Quality of commercially produced Shigella serogrouping and serotyping antisera.

PubMed Central

Evins, G M; Gheesling, L L; Tauxe, R V

1988-01-01

Shigella grouping antisera from five manufacturers and typing antisera from two were purchased and evaluated with homologous and heterologous Shigella strains in the slide agglutination test. Only 31 of 73 (42%) antisera were satisfactory. In many instances, the antisera gave negative, as opposed to weak, reactions when they should have given strong positive reactions. Four reagents cross-reacted with Shigella strains. Of the 19 polyvalent grouping antisera to subgroups Shigella dysenteriae serotypes 1 through 7, S. flexneri serotypes 1 through 6, S. boydii serotypes 1 through 7, and S. sonnei forms I, II, only one S. sonnei reagent and five S. flexneri reagents were satisfactory with greater than or equal to 90% of the homologous strains. The reagent of poorest quality was satisfactory with only 18% of the homologous strains. There were three polyvalent antisera to the higher types of S. dysenteriae and S. boydii, which were available from only one company, that adequately identified 80, 63, and 65% of the homologous strains. Typing antisera were available from only two companies, and 30 of 51 (59%) were satisfactory. Commercially available Shigella antisera are inadequate for the laboratory testing required for planning the development of and evaluating Shigella vaccines. PMID:3281972

Platelets in blood stored in untreated and siliconed glass bottles and plastic bags

PubMed Central

Kissmeyer-Nielsen, F.; Madsen, C. B.; Nedergaard, Jytte

1961-01-01

Platelet survival was determined using untreated and siliconed glass bottles and plastic bags (Fenwal) for collecting and storing blood. The platelets were tagged in vivo with P32 in six polycythaemic patients undergoing treatment with P32. The results showed that fresh ACD blood collected in untreated glass, siliconed glass, and plastic gave the same recovery of platelets in the recipients. The use of EDTA (Fenwal formula) as anticoagulant gave results inferior to those obtained with blood using ACD as anticoagulant. Even after storage up to 24 hours in untreated glass bottles (ordinary bank blood) a satisfactory recovery of platelets was observed. After storage for 72 hours the recovery was less but not negligible. PMID:14456481

Evaluation of Saltzman and phenoldisulfonic acid methods for determining NO/sub x/ in engine exhaust gases

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

Groth, R.H.; Calabro, D.S.

1969-11-01

The two methods normally used for the analysis of NO/sub x/ are the Saltzman and the phenoldisulfonic acid technique. This paper describes an evaluation of these wet chemical methods to determine their practical application to engine exhaust gas analysis. Parameters considered for the Saltzman method included bubbler collection efficiency, NO to NO/sub 2/ conversion efficiency, masking effect of other contaminants usually present in exhaust gases and the time-temperature effect of these contaminants on store developed solutions. Collection efficiency and the effects of contaminants were also considered for the phenoldisulfonic acid method. Test results indicated satisfactory collection and conversion efficiencies formore » the Saltzman method, but contaminants seriously affected the measurement accuracy particularly if the developed solution was stored for a number of hours at room temperature before analysis. Storage at 32/sup 0/F minimized effect. The standard procedure for the phenoldisulfonic acid method gave good results, but the process was found to be too time consuming for routine analysis and measured only total NO/sub x/. 3 references, 9 tables.« less

Translations on Easten Europe, Scientific Affairs, Number 554

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-07-26

absolutely essential to increase the democratic character of the institutional work, to improve the continuity and intensity of the committee-type...medium of liquid nitrogen vapors, at at least 248 degrees Farenheit . The first tests gave satisfactory results. However.... The truth is that the above...leukocytes reached zero level in peripheral circulation, practically, no white cells in the body. At that point we intra- venously injected the bone

Normal modes of a small gamelan gong.

PubMed

Perrin, Robert; Elford, Daniel P; Chalmers, Luke; Swallowe, Gerry M; Moore, Thomas R; Hamdan, Sinin; Halkon, Benjamin J

2014-10-01

Studies have been made of the normal modes of a 20.7 cm diameter steel gamelan gong. A finite-element model has been constructed and its predictions for normal modes compared with experimental results obtained using electronic speckle pattern interferometry. Agreement was reasonable in view of the lack of precision in the manufacture of the instrument. The results agree with expectations for an axially symmetric system subject to small symmetry breaking. The extent to which the results obey Chladni's law is discussed. Comparison with vibrational and acoustical spectra enabled the identification of the small number of modes responsible for the sound output when played normally. Evidence of non-linear behavior was found, mainly in the form of subharmonics of true modes. Experiments using scanning laser Doppler vibrometry gave satisfactory agreement with the other methods.

Gas chromatography with flame photometric detection of 31 organophosphorus pesticide residues in Alpinia oxyphylla dried fruits.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiangsheng; Kong, Weijun; Wei, Jianhe; Yang, Meihua

2014-11-01

A simple, rapid and effective gas chromatography-flame photometric detection method was established for simultaneous multi-component determination of 31 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) residues in Alpinia oxyphylla, which is widely consumed as a traditional medicine and food in China. Sample preparation was completed in a single step without any clean-up procedure. All pesticides expressed good linear relationships between 0.004 and 1.0 μg/mL with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9973. The method gave satisfactory recoveries for most pesticides. The limits of detection varied from 1 to 10 ng/mL, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 4 and 30 ng/mL. The proposed method was successfully applied to 55 commercial samples purchased from five different areas. Five pesticide residues were detected in four (7.27%) samples. The positive samples were confirmed by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Direct high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the enantiomeric purity of levodopa and methyldopa: comparison with pharmacopoeial polarimetric methods.

PubMed

Dolezalová, M; Tkaczyková, M

1999-03-01

Chiral high-performance liquid chromatography was employed for determination of the enantiomeric purity of levodopa and methyldopa. The determination of D-DOPA in levodopa was accomplished using a chiral ligand-exchange chromatograpy with an ordinary C18 column and a chiral mobile phase containing N,N-dimethyl-L-phenylalanine and Cu(II) acetate or by means of LC on a teicoplanin column in conjunction with ethanol-water (65:35, v/v). Both methods gave good performance, however, the latter was faster and more convenient and suitable for routine analyses. For the determination of D-methyldopa a LC method based on the use of a teicoplanin column in polar organic mode with methanol-acetic acid-triethylamine (1,000:0.05:0.05, v/v/v) mobile phase was developed. The precision, accuracy, linearity and selectivity were satisfactory. In comparison with pharmacopoeial polarimetric methods (according to the European Pharmacopoeia and the Pharmacopoea Bohemoslovaca), the LC methods proved to be much more sensitive giving detection limits 0.04% of D-DOPA and 0.3% of D-methyldopa.

Possible alternative to European Pharmacopoeia's method of analysis Test for Fc Function of Immunoglobulin (2.7.9) by using tetanus toxoid as antigen.

PubMed

Perez-del-Pulgar, S; Lopez, M; Gensana, M; Jorquera, J I

2006-08-01

Preparations of intravenous immunoglobulins must keep functional integrity throughout the purification process. In order to assess Fc fragment functionality, the European Pharmacopoeia proposes the Test for Fc function of immunoglobulin (2.7.9), which is based on a rubella antigen of high titre. Sometimes, such antigen is difficult to obtain. In the present study, we develop the same assay using tetanus toxoid instead of rubella antigen, adapting the procedure for the use of tetanus toxoid. The comparison between rubella-based and tetanus-based assays showed that the slopes of the haemolysis curves were higher if red blood cells had been sensitised with the rubella antigen than with tetanus toxoid. Nonetheless, the tetanus-based assay gave satisfactory results and it could be a good alternative antigen target.

Synthesis of the antileukemic compound N,N(11)-[5-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-1, 3-phenylene]bisurea.

PubMed

Denny, G H; Ryder, M A; DeMarco, A M; Babson, R D

1976-03-01

Conversion of 5-nitro-1, 3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1) to the diamide 2 followed by hypochlorite rearrangement to the idamine 3 and subsequent reaction with acetic anhydride gave the bisacetamide 4. Reduction to the amine 5 followed by treatment with ethylene oxide formed the diol 6. The latter was converted to the bistosylate 7, which undrewent facile displacement with lithium chloride in acetone to give the mustard 8. Removal of the acetyl groups with hydrochloric acid gave 9, which reacted with potassium cyanate to provide the bisurea 10. In an alternative, but less satisfactory synthesis of 10, the compound (5-nitro-1, 3-phenylene) biscarbamic acid diphenyl ester (11), or the corresponding diethyl ester 12, was converted by ammonolysis to 13. The nitrodiurea 13 was next reduced to the amine 14, the hydrochloride of which reacted with ethylene oxide to give the diol 15. Treatment of the latter in dimethylformamide with N-chlorosuccinimide in the presence of triphenylphosphine gave 10 in low yield. The nitrogen mustards 8, 9 and 10 showed significant antitumor activities against P388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice.

Blackberry wines mineral and heavy metal content determination after dry ashing: multivariate data analysis as a tool for fruit wine quality control.

PubMed

Amidžić Klarić, Daniela; Klarić, Ilija; Mornar, Ana; Velić, Darko; Velić, Natalija

2015-08-01

This study brings out the data on the content of 21 mineral and heavy metal in 15 blackberry wines made of conventionally and organically grown blackberries. The objective of this study was to classify the blackberry wine samples based on their mineral composition and the applied cultivation method of the starting raw material by using chemometric analysis. The metal content of Croatian blackberry wine samples was determined by AAS after dry ashing. The comparison between an organic and conventional group of investigated blackberry wines showed statistically significant difference in concentrations of Si and Li, where the organic group contained higher concentrations of these compounds. According to multivariate data analysis, the model based on the original metal content data set finally included seven original variables (K, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ba, Cd and Cr) and gave a satisfactory separation of two applied cultivation methods of the starting raw material.

Toxicity of Nitro-Heterocyclic and Nitroaromatic Energetic Materials to Terrestrial Plants in a Natural Sandy Loam Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

oat. The authors reported seed germination EC5 0 values of 19 mg kg-1 for lettuce and > 375 mg kg-1 for oat. 11 Few studies investigated the toxicity...to evapo-transpiration. Plant toxicity tests were performed in a temperature and light controlled growth chamber. Plants were incubated in the dark for... seeds . Kandy corn Canada No. 1 and Japanese millet seeds gave satisfactory germination with seedling emergence of 100% and 85%, respectively. Two

ION EXCHANGE TESTS ON LIQUOR AND PULPS PRODUCED FROM UTEX ORES. Topical Report

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

Hollis, E.T.; Pickwick, F.J. Jr.; Kazanjian, A.R.

1954-07-30

Uranium leach liquors produced from Utex ore by cold leaching, hot leaching, and pugging proved amenable to the lon exchange process, Higher resin loadings were obtained rom the cold leach liquors than from the hot leach and pug liquors. In general, the less vigorous leaching conditions produced liquors which gave the highest resin loadings. In addition, a resin-in-pulp system was operated using the lucite Winchester cells on Utex pulp produced by cold leaching. Satisfactory loadings were obtained. (auth)

Analytical and experimental vibration studies of a 1/8-scale shuttle orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinson, L. D.

1975-01-01

Natural frequencies and mode shapes for four symmetric vibration modes and four antisymmetric modes are compared with predictions based on NASTRAN finite-element analyses. Initial predictions gave poor agreement with test data; an extensive investigation revealed that the major factors influencing agreement were out-of-plane imperfections in fuselage panels and a soft fin-fuselage connection. Computations with a more refined analysis indicated satisfactory frequency predictions for all modes studied, within 11 percent of experimental values.

MEASUREMENTS OF GAMMA-RAY DOSES OF DIFFERENT RADIOISOTOPES BY THE TEST-FILM METHOD (in German)

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

Domanus, J.; Halski, L.

The test-film method seems to be most suitable for systematic, periodical measurements of individual doses of ionizing radiation. Persons handling radioisotopes are irradiated with gamma rays of different energies. The energy of gamma radiation lies within much broader limits than is the case with x rays. Therefore it was necessary to check whether the test-film method is suitable for measuring doses of gamma-rays of such different energies and to choose the proper combination of film and screen to reach the necessary measuring range. Polish films, Foton Rentgen and Foton Rentgen Super and films from the German Democratic Republic, Agfa Texomore » R and Agfa Texo S were tested. Expositions were made without intensifying screens as well as with lead and fluorescent screens. The investigations showed that for dosimetric purposes the Foton Rentgen Super films are most suitable. However, not one of the film-screen combinations gave satisfactory results for radioisotopes with radiation of different energies. In such a case the test-film method gives only approximate results. If, on the contrary, gamma energies do not differ greatly, the test- film method proves to be quite good. (auth)« less

Galvanostatic Entrapment of Penicillinase into Polytyramine Films and its Utilization for the Potentiometric Determination of Penicillin

PubMed Central

Ismail, Fatma; Adeloju, Samuel B.

2010-01-01

A sensitive and reliable potentiometric biosensor for determination of penicillin has been developed by exploiting the self-limiting growth of the non-conducting polymer, polytyramine. Optimum polytyramine-penicillinase (PTy-PNCnase) films for potentiometric detection of penicillin were accomplished with monomer solutions which contained 0.03 M tyramine, 37 U/mL penicillinase, 0.01 M KNO3, and 3 mM penicillin with an applied current density of 0.8 mA/cm2 and an electropolymerisation time of 40 seconds. The potentiometric biosensor gave a linear concentration range of 3–283 μM for penicillin and achieved a minimum detectable concentration of 0.3 μM. The biosensor was successfully utilized for the detection of Amoxycillin and gave an average percentage recovery of 102 ± 6%. Satisfactory recoveries of penicillin G were also achieved in milk samples with the potentiometric biosensor when concentrations are ≥20 ppm. PMID:22319276

3D-printed surface mould applicator for high-dose-rate brachytherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, Mark; Lasso, Andras; Cumming, Ian; Rankin, Adam; Falkson, Conrad B.; Schreiner, L. John; Joshi, Chandra; Fichtinger, Gabor

2015-03-01

In contemporary high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment of superficial tumors, catheters are placed in a wax mould. The creation of current wax models is a difficult and time consuming proces.The irradiation plan can only be computed post-construction and requires a second CT scan. In case no satisfactory dose plan can be created, the mould is discarded and the process is repeated. The objective of this work was to develop an automated method to replace suboptimal wax moulding. We developed a method to design and manufacture moulds that guarantee to yield satisfactory dosimetry. A 3D-printed mould with channels for the catheters designed from the patient's CT and mounted on a patient-specific thermoplastic mesh mask. The mould planner was implemented as an open-source module in the 3D Slicer platform. Series of test moulds were created to accommodate standard brachytherapy catheters of 1.70mm diameter. A calibration object was used to conclude that tunnels with a diameter of 2.25mm, minimum 12mm radius of curvature, and 1.0mm open channel gave the best fit for this printer/catheter combination. Moulds were created from the CT scan of thermoplastic mesh masks of actual patients. The patient-specific moulds have been visually verified to fit on the thermoplastic meshes. The masks were visually shown to fit onto the thermoplastic meshes, next the resulting dosimetry will have to be compared with treatment plans and dosimetry achieved with conventional wax moulds in order to validate our 3D printed moulds.

A large-scale test of free-energy simulation estimates of protein-ligand binding affinities.

PubMed

Mikulskis, Paulius; Genheden, Samuel; Ryde, Ulf

2014-10-27

We have performed a large-scale test of alchemical perturbation calculations with the Bennett acceptance-ratio (BAR) approach to estimate relative affinities for the binding of 107 ligands to 10 different proteins. Employing 20-Å truncated spherical systems and only one intermediate state in the perturbations, we obtain an error of less than 4 kJ/mol for 54% of the studied relative affinities and a precision of 0.5 kJ/mol on average. However, only four of the proteins gave acceptable errors, correlations, and rankings. The results could be improved by using nine intermediate states in the simulations or including the entire protein in the simulations using periodic boundary conditions. However, 27 of the calculated affinities still gave errors of more than 4 kJ/mol, and for three of the proteins the results were not satisfactory. This shows that the performance of BAR calculations depends on the target protein and that several transformations gave poor results owing to limitations in the molecular-mechanics force field or the restricted sampling possible within a reasonable simulation time. Still, the BAR results are better than docking calculations for most of the proteins.

Comparison of observed rheological properties of hard wheat flour dough with predictions of the Giesekus-Leonov, White-Metzner and Phan-Thien Tanner models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dhanasekharan, M.; Huang, H.; Kokini, J. L.; Janes, H. W. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

The measured rheological behavior of hard wheat flour dough was predicted using three nonlinear differential viscoelastic models. The Phan-Thien Tanner model gave good zero shear viscosity prediction, but overpredicted the shear viscosity at higher shear rates and the transient and extensional properties. The Giesekus-Leonov model gave similar predictions to the Phan-Thien Tanner model, but the extensional viscosity prediction showed extension thickening. Using high values of the mobility factor, extension thinning behavior was observed but the predictions were not satisfactory. The White-Metzner model gave good predictions of the steady shear viscosity and the first normal stress coefficient but it was unable to predict the uniaxial extensional viscosity as it exhibited asymptotic behavior in the tested extensional rates. It also predicted the transient shear properties with moderate accuracy in the transient phase, but very well at higher times, compared to the Phan-Thien Tanner model and the Giesekus-Leonov model. None of the models predicted all observed data consistently well. Overall the White-Metzner model appeared to make the best predictions of all the observed data.

Characterization of Interfacial Chemistry of Adhesive/Dentin Bond Using FTIR Chemical Imaging With Univariate and Multivariate Data Processing

PubMed Central

Wang, Yong; Yao, Xiaomei; Parthasarathy, Ranganathan

2008-01-01

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging can be used to investigate molecular chemical features of the adhesive/dentin interfaces. However, the information is not straightforward, and is not easily extracted. The objective of this study was to use multivariate analysis methods, principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering, to analyze spectral data in comparison with univariate analysis. The spectral imaging data collected from both the adhesive/healthy dentin and adhesive/caries-affected dentin specimens were used and compared. The univariate statistical methods such as mapping of intensities of specific functional group do not always accurately identify functional group locations and concentrations due to more or less band overlapping in adhesive and dentin. Apart from the ease with which information can be extracted, multivariate methods highlight subtle and often important changes in the spectra that are difficult to observe using univariate methods. The results showed that the multivariate methods gave more satisfactory, interpretable results than univariate methods and were conclusive in showing that they can discriminate and classify differences between healthy dentin and caries-affected dentin within the interfacial regions. It is demonstrated that the multivariate FTIR imaging approaches can be used in the rapid characterization of heterogeneous, complex structure. PMID:18980198

Cerebral blood flow during paroxysmal EEG activation induced by sleep in patients with complex partial seizures

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

Gozukirmizi, E.; Meyer, J.S.; Okabe, T.

1982-01-01

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements were combined with sleep polysomnography in nine patients with complex partial seizures. Two methods were used: the 133Xe method for measuring regional (rCBF) and the stable xenon CT method for local (LCBF). Compared to nonepileptic subjects, who show diffuse CBF decreases during stages I-II, non-REM sleep onset, patients with complex partial seizures show statistically significant increases in CBF which are maximal in regions where the EEG focus is localized and are predominantly seen in one temporal region but are also propagated to other cerebral areas. Both CBF methods gave comparable results, but greater statistical significancemore » was achieved by stable xenon CT methodology. CBF increases are more diffuse than predicted by EEG paroxysmal activity recorded from scalp electrodes. An advantage of the 133Xe inhalation method was achievement of reliable data despite movement of the head. This was attributed to the use of a helmet which maintained the probes approximated to the scalp. Disadvantages were poor resolution (7 cm3) and two-dimensional information. The advantage of stable xenon CT method is excellent resolution (80 mm3) in three dimensions, but a disadvantage is that movement of the head in patients with seizure disorders may limit satisfactory measurements.« less

PLA and two components silicon rubber blends aiming for frozen foods packaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meekum, Utai; Khiansanoi, Apichart

2018-03-01

Designing of PLA and two components silicone rubber blends was studies. Frozen food packaging application is the main ultimate aim. The statistical method using 23 DOE was conducted. The standard testing methods, in particular impact testing at sub-zero temperature, were performed. The preliminary blend formula comprised 1.0 phr of silane and polyester polyols, respectively, was initially resolved. Then, the optimize the silicone portion in the blends was determined. Blending formula using 8.0 phr of silicone with respect to PLA matrix gave rise to the overall satisfactory properties. 3. TETA was used as the silicone curing agent and reactively blended onto the ingredients. TETA at 0.4 phr, with respect to the silicone, enhanced the mechanical properties, especially flexibility and toughness, of the PLA/silicone blend. Exceeding the optimal TETA loading would cause the chain scission and also the dilution effects. Hence, marginal inferior properties of the blends were be experienced. The preliminary biodegradability investigation found that the PLA/silicone blend initially triggered at the second week. Its degradation rate was likely to be faster than neat PLA.

Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Regional Obstetrical Care in Miyagi Prefecture.

PubMed

Sugawara, Junichi; Hoshiai, Tetsuro; Sato, Kazuyo; Tokunaga, Hideki; Nishigori, Hidekazu; Arai, Takanari; Okamura, Kunihiro; Yaegashi, Nobuo

2016-06-01

The authors report the results of surveys on the emergency transport or evacuation status of obstetric patients conducted in Miyagi prefecture, one of the major disaster areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The surveys examined the damages to maternity institutions, evacuation status and transport of pregnant women, and prehospital childbirths and were conducted in 50 maternity institutions and 12 fire departments in Miyagi. Two coastal institutions were destroyed completely, and four institutions were destroyed partially by the tsunami, forcing them to stop medical services. In the two-month period after the disaster, 217 pregnant women received hospital transport or gave birth after evacuation. Satisfactory perinatal outcomes were maintained. Emergency obstetric transport increased to approximately 1.4 fold the number before the disaster. Twenty-three women had prehospital childbirths, indicating a marked increase to approximately three times the number of the previous year. In the acute phase of the tsunami disaster, maternity institutions were damaged severely and perinatal transport was not possible; as a result, pregnant women inevitably gave birth in unplanned institutions, and the number of prehospital births was increased extremely. To obtain satisfactory obstetric outcomes, it is necessary to construct a future disaster management system and to re-recognize pregnant women as people with special needs in disaster situations. Sugawara J , Hoshiai T , Sato K , Tokunaga H , Nishigori H , Arai T , Okamura K , Yaegashi N . Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on regional obstetrical care in Miyagi Prefecture. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):255- 258.

A comparison of confirmatory media for coliform organisms and Escherichia coli in water. By a joint committee of the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Standing Committee of Analysts.

PubMed Central

1981-01-01

Gas production by coliform organisms and Escherichia coli from lauryl tryptose lactose broth (LTLB) was compared with that from brilliant green (lactose) bile broth (BGB). These media were compared with lauryl tryptose mannitol broth (LTMB) with and without added tryptophan for both gas and indole production. At 37 degrees C, LTLB and BGB were both satisfactory for gas production, but at 44 degrees C, LTLB gave fewer false-negative results and was thus significantly less inhibitory than BGB. However when LTLB and LTMB were compared as single-tube confirmatory media, LTLB give a high proportion of false-negative reactions in the indole test at 44 degrees C. The substitution of mannitol for lactose and the addition of tryptophan yielded a satisfactory medium for both confirmation of gas production and the demonstration of indole at 44 degrees C. PMID:7031125

29 CFR 101.33 - Initiation of formal action; settlement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Director satisfactory evidence that they have adjusted the dispute, the Regional Director withdraws the... submit to the Regional Director satisfactory evidence that they have agreed upon methods for the... section 9(c) of the Act, or any other satisfactory method to resolve the dispute. If the agreed-upon...

Toe-to-hand transfer.

PubMed

Yoshimura, M

1980-07-01

Toe-to-hand transfer was performed in 28 patients, involving 33 fingers, using microvascular technique. Of this number, 26 patients (31 fingers) had experienced trauma, and the remaining 2 patients (2 fingers) had a congenital deformity. The toew used for grafting were the great toe (1), the second tow (30), and third toe (2). Success was achieved in all cases, sensory recovery was good, and remarkable improvement was attained in function and cosmetic appearance. Metacarpal hand, amputation of thumb, and amputation thumb and three fingers were good indications for this procedure, which gave satisfactory aesthetic results, even in patients with amputation of single digits.

Biodrying of sewage sludge: kinetics of volatile solids degradation under different initial moisture contents and air-flow rates.

PubMed

Villegas, Manuel; Huiliñir, Cesar

2014-12-01

This study focuses on the kinetics of the biodegradation of volatile solids (VS) of sewage sludge for biodrying under different initial moisture contents (Mc) and air-flow rates (AFR). For the study, a 3(2) factorial design, whose factors were AFR (1, 2 or 3L/minkgTS) and initial Mc (59%, 68% and 78% w.b.), was used. Using seven kinetic models and a nonlinear regression method, kinetic parameters were estimated and the models were analyzed with two statistical indicators. Initial Mc of around 68% increases the temperature matrix and VS consumption, with higher moisture removal at lower initial Mc values. Lower AFRs gave higher matrix temperatures and VS consumption, while higher AFRs increased water removal. The kinetic models proposed successfully simulate VS biodegradation, with root mean square error (RMSE) between 0.007929 and 0.02744, and they can be used as a tool for satisfactory prediction of VS in biodrying. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the antibacterial potential of Petroselinum crispum and Rosmarinus officinalis against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections

PubMed Central

Petrolini, Fernanda Villas Boas; Lucarini, Rodrigo; de Souza, Maria Gorete Mendes; Pires, Regina Helena; Cunha, Wilson Roberto; Martins, Carlos Henrique Gomes

2013-01-01

In this study we evaluated the antibacterial activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extracts, fractions, and compounds of two plant species, namely Rosmarinus officinalis and Petroselinum crispum, against the bacteria that cause urinary tract infection. The microdilution method was used for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The crude hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis displayed in vitro activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with satisfactory MBC for the clinical isolate S. saprophyticus. The fractions and the pure compound rosmarinic acid did not furnish promising results for Gram-negative bacteria, whereas fractions 2, 3, and 4 gave encouraging results for Gram-positive bacteria and acted as bactericide against S. epidermidis as well as E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and its clinical isolate. R. officinalis led to promising results in the case of Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in a considerable interest in the development of reliable alternatives for the treatment of urinary infections. PMID:24516424

Evaluation of the antibacterial potential of Petroselinum crispum and Rosmarinus officinalis against bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Petrolini, Fernanda Villas Boas; Lucarini, Rodrigo; de Souza, Maria Gorete Mendes; Pires, Regina Helena; Cunha, Wilson Roberto; Martins, Carlos Henrique Gomes

2013-01-01

In this study we evaluated the antibacterial activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extracts, fractions, and compounds of two plant species, namely Rosmarinus officinalis and Petroselinum crispum, against the bacteria that cause urinary tract infection. The microdilution method was used for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The crude hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis displayed in vitro activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with satisfactory MBC for the clinical isolate S. saprophyticus. The fractions and the pure compound rosmarinic acid did not furnish promising results for Gram-negative bacteria, whereas fractions 2, 3, and 4 gave encouraging results for Gram-positive bacteria and acted as bactericide against S. epidermidis as well as E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and its clinical isolate. R. officinalis led to promising results in the case of Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in a considerable interest in the development of reliable alternatives for the treatment of urinary infections.

A non-enzymatic sensor for hydrogen peroxide based on polyaniline, multiwalled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles modified Au electrode.

PubMed

Narang, Jagriti; Chauhan, Nidhi; Pundir, C S

2011-11-07

We describe the construction of a polyaniline (PANI), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified Au electrode for determination of hydrogen peroxide without using peroxidase (HRP). The AuNPs/MWCNT/PANI composite film deposited on Au electrode was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies of the electrode at different stages of construction demonstrated that the modified electrode had enhanced electrochemical oxidation of H(2)O(2), which offers a number of attractive features to develop amperometric sensors based on split of H(2)O(2). The amperometric response to H(2)O(2) showed a linear relationship in the range from 3.0 μM to 600.0 μM with a detection limit of 0.3 μM (S/N = 3) and with high sensitivity of 3.3 mA μM(-1). The sensor gave accurate and satisfactory results, when employed for determination of H(2)O(2) in milk and urine.

Development and validation of an ionic chromatography method for the determination of nitrate, nitrite and chloride in meat.

PubMed

Lopez-Moreno, Cristina; Perez, Isabel Viera; Urbano, Ana M

2016-03-01

The purpose of this study is to develop the validation of a method for the analysis of certain preservatives in meat and to obtain a suitable Certified Reference Material (CRM) to achieve this task. The preservatives studied were NO3(-), NO2(-) and Cl(-) as they serve as important antimicrobial agents in meat to inhibit the growth of bacteria spoilage. The meat samples were prepared using a treatment that allowed the production of a known CRM concentration that is highly homogeneous and stable in time. The matrix effects were also studied to evaluate the influence on the analytical signal for the ions of interest, showing that the matrix influence does not affect the final result. An assessment of the signal variation in time was carried out for the ions. In this regard, although the chloride and nitrate signal remained stable for the duration of the study, the nitrite signal decreased appreciably with time. A mathematical treatment of the data gave a stable nitrite signal, obtaining a method suitable for the validation of these anions in meat. A statistical study was needed for the validation of the method, where the precision, accuracy, uncertainty and other mathematical parameters were evaluated obtaining satisfactory results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of cyflumetofen residue in water, soil, and fruits by modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method coupled to gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Minmin; Liu, Xingang; Dong, Fengshou; Xu, Jun; Qin, Dongmei; Zheng, Yongquan

2012-10-01

A new, highly sensitive, and selective method was developed for the determination of the cyflumetofen residue in water, soil, and fruits by using gas chromatography quadruple mass spectrometry. The target compound was extracted using acetonitrile and then cleaned up using dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary and secondary amine and graphitized carbon black, and optionally by a freezing-out cleanup step. The matrix-matched standards gave satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviation values in different matrices at three fortified levels (0.05, 0.5, and 1.0 mg kg(-1) ). The overall average recoveries for this method in water, soil, and all fruits matrix at three fortified levels ranged from 76.3 to 101.5% with relative standard deviations in the range of 1.2-11.8% (n = 5). The calculated limits of detection and quantification were typically below 0.005 and 0.015 μg kg(-1), which were much lower than the maximum residue levels established by Japanese Positive List. This study provides a theoretical basis for China to draw up maximum residue level and analytical method for cyflumetofen acaricide in different fruits. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

24 CFR 242.8 - Standards for licensure and methods of operation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Standards for licensure and methods of operation. The Secretary shall require satisfactory evidence that the... of licensure and methods of operation for hospitals, and satisfactory assurance that such standards...

Determination of phthalic acid esters in water samples by hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction prior to gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

González-Sálamo, Javier; González-Curbelo, Miguel Ángel; Socas-Rodríguez, Bárbara; Hernández-Borges, Javier; Rodríguez-Delgado, Miguel Ángel

2018-06-01

A new hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) method has been developed for the extraction of a group of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) of interest from different water samples prior to gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. HF-LPME was carried out using 1-octanol as extraction solvent followed by a back extraction step with cyclohexane. The different parameters that affect HF-LPME such as sample pH, ionic strength, extraction time, stirring rate, extraction temperature and back extraction conditions were investigated. The optimized conditions involved the extraction of 10 mL of sample without pH adjustment or addition of salt during 75 min under a stirring of 850 rpm at 60 °C and subsequent desorption with 200 μL of cyclohexane for 10 min in an ultrasonic bath. The method was validated in terms of calibration and recovery studies using dibutyl phthalate-d 4 as internal standard. The developed procedure gave satisfactory recovery (74-120%) and relative standard deviation values (<20%) for the studied PAEs in mineral, tap, pond and waste water samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial activity of different disinfection methods against biofilms in root canals.

PubMed

Gergova, Raina T; Gueorgieva, Tzvetelina; Dencheva-Garova, Mariya S; Krasteva-Panova, Assya Z; Kalchinov, Vasil; Mitov, Ivan; Kamenoff, Julia

2016-08-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bactericidal effects of different disinfection methods against microbial biofilms grown in root canals. A total of 300 freshly-extracted human teeth were infected with microbial pathogens. The biofilm formation and the effects of laser therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), iontophoresis, and disinfection with irrigating solutions were evaluated by counting the generations of microbial cells in the samples of root canals and by scanning electron microscopy. Enterococcus faecalis and other Gram-positive cocci demonstrated highest sensitivity to the methods of antibacterial action compared here. In most of the cases observed, the antibacterial treatment was less effective against Gram-negative bacteria in dental biofilms. The biofilms that were most difficult to eliminate were those formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Iontophoresis treatment with iodine and chemical disinfection with hypochlorite and chlorhexidine demonstrated the most powerful bactericidal effect. When PDT was applied with Fotosan as a photosensitizer, better disinfection was achieved in comparison to the other lasers alone. The comparison of these different strategies for endodontic treatment showed that hypochlorite, followed by the chlorhexidine irrigant in our experimental conditions, gave the most satisfactory results against the formation of bacterial biofilms in the root canals. © 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

HeLM: a macrophyte-based method for monitoring and assessment of Greek lakes.

PubMed

Zervas, Dimitrios; Tsiaoussi, Vasiliki; Tsiripidis, Ioannis

2018-05-05

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires Member States to develop appropriate assessment methods for the classification of the ecological status of their surface waters. Mediterranean region has lagged behind in this task, so we propose here the first developed method for Greek lakes, Hellenic Lake Macrophyte (HeLM) assessment method. This method is based on two metrics, a modified trophic index and maximum colonization depth C max that quantify the degree of changes in lake macrophytic vegetation, as a response to eutrophication and general degradation pressures. The method was developed on the basis of a data set sampled from 272 monitoring transects in 16 Greek lakes. Sites from three lakes were selected as potential reference sites by using a screening process. Ecological quality ratios were calculated for each metric and for each lake, and ecological status class boundaries were defined. For the evaluation of effectiveness of the method, the correlations between individual metrics and final HeLM values and common pressure indicators, such as total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and Secchi depth, were tested and found highly significant and relatively strong. In addition, the ability of HeLM values and its individual metrics to distinguish between different macrophytic communities' structure was checked using aquatic plant life-forms and found satisfactory. The HeLM method gave a reliable assessment of the macrophytic vegetation's condition in Greek lakes and may constitute a useful tool for the classification of ecological status of other Mediterranean lakes.

Effect of duct shape, Mach number, and lining construction on measured suppressor attenuation and comparison with theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, W. A.; Krejsa, E. A.; Coats, J. W.

1972-01-01

Noise attenuation was measured for several types of cylindrical suppressors that use a duct lining composed of honeycomb cells covered with a perforated plate. The experimental technique used gave attenuation data that were repeatable and free of noise floors and other sources of error. The suppressor length, the effective acoustic diameter, suppressor shape and flow velocity were varied. The agreement among the attenuation data and two widely used analytical models was generally satisfactory. Changes were also made in the construction of the acoustic lining to measure their effect on attenuation. One of these produced a very broadband muffler.

Assessing a Norwegian translation of the Organizational Climate Measure.

PubMed

Bernstrøm, Vilde Hoff; Lone, Jon Anders; Bjørkli, Cato A; Ulleberg, Pål; Hoff, Thomas

2013-04-01

This study investigated the Norwegian translation of the Organizational Climate Measure developed by Patterson and colleagues. The Organizational Climate Measure is a global measure of organizational climate based on Quinn and Rohrbaugh's competing values model. The survey was administered to a Norwegian branch of an international service sector company (N = 555). The results revealed satisfactory internal reliability and interrater agreement for the 17 scales, and confirmatory factor analysis supported the original factor structure. The findings gave preliminary support for the Organizational Climate Measure as a reliable measure with a stable factor structure, and indicated that it is potentially useful in the Norwegian context.

Microscale chemistry-based design of eco-friendly, reagent-saving and efficient pharmaceutical analysis: a miniaturized Volhard's titration for the assay of sodium chloride.

PubMed

Rojanarata, Theerasak; Sumran, Krissadecha; Nateetaweewat, Paksupang; Winotapun, Weerapath; Sukpisit, Sirarat; Opanasopit, Praneet; Ngawhirunpat, Tanasait

2011-09-15

This work demonstrates the extended application of microscale chemistry which has been used in the educational discipline to the real analytical purposes. Using Volhard's titration for the determination of sodium chloride as a paradigm, the reaction was downscaled to less than 2 mL conducted in commercially available microcentrifuge tubes and using micropipettes for the measurement and transfer of reagents. The equivalence point was determined spectrophotometrically on the microplates which quickened the multi-sample measurements. After the validation and evaluation with bulk and dosage forms, the downsized method showed good accuracy comparable to the British Pharmacopeial macroscale method and gave satisfactory precision (intra-day, inter-day, inter-analyst and inter-equipment) with the relative standard deviation of less than 0.5%. Interestingly, the amount of nitric acid, silver nitrate, ferric alum and ammonium thiocyanate consumed in the miniaturized titration was reduced by the factors of 25, 50, 50 and 215 times, respectively. The use of environmentally dangerous dibutyl phthalate was absolutely eliminated in the proposed method. Furthermore, the release of solid waste silver chloride was drastically reduced by about 25 folds. Therefore, microscale chemistry is an attractive, facile and powerful green strategy for the development of eco-friendly, safe, and cost-effective analytical methods suitable for a sustainable environment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved infrared precipitation estimation approaches based on k-means clustering: Application to north Algeria using MSG-SEVIRI satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokdad, Fatiha; Haddad, Boualem

2017-06-01

In this paper, two new infrared precipitation estimation approaches based on the concept of k-means clustering are first proposed, named the NAW-Kmeans and the GPI-Kmeans methods. Then, they are adapted to the southern Mediterranean basin, where the subtropical climate prevails. The infrared data (10.8 μm channel) acquired by MSG-SEVIRI sensor in winter and spring 2012 are used. Tests are carried out in eight areas distributed over northern Algeria: Sebra, El Bordj, Chlef, Blida, Bordj Menael, Sidi Aich, Beni Ourthilane, and Beni Aziz. The validation is performed by a comparison of the estimated rainfalls to rain gauges observations collected by the National Office of Meteorology in Dar El Beida (Algeria). Despite the complexity of the subtropical climate, the obtained results indicate that the NAW-Kmeans and the GPI-Kmeans approaches gave satisfactory results for the considered rain rates. Also, the proposed schemes lead to improvement in precipitation estimation performance when compared to the original algorithms NAW (Nagri, Adler, and Wetzel) and GPI (GOES Precipitation Index).

Investigation of saponification for determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in marine sediments.

PubMed

Numata, Masahiko; Yarita, Takashi; Aoyagi, Yoshie; Yamazaki, Misako; Takatsu, Akiko

2005-02-01

The effects of saponification conditions (temperature and water content of saponifying solution) on the determination of chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) in marine sediments were investigated. Although highly chlorinated biphenyls (nona- to deca-CBs) decomposed during high-temperature saponification, the degree of degradation was reduced by adding water to the ethanolic potassium hydroxide saponifying solution. Room-temperature saponification yielded quantitative recovery of highly chlorinated biphenyl surrogates but low extraction efficiencies of lightly chlorinated biphenyls (mono- to di-CBs). The same samples were analyzed by other extraction techniques, for example, pressurized liquid extraction, and analytical results were compared. The mono- and di-CB concentrations were correlated with the extraction temperatures of various extraction techniques. In particular, the concentrations of some CB congeners (CB11, CB14) were higher with saponification. The low degree of degradation of highly chlorinated biphenyls and the high recovery of lightly chlorinated biphenyls were compatible when room-temperature and high-temperature saponification were combined. Except for the anomalies of CB11 and CB14, the combined method gave satisfactory results for analysis of PCBs.

Study on Synthesis of Thoreau-modified 3, 5-Dimethyl-Thioltoluenediamine Used as Epoxy Resin Curing Agent and Its Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yongli; Xiao, Wenzheng

2017-06-01

A novel curing agent Thoreau modified 3, 5-Dimethyl-thioltoluenediamine was synthesized and its molecular structure was characterized by FTIR and DSC. The curing kinetics of a high toughness and low volume shrinkage ratio epoxy system (modified DMTDA/DGEBA) was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under noni so thermal conditions. The data were fitted to an order model and autocatalytic model respectively. The results indicate that in order model deviates significantly from experimental data. Malik’s method was used to prove that the curing kinetics of the system concerned follow single-step autocatalytic model, and a “single-point model-free” approach was employed to calculate meaningful kinetic parameters. The DSC curves derived from autocatalytic model gave satisfactory agreement with that of experiment in the range 5K/min∼25K/min. As the heating rate increased, the predicted DSC curves deviated from experimental curves, and the total exothermic enthalpy declined owing to the transition of competition relationship between kinetics control and diffusion control.

Water adsorption isotherms of carboxymethyl cellulose, guar, locust bean, tragacanth and xanthan gums.

PubMed

Torres, María D; Moreira, Ramón; Chenlo, Francisco; Vázquez, María J

2012-06-20

Water adsorption isotherms of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum (GG), locust bean gum (LBG), tragacanth gum (TG) and xanthan gum (XG) were determined at different temperatures (20, 35, 50, and 65°C) using a gravimetric method. Several saturated salt solutions were selected to obtain different water activities in the range from 0.09 to 0.91. Water adsorption isotherms of tested hydrocolloids were classified like type II isotherms. In all cases, equilibrium moisture content decreased with increasing temperature at each water activity value. Three-parameter Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model was employed to fit the experimental data in the water activity range and statistical analysis indicated that this model gave satisfactory results. CMC and GG were the most and the least hygroscopic gums, respectively. Sorption heats decreased with increasing moisture content. Monolayer moisture content evaluated with GAB model was consistent with equilibrium conditions of maximum stability calculated from thermodynamic analysis of net integral entropy. Values of equilibrium relative humidity at 20°C are proposed to storage adequately the tested gums. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Noise modeling and analysis of an IMU-based attitude sensor: improvement of performance by filtering and sensor fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

K., Nirmal; A. G., Sreejith; Mathew, Joice; Sarpotdar, Mayuresh; Suresh, Ambily; Prakash, Ajin; Safonova, Margarita; Murthy, Jayant

2016-07-01

We describe the characterization and removal of noises present in the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) MPU- 6050, which was initially used in an attitude sensor, and later used in the development of a pointing system for small balloon-borne astronomical payloads. We found that the performance of the IMU degraded with time because of the accumulation of different errors. Using Allan variance analysis method, we identified the different components of noise present in the IMU, and verified the results by the power spectral density analysis (PSD). We tried to remove the high-frequency noise using smooth filters such as moving average filter and then Savitzky Golay (SG) filter. Even though we managed to filter some high-frequency noise, these filters performance wasn't satisfactory for our application. We found the distribution of the random noise present in IMU using probability density analysis and identified that the noise in our IMU was white Gaussian in nature. Hence, we used a Kalman filter to remove the noise and which gave us good performance real time.

Fabrication of a novel metal chromite - Carbon nanotube composite for the highly efficient electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahnavaz, Zohreh; Abd Hamid, Sharifah Bee

2017-06-01

The new electrocatalyst, ZnCr2O4/MWCNTs composite was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method followed by calcination at 500 °C. A potential application of ZnCr2O4/MWCNTs composite modified electrode as enzyme-free sensor to monitor H2O2 has been studied. The sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 1717.14 μA mM-1 cm-2 and a low detection limit down to 0.11 μM with a linear wide range from 50 μM to 34.8 mM with a fast response time of 2 s. In addition, modified electrode performance was investigated by measuring current responses of the sensor for three weeks to confirm the great stability of the proposed sensor. Along with these considerable analytical advantages, the as-prepared composite showed very high specificity to H2O2 with complete elimination of interference from uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine and glucose. The sensor gave satisfactory results in a real sample, when employed for determination of H2O2 in lens cleaning solution.

Spin alignment following inelastic scattering of 17Ne, lifetime of 16F, and its constraint on the continuum coupling strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charity, R. J.; Brown, K. W.; Okołowicz, J.; Płoszajczak, M.; Elson, J. M.; Reviol, W.; Sobotka, L. G.; Buhro, W. W.; Chajecki, Z.; Lynch, W. G.; Manfredi, J.; Shane, R.; Showalter, R. H.; Tsang, M. B.; Weisshaar, D.; Winkelbauer, J. R.; Bedoor, S.; Wuosmaa, A. H.

2018-05-01

The sequential two-proton decay of the second excited state in 17Ne, produced by inelastic excitation at intermediate energy, is studied. This state is found to be highly spin aligned, providing another example of a recently discovered alignment mechanism. The fortuitous condition that the second decay step is slightly more energetic than the first, permits the lifetime of the one-proton daughter, the ground state of 16F, to be determined from the magnitude of the final-state interactions between the protons. This new method gave a result [Γ =20.6 (57 ) keV] consistent with that obtained by directly measuring the width of the state [Γ =21.3 (51 ) keV]. This width allows one to determine the continuum coupling constant in this mass region. Real-energy continuum-shell-model studies yield a satisfactory description of both spectra and widths of low-energy resonances in 16F and suggest an unusual large ratio of proton-proton to proton-neutron continuum couplings in the vicinity of the proton drip line.

Combining Crop Model and Remote Sensing Data at High Resolution for the Assessment of Rice Agricultural Practices in the South-Eastern France (Take 5 Experiment SPOT4-SPOT5)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Courault, D.; Ruget, F.; Talab-ou-Ali, H.; Hagolle, O.; Delmotte, S.; Barbier, J. M.; Boschetti, M.; Mouret, J. C.

2016-08-01

Crop systems are constantly changing due to modifications in the agricultural practices to respond to market changes, the constraints of the environment, the climate hazards... Rice cultivation practiced in the Camargue region (SE France) have decreased these last years, however rice plays a crucial role for the hydrological balance of the region and for crop systems desalinizing soils. The aim of this study is to analyze the potentialities of remote sensing data acquired at high spatial and temporal resolution (HRST) to identify the main agricultural practices and estimate their impact on rice production. A large dataset acquired over the Camargue from the Take5 experiment (SPOT4 in 2013 and SPOT5 in 2015), completed by Landsat data has been used. Two assimilation methods of HRST data were evaluated within a crop model. Results showed the impact of the spatial variability of practices on the yields. The sowing dates were retrieved from inverse procedures and gave satisfactory results compared to ground surveys.

Determination of total selenium in food samples by d-CPE and HG-AFS.

PubMed

Wang, Mei; Zhong, Yizhou; Qin, Jinpeng; Zhang, Zehua; Li, Shan; Yang, Bingyi

2017-07-15

A dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) procedure was developed for the simultaneous preconcentration and determination of trace level Se in food samples by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). The Se(IV) was complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) in a Triton X-114 surfactant-rich phase, which was then treated with a mixture of 16% (v/v) HCl and 20% (v/v) H 2 O 2 . This converted the Se(IV)-APDC into free Se(IV), which was back extracted into an aqueous phase at the second cloud point extraction stage. This aqueous phase was analyzed directly by HG-AFS. Optimization of the experimental conditions gave a limit of detection of 0.023μgL -1 with an enhancement factor of 11.8 when 50mL of sample solution was preconcentrated to 3mL. The relative standard deviation was 4.04% (c=6.0μgL -1 , n=10). The proposed method was applied to determine the Se contents in twelve food samples with satisfactory recoveries of 95.6-105.2%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wind tunnel research comparing lateral control devices, particularly at high angles of attack XI : various floating tip ailerons on both rectangular and tapered wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weick, Fred E; Harris, Thomas A

1933-01-01

Discussed here are a series of systematic tests being conducted to compare different lateral control devices with particular reference to their effectiveness at high angles of attack. The present tests were made with six different forms of floating tip ailerons of symmetrical section. The tests showed the effect of the various ailerons on the general performance characteristics of the wing, and on the lateral controllability and stability characteristics. In addition, the hinge moments were measured for the most interesting cases. The results are compared with those for a rectangular wing with ordinary ailerons and also with those for a rectangular wing having full-chord floating tip ailerons. Practically all the floating tip ailerons gave satisfactory rolling moments at all angles of attack and at the same time gave no adverse yawing moments of appreciable magnitude. The general performance characteristics with the floating tip ailerons, however, were relatively poor, especially the rate of climb. None of the floating tip ailerons entirely eliminated the auto rotational moments at angles of attack above the stall, but all of them gave lower moments than a plain wing. Some of the floating ailerons fluttered if given sufficiently large deflection, but this could have been eliminated by moving the hinge axis of the ailerons forward. Considering all points including hinge moments, the floating tip ailerons on the wing with 5:1 taper are probably the best of those which were tested.

A comparison of regimen methods for the removal and inactivation of bacteria, fungi and Acanthamoeba from two types of silicone hydrogel lenses.

PubMed

Kilvington, Simon; Lonnen, James

2009-04-01

To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercial contact lens solutions when used according to the manufacturers' recommended regimens with two types of silicone hydrogel lenses. Four multipurpose contact lens care solutions were examined, representing manufacturer recommended regimens of "rub & rinse", "no rub, rinse" or "no rub, no rinse". Test organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium solani, Candida albicans and Acanthamoeba castellanii (trophozoites and cysts). Organisms, in the presence of organic soil, were inoculated on to Acuvue Oasys or Air Optix lenses and subjected to the solution manufacturer's recommended regimen. The number of surviving organisms on the lenses and in the soak solution was enumerated in accordance with ISO 14729. ISO 14729 dictates that for a given organism the combined average number of surviving microbes from the lenses and disinfectant soaking solution must be

In-line monitoring of extraction process of scutellarein from Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand-Mazz based on qualitative and quantitative uses of near-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wu, Yongjiang; Jin, Ye; Ding, Haiying; Luan, Lianjun; Chen, Yong; Liu, Xuesong

2011-09-01

The application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for in-line monitoring of extraction process of scutellarein from Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand-Mazz was investigated. For NIR measurements, two fiber optic probes designed to transmit NIR radiation through a 2 mm pathlength flow cell were utilized to collect spectra in real-time. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used as a reference method to determine scutellarein in extract solution. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) calibration model of Savitzky-Golay smoothing NIR spectra in the 5450-10,000 cm(-1) region gave satisfactory predictive results for scutellarein. The results showed that the correlation coefficients of calibration and cross validation were 0.9967 and 0.9811, respectively, and the root mean square error of calibration and cross validation were 0.044 and 0.105, respectively. Furthermore, both the moving block standard deviation (MBSD) method and conformity test were used to identify the end point of extraction process, providing real-time data and instant feedback about the extraction course. The results obtained in this study indicated that the NIR spectroscopy technique provides an efficient and environmentally friendly approach for fast determination of scutellarein and end point control of extraction process. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of penicillin G salts by infrared spectroscopy: Evaluation of combining orthogonal signal correction with radial basis function-partial least squares regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talebpour, Zahra; Tavallaie, Roya; Ahmadi, Seyyed Hamid; Abdollahpour, Assem

2010-09-01

In this study, a new method for the simultaneous determination of penicillin G salts in pharmaceutical mixture via FT-IR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was investigated. The mixture of penicillin G salts is a complex system due to similar analytical characteristics of components. Partial least squares (PLS) and radial basis function-partial least squares (RBF-PLS) were used to develop the linear and nonlinear relation between spectra and components, respectively. The orthogonal signal correction (OSC) preprocessing method was used to correct unexpected information, such as spectral overlapping and scattering effects. In order to compare the influence of OSC on PLS and RBF-PLS models, the optimal linear (PLS) and nonlinear (RBF-PLS) models based on conventional and OSC preprocessed spectra were established and compared. The obtained results demonstrated that OSC clearly enhanced the performance of both RBF-PLS and PLS calibration models. Also in the case of some nonlinear relation between spectra and component, OSC-RBF-PLS gave satisfactory results than OSC-PLS model which indicated that the OSC was helpful to remove extrinsic deviations from linearity without elimination of nonlinear information related to component. The chemometric models were tested on an external dataset and finally applied to the analysis commercialized injection product of penicillin G salts.

Comparison of animal and plant proteins for young pen-reared bobwhite quail

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nestler, R.B.; Llewellyn, L.M.; Rensberger, M.J.

1945-01-01

Bobwhite quail chicks, when given a choice of balanced diets in which the essential difference was the protein supplement, showed preferences for one diet containing 49 per cent peanut oil meal, another containing a mixture of 9 per cent meat and bone scraps (50% protein) with 38 per cent soybean oil meal, and a third (control) diet containing a mixture of 16 per cent dried buttermilk with 42 per cent soybean oil meal, in contrast to diets containing sardine meal or menhaden fish meal. ....Feeding tests during the first five weeks of life showed that diets containing 14 per cent sardine fish meal consistently gave high live weights, low mortality, and high efficiency of feed utilization. Diets with 9 to 10 per cent menhaden meal produced nearly as good results....Live weights, survival, and efficiency of feed utilization were markedly better on a diet containing 9 per cent meat and bone scrap (50% protein) than on one with 9 per cent meat scrap (55% protein), but not as good as with diets containing fish meal without meat....The chicks grew and survived more successfully on diets containing either soybean oil meal or peanut oil meal as the sole protein supplement, than on diets containing either linseed oil meal, cottonseed oil meal, or dried buttermilk as the sole protein concentrate. None of these was as satisfactory as the diets containing fish meal.....All chicks died on diets containing either linseed oil meal, cottonseed oil meal, or dried buttermilk as the sole source of protein. All three of these concentrates, however, gave satisfactory results, when used as 10 per cent of the diet. In fact, survival and efficiency of feed utilization were nearly as good on a diet containing 10 per cent dried buttermilk, 10 per cent linseed oil meal, 10 per cent peanut oil meal, and 27 per cent soybean oil meal, as on diets containing fish meal.

Migratory fish, a problem of interstate cooperation?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John; Adams, William C.; Finley, William L.; Westerman, Fred A.

1939-01-01

Bobwhite quail chicks, when given a choice of balanced diets in which the essential difference was the protein supplement, showed preferences for one diet containing 49 per cent peanut oil meal, another containing a mixture of 9 per cent meat and bone scraps (50% protein) with 38 per cent soybean oil meal, and a third (control) diet containing a mixture of 16 per cent dried buttermilk with 42 per cent soybean oil meal, in contrast to diets containing sardine meal or menhaden fish meal. ....Feeding tests during the first five weeks of life showed that diets containing 14 per cent sardine fish meal consistently gave high live weights, low mortality, and high efficiency of feed utilization. Diets with 9 to 10 per cent menhaden meal produced nearly as good results....Live weights, survival, and efficiency of feed utilization were markedly better on a diet containing 9 per cent meat and bone scrap (50% protein) than on one with 9 per cent meat scrap (55% protein), but not as good as with diets containing fish meal without meat....The chicks grew and survived more successfully on diets containing either soybean oil meal or peanut oil meal as the sole protein supplement, than on diets containing either linseed oil meal, cottonseed oil meal, or dried buttermilk as the sole protein concentrate. None of these was as satisfactory as the diets containing fish meal.....All chicks died on diets containing either linseed oil meal, cottonseed oil meal, or dried buttermilk as the sole source of protein. All three of these concentrates, however, gave satisfactory results, when used as 10 per cent of the diet. In fact, survival and efficiency of feed utilization were nearly as good on a diet containing 10 per cent dried buttermilk, 10 per cent linseed oil meal, 10 per cent peanut oil meal, and 27 per cent soybean oil meal, as on diets containing fish meal.

A New mHealth application to support treatment of sleep apnoea patients.

PubMed

Isetta, Valentina; Torres, Marta; González, Kevin; Ruiz, Concepción; Dalmases, Mireia; Embid, Cristina; Navajas, Daniel; Farré, Ramon; Montserrat, Josep M

2017-01-01

Introduction Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-choice treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but adherence is frequently suboptimal. Innovative, patient-centred interventions are, therefore, needed to enhance compliance. Due to its low cost and ubiquity, mobile health (mHealth) technology seems particularly suited for this purpose. We endeavoured to develop an mHealth application called "APPnea," aimed at promoting patient self-monitoring of CPAP treatment. We then assessed the feasibility and acceptability of APPnea in a group of OSA patients. Methods Consecutive OSA patients used APPnea for six weeks. APPnea gave patients daily reminders to answer three questions about their OSA treatment (CPAP use, physical activity, and diet) and prompted them to upload their body weight weekly. Answers were saved to a secure server for further analysis. After completing the study, patients gave their anonymous opinions about APPnea. Results We enrolled 60 patients with OSA receiving CPAP treatment. The mean age was 56 ± 10 years and the apnoea-hypopnea index was 47 ± 25 events/hour. In total, 63% of participants completed the daily questionnaire for more than 66% of the study period. Objective CPAP compliance was generally high (5.3 ± 1.6 hours/night). In a subset of 38 patients naïve to CPAP, those who used APPnea regularly had significantly higher CPAP compliance. Satisfaction levels were high for the majority of users. Conclusion This mHealth intervention is not only feasible but also satisfactory to patients. Although larger randomized trials and cost-effectiveness studies should be performed, this study shows that APPnea could promote participation and improve compliance among patients with OSA, thereby improving outcomes.

[Watermelon stomach: Chronic renal failure and/or imatinib?].

PubMed

Montagnac, Richard; Blaison, Dominique; Brahimi, Saïd; Schendel, Adeline; Levasseur, Thomas; Takin, Romulus

2015-11-01

Watermelon stomach or gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) syndrome is an uncommon cause of sometimes severe upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. Essentially based on a pathognomonic endoscopic appearance, its diagnosis may be unrecognised because mistaken with portal hypertensive gastropathy, while treatment of these two entities is different. Its etiopathogeny remains still unclear, even if it is frequently associated with different systemic illnesses as hepatic cirrhosis, autoimmune disorders and chronic renal failure. The mechanism inducing these vascular ectasia may be linked with mechanical stress on submucosal vessels due to antropyloric peristaltic motility dysfunction modulated by neurohormonal vasoactive alterations. Because medical therapies are not very satisfactory, among the endoscopic modalities, argon plasma coagulation seems to be actually the first-line treatment because the most effective and safe. However, surgical antrectomy may be sometimes necessary. Recently GAVE syndrome appeared as a new adverse reaction of imatinib mesylate, one of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in chronic myeloid leukemia, and we report here the observation of such a pathology in one patient treated at the same time by haemodialysis and by imatinib mesylate for chronic myeloid leukemia. Copyright © 2015 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Surface dating of bricks, an application of luminescence techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galli, Anna; Martini, Marco; Maspero, Francesco; Panzeri, Laura; Sibilia, Emanuela

2014-05-01

Luminescence techniques are a powerful tool to date archaeological ceramic materials and geological sediments. Thermoluminescence (TL) is widely used for bricks dating to reconstruct the chronology of urban complexes and the development of human cultures. However, it can sometimes be inconclusive, since TL assesses the firing period of bricks, which can be reused, even several centuries later. This problem can be circumvented using a dating technique based on a resetting event different from the last heating. OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) exploits the last light exposition of the brick surface, which resets the light-sensitive electron traps until the surface is definitely shielded by mortar and superimposed bricks. This advanced application (surface dating) has been successfully attempted on rocks, marble and stone artifacts, but not yet on bricks. A recent conservation campaign at the Certosa di Pavia gave the opportunity to sample some bricks belonging to a XVII century collapsed wall, still tied to their mortars. This was an advantageous condition to test this technique, comparing the dating results with precise historical data. This attempt gave satisfactory results, allowing to identify bricks surely reused and to fully confirm that the edification of the perimetral wall occurred at the end of XVII century.

Dry matter yields and quality of forages derived from grass species and organic production methods (year 111).

PubMed

Pholsen, S; Rodchum, P; Higgs, D E B

2014-07-01

This third year work was carried on at Khon Kaen University during the 2008-2009 to investigate dry matter yields of grass, grass plus legumes, grown on Korat soil series (Oxic Paleustults). The experiment consisted of twelve-treatment combinations of a 3x4 factorial arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed that Dry Matter Yields (DMY) of Ruzi and Guinea grass were similar with mean values of 6,585 and 6,130 kg ha(-1) whilst Napier gave the lowest (884 kg ha(-1)). With grass plus legume, grass species and production methods gave highly significant dry matter yields where Guinea and Ruzi gave dry matter yields of 7,165 and 7,181 kg ha(-1), respectively and Napier was the least (2,790 kg ha(-1)). The production methods with the use of cattle manure gave the highest DMY (grass alone) of 10,267 kg ha(-1) followed by Wynn and Verano with values of 6,064 and 3,623 kg ha(-1), respectively. Guinea plus cattle manure gave the highest DMY of 14,599 kg ha(-1) whilst Ruzi gave 12,977 kg ha(-1). Guinea plus Wynn gave DMY of 7,082 kg ha(-1). Ruzi plus Verano gave DMY of 6,501 kg ha(-1). Forage qualities of crude protein were highest with those grown with grass plus legumes. Some prospects in improving production were discussed.

Spectrophotometric determination of fenoprofen calcium drug in pure and pharmaceutical preparations. Spectroscopic characterization of the charge transfer solid complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Marwa E.; Frag, Eman Y. Z.; Hathoot, Abla A.; Shalaby, Essam A.

2018-01-01

Simple, accurate and robust spectrophotometric method was developed for determination of fenoprofen calcium drug (FPC). The proposed method was based on the charge transfer (CT) reaction of FPC drug (as n-electron donor) with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid, PA) or 1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthraquinone (Quinalizarin, QZ) (as π-acceptors) to give highly colored charge transfer complexes. Different variables affecting the reaction such as reagent concentration, temperature and time have been carefully optimized to achieve the highest sensitivity. Beer's law was obeyed over the concentration ranges of 2-60, 0.6-90 and 4-30 μg mL- 1 using DDQ, PA and QZ CT reagents, respectively, with correlation coefficients of 0.9986, 0.9989 and 0.997 and detection limits of 1.78, 0.48 and 2.6 μg mL- 1 for the CT reagents in the same order. Elucidation of the chemical structure of the solid CT complexes formed via reaction between the drug under study and π-acceptors was done using elemental, thermal analyses, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. X-ray diffraction was used to estimate the crystallinity of the CT complexes. Their biological activities were screened against different bacterial and fungal organisms. The method was applied successfully with satisfactory results for the determination of FPC drug in fenoprofen capsules. The method was validated with respect to linearity, limit of detection and quantification, inter- and intra-days precision and accuracy. The proposed method gave comparable results with the official method.

The treatment of an osteochondral shearing fracture-dislocation of the head of the proximal phalanx: a case report.

PubMed

Harness, Neil; Jupiter, Jesse B

2004-09-01

We report the morphology and treatment of a proximal interphalangeal joint dislocation resulting in an injury to the articular surface of the proximal phalanx and avulsion of the radial collateral ligament from its proximal origin. A large osteochondral fragment was sheared from the radial articular surface of the proximal phalanx and remained displaced volarly after reduction of the joint. Plain radiographs and 2- and 3-dimensional computed tomography images were used to evaluate this unusual injury before surgery. Open reduction and internal fixation using a small K-wire and figure-of-eight wire technique restored the articular surface of the head of the proximal phalanx and gave a satisfactory functional result.

Radioimmunoassay of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in serum and urine by using antisera of different specificities

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

Ratcliffe, W.A.; Fletcher, S.M.; Moffat, A.C.

We raised high-titre antisera to two LSD-bovine serum albumin conjugates, one linked via the indole nitrogen, the other via the amide side-chain. The antisera were specific for different parts of the LSD molecule, as demonstrated by cross-reactivity studies with LSD, its metabolites, ergot alkaloids, and closely related compounds. The antisera were used to develop a double-antibody radioimmunoassay with a detection limit of about 0.4 ..mu..g of LSD per liter of unextracted urine or serum. We saw no nonspecific interference by urine, serum, or from a series of commonly used drugs. There was good correlation between immunoassay values obtained with themore » two antisera (r = 0.91). However, the antiserum linked via the indole nitrogen gave consistently higher results for samples from persons who had taken LSD, owing to greater cross-reactivity with LSD metabolites. Radioimmunoassay by use of two such antisera is a more specific screening procedure for LSD abuse than has been available previously. In addition, antisera cross-reacting with LSD metabolites allow measurement of these compounds, for which there is no satisfactory method at the concentrations found in biological fluids in man.« less

Impact of health education program about reproductive health on knowledge and attitude of female Alexandria University students.

PubMed

Mounir, Gehan M; Mahdy, Nehad H; Fatohy, Ibtsam M

2003-01-01

In Egypt, adolescents don't have enough and/or correct knowledge regarding reproductive health. Health education interventions are widely seen as the most appropriate strategy for promoting young people's sexual health. The aim of the present work was to assess the impact of a short-term health education program about reproductive health on knowledge and attitude of female Alexandria university students. Quasi-experimental study (pre-post testing control group) was carried out among 682 female university students living in the university hostels, 354 students represented the intervention group (Ezbet-Saad hostel) who received the program and 328 students constituted the control group (El-Shatby hostel). The study revealed that no one had satisfactory knowledge level while 61.7 % and 38.3% respectively had fair and poor levels. The low knowledge level was more evident regarding the questions about: the meaning of the term 'reproductive health' (only 5.1% gave correct complete answer), the benefits of premarital examination (only 37.9% reported complete answer), the investigations done for the pregnant woman (only 28.3% gave complete answer) the benefits of breast feeding (only 8.2% reported complete answer), methods of family planning (only 36.4% gave complete answer), side effects of female genital mutilation (only 4% reported complete answer), sexually transmitted diseases and methods of protection (only 11.9% and 3.9% reported complete answer). It was evident that 32.6% had an overall positive attitude level, 46.3% were in the neutral level and 21.1% had a negative level. It was also found that students of highly or moderately educated mothers and of high social class reported significantly higher knowledge score about premarital examination, age of marriage and breast-feeding than those of non-educated mothers and of low social class. After the intervention program there was a significant improvement in the majority of knowledge questions from pre to post test in the intervention group and no absolute changes were detected in the control group. The highest percentage of gain scores (33.3%) was detected for knowledge about the term 'reproductive health' and female genital mutilation. A significant gain score of 25% was observed for the knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases. Also there was a gain of 20% in the median score concerning the knowledge about breast feeding and family planning. A significant shift towards a positive attitude was found among the intervention group.

Simultaneous determination of seven anticoagulant rodenticides in agricultural products by gel permeation chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Saito-Shida, Shizuka; Nemoto, Satoru; Matsuda, Rieko; Akiyama, Hiroshi

2016-11-01

A sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous determination of hydroxycoumarin-type (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, coumatetralyl, and warfarin) and indandione-type (chlorophacinone, diphacinone, and pindone) rodenticides in agricultural products by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. The procedure involved extraction of the rodenticides from samples with acetone, followed by liquid-liquid partitioning with hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) and 10% sodium chloride aqueous solution, then cleanup using GPC, and finally, analysis using LC-MS/MS. High recoveries from the GPC column were obtained for all rodenticides tested using a mobile phase of acetone/cyclohexane/triethylamine (400:1600:1, v/v/v). An ODS column, which contains low levels of metal impurities, gave satisfactory peak shapes for both hydroxycoumarin- and indandione-type rodenticides in the LC-MS/MS separation. The average recoveries of rodenticides from eight agricultural foods (apple, eggplant, cabbage, orange, potato, tomato, brown rice, and soybean) fortified at 0.0005-0.001 mg/kg ranged from 76 to 116%, except for bromadiolone in orange (53%) and diphacinone in soybean (54%), and the relative standard deviations ranged from 1 to 16%. The proposed method effectively removed interfering components, such as pigments and lipids, and showed high selectivity. In addition, the matrix effects were negligible for most of the rodenticide/food combinations. The results suggest that the proposed method is reliable and suitable for determining hydroxycoumarin- and indandione-type rodenticides in agricultural products.

4D-Qsar Study of Some Pyrazole Pyridine Carboxylic Acid Derivatives by Electron Conformational-Genetic Algorithm Method.

PubMed

Tuzun, Burak; Yavuz, Sevtap Caglar; Sabanci, Nazmiye; Saripinar, Emin

2018-05-13

In the present work, pharmacophore identification and biological activity prediction for 86 pyrazole pyridine carboxylic acid derivatives were made using the electron conformational genetic algorithm approach which was introduced as a 4D-QSAR analysis by us in recent years. In the light of the data obtained from quantum chemical calculations at HF/6-311 G** level, the electron conformational matrices of congruity (ECMC) were constructed by EMRE software. Comparing the matrices, electron conformational submatrix of activity (ECSA, Pha) was revealed that are common for these compounds within a minimum tolerance. A parameter pool was generated considering the obtained pharmacophore. To determine the theoretical biological activity of molecules and identify the best subset of variables affecting bioactivities, we used the nonlinear least square regression method and genetic algorithm. The results obtained in this study are in good agreement with the experimental data presented in the literature. The model for training and test sets attained by the optimum 12 parameters gave highly satisfactory results with R2training= 0.889, q2=0.839 and SEtraining=0.066, q2ext1 = 0.770, q2ext2 = 0.750, q2ext3=0.824, ccctr = 0.941, ccctest = 0.869 and cccall = 0.927. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Cellulose nanofiber backboned Prussian blue nanoparticles as powerful adsorbents for the selective elimination of radioactive cesium.

PubMed

Vipin, Adavan Kiliyankil; Fugetsu, Bunshi; Sakata, Ichiro; Isogai, Akira; Endo, Morinobu; Li, Mingda; Dresselhaus, Mildred S

2016-11-15

On 11 March 2011, the day of the unforgettable disaster of the 9 magnitude Tohoku earthquake and quickly followed by the devastating Tsunami, a damageable amount of radionuclides had dispersed from the Fukushima Daiichi's damaged nuclear reactors. Decontamination of the dispersed radionuclides from seawater and soil, due to the huge amounts of coexisting ions with competitive functionalities, has been the topmost difficulty. Ferric hexacyanoferrate, also known as Prussian blue (PB), has been the most powerful material for selectively trapping the radioactive cesium ions; its high tendency to form stable colloids in water, however, has made PB to be impossible for the open-field radioactive cesium decontamination applications. A nano/nano combinatorial approach, as is described in this study, has provided an ultimate solution to this intrinsic colloid formation difficulty of PB. Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were used to immobilize PB via the creation of CNF-backboned PB. The CNF-backboned PB (CNF/PB) was found to be highly tolerant to water and moreover, it gave a 139 mg/g capability and a million (10 6 ) order of magnitude distribution coefficient (K d ) for absorbing of the radioactive cesium ion. Field studies on soil and seawater decontaminations in Fukushima gave satisfactory results, demonstrating high capabilities of CNF/PB for practical applications.

Cellulose nanofiber backboned Prussian blue nanoparticles as powerful adsorbents for the selective elimination of radioactive cesium

PubMed Central

Vipin, Adavan Kiliyankil; Fugetsu, Bunshi; Sakata, Ichiro; Isogai, Akira; Endo, Morinobu; Li, Mingda; Dresselhaus, Mildred S.

2016-01-01

On 11 March 2011, the day of the unforgettable disaster of the 9 magnitude Tohoku earthquake and quickly followed by the devastating Tsunami, a damageable amount of radionuclides had dispersed from the Fukushima Daiichi’s damaged nuclear reactors. Decontamination of the dispersed radionuclides from seawater and soil, due to the huge amounts of coexisting ions with competitive functionalities, has been the topmost difficulty. Ferric hexacyanoferrate, also known as Prussian blue (PB), has been the most powerful material for selectively trapping the radioactive cesium ions; its high tendency to form stable colloids in water, however, has made PB to be impossible for the open-field radioactive cesium decontamination applications. A nano/nano combinatorial approach, as is described in this study, has provided an ultimate solution to this intrinsic colloid formation difficulty of PB. Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were used to immobilize PB via the creation of CNF-backboned PB. The CNF-backboned PB (CNF/PB) was found to be highly tolerant to water and moreover, it gave a 139 mg/g capability and a million (106) order of magnitude distribution coefficient (Kd) for absorbing of the radioactive cesium ion. Field studies on soil and seawater decontaminations in Fukushima gave satisfactory results, demonstrating high capabilities of CNF/PB for practical applications. PMID:27845441

Glucose biosensor based on nanocomposite films of CdTe quantum dots and glucose oxidase.

PubMed

Li, Xinyu; Zhou, Yunlong; Zheng, Zhaozhu; Yue, Xiuli; Dai, Zhifei; Liu, Shaoqin; Tang, Zhiyong

2009-06-02

A blood glucose sensor has been developed based on the multilayer films of CdTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and glucose oxidase (GOD) by using the layer-by-layer assembly technique. When the composite films were contacted with glucose solution, the photoluminescence of QDs in the films was quickly quenched because the enzyme-catalyzed reaction product (H2O2) of GOD and glucose gave rise to the formation of surface defects on QDs. The quenching rate was a function of the concentration of glucose. The linear range and sensitivity for glucose determination could be adjusted by controlling the layers of QDs and GOD. The biosensor was used to successfully determine the concentration of blood glucose in real serum samples without sample pretreatment and exhibited satisfactory reproducibility and accuracy.

Spectrophotometric determination of fenoprofen calcium drug in pure and pharmaceutical preparations. Spectroscopic characterization of the charge transfer solid complexes.

PubMed

Mohamed, Marwa E; Frag, Eman Y Z; Hathoot, Abla A; Shalaby, Essam A

2018-01-15

Simple, accurate and robust spectrophotometric method was developed for determination of fenoprofen calcium drug (FPC). The proposed method was based on the charge transfer (CT) reaction of FPC drug (as n-electron donor) with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid, PA) or 1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthraquinone (Quinalizarin, QZ) (as π-acceptors) to give highly colored charge transfer complexes. Different variables affecting the reaction such as reagent concentration, temperature and time have been carefully optimized to achieve the highest sensitivity. Beer's law was obeyed over the concentration ranges of 2-60, 0.6-90 and 4-30μgmL -1 using DDQ, PA and QZ CT reagents, respectively, with correlation coefficients of 0.9986, 0.9989 and 0.997 and detection limits of 1.78, 0.48 and 2.6μgmL -1 for the CT reagents in the same order. Elucidation of the chemical structure of the solid CT complexes formed via reaction between the drug under study and π-acceptors was done using elemental, thermal analyses, IR, 1 H NMR and mass spectrometry. X-ray diffraction was used to estimate the crystallinity of the CT complexes. Their biological activities were screened against different bacterial and fungal organisms. The method was applied successfully with satisfactory results for the determination of FPC drug in fenoprofen capsules. The method was validated with respect to linearity, limit of detection and quantification, inter- and intra-days precision and accuracy. The proposed method gave comparable results with the official method. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid extraction from and direct identification in clinical samples of methicillin-resistant staphylococci using the PCR.

PubMed

Jaffe, R I; Lane, J D; Albury, S V; Niemeyer, D M

2000-09-01

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections and bacteremia. Standard bacterial identification and susceptibility testing frequently require as long as 72 h to report results, and there may be difficulty in rapidly and accurately identifying methicillin resistance. The use of the PCR is a rapid and simple process for the amplification of target DNA sequences, which can be used to identify and test bacteria for antimicrobial resistance. However, many sample preparation methods are unsuitable for PCR utilization in the clinical laboratory because they either are not cost-effective, take too long to perform, or do not provide a satisfactory DNA template for PCR. Our goal was to provide same-day results to facilitate rapid diagnosis and therapy. In this report, we describe a rapid method for extraction of bacterial DNA directly from blood culture bottles that gave quality DNA for PCR in as little as 20 min. We compared this extraction method to the standard QIAGEN method for turnaround time (TAT), cost, purity, and use of template in PCR. Specific identification of MRS was determined using intragenic primer sets for bacterial and Staphylococcus 16S rRNA and mecA gene sequences. The PCR primer sets were validated with 416 isolates of staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 106), methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (n = 134), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (n = 176). The total supply cost of our extraction method and PCR was $2.15 per sample with a result TAT of less than 4 h. The methods described herein represent a rapid and accurate DNA extraction and PCR-based identification system, which makes the system an ideal candidate for use under austere field conditions and one that may have utility in the clinical laboratory.

2D dark-count-rate modeling of PureB single-photon avalanche diodes in a TCAD environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knežević, Tihomir; Nanver, Lis K.; Suligoj, Tomislav

2018-02-01

PureB silicon photodiodes have nm-shallow p+n junctions with which photons/electrons with penetration-depths of a few nanometer can be detected. PureB Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) were fabricated and analysed by 2D numerical modeling as an extension to TCAD software. The very shallow p+ -anode has high perimeter curvature that enhances the electric field. In SPADs, noise is quantified by the dark count rate (DCR) that is a measure for the number of false counts triggered by unwanted processes in the non-illuminated device. Just like for desired events, the probability a dark count increases with increasing electric field and the perimeter conditions are critical. In this work, the DCR was studied by two 2D methods of analysis: the "quasi-2D" (Q-2D) method where vertical 1D cross-sections were assumed for calculating the electron/hole avalanche-probabilities, and the "ionization-integral 2D" (II-2D) method where crosssections were placed where the maximum ionization-integrals were calculated. The Q-2D method gave satisfactory results in structures where the peripheral regions had a small contribution to the DCR, such as in devices with conventional deepjunction guard rings (GRs). Otherwise, the II-2D method proved to be much more precise. The results show that the DCR simulation methods are useful for optimizing the compromise between fill-factor and p-/n-doping profile design in SPAD devices. For the experimentally investigated PureB SPADs, excellent agreement of the measured and simulated DCR was achieved. This shows that although an implicit GR is attractively compact, the very shallow pn-junction gives a risk of having such a low breakdown voltage at the perimeter that the DCR of the device may be negatively impacted.

Evaluation of Süleymanköy (Diyarbakir, Eastern Turkey) and Seferihisar (Izmir, Western Turkey) Self Potential Anomalies with Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaftan, Ilknur; Sindirgi, Petek

2013-04-01

Self-potential (SP) is one of the oldest geophysical methods that provides important information about near-surface structures. Several methods have been developed to interpret SP data using simple geometries. This study investigated inverse solution of a buried, polarized sphere-shaped self-potential (SP ) anomaly via Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks ( MLPNN ). The polarization angle ( α ) and depth to the centre of sphere ( h )were estimated. The MLPNN is applied to synthetic and field SP data. In order to see the capability of the method in detecting the number of sources, MLPNN was applied to different spherical models at different depths and locations.. Additionally, the performance of MLPNN was tested by adding random noise to the same synthetic test data. The sphere model successfully obtained similar parameters under different S/N ratios. Then, MLPNN method was applied to two field examples. The first one is the cross section taken from the SP anomaly map of the Ergani-Süleymanköy (Turkey) copper mine. MLPNN was also applied to SP data from Seferihisar Izmir (Western Turkey) geothermal field. The MLPNN results showed good agreement with the original synthetic data set. The effect of The technique gave satisfactory results following the addition of 5% and 10% Gaussian noise levels. The MLPNN results were compared to other SP interpretation techniques, such as Normalized Full Gradient (NFG), inverse solution and nomogram methods. All of the techniques showed strong similarity. Consequently, the synthetic and field applications of this study show that MLPNN provides reliable evaluation of the self potential data modelled by the sphere model.

TECHNIQUES FOR COMBINED PROCUREMENT OF HEARTS AND KIDNEYS WITH SATISFACTORY EARLY FUNCTION OF RENAL ALLOGRAFTS

PubMed Central

Shaw, Byers W.; Rosenthal, J. Thomas; Griffith, Bartley F.; Haresty, Robert L.; Broznik, Brian; Hakala, Thomas; Bahnson, Henry T.; Starzl, Thomas E.

2009-01-01

SUMMARY Methods for combination of donor nephrectomy with donor cardiectomy are outlined. The satisfactory early function of 29 of 34 transplanted kidneys harvested with these techniques supports their wider application and should encourage their wider acceptance. PMID:6351307

Poly(alkylmethylsiloxanes) thermally immobilized on silica as stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Bottoli, Carla B G; Chaudhry, Zahra F; Fonseca, Dania A; Collins, Kenneth E; Collins, Carol H

2002-03-01

Poly(methyloctylsiloxane) (PMOS) and poly(methyloctadecylsiloxane) (PMODS) were sorbed onto porous HPLC silica and thermally immobilized, in the absence of radical initiators, at temperatures in the range of 80 to 180 degrees C. Following extraction of non-immobilized polymer the materials were packed into columns and their chromatographic properties evaluated. The shorter chain (PMOS) stationary phase showed good HPLC characteristics after thermal immobilizations up to 120 degrees C while the longer chain (PMODS) phase gave satisfactory HPLC phases following thermal immobilizations at 80 and 100 degrees C. Stability evaluation for the PMOS and PMODS columns immobilized at 100 degrees C required 250 ml of pH 8.5 mobile phase at 60 degrees C to significantly decrease efficiency, suggesting a long useful life time at neutral pH and ambient temperature.

Sequencing of Oligourea Foldamers by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bathany, Katell; Owens, Neil W.; Guichard, Gilles; Schmitter, Jean-Marie

2013-03-01

This study is focused on sequence analysis of peptidomimetic helical oligoureas by means of tandem mass spectrometry, to build a basis for de novo sequencing for future high-throughput combinatorial library screening of oligourea foldamers. After the evaluation of MS/MS spectra obtained for model compounds with either MALDI or ESI sources, we found that the MALDI-TOF-TOF instrument gave more satisfactory results. MS/MS spectra of oligoureas generated by decay of singly charged precursor ions show major ion series corresponding to fragmentation across both CO-NH and N'H-CO urea bonds. Oligourea backbones fragment to produce a pattern of a, x, b, and y type fragment ions. De novo decoding of spectral information is facilitated by the occurrence of low mass reporter ions, representative of constitutive monomers, in an analogous manner to the use of immonium ions for peptide sequencing.

Patient's Perceptions Regarding Orthodontic Needs and Satisfactory Level with the Procedure.

PubMed

Farishta, Saibel

2015-09-01

In order to keep the patients satisfied with Orthodontic treatment and to address the growing concern among new orthodontic patients, this study was undertaken to evaluate patient's perceptions of their orthodontic treatment needs and the satisfactory level with the procedure. This cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 362 patients who had received orthodontic treatment. Questionnaires included information factors that encouraged them to take orthodontic treatment, painful experience of orthodontic therapy, and also to know the effectiveness of the treatment. Student's t-test and ANOVA test were used to analyze results at P = 0.05. Most of the participants faced problems due to their dentition (60.2%), followed by mastication 23.6%. It was found that most of the study subjects were motivated by orthodontist to receive the treatment (29.7%). When the participants were asked about the complications faced by them during the procedure and the most common answer was a longer duration of the treatment (23.3%). Pain was also a common factor faced by the participants (15.9%). Significant results were seen according to gender and age. The study concluded that problems in the dentition were the main factor to seek orthodontic treatment and most of the subjects were convinced by the specialist to undergo orthodontic therapy. Many problems faced during the treatment, but still majority gave a positive response to the treatment.

Ionization potential and electron affinity for six common explosive compounds by DFT, MP2, and CBS-QB3

DOE PAGES

Cooper, Jason K.; Grant, Christian D.; Zhang, Jin Z.

2012-07-20

The vertical and adiabatic ionization potential (IP V and IP A) and vertical electron affinity (EA V) for six explosives (RDX, HMX, TNT, PETN, HMTD, and TATP) have been studied by ab initio computational methods. The IPV was calculated using MP2 and CBS-QB3 while the IP A was calculated with B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, ω B97XD, B2PLYP, and MP2. RDX and TNT IP A’s were also reported using CBS -QB3. Excluding results by CBS-QB3, B3LYP and B2PLYPD provided superior and more consistent results for calculating the IP. The EA V were calculated using the same methods however B3LYP performed the worst inmore » this case with MP2 and B2PLYPD predicting values closest to those made by CBS-QB3, which was used a reference due to lacking experimental data. Basis set effects were evaluated using 6- 31+G(d,p), 6-311+G(d,p), and 6-311+(3df,2p) for both IP and EA. 6-31+G(d,p) gave satisfactory results for calculating both IP however 6-311+G(3df,2p) had improved results in calculating the EA. The four nitro containing compounds had exothermic reduction potentials while the peroxides were unfavorable. Additionally, it was seen that RDX, HMX, TATP and HMTD were unstable in their reduced forms. Results are aimed to assist detection and screening methods.« less

Determination of sensible heat flux over sparse canopy using thermal infrared data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kustas, William P.; Choudhury, B.J.; Moran, M.S.; Reginato, R. J.; Jackson, R. D.; Gay, L.W.; Weaver, H.L.

1989-01-01

Surface temperatures, Ts, were estimated for a natural vegetative surface in Owens Valley, California, with infrared thermometric observations collected from an aircraft. The region is quite arid and is composed primarily of bushes (???30%) and bare soil (???70%). Application of the bulk transfer equation for the estimation of sensible heat, H, gave unsatisfactory values when compared to Bowen ratio and eddy correlation methods over a particular site. This was attributed to the inability with existing data to properly evaluate the resistance to heat transfer, rah. To obtain appropriate rah-values the added resistance to heat transfer, kB-1, was allowed to vary although there is both theoretical and experimental evidence that kB-1 for vegetative surfaces can be treated as constant. The present data indicate that for partial canopy cover under arid conditions kB-1 may be a function of Ts measured radiometrically. The equation determining kB-1 was simplified and tested over another arid site with good results; however, this had a limited data set (i.e., 6 data points). The dimensionless kB-1 equation is simplified for use over full canopy cover and is shown to give satisfactory estimates of H over a fully-grown wheat crop. ?? 1989.

Determination of endocrine-disrupting compounds in water samples by magnetic nanoparticle-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pérez, Rosa Ana; Albero, Beatriz; Tadeo, José Luis; Sánchez-Brunete, Consuelo

2016-11-01

A rapid extraction procedure is presented for the determination of five endocrine-disrupting compounds, estrone, ethinylestradiol, bisphenol A, triclosan, and 2-ethylhexylsalicylate, in water samples. The analysis involves a two-step extraction procedure that combines dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE), using magnetic nanoparticles, followed by in situ derivatization in the injection port of a gas chromatograph coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The use of uncoated or oleate-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as sorbent in the extraction process was evaluated and compared. The main parameters involved in the extraction process were optimized applying experimental designs. Uncoated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were selected in order to simplify and make more cost-effective the procedure. DLLME was carried out at pH 3, during 2 min, followed by the addition of the nanoparticles for D-μ-SPE employing 1 min in the extraction. Analysis of spiked water samples of different sources gave satisfactory recovery results for all the compounds with detection limits ranging from 7 to 180 ng l -1 . Finally, the procedure was applied in tap, well, and river water. Graphical abstract Diagram of the extraction method using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).

Evaluation of three methods for the concentration of poliovirus from oysters.

PubMed

Bouchriti, N; Goyal, S M

1992-10-01

Three methods for the concentration of poliovirus from oyster homogenates were compared. The adsorption-elution-precipitation method gave the lowest average virus recovery (24.1%), while the beef extract elution-acid precipitation method and the non-fat dry milk elution-acid precipitation methods gave recoveries of 47.2% and 39.6%, respectively. Although the overall recovery rates with these methods were lower than those reported in previous studies, recoveries of 40-47% obtained with the elution-precipitation methods used in the present study are considered to be above average in terms of recovery efficiency.

A new reserve growth model for United States oil and gas fields

USGS Publications Warehouse

Verma, M.K.

2005-01-01

Reserve (or field) growth, which is an appreciation of total ultimate reserves through time, is a well-recognized phenomenon, particularly in mature petroleum provinces. The importance of forecasting reserve growth accurately in a mature petroleum province made it necessary to develop improved growth functions, and a critical review of the original Arrington method was undertaken. During a five-year (1992-1996), the original Arrington method gave 1.03% higher than the actual oil reserve growth, whereas the proposed modified method gave a value within 0.3% of the actual growth, and therefore it was accepted for the development for reserve growth models. During a five-year (1992-1996), the USGS 1995 National Assessment gave 39.3% higher oil and 33.6% lower gas than the actual growths, whereas the new model based on Modified Arrington method gave 11.9% higher oil and 29.8% lower gas than the actual growths. The new models forecast predict reserve growths of 4.2 billion barrels of oil (2.7%) and 30.2 trillion cubic feet of gas (5.4%) for the conterminous U.S. for the next five years (1997-2001). ?? 2005 International Association for Mathematical Geology.

What do you mean by "satisfactory"?

PubMed

Crebbin, W

2005-09-01

One of the difficulties in designing assessment for medical trainees has been defining what is meant by "satisfactory". Whilst a list of "unsatisfactory" and "outstanding" characteristics can be identified with very little difficulty, it is the middle ground that holds the challenge. This is especially true in the non-technical areas of medical practice, which have been brought into greater prominence since the development and publication of CanMEDS 2000. As part of that process, questions about what is meant by "satisfactory", "standards" and/or benchmarks, have been brought into sharper focus. Additional questions are being asked as to whether competencies must necessarily be equated with minimum expectations or if they can be set, in conjunction with standards, to situate required "satisfactory" performance at a level significantly above a minimal level. A search of current literature on competencies and assessment was carried out. From that analysis, it became evident that a definition of "satisfactory" in assessing competence is dependent upon the identification of underlying factors, including the kind of competence, the kind of knowledge, and the level of expertise required to match the standard of assessment. The varying definitions, expectations, and levels of "satisfactory" were mapped to illustrate a way to plot the level of "satisfactory" according to the task, the experience of the trainee, and the stage of training. This map also provides a method for developing shared understandings of the targeted level within the "satisfactory zone".

Residue analysis of four diacylhydrazine insecticides in fruits and vegetables by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Xingang; Xu, Jun; Dong, Fengshou; Li, Yuanbo; Song, Wenchen; Zheng, Yongquan

2011-08-01

The new analytical method using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure for simultaneous determination of diacylhydrazine insecticide residues in fruits and vegetables was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The four insecticides (tebufenozide, methoxfenozide, chromafenozide, and halofenozide) were extracted from six fruit and vegetable matrices using acetonitrile and subsequently cleaned up using primary secondary amine (PSA) or octadecylsilane (C18) as sorbent prior to UPLC-MS/MS analysis. The determination of the target compounds was achieved in less than 3.0 min using an electrospray ionization source in positive mode (ESI+) for tebufenozide, methoxfenozide, and halofenozide and in negative mode (ESI-) for chromafenozide. The limits of detection were below 0.6 μg kg(-1), while the limit of quantification did not exceed 2 μg kg(-1) in different matrices. The QuEChERS procedure by using two sorbents (PSA and C18) and the matrix-matched standards gave satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) values in different matrices at four spiked levels (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mg kg(-1)). The overall average recoveries for this method in apple, grape, cucumber, tomato, cabbage, and spinach at four levels ranged from 74.2% to 112.5% with RSDs in the range of 1.4-13.8% (n = 5) for all analytes. This study provides a theoretical basis for China to draw up maximum residue limits and analytical method for diacylhydrazine insecticide in vegetables and fruits.

Determination of phthalate esters in drinking water and edible vegetable oil samples by headspace solid phase microextraction using graphene/polyvinylchloride nanocomposite coated fiber coupled to gas chromatography-flame ionization detector.

PubMed

Amanzadeh, Hatam; Yamini, Yadollah; Moradi, Morteza; Asl, Yousef Abdossalmi

2016-09-23

In the current study, a graphene/polyvinylchloride nanocomposite was successfully coated on a stainless steel substrate by a simple dip coating process and used as a novel headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) fiber for the extraction of phthalate esters (PEs) from drinking water and edible vegetable oil samples. The prepared SPME fibers exhibited high extractability for PEs (due to the dominant role of π-π stacking interactions and hydrophobic effects) yielding good sensitivity and precision when followed by a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The optimization strategy of the extraction process was carried out using the response surface method based on a central composite design. The developed method gave a low limit of detection (0.06-0.08μgL(-1)) and good linearity (0.2-100μgL(-1)) for the determination of the PEs under the optimized conditions (extraction temperature, 70±1°C; extraction time, 35min; salt concentration, 30% w/v; stirring rate, 900rpm; desorption temperature, 230°C; and desorption time, 4min) whereas the repeatability and fiber-to-fiber reproducibility were in the range 6.1-7.8% and 8.9-10.2%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of PEs in drinking water and edible oil samples with good recoveries (87-112%) and satisfactory precisions (RSDs<8.3%), indicating the absence of matrix effects in the proposed HS-SPME method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-throughput and simultaneous analysis of eight central-acting muscle relaxants in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the positive and negative ionization modes.

PubMed

Ogawa, Tadashi; Hattori, Hideki; Kaneko, Rina; Ito, Kenjiro; Iwai, Masae; Mizutani, Yoko; Arinobu, Tetsuya; Ishii, Akira; Seno, Hiroshi

2011-06-01

In this report, a high-throughput and sensitive method for analysis of eight central-acting muscle relaxants in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in the positive and negative ionization modes using tolbutamide as internal standard is presented. After pretreatment of a plasma sample by solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge, muscle relaxants were analyzed by UPLC with Acquity UPLC BEH C(18) column and Acquity TQD tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization interface. The calibration curves for muscle relaxants spiked into human plasma equally showed good linearities in the nanogram per milliliter order range. The detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) was as low as 0.1-2 ng/mL. The method gave satisfactory recovery rates, accuracy, and precision for quality control samples spiked with muscle relaxants. To further validate the present method, 250 mg of chlorphenesin carbamate was orally administered to a healthy male volunteer, and the concentrations of chlorphenesin carbamate in plasma were measured 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after dosing; their concentrations in human plasma were between 0.62 and 2.44 μg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing simultaneous analysis of over more than two central-acting muscle relaxants by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This has been realized by the capability of our instrument for simultaneous multiple reaction monitoring of the target compounds in both positive and negative ionization modes. Therefore, the present method seems very useful in forensic and clinical toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies.

[Analysis on 2011 quality control results on aerobic plate count of microbiology laboratories in China].

PubMed

Han, Haihong; Li, Ning; Li, Yepeng; Fu, Ping; Yu, Dongmin; Li Zhigang; Du, Chunming; Guo, Yunchang

2015-01-01

To test the aerobic plate count examining capability of microbiology laboratories, to ensure the accuracy and comparability of quantitative bacteria examination results, and to improve the quality of monitoring. The 4 different concentration aerobic plate count piece samples were prepared and noted as I, II, III and IV. After homogeneity and stability tests, the samples were delivered to monitoring institutions. The results of I, II, III samples were logarithmic transformed, and evaluated with Z-score method using the robust average and standard deviation. The results of IV samples were evaluated as "satisfactory" when reported as < 10 CFU/piece or as "not satisfactory" otherwise. Pearson χ2 test was used to analyze the ratio results. 309 monitoring institutions, which was 99.04% of the total number, reported their results. 271 institutions reported a satisfactory result, and the satisfactory rate was 87.70%. There was no statistical difference in satisfactory rates of I, II and III samples which were 81.52%, 88.30% and 91.40% respectively. The satisfactory rate of IV samples was 93.33%. There was no statistical difference in satisfactory rates between provincial and municipal CDC. The quality control program has provided scientific data that the aerobic plate count capability of the laboratories meets the requirements of monitoring tasks.

Preferred communication methods of abused women.

PubMed

Gilroy, Heidi; McFarlane, Judith; Nava, Angeles; Maddoux, John

2013-01-01

To determine preferred communication methods of abused women. A naturalistic study utilizing principles of Community Based Participatory Research. A total of 300 first time users of criminal justice or safe shelter for abused women were interviewed in person. The Preferred Communication Questionnaire was used to determine preference. Given the choice of phone voice, face to face, phone text, e-mail, or Facebook, traditional methods of communication (face-to-face communication and phone voice) were the primary (80% combined) and secondary (58.6% combined) preferred sources among abused women. A total of 292 women (97.3%) gave at least two preferred methods of communication, 255 (85%) gave three preferred methods, 190 (63%) gave four, and 132 (44%) used all five methods. Public health nurses and other professionals who serve abused women should be aware of their preferred method of communication for contact. The women in the sample preferred face-to-face and phone-voice communication; however, many were open to newer forms of communication such as texting and Facebook. Caution should be used to protect the safety of abused women when using any kind of communication. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Statistical methods for estimating normal blood chemistry ranges and variance in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), Shasta Strain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wedemeyer, Gary A.; Nelson, Nancy C.

1975-01-01

Gaussian and nonparametric (percentile estimate and tolerance interval) statistical methods were used to estimate normal ranges for blood chemistry (bicarbonate, bilirubin, calcium, hematocrit, hemoglobin, magnesium, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, osmolality, inorganic phosphorus, and pH for juvenile rainbow (Salmo gairdneri, Shasta strain) trout held under defined environmental conditions. The percentile estimate and Gaussian methods gave similar normal ranges, whereas the tolerance interval method gave consistently wider ranges for all blood variables except hemoglobin. If the underlying frequency distribution is unknown, the percentile estimate procedure would be the method of choice.

Efficacy Evaluation of a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser in controlling articulating paper microbial contamination

PubMed Central

Li, Yajin; Chen, Litong; Yuan, Fusong; Li, Yugui; Zhou, Yongsheng; Sun, Yuchun

2017-01-01

This study is to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of using a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser for reducing microbial articulating paper contamination. Articulating papers in four-handed mode, non-four-handed mode, and via an automatic articulating paper dispenser were evaluated. An adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay was used to quantitatively measure the relative light unit (RLU) values of the rest unused articulating papers in the same package to detect contamination at 4 time points, and triplicate examinations were performed for all three methods. The RLUs were recorded, compared, and evaluated. For four-handed mode (n = 36), the RLUs at the four time points were 2.44, 32.89, 37.89, and 27.22, with a satisfactory rate of 94%. The RLUs for non-four-handed mode (n = 36) were 2.22, 286.44, 299.44, and 493.56, with a satisfactory rate of 36%. The RLUs for using the automatic dispenser (n = 36) were all 0 with a satisfactory rate of 100%. The satisfactory rates were significantly different among three methods. No significant differences were observed in the satisfactory rates for the four time points samples. Contact by gloved hands can cause severe biological contamination of articulating paper. However, by using standard four-handed mode or a non-contact automatic articulating paper dispenser, contamination can be controlled. PMID:28466846

Communicating with parents of premature infants: who is the informant?

PubMed

Kowalski, W J; Leef, K H; Mackley, A; Spear, M L; Paul, D A

2006-01-01

To determine what sources of information are most helpful for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents, who provides NICU parents with the information, and also what expectations parents have regarding obtaining information. A 19-item questionnaire was given to the parents of infants 32 weeks or younger prior to discharge from the NICU. Out of the 101 parents who consented, almost all of the parents (96%) felt that 'the medical team gave them the information they needed about their baby' and that the 'neonatologist did a good job of communicating' with them (91%). However, the nurse was chosen as 'the person who spent the most time explaining the baby's condition, 'the best source of information,' and the person who told them 'about important changes in their baby's condition' (P<0.01). Although the neonatologist's role in parent education is satisfactory, the parents identified the nurses as the primary source of information.

Winter protein requirements of bobwhite quail

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nestler, R.B.; Bailey, W.W.; Llewellyn, L.M.; Rensberger, M.J.

1944-01-01

Three experiments involving 714 bobwhite quail were conducted at the Patuxent Research Refuge, Bowie, Maryland, during the winters of 1939-1941 to determine the protein requirement of quail maintained throug'h the winter.....Considering survival, live weights, feed consumption, and subsequent reproduction by the birds, the-9 to 13 per cent levels of crude dietary protein gave as good results as higher levels eggs, which in all cases was over 90 per and in some respects were better.....On the basis of these studies, it is recommended that the winter maintenance diet for bobwhite quail contain . about 11 to 12 per cent of crude protein. The following diet (parts by weight) conforms to these specifications and should be satisfactory:...Ground yellow corn 85.6....Dehvdrated alfalfa leaf meal 5 .O.....Soybean oil meal 7.0.....Special steamed bonemeal 1.2....Salt (or Salt Mixture II,see text) 1.0...Vitamin A and D feeding oil, fortified 0.2.

Modeling texture kinetics during thermal processing of potato products.

PubMed

Moyano, P C; Troncoso, E; Pedreschi, F

2007-03-01

A kinetic model based on 2 irreversible serial chemical reactions has been proposed to fit experimental data of texture changes during thermal processing of potato products. The model links dimensionless maximum force F*(MAX) with processing time. Experimental texture changes were obtained during frying of French fries and potato chips at different temperatures, while literature data for blanching/cooking of potato cubes have been considered. A satisfactory agreement between experimental and predicted values was observed, with root mean square values (RMSs) in the range of 4.7% to 16.4% for French fries and 16.7% to 29.3% for potato chips. In the case of blanching/cooking, the proposed model gave RMSs in the range of 1.2% to 17.6%, much better than the 6.2% to 44.0% obtained with the traditional 1st-order kinetics. The model is able to predict likewise the transition from softening to hardening of the tissue during frying.

Nalbuphine and pentazocine in an opioid-benzodiazepine sedative technique: a double-blind comparison.

PubMed Central

Graham, J. L.; McCaughey, W.; Bell, P. F.

1988-01-01

Sedation by a combination of an opioid drug such as pentazocine with a benzodiazepine is commonly used for minor surgical and investigative procedures. Nalbuphine is a newer drug which, like pentazocine, is an opioid agonist-antagonist. Its actions are similar, but it has theoretical advantages in its profile of cardiovascular side effects. Nalbuphine or pentazocine in combination with diazepam were compared as components of a sedative technique for invasive radiology. The doses used were in the ratio of 2.5:1--ie nalbuphine 0.2 mg kg-1 and pentazocine 0.5 mg kg-1. Both regimens gave satisfactory results, and no difference could be detected between them in terms of sedation, analgesic efficacy, cardiovascular or respiratory changes, or recovery. Nalbuphine provides a safe and effective alternative to pentazocine in this situation. The study confirmed the need for caution because of the respiratory depressant effects of both drugs. PMID:3046465

Preliminary characterization of Thy-1.1 and Ag-B antigens from rat tissues solubilized in detergents

PubMed Central

Letarte-Muirhead, Michelle; Acton, Ronald T.; Williams, Alan F.

1974-01-01

1. A radioactive binding assay for Thy-1.1 alloantigen which functions in the presence of detergents was established by using glutaraldehyde-fixed thymocytes as target cells. Thy-1.1 activity in detergent extracts was then assayed by measuring inhibition of the binding assay. 2. Solubilization of Thy-1.1 from whole thymocytes, and their membranes by a large number of non-ionic detergents and deoxycholate was studied. In the same extracts Ag-B(4) histocompatibility antigenic activities were measured. With the exception of Nonidet P-40, the detergents did not affect the antigenicity of Thy-1.1, but only Lubrol-PX and deoxycholate gave effective solubilization as measured by activity remaining in the supernatant after centrifugation at 200000g for 40min. With Ag-B(4) antigen, Triton X-100, Triton X-67 and Nonidet P-40 gave effective solubilization as well as Lubrol-PX and deoxycholate. Solubilization of Thy-1.1 activity from leukaemia cells and a brain homogenate was also studied, but none of the non-ionic detergents gave satisfactory results with these tissues. 3. Extracts from thymocyte membranes were further examined by gel filtration and sucrose gradient centrifugation. The Thy-1.1 activity behaved as a single component in deoxycholate with a density similar to that of a globular protein, but in Lubrol-PX the antigen was contained in a low-density complex. In Lubrol-PX extracts Ag-B(4) was also found in aggregates not observed in deoxycholate. 4. The s20,w values for Thy-1.1 and Ag-B(4) antigens in deoxycholate were 2.4 and 4.4, and v̄ values were 0.70 and 0.75 respectively. The Stokes radius observed for Thy-1.1 was 3.1nm and for Ag-B(4) 5.3nm. By using these values the molecular weights for the antigen–detergent complexes were calculated to be 28000 for Thy-1.1 and 100000 for Ag-B(4). PMID:4219284

Extraction of organic acids by ion-pair formation with tri-n-octylamine. Part 7. Comparison of methods for extraction of synthetic dyes from yogurt.

PubMed

Puttemans, M L; de Voogt, M; Dryon, L; Massart, D

1985-01-01

Synthetic dyes were extracted from yogurt by different methods, but all methods had in common a liberation of dyes from the food followed by ion-pair formation with tri-n-octylamine. Extraction with pH 5.5 phosphate buffer gave high recoveries for 5 of the 7 dyes investigated and was relatively fast. Precipitation of proteins followed by polyamide adsorption and desorption gave high yields for all the dyes but was tedious and long.

Surfactant assisted pulsed two-phase electromembrane extraction followed by GC analysis for quantification of basic drugs in biological samples.

PubMed

Zahedi, Pegah; Davarani, Saied Saeed Hosseiny; Moazami, Hamid Reza; Nojavan, Saeed

2016-01-05

In this work, a simple and efficient surfactant assisted pulsed two-phase electromembrane extraction (SA-PEME) procedure combined with gas chromatography (GC) has been developed for the determination of alfentanil, sufentanil and methadone in various samples. It has been found that the addition of anionic surfactant causes the accumulation of the cationic analytes at the SLM/solution interface resulting in an easier transfer of the analytes into the organic phase. The method was accomplished with 1-octanol as the acceptor phase and supported liquid membrane (SLM) by means of an 80 V pulsed electrical driving force and the extraction time of 20 min. The model analytes were extracted from 3.0 mL sample solution (pH 4.0) containing 0.02% w/v surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate). The duty cycle of 92% and frequency of 0.357 Hz gave the best performance. Extraction recoveries in the range of 70.5-95.2% and satisfactory repeatability (7.6

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of nickel after extraction and preconcentration onto natural modified analcime zeolite loaded with 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol.

PubMed

Afzali, Darush; Taher, Mohammad Ali; Mostafavi, Ali; Mahani, Mohammad Khayatzadeh

2005-01-01

Nickel is a moderately toxic element compared with other transition metals. However, inhalation of nickel and its compounds leads to serious problems, including cancer of the respiratory system and a skin disorder, nickel-eczema. Thus, attention has focused on the toxicity of nickel at low concentrations, and the development of reliable, analytical approaches for the determination of trace amounts of nickel is needed. This paper describes a simple, rapid, and sensitive flame atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of trace amounts of nickel in various samples after adsorption of its 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol complex on a modified Analcime column in the pH range of 7.5-10.5. The retained analyte on the Analcime is recovered with 5.0 mL 2 M nitric acid and determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The detection limit is 20 ng/mL, and the calibration curve is linear for analyte concentrations in the range of 0.1-8 microg/mL final solution, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. Eight replicate determinations of nickel at 2 microg/mL in the final solution gave an absorbance of 0.1222, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of +/-1.2%. The interference of a large number of anions and cations was studied, and the proposed method was used for the determination of nickel in various standard reference samples. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by analyzing standard reference samples, and the results were satisfactory (recoveries of >96%; RSD of <3.5%).

Drilling, construction, and testing of water-supply wells 21 and 22, White Sands Missle Range, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Clyde A.; White, R.R.; Roybal, R.G.; Gonzales, J.L.

1978-01-01

During the spring and summer of 1976, two municipal-supply wells (designated as well 21 and well 22 - 2,000 feet apart) were drilled at the Post Headquarters area of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The design specifications for both wells called for 24-inch diameter surface casing cemented in place to a depth of about 430 feet, with 16-inch liner and slotted casing from the surface to a depth of about 700 feet. Each well was pumped continuously for 32 hours in a step-drawdown test. This test consisted of four steps, with discharge rates varying from about 500 to 1,150 gallons per minute. The drawdown test for well 21 gave an estimated transmissivity of 17,300 gallons per day per foot, and a final specific capacity of slightly less than 11 gallons per minute per foot of drawdown. The step-drawdown test and later drawdown and recovery test on well 22 gave an average transmissivity of 32,600 gallons per day per foot, and a final specific capacity of about 15 gallons per minute per foot of drawdown. The data collected indicated that the aquifer in the vicinity of well 22 is more permeable than the aquifer around well 21. Both wells furnish a satisfactory quantity of excellent-quality water. The dissolved-solids content of water from wells 21 and 22 is 232 and 301 mg/liter respectively. (Woodard-USGS)

Cross-reactions between alpha-streptococci and Omniserum, a polyvalent pneumococcal serum, demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence, immunoelectroosmophoresis, and latex agglutination.

PubMed Central

Holmberg, H; Danielsson, D; Hardie, J; Krook, A; Whiley, R

1985-01-01

In recent years several groups have used serological methods to demonstrate pneumococcal capsular antigens in sputum. In the present study 123 strains of alpha-hemolytic streptococci (including 97 strains from sputum or pharyngeal specimens) were tested for cross-reactions with a polyvalent antipneumococcal serum (Omniserum). Representatives of the following species were included: Streptococcus bovis, S. equinus, S. intermedius, S. lactis, S. milleri, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. salivarius, S. sanguis, S. suis, and Aerococcus viridans. Serological reactions were detected by direct immunofluorescence, immunoelectroosmophoresis, and latex agglutination. Fifteen (12%) of the strains gave positive reactions by all three methods. Positive reactions were also observed with another 32 strains (26%) with two of the methods, whereas 37 strains (30%) gave positive reactions by just one technique. Altogether 84 (68%) strains gave positive reactions with one or more of the methods. Latex agglutination gave positive reactions with 26 (21%) strains compared with 57 (46%) in immunofluorescence and 63 (51%) in immunoelectroosmophoresis. Absorption of the antiserum with one alpha-hemolytic strain reduced but did not entirely eliminate the cross-reactions with five tested strains. These findings indicate a potential risk of cross-reactions with polyvalent antipneumococcal serum in tests carried out on sputa or other specimens which may be contaminated with alpha-hemolytic streptococci. PMID:3889046

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

Tu, J.I.; Brennan, J.; Stouffer, B.

Fosinopril (SQ 28,555) is a member of a new chemical class of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors being developed by The Squibb Institute for Medical Research. During or following absorption, fosinopril, a prodrug, is hydrolyzed pharmacologically to the active diacid, SQ 27,519. A specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of SQ 27,519 in human serum has been developed. The assay utilizes a specific SQ 27,519 antibody, 125I-iodohistamine-SQ 27,519 radiolabel, and human serum standards. Satisfactory zero binding and assay sensitivity are achieved after a 2-h incubation at room temperature. Separation of the antibody-bound and free radiolabeled antigens is achieved by using polyethylenemore » glycol-goat anti-rabbit gamma globulin separant. Recovery efficiencies ranged from 97.2 to 109.4%. The assay exhibited little or no cross-reactivity with captopril. Cross-reactivities for prodrug (SQ 28,555) and phenolic SQ 27,519 were 5 and 9%, respectively. Intra-assay variability (3.3-5.6%) and interassay variability (7.1-6.6%) were observed. Linear regression analysis indicates that RIA and (14C) thin-layer radiochromatography (TLRC) methods gave a highly significant correlation (RIA = 1.0 (14C)TLRC + 0.17, r = 0.991). Pharmacokinetic profiles of patient sera containing SQ 27,519 obtained by RIA and (14C)TLRC are identical. The RIA has been used routinely in support of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies of fosinopril in humans.« less

Generation of human anti-MUC3 IgG antibodies after in vitro immunization of naive peripheral blood B-lymphocytes.

PubMed

Baritaki, S; Zafiropoulos, A; Georgopoulos, E; Souris, S; Krambovitis, E

2001-04-01

It has been demonstrated that IgG antibodies can be generated to self-antigen peptides as well as against viral antigens by an antigen-specific in vitro immunization system of resting human peripheral B-lymphocytes. Using a synthetic peptide from the consensus variable tandem-repeat region of the MUC3 mucin (TSSITTTGTTSHSTPSP) as the B cell epitope, we immunized blood donor B-lymphocytes in vitro and tested for MUC3-specific antibodies by ELISA. After the primary activation step all antibodies were IgM. At the end of the secondary immunization step we obtained 1.8% (21/1138) of the cultures with IgG-switched antibodies. In a competitive inhibition ELISA using the MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4 and PIP2 peptides, only one culture (F8.1) gave satisfactory specific inhibition. Using this antibody in fluorometric studies, it stained cells from two colon carcinoma cell lines predominantly in the cytoplasm, whereas those from a breast cancer cell line stained predominantly the cell surface. In a preliminary immunohistological evaluation with formalin-fixed sections, the antibody appeared to moderately stain colon sections, but not breast sections or lymph node. This method of in vitro immunization may be a useful tool in generating IgG antibodies specific to self-antigens and could find applications in tumour targeting and immunotherapy.

Intercomparison of active and passive instruments for radon and radon progeny in North America

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

George, A.C.; Tu, Keng-Wu; Knutson, E.O.

1995-02-01

An intercomparison exercise for radon and radon progeny instruments and methods was held at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) from April 22--May 2, 1994. The exercise was conducted in the new EML radon test and calibration facility in which conditions of exposure are very well controlled. The detection systems of the intercompared instruments consisted of. (1) pulse ionization chambers, (2) electret ionization chambers, (3) scintillation detectors, (4) alpha particle spectrometers with silicon diodes, surface barrier or diffused junction detectors, (5) registration of nuclear tracks in solid-state materials, and (6) activated carbon collectors counted by gamma-ray spectrometry or by alpha- andmore » beta-liquid scintillation counting. 23 private firms, government laboratories and universities participated with a 165 passive integrating devices consisting of: Activated carbon collectors, nuclear alpha track detectors and electret ionization chambers, and 11 active and passive continuous radon monitors. Five portable integrating and continuous instruments were intercompared for radon progeny. Forty grab samples for radon progeny were taken by five groups that participated in person to test and evaluate their primary instruments and methods that measure individual radon progeny and the potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) in indoor air. Results indicate that more than 80% of the measurements for radon performed with a variety of instruments, are within {plus_minus}10% of actual value. The majority of the instruments that measure individual radon progeny and the PAEC gave results that are in good agreement with the EML reference value. Radon progeny measurements made with continuous and integrating instruments are satisfactory with room for improvement.« less

Evaluation of Superparamagnetic Silica Nanoparticles for Extraction of Triazines in Magnetic in-Tube Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Capillary Liquid Chromatography

PubMed Central

González-Fuenzalida, R. A.; Moliner-Martínez, Y.; Prima-Garcia, Helena; Ribera, Antonio; Campins-Falcó, P.; Zaragozá, Ramon J.

2014-01-01

The use of magnetic nanomaterials for analytical applications has increased in the recent years. In particular, magnetic nanomaterials have shown great potential as adsorbent phase in several extraction procedures due to the significant advantages over the conventional methods. In the present work, the influence of magnetic forces over the extraction efficiency of triazines using superparamagnetic silica nanoparticles (NPs) in magnetic in tube solid phase microextraction (Magnetic-IT-SPME) coupled to CapLC has been evaluated. Atrazine, terbutylazine and simazine has been selected as target analytes. The superparamagnetic silica nanomaterial (SiO2-Fe3O4) deposited onto the surface of a capillary column gave rise to a magnetic extraction phase for IT-SPME that provided a enhancemment of the extraction efficiency for triazines. This improvement is based on two phenomena, the superparamegnetic behavior of Fe3O4 NPs and the diamagnetic repulsions that take place in a microfluidic device such a capillary column. A systematic study of analytes adsorption and desorption was conducted as function of the magnetic field and the relationship with triazines magnetic susceptibility. The positive influence of magnetism on the extraction procedure was demonstrated. The analytical characteristics of the optimized procedure were established and the method was applied to the determination of the target analytes in water samples with satisfactory results. When coupling Magnetic-IT-SPME with CapLC, improved adsorption efficiencies (60%–63%) were achieved compared with conventional adsorption materials (0.8%–3%). PMID:28344221

Analysis of multi-class preservatives in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics by matrix solid-phase dispersion.

PubMed

Sanchez-Prado, Lucia; Alvarez-Rivera, Gerardo; Lamas, J Pablo; Lores, Marta; Garcia-Jares, Carmen; Llompart, Maria

2011-12-01

Matrix solid-phase extraction has been successfully applied for the determination of multi-class preservatives in a wide variety of cosmetic samples including rinse-off and leave-on products. After extraction, derivatization with acetic anhydride, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were performed. Optimization studies were done on real non-spiked and spiked leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic samples. The selection of the most suitable extraction conditions was made using statistical tools such as ANOVA, as well as factorial experimental designs. The final optimized conditions were common for both groups of cosmetics and included the dispersion of the sample with Florisil (1:4), and the elution of the MSPD column with 5 mL of hexane/acetone (1:1). After derivatization, the extract was analyzed without any further clean-up or concentration step. Accuracy, precision, linearity and detection limits were evaluated to assess the performance of the proposed method. The recovery studies on leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics gave satisfactory values (>78% for all analytes in all the samples) with an average relative standard deviation value of 4.2%. The quantification limits were well below those set by the international cosmetic regulations, making this multi-component analytical method suitable for routine control. The analysis of a broad range of cosmetics including body milk, moisturizing creams, anti-stretch marks creams, hand creams, deodorant, shampoos, liquid soaps, makeup, sun milk, hand soaps, among others, demonstrated the high use of most of the target preservatives, especially butylated hydroxytoluene, methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

The effect of fixatives and temperature on the quality of glycogen demonstration.

PubMed

Zakout, Yosef Mohamed Azzam; Salih, Magdi M; Ahmed, H G

2010-04-01

Glycogen is demonstrated in a number of lesions and is diagnostically significant, particularly in certain tumors. To stain glycogen accurately, it is essential to choose a suitable fixative, temperature and staining method. We used rabbit liver to assess these variables. Specimens were fixed in three fixatives at two temperatures: 10% formalin, neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and Bouin's solution at 37 and 4 degrees C. Seventy-two paraffin sections were prepared and stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), hexamine (methenamine) silver and Best's carmine methods. Negative control sections using diastase digestion were used for all methods to confirm the presence of glycogen. For the PAS reaction, Bouin's fixative gave better results at both temperatures compared to the other fixatives. For hexamine (methenamine) silver, the quality of staining was improved for tissues fixed in both 10% formalin and NBF at 37 degrees C compared to Bouin's solution. Both 10% formalin and NBF at 4 degrees C gave better results than Bouin's solution. For Best's carmine, Bouin's solution gave the best results for tissues fixed at 4 degrees C. Fixation of tissues with NBF at 37 degrees C gave the best quality staining. We concluded that the quality of glycogen staining in paraffin sections is greatly affected by both the fixative and the temperature of fixation.

A comparison of essential oils obtained from lavandin via different extraction processes: Ultrasound, microwave, turbohydrodistillation, steam and hydrodistillation.

PubMed

Périno-Issartier, Sandrine; Ginies, Christian; Cravotto, Giancarlo; Chemat, Farid

2013-08-30

A total of eight extraction techniques ranging from conventional methods (hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), turbohydrodistillation (THD)), through innovative techniques (ultrasound assisted extraction (US-SD) and finishing with microwave assisted extraction techniques such as In situ microwave-generated hydrodistillation (ISMH), microwave steam distillation (MSD), microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG), and microwave steam diffusion (MSDf)) were used to extract essential oil from lavandin flowers and their results were compared. Extraction time, yield, essential oil composition and sensorial analysis were considered as the principal terms of comparison. The essential oils extracted using the more innovative processes were quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (aromatic profile) similar to those obtained from the conventional techniques. The method which gave the best results was the microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) method which gave reduced extraction time (30min against 220min for SD) and gave no differences in essential oil yield and sensorial perception. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Audiovisual cues and perceptual learning of spectrally distorted speech.

PubMed

Pilling, Michael; Thomas, Sharon

2011-12-01

Two experiments investigate the effectiveness of audiovisual (AV) speech cues (cues derived from both seeing and hearing a talker speak) in facilitating perceptual learning of spectrally distorted speech. Speech was distorted through an eight channel noise-vocoder which shifted the spectral envelope of the speech signal to simulate the properties of a cochlear implant with a 6 mm place mismatch: Experiment I found that participants showed significantly greater improvement in perceiving noise-vocoded speech when training gave AV cues than when it gave auditory cues alone. Experiment 2 compared training with AV cues with training which gave written feedback. These two methods did not significantly differ in the pattern of training they produced. Suggestions are made about the types of circumstances in which the two training methods might be found to differ in facilitating auditory perceptual learning of speech.

Microdetermination of urea in urine using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde /PDAB/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geiger, P. J.

1969-01-01

Adaptation of the p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde method for determining urea concentration in urine is an improved micromechanical method. Accuracy and precision are satisfactory. This method avoids extra steps of deproteinizing or removing normal urinary chromogens.

Can the prevalence of high blood drug concentrations in a population be estimated by analysing oral fluid? A study of tetrahydrocannabinol and amphetamine.

PubMed

Gjerde, Hallvard; Verstraete, Alain

2010-02-25

To study several methods for estimating the prevalence of high blood concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol and amphetamine in a population of drug users by analysing oral fluid (saliva). Five methods were compared, including simple calculation procedures dividing the drug concentrations in oral fluid by average or median oral fluid/blood (OF/B) drug concentration ratios or linear regression coefficients, and more complex Monte Carlo simulations. Populations of 311 cannabis users and 197 amphetamine users from the Rosita-2 Project were studied. The results of a feasibility study suggested that the Monte Carlo simulations might give better accuracies than simple calculations if good data on OF/B ratios is available. If using only 20 randomly selected OF/B ratios, a Monte Carlo simulation gave the best accuracy but not the best precision. Dividing by the OF/B regression coefficient gave acceptable accuracy and precision, and was therefore the best method. None of the methods gave acceptable accuracy if the prevalence of high blood drug concentrations was less than 15%. Dividing the drug concentration in oral fluid by the OF/B regression coefficient gave an acceptable estimation of high blood drug concentrations in a population, and may therefore give valuable additional information on possible drug impairment, e.g. in roadside surveys of drugs and driving. If good data on the distribution of OF/B ratios are available, a Monte Carlo simulation may give better accuracy. 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shock melting method to determine melting curve by molecular dynamics: Cu, Pd, and Al.

PubMed

Liu, Zhong-Li; Zhang, Xiu-Lu; Cai, Ling-Cang

2015-09-21

A melting simulation method, the shock melting (SM) method, is proposed and proved to be able to determine the melting curves of materials accurately and efficiently. The SM method, which is based on the multi-scale shock technique, determines melting curves by preheating and/or prepressurizing materials before shock. This strategy was extensively verified using both classical and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD). First, the SM method yielded the same satisfactory melting curve of Cu with only 360 atoms using classical MD, compared to the results from the Z-method and the two-phase coexistence method. Then, it also produced a satisfactory melting curve of Pd with only 756 atoms. Finally, the SM method combined with ab initio MD cheaply achieved a good melting curve of Al with only 180 atoms, which agrees well with the experimental data and the calculated results from other methods. It turned out that the SM method is an alternative efficient method for calculating the melting curves of materials.

Shock melting method to determine melting curve by molecular dynamics: Cu, Pd, and Al

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

Liu, Zhong-Li, E-mail: zl.liu@163.com; Zhang, Xiu-Lu; Cai, Ling-Cang

A melting simulation method, the shock melting (SM) method, is proposed and proved to be able to determine the melting curves of materials accurately and efficiently. The SM method, which is based on the multi-scale shock technique, determines melting curves by preheating and/or prepressurizing materials before shock. This strategy was extensively verified using both classical and ab initio molecular dynamics (MD). First, the SM method yielded the same satisfactory melting curve of Cu with only 360 atoms using classical MD, compared to the results from the Z-method and the two-phase coexistence method. Then, it also produced a satisfactory melting curvemore » of Pd with only 756 atoms. Finally, the SM method combined with ab initio MD cheaply achieved a good melting curve of Al with only 180 atoms, which agrees well with the experimental data and the calculated results from other methods. It turned out that the SM method is an alternative efficient method for calculating the melting curves of materials.« less

Predictions of thermal buckling strengths of hypersonic aircraft sandwich panels using minimum potential energy and finite element methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.

1995-01-01

Thermal buckling characteristics of hypersonic aircraft sandwich panels of various aspect ratios were investigated. The panel is fastened at its four edges to the substructures under four different edge conditions and is subjected to uniform temperature loading. Minimum potential energy theory and finite element methods were used to calculate the panel buckling temperatures. The two methods gave fairly close buckling temperatures. However, the finite element method gave slightly lower buckling temperatures than those given by the minimum potential energy theory. The reasons for this slight discrepancy in eigensolutions are discussed in detail. In addition, the effect of eigenshifting on the eigenvalue convergence rate is discussed.

Long-term effect of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE).

PubMed

Naga, Mazen; Esmat, Serag; Naguib, Mohamed; Sedrak, Heba

2011-03-01

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a distinct vascular abnormality, mainly involving the gastric antrum. It is a rare but well-known cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Various endoscopic treatment modalities have been tried in this condition. The aim of the study is to show the long-term effect of argon plasma coagulation (APC) on GAVE. Twenty-nine patients with endoscopically proved GAVE were enrolled in the study. Clinical assessment of GAVE patients, haemoglobin (Hb) level and transfused blood units were recorded after APC using 60-80-W power setting. A second session was done 1month after the therapeutic procedure to ensure complete ablation of all lesions. The documented Hb levels and number of blood units transfused 3months after APC were recorded. At endoscopy, all patients had the classic type of GAVE. The mean Hb level increased from 7.5±1.7gdl(-1) before APC to 10.2±0.8gdl(-1) after APC (p value <0.001). The transfusion requirements significantly decreased to 0.2±0.5units/patient (p value <0.001). Endoscopic APC is a safe, effective and inexpensive modality in treating GAVE and could be an alternative to the currently available endoscopic methods. Copyright © 2011 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

3D-QSAR and docking studies on 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one compounds as mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhenya; Chang, Yiqun; Han, Yushui; Liu, Kangjia; Hou, Jinsong; Dai, Chengli; Zhai, Yuanhao; Guo, Jialiang; Sun, Pinghua; Lin, Jing; Chen, Weimin

2016-11-01

Mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) which is frequently found in certain cancers such as glioma, sarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia, has been proven to be a potent drug target for cancer therapy. In silico methodologies such as 3D-QSAR and molecular docking were performed to explore compounds with better mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (MIDH1) inhibitory activity using a series of 40 newly reported 1-hydroxypyridin-2-one compounds as MIDH1 inhibitors. The satisfactory CoMFA and CoMSIA models obtained after internal and external cross-validation gave q2 values of 0.691 and 0.535, r2 values of 0.984 and 0.936, respectively. 3D contour maps generated from CoMFA and CoMSIA along with the docking results provided information about the structural requirements for better MIDH1 inhibitory activity. Based on the structure-activity relationship, 17 new potent molecules with better predicted activity than the most active compound in the literature have been designed.

Biomaterials based on photosynthetic membranes as potential sensors for herbicides.

PubMed

Ventrella, Andrea; Catucci, Lucia; Placido, Tiziana; Longobardi, Francesco; Agostiano, Angela

2011-08-15

In this study, ultrathin film multilayers of Photosystem II-enriched photosynthetic membranes (BBY) were prepared and immobilized on quartz substrates by means of a Layer by Layer procedure exploiting electrostatic interactions with poly(ethylenimine) as polyelectrolyte. The biomaterials thus obtained were characterized by means of optical techniques and Atomic Force Microscopy, highlighting the fact that the Layer by Layer approach allowed the BBYs to be immobilized with satisfactory results. The activity of these hybrid materials was evaluated by means of optical assays based on the Hill Reaction, indicating that the biosamples, which preserved about 65% of their original activity even ten weeks after preparation, were both stable and active. Furthermore, an investigation of the biochips' sensitivity to the herbicide terbutryn, as a model analyte, gave interesting results: inhibition of photosynthetic activity was observed at terbutryn concentrations higher than 10(-7)M, thus evidencing the potential of such biomaterials in the environmental biosensor field. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tests of a 1/7-Scale Semispan Model of the XB-35 Airplane in the Langley 19-Foot Pressure Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teplitz, Jerome; Kayten, Gerald G.; Cancro, Patrick A.

1946-01-01

A 1/7 scale semispan model of the XB-35 airplane was tested in the Langley 10 foot pressure tunnel, primarily for the purpose of investigating the effectiveness of a leading-edge slot for alleviation of stick-fixed longitudinal instability at high angles of attack caused by early tip stalling and a device for relief of stick-free instability caused by elevon up-floating tendencies at high angles of attack. Results indicated that the slot was not adequate to provide the desired improvement in stick-fixed stability. The tab-flipper device provided improvement in stick-free stability abd two of the linkage combinations tested gave satisfactory variations of control force with airspeed for all conditions except that in which the wing-tip "pitch-control" flap was fully deflected. However, the improvement in control force characteristics was accompanied by a detrimental effect on stick-fixed stability because of the pitching moments produced by the elevon tab deflection.

Effect of Oxygen-Supply Rates on Growth of Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

McDaniel, L. E.; Bailey, E. G.; Zimmerli, A.

1965-01-01

The effect of oxygen-supply rates on bacterial growth was studied in commercially available unbaffled and baffled flasks with the use of Escherichia coli in a synthetic medium as a test system. The amount of growth obtained depended on the oxygen-supply rate. Based on oxygen-absorption rates (OAR) measured by the rate of sulfite oxidation, equal OAR values in different types of flasks did not give equal amounts of growth. However, growth was essentially equal at the equal sulfite-oxidation rates when these were determined in the presence of killed whole cultures. Specific growth rates were reduced only at oxygen-supply rates much lower than those at which the total amount of growth was reduced. For the physical set-up used in this work and with the biological system employed, Bellco 598 flasks and flasks fitted with Biotech stainless-steel baffles gave satisfactory results at workable broth volumes; unbaffled and Bellco 600 flasks did not. PMID:14264837

Simultaneous repair of bilateral groin hernias: open or laparoscopic approach?

PubMed

Krähenbühl, L; Schäfer, M; Schilling, M; Kuzinkovas, V; Büchler, M W

1998-08-01

A persistent problem in hernia surgery concerns the repair of bilateral inguinal hernias. A retrospective analysis of 78 patients with bilateral inguinal hernias was performed. Hernia repair was performed either by an open anterior access (modified Shouldice repair) or a laparoscopic posterior approach (TAPP repair). The two patient groups were similar with regard to ASA classification, age, and sex. The intraoperative complication rate was low (2.6% to 7.8%), whereas postoperative complications occurred more frequently (7.7% to 15.4%). The recurrence rate was low in both groups: 5.1% for the open group and 1.3% for the laparoscopic group. The mean hospital stay was 4 days for both groups, and the mean off-work times were 56.4 days and 17.9 days for the open and laparoscopic group, respectively (p < 0.05). Both procedures gave satisfactory results. The main advantages of the laparoscopic approach are the shorter convalescence time and quicker return to work.

Studies on aircraft disinsection at ”blocks away”

PubMed Central

Sullivan, W. N.; Keiding, J.; Wright, J. W.

1962-01-01

With a view to expediting as much as possible the disinsection of aircraft required under the International Sanitary Convention for Aerial Navigation, experiments were performed under operating conditions on the disinsection of passenger cabins after the closing of the aircraft doors following embarkation but before take-off (designated ”blocks away” disinsection) with single-use, disposable aerosol dispensers. A formulation containing 1.6% by weight pyrethrum extract (25% pyrethrins) and 3% DDT at a dosage of 10 g per 1000 cubic feet (35 g/100 m3) gave satisfactory control of non-resistant mosquitos and created no passenger reaction. A formulation containing 3.40% pyrethrum extract (20% pyrethrins) and 1.17% DDT at a dosage of 14-19 g per 1000 cubic feet (48-64 g/100 m3) was biologically effective for both resistant and non-resistant mosquitos but was markedly irritant to some passengers. The authors suggest lines along which further research might be conducted. ImagesFIG. 1FIG. 2 PMID:13979213

Development of starch-gelatin complex microspheres as sustained release delivery system

PubMed Central

Hari, B. N. Vedha; Praneetha, T.; Prathyusha, T.; Mounika, K.; Devi, D. Ramya

2012-01-01

The starch was isolated from jackfruit seeds and evaluated for its preformulation properties, like tapped density, bulk density, and particle size. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was done and compared with that of the commercially available starch which confirmed the properties. Using the various concentrations of jackfruit seed starch, the microspheres were prepared, combining with gelatin by ionotropic gelation technique. The developed microspheres were subjected to analysis of particle size, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and percentage yield. The spectral analysis confirmed the presence of drug and absence of interactions. Scanning electron microscope image showed that the particles were in spherical shape with a rough surface. The in vitro drug release in water for 12 hours proved to be in the range of 89 to 100%. The various kinetic models were applied using release data to confirm the mechanism of drug. It was concluded that the jackfruit starch-gelatin microspheres gave satisfactory results and met pharmacopieal limits. PMID:23057005

Quality and antioxidant properties of breads enriched with dry onion (Allium cepa L.) skin.

PubMed

Gawlik-Dziki, Urszula; Świeca, Michał; Dziki, Dariusz; Baraniak, Barbara; Tomiło, Justyna; Czyż, Jarosław

2013-06-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect on the antioxidant properties and sensory value of bread of adding ground onion skin (OS). For a determination of bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro the human gastrointestinal tract model was used. OS contained mastication-extractable quercetin (4.6 mg/g). Quercetin from OS was highly bioaccessible during in vitro conditions, but only approximately 4% of quercetin released during simulated digestion was bioavailable in vitro. The antioxidant potential of bread with OS was significantly higher than the activity noted in the control. In particular, OS addition significantly fortificated bread with bioaccessible lipid oxidation preventers and compounds with reducing and chelating abilities. The 2-3% OS addition caused significant improvement of antioxidant abilities (further increases in the OS supplement did not increase the activity of bread). Sensory evaluation showed that replacement of wheat flour in bread with up to 3% OS powder gave satisfactory consumer acceptability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parental representations in drug-dependent patients and their parents.

PubMed

Torresani, S; Favaretto, E; Zimmermann, C

2000-01-01

The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), a measure of perceived parental care and protection, was administered to drug-dependent patients and their parents with the aim to assess the reliability of the instrument in such samples and to compare the parental representations across generations. Ninety drug-dependent patients and 44 mothers and 35 fathers participated. Reliability indices were calculated, and parental representations of parents and their offspring were compared. Linear regression analyses were performed with the patient's PBI score as the dependent variable and the mother's and father's PBI scores as predictor variables. The reliability indices were highly satisfactory and varied between 0.61 and 0.91. The parental bonding of patients, fathers, and mothers was similar. All three groups reported high maternal and paternal control and low maternal care, a pattern characteristic of an "affectionless control" rearing style. Maternal care received by the fathers and paternal protection received by the mothers predicted the care and protection they themselves gave to their drug-dependent offspring.

Modelling pH evolution and lactic acid production in the growth medium of a lactic acid bacterium: application to set a biological TTI.

PubMed

Ellouze, M; Pichaud, M; Bonaiti, C; Coroller, L; Couvert, O; Thuault, D; Vaillant, R

2008-11-30

Time temperature integrators or indicators (TTIs) are effective tools making the continuous monitoring of the time temperature history of chilled products possible throughout the cold chain. Their correct setting is of critical importance to ensure food quality. The objective of this study was to develop a model to facilitate accurate settings of the CRYOLOG biological TTI, TRACEO. Experimental designs were used to investigate and model the effects of the temperature, the TTI inoculum size, pH, and water activity on its response time. The modelling process went through several steps addressing growth, acidification and inhibition phenomena in dynamic conditions. The model showed satisfactory results and validations in industrial conditions gave clear evidence that such a model is a valuable tool, not only to predict accurate response times of TRACEO, but also to propose precise settings to manufacture the appropriate TTI to trace a particular food according to a given time temperature scenario.

Finger blood flow in Antarctica

PubMed Central

Elkington, E. J.

1968-01-01

1. Finger blood flow was estimated, by strain-gauge plethysmography, before and during a 1 hr immersion in ice water, on twenty-five men throughout a year at Wilkes, Antarctica. A total of 121 satisfactory immersions were made. 2. Blood flow before and during immersion decreased significantly in the colder months of the year, and the increase caused by cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD) became less as the year progressed. The time of onset, blood flow at onset, and frequency of the cycles of CIVD showed no significant relation to the coldness of the weather (as measured by mean monthly wind chill) or the time in months. Comparisons of blood flow before and after five field trips (average duration 42 days), on which cold exposure was more severe than at Wilkes station, gave similar results. 3. The results suggest that vasoconstrictor tone increased. This interpretation agrees with previous work on general acclimatization in Antarctica, but contrasts with work elsewhere on local acclimatization of the hands. PMID:5684034

Development of the Quality of Australian Nursing Documentation in Aged Care (QANDAC) instrument to assess paper-based and electronic resident records.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Björvell, Catrin; Hailey, David; Yu, Ping

2014-12-01

To develop an Australian nursing documentation in aged care (Quality of Australian Nursing Documentation in Aged Care (QANDAC)) instrument to measure the quality of paper-based and electronic resident records. The instrument was based on the nursing process model and on three attributes of documentation quality identified in a systematic review. The development process involved five phases following approaches to designing criterion-referenced measures. The face and content validities and the inter-rater reliability of the instrument were estimated using a focus group approach and consensus model. The instrument contains 34 questions in three sections: completion of nursing history and assessment, description of care process and meeting the requirements of data entry. Estimates of the validity and inter-rater reliability of the instrument gave satisfactory results. The QANDAC instrument may be a useful audit tool for quality improvement and research in aged care documentation. © 2013 ACOTA.

Comparison of theoretical and experimental boundary-layer development in a Mach 2.5 mixed-compression inlet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hingst, W. R.; Towne, C. E.

1974-01-01

An analytical investigation was made of the boundary layer flow in an axisymmetric Mach 2.5 mixed compression inlet, and the results were compared with experimental measurements. The inlet tests were conducted in the Lewis 10- by 10-foot supersonic wind tunnel at a unit Reynolds number of 8.2 million/m. The inlet incorporated porous bleed regions for boundary layer control, and the effect of this bleed was taken into account in the analysis. The experimental boundary layer data were analyzed by using similarity laws from which the skin friction coefficient was obtained. The boundary layer analysis included predictions of laminar and turbulent boundary layer growth, transition, and the effects of the shock boundary layer interactions. In addition, the surface static pressures were compared with those obtained from an inviscid characteristics program. The results of investigation showed that the analytical techniques gave satisfactory predictions of the boundary layer flow except in regions that were badly distorted by the terminal shock.

It had to be you (not me)!: Women's attributional rationalization of their contribution to successful joint work outcomes.

PubMed

Haynes, Michelle C; Heilman, Madeline E

2013-07-01

We investigated the tendency of women to undervalue their contributions in collaborative contexts. Participants, who believed they were working with another study participant on a male sex-typed task, received positive feedback about the team's performance. Results indicated that women and men allocated credit for the joint success very differently. Women gave more credit to their male teammates and took less credit themselves unless their role in bringing about the performance outcome was irrefutably clear (Studies 1 and 2) or they were given explicit information about their likely task competence (Study 4). However, women did not credit themselves less when their teammate was female (Study 3). Together these studies demonstrate that women devalue their contributions to collaborative work, and that they do so by engaging in attributional rationalization, a process sparked by women's negative performance expectations and facilitated by source ambiguity and a satisfactory "other" to whom to allocate credit.

Pharmacophore Modelling and 4D-QSAR Study of Ruthenium(II) Arene Complexes as Anticancer Agents (Inhibitors) by Electron Conformational- Genetic Algorithm Method.

PubMed

Yavuz, Sevtap Caglar; Sabanci, Nazmiye; Saripinar, Emin

2018-01-01

The EC-GA method was employed in this study as a 4D-QSAR method, for the identification of the pharmacophore (Pha) of ruthenium(II) arene complex derivatives and quantitative prediction of activity. The arrangement of the computed geometric and electronic parameters for atoms and bonds of each compound occurring in a matrix is known as the electron-conformational matrix of congruity (ECMC). It contains the data from HF/3-21G level calculations. Compounds were represented by a group of conformers for each compound rather than a single conformation, known as fourth dimension to generate the model. ECMCs were compared within a certain range of tolerance values by using the EMRE program and the responsible pharmacophore group for ruthenium(II) arene complex derivatives was found. For selecting the sub-parameter which had the most effect on activity in the series and the calculation of theoretical activity values, the non-linear least square method and genetic algorithm which are included in the EMRE program were used. In addition, compounds were classified as the training and test set and the accuracy of the models was tested by cross-validation statistically. The model for training and test sets attained by the optimum 10 parameters gave highly satisfactory results with R2 training= 0.817, q 2=0.718 and SEtraining=0.066, q2 ext1 = 0.867, q2 ext2 = 0.849, q2 ext3 =0.895, ccctr = 0.895, ccctest = 0.930 and cccall = 0.905. Since there is no 4D-QSAR research on metal based organic complexes in the literature, this study is original and gives a powerful tool to the design of novel and selective ruthenium(II) arene complexes. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

A modified approach for isolation of essential oil from fruit of Amorpha fruticosa Linn using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation concatenated liquid-liquid extraction.

PubMed

Chen, Fengli; Jia, Jia; Zhang, Qiang; Gu, Huiyan; Yang, Lei

2017-11-17

In this work, a modified technique was developed to separate essential oil from the fruit of Amorpha fruticosa using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation concatenated liquid-liquid extraction (MHD-LLE). The new apparatus consists of two series-wound separation columns for separating essential oil, one is the conventional oil-water separation column, and the other is the extraction column of components from hydrosol using an organic solvent. Therefore, the apparatus can simultaneously collect the essential oil separated on the top of hydrosol and the components extracted from hydrosol using an organic solvent. Based on the yield of essential oil in the first and second separation columns, the effects of parameters were investigated by single factor experiments and Box-Behnken design. Under the optimum conditions (2mL ethyl ether as the extraction solvent in the second separation column, 12mL/g liquid-solid ratio, 4.0min homogenate time, 35min microwave irradiation time and 540W microwave irradiation power), satisfactory yields for the essential oil in the first separation column (10.31±0.33g/kg) and second separation column (0.82±0.03g/kg) were obtained. Compared with traditional methods, the developed method gave a higher yield of essential oil in a shorter time. In addition, GC-MS analysis of the essential oil indicated significant differences of the relative contents of individual volatile components in the essential oils obtained in the two separation columns. Therefore, the MHD-LLE technique developed here is a good alternative for the isolation of essential oil from A. fruticosa fruit as well as other herbs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of the endocrine disrupting compounds nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan and bisphenol A in wastewater and sewage sludge by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Gatidou, Georgia; Thomaidis, Nikolaos S; Stasinakis, Athanasios S; Lekkas, Themistokles D

2007-01-05

An integrated analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO), bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan (TCS) in wastewater (dissolved and particulate phase) and sewage sludge was developed based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chromatographic analysis was achieved after derivatization with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). Extraction from water samples was performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The optimization of SPE procedure included the type of sorbent and the type of the organic solvent used for the elution. Referred to solid samples, the target compounds were extracted by sonication. In this case the optimization of the extraction procedure included the variation of the amount of the extracted biomass, the duration and the temperature of sonication and the type of the extraction organic solvent. The developed extraction procedures resulted in good repeatability and reproducibility with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 13% for all the tested compounds for both types of samples. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained (>60%) for all the compounds in both liquid and solid samples, except for 4-n-NP, which gave recoveries up to 35% in wastewater samples and up to 63% in sludge samples. The limits of detection (LODs) of the target compounds varied from 0.03 (4-n-NP) to 0.41 microg l(-1) (NP2EO) and from 0.04 (4-n-NP) to 0.96 microg kg(-1) (NP2EO) for liquid and solid samples, respectively. The developed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of the target compounds in real samples.

Robust semi-automatic segmentation of pulmonary subsolid nodules in chest computed tomography scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lassen, B. C.; Jacobs, C.; Kuhnigk, J.-M.; van Ginneken, B.; van Rikxoort, E. M.

2015-02-01

The malignancy of lung nodules is most often detected by analyzing changes of the nodule diameter in follow-up scans. A recent study showed that comparing the volume or the mass of a nodule over time is much more significant than comparing the diameter. Since the survival rate is higher when the disease is still in an early stage it is important to detect the growth rate as soon as possible. However manual segmentation of a volume is time-consuming. Whereas there are several well evaluated methods for the segmentation of solid nodules, less work is done on subsolid nodules which actually show a higher malignancy rate than solid nodules. In this work we present a fast, semi-automatic method for segmentation of subsolid nodules. As minimal user interaction the method expects a user-drawn stroke on the largest diameter of the nodule. First, a threshold-based region growing is performed based on intensity analysis of the nodule region and surrounding parenchyma. In the next step the chest wall is removed by a combination of a connected component analyses and convex hull calculation. Finally, attached vessels are detached by morphological operations. The method was evaluated on all nodules of the publicly available LIDC/IDRI database that were manually segmented and rated as non-solid or part-solid by four radiologists (Dataset 1) and three radiologists (Dataset 2). For these 59 nodules the Jaccard index for the agreement of the proposed method with the manual reference segmentations was 0.52/0.50 (Dataset 1/Dataset 2) compared to an inter-observer agreement of the manual segmentations of 0.54/0.58 (Dataset 1/Dataset 2). Furthermore, the inter-observer agreement using the proposed method (i.e. different input strokes) was analyzed and gave a Jaccard index of 0.74/0.74 (Dataset 1/Dataset 2). The presented method provides satisfactory segmentation results with minimal observer effort in minimal time and can reduce the inter-observer variability for segmentation of subsolid nodules in clinical routine.

Six years of continuous intrathecal infusion of opioid and bupivacaine in the treatment of refractory pain due to intrapelvic extrusion of bone cement after total hip arthroplasty.

PubMed

Dahm, P O; Nitescu, P V; Appelgren, L K; Curelaru, I D

1998-01-01

There is at present no reliable method for long-term treatment of severe pain following complications of total hip arthroplasty. We explored the long-term use of continuous intrathecal opioid/bupivacaine analgesia in a case not amendable to corrective surgery. A 77-year-old woman, having a total hip arthroplasty, developed refractory nociceptive-neuropathic pain located at the ventral and dorsal aspects of the left hip. Radiographs showed a mandarine-sized intrapelvic mass of bone cement adhering to the roof of the acetabular cup. Further surgery had been declined by the surgeon and by the patient. An 18-gauge Portex intrathecal catheter was inserted, and an intrathecal infusion of 4.75 mg/mL bupivacaine and 0.015 mg/mL buprenorphine was started from a portable Pharmacia-Deltec (St. Paul, Minnesota) pump. The mean daily doses during the treatment period (more than 6 years up to now) were 37 mg for bupivacaine and 0.114 mg for buprenorphine. The intrathecal treatment gave the patient 85-100% pain relief. The patient could transport herself in a wheelchair, was able to perform her own hygiene, receive visits, read, watch television, and also shop and visit restaurants. There has been no need to replace the intrathecal catheter. Intrathecal infusion of opioid/bupivacaine can provide satisfactory long-term analgesia in patients with refractory pain from the hip joint.

A Comparative Study Using CFD to Predict Iced Airfoil Aerodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chi, x.; Li, Y.; Chen, H.; Addy, H. E.; Choo, Y. K.; Shih, T. I-P.

2005-01-01

WIND, Fluent, and PowerFLOW were used to predict the lift, drag, and moment coefficients of a business-jet airfoil with a rime ice (rough and jagged, but no protruding horns) and with a glaze ice (rough and jagged end has two or more protruding horns) for angles of attack from zero to and after stall. The performance of the following turbulence models were examined by comparing predictions with available experimental data. Spalart-Allmaras (S-A), RNG k-epsilon, shear-stress transport, v(sup 2)-f, and a differential Reynolds stress model with and without non-equilibrium wall functions. For steady RANS simulations, WIND and FLUENT were found to give nearly identical results if the grid about the iced airfoil, the turbulence model, and the order of accuracy of the numerical schemes used are the same. The use of wall functions was found to be acceptable for the rime ice configuration and the flow conditions examined. For rime ice, the S-A model was found to predict accurately until near the stall angle. For glaze ice, the CFD predictions were much less satisfactory for all turbulence models and codes investigated because of the large separated region produced by the horns. For unsteady RANS, WIND and FLUENT did not provide better results. PowerFLOW, based on the Lattice Boltzmann method, gave excellent results for the lift coefficient at and near stall for the rime ice, where the flow is inherently unsteady.

Cinematique et dynamique des galaxies spirales barrees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez, Olivier

The total mass (luminous and dark) of galaxies is derived from their circular velocities. Spectroscopic Fabry-Perot observations of the ionized gas component of spiral galaxies allow one to derive their kinematics. In the case of purely axisymmetric velocity fields--as in non-active and unbarred spirals galaxies-- the circular velocities can be derived directly. However, the velocity fields of barred galaxies (which constitute two thirds of the spirals) exhibit strong non-circular motions and need a careful analysis to retrieve the circular component. This thesis proposes the necessary steps to recover the axisymmetric component of barred spiral galaxies. The first step was to develop the best instrumentation possible for this work. [Special characters omitted.] , which is the most sensitive photon counting camera ever developed, was coupled to a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The observations of a sample of barred spiral galaxies--the BH a BAR sample--was assembled in order to obtain the most rigourous velocity fields. Then, the Tremaine-Weinberg method, which can determine the bar pattern speed and is usually used with the observations of stellar component, has been tested on the ionised gas and gave satisfactory results. Finally, all the above techniques have been applied to the BH a BAR sample in order to study the key parameters of the galaxies' evolution--bar pattern speeds, multiple stationary waves, resonances etc.--which will allow one to use N-body+SPH simulations to model properly the non-circular motions and determine the true total mass of barred spiral galaxies.

Surgical treatment of bronchial asthma by resection of the laryngeal nerve.

PubMed

Kurbon, Ubaidullo; Dodariyon, Hamza; Davlatov, Abdumalik; Janobilova, Sitora; Therwath, Amu; Mirshahi, Massoud

2015-10-08

Management of asthma in chronically affected patients is a serious health problem. Our aim was to show that surgical treatment of chronic bronchial asthma by unilateral resection of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (ib-SLN) is an adequateand lasting remedial response. In a retrospective study, 41 (26 male and 15 female) patients with bronchial chronic asthma were treated surgically during the period between 2005 and 2013. It consisted of a unilateral resection of the ib-SLN under optical zoom, on patients placed in supinator position. 35 patients (24 male and 11 female) who were un-operated were included as a control. In all patients, medication was reduced progressively. When the results were compared with the control group, it was seen that in 26% of the patients, both forced expiratory volume (FEV) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) increased significantly (p <05) and only modestly in 53.6% of patients (FEV, p <05 and PEF, p <05). In the remaining 20% of patients, these parameters remained however unchanged. Overall, in 80% of patients unilateral resection of the ib-SLN gave satisfactory results because it shortened the intervals and duration of asthmatic attacks, rendering thereby a reduction in medication. This minimal-invasive method helped prevent/cure asphyxias in chronic bronchial asthma without affecting cough reflex,respiratory control and phonation and it helped patients avoid severe crisis. This approach is of interest for patients with severe and/or uncontrolled bronchial asthma in settings with limited access to drug treatment.

Characterization of edible seaweed harvested on the Galician coast (northwestern Spain) using pattern recognition techniques and major and trace element data.

PubMed

Romarís-Hortas, Vanessa; García-Sartal, Cristina; Barciela-Alonso, María Carmen; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar

2010-02-10

Major and trace elements in North Atlantic seaweed originating from Galicia (northwestern Spain) were determined by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) (Ba, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, and Zn), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Br and I) and hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) (As). Pattern recognition techniques were then used to classify the edible seaweed according to their type (red, brown, and green seaweed) and also their variety (Wakame, Fucus, Sea Spaghetti, Kombu, Dulse, Nori, and Sea Lettuce). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used as exploratory techniques, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) were used as classification procedures. In total, t12 elements were determined in a range of 35 edible seaweed samples (20 brown seaweed, 10 red seaweed, 4 green seaweed, and 1 canned seaweed). Natural groupings of the samples (brown, red, and green types) were observed using PCA and CA (squared Euclidean distance between objects and Ward method as clustering procedure). The application of LDA gave correct assignation percentages of 100% for brown, red, and green types at a significance level of 5%. However, a satisfactory classification (recognition and prediction) using SIMCA was obtained only for red seaweed (100% of cases correctly classified), whereas percentages of 89 and 80% were obtained for brown seaweed for recognition (training set) and prediction (testing set), respectively.

[The Application of the Fault Tree Analysis Method in Medical Equipment Maintenance].

PubMed

Liu, Hongbin

2015-11-01

In this paper, the traditional fault tree analysis method is presented, detailed instructions for its application characteristics in medical instrument maintenance is made. It is made significant changes when the traditional fault tree analysis method is introduced into the medical instrument maintenance: gave up the logic symbolic, logic analysis and calculation, gave up its complicated programs, and only keep its image and practical fault tree diagram, and the fault tree diagram there are also differences: the fault tree is no longer a logical tree but the thinking tree in troubleshooting, the definition of the fault tree's nodes is different, the composition of the fault tree's branches is also different.

Resin Dermatitis in a Car Factory

PubMed Central

Engel, H. O.; Calnan, C. D.

1966-01-01

An outbreak of dermatitis in a car assembly factory is described; it affected 50 workers who handled rubber weatherstrips coated with an adhesive. The adhesive was found to contain para-tertiary butyl phenol (P.T.B.P.) formaldehyde resin. Of those patch tested 70% gave positive reactions to the adhesive and 65% to the resin. Improved methods of handling and personal protection succeeded in arresting the occurrence of dermatitis. Barrier creams gave no protection in these circumstances. The episode illustrates the different preventive control methods which have to be tried when dealing with a simple skin hazard which cannot be abolished. Images PMID:5904100

Surgical model pig ex vivo for venous dissection teaching in medical schools.

PubMed

Tube, Milton Ignacio Carvalho; Spencer-Netto, Fernando Antonio Campelo; Oliveira, Anderson Igor Pereira de; Holanda, Arthur Cesário de; Barros, Bruno Leão Dos Santos; Rezende, Caio Cezar Gomes; Cavalcanti, João Pedro Guerra; Batista, Marília Apolinário; Campos, Josemberg Marins

2017-02-01

To investigate a method for development of surgical skills in medical students simulating venous dissection in surgical ex vivo pig model. Prospective, analytical, experimental, controlled study with four stages: selection, theoretical teaching, training and assessment. Sample of 312 students was divided into two groups: Group A - 2nd semester students; Group B - students of 8th semester. The groups were divided into five groups of 12 students, trained two hours per week in the semester. They set up four models to three students in each skill station assisted by a monitor. Teaching protocol emergency procedures training were applied to venous dissection, test goal-discursive and OSATS scale. The pre-test confirmed that the methodology has not been previously applied to the students. The averages obtained in the theoretical evaluation reached satisfactory parameters in both groups. The results of applying OSATS scale showed the best performance in group A compared to group B, however, both groups had satisfactory medium. The method was enough to raise a satisfactory level of skill both groups in venous dissection running on surgical swine ex vivo models.

Computer method for identification of boiler transfer functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, J. H.

1972-01-01

Iterative computer aided procedure was developed which provides for identification of boiler transfer functions using frequency response data. Method uses frequency response data to obtain satisfactory transfer function for both high and low vapor exit quality data.

Field investigation on the repellent activity of some aromatic plants by traditional means against Anopheles arabiensis and An. pharoensis (Diptera: Culicidae) around Koka, central Ethiopia.

PubMed

Dugassa, Sisay; Medhin, Girmay; Balkew, Meshesha; Seyoum, Aklilu; Gebre-Michael, Teshome

2009-10-01

A study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of traditional application methods of mosquito repellent plants in the reduction of the human-vector contact of malaria vectors in central Ethiopia. The plants (Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ocimum suave and Ocimum basilicum) were tested by thermal expulsion and direct burning on traditional stoves in the field against two important malaria vectors in Ethiopia (Anopheles arabiensis and An. pharoensis). A Latin-square design was applied for randomly assigning the treatment plants and control to experimental houses over different nights. The percentage repellency of each candidate plant by both application methods was estimated from the catches of mosquitoes in the treatment and control houses. On direct burning of the plants, O. basilicum showed the highest percentage repellency (73.11%, P<0.001) and E. camaldulensis the least repellency (65.29%, P<0.001) against An. arabiensis. By the same method of application, C. citriodora on the other hand gave the highest repellency (72.87%, P<0.001) while E. camaldulensis was still the least repellent plant (66.60%, P<0.001) against An. pharoensis. On thermal expulsion, C. citriodora exhibited the highest repellency (78.69%, P<0.001) while E. camaldulensis was the lowest repellent plant (71.91%, P<0.001) against An. arabiensis. Against An. pharoensis, C. citriodora gave the highest repellency (72.9%, P<0.001) while E. camaldulensis still gave the least repellency (72.2%, P<0.001) on the same method of application. All the tested plants by both methods of application gave partial but significant protection (>65%) against the house-entry and biting of two important malaria vectors in Ethiopia, and thus have a potential to be used at least as supplements to other control methods. However, feasibility and actual impact on disease transmission need to be known on these and other potentially useful plants.

Atmospheric Boundary Layer of a pasture site in Amazônia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trindade de Araújo Tiburtino Neves, Theomar; Fisch, Gilberto; Raasch, Siegfried

2013-04-01

A great effort has been made by the community of micrometeorology and planetary boundary layer for a better description of the properties of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL), such as its height, thermodynamics characteristics and its time evolution. This work aims to give a review of the main characteristics of Atmospheric Boundary Layer over a pasture site in Amazonia. The measurements dataset was carried out from 3 different LBA field campaigns: RBLE 3 (during the dry season from 1993), RaCCI (during the dry-to-wet transition season from 2002) and WetAMC (during the wet season from 1999), collected with tethered balloon, radiosondes and eddy correlation method in a pasture site in the southwestern Amazonia. Different techniques and instruments were used to estimate the ABĹs properties. During the daytime, it was possible to observe that there is an abrupt growth of the Convective Boundary Layer (CBL) between 08 and 11 LT, with a stationary pattern between 14 and 17 LT. The maximum heights at late afternoon were around 1600 m during the dry season, whilst the wet season it only reached 1000 m. This is due to the lower surface turbulent sensible heat flux as the soil is wetter and the partition of energy is completely different between wet to the dry season. For the transition period (RaCCI 2002), it was possible to analyze and compare several estimates from different instruments and methods. It showed that the parcel method overestimates the heights of all measurements (mainly at 14 LT) due to the high incidence of solar radiation and superadiabatic gradients. The profile and Richardson number methods gave results very similar to estimate the height of the CBL. The onset of the Nocturnal Boundary Layer (NBL) occurs before the sunset (18 LT) and its height is reasonable stable during the night (typical values around 180-250 m). An alternative method (Vmax) which used the height of the maximum windspeed derived from a SODAR instrument during RaCCI 2002 was proposed and it showed to be satisfactory comparing with the others methods. Besides that, it has the advantage to have measurements each 30 min.

Wheat Bread with Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) Pulp
as a Functional Food Product.

PubMed

Różyło, Renata; Gawlik-Dziki, Urszula; Dziki, Dariusz; Jakubczyk, Anna; Karaś, Monika; Różyło, Krzysztof

2014-12-01

In this study, a new application of pumpkin pulp in bread production is shown. The aim of this work is to determine the influence of the addition of fresh pumpkin pulp directly into wheat flour on physical, sensorial and biological properties of bread. The bioaccessibility of active compounds was also studied. An increase in the addition of pumpkin pulp from 5 to 20% (converted to dry matter) caused a decrease of bread volume and increase of crumb hardness and cohesiveness. The sensory characteristics of the bread showed that a partial replacement of wheat flour with up to 10% of pumpkin pulp gave satisfactory results. The taste, aroma and overall acceptability of control bread and bread containing 5 or 10% of pulp had the highest degree of liking. The addition of higher levels of pumpkin pulp caused an unpleasant aroma and taste. Pumpkin pulp is a good material to complement the bread with potentially bioaccessible phenolics (including flavonoids) and, especially, with peptides. The highest antioxidant activity was observed, in most cases, of the samples with added 10 and 15% of pumpkin pulp. The addition of the pulp significantly enriched the bread with potentially bioaccessible angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The highest activity was determined in the bread with 15 and 20% pumpkin pulp. ACE inhibitors from the tested bread were highly bioaccessible in vitro . Pumpkin pulp seems to be a valuable source of active compounds to complement the wheat bread. Adding the pulp directly to the wheat flour gives satisfactory baking results and reduces the cost of production. Additionally, pumpkin pulp is sometimes treated as waste material after the acquisition of seeds, thus using it as bread supplement also has environmental and economic benefits. Key words : pumpkin, bread, texture, antioxidants, bioaccessibility in vitro, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition.

Analysis of rice policy based on presidential instruction on household food security: simultaneous equation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sembiring, S. A.

2018-02-01

The objective of this research is to analyze the impacts of rice policy on the household food security. The research used cross section data, were collected from 74 respondent as determined by purposive sampling in Sei Rejo villages, the Sub District of Sei Rampah, Serdang Bedagai District in the Province of North Sumatera. Rice policy model specification uses the simultaneous equations consisting of 6 structural equations and 6 identity equations which was estimated using Two Stages Least Squares (2SLS) method. The results show that the effectiveness of government purchase price of dried harvest paddy gave a positive impact on paddy planted area and lead to an increase paddy production and an increase of the rice production gave a positive impact on household rice availability and household rice surplus, and the increase of household rice surplus gave the quantity of Raskin decrease, whereas the increase of fertilizers gave a negative impact on paddy planted area and lead to decrease paddy production and to decrease in rice production was followed by an decrease in household rice availability and household rice surplus, and the decrease of household rice surplus gave the quantity of Raskin increase.

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

Vercher, E.; Pena, M.P.; Martinez-Andreu, A.

Isobaric experimental data of vapor-liquid equilibrium for the ethanol-water-strontium bromide system at different mole fractions of strontium bromide have been measured at 100.6 kPa. Data were correlated by Jaques and Furter's method. Thermodynamic consistency was checked by Herington's method with satisfactory results.

On thermionic emission and the use of vacuum tubes in the advanced physics laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angiolillo, Paul J.

2009-12-01

Two methods are outlined for measuring the charge-to-mass ratio e /me of the electron using thermionic emission as exploited in vacuum tube technology. One method employs the notion of the space charge in the vacuum tube diode as described by the Child-Langmuir equation; the other method uses the electron trajectories in vacuum tube pentodes with cylindrical electrodes under conditions of orthogonally related electric and magnetic fields (the Hull magnetron method). The vacuum diode method gave e /me=1.782±0.166×10+11 C/kg (averaged over the vacuum diodes studied), and the Hull magnetron method gave e /me=1.779±0.208×10+11 C/kg (averaged over both pentodes and the anode voltages studied). These methods afford opportunities for students to determine the e /me ratio without using the Bainbridge tube method and to become familiar with phenomena not normally covered in a typical experimental methods curriculum.

Right ventricular volumes assessed by echocardiographic three-dimensional knowledge-based reconstruction compared with magnetic resonance imaging in a clinical setting.

PubMed

Neukamm, Christian; Try, Kirsti; Norgård, Gunnar; Brun, Henrik

2014-01-01

A technique that uses two-dimensional images to create a knowledge-based, three-dimensional model was tested and compared to magnetic resonance imaging. Measurement of right ventricular volumes and function is important in the follow-up of patients after pulmonary valve replacement. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for volumetric assessment. Echocardiographic methods have been validated and are attractive alternatives. Thirty patients with tetralogy of Fallot (25 ± 14 years) after pulmonary valve replacement were examined. Magnetic resonance imaging volumetric measurements and echocardiography-based three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. End-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were measured, and the results were compared. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements gave coefficient of variation in the intraobserver study of 3.5, 4.6, and 5.3 and in the interobserver study of 3.6, 5.9, and 6.7 for end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction, respectively. Echocardiographic three-dimensional reconstruction was highly feasible (97%). In the intraobserver study, the corresponding values were 6.0, 7.0, and 8.9 and in the interobserver study 7.4, 10.8, and 13.4. In comparison of the methods, correlations with magnetic resonance imaging were r = 0.91, 0.91, and 0.38, and the corresponding coefficient of variations were 9.4, 10.8, and 14.7. Echocardiography derived volumes (mL/m(2)) were significantly higher than magnetic resonance imaging volumes in end-diastolic volume 13.7 ± 25.6 and in end-systolic volume 9.1 ± 17.0 (both P < .05). The knowledge-based three-dimensional right ventricular volume method was highly feasible. Intra and interobserver variabilities were satisfactory. Agreement with magnetic resonance imaging measurements for volumes was reasonable but unsatisfactory for ejection fraction. Knowledge-based reconstruction may replace magnetic resonance imaging measurements for serial follow-up, whereas magnetic resonance imaging should be used for surgical decision making.

Diagnostic value of the fluoroscopic triggering 3D LAVA technique for primary liver cancer.

PubMed

Shen, Xiao-Yong; Chai, Chun-Hua; Xiao, Wen-Bo; Wang, Qi-Dong

2010-04-01

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the common malignant tumors. Liver acquisition with acceleration volume acquisition (LAVA), which allows simultaneous dynamic enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma and vasculature imaging, is of great help in the diagnosis of PLC. This study aimed to evaluate application of the fluoroscopic triggering 3D LAVA technique in the imaging of PLC and liver vasculature. The clinical data and imaging findings of 38 adults with PLC (22 men and 16 women; average age 52 years), pathologically confirmed by surgical resection or biopsy, were collected and analyzed. All magnetic resonance images were obtained with a 1.5-T system (General Electrics Medical Systems) with an eight-element body array coil and application of the fluoroscopic triggering 3D LAVA technique. Overall image quality was assessed on a 5-point scale by two experienced radiologists. All the nodules and blood vessel were recorded and compared. The diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of LAVA were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients gave high quality images of 72 nodules in the liver for diagnosis. The accuracy of LAVA was 97.2% (70/72), and the coincidence rate between the extent of tumor judged by dynamic enhancement and pathological examination was 87.5% (63/72). Displayed by the maximum intensity projection reconstruction, nearly all cases gave satisfactory images of branches III and IV of the hepatic artery. Furthermore, small early-stage enhancing hepatic lesions and the parallel portal vein were also well displayed. Sequence of LAVA provides good multi-phase dynamic enhancement scanning of hepatic lesions. Combined with conventional scanning technology, LAVA effectively and safely displays focal hepatic lesions and the relationship between tumor and normal tissues, especially blood vessels.

Low-cost field test kits for arsenic detection in water.

PubMed

Das, Joyati; Sarkar, Priyabrata; Panda, Jigisha; Pal, Priyabrata

2014-01-01

Arsenic, a common contaminant of groundwater, affects human health adversely. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum recommended contamination level of arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg/L. The purpose of this research was to develop user-friendly kits for detection of arsenic to measure at least up to 10 μg/L in drinking water, so that a preventive measure could be taken. Two different kits for detection of total arsenic in water are reported here. First, the arsenic in drinking water was converted to arsine gas by a strong reducing agent. The arsine produced was then detected by paper strips via generation of color due to reaction with either mercuric bromide (KIT-1) or silver nitrate (KIT-2). These were previously immobilized on the detector strip. The first one gave a yellow color and the second one grey. Both of these kits could detect arsenic contamination within a range of 10 μg/L-250 μg/L. The detection time for both the kits was only 7 min. The kits exhibited excellent performance compared to other kits available in the market with respect to detection time, ease of operation, cost and could be easily handled by a layman. The field trials with these kits gave very satisfactory results. A study on interference revealed that these kits could be used in the presence of 24 common ions present in the arsenic contaminated water. Though the kits were meant for qualitative assay, the results with unknown concentrations of real samples, when compared with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) were in good agreement as revealed by the t-test.

Permanganate Fixation of Plant Cells

PubMed Central

Mollenhauer, Hilton H.

1959-01-01

In an evaluation of procedures explored to circumvent some of the problems of osmium tetroxide-fixation and methacrylate embedding of plant materials, excised segments of root tips of Zea mays were fixed for electron microscopy in potassium permanganate in the following treatment variations: unbuffered and veronal-acetate buffered solutions of 0.6, 2.0, and 5.0 per cent KMnO4 at pH 5.0, 6.0, 6.7, and 7.5, and temperatures of 2–4°C. and 22°C. After fixation the segments were dehydrated, embedded in epoxy resin, sectioned, and observed or photographed. The cells of the central region of the rootcap are described. The fixation procedures employing unbuffered solutions containing 2.0 to 5.0 per cent KMnO4 at a temperature of 22°C. gave particularly good preservation of cell structure and all membrane systems. Similar results were obtained using a solution containing 2.0 per cent KMnO4, buffered with veronal-acetate to pH 6.0, and a fixation time of 2 hours at 22°C. The fixation procedure utilizing veronal-acetate buffered, 0.6 per cent KMnO4 at 2–4°C. and pH 6.7 also gave relatively good preservation of most cellular constituents. However, preservation of the plasma membrane was not so good, nor was the intensity of staining so great, as that with the group of fixatives containing greater concentrations of KMnO4. The other fixation procedures did not give satisfactory preservation of fine structure. A comparison is made of cell structures as fixed in KMnO4 or OsO4. PMID:14423414

An assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of raw drinking milk on retail sale in England.

PubMed

Willis, C; Jørgensen, F; Aird, H; Elviss, N; Fox, A; Jenkins, C; Fenelon, D; Sadler-Reeves, L; McLauchlin, J

2018-02-01

This study aimed to review the microbiological results for raw drinking milk (RDM) samples submitted to Public Health England laboratories between 2014 and 2016 in order to produce up-to-date data on the microbiological safety of RDM and inform future risk assessments on its sale. A total of 902 samples of RDM were collected from retail sale in England for microbiological examination. Overall, 454 of 770 samples (59·0%) taken for routine monitoring were of a satisfactory quality, whilst eight (1·0%) were 'unsatisfactory and potentially injurious to health' due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter or elevated levels of Listeria monocytogenes or coagulase-positive staphylococci. In contrast, 16 of 114 (14·0%) of samples taken in follow-up to a previous unsatisfactory result and 5 of 18 (27·8%) of samples related to illness were potentially injurious. A total of 229 of 902 samples (25·4%) gave unsatisfactory results due to elevated aerobic colony counts and/or coliforms, whilst 139 of 902 samples (15·4%) were of borderline quality due to coagulase-positive staphylococci. Listeria monocytogenes was detected at levels of <100 CFU per ml in 66 of 902 samples (7·3%) and other Listeria species in 44 of 902 samples (4·9%). Pathogens and/or indicators of poor hygiene were present in almost half of samples examined. Cows' milk samples gave a significantly greater proportion of unsatisfactory results compared to milk from other species (i.e. goat, sheep, buffalo, camel). These results demonstrate the importance of maintaining strict controls on the production and sale of this product. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Direct Determination of MCPD Fatty Acid Esters and Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in Vegetable Oils by LC–TOFMS

PubMed Central

Haines, Troy D.; Adlaf, Kevin J.; Pierceall, Robert M.; Lee, Inmok; Venkitasubramanian, Padmesh

2010-01-01

Analysis of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils using the indirect method proposed by the DGF gave inconsistent results when salting out conditions were varied. Subsequent investigation showed that the method was destroying and reforming MCPD during the analysis. An LC time of flight MS method was developed for direct analysis of both MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in vegetable oils. The results of the LC–TOFMS method were compared with the DGF method. The DGF method consistently gave results that were greater than the LC–TOFMS method. The levels of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters found in a variety of vegetable oils are reported. MCPD monoesters were not found in any oil samples. MCPD diesters were found only in samples containing palm oil, and were not present in all palm oil samples. Glycidyl esters were found in a wide variety of oils. Some processing conditions that influence the concentration of MCPD esters and glycidyl esters are discussed. PMID:21350591

Green synthesis of carbon dots from pork and application as nanosensors for uric acid detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Chunxi; Jiao, Yang; Hu, Feng; Yang, Yaling

2018-02-01

In this work, a green, simple, economical method was developed in the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots using pork as carbon source. The as-prepared carbon dots exhibit exceptional advantages including high fluorescent quantum yield (17.3%) and satisfactory chemical stability. The fluorescence of carbon dots based nanosensor can be selectively and efficiently quenched by uric acid. This phenomenon was used to develop a fluorescent method for facile detection of uric acid within a linear range of 0.1-100 μM and 100-500 μM, with a detection limit of 0.05 μM (S/N = 3). Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied in the determination of uric acid in human serum and urine samples with satisfactory recoveries, which suggested that the new nanosensors have great prospect toward the detection of uric acid in human fluids.

Digital simulation of an arbitrary stationary stochastic process by spectral representation.

PubMed

Yura, Harold T; Hanson, Steen G

2011-04-01

In this paper we present a straightforward, efficient, and computationally fast method for creating a large number of discrete samples with an arbitrary given probability density function and a specified spectral content. The method relies on initially transforming a white noise sample set of random Gaussian distributed numbers into a corresponding set with the desired spectral distribution, after which this colored Gaussian probability distribution is transformed via an inverse transform into the desired probability distribution. In contrast to previous work, where the analyses were limited to auto regressive and or iterative techniques to obtain satisfactory results, we find that a single application of the inverse transform method yields satisfactory results for a wide class of arbitrary probability distributions. Although a single application of the inverse transform technique does not conserve the power spectra exactly, it yields highly accurate numerical results for a wide range of probability distributions and target power spectra that are sufficient for system simulation purposes and can thus be regarded as an accurate engineering approximation, which can be used for wide range of practical applications. A sufficiency condition is presented regarding the range of parameter values where a single application of the inverse transform method yields satisfactory agreement between the simulated and target power spectra, and a series of examples relevant for the optics community are presented and discussed. Outside this parameter range the agreement gracefully degrades but does not distort in shape. Although we demonstrate the method here focusing on stationary random processes, we see no reason why the method could not be extended to simulate non-stationary random processes. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Covalently bonded ionic liquid onto cellulose for fast adsorption and efficient separation of Cr(VI): Batch, column and mechanism investigation.

PubMed

Dong, Zhen; Zhao, Long

2018-06-01

Combining the advantages of both cellulose and ionic liquid, ionic liquid functionalized cellulose (ILFC) as adsorbent was prepared through radiation grafting glycidyl methacrylate onto cellulose microsphere following by reaction with ionic liquid 1-aminopropyl-3-methyl imidazolium nitrate. Its adsorption properties towards Cr(VI) were investigated in batch and column experiments. In batch experiments, the adsorption kinetics was well fitted with pseudo-second-order mode with equilibrium time of 2 h and the adsorption capacity reached 181.8 mg/g at pH 2 calculated from Langmuir model. In fixed column, both Yoon-Nelson and Thomas models gave satisfactory fit to experimental data and breakthrough curves, and equilibrium adsorption capacity calculated by Thomas model was 161.0 mg/g. Moreover, ILFC exhibited high selectivity towards Cr(VI) even in synthetic chrome-plating wastewater. Besides, adsorption/desorption test revealed ILFC can be regenerated and reused several times without obvious decrease in adsorbed amount. The adsorption process was demonstrated to anion exchange-reduction mechanism via XPS analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On Norbert Wiener on language

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julià, Pere

2001-06-01

Norbert Wiener (1948, 1950) subscribed to the traditional outlook on language as a formal object (L)—a system of forms and rules that can presumably be described in abstraction from speakers, listeners, and their interaction with the world and with themselves. Information and communication theories, which Wiener also pioneered, similarly reify the object of study in lieu of treating it as the natural phenomenon it obviously is. Terms like `input,' `output,' `message,' `transmission,' `processing,' etc. implicitly legitimize older views as to the use of language as a "tool" or "instrument" for expressing feelings, thoughts, ideas, etc.; more important yet, they stand in the way of a satisfactory account of self-referentiality, which finds its natural place within the broader context of self-regulation. Cybernetics may be said to have lost sight of the "kybernetes," which gave it its name. The ways in which language participates in—or even helps to integrate—the behavior of the total human individual in his/her adaptation to their milieu casts a new light on questions about self-organization, meaning, experience, and creativity.

Ecology and thermal inactivation of microbes in and on interplanetary space vehicle components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reyes, A. L.; Campbell, J. E.

1976-01-01

The heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger was measured from 85 to 125 C using moisture levels of % RH or = 0.001 to 100. Curves are presented which characterize thermal destruction using thermal death times defined as F values at a given combination of three moisture and temperature conditions. The times required at 100 C for reductions of 99.99% of the initial population were estimated for the three moisture conditions. The linear model (from which estimates of D are obtained) was satisfactory for estimating thermal death times (% RH or = 0.07) in the plate count range. Estimates based on observed thermal death times and D values for % RH = 100 diverged so that D values generally gave a more conservative estimate over the temperature range 90 to 125 C. Estimates of Z sub F and Z sub L ranged from 32.1 to 58.3 C for % RH of or = 0.07 and 100. A Z sub D = 30.0 was obtained for data observed at % RH or = 0.07.

Experimental evaluation of chromium-carbide-based solid lubricant coatings for use to 760 C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dellacorte, Christopher

1987-01-01

A research program is described which further developed and investigated chromium carbide based self-lubricating coatings for use to 760 C. A bonded chromium carbide was used as the base stock because of the known excellent wear resistance and the chemical stability of chromium carbide. Additives were silver and barium fluoride/calcium fluoride eutectic. The three coating components were blended in powder form, applied to stainless steel substrates by plasma spraying and then diamond ground to the desired coating thickness. A variety of coating compositions was tested to determine the coating composition which gave optimum tribological results. Coatings were tested in air, helium, and hydrogen at temperatures from 25 to 760 C. Several counterface materials were evaluated with the objective of discovering a satisfactory metal/coating sliding combination for potential applications, such as piston ring/cylinder liner couples for Stirling engines. In general, silver and fluoride additions to chromium carbide reduced the friction coefficient and increased the wear resistance relative to the unmodified coating. The lubricant additives acted synergistically in reducing friction and wear.

Effect of the composition of extra virgin olive oils on the differentiation and antioxidant capacities of twelve monovarietals.

PubMed

Fuentes, Edwar; Paucar, Fiorela; Tapia, Francisco; Ortiz, Jaime; Jimenez, Paula; Romero, Nalda

2018-03-15

The effect of the composition of twelve varieties of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) on their differentiation based in agronomic criteria and on the antioxidant capacity was studied. Principal component analysis permitted an overview of the samples and their compositions, showing evidence of grouping and correlation between antioxidant capacity, oleuropein and ligstroside derivatives (OLD) and specific extinction at 270. Oleic and linoleic acids, 3,4-DHPEA-EA and p-HPEA-EDA (OLD), unsaturated/saturated ratio and induction time (IT) allowed the correct classification of samples according to year of harvest, ripening stage and variety. The antioxidant capacity of EVOOs was satisfactory predicted through a partial least square model based on ΔK, hydroxytyrosol, pinoresinol, oleuropein derivate and IT. Validation of the model gave a correlation R>0.83 and an error of 7% for independent samples. This model could be a useful tool for the olive industry to highlight the nutritional quality of EVOOs and improve their marketing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

14 CFR 63.55 - Experience requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... satisfactory flight navigation including celestial and radio navigation and dead reckoning. A pilot who has... exclusively for practicing long-range navigation methods, with emphasis on celestial navigation and dead...

14 CFR 63.55 - Experience requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... satisfactory flight navigation including celestial and radio navigation and dead reckoning. A pilot who has... exclusively for practicing long-range navigation methods, with emphasis on celestial navigation and dead...

14 CFR 63.55 - Experience requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... satisfactory flight navigation including celestial and radio navigation and dead reckoning. A pilot who has... exclusively for practicing long-range navigation methods, with emphasis on celestial navigation and dead...

14 CFR 63.55 - Experience requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... satisfactory flight navigation including celestial and radio navigation and dead reckoning. A pilot who has... exclusively for practicing long-range navigation methods, with emphasis on celestial navigation and dead...

14 CFR 63.55 - Experience requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... satisfactory flight navigation including celestial and radio navigation and dead reckoning. A pilot who has... exclusively for practicing long-range navigation methods, with emphasis on celestial navigation and dead...

An optimized inverse modelling method for determining the location and strength of a point source releasing airborne material in urban environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efthimiou, George C.; Kovalets, Ivan V.; Venetsanos, Alexandros; Andronopoulos, Spyros; Argyropoulos, Christos D.; Kakosimos, Konstantinos

2017-12-01

An improved inverse modelling method to estimate the location and the emission rate of an unknown point stationary source of passive atmospheric pollutant in a complex urban geometry is incorporated in the Computational Fluid Dynamics code ADREA-HF and presented in this paper. The key improvement in relation to the previous version of the method lies in a two-step segregated approach. At first only the source coordinates are analysed using a correlation function of measured and calculated concentrations. In the second step the source rate is identified by minimizing a quadratic cost function. The validation of the new algorithm is performed by simulating the MUST wind tunnel experiment. A grid-independent flow field solution is firstly attained by applying successive refinements of the computational mesh and the final wind flow is validated against the measurements quantitatively and qualitatively. The old and new versions of the source term estimation method are tested on a coarse and a fine mesh. The new method appeared to be more robust, giving satisfactory estimations of source location and emission rate on both grids. The performance of the old version of the method varied between failure and success and appeared to be sensitive to the selection of model error magnitude that needs to be inserted in its quadratic cost function. The performance of the method depends also on the number and the placement of sensors constituting the measurement network. Of significant interest for the practical application of the method in urban settings is the number of concentration sensors required to obtain a ;satisfactory; determination of the source. The probability of obtaining a satisfactory solution - according to specified criteria -by the new method has been assessed as function of the number of sensors that constitute the measurement network.

The Chace air indicator.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-01-01

The study reported here has revealed very poor agreement between air contents determined by the Chace air indicator (CAI) and those by the pressure method. In tests of highway concretes the pressure method gave values typically 30% higher than antici...

A simple method to ensure proper screw position and plate size selection using the Morscher cervical spine locking plate. Technical note.

PubMed

Ball, P A; Benzel, E C; Baldwin, N G

1994-04-01

The use of bone plate instrumentation with screw fixation has proved to be a useful adjunctive measure in anterior cervical spine fusion surgery. Proper fitting, positioning, and attachment of this instrumentation have been shown to be frequently suboptimal if done without radiographic guidance. The most commonly used method of radiographic assistance for placement of this instrumentation is fluoroscopy. While this gives satisfactory technical results, it is expensive and time-consuming, and exposes the patient and the operating room personnel to ionizing radiation. The authors present a simple technique to ensure screw placement and plate fitting using Kirschner wires and a single lateral radiograph. This technique saves time, reduces exposure to radiation, and has led to satisfactory results in over 20 operative cases.

Kinetic study of acetaminophen degradation by visible light photocatalysis.

PubMed

Gotostos, Mary Jane N; Su, Chia-Chi; De Luna, Mark Daniel G; Lu, Ming-Chun

2014-01-01

In this work, a novel photocatalyst K3[Fe(CN)6]/TiO2 synthesized via a simple sol-gel method was utilized to degrade acetaminophen (ACT) under visible light with the use of blue and green LED lights. Parameters (medium pH, initial concentration of reactant, catalyst concentration, temperature, and number of blue LED lights) affecting photocatalytic degradation of ACT were also investigated. The experimental result showed that compared to commercially available Degussa P-25 (DP-25) photocatalyst, K3[Fe(CN)6]/TiO2 gave higher degradation efficiency and rate constant (kapp) of ACT. The degradation efficiency or kapp decreased with increasing initial ACT concentration and temperature, but increased with increased number of blue LED lamps. Additionally, kapp increased as initial pH was increased from 5.6 to 6.9, but decreased at a high alkaline condition (pH 8.3). Furthermore, the degradation efficiency and kapp of ACT increased as K3[Fe(CN)6]/TiO2 loading was increased to 1 g L(-1) but decreased and eventually leveled off at photocatalyst loading above this value. Photocatalytic degradation of ACT in K3[Fe(CN)6]/TiO2 catalyst system follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation was also satisfactorily used to model the degradation of ACT in K3[Fe(CN)6]/TiO2 catalyst system indicated by a satisfactory linear correlation between 1/kapp and Co, with kini = 6.54 × 10(-4) mM/min and KACT = 17.27 mM(-1).

Monitoring surgical and medical outcomes: the Bernoulli cumulative SUM chart. A novel application to assess clinical interventions

PubMed Central

Leandro, G; Rolando, N; Gallus, G; Rolles, K; Burroughs, A

2005-01-01

Background: Monitoring clinical interventions is an increasing requirement in current clinical practice. The standard CUSUM (cumulative sum) charts are used for this purpose. However, they are difficult to use in terms of identifying the point at which outcomes begin to be outside recommended limits. Objective: To assess the Bernoulli CUSUM chart that permits not only a 100% inspection rate, but also the setting of average expected outcomes, maximum deviations from these, and false positive rates for the alarm signal to trigger. Methods: As a working example this study used 674 consecutive first liver transplant recipients. The expected one year mortality set at 24% from the European Liver Transplant Registry average. A standard CUSUM was compared with Bernoulli CUSUM: the control value mortality was therefore 24%, maximum accepted mortality 30%, and average number of observations to signal was 500—that is, likelihood of false positive alarm was 1:500. Results: The standard CUSUM showed an initial descending curve (nadir at patient 215) then progressively ascended indicating better performance. The Bernoulli CUSUM gave three alarm signals initially, with easily recognised breaks in the curve. There were no alarms signals after patient 143 indicating satisfactory performance within the criteria set. Conclusions: The Bernoulli CUSUM is more easily interpretable graphically and is more suitable for monitoring outcomes than the standard CUSUM chart. It only requires three parameters to be set to monitor any clinical intervention: the average expected outcome, the maximum deviation from this, and the rate of false positive alarm triggers. PMID:16210461

Digital lectures for learning gross anatomy: a study of their efficacy

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purpose The current study investigates the level of students’ learning and attitudes towards the teaching and learning process when using digital lectures to teach gross anatomy to year 1 medical students. Methods The study sampled year 1 medical students of cohorts 2013 and 2014. The year 1 medical students in 2013 were taught gross anatomy of the heart by didactic classroom lectures while those in 2014 were taught with digital lectures using the same content. A review session was conducted for the 2014 cohort. A 19-item survey was distributed amongst students to investigate their attitudes and feedback. The data were analysed using SPSS software. Results The 2014 cohort had a mean score of 47.65 for short essay questions and 51.19 for multiple choice questions, while the 2013 cohort scored an average of 36.80 for short essay questions and 49.22 for multiple choice questions. The difference in scores for each type of question was found to be significant. Using a 5-point Likert scale, students gave an average of 4.11 when asked if they liked the teaching and learning process and would like it to be applied further. Conclusion The results of the study provide strong evidence that the digital teaching and learning process was well received by students and could also lead to improved performance. Digital lectures can provide a satisfactory substitute for classroom lectures to teach gross anatomy, thus providing flexibility in learning and efficient learning, whilst also freeing lecture slots to promote mastery learning. PMID:28264551

34 CFR 668.34 - Satisfactory academic progress.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Satisfactory academic progress. 668.34 Section 668.34... Satisfactory academic progress. (a) Satisfactory academic progress policy. An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is...

34 CFR 668.34 - Satisfactory academic progress.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Satisfactory academic progress. 668.34 Section 668.34... Satisfactory academic progress. (a) Satisfactory academic progress policy. An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is...

34 CFR 668.34 - Satisfactory academic progress.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Satisfactory academic progress. 668.34 Section 668.34... Satisfactory academic progress. (a) Satisfactory academic progress policy. An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is...

34 CFR 668.34 - Satisfactory academic progress.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Satisfactory academic progress. 668.34 Section 668.34... Satisfactory academic progress. (a) Satisfactory academic progress policy. An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is...

Development of flurbiprofen-loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution using sucrose.

PubMed

Oh, Dong Hoon; Yan, Yi-Dong; Kim, Dong Wuk; Kim, Jong Oh; Yong, Chul Soon; Choi, Han-Gon

2014-02-01

A novel flurbiprofen-loaded nanoemulsion which gave uniform emulsion droplets with a narrow size distribution was previously reported to be prepared using membrane emulsification method. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel flurbiprofen-loaded nanoparticle with a narrow size distribution and improved bioavailability. The nanoparticle was prepared by solidifying nanoemulsion using sucrose as a carrier via spray drying method. Its physicochemical properties were investigated using SEM, DSC and PXRD. Furthermore, dissolution and bioavailability in rats were evaluated compared to a flurbiprofen-loaded commercial product. The flurbiprofen-loaded nanoparticles with flurbiprofen/sucrose/surfactant mixture (1/20/2, weight ratio) gave good solidification and no stickiness. They associated with about 70,000-fold improved drug solubility and had a mean size of about 300 nm with a narrow size distribution. Flurbiprofen was present in a changed amorphous state in these nanoparticles. Moreover, the nanoparticles gave significantly shorter Tmax, and higher AUC and Cmax of the drug compared to the commercial product (p < 0.05). In particular, they showed about nine-fold higher AUC of the drug than did the commercial product. These flurbiprofen-loaded nanoparticles prepared with sucrose by the membrane emulsification and spray drying method would be a potential candidate for orally delivering poorly water-soluble flurbiprofen with enhanced bioavailability.

38 CFR 21.8360 - Satisfactory conduct and cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Satisfactory conduct and... Children of Vietnam Veterans-Spina Bifida and Covered Birth Defects Satisfactory Conduct and Cooperation § 21.8360 Satisfactory conduct and cooperation. The provisions for satisfactory conduct and cooperation...

Measuring forest evapotranspiration--theory and problems

Treesearch

Anthony C. Federer; Anthony C. Federer

1970-01-01

A satisfactory general method of measuring forest evapotranspiration has yet to be developed. Many procedures have been tried, but only the soil-water budget method and the micrometeorological methods offer any degree of success. This paper is a discussion of these procedures and the problems that arise in applying them. It is designed as a reference for scientists and...

Coral bleaching, hurricane damage, and benthic cover on coral reefs in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: A comparison of surveys with the chain transect method and videography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rogers, C.S.; Miller, J.

2001-01-01

The linear chain transect method and videography were used to quantify the percent cover by corals, macroalgae, gorgonians, other living organisms, and substrate along permanent transects on two fringing reefs off St. John. Both methods were used simultaneously on Lameshur reef in November 1998, and on Newfound reef in March and October 1998. Hurricane Georges passed over St. John in September 1998, and a severe coral bleaching episode began the same month. Both methods gave remarkably similar values for coral cover, while the video method gave consistently higher values for gorgonians and macroalgae. The most dramatic difference was in the quantification of bleaching. At Newfound, the chain method indicated 13.4% (SD = 14.1) of the coral tissues were bleached and the video method, 43.4% (SD = 13.0). Corresponding values at Lameshur were 18.1% (SD = 22.3) and 46.5% (SD = 13.3). Although hurricane damage was conspicuous at Newfound reef, neither method showed significant changes in coral cover or other categories as a result of the storm.

A Comparison of Three Theoretical Methods of Calculating Span Load Distribution on Swept Wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanDorn, Nicholas H.; DeYoung, John

1947-01-01

Three methods for calculating span load distribution, those developed by V.M Falkner, Wm. Mutterperl, and J. Weissinger, have been applied to five swept wings. The angles of sweep ranged from -45 degrees to +45 degrees. These methods were examined to establish their relative accuracy and case of application. Experimentally determined loadings were used as a basis for judging accuracy. For the convenience of the readers the computing forms and all information requisite to their application are included in appendixes. From the analysis it was found that the Weissinger method would be best suited to an over-all study of the effects of plan form on the span loading and associated characteristics of wings. The method gave good, but not best, accuracy and involved by far the least computing effort. The Falkner method gave the best accuracy but at a considerable expanse in computing effort and hence appeared to be most useful for a detailed study of a specific wing. The Mutterperl method offered no advantages in accuracy of facility over either of the other methods and hence is not recommended for use.

A new synthesis of certain 7-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl) and 7-(2-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl) derivatives of 3-deazaguanine via the sodium salt glycosylation procedure.

PubMed Central

Gupta, P K; Robins, R K; Revankar, G R

1985-01-01

A facile synthesis of 7-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-3-deazaguanine (1) and certain 8-substituted derivatives of 1 via the sodium salt glycosylation method has been developed. Glycosylation of the sodium salt of methyl 2-chloro(or methylthio)-4(5)-cyanomethylimidazole-5(4)-carboxylate (5 and 13b) with 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranosyl bromide (6) gave exclusively methyl 2-chloro(or methylthio)-4-cyanomethyl-1-(2,3, 5-tri-O-benzoyl-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-5-carboxylate (7 and 14a), respectively. Ammonolysis of 7 and 14a provided 6-amino-2-chloro(or methylthio)-3-beta-D-ribofuranosylimidazo-[4,5-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one (11 and 17), which on subsequent dehalogenation (or dethiation) gave 1. Similarly, reaction of the sodium salt of 5 and 13b with 1-chloro-2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-p-toluoyl-alpha-D-erythro-pentofuranose (8), and ammonolysis of the glycosylated imidazole precursors (9 and 16) gave 6-amino-2-chloro(or methylthio)-3-(2-deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl) imidazo[4,5-c]-pyridin-4(5H)-one (10a and 15), respectively. Dehalogenation of 10a or dethiation of 15 gave 2'-deoxy-7-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-3-deazaguanine (10b). This procedure provided a direct method of obtaining 10b without the contaminating 9-glycosyl isomer 4. PMID:4022783

Ultrasonic device for real-time sewage velocity and suspended particles concentration measurements.

PubMed

Abda, F; Azbaid, A; Ensminger, D; Fischer, S; François, P; Schmitt, P; Pallarès, A

2009-01-01

In the frame of a technological research and innovation network in water and environment technologies (RITEAU, Réseau de Recherche et d'Innovation Technologique Eau et Environnement), our research group, in collaboration with industrial partners and other research institutions, has been in charge of the development of a suitable flowmeter: an ultrasonic device measuring simultaneously the water flow and the concentration of size classes of suspended particles. Working on the pulsed ultrasound principle, our multi-frequency device (1 to 14 MHz) allows flow velocity and water height measurement and estimation of suspended solids concentration. Velocity measurements rely on the coherent Doppler principle. A self developed frequency estimator, so called Spectral Identification method, was used and compared to the classical Pulse-Pair method. Several measurements campaigns on one wastewater collector of the French city of Strasbourg gave very satisfactory results and showed smaller standard deviation values for the Doppler frequency extracted by the Spectral Identification method. A specific algorithm was also developed for the water height measurements. It relies on the water surface acoustic impedance rupture and its peak localisation and behaviour in the collected backscattering data. This algorithm was positively tested on long time measurements on the same wastewater collector. A large part of the article is devoted to the measurements of the suspended solids concentrations. Our data analysis consists in the adaptation of the well described acoustic behaviour of sand to the behaviour of wastewater particles. Both acoustic attenuation and acoustic backscattering data over multiple frequencies are analyzed for the extrapolation of size classes and respective concentrations. Under dry weather conditions, the massic backscattering coefficient and the overall size distribution showed similar evolution whatever the measurement site was and were suggesting a global wastewater particles behaviour. By comparison to sampling data, our data analysis lead to the characterization of two particle groups: the ones occurring during rain events and the ones typical of wastewater under dry weather conditions. Even with already encouraging results on the several weeks of data recorded on several wastewater collectors, the validation of our data inversion method is still under progress.

48 CFR 1516.405-271 - Limitations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES TYPES OF CONTRACTS Incentive Contracts 1516.405-271 Limitations. (a) No award... satisfactory or excellent. All award fee plans shall disclose to offerors the numerical rating necessary to be...

The properties of syringyl, guaiacyl and p-hydroxyphenyl artificial lignins

PubMed Central

Bland, D. E.; Logan, A. F.

1965-01-01

1. Artificial lignins have been produced on potato parenchyma. 2. The methoxyl-free lignin and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy (guaiacyl) lignins could be estimated by the sulphuric acid method but the 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy (syringyl) lignins could not. 3. Permanganate oxidation of isolated p-coumaric lignin gave 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyisophthalic acid and small amounts of hydroxytrimesic acid and 4-hydroxyphthalic acid. Ferulic lignin gave vanillic acid and 5-carboxyvanillic acid and also small amounts of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and dehydrodivanillic acid. The sinapic lignin gave traces of syringic acid and of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. 4. The p-coumaric lignin is a highly condensed polymer. The ferulic lignin is partly uncondensed and partly condensed through the 5-position like gymnosperm lignin. The sinapic lignin shows no evidence of condensation and is probably an ether-linked polymer. PMID:14340102

Correction of cryptotia using a subcutaneous pedicled flap.

PubMed

Nakajima, T; Yoneda, K; Yoshimura, Y

1991-01-01

Cryptotia is a relatively common deformity of the ear among orientals. Although many methods for correcting this deformity have been reported, there is no one perfect method. We have developed a method using a subcutaneous pedicle flap raised from the retroauricular region, where relative abundance of skin exists. We have treated 9 ears of 7 patients by the method reported herein. Results are satisfactory in all cases.

Factors Associated with Student Pharmacist Philanthropy to the College Before and After Graduation

PubMed Central

Spivey, Christina A.

2015-01-01

Objective. To examine the early stages of a student giving program, to evaluate the program’s influence on college donations, and to evaluate other factors that may affect student and year-one postgraduation giving at a college or school of pharmacy. Methods. A review of student records for graduates of 2013 and 2014 was conducted. Data included student characteristics, scholarship support, international program participation, senior class gift participation, and postgraduation giving. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Chi-square analyses were performed. Results. Of 273 graduates, the majority were female (57.1%) and white (74%). Class of 2014 contributed a higher amount to the class gift than the prior class. In 2014, those who received scholarships gave higher amounts to the class gift. For the combined classes, there was an association between the number of students who gave pregraduation and the number who gave postgraduation. In the 2013 class, individuals gave greater amounts postgraduation compared to pregraduation, and a higher percentage of alumni (8%) gave postgraduation compared to alumni from the previous class (<1%). Conclusion. Participation in year-one postgraduation giving increased after implementation of the senior class gift program. Receiving scholarships influenced giving to the class gift but was not associated with postgraduation giving. Future studies are needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding of student and alumni philanthropy. PMID:27168615

Factors Associated with Student Pharmacist Philanthropy to the College Before and After Graduation.

PubMed

Chisholm-Burns, Marie A; Spivey, Christina A

2015-09-25

Objective. To examine the early stages of a student giving program, to evaluate the program's influence on college donations, and to evaluate other factors that may affect student and year-one postgraduation giving at a college or school of pharmacy. Methods. A review of student records for graduates of 2013 and 2014 was conducted. Data included student characteristics, scholarship support, international program participation, senior class gift participation, and postgraduation giving. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Chi-square analyses were performed. Results. Of 273 graduates, the majority were female (57.1%) and white (74%). Class of 2014 contributed a higher amount to the class gift than the prior class. In 2014, those who received scholarships gave higher amounts to the class gift. For the combined classes, there was an association between the number of students who gave pregraduation and the number who gave postgraduation. In the 2013 class, individuals gave greater amounts postgraduation compared to pregraduation, and a higher percentage of alumni (8%) gave postgraduation compared to alumni from the previous class (<1%). Conclusion. Participation in year-one postgraduation giving increased after implementation of the senior class gift program. Receiving scholarships influenced giving to the class gift but was not associated with postgraduation giving. Future studies are needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding of student and alumni philanthropy.

Modern morphometry: new perspectives in physical anthropology.

PubMed

Mantini, Simone; Ripani, Maurizio

2009-06-01

In the past one hundred years physical anthropology has recourse to more and more efficient methods, which provide several new information regarding, human evolution and biology. Apart from the molecular approach, the introduction of new computed assisted techniques gave rise to a new concept of morphometry. Computed tomography and 3D-imaging, allowed providing anatomical description of the external and inner structures exceeding the problems encountered with the traditional morphometric methods. Furthermore, the support of geometric morphometrics, allowed creating geometric models to investigate morphological variation in terms of evolution, ontogeny and variability. The integration of these new tools gave rise to the virtual anthropology and to a new image of the anthropologist in which anatomical, biological, mathematical statistical and data processing information are fused in a multidisciplinary approach.

An engineering method for estimating notch-size effect in fatigue tests on steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhn, Paul; Hardrath, Herbert F

1952-01-01

Neuber's proposed method of calculating a practical factor of stress concentration for parts containing notches of arbitrary size depends on the knowledge of a "new material constant" which can be established only indirectly. In this paper, the new constant has been evaluated for a large variety of steels from fatigue tests reported in the literature, attention being confined to stresses near the endurance limit. Reasonably satisfactory results were obtained with the assumption that the constant depends only on the tensile strength of the steel. Even in cases where the notches were cracks of which only the depth was known, reasonably satisfactory agreement was found between calculated and experimental factors. It is also shown that the material constant can be used in an empirical formula to estimate the size effect on unnotched specimens tested in bending fatigue.

Electron and Light Microscopy Techniques Suitable for Studying Fatigue Damage in a Crystallized Glass Ceramic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrell, Shelley; Zaretsky, Erwin V.

1961-01-01

The crystals of Pyroceram are randomly oriented and highly reflective so that standard microscopy techniques are not satisfactory for studying this material. Standard replicating procedures proved difficult to use. New microscopy techniques and procedures have therefore been developed. A method for locating, orienting, and identifying specific areas to be viewed with an electron microscope is described. This method not require any special equipment. Plastic replicas were found to be unsatisfactory because of their tendency to adhere to Pryoceram. This caused them to tear when released or resulted in artifacts. Preshadowed silicon monoxide replicas were satisfactory but required a releasing agent. A method of depositing the releasing agent is described. To polish specimens without evidence of fire-polishing, it was found necessary to use a vibratory polishing technique. Chrome oxide was used as the abrasive and either water or kerosene as the lubricant. Vibratory polishing is extremely slow, but surfaces so polished show no evidence of fire polishing, even when examined by electron microscopy. The most satisfactory etching process used for Pyroceram 9608 consisted of a primary etch of 5 milliliters of hydrochloric acid (concentrated), 5 milliliters of hydrogen fluoride (45 percent), and 45 milliliters of water, and a secondary etch with methyl alcohol replacing the water. Best results were obtained with total etching times from 25 to 30 seconds. Staining of the Pyroceram surface with a Sanford's marker was found to be an expedient way to reduce the glare of reflected light.

Comparison of specimen adequacy and smear quality in oral smears prepared by manual liquid-based cytology and conventional methods

PubMed Central

Shukla, Surabhi; Einstein, A; Shukla, Abhilasha; Mishra, Deepika

2015-01-01

Background: Liquid-based cytology (LBC), recommended in the mass screening of potentially malignant cervical and oral lesions, suffers from high cost owing to the use of expensive automated devices and materials. Considering the need for cost-effective LBC techniques, we evaluated the efficacy of an inexpensive manual LBC (MLBC) technique against conventional cytological technique in terms of specimen adequacy and smear quality of oral smears. Materials and Methods: Cytological samples were collected from 21 patients using a cytobrush device. After preparation of a conventional smear, the brush containing the remaining sample was immersed in the preservative vial. The preserved material was processed by an MLBC technique and subsequently, direct smears were made from the prepared cell button. Both conventional and MLBC smears were stained by routine Papanicolaou technique and evaluated by an independent observer for the thickness of the smear, cellular distribution, resolution/clarity of cells, cellular staining characteristics and the presence of unsatisfactory background/artifacts. Each parameter was graded as satisfactory; or satisfactory, but limited; or unsatisfactory. Chi-square test was used to compare the values obtained (significance set at P ≤ 0.05). Results: MLBC technique produced a significant number of satisfactory smears with regard to cell distribution, clarity/resolution, staining characteristics and background/artifacts compared to conventional methods. Conclusions: MLBC is a cost-effective cytological technique that may produce oral smears with excellent cytomorphology and longer storage life. PMID:26980958

Trained nurses can obtain satisfactory bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsies.

PubMed Central

Lawson, S; Aston, S; Baker, L; Fegan, C D; Milligan, D W

1999-01-01

AIMS: To assess the feasibility of training nurse practitioners to perform bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy, and to compare the quality of these samples with those obtained by medical staff. METHODS: A retrospective audit was undertaken of nurse practitioner and medical staff performance in bone marrow procedures in a busy haematology day unit. RESULTS: Nurse practitioners fared favourably in comparison with medical staff in performing bone marrow trephine biopsies, with mean biopsy lengths of 11 mm and 10.7 mm respectively. However, only 78% of the smears obtained by the nurses were judged technically satisfactory, compared with 91% prepared by doctors. This discrepancy was thought to be due largely to the quality of slide spreading. CONCLUSIONS: With motivated staff and a structured educational and training programme it is possible for nurse practitioners to perform the techniques of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and obtain specimens of satisfactory quality, thus improving efficiency of the haematology day unit and increasing quality of patient care. Images PMID:10396248

Complexation of Cd, Ni, and Zn by DOC in polluted groundwater: A comparison of approaches using resin exchange, aquifer material sorption, and computer speciation models (WHAM and MINTEQA2)

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

Christensen, J.B.; Christensen, T.H.

1999-11-01

Complexation of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in leachate-polluted groundwater was measured using a resin equilibrium method and an aquifer material sorption technique. The first method is commonly used in complexation studies, while the second method better represents aquifer conditions. The two approaches gave similar results. Metal-DOC complexation was measured over a range of DOC concentrations using the resin equilibrium method, and the results were compared to simulations made by two speciation models containing default databases on metal-DOC complexes (WHAM and MINTEQA2). The WHAM model gave reasonable estimates of Cd and Ni complexationmore » by DOC for both leachate-polluted groundwater samples. The estimated effect of complexation differed less than 50% from the experimental values corresponding to a deviation on the activity of the free metal ion of a factor of 2.5. The effect of DOC complexation for Zn was largely overestimated by the WHAM model, and it was found that using a binding constant of 1.7 instead of the default value of 1.3 would improve the fit between the simulations and experimental data. The MINTEQA2 model gave reasonable predictions of the complexation of Cd and Zn by DOC, whereas deviations in the estimated activity of the free Ni{sup 2+} ion as compared to experimental results are up to a factor of 5.« less

Evaluating statistical validity of research reports: a guide for managers, planners, and researchers

Treesearch

Amanda L. Golbeck

1986-01-01

Inappropriate statistical methods, as well as appropriate methods inappropriately used, can lead to incorrect conclusions in any research report. Incorrect conclusions may also be due to the fact that the research problem is just hard to quantify in a satisfactory way. Publication of a research report does not guarantee that appropriate statistical methods have been...

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

Capone, D.G.; Penhale, P.A.; Oremland, R.S.

N/sub 2/ (C/sub 2/H/sub 2/) fixation and primary production were measured in communities of Thalassia testudinum at two sites in Bimini Harbor (Bahamas). Production was determined by uptake of (/sup 14/C)NaHCO/sub 3/, by leaf growth measurements, and by applying an empirical formula based on leaf dimensions. The last two methods gave similar results but the /sup 14/C method gave higher values. Anaerobic sediment N/sub 2/ fixation supplied about 1/4 to 1/2 of the nitrogen demand for leaf production (by leaf growth method) and there was a significant correlation between N/sub 2/ fixation and CO/sub 2/ fixation rates when all componentsmore » of the communities were considered (macrophyte, phyllosphere epiphytes, and detrital leaves). N/sub 2/ fixation is important to production in Thalassia communities and the plant and its leaf epiphytes may be distinct entities in terms of nitrogen and carbon metabolism.« less

Thermometric titrations of amines with nitrosyl perchlorate in acetonitrile solvent.

PubMed

Gündüz, T; Kiliç, E; Cakirer, O

1996-05-01

Thirteen aliphatic and four aromatic amines, namely diethylamine, triethylamine, n-propylamine, di-n-propylamine, tri-n-butylamine, isopropylamine, di-isopropylamine, n-butylamine, di-n-butylamine, tri-n-butylamine, isobutylamine, sec-butylamine, tert-butylamine, aniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, 2-nitroaniline and 4-nitroaniline were titrated thermometrically with nitrosyl perchlorate in acetonitrile solvent. All the aliphatic amines gave very well-shaped thermometric titration curves. The calculated recovery values of the amines were very good. In comparison, the aromatic amines, aniline and N,N-dimethylaniline gave rather well-shaped titration curves, but the recovery values were fairly low. 2-Nitro- and 4-nitro anilines gave no thermometric response at all. The heats of reaction of the amines with nitrosyl perchlorate are rather high. However, the average heat of reaction of the aromatic amines is approximately two-thirds that of the average heat of the aliphatic amines. To support this method all the amines were also titrated potentiometrically and very similar results to those obtained with the thermometric method are seen. The nitrosyl ion is a Lewis acid, strong enough to titrate quantitatively aliphatic amines in acetonitrile solvent, but not strong enough to titrate aromatic amines at the required level in the same solvent.

The Use of Techniques of Sensory Evaluation as a Framework for Teaching Experimental Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, R.; Hamilton, M.

1981-01-01

Describes sensory assessment techniques and conditions for their satisfactory performance, including how they can provide open-ended exercises and advantages as relatively inexpensive and simple methods of teaching experimentation. Experiments described focus on diffusion of salt into potatoes after being cooked in boiled salted water. (Author/JN)

[Enzyme kinetic glucose determination by the glucose dehydrogenase method. Enzyme kinetic substrate determination using competitive inhibitors, II (author's transl)].

PubMed

Müller-Matthesius, R

1975-05-01

The sensitivity of enzyme kinetic substrate determinations can be improved with the aid of competitive inhibitors. As an example, the determination of glucose dehydrogenase in the presence of potassium thiocyanate is described. The method has the advantage of rapid operation with satisfactory precision.

A micromethod for the enzymatic estimation of the degree of glycogen ramification.

PubMed

Serafini, M T; Alemany, M

1987-10-01

A comparison of methods for the evaluation of glycogen content in liver tissue of rats has been carried out by determining the recoveries in the differential ethanol precipitation of glycogen from alkaline tissue digests as well as the actual quantitative equivalence between glycogen content and actual glucose measured. Hydrolytic/enzymatic methods gave lower results than non-specific chemical methods such as anthrone. These lower values, combined with the losses in the purification process resulted in much lower glycogen estimations than the actual estimated tissue content. A method has been devised for the measurement of glycogen ramification in small liver tissue samples, using neutral periodate oxidation of the molecule, followed by determination of the formic acid evolved from the branch ends with formic acid dehydrogenase. The method gave results very similar to the classical methods in which the acid formed is measured titrimetrically. Rat liver tissue contained a mean 323 +/- 69 mmol of glucose equivalents of glycogen per gram of tissue; this glycogen had a mean chain length of 11.4 +/- 0.8 units.

Verification of the Usefulness of the Trimble Rtx Extended Satellite Technology with the Xfill Function in the Local Network Implementing Rtk Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siejka, Zbigniew

2014-12-01

The paper presents the method of satellite measurements, which gives users the ability of GNSS continuous precise positioning in real time, even in the case of short interruptions in receiving the correction of the local ground system of measurements support. The proposed method is a combination of two satellite positioning technologies RTN GNSS and RTX Extended. In technology RTX Extended the xFill function was used for precise positioning in real time and in the local reference system. This function provides the ability to perform measurement without the need for constant communication with the ground support satellite system. Test measurements were performed on a test basis located in Krakow, and RTN GNSS positioning was done based on the national network of reference stations of the ASGEUPOS. The solution allows for short (up to 5 minutes) interruptions in radio or internet communication. When the primary stream of RTN correction is not available, then the global corrections Trimble xFill broadcasted by satellite are used. The new technology uses in the real-time data from the global network of tracking stations and contributes significantly to improving the quality and efficiency of surveying works. At present according to the authors, technology Trimble CenterPoint RTX can guarantee repeatability of measurements not worse than 3.8 cm (Trimble Survey Division, 2012). In the paper the comparative analysis of measurement results between the two technologies was performed: RTN carried out in the classic way, which was based on the corrections of the terrestrial local network of the Polish system of active geodetic network (ASG-EUPOS) and RTK xFill technology. The results were related to the data of test network, established as error free. The research gave satisfactory results and confirmed the great potential of the use of the new technology in the geodetic work realization. By combining these two technologies of GNSS surveying the user can greatly improve the overall performance of real-time positioning.

Rapid viral diagnosis of acute respiratory infections: comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the immunofluorescence technique for detection of viral antigens in nasopharyngeal secretions.

PubMed Central

Grandien, M; Pettersson, C A; Gardner, P S; Linde, A; Stanton, A

1985-01-01

Nasopharyngeal secretions from adults and children were obtained in Stockholm, Sweden, for routine diagnosis of influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial (RS) virus, parainfluenza type 3 virus, and adenovirus infections by demonstration of viral antigens directly in the specimens. The cells in nasopharyngeal secretions were pelleted by centrifugation for preparation of cell deposits for diagnosis by the immunofluorescence technique (IF) in London, England, and in Stockholm, whereas the supernatants were used to diagnose infection by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Stockholm. Titrations of the various purified viruses showed that ELISA could detect viral antigens in amounts corresponding to 1 to 10 ng of virus protein per test well. In a series of 73 specimens tested for influenza A, RS, and parainfluenza type 3 viruses by IF in London and by ELISA in Stockholm, 15 of 18 RS, 14 of 15 influenza A, and 2 of 2 parainfluenza type 3 viral infections were diagnosed by ELISA as compared with IF, giving sensitivities for RS and influenza A viral diagnosis of 83 and 93%, respectively, and a specificity of 100%. In another series of specimens from 35 patients tested for influenza B virus and adenovirus, five influenza B virus and four adenovirus infections were diagnosed by both methods; one additional influenza B infection was detected only by IF and another only by ELISA. Comparisons of diagnostic results between the two methods performed in Stockholm gave nonagreement of results for 37 of 1,593 tests (2.5%) for the five viruses. The conclusion reached was that the described ELISA, although a satisfactory test, had somewhat less sensitivity than did IF for the detection of respiratory viral infections. This could possibly be explained by unnecessary dilutions of specimens at the time of collection; transportation, processing, and storage of specimens were less complicated than for IF. PMID:2997270

Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System and LiDAR for Alpine forested Landslide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borgniet, Laurent; Lachenal, Philippe; Berger, Frédéric

2017-04-01

In the last decade Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) technologies considerably evolved, improving flight stability, GPS positioning and payload. Recent researches shown that RPAS-SfM framework, combining high volumes data acquisition and fast treatments capacity, make it suitable for environmental monitoring. However, monitoring, in a short period, an active landslide with major land displacements in a context of unstable and vegetated mountainous area still represent a real challenge. In this study, we aimed at developing a reproducible and optimized cost-efficiency method to accurately survey active terrain movements. The combined use of two RPAS allows to i)better visualize at large scale (1km2) the phenomenon dimensions and velocity in order to ii) focus our efforts on a safe topographic and photogrammetric data acquisition. The study area is a re-activated landslide previously reported in 1966 by forest management services located near Beaufort in the French Alps. For six time steps between April and September 2017, we acquired aerial photos with two reflex camera (Visible and Near Infra-Red Bands) mounted on a hexacopter with a payload up to 4kg. A validation campaign with aerial LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanner took place on June 2017. Comparison of the digital Surface models and orthophotos derived from RPAS flights gave satisfactory results. Spatial analysis in a GIS allowed a quantitative evaluation of heterogeneous behaviors and dynamic distributions of materials (mineral and vegetal) along the slope. Estimations of displaced volumes (500 000 m3) constitute a precious information for improving in emergency crisis the calibration of deposits place in order to avoid jam and flood on the road network. In this research, we demonstrate the feasibility of a repetitive RPAS based data acquisition method but some limitations still remain. Research efforts will now focus on DEM under vegetation cover determination combining RPAS adapted LiDAR, improved RTK differential positioning systems and miniaturized Hyperspectral sensor.

36 CFR 51.44 - How will the Director determine if a concessioner was satisfactory for purposes of a right of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... determine if a concessioner was satisfactory for purposes of a right of preference? 51.44 Section 51.44... satisfactory for purposes of a right of preference? To be a satisfactory concessioner for the purposes of a... concessioner made subsequent to May 17, 2000 are less than satisfactory for any two or more years of operation...

Development of a modified dry curing process for beef.

PubMed

Hayes, J E; Kenny, T A; Ward, P; Kerry, J P

2007-11-01

The development of a dry curing process using physical treatments to promote the diffusion of the cure ingredients was studied. Vacuum pulsing with and without tumbling, continuous vacuum, and tumbling only treatments were compared with a conventional static dry cure control method on beef M. supraspinatus. Vacuum tumble and tumble only treatments gave highest core salt content after 7 days conditioning (3.3% and 3.1%, respectively). All test treatments resulted in higher colour uniformity and lower % cook loss in comparison to control (P<0.001). The control and vacuum pulsed samples were tougher (P<0.001). Vacuum tumble and tumble only treatments gave higher acceptability (P<0.001). Based on these findings for M. supraspinatus, indicating that the vacuum tumble treatments gave the best results, further testing of this method was conducted using the M. biceps femoris in addition to the M. supraspinatus. Cured beef slices were stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) (80%N(2):20%CO(2)) for up to 28 day at 4°C. Redness (a(∗), P<0.001) decreased over storage time in M. biceps femoris. Vacuum tumble treatment increased (P<0.05) redness in M. supraspinatus. Results obtained demonstrate the benefits of vacuum tumbling over the other physical treatments as a method for accelerating the dry curing process, producing dry cured beef products with enhanced organoleptic quality and increased yields.

Application of firefly luciferase assay for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to antimicrobial drug sensitivity testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Picciolo, G. L.; Tuttle, S. A.; Schrock, C. G.; Deming, J. W.; Barza, M. J.; Wienstein, L.; Chappelle, E. W.

1977-01-01

The development of a rapid method for determining microbial susceptibilities to antibiotics using the firefly luciferase assay for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is documented. The reduction of bacterial ATP by an antimicrobial agent was determined to be a valid measure of drug effect in most cases. The effect of 12 antibiotics on 8 different bacterial species gave a 94 percent correlation with the standard Kirby-Buer-Agar disc diffusion method. A 93 percent correlation was obtained when the ATP assay method was applied directly to 50 urine specimens from patients with urinary tract infections. Urine samples were centrifuged first to that bacterial pellets could be suspended in broth. No primary isolation or subculturing was required. Mixed cultures in which one species was predominant gave accurate results for the most abundant organism. Since the method is based on an increase in bacterial ATP with time, the presence of leukocytes did not interfere with the interpretation of results. Both the incubation procedure and the ATP assays are compatible with automation.

Studies on Some Factors Affecting the Quantitative Estimation of the Exchange Capacity of Organic Matter

Treesearch

Walter M. Broadfoot; Edward H. Tyner

1939-01-01

Methods which are satisfactory for determining the base-exchange capacity of mineral soils can not be applied indiscriminately for determining the exchange capacity of fresh or decomposed plant residues.

An equivalent domain integral for analysis of two-dimensional mixed mode problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Shivakumar, K. N.

1989-01-01

An equivalent domain integral (EDI) method for calculating J-integrals for two-dimensional cracked elastic bodies subjected to mixed mode loading is presented. The total and product integrals consist of the sum of an area or domain integral and line integrals on the crack faces. The EDI method gave accurate values of the J-integrals for two mode I and two mixed mode problems. Numerical studies showed that domains consisting of one layer of elements are sufficient to obtain accurate J-integral values. Two procedures for separating the individual modes from the domain integrals are presented. The procedure that uses the symmetric and antisymmetric components of the stress and displacement fields to calculate the individual modes gave accurate values of the integrals for all the problems analyzed.

Determination of ash in coals unusually high in calcite and pyrite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rees, O.W.; Selvig, W.A.

1942-01-01

The preliminary hearth heating method (A and E) gave results within the A. S. T. M. tolerances for all duplicates obtained in the same laboratory. Checks between different laboratories within A. S. T. M. tolerances were obtained for coals containing up to about 3.6 per cent mineral carbon dioxide, but these ashes contained larger amounts of retained sulfur. The determination of ash by the cold furnace method (B and F) gave duplicate results within A. S. T. M. tolerances for all samples in the U. S. Bureau of Mines laboratory and for samples up to about 1.6 per cent mineral carbon dioxide content in the Illinois Geological Survey laboratory. Checks between average values from the two laboratories were within A. S. T. M. tolerances for all samples.

Sensitivity and comparison evaluation of Saturn 5 liquid penetrants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, G. H.

1973-01-01

Results of a sensitivity and comparison evaluation performed on six liquid penetrants that were used on the Saturn 5 vehicle and other space hardware to detect surface discontinuities are described. The relationship between penetrant materials and crack definition capabilities, the optimum penetrant materials evaluation method, and the optimum measurement methods for crack dimensions were investigated. A unique method of precise developer thickness control was envolved, utilizing clear radiographic film and a densitometer. The method of evaluation included five aluminum alloy, 2219-T87, specimens that were heated and then quenched in cold water to produce cracks. The six penetrants were then applied, one at a time, and the crack indications were counted and recorded for each penetrant for comparison purposes. Measurements were made by determining the visual crack indications per linear inch and then sectioning the specimens for a metallographic count of the cracks present. This method provided a numerical approach for assigning a sensitivity index number to the penetrants. Of the six penetrants evaluated, two were not satisfactory (one was not sufficiently sensitive and the other was to sensitive, giving false indications). The other four were satisfactory with approximately the same sensitivity in the range of 78 to 80.5 percent of total cracks detected.

Haematological validation of a computer-based bone marrow reporting system.

PubMed Central

Nguyen, D T; Diamond, L W; Cavenagh, J D; Parameswaran, R; Amess, J A

1997-01-01

AIMS: To prove the safety and effectiveness of "Professor Belmonte", a knowledge-based system for bone marrow reporting, a formal evaluation of the reports generated by the system was performed. METHODS: Three haematologists (a consultant, a senior registrar, and a junior registrar), none of whom were involved in the development of the software, compared the unedited reports generated by Professor Belmonte with the original bone marrow reports in 785 unselected cases. Each haematologist independently graded the quality of Belmonte's reports using one of four categories: (a) better than the original report (more informative, containing useful information missing in the original report); (b) equivalent to the original report; (c) satisfactory, but missing information that should have been included; and (d) unsatisfactory. RESULTS: The consultant graded 64 reports as more informative than the original, 687 as equivalent to the original, 32 as satisfactory, and two as unsatisfactory. The senior registrar considered 29 reports to be better than the original, 739 to be equivalent to the original, 15 to be satisfactory, and two to be unsatisfactory. The junior registrar found that 88 reports were better than the original, 681 were equivalent to the original, 14 were satisfactory, and two were unsatisfactory. Each judge found two different reports to be unsatisfactory according to their criteria. All 785 reports generated by the computer system received at least two scores of satisfactory or better. CONCLUSIONS: In this representative study, Professor Belmonte generated bone marrow reports that proved to be as accurate as the original reports in a large university hospital. The haematology knowledge contained within the system, the reasoning process, and the function of the software are safe and effective for assisting haematologists in generating high quality bone marrow reports. PMID:9215118

Evaluation of commercial DNA and RNA extraction methods for high-throughput sequencing of FFPE samples.

PubMed

Kresse, Stine H; Namløs, Heidi M; Lorenz, Susanne; Berner, Jeanne-Marie; Myklebost, Ola; Bjerkehagen, Bodil; Meza-Zepeda, Leonardo A

2018-01-01

Nucleic acid material of adequate quality is crucial for successful high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis. DNA and RNA isolated from archival FFPE material are frequently degraded and not readily amplifiable due to chemical damage introduced during fixation. To identify optimal nucleic acid extraction kits, DNA and RNA quantity, quality and performance in HTS applications were evaluated. DNA and RNA were isolated from five sarcoma archival FFPE blocks, using eight extraction protocols from seven kits from three different commercial vendors. For DNA extraction, the truXTRAC FFPE DNA kit from Covaris gave higher yields and better amplifiable DNA, but all protocols gave comparable HTS library yields using Agilent SureSelect XT and performed well in downstream variant calling. For RNA extraction, all protocols gave comparable yields and amplifiable RNA. However, for fusion gene detection using the Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Assay, the truXTRAC FFPE RNA kit from Covaris and Agencourt FormaPure kit from Beckman Coulter showed the highest percentage of unique read-pairs, providing higher complexity of HTS data and more frequent detection of recurrent fusion genes. truXTRAC simultaneous DNA and RNA extraction gave similar outputs as individual protocols. These findings show that although successful HTS libraries could be generated in most cases, the different protocols gave variable quantity and quality for FFPE nucleic acid extraction. Selecting the optimal procedure is highly valuable and may generate results in borderline quality specimens.

Simultaneous determination of umbelliferone and scopoletin in Tibetan medicine Saussurea laniceps and traditional Chinese medicine Radix angelicae pubescentis using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence coupled with second-order calibration method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Li; Wu, Hai-Long; Yin, Xiao-Li; Hu, Yong; Gu, Hui-Wen; Yu, Ru-Qin

2017-01-01

A chemometrics-assisted excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence method is presented for simultaneous determination of umbelliferone and scopoletin in Tibetan medicine Saussurea laniceps (SL) and traditional Chinese medicine Radix angelicae pubescentis (RAP). Using the strategy of combining EEM fluorescence data with second-order calibration method based on the alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) algorithm, the simultaneous quantification of umbelliferone and scopoletin in the two different complex systems was achieved successfully, even in the presence of potential interferents. The pretreatment is simple due to the "second-order advantage" and the use of "mathematical separation" instead of awkward "physical or chemical separation". Satisfactory results have been achieved with the limits of detection (LODs) of umbelliferone and scopoletin being 0.06 ng mL- 1 and 0.16 ng mL- 1, respectively. The average spike recoveries of umbelliferone and scopoletin are 98.8 ± 4.3% and 102.5 ± 3.3%, respectively. Besides, HPLC-DAD method was used to further validate the presented strategy, and t-test indicates that prediction results of the two methods have no significant differences. Satisfactory experimental results imply that our method is fast, low-cost and sensitive when compared with HPLC-DAD method.

Wheat Bread with Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) Pulp
as a Functional Food Product

PubMed Central

Gawlik-Dziki, Urszula; Dziki, Dariusz; Jakubczyk, Anna; Karaś, Monika; Różyło, Krzysztof

2014-01-01

Summary In this study, a new application of pumpkin pulp in bread production is shown. The aim of this work is to determine the influence of the addition of fresh pumpkin pulp directly into wheat flour on physical, sensorial and biological properties of bread. The bioaccessibility of active compounds was also studied. An increase in the addition of pumpkin pulp from 5 to 20% (converted to dry matter) caused a decrease of bread volume and increase of crumb hardness and cohesiveness. The sensory characteristics of the bread showed that a partial replacement of wheat flour with up to 10% of pumpkin pulp gave satisfactory results. The taste, aroma and overall acceptability of control bread and bread containing 5 or 10% of pulp had the highest degree of liking. The addition of higher levels of pumpkin pulp caused an unpleasant aroma and taste. Pumpkin pulp is a good material to complement the bread with potentially bioaccessible phenolics (including flavonoids) and, especially, with peptides. The highest antioxidant activity was observed, in most cases, of the samples with added 10 and 15% of pumpkin pulp. The addition of the pulp significantly enriched the bread with potentially bioaccessible angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The highest activity was determined in the bread with 15 and 20% pumpkin pulp. ACE inhibitors from the tested bread were highly bioaccessible in vitro. Pumpkin pulp seems to be a valuable source of active compounds to complement the wheat bread. Adding the pulp directly to the wheat flour gives satisfactory baking results and reduces the cost of production. Additionally, pumpkin pulp is sometimes treated as waste material after the acquisition of seeds, thus using it as bread supplement also has environmental and economic benefits. Key words: pumpkin, bread, texture, antioxidants, bioaccessibility in vitro, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition PMID:27904316

38 CFR 21.6362 - Satisfactory conduct and cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Satisfactory conduct and cooperation. 21.6362 Section 21.6362 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS... Pension Recipients Satisfactory Conduct and Cooperation § 21.6362 Satisfactory conduct and cooperation...

A Special Investigation to Develop a General Method for Three-dimensional Photoelastic Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frocht, M M; Guernsey, R , Jr

1953-01-01

The method of strain measurement after annealing is reviewed and found to be satisfactory for the materials available in this country. A new general method is described for the photoelastic determination of the principal stresses at any point of a general body subjected to arbitrary load. The method has been applied to a sphere subjected to diametrical compressive loads. The results show possibilities of high accuracy.

Compilation of field methods used in geochemical prospecting by the U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lakin, Hubert William; Ward, Frederick Norville; Almond, Hy

1952-01-01

The field methods described in this report are those currently used in geochemical prospecting by the U. S. Geological Survey. Some have been published, others are being processed for publication, while others are still being investigated. The purpose in compiling these methods is to make them readily available in convenient form. The methods have not been thoroughly tested and none is wholly satisfactory. Research is being continued.

Non-Isothermic Chemical Kinetics in the Undergraduate Laboratory: Arrhenius Parameters from Experiments with Hyperbolic Temperature Variation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salvador, F.; And Others

1984-01-01

Describes a method which adapts itself to the characteristics of the kinetics of a chemical reaction in solution, enabling students to determine the Arrhenius parameters with satisfactory accuracy by means of a single non-isothermic experiment. Both activation energy and the preexponential factor values can be obtained by the method. (JN)

[A treatment to serious esophageal cicatrices stenosi by metal and silica gel dilator].

PubMed

Li, J; Chen, X; Sun, C; Liu, H

1999-12-01

To find an effective method of treating the esophageal cicatricial stenosis. Six cases with esophageal cicatricial stenosis were treated by mental and silica gel dilator. The effects in all six cases were satisfactory and no any complications were finded. The method is safe, effective and of no complications, the treatment time is shorter also.

Geology of the Henry Mountains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gilbert, G.K.

1877-01-01

If these pages fail to give a correct account of the structure of the Henry Mountains the fault is mine and I have no excuse. In all the earlier exploration of the Rocky Mountain Region, as well as in much of the more recent survey, the geologist has merely accompanied the geographer and has had no voice in the determination of either the route or the rate of travel. When the structure of a mountain was in doubt he was rarely able to visit the points which should resolve the doubt, but was compelled to turn regretfully away. Not so in the survey of the Henry Mountains. Geological exploration had shown that they were well disposed for examination, and that they promised to give the key to a type of structure which was at best obscurely known; and I was sent by Professor Powell to make a study of them, without restriction as to my order or method. I was limited only in time, the snow stopping my work two months after it was begun. Two months would be far too short a period in which to survey a thousand square miles in Pennsylvania or Illinois, but among the Colorado Plateaus it proved sufficient. A few comprehensive views from mountain tops gave the general distribution of the formations, and the remainder of the time was spent in the examination of the localities which best displayed the peculiar features of the structure. So thorough was the display and so satisfactory the examination, that in preparing my report I have felt less than ever before the desire to revisit the field and prove my conclusions by more extended observation.

Antioxidant, anticancer and anticholinesterase activities of flower, fruit and seed extracts of Hypericum amblysepalum HOCHST.

PubMed

Keskin, Cumali

2015-01-01

Cancer is an unnatural type of tissue growth in which the cells exhibit unrestrained division, leading to a progressive increase in the number of dividing cells. It is now the second largest cause of death in the world. The present study concerned antioxidant, anticancer and anticholinesterase activities and protocatechuic, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and o-coumaric concentrations in methanol extracts of flowers, fruits and seeds of Hypericum amblysepalum. Antioxidant properties including free radical scavenging activity and reducing power, and amounts of total phenolic compounds were evaluated using different tests. Protocatechuic, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and o-coumaric concentrations in extracts were determined by HPLC. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT test with human cervix cancer (HeLa) and rat kidney epithelium cell (NRK-52E) lines. Acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were measured by by Ellman method. Total phenolic content of H. amblysepalum seeds was found to be higher than in fruit and flower extracts. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the obtained extracts gave satisfactory results versus butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene as controls. Reducing power activity was linearly proportional to the studied concentration range: 10-500 μg/ mL LC50 values for H. amblysepalum seeds were 11.7 and 2.86 respectively for HeLa and NRK-52E cell lines. Butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory activity was 76.9±0.41 for seed extract and higher than with other extracts. The present results suggested that H. amblysepalum could be a potential candidate anti-cancer drug for the treatment of human cervical cancer, and good source of natural antioxidants.

Performance evaluation of a tailor-made passive sampler for monitoring of tropospheric ozone.

PubMed

Ozden, Ozlem; Döğeroğlu, Tuncay

2012-09-01

This study presents the performance evaluation of a tailor-made passive sampler developed for the monitoring of tropospheric ozone. The performance of the passive sampler was tested in the field conditions in terms of accuracy, precision, blank values, detection limit, effects of some parameters such as sampling site characteristics and sampling period on the field blanks, self-consistency, experimental and theoretical uptake rates, shelf life and comparison with commercial passive samplers. There was an agreement (R (2) = 0.84) between the responses of passive sampler and the continuous automatic analyser. The accuracy of the sampler, expressed as percent relative error, was obtained lower than 15%. Method precision in terms of coefficient of variance for three simultaneously applied passive samplers was 12%. Sampler detection limit was 2.42 μg m(-3) for an exposure period of 1 week, and the sampler can be stored safely for a period of up to 8 weeks before exposure. Satisfactory self-consistency results showed that extended periods gave the same integrated response as a series of short-term samplers run side by side. The uptake rate of ozone was found to be 10.21 mL min(-1) in a very good agreement with the theoretical uptake rate (10.32 mL min(-1)). The results of the comparison study conducted against a commercially available diffusion tube (Gradko diffusion tube) showed a good linear relationship (R (2) = 0.93) between two passive samplers. The sampler seems suitable to be used in large-scale measurements of ozone where no data are available or the number of existing automated monitors is not sufficient.

Infant feeding practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal: a cross-sectional, health facility based survey

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Promotion of proper breastfeeding practices for the first six months of life is the most cost-effective intervention for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. However, the adherence to breastfeeding recommendations in many developing countries is not satisfactory. The aims of the study were to determine breastfeeding and infant feeding patterns at nine months of age and to assess factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices. Methods In Bhaktapur, Nepal, we carried out a cross-sectional survey of 325 infants who came for measles vaccination at the age of nine months. Mothers were interviewed on details regarding feeding of their child and health since birth. Results Three quarters of all mothers reported that they did not receive any information on breastfeeding during the antenatal visit. Two hundred and ninety five (91%) mothers gave colostrum and 185 (57%) initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. The prevalence of exclusively breastfeeding at 1, 3 and 6 months were 240 (74%), 78 (24%) and 29 (9%), and partial feeding was initiated in 49 (15%), 124 (38%) and 257 (79%) babies, respectively. The main reason, according to the mother, for introducing other foods before six months of age was insufficient breast milk. In logistic regression analyses, mother's knowledge on how long child should be given only breast milk and not living in joint families were associated positively with exclusive or predominant breastfeeding for four months or beyond. Conclusions Despite the high proportion of mothers who initiated breastfeeding immediately after birth, continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months was not common. Very few mothers received any information on breastfeeding during the antenatal visit, indicating a need for counseling on exclusive breastfeeding. Possible options for this counseling could be during antenatal visits and at regular clinic visits for vaccination. PMID:22230510

Updating of the geological and geothermal research on Milos island

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

Fytikas, M.

1989-01-01

The oldest geologic formations outcropping in Milos are an Alpine age crystalline basement and a transgressive marine Neogene sequence. The island is mainly volcanic. It belongs to the Aegean Active Arc, within which the Milos archipelago shows the most important volcanism in terms of quantity, variety of products and duration of activity (3.5-0.8 M.a.). There are no large central volcanic edifices but different, frequently coeval eruption centres. The initial and intermediate phases of activity were mainly pyroclastic and submarine, whereas the last one (0.1 M.a.) was subaerial and formed tuff rings, surge deposits and lava flows, all of homogenous rhyoliticmore » composition. Recent detailed studies have addressed the mechanism of feeding and the type of magmatic chambers beneath Milos. Distention tectonics have two main phases: an earlier one (Pliocene) with NE-SW direction and a much more intense recent (Quaternary) one, trending NW-SE. The geological, tectonic and magmatic activity favoured the formation of a high enthalpy geothermal field. Many fossil and active thermal manifestations exist: hot springs, fumaroles, hot grounds, phreatic explosion craters. The hydrothermal alteration of the volcanites produced, by self sealing, a perfect cover for the geothermal fluids. Geothermometry of the surface fluids indicated high values for the source temperatures and very high geothermal gradients in central and eastern Milos. Geothermally anomalous zones, defined by two different methods, together with superficial geological and tectonic information, permitted the location of sites for deep drilling. Five exploratory wells 1000-1400m deep gave satisfactory results of flow rate (40-120 t/h), temperature (300-320{sup 0}C) and enthalpy.« less

The validity and psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS).

PubMed

Yong, Roseline Kim Fong; Inoue, Akiomi; Kawakami, Norito

2017-05-30

Prolonged Internet use is often associated with reduced social involvement and comorbid psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Asian countries where Internet access is widely available have high reported levels of Internet addiction. As Internet use has changed drastically since concerns about Internet addiction were first raised, the results of recent studies may be inaccurate because the scales they employed to measure Internet addiction were formulated for different Internet usage from the present. It is thus necessary to develop more-up-to-date scales to assess problematic private use of the Internet. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) was translated into Japanese. An online sample whose ages and sexes reflected that of the national population of Internet users was recruited to test the scale's reliability and validity. Correlations between the scale and Internet-related parameters (such as time spent online, motivation for going online, and applications used) and psychosocial factors (such as psychological distress symptoms and loneliness) were examined. Psychometric properties were examined by the split-half method using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Model fits were compared across gender. CIUS was found to have a high reliability and good concurrent, correlation and construct validity. Both exploratory and confirmatory factors revealed that the one-factor solution yielded a satisfactory result across gender. However, the three-factor structural model in which compulsiveness was gauged by "excessive absorption", "difficulty in setting priorities", and "mood regulation" gave the best fit of the model for the general population as well as across gender. Compulsive Internet behavior in Japan can be assessed in terms of absorption, priorities, and mood. CIUS is a valid scale for screening compulsive Internet behavior in the general Japanese population regardless of age and gender.

Kinetic modeling of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from grape marc: influence of acoustic energy density and temperature.

PubMed

Tao, Yang; Zhang, Zhihang; Sun, Da-Wen

2014-07-01

The effects of acoustic energy density (6.8-47.4 W/L) and temperature (20-50 °C) on the extraction yields of total phenolics and tartaric esters during ultrasound-assisted extraction from grape marc were investigated in this study. The ultrasound treatment was performed in a 25-kHz ultrasound bath system and the 50% aqueous ethanol was used as the solvent. The initial extraction rate and final extraction yield increased with the increase of acoustic energy density and temperature. The two site kinetic model was used to simulate the kinetics of extraction process and the diffusion model based on the Fick's second law was employed to determine the effective diffusion coefficient of phenolics in grape marc. Both models gave satisfactory quality of data fit. The diffusion process was divided into one fast stage and one slow stage and the diffusion coefficients in both stages were calculated. Within the current experimental range, the diffusion coefficients of total phenolics and tartaric esters for both diffusion stages increased with acoustic energy density. Meanwhile, the rise of temperature also resulted in the increase of diffusion coefficients of phenolics except the diffusion coefficient of total phenolics in the fast stage, the value of which being the highest at 40 °C. Moreover, an empirical equation was suggested to correlate the effective diffusion coefficient of phenolics in grape marc with acoustic energy density and temperature. In addition, the performance comparison of ultrasound-assisted extraction and convention methods demonstrates that ultrasound is an effective and promising technology to extract bioactive substances from grape marc. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimated incidence of pertussis in people aged <50 years in the United States

PubMed Central

Chen, Chi-Chang; Balderston McGuiness, Catherine; Krishnarajah, Girishanthy; Blanchette, Christopher M.; Wang, Yuanyuan; Sun, Kainan; Buck, Philip O.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT The introduction of pertussis vaccination in the United States (US) in the 1940s has greatly reduced its burden. However, the incidence of pertussis is difficult to quantify, as many cases are not laboratory-confirmed or reported, particularly in adults. This study estimated pertussis incidence in a commercially insured US population aged <50 years. Data were extracted from IMS' PharMetrics Plus claims database for patients with a diagnosis of pertussis or cough illness using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes, a commercial outpatient laboratory database for patients with a pertussis laboratory test, and the Centers for Disease Control influenza surveillance database. US national pertussis incidence was projected using 3 methods: (1) diagnosed pertussis, defined as a claim for pertussis (ICD-9 033.0, 033.9, 484.3) during 2008–2013; (2) based on proxy pertussis predictive logistic regression models; (3) using the fraction of cough illness (ICD-9 033.0, 033.9, 484.3, 786.2, 466.0, 466.1, 487.1) attributed to laboratory-confirmed pertussis, estimated by time series linear regression models. Method 1 gave a projected annual incidence of diagnosed pertussis of 9/100,000, which was highest in those aged <1 year. Method 2 gave an average annual projected incidence of 21/100,000. Method 3 gave an overall regression-estimated weighted annual incidence of pertussis of 649/100,000, approximately 58–93 times higher than method 1 depending on the year. These estimations, which are consistent with considerable underreporting of pertussis in people aged <50 years and provide further evidence that the majority of cases go undetected, especially with increasing age, may aid in the development of public health programs to reduce pertussis burden. PMID:27246119

16 CFR 1105.3 - A more satisfactory standard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false A more satisfactory standard. 1105.3 Section 1105.3 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS... satisfactory standard. In considering whether a contribution is likely to result in a more satisfactory...

38 CFR 21.362 - Satisfactory conduct and cooperation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Satisfactory conduct and.... Chapter 31 Conduct and Cooperation § 21.362 Satisfactory conduct and cooperation. (a) General. The... satisfactory conduct and cooperation in developing and implementing a program of rehabilitation services under...

32 CFR 101.6 - Criteria for satisfactory performance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Criteria for satisfactory performance. 101.6..., MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PARTICIPATION IN RESERVE TRAINING PROGRAMS § 101.6 Criteria for satisfactory...) Shall require members to: (1) Meet the standards of satisfactory performance of training duty set forth...

34 CFR 668.34 - Satisfactory progress.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Satisfactory progress. 668.34 Section 668.34 Education..., DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STUDENT ASSISTANCE GENERAL PROVISIONS Student Eligibility § 668.34 Satisfactory... requirements contained in § 668.32(f), the student must be making satisfactory under the provisions of...

Synthesis and mutagenicity of a ring-A-aromatized bile acid, 3-hydroxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid.

PubMed

Namba, T; Hirota, T; Hayakawa, S

1988-06-01

It has been presumed that ring-A-aromatized bile acids are produced from biliary bile acids by intestinal flora and the acids thus formed participate in the large bowel carcinogenesis. One of these acids is probably 3-hydroxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid, judged from the literatures. Consequently, this acid was synthesized from previously prepared 3-methoxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-ol. The phenolic ether was successively oxidized with pyridinium chlorochromate and wet silver oxide to give 3-methoxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid in high yield, which, after successive treatments with methanol containing a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid, a combination of aluminum chloride and ethanethiol, and alkali, gave the desired compound in satisfactory yield. The compound was not mutagenic in Salmonella tester strains TA 98 and TA 100, but it increased the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene when both were applied to plates together. When compared with cholic, deoxycholic, and lithocholic acids, the investigated compound exhibited about two to threefold increase of mutagenicity in the latter assay.

Clean-up of aqueous acetone vegetable extracts by solid-matrix partition for pyrethroid residue determination by gas chromatography-electron-capture detection.

PubMed

Di Muccio, A; Barbini, D A; Generali, T; Pelosi, P; Ausili, A; Vergori, F; Camoni, I

1997-03-21

Disposable, ready-to-use cartridges filled with macroporous diatomaceous material are used to carry out a partition clean-up that, in a single step, is capable of transferring pesticide residues from aqueous acetone extracts into light petroleum-dichloromethane (75:25, v/v). This procedure takes the place of some functions (such as separatory-funnel partition, drying over anhydrous sodium sulphate and partial adsorption clean-up) usually performed by separate steps in classical schemes. Fourteen pyrethroid pesticides, including tefluthrin, tetramethrin, cyphenothrin, cyfluthrin, flucythrinate, tau-fluvalinate, deltamethrin, bioallethrin, fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and tralomethrin were determined using the described procedure with satisfactory recoveries for most of them, at spiking levels ranging from 0.08 to 0.82 mg/kg for the different compounds. Crops subjected to the described procedure included strawberry, apple, and orange gave extracts containing a mass of co-extractives that was between 5 and 30 mg. Compared with classical schemes, the described procedure is simple, less labour intensive, allows parallel handling of several extracts and does not require the preparation and maintenance of equipment. Troublesome emulsions such as those frequently observed in separation funnel partitioning do not occur.

Separation of Native Allophycocyanin and R-Phycocyanin from Marine Red Macroalga Polysiphonia urceolata by the Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Performed in Novel Buffer Systems

PubMed Central

Wang, Yu; Gong, Xueqin; Wang, Shumei; Chen, Lixue; Sun, Li

2014-01-01

Three buffer systems of Imidazole−Acetic acid, HEPES−Imidazole/Bis-tris and Bis-tris−HEPES−MES were designed based on the principle of discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for the native PAGE which could be performed in pH 7.0 and 6.5 in order to analyze and prepare the minor components of allophycocyanin (AP) and R-phycocyanin (R-PC) from marine red macroalga Polysiphonia urceolata. These AP and R-PC phycobiliproteins are easily denatured in alkaline environments. The obtained results demonstrated that the PAGE modes performed in the buffer systems of HEPES−Imidazole/Bis-tris and Bis-tris−HEPES−MES gave the satisfactory resolution and separation of AP and R-PC proteins. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the AP and R-PC proteins which were prepared by the established PAGE modes proved that they maintained natural spectroscopic characteristics. The established PAGE modes may also provide useful references and selections for some other proteins that are sensitive to alkaline environments or are not effectively separated by the classical PAGE modes performed normally in alkaline buffer systems. PMID:25166028

The scaling of model test results to predict intake hot gas reingestion for STOVL aircraft with augmented vectored thrust engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penrose, C. J.

1987-01-01

The difficulties of modeling the complex recirculating flow fields produced by multiple jet STOVL aircraft close to the ground have led to extensive use of experimental model tests to predict intake Hot Gas Reingestion (HGR). Model test results reliability is dependent on a satisfactory set of scaling rules which must be validated by fully comparable full scale tests. Scaling rules devised in the U.K. in the mid 60's gave good model/full scale agreement for the BAe P1127 aircraft. Until recently no opportunity has occurred to check the applicability of the rules to the high energy exhaust of current ASTOVL aircraft projects. Such an opportunity has arisen following tests on a Tethered Harrier. Comparison of this full scale data and results from tests on a model configuration approximating to the full scale aircraft geometry has shown discrepancies between HGR levels. These discrepancies although probably due to geometry and other model/scale differences indicate some reexamination of the scaling rules is needed. Therefore the scaling rules are reviewed, further scaling studies planned are described and potential areas for further work are suggested.

Water landing characteristics of a model of a winged reentry vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stubbs, S. M.

1972-01-01

Proposed manned space shuttle vehicles are expected to land on airport runways. In an emergency situation, however, the vehicle may be required to land on water. A 1/10-scale dynamic model of a winged reentry vehicle was investigated to determine the water landing characteristics. Two configurations of the proposed vehicle were studied. Configuration 1 had a 30 deg negative dihedral of the stabilizer-elevon surface whereas configuration 2 had a 30 deg positive dihedral. Results indicate that the maximum normal accelerations for configurations 1 and 2 when landing in calm water were approximately 8g and 6g, respectively, and the maximum longitudinal accelerations were approximately 5g and 3g, respectively. A small hydroflap was needed to obtain satisfactory calm-water landings with configuration 2, whereas configuration 1 gave good landings without a hydroflap. All landings made in rough water resulted in unsatisfactory motions. For landings made in three different wave sizes, both configurations dived. The maximum normal accelerations for configurations 1 and 2 when landing in waves were -10.1g and -18.7g, respectively, and the maximum longitudinal accelerations for both configurations were approximately 13g.

Comparison of membrane filtration and multiple tube methods for the enumeration of coliform organisms in water

PubMed Central

1972-01-01

The membrane methods described in Report 71 on the bacteriological examination of water supplies (Report, 1969) for the enumeration of coliform organisms and Escherichia coli in waters, together with a glutamate membrane method, were compared with the glutamate multiple tube method recommended in Report 71 and an incubation procedure similar to that used for membranes with the first 4 hr. at 30° C., and with MacConkey broth in multiple tubes. Although there were some differences between individual laboratories, the combined results from all participating laboratories showed that standard and extended membrane methods gave significantly higher results than the glutamate tube method for coliform organisms in both chlorinated and unchlorinated waters, but significantly lower results for Esch. coli with chlorinated waters and equivocal results with unchlorinated waters. Extended membranes gave higher results than glutamate tubes in larger proportions of samples than did standard membranes. Although transport membranes did not do so well as standard membrane methods, the results were usually in agreement with glutamate tubes except for Esch. coli in chlorinated waters. The glutamate membranes were unsatisfactory. Preliminary incubation of glutamate at 30° C. made little difference to the results. PMID:4567313

Scientist Honored by DOE for Outstanding Research Accomplishments,

Science.gov Websites

passive design tools. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer's mixed systems. This accomplishment gave the solar energy design community a direct, verifiable method of design manual, Passive Solar Heating Analysis, is an outgrowth of this method. Dr. Balcomb's involvement

Reflective Teaching and Conceptual Change in an Interdisciplinary Elementary Methods Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomkiewicz, Warren C.

This study was conducted to determine the extent to which writing to learn and reflective teaching within an interdisciplinary elementary methods course gave undergraduates the opportunity to change their perspective from student to teacher. Participants were 31 preservice elementary education majors enrolled in a one semester interdisciplinary…

Integrative Analysis of Prognosis Data on Multiple Cancer Subtypes

PubMed Central

Liu, Jin; Huang, Jian; Zhang, Yawei; Lan, Qing; Rothman, Nathaniel; Zheng, Tongzhang; Ma, Shuangge

2014-01-01

Summary In cancer research, profiling studies have been extensively conducted, searching for genes/SNPs associated with prognosis. Cancer is diverse. Examining the similarity and difference in the genetic basis of multiple subtypes of the same cancer can lead to a better understanding of their connections and distinctions. Classic meta-analysis methods analyze each subtype separately and then compare analysis results across subtypes. Integrative analysis methods, in contrast, analyze the raw data on multiple subtypes simultaneously and can outperform meta-analysis methods. In this study, prognosis data on multiple subtypes of the same cancer are analyzed. An AFT (accelerated failure time) model is adopted to describe survival. The genetic basis of multiple subtypes is described using the heterogeneity model, which allows a gene/SNP to be associated with prognosis of some subtypes but not others. A compound penalization method is developed to identify genes that contain important SNPs associated with prognosis. The proposed method has an intuitive formulation and is realized using an iterative algorithm. Asymptotic properties are rigorously established. Simulation shows that the proposed method has satisfactory performance and outperforms a penalization-based meta-analysis method and a regularized thresholding method. An NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) prognosis study with SNP measurements is analyzed. Genes associated with the three major subtypes, namely DLBCL, FL, and CLL/SLL, are identified. The proposed method identifies genes that are different from alternatives and have important implications and satisfactory prediction performance. PMID:24766212

24 CFR 203.385 - Types of satisfactory title evidence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Types of satisfactory title... Title Waivers § 203.385 Types of satisfactory title evidence. The following types of title evidence shall be satisfactory to the Commissioner: (a) Fee or owner's title policy. A fee or owner's policy of...

Stable isotope ratio analysis for authentication of lamb meat.

PubMed

Piasentier, E; Valusso, R; Camin, F; Versini, G

2003-07-01

The effectiveness of the analysis of stable isotope ratios ((13)C/(12)C and (15)N/(14)N) in fractions of lamb meat, measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry, was evaluated as a method of feeding and geographical origin authentication. Analyses were carried out on meat from 12 lamb types, produced in couples in six European countries (country of origin, CO) and divided in three groups according to the feeding regime during their finishing period: suckled milk only, pasture without any solid supplementation and supplementation containing maize grain (feeding regime, FR). These analyses were made on two samples of longissimus thoracis muscle, taken from the 13th rib section of the left side of two different lambs, randomly chosen between the 120 selected to represent each lamb type. δ(13)C values varied significantly in different meat fractions, the difference being higher in protein than in fat (average difference 5.0‰). However, the pairs δ(13)C values of crude fat and protein were highly correlated (r=0.976) and affected by lamb type in a similar fashion, mainly reflecting animals' feeding regime. Even δ(15)N values of meat protein fraction showed significant differences between lamb types, not dependant on the feeding regime. In fact, lambs fed on similar diets, but in different countries, gave meat with different (15)N relative abundances. These findings provide the possibility of discriminating lamb types within the same feeding regime. Canonical discriminant analysis was carried out to evaluate whether lamb meat from different CO or FR or CO×FR interaction could be mathematically distinguished by its stable isotope ratios. On the basis of CO, the corrected empirical allocation of 79.2% of the initial observations and the corrected cross-validation of two thirds of the individual meat samples was obtained. FR gave better results: 91.7% of the individual meat samples was both correctly allocated and cross-validated, indicating the high potential of stable isotope ratio analysis as a tool for lamb diet characterisation. The most satisfactory classification attained, using K-means clustering technique and canonical discriminant analysis, enabled a good resolution of six CO×FR groups of lamb types: Icelandic fed on pasture; British and French grazing; Italian; suckled and Karagouniko concentrates finished; French Lacaune; Ternasco de Aragon. It was concluded that multielement stable isotope analysis may be considered promising for the reliable evaluation of lamb meat authenticity, in the same way as for wine, fruit juice, honey and dairy products.

COMPARISON OF VOLUMETRIC REGISTRATION ALGORITHMS FOR TENSOR-BASED MORPHOMETRY

PubMed Central

Villalon, Julio; Joshi, Anand A.; Toga, Arthur W.; Thompson, Paul M.

2015-01-01

Nonlinear registration of brain MRI scans is often used to quantify morphological differences associated with disease or genetic factors. Recently, surface-guided fully 3D volumetric registrations have been developed that combine intensity-guided volume registrations with cortical surface constraints. In this paper, we compare one such algorithm to two popular high-dimensional volumetric registration methods: large-deformation viscous fluid registration, formulated in a Riemannian framework, and the diffeomorphic “Demons” algorithm. We performed an objective morphometric comparison, by using a large MRI dataset from 340 young adult twin subjects to examine 3D patterns of correlations in anatomical volumes. Surface-constrained volume registration gave greater effect sizes for detecting morphometric associations near the cortex, while the other two approaches gave greater effects sizes subcortically. These findings suggest novel ways to combine the advantages of multiple methods in the future. PMID:26925198

Adhesive bonded structural repair. I - Materials and processes, damage assessment and repair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegman, Raymond F.; Tullos, Thomas R.

1993-08-01

A standard method for the repair of adhesive bonded and composite laminate structures is introduced. Suitable materials and equipment for making satisfactory repairs are identified. Methods by which structures may be inspected, both before and after repair, are discussed. The objective in selecting the methods and materials is to restore the structure to its original integrity, i.e., to make a permanent repair. The use of these methods is recommended to promote standardized repair procedures.

Novel Method for Finding [zeta](2[rho]) from a Product of Sines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osler, Thomas J.

2006-01-01

Euler gave a simple method for showing that [zeta](2)=1/1[superscript 2] + 1/2[superscript 2] + 1/3[superscript 2] + ... = [pi][superscript 2]/6. He generalized his method so as to find [zeta](4), [zeta](6), [zeta](8),.... His computations became increasingly more complex as the arguments increased. In this note we show a different generalization…

From Addition to Multiplication ... and Back: The Development of Students' Additive and Multiplicative Reasoning Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Dooren, Wim; De Bock, Dirk; Verschaffel, Lieven

2010-01-01

This study builds on two lines of research that have so far developed largely separately: the use of additive methods to solve proportional word problems and the use of proportional methods to solve additive word problems. We investigated the development with age of both kinds of erroneous solution methods. We gave a test containing missing-value…

On the stability of the relationship between reference evapotranspiration and single tree transpiration: test and validation over several irrigated tree orchards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayyoub, Abdellatif; Er-Raki, Salah; Khabba, Saïd; Merlin, Olivier; César Rodriguez, Julio; Ezzahar, Jamal; Bahlaoui, Ahmed; Chehbouni, Abdelghani

2016-04-01

The present work aims to develop a simple approach relating normalized daily sap flow (per unit of leaf area) and daily ET0 (mm/day) calculated by two methods: FAO-Penman-Monteith (FAO-PM) and Hargreaves-Samani (HARG). The data sets used for developing this approach are taken from three experimental sites (olive trees, cv. "Oleaeuropaea L.", olive trees, cv. "Arbequino" and citrus trees cv. "Clementine Afourar") conducted in the Tensift region around Marrakech, Morocco and one experimental site (pecan orchard, cv. "Caryaillinoinensis, Wangenh. K. Koch") conducted in the Yaqui Valley, northwest of Mexico). The results showed that the normalized daily sap flow (volume of transpired water per unit of leaf area) was linearly correlated with ET0 (mm per day) calculated by FAO-PM method. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the slope of this linear regression varied between 0.71 and 0.97 and between 0.30 and 0.35, respectively, depending on the type of orchards. For HARG method, the relationship between both terms is also linear but with less accuracy (R2 =0.7) as expected due to the underestimation of ET0 by this method. Afterward, the validation of the developed linear relationship was performed over an olive orchard ("Oleaeuropaea L.") where the measurements of sap flow were available for another (2004) cropping season. The scatter plot between the normalized measured and estimated sap flow based on FAO-PM method reveals a very good agreement (slope = 1, with R2 = 0.83 and RMSE=0.14 L/m2 leaf area). However, for the estimation of normalized sap flow based on HARG method, the correlation is more scattered with some underestimation (5%). A further validation wasperformed using the measurements of evapotranspiration (ET) by eddy correlation system and the results showed that the correlation between normalized measured ET and estimated normalized sap flow is best when using FAO-PM method (RMSE=0.33 L/m2 leaf area) for estimating ET0 than when using HARG method (RMSE= 0.51 L/m2 leaf area). Finally, the performance of the developed approach was compared to the traditional dual crop coefficient scheme for estimating plant transpiration. Cross-comparison of these two approaches with the measurements data gave satisfactory results with an average value of RMSE equal to about 0.37 mm/day for both approaches.

Solid-phase microextraction based on polyaniline doped with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid coupled to HPLC for the quantitative determination of chlorophenols in water samples.

PubMed

He, Huan; Zhuang, Yuan; Peng, Ying; Gao, Zhanqi; Yang, Shaogui; Sun, Cheng

2014-02-01

A porous and highly efficient polyaniline-based solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coating was successfully prepared by the electrochemical deposition method. A method based on headspace SPME followed by HPLC was established to rapidly determine trace chlorophenols in water samples. Influential parameters for the SPME, including extraction mode, extraction temperature and time, pH and ionic strength procedures, were investigated intensively. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was linear in the range of 0.5-200 μg/L for 4-chlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 0.2-200 μg/L for 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2-200 μg/L for 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol and pentachlorophenol, with satisfactory correlation coefficients (>0.99). RSDs were <15% (n = 5) and LODs were relatively low (0.10-0.50 μg/L). Compared to commercial 85 μm polyacrylate and 60 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fibers, the homemade polyaniline fiber showed a higher extraction efficiency. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of chlorophenols in water samples with satisfactory recoveries. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Syphilis screening in the Blood Transfusion Service: a report of four years' experience with the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay and the subsequent development of a rapid "spin" method.

PubMed Central

Puckett, A; Pratt, G

1987-01-01

A comparison of cardiolipin and a modified Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) method over a four year period confirmed the superior sensitivity and specificity of TPHA. In 86,495 new donor sera 19 (0.02%) confirmed positive results were detected by TPHA, 10 of which did not react by the cardiolipin test. In 150,789 antenatal samples 49 confirmed positive results were found by TPHA, 30 of which did not react by cardiolipin. No cardiolipin positive, TPHA negative samples were confirmed as positive by the absorbed fluorescence treponemal antibody test, and overall 78% of cardiolipin reactions gave false biological positive results. Cardiolipin tests were continued only because of their speed. A further modification ("spin") of the TPHA has now been developed which is rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive, and in testing 21,807 sera, gave results equivalent to those of the previous "settle" method. Serious consideration should be given to dispensing with cardiolipin tests. PMID:3320095

Evaluation of Hamaker coefficients using Diffusion Monte Carlo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maezono, Ryo; Hongo, Kenta

We evaluated the Hamaker's constant for Cyclohexasilane to investigate its wettability, which is used as an ink of 'liquid silicon' in 'printed electronics'. Taking three representative geometries of the dimer coalescence (parallel, lined, and T-shaped), we evaluated these binding curves using diffusion Monte Carlo method. The parallel geometry gave the most long-ranged exponent, ~ 1 /r6 , in its asymptotic behavior. Evaluated binding lengths are fairly consistent with the experimental density of the molecule. The fitting of the asymptotic curve gave an estimation of Hamaker's constant being around 100 [zJ]. We also performed a CCSD(T) evaluation and got almost similar result. To check its justification, we applied the same scheme to Benzene and compared the estimation with those by other established methods, Lifshitz theory and SAPT (Symmetry-adopted perturbation theory). The result by the fitting scheme turned to be twice larger than those by Lifshitz and SAPT, both of which coincide with each other. It is hence implied that the present evaluation for Cyclohexasilane would be overestimated.

Extraction and characterization of gelatin from two edible Sudanese insects and its applications in ice cream making.

PubMed

Mariod, Abdalbasit Adam; Fadul, Hadia

2015-07-01

Three methods were used for extraction of gelatin from two insects, melon bug (Coridius viduatus) and sorghum bug (Agonoscelis versicoloratus versicoloratus). Extraction of insect gelatin using hot water gave higher yield reached up to 3.0%, followed by mild acid extraction which gave 1.5% and distilled water extraction which gave only 1.0%, respectively. The obtained gelatins were characterized by FTIR and the spectra of insect's gelatin seem to be similar when compared with commercial gelatin. Amide II bands of gelatins from melon and sorghum bug appeared around at 1542-1537 cm(-1). Slight differences in the amino acid composition of gelatin extracted from the two insects were observed. Ice cream was made by using 0.5% insect's gelatin and compared with that made using 0.5% commercial gelatin as stabilizing agent. The properties of the obtained ice cream produced using insects gelatin were significantly different when compared with that made using commercial gelatin. © The Author(s) 2014.

Fission matrix-based Monte Carlo criticality analysis of fuel storage pools

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

Farlotti, M.; Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, F 91128; Larsen, E. W.

2013-07-01

Standard Monte Carlo transport procedures experience difficulties in solving criticality problems in fuel storage pools. Because of the strong neutron absorption between fuel assemblies, source convergence can be very slow, leading to incorrect estimates of the eigenvalue and the eigenfunction. This study examines an alternative fission matrix-based Monte Carlo transport method that takes advantage of the geometry of a storage pool to overcome this difficulty. The method uses Monte Carlo transport to build (essentially) a fission matrix, which is then used to calculate the criticality and the critical flux. This method was tested using a test code on a simplemore » problem containing 8 assemblies in a square pool. The standard Monte Carlo method gave the expected eigenfunction in 5 cases out of 10, while the fission matrix method gave the expected eigenfunction in all 10 cases. In addition, the fission matrix method provides an estimate of the error in the eigenvalue and the eigenfunction, and it allows the user to control this error by running an adequate number of cycles. Because of these advantages, the fission matrix method yields a higher confidence in the results than standard Monte Carlo. We also discuss potential improvements of the method, including the potential for variance reduction techniques. (authors)« less

Strategic Management: An Evaluation of the Use of Three Learning Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jennings, David

2002-01-01

A study of 46 management students compared three methods for learning strategic management: cases, simulation, and action learning through consulting projects. Simulation was superior to action learning on all outcomes and equal or superior to cases on two. Simulation gave students a central role in management and greater control of the learning…

Estimating sugar maple bark thickness and volume.

Treesearch

Charles L. Stayton; Michael Hoffman

1970-01-01

Sugar maple bark thickness and volume were estimated using first a published method, then equations developed by the authors. Both methods gave estimates that compared closely with measured values. Information is also presented on variation in bark thickness and on weight and volume of bark as a percentage of total merchantable stem weight and volume.

Hobby-Related Information-Seeking Behaviour of Highly Dedicated Online Museum Visitors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skov, Mette

2013-01-01

Introduction: This paper explores the characteristics of online museum visitors in an everyday life, information-seeking context. Method: A triangulation of research methods was applied. A Web questionnaire survey gave initial, quantitative information about online museum visitors to a military museum. Follow-up interviews (n = 24) obtained rich,…

Quantitative analysis of red wine tannins using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectrometry.

PubMed

Fernandez, Katherina; Agosin, Eduardo

2007-09-05

Tannin content and composition are critical quality components of red wines. No spectroscopic method assessing these phenols in wine has been described so far. We report here a new method using Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy and chemometric techniques for the quantitative analysis of red wine tannins. Calibration models were developed using protein precipitation and phloroglucinolysis as analytical reference methods. After spectra preprocessing, six different predictive partial least-squares (PLS) models were evaluated, including the use of interval selection procedures such as iPLS and CSMWPLS. PLS regression with full-range (650-4000 cm(-1)), second derivative of the spectra and phloroglucinolysis as the reference method gave the most accurate determination for tannin concentration (RMSEC = 2.6%, RMSEP = 9.4%, r = 0.995). The prediction of the mean degree of polymerization (mDP) of the tannins also gave a reasonable prediction (RMSEC = 6.7%, RMSEP = 10.3%, r = 0.958). These results represent the first step in the development of a spectroscopic methodology for the quantification of several phenolic compounds that are critical for wine quality.

Comparison of crop stress and soil maps to enhance variable rate irrigation prescriptions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil textural variability within many irrigated fields diminishes the effectiveness of conventional irrigation management, and scheduling methods that assume uniform soil conditions may produce less than satisfactory results. Furthermore, benefits of variable-rate application of agrochemicals, seeds...

Solving the 10 Most Common Carpet Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilton, Michael

1998-01-01

Identifies the 10 most common carpet problems in school facilities and offers solutions. These include: transition areas, moisture, spot removal, recurring spots, cleaning agents, allergens, wicking, biological contamination, equipment selection, and cleaning methods. Ensuring a successful maintenance program results in satisfactory appearance,…

Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ)

MedlinePlus

... that gave pain relief comparable to codeine . An observational study of nabilone also showed that it relieved ... NCCIH) are sponsoring a number of clinical trials (research studies) at ... and alternative methods. Few CAM therapies have been tested using demanding ...

A Method of Flight Measurement of Spins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soule, Hartley A; Scudder, Nathan F

1932-01-01

A method is described involving the use of recording turn meters and accelerometers and a sensitive altimeter, by means of which all of the physical quantities necessary for the complete determination of the flight path, motion, attitude, forces, and couples of a fully developed spin can be obtained in flight. Data are given for several spins of two training type airplanes which indicate that the accuracy of the results obtained with the method is satisfactory.

Method for plating with metal oxides

DOEpatents

Silver, Gary L.; Martin, Frank S.

1994-08-23

A method of plating hydrous metal oxides on at least one substrate, which method is indifferent to the electrochemical properties of the substrate, and comprises reacting metallic ions in aqueous solution with an appropriate oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium sulfite with oxygen under suitable conditions of pH and concentration such that oxidation and precipitation of metal oxide are sufficiently slow to allow satisfactory plating of metal oxide on the substrate.

49 CFR 385.413 - What happens if a motor carrier receives a proposed safety rating that is less than Satisfactory?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... proposed safety rating that is less than Satisfactory? 385.413 Section 385.413 Transportation Other... Satisfactory? (a) If a motor carrier does not already have a safety permit, it will not be issued a safety permit (including a temporary safety permit) unless and until a Satisfactory safety rating is issued to...

41 CFR 102-117.255 - What actions may I take if the TSP's performance is not satisfactory?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What actions may I take if the TSP's performance is not satisfactory? 102-117.255 Section 102-117.255 Public Contracts and... may I take if the TSP's performance is not satisfactory? If the TSP's performance is not satisfactory...

Influenza detection and prediction algorithms: comparative accuracy trial in Östergötland county, Sweden, 2008-2012.

PubMed

Spreco, A; Eriksson, O; Dahlström, Ö; Timpka, T

2017-07-01

Methods for the detection of influenza epidemics and prediction of their progress have seldom been comparatively evaluated using prospective designs. This study aimed to perform a prospective comparative trial of algorithms for the detection and prediction of increased local influenza activity. Data on clinical influenza diagnoses recorded by physicians and syndromic data from a telenursing service were used. Five detection and three prediction algorithms previously evaluated in public health settings were calibrated and then evaluated over 3 years. When applied on diagnostic data, only detection using the Serfling regression method and prediction using the non-adaptive log-linear regression method showed acceptable performances during winter influenza seasons. For the syndromic data, none of the detection algorithms displayed a satisfactory performance, while non-adaptive log-linear regression was the best performing prediction method. We conclude that evidence was found for that available algorithms for influenza detection and prediction display satisfactory performance when applied on local diagnostic data during winter influenza seasons. When applied on local syndromic data, the evaluated algorithms did not display consistent performance. Further evaluations and research on combination of methods of these types in public health information infrastructures for 'nowcasting' (integrated detection and prediction) of influenza activity are warranted.

Supplementary routes to local anaesthesia.

PubMed

Meechan, J G

2002-11-01

The satisfactory provision of many dental treatments, particularly endodontics, relies on achieving excellent pain control. Unfortunately, the administration of a local anaesthetic solution does not always produce satisfactory anaesthesia of the dental pulp. This may be distressing for both patient and operator. Fortunately, failure of local anaesthetic injections can be overcome. This is often achieved by using alternative routes of approach for subsequent injections. Nerves such as the inferior alveolar nerve can be anaesthetized by a variety of block methods. However, techniques of anaesthesia other than the standard infiltration and regional block injections may be employed successfully when these former methods have failed to produce adequate pain control. This paper describes some supplementary local anaesthetic techniques that may be used to achieve pulpal anaesthesia for endodontic procedures when conventional approaches have failed. Although some of these techniques can be used as the primary form of anaesthesia, these are normally employed as 'back-up'. The methods described are intraligamentary (periodontal ligament) injections, intraosseous anaesthesia and the intrapulpal approach. The factors that influence the success of these methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed. The advent of new instrumentation, which permits the slow delivery of local anaesthetic solution has led to the development of novel methods of anaesthesia in dentistry. These new approaches are discussed.

Evaluation of a new automated instrument for pretransfusion testing.

PubMed

Morelati, F; Revelli, N; Maffei, L M; Poretti, M; Santoro, C; Parravicini, A; Rebulla, P; Cole, R; Sirchia, G

1998-10-01

A number of automated devices for pretransfusion testing have recently become available. This study evaluated a fully automated device based on column agglutination technology (AutoVue System, Ortho, Raritan, NJ). Some 6747 tests including forward and reverse ABO group, Rh type and phenotype, antibody screen, autocontrol, and crossmatch were performed on random samples from 1069 blood donors, 2063 patients, and 98 newborns and cord blood. Also tested were samples from 168 immunized patients and 53 donors expressing weak or variant A and D antigens. Test results and technician times required for their performance were compared with those obtained by standard methods (manual column agglutination technology, slide, semiautomatic handler). No erroneous conclusions were found in regard to the 5028 ABO group and Rh type or phenotype determinations carried out with the device. The device rejected 1.53 percent of tests for sample inadequacy. Of the remaining 18 tests with discrepant results found with the device and not confirmed with the standard methods, 6 gave such results because of mixed-field reactions, 10 gave negative results with A2 RBCs in reverse ABO grouping, and 2 gave very weak positive reactions in antibody screening and crossmatching. In the samples from immunized patients, the device missed one weak anti-K, whereas standard methods missed five weak antibodies. In addition, 48, 34, and 31 of the 53 weak or variant antigens were detected by the device, the slide method, and the semiautomated handler, respectively. Technician time with the standard methods was 1.6 to 7 times higher than that with the device. The technical performance of the device compared favorably with that of standard methods, with a number of advantages, including in particular the saving of technician time. Sample inadequacy was the most common cause of discrepancy, which suggests that standardization of sample collection can further improve the performance of the device.

Residual effects of applied chemical fertilisers on growth and seed yields of sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv. high sun 33) after the harvests of initial main crops of maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus).

PubMed

Srisa-ard, K

2007-03-15

The experiments consisted of two locations, i.e., the first one was carried out on a growers's upland area at Saraburi Province, Central Plane region of Thailand with the use of Chatturat soil series (Typic Haplustalfs, fine, mixed) and the second experiment was carried out at Suranaree Technology university Experimental Farm, Suranaree Technology University Northeast Thailand with the use of Korat soil series (Oxic Paleustults). The experiments aimed to investigate the effect of residual effects of applied chemical fertilisers on growth and seed yields of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) after the harvests of initial main crops of maize, soybean and sunflower. The experiments consisted of four cultural methods being practiced by growers in both regions. For Methods 1 and 2, each had four fertiliser treatments; Method 3 consisted of two fertiliser treatments and Method 4 was used as a control treatment. The results showed that soil pH, organic matter and nutrients of Korat soil series were most suited soil conditions for growth of sunflower plants, whilst that of Chatturat soil series at Saraburi province was an alkaline soil with a mean value of soil pH of 7.8. Chatturat soil series, in most cases, gave higher amounts of seed yields (1,943.75 kg ha(-1)) than Korat soil series. Residual effects of applied chemical fertilisers to main crops of soybean gave better growth and seed yields of sunflower plants and it is considered to be the first choice. The use of sunflower and maize as main crops gave a second choice for subsequent crop of sunflower.

Determining pH of strip-mine spoils

Treesearch

W. A. Berg

1969-01-01

Results with the LaMotte-Morgan method for determining soil pH-or the solution modification of this method-usually agreed fairly well with the results from using a pH meter, the recognized standard. Results obtained with the Soiltex and Hellige-Truog methods often deviated somewhat from the pH meter readings; and the Hydrion papers and the Kelway pH tester often gave...

Comparison of estimates of hardwood bole volume using importance sampling, the centroid method, and some taper equations

Treesearch

Harry V., Jr. Wiant; Michael L. Spangler; John E. Baumgras

2002-01-01

Various taper systems and the centroid method were compared to unbiased volume estimates made by importance sampling for 720 hardwood trees selected throughout the state of West Virginia. Only the centroid method consistently gave volumes estimates that did not differ significantly from those made by importance sampling, although some taper equations did well for most...

Usefulness of Leifson Staining Method in Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection

PubMed Central

Piccolomini, Raffaele; Di Bonaventura, Giovanni; Neri, Matteo; Di Girolamo, Arturo; Catamo, Giovanni; Pizzigallo, Eligio

1999-01-01

The Leifson staining method was used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection and was compared to histology, culture, and the rapid urease test (RUT). Histology gave the best sensitivity (98%), compared to Leifson staining (97%), culture (92%), and RUT (85%) (P < 0.005). Leifson staining is a sensitive, rapid, economical method for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in dyspeptic patients. PMID:9854090

Comparison of culture and qPCR methods in detection of mycobacteria from drinking waters.

PubMed

Räsänen, Noora H J; Rintala, Helena; Miettinen, Ilkka T; Torvinen, Eila

2013-04-01

Environmental mycobacteria are common bacteria in man-made water systems and may cause infections and hypersensitivity pneumonitis via exposure to water. We compared a generally used cultivation method and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to detect mycobacteria in 3 types of drinking waters: surface water, ozone-treated surface water, and groundwater. There was a correlation between the numbers of mycobacteria obtained by cultivation and qPCR methods, but the ratio of the counts obtained by the 2 methods varied among the types of water. The qPCR counts in the drinking waters produced from surface or groundwater were 5 to 34 times higher than culturable counts. In ozone-treated surface waters, both methods gave similar counts. The ozone-treated drinking waters had the highest concentration of assimilable organic carbon, which may explain the good culturability. In warm tap waters, qPCR gave 43 times higher counts than cultivation, but both qPCR counts and culturable counts were lower than those in the drinking waters collected from the same sites. The TaqMan qPCR method is a rapid and sensitive tool for total quantitation of mycobacteria in different types of clean waters. The raw water source and treatments affect both culturability and total numbers of mycobacteria in drinking waters.

Wall proximity corrections for hot-wire readings in turbulent flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebbar, K. S.

1980-01-01

This note describes some details of recent (successful) attempts of wall proximity corrections for hot-wire measurements performed in a three-dimensional incompressible turbulent boundary layer. A simple and quite satisfactory method of estimating wall proximity effects on hot-wire readings is suggested.

21 CFR 114.80 - Processes and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... food ingredients in acidified aqueous solutions. (ii) Immersion of the blanched food in acid solutions. Although immersion of food in an acid solution is a satisfactory method for acidification, care must be taken to ensure that the acid concentration is properly maintained. (iii) Direct batch acidification...

21 CFR 114.80 - Processes and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... food ingredients in acidified aqueous solutions. (ii) Immersion of the blanched food in acid solutions. Although immersion of food in an acid solution is a satisfactory method for acidification, care must be taken to ensure that the acid concentration is properly maintained. (iii) Direct batch acidification...

21 CFR 114.80 - Processes and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... food ingredients in acidified aqueous solutions. (ii) Immersion of the blanched food in acid solutions. Although immersion of food in an acid solution is a satisfactory method for acidification, care must be taken to ensure that the acid concentration is properly maintained. (iii) Direct batch acidification...

21 CFR 114.80 - Processes and controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... food ingredients in acidified aqueous solutions. (ii) Immersion of the blanched food in acid solutions. Although immersion of food in an acid solution is a satisfactory method for acidification, care must be taken to ensure that the acid concentration is properly maintained. (iii) Direct batch acidification...

IN-VITRO METHODS FOR EVALUATING SIDE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES

EPA Science Inventory

Several skeletal muscle and smooth muscle preparations have been examined for their usefulness in evaluating the toxic effects of a variety of insecticides. The following preparations were found satisfactory for such test: guinea pig ileum for muscarinic receptors, guinea pig hea...

Synthesis of actual knowledge on machine-tool monitoring methods and equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanguy, J. C.

1988-06-01

Problems connected with the automatic supervision of production were studied. Many different automatic control devices are now able to identify defects in the tools, but the solutions proposed to detect optimal limits in the utilization of a tool are not satisfactory.

Performance and quality-control standards for composite floor, wall, and truss framing

Treesearch

Gerald A. Koenigshof

1985-01-01

Users must be assured that composite structural members are satisfactory for their intended purposes. Standards are provided for strength, stiffness, durability, and dimensional stability of composite floor, wall, and truss-framing members. Methods for enforcing compliance with the standards are suggested.

Behavior, neuropsychology and fMRI.

PubMed

Bennett, Maxwell R; Hatton, Sean; Hermens, Daniel F; Lagopoulos, Jim

Cognitive neuroscientists in the late 20th century began the task of identifying the part(s) of the brain concerned with normal behavior as manifest in the psychological capacities as affective powers, reasoning, behaving purposively and the pursuit of goals, following introduction of the 'functional magnetic resonance imaging' (fMRI) method for identifying brain activity. For this research program to be successful two questions require satisfactory answers. First, as the fMRI method can currently only be used on stationary subjects, to what extent can neuropsychological tests applicable to such stationary subjects be correlated with normal behavior. Second, to what extent can correlations between the various neuropsychological tests on the one hand, and sites of brain activity determined with fMRI on the other, be regarded as established. The extent to which these questions have yet received satisfactory answers is reviewed, and suggestions made both for improving correlations of neuropsychological tests with behavior as well as with the results of fMRI-based observations. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An interactive medical image segmentation framework using iterative refinement.

PubMed

Kalshetti, Pratik; Bundele, Manas; Rahangdale, Parag; Jangra, Dinesh; Chattopadhyay, Chiranjoy; Harit, Gaurav; Elhence, Abhay

2017-04-01

Segmentation is often performed on medical images for identifying diseases in clinical evaluation. Hence it has become one of the major research areas. Conventional image segmentation techniques are unable to provide satisfactory segmentation results for medical images as they contain irregularities. They need to be pre-processed before segmentation. In order to obtain the most suitable method for medical image segmentation, we propose MIST (Medical Image Segmentation Tool), a two stage algorithm. The first stage automatically generates a binary marker image of the region of interest using mathematical morphology. This marker serves as the mask image for the second stage which uses GrabCut to yield an efficient segmented result. The obtained result can be further refined by user interaction, which can be done using the proposed Graphical User Interface (GUI). Experimental results show that the proposed method is accurate and provides satisfactory segmentation results with minimum user interaction on medical as well as natural images. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adaptive Highlighting of Links to Assist Surfing on the Internet

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

search engines do not offer a satisfactory solution, their indexing cycle is long and creates a time lag of about one month. Moreover, sometimes search engines offer a huge amount of documents, which is hard to constrain and to increase the ratio of relevant information. A novel AI-assisted surfing method, which highlights links during surfing is studied here. The method makes use

Spectral analysis and DFT computations of the hydrogen bonded complex between 2,6-diaminopyridine with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol in different solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Ahmary, Khairia M.; Soliman, Saied M.; Habeeb, Moustafa M.; Al-Obidan, Areej H.

2017-09-01

New hydrogen bonded complex between 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol (DCNP), proton donor with the proton acceptor 2,6-diaminopyridine (DAP) has been synthesized and characterized in solution and solid state by different spectroscopic techniques. Electronic spectra were used to identify the novel proton transfer complex through appearance of new absorption bands in acetonitrile (CH3CN), methanol (CH3OH) and mixture composed from 1:1 methanol and acetonitrile (AN-Me). The complex stoichiometry was determined to be 1:1 by job's method and photometric titrations. The formation constant was determined by applying minimum-maximum absorbances method where it reached high values confirming the complex high stability. A spectroscopic method for determining DAP was presented and validated statistically. The solid complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and 1H NMR studies where the hydrogen bonded reaction occurs between the phenolic OH with the pyridine ring nitrogen as well as one amino group of DNP. The density functional theory DFT (B3LYP) method has been used to energy optimization of the reactants and complex in the ground state using two basis sets 6-31G(d) and 6-31 G+(d,p). The first one led to energy optimized structure through bifurcated hydrogen bond between OH of DCNP with the ring nitrogen and one amino group of DAP with optimization energy -1998.7 Hartree. The second one gave an optimized structure thought hydrogen bonding between OH and one amino group with lowered optimization energy -2018.1 Hartree. Hence, the experimental results will be simulated with the most stable one at DFT/B3LYB 6-31G+ (d,p). The most reactive electrophilic and nucleophilic sites of DCNP and DAP were predicted using the molecular electrostatic potential. The theoretical electronic spectra in the gas phase and the investigated solvents were calculated at TD-DFT/B3LYP 6-31G+ (d,p) and compared with measured electronic spectra where a satisfactory results have been obtained. An important aim of this work is analysis of the interaction energies between the filled natural bond orbitals (NBOs) and the empty ones in order to shed the light on the ease of electron delocalization among bonds in the novel hydrogen bonded complex.

Validated stability-indicating HPLC method for the determination of pridinol mesylate. Kinetics study of its degradation in acid medium.

PubMed

Bianchini, Romina M; Castellano, Patricia M; Kaufman, Teodoro S

2008-12-01

The stability of pridinol mesylate (PRI) was investigated under different stress conditions, including hydrolytic, oxidative, photolytic and thermal, as recommended by the ICH guidelines. Relevant degradation was found to take place under acidic (0.1N HCl) and photolytic (visible and long-wavelength UV-light) conditions, both yielding the product resulting from water elimination (ELI), while submission to an oxidizing environment gave the N-oxidation derivative (NOX). The standards of these degradation products were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. A simple, sensitive and specific HPLC method was developed for the quantification of PRI, ELI and NOX in bulk drug, and the conditions were optimized by means of a statistical design strategy. The separation employs a C(18) column and a 51:9:40 (v/v/v) mixture of MeOH, 2-propanol and potassium phosphate solution (50mM, pH 6.0), as mobile phase, delivered at 1.0 ml min(-1); the analytes were detected and quantified at 220 nm. The method was validated, demonstrating to be accurate and precise (repeatability and intermediate precision levels) within the corresponding linear ranges of PRI (0.1-1.5 mg ml(-1); r=0.9983, n=18) and both impurities (0.1-1.3% relative to PRI, r=0.9996 and 0.9995 for ELI and NOX, respectively, n=18). Robustness against small modifications of pH and percentage of the aqueous mobile phase was ascertained and the limits of quantification of the analytes were also determined (0.4 and 0.5 microg ml(-1); 0.04% and 0.05% relative to PRI for ELI and NOX, respectively). Peak purity indices (>0.9997), obtained with the aid of diode-array detection, and satisfactory resolution (R(s)>2.0) between PRI and its impurities established the specificity of the determination, all these results proving the stability-indicating capability of the method. The kinetics of the degradation of PRI in acid medium was also studied, determining that this is a first-order process with regards to drug concentration, with an activation energy of 25.5 Kcal mol(-1) and a t(1/2)=10,830 h, in 0.1N HCl at 38 degrees C.

Can an inadequate cervical cytology sample in ThinPrep be converted to a satisfactory sample by processing it with a SurePath preparation?

PubMed Central

Sørbye, Sveinung Wergeland; Pedersen, Mette Kristin; Ekeberg, Bente; Williams, Merete E. Johansen; Sauer, Torill; Chen, Ying

2017-01-01

Background: The Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Program recommends screening every 3 years for women between 25 and 69 years of age. There is a large difference in the percentage of unsatisfactory samples between laboratories that use different brands of liquid-based cytology. We wished to examine if inadequate ThinPrep samples could be satisfactory by processing them with the SurePath protocol. Materials and Methods: A total of 187 inadequate ThinPrep specimens from the Department of Clinical Pathology at University Hospital of North Norway were sent to Akershus University Hospital for conversion to SurePath medium. Ninety-one (48.7%) were processed through the automated “gynecologic” application for cervix cytology samples, and 96 (51.3%) were processed with the “nongynecological” automatic program. Results: Out of 187 samples that had been unsatisfactory by ThinPrep, 93 (49.7%) were satisfactory after being converted to SurePath. The rate of satisfactory cytology was 36.6% and 62.5% for samples run through the “gynecology” program and “nongynecology” program, respectively. Of the 93 samples that became satisfactory after conversion from ThinPrep to SurePath, 80 (86.0%) were screened as normal while 13 samples (14.0%) were given an abnormal diagnosis, which included 5 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 5 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 2 atypical glandular cells not otherwise specified, and 1 atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. A total of 2.1% (4/187) of the women got a diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or higher at a later follow-up. Conclusions: Converting cytology samples from ThinPrep to SurePath processing can reduce the number of unsatisfactory samples. The samples should be run through the “nongynecology” program to ensure an adequate number of cells. PMID:28900466

Method for plating with metal oxides

DOEpatents

Silver, G.L.; Martin, F.S.

1994-08-23

A method is disclosed of plating hydrous metal oxides on at least one substrate, which method is indifferent to the electrochemical properties of the substrate, and comprises reacting metallic ions in aqueous solution with an appropriate oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium sulfite with oxygen under suitable conditions of pH and concentration such that oxidation and precipitation of metal oxide are sufficiently slow to allow satisfactory plating of metal oxide on the substrate. 1 fig.

The Behavior of Water in Jet Fuels and the Clogging of Micronic Filters at Low Temperatures,

DTIC Science & Technology

1950-01-11

especially at low temperatures has been made. A method for the determination of water in fuels using the Karl Fischer reagent has been developed and... method utilizing the Karl Fischer reagenti was investigated and a technique developed which proved to be more satisfactory. Procedures Determination of...LABORATORY RESTRICTED I | Method Used ------ (1) Acetyl chloride-pyridine* I 2(2) Karl Fischer Reagent - present work ---_ _ (3) Calcium hydride* 0.I i (4

Interpreting Medical Information Using Machine Learning and Individual Conditional Expectation.

PubMed

Nohara, Yasunobu; Wakata, Yoshifumi; Nakashima, Naoki

2015-01-01

Recently, machine-learning techniques have spread many fields. However, machine-learning is still not popular in medical research field due to difficulty of interpreting. In this paper, we introduce a method of interpreting medical information using machine learning technique. The method gave new explanation of partial dependence plot and individual conditional expectation plot from medical research field.

Positive and negative electrospray LC-MS-MS methods for quantitation of the antiparasitic endectocide drugs, abamectin, doramectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, moxidectin and selamectin in milk.

PubMed

Durden, David A

2007-05-01

Avermectin endectocides are used for the treatment of cattle against a variety of nematode and arthropod parasites, and consequently may appear in milk after normal or off-label use. The compounds abamectin, doramectin, and ivermectin, contain only C, H and O and may be expected to be detected by LC-MS in negative ion mode. The others contain nitrogen in addition and would be expected to be preferentially ionized in positive mode. The use of positive ion and negative ion methods with electrospray LC-MS-MS were compared. Using negative ion the compounds abamectin, doramectin, ivermectin, emamectin, eprinomectin, and moxidectin gave a curvilinear response and were quantified in raw milk by LC-MS-MS with a triethylamine-acetonitrile buffer over the concentration range 1-60 ppb (microg/kg) using selamectin as the internal standard. The limits of detection (LOD) were between 0.19 ppb (doramectin) and 0.38 ppb (emamectin). The compounds gave maximum sensitivity with positive ionisation from a formic acid-ammonium formate-acetonitrile buffer and were detected in milk (LC-MS-MS) also with a curvilinear response over the range 0.5-60 ppb. Although the positive ion signals were larger, with somewhat lower limits of detection (LOD between 0.06 ppb (doramectin) and 0.32 ppb (moxidectin) the negative ion procedure gave a more linear response and more consistent results. Comparison of spiked samples in the range 2-50 ppb showed a high degree of correlation between the two methods.

Processing urinary endoscopes in a low-temperature steam and formaldehyde autoclave.

PubMed Central

Gibson, G L

1977-01-01

Methods of disinfection and sterilisation of urinary endoscopes are considered. A small mobile low-temperature steam and formaldehyde autoclave (Miniclave 80) is evaluated and shown to be satisfactory for this purpose as judged by a variety of relevant microbiological test pieces. Images PMID:557503

Manufacturing development of DC-10 advanced rudder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cominsky, A.

1979-01-01

The design, manufacture, and ground test activities during development of production methods for an advanced composite rudder for the DC-10 transport aircraft are described. The advanced composite aft rudder is satisfactory for airline service and a cost saving in a full production manufacturing mode is anticipated.

Reseeding tarweed-infested ranges.

Treesearch

E.W. Stevenson

1950-01-01

Cluster tarweed(Madia glomerata) infests many livestock ranges in eastern Oregon, using soil moisture and nutrients that should be producing plants more valuable as forage and more effective in stabilizing watersheds. No completely satisfactory method of eliminating this obnoxious plant and replacing it, with forage has yet been found. Recent...

21 CFR 1230.34 - Analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Analysis. 1230.34 Section 1230.34 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS UNDER..., provided, however, that any method of analysis or examination satisfactory to the Food and Drug...

21 CFR 1230.34 - Analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Analysis. 1230.34 Section 1230.34 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS UNDER..., provided, however, that any method of analysis or examination satisfactory to the Food and Drug...

21 CFR 1230.34 - Analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Analysis. 1230.34 Section 1230.34 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS UNDER..., provided, however, that any method of analysis or examination satisfactory to the Food and Drug...

21 CFR 1230.34 - Analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Analysis. 1230.34 Section 1230.34 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS UNDER..., provided, however, that any method of analysis or examination satisfactory to the Food and Drug...

21 CFR 1230.34 - Analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Analysis. 1230.34 Section 1230.34 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS UNDER..., provided, however, that any method of analysis or examination satisfactory to the Food and Drug...

Counting Tree Growth Rings Moderately Difficult to Distinguish

Treesearch

C. B. Briscoe; M. Chudnoff

1964-01-01

There is an extensive literature dealing with techniques and gadgets to facilitate counting tree growth rings. A relatively simple method is described below, satisfactory for species too difficult to count in the field, but not sufficiently difficult to require the preparation of microscope slides nor staining techniques.

7 CFR 58.127 - Facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... of equipment. Culinary steam used in direct contact with milk or dairy products shall be free from... used wherever applicable to insure a satisfactory and safe steam supply. Culinary steam shall comply with the 3-A Accepted Practices for a Method of Producing Steam of Culinary Quality, number 609. This...

Robust digital image watermarking using distortion-compensated dither modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Mianjie; Yuan, Xiaochen

2018-04-01

In this paper, we propose a robust feature extraction based digital image watermarking method using Distortion- Compensated Dither Modulation (DC-DM). Our proposed local watermarking method provides stronger robustness and better flexibility than traditional global watermarking methods. We improve robustness by introducing feature extraction and DC-DM method. To extract the robust feature points, we propose a DAISY-based Robust Feature Extraction (DRFE) method by employing the DAISY descriptor and applying the entropy calculation based filtering. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves satisfactory robustness under the premise of ensuring watermark imperceptibility quality compared to other existing methods.

Separation of catechin constituents from five tea cultivars using high-speed counter-current chromatography.

PubMed

Kumar, N Savitri; Rajapaksha, Maheshinie

2005-08-12

Catechins were extracted from five different tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivars. High-speed counter-current chromatography was found to be an efficient method for the separation of seven catechins from the catechin extracts. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the purity of the catechins isolated. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin (EGC) of high purity (91-99%) were isolated in high yield after a single high-speed counter-current chromatography run. The two-phase solvent mixtures used for the separation of the catechin extracts were hexane:ethyl acetate:methanol:water (1:6:1:6 for TRI 2023); (1:7:1:7 for TRI 2025 and TRI 2043); (1:5:1:5 for TRI 3079) and (1:6.5:1:6.5 for TRI 4006). Fresh tea shoots from the tea cultivar TRI 2023 (150 g) gave 440 mg of 96% pure EGCG while TRI 2025 (235 g) gave 347 mg of 99% pure EGCG and 40 mg of 97% ECG, and TRI 3079 (225 g) gave 432 mg of 97% pure EGCG and 32 mg of 96% pure ECG. Tea cultivar TRI 4006 (160 g) gave EGCG (272 mg, 96% pure) and EGC (104 mg, 90% pure). 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts for catechin gallate (CG), EGC, ECG, EGCG and epigallocatechin 3,5-di-O-gallate (EGCDG) in CD3OD were also recorded.

BioGraphene: Direct Exfoliation of Graphite in a Kitchen Blender for Enzymology Applications.

PubMed

Kumar, C V; Pattammattel, A

2016-01-01

A high yielding method for the aqueous exfoliation of graphite crystals to produce high quality graphene nanosheets in a kitchen blender is described here. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), β-lactoglobulin, ovalbumin, lysozyme, and hemoglobin as well as calf serum were used for the exfoliation of graphene. Among these, BSA gave the maximum exfoliation efficiency, exceeding 4mgmL(-1)h(-1) of graphene. Quality of graphene produced was examined by Raman spectroscopy, which indicated 3-5 layer graphene of very high quality and very low levels of defects. Transmission electron microscopy indicated an average size of ~0.5μm flakes. The graphene/BSA dispersions were stable over pH 3.0-11, and at 5°C or 50°C, for more than 2 months. Current approach gave higher rates of BSA/graphene (BioGraphene) in better yields than other methods. Calf serum, when used in place of BSA, also gave high yields of good quality BioGraphene and these preparations may be of direct use for cell culture studies. A simple example of BioGraphene preparation is described that can be adapted in most laboratories, and graphene-adsorbed glucose oxidase is nearly as active as the free enzyme. Current approach may facilitate large-scale production of graphene in most laboratories around the world and it may open new opportunities for biological applications of graphene. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fleas as an allergen in Egyptian asthmatic patients.

PubMed

el Okbi, L M; Morsy, T A; el-Shayeb, F A; Salama, M M; Abou Gamrah, M M

1991-12-01

Fleas are widely distributed and partially host specific ectoparasites of man and animal. The aim of this work was to study the role of fleas as one of the causative allergens of bronchial asthma in Egyptian patients. Two flea extract antigens were locally prepared. The first from the head and the salivary glands and the second from the abdomen. The sensitivity of the first antigen (head and salivary glands) was evaluated among a known group of flea bite allergic individuals and normal control group using two dilutions 1/50 and 1/100, and proved to be sensitive. Regarding bronchial asthma and fleas, two groups of individuals were examined, asthmatic patients and control ones, using flea extract antigen and common inhalant antigens as skin test as well as precipitin test using flea extract antigen. This test was done by prick method using the routine allergens (house dust, cotton dust, mixed mould, mixed pollens, cat hair, dog hair, wool, feather) and also with locally prepared two flea extracts: one was prepared from the head and salivary glands, the second was prepared from the abdomen. Out of these sixty asthmatic patients, only six (10%) gave positive skin reactions to the antigens of fleas extract. All the control gave negative skin reaction. The precipitin test using the double immuno diffusion method gave positive results with one case who showed reaction to flea extract skin antigen.

Practical considerations for measuring hydrogen concentrations in groundwater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapelle, F.H.; Vroblesky, D.A.; Woodward, J.C.; Lovley, D.R.

1997-01-01

Several practical considerations for measuring concentrations of dissolved molecular hydrogen (H2) in groundwater including 1 sampling methods 2 pumping methods and (3) effects of well casing materials were evaluated. Three different sampling methodologies (a downhole sampler, a gas- stripping method, and a diffusion sampler) were compared. The downhole sampler and gas-stripping methods gave similar results when applied to the same wells, the other hand, appeared to The diffusion sampler, on overestimate H2 concentrations relative to the downhole sampler. Of these methods, the gas-stripping method is better suited to field conditions because it is faster (~ 30 min for a single analysis as opposed to 2 h for the downhole sampler or 8 h for the diffusion sampler), the analysis is easier (less sample manipulation is required), and the data computations are more straightforward (H2 concentrations need not be corrected for water sample volume). Measurement of H2 using the gas-stripping method can be affected by different pumping equipment. Peristaltic, piston, and bladder pumps all gave similar results when applied to water produced from the same well. It was observed, however, that peristaltic-pumped water (which draws water under a negative pressure) enhanced the gas-stripping process and equilibrated slightly faster than either piston or bladder pumps (which push water under a positive pressure). A direct current(dc) electrically driven submersible pump was observed to produce H2 and was not suitable for measuring H2 in groundwater. Measurements from two field sites indicate that iron or steel well casings, produce H2, which masks H2 concentrations in groundwater. PVC-cased wells or wells cased with other materials that do not produce H2 are necessary for measuring H2 concentrations in groundwater.Several practical considerations for measuring concentrations of dissolved molecular hydrogen in groundwater including sampling methods, pumping methods, and effects of well casing materials were evaluated. The downhole sampler and gas-stripping methods gave similar results when applied to the same wells. The diffusional sampler appears to overestimate H2 concentrations relative to the downhole sampler. Gas-stripping method is better for a single analysis and the data computations are more straightforward. Measurement of H2 using the gas-stripping method can be affected by different pumping equipment.

Separation and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of total chromium and chromium (III) in phosphate rock used for production of fertilizer.

PubMed

El-Sheikh, Amjad H; Al-Degs, Yahya S; Sweileh, Jamal A; Said, Adi J

2013-11-15

Due to the commercial value of phosphate rock (PR) as a fertilizer precursor, it is necessary to investigate its heavy metals content. Chromium (Cr) may present as Cr(III) or Cr(VI) in PR; but quantitative differentiation between them is not an easy task. This is due to possible interconversion of Cr species during the digestion/leaching process. In this work, ultrasound digestion (USD) of PR was optimized (300 mg PR, 4.0 mL of 4.0 mol L(-1) nitric acid, 15 min sonication) for the sake of leaching Cr species prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as adsorbent, solid phase extraction (SPE) was used to separate Cr(III) from the digestate at pH 9, while total Cr was estimated after reducing Cr(VI) into Cr(III). The optimum USD/SPE method gave LOQ and LOD of Cr(III) of 0.96 mg kg(-1) and 0.288 mg kg(-1), respectively. The method sensitivity was 1.44×10(-3) AU kg mg(-1) within the studied Cr concentration range (5-400 mg kg(-1)). The USD/SPE method was validated by analyzing lake sediments LKSD-4 certified reference material, and by comparison with classical digestion method (CD). Application of USD/SPE on Jordanian PR samples gave total Cr rang 29.1-122.0 mg kg(-1) (±1.4-6.3), while Cr(III) ranged between 23.8 and 101.7 mg kg(-1) (±1.3-5.5). AFPC Rock Check Program samples gave total Cr range 238.9-394.7 mg kg(-1) (±11.5-24.1), while Cr(III) ranged between 202.4 and 335.8 mg kg(-1) (±11.4-18.3). These results were very close to the results obtained by the CD method. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2001 Industry Studies: Education

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

sector is expanding and satisfactory. Although most U.S. citizens agree that education in the U.S. n improvement, the degree and method of change remain...Technological advances and market forces continue to stimulate change and innovation, with distance learning and e-learning creating many n programs and...public sch administrators may have become somewhat complacent in their methods and resistant to change . I business if a company does not provide the

Surgical correction of cryptotia combined with an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap.

PubMed

Yu, Xiaobo; Yang, Qinghua; Jiang, Haiyue; Pan, Bo; Zhao, Yanyong; Lin, Lin

2017-11-01

Cryptotia is a common congenital ear deformity in Asian populations. In cryptotia, a portion of the upper ear is hidden and fixed in a pocket of the skin of the mastoid. Here we describe our method for cryptotia correction by using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap. We developed a new method for correcting cryptotia by using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap. Following ear release, the full-thickness skin rotation flap is rotated into the defect, and the donor site is covered with an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft raised in continuity with the flap. All patients exhibited satisfactory release of cryptotia. No cases involved partial or total flap necrosis, and post-operative outcomes using this new technique for cryptotia correction have been more than satisfactory. Our method of using an ultra-delicate split-thickness skin graft in continuity with a full-thickness skin rotation flap to correct cryptotia is simple and reliable. Copyright © 2017 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis on Inclusion of Social Studies Economy Concepts in Coursebooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seker, Mustafa; Osmanoglu, Ahmet Emin

2015-01-01

Having an efficient and satisfactory economy education may enable an individual to actively participate in decision making process about economy-related issues. This is very important for democratic societies. This research aims to search methods and levels of teaching "economy" concepts prepared for Turkey 2005 Social Studies Program in…

A new after-loading intrauterine packing device: ten years experience.

PubMed

Sklaroff, D M; Baker, A S; Tasbas, M

1985-12-01

A new variation of the uterine packing device for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma is described. It combines the advantages of the Holter technique with the after-loading method described by Simon. This device has been in use for more than 10 years and has been found most satisfactory.

Scaling the Library Collection; A Simplified Method for Weighing the Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vagianos, Louis

1973-01-01

On the assumption that the physical properties of any information stock (book, etc.) offer the best foundation on which to develop satisfactory measurements for assessing library operations and developing library procedures, weight is suggested as the most useful variable for assessment and standardization. Advantages of this approach are…

Story-Telling: A Method for Assessing Children's Creativity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hennessey, Beth Ann; Amabile, Teresa M.

1988-01-01

The subjective judgment of observers was used to assess verbal creativity. Students, aged 5-10, told a story to accompany a picture series. Teachers rated the stories relative to one another. Interjudge reliability of the creativity measure was highly satisfactory. Two subsequent studies affirmed the results, with slightly lower interjudge…

REAL TIME MONITORING OF PCDD/PCDF FOR TRANSIENT CHARACTERIZATION AND PROCESS CONTROL

EPA Science Inventory

Current sampling methods for PCDD/F emission compliance make use of a sample taken during steady state conditions which is assumed to be representative of facility performance. This is often less than satisfactory. The rapid variation of PCDDs, PCDF, and other co-pollutants due ...

Schistosomiasis: The Social Challenge of Controlling a Man-Made Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lemma, Aklilu

1973-01-01

There is an indication of a method for curbing or controlling schistosomiasis or bilharziasis. Modern technological advances in applied pharmacology have not provided a satisfactory remedy but a simple natural product, an endod berry, has been used to control the disease on a self-help basis. (EB)

38 CFR 21.7153 - Progress and conduct.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Bill-Active Duty) Pursuit of Courses § 21.7153 Progress and conduct. (a) Satisfactory pursuit of... must maintain satisfactory progress. VA will discontinue educational assistance if the individual does not maintain satisfactory progress. Progress is unsatisfactory if the individual does not...

Selected Translations on East European Heavy Industry, Number 9.

DTIC Science & Technology

1961-09-14

the problem have been suggested; some of these did not lead to satisfactory results. It is expected that the method for the production of penta-oils...have to be done before the method can be applied in industry. 10,570 - 6 - EAST GERMANY VISGOSE RAYC3N EROH’PREMITZ-’•; [Following is the...measurements and controls. This way the young person is supposed to learn such analyses and methods as he will later need for the supervision of

Distributed Combinatorial Optimization Using Privacy on Mobile Phones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Satoshi; Katayama, Kimihiro; Nakayama, Shigeru

This paper proposes a method for distributed combinatorial optimization which uses mobile phones as computers. In the proposed method, an ordinary computer generates solution candidates and mobile phones evaluates them by referring privacy — private information and preferences. Users therefore does not have to send their privacy to any other computers and does not have to refrain from inputting their preferences. They therefore can obtain satisfactory solution. Experimental results have showed the proposed method solved room assignment problems without sending users' privacy to a server.

Sequential and simultaneous SLAR block adjustment. [spline function analysis for mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leberl, F.

1975-01-01

Two sequential methods of planimetric SLAR (Side Looking Airborne Radar) block adjustment, with and without splines, and three simultaneous methods based on the principles of least squares are evaluated. A limited experiment with simulated SLAR images indicates that sequential block formation with splines followed by external interpolative adjustment is superior to the simultaneous methods such as planimetric block adjustment with similarity transformations. The use of the sequential block formation is recommended, since it represents an inexpensive tool for satisfactory point determination from SLAR images.

New method of calculating the power at altitude of aircraft engines equipped with superchargers on the basis of tests made under sea-level conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarracino, Marcello

1941-01-01

The present article deals with what is considered to be a simpler and more accurate method of determining, from the results of bench tests under approved rating conditions, the power at altitude of a supercharged aircraft engine, without application of correction formulas. The method of calculating the characteristics at altitude, of supercharged engines, based on the consumption of air, is a more satisfactory and accurate procedure, especially at low boost pressures.

Computer as Material: Messing about with Time.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franz, George; Papert, Seymour

1988-01-01

The computer, still a novel device in classrooms, may be incorporated as another learning tool. One method to accomplish this gave students the opportunity to build a clock using materials such as sand, water, or a computer. Additional projects are suggested. (JL)

A Common Sense Approach to Strategy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-01

the war in his business ventures. His capacity for rational thought simply carried over into the military arena. It allowed him to effectively glean...are intelligence, situational awareness. and a decision process based on logic. Outstanding inteligence methods and exceptional intellect gave Forrest

Influence of Sampling Effort on the Estimated Richness of Road-Killed Vertebrate Wildlife

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bager, Alex; da Rosa, Clarissa A.

2011-05-01

Road-killed mammals, birds, and reptiles were collected weekly from highways in southern Brazil in 2002 and 2005. The objective was to assess variation in estimates of road-kill impacts on species richness produced by different sampling efforts, and to provide information to aid in the experimental design of future sampling. Richness observed in weekly samples was compared with sampling for different periods. In each period, the list of road-killed species was evaluated based on estimates the community structure derived from weekly samplings, and by the presence of the ten species most subject to road mortality, and also of threatened species. Weekly samples were sufficient only for reptiles and mammals, considered separately. Richness estimated from the biweekly samples was equal to that found in the weekly samples, and gave satisfactory results for sampling the most abundant and threatened species. The ten most affected species showed constant road-mortality rates, independent of sampling interval, and also maintained their dominance structure. Birds required greater sampling effort. When the composition of road-killed species varies seasonally, it is necessary to take biweekly samples for a minimum of one year. Weekly or more-frequent sampling for periods longer than two years is necessary to provide a reliable estimate of total species richness.

Influence of sampling effort on the estimated richness of road-killed vertebrate wildlife.

PubMed

Bager, Alex; da Rosa, Clarissa A

2011-05-01

Road-killed mammals, birds, and reptiles were collected weekly from highways in southern Brazil in 2002 and 2005. The objective was to assess variation in estimates of road-kill impacts on species richness produced by different sampling efforts, and to provide information to aid in the experimental design of future sampling. Richness observed in weekly samples was compared with sampling for different periods. In each period, the list of road-killed species was evaluated based on estimates the community structure derived from weekly samplings, and by the presence of the ten species most subject to road mortality, and also of threatened species. Weekly samples were sufficient only for reptiles and mammals, considered separately. Richness estimated from the biweekly samples was equal to that found in the weekly samples, and gave satisfactory results for sampling the most abundant and threatened species. The ten most affected species showed constant road-mortality rates, independent of sampling interval, and also maintained their dominance structure. Birds required greater sampling effort. When the composition of road-killed species varies seasonally, it is necessary to take biweekly samples for a minimum of one year. Weekly or more-frequent sampling for periods longer than two years is necessary to provide a reliable estimate of total species richness.

Potential energy barriers to ion transport within lipid bilayers. Studies with tetraphenylborate.

PubMed Central

Andersen, P S; Fuchs, M

1975-01-01

Tetraphenylborate-induced current transients were studied in lipid bilayers formed from bacterial phosphatidylethanolamine in decane. This ion movement was essentially confined to the membrane in terior during the current transients. Charge movement through the interior of the membrane during the current transients was studied as a function of the applied potential. The transferred charge approached an upper limit with increasing potential, which is interpreted to be the amount of charge due to tetraphenylborate ions absorbed into the boundary regions of the bilayer. A further analysis of the charge transfer as a function of potential indicates that the movement of tetraphenylborate ions is only influenced by a certain farction of the applied potential. For bacterial phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers the effective potential is 77 +/- 4% of the applied potential. The initial conductance and the time constant of the current transients were studied as a function of the applied potential using a Nernst-Planck electrodiffusion regime. It was found that an image-force potential energy barrier gave a good prediction of the observed behavior, provided that the effective potential was used in the calculations. We could not get a satisfactory prediction of the observed behavior with an Eyring rate theory model or a trapezoidal potential energy barrier. PMID:1148364

Comparison in partition efficiency of protein separation between four different tubing modifications in spiral high-speed countercurrent chromatography

PubMed Central

Ito, Yoichiro; Clary, Robert

2016-01-01

High-speed countercurrent chromatography with a spiral tube assembly can retain a satisfactory amount of stationary phase of polymer phase systems used for protein separation. In order to improve the partition efficiency a simple tool to modify the tubing shapes was fabricated, and the following four different tubing modifications were made: intermittently pressed at 10 mm width, flat, flat-wave, and flat-twist. Partition efficiencies of the separation column made from these modified tubing were examined in protein separation with an aqueous-aqueous polymer phase system at flow rates of 1–2 ml/min under 800 rpm. The results indicated that the column with all modified tubing improved the partition efficiency at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, but at a higher flow rate of 2 ml/min the columns made of flattened tubing showed lowered partition efficiency apparently due to the loss of the retained stationary phase. Among all the modified columns, the column with intermittently pressed tubing gave the best peak resolution. It may be concluded that the intermittently pressed and flat-twist improve the partition efficiency in a semi-preparative separation while other modified tubing of flat and flat-wave configurations may be used for analytical separations with a low flow rate. PMID:27790621

Comparison in partition efficiency of protein separation between four different tubing modifications in spiral high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

PubMed

Ito, Yoichiro; Clary, Robert

2016-12-01

High-speed countercurrent chromatography with a spiral tube assembly can retain a satisfactory amount of stationary phase of polymer phase systems used for protein separation. In order to improve the partition efficiency a simple tool to modify the tubing shapes was fabricated, and the following four different tubing modifications were made: intermittently pressed at 10 mm width, flat, flat-wave, and flat-twist. Partition efficiencies of the separation column made from these modified tubing were examined in protein separation with an aqueous-aqueous polymer phase system at flow rates of 1-2 ml/min under 800 rpm. The results indicated that the column with all modified tubing improved the partition efficiency at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, but at a higher flow rate of 2 ml/min the columns made of flattened tubing showed lowered partition efficiency apparently due to the loss of the retained stationary phase. Among all the modified columns, the column with intermittently pressed tubing gave the best peak resolution. It may be concluded that the intermittently pressed and flat-twist improve the partition efficiency in a semi-preparative separation while other modified tubing of flat and flat-wave configurations may be used for analytical separations with a low flow rate.

A sensitive fluorescent sensor for quantification of alpha-fetoprotein based on immunosorbent assay and click chemistry.

PubMed

Xie, Qunfang; Weng, Xiuhua; Lu, Lijun; Lin, Zhenyu; Xu, Xiongwei; Fu, Caili

2016-03-15

A novel fluoresencent immunosensor for determination of cancer biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was designed by utilizing both the high specificity of antigen-antibody sandwich structure and the high sensitivity of the click chemistry based fluorescence detection. Instead of an enzyme or fluorophore, the CuO nanoparticles are labeled on the detection antibody, which was not susceptible to the change of the external environments. The CuO nanoparticles which were modified on the sandwich structure can be dissolved to produce Cu(2+) ions with the help of HCl and then the Cu(2+) ions were reduced by sodium ascorbate to produce Cu(+) ions which triggered the Cu(+) catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction between the weak fluorescent compound (3-azido-7-hydroxycoumarin) and propargyl alcohol to form a strong fluorescent compound. A good linear relationship was observed between the fluorescence increase factor of the system and the concentration of AFP in the range of 0.025-5.0 ng/mL with a detection limit of 12 pg/mL (S/N=3). The proposed fluorescent sensor had been applied to detect AFP in the human serum samples and gave satisfactory results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of effluent toxicity results using Ceriodaphnia dubia cultured on several diets

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

Norberg-King, T.J.; Schmidt, S.

1993-10-01

Several diets have been proposed for Ceriodaphnia dubia, but no single diet has been universally accepted as optimal for toxicity testing. Although several diets for Ceriodaphnia dubia culturing and testing are commonly used, little or no data exist on whether toxicity varies with the diet. This study evaluated several combinations of yeast-Cerophyl-trout chow (YCT), Selenastrum capricornutum, and Selenastrum capricornutum-Cerophyl foods for routine culture performance and the sensitivity of the offspring in subsequent acute toxicity tests with effluents. Variations in the diets included use of a vitamin-fortified yeast added to the YCT, algae (Selenastrum capricornutum) grown in two different algal media,more » and different feeding rates of the algae-Cerophyl diets. Eleven diets were evaluated in a multigeneration feeding study, but only seven were used in subsequent toxicity tests. The young produced from each of the seven diets were tested in 48-h acute tests with three different effluents across the generations. Toxicity tests with the effluents gave LC50s that were within a factor of two of one another, regardless of the food used for culturing. These results indicate that several diets are satisfactory for culturing Ceriodaphnia dubia and that the results of the toxicity tests are comparable.« less

Can radiological results be surrogate markers of functional outcome in distal radial extra-articular fractures?

PubMed

Kumar, Skand; Penematsa, Subbaraju; Sadri, Maziar; Deshmukh, Subodh C

2008-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between radiological and functional results in patients with extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. We conducted a prospective study of radiological and functional assessment in 95 consecutively selected extra-articular distal radius fractures. There were two patient groups: more than 60 and less than 60 years of age. The final fracture union radiographs were analysed for their functional outcome using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. In patients with acceptable radiological results, 62% (MHQ group) and 72% (DASH group) of patients had satisfactory functional outcome. Analysing patients with satisfactory functional results, 56% (MHQ group) and 59% (DASH group) had satisfactory radiological results. There was a higher proportion of patients with better functional results, despite poor radiological results, in both of the age groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between satisfactory radial tilt and functional outcome in the younger patients. In the older age group, patients with satisfactory radiological results had satisfactory functional outcome (p<0.05). However, in the older age group, satisfactory functional results were achieved, despite unsatisfactory radiological results.

A Method for Determining Job Types for Low Aptitude Airmen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayo, Clyde C.

An opinion survey method for identifying low aptitude job types was developed and used in a study of 11 Air Force career ladders. Lists of low aptitude tasks were defined by technical advisers. These tasks were then rated on nine factors by Air Force instructors who also described low aptitude job types and gave their opinion concerning the…

Advanced ceramic material for high temperature turbine tip seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, N. G.; Vogan, J. W.

1978-01-01

Ceramic material systems are being considered for potential use as turbine blade tip gas path seals at temperatures up to 1370 1/4 C. Silicon carbide and silicon nitride structures were selected for study since an initial analysis of the problem gave these materials the greatest potential for development into a successful materials system. Segments of silicon nitride and silicon carbide materials over a range of densities, processed by various methods, a honeycomb structure of silicon nitride and ceramic blade tip inserts fabricated from both materials by hot pressing were tested singly and in combination. The evaluations included wear under simulated engine blade tip rub conditions, thermal stability, impact resistance, machinability, hot gas erosion and feasibility of fabrication into engine components. The silicon nitride honeycomb and low-density silicon carbide using a selected grain size distribution gave the most promising results as rub-tolerant shroud liners. Ceramic blade tip inserts made from hot-pressed silicon nitride gave excellent test results. Their behavior closely simulated metal tips. Wear was similar to that of metals but reduced by a factor of six.

Evaluation of the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill (fennel) fruits extracted by three different extraction methods by GC/MS.

PubMed

Hammouda, Faiza M; Saleh, Mahmoud A; Abdel-Azim, Nahla S; Shams, Khaled A; Ismail, Shams I; Shahat, Abdelaaty A; Saleh, Ibrahim A

2014-01-01

Hydrodistillation (HD) and steam-distillation, or solvent extraction methods of essential oils have some disadvantages like thermal decomposition of extracts, its contamination with solvent or solvent residues and the pollution of residual vegetal material with solvent which can be also an environmental problem. Thus, new green techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction and microwave assisted techniques, are potential solutions to overcome these disadvantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. Piperitum fruits extracted by three different extraction methods viz. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and hydro-distillation (HD) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results revealed that both MAE and SFE enhanced the extraction efficiency of the interested components. MAE gave the highest yield of oil as well as higher percentage of Fenchone (28%), whereas SFE gave the highest percentage of anethol (72%). Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) not only enhanced the essential oil extraction but also saved time, reduced the solvents use and produced, ecologically, green technologies.

Sensitive determination of estrogens in environmental waters treated with polymeric ionic liquid-based stir cake sorptive extraction and liquid chromatographic analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Lei; Mei, Meng; Huang, Xiaojia; Yuan, Dongxing

2016-05-15

A simple, sensitive and environmentally friendly method using polymeric ionic liquid-based stir cake sorptive extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) has been developed for efficient quantification of six selected estrogens in environmental waters. To extract trace estrogens effectively, a poly (1-ally-3-vinylimidazolium chloride-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolithic cake was prepared and used as the sorbent of stir cake sorptive extraction (SCSE). The effects of preparation conditions of sorbent and extraction parameters of SCSE for estrogens were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the developed method showed satisfactory analytical performance for targeted analytes. Low limits of detection (S/N=3) and quantification limits (S/N=10) were achieved within the range of 0.024-0.057 µg/L and 0.08-0.19 µg/L, respectively. Good linearity of method was obtained for analytes with the correlation coefficients (R(2)) above 0.99. At the same time, satisfactory method repeatability and reproducibility was achieved in terms of intra- and inter-day precisions, respectively. Finally, the established SCSE-HPLC/DAD method was successfully applied for the determination of estrogens in different environmental water samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of estrogens in spiked samples ranged from 71.2% to 108%, with RSDs below 10% in all cases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pressurized hot water extraction followed by miniaturized membrane assisted solvent extraction for the green analysis of alkylphenols in sediments.

PubMed

Salgueiro-González, N; Turnes-Carou, I; Muniategui-Lorenzo, S; López-Mahía, P; Prada-Rodríguez, D

2015-02-27

A novel and Green analytical methodology for the determination of alkylphenols (4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol, nonylphenol) in sediments was developed and validated. The method was based on pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) followed by miniaturized membrane assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The extraction conditions were optimized by a Plackett-Burman design in order to minimize the number of assays according to Green principles. Matrix effect was studied and compensated using deuterated labeled standards as surrogate standards for the quantitation of the target compounds. The analytical features of the method were satisfactory: relative recoveries varied between 92 and 103% and repeatability and intermediate precision were <9% for all compounds. Quantitation limits of the method (MQL) ranged from 0.061 (4-n-nonylphenol) to 1.7ngg(-1) dry weight (nonylphenol). Sensitivity, selectivity, automaticity and fastness are the main advantages of the exposed methodology. Reagent consumption, analysis time and waste generation were minimized. The "greenness" of the proposed method was evaluated using an analytical Eco-Scale approach and satisfactory results were obtained. The applicability of the proposed method was demonstrated analysing sediment samples of Galicia coast (NW of Spain) and the ubiquity of alkylphenols in the environment was demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

31 CFR 515.543 - Proof of origin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of goods of Cuban origin are generally not issued unless the applicant submits satisfactory... constitute satisfactory proof varies depending upon the facts of the particular case, it is not possible to... satisfactory proof of origin. Independent corroborating documentary evidence, such as insurance documents...

Improved 68 Ga-labeling method using ethanol addition: Application to the α-helical peptide DOTA-FAMP.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Koki; Kawachi, Emi; Uehara, Yoshinari; Yoshida, Tsuyoshi; Imaizumi, Satoshi; Ogawa, Masahiro; Miura, Shin-Ichiro; Saku, Keijiro

2017-01-01

We examined the 68 Ga labeling of the α-helical peptide, DOTA-FAMP, and evaluated conformational changes during radiolabeling. 68 Ga-DOTA-FAMP is a positron emission tomography probe candidate for atherosclerotic plaques. The labeling yield achieved by Zhernosekov's method (using acetone for 68 Ga purification) was compared with that achieved by the original and 2 modified Mueller's methods (using NaCl solution). Modified method I involves desalting the 68 Ga prior to labeling, and modified method II involves the inclusion of ethanol in the labeling solution. The labeling yield using Zhernosekov's method was 62% ± 5.4%. In comparison, Mueller's original method gave 8.9% ± 1.7%. Modified method I gave a slight improvement of 32% ± 2.1%. Modified method II further increased the yield to 66% ± 3.4%. Conformational changes were determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy, revealing that these differences could be attributed to conformational changes. Heat treatment affects peptide conformation, which leads to aggregation and decreases the labeling yield. Mueller's method is simpler, but harsh conditions preclude its application to biomolecules. To suppress aggregation, we included a desalting process and added ethanol in the labeling solution. These changes significantly improved the labeling yield. Before use for imaging, conformational changes of biomolecules during radiolabeling should be evaluated by circular dichroism spectroscopy to ensure the homogeneity of the labeled product. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Women and postfertilization effects of birth control: consistency of beliefs, intentions and reported use.

PubMed

Dye, Huong M; Stanford, Joseph B; Alder, Stephen C; Kim, Han S; Murphy, Patricia A

2005-11-28

This study assesses the consistency of responses among women regarding their beliefs about the mechanisms of actions of birth control methods, beliefs about when human life begins, the intention to use or not use birth control methods that they believe may act after fertilization or implantation, and their reported use of specific methods. A questionnaire was administered in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Participants included women ages 18-50 presenting for any reason and women under age 18 presenting for family planning or pregnancy care. Analyses were based on key questions addressing beliefs about whether specific birth control methods may act after fertilization, beliefs about when human life begins, intention to use a method that may act after fertilization, and reported use of specific methods. The questionnaire contained no information about the mechanism of action of any method of birth control. Responses were considered inconsistent if actual use contradicted intentions, if one intention contradicted another, or if intentions contradicted beliefs. Of all respondents, 38% gave consistent responses about intention to not use or to stop use of any birth control method that acted after fertilization, while 4% gave inconsistent responses. The corresponding percentages for birth control methods that work after implantation were 64% consistent and 2% inconsistent. Of all respondents, 34% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization and would not use any birth control method that acts after fertilization (a consistent response), while 3% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization but would use a birth control method that acts after fertilization (inconsistent). For specific methods of birth control, less than 1% of women gave inconsistent responses. A majority of women (68% or greater) responded accurately about the mechanism of action of condoms, abstinence, sterilization, and abortion, but a substantial percentage of women (between 19% and 57%) were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or natural family planning. Women who believe that life begins at fertilization may not intend to use a birth control method that could have postfertilization effects. More research is needed to understand the relative importance of postfertilization effects for women in other populations, and in relation to other properties of and priorities for birth control methods. However, many women were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of specific methods. To respect the principles of informed consent, some women may need more education about what is known and not known about the mechanisms of action of birth control methods.

38 CFR 21.4277 - Discontinuance: unsatisfactory progress, conduct and attendance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... progress, conduct and attendance. (a) Satisfactory pursuit of program. Entitlement to benefits for a... the pursuit of such program, continues to maintain satisfactory progress. If the veteran or eligible person does not maintain satisfactory progress, educational benefits will be discontinued by the...

Spectrophotometric Determination of Phenolic Antioxidants in the Presence of Thiols and Proteins.

PubMed

Avan, Aslı Neslihan; Demirci Çekiç, Sema; Uzunboy, Seda; Apak, Reşat

2016-08-12

Development of easy, practical, and low-cost spectrophotometric methods is required for the selective determination of phenolic antioxidants in the presence of other similar substances. As electron transfer (ET)-based total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays generally measure the reducing ability of antioxidant compounds, thiols and phenols cannot be differentiated since they are both responsive to the probe reagent. In this study, three of the most common TAC determination methods, namely cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt/trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS/TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were tested for the assay of phenolics in the presence of selected thiol and protein compounds. Although the FRAP method is almost non-responsive to thiol compounds individually, surprising overoxidations with large positive deviations from additivity were observed when using this method for (phenols + thiols) mixtures. Among the tested TAC methods, CUPRAC gave the most additive results for all studied (phenol + thiol) and (phenol + protein) mixtures with minimal relative error. As ABTS/TEAC and FRAP methods gave small and large deviations, respectively, from additivity of absorbances arising from these components in mixtures, mercury(II) compounds were added to stabilize the thiol components in the form of Hg(II)-thiol complexes so as to enable selective spectrophotometric determination of phenolic components. This error compensation was most efficient for the FRAP method in testing (thiols + phenols) mixtures.

Weed Control for Establishing Intensively Cultured Hybrid Poplar Plantations

Treesearch

Edward Hansen; Daniel Netzer; W.J. Rietveld

1984-01-01

Compares effeects of various wee-control methods, including hericides, cultivation, and legume cover crop, on tree survival and height growth of 2-year-old hybrid poplars. Cultivation and herbicides singly or in combination gave consistently better results than the other treatment tested.

34 CFR 361.89 - Enforcement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... revisions until the DSU sustains satisfactory performance based on the current performance levels over a period of more than 1 year. (d) If the Secretary determines that a DSU with less than satisfactory... satisfactory level on the compliance indicators. (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control...

A reliable method of manufacturing metallic hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces

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

Pogreb, Roman; Whyman, Gene; Barayev, Reuven

2009-06-01

A method of manufacturing hierarchical metallic surfaces demonstrating superhydrophobic properties is presented. The surfaces showed apparent contact angles as high as 153 deg. and sliding angles of 10 deg. for 50-100 {mu}l droplets. The Cassie-like model [A. B. D. Cassie and S. Baxter, Trans. Faraday Soc. 40, 546 (1944)], considering the hierarchical topography of the relief, predicts apparent contact angles in a satisfactory agreement with the measured values.

The preparation, mincing and canning of bovine offal (ruminal and intestinal wall) for human consumption.

PubMed

van der Made, H N; van Staden, J J

1975-09-01

The results of a sudy of methods of cleaning and preserving bovine ruminal and intestinal wall by canning are described. Such offal could be converted into a hygienically satisfactory and safe food by laboratory washing and canning, and töe end product had a extended shelf life. Methods are described and suggested as a basis for ensuring safe utilisation of a valuable food product.

THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF TERNARY ALLOYS OF PLUTONIUM WITH MOLYBDENUM AND URANIUM

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

Phillips, G.; Woodhead, J.; Jenkins, E.N.

1958-09-01

It is shown that the absorptiometric determination of molybdenum as thiocyanate may be used in the presence of plutonium. Molybdenum interferes with previously published methods for determining uranium and plutonium but conditlons have been established for its complete removal by solvent extraction of the compound with alpha -benzoin oxime. The previous methods for uranium and plutonium are satisfactory when applied to the residual aqueous phase following this solvent extraction. (auth)

Facile synthesis of amine-functional reduced graphene oxides as modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe adsorbent for multi-pesticide residues analysis of tea.

PubMed

Ma, Guicen; Zhang, Minglu; Zhu, Li; Chen, Hongping; Liu, Xin; Lu, Chengyin

2018-01-05

Amine-functional reduced graphene oxide (amine-rGO) with different carbon chain length amino groups were successfully synthesized. The graphene oxides (GO) reduction as well as amino grafting were achieved simultaneously in one step via a facile solvothermal synthetic strategy. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the modification of GO with different amino groups. The adsorption performance of catechins and caffeine from tea acetonitrile extracts on different amine functional rGO samples were evaluated. It was found that tributylamine-functional rGO (tri-BuA-rGO) exhibited the highest adsorption ability for catechins and caffeine compared to GO and other amino group functional rGO samples. It was worth to note that the adsorption capacity of catechins on tri-BuA-rGO was 11 times higher than that of GO (203.7mgg -1 vs 18.7mgg -1 ). Electrostatic interaction, π-π interaction and surface hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of tri-BuA-rGO played important roles in the adsorption of catechins as well as caffeine. The gravimetric analysis confirmed that the tri-BuA-rGO achieved the highest efficient cleanup preformance compared with traditional dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) adsorbents like primary-secondary amine (PSA), graphitized carbon black (GCB) or C18. A multi-pesticides analysis method based on tri-BuA-rGO is validated on 33 representative pesticides in tea using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry or high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis method gave a high coefficient of determination (r 2 >0.99) for each pesticide and satisfactory recoveries in a range of 72.1-120.5%. Our study demonstrated that amine functional rGO as a new type of QuEChERS adsorbent is expected to be widely applied for analysis of pesticides at trace levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatographic approach combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the assay of carbamate pesticides in water samples.

PubMed

Cavaliere, Brunella; Monteleone, Marcello; Naccarato, Attilio; Sindona, Giovanni; Tagarelli, Antonio

2012-09-28

A simple and sensitive method was developed for the quantification of five carbamate pesticides in water samples using solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS). The performance of five SPME fibers was tested in univariate mode whereas the other variables affecting the efficiency of SPME analysis were optimized by the multivariate approach of design of experiment (DoE) and, in particular, a central composite design (CCD) was applied. The optimum working conditions in terms of response values were achieved by performing analysis with polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber in immersion mode for 45min at room temperature with addition of NaCl (10%). The multivariate chemometric approach was also used to explore the chromatographic behavior of the carbamates and to evaluate the importance of each variable investigated. An overall appraisement of results shows that the factor which gave a statistically significant effect on the response was only the injection temperature. Identification and quantification of carbamates was performed by using a gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS) system in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. Since the choice of internal standard represented a crucial step in the development of method to achieve good reproducibility and robustness for the entire analytical protocol, three compounds (2,3,5-trimethacarb, 4-bromo-3,5-dimethylphenyl-n-methylcarbamate (BDMC) and carbaryl-d7) were evaluated as internal standards. Both precision and accuracy of the proposed protocol tested at concentration of 0.08, 5 and 3 μg l⁻¹ offered values ranging from 70.8% and 115.7% (except for carbaryl at 3 μg l⁻¹) and from 1.0% and 9.0% for accuracy and precision, respectively. Moreover, LOD and LOQ values ranging from 0.04 to 1.7 ng l⁻¹ and from 0.64 to 2.9 ng l⁻¹, respectively, can be considered very satisfactory. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

13 CFR 120.434 - What are SBA's requirements for loan pledges?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... satisfactory SBA performance, as determined by SBA in its discretion. The Lender's Risk Rating, among other factors, will be considered in determining satisfactory SBA performance. Other factors may include, but...); (d) All loan documents must be satisfactory to SBA and must include a multi-party agreement among SBA...

24 CFR 242.76 - Title evidence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., the mortgagee shall furnish to HUD a survey of the mortgage property, satisfactory to HUD, and a... reasons HUD considers to be satisfactory, title insurance cannot be furnished, the mortgagee shall furnish... company and in a form satisfactory to HUD. The policy shall name as the insureds the mortgagee and the...

42 CFR 456.650 - Basis, purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS UTILIZATION CONTROL Penalty for Failure To Make a Satisfactory... be reduced, by a specified formula, for any quarter in which a State fails to make a satisfactory... subpart specifies— (1) What States must do to make a satisfactory showing; (2) How the Administrator will...

Satisfactory visualization rates of standard cardiac views at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation using spatiotemporal image correlation.

PubMed

Cohen, Leeber; Mangers, Kristie; Grobman, William A; Platt, Lawrence D

2009-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which 3 standard screening views of the fetal heart (4-chamber, left ventricular outflow tract [LVOT], and right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT]) can be obtained satisfactorily with the spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technique. A prospective study of 111 patients undergoing anatomic surveys at 18 to 22 weeks was performed. Two ultrasound machines with fetal cardiac settings were used. The best volume set that could be obtained from each patient during a 45-minute examination was graded by 2 sonologists with regard to whether the 4-chamber, LVOT, and RVOT images were satisfactory for screening. All 3 views were judged satisfactory for screening in most patients: 1 sonologist graded the views as satisfactory in 70% of the patients, whereas the other found the views to be satisfactory in 83%. The position of the placenta did not alter the probability of achieving a satisfactory view, but a fetus in the spine anterior position was associated with a significantly lower probability that the views were regarded as satisfactory for screening (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.70; P < .05). This study suggests that STIC may assist with screening for cardiac anomalies at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation.

Predators and parasitoids associated with Scolytinae in Persea spp., and other Lauraceae in Florida and Taiwan

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Abstract Due to its association with Raffaelea lauricola, a pathogen that causes laurel wilt, the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus is considered one of the most damaging pests of Persea species including avocado. Currently there is no satisfactory method to control this pest. Biological c...

On floats and float tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seewald, Friedrich

1931-01-01

The principal source of information on float resistance is the model test. In view of the insuperable difficulties opposing any attempt at theoretical treatment of the resistance problem, particularly at attitudes which tend toward satisfactory take-off, such as the transitory stage to planing, the towing test is and will remain the primary method for some time.

Problems in specimen collection for sexually transmitted diseases.

PubMed

Larsen, B

1985-03-01

Laboratory methods for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are continuously undergoing improvement. It remains the responsibility of the clinician to become familiar with the tests available for the diagnosis of STDs. Those tests depend on obtaining clinical specimens from the proper site and on transporting them to the laboratory under satisfactory conditions.

The trophic classification of lakes using ERTS multispectral scanner data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackwell, R. J.; Boland, D. H.

1975-01-01

Lake classification methods based on the use of ERTS data are described. Preliminary classification results obtained by multispectral and digital image processing techniques indicate satisfactory correlation between ERTS data and EPA-supplied water analysis. Techniques for determining lake trophic levels using ERTS data are examined, and data obtained for 20 lakes are discussed.

46 CFR 56.95-10 - Type and extent of examination required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... necessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. In such cases a method of testing satisfactory to the... performance, particularly in field welding where conditions such as position, ambient temperatures, and cleanliness are not as readily controlled as in shop welding. It is to be employed whenever an Officer in...

The Psychometric Properties of the Swedish Version of the EB Process Assessment Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nyström, Siv; Åhsberg, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

Objective: This study examines whether the psychometric properties of the short version of the Evidence-Based Practice Process Assessment Scale (EBPPAS) remain satisfactory when translated and transferred to the context of Swedish welfare services. Method: The Swedish version of EBPPAS was tested on a sample of community-based professionals in…

[Crypto-hypospadias: a new therapeutic approach].

PubMed

Ottolenghi, A; Belligoli, A

1984-01-01

The AA present 26 cases of crypto-hypospadias traited by different methods. Particularly they describe a new technique, suitable to avoid urethroplasty; it consists in a wide mobilization of the urethra as Koff (modified) and a plasty of the tunica albuginea on the dorsal aspect of the shaft as Nesbit (modified). The first results are much satisfactories.

Report filing in histopathology.

PubMed Central

Blenkinsopp, W K

1977-01-01

An assessment of alternative methods of filing histopathology report forms in alphabetical order showed that orthodox card index filing is satisfactory up to about 100000 reports but, because of the need for long-term retrieval, when the reports filed exceed this number they should be copied on jacketed microfilm and a new card index file begun. PMID:591645

Natural regeneration - small ownerships from concept to practice

Treesearch

Arthur G., Jr. Dodge

1977-01-01

Established concepts of successful natural regeneration are not necessarily practiced on small ownerships of ten to 500 acres. Unevenage management will be the primary management system on small ownerships and natural regeneration is the most practical method of providing for continuous forest production. We can obtain satisfactory natural regeneration by good planning...

Assessing agreement with relative area under the coverage probability curve.

PubMed

Barnhart, Huiman X

2016-08-15

There has been substantial statistical literature in the last several decades on assessing agreement, and coverage probability approach was selected as a preferred index for assessing and improving measurement agreement in a core laboratory setting. With this approach, a satisfactory agreement is based on pre-specified high satisfactory coverage probability (e.g., 95%), given one pre-specified acceptable difference. In practice, we may want to have quality control on more than one pre-specified differences, or we may simply want to summarize the agreement based on differences up to a maximum acceptable difference. We propose to assess agreement via the coverage probability curve that provides a full spectrum of measurement error at various differences/disagreement. Relative area under the coverage probability curve is proposed for the summary of overall agreement, and this new summary index can be used for comparison of different intra-methods or inter-methods/labs/observers' agreement. Simulation studies and a blood pressure example are used for illustration of the methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A new plastic surgical technique for adult congenital webbed penis

PubMed Central

Chen, Yue-bing; Ding, Xian-fan; Luo, Chong; Yu, Shi-cheng; Yu, Yan-lan; Chen, Bi-de; Zhang, Zhi-gen; Li, Gong-hui

2012-01-01

Objective: To introduce a novel surgical technique for correction of adult congenital webbed penis. Methods: From March 2010 to December 2011, 12 patients (age range: 14–23 years old) were diagnosed as having a webbed penis and underwent a new surgical procedure designed by us. Results: All cases were treated successfully without severe complication. The operation time ranged from 20 min to 1 h. The average bleeding volume was less than 50 ml. All patients achieved satisfactory cosmetic results after surgery. The penile curvature disappeared in all cases and all patients remained well after 1 to 3 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Adult webbed penis with complaints of discomfort or psychological pressure due to a poor profile should be indicators for surgery. Good corrective surgery should expose the glans and coronal sulcus, match the penile skin length to the penile shaft length dorsally and ventrally, and provide a normal penoscrotal junction. Our new technique is a safe and effective method for the correction of adult webbed penis, which produces satisfactory results. PMID:22949367

Galvanic coupling between D6AC steel, 6061-T6 aluminum, Inconel 718 and graphite-epoxy composite material: Corrosion occurrence and prevention

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danford, M. D.; Higgins, R. H.

1983-01-01

The effects of galvanic coupling between D6AC steel, 6061-T6 aluminum, Inconel 718, and graphite-epoxy composite material (G/E) in 3.5% NaCl were studied. Measurements of corrosion potentials, galvanic currents and corrosion rates of the bare metals using weight-loss methods served to establish the need for corrosion protection in cases where D6AC steel and 6061-T6 aluminum are galvanically coupled to G/E in salt water while Inconel 718 was shown to be compatible with G/E. Six tests were made to study corrosion protective methods for eliminating galvanic corrosion in the cases of D6AC steel and 6061-T6 aluminum coupled to G/E. These results indicate that, when the G/E is completely coated with paint or a paint/polyurethane resin combination, satisfactory protection of the D6AC steel is achieved with either a coat of zinc-rich primer or a primer/topcoat combination. Likewise, satisfactory corrosion protection of the aluminum is achieved by coating it with an epoxy coating system.

Estimation and optimization of thermal performance of evacuated tube solar collector system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikmen, Erkan; Ayaz, Mahir; Ezen, H. Hüseyin; Küçüksille, Ecir U.; Şahin, Arzu Şencan

2014-05-01

In this study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy (ANFIS) in order to predict the thermal performance of evacuated tube solar collector system have been used. The experimental data for the training and testing of the networks were used. The results of ANN are compared with ANFIS in which the same data sets are used. The R2-value for the thermal performance values of collector is 0.811914 which can be considered as satisfactory. The results obtained when unknown data were presented to the networks are satisfactory and indicate that the proposed method can successfully be used for the prediction of the thermal performance of evacuated tube solar collectors. In addition, new formulations obtained from ANN are presented for the calculation of the thermal performance. The advantages of this approaches compared to the conventional methods are speed, simplicity, and the capacity of the network to learn from examples. In addition, genetic algorithm (GA) was used to maximize the thermal performance of the system. The optimum working conditions of the system were determined by the GA.

Who Are We Not Calling On? A Study of Classroom Participation and the Implementation of the Name Card Method.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Angela

This study involved observing a second-grade classroom to investigate how the teacher called on students, noting whether the teacher gave enough attention to students who raised their hands frequently by calling on them and examining students' responses when called on. Researchers implemented a new method of calling on students using name cards,…

Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation and Reduction in Pregnancy Treatment (SCRIPT) Methods in Medicaid-Supported Prenatal Care: Trial III

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Windsor, Richard; Woodby, Lesa; Miller, Thomas; Hardin, Michael

2011-01-01

This two-phase evaluation documented the delivery and effectiveness of evidence-based health education methods by regular staff to pregnant smokers. During Phase 1, a total of 436 Medicaid patients were screened and 416 (95%) gave consent: 334 nonsmokers and 102 smokers. This historical Comparison (C) group was assessed to document the "normal"…

Rapid and improved gas-liquid chromatography technique for detection of hippurate hydrolysis by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

PubMed Central

Bär, W; Fricke, G

1987-01-01

A gas-liquid chromatographic method which requires no chloroform extraction of the split products has been investigated for the detection of hippurate hydrolysis by Campylobacter spp. This technique gave better reproducibility than other tests also used in this study and allows the routine use of the gas-liquid chromatographic method for identification of Campylobacter isolates. PMID:3654950

Patient Satisfaction in Military Dental Treatment Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-07

assessing satisfaction. Dental Patient Satisfaction 58 References Abidi, H. (2003). Encyclopedia of Social Sciences Research Methods . Thousand Oaks (CA...Care System that gave me the opportunity to attend the Baylor Program and to complete the dual Masters in Business Administration program at The...Patient satisfaction is an integral component of the report cards and thus military dentistry had to develop a method of standardizing the assessment of

Search for a schizophrenia susceptibility locus of human chromosome 22

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

Coon, H.; Hoff, M.; Holik, J.

1994-06-15

We used 10 highly informative DNA polymorphic markers and genetic linkage analysis to examine whether a gene locus predisposing to schizophrenia is located on chromosome 22, in 105 families with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The LOD score method, including analysis for heterogeneity, provided no conclusive evidence of linkage under a dominant, recessive, or penetrance free model of inheritance. Affected sib-pair analysis was inconclusive. Affected Pedigree Member (APM) analysis gave only suggestive evidence for linkage. Multipoint APM analysis, using 4 adjacent loci including D22S281 and IL2RB, a region of interest from the APM analysis, gave non-significant results for the three differentmore » weighting functions. 18 refs., 1 fig., 7 tabs.« less

The Evil Joker.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagner, Michelle; Knudsen, Carla; Harper, Victoria

2000-01-01

A pumpkin decorating exercise gave California sixth-graders a chance to discuss a problematic school policy on gangs, using Pablo Freire's problem-posing method. Since the policy failed to understand student views, it officially sanctioned and promoted silence. Student journals revealed how gang activity was woven into their world. (MLH)

Risk management of key issues of FPSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Liping; Sun, Hai

2012-12-01

Risk analysis of key systems have become a growing topic late of because of the development of offshore structures. Equipment failures of offloading system and fire accidents were analyzed based on the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) features. Fault tree analysis (FTA), and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) methods were examined based on information already researched on modules of relex reliability studio (RRS). Equipment failures were also analyzed qualitatively by establishing a fault tree and Boolean structure function based on the shortage of failure cases, statistical data, and risk control measures examined. Failure modes of fire accident were classified according to the different areas of fire occurrences during the FMEA process, using risk priority number (RPN) methods to evaluate their severity rank. The qualitative analysis of FTA gave the basic insight of forming the failure modes of FPSO offloading, and the fire FMEA gave the priorities and suggested processes. The research has practical importance for the security analysis problems of FPSO.

An effective vacuum assisted extraction method for the optimization of labdane diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Wang, Ya-Qi; Wu, Zhen-Feng; Ke, Gang; Yang, Ming

2014-12-31

An effective vacuum assisted extraction (VAE) technique was proposed for the first time and applied to extract bioactive components from Andrographis paniculata. The process was carefully optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the best results were obtained using a boiling temperature of 65 °C, 50% ethanol concentration, 16 min of extraction time, one extraction cycles and a 12:1 liquid-solid ratio. Compared with conventional ultrasonic assisted extraction and heat reflux extraction, the VAE technique gave shorter extraction times and remarkable higher extraction efficiency, which indicated that a certain degree of vacuum gave the solvent a better penetration of the solvent into the pores and between the matrix particles, and enhanced the process of mass transfer. The present results demonstrated that VAE is an efficient, simple and fast method for extracting bioactive components from A. paniculata, which shows great potential for becoming an alternative technique for industrial scale-up applications.

Exchange-Mediated Contrast Agents for Spin-Lock Imaging

PubMed Central

Cobb, Jared G.; Xie, Jingping; Li, Ke; Gochberg, Daniel F.; Gore, John C.

2011-01-01

Measurements of relaxation rates in the rotating frame with spin-locking (SL) techniques are sensitive to substances with exchanging protons with appropriate chemical shifts. We develop a novel approach to exchange rate selective imaging based on measured T1ρ dispersion with applied locking field strength, and demonstrate the method on samples containing the X-ray contrast agent Iohexol (IO) with and without cross-linked bovine serum albumin (BSA). T1ρ dispersion of water in the phantoms was measured with a Varian 9.4T magnet by an on-resonance SL pulse with fast spin-echo readout, and the results used to estimate exchange rates. The IO phantom alone gave a fitted exchange rate of ~1 kHz, BSA alone was ~11 kHz, and in combination gave rates in between. By using these estimated rates, we demonstrate how a novel SL imaging method may be used to enhance contrast due to the presence of a contrast agent whose protons have specific exchange rates. PMID:21954094

Acoustic Signature from Flames as a Combustion Diagnostic Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-01

empirical visual flame length had to be input to the computer for the inversion method to give good results. That is, if the experiment cnd inversion...method were asked to yield the flame length , poor results were obtained. Since this wa3 part of the information sought for practical application of the...to small experimental uncertainty. The method gave reasonably good results for the open flame but substantial input (the flame length ) had to be

Radiographic parameters improve lower extremity prosthetic alignment.

PubMed

Mooney, Ryan; Carry, Patrick; Wylie, Erin; Schultz, Abby; McNair, Bryan; Page, Carol; Biffl, Susan; Heare, Travis

2013-12-01

The goal of prosthetic fitting is to provide comfort and functionality to the patient. It is thought that incorporating the use of standing anterior-posterior long leg radiographs (LLR) into the fitting of lower extremity prostheses will provide an objective guide when making adjustments, and be a better assessment of alignment. This study compares prosthetic alignment before and after radiography-guided adjustments. This retrospective study was performed at a multidisciplinary amputee clinic on patients with congenital and/or acquired limb deficiencies. Their prosthetic alignment was evaluated by LLR and adjusted as needed. Satisfactory alignment was defined as a mechanical axis angular deviation of ≤1° and a leg length discrepancy of ≤10 mm. A total of 45 unique prostheses from 24 subjects (10 female and 14 male) were included. Post-adjustment radiographs were obtained from 29 prostheses. After the initial prosthetic fitting, the probability of a satisfactory fit was 20.0 % (95 % CI 10.9-34.9 %). Following the baseline adjustment, the probability of a satisfactory fit improved to 53.3 % (95 % CI 37.5-70.9 %). After adjustment number 4, the probability of a satisfactory fit further improved to 76.7 % (95 % CI 41.9-98.0 %). There were also significant improvements in distal offset distance (p = 0.0040) and leg length discrepancy (p = 0.0206). The distal offset distance decreased by an average of 10.7 mm (95 % CI 3.6-17.8), and leg length discrepancy decreased by an average of 3.0 mm (95 % CI 00.48-5.5). The addition of LLRs to existing fitting methods significantly improves prosthetic alignment and length.

Comparison between exclusively school teacher-based and mixed school teacher and healthcare provider-based programme on basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation for secondary schools.

PubMed

Jiménez-Fábrega, X; Escalada-Roig, X; Miró, O; Sanclemente, G; Díaz, N; Gómez, X; Villena, O; Rodríguez, E; Gaspar, A; Molina, J E; Salvador, J; Sánchez, M

2009-09-01

To compare two teaching methodologies for PROCES (a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (b-CPR) programme for secondary school students): one exclusively performed by school teachers (study group) and another by a mixed team of school teachers and healthcare providers (control group). According to their preferences, teachers chose either method and students were consequently assigned to the control or study group. All participants took a 10 multiple-choice question exam regarding b-CPR skills twice: immediately after PROCES and one year later. Eight or more correct answers was considered satisfactory learning. Results between groups were compared. Associations between satisfactory learning and some student characteristics were analysed. Immediately after PROCES, 442 students (219 in the study group and 223 in the control group) took the exam. The percentage of satisfactory learning was not different: 67.1% in the study group and 64.6% in the control group. Immediate satisfactory learning was related to the absence of pending subjects in the control (odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.64) and study (OR 5.87, 95% CI 1.22 to 28.20) groups. One year later, a greater percentage of retention of b-CRP skills was detected in the study group (57.1% vs 40.6%; p = 0.01). The absence of any pending subject (OR 6.86, 95% CI 1.83 to 25.66) was independently associated with better retention in the study group, but not the control group. Secondary school teachers, previously trained in b-CPR, can teach these skills effectively to 14-16-year-old students using PROCES. The retention of b-CPR skills is greater with this methodology compared with a more standardised programme.

Characteristics of Patients With Satisfactory Functional Gain Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Postacute Rehabilitation Setting.

PubMed

Hershkovitz, Avital; Vesilkov, Marina; Beloosesky, Yichayaou; Brill, Shai

2017-01-10

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective and successful treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee as quantified by several measures, such as pain relief, improved walking, improved self-care, functions, and increased quality of life. Data are lacking as to the definition of a satisfactory functional gain in a postacute setting and identifying the characteristics of older patients with TJA who may achieve that gain. Our aim was to characterize patients who may achieve a satisfactory functional gain in a postacute rehabilitation setting following TJA. This was a retrospective study of 180 patients with TJA admitted during 2010-2013. The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the motor FIM, and the Timed Get Up and Go Test. Satisfactory functional gain was defined as an mFIM MRFS score above median score. Comparisons of clinical and demographic characteristics between patients who achieved a satisfactory functional gain versus those who did not were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and the χ test. The proportion of patients who achieved a satisfactory functional gain was similar in the total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty (THA) groups. The most significant characteristic of patients who achieved a satisfactory functional gain was their admission functional ability. Age negatively impacted the ability to achieve a satisfactory functional gain in patients with THA. Functional level on admission is the best predictive factor for a better rehabilitation outcome for patients with TJA. Age negatively affects functional gain in patients with THA.

Compliance with infection control practices in sputum microscopy centres: a study from Kerala, India

PubMed Central

Ubaid, N. P.; Nagaraja, S. B.; Shewade, H. D.; Padmanabhan, K. V.; Naik, B. R.; Satpati, M.; Blesson, S.; Jayasree, A. K.

2015-01-01

Background: One of the strategies of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in India to achieve tuberculosis control is by increasing case detection through a nationwide network of designated microscopy centres (DMC). Practice of standard precautions for infection control in these DMCs is very important to prevent transmission of infection not only to the laboratory personnel, but also to the general population. However, in India this has not been evaluated by an external agency. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess knowledge, facilities and compliance regarding infection control practices (ICP) in all 38 DMCs in Kannur district, Kerala, India, in 2015. Using observations and interviews, the investigators collected data in a structured format. Results: Overall knowledge about infection control was found to be satisfactory among 29% of laboratory technicians. Overall facilities for infection control were satisfactory in 61% of the DMCs, while adherence to ICP was satisfactory in 45% of the DMCs. Knowledge regarding ICP was better in government DMCs, whereas facilities for ICP and adherence to biomedical waste management guidelines were better in private DMCs. Conclusion: Given the higher risk of infection among laboratory technicians, there is an urgent need to address the shortcomings in infection control practices. PMID:26767180

Relationship Between Magnitude of Applied Spin Recovery Moment and Ensuing Number of Recovery Turns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anglin, Ernie L.

1967-01-01

An analytical study has been made to investigate the relationship between the magnitude of the applied spin recovery moment and the ensuing number of turns made during recovery from a developed spin with a view toward determining how to interpolate or extrapolate spin recovery results with regard to determining the amount of control required for a satisfactory recovery. Five configurations were used which are considered to be representative of modern airplanes: a delta-wing fighter, a stub-wing research vehicle, a boostglide configuration, a supersonic trainer, and a sweptback-wing fighter. The results obtained indicate that there is a direct relationship between the magnitude of the applied spin recovery moments and the ensuing number of recovery turns made and that this relationship can be expressed in either simple multiplicative or exponential form. Either type of relationship was adequate for interpolating or extrapolating to predict turns required for recovery with satisfactory accuracy for configurations having relatively steady recovery motions. Any two recoveries from the same developed spin condition can be used as a basis for the predicted results provided these recoveries are obtained with the same ratio of recovery control deflections. No such predictive method can be expected to give satisfactory results for oscillatory recoveries.

Processing method and corn cultivar affected anthocyanin concentration from dried distillers grains with solubles.

PubMed

Dia, Vermont P; Wang, Zhaoqin; West, Megan; Singh, Vijay; West, Leslie; de Mejia, Elvira Gonzalez

2015-04-01

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments with health benefits and potential use as food colorants. The objectives of this work were to (1) determine optimum parameters for the extraction of anthocyanins from dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS), (2) develop a method of anthocyanin extraction from DDGS, (3) quantify and identify the extracted anthocyanins, and (4) determine the effect of processing methods and corn cultivars on anthocyanin concentration. DDGS samples were prepared from purple (PC) and dark (DC) corn and processed using conventional enzymes (C) and granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes (GC). Three independent variables (ethanol concentration (0, 12.5, and 25%); liquid-to-solid ratio (30:1, 40:1, 50:1 mL/g); and extraction temperature (4, 22, and 40 °C)) and two dependent variables (anthocyanin concentration and a-value (redness)) were used. Results showed that dark corn DDGS gave anthocyanin concentration higher than that of purple corn. The GC process showed total anthocyanin concentration higher than that of the conventional method of DDGS production. The maximum anthocyanin concentration was obtained at 12.5% ethanol, 40:1 liquid-to-solid ratio, and 22 °C for C-PC [321.0 ± 37.3 μg cyanidin-3 glucoside (C3G) equivalent/g DDGS]. For GC-PC, 25% ethanol, 30:1 liquid-to-solid ratio, and 22 °C gave 741.4 ± 12.8 μg C3G equivalent/g DDGS. For GC-DC, 12.5% ethanol, 40:1 liquid-to-solid ratio, and 40 °C extraction gave 1573.4 ± 84.0 μg C3G equivalent/g DDGS. LC/MS-MS analysis showed that the major anthocyanins were cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-(6″-malonyl) glucoside, and peonidin-3-(6″malonyl) glucoside. In conclusion, anthocyanin extraction from colored corn DDGS can be optimized using 12.5% ethanol, 40:1 mL/g ratio, and 22 °C.

A validated method for rapid determination of dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human milk: focus on utility of tandem solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup.

PubMed

Lin, Yuanjie; Feng, Chao; Xu, Qian; Lu, Dasheng; Qiu, Xinlei; Jin, Yu'e; Wang, Guoquan; Wang, Dongli; She, Jianwen; Zhou, Zhijun

2016-07-01

An improved method based on tandem solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup and gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) has been validated for a rapid determination of dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), marker polychlorinated biphenyls (M-PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) using a large volume (50 mL) of human milk. This method was well validated for the measurement of these analytes in human milk from the general population with low limits of detection (LODs, 0.004-0.12 ng/g lipid), satisfactory accuracy (75-120 % of recoveries), and precision [less than 10 % of relative standard deviations (RSDs)]. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of this method, a good, presently validated and routinely used method based on an automated sample clean-up system (ASCS, based on the commercial acid multilayer silica, basic alumina, and carbon columns) was used in parallel for comparison. Compared with the ASCS method, this method presented comparable specificity. Additionally, this method, in contrast to ASCS method, highly reduced consumption of solvents (40 mL versus 500 mL), which results in much lower background in the procedural blank, reduced time, and enhanced sample pretreatment throughput. This method was also applied in a pilot study to measure a batch of human milk samples with satisfactory results. Graphical Abstract Characteristics of the application of tandem SPE cleanup for determination of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs,M-PCBs and PBDEs in human milk.

34 CFR 535.42 - What is the period of a fellowship?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... one-year periods to an individual who maintains satisfactory progress in a master's or post-doctoral... satisfactory progress in a doctoral program of study. (b) Subject to the availability of funds, and if an IHE... maintain satisfactory progress in the program of study. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7475) ...

46 CFR 177.310 - Satisfactory service as a design basis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Satisfactory service as a design basis. 177.310 Section... (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT Hull Structure § 177.310 Satisfactory service as a design basis. When scantlings for the hull, deckhouse, and frames of the vessel differ from those...

A comparative analysis of predictive models of morbidity in intensive care unit after cardiac surgery - part II: an illustrative example.

PubMed

Cevenini, Gabriele; Barbini, Emanuela; Scolletta, Sabino; Biagioli, Bonizella; Giomarelli, Pierpaolo; Barbini, Paolo

2007-11-22

Popular predictive models for estimating morbidity probability after heart surgery are compared critically in a unitary framework. The study is divided into two parts. In the first part modelling techniques and intrinsic strengths and weaknesses of different approaches were discussed from a theoretical point of view. In this second part the performances of the same models are evaluated in an illustrative example. Eight models were developed: Bayes linear and quadratic models, k-nearest neighbour model, logistic regression model, Higgins and direct scoring systems and two feed-forward artificial neural networks with one and two layers. Cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, infectious and hemorrhagic complications were defined as morbidity. Training and testing sets each of 545 cases were used. The optimal set of predictors was chosen among a collection of 78 preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables by a stepwise procedure. Discrimination and calibration were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, respectively. Scoring systems and the logistic regression model required the largest set of predictors, while Bayesian and k-nearest neighbour models were much more parsimonious. In testing data, all models showed acceptable discrimination capacities, however the Bayes quadratic model, using only three predictors, provided the best performance. All models showed satisfactory generalization ability: again the Bayes quadratic model exhibited the best generalization, while artificial neural networks and scoring systems gave the worst results. Finally, poor calibration was obtained when using scoring systems, k-nearest neighbour model and artificial neural networks, while Bayes (after recalibration) and logistic regression models gave adequate results. Although all the predictive models showed acceptable discrimination performance in the example considered, the Bayes and logistic regression models seemed better than the others, because they also had good generalization and calibration. The Bayes quadratic model seemed to be a convincing alternative to the much more usual Bayes linear and logistic regression models. It showed its capacity to identify a minimum core of predictors generally recognized as essential to pragmatically evaluate the risk of developing morbidity after heart surgery.

[Fast optimization of stepwise gradient conditions for ternary mobile phase in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography].

PubMed

Shan, Yi-chu; Zhang, Yu-kui; Zhao, Rui-huan

2002-07-01

In high performance liquid chromatography, it is necessary to apply multi-composition gradient elution for the separation of complex samples such as environmental and biological samples. Multivariate stepwise gradient elution is one of the most efficient elution modes, because it combines the high selectivity of multi-composition mobile phase and shorter analysis time of gradient elution. In practical separations, the separation selectivity of samples can be effectively adjusted by using ternary mobile phase. For the optimization of these parameters, the retention equation of samples must be obtained at first. Traditionally, several isocratic experiments are used to get the retention equation of solute. However, it is time consuming especially for the separation of complex samples with a wide range of polarity. A new method for the fast optimization of ternary stepwise gradient elution was proposed based on the migration rule of solute in column. First, the coefficients of retention equation of solute are obtained by running several linear gradient experiments, then the optimal separation conditions are searched according to the hierarchical chromatography response function which acts as the optimization criterion. For each kind of organic modifier, two initial linear gradient experiments are used to obtain the primary coefficients of retention equation of each solute. For ternary mobile phase, only four linear gradient runs are needed to get the coefficients of retention equation. Then the retention times of solutes under arbitrary mobile phase composition can be predicted. The initial optimal mobile phase composition is obtained by resolution mapping for all of the solutes. A hierarchical chromatography response function is used to evaluate the separation efficiencies and search the optimal elution conditions. In subsequent optimization, the migrating distance of solute in the column is considered to decide the mobile phase composition and sustaining time of the latter steps until all the solutes are eluted out. Thus the first stepwise gradient elution conditions are predicted. If the resolution of samples under the predicted optimal separation conditions is satisfactory, the optimization procedure is stopped; otherwise, the coefficients of retention equation are adjusted according to the experimental results under the previously predicted elution conditions. Then the new stepwise gradient elution conditions are predicted repeatedly until satisfactory resolution is obtained. Normally, the satisfactory separation conditions can be found only after six experiments by using the proposed method. In comparison with the traditional optimization method, the time needed to finish the optimization procedure can be greatly reduced. The method has been validated by its application to the separation of several samples such as amino acid derivatives, aromatic amines, in which satisfactory separations were obtained with predicted resolution.

A new technique for Gram staining paraffin-embedded tissue.

PubMed Central

Engbaek, K; Johansen, K S; Jensen, M E

1979-01-01

Five techniques for Gram staining bacteria in paraffin sections were compared on serial sections of pulmonary tissues from eight bacteriological necropsies. Brown and Hopp's method was the most satisfactory for distinguishing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, this method cannot be recommended as the preparations were frequently overstained, and the Gram-negative bacteria were stained indistinctly. A modification of Brown and Hopps' method was developed which stains larger numbers of Gram-negative bacteria and differentiates well between different cell types and connective tissue, and there is no risk of overstaining. PMID:86548

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance mutations to rifampin and isoniazid by real-time PCR.

PubMed

Hristea, A; Otelea, D; Paraschiv, S; Macri, A; Baicus, C; Moldovan, O; Tinischi, M; Arama, V; Streinu-Cercel, A

2010-01-01

The objective of our study was to evaluate the use of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique for the prediction of phenotypic resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We tested 67 M tuberculosis strains (26 drug resistant and 41 drug susceptible) using a method recommended for the LightCycler platform. The susceptibility testing was performed by the absolute concentration method. For rifampin resistance, two regions of the rpoB gene were targeted, while for identification of isoniazid resistance, we searched for mutations in katG and inhA genes. The sensitivity and specificity of this method for rapid detection of mutations for isoniazid resistance were 96% (95% CI: 88% to 100%) and 95% (95% CI: 89% to 100%), respectively. For detection of rifampin resistance, the sensitivity and specificity were 92% (95% CI: 81% to 100%) and 74% (95% CI: 61% to 87%), respectively. The main isoniazid resistance mechanism identified in our isolates is related to changes in the katG gene that encodes catalase. We found that for rifampin resistance the concordance between the predicted and observed phenotype was less than satisfactory. Using this method, the best accuracy for genotyping compared with phenotypic resistance testing was obtained for detecting isoniazid resistance mutations. Although real-time PCR assay may be a valuable diagnostic tool, it is not yet completely satisfactory for detection of drug resistance mutations in M tuberculosis.

A Method of Calibrating Airspeed Installations on Airplanes at Transonic and Supersonic Speeds by the Use of Accelerometer and Attitude-Angle Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalovick, John A; Lina, Lindsay J; Trant, James P , Jr

1953-01-01

A method is described for calibrating airspeed installation on airplanes at transonic and supersonic speeds in vertical-plane maneuvers in which use is made of measurements of normal and longitudinal accelerations and attitude angle. In this method all the required instrumentation is carried within the airplane. An analytical study of the effects of various sources of error on the accuracy of an airspeed calibration by the accelerometer method indicated that the required measurements can be made accurately enough to insure a satisfactory calibration.

Monosodium glutamate for simple photometric iron analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasetyo, E.

2018-01-01

Simple photometric method for iron analysis using monosodium glutamate (MSG) was proposed. The method could be used as an alternative method, which was technically simple, economic, quantitative, readily available, scientifically sound and environmental friendly. Rapid reaction of iron (III) with glutamate in sodium chloride-hydrochloric acid buffer (pH 2) to form red-brown complex was served as a basis in the photometric determination, which obeyed the range of iron (III) concentration 1.6 - 80 µg/ml. This method could be applied to determine iron concentration in soil with satisfactory results (accuracy and precision) compared to other photometric and atomic absorption spectrometry results.

Evaluation of surface modification methods to mitigate rusting and pitting in weathering steel bridges : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-09-01

Accelerated laboratory atmospheric exposure simulation tests with an acceleration factor of 50 and extending for a maximum of 2200 wet-dry cycles (6-year exposure equivalent) gave corrosion loss data that agreed fairly well with the field data derive...

Who Recommends Long-Term Care Matters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kane, Robert L.; Bershadsky, Boris; Bershadsky, Julie

2006-01-01

Purpose: Making good consumer decisions requires having good information. This study compared long-term-care recommendations among various types of health professionals. Design and Methods: We gave randomly varied scenarios to a convenience national sample of 211 professionals from varying disciplines and work locations. For each scenario, we…

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Synthesis and spectral properties of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one and its 17 beta-epimer and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity.

PubMed

Siddiqui, A U; Wilson, W K; Parish, E J; Gerst, N; Pinkerton, F D; Schroepfer, G J

1994-10-20

3 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one (2a) and its 14 beta-epimer 2b were prepared from 3 beta-acetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene (3). Hydroboration of 3 at 45-50 degrees C gave a mixture of 5 alpha,14 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,15 alpha-diol and 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3 beta,15 beta-diol, which were separated on silica gel as their 3 beta-tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers 5a and 5b. Oxidation of 5a with pyridinium chlorochromate, followed by desilylation with tetrabutylammonium fluoride gave 2a. Analogous transformations of 5b gave 2b contaminated with 2a. Desilylation of 5b followed by oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate resulted in a mixture composed mainly of 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3,15-dione and 2b. Successive chromatographic separations on silica gel and reversed phase media gave 2b of high purity. Compound 2a was also prepared by lithium-ammonia reduction of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (96% yield) and by selective reduction of 5 alpha-cholestane-3,15-dione with lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminum hydride (90% yield). Isomers 2a and 2b were readily epimerized under acidic or basic conditions or under conditions used for gas chromatographic analysis. The purities of 2a and 2b were measured from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra; chromatographic methods gave less reliable estimates of purity. NMR data also showed that ring C of the 14 beta sterols is predominantly in a chair conformation. The effects of 2a and 2b on the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase have been studied in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Chemistry of 1,1,2,2,9,9,10,10-octafluoro-[2,2]-paracyclophane: Its synthesis and reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Jian-Xin

This dissertation describes the first example of the synthesis of 1,1,2,2,9,9,10,10-octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophane (AF4) under non-high-dilution conditions. Under very mild reaction conditions, bis-p-(chlorodifluoromethyl)benzene (TFPX dichloride) and its derivatives reacted with Zn dust in N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMA) (Zinc method) affording the corresponding AF4 and its derivatives in moderate to good yields. Purification of products was also studied and an efficient purification process was developed. A new and very cheap method for preparation of TFPX dichloride is also disclosed. Using the very cheap fluorinating reagent, anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF), 1,4-bis(trichloromethyl)benezene or its derivatives were converted to TFPX and its derivatives in high yields (F/Cl exchange reaction). With the success of the Zinc method and F/Cl exchange reaction, highly pure AF4 thus can be provided to the semiconductor industry and academy research scientists in large quantity and at a very low price. Starting from AF4, numerous AF4 derivatives were synthesized using convenient reaction conditions. Reaction of AF4 with fuming nitric acid at room temperature gave mono-nitroAF4 in almost quantitative yield. Reduction of the mono-nitroAF4 with iron powder in the presence of HCl in alcoholic solvent gave the aminoAF4 in 90% yield. Via the diazonium salt intermediate, iodoAF4 was also obtained in good yield. Under similar reaction conditions, disubstituted AF4 derivatives were also prepared in good yields. Heating a mixture of AF4, trifluoroacetyl peroxide and dichloromethane gave the trifluoromethylated dimeric AF4 as a mixture of diastereomers. When these products were heated to 170--180°C in the presence of I 2, 4-trifluoromethyl-AF4 was obtained in almost 87% yield. X-ray structural analysis showed that the C-C bond connecting the two cyclophane moieties to be longer than the normal C-C bond. Kinetic studies, conducted in the presence of excess amount of hydrogen donor, showed this bond to be quite weak. Oxidation of AF4 with HIO3 in the presence of catalytic amount of H2SO4 in trifluoroacetic acid gave AF4 quinone in one step. AF4 quinone can be easily reduced to the hydroquinone by Na 2S2O4 aqueous solution.

Photometric determination of phosphorus in mineralized biodiesel using a micro-flow-batch analyzer with solenoid micro-pumps.

PubMed

Lima, Marcelo B; Barreto, Inakã S; Andrade, Stéfani Iury E; Neta, Maria S S; Almeida, Luciano F; Araújo, Mário C U

2012-08-30

A method for the determination of phosphorus in mineralized biodiesel using a micro-flow-batch analyzer (μFBA) with solenoid micro-pumps was proposed. The samples were mineralized using an ashing procedure at 550 °C followed by dissolution of the residue. The determination of phosphorus was performed by employing the well-known molybdenum blue method. The measures of the absorbance were performed at 850 nm using an InfraRed LED integrated into the μFBA. Comparing with the reference method, no statistically significant differences were observed when applying the paired t-test at a 95% confidence level. Recovery study shows results between 97.9% and 105.8%. The proposed microsystem using solenoid micro-pumps presented satisfactory robustness and high sampling rate (190 h(-1)), with satisfactory reproducibility (relative standard deviation <4.5%, n=3), low reagents consumption (32 μL per analysis) and cost to build the device. Moreover, μFBA presents limit of detection (0.014 mg Kg(-1)), precision and accuracy compatible with the biodiesel regulations that establish a maximum concentration of 10 mg Kg(-1) (Brazil, USA, EU), suggesting that it is a good alternative for the determination of phosphorus in biodiesel. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Concept-Based Retrieval from Critical Incident Reports.

PubMed

Denecke, Kerstin

2017-01-01

Critical incident reporting systems (CIRS) are used as a means to collect anonymously entered information of incidents that occurred for example in a hospital. Analyzing this information helps to identify among others problems in the workflow, in the infrastructure or in processes. The entire potential of these sources of experiential knowledge remains often unconsidered since retrieval of relevant reports and their analysis is difficult and time-consuming, and the reporting systems often do not provide support for these tasks. The objective of this work is to develop a method for retrieving reports from the CIRS related to a specific user query. atural language processing (NLP) and information retrieval (IR) methods are exploited for realizing the retrieval. We compare standard retrieval methods that rely upon frequency of words with an approach that includes a semantic mapping of natural language to concepts of a medical ontology. By an evaluation, we demonstrate the feasibility of semantic document enrichment to improve recall in incident reporting retrieval. It is shown that a combination of standard keyword-based retrieval with semantic search results in highly satisfactory recall values. In future work, the evaluation should be repeated on a larger data set and real-time user evaluation need to be performed to assess user satisfactory with the system and results.

77 FR 4029 - Nationwide Categorical Waivers Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-26

... available quantities and of a satisfactory quality), with respect to Recovery Act projects funded by EERE... and of a satisfactory quality (``nonavailability''). The authority of the Secretary of Energy to make... available quantities and of a satisfactory quality. The above items, when used on eligible EERE Recovery Act...

46 CFR 177.310 - Satisfactory service as a design basis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Satisfactory service as a design basis. 177.310 Section 177.310 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT Hull Structure § 177.310 Satisfactory service as a design basis. When scantlings for the hull,...

46 CFR 177.310 - Satisfactory service as a design basis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Satisfactory service as a design basis. 177.310 Section 177.310 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT Hull Structure § 177.310 Satisfactory service as a design basis. When scantlings for the hull,...

46 CFR 177.310 - Satisfactory service as a design basis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 7 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Satisfactory service as a design basis. 177.310 Section 177.310 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS) CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT Hull Structure § 177.310 Satisfactory service as a design basis. When scantlings for the hull,...

Multimodality approach to renal and ureteric calculi.

PubMed

Ahlawat, R K; Tewari, A; Bhandari, M; Kumar, A; Kapoor, R

1991-01-01

Minimal or non-invasivemethods for treating renal or ureteric calculi have reduced the incidence of open surgery in the West to less than 1%. Before using these methods routinely in India we need to take into account the social and economic needs of our patients and the cost-effectiveness of the therapy. Over a period of 16 months we analysed the results of 596 renal units with renal and ureteric calculi managed by (a) extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, (b) percutaneous litholapaxy, (c) ureteroscopy, (d) open surgery and (e) various combinations of a, b, c and d. Out-patient lithotripsy achieved a satisfactory outcome in pelvic (69% complete clearance, 21% minor residue), middle calyceal (84% complete clearance, 5% minor residue) and non-impacted ureteric calculi (93% complete clearance) with limited stone bulk. Percutaneous procedures had a better and quicker outcome than lithotripsy when the stone bulk was greater than 400 mm 2 because it required a larger number of shock waves, repeated sittings and pre-lithotripsy stenting. Primary percutaneous debulking with adjunct lithotripsy for staghom calculi had a satisfactory outcome in 80% cases, while lithotripsy monotherapy usually failed. Percutaneous extraction resulted in a 95% success rate for large impacted upper ureteric calculi. Seventy-sixper cent of ureteric calculi below the pelvic brim were retrieved using ureteroscopy alone. Open surgery either primarily or after failure of other modalities was offered to 6.4% of the patients. It was the procedure of choice for large staghorn calculi with major stone bulk spread over various calyces, for multiple large pelvicalyceal calculi, and for calculi associated with congenital anomalies. In India lithotripsy should only be used when a quick and satisfactory outcome is expected, otherwise an appropriate minimally invasive method or surgical stone removal should be advised.

Three-finger tracheal palpation to guide endotracheal tube depth in children.

PubMed

Gamble, Jonathan J; McKay, William P; Wang, Andrew F; Yip, Kinsha A; O'Brien, Jennifer M; Plewes, Christopher E

2014-10-01

Accurate endotracheal tube (ETT) depth is critical, especially in children. The current tools used to guide appropriate ETT depth have significant limitations. To evaluate the utility of tracheal palpation in the neck to guide appropriate ETT placement in children. A prospective observational study with a convenience sample of 50 children was conducted. During intubation, an investigator palpated the trachea with three fingertips side-by-side extending upward from the suprasternal notch. The anesthesiologist advanced the ETT slowly until palpated at the sternal notch. The investigator stated ETT palpation certainty as 'strongly felt', 'weakly felt', or 'not felt.' Final ETT position was determined by bronchoscopy and categorized as 'ETT too shallow' (tip in proximal ¼ of trachea), 'ETT too deep' (tip in distal ¼ of trachea), or 'ETT placement satisfactory' (between those extremes). Thirty boys and 20 girls undergoing dental surgery with nasal intubation were recruited (median age 4.4 years; range 2.0-10.8). The ETT (all ≥4 mm ID) was palpable at the sternal notch in all patients: 46 of 50 strongly palpable and 4 of 50 weakly palpable. The experimental methods led to satisfactory ETT placement in 49 of 50 patients, too deep in 1 of 50 patients. Compared with the Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS) predictive formula, satisfactory placement would have been 41 of 50 patients (P < 0.008). Number needed to treat is 6.3 for improvement over the PALS method. The use of tracheal palpation to guide ETT placement has excellent clinical performance and better guides appropriate ETT depth than the PALS formula in our study population. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Standardized volume rendering for magnetic resonance angiography measurements in the abdominal aorta.

PubMed

Persson, A; Brismar, T B; Lundström, C; Dahlström, N; Othberg, F; Smedby, O

2006-03-01

To compare three methods for standardizing volume rendering technique (VRT) protocols by studying aortic diameter measurements in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) datasets. Datasets from 20 patients previously examined with gadolinium-enhanced MRA and with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for abdominal aortic aneurysm were retrospectively evaluated by three independent readers. The MRA datasets were viewed using VRT with three different standardized transfer functions: the percentile method (Pc-VRT), the maximum-likelihood method (ML-VRT), and the partial range histogram method (PRH-VRT). The aortic diameters obtained with these three methods were compared with freely chosen VRT parameters (F-VRT) and with maximum intensity projection (MIP) concerning inter-reader variability and agreement with the reference method DSA. F-VRT parameters and PRH-VRT gave significantly higher diameter values than DSA, whereas Pc-VRT gave significantly lower values than DSA. The highest interobserver variability was found for F-VRT parameters and MIP, and the lowest for Pc-VRT and PRH-VRT. All standardized VRT methods were significantly superior to both MIP and F-VRT in this respect. The agreement with DSA was best for PRH-VRT, which was the only method with a mean error below 1 mm and which also had the narrowest limits of agreement (95% of cases between 2.1 mm below and 3.1 mm above DSA). All the standardized VRT methods compare favorably with MIP and VRT with freely selected parameters as regards interobserver variability. The partial range histogram method, although systematically overestimating vessel diameters, gives results closest to those of DSA.

Considerations on the quantitative analysis of apparent amorphicity of milled lactose by Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Pazesh, Samaneh; Lazorova, Lucia; Berggren, Jonas; Alderborn, Göran; Gråsjö, Johan

2016-09-10

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate various pre-processing and quantification approaches of Raman spectrum to quantify low level of amorphous content in milled lactose powder. To improve the quantification analysis, several spectral pre-processing methods were used to adjust background effects. The effects of spectral noise on the variation of determined amorphous content were also investigated theoretically by propagation of error analysis and were compared to the experimentally obtained values. Additionally, the applicability of calibration method with crystalline or amorphous domains in the estimation of amorphous content in milled lactose powder was discussed. Two straight baseline pre-processing methods gave the best and almost equal performance. By the succeeding quantification methods, PCA performed best, although the classical least square analysis (CLS) gave comparable results, while peak parameter analysis displayed to be inferior. The standard deviations of experimental determined percentage amorphous content were 0.94% and 0.25% for pure crystalline and pure amorphous samples respectively, which was very close to the standard deviation values from propagated spectral noise. The reasonable conformity between the milled samples spectra and synthesized spectra indicated representativeness of physical mixtures with crystalline or amorphous domains in the estimation of apparent amorphous content in milled lactose. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioproduction, statistical optimization and characterization of microbial plastic (poly 3-hydroxy butyrate) employing various hydrolysates of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as sole carbon source.

PubMed

Radhika, D; Murugesan, A G

2012-10-01

Saccharified water hyacinth hydrolysates (acid and enzyme hydrolysate) were used for the efficient production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) via the Cupriavidus necator bacteria. The bacterium significantly utilizes the enzymatic hydrolyzate which gave the maximum PHB concentration (4.3 ± 0.4 g L(-1)), this was greatly exceeded the value of 2 ± 0.1 g L(-1) obtained from the acid hydrolysate amended media. Moreover, for the optimal PHB production, response surface methodology was used through central composite rotary design method which gave improved PHB concentration in microbial cells. After 72 h, 35 g L(-1) of reducing sugar contained water hyacinth hydrolysate and 1.5 g L(-1) of (NH(4))(2)SO(4) supplementation in laboratory scale fermentor gave 12 g L(-1) of dry cell weight and 7 g L(-1) of PHB. The produced PHB was characterized under FTIR, GPC and DSC instruments to find out the number average molecular mass, polydispersity index and melting temperature were 1.7 × 10(5)kDa, 1.9 and 170°C respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation of equivalent domain integral method in the two-dimensional analysis of mixed mode problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Shivakumar, K. N.

1989-01-01

An equivalent domain integral (EDI) method for calculating J-intergrals for two-dimensional cracked elastic bodies is presented. The details of the method and its implementation are presented for isoparametric elements. The total and product integrals consist of the sum of an area of domain integral and line integrals on the crack faces. The line integrals vanish only when the crack faces are traction free and the loading is either pure mode 1 or pure mode 2 or a combination of both with only the square-root singular term in the stress field. The EDI method gave accurate values of the J-integrals for two mode I and two mixed mode problems. Numerical studies showed that domains consisting of one layer of elements are sufficient to obtain accurate J-integral values. Two procedures for separating the individual modes from the domain integrals are presented. The procedure that uses the symmetric and antisymmetric components of the stress and displacement fields to calculate the individual modes gave accurate values of the integrals for all problems analyzed. The EDI method when applied to a problem of an interface crack in two different materials showed that the mode 1 and mode 2 components are domain dependent while the total integral is not. This behavior is caused by the presence of the oscillatory part of the singularity in bimaterial crack problems. The EDI method, thus, shows behavior similar to the virtual crack closure method for bimaterial problems.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Phenolic Antioxidants in the Presence of Thiols and Proteins

PubMed Central

Avan, Aslı Neslihan; Demirci Çekiç, Sema; Uzunboy, Seda; Apak, Reşat

2016-01-01

Development of easy, practical, and low-cost spectrophotometric methods is required for the selective determination of phenolic antioxidants in the presence of other similar substances. As electron transfer (ET)-based total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays generally measure the reducing ability of antioxidant compounds, thiols and phenols cannot be differentiated since they are both responsive to the probe reagent. In this study, three of the most common TAC determination methods, namely cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt/trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS/TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were tested for the assay of phenolics in the presence of selected thiol and protein compounds. Although the FRAP method is almost non-responsive to thiol compounds individually, surprising overoxidations with large positive deviations from additivity were observed when using this method for (phenols + thiols) mixtures. Among the tested TAC methods, CUPRAC gave the most additive results for all studied (phenol + thiol) and (phenol + protein) mixtures with minimal relative error. As ABTS/TEAC and FRAP methods gave small and large deviations, respectively, from additivity of absorbances arising from these components in mixtures, mercury(II) compounds were added to stabilize the thiol components in the form of Hg(II)-thiol complexes so as to enable selective spectrophotometric determination of phenolic components. This error compensation was most efficient for the FRAP method in testing (thiols + phenols) mixtures. PMID:27529232

Thermal/acoustical aircraft insulation material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Struzik, E. A.; Kunz, R.; Lin, R.

1975-01-01

Attempts made to improve the acoustical properties of low density Fiberfrax foam, an aircraft insulation material, are reported. Characterizations were also made of the physical and thermal properties. Two methods, optimization of fiber blend composition and modification of the foam fabrication process, were examined as possible means of improving foam acoustics. Flame impingement tests were also made; results show performance was satisfactory.

Semiconductor etching by hyperthermal neutral beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minton, Timothy K. (Inventor); Giapis, Konstantinos P. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An at-least dual chamber apparatus and method in which high flux beams of fast moving neutral reactive species are created, collimated and used to etch semiconductor or metal materials from the surface of a workpiece. Beams including halogen atoms are preferably used to achieve anisotropic etching with good selectivity at satisfactory etch rates. Surface damage and undercutting are minimized.

Analysis of improved criteria for mold growth in ASHRAE standard 160 by comparison with field observations

Treesearch

Samuel V. Glass; Stanley D. Gatland II; Kohta Ueno; Christopher J. Schumacher

2017-01-01

ASHRAE Standard 160, Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, was published in 2009. The standard sets criteria for moisture design loads, hygrothermal analysis methods, and satisfactory moisture performance of the building envelope. One of the evaluation criteria specifies conditions necessary to avoid mold growth. The current standard requires that...

How MOOC Instructors View the Pedagogy and Purposes of Massive Open Online Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Suzannah; Myrick, Jessica Gall

2015-01-01

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have proliferated in recent years despite disagreement about the role of MOOCs in higher education and whether student outcomes are satisfactory. Taking a mixed-methods approach, the current study surveys professors who have taught MOOCs (n = 162) in order to better understand how MOOCs are perceived by…

Side-branch wire entrapment during bifurcation PCI: avoidance and management.

PubMed

Burns, Andrew T; Gutman, Jack; Whitbourn, Rob

2010-02-15

An LAD/D1 bifurcation intervention was complicated by side-branch wire entrapment and unravelling requiring goose-neck snare removal. Residual microfilaments were retrieved from the main branch after further balloon inflations with a satisfactory final angiographic result and one-year follow-up. Various methods are available to avoid and deal with this complication.

Signal processing for order 10 pm accuracy displacement metrology in real-world scientific applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halverson, Peter G.; Loya, Frank M.

2004-01-01

This paper describes heterodyne displacement metrology gauge signal processing methods that achieve satisfactory robustness against low signal strength and spurious signals, and good long-term stability. We have a proven displacement-measuring approach that is useful not only to space-optical projects at JPL, but also to the wider field of distance measurements.

Lee side flow for slender delta wings of finite thickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szodruch, J. G.

1980-01-01

An experimental and theoretical investigation carried out to determine the lee side flow field over delta wings at supersonic speeds is presented. A theoretical method to described the flow field is described, where boundary conditions as a result of the experimental study are needed. The computed flow field with shock induced separation is satisfactory.

A non-destructive method for quantifying small-diameter woody biomass in southern pine forests

Treesearch

D. Andrew Scott; Rick Stagg; Morris Smith

2006-01-01

Quantifying the impact of silvicultural treatments on woody understory vegetation largely has been accomplished by destructive sampling or through estimates of frequency and coverage. In studies where repeated measures of understory biomass across large areas are needed, destructive sampling and percent cover estimates are not satisfactory. For example, estimates of...

Fabrication techniques for superconducting readout loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Payne, J. E.

1982-01-01

Procedures for the fabrication of superconducting readout loops out of niobium on glass substrates were developed. A computer program for an existing fabrication system was developed. Both positive and negative resist procedures for the production of the readout loops were investigated. Methods used to produce satisfactory loops are described and the various parameters affecting the performance of the loops are analyzed.

The San Dimas Soil Core Sampler

Treesearch

L. A. Andrews; W. M. Broadfoot

1958-01-01

The search for satisfactory methods of sampling soils for various purposes under a wide variety of conditions has led to the development of the equally wide variety of soil samplers described by Hoover, Olson, and Metz (5), Lull and Reinhart (8), and the U. S. Dept. Agr. Soil Survey staff (11). Although many of these samplers proved successful for the particular...

Logistic model analysis of neurological findings in Minamata disease and the predicting index.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Masanori; Kodama, Tomoko; Akiba, Suminori; Arimura, Kimiyoshi; Wakamiya, Junji; Futatsuka, Makoto; Kitano, Takao; Osame, Mitsuhiro

2002-01-01

To establish a statistical diagnostic method to identify patients with Minamata disease (MD) considering factors of aging and sex, we analyzed the neurological findings in MD patients, inhabitants in a methylmercury polluted (MP) area, and inhabitants in a non-MP area. We compared the neurological findings in MD patients and inhabitants aged more than 40 years in the non-MP area. Based on the different frequencies of the neurological signs in the two groups, we devised the following formula to calculate the predicting index for MD: predicting index = 1/(1+e(-x)) x 100 (The value of x was calculated using the regression coefficients of each neurological finding obtained from logistic analysis. The index 100 indicated MD, and 0, non-MD). Using this method, we found that 100% of male and 98% of female patients with MD (95 cases) gave predicting indices higher than 95. Five percent of the aged inhabitants in the MP area (598 inhabitants) and 0.2% of those in the non-MP area (558 inhabitants) gave predicting indices of 50 or higher. Our statistical diagnostic method for MD was useful in distinguishing MD patients from healthy elders based on their neurological findings.

The influence of restorative treatment approaches and the use of local analgesia, on the children's discomfort.

PubMed

van Bochove, J A; van Amerongen, W E

2006-03-01

The aim is to investigate possible differences in discomfort during treatment with the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) or the Conventional restorative method with and without local analgesia (LA). The study group consisted of 6 and 7 year old children with no dental experience (mean age 6.98, SD +/- 0.52) randomly divided into four treatment groups: Conventional method with and without LA and ART with and without LA. One or two proximal lesions in primary molars were treated. The heart rate and the behaviour (Venham) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 10.0. In a first session 300 children were treated and 109 children for a second time in the same way as at the first visit. During the first session ART without LA gave the least discomfort while the Conventional method without LA gave the most discomfort. During the second treatment the least discomfort was observed with ART without LA and the most discomfort in the Conventional way with LA. There is a constant preference for hand instruments; the bur is increasingly accepted. The experience with LA is the reverse.

High performance liquid chromatography analysis of aliphatic thiols in alimentary supplements and pharmaceuticals using menadione as a new useful derivatization reagent.

PubMed

Gatti, Rita; Vitellaro, Valeria

2013-12-04

The use of menadione (MD) as a pre-column reagent for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of aliphatic thiols is proposed. The reaction was carried out for 5 min at room temperature and pH 8.5. The developed method was applied to the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) analysis of alimentary supplements and pharmaceutical formulations. The effect of the complex matrix was evaluated by the study of the thiol derivatization reaction both in standard and in placebo solutions. The yield of NAC-MD adduct was found to be quantitative at a reagent to thiol molar ratio of about 4 in comparison with an authentic specimen of synthesized NAC adduct, which was characterized by (1)H NMR, IR and UV. The routine chromatographic separations were performed on a Synergi MAX-RP column using a mobile phase consisting of methanol/triethylammonium (TEA) phosphate buffer (pH 3; 0.05 mol L(-1)) 70:30 (v/v) at a flow-rate of 0.4 mL min(-1). UV-diode array detection was used setting the wavelength at λ=260 nm. The validation parameters such as linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, selectivity and ruggedness were found to be highly satisfactory. Similar linear responses were observed by standard and placebo solutions (determination coefficient: 0.9996). Limit of detection was about 0.019 μg g(-1). Intra-day precision (relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) was ≤0.81% for NAC to internal standard (IS) peak area ratio, ≤0.28% and ≤0.32%, respectively, for NAC and IS retention times (tR), without significant differences between intra- and inter-day data. NAC recovery studies gave good results (100.12%) with R.S.D.=1.05%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

What Medical Oncologist Residents Think about the Italian Speciality Schools: A Survey of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) on Educational, Clinical and Research Activities

PubMed Central

Moretti, Anna; De Angelis, Carmine; Lambertini, Matteo; Cremolini, Chiara; Imbimbo, Martina; Berardi, Rossana; Di Maio, Massimo; Cascinu, Stefano; La Verde, Nicla

2016-01-01

Background and objectives Relevant heterogeneity exists among Postgraduate Schools in Medical Oncology, also within the same country. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of Italian Postgraduate Schools in Medical Oncology, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) undertook an online survey, inviting all the residents to describe their daily activities and to express their overall satisfaction about their programs. Methods A team composed of five residents and three consultants in medical oncology prepared a 38 items questionnaire that was published online in a reserved section, accessible through a link sent by e-mail. Residents were invited to anonymously fill in the questionnaire that included the following sub-sections: quality of teaching, clinical and research activity, overall satisfaction. Results Three-hundred and eleven (57%) out of 547 invited residents filled in the questionnaire. Two-hundred and twenty-three (72%) participants declared that attending lessons was frequently difficult and 153 (49%) declared they did not gain substantial improvement in their knowledge from them. Fifty-five percent stated that they did not receive lessons on palliative care. Their overall judgment about didactic activity was low in 63% of the interviewed. The satisfaction for clinical activity was in 86% of cases good: 84% recognized that, during the training period, they acquired a progressive independence on patients' management. About research activity, the majority (79%) of participants in the survey was actively engaged in managing patients included in clinical trials but the satisfaction level for the involvement in research activities was quite low (54%). Overall, 246 residents (79%) gave a positive global judgment of their Medical Oncology Schools. Conclusions The landscape of Italian Postgraduate Schools in Medical Oncology is quite heterogeneous across the country. Some improvements in the organization of teaching and in the access to research opportunity are needed; the perception about clinical activity and the overall judgment of the programs are quite satisfactory. PMID:27403529

Detection of Clonorchis sinensis circulating antigen in sera from Chinese patients by immunomagnetic bead ELISA based on IgY.

PubMed

Nie, Ge; Wang, Ting; Lu, Shengjun; Liu, Wenqi; Li, Yonglong; Lei, Jiahui

2014-01-01

Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia including China. Clonorchiasis is included in control programs of neglected tropical diseases by World Health Organization (WHO) because it is one of the major health problems in most endemic areas. Diagnosis of clonorchiasis plays a key role in the control programs. However, so far, there is no satisfactory method for clonorchiasis because of low sensitivity, poor practicality and high false positivity of available diagnostic tools. We developed an immunomagnetic bead enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on IgY (egg yolk immunoglobulin) against cysteine proteinase of C. sinensis for detection of circulating antigen in serum samples of patients infected with C. sinensis. The polyclonal IgY, coated with magnetic beads, was used as a capture antibody and a monoclonal IgG labeled with horseradish peroxidase as a detection antibody in the IgY-based immunomagnetic bead ELISA system (IgY-IMB-ELISA). The results showed that the sensitivity of IgY-IMB-ELISA was 93.3% (14 of 15) in cases of heavy infection (5000 to 9999 eggs per gram feces, i.e, EPG 5000-9999), 86.7% (13 of 15) in cases of moderate infection (EPG 1000-4999) and 75.0% (9 of 12) in cases of light infection (EPG <1000) of clonorchiasis. Together 36 of total 42 (85.7%) serum samples of human clonorchiasis gave a positive reaction. There was a significant correlation between ELISA optical density and egg counts (EPG) with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 in total 42 patients. There were no positive results in patients with trichinosis (n = 10) or cysticercosis (n = 10). Cross-reactivity was 6.7% (2 of 30) with schistosomiasis japonica and 10.0% (3 of 30) with paragonimiasis, respectively. No positive reaction was found in 20 healthy persons. Our findings suggest that IgY-IMB-ELISA appears to be a sensitive and specific assay for detection of circulating antigen in human clonorchiasis.

Women and postfertilization effects of birth control: consistency of beliefs, intentions and reported use

PubMed Central

Dye, Huong M; Stanford, Joseph B; Alder, Stephen C; Kim, Han S; Murphy, Patricia A

2005-01-01

Background This study assesses the consistency of responses among women regarding their beliefs about the mechanisms of actions of birth control methods, beliefs about when human life begins, the intention to use or not use birth control methods that they believe may act after fertilization or implantation, and their reported use of specific methods. Methods A questionnaire was administered in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Participants included women ages 18–50 presenting for any reason and women under age 18 presenting for family planning or pregnancy care. Analyses were based on key questions addressing beliefs about whether specific birth control methods may act after fertilization, beliefs about when human life begins, intention to use a method that may act after fertilization, and reported use of specific methods. The questionnaire contained no information about the mechanism of action of any method of birth control. Responses were considered inconsistent if actual use contradicted intentions, if one intention contradicted another, or if intentions contradicted beliefs. Results Of all respondents, 38% gave consistent responses about intention to not use or to stop use of any birth control method that acted after fertilization, while 4% gave inconsistent responses. The corresponding percentages for birth control methods that work after implantation were 64% consistent and 2% inconsistent. Of all respondents, 34% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization and would not use any birth control method that acts after fertilization (a consistent response), while 3% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization but would use a birth control method that acts after fertilization (inconsistent). For specific methods of birth control, less than 1% of women gave inconsistent responses. A majority of women (68% or greater) responded accurately about the mechanism of action of condoms, abstinence, sterilization, and abortion, but a substantial percentage of women (between 19% and 57%) were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or natural family planning. Conclusion Women who believe that life begins at fertilization may not intend to use a birth control method that could have postfertilization effects. More research is needed to understand the relative importance of postfertilization effects for women in other populations, and in relation to other properties of and priorities for birth control methods. However, many women were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of specific methods. To respect the principles of informed consent, some women may need more education about what is known and not known about the mechanisms of action of birth control methods. PMID:16313677

An equivalent domain integral method in the two-dimensional analysis of mixed mode crack problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Shivakumar, K. N.

1990-01-01

An equivalent domain integral (EDI) method for calculating J-integrals for two-dimensional cracked elastic bodies is presented. The details of the method and its implementation are presented for isoparametric elements. The EDI method gave accurate values of the J-integrals for two mode I and two mixed mode problems. Numerical studies showed that domains consisting of one layer of elements are sufficient to obtain accurate J-integral values. Two procedures for separating the individual modes from the domain integrals are presented.

Gear Fatigue Crack Diagnosis by Vibration Analysis Using Embedded Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-04-05

gave references on Wigner - Ville Distribution ( WVD ) and some statistical based methods including FM4, NA4 and NB4. There are limitations for vibration...Embedded Modeling DISTRIBUTION : Approved for public release, distribution unlimited This paper is part of the following report: TITLE: New Frontiers in

Colliding Scopes: Seeing Academic Library Leadership through a Lens of Complexity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baird, Lynn N.

2010-01-01

Academic libraries routinely negotiate layers of change as embedded organizations in higher education institutions. Facing competing demands with limited resources gave rise to the question: how do academic library deans effectively lead their organizations in times of change? A Delphi Method study was conducted to identify successful leadership…

Parental Attributions for Success in Managing the Behavior of Children with ADHD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coles, Erika K.; Pelham, William E.; Gnagy, Elizabeth M.

2010-01-01

Objective: The current study evaluated the effects of differing intensities of behavior modification and medication on parents' self-reported success in managing their child's misbehavior and the attributions parents gave for success or failure. Method: Children were randomized to receive in counterbalanced orders different levels of behavior…

Interteaching and Lecture: A Comparison of Long-Term Recognition Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saville, Bryan K.; Bureau, Alex; Eckenrode, Claire; Fullerton, Alison; Herbert, Reanna; Maley, Michelle; Porter, Allen; Zombakis, Julie

2014-01-01

Although a number of studies suggest that interteaching is an effective alternative to traditional teaching methods, no studies have systematically examined whether interteaching improves long-term memory. In this study, we assigned students to different teaching conditions--interteaching, lecture, or control--and then gave them a multiple-choice…

The optimal dose of dexmedetomidine added to an sufentanil-based analgesic regimen for postoperative pain control in spine surgery

PubMed Central

Dong, Chun-Shan; Lu, Yao; Zhang, Jun; Sun, Peng; Yu, Jun-Ma; Wu, Chao; Lu, Qiang

2016-01-01

Abstract Postoperative spinal patients remain a challenge for provision of postoperative analgesia. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) is a major method in reducing the severe pain after the surgery in our institution, but some adverse effects prevent the use of adequate dosage opioids. This study was determined using the probit analysis to investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion for postoperative analgesia combined with sufentanil (SUF) in spine surgery. The dose of DEX needed to produce satisfactory analgesia conditions following combination of 3.0 μg/kg SUF in PCIA pump, which was diluted to 250 mL with a 4 mL/h as background infusion. Patients were recruited with age 35 to 65 years. The satisfactory criteria of postoperative analgesia were determined with a average satisfaction level of pain control, sedation, self-satisfaction, and adverse effects, among others. The dose of DEX was determined using the modified Dixon's up-and-down method (0.5 μg/kg as a step size). The first patient was test at 3.0 μg/kg DEX. The patient was assessed at 6, 12, 36 hours, and termination of PCIA following the continuous infusion of DEX-SUF mixture in PCIA after surgery. Twenty-five patients were enrolled by predetermined criteria. The optimal dose of DEX required for satisfactory analgesic was 4.33 (SD, 0.38) μg/kg combined with 3.0 μg/kg SUF via a PCIA volume of 250 mL by background infusion of 4 mL/h. Using probit analysis, the ED50 of DEX was 4.12 μg/kg (95% confidence limits 3.74–4.52 μg/kg) for satisfactory postoperative analgesic in spine surgery, the ED95 of DEX was 4.85 μg/kg (95% confidence limits 4.48–7.13 μg/kg). There was no report of somnolence or respiratory depression, relevant bradycardia or hypotension, or over sedation in this study. The optimal dose of DEX was 4.33 (0.38) μg/kg−1 combined with 3.0 μg/kg−1 SUF diluted to 250 mL with a background infusion of 4 mL/h for satisfactory analgesic after spine surgery. From probit analysis, ED50 and ED95 of DEX were 4.12 μg/kg (95% confidence limits 3.74–4.52 μg/kg) and 4.85 μg.kg−1 (95% confidence limits 4.48–7.13 μg/kg), respectively. PMID:27684802

A feasibility study in adapting Shamos Bickel and Hodges Lehman estimator into T-Method for normalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harudin, N.; Jamaludin, K. R.; Muhtazaruddin, M. Nabil; Ramlie, F.; Muhamad, Wan Zuki Azman Wan

2018-03-01

T-Method is one of the techniques governed under Mahalanobis Taguchi System that developed specifically for multivariate data predictions. Prediction using T-Method is always possible even with very limited sample size. The user of T-Method required to clearly understanding the population data trend since this method is not considering the effect of outliers within it. Outliers may cause apparent non-normality and the entire classical methods breakdown. There exist robust parameter estimate that provide satisfactory results when the data contain outliers, as well as when the data are free of them. The robust parameter estimates of location and scale measure called Shamos Bickel (SB) and Hodges Lehman (HL) which are used as a comparable method to calculate the mean and standard deviation of classical statistic is part of it. Embedding these into T-Method normalize stage feasibly help in enhancing the accuracy of the T-Method as well as analysing the robustness of T-method itself. However, the result of higher sample size case study shows that T-method is having lowest average error percentages (3.09%) on data with extreme outliers. HL and SB is having lowest error percentages (4.67%) for data without extreme outliers with minimum error differences compared to T-Method. The error percentages prediction trend is vice versa for lower sample size case study. The result shows that with minimum sample size, which outliers always be at low risk, T-Method is much better on that, while higher sample size with extreme outliers, T-Method as well show better prediction compared to others. For the case studies conducted in this research, it shows that normalization of T-Method is showing satisfactory results and it is not feasible to adapt HL and SB or normal mean and standard deviation into it since it’s only provide minimum effect of percentages errors. Normalization using T-method is still considered having lower risk towards outlier’s effect.

Comparison of midwifery students' satisfaction with direct observation of procedural skills and current methods in evaluation of procedural skills in Mashhad Nursing and Midwifery School.

PubMed

Hoseini, Bibi Leila; Mazloum, Seyed Reza; Jafarnejad, Farzaneh; Foroughipour, Mohsen

2013-03-01

The clinical evaluation, as one of the most important elements in medical education, must measure students' competencies and abilities. The implementation of any assessment tool is basically dependent on the acceptance of students. This study tried to assess midwifery students' satisfaction with Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) and current clinical evaluation methods. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the university hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The subjects comprised 67 undergraduate midwifery students selected by convenience sampling and allocated to control and intervention groups according to the training transposition. Current method was performed in the control group, and DOPS was conducted in the intervention group. The applied tools included DOPS rating scales, logbook, and satisfaction questionnaires with clinical evaluation methods. Validity and reliability of these tools were approved. At the end of training, students' satisfaction with the evaluation methods was assessed by the mentioned tools. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics. Satisfaction mean scores of midwifery students with DOPS and current methods were 76.7 ± 12.9 and 62.6 ± 14.7 (out of 100), respectively. DOPS students' satisfaction mean score was significantly higher than the score obtained in current method (P < 0.000). The most satisfactory domains in the current method were "consistence with learning objectives" (71.2 ± 14.9) and "objectiveness" in DOPS (87.9 ± 15.0). In contrast, the least satisfactory domains in the current method were "interested in applying the method" (57.8 ± 26.5) and "number of assessments for each skill" (58.8 ± 25.9) in DOPS method. This study showed that DOPS method is associated with greater students' satisfaction. Since the students' satisfaction with the current method was also acceptable, we recommend combining this new clinical evaluation method with the current method, which covers its weaknesses, to promote the students' satisfaction with clinical evaluation methods in a perfect manner.

36 CFR 51.48 - What happens to a right of preference in the event of termination of a concession contract for...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... its terms at any time for less than satisfactory performance or otherwise. If a concession contract is terminated for less than satisfactory performance or other breach, the terminated concessioner, even if... terminated a concession contract for less than satisfactory performance or other breach will not limit the...

41 CFR 102-117.285 - What are my choices if a TSP's performance is not satisfactory?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What are my choices if a TSP's performance is not satisfactory? 102-117.285 Section 102-117.285 Public Contracts and Property... are my choices if a TSP's performance is not satisfactory? You may choose to place a TSP in temporary...

Leonico Tomeo—the First Interpreter and Translater of Aristotle From Original Greek

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulaj, Tatjana; Mulaj, Zenun

2010-01-01

In the middle of XV century, in European Renaissance, it was necessary to study the Aristotle in original Greek, because translations from Arab in Latin had caused considerable alterations in the meaning of original texts. This task in the beginning was trusted to Leonico Tomeo, which, not only opened the way for the studying of the Aristotle in original, but himself made important interpretations about philosophic and social problems and gave his arguments about concepts of natural sciences, as for motion, atoms etc. He translated some works of Plato, Aristotle, Ptolemy etc, from the Greek to Latin. The work of Tomeo gave revolutionary results and prepared the way for the scientific method of Galileo, which from Padua, where worked and lived Tomeo and later, Galileo, propagates in all European universities.

Shuttle Centaur engine cooldown evaluation and effects of expanded inlets on start transient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

As part of the integration of the RL10 engine into the Shuttle Centaur vehicle, a satisfactory method of conditioning the engine to operating temperatures had to be established. This procedure, known as cooldown, is different from the existing Atlas Centaur due to vehicle configuration and mission profile differenced. The program is described, and the results of a Shuttle Centaur cooldown program are reported. Mission peculiarities cause substantial variation in propellant inlet conditions between the substantiated Atlas Centaur and Shuttle Centaur with the Shuttle Centaur having much larger variation in conditions. A test program was conducted to demonstrate operation of the RL10 engine over the expanded inlet conditions. As a result of this program, the Shuttle Centaur requirements were proven satisfactory. Minor configuration changes incorporated as a result of this program provide substantial reduction in cooldown propellant consumption.

The superior gluteal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of sacral sores

PubMed Central

Chen, Weijian; Jiang, Bo; Zhao, Jiaju; Wang, Peiji

2016-01-01

This report describes our experiences using the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps for reconstruction of 2 sacral sore cases. A 47-year-old female patient and a 38-year-old man with sacral sores were treated in our unit. The size of the defects were approximately 5×6 cm2 and 8×9 cm2, the defects were repaired by SGAP flaps. The size of designed was SGAP flaps varied from 7×20 to 9×16 cm2. All flaps survived and healed primary, the texture, functions, and appearance of flaps were satisfactory, and also without region dysfunction of donor and recipient sites. The SGAP flap, which has reliable blood supply, preserves the gluteus maximus muscle and could be transferred simply and safely, is an ideal and reusable method to reconstruct sacral sores with low rate of postoperative recurrence and satisfactory appearance. PMID:27652367

[Determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus by flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometry].

PubMed

Li, Tao; Wang, Yuan-Zhong

2008-04-01

Various test conditions and effect factors for the determination of mercury by flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometry were discussed, and a method for the determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus has been developed. The linear range for mercury is 0-60 microg x L(-1). The relative standard deviation is less than 3.0%, and the recovery is 96%-107%. This method is simple, rapid and has been applied to the determination of mercury in Boletus impolitus samples with satisfactory results.

Multiple exposure photographic (MEP) technique: an objective assessment of sperm motility in infertility management.

PubMed

Adetoro, O O

1988-06-01

Multiple exposure photography (MEP), an objective technique, was used in determining the percentage of motile sperms in the semen samples from 41 males being investigated for infertility. This technique was compared with the conventional subjective ordinary microscopy method of spermatozoal motility assessment. A satisfactory correlation was observed in percentage sperm motility assessment using the two methods but the MEP estimation was more consistent and reliable. The value of this technique of sperm motility study in the developing world is discussed.

New Method of Screening Young Children for Defects in Visual Acuity*

PubMed Central

Withnell, Allan; Wilson, H. E.

1968-01-01

The methods used at present for screening young children's vision have disadvantages, such as that the child's intelligence can affect the result. In a new method three white cards are used; these are printed with one, two, or three black blocks arranged so that if a child can correctly state the number of blocks at 6 metres the visual acuity is at least 6/9. When tested on 186 children the new method gave better results than conventional tests; eight children with defective vision were picked up only by the new method and none were missed. PMID:5681052

New method of screening young children for defects in visual acuity.

PubMed

Withnell, A; Wilson, H E

1968-10-19

The methods used at present for screening young children's vision have disadvantages, such as that the child's intelligence can affect the result. In a new method three white cards are used; these are printed with one, two, or three black blocks arranged so that if a child can correctly state the number of blocks at 6 metres the visual acuity is at least 6/9. When tested on 186 children the new method gave better results than conventional tests; eight children with defective vision were picked up only by the new method and none were missed.

A transmission electron microscopy study of Fe-Co alloy nanoparticles in silica aerogel matrix using HREM, EDX, and EELS.

PubMed

Falqui, Andrea; Corrias, Anna; Gass, Mhairi; Mountjoy, Gavin

2009-04-01

Magnetic nanocomposite materials consisting of 5.5 wt% Fe-Co alloy nanoparticles in a silica aerogel matrix, with compositions Fe(x)Co(1-x) of x = 0.50 and 0.67, have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show nanoparticles consisting of single crystal grains of body-centered cubic Fe-Co alloy, with typical crystal grain diameters of approximately 4 and 7 nm for Fe(0.5)Co(0.5) and Fe(0.67)Co(0.33) samples, respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra summed over areas of the samples gave compositions Fe(x)C(o1-x) with x = 0.48 +/- 0.06 and 0.68 +/- 0.05. The EDX spectra obtained with the 1.5 nm probe positioned at the centers of approximately 20 nanoparticles gave slightly lower concentrations of Fe, with means of x = 0.43 +/- 0.01 and x = 0.64 +/- 0.02, respectively. The Fe(0.5)Co(0.50) sample was studied using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and EELS spectra summed over whole nanoparticles gave x = 0.47 +/- 0.06. The EELS spectra from analysis profiles of nanoparticles show a distribution of Fe and Co that is homogeneous, i.e., x = 0.5, within a precision of at best +/-0.05 in x and +/-0.4 nm in position. The present microscopy results have not shown the presence of a thin layer of iron oxide, but this might be at the limit of detectability of the methods.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS OF THE DIAGNOSTIC USE OF RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHORUS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY

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

Stankovic, M.

Out of 10 cases, the use of radioactive P established four cases of malignant growths on the retina that were histologically confirmed, but gave falsely positive results in two cases immediately after surgical intervention, and was negative in the other four cases. It was concluded that the method appears justified in diagnosing intraocular tumors if regarded as an auxiliary method and not as the decisive factor. (P.C.H.)

Enhanced yield of phenolic extracts from banana peels (Musa acuminata Colla AAA) and cinnamon barks (Cinnamomum varum) and their antioxidative potentials in fish oil.

PubMed

Anal, Anil Kumar; Jaisanti, Sirorat; Noomhorm, Athapol

2014-10-01

The bioactive compounds of banana peels and cinnamon barks were extracted by vacuum microwave and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods at pre-determined temperatures and times. These methods enhance the yield extracts in shorter time. The highest yields of both extracts were obtained from the conditions which employed the highest temperature and the longest time. The extracts' yield from cinnamon bark method was higher by ultrasonic than vacuum microwave method, while vacuum microwave method gave higher extraction yield from banana peel than ultrasonic method. The phenolic contents of cinnamon bark and banana peel extracts were 467 and 35 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. The flavonoid content found in banana peel and cinnamon bark extracts were 196 and 428 mg/g quercetin equivalent, respectively. In addition, it was found that cinnamon bark gave higher 2,2-Diphenyl-1-1 picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was analyzed by measuring the peroxide and p-anisidine values after oxidation of fish oils, stored for a month (30 days) at 25 °C and showed lesser peroxide and p-anisidine values in the fish oils containing the sample extracts in comparison to the fish oil without containing any extract. The banana peel and cinnamon extracts had shown the ability as antioxidants to prevent the oxidation of fish oil and might be considered as rich sources of natural antioxidant.

Rapid developing of Ektaspeed dental film by increase of temperature.

PubMed

Fredholm, U; Julin, P

1987-01-01

Three rapid developing solutions and one standard solution were tested for contrast and fog with Ektaspeed film at temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to 30 degrees C. Temperatures below 18 degrees C were found to give extremely long developing times, more than 3 minutes with rapid developers, and were not recommended. In the interval between 21 degrees C and 24 degrees C the standard developer needed 3.5-2.5 minutes to get optimum contrast. Two rapid developers needed 1.5 minutes and the fastest 1 minute to get satisfactory contrast throughout this temperature range. A further increase of the temperature gave only a marginal time saving with the rapid solutions and was not considered worthwhile. The relation between developing time and temperature for the rapid developers had a very steep gradient below 21 degrees C, while it levelled out at room temperature. For the standard developer the time/temperature function had a more even gradient from 7.5 minutes at 15 degrees C to 1.5 minutes at 27 degrees C, i.e. an average reduction of 0.5 minute per degree. Between 27 degrees C and 30 degrees C the gradient levelled out. The fog did not increase significantly until at 30 degrees C or at more than double the optimal developing time at room temperature. Recommendations of optimal developing time of Ektaspeed film at different temperatures are given for the four tested developing solutions.

Detection of G1 genotype of human cystic echinococcosis in Egypt.

PubMed

Abd El Baki, Mohammad H; El Missiry, Adel M G; Abd El Aaty, Heba E M; Mohamad, Anhar A; Aminou, Heba A R

2009-12-01

The first trial to detect G1 genotype in Egyptian human isolates of hydatid cysts (HC) and serum samples to approach diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) using human sera by PCR. Using strain specific primers, 27/36 confirmed CE patients (75%) showed G1 specific band in their sera at 254 bp. Specificity was 100% without detecting bands for either other parasitosis, or mass occupying lesions. Using PCR, G1 genotype was detected in 83.3% of HC samples, without significant difference between types of human isolates (pulmonary, hepatic, or multi-organ). G1 genotype detection in human sera was in 75% of CE patients compared to 83.3% in HC samples of the same group of patients proved satisfactory, simple and safer than HCF sampling. IHAT gave sensitivity of 58.3% compared to histopathological examination of surgically removed cysts or examination of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) for protoscolices (gold standards). The specificity was 70% with false positive reactions with other parasitic infections and mass occupying lesions. PCR detection of G1 genotype in Egyptian animal hydatid cysts showed 90% in camel isolates and 80% in sheep isolates, but pig isolates were negative. The presence of this genotype in a high percentage in camel isolates incriminated sheep strain as the source of CE camel infection. The results may give an explanation to the contradicting results of other studies that did not relay upon molecular aspects.

Total hip arthroplasty for Crowe IV hip without subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy -a long term follow up study.

PubMed

Kawai, Toshiyuki; Tanaka, Chiaki; Kanoe, Hiroshi

2014-03-10

Several authors reported encouraging results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe IV hips performed using shortening osteotomy. However, few papers have documanted the results of THA for Crowe IV hips without shortening osteotomy. The aim of the present study was to assess the long term-results of cemented THAs for Crowe group IV hips performed without subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. We have assessed the long term results of 27 cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed without subtrochanteric osteotomy for Crowe group IV hip. All THAs were performed via transtrochanteric approach. After a mean follow-up of 10.6 (6 to 17.9) years, 25 hips (92.6%) had survived without revision surgery and survivorship analysis gave a survival rate of 96.3% at 10 years with any revision surgery as the end point. Although mean limb lengthening was 3.2 (1.0 to 5.1) cm, no hips developed nerve palsy. Complications occurred in four hips, necessitating revision surgery in two. Among the four complications, three involved the greater trochanter, two of which occurred in cases where braided cables had been used to reattach the greater trochanter. Although we encountered four complications, including three trochanteric problems, our findings suggest that THA without subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy can provide satisfactory long-term results in patients with Crowe IV hip.

Structure-Activity Relationships for Rates of Aromatic Amine Oxidation by Manganese Dioxide.

PubMed

Salter-Blanc, Alexandra J; Bylaska, Eric J; Lyon, Molly A; Ness, Stuart C; Tratnyek, Paul G

2016-05-17

New energetic compounds are designed to minimize their potential environmental impacts, which includes their transformation and the fate and effects of their transformation products. The nitro groups of energetic compounds are readily reduced to amines, and the resulting aromatic amines are subject to oxidation and coupling reactions. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is a common environmental oxidant and model system for kinetic studies of aromatic amine oxidation. In this study, a training set of new and previously reported kinetic data for the oxidation of model and energetic-derived aromatic amines was assembled and subjected to correlation analysis against descriptor variables that ranged from general purpose [Hammett σ constants (σ(-)), pKas of the amines, and energies of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO)] to specific for the likely rate-limiting step [one-electron oxidation potentials (Eox)]. The selection of calculated descriptors (pKa, EHOMO, and Eox) was based on validation with experimental data. All of the correlations gave satisfactory quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs), but they improved with the specificity of the descriptor. The scope of correlation analysis was extended beyond MnO2 to include literature data on aromatic amine oxidation by other environmentally relevant oxidants (ozone, chlorine dioxide, and phosphate and carbonate radicals) by correlating relative rate constants (normalized to 4-chloroaniline) to EHOMO (calculated with a modest level of theory).

Surface acid-base behaviors of Chinese loess.

PubMed

Chu, Zhaosheng; Liu, Wenxin; Tang, Hongxiao; Qian, Tianwei; Li, Shushen; Li, Zhentang; Wu, Guibin

2002-08-15

Acid-base titration was applied to investigate the surface acid-base properties of a Chinese loess sample at different ionic strengths. The acidimetric supernatant was regarded as the system blank of titration to correct the influence of particle dissolution on the estimation of proton consumption. The titration behavior of the system blank could be described by the hydrolysis of Al3+ and Si(OH)4 in aqueous solution as well as the production of hydroxyaluminosilicates. The formation of Al-Si species on homogeneous surface sites by hydrous aluminum and silicic acid, released from solid substrate during the acidic titration, was considered in the model description of the back-titration procedure. A surface reaction model was suggested as follows: >SOH<-->SO(-)+H+, pK(a)(int)=3.48-3.98;>SOH+Al(3+)+H4SiO4<-->SOAl(OSi(OH)3(+)+2H+, pK(SC)=3.48-4.04. Two simple surface complexation models accounted for the interfacial structure, i.e., the constant capacitance model (CCM) and the diffuse layer model (DLM), and gave a satisfactory description of the experimental data. Considering the effect of ionic strength on the electrostatic profile at the solid-aqueous interface, the DLM was appropriate at the low concentrations (0.01 and 0.005 mol/L) of background electrolyte (NaNO3 in this study), while the CCM was preferable in the case of high ionic strength (0.1 mol/L).

Comparison of talc-Celite and polyelectrolyte 60 in virus recovery from sewage: development of technique and experiments with poliovirus (type 1, Sabin)-contaminated multilitre samples.

PubMed

Sattar, S A; Westwood, J C

1976-11-01

For virus recovery from sewage, a mixture of talc and Celite was tested as a possible inexpensive substitute for polyelectrolyte 60 (PE 60). After adjustment of pH to 6 and the addition of 45-60 plaque forming units (PFU)/ml of poliovirus type I (Sabin) to the sewage sample under test, 100 ml of it was passed through either a PE 60 (400 mg) or a talc (300 mg)-Celite (100 mg) layer; the layer-adsorbed virus was eluted with 10 ml of 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in saline (pH 7.2). In these experiments, PE 60 layers recovered 73-80% (mean 76%) of the input virus. In comparison, virus recoveries with the talc-Celite layers were 65-70% (mean 68%). Passage of 5 litres of raw sewage (containing 50 to 1.26 X 10(5) PFU/100 ml of the poliovirus) through the talc (15 g)-Celite (5 g) layers and virus elution with 50 ml of 10% FCS in saline gave virus recoveries of 33-63% (mean 49%). Except for pH adjustment and prefiltration through two layers of gauze to remove large solids, no other sample pretreatment was found to be necessary. Application of this technique to recovery of indigenous viruses from field samples of raw sewage and effluents has been highly satisfactory.

Fixator-assisted medial tibial plateau elevation to treat severe Blount's disease: outcomes at maturity.

PubMed

Fitoussi, F; Ilharreborde, B; Lefevre, Y; Souchet, P; Presedo, A; Mazda, K; Penneçot, G F

2011-04-01

Severe forms of Blount's disease may be associated with medial tibial plateau (MTP) depression. Management should then take account of joint congruence, laxity, limb axis, torsional abnomality, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and eventual recurrence history. Eight knees (six patients) were managed in a single step comprising MTP elevation osteotomy, lateral epiphysiodesis and proximal tibia osteotomy to correct varus and rotational deformity. Fixation was achieved using an Ilizarov external fixator. Mean age was 10.5 years. Mean hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was 151°; distal femoral varus, 94°; metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA), 27°; and angle of depression of the medial tibial plateau (ADMTP), 42°. Predicted residual proximal tibial growth was 2.6 cm. At a mean 48 months' follow-up, results were good in six cases, medium in one and poor (due to incomplete lateral epiphysiodesis) in one. Mean lateral tibial torsion was 9° and final LLD 11 mm. Weight-bearing was resumed at 2 months, and the fixator was removed at 5.5 months postoperatively. At end of follow-up, mean HKA angle was 179.6°, MDA 7.3° and ADMTP 5.4°. This technically demanding procedure gave satisfactory results in terms of axes and congruence; longer term assessment remains needed. Level IV. Retrospective study. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Avoiding pitfalls in the determination of halocarboxylic acids: the photochemistry of methylation.

PubMed

Rubio, F J; Urbansky, E T; Magnuson, M L

2000-06-01

Haloethanoic (haloacetic) acids are formed during chlorination of drinking water and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These compounds are normally quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) as the methyl esters. EPA Method 552 uses diazomethane (CH2N2) for this purpose, but has only been validated by EPA for HAA6: chloro-, dichloro-, bromo-, dibromo-, bromochloro- and trichloroacetic acids. EPA Method 552.2 was developed and validated for all nine analytes (HAA9 = HAA6 + dibromochloro-, bromodichloro- and tribromoethanoic acids). Since the promulgation of Method 552.2, which uses acidic methanol, a debate has ensued over discrepancies observed by various laboratories when using diazomethane instead. In an effort to identify and eliminate potential sources for these discrepancies, a comparative study was undertaken for HAA9. Better accuracy and precision were observed for all HAA9 species by Method 552.2; recoveries were satisfactory in de-ionized and tap water. Method 552 remains satisfactory for HAA6. Systematic differences in instrumental response are observed for the two methods, but these are precise and may be accounted for using similarly treated standards and analyte-fortified (spiked) samples. That notwithstanding, Method 552 (CH2N2) was shown to be unsuitable for dibromochloro-, bromodichloro- and tribromoethanoic acids (HAA9-6). The primary problem appears to be a photoactivated reaction between diazomethane and the HAA9-6 analytes; however, side reactions were found to occur even in the dark. Analyte loss is most pronounced under typical laboratory lighting (white F40 fluorescent lamps + sunlight), but it is also observed under Philips gold F40 lamps (lambda > or = 520 nm), and in the dark.

Application of capillary electrophoresis for organic acid analysis in herbal studies.

PubMed

Fung, Y S; Tung, H S

2001-07-01

A capillary electrophoresis (CE) procedure has been developed for the separation of 25 inorganic and organic acid anions using a buffer system consisting of 15 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, 3 mM 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1.5 mM tetraethylenepentaamine (TEPA) and 20% methanol with pH adjusted to 8.4. A good separation of organic acids extracted from a mixture of Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) containing three herbs, Flos chrysthemi, Spica prunellae, and Folium mori was obtained using the procedure developed with satisfactory working range (0.20-77 mg/g), low detection limit (90-190 microg/g), and good repeatability (relative standard deviation 4.47-6.99%, n = 4). A satisfactory extraction of organic acids was achieved within 20 min using 0.1 M NaOH. The addition of TEPA to provide a reduced electroosmotic flow (EOF) environment was shown to remove interfering organic compounds extracted from TCM. The applicability of using organic acids as markers for determining the mixing ratio of constituent herbs for a TCM mixture was investigated using a three-component mixture with a 1:1:1 mixing ratio. A satisfactory mixing ratio of 1.04:1.09:0.98 was obtained using the methodology developed based on organic acids as markers. The application of our method for determining more complicated TCM mixtures has been discussed.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy vs cryoultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis. One year follow up study

PubMed Central

Vulpiani, Maria Chiara; Nusca, Sveva Maria; Vetrano, Mario; Ovidi, Serena; Baldini, Rossella; Piermattei, Cristina; Ferretti, Andrea; Saraceni, Vincenzo Maria

2015-01-01

Summary Background the purpose of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to those of cryoultrasound (Cryo-US) therapy in chronic lateral epicondylitis during a 12-month period. Methods single-blinded, randomized, controlled study of 80 participants treated for chronic LE with 3 ESWT sessions at 48/72-hours intervals (n=40) or 12 Cryo-US therapy sessions (4 sessions per week) (n=40). VAS and satisfactory results, considered as the sum of excellent and good scores in the Roles and Maudsley score, were used as outcome measures at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Results the results show statistically significant differences in VAS between the two groups at 6 (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001) in favour of the ESWT Group. At 12 months, a difference of more than 2 points in the VAS between the two groups is demonstrated in favour of the ESWT Group. Considering satisfactory results, significant differences between the two groups are observed at 6 (p=0.003) and 12 months (p <0.001) in favour of the ESWT Group where patients achieve a satisfactory rate over 50%. Conclusions ESWT has better clinical therapeutic results at 6- and 12-month follow-up as compared to Cryo-US therapy. Level of Evidence 1B. PMID:26605190

Implant Stability in the Posterior Maxilla: A Controlled Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

de Vasconcelos, Mario Ramalho; Lopes Guerra, Isabel Maria; de Campos Felino, Antonio Cabral

2017-01-01

Aim To evaluate the primary and secondary stability of implants in the posterior maxilla. Methods Patients were allocated into three groups: (A) native bone, (B) partially regenerated bone, and (C) nearly totally regenerated bone. Insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured at placement, to evaluate whether satisfactory high primary stability (IT ≥ 45 N/cm; ISQ ≥ 60) was achieved; ISQ was measured 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after placement, to investigate the evolution to secondary stability. Results 133 implants (Anyridge®, Megagen) were installed in 59 patients: 55 fixtures were placed in Group A, 57 in Group B, and 21 in Group C. Fifty-two implants had satisfactory high primary stability (IT ≥ 45 N/cm; ISQ ≥ 60). A positive correlation was found between all variables (IT, ISQ at t = 0, t = 60), and statistically higher IT and ISQ values were found for implants with satisfactory high primary stability. Significant differences were found for IT and ISQ between the groups (A, B, and C); however, no drops were reported in the median ISQ values during the healing period. Conclusions The evaluation of the primary and secondary implant stability may contribute to higher implant survival/success rates in critical areas, such as the regenerated posterior maxilla. The present study is registered in the ISRCTN registry with ID ISRCTN33469250. PMID:28626763

The Effectiveness of Peer Taught Group Sessions of Physiotherapy Students within the Clinical Setting: A Quasi-Experimental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Dee; Jelsma, Jennifer

2014-01-01

The study aimed to investigate whether learning from peers, learning from a clinical educator, or being the peer teacher during clinical group sessions was more effective at enhancing student learning outcomes for different health conditions. A secondary aim was to determine which method students found more satisfactory. Physiotherapy students at…

Successive smoothing algorithm for constructing the semiempirical model developed at ONERA to predict unsteady aerodynamic forces. [aeroelasticity in helicopters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petot, D.; Loiseau, H.

1982-01-01

Unsteady aerodynamic methods adopted for the study of aeroelasticity in helicopters are considered with focus on the development of a semiempirical model of unsteady aerodynamic forces acting on an oscillating profile at high incidence. The successive smoothing algorithm described leads to the model's coefficients in a very satisfactory manner.

CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION OF CIGUATERA POISON

DTIC Science & Technology

Research on ciguatera toxin resulted in a satisfactory method for extracting the toxin from fish muscle. Partial purification was also accomplished...by precipitation and silicic acid adsorption. The most precise fractionation of ciguatera toxin is accomplished on a silicic acid column developed...WILL LEAD TO HIGHLY PURIFIED SAMPLES OF CIGUATERA TOXIN. Paper chromatography was examined using fourteen different solvent systems, but none proved

46 CFR 160.035-6 - Construction of aluminum oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled lifeboats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... is to be heat-treated and checked by X-ray to assure a satisfactory weld. When using 5086-H 112 aluminum, the welded area is to be checked by a nondestructive test method such as X-ray, ultrasonic waves...) Dissimilar metals. (1) Where in the construction of aluminum lifeboats the use of dissimilar metals are...

46 CFR 160.035-6 - Construction of aluminum oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled lifeboats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... is to be heat-treated and checked by X-ray to assure a satisfactory weld. When using 5086-H 112 aluminum, the welded area is to be checked by a nondestructive test method such as X-ray, ultrasonic waves...) Dissimilar metals. (1) Where in the construction of aluminum lifeboats the use of dissimilar metals are...

Statistical, Graphical, and Learning Methods for Sensing, Surveillance, and Navigation Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-28

harsh propagation environments. Conventional filtering techniques fail to provide satisfactory performance in many important nonlinear or non...Gaussian scenarios. In addition, there is a lack of a unified methodology for the design and analysis of different filtering techniques. To address...these problems, we have proposed a new filtering methodology called belief condensation (BC) DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution approved for public release

Naval Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

Naval Doctrine Publication 1 Naval Warfare March 2010 Doctrine The only satisfactory method of ensuring unity of effort lies in due...LCDR Dudley W. Knox, USN “The Role of Doctrine in Naval Warfare” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, 1915 01 March 2010 FOREWORD United States (US...naval doctrine is the foundation upon which our tactics, techniques, and procedures are built. It articulates operational concepts that govern the

Transition-metal-free visible-light photoredox catalysis at room-temperature for decarboxylative fluorination of aliphatic carboxylic acids by organic dyes.

PubMed

Wu, Xinxin; Meng, Chunna; Yuan, Xiaoqian; Jia, Xiaotong; Qian, Xuhong; Ye, Jinxing

2015-07-28

We report herein an efficient, general and green method for decarboxylative fluorination of aliphatic carboxylic acids. By using a transition-metal-free, organocatalytic photoredox system, the reaction of various aliphatic carboxylic acids with the Selectfluor reagent afforded the corresponding alkyl fluorides in satisfactory yields under visible light irradiation at room temperature.

Innovative Second Language Speaking Practice with Interactive Videos in a Rich Internet Application Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pereira, Juan A.; Sanz-Santamaría, Silvia; Montero, Raúl; Gutiérrez, Julián

2012-01-01

Attaining a satisfactory level of oral communication in a second language is a laborious process. In this action research paper we describe a new method applied through the use of interactive videos and the Babelium Project Rich Internet Application (RIA), which allows students to practice speaking skills through a variety of exercises. We present…

Model-based multi-fringe interferometry using Zernike polynomials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Wei; Song, Weihong; Wu, Gaofeng; Quan, Haiyang; Wu, Yongqian; Zhao, Wenchuan

2018-06-01

In this paper, a general phase retrieval method is proposed, which is based on one single interferogram with a small amount of fringes (either tilt or power). Zernike polynomials are used to characterize the phase to be measured; the phase distribution is reconstructed by a non-linear least squares method. Experiments show that the proposed method can obtain satisfactory results compared to the standard phase-shifting interferometry technique. Additionally, the retrace errors of proposed method can be neglected because of the few fringes; it does not need any auxiliary phase shifting facilities (low cost) and it is easy to implement without the process of phase unwrapping.

Computer method for identification of boiler transfer functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, J. H.

1971-01-01

An iterative computer method is described for identifying boiler transfer functions using frequency response data. An objective penalized performance measure and a nonlinear minimization technique are used to cause the locus of points generated by a transfer function to resemble the locus of points obtained from frequency response measurements. Different transfer functions can be tried until a satisfactory empirical transfer function to the system is found. To illustrate the method, some examples and some results from a study of a set of data consisting of measurements of the inlet impedance of a single tube forced flow boiler with inserts are given.

Digital simulation of two-dimensional random fields with arbitrary power spectra and non-Gaussian probability distribution functions.

PubMed

Yura, Harold T; Hanson, Steen G

2012-04-01

Methods for simulation of two-dimensional signals with arbitrary power spectral densities and signal amplitude probability density functions are disclosed. The method relies on initially transforming a white noise sample set of random Gaussian distributed numbers into a corresponding set with the desired spectral distribution, after which this colored Gaussian probability distribution is transformed via an inverse transform into the desired probability distribution. In most cases the method provides satisfactory results and can thus be considered an engineering approach. Several illustrative examples with relevance for optics are given.

Fuzzy method for pre-diagnosis of breast cancer from the Fine Needle Aspirate analysis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Across the globe, breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women and, currently, Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) with visual interpretation is the easiest and fastest biopsy technique for the diagnosis of this deadly disease. Unfortunately, the ability of this method to diagnose cancer correctly when the disease is present varies greatly, from 65% to 98%. This article introduces a method to assist in the diagnosis and second opinion of breast cancer from the analysis of descriptors extracted from smears of breast mass obtained by FNA, with the use of computational intelligence resources - in this case, fuzzy logic. Methods For data acquisition of FNA, the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer Data (WDBC), from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) Machine Learning Repository, available on the internet through the UCI domain was used. The knowledge acquisition process was carried out by the extraction and analysis of numerical data of the WDBC and by interviews and discussions with medical experts. The PDM-FNA-Fuzzy was developed in four steps: 1) Fuzzification Stage; 2) Rules Base; 3) Inference Stage; and 4) Defuzzification Stage. Performance cross-validation was used in the tests, with three databases with gold pattern clinical cases randomly extracted from the WDBC. The final validation was held by medical specialists in pathology, mastology and general practice, and with gold pattern clinical cases, i.e. with known and clinically confirmed diagnosis. Results The Fuzzy Method developed provides breast cancer pre-diagnosis with 98.59% sensitivity (correct pre-diagnosis of malignancies); and 85.43% specificity (correct pre-diagnosis of benign cases). Due to the high sensitivity presented, these results are considered satisfactory, both by the opinion of medical specialists in the aforementioned areas and by comparison with other studies involving breast cancer diagnosis using FNA. Conclusions This paper presents an intelligent method to assist in the diagnosis and second opinion of breast cancer, using a fuzzy method capable of processing and sorting data extracted from smears of breast mass obtained by FNA, with satisfactory levels of sensitivity and specificity. The main contribution of the proposed method is the reduction of the variation hit of malignant cases when compared to visual interpretation currently applied in the diagnosis by FNA. While the MPD-FNA-Fuzzy features stable sensitivity at 98.59%, visual interpretation diagnosis provides a sensitivity variation from 65% to 98% (this track showing sensitivity levels below those considered satisfactory by medical specialists). Note that this method will be used in an Intelligent Virtual Environment to assist the decision-making (IVEMI), which amplifies its contribution. PMID:23122391

Inuit Social Studies: A Variant on a Common Theme.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolforth, John

1998-01-01

A social studies methods course for preservice Inuit student teachers in Canada mediated between the knowledge and professional skills required of social studies teachers as presented in the textbook and the knowledge brought by the Inuit students. Using genealogy, concept webs, and timelines, the instructor gave Inuit knowledge as much weight as…

Serrano and School Finance Reform in California.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Gerald C.

In the Serrano decisions, the courts found California's method of financing schools to be unconstitutional and gave the state until September 1, 1980 to reduce wealth-based expenditure differences to substantially less than $100 per pupil. The courts found three features of the state's system to be particularly onerous--the failure of the state to…

Audio and Written Comments in an Online Undergraduate Composition Class: Student and Instructor Approaches and Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavanaugh, Andrew; Song, Liyan

2015-01-01

This study investigated students' and instructors' approaches and preferences to audio and written comments in an online undergraduate composition class. A mixed-method design was employed utilizing both a survey instrument and interviews for data collection. Forty-nine students and five instructors participated. Students gave more positive…

Apples and Pears: Engaging Social Work Students in Social Dialogue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reyneke, Roelof P.

2017-01-01

Purpose: To investigate how an adventure-based activity could help facilitate dialogue and enable a safe process where students could engage in a difficult topic such as diversity without feeling threatened. Method: A qualitative study was used in which 89 social work students who took part in diversity training gave permission that their…

78 FR 25372 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-01

... fuselage skin along chem-mill steps at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas, and repair if necessary... at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas, and repair if necessary. Comments We gave the public... airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance...

78 FR 24338 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-25

... the fuselage skin along chem-mill steps at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas, and repair if... at certain crown skin and shear wrinkle areas, and repair if necessary. Comments We gave the public...'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of...

Parents' Views on Sexual Debut among Pre-Teen Children in Washington, DC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Leslie R.; Rose, Allison; Squire, Claudia; Koo, Helen P.

2008-01-01

Objective: Present US parents' perceptions about factors leading to early intercourse and strategies for overcoming them. Methods: Conducted analysis of eight focus groups with 78 male and female African-American and Hispanic caregivers of fifth-graders and sixth-graders (ages 10-12). Results: Participants gave the following primary reasons for…

Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Studio Experience To Teach Architecture and Construction Science Students the Design-build Project Delivery Method.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Charles W.; Geva, Anat

2001-01-01

An interdisciplinary studio project involved architecture and construction students. Evaluation of the integrated studio experience found that it gave students an accurate picture of professional practice. Architecture students were made more aware of building materials, construction technology, and cost; construction science students better…

Art Education in a Jail Setting: A Personal Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congdon, Kristin G.

1984-01-01

Teaching art to female prisoners at the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) County Jail gave them a new method of communicating with each other and with the outside world. Despite the difficulties of working within a maximum security prison, there was an atmosphere of sharing among the inmates and between teacher and students. (IS)

Methods for the Syntheses of Mono-, Di-, Tri- and Tetranitro Derivatives of Diphenylamine.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

condensation of the relevant nitroaniline (2- and 4- isomers) with bromobenzene (solvent) or nitroacetanilide (3- isomer) with bromobenzene in...Goldberg(ref.6) gave the 3- isomer. WSRL-0436-TR - 8 - A well agitated mixture of 3- nitroacetanilide (12.0 g, 0.067 mol), bromobenzene (21.0 g, 0.134

Evaluation of Two Teaching Programs Based on Structural Learning Principles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haussler, Peter

1978-01-01

Structural learning theory and the Rasch model measured learning gain, retention, and transfer in 1,037 students, grades 7-10. Students learned nine functional relationships with either spontaneous or synthetic algorithms. The Rasch model gave the better description of the data. The hypothesis that the synthetic method was superior was refuted.…

Diagnosis of mold allergy by RAST and skin prick testing.

PubMed

Nordvall, S L; Agrell, B; Malling, H J; Dreborg, S

1990-11-01

Sera from 33 patients with mold allergy proven by bronchial provocation were analyzed for specific IgE against six mold species comparing an improved Phadebas RAST with four other techniques. The new method was more sensitive and gave significantly higher IgE antibody concentrations for all tested molds except Cladosporium herbarum.

Parental Report of Sleep Problems in Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Breslin, J. H.; Edgin, J. O.; Bootzin, R. R.; Goodwin, J. L.; Nadel, L.

2011-01-01

Background: Children with Down syndrome (DS) suffer from sleep problems, including sleep maintenance problems, as well as snoring, and other symptoms of disordered breathing. To examine sleep in DS, we gave parents a questionnaire assessing their child's sleep. Materials and methods: The parents of 35 children with DS (mean age = 12.65 years,…

Analysis of Spatial Voting Patterns: An Approach in Political Socialization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klimasewski, Ted

1973-01-01

Passage of the 26th Amendment gave young adults the right to vote. This study attempts to further student understanding of the electoral process by presenting a method for analyzing spatial voting patterns. The spatial emphasis adds another dimension to the temporal and behavioral-structural approaches in studying the American electoral system.…

Casemix reimbursement: a Singapore Children's Hospital perspective.

PubMed

Yoong, S L

2001-07-01

Casemix reimbursement was introduced to Singapore in October 1999 using the Australian National Diagnosis Related Groups Version 3.1 (AN-DRGs 3.1). The possible impact of this classification system on a Singapore Children's Hospital is discussed. Data on paediatric patients in KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) were drawn from the inhouse Datamart warehouse system, and reviewed with regards to volume of patients, length of stay and charges. Several high cost categories were selected for a more in-depth review and discussed. The classification system and reimbursement method did not take into account the higher cost of treating children, thus penalising the Children's Hospital. The wide variety of cases treated also gave rise to difficulty in obtaining appropriate reimbursement. The lack of severity of illness measures was a drawback in the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) for ventilated patients. The lack of outcome measures gave rise to potentially inequitable reimbursement in some high cost neonatal DRGs. While Casemix is an improvement over previous methods of providing Government funding in Singapore, particular aspects need to be reviewed, and reimbursement criteria refined to ensure equitable funding to Children's Hospital.

Glucosylation and Other Biotransformations of T-2 Toxin by Yeasts of the Trichomonascus Clade

PubMed Central

Price, Neil P. J.; Kurtzman, Cletus P.

2012-01-01

Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid toxins produced by Fusarium species. Since these mycotoxins are very stable, there is interest in microbial transformations that can remove toxins from contaminated grain or cereal products. Twenty-three yeast species assigned to the Trichomonascus clade (Saccharomycotina, Ascomycota), including four Trichomonascus species and 19 anamorphic species presently classified in Blastobotrys, were tested for their ability to convert the trichothecene T-2 toxin to less-toxic products. These species gave three types of biotransformations: acetylation to 3-acetyl T-2 toxin, glycosylation to T-2 toxin 3-glucoside, and removal of the isovaleryl group to form neosolaniol. Some species gave more than one type of biotransformation. Three Blastobotrys species converted T-2 toxin into T-2 toxin 3-glucoside, a compound that has been identified as a masked mycotoxin in Fusarium-infected grain. This is the first report of a microbial whole-cell method for producing trichothecene glycosides, and the potential large-scale availability of T-2 toxin 3-glucoside will facilitate toxicity testing and development of methods for detection of this compound in agricultural and other products. PMID:23042183

Rapid molecular sexing of three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., based on large Y-chromosomal insertions.

PubMed

Bakker, Theo C M; Giger, Thomas; Frommen, Joachim G; Largiadèr, Carlo R

2017-08-01

There is a need for rapid and reliable molecular sexing of three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, the supermodel species for evolutionary biology. A DNA region at the 5' end of the sex-linked microsatellite Gac4202 was sequenced for the X chromosome of six females and the Y chromosome of five males from three populations. The Y chromosome contained two large insertions, which did not recombine with the phenotype of sex in a cross of 322 individuals. Genetic variation (SNPs and indels) within the insertions was smaller than on flanking DNA sequences. Three molecular PCR-based sex tests were developed, in which the first, the second or both insertions were covered. In five European populations (from DE, CH, NL, GB) of three-spined sticklebacks, tests with both insertions combined showed two clearly separated bands on agarose minigels in males and one band in females. The tests with the separate insertions gave similar results. Thus, the new molecular sexing method gave rapid and reliable results for sexing three-spined sticklebacks and is an improvement and/or alternative to existing methods.

Development and evaluation of a suppository formulation containing Lactobacillus and its application in vaginal diseases.

PubMed

Kale, Vinita V; Trivedi, Rashmi V; Wate, Sanjay P; Bhusari, Kishor P

2005-11-01

Lactobacillus has long been considered the protective flora in the vagina that displaces and kills vaginal pathogens. Lactic acid, H2O2, and antibacterial agents such as lactocin and bacitracin produced by Lactobacillus act against the vaginal pathogens. The first objective of this research was to develop a local application pharmaceutical formulation of a vaginal suppository containing lyophilized culture of Lactobacillus. The second objective was to establish its in vivo performance by developing in vitro methods of evaluation. Lyophilized culture of Lactobacillus sporogenes was selected for this study. Three formulations of the suppositories were prepared by the molding method. Formulations I, II, and III contained cocoa butter, glycerinated gelatin, and PEG 1000 base, respectively. The prepared suppositories were characterized for physical properties. Assembly to simulate the application site was designed. Methods to evaluate the viability, production of lactic acid, and H2O2 produced by the released Lactobacillus at the application site were developed and the antagonistic activity was demonstrated. From the physical characteristics of the suppository formulations, the glycerinated gelatin suppository (formulation II) containing lyophilized Lactobacillus was found to be satisfactory. The developed assembly was satisfactory in simulating the application site. The Lactobacillus released was viable and exhibited the production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and antagonistic activity against the uropathogen. The suppository formulation containing Lactobacillus and the methods of its evaluation were successfully developed in this research work and have several applications in the vaginal diseases of women.

Doubts about Decentralized Decisions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Summers, Anita A.; Johnson, Amy W.

1995-01-01

Examines 20 systematic SBM studies for insights about authority delegation, fiscal inputs, objectives, and student outcomes. SBM's effects on achievement were mixed. Nine studies gave no results; three asserted positive results but gave no achievement data; one asserted negative results but gave no achievement data; two with achievement data…

Peer tutoring among elementary students: educational benefits to the tutor1

PubMed Central

Dineen, John P.; Clark, Hewitt B.; Risley, Todd R.

1977-01-01

To determine whether tutoring might be academically beneficial to the tutor, this study investigated the acquisition of spelling words by three elementary students in a peer tutoring program. The experimental design allowed a simultaneous comparison of each child's gain in performance on comparable word lists on which the child tutored another child, was tutored by another child, or neither gave nor received tutoring. The children's spelling improved nearly an equivalent amount on those words on which they tutored another child as on the words on which they were tutored; no such change was noted on the words on which they neither gave nor received tutoring. These findings, that peer tutoring is profitable for the tutor as well as the tutee, provide a basis for recommending peer tutoring as one method of individualizing education. PMID:16795552