Buckling analysis of non-prismatic columns based on modified vibration modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahai, A. R.; Kazemi, S.

2008-10-01

In this paper, a new procedure is formulated for the buckling analysis of tapered column members. The calculation of the buckling loads was carried out by using modified vibrational mode shape (MVM) and energy method. The change of stiffness within a column is characterized by introducing a tapering index. It is shown that, the changes in the vibrational mode shapes of a tapered column can be represented by considering a linear combination of various modes of uniform-section columns. As a result, by making use of these modified mode shapes (MVM) and applying the principle of stationary total potential energy, the buckling load of tapered columns can be obtained. Several numerical examples on tapered columns demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed analytical method.

Modified Chaihu Shugan Powder for Functional Dyspepsia: Meta-Analysis for Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Yang, Nan; Jiang, Xuehua; Hu, Zhiqiang; Wang, Ling; Song, Minxian

2013-01-01

Context. Modified Chaihu Shugan powder (MCSP) is a popular traditional Chinese herbal formula for functional dyspepsia, which is revised from Chaihu Shugan San and recorded in a medical classic works of China. However, its role and effect in treating functional dyspepsia have not been well established. Objective. To assess the effect and safety of modified Chaihu Shugan powder for functional dyspepsia. Methods. We searched the published and unpublished studies up to August 2012. Only RCTs of modified Chaihu Shugan powder with or without prokinetic drugs versus prokinetic drugs in the patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia were included. Results. Twenty-two clinical trials involving 1998 participants were included. There were evidences that modified Chaihu Shugan powder (RR = 1.20, 95%, CI 1.14 to 1.27) and modified Chaihu Shugan powder plus prokinetic drugs (RR = 1.18, 95%, CI 1.11 to 1.25) were significantly better treatment options than prokinetic drugs alone in improving symptoms. No serious adverse events were described in the included trials. Conclusions. This meta-analysis showed that modified Chaihu Shugan powder alone or in combination with prokinetic drugs might be more effective than prokinetic drugs alone. However, with poor methodological quality, all the included trials were at high risk of bias. Further large-scale high-quality trials are required for assessment. PMID:23762161

Failure Behavior Characterization of Mo-Modified Ti Surface by Impact Test and Finite Element Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yong; Qin, Jianfeng; Zhang, Xiangyu; Lin, Naiming; Huang, Xiaobo; Tang, Bin

2015-07-01

Using the impact test and finite element simulation, the failure behavior of the Mo-modified layer on pure Ti was investigated. In the impact test, four loads of 100, 300, 500, and 700 N and 104 impacts were adopted. The three-dimensional residual impact dents were examined using an optical microscope (Olympus-DSX500i), indicating that the impact resistance of the Ti surface was improved. Two failure modes cohesive and wearing were elucidated by electron backscatter diffraction and energy-dispersive spectrometer performed in a field-emission scanning electron microscope. Through finite element forward analysis performed at a typical impact load of 300 N, stress-strain distributions in the Mo-modified Ti were quantitatively determined. In addition, the failure behavior of the Mo-modified layer was determined and an ideal failure model was proposed for high-load impact, based on the experimental and finite element forward analysis results.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Background Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. Methods A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. Results A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Conclusion Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in

The Use of Ammonium Formate as a Mobile-Phase Modifier for LC-MS/MS Analysis of Tryptic Digests

PubMed Central

Johnson, Darryl; Boyes, Barry; Orlando, Ron

2013-01-01

A major challenge facing current mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics research is the large concentration range displayed in biological systems, which far exceeds the dynamic range of commonly available mass spectrometers. One approach to overcome this limitation is to improve online reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) separation methodologies. LC mobile-phase modifiers are used to improve peak shape and increase sample load tolerance. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a commonly used mobile-phase modifier, as it produces peptide separations that are far superior to other additives. However, TFA leads to signal suppression when incorporated with electrospray ionization (ESI), and thus, other modifiers, such as formic acid (FA), are used for LC-MS applications. FA exhibits significantly less signal suppression, but is not as effective of a modifier as TFA. An alternative mobile-phase modifier is the combination of FA and ammonium formate (AF), which has been shown to improve peptide separations. The ESI-MS compatibility of this modifier has not been investigated, particularly for proteomic applications. This work compares the separation metrics of mobile phases modified with FA and FA/AF and explores the use of FA/AF for the LC-MS analysis of tryptic digests. Standard tryptic-digest peptides were used for comparative analysis of peak capacity and sample load tolerance. The compatibility of FA/AF in proteomic applications was examined with the analysis of soluble proteins from canine prostate carcinoma tissue. Overall, the use of FA/AF improved online RP-LC separations and led to significant increases in peptide identifications with improved protein sequence coverage. PMID:24294112

The use of ammonium formate as a mobile-phase modifier for LC-MS/MS analysis of tryptic digests.

PubMed

Johnson, Darryl; Boyes, Barry; Orlando, Ron

2013-12-01

A major challenge facing current mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics research is the large concentration range displayed in biological systems, which far exceeds the dynamic range of commonly available mass spectrometers. One approach to overcome this limitation is to improve online reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) separation methodologies. LC mobile-phase modifiers are used to improve peak shape and increase sample load tolerance. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a commonly used mobile-phase modifier, as it produces peptide separations that are far superior to other additives. However, TFA leads to signal suppression when incorporated with electrospray ionization (ESI), and thus, other modifiers, such as formic acid (FA), are used for LC-MS applications. FA exhibits significantly less signal suppression, but is not as effective of a modifier as TFA. An alternative mobile-phase modifier is the combination of FA and ammonium formate (AF), which has been shown to improve peptide separations. The ESI-MS compatibility of this modifier has not been investigated, particularly for proteomic applications. This work compares the separation metrics of mobile phases modified with FA and FA/AF and explores the use of FA/AF for the LC-MS analysis of tryptic digests. Standard tryptic-digest peptides were used for comparative analysis of peak capacity and sample load tolerance. The compatibility of FA/AF in proteomic applications was examined with the analysis of soluble proteins from canine prostate carcinoma tissue. Overall, the use of FA/AF improved online RP-LC separations and led to significant increases in peptide identifications with improved protein sequence coverage.

Identifying Treatment Effect Modifiers in the STarT Back Trial: A Secondary Analysis.

PubMed

Beneciuk, Jason M; Hill, Jonathan C; Campbell, Paul; Afolabi, Ebenezer; George, Steven Z; Dunn, Kate M; Foster, Nadine E

2017-01-01

Identification of patient characteristics influencing treatment outcomes is a top low back pain (LBP) research priority. Results from the STarT Back trial support the effectiveness of prognostic stratified care for LBP compared with current best care, however, patient characteristics associated with treatment response have not yet been explored. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to identify treatment effect modifiers within the STarT Back trial at 4-month follow-up (n = 688). Treatment response was dichotomized using back-specific physical disability measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (≥7). Candidate modifiers were identified using previous literature and evaluated using logistic regression with statistical interaction terms to provide preliminary evidence of treatment effect modification. Socioeconomic status (SES) was identified as an effect modifier for disability outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, P = .028). High SES patients receiving prognostic stratified care were 2.5 times less likely to have a poor outcome compared with low SES patients receiving best current care (OR = .40, P = .006). Education level (OR = 1.33, P = .109) and number of pain medications (OR = .64, P = .140) met our criteria for effect modification with weaker evidence (.20 > P ≥ .05). These findings provide preliminary evidence for SES, education, and number of pain medications as treatment effect modifiers of prognostic stratified care delivered in the STarT Back Trial. This analysis provides preliminary exploratory findings about the characteristics of patients who might least likely benefit from targeted treatment using prognostic stratified care for LBP. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of genetically modified organisms by pyrosequencing on a portable photodiode-based bioluminescence sequencer.

PubMed

Song, Qinxin; Wei, Guijiang; Zhou, Guohua

2014-07-01

A portable bioluminescence analyser for detecting the DNA sequence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) was developed by using a photodiode (PD) array. Pyrosequencing on eight genes (zSSIIb, Bt11 and Bt176 gene of genetically modified maize; Lectin, 35S-CTP4, CP4EPSPS, CaMV35S promoter and NOS terminator of the genetically modified Roundup ready soya) was successfully detected with this instrument. The corresponding limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01% with 35 PCR cycles. The maize and soya available from three different provenances in China were detected. The results indicate that pyrosequencing using the small size of the detector is a simple, inexpensive, and reliable way in a farm/field test of GMO analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the Ionization Mechanism of NAD+/NADH-Modified Gold Electrodes in ToF-SIMS Analysis.

PubMed

Hua, Xin; Zhao, Li-Jun; Long, Yi-Tao

2018-06-04

Analysis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + /NADH)-modified electrodes is important for in vitro monitoring of key biological processes. In this work, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to analyze NAD + /NADH-modified gold electrodes. Interestingly, no obvious characteristic peaks of nicotinamide fragment could be observed in the mass spectra of NAD + /NADH in their neutral sodium pyrophosphate form. However, after acidification, the characteristic peaks for both NAD + and NADH were detected. This was due to the suppression effect of inner pyrophosphoric salts in both neutral molecules. Besides, it was proved that the suppression by inner salt was intramolecular. No obvious suppression was found between neighboring molecules. These results demonstrated the suppression effect of inner salts in ToF-SIMS analysis, providing useful evidence for the study of ToF-SIMS ionization mechanism of organic molecule-modified electrodes. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Connotations of pixel-based scale effect in remote sensing and the modified fractal-based analysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Guixiang; Ming, Dongping; Wang, Min; Yang, Jianyu

2017-06-01

Scale problems are a major source of concern in the field of remote sensing. Since the remote sensing is a complex technology system, there is a lack of enough cognition on the connotation of scale and scale effect in remote sensing. Thus, this paper first introduces the connotations of pixel-based scale and summarizes the general understanding of pixel-based scale effect. Pixel-based scale effect analysis is essentially important for choosing the appropriate remote sensing data and the proper processing parameters. Fractal dimension is a useful measurement to analysis pixel-based scale. However in traditional fractal dimension calculation, the impact of spatial resolution is not considered, which leads that the scale effect change with spatial resolution can't be clearly reflected. Therefore, this paper proposes to use spatial resolution as the modified scale parameter of two fractal methods to further analyze the pixel-based scale effect. To verify the results of two modified methods (MFBM (Modified Windowed Fractal Brownian Motion Based on the Surface Area) and MDBM (Modified Windowed Double Blanket Method)); the existing scale effect analysis method (information entropy method) is used to evaluate. And six sub-regions of building areas and farmland areas were cut out from QuickBird images to be used as the experimental data. The results of the experiment show that both the fractal dimension and information entropy present the same trend with the decrease of spatial resolution, and some inflection points appear at the same feature scales. Further analysis shows that these feature scales (corresponding to the inflection points) are related to the actual sizes of the geo-object, which results in fewer mixed pixels in the image, and these inflection points are significantly indicative of the observed features. Therefore, the experiment results indicate that the modified fractal methods are effective to reflect the pixel-based scale effect existing in remote sensing

Transient Infiltration Analysis for Infinite Slopes using the Modified Function of Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Seboong; Achmad Zaky, Fauzi; Mog Park, Young

2016-04-01

The hydraulic behaviors in the soil layer are crucial to the transient infiltration analysis into natural slopes, in which unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (HC) can be evaluated theoretically from soil water retention curves (SWRC) by Mualem's equation. In the nonlinear infiltration analysis, the solution by some of smooth SWRCs is not converge for heavy rainfall condition, since the gradient of HCs is extremely steep near saturation. The van Genuchten's SWRC model has been modified near saturation and subsequently an analytical HC function was proposed to improve the van Genuchten-Mualem HC. Using the examples on 1-D infiltration analysis by the modified HC model, it is validated that any solutions can be converged for various rainfall conditions to keep numerical stability. Stability analysis based on unsaturated effective stress could simulate the infinite slope failure by the proposed HC model. The pore water pressure and the ratio of saturation increased from the surface to shallow depth (˜1m) and the factor of safety decreased gradually due to infiltration. Acknowledgements This research is supported by grants from Korean NRF (2012M3A2A1050974 and 2015R1A2A2A01), which are greatly appreciated.

Acute and subchronic toxicity analysis of surface modified paclitaxel attached hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Venkatasubbu, Gopinath Devanand; Ramasamy, S; Gaddam, Pramod Reddy; Kumar, J

2015-01-01

Nanoparticles are widely used for targeted drug delivery applications. Surface modification with appropriate polymer and ligands is carried out to target the drug to the affected area. Toxicity analysis is carried out to evaluate the safety of the surface modified nanoparticles. In this study, paclitaxel attached, folic acid functionalized, polyethylene glycol modified hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were used for targeted drug delivery system. The toxicological behavior of the system was studied in vivo in rats and mice. Acute and subchronic studies were carried out. Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis was also done. There were no significant alterations in the biochemical parameters at a low dosage. There was a small change in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level at a high dosage. The results indicate a safe toxicological profile.

Individually modifiable risk factors to ameliorate cognitive aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Lehert, Philippe; Villaseca, Paulina; Hogervorst, Eef; Maki, Pauline M.; Henderson, Victor W.

2016-01-01

A number of health and lifestyle factors are thought to contribute to cognitive decline associated with age but cannot be easily modified by the individual patient. We identified 12 individually-modifiable interventions that can be implemented during midlife or later with the potential to ameliorate cognitive aging. For 10 of these, we used PubMed databases for a systematic review of long-duration (at least six months), randomized controlled trials in midlife and older adults without dementia or mild cognitive impairment with objective measures of neuropsychological performance. Using network meta-analysis, we performed a quantitative synthesis for global cognition (primary outcome) and episodic memory (secondary outcome). Of 1038 publications identified by our search strategy, 24 eligible trials were included in the network meta-analysis. Results suggested that the Mediterranean diet supplemented by olive oil and tai chi exercise may improve global cognition, and the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil and soy isoflavone supplements may improve memory. Effect sizes were no more than small (standardized mean differences 0.11 to 0.22). Cognitive training may have cognitive benefit as well. Most individually modifiable risk factors have not yet been adequately studied. We conclude that some interventions that can be self-initiated by healthy midlife and older adults may ameliorate cognitive aging. PMID:26361790

Individually modifiable risk factors to ameliorate cognitive aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Lehert, P; Villaseca, P; Hogervorst, E; Maki, P M; Henderson, V W

2015-10-01

A number of health and lifestyle factors are thought to contribute to cognitive decline associated with age but cannot be easily modified by the individual patient. We identified 12 individually modifiable interventions that can be implemented during midlife or later with the potential to ameliorate cognitive aging. For ten of these, we used PubMed databases for a systematic review of long-duration (at least 6 months), randomized, controlled trials in midlife and older adults without dementia or mild cognitive impairment with objective measures of neuropsychological performance. Using network meta-analysis, we performed a quantitative synthesis for global cognition (primary outcome) and episodic memory (secondary outcome). Of 1038 publications identified by our search strategy, 24 eligible trials were included in the network meta-analysis. Results suggested that the Mediterranean diet supplemented by olive oil and tai chi exercise may improve global cognition, and the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil and soy isoflavone supplements may improve memory. Effect sizes were no more than small (standardized mean differences 0.11-0.22). Cognitive training may have cognitive benefit as well. Most individually modifiable risk factors have not yet been adequately studied. We conclude that some interventions that can be self-initiated by healthy midlife and older adults may ameliorate cognitive aging.

A kinematic analysis of the modified flight telerobotic servicer manipulator system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crane, Carl; Carnahan, Tim; Duffy, Joseph

1992-01-01

A reverse kinematic analysis is presented of a six-DOF subchain of a modified seven-DOF flight telerobotic servicer manipulator system. The six-DOF subchain is designated as a TR-RT chain, which describes the sequence of manipulator joints beginning with the first grounded hook joint (universal joint) T, where the sequence R-R designates a pair of revolute joints with parallel axes. At the outset, it had been thought that the reverse kinematic analysis would be similar to a TTT manipulator previously analyzed, in which the third and fourth joints intersected at a finite point. However, this is shown not the case, and a 16th-degree tan-half-angle polynomial is derived for the TR-RT manipulator.

Acute and subchronic toxicity analysis of surface modified paclitaxel attached hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Venkatasubbu, Gopinath Devanand; Ramasamy, S; Gaddam, Pramod Reddy; Kumar, J

2015-01-01

Nanoparticles are widely used for targeted drug delivery applications. Surface modification with appropriate polymer and ligands is carried out to target the drug to the affected area. Toxicity analysis is carried out to evaluate the safety of the surface modified nanoparticles. In this study, paclitaxel attached, folic acid functionalized, polyethylene glycol modified hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were used for targeted drug delivery system. The toxicological behavior of the system was studied in vivo in rats and mice. Acute and subchronic studies were carried out. Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis was also done. There were no significant alterations in the biochemical parameters at a low dosage. There was a small change in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level at a high dosage. The results indicate a safe toxicological profile. PMID:26491315

Modified Involute Helical Gears: Computerized Design, Simulation of Meshing, and Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert (Technical Monitor); Litvin, Faydor L.; Gonzalez-Perez, Ignacio; Carnevali, Luca; Kawasaki, Kazumasa; Fuentes-Aznar, Alfonso

2003-01-01

The computerized design, methods for generation, simulation of meshing, and enhanced stress analysis of modified involute helical gears is presented. The approaches proposed for modification of conventional involute helical gears are based on conjugation of double-crowned pinion with a conventional helical involute gear. Double-crowning of the pinion means deviation of cross-profile from an involute one and deviation in longitudinal direction from a helicoid surface. Using the method developed, the pinion-gear tooth surfaces are in point-contact, the bearing contact is localized and oriented longitudinally, and edge contact is avoided. Also, the influence of errors of aligment on the shift of bearing contact, vibration, and noise are reduced substantially. The theory developed is illustrated with numerical examples that confirm the advantages of the gear drives of the modified geometry in comparison with conventional helical involute gears.

Modified Involute Helical Gears: Computerized Design, Simulation of Meshing and Stress Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

The computerized design, methods for generation, simulation of meshing, and enhanced stress analysis of modified involute helical gears is presented. The approaches proposed for modification of conventional involute helical gears are based on conjugation of double-crowned pinion with a conventional helical involute gear. Double-crowning of the pinion means deviation of cross-profile from an involute one and deviation in longitudinal direction from a helicoid surface. Using the method developed, the pinion-gear tooth surfaces are in point-contact, the bearing contact is localized and oriented longitudinally, and edge contact is avoided. Also, the influence of errors of alignment on the shift of bearing contact, vibration, and noise are reduced substantially. The theory developed is illustrated with numerical examples that confirm the advantages of the gear drives of the modified geometry in comparison with conventional helical involute gears.

A comparative analysis between NACA 4412 airfoil and it's modified form with tubercles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, Md. Jonayed; Islam, Md. Tazul; Hassan, Md. Mehedi

2017-06-01

The effect of tubercles on the leading edge of an airfoil become more vivid at high angle of attacks. The effect of tubercles with large wavelength and small amplitude on the leading edge of a NACA 4412 airfoil section was investigated numerically and experimentally. The phenomena of improving the airfoil performance by modifying the contours drove our interest to do this analysis. The models were developed & numerical simulations were carried out with both NACA 4412 airfoil and modified airfoil model at Re=1.03×106 and angles of attack ranging from 0° to 20°. Flow separation was analyzed with vector profiles. CL, CD at different angle of attacks was developed and it gave down noticeable pre-stall & post-stall behavior. The airfoils were studied experimentally in a low speed wind tunnel. Pressure distribution over the two airfoils was obtained. It was evident from the pressure distributions that the modified airfoil exhibits significant aerodynamic performance at high angles of attack. We can infer that these effects will be advantageous for maneuverability and post-stall behavior.

Performance of Modified Test Statistics in Covariance and Correlation Structure Analysis under Conditions of Multivariate Nonnormality.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fouladi, Rachel T.

2000-01-01

Provides an overview of standard and modified normal theory and asymptotically distribution-free covariance and correlation structure analysis techniques and details Monte Carlo simulation results on Type I and Type II error control. Demonstrates through the simulation that robustness and nonrobustness of structure analysis techniques vary as a…

Aeroelastic analysis and ground vibration survey of the NASA, Grumman American Yankee modified for spin testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroeger, R. A.

1977-01-01

A complete ground vibration and aeroelastic analysis was made of a modified version of the Grumman American Yankee. The aircraft had been modified for four empennage configurations, a wing boom was added, a spin chute installed and provisions included for large masses in the wing tip to vary the lateral and directional inertia. Other minor changes were made which have much less influence on the flutter and vibrations. Neither static divergence nor aileron reversal was considered since the wing structure was not sufficiently changed to affect its static aeroelastic qualities. The aircraft was found to be free from flutter in all of the normal modes explored in the ground shake test. The analysis demonstrated freedom from flutter up to 214 miles per hour.

The feasibility of a modified shoe for multi-segment foot motion analysis: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Halstead, J; Keenan, A M; Chapman, G J; Redmond, A C

2016-01-01

The majority of multi-segment kinematic foot studies have been limited to barefoot conditions, because shod conditions have the potential for confounding surface-mounted markers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a shoe modified with a webbed upper can accommodate multi-segment foot marker sets without compromising kinematic measurements under barefoot and shod conditions. Thirty participants (15 controls and 15 participants with midfoot pain) underwent gait analysis in two conditions; barefoot and wearing a shoe (shod) in a random order. The shod condition employed a modified shoe (rubber plimsoll) with a webbed upper, allowing skin mounted reflective markers to be visualised through slits in the webbed material. Three dimensional foot kinematics were captured using the Oxford multi-segment foot model whilst participants walked at a self-selected speed. The foot pain group showed greater hindfoot eversion and less hindfoot dorsiflexion than controls in the barefoot condition and these differences were maintained when measured in the shod condition. Differences between the foot pain and control participants were also observed for walking speed in the barefoot and in the shod conditions. No significant differences between foot pain and control groups were demonstrated at the forefoot in either condition. Subtle differences between pain and control groups, which were found during barefoot walking are retained when wearing the modified shoe. The novel properties of the modified shoe offers a potential solution for the use of passive infrared based motion analysis for shod applications, for instance to investigate the kinematic effect of foot orthoses.

Conductimetric determination of decomposition of silicate melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroeger, C.; Lieck, K.

1986-01-01

A description of a procedure is given to detect decomposition of silicate systems in the liquid state by conductivity measurements. Onset of decomposition can be determined from the temperature curves of resistances measured on two pairs of electrodes, one above the other. Degree of decomposition can be estimated from temperature and concentration dependency of conductivity of phase boundaries. This procedure was tested with systems PbO-B2O3 and PbO-B2O3-SiO2.

Factor Analysis of the Modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male

PubMed Central

Wilmoth, Margaret C.; Hanlon, Alexandra L.; Ng, Lit Soo; Bruner, Debra W.

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose The Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire (SAQ) is used in National Cancer Institute–sponsored clinical trials as an outcome measure for sexual functioning. The tool was revised to meet the needs for a clinically useful, theory-based outcome measure for use in both research and clinical settings. This report describes the modifications and validity testing of the modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male (mSAQ-Male). Methods This secondary analysis of data from a large Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial employed principal axis factor analytic techniques in estimating validity of the revised tool. The sample size was 686; most subjects were White, older than the age 60 years, and with a high school education and a Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score of greater than 90. Results A 16-item, 3-factor solution resulted from the factor analysis. The mSAQ-Male was also found to be sensitive to changes in physical sexual functioning as measured by the KPS. Conclusion The mSAQ-Male is a valid self-report measure of sexuality that can be used clinically to detect changes in male sexual functioning. PMID:25255676

Deformation analysis of MEMS structures by modified digital moiré methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhanwei; Lou, Xinhao; Gao, Jianxin

2010-11-01

Quantitative deformation analysis of micro-fabricated electromechanical systems is of importance for the design and functional control of microsystems. In this paper, two modified digital moiré processing methods, Gaussian blurring algorithm combined with digital phase shifting and geometrical phase analysis (GPA) technique based on digital moiré method, are developed to quantitatively analyse the deformation behaviour of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) structures. Measuring principles and experimental procedures of the two methods are described in detail. A digital moiré fringe pattern is generated by superimposing a specimen grating etched directly on a microstructure surface with a digital reference grating (DRG). Most of the grating noise is removed from the digital moiré fringes, which enables the phase distribution of the moiré fringes to be obtained directly. Strain measurement result of a MEMS structure demonstrates the feasibility of the two methods.

Improved word comprehension in Global aphasia using a modified semantic feature analysis treatment.

PubMed

Munro, Philippa; Siyambalapitiya, Samantha

2017-01-01

Limited research has investigated treatment of single word comprehension in people with aphasia, despite numerous studies examining treatment of naming deficits. This study employed a single case experimental design to examine efficacy of a modified semantic feature analysis (SFA) therapy in improving word comprehension in an individual with Global aphasia, who presented with a semantically based comprehension impairment. Ten treatment sessions were conducted over a period of two weeks. Following therapy, the participant demonstrated improved comprehension of treatment items and generalisation to control items, measured by performance on a spoken word picture matching task. Improvements were also observed on other language assessments (e.g. subtests of WAB-R; PALPA subtest 47) and were largely maintained over a period of 12 weeks without further therapy. This study provides support for the efficacy of a modified SFA therapy in remediating single word comprehension in individuals with aphasia with a semantically based comprehension deficit.

Biological Response Modifiers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Safety

PubMed Central

Tank, Nitishkumar D.; Karelia, Bharti N.; Vegada, Bhavisha N.

2017-01-01

Objective: To analyze available evidence on the safety of different biological response modifiers which are used for a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods: We searched systematically for randomized controlled clinical trials on treatment of RA with different biological response modifiers, followed by a systematic review with meta-analysis. Trials were searched from MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. The following safety parameters reported in the selected trials were analyzed: number of patients suffering any adverse event (AE), withdrawal due to AEs, serious AE (SAEs), infections, serious infections, infusion reactions, injection site reactions, malignancies, and overall mortality. Undesired effects were estimated using combined relative risks (RR) and number needed to harm (NNH). Heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochrane's Q and I2 statistics. Results: According to inclusion criteria, a total of 43 trials (20,504 patients) were included in this study. A total number of AEs were found more with abatacept (RR: 1.05, NNH: 21.93). Withdrawal due to AEs was found with all biologicals, highest with anakinra (RR: 3.48, NNH: 15.70). Patients receiving newer tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, golimumab, were more likely to develop SAEs (RR: 2.44, NNH: 12.72) and infection (RR: 1.25, NNH: 10.09), and in certolizumab, serious infections (RR: 2.95, NNH: 37.31) were found more. Infusion reaction develops more with rituximab (RR: 1.52, NNH: 8.47). Etanercept showed the highest risk to develop infusion site reaction (RR: 5.33, NNH: 4.65). Biologicals showed no difference to their control counterparts in malignancy and mortality risk. Conclusion: This meta-analysis helps to clarify some frequently encountered and unanswered safety questions of different biological response modifiers, a new class of drugs, in the clinical care of RA patients. PMID:29081616

An efficient sensitivity analysis method for modified geometry of Macpherson suspension based on Pearson correlation coefficient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shojaeefard, Mohammad Hasan; Khalkhali, Abolfazl; Yarmohammadisatri, Sadegh

2017-06-01

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for designing Macpherson suspension, based on the Sobol indices in terms of Pearson correlation which determines the importance of each member on the behaviour of vehicle suspension. The formulation of dynamic analysis of Macpherson suspension system is developed using the suspension members as the modified links in order to achieve the desired kinematic behaviour. The mechanical system is replaced with an equivalent constrained links and then kinematic laws are utilised to obtain a new modified geometry of Macpherson suspension. The equivalent mechanism of Macpherson suspension increased the speed of analysis and reduced its complexity. The ADAMS/CAR software is utilised to simulate a full vehicle, Renault Logan car, in order to analyse the accuracy of modified geometry model. An experimental 4-poster test rig is considered for validating both ADAMS/CAR simulation and analytical geometry model. Pearson correlation coefficient is applied to analyse the sensitivity of each suspension member according to vehicle objective functions such as sprung mass acceleration, etc. Besides this matter, the estimation of Pearson correlation coefficient between variables is analysed in this method. It is understood that the Pearson correlation coefficient is an efficient method for analysing the vehicle suspension which leads to a better design of Macpherson suspension system.

Impact of Modified System of Objectified Judgement Analysis (SOJA) methodology on prescribing costs of ACE inhibitors.

PubMed

Alabbadi, Ibrahim; Crealey, Grainne; Scott, Michael; Baird, Simon; Trouton, Tom; Mairs, Jill; McElnay, James

2006-01-01

System of Objectified Judgement Analysis (SOJA) is a structured approach to the selection of drugs for formulary inclusion. How- ever, while SOJA is a very important advance in drug selection for formulary purposes, it is hospital based and can only be applied to one indication at a time. In SOJA, cost has been given a primary role in the selection process as it has been included as a selection criterion from the start. Cost may therefore drive the selection of a particular drug product at the expense of other basic criteria such as safety or efficacy. The aims of this study were to use a modified SOJA approach in the selection of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) for use in a joint formulary that bridges primary and secondary care within a health board in Northern Ireland, and to investigate the potential impact of the joint formulary on prescribing costs of ACEIs in that health board. The modified SOJA approach involved four phases in sequence: an evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic evaluation of all available ACEI drug entities, a separate safety/risk assessment analysis of products containing agents that exceeded the pharmacotherapeutic threshold, a budget-impact analysis and, finally, the selection of product lines. A comprehensive literature review and expert panel judgement informed the selection of criteria (and their relative weighting) for the pharmacotherapeutic evaluation. The resultant criteria/scoring system was circulated (in questionnaire format) to prescribers and stakeholders for comment. Based on statistical analysis of the latter survey results, the final scoring system was developed. Drug entities that exceeded the evidence threshold were sequentially entered into the second and third phases of the process. Five drug entities (11 currently available in the UK) exceeded the evidence threshold and 22 of 26 submitted product lines containing these drug entities satisfied the safety/risk assessment criteria. Three product lines, each containing a different

Modified GMDH-NN algorithm and its application for global sensitivity analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Shufang; Wang, Lu

2017-11-01

Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) is a very useful tool to evaluate the influence of input variables in the whole distribution range. Sobol' method is the most commonly used among variance-based methods, which are efficient and popular GSA techniques. High dimensional model representation (HDMR) is a popular way to compute Sobol' indices, however, its drawbacks cannot be ignored. We show that modified GMDH-NN algorithm can calculate coefficients of metamodel efficiently, so this paper aims at combining it with HDMR and proposes GMDH-HDMR method. The new method shows higher precision and faster convergent rate. Several numerical and engineering examples are used to confirm its advantages.

An assessment of SBS modified asphalt concrete pavements performance features performing numerical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karakas, Ahmet Sertac; Bozkurt, Tarik Serhat; Sayin, Baris; Ortes, Faruk

2017-07-01

In passenger and freight traffic on the roads, which has the largest share of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) prepared asphalt concrete pavement is one of the most preferred type of flexible superstructure. During the service life of the road, they must provide the performance which is expected to show. HMA must be high performance mix design, comfortable, safe and resistance to degradation. In addition, it becomes a critical need to use various additives materials for roads to be able to serve long-term against environmental conditions such as traffic and climate due to the fact that the way of raw materials is limited. Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) polymers are widely used among additives. In this study, the numerical analysis of SBS modified HMA designed asphalt concrete coatings prepared with different thicknesses with SBS modified HMA is performed. After that, stress and deformation values of the three pavement models are compared and evaluated.

Surface analysis of gold nanoparticles functionalized with thiol-modified glucose SAMs for biosensor applications.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spampinato, Valentina; Parracino, Mariaantonietta; La Spina, Rita; Rossi, Francois; Ceccone, Giacomo

2016-02-01

In this work, Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterize the surface chemistry of gold substrates before and after functionalization with thiol-modified glucose self-assembled monolayers and subsequent biochemical specific recognition of maltose binding protein (MBP). The results indicate that the surface functionalization is achieved both on flat and nanoparticles gold substrates thus showing the potential of the developed system as biodetection platform. Moreover, the method presented here has been found to be a sound and valid approach to characterize the surface chemistry of nanoparticles functionalized with large molecules. Both techniques were proved to be very useful tools for monitoring all the functionalization steps, including the investigation of the biological behaviour of the glucose-modified particles in presence of the maltose binding protein.

Automated DNA extraction from genetically modified maize using aminosilane-modified bacterial magnetic particles.

PubMed

Ota, Hiroyuki; Lim, Tae-Kyu; Tanaka, Tsuyoshi; Yoshino, Tomoko; Harada, Manabu; Matsunaga, Tadashi

2006-09-18

A novel, automated system, PNE-1080, equipped with eight automated pestle units and a spectrophotometer was developed for genomic DNA extraction from maize using aminosilane-modified bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs). The use of aminosilane-modified BMPs allowed highly accurate DNA recovery. The (A(260)-A(320)):(A(280)-A(320)) ratio of the extracted DNA was 1.9+/-0.1. The DNA quality was sufficiently pure for PCR analysis. The PNE-1080 offered rapid assay completion (30 min) with high accuracy. Furthermore, the results of real-time PCR confirmed that our proposed method permitted the accurate determination of genetically modified DNA composition and correlated well with results obtained by conventional cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based methods.

Exergy analysis of helium liquefaction systems based on modified Claude cycle with two-expanders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Rijo Jacob; Ghosh, Parthasarathi; Chowdhury, Kanchan

2011-06-01

Large-scale helium liquefaction systems, being energy-intensive, demand judicious selection of process parameters. An effective tool for design and analysis of thermodynamic cycles for these systems is exergy analysis, which is used to study the behavior of a helium liquefaction system based on modified Claude cycle. Parametric evaluation using process simulator Aspen HYSYS® helps to identify the effects of cycle pressure ratio and expander flow fraction on the exergetic efficiency of the liquefaction cycle. The study computes the distribution of losses at different refrigeration stages of the cycle and helps in selecting optimum cycle pressures, operating temperature levels of expanders and mass flow rates through them. Results from the analysis may help evolving guidelines for designing appropriate thermodynamic cycles for practical helium liquefaction systems.

Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Modified Mycotoxin Analysis: Why HRMS Has Become a Key Instrument in Food Contaminant Research

PubMed Central

Righetti, Laura; Paglia, Giuseppe; Galaverna, Gianni; Dall’Asta, Chiara

2016-01-01

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi in crops worldwide. These compounds can undergo modification in plants, leading to the formation of a large number of possible modified forms, whose toxicological relevance and occurrence in food and feed is still largely unexplored. The analysis of modified mycotoxins by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry remains a challenge because of their chemical diversity, the large number of isomeric forms, and the lack of analytical standards. Here, the potential benefits of high-resolution and ion mobility mass spectrometry as a tool for separation and structure confirmation of modified mycotoxins have been investigated/reviewed. PMID:27918432

Surface Analysis of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Thiol-Modified Glucose SAMs for Biosensor Applications

PubMed Central

Spampinato, Valentina; Parracino, Maria Antonietta; La Spina, Rita; Rossi, Francois; Ceccone, Giacomo

2016-01-01

In this work, Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterize the surface chemistry of gold substrates before and after functionalization with thiol-modified glucose self-assembled monolayers and subsequent biochemical specific recognition of maltose binding protein (MBP). The results indicate that the surface functionalization is achieved both on flat and nanoparticles gold substrates thus showing the potential of the developed system as biodetection platform. Moreover, the method presented here has been found to be a sound and valid approach to characterize the surface chemistry of nanoparticles functionalized with large molecules. Both techniques were proved to be very useful tools for monitoring all the functionalization steps, including the investigation of the biological behavior of the glucose-modified particles in the presence of the maltose binding protein. PMID:26973830

Development and application of an analysis of axisymmetric body effects on helicopter rotor aerodynamics using modified slender body theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamauchi, G.; Johnson, W.

1984-01-01

A computationally efficient body analysis designed to couple with a comprehensive helicopter analysis is developed in order to calculate the body-induced aerodynamic effects on rotor performance and loads. A modified slender body theory is used as the body model. With the objective of demonstrating the accuracy, efficiency, and application of the method, the analysis at this stage is restricted to axisymmetric bodies at zero angle of attack. By comparing with results from an exact analysis for simple body shapes, it is found that the modified slender body theory provides an accurate potential flow solution for moderately thick bodies, with only a 10%-20% increase in computational effort over that of an isolated rotor analysis. The computational ease of this method provides a means for routine assessment of body-induced effects on a rotor. Results are given for several configurations that typify those being used in the Ames 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel and in the rotor-body aerodynamic interference tests being conducted at Ames. A rotor-hybrid airship configuration is also analyzed.

ANALYSIS OF OUT OF DATE MCU MODIFIER LOCATED IN SRNL

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

Crawford, C.

2014-10-22

SRNL recently completed density measurements and chemical analyses on modifier samples stored in drums within SRNL. The modifier samples date back to 2008 and are in various quantities up to 40 gallons. Vendor information on the original samples indicates a shelf life of 5 years. There is interest in determining if samples that have been stored for more than the 5 year shelf life are still acceptable for use. The Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU) Solvent component Cs-7SB [(2,2,3,3- tetraflouropropoxy)-3-(4-sec-butylphenoxy)-2-propanol, CAS #308362-88-1] is used as a diluent modifier to increase extractant solubility and provide physical characteristics necessary formore » diluent trimming.« less

Learning representative features for facial images based on a modified principal component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averkin, Anton; Potapov, Alexey

2013-05-01

The paper is devoted to facial image analysis and particularly deals with the problem of automatic evaluation of the attractiveness of human faces. We propose a new approach for automatic construction of feature space based on a modified principal component analysis. Input data sets for the algorithm are the learning data sets of facial images, which are rated by one person. The proposed approach allows one to extract features of the individual subjective face beauty perception and to predict attractiveness values for new facial images, which were not included into a learning data set. The Pearson correlation coefficient between values predicted by our method for new facial images and personal attractiveness estimation values equals to 0.89. This means that the new approach proposed is promising and can be used for predicting subjective face attractiveness values in real systems of the facial images analysis.

Drought in a human-modified world: reframing drought definitions, understanding, and analysis approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Loon, Anne F.; Stahl, Kerstin; Di Baldassarre, Giuliano; Clark, Julian; Rangecroft, Sally; Wanders, Niko; Gleeson, Tom; Van Dijk, Albert I. J. M.; Tallaksen, Lena M.; Hannaford, Jamie; Uijlenhoet, Remko; Teuling, Adriaan J.; Hannah, David M.; Sheffield, Justin; Svoboda, Mark; Verbeiren, Boud; Wagener, Thorsten; Van Lanen, Henny A. J.

2016-09-01

In the current human-modified world, or Anthropocene, the state of water stores and fluxes has become dependent on human as well as natural processes. Water deficits (or droughts) are the result of a complex interaction between meteorological anomalies, land surface processes, and human inflows, outflows, and storage changes. Our current inability to adequately analyse and manage drought in many places points to gaps in our understanding and to inadequate data and tools. The Anthropocene requires a new framework for drought definitions and research. Drought definitions need to be revisited to explicitly include human processes driving and modifying soil moisture drought and hydrological drought development. We give recommendations for robust drought definitions to clarify timescales of drought and prevent confusion with related terms such as water scarcity and overexploitation. Additionally, our understanding and analysis of drought need to move from single driver to multiple drivers and from uni-directional to multi-directional. We identify research gaps and propose analysis approaches on (1) drivers, (2) modifiers, (3) impacts, (4) feedbacks, and (5) changing the baseline of drought in the Anthropocene. The most pressing research questions are related to the attribution of drought to its causes, to linking drought impacts to drought characteristics, and to societal adaptation and responses to drought. Example questions include

• (i) What are the dominant drivers of drought in different parts of the world? (ii) How do human modifications of drought enhance or alleviate drought severity? (iii) How do impacts of drought depend on the physical characteristics of drought vs. the vulnerability of people or the environment? (iv) To what extent are physical and human drought processes coupled, and can feedback loops be identified and altered to lessen or mitigate drought? (v) How should we adapt our drought analysis to

• Detection of Genetically Modified Sugarcane by Using Terahertz Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Liu, J.; Xie, H.; Zha, B.; Ding, W.; Luo, J.; Hu, C.

  2018-03-01

  A methodology is proposed to identify genetically modified sugarcane from non-genetically modified sugarcane by using terahertz spectroscopy and chemometrics techniques, including linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine-discriminant analysis (SVM-DA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The classification rate of the above mentioned methods is compared, and different types of preprocessing are considered. According to the experimental results, the best option is PLS-DA, with an identification rate of 98%. The results indicated that THz spectroscopy and chemometrics techniques are a powerful tool to identify genetically modified and non-genetically modified sugarcane.

• Functional genomic screen and network analysis reveal novel modifiers of tauopathy dissociated from tau phosphorylation

  PubMed Central

  Ambegaokar, Surendra S.; Jackson, George R.

  2011-01-01

  A functional genetic screen using loss-of-function and gain-of-function alleles was performed to identify modifiers of tau-induced neurotoxicity using the 2N/4R (full-length) isoform of wild-type human tau expressed in the fly retina. We previously reported eye pigment mutations, which create dysfunctional lysosomes, as potent modifiers; here, we report 37 additional genes identified from ∼1900 genes screened, including the kinases shaggy/GSK-3beta, par-1/MARK, CamKI and Mekk1. Tau acts synergistically with Mekk1 and p38 to down-regulate extracellular regulated kinase activity, with a corresponding decrease in AT8 immunoreactivity (pS202/T205), suggesting that tau can participate in signaling pathways to regulate its own kinases. Modifiers showed poor correlation with tau phosphorylation (using the AT8, 12E8 and AT270 epitopes); moreover, tested suppressors of wild-type tau were equally effective in suppressing toxicity of a phosphorylation-resistant S11A tau construct, demonstrating that changes in tau phosphorylation state are not required to suppress or enhance its toxicity. Genes related to autophagy, the cell cycle, RNA-associated proteins and chromatin-binding proteins constitute a large percentage of identified modifiers. Other functional categories identified include mitochondrial proteins, lipid trafficking, Golgi proteins, kinesins and dynein and the Hsp70/Hsp90-organizing protein (Hop). Network analysis uncovered several other genes highly associated with the functional modifiers, including genes related to the PI3K, Notch, BMP/TGF-β and Hedgehog pathways, and nuclear trafficking. Activity of GSK-3β is strongly upregulated due to TDP-43 expression, and reduced GSK-3β dosage is also a common suppressor of Aβ42 and TDP-43 toxicity. These findings suggest therapeutic targets other than mitigation of tau phosphorylation. PMID:21949350

• Correction to: Top Down Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of a Chemically Modified Rough-Type Lipopolysaccharide Vaccine Candidate

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Oyler, Benjamin L.; Khan, Mohd M.; Smith, Donald F.; Harberts, Erin M.; Kilgour, David P. A.; Ernst, Robert K.; Cross, Alan S.; Goodlett, David R.

  2018-04-01

  In the preceding article "Top Down Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of a Chemically Modified Rough-Type Lipopolysaccharide Vaccine Candidate" by Oyler et al., an error in the J5 E. coli LPS chemical structure (Figs. 2 and 4) was introduced and propagated into the final revision.

• Performance Analysis of a De-correlated Modified Code Tracking Loop for Synchronous DS-CDMA System under Multiuser Environment

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Wu, Ya-Ting; Wong, Wai-Ki; Leung, Shu-Hung; Zhu, Yue-Sheng

  This paper presents the performance analysis of a De-correlated Modified Code Tracking Loop (D-MCTL) for synchronous direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) systems under multiuser environment. Previous studies have shown that the imbalance of multiple access interference (MAI) in the time lead and time lag portions of the signal causes tracking bias or instability problem in the traditional correlating tracking loop like delay lock loop (DLL) or modified code tracking loop (MCTL). In this paper, we exploit the de-correlating technique to combat the MAI at the on-time code position of the MCTL. Unlike applying the same technique to DLL which requires an extensive search algorithm to compensate the noise imbalance which may introduce small tracking bias under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the proposed D-MCTL has much lower computational complexity and exhibits zero tracking bias for the whole range of SNR, regardless of the number of interfering users. Furthermore, performance analysis and simulations based on Gold codes show that the proposed scheme has better mean square tracking error, mean-time-to-lose-lock and near-far resistance than the other tracking schemes, including traditional DLL (T-DLL), traditional MCTL (T-MCTL) and modified de-correlated DLL (MD-DLL).

• Bromination of aromatic compounds by residual bromide in sodium chloride matrix modifier salt during heated headspace GC/MS analysis.

  PubMed

  Fine, Dennis D; Ko, Saebom; Huling, Scott

  2013-12-15

  Analytical artifacts attributed to the bromination of toluene, xylenes, and trimethylbenzenes were found during the heated headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of aqueous samples. The aqueous samples were produced from Fenton-like chemical oxidation reactions and contained aromatic compounds, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ferric sulfate. Prior to GC/MS headspace analysis, the samples were acidified (pH<2), and sodium chloride was amended to the headspace vial as a matrix modifier. The brominated artifacts were generated during heated headspace analysis. Further, when samples were spiked with a mixture of volatile chlorinated and aromatic compounds (50 µg/L), poor spike recoveries of toluene and xylenes occurred, and in some cases complete loss of trimethylbenzenes and naphthalene resulted. Where poor recovery of aromatic spike compounds occurred, brominated aromatic compounds were found. The only significant source of bromine in the reaction scheme is the bromide typically present (<0.01% w/w) in the sodium chloride amended to the samples. Conversely, brominated artifacts were absent when a buffered salt mixture composed of sodium chloride and potassium phosphate dibasic/monobasic was used as a matrix modifier and raised the sample pH (pH~6). This indicated that the brominated artifacts resulted from the reaction of the aromatic compounds with BrCl, which was formed by the reaction of H2O2, chloride, and bromide under acidic conditions. An alternative matrix modifier salt is recommended that prevents the bromination reaction and avoids these deleterious effects on sample integrity during headspace analysis. Published by Elsevier B.V.

• Application of microchip CGE for the analysis of PEG-modified recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factors.

  PubMed

  Park, Eun Ji; Lee, Kyung Soo; Lee, Kang Choon; Na, Dong Hee

  2010-11-01

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microchip CGE (MCGE) for the analysis of PEG-modified granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (PEG-G-CSF) prepared with PEG-aldehydes. The unmodified and PEG-modified G-CSFs were analyzed by Protein 80 and 230 Labchips on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The MCGE allowed size-based separation and quantitation of PEG-G-CSF. The Protein 80 Labchip was useful for PEG-5K-G-CSF, while the Protein 230 Labchip was more suitable for PEG-20K-G-CSF. The MCGE was also used to monitor a search for optimal PEG-modification (PEGylation) conditions to produce mono-PEG-G-CSF. This study demonstrates the usefulness of MCGE for monitoring and optimizing the PEGylation of G-CSF with the advantages of speed, minimal sample consumption, and automatic quantitation.

• Coupled Loads Analysis of the Modified NASA Barge Pegasus and Space Launch System Hardware

  NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

  Knight, J. Brent

  2015-01-01

  A Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA) has been performed for barge transport of Space Launch System hardware on the recently modified NASA barge Pegasus. The barge re-design was facilitated with detailed finite element analyses by the ARMY Corps of Engineers - Marine Design Center. The Finite Element Model (FEM) utilized in the design was also used in the subject CLA. The Pegasus FEM and CLA results are presented as well as a comparison of the analysis process to that of a payload being transported to space via the Space Shuttle. Discussion of the dynamic forcing functions is included as well. The process of performing a dynamic CLA of NASA hardware during marine transport is thought to be a first and can likely support minimization of undue conservatism.

• Modified cross sample entropy and surrogate data analysis method for financial time series

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Yin, Yi; Shang, Pengjian

  2015-09-01

  For researching multiscale behaviors from the angle of entropy, we propose a modified cross sample entropy (MCSE) and combine surrogate data analysis with it in order to compute entropy differences between original dynamics and surrogate series (MCSDiff). MCSDiff is applied to simulated signals to show accuracy and then employed to US and Chinese stock markets. We illustrate the presence of multiscale behavior in the MCSDiff results and reveal that there are synchrony containing in the original financial time series and they have some intrinsic relations, which are destroyed by surrogate data analysis. Furthermore, the multifractal behaviors of cross-correlations between these financial time series are investigated by multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) method, since multifractal analysis is a multiscale analysis. We explore the multifractal properties of cross-correlation between these US and Chinese markets and show the distinctiveness of NQCI and HSI among the markets in their own region. It can be concluded that the weaker cross-correlation between US markets gives the evidence for the better inner mechanism in the US stock markets than that of Chinese stock markets. To study the multiscale features and properties of financial time series can provide valuable information for understanding the inner mechanism of financial markets.

• Top-Down Analysis of Highly Post-Translationally Modified Peptides by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Guerrero, Andres; Lerno, Larry; Barile, Daniela; Lebrilla, Carlito B.

  2015-03-01

  Bovine κ-caseinoglycomacropeptide (GMP) is a highly modified peptide from κ-casein produced during the cheese making process. The chemical nature of GMP makes analysis by traditional proteomic approaches difficult, as the peptide bears a strong net negative charge and a variety of post-translational modifications. In this work, we describe the use of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) for the top-down analysis of GMP. The method allows the simultaneous detection of different GMP forms that result from the combination of amino acid genetic variations and post-translational modifications, specifically phosphorylation and O-glycosylation. The different GMP forms were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry in both negative and positive mode and confirmation was achieved by tandem MS. The results showed the predominance of two genetic variants of GMP that occur as either mono- or bi-phosphorylated species. Additionally, these four forms can be modified with up to two O-glycans generally sialylated. The results demonstrate the presence of glycosylated, bi-phosphorylated forms of GMP never described before.

• Numerical analysis of standard and modified osteosynthesis in long bone fractures treatment.

  PubMed

  Sisljagić, Vladimir; Jovanović, Savo; Mrcela, Tomislav; Radić, Radivoje; Selthofer, Robert; Mrcela, Milanka

  2010-03-01

  The fundamental problem in osteoporotic fracture treatment is significant decrease in bone mass and bone tissue density resulting in decreased firmness and elasticity of osteoporotic bone. Application of standard implants and standard surgical techniques in osteoporotic bone fracture treatment makes it almost impossible to achieve stable osteosynthesis sufficient for early mobility, verticalization and load. Taking into account the form and the size of the contact surface as well as distribution of forces between the osteosynthetic materials and the bone tissue numerical analysis showed advantages of modified osteosynthesis with bone cement filling in the screw bed. The applied numerical model consisted of three sub-models: 3D model from solid elements, 3D cross section of the contact between the plate and the bone and the part of 3D cross section of the screw head and body. We have reached the conclusion that modified osteosynthesis with bone cement resulted in weaker strain in the part of the plate above the fracture fissure, more even strain on the screws, plate and bone, more even strain distribution along all the screws' bodies, significantly greater strain in the part of the screw head opposite to the fracture fissure, firm connection of the screw head and neck and the plate hole with the whole plate and more even bone strain around the screw.

• The use of a modified semantic features analysis approach in aphasia.

  PubMed

  Hashimoto, Naomi; Frome, Amber

  2011-01-01

  Several studies have reported improved naming using the semantic feature analysis (SFA) approach in individuals with aphasia. Whether the SFA can be modified and still produce naming improvements in aphasia is unknown. The present study was designed to address this question by using a modified version of the SFA approach. Three, rather than the typical six, features were used, and written along with verbal responses were allowed in an individual with both aphasia and apraxia of speech. A single-subject multiple-baseline design across behaviors was used to treat naming of single objects across three different semantic categories in a 72-year-old individual with aphasia and apraxia of speech. Stimulus generalization of training was measured by using photographs of trained items presented in natural contexts. Training of the three different categories resulted in improved naming. At a 6-week follow-up session, naming remained above pre-treatment levels but declines were noted compared to treatment levels. Generalization to the same trained items presented in different contexts was also demonstrated although declines in performance were also noted over time. Results of the study provide qualified support for the use of three features in promoting long-term improvement of naming in an individual with both aphasia and apraxia of speech. Future SFA studies should focus on whether it is the number or types of features used, aphasia severity, or length of treatment that are critical factors in rehabilitating naming deficits in aphasia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Modified global and modified linear contrast stretching algorithms: new colour contrast enhancement techniques for microscopic analysis of malaria slide images.

  PubMed

  Abdul-Nasir, Aimi Salihah; Mashor, Mohd Yusoff; Mohamed, Zeehaida

  2012-01-01

  Malaria is one of the serious global health problem, causing widespread sufferings and deaths in various parts of the world. With the large number of cases diagnosed over the year, early detection and accurate diagnosis which facilitates prompt treatment is an essential requirement to control malaria. For centuries now, manual microscopic examination of blood slide remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. However, low contrast of the malaria and variable smears quality are some factors that may influence the accuracy of interpretation by microbiologists. In order to reduce this problem, this paper aims to investigate the performance of the proposed contrast enhancement techniques namely, modified global and modified linear contrast stretching as well as the conventional global and linear contrast stretching that have been applied on malaria images of P. vivax species. The results show that the proposed modified global and modified linear contrast stretching techniques have successfully increased the contrast of the parasites and the infected red blood cells compared to the conventional global and linear contrast stretching. Hence, the resultant images would become useful to microbiologists for identification of various stages and species of malaria.

• Cartan symmetries and global dynamical systems analysis in a higher-order modified teleparallel theory

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Karpathopoulos, L.; Basilakos, S.; Leon, G.; Paliathanasis, A.; Tsamparlis, M.

  2018-07-01

  In a higher-order modified teleparallel theory cosmological we present analytical cosmological solutions. In particular we determine forms of the unknown potential which drives the scalar field such that the field equations form a Liouville integrable system. For the determination of the conservation laws we apply the Cartan symmetries. Furthermore, inspired from our solutions, a toy model is studied and it is shown that it can describe the Supernova data, while at the same time introduces dark matter components in the Hubble function. When the extra matter source is a stiff fluid then we show how analytical solutions for Bianchi I universes can be constructed from our analysis. Finally, we perform a global dynamical analysis of the field equations by using variables different from that of the Hubble-normalization.

• Ion exchanger from chemically modified banana leaves.

  PubMed

  El-Gendy, Ahmed A; Mohamed, Samar H; Abd-Elkader, Amal H

  2013-07-25

  Cation exchangers from chemically modified banana leaves have been prepared. Banana leaves were treated with different molarities of KMnO4 and cross linked with epichlorohydrin and their effect on metal ion adsorption was investigated. Phosphorylation of chemically modified banana leaves was also studied. The metal ion uptake by these modified banana leaves was clarified. Effect of different varieties, e.g. activation of produced cation exchanger, concentration of metal ions was also investigated. Characterization of the prepared ion exchangers by using infrared and thermal analysis was also taken in consideration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Nonlinear analysis of 0-3 polarized PLZT microplate based on the new modified couple stress theory

  NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

  Wang, Liming; Zheng, Shijie

  2018-02-01

  In this study, based on the new modified couple stress theory, the size- dependent model for nonlinear bending analysis of a pure 0-3 polarized PLZT plate is developed for the first time. The equilibrium equations are derived from a variational formulation based on the potential energy principle and the new modified couple stress theory. The Galerkin method is adopted to derive the nonlinear algebraic equations from governing differential equations. And then the nonlinear algebraic equations are solved by using Newton-Raphson method. After simplification, the new model includes only a material length scale parameter. In addition, numerical examples are carried out to study the effect of material length scale parameter on the nonlinear bending of a simply supported pure 0-3 polarized PLZT plate subjected to light illumination and uniform distributed load. The results indicate the new model is able to capture the size effect and geometric nonlinearity.

• How to apply clinical cases and medical literature in the framework of a modified "failure mode and effects analysis" as a clinical reasoning tool--an illustration using the human biliary system.

  PubMed

  Wong, Kam Cheong

  2016-04-06

  Clinicians use various clinical reasoning tools such as Ishikawa diagram to enhance their clinical experience and reasoning skills. Failure mode and effects analysis, which is an engineering methodology in origin, can be modified and applied to provide inputs into an Ishikawa diagram. The human biliary system is used to illustrate a modified failure mode and effects analysis. The anatomical and physiological processes of the biliary system are reviewed. Failure is defined as an abnormality caused by infective, inflammatory, obstructive, malignancy, autoimmune and other pathological processes. The potential failures, their effect(s), main clinical features, and investigation that can help a clinician to diagnose at each anatomical part and physiological process are reviewed and documented in a modified failure mode and effects analysis table. Relevant medical and surgical cases are retrieved from the medical literature and weaved into the table. A total of 80 clinical cases which are relevant to the modified failure mode and effects analysis for the human biliary system have been reviewed and weaved into a designated table. The table is the backbone and framework for further expansion. Reviewing and updating the table is an iterative and continual process. The relevant clinical features in the modified failure mode and effects analysis are then extracted and included in the relevant Ishikawa diagram. This article illustrates an application of engineering methodology in medicine, and it sows the seeds of potential cross-pollination between engineering and medicine. Establishing a modified failure mode and effects analysis can be a teamwork project or self-directed learning process, or a mix of both. Modified failure mode and effects analysis can be deployed to obtain inputs for an Ishikawa diagram which in turn can be used to enhance clinical experiences and clinical reasoning skills for clinicians, medical educators, and students.

• Polysaccharide-Modified Synthetic Polymeric Biomaterials

  PubMed Central

  Baldwin, Aaron D.; Kiick, Kristi L.

  2010-01-01

  This review presents an overview of polysaccharide-conjugated synthetic polymers and their use in tissue-engineered scaffolds and drug-delivery applications. This topic will be divided into four categories: (1) polymeric materials modified with non-mammalian polysaccharides such as alginate, chitin, and dextran; (2) polymers modified with mammalian polysaccharides such as hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin; (3) multi-polysaccharide-derivatized polymer conjugate systems; and (4) polymers containing polysaccharide-mimetic molecules. Each section will discuss relevant conjugation techniques, analysis, and the impact of these materials as micelles, particles, or hydrogels used in in-vitro and in-vivo biomaterial applications. PMID:20091875

• Modeling covalent-modifier drugs.

  PubMed

  Awoonor-Williams, Ernest; Walsh, Andrew G; Rowley, Christopher N

  2017-11-01

  In this review, we present a summary of how computer modeling has been used in the development of covalent-modifier drugs. Covalent-modifier drugs bind by forming a chemical bond with their target. This covalent binding can improve the selectivity of the drug for a target with complementary reactivity and result in increased binding affinities due to the strength of the covalent bond formed. In some cases, this results in irreversible inhibition of the target, but some targeted covalent inhibitor (TCI) drugs bind covalently but reversibly. Computer modeling is widely used in drug discovery, but different computational methods must be used to model covalent modifiers because of the chemical bonds formed. Structural and bioinformatic analysis has identified sites of modification that could yield selectivity for a chosen target. Docking methods, which are used to rank binding poses of large sets of inhibitors, have been augmented to support the formation of protein-ligand bonds and are now capable of predicting the binding pose of covalent modifiers accurately. The pK a 's of amino acids can be calculated in order to assess their reactivity towards electrophiles. QM/MM methods have been used to model the reaction mechanisms of covalent modification. The continued development of these tools will allow computation to aid in the development of new covalent-modifier drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biophysics in Canada, edited by Lewis Kay, John Baenziger, Albert Berghuis and Peter Tieleman. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

• Void effect analysis of Pb-208 of fast reactors with modified CANDLE burn-up scheme

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

  Widiawati, Nina, E-mail: nina-widiawati28@yahoo.com; Su’ud, Zaki, E-mail: szaki@fi.itb.ac.id

  Void effect analysis of Pb-208 as coolant of fast reactors with modified candle burn-up scheme has been conducted. Lead cooled fast reactor (LFR) is one of the fourth-generation reactor designs. The reactor is designed with a thermal power output of 500 MWt. Modified CANDLE burn-up scheme allows the reactor to have long life operation by supplying only natural uranium as fuel cycle input. This scheme introducing discrete region, the fuel is initially put in region 1, after one cycle of 10 years of burn up it is shifted to region 2 and region 1 is filled by fresh natural uraniummore » fuel. The reactor is designed for 100 years with 10 regions arranged axially. The results of neutronic calculation showed that the void coefficients ranged from −0.6695443 % at BOC to −0.5273626 % at EOC for 500 MWt reactor. The void coefficients of Pb-208 more negative than Pb-nat. The results showed that the reactors with Pb-208 coolant have better level of safety than Pb-nat.« less

Modifiable predictors of depression following childhood maltreatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Braithwaite, E C; O'Connor, R M; Degli-Esposti, M; Luke, N; Bowes, L

2017-01-01

Although maltreatment experiences in childhood increase the risk for depression, not all maltreated children become depressed. This review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to identify modifiable factors that increase vulnerability to, or act as a buffer against, depression, and could therefore inform the development of targeted interventions. Thirteen databases (including Medline, PsychINFO, SCOPUS) were searched (between 1984 and 2014) for prospective, longitudinal studies published in English that included at least 300 participants and assessed associations between childhood maltreatment and later depression. The study quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale checklist. Meta-analyses (random effects models) were performed on combined data to estimate the effect size of the association between maltreatment and depression. Meta-regressions were used to explore effects of study size and quality. We identified 22 eligible articles (N=12 210 participants), of which 6 examined potential modifiable predictors of depression following maltreatment. No more than two studies examined the same modifiable predictor; therefore, it was not possible to examine combined effects of modifiable predictors with meta-regression. It is thus difficult to draw firm conclusions from this study, but initial findings indicate that interpersonal relationships, cognitive vulnerabilities and behavioral difficulties may be modifiable predictors of depression following maltreatment. There is a lack of well-designed, prospective studies on modifiable predictors of depression following maltreatment. A small amount of initial research suggests that modifiable predictors of depression may be specific to maltreatment subtypes and gender. Corroboration and further investigation of causal mechanisms is required to identify novel targets for intervention, and to inform guidelines for the effective treatment of maltreated children. PMID:28675390

Modifiable partner factors associated with perinatal depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Pilkington, Pamela D; Milne, Lisa C; Cairns, Kathryn E; Lewis, James; Whelan, Thomas A

2015-06-01

Perinatal distress is a significant public health problem that adversely impacts the individual and their family. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify factors that partners can modify to protect each other from developing perinatal depression and anxiety. In accordance with the PRISMA statement, we reviewed the risk and protective factors associated with perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms that partners can potentially modify without professional assistance (PROSPERO reference CRD42014007524). Participants were new or expectant parents aged 16 years or older. The partner factors were sub-grouped into themes (e.g., instrumental support) based on a content analysis of the scale items and measure descriptions. A series of meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect sizes of associations. We included 120 publications, reporting 245 associations with depression and 44 with anxiety. Partner factors with sound evidence that they protect against both perinatal depression and anxiety are: emotional closeness and global support. Partner factors with a sound evidence base for depression only are communication, conflict, emotional and instrumental support, and relationship satisfaction. This review is limited by the lack of generalizability to single parents and the inability to systematically review moderators and mediators, or control for baseline symptoms. The findings suggest that future prevention programs targeting perinatal depression and anxiety should aim to enhance relationship satisfaction, communication, and emotional closeness, facilitate instrumental and emotional support, and minimize conflict between partners. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of modified-release metoprolol formulations: An interspecies comparison.

PubMed

De Thaye, Elien; Vervaeck, Anouk; Marostica, Eleonora; Remon, Jean Paul; Van Bocxlaer, Jan; Vervaet, Chris; Vermeulen, An

2017-01-15

In the current study, we investigated the metoprolol absorption kinetics of an in-house produced oral sustained-release formulation, matrices manufactured via prilling, and two commercially available formulations, ZOK-ZID ® (reservoir) and Slow-Lopresor ® (matrix) in both New Zealand White rabbits and Beagle dogs, using a population pharmacokinetic analysis approach. The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of different formulations based on metoprolol, a selective adrenergic β 1 -receptor antagonist, in dogs and rabbits and to contrast the observed differences. To that end, metoprolol (50 to 200mg) was administered to 6 Beagle dogs and 6 New Zealand White rabbits as a single intravenous (IV) bolus injection and to 8 dogs and 6 rabbits as an oral modified release formulation. To derive pharmacokinetic parameters from the data, a non-linear mixed-effects model was developed using NONMEM ® where the contribution of observations below the limit of detection (BDL, below detection limit) to the parameter estimates was taken into account in the parameter estimation procedure. In both species and for the three modified release formulations, different absorption models were tested to describe the PK of metoprolol following oral dosing. In Beagle dogs, plasma concentration-time profiles were best described using a sequential zero- and first-order absorption model. In rabbits though, the absorption phase was best described using a first-order process only. In both species, the reservoir formulation ZOK-ZID ® was behaving quite similarly. In contrast, the absorption properties of both matrix formulations were rather different between species. This study indicates that the PK of the reservoir formulation is similar in both species, even after accounting for the almost completely missed absorption phase in rabbits. The insights gained further illustrate that rabbits are not very well suited to study the PK of the current matrix

XRD, TEM, and thermal analysis of Arizona Ca-montmorillonites modified with didodecyldimethylammonium bromide.

PubMed

Sun, Zhiming; Park, Yuri; Zheng, Shuilin; Ayoko, Godwin A; Frost, Ray L

2013-10-15

An Arizona SAz-2 calcium montmorillonite was modified by a typical dialkyl cationic surfactant (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, abbreviated to DDDMA) through direct ion exchange. The obtained organoclays were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TG), and infrared emission spectroscopy (IES). The intercalation of surfactants greatly increased the basal spacing of the interlayers and the conformation arrangement of the loaded surfactant were assessed based on the XRD and TEM measurements. This work shows that the dialkyl surfactant can be directly intercalated into the montmorillonite without first undergoing Na(+) exchange. Moreover, the thermal stability of organoclays and the different arrangements of the surfactant molecules intercalated in the SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonite were determined by a combination of TG and IES techniques. The detailed conformational ordering of different intercalated surfactants under different conditions was also studied. The surfactant molecule DDDMA has proved to be thermally stable even at 400°C which indicates that the prepared organoclay is stable to significantly high temperatures. This study offers new insights into the structure and thermal stabilities of SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonite modified with DDDMA. The experimental results also confirm the potential applications of organic SAz-2 Ca-montmorillonites as adsorbents and polymer-clay nanocomposites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Modified Relative Spectral Mixture Analysis to Extract the Fractions of Major Land Cover Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, S.

2015-12-01

As an effective method of extracting land cover fractions based on spectral endmembers, spectral mixture analysis (SMA) has been applied using remotely sensed imagery in different spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions. A number of studies focused on arid/semiarid ecosystem have used SMA to obtain the land cover fractions of GV, NPV/litter, and bare soil (BS) using MODIS reflectance products to understand ecosystem phenology, track vegetation dynamics, and evaluate the impact of major disturbances. However, several challenges remain in the application of SMA in studying ecosystem phenology, including obtaining high quality endmembers and increasing computational efficiency when considering to long time series that cover a broad spatial extent. Okin (2007) proposes a variation of SMA, named as relative spectra mixture analysis (RSMA) to address the latter challenge by calculating the relative change of fraction of GV, NPV/litter, and BS compared with a baseline date. This approach assumes that the baseline image contains the spectral information of the bare soil that can be used as an endmember for spectral mixture analysis though it is mixed with the spectral reflectance of other non-soil land cover types. Using the baseline image, one can obtain the change of fractions of GV, NPV/litter, BS, and snow compared with the baseline image. However, RSMA results depend on the selection of baseline date and the fractional components during this date. In this study, we modified the strategy of implementing RSMA by introducing a step of obtaining a soil map as the baseline image using multiple-endmember SMA (MESMA) before applying RSMA. The fractions of land cover components from this modified RSMA are also validated using the field observations from two study area in semiarid savanna and grassland of Queensland, Australia.

Analysis of potential protein-modifying variants in 9000 endometriosis patients and 150000 controls of European ancestry.

PubMed

Sapkota, Yadav; Vivo, Immaculata De; Steinthorsdottir, Valgerdur; Fassbender, Amelie; Bowdler, Lisa; Buring, Julie E; Edwards, Todd L; Jones, Sarah; O, Dorien; Peterse, Daniëlle; Rexrode, Kathryn M; Ridker, Paul M; Schork, Andrew J; Thorleifsson, Gudmar; Wallace, Leanne M; Kraft, Peter; Morris, Andrew P; Nyholt, Dale R; Edwards, Digna R Velez; Nyegaard, Mette; D'Hooghe, Thomas; Chasman, Daniel I; Stefansson, Kari; Missmer, Stacey A; Montgomery, Grant W

2017-09-12

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified 19 independent common risk loci for endometriosis. Most of the GWA variants are non-coding and the genes responsible for the association signals have not been identified. Herein, we aimed to assess the potential role of protein-modifying variants in endometriosis using exome-array genotyping in 7164 cases and 21005 controls, and a replication set of 1840 cases and 129016 controls of European ancestry. Results in the discovery sample identified significant evidence for association with coding variants in single-variant (rs1801232-CUBN) and gene-level (CIITA and PARP4) meta-analyses, but these did not survive replication. In the combined analysis, there was genome-wide significant evidence for rs13394619 (P = 2.3 × 10 -9 ) in GREB1 at 2p25.1 - a locus previously identified in a GWA meta-analysis of European and Japanese samples. Despite sufficient power, our results did not identify any protein-modifying variants (MAF > 0.01) with moderate or large effect sizes in endometriosis, although these variants may exist in non-European populations or in high-risk families. The results suggest continued discovery efforts should focus on genotyping large numbers of surgically-confirmed endometriosis cases and controls, and/or sequencing high-risk families to identify novel rare variants to provide greater insights into the molecular pathogenesis of the disease.

A modified eco-efficiency framework and methodology for advancing the state of practice of sustainability analysis as applied to green infrastructure

EPA Science Inventory

We propose a modified eco-efficiency (EE) framework and novel sustainability analysis methodology for green infrastructure (GI) practices used in water resource management. Green infrastructure practices such as rainwater harvesting (RWH), rain gardens, porous pavements, and gree...

Endogenous allergens and compositional analysis in the allergenicity assessment of genetically modified plants.

PubMed

Fernandez, A; Mills, E N C; Lovik, M; Spoek, A; Germini, A; Mikalsen, A; Wal, J M

2013-12-01

Allergenicity assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants is one of the key pillars in the safety assessment process of these products. As part of this evaluation, one of the concerns is to assess that unintended effects (e.g. over-expression of endogenous allergens) relevant for the food safety have not occurred due to the genetic modification. Novel technologies are now available and could be used as complementary and/or alternative methods to those based on human sera for the assessment of endogenous allergenicity. In view of these developments and as a step forward in the allergenicity assessment of GM plants, it is recommended that known endogenous allergens are included in the compositional analysis as additional parameters to be measured. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High content analysis provides mechanistic insights on the pathways of toxicity induced by amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles.

PubMed

Anguissola, Sergio; Garry, David; Salvati, Anna; O'Brien, Peter J; Dawson, Kenneth A

2014-01-01

The fast-paced development of nanotechnology needs the support of effective safety testing. We have developed a screening platform measuring simultaneously several cellular parameters for exposure to various concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs). Cell lines representative of different organ cell types, including lung, endothelium, liver, kidney, macrophages, glia, and neuronal cells were exposed to 50 nm amine-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) NPs previously reported to induce apoptosis and to 50 nm sulphonated and carboxyl-modified polystyrene NPs that were reported to be silent. All cell lines apart from Raw 264.7 executed apoptosis in response to PS-NH2 NPs, showing specific sequences of EC50 thresholds; lysosomal acidification was the most sensitive parameter. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and plasma membrane integrity measured by High Content Analysis resulted comparably sensitive to the equivalent OECD-recommended assays, allowing increased output. Analysis of the acidic compartments revealed good cerrelation between size/fluorescence intensity and dose of PS-NH2 NPs applied; moreover steatosis and phospholipidosis were observed, consistent with the lysosomal alterations revealed by Lysotracker green; similar responses were observed when comparing astrocytoma cells with primary astrocytes. We have established a platform providing mechanistic insights on the response to exposure to nanoparticles. Such platform holds great potential for in vitro screening of nanomaterials in highthroughput format.

Measurement of Trained Speech Patterns in Stuttering: Interjudge and Intrajudge Agreement of Experts by Means of Modified Time-Interval Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alpermann, Anke; Huber, Walter; Natke, Ulrich; Willmes, Klaus

2010-01-01

Improved fluency after stuttering therapy is usually measured by the percentage of stuttered syllables. However, outcome studies rarely evaluate the use of trained speech patterns that speakers use to manage stuttering. This study investigated whether the modified time interval analysis can distinguish between trained speech patterns, fluent…

How scary! An analysis of visual communication concerning genetically modified organisms in Italy.

PubMed

Ventura, Vera; Frisio, Dario G; Ferrazzi, Giovanni; Siletti, Elena

2017-07-01

Several studies provide evidence of the role of written communication in influencing public perception towards genetically modified organisms, whereas visual communication has been sparsely investigated. This article aims to evaluate the exposure of the Italian population to scary genetically modified organism-related images. A set of 517 images collected through Google are classified considering fearful attributes, and an index that accounts for the scary impact of these images is built. Then, through an ordinary least-squares regression, we estimate the relationship between the Scary Impact Index and a set of variables that describes the context in which the images appear. The results reveal that the first (and most viewed) Google result images contain the most frightful contents. In addition, the agri-food sector in Italy is strongly oriented towards offering a negative representation of genetically modified organisms. Exposure to scary images could be a factor that affects the negative perception of genetically modified organisms in Italy.

Correlation of concentration of modified cassava flour for banana fritter flour using simple linear regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herminiati, A.; Rahman, T.; Turmala, E.; Fitriany, C. G.

2017-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of different concentrations of modified cassava flour that was processed for banana fritter flour. The research method consists of two stages: (1) to determine the different types of flour: cassava flour, modified cassava flour-A (using the method of the lactid acid bacteria), and modified cassava flour-B (using the method of the autoclaving cooling cycle), then conducted on organoleptic test and physicochemical analysis; (2) to determine the correlation of concentration of modified cassava flour for banana fritter flour, by design was used simple linear regression. The factors were used different concentrations of modified cassava flour-B (y1) 40%, (y2) 50%, and (y3) 60%. The response in the study includes physical analysis (whiteness of flour, water holding capacity-WHC, oil holding capacity-OHC), chemical analysis (moisture content, ash content, crude fiber content, starch content), and organoleptic (color, aroma, taste, texture). The results showed that the type of flour selected from the organoleptic test was modified cassava flour-B. Analysis results of modified cassava flour-B component containing whiteness of flour 60.42%; WHC 41.17%; OHC 21.15%; moisture content 4.4%; ash content 1.75%; crude fiber content 1.86%; starch content 67.31%. The different concentrations of modified cassava flour-B with the results of the analysis provides correlation to the whiteness of flour, WHC, OHC, moisture content, ash content, crude fiber content, and starch content. The different concentrations of modified cassava flour-B does not affect the color, aroma, taste, and texture.

Investigation of the antibiofilm capacity of peptide-modified stainless steel

PubMed Central

Cao, Pan; Li, Wen-Wu; Morris, Andrew R.; Horrocks, Paul D.; Yuan, Cheng-Qing

2018-01-01

Biofilm formation on surfaces is an important research topic in ship tribology and medical implants. In this study, dopamine and two types of synthetic peptides were designed and attached to 304 stainless steel surfaces, aiming to inhibit the formation of biofilms. A combinatory surface modification procedure was applied in which dopamine was used as a coupling agent, allowing a strong binding ability with the two peptides. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, contact angle measurement and surface roughness test were used to evaluate the efficiency of the peptide modification. An antibiofilm assay against Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to validate the antibiofilm capacity of the peptide-modified stainless steel samples. XPS analysis confirmed that the optimal dopamine concentration was 40 µg ml−1 in the coupling reaction. Element analysis showed that dopamine and the peptides had bound to the steel surfaces. The robustness assay of the modified surface demonstrated that most peptide molecules had bound on the surface of the stainless steel firmly. The contact angle of the modified surfaces was significantly changed. Modified steel samples exhibited improved antibiofilm properties in comparison to untreated and dopamine-only counterpart, with the peptide 1 modification displaying the best antibiofilm effect. The modified surfaces showed antibacterial capacity. The antibiofilm capacity of the modified surfaces was also surface topography sensitive. The steel sample surfaces polished with 600# sandpaper exhibited stronger antibiofilm capacity than those polished with other types of sandpapers after peptide modification. These findings present valuable information for future antifouling material research. PMID:29657809

Investigation of the antibiofilm capacity of peptide-modified stainless steel.

PubMed

Cao, Pan; Li, Wen-Wu; Morris, Andrew R; Horrocks, Paul D; Yuan, Cheng-Qing; Yang, Ying

2018-03-01

Biofilm formation on surfaces is an important research topic in ship tribology and medical implants. In this study, dopamine and two types of synthetic peptides were designed and attached to 304 stainless steel surfaces, aiming to inhibit the formation of biofilms. A combinatory surface modification procedure was applied in which dopamine was used as a coupling agent, allowing a strong binding ability with the two peptides. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, contact angle measurement and surface roughness test were used to evaluate the efficiency of the peptide modification. An antibiofilm assay against Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to validate the antibiofilm capacity of the peptide-modified stainless steel samples. XPS analysis confirmed that the optimal dopamine concentration was 40 µg ml -1 in the coupling reaction. Element analysis showed that dopamine and the peptides had bound to the steel surfaces. The robustness assay of the modified surface demonstrated that most peptide molecules had bound on the surface of the stainless steel firmly. The contact angle of the modified surfaces was significantly changed. Modified steel samples exhibited improved antibiofilm properties in comparison to untreated and dopamine-only counterpart, with the peptide 1 modification displaying the best antibiofilm effect. The modified surfaces showed antibacterial capacity. The antibiofilm capacity of the modified surfaces was also surface topography sensitive. The steel sample surfaces polished with 600# sandpaper exhibited stronger antibiofilm capacity than those polished with other types of sandpapers after peptide modification. These findings present valuable information for future antifouling material research.

UV resistance and dimensional stability of wood modified with isopropenyl acetate.

PubMed

Nagarajappa, Giridhar B; Pandey, Krishna K

2016-02-01

Chemical modification of Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Müll.Arg) with isopropenyl acetate (IPA) in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride as a catalyst has been carried out under solvent free conditions. The level of modification was estimated by determining the weight percent gain and modified wood was characterized by FTIR-ATR and CP/MAS (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The effect of catalyst concentration on WPG was studied. UV resistance, moisture adsorption and dimensional stability of modified wood were evaluated. UV resistance of modified wood was evaluated by exposing unmodified and modified wood to UV irradiation in a QUV accelerated weathering tester. Unmodified wood showed rapid color changes and degradation of lignin upon exposure to UV light. Chemical modification of wood polymers with IPA was effective in reducing light induced color changes (photo-yellowing) at wood surfaces. In contrast to unmodified wood, modified wood exhibited bleaching. FTIR analysis of modified wood exposed to UV light indicated stabilization of wood polymers against UV degradation. Modified wood showed good dimensional stability and hydrophobicity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that modification with IPA improved thermal stability of wood. Improved dimensional stability and UV resistance of modified wood indicates IPA as a promising reagent since there is no acid byproduct of reaction as observed in case of other esterification reactions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multidimensional scaling analysis of financial time series based on modified cross-sample entropy methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jiayi; Shang, Pengjian; Xiong, Hui

2018-06-01

Stocks, as the concrete manifestation of financial time series with plenty of potential information, are often used in the study of financial time series. In this paper, we utilize the stock data to recognize their patterns through out the dissimilarity matrix based on modified cross-sample entropy, then three-dimensional perceptual maps of the results are provided through multidimensional scaling method. Two modified multidimensional scaling methods are proposed in this paper, that is, multidimensional scaling based on Kronecker-delta cross-sample entropy (MDS-KCSE) and multidimensional scaling based on permutation cross-sample entropy (MDS-PCSE). These two methods use Kronecker-delta based cross-sample entropy and permutation based cross-sample entropy to replace the distance or dissimilarity measurement in classical multidimensional scaling (MDS). Multidimensional scaling based on Chebyshev distance (MDSC) is employed to provide a reference for comparisons. Our analysis reveals a clear clustering both in synthetic data and 18 indices from diverse stock markets. It implies that time series generated by the same model are easier to have similar irregularity than others, and the difference in the stock index, which is caused by the country or region and the different financial policies, can reflect the irregularity in the data. In the synthetic data experiments, not only the time series generated by different models can be distinguished, the one generated under different parameters of the same model can also be detected. In the financial data experiment, the stock indices are clearly divided into five groups. Through analysis, we find that they correspond to five regions, respectively, that is, Europe, North America, South America, Asian-Pacific (with the exception of mainland China), mainland China and Russia. The results also demonstrate that MDS-KCSE and MDS-PCSE provide more effective divisions in experiments than MDSC.

Modified Electrodes Used for Electrochemical Detection of Metal Ions in Environmental Analysis

PubMed Central

March, Gregory; Nguyen, Tuan Dung; Piro, Benoit

2015-01-01

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems, and regulations are becoming stricter. Many efforts have been made to develop sensors for monitoring heavy metals in the environment. This review aims at presenting the different label-free strategies used to develop electrochemical sensors for the detection of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic etc. The first part of this review will be dedicated to stripping voltammetry techniques, on unmodified electrodes (mercury, bismuth or noble metals in the bulk form), or electrodes modified at their surface by nanoparticles, nanostructures (CNT, graphene) or other innovative materials such as boron-doped diamond. The second part will be dedicated to chemically modified electrodes especially those with conducting polymers. The last part of this review will focus on bio-modified electrodes. Special attention will be paid to strategies using biomolecules (DNA, peptide or proteins), enzymes or whole cells. PMID:25938789

A modifier of Huntington's disease onset at the MLH1 locus.

PubMed

Lee, Jong-Min; Chao, Michael J; Harold, Denise; Abu Elneel, Kawther; Gillis, Tammy; Holmans, Peter; Jones, Lesley; Orth, Michael; Myers, Richard H; Kwak, Seung; Wheeler, Vanessa C; MacDonald, Marcy E; Gusella, James F

2017-10-01

Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG repeat in HTT. Many clinical characteristics of HD such as age at motor onset are determined largely by the size of HTT CAG repeat. However, emerging evidence strongly supports a role for other genetic factors in modifying the disease pathogenesis driven by mutant huntingtin. A recent genome-wide association analysis to discover genetic modifiers of HD onset age provided initial evidence for modifier loci on chromosomes 8 and 15 and suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 3. Here, genotyping of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms in a cohort of 3,314 additional HD subjects yields independent confirmation of the former two loci and moves the third to genome-wide significance at MLH1, a locus whose mouse orthologue modifies CAG length-dependent phenotypes in a Htt-knock-in mouse model of HD. Both quantitative and dichotomous association analyses implicate a functional variant on ∼32% of chromosomes with the beneficial modifier effect that delays HD motor onset by 0.7 years/allele. Genomic DNA capture and sequencing of a modifier haplotype localize the functional variation to a 78 kb region spanning the 3'end of MLH1 and the 5'end of the neighboring LRRFIP2, and marked by an isoleucine-valine missense variant in MLH1. Analysis of expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) provides modest support for altered regulation of MLH1 and LRRFIP2, raising the possibility that the modifier affects regulation of both genes. Finally, polygenic modification score and heritability analyses suggest the existence of additional genetic modifiers, supporting expanded, comprehensive genetic analysis of larger HD datasets. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A comparative analysis of modified binders : original asphalts and materials extracted from existing pavements.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-18

This research demonstrated the application of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as an analytical tool to : ascertain the amounts of polymer modifiers in polymer modified asphalt cements, which are soluble in eluting GPC : solvents. The technique wa...

A Comparative Analysis of Modified Binders : Original Asphalt and Material Extracted from Existing Pavement

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-18

This research demonstrated the application of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as an analytical tool to ascertain the amounts of polymer modifiers in polymer modified asphalt cements, which are soluble in eluting GPC solvents. The technique was ap...

A modified eco-efficiency framework and methodology for advancing the state of practice of sustainability analysis as applied to green infrastructure.

PubMed

Ghimire, Santosh R; Johnston, John M

2017-09-01

We propose a modified eco-efficiency (EE) framework and novel sustainability analysis methodology for green infrastructure (GI) practices used in water resource management. Green infrastructure practices such as rainwater harvesting (RWH), rain gardens, porous pavements, and green roofs are emerging as viable strategies for climate change adaptation. The modified framework includes 4 economic, 11 environmental, and 3 social indicators. Using 6 indicators from the framework, at least 1 from each dimension of sustainability, we demonstrate the methodology to analyze RWH designs. We use life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment to calculate the sustainability indicators of 20 design configurations as Decision Management Objectives (DMOs). Five DMOs emerged as relatively more sustainable along the EE analysis Tradeoff Line, and we used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a widely applied statistical approach, to quantify the modified EE measures as DMO sustainability scores. We also addressed the subjectivity and sensitivity analysis requirements of sustainability analysis, and we evaluated the performance of 10 weighting schemes that included classical DEA, equal weights, National Institute of Standards and Technology's stakeholder panel, Eco-Indicator 99, Sustainable Society Foundation's Sustainable Society Index, and 5 derived schemes. We improved upon classical DEA by applying the weighting schemes to identify sustainability scores that ranged from 0.18 to 1.0, avoiding the nonuniqueness problem and revealing the least to most sustainable DMOs. Our methodology provides a more comprehensive view of water resource management and is generally applicable to GI and industrial, environmental, and engineered systems to explore the sustainability space of alternative design configurations. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:821-831. Published 2017. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Integrated Environmental Assessment and

Comparative analysis of the modified enclosed energy metric for self-focusing holograms from digital lensless holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Trujillo, Carlos; Garcia-Sucerquia, Jorge

2015-06-01

A comparative analysis of the performance of the modified enclosed energy (MEE) method for self-focusing holograms recorded with digital lensless holographic microscopy is presented. Notwithstanding the MEE analysis previously published, no extended analysis of its performance has been reported. We have tested the MEE in terms of the minimum axial distance allowed between the set of reconstructed holograms to search for the focal plane and the elapsed time to obtain the focused image. These parameters have been compared with those for some of the already reported methods in the literature. The MEE achieves better results in terms of self-focusing quality but at a higher computational cost. Despite its longer processing time, the method remains within a time frame to be technologically attractive. Modeled and experimental holograms have been utilized in this work to perform the comparative study.

Modified cyanobacteria

DOEpatents

Vermaas, Willem F J.

2014-06-17

Disclosed is a modified photoautotrophic bacterium comprising genes of interest that are modified in terms of their expression and/or coding region sequence, wherein modification of the genes of interest increases production of a desired product in the bacterium relative to the amount of the desired product production in a photoautotrophic bacterium that is not modified with respect to the genes of interest.

Epidemiologic studies of modifiable factors associated with cognition and dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Cognitive impairment, including dementia, is a major health concern with the increasing aging population. Preventive measures to delay cognitive decline are of utmost importance. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia, increasing in prevalence from <1% below the age of 60 years to >40% above 85 years of age. Methods We systematically reviewed selected modifiable factors such as education, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, caffeine, antioxidants, homocysteine (Hcy), n-3 fatty acids that were studied in relation to various cognitive health outcomes, including incident AD. We searched MEDLINE for published literature (January 1990 through October 2012), including cross-sectional and cohort studies (sample sizes > 300). Analyses compared study finding consistency across factors, study designs and study-level characteristics. Selecting studies of incident AD, our meta-analysis estimated pooled risk ratios (RR), population attributable risk percent (PAR%) and assessed publication bias. Results In total, 247 studies were retrieved for systematic review. Consistency analysis for each risk factor suggested positive findings ranging from ~38.9% for caffeine to ~89% for physical activity. Education also had a significantly higher propensity for “a positive finding” compared to caffeine, smoking and antioxidant-related studies. Meta-analysis of 31 studies with incident AD yielded pooled RR for low education (RR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.30-3.04), high Hcy (RR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.50-2.49), and current/ever smoking status (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.23-1.52) while indicating protective effects of higher physical activity and n-3 fatty acids. Estimated PAR% were particularly high for physical activity (PAR% = 31.9; 95% CI: 22.7-41.2) and smoking (PAR%=31.09%; 95% CI: 17.9-44.3). Overall, no significant publication bias was found. Conclusions Higher Hcy levels, lower educational attainment, and decreased physical activity were

Fracture behavior of nano-scale rubber-modified epoxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacigalupo, Lauren N.

The primary focus of the first portion of this study is to compare physical and mechanical properties of a model epoxy that has been toughened with one of three different types of rubber-based modifier: a traditional telechelic oligomer (phase separates into micro-size particles), a core-shell latex particle (preformed nano-scale particles) and a triblock copolymer (self-assembles into nano-scale particles). The effect of modifier content on the physical properties of the matrix was determined using several thermal analysis methods, which provided insight into any inherent alterations of the epoxy matrix. Although the primary objective is to study the role of particle size on the fracture toughness, stiffness and strength were also determined since these properties are often reduced in rubber-toughened epoxies. It was found that since the CSR- and SBM-modified epoxies are composed of less rubber, thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy were better maintained. In order to better understand the fracture behavior and mechanisms of the three types of rubber particles utilized in this study, extensive microscopy analysis was conducted. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to quantify the volume fraction of particles, transmission optical microscopy (TOM) was used to determine plastic damage zone size, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess void growth in the plastic zone after fracture. By quantifying these characteristics, it was then possible to model the plastic damage zone size as well as the fracture toughness to elucidate the behavior of the rubber-modified epoxies. It was found that localized shear yielding and matrix void growth are the active toughening mechanisms in all rubber-modified epoxies in this study, however, matrix void growth was more prevalent. The second portion of this study investigated the use of three acrylate-based triblocks and four acrylate-based diblocks to modify a model epoxy system. By

Numerical analysis of inertance pulse tube cryocooler with a modified reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Derick; Damu, C.; Kuzhiveli, Biju T.

2017-12-01

Pulse tube cryocoolers are used for cooling applications, where very high reliability is required as in space applications. These cryocoolers require a buffer volume depending on the temperature to be maintained and cooling load. A miniature single stage coaxial Inertance Pulse Tube Cryocooler is proposed which operates at 80 K to provide a cooling effect of at least 2 W. In this paper a pulse tube cryocooler, with modified reservoir is suggested, where the reverse fluctuation in compressor case is used instead of a steady pressure in the reservoir to bring about the desired phase shift between the pressure and the mass flow rate in the cold heat exchanger. Therefore, the large reservoir of the cryocooler is replaced by the crank volume of the hermetically sealed linear compressor, and hence the cryocooler is simplified and compact in size. The components of the cryocooler consist of a connecting tube, aftercooler, regenerator, cold heat exchanger, flow straightener, pulse tube, warm heat exchanger, inertance tube and the modified reservoir along with the losses were designed and analyzed. Each part of the cryocooler was analysed using SAGE v11 and verified with ANSYS Fluent. The simulation results clearly show that there is 50% reduction in the reservoir volume for the modified Inertance pulse tube cryocooler.

Free vibration analysis of embedded magneto-electro-thermo-elastic cylindrical nanoshell based on the modified couple stress theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghadiri, Majid; Safarpour, Hamed

2016-09-01

In this paper, size-dependent effect of an embedded magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) nanoshell subjected to thermo-electro-magnetic loadings on free vibration behavior is investigated. Also, the surrounding elastic medium has been considered as the model of Winkler characterized by the spring. The size-dependent MEE nanoshell is investigated on the basis of the modified couple stress theory. Taking attention to the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the modeled nanoshell and its equations of motion are derived using principle of minimum potential energy. The accuracy of the presented model is validated with some cases in the literature. Finally, using the Navier-type method, an analytical solution of governing equations for vibration behavior of simply supported MEE cylindrical nanoshell under combined loadings is presented and the effects of material length scale parameter, temperature changes, external electric potential, external magnetic potential, circumferential wave numbers, constant of spring, shear correction factor and length-to-radius ratio of the nanoshell on natural frequency are identified. Since there has been no research about size-dependent analysis MEE cylindrical nanoshell under combined loadings based on FSDT, numerical results are presented to be served as benchmarks for future analysis of MEE nanoshells using the modified couple stress theory.

Identification of transformer fault based on dissolved gas analysis using hybrid support vector machine-modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Early detection of power transformer fault is important because it can reduce the maintenance cost of the transformer and it can ensure continuous electricity supply in power systems. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) technique is commonly used to identify oil-filled power transformer fault type but utilisation of artificial intelligence method with optimisation methods has shown convincing results. In this work, a hybrid support vector machine (SVM) with modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation (EPSO) algorithm was proposed to determine the transformer fault type. The superiority of the modified PSO technique with SVM was evaluated by comparing the results with the actual fault diagnosis, unoptimised SVM and previous reported works. Data reduction was also applied using stepwise regression prior to the training process of SVM to reduce the training time. It was found that the proposed hybrid SVM-Modified EPSO (MEPSO)-Time Varying Acceleration Coefficient (TVAC) technique results in the highest correct identification percentage of faults in a power transformer compared to other PSO algorithms. Thus, the proposed technique can be one of the potential solutions to identify the transformer fault type based on DGA data on site. PMID:29370230

Identification of transformer fault based on dissolved gas analysis using hybrid support vector machine-modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation.

PubMed

Illias, Hazlee Azil; Zhao Liang, Wee

2018-01-01

Early detection of power transformer fault is important because it can reduce the maintenance cost of the transformer and it can ensure continuous electricity supply in power systems. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) technique is commonly used to identify oil-filled power transformer fault type but utilisation of artificial intelligence method with optimisation methods has shown convincing results. In this work, a hybrid support vector machine (SVM) with modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation (EPSO) algorithm was proposed to determine the transformer fault type. The superiority of the modified PSO technique with SVM was evaluated by comparing the results with the actual fault diagnosis, unoptimised SVM and previous reported works. Data reduction was also applied using stepwise regression prior to the training process of SVM to reduce the training time. It was found that the proposed hybrid SVM-Modified EPSO (MEPSO)-Time Varying Acceleration Coefficient (TVAC) technique results in the highest correct identification percentage of faults in a power transformer compared to other PSO algorithms. Thus, the proposed technique can be one of the potential solutions to identify the transformer fault type based on DGA data on site.

Discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts.

PubMed

Dligach, Dmitriy; Bethard, Steven; Becker, Lee; Miller, Timothy; Savova, Guergana K

2014-01-01

To research computational methods for discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts. We cast the task of discovering body site and severity modifiers as a relation extraction problem in the context of a supervised machine learning framework. We utilize rich linguistic features to represent the pairs of relation arguments and delegate the decision about the nature of the relationship between them to a support vector machine model. We evaluate our models using two corpora that annotate body site and severity modifiers. We also compare the model performance to a number of rule-based baselines. We conduct cross-domain portability experiments. In addition, we carry out feature ablation experiments to determine the contribution of various feature groups. Finally, we perform error analysis and report the sources of errors. The performance of our method for discovering body site modifiers achieves F1 of 0.740-0.908 and our method for discovering severity modifiers achieves F1 of 0.905-0.929. Results indicate that both methods perform well on both in-domain and out-domain data, approaching the performance of human annotators. The most salient features are token and named entity features, although syntactic dependency features also contribute to the overall performance. The dominant sources of errors are infrequent patterns in the data and inability of the system to discern deeper semantic structures. We investigated computational methods for discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts. Our best system is released open source as part of the clinical Text Analysis and Knowledge Extraction System (cTAKES).

A facile method to modify bentonite nanoclay with silane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abeywardena, Sujani B. Y.; Perera, Srimala; Nalin de Silva, K. M.; Tissera, Nadeeka P.

2017-07-01

Immobilization of smectite clay onto a desirable surface has received much attention, since its nanospace can be utilized for many applications in material science. Here, we present an efficient method to functionalize surface of bentonite nanoclay (BNC) through the grafting of 3-aminotriethoxysilane (APTES). Infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed the presence of organic chains and amine groups in modified nanoclay. XRD analysis confirmed grafting of APTES on the surface of bentonite nanoclay without intercalation. The accomplishment of the surface modification was quantitatively proved by TGA analysis. Modified BNC can covalently couple with different material surfaces, allowing its nanospace to be utilized for intercalation of cations, bio-molecules, and polymeric materials, to be used in advanced military aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and many other commercial applications.

A Simple Approach to Achieve Modified Projective Synchronization between Two Different Chaotic Systems

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

A new approach, the projective system approach, is proposed to realize modified projective synchronization between two different chaotic systems. By simple analysis of trajectories in the phase space, a projective system of the original chaotic systems is obtained to replace the errors system to judge the occurrence of modified projective synchronization. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show that, although the projective system may not be unique, modified projective synchronization can be achieved provided that the origin of any of projective systems is asymptotically stable. Furthermore, an example is presented to illustrate that even a necessary and sufficient condition for modified projective synchronization can be derived by using the projective system approach. PMID:24187522

Enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of isoniazid at electrochemically modified rhodium electrode for biological and pharmaceutical analysis.

PubMed

Cheemalapati, Srikanth; Chen, Shen-Ming; Ali, M Ajmal; Al-Hemaid, Fahad M A

2014-09-01

A simple and sensitive electrochemical method has been proposed for the determination of isoniazid (INZ). For the first time, rhodium (Rh) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been employed for the determination of INZ by linear sweep voltammetry technique (LSV). Compared with the unmodified electrode, the proposed Rh modified electrode provides strong electrocatalytic activity toward INZ with significant enhancement in the anodic peak current. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results reveal the morphology of Rh particles. With the advantages of wide linearity (70-1300μM), good sensitivity (0.139μAμM(-1)cm(-2)) and low detection limit (13μM), this proposed sensor holds great potential for the determination of INZ in real samples. The practicality of the proposed electrode for the detection of INZ in human urine and blood plasma samples has been successfully demonstrated using LSV technique. Through the determination of INZ in commercially available pharmaceutical tablets, the practical applicability of the proposed method has been validated. The recovery results are found to be in good agreement with the labeled amounts of INZ in tablets, thus showing its great potential for use in clinical and pharmaceutical analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Global Association of Air Pollution and Cardiorespiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Investigation of Modifier Variables

PubMed Central

Adams, Matthew D.; Arain, Altaf; Papatheodorou, Stefania; Koutrakis, Petros; Mahmoud, Moataz

2018-01-01

Background. Little is known about the health risks of air pollution and cardiorespiratory diseases, globally, across regions and populations, which may differ because of external factors. Objectives. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the association between air pollution and cardiorespiratory diseases (hospital admissions and mortality), including variability by energy, transportation, socioeconomic status, and air quality. Search Methods. We conducted a literature search (PubMed and Web of Science) for studies published between 2006 and May 11, 2016. Selection Criteria. We included studies if they met all of the following criteria: (1) considered at least 1 of these air pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10); (2) reported risk for hospital admissions, mortality, or both; (3) presented individual results for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or both; (4) considered the age groups younger than 5 years, older than 65 years, or all ages; and (5) did not segregate the analysis by gender. Data Collection and Analysis. We extracted data from each study, including location, health outcome, and risk estimates. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the overall effect and to account for both within- and between-study heterogeneity. Then, we applied a model selection (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) to assess the modifier variables, and, lastly, we performed meta-regression analyses to evaluate the modifier variables contributing to heterogeneity among studies. Main Results. We assessed 2183 studies, of which we selected 529 for in-depth review, and 70 articles fulfilled our study inclusion criteria. The 70 studies selected for meta-analysis encompass more than 30 million events across 28 countries. We found positive associations between cardiorespiratory diseases and different air pollutants. For example, when we considered only the association between PM2.5 and

A Retrospective Analysis of Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Modified Braden Scale Score Risk Classifications.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Lin; Cao, Ying-Juan; Wang, Jing; Huai, Bao-Sha

2015-09-01

The Braden Scale is the most widely used pressure ulcer risk assessment in the world, but the currently used 5 risk classification groups do not accurately discriminate among their risk categories. To optimize risk classification based on Braden Scale scores, a retrospective analysis of all consecutively admitted patients in an acute care facility who were at risk for pressure ulcer development was performed between January 2013 and December 2013. Predicted pressure ulcer incidence first was calculated by logistic regression model based on original Braden score. Risk classification then was modified based on the predicted pressure ulcer incidence and compared between different risk categories in the modified (3-group) classification and the traditional (5-group) classification using chi-square test. Two thousand, six hundred, twenty-five (2,625) patients (mean age 59.8 ± 16.5, range 1 month to 98 years, 1,601 of whom were men) were included in the study; 81 patients (3.1%) developed a pressure ulcer. The predicted pressure ulcer incidence ranged from 0.1% to 49.7%. When the predicted pressure ulcer incidence was greater than 10.0% (high risk), the corresponding Braden scores were less than 11; when the predicted incidence ranged from 1.0% to 10.0% (moderate risk), the corresponding Braden scores ranged from 12 to 16; and when the predicted incidence was less than 1.0% (mild risk), the corresponding Braden scores were greater than 17. In the modified classification, observed pressure ulcer incidence was significantly different between each of the 3 risk categories (P less than 0.05). However, in the traditional classification, the observed incidence was not significantly different between the high-risk category and moderate-risk category (P less than 0.05) and between the mild-risk category and no-risk category (P less than 0.05). If future studies confirm the validity of these findings, pressure ulcer prevention protocols of care based on Braden Scale scores can

Study of the Adsorption Space of Modified Clinoptilolites

DOE PAGES

Roque-Malherbe, Rolando; Costa-Hernandez,, Alba N.; Rivera-Maldonado, Christymarie; ...

2013-05-25

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) adsorption is an important adsorbent characterization method and a significant industrial process. In separation and recovery technology, the adsorption of the CO 2 is important to reduce the concentration of this gas considered as one of the greenhouse gases. Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, are widely applied as adsorbents. In the present research, the structure, composition and morphology of modified with hexafluorosilicate (HFSi) and orthophosphoric acid (H 3PO 4) clinoptilolites were investigated by characterizations and measurements made with, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX) and gravimetric adsorption. In addition, themore » surface Chemistry of the modified clinoptilolites was analyzed by applying diffuse reflectance fourier transform infrared spectrometry (DRIFTS). Further, the interaction of CO 2 within the adsorption space of these modified clinoptilolites and a synthetic ZSM-5 zeolite was studied with the help of adsorption measurements. An appropriate theoretical methodology for the analysis of the XRD and adsorption data was applied. The calculated cell parameters of the tested are similar to those reported for a typical clinoptilolite of: a = 17.662 Å, b = 17.911 Å, c = 7.407 Å and β = 116.40 The resolution of the TGA derivative profiles indicated the presence of two steps for water release, one of them represents the loss of majority of the water present in the micropores. This was evidenced as a broad peak centered at about 50°C for the CSW-HFSi-0.1, but at 100 °C for the samples CSW-HFSi-0.4. The SEM micrographs corresponding to the modified clinoptilolites, was evidenced that the CSW zeolite shows secondary particles exhibiting diameters from 3 to 40 μm, formed by primary clinoptilolite crystallites showing a crystallite size, Φ = 40 nm. The EDAX elemental analysis it can be demonstrated that the

Sensitivity to reward and punishment in Parkinson's disease: an analysis of behavioral patterns using a modified version of the Iowa gambling task.

PubMed

Kobayakawa, Mutsutaka; Tsuruya, Natsuko; Kawamura, Mitsuru

2010-08-01

Studies using the Iowa gambling task (IGT) have shown that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) make disadvantageous choices characterized by immediate large rewards and delayed larger punishments. These results can be interpreted in two ways: either PD patients are hypersensitive to immediate outcomes and/or insensitive to delayed consequences or PD patients are hypersensitive to rewards and/or insensitive to punishments. In this study, we used a modified IGT in which selection of cards from the disadvantageous decks leads to immediate, small punishments and delayed, smaller rewards and selection of cards from the advantageous decks leads to immediate, large punishments and delayed larger rewards. We then compared the results obtained using this modified IGT with those obtained using the original IGT. If the PD patients were hypersensitive to the immediate outcomes of decisions, they would make disadvantageous choices in both the original and the modified IGTs. Differences between the results of the original and modified tasks would indicate impairments in balancing reward and punishment. In our analysis, PD patients selected advantageous decks and gained as much as normal subjects during the modified IGT, but they selected disadvantageous decks during the original IGT. These results indicate that the decision-making difficulties of PD patients are caused by their inability to balance reward and punishment and their hypersensitivity to reward and/or insensitivity to punishment.

Whole genome sequence analysis of unidentified genetically modified papaya for development of a specific detection method.

PubMed

Nakamura, Kosuke; Kondo, Kazunari; Akiyama, Hiroshi; Ishigaki, Takumi; Noguchi, Akio; Katsumata, Hiroshi; Takasaki, Kazuto; Futo, Satoshi; Sakata, Kozue; Fukuda, Nozomi; Mano, Junichi; Kitta, Kazumi; Tanaka, Hidenori; Akashi, Ryo; Nishimaki-Mogami, Tomoko

2016-08-15

Identification of transgenic sequences in an unknown genetically modified (GM) papaya (Carica papaya L.) by whole genome sequence analysis was demonstrated. Whole genome sequence data were generated for a GM-positive fresh papaya fruit commodity detected in monitoring using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences obtained were mapped against an open database for papaya genome sequence. Transgenic construct- and event-specific sequences were identified as a GM papaya developed to resist infection from a Papaya ringspot virus. Based on the transgenic sequences, a specific real-time PCR detection method for GM papaya applicable to various food commodities was developed. Whole genome sequence analysis enabled identifying unknown transgenic construct- and event-specific sequences in GM papaya and development of a reliable method for detecting them in papaya food commodities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CHROMIUM ELECTROANALYSIS AT SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODE MODIFIED BY THIN FILMS OF NICKEL

EPA Science Inventory

A rapid and potentially cost-effective electrochemical method is reported for analysis of chromium (VI) and Chromium(III) using a nickel modified screen printed carbon ink electrode. Electrochemical characteristics of nickel modified electrode as well voltammetric behavior f...

Structural, thermal and rheological characterization of modified Dalbergia sissoo gum--A medicinal gum.

PubMed

Munir, Hira; Shahid, Muhammad; Anjum, Fozia; Mudgil, Deepak

2016-03-01

Dalbergia sissoo gum was purified by ethanol precipitation. The purified gum was modified and hydrolyzed. Gum was modified by performing polyacrylamide grafting and carboxymethylation methods. The hydrolysis was carried out by using mannanase, barium hydroxide and trifluoroacetic acid. The modified and hydrolyzed gums were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The decrease in viscosity was studied by performing the flow test. The modified and hydrolyzed gums were thermally stable as compared to crude gum. There was increase in crystallinity after modification and hydrolysis, determined through XRD. FTIR analysis exhibits no major transformation of functional group, only there was change in the intensity of transmittance. It is concluded that the modified and hydrolyzed gum can be used for pharmaceutical and food industry. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modified Skvor/Starr approach in the mechanical-thermal noise analysis of condenser microphone.

PubMed

Tan, Chee Wee; Miao, Jianmin

2009-11-01

Simple analytical expressions of mechanical resistance, such as those formulated by Skvor/Starr, are widely used to describe the mechanical-thermal noise performance of a condenser microphone. However, the Skvor/Starr approach does not consider the location effect of acoustic holes in the backplate and overestimates the total equivalent mechanical resistance and mechanical-thermal noise. In this paper, a modified form of the Skvor/Starr approach is proposed to address this hole location dependent effect. A mode shape factor, which consists of the zero order Bessel and modified Bessel functions, is included in Skvor's mechanical resistance formulation to consider the effect of the hole location in the backplate. With reference to two B&K microphones, the theoretical results of the A-weighted mechanical-thermal noise obtained by the modified Skvor/Starr approach are in good agreements with those reported experimental ones.

Description, Usage, and Validation of the MVL-15 Modified Vortex Lattice Analysis Capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ozoroski, Thomas A.

2015-01-01

MVL-15 is the most recent version of the Modified Vortex-Lattice (MVL) code developed within the Aerodynamics Systems Analysis Branch (ASAB) at NASA LaRC. The term "modified" refers to the primary modification of the core vortex-lattice methodology: inclusion of viscous aerodynamics tables that are linked to the linear solution via iterative processes. The inclusion of the viscous aerodynamics inherently converts the MVL-15 from a purely analytic linearized method to a semi-empirical blend which retains the rapid execution speed of the linearized method while empirically characterizing the section aerodynamics at all spanwise lattice points. The modification provides a means to assess non-linear effects on lift that occur at angles of attack near stall, and provides a means to determine the drag associated with the application of design strategies for lift augmentation such as the use of flaps or blowing. The MVL-15 code is applicable to the analyses of aircraft aerodynamics during cruise, but it is most advantageously applied to the analysis of aircraft operating in various high-lift configurations. The MVL methodology has been previously conceived and implemented; the initial concept version was delivered to the ASAB in 2001 (van Dam, C.), subsequently revised (Gelhausen, P. and Ozoroski, T. 2002 / AVID Inc., Gelhausen, P., and Roberts, M. 2004), and then overhauled (Ozoroski, T., Hahn, A. 2008). The latest version, MVL-15 has been refined to provide analysis transparency and enhanced to meet the analysis requirements of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project. Each revision has been implemented with reasonable success. Separate applications of the methodology are in use, including a similar in-house capability, developed by Olson, E. that is tailored for structural and acoustics analyses. A central premise of the methodology is that viscous aerodynamic data can be associated with analytic inviscid aerodynamic results at each spanwise wing section

Analysis of total polyphenols in wines by FIA with highly stable amperometric detection using carbon nanotube-modified electrodes.

PubMed

Arribas, Alberto Sánchez; Martínez-Fernández, Marta; Moreno, Mónica; Bermejo, Esperanza; Zapardiel, Antonio; Chicharro, Manuel

2013-02-15

The use of glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) films for the continuous monitoring of polyphenols in flow systems has been examined. The performance of these modified electrodes was evaluated and compared to bare GCE by cyclic voltammetry experiments and by flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection monitoring the response of gallic, caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids in 0.050 M acetate buffer pH 4.5 containing 100 mM NaCl. The GCE modified with CNT dispersions in polyethyleneimine (PEI) provided lower overpotentials, higher sensitivity and much higher signal stability under a dynamic regime than bare GCEs. These properties allowed the estimation of the total polyphenol content in red and white wines with a remarkable long-term stability in the measurements despite the presence of potential fouling substances in the wine matrix. In addition, the versatility of the electrochemical methodology allowed the selective estimation of the easily oxidisable polyphenol fraction as well as the total polyphenol content just by tuning the detection potential at +0.30 or 0.70 V, respectively. The significance of the electrochemical results was demonstrated through correlation studies with the results obtained with conventional spectrophotometric assays for polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu, absorbance at 280 nm index and colour intensity index). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts

PubMed Central

Dligach, Dmitriy; Bethard, Steven; Becker, Lee; Miller, Timothy; Savova, Guergana K

2014-01-01

Objective To research computational methods for discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts. Methods We cast the task of discovering body site and severity modifiers as a relation extraction problem in the context of a supervised machine learning framework. We utilize rich linguistic features to represent the pairs of relation arguments and delegate the decision about the nature of the relationship between them to a support vector machine model. We evaluate our models using two corpora that annotate body site and severity modifiers. We also compare the model performance to a number of rule-based baselines. We conduct cross-domain portability experiments. In addition, we carry out feature ablation experiments to determine the contribution of various feature groups. Finally, we perform error analysis and report the sources of errors. Results The performance of our method for discovering body site modifiers achieves F1 of 0.740–0.908 and our method for discovering severity modifiers achieves F1 of 0.905–0.929. Discussion Results indicate that both methods perform well on both in-domain and out-domain data, approaching the performance of human annotators. The most salient features are token and named entity features, although syntactic dependency features also contribute to the overall performance. The dominant sources of errors are infrequent patterns in the data and inability of the system to discern deeper semantic structures. Conclusions We investigated computational methods for discovering body site and severity modifiers in clinical texts. Our best system is released open source as part of the clinical Text Analysis and Knowledge Extraction System (cTAKES). PMID:24091648

Performance-based analysis of polymer-modified emulsions in asphalt surface treatments.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

Chip seals provide a durable and functional pavement surface and serve as a highly economical highway : maintenance option when constructed properly. Data and literature suggest that chip seal sections constructed with : polymer-modified emulsions (P...

Application of modified VICAR/IBIS GIS to analysis of July 1991 Flevoland AIRSAR data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norikane, L.; Broek, B.; Freeman, A.

1992-01-01

Three overflights of the Flevoland calibration/agricultural site were made by the JPL Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) on 3, 12, and 28 July 1991 as part of MAC-Europe '92. A polygon map was generated at TNO-FEL which overlayed the slant range projected July 3 data set. Each polygon was identified by a sequence of points and a crop label. The polygon map was composed of 452 uniquely identified polygons and 15 different crop types. Analysis of the data was done using our modified Video Image Communication and Retrieval/Image Based Information System Geographic Information System (VICAR/IBIS GIS). This GIS is an extension of the VICAR/IBIS GIS first developed by Bryant in the 1970's which is itself an extension of the VICAR image processing system also developed at JPL.

Modified silicas with different structure of grafted methylphenylsiloxane layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolbukh, Yuliia; Terpiłowski, Konrad; Kozakevych, Roman; Sternik, Dariusz; Deryło-Marczewska, Anna; Tertykh, Valentin

2016-06-01

The method of a chemical assembly of the surface polymeric layer with high contents of the modifying agent was developed. Powders of nanodispersed silica with chemisorbed polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS) were synthesized by solvent-free chemical assembly technique with a dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as scission agent. Samples were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and elemental analysis (CHN analysis). Coating microstructure, morphology, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of nanoparticles were estimated. The results indicate a significant effect of the PMPS/DMC ratio at each modification stage on hydrophobic properties of modified silicas. Modification with a similar composition of the PMPS/DMC mixture, even with different polymer amount at each stage, provides the worst hydrophobicity. Results suggest that the highest hydrophobicity (contact angle θ = 135°-140°) is achieved in the case when silica modified with the PMPS/DMC mixture using multistage approach that providing a formation of the monomolecular layer of polysiloxane at the first modification step. The characteristics of surface structure were interpreted in terms of density of polymer-silica bonds at the interfaces that, usually, are reduced for modified surfaces, in a coupling with conformation model that accented the shape of chains (arch- and console-like) adsorbed on solid surfaces.

Multi-pesticides residue analysis of grains using modified magnetic nanoparticle adsorbent for facile and efficient cleanup.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenzhen; Qi, Peipei; Wang, Xiangyun; Wang, Zhiwei; Xu, Xiahong; Chen, Wenxue; Wu, Liyu; Zhang, Hu; Wang, Qiang; Wang, Xinquan

2017-09-01

A facile, rapid sample pretreatment method was developed based on magnetic nanoparticles for multi-pesticides residue analysis of grains. Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles modified with 3-(N,N-diethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (Fe 3 O 4 -PSA) and commercial C18 were selected as the cleanup adsorbents to remove the target interferences of the matrix, such as fatty acids and non-polar compounds. Rice was used as the representative grain sample for method optimization. The amount of Fe 3 O 4 -PSA and C18 were systematically investigated for selecting the suitable purification conditions, and the simultaneous determination of 50 pesticides and 8 related metabolites in rice was established by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, the method validation was performed including linearity, sensitivity, matrix effect, recovery and precision, which all satisfy the requirement for pesticides residue analysis. Compared to the conventional QuEChERS method with non-magnetic material as cleanup adsorbent, the present method can save 30% of the pretreatment time, giving the high throughput analysis possible. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gout: a review of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors

PubMed Central

MacFarlane, Lindsey A.; Kim, Seoyoung C.

2014-01-01

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis triggered by the crystallization of uric acid within the joints. Gout affects millions worldwide and has an increasing prevalence. Recent research has been carried out to better qualify and quantify the risk factors predisposing individuals to gout. These can largely be broken into non-modifiable risk factors such as sex, age, race, and genetics, and modifiable risk factors such as diet and lifestyle. Increasing knowledge of factors predisposing certain individuals to gout could potentially lead to improved preventive practices. This review summarizes the non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors associated with development of gout. PMID:25437279

Detection of Genetically Modified Food: Has Your Food Been Genetically Modified?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brandner, Diana L.

2002-01-01

Explains the benefits and risks of genetically-modified foods and describes methods for genetically modifying food. Presents a laboratory experiment using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect foreign DNA in genetically-modified food. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Enhanced electrocaloric analysis and energy-storage performance of lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics for potential solid-state refrigeration applications.

PubMed

Zhang, Tian-Fu; Huang, Xian-Xiong; Tang, Xin-Gui; Jiang, Yan-Ping; Liu, Qiu-Xiang; Lu, Biao; Lu, Sheng-Guo

2018-01-10

The unique properties and great variety of relaxer ferroelectrics make them highly attractive in energy-storage and solid-state refrigeration technologies. In this work, lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics are prepared and studied. The giant electrocaloric effect in lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics is revealed for the first time. Large refrigeration efficiency (27.4) and high adiabatic temperature change (1.67 K) are achieved by indirect analysis. Direct measurements of electrocaloric effect show that reversible adiabatic temperature change is also about 1.67 K, which exceeds many electrocaloric effect values in current direct measured electrocaloric studies. Both theoretical calculated and direct measured electrocaloric effects are in good agreements in high temperatures. Temperature and electric field related energy storage properties are also analyzed, maximum energy-storage density and energy-storage efficiency are about 0.31 J/cm 3 and 91.2%, respectively.

In vitro analysis of riboflavin-modified, experimental, two-step etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and micro-Raman studies

PubMed Central

Daood, Umer; Swee Heng, Chan; Neo Chiew Lian, Jennifer; Fawzy, Amr S

2015-01-01

To modify two-step experimental etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive with different concentrations of riboflavin and to study its effect on the bond strength, degree of conversion, along with resin infiltration within the demineralized dentin substrate, an experimental adhesive-system was modified with different concentrations of riboflavin (m/m, 0, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%). Dentin surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid, bonded with respective adhesives, restored with restorative composite–resin, and sectioned into resin–dentin slabs and beams to be stored for 24 h or 9 months in artificial saliva. Micro-tensile bond testing was performed with scanning electron microscopy to analyse the failure of debonded beams. The degree of conversion was evaluated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at different time points along with micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis. Data was analyzed with one-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's for pair-wise comparison. Modification with 1% and 3% riboflavin increased the micro-tensile bond strength compared to the control at 24 h and 9-month storage with no significant differences in degree of conversion (P<0.05). The most predominant failure mode was the mixed fracture among all specimens except 10% riboflavin-modified adhesive specimens where cohesive failure was predominant. Raman analysis revealed that 1% and 3% riboflavin adhesives specimens showed relatively higher resin infiltration. The incorporation of riboflavin in the experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive at 3% (m/m) improved the immediate bond strengths and bond durability after 9-month storage in artificial saliva without adversely affecting the degree of conversion of the adhesive monomers and resin infiltration. PMID:25257880

In vitro analysis of riboflavin-modified, experimental, two-step etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and micro-Raman studies.

PubMed

Daood, Umer; Swee Heng, Chan; Neo Chiew Lian, Jennifer; Fawzy, Amr S

2015-06-26

To modify two-step experimental etch-and-rinse dentin adhesive with different concentrations of riboflavin and to study its effect on the bond strength, degree of conversion, along with resin infiltration within the demineralized dentin substrate, an experimental adhesive-system was modified with different concentrations of riboflavin (m/m, 0, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%). Dentin surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid, bonded with respective adhesives, restored with restorative composite-resin, and sectioned into resin-dentin slabs and beams to be stored for 24 h or 9 months in artificial saliva. Micro-tensile bond testing was performed with scanning electron microscopy to analyse the failure of debonded beams. The degree of conversion was evaluated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at different time points along with micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis. Data was analyzed with one-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's for pair-wise comparison. Modification with 1% and 3% riboflavin increased the micro-tensile bond strength compared to the control at 24 h and 9-month storage with no significant differences in degree of conversion (P<0.05). The most predominant failure mode was the mixed fracture among all specimens except 10% riboflavin-modified adhesive specimens where cohesive failure was predominant. Raman analysis revealed that 1% and 3% riboflavin adhesives specimens showed relatively higher resin infiltration. The incorporation of riboflavin in the experimental two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive at 3% (m/m) improved the immediate bond strengths and bond durability after 9-month storage in artificial saliva without adversely affecting the degree of conversion of the adhesive monomers and resin infiltration.

General Relativity solutions in modified gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motohashi, Hayato; Minamitsuji, Masato

2018-06-01

Recent gravitational wave observations of binary black hole mergers and a binary neutron star merger by LIGO and Virgo Collaborations associated with its optical counterpart constrain deviation from General Relativity (GR) both on strong-field regime and cosmological scales with high accuracy, and further strong constraints are expected by near-future observations. Thus, it is important to identify theories of modified gravity that intrinsically possess the same solutions as in GR among a huge number of theories. We clarify the three conditions for theories of modified gravity to allow GR solutions, i.e., solutions with the metric satisfying the Einstein equations in GR and the constant profile of the scalar fields. Our analysis is quite general, as it applies a wide class of single-/multi-field scalar-tensor theories of modified gravity in the presence of matter component, and any spacetime geometry including cosmological background as well as spacetime around black hole and neutron star, for the latter of which these conditions provide a necessary condition for no-hair theorem. The three conditions will be useful for further constraints on modified gravity theories as they classify general theories of modified gravity into three classes, each of which possesses i) unique GR solutions (i.e., no-hair cases), ii) only hairy solutions (except the cases that GR solutions are realized by cancellation between singular coupling functions in the Euler-Lagrange equations), and iii) both GR and hairy solutions, for the last of which one of the two solutions may be selected dynamically.

Modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with employment outcomes following spinal cord injury: A systematic review

PubMed Central

Trenaman, Logan; Miller, William C; Querée, Matthew; Escorpizo, Reuben

2015-01-01

Context Employment rates in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are approximately 35%, which is considerably lower than that of the general population. In order to improve employment outcomes a clear understanding of what factors influence employment outcomes is needed. Objective To systematically review factors that are consistently and independently associated with employment outcomes in individuals with SCI, and to understand the magnitude of their influence. Methods Through an electronic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Science Abstracts and Social Work databases, we identified studies published between 1952–2014 that investigated factors associated with employment outcomes following SCI. Exclusion criteria included: (1) reviews (2) studies not published in English (3) studies not controlling for potential confounders through a regression analysis, or (4) studies not providing an effect measure in the form of OR, RR, or HR. Data were categorized based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework, with each domain sub-categorized by modifiability. First author, year of publication, sample size, explanatory and outcome variables, and effect measures were extracted. Results Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty modifiable and twelve non-modifiable factors have been investigated in the context of employment following SCI. Education, vocational rehabilitation, functional independence, social support, and financial disincentives were modifiable factors that have been consistently and independently associated with employment outcomes. Conclusion A number of key modifiable factors have been identified and can inform interventions aimed at improving employment outcomes for individuals with SCI. Future research should focus on determining which factors have the greatest effect on employment outcomes, in addition to developing and evaluating interventions targeted at these factors

Modified Anterolateral Portals in Elbow Arthroscopy: A Cadaveric Study on Safety.

PubMed

Thon, Stephen; Gold, Peter; Rush, Lane; O'Brien, Michael J; Savoie, Felix H

2017-11-01

To evaluate the proximity to the radial nerve on cadaveric specimens of 2 modified anterolateral portals used for elbow arthroscopy. Ten fresh cadaveric elbow specimens were prepared. Four-millimeter Steinman pins were inserted into 3 anterolateral portal sites in relation to the lateral epicondyle: (1) the standard distal anterolateral portal, (2) a modified direct anterolateral portal, and (3) a modified proximal anterolateral portal. These were defined as follows: direct portals 2 cm directly anterior to the lateral epicondyle, and proximal portals 2 cm proximal and 2 cm directly anterior to the lateral epicondyle. Each elbow was then dissected to reveal the course of the radial nerve. Digital photographs were taken of each specimen, and the distance from the Steinman pin to the radial nerve was measured. The modified proximal anterolateral and direct anterolateral portals were found to be a statistically significant distance from the radial nerve compare to the distal portal site (P = .011 and P = .0011, respectively). No significant difference was found in the proximity of the radial nerve between the modified proximal and direct anterolateral portals (P = .25). Inadequate imaging was found at a single portal site for the proximal site; 9 specimens were used for analysis of this portal with 10 complete specimens for the other 2 sites. In cadaveric analysis, both the modified proximal and direct lateral portals provide adequate distance from the radial nerve and may be safe for clinical use. In this study, the distal anterolateral portal was in close proximity of the radial nerve and may result in iatrogenic injury in the clinical setting. This is a cadaveric analysis of 2 modified portal locations at the anterolateral elbow for use in elbow arthroscopy. Further clinical studies are needed prior to determining their absolute safety in comparison to previously identified portal sites. Copyright © 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by

Laser Spot Tracking Based on Modified Circular Hough Transform and Motion Pattern Analysis

PubMed Central

Krstinić, Damir; Skelin, Ana Kuzmanić; Milatić, Ivan

2014-01-01

Laser pointers are one of the most widely used interactive and pointing devices in different human-computer interaction systems. Existing approaches to vision-based laser spot tracking are designed for controlled indoor environments with the main assumption that the laser spot is very bright, if not the brightest, spot in images. In this work, we are interested in developing a method for an outdoor, open-space environment, which could be implemented on embedded devices with limited computational resources. Under these circumstances, none of the assumptions of existing methods for laser spot tracking can be applied, yet a novel and fast method with robust performance is required. Throughout the paper, we will propose and evaluate an efficient method based on modified circular Hough transform and Lucas–Kanade motion analysis. Encouraging results on a representative dataset demonstrate the potential of our method in an uncontrolled outdoor environment, while achieving maximal accuracy indoors. Our dataset and ground truth data are made publicly available for further development. PMID:25350502

Laser spot tracking based on modified circular Hough transform and motion pattern analysis.

PubMed

Krstinić, Damir; Skelin, Ana Kuzmanić; Milatić, Ivan

2014-10-27

Laser pointers are one of the most widely used interactive and pointing devices in different human-computer interaction systems. Existing approaches to vision-based laser spot tracking are designed for controlled indoor environments with the main assumption that the laser spot is very bright, if not the brightest, spot in images. In this work, we are interested in developing a method for an outdoor, open-space environment, which could be implemented on embedded devices with limited computational resources. Under these circumstances, none of the assumptions of existing methods for laser spot tracking can be applied, yet a novel and fast method with robust performance is required. Throughout the paper, we will propose and evaluate an efficient method based on modified circular Hough transform and Lucas-Kanade motion analysis. Encouraging results on a representative dataset demonstrate the potential of our method in an uncontrolled outdoor environment, while achieving maximal accuracy indoors. Our dataset and ground truth data are made publicly available for further development.

Enantioselective analysis of ibuprofen in human plasma by anionic cyclodextrin-modified electrokinetic chromatography.

PubMed

Jabor, Valquíria A P; Lanchote, Vera L; Bonato, Pierina S

2002-09-01

This paper reports the development of a rapid method for the enantioselective analysis of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen in human plasma by capillary electrophoresis employing the anionic cyclodextrin-modified electrokinetic chromatography mode. Sample cleanup was carried out by acidification with HCl followed by liquid-liquid extraction with hexane:isopropanol (99:1 v/v). The complete enantioselective analysis was performed within 10 min, using 100 mmol L(-1) phosphoric acid/triethanolamine buffer, pH 2.6, containing 2.0% w/v sulfated beta-cyclodextrin as chiral selector; fenoprofen, another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was used as internal standard. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.25-125.0 microg mL(-1) for each enantiomer of ibuprofen. The mean recoveries for ibuprofen enantiomers were up to 85%. The enantiomers studied could be quantified at three different concentrations (0.5, 5.0 and 50.0 microg mL(-1)) with a coefficient of variation and relative error not higher than 15%. The quantitation limit was 0.2 microg mL(-1) for (+)-(S)- and (-)-(R)-ibuprofen using 1 mL of human plasma. The plasma endogenous compounds and other drugs did not interfere with the present assay. The analysis of real plasma samples obtained from a healthy volunteer after administration of 600 mg of racemic ibuprofen showed a maximum plasma level of 29.6 and 39.9 microg mL(-1) of (-)-(R)- and (+)-(S)-ibuprofen, respectively, and the area under plasma concentration-time curve AUC(0-infinity) (+)-(S)/AUC(0-infinity) (-)-(R) ratio was 1.87.

Fatal Chromobacterium violaceum septicaemia in northern Laos, a modified oxidase test and post-mortem forensic family G6PD analysis.

PubMed

Slesak, Günther; Douangdala, Phouvieng; Inthalad, Saythong; Silisouk, Joy; Vongsouvath, Manivanh; Sengduangphachanh, Amphonesavanh; Moore, Catrin E; Mayxay, Mayfong; Matsuoka, Hiroyuki; Newton, Paul N

2009-07-29

Chromobacterium violaceum is a Gram negative facultative anaerobic bacillus, found in soil and stagnant water, that usually has a violet pigmented appearance on agar culture. It is rarely described as a human pathogen, mostly from tropical and subtropical areas. A 53 year-old farmer died with Chromobacterium violaceum septicemia in Laos. A modified oxidase method was used to demonstrate that this violacious organism was oxidase positive. Forensic analysis of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase genotypes of his family suggest that the deceased patient did not have this possible predisposing condition. C. violaceum infection should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with community-acquired septicaemia in tropical and subtropical areas. The apparently neglected but simple modified oxidase test may be useful in the oxidase assessment of other violet-pigmented organisms or of those growing on violet coloured agar.

Characterisation of volatile profile and sensory analysis of fresh-cut "Radicchio di Chioggia" stored in air or modified atmosphere.

PubMed

Cozzolino, Rosaria; Martignetti, Antonella; Pellicano, Mario Paolo; Stocchero, Matteo; Cefola, Maria; Pace, Bernardo; De Giulio, Beatrice

2016-02-01

The volatile profile of two hybrids of "Radicchio di Chioggia", Corelli and Botticelli, stored in air or passive modified atmosphere (MAP) during 12 days of cold storage, was monitored by solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) GC-MS. Botticelli samples were also subjected to sensory analysis. Totally, 61 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in the headspace of radicchio samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fresh product possessed a metabolic content similar to that of the MAP samples after 5 and 8 days of storage. Projection to latent structures by partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis showed the volatiles content of the samples varied depending only on the packaging conditions. Specifically, 12 metabolites describing the time evolution and explaining the effects of the different storage conditions were highlighted. Finally, a PCA analysis revealed that VOCs profile significantly correlated with sensory attributes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydroxyapatite growth on cotton fibers modified chemically

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varela Caselis, J. L.; Reyes Cervantes, E.; Landeta Cortés, G.; Agustín Serrano, R.; Rubio Rosas, E.

2014-09-01

We have prepared carboxymethyl cellulose fibers (CMC) by chemically modifying cotton cellulose with monochloroacetic acid and calcium chloride solution. This modification favored the growth of hydroxyapatite (HAP) on the surface of the CMC fibers in contact with simulated body fluid solutions (SBF). After soaking in SBF for periods of 7, 14 and 21 days, formation of HAP was observed. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that crystallinity, crystallite size, and growth of HAP increased with the soaking time. The amount of HAP deposited on CMC fibers increased greatly after 21 days of immersion in the SBF, while the substrate surface was totally covered with hemispherical aggregates with the size of the order of 2 microns. Elemental analysis showed the presence of calcium and phosphate, with calcium/phosphate atomic ratio of 1.54. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy bands confirmed the presence of HAP. The results suggest that cotton modified by calcium treatment has a nucleating ability and can accelerate the nucleation of HAP crystals.

MS-based analytical methodologies to characterize genetically modified crops.

PubMed

García-Cañas, Virginia; Simó, Carolina; León, Carlos; Ibáñez, Elena; Cifuentes, Alejandro

2011-01-01

The development of genetically modified crops has had a great impact on the agriculture and food industries. However, the development of any genetically modified organism (GMO) requires the application of analytical procedures to confirm the equivalence of the GMO compared to its isogenic non-transgenic counterpart. Moreover, the use of GMOs in foods and agriculture faces numerous criticisms from consumers and ecological organizations that have led some countries to regulate their production, growth, and commercialization. These regulations have brought about the need of new and more powerful analytical methods to face the complexity of this topic. In this regard, MS-based technologies are increasingly used for GMOs analysis to provide very useful information on GMO composition (e.g., metabolites, proteins). This review focuses on the MS-based analytical methodologies used to characterize genetically modified crops (also called transgenic crops). First, an overview on genetically modified crops development is provided, together with the main difficulties of their analysis. Next, the different MS-based analytical approaches applied to characterize GM crops are critically discussed, and include "-omics" approaches and target-based approaches. These methodologies allow the study of intended and unintended effects that result from the genetic transformation. This information is considered to be essential to corroborate (or not) the equivalence of the GM crop with its isogenic non-transgenic counterpart. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Additives for cement compositions based on modified peat

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

Kopanitsa, Natalya, E-mail: kopanitsa@mail.ru; Sarkisov, Yurij, E-mail: sarkisov@tsuab.ru; Gorshkova, Aleksandra, E-mail: kasatkina.alexandra@gmail.com

High quality competitive dry building mixes require modifying additives for various purposes to be included in their composition. There is insufficient amount of quality additives having stable properties for controlling the properties of cement compositions produced in Russia. Using of foreign modifying additives leads to significant increasing of the final cost of the product. The cost of imported modifiers in the composition of the dry building mixes can be up to 90% of the material cost, depending on the composition complexity. Thus, the problem of import substitution becomes relevant, especially in recent years, due to difficult economic situation. The articlemore » discusses the possibility of using local raw materials as a basis for obtaining dry building mixtures components. The properties of organo-mineral additives for cement compositions based on thermally modified peat raw materials are studied. Studies of the structure and composition of the additives are carried out by physicochemical research methods: electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. Results of experimental research showed that the peat additives contribute to improving of cement-sand mortar strength and hydrophysical properties.« less

Using Decomposition Analysis to Identify Modifiable Racial Disparities in the Distribution of Blood Pressure in the United States.

PubMed

Basu, Sanjay; Hong, Anthony; Siddiqi, Arjumand

2015-08-15

To lower the prevalence of hypertension and racial disparities in hypertension, public health agencies have attempted to reduce modifiable risk factors for high blood pressure, such as excess sodium intake or high body mass index. In the present study, we used decomposition methods to identify how population-level reductions in key risk factors for hypertension could reshape entire population distributions of blood pressure and associated disparities among racial/ethnic groups. We compared blood pressure distributions among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican-American persons using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2010). When using standard adjusted logistic regression analysis, we found that differences in body mass index were the only significant explanatory correlate to racial disparities in blood pressure. By contrast, our decomposition approach provided more nuanced revelations; we found that disparities in hypertension related to tobacco use might be masked by differences in body mass index that significantly increase the disparities between black and white participants. Analysis of disparities between white and Mexican-American participants also reveal hidden relationships between tobacco use, body mass index, and blood pressure. Decomposition offers an approach to understand how modifying risk factors might alter population-level health disparities in overall outcome distributions that can be obscured by standard regression analyses. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The effect of modified potato flour substitution on the organoleptics characteristics of toddler biscuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cakrawati, Dewi; Rahmawati, Puji

2016-04-01

Toddler biscuit is complementary food given to infants to help meet their nutritional needs. This research was undertaken to develop toddler biscuit with subtitution of physically modified potato flour. There were two puposes of the research, first to know the characteristics of physically modification on potato flour; secondly to know biscuit characteristics with modified potato flour substitution. There were two factor analysis in the development of biscuit; first factor was pre heating mehods and substitution rate. The research was conducted with experimental method using split plot design. The functional properties on modified potato flour as swelling capacity, water absorption capacity, solubility and viscocity were analyzed. Organoleptic analysis using quality hedonic test showed no interaction between potato starch modification and concentration of modified potato flour. Quality hedonic test showed all toddler biscuit socred in the range of “slightly like” to “like moderately”. Modifying potato starch by boiling and steaming with flour concentration of 30% producing toddler biscuit with organoleptic characteristics acceptable according to the panelists.

Inter-Rater Reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Modified Ashworth Scale in Assessing Poststroke Elbow Flexor Spasticity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaya, Taciser; Goksel Karatepe, Altinay; Gunaydin, Rezzan; Koc, Aysegul; Altundal Ercan, Ulku

2011-01-01

The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is commonly used in clinical practice for grading spasticity. However, it was modified recently by omitting grade "1+" of the MAS and redefining grade "2". The aim of this study was to investigate the inter-rater reliability of MAS and modified MAS (MMAS) for the assessment of poststroke elbow flexor spasticity.…

Efforts To Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Throckmorton, Warren

1998-01-01

Reviews successful efforts to modify patterns of sexual arousal from psychoanalytical, behavioral, cognitive, group, and religious perspectives. Presents an ethical analysis of the American Counseling Association's resolution expressing concerns about conversion therapy. Concludes that efforts to assist homosexuals who wish to modify their…

The Modified Values Auction: A Data Analytic Classroom Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Larry D.

1978-01-01

Describes a modified values auction simulation game, reports on three levels of analysis employing actual classroom data (group, subgroup, and individual), and offers suggestions for utilizing values data in social research. (CMV)

Modified Gaussian influence function of deformable mirror actuators.

PubMed

Huang, Linhai; Rao, Changhui; Jiang, Wenhan

2008-01-07

A new deformable mirror influence function based on a Gaussian function is introduced to analyze the fitting capability of a deformable mirror. The modified expressions for both azimuthal and radial directions are presented based on the analysis of the residual error between a measured influence function and a Gaussian influence function. With a simplex search method, we further compare the fitting capability of our proposed influence function to fit the data produced by a Zygo interferometer with that of a Gaussian influence function. The result indicates that the modified Gaussian influence function provides much better performance in data fitting.

Analysis of modified SMI method for adaptive array weight control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dilsavor, R. L.; Moses, R. L.

1989-01-01

An adaptive array is applied to the problem of receiving a desired signal in the presence of weak interference signals which need to be suppressed. A modification, suggested by Gupta, of the sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm controls the array weights. In the modified SMI algorithm, interference suppression is increased by subtracting a fraction F of the noise power from the diagonal elements of the estimated covariance matrix. Given the true covariance matrix and the desired signal direction, the modified algorithm is shown to maximize a well-defined, intuitive output power ratio criterion. Expressions are derived for the expected value and variance of the array weights and output powers as a function of the fraction F and the number of snapshots used in the covariance matrix estimate. These expressions are compared with computer simulation and good agreement is found. A trade-off is found to exist between the desired level of interference suppression and the number of snapshots required in order to achieve that level with some certainty. The removal of noise eigenvectors from the covariance matrix inverse is also discussed with respect to this application. Finally, the type and severity of errors which occur in the covariance matrix estimate are characterized through simulation.

Effect of modified yam (Dioscorea esculenta) flour on some physicochemical and sensory properties of synbiotic yoghurt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handayani, M. N.; Cakrawati, D.; Handayani, S.

2016-04-01

The aim of the study were to know characteristics of yam modified flour; to know the effect of modified yam flour on some physicochemical and sensory properties of synbiotic yoghurt and to determine the concentration level of modified yam flour to produce symbiotic yoghurt preferred by panelists. The reasearch was conducted using one factor complete randomized design. Modified yam flour was added to yoghurt at concentration of 2%, 4%, 6%. The effect of physical modification were investigated. Proximate analysis showed modified yam flour consist of 7.66% moisture content, 1.42% ash content, 10.16%, dietary fiber, 7.49% inulin, and 71.78% total starch content. Result obtained that modified yam flour has yield of 10.54%, the modified yam flour showed solubility and water absopsion of 77,63% and 136,65 respectively. The addition of modified yam flour on yoghurt resulted significantly difference effect on texture, but did not have significantly difference on colour, flavour and aroma. Modified yam flour added yoghurt thickness because it was gelatinized when added to yoghurt at 40°C. Sensory analysis conducted with hedonic test showed synbiotic yoghurt added with 2% of modified yam flour most preferred by panellists. Synbiotic yoghurt with 2% of modified yam flour has pH number of 4, 8 and total acid tirated of 1, 7%.

Feasibility study of shell buckling analysis using the modified structure method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, G. A.; Haftka, R. T.

1972-01-01

The modified structure method, which is based on Koiter's theory of imperfections, was used to calculate approximate buckling loads of several shells of revolution. The method does not appear to be practical for shells because, in many cases, the prebuckling nonlinearity may be too large to be treated accurately as a small imperfection.

Microchip capillary gel electrophoresis using programmed field strength gradients for the ultra-fast analysis of genetically modified organisms in soybeans.

PubMed

Kim, Yun-Jeong; Chae, Joon-Seok; Chang, Jun Keun; Kang, Seong Ho

2005-08-12

We have developed a novel method for the ultra-fast analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in soybeans by microchip capillary gel electrophoresis (MCGE) using programmed field strength gradients (PFSG) in a conventional glass double-T microchip. Under the programmed electric field strength and 0.3% poly(ethylene oxide) sieving matrix, the GMO in soybeans was analyzed within only 11 s of the microchip. The MCGE-PFSG method was a program that changes the electric field strength during GMO analysis, and was also applied to the ultra-fast analysis of PCR products. Compared to MCGE using a conventional and constantly applied electric field, the MCGE-PFSG analysis generated faster results without the loss of resolving power and reproducibility for specific DNA fragments (100- and 250-bp DNA) of GM-soybeans. The MCGE-PFSG technique may prove to be a new tool in the GMO analysis due to its speed, simplicity, and high efficiency.

Single crystal growth and characterization of pure and sodium-modified copper tartrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quasim, I.; Firdous, A.; Want, B.; Khosa, S. K.; Kotru, P. N.

2008-12-01

Single crystal growth of pure and modified copper tartrate crystals bearing composition (Cu) x(Na) yC 4H 4O 6· nH 2O (where x=1, 0.77, 0.65; y=0, 0.23, 0.35) is achieved using gel technique. The optimum conditions required for the growth of these crystals are worked out. The morphological development of these crystals is studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The dominant habit faces of the grown copper tartrate crystals are (0 0 1) and (1 1 1). Calculation of the cell parameters using CRYSFIRE software suggests that the pure copper tartrate crystal belongs to orthorhombic system with space group P2 1/c whereas the modified copper tartrate falls under tetragonal system with the space group P4 2/nbc. The external morphological development is shown to remain unaffected in the modified copper tartrate. The stoichiometric composition of the crystals is established by EDAX analysis, CH analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and thermoanalytical techniques. Thermal analysis of the grown crystals suggests that pure copper tartrate is thermally stable up to 42.84 °C whereas the modified copper tartrate crystals are stable only up to 33.11 and 25.11 °C. Calculation of the percentage weight loss from the thermogram supplemented by EDAX/CH analysis and FTIR spectroscopy suggest that the chemical formula of pure copper tartrate crystal is CuC 4H 4O 6·3H 2O whereas the chemical formula for the modified copper tartrate crystals is (Cu) 0.77(Na) 0.23C 4H 4O 6·3H 2O and (Cu) 0.65(Na) 0.35 C 4H 4O 6·H 2O.

Dynamic analysis of modified transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty based on biochemical and biophysical principles.

PubMed

Liao, Chuh-Kai; Tsai, Feng-Chou; Fong, Tsorng-Harn; Huang, Chin-Ju; Shen, Yi-Chin; Ku, Yuan-Hao; Su, Ching-Hua

2013-12-01

In this study, we analyzed the key parameters of modified transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty based on multidisciplinary principles (biochemical findings and biophysical wrinkling theory). A total of 408 female patients received our subciliary lower blepharoplasty between March 2002 and January 2010. The severity of the eyebags (dynamic wrinkle numbers and prolapse) was evaluated through preoperative and postoperative photography, whereas the excised lower eyelid skin specimens from 56 patients were investigated with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The modified techniques produced significant improvements in the severity of eyebags in all age groups (P < 0.001). Poor surgical outcome was found to correlate significantly with preoperative dynamic wrinkle numbers (P < 0.001). Age, dynamic wrinkle numbers, and prolapse correlated significantly with dermal fiber density (P = 0.004, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively) but not epidermal, rete ridge, and dermal thickness or the number of rete ridges. In conclusion, modified transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty provides significant improvement to dynamic wrinkles and prolapse in the eyebags. Periorbital aging progressively disturbs the dermal compactness (fiber density) until the structure can no longer hold its integrity at the critical age (around the age of 40).

Fabrication and characterization of SPR chips with the modified bovine serum albumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xing; Zhang, Lu-lu; Cui, Da-fu

2016-03-01

A facile surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chip is developed for small molecule determination and analysis. The SPR chip was prepared based on a self assembling principle, in which the modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) was directly self-assembled onto the bare gold surface. The surface morphology of the chip with the modified BSA was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its optical properties were characterized. The surface binding capacity of the bare facile SPR chip with a uniform morphology is 8 times of that of the bare control SPR chip. Based on the experiments of immune reaction between cortisol antibody and cortisol derivative, the sensitivity of the facile SPR chip with the modified BSA is much higher than that of the control SPR chip with the un-modified BSA. The facile SPR chip has been successfully used to detect small molecules. The lowest detection limit is 5 ng/mL with a linear range of 5—100 ng/mL for cortisol analysis. The novel facile SPR chip can also be applied to detect other small molecules.

A comparative analysis of modified binders : original asphalts and materials extracted from existing pavements : technical summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

The initial objective of this research was to develop procedures and standards for applying GPC as an analytical tool to define the percentage amounts of polymer modifiers in polymer modified asphalt cements soluble in eluting GPC solvents. Quantific...

Modified Allergens for Immunotherapy.

PubMed

Satitsuksanoa, Pattraporn; Głobińska, Anna; Jansen, Kirstin; van de Veen, Willem; Akdis, Mübeccel

2018-02-16

During the past few decades, modified allergens have been developed for use in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) with the aim to improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the different types of modified allergens, their mechanism of action and their potential for improving AIT. In-depth research in the field of allergen modifications as well as the advance of recombinant DNA technology have paved the way for improved diagnosis and research on human allergic diseases. A wide range of structurally modified allergens has been generated including allergen peptides, chemically altered allergoids, adjuvant-coupled allergens, and nanoparticle-based allergy vaccines. These modified allergens show promise for the development of AIT regimens with improved safety and long-term efficacy. Certain modifications ensure reduced IgE reactivity and retained T cell reactivity, which facilities induction of immune tolerance to the allergen. To date, multiple clinical trials have been performed using modified allergens. Promising results were obtained for the modified cat, grass and birch pollen, and house dust mite allergens. The use of modified allergens holds promise for improving AIT efficacy and safety. There is however a need for larger clinical studies to reliably assess the added benefit for the patient of using modified allergens for AIT.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of flomoxef in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass and modified ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Masuda, Zenichi; Kurosaki, Yuji; Ishino, Kozo; Yamauchi, Keita; Sano, Shunji

2008-04-01

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces changes in the pharmacokinetics of drugs. The purpose of this study was to model the pharmacokinetics of flomoxef, a cephalosporin antibiotic, in pediatric cardiac surgery. Each patient received a flomoxef dose of 30 mg/kg as a bolus after the induction of anesthesia and an additional dose (1 g for a child weighing < 10 kg, 2 g for > or = 10 kg) was injected into the CPB prime. Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) was routinely performed. Blood samples, urine, and ultrafiltrate were collected. In seven patients (group I), serum flomoxef concentration-time courses were analyzed by a modified two-compartment model. Utilizing the estimated parameters, serum concentrations were simulated in another eight patients (group II). The initiation of CPB resulted in an abrupt increase in serum flomoxef concentrations in group I; however, concentrations declined biexponentially. The amount of excreted flomoxef in the urine and by MUF was 47% +/- 8% of the total administered dose. In group II, an excellent fit was found between the values calculated by the program and the observed serum concentrations expressed; most of the performance errors were <1.0. There was no difference in any kinetic parameter between group I and groups I + II (n = 15). The pharmacokinetics of flomoxef in children undergoing CPB and MUF were well fitted to a modified two-compartment model. Using the kinetic data from this study, the individualization of dosage regimens for prophylactic use of flomoxef might be possible.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Modified World Affairs Questionnaire.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayton, Daniel M., II

1988-01-01

Subjected Modified World Affairs Questionnaire (MWAQ) to comparable common factor analysis which identified five factors: civil defense, escalation, nuclear war outcome, probability/worry, and patriotic. Alpha coefficients and test-retest reliability were determined to be adequate for the first four subscales. Acceptable discriminant validity and…

Modified Beer-Lambert law for blood flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Wesley B.; Parthasarathy, Ashwin B.; Busch, David R.; Mesquita, Rickson C.; Greenberg, Joel H.; Yodh, A. G.

2015-03-01

The modified Beer-Lambert law is among the most widely used approaches for analysis of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) reflectance signals for measurements of tissue blood volume and oxygenation. Briefly, the modified Beer-Lambert paradigm is a scheme to derive changes in tissue optical properties based on continuous-wave (CW) diffuse optical intensity measurements. In its simplest form, the scheme relates differential changes in light transmission (in any geometry) to differential changes in tissue absorption. Here we extend this paradigm to the measurement of tissue blood flow by diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). In the new approach, differential changes of the intensity temporal auto-correlation function at a single delay-time are related to differential changes in blood flow. The key theoretical results for measurement of blood flow changes in any tissue geometry are derived, and we demonstrate the new method to monitor cerebral blood flow in a pig under conditions wherein the semi-infinite geometry approximation is fairly good. Specifically, the drug dinitrophenol was injected in the pig to induce a gradual 200% increase in cerebral blood flow, as measured with MRI velocity flow mapping and by DCS. The modified Beer-Lambert law for flow accurately recovered these flow changes using only a single delay-time in the intensity auto-correlation function curve. The scheme offers increased DCS measurement speed of blood flow. Further, the same techniques using the modified Beer-Lambert law to filter out superficial tissue effects in NIRS measurements of deep tissues can be applied to the DCS modified Beer-Lambert law for blood flow monitoring of deep tissues.

Enhanced kidney stone fragmentation by short delay tandem conventional and modified lithotriptor shock waves: a numerical analysis.

PubMed

Tham, Leung-Mun; Lee, Heow Pueh; Lu, Chun

2007-07-01

We evaluated the effectiveness of modified lithotriptor shock waves using computer models. Finite element models were used to simulate the propagation of lithotriptor shock waves in human renal calculi in vivo. Kidney stones were assumed to be spherical, homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic, and immersed in a continuum fluid. Single and tandem shock wave pulses modified to intensify the collapse of cavitation bubbles near the stone surface to increase fragmentation efficiency and suppress the expansion of intraluminal bubbles for decreased vascular injury were analyzed. The effectiveness of the modified shock waves was assessed by comparing the states of loading in the renal calculi induced by these shock waves to those produced by conventional shock waves. Our numerical simulations revealed that modified shock waves produced marginally lower stresses in spherical renal calculi than those produced by conventional shock waves. Tandem pulses of conventional or modified shock waves produced peak stresses in the front and back halves of the renal calculi. However, the single shock wave pulses generated significant peak stresses in only the back halves of the renal calculi. Our numerical simulations suggest that for direct stress wave induced fragmentation modified shock waves should be as effective as conventional shock waves for fragmenting kidney stones. Also, with a small interval of 20 microseconds between the pulses tandem pulse lithotripsy using modified or conventional shock waves could be considerably more effective than single pulse lithotripsy for fragmenting kidney stones.

Raman imaging spectroscopic characterization of modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) for micro total analysis systems applications.

PubMed

de Campos, Richard Piffer Soares; Yoshida, Inez Valeria Pagotto; Breitkreitz, Márcia Cristina; Poppi, Ronei Jesus; Fracassi da Silva, José Alberto

2013-01-01

Methacryloxypropyl-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubbers were obtained from poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS, and methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, MPTMS, by polycondensation reactions. The modified rubbers, prepared with 20 and 30% (v/v) of MPTMS, were used as substrates for microchannel fabrication by the CO(2) laser ablation technique. Raman imaging spectroscopy was used for the surface characterization, showing the homogeneity of the rubbery material, with uniform distribution of the crosslinking centers. Under the experimental conditions used, damage to the rubber from the CO(2) laser radiation used for the channel engraving was not observed. Correlation maps of the surface were obtained in order to spatially evaluate the modification inside and outside the channels. The correlations between the methacryloxypropyl-modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) rubbers and MPTMS (spectral range of 1800-1550 cm(-1)) and PDMS (spectral range of 820-670 cm(-1)) precursors were higher than 0.95 and 0.99, respectively. In addition, Raman imaging spectroscopy allows monitoring the topography of the fabricated microchannel. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of Flat Roof Construction with Waterproofing from Modified Self-Compacting Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, R. R.; Ibragimov, R. A.

2017-11-01

The given article considers the issues of increase of building flat roof durability by application of the modified self-compacting concrete (SSC). When SSC was modified, a complex modifier was developed and the optimization of the complex modifier composition was carried out using a three-factor experiment. The physico-mechanical properties of the obtained SSC are determined. The microstructure and phase composition of the modified cement stone were studied. On the basis of the studies carried out, namely, X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy, it was concluded that the reduced content of calcium hydroxide in the samples with a complex modifier is due to the adsorption of calcium hydroxide on highly dispersed particles and the reaction of interaction with metakaolin also contributing to reduction in the content of calcium hydroxide in cement stone. The received data allow one to speak about SSC high operational characteristics. With the mark for the spreading of cone P5, the modified SSC has a class of compressive strength B50, high frost resistance (F600) and water resistance (W16).

Analysis of the effect of older drivers’ driving behaviors on traffic flow based on a modified CA model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Mei-Ying; Shi, Jing; Liu, Yang

2016-09-01

As the global population ages, there are more and more older drivers on the road. The decline in driving performance of older drivers may influence the properties of traffic flow and safety. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of older drivers’ driving behaviors on traffic flow. A modified cellular automaton (CA) model which takes driving behaviors of older drivers into account is proposed. The simulation results indicate that older drivers’ driving behaviors induce a reduction in traffic flow especially when the density is higher than 15 vehicles per km per lane and an increase in Lane-changing frequency. The analysis of stability shows that a number of disturbances could frequently emerge, be propagated and eventually dissipate in this modified model. The results also reflect that with the increase of older drivers on the road, the probability of the occurrence of rear-end collisions increases greatly and obviously. Furthermore, the value of acceleration influences the traffic flow and safety significantly. These results provide the theoretical basis and reference for the traffic management departments to develop traffic management measure in the aging society.

A modified version of fluctuating asymmetry, potential for the analysis of Aesculus hippocastanum L. compound leaves.

PubMed

Velickovic, Miroslava

2008-01-01

My research interest was to create a new, simple and tractable mathematical framework for analyzing fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Aesculus hippocastanum L. palmately compound leaves (each compound leaf with 7 obviate, serrate leaflets). FA, being random differences in the development of both sides of a bilaterally symmetrical character, has been proposed as an indicator of environmental and genetic stress. In the present paper the well-established Palmer's procedure for FA has been modified to improve the suitability of the chosen index (FA1) to be used in compound leaf asymmetry analysis. The processing steps are described in detail, allowing us to apply these modifications for the other Palmer's indices of FA as well as for the compound leaves of other plant species.

Interlaboratory validation of quantitative duplex real-time PCR method for screening analysis of genetically modified maize.

PubMed

Takabatake, Reona; Koiwa, Tomohiro; Kasahara, Masaki; Takashima, Kaori; Futo, Satoshi; Minegishi, Yasutaka; Akiyama, Hiroshi; Teshima, Reiko; Oguchi, Taichi; Mano, Junichi; Furui, Satoshi; Kitta, Kazumi

2011-01-01

To reduce the cost and time required to routinely perform the genetically modified organism (GMO) test, we developed a duplex quantitative real-time PCR method for a screening analysis simultaneously targeting an event-specific segment for GA21 and Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter (P35S) segment [Oguchi et al., J. Food Hyg. Soc. Japan, 50, 117-125 (2009)]. To confirm the validity of the method, an interlaboratory collaborative study was conducted. In the collaborative study, conversion factors (Cfs), which are required to calculate the GMO amount (%), were first determined for two real-time PCR instruments, the ABI PRISM 7900HT and the ABI PRISM 7500. A blind test was then conducted. The limit of quantitation for both GA21 and P35S was estimated to be 0.5% or less. The trueness and precision were evaluated as the bias and reproducibility of the relative standard deviation (RSD(R)). The determined bias and RSD(R) were each less than 25%. We believe the developed method would be useful for the practical screening analysis of GM maize.

Comment on Modified Stokes Parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le Vine, D.M.; Utku, C.

2009-01-01

It is common practice in passive microwave remote sensing (microwave radiometry) to express observables as temperatures and in the case of polarimetric radiometry to use what are called "Modified Stokes Parameters in Brightness Temperature" to describe the scene. However, definitions with slightly different normalization (with and without division by bandwidth) have appeared in the literature. The purpose of this manuscript is to present an analysis to clarify the meaning of terms in the definition and resolve the question of the proper normalization.

Detection and traceability of genetically modified organisms in the food production chain.

PubMed

Miraglia, M; Berdal, K G; Brera, C; Corbisier, P; Holst-Jensen, A; Kok, E J; Marvin, H J P; Schimmel, H; Rentsch, J; van Rie, J P P F; Zagon, J

2004-07-01

Both labelling and traceability of genetically modified organisms are current issues that are considered in trade and regulation. Currently, labelling of genetically modified foods containing detectable transgenic material is required by EU legislation. A proposed package of legislation would extend this labelling to foods without any traces of transgenics. These new legislations would also impose labelling and a traceability system based on documentation throughout the food and feed manufacture system. The regulatory issues of risk analysis and labelling are currently harmonised by Codex Alimentarius. The implementation and maintenance of the regulations necessitates sampling protocols and analytical methodologies that allow for accurate determination of the content of genetically modified organisms within a food and feed sample. Current methodologies for the analysis of genetically modified organisms are focused on either one of two targets, the transgenic DNA inserted- or the novel protein(s) expressed- in a genetically modified product. For most DNA-based detection methods, the polymerase chain reaction is employed. Items that need consideration in the use of DNA-based detection methods include the specificity, sensitivity, matrix effects, internal reference DNA, availability of external reference materials, hemizygosity versus homozygosity, extrachromosomal DNA, and international harmonisation. For most protein-based methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with antibodies binding the novel protein are employed. Consideration should be given to the selection of the antigen bound by the antibody, accuracy, validation, and matrix effects. Currently, validation of detection methods for analysis of genetically modified organisms is taking place. In addition, new methodologies are developed, including the use of microarrays, mass spectrometry, and surface plasmon resonance. Challenges for GMO detection include the detection of transgenic material in materials

Analysis of Modified SMI Method for Adaptive Array Weight Control. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dilsavor, Ronald Louis

1989-01-01

An adaptive array is used to receive a desired signal in the presence of weak interference signals which need to be suppressed. A modified sample matrix inversion (SMI) algorithm controls the array weights. The modification leads to increased interference suppression by subtracting a fraction of the noise power from the diagonal elements of the covariance matrix. The modified algorithm maximizes an intuitive power ratio criterion. The expected values and variances of the array weights, output powers, and power ratios as functions of the fraction and the number of snapshots are found and compared to computer simulation and real experimental array performance. Reduced-rank covariance approximations and errors in the estimated covariance are also described.

How modifiable factors influence parental decision-making about organ donation.

PubMed

Luberda, Kamila; Cleaver, Karen

2017-11-07

A global shortage of organs from children and adults available for transplantation is compounded by the failure of next of kin to consent for organs to be donated after death. Non-modifiable and modifiable factors influence decision-making in this area. Modifiable factors are of interest when examining families' decision-making about the donation of organs from their deceased child. A scoping review was undertaken to determine how modifiable factors influence parental decision-making about organ donation. Thematic analysis identified two themes: interactions with healthcare professionals and pre-disposition to organ donation. Satisfaction with experiences of hospital care, the information provided and the way it was communicated, as well as interactions pertaining to emotional support were all found to be modifiable factors that influenced decision making. Likewise, a predisposition to organ donation and knowing the deceased's wishes were associated with the consent decision. Nurses working in critical care environments need to be able to support parents during this difficult time. This article aims to raise awareness of modifiable factors that influence parental decision-making, highlighting their relevance for children's nursing practice. ©2017 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.

Advanced glycation end product (AGE) modified proteins in tears of diabetic patients.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhenjun; Liu, Jingfang; Shi, Bingyin; He, Shuixiang; Yao, Xiaoli; Willcox, Mark D P

2010-08-11

High glucose level in diabetic patients may lead to advanced glycation end product (AGE) modified proteins. This study investigated AGE modified proteins in tears and compared their levels in diabetic patients (DM) with non-diabetic controls (CTL). Basal tears were collected from DM with (DR) or without (DNR) retinopathy and CTL. Total AGE modified proteins were detected quantitatively by a dot immunobinding assay. The AGE modified proteins were separated in 1D- and 2D-SDS gels and detected by western-blotting. The individual AGE modified proteins were also compared between groups using densitometry. Compared with the CTL group, tear concentrations of AGE modified proteins were significantly elevated in DR and DNR groups. The concentration of AGE modified proteins in diabetic tears were positively correlated with AGE modified hemoglobin (HbA1c) and postprandial blood glucose level (PBG). Western blotting of AGE modified proteins from 1D-SDS gels showed several bands, the major one at around 60 kDa. The intensities of AGE modified protein bands were higher in DM tears than in CTL tears. Western blotting from 2D-SDS gels showed a strongly stained horizontal strip, which corresponded to the major band in 1D-SDS gels. Most of the other AGE modified protein species were within molecular weight of 30-60 kDa, PI 5.2-7.0. Densitometry analysis demonstrated several AGE modified proteins were elevated in DR or DNR tears. Total and some individual AGE modified proteins were elevated in DM tears. AGE modified proteins in tears may be used as biomarkers to diagnose diabetes and/or diabetic retinopathy.

Siloxane Modifiers for Epoxy Resins.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

similarly prepared ATBN- and CTBN -modified epoxies. Wear rate was quite dramatically reduced with some of the modifiers. Wear results are discussed in...similarly prepared ATBN- and CTBN -modified epoxies. Wear rate was quite dramatically reduced with some of the modifiers. Wear results are discussed...acrylonitrile copolymers having both carboxyl ( CTBN ) and amine (ATBN) end groups have been widely used as epoxy modifiers (4-11). During the curing process, the

ESEM analysis of polymeric film in EVA-modified cement paste

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

Silva, D.A.; Monteiro, P.J.M.

2005-10-01

Portland cement pastes modified by 20% weight (polymer/cement ratio) of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) were prepared, cured, and immersed in water for 11 days. The effects of water saturation and drying on the EVA polymeric film formed in cement pastes were observed using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). This technique allowed the imaging of the EVA film even in saturated samples. The decrease of the relative humidity inside the ESEM chamber did not cause any visual modification of the polymeric film during its drying.

A Modified Kirchhoff plate theory for Free Vibration analysis of functionally graded material plates using meshfree method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen Van Do, Vuong

2018-04-01

In this paper, a modified Kirchhoff theory is presented for free vibration analyses of functionally graded material (FGM) plate based on modified radial point interpolation method (RPIM). The shear deformation effects are taken account into modified theory to ignore the locking phenomenon of thin plates. Due to the proposed refined plate theory, the number of independent unknowns reduces one variable and exists with four degrees of freedom per node. The simulated free vibration results employed by the modified RPIM are compared with the other analytical solutions to verify the effectiveness and the accuracy of the developed mesh-free method. Detail parametric studies of the proposed method are then conducted including the effectiveness of thickness ratio, boundary condition and material inhomogeneity on the sample problems of square plates. Results illustrated that the modified mesh-free RPIM can effectively predict the numerical calculation as compared to the exact solutions. The obtained numerical results are indicated that the proposed method are stable and well accurate prediction to evaluate with other published analyses.

Efficacy of Modified Bioactive Glass for Dentin Remineralization and Obstruction of Dentinal Tubules.

PubMed

Saffarpour, Mahshid; Mohammadi, Maryam; Tahriri, Mohammadreza; Zakerzadeh, Azadeh

2017-07-01

This study assessed the efficacy of modified bioactive glass (MBG) for dentin remineralization and obstruction of dentinal tubules. Thirty-six dentin discs were made from 20 third molars and were stored in 12% lactic acid solution for two weeks to induce demineralization. The samples were divided into three groups (n=12): 1- BG, 2- BG modified with 5% strontium (Sr) and 3- BG modified with 10% Sr. After applying the BG, the samples were stored in artificial saliva for 7, 14 and 21 days. Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to assess remineralization. Also, 6 dentin discs were divided into three groups of BG, BG modified with 5% Sr and BG modified with 10% Sr, to examine tubular occlusion. The discs were etched using 0.5M of EDTA for two minutes and were stored in artificial saliva for 7 days. Changes in dentin surface morphology were evaluated under SEM. Group 3 showed high rates of remineralization at days 7 and 14, although the rate decreased at day 21. Group 2 exhibited high rates of remineralization at days 7, 14 and 21. Dentinal tubules were partially occluded by BG and BG modified with 5% Sr, while they were almost completely obstructed after the use of BG modified with 10% Sr. Strontium increases remineralization. Addition of 10% Sr to BG enhances apatite formation; however, the apatite dissolves over time. Addition of 5% Sr to BG stabilizes the apatite lattice and increases the remineralization.

Analysis of 3D poroelastodynamics using BEM based on modified time-step scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Igumnov, L. A.; Petrov, A. N.; Vorobtsov, I. V.

2017-10-01

The development of 3d boundary elements modeling of dynamic partially saturated poroelastic media using a stepping scheme is presented in this paper. Boundary Element Method (BEM) in Laplace domain and the time-stepping scheme for numerical inversion of the Laplace transform are used to solve the boundary value problem. The modified stepping scheme with a varied integration step for quadrature coefficients calculation using the symmetry of the integrand function and integral formulas of Strongly Oscillating Functions was applied. The problem with force acting on a poroelastic prismatic console end was solved using the developed method. A comparison of the results obtained by the traditional stepping scheme with the solutions obtained by this modified scheme shows that the computational efficiency is better with usage of combined formulas.

A modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation applied to protein adsorption.

PubMed

Gama, Marlon de Souza; Santos, Mirella Simões; Lima, Eduardo Rocha de Almeida; Tavares, Frederico Wanderley; Barreto, Amaro Gomes Barreto

2018-01-05

Ion-exchange chromatography has been widely used as a standard process in purification and analysis of protein, based on the electrostatic interaction between the protein and the stationary phase. Through the years, several approaches are used to improve the thermodynamic description of colloidal particle-surface interaction systems, however there are still a lot of gaps specifically when describing the behavior of protein adsorption. Here, we present an improved methodology for predicting the adsorption equilibrium constant by solving the modified Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation in bispherical coordinates. By including dispersion interactions between ions and protein, and between ions and surface, the modified PB equation used can describe the Hofmeister effects. We solve the modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation to calculate the protein-surface potential of mean force, treated as spherical colloid-plate system, as a function of process variables. From the potential of mean force, the Henry constants of adsorption, for different proteins and surfaces, are calculated as a function of pH, salt concentration, salt type, and temperature. The obtained Henry constants are compared with experimental data for several isotherms showing excellent agreement. We have also performed a sensitivity analysis to verify the behavior of different kind of salts and the Hofmeister effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple capillary gel electrophoresis approach for efficient and reproducible DNA separations. Analysis of genetically modified soy and maize.

PubMed

Sánchez, Laura; González, Ramón; Crego, Antonio L; Cifuentes, Alejandro

2007-03-01

It is generally assumed that in order to achieve suitable separations of DNA fragments, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE)-coated capillaries should be used. In this work, a new method is presented that allows to obtain reproducible CGE separations of DNA fragments using bare fused-silica capillaries without any previous coating step. The proposed method only requires: (i) a capillary washing with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid between injections and (ii) a running buffer composed of Tris-phosphate-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 4.5% of 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as sieving polymer. The use of this new CGE procedure gives highly resolved and reproducible separations of DNA fragments ranging from 50 to 750 bp. The separation of these DNA fragments is accomplished in less than 30 min with efficiencies up to 1.7 x 10(6) plates/m. Reproducibility values of migration times (given as %RSD) for the analyzed DNA fragments are better than 1.0% (n = 4) for the same day, 2.2% (n = 16) for four different days, and 2.3% (n = 16) for four different capillaries. The usefulness of this separation method is demonstrated by detecting genetically modified maize and genetically modified soy after DNA amplification by PCR. This new CGE procedure together with LIF as detector provides sensitive analysis of 0.9% of Bt11 maize, Mon810 maize, and Roundup Ready soy in flours with S/ N up to 542. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this procedure to fulfill the European regulation on detection of genetically modified organisms in foods.

Solidification kinetics of a near eutectic Al-Si alloy, unmodified and modified with Sr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparicio, R.; Barrera, G.; Trapaga, G.; Ramirez-Argaez, M.; Gonzalez-Rivera, C.

2013-07-01

The purpose of this work was to explore the differences in solidification kinetics between unmodified and Sr modified eutectic Al-Si alloy as revealed by Fourier Thermal Analysis (FTA) and grain-growth kinetics characterization. Thermal analysis were performed in cylindrical stainless steel cups coated with a thin layer of boron nitride, using two type-K thermocouples connected to a data acquisition system. Grain growth kinetics characterization was carried out using solid fraction evolution and grain density data. FTA results for the non modified and modified alloys suggest that there are changes in the solidification rate during eutectic nucleation followed, during growth, by similar solidification rate evolutions, suggesting that this parameter is governed principally by the heat extraction conditions. On the other hand the change of the grain growth parameters estimated for the experimental probes suggest that the presence of Sr may modify the relationship between grain growth rate and undercooling in eutectic Al-Si.

Reverse Engineering of Modified Genes by Bayesian Network Analysis Defines Molecular Determinants Critical to the Development of Glioblastoma

PubMed Central

Kunkle, Brian W.; Yoo, Changwon; Roy, Deodutta

2013-01-01

In this study we have identified key genes that are critical in development of astrocytic tumors. Meta-analysis of microarray studies which compared normal tissue to astrocytoma revealed a set of 646 differentially expressed genes in the majority of astrocytoma. Reverse engineering of these 646 genes using Bayesian network analysis produced a gene network for each grade of astrocytoma (Grade I–IV), and ‘key genes’ within each grade were identified. Genes found to be most influential to development of the highest grade of astrocytoma, Glioblastoma multiforme were: COL4A1, EGFR, BTF3, MPP2, RAB31, CDK4, CD99, ANXA2, TOP2A, and SERBP1. All of these genes were up-regulated, except MPP2 (down regulated). These 10 genes were able to predict tumor status with 96–100% confidence when using logistic regression, cross validation, and the support vector machine analysis. Markov genes interact with NFkβ, ERK, MAPK, VEGF, growth hormone and collagen to produce a network whose top biological functions are cancer, neurological disease, and cellular movement. Three of the 10 genes - EGFR, COL4A1, and CDK4, in particular, seemed to be potential ‘hubs of activity’. Modified expression of these 10 Markov Blanket genes increases lifetime risk of developing glioblastoma compared to the normal population. The glioblastoma risk estimates were dramatically increased with joint effects of 4 or more than 4 Markov Blanket genes. Joint interaction effects of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 Markov Blanket genes produced 9, 13, 20.9, 26.7, 52.8, 53.2, 78.1 or 85.9%, respectively, increase in lifetime risk of developing glioblastoma compared to normal population. In summary, it appears that modified expression of several ‘key genes’ may be required for the development of glioblastoma. Further studies are needed to validate these ‘key genes’ as useful tools for early detection and novel therapeutic options for these tumors. PMID:23737970

Thermal behavior of crumb-rubber modified asphalt concrete mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Epps, Amy Louise

Thermal cracking is one of the primary forms of distress in asphalt concrete pavements, resulting from either a single drop in temperature to an extreme low or from multiple temperature cycles above the fracture temperature of the asphalt-aggregate mixture. The first mode described is low temperature cracking; the second is thermal fatigue. The addition of crumb-rubber, manufactured from scrap tires, to the binder in asphalt concrete pavements has been suggested to minimize both types of thermal cracking. Four experiments were designed and completed to evaluate the thermal behavior of crumb-rubber modified (CRM) asphalt-aggregate mixtures. Modified and unmodified mixture response to thermal stresses was measured in four laboratory tests. The Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) and the Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) were used to compare mixture resistance to low temperature cracking. Modified mixtures showed improved performance, and cooling rate did not affect mixture resistance according to the statistical analysis. Therefore results from tests with faster rates can predict performance under slower field rates. In comparison, predicted fracture temperatures and stresses (IDT) were generally higher than measured values (TSRST). In addition, predicted fracture temperatures from binder test results demonstrated that binder testing alone is not sufficient to evaluate CRM mixtures. Thermal fatigue was explored in the third experiment using conventional load-induced fatigue tests with conditions selected to simulate daily temperature fluctuations. Test results indicated that thermal fatigue may contribute to transverse cracking in asphalt pavements. Both unmodified and modified mixtures had a finite capacity to withstand daily temperature fluctuations coupled with cold temperatures. Modified mixtures again exhibited improved performance. The fourth experiment examined fracture properties of modified and unmodified mixtures using a common fracture toughness test

Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of novel peptide-modified gemini surfactants used as gene delivery vectors.

PubMed

Al-Dulaymi, M; El-Aneed, A

2017-06-01

Diquaternary ammonium gemini surfactants have emerged as effective gene delivery vectors. A novel series of 11 peptide-modified compounds was synthesized, showing promising results in delivering genetic materials. The purpose of this work is to elucidate the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) dissociation behavior of these novel molecules establishing a generalized MS/MS fingerprint. Exact mass measurements were achieved using a hybrid quadrupole orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometer, and a multi-stage MS/MS analysis was conducted using a triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Both instruments were operated in the positive ionization mode and are equipped with electrospray ionization. Abundant triply charged [M+H] 3+ species were observed in the single-stage analysis of all the evaluated compounds with mass accuracies of less than 8 ppm in mass error. MS/MS analysis showed that the evaluated gemini surfactants exhibited peptide-related dissociation characteristics because of the presence of amino acids within the compounds' spacer region. In particular, diagnostic product ions were originated from the neutral loss of ammonia from the amino acids' side chain resulting in the formation of pipecolic acid at the N-terminus part of the gemini surfactants. In addition, a charge-directed amide bond cleavage was initiated by the amino acids' side chain producing a protonated α-amino-ε-caprolactam ion and its complimentary C-terminus ion that contains quaternary amines. MS/MS and MS 3 analysis revealed common fragmentation behavior among all tested compounds, resulting in the production of a universal MS/MS fragmentation pathway. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Assessment of Regional Variations in Martian Modified Impact Crater Morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craddock, Robert A.; Bandeira, Lourenço.; Howard, Alan D.

2018-03-01

Impact craters on Mars have been extensively modified by ancient geologic processes that may have included rainfall and surface runoff, snow and ice, denudation by lava flows, burial by eolian material, or others. Many of these processes can leave distinct signatures on the morphometry of the modified impact crater as well as the surrounding landscape. To look for signs of potential regional differences in crater modification processes, we conducted an analysis of different morphometric parameters related to modified impact craters located in the Margaritifer Sinus, Sinus Sabaeus, Iapygia, Mare Tyrrhenum, Aeolis, and Eridania quadrangles, including depth, crater wall slope, crater floor slope, the curvature between the interior wall and the crater floor slope, and the curvature between the interior wall and surrounding landscape. A Welch's t test analysis comparing these parameters shows that fresh impact craters (Type 4) have consistent morphologies regardless of their geographic location examined in this study, which is not unexpected. Modified impact craters both in the initial (Type 3) and terminal stages (Type 1) of modification also have statistically consistent morphologies. This would suggest that the processes that operated in the late Noachian were globally ubiquitous, and that modified craters eventually reached a stable crater morphology. However, craters preserved in advanced (but not terminal) stages of modification (Type 2) have morphologies that vary across the quadrangles. It is possible that these variations reflect spatial differences in the types and intensity of geologic processes that operated during the Noachian, implying that the ancient climate also varied across regions.

Teachers Modify Geometry Problems: From Proof to Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leikin, Roza; Grossman, Dorith

2013-01-01

We explored transformations that teachers made to modify geometry proof problems into investigation problems and analyzed how these transformations differ in teachers who use a dynamic geometry environment (DGE) in their classes and those who do not. We devised a framework for the analysis of problem transformations and types of teacher-generated…

Modified polymethylmethacrylate as a base for thermostable optical recording media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krul, L. P.; Matusevich, V.; Hoff, D.; Kowarschik, R.; Matusevich, Yu. I.; Butovskaya, G. V.; Murashko, E. A.

2007-07-01

A possibility to improve the thermal properties of holographic gratings in a photosensitive system based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and to enhance simultaneously the adhesion of the photopolymer to soda-lime glass is demonstrated. The modified PMMA was prepared by radical copolymerisation of methylmethacrylate (MMA) with acrylic acid (AA). Polymer films deposited from samples of the copolymer of MMA with AA containing 9,10-phenanthrenequinone additives were used as a photosensitive material for the recording of holographic gratings. It is possible to generate gratings that are thermally stable up to 200ºC using this modified PMMA. Dynamic thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis and thermal mechanic analyses were used to determine the dependence of the thermal stability of the modified PMMA on the composition and the structure of its macromolecules.

Collaborative ring trial of the papaya endogenous reference gene and its polymerase chain reaction assays for genetically modified organism analysis.

PubMed

Wei, Jiaojun; Li, Feiwu; Guo, Jinchao; Li, Xiang; Xu, Junfeng; Wu, Gang; Zhang, Dabing; Yang, Litao

2013-11-27

The papaya (Carica papaya L.) Chymopapain (CHY) gene has been reported as a suitable endogenous reference gene for genetically modified (GM) papaya detection in previous studies. Herein, we further validated the use of the CHY gene and its qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays through an interlaboratory collaborative ring trial. A total of 12 laboratories working on detection of genetically modified organisms participated in the ring trial and returned test results. Statistical analysis of the returned results confirmed the species specificity, low heterogeneity, and single-copy number of the CHY gene among different papaya varieties. The limit of detection of the CHY qualitative PCR assay was 0.1%, while the limit of quantification of the quantitative PCR assay was ∼25 copies of haploid papaya genome with acceptable PCR efficiency and linearity. The differences between the tested and true values of papaya content in 10 blind samples ranged from 0.84 to 6.58%. These results indicated that the CHY gene was suitable as an endogenous reference gene for the identification and quantification of GM papaya.

Utilization of modified starch from avocado (Persea americana Mill.) seed in cream soup production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornelia, M.; Christianti, A.

2018-01-01

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) seed was often seen as waste and underutilized resources, especially in the food industry. The aim of this research was to modify the structure of avocado seed starch using the cross-linking method, to improve the viscosity stability in the cream soup. In the preliminary research, starch was isolated from the seed and modified by STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate) with 2%, 4%, and 6% concentration and were reacted for 1, 2, and 3 hours. Starches were analyzed for moisture and ash content, paste clarity, gel strength, swelling power, solubility, yield, and degree of whiteness. Based on the analysis results, the best reaction time and STPP concentration was 6% at 1 hour reaction time. Native starch and the best-modified starch were applied in the cream soup and compared with commercial cream soup. Cream soups were analyzed for viscosity stability using viscometer in 0, 1, 3, and 5 hours after storage in room temperature. The result showed that cream soup using modified starch has better viscosity stability than native starch and commercial cream soup after 5 hours storage, which was 181.7 ± 4.85 cP. Sensory analysis showed that cream soup using modified starch was more acceptable than the others. Avocado seed modified starch has phosphate group that strengthen the starch chain to prevent viscosity breakdown.

Efficacy of Modified Bioactive Glass for Dentin Remineralization and Obstruction of Dentinal Tubules

PubMed Central

Saffarpour, Mahshid; Tahriri, Mohammadreza; Zakerzadeh, Azadeh

2017-01-01

Objectives: This study assessed the efficacy of modified bioactive glass (MBG) for dentin remineralization and obstruction of dentinal tubules. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six dentin discs were made from 20 third molars and were stored in 12% lactic acid solution for two weeks to induce demineralization. The samples were divided into three groups (n=12): 1- BG, 2- BG modified with 5% strontium (Sr) and 3- BG modified with 10% Sr. After applying the BG, the samples were stored in artificial saliva for 7, 14 and 21 days. Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to assess remineralization. Also, 6 dentin discs were divided into three groups of BG, BG modified with 5% Sr and BG modified with 10% Sr, to examine tubular occlusion. The discs were etched using 0.5M of EDTA for two minutes and were stored in artificial saliva for 7 days. Changes in dentin surface morphology were evaluated under SEM. Results: Group 3 showed high rates of remineralization at days 7 and 14, although the rate decreased at day 21. Group 2 exhibited high rates of remineralization at days 7, 14 and 21. Dentinal tubules were partially occluded by BG and BG modified with 5% Sr, while they were almost completely obstructed after the use of BG modified with 10% Sr. Conclusions: Strontium increases remineralization. Addition of 10% Sr to BG enhances apatite formation; however, the apatite dissolves over time. Addition of 5% Sr to BG stabilizes the apatite lattice and increases the remineralization. PMID:29285031

Multicriteria Personnel Selection by the Modified Fuzzy VIKOR Method

PubMed Central

Alguliyev, Rasim M.; Aliguliyev, Ramiz M.; Mahmudova, Rasmiyya S.

2015-01-01

Personnel evaluation is an important process in human resource management. The multicriteria nature and the presence of both qualitative and quantitative factors make it considerably more complex. In this study, a fuzzy hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model is proposed to personnel evaluation. This model solves personnel evaluation problem in a fuzzy environment where both criteria and weights could be fuzzy sets. The triangular fuzzy numbers are used to evaluate the suitability of personnel and the approximate reasoning of linguistic values. For evaluation, we have selected five information culture criteria. The weights of the criteria were calculated using worst-case method. After that, modified fuzzy VIKOR is proposed to rank the alternatives. The outcome of this research is ranking and selecting best alternative with the help of fuzzy VIKOR and modified fuzzy VIKOR techniques. A comparative analysis of results by fuzzy VIKOR and modified fuzzy VIKOR methods is presented. Experiments showed that the proposed modified fuzzy VIKOR method has some advantages over fuzzy VIKOR method. Firstly, from a computational complexity point of view, the presented model is effective. Secondly, compared to fuzzy VIKOR method, it has high acceptable advantage compared to fuzzy VIKOR method. PMID:26516634

Gelatin modified lipid nanoparticles for anti- viral drug delivery.

PubMed

K S, Joshy; S, Snigdha; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar; Pothen, Laly A; Thomas, Sabu

2017-10-01

The major challenges to clinical application of zidovudine are its moderate aqueous solubility and relative short half-life and serious side effects due to frequent administrations. We investigated the preparation of zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles based on lipids which were further modified with the polymer gelatin. Formulation and stability of the modified nanoparticles were analysed from the physico-chemical characterizations. The interactions of nanoparticles with blood components were tested by haemolysis and aggregation studies. The drug content and entrapment efficiencies were assessed by UV analysis. The effect of nanoparticles on protein adsorption was assessed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile of zidovudine. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles were performed in MCF-7 and neuro 2a brain cells. The enhanced cellular internalization of drug loaded modified nanoparticles in both the cell lines were revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Hence the present study focuses on the feasibility of zidovudine-loaded polymer modified lipid nanoparticles as carriers for safe and efficient HIV/AIDS therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modifying the test of understanding graphs in kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavala, Genaro; Tejeda, Santa; Barniol, Pablo; Beichner, Robert J.

2017-12-01

In this article, we present several modifications to the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics. The most significant changes are (i) the addition and removal of items to achieve parallelism in the objectives (dimensions) of the test, thus allowing comparisons of students' performance that were not possible with the original version, and (ii) changes to the distractors of some of the original items that represent the most frequent alternative conceptions. The final modified version (after an iterative process involving four administrations of test variations over two years) was administered to 471 students of an introductory university physics course at a large private university in Mexico. When analyzing the final modified version of the test it was found that the added items satisfied the statistical tests of difficulty, discriminatory power, and reliability; also, that the great majority of the modified distractors were effective in terms of their frequency selection and discriminatory power; and, that the final modified version of the test satisfied the reliability and discriminatory power criteria as well as the original test. Here, we also show the use of the new version of the test, presenting a new analysis of students' understanding not possible to do before with the original version of the test, specifically regarding the objectives and items that in the new version meet parallelisms. Finally, in the PhysPort project (physport.org), we present the final modified version of the test. It can be used by teachers and researchers to assess students' understanding of graphs in kinematics, as well as their learning about them.

Spectral Study of Modified Humic Acids from Lignite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zherebtsov, Sergey; Malyshenko, Natalya; Bryukhovetskaya, Ludmila; Ismagilov, Zinfer

2017-11-01

The IR-Fourier, ESR and solid-state 13C NMR analysis are used for investigation of unmodified and modified humic acids obtained from Tisul lignite (the Kansko-Achinsk Basin). Treatment with Hydrogen peroxide used for modification of humic acids and it changes the functionalgroup composition of the humic acids and increases the sorptional capacity

High throughput analysis of red wine and grape phenolics-adaptation and validation of methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay and modified Somers color assay to a rapid 96 well plate format.

PubMed

Mercurio, Meagan D; Dambergs, Robert G; Herderich, Markus J; Smith, Paul A

2007-06-13

The methyl cellulose precipitable (MCP) tannin assay and a modified version of the Somers and Evans color assay were adapted to high-throughput (HTP) analysis. To improve efficiency of the MCP tannin assay, a miniaturized 1 mL format and a HTP format using 96 well plates were developed. The Somers color assay was modified to allow the standardization of pH and ethanol concentrations of wine samples in a simple one-step dilution with a buffer solution, thus removing inconsistencies between wine matrices prior to analysis and allowing for its adaptation to a HTP format. Validation studies showed that all new formats were efficient, and results were reproducible and analogous to the original formats.

A modified and cost-effective method for hair cortisol analysis.

PubMed

Xiang, Lianbin; Sunesara, Imran; Rehm, Kristina E; Marshall, Gailen D

2016-01-01

Hair cortisol may hold potential as a biomarker for assessment of chronic psychological stress. We report a modified and cost-effective method to prepare hair samples for cortisol assay. Hair samples were ground using an inexpensive ball grinder - ULTRA-TURRAX tube drive. Cortisol was extracted from the powder under various defined conditions. The data showed that the optimal conditions for this method include cortisol extraction at room temperature and evaporation using a stream of room air. These findings should allow more widespread research using economical technology to validate the utility of hair cortisol as a biomarker for assessing chronic stress status.

Advantage of the modified Lunn-McNeil technique over Kalbfleisch-Prentice technique in competing risks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukman, Iing; Ibrahim, Noor A.; Daud, Isa B.; Maarof, Fauziah; Hassan, Mohd N.

2002-03-01

Survival analysis algorithm is often applied in the data mining process. Cox regression is one of the survival analysis tools that has been used in many areas, and it can be used to analyze the failure times of aircraft crashed. Another survival analysis tool is the competing risks where we have more than one cause of failure acting simultaneously. Lunn-McNeil analyzed the competing risks in the survival model using Cox regression with censored data. The modified Lunn-McNeil technique is a simplify of the Lunn-McNeil technique. The Kalbfleisch-Prentice technique is involving fitting models separately from each type of failure, treating other failure types as censored. To compare the two techniques, (the modified Lunn-McNeil and Kalbfleisch-Prentice) a simulation study was performed. Samples with various sizes and censoring percentages were generated and fitted using both techniques. The study was conducted by comparing the inference of models, using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), the power tests, and the Schoenfeld residual analysis. The power tests in this study were likelihood ratio test, Rao-score test, and Wald statistics. The Schoenfeld residual analysis was conducted to check the proportionality of the model through its covariates. The estimated parameters were computed for the cause-specific hazard situation. Results showed that the modified Lunn-McNeil technique was better than the Kalbfleisch-Prentice technique based on the RMSE measurement and Schoenfeld residual analysis. However, the Kalbfleisch-Prentice technique was better than the modified Lunn-McNeil technique based on power tests measurement.

Weighted density fields as improved probes of modified gravity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llinares, Claudio; McCullagh, Nuala

2017-11-01

When it comes to searches for extensions to general relativity, large efforts are being dedicated to accurate predictions for the power spectrum of density perturbations. While this observable is known to be sensitive to the gravitational theory, its efficiency as a diagnostic for gravity is significantly reduced when Solar system constraints are strictly adhered to. We show that this problem can be overcome by studying weighted density fields. We propose a transformation of the density field for which the impact of modified gravity on the power spectrum can be increased by more than a factor of three. The signal is not only amplified, but the modified gravity features are shifted to larger scales that are less affected by baryonic physics. Furthermore, the overall signal-to-noise ratio increases, which in principle makes identifying signatures of modified gravity with future galaxy surveys more feasible. While our analysis is focused on modified gravity, the technique can be applied to other problems in cosmology, such as the detection of neutrinos, the effects of baryons or baryon acoustic oscillations.

Quadrantal multi-scale distribution entropy analysis of heartbeat interval series based on a modified Poincaré plot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Chengyu; Huang, Xiaolin; Zhuang, Jianjun; Hou, Fengzhen; Ni, Huangjing; Ning, Xinbao

2013-09-01

The Poincaré plot is one of the most important approaches in human cardiac rhythm analysis. However, further investigations are still needed to concentrate on techniques that can characterize the dispersion of the points displayed by a Poincaré plot. Based on a modified Poincaré plot, we provide a novel measurement named distribution entropy (DE) and propose a quadrantal multi-scale distribution entropy analysis (QMDE) for the quantitative descriptions of the scatter distribution patterns in various regions and temporal scales. We apply this method to the heartbeat interval series derived from healthy subjects and congestive heart failure (CHF) sufferers, respectively, and find that the discriminations between them are most significant in the first quadrant, which implies significant impacts on vagal regulation brought about by CHF. We also investigate the day-night differences of young healthy people, and it is shown that the results present a clearly circadian rhythm, especially in the first quadrant. In addition, the multi-scale analysis indicates that the results of healthy subjects and CHF sufferers fluctuate in different trends with variation of the scale factor. The same phenomenon also appears in circadian rhythm investigations of young healthy subjects, which implies that the cardiac dynamic system is affected differently in various temporal scales by physiological or pathological factors.

Conserved Genes Act as Modifiers of Invertebrate SMN Loss of Function Defects

PubMed Central

Chang, Howard C.; Sen, Anindya; Kalloo, Geetika; Harris, Jevede; Barsby, Tom; Walsh, Melissa B.; Satterlee, John S.; Li, Chris; Van Vactor, David; Artavanis-Tsakonas, Spyros; Hart, Anne C.

2010-01-01

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by diminished function of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein, but the molecular pathways critical for SMA pathology remain elusive. We have used genetic approaches in invertebrate models to identify conserved SMN loss of function modifier genes. Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans each have a single gene encoding a protein orthologous to human SMN; diminished function of these invertebrate genes causes lethality and neuromuscular defects. To find genes that modulate SMN function defects across species, two approaches were used. First, a genome-wide RNAi screen for C. elegans SMN modifier genes was undertaken, yielding four genes. Second, we tested the conservation of modifier gene function across species; genes identified in one invertebrate model were tested for function in the other invertebrate model. Drosophila orthologs of two genes, which were identified originally in C. elegans, modified Drosophila SMN loss of function defects. C. elegans orthologs of twelve genes, which were originally identified in a previous Drosophila screen, modified C. elegans SMN loss of function defects. Bioinformatic analysis of the conserved, cross-species, modifier genes suggests that conserved cellular pathways, specifically endocytosis and mRNA regulation, act as critical genetic modifiers of SMN loss of function defects across species. PMID:21124729

Energy metabolism analysis reveals the mechanism of inhibition of breast cancer cell metastasis by PEG-modified graphene oxide nanosheets.

PubMed

Zhou, Teng; Zhang, Bo; Wei, Peng; Du, Yipeng; Zhou, Hejiang; Yu, Meifang; Yan, Liang; Zhang, Wendi; Nie, Guangjun; Chen, Chunying; Tu, Yaping; Wei, Taotao

2014-12-01

Recent advances in nanomedicine provide promising alternatives for cancer treatment that may improve the survival of patients with metastatic disease. The goal of the present study was to evaluate graphene oxide (GO) as a potential anti-metastatic agent. For this purpose, GO was modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form PEG-modified GO (PEG-GO), which improves its aqueous stability and biocompatibility. We show here that PEG-GO exhibited no apparent effects on the viability of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and SK-BR-3) or non-cancerous cells (MCF-10A), but inhibited cancer cell migration in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of cellular energy metabolism revealed that PEG-GO significantly impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in breast cancer cells; however, PEG-GO showed no effect on OXPHOS in non-cancerous cells. To explore the underlying mechanisms, a SILAC (Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino acids in Cell culture) labeling strategy was used to quantify protein expression in PEG-GO-exposed breast cancer versus non-cancerous cells. The results indicated that PEG-GO selectively down-regulated PGC-1α in breast cancer cells and thus modified the expression of diverse energy generation-related proteins, which accounts for the inhibition of OXPHOS. The inhibition of OXPHOS by PEG-GO significantly reduced ATP production and impaired assembly of the F-actin cytoskeleton in breast cancer cells, which is required for the migratory and invasive phenotype of cancer cells. Taken together, these effects of PEG-GO on cancer cell metastasis may allow the development of a new approach to treat metastatic breast cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A modified ion-selective electrode method for measurement of chloride in sweat.

PubMed

Finley, P R; Dye, J A; Lichti, D A; Byers, J M; Williams, R J

1978-06-01

A modified method of analysis of sweat chloride concentration with an ion-selective electrode is presented. The original method of sweat chloride analysis proposed by the Orion Research Corporation (Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139) is inadequate because it produces erratic and misleading results. The modified method was compared with the reference quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke. In the modified method, individual electrode pads are cut and placed in the electrodes rather than using the pads supplied by the company; pilocarpine nitrate (2,000 mg/l) is used in place of pilocarpine HCl (640 mg/l); sodium bicarbonate as the weak electrolyte is used instead of K2SO4. A 10-minute period for sweat accumulation is employed rather than a zero-time collection as in the original Orion method. The modification has been studied for reproducibility in individuals, reproducibility between right and left arm in individuals; it has been compared extensively with the quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke, both in normal individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis. There is excellent agreement between the modified method and the quantitative reference method. There appears to be a slight bias toward higher concentrations of chloride from the right arm compared with the left arm, but this difference is not medically significant.

Modified Right Heart Contrast Echocardiography Versus Traditional Method in Diagnosis of Right-to-Left Shunt: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Wang, Yi; Zeng, Jie; Yin, Lixue; Zhang, Mei; Hou, Dailun

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, effectiveness, and safety of modified right heart contrast transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) in comparison with the traditional method. We performed a modified right heart cTTE using saline mixed with a small sample of patient's own blood. Samples were agitated with varying intensity. This study protocol involved microscopic analysis and patient evaluation. 1. Microscopic analysis: After two contrast samples had been agitated 10 or 20 times, they underwent a comparison of bubble size, bubble number, and red blood cell morphology. 2. Patient analysis: 40 patients with suspected RLS (right- to-left shunt) were enrolled. All patients underwent right heart contrast echocardiography. Oxygen saturation, transit time and duration, presence of RLS, change in indirect bilirubin and urobilinogen concentrations were compared afterward. Modified method generated more bubbles (P<0.05), but the differences in bubble size were not significant (P>0.05). Twenty-four patients were diagnosed with RLS (60%) using the modified method compared to 16 patients (40%) with the traditional method. The transit time of ASb20 group was the shortest (P<0.05). However, the duration time in this group was much longer (P<0.05). Also, in semi-quantitative analysis mean rank of RLS was higher after injecting the modified contrast agent agitated 20 times (P<0.05). Modified right heart contrast echocardiography is a reliable, effective and safe method of detecting cardiovascular RLS.

Rapid analysis of 2,4-D in soil samples by modified Soxhlet apparatus using HPLC with UV detection.

PubMed

Kashyap, Sanjay M; Pandya, Girish H; Kondawar, Vivek K; Gabhane, Sanjay S

2005-02-01

The 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) is used as a systemic herbicide to control broadleaf weeds in wheat, corn, range land/pasture land, sorghum, and barley. In this study, a fast and efficient method is developed by selection of modified extraction apparatus and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV conditions for the determination of 2,4-D in soil samples. The method is applied to the study of soil samples collected from the agricultural field. The herbicide is extracted from soil samples by acetonitrile in a modified Soxhlet apparatus. The advantages of the apparatus are that it uses small volume of organic solvent, reduced time of extraction, and better recovery of the analyte. The extract is filtered using a very fine microfiber paper. The total extract is concentrated in a rotatory evaporator, dried under ultrahigh pure N2, and finally reconstituted in 1 mL of acetonitrile. HPLC-UV at 228 nm is used for analysis. The herbicide is identified and quantitated using the HPLC system. The method is validated by the analysis of spiked soil samples. Recoveries obtained varied from 85% to 100% for spiked soil samples. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) and the limit of detection (LOD) are 0.010 and 0.005 parts per million (ppm), respectively, for spiked soil samples. The LOQ and LOD are 0.006 and 0.003 ppm for unspiked soil samples. The measured concentrations of 2,4-D in spiked soil samples are between 0.010 and 0.020 ppm with an average of 0.016 +/- 0.003 ppm. For unspiked soil samples it is between 0.006 ppm and 0.012 ppm with an average of 0.009 +/- 0.002 ppm. The measured concentrations of 2,4-D in soil samples are generally low and do not exceed the regulatory agencies guidelines.

At the nano-level modified cotton knitwear prototype development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukle, S.; Vihodceva, S.; Belakova, D.; Lukasevica, B.; Riepniece, A.

2017-10-01

This article reviews efficiency of the fluorine, silica and zinc compounds containing textile coating conformity with the day-to-day wearing conditions of cotton knitwear used as the first level clothing to the wearer skin. Silica sol modified with the zinc acetate dehydrate was used for the weft knitted cotton single-jersey and double-jersey fabrics chemical modification. The experimental part of the presented research includes the evaluation of the fabrics structure characteristics, air and vapour permeability and water-repellent abilities. The wettability of cotton textiles were evaluated by the water contact angle before and after modification as well after hydrothermal treatment. Images of the obtained modified fibres surfaces analysed by scanning electron microscopy, and fibres surface chemical composition has been determined with dispersive X-ray analysis. Conformity of modified textiles properties important to the wearing comfort and the inserted additional functions determined by testing textiles “in vitro” verified “in vivo” in experimental wearing process where 100 volunteers of different professions had participated.

Research on preparation of phosphate-modified animal glue binder for foundry use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tian-Shu; Liu, Wei-Hua; Li, Ying-Min

2018-03-01

In this paper, three phosphates were used as modifiers to modify animal glue binder. The structural characteristics and thermal properties of animal glue binder treated with phosphates were studied by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and derivative thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the modified animal glue binder had better sand tensile strength and lower viscosity than untreated animal glue binder. The best modification process was as follows: the optimal amount of sodium carbonate was 4 wt% to animal glue; the optimal weight ratio of the modifiers was sodium pyrophosphate : sodium tripolyphosphate : sodium hexametaphosphate : animal glue = 3 : 3 : 4 : 100, and the optimal reaction should be performed at 80°C for a reaction time of 120 min. A final tensile strength of approximately 3.20 MPa was achieved and the viscosity value was approximately 880 mPa s.

Mold Pectinase Modified with Dialdehyde Derivatives of Dextran and Cellulose.

PubMed

Kobayashi, M; Chiba, Y; Funane, K; Ohya, S; Kato, Y

1996-01-01

Chemical modification of mold pectinase with dextran- and cellulose-dialdehydes was examined to improve the enzyme characteristics. The modified pectinase with dextran-dialdehyde retained about 50% of the original activity, and more than 80% of the total amino groups were modified. HPLC gel filtration analysis showed an increase in molecular weight of the reaction product. Reaction with cellulose-dialdehyde provided an immobilized form of pectinase. The immobilized pectinase was resistant to both acidic and alkaline pHs, and also acquired heat stability at 60°C. The optimum pH of the modified enzyme shifted from pH 4.5 to 5.0-5.5, and this enzyme had higher activity at neutral pH regions than the native enzyme. A rather low recovery of immobilized enzyme (14.5%) should be improved by the combination with various methods hitherto established.

Modified SEAGULL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salas, M. D.; Kuehn, M. S.

1994-01-01

Original version of program incorporated into program SRGULL (LEW-15093) for use on National Aero-Space Plane project, its duty being to model forebody, inlet, and nozzle portions of vehicle. However, real-gas chemistry effects in hypersonic flow fields limited accuracy of that version, because it assumed perfect-gas properties. As a result, SEAGULL modified according to real-gas equilibrium-chemistry methodology. This program analyzes two-dimensional, hypersonic flows of real gases. Modified version of SEAGULL maintains as much of original program as possible, and retains ability to execute original perfect-gas version.

Differences in cumulus cells gene expression between modified natural and stimulated in vitro fertilization cycles.

PubMed

Papler, Tanja Burnik; Bokal, Eda Vrtačnik; Tacer, Klementina Fon; Juvan, Peter; Virant Klun, Irma; Devjak, Rok

2014-01-01

The aim of our study was to determine whether there are any differences in the cumulus cell gene expression profile of mature oocytes derived from modified natural IVF and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles and if these changes could help us understand why modified natural IVF has lower success rates. Cumulus cells surrounding mature oocytes that developed to morulae or blastocysts on day 5 after oocyte retrieval were submitted to microarray analysis. The obtained data were then validated using quantitative real-time PCR. There were 66 differentially expressed genes between cumulus cells of modified natural IVF and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. Gene ontology analysis revealed the oxidation-reduction process, glutathione metabolic process, xenobiotic metabolic process and gene expression were significantly enriched biological processes in MNIVF cycles. Among differentially expressed genes we observed a large group of small nucleolar RNA's whose role in folliculogenesis has not yet been established. The increased expression of genes involved in the oxidation-reduction process probably points to hypoxic conditions in modified natural IVF cycles. This finding opens up new perspectives for the establishment of the potential role that oxidation-reduction processes have in determining success rates of modified natural IVF.

The benefits of modified FOLFIRINOX for advanced pancreatic cancer and its induced adverse events: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tong, Hongxuan; Fan, Zhu; Liu, Biyuan; Lu, Tao

2018-06-06

FOLFIRINOX has been one of the first-line options for advanced pancreatic cancer, even though it induces significant adverse effects. Several institutions have begun using modified FOLFIRINOX to decrease its side effects and increase its tolerability. We systematically investigated the outcome from patients who initially received modified FOLFIRINOX as a chemotherapy regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer. We used the random-model generic inverse variance method to analyse the binary data with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis with 563 total patients. The 6-month and 1-year overall survival (OS) rates of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) were 90.9% and 76.2%. The 6-month and 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of LAPC were 81.5% and 48.5%. The 6-month and 1-year OS rates of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) were 79.7% and 47.6%. The 6-month and 1-year PFS rates of MPC were 56.3% and 20.6%. The following rates were also calculated: complete response rate (CR): 2.9%; partial response rate (PR): 35.9%; stable disease rate (SD): 41.2%; overall response rate (OR): 34.6%; disease control rate (DCR): 76.7%; progressive disease: 23.1%; and grade III/IV adverse events (AEs): neutropenia 23.1%, febrile neutropenia 4.8%, thrombocytopenia 4.8%, anaemia 5.7%, fatigue 11.5%, nausea 9.1%, diarrhoea 10.1%, vomiting 5.7%, neuropathy 3.8%, and increased ALT 5.7%. In conclusion, modified FOLFIRINOX could provide comparative survival benefits with fewer adverse events compared to the conventional dosage.

Chlordetect: Commercial Calcium Aluminate Based Conductimetric Sensor for Chloride Presence Detection

PubMed Central

Torres-Luque, Magda; Sánchez-Silva, Mauricio

2017-01-01

Chloride presence affects different environments (soil, water, concrete) decreasing their qualities. In order to assess chloride concentration this paper proposes a novel sensor for detecting and measuring it. This sensor is based on electric changes of commercial monocalcium aluminate (CA) when it interacts with chloride aqueous solutions. CA is used as a dielectric material between two coplanar capacitors. The geometry proposed for this sensor allows to assess the chloride content profile, or to make four times the same measurement. Besides, the experimental design gives us the possibility of study not just the chloride effect, but also the time and some geometric effects due to the sensor design. As a result, this sensor shows a limit of detection, sensitivity, and response time: 0.01 wt % Cl− and 0.06 wt % Cl−, and 2 min, respectively, comparable with other non invasive techniques as optical fibre sensors. PMID:28902147

Artificial specific binders directly recovered from chemically modified nucleic acid libraries.

PubMed

Kasahara, Yuuya; Kuwahara, Masayasu

2012-01-01

Specific binders comprised of nucleic acids, that is, RNA/DNA aptamers, are attractive functional biopolymers owing to their potential broad application in medicine, food hygiene, environmental analysis, and biological research. Despite the large number of reports on selection of natural DNA/RNA aptamers, there are not many examples of direct screening of chemically modified nucleic acid aptamers. This is because of (i) the inferior efficiency and accuracy of polymerase reactions involving transcription/reverse-transcription of modified nucleotides compared with those of natural nucleotides, (ii) technical difficulties and additional time and effort required when using modified nucleic acid libraries, and (iii) ambiguous efficacies of chemical modifications in binding properties until recently; in contrast, the effects of chemical modifications on biostability are well studied using various nucleotide analogs. Although reports on the direct screening of a modified nucleic acid library remain in the minority, chemical modifications would be essential when further functional expansion of nucleic acid aptamers, in particular for medical and biological uses, is considered. This paper focuses on enzymatic production of chemically modified nucleic acids and their application to random screenings. In addition, recent advances and possible future research are also described.

Genetically modified foods and allergy.

PubMed

Lee, T H; Ho, H K; Leung, T F

2017-06-01

2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the commercial use and availability of genetically modified crops. The area of planted biotech crops cultivated globally occupies a cumulative two billion hectares, equivalent to twice the land size of China or the United States. Foods derived from genetically modified plants are widely consumed in many countries and genetically modified soybean protein is extensively used in processed foods throughout the industrialised countries. Genetically modified food technology offers a possible solution to meet current and future challenges in food and medicine. Yet there is a strong undercurrent of anxiety that genetically modified foods are unsafe for human consumption, sometimes fuelled by criticisms based on little or no firm evidence. This has resulted in some countries turning away food destined for famine relief because of the perceived health risks of genetically modified foods. The major concerns include their possible allergenicity and toxicity despite the vigorous testing of genetically modified foods prior to marketing approval. It is imperative that scientists engage the public in a constructive evidence-based dialogue to address these concerns. At the same time, improved validated ways to test the safety of new foods should be developed. A post-launch strategy should be established routinely to allay concerns. Mandatory labelling of genetically modified ingredients should be adopted for the sake of transparency. Such ingredient listing and information facilitate tracing and recall if required.

Implantation of Vascular Grafts Lined with Genetically Modified Endothelial Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, James M.; Birinyi, Louis K.; Salomon, Robert N.; Libby, Peter; Callow, Allan D.; Mulligan, Richard C.

1989-06-01

The possibility of using the vascular endothelial cell as a target for gene replacement therapy was explored. Recombinant retroviruses were used to transduce the lacZ gene into endothelial cells harvested from mongrel dogs. Prosthetic vascular grafts seeded with the genetically modified cells were implanted as carotid interposition grafts into the dogs from which the original cells were harvested. Analysis of the graft 5 weeks after implantation revealed genetically modified endothelial cells lining the luminal surface of the graft. This technology could be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis disease and the design of new drug delivery systems.

Modifiable Psychosocial Constructs Associated With Physical Activity Participation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Casey, Blathin; Coote, Susan; Shirazipour, Celina; Hannigan, Ailish; Motl, Robert; Martin Ginis, Kathleen; Latimer-Cheung, Amy

2017-07-01

To synthesize current knowledge of the modifiable psychosocial constructs associated with physical activity (PA) participation in people with multiple sclerosis. A search was conducted through October 2015 in 8 electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsycINFO. Cohort and intervention studies were included if they (1) included an objective or subjective measure of PA; (2) measured at least 1 modifiable psychosocial construct; and (3) reported bivariate correlations (or these could be extracted) between the PA and psychosocial construct measures. A total of 13,867 articles were screened for inclusion, and 26 were included in the final analysis. Meta-analyses of correlations were conducted using the Hedges-Olkin method. Where a meta-analysis was not possible, results were reported descriptively. Meta-analyses indicated a pooled correlation coefficient between (1) objective PA and self-efficacy (n=7) of r=.30 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate, positive association; (2) subjective PA and self-efficacy (n=7) of r=.34 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate, positive association; (3) subjective PA and goal-setting (n=5) of r=.44 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate-to-large positive association; and 4) subjective PA and outcome expectancies (n=4) (physical: r=.13, P=.11; social: r=.19, P<.0001; self-evaluative: r=.27, P<.0001), indicating small-moderate positive associations. Other constructs such as measures of health beliefs, enjoyment, social support, and perceived benefits and barriers were reported to be significantly correlated with PA in individual studies, but the number of studies was not sufficient for a meta-analysis. Future PA interventions should continue to focus on the psychosocial constructs of self-efficacy and goal-setting. However, there is a need to explore the associations between other constructs outside those reported in this review. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of

Systematic simulations of modified gravity: chameleon models

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

Brax, Philippe; Davis, Anne-Christine; Li, Baojiu

2013-04-01

In this work we systematically study the linear and nonlinear structure formation in chameleon theories of modified gravity, using a generic parameterisation which describes a large class of models using only 4 parameters. For this we have modified the N-body simulation code ecosmog to perform a total of 65 simulations for different models and parameter values, including the default ΛCDM. These simulations enable us to explore a significant portion of the parameter space. We have studied the effects of modified gravity on the matter power spectrum and mass function, and found a rich and interesting phenomenology where the difference withmore » the ΛCDM paradigm cannot be reproduced by a linear analysis even on scales as large as k ∼ 0.05 hMpc{sup −1}, since the latter incorrectly assumes that the modification of gravity depends only on the background matter density. Our results show that the chameleon screening mechanism is significantly more efficient than other mechanisms such as the dilaton and symmetron, especially in high-density regions and at early times, and can serve as a guidance to determine the parts of the chameleon parameter space which are cosmologically interesting and thus merit further studies in the future.« less

Regulating genetically modified food. Policy trajectories, political culture, and risk perceptions in the U.S., Canada, and EU.

PubMed

Wohlers, Anton E

2010-09-01

This paper examines whether national differences in political culture add an explanatory dimension to the formulation of policy in the area of biotechnology, especially with respect to genetically modified food. The analysis links the formulation of protective regulatory policies governing genetically modified food to both country and region-specific differences in uncertainty tolerance levels and risk perceptions in the United States, Canada, and European Union. Based on polling data and document analysis, the findings illustrate that these differences matter. Following a mostly opportunistic risk perception within an environment of high tolerance for uncertainty, policymakers in the United States and Canada modified existing regulatory frameworks that govern genetically modified food in their respective countries. In contrast, the mostly cautious perception of new food technologies and low tolerance for uncertainty among European Union member states has contributed to the creation of elaborate and stringent regulatory policies governing genetically modified food.

[Adsorption mechanism of furfural onto modified rice husk charcoals].

PubMed

Deng, Yong; Wang, Xianhua; Li, Yunchao; Shao, Jing'ai; Yang, Haiping; Chen, Hanping

2015-10-01

To evaluate the absorptive characteristics of furfural onto biomass charcoals derived from rice husk pyrolysis, we studied the information of the structure and surface chemistry properties of the rice husk charcoals modified by thermal treatment under nitrogen and carbon dioxide flow and adsorption mechanism of furfural. The modified samples are labeled as RH-N2 and RH-CO2. Fresh rice husk charcoal sample (RH-450) and modified samples were characterized by elemental analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Boehm titration. The results show that fresh rice husk charcoal obtained at 450 degrees C had a large number of organic groups on its surface and poor pore structure. After the modification under nitrogen and carbon dioxide flow, oxygenic organics in rice husk charcoals decompose further, leading to the reduction of acidic functional groups on charcoals surface, and the increase of the pyrone structures of the basic groups. Meanwhile, pore structure was improved significantly and the surface area was increased, especially for the micropores. This resulted in the increase of π-π dispersion between the surfaces of rice husk charcoals and furfural molecular. With making comprehensive consideration of π-π dispersion and pore structure, the best removal efficiency of furfural was obtained by rice husk charcoal modified under carbon dioxide flow.

The spectrum and clinical impact of epigenetic modifier mutations in myeloma

PubMed Central

Pawlyn, Charlotte; Kaiser, Martin F; Heuck, Christoph; Melchor, Lorenzo; Wardell, Christopher P; Murison, Alex; Chavan, Shweta; Johnson, David C; Begum, Dil; Dahir, Nasrin; Proszek, Paula; Cairns, David A; Boyle, Eileen M; Jones, John R; Cook, Gordon; Drayson, Mark T; Owen, Roger G; Gregory, Walter M; Jackson, Graham H; Barlogie, Bart; Davies, Faith E; Walker, Brian A; Morgan, Gareth J

2016-01-01

Purpose Epigenetic dysregulation is known to be an important contributor to myeloma pathogenesis but, unlike in other B cell malignancies, the full spectrum of somatic mutations in epigenetic modifiers has not been previously reported. We sought to address this using results from whole-exome sequencing in the context of a large prospective clinical trial of newly diagnosed patients and targeted sequencing in a cohort of previously treated patients for comparison. Experimental Design Whole-exome sequencing analysis of 463 presenting myeloma cases entered in the UK NCRI Myeloma XI study and targeted sequencing analysis of 156 previously treated cases from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. We correlated the presence of mutations with clinical outcome from diagnosis and compared the mutations found at diagnosis with later stages of disease. Results In diagnostic myeloma patient samples we identify significant mutations in genes encoding the histone 1 linker protein, previously identified in other B-cell malignancies. Our data suggest an adverse prognostic impact from the presence of lesions in genes encoding DNA methylation modifiers and the histone demethylase KDM6A/UTX. The frequency of mutations in epigenetic modifiers appears to increase following treatment most notably in genes encoding histone methyltransferases and DNA methylation modifiers. Conclusions Numerous mutations identified raise the possibility of targeted treatment strategies for patients either at diagnosis or relapse supporting the use of sequencing-based diagnostics in myeloma to help guide therapy as more epigenetic targeted agents become available. PMID:27235425

Inter-laboratory analysis of selected genetically modified plant reference materials with digital PCR.

PubMed

Dobnik, David; Demšar, Tina; Huber, Ingrid; Gerdes, Lars; Broeders, Sylvia; Roosens, Nancy; Debode, Frederic; Berben, Gilbert; Žel, Jana

2018-01-01

Digital PCR (dPCR), as a new technology in the field of genetically modified (GM) organism (GMO) testing, enables determination of absolute target copy numbers. The purpose of our study was to test the transferability of methods designed for quantitative PCR (qPCR) to dPCR and to carry out an inter-laboratory comparison of the performance of two different dPCR platforms when determining the absolute GM copy numbers and GM copy number ratio in reference materials certified for GM content in mass fraction. Overall results in terms of measured GM% were within acceptable variation limits for both tested dPCR systems. However, the determined absolute copy numbers for individual genes or events showed higher variability between laboratories in one third of the cases, most possibly due to variability in the technical work, droplet size variability, and analysis of the raw data. GMO quantification with dPCR and qPCR was comparable. As methods originally designed for qPCR performed well in dPCR systems, already validated qPCR assays can most generally be used for dPCR technology with the purpose of GMO detection. Graphical abstract The output of three different PCR-based platforms was assessed in an inter-laboratory comparison.

Fluoride adsorption properties of three modified forms of activated alumina in drinking water.

PubMed

Duan, Ying; Wang, Chenchen; Li, Xuede; Xu, Wei

2014-12-01

The study describes the removal of fluoride from drinking water using activated alumina (AA). AA was modified with H2SO4, FeCl3 and a combination of the two to enhance fluoride adsorption. The AA adsorbents were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis and X-ray fluorescence. The maximum adsorption capacity of H2SO4- and FeCl3-modified AA adsorbents was 4.98 mg/g, which is 3.4 times higher compared with that of normal AA. The results showed that the surface area of AA increased when modified with H2SO4. AA modified with FeCl3 enhanced fluoride adsorption ability through ion-exchange between chlorine ions and fluoride ions. The fluoride adsorption properties of AA modified with both H2SO4 and FeCl3 were consistent with the Langmuir model. The fluoride adsorption kinetics of the adsorbents were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Removal of phosphorus using chemically modified lignocellulosic materials

Treesearch

James S. Han; N. Hur; B. Choi; Soo-Hong Min

2003-01-01

Heavy metals from an acid mine drainage (AMD) site were precipitated on the surface of juniper fiber. The modified fiber was tested in lab-scaled batch and column tests and in the field. Elemental analysis showed that soluble iron species deposited on the fiber act as an inorganic adsorbent for anions. Sorption capacity, determined by fitting results to a Langmuir...

Using multiple PCR and CE with chemiluminescence detection for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism.

PubMed

Guo, Longhua; Qiu, Bin; Chi, Yuwu; Chen, Guonan

2008-09-01

In this paper, an ultrasensitive CE-CL detection system coupled with a novel double-on-column coaxial flow detection interface was developed for the detection of PCR products. A reliable procedure based on this system had been demonstrated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of genetically modified organism-the detection of Roundup Ready Soy (RRS) samples was presented as an example. The promoter, terminator, function and two reference genes of RRS were amplified with multiplex PCR simultaneously. After that, the multiplex PCR products were labeled with acridinium ester at the 5'-terminal through an amino modification and then analyzed by the proposed CE-CL system. Reproducibility of analysis times and peak heights for the CE-CL analysis were determined to be better than 0.91 and 3.07% (RSD, n=15), respectively, for three consecutive days. It was shown that this method could accurately and qualitatively detect RRS standards and the simulative samples. The evaluation in terms of quantitative analysis of RRS provided by this new method was confirmed by comparing our assay results with those of the standard real-time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) using SYBR Green I dyes. The results showed a good coherence between the two methods. This approach demonstrated the possibility for accurate qualitative and quantitative detection of GM plants in a single run.

Microstructure of microemulsion modified with ionic liquids in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography and analysis of seven corticosteroids.

PubMed

Ni, Xinjiong; Yu, Meijuan; Cao, Yuhua; Cao, Guangqun

2013-09-01

In this work, the influences of ionic liquid (IL) as a modifier on microemulsion microstructure and separation performance in MEEKC were investigated. Experimental results showed that synergetic effect between IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate (BmimBF4 ) and surfactant SDS gave a decreased CMC. With increment of IL in microemulsion, negative ζ potential of the microdroplets reduced gradually. The influence of IL on the dimensions of microdroplet was complicated. At BmimBF4 less than 8 mM, IL made microemulsion droplet smaller in size. While at BmimBF4 more than 10 mM, the size increased and reached to a maximum value at 12 mM, where the microdroplets were larger than that without IL. After that, the micreodroplet size decreased again. Relative fluorescence intensity of the first vibration band of pyrene to the third one (I1 /I3 ) enhanced as IL was added to microemulsion, which indicated that this addition increased environmental polarity in the inner core of microdroplets. Prednisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone acetate, cortisone acetate, prednisolone acetate, and triamcinolone acetonide were analyzed with MEEKC modified with IL to evaluate the separation performance. Cortisone acetate and prednisolone acetate could not be separated at all in typical microemulsion. The seven analytes could be separated by the addition of 10 mM BmimBF4 into the microemulsion system. The method has been used for analysis of corticosteroids in cosmetic samples with simple extraction; the recoveries for seven analytes were between 86 and 114%. This method provides accuracy, reproducibility, pretreatment simplicity, and could be applied to the quality control of cosmetics. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Inorganically modified diatomite as a potential prolonged-release drug carrier.

PubMed

Janićijević, Jelena; Krajišnik, Danina; Calija, Bojan; Dobričić, Vladimir; Daković, Aleksandra; Krstić, Jugoslav; Marković, Marija; Milić, Jela

2014-09-01

Inorganic modification of diatomite was performed with the precipitation product of partially neutralized aluminum sulfate solution at three different mass ratios. The starting and the modified diatomites were characterized by SEM-EDS, FTIR, thermal analysis and zeta potential measurements and evaluated for drug loading capacity in adsorption batch experiments using diclofenac sodium (DS) as a model drug. In vitro drug release studies were performed in phosphate buffer pH6.8 from comprimates containing: the drug adsorbed onto the selected modified diatomite sample (DAMD), physical mixture of the drug with the selected modified diatomite sample (PMDMD) and physical mixture of the drug with the starting diatomite (PMDD). In vivo acute toxicity testing of the modified diatomite samples was performed on mice. High adsorbent loading of the selected modified diatomite sample (~250mg/g in 2h) enabled the preparation of comprimates containing adsorbed DS in the amount near to its therapeutic dose. Drug release studies demonstrated prolonged release of DS over a period of 8h from both DAMD comprimates (18% after 8h) and PMDMD comprimates (45% after 8h). The release kinetics for DAMD and PMDMD comprimates fitted well with Korsmeyer-Peppas and Bhaskar models, indicating that the release mechanism was a combination of non-Fickian diffusion and ion exchange process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modified NASA-Lewis chemical equilibrium code for MHD applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sacks, R. A.; Geyer, H. K.; Grammel, S. J.; Doss, E. D.

1979-01-01

A substantially modified version of the NASA-Lewis Chemical Equilibrium Code was recently developed. The modifications were designed to extend the power and convenience of the Code as a tool for performing combustor analysis for MHD systems studies. The effect of the programming details is described from a user point of view.

A meta-analysis of the association of serum ischaemia-modified albumin levels with human hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Reddy, Varikasuvu Seshadri; Bukke, Suman; Mahato, Khageshwar; Kumar, Vinod; Reddy, Netala Vasudeva; Munikumar, Manne; Vodelu, Bramahanapally

2017-02-28

Serum levels of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) have been studied as a novel and simple measure of oxidative stress (OXS) in different thyroid pathologies. However, results of available studies in the literature were not consistent. This meta-analysis was attempted to quantify the overall effect size for serum IMA levels in human hypothyroidism (HT) and hyperthyroidism (HYT) and to study its associations with the thyroid profile. Databases of PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Science Direct were searched for articles. Data on serum IMA levels in HT, HYT patients and euthyroid controls were extracted to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) by the random-effects model. The associations between IMA and thyroid profile were computed by the meta-analysis of correlation coefficients. IMA levels in HT patients (SMD=1.12; Z=2.76; P=0.006) and HYT patients (SMD=1.64; Z=2.57; P=0.01) were significantly higher than in euthyroid controls and the thyroid treatment showed a favourble effect on serum IMA levels. There were strong and significant correlations between IMA and hormonal status in HT and HYT groups. This meta-analysis showing increased IMA level in both HT and HYT patients and its association with thyroid profile suggests that serum IMA could be used as a simple measure of increased OXS in thyroid dysfunction. © 2017 The Author(s).

Complement activation promotes muscle inflammation during modified muscle use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frenette, J.; Cai, B.; Tidball, J. G.

2000-01-01

Modified muscle use can result in muscle inflammation that is triggered by unidentified events. In the present investigation, we tested whether the activation of the complement system is a component of muscle inflammation that results from changes in muscle loading. Modified rat hindlimb muscle loading was achieved by removing weight-bearing from the hindlimbs for 10 days followed by reloading through normal ambulation. Experimental animals were injected with the recombinant, soluble complement receptor sCR1 to inhibit complement activation. Assays for complement C4 or factor B in sera showed that sCR1 produced large reductions in the capacity for activation of the complement system through both the classical and alternative pathways. Analysis of complement C4 concentration in serum in untreated animals showed that the classical pathway was activated during the first 2 hours of reloading. Analysis of factor B concentration in untreated animals showed activation of the alternative pathway at 6 hours of reloading. Administration of sCR1 significantly attenuated the invasion of neutrophils (-49%) and ED1(+) macrophages (-52%) that occurred in nontreated animals after 6 hours of reloading. The presence of sCR1 also reduced significantly the degree of edema by 22% as compared to untreated animals. Together, these data show that increased muscle loading activated the complement system which then briefly contributes to the early recruitment of inflammatory cells during modified muscle loading.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Increased Arterial Stiffness in Outpatient Nephrology

PubMed Central

Elewa, Usama; Fernandez-Fernandez, Beatriz; Alegre, Raquel; Sanchez-Niño, Maria D.; Mahillo-Fernández, Ignacio; Perez-Gomez, Maria Vanessa; El-Fishawy, Hussein; Belal, Dawlat; Ortiz, Alberto

2015-01-01

Arterial stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. Arterial stiffness increases with age. However, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, BP and salt intake also impact on PWV. The finding of modifiable risk factors may lead to the identification of treatable factors, and, thus, is of interest to practicing nephrologist. We have now studied the prevalence and correlates of arterial stiffness, assessed by PWV, in 191 patients from nephrology outpatient clinics in order to identify modifiable risk factors for arterial stiffness that may in the future guide therapeutic decision-making. PWV was above normal levels for age in 85/191 (44.5%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, systolic BP, diabetes mellitus, serum uric acid and calcium polystyrene sulfonate therapy or calcium-containing medication were independent predictors of PWV. A new parameter, Delta above upper limit of normal PWV (Delta PWV) was defined to decrease the weight of age on PWV values. Delta PWV was calculated as (measured PWV) - (upper limit of the age-adjusted PWV values for the general population). Mean±SD Delta PWV was 0.76±1.60 m/sec. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure, active smoking and calcium polystyrene sulfonate therapy remained independent predictors of higher delta PWV, while age, urinary potassium and beta blocker therapy were independent predictors of lower delta PWV. In conclusion, arterial stiffness was frequent in nephrology outpatients. Systolic blood pressure, smoking, serum uric acid, calcium-containing medications, potassium metabolism and non-use of beta blockers are modifiable factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in Nephrology outpatients. PMID:25880081

A modified variational method for nonlinear vibration analysis of rotating beams including Coriolis effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jiajin; Su, Jinpeng; Zhou, Kai; Hua, Hongxing

2018-07-01

This paper presents a general formulation for nonlinear vibration analysis of rotating beams. A modified variational method combined with a multi-segment partitioning technique is employed to derive the free and transient vibration behaviors of the rotating beams. The strain energy and kinetic energy functional are formulated based on the order truncation principle of the fully geometrically nonlinear beam theory. The Coriolis effects as well as nonlinear effects due to the coupling of bending-stretching, bending-twist and twist-stretching are taken into account. The present method relaxes the need to explicitly meet the requirements of the boundary conditions for the admissible functions, and allows the use of any linearly independent, complete basis functions as admissible functions for rotating beams. Moreover, the method is readily used to deal with the nonlinear transient vibration problems for rotating beams subjected to dynamic loads. The accuracy, convergence and efficiency of the proposed method are examined by numerical examples. The influences of Coriolis and centrifugal forces on the vibration behaviors of the beams with various hub radiuses and slenderness ratios and rotating at different angular velocities are also investigated.

Classification of lung cancer patients and controls by chromatography of modified nucleosides in serum

USGS Publications Warehouse

McEntire, John E.; Kuo, Kenneth C.; Smith, Mark E.; Stalling, David L.; Richens, Jack W.; Zumwalt, Robert W.; Gehrke, Charles W.; Papermaster, Ben W.

1989-01-01

A wide spectrum of modified nucleosides has been quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography in serum of 49 male lung cancer patients, 35 patients with other cancers, and 48 patients hospitalized for nonneoplastic diseases. Data for 29 modified nucleoside peaks were normalized to an internal standard and analyzed by discriminant analysis and stepwise discriminant analysis. A model based on peaks selected by a stepwise discriminant procedure correctly classified 79% of the cancer and 75% of the noncancer subjects. It also demonstrated 84% sensitivity and 79% specificity when comparing lung cancer to noncancer subjects, and 80% sensitivity and 55% specificity in comparing lung cancer to other cancers. The nucleoside peaks having the greatest influence on the models varied dependent on the subgroups compared, confirming the importance of quantifying a wide array of nucleosides. These data support and expand previous studies which reported the utility of measuring modified nucleoside levels in serum and show that precise measurement of an array of 29 modified nucleosides in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV scanning with subsequent data modeling may provide a clinically useful approach to patient classification in diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic monitoring.

A New Colorimetric Assay of Tabletop Sweeteners Using a Modified Biuret Reagent: An Analytical Chemistry Experiment for the Undergraduate Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenk, Christopher J.; Kaufman, Nathan; Gerbig, Donald G., Jr.

2007-01-01

A new, fast and effective colorimetric analysis of the artificial sweetener aspartame is presented for application in undergraduate laboratory courses. This new method incorporates the use of a modified biuret reagent for selective detection and analysis of aspartame in aqueous solutions. The modified reagent is less caustic than the traditional…

Genetic Modifiers and Oligogenic Inheritance

PubMed Central

Kousi, Maria; Katsanis, Nicholas

2015-01-01

Despite remarkable progress in the identification of mutations that drive genetic disorders, progress in understanding the effect of genetic background on the penetrance and expressivity of causal alleles has been modest, in part because of the methodological challenges in identifying genetic modifiers. Nonetheless, the progressive discovery of modifier alleles has improved both our interpretative ability and our analytical tools to dissect such phenomena. In this review, we analyze the genetic properties and behaviors of modifiers as derived from studies in patient populations and model organisms and we highlight conceptual and technological tools used to overcome some of the challenges inherent in modifier mapping and cloning. Finally, we discuss how the identification of these modifiers has facilitated the elucidation of biological pathways and holds the potential to improve the clinical predictive value of primary causal mutations and to develop novel drug targets. PMID:26033081

Development and Evaluation of a Semi-automated Segmentation Tool and a Modified Ellipsoid Formula for Volumetric Analysis of the Kidney in Non-contrast T2-Weighted MR Images.

PubMed

Seuss, Hannes; Janka, Rolf; Prümmer, Marcus; Cavallaro, Alexander; Hammon, Rebecca; Theis, Ragnar; Sandmair, Martin; Amann, Kerstin; Bäuerle, Tobias; Uder, Michael; Hammon, Matthias

2017-04-01

Volumetric analysis of the kidney parenchyma provides additional information for the detection and monitoring of various renal diseases. Therefore the purposes of the study were to develop and evaluate a semi-automated segmentation tool and a modified ellipsoid formula for volumetric analysis of the kidney in non-contrast T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR)-images. Three readers performed semi-automated segmentation of the total kidney volume (TKV) in axial, non-contrast-enhanced T2-weighted MR-images of 24 healthy volunteers (48 kidneys) twice. A semi-automated threshold-based segmentation tool was developed to segment the kidney parenchyma. Furthermore, the three readers measured renal dimensions (length, width, depth) and applied different formulas to calculate the TKV. Manual segmentation served as a reference volume. Volumes of the different methods were compared and time required was recorded. There was no significant difference between the semi-automatically and manually segmented TKV (p = 0.31). The difference in mean volumes was 0.3 ml (95% confidence interval (CI), -10.1 to 10.7 ml). Semi-automated segmentation was significantly faster than manual segmentation, with a mean difference = 188 s (220 vs. 408 s); p < 0.05. Volumes did not differ significantly comparing the results of different readers. Calculation of TKV with a modified ellipsoid formula (ellipsoid volume × 0.85) did not differ significantly from the reference volume; however, the mean error was three times higher (difference of mean volumes -0.1 ml; CI -31.1 to 30.9 ml; p = 0.95). Applying the modified ellipsoid formula was the fastest way to get an estimation of the renal volume (41 s). Semi-automated segmentation and volumetric analysis of the kidney in native T2-weighted MR data delivers accurate and reproducible results and was significantly faster than manual segmentation. Applying a modified ellipsoid formula quickly provides an accurate kidney volume.

Discrimination of genetically modified sugar beets based on terahertz spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tao; Li, Zhi; Yin, Xianhua; Hu, Fangrong; Hu, Cong

2016-01-01

The objective of this paper was to apply terahertz (THz) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques for discrimination of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM sugar beets. In this paper, the THz spectra of 84 sugar beet samples (36 GM sugar beets and 48 non-GM ones) were obtained by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system in the frequency range from 0.2 to 1.2 THz. Three chemometrics methods, principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA) and discriminant partial least squares (DPLS), were employed to classify sugar beet samples into two groups: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMOs. The DPLS method yielded the best classification result, and the percentages of successful classification for GM and non-GM sugar beets were both 100%. Results of the present study demonstrate the usefulness of THz spectroscopy together with chemometrics methods as a powerful tool to distinguish GM and non-GM sugar beets.

Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry combined analysis of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier adsorption on functional monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solano, Ilaria; Parisse, Pietro; Gramazio, Federico; Ianeselli, Luca; Medagli, Barbara; Cavalleri, Ornella; Casalis, Loredana; Canepa, Maurizio

2017-11-01

The comprehension of mechanisms of interaction between functional layers and proteins is relevant for the development of sensitive and precise biosensors. Here we report our study which combines Atomic Force Microscopy and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry to investigate the His-Ni-NTA mediated interaction between 6His-tagged Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) protein with self assembled monolayers of NTA terminated alkanethiols. The use of AFM-based nanolithograhic tools and the analysis of ellipsometric spectra in situ and ex situ provided us a solid method to disentangle the effects of Ni(II)-mediated interaction between the NTA layer and the 6His-tagged SUMO and to accurately determine in physiological condition the thickness value of the SUMO layer. This investigation is a first step towards the study of layered systems of greater complexity of which the NTA/6His-tagged SUMO is a prototypical example.

21 CFR 184.1287 - Enzyme-modified fats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Enzyme-modified fats. 184.1287 Section 184.1287... GRAS § 184.1287 Enzyme-modified fats. (a) Enzyme-modified refined beef fat, enzyme-modified butterfat, and enzyme-modified steam-rendered chicken fat are prepared from refined beef fat; butterfat or...

21 CFR 184.1287 - Enzyme-modified fats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Enzyme-modified fats. 184.1287 Section 184.1287... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1287 Enzyme-modified fats. (a) Enzyme-modified refined beef fat, enzyme-modified butterfat, and enzyme-modified steam-rendered chicken fat are prepared...

21 CFR 184.1287 - Enzyme-modified fats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Enzyme-modified fats. 184.1287 Section 184.1287... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1287 Enzyme-modified fats. (a) Enzyme-modified refined beef fat, enzyme-modified butterfat, and enzyme-modified steam-rendered chicken fat are prepared...

21 CFR 184.1287 - Enzyme-modified fats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Enzyme-modified fats. 184.1287 Section 184.1287... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1287 Enzyme-modified fats. (a) Enzyme-modified refined beef fat, enzyme-modified butterfat, and enzyme-modified steam-rendered chicken fat are prepared...

21 CFR 184.1287 - Enzyme-modified fats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Enzyme-modified fats. 184.1287 Section 184.1287... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1287 Enzyme-modified fats. (a) Enzyme-modified refined beef fat, enzyme-modified butterfat, and enzyme-modified steam-rendered chicken fat are prepared...

Modified blank ammunition injuries.

PubMed

Ogunc, Gokhan I; Ozer, M Tahir; Coskun, Kagan; Uzar, Ali Ihsan

2009-12-15

Blank firing weapons are designed only for discharging blank ammunition cartridges. Because they are cost-effective, are easily accessible and can be modified to live firearms plus their unclear legal situation in Turkish Law makes them very popular in Turkey. 2004 through 2008, a total of 1115 modified blank weapons were seized in Turkey. Blank firing weapons are easily modified by owners, making them suitable for discharging live firearm ammunition or modified blank ammunitions. Two common methods are used for modification of blank weapons. After the modification, these weapons can discharge the live ammunition. However, due to compositional durability problems with these types of weapons; the main trend is to use the modified blank ammunitions rather than live firearm ammunition fired from modified blank firing weapons. In this study, two types of modified blank weapons and two types of modified blank cartridges were tested on three different target models. Each of the models' shooting side was coated with 1.3+/-2 mm thickness chrome tanned cowhide as a skin simulant. The first model was only coated with skin simulant. The second model was coated with skin simulant and 100% cotton police shirt. The third model was coated with skin simulant and jean denim. After the literature evaluation four high risky anatomic locations (the neck area; the eyes; the thorax area and inguinal area) were pointed out for the steel and lead projectiles are discharged from the modified blank weapons especially in close range (0-50 cm). The target models were designed for these anatomic locations. For the target models six Transparent Ballistic Candle blocks (TCB) were prepared and divided into two test groups. The first group tests were performed with lead projectiles and second group with steel projectile. The shortest penetration depth (lead projectile: 4.358 cm; steel projectile 8.032 cm) was recorded in the skin simulant and jean denim coated block for both groups. In both groups

A Practical Tutorial on Modified Condition/Decision Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayhurst, Kelly J.; Veerhusen, Dan S.; Chilenski, John J.; Rierson, Leanna K.

2001-01-01

This tutorial provides a practical approach to assessing modified condition/decision coverage (MC/DC) for aviation software products that must comply with regulatory guidance for DO-178B level A software. The tutorial's approach to MC/DC is a 5-step process that allows a certification authority or verification analyst to evaluate MC/DC claims without the aid of a coverage tool. In addition to the MC/DC approach, the tutorial addresses factors to consider in selecting and qualifying a structural coverage analysis tool, tips for reviewing life cycle data related to MC/DC, and pitfalls common to structural coverage analysis.

Modified UMS, Modified SemRep and SemMedDB-UTH | Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR)

Cancer.gov

Modified UMLS, modified SemRep and SemMedDB-UTH – these are resources (UMLS, SemMedDB-UT) and tools (SemRep) created and maintained by National Library of Medicine that we have modified for personalized cancer therapy and returned to the NLM.

Correlation between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wang; Zhu, Yuan; Cao, Jinzhen; Sun, Wenjing

2015-01-01

In order to investigate the dynamic wetting behavior of thermally modified wood, Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana Rehd.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) samples were thermally modified in an oven at 160, 180, 200, 220 or 240 °C for 4 h in this study. The dynamic contact angles and droplet volumes of water droplets on modified and unmodified wood surfaces were measured by sessile drop method, and their changing rates (expression index: K value and wetting slope) calculated by wetting models were illustrated for mapping the dynamic wetting process. The surface chemical components were also measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS), thus the relationship between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood were determined. The results indicated that thermal modification was capable of decreasing the dynamic wettability of wood, expressed in lowing spread and penetration speed of water droplets on wood surfaces. This change was more obvious with the increased heating temperature. The K values varied linearly with the chemical components parameter (mass loss, O/C ratio, and C1/C2 ratio), indicating a strong correlation between dynamic wetting behavior and chemical components of thermally modified wood.

Aminopyridine modified Spirulina platensis biomass for chromium(VI) adsorption in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Bayramoglu, Gulay; Akbulut, Aydin; Arica, M Yakup

Chemical modification of Spirulina platensis biomass was realized by sequential treatment of algal surface with epichlorohydrin and aminopyridine. Adsorptive properties of Cr(VI) ions on native and aminopyridine modified algal biomass were investigated by varying pH, contact time, ionic strength, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature. FTIR and analytical analysis indicated that carboxyl and amino groups were the major functional groups for Cr(VI) ions adsorption. The optimum adsorption was observed at pH 3.0 for native and modified algal biomasses. The adsorption capacity was found to be 79.6 and 158.7 mg g(-1), for native and modified algal biomasses, respectively. For continuous system studies, the experiments were conducted to study the effect of important design parameters such as flow rate and initial concentration of metal ions, and the maximum sorption capacity was observed at a flow rate of 50 mL h(-1), and Cr(VI) ions concentration 200 mg L(-1) with modified biomass. Experimental data fitted a pseudo-second-order equation. The regeneration performance was observed to be 89.6% and 94.3% for native and modified algal biomass, respectively.

Modeling zero-modified count and semicontinuous data in health services research part 2: case studies.

PubMed

Neelon, Brian; O'Malley, A James; Smith, Valerie A

2016-11-30

This article is the second installment of a two-part tutorial on the analysis of zero-modified count and semicontinuous data. Part 1, which appears as a companion piece in this issue of Statistics in Medicine, provides a general background and overview of the topic, with particular emphasis on applications to health services research. Here, we present three case studies highlighting various approaches for the analysis of zero-modified data. The first case study describes methods for analyzing zero-inflated longitudinal count data. Case study 2 considers the use of hurdle models for the analysis of spatiotemporal count data. The third case study discusses an application of marginalized two-part models to the analysis of semicontinuous health expenditure data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Latex modified Portland cement overlays : an analysis of samples removed from a bridge deck.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

This report describes an evaluation of the latex modified mortar overlay the Route 85 (NBL) bridge over the Roanoke River. While the performance of the overlay has been generally satisfactory, corings and chloride analyses indicate the possibility of...

Detection of airborne genetically modified maize pollen by real-time PCR.

PubMed

Folloni, Silvia; Kagkli, Dafni-Maria; Rajcevic, Bojan; Guimarães, Nilson C C; Van Droogenbroeck, Bart; Valicente, Fernando H; Van den Eede, Guy; Van den Bulcke, Marc

2012-09-01

The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has raised numerous concerns in the European Union and other parts of the world about their environmental and economic impact. Especially outcrossing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) was from the beginning a critical issue as airborne pollen has been considered an important way of GMO dispersal. Here, we investigate the use of airborne pollen sampling combined with microscopic analysis and molecular PCR analysis as an approach to monitor GM maize cultivations in a specific area. Field trial experiments in the European Union and South America demonstrated the applicability of the approach under different climate conditions, in rural and semi-urban environment, even at very low levels of airborne pollen. The study documents in detail the sampling of GM pollen, sample DNA extraction and real-time PCR analysis. Our results suggest that this 'GM pollen monitoring by bioaerosol sampling and PCR screening' approach might represent an useful aid in the surveillance of GM-free areas, centres of origin and natural reserves. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Modified Moral Distress Scale (MDS-11): Validation Study Among Italian Nurses.

PubMed

Badolamenti, Sondra; Fida, Roberto; Biagioli, Valentina; Caruso, Rosario; Zaghini, Francesco; Sili, Alessandro; Rea, Teresa

2017-01-01

Moral distress (MD) has significant implications on individual and organizational health. However there is a lack of an instrument to assess it among Italian nurses. The main aim of this study was to validate a brief instrument to assess MD, developed from the Corley's Moral Distress Scale (MDS). The modified MDS scale was subjected to content and cultural validity. The scale was administered to 347 nurses. Psychometric analysis were performed to assess construct validity. The scale consists of 11 items, investigating MD in nursing practice in different clinical settings. The dimensionality of the scale was investigated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which showed a two-dimensional structure labeled futility and potential damage. The futility refers to feelings of powerlessness and ineffectiveness in some clinical situations; the potential damage dimension captures feelings of powerlessness when nurses are forced to tolerate or perform perceived abusive clinical proceedings. Nurses who experienced higher MD, were more lilely to experience burnout. The modified MDS showed good psychometric properties, and it is valid and reliable for assessing moral distress among Italian nurses. Hence, the modified MDS allows to monitor the distress experienced by nurses and it is an important contribution to the scientific community and all those dealing with well-being of health workers.

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; use of a modified ultrasonic nebulizer for the analysis of low ionic-strength water by inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harris, Carl M.; Litteral, Charles J.; Damrau, Donna L.

1997-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory has developed a method for the determination of dissolved calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, silica, and sodium using a modified ultrasonic nebulizer sample-introduction system to an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. The nebulizer's spray chamber has been modified to avoid carryover and memory effects common in some conventional ultrasonic designs. The modified ultrasonic nebulizer is equipped with a high-speed rinse cycle to remove previously analyzed samples from the spray chamber without excessive flush times. This new rinse cycle decreases sample washout times by reducing carryover and memory effects from salt or analytes in previously analyzed samples by as much as 45 percent. Plasma instability has been reduced by repositioning the argon carrier gas inlet on the spray chamber and by directly pumping waste from the chamber, instead of from open drain traps, thereby maintaining constant pressure to the plasma. The ultrasonic nebulizer improves signal intensities, which are 8 to 16 times greater than for a conventional cross-flow pneumatic nebulizer, without being sensitive to clogging from salt buildup as in cross-flow nebulizers. Detection limits for the ultrasonic nebulizer are 4 to 18 times less than detection limits achievable using a cross-flow pneumatic nebulizer, with equivalent sample analysis time.

Modifiable risk factors for schizophrenia and autism--shared risk factors impacting on brain development.

PubMed

Hamlyn, Jess; Duhig, Michael; McGrath, John; Scott, James

2013-05-01

Schizophrenia and autism are two poorly understood clinical syndromes that differ in age of onset and clinical profile. However, recent genetic and epidemiological research suggests that these two neurodevelopmental disorders share certain risk factors. The aims of this review are to describe modifiable risk factors that have been identified in both disorders, and, where available, collate salient systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have examined shared risk factors. Based on searches of Medline, Embase and PsycINFO, inspection of review articles and expert opinion, we first compiled a set of candidate modifiable risk factors associated with autism. Where available, we next collated systematic-reviews (with or without meta-analyses) related to modifiable risk factors associated with both autism and schizophrenia. We identified three modifiable risk factors that have been examined in systematic reviews for both autism and schizophrenia. Advanced paternal age was reported as a risk factor for schizophrenia in a single meta-analysis and as a risk factor in two meta-analyses for autism. With respect to pregnancy and birth complications, for autism one meta-analysis identified maternal diabetes and bleeding during pregnancy as risks factors for autism whilst a meta-analysis of eight studies identified obstetric complications as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Migrant status was identified as a risk factor for both autism and schizophrenia. Two separate meta-analyses were identified for each disorder. Despite distinct clinical phenotypes, the evidence suggests that at least some non-genetic risk factors are shared between these two syndromes. In particular, exposure to drugs, nutritional excesses or deficiencies and infectious agents lend themselves to public health interventions. Studies are now needed to quantify any increase in risk of either autism or schizophrenia that is associated with these modifiable environmental factors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc

Modified Terminal Restriction Fragment Analysis for Quantifying Telomere Length Using In-gel Hybridization.

PubMed

Jenkins, Frank J; Kerr, Charles M; Fouquerel, Elise; Bovbjerg, Dana H; Opresko, Patricia L

2017-07-10

There are several different techniques for measuring telomere length, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The traditional approach, Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) analysis, utilizes a DNA hybridization technique whereby genomic DNA samples are digested with restriction enzymes, leaving behind telomere DNA repeats and some sub-telomeric DNA. These are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, transferred to a filter membrane and hybridized to oligonucleotide probes tagged with either chemiluminescence or radioactivity to visualize telomere restriction fragments. This approach, while requiring a larger quantity of DNA than other techniques such as PCR, can measure the telomere length distribution of a population of cells and allows measurement expressed in absolute kilobases. This manuscript demonstrates a modified DNA hybridization procedure for determining telomere length. Genomic DNA is first digested with restriction enzymes (that do not cut telomeres) and separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel is then dried and the DNA is denatured and hybridized in situ to a radiolabeled oligonucleotide probe. This in situ hybridization avoids loss of telomere DNA and improves signal intensity. Following hybridization, the gels are imaged utilizing phosphor screens and the telomere length is quantified using a graphing program. This procedure was developed by the laboratories of Drs. Woodring Wright and Jerry Shay at the University of Texas Southwestern 1 , 2 . Here, we present a detailed description of this procedure, with some modifications.

A comparison of two prospective risk analysis methods: Traditional FMEA and a modified healthcare FMEA.

PubMed

Rah, Jeong-Eun; Manger, Ryan P; Yock, Adam D; Kim, Gwe-Ya

2016-12-01

To examine the abilities of a traditional failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and modified healthcare FMEA (m-HFMEA) scoring methods by comparing the degree of congruence in identifying high risk failures. The authors applied two prospective methods of the quality management to surface image guided, linac-based radiosurgery (SIG-RS). For the traditional FMEA, decisions on how to improve an operation were based on the risk priority number (RPN). The RPN is a product of three indices: occurrence, severity, and detectability. The m-HFMEA approach utilized two indices, severity and frequency. A risk inventory matrix was divided into four categories: very low, low, high, and very high. For high risk events, an additional evaluation was performed. Based upon the criticality of the process, it was decided if additional safety measures were needed and what they comprise. The two methods were independently compared to determine if the results and rated risks matched. The authors' results showed an agreement of 85% between FMEA and m-HFMEA approaches for top 20 risks of SIG-RS-specific failure modes. The main differences between the two approaches were the distribution of the values and the observation that failure modes (52, 54, 154) with high m-HFMEA scores do not necessarily have high FMEA-RPN scores. In the m-HFMEA analysis, when the risk score is determined, the basis of the established HFMEA Decision Tree™ or the failure mode should be more thoroughly investigated. m-HFMEA is inductive because it requires the identification of the consequences from causes, and semi-quantitative since it allows the prioritization of high risks and mitigation measures. It is therefore a useful tool for the prospective risk analysis method to radiotherapy.

Direct analysis of in-gel proteins by carbon nanotubes-modified paper spray ambient mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Han, Feifei; Yang, Yuhan; Ouyang, Jin; Na, Na

2015-02-07

The in situ and direct extraction, desorption and ionization of in-gel intact proteins after electrophoresis has been achieved by carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified paper spray mass spectrometry at ambient conditions. Characteristics of CNTs (including larger surface area, smaller pore diameter and enhanced conductivity) were endowed to the porous filter paper substrate by uniformly dispersing the CNTs on the filter paper. Upon applying electric potential to the CNTs-modified paper, the in-gel proteins were extracted from the gel and subsequently migrated to the tip of the filter paper by electrophoresis-like behavior for paper spray ionization, which was monitored by extracted ion chronograms. The characterizations of modified filter papers and CNTs nanoparticles further confirmed the role of CNTs in in-gel protein extraction, protein migration as well as spray ionization at the paper tip. Under optimized conditions, a mixture of cytochrome c, lysozyme and myoglobin was successfully separated by native electrophoresis and subsequently analysed by the present method, showing a limit of detection of 10 ng per gel band. The present strategy offers a new pathway for the direct detection of in-gel intact proteins at ambient conditions without any pre-treatment (e.g. digestion, chemical extraction and desalting), which exhibits potential applications in top-down proteomics.

Production and characterization of genetically modified human IL-11 variants.

PubMed

Sano, Emiko; Takei, Toshiaki; Ueda, Takuya; Tsumoto, Kouhei

2017-02-01

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has been expected as a drug on severe thrombocytopenia caused by myelo-suppressive chemotherapy. Whereas, development of IL-11 inhibitor is also expected for a treatment against IL-11 related cancer progression. Here, we will demonstrate the creation of various kinds of genetically modified hIL-11s. Modified vectors were constructed by introducing N- or O-glycosylation site on the region of hIL-11 that does not belong to the core α-helical motif based on the predicted secondary structure. N-terminal (N: between 22 to 23 aa), the first loop (M1:70 to 71 aa), the second loop (M2:114-115 aa), the third loop (M3:160-161 aa) and C-terminal (C: 200- aa) were selected for modification. A large scale production system was established and the characteristics of modified hIL-11s were evaluated. The structure was analyzed by amino acid sequence and composition analysis and CD-spectra. Glycan was assessed by monosaccharide composition analysis. Growth promoting activity and biological stability were analyzed by proliferation of T1165 cells. N-terminal modified proteins were well glycosylated and produced. Growth activity of 3NN with NASNASNAS sequence on N-terminal was about tenfold higher than wild type (WT). Structural and biological stabilities of 3NN were also better than WT and residence time in mouse blood was longer than WT. M1 variants lacked growth activity though they are well glycosylated and secondary structure is very stable. Both of 3NN and OM1 with AAATPAPG on M1 associated with hIL-11R strongly. These results indicate N-terminal and M1 variants will be expected for practical use as potent agonists or antagonists of hIL-11. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generalized Procrustes analysis of an ontogenetic series of modified crania: Evaluating the technique of modification in the Migration Period of Europe (4th-7th century AD).

PubMed

Mayall, Peter; Pilbrow, Varsha

2018-05-01

The arrival of the Huns into Europe in the fourth century AD increased the occurrence of intentional cranial modification among European nomads. It has been postulated that the Huns used a two-bandage cranial binding technique to differentiate themselves from surrounding nomadic groups, including those from Georgia. This study examines this hypothesis by comparing Migration Period (4th to 7th century AD) juvenile crania, which retain strong impressions of bindings, with adult modified crania from Hungary and Georgia. Twelve surface landmarks and 251 semi-landmarks were used to study ontogenetic trajectories in 9 juvenile and 16 adult modified skulls from 8 Hungarian sites and 21 adult skulls from two Georgian sites. Generalized Procrustes analysis, linear regression of Procrutes distance on dental age and log centroid size, and warping the principal components (PCs) in shape space helped to identify cranial shape changes. The PCs provide significant separation of the juvenile and adult groups from Georgia and Hungary. Variation in modified cranial shape was limited in Hungary compared to Georgia. There was stronger correlation between juvenile and adult modified cranial shape in Hungary than in Georgia. Warping along the first axis reveals the trajectory from marked flattening of the frontal and occipital regions in juveniles to diminished flattening in the same regions in adult crania, corresponding with one binding. Another depression extending from the post-bregmatic region to the temporal region, similarly strong in juveniles but diminishing in adults, marks the second binding. Hungarian crania were modified with two bindings with limited shape variation, whereas the Georgian crania had greater variation in shape being also modified with antero-posterior bindings. The findings from this study alongside contemporary historical sources help to understand the role of intentional cranial modification as a mark of social identity among nomads in the Migration Period

Polymer modified concrete study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-04-01

Four polymer modifiers, commercially known as: Dow SM Modifier "A", Thermoflex 8002, Arco-Dylex 1186, and Duralguard Modifier "E", were chosen to be evaluated in this study effort. The first three of these products were already approved by FHWA as al...

Major incident triage: Derivation and comparative analysis of the Modified Physiological Triage Tool (MPTT).

PubMed

Vassallo, James; Beavis, John; Smith, Jason E; Wallis, Lee A

2017-05-01

Triage is a key principle in the effective management at a major incident. There are at least three different triage systems in use worldwide and previous attempts to validate them, have revealed limited sensitivity. Within a civilian adult population, there has been no work to develop an improved system. A retrospective database review of the UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry was performed for all adult patients (>18years) presenting to a deployed Military Treatment Facility between 2006 and 2013. Patients were defined as Priority One if they had received one or more life-saving interventions from a previously defined list. Using first recorded hospital physiological data (HR/RR/GCS), binary logistic regression models were used to derive optimum physiological ranges to predict need for life-saving intervention. This allowed for the derivation of the Modified Physiological Triage Tool-MPTT (GCS≥14, HR≥100, 12Modified Military Sieve) and specificity of 98.4% (Careflight). The MPTT (sensitivity 69.9%, 95% CI 0.677-0.720, specificity 65.3%, 95% CI 0.632-0.675) showed an absolute increase in sensitivity over existing tools ranging from 19.0% (Modified Military Sieve) to 45.1% (Triage Sieve). There was a statistically significant difference between the performance (p<0.001) between the MPTT and the Modified Military Sieve. The performance characteristics of the MPTT exceed existing major incident triage systems, whilst maintaining an appropriate rate of over-triage and minimising under-triage within the context of

Modified RNA-seq method for microbial community and diversity analysis using rRNA in different types of environmental samples

PubMed Central

Yan, Yong-Wei; Zou, Bin; Zhu, Ting; Hozzein, Wael N.

2017-01-01

RNA-seq-based SSU (small subunit) rRNA (ribosomal RNA) analysis has provided a better understanding of potentially active microbial community within environments. However, for RNA-seq library construction, high quantities of purified RNA are typically required. We propose a modified RNA-seq method for SSU rRNA-based microbial community analysis that depends on the direct ligation of a 5’ adaptor to RNA before reverse-transcription. The method requires only a low-input quantity of RNA (10–100 ng) and does not require a DNA removal step. The method was initially tested on three mock communities synthesized with enriched SSU rRNA of archaeal, bacterial and fungal isolates at different ratios, and was subsequently used for environmental samples of high or low biomass. For high-biomass salt-marsh sediments, enriched SSU rRNA and total nucleic acid-derived RNA-seq datasets revealed highly consistent community compositions for all of the SSU rRNA sequences, and as much as 46.4%-59.5% of 16S rRNA sequences were suitable for OTU (operational taxonomic unit)-based community and diversity analyses with complete coverage of V1-V2 regions. OTU-based community structures for the two datasets were also highly consistent with those determined by all of the 16S rRNA reads. For low-biomass samples, total nucleic acid-derived RNA-seq datasets were analyzed, and highly active bacterial taxa were also identified by the OTU-based method, notably including members of the previously underestimated genus Nitrospira and phylum Acidobacteria in tap water, members of the phylum Actinobacteria on a shower curtain, and members of the phylum Cyanobacteria on leaf surfaces. More than half of the bacterial 16S rRNA sequences covered the complete region of primer 8F, and non-coverage rates as high as 38.7% were obtained for phylum-unclassified sequences, providing many opportunities to identify novel bacterial taxa. This modified RNA-seq method will provide a better snapshot of diverse

Field test method to determine presence and quantity of modifiers in liquid asphalt - follow-up data analysis : [technical summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

Asphalt modified with styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) polymer and/or ground tire rubber : (GTR) is widely used in the U.S. to improve asphalt concrete performance. The high cost and : proven performance benefits of modified binders make it important ...

Optimization of monomethoxy polyethyleneglycol-modified oxalate decarboxylase by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Long, Han; Cai, XingHua; Yang, Hui; He, JunBin; Wu, Jia; Lin, RiHui

2017-09-01

In order to improve the stability of oxalate decarboxylase (Oxdc), response surface methodology (RSM), based on a four-factor three-level Box-Behnken central composite design was used to optimize the reaction conditions of oxalate decarboxylase (Oxdc) modified with monomethoxy polyethyleneglycol (mPEG5000). Four independent variables such as the ratio of mPEG-aldehyde to Oxdc, reaction time, temperature, and reaction pH were investigated in this work. The structure of modified Oxdc was identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the stability of the modified Oxdc was also investigated. The optimal conditions were as follows: the mole ratio of mPEG-aldehyde to Oxdc of 1:47.6, time of 13.1 h, temperature at 29.9 °C, and the reaction pH of 5.3. Under optimal conditions, experimental modified rate (MR = 73.69%) and recovery rate (RR = 67.58%) were matched well with the predicted value (MR = 75.11%) and (RR = 69.17%). SDS-PAGE and FTIR analysis showed that mPEG was covalently bound to the Oxdc. Compared with native Oxdc, the modified Oxdc (mPEG-Oxdc) showed higher thermal stability and better tolerance to trypsin or different pH treatment. This work will provide a further theoretical reference for enzyme modification and conditional optimization.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Triaxially Braided Composites Utilizing a Modified Subcell Modeling Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cater, Christopher; Xiao, Xinran; Goldberg, Robert K.; Kohlman, Lee W.

2015-01-01

A combined experimental and analytical approach was performed for characterizing and modeling triaxially braided composites with a modified subcell modeling strategy. Tensile coupon tests were conducted on a [0deg/60deg/-60deg] braided composite at angles of 0deg, 30deg, 45deg, 60deg and 90deg relative to the axial tow of the braid. It was found that measured coupon strength varied significantly with the angle of the applied load and each coupon direction exhibited unique final failures. The subcell modeling approach implemented into the finite element software LS-DYNA was used to simulate the various tensile coupon test angles. The modeling approach was successful in predicting both the coupon strength and reported failure mode for the 0deg, 30deg and 60deg loading directions. The model over-predicted the strength in the 90deg direction; however, the experimental results show a strong influence of free edge effects on damage initiation and failure. In the absence of these local free edge effects, the subcell modeling approach showed promise as a viable and computationally efficient analysis tool for triaxially braided composite structures. Future work will focus on validation of the approach for predicting the impact response of the braided composite against flat panel impact tests.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Triaxially Braided Composites Utilizing a Modified Subcell Modeling Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cater, Christopher; Xiao, Xinran; Goldberg, Robert K.; Kohlman, Lee W.

2015-01-01

A combined experimental and analytical approach was performed for characterizing and modeling triaxially braided composites with a modified subcell modeling strategy. Tensile coupon tests were conducted on a [0deg/60deg/-60deg] braided composite at angles [0deg, 30deg, 45deg, 60deg and 90deg] relative to the axial tow of the braid. It was found that measured coupon strength varied significantly with the angle of the applied load and each coupon direction exhibited unique final failures. The subcell modeling approach implemented into the finite element software LS-DYNA was used to simulate the various tensile coupon test angles. The modeling approach was successful in predicting both the coupon strength and reported failure mode for the 0deg, 30deg and 60deg loading directions. The model over-predicted the strength in the 90deg direction; however, the experimental results show a strong influence of free edge effects on damage initiation and failure. In the absence of these local free edge effects, the subcell modeling approach showed promise as a viable and computationally efficient analysis tool for triaxially braided composite structures. Future work will focus on validation of the approach for predicting the impact response of the braided composite against flat panel impact tests.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and aquaculture.

PubMed

Beardmore, J A; Porter, Joanne S

2003-01-01

This paper reviews the nature of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the range of aquatic species in which GMOs have been produced, the methods and target genes employed, the benefits to aquaculture, the problems attached to use of GMOs in aquatic species and the regulatory and other social frameworks surrounding them. A set of recommendations aimed at best practice is appended. This states the potential value of GMOs in aquaculture but also calls for improved knowledge particularly of sites of integration, risk analysis, progress in achieving sterility in fish for production and better dissemination of relevant information.

[Application of negative binomial regression and modified Poisson regression in the research of risk factors for injury frequency].

PubMed

Cao, Qingqing; Wu, Zhenqiang; Sun, Ying; Wang, Tiezhu; Han, Tengwei; Gu, Chaomei; Sun, Yehuan

2011-11-01

To Eexplore the application of negative binomial regression and modified Poisson regression analysis in analyzing the influential factors for injury frequency and the risk factors leading to the increase of injury frequency. 2917 primary and secondary school students were selected from Hefei by cluster random sampling method and surveyed by questionnaire. The data on the count event-based injuries used to fitted modified Poisson regression and negative binomial regression model. The risk factors incurring the increase of unintentional injury frequency for juvenile students was explored, so as to probe the efficiency of these two models in studying the influential factors for injury frequency. The Poisson model existed over-dispersion (P < 0.0001) based on testing by the Lagrangemultiplier. Therefore, the over-dispersion dispersed data using a modified Poisson regression and negative binomial regression model, was fitted better. respectively. Both showed that male gender, younger age, father working outside of the hometown, the level of the guardian being above junior high school and smoking might be the results of higher injury frequencies. On a tendency of clustered frequency data on injury event, both the modified Poisson regression analysis and negative binomial regression analysis can be used. However, based on our data, the modified Poisson regression fitted better and this model could give a more accurate interpretation of relevant factors affecting the frequency of injury.

Comparative efficacy of disease-modifying therapies for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PubMed

Fogarty, Emer; Schmitz, Susanne; Tubridy, Niall; Walsh, Cathal; Barry, Michael

2016-09-01

Randomised studies have demonstrated efficacy of disease-modifying therapies in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However it is unclear how the magnitude of treatment efficacy varies across all currently available therapies. To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative efficacy of available therapies in reducing relapses and disability progression in RRMS. A systematic review identified 28 randomised, placebo-controlled and direct comparative trials. A network meta-analysis was conducted within a Bayesian framework to estimate comparative annualised relapse rates (ARR) and risks of disability progression (defined by both a 3-month, and 6-month confirmation interval). Potential sources of treatment-effect modification from study-level covariates and baseline risk were evaluated through meta-regression methods. The Surface Under the Cumulative RAnking curve (SUCRA) method was used to provide a ranking of treatments for each outcome. The magnitude of ARR reduction varied between 15-36% for all interferon-beta products, glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide, and from 50 to 69% for alemtuzumab, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod and natalizumab. The risk of disability progression (3-month) was reduced by 19-28% with interferon-beta products, glatiramer acetate, fingolimod and teriflunomide, by 38-45% for pegylated interferon-beta, dimethyl fumarate and natalizumab and by 68% with alemtuzumab. Broadly similar estimates for the risk of disability progression (6-month), with the exception of interferon-beta-1b 250mcg which was much more efficacious based on this definition. Alemtuzumab and natalizumab had the highest SUCRA scores (97% and 95% respectively) for ARR, while ranking for disability progression varied depending on the definition of the outcome. Interferon-beta-1b 250mcg ranked among the most efficacious treatments for disability progression confirmed after six months (92%) and among the least efficacious when the

A New modified anthropometric haller index obtained without radiological exposure.

PubMed

Sonaglioni, Andrea; Baravelli, Massimo; Vincenti, Antonio; Trevisan, Roberta; Zompatori, Maurizio; Nicolosi, Gian Luigi; Lombardo, Michele; Anzà, Claudio

2018-05-15

To validate a new modified method for measuring the anthropometric Haller index (HI), obtained without radiological exposure. This new method was based on the use of a rigid ruler and of a 2.5 MHz ultrasound transducer for the assessment of latero-lateral and antero-posterior chest diameters, respectively. We enrolled 100 consecutive patients (mean age 67.9 ± 14.5 years, 55% males), who underwent a two-plane CXR, for any clinical indication, over a four-month period. In all patients, the same radiologist calculated the conventional radiological HI (mean value 1.93 ± 0.35) and the same cardiologist used the above described new technique to measure the modified HI (mean value 1.99 ± 0.26). The Bland-Altman analysis showed tight limits of agreement (+ 0.37; - 0.51) between the two measurement methods, with a mild systematic overestimation of the new method as compared to the standard radiological HI. The Pearson's correlation analysis highlighted a strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001), while the Student's t test demonstrated a not statistically difference between the means (p = 0.12). The modified HI might allow a quick description of the chest conformation without radiological exposure and a more immediate comprehension of its possible influence on the cardiac kinetics and function, as assessed by echocardiography or other imaging modalities.

Evaluation of a Modified User Guide for Hearing Aid Management.

PubMed

Caposecco, Andrea; Hickson, Louise; Meyer, Carly; Khan, Asaduzzaman

2016-01-01

This study investigated if a hearing aid user guide modified using best practice principles for health literacy resulted in superior ability to perform hearing aid management tasks, compared with the user guide in the original form. This research utilized a two-arm study design to compare the original manufacturer's user guide with a modified user guide for the same hearing aid--an Oticon Acto behind-the-ear aid with an open dome. The modified user guide had a lower reading grade level (4.2 versus 10.5), used a larger font size, included more graphics, and had less technical information. Eighty-nine adults ages 55 years and over were included in the study; none had experience with hearing aid use or management. Participants were randomly assigned either the modified guide (n = 47) or the original guide (n = 42). All participants were administered the Hearing Aid Management test, designed for this study, which assessed their ability to perform seven management tasks (e.g., change battery) with their assigned user guide. The regression analysis indicated that the type of user guide was significantly associated with performance on the Hearing Aid Management test, adjusting for 11 potential covariates. In addition, participants assigned the modified guide required significantly fewer prompts to perform tasks and were significantly more likely to perform four of the seven tasks without the need for prompts. The median time taken by those assigned the modified guide was also significantly shorter for three of the tasks. Other variables associated with performance on the Hearing Aid Management test were health literacy level, finger dexterity, and age. Findings indicate that the need to design hearing aid user guides in line with best practice principles of health literacy as a means of facilitating improved hearing aid management in older adults.

The short-term effect of heat waves on mortality and its modifiers in China: an analysis from 66 communities.

PubMed

Ma, Wenjun; Zeng, Weilin; Zhou, Maigeng; Wang, Lijun; Rutherford, Shannon; Lin, Hualiang; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Yonghui; Xiao, Jianpeng; Zhang, Yewu; Wang, Xiaofeng; Gu, Xin; Chu, Cordia

2015-02-01

Many studies have reported increased mortality risk associated with heat waves. However, few have assessed the health impacts at a nation scale in a developing country. This study examines the mortality effects of heat waves in China and explores whether the effects are modified by individual-level and community-level characteristics. Daily mortality and meteorological variables from 66 Chinese communities were collected for the period 2006-2011. Heat waves were defined as ≥2 consecutive days with mean temperature ≥95th percentile of the year-round community-specific distribution. The community-specific mortality effects of heat waves were first estimated using a Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM), adjusting for potential confounders. To investigate effect modification by individual characteristics (age, gender, cause of death, education level or place of death), separate DLNM models were further fitted. Potential effect modification by community characteristics was examined using a meta-regression analysis. A total of 5.0% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.9%-7.2%) excess deaths were associated with heat waves in 66 Chinese communities, with the highest excess deaths in north China (6.0%, 95% CI: 1%-11.3%), followed by east China (5.2%, 95% CI: 0.4%-10.2%) and south China (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.4%-7.6%). Our results indicate that individual characteristics significantly modified heat waves effects in China, with greater effects on cardiovascular mortality, cerebrovascular mortality, respiratory mortality, the elderly, females, the population dying outside of a hospital and those with a higher education attainment. Heat wave mortality effects were also more pronounced for those living in urban cities or densely populated communities. Heat waves significantly increased mortality risk in China with apparent spatial heterogeneity, which was modified by some individual-level and community-level factors. Our findings suggest adaptation plans that target vulnerable

Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies on the Adsorption of Cadmium from Aqueous Solution by Modified Biomass Ash

PubMed Central

Zheng, Xuebo; Cui, Hongbiao; Zhu, Zhenqiu; Liang, Jiani

2017-01-01

Natural biomass ash of agricultural residuals was collected from a power plant and modified with hexagonal mesoporous silica and functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the biomass ash were analyzed by ICP-OES, SEM, TEM-EDS, FTIR, and BET analysis. The adsorption behavior of the modified product for Cd2+ in aqueous solution was studied as a function of pH, initial metal concentration, equilibrium time, and temperature. Results showed that the specific surface area of the modified product was 9 times that of the natural biomass ash. The modified biomass ash exhibited high affinity for Cd2+ and its adsorption capacity increased sharply with increasing pH from 4.0 to 6.0. The maximum adsorption capacity was 23.95 mg/g in a pH 5 solution with an initial metal concentration of 50 mg/L and a contact time of 90 min. The adsorption of Cd2+ onto the modified biomass ash was well fitted to the Langmuir model and it followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic analysis results showed that the adsorption of Cd2+ was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The results suggest that the modified biomass ash is promising for use as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent for Cd2+ removal from aqueous solution. PMID:28348509

One simple DNA extraction device and its combination with modified visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid on-field detection of genetically modified organisms.

PubMed

Zhang, Miao; Liu, Yinan; Chen, Lili; Quan, Sheng; Jiang, Shimeng; Zhang, Dabing; Yang, Litao

2013-01-02

Quickness, simplicity, and effectiveness are the three major criteria for establishing a good molecular diagnosis method in many fields. Herein we report a novel detection system for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which can be utilized to perform both on-field quick screening and routine laboratory diagnosis. In this system, a newly designed inexpensive DNA extraction device was used in combination with a modified visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (vLAMP) assay. The main parts of the DNA extraction device included a silica gel membrane filtration column and a modified syringe. The DNA extraction device could be easily operated without using other laboratory instruments, making it applicable to an on-field GMO test. High-quality genomic DNA (gDNA) suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and isothermal amplification could be quickly isolated from plant tissues using this device within 15 min. In the modified vLAMP assay, a microcrystalline wax encapsulated detection bead containing SYBR green fluorescent dye was introduced to avoid dye inhibition and cross-contaminations from post-LAMP operation. The system was successfully applied and validated in screening and identification of GM rice, soybean, and maize samples collected from both field testing and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proficiency test program, which demonstrated that it was well-adapted to both on-field testing and/or routine laboratory analysis of GMOs.

Impact of a labor and delivery safety bundle on a modified adverse outcomes index.

PubMed

Tolcher, Mary Catherine; Torbenson, Vanessa E; Weaver, Amy L; McGree, Michaela E; El-Nashar, Sherif A; Nesbitt, Katharine M; Gostout, Bobbie S; Famuyide, Abimbola O

2016-03-01

The Obstetrics Adverse Outcomes Index was designed to measure the quality of perinatal care and includes 10 adverse events that may occur at or around the time of delivery. We hypothesized that adverse outcomes in the labor and delivery suite, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, could be decreased with a combination of interventions, even among high-risk pregnancies. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a labor and delivery care bundle on adverse obstetrics outcomes as measured by a modified Obstetrics Adverse Outcomes Index, Weighted Adverse Outcomes Index, and Severity Index. This is a retrospective cohort study including all women who delivered at our academic, tertiary care institution over a 3 year period of time, before and after the implementation of an intervention to decrease adverse outcomes. Outcome measures consisted of previously reported indices that were modified including the addition of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The adverse outcomes index is a percentage of deliveries with 1 or more adverse events, the weighted adverse outcomes index is the sum of the points assigned to cases with adverse outcomes divided by the number of deliveries, and the severity index is the sum of the adverse outcome scores divided by the number of deliveries with an identified adverse outcome. A segmented regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the differences in the level and trend of each index before and after our intervention using calendar month as the unit of analysis. During the study period, 5826 deliveries met inclusion criteria. Comparing the pre- and postintervention periods, high-risk pregnancy was more common in the postintervention period (73.5% vs 79.4%, P < .001). Overall, there was a decrease in both the Modified Weighted Adverse Outcomes Index (P = .0497) and the Modified Severity Index (P = 0.01) comparing the pre- and postintervention periods; there was no difference in the Modified Adverse Outcomes Index (P = .43

Ischemia-modified albumin levels in cerebrovascular accidents.

PubMed

Gunduz, Abdulkadir; Turedi, Suleyman; Mentese, Ahmet; Altunayoglu, Vildan; Turan, Ibrahim; Karahan, Suleyman Caner; Topbas, Murat; Aydin, Murat; Eraydin, Ismet; Akcan, Buket

2008-10-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a useful marker for the diagnosis of ischemic events. It was also recently demonstrated that IMA levels increase in the acute phase of cerebrovascular diseases. Yet the data regarding IMA levels in various types of cerebrovascular events are insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate IMA levels in various types of cerebrovascular events such as ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and intracranial hemorrhage. This case-controlled study consisted of 106 consecutive patients, 43 with brain infarction (BI), 11 with brain hemorrhage (ICH), 52 with SAH, and a 43-member control group. We investigated whether there was a statistical correlation between these 3 groups and the control group. The relations among the 3 groups were also examined. Comparisons among groups were done with analysis of variance. Mean serum IMA levels were 0.280 +/- 0.045 absorbance units (ABSU) for BI patients, 0.259 +/- 0.053 ABSU for ICH patients, 0.243 +/- 0.061 ABSU for SAH patients, and 0.172 +/- 0.045 ABSU for the control group.There was a statistically significant difference between the mean IMA levels of BI, ICH, and SAH patients and the mean control patient IMA levels (P b .0001). Ischemia-modified albumin levels are high in cerebrovascular diseases. Ischemia-modified albumin measurement can also be used to distinguish SAH from BI during the acute phase of cerebrovascular event in the emergency department.

Psychometric Properties of the Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire-Modified (CCQ-Modified) Among Community Samples in Malaysia.

PubMed

Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum; Mukhtar, Firdaus; Ibrahim, Normala; Mohd Sidik, Sherina; Oei, Tian Po Sumantri

2016-12-01

The Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire-Modified (CCQ-M) is a common instrument for measuring catastrophic thoughts. In some countries, however, CCQ-M still poses concerns following the lack of appropriate validation among their populations. The current study aimed to examine the factor structure of the CCQ-M, the reliability, and the validity in community samples in Malaysia. The Malay version of CCQ-M and additional measures assessing the symptoms and cognitions relevant to anxiety disorders were completed by 682 university students and general community. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure accounting for 62.2% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor model by deleting four items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total and the two subscales were .94, .90, and .92, respectively. Test-retest reliability analysis was conducted on 82 university students in the interval period of 14 days, and the result was r = .58. Evidence supported the concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity. In conclusion, the 17-item CCQ-M-Malaysia is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing catastrophic cognitions among Malaysian populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

21 CFR 184.1063 - Enzyme-modified lecithin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Enzyme-modified lecithin. 184.1063 Section 184... as GRAS § 184.1063 Enzyme-modified lecithin. (a) Enzyme-modified lecithin is prepared by treating... percent of total phosphatides as determined by “Determination of Lysolecithin Content of Enzyme-Modified...

Reusable, extensible, and modifiable R scripts and Kepler workflows for comprehensive single set ChIP-seq analysis.

PubMed

Cormier, Nathan; Kolisnik, Tyler; Bieda, Mark

2016-07-05

There has been an enormous expansion of use of chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) technologies. Analysis of large-scale ChIP-seq datasets involves a complex series of steps and production of several specialized graphical outputs. A number of systems have emphasized custom development of ChIP-seq pipelines. These systems are primarily based on custom programming of a single, complex pipeline or supply libraries of modules and do not produce the full range of outputs commonly produced for ChIP-seq datasets. It is desirable to have more comprehensive pipelines, in particular ones addressing common metadata tasks, such as pathway analysis, and pipelines producing standard complex graphical outputs. It is advantageous if these are highly modular systems, available as both turnkey pipelines and individual modules, that are easily comprehensible, modifiable and extensible to allow rapid alteration in response to new analysis developments in this growing area. Furthermore, it is advantageous if these pipelines allow data provenance tracking. We present a set of 20 ChIP-seq analysis software modules implemented in the Kepler workflow system; most (18/20) were also implemented as standalone, fully functional R scripts. The set consists of four full turnkey pipelines and 16 component modules. The turnkey pipelines in Kepler allow data provenance tracking. Implementation emphasized use of common R packages and widely-used external tools (e.g., MACS for peak finding), along with custom programming. This software presents comprehensive solutions and easily repurposed code blocks for ChIP-seq analysis and pipeline creation. Tasks include mapping raw reads, peakfinding via MACS, summary statistics, peak location statistics, summary plots centered on the transcription start site (TSS), gene ontology, pathway analysis, and de novo motif finding, among others. These pipelines range from those performing a single task to those performing full analyses of

Modified natural cycle for embryo transfer using frozen-thawed blastocysts: A satisfactory option.

PubMed

Le, Quoc V; Abhari, Sina; Abuzeid, Omar M; DeAnna, Jennifer; Satti, Mohamed A; Abozaid, Tarek; Khan, Iqbal; Abuzeid, Mostafa I

2017-06-01

To describe pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed blastocysts cycles using modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfers (NC-FET) and down-regulated hormonally controlled frozen embryo transfers (HC-FET) protocols. This retrospective cohort study included all patients undergoing either modified NC-FET or down-regulated HC-FET using frozen-thawed day 5 embryos. Cycles with donor blastocysts were excluded. Four hundred twenty eight patients underwent a total of 493 FET cycles. Patients with regular menses and evidence of ovulation underwent modified NC-FET. These patients were given hCG 10,000 IU IM on the day of LH-surge. Vaginal progesterone (P4) was started two days later and blastocyst transfer was planned seven days after detecting the LH surge. Anovulatory patients and some ovulatory patients underwent down-regulated HC-FET. These patients were placed on medroxy-progesterone acetate (10mg) for 10days to bring on menses and were also given a half-dose of GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) on the third day of medroxy-progesterone acetate. Exogenous estradiol was initiated on the third day of menses. Once serum E2 levels reached >500pg/mL and endometrial lining reached >8mm, intramuscular (IM) P4 in oil was administered. Blastocyst FET was planned 6days after initiating P4. The primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy and delivery rates. There were 197 patients in the modified NC-FET protocol and 181 in the down-regulated HC-FET protocol. Mean age (years), day-3 FSH levels (mIU/mL) and percentage of patients with male factor infertility were significantly higher and mean BMI (kg/m 2 ) was significantly lower in modified NC-FET compared to HC-FET, respectively. Analysis of the first cycle pregnancy outcomes revealed no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (54.3% vs. 52.5%) and delivery rate (47.2% vs. 43.6%) between modified NC-FET and HC-FET. Logistic regression analysis showed age (OR=0.939, 95% CI 0.894-0.989, p=0.011), number of blastocysts transferred (OR

Genome-wide analysis of histone modifiers in tomato: gaining an insight into their developmental roles.

PubMed

Aiese Cigliano, Riccardo; Sanseverino, Walter; Cremona, Gaetana; Ercolano, Maria R; Conicella, Clara; Consiglio, Federica M

2013-01-28

Histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs) including acetylation and methylation have been recognized as playing a crucial role in epigenetic regulation of plant growth and development. Although Solanum lycopersicum is a dicot model plant as well as an important crop, systematic analysis and expression profiling of histone modifier genes (HMs) in tomato are sketchy. Based on recently released tomato whole-genome sequences, we identified in silico 32 histone acetyltransferases (HATs), 15 histone deacetylases (HDACs), 52 histone methytransferases (HMTs) and 26 histone demethylases (HDMs), and compared them with those detected in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa) orthologs. Comprehensive analysis of the protein domain architecture and phylogeny revealed the presence of non-canonical motifs and new domain combinations, thereby suggesting for HATs the existence of a new family in plants. Due to species-specific diversification during evolutionary history tomato has fewer HMs than Arabidopsis. The transcription profiles of HMs within tomato organs revealed a broad functional role for some HMs and a more specific activity for others, suggesting key HM regulators in tomato development. Finally, we explored S. pennellii introgression lines (ILs) and integrated the map position of HMs, their expression profiles and the phenotype of ILs. We thereby proved that the strategy was useful to identify HM candidates involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in tomato fruits. In this study, we reveal the structure, phylogeny and spatial expression of members belonging to the classical families of HMs in tomato. We provide a framework for gene discovery and functional investigation of HMs in other Solanaceae species.

Analyzing and Modifying Coaching Behaviors by Means of Computer Aided Observation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Partridge, David; Franks, Ian M.

1996-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of the Coaching Analysis Instrument (CAI), which collects data and provides feedback on coaches' verbal behaviors as they organize and instruct athletes during practices. Practice sessions were videotaped and analyzed. CAI results helped modify the coaches' behaviors in positive ways. (SM)

Co-detection: ultra-reliable nanoparticle-based electrical detection of biomolecules in the presence of large background interference.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Gu, Ming; Alocilja, Evangelyn C; Chakrabartty, Shantanu

2010-11-15

An ultra-reliable technique for detecting trace quantities of biomolecules is reported. The technique called "co-detection" exploits the non-linear redundancy amongst synthetically patterned biomolecular logic circuits for deciphering the presence or absence of target biomolecules in a sample. In this paper, we verify the "co-detection" principle on gold-nanoparticle-based conductimetric soft-logic circuits which use a silver-enhancement technique for signal amplification. Using co-detection, we have been able to demonstrate a great improvement in the reliability of detecting mouse IgG at concentration levels that are 10(5) lower than the concentration of rabbit IgG which serves as background interference. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

21 CFR 184.1063 - Enzyme-modified lecithin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Enzyme-modified lecithin. 184.1063 Section 184... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1063 Enzyme-modified lecithin. (a) Enzyme-modified... Lysolecithin Content of Enzyme-Modified Lecithin: Method I,” dated 1985, which is incorporated by reference in...

21 CFR 184.1063 - Enzyme-modified lecithin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Enzyme-modified lecithin. 184.1063 Section 184.1063... Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1063 Enzyme-modified lecithin. (a) Enzyme-modified... Lysolecithin Content of Enzyme-Modified Lecithin: Method I,” dated 1985, which is incorporated by reference in...

21 CFR 178.3520 - Industrial starch-modified.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Industrial starch-modified. 178.3520 Section 178... § 178.3520 Industrial starch-modified. Industrial starch-modified may be safely used as a component of..., transporting, or holding food, subject to the provisions of this section. (a) Industrial starch-modified is...

On holographic Rényi entropy in some modified theories of gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Anshuman; Roy, Pratim; Sarkar, Tapobrata

2018-04-01

We perform a detailed analysis of holographic entanglement Rényi entropy in some modified theories of gravity with four dimensional conformal field theory duals. First, we construct perturbative black hole solutions in a recently proposed model of Einsteinian cubic gravity in five dimensions, and compute the Rényi entropy as well as the scaling dimension of the twist operators in the dual field theory. Consistency of these results are verified from the AdS/CFT correspondence, via a corresponding computation of the Weyl anomaly on the gravity side. Similar analyses are then carried out for three other examples of modified gravity in five dimensions that include a chemical potential, namely Born-Infeld gravity, charged quasi-topological gravity and a class of Weyl corrected gravity theories with a gauge field, with the last example being treated perturbatively. Some interesting bounds in the dual conformal field theory parameters in quasi-topological gravity are pointed out. We also provide arguments on the validity of our perturbative analysis, whenever applicable.

Organically Modified Silicas on Metal Nanowires

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Organically modified silica coatings were prepared on metal nanowires using a variety of silicon alkoxides with different functional groups (i.e., carboxyl groups, polyethylene oxide, cyano, dihydroimidazole, and hexyl linkers). Organically modified silicas were deposited onto the surface of 6-μm-long, ∼300-nm-wide, cylindrical metal nanowires in suspension by the hydrolysis and polycondensation of silicon alkoxides. Syntheses were performed at several ratios of tetraethoxysilane to an organically modified silicon alkoxide to incorporate desired functional groups into thin organosilica shells on the nanowires. These coatings were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. All of the organically modified silicas prepared here were sufficiently porous to allow the removal of the metal nanowire cores by acid etching to form organically modified silica nanotubes. Additional functionality provided to the modified silicas as compared to unmodified silica prepared using only tetraethoxysilane precursors was demonstrated by chromate adsorption on imidazole-containing silicas and resistance to protein adsorption on polyethyleneoxide-containing silicas. Organically modified silica coatings on nanowires and other nano- and microparticles have potential application in fields such as biosensing or nanoscale therapeutics due to the enhanced properties of the silica coatings, for example, the prevention of biofouling. PMID:20715881

High performance membrane-electrode assembly based on a surface-modified membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Sangil; Lee, Jang Woo; Kwak, Chan; Chai, Geun Seok; Son, In Hyuk; Jang, Moon Yup; An, Sung Guk; Cho, Sung Yong; Kim, Jun Young; Kim, Hyung Wook; Serov, Alexey Alexandrovych; Yoo, Youngtai; Nam, Kie Hyun

A surface-modified membrane is prepared using a sputtering technique that deposits gold directly on a Nafion ® 115 membrane surface that is roughened with silicon carbide paper. The surface-modified membranes are characterized by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water contact-angle analysis. A single direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) with a surface-modified membrane exhibits enhanced performance (160 mW cm -2), while a bare Nafion ® 115 cell yields 113 mW cm -2 at 0.4 V and an operating temperature of 70 °C. From FE-SEM images and CO ad stripping voltammograms, it is also found that the gold layer is composed of clusters of porous nodule-like particles, which indicates that an anode with nodule-like gold leads to the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide. These results suggest that the topology of gold in the interfacial area and its electrocatalytic nature may be the critical factors that affect DMFC performance.

Modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics (MSPH) for the analysis of centrifugally assisted TiC-Fe-Al2O3 combustion synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, M. A.; Mahmoodian, Reza; Hamdi, M.

2014-01-01

A modified smoothed particle hydrodynamic (MSPH) computational technique was utilized to simulate molten particle motion and infiltration speed on multi-scale analysis levels. The radial velocity and velocity gradient of molten alumina, iron infiltration in the TiC product and solidification rate, were predicted during centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) simulation, which assisted the coating process by MSPH. The effects of particle size and temperature on infiltration and solidification of iron and alumina were mainly investigated. The obtained results were validated with experimental microstructure evidence. The simulation model successfully describes the magnitude of iron and alumina diffusion in a centrifugal thermite SHS and Ti + C hybrid reaction under centrifugal acceleration.

Modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics (MSPH) for the analysis of centrifugally assisted TiC-Fe-Al2O3 combustion synthesis

PubMed Central

Hassan, M. A.; Mahmoodian, Reza; Hamdi, M.

2014-01-01

A modified smoothed particle hydrodynamic (MSPH) computational technique was utilized to simulate molten particle motion and infiltration speed on multi-scale analysis levels. The radial velocity and velocity gradient of molten alumina, iron infiltration in the TiC product and solidification rate, were predicted during centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) simulation, which assisted the coating process by MSPH. The effects of particle size and temperature on infiltration and solidification of iron and alumina were mainly investigated. The obtained results were validated with experimental microstructure evidence. The simulation model successfully describes the magnitude of iron and alumina diffusion in a centrifugal thermite SHS and Ti + C hybrid reaction under centrifugal acceleration. PMID:24430621

Modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics (MSPH) for the analysis of centrifugally assisted TiC-Fe-Al2O3 combustion synthesis.

PubMed

Hassan, M A; Mahmoodian, Reza; Hamdi, M

2014-01-16

A modified smoothed particle hydrodynamic (MSPH) computational technique was utilized to simulate molten particle motion and infiltration speed on multi-scale analysis levels. The radial velocity and velocity gradient of molten alumina, iron infiltration in the TiC product and solidification rate, were predicted during centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) simulation, which assisted the coating process by MSPH. The effects of particle size and temperature on infiltration and solidification of iron and alumina were mainly investigated. The obtained results were validated with experimental microstructure evidence. The simulation model successfully describes the magnitude of iron and alumina diffusion in a centrifugal thermite SHS and Ti + C hybrid reaction under centrifugal acceleration.

Profitability and acceptability of fat- and sodium-modified hot entrees in a worksite cafeteria.

PubMed

Perlmutter, C A; Canter, D D; Gregoire, M B

1997-04-01

To compare the acceptability of fat- and sodium-modified entrees before and after implementation of a marketing program and to determine the effect offering and marketing these healthful entrees had on total cafeteria and entree sales in a worksite cafeteria. The research was conducted in five phases, including sales data collection, acceptance testing of unmodified hot entrees, acceptance testing of modified entrees, and implementation of a marketing campaign for promoting low-fat, sodium-controlled food selections. The Kansas Farm Bureau and Affiliated Services (KFB) employee cafeteria. KFB employees who ate lunch in the employee cafeteria and were willing to participate in the study. Sales data (percent of customers purchasing a modified entree and sales of modified entree as a percent of total sales); nutrient analysis data (energy, grams of total fat, percent of energy from fat, milligrams of cholesterol, and milligrams of sodium); and acceptability data (11 characteristics were measured using a seven-point hedonic scale). General linear model analysis of variance was used to compare sales data from phases 1 to 5 and to compare acceptability data from phases 2 to 4. No significant differences in sales data were observed during the 7-month study. No significant changes in overall acceptability were found for any entree. However, customers tended to rate overall acceptability higher when entrees were marketed as lower in fat and sodium. Customers in worksite cafeterias may be more willing to tolerate changes in flavor attributes when modified entrees are marketed as "healthful" and nutrition information is available.

Modifier gene study of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis: statistical considerations and gene mapping results

PubMed Central

Dorfman, Ruslan; Li, Weili; Sun, Lei; Lin, Fan; Wang, Yongqian; Sandford, Andrew; Paré, Peter D.; McKay, Karen; Kayserova, Hana; Piskackova, Tereza; Macek, Milan; Czerska, Kamila; Sands, Dorota; Tiddens, Harm; Margarit, Sonia; Repetto, Gabriela; Sontag, Marci K.; Accurso, Frank J.; Blackman, Scott; Cutting, Garry R.; Tsui, Lap-Chee; Corey, Mary; Durie, Peter; Zielenski, Julian; Strug, Lisa J.

2010-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease due to mutations in the CFTR gene. Yet, variability in CF disease presentation is presumed to be affected by modifier genes, such as those recently demonstrated for the pulmonary aspect. Here, we conduct a modifier gene study for meconium ileus (MI), an intestinal obstruction that occurs in 16–20% of CF newborns, providing linkage and association results from large family and case–control samples. Linkage analysis of modifier traits is different than linkage analysis of primary traits on which a sample was ascertained. Here, we articulate a source of confounding unique to modifier gene studies and provide an example of how one might overcome the confounding in the context of linkage studies. Our linkage analysis provided evidence of a MI locus on chromosome 12p13.3, which was segregating in up to 80% of MI families with at least one affected offspring (HLOD = 2.9). Fine mapping of the 12p13.3 region in a large case–control sample of pancreatic insufficient Canadian CF patients with and without MI pointed to the involvement of ADIPOR2 in MI (p = 0.002). This marker was substantially out of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the cases only, and provided evidence of a cohort effect. The association with rs9300298 in the ADIPOR2 gene at the 12p13.3 locus was replicated in an independent sample of CF families. A protective locus, using the phenotype of no-MI, mapped to 4q13.3 (HLOD = 3.19), with substantial heterogeneity. A candidate gene in the region, SLC4A4, provided preliminary evidence of association (p = 0.002), warranting further follow-up studies. Our linkage approach was used to direct our fine-mapping studies, which uncovered two potential modifier genes worthy of follow-up. PMID:19662435

Investigation of continuous effect modifiers in a meta-analysis on higher versus lower PEEP in patients requiring mechanical ventilation--protocol of the ICEM study.

PubMed

Kasenda, Benjamin; Sauerbrei, Willi; Royston, Patrick; Briel, Matthias

2014-05-20

Categorizing an inherently continuous predictor in prognostic analyses raises several critical methodological issues: dependence of the statistical significance on the number and position of the chosen cut-point(s), loss of statistical power, and faulty interpretation of the results if a non-linear association is incorrectly assumed to be linear. This also applies to a therapeutic context where investigators of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are interested in interactions between treatment assignment and one or more continuous predictors. Our goal is to apply the multivariable fractional polynomial interaction (MFPI) approach to investigate interactions between continuous patient baseline variables and the allocated treatment in an individual patient data meta-analysis of three RCTs (N = 2,299) from the intensive care field. For each study, MFPI will provide a continuous treatment effect function. Functions from each of the three studies will be averaged by a novel meta-analysis approach for functions. We will plot treatment effect functions separately for each study and also the averaged function. The averaged function with a related confidence interval will provide a suitable basis to assess whether a continuous patient characteristic modifies the treatment comparison and may be relevant for clinical decision-making. The compared interventions will be a higher or lower positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation strategy in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The continuous baseline variables body mass index, PaO2/FiO2, respiratory compliance, and oxygenation index will be the investigated potential effect modifiers. Clinical outcomes for this analysis will be in-hospital mortality, time to death, time to unassisted breathing, and pneumothorax. This project will be the first meta-analysis to combine continuous treatment effect functions derived by the MFPI procedure separately in each of several RCTs. Such an approach requires individual

The nonlinear modified equation approach to analyzing finite difference schemes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klopfer, G. H.; Mcrae, D. S.

1981-01-01

The nonlinear modified equation approach is taken in this paper to analyze the generalized Lax-Wendroff explicit scheme approximation to the unsteady one- and two-dimensional equations of gas dynamics. Three important applications of the method are demonstrated. The nonlinear modified equation analysis is used to (1) generate higher order accurate schemes, (2) obtain more accurate estimates of the discretization error for nonlinear systems of partial differential equations, and (3) generate an adaptive mesh procedure for the unsteady gas dynamic equations. Results are obtained for all three areas. For the adaptive mesh procedure, mesh point requirements for equal resolution of discontinuities were reduced by a factor of five for a 1-D shock tube problem solved by the explicit MacCormack scheme.

Theoretical and experimental adsorption studies of sulfamethoxazole and ketoprofen on synthesized ionic liquids modified CNTs.

PubMed

Lawal, Isiaka A; Lawal, Monsurat M; Akpotu, Samson O; Azeez, Mayowa A; Ndungu, Patrick; Moodley, Brenda

2018-06-18

The adsorption of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and ketoprofen (KET) using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNTs modified with ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated. Two ionic liquids (1-benzyl, 3-hexyl imidazolium, IL1 and 1-benzyl, 3-decahexyl imidazolium, IL2) were synthesized, and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H and 13 C NMR) and high resolution-mass spectrometry (HR-MS). CNTs and modified CNTs were characterized using FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area and porosity analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Zeta potential, Raman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Kinetics, isotherm and computational studies were carried out to determine the efficiency and adsorption mechanism of SMZ and KET on modified CNTs. A density functional theory (DFT) method was applied to shed more light on the interactions between the pharmaceutical compounds and the adsorbents at the molecular level. The effects of adsorbent dosage, concentration, solution pH, energetics and contact time of SMZ and KET on the adsorption process were investigated. The adsorption of SMZ and KET on CNTs and modified CNTs were pH dependent, and adsorption was best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Ionic liquid modified CNTs showed improved adsorption capacities compared to the unmodified ones for both SMZ and KET, which is in line with the computational results showing performance order; CNT+KET/SMZ < CNT-ILs+SMZ < CNT-ILs+KET. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

de Sitter limit analysis for dark energy and modified gravity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Felice, Antonio; Frusciante, Noemi; Papadomanolakis, Georgios

2017-07-01

The effective field theory of dark energy and modified gravity is supposed to well describe, at low energies, the behavior of the gravity modifications due to one extra scalar degree of freedom. The usual curvature perturbation is very useful when studying the conditions for the avoidance of ghost instabilities as well as the positivity of the squared speeds of propagation for both the scalar and tensor modes, or the Stückelberg field performs perfectly when investigating the evolution of linear perturbations. We show that the viable parameter space identified by requiring no-ghost instabilities and positive squared speeds of propagation does not change by performing a field redefinition, while the requirement of the avoidance of tachyonic instability might instead be different. Therefore, we find it interesting to associate to the general modified gravity theory described in the effective field theory framework, a perturbation field which will inherit all of the properties of the theory. In the present paper we address the following questions: (1) how can we define such a field? and (2) what is the mass of such a field as the background approaches a final de Sitter state? We define a gauge-invariant quantity which identifies the density of the dark energy perturbation field valid for any background. We derive the mass associated to the gauge-invariant dark energy field on a de Sitter background, which we retain to be still a good approximation also at very low redshift (z ≃0 ). On this background we also investigate the value of the speed of propagation and we find that there exist classes of theories which admit a nonvanishing speed of propagation, even in the Horndeski model, for which a zero speed of sound has previously been found in the literature. We finally apply our results to specific well-known models.

Modified Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy (mECEA): Analysis of Clinical and Financial Outcomes.

PubMed

Musicant, Scott E; Guzzetta, Vincent J; Terramani, Thomas T; Greenwood, Kristina L; Chiodo, Wendy C; Heaney, Karen M; Berthiaume, Shelley J

2017-07-01

Several carotid endarterectomy techniques have been described, including conventional carotid endarterectomy (CCEA) performed with patch repair and eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) performed with transection of the internal carotid artery. We describe our simplified technique of modified eversion carotid endarterectomy (mECEA) with longitudinal arteriotomy limited to the carotid bulb, without transection of the internal carotid artery and present our analysis of its safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness. A retrospective review of all carotid endarterectomies performed by 3 vascular surgeons over a 3-year period was completed. About 197 mECEA were performed during the study period. Follow-up data were obtained on 77.7% of patients. A comparison was made with the contemporary literature with respect to outcomes for both CCEA and ECEA. Between January 2012 and December 2014, a total of 197 mECEA were performed. The perioperative stroke and death rates for those undergoing mECEA was 0.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Late stroke and death rates were 3.0% and 5.1%, respectively. Perioperative rate of myocardial infarction was 1.0%. Early restenosis rates of >70% occurred in 1.4%, whereas late restenosis of >70% occurred in 2.7%. Mean operating time for those undergoing mECEA was 57.9 min. Average costs savings for mECEA compared to CCEA were $5,835. This simplified technique has comparable outcomes to those described in the contemporary literature for both CCEA and ECEA with respect to postoperative neurologic events as well as restenosis rates. In our institution, the short mean operative times with mECEA has led to reduced resource utilization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Preliminary ZEUS Lightning Location Error Analysis Using a Modified Retrieval Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elander, Valjean; Koshak, William; Phanord, Dieudonne

2004-01-01

The ZEUS long-range VLF arrival time difference lightning detection network now covers both Europe and Africa, and there are plans for further expansion into the western hemisphere. In order to fully optimize and assess ZEUS lightning location retrieval errors and to determine the best placement of future receivers expected to be added to the network, a software package is being developed jointly between the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The software package, called the ZEUS Error Analysis for Lightning (ZEAL), will be used to obtain global scale lightning location retrieval error maps using both a Monte Carlo approach and chi-squared curvature matrix theory. At the core of ZEAL will be an implementation of an Iterative Oblate (IO) lightning location retrieval method recently developed at MSFC. The IO method will be appropriately modified to account for variable wave propagation speed, and the new retrieval results will be compared with the current ZEUS retrieval algorithm to assess potential improvements. In this preliminary ZEAL work effort, we defined 5000 source locations evenly distributed across the Earth. We then used the existing (as well as potential future ZEUS sites) to simulate arrival time data between source and ZEUS site. A total of 100 sources were considered at each of the 5000 locations, and timing errors were selected from a normal distribution having a mean of 0 seconds and a standard deviation of 20 microseconds. This simulated "noisy" dataset was analyzed using the IO algorithm to estimate source locations. The exact locations were compared with the retrieved locations, and the results are summarized via several color-coded "error maps."

Modified Brewster angle on conducting 2D materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majérus, Bruno; Cormann, Mirko; Reckinger, Nicolas; Paillet, Matthieu; Henrard, Luc; Lambin, Philippe; Lobet, Michaël

2018-04-01

Insertion of two-dimensional (2D) materials in optical systems modifies their electrodynamical response. In particular, the Brewster angle undergoes an up-shift if a substrate is covered with a conducting 2D material. This work theoretically and experimentally investigates this effect related to the 2D induced current at the interface. The shift is predicted for all conducting 2D materials and tunability with respect to the Fermi level of graphene is evidenced. Analytical approximations for high and low 2D conductivities are proposed and avoid cumbersome numerical analysis of experimental data. Experimental demonstration using spectroscopic ellipsometry has been performed in the UV to NIR range on mono-, bi- and trilayer graphene samples. The non-contact measurement of this modified Brewster angle allows to deduce the optical conductivity of 2D materials. Applications to telecommunication technologies can be considered thanks to the tunability of the shift at 1.55 μm.

Effectiveness of modified seminars as a teaching-learning method in pharmacology

PubMed Central

Palappallil, Dhanya Sasidharan; Sushama, Jitha; Ramnath, Sai Nathan

2016-01-01

Context: Student-led seminars (SLS) are adopted as a teaching-learning (T-L) method in pharmacology. Previous studies assessing the feedback on T-L methods in pharmacology points out that the traditional seminars consistently received poor feedbacks as they were not favorite among the students. Aims: This study aimed to obtain feedback on traditional SLS, introduce modified SLS and compare the modified seminars with the traditional ones. Settings and Design: This was a prospective interventional study done for 2 months in medical undergraduates of fifth semester attending Pharmacology seminars at a Government Medical College in South India. Subjects and Methods: Structured questionnaire was used to elicit feedback from participants. The responses were coded on 5-point Likert scale. Modifications in seminar sessions such as role plays, quiz, tests, group discussion, and patient-oriented problem-solving exercises were introduced along with SLS. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. The descriptive data were expressed using frequencies and percentages. Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Friedman tests were used to compare traditional with modified seminars. Results: The participants identified interaction as the most important component of a seminar. Majority opined that the teacher should summarize at the end of SLS. Student feedback shows that modified seminars created more interest, enthusiasm, and inspiration to learn the topic when compared to traditional SLS. They also increased peer coordination and group dynamics. Students opined that communication skills and teacher-student interactions were not improved with modified seminars. Conclusions: Interventions in the form of modified SLS may be adopted to break the monotony of traditional seminars through active participation, peer interaction, and teamwork. PMID:27563587

Cobalt Phthalocyanine Modified Electrodes Utilised in Electroanalysis: Nano-Structured Modified Electrodes vs. Bulk Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes

PubMed Central

Foster, Christopher W.; Pillay, Jeseelan; Metters, Jonathan P.; Banks, Craig E.

2014-01-01

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes l-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards l-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate. PMID:25414969

Nanoparticles modified with multiple organic acids

DOEpatents

Cook, Ronald Lee [Lakewood, CO; Luebben, Silvia DeVito [Golden, CO; Myers, Andrew William [Arvada, CO; Smith, Bryan Matthew [Boulder, CO; Elliott, Brian John [Superior, CO; Kreutzer, Cory [Brighton, CO; Wilson, Carolina [Arvada, CO; Meiser, Manfred [Aurora, CO

2007-07-17

Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group. Another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with multiple acids one of which has molecular weight or average molecular weight greater than or equal to 500 Daltons. Yet, another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that are surface modified with two or more acids one of which is hydrophobic in nature and has solubility in water of less than 15 by weight. The products of the methods of this invention have specific useful properties when used in mixture with liquids, as filler in solids, or as stand-alone entities.

Nanoparticles modified with multiple organic acids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebben, Silvia DeVito (Inventor); Cook, Ronald Lee (Inventor); Wilson, Carolina (Inventor); Meiser, Manfred (Inventor); Myers, Andrew William (Inventor); Smith, Bryan Matthew (Inventor); Elliott, Brian John (Inventor); Kreutzer, Cory (Inventor)

2007-01-01

Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group. Another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with multiple acids one of which has molecular weight or average molecular weight greater than or equal to 500 Daltons. Yet, another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that are surface modified with two or more acids one of which is hydrophobic in nature and has solubility in water of less than 15 by weight. The products of the methods of this invention have specific useful properties when used in mixture with liquids, as filler in solids, or as stand-alone entities.

Quantitative analysis of immobilized penicillinase using enzyme-modified AlGaN/GaN field-effect transistors.

PubMed

Müntze, Gesche Mareike; Baur, Barbara; Schäfer, Wladimir; Sasse, Alexander; Howgate, John; Röth, Kai; Eickhoff, Martin

2015-02-15

Penicillinase-modified AlGaN/GaN field-effect transistors (PenFETs) are utilized to systematically investigate the covalently immobilized enzyme penicillinase under different experimental conditions. We demonstrate quantitative evaluation of covalently immobilized penicillinase layers on pH-sensitive field-effect transistors (FETs) using an analytical kinetic PenFET model. This kinetic model is explicitly suited for devices with thin enzyme layers that are not diffusion-limited, as it is the case for the PenFETs discussed here. By means of the kinetic model it was possible to extract the Michaelis constant of covalently immobilized penicillinase as well as relative transport coefficients of the different species associated with the enzymatic reaction which, exempli gratia, give information about the permeability of the enzymatic layer. Based on this analysis we quantify the reproducibility and the stability of the analyzed PenFETs over the course of 33 days as well as the influence of pH and buffer concentration on the properties of the enzymatic layer. Thereby the stability measurements reveal a Michalis constant KM of (67 ± 13)μM while the chronological development of the relative transport coefficients suggests a detachment of physisorbed penicillinase during the first two weeks since production. Our results show that AlGaN/GaN PenFETs prepared by covalent immobilization of a penicillinase enzyme layer present a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of enzyme functionality. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms according to their knowledge and emotional attitude towards GMOs.

PubMed

Lachowski, Stanisław; Jurkiewicz, Anna; Choina, Piotr; Florek-Łuszczki, Magdalena; Buczaj, Agnieszka; Goździewska, Małgorzata

2017-06-07

Agriculture based on genetically modified organisms plays an increasingly important role in feeding the world population, which is evidenced by a considerable growth in the size of land under genetically modified crops (GM). Uncertainty and controversy around GM products are mainly due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, and lack of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications, and the effect of GM food on the human organism, and consequently, a negative emotional attitude towards what is unknown. The objective of the presented study was to discover to what extent knowledge and the emotional attitude of adolescents towards genetically modified organisms is related with acceptance of growing genetically modified plants or breeding GM animals on own farm or allotment garden, and the purchase and consumption of GM food, as well as the use of GMOs in medicine. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed by the author, which covered a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary school on the level of maturity examination. The collected material was subjected to statistical analysis. Research hypotheses were verified using chi-square test (χ ² ), t-Student test, and stepwise regression analysis. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms as food or for the production of pharmaceuticals, the production of GM plants or animals on own farm, depends on an emotional-evaluative attitude towards GMOs, and the level of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the complex of human α-thrombin with a modified thrombin-binding aptamer

PubMed Central

Russo Krauss, Irene; Merlino, Antonello; Randazzo, Antonio; Mazzarella, Lelio; Sica, Filomena

2010-01-01

The thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) is a consensus DNA 15-mer that binds specifically to human α-thrombin at nanomolar concentrations and inhibits its procoagulant functions. Recently, a modified TBA (mTBA) containing a 5′–5′ inversion-of-polarity site has been shown to be more stable and to possess a higher thrombin affinity than its unmodified counterpart. The structure of the thrombin–TBA complex has previously been determined at low resolution, but did not provide a detailed picture of the aptamer conformation or of the protein–DNA assembly, while that of the complex with mTBA is unknown. Crystallographic analysis of the thrombin–mTBA complex has been attempted. The crystals diffracted to 2.15 Å resolution and belonged to space group I222. PMID:20693681

Role of organic interfacial modifiers in inverted polymers solar cells: An in-depth analysis of perylene vs fullerene organic modifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, S.; Panigrahi, D.; Dhar, A.

2018-03-01

Interfacial issues can significantly restrict the performance of photovoltaic devices by exacerbating the charge recombination channels, macroscopic phase separation, and providing a non-ideal contact for selective extraction of charges particularly in photovoltaic devices using organic and inorganic materials together. Organic interfacial modifiers (IMs) are often used to mitigate these issues by modifying the organic-inorganic interface. In order to extricate the role of these IMs on the photovoltaic performance we have made a comprehensive study on the application of perylene-based and fullerene small molecules having different molecular origin as organic IMs on ZnO electron extracting layers in inverted BHJs photovoltaic devices. We report an elaborate study on the electronic and surface altering properties of these IMs and correlated their effect on the different PV performance parameters of the inverted BHJ solar cells employing P3HT: PCBM photoactive layer. Our investigations demonstrate the role of these organic IMs in reducing the ZnO cathode work function and increasing its electron transportation property along with the passivation of superficial traps states present on ZnO which helps in selective extraction of charge carriers from the devices and minimize the recombination losses. These different aspects of IMs compete and their balanced effect decides the final outcome. As a result, we obtain a substantial improvement in the device performance with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.0% for the C70/ZnO cathode device which shows over 60% improvement in contrast to the devices without any ZnO surface modification. The present investigation intents to exhibit the feasibility of vacuum sublimated organic small molecules in performance improvement in BHJ solar cells utilizing the ZnO ETLs and contrast their efficacy for the purpose rather than setting any benchmark device performance although the efficiencies obtained are typical for the active layer

siRNAmod: A database of experimentally validated chemically modified siRNAs.

PubMed

Dar, Showkat Ahmad; Thakur, Anamika; Qureshi, Abid; Kumar, Manoj

2016-01-28

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology has vast potential for functional genomics and development of therapeutics. However, it faces many obstacles predominantly instability of siRNAs due to nuclease digestion and subsequently biologically short half-life. Chemical modifications in siRNAs provide means to overcome these shortcomings and improve their stability and potency. Despite enormous utility bioinformatics resource of these chemically modified siRNAs (cm-siRNAs) is lacking. Therefore, we have developed siRNAmod, a specialized databank for chemically modified siRNAs. Currently, our repository contains a total of 4894 chemically modified-siRNA sequences, comprising 128 unique chemical modifications on different positions with various permutations and combinations. It incorporates important information on siRNA sequence, chemical modification, their number and respective position, structure, simplified molecular input line entry system canonical (SMILES), efficacy of modified siRNA, target gene, cell line, experimental methods, reference etc. It is developed and hosted using Linux Apache MySQL PHP (LAMP) software bundle. Standard user-friendly browse, search facility and analysis tools are also integrated. It would assist in understanding the effect of chemical modifications and further development of stable and efficacious siRNAs for research as well as therapeutics. siRNAmod is freely available at: http://crdd.osdd.net/servers/sirnamod.

Modified locking thread form for fastener

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roopnarine, (Inventor); Vranish, John D. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A threaded fastener has a standard part with a standard thread form characterized by thread walls with a standard included angle, and a modified part complementary to the standard part having a modified thread form characterized by thread walls which are symmetrically inclined with a modified included angle that is different from the standard included angle of the standard part's thread walls, such that the threads of one part make pre-loaded edge contact with the thread walls of the other part. The thread form of the modified part can have an included angle that is greater, less, or compound as compared to the included angle of the standard part. The standard part may be a bolt and the modified part a nut, or vice versa. The modified thread form holds securely even under large vibrational forces, it permits bi-directional use of standard mating threads, is impervious to the build up of tolerances and can be manufactured with a wider range of tolerances without loss of functionality, and distributes loading stresses (per thread) in a manner that decreases the possibility of single thread failure.

Linear and non-linear Modified Gravity forecasts with future surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Santiago; Kunz, Martin; Martinelli, Matteo; Pettorino, Valeria

2017-12-01

Modified Gravity theories generally affect the Poisson equation and the gravitational slip in an observable way, that can be parameterized by two generic functions (η and μ) of time and space. We bin their time dependence in redshift and present forecasts on each bin for future surveys like Euclid. We consider both Galaxy Clustering and Weak Lensing surveys, showing the impact of the non-linear regime, with two different semi-analytical approximations. In addition to these future observables, we use a prior covariance matrix derived from the Planck observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background. In this work we neglect the information from the cross correlation of these observables, and treat them as independent. Our results show that η and μ in different redshift bins are significantly correlated, but including non-linear scales reduces or even eliminates the correlation, breaking the degeneracy between Modified Gravity parameters and the overall amplitude of the matter power spectrum. We further apply a Zero-phase Component Analysis and identify which combinations of the Modified Gravity parameter amplitudes, in different redshift bins, are best constrained by future surveys. We extend the analysis to two particular parameterizations of μ and η and consider, in addition to Euclid, also SKA1, SKA2, DESI: we find in this case that future surveys will be able to constrain the current values of η and μ at the 2-5% level when using only linear scales (wavevector k < 0 . 15 h/Mpc), depending on the specific time parameterization; sensitivity improves to about 1% when non-linearities are included.

Peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels promote skin wound healing by enhancing wound angiogenesis and inhibiting inflammation

PubMed Central

Chen, Xionglin; Zhang, Min; Wang, Xueer; Chen, Yinghua; Yan, Yuan; Zhang, Lu; Zhang, Lin

2017-01-01

Cutaneous wound healing following trauma is a complex and dynamic process involving multiple overlapping events following trauma. Two critical elements affecting skin wound healing are neovascularization and inflammation. A nascent vessel can provide nutrition and oxygen to a healing wound. Therefore, treatments strategies that enhance angiogenesis and inhibit inflammation can promote skin wound healing. Previous studies have shown that the SIKVAV peptide (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) from laminin can promote angiogenesis in vitro. This study evaluated the effects of peptide SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels on skin wound healing. We established skin wounds established in mice and treated them with SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels. H&E staining showed that peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels accelerated the reepithelialization of wounds compared with the negative and positive controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that more myofibroblasts were deposited at wounds treated with peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels that at those treated with negative and positive controls. In addition, peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels promoted angiogenesis as well as keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, but inhibited inflammation in skin wounds. Taken together, these results suggest that SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels are a promising treatment component for healing-impaired wounds. PMID:28559985

Modified gravity and the CMB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brax, Philippe; Davis, Anne-Christine

2012-01-01

We consider the effect of modified gravity on the peak structure of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) spectrum. We focus on simple models of modified gravity mediated by a massive scalar field coupled to both baryons and cold dark matter. This captures the features of chameleon, symmetron, dilaton, and f(R) models. We find that the CMB peaks can be affected in three independent ways provided the Compton radius of the massive scalar is not far-off the sound horizon at last scattering. When the coupling of the massive scalar to cold dark matter is large, the anomalous growth of the cold dark matter perturbation inside the Compton radius induces a change in the peak amplitudes. When the coupling to baryons is moderately large, the speed of sound is modified and the peaks shifted to higher momenta. Finally when both couplings are nonvanishing, a new contribution proportional to the Newton potential appears in the Sachs-Wolfe temperature and increases the peak amplitudes. We also show how, given any temporal evolution of the scalar field mass, one can engineer a corresponding modified gravity model of the chameleon type. This opens up the possibility of having independent constraints on modified gravity from the CMB peaks and large scale structures at low redshifts.

Analysis of Expandability and Modifiability of Computer Configuration Concepts for ATC : Volume I, Distributed Concept

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-11-01

The questions of expandability and modifiability of a 1990-era Air Traffic Control (ATC) system are addressed. Two strawman systems are described at the functional level: a Baseline System, which represents the ATC system as it might be just after th...

Endogenous Reference Genes and Their Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assays for Genetically Modified Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Detection.

PubMed

Yang, Litao; Quan, Sheng; Zhang, Dabing

2017-01-01

Endogenous reference genes (ERG) and their derivate analytical methods are standard requirements for analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Development and validation of suitable ERGs is the primary step for establishing assays that monitoring the genetically modified (GM) contents in food/feed samples. Herein, we give a review of the ERGs currently used for GM wheat analysis, such as ACC1, PKABA1, ALMT1, and Waxy-D1, as well as their performances in GM wheat analysis. Also, we discussed one model for developing and validating one ideal RG for one plant species based on our previous research work.

Arthroscopic single-row modified mason-allen repair versus double-row suture bridge reconstruction for supraspinatus tendon tears: a matched-pair analysis.

PubMed

Gerhardt, Christian; Hug, Konstantin; Pauly, Stephan; Marnitz, Tim; Scheibel, Markus

2012-12-01

Arthroscopic double-row fixation of supraspinatus tendon tears compared with single-row techniques is still a matter of debate. Arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair using the suture bridge technique provides better clinical results and lower retear rates than does single-row repair using a modified Mason-Allen stitch technique. Cohort study; Level of evidence 3. Forty patients underwent either an arthroscopic single-row modified Mason-Allen stitch (SR) (n = 20; mean age ± SD, 61.5 ± 7.4 y) or a modified suture bridge double-row repair (DR) (n = 20; age, 61.2 ± 7.5 y). The anteroposterior extension was classified as Bateman I in 10% and Bateman II in 90% of patients in the SR group and as Bateman II in 80% and Bateman III in 20% of patients in the DR group. Patients were matched for sex and age. The subjective shoulder value (SSV), Constant-Murley score (CS), and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) were used for clinical follow-up. Furthermore, MRI scans were conducted for analysis of tendon integrity, muscle atrophy, and fatty infiltration via semiquantitative signal intensity analysis. In addition, re-defect patterns were evaluated. The mean follow-up time in the SR group was 16.8 ± 4.6 months. The mean SSV was 91.0% ± 8.8%, mean CS was 82.2 ± 8.1 (contralateral side, 88.8 ± 5.3), and mean WORC score was 96.5% ± 3.2%. The mean follow-up time in the DR group was 23.4 ± 2.9 months, with patients achieving scores of 92.9% ± 9.6% for the SSV, 77.0 ± 8.6 for the CS (contralateral side, 76.7 ± 17.1), and 90.7% ± 12.6% for the WORC (P > .05). No significant differences were detected in the clinical outcome between groups. Tendon integrity was as follows. Type 1, none in either group; type 2, 4 SR and 5 DR; type 3, 9 SR and 10 DR; type 4, 3 SR and 3 DR; and type 5, 3 SR and 2 DR. The failure rate was 31.6% (n = 6) in the SR group and 25% (n = 5) in the DR group (P > .05). No significant differences were obtained for muscular atrophy or fatty

Development of on-line monitoring system for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) using neuro-expert, noise analysis, and modified neural networks

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

Subekti, M.; Center for Development of Reactor Safety Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia, Puspiptek Complex BO.80, Serpong-Tangerang, 15340; Ohno, T.

2006-07-01

The neuro-expert has been utilized in previous monitoring-system research of Pressure Water Reactor (PWR). The research improved the monitoring system by utilizing neuro-expert, conventional noise analysis and modified neural networks for capability extension. The parallel method applications required distributed architecture of computer-network for performing real-time tasks. The research aimed to improve the previous monitoring system, which could detect sensor degradation, and to perform the monitoring demonstration in High Temperature Engineering Tested Reactor (HTTR). The developing monitoring system based on some methods that have been tested using the data from online PWR simulator, as well as RSG-GAS (30 MW research reactormore » in Indonesia), will be applied in HTTR for more complex monitoring. (authors)« less

Comparing dark matter models, modified Newtonian dynamics and modified gravity in accounting for galaxy rotation curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xin; Tang, Li; Lin, Hai-Nan

2017-05-01

We compare six models (including the baryonic model, two dark matter models, two modified Newtonian dynamics models and one modified gravity model) in accounting for galaxy rotation curves. For the dark matter models, we assume NFW profile and core-modified profile for the dark halo, respectively. For the modified Newtonian dynamics models, we discuss Milgrom’s MOND theory with two different interpolation functions, the standard and the simple interpolation functions. For the modified gravity, we focus on Moffat’s MSTG theory. We fit these models to the observed rotation curves of 9 high-surface brightness and 9 low-surface brightness galaxies. We apply the Bayesian Information Criterion and the Akaike Information Criterion to test the goodness-of-fit of each model. It is found that none of the six models can fit all the galaxy rotation curves well. Two galaxies can be best fitted by the baryonic model without involving nonluminous dark matter. MOND can fit the largest number of galaxies, and only one galaxy can be best fitted by the MSTG model. Core-modified model fits about half the LSB galaxies well, but no HSB galaxies, while the NFW model fits only a small fraction of HSB galaxies but no LSB galaxies. This may imply that the oversimplified NFW and core-modified profiles cannot model the postulated dark matter haloes well. Supported by Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (106112016CDJCR301206), National Natural Science Fund of China (11305181, 11547305 and 11603005), and Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (Y5KF181CJ1)

Development and application of a multi-targeting reference plasmid as calibrator for analysis of five genetically modified soybean events.

PubMed

Pi, Liqun; Li, Xiang; Cao, Yiwei; Wang, Canhua; Pan, Liangwen; Yang, Litao

2015-04-01

Reference materials are important in accurate analysis of genetically modified organism (GMO) contents in food/feeds, and development of novel reference plasmid is a new trend in the research of GMO reference materials. Herein, we constructed a novel multi-targeting plasmid, pSOY, which contained seven event-specific sequences of five GM soybeans (MON89788-5', A2704-12-3', A5547-127-3', DP356043-5', DP305423-3', A2704-12-5', and A5547-127-5') and sequence of soybean endogenous reference gene Lectin. We evaluated the specificity, limit of detection and quantification, and applicability of pSOY in both qualitative and quantitative PCR analyses. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 20 copies in qualitative PCR, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) in quantitative PCR was 10 copies. In quantitative real-time PCR analysis, the PCR efficiencies of all event-specific and Lectin assays were higher than 90%, and the squared regression coefficients (R(2)) were more than 0.999. The quantification bias varied from 0.21% to 19.29%, and the relative standard deviations were from 1.08% to 9.84% in simulated samples analysis. All the results demonstrated that the developed multi-targeting plasmid, pSOY, was a credible substitute of matrix reference materials, and could be used as a reliable reference calibrator in the identification and quantification of multiple GM soybean events.

Electrochemical oxidation mechanism of eugenol on graphene modified carbon paste electrode and its analytical application to pharmaceutical analysis.

PubMed

Yildiz, Gulcemal; Aydogmus, Zeynep; Cinar, M Emin; Senkal, Filiz; Ozturk, Turan

2017-10-01

Electrochemical properties of eugenol were investigated on a graphene modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) by using voltammetric methods, which exhibited a well-defined irreversible peak at about 0.7V vs Ag/AgCl, NaCl (3M) in Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 2.0. Mechanism of the electrochemical reaction of eugenol was studied by performing density functional theory (DFT) computations and mass spectroscopic analysis. (CPCM:water)-wB97XD/aug-cc-PVTZ//(CPCM:water)-wB97XD/6-31G(d) level calculations predicted that the formation of product P2, possessing a para-quinoid structure, is preferred rather than the product P1, suggested in the literature, having an ortho-quinoid system. Determination of eugenol in a pharmaceutical sample was realized in the light of the electrochemical findings, and a validated voltammetric method for quantitative analysis of eugenol in a pharmaceutical formulation was proposed. The differential pulse voltammogram (DPV) peak currents were found to be linear in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10 -7 to 1.7 × 10 -5 M. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were obtained to be 7.0 × 10 -9 and 2.3 × 10 -8 , respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Detection of genetically modified soy (Roundup-Ready) in processed food products].

PubMed

Hagen, M; Beneke, B

2000-01-01

In this study, the application of a qualitative and a quantitative method of analysis to detect genetically modified RR-Soy (Roundup-Ready Soy) in processed foods is described. A total of 179 various products containing soy such as baby food and diet products, soy drinks and desserts, tofu and tofu products, soy based meat substitutes, soy protein, breads, flour, granules, cereals, noodles, soy bean sprouts, fats and oils as well as condiments were investigated following the pattern of the section 35 LMBG-method L 23.01.22-1. The DNA was extracted from the samples and analysed using a soybean specific lectin gene PCR as well as a PCR, specific for the genetic modification. Additional, by means of PCR in combination with fluorescence-detection (TaqMan 5'-Nuclease Assay), suspicious samples were subjected to a real-time quantification of the percentage of genetically modified RR-Soy. The methods of analysis proved to be extremely sensitive and specific in regard to the food groups checked. The fats and oils, as well as the condiments were the exceptions in which amplifiable soy DNA could not be detected. The genetic modification of RR-Soy was detected in 34 samples. Eight of these samples contained more than 1% of RR-Soy. It is necessary to determine the percentage of transgenic soy in order to assess whether genetically modified ingredients were deliberately added, or whether they were caused by technically unavoidable contamination (for example during transportation and processing).

Spatio-temporal analysis of Modified Omori law in Bayesian framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezanezhad, V.; Narteau, C.; Shebalin, P.; Zoeller, G.; Holschneider, M.

2017-12-01

This work presents a study of the spatio temporal evolution of the modified Omori parameters in southern California in then time period of 1981-2016. A nearest-neighbor approach is applied for earthquake clustering. This study targets small mainshocks and corresponding big aftershocks ( 2.5 ≤ mmainshocks ≤ 4.5 and 1.8 ≤ maftershocks ≤ 2.8 ). We invert for the spatio temporal behavior of c and p values (especially c) all over the area using a MCMC based maximum likelihood estimator. As parameterizing families we use Voronoi cells with randomly distributed cell centers. Considering that c value represents a physical character like stress change we expect to see a coherent c value pattern over seismologically coacting areas. This correlation of c valus can actually be seen for the San Andreas, San Jacinto and Elsinore faults. Moreover, the depth dependency of c value is studied which shows a linear behavior of log(c) with respect to aftershock's depth within 5 to 15 km depth.

Electrochemical investigation of the voltammetric determination of hydrochlorothiazide using a nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode.

PubMed

Machini, Wesley B S; David-Parra, Diego N; Teixeira, Marcos F S

2015-12-01

The preparation and electrochemical characterization of a nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode as well as its behavior as electrocatalyst toward the oxidation of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) were investigated. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode and the electrooxidation of HCTZ were explored using cyclic voltammetry. The voltammetric response of the modified electrode in the detection of HCTZ is based on the electrochemical oxidation of the Ni(II)/Ni(III) and a chemical redox process. The analytical parameters for the electrooxidation of HCTZ by the nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode were obtained in NaOH solution, in which the linear voltammetric response was in the concentration range from 1.39×10(-5) to 1.67×10(-4)mol L(-1) with a limit of detection of 7.92×10(-6)mol L(-1) and a sensitivity of 0.138 μA Lmmol(-1). Tafel analysis was used to elucidate the kinetics and mechanism of HCTZ oxidation by the modified electrode. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genetic modifiers of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis1234

PubMed Central

Bradley, Gia M; Blackman, Scott M; Watson, Christopher P; Doshi, Vishal K; Cutting, Garry R

2012-01-01

Background: Improved nutrition early in life is associated with better pulmonary function for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, nutritional status is poorly correlated with the CFTR genotype. Objective: We investigated the extent to which modifier genes influence nutrition in children with CF. Design: BMI data were longitudinally collected from the CF Twin-Sibling Study and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry for twins and siblings from 2000 to 2010. A nutritional phenotype was derived for 1124 subjects by calculating the average BMI z score from 5–10 y of age (BMI-z5to10). The genetic contribution to the variation in BMI-z5to10 (ie, heritability) was estimated by comparing the similarity of the phenotype in monozygous twins to that in dizygous twins and siblings. Linkage analysis identified potential modifier-gene loci. Results: The median BMI-z5to10 was −0.07 (range: −3.89 to 2.30), which corresponded to the 47th CDC percentile. BMI-z5to10 was negatively correlated with pancreatic insufficiency, history of meconium ileus, and female sex but positively correlated with later birth cohorts and lung function. Monozygous twins showed greater concordance for BMI-z5to10 than did dizygous twins and siblings; heritability estimates from same-sex twin-only analyses ranged from 0.54 to 0.82. For 1010 subjects with pancreatic insufficiency, genome-wide significant linkage was identified on chromosomes 1p36.1 [log of odds (LOD): 5.3] and 5q14 (LOD: 5.1). These loci explained ≥16% and ≥15%, respectively, of the BMI variance. Conclusions: The analysis of twins and siblings with CF indicates a prominent role for genes other than CFTR to BMI variation. Specifically, regions on chromosomes 1 and 5 appear to harbor genetic modifiers of substantial effect. PMID:23134884

Adsorption of hexavalent chromium on modified corn stalk using different cross-linking agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Suhong; Zhu, Yi; Han, Zhijun; Feng, Gao; Jia, Yuling; Fu, Kaifang; Yue, Qinyan

2017-12-01

In this study, four different types of adsorbents modified from corn stalk were synthesized after the reaction with epichlorohydrin, N,N-dimethylformamide, triethylamine and different cross-linking agents. The surface functional groups and thermal stability of modified corn stalk (MCSs) were characterized using FTIR and TG analysis, respectively. The feasibility of using MCSs to remove Cr(VI) were evaluated. Adsorption isotherms were determined and modeled with Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. The experimental results showed that MCS modified using diethylenetriamine (DETA) had the best modification effect, and the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) reached as high as 227.27 mg/g at 323 K. Thermodynamic study showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption onto MCSs was endothermic processes. As a result, MCS by using DETA as cross-linking agent has good potential for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

A Modified Importance-Performance Framework for Evaluating Recreation-Based Experiential Learning Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pitas, Nicholas; Murray, Alison; Olsen, Max; Graefe, Alan

2017-01-01

This article describes a modified importance-performance framework for use in evaluation of recreation-based experiential learning programs. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) provides an effective and readily applicable means of evaluating many programs, but the near universal satisfaction associated with recreation inhibits the use of IPA in…

Biosensing applications of titanium dioxide coated graphene modified disposable electrodes.

PubMed

Kuralay, Filiz; Tunç, Selma; Bozduman, Ferhat; Oksuz, Lutfi; Oksuz, Aysegul Uygun

2016-11-01

In the present work, preparation of titanium dioxide coated graphene (TiO2/graphene) and the use of this nanocomposite modified electrode for electrochemical biosensing applications were detailed. The nanocomposite was prepared with radio frequency (rf) rotating plasma method which serves homogeneous distribution of TiO2 onto graphene. TiO2/graphene was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Then, this nanocomposite was dissolved in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) and modified onto disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) by dip coating for the investigation of the biosensing properties of the prepared electrode. TiO2/graphene modified PGE was characterized with SEM, EDS and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The sensor properties of the obtained surface were examined for DNA and DNA-drug interaction. The detection limit was calculated as 1.25mgL(-1) (n=3) for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). RSD% was calculated as 2.4% for three successive determinations at 5mgL(-1) dsDNA concentration. Enhanced results were obtained compared to the ones obtained with graphene and unmodified (bare) electrodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coherent spectroscopic methods for monitoring pathogens, genetically modified products and nanostructured materials in colloidal solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moguilnaya, T.; Suminov, Y.; Botikov, A.; Ignatov, S.; Kononenko, A.; Agibalov, A.

2017-01-01

We developed the new automatic method that combines the method of forced luminescence and stimulated Brillouin scattering. This method is used for monitoring pathogens, genetically modified products and nanostructured materials in colloidal solution. We carried out the statistical spectral analysis of pathogens, genetically modified soy and nano-particles of silver in water from different regions in order to determine the statistical errors of the method. We studied spectral characteristics of these objects in water to perform the initial identification with 95% probability. These results were used for creation of the model of the device for monitor of pathogenic organisms and working model of the device to determine the genetically modified soy in meat.

First application of a microsphere-based immunoassay to the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): quantification of Cry1Ab protein in genetically modified maize.

PubMed

Fantozzi, Anna; Ermolli, Monica; Marini, Massimiliano; Scotti, Domenico; Balla, Branko; Querci, Maddalena; Langrell, Stephen R H; Van den Eede, Guy

2007-02-21

An innovative covalent microsphere immunoassay, based on the usage of fluorescent beads coupled to a specific antibody, was developed for the quantification of the endotoxin Cry1Ab present in MON810 and Bt11 genetically modified (GM) maize lines. In particular, a specific protocol was developed to assess the presence of Cry1Ab in a very broad range of GM maize concentrations, from 0.1 to 100% [weight of genetically modified organism (GMO)/weight]. Test linearity was achieved in the range of values from 0.1 to 3%, whereas fluorescence signal increased following a nonlinear model, reaching a plateau at 25%. The limits of detection and quantification were equal to 0.018 and 0.054%, respectively. The present study describes the first application of quantitative high-throughput immunoassays in GMO analysis.

Adsorption of Cu2+ to biomass ash and its modified product.

PubMed

Xu, Lei; Cui, Hongbiao; Zheng, Xuebo; Liang, Jiani; Xing, Xiangyu; Yao, Lunguang; Chen, Zhaojin; Zhou, Jing

2017-04-01

Ash produced by biomass power plants has great potential for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. The pollution of toxic heavy metals to water is a worldwide environmental problem. Discharges containing copper, in particular, are strictly controlled because the excessive copper can cause serious harm to the environment and human health. This work aims to investigate the adsorption characteristics of copper ions in aqueous solution by biomass ash and the modified products, and to evaluate their potential application in water pollution control. The biomass ash was modified with a mesoporous siliceous material and functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The surface properties of the biomass ash and the new matrix were studied to evaluate their adsorption property for Cu 2+ ions at different pHs, initial metal concentrations and the thermodynamic and kinetic were studied. The chemical and morphological properties of this modified material are analyzed; the specific surface area of the modified biomass ash was nine times that of the initial ash. Both of the two materials showed a strong affinity for Cu 2+ , and the Langmuir model could best represent the adsorption characteristics of Cu 2+ on the two kinds of materials. The adsorption capacity of copper on the material increased with the increase of pH and pH 6 was the optimum pH. Thermodynamic analysis results showed that the adsorption of Cu 2+ was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorptions of Cu 2+ onto the modified biomass ash followed pseudo-second-order kinetics.

Categorization of intraoperative ureteroscopy complications using modified Satava classification system.

PubMed

Tepeler, Abdulkadir; Resorlu, Berkan; Sahin, Tolga; Sarikaya, Selcuk; Bayindir, Mirze; Oguz, Ural; Armagan, Abdullah; Unsal, Ali

2014-02-01

To review our experience with ureteroscopy (URS) in the treatment of ureteral calculi and stratify intraoperative complications of URS according to the modified Satava classification system. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,208 patients (672 males and 536 females), with a mean age of 43.1 years (range 1-78), who underwent ureteroscopic procedures for removal of ureteral stones. Intraoperative complications were recorded according to modified Satava classification system. Grade 1 complications included incidents without consequences for the patient; grade 2 complications, which are treated intraoperatively with endoscopic surgery (grade 2a) or required endoscopic re-treatment (grade 2b); and grade 3 complications included incidents requiring open or laparoscopic surgery. The stones were completely removed in 1,067 (88.3%) patients after primary procedure by either simple extraction or after fragmentation. The overall incidence of intraoperative complications was 12.6%. The most common complications were proximal stone migration (3.9%), mucosal injury (2.8%), bleeding (1.9%), inability to reach stone (1.8%), malfunctioning or breakage of instruments (0.8%), ureteral perforation (0.8%) and ureteral avulsion (0.16%). According to modified Satava classification system, there were 4.5% grade 1; 4.4% grade 2a; 3.2% grade 2b; and 0.57% grade 3 complications. We think that modified Satava classification is a quick and simple system for describing the severity of intraoperative URS complications and this grading system will facilitate a better comparison for the surgical outcomes obtained from different centers.

dbHiMo: a web-based epigenomics platform for histone-modifying enzymes

PubMed Central

Choi, Jaeyoung; Kim, Ki-Tae; Huh, Aram; Kwon, Seomun; Hong, Changyoung; Asiegbu, Fred O.; Jeon, Junhyun; Lee, Yong-Hwan

2015-01-01

Over the past two decades, epigenetics has evolved into a key concept for understanding regulation of gene expression. Among many epigenetic mechanisms, covalent modifications such as acetylation and methylation of lysine residues on core histones emerged as a major mechanism in epigenetic regulation. Here, we present the database for histone-modifying enzymes (dbHiMo; http://hme.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/) aimed at facilitating functional and comparative analysis of histone-modifying enzymes (HMEs). HMEs were identified by applying a search pipeline built upon profile hidden Markov model (HMM) to proteomes. The database incorporates 11 576 HMEs identified from 603 proteomes including 483 fungal, 32 plants and 51 metazoan species. The dbHiMo provides users with web-based personalized data browsing and analysis tools, supporting comparative and evolutionary genomics. With comprehensive data entries and associated web-based tools, our database will be a valuable resource for future epigenetics/epigenomics studies. Database URL: http://hme.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/ PMID:26055100

dbHiMo: a web-based epigenomics platform for histone-modifying enzymes.

PubMed

Choi, Jaeyoung; Kim, Ki-Tae; Huh, Aram; Kwon, Seomun; Hong, Changyoung; Asiegbu, Fred O; Jeon, Junhyun; Lee, Yong-Hwan

2015-01-01

Over the past two decades, epigenetics has evolved into a key concept for understanding regulation of gene expression. Among many epigenetic mechanisms, covalent modifications such as acetylation and methylation of lysine residues on core histones emerged as a major mechanism in epigenetic regulation. Here, we present the database for histone-modifying enzymes (dbHiMo; http://hme.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/) aimed at facilitating functional and comparative analysis of histone-modifying enzymes (HMEs). HMEs were identified by applying a search pipeline built upon profile hidden Markov model (HMM) to proteomes. The database incorporates 11,576 HMEs identified from 603 proteomes including 483 fungal, 32 plants and 51 metazoan species. The dbHiMo provides users with web-based personalized data browsing and analysis tools, supporting comparative and evolutionary genomics. With comprehensive data entries and associated web-based tools, our database will be a valuable resource for future epigenetics/epigenomics studies. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

A modified Girard derivatizing reagent for universal profiling and trace analysis of aldehydes and ketones by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Johnson, David W

2007-01-01

4-Hydrazino-N,N,N-trimethyl-4-oxobutanaminium iodide (HTMOB) is a modified Girard derivatizing reagent synthesized to improve the sensitivity of analysis of aldehydes and ketones with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with Girard T reagent the measured signal intensity increase is between 3.3 times (succinylacetone) and 7.0 times (17-hydroxyprogesterone). HTMOB is a universal profiling reagent for aldehydes and ketones. A neutral loss of 59 Da scan detects all aldehydes and ketones from acetone to corticosteroids. Applications described include the profiling of ketones, ketoacids and ketodiacids in the urine of children with ketosis and the profiling of long-chain aldehydes incorporated in plasma plasmalogens. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lightning Damage of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates with Interlayers Modified by Nickel-Coated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Qi; Wan, Guoshun; Xu, Yongzheng; Guo, Yunli; Du, Tianxiang; Yi, Xiaosu; Jia, Yuxi

2017-12-01

The numerical model of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates with electrically modified interlayers subjected to lightning strike is constructed through finite element simulation, in which both intra-laminar and inter-laminar lightning damages are considered by means of coupled electrical-thermal-pyrolytic analysis method. Then the lightning damage extents including the damage volume and maximum damage depth are investigated. The results reveal that the simulated lightning damages could be qualitatively compared to the experimental counterparts of CFRP laminates with interlayers modified by nickel-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ni-MWCNTs). With higher electrical conductivity of modified interlayer and more amount of modified interlayers, both damage volume and maximum damage depth are reduced. This work provides an effective guidance to the anti-lightning optimization of CFRP laminates.

A simple method to prepare magnetic modified beer yeast and its application for cationic dye adsorption.

PubMed

Yu, Jun-Xia; Wang, Li-Yan; Chi, Ru-An; Zhang, Yue-Fei; Xu, Zhi-Gao; Guo, Jia

2013-01-01

The purpose of this research is to use a simple method to prepare magnetic modified biomass with good adsorption performances for cationic ions. The magnetic modified biomass was prepared by two steps: (1) preparation of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) modified biomass in N, N-dimethylacetamide solution and (2) preparation of magnetic PMDA modified biomass by a situ co-precipitation method under the assistance of ultrasound irradiation in ammonia water. The adsorption potential of the as-prepared magnetic modified biomass was analyzed by using cationic dyes: methylene blue and basic magenta as model dyes. Optical micrograph and x-ray diffraction analyses showed that Fe(3)O(4) particles were precipitated on the modified biomass surface. The as-prepared biosorbent could be recycled easily by using an applied magnetic field. Titration analysis showed that the total concentration of the functional groups on the magnetic PMDA modified biomass was calculated to be 0.75 mmol g(-1) by using the first derivative method. The adsorption capacities (q(m)) of the magnetic PMDA modified biomass for methylene blue and basic magenta were 609.0 and 520.9 mg g(-1), respectively, according to the Langmuir equation. Kinetics experiment showed that adsorption could be completed within 150 min for both dyes. The desorption experiment showed that the magnetic sorbent could be used repeatedly after regeneration. The as-prepared magnetic modified sorbent had a potential in the dyeing industry wastewater treatment.

Potentially modifiable factors contributing to sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

PubMed

Sonneville, Romain; de Montmollin, Etienne; Poujade, Julien; Garrouste-Orgeas, Maïté; Souweine, Bertrand; Darmon, Michael; Mariotte, Eric; Argaud, Laurent; Barbier, François; Goldgran-Toledano, Dany; Marcotte, Guillaume; Dumenil, Anne-Sylvie; Jamali, Samir; Lacave, Guillaume; Ruckly, Stéphane; Mourvillier, Bruno; Timsit, Jean-François

2017-08-01

Identifying modifiable factors for sepsis-associated encephalopathy may help improve patient care and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter database. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) was defined by a score on the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) <15 or when features of delirium were noted. Potentially modifiable risk factors for SAE at ICU admission and its impact on mortality were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling, respectively. We included 2513 patients with sepsis at ICU admission, of whom 1341 (53%) had sepsis-associated encephalopathy. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, site of infection, and type of admission, the following factors remained independently associated with sepsis-associated encephalopathy: acute renal failure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-1.67], hypoglycemia <3 mmol/l (aOR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.27-5.59), hyperglycemia >10 mmol/l (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.72), hypercapnia >45 mmHg (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.53-2.38), hypernatremia >145 mmol/l (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.48-3.57), and S. aureus (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.25). Sepsis-associated encephalopathy was associated with higher mortality, higher use of ICU resources, and longer hospital stay. After adjusting for age, comorbidities, year of admission, and non-neurological SOFA score, even mild alteration of mental status (i.e., a score on the GCS of 13-14) remained independently associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.76). Acute renal failure and common metabolic disturbances represent potentially modifiable factors contributing to sepsis-associated encephalopathy. However, a true causal relationship has yet to be demonstrated. Our study confirms the prognostic significance of mild alteration of mental status in patients with sepsis.

CLC-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as potential modifiers of cystic fibrosis disease severity

PubMed Central

Blaisdell, Carol J; Howard, Timothy D; Stern, Augustus; Bamford, Penelope; Bleecker, Eugene R; Stine, O Colin

2004-01-01

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease manifest by impaired chloride secretion leads to eventual respiratory failure. Candidate genes that may modify CF lung disease severity include alternative chloride channels. The objectives of this study are to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the airway epithelial chloride channel, CLC-2, and correlate these polymorphisms with CF lung disease. Methods The CLC-2 promoter, intron 1 and exon 20 were examined for SNPs in adult CF dF508/dF508 homozygotes with mild and severe lung disease (forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) > 70% and < 40%). Results PCR amplification of genomic CLC-2 and sequence analysis revealed 1 polymorphism in the hClC -2 promoter, 4 in intron 1, and none in exon 20. Fisher's analysis within this data set, did not demonstrate a significant relationship between the severity of lung disease and SNPs in the CLC-2 gene. Conclusions CLC-2 is not a key modifier gene of CF lung phenotype. Further studies evaluating other phenotypes associated with CF may be useful in the future to assess the ability of CLC-2 to modify CF disease severity. PMID:15507145

Optimization in expression and purification of modified apoptin as selective anti-cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahlan, Muhamad; Wiseso, Anggoro; Hermansyah, Heri; Yohda, Masafumi

2017-02-01

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal growth of tissue cells of the body that turn into cancer cells. Apoptin from Chicken Anemia Virus is known to have the ability to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, but not in normal cells. The production of Apoptin was done on Escherichia coli via plasmid pET9a and modified to improve the efficiency and ease of purification using IMAC nickel, by adding a few tags and cleavage site. The expected result is modified Apoptin and evidence of proteins expressed through SDS-PAGE analysis.

Modified level II streambed-scour analysis for structure I-65-85-5527 crossing Sugar Creek in Johnson County, Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, B.A.; Voelker, D.C.; Miller, R.L.

1997-01-01

Level II scour evaluations follow a process in which hydrologic, hydraulic, and sediment transport data are evaluated to calculate the depth of scour that may result when a given discharge is routed through a bridge opening. The results of the modified Level II analysis for structure 1-65-85-5527 on Interstate 65 crossing Sugar Creek in Johnson County, Indiana, are presented. The site is near the town of Amity in the southeastern part of Johnson County. Scour depths were computed with the Water Surface PROfile model, version V050196, which incorporates the scour-calculation procedures outlined in Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18. Total scour depths at the piers were approximately 26.8 feet for the modeled discharge of 26,000 cubic feet per second and approximately 30.8 feet for the modeled discharge of 34,100 cubic feet per second

Modified level II streambed-scour analysis for structure I-74-32-4946 crossing Sugar Creek in Montgomery County, Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, R.L.; Robinson, B.A.; Voelker, D.C.

1997-01-01

Level II scour evaluations follow a process in which hydrologic, hydraulic, and sedient-transport data are evaluated to calculate the depth of scour that may result when given discharge is routed through a bridge opening. The results of the modified Levell II analysis for structure I-74-32-4946 on Interstate 74 crossing Sugar Creek in Montgomery County, Indiana are presented. The site is near the town of Crawfordsville in the central part of Montgomery County. Scour depths were computed with the Water Surface PROfile model, version V050196, which incorporates the scour-calculation procedures outlined in Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18. Total scour depths at the piers were approximately 13.0 feet for the modeled discharge of 3,000  cubic feet per second and approximately 15.1 feet for the modeled discharge of 41,900 cubic feet per second.

Model-independent constraints on modified gravity from current data and from the Euclid and SKA future surveys

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

Taddei, Laura; Martinelli, Matteo; Amendola, Luca, E-mail: taddei@thphys.uni-heidelberg.de, E-mail: martinelli@lorentz.leidenuniv.nl, E-mail: amendola@thphys.uni-heidelberg.de

2016-12-01

The aim of this paper is to constrain modified gravity with redshift space distortion observations and supernovae measurements. Compared with a standard ΛCDM analysis, we include three additional free parameters, namely the initial conditions of the matter perturbations, the overall perturbation normalization, and a scale-dependent modified gravity parameter modifying the Poisson equation, in an attempt to perform a more model-independent analysis. First, we constrain the Poisson parameter Y (also called G {sub eff}) by using currently available f σ{sub 8} data and the recent SN catalog JLA. We find that the inclusion of the additional free parameters makes the constraintsmore » significantly weaker than when fixing them to the standard cosmological value. Second, we forecast future constraints on Y by using the predicted growth-rate data for Euclid and SKA missions. Here again we point out the weakening of the constraints when the additional parameters are included. Finally, we adopt as modified gravity Poisson parameter the specific Horndeski form, and use scale-dependent forecasts to build an exclusion plot for the Yukawa potential akin to the ones realized in laboratory experiments, both for the Euclid and the SKA surveys.« less

Synthesis of adenine-modified reduced graphene oxide nanosheets.

PubMed

Cao, Huaqiang; Wu, Xiaoming; Yin, Gui; Warner, Jamie H

2012-03-05

We report here a facile strategy to synthesize the nanocomposite of adenine-modified reduced graphene oxide (AMG) via reaction between adenine and GOCl which is generated from SOCl(2) reacted with graphite oxide (GO). The as-synthesized AMG was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic discharge analysis. The AMG owns about one adenine group per 53 carbon atoms on a graphene sheet, which improves electronic conductivity compared with reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The AMG displays enhanced supercapacitor performance compared with RGO accompanying good stability and good cycling behavior in the supercapacitor.

Modified Acyl-ACP desaturase

DOEpatents

Cahoon, Edgar B.; Shanklin, John; Lindqvist, Ylva; Schneider, Gunter

1999-03-30

Disclosed is a method for modifying the chain length and double bond positional specificities of a soluble plant fatty acid desaturase. More specifically, the method involves modifying amino acid contact residues in the substrate binding channel of the soluble fatty acid desaturase which contact the fatty acid. Specifically disclosed is the modification of an acyl-ACP desaturase. Amino acid contact residues which lie within the substrate binding channel are identified, and subsequently replaced with different residues to effect the modification of activity.

Modified acyl-ACP desaturase

DOEpatents

Cahoon, Edgar B.; Shanklin, John; Lindgvist, Ylva; Schneider, Gunter

1998-01-06

Disclosed is a methods for modifying the chain length and double bond positional specificities of a soluble plant fatty acid desaturase. More specifically, the method involves modifying amino acid contact residues in the substrate binding channel of the soluble fatty acid desaturase which contact the fatty acid. Specifically disclosed is the modification of an acyl-ACP desaturase. Amino acid contact residues which lie within the substrate binding channel are identified, and subsequently replaced with different residues to effect the modification of activity.

Cystic fibrosis modifier genes.

PubMed Central

Davies, Jane; Alton, Eric; Griesenbach, Uta

2005-01-01

Since the recognition that CFTR genotype was not a good predictor of pulmonary disease severity in CF, several candidate modifier genes have been identified. It is unlikely that a single modifier gene will be found, but more probable that several haplotypes in combination may contribute, which in itself presents a major methodological challenge. The aims of such studies are to increase our understanding of disease pathogenesis, to aid prognosis and ultimately to lead to the development of novel treatments. PMID:16025767

Potency control of modified live viral vaccines for veterinary use.

PubMed

Terpstra, C; Kroese, A H

1996-04-01

This paper reviews various aspects of efficacy, and methods for assaying the potency of modified live viral vaccines. The pros and cons of parametric versus non-parametric methods for analysis of potency assays are discussed and critical levels of protection, as determined by the target(s) of vaccination, are exemplified. Recommendations are presented for designing potency assays on master virus seeds and vaccine batches.

Potency control of modified live viral vaccines for veterinary use.

PubMed

Terpstra, C; Kroese, A H

1996-01-01

This paper reviews various aspects of efficacy, and methods for assaying the potency of modified live viral vaccines. The pros and cons of parametric versus non-parametric methods for analysis of potency assays are discussed and critical levels of protection, as determined by the target(s) of vaccination, are exemplified. Recommendations are presented for designing potency assays on master virus seeds and vaccine batches.

21 CFR 178.3520 - Industrial starch-modified.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Industrial starch-modified. 178.3520 Section 178... SANITIZERS Certain Adjuvants and Production Aids § 178.3520 Industrial starch-modified. Industrial starch... provisions of this section. (a) Industrial starch-modified is identified as follows: (1) A food starch...

21 CFR 178.3520 - Industrial starch-modified.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Industrial starch-modified. 178.3520 Section 178... SANITIZERS Certain Adjuvants and Production Aids § 178.3520 Industrial starch-modified. Industrial starch... provisions of this section. (a) Industrial starch-modified is identified as follows: (1) A food starch...

40 CFR 721.4380 - Modified hydrocarbon resin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Modified hydrocarbon resin. 721.4380... Substances § 721.4380 Modified hydrocarbon resin. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a modified hydrocarbon resin (P-91-1418) is...

Nominal Modifiers in Mandarin Chinese.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hou, John Y.

In the surface structure of Chinese nominal modifiers (quantifiers, determiners, adjectives, measure phrase, relative clause, etc.) may occur either before or after a modified noun. In most of the transformational studies of Chinese syntax (e.g. Cheng 1966; Hashimoto 1966; Mei 1972; Tai 1973; Teng 1974), it has been assumed that such NP's have the…

BUILDING A BETTER GLUTEAL BRIDGE: ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF HIP MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING MODIFIED SINGLE-LEG BRIDGES.

PubMed

Lehecka, B J; Edwards, Michael; Haverkamp, Ryan; Martin, Lani; Porter, Kambry; Thach, Kailey; Sack, Richard J; Hakansson, Nils A

2017-08-01

Gluteal strength plays a role in injury prevention, normal gait patterns, eliminating pain, and enhancing athletic performance. Research shows high gluteal muscle activity during a single-leg bridge compared to other gluteal strengthening exercises; however, prior studies have primarily measured muscle activity with the active lower extremity starting in 90 ° of knee flexion with an extended contralateral knee. This standard position has caused reports of hamstring cramping, which may impede optimal gluteal strengthening. The purpose of this study was to determine which modified position for the single-leg bridge is best for preferentially activating the gluteus maximus and medius. Cross-Sectional. Twenty-eight healthy males and females aged 18-30 years were tested in five different, randomized single-leg bridge positions. Electromyography (EMG) electrodes were placed on subjects' gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris of their bridge leg (i.e., dominant or kicking leg), as well as the rectus femoris of their contralateral leg. Subjects performed a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for each tested muscle prior to performing five different bridge positions in randomized order. All bridge EMG data were normalized to the corresponding muscle MVIC data. A modified bridge position with the knee of the bridge leg flexed to 135 ° versus the traditional 90 ° of knee flexion demonstrated preferential activation of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius compared to the traditional single-leg bridge. Hamstring activation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) when the dominant knee was flexed to 135 ° (23.49% MVIC) versus the traditional 90 ° (75.34% MVIC), while gluteal activation remained similarly high (51.01% and 57.81% MVIC in the traditional position, versus 47.35% and 57.23% MVIC in the modified position for the gluteus maximus and medius, respectively). Modifying the traditional single-leg bridge by flexing the

[Genetically modified food--unnecessary controversy?].

PubMed

Tchórz, Michał; Radoniewicz-Chagowska, Anna; Lewandowska-Stanek, Hanna; Szponar, Elzbieta; Szponar, Jarosław

2012-01-01

Fast development of genetic engineering and biotechnology allows use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) more and more in different branches of science and economy. Every year we can see an increase of food amount produced with the use of modification of genetic material. In our supermarkets we can find brand new types of plants, products including genetically modified ingredients or meat from animals fed with food containing GMO. This article presents general information about genetically modified organisms, it also explains the range of genetic manipulation, use of newly developed products and current field area for GMO in the world. Based on scientific data the article presents benefits from development of biotechnology in reference to modified food. It also presents the voice of skeptics who are extremely concerned about the impact of those organisms on human health and natural environment. Problems that appear or can appear as a result of an increase of GMO are very important not only from a toxicologist's or a doctor's point of view but first of all from the point of view of ordinary consumers--all of us.

The Changing Landscape of Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards: An Analysis of Early Adopters of AA-MASs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Thurlow, Martha L.

2009-01-01

Several states had an assessment that they considered to be an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS) in place, or in development, when the April 2007 federal regulations on modified achievement standards were finalized. This article uses publicly available information collected by the National Center on…

A new modified speculum guided single nostril technique for endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery: an analysis of nasal complications.

PubMed

Waran, Vicknes; Tang, Ing Ping; Karuppiah, Ravindran; Abd Kadir, Khairul Azmi; Chandran, Hari; Muthusamy, Kalai Arasu; Prepageran, Narayanan

2013-12-01

Abstract The endoscopic transnasal, transsphenoidal surgical technique for pituitary tumour excision has generally been regarded as a less invasive technique, ranging from single nostril to dual nostril techniques. We propose a single nostril technique using a modified nasal speculum as a preferred technique. We initially reviewed 25 patients who underwent pituitary tumour excision, via endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery, using this new modified speculum-guided single nostril technique. The results show shorter operation time with reduced intra- and post-operative nasal soft tissue injuries and complications.

All-inside arthroscopic modified Broström operation for chronic ankle instability: a biomechanical study.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Tai; Kim, Eung Soo; Kim, Young Ho; Ryu, Je Seong; Rhyu, Im Joo; Lee, Young Koo

2016-04-01

The all-inside arthroscopic modified Broström operation has been developed for lateral ankle instability. We compared the biomechanical parameters of the all-inside arthroscopic procedure to the open modified Broström operation. Eleven matched pairs of human cadaver specimens [average age 71.5 (range 58-98) years] were subject to the arthroscopic modified Broström operation using a suture anchor and the open modified Broström operation. The ligaments were loaded cyclically 20 times and then tested to failure. Torque to failure, degrees to failure, and stiffness were measured. A matched-pair analysis was performed. There was no significant difference in torque to failure between the open and arthroscopic modified Broström operation (19.9 ± 8.9 vs. 23.3 ± 12.1 Nm, n.s). The degrees to failure did not differ significantly between the open and arthroscopic modified Broström operations (46.8 ± 9.9° vs. 46.7 ± 7.6°, n.s). The working construct stiffness (or stiffness to failure) was no significant difference in the two groups (0.438 ± 0.21 vs. 0.487 ± 0.268 Nm/deg for the open and arthroscopic modified Broström operations, respectively, n.s). The all-inside arthroscopic modified Broström operation and the open modified Broström operation resulted in no significantly different torque to failure, degrees to failure, and working construct stiffness with no significant differences (n.s, n.s, and n.s, respectively). Our results indicate that the arthroscopic modified Broström operation is a reasonable alternative procedure for chronic ankle instability.

A 5-year longitudinal analysis of modifiable predictors for outdoor play and screen-time of 2- to 5-year-olds.

PubMed

Xu, Huilan; Wen, Li Ming; Hardy, Louise L; Rissel, Chris

2016-08-26

Early childhood is a critical time for establishing physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Identifying modifiable predictors of physical activity and sedentary behaviours in the early life stages can inform the development of early intervention programs. The aim of this study was to identify modifiable predictors of outdoor play (a proxy of physical activity) and screen-time in 2- to 5-year-olds. A longitudinal data analysis was conducted using 5-year follow-up data from the Healthy Beginnings Trial undertaken in Sydney, Australia from 2007 to 2013. A total of 667 pregnant women were recruited for the study. Information on mothers' demographics, physical activity, screen-time, knowledge of child development, and awareness of childhood obesity during pregnancy (at baseline); children's tummy time (a colloquial term describing the time when a baby is placed on his or her stomach while awake and supervised) at 6 months old and screen-time at 1 year old was collected via interviews with participating mothers as potential modifiable predictors. Main outcomes were children's outdoor playtime and screen-time at ages 2, 3.5, and 5 years. Mixed linear and logistic regression models were built to determine these modifiable predictors. Mothers' screen-time during pregnancy (β = 2.1, 95 % CI 0.17-4.12; P = 0.030) and children's daily screen-time at age 1 year (β = 15.2, 95 % CI 7.28-23.11; P < 0.0001) predicted children's daily screen-time across ages 2 to 5 years after controlling for confounding factors. Practising tummy time daily (β = 13.4, 95 % CI 1.26-25.52; P = 0.030), mother's physical activity level (β = 3.9, 95 % CI 0.46-7.28; P = 0.026), and having been informed about playing with child at baseline (β = 11.6, 95 % CI 1.56-21.54; P = 0.023) predicted children's outdoor playtime across ages 2 to 5 years. Mothers played an important role in their children's outdoor play and screen-time in the first years of

Safety assessment, detection and traceability, and societal aspects of genetically modified foods. European Network on Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Food Crops (ENTRANSFOOD). Concluding remarks.

PubMed

Kuiper, H A; König, A; Kleter, G A; Hammes, W P; Knudsen, I

2004-07-01

The most important results from the EU-sponsored ENTRANSFOOD Thematic Network project are reviewed, including the design of a detailed step-wise procedure for the risk assessment of foods derived from genetically modified crops based on the latest scientific developments, evaluation of topical risk assessment issues, and the formulation of proposals for improved risk management and public involvement in the risk analysis process. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of Foaming Performance of Bitumen Modified with the Addition of Surface Active Agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chomicz-Kowalska, Anna; Mrugała, Justyna; Maciejewski, Krzysztof

2017-10-01

The article presents the analysis of the performance of foamed bitumen modified using surface active agents. Although, bitumen foaming permits production of asphalt concrete and other asphalt mix types without using chemical additives in significantly reduced temperatures, the decrease in processing temperatures still impacts the adhesion performance and bitumen coating of aggregates in final mixes. Therefore, in some cases it may be feasible to incorporate adhesion promoters and surface active agents into warm and half-warm mixes with foamed bitumen to increase their service life and resilience. Because of the various nature of the available surface active agents, varying bitumen compatibility and their possible impact on the rheological properties of bitumen, the introduction of surface active agents may significantly alter the bitumen foaming performance. The tests included basic performance tests of bitumen before and after foaming. The two tested bitumen were designated as 35/50 and 50/70 penetration grade binders, which were modified with a surface active agent widely used for improving mixture workability, compactibility and adhesion in a wide range of asphalt mixes and techniques, specifically Warm Mix Asphalt. Alongside to the reference unmodified bitumen, binders with 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% surface active agent concentration were tested. The analysis has shown a positive influence of the modifier on the foaming performance of both of the base bitumen increasing their maximum expansion ratio and bitumen foam halflife. In the investigations, it was found that the improvement was dependent on the bitumen type and modifier content. The improved expansion ratio and foam half-life has a positive impact on the aggregate coating and adhesion, which together with the adhesion promoting action of the modifier will have a combined positive effect on the quality of produced final asphalt mixes.

Relative Contribution of Genetic and Non-genetic Modifiers to Intestinal Obstruction in Cystic Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Blackman, Scott M.; Deering-Brose, Rebecca; McWilliams, Rita; Naughton, Kathleen; Coleman, Barbara; Lai, Teresa; Algire, Marilyn; Beck, Suzanne; Hoover-Fong, Julie; Hamosh, Ada; Fallin, M. Daniele; West, Kristen; Arking, Dan E.; Chakravarti, Aravinda; Cutler, David J.; Cutting, Garry R

2006-01-01

Background & Aims Neonatal intestinal obstruction (meconium ileus or MI) occurs in 15% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Our aim was to determine the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic modifiers to the development of this major complication of CF. Methods Using clinical data and DNA collected by the CF Twin and Sibling Study, 65 monozygous twin pairs, 23 dizygous twin/triplet sets, and 349 sets of siblings with CF were analyzed for MI status, significant covariates, and genome-wide linkage. Results Specific mutations in CFTR, the gene responsible for CF, correlated with MI indicating a role for CFTR genotype. Monozygous twins showed substantially greater concordance for MI than dizygous twins and siblings (p=1×10−5) demonstrating that modifier genes independent of CFTR contribute substantially to this trait. Regression analysis revealed that MI was correlated with distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS; p=8×10−4). Unlike MI, concordance analysis indicated that the risk for development of DIOS in CF patients is primarily due to non-genetic factors. Regions of suggestive linkage (logarithm of the odds of linkage >2.0) for modifier genes that cause MI (chromosomes 4q35.1, 8p23.1, and 11q25) or protect from MI (chromosomes 20p11.22 and 21q22.3) were identified by genome-wide analyses. These analyses did not support the existence of a major modifier gene within the CFM1 region on chromosome 19 that had previously been linked to MI. Conclusions The CFTR gene along with two or more modifier genes are the major determinants of intestinal obstruction in newborn CF patients, while intestinal obstruction in older CF patients is primarily due to non-genetic factors. PMID:17030173

Modified acyl-ACP desaturase

DOEpatents

Cahoon, E.B.; Shanklin, J.; Lindgvist, Y.; Schneider, G.

1998-01-06

Disclosed is a method for modifying the chain length and double bond positional specificities of a soluble plant fatty acid desaturase. More specifically, the method involves modifying amino acid contact residues in the substrate binding channel of the soluble fatty acid desaturase which contact the fatty acid. Specifically disclosed is the modification of an acyl-ACP desaturase. Amino acid contact residues which lie within the substrate binding channel are identified, and subsequently replaced with different residues to effect the modification of activity. 1 fig.

Modified Acyl-ACP desaturase

DOEpatents

Cahoon, E.B.; Shanklin, J.; Lindqvist, Y.; Schneider, G.

1999-03-30

Disclosed is a method for modifying the chain length and double bond positional specificities of a soluble plant fatty acid desaturase. More specifically, the method involves modifying amino acid contact residues in the substrate binding channel of the soluble fatty acid desaturase which contact the fatty acid. Specifically disclosed is the modification of an acyl-ACP desaturase. Amino acid contact residues which lie within the substrate binding channel are identified, and subsequently replaced with different residues to effect the modification of activity. 2 figs.

Characterization of electron-beam-modified surface coated clay fillers and their influence on physical properties of rubbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ray, Sudip; Bhowmick, Anil K.; Sarma, K. S. S.; Majali, A. B.; Tikku, V. K.

2002-12-01

A novel process of surface modification of clay filler has been developed by coating this with an acrylate monomer, trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) or a silane coupling agent, triethoxy vinyl silane (TEVS) followed by electron beam irradiation. Characterization of these surface modified fillers has been carried out by Fourier-transform infrared analysis (FTIR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), wettability by dynamic wicking method measuring the rise of a liquid through a filler-packed capillary tube and water flotation test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Presence of the acrylate and the silane coupling agent on the modified fillers has been confirmed from FTIR, ESCA, and EDX studies, which has also been supported by TGA studies. The contact angle measurement by dynamic wicking method suggests improvement in hydrophobicity of the treated fillers, which is supported by water flotation test especially in the case of silanized clay. However, XRD studies demonstrate that the entire modification process does not affect the bulk properties of the fillers. Finally, both unmodified and modified clay fillers have been incorporated in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile rubber (NBR). Rheometric and mechanical properties reveal that there is a definite improvement using these modified fillers specially in the case of silanized clay compared to the control sample, probably due to successful enhancement in interaction between the treated clay and the base polymer.

A modified symplectic PRK scheme for seismic wave modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shaolin; Yang, Dinghui; Ma, Jian

2017-02-01

A new scheme for the temporal discretization of the seismic wave equation is constructed based on symplectic geometric theory and a modified strategy. The ordinary differential equation in terms of time, which is obtained after spatial discretization via the spectral-element method, is transformed into a Hamiltonian system. A symplectic partitioned Runge-Kutta (PRK) scheme is used to solve the Hamiltonian system. A term related to the multiplication of the spatial discretization operator with the seismic wave velocity vector is added into the symplectic PRK scheme to create a modified symplectic PRK scheme. The symplectic coefficients of the new scheme are determined via Taylor series expansion. The positive coefficients of the scheme indicate that its long-term computational capability is more powerful than that of conventional symplectic schemes. An exhaustive theoretical analysis reveals that the new scheme is highly stable and has low numerical dispersion. The results of three numerical experiments demonstrate the high efficiency of this method for seismic wave modeling.

Compositional analysis of genetically modified corn events (NK603, MON88017×MON810 and MON89034×MON88017) compared to conventional corn.

PubMed

Rayan, Ahmed M; Abbott, Louise C

2015-06-01

Compositional analysis of genetically modified (GM) crops continues to be an important part of the overall evaluation in the safety assessment for these materials. The present study was designed to detect the genetic modifications and investigate the compositional analysis of GM corn containing traits of multiple genes (NK603, MON88017×MON810 and MON89034×MON88017) compared with non-GM corn. Values for most biochemical components assessed for the GM corn samples were similar to those of the non-GM control or were within the literature range. Significant increases were observed in protein, fat, fiber and fatty acids of the GM corn samples. The observed increases may be due to the synergistic effect of new traits introduced into corn varieties. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE analysis showed high similarity among the protein fractions of the investigated corn samples. These data indicate that GM corn samples were compositionally equivalent to, and as nutritious as, non-GM corn. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a Modified Korean East Asian Student Stress Inventory by Comparing Stress Levels in Medical Students with Those in Non-Medical Students.

PubMed

Shin, Hee Kon; Kang, Seok Hoon; Lim, Sun-Hye; Yang, Jeong Hee; Chae, Sunguk

2016-01-01

Medical students are usually under more stress than that experienced by non-medical students. Stress testing tools for Korean medical students have not been sufficiently studied. Thus, we adapted and modified the East Asian Student Stress Inventory (EASSI), a stress testing tool for Korean students studying abroad, and verified its usefulness as a stress test in Korean university students. We also compared and analyzed stress levels between medical and non-medical students. A questionnaire survey was conducted on medical and non-medical students of a national university, and the responses of 224 students were analyzed for this study. Factor analysis and reliability testing were performed based on data collected for 25 adapted EASSI questions and those on the Korean version of the Global Assessment of Recent Stress Scale (GARSS). A correlation analysis was performed between the 13 modified EASSI questions and the GARSS, and validity of the modified EASSI was verified by directly comparing stress levels between the two student groups. The 13 questions adapted for the EASSI were called the modified EASSI and classified into four factors through a factor analysis and reliability testing. The Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the modified EASSI and the Korean version of the GARSS, suggesting a complementary strategy of using both tests. The validity and reliability of the EASSI were verified. The modified Korean EASSI could be a useful stress test for Korean medical students. Our results show that medical students were under more stress than that of non-medical students. Thus, these results could be helpful for managing stress in medical students.

Metabolic De-Isotoping for Improved LC-MS Characterization of Modified RNAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetzel, Collin; Li, Siwei; Limbach, Patrick A.

2014-07-01

Mapping, sequencing, and quantifying individual noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs), including post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides, by mass spectrometry is a challenge that often requires rigorous sample preparation prior to analysis. Previously, we have described a simplified method for the comparative analysis of RNA digests (CARD) that is applicable to relatively complex mixtures of ncRNAs. In the CARD approach for transfer RNA (tRNA) analysis, two complete sets of digestion products from total tRNA are compared using the enzymatic incorporation of 16O/18O isotopic labels. This approach allows one to rapidly screen total tRNAs from gene deletion mutants or comparatively sequence total tRNA from two related bacterial organisms. However, data analysis can be challenging because of convoluted mass spectra arising from the natural 13C and 15 N isotopes present in the ribonuclease-digested tRNA samples. Here, we demonstrate that culturing in 12C-enriched/13C-depleted media significantly reduces the isotope patterns that must be interpreted during the CARD experiment. Improvements in data quality yield a 35 % improvement in detection of tRNA digestion products that can be uniquely assigned to particular tRNAs. These mass spectral improvements lead to a significant reduction in data processing attributable to the ease of spectral identification of labeled digestion products and will enable improvements in the relative quantification of modified RNAs by the 16O/18O differential labeling approach.

Evaluation of Thermal Oxidative Aging Effect on the Rheological Performance of Modified Asphalt Binders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Cheng

Modified asphalt binder, which is combined by base binder and additive modifier, has been implemented in pavement industry for more than 30 years. Recently, the oxidative aging mechanism of asphalt binder has been studied for several decades, and appreciable finding results of asphalt binder aging mechanism were achieved from the chemistry and rheological performance aspects. However, most of these studies were conducted with neat binders, the research of aging mechanism of modified asphalt binder was limited. Nowadays, it is still highly necessary to clarify how the asphalt binder aging happens with the modified asphalt binder, what is the effect of the different modifiers (additives) on the binder aging process, how the rheological performance changes under the thermal oxidative aging conditions and so on. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of isothermal oxidative aging conditions on the rheological performance change of the modified and controlled asphalt binders. There were totally 14 different sorts of asphalt binders had been aged in the PAV pans in the air-force drafted ovens at 50°C, 60°C and 85°C for 0.5 day to 240 days. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) were used to perform the experiments. The analysis of rheological indices (Low shear viscosity-LSV, Crossover modulus-G*c, Glover-Rowe Parameter-G-R, DSR function-DSR Fn) as a function of carbonyl area (CA) was conducted. With the SBS modification, both of the hardening susceptibility of the rheological index-LSV and G-R decreases compared with the corresponding base binder. The TR increased the hardening susceptibility of all the rheological indexes. While for the G*c, SBS increases the slope of the most modified asphalt binders except A and B_TR_X series binders. The multiple linear regression statistical analysis results indicate that the oxidative aging conditions play an important role on the CA, and rheological performance

Gait recognition based on Gabor wavelets and modified gait energy image for human identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Deng-Yuan; Lin, Ta-Wei; Hu, Wu-Chih; Cheng, Chih-Hsiang

2013-10-01

This paper proposes a method for recognizing human identity using gait features based on Gabor wavelets and modified gait energy images (GEIs). Identity recognition by gait generally involves gait representation, extraction, and classification. In this work, a modified GEI convolved with an ensemble of Gabor wavelets is proposed as a gait feature. Principal component analysis is then used to project the Gabor-wavelet-based gait features into a lower-dimension feature space for subsequent classification. Finally, support vector machine classifiers based on a radial basis function kernel are trained and utilized to recognize human identity. The major contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) the consideration of the shadow effect to yield a more complete segmentation of gait silhouettes; (2) the utilization of motion estimation to track people when walkers overlap; and (3) the derivation of modified GEIs to extract more useful gait information. Extensive performance evaluation shows a great improvement of recognition accuracy due to the use of shadow removal, motion estimation, and gait representation using the modified GEIs and Gabor wavelets.

Is there a role for modified probiotics as beneficial microbes: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Zorzela, L; Ardestani, S K; McFarland, L V; Vohra, S

2017-10-13

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for the use of modified (heat-killed or sonicated) probiotics for the efficacy and safety to prevent and treat various diseases. Recent clinical research has focused on living strains of probiotics, but use in high-risk patients and potential adverse reactions including bacteremia has focused interest on alternatives to the use of live probiotics. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Alt Health Watch, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, from inception to February 14, 2017 for randomised controlled trials involving modified probiotic strains. The primary outcome was efficacy to prevent or treat disease and the secondary outcome was incidence of adverse events. A total of 40 trials were included (n=3,913): 14 trials (15 arms with modified probiotics and 20 control arms) for the prevention of diseases and 26 trials (29 arms with modified probiotics and 32 control arms) for treatment of various diseases. Modified microbes were compared to either placebo (44%), or the same living probiotic strain (39%) or to only standard therapies (17%). Modified microbes were not significantly more or less effective than the living probiotic in 86% of the preventive trials and 69% of the treatment trials. Modified probiotic strains were significantly more effective in 15% of the treatment trials. Incidence rates of adverse events were similar for modified and living probiotics and other control groups, but many trials did not collect adequate safety data. Although several types of modified probiotics showed significant efficacy over living strains of probiotics, firm conclusions could not be reached due to the limited number of trials using the same type of modified microbe (strain, daily dose and duration) for a specific disease indication. Further research may illuminate other strains of modified probiotics that may have potential as clinical biotherapeutics.

[Adsorption of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) onto modified activated carbons].

PubMed

Tong, Xi-Zhen; Shi, Bao-You; Xie, Yue; Wang, Dong-Sheng

2012-09-01

Modified coal and coconut shell based powdered activated carbons (PACs) were prepared by FeCl3 and medium power microwave treatment, respectively. Batch experiments were carried out to evaluate the characteristics of adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) onto original and modified PACs. Based on pore structure and surface functional groups characterization, the adsorption behaviors of modified and original PACs were compared. The competitive adsorption of humic acid (HA) and PFOS on original and modified coconut shell PACs were also investigated. Results showed that both Fe3+ and medium power microwave treatments changed the pore structure and surface functional groups of coal and coconut shell PACs, but the changing effects were different. The adsorption of PFOS on two modified coconut shell-based PACs was significantly improved. While the adsorption of modified coal-based activated carbons declined. The adsorption kinetics of PFOS onto original and modified coconut shell-based activated carbons were the same, and the time of reaching adsorption equilibrium was about 6 hours. In the presence of HA, the adsorption of PFOS by modified PAC was reduced but still higher than that of the original.

Correlation between mobility assessed by the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index and physical function in stroke patients

PubMed Central

Park, Gi-Tae; Kim, Mihyun

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility assessed by the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index and variables associated with physical function in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred stroke patients (35 males and 65 females; age 58.60 ± 13.91 years) participated in this study. Modified Rivermead Mobility Index, muscle strength (manual muscle test), muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), range of motion of lower extremity, sensory function (light touch and proprioception tests), and coordination (heel to shin and lower-extremity motor coordination tests) were assessed. [Results] The Modified Rivermead Mobility Index was correlated with all the physical function variables assessed, except the degree of knee extension. In addition, stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that coordination (heel to shin test) was the explanatory variable closely associated with mobility in stroke patients. [Conclusion] The Modified Rivermead Mobility Index score was significantly correlated with all the physical function variables. Coordination (heel to shin test) was closely related to mobility function. These results may be useful in developing rehabilitation programs for stroke patients. PMID:27630440

Modified Distribution-Free Goodness-of-Fit Test Statistic.

PubMed

Chun, So Yeon; Browne, Michael W; Shapiro, Alexander

2018-03-01

Covariance structure analysis and its structural equation modeling extensions have become one of the most widely used methodologies in social sciences such as psychology, education, and economics. An important issue in such analysis is to assess the goodness of fit of a model under analysis. One of the most popular test statistics used in covariance structure analysis is the asymptotically distribution-free (ADF) test statistic introduced by Browne (Br J Math Stat Psychol 37:62-83, 1984). The ADF statistic can be used to test models without any specific distribution assumption (e.g., multivariate normal distribution) of the observed data. Despite its advantage, it has been shown in various empirical studies that unless sample sizes are extremely large, this ADF statistic could perform very poorly in practice. In this paper, we provide a theoretical explanation for this phenomenon and further propose a modified test statistic that improves the performance in samples of realistic size. The proposed statistic deals with the possible ill-conditioning of the involved large-scale covariance matrices.

Acid-degradable and bioerodible modified polyhydroxylated materials

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

Frechet, Jean M. J.; Bachelder, Eric M.; Beaudette, Tristan T.

Compositions and methods of making a modified polyhydroxylated polymer comprising a polyhydroxylated polymer having reversibly modified hydroxyl groups, whereby the hydroxyl groups are modified by an acid-catalyzed reaction between a polydroxylated polymer and a reagent such as acetals, aldehydes, vinyl ethers and ketones such that the modified polyhydroxylated polymers become insoluble in water but freely soluble in common organic solvents allowing for the facile preparation of acid-sensitive materials. Materials made from these polymers can be made to degrade in a pH-dependent manner. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic cargoes were successfully loaded into particles made from the present polymers using single andmore » double emulsion techniques, respectively. Due to its ease of preparation, processability, pH-sensitivity, and biocompatibility, of the present modified polyhydroxylated polymers should find use in numerous drug delivery applications.« less

Effect of chemical heterogeneity on photoluminescence of graphite oxide treated with S-/N-containing modifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahim, Amani M.; Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique; Montenegro, José María; Bandosz, Teresa J.

2015-03-01

Graphite oxide (GO) obtained using Hummers method was modified by hydrothermal treatment either with sulfanilic acid or polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate at 100 °C or 85 °C, respectively. Both modifiers contain sulfur in the oxidized forms and nitrogen in the reduced forms. The materials were characterized using FTIR, XPS, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration and SEM. Their photoluminescent properties and their alteration with an addition of Ag+ were also measured. As a result of these modifications nitrogen was introduced to the graphene layers as amines, imides, amides, and sulfur as sulfones and sulfonic acids. Moreover, the presence of polyaniline was detected. This significantly affected the polarity, acid-base character, and conductivity of the materials. Apparently carboxylic groups of GO were involved in the surface reactions. The modified GOs lost their layered structure and the modifications resulted in the high degree of structural and chemical heterogeneity. Photoluminescence in visible light was recorded and linked to the presence of heteroatoms. For the polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate modified sample addition of Ag+ quenched the photoluminescence at low wavelength showing sensitivity as a possible optical detector. No apparent effect was found for the sulfanilic acid modified sample.

Evaluation of early bone response to fluoride-modified and anodically oxidized titanium implants through continuous removal torque analysis.

PubMed

Kwon, Taek-Ka; Lee, Hyo-Jung; Min, Seung-Ki; Yeo, In-Sung

2012-10-01

To compare between a bioactive and a bioinert implant with different geometries by continuous measurement of the removal torque and calculation of the angular momentum of each surfaced implant. Six New Zealand white rabbits were used in the study. Each rabbit received 2 implants. A bioactive fluoride-modified implant with a conical connection and microthread design was inserted into one tibia, and a bioinert anodically oxidized implant with an external connection design was inserted into the other. After 2 weeks of implant insertion, the removal torque values were continuously measured according to time. Using the time-torque curve resulting from the measurements, the maximum values were determined, and the angular momenta were calculated. The anodically oxidized implant had significantly higher peak removal torque and angular momentum values than the fluoride-modified implant (P < 0.05). The impact of the fluoride-modified bioactive implant on early bone response remains unclear. Considering the angular momentum of dental implants may assist in the elucidation of the effect of implant geometry on bone response.

Electrochemical sensor for multiplex screening of genetically modified DNA: identification of biotech crops by logic-based biomolecular analysis.

PubMed

Liao, Wei-Ching; Chuang, Min-Chieh; Ho, Ja-An Annie

2013-12-15

Genetically modified (GM) technique, one of the modern biomolecular engineering technologies, has been deemed as profitable strategy to fight against global starvation. Yet rapid and reliable analytical method is deficient to evaluate the quality and potential risk of such resulting GM products. We herein present a biomolecular analytical system constructed with distinct biochemical activities to expedite the computational detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The computational mechanism provides an alternative to the complex procedures commonly involved in the screening of GMOs. Given that the bioanalytical system is capable of processing promoter, coding and species genes, affirmative interpretations succeed to identify specified GM event in terms of both electrochemical and optical fashions. The biomolecular computational assay exhibits detection capability of genetically modified DNA below sub-nanomolar level and is found interference-free by abundant coexistence of non-GM DNA. This bioanalytical system, furthermore, sophisticates in array fashion operating multiplex screening against variable GM events. Such a biomolecular computational assay and biosensor holds great promise for rapid, cost-effective, and high-fidelity screening of GMO. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modifying Knowledge, Emotions, and Attitudes Regarding Genetically Modified Foods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heddy, Benjamin C.; Danielson, Robert W.; Sinatra, Gale M.; Graham, Jesse

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore whether conceptual change predicted emotional and attitudinal change while learning about genetically modified foods (GMFs). Participants were 322 college students; half read a refutation text designed to shift conceptual knowledge, emotions, and attitudes, while the other half served as a control group.…

Chemical characteristics and volatile profile of genetically modified peanut cultivars.

PubMed

Ng, Ee Chin; Dunford, Nurhan T; Chenault, Kelly

2008-10-01

Genetic engineering has been used to modify peanut cultivars for improving agronomic performance and pest resistance. Food products developed through genetic engineering have to be assessed for their safety before approval for human consumption. Preservation of desirable chemical, flavor and aroma attributes of the peanut cultivars during the genetic modifications is critical for acceptance of genetically modified peanuts (GMP) by the food industry. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine chemical characteristics and volatile profile of GMP. The genetically modified peanut cultivars, 188, 540 and 654 were obtained from the USDA-ARS in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The peanut variety Okrun was examined as a control. The volatile analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) equipped with an olfactory detector. The peanut samples were also analyzed for their moisture, ash, protein, sugar and oil compositions. Experimental results showed that the variations in nutritional composition of peanut lines examined in this study were within the values reported for existing cultivars. There were minor differences in volatile profile among the samples. The implication of this study is significant, since it shows that peanut cultivars with greater pest and fungal resistance were successfully developed without major changes in their chemical characteristics.

Marginal Structural Models with Counterfactual Effect Modifiers.

PubMed

Zheng, Wenjing; Luo, Zhehui; van der Laan, Mark J

2018-06-08

causal inference in mortality studies with sustained exposure periods - application to control of the healthy worker survivor effect. Math Modell. 1986;7:1393-1512.). The comparative performance of these estimators is assessed in a simulation study. The use of the projected TMLE estimator is illustrated in a secondary data analysis for the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial where effect modifiers are subject to missing at random.

Effect of Reprocessing and Accelerated Weathering on Impact-Modified Recycled Blend

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramesh, V.; Mohanty, Smita; Biswal, Manoranjan; Nayak, Sanjay K.

2015-12-01

Recovery of recycled polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-impact polystyrene, and its blends from waste electrical and electronic equipment plastics products properties were enhanced by the addition of virgin polycarbonate and impact modifier. The optimized blend formulation was processed through five cycles, at processing temperature, 220-240 °C and accelerated weathering up to 700 h. Moreover, the effect of reprocessing and accelerated weathering in the physical properties of the modified blends was investigated by mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological studies. The results show that in each reprocessing cycle, the tensile strength and impact strength decreased significantly and the similar behavior has been observed from accelerated weathering. Subsequently, the viscosity decreases and this decrease becomes the effect of thermal and photo-oxidative degradation. This can be correlated with FTIR analysis.

Interfacial Modifiers

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

Martin, Ina; French, Roger H.

Our project objective in the first and only Budget Period was to demonstrate the potential of nm-scale organofunctional silane coatings as a method of extending the lifetime of PV materials and devices. Specifically, the target was to double the lifetime performance of a laminated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) cell under real-world and accelerated aging exposure conditions. Key findings are that modification of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) films (materials used as transparent conductive oxide (TCO) top contacts) resulted in decreased degradation of optical and electrical properties under damp heat (DH) exposure compared to un-modified AZO. The most significant finding is that modification ofmore » the AZO top contact of full CIGS devices resulted in significantly improved properties under DH exposure compared to un-modified devices, by a factor of 4 after 1000 h. Results of this one-year project have demonstrated that surface functionalization is a viable pathway for extending the lifetime of state-of-the-art CIGS devices.« less

A novel polythiophene - ionic liquid modified clay composite solid phase microextraction fiber: Preparation, characterization and application to pesticide analysis.

PubMed

Pelit, Füsun Okçu; Pelit, Levent; Dizdaş, Tuğberk Nail; Aftafa, Can; Ertaş, Hasan; Yalçınkaya, E E; Türkmen, Hayati; Ertaş, F N

2015-02-15

This report comprises the novel usage of polythiophene - ionic liquid modified clay surfaces for solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber production to improve the analysis of pesticides in fruit juice samples. Montmorillonite (Mmt) clay intercalated with ionic liquids (IL) was co-deposited with polythiophene (PTh) polymer coated electrochemically on an SPME fiber. The surface of the fibers were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Operational parameters effecting the extraction efficiency namely; the sample volume and pH, adsorption temperature and time, desorption temperature and time, stirring rate and salt amount were optimized. In order to reveal the major effects, these eight factors were selected and Plackett-Burman Design was constructed. The significant parameters detected; adsorption and temperature along with the stirring rate, were further investigated by Box-Behnken design. Under optimized conditions, calibration graphs were plotted and detection limits were calculated in the range of 0.002-0.667ng mL(-1). Relative standard deviations were no higher than 18%. Overall results have indicated that this novel PTh-IL-Mmt SPME surface developed by the aid of electrochemical deposition could offer a selective and sensitive head space analysis for the selected pesticide residues. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of γ-MPS-Modified HNT-PMMA Nanocomposites by Ultrasound-Assisted Miniemulsion Polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buruga, Kezia; Kalathi, Jagannathan T.

2018-04-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) to improve their interaction with the polymer, and the modified HNTs (MHNTs) were subsequently used for the synthesis of MHNT-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites by miniemulsion polymerization assisted by ultrasound. Reduced agglomeration of HNTs due to modification with γ-MPS was evident from scanning electron microscopy analysis. Modification of HNTs and exfoliation of MHNTs in the polymer nanocomposite were confirmed by the presence of their respective characteristic peaks in Fourier-transform infrared spectra and x-ray diffraction patterns. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed that the surface of the MHNTs differed significantly from that of unmodified HNTs. MHNT-PMMA nanocomposite exhibited significantly higher glass-transition temperature (T g) compared with neat PMMA or unmodified HNT-PMMA nanocomposite. Hence, such modification of HNTs along with miniemulsion polymerization assisted by ultrasound is a promising approach to achieve better dispersion of HNTs in the polymer and to obtain nanocomposites with enhanced properties.

The Modified Femoral Neck-Shaft Angle: Age- and Sex-Dependent Reference Values and Reliability Analysis

PubMed Central

Jostmeier, Janine; Haneder, Stefan; Dargel, Jens; Eysel, Peer; Lechler, Philipp

2016-01-01

Background. The femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is of high importance for the diagnostics and treatment of various conditions of the hip. However, rotational effects limit its precision and applicability using plain radiographs. This study introduces a novel method to measure the femoral NSA: the modified NSA (mNSA), possibly being less susceptible against rotational effects compared to the conventional NSA. Patients and Methods. The method of measurement is described and its applicability was tested in 400 pelvis computed tomography scans (800 hips). Age- and gender-dependent reference values are given and intra- and interrater reliability are analyzed. Results. The mean age of all 400 patients (800 hips) was 54.32 years (18–100, SD 22.05 years). The mean mNSA was 147.0° and the 95% confidence interval was 146.7°–147.4°. Differences of the mNSA between sexes, age groups, and sides were nonsignificant. The absolute difference between NSA and mNSA was 16.3° (range 3–31°; SD 4.4°); the correlation was high (0.738; p < 0.001). Overall, the intra- and interrater reliability were excellent for the mNSA. Interpretation. We introduced a novel concept for the analysis of the neck-shaft angle. The high reliability of the measurement has been proven and its robustness to hip rotation was demonstrated. PMID:28070521

The Modified Femoral Neck-Shaft Angle: Age- and Sex-Dependent Reference Values and Reliability Analysis.

PubMed

Boese, Christoph Kolja; Frink, Michael; Jostmeier, Janine; Haneder, Stefan; Dargel, Jens; Eysel, Peer; Lechler, Philipp

2016-01-01

Background . The femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) is of high importance for the diagnostics and treatment of various conditions of the hip. However, rotational effects limit its precision and applicability using plain radiographs. This study introduces a novel method to measure the femoral NSA: the modified NSA (mNSA), possibly being less susceptible against rotational effects compared to the conventional NSA. Patients and Methods . The method of measurement is described and its applicability was tested in 400 pelvis computed tomography scans (800 hips). Age- and gender-dependent reference values are given and intra- and interrater reliability are analyzed. Results . The mean age of all 400 patients (800 hips) was 54.32 years (18-100, SD 22.05 years). The mean mNSA was 147.0° and the 95% confidence interval was 146.7°-147.4°. Differences of the mNSA between sexes, age groups, and sides were nonsignificant. The absolute difference between NSA and mNSA was 16.3° (range 3-31°; SD 4.4°); the correlation was high (0.738; p < 0.001). Overall, the intra- and interrater reliability were excellent for the mNSA. Interpretation . We introduced a novel concept for the analysis of the neck-shaft angle. The high reliability of the measurement has been proven and its robustness to hip rotation was demonstrated.

An efficient phosphorus scavenging from aqueous solution using magnesiothermally modified bio-calcite.

PubMed

Ahmad, Munir; Ahmad, Mahtab; Usman, Adel R A; Al-Faraj, Abdullah S; Ok, Yong Sik; Hussain, Qaiser; Abduljabbar, Adel S; Al-Wabel, Mohammad I

2018-07-01

Bio-calcite (BC) derived from waste hen eggshell was subjected to thermal treatments (calcined bio-calcite (CBC)). The BC and CBC were further modified via magnesiothermal treatments to produce modified bio-calcite (MBC) and modified calcined bio-calcite (MCBC), respectively, and evaluated as a novel green sorbent for P removal from aqueous solutions in the batch experiments. Modified BC exhibited improved structural and chemical properties, such as porosity, surface area, thermal stability, mineralogy and functional groups, than pristine material. Langmuir and Freundlich models well described the P sorption onto both thermally and magnesiothermally sorbents, respectively, suggesting mono- and multi-layer sorption. Langmuir predicted highest P sorption capacities were in the order of: MCBC (43.33 mg g -1 ) > MBC (35.63 mg g- 1 ) > CBC (34.38 mg g -1 ) > BC (30.68 mg g -1 ). The MBC and MCBC removed 100% P up to 50 mg P L -1 , which reduced to 35.43 and 39.96%, respectively, when P concentration was increased up to 1000 mg L -1 . Dynamics of P sorption was well explained by the pseudo-second-order rate equation, with the highest sorption rate of 4.32 mg g -1  min -1 for the MCBC. Hydroxylapatite [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ] and brushite [CaH(PO 4 )·2H 2 O] were detected after P sorption onto the modified sorbents by X-ray diffraction analysis, suggesting chemisorption as the operating sorption mechanism.

Thermodynamics of RNA duplexes modified with unlocked nucleic acid nucleotides

PubMed Central

Pasternak, Anna; Wengel, Jesper

2010-01-01

Thermodynamics provides insights into the influence of modified nucleotide residues on stability of nucleic acids and is crucial for designing duplexes with given properties. In this article, we introduce detailed thermodynamic analysis of RNA duplexes modified with unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) nucleotide residues. We investigate UNA single substitutions as well as model mismatch and dangling end effects. UNA residues placed in a central position makes RNA duplex structure less favourable by 4.0–6.6 kcal/mol. Slight destabilization, by ∼0.5–1.5 kcal/mol, is observed for 5′- or 3′-terminal UNA residues. Furthermore, thermodynamic effects caused by UNA residues are extremely additive with ΔG°37 conformity up to 98%. Direct mismatches involving UNA residues decrease the thermodynamic stability less than unmodified mismatches in RNA duplexes. Additionally, the presence of UNA residues adjacent to unpaired RNA residues reduces mismatch discrimination. Thermodynamic analysis of UNA 5′- and 3′-dangling ends revealed that stacking interactions of UNA residues are always less favourable than that of RNA residues. Finally, circular dichroism spectra imply no changes in overall A-form structure of UNA–RNA/RNA duplexes relative to the unmodified RNA duplexes. PMID:20562222

Investigation of electrorheological properties of biodegradable modified cellulose/corn oil suspensions.

PubMed

Tilki, Tahir; Yavuz, Mustafa; Karabacak, Ciğdem; Cabuk, Mehmet; Ulutürk, Mehmet

2010-03-30

Considerable scientific and industrial interest is currently being focused on a class of materials known as electrorheological (ER) fluids, which display remarkable rheological behaviour, being able to convert rapidly and repeatedly from a liquid to solid when an electric field (E) is applied or removed. In this study, biodegradable cellulose was modified and converted to their carboxyl salts. Modified cellulose is characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and conductivity measurements. Suspensions of cellulose (C) and modified cellulose (MC) were prepared in insulated corn oil (CO). The effects of electric field strength, shear rate, shear stress, temperature, etc. of these suspensions onto ER activity were determined. Rheological measurements were carried out via a rotational rheometer with a high-voltage generator to investigate the effects of electric field strength and particle concentration on ER performance. The results show that the ER properties are enhanced by increasing the particle concentration and electric field strength. Also the cellulose-based ER fluids exhibit viscoelastic behaviour under an applied electric field due to the chain formation induced by electric polarization between particles. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outcomes of modified formal online debating in graduate nursing education.

PubMed

Vandall-Walker, Virginia; Park, Caroline L; Munich, Kim

2012-06-29

Formal debating is a process for argumentation with a long history of use in classroom settings to promote students' development of skills associated with influencing others. In an online, 14-week, MN nursing course, modified formal debate procedures and rules were used to address contemporary issues in nursing. A qualitative descriptive study of student's reflections about engaging in the debate process was conducted involving 24 of 48 students representing three sections of this course taught by three professors during the 2009-2010 academic year. On analysis, the data revealed five categories of outcomes: 1) Risk Taking; 2) Defence of a Position; 3) Coverage of all Aspects; 4) Skill and Knowledge Transfer; and 5) Critical Thinking. Additionally, factors that influenced each of these outcomes are described. Study findings support the compelling benefits of debating in online learning environments using a format modified for use online.

The use of lysozyme modified with fluorescein for the detection of Gram-positive bacteria.

PubMed

Arabski, Michał; Konieczna, Iwona; Tusińska, Ewa; Wąsik, Sławomir; Relich, Inga; Zając, Krzysztof; Kamiński, Zbigniew J; Kaca, Wiesław

2015-01-01

Lysozyme (1,4-β-N-acetylmuramidase) is commonly applied in the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, we tested a novel application of fluorescein-modified lysozyme (using carboxyfluorescein with a triazine-based coupling reagent) as a new tool for the detection of Gram-positive soil bacteria. The results, obtained by cultivation methods, fluorescence analysis, and laser interferometry, showed that, after optimization, fluorescein-modified lysozyme could be used to evaluate the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria essential in bioremediation of soils with low pH, such as those degraded by sulfur. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Inverse scattering transform and soliton classification of the coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jianping; Geng, Xianguo

2017-12-01

The inverse scattering transform of the coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries equation is studied by the Riemann-Hilbert approach. In the direct scattering process, the spectral analysis of the Lax pair is performed, from which a Riemann-Hilbert problem is established for the equation. In the inverse scattering process, by solving Riemann-Hilbert problems corresponding to the reflectionless cases, three types of multi-soliton solutions are obtained. The multi-soliton classification is based on the zero structures of the Riemann-Hilbert problem. In addition, some figures are given to illustrate the soliton characteristics of the coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries equation.

Cytotoxic effects of resin-modified orthodontic band adhesives. Are they safe?

PubMed

Malkoc, Siddik; Corekci, Bayram; Botsali, Hayriye Esra; Yalçin, Muhammet; Sengun, Abdülkadir

2010-09-01

To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of three different resin-modified orthodontic band adhesives. Three resin-modified orthodontic band adhesives (Bisco Ortho Band Paste LC, Multi-Cure Glass Ionomer Band Cement, and Transbond Plus Light Cure Band Adhesive) were prepared and the samples were extracted in 3 mL of Basal Medium Eagle with 10% newborn calf serum for 24 hours. The L929 cells were plated (25,000 cells/mL) in wells of 96-well dishes and maintained in a humidified incubator for 24 hours at 37 degrees C, 5% CO(2), and 95% air. After 24-hour incubation of the cells, the incubation medium was replaced by the immersed medium in which the samples were stored. Then L929 cells were incubated in contact with eluates for 24 hours. The cell mitochondrial activity was evaluated by the methyltetrazolium test. Twelve wells were used for each specimen, and methyltetrazolium tests were applied two times. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey Honestly Significantly Different tests. Results with L929 fibroblasts demonstrated that all freshly prepared resin-modified orthodontic band adhesive materials reduced vital cell numbers (P > .05), in comparison to the control group. Our data demonstrate that all materials showed significant cytotoxicity compared to the control group. The results indicate that all materials showed significant cytotoxicity compared to the control group, and further studies using different test methods are needed for all resin-modified orthodontic band adhesives.

How biological background assumptions influence scientific risk evaluation of stacked genetically modified plants: an analysis of research hypotheses and argumentations.

PubMed

Rocca, Elena; Andersen, Fredrik

2017-08-14

Scientific risk evaluations are constructed by specific evidence, value judgements and biological background assumptions. The latter are the framework-setting suppositions we apply in order to understand some new phenomenon. That background assumptions co-determine choice of methodology, data interpretation, and choice of relevant evidence is an uncontroversial claim in modern basic science. Furthermore, it is commonly accepted that, unless explicated, disagreements in background assumptions can lead to misunderstanding as well as miscommunication. Here, we extend the discussion on background assumptions from basic science to the debate over genetically modified (GM) plants risk assessment. In this realm, while the different political, social and economic values are often mentioned, the identity and role of background assumptions at play are rarely examined. We use an example from the debate over risk assessment of stacked genetically modified plants (GM stacks), obtained by applying conventional breeding techniques to GM plants. There are two main regulatory practices of GM stacks: (i) regulate as conventional hybrids and (ii) regulate as new GM plants. We analyzed eight papers representative of these positions and found that, in all cases, additional premises are needed to reach the stated conclusions. We suggest that these premises play the role of biological background assumptions and argue that the most effective way toward a unified framework for risk analysis and regulation of GM stacks is by explicating and examining the biological background assumptions of each position. Once explicated, it is possible to either evaluate which background assumptions best reflect contemporary biological knowledge, or to apply Douglas' 'inductive risk' argument.

A modified siphon sampler for shallow water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diehl, Timothy H.

2008-01-01

A modified siphon sampler (or 'single-stage sampler') was developed to sample shallow water at closely spaced vertical intervals. The modified design uses horizontal rather than vertical sample bottles. Previous siphon samplers are limited to water about 20 centimeters (cm) or more in depth; the modified design can sample water 10 cm deep. Several mounting options were used to deploy the modified siphon sampler in shallow bedrock streams of Middle Tennessee, while minimizing alteration of the stream bed. Sampling characteristics and limitations of the modified design are similar to those of the original design. Testing showed that the modified sampler collects unbiased samples of suspended silt and clay. Similarity of the intake to the original siphon sampler suggests that the modified sampler would probably take downward-biased samples of suspended sand. Like other siphon samplers, it does not sample isokinetically, and the efficiency of sand sampling can be expected to change with flow velocity. The sampler needs to be located in the main flow of the stream, and is subject to damage from rapid flow and floating debris. Water traps were added to the air vents to detect the flow of water through the sampler, which can cause a strong upward bias in sampled suspended-sediment concentration. Water did flow through the sampler, in some cases even when the top of the air vent remained above water. Air vents need to be extended well above maximum water level to prevent flow through the sampler.

Allosteric regulation of epigenetic modifying enzymes.

PubMed

Zucconi, Beth E; Cole, Philip A

2017-08-01

Epigenetic enzymes including histone modifying enzymes are key regulators of gene expression in normal and disease processes. Many drug development strategies to target histone modifying enzymes have focused on ligands that bind to enzyme active sites, but allosteric pockets offer potentially attractive opportunities for therapeutic development. Recent biochemical studies have revealed roles for small molecule and peptide ligands binding outside of the active sites in modulating the catalytic activities of histone modifying enzymes. Here we highlight several examples of allosteric regulation of epigenetic enzymes and discuss the biological significance of these findings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemically modified graphite for electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Greinke, R.A.; Lewis, I.C.

1998-05-26

This invention relates to chemically modified graphite particles: (a) that are useful in alkali metal-containing electrode of a electrochemical cell comprising: (1) the electrode, (2) a non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprising an organic aprotic solvent which solvent tends to decompose when the electrochemical cell is in use, and an electrically conductive salt of an alkali metal, and (3) a counter electrode; and (b) that are chemically modified with fluorine, chlorine, iodine or phosphorus to reduce such decomposition. This invention also relates to electrodes comprising such chemically modified graphite and a binder and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes. 3 figs.

Chemically modified graphite for electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Greinke, Ronald Alfred; Lewis, Irwin Charles

1998-01-01

This invention relates to chemically modified graphite particles: (a) that are useful in alkali metal-containing electrode of a electrochemical cell comprising: (i) the electrode, (ii) a non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprising an organic aprotic solvent which solvent tends to decompose when the electrochemical cell is in use, and an electrically conductive salt of an alkali metal, and (iii) a counterelectrode; and (b) that are chemically modified with fluorine, chlorine, iodine or phosphorus to reduce such decomposition. This invention also relates to electrodes comprising such chemically modified graphite and a binder and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes.

Sensitivity and specificity of modified 100-g oral glucose tolerance tests for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Hansarikit, Jarunee; Manotaya, Saknan

2011-05-01

To study the sensitivity and specificity of the modified 100-g oral glucose tolerance test for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Medical records of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, who underwent a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during March 2004 to September 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Three modified criteria were proposed for diagnosis of GDM. The screening efficacy of the modified criteria were assessed, using the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criterion as gold standard. A total of 729 records were reviewed, 511 were included for analysis. Using the NDDG criterion as the gold standard, the modified II criterion has the highest sensitivity of 96.8%, and the highest accuracy of 90.8%. The modified II criterion can detect the same proportion of maternal and neonatal complications, compared to the NDDG criterion. The modified II criterion, using the fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour plasma glucose measurements, showed high sensitivity and accuracy, with moderate specificity for diagnosis of GDM. Its potential use as an alternative to standard 100-g OGTT should be evaluated in the prospective study.

Analysis of trace contamination of phthalate esters in ultrapure water using a modified solid-phase extraction procedure and automated thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Hsu-Chuan; Den, Walter; Chan, Shu-Fei; Kin, Kuan Tzu

2008-04-25

The present study was aimed to develop a procedure modified from the conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for the analysis of trace concentration of phthalate esters in industrial ultrapure water (UPW). The proposed procedure allows UPW sample to be drawn through a sampling tube containing hydrophobic sorbent (Tenax TA) to concentrate the aqueous phthalate esters. The solid trap was then demoisturized by two-stage gas drying before subjecting to thermal desorption and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This process removes the solvent extraction procedure necessary for the conventional SPE method, and permits automation of the analytical procedure for high-volume analyses. Several important parameters, including desorption temperature and duration, packing quantity and demoisturizing procedure, were optimized in this study based on the analytical sensitivity for a standard mixture containing five different phthalate esters. The method detection limits for the five phthalate esters were between 36 ng l(-1) and 95 ng l(-1) and recovery rates between 15% and 101%. Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) was not recovered adequately because the compound was both poorly adsorbed and desorbed on and off Tenax TA sorbents. Furthermore, analyses of material leaching from poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) tubes as well as the actual water samples showed that di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the common contaminants detected from PVC contaminated UPW and the actual UPW, as well as in tap water. The reduction of DEHP in the production processes of actual UPW was clearly observed, however a DEHP concentration of 0.20 microg l(-1) at the point of use was still being quantified, suggesting that the contamination of phthalate esters could present a barrier to the future cleanliness requirement of UPW. The work demonstrated that the proposed modified SPE procedure provided an effective method for rapid analysis and contamination

CYP2C9 Genotypes Modify Benzodiazepine-Related Fall Risk: Original Results From Three Studies With Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Ham, Annelies C; Ziere, Gijsbertus; Broer, Linda; Swart, Karin M A; Enneman, Anke W; van Dijk, Suzanne C; van Wijngaarden, Janneke P; van der Zwaluw, Nikita L; Brouwer-Brolsma, Elske M; Dhonukshe-Rutten, Rosalie A M; van Schoor, Natasja M; Zillikens, M Carola; van Gelder, Teun; de Vries, Oscar J; Lips, Paul; Deeg, Dorly J H; de Groot, Lisette C P G M; Hofman, Albert; Witkamp, Renger F; Uitterlinden, André G; Stricker, Bruno H; van der Velde, Nathalie

2017-01-01

To investigate whether the CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants modify benzodiazepine-related fall risk. Three prospective studies; the Rotterdam Study, B-PROOF, and LASA. Community-dwelling individuals living in or near five Dutch cities. There were 11,485 participants aged ≥55 years. Fall incidents were recorded prospectively. Benzodiazepine use was determined using pharmacy dispensing records or interviews. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age and sex were applied to determine the association between benzodiazepine use and fall risk stratified for CYP2C9 genotype and comparing benzodiazepine users to nonusers. The results of the three studies were combined applying meta-analysis. Within benzodiazepine users, the association between genotypes and fall risk was also assessed. Three thousand seven hundred five participants (32%) encountered a fall during 91,996 follow-up years, and 4% to 15% (depending on the study population) used benzodiazepines. CYP2C9 variants had frequencies of 13% for the *2 allele and 6% for the *3 allele. Compared to nonusers, current benzodiazepine use was associated with an 18% to 36% increased fall risk across studies with a combined hazard ratio (HR) = 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13; 1.40). CYP2C9*2 or *3 allele variants modified benzodiazepine-related fall risk. Compared to nonusers, those carrying a CYP2C9*2 or *3 allele and using benzodiazepines had a 45% increased fall risk (HR, 1.45 95% CI, 1.21; 1.73), whereas CYP2C9*1 homozygotes using benzodiazepines had no increased fall risk (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.90; 1.45). Within benzodiazepine users, having a CYP2C9*2 or *3 allele was associated with an increased fall risk (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06; 1.72). Additionally, we observed an allele dose effect; heterozygous allele carriers had a fall risk of (HR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05; 1.61), and homozygous allele carriers of (HR = 1.91 95% CI, 1.23; 2.96). CYP2C9*2 and *3 allele variants modify benzodiazepine-related fall risk. Those

[Modified Misgav-Labach at a tertiary hospital].

PubMed

Martínez Ceccopieri, David Alejandro; Barrios Prieto, Ernesto; Martínez Ríos, David

2012-08-01

According to several studies from around the globe, the modified Misgav Ladach technique simplifies the surgical procedure for cesarean section, reduces operation time, costs, and complications, and optimizes obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Compare obstetric outcomes between patients operated on using traditional cesarean section technique and those operated on using modified Misgav Ladach technique. The study included 49 patients operated on using traditional cesarean section technique and 47 patients operated on using modified Misgav Ladach technique to compare the outcomes in both surgical techniques. The modified Misgav Ladach technique was associated with more benefits than those of the traditional technique: less surgical bleeding, less operation time, less analgesic total doses, less rescue analgesic doses and less need of more than one analgesic drug. The modified Misgav Ladach surgical technique was associated with better obstetric results than those of the traditional surgical technique; this concurs with the results reported by other national and international studies.

Modified LaRC(TM)-IA Polyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Terry L.; Chang, Alice C.; Hou, Tan H.; Working, Dennis C.

1994-01-01

Modified versions of thermoplastic polyimide LaRC(TM)-IA incorporate various amounts of additional, rigid moieties into backbones of LaRC(TM)-IA molecules. Modified versions more resistant to solvents and exhibit higher glass-transition temperatures, yet retain melt-flow processability of unmodified LaRC(TM)-IA.

Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors Are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in a Taiwanese Population.

PubMed

Lin, Kuei-Man; Chiou, Jeng-Yuan; Ko, Shu-Hua; Tan, Jung-Ying; Huang, Chien-Ning; Liao, Wen-Chun

2015-11-01

To explore associations between metabolic syndrome and modifiable lifestyle behaviors among the adult population in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample that participated in the 2005-2008 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. The sample (2,337 participants older than 19 years) provided data on demographic characteristics, modifiable lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and blood chemistry panel. These data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome had a prevalence of 25.2%, and this prevalence increased with age. In univariate regression analysis, metabolic syndrome was associated with age, living with family members, educational level, and modifiable lifestyle behaviors (smoking, drinking, betel quid chewing, and physical activity). Individuals with a smoking history and currently chewing betel quid had the highest risk for metabolic syndrome. The risk for metabolic syndrome might be reduced by public health campaigns to encourage people to quit smoking cigarettes and chewing betel quid. Implementing more modifiable lifestyle behaviors in daily life will decrease metabolic syndrome in Taiwan. Considering that betel quid chewing and tobacco smoking interact to adversely affect metabolic syndrome risk, public health campaigns against both behaviors seem to be a cost-effective and efficient health promotion strategy to reduce the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome. © 2015 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Results of the flight noise measurement program using a standard and modified SH-3A helicopter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pegg, R. J.; Henderson, H. R.; Hilton, D. A.

1973-01-01

A field noise measurement program has been conducted using both a standard SH-3A helicopter and an SH-3A helicopter modified to reduce external noise levels. Modifications included reducing rotor speed, increasing the number of rotor blades, modifying the blade-tip shapes, and acoustically treating the engine air intakes and exhaust. The purpose of this study was to document the noise characteristics recorded on the ground of each helicopter during flyby, hover, landing, and take-off operations. Based on an analysis of the measured results, the average of the overhead, overall, ontrack noise levels was approximately 4 db lower for the modified helicopter than for the standard helicopter. The improved in-flight noise characteristics, and associated small footprint areas and time durations, were judged to be mainly due to tail-rotor noise reductions. The noise reductions were obtained at the expense of required power increases at airspeeds greater than 70 knots for the modified helicopter.

Automation of flow injection gas diffusion-ion chromatography for the nanomolar determination of methylamines and ammonia in seawater and atmospheric samples

PubMed Central

Gibb, Stuart W.; Wood, John W.; Fauzi, R.; Mantoura, C.

1995-01-01

The automation and improved design and performance of Flow Injection Gas Diffusion-Ion Chromatography (FIGD-IC), a novel technique for the simultaneous analysis of trace ammonia (NH3) and methylamines (MAs) in aqueous media, is presented. Automated Flow Injection Gas Diffusion (FIGD) promotes the selective transmembrane diffusion of MAs and NH3 from aqueous sample under strongly alkaline (pH > 12, NaOH), chelated (EDTA) conditions into a recycled acidic acceptor stream. The acceptor is then injected onto an ion chromatograph where NH3 and the MAs are fully resolved as their cations and detected conductimetrically. A versatile PC interfaced control unit and data capture unit (DCU) are employed in series to direct the selonoid valve switching sequence, IC operation and collection of data. Automation, together with other modifications improved both linearily (R2 > 0.99 MAs 0-100 nM, NH3 0-1000 nM) and precision (<8%) of FIGD-IC at nanomolar concentrations, compared with the manual procedure. The system was successfully applied to the determination of MAs and NH3 in seawater and in trapped particulate and gaseous atmospheric samples during an oceanographic research cruise. PMID:18925047

Numerical analysis of soliton solutions of the modified Korteweg-de Vries-sine-Gordon equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, S. P.

2015-03-01

Multisoliton solutions of the modified Korteweg-de Vries-sine-Gordon equation (mKdV-SG) are found numerically by applying the quasi-spectral Fourier method and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The accuracy and features of the approach are determined as applied to problems with initial data in the form of various combinations of perturbed soliton distributions. Three-soliton solutions are obtained, and the generation of kinks, breathers, wobblers, perturbed kinks, and nonlinear oscillatory waves is studied.

A modified approach combining FNEA and watershed algorithms for segmenting remotely-sensed optical images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Likun

2018-01-01

In the field of remote sensing image processing, remote sensing image segmentation is a preliminary step for later analysis of remote sensing image processing and semi-auto human interpretation, fully-automatic machine recognition and learning. Since 2000, a technique of object-oriented remote sensing image processing method and its basic thought prevails. The core of the approach is Fractal Net Evolution Approach (FNEA) multi-scale segmentation algorithm. The paper is intent on the research and improvement of the algorithm, which analyzes present segmentation algorithms and selects optimum watershed algorithm as an initialization. Meanwhile, the algorithm is modified by modifying an area parameter, and then combining area parameter with a heterogeneous parameter further. After that, several experiments is carried on to prove the modified FNEA algorithm, compared with traditional pixel-based method (FCM algorithm based on neighborhood information) and combination of FNEA and watershed, has a better segmentation result.

Modifying Tests for Students with Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Douglas K.

Modifying standardized tests for students with disabilities is a complex issue. Tests should be modified only when alternative measures do not exist. Testing professionals should always be cognizant of the fact that whenever modifications are made, normative interpretations must be made very cautiously. In addition, the accommodations that were…

Modified Faraday cup

DOEpatents

Elmer, J.W.; Teruya, A.T.; O`Brien, D.W.

1996-09-10

A tomographic technique for measuring the current density distribution in electron beams using electron beam profile data acquired from a modified Faraday cup to create an image of the current density in high and low power beams is disclosed. The modified Faraday cup includes a narrow slit and is rotated by a stepper motor and can be moved in the x, y and z directions. The beam is swept across the slit perpendicular thereto and controlled by deflection coils, and the slit rotated such that waveforms are taken every few degrees from 0{degree} to 360{degree} and the waveforms are recorded by a digitizing storage oscilloscope. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the current density distribution in the beam can be reconstructed by computer tomography from this information, providing quantitative information about the beam focus and alignment. 12 figs.

Modified Faraday cup

DOEpatents

Elmer, John W.; Teruya, Alan T.; O'Brien, Dennis W.

1996-01-01

A tomographic technique for measuring the current density distribution in electron beams using electron beam profile data acquired from a modified Faraday cup to create an image of the current density in high and low power beams. The modified Faraday cup includes a narrow slit and is rotated by a stepper motor and can be moved in the x, y and z directions. The beam is swept across the slit perpendicular thereto and controlled by deflection coils, and the slit rotated such that waveforms are taken every few degrees form 0.degree. to 360.degree. and the waveforms are recorded by a digitizing storage oscilloscope. Two-din-tensional and three-dimensional images of the current density distribution in the beam can be reconstructed by computer tomography from this information, providing quantitative information about the beam focus and alignment.

Adsorption properties of Silochrom chemically modified with nickel acetylacetonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakhnutova, Evgeniya; Slizhov, Yuriy

2017-11-01

One of the areas of development of gas chromatography is the creation of new chromatographic materials that have improved sorption and analytical characteristics. In this work, for the first time, a new sorbent based on Silochrom C-120 modified with nickel acetylacetonate was studied using a complex of physico-chemical methods. It has been established that due to chemical modification of silica gel surface with nickel acetylacetonate the surface area of the specific surface decreases from 112 to 98 m2/g and surface acidity diminishes by 1.2 pH units. Using the thermogravimetric analysis it has been revealed that the obtained sorbent can be used in gas chromatography up to 290°C. Gas chromatography method was used to investigate the adsorption properties of the modified materials. According to the retention data of adsorbates: n-alkanes (C6-C9), benzene, ethanol, nitropropane and butanone-2 the differential molar adsorption energy q¯dif, 1, Henry adsorption constants K1,C, the differential molar entropy ΔS¯S1 and Δ q¯dif, 1 (special) of adsorbates in dispersion and specific interactions were calculated. The influence of the modifying additive on the changings in the thermodynamic retention characteristics of all sorbates because of the manifestation of specific sorbate-sorbent interactions has been shown. The highest values of the thermodynamic parameters were indicative for sorbates forming hydrogen bonds and capable of donor-acceptor interaction.

Role of original and modified Frey's procedures in chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Tan, Chun-Lu; Zhang, Hao; Yang, Min; Li, Shao-Jun; Liu, Xu-Bao; Li, Ke-Zhou

2016-12-21

To retrospectively review patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) treated with Frey's procedures between January 2009 and January 2014. A retrospective review was performed of patients with CP treated with Frey's procedures between January 2009 and January 2014 in the Department of Pancreatic Surgery. A cross-sectional study of postoperative pain relief, quality of life (QoL), and alcohol and nicotine abuse was performed by clinical interview, letters and telephone interview in January 2016. QoL of patients was evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) version 3.0. The patients were requested to fill in the questionnaires by themselves via correspondence or clinical interview. A total of 80 patients were enrolled for analysis, including 44 who underwent the original Frey's procedure and 36 who underwent a modified Frey's procedure. The mean age was 46 years in the original group and 48 years in the modified group. Thirty-five male patients (80%) were in the original group and 33 (92%) in the modified group. There were no differences in the operating time, blood loss, and postoperative morbidity and mortality between the two groups. The mean follow-up was 50.3 mo in the original group and 48.7 mo in the modified group. There were no differences in endocrine and exocrine function preservation between the two groups. The original Frey's procedure resulted in significantly better pain relief, as shown by 5-year follow-up ( P = 0.032), better emotional status ( P = 0.047) and fewer fatigue symptoms ( P = 0.028). When stratifying these patients by the M-ANNHEIM severity index, no impact was found on pain relief after the two types of surgery. The original Frey's procedure is as safe as the modified procedure, but the former yields better pain relief. The severity of CP does not affect postoperative pain relief.

The modified iron avidity index: a promising phenotypic predictor in HFE-related haemochromatosis.

PubMed

Verhaegh, Pauline L M; Moris, Wenke; Koek, Ger H; van Deursen, Cees Th B M

2016-10-01

Phenotypes of the HFE-related haemochromatosis vary considerably, making it hard to predict the course of iron accumulation. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if the Iron Avidity Index (IAI) is a good phenotypic predictor of the number of phlebotomies needed per year during maintenance treatment (NPDMT) in patients with homozygous p.C282Y hereditary haemochromatosis (HH). Patients with HH homozygous for p.C282Y, on maintenance treatment for at least 1 year were included. The IAI (ferritin level at diagnosis/age at diagnosis) was calculated. Ninety-five patients were included in the analysis. Linear regression analysis showed the confounding effect of sex on the relationship between IAI and NPDMT. A modified IAI, adjusted for sex, was calculated. As proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was independently associated with NPDMT, the group was split in PPI- and non-PPI-users. A positive correlation between the modified IAI and the NPDMT was shown in both groups (PPI r = 0.367, P = 0.023; non-PPI r = 0.453, P < 0.001). An ROC was computed to measure the accuracy of the modified IAI to predict who needed 0-2 vs. ≥3 maintenance treatments per year. The AUROC in the PPI and non-PPI group were respectively 0.576 (0.368-0.784) and 0.752 (0.606-0.899). The modified IAI is a fairly good predictor in non-PPI-using homozygous C282Y HH patients, to differentiate who needs ≥3 maintenance phlebotomies per year. Therefore, this index might help to select patients that benefit from an alternative less frequent therapy, e.g. erythrocytapheresis. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Preparation of Novel Hydrolyzing Urethane Modified Thiol-Ene Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-25

EtO EtO EtO Si EtO OEt OEt O OEt Si OEt OEt OEt HO HOEt H H O H H H Si OEt EtO EtO ... EtO H H SiO H H OEt OEt OEt H Polymers 2011, 3 1851 Thiol-ene “click” chemistry, as a means to form polymer networks...Table 3. Analysis of kinetic rates for fluorine modified systems. Sample name a Zero order k r2 First order k r2 Higuchi KH r2

A mathematical approach for the simultaneous in vitro spectrophotometric analysis of rifampicin and isoniazid from modified-release anti-TB drug delivery systems.

PubMed

du Toit, Lisa; Pillay, Viness; Choonara, Yahya

2010-01-01

Dissolution testing with subsequent analysis is considered as an imperative tool for quality evaluation of the combination rifampicin-isoniazid (RIF-INH) combination. Partial least squares (PLS) regression has been successfully undertaken to select suitable predictor variables and to identify outliers for the generation of equations for RIF and INH determination in fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). The aim of this investigation was to ascertain the applicability of the described technique in testing a novel oral FDC anti-TB drug delivery system and currently available two-drug FDCs, in comparison to the United States Pharmacopeial method for analysis of RIF and INH Capsules with chromatographic determination of INH and colorimetric RIF determination. Regression equations generated employing the statistical coefficients satisfactorily predicted RIF release at each sampling point (R(2)>or=0.9350). There was an acceptable degree of correlation between the drug release data, as predicted by regressional analysis of UV spectrophotometric data, and chromatographic and colorimetric determination of INH (R(2)=0.9793 and R(2)=0.9739) and RIF (R(2)= 0.9976 and R(2)=0.9996) for the two-drug FDC and the novel oral anti-TB drug delivery system, respectively. Regressional analysis of UV spectrophotometric data for simultaneous RIF and INH prediction thus provides a simplified methodology for use in diverse research settings for the assurance of RIF bioavailability from FDC formulations, specifically modified-release forms.

40 CFR 721.5908 - Modified phenolic resin (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified phenolic resin (generic). 721... Substances § 721.5908 Modified phenolic resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as modified phenolic resin (PMN P...

40 CFR 721.5905 - Modified phenolic resin (generic).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Modified phenolic resin (generic). 721... Substances § 721.5905 Modified phenolic resin (generic). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified generically as a modified phenolic resin (PMN...

Modified first-order Hořava-Lifshitz gravity: Hamiltonian analysis of the general theory and accelerating FRW cosmology in a power-law F(R) model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carloni, Sante; Chaichian, Masud; Nojiri, Shin'Ichi; Odintsov, Sergei D.; Oksanen, Markku; Tureanu, Anca

2010-09-01

We propose the most general modified first-order Hořava-Lifshitz gravity, whose action does not contain time derivatives higher than the second order. The Hamiltonian structure of this theory is studied in all the details in the case of the spatially-flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) space-time, demonstrating many of the features of the general theory. It is shown that, with some plausible assumptions, including the projectability of the lapse function, this model is consistent. As a large class of such theories, the modified Hořava-Lifshitz F(R) gravity is introduced. The study of its ultraviolet properties shows that its z=3 version seems to be renormalizable in the same way as the original Hořava-Lifshitz proposal. The Hamiltonian analysis of the modified Hořava-Lifshitz F(R) gravity shows that it is in general a consistent theory. The F(R) gravity action is also studied in the fixed-gauge form, where the appearance of a scalar field is particularly illustrative. Then the spatially-flat FRW cosmology for this F(R) gravity is investigated. It is shown that a special choice of parameters for this theory leads to the same equations of motion as in the case of traditional F(R) gravity. Nevertheless, the cosmological structure of the modified Hořava-Lifshitz F(R) gravity turns out to be much richer than for its traditional counterpart. The emergence of multiple de Sitter solutions indicates the possibility of unification of early-time inflation with late-time acceleration within the same model. Power-law F(R) theories are also investigated in detail. It is analytically shown that they have a quite rich cosmological structure: early-/late-time cosmic acceleration of quintessence, as well as of phantom types. Also it is demonstrated that all the four known types of finite-time future singularities may occur in the power-law Hořava-Lifshitz F(R) gravity. Finally, a covariant proposal for (renormalizable) F(R) gravity within the Hořava-Lifshitz spirit is

Detection and Site Localization of Phosphorylcholine-Modified Peptides by NanoLC-ESI-MS/MS Using Precursor Ion Scanning and Multiple Reaction Monitoring Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timm, Thomas; Lenz, Christof; Merkel, Dietrich; Sadiffo, Christian; Grabitzki, Julia; Klein, Jochen; Lochnit, Guenter

2015-03-01

Phosphorylcholine (PC)-modified biomolecules like lipopolysaccharides, glycosphingolipids, and (glyco)proteins are widespread, highly relevant antigens of parasites, since this small hapten shows potent immunomodulatory capacity, which allows the establishment of long-lasting infections of the host. Especially for PC-modified proteins, structural data is rare because of the zwitterionic nature of the PC substituent, resulting in low sensitivities and unusual but characteristic fragmentation patterns. We have developed a targeted mass spectrometric approach using hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap (QTRAP) mass spectrometry coupled to nanoflow chromatography for the sensitive detection of PC-modified peptides from complex proteolytic digests, and the localization of the PC-modification within the peptide backbone. In a first step, proteolytic digests are screened using precursor ion scanning for the marker ions of choline ( m/z 104.1) and phosphorylcholine ( m/z 184.1) to establish the presence of PC-modified peptides. Potential PC-modified precursors are then subjected to a second analysis using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-triggered product ion spectra for the identification and site localization of the modified peptides. The approach was first established using synthetic PC-modified synthetic peptides and PC-modified model digests. Following the optimization of key parameters, we then successfully applied the method to the detection of PC-peptides in the background of a proteolytic digest of a whole proteome. This methodological invention will greatly facilitate the detection of PC-substituted biomolecules and their structural analysis.

Quantitative analysis of modified proteins and their positional isomers by tandem mass spectrometry: human histone H4.

PubMed

Pesavento, James J; Mizzen, Craig A; Kelleher, Neil L

2006-07-01

Here we show that fragment ion abundances from dissociation of ions created from mixtures of multiply modified histone H4 (11 kDa) or of N-terminal synthetic peptides (2 kDa) correspond to their respective intact ion abundances measured by Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Isomeric mixtures of modified forms of the same protein are resolved and quantitated with a precision of

Modifier locus mapping of a transgenic F2 mouse population identifies CCDC115 as a novel aggressive prostate cancer modifier gene in humans.

PubMed

Winter, Jean M; Curry, Natasha L; Gildea, Derek M; Williams, Kendra A; Lee, Minnkyong; Hu, Ying; Crawford, Nigel P S

2018-06-11

It is well known that development of prostate cancer (PC) can be attributed to somatic mutations of the genome, acquired within proto-oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes. What is less well understood is how germline variation contributes to disease aggressiveness in PC patients. To map germline modifiers of aggressive neuroendocrine PC, we generated a genetically diverse F2 intercross population using the transgenic TRAMP mouse model and the wild-derived WSB/EiJ (WSB) strain. The relevance of germline modifiers of aggressive PC identified in these mice was extensively correlated in human PC datasets and functionally validated in cell lines. Aggressive PC traits were quantified in a population of 30 week old (TRAMP x WSB) F2 mice (n = 307). Correlation of germline genotype with aggressive disease phenotype revealed seven modifier loci that were significantly associated with aggressive disease. RNA-seq were analyzed using cis-eQTL and trait correlation analyses to identify candidate genes within each of these loci. Analysis of 92 (TRAMP x WSB) F2 prostates revealed 25 candidate genes that harbored both a significant cis-eQTL and mRNA expression correlations with an aggressive PC trait. We further delineated these candidate genes based on their clinical relevance, by interrogating human PC GWAS and PC tumor gene expression datasets. We identified four genes (CCDC115, DNAJC10, RNF149, and STYXL1), which encompassed all of the following characteristics: 1) one or more germline variants associated with aggressive PC traits; 2) differential mRNA levels associated with aggressive PC traits; and 3) differential mRNA expression between normal and tumor tissue. Functional validation studies of these four genes using the human LNCaP prostate adenocarcinoma cell line revealed ectopic overexpression of CCDC115 can significantly impede cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, CCDC115 human prostate tumor expression was associated with better survival

Experimental Study on Influence of Trap Parameters on Dielectric Characteristics of Nano-Modified Insulation Pressboard

PubMed Central

Chen, Qingguo; Liu, Heqian; Chi, Minghe; Wang, Yonghong; Wei, Xinlao

2017-01-01

In order to study the influence of trap parameters on dielectric characteristics of nano-modified pressboards, pressboards were made using the nano doping method with different nanoparticle components. The dielectric characteristics of the modified pressboards were measured, and the trap parameters were investigated using the thermally stimulated current (TSC) method. The test results indicated that the conductivity initially declined and then rose with the increase of nano-Al2O3 content, whereas it solely rose with the increase of nano-SiC content. Moreover, the conductivity exhibited nonlinear characteristics with the enhancement of electric field stress at high nanoparticle content. The relative permittivity of modified pressboard declines initially and then rises with the increase of nanoparticle content. In addition, the breakdown strength of modified pressboards exhibited a pattern of incline followed by decline with the increase of nano-Al2O3 content, while it always declined with the increase of nano-SiC content. The analysis based on the energy band theory on trap parameters of the constructed multi-core model concludes that the nanoparticle components added in pressboard altered both the depth and density of traps. It is therefore concluded that trap parameters have significant influence on the dielectric characteristics of nano-modified insulation pressboard. PMID:28772448

Experimental Study on Influence of Trap Parameters on Dielectric Characteristics of Nano-Modified Insulation Pressboard.

PubMed

Chen, Qingguo; Liu, Heqian; Chi, Minghe; Wang, Yonghong; Wei, Xinlao

2017-01-22

In order to study the influence of trap parameters on dielectric characteristics of nano-modified pressboards, pressboards were made using the nano doping method with different nanoparticle components. The dielectric characteristics of the modified pressboards were measured, and the trap parameters were investigated using the thermally stimulated current (TSC) method. The test results indicated that the conductivity initially declined and then rose with the increase of nano-Al₂O₃ content, whereas it solely rose with the increase of nano-SiC content. Moreover, the conductivity exhibited nonlinear characteristics with the enhancement of electric field stress at high nanoparticle content. The relative permittivity of modified pressboard declines initially and then rises with the increase of nanoparticle content. In addition, the breakdown strength of modified pressboards exhibited a pattern of incline followed by decline with the increase of nano-Al₂O₃ content, while it always declined with the increase of nano-SiC content. The analysis based on the energy band theory on trap parameters of the constructed multi-core model concludes that the nanoparticle components added in pressboard altered both the depth and density of traps. It is therefore concluded that trap parameters have significant influence on the dielectric characteristics of nano-modified insulation pressboard.

Electrosorption of a modified electrode in the vicinity of phase transition: A Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavilán Arriazu, E. M.; Pinto, O. A.

2018-03-01

We present a Monte Carlo study for the electrosorption of an electroactive species on a modified electrode. The surface of the electrode is modified by the irreversible adsorption of a non-electroactive species which is able to block a percentage of the adsorption sites. This generates an electrode with variable connectivity sites. A second species, electroactive in this case, is adsorbed in surface vacancies and can interact repulsively with itself. In particular, we are interested in the analysis of the effect of the non-electroactive species near of critical regime, where the c(2 × 2) structure is formed. Lattice-gas models and Monte Carlo simulations in the Gran Canonical Ensemble are used. The analysis conducted is based on the study of voltammograms, order parameters, isotherms, configurational entropy per site, at several values of energies and coverage degrees of the non-electroactive species.

Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Behavior of Modified HKUST-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Lan; Tang, Huamin; Zhou, Chaohua; Zhang, Hongpeng; Yan, Chunxiao; Hu, Xiaochun; Yang, Yang; Yang, Weiwei; Li, Yuming; He, Dehua

2014-12-01

A kind of typical metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material, HKUST-1 was prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD and SEM. The results of characterizations manifested that HKUST-1 showed a regular octahedral crystal structure. The as-prepared HKUST-1 was modified by several kinds of organic base materials and the CO2 adsorption behaviors of modified HKUST-1 materials were evaluated. The CO2 adsorption capacities of different base modified HKUST-1 varied with the base intensity of modified organic base materials.

Constraints on modified gravity models from white dwarfs

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

Banerjee, Srimanta; Singh, Tejinder P.; Shankar, Swapnil, E-mail: srimanta.banerjee@tifr.res.in, E-mail: swapnil.shankar@cbs.ac.in, E-mail: tpsingh@tifr.res.in

Modified gravity theories can introduce modifications to the Poisson equation in the Newtonian limit. As a result, we expect to see interesting features of these modifications inside stellar objects. White dwarf stars are one of the most well studied stars in stellar astrophysics. We explore the effect of modified gravity theories inside white dwarfs. We derive the modified stellar structure equations and solve them to study the mass-radius relationships for various modified gravity theories. We also constrain the parameter space of these theories from observations.

Postoperative evaluation of palatoplasty using the modified Kaplan method.

PubMed

Isago, Tsukasa; Nozaki, Motohiro; Honda, Takashi; Kikuchi, Yuji

2005-01-01

Bilateral buccal mucosal flaps were used for a pushback operation of the nasal mucosa as well as the oral mucosa. Two flaps from the buccal mucosal areas were inserted into the nasal mucosal raw surface at the hard and soft palatal border to achieve nasal mucosal pushback. Forty-four children with cleft palates were retrospectively studied to investigate the velopharyngeal function, articulation, and craniofacial morphology following primary palatoplasty using the modified Kaplan method. 72.7% showed good velopharyngeal function. Articulation disorders were found in 26 of the 44 subjects (59.1%). A craniofacial morphological analysis revealed no major changes in the SNA (sella-nasion point A angle) and SNB (sella-nasion point B angle) and no cases of a marked loss of maxillary mandibular balance. In addition, no significant differences were observed in the maxillary length and width. The results of these palatoplasties by the modified Kaplan method indicated that the use of bilateral buccal mucosal flaps for the pushback of the nasal mucosa was effective in preventing the contraction of the maxillary and mandibular corpal lengths.

Reusable conductimetric array of interdigitated microelectrodes for the readout of low-density microarrays.

PubMed

Mallén, Maria; Díaz-González, María; Bonilla, Diana; Salvador, Juan P; Marco, María P; Baldi, Antoni; Fernández-Sánchez, César

2014-06-17

Low-density protein microarrays are emerging tools in diagnostics whose deployment could be primarily limited by the cost of fluorescence detection schemes. This paper describes an electrical readout system of microarrays comprising an array of gold interdigitated microelectrodes and an array of polydimethylsiloxane microwells, which enabled multiplexed detection of up to thirty six biological events on the same substrate. Similarly to fluorescent readout counterparts, the microarray can be developed on disposable glass slide substrates. However, unlike them, the presented approach is compact and requires a simple and inexpensive instrumentation. The system makes use of urease labeled affinity reagents for developing the microarrays and is based on detection of conductivity changes taking place when ionic species are generated in solution due to the catalytic hydrolysis of urea. The use of a polydimethylsiloxane microwell array facilitates the positioning of the measurement solution on every spot of the microarray. Also, it ensures the liquid tightness and isolation from the surrounding ones during the microarray readout process, thereby avoiding evaporation and chemical cross-talk effects that were shown to affect the sensitivity and reliability of the system. The performance of the system is demonstrated by carrying out the readout of a microarray for boldenone anabolic androgenic steroid hormone. Analytical results are comparable to those obtained by fluorescent scanner detection approaches. The estimated detection limit is 4.0 ng mL(-1), this being below the threshold value set by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the European Community. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of a rapid conductimetric test for the measurement of wine tartaric stability.

PubMed

Bosso, Antonella; Motta, Silvia; Petrozziello, Maurizio; Guaita, Massimo; Asproudi, Andriani; Panero, Loretta

2016-12-01

This work was aimed at optimizing a rapid and reproducible conductivity test for the evaluation of wine tartaric stability, in order to improve the practices for the prevention of tartaric precipitations during bottle aging. The test consists in measuring the drop of conductivity in wines kept under stirring for a fixed time, at low temperature, after the addition of micronized potassium bitartrate crystals (KHT). An experimental design was planned to study three factors affecting the test: temperature, duration and dose of added potassium bitartrate. A standard protocol was defined to produce a micronized potassium bitartrate starting from available commercial products, since the dimensions of the crystals can affect the final conductivity values. After the choice of the best conditions the method was validated. Two different stability thresholds were defined for white wines and for red/rosé wines by comparing the results of the mini-contact test with those of the cold test. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bulk-modified modified screen-printing carbon electrodes with both lactate oxidase (LOD) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) for the determination of L-lactate in flow injection analysis mode.

PubMed

Ghamouss, Fouad; Ledru, Sophie; Ruillé, Nadine; Lantier, Françoise; Boujtita, Mohammed

2006-06-16

A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with both HRP and LOD (SPCE-HRP/LOD) has been developed for the determination of L-lactate concentration in real samples. The resulting SPCE-HRP/LOD was prepared in a one-step procedure, and was then optimised as an amperometric biosensor operating at [0, -100]mV versus Ag/AgCl for L-lactate determination in flow injection mode. A significant improvement in the reproducibility (coefficient variation of about 10%) of the preparation of the biosensors was obtained when graphite powder was modified with LOD in the presence of HRP previously oxidised by periodate ion (IO4-). Optimisation studies were performed by examining the effects of LOD loading, periodation step and rate of the binder on analytical performances of SPCE-HRP/LOD. The sensitivity of the optimised SPCE-HRP/LOD to L-lactate was 0.84 nAL micromol(-1) in a detection range between 10 and 180 microMol. The possibility of using the developed biosensor to determine L-lactate concentrations in various dairy products was also evaluated.

Negotiation of intracellular membrane barriers by TAT-modified gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Krpetić, Zeljka; Saleemi, Samia; Prior, Ian A; Sée, Violaine; Qureshi, Rumana; Brust, Mathias

2011-06-28

This paper contributes to the debate on how nanosized objects negotiate membrane barriers inside biological cells. The uptake of peptide-modified gold nanoparticles by HeLa cells has been quantified using atomic emission spectroscopy. The TAT peptide from the HIV virus was singled out as a particularly effective promoter of cellular uptake. The evolution of the intracellular distribution of TAT-modified gold nanoparticles with time has been studied in detail by TEM and systematic image analysis. An unusual trend of particles disappearing from the cytosol and the nucleus and accumulating massively in vesicular bodies was observed. Subsequent release of the particles, both by membrane rupture and by direct transfer across the membrane boundary, was frequently found. Ultimately, near total clearing of particles from the cells occurred. This work provides support for the hypothesis that cell-penetrating peptides can enable small objects to negotiate membrane barriers also in the absence of dedicated transport mechanisms.

Modified Light Duty AM2 Capability Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

The Modified Light -Duty AM2 matting was designed specifically for lightweight, remote-piloted aircraft (RPA) applications. An in- depth study was... Ratio (CBR) of 6. To understand the full potential of the Modified Light -Duty AM2, a full- scale evaluation was performed with contingency C-17 and...stir welding for use in fabrication of the lightweight RPA matting in conjunction with a full- scale test on the Modified Light -Duty AM2 matting system

Analysis of the gutta-percha filled area in C-shaped mandibular molars obturated with a modified MicroSeal technique.

PubMed

Ordinola-Zapata, R; Bramante, C M; de Moraes, I G; Bernardineli, N; Garcia, R B; Gutmann, J L

2009-03-01

To analyse the gutta-percha filled area of C-shaped molar teeth root filled with the modified MicroSeal technique with reference to the radiographic features and the C-shaped canal configuration. Twenty-three mandibular second molar teeth with C-shaped roots were classified according to their radiographic features as: type I--merging, type II--symmetrical and type III--asymmetrical. The canals were root filled using a modified technique of the MicroSeal system. Horizontal sections at intervals of 600 mum were made 1 mm from the apex to the subpulpal floor level. The percentage of gutta-percha area from the apical, middle and coronal levels of the radiographic types was analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Complementary analysis of the C-shaped canal configurations (C1, C2 and C3) determined from cross-sections from the apical third was performed in a similar way. No significant differences were found between the radiographic types in terms of the percentage of gutta-percha area at any level (P > 0.05): apical third, type I: 77.04%, II: 70.48% and III: 77.13%, middle third, type I: 95.72%, II: 93.17%, III: 91.13% and coronal level, type I: 98.30%, II: 98.25%, III: 97.14%. Overall, the percentage of the filling material was lower in the apical third (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the C-shaped canal configurations apically; C1: 72.64%, C2: 79.62%, C3: 73.51% (P > 0.05). The percentage of area filled with gutta-percha was similar in the three radiographic types and canal configuration categories of C-shaped molars. These results show the difficulty of achieving predictable filling of the root canal system when this anatomical variation exists. In general, the apical third was less completely filled.

States' Accommodations Policies and Development of Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Achievement Standards: A Discriminant Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazarus, Sheryl S.; Cormier, Damien C.; Thurlow, Martha L.

2011-01-01

The characteristics of a state's accommodations policy may affect a state's decision about whether to develop an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards (AA-MAS). A very restrictive accommodations policy may make it more difficult for some students to participate in the state's regular assessment used for accountability…

Comparative evaluation of canal isthmus debridement efficacy of modified EndoVac technique with different irrigation systems.

PubMed

Thomas, Anchu Rachel; Velmurugan, Natanasabapathy; Smita, Surendran; Jothilatha, Sundaramurthy

2014-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the canal isthmus debridement efficacy of a new modified EndoVac (Discus Dental, Culver City, CA) irrigation protocol in comparison with EndoVac, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional needle irrigation in mesial roots of mandibular molars. The mesial roots of 64 extracted mandibular molars mounted in resin using Kuttler's endodontic cube, sectioned at 2 and 4 mm from the working length, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 16): group 1: Max-I-Probe (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, York, PA), group 2: EndoVac (EVI), group 3: modified EndoVac, and group 4: PUI. The specimens were reassembled and instrumented. A standard irrigation protocol was used during cleaning and shaping and final irrigation with the 4 irrigation/agitation techniques. Images of the isthmus region were taken before and after cleaning and shaping and after final irrigation. The percentage reduction of debris in the isthmus region was calculated by using the software program Image J (v1.43; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). Intergroup analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Intragroup analysis was performed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Intragroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the percentage reduction of debris after cleaning and shaping and after final irrigation protocol in all the groups (P < .001). The final irrigation protocol produced significantly cleaner canal isthmuses in all the groups (P < .001). On intergroup analysis, the modified EVI group performed significantly better than the other groups. The EVI and PUI groups performed better than the Max-I-Probe group. There was no statistical significance between the EVI and PUI groups. Canal isthmuses were significantly cleaner with the modified EndoVac irrigation technique when compared with the cleanliness seen with the other irrigation systems

Estimation of kinetics parameters for the adsorption of human serum albumin onto hydroxyapatite-modified silver electrodes by piezoelectric quartz crystal impedance analysis.

PubMed

Tian, Lu; Wei, Wan-Zhi; Mao, You-An

2004-04-01

The adsorption of human serum albumin onto hydroxyapatite-modified silver electrodes has been in situ investigated by utilizing the piezoelectric quartz crystal impedance technique. The changes of equivalent circuit parameters were used to interpret the adsorption process. A kinetic model of two consecutive steps was derived to describe the process and compared with a first-order kinetic model by using residual analysis. The experimental data of frequency shift fitted to the model and kinetics parameters, k1, k2, psi1, psi2 and qr, were obtained. All fitted results were in reasonable agreement with the corresponding experimental results. Two adsorption constants (7.19 kJ mol(-1) and 22.89 kJ mol(-1)) were calculated according to the Arrhenius formula.

General pulsed-field gradient signal attenuation expression based on a fractional integral modified-Bloch equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Guoxing

2018-10-01

Anomalous diffusion has been investigated in many polymer and biological systems. The analysis of PFG anomalous diffusion relies on the ability to obtain the signal attenuation expression. However, the general analytical PFG signal attenuation expression based on the fractional derivative has not been previously reported. Additionally, the reported modified-Bloch equations for PFG anomalous diffusion in the literature yielded different results due to their different forms. Here, a new integral type modified-Bloch equation based on the fractional derivative for PFG anomalous diffusion is proposed, which is significantly different from the conventional differential type modified-Bloch equation. The merit of the integral type modified-Bloch equation is that the original properties of the contributions from linear or nonlinear processes remain unchanged at the instant of the combination. From the modified-Bloch equation, the general solutions are derived, which includes the finite gradient pulse width (FGPW) effect. The numerical evaluation of these PFG signal attenuation expressions can be obtained either by the Adomian decomposition, or a direct integration method that is fast and practicable. The theoretical results agree with the continuous-time random walk (CTRW) simulations performed in this paper. Additionally, the relaxation effect in PFG anomalous diffusion is found to be different from that in PFG normal diffusion. The new modified-Bloch equations and their solutions provide a fundamental tool to analyze PFG anomalous diffusion in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Modified Epoxy Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilwee, W. J.

1984-01-01

The properties of a rubber-modified experimental epoxy resin and a standard epoxy as composite matrices were studied. In addition, a brominated epoxy resin was used in varying quantities to improve the fire resistance of the composite. The experimental resin was tris-(hydroxyphenyl)methane triglycidyl ether, known as tris epoxy novolac (TEN). The standard epoxy resin used was tetraglycidyl 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM). The above resins were modified with carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber. It is concluded that: (1) modification of TEN resin with bromine gives better impact resistance than rubber modification alone; (2) 25% rubber addition is necessary to obtain significant improvement in impact resistance; (3) impact resistance increases with bromine content; (4) impact velocity does not significantly affect the energy absorbed by the test sample; (5) Tg did not decline with rubber modification; and (6) TEN resin had better hot/wet properties than TGDDM resin.

Tip rhinoplasty--a modified delivery approach.

PubMed

Xavier, Rui

2009-06-01

For many cases of tip surgery a delivery approach is selected. If the patient has long alar cartilages, it may be difficult to deliver the cartilages without twisting or tearing the domes. In such a patient, a modified delivery approach may be easier to perform. For the modified delivery approach a transcartilaginous incision is first made and cephalic resection of the alar cartilage is performed. Then a marginal incision is made, and the remaining alar cartilage is dissected and easily delivered. After both alar cartilages being delivered, they are compared, and, if necessary, further resection is done in order to achieve perfect symmetry or to achieve the desired size of the cartilages. The cartilages may then be grafted, sutured or modified as considered necessary. We have been using the modified delivery approach for the last five years and we have had no complications of the technique itself. Two patients operated on by using this approach are presented. We believe that, in patients with long alar cartilages and a wide nasal tip, this modification turns the delivery approach into an easier and safer approach.

Effects of different surface modifying agents on the cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of ZnO nanoparticles.

PubMed

Esparza-González, S C; Sánchez-Valdés, S; Ramírez-Barrón, S N; Loera-Arias, M J; Bernal, J; Meléndez-Ortiz, H Iván; Betancourt-Galindo, R

2016-12-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have received considerable attention in the medical field because of their antibacterial properties, primarily for killing and reducing the activity of numerous microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surface-modified ZnO NPs exhibit different properties compared with unmodified ZnO. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of modified ZnO NPs as well as their effects on inflammatory cytokine production were evaluated. ZnO NPs were prepared using a wet chemical method. Then, the surfaces of these NPs were modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as modifying agents via a chemical hydrolysis method. According to infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), the structure of the ZnO remained unchanged after modification. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that APTES modification is more effective at inducing an antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria than against Gram-positive bacteria. Cytotoxicity studies showed that cell viability was dose-dependent; moreover, pristine and APTES-modified ZnO exhibited low cytotoxicity, whereas DMSO-modified ZnO exhibited toxicity even at a low NP concentration. An investigation of inflammatory cytokine production demonstrated that the extent of stimulation was related to the ZnO NP concentration but not to the surface modification, except for IFN-γ and IL-10, which were not detected even at high NP concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of mercury ions using L-cysteine modified electrodes by anodic stripping voltammetric method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanitha, M.; Balasubramanian, N.; Joni, I. Made; Panatarani, Camellia

2018-02-01

The detection of contaminants in wastewater is of massive importance in today's situation as they pose a serious threat to the environment as well as humans. One such vital contaminants is mercury and its compound, the reported mercury detectors grieve from low sensitivity, high cost and slow response. In the present work graphene based electrode material is developed for sensing mercury contaminants in wastewater using electrochemical technique. The synthesized material graphene oxide (GO) modified with L-Cysteine in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as capping agent was characterized using SEM, TEM and Raman Spectroscopic analysis. It is ascertained from the morphological characterization that the nanocomposite exhibits a spherical morphology. The L-cysteine modified graphene oxide electrode is electrochemically characterized using redox couple [Fe(CN)63-/4-] and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis. Electrochemical sensing of Hg (II) ions in solution was done using Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The incorporation of graphene significantly increases the sensitivity and selectivity towards mercury sensing.

The parametric modified limited penetrable visibility graph for constructing complex networks from time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiuming; Sun, Mei; Gao, Cuixia; Han, Dun; Wang, Minggang

2018-02-01

This paper presents the parametric modified limited penetrable visibility graph (PMLPVG) algorithm for constructing complex networks from time series. We modify the penetrable visibility criterion of limited penetrable visibility graph (LPVG) in order to improve the rationality of the original penetrable visibility and preserve the dynamic characteristics of the time series. The addition of view angle provides a new approach to characterize the dynamic structure of the time series that is invisible in the previous algorithm. The reliability of the PMLPVG algorithm is verified by applying it to three types of artificial data as well as the actual data of natural gas prices in different regions. The empirical results indicate that PMLPVG algorithm can distinguish the different time series from each other. Meanwhile, the analysis results of natural gas prices data using PMLPVG are consistent with the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). The results imply that the PMLPVG algorithm may be a reasonable and significant tool for identifying various time series in different fields.

Analysis of spacecraft data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

A software program for the production and analysis of data from the Dynamics Explorer-A (DE-A) satellite was maintained and modified and new software initiated. A capability was developed to process DE-A plasma-wave instrument mission analysis files on the Tektronic 4027 color CRT, for which two programs were written. The algorithm for the calibration lookup table for the plasma-wave instrument data was modified and verified, and a production program to generate color FR-80 spectrograms was written.

Field test method to determine presence and quantity of modifiers in liquid asphalt - follow-up data analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

In an earlier study under the contract grant number BDV25-977-06, two portable Fourier transform infrared spectrometer : (FTIR) were evaluated for their ability to quickly detect and/or quantify the presence of polymer modifiers, including styrene : ...

Generation of genetically modified mice using CRISPR/Cas9 and haploid embryonic stem cell systems

PubMed Central

JIN, Li-Fang; LI, Jin-Song

2016-01-01

With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology in the post-genomic era, researchers have concentrated their efforts on elucidating the relationships between genes and their corresponding functions. Recently, important progress has been achieved in the generation of genetically modified mice based on CRISPR/Cas9 and haploid embryonic stem cell (haESC) approaches, which provide new platforms for gene function analysis, human disease modeling, and gene therapy. Here, we review the CRISPR/Cas9 and haESC technology for the generation of genetically modified mice and discuss the key challenges in the application of these approaches. PMID:27469251

Genetic Modifiers of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Café-au-Lait Macule Count Identified Using Multi-platform Analysis

PubMed Central

Pemov, Alexander; Sung, Heejong; Hyland, Paula L.; Sloan, Jennifer L.; Ruppert, Sarah L.; Baldwin, Andrea M.; Boland, Joseph F.; Bass, Sara E.; Lee, Hyo Jung; Jones, Kristine M.; Zhang, Xijun; Mullikin, James C.; Widemann, Brigitte C.; Wilson, Alexander F.; Stewart, Douglas R.

2014-01-01

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant, monogenic disorder of dysregulated neurocutaneous tissue growth. Pleiotropy, variable expressivity and few NF1 genotype-phenotype correlates limit clinical prognostication in NF1. Phenotype complexity in NF1 is hypothesized to derive in part from genetic modifiers unlinked to the NF1 locus. In this study, we hypothesized that normal variation in germline gene expression confers risk for certain phenotypes in NF1. In a set of 79 individuals with NF1, we examined the association between gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines with NF1-associated phenotypes and sequenced select genes with significant phenotype/expression correlations. In a discovery cohort of 89 self-reported European-Americans with NF1 we examined the association between germline sequence variants of these genes with café-au-lait macule (CALM) count, a tractable, tumor-like phenotype in NF1. Two correlated, common SNPs (rs4660761 and rs7161) between DPH2 and ATP6V0B were significantly associated with the CALM count. Analysis with tiled regression also identified SNP rs4660761 as significantly associated with CALM count. SNP rs1800934 and 12 rare variants in the mismatch repair gene MSH6 were also associated with CALM count. Both SNPs rs7161 and rs4660761 (DPH2 and ATP6V0B) were highly significant in a mega-analysis in a combined cohort of 180 self-reported European-Americans; SNP rs1800934 (MSH6) was near-significant in a meta-analysis assuming dominant effect of the minor allele. SNP rs4660761 is predicted to regulate ATP6V0B, a gene associated with melanosome biology. Individuals with homozygous mutations in MSH6 can develop an NF1-like phenotype, including multiple CALMs. Through a multi-platform approach, we identified variants that influence NF1 CALM count. PMID:25329635

Modified madigan prostatectomy: a procedure preserved prostatic urethra intact.

PubMed

Lu, Jun; Ye, Zhangqun; Hu, Weilie

2005-01-01

A total of 92 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were subjected to modified Madigan prostatectomy (MPC) for a much satisfactory effect in open prostatectomy surgery. Exposing anterior prostatic urethra near the bladder neck and conjunct cystotomy modified the MPC procedure. This modified procedure preserved prostatic urethra intact and could also deal with intracystic lesions at the same time. The intact of prostatic urethra was kept completely or largely in 86 cases. The amount of blood loss during modified procedure was less. The mean operative time was 105 min. Seventy patients had been followed up for 3-24 months. The postoperative average Qmax was 19. 2 ml/s. The cystourethrography revealed that the urethra and bladder neck were intact in 10 patients postoperatively. Furthermore, the prostatic urethra was obviously wider after modified MPC. The modified MPC can reduce the occurrence of urethra injury and enlarge the MPC indications. The modified technique is easy to perform with less complications and much satisfactory clinical result.

Modifying Cookbook Labs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Robert, L.; Clough, Michael P.; Berg, Craig A.

2000-01-01

Modifies an extended lab activity from a cookbook approach for determining the percent mass of water in copper sulfate pentahydrate crystals to one which incorporates students' prior knowledge, engenders active mental struggling with prior knowledge and new experiences, and encourages metacognition. (Contains 12 references.) (ASK)

High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry for the analysis of modified bases in DNA: 7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine, the major ethylene oxide-DNA adduct.

PubMed

Leclercq, L; Laurent, C; De Pauw, E

1997-05-15

A method was developed for the analysis of 7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine (7HEG), the major DNA adduct formed after exposure to ethylene oxide (EO). The method is based on DNA neutral thermal hydrolysis, adduct micro-concentration, and final characterization and quantification by HPLC coupled to single-ion monitoring electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC/SIR-ESMS). The method was found to be selective, sensitive, and easy to handle with no need for enzymatic digestion or previous sample derivatization. Detection limit was found to be close to 1 fmol of adduct injected (10(-10) M), thus allowing the detection of approximately three modified bases on 10(8) intact nucleotides in blood sample analysis. Quantification results are shown for 7HEG after calf thymus DNA and blood exposure to various doses of EO, in both cases obtaining clear dose-response relationships.

Substitution of modified starch with hydrogen peroxide-modified rice bran in salad dressing formulation: physicochemical, texture, rheological and sensory properties.

PubMed

Maani, Bahareh; Alimi, Mazdak; Shokoohi, Shirin; Fazeli, Fatemeh

2017-06-01

Rice bran samples were treated under different conditions including hydrogen peroxide content (1, 4, and 7 wt%) and media pH (10.5, 11.5, and 12.5). Water holding capacity and color measurement results showed acceptable improvements compared with the untreated native bran confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. Optimization of modification conditions upon characterization results suggested the introduction of 7% hydrogen peroxide at pH = 12.5. Accordingly, 1, 2 and 3 wt% of the rice bran treated under the optimized conditions, was used in salad dressing formulation; as for .3 wt% of modified starch in the formulation of blank sample, 1 wt% of treated rice bran dietary fiber was substituted. Biopolymer swelling and formation of a stable viscous gel network promoted by the chemical treatment of lignocellulosic rice bran restrict the mobility of oil droplets dispersed in the continuous phase which would consequently retard the emulsion instability phenomena. This effect was also confirmed by flow behavior and viscoelastic characterization results. Salad dressing samples containing 1 and 2 wt% treated rice bran showed acceptable physicochemical, rheological and organoleptic properties besides superior nutritional characteristics compared with the commercial modified starch traditionally used in salad dressing formulations. Despite recommended consumption of dietary fibers, addition of unprocessed lignocellulosic materials to food products usually raise negative effects in sensory, color, and texture quality. This study investigates the modification of rice bran, the byproduct of brown rice milling, to substitute modified starch traditionally used in salad dressing formulations to achieve optimum properties desirable for the final product. Optimization of modification conditions upon characterization of the formulated samples in this study would suggest new improved formulation for the commercial product. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Surface-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Anti-Ultraviolet Aging Performance of Foamed Wheat Straw Fiber/Polypropylene Composites

PubMed Central

Xuan, Lihui; Han, Guangping; Wang, Dong; Cheng, Wanli; Gao, Xun; Chen, Feng; Li, Qingde

2017-01-01

Surface modification and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and their roles in thermal, mechanical, and accelerated aging behavior of foamed wheat straw fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites are investigated. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and increase the possible interactions between wheat straw fiber and the PP matrix, the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with ethenyltrimethoxy silane (A171), a silane coupling agent. The grafting of A171 on the TiO2 nanoparticles’ surface was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The wheat straw fibers treated with A171 and modified TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed that the organic functional groups of A171 were successfully grafted onto the TiO2 nanoparticles and wheat straw fibers, and the modified TiO2 nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the wheat straw fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that a higher thermal stability of the wheat straw fiber was obtained with the modified TiO2 nanoparticles. The flexural, tensile, and impact properties were improved. A higher ultraviolet (UV) stability of the samples treated with modified TiO2 nanoparticles was exhibited by the study of the color change and loss in mechanical properties. PMID:28772816

Modified TC for MICA offenders: crime outcomes.

PubMed

Sacks, Stanley; Sacks, JoAnn Y; McKendrick, Karen; Banks, Steven; Stommel, Joe

2004-01-01

The study randomly assigned male inmates with co-occurring serious mental illness and chemical abuse (MICA) disorders to either modified therapeutic community (MTC) or mental health (MH) treatment programs. On their release from prison, MICA inmates who completed the prison MTC program could enter the MTC aftercare program. The results, obtained from an intent-to-treat analysis of all study entries, showed that inmates randomized into the MTC group had significantly lower rates of reincarceration compared with those in the MH group. The results also show that differences between the MTC + aftercare and comparison group across a variety of crime outcomes (i.e. any criminal activity, and alcohol or drug related criminal activity) are consistent and significant, and persist after an examination of various threats to validity (e.g. initial motivation, duration of treatment, exposure to risk). This study provides some support for the effectiveness of the prison TC only condition. The findings are encouraging and consonant with other studies of integrated prison and aftercare TC programs for substance abusing non-MICA offenders, although qualified by the possibility that selection bias (i.e. differences in motivation on entry into aftercare) may be operating. Nevertheless, given the available evidence and the need for effective programming for MICA offenders, program and policy makers should strongly consider developing integrated prison and aftercare modified TC programs for MICA offenders. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nanocomposites prepared from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and organically modified montmorillonite with vinyl groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Mijeong; Kim, Hoonjung; Kim, Eunkyoung

2006-01-01

Nanocomposites were prepared from acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), vinyl groups containing organically modified montmorillonite and additives, such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, and sulfur. The organically modified montmorillonites used in these nanocomposites were prepared by ion exchange reactions of N,N'-dimethylalkyl-(p-vinylbenzyl)-ammonium chlorides (DAVBAs, alkyl = octyl, dodecyl, and octadecyl) with sodium montmorillonite (Na+-MMT). NBR nanocomposites were obtained by controlling both the mixing and vulcanization conditions, by using a Brabender mixer and hot-press process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that, depending on the amount of montmorillonite that is added, both exfoliated and intercalated nanocomposite structures are formed. The NBR/DAVBA-MMT nanocomposites exhibit much higher mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, Young's modulus, 300% modulus, and hardness) as well as gas barrier properties as compared to NBR Na+-MMT or NBR composites generated from modified montmorillonites without vinyl groups. Consistent with the results of XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the intercalation and exfoliation structures of the nanocomposites coexist and that the DAVBA-MMT layers are well dispersed in NBR.

Evaluation of esthetic parameters of resin-modified glass-ionomer materials and a polyacid-modified resin composite in Class V cervical lesions.

PubMed

Gladys, S; Van Meerbeek, B; Lambrechts, P; Vanherle, G

1999-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the esthetics of 3 resin-modified glass-ionomer materials and 1 polyacid-modified resin composite to the esthetics of a conventional glass-ionomer control material. One hundred eighty-seven Class V cervical restorations were observed clinically over 18 months. The esthetic index system that was used evaluated color match, translucency or opacity, and surface roughness. The tested materials behaved very dissimilarly and inconsistently. In general, the esthetic results of the resin-modified glass-ionomer materials and the polyacid-modified resin composite were far from optimal. The esthetic appearance of restorations seriously deteriorated during clinical service, mainly because of discoloration of margins, changes in translucency and opacity, and rapidly appearing roughness or dullness on the surface. Both the resin-modified glass-ionomer materials and the polyacid-modified resin composite evaluated in this study performed better esthetically than did the conventional glass-ionomer material. Indications for these combination materials are limited to areas where esthetics is not a primary concern but where their ease of application may guarantee a more durable functional result.

Biosensors and Bio-Bar Code Assays Based on Biofunctionalized Magnetic Microbeads

PubMed Central

Jaffrezic-Renault, Nicole; Martelet, Claude; Chevolot, Yann; Cloarec, Jean-Pierre

2007-01-01

This review paper reports the applications of magnetic microbeads in biosensors and bio-bar code assays. Affinity biosensors are presented through different types of transducing systems: electrochemical, piezo electric or magnetic ones, applied to immunodetection and genodetection. Enzymatic biosensors are based on biofunctionalization through magnetic microbeads of a transducer, more often amperometric, potentiometric or conductimetric. The bio-bar code assays relie on a sandwich structure based on specific biological interaction of a magnetic microbead and a nanoparticle with a defined biological molecule. The magnetic particle allows the separation of the reacted target molecules from unreacted ones. The nanoparticles aim at the amplification and the detection of the target molecule. The bio-bar code assays allow the detection at very low concentration of biological molecules, similar to PCR sensitivity.

Characterization of silica particles modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jun; Wang, Wang; Shen, Haiying; Wang, Jiamin; Cao, Jinzhen

2017-03-01

The surface of hydrophilic silica particles was modified with different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS). The hydrophobicity and hygroscopicity of unmodified and modified silica were investigated through water contact angle (WCA) tests and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) method, respectively. The results showed that the surface properties of silica were closely related with the MPTS concentration. Within the range of MPTS concentration applied, 8% MPTS modified silica showed the least aggregation. With the increasing MPTS concentration, the WCAs on modified silica film increased correspondingly, and finally exceeded 90° at 6% and 8% concentrations. The equilibrium moisture contents (EMCs) of modified silica also decreased with the increasing MPTS concentration. The improvement on hydrophobicity can be correlated with the reduction of residual hydroxyl groups (-OH) on modified silica. The self-condensation of MPTS began to occur at concentrations higher than 4%, especially at 8%. Owing to this effect, the modified silica with 8% MPTS showed a slightly higher EMC than 6% MPTS within low relative humidity (RH) range up to 40%. At a higher RH ranging from 40 to 90%, 8% group showed the lowest EMCs because of its highest hydrophobicity and low specific surface area. A mechanism concerning the MPTS modification of silica was also proposed in this study based on the research results.

Multispectral assessment of skin malformations using a modified video-microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekina, A.; Diebele, I.; Rubins, U.; Zaharans, J.; Derjabo, A.; Spigulis, J.

2012-10-01

A simplified method is proposed for alternative clinical diagnostics of skin malformations. A modified digital microscope, additionally equipped with a fourcolour LED (450 nm, 545 nm, 660 nm and 940 nm) subsequent illumination system, was applied for assessment of skin cancerous lesions and cutaneous inflammations. Multispectral image analysis was performed to map distributions of skin erythema index, bilirubin index, melanoma/nevus differentiation parameter, and fluorescence indicator. The skin malformation monitoring has shown that it is possible to differentiate melanoma from other pathologies.

The modified Hodge test is a useful tool for ruling out Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase.

PubMed

Cury, Ana Paula; Andreazzi, Denise; Maffucci, Márcia; Caiaffa-Junior, Hélio Hehl; Rossi, Flávia

2012-12-01

Enterobacteriaceae bacteria harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase are a serious worldwide threat. The molecular identification of these pathogens is not routine in Brazilian hospitals, and a rapid phenotypic screening test is desirable. This study aims to evaluate the modified Hodge test as a phenotypic screening test for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase. From April 2009 to July 2011, all Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that were not susceptible to ertapenem according to Vitek2 analysis were analyzed with the modified Hodge test. All positive isolates and a random subset of negative isolates were also assayed for the presence of blaKPC. Isolates that were positive in modified Hodge tests were sub-classified as true-positives (E. coli touched the ertapenem disk) or inconclusive (distortion of the inhibition zone of E. coli, but growth did not reach the ertapenem disk). Negative results were defined as samples with no distortion of the inhibition zone around the ertapenem disk. Among the 1521 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that were not susceptible to ertapenem, 30% were positive for blaKPC, and 35% were positive according to the modified Hodge test (81% specificity). Under the proposed sub-classification, true positives showed a 98% agreement with the blaKPC results. The negative predictive value of the modified Hodge test for detection was 100%. KPC producers showed high antimicrobial resistance rates, but 90% and 77% of these isolates were susceptible to aminoglycoside and tigecycline, respectively. Standardizing the modified Hodge test interpretation may improve the specificity of KPC detection. In this study, negative test results ruled out 100% of the isolates harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 2. The test may therefore be regarded as a good epidemiological tool.

Plants having modified response to ethylene

DOEpatents

Meyerowitz, Elliott M.; Chang, Caren; Bleecker, Anthony B.

1997-01-01

The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype.

Plants having modified response to ethylene

DOEpatents

Meyerowitz, E.M.; Chang, C.; Bleecker, A.B.

1998-10-20

The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype. 67 figs.

Plants having modified response to ethylene

DOEpatents

Meyerowitz, Elliot M.; Chang, Caren; Bleecker, Anthony B.

1998-01-01

The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype.

Plants having modified response to ethylene

DOEpatents

Meyerowitz, E.M.; Chang, C.; Bleecker, A.B.

1997-11-18

The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype. 31 figs.

Resorption Rate Tunable Bioceramic: Si, Zn-Modified Tricalcium Phosphate

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

Wei, Xiang

2006-01-01

This dissertation is organized in an alternate format. Several manuscripts which have already been published or are to be submitted for publication have been included as separate chapters. Chapter 1 is a general introduction which describes the dissertation organization and introduces the human bone and ceramic materials as bone substitute. Chapter 2 is the background and literature review on dissolution behavior of calcium phosphate, and discussion of motivation for this research. Chapter 3 is a manuscript entitled ''Si,Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate: a phase composition and crystal structure study'', which was published in ''Key Engineering Materials'' [1]. Chapter 4 gives more crystalmore » structure details by neutron powder diffraction, which identifies the position for Si and Zn substitution and explains the stabilization mechanism of the structure. A manuscript entitled ''Crystal structure analysis of Si, Zn-modified Tricalcium phosphate by Neutron Powder Diffraction'' will be submitted to Biomaterials [2]. Chapter 5 is a manuscript, entitled ''Dissolution behavior and cytotoxicity test of Si, Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate'', which is to be submitted to Biomaterials [3]. This paper discusses the additives effect on the dissolution behavior of TCP, and cytotoxicity test result is also included. Chapter 6 is the study of hydrolysis process of {alpha}-tricalcium phosphate in the simulated body fluid, and the phase development during drying process is discussed. A manuscript entitled ''Hydrolysis of {alpha}-tricalcium phosphate in simulated body fluid and phase transformation during drying process'' is to be submitted to Biomaterials [4]. Ozan Ugurlu is included as co-authors in these two papers due to his TEM contributions. Appendix A is the general introduction of the materials synthesis, crystal structure and preliminary dissolution result. A manuscript entitled ''Resorption rate tunable bioceramic: Si and Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate'' was

21 CFR 872.3480 - Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture... polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive. (a) Identification. A polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive is a device composed of polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) intended to...

21 CFR 872.3480 - Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture... polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive. (a) Identification. A polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive is a device composed of polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) intended to...

21 CFR 872.3480 - Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture... polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive. (a) Identification. A polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive is a device composed of polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) intended to...

21 CFR 872.3480 - Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture... polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive. (a) Identification. A polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive is a device composed of polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) intended to...

21 CFR 872.3480 - Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture... polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive. (a) Identification. A polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) denture adhesive is a device composed of polyacrylamide polymer (modified cationic) intended to...

Hot-spot analysis to dissect the functional protein-protein interface of a tRNA-modifying enzyme.

PubMed

Jakobi, Stephan; Nguyen, Tran Xuan Phong; Debaene, François; Metz, Alexander; Sanglier-Cianférani, Sarah; Reuter, Klaus; Klebe, Gerhard

2014-10-01

Interference with protein-protein interactions of interfaces larger than 1500 Ų by small drug-like molecules is notoriously difficult, particularly if targeting homodimers. The tRNA modifying enzyme Tgt is only functionally active as a homodimer. Thus, blocking Tgt dimerization is a promising strategy for drug therapy as this protein is key to the development of Shigellosis. Our goal was to identify hot-spot residues which, upon mutation, result in a predominantly monomeric state of Tgt. The detailed understanding of the spatial location and stability contribution of the individual interaction hot-spot residues and the plasticity of motifs involved in the interface formation is a crucial prerequisite for the rational identification of drug-like inhibitors addressing the respective dimerization interface. Using computational analyses, we identified hot-spot residues that contribute particularly to dimer stability: a cluster of hydrophobic and aromatic residues as well as several salt bridges. This in silico prediction led to the identification of a promising double mutant, which was validated experimentally. Native nano-ESI mass spectrometry showed that the dimerization of the suggested mutant is largely prevented resulting in a predominantly monomeric state. Crystal structure analysis and enzyme kinetics of the mutant variant further support the evidence for enhanced monomerization and provide first insights into the structural consequences of the dimer destabilization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electron-acoustic Instability Simulated By Modified Zakharov Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jásenský, V.; Fiala, V.; Vána, O.; Trávnícek, P.; Hellinger, P.

We present non-linear equations describing processes in plasma when electron - acoustic waves are excited. These waves are present for instance in the vicinity of Earth's bow shock and in the polar ionosphere. Frequently they are excited by an elec- tron beam in a plasma with two electron populations, a cold and hot one. We derive modified Zakharov equations from kinetic theory for such a case together with numer- ical method for solving of this type of equations. Bispectral analysis is used to show which non-linear wave processes are of importance in course of the instability. Finally, we compare these results with similar simulations using Vlasov approach.

A Practical Approach to Modified Condition/Decision Coverage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayhurst, Kelly J.; Veerhusem, Dan S.

2001-01-01

Testing of software intended for safety-critical applications in commercial transport aircraft must achieve modified condition/decision coverage (MC/DC) of the software structure. This requirement causes anxiety for many within the aviation software community. Results of a survey of the aviation software industry indicate that many developers believe that meeting the MC/DC requirement is difficult, and the cost is exorbitant. Some of the difficulties stem, no doubt, from the scant information available on the subject. This paper provides a practical 5-step approach for assessing MC/DC for aviation software products, and an analysis of some types of errors expected to be caught when MC/DC is achieved1.

The modified Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form: a modified response format and rational scoring rules.

PubMed

Sharp, J L; Gough, K; Pascoe, M C; Drosdowsky, A; Chang, V T; Schofield, P

2018-07-01

The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF) is a widely used symptom assessment instrument. Patients who self-complete the MSAS-SF have difficulty following the two-part response format, resulting in incorrectly completed responses. We describe modifications to the response format to improve useability, and rational scoring rules for incorrectly completed items. The modified MSAS-SF was completed by 311 women in our Peer and Nurse support Trial to Assist women in Gynaecological Oncology; the PeNTAGOn study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise completion of the modified MSAS-SF, and provide symptom statistics before and after applying the rational scoring rules. Spearman's correlations with the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. Correct completion of the modified MSAS-SF items ranged from 91.5 to 98.7%. The rational scoring rules increased the percentage of useable responses on average 4% across all symptoms. MSAS-SF item statistics were similar with and without the scoring rules. The pattern of correlations with FACT-G and HADS was compatible with prior research. The modified MSAS-SF was useable for self-completion and responses demonstrated validity. The rational scoring rules can minimise loss of data from incorrectly completed responses. Further investigation is recommended.