End-to-end distance and contour length distribution functions of DNA helices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zoli, Marco

2018-06-01

I present a computational method to evaluate the end-to-end and the contour length distribution functions of short DNA molecules described by a mesoscopic Hamiltonian. The method generates a large statistical ensemble of possible configurations for each dimer in the sequence, selects the global equilibrium twist conformation for the molecule, and determines the average base pair distances along the molecule backbone. Integrating over the base pair radial and angular fluctuations, I derive the room temperature distribution functions as a function of the sequence length. The obtained values for the most probable end-to-end distance and contour length distance, providing a measure of the global molecule size, are used to examine the DNA flexibility at short length scales. It is found that, also in molecules with less than ˜60 base pairs, coiled configurations maintain a large statistical weight and, consistently, the persistence lengths may be much smaller than in kilo-base DNA.

End-to-End Information System design at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. [data transmission between user and space-based sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooke, A. J.

1978-01-01

In recognition of a pressing need of the 1980s to optimize the two-way flow of information between a ground-based user and a remote-space-based sensor, an end-to-end approach to the design of information systems has been adopted at the JPL. This paper reviews End-to-End Information System (EEIS) activity at the JPL, with attention given to the scope of the EEIS transfer function, and functional and physical elements of the EEIS. The relationship between the EEIS and the NASA End-to-End Data System program is discussed.

Effect of phenylephrine bolus administration on left ventricular function during postural hypotension in anesthetized patients.

PubMed

Goertz, A W; Schmidt, M; Lindner, K H; Seefelder, C; Georgieff, M

1993-01-01

To investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) phenylephrine (PHE) bolus administration on left ventricular function in patients who developed postural hypotension during isoflurane anesthesia in the head-up tilt (reverse Trendelenburg) position. Prospective "before-after" trial. Operation theater of a university medical center. 15 ASA physical status I and II patients without cardiovascular disorders. The anesthetized patients were tilted from a supine horizontal to a 30-degree reverse-Trendelenburg position. Once a steady state was achieved, PHE 3 micrograms/kg was administered as an IV bolus dose. Transesophageal echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular function. We measured blood pressure (BP); heart rate; left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic area, diameter, and wall thickness; and ejection time at baseline and after tilt, immediately before and for a period of 3 minutes after PHE injection. We calculated fractional area change (FAC), mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mVcf), and end-systolic wall stress. Head-up tilt caused a reduction of mean arterial pressure [from 68 to 54 mmHg (mean)], end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricular area (from 9.7 to 6.5 cm2 and from 19.2 to 13.1 cm2, respectively) and end-systolic wall stress (from 56 to 33 10(3).dyne/cm2). FAC and mVcf remained unaltered. PHE administration restored baseline values or overcompensated the changes caused by tilt. FAC slightly decreased in response to PHE (from 0.51 to 0.43), end-systolic wall stress increased to 83 10(3).dyne/cm2, and mVcf remained unchanged. PHE bolus administration effectively restored BP and cardiac filling, which were reduced after head-up tilt, without causing a relevant impairment of left ventricular function or an increase in end-systolic wall stress above the upper normal limit.

Platelet function measurement-based strategy to reduce bleeding and waiting time in clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: the timing based on platelet function strategy to reduce clopidogrel-associated bleeding related to CABG (TARGET-CABG) study.

PubMed

Mahla, Elisabeth; Suarez, Thomas A; Bliden, Kevin P; Rehak, Peter; Metzler, Helfried; Sequeira, Alejandro J; Cho, Peter; Sell, Jeffery; Fan, John; Antonino, Mark J; Tantry, Udaya S; Gurbel, Paul A

2012-04-01

Aspirin and clopidogrel therapy is associated with a variable bleeding risk in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We evaluated the role of platelet function testing in clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing CABG. One hundred eighty patients on background aspirin with/without clopidogrel therapy undergoing elective first time isolated on-pump CABG were enrolled in a prospective single-center, nonrandomized, unblinded investigation (Timing Based on Platelet Function Strategy to Reduce Clopidogrel-Associated Bleeding Related to CABG [TARGET-CABG] study) between September 2008 and January 2011. Clopidogrel responsiveness (ADP-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength [MA(ADP)]) was determined by thrombelastography; CABG was done within 1 day, 3-5 days, and >5 days in patients with an MA(ADP) >50 mm, 35-50 mm, and <35 mm, respectively. The primary end point was 24-hour chest tube drainage and key secondary end point was total number of transfused red blood cells. Equivalence was defined as ≤25% difference between groups. ANCOVA was used to adjust for confounders. Mean 24-hour chest tube drainage in clopidogrel-treated patients was 93% (95% confidence interval, 81-107%) of the amount observed in clopidogrel-naive patients, and the total amount of red blood cells transfused did not differ between groups (1.80 U versus 2.08 U, respectively, P=0.540). The total waiting period in clopidogrel-treated patients was 233 days (mean, 2.7 days per patient). A strategy based on preoperative platelet function testing to determine the timing of CABG in clopidogrel-treated patients was associated with the same amount of bleeding observed in clopidogrel-naive patients and ≈50% shorter waiting time than recommended in the current guidelines. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00857155.

Culture-specific familiarity equally mediates action representations across cultures.

PubMed

Umla-Runge, Katja; Fu, Xiaolan; Wang, Lamei; Zimmer, Hubert D

2014-01-01

Previous studies have shown that we need to distinguish between means and end information about actions. It is unclear how these two subtypes of action information relate to each other with theoretical accounts postulating the superiority of end over means information and others linking separate means and end routes of processing to actions of differential meaningfulness. Action meaningfulness or familiarity differs between cultures. In a cross-cultural setting, we investigated how action familiarity influences recognition memory for means and end information. Object directed actions of differential familiarity were presented to Chinese and German participants. Action familiarity modulated the representation of means and end information in both cultures in the same way, although the effects were based on different stimulus sets. Our results suggest that, in the representation of actions in memory, end information is superordinate to means information. This effect is independent of culture whereas action familiarity is not.

Meta-Analysis of Cell-based CaRdiac stUdiEs (ACCRUE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction based on individual patient data.

PubMed

Gyöngyösi, Mariann; Wojakowski, Wojciech; Lemarchand, Patricia; Lunde, Ketil; Tendera, Michal; Bartunek, Jozef; Marban, Eduardo; Assmus, Birgit; Henry, Timothy D; Traverse, Jay H; Moyé, Lemuel A; Sürder, Daniel; Corti, Roberto; Huikuri, Heikki; Miettinen, Johanna; Wöhrle, Jochen; Obradovic, Slobodan; Roncalli, Jérome; Malliaras, Konstantinos; Pokushalov, Evgeny; Romanov, Alexander; Kastrup, Jens; Bergmann, Martin W; Atsma, Douwe E; Diederichsen, Axel; Edes, Istvan; Benedek, Imre; Benedek, Theodora; Pejkov, Hristo; Nyolczas, Noemi; Pavo, Noemi; Bergler-Klein, Jutta; Pavo, Imre J; Sylven, Christer; Berti, Sergio; Navarese, Eliano P; Maurer, Gerald

2015-04-10

The meta-Analysis of Cell-based CaRdiac study is the first prospectively declared collaborative multinational database, including individual data of patients with ischemic heart disease treated with cell therapy. We analyzed the safety and efficacy of intracoronary cell therapy after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), including individual patient data from 12 randomized trials (ASTAMI, Aalst, BOOST, BONAMI, CADUCEUS, FINCELL, REGENT, REPAIR-AMI, SCAMI, SWISS-AMI, TIME, LATE-TIME; n=1252). The primary end point was freedom from combined major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (including all-cause death, AMI recurrance, stroke, and target vessel revascularization). The secondary end point was freedom from hard clinical end points (death, AMI recurrence, or stroke), assessed with random-effects meta-analyses and Cox regressions for interactions. Secondary efficacy end points included changes in end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction, analyzed with random-effects meta-analyses and ANCOVA. We reported weighted mean differences between cell therapy and control groups. No effect of cell therapy on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (14.0% versus 16.3%; hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.18) or death (1.4% versus 2.1%) or death/AMI recurrence/stroke (2.9% versus 4.7%) was identified in comparison with controls. No changes in ejection fraction (mean difference: 0.96%; 95% confidence interval, -0.2 to 2.1), end-diastolic volume, or systolic volume were observed compared with controls. These results were not influenced by anterior AMI location, reduced baseline ejection fraction, or the use of MRI for assessing left ventricular parameters. This meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized trials in patients with recent AMI revealed that intracoronary cell therapy provided no benefit, in terms of clinical events or changes in left ventricular function. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01098591. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Polymer-induced forces at interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rangarajan, Murali

This dissertation concerns studies of forces generated by confined and physisorbed flexible polymers using lattice mean-field theories, and those generated by confined and clamped semiflexible polymers modeled as slender elastic rods. Lattice mean-field theories have been used in understanding and predicting the behavior of polymeric interfacial systems. In order to efficiently tailor such systems for various applications of interest, one has to understand the forces generated in the interface due to the polymer molecules. The present work examines the abilities and limitations of lattice mean-field theories in predicting the structure of physisorbed polymer layers and the resultant forces. Within the lattice mean-field theory, a definition of normal force of compression as the negative derivative of the partition-function-based excess free energy with surface separation gives misleading results because the theory does not explicitly account for the normal stresses involved in the system. Correct expressions for normal and tangential forces are obtained from a continuum-mechanics-based formulation. Preliminary comparisons with lattice Monte Carlo simulations show that mean-field theories fail to predict significant attractive forces when the surfaces are undersaturated, as one would expect. The corrections to the excluded volume (non-reversal chains) and the mean-field (anisotropic field) approximations improve the predictions of layer structure, but not the forces. Bending of semiflexible polymer chains (elastic rods) is considered for two boundary conditions---where the chain is hinged on both ends and where the chain is clamped on one end and hinged on the other. For the former case, the compressive forces and chain shapes obtained are consistent with the inflexional elastica published by Love. For the latter, multiple and higher-order solutions are observed for the hinged-end position for a given force. Preliminary studies are conducted on actin-based motility of Listeria monocytogenes by treating actin filaments as elastic rods, using the actoclampin model. The results show qualitative agreement with calculations where the filaments are modeled as Hookean springs. The feasibility of the actoclampin model to address long length-scale rotation of Listeria during actin-based motility is addressed.

Small convolution kernels for high-fidelity image restoration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reichenbach, Stephen E.; Park, Stephen K.

1991-01-01

An algorithm is developed for computing the mean-square-optimal values for small, image-restoration kernels. The algorithm is based on a comprehensive, end-to-end imaging system model that accounts for the important components of the imaging process: the statistics of the scene, the point-spread function of the image-gathering device, sampling effects, noise, and display reconstruction. Subject to constraints on the spatial support of the kernel, the algorithm generates the kernel values that restore the image with maximum fidelity, that is, the kernel minimizes the expected mean-square restoration error. The algorithm is consistent with the derivation of the spatially unconstrained Wiener filter, but leads to a small, spatially constrained kernel that, unlike the unconstrained filter, can be efficiently implemented by convolution. Simulation experiments demonstrate that for a wide range of imaging systems these small kernels can restore images with fidelity comparable to images restored with the unconstrained Wiener filter.

Phase transitions in single macromolecules: Loop-stretch transition versus loop adsorption transition in end-grafted polymer chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shuangshuang; Qi, Shuanhu; Klushin, Leonid I.; Skvortsov, Alexander M.; Yan, Dadong; Schmid, Friederike

2018-01-01

We use Brownian dynamics simulations and analytical theory to compare two prominent types of single molecule transitions. One is the adsorption transition of a loop (a chain with two ends bound to an attractive substrate) driven by an attraction parameter ɛ and the other is the loop-stretch transition in a chain with one end attached to a repulsive substrate, driven by an external end-force F applied to the free end. Specifically, we compare the behavior of the respective order parameters of the transitions, i.e., the mean number of surface contacts in the case of the adsorption transition and the mean position of the chain end in the case of the loop-stretch transition. Close to the transition points, both the static behavior and the dynamic behavior of chains with different length N are very well described by a scaling ansatz with the scaling parameters (ɛ - ɛ*)Nϕ (adsorption transition) and (F - F*)Nν (loop-stretch transition), respectively, where ϕ is the crossover exponent of the adsorption transition and ν is the Flory exponent. We show that both the loop-stretch and the loop adsorption transitions provide an exceptional opportunity to construct explicit analytical expressions for the crossover functions which perfectly describe all simulation results on static properties in the finite-size scaling regime. Explicit crossover functions are based on the ansatz for the analytical form of the order parameter distributions at the respective transition points. In contrast to the close similarity in equilibrium static behavior, the dynamic relaxation at the two transitions shows qualitative differences, especially in the strongly ordered regimes. This is attributed to the fact that the surface contact dynamics in a strongly adsorbed chain is governed by local processes, whereas the end height relaxation of a strongly stretched chain involves the full spectrum of Rouse modes.

Effect of drug-induced hyperuricaemia on renal function in Nigerians with pulmonary tuberculosis.

PubMed

Adebisi, S A; Oluboyo, P O; Okesina, A B

2000-01-01

Some anti-tuberculosis chemotherapeutic agents have been established as causing hyperuricaemia. Hyperuricaemia in turn causes renal damage. This study therefore aims at establishing the effect of anti-tuberculosis drugs-induced hyperuricaemia on renal function of the patients. Fifty patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis with mean age of 36.8 years (SD 13.69) consisting of 14 females and 17 males were longitudinally studied each for 6 months to determine the effect of drug-induced hyperuricaemia on their renal function. The Biochemical indices determined included serum urate level, serum creatinine level, and creatinine clearance of newly diagnosed patient with tuberculosis, before and during treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy. Serum urate level revealed that 16 (51.6%) and 15 (48.4%) of the patients were hyperuricaemic at the end of the first and second months of anti-tuberculosis therapy. There was no significant difference in the mean serum creatinine level of the control group 96 micromol/L when compared with both the pre-treat value 89 micromol/L (P > 0.25) as well as the value at the end of the sixth month of treatment 91 micromol/L (P > 0.40). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean creatinine clearance of the control group 102 ml/min/1.73 m2 when compared with the patient's mean pre-treatment value (89 ml/min/1.73 m2) P < 0.05. Also the mean creatinine clearance increased to (103 ml/min/1.73 m2) by the end of the 6th month of treatment, a value that is statistically significant when compared with the pretreatment value of (89 ml/min/1.73 m2) P < 0.05. We submit as follows: that pulmonary tuberculosis as a disease with significant impairment of renal function; despite the associated drug-induced hyperuricaemia recorded during the treatment, renal function steadily improved with the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis to the extent that comparable values with control was obtained at the end of treatment. We conclude therefore that drug-induced hyperuricaemia associated with treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis has no detectable negative effect on renal function of the patient.

Left ventricular function before and after kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Omran, Mohammad T; Khakpour, Somayeh; Oliaie, Farshid

2009-06-01

To evaluate left ventricular function by echocardiography before and after kidney transplantation (KT). This analytical study included 50 patients that had successful KT in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Babol, Iran from October 2005 to December 2007. The echocardiography study was performed by one cardiologist before and at least 3 months after KT. Data were analyzed by SPSS, and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of patients was 33.94 +/- 11.66 years, 66% were male and 56% less than 45 years old. The ejection fraction and stroke volume after KT increased, however, the left ventricular end diastolic volume, left ventricular end systolic volume, left ventricular end systolic dimension, and left ventricular end diastolic diameter decreased. In patients with end stage renal disease, successful kidney transplantation could improve the function of the left ventricle.

Novel design solutions for fishing reel mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovasz, Erwin-Christian; Modler, Karl-Heinz; Neumann, Rudolf; Gruescu, Corina Mihaela; Perju, Dan; Ciupe, Valentin; Maniu, Inocentiu

2015-07-01

Currently, there are various reels on the market regarding the type of mechanism, which achieves the winding and unwinding of the line. The designers have the purpose of obtaining a linear transmission function, by means of a simple and small-sized mechanism. However, the present solutions are not satisfactory because of large deviations from linearity of the transmission function and complexity of mechanical schema. A novel solution for the reel spool mechanism is proposed. Its kinematic schema and synthesis method are described. The kinematic schema of the chosen mechanism is based on a noncircular gear in series with a scotch-yoke mechanism. The yoke is driven by a stud fixed on the driving noncircular gear. The drawbacks of other models regarding the effects occurring at the ends of the spool are eliminated through achieving an appropriate transmission function of the spool. The linear function approximation with curved end-arches appropriately computed to ensure mathematical continuity is very good. The experimental results on the mechanism model validate the theoretical approach. The developed mechanism solution is recorded under a reel spool mechanism patent.

Kidney Function After a Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Paauw, Nina D; van der Graaf, Anne Marijn; Bozoglan, Rita; van der Ham, David P; Navis, Gerjan; Gansevoort, Ron T; Groen, Henk; Lely, A Titia

2018-05-01

Registry-based studies report an increased risk for end-stage kidney disease after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs). It is unclear whether HDPs lead to an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or progression of kidney function decline. Subanalysis of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease (PREVEND) Study, a Dutch population-based cohort with follow-up of 5 visits approximately 3 years apart. Women without and with patient-reported HDPs (non-HDP, n=1,805; HDP, n=977) were identified. Mean age was 50 years at baseline and median follow-up was 11 years. An HDP. (1) The incidence of CKD using Cox regression and (2) the course of kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and 24-hour albuminuria) over 5 visits using generalized estimating equation analysis adjusted for age, mean arterial pressure, and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade. CKD was defined as eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m 2 and/or 24-hour albuminuria with albumin excretion > 30mg, and end-stage kidney disease was defined as receiving dialysis or kidney transplantation. During follow-up, none of the women developed end-stage renal disease and the incidence of CKD during follow-up was similar across HDP groups (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.79-1.37; P=0.8). Use of RAS blockade was higher after HDP at all visits. During a median of 11 years, we observed a decrease in eGFR in both groups, with a slightly steeper decline in the HDP group (98±15 to 88±16 vs 99±17 to 91±15mL/min/1.73m 2 ; P group <0.01, P group*visit <0.05). The group effect remained significant after adjusting for mean arterial pressure, but disappeared after adjusting for RAS blockade. The 24-hour albuminuria did not differ between groups. No obstetric records available. HDPs defined by patient report rather than health records. HDPs did not detectably increase the incidence of CKD. During follow-up, we observed no differences in albuminuria, but observed a marginally lower eGFR after HDP that was no longer statistically significant after adjusting for the use of RAS blockers. In this population, we were unable to identify a significant risk for kidney function decline after patient-reported HDP. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Understanding the meaning of social well-being at the end of life.

PubMed

Prince-Paul, Maryjo

2008-05-01

To advance understanding of the social well-being domain, a dimension of quality of life, from the perspective of dying individuals. Qualitative, hermeneutic, and phenomenologic. Private residences in a community setting. 8 terminally ill adult patients with cancer, aged 35-75, enrolled in hospice care. In-depth, semistructured, tape-recorded, and transcribed interviews were analyzed using the Giorgi method. Social well-being and quality of life at the end of life. Six themes emerged that described the meaning of close personal relationships at the end of life: meaning of relationships with family, friends, and coworkers; meaning of relationships with God or a higher power; loss and gains of role function; love; gratitude; and lessons on living. Patients who were terminally ill with advanced cancer expressed the importance of close personal relationships at the end of life and the need to communicate their importance through love and gratitude. All participants believed that personal relationships were strengthened by the end-of-life experience. Nurses can support terminally ill patients by understanding the importance of social relationships at the end of life. The relationships may be enhanced when nurses raise patients' conscious awareness of the relationships and encourage them to express their importance.

Development and testing of transfer functions for generating quantitative climatic estimates from Australian pollen data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Ellyn J.; van der Kaars, Sander

2006-10-01

We review attempts to derive quantitative climatic estimates from Australian pollen data, including the climatic envelope, climatic indicator and modern analogue approaches, and outline the need to pursue alternatives for use as input to, or validation of, simulations by models of past, present and future climate patterns. To this end, we have constructed and tested modern pollen-climate transfer functions for mainland southeastern Australia and Tasmania using the existing southeastern Australian pollen database and for northern Australia using a new pollen database we are developing. After testing for statistical significance, 11 parameters were selected for mainland southeastern Australia, seven for Tasmania and six for northern Australia. The functions are based on weighted-averaging partial least squares regression and their predictive ability evaluated against modern observational climate data using leave-one-out cross-validation. Functions for summer, annual and winter rainfall and temperatures are most robust for southeastern Australia, while in Tasmania functions for minimum temperature of the coldest period, mean winter and mean annual temperature are the most reliable. In northern Australia, annual and summer rainfall and annual and summer moisture indexes are the strongest. The validation of all functions means all can be applied to Quaternary pollen records from these three areas with confidence. Copyright

Eprosartan-based hypertension therapy, systolic arterial blood pressure and cognitive function: analysis of Middle East data from the OSCAR study.

PubMed

Radaideh, Ghazi Ahmad; Choueiry, Patrick; Ismail, Amr; Eid, Elie; Berrou, Jean-Pascal; Sedefdjian, Armand; Sévenier, Frank; Pathak, Atul

2011-01-01

Studies have indicated a relationship between hypertension and cognitive function. The possible effect of antihypertensive therapy on cognitive disorders is therefore a matter of interest. The Observational Study on Cognitive function And SBP Reduction (OSCAR) was an open-label, multinational trial designed to evaluate the impact of eprosartan-based antihypertensive therapy on cognitive function in patients with essential hypertension. Eprosartan 600 mg/day for 6 months (with provision for additional medication as needed) was initiated in hypertensive subjects aged ≥ 50 years. A total of 853 patients in an intention-to-treat cohort from seven countries of the Middle East was identified for subgroup analysis. Arterial blood pressure was reduced significantly (P < 0.001) during the study: At the end of 6 months of eprosartan-based therapy, the mean (±SD) reduction from baseline was 32.1 ± 14.3/14.6.3 ± 8.6 mmHg (P < 0.001). Mean pulse pressure was reduced by 18.3 ± 13.1 mmHg (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). Blood pressure was normalized (systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic <90 mmHg) in 68.2% of patients. The overall mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score after 6 months of eprosartan-based therapy was one-point higher than at baseline (P < 0.001). MMSE score on completion of 6 months' follow-up was either unchanged or increased from baseline in 793 (93%) individuals and decreased in 60 (7%). Factors associated with stability of or improvement in cognitive function included MMSE score at baseline, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at baseline, and treatment-induced change in DBP. Results from the Middle East subgroup of OSCAR are supportive of the hypothesis that antihypertensive therapy based on angiotensin-receptor blocker therapy with eprosartan may be associated with preservation or improvement of cognitive function.

A Longitudinal Study of Psychological Functioning and Academic Attainment at the Transition to Secondary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riglin, Lucy; Frederickson, Norah; Shelton, Katherine H.; Rice, Frances

2013-01-01

This longitudinal study of adolescents in the first year of secondary school, examined the relationship between psychological functioning at the beginning of year 7 (mean age 11.25 years) with attainment at the end of year 7 (mean age 11.78 years). Depressive symptoms, school liking and conduct problems predicted lower attainment across time…

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

Zhong, H; Li, H; Gordon, J

Purpose: To investigate radiotherapy outcomes by incorporating 4DCT-based physiological and tumor elasticity functions for lung cancer patients. Methods: 4DCT images were acquired from 28 lung SBRT patients before radiation treatment. Deformable image registration (DIR) was performed from the end-inhale to the end-exhale using a B-Spline-based algorithm (Elastix, an open source software package). The resultant displacement vector fields (DVFs) were used to calculate a relative Jacobian function (RV) for each patient. The computed functions in the lung and tumor regions represent lung ventilation and tumor elasticity properties, respectively. The 28 patients were divided into two groups: 16 with two-year tumor localmore » control (LC) and 12 with local failure (LF). The ventilation and elasticity related RV functions were calculated for each of these patients. Results: The LF patients have larger RV values than the LC patients. The mean RV value in the lung region was 1.15 (±0.67) for the LF patients, higher than 1.06 (±0.59) for the LC patients. In the tumor region, the elasticity-related RV values are 1.2 (±0.97) and 0.86 (±0.64) for the LF and LC patients, respectively. Among the 16 LC patients, 3 have the mean RV values greater than 1.0 in the tumors. These tumors were located near the diaphragm, where the displacements are relatively large.. RV functions calculated in the tumor were better correlated with treatment outcomes than those calculated in the lung. Conclusion: The ventilation and elasticity-related RV functions in the lung and tumor regions were calculated from 4DCT image and the resultant values showed differences between the LC and LF patients. Further investigation of the impact of the displacements on the computed RV is warranted. Results suggest that the RV images might be useful for evaluation of treatment outcome for lung cancer patients.« less

End-functionalized ROMP polymers for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Madkour, Ahmad E.; Koch, Amelie H. R.; Lienkamp, Karen; Tew, Gregory N.

2010-01-01

We present two novel allyl-based terminating agents that can be used to end-functionalize living polymer chains obtained by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using Grubbs’ third generation catalyst. Both terminating agents can be easily synthesized and yield ROMP polymers with stable, storable activated ester groups at the chain-end. These end-functionalized ROMP polymers are attractive building blocks for advanced polymeric materials, especially in the biomedical field. Dye-labeling and surface-coupling of antimicrobially active polymers using these end-groups were demonstrated. PMID:21499549

Nonorthogonal orbital based N-body reduced density matrices and their applications to valence bond theory. I. Hamiltonian matrix elements between internally contracted excited valence bond wave functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhenhua; Chen, Xun; Wu, Wei

2013-04-01

In this series, the n-body reduced density matrix (n-RDM) approach for nonorthogonal orbitals and their applications to ab initio valence bond (VB) methods are presented. As the first paper of this series, Hamiltonian matrix elements between internally contracted VB wave functions are explicitly provided by means of nonorthogonal orbital based RDM approach. To this end, a more generalized Wick's theorem, called enhanced Wick's theorem, is presented both in arithmetical and in graphical forms, by which the deduction of expressions for the matrix elements between internally contracted VB wave functions is dramatically simplified, and the matrix elements are finally expressed in terms of tensor contractions of electronic integrals and n-RDMs of the reference VB self-consistent field wave function. A string-based algorithm is developed for the purpose of evaluating n-RDMs in an efficient way. Using the techniques presented in this paper, one is able to develop new methods and efficient algorithms for nonorthogonal orbital based many-electron theory much easier than by use of the first quantized formulism.

End-group characterisation of poly(propylene glycol)s by means of electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS).

PubMed

Jackson, Anthony T; Slade, Susan E; Thalassinos, Konstantinos; Scrivens, James H

2008-10-01

The end-group functionalisation of a series of poly(propylene glycol)s has been characterised by means of electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). A series of peaks with mass-to-charge ratios that are close to that of the precursor ion were used to generate information on the end-group functionalities of the poly(propylene glycol)s. Fragment ions resulting from losses of both of the end groups were noted from some of the samples. An example is presented of how software can be used to significantly reduce the length of time involved in data interpretation (which is typically the most time-consuming part of the analysis).

A method for automatically optimizing medical devices for treating heart failure: designing polymeric injection patterns.

PubMed

Wenk, Jonathan F; Wall, Samuel T; Peterson, Robert C; Helgerson, Sam L; Sabbah, Hani N; Burger, Mike; Stander, Nielen; Ratcliffe, Mark B; Guccione, Julius M

2009-12-01

Heart failure continues to present a significant medical and economic burden throughout the developed world. Novel treatments involving the injection of polymeric materials into the myocardium of the failing left ventricle (LV) are currently being developed, which may reduce elevated myofiber stresses during the cardiac cycle and act to retard the progression of heart failure. A finite element (FE) simulation-based method was developed in this study that can automatically optimize the injection pattern of the polymeric "inclusions" according to a specific objective function, using commercially available software tools. The FE preprocessor TRUEGRID((R)) was used to create a parametric axisymmetric LV mesh matched to experimentally measured end-diastole and end-systole metrics from dogs with coronary microembolization-induced heart failure. Passive and active myocardial material properties were defined by a pseudo-elastic-strain energy function and a time-varying elastance model of active contraction, respectively, that were implemented in the FE software LS-DYNA. The companion optimization software LS-OPT was used to communicate directly with TRUEGRID((R)) to determine FE model parameters, such as defining the injection pattern and inclusion characteristics. The optimization resulted in an intuitive optimal injection pattern (i.e., the one with the greatest number of inclusions) when the objective function was weighted to minimize mean end-diastolic and end-systolic myofiber stress and ignore LV stroke volume. In contrast, the optimization resulted in a nonintuitive optimal pattern (i.e., 3 inclusions longitudinallyx6 inclusions circumferentially) when both myofiber stress and stroke volume were incorporated into the objective function with different weights.

Examining Functioning and Contextual Factors in Individuals with Joint Contractures from the Health Professional Perspective Using the ICF: An International Internet-Based Qualitative Expert Survey.

PubMed

Fischer, Uli; Müller, Martin; Strobl, Ralf; Bartoszek, Gabriele; Meyer, Gabriele; Grill, Eva

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify disease-related aspects of functioning and disability in people with joint contractures from a health professionals' perspective and to describe the findings, using categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). An Internet-based expert survey. We asked international health professionals for typical problems in functioning and important contextual factors of individuals with joint contractures using an Internet-based open-ended questionnaire. All answers were linked to the ICF according to established rules. Absolute and relative frequencies of the linked ICF categories were reported. Eighty experts named 1785 meaning units which could be linked to 256 ICF categories. Among the categories, 24.2% belonged to the component Body Functions, 20.7% to Body Structures, 36.3% to Activities and Participation, and 18.8% to Environmental Factors. Health professionals addressed a large variety of functional problems and multifaceted aspects due to the symptom joint contractures. International health professionals reported a large variety of aspects of functioning and health, which are related to joint contractures. © 2014 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

Does location of patellofemoral chondral lesion influence outcome after Oxford medial compartmental knee arthroplasty?

PubMed

Konan, S; Haddad, F S

2016-10-01

Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated with successful outcomes in carefully selected patient cohorts. We hypothesised that severity and location of patellofemoral cartilage lesions significantly influences functional outcome after Oxford medial compartmental knee arthroplasty. We reviewed 100 consecutive UKAs at minimum eight-year follow-up (96 to 132). A single surgeon performed all procedures. Patients were selected based on clinical and plain radiographic assessment. All patients had end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) with sparing of the lateral compartment and intact anterior cruciate ligaments. None of the patients had end-stage patellofemoral OA, but patients with anterior knee pain or partial thickness chondral loss were not excluded. There were 57 male and 43 female patients. The mean age at surgery was 69 years (41 to 82). At surgery the joint was carefully inspected for patellofemoral chondral loss and this was documented based on severity of cartilage loss (0 to 4 Outerbridge grading) and topographic location (medial, lateral, central, and superior or inferior). Functional scores collected included Oxford Knee Score (OKS), patient satisfaction scale and University College Hospital (UCH) knee score. Intraclass correlation was used to compare chondral damage to outcomes. All patients documented significant improvement in pain and improved functional scores at mid-term follow-up. There were four revisions (mean 2.9 years, 2 to 4; standard deviation (sd) 0.9) in this cohort, three for tibial loosening and one for femoral loosening. There was one infection that was treated with debridement and insert exchange. The mean OKS improved from 23.2 (sd 7.1) to 39.1 (sd 6.9); p < 0.001. The cohort with central and lateral grade 3 patellofemoral OA documented lower mean satisfaction with pain (90, sd 11.8) and function (87.5, sd 10.3) on the patient satisfaction scale. On the UCH scale, patients reported significantly decreased mean overall scores (7.3, sd 1.2 vs 9, sd 2.3) as well as stair climb task (3.5, sd 0.3 vs 5, sd 0.1) when cartilage lesions were located centrally or laterally on the PFJ. Patients with medial chondral PFJ lesions behave similar to patients with no chondral lesions. Topographical location and severity of cartilage damage of the patella can significantly influence function after successful Oxford medial UKA. Surgeons should factor this in when making their operative decision, and undertake to counsel patients appropriately. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(10 Suppl B):11-15. ©2016 Konan and Haddad.

Does location of patellofemoral chondral lesion influence outcome after Oxford medial compartmental knee arthroplasty?

PubMed Central

Konan, S.; Haddad, F. S.

2016-01-01

Aims Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated with successful outcomes in carefully selected patient cohorts. We hypothesised that severity and location of patellofemoral cartilage lesions significantly influences functional outcome after Oxford medial compartmental knee arthroplasty. Patients and Methods We reviewed 100 consecutive UKAs at minimum eight-year follow-up (96 to 132). A single surgeon performed all procedures. Patients were selected based on clinical and plain radiographic assessment. All patients had end-stage medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) with sparing of the lateral compartment and intact anterior cruciate ligaments. None of the patients had end-stage patellofemoral OA, but patients with anterior knee pain or partial thickness chondral loss were not excluded. There were 57 male and 43 female patients. The mean age at surgery was 69 years (41 to 82). At surgery the joint was carefully inspected for patellofemoral chondral loss and this was documented based on severity of cartilage loss (0 to 4 Outerbridge grading) and topographic location (medial, lateral, central, and superior or inferior). Functional scores collected included Oxford Knee Score (OKS), patient satisfaction scale and University College Hospital (UCH) knee score. Intraclass correlation was used to compare chondral damage to outcomes. Results All patients documented significant improvement in pain and improved functional scores at mid-term follow-up. There were four revisions (mean 2.9 years, 2 to 4; standard deviation (sd) 0.9) in this cohort, three for tibial loosening and one for femoral loosening. There was one infection that was treated with debridement and insert exchange. The mean OKS improved from 23.2 (sd 7.1) to 39.1 (sd 6.9); p < 0.001. The cohort with central and lateral grade 3 patellofemoral OA documented lower mean satisfaction with pain (90, sd 11.8) and function (87.5, sd 10.3) on the patient satisfaction scale. On the UCH scale, patients reported significantly decreased mean overall scores (7.3, sd 1.2 vs 9, sd 2.3) as well as stair climb task (3.5, sd 0.3 vs 5, sd 0.1) when cartilage lesions were located centrally or laterally on the PFJ. Patients with medial chondral PFJ lesions behave similar to patients with no chondral lesions. Conclusion Topographical location and severity of cartilage damage of the patella can significantly influence function after successful Oxford medial UKA. Surgeons should factor this in when making their operative decision, and undertake to counsel patients appropriately. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(10 Suppl B):11–15. PMID:27694510

Morphology and conductivity of PEO-based polymers having various end functional groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Ha Young; Mandal, Prithwiraj; Park, Moon Jeong

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based polymers have been considered most promising candidates of polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries owing to the high ionic conductivity of PEO/lithium salt complexes. This positive aspect prompted researchers to investigate PEO-containing block copolymers prepared by linking mechanically robust block to PEO covalently. Given that the microphase separation of block copolymers can affect both mechanical properties and ion transport properties, various strategies have been reported to tune the morphology of PEO-containing block copolymers. In the present study, we describe a simple means for modulating the morphologies of PEO-based block copolymers with an aim to improve ion transport properties. By varying terminal groups of PEO in block copolymers, the disordered morphology can be readily transformed into ordered lamellae or gyroid phases, depending on the type and number density of end group. In particular, the existence of terminal groups resulted in a large reduction in crystallinity of PEO chains and thereby increasing room temperature ionic conductivity.

Communication and Sensorimotor Functioning in Children with Autism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abrahamsen, Eileen P.; Mitchell, Jennifer R.

1990-01-01

Sensorimotor functioning in 10 autistic children, age 3-7, was assessed on object permanence, means-end, causality, vocal and gestural imitation, the construction of objects in space, and schemes for relating objects. The number and diversity of pragmatic functions in the children's communication were also analyzed and related to sensorimotor…

Long-term results after left ventricular aneurysmectomy.

PubMed Central

Otterstad, J E; Christensen, O; Levorstad, K; Nitter-Hauge, S

1981-01-01

Twenty-six patients (21 men and five women) with a mean age of 54.8 years have been reinvestigated nine to 62 months (mean 29.7) after left ventricular aneurysmectomy. Preoperatively left ventricular angiography disclosed an anterior aneurysm in all cases, which was large in 15 (57%) and small to medium in 11 (42%). At follow-up a large residual aneurysm was found in five (19%), a small to medium one in 13 (50%), and akinesia without aneurysm in eight (31%). The sum of ST elevation (sigma ST) in praecordial leads in the electrocardiogram was reduced from a mean value of 11.2 mm to 7.7 mm. In no patient did ST segments return to normal after operation. Preoperatively, mean sigma ST was identical in patients with large and with small to medium aneurysms. At reinvestigation mean sigma ST was identical in patients with large and with small to medium residual aneurysms as well as in patients with akinesia. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure before angiography was reduced from a mean value of 21.5 mm to 15.1 mmHg and after angiography from 26.7 mm to 21.1 mmHg. Progression of coronary artery stenoses was a characteristic finding in patients whose left ventricular end-diastolic pressures did not return to normal. These patients had a longer follow-up time than those with no progression of coronary disease, who all showed an improvement in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Six patients who had coronary bypass grafting performed had unchanged left ventricular end-diastolic pressures at follow-up. The results indicate that progression of coronary artery disease may be responsible for an eventual further deterioration in left ventricular function after aneurysmectomy. Additional bypass grafting did not result in improved left ventricular function. PMID:6971647

Semiflexible polymer dynamics with a bead-spring model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkema, Gerard T.; Panja, Debabrata; van Leeuwen, J. M. J.

2014-11-01

We study the dynamical properties of semiflexible polymers with a recently introduced bead-spring model. We focus on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The two parameters of the model, T* and ν, are chosen to match its experimental force-extension curve. In comparison to its groundstate value, the bead-spring Hamiltonian is approximated in the first order by the Hessian that is quadratic in the bead positions. The eigenmodes of the Hessian provide the longitudinal (stretching) and transverse (bending) eigenmodes of the polymer, and the corresponding eigenvalues match well with the established phenomenology of semiflexible polymers. At the Hessian approximation of the Hamiltonian, the polymer dynamics is linear. Using the longitudinal and transverse eigenmodes, for the linearized problem, we obtain analytical expressions of (i) the autocorrelation function of the end-to-end vector, (ii) the autocorrelation function of a bond (i.e. a spring, or a tangent) vector at the middle of the chain, and (iii) the mean-square displacement of a tagged bead in the middle of the chain, as the sum over the contributions from the modes—the so-called ‘mode sums’. We also perform simulations with the full dynamics of the model. The simulations yield numerical values of the correlations functions (i-iii) that agree very well with the analytical expressions for the linearized dynamics. This does not however mean that the nonlinearities are not present. In fact, we also study the mean-square displacement of the longitudinal component of the end-to-end vector that showcases strong nonlinear effects in the polymer dynamics, and we identify at least an effective t7/8 power-law regime in its time-dependence. Nevertheless, in comparison to the full mean-square displacement of the end-to-end vector the nonlinear effects remain small at all times—it is in this sense we state that our results demonstrate that the linearized dynamics suffices for dsDNA fragments that are shorter than or comparable to the persistence length. Our results are consistent with those of the wormlike chain (WLC) model, the commonly used descriptive tool of semiflexible polymers.

Multi-institutional validation of a web-based core competency assessment system.

PubMed

Tabuenca, Arnold; Welling, Richard; Sachdeva, Ajit K; Blair, Patrice G; Horvath, Karen; Tarpley, John; Savino, John A; Gray, Richard; Gulley, Julie; Arnold, Teresa; Wolfe, Kevin; Risucci, Donald A

2007-01-01

The Association of Program Directors in Surgery and the Division of Education of the American College of Surgeons developed and implemented a web-based system for end-of-rotation faculty assessment of ACGME core competencies of residents. This study assesses its reliability and validity across multiple programs. Each assessment included ratings (1-5 scale) on 23 items reflecting the 6 core competencies. A total of 4241 end-of-rotation assessments were completed for 332 general surgery residents (> or =5 evaluations each) at 5 sites during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 academic years. The mean rating for each resident on each item was computed for each academic year. The mean rating of items representing each competency was computed for each resident. Additional data included USMLE and ABSITE scores, PGY, and status in program (categorical, designated preliminary, and undesignated preliminary). Coefficient alpha was greater than 0.90 for each competency score. Mean ratings for each competency increased significantly (p < 0.01) as a function of PGY. Mean ratings for professionalism and interpersonal/communication skills (IPC) were significantly higher than all other competencies at all PGY levels. Competency ratings of PGY 1 residents correlated significantly with USMLE Step I, ranging from (r = 0.26, p < 0.01) for Professionalism to (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) for Systems-Based Practice. Ratings of Knowledge (r = 0.31, p < 0.01), Practice-Based Learning & Improvement (PBLI; r = 0.22, p < 0.05), and Systems-Based Practice (r = 0.20, p < 0.05) correlated significantly with 2005 ABSITE Total Percentile. Ratings of all competencies correlated significantly with the 2006 ABSITE Total Percentile Score (range: r = 0.20, p < 0.05 for professionalism to r = 0.35, p < 0.001 for knowledge). Categorical and designated preliminary residents received significantly higher ratings (p < 0.05) than nondesignated preliminaries for knowledge, patient care, PBLI, and systems-based practice only. Faculty ratings of core competencies are internally consistent. The pattern of statistically significant correlations between competency ratings and USMLE and ABSITE scores supports the postdictive and concurrent validity, respectively, of faculty perceptions of resident knowledge. The pattern of increased ratings as a function of PGY supports the construct validity of faculty ratings of resident core competencies.

Effects of homocysteine lowering with B vitamins on cognitive aging: meta-analysis of 11 trials with cognitive data on 22,000 individuals12345

PubMed Central

Clarke, Robert; Bennett, Derrick; Parish, Sarah; Lewington, Sarah; Skeaff, Murray; Eussen, Simone JPM; Lewerin, Catharina; Stott, David J; Armitage, Jane; Hankey, Graeme J; Lonn, Eva; Spence, J David; Galan, Pilar; de Groot, Lisette C; Halsey, Jim; Dangour, Alan D; Collins, Rory; Grodstein, Francine

2014-01-01

Background: Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease, but the relevance of homocysteine lowering to slow the rate of cognitive aging is uncertain. Objective: The aim was to assess the effects of treatment with B vitamins compared with placebo, when administered for several years, on composite domains of cognitive function, global cognitive function, and cognitive aging. Design: A meta-analysis was conducted by using data combined from 11 large trials in 22,000 participants. Domain-based z scores (for memory, speed, and executive function and a domain-composite score for global cognitive function) were available before and after treatment (mean duration: 2.3 y) in the 4 cognitive-domain trials (1340 individuals); Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)–type tests were available at the end of treatment (mean duration: 5 y) in the 7 global cognition trials (20,431 individuals). Results: The domain-composite and MMSE-type global cognitive function z scores both decreased with age (mean ± SE: −0.054 ± 0.004 and −0.036 ± 0.001/y, respectively). Allocation to B vitamins lowered homocysteine concentrations by 28% in the cognitive-domain trials but had no significant effects on the z score differences from baseline for individual domains or for global cognitive function (z score difference: 0.00; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.06). Likewise, allocation to B vitamins lowered homocysteine by 26% in the global cognition trials but also had no significant effect on end-treatment MMSE-type global cognitive function (z score difference: −0.01; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.02). Overall, the effect of a 25% reduction in homocysteine equated to 0.02 y (95% CI: −0.10, 0.13 y) of cognitive aging per year and excluded reductions of >1 mo per year of treatment. Conclusion: Homocysteine lowering by using B vitamins had no significant effect on individual cognitive domains or global cognitive function or on cognitive aging. PMID:24965307

Classification of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Full Scale IQ or General Abilities Index?

PubMed

Koriakin, Taylor A; McCurdy, Mark D; Papazoglou, Aimilia; Pritchard, Alison E; Zabel, T Andrew; Mahone, E Mark; Jacobson, Lisa A

2013-09-01

We examined the implications of using the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) versus the General Abilities Index (GAI) for determination of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, fourth edition (WISC-IV). Children referred for neuropsychological assessment (543 males, 290 females; mean age 10y 5mo, SD 2y 9mo, range 6-16y) were administered the WISC-IV and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, second edition (ABAS-II). GAI and FSIQ were highly correlated; however, fewer children were identified as having intellectual disability using GAI (n=159) than when using FSIQ (n=196). Although the 44 children classified as having intellectual disability based upon FSIQ (but not GAI) had significantly higher adaptive functioning scores than those meeting intellectual disability criteria based upon both FSIQ and GAI, mean adaptive scores still fell within the impaired range. FSIQ and GAI were comparable in predicting impairments in adaptive functioning. Using GAI rather than FSIQ in intellectual disability diagnostic decision-making resulted in fewer individuals being diagnosed with intellectual disability; however, the mean GAI of the disqualified individuals was at the upper end of criteria for intellectual impairment (standard score 75), and these individuals remained adaptively impaired. As GAI and FSIQ were similarly predictive of overall adaptive functioning, the use of GAI for intellectual disability diagnostic decision-making may be of limited value. © 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Long Term Effects on Cognitive Function of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Prescribed to Women Aged 50–55 Years

PubMed Central

Espeland, Mark A.; Shumaker, Sally A.; Leng, Iris; Manson, JoAnn E.; Brown, Candice M.; LeBlanc, Erin S.; Vaughan, Leslie; Robinson, Jennifer; Rapp, Stephen R.; Goveas, Joseph S.; Lane, Dorothy; Wactawski-Wende, Jean; Stefanick, Marcia L.; Li, Wenjun; Resnick, Susan M.

2013-01-01

Background Postmenopausal hormone therapy with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) may adversely affect older women’s cognitive function. It is not known whether this extends to younger women. Methods 1,326 postmenopausal women, who had begun treatment in two randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of hormone therapy when aged 50–55 years, were assessed with an annual telephone-administered cognitive battery that included measures of global (primary outcome) and domain-specific cognitive functions (verbal memory, attention, executive function, verbal fluency, and working memory). The clinical trials in which they participated had compared 0.625 mg CEE with or without 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) over an average of 7.0 years. Cognitive testing was conducted an average of 7.2 years following the end of the trials, when women had mean age 67.2 years, and repeated one year later. Results Global cognitive function scores from women who had been assigned to CEE-based therapies were similar to those from women assigned to placebo: mean [95% confidence interval] intervention effect of 0.02 [−0.08,0.12]standard deviation units (p=0.66). Similarly, no overall differences were found for any individual cognitive domain (all p>0.15). Pre-specified subgroup analyses found some evidence that CEE-based therapies may have adversely affected verbal fluency among women who had prior hysterectomy or prior use of hormone therapy: mean treatment effects of −0.17 [−0.33, −0.02] and −0.25 [−0.42, −0.08], respectively, however this may be a chance finding. We are not able to address whether initiating hormone therapy during the menopause and maintaining therapy until any symptoms are passed affects cognitive function, either in the short or longer term. Conclusions CEE-based therapies produced no overall sustained benefit or risk to cognitive function when administered to postmenopausal women aged 50–55 years. PMID:23797469

From Mesocates to Helicates: Structural, Magnetic and Chiro-Optical Studies on Nickel(II) Supramolecular Assemblies Derived from Tetradentate Schiff Bases.

PubMed

Mayans, Júlia; Font-Bardia, Mercè; Di Bari, Lorenzo; Arrico, Lorenzo; Zinna, Francesco; Pescitelli, Gennaro; Escuer, Albert

2018-05-28

The systematic reactions of a family of tetradentate pyridyl/imine and quinolyl/imine racemic or enantiopure Schiff bases with Ni(NO 3 ) 2 or Ni(ClO 4 ) 2 in the presence of sodium azide yielded, as a function of the starting racemic, chiral or achiral base, a set of chiral, meso or achiral complexes. In all cases, the compounds consist of two Ni II cations linked by a double azido bridge in its end-on coordination mode. All the dimers exhibit a mesocate supramolecular structure and one of them, the unprecedented mix of helicate and mesocate in 2:1 ratio. The transition from mesocate to helicate conformation has been reached by tuning the flexibility of the central spacers of the Schiff bases and the size of the substituents. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies have been performed for two pairs of enantiomers and interpreted by means of DFT calculations. Susceptibility measurements show a ferromagnetic coupling between the Ni II cations mediated by the end-on azido bridges. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens sizing based on iris pigment layer measurements by anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Malyugin, Boris E; Shpak, Alexander A; Pokrovskiy, Dmitry F

2015-08-01

To use anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Implantable Collamer Lens posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PC pIOL) sizing based on measurement of the distance from the iris pigment end to the iris pigment end. S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia. Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology. Stage 1 was a prospective study. The sulcus-to-sulcus (STS) distance was measured using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) (Vumax 2), and the distance from iris pigment end to iris pigment end was assessed using a proposed AS-OCT algorithm. Part 2 used retrospective data from patients after implantation of a PC pIOL with the size selected according to AS-OCT (Visante) measurements of the distance from iris pigment end to iris pigment end. The PC pIOL vault was measured by AS-OCT, and adverse events were assessed. Stage 1 comprised 32 eyes of 32 myopic patients (mean age 28.4 years ± 6.3 [SD]; mean spherical equivalent [SE] -13.11 ± 4.28 diopters [D]). Stage 2 comprised 29 eyes of 16 patients (mean age 27.7 ± 4.7 years; mean SE -16.55 ± 3.65 D). The mean STS distance (12.35 ± 0.47 mm) was similar to the mean distance from iris pigment end to iris pigment end distance (examiner 1: 12.36 ± 0.51 mm; examiner 2: 12.37 ± 0.53 mm). The PC pIOL sized using the new AS-OCT algorithm had a mean vault of 0.53 ± 0.18 mm and did not produce adverse events during the 12-month follow-up. In 16 of 29 eyes, the PC pIOL vault was within an optimum interval (0.35 to 0.70 mm). The new measurement algorithm can be effectively used for PC pIOL sizing. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

20 CFR 655.4 - Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... functions. Certifying Officer (CO) means the OFLC official designated by the Administrator, OFLC with making...-Peyser Act to administer public labor exchange delivered through the State's one-stop delivery system in... by means normally assuring next-day delivery, and will end on the day that the employer sends...

Psychometric comparison of the shortened Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test in stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Fu, Tiffany Szu-Ting; Wu, Ching-Yi; Lin, Keh-Chung; Hsieh, Ching-Ju; Liu, Jung-Sen; Wang, Tien-Ni; Ou-Yang, Pei

2012-11-01

We aimed to compare the responsiveness, concurrent and predictive validity of the shortened Fugl-Meyer Assessment (S-FMA) and the streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (S-WMFT) in persons with subacute stroke. Test-retest design. Departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation at three hospitals. PARTICIPANTS with first-time stroke (N = 51; 38 men, 13 women; mean age ± SD, 55.1 ± 11.7 years) based on scores of Mini-Mental State Examination and Brunnstrom stage. PARTICIPANTS received one of three rehabilitation therapies for three weeks and were evaluated at baseline and end of treatment. Responsiveness was examined using the paired t-test and the standardized response mean (SRM). Criterion validity was investigated using the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Changes from baseline to end of treatment assessed by both tests were significant (P < 0.001). The value for responsiveness of the S-FMA was significantly higher than that of the S-WMFT (SRM difference, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.63). There were stronger associations between the comparison scales and the S-FMA (r = 0.57-0.68) than with the S-WMFT (r = 0.39-0.58). The S-FMA had better concurrent and predictive validity than the S-WMFT and was more sensitive to changes caused by rehabilitation therapies. The S-FMA is recommended for expedited assessment of arm motor function outcome in stroke patients receiving rehabilitative therapy.

Bioactivation of particles

DOEpatents

Pinaud, Fabien [Berkeley, CA; King, David [San Francisco, CA; Weiss, Shimon [Los Angeles, CA

2011-08-16

Particles are bioactivated by attaching bioactivation peptides to the particle surface. The bioactivation peptides are peptide-based compounds that impart one or more biologically important functions to the particles. Each bioactivation peptide includes a molecular or surface recognition part that binds with the surface of the particle and one or more functional parts. The surface recognition part includes an amino-end and a carboxy-end and is composed of one or more hydrophobic spacers and one or more binding clusters. The functional part(s) is attached to the surface recognition part at the amino-end and/or said carboxy-end.

30 CFR 1220.002 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... supervisor means an employee whose primary function in NPSL operations is the direct supervision of other..., geological or other professional skills, and whose primary function in NPSL operations is the handling and... recovery period shall be deemed to have ended with the determination that the last well is non-productive...

30 CFR 1220.002 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... supervisor means an employee whose primary function in NPSL operations is the direct supervision of other..., geological or other professional skills, and whose primary function in NPSL operations is the handling and... capital recovery period shall be deemed to have ended with the determination that the last well is non...

Fixture for holding testing transducer

DOEpatents

Wagner, T.A.; Engel, H.P.

A fixture for mounting an ultrasonic transducer against the end of a threaded bolt or stud to test the same for flaws. A base means threadedly secured to the side of the bolt has a rotating ring thereon. A post rising up from the ring (parallel to the axis of the workpiece) pivotally mounts a variable length cross arm, on the inner end of which is mounted the transducer. A spring means acts between the cross arm and the base to apply the testing transducer against the workpiece at a constant pressure. The device maintains constant for successive tests the radial and circumferential positions of the testing transducer and its contact pressure against the end of the workpiece.

Fixture for holding testing transducer

DOEpatents

Wagner, Thomas A.; Engel, Herbert P.

1984-01-01

A fixture for mounting an ultrasonic transducer against the end of a threaded bolt or stud to test the same for flaws. A base means threadedly secured to the side of the bolt has a rotating ring thereon. A post rising up from the ring (parallel to the axis of the workpiece) pivotally mounts a variable length cross arm, on the inner end of which is mounted the transducer. A spring means acts between the cross arm and the base to apply the testing transducer against the workpiece at a constant pressure. The device maintains constant for successive tests the radial and circumferential positions of the testing transducer and its contact pressure against the end of the workpiece.

Volunteering as a means to an equal end? The impact of a social justice function on intention to volunteer.

PubMed

Jiranek, Patrick; Kals, Elisabeth; Humm, Julia Sophia; Strubel, Isabel Theresia; Wehner, Theo

2013-01-01

In the present study, we combined components of the theory of planned behavior and the functional approach to predict the social sector volunteering intention of nonvolunteers (N = 513). Moreover, we added a new other-oriented "social justice function" to the Volunteer Functions Inventory of Clary and colleagues (1998), which contains mainly self-oriented functions. We distinguished the social justice function from the other five measured volunteer functions in confirmatory factor analysis, and showed its incremental validity in predicting intention to volunteer beyond established constructs such as self-efficacy, subjective norm, and the five volunteer functions. This study suggests that emphasizing potential social justice improvements by means of volunteering may attract new volunteers.

Carbonation of wollastonite(001) competing hydration: microscopic insights from ion spectroscopy and density functional theory.

PubMed

Longo, Roberto C; Cho, Kyeongjae; Brüner, Philipp; Welle, Alexander; Gerdes, Andreas; Thissen, Peter

2015-03-04

In this paper, we report about the influence of the chemical potential of water on the carbonation reaction of wollastonite (CaSiO3) as a model surface of cement and concrete. Total energy calculations based on density functional theory combined with kinetic barrier predictions based on nudge elastic band method show that the exposure of the water-free wollastonite surface to CO2 results in a barrier-less carbonation. CO2 reacts with the surface oxygen and forms carbonate (CO3(2-)) complexes together with a major reconstruction of the surface. The reaction comes to a standstill after one carbonate monolayer has been formed. In case one water monolayer is covering the wollastonite surface, the carbonation is no more barrier-less, yet ending in a localized monolayer. Covered with multilayers of water, the thermodynamic ground state of the wollastonite completely changes due to a metal-proton exchange reaction (also called early stage hydration) and Ca(2+) ions are partially removed from solid phase into the H2O/wollastonite interface. Mobile Ca(2+) reacts again with CO2 and forms carbonate complexes, ending in a delocalized layer. By means of high-resolution time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry images, we confirm that hydration can lead to a partially delocalization of Ca(2+) ions on wollastonite surfaces. Finally, we evaluate the impact of our model surface results by the meaning of low-energy ion-scattering spectroscopy combined with careful discussion about the competing reactions of carbonation vs hydration.

The Cultural Evolution of Structured Languages in an Open-Ended, Continuous World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Jon W.; Smith, Kenny; Cornish, Hannah; Kirby, Simon

2017-01-01

Language maps signals onto meanings through the use of two distinct types of structure. First, the space of meanings is discretized into categories that are shared by all users of the language. Second, the signals employed by the language are compositional: The meaning of the whole is a function of its parts and the way in which those parts are…

Synthesis of well-defined bisbenzoin end-functionalized poly(ε-caprolactone) macrophotoinitiator by combination of ROP and click chemistry and its use in the synthesis of star copolymers by photoinduced free radical promoted cationic polymerization

PubMed Central

Uyar, Zafer; Degirmenci, Mustafa; Genli, Nasrettin; Yilmaz, Ayse

2017-01-01

Abstract A new well-defined bisbenzoin group end-functionalized poly(ε-caprolactone) macrophotoinitiator (PCL-(PI)2) was synthesized by combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and click chemistry. The ROP of ε-CL monomer in bulk at 110 °C, by means of a hydroxyl functional initiator namely, 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol in conjunction with stannous-2-ethylhexanoate, (Sn(Oct)2), yielded a well-defined PCL with a cyclohexene end-chain group (PCL-CH). The bromination and subsequent azidation of the cyclohexene end-chain group gave bisazido functionalized poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-(N3)2). Separately, an acetylene functionalized benzoin photoinitiator (PI-alkyne) was synthesized by using benzoin and propargyl bromide. Then the click reaction between PCL-(N3)2 and PI-alkyne was performed by Cu(I) catalysis. The spectroscopic studies revealed that poly(ε-caprolactone) with bisbenzoin photoactive functional group at the chain end (PCL-(PI)2) with controlled chain length and low-polydispersity was obtained. This PCL-(PI)2 macrophotoinitiator was used as a precursor in photoinduced free radical promoted cationic polymerization to synthesize an AB2-type miktoarm star copolymer consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, as A block) and poly(cyclohexene oxide) (PCHO, as B block), namely PCL(PCHO)2. PMID:29491778

Targeting Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Callahan, Christopher M; Boustani, Malaz A; Schmid, Arlene A; LaMantia, Michael A; Austrom, Mary G; Miller, Douglas K; Gao, Sujuan; Ferguson, Denisha Y; Lane, Kathleen A; Hendrie, Hugh C

2017-02-07

Alzheimer disease results in progressive functional decline, leading to loss of independence. To determine whether collaborative care plus 2 years of home-based occupational therapy delays functional decline. Randomized, controlled clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01314950). Urban public health system. 180 community-dwelling participants with Alzheimer disease and their informal caregivers. All participants received collaborative care for dementia. Patients in the intervention group also received in-home occupational therapy delivered in 24 sessions over 2 years. The primary outcome measure was the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Group Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS ADL); performance-based measures included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Short Portable Sarcopenia Measure (SPSM). At baseline, clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between groups; the mean Mini-Mental State Examination score for both groups was 19 (SD, 7). The intervention group received a median of 18 home visits from the study occupational therapists. In both groups, ADCS ADL scores declined over 24 months. At the primary end point of 24 months, ADCS ADL scores did not differ between groups (mean difference, 2.34 [95% CI, -5.27 to 9.96]). We also could not definitively demonstrate between-group differences in mean SPPB or SPSM values. The results of this trial are indeterminate and do not rule out potential clinically important effects of the intervention. The authors could not definitively demonstrate whether the addition of 2 years of in-home occupational therapy to a collaborative care management model slowed the rate of functional decline among persons with Alzheimer disease. This trial underscores the burden undertaken by caregivers as they provide care for family members with Alzheimer disease and the difficulty in slowing functional decline. National Institute on Aging.

Evolution of neurocognitive function in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with chemotherapy only.

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Cheung, Yin Ting; Conklin, Heather M; Jacola, Lisa M; Srivastava, DeoKumar; Nolan, Vikki G; Zhang, Hongmei; Gurney, James G; Huang, I-Chan; Robison, Leslie L; Pui, Ching-Hon; Hudson, Melissa M; Krull, Kevin R

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the evolution of neurocognitive problems from therapy completion to long-term follow-up in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with chemotherapy only. We evaluated whether attention problems observed at therapy completion evolve into long-term executive dysfunction in 158 survivors treated on a single institution protocol. Treatment data (high-dose intravenous methotrexate exposure [serum concentration] and triple intrathecal chemotherapy injections) were collected. Parent report of behavior and direct cognitive testing of survivors was conducted at end of therapy, and survivors completed neurocognitive testing when > 5 years post-diagnosis. At the end of chemotherapy, survivors (52% female; mean age 9.2 years) demonstrated higher frequency of impairment in sustained attention (38%) and parent-reported inattention (20%) compared to population expectations (10%). At long-term follow-up, survivors (mean age 13.7 years; 7.6 years post-diagnosis) demonstrated higher impairment in executive function (flexibility 24%, fluency 21%), sustained attention (15%), and processing speed (15%). Sustained attention improved from end of therapy to long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Higher methotrexate AUC and greater number of intrathecal injections were associated with attention problems (p = 0.009, p = 0.002, respectively) at the end of chemotherapy and executive function (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, respectively) problems at long-term follow-up. Attention problems at the end of therapy were not associated with executive function problems at long-term follow-up (p's > 0.05). The direct effect of chemotherapy exposure predicted outcomes at both time points. Survivors should be monitored for neurocognitive problems well into long-term survivorship, regardless of whether they show attention problems at the end of therapy. Treatment exposures are the best predictor of long-term complications.

Levels of maximum end-expiratory carbon monoxide and certain cardiovascular parameters following hubble-bubble smoking.

PubMed

Shafagoj, Yanal A; Mohammed, Faisal I

2002-08-01

The physiological effects of cigarette smoking have been widely studied, however, little is known regarding the effects of smoking hubble-bubble. We examined the acute effects of hubble-bubble smoking on heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure and maximum end-expiratory carbon monoxide. This study was carried out in the student laboratory, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, during the summer of 1999. In 18 healthy habitual hubble-bubble smokers, heart rate, blood pressure, and maximum end-expiratory carbon monoxide was measured before, during and post smoking of one hubble-bubble run (45 minutes). Compared to base line (time zero), at the end of smoking heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and maximum end-expiratory carbon monoxide were increased 16 2.4 beats per minute, 6.7 2.5 mm Hg, 4.4 1.6 mm Hg, 5.2 1.7 mm Hg, and 14.2 1.8 ppm, (mean standard error of mean, P<.05). Acute short-term active hubble-bubble smoking elicits a modest increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and maximum end-expiratory carbon monoxide in healthy hubble-bubble smokers.

Internet Technology for Future Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hennessy, Joseph F. (Technical Monitor); Rash, James; Casasanta, Ralph; Hogie, Keith

2002-01-01

Ongoing work at National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), seeks to apply standard Internet applications and protocols to meet the technology challenge of future satellite missions. Internet protocols and technologies are under study as a future means to provide seamless dynamic communication among heterogeneous instruments, spacecraft, ground stations, constellations of spacecraft, and science investigators. The primary objective is to design and demonstrate in the laboratory the automated end-to-end transport of files in a simulated dynamic space environment using off-the-shelf, low-cost, commodity-level standard applications and protocols. The demonstrated functions and capabilities will become increasingly significant in the years to come as both earth and space science missions fly more sensors and the present labor-intensive, mission-specific techniques for processing and routing data become prohibitively. This paper describes how an IP-based communication architecture can support all existing operations concepts and how it will enable some new and complex communication and science concepts. The authors identify specific end-to-end data flows from the instruments to the control centers and scientists, and then describe how each data flow can be supported using standard Internet protocols and applications. The scenarios include normal data downlink and command uplink as well as recovery scenarios for both onboard and ground failures. The scenarios are based on an Earth orbiting spacecraft with downlink data rates from 300 Kbps to 4 Mbps. Included examples are based on designs currently being investigated for potential use by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.

Classification of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Full Scale IQ or General Abilities Index?

PubMed Central

KORIAKIN, TAYLOR A; MCCURDY, MARK D; PAPAZOGLOU, AIMILIA; PRITCHARD, ALISON E; ZABEL, T ANDREW; MAHONE, E MARK; JACOBSON, LISA A

2013-01-01

Aim We examined the implications of using the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) versus the General Abilities Index (GAI) for determination of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, fourth edition (WISC-IV). Method Children referred for neuropsychological assessment (543 males, 290 females; mean age 10y 5mo, SD 2y 9mo, range 6–16y) were administered the WISC-IV and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II). Results GAI and FSIQ were highly correlated; however, fewer children were identified as having intellectual disability using GAI (n=159) than when using FSIQ (n=196). Although the 44 children classified as having intellectual disability based upon FSIQ (but not GAI) had significantly higher adaptive functioning scores than those meeting intellectual disability criteria based upon both FSIQ and GAI, mean adaptive scores still fell within the impaired range. FSIQ and GAI were comparable in predicting impairments in adaptive functioning. Interpretation Using GAI rather than FSIQ in intellectual disability diagnostic decision making resulted in fewer individuals being diagnosed with intellectual disability; however, the mean GAI of the disqualified individuals was at the upper end of criteria for intellectual impairment (standard score 75), and these individuals remained adaptively impaired. As GAI and FSIQ were similarly predictive of overall adaptive functioning, the use of GAI for intellectual disability diagnostic decision making may be of limited value. PMID:23859669

Right Heart End-Systolic Remodeling Index Strongly Predicts Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Comparison With Validated Models.

PubMed

Amsallem, Myriam; Sweatt, Andrew J; Aymami, Marie C; Kuznetsova, Tatiana; Selej, Mona; Lu, HongQuan; Mercier, Olaf; Fadel, Elie; Schnittger, Ingela; McConnell, Michael V; Rabinovitch, Marlene; Zamanian, Roham T; Haddad, Francois

2017-06-01

Right ventricular (RV) end-systolic dimensions provide information on both size and function. We investigated whether an internally scaled index of end-systolic dimension is incremental to well-validated prognostic scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension. From 2005 to 2014, 228 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were prospectively enrolled. RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) was defined by lateral length divided by septal height. The incremental values of RV free wall longitudinal strain and RVESRI to risk scores were determined. Mean age was 49±14 years, 78% were female, 33% had connective tissue disease, 52% were in New York Heart Association class ≥III, and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 11.2±6.4 WU. RVESRI and right atrial area were strongly connected to the other right heart metrics. Three zones of adaptation (adapted, maladapted, and severely maladapted) were identified based on the RVESRI to RV systolic pressure relationship. During a mean follow-up of 3.9±2.4 years, the primary end point of death, transplant, or admission for heart failure was reached in 88 patients. RVESRI was incremental to risk prediction scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension, including the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management score, the Pulmonary Hypertension Connection equation, and the Mayo Clinic model. Using multivariable analysis, New York Heart Association class III/IV, RVESRI, and log NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) were retained (χ 2 , 62.2; P <0.0001). Changes in RVESRI at 1 year (n=203) were predictive of outcome; patients initiated on prostanoid therapy showed the greatest improvement in RVESRI. Among right heart metrics, RVESRI demonstrated the best test-retest characteristics. RVESRI is a simple reproducible prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Gender differences in left ventricular function in patients with isolated aortic stenosis.

PubMed

Favero, Luca; Giordan, Massimo; Tarantini, Giuseppe; Ramondo, Angelo Bruno; Cardaioli, Paolo; Isabella, Giambattista; Chioin, Raffaello; Lupia, Mario; Razzolini, Renato

2003-05-01

Hypertrophic response of the left ventricle to systolic overload in aortic stenosis appears to be gender-dependent. To examine gender-related differences in left ventricular (LV) function in patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis, 145 patients (65 women, 80 men; mean age 66 +/- 8 years; range: 50 to 89 years) with aortic valve area <0.8 cm2 who underwent cardiac catheterization were studied. No patient had associated myocardial, coronary or other valve disease; patients with diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension were excluded. No significant differences were seen in aortic valve area between men and women. Neither were there any significant gender-related differences in LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, LV end-diastolic pressure, LV mass indexed by body surface area, LV mass:volume ratio, LV mass:height ratio, elastic stiffness constant, ejection fraction, pulmonary wedge pressure, pulmonary arteriolar resistance and preload. Women showed significantly higher mean transaortic gradient, LV peak systolic pressure and peak systolic stress, end-systolic stress:end-systolic volume ratio, heart rate and cardiac index. In the subgroup of patients with LV pressure >199 mmHg, the mass:volume ratio was increased in men compared with women; of note, the mass:volume ratio in women was not increased in this subgroup compared with the general population. LV pump function in this subgroup was normal and did not differ between men and women. Although no clear-cut difference in hemodynamic parameters was seen, there was a trend towards a less compensatory increase in LV mass in females.

The impact of longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring on liver function in short bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Reinshagen, K; Zahn, K; Buch, C von; Zoeller, M; Hagl, C I; Ali, M; Waag, K-L

2008-08-01

Short bowel syndrome is a functional or anatomic loss of major parts of the small bowel leading to severe malnutrition. The limiting factor for the survival of these patients remains parenteral nutrition-related liver damage leading to end-stage liver failure. Longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) has been proven to enhance peristalsis, to decrease bacterial overgrowth and to extend the mucosal contact time for the absorption of nutrients. The aim of this study was to show the impact of LILT on the development of parenteral nutrition-related liver damage. A cohort of 55 patients with short bowel syndrome managed with LILT in our institution between 1987 and 2007 was retrospectively reviewed. LILT was performed at a mean age of 24 months (range 4 - 150 months). Mean follow-up time was 83.76 months (range 5 - 240 months). We obtained reliable data from 31 patients with regard to liver enzymes and function parameters in blood samples before LILT and at the present time. Liver biopsy was performed in 14 patients prior to LILT. Liver enzymes ALAT (mean 121 U/l), ASAT (mean 166 U/l) and bilirubin (mean 2.49 mg/dl) were elevated preoperatively in 27/31 children. After the lengthening procedure, ALAT (mean 50 U/l), ASAT (mean 63 U/l) and bilirubin (mean 1.059 mg/dl) normalized except in 5 of 8 patients who could not be weaned from parenteral nutrition after LILT. Liver function parameters such as the international normal ratio (INR) were slightly elevated in 5/31 patients. Albumin was generally low, probably due to parenteral nutrition. Liver biopsy was performed in 14 patients preoperatively, showing 4 patients with low-grade, 6 patients with intermediate and 4 patients with high-grade fibrosis. End-stage liver disease with cirrhosis was an exclusion criterion for LILT. All patients with liver fibrosis showed a normalization of liver enzymes when they were weaned from parenteral nutrition. But patients with higher grade liver fibrosis tend to develop more complications perioperatively. After LILT, all patients with liver fibrosis who could be weaned from parenteral nutrition showed a normalization of liver enzymes. Preoperative liver biopsy is mandatory in order to differentiate reversible liver fibrosis from end-stage liver disease. A higher grade of liver fibrosis and elevated INR has been shown to be a sensitive parameter for peri- and postoperative complications.

Limited distal clavicle excision of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Gokkus, K; Saylik, M; Atmaca, H; Sagtas, E; Aydin, A T

2016-05-01

Resection of the distal aspect of clavicle has a well-documented treatment modality in case of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment. Limited (mean ∼0.5cm distal end of clavicle resection) distal clavicle excision of A-C joint arthritis in cases resistant to conservative treatment may reduce the pain and improve the shoulder function. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the results of limited distal clavicle excision of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment. All patients were evaluated by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and UCLA shoulder rating scale (University of California Los Angeles), either before surgery or final follow-up period for pain and functional results, respectively. A total of 110 patients (48 male, 62 female) with AC joint arthritis, treated between the years of 2008-2012, were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 30 patients (12 male, 18 female) who failed to show improvement with conservative treatment underwent limited surgical open excision of distal clavicle. The mean age of the study population was 52.5±1.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 27±1.3 months. The mean preoperative VAS score was 83.6±5.58 (range, 70-90) while mean VAS was 26.6±9.3 (range, 10-50) at the final follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and postoperative VAS scores in patients who had treated by surgical approach (P<0.001). The mean UCLA score of the patients increased postoperatively from 11.5 (range, 9-14) to 29.2 (range, 27-32) at the final follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between the two time periods with respect to UCLA scores (P<0.001). In patients with AC osteoarthritis resistant to conservative therapy, the hypothesized limited clavicle excision (mean ∼0.5cm distal end of clavicle resection with preserving coracoclavicular ligaments and inferior capsule) reduced the pain and improved the shoulder function. Our midterm follow-up (mean 27 months) results showed that limited distal clavicle excision of patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment (0.5cm distal end of clavicle resection with preserving inferior capsule, and coracoclavicular ligaments) reduced the pain and improved the shoulder function. IV (Retrospective study). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Functional Recovery Following Rehabilitation After Hip Fracture A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Latham, Nancy K.; Harris, Bette Ann; Bean, Jonathan F.; Heeren, Timothy; Goodyear, Christine; Zawacki, Stacey; Heislein, Diane M.; Mustafa, Jabed; Pardasaney, Poonam; Giorgetti, Marie; Holt, Nicole; Goehring, Lori; Jette, Alan M.

2015-01-01

IMPORTANCE For many older people, long-term functional limitations persist after a hip fracture. The efficacy of a home exercise program with minimal supervision after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ends has not been established. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a home exercise program with minimal contact with a physical therapist improved function after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ended. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized clinical trial conducted from September 2008 to October 2012 in the homes of 232 functionally limited older adults who had completed traditional rehabilitation after a hip fracture. INTERVENTIONS The intervention group (n = 120) received functionally oriented exercises (such as standing from a chair, climbing a step) taught by a physical therapist and performed independently by the participants in their homes for 6 months. The attention control group (n = 112) received in-home and telephone-based cardiovascular nutrition education. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Physical function assessed at baseline, 6 months (ie, at completion of the intervention), and 9 months by blinded assessors. The primary outcome was change in function at 6 months measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; range 0-12, higher score indicates better function) and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) mobility and daily activity (range, 23-85 and 9-101, higher score indicates better function). RESULTS Among the 232 randomized patients, 195 were followed up at 6 months and included in the primary analysis. The intervention group (n=100) showed significant improvement relative to the control group (n=95) in functional mobility (mean SPPB scores for intervention group: 6.2 [SD, 2.7] at baseline, 7.2 [SD, 3] at 6 months; control group: 6.0 [SD, 2.8] at baseline, 6.2 [SD, 3] at 6 months; and between-group differences: 0.8 [95% CI, 0.4 to 1.2], P < .001; mean AM-PAC mobility scores for intervention group: 56.2 [SD, 7.3] at baseline, 58.1 [SD, 7.9] at 6 months; control group: 56 [SD, 7.1] at baseline, 56.6 [SD, 8.1] at 6 months; and between-group difference, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.2 to 2.4], P = .03; and mean AM-PAC daily activity scores for intervention group: 57.4 [SD, 13.7] at baseline, 61.3 [SD, 15.7] at 6 months; control group: 58.2 [SD, 15.2] at baseline, 58.6 [SD, 15.3] at 6 months; and between-group difference, 3.5 [95% CI, 0.9 to 6.0], P = .03). In multiple imputation analyses, between-group differences remained significant for SPPB and AM-PAC daily activity, but not for mobility. Significant between-group differences persisted at 9 months for all functional measures with and without imputation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients who had completed standard rehabilitation after hip fracture, the use of a home-based functionally oriented exercise program resulted in modest improvement in physical function at 6 months after randomization. The clinical importance of these findings remains to be determined. PMID:24549550

Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional recovery following rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Latham, Nancy K; Harris, Bette Ann; Bean, Jonathan F; Heeren, Timothy; Goodyear, Christine; Zawacki, Stacey; Heislein, Diane M; Mustafa, Jabed; Pardasaney, Poonam; Giorgetti, Marie; Holt, Nicole; Goehring, Lori; Jette, Alan M

2014-02-19

For many older people, long-term functional limitations persist after a hip fracture. The efficacy of a home exercise program with minimal supervision after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ends has not been established. To determine whether a home exercise program with minimal contact with a physical therapist improved function after formal hip fracture rehabilitation ended. Randomized clinical trial conducted from September 2008 to October 2012 in the homes of 232 functionally limited older adults who had completed traditional rehabilitation after a hip fracture. The intervention group (n = 120) received functionally oriented exercises (such as standing from a chair, climbing a step) taught by a physical therapist and performed independently by the participants in their homes for 6 months. The attention control group (n = 112) received in-home and telephone-based cardiovascular nutrition education. Physical function assessed at baseline, 6 months (ie, at completion of the intervention), and 9 months by blinded assessors. The primary outcome was change in function at 6 months measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; range 0-12, higher score indicates better function) and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) mobility and daily activity (range, 23-85 and 9-101, higher score indicates better function). Among the 232 randomized patients, 195 were followed up at 6 months and included in the primary analysis. The intervention group (n=100) showed significant improvement relative to the control group (n=95) in functional mobility (mean SPPB scores for intervention group: 6.2 [SD, 2.7] at baseline, 7.2 [SD, 3] at 6 months; control group: 6.0 [SD, 2.8] at baseline, 6.2 [SD, 3] at 6 months; and between-group differences: 0.8 [95% CI, 0.4 to 1.2], P < .001; mean AM-PAC mobility scores for intervention group: 56.2 [SD, 7.3] at baseline, 58.1 [SD, 7.9] at 6 months; control group: 56 [SD, 7.1] at baseline, 56.6 [SD, 8.1] at 6 months; and between-group difference, 1.3 [95% CI, 0.2 to 2.4], P = .03; and mean AM-PAC daily activity scores for intervention group: 57.4 [SD, 13.7] at baseline, 61.3 [SD, 15.7] at 6 months; control group: 58.2 [SD, 15.2] at baseline, 58.6 [SD, 15.3] at 6 months; and between-group difference, 3.5 [95% CI, 0.9 to 6.0], P = .03). In multiple imputation analyses, between-group differences remained significant for SPPB and AM-PAC daily activity, but not for mobility. Significant between-group differences persisted at 9 months for all functional measures with and without imputation. Among patients who had completed standard rehabilitation after hip fracture, the use of a home-based functionally oriented exercise program resulted in modest improvement in physical function at 6 months after randomization. The clinical importance of these findings remains to be determined. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00592813.

Determination of Distance Distribution Functions by Singlet-Singlet Energy Transfer

PubMed Central

Cantor, Charles R.; Pechukas, Philip

1971-01-01

The efficiency of energy transfer between two chromophores can be used to define an apparent donor-acceptor distance, which in flexible systems will depend on the R0 of the chromophores. If efficiency is measured as a function of R0, it will be possible to determine the actual distribution function of donor-acceptor distances. Numerical procedures are described for extracting this information from experimental data. They should be most useful for distribution functions with mean values from 20-30 Å (2-3 nm). This technique should provide considerably more detailed information on end-to-end distributions of oligomers than has hitherto been available. It should also be useful for describing, in detail, conformational flexibility in other large molecules. PMID:16591942

[Quality of life of hemodialysis patients in a Brazilian Public Hospital in Belém - Pará].

PubMed

Silveira, Cíntia Botelho; Pantoja, Ivaneida Kzarina Olaia Ribeiro; Silva, Allan Roberto Marques; Azevedo, Rômulo Nina de; Sá, Nayara Bandeira de; Turiel, Marck Gregório Pereira; Nunes, Mário Barbosa Guedes

2010-03-01

End-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring dialysis affects the quality of life sometimes more severely than other chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exerting a negative effect on the energy and vitality levels, limiting social interactions, and hindering psychic health. To evaluate the quality of life of patients with CKD on hemodialysis in a public Brazilian Amazonian hospital. Data were collected through interview based on the Brazilian version of the SF-36 questionnaire. The study was conducted on 50 patients (mean age, 48 ± 16 years; mean hemodialysis time, 3 ± 2.9 years). The most affected domain was role limitations due to physical health, with a mean score of 36 ± 36, and 58% of the patients in the lowest quartile, while mental health and social functioning were relatively preserved, with most patients in the highest quartile. Men obtained poorer scores than women did for role limitations due to physical health and vitality. Age correlated negatively with physical functioning. Patients on hemodialysis for more than one year had better scores in the social functioning domain, with a positive correlation between dialysis time and physical functioning. The domains assessed were globally impaired in the population studied, especially regarding role limitations due to physical health, suggesting that chronic disease with prolonged treatment has a negative influence on those domains.

Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Phase 3, segments 1-4: Investigation of sensitivity test methods and procedures for pyrotechnic hazards evaluation and classification, part A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The findings, conclusions, and recommendations relative to the investigations conducted to evaluate tests for classifying pyrotechnic materials and end items as to their hazard potential are presented. Information required to establish an applicable means of determining the potential hazards of pyrotechnics is described. Hazard evaluations are based on the peak overpressure or impulse resulting from the explosion as a function of distance from the source. Other hazard classification tests include dust ignition sensitivity, impact ignition sensitivity, spark ignition sensitivity, and differential thermal analysis.

Glomerular function in sickle cell disease patients during crisis.

PubMed

Aderibigbe, A; Arije, A; Akinkugbe, O O

1994-06-01

An 8 month prospective study was carried out in 20 adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients 16 sickle cell anaemia (Hbss) and 4 sickle cell Hbc disease (Hbsc); who had vaso-occlusive crises within the study period to determine the extent of the effect of sickle cell crisis on glomerular function in SCD patients during crisis. The male: female ratio was 1:57 and their mean age was 21.1 +/- 7.9 years. Creatinine clearance (CCr), as an index of glomerular function, was determined at the pre-crisis, crisis, 2 and 4 weeks post-crisis and at the end of the study period. The mean values of their CCr dropped from 113.37 +/- 33.80mls/min at pre-crisis stage to 96.39 +/- 30.13mls/min during crisis (p < 0.001) indicating glomerular dysfunction. It improved significantly to 107.75 +/- 30.20mls/min at 4 weeks post-crisis (p < 0.001). There was no significant differences in the mean values of CCr at the end of the study (116.20 +/- 31.43mls/min) compared to the pre-crisis stage (p > 0.05). It is concluded that glomerular dysfunction in SCD patients during crisis is potentially reversible.

Algebraic Approaches for Scalable End-to-End Monitoring and Diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yao; Chen, Yan

The rigidity of the Internet architecture led to flourish in the research of end-to-end based systems. In this chapter, we describe a linear algebra-based end-to-end monitoring and diagnosis system. We first propose a tomography-based overlay monitoring system (TOM). Given n end hosts, TOM selectively monitors a basis set of O(nlogn) paths out of all n(n - 1) end-to-end paths. Any end-to-end path can be written as a unique linear combination of paths in the basis set. Consequently, by monitoring loss rates for the paths in the basis set, TOM infers loss rates for all end-to-end paths. Furthermore, leveraging on the scalable measurements from the TOM system, we propose the Least-biased End-to-End Network Diagnosis (in short, LEND) system. We define a minimal identifiable link sequence (MILS) as a link sequence of minimal length whose properties can be uniquely identified from end-to-end measurements. LEND applies an algebraic approach to find out the MILSes and infers the properties of the MILSes efficiently. This also means LEND system achieves the finest diagnosis granularity under the least biased statistical assumptions.

Double 90 Degrees Counterrotated End-to-End-Anastomosis: An Experimental Study of an Intestinal Anastomosis Technique.

PubMed

Holzner, Philipp; Kulemann, Birte; Seifert, Gabriel; Glatz, Torben; Chikhladze, Sophia; Höppner, Jens; Hopt, Ulrich; Timme, Sylvia; Bronsert, Peter; Sick, Olivia; Zhou, Cheng; Marjanovic, Goran

2015-06-01

The aim of the article is to investigate a new anastomotic technique compared with standardized intestinal anastomotic procedures. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were randomized to three groups. In the Experimental Group (n = 10), the new double 90 degrees inversely rotated anastomosis was used, in the End Group (n = 10) a single-layer end-to-end anastomosis, and in the Side Group (n = 12) a single-layer side-to-side anastomosis. All anastomoses were done using interrupted sutures. On postoperative day 4, rats were relaparotomized. Bursting pressure, hydroxyproline concentration, a semiquantitative adhesion score and two histological anastomotic healing scores (mucosal healing according to Chiu and overall anastomotic healing according to Verhofstad) were collected. Most data are presented as median (range). p < 0.05 was considered significant. Anastomotic insufficiency occurred only in one rat of the Side Group. Median bursting pressure in the Experimental Group was 105 mm Hg (range = 72-161 mm Hg), significantly higher in the End Group (164 mm Hg; range = 99-210 mm Hg; p = 0.021) and lower in the Side Group by trend (81 mm Hg; range = 59-122 mm Hg; p = 0.093). Hydroxyproline concentration did not differ significantly in between the groups. The adhesion score was 2.5 (range = 1-3) in the Experimental Group, 2 (range = 1-2) in the End Group, but there were significantly more adhesions in the Side Group (range = 3-4); p = 0.020 versus Experimental Group, p < 0.001 versus End Group. The Chiu Score showed the worst mucosal healing in the Experimental Group. The overall Verhofstad Score was significantly worse (mean = 2.032; standard deviation [SD] = 0.842) p = 0.031 and p = 0.002 in the Experimental Group, compared with the Side Group (mean = 1.729; SD = 0.682) and the End Group (mean = 1.571; SD = 0.612). The new anastomotic technique is feasible and did not show any relevant complication. Even though it was superior to the side-to-side anastomosis by trend with respect to functional stability, mucosal healing surprisingly showed the worst results. Classical end-to-end anastomosis still seems to be the best choice regarding structural and functional anastomotic stability. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

SU-E-I-71: Quality Assessment of Surrogate Metrics in Multi-Atlas-Based Image Segmentation

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

Zhao, T; Ruan, D

Purpose: With the ever-growing data of heterogeneous quality, relevance assessment of atlases becomes increasingly critical for multi-atlas-based image segmentation. However, there is no universally recognized best relevance metric and even a standard to compare amongst candidates remains elusive. This study, for the first time, designs a quantification to assess relevance metrics’ quality, based on a novel perspective of the metric as surrogate for inferring the inaccessible oracle geometric agreement. Methods: We first develop an inference model to relate surrogate metrics in image space to the underlying oracle relevance metric in segmentation label space, with a monotonically non-decreasing function subject tomore » random perturbations. Subsequently, we investigate model parameters to reveal key contributing factors to surrogates’ ability in prognosticating the oracle relevance value, for the specific task of atlas selection. Finally, we design an effective contract-to-noise ratio (eCNR) to quantify surrogates’ quality based on insights from these analyses and empirical observations. Results: The inference model was specialized to a linear function with normally distributed perturbations, with surrogate metric exemplified by several widely-used image similarity metrics, i.e., MSD/NCC/(N)MI. Surrogates’ behaviors in selecting the most relevant atlases were assessed under varying eCNR, showing that surrogates with high eCNR dominated those with low eCNR in retaining the most relevant atlases. In an end-to-end validation, NCC/(N)MI with eCNR of 0.12 compared to MSD with eCNR of 0.10 resulted in statistically better segmentation with mean DSC of about 0.85 and the first and third quartiles of (0.83, 0.89), compared to MSD with mean DSC of 0.84 and the first and third quartiles of (0.81, 0.89). Conclusion: The designed eCNR is capable of characterizing surrogate metrics’ quality in prognosticating the oracle relevance value. It has been demonstrated to be correlated with the performance of relevant atlas selection and ultimate label fusion.« less

A front-end wafer-level microsystem packaging technique with micro-cap array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, Yuh-Min

2002-09-01

The back-end packaging process is the remaining challenge for the micromachining industry to commercialize microsystem technology (MST) devices at low cost. This dissertation presents a novel wafer level protection technique as a final step of the front-end fabrication process for MSTs. It facilitates improved manufacturing throughput and automation in package assembly, wafer level testing of devices, and enhanced device performance. The method involves the use of a wafer-sized micro-cap array, which consists of an assortment of small caps micro-molded onto a material with adjustable shapes and sizes to serve as protective structures against the hostile environments during packaging. The micro-cap array is first constructed by a micromachining process with micro-molding technique, then sealed to the device wafer at wafer level. Epoxy-based wafer-level micro cap array has been successfully fabricated and showed good compatibility with conventional back-end packaging processes. An adhesive transfer technique was demonstrated to seal the micro cap array with a MEMS device wafer. No damage or gross leak was observed while wafer dicing or later during a gross leak test. Applications of the micro cap array are demonstrated on MEMS, microactuators fabricated using CRONOS MUMPS process. Depending on the application needs, the micro-molded cap can be designed and modified to facilitate additional component functions, such as optical, electrical, mechanical, and chemical functions, which are not easily achieved in the device by traditional means. Successful fabrication of a micro cap array comprised with microlenses can provide active functions as well as passive protection. An optical tweezer array could be one possibility for applications of a micro cap with microlenses. The micro cap itself could serve as micro well for DNA or bacteria amplification as well.

Comparing methods to combine functional loss and mortality in clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

PubMed Central

van Eijk, Ruben PA; Eijkemans, Marinus JC; Rizopoulos, Dimitris

2018-01-01

Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials based on single end points only partially capture the full treatment effect when both function and mortality are affected, and may falsely dismiss efficacious drugs as futile. We aimed to investigate the statistical properties of several strategies for the simultaneous analysis of function and mortality in ALS clinical trials. Methods Based on the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database, we simulated longitudinal patterns of functional decline, defined by the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) and conditional survival time. Different treatment scenarios with varying effect sizes were simulated with follow-up ranging from 12 to 18 months. We considered the following analytical strategies: 1) Cox model; 2) linear mixed effects (LME) model; 3) omnibus test based on Cox and LME models; 4) composite time-to-6-point decrease or death; 5) combined assessment of function and survival (CAFS); and 6) test based on joint modeling framework. For each analytical strategy, we calculated the empirical power and sample size. Results Both Cox and LME models have increased false-negative rates when treatment exclusively affects either function or survival. The joint model has superior power compared to other strategies. The composite end point increases false-negative rates among all treatment scenarios. To detect a 15% reduction in ALSFRS-R decline and 34% decline in hazard with 80% power after 18 months, the Cox model requires 524 patients, the LME model 794 patients, the omnibus test 526 patients, the composite end point 1,274 patients, the CAFS 576 patients and the joint model 464 patients. Conclusion Joint models have superior statistical power to analyze simultaneous effects on survival and function and may circumvent pitfalls encountered by other end points. Optimizing trial end points is essential, as selecting suboptimal outcomes may disguise important treatment clues. PMID:29593436

Effect of Sexual Education on Sexual Function of Iranian Couples During Pregnancy: A Quasi Experimental Study.

PubMed

Heidari, Masumeh; Aminshokravi, Farkhondeh; Zayeri, Farid; Azin, Seyed Ali

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of husbands' participation in sexual education on sexual function during pregnancy. This quasi experimental study was conducted on 123 couples who were divided in two intervention (A: couples, B: pregnant women) and one control (C) groups. Group A couples received sex education, Group B women received sex education without their spouses, and Group C women received routine prenatal care without sex education. Sexual functions of couples were assessed by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires, before sex education, four weeks after the intervention, at the end of the second trimester and at the end of the third trimester. Mean total scores of FSFI and IIEF were not different at baseline in three groups. Repeated measure analysis showed significant differences between groups (A and B with C) in the mean total scores of FSFI and IIEF during the third trimester. The mean total scores of the two intervention groups of A and B were not significant. According to the results of the present study, promoting the sexual function of pregnant women needs to include the sex education on prenatal care. Whereas spouses' participation was suggested to have a great role in the effectiveness and strengthening of the education in various studies, this study showed that the lack of spouses' participation for whatever reasons may lead to the same results of previous studies which emphasized the necessity of spouses' participation.

Functional improvement in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis undergoing single lung transplantation *

PubMed Central

Rubin, Adalberto Sperb; Nascimento, Douglas Zaione; Sanchez, Letícia; Watte, Guilherme; Holand, Arthur Rodrigo Ronconi; Fassbind, Derrick Alexandre; Camargo, José Jesus

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the changes in lung function in the first year after single lung transplantation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with IPF who underwent single lung transplantation between January of 2006 and December of 2012, reviewing the changes in the lung function occurring during the first year after the procedure. Results: Of the 218 patients undergoing lung transplantation during the study period, 79 (36.2%) had IPF. Of those 79 patients, 24 (30%) died, and 11 (14%) did not undergo spirometry at the end of the first year. Of the 44 patients included in the study, 29 (66%) were men. The mean age of the patients was 57 years. Before transplantation, mean FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio were 1.78 L (50% of predicted), 1.48 L (52% of predicted), and 83%, respectively. In the first month after transplantation, there was a mean increase of 12% in FVC (400 mL) and FEV1 (350 mL). In the third month after transplantation, there were additional increases, of 5% (170 mL) in FVC and 1% (50 mL) in FEV1. At the end of the first year, the functional improvement persisted, with a mean gain of 19% (620 mL) in FVC and 16% (430 mL) in FEV1. Conclusions: Single lung transplantation in IPF patients who survive for at least one year provides significant and progressive benefits in lung function during the first year. This procedure is an important therapeutic alternative in the management of IPF. PMID:26398749

Space-based multifunctional end effector systems functional requirements and proposed designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishkin, A. H.; Jau, B. M.

1988-01-01

The end effector is an essential element of teleoperator and telerobot systems to be employed in space in the next decade. The report defines functional requirements for end effector systems to perform operations that are currently only feasible through Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA). Specific tasks and functions that the end effectors must be capable of performing are delineated. Required capabilities for forces and torques, clearances, compliance, and sensing are described, using current EVA requirements as guidelines where feasible. The implications of these functional requirements on the elements of potential end effector systems are discussed. The systems issues that must be considered in the design of space-based manipulator systems are identified; including impacts on subsystems tightly coupled to the end effector, i.e., control station, information processing, manipulator arm, tool and equipment stowage. Possible end effector designs are divided into three categories: single degree-of-freedom end effectors, multiple degree of freedom end effectors, and anthropomorphic hands. Specific design alternatives are suggested and analyzed within the individual categories. Two evaluations are performed: the first considers how well the individual end effectors could substitute for EVA; the second compares how manipulator systems composed of the top performers from the first evaluation would improve the space shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) capabilities. The analysis concludes that the anthropomorphic hand is best-suited for EVA tasks. A left- and right-handed anthropomorphic manipulator arm configuration is suggested as appropriate to be affixed to the RMS, but could also be used as part of the Smart Front End for the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV). The technical feasibility of the anthropomorphic hand and its control are demonstrated. An evolutionary development approach is proposed and approximate scheduling provided for implementing the suggested manipulator systems in time for space stations operations in the early 1990s.

Restrictive annuloplasty to treat functional mitral regurgitation: optimize the restriction to improve the results?

PubMed

Totaro, Pasquale; Adragna, Nicola; Argano, Vincenzo

2008-03-01

Today, the 'gold standard' treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is the subject of much discussion. Although restrictive annuloplasty is currently considered the most reproducible technique, the means by which the degree of annular restriction is optimized remains problematic. The study was designed in order to identify whether the degree of restriction of the mitral annulus could influence early and midterm results following the treatment of functional MR using restrictive annuloplasty. A total of 32 consecutive patients with functional MR grade > or = 3+ was enrolled, among whom the mean anterior-posterior (AP) mitral annulus diameter was 39 +/- 3 mm. Restrictive mitral annuloplasty (combined with coronary artery bypass grafting) was performed in all patients using a Carpentier-Edwards Classic or Physio ring (size 26 or 28). The degree of AP annular restriction was calculated for each patient, and correlated with early and mid-term residual MR and left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling (in terms of LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) reduction). All surviving patients were examined at a one-year follow up. The mean AP mitral annulus restriction achieved was 48 +/- 4%. Intraoperatively, transesophageal echocardiography showed no residual MR in any patient. Before discharge from hospital, transthoracic echocardiography confirmed an absence of residual MR and showed significant LV reverse remodeling (LVEDV from 121 +/- 25 ml to 97 +/- 26 ml; LVEDD from 55 +/- 6 mm to 47 +/- 8 mm). A significant correlation (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) was identified between the degree of AP annulus restriction and LVEDV reduction. A cut-off of annular restriction of 40% (based on AP annulus measurement) correlated with a more significant reverse remodeling. The early postoperative data, with no recurrence of significant MR, was confirmed at a one-year follow up examination. A marked restriction of the AP mitral annulus diameter (> 40% of preoperative) appears to have a favorable influence on early postoperative LV reverse remodeling, and also allows for complete resolution of functional MR. In addition, 'no tolerance' of early residual MR seems to have a favorable influence on mid-term results, leading to a reduction in the one-year recurrence of significant MR.

Assigning uncertainties in the inversion of NMR relaxation data.

PubMed

Parker, Robert L; Song, Yi-Qaio

2005-06-01

Recovering the relaxation-time density function (or distribution) from NMR decay records requires inverting a Laplace transform based on noisy data, an ill-posed inverse problem. An important objective in the face of the consequent ambiguity in the solutions is to establish what reliable information is contained in the measurements. To this end we describe how upper and lower bounds on linear functionals of the density function, and ratios of linear functionals, can be calculated using optimization theory. Those bounded quantities cover most of those commonly used in the geophysical NMR, such as porosity, T(2) log-mean, and bound fluid volume fraction, and include averages over any finite interval of the density function itself. In the theory presented statistical considerations enter to account for the presence of significant noise in the signal, but not in a prior characterization of density models. Our characterization of the uncertainties is conservative and informative; it will have wide application in geophysical NMR and elsewhere.

Acetylcysteine reduces plasma homocysteine concentration and improves pulse pressure and endothelial function in patients with end-stage renal failure.

PubMed

Scholze, Alexandra; Rinder, Christiane; Beige, Joachim; Riezler, Reiner; Zidek, Walter; Tepel, Martin

2004-01-27

Increased oxidative stress, elevated plasma homocysteine concentration, increased pulse pressure, and impaired endothelial function constitute risk factors for increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal failure. We investigated the metabolic and hemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of acetylcysteine, a thiol-containing antioxidant, during a hemodialysis session in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study in 20 patients with end-stage renal failure. Under control conditions, a hemodialysis session reduced plasma homocysteine concentration to 58+/-22% predialysis (mean+/-SD), whereas in the presence of acetylcysteine, the plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly more reduced to 12+/-7% predialysis (P<0.01). The reduction of plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly correlated with a reduction of pulse pressure. A 10% decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration was associated with a decrease of pulse pressure by 2.5 mm Hg. Analysis of the second derivative of photoplethysmogram waveform showed changes of arterial wave reflectance during hemodialysis in the presence of acetylcysteine, indicating improved endothelial function. Acetylcysteine-dependent increase of homocysteine removal during a hemodialysis session improves plasma homocysteine concentration, pulse pressure, and endothelial function in patients with end-stage renal failure.

Exploring the Influence of Differentiated Nutrition Information on Consumers' Mental Models Regarding Foods from Edible Insects: A Means-End Chain Analysis.

PubMed

Pambo, Kennedy O; Okello, Julius J; Mbeche, Robert M; Kinyuru, John N

2017-01-01

This study used a field experiment and means-end chain analysis to examine the effects of positive and perceived negative nutrition information on the households' motivations to consume insect-based foods. It used a random sample of households drawn from rural communities in Kenya. The study found that provision of nutrition information on benefits of edible insects and perceived negative aspects of insect-based foods influences participants' perceptions of insect-based foods and hence acceptance. We also found that tasting real products influenced the nature of mental constructs. The results provide marketers of edible insects with potential marketing messages for promotion.

A comparative analysis of the encapsulated end-organs of mammalian skeletal muscles and of their sensory nerve endings.

PubMed

Banks, R W; Hulliger, M; Saed, H H; Stacey, M J

2009-06-01

The encapsulated sensory endings of mammalian skeletal muscles are all mechanoreceptors. At the most basic functional level they serve as length sensors (muscle spindle primary and secondary endings), tension sensors (tendon organs), and pressure or vibration sensors (lamellated corpuscles). At a higher functional level, the differing roles of individual muscles in, for example, postural adjustment and locomotion might be expected to be reflected in characteristic complements of the various end-organs, their sensory endings and afferent nerve fibres. This has previously been demonstrated with regard to the number of muscle-spindle capsules; however, information on the other types of end-organ, as well as the complements of primary and secondary endings of the spindles themselves, is sporadic and inconclusive regarding their comparative provision in different muscles. Our general conclusion that muscle-specific variability in the provision of encapsulated sensory endings does exist demonstrates the necessity for the acquisition of more data of this type if we are to understand the underlying adaptive relationships between motor control and the structure and function of skeletal muscle. The present quantitative and comparative analysis of encapsulated muscle afferents is based on teased, silver-impregnated preparations. We begin with a statistical analysis of the number and distribution of muscle-spindle afferents in hind-limb muscles of the cat, particularly tenuissimus. We show that: (i) taking account of the necessity for at least one primary ending to be present, muscles differ significantly in the mean number of additional afferents per spindle capsule; (ii) the frequency of occurrence of spindles with different sensory complements is consistent with a stochastic, rather than deterministic, developmental process; and (iii) notwithstanding the previous finding, there is a differential distribution of spindles intramuscularly such that the more complex ones tend to be located closer to the main divisions of the nerve. Next, based on a sample of tendon organs from several hind-foot muscles of the cat, we demonstrate the existence in at least a large proportion of tendon organs of a structural substrate to account for multiple spike-initiation sites and pacemaker switching, namely the distribution of sensory terminals supplied by the different first-order branches of the Ib afferent to separate, parallel, tendinous compartments of individual tendon organs. We then show that the numbers of spindles, tendon organs and paciniform corpuscles vary independently in a sample of (mainly) hind-foot muscles of the cat. Grouping muscles by anatomical region in the cat indicated the existence of a gradual proximo-distal decline in the overall average size of the afferent complement of muscle spindles from axial through hind limb to intrinsic foot muscles, but with considerable muscle-specific variability. Finally, we present some comparative data on muscle-spindle afferent complements of rat, rabbit and guinea pig, one particularly notable feature being the high incidence of multiple primary endings in the rat.

The Cultural Evolution of Structured Languages in an Open-Ended, Continuous World.

PubMed

Carr, Jon W; Smith, Kenny; Cornish, Hannah; Kirby, Simon

2017-05-01

Language maps signals onto meanings through the use of two distinct types of structure. First, the space of meanings is discretized into categories that are shared by all users of the language. Second, the signals employed by the language are compositional: The meaning of the whole is a function of its parts and the way in which those parts are combined. In three iterated learning experiments using a vast, continuous, open-ended meaning space, we explore the conditions under which both structured categories and structured signals emerge ex nihilo. While previous experiments have been limited to either categorical structure in meanings or compositional structure in signals, these experiments demonstrate that when the meaning space lacks clear preexisting boundaries, more subtle morphological structure that lacks straightforward compositionality-as found in natural languages-may evolve as a solution to joint pressures from learning and communication. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Cognitive Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Cognitive Science Society.

Functional neuroimaging in psychiatry.

PubMed Central

Fu, C H; McGuire, P K

1999-01-01

Functional neuroimaging is one of the most powerful means available for investigating the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. In this review, we shall focus on the different ways that it can be employed to this end, describing the major findings in the field in the context of different methodological approaches. We will also discuss practical issues that are particular to studying psychiatric disorders and the potential contribution of functional neuroimaging to future psychiatric research. PMID:10466156

Polymer containing functional end groups is base for new polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirshfield, S. M.

1971-01-01

Butadiene is polymerized with lithium-p-lithiophenoxide to produce linear polymer containing oxy-lithium group at one end and active carbon-lithium group at other end. Living polymers represent new approach to preparation of difunctional polymers in which structural features, molecular weight, type and number of end groups are controlled.

Left Lobe Auxiliary Liver Transplantation for End-stage Hepatitis B Liver Cirrhosis.

PubMed

Wang, S-F; Chen, X-P; Chen, Z-S; Wei, L; Dong, S-L; Guo, H; Jiang, J-P; Teng, W-H; Huang, Z-Y; Zhang, W-G

2017-06-01

Auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis previously showed poor results, because the native liver was a significant source of HBV recurrence and the graft could be rapidly destroyed by HBV infection in an immunosuppressive condition. Four patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis were unable to undergo orthotopic liver transplantation because the only available grafts of left lobe were too small. Under entecavir-based anti-HBV treatment, they underwent ALT in which the recipient left liver was removed and the small left lobe graft was implanted in the corresponding space. The mean graft weight/recipient weight was 0.49% (range, 0.38%-0.55%). One year after transplantation, the graft sizes were increased to 273% and the remnant livers were decreased to 44%. Serum HBV DNA was persistently undetectable. Periodic graft biopsy showed no signs of tissue injury and negative immunostaining for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antigen. After a mean follow-up period of 21 months, all patients live well with normal graft function. Our study suggests that ALT for HBV-related liver cirrhosis is feasible under entecavir-based anti-HBV treatment. Successful application of small left livers in end-stage liver cirrhosis may significantly increase the pool of left liver grafts for adult patients. © 2016 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Free-breathing imaging of the heart using 2D cine-GRICS (generalized reconstruction by inversion of coupled systems) with assessment of ventricular volumes and function.

PubMed

Vuissoz, Pierre-André; Odille, Freddy; Fernandez, Brice; Lohezic, Maelene; Benhadid, Adnane; Mandry, Damien; Felblinger, Jacques

2012-02-01

To assess cardiac function by means of a novel free-breathing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) strategy. A stack of ungated 2D steady-state free precession (SSFP) slices was acquired during free breathing and reconstructed as cardiac cine imaging based on the generalized reconstruction by inversion of coupled systems (GRICS). A motion-compensated sliding window approach allows reconstructing cine movies with most motion artifacts cancelled. The proposed reconstruction uses prior knowledge from respiratory belts and electrocardiogram recordings and features a piecewise linear model that relates the electrocardiogram signal to cardiac displacements. The free-breathing protocol was validated in six subjects against a standard breath-held protocol. Image sharpness, as assessed by the image gradient entropy, was comparable to that of breath-held images and significantly better than in uncorrected images. Volumetric parameters of cardiac function in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were similar, including end-systolic volumes, end-diastolic volumes and mass, stroke volumes, and ejection fractions (with differences of 3% ± 2.4 in the LV and 2.9% ± 4.4 in the RV). The duration of the free-breathing protocol was nearly the same as the breath-held protocol. Free-breathing cine-GRICS enables accurate assessment of volumetric parameters of cardiac function with efficient correction of motion. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Frequency of Tropical Ocean Deep Convection and Global Warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aumann, H. H.; Behrangi, A.; Ruzmaikin, A.

2017-12-01

The average of 36 CMIP5 models predicts about 3K of warming and a 4.7% increase in precipitation for the tropical oceans with a doubling of the CO2 by the end of this century. For this scenario we evaluate the increase in the frequency of Deep Convective Clouds (DCC) in the tropical oceans. We select only DCC which reach or penetrate the tropopause in the 15 km AIRS footprint. The evaluation is based on Probability Distribution Functions (PDFs) of the current temperatures of the tropical oceans, those predicted by the mean of the CMIP5 models and the PDF of the DCC process. The PDF of the DCC process is derived from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) between the years 2003 and 2016. During this time the variability due Enso years provided a 1 K p-p change in the mean tropical SST. The key parameter is the SST associated with the onset of the DCC process. This parameter shifts only 0.5 K for each K of warming of the oceans. As a result the frequency of DCC is expected to increases by the end of this century by about 50% above the current frequency.

EDGE3: A web-based solution for management and analysis of Agilent two color microarray experiments

PubMed Central

Vollrath, Aaron L; Smith, Adam A; Craven, Mark; Bradfield, Christopher A

2009-01-01

Background The ability to generate transcriptional data on the scale of entire genomes has been a boon both in the improvement of biological understanding and in the amount of data generated. The latter, the amount of data generated, has implications when it comes to effective storage, analysis and sharing of these data. A number of software tools have been developed to store, analyze, and share microarray data. However, a majority of these tools do not offer all of these features nor do they specifically target the commonly used two color Agilent DNA microarray platform. Thus, the motivating factor for the development of EDGE3 was to incorporate the storage, analysis and sharing of microarray data in a manner that would provide a means for research groups to collaborate on Agilent-based microarray experiments without a large investment in software-related expenditures or extensive training of end-users. Results EDGE3 has been developed with two major functions in mind. The first function is to provide a workflow process for the generation of microarray data by a research laboratory or a microarray facility. The second is to store, analyze, and share microarray data in a manner that doesn't require complicated software. To satisfy the first function, EDGE3 has been developed as a means to establish a well defined experimental workflow and information system for microarray generation. To satisfy the second function, the software application utilized as the user interface of EDGE3 is a web browser. Within the web browser, a user is able to access the entire functionality, including, but not limited to, the ability to perform a number of bioinformatics based analyses, collaborate between research groups through a user-based security model, and access to the raw data files and quality control files generated by the software used to extract the signals from an array image. Conclusion Here, we present EDGE3, an open-source, web-based application that allows for the storage, analysis, and controlled sharing of transcription-based microarray data generated on the Agilent DNA platform. In addition, EDGE3 provides a means for managing RNA samples and arrays during the hybridization process. EDGE3 is freely available for download at . PMID:19732451

EDGE(3): a web-based solution for management and analysis of Agilent two color microarray experiments.

PubMed

Vollrath, Aaron L; Smith, Adam A; Craven, Mark; Bradfield, Christopher A

2009-09-04

The ability to generate transcriptional data on the scale of entire genomes has been a boon both in the improvement of biological understanding and in the amount of data generated. The latter, the amount of data generated, has implications when it comes to effective storage, analysis and sharing of these data. A number of software tools have been developed to store, analyze, and share microarray data. However, a majority of these tools do not offer all of these features nor do they specifically target the commonly used two color Agilent DNA microarray platform. Thus, the motivating factor for the development of EDGE(3) was to incorporate the storage, analysis and sharing of microarray data in a manner that would provide a means for research groups to collaborate on Agilent-based microarray experiments without a large investment in software-related expenditures or extensive training of end-users. EDGE(3) has been developed with two major functions in mind. The first function is to provide a workflow process for the generation of microarray data by a research laboratory or a microarray facility. The second is to store, analyze, and share microarray data in a manner that doesn't require complicated software. To satisfy the first function, EDGE3 has been developed as a means to establish a well defined experimental workflow and information system for microarray generation. To satisfy the second function, the software application utilized as the user interface of EDGE(3) is a web browser. Within the web browser, a user is able to access the entire functionality, including, but not limited to, the ability to perform a number of bioinformatics based analyses, collaborate between research groups through a user-based security model, and access to the raw data files and quality control files generated by the software used to extract the signals from an array image. Here, we present EDGE(3), an open-source, web-based application that allows for the storage, analysis, and controlled sharing of transcription-based microarray data generated on the Agilent DNA platform. In addition, EDGE(3) provides a means for managing RNA samples and arrays during the hybridization process. EDGE(3) is freely available for download at http://edge.oncology.wisc.edu/.

Rural Enterprises, Incorporated report of significant activities and accomplishments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The ongoing activities of Rural Enterprises, Inc. are presented. The function of Rural Enterprises is to bring innovation from its rudimentary conceptual stages to useful and productive ends by means of cooperation with government, business, and educational institutions.

A new three-dimensional, print-on-demand temporomandibular prosthetic total joint replacement system: Preliminary outcomes.

PubMed

Dimitroulis, George; Austin, Stephen; Sin Lee, Peter Vee; Ackland, David

2018-05-16

The aim of this study is to present the preliminary clinical data on the OMX Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Prosthetic total joint replacement system. A prospective, cohort, clinical study was undertaken of consecutive adult patients with Category 5 end-stage joint disease who were implanted with the OMX TMJ prosthesis between May 2015 and April 2017. A total of 50 devices were implanted in 38 patients, with 12 patients receiving bilateral prosthetic joints. There were 31 females and 7 males in this cohort, who ranged in age from 20 to 66 years, with a mean of 43.8 years (±14.0 years). Ten of the 50 prosthetic joints (20%) were fully customized, while the remaining were patient matched using virtual planning software. Based on a mean follow-up period of 15.3 months (range 12-24 months) following the TMJ total joint replacement, preliminary results suggest the OMX TMJ prosthesis has made a positive impact on clinical outcomes, with a mean 74.4% reduction in joint pain levels and significant improvements (p < 0.05) in jaw function as measured by the visual analogue scales for mouth opening (30.8%), diet (77.1%), and function (59.2%). No device failures were reported during the study period. This study suggests that the print-on-demand OMX TMJ prosthesis, designed for rapid delivery of both patient-matched and fully customize devices, represents a safe, reliable and versatile implantable joint replacement system for the treatment of category 5 end-stage TMJ disease. Copyright © 2018 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outcomes of anatomical versus functional testing for coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Douglas, Pamela S; Hoffmann, Udo; Patel, Manesh R; Mark, Daniel B; Al-Khalidi, Hussein R; Cavanaugh, Brendan; Cole, Jason; Dolor, Rowena J; Fordyce, Christopher B; Huang, Megan; Khan, Muhammad Akram; Kosinski, Andrzej S; Krucoff, Mitchell W; Malhotra, Vinay; Picard, Michael H; Udelson, James E; Velazquez, Eric J; Yow, Eric; Cooper, Lawton S; Lee, Kerry L

2015-04-02

Many patients have symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD) and are often evaluated with the use of diagnostic testing, although there are limited data from randomized trials to guide care. We randomly assigned 10,003 symptomatic patients to a strategy of initial anatomical testing with the use of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or to functional testing (exercise electrocardiography, nuclear stress testing, or stress echocardiography). The composite primary end point was death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, or major procedural complication. Secondary end points included invasive cardiac catheterization that did not show obstructive CAD and radiation exposure. The mean age of the patients was 60.8±8.3 years, 52.7% were women, and 87.7% had chest pain or dyspnea on exertion. The mean pretest likelihood of obstructive CAD was 53.3±21.4%. Over a median follow-up period of 25 months, a primary end-point event occurred in 164 of 4996 patients in the CTA group (3.3%) and in 151 of 5007 (3.0%) in the functional-testing group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.29; P=0.75). CTA was associated with fewer catheterizations showing no obstructive CAD than was functional testing (3.4% vs. 4.3%, P=0.02), although more patients in the CTA group underwent catheterization within 90 days after randomization (12.2% vs. 8.1%). The median cumulative radiation exposure per patient was lower in the CTA group than in the functional-testing group (10.0 mSv vs. 11.3 mSv), but 32.6% of the patients in the functional-testing group had no exposure, so the overall exposure was higher in the CTA group (mean, 12.0 mSv vs. 10.1 mSv; P<0.001). In symptomatic patients with suspected CAD who required noninvasive testing, a strategy of initial CTA, as compared with functional testing, did not improve clinical outcomes over a median follow-up of 2 years. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; PROMISE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01174550.).

Outcomes of Anatomical versus Functional Testing for Coronary Artery Disease

PubMed Central

Douglas, Pamela S.; Hoffmann, Udo; Patel, Manesh R.; Mark, Daniel B.; Al-Khalidi, Hussein R.; Cavanaugh, Brendan; Cole, Jason; Dolor, Rowena J.; Fordyce, Christopher B.; Huang, Megan; Khan, Muhammad Akram; Kosinski, Andrzej S.; Krucoff, Mitchell W.; Malhotra, Vinay; Picard, Michael H.; Udelson, James E.; Velazquez, Eric J.; Yow, Eric; Cooper, Lawton S.; Lee, Kerry L.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND Many patients have symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD) and are often evaluated with the use of diagnostic testing, although there are limited data from randomized trials to guide care. METHODS We randomly assigned 10,003 symptomatic patients to a strategy of initial anatomical testing with the use of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or to functional testing (exercise electrocardiography, nuclear stress testing, or stress echocardiography). The composite primary end point was death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, or major procedural complication. Secondary end points included invasive cardiac catheterization that did not show obstructive CAD and radiation exposure. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 60.8±8.3 years, 52.7% were women, and 87.7% had chest pain or dyspnea on exertion. The mean pretest likelihood of obstructive CAD was 53.3±21.4%. Over a median follow-up period of 25 months, a primary end-point event occurred in 164 of 4996 patients in the CTA group (3.3%) and in 151 of 5007 (3.0%) in the functional-testing group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.83 to 1.29; P = 0.75). CTA was associated with fewer catheterizations showing no obstructive CAD than was functional testing (3.4% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.02), although more patients in the CTA group underwent catheterization within 90 days after randomization (12.2% vs. 8.1%). The median cumulative radiation exposure per patient was lower in the CTA group than in the functional-testing group (10.0 mSv vs. 11.3 mSv), but 32.6% of the patients in the functional-testing group had no exposure, so the overall exposure was higher in the CTA group (mean, 12.0 mSv vs. 10.1 mSv; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In symptomatic patients with suspected CAD who required noninvasive testing, a strategy of initial CTA, as compared with functional testing, did not improve clinical outcomes over a median follow-up of 2 years. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; PROMISE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01174550.) PMID:25773919

A Simple, Cost-Efficient Method to Separate Microalgal Lipids from Wet Biomass Using Surface Energy-Modified Membranes.

PubMed

Kwak, Moo Jin; Yoo, Youngmin; Lee, Han Sol; Kim, Jiyeon; Yang, Ji-Won; Han, Jong-In; Im, Sung Gap; Kwon, Jong-Hee

2016-01-13

For the efficient separation of lipid extracted from microalgae cells, a novel membrane was devised by introducing a functional polymer coating onto a membrane surface by means of an initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) process. To this end, a steel-use-stainless (SUS) membrane was modified in a way that its surface energy was systemically modified. The surface modification by conformal coating of functional polymer film allowed for selective separation of oil-water mixture, by harnessing the tuned interfacial energy between each liquid phase and the membrane surface. The surface-modified membrane, when used with chloroform-based solvent, exhibited superb permeate flux, breakthrough pressure, and also separation yield: it allowed separation of 95.5 ± 1.2% of converted lipid (FAME) in the chloroform phase from the water/MeOH phase with microalgal debris. This result clearly supported that the membrane-based lipid separation is indeed facilitated by way of membrane being functionalized, enabling us to simplify the whole downstream process of microalgae-derived biodiesel production.

Effect of Molecular Flexibility upon Ice Adhesion Shear Strength

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Joseph G.; Wohl, Christopher J.; Kreeger, Richard E.; Palacios, Jose; Knuth, Taylor; Hadley, Kevin

2016-01-01

Ice formation on aircraft surfaces effects aircraft performance by increasing weight and drag leading to loss of lift. Current active alleviation strategies involve pneumatic boots, heated surfaces, and usage of glycol based de-icing fluids. Mitigation or reduction of in-flight icing by means of a passive approach may enable retention of aircraft capabilities, i.e., no reduction in lift, while reducing the aircraft weight and mechanical complexity. Under a NASA Aeronautics Research Institute Seedling activity, the effect of end group functionality and chain length upon ice adhesion shear strength (IASS) was evaluated with the results indicating that chemical functionality and chain length (i.e. molecular flexibility) affected IASS. Based on experimental and modeling results, diamine monomers incorporating molecular flexibility as either a side chain or in between diamine functionalities were prepared, incorporated into epoxy resins that were subsequently used to fabricate coatings on aluminum substrates, and tested in a simulated icing environment. The IASS was found to be lower when molecular flexibility was incorporated in the polymer chain as opposed to a side chain.

Hydration amongst nurses and doctors on-call (the HANDS on prospective cohort study).

PubMed

El-Sharkawy, Ahmed M; Bragg, Damian; Watson, Phillip; Neal, Keith; Sahota, Opinder; Maughan, Ronald J; Lobo, Dileep N

2016-08-01

Dehydration of as little 2% of total body weight may impair physical and cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dehydration at the start and end of shifts in nurses and doctors on-call. The secondary aims were to assess the relation between hydration status and cognitive function. This prospective cohort study was conducted on nurses and doctors working on medical and surgical admissions wards at a university teaching hospital. Participants arrived on the ward approximately 20 min before their shift and were asked to provide a urine sample. Height and weight were then measured. A 10 mL blood sample was analysed for full blood count, serum urea and electrolytes, and blood glucose. Cognitive function was assessed using a series of computer-based tests including the Stroop Colour Naming Interference Test and Sternberg Memory Paradigm. Participants then worked normally but were asked to keep a fluid diary for the duration of their shift and fluid balance was estimated. Tests were repeated at the end of the shift. Dehydration was defined as urine osmolality >800 mOsmol/kg and oliguria was defined as urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hour. We recruited 92 nurses and doctors, of whom 88 completed the study, amounting to 130 shifts. 52% participated for one shift, and 48% for two shifts. Thirty-six percent of participants were dehydrated at the start of the shift and 45% were dehydrated at the end of their shift. Mean (SD) urinary osmolality was significantly greater at the end of the shift when compared with the start [720 (282) vs. 622 (297) mOsm/kg, P = 0.031). Moreover, 41% were oliguric at the end of the shift. Single number and five-letter Sternberg short-term memory tests were significantly impaired in dehydrated participants (P < 0.05). This study highlights that a significant proportion of nurses and doctors were dehydrated at the start and end of medical and surgical shifts. Dehydration was associated with some impairment of cognitive function. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Competing bosonic condensates in optical lattice with a mixture of single and pair hoppings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Travin, V. M.; Kopeć, T. K.

2017-01-01

A system of ultra-cold atoms with single boson and pair tunneling of bosonic atoms is considered in an optical lattice at arbitrary temperature. A mean-field theory was applied to the extended Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian describing the system in order to investigate the competition between superfluid and pair superfluid as a function of the chemical potential and the temperature. To this end we have applied a method based on the Laplace transform method for the efficient calculation of the statistical sum for the quantum Hamiltonian. These results may be of interest for experiments on cold atom systems in optical lattices.

Renal Artery Embolization - A First Line Treatment Option For End-Stage Hydronephrosis

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

Mitra, Kakali; Prabhudesai, Vikramaditya; James, R. Lester

Conventionally poorly functioning hydronephrotic kidneys have been removed if they are symptomatic. In our unit, patients are offered renal artery embolization as an alternative treatment option. Patients and Methods: Fifteen patients (11 male, 4 female) with a mean age of 32.9 yr (20-51 yrs) have undergone renal artery embolization for symptomatic hydronephrosis with poor function. Mean follow-up was 64.13 weeks (range 14-200). All patients had loin pain and hydronephrosis. Twelve patients had primary pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). Two patients had poorly functioning hydronephrotic kidneys secondary to chronic calculous obstruction. One patient had chronic pain in an obstructed but reasonably functioningmore » kidney following a previous pyeloplasty for PUJO which demanded intervention. Mean split function on renography was 11% (range 0-46%). Selective renal artery embolization was carried out under antibiotic cover using a 7 Fr balloon occlusion catheter and absolute alcohol, steel coils, and polyvinyl alcohol particles.Results: Nine patients developed post-embolization syndrome of self-limiting pain and pyrexia with no evidence of sepsis. One patient required readmission with this condition. One patient developed a hematoma at the puncture site. Mean hospital stay was 2.3 days. Fourteen patients are happy with the result and are completely pain free. One patient has minor discomfort but is delighted with the result. Nine patients have had follow-up ultrasound confirming resolution of the hydronephrosis. Conclusion: Renal artery embolization is an effective, safe, well-tolerated minimally invasive treatment option in end-stage hydronephrosis and we routinely offer it as an alternative to nephrectomy.« less

Development and Testing of an Automated 4-Day Text Messaging Guidance as an Aid for Improving Colonoscopy Preparation.

PubMed

Walter, Benjamin Michael; Klare, Peter; Neu, Bruno; Schmid, Roland M; von Delius, Stefan

2016-06-21

In gastroenterology a sufficient colon cleansing improves adenoma detection rate and prevents the need for preterm repeat colonoscopies due to invalid preparation. It has been shown that patient education is of major importance for improvement of colon cleansing. Objective of this study was to assess the function of an automated text messaging (short message service, SMS)-supported colonoscopy preparation starting 4 days before colonoscopy appointment. After preevaluation to assess mobile phone usage in the patient population for relevance of this approach, a Web-based, automated SMS text messaging system was developed, following which a single-center feasibility study at a tertiary care center was performed. Patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy were invited to participate. Patients enrolled in the study group received automated information about dietary recommendations and bowel cleansing during colonoscopy preparation. Data of outpatient colonoscopies with regular preparation procedure were used for pair matching and served as control. Primary end point was feasibility of SMS text messaging support in colonoscopy preparation assessed as stable and satisfactory function of the system. Secondary end points were quality of bowel preparation according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and patient satisfaction with SMS text messaging-provided information assessed by a questionnaire. Web-based SMS text messaging-supported colonoscopy preparation was successful and feasible in 19 of 20 patients. Mean (standard error of the mean, SEM) total BBPS score was slightly higher in the SMS group than in the control group (7.3, SEM 0.3 vs 6.4, SEM 0.2) and for each colonic region (left, transverse, and right colon). Patient satisfaction regarding SMS text messaging-based information was high. Using SMS for colonoscopy preparation with 4 days' guidance including dietary recommendation is a new approach to improve colonoscopy preparation. Quality of colonoscopy preparation was sufficient and patients were highly satisfied with the system during colonoscopy preparation.

Development and Testing of an Automated 4-Day Text Messaging Guidance as an Aid for Improving Colonoscopy Preparation

PubMed Central

Klare, Peter; Neu, Bruno; Schmid, Roland M; von Delius, Stefan

2016-01-01

Background In gastroenterology a sufficient colon cleansing improves adenoma detection rate and prevents the need for preterm repeat colonoscopies due to invalid preparation. It has been shown that patient education is of major importance for improvement of colon cleansing. Objective Objective of this study was to assess the function of an automated text messaging (short message service, SMS)–supported colonoscopy preparation starting 4 days before colonoscopy appointment. Methods After preevaluation to assess mobile phone usage in the patient population for relevance of this approach, a Web-based, automated SMS text messaging system was developed, following which a single-center feasibility study at a tertiary care center was performed. Patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy were invited to participate. Patients enrolled in the study group received automated information about dietary recommendations and bowel cleansing during colonoscopy preparation. Data of outpatient colonoscopies with regular preparation procedure were used for pair matching and served as control. Primary end point was feasibility of SMS text messaging support in colonoscopy preparation assessed as stable and satisfactory function of the system. Secondary end points were quality of bowel preparation according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and patient satisfaction with SMS text messaging–provided information assessed by a questionnaire. Results Web-based SMS text messaging–supported colonoscopy preparation was successful and feasible in 19 of 20 patients. Mean (standard error of the mean, SEM) total BBPS score was slightly higher in the SMS group than in the control group (7.3, SEM 0.3 vs 6.4, SEM 0.2) and for each colonic region (left, transverse, and right colon). Patient satisfaction regarding SMS text messaging–based information was high. Conclusions Using SMS for colonoscopy preparation with 4 days’ guidance including dietary recommendation is a new approach to improve colonoscopy preparation. Quality of colonoscopy preparation was sufficient and patients were highly satisfied with the system during colonoscopy preparation. PMID:27329204

Investigating changes in resting-state connectivity from functional MRI data in patients with HIV associated neurocognitive disorder using MCA and machine learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DSouza, Adora M.; Abidin, Anas Z.; Wismüller, Axel

2017-03-01

Infection of the brain by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes irreversible damage to the synaptic connections resulting in cognitive impairment. Patients with HIV infection, showing signs of impairment in multiple cognitive domains, as assessed by neuropsychological testing, are said to exhibit symptoms of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). In this study, we use resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) data to distinguish between healthy subjects and subjects with symptoms of HAND. To this end, we first establish a measure of interaction between pairs of regional time-series by quantifying their non-linear functional connectivity using Mutual Connectivity Analysis (MCA). Subsequently, we use a classifier to distinguish patterns of interaction between healthy and diseased individuals. Our results, quantified as the mean Area under the ROC curve (AUC) over 75 iterations, indicate that, using fMRI data, we can discriminate between the two cohorts well (AUC > 0.8). Specifically, we find that MCA (mean AUC = 0.89) based connectivity features perform significantly better (p < 0.05) when compared to cross-correlation (mean AUC = 0.82) at the classification task. A higher AUC using our approach suggests that such a nonlinear approach is better able to capture connectivity changes between brain regions and has potential for the development of novel neuro-imaging biomarkers.

An episodic specificity induction enhances means-end problem solving in young and older adults.

PubMed

Madore, Kevin P; Schacter, Daniel L

2014-12-01

Episodic memory plays an important role not only in remembering past experiences, but also in constructing simulations of future experiences and solving means-end social problems. We recently found that an episodic specificity induction-brief training in recollecting details of past experiences-enhances performance of young and older adults on memory and imagination tasks. Here we tested the hypothesis that this specificity induction would also positively impact a means-end problem-solving task on which age-related changes have been linked to impaired episodic memory. Young and older adults received the specificity induction or a control induction before completing a means-end problem-solving task, as well as memory and imagination tasks. Consistent with previous findings, older adults provided fewer relevant steps on problem solving than did young adults, and their responses also contained fewer internal (i.e., episodic) details across the 3 tasks. There was no difference in the number of other (e.g., irrelevant) steps on problem solving or external (i.e., semantic) details generated on the 3 tasks as a function of age. Critically, the specificity induction increased the number of relevant steps and internal details (but not other steps or external details) that both young and older adults generated in problem solving compared with the control induction, as well as the number of internal details (but not external details) generated for memory and imagination. Our findings support the idea that episodic retrieval processes are involved in means-end problem solving, extend the range of tasks on which a specificity induction targets these processes, and show that the problem-solving performance of older adults can benefit from a specificity induction as much as that of young adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

An episodic specificity induction enhances means-end problem solving in young and older adults

PubMed Central

Madore, Kevin P.; Schacter, Daniel L.

2014-01-01

Episodic memory plays an important role not only in remembering past experiences, but also in constructing simulations of future experiences and solving means-end social problems. We recently found that an episodic specificity induction- brief training in recollecting details of past experiences- enhances performance of young and older adults on memory and imagination tasks. Here we tested the hypothesis that this specificity induction would also positively impact a means-end problem solving task on which age-related changes have been linked to impaired episodic memory. Young and older adults received the specificity induction or a control induction before completing a means-end problem solving task as well as memory and imagination tasks. Consistent with previous findings, older adults provided fewer relevant steps on problem solving than did young adults, and their responses also contained fewer internal (i.e., episodic) details across the three tasks. There was no difference in the number of other (e.g., irrelevant) steps on problem solving or external (i.e., semantic) details generated on the three tasks as a function of age. Critically, the specificity induction increased the number of relevant steps and internal details (but not other steps or external details) that both young and older adults generated in problem solving compared with the control induction, as well as the number of internal details (but not external details) generated for memory and imagination. Our findings support the idea that episodic retrieval processes are involved in means-end problem solving, extend the range of tasks on which a specificity induction targets these processes, and show that the problem solving performance of older adults can benefit from a specificity induction as much as that of young adults. PMID:25365688

Probabilistic performance estimators for computational chemistry methods: The empirical cumulative distribution function of absolute errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pernot, Pascal; Savin, Andreas

2018-06-01

Benchmarking studies in computational chemistry use reference datasets to assess the accuracy of a method through error statistics. The commonly used error statistics, such as the mean signed and mean unsigned errors, do not inform end-users on the expected amplitude of prediction errors attached to these methods. We show that, the distributions of model errors being neither normal nor zero-centered, these error statistics cannot be used to infer prediction error probabilities. To overcome this limitation, we advocate for the use of more informative statistics, based on the empirical cumulative distribution function of unsigned errors, namely, (1) the probability for a new calculation to have an absolute error below a chosen threshold and (2) the maximal amplitude of errors one can expect with a chosen high confidence level. Those statistics are also shown to be well suited for benchmarking and ranking studies. Moreover, the standard error on all benchmarking statistics depends on the size of the reference dataset. Systematic publication of these standard errors would be very helpful to assess the statistical reliability of benchmarking conclusions.

Left ventricular morphology and diastolic function in uraemia: echocardiographic evidence of a specific cardiomyopathy.

PubMed Central

Facchin, L.; Vescovo, G.; Levedianos, G.; Zannini, L.; Nordio, M.; Lorenzi, S.; Caturelli, G.; Ambrosio, G. B.

1995-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To see whether cardiac morphological and functional abnormalities in uraemic patients are determined by high blood pressure or if they are an expression of a specific cardiomyopathy. DESIGN--Cross sectional study. SETTING--City general hospital in Italy. SUBJECTS--35 uraemic patients receiving haemodialysis (17 men, 18 women; mean age 60.3 (11.2); mean duration of dialysis 52 months) were selected from the 64 patients in Venice who were receiving dialysis; subjects with diabetes, haemochromatosis, valvar dysfunction, regional dyskinesias, and pericarditis were excluded. 19 control normotensive subjects (6 men and 13 women), matched for age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Echocardiographic measurements of left atrium, left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic volume, aortic root diameter, posterior wall and interventricular septum thickness, left ventricle mass index, and ejection fraction in controls and in patients according to whether they were normotensive (five men, eight women) or hypertensive (12 men, 10 women) on 48 hour ambulatory monitoring; left ventricular diastolic function by Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS--Mean systolic and diastolic pressures, daytime systolic and diastolic pressures, and night time systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly higher in the hypertensive patients than in the normotensive patients. The normotensive patients had similar blood pressures to the controls. Left ventricular mass correlated significantly with the mean diastolic pressure and mean night time systolic and diastolic pressures. Parathyroid hormone concentrations were similar in the two groups of patients. Diastolic relaxation was impaired to the same degree in the two groups of patients. Parameters of diastolic function showed no relation to left ventricular mass, which was significantly higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive patients. CONCLUSIONS--Uraemia is likely to induce specific changes in the relaxation properties of the myocardium. These changes are responsible for the impaired diastolic function independently of blood pressure, degree of hypertrophy, and metabolic changes, which suggests the existence of a specific cardiomyopathy. Hypertension remains a determinant of left ventricular mass. PMID:7546998

P wave dispersion and maximum P wave duration are independently associated with rapid renal function decline.

PubMed

Su, Ho-Ming; Tsai, Wei-Chung; Lin, Tsung-Hsien; Hsu, Po-Chao; Lee, Wen-Hsien; Lin, Ming-Yen; Chen, Szu-Chia; Lee, Chee-Siong; Voon, Wen-Chol; Lai, Wen-Ter; Sheu, Sheng-Hsiung

2012-01-01

The P wave parameters measured by 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) are commonly used as noninvasive tools to assess for left atrial enlargement. There are limited studies to evaluate whether P wave parameters are independently associated with decline in renal function. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to assess whether P wave parameters are independently associated with progression to renal end point of ≥25% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This longitudinal study included 166 patients. The renal end point was defined as ≥25% decline in eGFR. We measured two ECG P wave parameters corrected by heart rate, i.e. corrected P wave dispersion (PWdisperC) and corrected P wave maximum duration (PWdurMaxC). Heart function and structure were measured from echocardiography. Clinical data, P wave parameters, and echocardiographic measurements were compared and analyzed. Forty-three patients (25.9%) reached renal end point. Kaplan-Meier curves for renal end point-free survival showed PWdisperC > median (63.0 ms) (log-rank P = 0.004) and PWdurMaxC > median (117.9 ms) (log-rank P<0.001) were associated with progression to renal end point. Multivariate forward Cox-regression analysis identified increased PWdisperC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.024; P = 0.001) and PWdurMaxC (HR, 1.029; P = 0.001) were independently associated with progression to renal end point. Our results demonstrate that increased PWdisperC and PWdurMaxC were independently associated with progression to renal end point. Screening patients by means of PWdisperC and PWdurMaxC on 12 lead ECG may help identify a high risk group of rapid renal function decline.

Impairment of left ventricular function during coronary angioplastic occlusion evaluated with a nonimaging scintillation probe.

PubMed

Hartmann, A; Maul, F D; Zimny, M; Klepzig, H; Vallbracht, C; Kneissl, H G; Schräder, R; Hör, G; Kaltenbach, M

1991-09-01

Impairment of left ventricular function during controlled myocardial ischemia induced by coronary angioplasty has been reported from angiographic and echocardiographic studies. Ejection fraction, peak ejection, peak filling rates, and end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were investigated before, during and after coronary occlusion on-line with a nonimaging scintillation probe. The study consisted of 18 patients (mean age 59 +/- 10 years) with coronary artery stenosis of greater than 70%. During balloon inflation of 60 seconds' duration, coronary occlusion pressure was 31.6 +/- 12 mm Hg. There was no significant change in heart rate. Delay between first and second dilatation was 109 +/- 63 seconds. Ejection fraction decreased from 53 +/- 16 to 40 +/- 12% (first dilatation, p less than 0.01) and to 39 +/- 14% (second dilatation, p less than 0.01) and recovered to 51 +/- 16% 5 minutes after the second dilatation. Peak ejection rate was significantly reduced during the first and second balloon inflations. Peak filling rate decreased from 2.5 +/- 0.8 to 2.0 +/- 0.7 end-diastolic volume.s-1 (first dilatation, p less than 0.01) and to 1.8 +/- 0.7 end-diastolic volume.s-1 (second dilatation, p less than 0.01) and remained reduced at 2.2 +/- 0.7 end-diastolic volume.s-1 (p = not significant) at 5 minutes after the second dilatation. End-systolic and end-diastolic volumes increased significantly during the first and second dilatations and returned to normal after dilatation. It is concluded that short, controlled myocardial ischemia during coronary angioplasty leads to a decrease in systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. Sequential dilatations do not further decrease function if a sufficient interval is kept.

Organizational Control: Two Functions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ouchi, William G.; Maguire, Mary Ann

1975-01-01

Distinguishes between two modes of organizational control, personal surveillance (behavior control) and the measurement of outputs (output control). Output control occurs in response to a manager's need to provide legitimate evidence of performance, while behavior control is exerted when means-ends relations are known and appropriate instruction…

The End of the Museum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodman, Nelson

1985-01-01

The primary function of museums is to help museum visitors appreciate and understand what they see. Specific means and methods are suggested, e.g., informative and suggestive labels and a sales desk where the visitor can purchase reminders of what he or she has seen. (RM)

Advance Directives for End-of-Life Care and the Role of Health Education Specialists: Applying the Theory of Reasoned Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tremethick, Mary Jane; Johnson, Maureen K.; Carter, Mary R.

2011-01-01

Quality end-of-life care is subjective and based on individual values and beliefs. An advance directive provides a legal means of communicating these values and beliefs, as well as preferences in regards to end-of-life care when an individual is no longer able to make his or her desires known. In many nations, advance directives are underused…

Differential phenotype profile between main right ventricular chamber and outflow tract in chronic pulmonary hypertension: echocardiographic observation.

PubMed

López-Candales, Angel

2014-07-01

Right ventricular (RV) dilatation and systolic dysfunction are known remodeling changes occurring in chronic pulmonary hypertension and are likely the result of increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). It remains unclear whether PVR affects primarily the main RV chamber (mRVc) or the RV outflow tract (RVOT). Standard echocardiography data were collected from a heterogeneous population of 85 consecutive patients (mean age of 54 ± 12 years and mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 56 ± 28 mm Hg) to determine how PVR affected size and function of both RV chambers. Regarding size, PVR correlated more with mRVc end systolic area (r = 0.77; P < 0.0001) than either mRVc end diastolic area (r = 0.58; P < 0.0001) or RVOT systolic length (r = 0.54; P < 0.0001), although it did not correlate with RVOT end diastolic length. In terms of fractional area change, a stronger negative correlation was seen between PVR and mRVc (r = -0.77; P < 0.0001) than with PVR and RVOT (r = -0.69; P < 0.0001). Systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus was the best parameter in identifying elevated PVR. Based on the echocardiography results, increasing PVR values appear to result in differential RV remodeling with significant mRVc dilation and systolic dysfunction when compared with RVOT. It is important to determine whether the different RV remodeling processes occur in all patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension, regardless of etiology; alter therapeutic response; or determine clinical outcomes.

The relationship between single and two-dimensional indices of left ventricular size using hemodynamic transesophageal echocardiography in trauma and burn patients.

PubMed

Younan, Duraid; Beasley, T Mark; Pigott, David C; Gibson, C Blayke; Gullett, John P; Richey, Jeffrey; Pittet, Jean-Francois; Zaky, Ahmed

2017-10-11

Conventional echocardiographic technique for assessment of volume status and cardiac contractility utilizes left ventricular end-diastolic area (LVEDA) and fractional area of change (FAC), respectively. Our goal was to find a technically reliable yet faster technique to evaluate volume status and contractility by measuring left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and fractional shortening (FS) in a cohort of mechanically ventilated trauma and burn patients using hemodynamic transesophageal echocardiographic (hTEE) monitoring. Retrospective chart review performed at trauma/burn intensive care unit (TBICU). Data on 88 mechanically ventilated surgical intensive care patients cared for between July 2013 and July 2015 were reviewed. Initial measurements of LVEDA, left ventricular end-systolic area (LVESA) and FAC were collected. Post-processing left ventricular end-systolic (LVESD) and end-diastolic diameters (LVEDD) were measured and fractional shortening (FS) was calculated. Two orthogonal measurements of LV diameter were obtained in transverse (Tr) and posteroanterior (PA) orientation. There was a significant correlation between transverse and posteroanterior left ventricular diameter measurements in both systole and diastole. In systole, r = 0.92, p < 0.01 for LVESD-Tr (mean 23.47 mm, SD ± 6.77) and LVESD-PA (mean 24.84 mm, SD = 8.23). In diastole, r = 0.80, p < 0.01 for LVEDD-Tr (mean 37.60 mm, SD ± 6.45), and LVEDD-PA diameters (mean 42.24 mm, SD ± 7.97). Left ventricular area (LVEDA) also significantly correlated with left ventricular diameter LVEDD-Tr (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) and LVEDD-PA (r = 0.90, p < 0.01). Both transverse and PA measurements of fractional shortening were significantly (p < 0.0001) and similarly correlated with systolic function as measured by FAC. Bland-Altman analyses also indicated that the assessment of fractional shortening using left ventricular posteroanterior diameter measurement shows agreement with FAC. Left ventricular diameter measurements are a reliable and technically feasible alternative to left ventricular area measurements in the assessment of cardiac filling and systolic function.

Pleiotropic Effects of Losartan in Hypertensive Patients with Dyslipidemia.

PubMed

Sivasubramaniam, Sivakumar; Kumarasamy, Banupriya

2017-09-01

In essential hypertension, the comorbidity of dyslipidemia is very common. In addition to hypertension, dyslipidemia is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke and decline in renal function. Unlike other angiotensin receptor blockers, Losartan has been claimed to have unique pleiotropic property and thereby decreasing the risk of future cardiovascular complications. The present study was done to assess on the pleiotropic effect of losartan in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. Fifty four hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia who fulfilled the eligible criteria and were willing to give informed consent were included in the study after getting Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) approval. All the study participants were given tab. Losartan 50mg once daily for four weeks. At the end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week, blood pressure control and compliance were monitored. At the end of 4th week all the baseline laboratory parameters like renal function test, liver function test, lipid prolife and random blood sugar were performed. The EQ-5D questionnaires were completed at two points during the study: at the patient's initial visit before enrollment in the study and after 4 weeks of Losartan therapy. Appropriate statistical methods were used to analyse the results.The primary endpoint was reduction in blood pressure and improvement in lipid profile and improvement in quality of life score from baseline after 4 weeks of losartan therapy. Four patients were withdrawn due to non-compliance and totally 50 patients completed the study. The mean systolic blood pressure was reduced from 154.54 mm Hg to 138.16 mm Hg with p<0.0001 and the mean diastolic blood pressure was reduced from 91.56 mm Hg to 82.44 mm Hg with p<0.0001. There was a significant reduction in the mean total cholesterol from 189.52 to 180.46 mg/dl, mean LDL from 110.50 to 101.32 mg/dl and mean triglygeride from 135.68 to 127.70 mg/dl with p<0.0001. Improvements in anxiety and depression, as well as other dimensions in the QOL questionnaire, paralleled with improvement of the clinical picture. Based on the results of this study, Losartan is safe and effective in treating hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in addition to its antihypertensive effect and it also has benefits of reducing serum glucose, lipid levels; and improvement in the quality of life.

N400 elicited by incongruent ending words of Chinese idioms in healthy adults.

PubMed

Chen, Xing-shi; Tang, Yun-xiang; Xiao, Ze-ping; Wang, Ji-jun; Zhang, Ming-dao; Zhang, Zai-fu; Hu, Zhen-yu; Lou, Fei-ying; Chen, Chong; Zhang, Tian-hong

2010-03-20

Prior research about N400 has been mainly based on English stimuli, while the cognitive processing of Chinese characters is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the semantic processing of Chinese idioms. Event related potentials (ERP) component N400 was elicited by 38 pairs of matching (congruent) and mismatching (incongruent) ended Chinese idioms: ending words with same phoneme but different shape and meaning (sPdSdM), with similar shape but different phoneme and meaning (sSdPdM), with same meaning but different phoneme and shape (sMdPdS), and words with different phoneme, shape and meaning (dPdSdM) and recorded by Guangzhou Runjie WJ-1 ERP instruments. In 62 right-handed healthy adults (age 19 - 50 years), N400 amplitudes and latencies were compared between matching and mismatching conditions at Fz, Cz and Pz. N400 showed a midline distribution and could be elicited in electrodes Fz, Cz and Pz. The mean values of N400 latencies and amplitudes were obtained for matching and mismatching ending words in healthy adults. Significant differences were found in N400 latencies and amplitudes in matching and mismatching ending-words idioms in healthy adults (P < 0.05). Compared with matching ending-words idioms, N400 latencies were prolonged and the amplitudes were increased in mismatching ones. N400s elicited by different types of stimuli showed different latencies and amplitudes, and longest N400 latency and largest N400 amplitude were elicited by ending-words with dPdSdM. No gender difference was found of N400 latency and amplitude in this study (P > 0.05). Compared with English stimuli, Chinese ideographic words could provide more flexible stimuli for N400 research in that the words have 3-dimension changes - phoneme, shape and meaning. Features of N400 elicited by matching and mismatching ending words in Chinese idioms are mainly determined by the meaning of the word. Some issues of N400 elicited by Chinese characters deserve further research.

The natural progression and outcomes of adrenal incidentaloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Loh, Huai H; Yee, Anne; Loh, Huai S; Sukor, Norlela; Kamaruddin, Nor A

2017-03-01

Long-term outcome of patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) is unknown. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the follow-up and outcome of clinically silent AI who do not undergo surgery. All major databases and medical literature in English-language, published from 1998 to May 2015, were systematically searched for publications on AI. Primary endpoint was hormonal hyper function; secondary endpoints were time from diagnosis to study endpoint and the outcome of adrenalectomy. Meta-analysis was performed using both qualitative and quantitative approach. A total of 11 publications were included. Total sample size was 1298 patients. Mean follow-up duration was 44.2 months. There were 82 patients confirmed to have subclinical Cushing's syndrome at diagnosis, with 1.79% new cases at the end of follow up (95% CI, 0.002 to 0.045). Incidence of Cushing's syndrome was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.001 to 0.013) and pheochromocytoma 0.4% (95% CI, 0.001 to 0.008). The mean tumor size was 2.52cm, with mean increment of 0.03cm to 2.9cm at the end of follow up. About 3% of patients ended up with surgery (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05) but none were due to primary adrenal malignancy. Time of greatest risk of developing Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma was between months 36 and 42 (hazard rate 14%), and between months 48 and 54 (hazard rate 7%) respectively. Malignant change in non-functioning AI is rare. The risk of developing overt disease over the follow-up period is low. A less stringent imaging and functional work-up interval can be considered.

Internet Data Delivery for Future Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rash, James; Casasanta, Ralph; Hogie, Keith; Hennessy, Joseph F. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Ongoing work at National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), seeks to apply standard Internet applications and protocols to meet the technology challenge of future satellite missions. Internet protocols and technologies are under study as a future means to provide seamless dynamic communication among heterogeneous instruments, spacecraft, ground stations, constellations of spacecraft, and science investigators. The primary objective is to design and demonstrate in the laboratory the automated end-to-end transport of files in a simulated dynamic space environment using off-the-shelf, low-cost, commodity-level standard applications and protocols. The demonstrated functions and capabilities will become increasingly significant in the years to come as both earth and space science missions fly more sensors and as the need increases for more network-oriented mission operations. Another element of increasing significance will be the increased cost effectiveness of designing, building, integrating, and operating instruments and spacecraft that will come to the fore as more missions take up the approach of using commodity-level standard communications technologies. This paper describes how an IP (Internet Protocol)-based communication architecture can support all existing operations concepts and how it will enable some new and complex communication and science concepts. The authors identify specific end-to-end data flows from the instruments to the control centers and scientists, and then describe how each data flow can be supported using standard Internet protocols and applications. The scenarios include normal data downlink and command uplink as well as recovery scenarios for both onboard and ground failures. The scenarios are based on an Earth orbiting spacecraft with downlink data rates from 300 Kbps to 4 Mbps. Included examples are based on designs currently being investigated for potential use by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.

Effects of home-based diet and exercise on functional outcomes among older, overweight long-term cancer survivors: RENEW: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Morey, Miriam C; Snyder, Denise C; Sloane, Richard; Cohen, Harvey Jay; Peterson, Bercedis; Hartman, Terryl J; Miller, Paige; Mitchell, Diane C; Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy

2009-05-13

Five-year survival rates for early stage colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer currently exceed 90% and are increasing. Cancer survivors are at greater risk for second malignancies, other comorbidities, and accelerated functional decline. Lifestyle interventions may provide benefit, but it is unknown whether long-term cancer survivors can modify their lifestyle behaviors sufficiently to improve functional status. To determine whether a telephone counseling and mailed print material-based diet and exercise intervention is effective in reorienting functional decline in older, overweight cancer survivors. Randomized controlled trial of 641 overweight (body mass index > or = 25 and < 40), long-term (> or = 5 years) survivors (aged 65-91 years) of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 319) or delayed intervention (control) group (n = 322) in Canada, the United Kingdom, and 21 US states. Individuals were recruited for the Reach out to Enhance Wellness (RENEW) trial from July 1, 2005, through May 17, 2007. A 12-month, home-based tailored program of telephone counseling and mailed materials promoting exercise, improved diet quality, and modest weight loss. The control group was wait-listed for 12 months. Change in self-reported physical function on the Short-Form 36 physical function subscale (score range, 0-100; a high score indicates better functioning) from baseline to 12 months was the primary end point. Secondary outcomes included changes in function on the basic and advanced lower extremity function subscales of the Late Life Function and Disability Index (score range, 0-100), physical activity, body mass index, and overall health-related quality of life. The mean baseline Short-Form 36 physical function score was 75.7. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean function scores declined less rapidly in the intervention group (-2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.36 to -3.93) compared with the control group (-4.84; 95% CI, -3.04 to -6.63) (P = .03). The mean baseline basic lower extremity function score was 78.2. The mean changes in basic lower extremity function were 0.34 (95% CI, -0.84 to 1.52) in the intervention group compared with -1.89 (95% CI, -0.70 to -3.09) in the control group (P = .005). Physical activity, dietary behaviors, and overall quality of life increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group, and weight loss also was greater (2.06 kg [95% CI, 1.69 to 2.43 kg] vs 0.92 kg [95% CI, 0.51 to 1.33 kg], respectively; P < .001). Among older, long-term survivors of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, a diet and exercise intervention reduced the rate of self-reported functional decline compared with no intervention. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00303875.

Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Panic Disorder: Does the Inclusion of Stress Management Information Improve End-State Functioning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richards, Jeffrey C.; Klein, Britt; Austin, David W.

2006-01-01

Previous research has established Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for panic disorder (PD) as effective in reducing panic severity and frequency. There is evidence, however, that such programs are less effective at improving overall end-state functioning, defined by a PD clinician severity rating of [less than or equal to] 2 and…

Correlates of the categories of adolescent attachment styles: Perceived rearing, family function, early life events, and personality.

PubMed

Tanaka, Nao; Hasui, Chieko; Uji, Masayo; Hiramura, Hidetoshi; Chen, Zi; Shikai, Noriko; Kitamura, Toshinori

2008-02-01

To identify the psychosocial correlates of adolescents. Unmarried university students (n = 4226) aged 18-23 years were examined in a questionnaire survey. Four clusters of people (indifferent, secure, fearful, and preoccupied) identified by cluster analysis were plotted in 2-D using discriminant function analysis with the first function (father's and mother's Care, Cooperativeness, and family Cohesion on the positive end and Harm Avoidance and father's and mother's Overprotection on the negative end) representing the Self-model and the second function (Reward Dependence and experience of Peer Victimization on the positive end and Self-directedness on the negative end) representing the Other model. These findings partially support Bartholomew's notion that adult attachment is based on the good versus bad representations of the self and the other and that it is influenced by psychosocial environments experienced over the course of development.

Electronic properties of functionalized (5,5) beryllium oxide nanotubes.

PubMed

Chigo Anota, Ernesto; Cocoletzi, Gregorio Hernández

2013-05-01

Using the density functional theory (DFT) we study the structural and electronic properties of functionalized (5,5) chirality single wall beryllium oxide nanotubes (SW-BeONTs), i.e. armchair nanotubes. The nanotube surface and ends are functionalized by the hydroxyl (OH) functional group. Our calculations consider the Hamprecht-Cohen-Tozer-Handy functional in the generalized gradient approximation (HCTH-GGA) to deal with the exchange-correlation energies, and the base function with double polarization (DNP). The geometry optimization of both defects free and with point defects nanotubes is done applying the criterion of minimum energy. Six configurations are considered: The OH oriented toward the Be (on the surface and at the end), toward the O (on the surface and at the end) and placed at the nanotube ends. Simulation results show that the nanotube functionalization takes place at the nanotube ends with the BeO bond displaying hydrogen-like bridge bonds. Moreover the nanotube semiconductor behavior remains unchanged. The polarity is high (it shows a transition from covalent to ionic) favoring solvatation. On the other hand, the work function low value suggests this to be a good candidate for the device fabrication. When the nanotube contains surface point defects the work function is reduced which provides excellent possibilities for the use of this material in the electronic industry. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What a wish to die can mean: reasons, meanings and functions of wishes to die, reported from 30 qualitative case studies of terminally ill cancer patients in palliative care.

PubMed

Ohnsorge, Kathrin; Gudat, Heike; Rehmann-Sutter, Christoph

2014-01-01

Despite research efforts over recent decades to deepen our understanding of why some terminally ill patients express a wish to die (WTD), there is broad consensus that we need more detailed knowledge about the factors that might influence such a wish. The objective of this study is to explore the different possible motivations and explanations of patients who express or experience a WTD. Thirty terminally ill cancer patients, their caregivers and relatives; from a hospice, a palliative care ward in the oncology department of a general hospital, and an ambulatory palliative care service; 116 semi-structured qualitative interviews analysed using a complementary grounded theory and interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. THREE DIMENSIONS WERE FOUND TO BE CRUCIAL FOR UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYSING WTD STATEMENTS: intentions, motivations and social interactions. This article analyses the motivations of WTD statements. Motivations can further be differentiated into (1) reasons, (2) meanings and (3) functions. Reasons are the factors that patients understand as causing them to have or accounting for having a WTD. These reasons can be ordered along the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. Meanings describe the broader explanatory frameworks, which explain what this wish means to a patient. Meanings are larger narratives that reflect personal values and moral understandings and cannot be reduced to reasons. Functions describe the effects of the WTD on patients themselves or on others, conscious or unconscious, that might be part of the motivation for a WTD. Nine typical 'meanings' were identified in the study, including "to let death put an end to severe suffering", "to move on to another reality", and - more frequently- "to spare others from the burden of oneself". The distinction between reasons, meanings and functions allows for a more detailed understanding of the motivation for the WTD statements of cancer patients in palliative care situations. Better understanding is crucial to support patients and their relatives in end-of-life care and decision making. More research is required to investigate the types of motivations for WTD statements, also among non-cancer patients.

Charter for Systems Engineer Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suffredini, Michael T.; Grissom, Larry

2015-01-01

This charter establishes the International Space Station Program (ISSP) Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Systems Engineering Working Group (SEWG). The MSS SEWG is established to provide a mechanism for Systems Engineering for the end-to-end MSS function. The MSS end-to-end function includes the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), the Mobile Remote Servicer (MRS) Base System (MBS), Robotic Work Station (RWS), Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), Video Signal Converters (VSC), and Operations Control Software (OCS), the Mobile Transporter (MT), and by interfaces between and among these elements, and United States On-Orbit Segment (USOS) distributed systems, and other International Space Station Elements and Payloads, (including the Power Data Grapple Fixtures (PDGFs), MSS Capture Attach System (MCAS) and the Mobile Transporter Capture Latch (MTCL)). This end-to-end function will be supported by the ISS and MSS ground segment facilities. This charter defines the scope and limits of the program authority and document control that is delegated to the SEWG and it also identifies the panel core membership and specific operating policies.

ASICs Approach for the Implementation of a Symmetric Triangular Fuzzy Coprocessor and Its Application to Adaptive Filtering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starks, Scott; Abdel-Hafeez, Saleh; Usevitch, Bryan

1997-01-01

This paper discusses the implementation of a fuzzy logic system using an ASICs design approach. The approach is based upon combining the inherent advantages of symmetric triangular membership functions and fuzzy singleton sets to obtain a novel structure for fuzzy logic system application development. The resulting structure utilizes a fuzzy static RAM to store the rule-base and the end-points of the triangular membership functions. This provides advantages over other approaches in which all sampled values of membership functions for all universes must be stored. The fuzzy coprocessor structure implements the fuzzification and defuzzification processes through a two-stage parallel pipeline architecture which is capable of executing complex fuzzy computations in less than 0.55us with an accuracy of more than 95%, thus making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Using the approach presented in this paper, a fuzzy logic rule-base can be directly downloaded via a host processor to an onchip rule-base memory with a size of 64 words. The fuzzy coprocessor's design supports up to 49 rules for seven fuzzy membership functions associated with each of the chip's two input variables. This feature allows designers to create fuzzy logic systems without the need for additional on-board memory. Finally, the paper reports on simulation studies that were conducted for several adaptive filter applications using the least mean squared adaptive algorithm for adjusting the knowledge rule-base.

Development and initial testing of functional task exercise on older adults with cognitive impairment at risk of Alzheimer's disease--FcTSim programme--a feasibility study.

PubMed

Law, Lawla L F; Barnett, Fiona; Yau, Matthew K; Gray, Marion A

2013-12-01

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the development of a new functional task-based exercise programme and initially test its feasibility as well as effectiveness for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study used a single-group repeated-measures design. A total of 11 patients (mean age 71.8 years) were recruited to participate in a structured functional task exercise programme for 10 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline, post-intervention and post-3-month follow-up using the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test (CVVLT), Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL) and Problems in Everyday Living test (PEDL). Data were analysed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Cohen's d effect size was used to assess the practical significant effects. The participants showed significant improvement in NCSE composite score, VFT, CVVLT total free recall, CVVLT 10-minute delayed free recall, Lawton IADL and PEDL. Results of this study demonstrate that the newly designed functional task exercise programme, which uses simulated tasks, is feasible and beneficial to cognitive functions and functional status of older persons with MCI. The findings of the current study further reinforce occupational therapy practitioners' understanding that "occupation" is a "means" and an "end". Further study with a larger population is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

7 CFR 51.317 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.317 Damage. “Damage” means any specific defect defined in... quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches in... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

7 CFR 51.317 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.317 Damage. “Damage” means any specific defect defined in... quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches in... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

7 CFR 51.317 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.317 Damage. “Damage” means any specific defect defined in... quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches in... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

7 CFR 51.316 - Injury.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.316 Injury. “Injury” means any specific defect defined in... shipping quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

7 CFR 51.316 - Injury.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.316 Injury. “Injury” means any specific defect defined in... shipping quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

7 CFR 51.316 - Injury.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.316 Injury. “Injury” means any specific defect defined in... shipping quality of the apple. In addition, specific defect measurements are based on an apple three inches... cannot be seen when the apple is placed stem end or calyx end down on a flat surface shall not be...

Efficacy of azithromycin in the treatment of bronchiectasis.

PubMed

Lourdesamy Anthony, Albert I; Muthukumaru, Umadevi

2014-11-01

We evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week oral treatment with azithromycin in adult patients with bronchiectasis. The objectives were to demonstrate that this treatment reduces sputum volume, improves quality of life and to assess the lengths of effects after cessation of therapy. Seventy-eight patients with bronchiectasis confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography were included in this study. Subjects received oral azithromycin or placebo in a randomized manner for 12 weeks followed by placebo for another 12 weeks. Sputum volume, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and spirometry were recorded at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively. End-point measurements were compared from baseline to the end of each study phase. Sixty-eight subjects were included in the analysis. Mean 24-h sputum volume significantly decreased (P < 0.01) during the active treatment phase and remained low during the control phase (P < 0.01). The mean SGRQ total score with azithromycin decreased (i.e. improved health status) from baseline by more than the 4 points at the end of 12 and 24 weeks. Lung functions remained stable during oral azithromycin therapy and the subsequent control phase. Twelve weeks administration of azithromycin in bronchiectasis produces significant reductions in mean sputum volume, health status and stabilization of lung function values. Sputum volume reduction and the improvement of quality of life were sustained for 12 weeks after cessation of azithromycin. (Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02107274). © 2014 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to parallel-screw cylinder machined-neck implants and rough-surfaced microthreaded implants using digitized panoramic radiographs.

PubMed

Nickenig, Hans-Joachim; Wichmann, Manfred; Schlegel, Karl Andreas; Nkenke, Emeka; Eitner, Stephan

2009-06-01

The purpose of this split-mouth study was to compare macro- and microstructure implant surfaces at the marginal bone level during a stress-free healing period and under functional loading. From January to February 2006, 133 implants (70 rough-surfaced microthreaded implants and 63 machined-neck implants) were inserted in the mandible of 34 patients with Kennedy Class I residual dentitions and followed until February 2008. The marginal bone level was radiographically determined, using digitized panoramic radiographs, at four time points: at implant placement (baseline level), after the healing period, after 6 months of functional loading, and at the end of follow-up. The median follow-up time was 1.9 (range: 1.9-2.1) years. The machined-neck group had a mean crestal bone loss of 0.5 mm (range: 0-2.3) after the healing period, 0.8 mm after 6 months (range: 0-2.4), and 1.1 mm (range: 0-3) at the end of follow-up. The rough-surfaced microthreaded implant group had a mean bone loss of 0.1 mm (range: -0.4-2) after the healing period, 0.4 mm (range: 0-2.1) after 6 months, and 0.5 mm (range: 0-2.1) at the end of follow-up. The two implant types showed significant differences in marginal bone levels (healing period: P=0.01; end of follow-up: P<0.01). Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to machined-neck or rough-surfaced microthreaded implants showed that implants with the microthreaded design caused minimal changes in crestal bone levels during healing (stress-free) and under functional loading.

Effects of exercise training on systo-diastolic ventricular dysfunction in patients with hypertension: an echocardiographic study with tissue velocity and strain imaging evaluation.

PubMed

Leggio, Massimo; Mazza, Andrea; Cruciani, Giancarlo; Sgorbini, Luca; Pugliese, Marco; Bendini, Maria Grazia; Severi, Paolo; Jesi, Anna Patrizia

2014-07-01

There is a lack of detailed data regarding the effect of exercise training in pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on left and right ventricular morphologic and functional parameters by means of conventional echocardiography and sensitive new echocardiographic techniques including tissue Doppler velocity and strain imaging, that were performed in pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients at baseline and at the end of a specific exercise training protocol for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We selected 116 pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients who completed the exercise training protocol. All patients underwent a clinical history and examination; transthoracic echocardiography and exercise testing were performed at baseline and at the end of the exercise training protocol. Conventional echocardiography revealed a mild degree of diastolic dysfunction without significant differences or variations from baseline to the end of the exercise training protocol. In contrast, tissue Doppler velocity and strain imaging measurements demonstrated and highlighted the positive influence of exercise training: for both left and right ventricle myocardial early peak diastolic velocities (Em), the ratio of myocardial early-late peak diastolic velocity (Em/Am), myocardial peak systolic velocities (Sm) and peak strain and strain rate values significantly increased at the end of the exercise training protocol, suggesting a relationship between exercise capacity and both left and right ventricular systo-diastolic function. Our study, by means of newer more sensitive echocardiographic techniques, clearly demonstrated the positive impact of exercise training on both left and right ventricular systo-diastolic function, in terms of adjunctive subclinical improvement, in pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients.

Computer model analysis of the radial artery pressure waveform.

PubMed

Schwid, H A; Taylor, L A; Smith, N T

1987-10-01

Simultaneous measurements of aortic and radial artery pressures are reviewed, and a model of the cardiovascular system is presented. The model is based on resonant networks for the aorta and axillo-brachial-radial arterial system. The model chosen is a simple one, in order to make interpretation of the observed relationships clear. Despite its simplicity, the model produces realistic aortic and radial artery pressure waveforms. It demonstrates that the resonant properties of the arterial wall significantly alter the pressure waveform as it is propagated from the aorta to the radial artery. Although the mean and end-diastolic radial pressures are usually accurate estimates of the corresponding aortic pressures, the systolic pressure at the radial artery is often much higher than that of the aorta due to overshoot caused by the resonant behavior of the radial artery. The radial artery dicrotic notch is predominantly dependent on the axillo-brachial-radial arterial wall properties, rather than on the aortic valve or peripheral resistance. Hence the use of the radial artery dicrotic notch as an estimate of end systole is unreliable. The rate of systolic upstroke, dP/dt, of the radial artery waveform is a function of many factors, making it difficult to interpret. The radial artery waveform usually provides accurate estimates for mean and diastolic aortic pressures; for all other measurements it is an inadequate substitute for the aortic pressure waveform. In the presence of low forearm peripheral resistance the mean radial artery pressure may significantly underestimate the mean aortic pressure, as explained by a voltage divider model.

End-group-functionalized poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) via free-radical chain transfer polymerization: Influence of sulfur oxidation and cyclodextrin on self-organization and cloud points in water

PubMed Central

Reinelt, Sebastian; Steinke, Daniel

2014-01-01

Summary In this work we report the synthesis of thermo-, oxidation- and cyclodextrin- (CD) responsive end-group-functionalized polymers, based on N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEAAm). In a classical free-radical chain transfer polymerization, using thiol-functionalized 4-alkylphenols, namely 3-(4-(1,1-dimethylethan-1-yl)phenoxy)propane-1-thiol and 3-(4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy)propane-1-thiol, poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAAm) with well-defined hydrophobic end-groups is obtained. These end-group-functionalized polymers show different cloud point values, depending on the degree of polymerization and the presence of randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB-CD). Additionally, the influence of the oxidation of the incorporated thioether linkages on the cloud point is investigated. The resulting hydrophilic sulfoxides show higher cloud point values for the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). A high degree of functionalization is supported by 1H NMR-, SEC-, FTIR- and MALDI–TOF measurements. PMID:24778720

Effect of periodontal therapy on arterial structure and function among aboriginal australians: a randomized, controlled trial.

PubMed

Kapellas, Kostas; Maple-Brown, Louise J; Jamieson, Lisa M; Do, Loc G; O'Dea, Kerin; Brown, Alex; Cai, Tommy Y; Anstey, Nicholas M; Sullivan, David R; Wang, Hao; Celermajer, David S; Slade, Gary D; Skilton, Michael R

2014-10-01

Observational studies and nonrandomized trials support an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Both diseases occur frequently in Aboriginal Australians. We hypothesized that nonsurgical periodontal therapy would improve measures of arterial function and structure that are subclinical indicators of atherosclerotic vascular disease. This parallel-group, randomized, open label clinical trial enrolled 273 Aboriginal Australians aged ≥18 years with periodontitis. Intervention participants received full-mouth periodontal scaling during a single visit, whereas controls received no treatment. Prespecified primary end points measured 12-month change in carotid intima-media thickness, an indicator of arterial structure, and 3- and 12-month change in pulse wave velocity, an indicator of arterial function. ANCOVA used complete case data to evaluate treatment group differences. End points could be calculated for 169 participants with follow-up data at 3 months and 168 participants at 12 months. Intima-media thickness decreased significantly after 12 months in the intervention group (mean reduction=-0.023 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -0.038 to -0.008] mm) but not in the control group (mean increase=0.002 [95% CI, -0.017 to 0.022] mm). The difference in intima-media thickness change between treatment groups was statistically significant (-0.026 [95% CI, -0.048 to -0.003] mm; P=0.03). In contrast, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in pulse wave velocity at 3 months (mean difference, 0.06 [95% CI, -0.17 to 0.29] m/s; P=0.594) or 12 months (mean difference, 0.21 [95% CI, -0.01 to 0.43] m/s; P=0.062). Periodontal therapy reduced subclinical arterial thickness but not function in Aboriginal Australians with periodontal disease, suggesting periodontal disease and atherosclerosis are significantly associated. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Generalized One-Band Model Based on Zhang-Rice Singlets for Tetragonal CuO.

PubMed

Hamad, I J; Manuel, L O; Aligia, A A

2018-04-27

Tetragonal CuO (T-CuO) has attracted attention because of its structure similar to that of the cuprates. It has been recently proposed as a compound whose study can give an end to the long debate about the proper microscopic modeling for cuprates. In this work, we rigorously derive an effective one-band generalized t-J model for T-CuO, based on orthogonalized Zhang-Rice singlets, and make an estimative calculation of its parameters, based on previous ab initio calculations. By means of the self-consistent Born approximation, we then evaluate the spectral function and the quasiparticle dispersion for a single hole doped in antiferromagnetically ordered half filled T-CuO. Our predictions show very good agreement with angle-resolved photoemission spectra and with theoretical multiband results. We conclude that a generalized t-J model remains the minimal Hamiltonian for a correct description of single-hole dynamics in cuprates.

Generalized One-Band Model Based on Zhang-Rice Singlets for Tetragonal CuO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamad, I. J.; Manuel, L. O.; Aligia, A. A.

2018-04-01

Tetragonal CuO (T-CuO) has attracted attention because of its structure similar to that of the cuprates. It has been recently proposed as a compound whose study can give an end to the long debate about the proper microscopic modeling for cuprates. In this work, we rigorously derive an effective one-band generalized t -J model for T-CuO, based on orthogonalized Zhang-Rice singlets, and make an estimative calculation of its parameters, based on previous ab initio calculations. By means of the self-consistent Born approximation, we then evaluate the spectral function and the quasiparticle dispersion for a single hole doped in antiferromagnetically ordered half filled T-CuO. Our predictions show very good agreement with angle-resolved photoemission spectra and with theoretical multiband results. We conclude that a generalized t -J model remains the minimal Hamiltonian for a correct description of single-hole dynamics in cuprates.

Right ventricular morphology and function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients living at high altitude.

PubMed

Güvenç, Tolga Sinan; Erer, Hatice Betül; Kul, Seref; Perinçek, Gökhan; Ilhan, Sami; Sayar, Nurten; Yıldırım, Binnaz Zeynep; Doğan, Coşkun; Karabağ, Yavuz; Balcı, Bahattin; Eren, Mehmet

2013-01-01

Pulmonary vasculature is affected in patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). As a result of increased pulmonary resistance, right ventricular morphology and function are altered in COPD patients. High altitude and related hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction, thereby affecting the right ventricle. We aimed to investigate the combined effects of COPD and altitude-related chronic hypoxia on right ventricular morphology and function. Forty COPD patients living at high altitude (1768 m) and 41 COPD patients living at sea level were enrolled in the study. All participants were diagnosed as COPD by a pulmonary diseases specialist depending on symptoms, radiologic findings and pulmonary function test results. Detailed two-dimensional echocardiography was performed by a cardiologist at both study locations. Oxygen saturation and mean pulmonary artery pressure were higher in the high altitude group. Right ventricular end diastolic diameter, end systolic diameter, height and end systolic area were significantly higher in the high altitude group compared to the sea level group. Parameters of systolic function, including tricuspid annular systolic excursion, systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus and right ventricular isovolumic acceleration were similar between groups, while fractional area change was significantly higher in the sea level groups compared to the high altitude group. Indices of diastolic function and myocardial performance index were similar between groups. An increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular dimensions are observed in COPD patients living at high altitude. Despite this increase, systolic and diastolic functions of the right ventricle, as well as global right ventricular performance are similar in COPD patients living at high altitude and sea level. Altitude-related adaptation to chronic hypoxia could explain these findings. Copyright © 2012 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the fusion of tuning parameters of fuzzy rules and neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamuda, Mamman; Sathasivam, Saratha

2017-08-01

Learning fuzzy rule-based system with neural network can lead to a precise valuable empathy of several problems. Fuzzy logic offers a simple way to reach at a definite conclusion based upon its vague, ambiguous, imprecise, noisy or missing input information. Conventional learning algorithm for tuning parameters of fuzzy rules using training input-output data usually end in a weak firing state, this certainly powers the fuzzy rule and makes it insecure for a multiple-input fuzzy system. In this paper, we introduce a new learning algorithm for tuning the parameters of the fuzzy rules alongside with radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) in training input-output data based on the gradient descent method. By the new learning algorithm, the problem of weak firing using the conventional method was addressed. We illustrated the efficiency of our new learning algorithm by means of numerical examples. MATLAB R2014(a) software was used in simulating our result The result shows that the new learning method has the best advantage of training the fuzzy rules without tempering with the fuzzy rule table which allowed a membership function of the rule to be used more than one time in the fuzzy rule base.

Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Tosun, Betul; Unal, Nursemin; Yigit, Deniz; Can, Nuray; Aslan, Ozlem; Tunay, Servet

2017-11-01

The purpose of our study was to assess the effects of self-knee massage with ginger oil on pain and daily living activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants (N = 68) were asked about their sociodemographic characteristics, pain level in the last week using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functionality in activities of daily living with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Standard treatment prescribed by a physician was given to the patients with osteoarthritis. In addition to the standard treatment, self-knee massage with ginger oil twice a week was recommended to the intervention group (n = 34). At the end of the first and fifth week, participants in both groups were assessed regarding pain and functional state. The mean VAS Pain scores of the intervention group were significantly lower at the end of the first and fifth weeks (p< .05). The mean total scores and mean Function subscale scores of the WOMAC were significantly lower in massage group in the first- and fifth-week assessments (p < .05). Self-massage of the knee with ginger oil may be used as a complementary method to standard medical treatment. Nurses can easily train patients and their caregivers on knee massage, and the intervention can be implemented by patients at home without any restrictions on location.

Improving performance through concept formation and conceptual clustering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Douglas H.

1992-01-01

Research from June 1989 through October 1992 focussed on concept formation, clustering, and supervised learning for purposes of improving the efficiency of problem-solving, planning, and diagnosis. These projects resulted in two dissertations on clustering, explanation-based learning, and means-ends planning, and publications in conferences and workshops, several book chapters, and journals; a complete Bibliography of NASA Ames supported publications is included. The following topics are studied: clustering of explanations and problem-solving experiences; clustering and means-end planning; and diagnosis of space shuttle and space station operating modes.

"Insight" in pigeons: absence of means-end processing in displacement tests.

PubMed

Cook, Robert G; Fowler, Catherine

2014-03-01

The understanding of functional relations between action and consequence is a critical component of intelligence. To examine this linkage in pigeons, we investigated their understanding of the relations of the elements tested in an extension of Köhler's box stacking task to this species. In the experiments, the pigeons had to move a spatially displaced box under an out-of-reach target. Experiment 1 successfully replicated and extended the previous finding showing that when separately trained to move a box and stand on it to peck the target, pigeons can synthesize these behaviors to solve the single-box displacement problem quickly on their first attempt. Experiment 2 tested whether pigeons, when given a simultaneous choice between two boxes with identical reinforcement histories, would selectively choose the box with the correct functional affordance (i.e., permitting standing) to solve the problem rather than a non-functional one. Their extensive, equivalent, and undirected behavior in moving both boxes during these tests suggests the pigeons did not possess a means-end understanding of the functional properties of the boxes. Instead, their results were consistent with an analysis of their earlier synthetic behavior as being due to the temporal and spatial relations of the physical elements in the task and their prior learned behaviors.

Synchronization behaviors of coupled systems composed of hidden attractors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ge; Wu, Fuqiang; Wang, Chunni; Ma, Jun

2017-10-01

Based on a class of chaotic system composed of hidden attractors, in which the equilibrium points are described by a circular function, complete synchronization between two identical systems, pattern formation and synchronization of network is investigated, respectively. A statistical factor of synchronization is defined and calculated by using the mean field theory, the dependence of synchronization on bifurcation parameters discussed in numerical way. By setting a chain network, which local kinetic is described by hidden attractors, synchronization approach is investigated. It is found that the synchronization and pattern formation are dependent on the coupling intensity and also the selection of coupling variables. In the end, open problems are proposed for readers’ extensive guidance and investigation.

Cholecalciferol, Calcitriol, and Vascular Function in CKD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

PubMed

Kendrick, Jessica; Andrews, Emily; You, Zhiying; Moreau, Kerrie; Nowak, Kristen L; Farmer-Bailey, Heather; Seals, Douglas R; Chonchol, Michel

2017-09-07

High circulating vitamin D levels are associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in CKD, possibly by modifying endothelial function. We examined the effect of calcitriol versus cholecalciferol supplementation on vascular endothelial function in patients with CKD. We performed a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial of 128 adult patients with eGFR=15-44 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <30 ng/ml at the University of Colorado. Participants were randomly assigned to oral cholecalciferol (2000 IU daily) or calcitriol (0.5 μ g) daily for 6 months. The primary end point was change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Secondary end points included changes in circulating markers of mineral metabolism and circulating and cellular markers of inflammation. One hundred and fifteen patients completed the study. The mean (SD) age and eGFR of participants were 58±12 years old and 33.0±10.2 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. After 6 months, neither calcitriol nor cholecalciferol treatment resulted in a significant improvement in flow-mediated dilation (mean±SD percentage flow-mediated dilation; calcitriol: baseline 4.8±3.1%, end of study 5.1±3.6%; cholecalciferol: baseline 5.2±5.2%, end of study 4.7±3.6%); 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels increased significantly in the cholecalciferol group compared with the calcitriol group (cholecalciferol: 11.0±9.5 ng/ml; calcitriol: -0.8±4.8 ng/ml; P <0.001). Parathyroid hormone levels decreased significantly in the calcitriol group compared with the cholecalciferol group (median [interquartile range]; calcitriol: -22.1 [-48.7-3.5] pg/ml; cholecalciferol: -0.3 [-22.6-16.9] pg/ml; P =0.004). Six months of therapy with calcitriol or cholecalciferol did not improve vascular endothelial function or improve inflammation in patients with CKD. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Cognitive Function in a Randomized Trial of Evolocumab.

PubMed

Giugliano, Robert P; Mach, François; Zavitz, Kenton; Kurtz, Christopher; Im, Kyungah; Kanevsky, Estella; Schneider, Jingjing; Wang, Huei; Keech, Anthony; Pedersen, Terje R; Sabatine, Marc S; Sever, Peter S; Robinson, Jennifer G; Honarpour, Narimon; Wasserman, Scott M; Ott, Brian R

2017-08-17

Background Findings from clinical trials of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have led to concern that these drugs or the low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that result from their use are associated with cognitive deficits. Methods In a subgroup of patients from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of evolocumab added to statin therapy, we prospectively assessed cognitive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. The primary end point was the score on the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function (scores range from 4 to 28, with lower scores indicating a more efficient use of strategy and planning). Secondary end points were the scores for working memory (scores range from 0 to 279, with lower scores indicating fewer errors), episodic memory (scores range from 0 to 70, with lower scores indicating fewer errors), and psychomotor speed (scores range from 100 to 5100 msec, with faster times representing better performance). Assessments of cognitive function were performed at baseline, week 24, yearly, and at the end of the trial. The primary analysis was a noninferiority comparison of the mean change from baseline in the score on the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function between the patients who received evolocumab and those who received placebo; the noninferiority margin was set at 20% of the standard deviation of the score in the placebo group. Results A total of 1204 patients were followed for a median of 19 months; the mean (±SD) change from baseline over time in the raw score for the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function (primary end point) was -0.21±2.62 in the evolocumab group and -0.29±2.81 in the placebo group (P<0.001 for noninferiority; P=0.85 for superiority). There were no significant between-group differences in the secondary end points of scores for working memory (change in raw score, -0.52 in the evolocumab group and -0.93 in the placebo group), episodic memory (change in raw score, -1.53 and -1.53, respectively), or psychomotor speed (change in raw score, 5.2 msec and 0.9 msec, respectively). In an exploratory analysis, there were no associations between LDL cholesterol levels and cognitive changes. Conclusions In a randomized trial involving patients who received either evolocumab or placebo in addition to statin therapy, no significant between-group difference in cognitive function was observed over a median of 19 months. (Funded by Amgen; EBBINGHAUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02207634 .).

Patterns of dignity-related distress at the end of life: a cross-sectional study of patients with advanced cancer and care home residents.

PubMed

Hall, Sue; Davies, Joanna M; Gao, Wei; Higginson, Irene J

2014-10-01

To provide effective palliative care in different settings, it is important to understand and identify the sources of dignity-related distress experienced by people nearing the end of life. To describe and compare the sources of dignity-related distress reported by cancer patients and care home residents. Secondary analysis of merged data. Participants completed the Patient Dignity Inventory (assessing 25 sources of dignity-related distress) and measures of quality of life and depression. A total of 45 adult patients with advanced cancer referred to hospital-based palliative care teams in London, United Kingdom, and 60 residents living in one of 15 care homes in London. Care home residents were older and had poorer functioning. Both groups reported a wide range of dignity-related problems. Although the number or problems reported on the Patient Dignity Inventory was similar for the two groups (mean (standard deviation): 5.9 (5.5) for cancer patients and 4.1 (4.3) for care home residents, p = 0.07), there was a tendency for more cancer patients to report some existential problems. Experiencing physically distressing symptoms and functional limitations were prevalent problems for both groups. Patient Dignity Inventory problems were associated with poorer performance status and functioning for residents, with age and cognitive impairment for cancer patients and with poorer quality of life and depression for both groups. Although characteristics of the samples differed, similarities in the dignity-related problems reported by cancer patients and care home residents support research suggesting a common pathway towards death for malignant and non-malignant disease. A wider understanding of the sources of dignity-related distress would help clinicians provide more effective end-of-life care. © The Author(s) 2014.

Poly(ethyleneoxide) functionalization through alkylation

DOEpatents

Sivanandan, Kulandaivelu; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Li, Yan; Pratt, Russell Clayton

2015-04-21

A new and efficient method of functionalizing high molecular weight polymers through alkylation using a metal amide base is described. This novel procedure can also be used to synthesize polymer-based macro-initiators containing radical initiating groups at the chain-ends for synthesis of block copolymers.

Possible contribution of chronobiology to cardiovascular health.

PubMed

Sato, Miho; Matsuo, Takahiro; Atmore, Henry; Akashi, Makoto

2013-01-01

The daily variations found in many aspects of physiology are collectively known as circadian rhythm (from "circa" meaning "about" and "dien" meaning "day"). Circadian oscillation in clock gene expression can generate quantitative or functional variations of the molecules directly involved in many physiological functions. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock, the transmission of circadian effects to cardiovascular functions, and the effects of circadian dysfunction on cardiovascular diseases. An evaluation of the operation of the internal clock is needed in clinical settings and will be an effective tool in the diagnosis of circadian rhythm disorders. Toward this end, we introduce a novel non-invasive method for assessing circadian time-regulation in human beings through the utilization of hair follicle cells.

The Paradox of Evidence-Based Education: From the Decline of Education to Abandonment of the Theories of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matsushita, Ryohei

2017-01-01

In the field of education, evidence means an objective ground for setting or judging an educational policy, plan or method, as an effective means to attain a given political end or educational objective. Evidence-based education has been regarded as a decisive device to pursue the accountability and improve the quality of education by connecting…

Highly Conductive Thin Uniform Gold-Coated DNA Nanowires.

PubMed

Stern, Avigail; Eidelshtein, Gennady; Zhuravel, Roman; Livshits, Gideon I; Rotem, Dvir; Kotlyar, Alexander; Porath, Danny

2018-06-01

Over the past decades, DNA, the carrier of genetic information, has been used by researchers as a structural template material. Watson-Crick base pairing enables the formation of complex 2D and 3D structures from DNA through self-assembly. Various methods have been developed to functionalize these structures for numerous utilities. Metallization of DNA has attracted much attention as a means of forming conductive nanostructures. Nevertheless, most of the metallized DNA wires reported so far suffer from irregularity and lack of end-to-end electrical connectivity. An effective technique for formation of thin gold-coated DNA wires that overcomes these drawbacks is developed and presented here. A conductive atomic force microscopy setup, which is suitable for measuring tens to thousands of nanometer long molecules and wires, is used to characterize these DNA-based nanowires. The wires reported here are the narrowest gold-coated DNA wires that display long-range conductivity. The measurements presented show that the conductivity is limited by defects, and that thicker gold coating reduces the number of defects and increases the conductive length. This preparation method enables the formation of molecular wires with dimensions and uniformity that are much more suitable for DNA-based molecular electronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Physical Therapy-Related Child Outcomes in School: An Example of Practice-Based Evidence Methodology.

PubMed

Effgen, Susan K; McCoy, Sarah Westcott; Chiarello, Lisa A; Jeffries, Lynn M; Bush, Heather

2016-01-01

To describe the use of practice-based evidence research methodology in a prospective, multisite observational study to investigate changes in students' participation in school activity, self-care, posture/mobility, recreation/fitness, and academic outcomes, and the relationships of these changes to characteristics of school-based physical therapy. One hundred nine physical therapists completed the training and data collection and 296 students, 5 to 12 years of age (mean age = 7.3 years) had 6 months of complete data. Therapists completed individualized (Goal Attainment Scaling) and standardized (School Function Assessment) outcome measures for students at the beginning and end of the school year and during the year collected weekly data on services to and on behalf of the students. This research design enabled the investigation of complex research questions related to school-based practice. The findings of this study, to be reported later, should influence school-based therapy by providing guidance related to what activities, interventions, and services influence student outcomes.

Physical Therapists' Perceptions of School-Based Practices.

PubMed

Holt, Sheryl L; Kuperstein, Janice; Effgen, Susan K

2015-01-01

Surveys have reported that most school-based physical therapists perceive ideal practices are not commonly implemented in their settings. Our aim was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of these perceptions through open-ended inquiry. Qualitative data were derived from voluntary open-ended responses provided upon completion of a survey regarding school-based physical therapy practice. Of the survey's 561 participants, 250 provided open-ended commentaries that were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. Six qualitative themes emerged from the open-ended responses, including: In quest: Meeting students' school-based needs via physical therapy; Seeking relatedness: Finding working teams in the school system; Building understanding: Developing a voice/identity in the school context; Stretched beyond limits: Managing workloads; Networking: Coordinating services outside school to meet student needs; Defying definition: What does working in an educational model mean? School-based physical therapists seek to meet educationally relevant physical therapy needs of students, ages 3 to 21 years. Successes appear woven of a multitude of factors such as therapist expertise, team dynamics, and district supports.

What do Non-clergy Spiritual Care Providers Contribute to End of Life Care in Israel? A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Pagis, Michal; Tal, Orly; Cadge, Wendy

2017-04-01

Spiritual care is an increasingly important component of end of life care. As it emerges in Israel, it is intentionally built on a nonclerical model. Based on interviews with spiritual care providers in Israel, we find that they help patients and families talk about death and say goodbyes. They encourage the wrapping up of unfinished business, offer diverse cultural resources that can provide meaning, and use presence and touch to produce connection. As spiritual care emerges in Israel, providers are working with patients at the end of life in ways they see as quite distinct from rabbis. They offer broad frames of meaning to which patients from a range of religious traditions can connect.

Comparison of Direct Side-to-End and End-to-End Hypoglossal-Facial Anastomosis for Facial Nerve Repair.

PubMed

Samii, Madjid; Alimohamadi, Maysam; Khouzani, Reza Karimi; Rashid, Masoud Rafizadeh; Gerganov, Venelin

2015-08-01

The hypoglossal facial anastomosis (HFA) is the gold standard for facial reanimation in patients with severe facial nerve palsy. The major drawbacks of the classic HFA technique are lingual morbidities due to hypoglossal nerve transection. The side-to-end HFA is a modification of the classic technique with fewer tongue-related morbidities. In this study we compared the outcome of the classic end-to-end and the direct side-to-end HFA surgeries performed at our center in regards to the facial reanimation success rate and tongue-related morbidities. Twenty-six successive cases of HFA were enrolled. In 9 of them end-to-end anastomoses were performed, and 17 had direct side-to-end anastomoses. The House-Brackmann (HB) and Pitty and Tator (PT) scales were used to document surgical outcome. The hemiglossal atrophy, swallowing, and hypoglossal nerve function were assessed at follow-up. The original pathology was vestibular schwannoma in 15, meningioma in 4, brain stem glioma in 4, and other pathologies in 3. The mean interval between facial palsy and HFA was 18 months (range: 0-60). The median follow-up period was 20 months. The PT grade at follow-up was worse in patients with a longer interval from facial palsy and HFA (P value: 0.041). The lesion type was the only other factor that affected PT grade (the best results in vestibular schwannoma and the worst in the other pathologies group, P value: 0.038). The recovery period for facial tonicity was longer in patients with radiation therapy before HFA (13.5 vs. 8.5 months) and those with a longer than 2-year interval from facial palsy to HFA (13.5 vs. 8.5 months). Although no significant difference between the side-to-end and the end-to-end groups was seen in terms of facial nerve functional recovery, patients from the side-to-end group had a significantly lower rate of lingual morbidities (tongue hemiatrophy: 100% vs. 5.8%, swallowing difficulty: 55% vs. 11.7%, speech disorder 33% vs. 0%). With the side-to-end HFA technique the functional restoration outcome is at least as good as that following the classic end-to-end HFA, but the complications related to the complete hypoglossal nerve transection can be avoided. Best results are achieved if this procedure is performed within the first 2 years after facial nerve injury. Patients with facial palsy of longer duration also have the chance for good functional restoration after HFA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What a wish to die can mean: reasons, meanings and functions of wishes to die, reported from 30 qualitative case studies of terminally ill cancer patients in palliative care

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Despite research efforts over recent decades to deepen our understanding of why some terminally ill patients express a wish to die (WTD), there is broad consensus that we need more detailed knowledge about the factors that might influence such a wish. The objective of this study is to explore the different possible motivations and explanations of patients who express or experience a WTD. Methods Thirty terminally ill cancer patients, their caregivers and relatives; from a hospice, a palliative care ward in the oncology department of a general hospital, and an ambulatory palliative care service; 116 semi-structured qualitative interviews analysed using a complementary grounded theory and interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. Results Three dimensions were found to be crucial for understanding and analysing WTD statements: intentions, motivations and social interactions. This article analyses the motivations of WTD statements. Motivations can further be differentiated into (1) reasons, (2) meanings and (3) functions. Reasons are the factors that patients understand as causing them to have or accounting for having a WTD. These reasons can be ordered along the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. Meanings describe the broader explanatory frameworks, which explain what this wish means to a patient. Meanings are larger narratives that reflect personal values and moral understandings and cannot be reduced to reasons. Functions describe the effects of the WTD on patients themselves or on others, conscious or unconscious, that might be part of the motivation for a WTD. Nine typical ‘meanings’ were identified in the study, including “to let death put an end to severe suffering”, “to move on to another reality”, and – more frequently– “to spare others from the burden of oneself”. Conclusions The distinction between reasons, meanings and functions allows for a more detailed understanding of the motivation for the WTD statements of cancer patients in palliative care situations. Better understanding is crucial to support patients and their relatives in end-of-life care and decision making. More research is required to investigate the types of motivations for WTD statements, also among non-cancer patients. PMID:25161387

Matched Field Processing Based on Least Squares with a Small Aperture Hydrophone Array.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Wang, Yingmin; Zhu, Guolei

2016-12-30

The receiver hydrophone array is the signal front-end and plays an important role in matched field processing, which usually covers the whole water column from the sea surface to the bottom. Such a large aperture array is very difficult to realize. To solve this problem, an approach called matched field processing based on least squares with a small aperture hydrophone array is proposed, which decomposes the received acoustic fields into depth function matrix and amplitudes of the normal modes at the beginning. Then all the mode amplitudes are estimated using the least squares in the sense of minimum norm, and the amplitudes estimated are used to recalculate the received acoustic fields of the small aperture array, which means the recalculated ones contain more environmental information. In the end, lots of numerical experiments with three small aperture arrays are processed in the classical shallow water, and the performance of matched field passive localization is evaluated. The results show that the proposed method can make the recalculated fields contain more acoustic information of the source, and the performance of matched field passive localization with small aperture array is improved, so the proposed algorithm is proved to be effective.

Matched Field Processing Based on Least Squares with a Small Aperture Hydrophone Array

PubMed Central

Wang, Qi; Wang, Yingmin; Zhu, Guolei

2016-01-01

The receiver hydrophone array is the signal front-end and plays an important role in matched field processing, which usually covers the whole water column from the sea surface to the bottom. Such a large aperture array is very difficult to realize. To solve this problem, an approach called matched field processing based on least squares with a small aperture hydrophone array is proposed, which decomposes the received acoustic fields into depth function matrix and amplitudes of the normal modes at the beginning. Then all the mode amplitudes are estimated using the least squares in the sense of minimum norm, and the amplitudes estimated are used to recalculate the received acoustic fields of the small aperture array, which means the recalculated ones contain more environmental information. In the end, lots of numerical experiments with three small aperture arrays are processed in the classical shallow water, and the performance of matched field passive localization is evaluated. The results show that the proposed method can make the recalculated fields contain more acoustic information of the source, and the performance of matched field passive localization with small aperture array is improved, so the proposed algorithm is proved to be effective. PMID:28042828

Atlas-Based Ventricular Shape Analysis for Understanding Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Farrar, Genevieve; Suinesiaputra, Avan; Gilbert, Kathleen; Perry, James C; Hegde, Sanjeet; Marsden, Alison; Young, Alistair A; Omens, Jeffrey H; McCulloch, Andrew D

2016-12-01

Congenital heart disease is associated with abnormal ventricular shape that can affect wall mechanics and may be predictive of long-term adverse outcomes. Atlas-based parametric shape analysis was used to analyze ventricular geometries of eight adolescent or adult single-ventricle CHD patients with tricuspid atresia and Fontans. These patients were compared with an "atlas" of non-congenital asymptomatic volunteers, resulting in a set of z-scores which quantify deviations from the control population distribution on a patient-by-patient basis. We examined the potential of these scores to: (1) quantify abnormalities of ventricular geometry in single ventricle physiologies relative to the normal population; (2) comprehensively quantify wall motion in CHD patients; and (3) identify possible relationships between ventricular shape and wall motion that may reflect underlying functional defects or remodeling in CHD patients. CHD ventricular geometries at end-diastole and end-systole were individually compared with statistical shape properties of an asymptomatic population from the Cardiac Atlas Project. Shape analysis-derived model properties, and myocardial wall motions between end-diastole and end-systole, were compared with physician observations of clinical functional parameters. Relationships between altered shape and altered function were evaluated via correlations between atlas-based shape and wall motion scores. Atlas-based shape analysis identified a diverse set of specific quantifiable abnormalities in ventricular geometry or myocardial wall motion in all subjects. Moreover, this initial cohort displayed significant relationships between specific shape abnormalities such as increased ventricular sphericity and functional defects in myocardial deformation, such as decreased long-axis wall motion. These findings suggest that atlas-based ventricular shape analysis may be a useful new tool in the management of patients with CHD who are at risk of impaired ventricular wall mechanics and chamber remodeling.

Machine vision method for online surface inspection of easy open can ends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariño, Perfecto; Pastoriza, Vicente; Santamaría, Miguel

2006-10-01

Easy open can end manufacturing process in the food canning sector currently makes use of a manual, non-destructive testing procedure to guarantee can end repair coating quality. This surface inspection is based on a visual inspection made by human inspectors. Due to the high production rate (100 to 500 ends per minute) only a small part of each lot is verified (statistical sampling), then an automatic, online, inspection system, based on machine vision, has been developed to improve this quality control. The inspection system uses a fuzzy model to make the acceptance/rejection decision for each can end from the information obtained by the vision sensor. In this work, the inspection method is presented. This surface inspection system checks the total production, classifies the ends in agreement with an expert human inspector, supplies interpretability to the operators in order to find out the failure causes and reduce mean time to repair during failures, and allows to modify the minimum can end repair coating quality.

49 CFR 563.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... function in a vehicle that records the vehicle's dynamic time-series data during the time period just prior... updated at regular time intervals. Delta-V, lateral means the cumulative change in velocity, as recorded by the EDR of the vehicle, along the lateral axis, starting from crash time zero and ending at 0.25...

49 CFR 563.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... function in a vehicle that records the vehicle's dynamic time-series data during the time period just prior... updated at regular time intervals. Delta-V, lateral means the cumulative change in velocity, as recorded by the EDR of the vehicle, along the lateral axis, starting from crash time zero and ending at 0.25...

49 CFR 563.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... function in a vehicle that records the vehicle's dynamic time-series data during the time period just prior... updated at regular time intervals. Delta-V, lateral means the cumulative change in velocity, as recorded by the EDR of the vehicle, along the lateral axis, starting from crash time zero and ending at 0.25...

[Influence of factors on independence of patients after stroke in early rehabilitation stage].

PubMed

Petruseviciene, Daiva; Krisciūnas, Aleksandras

2005-01-01

Brain stroke is the main cause of disability starting from age of 40 years. Due to this disability, a person loses his ability to work because of long-lasting disorders of biosocial functions. According to literature, occupational therapy for such patients, taking regard to their social, cultural and economic background, significantly increases their self-care and independence and helps to educate working skills. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate conditional disorders of patients with stroke under rehabilitation and to establish the influence of extent of brain damage, localization, age and gender on effectiveness of occupational therapy. Study included 47 men and 53 women diagnosed with brain ischemia or hemorrhage (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke). Out of them, 30 were of working age (18-59 years old) and 70 of non-working age (more than 60 years old). The mean age was 63.4+/-1.2 years. In order to assess the functional status of patients, they were tested using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). At the start of rehabilitation, the mean FIM score was 47.4+/-16.1 (48.9+/-15.6 for men and 46.3+/-16.6 for women, p>0.05). At the end of early rehabilitation, the mean FIM score reached up to 89.9+/-22.3 (94.7+/-18.9 for men and 85.7+/-24.3 for women, p<0.05). Evaluation of functional status showed that at the start of rehabilitation functional status was worse in women than men, nevertheless, women's functional status improved during rehabilitation, though the difference between men and women still remained. Occupational therapy was less effective for patients who suffered from hemiplegia than for patients with hemiparesis (p<0.01). Older patients (more than 60 years) had more expressed functional disorders, and worse functional recovery comparing with younger, working age patients (18-59 years old). Evaluation of occupational therapy effectiveness at the end of early rehabilitation showed that extent of brain damage influences independence of patients suffering from brain stroke (p<0.01).

On piecewise interpolation techniques for estimating solar radiation missing values in Kedah

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

Saaban, Azizan; Zainudin, Lutfi; Bakar, Mohd Nazari Abu

2014-12-04

This paper discusses the use of piecewise interpolation method based on cubic Ball and Bézier curves representation to estimate the missing value of solar radiation in Kedah. An hourly solar radiation dataset is collected at Alor Setar Meteorology Station that is taken from Malaysian Meteorology Deparment. The piecewise cubic Ball and Bézier functions that interpolate the data points are defined on each hourly intervals of solar radiation measurement and is obtained by prescribing first order derivatives at the starts and ends of the intervals. We compare the performance of our proposed method with existing methods using Root Mean Squared Errormore » (RMSE) and Coefficient of Detemination (CoD) which is based on missing values simulation datasets. The results show that our method is outperformed the other previous methods.« less

Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, L-arginine and left ventricular structure and function in a community-based sample.

PubMed

Lieb, Wolfgang; Benndorf, Ralf A; Benjamin, Emelia J; Sullivan, Lisa M; Maas, Renke; Xanthakis, Vanessa; Schwedhelm, Edzard; Aragam, Jayashri; Schulze, Friedrich; Böger, Rainer H; Vasan, Ramachandran S

2009-05-01

Increasing evidence indicates that cardiac structure and function are modulated by the nitric oxide (NO) system. Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA; a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase) have been reported in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is unclear if circulating ADMA and L-arginine levels are related to cardiac structure and function in the general population. We related plasma ADMA and L-arginine (the amino acid precursor of NO) to echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) mass, left atrial (LA) size and fractional shortening (FS) using multivariable linear regression analyses in 1919 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 57 years, 58% women). Overall, neither ADMA or L-arginine, nor their ratio was associated with LV mass, LA size and FS in multivariable models (p>0.10 for all). However, we observed effect modification by obesity of the relations of ADMA and LA size (p for interaction p=0.04): ADMA was positively related to LA size in obese individuals (adjusted-p=0.0004 for trend across ADMA quartiles) but not in non-obese people. In our large community-based sample, plasma ADMA and l-arginine concentrations were not related to cardiac structure or function. The observation of positive relations of LA size and ADMA in obese individuals warrants confirmation.

Facilitating 3D Virtual World Learning Environments Creation by Non-Technical End Users through Template-Based Virtual World Instantiation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Chang; Zhong, Ying; Ozercan, Sertac; Zhu, Qing

2013-01-01

This paper presents a template-based solution to overcome technical barriers non-technical computer end users face when developing functional learning environments in three-dimensional virtual worlds (3DVW). "iVirtualWorld," a prototype of a platform-independent 3DVW creation tool that implements the proposed solution, facilitates 3DVW…

Prediction of Liver Function by Using Magnetic Resonance-based Portal Venous Perfusion Imaging

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

Cao Yue, E-mail: yuecao@umich.edu; Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Wang Hesheng

2013-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate whether liver function can be assessed globally and spatially by using volumetric dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging MRI (DCE-MRI) to potentially aid in adaptive treatment planning. Methods and Materials: Seventeen patients with intrahepatic cancer undergoing focal radiation therapy (RT) were enrolled in institution review board-approved prospective studies to obtain DCE-MRI (to measure regional perfusion) and indocyanine green (ICG) clearance rates (to measure overall liver function) prior to, during, and at 1 and 2 months after treatment. The volumetric distribution of portal venous perfusion in the whole liver was estimated for each scan. We assessed the correlation betweenmore » mean portal venous perfusion in the nontumor volume of the liver and overall liver function measured by ICG before, during, and after RT. The dose response for regional portal venous perfusion to RT was determined using a linear mixed effects model. Results: There was a significant correlation between the ICG clearance rate and mean portal venous perfusion in the functioning liver parenchyma, suggesting that portal venous perfusion could be used as a surrogate for function. Reduction in regional venous perfusion 1 month after RT was predicted by the locally accumulated biologically corrected dose at the end of RT (P<.0007). Regional portal venous perfusion measured during RT was a significant predictor for regional venous perfusion assessed 1 month after RT (P<.00001). Global hypovenous perfusion pre-RT was observed in 4 patients (3 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis), 3 of whom had recovered from hypoperfusion, except in the highest dose regions, post-RT. In addition, 3 patients who had normal perfusion pre-RT had marked hypervenous perfusion or reperfusion in low-dose regions post-RT. Conclusions: This study suggests that MR-based volumetric hepatic perfusion imaging may be a biomarker for spatial distribution of liver function, which could aid in individualizing therapy, particularly for patients at risk for liver injury after RT.« less

Prolonged intra-aortic balloon pump support in biventricular heart failure induces right ventricular reverse remodeling.

PubMed

Ntalianis, Argyrios; Kapelios, Chris J; Kanakakis, John; Repasos, Evangelos; Pantsios, Christos; Nana, Emmeleia; Kontogiannis, Christos; Malliaras, Konstantinos; Tsamatsoulis, Michael; Kaldara, Elisabeth; Charitos, Christos; Nanas, John N

2015-08-01

Right ventricular dysfunction is associated with high morbidity and mortality in candidates for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or cardiac transplantation. We examined the effects of prolonged intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support on right ventricular, renal and hepatic functions in patients presenting with end-stage heart failure. Between March 2008 and June 2013, fifteen patients (mean age = 49.5 years; 14 men) with end-stage systolic heart failure (HF), contraindications for any life saving procedure (conventional cardiac surgery, heart transplantation, LVAD implantation) and right ventricular dysfunction were supported with the IABP. The patients remained on IABP support for a mean of 73 ± 50 days (median 72, range of 13-155). We measured the echocardiographic and hemodynamic changes in right ventricular function, and the changes in serum creatinine and bilirubin concentrations before and during IABP support. Mean right atrial pressure decreased from 12.7 ± 6.5 to 3.8 ± 3.3 (P < 0.001) and pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 35.7 ± 10.6 to 25 ± 8.4 mmHg (P = 0.001), while cardiac index increased from 1.5 ± 0.4 to 2.2 ± 0.7 l/m(2)/min (P = 0.003) and right ventricular stroke work index from 485 ± 228 to 688 ± 237 mmHg × ml/m(2) (P = 0.043). Right ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 34.0 ± 6.5 mm to 27.8 ± 6.2 mm (P < 0.001) and tricuspid annular systolic tissue Doppler velocity increased from 9.6 ± 2.4 cm/s to 11.1 ± 2.3 cm/s (P = 0.029). Serum creatinine and bilirubin decreased from 2.1 ± 1.3 to 1.4 ± 0.6 mg/dl and 2.0 ± 1.0 to 0.9 ± 0.5 mg/dl, respectively (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Prolonged IABP support of patients presenting with end-stage heart failure and right ventricular dysfunction induced significant improvement in right ventricular and peripheral organ function. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Contrast enema as a guide for senna-based laxatives in managing overflow retentive stool incontinence in pediatrics.

PubMed

Radwan, Ahmed Bassiuony; El-Debeiky, Mohammed Soliman; Abdel-Hay, Sameh

2015-08-01

Overflow retentive stool incontinence (ORSI) is secondary to constipation and fecal loading. In our study, the dose and duration of senna-based laxatives (SBL) treatment to achieve full defecatory control will be examined for possible correlation with new parameters measured from the initial contrast enema. Initially, an observational study was conducted prospectively on a group of patient with ORSI to define the optimum dose of SBL to achieve full defecatory control with measurement of six parameters in the initial contrast enema (level of colonic dilatation, recto-anal angle, ratio of maximal diameter of dilated colon to last lumbar spine, ratio of maximum diameter of dilated colon to normal descending colon, immediate and after 24-h post-evacuation residual contrast). The result was analyzed statistically to reach a correlation between the radiological data and prescribed dose. Over 2 and half years, 72 patients were included in the study; their mean age was 6.3 ± 3.33 years. The mean effective starting dose of SBL was 57 ± 18.13 mg/day and the mean effective ending dose was 75 ± 31.68 mg/day. Time lapsed till full defecatory control ranged from 1 to 16 weeks. Statistical correlation revealed that mean effective ending dose of SBL treatment significantly increased with higher levels of colonic dilatation. A weak positive correlation was found for both the mean effective starting and ending doses with the ratio of maximum colonic diameter to last lumbar spine and descending colonic diameters ratio. Senna-based laxatives are effective treatment for overflow retentive stool incontinence and their doses can be adjusted initially depending on the analysis of the radiological data.

Taxi trips distribution modeling based on Entropy-Maximizing theory: A case study in Harbin city-China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jinjun; Zhang, Shen; Chen, Xinqiang; Liu, Fang; Zou, Yajie

2018-03-01

Understanding Origin-Destination distribution of taxi trips is very important for improving effects of transportation planning and enhancing quality of taxi services. This study proposes a new method based on Entropy-Maximizing theory to model OD distribution in Harbin city using large-scale taxi GPS trajectories. Firstly, a K-means clustering method is utilized to partition raw pick-up and drop-off location into different zones, and trips are assumed to start from and end at zone centers. A generalized cost function is further defined by considering travel distance, time and fee between each OD pair. GPS data collected from more than 1000 taxis at an interval of 30 s during one month are divided into two parts: data from first twenty days is treated as training dataset and last ten days is taken as testing dataset. The training dataset is used to calibrate model while testing dataset is used to validate model. Furthermore, three indicators, mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean percentage absolute error (MPAE), are applied to evaluate training and testing performance of Entropy-Maximizing model versus Gravity model. The results demonstrate Entropy-Maximizing model is superior to Gravity model. Findings of the study are used to validate the feasibility of OD distribution from taxi GPS data in urban system.

Development of a front end controller/heap manager for PHENIX

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

Ericson, M.N.; Allen, M.D.; Musrock, M.S.

1996-12-31

A controller/heap manager has been designed for applicability to all detector subsystem types of PHENIX. the heap manager performs all functions associated with front end electronics control including ADC and analog memory control, data collection, command interpretation and execution, and data packet forming and communication. Interfaces to the unit consist of a timing and control bus, a serial bus, a parallel data bus, and a trigger interface. The topology developed is modular so that many functional blocks are identical for a number of subsystem types. Programmability is maximized through the use of flexible modular functions and implementation using field programmablemore » gate arrays (FPGAs). Details of unit design and functionality will be discussed with particular detail given to subsystems having analog memory-based front end electronics. In addition, mode control, serial functions, and FPGA implementation details will be presented.« less

Effects of penile fracture and its surgical treatment on psychosocial and sexual function.

PubMed

Bolat, M S; Özen, M; Önem, K; Açıkgöz, A; Asci, R

2017-11-01

The current therapy for penile fracture is immediate surgical repair, but sexual and psychosocial effects of the repair have been poorly investigated. We aimed to assess the impact of surgical correction of penile fracture on psychosocial status, sexual function, and erectile quality. Sixty-four patients classified into two subgroups according to follow-up: 2-24 months (Group 1), and longer than 24 months (Group 2), and 28 healthy men (Control group). The mean overall follow-up period was 39.1±32.7 months. The number of sexual intercourse origin was 44 (68.8%), the mean time interval from incident-to-surgery was 13.6±9.3 h. The mean sexual relationship score decreased during first year (P=0.001), and significant recovery was observed over 12-24 months. The mean overall relationship scores and the mean self-esteem scores of the study groups decreased until the end of the 24 months (P<0.05). The mean erectile function domains remained stable in all groups (P>0.05). The mean EHS scores were lower but the difference was not significant in the study groups (P>0.05). Penile fracture repair have no detrimental effect on sexual function, but psychogenic aspect may be adversely affected. This article concludes lower complication rates can be reached with immediate surgical correction of the penile fracture whereas psychogenic recovery might prolonged.

Systemic Data-Based Decision Making: A Systems Approach for Using Data in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walser, Tamara M.

2009-01-01

No Child Left Behind has increased data collection and reporting, the development of data systems, and interest in using data for decision-making in schools and classrooms. Ends-driven decision making has become common educational practice, where the ends justify the means at all costs, and short-term results trump longer-term outcomes and the…

Efficacy of treatment with glucosamine sulfate in patients with knee effusion due to osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Korkmaz, Murat; Karaaslan, Fatih; Erdogan, Yalcin; Bolat, Esef; Karacavus, Seyhan; Kizilkaya, Hafize; Gunaydin, Ilhan

2013-01-01

Objective: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of Glucosamine sulfate (GS) versus diclofenac sodium (DS) in effusion of osteoarthritic knees. Methodology: In this study, patients were included in this study from 2007-2010 based on American College of Rheumatology criteria with OA and physical examination in effusion of osteoarthritic knees. The patients were divided into two groups. First group (27 patients) DS was given in doses 75 mg twice daily for ten day. In the group II (25 patients) GS was used in doses of 1500 mg two times daily over the first 12 weeks of the study. A closed aspiration was performed. The knee circumference was measured in patients before and 12 week after treatment. Before and after 12 weeks of treatments, both groups of patients were assessed according to the WOMAC questionnaire of knee pain and function scores. Results: Comparison of knee mean circumference between the two groups was not statistically significant before treatment (p=0.938), but significant after treatment (p<0.001). At the end of the 12 week, there was 66.6% complete resolution of effusion in the DS group (18 patients) and 24.0% (6 patients) in the GS group, this was statistically significant (P<0.001). DS groups, results of the beginning and at the end of 12 week measurement showed significant differences in WOMAC pain mean score (P < 0.001) but GS groups not statistically significant (P=0.160). The WOMAC function mean scores in pre and post-treatment periods of follow-up showed significant variation between the two groups (P< 0.001, P<0.001). Conclusions: Our observations suggest that GS is not able to suppress the progression of adjuvant arthritis in OA with effusion of knee osteoarthritis. GS should not be expected as anti-inflammatory influence as DF in the treatment of OA-related effusion. PMID:24353641

One-year treatment follow-up of plantar fasciitis: radial shockwaves vs. conventional physiotherapy

PubMed Central

Grecco, Marcus Vinicius; Brech, Guilherme Carlos; Greve, Júlia Maria D'Andrea

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To compare radial shockwave treatment with conventional physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis after 12 months of follow-up. METHOD: This was a randomized, prospective, comparative clinical study. Forty patients with a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were divided randomly into two treatment groups: group 1, with 20 patients who underwent ten physiotherapy sessions comprising ultrasound, kinesiotherapy and guidance for home-based stretching; and group 2, with 20 patients who underwent three applications of radial shockwaves, once a week, and guidance for home-based stretching. All patients were assessed regarding pain and functional abilities before treatment, immediately after and 12 months after treatment. The mean age was 49.6±11.8 years (range: 25-68 years), 85% were female, 88% were overweight, 63% were affected bilaterally, and 83% used analgesics regularly. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, both treatments were effective for improving pain and functional ability among the patients with plantar fasciitis. The improvement with shockwaves was faster. CONCLUSION: Shockwave treatment was not more effective than conventional physiotherapy treatment 12 months after the end of the treatment. PMID:24037003

Controlling the Morphology of BDTT-DPP-Based Small Molecules via End-Group Functionalization for Highly Efficient Single and Tandem Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Hoon; Park, Jong Baek; Yang, Hoichang; Jung, In Hwan; Yoon, Sung Cheol; Kim, Dongwook; Hwang, Do-Hoon

2015-11-04

A series of narrow-band gap, π-conjugated small molecules based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) electron acceptor units coupled with alkylthienyl-substituted-benzodithiophene (BDTT) electron donors were designed and synthesized for use as donor materials in solution-processed organic photovoltaic cells. In particular, by end-group functionalization of the small molecules with fluorine derivatives, the nanoscale morphologies of the photoactive layers of the photovoltaic cells were successfully controlled. The influences of different fluorine-based end-groups on the optoelectronic and morphological properties, carrier mobilities, and the photovoltaic performances of these materials were investigated. A high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.00% under simulated solar light (AM 1.5G) illumination has been achieved for organic photovoltaic cells based on a small-molecule bulk heterojunction system consisting of a trifluoromethylbenzene (CF3) end-group-containing oligomer (BDTT-(DPP)2-CF3) as the donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the acceptor. As a result, the introduction of CF3 end-groups has been found to enhance both the short circuit current density (JSC) and fill factor (FF). A tandem photovoltaic device comprising an inverted BDTT-(DPP)2-CF3:PC71BM cell and a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):indene-C60-bisadduct (IC60BA)-based cell as the top and bottom cell components, respectively, showed a maximum PCE of 8.30%. These results provide valuable guidelines for the rational design of conjugated small molecules for applications in high-performance organic photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the design of fluorine-functionalized BDTT-DPP-based small molecules, which have been shown to be a viable candidate for use in inverted tandem cells.

Mannich bases in medicinal chemistry and drug design.

PubMed

Roman, Gheorghe

2015-01-07

The biological activity of Mannich bases, a structurally heterogeneous class of chemical compounds that are generated from various substrates through the introduction of an aminomethyl function by means of the Mannich reaction, is surveyed, with emphasis on the relationship between structure and biological activity. The review covers extensively the literature reports that have disclosed Mannich bases as anticancer and cytotoxic agents, or compounds with potential antibacterial and antifungal activity in the last decade. The most relevant studies on the activity of Mannich bases as antimycobacterial agents, antimalarials, or antiviral candidates have been included as well. The review contains also a thorough coverage of anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of Mannich bases. In addition, several minor biological activities of Mannich bases, such as their ability to regulate blood pressure or inhibit platelet aggregation, their antiparasitic and anti-ulcer effects, as well as their use as agents for the treatment of mental disorders have been presented. The review gives in the end a brief overview of the potential of Mannich bases as inhibitors of various enzymes or ligands for several receptors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Cardiac structure and function in Cushing's syndrome: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study.

PubMed

Kamenický, Peter; Redheuil, Alban; Roux, Charles; Salenave, Sylvie; Kachenoura, Nadjia; Raissouni, Zainab; Macron, Laurent; Guignat, Laurence; Jublanc, Christel; Azarine, Arshid; Brailly, Sylvie; Young, Jacques; Mousseaux, Elie; Chanson, Philippe

2014-11-01

Patients with Cushing's syndrome have left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction on echocardiography, but echo-based measurements may have limited accuracy in obese patients. No data are available on right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) size and function in these patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate LV, RV, and LA structure and function in patients with Cushing's syndrome by means of cardiac magnetic resonance, currently the reference modality in assessment of cardiac geometry and function. Eighteen patients with active Cushing's syndrome and 18 volunteers matched for age, sex, and body mass index were studied by cardiac magnetic resonance. The imaging was repeated in the patients 6 months (range 2-12 mo) after the treatment of hypercortisolism. Compared with controls, patients with Cushing's syndrome had lower LV, RV, and LA ejection fractions (P < .001 for all) and increased end-diastolic LV segmental thickness (P < .001). Treatment of hypercortisolism was associated with an improvement in ventricular and atrial systolic performance, as reflected by a 15% increase in the LV ejection fraction (P = .029), a 45% increase in the LA ejection fraction (P < .001), and an 11% increase in the RV ejection fraction (P = NS). After treatment, the LV mass index and end-diastolic LV mass to volume ratio decreased by 17% (P < .001) and 10% (P = .002), respectively. None of the patients had late gadolinium myocardial enhancement. Cushing's syndrome is associated with subclinical biventricular and LA systolic dysfunctions that are reversible after treatment. Despite skeletal muscle atrophy, Cushing's syndrome patients have an increased LV mass, reversible upon correction of hypercortisolism.

Two-dimensional knowledge-based volumetric reconstruction of the right ventricle documents short-term improvement in pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Schwaiger, Johannes P; Knight, Daniel S; Kaier, Thomas; Gallimore, Adele; Denton, Christopher P; Schreiber, Benjamin E; Handler, Clive; Coghlan, John G

2017-06-01

Data are scarce about short-term right ventricular changes in pulmonary hypertension. Two-dimensional knowledge-based reconstruction of the right ventricle with 2D echocardiography (2DKBR) has been shown to be a valid alternative to Cardiac MRI. In this longitudinal study 25 pulmonary hypertension patients underwent 2DKBR of the right ventricle, assessment of NT-proBNP levels and functional class at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 6.1 months. Patients were followed up clinically for a further mean of 8.2 months. The majority of patients had connective tissue disease (CTD) associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=15) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH; n=6). A total of 15 patients underwent an intervention, either new targeted therapy, escalation of targeted therapy or pulmonary endarterectomy. A total of 10 clinically stable patients were routinely followed up without any change in therapy. There were significant improvements in the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (111±29 mL/m² vs 100±36 mL/m²; P=.038), end-systolic volume index (72±23 mL/m² vs 61±25 mL/m²; P=.001), and ejection fraction (35±10% vs 40±9%; P=.030). Changes in NT-proBNP levels correlated strongest with changes in end-systolic volume index (r=-.77; P=<.0001). Four patients experienced clinical worsening during extended follow-up, dilatation of the right ventricle was associated with clinical worsening. In a CTD and CTEPH dominated patient population significant reverse remodeling and improvement of ejection fraction occurred despite a short follow-up and was paralleled by significant changes in NT-proBNP levels. Further right ventricular dilatation was associated with worse clinical outcome. 2DKBR is a feasible substitute for Cardiac MRI to follow-up right ventricular indices in pulmonary hypertension. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Actin Depolymerizing Factor (ADF/Cofilin) Enhances the Rate of Filament Turnover: Implication in Actin-based Motility

PubMed Central

Carlier, Marie-France; Laurent, Valérie; Santolini, Jérôme; Melki, Ronald; Didry, Dominique; Xia, Gui-Xian; Hong, Yan; Chua, Nam-Hai; Pantaloni, Dominique

1997-01-01

Actin-binding proteins of the actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin family are thought to control actin-based motile processes. ADF1 from Arabidopsis thaliana appears to be a good model that is functionally similar to other members of the family. The function of ADF in actin dynamics has been examined using a combination of physical–chemical methods and actin-based motility assays, under physiological ionic conditions and at pH 7.8. ADF binds the ADPbound forms of G- or F-actin with an affinity two orders of magnitude higher than the ATP- or ADP-Pi– bound forms. A major property of ADF is its ability to enhance the in vitro turnover rate (treadmilling) of actin filaments to a value comparable to that observed in vivo in motile lamellipodia. ADF increases the rate of propulsion of Listeria monocytogenes in highly diluted, ADF-limited platelet extracts and shortens the actin tails. These effects are mediated by the participation of ADF in actin filament assembly, which results in a change in the kinetic parameters at the two ends of the actin filament. The kinetic effects of ADF are end specific and cannot be accounted for by filament severing. The main functionally relevant effect is a 25-fold increase in the rate of actin dissociation from the pointed ends, while the rate of dissociation from the barbed ends is unchanged. This large increase in the rate-limiting step of the monomer-polymer cycle at steady state is responsible for the increase in the rate of actin-based motile processes. In conclusion, the function of ADF is not to sequester G-actin. ADF uses ATP hydrolysis in actin assembly to enhance filament dynamics. PMID:9087445

Active Involvement of End Users When Developing Web-Based Mental Health Interventions.

PubMed

de Beurs, Derek; van Bruinessen, Inge; Noordman, Janneke; Friele, Roland; van Dulmen, Sandra

2017-01-01

Although many web-based mental health interventions are being released, the actual uptake by end users is limited. The marginal level of engagement of end users when developing these interventions is recognized as an important cause for uptake problems. In this paper, we offer our perceptive on how to improve user engagement. By doing so, we aim to stimulate a discourse on user involvement within the field of online mental health interventions. We shortly describe three different methods (the expert-driven method, intervention mapping, and scrum) that were currently used to develop web-based health interventions. We will focus to what extent the end user was involved in the developmental phase, and what the additional challenges were. In the final paragraph, lessons learned are summarized, and recommendations provided. Every method seems to have its trade-off: if end users are highly involved, availability of end users and means become problematic. If end users are less actively involved, the product may be less appropriate for the end user. Other challenges to consider are the funding of the more active role of technological companies, and the time it takes to process the results of shorter development cycles. Thinking about user-centered design and carefully planning, the involvement of end users should become standard in the field of web-based (mental) health. When deciding on the level of user involvement, one should balance the need for input from users with the availability of resources such as time and funding.

CHEETAH: circuit-switched high-speed end-to-end transport architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veeraraghavan, Malathi; Zheng, Xuan; Lee, Hyuk; Gardner, M.; Feng, Wuchun

2003-10-01

Leveraging the dominance of Ethernet in LANs and SONET/SDH in MANs and WANs, we propose a service called CHEETAH (Circuit-switched High-speed End-to-End Transport ArcHitecture). The service concept is to provide end hosts with high-speed, end-to-end circuit connectivity on a call-by-call shared basis, where a "circuit" consists of Ethernet segments at the ends that are mapped into Ethernet-over-SONET long-distance circuits. This paper focuses on the file-transfer application for such circuits. For this application, the CHEETAH service is proposed as an add-on to the primary Internet access service already in place for enterprise hosts. This allows an end host that is sending a file to first attempt setting up an end-to-end Ethernet/EoS circuit, and if rejected, fall back to the TCP/IP path. If the circuit setup is successful, the end host will enjoy a much shorter file-transfer delay than on the TCP/IP path. To determine the conditions under which an end host with access to the CHEETAH service should attempt circuit setup, we analyze mean file-transfer delays as a function of call blocking probability in the circuit-switched network, probability of packet loss in the IP network, round-trip times, link rates, and so on.

Probabilistic regional climate projection in Japan using a regression model with CMIP5 multi-model ensemble experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishizaki, N. N.; Dairaku, K.; Ueno, G.

2016-12-01

We have developed a statistical downscaling method for estimating probabilistic climate projection using CMIP5 multi general circulation models (GCMs). A regression model was established so that the combination of weights of GCMs reflects the characteristics of the variation of observations at each grid point. Cross validations were conducted to select GCMs and to evaluate the regression model to avoid multicollinearity. By using spatially high resolution observation system, we conducted statistically downscaled probabilistic climate projections with 20-km horizontal grid spacing. Root mean squared errors for monthly mean air surface temperature and precipitation estimated by the regression method were the smallest compared with the results derived from a simple ensemble mean of GCMs and a cumulative distribution function based bias correction method. Projected changes in the mean temperature and precipitation were basically similar to those of the simple ensemble mean of GCMs. Mean precipitation was generally projected to increase associated with increased temperature and consequent increased moisture content in the air. Weakening of the winter monsoon may affect precipitation decrease in some areas. Temperature increase in excess of 4 K was expected in most areas of Japan in the end of 21st century under RCP8.5 scenario. The estimated probability of monthly precipitation exceeding 300 mm would increase around the Pacific side during the summer and the Japan Sea side during the winter season. This probabilistic climate projection based on the statistical method can be expected to bring useful information to the impact studies and risk assessments.

Effects of a12-week endurance exercise program on adiposity and flexibility of Nigerian perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Ogwumike, O O; Arowojolu, A O; Sanya, A O

2011-12-20

Menopause is a sign of aging in the woman. Loss of ovarian function induces a reduction in resting metabolic rate, physical energy expenditure, fat-free mass and abdominal adipose tissue accumulation. Location of adipose tissue deposit in abdominal region plays an important role in occurrence of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Although regular participation in physical exercise have been suggested to improve adiposity and body flexibility which are important health related components of physical fitness, few published studies are available on the effect of exercise on Nigerian menopausal women. This study investigated effects of a twelve-week endurance exercise program (EEP) on central and abdominal obesity as well as flexibility of perimenopausal and postmenopausal Nigerian women. The study employed a pretest- posttest control group design comprising a sample of 175 apparently healthy, literate, sedentary women within age range 40-59 years. They were workers in state and federal establishments in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Based on history of their last menstrual period, women with regular or irregular menstrual cycle status were allocated into perimenopausal group and those who no longer menstruated into postmenopausal group. A table of random numbers was used for further allocation into perimenopausal exercise group (PEMEG, 45), postmenopausal exercise group (POMEG, 45) perimenopausal control group (PEMCG, 42) and postmenopausal control group (POMCG, 43). Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as Hip and Trunk Flexibility (HTF) were evaluated at baseline and 4weekly intervals until end of 12th week. EEP consisted of a 10-station circuit of cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination, abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean age of participants was 52.3±4.1 years, 95% C.I (51.64-52.88) years. Significant reduction occurred between baseline and end of 12th week mean values of WHR in PEMEG (0.86 ± 0.08 vs 0.71 ± 0.07)and POMEG groups (0.88± 0.06 vs0.77 ± 0.07) while significant increases were observed between baseline values and end of 12th week mean values of HTF in PEMEG (18.84 ± 4.23vs28.27± 3.82) and POMEG (19.51 ± 4.02vs25.97± 2.36) (p<0.05). Significant changes did not occur in BMI in both groups even though mean differences were observed in baseline values compared with end of 12th week mean values of these variables. In PEMCG and POMCG groups, there were no observable changes in mean values of WHR, BMI and HTF from baseline to end of study. Participation in endurance exercise program is essential for perimenopausal and postmenopausal Nigerian women for improved central and abdominal adiposity as well as flexibility.

Introducing linear functions: an alternative statistical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nolan, Caroline; Herbert, Sandra

2015-12-01

The introduction of linear functions is the turning point where many students decide if mathematics is useful or not. This means the role of parameters and variables in linear functions could be considered to be `threshold concepts'. There is recognition that linear functions can be taught in context through the exploration of linear modelling examples, but this has its limitations. Currently, statistical data is easily attainable, and graphics or computer algebra system (CAS) calculators are common in many classrooms. The use of this technology provides ease of access to different representations of linear functions as well as the ability to fit a least-squares line for real-life data. This means these calculators could support a possible alternative approach to the introduction of linear functions. This study compares the results of an end-of-topic test for two classes of Australian middle secondary students at a regional school to determine if such an alternative approach is feasible. In this study, test questions were grouped by concept and subjected to concept by concept analysis of the means of test results of the two classes. This analysis revealed that the students following the alternative approach demonstrated greater competence with non-standard questions.

Functional connectivity analysis of the neural bases of emotion regulation: A comparison of independent component method with density-based k-means clustering method.

PubMed

Zou, Ling; Guo, Qian; Xu, Yi; Yang, Biao; Jiao, Zhuqing; Xiang, Jianbo

2016-04-29

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an important tool in neuroscience for assessing connectivity and interactions between distant areas of the brain. To find and characterize the coherent patterns of brain activity as a means of identifying brain systems for the cognitive reappraisal of the emotion task, both density-based k-means clustering and independent component analysis (ICA) methods can be applied to characterize the interactions between brain regions involved in cognitive reappraisal of emotion. Our results reveal that compared with the ICA method, the density-based k-means clustering method provides a higher sensitivity of polymerization. In addition, it is more sensitive to those relatively weak functional connection regions. Thus, the study concludes that in the process of receiving emotional stimuli, the relatively obvious activation areas are mainly distributed in the frontal lobe, cingulum and near the hypothalamus. Furthermore, density-based k-means clustering method creates a more reliable method for follow-up studies of brain functional connectivity.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in early period following transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

PubMed

Ağaç, Mustafa Tarık; Akyüz, Ali Rıza; Acar, Zeydin; Akdemir, Ramazan; Korkmaz, Levent; Kırış, Abdülkadir; Erkuş, Emre; Erkan, Hakan; Celik, Sükrü

2012-03-01

There is limited data on alterations in novel right ventricular (RV) function indices like tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We aimed to evaluate RV function by echocardiography (ECG) with these novel indices in early period in patients with secundum-type ASD that was closed percutaneously. Patients were enrolled to study if they had secundum-type ASD that was suitable for percutaneous closure. Patient population consisted of 4 men and 16 women. Echocardiography was performed before and 1 month after closure. Mean age was 37 ± 16. Mean diameter of ASD and total atrial septum length measured by ECG were 19 ± 6 mm and 49 ± 7 mm, respectively. Mean diameter of defect in transesophageal echocardiography was 20 ± 6 mm. Stretched mean diameter in catheterization was 23 ± 6 mm. One month after closure, there were statistically significant decreases in RV end-diastolic diameters (43.3 ± 10.7 mm vs. 34.9 ± 5.5 mm; P < 0.001), RV/left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter ratio (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.87 ± 0.1; P < 0.001), TASV (16.9 ± 3.2 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 3.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (15.3 ± 3.1 cm/sec vs. 13.4 ± 2.4 cm/sec P <0.05), late diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (16.2 ± 5.4 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 6.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), and TAPSE (29.9 ± 6.2 mm vs. 22.4 ± 7.4 mm; P < 0.001). LV end-diastolic diameter (38.0 ± 6.9 mm and 40.0 ± 4.5 P < 0.05) was increased, whereas there was no change in LV ejection fraction. Closure of ASD by using Amplatzer devices led to decrease in right heart chamber size, tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid annular velocities and TAPSE in early period. © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rethinking infant knowledge: toward an adaptive process account of successes and failures in object permanence tasks.

PubMed

Munakata, Y; McClelland, J L; Johnson, M H; Siegler, R S

1997-10-01

Infants seem sensitive to hidden objects in habituation tasks at 3.5 months but fail to retrieve hidden objects until 8 months. The authors first consider principle-based accounts of these successes and failures, in which early successes imply knowledge of principles and failures are attributed to ancillary deficits. One account is that infants younger than 8 months have the object permanence principle but lack means-ends abilities. To test this, 7-month-olds were trained on means-ends behaviors and were tested on retrieval of visible and occluded toys. Means-ends demands were the same, yet infants made more toy-guided retrievals in the visible case. The authors offer an adaptive process account in which knowledge is graded and embedded in specific behavioral processes. Simulation models that learn gradually to represent occluded objects show how this approach can account for success and failure in object permanence tasks without assuming principles and ancillary deficits.

Plant Ecological Strategies Shift Across the Cretaceous–Paleogene Boundary

PubMed Central

Blonder, Benjamin; Royer, Dana L.; Johnson, Kirk R.; Miller, Ian; Enquist, Brian J.

2014-01-01

The Chicxulub bolide impact caused the end-Cretaceous mass extinction of plants, but the associated selectivity and ecological effects are poorly known. Using a unique set of North Dakota leaf fossil assemblages spanning 2.2 Myr across the event, we show among angiosperms a reduction of ecological strategies and selection for fast-growth strategies consistent with a hypothesized recovery from an impact winter. Leaf mass per area (carbon investment) decreased in both mean and variance, while vein density (carbon assimilation rate) increased in mean, consistent with a shift towards “fast” growth strategies. Plant extinction from the bolide impact resulted in a shift in functional trait space that likely had broad consequences for ecosystem functioning. PMID:25225914

The relationship between quality of life and methods of delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Rezaei, Nazanin; Tavalaee, Zahra; Sayehmiri, Kourosh; Sharifi, Nasibeh; Daliri, Salman

2018-04-01

Some physical, emotional and social changes arise in mothers during the postpartum periods which can affect the quality of life (QOL) of the mother and family. Given the importance of the quality of life in the postpartum period and its influencing factors such as method of delivery, the present study aimed at investigating the relationship between the quality of life and methods of delivery in the world, using a systematic review and meta-analysis method. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between aspects of quality of life and method of delivery in the world conducted in Persian and English language articles published by the end of 2015. For this purpose, the databases of Medlib, SID, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Irandoc, Magiran and Iranmedex were searched using key words and their compounds. The results of studies were combined using the random effects model in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index and Cochran test and data were analyzed using STATA Version 11.1 and SPSS Version 16. Based on the results of the meta-analysis of studies, the aspect of physical functioning had the highest quality of life mean score in women with vaginal delivery: 74.37 (95% CI: 67.7-81) and mental health had the highest QOL mean score in women with cesarean delivery: 65.8 (95% CI: 62.7-69). Also, based on the time elapsed since delivery, mental health had the highest mean score in less than 1 month, 2 months and 4 months' postpartum. Physical pain had the highest mean score 6 months after giving birth, and mental functioning in 8 months after giving birth. The results of the present meta-analysis showed that the mean scores for most dimensions of quality of life in women with vaginal delivery were higher than in women with cesarean delivery.

Evaluation of coronary microvascular function in patients with end-stage renal disease, and renal allograft recipients.

PubMed

Bozbas, Huseyin; Pirat, Bahar; Demirtas, Saadet; Simşek, Vahide; Yildirir, Aylin; Sade, Elif; Sayin, Burak; Sezer, Siren; Karakayali, Hamdi; Muderrisoglu, Haldun

2009-02-01

Approximately half of all deaths in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are due to cardiovascular diseases. Although renal transplant improves survival and quality of life in these patients, cardiovascular events significantly affect survival. We sought to evaluate coronary flow reserve (CFR), an indicator of coronary microvascular function, in patients with ESRD and in patients with a functioning kidney graft. Eighty-six patients (30 with ESRD, 30 with a functioning renal allograft, and 26 controls) free of coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus were included. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was used to measure coronary peak flow velocities at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline diastolic peak flow velocities and was compared among the groups. The mean age of the study population was 36.1+/-7.3 years. No between-group differences were found regarding age, sex, or prevalences of traditional coronary risk factors other than hypertension. Compared with the renal transplant and control groups, the ESRD group had significantly lower mean CFR values. On multivariate regression analysis, serum levels of creatinine, age, and diastolic dysfunction were independent predictors of CFR. CFR is impaired in patients with ESRD suggesting that coronary microvascular dysfunction, an early finding of atherosclerosis, is evident in these patients. Although associated with a decreased CFR compared with controls, renal transplant on the other hand seems to have a favorable effect on coronary microvascular function.

Healthcare use, costs and quality of life in patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving conservative management: results from a multi-centre observational study (PACKS).

PubMed

Phair, Glenn; Agus, Ashley; Normand, Charles; Brazil, Kevin; Burns, Aine; Roderick, Paul; Maxwell, Alexander P; Thompson, Colin; Yaqoob, Magdi; Noble, Helen

2018-05-01

Previous research has explored the cost of providing renal replacement therapies in patients with end-stage kidney disease and their quality of life. This is the first study to examine the healthcare costs of patients receiving conservative care without dialysis for end-stage kidney disease. This alternative to dialysis is an option for patients who prefer a supportive and palliative care approach. Descriptive cost and quality of life analyses alongside a UK-based multi-centre observational study in patients receiving conservative management for end-stage kidney disease. Health service use was recorded up to 12 months after making the decision to receive conservative management. Mean costs were calculated for each 3-month time period. The annual cost was calculated in two ways: by using only patients with complete cost data and by using all available data weighted by the number of patients at each time point. In total, 42 patients who opted for conservative management over dialysis were recruited. Mean costs were £1622 (0-3 months), £1008 (3-6 months), £554 (6-9 months) and £2626 (9-12 months). Mean annual cost based on complete data ( n = 8) was £5511, and the weighted mean annual cost was £5620. The importance of this study is twofold. First, it provides substantive new information for health and social care planning of conservative management by demonstrating where demand exists for services, in both the United Kingdom and other countries with a comparable health service structure. Second, methodologically, it indicates that it is feasible to collect service use data directly from this patient population.

Aging of vestibular function evaluated using correlational vestibular autorotation test

PubMed Central

Hsieh, Li-Chun; Lin, Hung-Ching; Lee, Guo-She

2014-01-01

Background Imbalance from degeneration of vestibular end organs is a common problem in the elderly. However, the decline of vestibular function with aging was revealed in few vestibular function tests such as vestibular autorotation test (VAT). In the current VAT, there are drawbacks of poor test–retest reliability, slippage of the sensor at high-speed rotations, and limited data about the effect of aging. We developed a correlational-VAT (cVAT) system that included a small, light sensor (less than 20 g) with wireless data transmission technique to evaluate the aging of vestibular function. Material and methods We enrolled 53 healthy participants aged between 25 and 75 years and divided them into five age groups. The test conditions were vertical and horizontal head autorotations of frequencies from 0 to 3 Hz with closed eyes or open eyes. The cross-correlation coefficient (CCC) between eye velocity and head velocity was obtained for the head autorotations between 1 Hz and 3 Hz. The mean of the CCCs was used to represent the vestibular function. Results Age was significantly and negatively correlated with the mean CCC for all test conditions, including horizontal or vertical autorotations with open eyes or closed eyes (P<0.05). The mean CCC with open eyes declined significantly at 55–65 years old and the mean CCC with closed eyes declined significantly at 65–75 years old. Conclusion Vestibular function evaluated using mean CCC revealed a decline with age, and the function of visual-vestibulo-ocular reflex declined 10 years earlier than the function of vestibulo-ocular reflex. PMID:25214774

Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin in Patients With Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment.

PubMed

Hoover, Randall K; Alcorn, Harry; Lawrence, Laura; Paulson, Susan K; Quintas, Megan; Luke, David R; Cammarata, Sue K

2018-03-26

Delafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, has activity against Gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant S aureus and fluoroquinolone-susceptible and -resistant Gram-negative organisms. The intravenous formulation of delafloxacin contains the excipient sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD), which is eliminated by renal filtration. This study examined the pharmacokinetics and safety of SBECD after single intravenous (IV) infusions in subjects with renal impairment. The study was an open-label, parallel-group, crossover study in subjects with normal renal function or mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, and those with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Subjects received 300 mg delafloxacin IV or placebo IV, containing 2400 mg SBECD, in 2 periods separated by ≥14-day washouts. SBECD total clearance decreased with decreasing renal function, with a corresponding increase in area under the concentration-time curve (AUC 0-∞ ). After IV delafloxacin 300 mg administration, SBECD mean total clearance was 6.28 and 1.24 L/h, mean AUC 0-∞ was 387 and 2130 h·μg/mL, and mean renal clearance was 5.36 and 1.14 L/h in normal and severe renal subjects, respectively. Similar values were obtained after IV placebo administration. In subjects with end-stage renal disease, delafloxacin 300 mg IV produced mean SBECD AUC 0-48 values of 2715 and 7861 h·μg/mL when dosed before and after hemodialysis, respectively. Total SBECD clearance exhibited linear relationships to estimated glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance. Single doses of IV delafloxacin 300 mg and IV placebo were well tolerated in all groups. In conclusion, decreasing renal function causes reduced SBECD clearance and increased exposures, but SBECD continues to exhibit a good safety and tolerability profile in IV formulations. © 2018, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

Associations between number of consecutive night shifts and impairment of neurobehavioral performance during a subsequent simulated night shift.

PubMed

Magee, Michelle; Sletten, Tracey L; Ferguson, Sally A; Grunstein, Ronald R; Anderson, Clare; Kennaway, David J; Lockley, Steven W; Rajaratnam, Shantha Mw

2016-05-01

This study aimed to investigate sleep and circadian phase in the relationships between neurobehavioral performance and the number of consecutive shifts worked. Thirty-four shift workers [20 men, mean age 31.8 (SD 10.9) years] worked 2-7 consecutive night shifts immediately prior to a laboratory-based, simulated night shift. For 7 days prior, participants worked their usual shift sequence, and sleep was assessed with logs and actigraphy. Participants completed a 10-minute auditory psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) at the start (~21:00 hours) and end (~07:00 hours) of the simulated night shift. Mean reaction times (RT), number of lapses and RT distribution was compared between those who worked 2-3 consecutive night shifts versus those who worked 4-7 shifts. Following 4-7 shifts, night shift workers had significantly longer mean RT at the start and end of shift, compared to those who worked 2-3 shifts. The slowest and fastest 10% RT were significantly slower at the start, but not end, of shift among participants who worked 4-7 nights. Those working 4-7 nights also demonstrated a broader RT distribution at the start and end of shift and had significantly slower RT based on cumulative distribution analysis (5 (th), 25 (th), 50 (th), 75 (th)percentiles at the start of shift; 75th percentile at the end of shift). No group differences in sleep parameters were found for 7 days and 24 hours prior to the simulated night shift. A greater number of consecutive night shifts has a negative impact on neurobehavioral performance, likely due to cognitive slowing.

A novel method to calibrate DOI function of a PET detector with a dual-ended-scintillator readout.

PubMed

Shao, Yiping; Yao, Rutao; Ma, Tianyu

2008-12-01

The detection of depth-of-interaction (DOI) is a critical detector capability to improve the PET spatial resolution uniformity across the field-of-view and will significantly enhance, in particular, small bore system performance for brain, breast, and small animal imaging. One promising technique of DOI detection is to use dual-ended-scintillator readout that uses two photon sensors to detect scintillation light from both ends of a scintillator array and estimate DOI based on the ratio of signals (similar to Anger logic). This approach needs a careful DOI function calibration to establish accurate relationship between DOI and signal ratios, and to recalibrate if the detection condition is shifted due to the drift of sensor gain, bias variations, or degraded optical coupling, etc. However, the current calibration method that uses coincident events to locate interaction positions inside a single scintillator crystal has severe drawbacks, such as complicated setup, long and repetitive measurements, and being prone to errors from various possible misalignments among the source and detector components. This method is also not practically suitable to calibrate multiple DOI functions of a crystal array. To solve these problems, a new method has been developed that requires only a uniform flood source to irradiate a crystal array without the need to locate the interaction positions, and calculates DOI functions based solely on the uniform probability distribution of interactions over DOI positions without knowledge or assumption of detector responses. Simulation and experiment have been studied to validate the new method, and the results show that the new method, with a simple setup and one single measurement, can provide consistent and accurate DOI functions for the entire array of multiple scintillator crystals. This will enable an accurate, simple, and practical DOI function calibration for the PET detectors based on the design of dual-ended-scintillator readout. In addition, the new method can be generally applied to calibrating other types of detectors that use the similar dual-ended readout to acquire the radiation interaction position.

A novel method to calibrate DOI function of a PET detector with a dual-ended-scintillator readout

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

Shao Yiping; Yao Rutao; Ma Tianyu

The detection of depth-of-interaction (DOI) is a critical detector capability to improve the PET spatial resolution uniformity across the field-of-view and will significantly enhance, in particular, small bore system performance for brain, breast, and small animal imaging. One promising technique of DOI detection is to use dual-ended-scintillator readout that uses two photon sensors to detect scintillation light from both ends of a scintillator array and estimate DOI based on the ratio of signals (similar to Anger logic). This approach needs a careful DOI function calibration to establish accurate relationship between DOI and signal ratios, and to recalibrate if the detectionmore » condition is shifted due to the drift of sensor gain, bias variations, or degraded optical coupling, etc. However, the current calibration method that uses coincident events to locate interaction positions inside a single scintillator crystal has severe drawbacks, such as complicated setup, long and repetitive measurements, and being prone to errors from various possible misalignments among the source and detector components. This method is also not practically suitable to calibrate multiple DOI functions of a crystal array. To solve these problems, a new method has been developed that requires only a uniform flood source to irradiate a crystal array without the need to locate the interaction positions, and calculates DOI functions based solely on the uniform probability distribution of interactions over DOI positions without knowledge or assumption of detector responses. Simulation and experiment have been studied to validate the new method, and the results show that the new method, with a simple setup and one single measurement, can provide consistent and accurate DOI functions for the entire array of multiple scintillator crystals. This will enable an accurate, simple, and practical DOI function calibration for the PET detectors based on the design of dual-ended-scintillator readout. In addition, the new method can be generally applied to calibrating other types of detectors that use the similar dual-ended readout to acquire the radiation interaction position.« less

Prediction, scenarios and insight: The uses of an end-to-end model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steele, John H.

2012-09-01

A major function of ecosystem models is to provide extrapolations from observed data in terms of predictions or scenarios or insight. These models can be at various levels of taxonomic resolution such as total community production, abundance of functional groups, or species composition, depending on the data input as drivers. A 40-year dynamic simulation of end-to-end processes in the Georges Bank food web is used to illustrate the input/output relations and the insights gained at the three levels of food web aggregation. The focus is on the intermediate level and the longer term changes in three functional fish guilds - planktivores, benthivores and piscivores - in terms of three ecosystem-based metrics - nutrient input, relative productivity of plankton and benthos, and food intake by juvenile fish. These simulations can describe the long term constraints imposed on guild structure and productivity by energy fluxes over the 40 years but cannot explain concurrent switches in abundance of individual species within guilds. Comparing time series data for individual species with model output provides insights; but including the data in the model would confer only limited extra information. The advantages and limitations of the three levels of resolution of models in relation to ecosystem-based management are: The correlations between primary production and total yield of fish imply a “bottom-up” constraint on end-to-end energy flow through the food web that can provide predictions of such yields. Functionally defined metrics such as nutrient input, relative productivity of plankton and benthos and food intake by juvenile fish, represent bottom-up, mid-level and top-down forcing of the food web. Model scenarios using these metrics can demonstrate constraints on the productivity of these functionally defined guilds within the limits set by (1). Comparisons of guild simulations with time series of fish species provide insight into the switches in species dominance that accompany changes in guild productivity and can illuminate the top-down aspects of regime shifts.

An Automated End-To Multi-Agent Qos Based Architecture for Selection of Geospatial Web Services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, M.; Verma, Y.; Nandakumar, R.

2012-07-01

Over the past decade, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web services have gained wide popularity and acceptance from researchers and industries all over the world. SOA makes it easy to build business applications with common services, and it provides like: reduced integration expense, better asset reuse, higher business agility, and reduction of business risk. Building of framework for acquiring useful geospatial information for potential users is a crucial problem faced by the GIS domain. Geospatial Web services solve this problem. With the help of web service technology, geospatial web services can provide useful geospatial information to potential users in a better way than traditional geographic information system (GIS). A geospatial Web service is a modular application designed to enable the discovery, access, and chaining of geospatial information and services across the web that are often both computation and data-intensive that involve diverse sources of data and complex processing functions. With the proliferation of web services published over the internet, multiple web services may provide similar functionality, but with different non-functional properties. Thus, Quality of Service (QoS) offers a metric to differentiate the services and their service providers. In a quality-driven selection of web services, it is important to consider non-functional properties of the web service so as to satisfy the constraints or requirements of the end users. The main intent of this paper is to build an automated end-to-end multi-agent based solution to provide the best-fit web service to service requester based on QoS.

Interprofessional Communication of Clinicians Using a Mobile Phone App: A Randomized Crossover Trial Using Simulated Patients

PubMed Central

Johnston, Maximilian; Cookson, Natalie; King, Dominic; Arora, Sonal; Darzi, Ara

2016-01-01

Background Most hospitals use paging systems as the principal communication system, despite general dissatisfaction by end users. To this end, we developed an app-based communication system (called Hark) to facilitate and improve the quality of interpersonal communication. Objective The objectives of our study were (1) to assess the quality of information transfer using pager- and app-based (Hark) communication systems, (2) to determine whether using mobile phone apps for escalation of care results in additional delays in communication, and (3) to determine how end users perceive mobile phone apps as an alternative to pagers. Methods We recruited junior (postgraduate year 1 and 2) doctors and nurses from a range of specialties and randomly assigned them to 2 groups who used either a pager device or the mobile phone-based Hark app. We asked nurses to hand off simulated patients while doctors were asked to receive handoff information using these devices. The quality of information transfer, time taken to respond to messages, and users’ satisfaction with each device was recorded. Each participant used both devices with a 2-week washout period in between uses. Results We recruited 22 participants (13 nurses, 9 doctors). The quality of the referrals made by nurses was significantly better when using Hark (Hark median 118, range 100–121 versus pager median 77, range 39–104; P=.001). Doctors responded to messages using Hark more quickly than when responding to pagers, although this difference was not statistically significant (Hark mean 86.6 seconds, SD 96.2 versus pager mean 136.5 seconds, SD 201.0; P=.12). Users rated Hark as significantly better on 11 of the 18 criteria of an information transfer device (P<.05) These included “enhances interprofessional efficiency,” “results in less disturbance,” “performed desired functions reliably,” and “allows me to clearly transfer information.” Conclusions Hark improved the quality of transfer of information about simulated patients and was rated by users as more effective and efficient, and less distracting than pagers. Using this device did not result in delay in patient care. PMID:27052694

Interprofessional Communication of Clinicians Using a Mobile Phone App: A Randomized Crossover Trial Using Simulated Patients.

PubMed

Patel, Bhavesh; Johnston, Maximilian; Cookson, Natalie; King, Dominic; Arora, Sonal; Darzi, Ara

2016-04-06

Most hospitals use paging systems as the principal communication system, despite general dissatisfaction by end users. To this end, we developed an app-based communication system (called Hark) to facilitate and improve the quality of interpersonal communication. The objectives of our study were (1) to assess the quality of information transfer using pager- and app-based (Hark) communication systems, (2) to determine whether using mobile phone apps for escalation of care results in additional delays in communication, and (3) to determine how end users perceive mobile phone apps as an alternative to pagers. We recruited junior (postgraduate year 1 and 2) doctors and nurses from a range of specialties and randomly assigned them to 2 groups who used either a pager device or the mobile phone-based Hark app. We asked nurses to hand off simulated patients while doctors were asked to receive handoff information using these devices. The quality of information transfer, time taken to respond to messages, and users' satisfaction with each device was recorded. Each participant used both devices with a 2-week washout period in between uses. We recruited 22 participants (13 nurses, 9 doctors). The quality of the referrals made by nurses was significantly better when using Hark (Hark median 118, range 100-121 versus pager median 77, range 39-104; P=.001). Doctors responded to messages using Hark more quickly than when responding to pagers, although this difference was not statistically significant (Hark mean 86.6 seconds, SD 96.2 versus pager mean 136.5 seconds, SD 201.0; P=.12). Users rated Hark as significantly better on 11 of the 18 criteria of an information transfer device (P<.05) These included "enhances interprofessional efficiency," "results in less disturbance," "performed desired functions reliably," and "allows me to clearly transfer information." Hark improved the quality of transfer of information about simulated patients and was rated by users as more effective and efficient, and less distracting than pagers. Using this device did not result in delay in patient care.

Effect of metoprolol on the beta-adrenoceptor density of lymphocytes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Ishida, S; Makino, N; Masutomo, K; Hata, T; Yanaga, T

1993-05-01

We investigated the effect of the beta 1-selective blocker metoprolol on the beta-adrenergic receptor density of circulating lymphocytes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Nine men in New York Heart Association functional classes II (six patients) and III were given metoprolol for 6 months (mean dose 45.6 +/- 18.1 mg). Their cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Although there was no difference in the heart rate or pressure rate products, the end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions significantly decreased in six patients after metoprolol treatment. The ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and mean left ventricular circumferential shortening were significantly increased after the treatment. beta-Adrenoceptor densities of lymphocytes, examined by iodine 125-labeled iodocyanopindolol, were reduced in patients at entry but recovered to normal levels after the metoprolol treatment. The dissociation constants did not differ at any stage of the disease. The relationship between beta-adrenoceptor densities in lymphocytes and echocardiographic parameters showed a positive correlation with the plasma norepinephrine concentration. This study thus provides evidence that long-term metoprolol therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with beta-receptor up-regulation, and the restoration of myocardial beta-receptor density may be associated with the improved cardiac function as determined by echocardiography.

“Insight” in Pigeons: Absence of Means-End Processing in Displacement Tests

PubMed Central

Cook, Robert G.; Fowler, Catherine

2013-01-01

The understanding of functional relations between action and consequence is a critical component of intelligence. To examine this linkage in pigeons, we investigated their understanding of the relations of the elements tested in an extension of Köhler's box-stacking task to this species (Epstein et al. 1984). In the experiments, the pigeons had to move a spatially displaced box under an out-of-reach target. Experiment 1 successfully replicated and extended the previous finding showing that when separately trained to move a box and stand on it to peck the target, pigeons can synthesize these behaviors to solve the single-box displacement problem quickly on their first attempt. Experiment 2 tested whether pigeons, when given a simultaneous choice among two boxes with identical reinforcement histories, would selectively choose the box with the correct functional affordance (i.e., permitting standing) to solve the problem rather than a nonfunctional one. Their extensive, equivalent, and undirected behavior in moving both boxes during these tests suggests the pigeons did not possess a means-end understanding of the functional properties of the boxes. Instead, their results were consistent with an analysis of their earlier synthetic behavior as being due to the temporal and spatial relations of the physical elements in the task and their prior learned behaviors. PMID:23774955

Transient analysis of gas transport in anode channel of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with dead-ended anode under pressure swing operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Yasushi; Oshima, Nobuyuki; Tabuchi, Yuichiro; Ikezoe, Keigo

2014-12-01

Further cost reduction is a critical issue for commercialization of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) based on polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The cost of the fuel-cell system is driven by the multiple parts required to maximize stack performance and maintain durability and robustness. The fuel-cell system of the FCEV must be simplified while maintaining functionality. The dead-ended anode is considered as a means of simplification in this study. Generally, if hydrogen is supplied under constant pressure during dead-ended operation, stable power generation is impossible because of accumulation of liquid water produced by power generation and of nitrogen via leakage from the cathode through the membrane. Herein, pressure oscillation is applied to address this issue. Empirical and CFD data are employed to elucidate the mechanism of stable power generation using the pressure swing supply. Simultaneous and time-continuous measurements of the current distribution and gas concentration distribution are also conducted. The results demonstrate that the nitrogen concentration in the anode channel under pressure constant operation differs from that under pressure swing supply conditions. The transient two-dimensional CFD results indicate that oscillatory flow is generated by pressure swing supply, which periodically sweeps out nitrogen from the active area, resulting in stable power generation.

Application of chemical reaction mechanistic domains to an ecotoxicity QSAR model, the KAshinhou Tool for Ecotoxicity (KATE).

PubMed

Furuhama, A; Hasunuma, K; Aoki, Y; Yoshioka, Y; Shiraishi, H

2011-01-01

The validity of chemical reaction mechanistic domains defined by skin sensitisation in the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) ecotoxicity system, KAshinhou Tools for Ecotoxicity (KATE), March 2009 version, has been assessed and an external validation of the current KATE system carried out. In the case of the fish end-point, the group of chemicals with substructures reactive to skin sensitisation always exhibited higher root mean square errors (RMSEs) than chemicals without reactive substructures under identical C- or log P-judgements in KATE. However, in the case of the Daphnia end-point this was not so, and the group of chemicals with reactive substructures did not always have higher RMSEs: the Schiff base mechanism did not function as a high error detector. In addition to the RMSE findings, the presence of outliers suggested that the KATE classification rules needs to be reconsidered, particularly for the amine group. Examination of the dependency of the organism on the toxic action of chemicals in fish and Daphnia revealed that some of the reactive substructures could be applied to the improvement of the KATE system. It was concluded that the reaction mechanistic domains of toxic action for skin sensitisation could provide useful complementary information in predicting acute aquatic ecotoxicity, especially at the fish end-point.

Low-Melt Polyamic Acid Based Powder Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jolley, Scott T. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for powder coating a metal substrate using a low-melt polyamic acid (PAA) polymer that readily imidizes to polyimides. These low-melt PAAs have been shown to be useful in resins applied as powder coatings to metal surfaces. The resin includes an end-capping material capable of providing crosslinking functionality to at least one end of the low-melt PAA polymer. The end-capping material functions dually as a polymerization chain terminator and crosslinking agent, thus producing resins that have molecular weights low enough to flow well and form good cured films applicable for use in powder coating.

Analog Signal Correlating Using an Analog-Based Signal Conditioning Front End

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prokop, Norman; Krasowski, Michael

2013-01-01

This innovation is capable of correlating two analog signals by using an analog-based signal conditioning front end to hard-limit the analog signals through adaptive thresholding into a binary bit stream, then performing the correlation using a Hamming "similarity" calculator function embedded in a one-bit digital correlator (OBDC). By converting the analog signal into a bit stream, the calculation of the correlation function is simplified, and less hardware resources are needed. This binary representation allows the hardware to move from a DSP where instructions are performed serially, into digital logic where calculations can be performed in parallel, greatly speeding up calculations.

R package MVR for Joint Adaptive Mean-Variance Regularization and Variance Stabilization

PubMed Central

Dazard, Jean-Eudes; Xu, Hua; Rao, J. Sunil

2015-01-01

We present an implementation in the R language for statistical computing of our recent non-parametric joint adaptive mean-variance regularization and variance stabilization procedure. The method is specifically suited for handling difficult problems posed by high-dimensional multivariate datasets (p ≫ n paradigm), such as in ‘omics’-type data, among which are that the variance is often a function of the mean, variable-specific estimators of variances are not reliable, and tests statistics have low powers due to a lack of degrees of freedom. The implementation offers a complete set of features including: (i) normalization and/or variance stabilization function, (ii) computation of mean-variance-regularized t and F statistics, (iii) generation of diverse diagnostic plots, (iv) synthetic and real ‘omics’ test datasets, (v) computationally efficient implementation, using C interfacing, and an option for parallel computing, (vi) manual and documentation on how to setup a cluster. To make each feature as user-friendly as possible, only one subroutine per functionality is to be handled by the end-user. It is available as an R package, called MVR (‘Mean-Variance Regularization’), downloadable from the CRAN. PMID:26819572

Integrating family planning and HIV services in western Kenya: the impact on HIV-infected patients' knowledge of family planning and male attitudes toward family planning.

PubMed

Onono, Maricianah; Guzé, Mary A; Grossman, Daniel; Steinfeld, Rachel; Bukusi, Elizabeth A; Shade, Starley; Cohen, Craig R; Newmann, Sara J

2015-01-01

Little information exists on the impact of integrating family planning (FP) services into HIV care and treatment on patients' familiarity with and attitudes toward FP. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in 18 public HIV clinics with 12 randomized to integrated FP and HIV services and 6 to the standard referral-based system where patients are referred to an FP clinic. Serial cross-sectional surveys were done before (n = 488 women, 486 men) and after (n = 479 women, 481 men) the intervention to compare changes in familiarity with FP methods and attitudes toward FP between integrated and nonintegrated (NI) sites. We created an FP familiarity score based on the number of more effective FP methods patients could identify (score range: 0-6). Generalized estimating equations were used to control for clustering within sites. An increase in mean familiarity score between baseline (mean = 5.16) and post-intervention (mean = 5.46) occurred with an overall mean change of 0.26 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.09, 0.45; p = 0.003) across all sites. At end line, there was no difference in increase of mean FP familiarity scores at intervention versus control sites (mean = 5.41 vs. 5.49, p = 0.94). We observed a relative decrease in the proportion of males agreeing that FP was "women's business" at integrated sites (baseline 42% to end line 30%; reduction of 12%) compared to males at NI sites (baseline 35% to end line 42%; increase of 7%; adjusted odds ration [aOR] = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.85). Following FP-HIV integration, familiarity with FP methods increased but did not differ by study arm. Integration was associated with a decrease in negative attitudes toward FP among men.

Surface properties of functional polymer systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Derek

Polymer surface modification typically involves blending with other polymers or chemical modification of the parent polymer. Such strategies inevitably result in polymer systems that are spatially and chemically heterogeneous, and which exhibit the phenomenon of surface segregation. This work investigates the effects of chain architecture on the surface segregation behavior of such functionally modified polymers using a series of end- and center-fluorinated poly(D,L-lactide). Surface segregation of the fluorinated functional groups was observed in both chain architectures via AMPS and water contact angle. Higher surface segregation was noted for functional groups located at the chain end as opposed to those in the middle of the chain. A self-consistent mean-field lattice theory was used to model the composition depth profiles of functional groups and excellent agreement was found between the model predictions and the experimental AMPS data in both chain architectures. Polymer properties are also in general dependent on both time and temperature, and exhibit a range of relaxation times in response to environmental stimuli. This behavior arises from the characteristic frequencies of molecular motions of the polymer chain and the interrelationship between time and temperature has been widely established for polymer bulk properties. There is evidence that surface properties also respond in a manner that is time and temperature dependent and that this dependence may not be the same as that observed for bulk properties. AMPS and water contact angle experiments were used to investigate the surface reorganization behavior of functional groups using a series of anionically synthesized end-fluorinated and end-carboxylated poly(styrene). It was found that both types of functional end-groups reorganized upon a change in the polarity of the surface environment in order to minimize the surface free energy. ADXPS and contact angle results suggest that the reorganization depth was confined to the top 2--3 nm of the surface. Contact angle results showed also that the reorganization process proceeded as a function of (time) 1/2, indicating that it is likely diffusion controlled. The magnitudes of the activation energies determined from the experimental data according to the Arhenius equation, suggest that the process is possibly correlated with known bulk beta and gamma relaxations in the polymer.

Wavelet-bounded empirical mode decomposition for measured time series analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, Keegan J.; Kurt, Mehmet; Eriten, Melih; McFarland, D. Michael; Bergman, Lawrence A.; Vakakis, Alexander F.

2018-01-01

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is a powerful technique for separating the transient responses of nonlinear and nonstationary systems into finite sets of nearly orthogonal components, called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), which represent the dynamics on different characteristic time scales. However, a deficiency of EMD is the mixing of two or more components in a single IMF, which can drastically affect the physical meaning of the empirical decomposition results. In this paper, we present a new approached based on EMD, designated as wavelet-bounded empirical mode decomposition (WBEMD), which is a closed-loop, optimization-based solution to the problem of mode mixing. The optimization routine relies on maximizing the isolation of an IMF around a characteristic frequency. This isolation is measured by fitting a bounding function around the IMF in the frequency domain and computing the area under this function. It follows that a large (small) area corresponds to a poorly (well) separated IMF. An optimization routine is developed based on this result with the objective of minimizing the bounding-function area and with the masking signal parameters serving as free parameters, such that a well-separated IMF is extracted. As examples of application of WBEMD we apply the proposed method, first to a stationary, two-component signal, and then to the numerically simulated response of a cantilever beam with an essentially nonlinear end attachment. We find that WBEMD vastly improves upon EMD and that the extracted sets of IMFs provide insight into the underlying physics of the response of each system.

Apparatus for tensile testing plate-type ceramic specimens

DOEpatents

Liu, K.C.

1993-08-24

Apparatus is described for gripping a plate-type tensile specimen having generally T-shaped end regions in a dynamic tension fatigue testing apparatus comprising an annular housing having an open-ended elongated cavity therein, a plurality of hydraulic piston means supported by the housing in a spaced array about the cavity, and a specimen-supporting plate means overlying the piston means at one end of the elongated cavity and displaceable by said piston means in a longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, said apparatus for gripping a flat plate-type tensile specimen comprising: a pair of elongated pull rods each having oppositely disposed first and second end regions; a pair of mounting means carried by said plate means with each mounting means for pivotally attaching the first end region of each of said pull rods in a central region of said plate means for supporting said pair of elongated pull rods in a side-by-side relationship along a common longitudinal centerline within said cavity; recess means in the second end region of each of said pull rods in adjacently disposed surface regions thereof with said recess means facing one another and each adapted to receive one side of one of the generally T-shaped end regions of the plate-type tensile specimen; and load-bearing means positionable in each of said recess means and adapted to bear against a shoulder on each side of the generally T-shaped end region of the plate-type tensile specimen when a tensile loading is applied thereon.

SU-E-J-86: Lobar Lung Function Quantification by PET Galligas and CT Ventilation Imaging in Lung Cancer Patients

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

Eslick, E; Kipritidis, J; Keall, P

2014-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the lobar lung function using the novel PET Galligas ([68Ga]-carbon nanoparticle) ventilation imaging and the investigational CT ventilation imaging in lung cancer patients pre-treatment. Methods: We present results on our first three lung cancer patients (2 male, mean age 78 years) as part of an ongoing ethics approved study. For each patient a PET Galligas ventilation (PET-V) image and a pair of breath hold CT images (end-exhale and end-inhale tidal volumes) were acquired using a Siemens Biograph PET CT. CT-ventilation (CT-V) images were created from the pair of CT images usingmore » deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms and the Hounsfield Unit (HU) ventilation metric. A comparison of ventilation quantification from each modality was done on the lobar level and the voxel level. A Bland-Altman plot was used to assess the difference in mean percentage contribution of each lobe to the total lung function between the two modalities. For each patient, a voxel-wise Spearmans correlation was calculated for the whole lungs between the two modalities. Results: The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated strong agreement between PET-V and CT-V for assessment of lobar function (r=0.99, p<0.001; range mean difference: −5.5 to 3.0). The correlation between PET-V and CT-V at the voxel level was moderate(r=0.60, p<0.001). Conclusion: This preliminary study on the three patients data sets demonstrated strong agreement between PET and CT ventilation imaging for the assessment of pre-treatment lung function at the lobar level. Agreement was only moderate at the level of voxel correlations. These results indicate that CT ventilation imaging has potential for assessing pre-treatment lobar lung function in lung cancer patients.« less

Exploring the functional mealtime associations of older adults through consumer segmentation and a means-end chain approach.

PubMed

den Uijl, Louise C; Jager, Gerry; de Graaf, Cees; Kremer, Stefanie

2016-12-01

Senior consumers are a rapidly growing and highly heterogeneous part of the world's population. This group does not always meet its recommended protein intake, which can negatively impact on their physical functioning and quality of life. To date, little is known about their motivations to consume protein-rich meals. In the current study, we therefore aim to identify consumer segments within the group of vital community-dwelling older adults on the basis of mealtime functionality (for example 'I eat because I'm hungry', or 'I eat because it is cosy'). To this end, we first conducted an online survey to identify these functional mealtime expectations of older consumers (study I, n = 398, 158 males, mean age 65.8 (y) ± 5.9 (SD)). To obtain further insights regarding mealtime functionality and proteins/protein enrichment, laddering interviews were conducted with a subgroup of the segmentation study participants (study II, n = 40, 20 males, mean age 66.9 (y) ± 4.8 (SD)). The results of the online survey showed three consumer clusters: cosy socialisers, physical nutritioners, and thoughtless rewarders. Thoughtless rewarders tend to eat without having explicit thoughts about it, they eat for the reward, and score highest on environmental awareness. Both the segmentation and the in-depth interviews showed that, for the cosy socialisers, the cosiness and social function of a meal are important motivators, whereas for the physical nutritioners the focus is more on the health and nutrient aspects of a meal. For cosy socialisers, protein enrichment can best be achieved through addition of protein-rich ingredients, whereas, for physical nutritioners, addition of protein powder is preferred. These results provide practical guidelines for the development of protein-rich meals and communication strategies tailored to the needs of specific vital community-dwelling older subgroups. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Support for Quality Assurance in End-User Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klepper, Robert; McKenna, Edward G.

1989-01-01

Suggests an approach that organizations can take to provide centralized support services for quality assurance in end-user information systems, based on the experiences of a support group at Citicorp Mortgage, Inc. The functions of the support group include user education, software selection, and assistance in testing, implementation, and support…

Central pancreatectomy for benign pancreatic pathology/trauma: is it a reasonable pancreas-preserving conservative surgical strategy alternative to standard major pancreatic resection?

PubMed

Johnson, Maria A; Rajendran, Shanmugasundaram; Balachandar, Tirupporur G; Kannan, Devy G; Jeswanth, Satyanesan; Ravichandran, Palaniappan; Surendran, Rajagopal

2006-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility, safety and outcome of central pancreatectomy (CP) with pancreaticogastrostomy or pancreaticojejunostomy in appropriately selected patients with benign central pancreatic pathology/trauma. Benign lesions/trauma of the pancreatic neck and proximal body pose an interesting surgical challenge. CP is an operation that allows resection of benign tumours located in the pancreatic isthmus that are not suitable for enucleation. Between January 2000 and December 2005, eight central pancreatectomies were carried out. There were six women and two men with a mean age of 35.7 years. The cephalic pancreatic stump is oversewn and the distal stump is anastomosed end-to-end with a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop in two and with the stomach in six patients. The indications for CP were: non-functional islet cell tumours in two patients, traumatic pancreatic neck transection in two and one each for insulinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumour, splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and pseudocyst. Pancreatic exocrine function was evaluated by a questionnaire method. Endocrine function was evaluated by blood glucose level. Morbidity rate was 37.5% with no operative mortality. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.5 days. Neither of the patients developed pancreatic fistula nor required reoperations or interventional radiological procedures. At a mean follow up of 26.4 months, no patient had evidence of endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, all the patients were alive and well without clinical and imaging evidence of disease recurrence. When technically feasible, CP is a safe, pancreas-preserving pancreatectomy for non-enucleable benign pancreatic pathology/trauma confined to pancreatic isthmus that allows for cure of the disease without loss of substantial amount of normal pancreatic parenchyma with preservation of exocrine/endocrine function and without interruption of enteric continuity.

A new method based on Dempster-Shafer theory and fuzzy c-means for brain MRI segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jie; Lu, Xi; Li, Yunpeng; Chen, Xiaowu; Deng, Yong

2015-10-01

In this paper, a new method is proposed to decrease sensitiveness to motion noise and uncertainty in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation especially when only one brain image is available. The method is approached with considering spatial neighborhood information by fusing the information of pixels with their neighbors with Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory. The basic probability assignment (BPA) of each single hypothesis is obtained from the membership function of applying fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering to the gray levels of the MRI. Then multiple hypotheses are generated according to the single hypothesis. Then we update the objective pixel’s BPA by fusing the BPA of the objective pixel and those of its neighbors to get the final result. Some examples in MRI segmentation are demonstrated at the end of the paper, in which our method is compared with some previous methods. The results show that the proposed method is more effective than other methods in motion-blurred MRI segmentation.

On determining the point of no return in climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Zalinge, Brenda C.; Feng, Qing Yi; Aengenheyster, Matthias; Dijkstra, Henk A.

2017-08-01

Earth's global mean surface temperature has increased by about 1.0 °C over the period 1880-2015. One of the main causes is thought to be the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. If greenhouse gas emissions are not substantially decreased, several studies indicate that there will be a dangerous anthropogenic interference with climate by the end of this century. However, there is no good quantitative measure to determine when it is too late to start reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid such dangerous interference. In this study, we develop a method for determining a so-called point of no return for several greenhouse gas emission scenarios. The method is based on a combination of aspects of stochastic viability theory and linear response theory; the latter is used to estimate the probability density function of the global mean surface temperature. The innovative element in this approach is the applicability to high-dimensional climate models as demonstrated by the results obtained with the PlaSim model.

Qualification Requirement Perceptions of the United States Army Acquisition Workforce Since Implementation of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

for the sake of learning is not the end, but only the means to an end ( Newman , 1947). The end is more about job impact and actual business results...requirements to what skills the employee actually needs to perform their job. The current cookie-cutter style of training requirements is a...acquisition process on the whole for large scale projects/programs. Acq. Level 2.5(B) - Based on the Parent program the employee works for and

A Participatory Design Approach to Develop a Web-Based Self-Care Program Supporting Early Rehabilitation among Patients after Total Laryngectomy.

PubMed

Cnossen, Ingrid C; van Uden-Kraan, Cornelia F; Eerenstein, Simone E J; Rinkel, Rico N P M; Aalders, Ijke J; van den Berg, Klaske; de Goede, Cees J T; van Stijgeren, Ans J; Cruijff-Bijl, Yvonne; de Bree, Remco; Leemans, C René; Verdonck-de Leeuw, Irma M

2015-01-01

To develop a Web-based self-care program for patients after total laryngectomy according to a participatory design approach. We conducted a needs assessment with laryngectomees (n = 9) and their partners (n = 3) by means of a focus group interview. In 4 focus group sessions, a requirement plan was formulated by a team of health care professionals (n = 10) and translated into a prototype. An e-health application was built including illustrated information on functional changes after total laryngectomy as well as video demonstrations of skills and exercises. Usability of the prototype was tested by end users (n = 4) and expert users (n = 10). Interviews were held to elicit the intention to use and the desired implementation strategy. Six main self-care topics were identified: (1) nutrition, (2) tracheostomy care, (3) voice prosthesis care, (4) speech rehabilitation, (5) smell rehabilitation, and (6) mobility of head, neck, and shoulder muscles. Expert users expressed concerns regarding tailored exercises, indicated a positive intent to implement the intervention in routine care, and expressed a need for guidance when implementing the intervention. End users and expert users appreciated the content completeness and multimedia-based information built into the application. The participatory design is a valuable approach to develop a self-care program to help meet users' needs. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Iberian Spanish Function Catalog. Method for Determining Language Objectives and Criteria, Volume VI.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Setzler, Hubert H., Jr.; And Others

This Iberian Spanish Function Catalog presents sentences, phrases, and patterns organized by language functions and functional categories. This catalog is part of the communication/language objectives-based system (C/LOBS), which supports the front-end analysis efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. The C/LOBS project,…

Quantitative fabrication of functional polymer surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rengifo, Hernan R.

Polymeric surfaces and films have very broad applications in industry. They have been employed as anticorrosive, abrasive and decorative coatings for many years. More recently, the applications of functional polymer films in microelectronics, optics, nanocomposites, DNA microarrays, and enzyme immobilizations has drawn a lot of attention. There are a number of challenges associated with the implementation of functional polymeric surfaces, and these challenges are especially important in the field of surface modification. In this thesis, three different challenges in the field of polymeric functional surfaces are addressed: first of all, a set of rules for the molecular design are presented in chapters 3 and 4 according to the surface needs. Second, some latent energy source must be incorporated into the material design to quantitative modify a surface. Third, the morphology of the surface, the method use to fabricate the design surface and their new applications are presented in chapters 4 and 5. The new polymeric surface functionalization method described in Chapter 3 is based upon an end-functionalized diblock copolymer design to self-assemble at the surface of both hard and soft surfaces. It is demonstrated that alkyne end-functional diblock copolymers can be used to provide precise control over areal densities of reactive functionality. The areal density of alkyne functional groups is precisely controlled by adjusting the thickness of the block copolymer monolayer, which is accomplished by changing either the spin coating conditions (i.e., rotational speed and solution concentration) or the copolymer molecular weight. The modified surfaces are characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, ellipsometry, fluorescent imaging and angle-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS) measurements. In Chapter 4, a simple means is demonstrated to covalently bond DNA to polymer-modified substrates; the method provides quantitative control of the DNA areal density. The approach is based upon synthesis of an alkyne-end-functional diblock copolymer alpha-alkyne-o-Br-poly(tBA- b-MMA). The block copolymer self-assembles to form a bilayer on the substrate and directs alkyne groups to the surface. Azido-functionalized DNA is immobilized on alkyne functionalized substrates by a "click" reaction. The density of immobilized DNA can be quantitatively controlled by varying the parameters used for spin-coating the polymer film or by adjusting the hydrophilicity of the polymer surface underlying the reactive alkyne functional groups. In Chapter 5, Layer by layer (LbL) assembly techniques construct multilayer thin films by sequential deposition of monomolecular layers of organic molecules. One of the drawbacks associated with their use is that monomolecular layers are usually held together by relatively weak forces such as Van der Waals, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, and can therefore be lacking in mechanical integrity. In this chapter, it is demonstrated that heterobifunctional polymers, functionalized with one azide chain terminus and a protected alkyne group as the other chain terminus, constitute a powerful and versatile means for the covalent layer-by-layer (CLbL) assembly of thin polymer films. Each monomolecular polymer layer is covalently bound to both the preceding and following layers to produce a robust multilayer structure. Because the coupling chemistry used, "click" chemistry, is highly chemoselective, the layering process is virtually independent of the chemical nature of the polymer so that the constitution of each layer can be selected at will. Unlike other layer-by-layer deposition techniques, the layer thickness in CLbL is not equivalent to the diameter of the polymer chain, but is related to the polymer chain length and can be controlled by adjustment of either the polymer molecular weight or the areal density of surface alkyne groups.

Randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral therapy plus hypnosis intervention to control fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.

PubMed

Montgomery, Guy H; David, Daniel; Kangas, Maria; Green, Sheryl; Sucala, Madalina; Bovbjerg, Dana H; Hallquist, Michael N; Schnur, Julie B

2014-02-20

The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy plus hypnosis (CBTH) to control fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. We hypothesized that patients in the CBTH group receiving radiotherapy would have lower levels of fatigue than patients in an attention control group. Patients (n = 200) were randomly assigned to either the CBTH (n = 100; mean age, 55.59 years) or attention control (n = 100; mean age, 55.97 years) group. Fatigue was measured at four time points (baseline, end of radiotherapy, 4 weeks, and 6 months after radiotherapy). Fatigue was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) -Fatigue subscale and Visual Analog Scales (VASs; Fatigue and Muscle Weakness). The CBTH group had significantly lower levels of fatigue (FACIT) at the end of radiotherapy (z, 6.73; P < .001), 4-week follow-up (z, 6.98; P < .001), and 6-month follow-up (z, 7.99; P < .001) assessments. Fatigue VAS scores were significantly lower in the CBTH group at the end of treatment (z, 5.81; P < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up (z, 4.56; P < .001), but not at the 4-week follow-up (P < .07). Muscle Weakness VAS scores were significantly lower in the CBTH group at the end of treatment (z, 9.30; P < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up (z, 3.10; P < .02), but not at the 4-week follow-up (P < .13). The results support CBTH as an evidence-based intervention to control fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. CBTH is noninvasive, has no adverse effects, and its beneficial effects persist long after the last intervention session. CBTH seems to be a candidate for future dissemination and implementation.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Plus Hypnosis Intervention to Control Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Montgomery, Guy H.; David, Daniel; Kangas, Maria; Green, Sheryl; Sucala, Madalina; Bovbjerg, Dana H.; Hallquist, Michael N.; Schnur, Julie B.

2014-01-01

Purpose The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy plus hypnosis (CBTH) to control fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. We hypothesized that patients in the CBTH group receiving radiotherapy would have lower levels of fatigue than patients in an attention control group. Patients and Methods Patients (n = 200) were randomly assigned to either the CBTH (n = 100; mean age, 55.59 years) or attention control (n = 100; mean age, 55.97 years) group. Fatigue was measured at four time points (baseline, end of radiotherapy, 4 weeks, and 6 months after radiotherapy). Fatigue was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) –Fatigue subscale and Visual Analog Scales (VASs; Fatigue and Muscle Weakness). Results The CBTH group had significantly lower levels of fatigue (FACIT) at the end of radiotherapy (z, 6.73; P < .001), 4-week follow-up (z, 6.98; P < .001), and 6-month follow-up (z, 7.99; P < .001) assessments. Fatigue VAS scores were significantly lower in the CBTH group at the end of treatment (z, 5.81; P < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up (z, 4.56; P < .001), but not at the 4-week follow-up (P < .07). Muscle Weakness VAS scores were significantly lower in the CBTH group at the end of treatment (z, 9.30; P < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up (z, 3.10; P < .02), but not at the 4-week follow-up (P < .13). Conclusion The results support CBTH as an evidence-based intervention to control fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. CBTH is noninvasive, has no adverse effects, and its beneficial effects persist long after the last intervention session. CBTH seems to be a candidate for future dissemination and implementation. PMID:24419112

The Non-Instrumental Vision of the Learning Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Su, Yahui

2010-01-01

This essay considers the non-instrumental vision of the learning society through the analysis of its conceptual logic and meaning based on A. J. Cropley's approach. It outlines a view of the learning society whereby learning is an end in itself rather than a means of achieving other economic or civic purposes, as currently described in relevant…

Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Early Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Means-End Problem Solving in 9-Month-Olds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drover, James; Hoffman, Dennis R.; Castaneda, Yolanda S.; Morale, Sarah E.; Birch, Eileen E.

2009-01-01

This study examines whether feeding infants formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) improves cognitive function of 9-month-olds. Participants included 229 infants from 3 randomized controlled trials. Children received either formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, or a control formula…

Families Apart: Ten Keys to Successful Co-Parenting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blau, Melinda

Many researchers have cited the trauma of divorce as being second only to that incurred by the death of child. Yet divorce does not mean the end of a family or of parenting responsibilities. This book focuses on co-parenting and how real divorced parents attempt to make a "family apart" function successfully. The stories and quotes were…

Muscle Fiber Size and Function in Elderly Humans: A Longitudinal Study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cross-sectional studies are likely to underestimate age-related changes in skeletal muscle strength and mass. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess whole muscle and single muscle fiber alterations in the same cohort of 12 older (mean age: start of study=71.1+/-5.4 yrs and end of study...

The UV Luminosity Function at 6 < z < 10 from the Hubble Frontier Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livermore, Rachael C.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Lotz, Jennifer M.

2017-01-01

The Hubble Frontier Fields program has obtained deep optical and near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope imaging of six galaxy clusters and associated parallel fields. The depth of the imaging (m_AB ~ 29) means we can identify faint galaxies at z > 6, and those in the cluster fields also benefit from magnification due to strong gravitational lensing that allows us to reach intrinsic absolute magnitudes of M_UV ~ -12.5 at z ~ 6. Here, we present the UV luminosity functions at 6 < z < 10 from the complete Hubble Frontier Fields data, revealing a steep faint-end slope that extends to the limits of the data. The lack of any apparent turnover in the luminosity functions means that faint galaxies in the early Universe may have provided sufficient ionizing radiation to sustain reionization.

Cosmic Star Formation History and Evolution of the Galaxy UV Luminosity Function for z < 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Keming; Schiminovich, David

2018-01-01

We present the latest constraints on the evolution of the far-ultraviolet luminosity function of galaxies (1500 Å, UVLF hereafter) for 0 < z < 1 based on GALEX photometry, with redshift measurements from four spectroscopic and photometric-redshift catalogs: NSA, GAMA, VIPERS, and COSMOS photo-z. Our final sample consists of ~170000 galaxies, which represents the largest sample used in such studies. By integrating wide NSA and GAMA data and deep VIPERS and COSMOS photo-z data, we have been able to constrain both the bright end and the faint end of the luminosity function with high accuracy over the entire redshift range. We fit a Schechter function to our measurements of the UVLF, both to parameterize its evolution, and to integrate for SFR densities. From z~1 to z~0, the characteristic absolute magnitude of the UVLF increases linearly by ~1.5 magnitudes, while the faint end slope remains shallow (alpha < 1.5). However, the Schechter function fit exhibits an excess of galaxies at the bright end, which is accounted for by contributions from AGN. We also describe our methodology, which can be applied more generally to any combination of wide-shallow and deep-narrow surveys.

Erroneous cardiac ECG-gated PET list-mode trigger events can be retrospectively identified and replaced by an offline reprocessing approach: first results in rodents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böning, Guido; Todica, Andrei; Vai, Alessandro; Lehner, Sebastian; Xiong, Guoming; Mille, Erik; Ilhan, Harun; la Fougère, Christian; Bartenstein, Peter; Hacker, Marcus

2013-11-01

The assessment of left ventricular function, wall motion and myocardial viability using electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated [18F]-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) is widely accepted in human and in preclinical small animal studies. The nonterminal and noninvasive approach permits repeated in vivo evaluations of the same animal, facilitating the assessment of temporal changes in disease or therapy response. Although well established, gated small animal PET studies can contain erroneous gating information, which may yield to blurred images and false estimation of functional parameters. In this work, we present quantitative and visual quality control (QC) methods to evaluate the accuracy of trigger events in PET list-mode and physiological data. Left ventricular functional analysis is performed to quantify the effect of gating errors on the end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, and on the ejection fraction (EF). We aim to recover the cardiac functional parameters by the application of the commonly established heart rate filter approach using fixed ranges based on a standardized population. In addition, we propose a fully reprocessing approach which retrospectively replaces the gating information of the PET list-mode file with appropriate list-mode decoding and encoding software. The signal of a simultaneously acquired ECG is processed using standard MATLAB vector functions, which can be individually adapted to reliably detect the R-peaks. Finally, the new trigger events are inserted into the PET list-mode file. A population of 30 mice with various health statuses was analyzed and standard cardiac parameters such as mean heart rate (119 ms ± 11.8 ms) and mean heart rate variability (1.7 ms ± 3.4 ms) derived. These standard parameter ranges were taken into account in the QC methods to select a group of nine optimal gated and a group of eight sub-optimal gated [18F]-FDG PET scans of mice from our archive. From the list-mode files of the optimal gated group, we randomly deleted various fractions (5% to 60%) of contained trigger events to generate a corrupted group. The filter approach was capable to correct the corrupted group and yield functional parameters with no significant difference to the optimal gated group. We successfully demonstrated the potential of the fully reprocessing approach by applying it to the sub-optimal group, where the functional parameters were significantly improved after reprocessing (mean EF from 41% ± 16% to 60% ± 13%). When applied to the optimal gated group the fully reprocessing approach did not alter the functional parameters significantly (mean EF from 64% ± 8% to 64 ± 7%). This work presents methods to determine and quantify erroneous gating in small animal gated [18F]-FDG PET scans. We demonstrate the importance of a quality check for cardiac triggering contained in PET list-mode data and the benefit of optionally reprocessing the fully recorded physiological information to retrospectively modify or fully replace the cardiac triggering in PET list-mode data. We aim to provide a preliminary guideline of how to proceed in the presence of errors and demonstrate that offline reprocessing by filtering erroneous trigger events and retrospective gating by ECG processing is feasible. Future work will focus on the extension by additional QC methods, which may exploit the amplitude of trigger events and ECG signal by means of pattern recognition. Furthermore, we aim to transfer the proposed QC methods and the fully reprocessing approach to human myocardial PET/CT.

Coil End Parts Development Using BEND and Design for MQXF by LARP

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

Yu, Miao; Ambrosio, G.; Bermudez, S. Izquierdo

2016-09-06

End parts are critical components for saddle-shaped coils. They have a structural function where the cables are deformed in order to cross over the magnet aperture. Based on the previous design of the US LARP program for 90 mm aperture quadrupoles (TQ/LQ) and 120 mm aperture quadrupoles (HQ/LHQ) using BEND, the coil ends of the low-β quadruples (MQXF) for the HiLumi LHC upgrade were developed. This paper shows the design of the MQXF coil ends, the analysis of the coil ends during the coil fabrication, the autopsy analysis of the coil ends and the feedback to BEND parameters.

Rockbolt and installer wand

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

Lane, W.L.; Lewis, D.L.

1987-04-07

A rockbolt is described for installation in a bore in the roof of an underground excavation to support the roof, the rockbolt comprising: a sleeve insertable into the bore and having an upper and a lower end; at least one port in the sleeve near the upper end; means inside the sleeve near the upper end for engaging a device for supplying hardenable binder material inserted into the sleeve, the engaging means having at least one passage therein communicating with the port to allow binder material to pass from the device through the engaging means and out the port, tomore » encase the sleeve in binder material; means for engaging the sleeve, near the lower end, to the roof face; means for engaging the sleeve near the upper end to the rock surrounding the bore and means for tensioning the rockbolt to compress the rock between the upper and lower ends.« less

RaptorX server: a resource for template-based protein structure modeling.

PubMed

Källberg, Morten; Margaryan, Gohar; Wang, Sheng; Ma, Jianzhu; Xu, Jinbo

2014-01-01

Assigning functional properties to a newly discovered protein is a key challenge in modern biology. To this end, computational modeling of the three-dimensional atomic arrangement of the amino acid chain is often crucial in determining the role of the protein in biological processes. We present a community-wide web-based protocol, RaptorX server ( http://raptorx.uchicago.edu ), for automated protein secondary structure prediction, template-based tertiary structure modeling, and probabilistic alignment sampling.Given a target sequence, RaptorX server is able to detect even remotely related template sequences by means of a novel nonlinear context-specific alignment potential and probabilistic consistency algorithm. Using the protocol presented here it is thus possible to obtain high-quality structural models for many target protein sequences when only distantly related protein domains have experimentally solved structures. At present, RaptorX server can perform secondary and tertiary structure prediction of a 200 amino acid target sequence in approximately 30 min.

Description of the SSF PMAD DC testbed control system data acquisition function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baez, Anastacio N.; Mackin, Michael; Wright, Theodore

1992-01-01

The NASA LeRC in Cleveland, Ohio has completed the development and integration of a Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Testbed. This testbed is a reduced scale representation of the end to end, sources to loads, Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System (SSF EPS). This unique facility is being used to demonstrate DC power generation and distribution, power management and control, and system operation techniques considered to be prime candidates for the Space Station Freedom. A key capability of the testbed is its ability to be configured to address system level issues in support of critical SSF program design milestones. Electrical power system control and operation issues like source control, source regulation, system fault protection, end-to-end system stability, health monitoring, resource allocation, and resource management are being evaluated in the testbed. The SSF EPS control functional allocation between on-board computers and ground based systems is evolving. Initially, ground based systems will perform the bulk of power system control and operation. The EPS control system is required to continuously monitor and determine the current state of the power system. The DC Testbed Control System consists of standard controllers arranged in a hierarchical and distributed architecture. These controllers provide all the monitoring and control functions for the DC Testbed Electrical Power System. Higher level controllers include the Power Management Controller, Load Management Controller, Operator Interface System, and a network of computer systems that perform some of the SSF Ground based Control Center Operation. The lower level controllers include Main Bus Switch Controllers and Photovoltaic Controllers. Power system status information is periodically provided to the higher level controllers to perform system control and operation. The data acquisition function of the control system is distributed among the various levels of the hierarchy. Data requirements are dictated by the control system algorithms being implemented at each level. A functional description of the various levels of the testbed control system architecture, the data acquisition function, and the status of its implementationis presented.

Feedforward neural network model estimating pollutant removal process within mesophilic upflow anaerobic sludge blanket bioreactor treating industrial starch processing wastewater.

PubMed

Antwi, Philip; Li, Jianzheng; Meng, Jia; Deng, Kaiwen; Koblah Quashie, Frank; Li, Jiuling; Opoku Boadi, Portia

2018-06-01

In this a, three-layered feedforward-backpropagation artificial neural network (BPANN) model was developed and employed to evaluate COD removal an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating industrial starch processing wastewater. At the end of UASB operation, microbial community characterization revealed satisfactory composition of microbes whereas morphology depicted rod-shaped archaea. pH, COD, NH 4 + , VFA, OLR and biogas yield were selected by principal component analysis and used as input variables. Whilst tangent sigmoid function (tansig) and linear function (purelin) were assigned as activation functions at the hidden-layer and output-layer, respectively, optimum BPANN architecture was achieved with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (trainlm) after eleven training algorithms had been tested. Based on performance indicators such the mean squared errors, fractional variance, index of agreement and coefficient of determination (R 2 ), the BPANN model demonstrated significant performance with R 2 reaching 87%. The study revealed that, control and optimization of an anaerobic digestion process with BPANN model was feasible. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chloride and bromide sources in water: Quantitative model use and uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horner, Kyle N.; Short, Michael A.; McPhail, D. C.

2017-06-01

Dissolved chloride is a commonly used geochemical tracer in hydrological studies. Assumptions underlying many chloride-based tracer methods do not hold where processes such as halide-bearing mineral dissolution, fluid mixing, or diffusion modify dissolved Cl- concentrations. Failure to identify, quantify, or correct such processes can introduce significant uncertainty to chloride-based tracer calculations. Mass balance or isotopic techniques offer a means to address this uncertainty, however, concurrent evaporation or transpiration can complicate corrections. In this study Cl/Br ratios are used to derive equations that can be used to correct a solution's total dissolved Cl- and Br- concentration for inputs from mineral dissolution and/or binary mixing. We demonstrate the equations' applicability to waters modified by evapotranspiration. The equations can be used to quickly determine the maximum proportion of dissolved Cl- and Br- from each end-member, providing no halide-bearing minerals have precipitated and the Cl/Br ratio of each end member is known. This allows rapid evaluation of halite dissolution or binary mixing contributions to total dissolved Cl- and Br-. Equation sensitivity to heterogeneity and analytical uncertainty is demonstrated through bench-top experiments simulating halite dissolution and variable degrees of evapotranspiration, as commonly occur in arid environments. The predictions agree with the experimental results to within 6% and typically much less, with the sensitivity of the predicted results varying as a function of end-member compositions and analytical uncertainty. Finally, we present a case-study illustrating how the equations presented here can be used to quantify Cl- and Br- sources and sinks in surface water and groundwater and how the equations can be applied to constrain uncertainty in chloride-based tracer calculations.

IOOS Data Portals and Uniform On-line Browse Capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, M.; Currier, R. D.; Kobara, S.; Gayanilo, F.

2015-12-01

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) is one of eleven Regional Associations organized under the NOAA-led U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Program Office. Each of the RAs operate standards-based regional data portals designed to aggregate near real-time and historical observed data and modeled outputs from distributed providers and to offer these and derived products in standardized ways to a diverse set of users. The RA's portals are based on the IOOS Data and Communications Plan which describes the functional elements needed for an interoperable system. One of these elements is called "Uniform On-line Browse" which is an informational service designed primarily to visualize the inventory of a portal. An on-line browse service supports the end user's need to discover what parameters are available, to learn the spatial and temporal extend of the holdings, and to examine the character of the data (e.g, variability, gappiness, etc). These pieces of information help the end user decide if the data are fit for his/her purpose and to construct valid data requests. Note that on-line browse is a distinctly different activity than data analysis because it seeks to yield knowledge about the inventory and not about what the data mean. "Uniform" on-line browse is a service that takes advantage of the standardization of the data portal's data access points. Most portals represent station locations on a map. This is a view of the data inventory but these plots are rarely generated by pulling data through the standards-based services offered to the end users but through methods only available to the portal programmers. This work will present results of Uniform On-line browse tools developed within GCOOS-RA and their applicability to other RA portals.

Solving Inverse Kinematics of Robot Manipulators by Means of Meta-Heuristic Optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wichapong, Kritsada; Bureerat, Sujin; Pholdee, Nantiwat

2018-05-01

This paper presents the use of meta-heuristic algorithms (MHs) for solving inverse kinematics of robot manipulators based on using forward kinematic. Design variables are joint angular displacements used to move a robot end-effector to the target in the Cartesian space while the design problem is posed to minimize error between target points and the positions of the robot end-effector. The problem is said to be a dynamic problem as the target points always changed by a robot user. Several well established MHs are used to solve the problem and the results obtained from using different meta-heuristics are compared based on the end-effector error and searching speed of the algorithms. From the study, the best performer will be obtained for setting as the baseline for future development of MH-based inverse kinematic solving.

Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, L-arginine and Left Ventricular Structure and Function in a Community-based Sample

PubMed Central

Lieb, Wolfgang; Benndorf, Ralf A.; Benjamin, Emelia J.; Sullivan, Lisa M.; Maas, Renke; Xanthakis, Vanessa; Schwedhelm, Edzard; Aragam, Jayashri; Schulze, Friedrich; Böger, Rainer H.; Vasan, Ramachandran S.

2009-01-01

Objective Increasing evidence indicates that cardiac structure and function are modulated by the nitric oxide (NO) system. Elevated plasma concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA; a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase) have been reported in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is unclear if circulating ADMA and L-arginine levels are related to cardiac structure and function in the general population. Methods We related plasma ADMA and L-Arginine (the amino acid precursor of NO) to echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) mass, left atrial (LA) size and fractional shortening (FS) using multivariable linear regression analyses in 1,919 Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 57 years, 58 % women). Results Overall, neither ADMA or L-arginine, nor their ratio was associated with LV mass, LA size and FS in multivariable models (p>0.10 for all). However, we observed effect modification by obesity of the relations of ADMA and LA size (p for interaction p=0.04): ADMA was positively related to LA size in obese individuals (adjusted-p=0.0004 for trend across ADMA quartiles) but not in non-obese people. Conclusion In our large community-based sample, plasma ADMA and L-arginine concentrations were not related to cardiac structure or function. The observation of positive relations of LA size and ADMA in obese individuals warrants confirmation. PMID:18829028

Calibration of a texture-based model of a ground-water flow system, western San Joaquin Valley, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phillips, Steven P.; Belitz, Kenneth

1991-01-01

The occurrence of selenium in agricultural drain water from the western San Joaquin Valley, California, has focused concern on the semiconfined ground-water flow system, which is underlain by the Corcoran Clay Member of the Tulare Formation. A two-step procedure is used to calibrate a preliminary model of the system for the purpose of determining the steady-state hydraulic properties. Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivities are modeled as functions of the percentage of coarse sediment, hydraulic conductivities of coarse-textured (Kcoarse) and fine-textured (Kfine) end members, and averaging methods used to calculate equivalent hydraulic conductivities. The vertical conductivity of the Corcoran (Kcorc) is an additional parameter to be evaluated. In the first step of the calibration procedure, the model is run by systematically varying the following variables: (1) Kcoarse/Kfine, (2) Kcoarse/Kcorc, and (3) choice of averaging methods in the horizontal and vertical directions. Root mean square error and bias values calculated from the model results are functions of these variables. These measures of error provide a means for evaluating model sensitivity and for selecting values of Kcoarse, Kfine, and Kcorc for use in the second step of the calibration procedure. In the second step, recharge rates are evaluated as functions of Kcoarse, Kcorc, and a combination of averaging methods. The associated Kfine values are selected so that the root mean square error is minimized on the basis of the results from the first step. The results of the two-step procedure indicate that the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity that best produces the measured hydraulic head distribution is created through the use of arithmetic averaging in the horizontal direction and either geometric or harmonic averaging in the vertical direction. The equivalent hydraulic conductivities resulting from either combination of averaging methods compare favorably to field- and laboratory-based values.

The employment of Support Vector Machine to classify high and low performance archers based on bio-physiological variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taha, Zahari; Muazu Musa, Rabiu; Majeed, Anwar P. P. Abdul; Razali Abdullah, Mohamad; Amirul Abdullah, Muhammad; Hasnun Arif Hassan, Mohd; Khalil, Zubair

2018-04-01

The present study employs a machine learning algorithm namely support vector machine (SVM) to classify high and low potential archers from a collection of bio-physiological variables trained on different SVMs. 50 youth archers with the average age and standard deviation of (17.0 ±.056) gathered from various archery programmes completed a one end shooting score test. The bio-physiological variables namely resting heart rate, resting respiratory rate, resting diastolic blood pressure, resting systolic blood pressure, as well as calories intake, were measured prior to their shooting tests. k-means cluster analysis was applied to cluster the archers based on their scores on variables assessed. SVM models i.e. linear, quadratic and cubic kernel functions, were trained on the aforementioned variables. The k-means clustered the archers into high (HPA) and low potential archers (LPA), respectively. It was demonstrated that the linear SVM exhibited good accuracy with a classification accuracy of 94% in comparison the other tested models. The findings of this investigation can be valuable to coaches and sports managers to recognise high potential athletes from the selected bio-physiological variables examined.

Method and apparatus for configuration control of redundant robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A method and apparatus to control a robot or manipulator configuration over the entire motion based on augmentation of the manipulator forward kinematics is disclosed. A set of kinematic functions is defined in Cartesian or joint space to reflect the desirable configuration that will be achieved in addition to the specified end-effector motion. The user-defined kinematic functions and the end-effector Cartesian coordinates are combined to form a set of task-related configuration variables as generalized coordinates for the manipulator. A task-based adaptive scheme is then utilized to directly control the configuration variables so as to achieve tracking of some desired reference trajectories throughout the robot motion. This accomplishes the basic task of desired end-effector motion, while utilizing the redundancy to achieve any additional task through the desired time variation of the kinematic functions. The present invention can also be used for optimization of any kinematic objective function, or for satisfaction of a set of kinematic inequality constraints, as in an obstacle avoidance problem. In contrast to pseudoinverse-based methods, the configuration control scheme ensures cyclic motion of the manipulator, which is an essential requirement for repetitive operations. The control law is simple and computationally very fast, and does not require either the complex manipulator dynamic model or the complicated inverse kinematic transformation. The configuration control scheme can alternatively be implemented in joint space.

What Is SEER?

Cancer.gov

An infographic describing the functions of NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program: collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating reliable population-based statistics.

The evaluation of relationship between vitamin D and muscle power by micro manual muscle tester in end-stage renal disease patients.

PubMed

Zahed, Nargesosadat; Chehrazi, Saghar; Falaknasi, Kianosh

2014-09-01

Muscle force of lower limb is a major factor for sustaining physical activity. Decreased muscle force can limit physical activity, which can increase mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Muscle force depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) that affects muscle function in both uremic and non-uremic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum level of 25-OHD and muscle force of lower extremities in hemodialysis patients estimated by a Micro Manual Muscle Tester, a digital instrument that measures muscle force in kilograms This cross-sectional study was performed on 135 adult patients, 69 male (51%) and 66 female (69%) (mean: 1.4, standard deviation: 0.5), undergoing hemodialysis. Standard biochemistry parameters were measured before hemodialysis, including 25-OHD, calcium, albumin, para-hyroid hormone and C-reactive protein (CRP). Based on the result of serum level of 25-OHD, patients were classified into the following three groups: 85 patients (63%) were 25-OHD deficient (25-OHD <30), 43 patients (32%) had a normal level of 25-OHD (30-70) and seven patients (5%) had a toxic level of 25-OHD (>70) (mean: 1.42, standard deviation: 0.59). Also, based on the result of muscle force, patients were classified into the following three groups: 84/133 patients (62%) had weak muscle force (<5 kg), 46/133 patients (34%) had normal muscle force (5-10 kg) and three patients (21%) had strong muscle force (>10 kg) (mean: 1.39, standard deviation: 0.53). There was a significant relation between 25-OHD level and muscle force (P = 0.02), between age and muscle force (P = 0.002) and between gender and muscle force (P <0.001). In our opinion, 25-OHD can be a useful drug in ESRD patients to improve muscle force and physical activity.

A novel edge-preserving nonnegative matrix factorization method for spectral unmixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Wenxing; Ma, Ruishi

2015-12-01

Spectral unmixing technique is one of the key techniques to identify and classify the material in the hyperspectral image processing. A novel robust spectral unmixing method based on nonnegative matrix factorization(NMF) is presented in this paper. This paper used an edge-preserving function as hypersurface cost function to minimize the nonnegative matrix factorization. To minimize the hypersurface cost function, we constructed the updating functions for signature matrix of end-members and abundance fraction respectively. The two functions are updated alternatively. For evaluation purpose, synthetic data and real data have been used in this paper. Synthetic data is used based on end-members from USGS digital spectral library. AVIRIS Cuprite dataset have been used as real data. The spectral angle distance (SAD) and abundance angle distance(AAD) have been used in this research for assessment the performance of proposed method. The experimental results show that this method can obtain more ideal results and good accuracy for spectral unmixing than present methods.

RADIATION WAVE DETECTION

DOEpatents

Wouters, L.F.

1960-08-30

Radiation waves can be detected by simultaneously measuring radiation- wave intensities at a plurality of space-distributed points and producing therefrom a plot of the wave intensity as a function of time. To this end. a detector system is provided which includes a plurality of nuclear radiation intensity detectors spaced at equal radial increments of distance from a source of nuclear radiation. Means are provided to simultaneously sensitize the detectors at the instant a wave of radiation traverses their positions. the detectors producing electrical pulses indicative of wave intensity. The system further includes means for delaying the pulses from the detectors by amounts proportional to the distance of the detectors from the source to provide an indication of radiation-wave intensity as a function of time.

Outcome of distal end clavicle fractures treated with locking plates.

PubMed

Vaishya, Raju; Vijay, Vipul; Khanna, Vikram

2017-02-01

Fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle are relatively uncommon. These fractures are unstable due to the various deforming forces which act on the fragments as well as the small distal fracture fragment. At most times the deforming forces are not taken into consideration, and the fracture is not fixed securely. In this study, we assessed a fixation technique using the precontoured locking plates to find out whether it provided a stable fixation with good functional outcome. Totally, 32 patients with lateral end clavicle fracture (Neer's Type II) were included in the study. After the informed consent and preoperative investigations were obtained, open reduction and internal fixation was done using a 3.5 mm precontoured superior locking plate with lateral extension under general anesthesia. Postoperative X-rays were done on day 1 and every 6 weeks after operation, until radiological union was achieved. The postoperative pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on postoperative days 1, 2 and 10. Postoperatively arm pouch sling was given for 2 weeks followed by active mobilization. Patients were asked to do their daily routine work and avoid lifting heavy weights. The functional outcome was assessed at the end of 2nd and 6th months with the help of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring. There were no intraoperative complications in the procedure. The mean VAS score on postoperative day 1 was found to be 5 which decreased to 3 on day 2 and 0 on day 10. The mean DASH score was calculated as 11.63 at the end of postoperative month 2 and then 4.6 at the end of month 6. There was one case of malunion in whom the overhead abduction was restricted but was not painful and was managed conservatively. The precontoured locking plates with lateral extension may be a good method to fix the fractures of the lateral end clavicle, which provide a stable fixation with good functional outcome with very few instances of stiffness and decreased range of motion of the shoulder with the hook plates and failure of fixation in screw and K-wire fixations. It may well be the answer to the fixation questions of the lateral clavicle fractures, although larger comparative studies between the surgical treatment methods are required to confirm the same. Copyright © 2017 Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluating endothelial function of the common carotid artery: an in vivo human model.

PubMed

Mazzucco, S; Bifari, F; Trombetta, M; Guidi, G C; Mazzi, M; Anzola, G P; Rizzuto, N; Bonadonna, R

2009-03-01

Flow mediated dilation (FMD) of peripheral conduit arteries is a well-established tool to evaluate endothelial function. The aims of this study are to apply the FMD model to cerebral circulation by using acetazolamide (ACZ)-induced intracranial vasodilation as a stimulus to increase common carotid artery (CCA) diameter in response to a local increase of blood flow velocity (BFV). In 15 healthy subjects, CCA end-diastolic diameter and BFV, middle cerebral artery (MCA) BFV and mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) were measured at basal conditions, after an intravenous bolus of 1g ACZ, and after placebo (saline) sublingual administration at the 15th and 20th minute. In a separate session, the same parameters were evaluated after placebo (saline) infusion instead of ACZ and after 10 microg/m(2) bs and 300 microg of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), administered sublingually, at the 15th and 20th minute, respectively. After ACZ bolus, there was a 35% maximal MCA mean BFV increment (14th minute), together with a 22% increase of mean CCA end-diastolic BFV and a CCA diameter increment of 3.9% at the 3rd minute (p=0.024). There were no MBP significant variations up to the 15th minute (p=0.35). After GTN administration, there was a significant increment in CCA diameter (p<0.00001). ACZ causes a detectable CCA dilation in healthy individuals concomitantly with an increase in BFV. Upon demonstration that this phenomenon is endothelium dependent, this experimental model might become a valuable tool to assess endothelial function in the carotid artery.

Comparison of tissue Doppler echocardiography parameters in patients with end-stage renal disease and renal transplant recipients.

PubMed

Pirat, B; Bozbas, H; Demirtas, S; Simsek, V; Sayin, B; Colak, T; Sade, E; Ulucam, M; Muderrisoglu, H; Haberal, M

2008-01-01

Tissue Doppler echocardiography has been introduced as a useful tool to assess systolic myocardial function. In this study we sought to compare patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with renal transplantations and control subjects with regard to tissue Doppler parameters. Thirty recipients with functional grafts of overall mean age 36 +/- 7 years included 24 men. An equal number of patients with ESRD of overall mean age 35 +/- 7 years included 20 men. A third cohort was comprised of 20 age- and gender matched control subjects. Tissue Doppler imaging from the septal and lateral mitral annulus of the left ventricle and free wall of the right ventricle was performed from a 4-chamber view. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar among the groups during imaging. Peak systolic velocity (S wave) at the septal annulus was similar in control subjects and recipients. S waves were significantly lower among ESRD patients compared with recipients (10.3 +/- 2.1 vs 12.0 +/- 2.5 cm/s, P = .04, respectively). Isovolumic contraction velocity of the septum and the right ventricular wall were significantly lower in ESRD patients than recipients or controls: 10.2 +/- 2.6 vs 12.5 +/- 2.8 vs 11.4 +/- 1.8 cm/s for septal wall (P = .008) and 13.9 +/- 3.6 vs 17.9 +/- 5.1 vs 16.8 +/- 5.8, for right ventricle (P = .01). Systolic indices of tissue Doppler echocardiography in recipients demonstrated similar values as control subjects and increased values compared with ESRD patients. These results suggested improvement in systolic myocardial function following renal transplantation.

Means and methods for cytometric therapies

DOEpatents

Gillies, George T.; Fillmore, Helen; Broaddus, William C.; Evans, III, Boyd M.; Allison, Stephen W.

2013-03-26

A functionalized tip is incorporated into catheters for the cytometric delivery of cells into the brain and other body parts. For use in the brain, the tip forms part of a neurosurgical probe having a proximal end and a distal end. In addition to the functionalized tip, the probe has at least one cell slurry delivery lumen and a plurality of optical fibers configured along the probe, terminating in the tip to provide the photo-optical capability needed to monitor the viability and physiological behavior of the grafted cells as well as certain characteristics of the cellular environment. Details are also presented of the use of a neurocatheter having a cytometric tip of the type disclosed in the invention, as employed within the context of a feedback and control system for regulating the number of cells delivered to the brain of a patient.

Body Weight and Body Mass Index in Patients with End-Stage Cystic Fibrosis Stabilize After the Start of Enteral Tube Feeding.

PubMed

Hollander, Francis M; de Roos, Nicole M; Belle van Meerkerk, Gerdien; Teding van Berkhout, Ferdinand; Heijerman, Harry G M; van de Graaf, Ed A

2017-11-01

Enteral tube feeding (ETF) is widely used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and end-stage lung disease, but previous studies have been limited to investigating whether ETF improves outcomes in patients with moderately or mildly impaired pulmonary function. This study investigated body weight, body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m 2 ), pulmonary function, and the presence of CF-related diabetes before and after the start of ETF. This was a retrospective observational study. Data from 26 adult patients in an outpatient setting who had end-stage CF (19 women) and had been using ETF for at least 6 months between 2000 and 2014 were analyzed. Body weight, BMI, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second as percent of predicted) and incidence of CF-related diabetes from 6 months before to 6 months after starting ETF. Time effects were tested with one-way analysis of variance for data that were normally distributed and the Friedman test for non-parametric data. Correlations were tested with Pearson's r or Spearman's ρ, depending on the distribution of the data. Mean body weight increased by 3.5 kg (95% CI 2.2 to 4.8 kg) after patients started ETF. In women, mean BMI decreased by 0.7 in the 6 months before the start of ETF (P<0.05) and increased by 1.4 in the 6 months thereafter (P<0.05). In men, BMI changes were similar (-0.8 and +1.1), but not statistically significant. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second as percent of predicted significantly decreased in time from a median of 28% to 26% at the start of ETF to 25% after 6 months (P=0.0013), with similar trends in women and men. There was no correlation between changes in weight and lung function. CF-related diabetes was already present in 12 patients and developed in 1 more patient after the start of ETF. ETF improved body weight and BMI but not pulmonary function in 26 patients with end-stage CF. Clinical outcomes were similar in women and men, but the sample size of men was too small to determine statistical significance. Copyright © 2017 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Service composition towards increasing end-user accessibility.

PubMed

Kaklanis, Nikolaos; Votis, Konstantinos; Tzovaras, Dimitrios

2015-01-01

This paper presents the Cloud4all Service Synthesizer Tool, a framework that enables efficient orchestration of accessibility services, as well as their combination into complex forms, providing more advanced functionalities towards increasing the accessibility of end-users with various types of functional limitations. The supported services are described formally within an ontology, enabling, thus, semantic service composition. The proposed service composition approach is based on semantic matching between services specifications on the one hand and user needs/preferences and current context of use on the other hand. The use of automatic composition of accessibility services can significantly enhance end-users' accessibility, especially in cases where assistive solutions are not available in their device.

Using artificial neural networks to constrain the halo baryon fraction during reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, David; Iliev, Ilian T.; Dixon, Keri L.

2018-01-01

Radiative feedback from stars and galaxies has been proposed as a potential solution to many of the tensions with simplistic galaxy formation models based on Λcold dark matter, such as the faint end of the ultraviolet (UV) luminosity function. The total energy budget of radiation could exceed that of galactic winds and supernovae combined, which has driven the development of sophisticated algorithms that evolve both the radiation field and the hydrodynamical response of gas simultaneously, in a cosmological context. We probe self-feedback on galactic scales using the adaptive mesh refinement, radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, and N-body code RAMSES-RT. Unlike previous studies which assume a homogeneous UV background, we self-consistently evolve both the radiation field and gas to constrain the halo baryon fraction during cosmic reionization. We demonstrate that the characteristic halo mass with mean baryon fraction half the cosmic mean, Mc(z), shows very little variation as a function of mass-weighted ionization fraction. Furthermore, we find that the inclusion of metal cooling and the ability to resolve scales small enough for self-shielding to become efficient leads to a significant drop in Mc when compared to recent studies. Finally, we develop an artificial neural network that is capable of predicting the baryon fraction of haloes based on recent tidal interactions, gas temperature, and mass-weighted ionization fraction. Such a model can be applied to any reionization history, and trivially incorporated into semi-analytical models of galaxy formation.

The identification of high potential archers based on relative psychological coping skills variables: A Support Vector Machine approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taha, Zahari; Muazu Musa, Rabiu; Majeed, A. P. P. Abdul; Razali Abdullah, Mohamad; Aizzat Zakaria, Muhammad; Muaz Alim, Muhammad; Arif Mat Jizat, Jessnor; Fauzi Ibrahim, Mohamad

2018-03-01

Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been revealed to be a powerful learning algorithm for classification and prediction. However, the use of SVM for prediction and classification in sport is at its inception. The present study classified and predicted high and low potential archers from a collection of psychological coping skills variables trained on different SVMs. 50 youth archers with the average age and standard deviation of (17.0 ±.056) gathered from various archery programmes completed a one end shooting score test. Psychological coping skills inventory which evaluates the archers level of related coping skills were filled out by the archers prior to their shooting tests. k-means cluster analysis was applied to cluster the archers based on their scores on variables assessed. SVM models, i.e. linear and fine radial basis function (RBF) kernel functions, were trained on the psychological variables. The k-means clustered the archers into high psychologically prepared archers (HPPA) and low psychologically prepared archers (LPPA), respectively. It was demonstrated that the linear SVM exhibited good accuracy and precision throughout the exercise with an accuracy of 92% and considerably fewer error rate for the prediction of the HPPA and the LPPA as compared to the fine RBF SVM. The findings of this investigation can be valuable to coaches and sports managers to recognise high potential athletes from the selected psychological coping skills variables examined which would consequently save time and energy during talent identification and development programme.

Long-term outcomes of adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

PubMed

Illán-Gala, I; Pérez-Lucas, J; Martín-Montes, A; Máñez-Miró, J; Arpa, J; Ruiz-Ares, G

2017-05-01

Adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus (ACIH) is a cause of dementia that can be treated by implanting a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). We aim to study clinical and functional outcomes in patients with ACIH corrected with a VPS. Observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with probable ACIH (Japan Neurosurgical Society guidelines) and undergoing shunt placement between 2008 and 2013 in a centre of reference for neurosurgery in Spain. Clinical improvement was classified in 4 categories (resolution, partial improvement, equivocal improvement, and no improvement); functional outcome was assessed on the modified Rankin scale (mRS). The study included 29 patients with a mean age of 73.9 years; 62.1% were male and 65.5% had hypertension. Clinical improvement (complete or partial) was observed in 58% after one year and in 48% by the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up time was 37.8 months). Older age, presence of hypertension, and surgery-related complications were more prevalent in the group responding poorly to treatment. One patient died, 20.7% experienced severe complications, and 69% were dependent (mRS ≥ 3) by the end of the follow-up period. Age at diagnosis was independently associated with poorer clinical response at one year and a higher degree of dependency by the end of follow-up. Symptomatic benefits offered by VPS were partial and transient; treatment was associated with a high complication rate and poor functional outcomes in the long term, especially in the oldest patients. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Cardiac dimensions and function in female handball players.

PubMed

Malmgren, A; Dencker, M; Stagmo, M; Gudmundsson, P

2015-04-01

Long-term intensive endurance training leads to increased left ventricular mass and increased left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial end-systolic diameters. Different types of sports tend to give rise to distinct morphological forms of the athlete's heart. However, the sport-specific aspects have not been fully investigated in female athletes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in left and right cardiac dimensions, cardiac volumes, and systolic and diastolic function in elite female handball players compared to sedentary controls. A cross-sectional study of 33 elite female handball players was compared to 33 matched sedentary controls. Mean age was 21.5±2 years. The subjects underwent echocardiography examinations, both 2-dimensional (2DE) and 3-dimensional (3DE). Cardiac dimensions and volumes were quantified using M-mode, 2DE and 3DE. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular functions were also evaluated. All cardiac dimensions and volumes were adjusted for body surface area (BSA). Left atrium and left ventricle volumes were significantly (P<0.001) larger in elite female handball players compared with sedentary controls. Even right atrium area as well as right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic area were significantly (P<0.001) larger in elite female handball players. Significant differences were observed in three out of five systolic parameters. Most diastolic function parameters did not differ between the two groups. The findings from the present study suggest that similar cardiac remodeling takes place in elite female handball players as it does in athletes pursuing endurance or team game sports.

Model of the material removal function and an experimental study on a magnetorheological finishing process using a small ball-end permanent-magnet polishing head.

PubMed

Chen, Mingjun; Liu, Henan; Cheng, Jian; Yu, Bo; Fang, Zhen

2017-07-01

In order to achieve the deterministic finishing of optical components with concave surfaces of a curvature radius less than 10 mm, a novel magnetorheological finishing (MRF) process using a small ball-end permanent-magnet polishing head with a diameter of 4 mm is introduced. The characteristics of material removal in the proposed MRF process are studied. The model of the material removal function for the proposed MRF process is established based on the three-dimensional hydrodynamics analysis and Preston's equation. The shear stress on the workpiece surface is calculated by means of resolving the presented mathematical model using a numerical solution method. The analysis result reveals that the material removal in the proposed MRF process shows a positive dependence on shear stress. Experimental research is conducted to investigate the effect of processing parameters on the material removal rate and improve the surface accuracy of a typical rotational symmetrical optical component. The experimental results show that the surface accuracy of the finished component of K9 glass material has been improved to 0.14 μm (PV) from the initial 0.8 μm (PV), and the finished surface roughness Ra is 0.0024 μm. It indicates that the proposed MRF process can be used to achieve the deterministic removal of surface material and perform the nanofinishing of small curvature radius concave surfaces.

Hip Abductor Strengthening Improves Physical Function Following Total Knee Replacement: One-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Pilot Study.

PubMed

Harikesavan, Karvannan; Chakravarty, Raj D; Maiya, Arun G; Hegde, Sanjay P; Y Shivanna, Shivakumar

2017-01-01

Total knee replacement (TKR) is the commonest surgical procedure for patients with severe pain and impaired physical function following end stage knee osteoarthritis. The hip abductors are well renowned in stabilization of the trunk and hip during walking, maintaining the lower limb position, and transferring the forces from the lower limbs to the pelvis. To assess the efficacy of hip abductor strengthening exercise on functional outcome using performance based outcome measures following total knee replacement. An observer blinded randomized pilot trial design was conducted at Manipal hospital, Bangalore, India. Participants designated for elective TKR were randomized to experimental group hip abductor strengthening along with standard rehabilitation (n=10) or control group standard rehabilitation alone (n=10). Participants followed for one year to assess physical function using performance based outcomes, such as timed up and go test, single leg stance test, six minute walk test, knee extensor strength and hip abductor strength. Eighteen participants with a mean age of 63.1 ± 5.5 years (8 Males and 10 Females) completed the study. Improvement in hip abduction strength, single leg stand test was superior in hip abductor strengthening group at 3 months and 1 year when compared to standard rehabilitation alone. Hip abductor strengthening showed superior improvements in single leg stance test and six minute walk test. Hip abductor strengthening exercises has the potential to improve physical function following total knee replacement.

Hip Abductor Strengthening Improves Physical Function Following Total Knee Replacement: One-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Harikesavan, Karvannan; Chakravarty, Raj D.; Maiya, Arun G; Hegde, Sanjay P.; Y. Shivanna, Shivakumar

2017-01-01

Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) is the commonest surgical procedure for patients with severe pain and impaired physical function following end stage knee osteoarthritis. The hip abductors are well renowned in stabilization of the trunk and hip during walking, maintaining the lower limb position, and transferring the forces from the lower limbs to the pelvis. Objective: To assess the efficacy of hip abductor strengthening exercise on functional outcome using performance based outcome measures following total knee replacement. Methods: An observer blinded randomized pilot trial design was conducted at Manipal hospital, Bangalore, India. Participants designated for elective TKR were randomized to experimental group hip abductor strengthening along with standard rehabilitation (n=10) or control group standard rehabilitation alone (n=10). Participants followed for one year to assess physical function using performance based outcomes, such as timed up and go test, single leg stance test, six minute walk test, knee extensor strength and hip abductor strength. Result: Eighteen participants with a mean age of 63.1 ± 5.5 years (8 Males and 10 Females) completed the study. Improvement in hip abduction strength, single leg stand test was superior in hip abductor strengthening group at 3 months and 1 year when compared to standard rehabilitation alone. Conclusion: Hip abductor strengthening showed superior improvements in single leg stance test and six minute walk test. Hip abductor strengthening exercises has the potential to improve physical function following total knee replacement. PMID:28567148

Introducing a "Means-End" Approach to Human-Computer Interaction: Why Users Choose Particular Web Sites Over Others.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Subramony, Deepak Prem

Gutman's means-end theory, widely used in market research, identifies three levels of abstraction: attributes, consequences, and values--associated with the use of products, representing the process by which physical attributes of products gain personal meaning for users. The primary methodological manifestation of means-end theory is the…

Functional effects of losartan in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Axelsson, Anna; Iversen, Kasper; Vejlstrup, Niels; Ho, Carolyn Y; Havndrup, Ole; Kofoed, Klaus F; Norsk, Jakob; Jensen, Morten; Bundgaard, Henning

2016-02-15

There is a lack of disease-modifying treatments in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled study was to assess if losartan could improve or ameliorate deterioration of cardiac function and exercise capacity. Echocardiography, exercise test and MRI or CT were performed at baseline and after 12 months in 133 patients (52±13 years, 35% female) randomly allocated to losartan (100 mg/day) or placebo. Losartan had no effect on systolic function compared with placebo (mean difference for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 0% (95% CI -3% to 4%), p=0.84 or global longitudinal strain 0.7% (95% CI -0.2% to 1.6%), p=0.13). Neither Doppler measures of diastolic function, left atrial volume (mean difference 2 mL/m(2) (95% CI -4 to 8 mL/m(2)) p=0.53) nor exercise capacity (mean difference -0.3 metabolic equivalents (METS) (95% CI -1.0 to 0.3 METS), p=0.28) differed between the treatment groups. At follow-up, there was further progression of disease, with the most prominent impairment being an increase in left atrial volume of 6 mL/m(2) (95% CI 3 to 9 mL/m(2), p<0.0001) in both groups combined. LVEF decreased (mean change -2%, (95% CI -3% to -1%), p=0.037) and 4% of patients had end-stage HCM with a LVEF of less than 50% at the end of the study. Treatment with losartan had no effect on cardiac function or exercise capacity compared with placebo. Losartan fail to improve myocardial performance and failed to alter the progression of the disease. These findings do not support the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers as disease modifiers in adult patients with overt HCM. NCT01447654-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Effectiveness of the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) technique and isoinertial eccentric exercise in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy at two years follow-up.

PubMed

Abat, Ferran; Diesel, Wayne-J; Gelber, Pablo-E; Polidori, Fernando; Monllau, Joan-Carles; Sanchez-Ibañez, Jose-Manuel

2014-04-01

to show the effect of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) combined with eccentric programme in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. prospective study of 33 athlete-patients consecutively treated for insertional tendinopathy with Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis (EPI®) and followed for 2 years. Functional assessment was performed at the first visit, at three months and two years with the Tegner scale and VISA-P. an average improvement in the VISA-P of 35 points was obtained. The mean duration of treatment was 4.5 weeks. Some 78.8% of the patients returned to the same level of physical activity as before the injury by the end of treatment, reaching 100% at two years. intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI®) combined with an eccentric-based rehab program offers excellent results in terms of the clinical and functional improvement of the patellar tendon with low morbidity in a short-term period. Therapy, level 4.

Understanding the meaning of fatigue at the end of life: an ethnoscience approach.

PubMed

Kirshbaum, Marilynne N; Olson, Kärin; Pongthavornkamol, Kanaungnit; Graffigna, Guendalina

2013-04-01

Fatigue is a devastating state of body and mind associated with distress at the end of life. We report the results of the third in a series of papers outlining a novel approach we have developed for understanding the meaning of fatigue by exploring how this meaning is shaped by beliefs and values. The aims of the study were to examine the perception and experiences of fatigue held by patients attending a hospice in England; identify the behavioural patterns that distinguish fatigue from tiredness and exhaustion; provide conceptual definitions of tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion. An Ethnoscience design was selected. The sample comprised nine people who attended a hospice between May and December 2009. Inclusion criteria included: at least 18 years of age, experiencing fatigue, able to provide informed consent and resident in the selected city in northern England for 10 years. Data were collected from two consecutive semi-structured interviews for each participant. We found that tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion are markers of progressive functional decline. Fatigue had two dimensions: 1) Mental Challenge, which included: emotional effects, cognitive realisation of decline and mental tenacity and 2) Physical Challenge, which included: limitations in leisure activities, limitations in functional roles and re-patterning routines. This study provides evidence that symptom experience is socially constructed, which has potential implications for the development of effective interventions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cardiac Structure and Function in Cushing's Syndrome: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

PubMed Central

Roux, Charles; Salenave, Sylvie; Kachenoura, Nadjia; Raissouni, Zainab; Macron, Laurent; Guignat, Laurence; Jublanc, Christel; Azarine, Arshid; Brailly, Sylvie; Young, Jacques; Mousseaux, Elie; Chanson, Philippe

2014-01-01

Background: Patients with Cushing's syndrome have left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction on echocardiography, but echo-based measurements may have limited accuracy in obese patients. No data are available on right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) size and function in these patients. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate LV, RV, and LA structure and function in patients with Cushing's syndrome by means of cardiac magnetic resonance, currently the reference modality in assessment of cardiac geometry and function. Methods: Eighteen patients with active Cushing's syndrome and 18 volunteers matched for age, sex, and body mass index were studied by cardiac magnetic resonance. The imaging was repeated in the patients 6 months (range 2–12 mo) after the treatment of hypercortisolism. Results: Compared with controls, patients with Cushing's syndrome had lower LV, RV, and LA ejection fractions (P < .001 for all) and increased end-diastolic LV segmental thickness (P < .001). Treatment of hypercortisolism was associated with an improvement in ventricular and atrial systolic performance, as reflected by a 15% increase in the LV ejection fraction (P = .029), a 45% increase in the LA ejection fraction (P < .001), and an 11% increase in the RV ejection fraction (P = NS). After treatment, the LV mass index and end-diastolic LV mass to volume ratio decreased by 17% (P < .001) and 10% (P = .002), respectively. None of the patients had late gadolinium myocardial enhancement. Conclusion: Cushing's syndrome is associated with subclinical biventricular and LA systolic dysfunctions that are reversible after treatment. Despite skeletal muscle atrophy, Cushing's syndrome patients have an increased LV mass, reversible upon correction of hypercortisolism. PMID:25093618

Designing eHealth that Matters via a Multidisciplinary Requirements Development Approach.

PubMed

Van Velsen, Lex; Wentzel, Jobke; Van Gemert-Pijnen, Julia Ewc

2013-06-24

Requirements development is a crucial part of eHealth design. It entails all the activities devoted to requirements identification, the communication of requirements to other developers, and their evaluation. Currently, a requirements development approach geared towards the specifics of the eHealth domain is lacking. This is likely to result in a mismatch between the developed technology and end user characteristics, physical surroundings, and the organizational context of use. It also makes it hard to judge the quality of eHealth design, since it makes it difficult to gear evaluations of eHealth to the main goals it is supposed to serve. In order to facilitate the creation of eHealth that matters, we present a practical, multidisciplinary requirements development approach which is embedded in a holistic design approach for eHealth (the Center for eHealth Research roadmap) that incorporates both human-centered design and business modeling. Our requirements development approach consists of five phases. In the first, preparatory, phase the project team is composed and the overall goal(s) of the eHealth intervention are decided upon. Second, primary end users and other stakeholders are identified by means of audience segmentation techniques and our stakeholder identification method. Third, the designated context of use is mapped and end users are profiled by means of requirements elicitation methods (eg, interviews, focus groups, or observations). Fourth, stakeholder values and eHealth intervention requirements are distilled from data transcripts, which leads to phase five, in which requirements are communicated to other developers using a requirements notation template we developed specifically for the context of eHealth technologies. The end result of our requirements development approach for eHealth interventions is a design document which includes functional and non-functional requirements, a list of stakeholder values, and end user profiles in the form of personas (fictitious end users, representative of a primary end user group). The requirements development approach presented in this article enables eHealth developers to apply a systematic and multi-disciplinary approach towards the creation of requirements. The cooperation between health, engineering, and social sciences creates a situation in which a mismatch between design, end users, and the organizational context can be avoided. Furthermore, we suggest to evaluate eHealth on a feature-specific level in order to learn exactly why such a technology does or does not live up to its expectations.

Scalability of a Low-Cost Multi-Teraflop Linux Cluster for High-End Classical Atomistic and Quantum Mechanical Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kikuchi, Hideaki; Kalia, Rajiv K.; Nakano, Aiichiro; Vashishta, Priya; Shimojo, Fuyuki; Saini, Subhash

2003-01-01

Scalability of a low-cost, Intel Xeon-based, multi-Teraflop Linux cluster is tested for two high-end scientific applications: Classical atomistic simulation based on the molecular dynamics method and quantum mechanical calculation based on the density functional theory. These scalable parallel applications use space-time multiresolution algorithms and feature computational-space decomposition, wavelet-based adaptive load balancing, and spacefilling-curve-based data compression for scalable I/O. Comparative performance tests are performed on a 1,024-processor Linux cluster and a conventional higher-end parallel supercomputer, 1,184-processor IBM SP4. The results show that the performance of the Linux cluster is comparable to that of the SP4. We also study various effects, such as the sharing of memory and L2 cache among processors, on the performance.

Morpho-functional assessment of interatrial septum: a transesophageal echocardiographic study.

PubMed

Galzerano, D; Tuccillo, B; Lama, D; Paolisso, G; Mirra, G; Giasi, M

1995-08-01

Despite the increasing number of reports on lipomatous hypertrophy of interatrial septum, a standardization of measurement of the dimensions of the interatrial septum (IAS) in the different phases of cardiac cycle has not been reported. Moreover, no data on modification of thickness with age and in specific cardiac diseases are available. Our purpose was to study whether the changes of thickness and thinning of IAS may be related to age, left atrial dimension, cardiac cycle and different cardiac diseases. 248 patients (mean age 52.7 +/- 19.9 years) underwent transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography. IAS was measured at the constant regions anterior and posterior to the fossa ovalis. IAS thickness (tk), thinning (th) and % thinning (% th) were measured. IAS thickness ranged from 4 to 13 mm at the time of ventricular end-systolic phase (mean 6.7 +/- 1.9 mm) and from 6 to 16 mm at the time of atrial systole (mean 9.9 +/- 1.8 mm); significant statistical difference between these values was found (P < 0.01). IAS thinning ranged from 1 to 7 mm (mean 3.42 +/- 1.8) while % IAS thinning from 18 to 76% (mean 36.53 +/- 16.36%). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between age and ventricular end-systolic thickness and atrial systolic thickness and thinning. An insignificant correlation was found between age and % IAS thinning and between left atrial dimension and IAS tk and th. Our results demonstrate that IAS thickness increases by age; no correlation exists between IAS thinning and age. There is no difference between IAS thickness and thinning in patients with or without cardiac disease. We believe that the thickness of IAS can be considered hypertrophic only if it exceeds the value of 15 mm during both ventricular end-systolic and atrial systolic phases of the cardiac cycle. IAS thickness and thinning might be an additional parameter to evaluate systolic atrial function particularly with regard to maintenance of synus rhythm after conversion from atrial fibrillation as well as to better understand its role in determining the filling of ventricles in different clinical conditions.

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR

PubMed Central

Lee, Lik Chuan; Zhihong, Zhang; Hinson, Andrew; Guccione, Julius M.

2013-01-01

Injection of Algisyl-LVR, a treatment under clinical development, is intended to treat patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. This treatment was recently used for the first time in patients who had symptomatic heart failure. In all patients, cardiac function of the left ventricle (LV) improved significantly, as manifested by consistent reduction of the LV volume and wall stress. Here we describe this novel treatment procedure and the methods used to quantify its effects on LV wall stress and function. Algisyl-LVR is a biopolymer gel consisting of Na+-Alginate and Ca2+-Alginate. The treatment procedure was carried out by mixing these two components and then combining them into one syringe for intramyocardial injections. This mixture was injected at 10 to 19 locations mid-way between the base and apex of the LV free wall in patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), together with mathematical modeling, was used to quantify the effects of this treatment in patients before treatment and at various time points during recovery. The epicardial and endocardial surfaces were first digitized from the MR images to reconstruct the LV geometry at end-systole and at end-diastole. Left ventricular cavity volumes were then measured from these reconstructed surfaces. Mathematical models of the LV were created from these MRI-reconstructed surfaces to calculate regional myofiber stress. Each LV model was constructed so that 1) it deforms according to a previously validated stress-strain relationship of the myocardium, and 2) the predicted LV cavity volume from these models matches the corresponding MRI-measured volume at end-diastole and end-systole. Diastolic filling was simulated by loading the LV endocardial surface with a prescribed end-diastolic pressure. Systolic contraction was simulated by concurrently loading the endocardial surface with a prescribed end-systolic pressure and adding active contraction in the myofiber direction. Regional myofiber stress at end-diastole and end-systole was computed from the deformed LV based on the stress-strain relationship. PMID:23608998

Simulations of string vibrations with boundary conditions of third kind using the functional transformation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trautmann, L.; Petrausch, S.; Bauer, M.

2005-09-01

The functional transformation method (FTM) is an established mathematical method for accurate simulation of multidimensional physical systems from various fields of science, including optics, heat and mass transfer, electrical engineering, and acoustics. It is a frequency-domain method based on the decomposition into eigenvectors and eigenfrequencies of the underlying physical problem. In this article, the FTM is applied to real-time simulations of vibrating strings which are ideally fixed at one end while the fixing at the other end is modeled by a frequency-dependent input impedance. Thus, boundary conditions of third kind are applied to the model at the end fixed with the input impedance. It is shown that accurate and stable simulations are achieved with nearly the same computational cost as with strings ideally fixed at both ends.

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

Harris, S.; Gross, R.; Goble, W

The safety integrity level (SIL) of equipment used in safety instrumented functions is determined by the average probability of failure on demand (PFDavg) computed at the time of periodic inspection and maintenance, i.e., the time of proof testing. The computation of PFDavg is generally based solely on predictions or estimates of the assumed constant failure rate of the equipment. However, PFDavg is also affected by maintenance actions (or lack thereof) taken by the end user. This paper shows how maintenance actions can affect the PFDavg of spring operated pressure relief valves (SOPRV) and how these maintenance actions may be accountedmore » for in the computation of the PFDavg metric. The method provides a means for quantifying the effects of changes in maintenance practices and shows how these changes impact plant safety.« less

Use of the Means/Ends Test to Evaluate Public School Dress-Code Policies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Workman, Jane E.; Studak, Cathryn M.

2008-01-01

The purpose of this article is to explain how a means/ends test can be adapted for the school environment. Public school officials can use a means/ends test to document an analysis of whether dress-code policies will be effective in diminishing risks to the health, safety, or morality of the school population. Elements of policy evaluation--ends,…

Fully automated segmentation of left ventricle using dual dynamic programming in cardiac cine MR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Luan; Ling, Shan; Li, Qiang

2016-03-01

Cardiovascular diseases are becoming a leading cause of death all over the world. The cardiac function could be evaluated by global and regional parameters of left ventricle (LV) of the heart. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a fully automated scheme for segmentation of LV in short axis cardiac cine MR images. Our fully automated method consists of three major steps, i.e., LV localization, LV segmentation at end-diastolic phase, and LV segmentation propagation to the other phases. First, the maximum intensity projection image along the time phases of the midventricular slice, located at the center of the image, was calculated to locate the region of interest of LV. Based on the mean intensity of the roughly segmented blood pool in the midventricular slice at each phase, end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) phases were determined. Second, the endocardial and epicardial boundaries of LV of each slice at ED phase were synchronously delineated by use of a dual dynamic programming technique. The external costs of the endocardial and epicardial boundaries were defined with the gradient values obtained from the original and enhanced images, respectively. Finally, with the advantages of the continuity of the boundaries of LV across adjacent phases, we propagated the LV segmentation from the ED phase to the other phases by use of dual dynamic programming technique. The preliminary results on 9 clinical cardiac cine MR cases show that the proposed method can obtain accurate segmentation of LV based on subjective evaluation.

TH-CD-207A-04: Optimized Respiratory Gating for Abnormal Breathers in Pancreatic SBRT

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

Campbell, W; Miften, M; Schefter, T

Purpose: Pancreatic SBRT is uniquely challenging due to both the erratic/unstable motion of the pancreas and the close proximity of the radiosensitive small bowel. Respiratory gating can mitigate this effect, but the irregularity of motion severely affects traditional phase-based gating. The purpose of this study was to analyze real-time motion data of pancreatic tumors to optimize the efficacy and accuracy of respiratory gating, with the overall goal of enabling dose escalated pancreatic SBRT. Methods: Fifteen pancreatic SBRT patients received 30–33 Gy in 5 fractions on a Varian TrueBeam STx unit. Abdominal compression was used to reduce the amplitude of tumormore » motion, and daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired prior to each treatment for target localization purposes. For this study, breathing data (phase and amplitude) were collected during each CBCT scan using Varian’s Real-Time Position Management system. An in-house template matching technique was used to track the superior-inferior motion of implanted fiducial markers in CBCT projection images. Using tumor motion and breathing data, phase-based or amplitude-based respiratory gating was simulated for all 75 fractions, targeting either end-exhalation or end-inhalation phases of breathing. Results: For the average patient, gating at end-exhalation offered the best reductions in effective motion for equal duty cycles. However, optimal central phase angle varied widely (range: 0–92%, mean±SD: 49±12%), and phase-based gating windows typically associated with end-exhalation (i.e., “30–70%”) were rarely ideal. Amplitude-based gating significantly outperformed phase-based gating, with average effective ranges for amplitude-based gating 25% lower than phase-based gating ranges (as much as 73% lower). Amplitude-based gating was consistently better suited to accommodate abnormal breathing patterns. For both phase-based and amplitude-based gating, end-exhalation provided significantly better results than end-inhalation. Conclusion: Amplitude-based gating reliably outperformed phase-based gating, and end-exhalation was more suitable than end-inhalation. These results will be used to guide future dose-escalation trials. Research funding provided by Varian Medical Systems to Miften and Jones.« less

Counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikulas, Martin M., Jr.; Yang, Li-Farn

1991-11-01

The invention is a counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane. The apparatus for hoisting payloads comprises a crane having a lifting means, the lifting means comprising an end effector means and three suspension means or cables. One end of each cable attaches to a different winding means located on the lifting means, and the other end of each cable attaches to a different point on the end effector, such that the three cables have a theoretical point of convergence with this point corresponding to the center of mass of the payload. Three controls command rotation of the winding means to a predetermined position. Accordingly, the crane provides precise and autonomous positioning of the payload without human guidance. The crane further comprises a counter-balancing means. Two controls position the counter-balancing means to offset the overturning moment which arises during the lifting of heavy payloads.

Counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikulas, Martin M., Jr.; Yang, Li-Farn

1993-10-01

The invention is a counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane. The apparatus for hoisting payloads comprises a crane having a lifting means, the lifting means comprising an end effector means and three suspension means or cables. One end of each cable attaches to a different winding means located on the lifting means, and the other end of each cable attaches to a different point on the end effector, such that the three cables have a theoretical point of convergence with this point corresponding to the center of mass of the payload. Three controls command rotation of the winding means to a predetermined position. Accordingly, the crane provides precise and autonomous positioning of the payload without human guidance. The crane further comprises a counter-balancing means. Two controls position the counter-balancing means to offset the overturning moment which arises during the lifting of heavy payloads.

Counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikulas, Martin M., Jr. (Inventor); Yang, Li-Farn (Inventor)

1993-01-01

The invention is a counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane. The apparatus for hoisting payloads comprises a crane having a lifting means, the lifting means comprising an end effector means and three suspension means or cables. One end of each cable attaches to a different winding means located on the lifting means, and the other end of each cable attaches to a different point on the end effector, such that the three cables have a theoretical point of convergence with this point corresponding to the center of mass of the payload. Three controls command rotation of the winding means to a predetermined position. Accordingly, the crane provides precise and autonomous positioning of the payload without human guidance. The crane further comprises a counter-balancing means. Two controls position the counter-balancing means to offset the overturning moment which arises during the lifting of heavy payloads.

Tropomodulins: pointed-end capping proteins that regulate actin filament architecture in diverse cell types

PubMed Central

Yamashiro, Sawako; Gokhin, David S.; Kimura, Sumiko; Nowak, Roberta B.; Fowler, Velia M.

2012-01-01

Tropomodulins are a family of four proteins (Tmods 1–4) that cap the pointed ends of actin filaments in actin cytoskeletal structures in a developmentally regulated and tissue-specific manner. Unique among capping proteins, Tmods also bind tropomyosins (TMs), which greatly enhance the actin filament pointed-end capping activity of Tmods. Tmods are defined by a tropomyosin (TM)-regulated/Pointed-End Actin Capping (TM-Cap) domain in their unstructured N-terminal portion, followed by a compact, folded Leucine-Rich Repeat/Pointed-End Actin Capping (LRR-Cap) domain. By inhibiting actin monomer association and dissociation from pointed ends, Tmods regulate regulate actin dynamics and turnover, stabilizing actin filament lengths and cytoskeletal architecture. In this review, we summarize the genes, structural features, molecular and biochemical properties, actin regulatory mechanisms, expression patterns, and cell and tissue functions of Tmods. By understanding Tmods’ functions in the context of their molecular structure, actin regulation, binding partners, and related variants (leiomodins 1–3), we can draw broad conclusions that can explain the diverse morphological and functional phenotypes that arise from Tmod perturbation experiments in vitro and in vivo. Tmod-based stabilization and organization of intracellular actin filament networks provide key insights into how the emergent properties of the actin cytoskeleton drive tissue morphogenesis and physiology. PMID:22488942

Long term outcome of treatment of end stage renal failure.

PubMed

Henning, P; Tomlinson, L; Rigden, S P; Haycock, G B; Chantler, C

1988-01-01

The most common causes of end stage renal failure in 46 children (mean age 11 years, range 4-14) treated between January 1972 and June 1977 were: reflux nephropathy (n = 12), cystinosis (n = 7), focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 6), and Schönlein-Henoch disease (n = 5). The quality of life, degree of renal function, and height attainment of the 31 survivors were assessed in June 1985, when their mean age was 22 years (range 14-27), using hospital records and a questionnaire designed to highlight social and psychological problems. Twenty six patients had a functioning transplanted kidney. Average growth during treatment for all survivors was normal, but most were disappointed with their 'final height'. Though five patients had some form of disabling bone disease, all 31 could walk and 27 could run. Sixteen (67%) were in full or part time employment and nine were living independently. A group of 32 patients with juvenile onset diabetes treated at this hospital for at least five years were also asked to complete the questionnaire and of these, 17 responded. On average, their data could usefully be compared with those of cases of end stage renal failure. More of the diabetics had jobs, but most sexually mature patients with renal disease were concerned about their physical appearance and had not achieved any stable long term sexual relationships. We suggest that a poor body image resulting in low self esteem may be responsible for the deficiency and believe that further study in this group is warranted.

Single-energy computed tomography-based pulmonary perfusion imaging: Proof-of-principle in a canine model

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

Yamamoto, Tokihiro, E-mail: toyamamoto@ucdavis.edu

Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) that selectively avoids irradiating highly functional lung regions may reduce pulmonary toxicity, which is substantial in lung cancer RT. Single-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary perfusion imaging has several advantages (e.g., higher resolution) over other modalities and has great potential for widespread clinical implementation, particularly in RT. The purpose of this study was to establish proof-of-principle for single-energy CT perfusion imaging. Methods: Single-energy CT perfusion imaging is based on the following: (1) acquisition of end-inspiratory breath-hold CT scans before and after intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agents, (2) deformable image registration (DIR) for spatial mapping of those twomore » CT image data sets, and (3) subtraction of the precontrast image data set from the postcontrast image data set, yielding a map of regional Hounsfield unit (HU) enhancement, a surrogate for regional perfusion. In a protocol approved by the institutional animal care and use committee, the authors acquired CT scans in the prone position for a total of 14 anesthetized canines (seven canines with normal lungs and seven canines with diseased lungs). The elastix algorithm was used for DIR. The accuracy of DIR was evaluated based on the target registration error (TRE) of 50 anatomic pulmonary landmarks per subject for 10 randomly selected subjects as well as on singularities (i.e., regions where the displacement vector field is not bijective). Prior to perfusion computation, HUs of the precontrast end-inspiratory image were corrected for variation in the lung inflation level between the precontrast and postcontrast end-inspiratory CT scans, using a model built from two additional precontrast CT scans at end-expiration and midinspiration. The authors also assessed spatial heterogeneity and gravitationally directed gradients of regional perfusion for normal lung subjects and diseased lung subjects using a two-sample two-tailed t-test. Results: The mean TRE (and standard deviation) was 0.6 ± 0.7 mm (smaller than the voxel dimension) for DIR between pre contrast and postcontrast end-inspiratory CT image data sets. No singularities were observed in the displacement vector fields. The mean HU enhancement (and standard deviation) was 37.3 ± 10.5 HU for normal lung subjects and 30.7 ± 13.5 HU for diseased lung subjects. Spatial heterogeneity of regional perfusion was found to be higher for diseased lung subjects than for normal lung subjects, i.e., a mean coefficient of variation of 2.06 vs 1.59 (p = 0.07). The average gravitationally directed gradient was strong and significant (R{sup 2} = 0.99, p < 0.01) for normal lung dogs, whereas it was moderate and nonsignificant (R{sup 2} = 0.61, p = 0.12) for diseased lung dogs. Conclusions: This canine study demonstrated the accuracy of DIR with subvoxel TREs on average, higher spatial heterogeneity of regional perfusion for diseased lung subjects than for normal lung subjects, and a strong gravitationally directed gradient for normal lung subjects, providing proof-of-principle for single-energy CT pulmonary perfusion imaging. Further studies such as comparison with other perfusion imaging modalities will be necessary to validate the physiological significance.« less

The effect of functional insulin therapy on glycaemic parameters in children with diabetes mellitus type 1.

PubMed

Štimjanin-Koldžo, Diana; Alajbegović, Salem; Štimjanin, Ena; Mehinagić, Jasmina

2017-08-01

Aim The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a prospectively conducted interactive 5-day education programme based on Düsseldorf model on glycated haemoglobin (A1C), and total daily dose of insulin in type 1 diabetes patients. Methods A total of 67 type 1 diabetes patients was analysed; mean age of 11±0.68 years, 43 females and 24 males. The programme was led by a trained team of diabetes specialist doctors and nurses. All subjects and their parents completed a knowledge test about diabetes at beginning, and at the end of education, and after 12 months (30 questions). Subjects were evaluated for total daily insulin, and HbA1c at baseline, as well as 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the end of the education programme. Results Results of the knowledge test after the education have shown higher knowledge at baseline. At the end of the education programme an average of total daily insulin dose was significantly lower. There was a 3.17% reduction in HbA1c values over 9 months, and 1.8% over 12 months in the comparison to the baseline values (p<0.001). Conclusions Structured education programme of functional insulin therapy was associated with improved glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes patients and their parents. It motivated patients and parents to improve glycaemic control. One year after the follow up, glycaemic control was worsening, due to lack of patients' motivation, therefore, there is a need for yearly re-education. Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.

Potential of mean force for human lysozyme camelid vhh hl6 antibody interaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yeng-Tseng; Liao, Jun-Min; Chen, Cheng-Lung; Su, Zhi-Yuan; Chen, Chang-Hung; Hu, Jeu-Jiun

2008-04-01

Calculating antigen-antibody interaction energies is crucial for understanding antigen-antibody associations in immunology. To shed further light into this equation, we study a separation of human lysozyme-camelid vhh hl6 antibody (cAb-HuL6) complex. The c-terminal end-to-end stretching of the lysozyme-antibody complex structures have been studied using potential of mean force (PMF) calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) and explicit water model. For the lysozyme-antibody complex, there are six important intermediates in the c-terminal extensions process. Inclusion of our simulations may help to understand the binding mechanics of lysozyme-cAb-HuL6 antibody complex.

Biological standards for the Knowledge-Based BioEconomy: What is at stake.

PubMed

de Lorenzo, Víctor; Schmidt, Markus

2018-01-25

The contribution of life sciences to the Knowledge-Based Bioeconomy (KBBE) asks for the transition of contemporary, gene-based biotechnology from being a trial-and-error endeavour to becoming an authentic branch of engineering. One requisite to this end is the need for standards to measure and represent accurately biological functions, along with languages for data description and exchange. However, the inherent complexity of biological systems and the lack of quantitative tradition in the field have largely curbed this enterprise. Fortunately, the onset of systems and synthetic biology has emphasized the need for standards not only to manage omics data, but also to increase reproducibility and provide the means of engineering living systems in earnest. Some domains of biotechnology can be easily standardized (e.g. physical composition of DNA sequences, tools for genome editing, languages to encode workflows), while others might be standardized with some dedicated research (e.g. biological metrology, operative systems for bio-programming cells) and finally others will require a considerable effort, e.g. defining the rules that allow functional composition of biological activities. Despite difficulties, these are worthy attempts, as the history of technology shows that those who set/adopt standards gain a competitive advantage over those who do not. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Support and maneuvering device

DOEpatents

Wood, R.L.

1987-03-23

A support and maneuvering device includes an elongated flexible inflatable enclosure having a fixed end and a movable end. The movable end is collapsible toward the fixed end to a contracted position when the enclosure is in a noninflated condition. Upon inflation, the movable end is movable away from the fixed end to an extended position. The movable end includes means for mounting an article such as a solar reflector thereon. The device also includes a plurality of position controlling means disposed about the movable end to effect adjusting movement of portions thereof by predetermined amounts and for controlling an angle at which the article disposed at the movable end is oriented. The plurality of position controlling means limits a suitable number degrees of freedom of the movable end for transmitting a steering motion thereto and for controlling the position thereof. 9 figs.

Support and maneuvering device

DOEpatents

Wood, Richard L.

1988-01-01

A support and maneuvering device includes an elongated flexible inflatable enclosure having a fixed end and a movable end. The movable end is collapsible toward the fixed end to a contracted position when the enclosure is in a noninflated condition. Upon inflation, the movable end is movable away from the fixed end to an extended position. The movable end includes means for mounting an article such as a solar reflector thereon. The device also includes a plurality of position controlling means disposed about the movable end to effect adjusting movement of portions thereof by predetermined amounts and for controlling an angle at which the article disposed at the movable end is oriented. The plurality of position controlling means limits a suitable number degrees of freedom of the movable end for transmitting a steering motion thereto and for controlling the position thereof.

The Treatment of Juvenile Fibromyalgia with an Intensive Physical and Psychosocial Program.

PubMed

Sherry, David D; Brake, Lori; Tress, Jenna L; Sherker, Jennifer; Fash, Katherine; Ferry, Kelly; Weiss, Pamela F

2015-09-01

To assess the short-term and 1-year outcomes of children with fibromyalgia treated with intensive physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) and psychotherapy. Children with fibromyalgia seen at a tertiary care hospital were treated with 5-6 hours of intensive PT/OT daily and at least 4 hours of psychosocial services weekly. All medications used for fibromyalgia were discontinued. Children underwent standardized testing, including a visual analog scale for pain; the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance, Second Edition; the Bruce treadmill protocol; the Functional Disability Inventory; the Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, adolescent version; and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Teen Report, at 3 time points: at program entry, at the end of the intensive program, and 1 year after the end of the program. Sixty-four children (median age, 16 years; 95% Caucasian; 94% female; median duration of symptoms, 21 months) were studied. The mean pain score decreased significantly from program entry to the end of the program (from 66 of 100 to 25 of 100; P = .001). At the 1-year follow-up, 33% reported no pain. All measures of function on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance, Second Edition improved significantly and remained at that level or continued to improve over the subsequent year. The mean Bruce treadmill protocol time first increased from 588 seconds to 801 seconds (P < .001) and then dropped to 750 seconds (P = .005), which is at the 90th percentile for age and sex. All Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, adolescent version subset scores improved significantly initially and were stable or improved at 1 year, as did the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Teen Report total score. Children with fibromyalgia can be successfully treated without medications with a very intensive PT/OT and psychotherapy program. They have significantly improved pain and function by subject report and objective measures of function. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bremelanotide for Female Sexual Dysfunctions in Premenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Dose-Finding Trial

PubMed Central

Clayton, Anita H; Althof, Stanley E; Kingsberg, Sheryl; DeRogatis, Leonard R; Kroll, Robin; Goldstein, Irwin; Kaminetsky, Jed; Spana, Carl; Lucas, Johna; Jordan, Robert; Portman, David J

2016-01-01

Aim: Evaluate efficacy/safety of bremelanotide (BMT), a melanocortin-receptor-4 agonist, to treat female sexual dysfunctions in premenopausal women. Methods: Patients randomized to receive placebo or BMT 0.75, 1.25 or 1.75 mg self-administered subcutaneously, as desired, over 12 weeks. Primary end point was change in satisfying sexual events/month. Secondary end points included total score changes on female sexual function index and female sexual distress scale-desire/arousal/orgasm. Results: Efficacy data, n = 327. For 1.25/1.75-mg pooled versus placebo, mean changes from baseline to study end were +0.7 versus +0.2 satisfying sexual events/month (p = 0.0180), +3.6 versus +1.9 female sexual function index total score (p = 0.0017), −11.1 versus −6.8 female sexual distress scale-desire/arousal/orgasm total score (p = 0.0014). Adverse events: nausea, flushing, headache. Conclusion: In premenopausal women with female sexual dysfunctions, self-administered, as desired, subcutaneous BMT was safe, effective, and well tolerated (NCT01382719). PMID:27181790

Extended follow-up of the CYCLOFA-LUNE trial comparing two sequential induction and maintenance treatment regimens for proliferative lupus nephritis based either on cyclophosphamide or on cyclosporine A.

PubMed

Závada, J; Sinikka Pesicková, S; Rysavá, R; Horák, P; Hrncír, Z; Lukác, J; Rovensky, J; Vítová, J; Havrda, M; Rychlík, I; Böhmova, J; Vlasáková, V; Slatinská, J; Zadrazil, J; Olejárová, M; Tegzova, D; Tesar, V

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate the extended follow-up of the CYCLOFA-LUNE trial, a randomized prospective trial comparing two sequential induction and maintenance treatment regimens for proliferative lupus nephritis based either on cyclophosphamide (CPH) or cyclosporine A (CyA). Patients and methods Data for kidney function and adverse events were collected by a cross-sectional survey for 38 of 40 patients initially randomized in the CYCLOFA-LUNE trial. Results The median follow-up time was 7.7 years (range 5.0-10.3). Rates of renal impairment and end-stage renal disease, adverse events (death, cardiovascular event, tumor, premature menopause) did not differ between the CPH and CyA group, nor did mean serum creatinine, 24 h proteinuria and SLICC damage score at last follow-up. Most patients in both groups were still treated with glucocorticoids, other immunosuppressant agents and blood pressure lowering drugs. Conclusion An immunosuppressive regimen based on CyA achieved similar clinical results to that based on CPH in the very long term.

Ambulatory blood pressure profiles in familial dysautonomia.

PubMed

Goldberg, Lior; Bar-Aluma, Bat-El; Krauthammer, Alex; Efrati, Ori; Sharabi, Yehonatan

2018-02-12

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare genetic disease that involves extreme blood pressure fluctuations secondary to afferent baroreflex failure. The diurnal blood pressure profile, including the average, variability, and day-night difference, may have implications for long-term end organ damage. The purpose of this study was to describe the circadian pattern of blood pressure in the FD population and relationships with renal and pulmonary function, use of medications, and overall disability. We analyzed 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recordings in 22 patients with FD. Information about medications, disease severity, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration, eGFR), pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1) and an index of blood pressure variability (standard deviation of systolic pressure) were analyzed. The mean (± SEM) 24-h blood pressure was 115 ± 5.6/72 ± 2.0 mmHg. The diurnal blood pressure variability was high (daytime systolic pressure standard deviation 22.4 ± 1.5 mmHg, nighttime 17.2 ± 1.6), with a high frequency of a non-dipping pattern (16 patients, 73%). eGFR, use of medications, FEV1, and disability scores were unrelated to the degree of blood pressure variability or to dipping status. This FD cohort had normal average 24-h blood pressure, fluctuating blood pressure, and a high frequency of non-dippers. Although there was evidence of renal dysfunction based on eGFR and proteinuria, the ABPM profile was unrelated to the measures of end organ dysfunction or to reported disability.

The Use of Web-Based Portfolios in College Physical Education Activity Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hastie, Peter A.; Sinelnikov, Oleg A.

2007-01-01

This paper describes the introduction of web-based portfolios as a means of authentic assessment in collegiate physical education classes. Students in three volleyball classes were required to contribute to web-based team portfolios, and at the end of the semester, were able to make comment upon this process. A six-item on-line survey used to…

Site-Based Management. Research Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Karen

2012-01-01

In the literature, site-based management was defined as authority for decisions on programs is in the hands of those who are directly affected and it involves all stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, principal, superintendent, Board of Education, and community members). It is not seen as a means to an end, but as an on-going process to…

Turkish Prospective Chemistry Teachers' Alternative Conceptions about Acids and Bases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boz, Yezdan

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to obtain prospective chemistry teachers' conceptions about acids and bases concepts. Thirty-eight prospective chemistry teachers were the participants. Data were collected by means of an open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of data indicated that most prospective teachers did not have…

Management of fibular hemimelia using the Ilizarov method at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand.

PubMed

Unprasert, Prangthong; Kaewpornsawan, Kamolporn; Chotigavanichaya, Chatupon; Eamsobhana, Perajit

2014-09-01

Fibular hemimelia is one of the most common congenital longitudinal bone deficiencies. Previous treatment protocols called for amputation of the deficient limb; while others made attempts to save the limb. The objective of treatment is to restore function and achieve patient satisfaction. The authors evaluated the outcomes of the Ilizarov technique for the treatment of leg-length discrepancy and bone associated deformities in patients with fibular hemimelia. The present study also evaluated and assessed complications, knee and ankle function, and patient satisfaction with the treatment. Nine patients with fibular hemimelia who underwent tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov method were reviewed in the present study. Initial condition data, including age, gender type offibular hemimelia, initial limb-length discrepancy, predicted limb-length discrepancy, and the data were collected and analyzed. Activity level, patient satisfaction, complications, and residual leg-length discrepancy were assessed at the end of treatment. According to Achterman and Kalamchi classification, there were 4 patients with Type IA, 3 patients with Type IB, and 2 patients with Type II. In Type IA, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 3.25 cm and 7.75 years, respectively. In type IB, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 5.83 cm and 4.3 years, respectively. In Type II, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 5.5 cm and 5 years, respectively. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range: 7-10). The mean lengthening was 7.52 cm (range: 4-13). The lengthening index was 1.28 mo/cm. The mean residual leg-length discrepancy was 0.94 cm. There was ankle joint stiffness and mild equinous foot in type II cases, but patients could walk well without gait aid. No patients were experiencing pain by the end of treatment. All patients expressed satisfaction with this technique. The Ilizarov technique for bone lengthening of the tibia has shown satisfactory results in the treatment of all types of congenital fibular hemimelia and should be considered an attractive alternative to amputation, as measureable functional improvement can be expected.

Using robot fully assisted functional movements in upper-limb rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients: preliminary results.

PubMed

Caimmi, Marco; Chiavenna, Andrea; Scano, Alessandro; Gasperini, Giulio; Giovanzana, Chiara; Molinari Tosatti, Lorenzo; Molteni, Franco

2017-06-01

Robotic rehabilitation is promising to promote function in stroke patients. The assist as needed training paradigm has shown to stimulate neuroplasticity but often cannot be used because stroke patients are too impaired to actively control the robot against gravity. To verify whether a rehabilitation intervention based on robot fully assisted reaching against gravity (RCH) and hand-to-mouth (HTM) can promote upper-limb function in chronic stroke. Cohort study. Chronic stroke outpatients referring to the robotic rehabilitation lab of a rehabilitation centre. Ten chronic stroke patients with mild to moderate upper-limb hemiparesis. Patients underwent 12 sessions (3 per week) of robotic treatment using an end-effector robot Every session consisted of 20 minutes each of RCH and HtM; movements were fully assisted, but patients were asked to try to actively participate. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was the primary outcome measure; Medical Research Council and Modified Ashworth Scale were the secondary outcome measures. All patients, but one, show functional improvements (FMA section A-D, mean increment 7.2±3.9 points, P<0.008). This preliminary study shows that a robotic intervention based on functional movements, fully assisted, can be effective in promoting function in chronic stroke patients. These results are promising considering the short time of the intervention (1 month) and the time from the stroke event, which was large (27±20 months). A larger study, comprehensive of objective instrumental measures, is necessary to confirm the results. This intervention could be extended even to subacute stroke and other neurological disorders.

Efficacy and safety of tadalafil in men with erectile dysfunction with a high prevalence of comorbid conditions: results from MOMENTUS: multiple observations in men with erectile dysfunction in National Tadalafil Study in the US.

PubMed

Goldstein, Irwin; Kim, Edward; Steers, William D; Pryor, Jon L; Wilde, Dixon W; Natanegara, Fanni; Wong, David G; Ahuja, Sanjeev

2007-01-01

Limited efficacy and safety data exist from open-label clinical trials of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and multiple comorbid (MCM) conditions, historically a difficult group to treat. A multicenter study (Multiple Observations in Men with Erectile Dysfunction in National Tadalafil Study in the US) assessed efficacy and safety of tadalafil in men with ED and MCM conditions. The primary end point was change from baseline in the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function. Secondary end points included the Sexual Encounter Profile, Global Assessment Questions, and Sexual Self-Confidence and Spontaneity Domains of the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales. This was an open-label, multicenter study in men with ED. Tadalafil 20 mg was administered as needed prior to sexual activity, up to once/day, for 12 weeks following a 4-week ED-treatment-free period. The MCM group was 155 of 1,911 men enrolled in this study. Men in the MCM group met eligibility criteria but could not be included in other predefined groups: (i) Caucasian; (ii) Black American; (iii) Hispanic (groups 1-3, < or =65 years, no diabetes or depression); (iv) depression, < or =65 years, no diabetes; (v) diabetes, < or =65 years, no depression; (vi) >65 years, no diabetes or depression; and (vii) ED subsequent to traumatic spinal cord injury. Mean baseline EF domain score in MCM (mean age 65 +/- 9 years) was 12.2 +/- 6.5; 52% of subjects had severe ED; 72% diabetes mellitus; 67% cardiovascular disease (including hypertension); 49% hyperlipidemia; 38% depression; 84% had two or more comorbidities. At end point, there was a significant (P < 0.001) mean change of 7.6 from baseline in mean EF domain score. Among men with severe ED, 22% achieved an EF domain score > or =26. Most common adverse events were headache 5.2%; flushing 3.9% and nasal congestion 3.2%; 3% discontinued use because of an adverse event. In this open-label clinical trial of older men with ED and MCMs, tadalafil 20 mg significantly increased all efficacy end points and was well-tolerated.

The pharmacokinetics of peginterferon lambda-1a following single dose administration to subjects with impaired renal function.

PubMed

Hruska, Matthew W; Adamczyk, Robert; Colston, Elizabeth; Hesney, Michael; Stonier, Michele; Myler, Heather; Bertz, Richard

2015-09-01

This open label study was conducted to assess the effect of renal impairment (RI) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of peginterferon lambda-1a (Lambda). Subjects (age 18-75 years, BMI 18-35 kg m(-2) ) were enrolled into one of five renal function groups: normal (n = 12), mild RI (n = 8), moderate RI (n = 8), severe RI (n = 7), end-stage renal disease (ESRD, n = 8) based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Subjects received a single dose of Lambda (180 µg) subcutaneously on day 1 followed by PK serum sample collections through day 29. Safety, tolerability and immunogenicity data were collected through day 43. PK parameters were estimated and summarized by group. Geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated between normal and RI groups. With decreasing eGFR, Lambda exposure (Cmax , AUC) increased while apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) decreased. Relative to subjects with normal renal function (geometric mean AUC = 99.5 ng ml(-1) h), Lambda exposure estimates (AUC) were slightly increased in the mild RI group (geometric mean [90% CI]: 1.20 [0.82, 1.77]) and greater in the moderate (1.95 [1.35, 2.83]), severe RI (1.95 [1.30, 2.93]) and ESRD (1.88 [1.30, 2.73]) groups. Lambda was generally well tolerated. The results demonstrated that RI reduces the clearance of Lambda and suggests that dose modifications may not be required in patients with mild RI but may be required in patients with moderate to severe RI or ESRD. © 2015 The British Pharmacological Society.

Evaluation of Radiation-induced Class V Dental Caries in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers Undergoing Radiotherapy.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Narmin; Seyednejad, Farshad; Oskoee, Parnian Alizadeh; Savadi Oskoee, Siavash; Ebrahimi Chaharom, Mohammad Esmaeil

2008-01-01

Salivary glands are very susceptible to radiation and any disturbances in their function are detrimental to the hard tissues in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate posterior class V dental caries in patients with head and neck cancers undergoing radiotherapy. In this study, twenty seven patients undergoing conventional radiotherapy were included. Class V dental caries of posterior teeth in these patients were evaluated in three intervals: before treatment, 3 weeks after the initiation of the treatment, and at the end of the treatment. Differences of mean caries activity between intervals were evaluated using paired sample t-test. There were no class V decays prior to radiotherapy. Mean percentage of class V caries three weeks after radiotherapy and at the end of radiotherapy were 28.42% ± 14.41 and 67.05% ± 19.02, respectively. There were statistically signifi-cant differences in mean values among three stages (P = 0.00025). The results of the present study re-vealed that radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers causes class V dental caries on posteri-or teeth.

Analysis of the function of Spire in actin assembly and its synergy with formin and profilin.

PubMed

Bosch, Montserrat; Le, Kim Ho Diep; Bugyi, Beata; Correia, John J; Renault, Louis; Carlier, Marie-France

2007-11-30

The Spire protein, together with the formin Cappuccino and profilin, plays an important role in actin-based processes that establish oocyte polarity. Spire contains a cluster of four actin-binding WH2 domains. It has been shown to nucleate actin filaments and was proposed to remain bound to their pointed ends. Here we show that the multifunctional character of the WH2 domains allows Spire to sequester four G-actin subunits binding cooperatively in a tight SA(4) complex and to nucleate, sever, and cap filaments at their barbed ends. Binding of Spire to barbed ends does not affect the thermodynamics of actin assembly at barbed ends but blocks barbed end growth from profilin-actin. The resulting Spire-induced increase in profilin-actin concentration enhances processive filament assembly by formin. The synergy between Spire and formin is reconstituted in an in vitro motility assay, which provides a functional basis for the genetic interplay between Spire, formin, and profilin in oogenesis.

End-of-Discharge and End-of-Life Prediction in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Electrochemistry-Based Aging Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daigle, Matthew; Kulkarni, Chetan S.

2016-01-01

As batteries become increasingly prevalent in complex systems such as aircraft and electric cars, monitoring and predicting battery state of charge and state of health becomes critical. In order to accurately predict the remaining battery power to support system operations for informed operational decision-making, age-dependent changes in dynamics must be accounted for. Using an electrochemistry-based model, we investigate how key parameters of the battery change as aging occurs, and develop models to describe aging through these key parameters. Using these models, we demonstrate how we can (i) accurately predict end-of-discharge for aged batteries, and (ii) predict the end-of-life of a battery as a function of anticipated usage. The approach is validated through an experimental set of randomized discharge profiles.

Soluble expression, purification and characterization of the full length IS2 Transposase.

PubMed

Lewis, Leslie A; Astatke, Mekbib; Umekubo, Peter T; Alvi, Shaheen; Saby, Robert; Afrose, Jehan

2011-10-27

The two-step transposition pathway of insertion sequences of the IS3 family, and several other families, involves first the formation of a branched figure-of-eight (F-8) structure by an asymmetric single strand cleavage at one optional donor end and joining to the flanking host DNA near the target end. Its conversion to a double stranded minicircle precedes the second insertional step, where both ends function as donors. In IS2, the left end which lacks donor function in Step I acquires it in Step II. The assembly of two intrinsically different protein-DNA complexes in these F-8 generating elements has been intuitively proposed, but a barrier to testing this hypothesis has been the difficulty of isolating a full length, soluble and active transposase that creates fully formed synaptic complexes in vitro with protein bound to both binding and catalytic domains of the ends. We address here a solution to expressing, purifying and structurally analyzing such a protein. A soluble and active IS2 transposase derivative with GFP fused to its C-terminus functions as efficiently as the native protein in in vivo transposition assays. In vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay data show that the partially purified protein prepared under native conditions binds very efficiently to cognate DNA, utilizing both N- and C-terminal residues. As a precursor to biophysical analyses of these complexes, a fluorescence-based random mutagenesis protocol was developed that enabled a structure-function analysis of the protein with good resolution at the secondary structure level. The results extend previous structure-function work on IS3 family transposases, identifying the binding domain as a three helix H + HTH bundle and explaining the function of an atypical leucine zipper-like motif in IS2. In addition gain- and loss-of-function mutations in the catalytic active site define its role in regional and global binding and identify functional signatures that are common to the three dimensional catalytic core motif of the retroviral integrase superfamily. Intractably insoluble transposases, such as the IS2 transposase, prepared by solubilization protocols are often refractory to whole protein structure-function studies. The results described here have validated the use of GFP-tagging and fluorescence-based random mutagenesis in overcoming this limitation at the secondary structure level.

Soluble expression, purification and characterization of the full length IS2 Transposase

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The two-step transposition pathway of insertion sequences of the IS3 family, and several other families, involves first the formation of a branched figure-of-eight (F-8) structure by an asymmetric single strand cleavage at one optional donor end and joining to the flanking host DNA near the target end. Its conversion to a double stranded minicircle precedes the second insertional step, where both ends function as donors. In IS2, the left end which lacks donor function in Step I acquires it in Step II. The assembly of two intrinsically different protein-DNA complexes in these F-8 generating elements has been intuitively proposed, but a barrier to testing this hypothesis has been the difficulty of isolating a full length, soluble and active transposase that creates fully formed synaptic complexes in vitro with protein bound to both binding and catalytic domains of the ends. We address here a solution to expressing, purifying and structurally analyzing such a protein. Results A soluble and active IS2 transposase derivative with GFP fused to its C-terminus functions as efficiently as the native protein in in vivo transposition assays. In vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay data show that the partially purified protein prepared under native conditions binds very efficiently to cognate DNA, utilizing both N- and C-terminal residues. As a precursor to biophysical analyses of these complexes, a fluorescence-based random mutagenesis protocol was developed that enabled a structure-function analysis of the protein with good resolution at the secondary structure level. The results extend previous structure-function work on IS3 family transposases, identifying the binding domain as a three helix H + HTH bundle and explaining the function of an atypical leucine zipper-like motif in IS2. In addition gain- and loss-of-function mutations in the catalytic active site define its role in regional and global binding and identify functional signatures that are common to the three dimensional catalytic core motif of the retroviral integrase superfamily. Conclusions Intractably insoluble transposases, such as the IS2 transposase, prepared by solubilization protocols are often refractory to whole protein structure-function studies. The results described here have validated the use of GFP-tagging and fluorescence-based random mutagenesis in overcoming this limitation at the secondary structure level. PMID:22032517

Alfacalcidol improves muscle power, muscle function and balance in elderly patients with reduced bone mass.

PubMed

Schacht, E; Ringe, Johann D

2012-01-01

We investigated the effect of daily therapy with 1 mcg alfacalcidol (Doss(®)-TEVA/AWD-pharma) on muscle power, muscle function, balance performance and fear of falls in an open, multi-centered, uncontrolled, prospective study on a cohort of patients with reduced bone mass. Among the 2,097 participants, 87.1% were post-menopausal women and 12.9% were men. Mean age was 74.8 years and mean body mass index (BMI) 26.3 kg/m². A total of 75.3% of the study population had osteoporosis, 81% a diagnosis of "increased risk of falls" and 70.1% had a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of <65 ml/min. Participants underwent muscle function and muscle power tests at onset and after 3 and 6 months: the timed up and go test (TUG) and the chair rising test (CRT). At baseline and after 6 months, participants performed the tandem gait test (TGT) and filled out a questionnaire evaluating fear of falling. Successful performance in the muscle tests is associated with a significantly lower risk of falls and non-vertebral fractures in elderly patients (successful test performance: TUG ≤ 10 s (sec), CRT ≤ 10 s, TGT ≥ 8 steps). A significant improvement in the performance of the two muscle tests was proved already after 3 months of treatment with alfacalcidol and further increased by the end of the therapeutic intervention. There were significant increases in the number of participants able to successfully perform the tests: 24.6% at baseline and 46.3% at the end of trial for the TUG (P < 0.0001) and 21.7% at baseline and 44.2% at the end for the CRT test (P = 0.0001). The mean time used for the TUG was decreased by 3.0 s from the average onset value of 17.0 s and by 3.1 s from the initial average 16.5 s for the CRT. The percentage of participants able to perform the balance test (TGT) increased from 36.0% at onset to 58.6% at the end of the trial (P < 0.0001). An increased fear of falling was reduced by the end of the study in 74.4% of the patients. Throughout the study, there were 26 adverse drug reactions in 11 out of 2,097 patients (incidence 0.52%). No serious adverse drug reactions and no cases of hypercalcemia were documented. We conclude that treatment with alfacalcidol is safe, increases muscle power, muscle function and balance and reduces fear of falls. The significant improvement in the three muscle and balance tests and fear of falls may have a preventative effect on falls and fractures. We suggest that the quantitative risk tests used in this study could be reliable surrogate parameters for the risk of falls and fractures in elderly patients.

Performance of mixed RF/FSO systems in exponentiated Weibull distributed channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jing; Zhao, Shang-Hong; Zhao, Wei-Hu; Liu, Yun; Li, Xuan

2017-12-01

This paper presented the performances of asymmetric mixed radio frequency (RF)/free-space optical (FSO) system with the amplify-and-forward relaying scheme. The RF channel undergoes Nakagami- m channel, and the Exponentiated Weibull distribution is adopted for the FSO component. The mathematical formulas for cumulative distribution function (CDF), probability density function (PDF) and moment generating function (MGF) of equivalent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are achieved. According to the end-to-end statistical characteristics, the new analytical expressions of outage probability are obtained. Under various modulation techniques, we derive the average bit-error-rate (BER) based on the Meijer's G function. The evaluation and simulation are provided for the system performance, and the aperture average effect is discussed as well.

A digital front-end and readout microsystem for calorimetry at LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alippi, C.; Appelquist, G.; Berglund, S.; Bohm, C.; Breveglieri, L.; Brigati, S.; Carlson, P.; Cattaneo, P.; Dadda, L.; David, J.; Del Buono, L.; Dell'Acqua, A.; Engström, M.; Fumagalli, G.; Gatti, U.; Genat, J. F.; Goggi, G.; Hansen, M.; Hentzell, H.; Höglund, I.; Inkinen, S.; Kerek, A.; Lebbolo, H.; LeDortz, O.; Lofstedt, B.; Maloberti, F.; Nayman, P.; Persson, S.-T.; Piuri, V.; Salice, F.; Sami, M.; Savoy-Navarro, A.; Stefanelli, R.; Sundblad, R.; Svensson, C.; Torelli, G.; Vanuxem, J. P.; Yamdagni, N.; Yuan, J.; Zitoun, R.

1994-04-01

A digital solution to the front-end electronics for calorimetric detectors at future supercolliders is presented. The solution is based on high speed {A}/{D} converters, a fully programmable pipeline/digital filter chain and local intelligence. Questions of error correction, fault-tolerance and system redundancy are also being considered. A system integration of a multichannel device in a multichip, Silicon-on-Silicon Microsystem hybrid, is used. This solution allows a new level of integration of complex analogue and digital functions, with an excellent flexibility in mixing technologies for the different functional blocks. It also allows a high degree of programmability at both the function and the system level, and offers the possibility of customising the microsystem with detector-specific functions.

A wavelet-based intermittency detection technique from PIV investigations in transitional boundary layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simoni, Daniele; Lengani, Davide; Guida, Roberto

2016-09-01

The transition process of the boundary layer growing over a flat plate with pressure gradient simulating the suction side of a low-pressure turbine blade and elevated free-stream turbulence intensity level has been analyzed by means of PIV and hot-wire measurements. A detailed view of the instantaneous flow field in the wall-normal plane highlights the physics characterizing the complex process leading to the formation of large-scale coherent structures during breaking down of the ordered motion of the flow, thus generating randomized oscillations (i.e., turbulent spots). This analysis gives the basis for the development of a new procedure aimed at determining the intermittency function describing (statistically) the transition process. To this end, a wavelet-based method has been employed for the identification of the large-scale structures created during the transition process. Successively, a probability density function of these events has been defined so that an intermittency function is deduced. This latter strictly corresponds to the intermittency function of the transitional flow computed trough a classic procedure based on hot-wire data. The agreement between the two procedures in the intermittency shape and spot production rate proves the capability of the method in providing the statistical representation of the transition process. The main advantages of the procedure here proposed concern with its applicability to PIV data; it does not require a threshold level to discriminate first- and/or second-order time-derivative of hot-wire time traces (that makes the method not influenced by the operator); and it provides a clear evidence of the connection between the flow physics and the statistical representation of transition based on theory of turbulent spot propagation.

The Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) on Spirometric Data of Stable COPD Patients: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Zouari, Hajer; Latiri, Imed; Mahjoub, Mohamed; Boussarsar, Mohamed; Benzarti, Mohamed; Abdelghani, Ahmed; Ben Saad, Helmi

2018-03-01

No previous study has raised the effects of RIF on lung function data of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of RIF on spirometric data measured in male patients with a stable COPD. Sixteen patients with stable COPD (mean ± SD of age: 64 ± 7 years) who fasted during Ramadan volunteered to the study. Three sessions (Before-R, End-R, and After-R) were selected for spirometry tests that were consistently performed 2.5-4.5 hr before fasting break. Assessment sessions comprised: forced vital capacity (FVC), 1st s forced expiratory volume (FEV 1 ), FEV 1 /FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), and forced expiratory flow rate at the x% of FVC to be exhaled (FEFx%). A reversibility test was performed only during the Before-Ramadan session. Spirometric data were expressed in percentages of local reference values. Findings were analyzed by applying repeated measures analysis of variance. The mean ± SD of the postbronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC ratio and the FEV 1 were, respectively, 0.52 ± 0.14 and 48 ± 19%. The mean ± SD of FEV 1 (Before-R: 47 ± 19, End-R: 45 ± 18, After-R: 44 ± 19%), FVC (Before-R: 73 ± 18, End-R: 71 ± 16, After-R: 69 ± 17%), FEV 1 /FVC (Before-R: 67 ± 16, End-R: 66 ± 16, After-R: 65 ± 16%), PEF (Before-R: 46 ± 19, End-R: 47 ± 22, After-R: 45 ± 21%), MMEF (Before-R: 19 ± 10, End-R: 18 ± 8, After-R: 18 ± 9%), FEF 25% (Before-R: 16 ± 6, End-R: 16 ± 5, After-R: 15 ± 5%), FEF 50% (Before-R: 21 ± 14, End-R: 20 ± 12, After-R: 20 ± 12%) and FEF 75% (Before-R: 27 ± 19, End-R: 27 ± 19, After-R: 27 ± 19%) were not significantly influenced by RIF. RIF did not bring about any significant changes in the spirometric data of stable COPD male patients fasting the 2016 holy month of Ramadan.

End of Life: A Family Narrative

PubMed Central

Black, Helen K.; Moss, Miriam S.; Rubinstein, Robert L.; Moss, Sidney Z.

2011-01-01

This paper is based on ethnographic research that examines family reaction to an elderly husband and father's end of life. From a group of 30 families in our study (family defined as a widow aged 70 and over and two adult biological children between the ages of 40 and 60), we offer an extreme case example of family bereavement. We report our findings through the open-ended responses of a widow and two children who were interviewed ten months after the death of the husband and father. Three general themes emerged: (1) how the family imputes meaning to the end of life, (2) changes in the roles of family members, and (3) the family's ways of coping with the death, particularly through their belief system. A key finding is that the meaning family members find in their loved one's death is tied to the context of his death (how and where he died), their perception of his quality of life as a whole, and their philosophical, religious, and spiritual beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife that are already in place. PMID:21629740

AiGERM: A logic programming front end for GERM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hashim, Safaa H.

1990-01-01

AiGerm (Artificially Intelligent Graphical Entity Relation Modeler) is a relational data base query and programming language front end for MCC (Mission Control Center)/STP's (Space Test Program) Germ (Graphical Entity Relational Modeling) system. It is intended as an add-on component of the Germ system to be used for navigating very large networks of information. It can also function as an expert system shell for prototyping knowledge-based systems. AiGerm provides an interface between the programming language and Germ.

Scaling and memory in volatility return intervals in financial markets

PubMed Central

Yamasaki, Kazuko; Muchnik, Lev; Havlin, Shlomo; Bunde, Armin; Stanley, H. Eugene

2005-01-01

For both stock and currency markets, we study the return intervals τ between the daily volatilities of the price changes that are above a certain threshold q. We find that the distribution function Pq(τ) scales with the mean return interval \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document} \\begin{equation*}{\\bar {{\\tau}}}\\end{equation*}\\end{document} as \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document} \\begin{equation*}P_{q}({\\tau})={\\bar {{\\tau}}}^{-1}f({\\tau}/{\\bar {{\\tau}}})\\end{equation*}\\end{document}. The scaling function f(x) is similar in form for all seven stocks and for all seven currency databases analyzed, and f(x) is consistent with a power-law form, f(x) ∼ x-γ with γ ≈ 2. We also quantify how the conditional distribution Pq(τ|τ0) depends on the previous return interval τ0 and find that small (or large) return intervals are more likely to be followed by small (or large) return intervals. This “clustering” of the volatility return intervals is a previously unrecognized phenomenon that we relate to the long-term correlations known to be present in the volatility. PMID:15980152

Effect of weight loss on menstrual function in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Ornstein, Rollyn M; Copperman, Nancy M; Jacobson, Marc S

2011-06-01

To compare the effects of a hypocaloric low-fat diet with those of a very low carbohydrate diet on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and menstrual function in overweight adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Randomized pilot trial of two diets in a prospective, 12-week study. A hospital-based, academic adolescent medicine division. 24 females, age 12-22 years (mean 15.8 ± 2.2), with PCOS and a BMI above the 85(th) percentile for age (mean 35.7 ± 6.0 kg/m(2)). Nutrition counseling was given biweekly, and dietary compliance, menstrual history, and weight were recorded. WC was measured at the beginning and end of the study. Changes in weight, BMI, WC, and improvement in menstrual function over the course of the study period. 16 participants completed the study. 12 completers menstruated during the study period, 8 with regularity. The number of periods over 3 months increased from 0.6 ± 0.6 pre-treatment to 1.6 ± 1.3 post-treatment (P = 0.003). Overall, weight loss averaged 6.5% (P < 0.0001) and the WC decreased by an average of 5.7 ± 7.7 cm (P = 0.01). Those who lost weight were 3.4 times more likely to have improved menstrual function (P = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Weight loss is feasible in adolescents with PCOS and results in significant improvements in BMI, WC, and menstrual function. Weight management may be preferable as first-line treatment in adolescents, because it targets both the menstrual dysfunction and risk factors for long-term morbidity associated with PCOS. Copyright © 2011 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does functional vision behave differently in low-vision patients with diabetic retinopathy?--A case-matched study.

PubMed

Ahmadian, Lohrasb; Massof, Robert

2008-09-01

A retrospective case-matched study designed to compare patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other ocular diseases, managed in a low-vision clinic, in four different types of functional vision. Reading, mobility, visual motor, and visual information processing were measured in the patients (n = 114) and compared with those in patients with other ocular diseases (n = 114) matched in sex, visual acuity (VA), general health status, and age, using the Activity Inventory as a Rasch-scaled measurement tool. Binocular distance visual acuity was categorized as normal (20/12.5-20/25), near normal (20/32-20/63), moderate (20/80-20/160), severe (20/200-20/400), profound (20/500-20/1000), and total blindness (20/1250 to no light perception). Both Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test and the sign test of matched pairs were used to compare estimated functional vision measures between DR cases and controls. Cases ranged in age from 19 to 90 years (mean age, 67.5), and 59% were women. The mean visual acuity (logMar scale) was 0.7. Based on the Wilcoxon signed rank test analyses and after adjusting the probability for multiple comparisons, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between patients with DR and control subjects in any of four functional visions. Furthermore, diabetic retinopathy patients did not differ (P > 0.05) from their matched counterparts in goal-level vision-related functional ability and total visual ability. Visual impairment in patients with DR appears to be a generic and non-disease-specific outcome that can be explained mainly by the end impact of the disease in the patients' daily lives and not by the unique disease process that results in the visual impairment.

Using simple environmental variables to estimate below-ground productivity in grasslands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gill, R.A.; Kelly, R.H.; Parton, W.J.; Day, K.A.; Jackson, R.B.; Morgan, J.A.; Scurlock, J.M.O.; Tieszen, L.L.; Castle, J.V.; Ojima, D.S.; Zhang, X.S.

2002-01-01

In many temperate and annual grasslands, above-ground net primary productivity (NPP) can be estimated by measuring peak above-ground biomass. Estimates of below-ground net primary productivity and, consequently, total net primary productivity, are more difficult. We addressed one of the three main objectives of the Global Primary Productivity Data Initiative for grassland systems to develop simple models or algorithms to estimate missing components of total system NPP. Any estimate of below-ground NPP (BNPP) requires an accounting of total root biomass, the percentage of living biomass and annual turnover of live roots. We derived a relationship using above-ground peak biomass and mean annual temperature as predictors of below-ground biomass (r2 = 0.54; P = 0.01). The percentage of live material was 0.6, based on published values. We used three different functions to describe root turnover: constant, a direct function of above-ground biomass, or as a positive exponential relationship with mean annual temperature. We tested the various models against a large database of global grassland NPP and the constant turnover and direct function models were approximately equally descriptive (r2 = 0.31 and 0.37), while the exponential function had a stronger correlation with the measured values (r2 = 0.40) and had a better fit than the other two models at the productive end of the BNPP gradient. When applied to extensive data we assembled from two grassland sites with reliable estimates of total NPP, the direct function was most effective, especially at lower productivity sites. We provide some caveats for its use in systems that lie at the extremes of the grassland gradient and stress that there are large uncertainties associated with measured and modelled estimates of BNPP.

Fully Integrated Passive UHF RFID Tag for Hash-Based Mutual Authentication Protocol.

PubMed

Mikami, Shugo; Watanabe, Dai; Li, Yang; Sakiyama, Kazuo

2015-01-01

Passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag has been used in many applications. While the RFID market is expected to grow, concerns about security and privacy of the RFID tag should be overcome for the future use. To overcome these issues, privacy-preserving authentication protocols based on cryptographic algorithms have been designed. However, to the best of our knowledge, evaluation of the whole tag, which includes an antenna, an analog front end, and a digital processing block, that runs authentication protocols has not been studied. In this paper, we present an implementation and evaluation of a fully integrated passive UHF RFID tag that runs a privacy-preserving mutual authentication protocol based on a hash function. We design a single chip including the analog front end and the digital processing block. We select a lightweight hash function supporting 80-bit security strength and a standard hash function supporting 128-bit security strength. We show that when the lightweight hash function is used, the tag completes the protocol with a reader-tag distance of 10 cm. Similarly, when the standard hash function is used, the tag completes the protocol with the distance of 8.5 cm. We discuss the impact of the peak power consumption of the tag on the distance of the tag due to the hash function.

Phased development of a web-based PACS viewer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gidron, Yoad; Shani, Uri; Shifrin, Mark

2000-05-01

The Web browser is an excellent environment for the rapid development of an effective and inexpensive PACS viewer. In this paper we will share our experience in developing a browser-based viewer, from the inception and prototype stages to its current state of maturity. There are many operational advantages to a browser-based viewer, even when native viewers already exist in the system (with multiple and/or high resolution screens): (1) It can be used on existing personal workstations throughout the hospital. (2) It is easy to make the service available from physician's homes. (3) The viewer is extremely portable and platform independent. There is a wide variety of means available for implementing the browser- based viewer. Each file sent to the client by the server can perform some end-user or client/server interaction. These means range from HTML (for HyperText Markup Language) files, through Java Script, to Java applets. Some data types may also invoke plug-in code in the client, although this would reduce the portability of the viewer, it would provide the needed efficiency in critical places. On the server side the range of means is also very rich: (1) A set of files: html, Java Script, Java applets, etc. (2) Extensions of the server via cgi-bin programs, (3) Extensions of the server via servlets, (4) Any other helper application residing and working with the server to access the DICOM archive. The viewer architecture consists of two basic parts: The first part performs query and navigation through the DICOM archive image folders. The second part does the image access and display. While the first part deals with low data traffic, it involves many database transactions. The second part is simple as far as access transactions are concerned, but requires much more data traffic and display functions. Our web-based viewer has gone through three development stages characterized by the complexity of the means and tools employed on both client and server sides.

Re-evaluating the Fistula First Initiative in Octogenarians on Hemodialysis.

PubMed

Vachharajani, Tushar J; Moossavi, Shahriar; Jordan, Jean R; Vachharajani, Vidula; Freedman, Barry I; Burkart, John M

2011-07-01

Octogenarians frequently require maintenance hemodialysis (HD) for treatment of stage renal disease ESRD. Although the Fistula First Initiative recommends creating an arteriovenous fistula as the preferred dialysis access method, vascular access selection should be based on life expectancy and functional status at treatment initiation. This is a retrospective analysis of 4-year outpatient data (January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007) of incident octogenarian dialysis population in an academic institution. Thirty-nine of 268 patients were octogenarians with a mean (± SD) age of 83.4 ± 3.4 years, and 25 were men. Kaplan-Meier survival and Fisher's post hoc statistical analyses were performed. Thirty-seven octogenarian patients selected HD and two selected peritoneal dialysis. Among the 37 HD patients, 29 initiated dialysis with a tunneled cuffed catheter, 6 with an arteriovenous fistula, and 2 with an arteriovenous graft. Three patients regained renal function after an average 112 days and one was lost to follow-up. Of the 33 remaining on HD, 8 required nursing home admission and 25 were discharged home after initiating HD. Among these 33, 19 died and 14 remained on HD at the end of study period. Days on dialysis (mean ± SEM) before death in those discharged to a nursing facility versus home were 52.6 ± 14.7 versus 386.1 ± 90.7 (P < 0.05), respectively. Vascular access planning should include assessment of functional status and life expectancy in octogenarian HD patients.

A Helitron transposon reconstructed from bats reveals a novel mechanism of genome shuffling in eukaryotes.

PubMed

Grabundzija, Ivana; Messing, Simon A; Thomas, Jainy; Cosby, Rachel L; Bilic, Ilija; Miskey, Csaba; Gogol-Döring, Andreas; Kapitonov, Vladimir; Diem, Tanja; Dalda, Anna; Jurka, Jerzy; Pritham, Ellen J; Dyda, Fred; Izsvák, Zsuzsanna; Ivics, Zoltán

2016-03-02

Helitron transposons capture and mobilize gene fragments in eukaryotes, but experimental evidence for their transposition is lacking in the absence of an isolated active element. Here we reconstruct Helraiser, an ancient element from the bat genome, and use this transposon as an experimental tool to unravel the mechanism of Helitron transposition. A hairpin close to the 3'-end of the transposon functions as a transposition terminator. However, the 3'-end can be bypassed by the transposase, resulting in transduction of flanking sequences to new genomic locations. Helraiser transposition generates covalently closed circular intermediates, suggestive of a replicative transposition mechanism, which provides a powerful means to disseminate captured transcriptional regulatory signals across the genome. Indeed, we document the generation of novel transcripts by Helitron promoter capture both experimentally and by transcriptome analysis in bats. Our results provide mechanistic insight into Helitron transposition, and its impact on diversification of gene function by genome shuffling.

Dynamic User Interfaces for Service Oriented Architectures in Healthcare.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Marco; Hoerbst, Alexander

2016-01-01

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) play a crucial role in healthcare today. Considering a data-centric view, EHRs are very advanced as they provide and share healthcare data in a cross-institutional and patient-centered way adhering to high syntactic and semantic interoperability. However, the EHR functionalities available for the end users are rare and hence often limited to basic document query functions. Future EHR use necessitates the ability to let the users define their needed data according to a certain situation and how this data should be processed. Workflow and semantic modelling approaches as well as Web services provide means to fulfil such a goal. This thesis develops concepts for dynamic interfaces between EHR end users and a service oriented eHealth infrastructure, which allow the users to design their flexible EHR needs, modeled in a dynamic and formal way. These are used to discover, compose and execute the right Semantic Web services.

Effects of functional groups and ionization on the structure of alkanethiol coated gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolintineanu, Dan S.; Lane, J. Matthew D.; Grest, Gary S.

2013-03-01

We report fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of alkanethiol coated gold nanoparticles solvated in water and decane. The structure of the coatings is analyzed as a function of various functional end groups, including amine and carboxyl groups in different neutralization states. We study the effects of charge in the end groups for two different chain lengths (10 and 18 carbons) and different counterions (mono- and divalent). For the longer alkanes we find significant local phase segregation of chains on the nanoparticle surface, which results in highly asymmetric coating structures. In general, the charged end groups attenuate this effect by enhancing the water solubility of the nanoparticles. Based on the coating structures and density profiles, we can qualitatively infer the overall solubility of the nanoparticles. The asymmetry in the alkanethiol coatings is also likely to have a significant effect on aggregation behavior. More importantly, our simulations suggest the ability to modulate end group charge states (e.g. by changing the pH of the solution) in order to control coating structure, and therefore control solubility and aggregation behavior.

SU-E-T-217: Intrinsic Respiratory Gating in Small Animal CT

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

Liu, Y; Smith, M; Mistry, N

Purpose: Preclinical animal models of lung cancer can provide a controlled test-bed for testing dose escalation or function-based-treatment-planning studies. However, to extract lung function, i.e. ventilation, one needs to be able to image the lung at different phases of ventilation (in-hale / ex-hale). Most respiratory-gated imaging using micro-CT involves using an external ventilator and surgical intervention limiting the utility in longitudinal studies. A new intrinsic respiratory retrospective gating method was developed and tested in mice. Methods: A fixed region of interest (ROI) that covers the diaphragm was selected on all projection images to estimate the mean intensity (M). The meanmore » intensity depends on the projection angle and diaphragm position. A 3-point moving average (A) of consecutive M values: Mpre, Mcurrent and Mpost, was calculated to be subtracted from Mcurrent. A fixed threshold was used to enable amplitude based sorting into 4 different phases of respiration. Images at full-inhale and end-exhale phases of respiration were reconstructed using the open source OSCaR. Lung volumes estimated at the 2 phases of respiration were validated against literature values. Results: Intrinsic retrospective gating was accomplished without the use of any external breathing waveform. While projection images were acquired at 360 different angles. Only 138 and 104 projections were used to reconstruct images at full-inhale and end-exhale. This often results in non-uniform under-sampled angular projections leading to some minor streaking artifacts. The calculated expiratory, inspiratory and tidal lung volumes correlated well with the values known from the literature. Conclusion: Our initial result demonstrates an intrinsic gating method that is suitable for flat panel cone beam small animal CT systems. Reduction in streaking artifacts can be accomplished by oversampling the data or using iterative reconstruction methods. This initial experience will enable freebreathing small animal micro-CT imaging to fuel longitudinal studies of lung function.« less

Value of speckle tracking for the assessment of right ventricular function in patients operated on for tetralogy of fallot. Comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Bernard, Yvette; Morel, Mathilde; Descotes-Genon, Vincent; Jehl, Jerome; Meneveau, Nicolas; Schiele, Francois

2014-04-01

Right ventricular (RV) function is a major prognostic factor in patients (pts) with operated tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We compared the results of RV speckle tracking (two-dimensional [2D] strain) with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in this setting. At transthoracic echocardiogram (echo), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), velocity of S-wave at tricuspid annulus with tissue Doppler, and 2D strain (longitudinal maximal systolic strain) were recorded. Their results were compared to RV indexed end-diastolic volume (EDV), indexed end-systolic volume (ESV), and RV ejection fraction (EF) at MRI. Twenty-two pts (16 M) aged 11-62 years (mean 23.2 ± 10.8) were included. Parameters of RV systolic function were as follows: RVFAC = 40 ± 10%, TAPSE = 18 ± 4 mm, S-wave = 10 ± 0.2 cm/sec, and RV EF at MRI = 43 ± 11%. Global RV systolic strain was -15.5 ± 4.2%, free wall strain was -15.1 ± 6.3%, and septal strain was -15.8 ± 3.8% on average for the whole group. Echo indexed RV end-diastolic area correlated with EDV at MRI (r = 0.73), as well as echo indexed RV end-systolic area and ESV at MRI (r = 0.71). Global RV 2D strain correlated well with RV EF at MRI: r = 0.68; P < 0.05, and with ESV at MRI: r = 0.63. Feasibility, intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of 2D strain were adequate. Speckle tracking is a promising method to estimate RV systolic function in pts operated on for TOF. © 2013, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sensitivity of a computer adaptive assessment for measuring functional mobility changes in children enrolled in a community fitness programme.

PubMed

Haley, Stephen M; Fragala-Pinkham, Maria; Ni, Pengsheng

2006-07-01

To examine the relative sensitivity to detect functional mobility changes with a full-length parent questionnaire compared with a computerized adaptive testing version of the questionnaire after a 16-week group fitness programme. Prospective, pre- and posttest study with a 16-week group fitness intervention. Three community-based fitness centres. Convenience sample of children (n = 28) with physical or developmental disabilities. A 16-week group exercise programme held twice a week in a community setting. A full-length (161 items) paper version of a mobility parent questionnaire based on the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, but expanded to include expected skills of children up to 15 years old was compared with a 15-item computer adaptive testing version. Both measures were administered at pre- and posttest intervals. Both the full-length Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and the 15-item computer adaptive testing version detected significant changes between pre- and posttest scores, had large effect sizes, and standardized response means, with a modest decrease in the computer adaptive test as compared with the 161-item paper version. Correlations between the computer adaptive and paper formats across pre- and posttest scores ranged from r = 0.76 to 0.86. Both functional mobility test versions were able to detect positive functional changes at the end of the intervention period. Greater variability in score estimates was generated by the computerized adaptive testing version, which led to a relative reduction in sensitivity as defined by the standardized response mean. Extreme scores were generally more difficult for the computer adaptive format to estimate with as much accuracy as scores in the mid-range of the scale. However, the reduction in accuracy and sensitivity, which did not influence the group effect results in this study, is counterbalanced by the large reduction in testing burden.

Predicting device failure after percutaneous repair of functional mitral regurgitation in advanced heart failure: Implications for patient selection.

PubMed

Stolfo, Davide; De Luca, Antonio; Morea, Gaetano; Merlo, Marco; Vitrella, Giancarlo; Caiffa, Thomas; Barbati, Giulia; Rakar, Serena; Korcova, Renata; Perkan, Andrea; Pinamonti, Bruno; Pappalardo, Aniello; Berardini, Alessandra; Biagini, Elena; Saia, Francesco; Grigioni, Francesco; Rapezzi, Claudio; Sinagra, Gianfranco

2018-04-15

Patients with heart failure (HF) and severe symptomatic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) may benefit from MitraClip implantation. With increasing numbers of patients being treated the success of procedure becomes a key issue. We sought to investigate the pre-procedural predictors of device failure in patients with advanced HF treated with MitraClip. From April 2012 to November 2016, 76 patients with poor functional class (NYHA class III-IV) and severe left ventricular (LV) remodeling underwent MitraClip implantation at University Hospitals of Trieste and Bologna (Italy). Device failure was assessed according to MVARC criteria. Patients were subsequently followed to additionally assess the patient success after 12months. Mean age was 67±12years, the mean Log-EuroSCORE was 23.4±16.5%, and the mean LV end-diastolic volume index and ejection fraction (EF) were 112±33ml/m 2 and 30.6±8.9%, respectively. At short-term evaluation, device failure was observed in 22 (29%) patients. Univariate predictors of device failure were LVEF, LV and left atrial volumes and anteroposterior mitral annulus diameter. Annulus dimension (OR 1.153, 95% CI 1.002-1.327, p=0.043) and LV end-diastolic volume (OR 1.024, 95% CI 1.000-1.049, p=0.049) were the only variables independently associated with the risk of device failure at the multivariate model. Pre-procedural anteroposterior mitral annulus diameter accurately predicted the risk of device failure after MitraClip in the setting of advanced HF. Its assessment might aid the selection of the best candidates to percutaneous correction of FMR. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Open-ended formulation of self-consistent field response theory with the polarizable continuum model for solvation.

PubMed

Di Remigio, Roberto; Beerepoot, Maarten T P; Cornaton, Yann; Ringholm, Magnus; Steindal, Arnfinn Hykkerud; Ruud, Kenneth; Frediani, Luca

2016-12-21

The study of high-order absorption properties of molecules is a field of growing importance. Quantum-chemical studies can help design chromophores with desirable characteristics. Given that most experiments are performed in solution, it is important to devise a cost-effective strategy to include solvation effects in quantum-chemical studies of these properties. We here present an open-ended formulation of self-consistent field (SCF) response theory for a molecular solute coupled to a polarizable continuum model (PCM) description of the solvent. Our formulation relies on the open-ended, density matrix-based quasienergy formulation of SCF response theory of Thorvaldsen, et al., [J. Chem. Phys., 2008, 129, 214108] and the variational formulation of the PCM, as presented by Lipparini et al., [J. Chem. Phys., 2010, 133, 014106]. Within the PCM approach to solvation, the mutual solute-solvent polarization is represented by means of an apparent surface charge (ASC) spread over the molecular cavity defining the solute-solvent boundary. In the variational formulation, the ASC is an independent, variational degree of freedom. This allows us to formulate response theory for molecular solutes in the fixed-cavity approximation up to arbitrary order and with arbitrary perturbation operators. For electric dipole perturbations, pole and residue analyses of the response functions naturally lead to the identification of excitation energies and transition moments. We document the implementation of this approach in the Dalton program package using a recently developed open-ended response code and the PCMSolver libraries and present results for one-, two-, three-, four- and five-photon absorption processes of three small molecules in solution.

Value of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with or without percutaneous vertebroplasty for pain relief and functional recovery in painful bone metastases.

PubMed

Clarençon, Frédéric; Jean, Betty; Pham, Hang-Phuong; Cormier, Evelyne; Bensimon, Gilbert; Rose, Michèle; Maksud, Philippe; Chiras, Jacques

2013-01-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation with or without percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) on pain relief, functional recovery and local recurrence at 6 months' follow-up (FU), in patients with painful osseous metastases. Thirty RF ablations were performed in 24 patients (mean age: 61 years) with bone metastases. Half of the patients had an additional PV. The primary end point was pain relief evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment, and at 1 and 6 months' FU. Functional outcome was assessed according to the evolution of their ability to walk at 6 months' FU. Imaging FU was available in 20 out of 24 patients with a mean delay of 4.7 months. Reduction of pain was obtained at 6 months FU in 81% of cases (15 out of 18). Mean pretreatment VAS was 6.4 (±2.7). Mean VAS was 1.9 (±2.4) at 1 month FU, and 2.3 (±2.9) at 6 months' FU. Pain was significantly reduced at 6 months FU (mean VAS reduction = 4.1; P < 0.00001). Functional improvement was obtained in 74% of the cases. Major complications rate was 12.5 % (3 out of 24) with 2 skin burns, and 1 case of myelopathy. Local tumour recurrence or progression was recorded in 5 cases. Radiofrequency ablation is an effective technique in terms of pain relief and functional recovery for the treatment of bone metastases, which provides a relatively low rate of local recurrence.

Bioplastics science from a policy vantage point.

PubMed

Philp, Jim C; Bartsev, Alexandre; Ritchie, Rachael J; Baucher, Marie-Ange; Guy, K

2013-09-25

Society is fundamentally ambivalent to the use of plastics. On the one hand, plastics are uniquely flexible materials that have seen them occupy a huge range of functions, from simple packing materials to complex engineering components. On the other hand, their durability has raised concerns about their end-of-life disposal. When that disposal route is landfill, their invulnerability to microbial decomposition, combined with relatively low density and high bulk, means that plastics will occupy increasing amounts of landfill space in a world where available suitable landfill sites is shrinking. The search for biodegradable plastics and their introduction to the marketplace would appear to be a suitable amelioration strategy for such a problem. And yet the uptake of biodegradable plastics has been slow. The term biodegradable itself has entered public controversy, with accidental and intended misuse of the term; the intended misuse has led to accusations and instances of 'greenwashing'. For this and other reasons standards for biodegradability and compostability testing of plastics have been sought. An environmental dilemma with more far-reaching implications is climate change. The need for rapid and deep greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cuts is one of the drivers for the resurgence of industrial biotechnology generally, and the search for bio-based plastics more specifically. Bio-based has come to mean plastics based on renewable resources, but this need not necessarily imply biodegradability. If the primary purpose is GHG emissions savings, then once again plastics durability can be a virtue, if the end-of-life solution can be energy recovery during incineration or recycling. The pattern of production is shifting from the true biodegradable plastics to the bio-based plastics, and that trend is likely to persist into the future. This paper looks at aspects of the science of biodegradable and bio-based plastics from the perspective of policy advisers and makers. It is often said that the bioplastics suffer from a lack of a favourable policy regime when compared to the wide-ranging set of policy instruments that are available on both the supply and demand side of biofuels production. Some possible policy measures are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Web-Based Information System for Field Data Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Y. H.; Sun, F. S.

2014-12-01

A web-based field data management system has been designed and developed to allow field geologists to store, organize, manage, and share field data online. System requirements were analyzed and clearly defined first regarding what data are to be stored, who the potential users are, and what system functions are needed in order to deliver the right data in the right way to the right user. A 3-tiered architecture was adopted to create this secure, scalable system that consists of a web browser at the front end while a database at the back end and a functional logic server in the middle. Specifically, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript were used to implement the user interface in the front-end tier, the Apache web server runs PHP scripts, and MySQL to server is used for the back-end database. The system accepts various types of field information, including image, audio, video, numeric, and text. It allows users to select data and populate them on either Google Earth or Google Maps for the examination of the spatial relations. It also makes the sharing of field data easy by converting them into XML format that is both human-readable and machine-readable, and thus ready for reuse.

Leveraging Genre Theory: A Genre-Based Interactive Model for the Era of the Common Core State Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Troyan, Francis J.

2014-01-01

Recent educational standards have refocused the goals of foreign language (FL) instruction on "the purpose of communication" (ACTFL, 2012, p. 1) across the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational). To this end, this article considers a linguistically based genre theory as a means of enhancing…

Kinematic functions for redundancy resolution using configuration control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun (Inventor)

1994-01-01

The invention fulfills new goals for redundancy resolution based on manipulator dynamics and end-effector characteristics. These goals are accomplished by employing the recently developed configuration control approach. Redundancy resolution is achieved by controlling the joint inertia matrix of the end-effector mass matrix that affect the inertial torques or by reducing the joint torques due to gravity loading and payload. The manipulator mechanical-advantage and velocity-ratio are also used as performance measures to be improved by proper utilization of redundancy. Furthermore, end-effector compliance, sensitivity, and impulsive force at impact are introduced as redundancy resolution criteria. The new goals for redundancy resolution allow a more efficient utilization of the redundant joints based on the desired task requirements.

Sutureless functional end-to-end anastomosis using a linear stapler with polyglycolic acid felt for intestinal anastomoses.

PubMed

Naito, Masanori; Miura, Hirohisa; Nakamura, Takatoshi; Sato, Takeo; Yamanashi, Takahiro; Tsutsui, Atsuko; Watanabe, Masahiko

2017-05-01

Gastrointestinal anastomosis remains associated with a considerable burden of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Functional end-to-end anastomosis, whilst extremely efficient, is vulnerable to increased intestinal pressure in the immediate postoperative period, which may predispose to development of anastomotic leakage or bleeding. Therefore, there is a requirement for new techniques that facilitate safe and efficacious anastomotic procedures. This study examined the clinical application of functional end-to-end anastomosis with a stapler that automatically applies a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet (Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology). A porcine model was used to examine functional end-to-end anastomosis with and without application of a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet. As the crotch of the anastomosis is considered the weakest point, a probe was used to test the integrity of these anastomoses. Furthermore, we performed functional end-to-end anastomosis using the Endo GIA™ Reinforced stapler in a clinical series of 20 patients undergoing gastrointestinal tract resection. In all cases, functional end-to-end anastomosis was performed without suture reinforcement. Small intestine anastomoses in the animal study exhibited no weakness at the crotch of the anastomosis, as tested with a probe, suggesting an increased resiliency to conventional complications of functional end-to-end anastomosis. In the clinical population, no postoperative complications were noted. No adhesive intestinal obstruction was noted. Sutureless functional end-to-end anastomosis using the Endo GIA™ Reinforced appears to be safe, efficacious, and straightforward. Reinforcement of the crotch site with a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid sheet appears to mitigate conventional problems with crotch-site vulnerability.

Determinants of midterm functional outcomes, wound healing, and resources used in a hospital-based limb preservation program.

PubMed

Ramanan, Bala; Ahmed, Ayman; Wu, Bian; Causey, Marlin W; Gasper, Warren J; Vartanian, Shant M; Reyzelman, Alexander M; Hiramoto, Jade S; Conte, Michael S

2017-12-01

The objective of this study was to assess midterm functional status, wound healing, and in-hospital resource use among a prospective cohort of patients treated in a tertiary hospital, multidisciplinary Center for Limb Preservation. Data were prospectively gathered on all consecutive admissions to the Center for Limb Preservation from July 2013 to October 2014 with follow-up data collection through January 2016. Limbs were staged using the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) threatened limb classification scheme at the time of hospital admission. Patients with nonatherosclerotic vascular disorders, acute limb ischemia, and trauma were excluded. The cohort included 128 patients with 157 threatened limbs; 8 limbs with unstageable disease were excluded. Mean age (±standard deviation [SD]) was 66 (±13) years, and median follow-up duration (interquartile range) was 395 (80-635) days. Fifty percent (n = 64/128) of patients were readmitted at least once, with a readmission rate of 20% within 30 days of the index admission. Mean total number of admissions per patient (±SD) was 1.9 ± 1.2, with mean (±SD) cumulative length of stay (cLOS) of 17.1 (±17.9) days. During follow-up, 25% of limbs required a vascular reintervention, and 45% developed recurrent wounds. There was no difference in the rate of readmission, vascular reintervention, or wound recurrence by initial WIfI stage (P > .05). At the end of the study period, 23 (26%) were alive and nonambulatory; in 20%, functional status was missing. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, end-stage renal disease and prior functional status predicted ability to ambulate independently (P < .05). WIfI stage was associated with major amputation (P = .01) and cLOS (P = .002) but not with time to wound healing. Direct hospital (inpatient) cost per limb saved was significantly higher in stage 4 patients (P < .05 for all time periods). WIfI stage was associated with cumulative in-hospital costs at 1 year and for the overall follow-up period. Among a population of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital limb preservation service, WIfI stage was predictive of midterm freedom from amputation, cLOS, and hospital costs but not of ambulatory functional status, time to wound healing, or wound recurrence. Patients presenting with limb-threatening conditions require significant inpatient care, have a high frequency of repeated hospitalizations, and are at significant risk for recurrent wounds and leg symptoms at later times. Stage 4 patients require the most intensive care and have the highest initial and aggregate hospital costs per limb saved. However, limb salvage can be achieved in these patients with a dedicated multidisciplinary team approach. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effects of spironolactone on residual renal function and peritoneal function in peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

Yelken, Berna; Gorgulu, Numan; Gursu, Meltem; Yazici, Halil; Caliskan, Yasar; Telci, Aysegul; Ozturk, Savas; Kazancioglu, Rumeyza; Ecder, Tevfik; Bozfakioglu, Semra

2014-01-01

There is increasing evidence that long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with structural changes in the peritoneal membrane. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system has been demonstrated to lessen peritoneal injury and to slow the decline in residual renal function. Whether spironolactone affects residual renal function in addition to the peritoneal membrane is unknown. We evaluated 23 patients (13 women) with a glomerular filtration rate of 2 mL/min/1.73 m2 or more who were receiving PD. Patients with an active infection or peritonitis episode were excluded. Baseline measurements were obtained for serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); for daily ultrafiltration (in milliliters); for end-to-initial dialysate concentration of glucose (4/D0 glucose), Kt/V, and peritoneal transport status; and for dialysate cancer antigen 125 (CA125). Spironolactone therapy (25 mg) was given daily for 6 months, after which all measurements were repeated. Mean age of the patients was 46 +/- 13 years. Duration of PD was 15 +/- 21 months (range: 2-88 months). After spironolactone therapy, mean dialysate CA125 was significantly increased compared with baseline (20.52 +/- 12.06 U/mL vs. 24.44 +/- 13.97 U/mL, p = 0.028). Serum hs-CRP, VEGF, TGF-beta, CTGF, daily ultrafiltration, D/Do glucose, Kt/V and peritoneal transport status were similar at both times. At the end of the study period, residual glomerular filtration rate in the patients was lower. In PD patients, treatment with spironolactone seems to slow the decline of peritoneal function, suppress the elevation of profibrotic markers, and increase mesothelial cell mass.

Remote sensing: The application of space technology to the survey of the earth and its environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schertler, R. J.

1973-01-01

Research in the earth sciences and management of both natural and man-made resources has been hindered by the difficulty of obtaining accurate and timely information on regional and global scale. Space surveys with remote sensing instruments are simply another means of attempting to attain the total knowledge of the resources needed for sound planning, development, and conservation. The use of earth orbiting satellites will greatly expand the ability to collect this information. The collection and use of these data and imagery, however, are now an end in itself, but only the means to an end, that of achieving total resource knowledge. Satellite systems will provide a valuable supplement to existing aerial and ground based observation techniques.

Treatment of petroleum cokes to inhibit coke puffing

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

Orac, T.H.; Quandt, H.C.; Ball, D.R.

1992-06-02

This patent describes apparatus for treating raw petroleum coke particles. It comprises an elongated, cylindrical, calcining kiln having an inlet end and an outlet end; and entrance chamber and a discharge chamber, an elongated, cylindrical, cooler having an inlet end and an outlet end; means defining a retention chamber communicating with the discharge chamber; means defining a hot zone communicating with the retention chamber and the inlet end of the cooler; means for introducing a dry, granulated, puffing inhibitor into the retention chamber in contact with the calcined coke particles; and a coke delivery chamber for collecting the cooled, calcinedmore » coke particles at the outlet end of the cooler.« less

Ag Nanoparticle-Functionalized Open-Ended Freestanding TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays with a Scattering Layer for Improved Energy Conversion Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Rho, Won-Yeop; Chun, Myeung-Hwan; Kim, Ho-Sub; Kim, Hyung-Mo; Suh, Jung Sang; Jun, Bong-Hyun

2016-06-15

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays functionalized with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in the channel to create a plasmonic effect, and then coated with large TiO₂ NPs to create a scattering effect in order to improve energy conversion efficiency. Compared to closed-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube array-based DSSCs without Ag or large TiO₂ NPs, the energy conversion efficiency of closed-ended DSSCs improved by 9.21% (actual efficiency, from 5.86% to 6.40%) with Ag NPs, 6.48% (actual efficiency, from 5.86% to 6.24%) with TiO₂ NPs, and 14.50% (actual efficiency, from 5.86% to 6.71%) with both Ag NPs and TiO₂ NPs. By introducing Ag NPs and/or large TiO₂ NPs to open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube array-based DSSCs, the energy conversion efficiency was improved by 9.15% (actual efficiency, from 6.12% to 6.68%) with Ag NPs and 8.17% (actual efficiency, from 6.12% to 6.62%) with TiO₂ NPs, and by 15.20% (actual efficiency, from 6.12% to 7.05%) with both Ag NPs and TiO₂ NPs. Moreover, compared to closed-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays, the energy conversion efficiency of open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays increased from 6.71% to 7.05%. We demonstrate that each component-Ag NPs, TiO₂ NPs, and open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays-enhanced the energy conversion efficiency, and the use of a combination of all components in DSSCs resulted in the highest energy conversion efficiency.

Feasibility of single-beat full-volume capture real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for quantification of right ventricular volume: validation by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Quan Bin; Sun, Jing Ping; Gao, Rui Feng; Lee, Alex Pui-Wai; Feng, Yan Lin; Liu, Xiao Rong; Sheng, Wei; Liu, Feng; Yang, Xing Sheng; Fang, Fang; Yu, Cheuk-Man

2013-10-09

The lack of an accurate noninvasive method for assessing right ventricular (RV) volume and function has been a major deficiency of two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility of single-beat full-volume capture with real-time three-dimensional echo (3DE) imaging system for the evaluation of RV volumes and function validated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Sixty-one subjects (16 normal subjects, 20 patients with hypertension, 16 patients with pulmonary heart disease and 9 patients with coronary heart disease) were studied. RV volume and function assessments using 3DE were compared with manual tracing with CMRI as the reference method. Fifty-nine of 61 patients (96.7%; 36 male, mean age, 62 ± 15 years) had adequate three-dimensional echocardiographic data sets for analysis. The mean RV end diastolic volume (EDV) was 105 ± 38 ml, end-systolic volume (ESV) was 60 ± 30 and RV ejection fraction (EF) was 44 ± 11% by CMRI; and EDV 103 ± 38 ml, ESV 60 ± 28 ml and RV EF 41 ± 13% by 3DE. The correlations and agreements between measurements estimated by two methods were acceptable. RV volumes and function can be analyzed with 3DE software in most of subjects with or without heart diseases, which is able to be estimated with single-beat full-volume capture with real-time 3DE compared with CMRI. © 2013.

DC Potentials Applied to an End-cap Electrode of a 3-D Ion Trap for Enhanced MSn Functionality

PubMed Central

Prentice, Boone M.; Xu, Wei; Ouyang, Zheng; McLuckey, Scott A.

2010-01-01

The effects of the application of various DC magnitudes and polarities to an end-cap of a 3-D quadrupole ion trap throughout a mass spectrometry experiment were investigated. Application of a monopolar DC field was achieved by applying a DC potential to the exit end-cap electrode, while maintaining the entrance end-cap electrode at ground potential. Control over the monopolar DC magnitude and polarity during time periods associated with ion accumulation, mass analysis, ion isolation, ion/ion reaction, and ion activation can have various desirable effects. Included amongst these are increased ion capture efficiency, increased ion ejection efficiency during mass analysis, effective isolation of ions using lower AC resonance ejection amplitudes, improved temporal control of the overlap of oppositely charged ion populations, and the performance of “broad-band” collision induced dissociation (CID). These results suggest general means to improve the performance of the 3-D ion trap in a variety of mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry experiments. PMID:21927573

Osteogenesis imperfecta in childhood: impairment and disability--a follow-up study.

PubMed

Engelbert, R H; Beemer, F A; van der Graaf, Y; Helders, P J

1999-08-01

To evaluate differences over time (mean follow-up, 14 months) on impairment parameters (range of joint motion and muscle strength), functional limitation parameters (functional ability), and disability parameters (caregiver assistance in achieving functional skills) in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), related to the different types of the disease. A prospective, descriptive study. Fifty-four children with OI and their parents participated at the start of the study. At the end, 44 children participated in the assessment of functional skills and 42 of them participated in clinical assessment (OI type I, n = 19; OI type III, n = 13; OI type IV, n = 10). Range of joint motion was measured by means of goniometry. Generalized hypermobility was scored according to Bulbena. Manual muscle strength was scored by means of the MRC grading system. The level of ambulation was scored according to Bleck, and functional skills and caregiver assistance were scored with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory. The different types of OI have impact on impairment, functional limitation, and disability. Almost all impairment parameters did not change significantly over time, whereas some disability parameters seemed to improve significantly. Impairment parameters in OI are presumably not always preconditions for functional limitation and disability. A 1-year follow-up revealed no significant changes in impairment parameters, whereas some disability parameters improved. Treatment strategies in OI should, therefore, focus primarily on improving functional ability, with respect to the natural course of the disease, and not only on impairment parameters.

Florida Sleeve Procedure Is Durable and Improves Aortic Valve Function in Marfan Syndrome Patients.

PubMed

Aalaei-Andabili, Seyed Hossein; Martin, Tomas; Hess, Philip; Klodell, Charles; Karimi, Ashkan; Arnaoutakis, George; Lee, Teng; Beaver, Thomas

2017-09-01

The Florida sleeve (FS) procedure was developed as a simplified approach for repair of functional type I aortic insufficiency secondary to aortic root aneurysm. We evaluated postoperative aortic valve function, long-term survival, and freedom from reoperation in Marfan syndrome patients who underwent the FS procedure at our center. All Marfan syndrome patients undergoing FS procedure from May 2002 to December 2014 were included. Echocardiography assessment included left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), ejection fraction, and degree of aortic insufficiency (none = 0, minimal = 1, mild = 2, moderate = 3, severe = 4). Social Security Death Index and primary care physicians' report were used for long-term follow-up. Thirty-seven Marfan syndrome patients, 21 (56.8%) men and 16 (43%) women with mean age of 35.08 ± 13.45 years underwent FL repair at our center. There was no in-hospital or 30-day death or stroke. Two patients required reoperation due to bleeding. Patients' survival rate was 94% at 1 to 8 years. Freedom from reoperation was 100% at 8 years. Twenty-five patients had postoperative follow-up echocardiography at 1 week. Aortic insufficiency grade significantly decreased after the procedure (preoperative mean ± SD: 1.76 ± 1.2 versus 1-week postoperative mean ± SD: 0.48 ± 0.71, p < 0.001), and mean LVEDD decreased from 52.23 ± 5.29 mm to 47.53 ± 8.89 mm (p = 0.086). Changes in LVESD (35.33 ± 9.97 mm to 36.58 ± 9.82 mm, p = 0.58) and ejection fraction (57.65% ± 6.22% to 55% ± 10.83%, p = 0.31) were not significant. The FS procedure can be performed safely in Marfan syndrome patients with immediate improvement in aortic valve function. Long-term survival and freedom from reoperation rates are encouraging. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Data Analytics for Smart Parking Applications.

PubMed

Piovesan, Nicola; Turi, Leo; Toigo, Enrico; Martinez, Borja; Rossi, Michele

2016-09-23

We consider real-life smart parking systems where parking lot occupancy data are collected from field sensor devices and sent to backend servers for further processing and usage for applications. Our objective is to make these data useful to end users, such as parking managers, and, ultimately, to citizens. To this end, we concoct and validate an automated classification algorithm having two objectives: (1) outlier detection: to detect sensors with anomalous behavioral patterns, i.e., outliers; and (2) clustering: to group the parking sensors exhibiting similar patterns into distinct clusters. We first analyze the statistics of real parking data, obtaining suitable simulation models for parking traces. We then consider a simple classification algorithm based on the empirical complementary distribution function of occupancy times and show its limitations. Hence, we design a more sophisticated algorithm exploiting unsupervised learning techniques (self-organizing maps). These are tuned following a supervised approach using our trace generator and are compared against other clustering schemes, namely expectation maximization, k-means clustering and DBSCAN, considering six months of data from a real sensor deployment. Our approach is found to be superior in terms of classification accuracy, while also being capable of identifying all of the outliers in the dataset.

Tissue dielectric measurement using an interstitial dipole antenna.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Brace, Christopher L

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a technique to measure the dielectric properties of biological tissues with an interstitial dipole antenna based upon previous efforts for open-ended coaxial probes. The primary motivation for this technique is to facilitate treatment monitoring during microwave tumor ablation by utilizing the heating antenna without additional intervention or interruption of the treatment. The complex permittivity of a tissue volume surrounding the antenna was calculated from reflection coefficients measured after high-temperature microwave heating by using a rational function model of the antenna's input admittance. Three referencing liquids were needed for measurement calibration. The dielectric measurement technique was validated ex vivo in normal and ablated bovine livers. Relative permittivity and effective conductivity were lower in the ablation zone when compared to normal tissue, consistent with previous results. The dipole technique demonstrated a mean 10% difference of permittivity values when compared to open-ended coaxial cable measurements in the frequency range of 0.5-20 GHz. Variability in measured permittivities could be smoothed by fitting to a Cole-Cole dispersion model. Further development of this technique may facilitate real-time monitoring of microwave ablation treatments through the treatment applicator. © 2011 IEEE

Tissue Dielectric Measurement Using an Interstitial Dipole Antenna

PubMed Central

Wang, Peng; Brace, Christopher L.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a technique to measure the dielectric properties of biological tissues with an interstitial dipole antenna based upon previous efforts for open-ended coaxial probes. The primary motivation for this technique is to facilitate treatment monitoring during microwave tumor ablation by utilizing the heating antenna without additional intervention or interruption of the treatment. The complex permittivity of a tissue volume surrounding the antenna was calculated from reflection coefficients measured after high-temperature microwave heating by using a rational function model of the antenna’s input admittance. Three referencing liquids were needed for measurement calibration. The dielectric measurement technique was validated ex vivo in normal and ablated bovine livers. Relative permittivity and effective conductivity were lower in the ablation zone when compared to normal tissue, consistent with previous results. The dipole technique demonstrated a mean 10% difference of permittivity values when compared to open-ended coaxial cable measurements in the frequency range of 0.5–20 GHz. Variability in measured permittivities could be smoothed by fitting to a Cole–Cole dispersion model. Further development of this technique may facilitate real-time monitoring of microwave ablation treatments through the treatment applicator. PMID:21914566

Data Analytics for Smart Parking Applications

PubMed Central

Piovesan, Nicola; Turi, Leo; Toigo, Enrico; Martinez, Borja; Rossi, Michele

2016-01-01

We consider real-life smart parking systems where parking lot occupancy data are collected from field sensor devices and sent to backend servers for further processing and usage for applications. Our objective is to make these data useful to end users, such as parking managers, and, ultimately, to citizens. To this end, we concoct and validate an automated classification algorithm having two objectives: (1) outlier detection: to detect sensors with anomalous behavioral patterns, i.e., outliers; and (2) clustering: to group the parking sensors exhibiting similar patterns into distinct clusters. We first analyze the statistics of real parking data, obtaining suitable simulation models for parking traces. We then consider a simple classification algorithm based on the empirical complementary distribution function of occupancy times and show its limitations. Hence, we design a more sophisticated algorithm exploiting unsupervised learning techniques (self-organizing maps). These are tuned following a supervised approach using our trace generator and are compared against other clustering schemes, namely expectation maximization, k-means clustering and DBSCAN, considering six months of data from a real sensor deployment. Our approach is found to be superior in terms of classification accuracy, while also being capable of identifying all of the outliers in the dataset. PMID:27669259

A Peak Wind Probability Forecast Tool for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, Winifred; Roeder, William

2008-01-01

This conference abstract describes the development of a peak wind forecast tool to assist forecasters in determining the probability of violating launch commit criteria (LCC) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in east-central Florida. The peak winds are an important forecast element for both the Space Shuttle and Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) programs. The LCC define specific peak wind thresholds for each launch operation that cannot be exceeded in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle. The 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) has found that peak winds are a challenging parameter to forecast, particularly in the cool season months of October through April. Based on the importance of forecasting peak winds, the 45 WS tasked the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) to develop a short-range peak-wind forecast tool to assist in forecasting LCC violatioas.The tool will include climatologies of the 5-minute mean end peak winds by month, hour, and direction, and probability distributions of the peak winds as a function of the 5-minute mean wind speeds.

A multichannel EEG acquisition scheme based on single ended amplifiers and digital DRL.

PubMed

Haberman, Marcelo Alejandro; Spinelli, Enrique Mario

2012-12-01

Single ended (SE) amplifiers allow implementing biopotential front-ends with a reduced number of parts, being well suited for preamplified electrodes or compact EEG headboxes. On the other hand, given that each channel has independent gain; mismatching between these gains results in poor common-mode rejection ratios (CMRRs) (about 30 dB considering 1% tolerance components). This work proposes a scheme for multichannel EEG acquisition systems based on SE amplifiers and a novel digital driven right leg (DDRL) circuit, which overcome the poor CMRR of the front-end stage providing a high common mode reduction at power line frequency (up to 80 dB). A functional prototype was built and tested showing the feasibility of the proposed technique. It provided EEG records with negligible power line interference, even in very aggressive EMI environments.

THE EFFECTS OF MAINTENANCE ACTIONS ON THE PFDavg OF SPRING OPERATED PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES

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

Harris, S.; Gross, R.

2014-04-01

The safety integrity level (SIL) of equipment used in safety instrumented functions is determined by the average probability of failure on demand (PFDavg) computed at the time of periodic inspection and maintenance, i.e., the time of proof testing. The computation of PFDavg is generally based solely on predictions or estimates of the assumed constant failure rate of the equipment. However, PFDavg is also affected by maintenance actions (or lack thereof) taken by the end user. This paper shows how maintenance actions can affect the PFDavg of spring operated pressure relief valves (SOPRV) and how these maintenance actions may be accountedmore » for in the computation of the PFDavg metric. The method provides a means for quantifying the effects of changes in maintenance practices and shows how these changes impact plant safety.« less

The Effects of Maintenance Actions on the PFDavg of Spring Operated Pressure Relief Valves

DOE PAGES

Harris, S.; Gross, R.; Goble, W; ...

2015-12-01

The safety integrity level (SIL) of equipment used in safety instrumented functions is determined by the average probability of failure on demand (PFDavg) computed at the time of periodic inspection and maintenance, i.e., the time of proof testing. The computation of PFDavg is generally based solely on predictions or estimates of the assumed constant failure rate of the equipment. However, PFDavg is also affected by maintenance actions (or lack thereof) taken by the end user. This paper shows how maintenance actions can affect the PFDavg of spring operated pressure relief valves (SOPRV) and how these maintenance actions may be accountedmore » for in the computation of the PFDavg metric. The method provides a means for quantifying the effects of changes in maintenance practices and shows how these changes impact plant safety.« less

The Physics of Open Ended Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, Alyssa M.

What makes living systems different than non-living ones? Unfortunately this question is impossible to answer, at least currently. Instead, we must face computationally tangible questions based on our current understanding of physics, computation, information, and biology. Yet we have few insights into how living systems might quantifiably differ from their non-living counterparts, as in a mathematical foundation to explain away our observations of biological evolution, emergence, innovation, and organization. The development of a theory of living systems, if at all possible, demands a mathematical understanding of how data generated by complex biological systems changes over time. In addition, this theory ought to be broad enough as to not be constrained to an Earth-based biochemistry. In this dissertation, the philosophy of studying living systems from the perspective of traditional physics is first explored as a motivating discussion for subsequent research. Traditionally, we have often thought of the physical world from a bottom-up approach: things happening on a smaller scale aggregate into things happening on a larger scale. In addition, the laws of physics are generally considered static over time. Research suggests that biological evolution may follow dynamic laws that (at least in part) change as a function of the state of the system. Of the three featured research projects, cellular automata (CA) are used as a model to study certain aspects of living systems in two of them. These aspects include self-reference, open-ended evolution, local physical universality, subjectivity, and information processing. Open-ended evolution and local physical universality are attributed to the vast amount of innovation observed throughout biological evolution. Biological systems may distinguish themselves in terms of information processing and storage, not outside the theory of computation. The final research project concretely explores real-world phenomenon by means of mapping dominance hierarchies in the evolution of video game strategies. Though the main question of how life differs from non-life remains unanswered, the mechanisms behind open-ended evolution and physical universality are revealed.

Fixed functional appliances with multibracket appliances have no skeletal effect on the mandible: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ishaq, Ramy Abdul Rahman; AlHammadi, Maged Sultan; Fayed, Mona M S; El-Ezz, Amr Abou; Mostafa, Yehya

2016-05-01

Our aim was to assess the skeletal mandibular changes (anteroposterior and vertical) in circumpubertal patients with fixed functional appliances installed on multibracket appliances compared with untreated patients. An open-ended electronic search of 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) up to April 2014 was performed. Additional searches of relevant journals, reference lists of the retrieved articles, systematic reviews, and gray literature were performed. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant articles. Quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for prospective controlled clinical trials. Meta-analyses were conducted with fixed and random effects models as appropriate. Statistical heterogeneity was also examined. Seven articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 5 in the meta-analysis. The included randomized controlled trials were at high risk of bias, and the methodologic quality of the prospective controlled clinical trials was high. Based on assessment of the fixed functional appliance phase in isolation, no difference in mandibular anteroposterior positional changes (SNB angle) (standard mean difference, 0.11°; 95% CI, -0.28, 0.50) was found between the treated and control groups. The vertical dimension was not influenced by the fixed functional appliance treatment. There is little high-quality evidence concerning the relative influence of fixed functional appliances on skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. However, based on the limited evidence, it appears that they have little effect on the skeletal mandibular parameters. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment and post-treatment effects of functional therapy on the sagittal pharyngeal dimensions in Class II subjects.

PubMed

Pavoni, Chiara; Cretella Lombardo, Elisabetta; Franchi, Lorenzo; Lione, Roberta; Cozza, Paola

2017-10-01

To evaluate the craniofacial changes induced by functional appliances with special regard to the oro and nasopharyngeal sagittal airway dimensions in subjects with dentoskeletal Class II malocclusions when compared with an untreated Class II control group immediately after therapy and at long-term observation. A group of 40 patients (21 females and 19 males) with Class II malocclusion treated consecutively either with a Bionator or an Activator followed by fixed appliances was compared with a matched control group of 31 subjects (16 females and 15 males) with untreated Class II malocclusion. The treated sample was evaluated at T1, start of treatment (mean age: 9.9 ± 1.4 years); T2, end of functional treatment and prior to fixed appliances (mean age: 11.9 ± 1.3 years); and T3, long-term observation at the end of growth (mean age: 18.2 ± 2.1 years). Statistical comparisons were performed with independent sample t tests at T1 (baseline characteristics) and for the T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 changes. During active treatment the treated group showed a significant increment in lower airway dimension (PNS-AD1), as well as a significant improvement in the upper airway dimension (PNS-AD2). A significant decrease in the upper adenoid size (AD2-H) was also found. In the longterm evaluation, a significant increase in both lower and upper airway thickness (PNS-AD1; PNS-AD2) and a significant decrease in the upper adenoid thickness were still present in the treated group. The treatment with functional appliances produced significant favorable changes during active treatment in the oro- and nasopharyngeal sagittal airway dimensions in dentoskeletal Class II subjects when compared with untreated controls, and these changes were stable in the long-term. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Secure communication based on spatiotemporal chaos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Hai-Peng; Bai, Chao

2015-08-01

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to secure communication based on spatiotemporal chaos. At the transmitter end, the state variables of the coupled map lattice system are divided into two groups: one is used as the key to encrypt the plaintext in the N-shift encryption function, and the other is used to mix with the output of the N-shift function to further confuse the information to transmit. At the receiver end, the receiver lattices are driven by the received signal to synchronize with the transmitter lattices and an inverse procedure of the encoding is conducted to decode the information. Numerical simulation and experiment based on the TI TMS320C6713 Digital Signal Processor (DSP) show the feasibility and the validity of the proposed scheme. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61172070) and the Funds from the Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province, China (Grant No. 2013CKT-04).

[Rectosigmoidectomy and end to end coloanal anastomosis with mechanical stapler for treatement of Hirschsprung disease].

PubMed

Gaztambide Casellas, J; Sánchez Díaz, F; García Soldevilla, N; Argos Rodríguez, M D; Pérez Rodríguez, J

2004-04-01

The experience of the Pediatric Surgical Service of the Materno Infantil University Hospital from Málaga on surgical treatment of the Hirschsprung disease by means of a modified technique of Swenson and Rehbein operations is presented. Between 1992 and 2001 25 patients were operated of a rectosigmoidectomy. Of them, 23 were diagnosed of Hirschsprung's disease, one suffered a rectal angiodisplasia and the other one presented with a rectal stenosis secondary to a previous rectosigmoidectomy. In all of them a transabdominal rectosigmoidectomy with coloanal end to end anastomosis by means of a circular intraluminal stapler was performed. In 10 of them (group A), a modified Rehbein operation with intraabdominal anastomosis was performed. In the remaining 15 patients (group B), a modified Swenson operation with exteriorization of the aganglionic colon through the anus and extrabdominal anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was evaluated by measuring the postoperative fasting time and the first spontaneous deposition. The medium hospital stay was of 9 days, nevertheless in 16 patients (64%) was lower than 7 days. The postoperative complications are presented. It consists in 1 anastomotic leakage (4%), postoperative enterocolitis 1 case (4%) and transient anastomotic stenosis in 4 patients (16%). All of them were treated with conservative treatment except one case of stenosis which needed a sphincterotomy. The rectosigmoidectomy and coloanal end to end anastomosis with endoluminal stapler is a safe and easy to do technique to treat the Hirschsprung's disease allowing a deep rectal resection which is very difficult to achieve by manual suture. The anastomosis is located in and extraperitoneal position, with a minimum risk of peritoneal involvement in case of anastomotic leakage. The patients presented a fast recovery, a minimum of complications and good functional result.

MUNDUS project: MUltimodal Neuroprosthesis for daily Upper limb Support

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background MUNDUS is an assistive framework for recovering direct interaction capability of severely motor impaired people based on arm reaching and hand functions. It aims at achieving personalization, modularity and maximization of the user’s direct involvement in assistive systems. To this, MUNDUS exploits any residual control of the end-user and can be adapted to the level of severity or to the progression of the disease allowing the user to voluntarily interact with the environment. MUNDUS target pathologies are high-level spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative and genetic neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The system can be alternatively driven by residual voluntary muscular activation, head/eye motion, and brain signals. MUNDUS modularly combines an antigravity lightweight and non-cumbersome exoskeleton, closed-loop controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for arm and hand motion, and potentially a motorized hand orthosis, for grasping interactive objects. Methods The definition of the requirements and of the interaction tasks were designed by a focus group with experts and a questionnaire with 36 potential end-users. Five end-users (3 SCI and 2 MS) tested the system in the configuration suitable to their specific level of impairment. They performed two exemplary tasks: reaching different points in the working volume and drinking. Three experts evaluated over a 3-level score (from 0, unsuccessful, to 2, completely functional) the execution of each assisted sub-action. Results The functionality of all modules has been successfully demonstrated. User’s intention was detected with a 100% success. Averaging all subjects and tasks, the minimum evaluation score obtained was 1.13 ± 0.99 for the release of the handle during the drinking task, whilst all the other sub-actions achieved a mean value above 1.6. All users, but one, subjectively perceived the usefulness of the assistance and could easily control the system. Donning time ranged from 6 to 65 minutes, scaled on the configuration complexity. Conclusions The MUNDUS platform provides functional assistance to daily life activities; the modules integration depends on the user’s need, the functionality of the system have been demonstrated for all the possible configurations, and preliminary assessment of usability and acceptance is promising. PMID:23822118

Statistical power as a function of Cronbach alpha of instrument questionnaire items.

PubMed

Heo, Moonseong; Kim, Namhee; Faith, Myles S

2015-10-14

In countless number of clinical trials, measurements of outcomes rely on instrument questionnaire items which however often suffer measurement error problems which in turn affect statistical power of study designs. The Cronbach alpha or coefficient alpha, here denoted by C(α), can be used as a measure of internal consistency of parallel instrument items that are developed to measure a target unidimensional outcome construct. Scale score for the target construct is often represented by the sum of the item scores. However, power functions based on C(α) have been lacking for various study designs. We formulate a statistical model for parallel items to derive power functions as a function of C(α) under several study designs. To this end, we assume fixed true score variance assumption as opposed to usual fixed total variance assumption. That assumption is critical and practically relevant to show that smaller measurement errors are inversely associated with higher inter-item correlations, and thus that greater C(α) is associated with greater statistical power. We compare the derived theoretical statistical power with empirical power obtained through Monte Carlo simulations for the following comparisons: one-sample comparison of pre- and post-treatment mean differences, two-sample comparison of pre-post mean differences between groups, and two-sample comparison of mean differences between groups. It is shown that C(α) is the same as a test-retest correlation of the scale scores of parallel items, which enables testing significance of C(α). Closed-form power functions and samples size determination formulas are derived in terms of C(α), for all of the aforementioned comparisons. Power functions are shown to be an increasing function of C(α), regardless of comparison of interest. The derived power functions are well validated by simulation studies that show that the magnitudes of theoretical power are virtually identical to those of the empirical power. Regardless of research designs or settings, in order to increase statistical power, development and use of instruments with greater C(α), or equivalently with greater inter-item correlations, is crucial for trials that intend to use questionnaire items for measuring research outcomes. Further development of the power functions for binary or ordinal item scores and under more general item correlation strutures reflecting more real world situations would be a valuable future study.

From Theory to Practice: Measuring end-of-life communication quality using multiple goals theory.

PubMed

Van Scoy, L J; Scott, A M; Reading, J M; Chuang, C H; Chinchilli, V M; Levi, B H; Green, M J

2017-05-01

To describe how multiple goals theory can be used as a reliable and valid measure (i.e., coding scheme) of the quality of conversations about end-of-life issues. We analyzed conversations from 17 conversations in which 68 participants (mean age=51years) played a game that prompted discussion in response to open-ended questions about end-of-life issues. Conversations (mean duration=91min) were audio-recorded and transcribed. Communication quality was assessed by three coders who assigned numeric scores rating how well individuals accomplished task, relational, and identity goals in the conversation. The coding measure, which results in a quantifiable outcome, yielded strong reliability (intra-class correlation range=0.73-0.89 and Cronbach's alpha range=0.69-0.89 for each of the coded domains) and validity (using multilevel nonlinear modeling, we detected significant variability in scores between games for each of the coded domains, all p-values <0.02). Our coding scheme provides a theory-based measure of end-of-life conversation quality that is superior to other methods of measuring communication quality. Our description of the coding method enables researches to adapt and apply this measure to communication interventions in other clinical contexts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mirror therapy in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 of the upper limb in stroke patients.

PubMed

Cacchio, Angelo; De Blasis, Elisabetta; De Blasis, Vincenzo; Santilli, Valter; Spacca, Giorgio

2009-10-01

Complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPSt1) of the upper limb is a painful and debilitating condition, frequent after stroke, and interferes with the rehabilitative process and outcome. However, treatments used for CRPSt1 of the upper limb are limited. . This randomized controlled study was conducted to compare the effectiveness on pain and upper limb function of mirror therapy on CRPSt1 of upper limb in patients with acute stroke. . Of 208 patients with first episode of unilateral stroke admitted to the authors' rehabilitation center, 48 patients with CRPSt1 of the affected upper limb were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, with a 6-month follow-up, and assigned to either a mirror therapy group or placebo control group. The primary end points were a reduction in the visual analogue scale score of pain at rest, on movement, and brush-induced tactile allodynia. The secondary end points were improvement in motor function as assessed by the Wolf Motor Function Test and Motor Activity Log. . The mean scores of both the primary and secondary end points significantly improved in the mirror group (P < .001). No statistically significant improvement was observed in any of the control group values (P > .001). Moreover, statistically significant differences after treatment (P < .001) and at the 6-month follow-up were found between the 2 groups. . The results indicate that mirror therapy effectively reduces pain and enhances upper limb motor function in stroke patients with upper limb CRPSt1.

Opening of DNA chain due to force applied on different locations.

PubMed

Singh, Amar; Modi, Tushar; Singh, Navin

2016-09-01

We consider a homogeneous DNA molecule and investigate the effect of random force applied on the unzipping profile of the molecule. How the critical force varies as a function of the chain length or number of base pairs is the objective of this study. In general, the ratio of the critical forces that is applied on the middle of the chain to that which is applied on one of the ends is two. Our study shows that this ratio depends on the length of the chain. This means that the force which is applied to a point can be experienced by a section of the chain. Beyond a length, the base pairs have no information about the applied force. In the case when the chain length is shorter than this length, this ratio may vary. Only in the case when the chain length exceeds a critical length, this ratio is found to be two. Based on the de Gennes formulation, we developed a method to calculate these forces at zero temperature. The exact results at zero temperature match numerical calculations.

Kinetics of interior loop formation in semiflexible chains.

PubMed

Hyeon, Changbong; Thirumalai, D

2006-03-14

Loop formation between monomers in the interior of semiflexible chains describes elementary events in biomolecular folding and DNA bending. We calculate analytically the interior distance distribution function for semiflexible chains using a mean field approach. Using the potential of mean force derived from the distance distribution function we present a simple expression for the kinetics of interior looping by adopting Kramers theory. For the parameters, that are appropriate for DNA, the theoretical predictions in comparison with the case are in excellent agreement with explicit Brownian dynamics simulations of wormlike chain (WLC) model. The interior looping times (tauIC) can be greatly altered in the cases when the stiffness of the loop differs from that of the dangling ends. If the dangling end is stiffer than the loop then tauIC increases for the case of the WLC with uniform persistence length. In contrast, attachment of flexible dangling ends enhances rate of interior loop formation. The theory also shows that if the monomers are charged and interact via screened Coulomb potential then both the cyclization (tauc) and interior looping (tauIC) times greatly increase at low ionic concentration. Because both tauc and tauIC are determined essentially by the effective persistence length [lp(R)] we computed lp(R) by varying the range of the repulsive interaction between the monomers. For short range interactions lp(R) nearly coincides with the bare persistence length which is determined largely by the backbone chain connectivity. This finding rationalizes the efficacy of describing a number of experimental observations (response of biopolymers to force and cyclization kinetics) in biomolecules using WLC model with an effective persistence length.

METHOD AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING REACTOR FUEL CONTAINERS IN AN ASSEMBLY

DOEpatents

Currier, E.L. Jr.; Nicklas, J.H.; Coombs, C.A.

1962-12-11

This patent relates to means for supporting fuelcontaining tubes in an assembly which include grid means at either end of the fuel element assembly antl improved grid means intermediate of the ends to provide support against lateral displacement. (AEC)

Fronto-temporal interactions are functionally relevant for semantic control in language processing.

PubMed

Wawrzyniak, Max; Hoffstaedter, Felix; Klingbeil, Julian; Stockert, Anika; Wrede, Katrin; Hartwigsen, Gesa; Eickhoff, Simon B; Classen, Joseph; Saur, Dorothee

2017-01-01

Semantic cognition, i.e. processing of meaning is based on semantic representations and their controlled retrieval. Semantic control has been shown to be implemented in a network that consists of left inferior frontal (IFG), and anterior and posterior middle temporal gyri (a/pMTG). We aimed to disrupt semantic control processes with continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over left IFG and pMTG and to study whether behavioral effects are moderated by induced alterations in resting-state functional connectivity. To this end, we applied real cTBS over left IFG and left pMTG as well as sham stimulation on 20 healthy participants in a within-subject design. Stimulation was followed by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and a semantic priming paradigm. Resting-state functional connectivity of regions of interest in left IFG, pMTG and aMTG revealed highly interconnected left-lateralized fronto-temporal networks representing the semantic system. We did not find any significant direct modulation of either task performance or resting-state functional connectivity by effective cTBS. However, after sham cTBS, functional connectivity between IFG and pMTG correlated with task performance under high semantic control demands in the semantic priming paradigm. These findings provide evidence for the functional relevance of interactions between IFG and pMTG for semantic control processes. This interaction was functionally less relevant after cTBS over aIFG which might be interpretable in terms of an indirect disruptive effect of cTBS.

[Usefulness of tricuspid annular displacement (TAD) to identify right ventricular dysfunction in normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism].

PubMed

Hugues, T; Yaici, K; Latcu, D-G; Rinaldi, J-P; Zarqane, N; Saoudi, N; Gibelin, P

2011-02-01

Echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) differ among published studies. Assessment of RV systolic function remains difficult because of the RV's complex shape. We aimed to evaluate RV systolic function with TAD in patients (pts) with acute PE. TAD (QLAB, Philips Medical Imaging) was based on a tissue-tracking algorithm that is ultrasound beam angle independent for automated detection of tricuspid annular displacement. Prospective and observational study. All adults' pts who were diagnosed with PE from December 2008 to December 2009 at Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco were eligible for this study after exclusion of history of heart failure. We evaluated 36 consecutive pts with PE (18 male, mean age 62.7 years), which underwent echocardiography, plasma BNP titration during the first day after admission, and a second echocardiography obtained within 48 hours before discharge. TAD value were significantly lower in pts with abnormal RV function by echocardiogram (15.9 ± 0.3 vs. 12.7 ± 0.2 ; P = 0.026). Pts with a normal BNP (<80 pg/ml) had an elevated TAD (16.4 ± 0.2 vs. 11.2 ± 0.3 mm ; P < 0.0001). At discharge, echocardiographic data were obtained from 33 pts (mean: 8.3 ± 3.5 days). RV end diastolic diameter, RV to LV diameter, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, mean pulmonic valve acceleration time, RV FAC, Sa and TAD were significantly improved. There was no difference between TAD among pts with echocardiographic RVD at baseline vs. pts without RVD (14.9 ± 3.7 vs. 16.1 ± 2.9 mm ; P = 0.3). Four pts who deteriorated during short-term observation had substantially lower TAD values than those with uncomplicated courses (7.7 ± 0.4mm vs. 14.6 ± 0.2 mm ; P = 0.001). In conclusion, impaired TAD was associated with decreased RV systolic function in pts with acute PE. To identify the clinical meaning of decreased TAD, larger trials with longer follow-up periods are needed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

[Atherosclerotic renovascular hypertension: clinical findings and results of treatment over 15 years].

PubMed

Alfonzo, J P; Rosario, M N; Ugarte, C; Banasco, J; Fraxedas, R; Lahera, J

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to present our clinical experience and results of different treatments in 83 atherosclerotic renovascular hypertensive patients treated in the last 15 years in the Instituto de nefrologia in Havana. Regardless of the type of treatment the patients were divided in two groups. Group I: 52 (62.3%) cases with standard oral hypotensive drugs alone and control of other cardiovascular risk factors (mean age 53 years old, sex m/f 50/50%, race white/no-white 75/25%, mean known hypertension follow-up 10.2 +/- 10 years, mean SBP 208 +/- 30 mmHg, mean DBP 123 +/- 17 mmHg, mean serum creatinina 1.62 mg/dl and increase peripheral plasma renin value in 61.6% of patients) and group II: 31 (37.7%) cases treated with revascularización procedures (PTA or surgery) or nephrectomy in selected patients (mean age 50 years old, sex m/f 68/32%, race white/no-white 16/84%, mean known hypertension follow-up 8.5 +/- 8.6 years, mean SBP 214 +/- 32 mmHg, mean DBP 1.31 +/- 16 mmHg, mean serum creatinina 1.85 mg/dl and increase peripheral plasma renin value 78.3% of patients). As end point for treatment results we selected: 1) hypertension cure or control, 2) evolution of the serum creatinine value and 3) kidney and patients survival. In those cases with a follow up for more than one year, in 82.9% the blood pressure was cure (21.4%) or controlled (61.4%). The proportion of failed was superior in group I (20.9%) than in group II (11.1%). All 18 cases treated by PTA with a follow up period longer than a year, blood pressure cure in 10 (55.6%), ameliorate in 5 (27.8%) and in 3 (16.6%) was unchanged (one patient lost of follow up). Nine patients were treated by surgery (3 revascularization and 6 nephrectomy), 5 (55.5%) cases cured and 4 (44.5%) ameliorate his blood pressure. Patients in group II maintain normal renal function in more cases than in group I (48.4% vs 30.8%). Both group had similar percentage of normal-normal + pathology-normal renal function (G I: 65.4% vs G II: 77.4%) p = 0.29. When chronic renal function was present at the base line study none of the revascularization procedure were superior. Patient and Kidney actuarial survivals rate do not showed superiority for any treatment procedure after 10 years of follow up. In atherosclerosis renovascular hypertension patients treated with intervention procedure had better BP control than those treated by hypotensive drugs. Not significant different between intervention procedures and drugs treatment in renal function preservation or in patient and kidney actuarial survival rate were found in these patients.

Increased Arterial Stiffness is an Independent Predictor of Renal Function Decline in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Younger Than 60 Years.

PubMed

Fountoulakis, Nikolaos; Thakrar, Chiraag; Patel, Kishan; Viberti, Giancarlo; Gnudi, Luigi; Karalliedde, Janaka

2017-03-30

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether aortic pulse wave velocity (Ao-PWV) predicts estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This prospective single-center cohort study investigated 211 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with eGFR ≥45 mL/min with a baseline mean age of 60.1 years (range, 30-82 years). The mean±SD baseline eGFR was 85±26.1 mL/min. We divided the cohort into 2 groups above (n=117, "older") and below (n=94, "younger") the mean age to evaluate whether Ao-PWV predicted progression of kidney disease differentially in older and younger patients. The primary end point was reaching a final eGFR below the median for the age group and an eGFR fall ≥1 mL/min per year. Median follow-up was 9 years (range, 3-11 years) and ≈50% of patients in both groups reached the primary end point. In older patients, Ao-PWV was similar in those who did and did not reach the primary end point. By contrast, younger patients who reached the primary end point had a higher Ao-PWV at baseline compared with those who did not (10.8 m/s versus 9.5 m/s, respectively; mean difference of 1.36 m/s [95% CI, 0.38-2.33], P =0.007). Ao-PWV was an independent predictor of the primary end point (incident risk ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.18) after adjustment for traditional risk factors only in younger patients ( P =0.02). A 1m/s increase in Ao-PWV was associated with a mean fall in eGFR of 2.1 mL/min per year (95% CI, 0.09-4.1) independent of other risk factors in younger patients ( P =0.04). Ao-PWV predicts eGFR decline, before the onset of advanced renal dysfunction, and is a potential target for renoprotection in younger patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

An efficient annotation and gene-expression derivation tool for Illumina Solexa datasets.

PubMed

Hosseini, Parsa; Tremblay, Arianne; Matthews, Benjamin F; Alkharouf, Nadim W

2010-07-02

The data produced by an Illumina flow cell with all eight lanes occupied, produces well over a terabyte worth of images with gigabytes of reads following sequence alignment. The ability to translate such reads into meaningful annotation is therefore of great concern and importance. Very easily, one can get flooded with such a great volume of textual, unannotated data irrespective of read quality or size. CASAVA, a optional analysis tool for Illumina sequencing experiments, enables the ability to understand INDEL detection, SNP information, and allele calling. To not only extract from such analysis, a measure of gene expression in the form of tag-counts, but furthermore to annotate such reads is therefore of significant value. We developed TASE (Tag counting and Analysis of Solexa Experiments), a rapid tag-counting and annotation software tool specifically designed for Illumina CASAVA sequencing datasets. Developed in Java and deployed using jTDS JDBC driver and a SQL Server backend, TASE provides an extremely fast means of calculating gene expression through tag-counts while annotating sequenced reads with the gene's presumed function, from any given CASAVA-build. Such a build is generated for both DNA and RNA sequencing. Analysis is broken into two distinct components: DNA sequence or read concatenation, followed by tag-counting and annotation. The end result produces output containing the homology-based functional annotation and respective gene expression measure signifying how many times sequenced reads were found within the genomic ranges of functional annotations. TASE is a powerful tool to facilitate the process of annotating a given Illumina Solexa sequencing dataset. Our results indicate that both homology-based annotation and tag-count analysis are achieved in very efficient times, providing researchers to delve deep in a given CASAVA-build and maximize information extraction from a sequencing dataset. TASE is specially designed to translate sequence data in a CASAVA-build into functional annotations while producing corresponding gene expression measurements. Achieving such analysis is executed in an ultrafast and highly efficient manner, whether the analysis be a single-read or paired-end sequencing experiment. TASE is a user-friendly and freely available application, allowing rapid analysis and annotation of any given Illumina Solexa sequencing dataset with ease.

Aerobic exercise improves quality of life, psychological well-being and systemic inflammation in subjects with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Abd El-Kader, Shehab M; Al-Jiffri, Osama H

2016-12-01

Alzheimer's disease has a destructive drawbacks on the patient and his/her entire family as this disease badly af fects the behavior, cognition and abilities to do activities of daily living (ADL). The physical and mental benefits of exercise are widely known but seldom available to persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to measure quality of life, systemic inflammation and psychological well-being response to aerobic exercises in Alzheimer's. Forty Alzheimer elderly subjects were enrolled in two groups; the first group received treadmill aerobic exercise, while the second group was considered as a control group and received no training intervention for two months. Assessment of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES),Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Profile of Mood States(POMS) and SF-36 health quality of life (SF-36 HRQL) were taken before and at the end of the study. There was a 25.2%, 19.4%, 23.5%, 21.3%, 17.7% , 11.7%, 12.5% and 10.1 % reduction in mean values of TNF-α, IL-6, BDI, POMS, health transition SF-36 subscale, bodily pain SF-36 subscale, role functioning: emotional SF-36 subscale and mental health SF-36 subscale respectively in addition to 15.7%, 13.1%, 12.6%, 11.1%, 13.2% and 11.2 % increase in mean values of RSES, physical functioning SF-36 subscale, role functioning:physical SF-36 subscale, general health SF-36 subscale, Vitality SF-36 subscale and Social functioning SF-36 subscale respectively in group (A) received aerobic exercise training, so that there was a significant reduction in the mean values of TNF-α, IL-6, BDI & POMS and increase in the mean values of SF-36 HRQL subscale scores, RSES in group (A) as a result of aerobic exercise training, while the results of group (B) who received no training intervention were not significant. Also, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) at the end of the study (P<0.05). Treadmill walking exercise training is an effective treatment policy to improve quality of life, systemic inflammation and psychological wellbeing in Alzheimer's.

Centrifugal contactor modified for end stage operation in a multistage system

DOEpatents

Jubin, Robert T.

1990-01-01

A cascade formed of a plurality of centrifugal contactors useful for countercurrent solvent extraction processes such as utilizable for the reprocessing of nuclear reactor fuels is modified to permit operation in the event one or both end stages of the cascade become inoperative. Weir assemblies are connected to each of the two end stages by suitable conduits for separating liquids discharged from an inoperative end stage based upon the weight of the liquid phases uses in the solvent extraction process. The weir assembly at one end stage is constructed to separate and discharge the heaviest liquid phase while the weir assembly at the other end stage is constructed to separate and discharge the lightest liquid phase. These weir assemblies function to keep the liquid discharge from an inoperative end stages on the same weight phase a would occur from an operating end stage.

End-to-end system of license plate localization and recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Siyu; Dianat, Sohail; Mestha, Lalit K.

2015-03-01

An end-to-end license plate recognition system is proposed. It is composed of preprocessing, detection, segmentation, and character recognition to find and recognize plates from camera-based still images. The system utilizes connected component (CC) properties to quickly extract the license plate region. A two-stage CC filtering is utilized to address both shape and spatial relationship information to produce high precision and to recall values for detection. Floating peak and valleys of projection profiles are used to cut the license plates into individual characters. A turning function-based method is proposed to quickly and accurately recognize each character. It is further accelerated using curvature histogram-based support vector machine. The INFTY dataset is used to train the recognition system, and MediaLab license plate dataset is used for testing. The proposed system achieved 89.45% F-measure for detection and 87.33% accuracy for overall recognition rate which is comparable to current state-of-the-art systems.

Non-Covalent Microgel Particles Containing Functional Payloads: Coacervation of PEG-Based Triblocks via Microfluidics.

PubMed

Wang, Cynthia X; Utech, Stefanie; Gopez, Jeffrey D; Mabesoone, Mathijs F J; Hawker, Craig J; Klinger, Daniel

2016-07-06

Well-defined microgel particles were prepared by combining coacervate-driven cross-linking of ionic triblock copolymers with the ability to control particle size and encapsulate functional cargos inherent in microfluidic devices. In this approach, the efficient assembly of PEO-based triblock copolymers with oppositely charged end-blocks allows for bioinspired cross-linking under mild conditions in dispersed aqueous droplets. This strategy enables the integration of charged cargos into the coacervate domains (e.g., the loading of anionic model compounds through electrostatic association with cationic end-blocks). Distinct release profiles can be realized by systematically varying the chemical nature of the payload and the microgel dimensions. This mild and noncovalent assembly method represents a promising new approach to tunable microgels as scaffolds for colloidal biomaterials in therapeutics and regenerative medicine.

Designing eHealth that Matters via a Multidisciplinary Requirements Development Approach

PubMed Central

Wentzel, Jobke; Van Gemert-Pijnen, Julia EWC

2013-01-01

Background Requirements development is a crucial part of eHealth design. It entails all the activities devoted to requirements identification, the communication of requirements to other developers, and their evaluation. Currently, a requirements development approach geared towards the specifics of the eHealth domain is lacking. This is likely to result in a mismatch between the developed technology and end user characteristics, physical surroundings, and the organizational context of use. It also makes it hard to judge the quality of eHealth design, since it makes it difficult to gear evaluations of eHealth to the main goals it is supposed to serve. Objective In order to facilitate the creation of eHealth that matters, we present a practical, multidisciplinary requirements development approach which is embedded in a holistic design approach for eHealth (the Center for eHealth Research roadmap) that incorporates both human-centered design and business modeling. Methods Our requirements development approach consists of five phases. In the first, preparatory, phase the project team is composed and the overall goal(s) of the eHealth intervention are decided upon. Second, primary end users and other stakeholders are identified by means of audience segmentation techniques and our stakeholder identification method. Third, the designated context of use is mapped and end users are profiled by means of requirements elicitation methods (eg, interviews, focus groups, or observations). Fourth, stakeholder values and eHealth intervention requirements are distilled from data transcripts, which leads to phase five, in which requirements are communicated to other developers using a requirements notation template we developed specifically for the context of eHealth technologies. Results The end result of our requirements development approach for eHealth interventions is a design document which includes functional and non-functional requirements, a list of stakeholder values, and end user profiles in the form of personas (fictitious end users, representative of a primary end user group). Conclusions The requirements development approach presented in this article enables eHealth developers to apply a systematic and multi-disciplinary approach towards the creation of requirements. The cooperation between health, engineering, and social sciences creates a situation in which a mismatch between design, end users, and the organizational context can be avoided. Furthermore, we suggest to evaluate eHealth on a feature-specific level in order to learn exactly why such a technology does or does not live up to its expectations. PMID:23796508

A tale of two springs: using recent climate anomalies to characterize the sensitivity of temperate forest phenology to climate change

Treesearch

Mark A Friedl; Josh M Gray; Eli K Melaas; Andrew D Richardson; Koen Hufkens; Trevor F Keenan; Amey Bailey; John O' Keefe

2014-01-01

By the end of this century, mean annual temperatures in the Northeastern United States are expected to warm by 3-5 °C, which will have significant impacts on the structure and function of temperate forests in this region. To improve understanding of these impacts, we exploited two recent climate anomalies to explore how the springtime phenology of Northeastern...

Changes in practice task constraints shape decision-making behaviours of team games players.

PubMed

Correia, Vanda; Araújo, Duarte; Duarte, Ricardo; Travassos, Bruno; Passos, Pedro; Davids, Keith

2012-05-01

This study examined the effects of manipulating relative positioning between defenders (initial distance apart) on emergent decision-making and actions in a 1 vs. 2 rugby union performance sub-phase. Twelve experienced youth players performed 80 trials of a 1 (attacker) vs. 2 (defenders) practice task in which the starting distance between defenders was systematically decreased. Movement displacement trajectories of participants were video recorded to obtain 2D positional data. The independent variable was the starting distance between defenders and dependent variables were: (i) performance outcome (try or tackle), (ii) mean speed of all players during performance, and (iii), time between the first crossover and the end of the trial. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the effects of different starting distances on performance. Shorter starting distances between defenders were associated with a higher frequency of effective tackle outcomes, lower mean speeds of all participants, and a greater time period between the first crossover and the end of the trial. Decision-making behaviours emerged as a function of changes in participants' spatial location during performance. This observation supports the importance of manipulating key spatial-temporal variables in designing representative practice task constraints that induce functional player-environment interactions in team sports training. Copyright © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the lower extremity functional scale in individuals affected by stroke.

PubMed

Verheijde, Joseph L; White, Fred; Tompkins, James; Dahl, Peder; Hentz, Joseph G; Lebec, Michael T; Cornwall, Mark

2013-12-01

To investigate reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in individuals affected by stroke. The secondary objective was to test the validity and sensitivity of a single-item linear analog scale (LAS) of function. Prospective cohort reliability and validation study. A single rehabilitation department in an academic medical center. Forty-three individuals receiving neurorehabilitation for lower extremity dysfunction after stroke were studied. Their ages ranged from 32 to 95 years, with a mean of 70 years; 77% were men. Test-retest reliability was assessed by calculating the classical intraclass correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement. Validity was assessed by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient between the instruments. Sensitivity to change was assessed by comparing baseline scores with end of treatment scores. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 1-3 days, and at 4 and 8 weeks. The LEFS, Short-Form-36 Physical Function Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Six-Minute Walk Test, Five-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up-and-Go test, and the LAS of function were used. The test-retest reliability of the LEFS was found to be excellent (ICC = 0.96). Correlated with the 6 other measures of function studied, the validity of the LEFS was found to be moderate to high (r = 0.40-0.71). Regarding the sensitivity to change, the mean LEFS scores from baseline to study end increased 1.2 SD and for LAS 1.1 SD. LEFS exhibits good reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change in patients with lower extremity impairments secondary to stroke. Therefore, the LEFS can be a clinically efficient outcome measure in the rehabilitation of patients with subacute stroke. The LAS is shown to be a time-saving and reasonable option to track changes in a patient's functional status. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-term follow-up of patients with choroidal neovascularization due to angioid streaks.

PubMed

Martinez-Serrano, Maria Guadalupe; Rodriguez-Reyes, Abelardo; Guerrero-Naranjo, Jose Luis; Salcedo-Villanueva, Guillermo; Fromow-Guerra, Jans; García-Aguirre, Gerardo; Morales-Canton, Virgilio; Velez-Montoya, Raul

2017-01-01

The following case series describes the long-term anatomical and functional outcome of a group of seven patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), secondary to angioid streaks (AS), who were treated with antiangiogenic drugs in a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. After the 4-year mark, visual acuity tends to return to pretreatment level. Treatment delays and lack of awareness and self-referral by the patients are believed to be the cause of the PRN regimen failure. To assess the long-term outcomes (>4 years) of patients with CNV due to AS treated with a PRN regimen of antiangiogenic. This was a retrospective, case series, single-center study. We reviewed the electronic medical records from patients with CNV due to AS. From each record, we noted general demographic data and relevant medical history; clinical presentation, changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time, optical coherent tomography parameters, treatment and retreatment details, and systemic associations. Changes in BCVA and central macular thickness were assessed with a Wilcoxon two-sample test, with an alpha value of ≤0.05 for statistical significance. The mean follow-up time was 53.8±26.8 months. BCVA at baseline was: 1.001±0.62 logMAR; at the end of follow-up: 0.996±0.56 logMAR ( P =0.9). Central macular thickness at baseline was: 360.85±173.82 μm; at the end of follow-up: 323.85±100.34 μm ( P =0.6). Mean number of intravitreal angiogenic drugs: 6±4.16 injections (range 4-15). Mean time between injections was 3.8±2.7 months (range 1.9-5.8 months). Despite initial anatomical and functional improvement, patients at the end of the follow-up had no visual improvement after a pro re nata regimen of antiangiogenic drugs. The amount of retreatments, number of recurrences, and time between intravitreal injections were similar to previous reports with shorter follow-up.

Development and testing of the rack insertion device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strickland, G. Scott

1995-01-01

Installing and removing experiment racks in a Space Station Logistics Module will become a repetitive operation at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in the near future. A Rack Insertion Device (RID) consisting of an Extendible Boom, End Effector, and Positioning Base is being developed for the task. This paper discusses the key elements of the RlD's function and design. Prototype test results for the RlD's Extendible Boom and End Effector are presented. Also discussed are future end effectors that will further enhance the RlD's Space Station processing capability.

A Magnified View of the Epoch of Reionization with the Hubble Frontier Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Livermore, Rachael C.; Finkelstein, Steven L.; Lotz, Jennifer M.

2017-06-01

The Hubble Frontier Fields program has obtained deep optical and near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope imaging of six galaxy clusters and associated parallel fields. The depth of the imaging (m_AB ~ 29) means we can identify faint galaxies at z >6, and those in the cluster fields also benefit from magnification due to strong gravitational lensing. Using wavelet decomposition to subtract the foreground cluster galaxies, we can reach intrinsic absolute magnitudes of M_UV ~ -12.5 at z ~ 6. Here, we present the UV luminosity functions at 6

Role of Doppler Diastolic Parameters in Differentiating Physiological Left Ventricular Hypertrophy from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Finocchiaro, Gherardo; Dhutia, Harshil; D'Silva, Andrew; Malhotra, Aneil; Sheikh, Nabeel; Narain, Rajay; Ensam, Bode; Papatheodorou, Stathis; Tome, Maite; Sharma, Rajan; Papadakis, Michael; Sharma, Sanjay

2018-05-01

The association between athletic participation and alteration in diastolic function is not well established. The aims of this study were to determine the spectrum of Doppler parameters of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in a large cohort of healthy athletes and to quantify the overlap between physiologic LV hypertrophy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A retrospective analysis of indices of LV diastolic function was performed in 1,510 healthy athletes (mean age, 22 ± 5 years; range, 13-33 years; 72% men). The results were compared with those from 58 young patients with HCM. Septal E' < 7 cm/sec and lateral E' < 10 cm/sec were found in five (0.3%) and eight (0.5%) athletes, respectively. Septal E' was >14.6 cm/sec in 170 (11%) and lateral E' was >19.9 cm/sec in 430 (28%) athletes. Athletes aged >25 years showed lower E' velocities compared with younger athletes (mean septal E', 11.8 ± 6.1 vs 12.9 ± 5.9 cm/sec [P < .001]; mean lateral E', 17.1 ± 3.6 vs 19.3 ± 4.1 cm/sec [P < .001]). Athletes with high indexed LV end-diastolic diameters (>32 mm/m 2 ) exhibited lower septal E' compared with athletes with normal indexed LV end-diastolic diameters (mean septal E', 11.9 ± 6 vs 12.7 ± 6 cm/sec; P = .002). Septal E' < 10 cm/sec and lateral E' < 12 cm/sec showed the best accuracy in differentiating between HCM and athlete's heart. Reduced septal and lateral E' are rarely observed in young elite athletes. Tissue Doppler velocities tend to decrease with increasing age and LV size, and values representative of supernormal diastolic function are found in less than one-third of young athletes. Cutoff thresholds for Doppler parameters of diastolic function should be corrected for multiple demographic and clinical variables to differentiate cardiac adaptation to exercise from HCM in young individuals. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of a Microsphere Formulation of Triamcinolone Acetonide on Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multinational Study.

PubMed

Conaghan, Philip G; Hunter, David J; Cohen, Stanley B; Kraus, Virginia B; Berenbaum, Francis; Lieberman, Jay R; Jones, Deryk G; Spitzer, Andrew I; Jevsevar, David S; Katz, Nathaniel P; Burgess, Diane J; Lufkin, Joelle; Johnson, James R; Bodick, Neil

2018-04-18

Intra-articular corticosteroids relieve osteoarthritis pain, but rapid systemic absorption limits efficacy. FX006, a novel, microsphere-based, extended-release triamcinolone acetonide (TA) formulation, prolongs TA joint residence and reduces systemic exposure compared with standard TA crystalline suspension (TAcs). We assessed symptomatic benefits and safety of FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo and TAcs. In this Phase-3, multicenter, double-blinded, 24-week study, adults ≥40 years of age with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) and average-daily-pain (ADP)-intensity scores of ≥5 and ≤9 (0 to 10 numeric rating scale) were centrally randomized (1:1:1) to a single intra-articular injection of FX006 (32 mg), saline-solution placebo, or TAcs (40 mg). The primary end point was change from baseline to week 12 in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo. Secondary end points were area-under-effect (AUE) curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo, AUE curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with TAcs, change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with TAcs, and AUE curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 24 for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo. Exploratory end points included week-12 changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life (KOOS-QOL) subscale scores for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo and TAcs. Adverse events were elicited at each inpatient visit. The primary end point was met. Among 484 treated patients (n = 161 for FX006, n = 162 for saline-solution placebo, and n = 161 for TAcs), FX006 provided significant week-12 improvement in ADP intensity compared with that observed for saline-solution placebo (least-squares mean change from baseline: -3.12 versus -2.14; p < 0.0001) indicating ∼50% improvement. FX006 afforded improvements over saline-solution placebo for all secondary and exploratory end points (p < 0.05). Improvements in osteoarthritis pain were not significant for FX006 compared with TAcs using the ADP-based secondary measures. Exploratory analyses of WOMAC-A, B, and C and KOOS-QOL subscales favored FX006 (p ≤ 0.05). Adverse events were generally mild, occurring at similar frequencies across treatments. FX006 provided significant, clinically meaningful pain reduction compared with saline-solution placebo at week 12 (primary end point). Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of a Microsphere Formulation of Triamcinolone Acetonide on Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

PubMed Central

Conaghan, Philip G.; Hunter, David J.; Cohen, Stanley B.; Kraus, Virginia B.; Berenbaum, Francis; Lieberman, Jay R.; Jones, Deryk G.; Spitzer, Andrew I.; Jevsevar, David S.; Katz, Nathaniel P.; Burgess, Diane J.; Lufkin, Joelle; Johnson, James R.; Bodick, Neil

2018-01-01

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroids relieve osteoarthritis pain, but rapid systemic absorption limits efficacy. FX006, a novel, microsphere-based, extended-release triamcinolone acetonide (TA) formulation, prolongs TA joint residence and reduces systemic exposure compared with standard TA crystalline suspension (TAcs). We assessed symptomatic benefits and safety of FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo and TAcs. Methods: In this Phase-3, multicenter, double-blinded, 24-week study, adults ≥40 years of age with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) and average-daily-pain (ADP)-intensity scores of ≥5 and ≤9 (0 to 10 numeric rating scale) were centrally randomized (1:1:1) to a single intra-articular injection of FX006 (32 mg), saline-solution placebo, or TAcs (40 mg). The primary end point was change from baseline to week 12 in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo. Secondary end points were area-under-effect (AUE) curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo, AUE curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with TAcs, change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 12 for FX006 compared with TAcs, and AUE curves of the change in weekly mean ADP-intensity scores from baseline to week 24 for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo. Exploratory end points included week-12 changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life (KOOS-QOL) subscale scores for FX006 compared with saline-solution placebo and TAcs. Adverse events were elicited at each inpatient visit. Results: The primary end point was met. Among 484 treated patients (n = 161 for FX006, n = 162 for saline-solution placebo, and n = 161 for TAcs), FX006 provided significant week-12 improvement in ADP intensity compared with that observed for saline-solution placebo (least-squares mean change from baseline: −3.12 versus −2.14; p < 0.0001) indicating ∼50% improvement. FX006 afforded improvements over saline-solution placebo for all secondary and exploratory end points (p < 0.05). Improvements in osteoarthritis pain were not significant for FX006 compared with TAcs using the ADP-based secondary measures. Exploratory analyses of WOMAC-A, B, and C and KOOS-QOL subscales favored FX006 (p ≤ 0.05). Adverse events were generally mild, occurring at similar frequencies across treatments. Conclusions: FX006 provided significant, clinically meaningful pain reduction compared with saline-solution placebo at week 12 (primary end point). Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:29664853

Analysis of Thermal Power Generation Capacity for a Skutterudite-Based Thermoelectric Functional Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yajing; Chen, Gang; Bai, Guanghui; Yang, Xuqiu; Li, Peng; Zhai, Pengcheng

2017-05-01

Due to military or other requirements for hypersonic aircraft, the energy supply devices with the advantages of small size and light weight are urgently needed. Compared with the traditional energy supply method, the skutterudite-based thermoelectric (TE) functional structure is expected to generate electrical energy with a smaller structural space in the hypersonic aircraft. This paper mainly focuses on the responded thermal and electrical characteristics of the skutterudite-based TE functional structure (TEFS) under strong heat flux loads. We conduct TE simulations on the transient model of the TEFS with consideration of the heat flux loads and thermal radiation in the hot end and the cooling effect of the phase change material (PCM) in the cold end. We investigate several influential factors on the power generation capacity, such as the phase transition temperature of the PCM, the heat flux loads, the thickness of the TE materials and the thermal conductivity of the frame materials. The results show that better power generation capacity can be achieved with thicker TE materials, lower phase transition temperature and suitable thermal conductivity of the frame materials.

Assessment of left ventricular function and mass by MR imaging: a stereological study based on the systematic slice sampling procedure.

PubMed

Mazonakis, Michalis; Sahin, Bunyamin; Pagonidis, Konstantin; Damilakis, John

2011-06-01

The aim of this study was to combine the stereological technique with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data for the volumetric and functional analysis of the left ventricle (LV). Cardiac MR examinations were performed in 13 consecutive subjects with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume, ejection fraction (EF), and mass were estimated by stereology using the entire slice set depicting LV and systematic sampling intensities of 1/2 and 1/3 that provided samples with every second and third slice, respectively. The repeatability of stereology was evaluated. Stereological assessments were compared with the reference values derived by manually tracing the endocardial and epicardial contours on MR images. Stereological EDV and EF estimations obtained by the 1/3 systematic sampling scheme were significantly different from those by manual delineation (P < .05). No difference was observed between the reference values and the LV parameters estimated by the entire slice set or a sampling intensity of 1/2 (P > .05). For these stereological approaches, a high correlation (r(2) = 0.80-0.93) and clinically acceptable limits of agreement were found with the reference method. Stereological estimations obtained by both sample sizes presented comparable coefficient of variation values of 2.9-5.8%. The mean time for stereological measurements on the entire slice set was 3.4 ± 0.6 minutes and it was reduced to 2.5 ± 0.5 minutes with the 1/2 systematic sampling scheme. Stereological analysis on systematic samples of MR slices generated by the 1/2 sampling intensity provided efficient and quick assessment of LV volumes, function, and mass. Copyright © 2011 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The pharmacotherapy implications of ventricular assist device in the patient with end-stage heart failure.

PubMed

Von Ruden, Serena A S; Murray, Margaret A; Grice, Jennifer L; Proebstle, Amy K; Kopacek, Karen J

2012-04-01

Advances in mechanical circulatory support, such as the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs), have become a means for prolonging survival in end-stage heart failure (HF). VADs decrease the symptoms of HF and improve quality of life by replacing some of the work of a failing heart. They unload the ventricle to provide improved cardiac output and end-organ perfusion, resulting in improvement in cardiorenal syndromes and New York Heart Association functional class rating. VADs are currently used asa bridge to heart transplantation, a bridge to recovery of cardiac function, or as destination therapy. Complications of VAD include bleeding, infections, arrhythmias, multiple organ failure, right ventricular failure, and neurological dysfunction. Patients with VAD have unique pharmacotherapeutic requirements in terms of anticoagulation, appropriate antibiotic selection, and continuation of HF medications. Pharmacists in acute care and community settings are well prepared to care for the patient with VAD. These patients require thorough counseling and follow-up with regard to prevention and treatment of infections, appropriate levels of anticoagulation, and maintenance of fluid balance. A basic understanding of this unique therapy can assist pharmacists in attending to the needs of patients with VAD.

Fully Integrated Passive UHF RFID Tag for Hash-Based Mutual Authentication Protocol

PubMed Central

Mikami, Shugo; Watanabe, Dai; Li, Yang; Sakiyama, Kazuo

2015-01-01

Passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag has been used in many applications. While the RFID market is expected to grow, concerns about security and privacy of the RFID tag should be overcome for the future use. To overcome these issues, privacy-preserving authentication protocols based on cryptographic algorithms have been designed. However, to the best of our knowledge, evaluation of the whole tag, which includes an antenna, an analog front end, and a digital processing block, that runs authentication protocols has not been studied. In this paper, we present an implementation and evaluation of a fully integrated passive UHF RFID tag that runs a privacy-preserving mutual authentication protocol based on a hash function. We design a single chip including the analog front end and the digital processing block. We select a lightweight hash function supporting 80-bit security strength and a standard hash function supporting 128-bit security strength. We show that when the lightweight hash function is used, the tag completes the protocol with a reader-tag distance of 10 cm. Similarly, when the standard hash function is used, the tag completes the protocol with the distance of 8.5 cm. We discuss the impact of the peak power consumption of the tag on the distance of the tag due to the hash function. PMID:26491714

Nanomechanics of Pectin-Linked β-Lactoglobulin Nanofibril Bundles.

PubMed

Loveday, Simon M; Gunning, A Patrick

2018-06-14

Nanofibrils of β-lactoglobulin can be assembled into bundles by site-specific noncovalent cross-linking with high-methoxyl pectin (Hettiarachchi et al. Soft Matter 2016, 12, 756). Here we characterized the nanomechanical properties of bundles using atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy. Bundles had Gaussian cross sections and a mean height of 17.4 ± 1.4 nm. Persistence lengths were calculated using image analysis with the mean-squared end-to-end model. The relationship between the persistence length and the thickness had exponents of 1.69-2.30, which is consistent with previous reports for other fibril types. In force spectroscopy experiments, the bundles stretched in a qualitatively different manner to fibrils, and some of the force curves were consistent with peeling fibrils away from bundles. The flexibility of pectin-linked nanofibril bundles is likely to be tunable by modulating the stiffness and length of fibrils and the ratio of pectin to fibrils, giving rise to a wide range of structures and functionalities.

Fuel cell generator

DOEpatents

Makiel, Joseph M.

1985-01-01

A high temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell generator comprising a housing means defining a plurality of chambers including a generator chamber and a combustion products chamber, a porous barrier separating the generator and combustion product chambers, a plurality of elongated annular fuel cells each having a closed end and an open end with the open ends disposed within the combustion product chamber, the cells extending from the open end through the porous barrier and into the generator chamber, a conduit for each cell, each conduit extending into a portion of each cell disposed within the generator chamber, each conduit having means for discharging a first gaseous reactant within each fuel cell, exhaust means for exhausting the combustion product chamber, manifolding means for supplying the first gaseous reactant to the conduits with the manifolding means disposed within the combustion product chamber between the porous barrier and the exhaust means and the manifolding means further comprising support and bypass means for providing support of the manifolding means within the housing while allowing combustion products from the first and a second gaseous reactant to flow past the manifolding means to the exhaust means, and means for flowing the second gaseous reactant into the generator chamber.

Association Between Functional Health Literacy and Postoperative Recovery, Health Care Contacts, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients Undergoing Day Surgery: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Hälleberg Nyman, Maria; Nilsson, Ulrica; Dahlberg, Karuna; Jaensson, Maria

2018-04-25

Day surgery puts demands on the patients to manage their own recovery at home according to given instructions. Low health literacy levels are shown to be associated with poorer health outcomes. To describe functional health literacy levels among patients in Sweden undergoing day surgery and to describe the association between functional health literacy (FHL) and health care contacts, quality of recovery (SwQoR), and health-related quality of life. This observational study was part of a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of patients undergoing day surgery and was performed in multiple centers from October 2015 to July 2016 and included 704 patients. The primary end point was SwQoR in the FHL groups 14 days after surgery. Secondary end points were health care contacts, EuroQol-visual analog scales, and the Short Form (36) Health Survey in the FHL groups. Of 704 patients (418 [59.4%] women; mean [SD] age with inadequate or problematic FHL levels, 47 [16] years and 49 [15.1], respectively), 427 (60.7%) reported sufficient FHL, 223 (31.7%) problematic FHL, and 54 (7.7%) inadequate FHL. The global score of SwQoR indicated poor recovery in both inadequate (37.4) and problematic (22.9) FHL. There was a statistically significant difference in the global score of SwQoR (SD) between inadequate (37.4 [34.7]) and sufficient FHL (17.7 [21.0]) (P < .001). The patients with inadequate or problematic FHL had a lower health-related quality of life than the patients with sufficient FHL in terms of EuroQol-visual analog scale scores (mean [SD], 73 [19.1], 73 [19.1], and 78 [17.4], respectively; P = .008), physical function (mean [SD], 72 [22.7], 75 [23.8], and 81 [21.9], respectively; P < .001), bodily pain (mean [SD], 51 [28.7], 53 [27.4], and 61 [27.0], respectively; P = .001), vitality (mean [SD], 50 [26.7], 56 [23.5], and 62 [25.4], respectively; P < .001), social functioning (mean [SD], 73 [28.2], 81 [21.8], and 84 [23.3], respectively; P = .004), mental health (mean [SD], 65 [25.4], 73 [21.2], and 77 [21.2], respectively; P < .001), and physical component summary (mean [SD], 41 [11.2], 42 [11.3], and 45 [10.1], respectively; P = .004). There were no differences between the FHL groups regarding health care contacts. Inadequate FHL in patients undergoing day surgery was associated with poorer postoperative recovery and a lower health-related quality of life. Health literacy is a relevant factor to consider for optimizing the postoperative recovery in patients undergoing day surgery. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02492191.

DDA3 associates with microtubule plus ends and orchestrates microtubule dynamics and directional cell migration

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liangyu; Shao, Hengyi; Zhu, Tongge; Xia, Peng; Wang, Zhikai; Liu, Lifang; Yan, Maomao; Hill, Donald L.; Fang, Guowei; Chen, Zhengjun; Wang, Dongmei; Yao, Xuebiao

2013-01-01

Cell motility and adhesion involve orchestrated interaction of microtubules (MTs) with their plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs). However, the mechanisms underlying regulations of MT dynamics and directional cell migration are still elusive. Here, we show that DDA3-EB1 interaction orchestrates MT plus-end dynamics and facilitates directional cell migration. Biochemical characterizations reveal that DDA3 interacts with EB1 via its SxIP motif within the C-terminal Pro/Ser-rich region. Time-lapse and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopic assays demonstrate that DDA3 exhibits EB1-dependent, MT plus-end loading and tracking. The EB1-based loading of DDA3 is responsible for MT plus-ends stabilization at the cell cortex, which in turn orchestrates directional cell migration. Interestingly, the DDA3-EB1 interaction is potentially regulated by EB1 acetylation, which may account for physiological regulation underlying EGF-elicited cell migration. Thus, the EB1-based function of DDA3 links MT dynamics to directional cell migration. PMID:23652583

Curriculum for the 21st Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pratt, David

1983-01-01

Urges reconsideration of educational ends. Suggests eight curriculum principles that can help Canadian schools move into the next century. Explains six educational needs roughly based on Maslow's hierarchy (aesthetic needs, need for meaning, self-actualization, self-concept, social needs, need for survival) and relates them to curriculum…

Non-homologous end joining-mediated functional marker selection for DNA cloning in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus.

PubMed

Hoshida, Hisashi; Murakami, Nobutada; Suzuki, Ayako; Tamura, Ryoko; Asakawa, Jun; Abdel-Banat, Babiker M A; Nonklang, Sanom; Nakamura, Mikiko; Akada, Rinji

2014-01-01

The cloning of DNA fragments into vectors or host genomes has traditionally been performed using Escherichia coli with restriction enzymes and DNA ligase or homologous recombination-based reactions. We report here a novel DNA cloning method that does not require DNA end processing or homologous recombination, but that ensures highly accurate cloning. The method exploits the efficient non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) activity of the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus and consists of a novel functional marker selection system. First, to demonstrate the applicability of NHEJ to DNA cloning, a C-terminal-truncated non-functional ura3 selection marker and the truncated region were PCR-amplified separately, mixed and directly used for the transformation. URA3(+) transformants appeared on the selection plates, indicating that the two DNA fragments were correctly joined by NHEJ to generate a functional URA3 gene that had inserted into the yeast chromosome. To develop the cloning system, the shortest URA3 C-terminal encoding sequence that could restore the function of a truncated non-functional ura3 was determined by deletion analysis, and was included in the primers to amplify target DNAs for cloning. Transformation with PCR-amplified target DNAs and C-terminal truncated ura3 produced numerous transformant colonies, in which a functional URA3 gene was generated and was integrated into the chromosome with the target DNAs. Several K. marxianus circular plasmids with different selection markers were also developed for NHEJ-based cloning and recombinant DNA construction. The one-step DNA cloning method developed here is a relatively simple and reliable procedure among the DNA cloning systems developed to date. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On the modelling of complex kinematic hardening and nonquadratic anisotropic yield criteria at finite strains: application to sheet metal forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grilo, Tiago J.; Vladimirov, Ivaylo N.; Valente, Robertt A. F.; Reese, Stefanie

2016-06-01

In the present paper, a finite strain model for complex combined isotropic-kinematic hardening is presented. It accounts for finite elastic and finite plastic strains and is suitable for any anisotropic yield criterion. In order to model complex cyclic hardening phenomena, the kinematic hardening is described by several back stress components. To that end, a new procedure is proposed in which several multiplicative decompositions of the plastic part of the deformation gradient are considered. The formulation incorporates a completely general format of the yield function, which means that any yield function can by employed by following a procedure that ensures the principle of material frame indifference. The constitutive equations are derived in a thermodynamically consistent way and numerically integrated by means of a backward-Euler algorithm based on the exponential map. The performance of the constitutive model is assessed via numerical simulations of industry-relevant sheet metal forming processes (U-channel forming and draw/re-draw of a panel benchmarks), the results of which are compared to experimental data. The comparison between numerical and experimental results shows that the use of multiple back stress components is very advantageous in the description of springback. This holds in particular if one carries out a comparison with the results of using only one component. Moreover, the numerically obtained results are in excellent agreement with the experimental data.

a New Method for Calculating the Fractal Dimension of Surface Topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Xue; Zhu, Hua; Zhou, Yuankai; Li, Yan

2015-06-01

A new method termed as three-dimensional root-mean-square (3D-RMS) method, is proposed to calculate the fractal dimension (FD) of machined surfaces. The measure of this method is the root-mean-square value of surface data, and the scale is the side length of square in the projection plane. In order to evaluate the calculation accuracy of the proposed method, the isotropic surfaces with deterministic FD are generated based on the fractional Brownian function and Weierstrass-Mandelbrot (WM) fractal function, and two kinds of anisotropic surfaces are generated by stretching or rotating a WM fractal curve. Their FDs are estimated by the proposed method, as well as differential boxing-counting (DBC) method, triangular prism surface area (TPSA) method and variation method (VM). The results show that the 3D-RMS method performs better than the other methods with a lower relative error for both isotropic and anisotropic surfaces, especially for the surfaces with dimensions higher than 2.5, since the relative error between the estimated value and its theoretical value decreases with theoretical FD. Finally, the electrodeposited surface, end-turning surface and grinding surface are chosen as examples to illustrate the application of 3D-RMS method on the real machined surfaces. This method gives a new way to accurately calculate the FD from the surface topographic data.

Estimation of correlation functions by stochastic approximation.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Habibi, A.; Wintz, P. A.

1972-01-01

Consideration of the autocorrelation function of a zero-mean stationary random process. The techniques are applicable to processes with nonzero mean provided the mean is estimated first and subtracted. Two recursive techniques are proposed, both of which are based on the method of stochastic approximation and assume a functional form for the correlation function that depends on a number of parameters that are recursively estimated from successive records. One technique uses a standard point estimator of the correlation function to provide estimates of the parameters that minimize the mean-square error between the point estimates and the parametric function. The other technique provides estimates of the parameters that maximize a likelihood function relating the parameters of the function to the random process. Examples are presented.

Discrete-event simulation of a wide-area health care network.

PubMed Central

McDaniel, J G

1995-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Predict the behavior and estimate the telecommunication cost of a wide-area message store-and-forward network for health care providers that uses the telephone system. DESIGN: A tool with which to perform large-scale discrete-event simulations was developed. Network models for star and mesh topologies were constructed to analyze the differences in performances and telecommunication costs. The distribution of nodes in the network models approximates the distribution of physicians, hospitals, medical labs, and insurers in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Modeling parameters were based on measurements taken from a prototype telephone network and a survey conducted at two medical clinics. Simulation studies were conducted for both topologies. RESULTS: For either topology, the telecommunication cost of a network in Saskatchewan is projected to be less than $100 (Canadian) per month per node. The estimated telecommunication cost of the star topology is approximately half that of the mesh. Simulations predict that a mean end-to-end message delivery time of two hours or less is achievable at this cost. A doubling of the data volume results in an increase of less than 50% in the mean end-to-end message transfer time. CONCLUSION: The simulation models provided an estimate of network performance and telecommunication cost in a specific Canadian province. At the expected operating point, network performance appeared to be relatively insensitive to increases in data volume. Similar results might be anticipated in other rural states and provinces in North America where a telephone-based network is desired. PMID:7583646

Dissociating error-based and reinforcement-based loss functions during sensorimotor learning

PubMed Central

McGregor, Heather R.; Mohatarem, Ayman

2017-01-01

It has been proposed that the sensorimotor system uses a loss (cost) function to evaluate potential movements in the presence of random noise. Here we test this idea in the context of both error-based and reinforcement-based learning. In a reaching task, we laterally shifted a cursor relative to true hand position using a skewed probability distribution. This skewed probability distribution had its mean and mode separated, allowing us to dissociate the optimal predictions of an error-based loss function (corresponding to the mean of the lateral shifts) and a reinforcement-based loss function (corresponding to the mode). We then examined how the sensorimotor system uses error feedback and reinforcement feedback, in isolation and combination, when deciding where to aim the hand during a reach. We found that participants compensated differently to the same skewed lateral shift distribution depending on the form of feedback they received. When provided with error feedback, participants compensated based on the mean of the skewed noise. When provided with reinforcement feedback, participants compensated based on the mode. Participants receiving both error and reinforcement feedback continued to compensate based on the mean while repeatedly missing the target, despite receiving auditory, visual and monetary reinforcement feedback that rewarded hitting the target. Our work shows that reinforcement-based and error-based learning are separable and can occur independently. Further, when error and reinforcement feedback are in conflict, the sensorimotor system heavily weights error feedback over reinforcement feedback. PMID:28753634

Dissociating error-based and reinforcement-based loss functions during sensorimotor learning.

PubMed

Cashaback, Joshua G A; McGregor, Heather R; Mohatarem, Ayman; Gribble, Paul L

2017-07-01

It has been proposed that the sensorimotor system uses a loss (cost) function to evaluate potential movements in the presence of random noise. Here we test this idea in the context of both error-based and reinforcement-based learning. In a reaching task, we laterally shifted a cursor relative to true hand position using a skewed probability distribution. This skewed probability distribution had its mean and mode separated, allowing us to dissociate the optimal predictions of an error-based loss function (corresponding to the mean of the lateral shifts) and a reinforcement-based loss function (corresponding to the mode). We then examined how the sensorimotor system uses error feedback and reinforcement feedback, in isolation and combination, when deciding where to aim the hand during a reach. We found that participants compensated differently to the same skewed lateral shift distribution depending on the form of feedback they received. When provided with error feedback, participants compensated based on the mean of the skewed noise. When provided with reinforcement feedback, participants compensated based on the mode. Participants receiving both error and reinforcement feedback continued to compensate based on the mean while repeatedly missing the target, despite receiving auditory, visual and monetary reinforcement feedback that rewarded hitting the target. Our work shows that reinforcement-based and error-based learning are separable and can occur independently. Further, when error and reinforcement feedback are in conflict, the sensorimotor system heavily weights error feedback over reinforcement feedback.

Impact of Major Pulmonary Resections on Right Ventricular Function: Early Postoperative Changes.

PubMed

Elrakhawy, Hany M; Alassal, Mohamed A; Shaalan, Ayman M; Awad, Ahmed A; Sayed, Sameh; Saffan, Mohammad M

2018-01-15

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction after pulmonary resection in the early postoperative period is documented by reduced RV ejection fraction and increased RV end-diastolic volume index. Supraventricular arrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation, is common after pulmonary resection. RV assessment can be done by non-invasive methods and/or invasive approaches such as right cardiac catheterization. Incorporation of a rapid response thermistor to pulmonary artery catheter permits continuous measurements of cardiac output, right ventricular ejection fraction, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume. It can also be used for right atrial and right ventricular pacing, and for measuring right-sided pressures, including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. This study included 178 patients who underwent major pulmonary resections, 36 who underwent pneumonectomy assigned as group (I) and 142 who underwent lobectomy assigned as group (II). The study was conducted at the cardiothoracic surgery department of Benha University hospital in Egypt; patients enrolled were operated on from February 2012 to February 2016. A rapid response thermistor pulmonary artery catheter was inserted via the right internal jugular vein. Preoperatively the following was recorded: central venous pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output, right ventricular ejection fraction and volumes. The same parameters were collected in fixed time intervals after 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours postoperatively. For group (I): There were no statistically significant changes between the preoperative and postoperative records in the central venous pressure and mean arterial pressure; there were no statistically significant changes in the preoperative and 12, 24, and 48 hour postoperative records for cardiac index; 3 and 6 hours postoperative showed significant changes. There were statistically significant changes between the preoperative and postoperative records for heart rate, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular end diastolic volume index, in all postoperative records. For group (II): There were no statistically significant changes between the preoperative and all postoperative records for the central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure and cardiac index. There were statistically significant changes between the preoperative and postoperative records for heart rate, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular end diastolic volume index in all postoperative records. There were statistically significant changes between the two groups in all postoperative records for heart rate, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular end diastolic volume index. There is right ventricular dysfunction early after major pulmonary resection caused by increased right ventricular afterload. This dysfunction is more present in pneumonectomy than in lobectomy. Heart rate, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular ejection fraction, and right ventricular end diastolic volume index are significantly affected by pulmonary resection.

School-based physical therapy services and student functional performance at school.

PubMed

Mccoy, Sarah Westcott; Effgen, Susan K; Chiarello, Lisa A; Jeffries, Lynn M; Villasante Tezanos, Alejandro G

2018-03-30

We explored relationships of school-based physical therapy to standardized outcomes of students receiving physical therapy. Using a practice-based evidence research design, School Function Assessment (SFA) outcomes of 296 students with disabilities (mean age 7y 4mo [standard deviation 2y]; 166 males, 130 females), served by 109 physical therapists, were explored. After training, therapists completed 10 SFA scales on students at the beginning and end of the school year. Therapists collected detailed weekly data on services (activities, interventions, types, student participation) using the School-Physical Therapy Interventions for Pediatrics (S-PTIP) system. Stepwise linear regressions were used to investigate S-PTIP predictors of SFA outcomes. Predictors of SFA section outcomes varied in strength, with the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) for each outcome ranging from 0.107 to 0.326. Services that correlated positively with the SFA outcomes included mobility, sensory, motor learning, aerobic/conditioning, functional strengthening, playground access interventions, and higher student participation during therapy (standardized β=0.11-0.26). Services that correlated negatively with the SFA outcomes included providing services within student groups, within school activity, with students not in special education, during recreation activities, and with positioning, hands-on facilitation, sensory integration, orthoses, and equipment interventions (standardized β=-0.14 to -0.22). Consideration of outcomes is prudent to focus services. Overall results suggest we should emphasize active mobility practice by using motor learning interventions and engaging students within therapy sessions. No specific interventions predicted positively on all School Function Assessment (SFA) outcomes. Active movement practice seems related to overall better SFA outcomes. Active mobility practice improved SFA participation, mobility, recreation, and activities of daily living. Engaging students in therapy activities and interventions improved outcomes. © 2018 Mac Keith Press.

Thin-plate spline analysis of mandibular shape changes induced by functional appliances in Class II malocclusion : A long-term evaluation.

PubMed

Franchi, Lorenzo; Pavoni, Chiara; Faltin, Kurt; Bigliazzi, Renato; Gazzani, Francesca; Cozza, Paola

2016-09-01

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the long-term morphological mandibular changes induced by functional treatment of Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion. Forty patients (20 females, 20 males) with Class II malocclusion consecutively treated with either a Bionator or an Activator followed by fixed appliances were compared with a control group of 40 subjects (19 females, 21 males) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Lateral cephalograms were available at the start of treatment (T1, mean age 9.9 years), at the end of treatment with functional appliances (T2, mean age 12.2 years), and for long-term follow-up (T3, mean age 18.3 years). Mandibular shape changes were analyzed on lateral cephalograms of the subjects in both groups via thin-plate spline (TPS) analysis. Shape differences were statistically analyzed by conducting permutation tests on Goodall F statistics. In the long term, both the treated and control groups exhibited significant longitudinal mandibular shape changes characterized by upward and forward dislocation of point Co associated with a vertical extension in the gonial region and backward dislocation of point B. Functional appliances induced mandible's significant posterior morphogenetic rotation over the short term. The treated and control groups demonstrated similar mandibular shape over the long term.

Classifying Different Emotional States by Means of EEG-Based Functional Connectivity Patterns

PubMed Central

Lee, You-Yun; Hsieh, Shulan

2014-01-01

This study aimed to classify different emotional states by means of EEG-based functional connectivity patterns. Forty young participants viewed film clips that evoked the following emotional states: neutral, positive, or negative. Three connectivity indices, including correlation, coherence, and phase synchronization, were used to estimate brain functional connectivity in EEG signals. Following each film clip, participants were asked to report on their subjective affect. The results indicated that the EEG-based functional connectivity change was significantly different among emotional states. Furthermore, the connectivity pattern was detected by pattern classification analysis using Quadratic Discriminant Analysis. The results indicated that the classification rate was better than chance. We conclude that estimating EEG-based functional connectivity provides a useful tool for studying the relationship between brain activity and emotional states. PMID:24743695

An analysis of automatic human detection and tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demuth, Philipe R.; Cosmo, Daniel L.; Ciarelli, Patrick M.

2015-12-01

This paper presents an automatic method to detect and follow people on video streams. This method uses two techniques to determine the initial position of the person at the beginning of the video file: one based on optical flow and the other one based on Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG). After defining the initial bounding box, tracking is done using four different trackers: Median Flow tracker, TLD tracker, Mean Shift tracker and a modified version of the Mean Shift tracker using HSV color space. The results of the methods presented in this paper are then compared at the end of the paper.

Cognitive function and the emotional state of stroke patients on antihypertensive therapy.

PubMed

Starchina, Yu A; Parfenov, V A; Chazova, I E; Sinitsyn, V E; Pustovitova, T S; Kolos, I P; Ustyuzhanin, D V

2007-01-01

Combined antihypertensive therapy based on 2.5-5 mg of cilazapril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) to normalize arterial pressure (ABP) was studied in 22 patients (12 male, 10 female) aged 49-74 years (mean 63 +/- 7 years) with stroke (18 patients) or transient ischemic attacks (three patients). Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) including perfusion studies, along with neuropsychological studies and assessment of emotional status (Beck depression inventory, Spielberger anxiety scale), were performed before and after treatment. After six months of treatment, patients showed normalization of ABP (systolic pressure decreased from 154.7 +/- 12 to 128 +/- 23 mmHg, diastolic from 90.3 +/- 9.6 to 79.4 +/- 23 mmHg). There were no side effects and no patient experienced stroke. MRT revealed no signs of new foci and there were no significant changes in brain blood flow. By the end of treatment, improvements in cognitive functions were noted on the Mini Mental State Examination, the 10-word memory test, the Boston naming test, or the Wisconsin card-sorting test, though there were no changes in the patients' emotional status.

Characterizing the evolving K -band luminosity function using the UltraVISTA, CANDELS and HUDF surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortlock, Alice; McLure, Ross J.; Bowler, Rebecca A. A.; McLeod, Derek J.; Mármol-Queraltó, Esther; Parsa, Shaghayegh; Dunlop, James S.; Bruce, Victoria A.

2017-02-01

We present the results of a new study of the K-band galaxy luminosity function (KLF) at redshifts z ≤ 3.75, based on a nested combination of the UltraVISTA, Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Legacy Extragalactic Survey and HUDF surveys. The large dynamic range in luminosity spanned by this new data set (3-4 dex over the full redshift range) is sufficient to clearly demonstrate for the first time that the faint-end slope of the KLF at z ≥ 0.25 is relatively steep (-1.3 ≤ α ≤ -1.5 for a single Schechter function), in good agreement with recent theoretical and phenomenological models. Moreover, based on our new data set, we find that a double Schechter function provides a significantly improved description of the KLF at z ≤ 2. At redshifts z ≥ 0.25, the evolution of the KLF is remarkably smooth, with little or no evolution evident at faint (MK ≥ -20.5) or bright magnitudes (MK ≤ -24.5). Instead, the KLF is seen to evolve rapidly at intermediate magnitudes, with the number density of galaxies at MK ≃-23 dropping by a factor of ≃5 over the redshift interval 0.25 ≤ z ≤ 3.75. Motivated by this, we explore a simple description of the evolving KLF based on a double Schechter function with fixed faint-end slopes (α1 = -0.5, α2 = -1.5) and a shared characteristic magnitude (MK^{star }). According to this parametrization, the normalization of the component which dominates the faint end of the KLF remains approximately constant, with φ ^{star }2 decreasing by only a factor of ≃2 between z ≃0 and 3.25. In contrast, the component which dominates the bright end of the KLF at low redshifts evolves dramatically, becoming essentially negligible by z ≃3. Finally, we note that within this parametrization, the observed evolution of MK^{star } between z ≃0 and 3.25 is entirely consistent with MK^{star } corresponding to a constant stellar mass of M⋆ ≃5 × 1010 M⊙ at all redshifts.

Ultracentrifuge for separating fluid mixtures

DOEpatents

Lowry, Ralph A.

1976-01-01

1. A centrifuge for the separation of fluid mixtures having light and heavy fractions comprising a cylindrical rotor, disc type end-plugs closing the ends of the rotor, means for mounting said rotor for rotation about its cylindrical axis, a housing member enclosing the rotor, a vacuum chamber in said housing about the central portion of the rotor, a collection chamber at each end of the housing, the innermost side of which is substantially formed by the outer face of the end-plug, means for preventing flow of the fluid from the collection chambers to said vacuum chamber, at least one of said end-plugs having a plurality of holes therethrough communicating between the collection chamber adjacent thereto and the inside of the rotor to induce countercurrent flow of the fluid in the centrifuge, means for feeding fluid to be processed into the centrifuge, means communicating with the collection chambers to extract the light and heavy separated fractions of the fluid, and means for rotating the rotor.

Rheological and Thermal Properties of Bio-based Hyperbranched Polyesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bubeck, Robert; Dumitrascu, Adina; Zhang, Tracy; Smith, Patrick

Hyperbranched poly(ester)s (HBPEs) of designed molecular structures and targeted molecular weight can be prepared from a variety of multi-functional acids and alcohols. These polymers find application in the areas of coatings and rheology modifiers for coatings. These functional polymers can be synthesized in variety of architectures, possessing either hydroxyl or carboxyl reactive end-groups suitable for the attachment of active entities. The rheological characteristics as related to variation in molecular structure were determined using cone and plate or couette geometries. Viscosities of the HBPEs were found to be near Newtonian. HB polymers permit the control of Tg that is not as readily attained with linear polymers. Accordingly, Tg and viscosity are affected little as a function of Mw but vary dramatically with the nature of the end-groups, are highly dependent on hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl end groups, and decrease dramatically with the incorporation of aliphatic end-caps. The thermal properties and the degradation characteristics of the HBPEs were determined. Thermal degradation of the hydroxyl-terminal HBPEs is initiated by dehydrative ether formation (crosslinking) while decarboxylation is the initial decomposition event for the carboxyl-terminal polymers. Midland, MI Campus.

The Use of Interactive Computer Animations Based on POE as a Presentation Tool in Primary Science Teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akpınar, Ercan

2014-08-01

This study investigates the effects of using interactive computer animations based on predict-observe-explain (POE) as a presentation tool on primary school students' understanding of the static electricity concepts. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design was utilized in this study. The experiment group consisted of 30 students, and the control group of 27 students. The control group received normal instruction in which the teacher provided instruction by means of lecture, discussion and homework. Whereas in the experiment group, dynamic and interactive animations based on POE were used as a presentation tool. Data collection tools used in the study were static electricity concept test and open-ended questions. The static electricity concept test was used as pre-test before the implementation, as post-test at the end of the implementation and as delay test approximately 6 weeks after the implementation. Open-ended questions were used at the end of the implementation and approximately 6 weeks after the implementation. Results indicated that the interactive animations used as presentation tools were more effective on the students' understanding of static electricity concepts compared to normal instruction.

Association of Circulating Adipokines With Echocardiographic Measures of Cardiac Structure and Function in a Community-Based Cohort.

PubMed

von Jeinsen, Beatrice; Short, Meghan I; Xanthakis, Vanessa; Carneiro, Herman; Cheng, Susan; Mitchell, Gary F; Vasan, Ramachandran S

2018-06-21

Adipokines mediate cardiometabolic risk associated with obesity but their role in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated heart failure remains uncertain. We investigated the associations between circulating adipokine concentrations and echocardiographic measures in a community-based sample. We evaluated 3514 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 40 years, 53.8% women) who underwent routine echocardiography and had select circulating adipokines measured, ie, leptin, soluble leptin receptor, fatty acid-binding protein 4, retinol-binding protein 4, fetuin-A, and adiponectin. We used multivariable linear regression, adjusting for known correlates (including weight), to relate adipokine concentrations (independent variables) to the following echocardiographic measures (dependent variables): left ventricular mass index, left atrial diameter in end systole, fractional shortening, and E/e'. In multivariable-adjusted analysis, left ventricular mass index was inversely related to circulating leptin and fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations but positively related to retinol-binding protein 4 and leptin receptor levels ( P ≤0.002 for all). Left atrial end-systolic dimension was inversely related to leptin but positively related to retinol-binding protein 4 concentrations ( P ≤0.0001). E/e' was inversely related to leptin receptor levels ( P =0.0002). We observed effect modification by body weight for select associations (leptin receptor and fatty acid-binding protein 4 with left ventricular mass index, and leptin with left atrial diameter in end systole; P <0.05 for interactions). Fractional shortening was not associated with any of the adipokines. No echocardiographic trait was associated with fetuin-A or adiponectin concentrations. In our cross-sectional study of a large, young to middle-aged, relatively healthy community-based sample, key indices of subclinical cardiac remodeling were associated with higher or lower circulating concentrations of prohypertrophic and antihypertrophic adipokines in a context-specific manner. These observations may offer insights into the pathogenesis of the cardiomyopathy of obesity. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Assessing the predictive value of means-end-chain theory: an application to meat product choice by Australian middle-aged women.

PubMed

Le Page, Aurore; Cox, David N; Georgie Russell, C; Leppard, Phillip I

2005-04-01

Means-end-chain theory seeks to understand how consumers make links between products and self-relevant consequences and values. To date, means-end-chain theory has remained a descriptive process and has not been applied to predicting product choice. Within the context of cooking meat, the main objective of this research was to assess the predictive value of the means-end-chain theory. In a two part study, we first undertook a laddering study (n=58 middle-aged women) focusing on cooking three different meat products, using small group administration and paper-and-pencil responses to elicit mean-end-chains (MEC). In the second part, we considered all the MEC independently and incorporated them into a questionnaire, which was also comprised of psycho-social predictors from a range of behavioural models. Responses were elicited from a sample of middle-aged women (n=247). Although MEC explained little of the variance in self-reported behaviour, they were shown to be an important predictor of attitude. Contrary to expectations, the least abstract levels of the MEC appeared to be the most predictive. A critical examination of the data suggested a need to reconsider the means-end-chain theory since it appears to take the respondents beyond their own awareness of their behaviours.

Light vehicle crash avoidance needs and countermeasure profiles for safety applications based on vehicle-to-vehicle communications

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-30

This report discusses light-vehicle crash countermeasure profiles and functions for five target pre-crash scenario groups based on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. Target pre-crash scenario groups include rear-end, lane change, opposite direc...

Device of dispensing micro doses of aqueous solutions of substances onto a carrier and device for carrying out said method

DOEpatents

Ershow, Gennady Moiseevich; Kirillov, Evgenii Vladislavovich; Mirzabekov, Andrei Darievich

1998-01-01

A device for dispensing microdoses of aqueous solutions are provided, whereby the substance is transferred by the free surface end of a rodlike transferring element; the temperature of the transferring element is maintained at essentially the dew point of the ambient air during the transfer. The device may comprise a plate-like base to which are affixed a plurality of rods; the unfixed butt ends of the rods are coplanar. The device further comprises a means for maintaining the temperature of the unfixed butt ends of the rods essentially equal to the dew point of the ambient air during transfer of the aqueous substance.

Flow cytometric detection method for DNA samples

DOEpatents

Nasarabadi, Shanavaz [Livermore, CA; Langlois, Richard G [Livermore, CA; Venkateswaran, Kodumudi S [Round Rock, TX

2011-07-05

Disclosed herein are two methods for rapid multiplex analysis to determine the presence and identity of target DNA sequences within a DNA sample. Both methods use reporting DNA sequences, e.g., modified conventional Taqman.RTM. probes, to combine multiplex PCR amplification with microsphere-based hybridization using flow cytometry means of detection. Real-time PCR detection can also be incorporated. The first method uses a cyanine dye, such as, Cy3.TM., as the reporter linked to the 5' end of a reporting DNA sequence. The second method positions a reporter dye, e.g., FAM.TM. on the 3' end of the reporting DNA sequence and a quencher dye, e.g., TAMRA.TM., on the 5' end.

Flow cytometric detection method for DNA samples

DOEpatents

Nasarabadi, Shanavaz [Livermore, CA; Langlois, Richard G [Livermore, CA; Venkateswaran, Kodumudi S [Livermore, CA

2006-08-01

Disclosed herein are two methods for rapid multiplex analysis to determine the presence and identity of target DNA sequences within a DNA sample. Both methods use reporting DNA sequences, e.g., modified conventional Taqman.RTM. probes, to combine multiplex PCR amplification with microsphere-based hybridization using flow cytometry means of detection. Real-time PCR detection can also be incorporated. The first method uses a cyanine dye, such as, Cy3.TM., as the reporter linked to the 5' end of a reporting DNA sequence. The second method positions a reporter dye, e.g., FAM, on the 3' end of the reporting DNA sequence and a quencher dye, e.g., TAMRA, on the 5' end.

Reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness of the hip outcome score in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Naal, Florian D; Impellizzeri, Franco M; von Eisenhart-Rothe, Rüdiger; Mannion, Anne F; Leunig, Michael

2012-11-01

To evaluate reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness of the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) in patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis. In a cohort of 157 consecutive patients (mean age 66 years; 79 women) undergoing total hip replacement, the HOS was tested for the following measurement properties: feasibility (percentage of evaluable questionnaires), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement [SEM]), construct validity (correlation with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Oxford Hip Score [OHS], Short Form 12 health survey, and University of California, Los Angeles activity scale), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), factorial validity (factor analysis), floor and ceiling effects, and internal and external responsiveness at 6 months after surgery (standardized response mean and change score correlations). Missing items occurred frequently. Five percent to 6% of the HOS activities of daily living (ADL) subscales and 20-32% of the sport subscales could not be scored. ICCs were 0.92 for both subscales. SEMs were 1.8 points (ADL subscale) and 2.3 points (sport subscale). Highest correlations were found with the OHS (r = 0.81 for ADL subscale and r = 0.58 for sport subscale) and the WOMAC physical function subscale (r = 0.83 for ADL subscale and r = 0.56 for sport subscale). Cronbach's alpha was 0.93 and 0.88 for the ADL and sport subscales, respectively. Neither unidimensionality of the subscales nor the 2-factor structure was supported by factor analysis. Both subscales showed good internal and external responsiveness. The HOS is reproducible and responsive when assessing patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis in whom the items are relevant. However, based on the large proportion of missing data and the findings of the factor analysis, we cannot recommend this questionnaire for routine use in this target group. Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Thermo-reversible supramolecular hydrogels of trehalose-type diblock methylcellulose analogues.

PubMed

Yamagami, Mao; Kamitakahara, Hiroshi; Yoshinaga, Arata; Takano, Toshiyuki

2018-03-01

This paper describes the design and synthesis of new trehalose-type diblock methylcellulose analogues with nonionic, cationic, and anionic cellobiosyl segments, namely 1-(tri-O-methyl-cellulosyl)-4-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyloxymethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (1), 1-(tri-O-methyl-cellulosyl)-4-[(6-amino-6-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)- 6-amino-6-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyloxymethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (2), and 4-(tri-O-methyl-cellulosyloxymethyl)-1-[β-d-glucopyranuronosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranuronosyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (3), respectively. Aqueous solutions of all of the 1,2,3-triazole-linked diblock methylcellulose analogues possessed higher surface activities than that of industrially produced methylcellulose and exhibited lower critical solution temperatures, that allowed the formation of thermoresponsive supramolecular hydrogels at close to human body temperature. Supramolecular structures of thermo-reversible hydrogels based on compounds 1, 2, and 3 were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Detailed structure-property-function relationships of compounds 1, 2, and 3 were discussed. Not only nonionic hydrophilic segment but also ionic hydrophilic segments of diblock methylcellulose analogues were valid for the formation of thermo-reversible supramolecular hydrogels based on end-functionalized methylcellulose. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulation of Ground Winds Time Series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adelfang, S. I.

2008-01-01

A simulation process has been developed for generation of the longitudinal and lateral components of ground wind atmospheric turbulence as a function of mean wind speed, elevation, temporal frequency range and distance between locations. The distance between locations influences the spectral coherence between the simulated series at adjacent locations. Short distances reduce correlation only at high frequencies; as distances increase correlation is reduced over a wider range of frequencies. The choice of values for the constants d1 and d3 in the PSD model is the subject of work in progress. An improved knowledge of the values for zO as a function of wind direction at the ARES-1 launch pads is necessary for definition of d1. Results of other studies at other locations may be helpful as summarized in Fichtl's recent correspondence. Ideally, further research is needed based on measurements of ground wind turbulence with high resolution anemometers at a number of altitudes at a new KSC tower located closer to the ARES-1 launch pad .The proposed research would be based on turbulence measurements that may be influenced by surface terrain roughness that may be significantly different from roughness prior to 1970 in Fichtl's measurements. Significant improvements in instrumentation, data storage end processing will greatly enhance the capability to model ground wind profiles and ground wind turbulence.

A False Alarm Reduction Method for a Gas Sensor Based Electronic Nose

PubMed Central

Rahman, Mohammad Mizanur; Suksompong, Prapun; Toochinda, Pisanu; Taparugssanagorn, Attaphongse

2017-01-01

Electronic noses (E-Noses) are becoming popular for food and fruit quality assessment due to their robustness and repeated usability without fatigue, unlike human experts. An E-Nose equipped with classification algorithms and having open ended classification boundaries such as the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM), and multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), are found to suffer from false classification errors of irrelevant odor data. To reduce false classification and misclassification errors, and to improve correct rejection performance; algorithms with a hyperspheric boundary, such as a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) with a Gaussian activation function in the hidden layer should be used. The simulation results presented in this paper show that GRNN has more correct classification efficiency and false alarm reduction capability compared to RBFNN. As the design of a GRNN and RBFNN is complex and expensive due to large numbers of neuron requirements, a simple hyperspheric classification method based on minimum, maximum, and mean (MMM) values of each class of the training dataset was presented. The MMM algorithm was simple and found to be fast and efficient in correctly classifying data of training classes, and correctly rejecting data of extraneous odors, and thereby reduced false alarms. PMID:28895910

A False Alarm Reduction Method for a Gas Sensor Based Electronic Nose.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammad Mizanur; Charoenlarpnopparut, Chalie; Suksompong, Prapun; Toochinda, Pisanu; Taparugssanagorn, Attaphongse

2017-09-12

Electronic noses (E-Noses) are becoming popular for food and fruit quality assessment due to their robustness and repeated usability without fatigue, unlike human experts. An E-Nose equipped with classification algorithms and having open ended classification boundaries such as the k -nearest neighbor ( k -NN), support vector machine (SVM), and multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), are found to suffer from false classification errors of irrelevant odor data. To reduce false classification and misclassification errors, and to improve correct rejection performance; algorithms with a hyperspheric boundary, such as a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) with a Gaussian activation function in the hidden layer should be used. The simulation results presented in this paper show that GRNN has more correct classification efficiency and false alarm reduction capability compared to RBFNN. As the design of a GRNN and RBFNN is complex and expensive due to large numbers of neuron requirements, a simple hyperspheric classification method based on minimum, maximum, and mean (MMM) values of each class of the training dataset was presented. The MMM algorithm was simple and found to be fast and efficient in correctly classifying data of training classes, and correctly rejecting data of extraneous odors, and thereby reduced false alarms.

Comparison of methods for estimating the attributable risk in the context of survival analysis.

PubMed

Gassama, Malamine; Bénichou, Jacques; Dartois, Laureen; Thiébaut, Anne C M

2017-01-23

The attributable risk (AR) measures the proportion of disease cases that can be attributed to an exposure in the population. Several definitions and estimation methods have been proposed for survival data. Using simulations, we compared four methods for estimating AR defined in terms of survival functions: two nonparametric methods based on Kaplan-Meier's estimator, one semiparametric based on Cox's model, and one parametric based on the piecewise constant hazards model, as well as one simpler method based on estimated exposure prevalence at baseline and Cox's model hazard ratio. We considered a fixed binary exposure with varying exposure probabilities and strengths of association, and generated event times from a proportional hazards model with constant or monotonic (decreasing or increasing) Weibull baseline hazard, as well as from a nonproportional hazards model. We simulated 1,000 independent samples of size 1,000 or 10,000. The methods were compared in terms of mean bias, mean estimated standard error, empirical standard deviation and 95% confidence interval coverage probability at four equally spaced time points. Under proportional hazards, all five methods yielded unbiased results regardless of sample size. Nonparametric methods displayed greater variability than other approaches. All methods showed satisfactory coverage except for nonparametric methods at the end of follow-up for a sample size of 1,000 especially. With nonproportional hazards, nonparametric methods yielded similar results to those under proportional hazards, whereas semiparametric and parametric approaches that both relied on the proportional hazards assumption performed poorly. These methods were applied to estimate the AR of breast cancer due to menopausal hormone therapy in 38,359 women of the E3N cohort. In practice, our study suggests to use the semiparametric or parametric approaches to estimate AR as a function of time in cohort studies if the proportional hazards assumption appears appropriate.

Packing a pinch: functional implications of chela shapes in scorpions using finite element analysis

PubMed Central

van der Meijden, Arie; Kleinteich, Thomas; Coelho, Pedro

2012-01-01

Scorpions depend on their pedipalps for prey capture, defense, mating and sensing their environment. Some species additionally use their pedipalps for burrowing or climbing. Because the pincers or chelae at the end of the pedipalps vary widely in shape, they have been used as part of a suite of characters to delimit ecomorphotypes. We here evaluate the influence of the different chela cuticular shapes on their performance under natural loading conditions. Chelae of 20 species, representing seven families and spanning most of the range of chela morphologies, were assigned to clusters based on chela shape parameters using hierarchical cluster analysis. Several clusters were identified corresponding approximately to described scorpion ecomorphotypes. Finite element models of the chela cuticulae were constructed from CT scans and loaded with estimated pinch forces based on in vivo force measurements. Chela shape clusters differed significantly in mean Von Mises stress and strain energy. Normalized FEA showed that chela shape significantly influenced Von Mises stress and strain energy in the chela cuticula, with Von Mises stress varying up to an order of magnitude and strain energy up to two orders of magnitude. More elongate, high-aspect ratio chela forms showed significantly higher mean stress compared with more robust low-aspect ratio forms. This suggests that elongate chelae are at a higher risk of failure when operating near the maximum pinch force. Phylogenetic independent contrasts (PIC) were calculated based on a partly resolved phylogram with branch lengths based on an alignment of the 12S, 16S and CO1 mitochondrial genes. PIC showed that cuticular stress and strain in the chela were correlated with several shape parameters, such as aspect ratio, movable finger length, and chela height, independently of phylogenetic history. Our results indicate that slender chela morphologies may be less suitable for high-force functions such as burrowing and defense. Further implications of these findings for the ecology and evolution of the different chela morphologies are discussed. PMID:22360433

Differences in end-point force trajectories elicited by electrical stimulation of individual human calf muscles

PubMed Central

Giordano, S B; Segal, R L; Abelew, T A

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the end-point force trajectories of the fibularis longus (FIB), lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. Most information about individual muscle function has come from studies which use models based on electromyographic (EMG) recordings. In this study (N=20 subjects) we used electrical stimulation (20Hz) to elicit activity in individual muscles, recorded the end-point forces at the foot and verified the selectivity of stimulation by using magnetic resonance imaging. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were found between LG and MG force directions. Stimulation of LG and MG resulted in downward and medial or lateral forces depending on the subject. We found FIB end-point forces to be significantly different than those of LG and MG. In all subjects, stimulation of FIB resulted in downward and lateral forces. Based on our results, we suggest that there are multiple factors determining when and whether LG or MG will produce a medial or lateral force and FIB consistently plays a significant role in eversion/abduction and plantarflexion. We suggest that the inter-subject variability we found is not simply an artifact of experimental or technical error but is functionally relevant and should be addressed in future studies and models. PMID:20095454

40 CFR 89.202 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... emission credits among engine families within a given manufacturer's product line. Banking means the... credits” refer to emission credits based on the projected applicable production/sales volume of the engine... applicable production/sales volume as contained in the end-of-year reports submitted to EPA. Some or all of...

Acute effects of static stretching on peak and end-range hamstring-to-quadriceps functional ratios.

PubMed

Sekir, Ufuk; Arabaci, Ramiz; Akova, Bedrettin

2015-10-18

To evaluate if static stretching influences peak and end-range functional hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratios in elite women athletes. Eleven healthy female athletes in an elite competitive level participated to the study. All the participants fulfilled the static stretching or non-stretching (control) intervention protocol in a randomized design on different days. Two static unassisted stretching exercises, one in standing and one in sitting position, were used to stretch both the hamstring and quadriceps muscles during these protocols. The total time for the static stretching was 6 ± 1 min. The isokinetic peak torque measurements for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in eccentric and concentric modes and the calculations for the functional H/Q strength ratios at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s were made before (pre) and after (post) the control or stretching intervention. The strength measurements and functional strength ratio calculations were based during the entire- and end-range of knee extension. The pre-test scores for quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and end range values were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Subsequently, although the control group did not exhibit significant changes in quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength (P > 0.05), static stretching decreased eccentric and concentric quadriceps muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds (P < 0.01). Similarly, static stretching also decreased eccentric and concentric hamstring muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds (P < 0.01). On the other hand, when the functional H/Q strength ratios were taken into consideration, the pre-intervention values were not significant different between the groups both during the entire and end range of knee extension (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the functional H/Q strength ratios exhibited no significant alterations during the entire and end ranges of knee extension both in the static stretching or the control intervention (P > 0.05). According to our results, static stretching routine does not influence functional H/Q ratio. Athletes can confidently perform static stretching during their warm-up routines.

Acute effects of static stretching on peak and end-range hamstring-to-quadriceps functional ratios

PubMed Central

Sekir, Ufuk; Arabaci, Ramiz; Akova, Bedrettin

2015-01-01

AIM: To evaluate if static stretching influences peak and end-range functional hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratios in elite women athletes. METHODS: Eleven healthy female athletes in an elite competitive level participated to the study. All the participants fulfilled the static stretching or non-stretching (control) intervention protocol in a randomized design on different days. Two static unassisted stretching exercises, one in standing and one in sitting position, were used to stretch both the hamstring and quadriceps muscles during these protocols. The total time for the static stretching was 6 ± 1 min. The isokinetic peak torque measurements for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in eccentric and concentric modes and the calculations for the functional H/Q strength ratios at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s were made before (pre) and after (post) the control or stretching intervention. The strength measurements and functional strength ratio calculations were based during the entire- and end-range of knee extension. RESULTS: The pre-test scores for quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and end range values were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Subsequently, although the control group did not exhibit significant changes in quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength (P > 0.05), static stretching decreased eccentric and concentric quadriceps muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds (P < 0.01). Similarly, static stretching also decreased eccentric and concentric hamstring muscle strength at both the 60°/s and 180°/s test speeds (P < 0.01). On the other hand, when the functional H/Q strength ratios were taken into consideration, the pre-intervention values were not significant different between the groups both during the entire and end range of knee extension (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the functional H/Q strength ratios exhibited no significant alterations during the entire and end ranges of knee extension both in the static stretching or the control intervention (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our results, static stretching routine does not influence functional H/Q ratio. Athletes can confidently perform static stretching during their warm-up routines. PMID:26495249

Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Written Sentence Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caplan, David

2004-01-01

Sentences convey relationships between the meanings of words, such as who is accomplishing an action or receiving it. Functional neuroimaging based on positron-emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to identify areas of the brain involved in structuring sentences and determining aspects of meaning associated…

Costs and utilization of end-stage glaucoma patients receiving visual rehabilitation care: a US multisite retrospective study.

PubMed

Gieser, David K; Tracy Williams, R; O'Connell, William; Pasquale, Louis R; Rosenthal, Bruce P; Walt, John G; Katz, Laura M; Siegartel, Lisa R; Wang, Lujing; Rosenblatt, Lisa C; Stern, Lee S; Doyle, John J

2006-10-01

Glaucoma is a prevalent ophthalmologic disease and leading cause of blindness. A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate resources and costs for end-stage glaucoma patients receiving visual rehabilitation care (VRC). A chart review was conducted in 3 United States VRC centers. Charts of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma as the primary cause of vision loss (1998 to 2003) were selected, yielding 81 records. Data were collected from patient-level billing and reimbursement records (ophthalmologist/optometrist visits, glaucoma medications, procedures, and specialized low-vision and glaucoma-related services). Visual rehabilitation services included utilization of low-vision devices, assessment of daily functioning, orientation and mobility training, and patient counseling. Mean age at baseline was 72.7 years [standard deviation (SD)=17.2, range: 29 to 95]. Of those with known sex (n=77), 55.8% were women. Medicare was the payer type for most patients (59.3%), whereas 20% had Medicaid. Mean number of visits was 7.1 (SD=6.1) in year 1 and 3.7 (SD=4.2) in year 2, for an annual mean of 5.4 (SD=5.0) visits overall. Total mean cost per patient in year 1 was greater than year 2 [$2170 (SD=$2252) vs. $1202 (SD=$1080), respectively]; of the total 2-year costs, 15% were VRC, 37% ophthalmology care, and 48% pharmacy. Analysis of nonpharmacy costs revealed that VRC accounted for 28% and ophthalmology for 72%. End-stage glaucoma is associated with appreciable resource utilization and costs, because of both vision rehabilitation and ophthalmology care. Advanced primary open-angle glaucoma has a substantial cost-of-illness, warranting improved management in early stages of disease.

Catheter-Based Radiorefrequency Renal Denervation Lowers Blood Pressure in Obese Hypertensive Dogs

PubMed Central

Henegar, Jeffrey R.; Zhang, Yongxing; Rama, Rita De; Hata, Cary; Hall, Michael E.

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND Obesity-induced hypertension appears to be due, in part, to increased renal sympathetic activity. Catheter-based renal denervation (RD) has been reported to lower arterial blood pressure (BP) in humans with resistant hypertension, many of whom are obese. This study was performed to assess the impact of radiofrequency–induced RD on renal function, BP, renal norepinephrine (NE), and histology of nerves along the renal artery in obese, hypertensive dogs, an experimental model that closely mimics cardiorenal and metabolic changes in obese hypertensive humans. METHODS After control measurements of cardiovascular and renal function were obtained in obese dogs fed a high-fat diet, bilateral RD was performed using the St. Jude Medical EnligHTN RD system. After RD, BP was measured continuously for 8 weeks, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured biweekly for 6 weeks. At the end of the study, renal arteries were collected for histological analysis, and kidneys were obtained for NE measurement. RESULTS Eight weeks after RD, systolic BP fell from 157±5mm Hg pre-RD to 133±3mm Hg (P < 0.01), and mean arterial pressure decreased by 9mm Hg compared with pre-RD (P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in GFR. Renal nerve injury was most prevalent 0.28–3.5mm from the renal artery lumen. RD caused injury in 46% of the renal nerves observed and reduced renal tissue NE by 42% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Catheter-based RD with the St. Jude Medical EnligHTN system lowers BP in obese dogs without significantly compromising renal function. PMID:24709437

ELECTRONIC INTEGRATING CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Englemann, R.H.

1963-08-20

An electronic integrating circuit using a transistor with a capacitor connected between the emitter and collector through which the capacitor discharges at a rate proportional to the input current at the base is described. Means are provided for biasing the base with an operating bias and for applying a voltage pulse to the capacitor for charging to an initial voltage. A current dividing diode is connected between the base and emitter of the transistor, and signal input terminal means are coupled to the juncture of the capacitor and emitter and to the base of the transistor. At the end of the integration period, the residual voltage on said capacitor is less by an amount proportional to the integral of the input signal. Either continuous or intermittent periods of integration are provided. (AEC)

Medical Machiavellianism: the tradeoff between benefit and harm with targeted chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Oronsky, Bryan; Carter, Corey; Scicinska, Anna; Oronsky, Arnold; Oronsky, Neil; Lybeck, Michelle; Scicinski, Jan

2016-01-01

Machiavellianism is a word synonymous with the phrase “the end justifies the means”, and in this article we have coined the term Medical Machiavellianism to describe the ‘cruel-to-be-kind’ administration of toxic chemotherapeutic agents in apparent violation of the precept first do no harm, while acknowledging the ‘dirty hands’ dilemma of having to decide between and choose the lesser of two evils in the setting of advanced cancer—i.e. to treat or not to treat. The perception that ‘targeted’ therapies are relatively non-toxic and therefore respect the Hippocratic First Commandment by virtue of their narrow selectivity is belied by their often inherent promiscuity, addressing multiple targets either inadvertently or deliberately, which may result in multiple side effects. The remarkable success of immunotherapy may have taken the bloom off the ‘targeted agent’ rose, however due to a lack of other approved treatment alternatives the toxicity of these agents may be overlooked or, at least, undervalued, especially given that the official measure of treatment success in oncology is overall survival (OS), not quality-of-life improvements. By analogy with the MACH-IV personality survey (1970), [1] which measures high and low Machiavellian orientation, we have defined in this article a rudimentary MACH scale for selected targeted chemotherapies, based on the means-to-ends ratio of toxicity and benefit. It is our hope that this comparison between targeted agents will itself function as a means to an end—to help oncologists strike the right balance between efficacy, toxicity and quality of life in the management of their patients. PMID:26814434

Outcome of renal transplantation in patients with diabetic nephropathy -- a single-center experience.

PubMed

Kute, Vivek B; Vanikar, Aruna V; Trivedi, Hargovind L; Shah, Pankaj R; Goplani, Kamal R; Gumber, Manoj R; Patel, Himanshu V; Godara, Suraj M; Modi, Pranjal R; Shah, Veena R

2011-06-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is the commonest cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Data scarcity on renal transplantation (RTx) outcome in diabetic nephropathy (DN) prompted us to review our experience. This retrospective single-center, 5-year study was undertaken to evaluate patient and graft survival and function, evaluated by serum creatinine (SCr), rejection episodes, and mortality in patients. One hundred type 2 DM-ESRD patients underwent RTx [80 living-related (LRD), 20 deceased donor (DD)] at our center following cardiac fitness of recipient. Post-transplant immunosuppression consisted of calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen. The mean donor age in the LRD group was 40.6 years and 52 years in the DD group. Male recipients constituted 95% in the LRD and 65% in the DD group. Over a mean follow-up of 2.47 years, 1- and 5-year patient/graft survival in LRDRTx was 85.1%/95.9% and 82.6%/95.9%, respectively, and mean SCr (in mg/dl) at 1 and 5 years was 1.38 and 1.58 mg/dl, respectively, with 20% of cases developing acute rejection (AR) episodes. Fifteen percent of patients died, mainly due to infections, and 1.3% died of coronary artery disease (CAD). In DDRTx, over a mean follow-up of 3.17 years, 1- and 4-year patient/graft survival was 72%/89.7% and 54%/89.7%, respectively; mean SCr at 1 and 4 years was 1.40 and 1.75 mg/dl, respectively, with 20% of cases developing AR episodes. Totally, 30% of patients were lost, mainly due to infections, and 10% of patients died from cerebrovascular events. In our center, in patients with RTx for type 2 DM diabetic nephropathy, the 4- and 5-year patient and graft survival rates and graft function can be considered acceptable. The results are better in LRDRTx than in DDRTx patients.

Communication practices in physician decision-making for an unstable critically ill patient with end-stage cancer.

PubMed

Mohan, Deepika; Alexander, Stewart C; Garrigues, Sarah K; Arnold, Robert M; Barnato, Amber E

2010-08-01

Shared decision-making has become the standard of care for most medical treatments. However, little is known about physician communication practices in the decision making for unstable critically ill patients with known end-stage disease. To describe communication practices of physicians making treatment decisions for unstable critically ill patients with end-stage cancer, using the framework of shared decision-making. Analysis of audiotaped encounters between physicians and a standardized patient, in a high-fidelity simulation scenario, to identify best practice communication behaviors. The simulation depicted a 78-year-old man with metastatic gastric cancer, life-threatening hypoxia, and stable preferences to avoid intensive care unit (ICU) admission and intubation. Blinded coders assessed the encounters for verbal communication behaviors associated with handling emotions and discussion of end-of-life goals. We calculated a score for skill at handling emotions (0-6) and at discussing end of life goals (0-16). Twenty-seven hospital-based physicians. Independent variables included physician demographics and communication behaviors. We used treatment decisions (ICU admission and initiation of palliation) as a proxy for accurate identification of patient preferences. Eight physicians admitted the patient to the ICU, and 16 initiated palliation. Physicians varied, but on average demonstrated low skill at handling emotions (mean, 0.7) and moderate skill at discussing end-of-life goals (mean, 7.4). We found that skill at discussing end-of-life goals was associated with initiation of palliation (p = 0.04). It is possible to analyze the decision making of physicians managing unstable critically ill patients with end-stage cancer using the framework of shared decision-making.

Ethics and choosing appropriate means to an end: problems with coal mine and nuclear workplace safety.

PubMed

Shrader-Frechette, Kristin; Cooke, Roger

2004-02-01

A common problem in ethics is that people often desire an end but fail to take the means necessary to achieve it. Employers and employees may desire the safety end mandated by performance standards for pollution control, but they may fail to employ the means, specification standards, necessary to achieve this end. This article argues that current (de jure) performance standards, for lowering employee exposures to ionizing radiation, fail to promote de facto worker welfare, in part because employers and employees do not follow the necessary means (practices known as specification standards) to achieve the end (performance standards) of workplace safety. To support this conclusion, the article argues that (1) safety requires attention to specification, as well as performance, standards; (2) coal-mine specification standards may fail to promote performance standards; (3) nuclear workplace standards may do the same; (4) choosing appropriate means to the end of safety requires attention to the ways uncertainties and variations in exposure may mask violations of standards; and (5) correcting regulatory inattention to differences between de jure and de facto is necessary for achievement of ethical goals for safety.

Fuel system for rotary distributor fuel injection pump

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

Klopfer, K.H.; Kelly, W.W.

1993-06-01

In a fuel injection pump having a drive shaft, a pump rotor driven by the drive shaft, reciprocating pumping means with periodic intake and pumping strokes to periodically receive an intake charge of fuel and deliver fuel at high pressure for fuel injection is described; a distributor head with a plurality of angularly spaced distributor outlets, the pump rotor providing a distributor rotor with a distributor port connected to the pumping means, the distributor rotor being rotatably mounted in the distributor head for sequential registration of the distributor port with the distributor outlets for distributing said high pressure delivery ofmore » fuel thereto; a fuel system for supplying fuel to the pumping means, having an end chamber at one end of the pump rotor and a fuel supply pump driven by the drive shaft and having an inlet and outlet, the supply pump outlet being connected to the end chamber for supplying fuel thereto, and a pressure regulator for regulating the fuel pressure in the end chamber; and a control valve connected between the pumping means and the end chamber and selectively opened during the intake strokes to supply fuel to the pumping means from the end chamber and during the pumping strokes to spill fuel from the pumping means into the end chamber to terminate said high pressure delivery of fuel; the improvement wherein the fuel system comprises a fuel return passage connected in series with the end chamber downstream thereof, wherein the pressure regulator is mounted in the return passage for regulating the upstream fuel pressure, including the upstream fuel pressure within the end chamber, and is connected for conducting excess fuel for return to the supply pump inlet, and wherein the supply pump is driven by the drive shaft to supply fuel at a rate exceeding the rate of said high pressure delivery of fuel for fuel injection and to provide excess fuel flow continuously through the end chamber and return passage to the pressure regulator.« less

Respiratory symptoms and lung functional impairments associated with occupational exposure to asphalt fumes.

PubMed

Neghab, M; Zare Derisi, F; Hassanzadeh, J

2015-04-01

Controversy exists as to the potential of asphalt fumes to induce respiratory symptoms and lung functional impairments. To examine the respiratory effects, if any, of occupational inhalation exposure to asphalt fumes. In this cross-sectional study, 74 asphalt workers and 110 unexposed employees were investigated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among subjects was investigated by a standard questionnaire. Additionally, the parameters of pulmonary function were measured both, prior to exposure and at the end of work-shift. Furthermore, to assess the extent to which workers were exposed to asphalt fumes, total particulate and the benzene-soluble fraction were measured in different worksites. The mean levels of exposure to total particulate and benzene-soluble fraction in asphalt fumes were estimated to be 0.9 (SD 0.2) and 0.3 (SD 0.1) mg/m^3, respectively. Mean values of FEV1, both prior to the exposure (89.58% [SD 18.69%] predicted value) and at the end of shift (85.38% [SD 19.4%]), were significantly (p<0.05) smaller than those of the comparison subjects (93.88% [SD 13.93%]). Similarly, pre-shift (87.05 [SD 8.57]) and postexposure (89.95 [SD 6.85]) FEV1/FVC ratio were both significantly (p<0.01) lower than those of the unexposed employees (107.56 [SD 9.64]). Moreover, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing in exposed employees were 41% and 42%, respectively. The corresponding values for comparison subjects were 10.0% and 3.6%, respectively (p<0.001). The pattern of changes in parameters of lung function in asphalt workers was consistent with that of chronic obstructive lung disease. Significant decrements in the parameters of pulmonary function as well as, a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in asphalt paving workers compared to their unexposed counterparts provided evidence in favor of a significant association between exposure to asphalt fumes and lung function impairments.

[The repercussions of pulmonary congestion on ventilatory volumes, capacities and flows].

PubMed

Carmo, M M; Ferreira, T; Lousada, N; Bárbara, C; Neves, P R; Correia, J M; Rendas, A B

1994-10-01

To evaluate the effects of pulmonary congestion on pulmonary function. Prospective study performed in patients with left ventricular failure or mitral stenosis. Forty-eight hospitalized patients were included suffering from pulmonary congestion either from left ventricular failure or mitral stenosis. While in hospital all patients were submitted to right heart catheterization by the Swan-Ganz method and also to an echocardiographic examination. Within 48 hours after the patients were submitted to the following lung function studies: lung volumes and capacities by the multi-breath helium dilution method and airway flows by pneumotachography. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated by the Medical Research Council Questionnaire and the functional class classified according to the NYHA. Correlations were made between the functional and clinical data. Regarding the cardiac evaluation patients presented with a mean pulmonary wedge pressure of 19.9 +/- 8.6 mmHg, a cardiac index of 2.5 +/- 0.8 l/min/m2, an end diastolic dimension of the left ventricle of 65.9 +/- 10.1 mm, and end systolic dimension of 51.2 +/- 12.2 mm, with a shortening fraction of 21.8 +/- 9.5%. The pulmonary evaluation showed a restrictive syndrome with a reduction in the mean values of the following parameters: total pulmonary capacity 71 +/- 14.4% of the predicted value (pv), forced vital capacity (FVC) 69.8 +/- 20.5% pv, and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 64 +/- 21.8% vp. The index FEV1/FVC was within the normal value of 72.7 +/- 9.7%. These lung function results did not correlate significantly with either the clinical, the hemodynamic or echocardiographic findings. In these group of patients pulmonary congestion led to the development of a restrictive syndrome which failed to correlate in severity with the duration of the disease, the pulmonary wedge pressure and the left ventricular function.

Controlled Interactions between Two Dimensional Layered Inorganic Nanosheets and Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-15

with end-functionalized polymers . First, an end-functionalized polymer with conjugated end-molecule, pyrene, is successfully employed to boron... polymers . First, an end-functionalized polymer with conjugated end-molecule, pyrenes, is successfully employed to boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), and...AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0071 Controlled Interactions between Two Dimensional Layered Inorganic Nanosheets and Polymers Cheolmin Park YONSEI UNIVERSITY

Impact of Preeclampsia on Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Women With Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Lindley, Kathryn J; Conner, Shayna N; Cahill, Alison G; Novak, Eric; Mann, Douglas L

2017-06-01

Preeclampsia is a risk factor for the development of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), but it is unknown whether preeclampsia impacts clinical or left ventricular (LV) functional outcomes. This study sought to assess clinical and functional outcomes in women with PPCM complicated by preeclampsia. This retrospective cohort study included women diagnosed with PPCM delivering at Barnes-Jewish Hospital between 2004 to 2014. The primary outcome was one-year event-free survival rate for the combined end point of death and hospital readmission. The secondary outcome was recovery of LV ejection fraction. Seventeen of 39 women (44%) with PPCM had preeclampsia. The groups had similar mean LV ejection fraction at diagnosis (29.6 with versus 27.3 without preeclampsia; P =0.5). Women with preeclampsia had smaller mean LV end-diastolic diameters (5.2 versus 6.0 cm; P =0.001), greater relative wall thickness (0.41 versus 0.35 mm Hg; P =0.009), and lower incidence of eccentric remodeling (12% versus 48%; P =0.03). Clinical follow-up was available for 32 women; 5 died of cardiovascular complications within 1 year of diagnosis (4/15 with versus 1/17 without preeclampsia; P =0.16). In time to event analysis, patients with preeclampsia had worse event-free survival during 1-year follow-up ( P =0.047). Echocardiographic follow-up was available in 10 survivors with and 16 without preeclampsia. LV ejection fraction recovered in 80% of survivors with versus 25% without preeclampsia ( P =0.014). PPCM with concomitant preeclampsia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and different patterns of LV remodeling and recovery of LV function when compared with patients with PPCM that is not complicated by preeclampsia. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Functional Image-Guided Radiotherapy Planning in Respiratory-Gated Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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

Kimura, Tomoki, E-mail: tkkimura@hiroshima-u.ac.jp; Nishibuchi, Ikuno; Murakami, Yuji

2012-03-15

Purpose: To investigate the incorporation of functional lung image-derived low attenuation area (LAA) based on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) into respiratory-gated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in treatment planning for lung cancer patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods and Materials: Eight lung cancer patients with COPD were the subjects of this study. LAA was generated from 4D-CT data sets according to CT values of less than than -860 Hounsfield units (HU) as a threshold. The functional lung image was defined as the area where LAA was excluded from the image of the total lung.more » Two respiratory-gated radiotherapy plans (70 Gy/35 fractions) were designed and compared in each patient as follows: Plan A was an anatomical IMRT or VMAT plan based on the total lung; Plan F was a functional IMRT or VMAT plan based on the functional lung. Dosimetric parameters (percentage of total lung volume irradiated with {>=}20 Gy [V20], and mean dose of total lung [MLD]) of the two plans were compared. Results: V20 was lower in Plan F than in Plan A (mean 1.5%, p = 0.025 in IMRT, mean 1.6%, p = 0.044 in VMAT) achieved by a reduction in MLD (mean 0.23 Gy, p = 0.083 in IMRT, mean 0.5 Gy, p = 0.042 in VMAT). No differences were noted in target volume coverage and organ-at-risk doses. Conclusions: Functional IGRT planning based on LAA in respiratory-guided IMRT or VMAT appears to be effective in preserving a functional lung in lung cancer patients with COPD.« less

Palisade endings and proprioception in extraocular muscles: a comparison with skeletal muscles.

PubMed

Lienbacher, Karoline; Horn, Anja K E

2012-12-01

This article describes current views on motor and sensory control of extraocular muscles (EOMs) based on anatomical data. The special morphology of EOMs, including their motor innervation, is described in comparison to classical skeletal limb and trunk muscles. The presence of proprioceptive organs is reviewed with emphasis on the palisade endings (PEs), which are unique to EOMs, but the function of which is still debated. In consideration of the current new anatomical data about the location of cell bodies of PEs, a hypothesis on the function of PEs in EOMs and the multiply innervated muscle fibres they are attached to is put forward.

Sequence and Temperature Dependence of the End-to-End Collision Dynamics of Single-Stranded DNA

PubMed Central

Uzawa, Takanori; Isoshima, Takashi; Ito, Yoshihiro; Ishimori, Koichiro; Makarov, Dmitrii E.; Plaxco, Kevin W.

2013-01-01

Intramolecular collision dynamics play an essential role in biomolecular folding and function and, increasingly, in the performance of biomimetic technologies. To date, however, the quantitative studies of dynamics of single-stranded nucleic acids have been limited. Thus motivated, here we investigate the sequence composition, chain-length, viscosity, and temperature dependencies of the end-to-end collision dynamics of single-stranded DNAs. We find that both the absolute collision rate and the temperature dependencies of these dynamics are base-composition dependent, suggesting that base stacking interactions are a significant contributor. For example, whereas the end-to-end collision dynamics of poly-thymine exhibit simple, linear Arrhenius behavior, the behavior of longer poly-adenine constructs is more complicated. Specifically, 20- and 25-adenine constructs exhibit biphasic temperature dependencies, with their temperature dependences becoming effectively indistinguishable from that of poly-thymine above 335 K for 20-adenines and 328 K for 25-adenines. The differing Arrhenius behaviors of poly-thymine and poly-adenine and the chain-length dependence of the temperature at which poly-adenine crosses over to behave like poly-thymine can be explained by a barrier friction mechanism in which, at low temperatures, the energy barrier for the local rearrangement of poly-adenine becomes the dominant contributor to its end-to-end collision dynamics. PMID:23746521

Dietary Toxicity Thresholds and Ecological Risks for Birds and Mammals Based on Species Sensitivity Distributions.

PubMed

Korsman, John C; Schipper, Aafke M; Hendriks, A Jan

2016-10-04

Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) are commonly used in regulatory procedures and ecological risk assessments. Yet, most toxicity threshold and risk assessment studies are based on invertebrates and fish. In the present study, no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) specific to birds and mammals were used to derive SSDs and corresponding hazardous concentrations for 5% of the species (HC5 values). This was done for 41 individual substances as well as for subsets of substances aggregated based on their toxic Mode of Action (MoA). In addition, potential differences in SSD parameters (mean and standard deviation) were investigated in relation to MoA and end point (growth, reproduction, and survival). The means of neurotoxic and respirotoxic compounds were significantly lower than those of narcotics, whereas no differences were found between end points. The standard deviations of the SSDs were similar across MoA's and end points. Finally, the SSDs obtained were used in a case study by calculating Ecological Risks (ER) and multisubstance Potentially Affected Fractions of species (msPAF) based on 19 chemicals in 10 Northwestern European estuaries and coastal areas. The assessment showed that the risks were all below 2.6 × 10 -2 . However, the calculated risks underestimate the actual risks of chemicals in these areas because the potential impacts of substances that were not measured in the field or for which no SSD was available were not included in the risk assessment. The SSDs obtained can be used in regulatory procedures and for assessing the impacts of contaminants on birds and mammals from fish contaminants monitoring programs.

Intracorporeal reconstruction after laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer: a hybrid technique using linear stapler and manual suturing.

PubMed

Koeda, Keisuke; Chiba, Takehiro; Noda, Hironobu; Nishinari, Yutaka; Segawa, Takenori; Akiyama, Yuji; Iwaya, Takeshi; Nishizuka, Satoshi; Nitta, Hiroyuki; Otsuka, Koki; Sasaki, Akira

2016-05-01

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy has been increasingly reported as a treatment for early gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach because of its low invasiveness and preservation of pyloric function. Advantages of a totally laparoscopic approach to distal gastrectomy, including small wound size, minimal invasiveness, and safe anastomosis, have been recently reported. Here, we introduce a new procedure for intracorporeal gastro-gastrostomy combined with totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG). The stomach is transected after sufficient lymphadenectomy with preservation of infrapyloric vessels and vagal nerves. The proximal stomach is first transected near the Demel line, and the distal side is transected 4 to 5 cm from the pyloric ring. To create end-to-end gastro-gastrostomy, the posterior wall of the anastomosis is stapled with a linear stapler and the anterior wall is made by manual suturing intracorporeally. We retrospectively assessed the postoperative surgical outcomes via medical records. The primary endpoint in the present study is safety. Sixteen patients underwent TLPPG with intracorporeal reconstruction. All procedures were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications. The mean operative time was 275 min, with mean blood loss of 21 g. With the exception of one patient who had gastric stasis, 15 patients were discharged uneventfully between postoperative days 8 and 11. Our novel hybrid technique for totally intracorporeal end-to-end anastomosis was performed safely without mini-laparotomy. This technique requires prospective validation.

On one-dimensional stretching functions for finite-difference calculations. [computational fluid dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vinokur, M.

1979-01-01

The class of one-dimensional stretching functions used in finite-difference calculations is studied. For solutions containing a highly localized region of rapid variation, simple criteria for a stretching function are derived using a truncation error analysis. These criteria are used to investigate two types of stretching functions. One is an interior stretching function, for which the location and slope of an interior clustering region are specified. The simplest such function satisfying the criteria is found to be one based on the inverse hyperbolic sine. The other type of function is a two-sided stretching function, for which the arbitrary slopes at the two ends of the one-dimensional interval are specified. The simplest such general function is found to be one based on the inverse tangent.

Reducing measurement errors during functional capacity tests in elders.

PubMed

da Silva, Mariane Eichendorf; Orssatto, Lucas Bet da Rosa; Bezerra, Ewertton de Souza; Silva, Diego Augusto Santos; Moura, Bruno Monteiro de; Diefenthaeler, Fernando; Freitas, Cíntia de la Rocha

2018-06-01

Accuracy is essential to the validity of functional capacity measurements. To evaluate the error of measurement of functional capacity tests for elders and suggest the use of the technical error of measurement and credibility coefficient. Twenty elders (65.8 ± 4.5 years) completed six functional capacity tests that were simultaneously filmed and timed by four evaluators by means of a chronometer. A fifth evaluator timed the tests by analyzing the videos (reference data). The means of most evaluators for most tests were different from the reference (p < 0.05), except for two evaluators for two different tests. There were different technical error of measurement between tests and evaluators. The Bland-Altman test showed difference in the concordance of the results between methods. Short duration tests showed higher technical error of measurement than longer tests. In summary, tests timed by a chronometer underestimate the real results of the functional capacity. Difference between evaluators' reaction time and perception to determine the start and the end of the tests would justify the errors of measurement. Calculation of the technical error of measurement or the use of the camera can increase data validity.

Weight loss improves biomarkers endothelial function and systemic inflammation in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

PubMed

Abd El-Kader, Shehab Mahmoud; Saiem Al-Dahr, Mohammed H

2016-06-01

Although postmenopausal associated disorders are important public health problems worldwide, to date limited studies evaluated the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal women. This study was done to evaluate the endothelial function and systemic inflammation response to weight loss in obese postmenopausal Saudi women. Eighty postmenopausal obese Saudi women (mean age 52.64±6.13 year) participated in two groups: Group (A) received aerobic exercise on treadmill and diet whereas, group (B) received no intervention. Markers of inflammation and endothelial function were measured before and after 3 months at the end of the study. The values of body mass index(BMI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1:Ac) were significantly decreased in group (A), while changes were not significant in group (B). Also, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) after treatment. Weight loss ameliorates inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial function in obese postmenopausal Saudi women.

7 CFR 993.97 - Exhibit A; minimum standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... condition; (3) end cracks; (4) fermentation; (5) skin or flesh damage; (6) scab; (7) burned; (8) mold; (9... substantially affected. (3) End cracks means callous growth cracks, at the blossom end of prunes, aggregating... flavor is substantially affected. (5) Skin or flesh damage means growth cracks, splits, breaks in skin or...

17 CFR 230.498 - Summary Prospectuses for open-end management investment companies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...-end management investment companies. 230.498 Section 230.498 Commodity and Securities Exchanges... management investment companies. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section: (1) Class means a class of... reliance on an exemptive rule adopted by the Commission. (3) Fund means an open-end management investment...

Novel On-wafer Radiation Pattern Measurement Technique for MEMS Actuator Based Reconfigurable Patch Antennas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N.

2002-01-01

The paper presents a novel on-wafer, antenna far field pattern measurement technique for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based reconfigurable patch antennas. The measurement technique significantly reduces the time and the cost associated with the characterization of printed antennas, fabricated on a semiconductor wafer or dielectric substrate. To measure the radiation patterns, the RF probe station is modified to accommodate an open-ended rectangular waveguide as the rotating linearly polarized sampling antenna. The open-ended waveguide is attached through a coaxial rotary joint to a Plexiglas(Trademark) arm and is driven along an arc by a stepper motor. Thus, the spinning open-ended waveguide can sample the relative field intensity of the patch as a function of the angle from bore sight. The experimental results include the measured linearly polarized and circularly polarized radiation patterns for MEMS-based frequency reconfigurable rectangular and polarization reconfigurable nearly square patch antennas, respectively.

A theoretical study of colloidal forces near an amphiphilic polymer brush

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianzhong

2011-03-01

Polymer-based ``non-stick'' coatings are promising as the next generation of effective, environmentally-friendly marine antifouling systems that minimize nonspecific adsorption of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). However, design and development of such systems are impeded by the poor knowledge of polymer-mediated interactions of biomacromolecules with the protected substrate. In this work, a polymer density functional theory (DFT) is used to predict the potential of mean force between spherical biomacromolecules and amphiphilic copolymer brushes within a coarse-grained model that captures essential nonspecific interactions such as the molecular excluded volume effects and the hydrophobic energies. The relevance of theoretical results for practical control of the EPS adsorption is discussed in terms of the efficiency of different brush configurations to prevent biofouling. It is shown that the most effective antifouling surface may be accomplished by using amphiphilic brushes with a long hydrophilic backbone and a hydrophobic end at moderate grafting density.

Are synthetic scaffolds suitable for the development of clinical tissue-engineered tubular organs?

PubMed

Del Gaudio, Costantino; Baiguera, Silvia; Ajalloueian, Fatemeh; Bianco, Alessandra; Macchiarini, Paolo

2014-07-01

Transplantation of tissues and organs is currently the only available treatment for patients with end-stage diseases. However, its feasibility is limited by the chronic shortage of suitable donors, the need for life-long immunosuppression, and by socioeconomical and religious concerns. Recently, tissue engineering has garnered interest as a means to generate cell-seeded three-dimensional scaffolds that could replace diseased organs without requiring immunosuppression. Using a regenerative approach, scaffolds made by synthetic, nonimmunogenic, and biocompatible materials have been developed and successfully clinically implanted. This strategy, based on a viable and ready-to-use bioengineered scaffold, able to promote novel tissue formation, favoring cell adhesion and proliferation, could become a reliable alternative to allotransplatation in the next future. In this article, tissue-engineered synthetic substitutes for tubular organs (such as trachea, esophagus, bile ducts, and bowel) are reviewed, including a discussion on their morphological and functional properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Critical Landau Velocity in Helium Nanodroplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauer, Nils B.; Smolarek, Szymon; Loginov, Evgeniy; Mateo, David; Hernando, Alberto; Pi, Marti; Barranco, Manuel; Buma, Wybren J.; Drabbels, Marcel

2013-10-01

The best-known property of superfluid helium is the vanishing viscosity that objects experience while moving through the liquid with speeds below the so-called critical Landau velocity. This critical velocity is generally considered a macroscopic property as it is related to the collective excitations of the helium atoms in the liquid. In the present work we determine to what extent this concept can still be applied to nanometer-scale, finite size helium systems. To this end, atoms and molecules embedded in helium nanodroplets of various sizes are accelerated out of the droplets by means of optical excitation, and the speed distributions of the ejected particles are determined. The measurements reveal the existence of a critical velocity in these systems, even for nanodroplets consisting of only a thousand helium atoms. Accompanying theoretical simulations based on a time-dependent density functional description of the helium confirm and further elucidate this experimental finding.

Low-Temperature Crystal Structures of the Hard Core Square Shoulder Model.

PubMed

Gabriëlse, Alexander; Löwen, Hartmut; Smallenburg, Frank

2017-11-07

In many cases, the stability of complex structures in colloidal systems is enhanced by a competition between different length scales. Inspired by recent experiments on nanoparticles coated with polymers, we use Monte Carlo simulations to explore the types of crystal structures that can form in a simple hard-core square shoulder model that explicitly incorporates two favored distances between the particles. To this end, we combine Monte Carlo-based crystal structure finding algorithms with free energies obtained using a mean-field cell theory approach, and draw phase diagrams for two different values of the square shoulder width as a function of the density and temperature. Moreover, we map out the zero-temperature phase diagram for a broad range of shoulder widths. Our results show the stability of a rich variety of crystal phases, such as body-centered orthogonal (BCO) lattices not previously considered for the square shoulder model.

Sol-Gel-Based Titania-Silica Thin Film Overlay for Long Period Fiber Grating-Based Biosensors.

PubMed

Chiavaioli, Francesco; Biswas, Palas; Trono, Cosimo; Jana, Sunirmal; Bandyopadhyay, Somnath; Basumallick, Nandini; Giannetti, Ambra; Tombelli, Sara; Bera, Susanta; Mallick, Aparajita; Baldini, Francesco

2015-12-15

An evanescent wave optical fiber biosensor based on titania-silica-coated long period grating (LPG) is presented. The chemical overlay, which increases the refractive index (RI) sensitivity of the sensor, consists of a sol-gel-based titania-silica thin film, deposited along the sensing portion of the fiber by means of the dip-coating technique. Changing both the sol viscosity and the withdrawal speed during the dip-coating made it possible to adjust the thickness of the film overlay, which is a crucial parameter for the sensor performance. After the functionalization of the fiber surface using a methacrylic acid/methacrylate copolymer, an antibody/antigen (IgG/anti-IgG) assay was carried out to assess the performance of sol-gel based titania-silica-coated LPGs as biosensors. The analyte concentration was determined from the wavelength shift at the end of the binding process and from the initial binding rate. This is the first time that a sol-gel based titania-silica-coated LPG is proposed as an effective and feasible label-free biosensor. The specificity of the sensor was validated by performing the same model assay after spiking anti-IgG into human serum. With this structured LPG, detection limits of the order of tens of micrograms per liter (10(-11) M) are attained.

Highly selective luminescent nanostructures for mitochondrial imaging and targeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fanizza, E.; Iacobazzi, R. M.; Laquintana, V.; Valente, G.; Caliandro, G.; Striccoli, M.; Agostiano, A.; Cutrignelli, A.; Lopedota, A.; Curri, M. L.; Franco, M.; Depalo, N.; Denora, N.

2016-02-01

Here a luminescent hybrid nanostructure based on functionalized quantum dots (QDs) is used as a fluorescent imaging agent able to target selectively mitochondria thanks to the molecular recognition of the translocator protein (TSPO). The selective targeting of such an 18 kDa protein mainly located in the outer mitochondrial membrane and overexpressed in several pathological states including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers may provide valuable information for the early diagnosis and therapy of human disorders. In particular, the rational design of amino functionalized luminescent silica coated QD nanoparticles (QD@SiO2 NPs) provides a versatile nanoplatform to anchor a potent and selective TSPO ligand, characterized by a 2-phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine acetamide structure along with a derivatizable carboxylic end group, useful to conjugate the TSPO ligand and achieve TSPO-QD@SiO2 NPs by means of a covalent amide bond. The colloidal stability and optical properties of the proposed nanomaterials are comprehensively investigated and their potential as mitochondrial imaging agents is fully assessed. Sub-cellular fractionation, together with confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and co-localization analysis of targeted TSPO-QD@SiO2 NPs in C6 glioma cells overexpressing the TSPO, proves the great potential of these multifunctional nanosystems as in vitro selective mitochondrial imaging agents.Here a luminescent hybrid nanostructure based on functionalized quantum dots (QDs) is used as a fluorescent imaging agent able to target selectively mitochondria thanks to the molecular recognition of the translocator protein (TSPO). The selective targeting of such an 18 kDa protein mainly located in the outer mitochondrial membrane and overexpressed in several pathological states including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers may provide valuable information for the early diagnosis and therapy of human disorders. In particular, the rational design of amino functionalized luminescent silica coated QD nanoparticles (QD@SiO2 NPs) provides a versatile nanoplatform to anchor a potent and selective TSPO ligand, characterized by a 2-phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine acetamide structure along with a derivatizable carboxylic end group, useful to conjugate the TSPO ligand and achieve TSPO-QD@SiO2 NPs by means of a covalent amide bond. The colloidal stability and optical properties of the proposed nanomaterials are comprehensively investigated and their potential as mitochondrial imaging agents is fully assessed. Sub-cellular fractionation, together with confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy and co-localization analysis of targeted TSPO-QD@SiO2 NPs in C6 glioma cells overexpressing the TSPO, proves the great potential of these multifunctional nanosystems as in vitro selective mitochondrial imaging agents. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional TEM micrographs, fluorescence and UV-Vis absorbance spectra of silica coated QD nanoparticles and TSPO ligand. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08139d

Interview- and questionnaire-based surveys on elderly patients' wishes about artificial nutrition and hydration during end-of-life care.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro; Mori, Hiromi; Ishii, Masaki; Okamoto, Sohshi; Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi; Iijima, Setsu; Ogawa, Sumito; Ouchi, Yasuyoshi; Akishita, Masahiro

2016-11-01

To promote advance directives, it is crucial to understand how many older persons have wishes related to end-of-life care. Additionally, it is important to understand how cognitive function or mood affect these wishes. For the interview-based survey, 99 inpatients aged 75 years or older were enrolled after excluding patients with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 20 or less. For the questionnaire-based survey, 99 outpatients aged 75 years or older without dementia were enrolled. Both surveys comprised the same items on older patients' wishes related to artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) during end-of-life care. Of the total enrolled patients, 76.8% participated in the interviews. Of these, 50.0% were against ANH during their end-of-life care, including the patients who were definitely against ANH (26.3%). In contrast, just 5.3% wished to receive ANH. In the questionnaire survey, 65.6% of the respondents were against ANH, and 4.9% wished to receive ANH. Aging and Mini-Mental State Examination scores of less than 24 were significantly associated with a higher tendency to decline from participating in the interview. However, the distribution of the interview answers was not associated with age, Mini-Mental State Examination or Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Of the interviewed patients, 84.2% agreed to their responses being preserved in their medical records. Although the majority of the elderly patients were against ANH during end-of-life care, many patients did not have definite wishes in Japan. The percentage of those who were against ANH was not associated with cognitive function or depressive state. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1204-1210. © 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.

IGM CONSTRAINTS FROM THE SDSS-III/BOSS DR9 Lyα FOREST TRANSMISSION PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

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

Lee, Khee-Gan; Hennawi, Joseph F.; Spergel, David N.

2015-02-01

The Lyα forest transmission probability distribution function (PDF) is an established probe of the intergalactic medium (IGM) astrophysics, especially the temperature-density relationship of the IGM. We measure the transmission PDF from 3393 Baryon Oscillations Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) quasars from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 9, and compare with mock spectra that include careful modeling of the noise, continuum, and astrophysical uncertainties. The BOSS transmission PDFs, measured at (z) = [2.3, 2.6, 3.0], are compared with PDFs created from mock spectra drawn from a suite of hydrodynamical simulations that sample the IGM temperature-density relationship, γ, and temperature at mean density,more » T {sub 0}, where T(Δ) = T {sub 0}Δ{sup γ} {sup –} {sup 1}. We find that a significant population of partial Lyman-limit systems (LLSs) with a column-density distribution slope of β{sub pLLS} ∼ – 2 are required to explain the data at the low-transmission end of transmission PDF, while uncertainties in the mean Lyα forest transmission affect the high-transmission end. After modeling the LLSs and marginalizing over mean transmission uncertainties, we find that γ = 1.6 best describes the data over our entire redshift range, although constraints on T {sub 0} are affected by systematic uncertainties. Within our model framework, isothermal or inverted temperature-density relationships (γ ≤ 1) are disfavored at a significance of over 4σ, although this could be somewhat weakened by cosmological and astrophysical uncertainties that we did not model.« less

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Active-Reference, Double-Blind, Flexible-Dose Study of the Efficacy of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Function in Major Depressive Disorder

PubMed Central

Mahableshwarkar, Atul R; Zajecka, John; Jacobson, William; Chen, Yinzhong; Keefe, Richard SE

2015-01-01

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, active-referenced (duloxetine 60 mg), parallel-group study evaluated the short-term efficacy and safety of vortioxetine (10–20 mg) on cognitive function in adults (aged 18–65 years) diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) who self-reported cognitive dysfunction. Efficacy was evaluated using ANCOVA for the change from baseline to week 8 in the digit symbol substitution test (DSST)–number of correct symbols as the prespecified primary end point. The patient-reported perceived deficits questionnaire (PDQ) and physician-assessed clinical global impression (CGI) were analyzed in a prespecified hierarchical testing sequence as key secondary end points. Additional predefined end points included the objective performance-based University of San Diego performance-based skills assessment (UPSA) (ANCOVA) to measure functionality, MADRS (MMRM) to assess efficacy in depression, and a prespecified multiple regression analysis (path analysis) to calculate direct vs indirect effects of vortioxetine on cognitive function. Safety and tolerability were assessed at all visits. Vortioxetine was statistically superior to placebo on the DSST (P<0.05), PDQ (P<0.01), CGI-I (P<0.001), MADRS (P<0.05), and UPSA (P<0.001). Path analysis indicated that vortioxetine's cognitive benefit was primarily a direct treatment effect rather than due to alleviation of depressive symptoms. Duloxetine was not significantly different from placebo on the DSST or UPSA, but was superior to placebo on the PDQ, CGI-I, and MADRS. Common adverse events (incidence ⩾5%) for vortioxetine were nausea, headache, and diarrhea. In this study of MDD adults who self-reported cognitive dysfunction, vortioxetine significantly improved cognitive function, depression, and functionality and was generally well tolerated. PMID:25687662

Exact density functional theory for ideal polymer fluids with nearest neighbor bonding constraints.

PubMed

Woodward, Clifford E; Forsman, Jan

2008-08-07

We present a new density functional theory of ideal polymer fluids, assuming nearest-neighbor bonding constraints. The free energy functional is expressed in terms of end site densities of chain segments and thus has a simpler mathematical structure than previously used expressions using multipoint distributions. This work is based on a formalism proposed by Tripathi and Chapman [Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 087801 (2005)]. Those authors obtain an approximate free energy functional for ideal polymers in terms of monomer site densities. Calculations on both repulsive and attractive surfaces show that their theory is reasonably accurate in some cases, but does differ significantly from the exact result for longer polymers with attractive surfaces. We suggest that segment end site densities, rather than monomer site densities, are the preferred choice of "site functions" for expressing the free energy functional of polymer fluids. We illustrate the application of our theory to derive an expression for the free energy of an ideal fluid of infinitely long polymers.

An end to end secure CBIR over encrypted medical database.

PubMed

Bellafqira, Reda; Coatrieux, Gouenou; Bouslimi, Dalel; Quellec, Gwenole

2016-08-01

In this paper, we propose a new secure content based image retrieval (SCBIR) system adapted to the cloud framework. This solution allows a physician to retrieve images of similar content within an outsourced and encrypted image database, without decrypting them. Contrarily to actual CBIR approaches in the encrypted domain, the originality of the proposed scheme stands on the fact that the features extracted from the encrypted images are themselves encrypted. This is achieved by means of homomorphic encryption and two non-colluding servers, we however both consider as honest but curious. In that way an end to end secure CBIR process is ensured. Experimental results carried out on a diabetic retinopathy database encrypted with the Paillier cryptosystem indicate that our SCBIR achieves retrieval performance as good as if images were processed in their non-encrypted form.

Linear Static Behavior of Damaged Laminated Composite Plates and Shells

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

A mathematical scheme is proposed here to model a damaged mechanical configuration for laminated and sandwich structures. In particular, two kinds of functions defined in the reference domain of plates and shells are introduced to weaken their mechanical properties in terms of engineering constants: a two-dimensional Gaussian function and an ellipse shaped function. By varying the geometric parameters of these distributions, several damaged configurations are analyzed and investigated through a set of parametric studies. The effect of a progressive damage is studied in terms of displacement profiles and through-the-thickness variations of stress, strain, and displacement components. To this end, a posteriori recovery procedure based on the three-dimensional equilibrium equations for shell structures in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates is introduced. The theoretical framework for the two-dimensional shell model is based on a unified formulation able to study and compare several Higher-order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDTs), including Murakami’s function for the so-called zig-zag effect. Thus, various higher-order models are used and compared also to investigate the differences which can arise from the choice of the order of the kinematic expansion. Their ability to deal with several damaged configurations is analyzed as well. The paper can be placed also in the field of numerical analysis, since the solution to the static problem at issue is achieved by means of the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method, whose accuracy and stability are proven by a set of convergence analyses and by the comparison with the results obtained through a commercial finite element software. PMID:28773170

Can art therapy reduce death anxiety and burnout in end-of-life care workers? a quasi-experimental study.

PubMed

S Potash, Jordan; Hy Ho, Andy; Chan, Faye; Lu Wang, Xiao; Cheng, Carol

2014-05-01

The need for empathy and the difficulties of coping with mortality when caring for the dying and the bereaved can cause psychological, emotional, and spiritual strain. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of art-therapy-based supervision in reducing burnout and death anxiety among end-of-life care workers in Hong Kong. Through a quasi-experimental design, 69 participants enrolled in a 6-week, 18-hour art-therapy-based supervision group, and another 63 enrolled in a 3-day, 18-hour standard skills-based supervision group (n=132). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were carried out with three outcome measures: the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Death Attitude Profile-Revised. The data was analysed using paired sample t-tests. Significant reductions in exhaustion and death anxiety and significant increases in emotional awareness were observed for participants in the art-therapy-based supervision group. This study provides preliminary evidence that art-therapy-based supervision for end-of-life care workers can reduce burnout by enhancing emotional awareness and regulation, fostering meaning-making, and promoting reflection on death.

Renal Function and Outcomes With Use of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation and Inotropes in End-Stage Heart Failure: A Retrospective Single Center Study.

PubMed

Verma, Sean; Bassily, Emmanuel; Leighton, Shane; Mhaskar, Rahul; Sunjic, Igor; Martin, Angel; Rihana, Nancy; Jarmi, Tambi; Bassil, Claude

2017-07-01

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and inotrope therapy serve as a bridge to transplant (BTT) or as destination therapy in patients who are not heart transplant candidates. End-stage heart failure patients often have impaired renal function, and renal outcomes after LVAD therapy versus inotrope therapy have not been evaluated. In this study, 169 patients with continuous flow LVAD therapy and 20 patients with continuous intravenous inotrope therapy were analyzed. The two groups were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after LVAD or inotrope therapy was started. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), BTT rate, and mortality for 6 months following LVAD or inotrope therapy were studied. Results between the groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square with continuity correction or Fischer's exact at the significance level of 0.05. Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was not statistically different between the two groups, with P = 0.471, 0.429, and 0.847 at baseline, 3 and 6 months, respectively. The incidence of AKI, RRT, and BTT was not statistically different. Mortality was less in the inotrope group (P < 0.001). Intravenous inotrope therapy in end-stage heart failure patients is non-inferior for mortality, incidence of AKI, need for RRT, and renal function for 6-month follow-up when compared to LVAD therapy. Further studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of inotropes versus LVAD implantation on renal function and outcomes over a longer time period.

MUNDUS project: MUltimodal neuroprosthesis for daily upper limb support.

PubMed

Pedrocchi, Alessandra; Ferrante, Simona; Ambrosini, Emilia; Gandolla, Marta; Casellato, Claudia; Schauer, Thomas; Klauer, Christian; Pascual, Javier; Vidaurre, Carmen; Gföhler, Margit; Reichenfelser, Werner; Karner, Jakob; Micera, Silvestro; Crema, Andrea; Molteni, Franco; Rossini, Mauro; Palumbo, Giovanna; Guanziroli, Eleonora; Jedlitschka, Andreas; Hack, Marco; Bulgheroni, Maria; d'Amico, Enrico; Schenk, Peter; Zwicker, Sven; Duschau-Wicke, Alexander; Miseikis, Justinas; Graber, Lina; Ferrigno, Giancarlo

2013-07-03

MUNDUS is an assistive framework for recovering direct interaction capability of severely motor impaired people based on arm reaching and hand functions. It aims at achieving personalization, modularity and maximization of the user's direct involvement in assistive systems. To this, MUNDUS exploits any residual control of the end-user and can be adapted to the level of severity or to the progression of the disease allowing the user to voluntarily interact with the environment. MUNDUS target pathologies are high-level spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative and genetic neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The system can be alternatively driven by residual voluntary muscular activation, head/eye motion, and brain signals. MUNDUS modularly combines an antigravity lightweight and non-cumbersome exoskeleton, closed-loop controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for arm and hand motion, and potentially a motorized hand orthosis, for grasping interactive objects. The definition of the requirements and of the interaction tasks were designed by a focus group with experts and a questionnaire with 36 potential end-users. The functionality of all modules has been successfully demonstrated. User's intention was detected with a 100% success. Averaging all subjects and tasks, the minimum evaluation score obtained was 1.13 ± 0.99 for the release of the handle during the drinking task, whilst all the other sub-actions achieved a mean value above 1.6. All users, but one, subjectively perceived the usefulness of the assistance and could easily control the system. Donning time ranged from 6 to 65 minutes, scaled on the configuration complexity. The MUNDUS platform provides functional assistance to daily life activities; the modules integration depends on the user's need, the functionality of the system have been demonstrated for all the possible configurations, and preliminary assessment of usability and acceptance is promising.

"Anybody on this list that you're more worried about?" Qualitative analysis exploring the functions of questions during end of shift handoffs.

PubMed

O'Brien, Colleen M; Flanagan, Mindy E; Bergman, Alicia A; Ebright, Patricia R; Frankel, Richard M

2016-02-01

Shift change handoffs are known to be a point of vulnerability in the quality, safety and outcomes of healthcare. Despite numerous efforts to improve handoff reliability, few interventions have produced lasting change. Although the opportunity to ask questions during patient handoff has been required by some regulatory bodies, the function of questions during handoff has been less well explored and understood. To investigate questions and the functions they serve in nursing and medicine handoffs. Qualitative thematic analysis based on audio recordings of nurse-to-nurse, medical resident-to-resident and surgical intern-to-intern handoffs. Twenty-seven nurse handoff dyads and 18 medical resident and surgical intern handoff dyads at one VA Medical Center. Our analysis revealed that the vast majority of questions were asked by the Incoming Providers. Although topics varied widely, the bulk of Incoming Provider questions requested information that would best help them understand individual patient conditions and plan accordingly. Other question types sought consensus on clinical reasoning or framing and alignment between the two professionals. Handoffs are a type of socially constructed work. Questions emerge with some frequency in virtually all handoffs but not in a linear or predictable way. Instead, they arise in the moment, as necessary, and without preplanning. A checklist cannot model this process element because it is a static memory aid and questions occur in a relational context that is emergent. Studying the different functions of questions during end of shift handoffs provides insights into the interface between the technical context in which information is transferred and the social context in which meaning is created. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

LMDS Lightweight Modular Display System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-16

based on standard functions. This means that the cost to produce a particular display function can be met in the most economical fashion and at the same...not mean that the NTDS interface would be eliminated. What is anticipated is the use of ETHERNET at a low level of system interface, ie internal to...GENERATOR dSYMBOL GEN eCOMMUNICATION 3-2 The architecture of the unit’s (fig 3-4) input circuitry is based on a video table look-up ROM. The function

Graphene Statistical Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowick, Mark; Kosmrlj, Andrej; Nelson, David; Sknepnek, Rastko

2015-03-01

Graphene provides an ideal system to test the statistical mechanics of thermally fluctuating elastic membranes. The high Young's modulus of graphene means that thermal fluctuations over even small length scales significantly stiffen the renormalized bending rigidity. We study the effect of thermal fluctuations on graphene ribbons of width W and length L, pinned at one end, via coarse-grained Molecular Dynamics simulations and compare with analytic predictions of the scaling of width-averaged root-mean-squared height fluctuations as a function of distance along the ribbon. Scaling collapse as a function of W and L also allows us to extract the scaling exponent eta governing the long-wavelength stiffening of the bending rigidity. A full understanding of the geometry-dependent mechanical properties of graphene, including arrays of cuts, may allow the design of a variety of modular elements with desired mechanical properties starting from pure graphene alone. Supported by NSF grant DMR-1435794

Management of Heart Failure in Patients Nearing the End of Life-There is So Much More To Do.

PubMed

LeMond, Lisa; Goodlin, Sarah J

2015-04-01

As the population of patients living with heart failure increases, the number of patients who will die with and from heart failure increases as well. End-of-life care in patients with heart failure is an additive process, whereby therapies to treat symptoms not alleviated by guideline-based medical therapy are integrated into the care of these individuals. This review focuses on providing clinicians with a basic framework for administration of end-of-life care in patients with heart failure, specifically focusing on decision-making, symptom management and functional management.

Bridging the Gap: Solving Spatial Means-Ends Relations in a Locomotor Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berger, Sarah E.; Adolph, Karen E.; Kavookjian, Alisan E.

2010-01-01

Using a means-means-ends problem-solving task, this study examined whether 16-month-old walking infants (N = 28) took into account the width of a bridge as a means for crossing a precipice and the location of a handrail as a means for augmenting balance on a narrow bridge. Infants were encouraged to cross from one platform to another over narrow…

Angular velocities, angular accelerations, and coriolis accelerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graybiel, A.

1975-01-01

Weightlessness, rotating environment, and mathematical analysis of Coriolis acceleration is described for man's biological effective force environments. Effects on the vestibular system are summarized, including the end organs, functional neurology, and input-output relations. Ground-based studies in preparation for space missions are examined, including functional tests, provocative tests, adaptive capacity tests, simulation studies, and antimotion sickness.

Russian Function Catalog and Rolebooks. Methods for Determining Language Objectives and Criteria, Volume XIII.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Setzler, Hubert H., Jr.; And Others

A Russian Function Catalog and Instructor and Advisor Rolebooks for Russian are presented. The catalog and rolebooks are part of the communication/language objectives-based system (C/LOBS), which supports the front-end analysis efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. The C/LOBS projects, which is described in 13 volumes…

Role-Playing and Problem-Based Learning: The Use of Cross-Functional Student Teams in Business Application Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pike, Jacqueline C.; Spangler, William; Williams, Valerie; Kollar, Robert

2017-01-01

To create a learning experience which replicates the process by which consultants, systems developers and business end users collaborate to design and implement a business application, a cross-functional student team project was developed and is described. The overall learning experience was distinguished by specific components and characteristics…

Medial capsular interpositional arthroplasty for severe hallux rigidus.

PubMed

Hahn, Michael Patrick; Gerhardt, Nels; Thordarson, David B

2009-06-01

Multiple surgical options have been described for severe hallux rigidus. One option is capsular interpositional arthroplasty. We report our initial results with a technique using the thicker medial capsule as our interpositional material instead of the dorsal capsule and extensor hallucis brevis (EHB). Twenty-two patients with grade IV hallux rigidus underwent minimal proximal phalanx resection (modified Keller) with preservation of the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) insertion and medial capsular interpositional arthroplasty. Postoperative AOFAS hallux MTP-IP scores (mean 77.8), and SF-36 scores (mean 68.7 on physical function, 79.5 role limitations) demonstrated clinical improvement compared to historical controls. Alignment and stability were well maintained (mean preoperative HV angle of 11.8 degrees, mean postoperative HV angle of 13.0 degrees). Dorsiflexion/plantarflexion arc of motion showed sustained improvement (mean 38.4 degrees preoperative, mean 62.3 degrees postoperative). These results are comparable to other forms of interpositional arthroplasty and arthrodesis for end stage arthritis of the hallux MTPJ.

SU-C-BRA-06: Developing Clinical and Quantitative Guidelines for a 4DCT-Ventilation Functional Avoidance Clinical Trial

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

Vinogradskiy, Y; Waxweiler, T; Diot, Q

Purpose: 4DCT-ventilation is an exciting new imaging modality that uses 4DCTs to calculate lung ventilation. Because 4DCTs are acquired as part of routine care, calculating 4DCT-ventilation allows for lung function evaluation without additional cost or inconvenience to the patient. Development of a clinical trial is underway at our institution to use 4DCT-ventilation for thoracic functional avoidance with the idea that preferential sparing of functional lung regions can decrease pulmonary toxicity. The purpose of our work was to develop the practical aspects of a 4DCT-ventilation functional avoidance clinical trial including: 1.assessing patient eligibility 2.developing trial inclusion criteria and 3.developing treatment planningmore » and dose-function evaluation strategies. Methods: 96 stage III lung cancer patients from 2 institutions were retrospectively reviewed. 4DCT-ventilation maps were calculated using the patient’s 4DCTs, deformable image registrations, and a density-change-based algorithm. To assess patient eligibility and develop trial inclusion criteria we used an observer-based binary end point noting the presence or absence of a ventilation defect and developed an algorithm based on the percent ventilation in each lung third. Functional avoidance planning integrating 4DCT-ventilation was performed using rapid-arc and compared to the patient’s clinically used plan. Results: Investigator-determined clinical ventilation defects were present in 69% of patients. Our regional/lung-thirds ventilation algorithm identified that 59% of patients have lung functional profiles suitable for functional avoidance. Compared to the clinical plan, functional avoidance planning was able to reduce the mean dose to functional lung by 2 Gy while delivering comparable target coverage and cord/heart doses. Conclusions: 4DCT-ventilation functional avoidance clinical trials have great potential to reduce toxicity, and our data suggest that 59% of lung cancer patients have lung function profiles suitable for functional avoidance. Our study used a retrospective evaluation of a large lung cancer patient database to develop the practical aspects of a 4DCT-ventilation functional avoidance clinical trial. (R.C., E.C., T.G.), NIH Research Scientist Development Award K01-CA181292 (R.C.), and State of Colorado Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant (Y.V.)« less

Influence of imperfect end boundary condition on the nonlocal dynamics of CNTs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathi, Reza; Lotfan, Saeed; Sadeghi, Morteza H.

2017-03-01

Imperfections that unavoidably occur during the fabrication process of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a significant influence on the vibration behavior of CNTs. Among these imperfections, the boundary condition defect is studied in this investigation based on the nonlocal elasticity theory. To this end, a mathematical model of the non-ideal end condition in a cantilever CNT is developed by a strongly non-linear spring to study its effect on the vibration behavior. The weak form equation of motion is derived via Hamilton's principle and solved based on Rayleigh-Ritz approach. Once the frequency response function (FRF) of the CNT is simulated, it is found that the defect parameter injects noise to the FRF in the range of lower frequencies and as a result the small scale effect on the FRF remains undisturbed in high frequency ranges. Besides, in this work a process is introduced to estimate the nonlocal and defect parameters for establishing the mathematical model of the CNT based on FRF, which can be competitive because of its lower instrumentation and data analysis costs. The estimation process relies on the resonance frequencies and the magnitude of noise in the frequency response function of the CNT. The results show that the constructed dynamic response of the system based on estimated parameters is in good agreement with the original response of the CNT.

The standard mean-field treatment of inter-particle attraction in classical DFT is better than one might expect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer, Andrew J.; Chacko, Blesson; Evans, Robert

2017-07-01

In classical density functional theory (DFT), the part of the Helmholtz free energy functional arising from attractive inter-particle interactions is often treated in a mean-field or van der Waals approximation. On the face of it, this is a somewhat crude treatment as the resulting functional generates the simple random phase approximation (RPA) for the bulk fluid pair direct correlation function. We explain why using standard mean-field DFT to describe inhomogeneous fluid structure and thermodynamics is more accurate than one might expect based on this observation. By considering the pair correlation function g(x) and structure factor S(k) of a one-dimensional model fluid, for which exact results are available, we show that the mean-field DFT, employed within the test-particle procedure, yields results much superior to those from the RPA closure of the bulk Ornstein-Zernike equation. We argue that one should not judge the quality of a DFT based solely on the approximation it generates for the bulk pair direct correlation function.

Impact of Liver Indicators on Clinical Outcome in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

PubMed

Wendt, Daniel; Kahlert, Philipp; Canbay, Ali; Knipp, Stephan; Thoenes, Martin; Cremer, Gordina; Al-Rashid, Fadi; Jánosi, Rolf-Alexander; El-Chilali, Karim; Kamler, Markus; El Gabry, Mohamed; Marx, Philipp; Dohle, Daniel Sebastian; Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Benedik, Jaroslav; Gerken, Guido; Rassaf, Tienush; Jakob, Heinz; Thielmann, Matthias

2017-10-01

Liver dysfunction increases death and morbidity after cardiac operations. There are currently no data evaluating liver function in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed therefore to evaluate our TAVR results in regard to liver function. A total of 640 consecutive TAVR patients were evaluated. Of those, 11 patients presented with chronic liver disease before TAVR. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was used to measure liver function in these patients. The primary study end point was 30-day mortality in patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Secondary study end point was liver enzymes after TAVR. The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score in patients with chronic liver disease was 16.8 ± 6.2 (median, 18; range, 7 to 26). The 30-day mortality was 9.1% (57 of 629) in patients presenting without liver disease and 9.1% (1 of 11) in patients with liver disease (p = 1.00). Patients with chronic liver disease showed significantly higher preoperative levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (p < 0.001). After TAVR, we observed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase on postoperative day 3 compared with preoperative values (p < 0.001), accompanied by a decrease in albumin (p < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis per se is not considered as a contraindication for cardiac operations. In the present study, we did not observe a higher 30-day mortality rate in liver cirrhotic patients undergoing TAVR, suggesting TAVR as a feasible alternative with acceptable outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease. Moreover, the present study is the first to evaluate liver variables in patients undergoing TAVR. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence of subannular and left ventricular morphological differences in patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valve stenosis: magnetic resonance imaging-based analysis.

PubMed

Disha, Kushtrim; Dubslaff, Georg; Rouman, Mina; Fey, Beatrix; Borger, Michael A; Barker, Alex J; Kuntze, Thomas; Girdauskas, Evaldas

2017-03-01

Prospective analysis of left ventricular (LV) morphological/functional parameters in patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. A total of 190 consecutive patients with BAV ( n  = 154) and TAV stenosis ( n  = 36) (mean age 61 ± 8 years, 65% male) underwent AVR ± concomitant aortic surgery from January 2012 through May 2015. All patients underwent preoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in order to evaluate: (i) left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) dimensions, (ii) length of anterior mitral leaflet (AML), (iii) end-systolic and end-diastolic LV wall thickness, (iv) LV area, (v) LV end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters (LVESD, LVEDD), (vi) LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LVEDV, LVESV) and (vii) maximal diameter of aortic root. These parameters were compared between the two study groups. The LVOT diameter was significantly larger in BAV patients (21.7 ± 3 mm in BAV vs 18.9 ± 3 mm in TAV, P  < 0.001). Moreover, BAV patients had significantly longer AML (24 ± 3 mm in BAV vs 22 ± 4 mm in TAV, P  = 0.009). LVEDV and LVESV were significantly larger in BAV patients (LVEDV: 164.9 ± 68.4 ml in BAV groups vs 126.5 ± 53.1 ml in TAV group, P  = 0.037; LVESV: 82.1 ± 57.9 ml in BAV group vs 52.9 ± 25.7 ml in TAV group, P  = 0.008). A strong linear correlation was found between LVOT diameter and aortic annulus diameter in BAV patients ( r  = 0.7, P  < 0.001), whereas significantly weaker correlation was observed in TAV patients ( r  = 0.5, P  = 0.006, z  = 1.65, P  = 0.04). Presence of BAV morphology was independently associated with larger LVOT diameters (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.0-81.3, P  = 0.04). We found relevant differences in LV morphological/functional parameters between BAV and TAV stenosis patients. Further investigations are warranted in order to determine the cause of these observed differences. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Assessment of liver function in primary biliary cirrhosis using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MRI.

PubMed

Nilsson, Henrik; Blomqvist, Lennart; Douglas, Lena; Nordell, Anders; Jonas, Eduard

2010-10-01

Gd-EOB-DTPA (gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is a gadolinium-based hepatocyte-specific contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to determine whether the hepatic uptake and excretion of Gd-EOB-DTPA differ between patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and healthy controls, and whether differences could be quantified. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MRI was performed in 20 healthy volunteers and 12 patients with PBC. The uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA was assessed using traditional semi-quantitative parameters (C(max) , T(max) and T(1/2) ), as well as model-free parameters derived after deconvolutional analysis (hepatic extraction fraction [HEF], input-relative blood flow [irBF] and mean transit time [MTT]). In each individual, all parameters were calculated for each liver segment and the median of the segmental values was used to define a global liver median (GLM). Although the PBC patients had relatively mild disease according to their Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD), Child-Pugh and Mayo risk scores, they had significantly lower HEF and shorter MTT values compared with the healthy controls. These differences significantly increased with increasing MELD and Child-Pugh scores. Dynamic hepatocyte-specific contrast-enhanced MRI (DHCE-MRI) has a potential role as an imaging-based liver function test. The high spatial resolution of MRI enables hepatic function to be assessed on segmental and sub-segmental levels. © 2010 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.

Incorporating functionalized polyethylene glycol lipids into reprecipitated conjugated polymer nanoparticles for bioconjugation and targeted labeling of cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandel, Prakash K.; Fernando, Lawrence P.; Ackroyd, P. Christine; Christensen, Kenneth A.

2011-03-01

We report a simple and rapid method to prepare extremely bright, functionalized, stable, and biocompatible conjugated polymer nanoparticles incorporating functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids by reprecipitation. These nanoparticles retain the fundamental spectroscopic properties of conjugated polymer nanoparticles prepared without PEG lipid, but demonstrate greater hydrophilicity and quantum yield compared to unmodified conjugated polymer nanoparticles. The sizes of these nanoparticles, as determined by TEM, were 21-26 nm. Notably, these nanoparticles were prepared with several PEG lipid functional end groups, including biotin and carboxy moieties that can be easily conjugated to biomolecules. We have demonstrated the availability of these end groups for functionalization using the interaction of biotin PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles with streptavidin. Biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles bound streptavidin-linked magnetic beads, while carboxy and methoxy PEG lipid modified nanoparticles did not. Similarly, biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles bound streptavidin-coated glass slides and could be visualized as diffraction-limited spots, while nanoparticles without PEG lipid or with non-biotin PEG lipid end groups were not bound. To demonstrate that nanoparticle functionalization could be used for targeted labelling of specific cellular proteins, biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles were bound to biotinylated anti-CD16/32 antibodies on J774A.1 cell surface receptors, using streptavidin as a linker. This work represents the first demonstration of targeted delivery of conjugated polymer nanoparticles and demonstrates the utility of these new nanoparticles for fluorescence based imaging and sensing.We report a simple and rapid method to prepare extremely bright, functionalized, stable, and biocompatible conjugated polymer nanoparticles incorporating functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids by reprecipitation. These nanoparticles retain the fundamental spectroscopic properties of conjugated polymer nanoparticles prepared without PEG lipid, but demonstrate greater hydrophilicity and quantum yield compared to unmodified conjugated polymer nanoparticles. The sizes of these nanoparticles, as determined by TEM, were 21-26 nm. Notably, these nanoparticles were prepared with several PEG lipid functional end groups, including biotin and carboxy moieties that can be easily conjugated to biomolecules. We have demonstrated the availability of these end groups for functionalization using the interaction of biotin PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles with streptavidin. Biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles bound streptavidin-linked magnetic beads, while carboxy and methoxy PEG lipid modified nanoparticles did not. Similarly, biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles bound streptavidin-coated glass slides and could be visualized as diffraction-limited spots, while nanoparticles without PEG lipid or with non-biotin PEG lipid end groups were not bound. To demonstrate that nanoparticle functionalization could be used for targeted labelling of specific cellular proteins, biotinylated PEG lipid conjugated polymer nanoparticles were bound to biotinylated anti-CD16/32 antibodies on J774A.1 cell surface receptors, using streptavidin as a linker. This work represents the first demonstration of targeted delivery of conjugated polymer nanoparticles and demonstrates the utility of these new nanoparticles for fluorescence based imaging and sensing. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional TEM data, supplemental light scattering measurements, absorbance and fluorescence emission spectra, and photostability measurements. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00746c

Mechanistic modelling of infrared mediated energy transfer during the primary drying step of a continuous freeze-drying process.

PubMed

Van Bockstal, Pieter-Jan; Mortier, Séverine Thérèse F C; De Meyer, Laurens; Corver, Jos; Vervaet, Chris; Nopens, Ingmar; De Beer, Thomas

2017-05-01

Conventional pharmaceutical freeze-drying is an inefficient and expensive batch-wise process, associated with several disadvantages leading to an uncontrolled end product variability. The proposed continuous alternative, based on spinning the vials during freezing and on optimal energy supply during drying, strongly increases process efficiency and improves product quality (uniformity). The heat transfer during continuous drying of the spin frozen vials is provided via non-contact infrared (IR) radiation. The energy transfer to the spin frozen vials should be optimised to maximise the drying efficiency while avoiding cake collapse. Therefore, a mechanistic model was developed which allows computing the optimal, dynamic IR heater temperature in function of the primary drying progress and which, hence, also allows predicting the primary drying endpoint based on the applied dynamic IR heater temperature. The model was validated by drying spin frozen vials containing the model formulation (3.9mL in 10R vials) according to the computed IR heater temperature profile. In total, 6 validation experiments were conducted. The primary drying endpoint was experimentally determined via in-line near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and compared with the endpoint predicted by the model (50min). The mean ratio of the experimental drying time to the predicted value was 0.91, indicating a good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data. The end product had an elegant product appearance (visual inspection) and an acceptable residual moisture content (Karl Fischer). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The personal shopper – a pilot randomized trial of grocery store-based dietary advice

PubMed Central

Lewis, K H; Roblin, D W; Leo, M; Block, J P

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a store-based dietary education intervention against traditional clinic-based advice. Patients with obesity (n = 55, mean [standard deviation, SD] age 44.3[9.2] years, 64% women, 87% non-Hispanic Black) were randomized to receive dietary counselling either in a grocery store or a clinic. Change between groups (analysis of covariance) was assessed for outcomes including: dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index – 2005 [0–100 points] ), and nutritional knowledge (0–65-point knowledge scale). Both groups reported improved diet quality at the end of the study. Grocery participants had greater increases in knowledge (mean [SD] change = 5.7 [6.1] points) than clinic participants (mean [SD] change = 3.2 [4.0] points) (P = 0.04). Participants enjoyed the store-based sessions. Grocery store-based visits offer a promising approach for dietary counselling. PMID:25873139

The personal shopper--a pilot randomized trial of grocery store-based dietary advice.

PubMed

Lewis, K H; Roblin, D W; Leo, M; Block, J P

2015-06-01

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a store-based dietary education intervention against traditional clinic-based advice. Patients with obesity (n = 55, mean [standard deviation, SD] age 44.3[9.2] years, 64% women, 87% non-Hispanic Black) were randomized to receive dietary counselling either in a grocery store or a clinic. Change between groups (analysis of covariance) was assessed for outcomes including: dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index--2005 [0-100 points]), and nutritional knowledge (0-65-point knowledge scale). Both groups reported improved diet quality at the end of the study. Grocery participants had greater increases in knowledge (mean [SD] change = 5.7 [6.1] points) than clinic participants (mean [SD] change = 3.2 [4.0] points) (P = 0.04). Participants enjoyed the store-based sessions. Grocery store-based visits offer a promising approach for dietary counselling. © 2015 The Authors. Clinical Obesity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity.

Mitotic Kinesin CENP-E Promotes Microtubule Plus-End Elongation

PubMed Central

Sardar, Harjinder S.; Luczak, Vincent G.; Lopez, Maria M.; Lister, Bradford C.; Gilbert, Susan P.

2010-01-01

Summary Centromere protein CENP-E is a dimeric kinesin (Kinesin-7 family) with critical roles in mitosis including establishment of microtubule (MT)-chromosome linkage and movement of monooriented chromosomes on kinetochore microtubules (kMTs) for proper alignment at metaphase [1-9]. We performed studies to test the hypothesis that CENP-E promotes MT elongation at the MT plus-ends. A human CENP-E construct was engineered, expressed, and purified which yielded the CENP-E-6His dimeric motor protein. The results show that CENP-E promotes MT plus-end directed MT gliding at 11 nm/s. The results from real-time microscopy assays indicate that 60.3% of polarity marked MTs exhibited CENP-E promoted MT plus-end elongation. The MT extension required ATP turnover, and MT plus-end elongation occurred at 1.48 μm/30 min. Immunolocalization studies revealed that 80.8% of plus-end elongated MTs showed CENP-E at the MT plus-end. The time dependence of CENP-E promoted MT elongation in solution best fit a single exponential function (kobs = 5.1 s−1), which is indicative of a mechanism in which α,β-tubulin subunit addition is tightly coupled to ATP turnover. Based on these results, we propose that CENP-E as part of its function in chromosome kinetochore-MT linkage plays a direct role in MT elongation. PMID:20797864

Riparian responses to extreme climate and land-use change scenarios.

PubMed

Fernandes, Maria Rosário; Segurado, Pedro; Jauch, Eduardo; Ferreira, Maria Teresa

2016-11-01

Climate change will induce alterations in the hydrological and landscape patterns with effects on riparian ecotones. In this study we assess the combined effect of an extreme climate and land-use change scenario on riparian woody structure and how this will translate into a future risk of riparian functionality loss. The study was conducted in the Tâmega catchment of the Douro basin. Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) were used to model two riparian landscape indicators related with the degree of connectivity (Mean Width) and complexity (Area Weighted Mean Patch Fractal Dimension). Riparian data were extracted by planimetric analysis of high spatial-resolution Word Imagery Layer (ESRI). Hydrological, climatic and land-use variables were obtained from available datasets and generated with process-based modeling using current climate data (2008-2014), while also considering the high-end RCP8.5 climate-change and "Icarus" socio-economic scenarios for the 2046-2065 time slice. Our results show that hydrological and land-use changes strongly influence future projections of riparian connectivity and complexity, albeit to diverse degrees and with differing effects. A harsh reduction in average flows may impair riparian zones while an increase in extreme rain events may benefit connectivity by promoting hydrologic dynamics with the surrounding floodplains. The expected increase in broad-leaved woodlands and mixed forests may enhance the riparian galleries by reducing the agricultural pressure on the area in the vicinity of the river. According to our results, 63% of river segments in the Tâmega basin exhibited a moderate risk of functionality loss, 16% a high risk, and 21% no risk. Weaknesses and strengths of the method are highlighted and results are discussed based on a resilience perspective with regard to riparian ecosystems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On One-Dimensional Stretching Functions for Finite-Difference Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vinokur, M.

1980-01-01

The class of one dimensional stretching function used in finite difference calculations is studied. For solutions containing a highly localized region of rapid variation, simple criteria for a stretching function are derived using a truncation error analysis. These criteria are used to investigate two types of stretching functions. One is an interior stretching function, for which the location and slope of an interior clustering region are specified. The simplest such function satisfying the criteria is found to be one based on the inverse hyperbolic sine. The other type of function is a two sided stretching function, for which the arbitrary slopes at the two ends of the one dimensional interval are specified. The simplest such general function is found to be one based on the inverse tangent. The general two sided function has many applications in the construction of finite difference grids.

Aortic elasticity and left ventricular function after arterial switch operation: MR imaging--initial experience.

PubMed

Grotenhuis, Heynric B; Ottenkamp, Jaap; Fontein, Duveken; Vliegen, Hubert W; Westenberg, Jos J M; Kroft, Lucia J M; de Roos, Albert

2008-12-01

To prospectively assess aortic dimensions, aortic elasticity, aortic valve competence, and left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients after the arterial switch operation (ASO) by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Informed consent was obtained from all participants for this local ethics committee-approved study. Fifteen patients (11 male patients, four female patients; mean age, 16 years +/- 4 [standard deviation]; imaging performed 16.1 years after surgery +/- 3.7) and 15 age- and sex-matched control subjects (11 male subjects, four female subjects; mean age, 16 years +/- 4) were evaluated. Velocity-encoded MR imaging was used to assess aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), and a balanced turbo-field-echo sequence was used to assess aortic root distensibility. Standard velocity-encoded and multisection-multiphase imaging sequences were used to assess aortic valve function, systolic LV function, and LV mass. The two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Patients treated with the ASO showed aortic root dilatation at three predefined levels (mean difference, 5.7-9.4 mm; P < or = .007) and reduced aortic elasticity (PWV of aortic arch, 5.1 m/sec +/- 1.2 vs 3.9 m/sec +/- 0.7, P = .004; aortic root distensibility, [2.2 x 10(-3)] x mm Hg(-1) +/- 1.8 vs [4.9 x 10(-3)] x mm Hg(-1) +/- 2.9, P < .01) compared with control subjects. Minor degrees of aortic regurgitation (AR) were present (AR fraction, 5% +/- 3 in patients vs 1% +/- 1 in control subjects; P < .001). Patients had impaired systolic LV function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF], 51% +/- 6 vs 58% +/- 5 in control subjects; P = .003), in addition to enlarged LV dimensions (end-diastolic volume [EDV], 112 mL/m(2) +/- 13 vs 95 mL/m(2) +/- 16, P = .007; end-systolic volume [ESV], 54 mL/m(2) +/- 11 vs 39 mL/m(2) +/- 7, P < .001). Degree of AR predicted decreased LVEF (r = 0.41, P = .026) and was correlated with increased LV dimensions (LV EDV: r = 0.48, P = .008; LV ESV: r = 0.67, P < .001). Aortic root dilatation and reduced elasticity of the proximal aorta are frequently observed in patients who have undergone the ASO, in addition to minor degrees of AR, reduced LV systolic function, and increased LV dimensions. RSNA, 2008

A comparison of heart function and arrhythmia in clinically asymptomatic patients with beta thalassemia intermedia and beta thalassemia major.

PubMed

Amoozgar, Hamid; Zeighami, Samaneh; Haghpanah, Sezaneh; Karimi, Mehran

2017-01-01

The goal of this study was to compare heart function and arrhythmia in clinically asymptomatic patients with beta thalassemia intermedia and beta thalassemia major. In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with beta thalassemia major and 60 patients with beta thalassemia intermedia who had clinically no symptoms of arrhythmia and clinically normal heart function were evaluated using 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring and echocardiography. For data analysis SPSS ver.20 software was used. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the beta thalassemia intermedia patients was 24.18 ± 7.9 years and the mean age in beta thalassemia major was 24.38 ± 7.7 years (P>0.05). Premature atrial contractions (PACs) were observed in 14 (23.3%) patients with beta thalassemia intermedia and in 22 (36.6%) beta thalassemia major patients. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) were detected in 8 (13.3%) patients in the beta thalassemia intermediate group and 16 (26.6) patients in the beta thalassemia major group, respectively. The left ventricular diastolic dimension, end-diastolic volume, and stroke volume were significantly higher in beta thalassemia intermedia group (P<0.05). Pulmonary acceleration time as an indicator of pulmonary pressure was lower in beta thalassemia intermedia group. Both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were more common in the beta thalassemia major group. Higher end-diastolic volume and stroke volume were detected in the beta thalassemia intermedia group. Pulmonary acceleration time was lower in the beta thalassemia intermedia group, which can be an indicator of higher pulmonary pressure.

Independent effects of both right and left ventricular function on plasma brain natriuretic peptide.

PubMed

Vogelsang, Thomas Wiis; Jensen, Ruben J; Monrad, Astrid L; Russ, Kaspar; Olesen, Uffe H; Hesse, Birger; Kjaer, Andreas

2007-09-01

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in heart failure; however, the relative contribution of the right and left ventricles is largely unknown. To investigate if right ventricular function has an independent influence on plasma BNP concentration. Right (RVEF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) were determined in 105 consecutive patients by first-pass radionuclide ventriculography (FP-RNV) and multiple ECG-gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (ERNV), respectively. BNP was analyzed by immunoassay. Mean LVEF was 0.51 (range 0.10-0.83) with 36% having a reduced LVEF (<0.50). Mean RVEF was 0.50 (range 0.26-0.78) with 43% having a reduced RVEF (<0.50). The mean LVEDVI was 92 ml/m2 with 22% above the upper normal limit (117 ml/m2). Mean BNP was 239 pg/ml range (0.63-2523). In univariate linear regression analysis LVEF, LVEDVI and RVEF all correlated significantly with log BNP (p<0.0001). In a multivariate analysis only RVEF and LVEF remained significant. The parameter estimates of the final adjusted model indicated that RVEF and LVEF influence on log BNP were of the same magnitude. BNP, which is a strong prognostic marker in heart failure, independently depends on both left and right ventricular systolic function. This might, at least in part, explain why BNP holds stronger prognostic value than LVEF alone.

A rule-based, dose-finding design for use in stroke rehabilitation research: methodological development.

PubMed

Colucci, E; Clark, A; Lang, C E; Pomeroy, V M

2017-12-01

Dose-optimisation studies as precursors to clinical trials are rare in stroke rehabilitation. To develop a rule-based, dose-finding design for stroke rehabilitation research. 3+3 rule-based, dose-finding study. Dose escalation/de-escalation was undertaken according to preset rules and a mathematical sequence (modified Fibonacci sequence). The target starting daily dose was 50 repetitions for the first cohort. Adherence was recorded by an electronic counter. At the end of the 2-week training period, the adherence record indicated dose tolerability (adherence to target dose) and the outcome measure indicated dose benefit (10% increase in motor function). The preset increment/decrease and checking rules were then applied to set the dose for the subsequent cohort. The process was repeated until preset stopping rules were met. Participants had a mean age of 68 (range 48 to 81) years, and were a mean of 70 (range 9 to 289) months post stroke with moderate upper limb paresis. A custom-built model of exercise-based training to enhance ability to open the paretic hand. Repetitions per minute of extension/flexion of paretic digits against resistance. Usability of the preset rules and whether the maximally tolerated dose was identifiable. Five cohorts of three participants were involved. Discernibly different doses were set for each subsequent cohort (i.e. 50, 100, 167, 251 and 209 repetitions/day). The maximally tolerated dose for the model training task was 209 repetitions/day. This dose-finding design is a feasible method for use in stroke rehabilitation research. Copyright © 2017 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. All rights reserved.

Effects of bottom-up and top-down intervention principles in emergent literacy in children at risk of developmental dyslexia: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Helland, Turid; Tjus, Tomas; Hovden, Marit; Ofte, Sonja; Heimann, Mikael

2011-01-01

This longitudinal study focused on the effects of two different principles of intervention in children at risk of developing dyslexia from 5 to 8 years old. The children were selected on the basis of a background questionnaire given to parents and preschool teachers, with cognitive and functional magnetic resonance imaging results substantiating group differences in neuropsychological processes associated with phonology, orthography, and phoneme-grapheme correspondence (i.e., alphabetic principle). The two principles of intervention were bottom-up (BU), "from sound to meaning", and top-down (TD), "from meaning to sound." Thus, four subgroups were established: risk/BU, risk/TD, control/BU, and control/TD. Computer-based training took place for 2 months every spring, and cognitive assessments were performed each fall of the project period. Measures of preliteracy skills for reading and spelling were phonological awareness, working memory, verbal learning, and letter knowledge. Literacy skills were assessed by word reading and spelling. At project end the control group scored significantly above age norm, whereas the risk group scored within the norm. In the at-risk group, training based on the BU principle had the strongest effects on phonological awareness and working memory scores, whereas training based on the TD principle had the strongest effects on verbal learning, letter knowledge, and literacy scores. It was concluded that appropriate, specific, data-based intervention starting in preschool can mitigate literacy impairment and that interventions should contain BU training for preliteracy skills and TD training for literacy training.