitation plan for people with MD. American Academy of Audiology

  18. 75 FR 59605 - National Veterinary Accreditation Program; Currently Accredited Veterinarians Performing...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-28

    .... APHIS-2006-0093] RIN 0579-AC04 National Veterinary Accreditation Program; Currently Accredited... Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) may continue to perform accredited duties and to elect to continue to..., National Veterinary Accreditation Program, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 200, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301...

  19. Characteristics and outcomes of Canadian MD/PhD program graduates: a cross-sectional survey

    PubMed Central

    Skinnider, Michael A.; Squair, Jordan W.; Twa, David D.W.; Ji, Jennifer X.; Kuzyk, Alexandra; Wang, Xin; Steadman, Patrick E.; Zaslavsky, Kirill; Dey, Ayan K.; Eisenberg, Mark J.; Gagné, Ève-Reine; HayGlass, Kent T.; Lewis, James F.; Margetts, Peter J.; Underhill, D. Alan; Rosenblum, Norman D.; Raymond, Lynn A.

    2017-01-01

    Background: Combined MD/PhD programs provide a structured path for physician-scientist training, but assessment of their success within Canada is limited by a lack of quantitative data. We collected outcomes data for graduates of Canadian MD/PhD programs. Methods: We developed and implemented a Web-based survey consisting of 41 questions designed to collect outcomes data for Canadian MD/PhD program alumni from 8 Canadian universities who had graduated before September 2015. Respondents were categorized into 2 groups according to whether they had or had not completed all training. Results: Of the 186 eligible alumni of MD/PhD programs, 139 (74.7%) completed the survey. A total of 136/138 respondents (98.6%) had completed or were currently completing residency training, and 66/80 (82%) had completed at least 1 postgraduate fellowship. Most (58 [83%]) of the 70 respondents who had completed all training were appointed as faculty at academic institutions, and 37 (53%) had been principal investigators on at least 1 recent funded project. Among the 58 respondents appointed at academic institutions, 44/57 (77%) dedicated at least 20% of their time to research, and 25/57 (44%) dedicated at least 50% to research. During their combined degree, 102/136 respondents (75.0%) published 3 or more first-author papers, and 133/136 (97.8%) matched with their first choice of specialty. The median length of physician-scientist training was 13.5 years. Most respondents graduated with debt despite having been supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research MD/PhD studentships. Interpretation: Most Canadian MD/PhD program alumni pursued careers consistent with their physician-scientist training, which indicates that these programs are meeting their primary objective. Nevertheless, our findings highlight that a minority of these positions are research intensive; this finding warrants further study. Our data provide a baseline for future monitoring of the output of Canadian MD/PhD programs. PMID:28442493

  20. Towards validated chemistry at extreme conditions: reactive MD simulations of shocked Polyvinyl Nitrate and Nitromethane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Islam, Md Mahbubul; Strachan, Alejandro

    A detailed atomistic-level understanding of the ultrafast chemistry of detonation processes of high energy materials is crucial to understand their performance and safety. Recent advances in laser shocks and ultra-fast spectroscopy is yielding the first direct experimental evidence of chemistry at extreme conditions. At the same time, reactive molecular dynamics (MD) in current high-performance computing platforms enable an atomic description of shock-induced chemistry with length and timescales approaching those of experiments. We use MD simulations with the reactive force field ReaxFF to investigate the shock-induced chemical decomposition mechanisms of polyvinyl nitrate (PVN) and nitromethane (NM). The effect of shock pressure on chemical reaction mechanisms and kinetics of both the materials are investigated. For direct comparison of our simulation results with experimentally derived IR absorption data, we performed spectral analysis using atomistic velocity at various shock conditions. The combination of reactive MD simulations and ultrafast spectroscopy enables both the validation of ReaxFF at extreme conditions and contributes to the interpretation of the experimental data relating changes in spectral features to atomic processes. Office of Naval Research MURI program.

  1. Constructing high-accuracy intermolecular potential energy surface with multi-dimension Morse/Long-Range model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhai, Yu; Li, Hui; Le Roy, Robert J.

    2018-04-01

    Spectroscopically accurate Potential Energy Surfaces (PESs) are fundamental for explaining and making predictions of the infrared and microwave spectra of van der Waals (vdW) complexes, and the model used for the potential energy function is critically important for providing accurate, robust and portable analytical PESs. The Morse/Long-Range (MLR) model has proved to be one of the most general, flexible and accurate one-dimensional (1D) model potentials, as it has physically meaningful parameters, is flexible, smooth and differentiable everywhere, to all orders and extrapolates sensibly at both long and short ranges. The Multi-Dimensional Morse/Long-Range (mdMLR) potential energy model described herein is based on that 1D MLR model, and has proved to be effective and accurate in the potentiology of various types of vdW complexes. In this paper, we review the current status of development of the mdMLR model and its application to vdW complexes. The future of the mdMLR model is also discussed. This review can serve as a tutorial for the construction of an mdMLR PES.

  2. Tissue Culture Modelling of Microwave Induced Cataracts of the Eye Lens.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-08-01

    CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS RDR~d5- US Army Medical Research and Development Commiam jAug : Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21701. 13. NUMUEROFAES15 1...U.S.A. Table of Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................... 6 2. Materials and Methods...and abence of Vitamin E.....................................................13 °A 6 Introduction : IIt has been known for many years that cortical

  3. 77 FR 25106 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Potomac River, National Harbor Access Channel, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-27

    ..., an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we... period, we will issue maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly. If you think...) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it...

  4. 76 FR 1381 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Potomac River, Charles County, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-10

    ... document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment... Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may... ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically...

  5. 75 FR 63039 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-14

    ...;Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each #0;week. #0; #0; #0; #0;#0... incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 18, 2010. ADDRESSES: For... intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on...

  6. Dual diagnosis in Depression: treatment recommendations.

    PubMed

    Tirado Muñoz, Judit; Farré, Adriana; Mestre-Pintó, Joan; Szerman, Nestor; Torrens, Marta

    2018-01-01

    Comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUD) and major depression (MD) is the most common dual pathology in the field of addiction to substances and has prevalence rates ranging between 12% and 80%, which complicates the response to treatment and worsens the prognosis of patients. Differentiating between diagnoses of induced depressive episodes and primary depressive episodes concurrent to substance use is especially relevant for therapeutic management. This article presents the state of the art of the currently available pharmacologic treatments of comorbid depression in patients with SUD, taking into account the safety and risk of abuse of antidepressant drugs. Due to the fact that comorbidity of MD and SUD is frequent and presents greater psychopathological and medical severity, as well as worse social functioning, it is crucial to treat MD and SUD simultaneously using the integrated treatment model and not to treat both conditions separately.

  7. Optimization of the molecular dynamics method for simulations of DNA and ion transport through biological nanopores.

    PubMed

    Wells, David B; Bhattacharya, Swati; Carr, Rogan; Maffeo, Christopher; Ho, Anthony; Comer, Jeffrey; Aksimentiev, Aleksei

    2012-01-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become a standard method for the rational design and interpretation of experimental studies of DNA translocation through nanopores. The MD method, however, offers a multitude of algorithms, parameters, and other protocol choices that can affect the accuracy of the resulting data as well as computational efficiency. In this chapter, we examine the most popular choices offered by the MD method, seeking an optimal set of parameters that enable the most computationally efficient and accurate simulations of DNA and ion transport through biological nanopores. In particular, we examine the influence of short-range cutoff, integration timestep and force field parameters on the temperature and concentration dependence of bulk ion conductivity, ion pairing, ion solvation energy, DNA structure, DNA-ion interactions, and the ionic current through a nanopore.

  8. Enabling grand-canonical Monte Carlo: extending the flexibility of GROMACS through the GromPy python interface module.

    PubMed

    Pool, René; Heringa, Jaap; Hoefling, Martin; Schulz, Roland; Smith, Jeremy C; Feenstra, K Anton

    2012-05-05

    We report on a python interface to the GROMACS molecular simulation package, GromPy (available at https://github.com/GromPy). This application programming interface (API) uses the ctypes python module that allows function calls to shared libraries, for example, written in C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported interface to the GROMACS library that uses direct library calls. GromPy can be used for extending the current GROMACS simulation and analysis modes. In this work, we demonstrate that the interface enables hybrid Monte-Carlo/molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the grand-canonical ensemble, a simulation mode that is currently not implemented in GROMACS. For this application, the interplay between GromPy and GROMACS requires only minor modifications of the GROMACS source code, not affecting the operation, efficiency, and performance of the GROMACS applications. We validate the grand-canonical application against MD in the canonical ensemble by comparison of equations of state. The results of the grand-canonical simulations are in complete agreement with MD in the canonical ensemble. The python overhead of the grand-canonical scheme is only minimal. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Wheeled mobility device transportation safety in fixed route and demand-responsive public transit vehicles within the United States.

    PubMed

    Frost, Karen L; van Roosmalen, Linda; Bertocci, Gina; Cross, Douglas J

    2012-01-01

    An overview of the current status of wheelchair transportation safety in fixed route and demand-responsive, non-rail, public transportation vehicles within the US is presented. A description of each mode of transportation is provided, followed by a discussion of the primary issues affecting safety, accessibility, and usability. Technologies such as lifts, ramps, securement systems, and occupant restraint systems, along with regulations and voluntary industry standards have been implemented with the intent of improving safety and accessibility for individuals who travel while seated in their wheeled mobility device (e.g., wheelchair or scooter). However, across both fixed route and demand-responsive transit systems a myriad of factors such as nonuse and misuse of safety systems, oversized wheeled mobility devices, vehicle space constraints, and inadequate vehicle operator training may place wheeled mobility device (WhMD) users at risk of injury even under non-impact driving conditions. Since WhMD-related incidents also often occur during the boarding and alighting process, the frequency of these events, along with factors associated with these events are described for each transit mode. Recommendations for improving WhMD transportation are discussed given the current state of

  10. Theoretical Crystal-Field Calculations for Rare-Earth Ions in III-V semiconductor Compounds

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-10-01

    AD-A243 098 TIC HDL-TM-91-16 1 Ii! 1 I!EiIII ’ii F CT F October 1991 aC7 1991J Theoretical Crystal-Field Calculations for Rare-Earth Ions in III-V...0188). Washngton. DC 20503 1 . AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave bia*) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED October 1991 Summary, from Jan 91 toJul 91...Laboratories HDL-TM-9 1 -16 2800 Powder Mill Road Adelphi, MD 20783-1197 9. SPONSORNG#AONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSORINGMONITORING

  11. Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report. Certificate Number: 910626S1. 11178, U.S. Navy Ada/M, Version 4.0 (/OPTIMIZE) VAX 11/785 = AN/UYK-44 (EMR) (Bare Board).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-07-30

    Technology Gaithersburg, MD USA 7 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION National Institute of Stanaiards and...ACVC). This Validation Summary Report ( VSR ) gives an account of the testing of this Ada implementation. For any technical terms used in this report...8217"’ & (1..V-l-V/2 => ’A’) & ’I’ & ’"’ $BLANKS (l..V-20 => ’ $MAXLENINTBASEDLITERAL Ŗ:" & (1..V-5 => 𔃺’) & ൓:" $MAXLENREALBASEDLITERAL ൘:" & (1..V- 7

  12. Theoretical analysis of oscillatory terms in lattice heat-current time correlation functions and their contributions to thermal conductivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pereverzev, Andrey; Sewell, Tommy

    2018-03-01

    Lattice heat-current time correlation functions for insulators and semiconductors obtained using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations exhibit features of both pure exponential decay and oscillatory-exponential decay. For some materials the oscillatory terms contribute significantly to the lattice heat conductivity calculated from the correlation functions. However, the origin of the oscillatory terms is not well understood, and their contribution to the heat conductivity is accounted for by fitting them to empirical functions. Here, a translationally invariant expression for the heat current in terms of creation and annihilation operators is derived. By using this full phonon-picture definition of the heat current and applying the relaxation-time approximation we explain, at least in part, the origin of the oscillatory terms in the lattice heat-current correlation function. We discuss the relationship between the crystal Hamiltonian and the magnitude of the oscillatory terms. A solvable one-dimensional model is used to illustrate the potential importance of terms that are omitted in the commonly used phonon-picture expression for the heat current. While the derivations are fully quantum mechanical, classical-limit expressions are provided that enable direct contact with classical quantities obtainable from MD.

  13. Nutrition and Osteoporosis: Preliminary data of Campania Region of European PERsonalised ICT Supported Service for Independent Living and Active Ageing

    PubMed Central

    Vuolo, L.; Barrea, L.; Savanelli, MC; Savastano, S.; Rubino, M.; Scarano, E.; Soprano, M.; Illario, M.; Colao, A.; Di Somma, C.

    2015-01-01

    Background: Bone impairment and malnutrition are associated with significant disability and mortality. PERSSILAA is an European project developing health services to detect and prevent frailty in older adults by addressing cognitive, physical and nutritional. Methods: Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scan and PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) questionnaire. Aim: To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and bone health. Results: 87 subjects (4 males and 83 females) 70.1±4.9 aged, were examined. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 28.7±4.7(kg/m2): in particular 28 subjects (32.2%) resulted obese, 42 (48.3%) overweight, and only 17 (19.5%) with normal weight. Mean T score was −1.2±1.2: in particular 13 subjects (14.9%) resulted osteoporotic; 43 (49.5%) osteopenic; and 31 (35.6%) with normal bone mineral density. Regarding adherence to MD, 9 subjects (10.3%) were poorly adherent; 41 (47.2%) average adherent; 37 (42.5%) highly adherent. T-score was associated with PREDIMED score and osteoporotic subjects presented the lowest PREDIMED score (5.8±2.2). Conclusions: These preliminary data show a significant correlation between the adherence to the MD and bone health parameters. The association between MD and bone health highlights the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventions promoting a Mediterranean food pattern, as safe adjuvant treatment in ageing. PMID:27042428

  14. Nutrition and Osteoporosis: Preliminary data of Campania Region of European PERsonalised ICT Supported Service for Independent Living and Active Ageing.

    PubMed

    Vuolo, L; Barrea, L; Savanelli, M C; Savastano, S; Rubino, M; Scarano, E; Soprano, M; Illario, M; Colao, A; Di Somma, C

    2015-12-01

    Bone impairment and malnutrition are associated with significant disability and mortality. PERSSILAA is an European project developing health services to detect and prevent frailty in older adults by addressing cognitive, physical and nutritional. Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements, calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) scan and PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) questionnaire. To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and bone health. 87 subjects (4 males and 83 females) 70.1±4.9 aged, were examined. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 28.7±4.7(kg/m(2)): in particular 28 subjects (32.2%) resulted obese, 42 (48.3%) overweight, and only 17 (19.5%) with normal weight. Mean T score was -1.2±1.2: in particular 13 subjects (14.9%) resulted osteoporotic; 43 (49.5%) osteopenic; and 31 (35.6%) with normal bone mineral density. Regarding adherence to MD, 9 subjects (10.3%) were poorly adherent; 41 (47.2%) average adherent; 37 (42.5%) highly adherent. T-score was associated with PREDIMED score and osteoporotic subjects presented the lowest PREDIMED score (5.8±2.2). These preliminary data show a significant correlation between the adherence to the MD and bone health parameters. The association between MD and bone health highlights the potential beneficial effects of nutritional interventions promoting a Mediterranean food pattern, as safe adjuvant treatment in ageing.

  15. Concurrent fNIRS-fMRI measurement to validate a method for separating deep and shallow fNIRS signals by using multidistance optodes

    PubMed Central

    Funane, Tsukasa; Sato, Hiroki; Yahata, Noriaki; Takizawa, Ryu; Nishimura, Yukika; Kinoshita, Akihide; Katura, Takusige; Atsumori, Hirokazu; Fukuda, Masato; Kasai, Kiyoto; Koizumi, Hideaki; Kiguchi, Masashi

    2015-01-01

    Abstract. It has been reported that a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signal can be contaminated by extracerebral contributions. Many algorithms using multidistance separations to address this issue have been proposed, but their spatial separation performance has rarely been validated with simultaneous measurements of fNIRS and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We previously proposed a method for discriminating between deep and shallow contributions in fNIRS signals, referred to as the multidistance independent component analysis (MD-ICA) method. In this study, to validate the MD-ICA method from the spatial aspect, multidistance fNIRS, fMRI, and laser-Doppler-flowmetry signals were simultaneously obtained for 12 healthy adult males during three tasks. The fNIRS signal was separated into deep and shallow signals by using the MD-ICA method, and the correlation between the waveforms of the separated fNIRS signals and the gray matter blood oxygenation level–dependent signals was analyzed. A three-way analysis of variance (signal depth×Hb kind×task) indicated that the main effect of fNIRS signal depth on the correlation is significant [F(1,1286)=5.34, p<0.05]. This result indicates that the MD-ICA method successfully separates fNIRS signals into spatially deep and shallow signals, and the accuracy and reliability of the fNIRS signal will be improved with the method. PMID:26157983

  16. Prediction of EPR Spectra of Lyotropic Liquid Crystals using a Combination of Molecular Dynamics Simulations and the Model-Free Approach.

    PubMed

    Prior, Christopher; Oganesyan, Vasily S

    2017-09-21

    We report the first application of fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to the prediction of the motional electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of lyotropic liquid crystals in different aggregation states doped with a paramagnetic spin probe. The purpose of this study is twofold. First, given that EPR spectra are highly sensitive to the motions and order of the spin probes doped within lyotropic aggregates, simulation of EPR line shapes from the results of MD modelling provides an ultimate test bed for the force fields currently employed to model such systems. Second, the EPR line shapes are simulated using the motional parameters extracted from MD trajectories using the Model-Free (MF) approach. Thus a combined MD-EPR methodology allowed us to test directly the validity of the application of the MF approach to systems with multi-component molecular motions. All-atom MD simulations using the General AMBER Force Field (GAFF) have been performed on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) liquid crystals. The resulting MD trajectories were used to predict and interpret the EPR spectra of pre-micellar, micellar, rod and lamellar aggregates. The predicted EPR spectra demonstrate good agreement with most of experimental line shapes thus confirming the validity of both the force fields employed and the MF approach for the studied systems. At the same time simulation results confirm that GAFF tends to overestimate the packing and the order of the carbonyl chains of the surfactant molecules. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Recovery from the anatomical effects of long-term monocular deprivation in cat lateral geniculate nucleus.

    PubMed

    Duffy, Kevin R; Fong, Ming-Fai; Mitchell, Donald E; Bear, Mark F

    2018-02-01

    Monocular deprivation (MD) imposed early in postnatal life elicits profound structural and functional abnormalities throughout the primary visual pathway. The ability of MD to modify neurons within the visual system is restricted to a so-called critical period that, for cats, peaks at about one postnatal month and declines thereafter so that by about 3 months of age MD has little effect. Recovery from the consequences of MD likewise adheres to a critical period that ends by about 3 months of age, after which the effects of deprivation are thought to be permanent and without capacity for reversal. The attenuation of plasticity beyond early development is a formidable obstacle for conventional therapies to stimulate recovery from protracted visual deprivation. In the current study we examined the efficacy of dark exposure and retinal inactivation with tetrodotoxin to promote anatomical recovery in the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclues (dLGN) from long-term MD started at the peak of the critical period. Whereas 10 days of dark exposure or binocular retinal inactivation were not better at promoting recovery than conventional treatment with reverse occlusion, inactivation of only the non-deprived (fellow) eye for 10 days produced a complete restoration of neuron soma size, and also reversed the significant loss of neurofilament protein within originally deprived dLGN layers. These results reveal a capacity for neural plasticity and recovery that is larger than anything previously observed following protracted MD in cat, and they highlight a possibility for alternative therapies applied at ages thought to be recalcitrant to recovery. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. 2-(Maleimidomethyl)-1,3-Dioxanes (MD): a Serum-Stable Self-hydrolysable Hydrophilic Alternative to Classical Maleimide Conjugation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dovgan, Igor; Kolodych, Sergii; Koniev, Oleksandr; Wagner, Alain

    2016-08-01

    The vast majority of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are prepared through amine-to-thiol conjugation. To date, N-Succinimidyl-4-(maleimidomethyl) cyclohexanecarboxylate (SMCC) has been one of the most frequently applied reagents for the preparation of ADC and other functional conjugates. However, SMCC-based conjugates suffer from limited stability in blood circulation and from a hydrophobic character of the linker, which may give rise to major pharmacokinetic implications. To address this issue, we have developed a heterobifunctional analogue of a SMCC reagent, i.e., sodium 4-(maleimidomethyl)-1,3-dioxane-5-carbonyl)oxy)-2,3,5,6- tetrafluorobenzenesulfonate (MDTF) for amine-to-thiol conjugation. By replacing the cyclohexyl ring in the SMCC structure with the 1,3-dioxane, we increased the hydrophilicity of the linker. A FRET probe based on MD linker was prepared and showed superior stability compared to the MCC linker in human plasma, as well as in a variety of aqueous buffers. A detailed investigation demonstrated an accelerated succinimide ring opening for MD linker, resulting in stabilized conjugates. Finally, the MDTF reagent was applied for the preparation of serum stable antibody-dye conjugate.

  19. A modified Stillinger-Weber potential for TlBr and its polymorphic extension

    DOE PAGES

    Zhou, Xiaowang; Foster, Michael E.; Jones, Reese E.; ...

    2015-04-30

    TlBr is promising for g- and x- radiation detection, but suffers from rapid performance degradation under the operating external electric fields. To enable molecular dynamics (MD) studies of this degradation, we have developed a Stillinger-Weber type of TlBr interatomic potential. During this process, we have also addressed two problems of wider interests. First, the conventional Stillinger-Weber potential format is only applicable for tetrahedral structures (e.g., diamond-cubic, zinc-blende, or wurtzite). Here we have modified the analytical functions of the Stillinger-Weber potential so that it can now be used for other crystal structures. Second, past modifications of interatomic potentials cannot always bemore » applied by a broad community because any new analytical functions of the potential would require corresponding changes in the molecular dynamics codes. Here we have developed a polymorphic potential model that simultaneously incorporates Stillinger-Weber, Tersoff, embedded-atom method, and any variations (i.e., modified functions) of these potentials. As a result, we have implemented this polymorphic model in MD code LAMMPS, and demonstrated that our TlBr potential enables stable MD simulations under external electric fields.« less

  20. Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 produces hypoacetylated PEFA compounds with increased surface activity compared to Rhodotorula babjevae MD1169.

    PubMed

    Lyman, Mathew; Rubinfeld, Bonnee; Leif, Roald; Mulcahy, Heather; Dugan, Lawrence; Souza, Brian

    2018-01-01

    Biosurfactants have several desirable characteristics in the industrial sector: detergency, antimicrobial effects, skin hydration, and emulsibility. Several yeast glycolipids are currently being utilized in these capacities: sophorolipids, ustilagic acid, and mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs). An emerging class of glycolipids, termed polyol esters of fatty acids (PEFA), have recently been reported for Rhodotorula babjevae, a basidiomycetous yeast species that secretes hyperacetylated congeners of PEFA (typically with 3-6 acetylation modifications). While screening Rhodotorula species for surfactant production, we identified a new environmental isolate identified as Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 that dropped the surface tension of the liquid medium, indicating that it produced a potent biosurfactant. Acid depolymerization of the purified biosurfactants, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the biosurfactants were composed of PEFA compounds composed mainly of mannitol and arabitol esters of 3-hydroxy fatty acid, 3-methoxy fatty acid, and fatty acids with a single double bond; chain lengths were mainly C16 and C18. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) confirmed the predicted accurate mass of these compounds. Interestingly, PEFA compounds produced by Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 were more surface active due to their hypoacetylation profile (0-4 acetylation modifications) compared to Rhodotorula babjevae MD1169. These disparate surface active properties, based on acetylation, change the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of these compounds, and their potential utility within industrial applications.

  1. Current status of Marek’s disease in the United States & worldwide based on a questionnaire survey

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A questionnaire was widely distributed in 2011 to estimate the global prevalence of Marek’s disease (MD) and gain a better understanding of current control strategies and future concerns. A total of 112 questionnaires were returned representing 116 countries from sources including national branch s...

  2. Aqua: Current Status and Future

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oreopoulos, Lazaros; Parkinson, Claire L.

    2014-01-01

    This document was presented at the NASA Sounder Science Team Meeting held in Greenbelt, MD, September 30-October 2, 2014. The organizers of the meeting plan to post the presentations to a public website.

  3. 75 FR 52461 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Pocomoke River, Snow Hill, MD

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-26

    ... this single leaf bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary deviation from the current operating schedule to facilitate cleaning and painting the structure. Under the regular operating schedule, the...

  4. Behaviorism and Natural Selection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-01-01

    larger and new species, in other words, in evolution by natural sclec- grouping, the Virgo cluster . The iniverse at large is indifferent tion, a...PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK Division of Neuropsychiatry AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS alter Reed Army Institute of Research ashington, D.C. 20307-5100...CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE .S. Army Medical Research & Development Command ort Detrick 13. NUMBER OF PAGES rederick, MD 21701

  5. 2008 Annual Report TATRC

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-01-01

    drugs such as Prozac . The QD probes, in collaboration with the Greengard Labora- tory at Rockefeller University, are also being used to study neural...ADDRESS(ES) US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC),Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC),Fort Detrick,MD,21702 8...hasten a full return to duty and a fulfilling life.” — Major General George W. Weightman Commanding General, US Army Medical Research and Materiel

  6. Women's Studies and the Curriculum. Proceedings of the Conference on "Scholars and Women" (College Park, MD, March 13-15, 1981).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Triplette, Marianne, Ed.

    Twenty-three conference papers related to the topic of women and curriculum are presented. Keynote addresses have been grouped together in the first section to provide an overview of the field of women's studies. Papers covering research about women in the sciences, social sciences, and the humanities are grouped together in Part II. The text…

  7. The Management of Information Analysis Centers: Proceedings of a Forum Sponsored by the COSATI Panel on Information Analysis Centers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, William A., Ed.

    The papers given at the May 17-19, 1971 forum on Management of Information Analysis Centers held at the National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, Md. are presented in four sessions separated by topic. Besides the welcoming remarks and the keynote address, session 1 contains three general papers on information analysis centers and automatic…

  8. 75 FR 35611 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, and MD-10-10F...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-23

    ... one-time high frequency eddy current inspection of fastener holes for cracks at the left and right... frequency eddy current inspection of fastener holes for cracks at the left and right side wing rear spar... frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of fastener holes at the left and right side wing rear spar...

  9. 75 FR 2831 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, and MD-10-10F...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-19

    ... proposed AD would require a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection of fastener holes for cracks at... high frequency eddy current inspection of fastener holes for cracking at the left and right side wing... of this AD, do a one-time high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of fastener holes at...

  10. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

    PubMed

    James, Stephen; Montgomery, Paul; Williams, Katrina

    2011-11-09

    It has been suggested that impairments associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be partially explained by deficits of omega-3 fatty acids, and that supplementation of these essential fatty acids may lead to improvement of symptoms. To review the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for improving core features of ASD (for example, social interaction, communication, and stereotypies) and associated symptoms. We searched the following databases on 2 June 2010: CENTRAL (2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1950 to May Week 3 2010), EMBASE (1980 to 2010 Week 21), PsycINFO (1806 to current), BIOSIS (1985 to current), CINAHL (1982 to current), Science Citation Index (1970 to current), Social Science Citation Index (1970 to current), metaRegister of Controlled Trials (20 November 2008) and ClinicalTrials.gov (10 December 2010). Dissertation Abstracts International was searched on 10 December 2008, but was no longer available to the authors or editorial base in 2010. All randomised controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation compared to placebo in individuals with ASD. Three authors independently selected studies, assessed them for risk of bias and extracted relevant data. We conducted meta-analysis of the included studies for three primary outcomes (social interaction, communication, and stereotypy) and one secondary outcome (hyperactivity). We included two trials with a total of 37 children diagnosed with ASD who were randomised into groups that received either omega-3 fatty acids supplementation or a placebo. We excluded six trials because they were either non-randomised controlled trials, did not contain a control group, or the control group did not receive a placebo. Overall, there was no evidence that omega-3 supplements had an effect on social interaction (mean difference (MD) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.84 to 4.48, I(2) = 0%), communication (MD 0.62, 95% CI -0.89 to 2.14, I(2) = 0%), stereotypy (MD 0.77, 95% CI -0.69 to 2.22, I(2) = 8%), or hyperactivity (MD 3.46, 95% CI -0.79 to 7.70, I(2) = 0%). To date there is no high quality evidence that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation is effective for improving core and associated symptoms of ASD. Given the paucity of rigorous studies in this area, there is a need for large well-conducted randomised controlled trials that examine both high and low functioning individuals with ASD, and that have longer follow-up periods.

  11. Addressing the future burden of cancer and its impact on the oncology workforce: where is cancer prevention and control?

    PubMed

    Chang, Shine; Cameron, Carrie

    2012-05-01

    The need for cancer professionals has never been more urgent than it is today. Reports project serious shortages by 2020 of oncology health care providers. Although many plans have been proposed, no role for prevention has been described. In response, a 2-day symposium was held in 2009 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to capture the current status of the cancer prevention workforce and begin to identify gaps in the workforce. Five working groups were organized around the following topic areas: (a) health policy and advocacy; (b) translation to the community; (c) integrating cancer prevention into clinical practice; (d) health services infrastructure and economics; and (e) discovery, research, and technology. Along with specific recommendations on these topics, the working groups identified two additional major themes: the difficulty of defining areas within the field (including barriers to communication) and lack of sufficient funding. These interdependent issues synergistically impede progress in preventing cancer; they are explored in detail in this synthesis, and recommendations for actions to address them are presented. Progress in cancer prevention should be a major national and international goal. To achieve this goal, ensuring the health of the workforce in cancer prevention and control is imperative.

  12. Thalamocortical and corticothalamic pathways differentially contribute to goal-directed behaviors in the rat

    PubMed Central

    Alcaraz, Fabien; Fresno, Virginie; Marchand, Alain R; Kremer, Eric J; Coutureau, Etienne

    2018-01-01

    Highly distributed neural circuits are thought to support adaptive decision-making in volatile and complex environments. Notably, the functional interactions between prefrontal and reciprocally connected thalamic nuclei areas may be important when choices are guided by current goal value or action-outcome contingency. We examined the functional involvement of selected thalamocortical and corticothalamic pathways connecting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) in the behaving rat. Using a chemogenetic approach to inhibit projection-defined dmPFC and MD neurons during an instrumental learning task, we show that thalamocortical and corticothalamic pathways differentially support goal attributes. Both pathways participate in adaptation to the current goal value, but only thalamocortical neurons are required to integrate current causal relationships. These data indicate that antiparallel flow of information within thalamocortical circuits may convey qualitatively distinct aspects of adaptive decision-making and highlight the importance of the direction of information flow within neural circuits. PMID:29405119

  13. Current status and future challenges in T-cell receptor/peptide/MHC molecular dynamics simulations.

    PubMed

    Knapp, Bernhard; Demharter, Samuel; Esmaielbeiki, Reyhaneh; Deane, Charlotte M

    2015-11-01

    The interaction between T-cell receptors (TCRs) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound epitopes is one of the most important processes in the adaptive human immune response. Several hypotheses on TCR triggering have been proposed. Many of them involve structural and dynamical adjustments in the TCR/peptide/MHC interface. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are a computational technique that is used to investigate structural dynamics at atomic resolution. Such simulations are used to improve understanding of signalling on a structural level. Here we review how MD simulations of the TCR/peptide/MHC complex have given insight into immune system reactions not achievable with current experimental methods. Firstly, we summarize methods of TCR/peptide/MHC complex modelling and TCR/peptide/MHC MD trajectory analysis methods. Then we classify recently published simulations into categories and give an overview of approaches and results. We show that current studies do not come to the same conclusions about TCR/peptide/MHC interactions. This discrepancy might be caused by too small sample sizes or intrinsic differences between each interaction process. As computational power increases future studies will be able to and should have larger sample sizes, longer runtimes and additional parts of the immunological synapse included. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

  14. Mathematical difficulties as decoupling of expectation and developmental trajectories

    PubMed Central

    McLean, Janet F.; Rusconi, Elena

    2014-01-01

    Recent years have seen an increase in research articles and reviews exploring mathematical difficulties (MD). Many of these articles have set out to explain the etiology of the problems, the possibility of different subtypes, and potential brain regions that underlie many of the observable behaviors. These articles are very valuable in a research field, which many have noted, falls behind that of reading and language disabilities. Here will provide a perspective on the current understanding of MD from a different angle, by outlining the school curriculum of England and the US and connecting these to the skills needed at different stages of mathematical understanding. We will extend this to explore the cognitive skills which most likely underpin these different stages and whose impairment may thus lead to mathematics difficulties at all stages of mathematics development. To conclude we will briefly explore interventions that are currently available, indicating whether these can be used to aid the different children at different stages of their mathematical development and what their current limitations may be. The principal aim of this review is to establish an explicit connection between the academic discourse, with its research base and concepts, and the developmental trajectory of abstract mathematical skills that is expected (and somewhat dictated) in formal education. This will possibly help to highlight and make sense of the gap between the complexity of the MD range in real life and the state of its academic science. PMID:24567712

  15. Efficacy and Safety of Tai Chi for Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    PubMed Central

    Ni, Xiaojia; Liu, Shaonan; Lu, Fuchang; Shi, Xiaogeng; Guo, Xinfeng

    2014-01-01

    Background and Objective In Parkinson's disease (PD), wearing off and side effects of long-term medication and complications pose challenges for neurologists. Although Tai Chi is beneficial for many illnesses, its efficacy for PD remains uncertain. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for PD. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tai Chi for PD were electronically searched by the end of December 2013 and identified by two independent reviewers. The tool from the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 was used to assess the risk of bias. A standard meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. Results Ten trials with PD of mild-to-moderate severity were included in the review, and nine trials (n = 409) were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of bias was generally high in the blinding of participants and personnel. Improvements in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (mean difference (MD) −4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) −6.67–−2.01), Berg Balance Scale (MD: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.83–5.66), functional reach test (MD: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.73–6.04), Timed Up and Go test (MD: −0.75, 95% CI: −1.30–−0.21), stride length (standardized MD: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.03–1.09), health-related quality of life (standardized MD: −1.10, 95% CI: −1.81–−0.39) and reduction of falls were greater after interventions with Tai Chi plus medication. Satisfaction and safety were high. Intervention with Tai Chi alone was more effective for only a few balance and mobility outcomes. Conclusions Tai Chi performed with medication resulted in promising gains in mobility and balance, and it was safe and popular among PD patients at an early stage of the disease. This provides a new evidence for PD management. More RCTs with larger sample size that carefully address blinding and prudently select outcomes are needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42013004989. PMID:24927169

  16. Fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind myostatin: a patent evaluation of WO2014043344.

    PubMed

    Walker, Ryan G; Thompson, Thomas B

    2015-05-01

    Muscular dystrophies (MD) are commonly characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function. It is hypothesized that therapeutic blockade of the TGF-β ligand myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, will stimulate muscle growth and restore muscle function. Although many anti-myostatin targets are currently being pursued in the clinical setting, the efficacies of the tested molecules have shown mixed results. The patent WO2014043344 describes a novel approach for myostatin inhibition using a modified fibronectin type III domain that could potentially be used to treat MD and other muscle-related pathologies.

  17. Atomistic modeling of shock-induced void collapse in copper

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

    Davila, L P; Erhart, P; Bringa, E M

    2005-03-09

    Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that shock-induced void collapse in copper occurs by emission of shear loops. These loops carry away the vacancies which comprise the void. The growth of the loops continues even after they collide and form sessile junctions, creating a hardened region around the collapsing void. The scenario seen in our simulations differs from current models that assume that prismatic loop emission is responsible for void collapse. We propose a new dislocation-based model that gives excellent agreement with the stress threshold found in the MD simulations for void collapse as a function of void radius.

  18. Run Environment and Data Management for Earth System Models

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Widmann, H.; Lautenschlager, M.; Fast, I.; Legutke, S.

    2009-04-01

    The Integrating Model and Data Infrastructure (IMDI) developed and maintained by the Model and Data Group (M&D) comprises the Standard Compile Environment (SCE) and the Standard Run Environment (SRE). The IMDI software has a modular design, which allows to combine and couple a suite of model components and as well to execute the tasks independently and on various platforms. Furthermore the modular structure enables the extension to new model combinations and new platforms. The SRE presented here enables the configuration and performance of earth system model experiments from model integration up to storage and visualization of data. We focus on recently implemented tasks such as synchronous data base filling, graphical monitoring and automatic generation of meta data in XML forms during run time. As well we address the capability to run experiments in heterogeneous IT environments with different computing systems for model integration, data processing and storage. These features are demonstrated for model configurations and on platforms used in current or upcoming projects, e.g. MILLENNIUM or IPCC AR5.

  19. Potential of membrane distillation for production of high quality fruit juice concentrate.

    PubMed

    Onsekizoglu Bagci, Pelin

    2015-01-01

    Fruit juices are generally concentrated in order to improve the stability during storage and to reduce handling, packaging, and transportation costs. Thermal evaporation is the most widely used technique in industrial fruit juice concentrate production. In addition to high energy consumption, a large part of the characteristics determining the quality of the fresh juice including aroma, color, vitamins, and antioxidants undergoes remarkable alterations through the use of high operation temperatures. Increasing consumer demand for minimally or naturally processed stable products able to retain as much possible the uniqueness of the fresh fruit has engendered a growing interest for development of nonthermal approaches for fruit juice concentration. Among them, membrane distillation (MD) and its variants have attracted much attention for allowing very high concentrations to be reached under atmospheric pressure and temperatures near ambient temperature. This review will provide an overview of the current status and recent developments in the use of MD for concentration of fruit juices. In addition to the most basic concepts of MD variants, crucial suggestions for membrane selection and operating parameters will be presented. Challenges and future trends for industrial adaptation taking into account the possibility of integrating MD with other existing processes will be discussed.

  20. Current activities and results of the Long Duration Exposure Facility Meteoroid and Debris Special Investigation Group

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    See, Thomas H.; Leago, Kimberly S.; Warren, Jack L.; Bernhard, Ronald P.; Zolensky, Michael E.

    1994-03-01

    Fiscal Year 1994 will bring to a close the initial investigative activities associated with the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). LDEF was a 14-faced spacecraft (i.e., 12-sided cylinder and two ends) which housed 54 different experimental packages in low-Earth orbit (LEO) from Apr. 1984 to Jan. 1990 (i.e., for approx. 5.75 years). Since LDEF's return, the Meteoroid & Debris Special Investigation Group (M&D SIG) has been examining various LDEF components in order to better understand and define the LEO particulate environment. Members of the M&D SIG at JSC in Houston, TX have been contributing to these studies by carefully examining and documenting all impact events found on LDEF's 6061-T6 aluminum Intercostals (i.e., one of the spacecraft's structural frame components). Unlike all other hardware on LDEF, the frame exposed significantly large surface areas of a single homogeneous material in all (i.e., 26) possible LDEF pointing directions. To date, 28 of the 68 Intercostals in the possession of the M&D SIG have been documented. This data, as well as similar information from various LDEF investigators, can be accessed through the M&D SIG Database which is maintained at JSC.

  1. Current activities and results of the Long Duration Exposure Facility Meteoroid and Debris Special Investigation Group

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    See, Thomas H.; Leago, Kimberly S.; Warren, Jack L.; Bernhard, Ronald P.; Zolensky, Michael E.

    1994-01-01

    Fiscal Year 1994 will bring to a close the initial investigative activities associated with the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). LDEF was a 14-faced spacecraft (i.e., 12-sided cylinder and two ends) which housed 54 different experimental packages in low-Earth orbit (LEO) from Apr. 1984 to Jan. 1990 (i.e., for approx. 5.75 years). Since LDEF's return, the Meteoroid & Debris Special Investigation Group (M&D SIG) has been examining various LDEF components in order to better understand and define the LEO particulate environment. Members of the M&D SIG at JSC in Houston, TX have been contributing to these studies by carefully examining and documenting all impact events found on LDEF's 6061-T6 aluminum Intercostals (i.e., one of the spacecraft's structural frame components). Unlike all other hardware on LDEF, the frame exposed significantly large surface areas of a single homogeneous material in all (i.e., 26) possible LDEF pointing directions. To date, 28 of the 68 Intercostals in the possession of the M&D SIG have been documented. This data, as well as similar information from various LDEF investigators, can be accessed through the M&D SIG Database which is maintained at JSC.

  2. The first nationwide survey of MD-PhDs in the social sciences and humanities: training patterns and career choices.

    PubMed

    Holmes, Seth M; Karlin, Jennifer; Stonington, Scott D; Gottheil, Diane L

    2017-03-21

    While several articles on MD-PhD trainees in the basic sciences have been published in the past several years, very little research exists on physician-investigators in the social sciences and humanities. However, the numbers of MD-PhDs training in these fields and the number of programs offering training in these fields are increasing, particularly within the US. In addition, accountability for the public funding for MD-PhD programs requires knowledge about this growing population of trainees and their career trajectories. The aim of this paper is to describe the first cohorts of MD-PhDs in the social sciences and humanities, to characterize their training and career paths, and to better understand their experiences of training and subsequent research and practice. This paper utilizes a multi-pronged recruitment method and novel survey instrument to examine an understudied population of MD-PhD trainees in the social sciences and humanities, many of whom completed both degrees without formal programmatic support. The survey instrument was designed to collect demographic, training and career trajectory data, as well as experiences of and perspectives on training and career. It describes their routes to professional development, characterizes obstacles to and predictors of success, and explores career trends. The average length of time to complete both degrees was 9 years. The vast majority (90%) completed a clinical residency, almost all (98%) were engaged in research, the vast majority (88%) were employed in academic institutions, and several others (9%) held leadership positions in national and international health organizations. Very few (4%) went into private practice. The survey responses supply recommendations for supporting current trainees as well as areas for future research. In general, MD-PhDs in the social sciences and humanities have careers that fit the goals of agencies providing public funding for training physician-investigators: they are involved in mutually-informative medical research, clinical practice, and teaching - working to improve our responses to the social, cultural, and political determinants of health and health care. These findings provide strong evidence for continued and improved funding and programmatic support for MD-PhD trainees in the social sciences and humanities.

  3. A permeation theory for single-file ion channels: one- and two-step models.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Peter Hugo

    2011-04-28

    How many steps are required to model permeation through ion channels? This question is investigated by comparing one- and two-step models of permeation with experiment and MD simulation for the first time. In recent MD simulations, the observed permeation mechanism was identified as resembling a Hodgkin and Keynes knock-on mechanism with one voltage-dependent rate-determining step [Jensen et al., PNAS 107, 5833 (2010)]. These previously published simulation data are fitted to a one-step knock-on model that successfully explains the highly non-Ohmic current-voltage curve observed in the simulation. However, these predictions (and the simulations upon which they are based) are not representative of real channel behavior, which is typically Ohmic at low voltages. A two-step association/dissociation (A/D) model is then compared with experiment for the first time. This two-parameter model is shown to be remarkably consistent with previously published permeation experiments through the MaxiK potassium channel over a wide range of concentrations and positive voltages. The A/D model also provides a first-order explanation of permeation through the Shaker potassium channel, but it does not explain the asymmetry observed experimentally. To address this, a new asymmetric variant of the A/D model is developed using the present theoretical framework. It includes a third parameter that represents the value of the "permeation coordinate" (fractional electric potential energy) corresponding to the triply occupied state n of the channel. This asymmetric A/D model is fitted to published permeation data through the Shaker potassium channel at physiological concentrations, and it successfully predicts qualitative changes in the negative current-voltage data (including a transition to super-Ohmic behavior) based solely on a fit to positive-voltage data (that appear linear). The A/D model appears to be qualitatively consistent with a large group of published MD simulations, but no quantitative comparison has yet been made. The A/D model makes a network of predictions for how the elementary steps and the channel occupancy vary with both concentration and voltage. In addition, the proposed theoretical framework suggests a new way of plotting the energetics of the simulated system using a one-dimensional permeation coordinate that uses electric potential energy as a metric for the net fractional progress through the permeation mechanism. This approach has the potential to provide a quantitative connection between atomistic simulations and permeation experiments for the first time.

  4. Resting Energy Expenditure in Adults with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy

    PubMed Central

    Jacques, Matthew F.; Orme, Paul; Smith, Jonathon; Morse, Christopher I.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose The purpose of this study was: 1) To compare Resting energy expenditure (REE) in adult males with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy (BeMD, n = 21, 39 ±12 years) and healthy controls (CTRL, n = 12, 37 ±12 years) 2) Determine whether other physiological parameters correlate with REE in BeMD, and 3) Compare current prediction methods of REE with measured REE. Methods REE was calculated via indirect calorimetry using continuous, expired gas analysis following an overnight fast. Fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance. B-mode ultrasound measured Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) anatomical cross sectional area (ACSA). The Bone Specific Physical Activity Questionnaire measured physical activity. Results No difference in REE was found between CTRL and BeMD groups (1913 ±203 & 1786 ±324 Kcal respectively). Other physiological comparisons showed increased fat mass (+54%), decreased TA ACSA (-42%), increased GM ACSA (+25%) as well as reduced respiratory function (FVC -28%; FEV1−27%) in BeMD adults compared to controls. REE estimated from prediction equations (Schofield’s) in Muscular Dystrophy were different from measured REE (P<0.05, bias = -728kcal), while the Mifflin equation was no different from measured REE (r2 = 0.58, Bias = -8kcal). Within the present BeMD, REE predicted from FFM (REE = FFM x 34.57–270; r2 = 0.85) and body mass (REE = BM x 15.65 + 421.5; r2 = 0.66), were not different from measured REE (bias equals 0 and 0.2kcals, respectively) Conclusions Despite no differences in REE between CTRL and BeMD adults, increased fat masses highlights the requirement for explicit nutritional guidelines, as well as maintenance of physical activity levels, where possible. Prediction equations are frequently used in clinical settings, however these have been shown to be less accurate in BeMD; therefore, the equations proposed here should be used where possible. PMID:28060911

  5. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris

    PubMed Central

    Bao, Hongguang; Si, Yanna; Xu, Chenjie; Chen, Hao; Gao, Xianzhong; Xie, Xinyi; Xu, Yajie; Sun, Fan; Zeng, Lingqing

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: Paresthesia-free stimulation such as high frequency and burst have been demonstrated as effective therapies for neuropathic pain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris (RAP). Materials and Methods: Relevant randomized controlled trials that investigated SCS for patients with RAP were comprehensively searched in Medline, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Five meta-analyses were performed examining the changes in Canadian Cardiovascular Society classes, exercise time, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of pain, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and nitroglycerin use in RAP patients after SCS therapy. We analyzed standardized mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome by Review Manager 5.0 and STATA 12.0. Results: A total of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 476 RAP patients were identified. A trend of reduction in the angina frequency (MD=−9.03, 95% CI, −15.70 to −2.36) and nitroglycerin consumption (MD=−0.64, 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.45) could be observed in the SCS group. Compared with the control group, SCS showed benefit on increasing exercise time (MD=0.49, 95% CI, 0.13-0.85) and treatment satisfaction (MD=6.87, 95% CI, 2.07-11.66) with decreased VAS scores of pain (MD=−0.50, 95% CI, −0.81 to −0.20) and disease perception (MD=−8.34, 95% CI, −14.45 to −2.23). However, the result did not reach the significance level in terms of physical limitation (95% CI, −8.75 to 3.38; P=0.39) or angina stability (95% CI, −7.55 to 3.67; P=0.50). Discussion: The current meta-analysis suggested that SCS was a potential alternative in the treatment of PAP patients. Further investigation for finding the appropriate intensity of stimulation is required before this treatment should be widely recommended and applied. PMID:27875377

  6. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Pan, Xiaoxiao; Bao, Hongguang; Si, Yanna; Xu, Chenjie; Chen, Hao; Gao, Xianzhong; Xie, Xinyi; Xu, Yajie; Sun, Fan; Zeng, Lingqing

    2017-06-01

    Paresthesia-free stimulation such as high frequency and burst have been demonstrated as effective therapies for neuropathic pain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris (RAP). Relevant randomized controlled trials that investigated SCS for patients with RAP were comprehensively searched in Medline, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Five meta-analyses were performed examining the changes in Canadian Cardiovascular Society classes, exercise time, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of pain, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and nitroglycerin use in RAP patients after SCS therapy. We analyzed standardized mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome by Review Manager 5.0 and STATA 12.0. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 476 RAP patients were identified. A trend of reduction in the angina frequency (MD=-9.03, 95% CI, -15.70 to -2.36) and nitroglycerin consumption (MD=-0.64, 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.45) could be observed in the SCS group. Compared with the control group, SCS showed benefit on increasing exercise time (MD=0.49, 95% CI, 0.13-0.85) and treatment satisfaction (MD=6.87, 95% CI, 2.07-11.66) with decreased VAS scores of pain (MD=-0.50, 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.20) and disease perception (MD=-8.34, 95% CI, -14.45 to -2.23). However, the result did not reach the significance level in terms of physical limitation (95% CI, -8.75 to 3.38; P=0.39) or angina stability (95% CI, -7.55 to 3.67; P=0.50). The current meta-analysis suggested that SCS was a potential alternative in the treatment of PAP patients. Further investigation for finding the appropriate intensity of stimulation is required before this treatment should be widely recommended and applied.

  7. Features of mood associated with high body weight in females with fibromyalgia.

    PubMed

    Alciati, Alessandra; Atzeni, Fabiola; Grassi, Massimiliano; Caldirola, Daniela; Sarzi-Puttini, Piercarlo; Angst, Jules; Perna, Giampaolo

    2018-01-01

    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common syndrome whose main characteristic is chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, the severity of which is frequently worsened by concomitant obesity. Major depression (MD), particularly as part of a bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD), is associated with both obesity and FM. To evaluate the relationship between lifetime MD, hypomanic symptoms and the body mass index (BMI) in patients with FM. Of the 115 patients originally screened, 87 women with FM finally entered the study. Forty-nine patients (57%) had a lifetime diagnosis of MD, assessed by a structured clinical interview based on DSM-IV criteria, and four of them (4.6%) had a current MD episode. Lifetime hypomanic symptoms were measured by means of the self-rated Hypomania Checklist. According to the international criteria for BMI, FM patients were classified as under/normal-weight (61%), overweight (30%) and obese (9%). 62 patients (71.2%) with FM had a bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD). Thirty (48.3%) of them met criteria for bipolar II disorder, 32 (51,6%) for bipolar disorder NOS (18 FM patients with MD associated to sub-syndromal hypomanic syndrome and 14 with hypomanic syndrome without MD). No patient had a bipolar I disorder. Only one patient met the criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD). There was no significant difference in mean BMI between the patients with and without a lifetime diagnosis of MD, but there was a positive association between the level of hypomanic symptoms and BMI values (p<0.009). When hypomania was considered categorically as hypomanic syndrome there was no significant effect on BMI. Our finding adds to previous evidence indicating that hypomanic symptoms are a central feature of FM. In the case of the early identification of high-level hypomanic symptoms, body weight should be closely monitored in order to prevent obesity and its detrimental impact on females with FM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The Maastricht-Duke bridge: An era of mentoring in clinical research - A model for mentoring in clinical research - A tribute to Dr. Galen Wagner.

    PubMed

    Meijs, Loek; Zusterzeel, Robbert; Wellens, Hein Jj; Gorgels, Anton Pm

    With the passing of Dr. Galen Wagner, an exceptional collaboration between Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands, and Duke Clinical Research Institute, USA, has come to an end. This article focuses on the background of what Galen coined the Maastricht-Duke bridge (MD-bridge), its merits, limitations and development throughout the years, and his special role. Between 2004 and 2015, 23 Maastricht University medical students and post-graduate students were enrolled in the 4-month research elective, mentored by Galen and the Maastricht co-mentor. They were asked to complete a survey about their MD-bridge experience. Sixteen out of the 23 students responded. None but 1 participant had prior research experience. Following their MD bridge-program most participants published 1 or more manuscripts and/or presented their research in an international setting. They felt they had full responsibility as a leader of their project with all participants developing meaningful skills useful in their current job. Fourteen out of 16 would recommend the MD-bridge experience to others. Participants considered the program of great value for their personal growth and independence, giving a feeling of achievement. In addition, for some participants it led to careers in foreign countries including medical practice and research, or obtaining PhDs. With Galen's impressive career of mentoring students, including the 23 MD-bridge participants, he has left behind an amazing concept of self-development in research and personal life. The successes of the MD-bridge prove that it is possible for students to be young investigators during or just after medical school with the potential to contribute to developing meaningful skills and noteworthy careers. Collaborations between international universities, such as the MD-bridge, are feasible and should be embraced by other institutions. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. An Effective Approach for Clustering InhA Molecular Dynamics Trajectory Using Substrate-Binding Cavity Features

    PubMed Central

    Ruiz, Duncan D. A.; Norberto de Souza, Osmar

    2015-01-01

    Protein receptor conformations, obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, have become a promising treatment of its explicit flexibility in molecular docking experiments applied to drug discovery and development. However, incorporating the entire ensemble of MD conformations in docking experiments to screen large candidate compound libraries is currently an unfeasible task. Clustering algorithms have been widely used as a means to reduce such ensembles to a manageable size. Most studies investigate different algorithms using pairwise Root-Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) values for all, or part of the MD conformations. Nevertheless, the RMSD only may not be the most appropriate gauge to cluster conformations when the target receptor has a plastic active site, since they are influenced by changes that occur on other parts of the structure. Hence, we have applied two partitioning methods (k-means and k-medoids) and four agglomerative hierarchical methods (Complete linkage, Ward’s, Unweighted Pair Group Method and Weighted Pair Group Method) to analyze and compare the quality of partitions between a data set composed of properties from an enzyme receptor substrate-binding cavity and two data sets created using different RMSD approaches. Ensembles of representative MD conformations were generated by selecting a medoid of each group from all partitions analyzed. We investigated the performance of our new method for evaluating binding conformation of drug candidates to the InhA enzyme, which were performed by cross-docking experiments between a 20 ns MD trajectory and 20 different ligands. Statistical analyses showed that the novel ensemble, which is represented by only 0.48% of the MD conformations, was able to reproduce 75% of all dynamic behaviors within the binding cavity for the docking experiments performed. Moreover, this new approach not only outperforms the other two RMSD-clustering solutions, but it also shows to be a promising strategy to distill biologically relevant information from MD trajectories, especially for docking purposes. PMID:26218832

  10. An Effective Approach for Clustering InhA Molecular Dynamics Trajectory Using Substrate-Binding Cavity Features.

    PubMed

    De Paris, Renata; Quevedo, Christian V; Ruiz, Duncan D A; Norberto de Souza, Osmar

    2015-01-01

    Protein receptor conformations, obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, have become a promising treatment of its explicit flexibility in molecular docking experiments applied to drug discovery and development. However, incorporating the entire ensemble of MD conformations in docking experiments to screen large candidate compound libraries is currently an unfeasible task. Clustering algorithms have been widely used as a means to reduce such ensembles to a manageable size. Most studies investigate different algorithms using pairwise Root-Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) values for all, or part of the MD conformations. Nevertheless, the RMSD only may not be the most appropriate gauge to cluster conformations when the target receptor has a plastic active site, since they are influenced by changes that occur on other parts of the structure. Hence, we have applied two partitioning methods (k-means and k-medoids) and four agglomerative hierarchical methods (Complete linkage, Ward's, Unweighted Pair Group Method and Weighted Pair Group Method) to analyze and compare the quality of partitions between a data set composed of properties from an enzyme receptor substrate-binding cavity and two data sets created using different RMSD approaches. Ensembles of representative MD conformations were generated by selecting a medoid of each group from all partitions analyzed. We investigated the performance of our new method for evaluating binding conformation of drug candidates to the InhA enzyme, which were performed by cross-docking experiments between a 20 ns MD trajectory and 20 different ligands. Statistical analyses showed that the novel ensemble, which is represented by only 0.48% of the MD conformations, was able to reproduce 75% of all dynamic behaviors within the binding cavity for the docking experiments performed. Moreover, this new approach not only outperforms the other two RMSD-clustering solutions, but it also shows to be a promising strategy to distill biologically relevant information from MD trajectories, especially for docking purposes.

  11. Molecular Modeling of Aerospace Polymer Matrices Including Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Epoxy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Radue, Matthew S.

    Carbon fiber (CF) composites are increasingly replacing metals used in major structural parts of aircraft, spacecraft, and automobiles. The current limitations of carbon fiber composites are addressed through computational material design by modeling the salient aerospace matrix materials. Molecular Dynamics (MD) models of epoxies with and without carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement and models of pure bismaleimides (BMIs) were developed to elucidate structure-property relationships for improved selection and tailoring of matrices. The influence of monomer functionality on the mechanical properties of epoxies is studied using the Reax Force Field (ReaxFF). From deformation simulations, the Young's modulus, yield point, and Poisson's ratio are calculated and analyzed. The results demonstrate an increase in stiffness and yield strength with increasing resin functionality. Comparison between the network structures of distinct epoxies is further advanced by the Monomeric Degree Index (MDI). Experimental validation demonstrates the MD results correctly predict the relationship in Young's moduli for all epoxies modeled. Therefore, the ReaxFF is confirmed to be a useful tool for studying the mechanical behavior of epoxies. While epoxies have been well-studied using MD, there has been no concerted effort to model cured BMI polymers due to the complexity of the network-forming reactions. A novel, adaptable crosslinking framework is developed for implementing 5 distinct cure reactions of Matrimid-5292 (a BMI resin) and investigating the network structure using MD simulations. The influence of different cure reactions and extent of curing are analyzed on the several thermo-mechanical properties such as mass density, glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic moduli, and thermal conductivity. The developed crosslinked models correctly predict experimentally observed trends for various properties. Finally, the epoxies modeled (di-, tri-, and tetra-functionalresins) are simulated with embedded CNT to understand how the affinity to nanoparticles affects the mechanical response. Multiscale modeling techniques are then employed to translate the molecular phenomena observed to predict the behavior of realistic composites. The effective stiffness of hybrid composites are predicted for CNT/epoxy composites with randomly oriented CNTs, for CF/CNT/epoxy systems with aligned CFs and randomly oriented CNTs, and for woven CF/CNT/epoxy fabric with randomly oriented CNTs. The results indicate that in the CNT/epoxy systems the epoxy type has a significant influence on the elastic properties. For the CF/CNT/epoxy hybrid composites, the axial modulus is highly influenced by CF concentration, while the transverse modulus is primarily affected by the CNT weight fraction.

  12. General practitioners' management of mental disorders: a rewarding practice with considerable obstacles.

    PubMed

    Fleury, Marie-Josée; Imboua, Armelle; Aubé, Denise; Farand, Lambert; Lambert, Yves

    2012-03-16

    Primary care improvement is the cornerstone of current reforms. Mental disorders (MDs) are a leading cause of morbidity worldwide and widespread in industrialised countries. MDs are treated mainly in primary care by general practitioners (GPs), even though the latter ability to detect, diagnose, and treat patients with MDs is often considered unsatisfactory. This article examines GPs' management of MDs in an effort to acquire more information regarding means by which GPs deal with MD cases, impact of such cases on their practices, factors that enable or hinder MD management, and patient-management strategies. This study employs a mixed-method approach with emphasis on qualitative investigation. Based on a previous survey of 398 GPs in Quebec, Canada, 60 GPs representing a variety of practice settings were selected for further study. A 10-minute-long questionnaire comprising 27 items was administered, and 70-minute-long interviews were conducted. Quantitative (SPSS) and qualitative (NVivo) analyses were performed. At least 20% of GP visits were MD-related. GPs were comfortable managing common MDs, but not serious MDs. GPs' based their treatment of MDs on pharmacotherapy, support therapy, and psycho-education. They used clinical intuition with few clinical tools, and closely followed their patients with MDs. Practice features (salary or hourly fees payment; psycho-social teams on-site; strong informal networks), and GPs' individual characteristics (continuing medical education; exposure and interest in MDs; traits like empathy) favoured MD management. Collaboration with psychologists and psychiatrists was considered key to good MD management. Limited access to specialists, system fragmentation, and underdeveloped group practice and shared-care models were impediments. MD management was seen as burdensome because it required more time, flexibility, and emotional investment. Strategies exist to reduce the burden (one-problem-per-visit rule; longer time slots). GPs found MD practice rewarding as patients were seen as grateful and more complying with medical recommendations compared to other patients, generally leading to positive outcomes. To improve MD management, this study highlights the importance of extending multidisciplinary GP practice settings with salary or hourly fee payment; access to psychotherapeutic and psychiatric expertise; and case-discussion training involving local networks of GPs and MD specialists that encourage both knowledge transfer and shared care.

  13. General practitioners' management of mental disorders: A rewarding practice with considerable obstacles

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Primary care improvement is the cornerstone of current reforms. Mental disorders (MDs) are a leading cause of morbidity worldwide and widespread in industrialised countries. MDs are treated mainly in primary care by general practitioners (GPs), even though the latter ability to detect, diagnose, and treat patients with MDs is often considered unsatisfactory. This article examines GPs' management of MDs in an effort to acquire more information regarding means by which GPs deal with MD cases, impact of such cases on their practices, factors that enable or hinder MD management, and patient-management strategies. Methods This study employs a mixed-method approach with emphasis on qualitative investigation. Based on a previous survey of 398 GPs in Quebec, Canada, 60 GPs representing a variety of practice settings were selected for further study. A 10-minute-long questionnaire comprising 27 items was administered, and 70-minute-long interviews were conducted. Quantitative (SPSS) and qualitative (NVivo) analyses were performed. Results At least 20% of GP visits were MD-related. GPs were comfortable managing common MDs, but not serious MDs. GPs' based their treatment of MDs on pharmacotherapy, support therapy, and psycho-education. They used clinical intuition with few clinical tools, and closely followed their patients with MDs. Practice features (salary or hourly fees payment; psycho-social teams on-site; strong informal networks), and GPs' individual characteristics (continuing medical education; exposure and interest in MDs; traits like empathy) favoured MD management. Collaboration with psychologists and psychiatrists was considered key to good MD management. Limited access to specialists, system fragmentation, and underdeveloped group practice and shared-care models were impediments. MD management was seen as burdensome because it required more time, flexibility, and emotional investment. Strategies exist to reduce the burden (one-problem-per-visit rule; longer time slots). GPs found MD practice rewarding as patients were seen as grateful and more complying with medical recommendations compared to other patients, generally leading to positive outcomes. Conclusions To improve MD management, this study highlights the importance of extending multidisciplinary GP practice settings with salary or hourly fee payment; access to psychotherapeutic and psychiatric expertise; and case-discussion training involving local networks of GPs and MD specialists that encourage both knowledge transfer and shared care. PMID:22423592

  14. Comparison of the 2008-2011 and 1993-1995 Surges of Bering Glacier, Alaska

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Molnia, B. F.; Angeli, K.

    2011-12-01

    The 1993-1995 surge of Bering Glacier, Earth's largest surging temperate glacier, was intensively studied. A new surge, which began prior to March 9, 2009, was still active in early August 2011. As was the 1993-1995 surge, the current surge is being studied using multiple remote sensing and ground-based methodologies. The wealth of observations available of both surges permit comparisons to be drawn about similarities and differences regarding processes, timing, intensities, and related topics. For more than a year prior to each surge, the intensity of calving and the rate of terminus retreat in Tashalich Arm increased dramatically, approaching 4 m/d in late 2010. This was abruptly followed by a significant terminus advance. In the current surge, maximum advance rates exceeded 19 m/d between March 18 and May 10, 2011. Through July 20, maximum terminus advance approached 3.2 km with velocities above 8 m/d. Similar rates applied in the earlier surge. Each surge has resulted in a rapid and significant advance of the central Bering Lobe's terminus into Vitus Lake. The terminus advance results from the transfer of a substantial volume of ice from the Bagley Ice Valley into the expanding piedmont lobe. In both surges, conspicuous evidence of tens of meters of glacier surface lowering is visible on the south wall of Juniper Island. In the 1993-1995 surge, terminus advance between October 17, 1993 and May 16, 1994 was nearly 7.8 km, an average advance rate of more than 36 m/d. With the current surge, between January 8 and 14, 2011, the terminus advanced a maximum of 125 m, averaging nearly 21 m/d. By July 11, 2011, maximum velocities still approached 15 m per day, with maximum ice displacements of nearly 2 km and a maximum terminus advance of 1.7 km. In the 1993-1995 surge, the first evidence of surge activity was observed in April 1993, the development of a fractured ice bulge on the northwest side of the Grindle Hills. The surge front reached Bering's terminus at the end of August 1993 and left it heavily fractured. With the current surge, until July 2009, surface displacements were restricted to the area from west of, to northeast of the Grindle Hills. By November 18, 2010, the surge front reached Bering's terminus and left it more heavily fractured than in 1993. The current surge shows the same style and types of surface disruptions and deformations at the same locations as did the earlier surge. For example, in both surges, sinusoidal crevasses were first noted north of the Grindle Hills, while rifts were noted in the upper central piedmont lobe. The current surge has produced much more fracturing of the Medial Moraine Band than did the 1993-95 surge. Similarly, the extent of surface fracturing up-glacier from the piedmont lobe is significantly greater in the current surge. During the 1993-95 surge, surface expression of the surge extended about 45 km east of the western end of Juniper Island. In late July 2011, surge-related surface fractures extended nearly 90 km to the east. The Steller lobe of the Bering Glacier System has not been involved in either surge. Continued observations of the current surge, in the context of the 1993-95 surge, are providing significant insights into repeatable patterns of surging glacier behavior. Bering Glacier is an amazing natural laboratory at which to conduct these observations.

  15. Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 910626S1. 11174 U.S. Navy, Ada/M, Version 4.0 (/Optimize), VAX 8550, Running VAX/VMS version 5.3 (Host) to AN/UYK-44 (EMR) (Bare Board) (Target).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-07-30

    Gaithersburg, MD USA 7 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION National Institute of Standards and Technology REPORT...Ada Compiler Validation Capability (ACVC). This Validation Summary Report ( VSR ) gives an account of the testing of this Ada implementation. For any... 7 => 𔃺’) & "F.E:" $MAXSTRINGLITERAL ’"’ & (1..V-2 => ’A’) & ’"’ A-i The fo~te1-wing table contains the values for the remaining macro parameters

  16. Combination of treatment with death receptor 5-specific antibody with therapeutic HPV DNA vaccination generates enhanced therapeutic antitumor effects

    PubMed Central

    Tseng, Chih-Wen; Trimble, Cornelia; Monie, Archana; Alvarez, Ronald D.; Huh, Warner K.; Buchsbaum, Donald J.; Straughn, J. Michael; Wang, Mei-Cheng; Yagita, Hideo; Hung, Chien-Fu; Wu, T.-C.

    2008-01-01

    There is currently a vital need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the control of advanced stage cancers. Antigen-specific immunotherapy and the employment of antibodies against the death receptor 5 (DR5) have emerged as two potentially promising strategies for cancer treatment. In the current study, we hypothesize that the combination of treatment with the anti-DR5 monoclonal antibody, MD5-1 with a DNA vaccine encoding calreticulin (CRT) linked to human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 antigen (CRT/E7(detox)) administered via gene gun would lead to further enhancement of E7-specific immune responses as well as antitumor effects. Our results indicated that mice bearing the E7-expressing tumor, TC-1 treated with MD5-1 monoclonal antibody followed by CRT/E7(detox) DNA vaccination generated the most potent therapeutic anti-tumor effects as well as highest levels of E7-specific CD8+ T cells among all the groups tested. In addition, treatment with MD5-1 monoclonal antibody was capable of rendering the TC-1 tumor cells more susceptible to lysis by E7-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Our findings serve as an important foundation for future clinical translation. PMID:18598733

  17. Meningococcal disease in the Middle East and Africa: Findings and updates from the Global Meningococcal Initiative.

    PubMed

    Borrow, Ray; Caugant, Dominique A; Ceyhan, Mehmet; Christensen, Hannah; Dinleyici, Ener Cagri; Findlow, Jamie; Glennie, Linda; Von Gottberg, Anne; Kechrid, Amel; Vázquez Moreno, Julio; Razki, Aziza; Smith, Vincent; Taha, Muhamed-Kheir; Tali-Maamar, Hassiba; Zerouali, Khalid

    2017-07-01

    The Global Meningococcal Initiative (GMI) has recently considered current issues in Middle Eastern and African countries, and produced two recommendations: (i) that vaccination of attendees should be considered for some types of mass-gathering events, as some countries mandate for the Hajj, and (ii) vaccination of people with human immunodeficiency virus should be used routinely, because of increased meningococcal disease (MD) risk. Differences exist between Middle Eastern and African countries regarding case and syndrome definitions, surveillance, and epidemiologic data gaps. Sentinel surveillance provides an overview of trends and prevalence of different capsular groups supporting vaccine selection and planning, whereas cost-effectiveness decisions require comprehensive disease burden data, ideally counting every case. Surveillance data showed importance of serogroup B MD in North Africa and serogroup W expansion in Turkey and South Africa. Success of MenAfriVac ® in the African "meningitis belt" was reviewed; the GMI believes similar benefits may follow development of a low-cost meningococcal pentavalent vaccine, currently in phase 1 clinical trial, by 2022. The importance of carriage and herd protection for controlling invasive MD and the importance of advocacy and awareness campaigns were also highlighted. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  18. Towards an explanation of orbits in the extreme trans-Neptunian region: The effect of Milgromian dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paučo, R.

    2017-06-01

    Context. Milgromian dynamics (MD or MOND) uniquely predicts motion in a galaxy from the distribution of its stars and gas in a remarkable agreement with observations so far. In the solar system, MD predicts the existence of some possibly non-negligible dynamical effects, which can be used to constrain the freedom in MD theories. Known extreme trans-Neptunian objects (ETNOs) have their argument of perihelion, longitude of ascending node, and inclination distributed in highly non-uniform fashion; ETNOs are bodies with perihelion distances greater than the orbit of Neptune and with semimajor axes greater than 150 au and less than 1500 au. It is as if these bodies have been systematically perturbed by some external force. Aims: We investigated a hypothesis that the puzzling orbital characteristics of ETNOs are a consequence of MD. Methods: We set up a dynamical model of the solar system incorporating the external field effect (EFE), which is anticipated to be the dominant effect of MD in the ETNOs region. We used constraints available on the strength of EFE coming from radio tracking of the Cassini spacecraft. We performed several numerical experiments, concentrating on the long-term orbital evolution of primordial (randomised) ETNOs in MD. Results: The EFE could produce distinct non-uniform distributions of the orbital elements of ETNOs that are related to the orientation of an orbit in space. If we demand that EFE is solely responsible for the detachment of Sedna and 2012 VP113, then these distributions are at odds with the currently observed statistics on ETNOs unless the EFE quadrupole strength parameter Q2 has values that are unlikely (with probability <1%) in light of the Cassini data.

  19. Scrutinizing Molecular Mechanics Force Fields on the Submicrosecond Timescale with NMR Data

    PubMed Central

    Lange, Oliver F.; van der Spoel, David; de Groot, Bert L.

    2010-01-01

    Abstract Protein dynamics on the atomic level and on the microsecond timescale has recently become accessible from both computation and experiment. To validate molecular dynamics (MD) at the submicrosecond timescale against experiment we present microsecond MD simulations in 10 different force-field configurations for two globular proteins, ubiquitin and the gb3 domain of protein G, for which extensive NMR data is available. We find that the reproduction of the measured NMR data strongly depends on the chosen force field and electrostatics treatment. Generally, particle-mesh Ewald outperforms cut-off and reaction-field approaches. A comparison to measured J-couplings across hydrogen bonds suggests that there is room for improvement in the force-field description of hydrogen bonds in most modern force fields. Our results show that with current force fields, simulations beyond hundreds of nanoseconds run an increased risk of undergoing transitions to nonnative conformational states or will persist within states of high free energy for too long, thus skewing the obtained population frequencies. Only for the AMBER99sb force field have such transitions not been observed. Thus, our results have significance for the interpretation of data obtained with long MD simulations, for the selection of force fields for MD studies and for force-field development. We hope that this comprehensive benchmark based on NMR data applied to many popular MD force fields will serve as a useful resource to the MD community. Finally, we find that for gb3, the force-field AMBER99sb reaches comparable accuracy in back-calculated residual dipolar couplings and J-couplings across hydrogen bonds to ensembles obtained by refinement against NMR data. PMID:20643085

  20. Ventral pallidal projections to mediodorsal thalamus and ventral tegmental area play distinct roles in outcome-specific Pavlovian-instrumental transfer.

    PubMed

    Leung, Beatrice K; Balleine, Bernard W

    2015-03-25

    Outcome-specific Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) demonstrates the way that reward-related cues influence choice between instrumental actions. The nucleus accumbens shell (NAc-S) contributes critically to this effect, particularly through its output to the rostral medial ventral pallidum (VP-m). Using rats, we investigated in two experiments the role in the PIT effect of the two major outputs of this VP-m region innervated by the NAc-S, the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). First, two retrograde tracers were injected into the MD and VTA to compare the neuronal activity of the two populations of projection neurons in the VP-m during PIT relative to controls. Second, the functional role of the connection between the VP-m and the MD or VTA was assessed using asymmetrical pharmacological manipulations before a PIT test. It was found that, whereas neurons in the VP-m projecting to the MD showed significantly more neuronal activation during PIT than those projecting to the VTA, neuronal activation of these latter neurons correlated with the size of the PIT effect. Disconnection of the two pathways during PIT also revealed different deficits in performance: disrupting the VP-m to MD pathway removed the response biasing effects of reward-related cues, whereas disrupting the VP-m to VTA pathway preserved the response bias but altered the overall rate of responding. The current results therefore suggest that the VP-m exerts distinct effects on the VTA and MD and that these latter structures mediate the motivational and cognitive components of specific PIT, respectively. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/354953-12$15.00/0.

  1. Storm Prediction Center Forecast Products

    Science.gov Websites

    thunderstorm and tornado watches which are in effect over the contiguous United States. Please read about the Discussions This is the current graphic showing any mesoscale discussions (MD's) which are in effect over the

  2. 77 FR 49024 - Sai Wentum, M.D.; Decision and Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-15

    ... in lieu of a hearing and issue this Decision and Final Order based on relevant evidence contained in..., the Show Cause Order alleged that Registrant is currently unlicensed to practice medicine and without...

  3. State of STEM (SoSTEM) Address

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-01-29

    Montgomery Blair High School Student Newspaper “Silver Chips” Online Editor-in-Chief Aanchal Johri, right, and Photo Editor Emma Howells, left, from Silver Spring, MD. interview Joey Hudy, Anthem, AZ, 16-year-old self-described “Maker” at the annual White House State of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (SoSTEM) address, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. Joey sat with the First Lady at the President’s 2014 State of the Union Address after his first shot to fame in 2012 when he attended the White House Science Fair where the President took a turn using his “extreme marshmallow cannon” to launch a marshmallow across the East Room of the White House. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  4. 76 FR 52353 - Assumption Buster Workshop: “Current Implementations of Cloud Computing Indicate a New Approach...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-22

    ... explored in this series is cloud computing. The workshop on this topic will be held in Gaithersburg, MD on October 21, 2011. Assertion: ``Current implementations of cloud computing indicate a new approach to security'' Implementations of cloud computing have provided new ways of thinking about how to secure data...

  5. 11th Annual NIH Pain Consortium Symposium on Advances in Pain Research | Division of Cancer Prevention

    Cancer.gov

    The NIH Pain Consortium will convene the 11th Annual NIH Pain Consortium Symposium on Advances in Pain Research, featuring keynote speakers and expert panel sessions on Innovative Models and Methods. The first keynote address will be delivered by David J. Clark, MD, PhD, Stanford University entitled “Challenges of Translational Pain Research: What Makes a Good Model?” |

  6. DoD Personnel Security Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-01-01

    Baltimore, Maryland 21203 Message Address: DIS PIC BALTIMORE MD/ /D0640 The request will include subject’s name, grade, social security number, date and...requests for initial investigations will be submitted to PIC regardless of their urgency. If, however, there is an urgent need for a postadjudication...investigation, or the mailing of a request to PIC for initia- tion of a postadjudication case would prejudice timely pursuit of investigative action, the

  7. Evaluation of the Tri-Service Laboratory System. Cost/Benefit Analysis of TRILAB System, NRMC (Naval Regional Medical Center), Oakland.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-05-15

    20816 ArthurD littleInc 180527 08 SECURITY CLA IFICATIO-4 or TWISt PAGE MN-n hofa, Ent*rod " REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE DEFORr rOfINT -rCTIOR I. RE"PORT...PAGES Bethesda, MD 20816 _ 1 14. MONITORING AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS(If dlilerent from Controlling Office) IS. SECURITY CLASS. (of thle re"ep) ISO. DECL ASSI

  8. Two Week Oral Dose Range-Finding Toxicity Study of WR269410 in Rats

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-07-09

    Part 2. IFCC Method for Aspartate Aminotransferase, Amsterdam, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company (1975) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/GPT... IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DAMD17-92-C-2001 [8c ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) Fort Detrick Frederick, MD 21702-5009 10. SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS...STATEMENT 3 SIGNATURE PAGE 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 1. SUMMARY 7 2. INTRODUCTION 7 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 7 3.1 Test

  9. FAA Statistical Handbook of Aviation, Calendar Year 1992

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    INFORMATION GPO operates U.S. Government bookstores all around the country where you can browse through the shelves and take your books home with you...For more information, contact Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office ( GPO ), Washington, DC 20402, (202)783-3238 or contact any...of the following GPO Bookstores located throughout the United States. Addresses are listed below for ordering purposes. ATLANTA, GA LAUREL, MD Room

  10. The relationship between tree canopy and crime rates across an urban-rural gradient in the greater Baltimore region

    Treesearch

    Austin Troy; J. Morgan Grove; Jarlath O' Neill-Dunne

    2012-01-01

    The extent to which urban tree cover influences crime is in debate in the literature. This research took advantage of geocoded crime point data and high resolution tree canopy data to address this question in Baltimore City and County, MD, an area that includes a significant urban-rural gradient. Using ordinary least squares and spatially adjusted regression and...

  11. The Hospital Organizational Structure and the Department of Nursing in the United States Air Force.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-01-01

    medical treatment facilities throughout the world . Their responsibilities are discussed in AFR 168-4, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of...significant person in the history of nursing emerged--Florence Nightingale. She selflessly served the ill during the Crimean War and in 1860 established...books, magazines, seminars, doctoral dissertations, and coffee shops across the world . These discussions addressed male vs female role models, MD vs

  12. Strategies to Address Infection Prevention and Treatment in the Reduced Inflammatory Milieu of Irrigated Open Wound

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-01

    Wicklund, BS, Toni Meglitsch • Unpaid Personnel: Theerawit Hongnaparak M.D. – Dr. Hongnaparak is an orthopaedic surgeon from Thailand that...ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: DoD Hypothesis Development Grant for funding this study, and Toni Meglitsch for expert technical assistance. Appendix...J.C. (2010). Robbins and cotran pathologic basis of disease 8e. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. Supporting Data 1 - Subject Initial Whole Blood

  13. Image enhancement and quality measures for dietary assessment using mobile devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Chang; Zhu, Fengqing; Khanna, Nitin; Boushey, Carol J.; Delp, Edward J.

    2012-03-01

    Measuring accurate dietary intake is considered to be an open research problem in the nutrition and health fields. We are developing a system, known as the mobile device food record (mdFR), to automatically identify and quantify foods and beverages consumed based on analyzing meal images captured with a mobile device. The mdFR makes use of a fiducial marker and other contextual information to calibrate the imaging system so that accurate amounts of food can be estimated from the scene. Food identification is a difficult problem since foods can dramatically vary in appearance. Such variations may arise not only from non-rigid deformations and intra-class variability in shape, texture, color and other visual properties, but also from changes in illumination and viewpoint. To address the color consistency problem, this paper describes illumination quality assessment methods implemented on a mobile device and three post color correction methods.

  14. Image Enhancement and Quality Measures for Dietary Assessment Using Mobile Devices

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Chang; Zhu, Fengqing; Khanna, Nitin; Boushey, Carol J.; Delp, Edward J.

    2016-01-01

    Measuring accurate dietary intake is considered to be an open research problem in the nutrition and health fields. We are developing a system, known as the mobile device food record (mdFR), to automatically identify and quantify foods and beverages consumed based on analyzing meal images captured with a mobile device. The mdFR makes use of a fiducial marker and other contextual information to calibrate the imaging system so that accurate amounts of food can be estimated from the scene. Food identification is a difficult problem since foods can dramatically vary in appearance. Such variations may arise not only from non-rigid deformations and intra-class variability in shape, texture, color and other visual properties, but also from changes in illumination and viewpoint. To address the color consistency problem, this paper describes illumination quality assessment methods implemented on a mobile device and three post color correction methods. PMID:28572695

  15. Glaucoma Patient-Reported Concerns and Associated Factors.

    PubMed

    Mogil, Rachel S; Tirsi, Andrew; Lee, Jung Min; Tello, Celso; Park, Sung Chul

    2017-06-01

    To assess the character and degree of concerns of glaucoma patients and identify demographic/clinical factors affecting the concerns. Prospective cross-sectional study. A questionnaire that addressed patients' concerns was administered to consecutive glaucoma patients. Severity of concern was scored with a scale of 0-5 in order of increasing severity. Age, sex, intraocular pressure, visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD), number of antiglaucoma medications, history of glaucoma surgery, and employment status were recorded. Questionnaire results of 152 patients (mean VF MD, -8.03 ± 7.86 dB [better eye] and -16.06 ± 10.22 dB [worse eye]; mean age, 69 ± 14 years) were analyzed. Severity of concern was greatest for general eyesight (2.92/5.00) and visual symptoms (2.78/5.00), followed by activities (2.20/5.00) and socioeconomic factors (2.13/5.00), and then ocular symptoms (1.69/5.00) (P < .001). The most common concerns within each domain were blurry vision (32%), reading small print (34%), medical costs (26%), and dryness (32%). Concern about visual symptoms correlated with VF MD of the better eye (r = -0.258; P = .001) and worse eye (r = -0.233; P = .004). Concern about activities correlated with history of glaucoma surgery (r = 0.148; P = .023) and VF MD of the better eye (r = -0.284; P < .001) and worse eye (r = -0.295; P < .001). Concern about socioeconomic factors correlated with VF MD of the better eye (r = -0.245; P = .003) and age (r = -0.260; P = .001). Glaucoma patients reported varied degrees of concern regarding items associated with quality of life. Certain items may be more concerning than others. Severity of some concerns increased with more severe VF loss, prior glaucoma surgery, or younger age. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Oral potassium supplementation for management of essential hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    PubMed Central

    Zeraati, Fatemeh; Soltanian, Ali Reza; Sheikh, Vida; Hooshmand, Elham; Maleki, Akram

    2017-01-01

    Importance Increased dietary potassium intake is thought to be associated with low blood pressure (BP). Whether potassium supplementation may be used as an antihypertensive agent is a question that should be answered. Objective To assess the effect of oral potassium supplementation on blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. Search methods We searched Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until October 2016. We also screened reference lists of articles and previous reviews. We applied no language restrictions. Selection criteria We included randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials addressing the effect of potassium supplementation on primary hypertension for a minimum of 4 weeks. Data collection and analysis We extracted data on systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) at the final follow-up. We explored the heterogeneity across studies using Cochran's test and I2 statistic and assessed the probability of publication bias using Begg's and Egger's tests. We reported the mean difference (MD) of SBP and DBP in a random-effects model. Results We found a total of 9059 articles and included 23 trials with 1213 participants. Compared to placebo, potassium supplementation resulted in modest but significant reductions in both SBP (MD -4.25 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.96 to -2.53; I2 = 41%) and DBP (MD -2.53 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.05 to -1.02; I2 = 65%). According to the change-score analysis, based on 8 out of 23 trials, compared to baseline, the mean changes in SBP (MD -8.89 mmHg; 95% CI: -13.67 to -4.11) and DBP (MD -6.42 mmHg; 95% CI: -10.99 to -1.84) was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. Conclusions Our findings indicated that potassium supplementation is a safe medication with no important adverse effects that has a modest but significant impact BP and may be recommended as an adjuvant antihypertensive agent for patients with essential hypertension. PMID:28419159

  17. 75 FR 6162 - Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-08

    ... Corporation Model DC- 9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes... Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. This...., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service...

  18. Impact of Tumarkin attacks on complaints and work ability in Ménière's disease.

    PubMed

    Pyykkö, Ilmari; Manchaiah, Vinaya; Zou, Jing; Levo, Hilla; Kentala, Erna

    2018-05-22

    The purpose of the present study was to characterize the occurrence of Tumarkin attacks in patients with Ménière'sdisease (MD), and to study its association with reported complaints, severity of consequences, and also self-reported work ability. The study used a cross-sectional design. Data obtained from the Finnish Ménière Federation using an electronic survey was analyzed. 602 people with MD responded to the survey (62% response rate) with a mean age of 56.7 years and a mean duration of the disease 12.4 years. 49% of the respondents experienced Tumarkin attacks, which lasted for a few seconds to a few minutes. There were significant differences in complaints reported by MD patients with and without Tumarkin attacks. Respondents with Tumarkin attacks experienced various consequences, including tripping, falls, fear, anxiety, problems in dyadic life, and even transient loss of consciousness. Respondents with Tumarkin attacks had more frequently applied for pension than those not having Tumarkin attacks. On an average, respondents with Tumarkin attacks had less self-reported working ability when compared to those without Tumarkin attacks. The current study results suggest various differences in terms of complaints reported, severity of consequences, and the self-reported working ability in MD patients with and without Tumarkin attacks. Hearing healthcare professionals must examine Tumarkin attacks and their consequences in patients with MD during clinical examinations. In addition, the therapy should focus on alleviating the consequences and improving work ability.

  19. Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 produces hypoacetylated PEFA compounds with increased surface activity compared to Rhodotorula babjevae MD1169

    PubMed Central

    Rubinfeld, Bonnee; Leif, Roald; Mulcahy, Heather; Dugan, Lawrence; Souza, Brian

    2018-01-01

    Biosurfactants have several desirable characteristics in the industrial sector: detergency, antimicrobial effects, skin hydration, and emulsibility. Several yeast glycolipids are currently being utilized in these capacities: sophorolipids, ustilagic acid, and mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs). An emerging class of glycolipids, termed polyol esters of fatty acids (PEFA), have recently been reported for Rhodotorula babjevae, a basidiomycetous yeast species that secretes hyperacetylated congeners of PEFA (typically with 3–6 acetylation modifications). While screening Rhodotorula species for surfactant production, we identified a new environmental isolate identified as Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 that dropped the surface tension of the liquid medium, indicating that it produced a potent biosurfactant. Acid depolymerization of the purified biosurfactants, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the biosurfactants were composed of PEFA compounds composed mainly of mannitol and arabitol esters of 3-hydroxy fatty acid, 3-methoxy fatty acid, and fatty acids with a single double bond; chain lengths were mainly C16 and C18. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) confirmed the predicted accurate mass of these compounds. Interestingly, PEFA compounds produced by Rhodotorula taiwanensis MD1149 were more surface active due to their hypoacetylation profile (0–4 acetylation modifications) compared to Rhodotorula babjevae MD1169. These disparate surface active properties, based on acetylation, change the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of these compounds, and their potential utility within industrial applications. PMID:29293588

  20. Validation of the ERS standard citric acid cough challenge in healthy adult volunteers

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Protocols measuring cough sensitivity can vary in terms of nebuliser, tussive agent, single and dose response. A definitive method for measuring cough sensitivity needs to be established. The ERS guidelines recommend the KoKo DigiDoser (KD) delivery system. Study aim, was to compare the reproducibility of this citric acid (CA) cough challenge and previously established Mefar dosimeter (MD) protocol. 39 (female 26) volunteers mean age (40.4 yrs) were randomised to either KD or MD. Intra-day and inter-day reproducibility was compared. We calculated the concentration of citric acid evoking 2 coughs (C2). The geometric mean C2 (95%CI) was similar for both KD and MD, of 263 (200,339) mM and 209 (151,288) mM respectively. The mean KD C2 was not significantly different. (F = 0.807, p = 0.93) from baseline over 1, 2, and 4 hrs however, the MD demonstrated significant variability (F = 7.85, P < 0.001) Measuring mean log C2 at baseline and at 2 weeks, the KD demonstrated a stronger intraclass correlation of log C2 at baseline with 2 week log C2, ICC = 0.70 than was shown with the Mefar, ICC = 0.41 Administering CA from KD offers a reproducible cough challenge in healthy volunteers. The results correlate well with the MD challenge but offer greater intra-day and inter-day reproducibility. Trial Registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN98385033 PMID:20698995

  1. Pathways to Firesetting for Mentally Disordered Offenders: A Preliminary Examination.

    PubMed

    Tyler, Nichola; Gannon, Theresa A

    2017-06-01

    The current study aimed to investigate the specific pathways in the offence process for mentally disordered firesetters. In a previous study, an offence chain model was constructed (i.e., the Firesetting Offence Chain for Mentally Disordered Offenders, FOC-MD) using offence descriptions obtained from 23 mentally disordered firesetters, detailing the sequence of contextual, behavioural, affective, and cognitive factors that precipitate an incidence of firesetting for this population. The current study examines the prevalence of the specific pathways to firesetting for the original 23 mentally disordered firesetters and a further sample of 13 mentally disordered firesetters. Three distinct pathways to firesetting are identified within the FOC-MD: fire interest-childhood mental health, no fire interest-adult mental health, fire interest-adult mental health. In this article, we describe these three pathways in detail using illustrative case studies. The practice implications of these identified pathways are also discussed.

  2. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Compelling Case for an Improved Screening Strategy.

    PubMed

    Hull, Stephen; Kelley, Seán; Clarke, Janice L

    2017-09-01

    Sexually Transmitted Infections: Compelling Case for an Improved Screening Strategy Stephen Hull, MHS, Seán Kelley, MD, MSc, and Janice L. Clarke, RN, BBA Editorial: Sexually Transmitted Infections-A Fixable Problem: David B. Nash, MD, MBA   S-3 Introduction   S-3 Rising Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs)   S-4 Current Screening Rates for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea   S-4 The Human Toll and Economic Burden of STI-Related Illness   S-5 Current Screening Guidelines for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea   S-5 Factors Contributing to Inadequate Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment for STIs   S-6 Methods Used to Improve Screening Rates   S-7 Benefits of Opt-Out Screening Strategies for STIs   S-8 Cost-Effectiveness of Screening for STIs   S-8 Discussion   S-9 Conclusion   S-10.

  3. Mode-dependent templates and scan order for H.264/AVC-based intra lossless coding.

    PubMed

    Gu, Zhouye; Lin, Weisi; Lee, Bu-Sung; Lau, Chiew Tong; Sun, Ming-Ting

    2012-09-01

    In H.264/advanced video coding (AVC), lossless coding and lossy coding share the same entropy coding module. However, the entropy coders in the H.264/AVC standard were original designed for lossy video coding and do not yield adequate performance for lossless video coding. In this paper, we analyze the problem with the current lossless coding scheme and propose a mode-dependent template (MD-template) based method for intra lossless coding. By exploring the statistical redundancy of the prediction residual in the H.264/AVC intra prediction modes, more zero coefficients are generated. By designing a new scan order for each MD-template, the scanned coefficients sequence fits the H.264/AVC entropy coders better. A fast implementation algorithm is also designed. With little computation increase, experimental results confirm that the proposed fast algorithm achieves about 7.2% bit saving compared with the current H.264/AVC fidelity range extensions high profile.

  4. An undergraduate laboratory activity on molecular dynamics simulations.

    PubMed

    Spitznagel, Benjamin; Pritchett, Paige R; Messina, Troy C; Goadrich, Mark; Rodriguez, Juan

    2016-01-01

    Vision and Change [AAAS, 2011] outlines a blueprint for modernizing biology education by addressing conceptual understanding of key concepts, such as the relationship between structure and function. The document also highlights skills necessary for student success in 21st century Biology, such as the use of modeling and simulation. Here we describe a laboratory activity that allows students to investigate the dynamic nature of protein structure and function through the use of a modeling technique known as molecular dynamics (MD). The activity takes place over two lab periods that are 3 hr each. The first lab period unpacks the basic approach behind MD simulations, beginning with the kinematic equations that all bioscience students learn in an introductory physics course. During this period students are taught rudimentary programming skills in Python while guided through simple modeling exercises that lead up to the simulation of the motion of a single atom. In the second lab period students extend concepts learned in the first period to develop skills in the use of expert MD software. Here students simulate and analyze changes in protein conformation resulting from temperature change, solvation, and phosphorylation. The article will describe how these activities can be carried out using free software packages, including Abalone and VMD/NAMD. © 2016 The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

  5. Molecular dynamics for near melting temperatures simulations of metals using modified embedded-atom method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Etesami, S. Alireza; Asadi, Ebrahim

    2018-01-01

    Availability of a reliable interatomic potential is one of the major challenges in utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) for simulations of metals at near the melting temperatures and melting point (MP). Here, we propose a novel approach to address this challenge in the concept of modified-embedded-atom (MEAM) interatomic potential; also, we apply the approach on iron, nickel, copper, and aluminum as case studies. We propose adding experimentally available high temperature elastic constants and MP of the element to the list of typical low temperature properties used for the development of MD interatomic potential parameters. We show that the proposed approach results in a reasonable agreement between the MD calculations of melting properties such as latent heat, expansion in melting, liquid structure factor, and solid-liquid interface stiffness and their experimental/computational counterparts. Then, we present the physical properties of mentioned elements near melting temperatures using the new MEAM parameters. We observe that the behavior of elastic constants, heat capacity and thermal linear expansion coefficient at room temperature compared to MP follows an empirical linear relation (α±β × MP) for transition metals. Furthermore, a linear relation between the tetragonal shear modulus and the enthalpy change from room temperature to MP is observed for face-centered cubic materials.

  6. Md-miR156ab and Md-miR395 Target WRKY Transcription Factors to Influence Apple Resistance to Leaf Spot Disease.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qiulei; Li, Yang; Zhang, Yi; Wu, Chuanbao; Wang, Shengnan; Hao, Li; Wang, Shengyuan; Li, Tianzhong

    2017-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression that post-transcriptionally regulate transcription factors involved in plant physiological activities. Little is known about the effects of miRNAs in disease resistance in apple ( Malus × domestica ). We globally profiled miRNAs in the apple cultivar Golden Delicious (GD) infected or not with the apple leaf spot fungus Alternaria alternaria f. sp. mali (ALT1), and identified 58 miRNAs that exhibited more than a 2-fold upregulation upon ALT1 infection. We identified a pair of miRNAs that target protein-coding genes involved in the defense response against fungal pathogens; Md-miR156ab targets a novel WRKY transcription factor, MdWRKYN1, which harbors a TIR and a WRKY domain. Md-miR395 targets another transcription factor, MdWRKY26, which contains two WRKY domains. Real-time PCR analysis showed that Md-miR156ab and Md-miR395 levels increased, while MdWRKYN1 and MdWRKY26 expression decreased in ALT1-inoculated GD leaves; furthermore, the overexpression of Md-miR156ab and Md-miR395 resulted in a significant reduction in MdWRKYN1 and MdWRKY26 expression. To investigate whether these miRNAs and their targets play a crucial role in plant defense, we overexpressed MdWRKYN1 or knocked down Md-miR156ab activity, which in both cases enhanced the disease resistance of the plants by upregulating the expression of the WRKY-regulated pathogenesis-related (PR) protein-encoding genes MdPR3-1, MdPR3-2, MdPR4, MdPR5, MdPR10-1 , and MdPR10-2 . In a similar analysis, we overexpressed MdWRKY26 or suppressed Md-miR395 activity, and found that many PR protein-encoding genes were also regulated by MdWRKY26 . In GD, ALT-induced Md-miR156ab and Md-miR395 suppress MdWRKYN1 and MdWRKY26 expression, thereby decreasing the expression of some PR genes, and resulting in susceptibility to ALT1.

  7. Apple MdACS6 Regulates Ethylene Biosynthesis During Fruit Development Involving Ethylene-Responsive Factor.

    PubMed

    Li, Tong; Tan, Dongmei; Liu, Zhi; Jiang, Zhongyu; Wei, Yun; Zhang, Lichao; Li, Xinyue; Yuan, Hui; Wang, Aide

    2015-10-01

    Ethylene biosynthesis in plants involves different 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) genes. The regulation of each ACS gene during fruit development is unclear. Here, we characterized another apple (Malus×domestica) ACS gene, MdACS6. The transcript of MdACS6 was observed not only in fruits but also in other tissues. During fruit development, MdACS6 was initiated at a much earlier stage, whereas MdACS3a and MdACS1 began to be expressed at 35 d before harvest and immediateley after harvest, respectively. Moreover, the enzyme activity of MdACS6 was significantly lower than that of MdACS3a and MdACS1, accounting for the low ethylene biosynthesis in young fruits. Overexpression of MdACS6 (MdACS6-OE) by transient assay in apple showed enhanced ethylene production, and MdACS3a was induced in MdACS6-OE fruits but not in control fruits. In MdACS6 apple fruits silenced by the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system (MdACS6-AN), neither ethylene production nor MdACS3a transcript was detectable. In order to explore the mechanism through which MdACS3a was induced in MdACS6-OE fruits, we investigated the expression of apple ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) genes. The results showed that the expression of MdERF2 was induced in MdACS6-OE fruits and inhibited in MdACS6-AN fruits. Yeast one-hybrid assay showed that MdERF2 protein could bind to the promoter of MdACS3a. Moreover, down-regulation of MdERF2 in apple flesh callus led to a decrease of MdACS3a expression, demonstrating the regulation of MdERF2 on MdACS3a. The mechanism through which MdACS6 regulates the action of MdACS3a was discussed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  8. Multiscale Modeling of Novel Carbon Nanotube/Copper-Composite Material Used in Microelectronics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Awad, Ibrahim; Ladani, Leila

    2016-06-01

    Current carrying capacity is one of the elements that hinders further miniaturization of Copper (Cu) interconnects. Therefore, there is a need to propose new materials with higher ampacity (current carrying capacity) that have the potential to replace Cu. Experimental observations have shown that Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/Cu-composite material has a hundredfold ampacity of Cu, which makes it a good candidate to replace Cu. However, sufficient information about the mechanical behavior of the novel CNT/Cu-composite is not available. In the current paper, the CNT/Cu-composite is utilized to construct Through Silicon Via (TSV). The mechanical behavior, specifically the fatigue life, of the CNT/Cu-TSV is evaluated by applying a multiscale modeling approach. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to evaluate the tensile strength and the coefficient of thermal expansion of CNTs. MD simulation is also used to determine the interface behavior between CNTs and Cu. MD simulation results are integrated into Finite Element analysis at the micro-level to estimate the fatigue life of the CNT/Cu-TSV. A comparison is made with base material; Cu. CNTs addition has redistributed the plastic deformation in Cu to occur at two different locations (Si/Cu interface and Cu/CNT interface) instead of only one location (Si/Cu interface) in the case of Cu-only-TSV. Thus, the maximum equivalent plastic strain has been alleviated in the CNT/Cu-TSV. Accordingly, CNT/Cu-TSV has shown a threefold increase in the fatigue life. This is a solid indication of the improvement in the fatigue life that is attributed to the addition of CNTs.

  9. Annual Financial Report: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008. Creating a University System for the 21st Century

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    North Dakota University System, 2008

    2008-01-01

    The North Dakota University System's (the "System") discussion and analysis (MD&A) provides an overview of the System's financial activities and issues for the year ended June 30, 2008. It is designed to focus on the current year's activities, resulting changes and currently known facts to assist readers in understanding the…

  10. Beyond Standard Molecular Dynamics: Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of G Protein-Coupled Receptors with Enhanced Molecular Dynamics Methods

    PubMed Central

    Johnston, Jennifer M.

    2014-01-01

    The majority of biological processes mediated by G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) take place on timescales that are not conveniently accessible to standard molecular dynamics (MD) approaches, notwithstanding the current availability of specialized parallel computer architectures, and efficient simulation algorithms. Enhanced MD-based methods have started to assume an important role in the study of the rugged energy landscape of GPCRs by providing mechanistic details of complex receptor processes such as ligand recognition, activation, and oligomerization. We provide here an overview of these methods in their most recent application to the field. PMID:24158803

  11. pyPcazip: A PCA-based toolkit for compression and analysis of molecular simulation data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shkurti, Ardita; Goni, Ramon; Andrio, Pau; Breitmoser, Elena; Bethune, Iain; Orozco, Modesto; Laughton, Charles A.

    The biomolecular simulation community is currently in need of novel and optimised software tools that can analyse and process, in reasonable timescales, the large generated amounts of molecular simulation data. In light of this, we have developed and present here pyPcazip: a suite of software tools for compression and analysis of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data. The software is compatible with trajectory file formats generated by most contemporary MD engines such as AMBER, CHARMM, GROMACS and NAMD, and is MPI parallelised to permit the efficient processing of very large datasets. pyPcazip is a Unix based open-source software (BSD licenced) written in Python.

  12. National Information Utility Seeks to Serve Schools Nationwide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Platzer, Nancy

    1985-01-01

    Outlines the pros and cons of the National Information Utility Program, which is designed to provide current updatable courseware to schools nationwide. The information is broadcast over FM radio and television signals to facilities subscribing to the utility. (MD)

  13. 77 FR 58854 - Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-24

    ... current understanding of the basic biology of the genital tract for HIV prevention. An update will be... Level, Suite T-500, Rockville, MD 20852. Contact Person: Robert Eisinger, Ph.D., Executive Secretary...

  14. Mobility Monitoring System and Vehicle Performance Recorder. Revision.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-09-01

    Activity AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS ATTN: STECS-DA-I None Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5059 II. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE...included vehicle parameters that indicated the effects of non-vehicle variables (i.e., driver, course, weather). Parameters from the first two categories...category, driver and course were the two considered to have the greatest effect on the conduct of the test. Vehicle parameters were considered which would

  15. Semi Quantitative MALDI TOF for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in Staphylococcus aureus

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-08-31

    Semi- quantitative MALDI-TOF for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Staphylococcus 1 aureus 2 3 4 Tucker Maxson,a Cheryl L. Taylor-Howell,a...Timothy D. Minoguea# 5 6 Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious 7 Disease, Fort Detrick, MD...USAa 8 9 Running Title: Quantitative MALDI for AST in S. aureus 10 #Address correspondence to Timothy D. Minogue, timothy.d.minogue.civ@mail.mil

  16. Probiotic (VSL# 3) for Gulf War Illness

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-10-1-0593 TITLE: Probiotic (VSL#3) for Gulf War Illness PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ashok Tuteja, M.D. M.P.H. CONTRACTING...THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1 . REPORT DATE 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED October 2017 Annual 4 . TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Probiotic (VSL#3) for...determine whether probiotic VisbiomeTMwill improve 1) Intestinal symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and 2) Non-intestinal symptoms (fatigue, joint

  17. Field Evaluations of Topical Arthropod Repellents in North, Central, and South America

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    of Research , Entomology Branch, Silver Spring, MD. 2 Present address: U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Ac- tivity, Pharmaceutical Systems...fever andmalaria (De La Rocque et al. 2011). As a result, concern over arthropod-borne diseaseswaned, andmanywere clas- siÞed as “ tropical diseases...scientiÞc evaluations of other topical repellents (WHO 2009, EPA 2010). It is Thismaterial has been reviewedby theWalterReedArmy Institute of Research

  18. Mechanisms of Disease Persistence in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-10-01

    Ohno-Jones S, Kolibaba KS, Druker BJ. Efficacy of STI571, an ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in conjunction with other anti -leukemic agents against Bcr... Selective detection of CML cells was observed (Figure 4). Annual Report – CM050037 Brian J. Druker, MD Page 8 of 39 Figure 4. Intracellular FACS...for selection of CML cells. Because this is a polyclonal antibody, high background staining may obscure weaker differences in signal. To address

  19. Combat Readiness for the Modern Military Surgeon: Data from a Decade of Combat Operations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    93 (68%) have been deployed two or more times. More than 18,500 operative procedures were reported , with abdominal and soft tissue cases predominating...Illinois, in September 2011. Address for reprints: Joshua A. Tyler, MD, Department of General Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center, MCHE- SDG , 3851...Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for

  20. Extended Storage of Pathogen-Reduced Platelet Concentrates (PRECON)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    J. Slichter, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Bloodworks Northwest Seattle, WA 98104 REPORT DATE : October 2016 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Report...NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2016 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 26-SEP-15 to 25-SEP-16 4. TITLE AND...Platelet Concentrates (PRECON) dated 7/21/14 • Protocol - Cold Apheresis Platelets in Isoplate (CAPI) • Quad Chart 10 Date : 07-21-2014 Project Title

  1. Extended Storage of Pathogen-Reduced Platelet Concentrates (PRECON)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-12-01

    J. Slichter, MD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Bloodworks Northwest Seattle, WA 98104 REPORT DATE : December 2017 TYPE OF REPORT: Final PREPARED FOR...YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE December 2017 2. REPORT TYPE Final 3. DATES COVERED 26-SEP-13 to 25-SEP-17 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE...comparator. Both the stored and the fresh platelets 4 were administered simultaneously using two different radioisotopes ( ≤15 μCi of indium for the

  2. Laser Assisted Microsurgical Anastomosis.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-09-22

    motion exercises of the patient post surgery and for the development of appropriate regimes for nursing and general rehabilitation of the patient...8217AD-Ai4S 48? LASER ASSISTED MICROSUROICAL ANASTOMOSIS(U) MIAMI UNIV i/i FL DEPT OF ORTHOPAEDICS AND REHABILITATION N E BURKHALTER 22 SEP 83 NBBI4-i-K...William E. Burkhalter, M.D. NOO014-81-K-0446 Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation 0. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM

  3. Annual Research Progress Report, Fiscal Year 1980

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-10-01

    AITE -sd Subtitle) 3. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED 4UAL RESEARCH pROGRESS REPORT ____________ANNUAL - FY 80 S- -- 4. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUNSER 7...AUHON) 4F e. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(e)’ JAMES DERSON, JR , M.D. 10. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10- PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK...and DOD) regulations governing human, animal and even in vitro research, the declining number of academic physicians serving as role models and

  4. The Integrated Library System Design Concepts for a Complete Serials Control Subsystem.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-08-20

    7AD-fl149 379 THE INTEGRTED LIBRARY SYSTEM DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR A 1/COMPLETE SERIALS CONTROL UBSYSTEM(U) ONLINE COMPUTER SYSTEMS INC GERMANTOWN MD 28...CONTROL SUBSYSTEM Presented to: The Pentagon Library The Pentagon Washington, DC 20310 Prepared by: Online Computer Systems, Inc. 20251 Century Blvd...MDA903-82-C-0535 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS Online Computer Systems, Inc

  5. An innovative Near-Peer Mentoring Model for Undergraduate and Secondary Students: STEM Focus

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-14

    searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments...568 Doughten Drive,Fort Detrick,MD,21702-5010 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER N /A 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...applications, research background, experience with youth, and interviews. They ranged in age from 18 to 25 (M = 21) and were either undergraduate ( n = 7

  6. Treatment of Early Post-op Wound Infection after Internal Fixation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Obremskey, M.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN 37203 REPORT DATE: October 2015 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual...PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) October 2015 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED (From - To...either: (Group 1) operative debridement and PO antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks; or (Group 2) operative debridement and IV antibiotics for 6 weeks and

  7. Anisotropic Effects on Constitutive Model Parameters of Aluminum Alloys

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    constants are required input to computer codes (LS-DYNA, DYNA3D or SPH ) to accurately simulate fragment impact on structural components made of high...different temperatures. These model constants are required input to computer codes (LS-DYNA, DYNA3D or SPH ) to accurately simulate fragment impact on...ADDRESS(ES) Naval Surface Warfare Center,4104Evans Way Suite 102,Indian Head,MD,20640 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING

  8. Uniformed Services Worldwide Legal Assistance & Reserve Components Office Directory. Revised.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-11-01

    Number: 256-876-9438 E-mail: ihermin@redstone-emhl.army.mil j ohn .henningsen@redstone. army.mil Practice Area: 600 Public Contract Law Bars...mail Address: thompsonia@cbcph.navy.mil Practice Area: 600 - Public Contract Law ; 451 - Government-Federal Level; 365 - Environmental Law Bars...Employment Law; 600 - Public Contract Law Bars Admitted: DC, IL County of Practice: Prince George’s, MD 22 AIR FORCE 89 AW/JA 1535 Command Drive

  9. Mechanistic Modeling of the Effects of Acidosis on Thrombin Generation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-01

    Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center; U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Ft. Detrick, MD; and Departments of...are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S. Army or of the U.S. Department ...of Defense . This paper has been approved for public release with unlimited distribution. Reprints will not be available from the authors. Address

  10. Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 19, Number 11, November 2012

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2012 to 00-00-2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Medical Surveillance Monthly Report 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT...ADDRESS(ES) Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR),Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center,11800 Tech Road, Suite 220 (MCAF-CS),Silver Spring,MD...most apparent medical eff ects of the war – musculoskeletal and internal organ injuries, traumatic brain injuries, vision and hear- ing decrements

  11. Thermodynamics of High Temperature Materials.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-09-01

    Standards 2306/A2 siI1/ 1 C’enter for Chemical Physics 2306/Ki Gaithersburg, MD 20899 _____________ It CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT...DATE AFSRNE13. NUMIBER OF PAGES Bolling, AFB DC 20332 7 114 MONITORING AGENCY NAME A ADORESS(fI different from Controlling Office) IS. SECURITY CLASS...R. Righini, A. Cibrarlo and A. Rosso, Rapporto Interno 5/173, Instituto di Metrologia "G. Colonnetti", (1979). [2] A. Cezairliyan, Proceedings of the

  12. A Massive Galaxy Cluster At z=1.45 From The XMM Cluster Survey: Discovery, Confirmation And Implications For The L-T Relation And Cosmology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sabirli, Kivanc; Romer, A. K.; Davidson, M.; Stanford, S. A.; Viana, P. T.; Hilton, M.; Collins, C. A.; Kay, S. T.; Liddle, A. R.; Mann, R. G.; Miller, C. J.; Nichol, R. C.; West, M. J.; Conselice, C. J.; Spinrad, H.; Stern, D.; XCS Collaboration

    2006-06-01

    We report the discovery of the hottest cluster known at z > 1. It was identified as an extended X-ray source in the XMM Cluster Survey (XCS, Romer et al., 2001) and optical spectroscopy shows that 6 galaxies within a 60 arcsec diameter region lie at z = 1.45 ± 0.01. Hence its redshift is the highest currently known for a spectroscopically-confirmed cluster. Analysis of the X-ray spectra yields kT = 7.9+2.8-1.8 keV (90% confidence) and suggests that it is relatively massive for such a high redshift cluster.We acknowledge financial support from NASA grant NAG-11634 (AKR, RCN, KS, MD, PTPV), The Royal Astronomical Society's Hosie Request (MD, KS), PPARC (ARL, STK, RGM), the NASA XMM program (KS), the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh (MD), Liverpool John Moores University (MH), Carnegie Mellon University (KS, AKR), and NSF grant AST-0205960 (MJW).

  13. Methane emissions from Alaska Arctic tundra - An assessment of local spatial variability

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morrissey, L. A.; Livingston, G. P.

    1992-01-01

    The findings of an extensive midsummer survey of CH4 emissions measurements representing the Alaska Arctic tundra are presented. Variability in rates of emissions was similar in magnitude on local and regional scales, ranging from 0 to 286.5 mg/sq m/d overall and often varying across two orders of magnitude within 0.5 m distances. Primary control on rates of emission was determined by the substrate and position of the water table relative to the surface. Emission rates in the Arctic Foothills ranged from 0.2 mg/sq m/d for tussock tundra to 55.53 mg/sq m/d over wet meadows. Plant-mediated release of CH4 to the atmosphere was directly proportional to green leaf area and represented 92-98 percent of the total emission rates over vegetated sites. The results suggest the current published emission rates may have overestimated the contribution of boreal ecosystems to the global CH4 budget by several fold.

  14. Molecular dynamics calculation of rotational diffusion coefficient of a carbon nanotube in fluid.

    PubMed

    Cao, Bing-Yang; Dong, Ruo-Yu

    2014-01-21

    Rotational diffusion processes are correlated with nanoparticle visualization and manipulation techniques, widely used in nanocomposites, nanofluids, bioscience, and so on. However, a systematical methodology of deriving this diffusivity is still lacking. In the current work, three molecular dynamics (MD) schemes, including equilibrium (Green-Kubo formula and Einstein relation) and nonequilibrium (Einstein-Smoluchowski relation) methods, are developed to calculate the rotational diffusion coefficient, taking a single rigid carbon nanotube in fluid argon as a case. We can conclude that the three methods produce same results on the basis of plenty of data with variation of the calculation parameters (tube length, diameter, fluid temperature, density, and viscosity), indicative of the validity and accuracy of the MD simulations. However, these results have a non-negligible deviation from the theoretical predictions of Tirado et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 81, 2047 (1984)], which may come from several unrevealed factors of the theory. The three MD methods proposed in this paper can also be applied to other situations of calculating rotational diffusion coefficient.

  15. Left-Hemispheric Microstructural Abnormalities in Children With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

    PubMed Central

    Peterson, Daniel; Mahajan, Rajneesh; Crocetti, Deana; Mejia, Amanda; Mostofsky, Stewart

    2014-01-01

    Current theories of the neurobiological basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) posit an altered pattern of connectivity in large-scale brain networks. Here we used Diffusion Tensor Imaging to investigate the microstructural properties of the white matter that mediates inter-regional connectivity in 36 high-functioning children with ASD (HF-ASD), as compared to 37 controls. By employing an atlas-based analysis using LDDMM registration, a widespread, but left-lateralized pattern of abnormalities was revealed. The Mean Diffusivity (MD) of water in the white matter of HF-ASD children was significantly elevated throughout the left hemisphere, particularly in the outer-zone cortical white matter. Across diagnostic groups there was a significant effect of age on left hemisphere MD, with a similar reduction in MD during childhood in both TD and HF-ASD children. The increased MD in children with HF-ASD suggests hypomyelination, and may reflect increased short-range cortico-cortical connections subsequent to early white matter overgrowth. These findings also highlight left hemispheric connectivity as relevant to the pathophysiology of ASD, and indicate that the spatial distribution of microstructural abnormalities in HF-ASD is widespread, and left-lateralized. This altered left-hemispheric connectivity may contribute to deficits in communication and praxis observed in ASD. PMID:25256103

  16. Effect of a metal-dielectric structure introduced in the plasma chamber of the Frankfurt 14 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schächter, L.; Stiebing, K. E.; Dobrescu, S.; Badescu-Singureanu, Al. I.; Schmidt, L.; Hohn, O.; Runkel, S.

    1999-02-01

    A new approach of the possibility to significantly increase the high charge state ion beams delivered by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources by using metal-dielectric (MD) structures characterized by high secondary electron emission properties is presented. The intensities of argon ion beams extracted from the 14 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source of the Institut für Kernphysik (IKF) der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität in Frankfurt/Main were measured when a 26 mm diam disk of a specially treated MD structure (Al-Al2O3) was introduced axially close to the ECR plasma. The Ar beam intensities and charge-state distributions obtained with this disk are compared to measurements with disks of iron and pure aluminum at the same position relative to the plasma. All measurements were performed with the disk at the plasma chamber potential. The results with the MD structure show a net shift of the beam intensity towards higher charge states as compared with the other disk materials. Enhancement factors of the beam current of up to 10 (for Ar12+) when using a MD disk compared to the output when using an aluminum disk and up to 40 (for Ar11+) when using an iron disk were measured.

  17. Morphostructural MRI abnormalities related to neuropsychiatric disorders associated to multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Bonavita, Simona; Tedeschi, Gioacchino; Gallo, Antonio

    2013-01-01

    Multiple Sclerosis associated neuropsychiatric disorders include major depression (MD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar affective disorder, euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, and personality change. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies focused mainly on identifying morphostructural correlates of MD; only a few anecdotal cases on OCD associated to MS (OCD-MS), euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, personality change, and one research article on MRI abnormalities in OCD-MS have been published. Therefore, in the present review we will report mainly on neuroimaging abnormalities found in MS patients with MD and OCD. All together, the studies on MD associated to MS suggest that, in this disease, depression is linked to a damage involving mainly frontotemporal regions either with discrete lesions (with those visible in T1 weighted images playing a more significant role) or subtle normal appearing white matter abnormalities. Hippocampal atrophy, as well, seems to be involved in MS related depression. It is conceivable that grey matter pathology (i.e., global and regional atrophy, cortical lesions), which occurs early in the course of disease, may involve several areas including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex whose disruption is currently thought to explain late-life depression. Further MRI studies are necessary to better elucidate OCD pathogenesis in MS.

  18. Morphostructural MRI Abnormalities Related to Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated to Multiple Sclerosis

    PubMed Central

    Bonavita, Simona; Tedeschi, Gioacchino; Gallo, Antonio

    2013-01-01

    Multiple Sclerosis associated neuropsychiatric disorders include major depression (MD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar affective disorder, euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, and personality change. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies focused mainly on identifying morphostructural correlates of MD; only a few anecdotal cases on OCD associated to MS (OCD-MS), euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, personality change, and one research article on MRI abnormalities in OCD-MS have been published. Therefore, in the present review we will report mainly on neuroimaging abnormalities found in MS patients with MD and OCD. All together, the studies on MD associated to MS suggest that, in this disease, depression is linked to a damage involving mainly frontotemporal regions either with discrete lesions (with those visible in T1 weighted images playing a more significant role) or subtle normal appearing white matter abnormalities. Hippocampal atrophy, as well, seems to be involved in MS related depression. It is conceivable that grey matter pathology (i.e., global and regional atrophy, cortical lesions), which occurs early in the course of disease, may involve several areas including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex whose disruption is currently thought to explain late-life depression. Further MRI studies are necessary to better elucidate OCD pathogenesis in MS. PMID:23691320

  19. A Comparison of HAART Outcomes between the US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) and HIV Atlanta Veterans Affairs Cohort Study (HAVACS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-05-01

    Acknowledgments The IDCRP HIV Working Group includes: Susan Banks, RN, CAPT Mary Bavaro, MD, Ionut Bebu, PhD, Helen Chun, MD, Nancy Crum- Cianflone, MD, MPH...Cathy Decker, MD, Conner Eggleston, LTC Tomas Ferguson, MD, COL Susan Fraser, MD, MAJ Joshua Hartzell, MD, MAJ Joshua Hawley, MD, LTC Gunther Hsue, MD

  20. Evaluation of Fibroblast Activation Protein-Alpha (FAP) as a Diagnostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-12-01

    University Baltimore, MD 21218-2686 REPORT DATE: December 2009 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Summary PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research ...9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical Research and Material...Key Research Accomplishments……………………………………………………………….…………....... 9 Reportable Outcomes………………………………………………………………………………………..... 10 Conclusion

  1. The Jasmonate-Activated Transcription Factor MdMYC2 Regulates ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR and Ethylene Biosynthetic Genes to Promote Ethylene Biosynthesis during Apple Fruit Ripening[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Yaxiu; Zhang, Lichao; Ji, Yinglin; Tan, Dongmei; Yuan, Hui

    2017-01-01

    The plant hormone ethylene is critical for ripening in climacteric fruits, including apple (Malus domestica). Jasmonate (JA) promotes ethylene biosynthesis in apple fruit, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we found that JA-induced ethylene production in apple fruit is dependent on the expression of MdACS1, an ACC synthase gene involved in ethylene biosynthesis. The expression of MdMYC2, encoding a transcription factor involved in the JA signaling pathway, was enhanced by MeJA treatment in apple fruits, and MdMYC2 directly bound to the promoters of both MdACS1 and the ACC oxidase gene MdACO1 and enhanced their transcription. Furthermore, MdMYC2 bound to the promoter of MdERF3, encoding a transcription factor involved in the ethylene-signaling pathway, thereby activating MdACS1 transcription. We also found that MdMYC2 interacted with MdERF2, a suppressor of MdERF3 and MdACS1. This protein interaction prevented MdERF2 from interacting with MdERF3 and from binding to the MdACS1 promoter, leading to increased transcription of MdACS1. Collectively, these results indicate that JA promotes ethylene biosynthesis through the regulation of MdERFs and ethylene biosynthetic genes by MdMYC2. PMID:28550149

  2. The Jasmonate-Activated Transcription Factor MdMYC2 Regulates ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR and Ethylene Biosynthetic Genes to Promote Ethylene Biosynthesis during Apple Fruit Ripening.

    PubMed

    Li, Tong; Xu, Yaxiu; Zhang, Lichao; Ji, Yinglin; Tan, Dongmei; Yuan, Hui; Wang, Aide

    2017-06-01

    The plant hormone ethylene is critical for ripening in climacteric fruits, including apple ( Malus domestica ). Jasmonate (JA) promotes ethylene biosynthesis in apple fruit, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we found that JA-induced ethylene production in apple fruit is dependent on the expression of MdACS1 , an ACC synthase gene involved in ethylene biosynthesis. The expression of MdMYC2 , encoding a transcription factor involved in the JA signaling pathway, was enhanced by MeJA treatment in apple fruits, and MdMYC2 directly bound to the promoters of both MdACS1 and the ACC oxidase gene MdACO1 and enhanced their transcription. Furthermore, MdMYC2 bound to the promoter of MdERF3 , encoding a transcription factor involved in the ethylene-signaling pathway, thereby activating MdACS1 transcription. We also found that MdMYC2 interacted with MdERF2, a suppressor of MdERF3 and MdACS1 This protein interaction prevented MdERF2 from interacting with MdERF3 and from binding to the MdACS1 promoter, leading to increased transcription of MdACS1 Collectively, these results indicate that JA promotes ethylene biosynthesis through the regulation of MdERFs and ethylene biosynthetic genes by MdMYC2. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

  3. Apple FLOWERING LOCUS T proteins interact with transcription factors implicated in cell growth and organ development.

    PubMed

    Mimida, Naozumi; Kidou, Shin-Ichiro; Iwanami, Hiroshi; Moriya, Shigeki; Abe, Kazuyuki; Voogd, Charlotte; Varkonyi-Gasic, Erika; Kotoda, Nobuhiro

    2011-05-01

    Understanding the flowering process in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is essential for developing methods to shorten the breeding period and regulate fruit yield. It is known that FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) acts as a transmissible floral inducer in the Arabidopsis flowering network system. To clarify the molecular network of two apple FT orthologues, MdFT1 and MdFT2, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify proteins that interact with MdFT1. We identified several transcription factors, including two members of the TCP (TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORs) family, designated MdTCP2 and MdTCP4, and an Arabidopsis thaliana VOZ1 (Vascular plant One Zinc finger protein1)-like protein, designated MdVOZ1. MdTCP2 and MdVOZ1 also interacted with MdFT2 in yeast. The expression domain of MdTCP2 and MdVOZ1 partially overlapped with that of MdFT1 and MdFT2, most strikingly in apple fruit tissue, further suggesting a potential interaction in vivo. Constitutive expression of MdTCP2, MdTCP4 and MdVOZ1 in Arabidopsis affected plant size, leaf morphology and the formation of leaf primordia on the adaxial side of cotyledons. On the other hand, chimeric MdTCP2, MdTCP4 and MdVOZ1 repressors that included the ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERF)-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) domain motif influenced reproduction and inflorescence architecture in transgenic Arabidopsis. These results suggest that MdFT1 and/or MdFT2 might be involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and the formation of new tissues and that they might affect leaf and fruit development by interacting with TCP- and VOZ-family proteins. DDBJ accession nos. AB531019 (MdTCP2a mRNA), AB531020 (MdTCP2b mRNA), AB531021 (MdTCP4a mRNA), AB531022 (MdTCP4b mRNA) and AB531023 (MdVOZ1a mRNA). © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

  4. Safety and efficacy of rasagiline in addition to levodopa for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Cai, Jiang-Ping; Chen, Wan-Jin; Lin, Yu; Cai, Bin; Wang, Ning

    2015-01-01

    To assess the safety and efficacy of rasagiline for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) among individuals currently receiving levodopa. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing rasagiline with placebo/no treatment in individuals with PD currently receiving levodopa. Outcome measures included improvement in motor functions; symptomatic improvement; improvement in quality of life; adverse effects. Random-effect meta-analytical techniques were conducted for the outcome measure and subgroup analyses. Three RCTs were included (n = 1002). The results showed significantly greater improvements in daily 'on' time without dyskinesia in levodopa-treated participants with idiopathic PD receiving 1 mg/day rasagiline compared to placebo (n = 712, 2 RCTs, MD 0.80, CI 0.45 to 1.15; p < 0.00001), and significantly greater improvements in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor performance scores during 'on' time in participants receiving 0.5-1 mg/day rasagiline (0.5 mg/day: n = 282, MD -2.91, CI -4.59 to -1.23; p = 0.0007; 1 mg/day: n = 712, 2 RCTs, MD -2.91, CI -4.02 to -1.80; p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in adverse effects. 0.5 to 1 mg/day rasagiline in addition to levodopa is a safe and well-tolerated combination therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

  5. Application of imaging techniques to evaluate polishing characteristics of aggregates : final report.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2016-12-01

    Previous research conducted at the University of Florida (UF) to investigate the use of the Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) and Micro-Deval (MD) to evaluate frictional performance of aggregates concluded that the current AIMS system cannot ...

  6. Targeting natural compounds against HER2 kinase domain as potential anticancer drugs applying pharmacophore based molecular modelling approaches.

    PubMed

    Rampogu, Shailima; Son, Minky; Baek, Ayoung; Park, Chanin; Rana, Rabia Mukthar; Zeb, Amir; Parameswaran, Saravanan; Lee, Keun Woo

    2018-04-20

    Human epidermal growth factor receptors are implicated in several types of cancers characterized by aberrant signal transduction. This family comprises of EGFR (ErbB1), HER2 (ErbB2, HER2/neu), HER3 (ErbB3), and HER4 (ErbB4). Amongst them, HER2 is associated with breast cancer and is one of the most valuable targets in addressing the breast cancer incidences. For the current investigation, we have performed 3D-QSAR based pharmacophore search for the identification of potential inhibitors against the kinase domain of HER2 protein. Correspondingly, a pharmacophore model, Hypo1, with four features was generated and was validated employing Fischer's randomization, test set method and the decoy test method. The validated pharmacophore was allowed to screen the colossal natural compounds database (UNPD). Subsequently, the identified 33 compounds were docked into the proteins active site along with the reference after subjecting them to ADMET and Lipinski's Rule of Five (RoF) employing the CDOCKER implemented on the Discovery Studio. The compounds that have displayed higher dock scores than the reference compound were scrutinized for interactions with the key residues and were escalated to MD simulations. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations performed by GROMACS have rendered stable root mean square deviation values, radius of gyration and potential energy values. Eventually, based upon the molecular dock score, interactions between the ligands and the active site residues and the stable MD results, the number of Hits was culled to two identifying Hit1 and Hit2 has potential leads against HER2 breast cancers. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  7. Predicting pain relief: Use of pre-surgical trigeminal nerve diffusion metrics in trigeminal neuralgia.

    PubMed

    Hung, Peter S-P; Chen, David Q; Davis, Karen D; Zhong, Jidan; Hodaie, Mojgan

    2017-01-01

    Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic facial pain disorder that commonly responds to surgery. A proportion of patients, however, do not benefit and suffer ongoing pain. There are currently no imaging tools that permit the prediction of treatment response. To address this paucity, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to determine whether pre-surgical trigeminal nerve microstructural diffusivities can prognosticate response to TN treatment. In 31 TN patients and 16 healthy controls, multi-tensor tractography was used to extract DTI-derived metrics-axial (AD), radial (RD), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA)-from the cisternal segment, root entry zone and pontine segment of trigeminal nerves for false discovery rate-corrected Student's t -tests. Ipsilateral diffusivities were bootstrap resampled to visualize group-level diffusivity thresholds of long-term response. To obtain an individual-level statistical classifier of surgical response, we conducted discriminant function analysis (DFA) with the type of surgery chosen alongside ipsilateral measurements and ipsilateral/contralateral ratios of AD and RD from all regions of interest as prediction variables. Abnormal diffusivity in the trigeminal pontine fibers, demonstrated by increased AD, highlighted non-responders (n = 14) compared to controls. Bootstrap resampling revealed three ipsilateral diffusivity thresholds of response-pontine AD, MD, cisternal FA-separating 85% of non-responders from responders. DFA produced an 83.9% (71.0% using leave-one-out-cross-validation) accurate prognosticator of response that successfully identified 12/14 non-responders. Our study demonstrates that pre-surgical DTI metrics can serve as a highly predictive, individualized tool to prognosticate surgical response. We further highlight abnormal pontine segment diffusivities as key features of treatment non-response and confirm the axiom that central pain does not commonly benefit from peripheral treatments.

  8. Adsorption of TCDD with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ionic liquid: a combined molecular dynamics simulation and quantum chemistry study.

    PubMed

    Pan, Wenxiao; Qi, Yuanyuan; Wang, Ruoxi; Han, Zhe; Zhang, Dongju; Zhan, Jinhua

    2013-04-01

    The effective abatement of flue gas emissions, especially polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), is one of the challenging issues in the field of environmental science currently. Imidazolium-based dicyanamide ionic liquids (ILs) were proposed to have potential in controlling the emissions of PCDD/Fs. However, the relevant mechanism at the molecular level still remains unclear. To address this subject, we here present a combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantum chemical (QM) study on the adsorption of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most toxic congener among PCDD/F family, by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide IL, a representative imidazolium dicyanoamide ILs, which were demonstrated to possess high capture capability for PCDD/Fs. The MD simulation results show that TCDD molecules can be effectively adsorbed on the IL surface to form a dense layer, but cannot enter the interior of the IL. The results of QM calculations show that the adsorption of TCDDs on the IL surface occurs via intra-molecular hydrogen bond interactions. The calculated interaction energy of the anion with TCDD molecule is two times more than that of the cation, implying that the IL anion dominates the interaction with TCDD molecules, while the cation plays a secondary role. Based on the calculated results, we propose that imidazolium dicyanamide IL films/membranes may be better materials than the corresponding bulk for capturing TCDD. The present theoretical results may be helpful to designing the functional ILs which effectively capture and concentrate PCDD/F compounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Business Models for Successfully Maintaining Games for Health.

    PubMed

    Baranowski, Moderator Tom; Isaac, Participants Fikry; Ashford, Chris; Goldman, Ron; Lenihan, David J; Poole, Brent; Buday, Richard; van Rijswijk, Jurriaan

    2013-04-01

    Videogames for health provide innovative, exciting, and possibly highly effective new media for helping players change their behaviors or otherwise benefit their health. Getting the right videogames into the hands of players who can benefit most in a way that pays for the continued innovation and creation of such games is a current challenge. Entertainment videogame companies, which create games primarily to enhance players' enjoyment, have used the general business marketplace (e.g., online stores, walk-in stores, app stores) to deliver their products directly to consumers and earn enough capital to invest in making new products. No one believes, however, that enough kids or adults would use the general business marketplace to purchase games for health in sufficient volume to provide the down payment for the innovation and creation of new games for health. A successful business model is critical to the financial future of games for health. We asked members of our Editorial Board who are in health-related companies (Fikry Isaac, MD, MPH), in several game development companies (Chris Ashford, Ron Goldman, David J. Lenihan, Brent Poole, and Richard Buday, FAIA), and the head of the Games for Health Europe Foundation (Jurriaan van Rijswijk, MSc) to address questions in a roundtable about the current and possible future business models for games for health.

  10. ST-analyzer: a web-based user interface for simulation trajectory analysis.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Jong Cheol; Jo, Sunhwan; Wu, Emilia L; Qi, Yifei; Monje-Galvan, Viviana; Yeom, Min Sun; Gorenstein, Lev; Chen, Feng; Klauda, Jeffery B; Im, Wonpil

    2014-05-05

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has become one of the key tools to obtain deeper insights into biological systems using various levels of descriptions such as all-atom, united-atom, and coarse-grained models. Recent advances in computing resources and MD programs have significantly accelerated the simulation time and thus increased the amount of trajectory data. Although many laboratories routinely perform MD simulations, analyzing MD trajectories is still time consuming and often a difficult task. ST-analyzer, http://im.bioinformatics.ku.edu/st-analyzer, is a standalone graphical user interface (GUI) toolset to perform various trajectory analyses. ST-analyzer has several outstanding features compared to other existing analysis tools: (i) handling various formats of trajectory files from MD programs, such as CHARMM, NAMD, GROMACS, and Amber, (ii) intuitive web-based GUI environment--minimizing administrative load and reducing burdens on the user from adapting new software environments, (iii) platform independent design--working with any existing operating system, (iv) easy integration into job queuing systems--providing options of batch processing either on the cluster or in an interactive mode, and (v) providing independence between foreground GUI and background modules--making it easier to add personal modules or to recycle/integrate pre-existing scripts utilizing other analysis tools. The current ST-analyzer contains nine main analysis modules that together contain 18 options, including density profile, lipid deuterium order parameters, surface area per lipid, and membrane hydrophobic thickness. This article introduces ST-analyzer with its design, implementation, and features, and also illustrates practical analysis of lipid bilayer simulations. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Development of evaluation technique of GMAW welding quality based on statistical analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Shengqiang; Terasaki, Hidenri; Komizo, Yuichi; Hu, Shengsun; Chen, Donggao; Ma, Zhihua

    2014-11-01

    Nondestructive techniques for appraising gas metal arc welding(GMAW) faults plays a very important role in on-line quality controllability and prediction of the GMAW process. On-line welding quality controllability and prediction have several disadvantages such as high cost, low efficiency, complication and greatly being affected by the environment. An enhanced, efficient evaluation technique for evaluating welding faults based on Mahalanobis distance(MD) and normal distribution is presented. In addition, a new piece of equipment, designated the weld quality tester(WQT), is developed based on the proposed evaluation technique. MD is superior to other multidimensional distances such as Euclidean distance because the covariance matrix used for calculating MD takes into account correlations in the data and scaling. The values of MD obtained from welding current and arc voltage are assumed to follow a normal distribution. The normal distribution has two parameters: the mean µ and standard deviation σ of the data. In the proposed evaluation technique used by the WQT, values of MD located in the range from zero to µ+3 σ are regarded as "good". Two experiments which involve changing the flow of shielding gas and smearing paint on the surface of the substrate are conducted in order to verify the sensitivity of the proposed evaluation technique and the feasibility of using WQT. The experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of the WQT for evaluating welding quality. The proposed technique can be applied to implement the on-line welding quality controllability and prediction, which is of great importance to design some novel equipment for weld quality detection.

  12. Peer and cyber aggression in secondary school students: the role of moral disengagement, hostile attribution bias, and outcome expectancies.

    PubMed

    Pornari, Chrisa D; Wood, Jane

    2010-01-01

    This study investigated the relationship between cognitive mechanisms, applied by people to rationalize and justify harmful acts, and engagement in traditional peer and cyber aggression among school children. We examined the contribution of moral disengagement (MD), hostile attribution bias, and outcome expectancies, and we further explored the individual contribution of each MD mechanism. Our aim was to identify shared and unique cognitive factors of the two forms of aggression. Three hundred and thirty-nine secondary school children completed self-report measures that assessed MD, hostile attribution bias, outcome expectancies, and their roles and involvement in traditional and cyber aggression. We found that the MD total score positively related to both forms of peer-directed aggression. Furthermore, traditional peer aggression positively related to children's moral justification, euphemistic language, displacement of responsibility and outcome expectancies, and negatively associated with hostile attribution bias. Moral justification also related positively to cyber aggression. Cyber aggression and cyber victimization were associated with high levels of traditional peer aggression and victimization, respectively. The results suggest that MD is a common feature of both traditional and cyber peer aggression, but it seems that traditional forms of aggression demand a higher level of rationalization or justification. Moreover, the data suggest that the expectation of positive outcomes from harmful behavior facilitates engagement in traditional peer aggression. The differential contribution of specific cognitive mechanisms indicates the need for future research to elaborate on the current findings, in order to advance theory and inform existing and future school interventions tackling aggression and bullying. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  13. Sex Disparities in Adverse Childhood Experiences and HIV/STIs: Mediation of Psychopathology and Sexual Behaviors

    PubMed Central

    Masho, Saba W.; Perera, Robert A.; Mezuk, Briana; Pugsley, River A.; Cohen, Steven A.

    2017-01-01

    HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important public health challenges in the US. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse (emotional, physical or sexual), witnessing violence among household members, may have an effect on sexual behaviors, which increase the risk of HIV/STIs. The aim of this study was to examine the sex differences in the role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), substance use disorders (SUDs), early sexual debut, and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration as mediators in the association between ACEs and HIV/STIs. Data were obtained from Wave 2 (2004–2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the role of PTSD, MD, SUDs, early sexual debut, and IPV perpetration as mediators in the relationships between ACEs and HIV/STIs. Differences and similarities existed in the mediational roles of psychopathology and sexual behaviors. For example, among men, MD fully mediated physical/psychological abuse (β = 0.0002; p = 0.012) and sexual abuse (β = 0.0002; p = 0.006), and HIV/STIs while among women, MD fully mediated physical/psychological abuse (β = 0.0005; p < 0.001) and parental violence (β = −0.0002; p = 0.012). Among men, IPV perpetration fully mediated sexual abuse (β = −0.0005; p = 0.012) and HIV/STIs while among women, IPV perpetration was not a statistically significant mediator. HIV/STI prevention and intervention programs should use a life course approach by addressing adverse childhood events among men and women and consider the sex differences in the roles of psychopathology and sexual behaviors. PMID:27688144

  14. Sex Disparities in Adverse Childhood Experiences and HIV/STIs: Mediation of Psychopathology and Sexual Behaviors.

    PubMed

    Brown, Monique J; Masho, Saba W; Perera, Robert A; Mezuk, Briana; Pugsley, River A; Cohen, Steven A

    2017-06-01

    HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important public health challenges in the US. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse (emotional, physical or sexual), witnessing violence among household members, may have an effect on sexual behaviors, which increase the risk of HIV/STIs. The aim of this study was to examine the sex differences in the role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), substance use disorders (SUDs), early sexual debut, and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration as mediators in the association between ACEs and HIV/STIs. Data were obtained from Wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the role of PTSD, MD, SUDs, early sexual debut, and IPV perpetration as mediators in the relationships between ACEs and HIV/STIs. Differences and similarities existed in the mediational roles of psychopathology and sexual behaviors. For example, among men, MD fully mediated physical/psychological abuse (β = 0.0002; p = 0.012) and sexual abuse (β = 0.0002; p = 0.006), and HIV/STIs while among women, MD fully mediated physical/psychological abuse (β = 0.0005; p < 0.001) and parental violence (β = -0.0002; p = 0.012). Among men, IPV perpetration fully mediated sexual abuse (β = -0.0005; p = 0.012) and HIV/STIs while among women, IPV perpetration was not a statistically significant mediator. HIV/STI prevention and intervention programs should use a life course approach by addressing adverse childhood events among men and women and consider the sex differences in the roles of psychopathology and sexual behaviors.

  15. Improved model of hydrated calcium ion for molecular dynamics simulations using classical biomolecular force fields.

    PubMed

    Yoo, Jejoong; Wilson, James; Aksimentiev, Aleksei

    2016-10-01

    Calcium ions (Ca(2+) ) play key roles in various fundamental biological processes such as cell signaling and brain function. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to study such interactions, however, the accuracy of the Ca(2+) models provided by the standard MD force fields has not been rigorously tested. Here, we assess the performance of the Ca(2+) models from the most popular classical force fields AMBER and CHARMM by computing the osmotic pressure of model compounds and the free energy of DNA-DNA interactions. In the simulations performed using the two standard models, Ca(2+) ions are seen to form artificial clusters with chloride, acetate, and phosphate species; the osmotic pressure of CaAc2 and CaCl2 solutions is a small fraction of the experimental values for both force fields. Using the standard parameterization of Ca(2+) ions in the simulations of Ca(2+) -mediated DNA-DNA interactions leads to qualitatively wrong outcomes: both AMBER and CHARMM simulations suggest strong inter-DNA attraction whereas, in experiment, DNA molecules repel one another. The artificial attraction of Ca(2+) to DNA phosphate is strong enough to affect the direction of the electric field-driven translocation of DNA through a solid-state nanopore. To address these shortcomings of the standard Ca(2+) model, we introduce a custom model of a hydrated Ca(2+) ion and show that using our model brings the results of the above MD simulations in quantitative agreement with experiment. Our improved model of Ca(2+) can be readily applied to MD simulations of various biomolecular systems, including nucleic acids, proteins and lipid bilayer membranes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 752-763, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Understanding the colloidal dispersion stability of 1D and 2D materials: Perspectives from molecular simulations and theoretical modeling.

    PubMed

    Lin, Shangchao; Shih, Chih-Jen; Sresht, Vishnu; Govind Rajan, Ananth; Strano, Michael S; Blankschtein, Daniel

    2017-06-01

    The colloidal dispersion stability of 1D and 2D materials in the liquid phase is critical for scalable nano-manufacturing, chemical modification, composites production, and deployment as conductive inks or nanofluids. Here, we review recent computational and theoretical studies carried out by our group to model the dispersion stability of 1D and 2D materials, including single-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide in aqueous surfactant solutions or organic solvents. All-atomistic (AA) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can probe the molecular level details of the adsorption morphology of surfactants and solvents around these materials, as well as quantify the interaction energy between the nanomaterials mediated by surfactants or solvents. Utilizing concepts from reaction kinetics and diffusion, one can directly predict the rate constants for the aggregation kinetics and dispersion life times using MD outputs. Furthermore, the use of coarse-grained (CG) MD simulations allows quantitative prediction of surfactant adsorption isotherms. Combined with the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, the Langmuir isotherm, and the DLVO theory, one can directly use CGMD outputs to: (i) predict electrostatic potentials around the nanomaterial, (ii) correlate surfactant surface coverages with surfactant concentrations in the bulk dispersion medium, and (iii) determine energy barriers against coagulation. Finally, we discuss challenges associated with studying emerging 2D materials, such as, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), phosphorene, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), including molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ). An outlook is provided to address these challenges with plans to develop force-field parameters for MD simulations to enable predictive modeling of emerging 2D materials in the liquid phase. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Regional Brain Tissue Changes and Associations with Disease Severity in Children with Sleep Disordered Breathing.

    PubMed

    Horne, Rosemary S C; Roy, Bhaswati; Walter, Lisa M; Biggs, Sarah N; Tamanyan, Knarik; Weichard, Aidan; Nixon, Gillian M; Davey, Margot J; Ditchfield, Michael; Harper, Ronald M; Kumar, Rajesh

    2017-12-15

    Children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) exhibit behavioral, cognitive, and autonomic deficits, suggestive of neural injury. We assessed whether the tissue alterations resulted from acute or chronic processes, and if alterations correlated with disease severity. Brain tissue integrity was examined with mean diffusivity (MD) (3.0-Tesla scanner) in 20 non-snoring controls (mean age±sem, 12.2±0.6y; 10 male) and 18 children with SDB (12.3±0.7y; 11 male). Sleep, cognitive, and behavioral measures were compared between groups following overnight polysomnography using Student's t-tests. Whole-brain MD maps were realigned and averaged, normalized, smoothed, and compared between groups using ANCOVA (covariates; age, gender, and socioeconomic status). Partial correlations were calculated between whole-brain smoothed MD maps and obstructive apnea hypopnea indices (OAHI). Age, gender, and sleep variables did not differ between groups. The SDB group showed higher OAHI, body mass indices, and systolic blood pressure. Significantly reduced MD values (acute changes) appeared in the hippocampus, insula, thalamus, temporal and occipital cortices, and cerebellum, but were increased (chronic damage) in the frontal and prefrontal cortices in the SDB group over controls. Both positive and negative correlations appeared with extent of tissue changes and disease severity. Externalizing and Total Problem Behaviors were significantly higher in SDB children. Verbal, performance and total IQ scores trended lower, and behavioral scores trended higher. Pediatric SDB is accompanied by predominantly acute brain changes in areas that regulate autonomic, cognitive, and mood functions, and chronic changes in frontal cortices essential for behavioral control. Interventions need to be keyed to address acute vs chronic injury. © Sleep Research Society 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

  18. Outcomes of laparoscopic resection of Meckel's diverticulum are equivalent to open laparotomy.

    PubMed

    Ezekian, Brian; Leraas, Harold J; Englum, Brian R; Gilmore, Brian F; Reed, Christopher; Fitzgerald, Tamara N; Rice, Henry E; Tracy, Elisabeth T

    2018-03-15

    Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a common congenital anomaly caused by failure of involution of the omphalomesenteric duct. Enthusiasm for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children has burgeoned as technologies have advanced, but the outcomes of laparoscopic resection in comparison to open laparotomy for MD remain poorly defined. We queried a large national database to compare current practice patterns and clinical outcomes between surgical approaches for MD in the pediatric population. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-Ped) database was queried for patients undergoing surgical intervention for MD (2011-2014). Patients were stratified by surgical approach. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative variables, and perioperative complications were compared by univariate analysis using Pearson's χ 2 test for categorical variables and Kruskall-Wallis test for continuous variables. Primary outcomes of interest were length of stay (LOS), rate of readmission, and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included operative time, anesthesia time, postoperative complications, and rates of reoperation. A total of 148 cases of MD were identified, of which 73 (49.3%) were initially managed with a laparoscopic approach and 75 (50.7%) were managed with an open approach. We found a high rate of conversion from laparoscopy to an open approach (20/73 or 27.4%). The median age of the laparoscopic group was higher than the open group (8.3 vs. 2.5years, p<0.001). Operative and anesthesia time, LOS, 30-day mortality, post-operative complications, and rates of reoperation and readmission were similar between groups (all p>0.05). Nearly half of all resections for MD in children are now approached laparoscopically. This approach has equivalent outcomes to traditional open laparotomy. More widespread use of a hybrid approach with laparoscopy and exteriorization of the small bowel through an extended port site may facilitate avoiding open laparotomy. Routine conversion to open for palpation of the MD or segmental small bowel resection should be avoided in the absence of compelling intra-operative findings or operative complications. Level III (retrospective comparative study). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Relationship between visual field progression and baseline refraction in primary open-angle glaucoma.

    PubMed

    Naito, Tomoko; Yoshikawa, Keiji; Mizoue, Shiro; Nanno, Mami; Kimura, Tairo; Suzumura, Hirotaka; Umeda, Yuzo; Shiraga, Fumio

    2016-01-01

    To analyze the relationship between visual field (VF) progression and baseline refraction in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) including normal-tension glaucoma. In this retrospective study, the subjects were patients with POAG who had undergone VF tests at least ten times with a Humphrey Field Analyzer (Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm standard, Central 30-2 program). VF progression was defined as a significantly negative value of mean deviation (MD) slope at the final VF test. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to detect an association between MD slope deterioration and baseline refraction. A total of 156 eyes of 156 patients were included in this analysis. Significant deterioration of MD slope was observed in 70 eyes of 70 patients (44.9%), whereas no significant deterioration was evident in 86 eyes of 86 patients (55.1%). The eyes with VF progression had significantly higher baseline refraction compared to those without apparent VF progression (-1.9±3.8 diopter [D] vs -3.5±3.4 D, P=0.0048) (mean ± standard deviation). When subject eyes were classified into four groups by the level of baseline refraction applying spherical equivalent (SE): no myopia (SE > -1D), mild myopia (-1D ≥ SE > -3D), moderate myopia (-3D ≥ SE > -6D), and severe myopia (-6D ≥ SE), the Cochran-Armitage trend analysis showed a decreasing trend in the proportion of MD slope deterioration with increasing severity of myopia (P=0.0002). The multivariate analysis revealed that baseline refraction (P=0.0108, odds ratio [OR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.25) and intraocular pressure reduction rate (P=0.0150, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99) had a significant association with MD slope deterioration. In the current analysis of Japanese patients with POAG, baseline refraction was a factor significantly associated with MD slope deterioration as well as intraocular pressure reduction rate. When baseline refraction was classified into four groups, MD slope in myopia groups was less deteriorated as compared to those in the emmetropic/hyperopic group.

  20. Genome-wide identification of allele-specific expression (ASE) in response to Marek's disease virus infection using next generation sequencing.

    PubMed

    Maceachern, Sean; Muir, William M; Crosby, Seth; Cheng, Hans H

    2011-06-03

    Marek's disease (MD), a T cell lymphoma induced by the highly oncogenic α-herpesvirus Marek's disease virus (MDV), is the main chronic infectious disease concern threatening the poultry industry. Enhancing genetic resistance to MD in commercial poultry is an attractive method to augment MD vaccines, which is currently the control method of choice. In order to optimally implement this control strategy through marker-assisted selection (MAS) and to gain biological information, it is necessary to identify specific genes that influence MD incidence. A genome-wide screen for allele-specific expression (ASE) in response to MDV infection was conducted. The highly inbred ADOL chicken lines 6 (MD resistant) and 7 (MD susceptible) were inter-mated in reciprocal crosses and half of the progeny challenged with MDV. Splenic RNA pools at a single time after infection for each treatment group point were generated, sequenced using a next generation sequencer, then analyzed for allele-specific expression (ASE). To validate and extend the results, Illumina GoldenGate assays for selected cSNPs were developed and used on all RNA samples from all 6 time points following MDV challenge. RNA sequencing resulted in 11-13+ million mappable reads per treatment group, 1.7+ Gb total sequence, and 22,655 high-confidence cSNPs. Analysis of these cSNPs revealed that 5360 cSNPs in 3773 genes exhibited statistically significant allelic imbalance. Of the 1536 GoldenGate assays, 1465 were successfully scored with all but 19 exhibiting evidence for allelic imbalance. ASE is an efficient method to identify potentially all or most of the genes influencing this complex trait. The identified cSNPs can be further evaluated in resource populations to determine their allelic direction and size of effect on genetic resistance to MD as well as being directly implemented in genomic selection programs. The described method, although demonstrated in inbred chicken lines, is applicable to all traits in any diploid species, and should prove to be a simple method to identify the majority of genes controlling any complex trait.

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