3D Stacked Memory Final Report CRADA No. TC-0494-93

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

Bernhardt, A.; Beene, G.

TI and LLNL demonstrated: (1) a process for the fabrication of 3-D memory using stacked DRAM chips, and (2) a fast prototyping process for 3-D stacks and MCMs. The metallization to route the chip pads to the sides of the die was carried out in a single high-speed masking step. The mask was not the usual physical one in glass and chrome, but was simply a computer file used to control the laser patterning process. Changes in either chip or customer circuit-board pad layout were easily and inexpensively accommodated, so that prototyping was a natural consequence of the laser patterningmore » process. As in the current TI process, a dielectric layer was added to the wafer, and vias to the chip I/0 pads were formed. All of the steps in Texas Instruments earlier process that were required to gold bump the pads were eliminated, significantly reducing fabrication cost and complexity. Pads were created on the sides of ·the die, which became pads on the side of the stack. In order to extend the process to accommodate non-memory devices with substantially greater I/0 than is required for DRAMs, pads were patterned on two sides of the memory stacks as a proof of principle. Stacking and bonding were done using modifications of the current TI process. After stacking and bonding, the pads on the sides of the dice were connected by application of a polyimide insulator film with laser ablation of the polyimide to form contacts to the pads. Then metallization was accomplished in the same manner as on the individual die.« less

Choline Supplementation Prevents a Hallmark Disturbance of Kwashiorkor in Weanling Mice Fed a Maize Vegetable Diet: Hepatic Steatosis of Undernutrition

PubMed Central

May, Thaddaeus; Klatt, Kevin C.; Smith, Jacob; Castro, Eumenia; Manary, Mark; Caudill, Marie A.; Jahoor, Farook

2018-01-01

Hepatic steatosis is a hallmark feature of kwashiorkor malnutrition. However, the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor is uncertain. Our objective was to develop a mouse model of childhood undernutrition in order to test the hypothesis that feeding a maize vegetable diet (MVD), like that consumed by children at risk for kwashiorkor, will cause hepatic steatosis which is prevented by supplementation with choline. A MVD was developed with locally sourced organic ingredients, and fed to weanling mice (n = 9) for 6 or 13 days. An additional group of mice (n = 4) were fed a choline supplemented MVD. Weight, body composition, and liver changes were compared to control mice (n = 10) at the beginning and end of the study. The MVD resulted in reduced weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Choline supplementation prevented hepatic steatosis and was associated with increased hepatic concentrations of the methyl donor betaine. Our findings show that (1) feeding a MVD to weanling mice rapidly induces hepatic steatosis, which is a hallmark disturbance of kwashiorkor; and that (2) hepatic steatosis associated with feeding a MVD is prevented by choline supplementation. These findings support the concept that insufficient choline intake may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor. PMID:29786674

Choline Supplementation Prevents a Hallmark Disturbance of Kwashiorkor in Weanling Mice Fed a Maize Vegetable Diet: Hepatic Steatosis of Undernutrition.

PubMed

May, Thaddaeus; Klatt, Kevin C; Smith, Jacob; Castro, Eumenia; Manary, Mark; Caudill, Marie A; Jahoor, Farook; Fiorotto, Marta L

2018-05-22

Hepatic steatosis is a hallmark feature of kwashiorkor malnutrition. However, the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor is uncertain. Our objective was to develop a mouse model of childhood undernutrition in order to test the hypothesis that feeding a maize vegetable diet (MVD), like that consumed by children at risk for kwashiorkor, will cause hepatic steatosis which is prevented by supplementation with choline. A MVD was developed with locally sourced organic ingredients, and fed to weanling mice ( n = 9) for 6 or 13 days. An additional group of mice ( n = 4) were fed a choline supplemented MVD. Weight, body composition, and liver changes were compared to control mice ( n = 10) at the beginning and end of the study. The MVD resulted in reduced weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Choline supplementation prevented hepatic steatosis and was associated with increased hepatic concentrations of the methyl donor betaine. Our findings show that (1) feeding a MVD to weanling mice rapidly induces hepatic steatosis, which is a hallmark disturbance of kwashiorkor; and that (2) hepatic steatosis associated with feeding a MVD is prevented by choline supplementation. These findings support the concept that insufficient choline intake may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in kwashiorkor.

Severe Hemifacial Spasm is a Predictor of Severe Indentation and Facial Palsy after Microdecompression Surgery.

PubMed

Na, Boo Suk; Cho, Jin Whan; Park, Kwan; Kwon, Soonwook; Kim, Ye Sel; Kim, Ji Sun; Youn, Jinyoung

2018-04-27

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is mostly caused by the compression of the facial nerve by cerebral vessels, but the significance of spasm severity remains unclear. We investigated the clinical significance of spasm severity in patients with HFS who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD). We enrolled 636 patients with HFS who underwent MVD between May 2010 and December 2013 at Samsung Medical Center (SMC), Seoul, Korea. Subjects were divided into two groups based on spasm severity: severe (SMC grade 3 or 4) and mild (SMC grade 1 or 2). We compared demographic, clinical, and surgical data between these two groups. The severe-spasm group was older and had a longer disease duration at the time of MVD compared to the mild-spasm group. Additionally, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were more common in the severe-spasm group than in the mild-spasm group. Regarding surgical findings, there were more patients with multiple offending vessels and more-severe indentations in the severe-spasm group than in the mild-spasm group. Even though the surgical outcomes did not differ, the incidence of delayed facial palsy after MVD was higher in the severe-spasm group than in the mild-spasm group. Logistic regression analysis showed that severe-spasm was correlated with longer disease duration, hypertension, severe indentation, multiple offending vessels, and delayed facial palsy after MVD. Spasm severity does not predict surgical outcomes, but it can be used as a marker of pathologic compression in MVD for HFS, and be considered as a predictor of delayed facial palsy after MVD. Copyright © 2018 Korean Neurological Association.

Construction and beam-tests of silicon-tungsten prototype modules for the CMS High Granularity Calorimeter for HL-LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quast, Thorben

2018-02-01

As part of its HL-LHC upgrade program, CMS is developing a High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) to replace the existing endcap calorimeters. The HGCAL will be realised as a sampling calorimeter, including an electromagnetic compartment comprising 28 layers of silicon pad detectors with pad areas of 0.5-1.0 cm2 interspersed with absorbers. Prototype modules, based on 6-inch hexagonal silicon pad sensors with 128 channels, have been constructed and include many of the features required for this challenging detector. In 2016, beam tests of sampling configurations made from these modules have been conducted both at FNAL and at CERN using the Skiroc2 front-end ASIC (designed by the CALICE collaboration for ILC). In 2017, the setup has been extended with CALICE's AHCAL prototype, a scinitillator based sampling calorimeter, and it was further tested in dedicated beam tests at CERN. There, the new Skiroc2-CMS front-end ASIC was used for the first time. We highlight final results from our studies in 2016, including position resolution as well as precision timing-measurements. Furthermore, the extended setup in 2017 is discussed and first results from beam tests with electrons and pions are shown.

Closed-Suction Drainage and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Following Microvascular Decompression : A Retrospective Comparison Study

PubMed Central

Kim, Young-Hoon; Kim, Chae-Yong; Oh, Chang Wan

2013-01-01

Objective We performed this study to investigate whether the use of closed-suction drainage following microvascular decompression (MVD) causes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Methods Between 2004 and 2011, a total of 157 patients with neurovascular compression were treated with MVD. MVD was performed for hemifacial spasm in 150 (95.5%) cases and for trigeminal neuralgia in 7 (4.5%) cases. The mean age of the patients was 49.8±9.6 years (range, 20-69). Dural substitutes were used in 44 (28.0%) patients. Ninety-two patients (58.6%) were underwent a 4-5 cm craniotomy using drainage (drainage group), and 65 (41.4%) did a small 2-2.5 cm retromastoid craniectomy without closed-suction drainage (no-drainage group). Results Eleven (7.0%) patients experienced CSF leakage following MVD based on the criteria of this study; all of these patients were in the drainage group. In the unadjusted analyses, the incidence of CSF leakage was significantly related with the use of closed-suction drainage following MVD (12.0% in the drainage group vs. 0% in the no-drainage group, respectively; p=0.003; Fisher's exact test). Those who received dural substitutes and the elderly (cut-off value=60 years) exhibited a tendency to develop CSF leakage (p=0.075 and p=0.090, respectively; Fisher's exact test). In the multivariate analysis, only the use of closed-suction drainage was significantly and independently associated with the development of CSF leakage following MVD (odds ratio=9.900; 95% confidence interval, 1.418 to infinity; p=0.017). Conclusion The use of closed-suction drainage following MVD appears to be related to the development of CSF leakage. PMID:24175025

Association of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration with mitral regurgitation severity and outcome in dogs with asymptomatic degenerative mitral valve disease.

PubMed

Chetboul, V; Serres, F; Tissier, R; Lefebvre, H P; Sampedrano, C Carlos; Gouni, V; Poujol, L; Hawa, G; Pouchelon, J -L

2009-01-01

The clinical outcome of dogs affected by degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) without overt clinical signs is still poorly defined, and criteria for identification of animals that are at a higher risk of early decompensation have not yet been determined. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide plasma concentration (NT-proBNP) is correlated with mitral regurgitation (MR) severity and can predict disease progression in dogs with asymptomatic MVD. Seventy-two dogs with asymptomatic MVD, with or without heart enlargement (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council: ISACHC classes 1a and 1b), and a control group of 22 dogs were prospectively recruited. Severity of MR was quantitatively assessed from the regurgitation fraction (RF) by the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Consequences of MR were evaluated from measurements of the left atrium/aorta ratio (LA/Ao), fractional shortening (FS), end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes indexed to body surface area (EDVI and ESVI). The relevance of these echo-Doppler indices and NT-proBNP for prediction of outcome at 12 months was studied. A significant correlation was found between NT-proBNP and RF, LA/Ao, FS, and EDVI (P < .05). NT-proBNP was higher in dogs with MVD (ISACHC classes 1a and 1b) compared with the control group (P= .025 and < .001, respectively). The difference was not significant when only dogs from ISACHC class 1a with RF < 30% were considered. Lastly, NT-proBNP was higher in dogs that underwent MVD decompensation at 12 months (P < .05). NT-proBNP is correlated with MVD severity and prognosis in dogs with asymptomatic MVD.

Patterns and Variations in Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia

PubMed Central

TODA, Hiroki; GOTO, Masanori; IWASAKI, Koichi

2015-01-01

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a highly effective surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Although there is little prospective clinical evidence, accumulated observational studies have demonstrated the benefits of MVD for refractory TN. In the current surgical practice of MVD for TN, there have been recognized patterns and variations in surgical anatomy and various decompression techniques. Here we provide a stepwise description of surgical procedures and relevant anatomical characteristics, as well as procedural options. PMID:25925756

Enhanced triterpene accumulation in Panax ginseng hairy roots overexpressing mevalonate-5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Kyoung; Kim, Yeon Bok; Uddin, Md Romij; Lee, Sanghyun; Kim, Soo-Un; Park, Sang Un

2014-10-17

To elucidate the function of mevalonate-5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase (MVD) and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) in triterpene biosynthesis, the genes governing the expression of these enzymes were transformed into Panax ginseng hairy roots. All the transgenic lines showed higher expression levels of PgMVD and PgFPS than that by the wild-type control. Among the hairy root lines transformed with PgMVD, M18 showed the highest level of transcription compared to the control (14.5-fold higher). Transcriptions of F11 and F20 transformed with PgFPS showed 11.1-fold higher level compared with control. In triterpene analysis, M25 of PgMVD produced 4.4-fold higher stigmasterol content (138.95 μg/100 mg, dry weight [DW]) than that by the control; F17 of PgFPS showed the highest total ginsenoside (36.42 mg/g DW) content, which was 2.4-fold higher compared with control. Our results indicate that metabolic engineering in P. ginseng was successfully achieved through Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation and that the accumulation of phytosterols and ginsenosides was enhanced by introducing the PgMVD and PgFPS genes into the hairy roots of the plant. Our results suggest that PgMVD and PgFPS play an important role in the triterpene biosynthesis of P. ginseng.

Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Mast Cells Positive to Tryptase Are Correlated with Angiogenesis in Surgically-Treated Gastric Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Sammarco, Giuseppe; Gadaleta, Cosmo Damiano; Zuccalà, Valeria; Albayrak, Emre; Patruno, Rosa; Milella, Pietro; Sacco, Rosario; Ammendola, Michele; Ranieri, Girolamo

2018-04-12

Mast cells and macrophages can play a role in tumor angiogenesis by stimulating microvascular density (MVD). The density of mast cells positive to tryptase (MCDPT), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and MVD were evaluated in a series of 86 gastric cancer (GC) tissue samples from patients who had undergone potential curative surgery. MCDPT, TAMs, and MVD were assessed in tumor tissue (TT) and in adjacent normal tissue (ANT) by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. Each of the above parameters was correlated with the others and, in particular for TT, with important clinico-pathological features. In TT, a significant correlation between MCDPT, TAMs, and MVD was found by Pearson t -test analysis ( p ranged from 0.01 to 0.02). No correlation to the clinico-pathological features was found. A significant difference in terms of mean MCDPT, TAMs, and MVD between TT and ANT was found ( p ranged from 0.001 to 0.002). Obtained data suggest MCDPT, TAMs, and MVD increased from ANT to TT. Interestingly, MCDPT and TAMs are linked in the tumor microenvironment and they play a role in GC angiogenesis in a synergistic manner. The assessment of the combination of MCDPT and TAMs could represent a surrogate marker of angiogenesis and could be evaluated as a target of novel anti-angiogenic therapies in GC patients.

Horse Hoof Protectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Power Pads, shown here, were designed to support and cushion horses' hooves while walking, rurning, and jumping, thus reducing the risk of injury. The pads utilize magnets implanted in the pads to increase blood circulation, not only reducing the chance of injury, but also speeding up the healing process if an injury does occur. Marshall Space Flight Center materials engineer Deborah Dianne Schmidt and materials technician Anthony Schaffer contributed to the design by providing fatigue stress analysis to the prototypes, thus helping determine the best configuration and maximum durability.

Benefit from NASA

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-15

Power Pads, shown here, were designed to support and cushion horses' hooves while walking, rurning, and jumping, thus reducing the risk of injury. The pads utilize magnets implanted in the pads to increase blood circulation, not only reducing the chance of injury, but also speeding up the healing process if an injury does occur. Marshall Space Flight Center materials engineer Deborah Dianne Schmidt and materials technician Anthony Schaffer contributed to the design by providing fatigue stress analysis to the prototypes, thus helping determine the best configuration and maximum durability.

Quantitative study of the correlation between cerebellar retraction factors and hearing loss following microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Zhao, Wei-Guo; Pu, Chun-Hua; Yang, Wen-Lei

2018-01-01

This prospective study quantitatively measured the cerebellar retraction factors, including retraction distance, depth and duration, and evaluated their potential relationship to the development of hearing loss after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS). One hundred ten patients with primary HFS who underwent MVD in our department were included into this study. The cerebellar retraction factors were quantitatively measured on preoperative MR and timed during MVD. Associations of cerebellar retraction and other factors to postoperative hearing loss were analyzed. Eleven (10%) patients developed hearing loss after MVD. Compared with the group without hearing loss, the cerebellar retraction distance, depth and duration of the group with hearing loss were significantly greater (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that greater cerebellar retraction depth and longer retraction duration were significantly associated with a higher incidence of postoperative hearing impairment (p < 0.05). This study strongly suggested a correlation between the cerebellar retraction factors, especially retraction depth and duration, and possibility of hearing loss following MVD for HFS.

Marburg Virus Disease

MedlinePlus

... MVD from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, meningitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers. Confirmation ... MVD from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, shigellosis, meningitis and other viral haemorrhagic fevers. Confirmation ...

Customer Service at MVD Field Offices.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-06-01

Through the Arizona Transportation Research Center, the Arizona Department of Transportation requested that research be performed to determine how Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office customer service could be improved and wait times could be reduced....

Correlation Between Cerebellar Retraction and Hearing Loss After Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Zhao, Wei-Guo; Pu, Chun-Hua; Yang, Wen-Lei

2017-06-01

This study prospectively investigated the relationship between cerebellar retraction factors measured on preoperative magnetic resonance and the development of postoperative hearing loss and evaluated their potential role in predicting the possibility of hearing loss after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS). The study included 110 patients clinically diagnosed with primary HFS who underwent MVD in our department. The cerebellar retraction factors were quantitatively measured on preoperative magnetic resonance. Associations of cerebellar retraction and other risk factors with postoperative hearing loss were analyzed. Eleven patients (10%) developed nonserviceable hearing loss after MVD. Compared with the group without hearing loss, the cerebellar retraction distance and depth of the group with hearing loss were significantly greater (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that greater cerebellar retraction depth was significantly associated with the higher incidence of postoperative hearing loss (P < 0.05). The results in this study strongly suggested the correlation between the cerebellar retraction depth and the possibility of hearing loss after MVD for HFS. In addition, cerebellar retraction depth could be considered as a useful tool to predict the risk of post-MVD hearing loss. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer service at MVD field offices : final report 544.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-06-01

Through the Arizona Transportation Research Center, the Arizona Department of Transportation requested that research be performed to determine how Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office customer service could be improved and wait times could be reduced....

Additional Study of Water Droplet Median Volume Diameter (MVD) Effects on Ice Shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsao, Jen-Ching; Anderson, David N.

2005-01-01

This paper reports the result of an experimental study in the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) to evaluate how well the MVD-independent effect identified previously might apply to SLD conditions in rime icing situations. Models were NACA 0012 wing sections with chords of 53.3 and 91.4 cm. Tests were conducted with a nominal airspeed of 77 m/s (150 kt) and a number of MVD's ranging from 15 to 100 m with LWC of 0.5 to 1 g/cu m. In the present study, ice shapes recorded from past studies and recent results at SLD and Appendix-C conditions are reviewed to show that droplet diameter is not important to rime ice shape for MVD of 30 microns or larger, but for less than 30 m drop sizes a rime ice shape transition from convex to wedge to spearhead type ice shape is observed.

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression correlates positively with active angiogenesis and negatively with basic fibroblast growth factor expression in epithelial ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Szubert, Sebastian; Szpurek, Dariusz; Moszynski, Rafal; Nowicki, Michal; Frankowski, Andrzej; Sajdak, Stefan; Michalak, Slawomir

2014-03-01

The primary aim of this paper was to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and its relationship with proangiogenic factors and microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian cancer. The study group included 58 epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs), 35 benign ovarian tumors, and 21 normal ovaries. The expression of EMMPRIN, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was assessed by ELISA of tissue homogenates. Antibodies against CD105, CD31, and CD34 were used to immunohistochemically assess MVD. We have found significantly higher EMMPRIN expression in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. Similarly, the VEGF expression was higher in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. By contrast, bFGF expression was lower in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and ovary samples. EMMPRIN expression in EOC was directly correlated with VEGF expression and CD105-MVD, but inversely correlated with bFGF expression. Grade 2/3 ovarian cancers had increased expression of EMMPRIN and VEGF, increased CD105-MVD, and lowered expression of bFGF compared to grade 1 ovarian cancers. Moreover, EMMPRIN expression was higher in advanced (FIGO III and IV) ovarian cancer. The upregulation of EMMPRIN and VEGF expression is correlated with increased CD105-MVD and silenced bFGF, which suggests early and/or reactivated angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. Aggressive EOC is characterized by the following: high expression of EMMPRIN and VEGF, high CD105-MVD, and low expression of bFGF.

Interleukin-8 is a prognostic indicator in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Sun, Qi; Li, Fanni; Sun, Fengkai; Niu, Jun

2015-01-01

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and neovascularization have been implicated to be associated with biological processes, especially cancer progression. However, few studies have investigated the role of IL-8 in human hilar cholangiocarcinoma. In this study we detected the expression of IL-8 combined with MMP-9 and microvessel density (MVD) in hilar cholangiocarcinoma to evaluate their clinicopathological significance and prognostic value. A total of 62 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery were enrolled in this study. The expression of IL-8, MMP-9 and MVD were examined immunohistochemically. The correlation of IL-8 with MMP-9 expression, MVD, clinicopathological features and survival time of patients were then analyzed. Expression of IL-8 was observed in 56.5% tumors, which was related to advanced TNM stage (P = 0.026) and tumor recurrence (P = 0.018). IL-8 had a positive correlation with MMP-9 expression and MVD. Furthermore, patients with high IL-8 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival than those with low IL-8 expression (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed IL-8 as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.005). In conclusion, IL-8 expression significantly correlated with MMP-9 expression and MVD, and IL-8 was a valuable prognostic factor for human hilar cholangiocarcinoma. PMID:26339407

Preoperative evaluation of neurovascular relationships for microvascular decompression in the cerebellopontine angle in a virtual reality environment.

PubMed

Du, Zhuo-Ying; Gao, Xiang; Zhang, Xiao-Luo; Wang, Zhi-Qiu; Tang, Wei-Jun

2010-09-01

In this paper the authors' goal was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) system in preoperative planning for microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures treating idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. The system's role in surgical simulation and training was also assessed. Between May 2008 and April 2009, the authors used the Dextroscope system to visualize the neurovascular complex and simulate MVD in the cerebellopontine angle in a VR environment in 16 patients (6 patients had trigeminal neuralgia and 10 had hemifacial spasm). Reconstructions were carried out 2-3 days before MVD. Images were printed in a red-blue stereoscopic format for teaching and discussion and were brought into the operating room to be compared with real-time intraoperative findings. The VR environment was a powerful aid for spatial understanding of the neurovascular relationship in MVD for operating surgeons and trainees. Through an initial series of comparison/confirmation experiences, the senior neurosurgeon became accustomed to the system. He could predict intraoperative problems and simulate surgical maneuvering, which increased his confidence in performing the procedure. The Dextroscope system is an easy and rapid method to create a stereoscopic neurovascular model for MVD that is highly concordant with intraoperative findings. It effectively shortens the learning curve and adds to the surgeon's confidence.

Number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and intratumoral microvessel density in non-small cell lung cancer patients: differences in angiogenic status between adenocarcinoma histologic subtypes.

PubMed

Maeda, Ryo; Ishii, Genichiro; Ito, Masami; Hishida, Tomoyuki; Yoshida, Junji; Nishimura, Mitsuyo; Haga, Hironori; Nagai, Kanji; Ochiai, Atsushi

2012-03-01

Angiogenesis plays a significant role in tumor progression. This study examined the association between the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) (both of which may be markers for neovascularization), and lung cancer histological types, particularly adenocarcinoma histological subtypes. A total of 83 stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients underwent complete tumor resection between November 2009 and July 2010. The number of EPCs from the pulmonary artery of the resected lungs was measured by assaying CD34/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 positive cells, and the MVD was assessed immunohistochemically in tumor specimens by staining for CD34. A statistically significant correlation between the number of EPCs from pulmonary artery and intratumoral MVD was found (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in the number of EPCs and the MVD were observed between the adenocarcinomas and the squamous cell carcinomas. Among the adenocarcinoma histological subtypes, a higher number of EPCs and MVD were found significantly more frequently in solid adenocarcinomas than in nonsolid adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). In addition, solid adenocarcinomas showed higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in the tumor tissue samples than in the nonsolid adenocarcinomas (p = 0.005). The higher number of circulating EPCs and the MVD of solid adenocarcinoma may indicate the presence of differences in the tumor angiogenic status between early-stage adenocarcinoma histological subtypes. Among adenocarcinoma patients, patients with solid adenocarcinoma may be the best candidates for antiangiogenic therapies.

Monetary Value of Diet Is Associated with Dietary Quality and Nutrient Adequacy among Urban Adults, Differentially by Sex, Race and Poverty Status.

PubMed

Beydoun, May A; Fanelli-Kuczmarski, Marie T; Allen, Allyssa; Beydoun, Hind A; Popkin, Barry M; Evans, Michele K; Zonderman, Alan B

2015-01-01

The association between monetary value of the diet (MVD, $/day) with dietary quality was examined using a large sample of urban US adults, differentially by socio-demographic factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 2,111 participants, aged 30-64y, using data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span Study. Dietary quality indices included Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), (two 24-hr recalls). A national food price database was used to estimate MVD. Multiple linear/logistic regression analyses were conducted stratifying separately by sex, race and poverty status. Women had significantly higher HEI-2010 scores than men (43.35 vs 41.57 out of 100, respectively), whereas MAR scores were higher for men (76.8 vs 69.9, out of 100), reflecting energy intake gender differentials. Importantly, a $3/day higher MVD (IQR: $3.70/d (Q1) to $6.62/d (Q4)) was associated with a 4.98±0.35 higher total HEI-2010 and a 3.88±0.37 higher MAR score, after energy-adjustment and control for key confounders. For HEI-2010 and MAR, stronger associations were observed among participants above poverty and among women, whilethe MVD vs. HEI-2010 association was additionally stronger among Whites. Sex and poverty status differentials were observed for many MAR and some HEI-2010 components. Despite positive associations between measures of dietary quality and MVD, particularly above poverty and among women, approaching compliance with the Dietary Guidelines (80 or more for HEI-2010) requires a substantially higher MVD. Thus, nutrition education may further improve people's decision-making regarding food venues and dietary choices.

Monetary Value of Diet Is Associated with Dietary Quality and Nutrient Adequacy among Urban Adults, Differentially by Sex, Race and Poverty Status

PubMed Central

Beydoun, May A.; Fanelli-Kuczmarski, Marie T.; Allen, Allyssa; Beydoun, Hind A.; Popkin, Barry M.; Evans, Michele K.; Zonderman, Alan B.

2015-01-01

Objective The association between monetary value of the diet (MVD, $/day) with dietary quality was examined using a large sample of urban US adults, differentially by socio-demographic factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 2,111 participants, aged 30–64y, using data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span Study. Dietary quality indices included Healthy Eating Index–2010 (HEI–2010) and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), (two 24-hr recalls). A national food price database was used to estimate MVD. Multiple linear/logistic regression analyses were conducted stratifying separately by sex, race and poverty status. Results Women had significantly higher HEI-2010 scores than men (43.35 vs 41.57 out of 100, respectively), whereas MAR scores were higher for men (76.8 vs 69.9, out of 100), reflecting energy intake gender differentials. Importantly, a $3/day higher MVD (IQR: $3.70/d (Q1) to $6.62/d (Q4)) was associated with a 4.98±0.35 higher total HEI-2010 and a 3.88±0.37 higher MAR score, after energy-adjustment and control for key confounders. For HEI-2010 and MAR, stronger associations were observed among participants above poverty and among women, whilethe MVD vs. HEI-2010 association was additionally stronger among Whites. Sex and poverty status differentials were observed for many MAR and some HEI-2010 components. Conclusions Despite positive associations between measures of dietary quality and MVD, particularly above poverty and among women, approaching compliance with the Dietary Guidelines (80 or more for HEI-2010) requires a substantially higher MVD. Thus, nutrition education may further improve people’s decision-making regarding food venues and dietary choices. PMID:26536243

Comparing mortality between coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in elderly with diabetes and multivessel coronary disease.

PubMed

Naito, Ryo; Miyauchi, Katsumi; Konishi, Hirokazu; Tsuboi, Shuta; Ogita, Manabu; Dohi, Tomotaka; Kajimoto, Kan; Kasai, Takatoshi; Tamura, Hiroshi; Okazaki, Shinya; Isoda, Kikuo; Yamamoto, Taira; Amano, Atsushi; Daida, Hiroyuki

2016-09-01

Coronary artery disease is a critical issue that requires physicians to consider appropriate treatment strategies, especially for elderly people who tend to have several comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and multivessel disease (MVD). Several studies have been conducted comparing clinical outcomes between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in patients with DM and MVD. However, elderly people were excluded in those clinical studies. Therefore, there are no comparisons of clinical outcomes between CABG and PCI in elderly patients with DM and MVD. We compared all-cause mortality between PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES) and CABG in elderly patients with DM and MVD. A total of 483 (PCI; n = 256, CABG; n = 227) patients were analyzed. The median follow-up period was 1356 days (interquartile range of 810-1884). The all-cause mortality rate was not significantly different between CABG and PCI with DES groups. The CABG group had more patients with complex coronary lesions such as three-vessel disease or a left main trunk lesion. Older age, hemodialysis, and reduced LVEF were associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality in a multivariable Cox regression analysis. The rate of all-cause mortality was not significantly different between the PCI and CABG groups in elderly patients with DM and MVD in a single-center study.

Image Analysis Based on Soft Computing and Applied on Space Shuttle During the Liftoff Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominquez, Jesus A.; Klinko, Steve J.

2007-01-01

Imaging techniques based on Soft Computing (SC) and developed at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) have been implemented on a variety of prototype applications related to the safety operation of the Space Shuttle during the liftoff process. These SC-based prototype applications include detection and tracking of moving Foreign Objects Debris (FOD) during the Space Shuttle liftoff, visual anomaly detection on slidewires used in the emergency egress system for the Space Shuttle at the laJlIlch pad, and visual detection of distant birds approaching the Space Shuttle launch pad. This SC-based image analysis capability developed at KSC was also used to analyze images acquired during the accident of the Space Shuttle Columbia and estimate the trajectory and velocity of the foam that caused the accident.

Endoglin (CD105) expression on microvessel endothelial cells in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: tissue microarray analysis and association with prognostic significance.

PubMed

Wang, Jing-Jing; Sun, Xi-Cai; Hu, Li; Liu, Zhuo-Fu; Yu, Hua-Peng; Li, Han; Wang, Shu-Yi; Wang, De-Hui

2013-12-01

The purpose of this study was to examine endoglin (CD105) expression on microvessel endothelial cells (ECs) in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) and its relationship with recurrence. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect CD105 expression in a tissue microarray from 70 patients with JNA. Correlation between CD105 expression on microvessel ECs and clinicopathological features, as well as tumor recurrence, were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD105 expression on ECs but not in stroma of patients with JNA. Chi-square analysis indicated CD105-based microvessel density (MVD) was correlated with JNA recurrence (p = .013). Univariate and multivariate analyses determined that MVD was a significant predictor of time to recurrence (p = .009). The CD105-based MVD was better for predicting disease recurrence (AUROC: 0.673; p = .036) than other clinicopathological features. MVD is a useful predictor for poor prognosis of patients with JNA after curative resection. Angiogenesis, which may play an important role in the occurrence and development of JNA, is therefore a potential therapeutic target for JNA. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company.

Pathophysiology and management of multivalvular disease

PubMed Central

Unger, Philippe; Clavel, Marie-Annick; Lindman, Brian R.; Mathieu, Patrick; Pibarot, Philippe

2016-01-01

Multivalvular disease (MVD) is a common condition with a complex pathophysiology, dependent on the specific combination of valve lesions. Diagnosis is challenging as several echocardiographic methods commonly used for the assessment of stenosis or regurgitation have been validated only in patients with single valve disease. Decisions about the timing and type of treatment should be made by a multidisciplinary heart valve team, on a case-by-case basis. Several factors should be considered, including the severity and consequences of the MVD, the patient’s life expectancy and comorbidities, the surgical risk associated with combined valve procedures, the long-term risk of morbidity and mortality associated with multiple valve prostheses, and the likelihood and risk of reoperation. The introduction of transcatheter valve therapies into clinical practice has provided new treatment options for patients with MVD, and decision-making algorithms on how to combine surgical and percutaneous treatment options are evolving rapidly. In this Review, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MVD, focussing on the combination of valve pathologies that are most often encountered in clinical practice. PMID:27121305

[Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its significance in pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma].

PubMed

Song, Weian; Li, Hui; Wang, Huasheng; Zhang, Weidong; Zhao, Xiaogang

2004-02-20

To study the relationship between the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients with pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma, and to research the possible role of VEGF in the malignant growth of pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma. The expression of VEGF and MVD were detected in 38 pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma and 20 normal lung tissues by immunohistochemical method. The positive rate of VEGF expression (73.68%,28/38) and MVD (63.81±19.26) in pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma tissues were both remarkably higher than those in normal lung tissues (0, 18.44±6.53)( P < 0.005,P < 0.001). The positive rate of VEGF expression was significantly related to the size of tumor ( P < 0.05), lymphatic metastasis ( P < 0.025) and TNM stage ( P < 0.05), and so did the MVD ( P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). MVD was remarkably higher in VEGF (+) carcinoma tissues than that in VEGF (-) carcinoma tissues ( P < 0.05). VEGF correlates with the clinicopathological characteristics of pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma. It may play an important role in the development of pulmonary bronchoalveolar carcinoma.

Characterization of measles virus strains circulating in Southern Italy (Palermo area, Sicily) between 2010 and 2011.

PubMed

Urone, Noemi; Colomba, Claudia; Ferraro, Donatella

2016-03-01

Measles virus (MV) was classified in 24 genotypes that show a distinct geographic distribution. Genotypes contain multiple distinct lineages. In 2011 large outbreaks of measles occurred in Italy and in many European countries. Aims of this study are to analyze the intra-genotype variability and to follow the importation and the spread of new MV strains in Sicily. A fragment of 450 bps of MV C-terminal nucleoprotein was sequenced from sera of 73 Sicilian patients with symptomatic measles infections, occurred between 2010 and 2011. Five MV strains were D4 genotype and 68 were D8 genotype. The MV/D4 sequences were related to MV/D4-Enfield variant. Two lineages of MV/D8 genotypes, related to MV/D8-Villupuram variant and to a strain found in Birmingham in 2006 respectively, were identified. This is the first study that reports the co-circulation of different MV genotypes and lineages in Sicily suggesting multiple origins of the outbreak that occurred during 2010 and 2011 years. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ALK1 expression in oral lichen planus: a possible relation to microvessel density.

PubMed

Hazzaa, Hala H A; El-Wakeel, Naglaa M; Attia, Enas A S; Abo Hager, Eman A

2016-05-01

To assess the expression of activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) and investigate its possible relationship with microvessel density (MVD) in different forms of oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to controls' biopsies. Biopsies from 20 reticular/papular OLP (R/PLP), 20 atrophic/erosive OLP (A/ELP) patients, and 20 healthy subjects were immunohistochemically analyzed and statistically compared and correlated for ALK1 expression and MVD as assessed by CD34 expression. All OLP specimens revealed the presence of positive cytoplasmic CD34 immunostaining in endothelial cells, with statistically high significant MVD in each of R/PLP (Median; M = 4.40) and A/ELP (M = 7.69) compared to controls (M = 1.16) (P < 0.001). Statistically significant MVD was found in A/ELP compared to R/PLP (P < 0.001). All control specimens revealed negative ALK1 immunostaining of the few inflammatory cells found, while 85% of A/ELP cases and 70% of R/PLP cases showed positively immunostained sections for ALK-1, with statistically significant higher ALK1 expression In A/ELP (M = 1.95) compared to R/PLP (M = 0.86) (P = 0.005). No significant correlation between CD34 and ALK1 was detected in R/PLP (r = 0.081), while a barely moderate positive correlation was found in A/ELP (r = 0.396). ALK1 expression and MVD are increased in OLP, particularly in A/ELP type. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Culprit Vessel-Only vs. Staged Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategies in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Toyota, Toshiaki; Shiomi, Hiroki; Taniguchi, Tomohiko; Morimoto, Takeshi; Furukawa, Yutaka; Nakagawa, Yoshihisa; Horie, Minoru; Kimura, Takeshi

2016-01-01

We assessed the current status of treatment strategy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with multivessel disease (MVD) in real world practice, focusing on the benefit of staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). From the CREDO-Kyoto AMI Registry, 2,010 STEMI patients with MVD undergoing primary PCI were analyzed. Only 96 patients (4.8%) received acute multivessel PCI, and the majority of patients (n=1,914, 95.2%) had culprit-only PCI acutely. After excluding 699 patients (acute multivessel PCI, Killip class ≥3, age ≥90 years, coronary artery bypass grafting within 90 days, or clinical events within 90 days), 681 MVD patients underwent staged PCI for angiographically significant non-culprit lesions within 90 days (staged PCI group), while 630 MVD patients received primary PCI only (culprit-only PCI group). The cumulative 5-year incidence of and adjusted risk for all-cause death were significantly lower in the staged PCI group compared with the culprit-only PCI group (9.5% vs. 16.0%, P<0.001; HR, 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50-0.96, P=0.03). The risks for MI and any coronary revascularization favored the staged PCI strategy. The staged PCI strategy for angiographically significant non-culprit lesions was associated with lower 5-year mortality compared with the culprit-only PCI strategy in STEMI patients with MVD who underwent primary PCI.

Comparison of different drying methods on the physical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of raspberry powders.

PubMed

Si, Xu; Chen, Qinqin; Bi, Jinfeng; Wu, Xinye; Yi, Jianyong; Zhou, Linyan; Li, Zhaolu

2016-04-01

Dehydration has been considered as one of the traditional but most effective techniques for perishable fruits. Raspberry powders obtained after dehydration can be added as ingredients into food formulations such as bakery and dairy products. In this study, raspberry powders obtained by hot air drying (HAD), infrared radiation drying (IRD), hot air and explosion puffing drying (HA-EPD), infrared radiation and microwave vacuum drying (IR-MVD) and freeze drying (FD) were compared on physical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Drying techniques affected the physical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of raspberry powders greatly. FD led to significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of water solubility (45.26%), soluble solid (63.46%), hygroscopicity (18.06%), color parameters and anthocyanin retention (60.70%) of raspberry powder compared with other drying methods. However, thermal drying techniques, especially combined drying methods, were superior to FD in final total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. The combined drying methods, especially IR-MVD, showed the highest total polyphenol content (123.22 g GAE kg(-1) dw) and total flavonoid content (0.30 g CAE kg(-1) dw). Additionally, IR-MVD performed better in antioxidant activity retention. Overall, combined drying methods, especially IR-MVD, were found to result in better quality of raspberry powders among the thermal drying techniques. IR-MVD could be recommended for use in the drying industry because of its advantages in time saving and nutrient retention. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Loss of Axin2 results in impaired heart valve maturation and subsequent myxomatous valve disease.

PubMed

Hulin, Alexia; Moore, Vicky; James, Jeanne M; Yutzey, Katherine E

2017-01-01

Myxomatous valve disease (MVD) is the most common aetiology of primary mitral regurgitation. Recent studies suggest that defects in heart valve development can lead to heart valve disease in adults. Wnt/β-catenin signalling is active during heart valve development and has been reported in human MVD. The consequences of increased Wnt/β-catenin signalling due to Axin2 deficiency in postnatal valve remodelling and pathogenesis of MVD were determined. To investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, we analysed heart valves from mice deficient in Axin2 (KO), a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Axin2 KO mice display enlarged mitral and aortic valves (AoV) after birth with increased Wnt/β-catenin signalling and cell proliferation, whereas Sox9 expression and collagen deposition are decreased. At 2 months in Axin2 KO mice, the valve extracellular matrix (ECM) is stratified but distal AoV leaflets remain thickened and develop aortic insufficiency. Progressive myxomatous degeneration is apparent at 4 months with extensive ECM remodelling and focal aggrecan-rich areas, along with increased BMP signalling. Infiltration of inflammatory cells is also observed in Axin2 KO AoV prior to ECM remodelling. Overall, these features are consistent with the progression of human MVD. Finally, Axin2 expression is decreased and Wnt/β-catenin signalling is increased in myxomatous mitral valves in a murine model of Marfan syndrome, supporting the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the development of MVD. Altogether, these data indicate that Axin2 limits Wnt/β-catenin signalling after birth and allows proper heart valve maturation. Moreover, dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling resulting from loss of Axin2 leads to progressive MVD. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Physical Biologycal Interactions Controlling Larvae Dispersion: Application to Regions in the Neighbourhood of the Estuaries of North Portugal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeida, Martinho Marta

Um modelo numerico tridimensional oceânico foi usado para estudar a influencia das condicoes fisicas na dispersao e recrutamento de larvas com migracao vertical diaria (MVD) activa na plataforma continental noroeste de Portugal. As primeiras simulacoes foram forcadas por mares e verificou-se que a interaccao entre MVD e correntes de mare nao e importante para o transporte de larvas na plataforma continental oeste portuguesa. O trabalho realizado com forcamento de mares incrementou o presente conhecimento da dinâmica da mare na regiao. A analise da variacao vertical dos parâmetros das elipses de mare mostra uma separacao clara entre os harmonicos diurnos e semi-diurnos, e entre a circulacao oceânica quase barotropica e as correntes com dependencia vertical na plataforma. Desprezando a interaccao entre MVD e as mares o proximo passo foi a construcao e validacao dum modelo realistico forcado por fluxos atmosfera-oceano, capaz de reproduzir as correntes dominantes, geradas pelo vento, na plataforma continental. Na configuracao criada a MVD das larvas foi simulada com quatro cenarios de distribuicao e migracao vertical. Foram feitas duas simulacoes, uma para o final do Inverno e outra para a Primavera, abrangendo os meses de Fevereiro a Abril e Abril a Junho de 2002. Estes periodos foram escolhidos pois exibem diferentes regimes de vento, nao favoravel e favoravel ao afloramento costeiro. Os resultados mostram que as particulas com MVD sofreram maior retencao na plataforma continental interna durante condicoes de afloramento do que em qualquer outra combinacao de cenario de migracao e regime de vento. Na costa noroeste da Peninsula Iberica, que nao exibe irregularidades topograficas que poderiam criar areas de concentracao e retencao, a MVD pode constituir um mecanismo importante para evitar a dispersao de larvas em direccao ao mar aberto. None

[The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland].

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Zhang, Hong; Song, Guo-xiang; Lin, Ting-ting; Xu, Guang-chang; Zhu, Li-min

2013-01-01

To investigate the expression of matrix metal proteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland as well as their relation with biological behaviour of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Experimental study. The research objects were 60 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland which were collected from No.2 Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from January 1991 to Jule 2011. There were 25 males and 35 females aged from 29 to 42 years. Based on histological revision, there were 36 cases of cribriform-tubular subtype and 24 cases of solid subtype. Forty-five cases were primary lesions and 15 cases were recurrent lesions. Ten samples of normal lacrimal gland around polymorphic adenoma were selected as the control group. The expression of CD105, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The microvessel density (MVD) was defined by expression of CD105. One way ANOVA, χ(2)-test and spearman correlation test were used to analyzed the data. The number of MVD [(17.71 ± 5.63)/100 folds field of vision] and the positive rates of MMP-2 (45.0%, 27/60) and MMP-9 (55.0%, 33/60) in the samples of adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland were higher than those in the normal lacrimal gland [the number of MVD was (0.70 ± 0.95)/100 folds field of vision, the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were negative] (t' = 2.039, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 5.550, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 8.315, P < 0.01), the solid subtypes had more MVD [(26.12 ± 5.32)/100 folds field of vision] and higher positive rates of MMP-2 (62.5%, 15/24) and MMP-9 (79.2%, 19/24) than the cribriform-tubular subtypes (t' = 2.060, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 4.950, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 9.439, P < 0.05); the recurrent lesions had more MVD and higher positive rate of MMP-2 and MMP-9 than the primary lesions (t' = 2.129, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 9.899, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 8.103, P < 0.05). The number of MVD in ACC of lacrimal gland patients was correlated with the positive rate of MMP-2 and MMP-9 respectively (rs = 0.636, P < 0.05; rs = 0.524, P < 0.05). The number of MVD and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 are higher level in adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland and are significantly correlated with pathological type and recurrence. Detecting the number of MVD and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may become biological indexes for malignancy, recurrence and metastasis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Is a Predictor of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

PubMed

Tong, David C; Whitbourn, Robert; MacIsaac, Andrew; Wilson, Andrew; Burns, Andrew; Palmer, Sonny; Layland, Jamie

2017-01-01

Inflammation and microvascular dysfunction (MVD) are independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease. This study aimed to assess the relationship between inflammation, MVD, and myocardial injury. Coronary microvascular function was assessed in 74 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) by a pressure-temperature sensor-tipped wire. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was quantified by rate turbidimetry. Severe MVD was defined as IMR ≥ 30. Pearson correlation was computed to assess the relationships between hsCRP, troponin, and IMR of culprit vessel. Predictors of severe MVD were assessed by regression analysis. Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) represented 49% of the total cohort. Study cohort was divided into low C-reactive protein (CRP) (hsCRP < 3 mg/L) and high CRP (hsCRP ≥ 3 mg/L) groups. There was higher representation of smokers (78 vs. 52%), diabetics (39 vs. 18%), and ACS (61 vs. 33%), as well as higher body mass index (29.4 ± 4.6 vs. 27.2 ± 4.1) in the high CRP group. Pre-PCI and post-PCI IMR were significantly elevated in the high CRP group compared to the low CRP group (pre-PCI IMR: 29.0 ± 13.9 vs. 17.4 ± 11.1, p  < 0.0001; post-PCI IMR: 23.0 ± 16.8 vs. 15.5 ± 8.4, p  = 0.02). Peak troponin levels were significantly raised in the high CRP group (9.96 ± 17.19 vs. 1.17 ± 3.00 μg/L, p  = 0.002). There was a strong positive correlation between hsCRP and pre-PCI IMR ( r  = 0.85, p  < 0.0001). Pre- and post-PCI IMR levels were correlated with peak troponin level ( r  = 0.45, p  < 0.0001; r  = 0.33, p  = 0.005, respectively). Predictors of severe MVD include male gender (OR 3.0), diabetes (OR 3.7), smoking history (OR 4.0), ACS presentation (OR 8.5), and hsCRP ≥ 3 mg/L (OR 5.6). hsCRP is a significant predictor of MVD while MVD is associated with myocardial injury, supporting the central role of inflammation and MVD in the pathophysiology and complications of coronary artery disease. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12617000648325. Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1196-2246.

Construction and first beam-tests of silicon-tungsten prototype modules for the CMS High Granularity Calorimeter for HL-LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, S.

2017-03-01

The High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL) is the technology choice of the CMS collaboration for the endcap calorimetry upgrade planned to cope with the harsh radiation and pileup environment at the High Luminosity-LHC . The HGCAL is realized as a sampling calorimeter, including an electromagnetic compartment comprising 28 layers of silicon pad detectors with pad areas of 0.5-01. cm2 interspersed with absorbers made from tungsten and copper to form a highly compact and granular device. Prototype modules, based on hexagonal silicon pad sensors, with 128 channels, have been constructed and tested in beams at FNAL and at CERN. The modules include many of the features required for this challenging detector, including a PCB glued directly to the sensor, using through-hole wire-bonding for signal readout and 5 mm spacing between layers—including the front-end electronics and all services. Tests in 2016 have used an existing front-end chip —Skiroc2 (designed for the CALICE experiment for ILC). We present results from first tests of these modules both in the laboratory and with beams of electrons, pions and protons, including noise performance, calibration with mips and electron signals.

Effects of structural modifications of N-CPM-normorphine derivatives on agonist and antagonist activities in isolated organs.

PubMed

Riba, P; Tóth, Z; Hosztafi, S; Friedmann, T; Fürst, S

2003-01-01

The agonistic and antagonistic properties of N-cyclopropylmethyl (N-CPM) morphine derivatives were observed in mouse vas deferens (MVD), longitudinal muscle of guinea pig ileum (GPI) and rabbit vas deferens (LVD). In MVD the K(e) values of the titled compounds (N-CPM-morphine, N-CPM-isomorphine, N-CPM-dihydromorphine, N-CPM-dihydroisomorpPhine, N-CPM-dihydromorphone and naltrexone) were measured for mu-, kappa- and delta-receptors using normorphine, ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) and D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephaline (DPDPE) as selective agonists on the receptors, respectively. For mu-receptors of MVD the tested compounds showed similar affinity. For kappa-receptors the non-iso-6-OH derivatives possessed much less affinity than the iso-derivatives. Similar difference could be observed for delta-receptors. The agonistic activities of these compounds in MVD were observed to be between 0-20% of the inhibition of muscle contractions. In GPI the compounds except naltrexone possessed strong agonistic activities effectively antagonized by nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (K(e) of nor-BNI was 0.23 nM) suggesting that they were strong kappa-receptor agonists. We investigated these agents in LVD too, which contains kappa-receptors, but they did not produce any agonist potencies. It raises the possibility that the kappa-receptor subtypes of LVD and MVD are different from the kappa-receptor subtype of GPI or the vasa deferentia contain much fewer kappa-receptors than GPI and the intrinsic activities of these compounds are too small to reach the 50% inhibition of the contractions.

Analysis of wave III of brain stem auditory evoked potential waveforms during microvascular decompression of cranial nerve VII for hemifacial spasm.

PubMed

Thirumala, Parthasarathy D; Krishnaiah, Balaji; Crammond, Donald J; Habeych, Miguel E; Balzer, Jeffrey R

2014-04-01

Intraoperative monitoring of brain stem auditory evoked potential during microvascular decompression (MVD) prevent hearing loss (HL). Previous studies have shown that changes in wave III (wIII) are an early and sensitive sign of auditory nerve injury. To evaluate the changes of amplitude and latency of wIII of brain stem auditory evoked potential during MVD and its association with postoperative HL. Hearing loss was classified by American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) criteria, based on changes in pure tone audiometry and speech discrimination score. Retrospective analysis of wIII in patients who underwent intraoperative monitoring with brain stem auditory evoked potential during MVD was performed. A univariate logistic regression analysis was performed on independent variables amplitude of wIII and latency of wIII at change max and On-Skin, or a final recording at the time of skin closure. A further analysis for the same variables was performed adjusting for the loss of wave. The latency of wIII was not found to be significantly different between groups I and II. The amplitude of wIII was significantly decreased in the group with HL. Regression analysis did not find any increased odds of HL with changes in the amplitude of wIII. Changes in wave III did not increase the odds of HL in patients who underwent brain stem auditory evoked potential s during MVD. This information might be valuable to evaluate the value of wIII as an alarm criterion during MVD to prevent HL.

Quantification of mitral valve regurgitation in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease by use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method.

PubMed

Gouni, Vassiliki; Serres, François J; Pouchelon, Jean-Louis; Tissier, Renaud; Lefebvre, Hervé P; Nicolle, Audrey P; Sampedrano, Carolina Carlos; Chetboul, Valérie

2007-08-01

To determine the within-day and between-day variability of regurgitant fraction (RF) assessed by use of the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method in awake dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD), measure RF in dogs with MVD, and assess the correlation between RF and several clinical and Doppler echocardiographic variables. Prospective study. 6 MVD-affected dogs with no clinical signs and 67 dogs with MVD of differing severity (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council [ISACHC] classification). The 6 dogs were used to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the PISA method, and RF was then assessed in 67 dogs of various ISACHC classes. Mitral valve regurgitation was also assessed from the maximum area of regurgitant jet signal-to-left atrium area (ARJ/LAA) ratio determined via color Doppler echocardiographic mapping. Within- and between-day coefficients of variation of RF were 8% and 11%, respectively. Regurgitation fraction was significantly correlated with ISACHC classification and heart murmur grade and was higher in ISACHC class III dogs (mean +/- SD, 72.8 +/- 9.5%) than class II (57.9 +/- 20.1%) or I (40.7 +/- 19.2%) dogs. Regurgitation fraction and left atriumto-aorta ratio, fractional shortening, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, and ARJ/LAA ratio were significantly correlated. Results suggested that RF is a repeatable and reproducible variable for noninvasive quantitative evaluation of mitral valve regurgitation in awake dogs. Regurgitation fraction also correlated well with disease severity. It appears that this Doppler echocardiographic index may be useful in longitudinal studies of MVD in dogs.

Further Assessment of MVD Effects in SLD Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsao, Jen-Ching; Anderson, David N.

2006-01-01

The study reported here is part of an effort to develop scaling methods for super cooled large droplet (SLD) conditions. Previously reported results showed that SLD main ice shapes can be simulated quite successfully by appendix C conditions using scaling methods developed for appendix C. However, when the velocity was higher than 100 kt, the feather size and density for SLD tests at MVDs well above 100 m was not well represented by the scaled appendix C conditions. This paper reports additional results of a study of the feather region with the objective of identifying differences between SLD and appendix C feathers. Both the feather appearance and the angle at which feathers grow from the airfoil surface were recorded over a range of MVD from 20 to 190 m for airspeeds of 100 and 200 kt and stagnation freezing fractions of 0.3 to 1.0. Tests were performed in the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) using a 91-cm-chord NACA0012 airfoil model mounted at 0 degrees AOA. Photographs are presented to illustrate details of feather appearance. Appearance was noticeably affected by the stagnation freezing fraction of the test, but not by velocity or MVD. The angle of feather growth relative to the chord line decreased with increasing stagnation freezing fraction. For a velocity of 100 kt, no significant effect of MVD on feather angle was apparent, but at 200 kt, feather angle tended to increase with MVD for glaze conditions, but not rime. This finding is based on limited data, and its significance with respect to icing physics has not been determined.

Hemifacial spasm associated with type 1 Chiari malformation: a retrospective study of 13 cases.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Zhao, Wei-Guo; Pu, Chun-Hua; Yang, Wen-Lei

2017-04-01

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) associated with type 1 Chiari malformation is particularly uncommon and is limited to isolated case report. The aims of this study were to report the clinical correlates of patients who had simultaneously HFS and type 1 Chiari malformation and to present the outcome of these patients treated with microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. We retrospectively evaluated 13 patients who had simultaneously HFS and type 1 Chiari malformation among 675 HFS patients. Clinical features and radiological findings were collected from each patient and analyzed. All these 13 patients were surgically treated with MVD through retro-mastoid microsurgical approach, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. A review of literature about this association was also provided. In this study, the frequency of type 1 Chiari malformation in HFS patients was 1.9 %. The clinical profile of this series of patients did not differ from typical form of primary HFS. MVD achieved satisfactory results in 11 patients (85 %) in short- and long-term follow-up. There was no mortality or severe complication occurred postoperatively. Although rare, clinician should be aware of the association of HFS and type 1 Chiari malformation and consider MVD as an effective surgical management.

MWPC prototyping and testing for STAR inner TPC upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, F.; Wang, S.; Yang, C.; Xu, Q.

2017-06-01

STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is upgrading the inner sectors of the Time Projection Chamber (iTPC). The iTPC upgrade project will increase the segmentation on the inner pad plane from 13 to 40 pad rows and renew the inner sector wire chambers. The upgrade will expand the TPC's acceptance from |η|<=1.0 to |η|<=1.5. Furthermore, the detector will have better acceptance for tracks with low momentum, as well as better resolution in both momentum and dE/dx for tracks of all momenta. The enhanced measurement capabilities of STAR-iTPC upgrade are crucial to the physics program of the Phase II of Beam Energy Scan (BES-II) at RHIC during 2019-2020, in particular the QCD phase transition study. In this proceedings, I will discuss the iTPC MWPC module fabrication and testing results from the first full size iTPC MWPC pre-prototype made at Shandong University.

Formation and characterization of simulated small droplet icing clouds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingebo, R. D.

1986-01-01

Two pneumatic two-fluid atomizers operating at high liquid and gas pressures produced water sprays that simulated small droplet clouds for use in studying icing effects on aircraft performance. To measure median volume diameter, MVD or D sub v.5, of small droplet water sprays, a scattered-light scanning instrument was developed. Drop size data agreed fairly well with calculated values at water and nitrogen pressures of 60 and 20 psig, respectively, and at water and nitrogen pressures of 250 and 100 psig, respectively, but not very well at intermediate values of water and nitrogen pressure. MVD data were correlated with D sub 0, W sub N, and W sub w, i.e., orifice diameter, nitrogen, and water flowrate, respectively, to give the expression for MVD in microns.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease: a focus on physiology.

PubMed

Cho, Yun-Kyeong; Nam, Chang-Wook

2018-03-21

Multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVD) frequently features ambiguous or intermediate lesions that may be both serial and complex, suggesting that multiple regions require revascularization. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with various challenges such as appropriate identification of lesions that should be treated, the choice of an optimum revascularization method, and limitations of long-term outcomes. Optimal patient selection and careful targeting of lesions are key when planning treatment. Physiology-guided decision-making (based on the fractional flow reserve) can overcome the current limitations of PCI used to treat MVD regardless of clinical presentation or disease subtype, as confirmed in recent clinical trials. Here, we review the use of physiology-guided PCI for patients with MVD, and their early and late outcomes.

Prognostic significance of microvessel density and mast cell density for the survival of Thai patients with primary colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Yodavudh, Sirisanpang; Tangjitgamol, Siriwan; Puangsa-art, Supalarp

2008-05-01

Angiogenesis has been found to be a reliable prognostic indicator for several types of malignancies. In colorectal cancer, however there has been controversy as to whether there is a correlation between this feature and the tumors' behavior. Determine the correlation between microvessel density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) in order to evaluate these factors in terms of their prognostic relevance for primary colorectal carcinoma in Thai patients. One hundred and thirty colorectal carcinoma patients diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2004 were identified. Eleven patients were excluded from the present study due to recurrence of colorectal carcinoma in eight cases whereas pathologic blocks were not found in three cases. One hundred and nineteen patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the present study. Representative paraffin sections obtained by the tissue micro-array technique (9 x 5 arrays per slide) from areas of highest vascular density (hot spots) were prepared. Sections were immuno-stained by monoclonal anti CD 31 for microvessel and antibody mast cell tryptase for mast cell detections, respectively. Three readings at different periods of time under a microscopic examination of high power magnification were examined by a pathologist who was blinded to clinical data. The highest microvessel and mast cell counts were recorded as MVD and MCD. Patients were then divided into groups of high and low MVD and high and low MCD by median values (20.5 and 14.5, respectively). Overall survival of the patients in each group was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier Method while a multivariate Cox regression backward stepwise analysis was employed to find out independent prognostic factors. Significant positive correlation was found to exist between MVD and MCD in the hot spots (R = 0.697, p < 0.0001). Regarding their prognostic role, patients with tumors of low MVD (hypovascular) and low MCD (low mast cell counts) had significantly longer survival rates than those with hypervascular and high mast cell counts (p < 0.0001). The Multivariate Cox hazard showed that MVD and distance metastasis of cancer were independent poor prognostic factors to survival (p = 0.036 and p = 0.024, respectively). The patients with high MVD (hypervascular) tumors and with presence of distant metastasis had 1.9 and 2.5 times higher death rates than the corresponding hypovascular and non-metastatic groups, respectively during the period from January 2002 to September 2007. Assessment of microvessel density in the invasive front of primary colorectal carcinoma could serve as useful prognosis tool of primary colorectal carcinoma in Thai patients.

Correlation between expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and angiogenesis in human gastric adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Li, Hong-Xia; Chang, Xin-Ming; Song, Zheng-Jun; He, Shui-Xiang

2003-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and the relationship with tumor angiogenesis and advancement in gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemical stain was used for detecting the expression of COX-2 in 45 resected specimens of gastric adenocarcinoma; the monoclonal antibody against CD34 was used for displaying vascular endothelial cells, and microvascular density (MVD) was detected by counting of CD34-positive vascular endothelial cells. Paracancerous tissues were examined as control. RESULTS: Immunohistological staining with COX-2-specific polyclonal antibody showed cytoplasmic staining in the cancer cells, some atypical hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia, as well as angiogenic vasculature present within the tumors and prexisting vasculature adjacent to cancer lesions. The rate of expression of COX-2 and MVD index in gastric cancers were significantly increased, compared with those in the paracancerous tissues (77.78 vs 33.33%, 58.13 ± 19.99 vs 24.02 ± 10.28, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). In 36 gastric carcinoma specimens with lymph node metastasis, the rate of COX-2 expression and MVD were higher than those in the specimens without metostasis (86.11 vs 44.44%, 58.60 ± 18.24 vs 43.54 ± 15.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). The rate of COX-2 expression and MVD in the specimens with invasive serosa were significantly higher than those in the specimens without invasion to serosa (87.88 vs 50.0%, 57.01 ± 18.79 vs 42.35 ± 14.65, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Moreover, MVD in COX-2-positive specimens was higher than that in COX-2-negative specimens (61.29 ± 14.31 vs 45.38 ± 12.42, P < 0.05). COX-2 expression was positively correlated with MVD (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: COX-2 expression might correlate with the occurance and advancement of gastric carcinoma and is involved in tumor angiogenesis in gastric carcinoma. It is likely that COX-2 by inducing angiogenesis can be one of mechanisms which promotes invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma. It may become a new therapeutic target for anti-angiogenesis. PMID:12679908

Effect of peritoneal dialysis on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endostatin of the peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

Gao, Dan; Zhao, Zhan-Zheng; Liang, Xian-Hui; Li, Yan; Cao, Ying; Liu, Zhang-Suo

2011-11-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endostatin (ES) in human peritoneum and investigate the relationship between them and peritoneum neoangiogensis in the patients with uraemia and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal biopsies were obtained from normal subjects (n = 8), uraemic predialysis patients (n = 12) and PD patients (n = 10). The mRNA expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were measured through real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were determined through western blot. Microvessel density (MVD) of peritoneal tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry with CD34 monoclonal antibody. The mRNA and protein of VEGF, bFGF and ES were expressed in all peritoneal samples. Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and bFGF in peritoneal tissues were all significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the protein expression of ES were significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all (P < 0.05), but the mRNA expression of ES did not have obvious differences in the uraemic predialysis and PD group as compared to the normal control group (P > 0.05). MVD of peritoneal tissue were increased in the uraemic predialysis and PD group compared with the normal group (all P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF mRNA expression and MVD, bFGF mRNA expression and MVD. The mRNA expression of VEGF and bFGF, the protein expression of VEGF, bFGF, and ES and microvessel density (MVD) are increased both in the uraemic predialysis and PD patients. These results show that uraemia circumstances and non-physiological compatibility of peritoneal dialysis solution might increase VEGF, bFGF and ES expression and MVD, which might participate in the increment of the peritoneum neoangiogensis and ultrafiltration failure in PD patients. © 2011 The Authors. Nephrology © 2011 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.

The associations between serum VEGF, bFGF and endoglin levels with microvessel density and expression of proangiogenic factors in malignant and benign ovarian tumors.

PubMed

Szubert, Sebastian; Moszynski, Rafal; Michalak, Slawomir; Nowicki, Michal; Sajdak, Stefan; Szpurek, Dariusz

2016-09-01

To investigate whether serum levels of VEGF, bFGF and endoglin correlate with tumor VEGF and bFGF expression or microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian cancer. Forty five patients with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) and 38 patients with benign ovarian tumors (BOTs) were included into the study. Serum levels of VEGF, bFGF and endoglin were assessed using ELISA. The expression of VEGF and bFGF in tumor samples were evaluated using ELISA of supernatants obtained from tumor homogenization. MVD was analyzed using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD31, CD34 and CD105. Serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in EOCs than in BOTs (436.6pg/ml [19.67-2860] vs 295.5pg/ml [123-539], P=0.025). Serum endoglin levels were lowered in the group EOCs when compared to BOTs (33,720g/ml [12,220-73,940] vs 42,390pg/ml [19,380-56,910], P=0.015). There were no differences in bFGF levels between studied groups. EOCs have significantly higher CD105 MVD (25 vessels/mm2 [0-57] vs 6 vessels/mm2 [0-70], P<0.001) and tumor VEGF (405.9pg/mg protein [0-3000] vs 2.225 [0-634.7], P<0.001) expression than BOTs, while, bFGF expression was higher in BOTs than in EOCs (2076pg/mg protein [668.1-8718] vs 847.3pg/mg protein [188.9-8333], P=0.003). In patients with EOCs we have observed negative correlation between serum VEGF concentration and its tissue expression (r Spearman=-0.571, P=0.0261), and serum VEGF concentration correlated positively with CD34-MVD (r Spearman=0.545, P=0.0289). In a multiple regression analysis we have observed only the negative correlation between serum VEGF and CD105-MVD (r=-0.5288, P=0.0427). Serum VEGF is a useful marker for prediction of ovarian cancer MVD and tumor VEGF expression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Building a standards-based and collaborative e-prescribing tool: MyRxPad.

PubMed

Nelson, Stuart J; Zeng, Kelly; Kilbourne, John

2011-01-01

MyRxPad (rxp.nlm.nih.gov) is a prototype application intended to enable a practitioner-patient collaborative approach towards e-prescribing: patients play an active role by maintaining up-to-date and accurate medication lists. Prescribers make well-informed and safe prescribing decisions based on personal medication records contributed by patients. MyRxPad is thus the vehicle for collaborations with patients using MyMedicationList (MML). Integration with personal medication records in the context of e-prescribing is thus enabled. We present our experience in applying RxNorm in an e-prescribing setting: using standard names and codes to capture prescribed medication as well as extracting information from RxNorm to support medication-related clinical decision.

25 hydroxy vitamin D is higher when a renal multivitamin is given with cholecalciferol at hemodialysis.

PubMed

Subih, Hadil S; Behrens, Janaye; Burt, Brooke; Clement, Louise; Pannell, Rita; Macha, Laura; Spallholz, Julian; Boylan, Mallory

2016-12-01

Seventy six hemodialysis (HD) patients were used in a prospective randomized and clinical trial to determine if a multivitamin with vitamin D (cholecalciferol 12,000 IU/week) given during dialysis would improve the vitamin D status of hemodialysis subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: 37 subjects were in the renal multivitamin without vitamin D (MV) group and 39 subjects were in a multivitamin route with vitamin D (MVD) group (12,000 IU of cholecalciferol per week). All subjects were given 2 multivitamin tablets at their 3 HD sessions each week for 20 weeks. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated. At baseline, mean serum 25(OH)D were below adequate (<30 ng/mL) in the MV group (23.5±12.2 ng/mL) and in the MVD group (20.8±10.3 ng/mL). A significant increase was seen in serum 25(OH)D levels (37.7±11.4 ng/mL; p<0.001) in the MVD group after vitamin D supplementation with no rise in the MV group value (21.7±11.4 ng/mL; p=0.06). Prior to supplementation, 17.9% of patients in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D level and post supplementation 76.9% in the MVD group had adequate serum 25(OH)D. In the MV group, 18.9% subjects had adequate serum 25(OH)D levels at baseline with 18.9% having 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in group values for serum Ca and P. The majority of HD subjects given a multivitamin with cholecalciferol at dialysis had improvement in their vitamin D status.

Study on the Characteristics of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Its Utility in Assessing the Microvessel Density in Ovarian Tumors or Tumor-Like Lesions

PubMed Central

Wang, Junyan; Lv, Faqin; Fei, Xiang; Cui, Qiuli; Wang, Longxia; Gao, Xuewen; Yuan, Zhixian; Lin, Qian; Lv, Yali; Liu, Aijun

2011-01-01

Angiogenesis is a critical factor in tumor growth and metastasis, and microvessel density (MVD) was an important parameter for assessing vessels in tumors. However, radiologic assessment of tumor vascularity is not yet well established. In our study, we aimed at investigating the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in exploring the vascularity of the ovarian tumors or tumor-like lesions to assess the relationship between the parameters of the peak intensity (PI) and area under curve (AUC) on CEUS and MVD in ovarian masses. Compared to the contrast-enhanced ultrasound technique, conventional ultrasound shows limitation in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The former is promising in improving the sensitivity of detecting small vessels and blood flow in ovarian tumors. Our results showed clear differences in enhancement patterns between benign and malignant ovary tumors or tumor-like lesions. The PI and AUC in the malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in the benign tumors or tumor-like lesions (p=0.001 and =0.01, respectively). The MVD was 43.1 ± 20.4 in the benign tumors or tumor-like lesions and was 65.3 ± 22.3 in the malignant ones (p= 0.01). In both the benign and malignant groups, the PI and AUC were correlated significantly with the MVD (r=0.595, p = 0.001; r =0.533, p = 0.003, respectively). The PI and AUC in CEUS can reflect the MVD in ovarin tumors. The PI and AUC of the ovarian masses in the contrast transvaginal sonography show significant correlation with the angiogenesis and may help in assessing tumor vascularity in ovarian masses. PMID:21614152

Prognostic significance of epithelial/stromal caveolin-1 expression in prostatic hyperplasia, high grade prostatic intraepithelial hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma and its correlation with microvessel density.

PubMed

Mohammed, Dareen A; Helal, Duaa S

2017-03-01

Caveolin-1 may play a role in cancer development and progression. The aim was to record the expression and localization of caveolin-1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and prostatic carcinoma (PCa). Microvessel density was evaluated with CD34 immunostain. Correlations with known prognostic factors of PCa were recorded. Immunohistochemical expression of caveolin-1 and the MVD was evaluated in 65 cases; BPH (25), HGPIN (20) and PCa (20). Stromal caveolin-1expression was significantly higher in BPH than HGPIN and PCca. There was significant inverse relation between stromal caveolin-1 expression and extension to lymph node and seminal vesicle in carcinoma cases. Epithelial caveolin-1 was significantly higher in carcinomas than in BPH and HGPIN. Epithelial expression in carcinoma was significantly associated with preoperative PSA, Gleason score and lymph node extension. MVD was significantly higher in PCa than in BPH and HGPIN. There were significant relations between MVD and preoperative PSA, Gleason score, lymph node and seminal vesicle extension. Stromal caveolin-1 was associated with low MVD while epithelial caveolin-1 with high MVD. Caveolin-1 plays an important role in prostatic carcinogenesis and metastasis. Stromal expression of caveolin-1 in PCa is lowered in relation to BPH and HGPIN. In PCa; stromal caveolin-1 was associated with good prognostic parameters. Epithelial caveolin-1 is significantly increased in PCa than BPH and HGPIN. It is associated with clinically aggressive disease. Caveolin-1 may play a role in angiogenesis. Copyright © 2017 National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coronary microvascular rarefaction and myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

PubMed

Mohammed, Selma F; Hussain, Saad; Mirzoyev, Sultan A; Edwards, William D; Maleszewski, Joseph J; Redfield, Margaret M

2015-02-10

Characterization of myocardial structural changes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been hindered by the limited availability of human cardiac tissue. Cardiac hypertrophy, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis may contribute to HFpEF pathophysiology. We identified HFpEF patients (n=124) and age-appropriate control subjects (noncardiac death, no heart failure diagnosis; n=104) who underwent autopsy. Heart weight and CAD severity were obtained from the autopsy reports. With the use of whole-field digital microscopy and automated analysis algorithms in full-thickness left ventricular sections, microvascular density (MVD), myocardial fibrosis, and their relationship were quantified. Subjects with HFpEF had heavier hearts (median, 538 g; 169% of age-, sex-, and body size-expected heart weight versus 335 g; 112% in controls), more severe CAD (65% with ≥1 vessel with >50% diameter stenosis in HFpEF versus 13% in controls), more left ventricular fibrosis (median % area fibrosis, 9.6 versus 7.1) and lower MVD (median 961 versus 1316 vessels/mm(2)) than control (P<0.0001 for all). Myocardial fibrosis increased with decreasing MVD in controls (r=-0.28, P=0.004) and HFpEF (r=-0.26, P=0.004). Adjusting for MVD attenuated the group differences in fibrosis. Heart weight, fibrosis, and MVD were similar in HFpEF patients with CAD versus without CAD. In this study, patients with HFpEF had more cardiac hypertrophy, epicardial CAD, coronary microvascular rarefaction, and myocardial fibrosis than controls. Each of these findings may contribute to the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and cardiac reserve function impairment characteristic of HFpEF. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Clinical study of contrast-enhanced digital mammography and the evaluation of blood and lymphatic microvessel density

PubMed Central

Cruz-Bastida, Juan P; Rosado-Méndez, Iván M; Villaseñor-Navarro, Yolanda; Pérez-Ponce, Héctor; Galván, Héctor A; Trujillo-Zamudio, Flavio E; Sánchez-Suárez, Patricia; Benítez-Bribiesca, Luis

2016-01-01

Objective: To correlate image parameters in contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) with blood and lymphatic microvessel density (MVD). Methods: 18 Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)-4 to BI-RADS-5 patients were subjected to CEDM. Craniocaudal views were acquired, two views (low and high energy) before iodine contrast medium (CM) injection and four views (high energy) 1–5 min afterwards. Processing included registration and two subtraction modalities, traditional single-energy temporal (high-energy) and “dual-energy temporal with a matrix”, proposed to improve lesion conspicuity. Images were calibrated into iodine thickness, and iodine uptake, contrast, time–intensity and time–contrast kinetic curves were quantified. Image indicators were compared with MVD evaluated by anti-CD105 and anti-podoplanin (D2-40) immunohistochemistry. Results: 11 lesions were cancerous and 7 were benign. CEDM subtraction strongly increased conspicuity of lesions enhanced by iodine uptake. A strong correlation was observed between lymphatic vessels and blood vessels; all benign lesions had <30 blood microvessels per field, and all cancers had more than this value. MVD showed no correlation with iodine uptake, nor with contrast. The most frequent curve was early uptake followed by plateau for uptake and contrast in benign and malignant lesions. The positive-predictive value of uptake dynamics was 73% and that of contrast was 64%. Conclusion: CEDM increased lesion visibility and showed additional features compared with conventional mammography. Lack of correlation between image parameters and MVD is probably due to tumour tissue heterogeneity, mammography projective nature and/or dependence of extracellular iodine irrigation on tissue composition. Advances in knowledge: Quantitative analysis of CEDM images was performed. Image parameters and MVD showed no correlation. Probably, this is indication of the complex dependence of CM perfusion on tumour microenvironment. PMID:27376457

Comparative analysis of COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density in human renal cell carcinomas.

PubMed

Hemmerlein, B; Galuschka, L; Putzer, N; Zischkau, S; Heuser, M

2004-12-01

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are frequently up-regulated in malignant tumours and play a role in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and tumour invasion. In the present study, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was analysed and correlated with the microvessel density (MVD). COX-2 and VEGF were analysed by realtime reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The MVD was assessed by CD31 immunohistochemistry. The expression of COX-2 and VEGF was determined in the RCC cell lines A498 and Caki-1 under short-term hypoxia and in multicellular tumour cell aggregates. COX-2 was expressed in RCC by tumour epithelia, endothelia and macrophages in areas of cystic tumour regression and tumour necrosis. COX-2 protein in RCC was not altered in comparison with normal renal tissue. VEGF mRNA was up-regulated in RCC and positively correlated with MVD. RCC with high up-regulation of VEGF mRNA showed weak intracytoplasmic expression of VEGF in tumour cells. Intracytoplasmic VEGF protein expression was negatively correlated with MVD. In RCC with necrosis the MVD was reduced in comparison with RCC without necrosis. A498 RCC cells down-regulated COX-2 and up-regulated VEGF under conditions of hypoxia. In Caki-1 cells COX-2 expression remained stable, whereas VEGF was significantly up-regulated. In multicellular A498 cell aggregates COX-2 and VEGF were up-regulated centrally, whereas no gradient was found in Caki-1 cells. COX-2 and VEGF are potential therapeutic targets because COX-2 and VEGF are expressed in RCC and associated cell populations such as endothelia and monocytes/macrophages.

Histomorphometric Analysis of Angiogenesis using CD31 Immunomarker and Mast Cell Density in Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Jyothsna, M; Rammanohar, M; Kumar, Kiran

2017-01-01

Mast cells have been implicated in promoting angiogenesis in malignant tumors of lung, oesophagus and breast, but there are few studies on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC). Most oral squamous cell carcinomas arise from pre-existing precancerous lesions exhibiting epithelial dysplasia. The present pilot study attempts to compare Mast Cell Density (MCD), Microvessel Density (MVD), Microvessel Area (MVA) histomorphometrically between normal buccal mucosa, severe epithelial dysplasia and OSCC and to correlate the role of mast cells and angiogenesis in tumor progression. The retrospective study was conducted on eight cases of OSCC, eight cases of severe epithelial dysplasia and five cases of normal buccal mucosa. Immunohistochemical staining with anti CD-31, to demonstrate angiogenesis and toluidine blue staining for mast cells were employed. MVA, MVD and MCD were calculated using the measurement tools of the image analysis software and compared between the groups. One way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used for comparing the parameter for multiple groups followed by Games Howell test. To assess the relationship between micro vessel density and mast cell density, Karl Pearson's correlation was used. MCD and MVD increased with disease progression and were statistically higher in OSCC than in severe epithelial dysplasia and normal buccal mucosa (p<0.001). MVA increased from normal to severe dysplasia and decreased from dysplasia to OSCC, may be due to revascularization of tumor tissue. A positive correlation was observed between MCD and MVD in OSCC and dysplasia, though were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that mast cells may up regulate angiogenesis in OSCC. MCD and MVD may be used as indicators for disease progression.

Apoptosis and microvessel density in gastric cancer: correlation with tumor stage and prognosis.

PubMed

Aurello, Paolo; Bellagamba, Riccardo; Rossi Del Monte, Simone; D'Angelo, Francesco; Nigri, Giuseppe; Cicchini, Claudia; Ravaioli, Matteo; Ramacciato, Giovanni

2009-12-01

Gastric cancer remains one of the most common human malignancies with a poor prognosis. Apoptosis is known to be a programmed cell death and its inhibition is involved in the unregulated cellular growth that leads to neoplasms. Microvessel density (MVD) has been investigated as a promoting factor for angiogenesis with conflicting results about its relation to survival. The aim of our study was to search a correlation between these factors and some clinicopathological features and prognosis. Identification of apoptotic cells was performed applying the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling technique and recorded as apoptotic index (A.I.), whereas monoclonal antibodies were used for the study of MVD. A significant correlation was found between low and high A.I. and the subgroup of patients in Stages I and II (P < 0.02); 20 per cent of patients with a low A.I. showed an overall survival longer than 5 years versus 44 per cent of patients with an high A.I. (P = 0.041). High MVD was significantly related to the T stage (P = 0.036) and to a poorer 5-year overall survival (P < 0.05). Further studies are required to confirm the role of apoptosis and MVD in the development and progression of gastric cancer.

Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype.

PubMed

Wu, Di; Yan, Aimin; Li, Yuhua; Wong, Molly D; Zheng, Bin; Wu, Xizeng; Liu, Hong

2015-05-01

In this research, a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype was developed and characterized through quantitative investigations and phantom studies. The prototype system consists of an x-ray source, a motorized rotation stage, and a CMOS detector with a pixel pitch of 0.05 mm. The x-ray source was operated at 120 kVp for this study, and the objects were mounted on the rotation stage 76.2 cm (R1) from the source and 114.3 cm (R2) from the detector. The large air gap between the object and detector guarantees sufficient phase-shift effects. The quantitative evaluation of this prototype included modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum measurements conducted under both projection mode and tomosynthesis mode. Phantom studies were performed including three custom designed phantoms with complex structures: a five-layer bubble wrap phantom, a fishbone phantom, and a chicken breast phantom with embedded fibrils and mass structures extracted from an ACR phantom. In-plane images of the phantoms were acquired to investigate their image qualities through observation, intensity profile plots, edge enhancement evaluations, and/or contrast-to-noise ratio calculations. In addition, the robust phase-attenuation duality (PAD)-based phase retrieval method was applied to tomosynthesis for the first time in this research. It was utilized as a preprocessing method to fully exhibit phase contrast on the angular projection before reconstruction. The resolution and noise characteristics of this high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype were successfully investigated and demonstrated. The phantom studies demonstrated that this imaging prototype can successfully remove the structure overlapping in phantom projections, obtain delineate interfaces, and achieve better contrast-to-noise ratio after applying phase retrieval to the angular projections. This research successfully demonstrated a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype. In addition, the PAD-based method of phase retrieval was combined with tomosynthesis imaging for the first time, which demonstrated its capability in significantly improving the contrast-to-noise ratios in the images.

Functional Angiogenic Mediators in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-01

and stromal tissues (B). (C) 1 , 7 V MVD was calculated by counting endothelial lined vessels within _ tumor regions, and a MVD to TSP-I staining...Rastinejad F, Le Beau MM, Lemons RS, Frazier WA, Bouck NP: A tumor suppressor-dependent inhibitor of angiogenesis is immunologically and functionally...Cancer Res 1998;58:23-28. 3. Folkman J: Tumor angiogenesis: therapeutic implications. N Engl J Med 1971;285:1182- 1186. 4. Bouck N, Stellmach V , Hsu SC

Microvascular decompression or neuromodulation in patients with SUNCT and trigeminal neurovascular conflict?

PubMed

Hassan, Samih; Lagrata, Susie; Levy, Andrew; Matharu, Manjit; Zrinzo, Ludvic

2018-02-01

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of neuromodulation and trigeminal microvascular decompression (MVD) in patients with medically-intractable short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). Methods Two patients with medically refractory SUNCT underwent MVD following beneficial but incomplete response to neuromodulation (occipital nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation). MRI confirmed neurovascular conflict with the ipsilateral trigeminal nerve in both patients. Results Although neuromodulation provided significant benefit, it did not deliver complete relief from pain and management required numerous postoperative visits with adjustment of medication and stimulation parameters. Conversely, MVD was successful in eliminating symptoms of SUNCT in both patients with no need for further medical treatment or neuromodulation. Conclusion Neuromodulation requires expensive hardware and lifelong follow-up and maintenance. These case reports highlight that microvascular decompression may be preferable to neuromodulation in the subset of SUNCT patients with ipsilateral neurovascular conflict.

Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN and C) Design Overview and Flight Test Results from NASA's Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennehy, Cornelius J.; Lanzi, Raymond J.; Ward, Philip R.

2010-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Engineering and Safety Center designed, developed and flew the alternative Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) as risk mitigation for the baseline Orion spacecraft launch abort system already in development. The NESC was tasked with both formulating a conceptual objective system design of this alternative MLAS as well as demonstrating this concept with a simulated pad abort flight test. Less than 2 years after Project start the MLAS simulated pad abort flight test was successfully conducted from Wallops Island on July 8, 2009. The entire flight test duration was 88 seconds during which time multiple staging events were performed and nine separate critically timed parachute deployments occurred as scheduled. This paper provides an overview of the guidance navigation and control technical approaches employed on this rapid prototyping activity; describes the methodology used to design the MLAS flight test vehicle; and lessons that were learned during this rapid prototyping project are also summarized.

Angiogenesis in chronic myeloproliferative diseases detected by CD34 expression.

PubMed

Panteli, K; Zagorianakou, N; Bai, M; Katsaraki, A; Agnantis, N J; Bourantas, K

2004-06-01

Increased bone marrow angiogenesis estimated as bone marrow microvessel density (MVD), or as serum angiogenic factor levels and/or immunohistochemical expression of these factors in bone marrow biopsy has been demonstrated in a variety of hematological disorders including chronic myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the MVD in 25 cases of myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). MVD was estimated by CD34 immunohistochemical expression in bone marrow biopsies. A control group of 27 patients without bone marrow disease, eight cases of polycythemia vera (PV), 41 cases of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and nine cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were also studied. Moreover, in cases with MMM, MVD was correlated with clinical, laboratory, histological parameters and the outcome of the patients. Our study confirmed a significantly higher degree of angiogenesis in MMM, PV, ET and CML compared with controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.0007, P < 0.001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). Angiogenesis was higher in MMM than PV, ET and CML cases (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.008). Increased angiogenesis was correlated with hypercatabolic symptoms in MMM patients (P = 0.009). No correlation with other clinicopathological parameters or clinical outcome was found. However, definitive conclusions regarding the prognostic value of increased angiogenesis may require additional follow-up and a larger group of patients.

Morpheus Trailered to the SLF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander is transported to a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The prototype lander is being prepared for its fourth free flight test at Kennedy. Morpheus will launch from the ground over a flame trench and then descend and land on a dedicated pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Morpheus Trailered to the SLF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander is being lifted by crane for positioning on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The prototype lander is being prepared for its fourth free flight test at Kennedy. Morpheus will launch from the ground over a flame trench and then descend and land on a dedicated pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Impact of the origin of the collateral feeding donor artery on short-term mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction with comorbid chronic total occlusion.

PubMed

Fujii, Toshiharu; Sakai, Katsuaki; Nakano, Masataka; Ohno, Yohei; Nakazawa, Gaku; Shinozaki, Norihiko; Matsukage, Takashi; Yoshimachi, Fuminobu; Ikari, Yuji

2016-09-01

Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multi-vessel disease (MVD) have higher mortality, especially with comorbid chronic total occlusion (CTO). The origin of collateral flow to the CTO segment has not been studied in regard to short-term mortality. This study examined the impact of collateral feeding donor arteries from an infarct-related artery (IRA) or non-IRA to the comorbid CTO segment in regard to STEMI short-term mortality. Data from 760 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were obtained retrospectively from medical records. The number of vessels involved and origin of the collateral feeding donor artery were evaluated using angiograms from the primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The study population was divided into patients with: single-vessel disease (SVD) (n=483), MVD without CTO (n=208), and MVD with CTO (n=64). All CTO segments had collateral flow from an IRA (n=23) or non-IRA (n=46). All-cause mortality (30-day) was analyzed. Compared to SVD and MVD without CTO, MVD with comorbid CTO had a higher mortality (5.4% vs. 15.9% vs. 24.6%, P<0.0001, respectively). Of patients with CTO, those with collateral flow from the IRA had significantly higher mortality than the non-IRA group (52.2% vs. 10.9%, P<0.0001). Collateral flow from the IRA was extracted as an independent predictor associated with 30-day all-cause mortality using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio 4.71, 95% confidence interval 1.60-14.2, P=0.0005). The origin of the collateral donor artery from the IRA had an impact on short-term mortality in STEMI patients with comorbid CTO lesions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

An analysis of microvessel density, androgen receptor, p53 and HER-2/neu expression and Gleason score in prostate cancer . preliminary results and therapeutic implications.

PubMed

Mydlo, J H; Kral, J G; Volpe, M; Axotis, C; Macchia, R J; Pertschuk, L P

1998-01-01

To investigate relationships between microvessel density (MVD), androgen receptors (AR), mutant p53 and HER-2/neu expression and Gleason score (GS) to further understand the tumor biology of prostate cancer (CAP). Slides of CAP from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy or channel transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were tested for androgen receptors by immunocytochemical assay and MVD was analyzed by staining with antibodies to the endothelial cell membrane molecule PECAM-1/CD-31. The p53 monoclonal antibody D07 and HER-2 9G6 mouse monoclonal antibody were used to assess p53 and HER-2/neu expression, respectively. The results were correlated with GS and clinical stage by multivariate analysis. We found a fourfold greater expression of MVD in prostate cancer specimens compared to neighboring normal prostate tissue. We observed a greater concentration of MVD in the higher Gleason scores (r = 0.40, p = 0. 06), and a correlation of Gleason score with mutant p53 expression (r = 0.57, p <0.05). We did not observe any associations between AR or HER-2/neu to Gleason score. More than half of the patients with specimens with 50% or greater expression of mutant p53 were in stage D2 (T4NxM1b) at the time of biopsy. We observed a correlation between mutant p53 and GS, and a greater concentration of MVD in the higher GS. Since the neovascularity of prostate tumors can be attenuated by radiation and hormones, while mutant p53 may confer resistance to such treatment, it appears that p53 expression may also play an important role in addition to angiogenesis in the virulence of prostate cancer. These data may aid in allocating patients to different treatment modalities.

Digital pulse-shape analysis with a TRACE early silicon prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mengoni, D.; Dueñas, J. A.; Assié, M.; Boiano, C.; John, P. R.; Aliaga, R. J.; Beaumel, D.; Capra, S.; Gadea, A.; Gonzáles, V.; Gottardo, A.; Grassi, L.; Herrero-Bosch, V.; Houdy, T.; Martel, I.; Parkar, V. V.; Perez-Vidal, R.; Pullia, A.; Sanchis, E.; Triossi, A.; Valiente Dobón, J. J.

2014-11-01

A highly segmented silicon-pad detector prototype has been tested to explore the performance of the digital pulse shape analysis in the discrimination of the particles reaching the silicon detector. For the first time a 200 μm thin silicon detector, grown using an ordinary floating zone technique, has been shown to exhibit a level discrimination thanks to the fine segmentation. Light-charged particles down to few MeV have been separated, including their punch-through. A coaxial HPGe detector in time coincidence has further confirmed the quality of the particle discrimination.

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A flatbed truck carries the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander to a new location at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad is being moved to a different location to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers assist as a crane lowers a portion of the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a transporter at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad is being moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers assist as a crane lowers a large portion of the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a transporter at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad is being moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane is used to lower the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a new location at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers begin to reassemble the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander at a new location at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers attach a crane to part of the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad will be moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

The readout chain for the bar PANDA MVD strip detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schnell, R.; Brinkmann, K.-Th.; Di Pietro, V.; Kleines, H.; Goerres, A.; Riccardi, A.; Rivetti, A.; Rolo, M. D.; Sohlbach, H.; Zaunick, H.-G.

2015-02-01

The bar PANDA (antiProton ANnihilation at DArmstadt) experiment will study the strong interaction in annihilation reactions between an antiproton beam and a stationary gas jet target. The detector will comprise different sub-detectors for tracking, particle identification and calorimetry. The Micro-Vertex Detector (MVD) as the innermost part of the tracking system will allow precise tracking and detection of secondary vertices. For the readout of the double-sided silicon strip sensors a custom-made ASIC is being developed, employing the Time-over-Threshold (ToT) technique for digitization and utilize time-to-digital converters (TDC) to provide a high-precision time stamp of the hit. A custom-made Module Data Concentrator ASIC (MDC) will multiplex the data of all front-ends of one sensor towards the CERN-developed GBT chip set (GigaBit Transceiver). The MicroTCA-based MVD Multiplexer Board (MMB) at the off-detector site will receive and concentrate the data from the GBT links and transfer it to FPGA-based compute nodes for global event building.

Physicochemical properties of whole fruit plum powders obtained using different drying technologies.

PubMed

Michalska, Anna; Wojdyło, Aneta; Lech, Krzysztof; Łysiak, Grzegorz P; Figiel, Adam

2016-09-15

Physicochemical quality parameters of plum powders obtained by applying conventional drying methods and their combination devised to process plums were evaluated. The effect of freeze-drying (FD), vacuum drying (VD), convective drying (CD), microwave-vacuum drying (MVD) and combination of convective pre-drying and microwave finish-drying (CPD-MVFD) affected physical (bulk density, porosity, colour, solubility) and chemical (polyphenolic compounds determined by UPLC and antioxidant capacity by TEAC ABTS and FRAP methods) properties of plum powders. The MVD at 1.2 W g(-1) and a novel combination for plum powders production - CPD-MVFD at 70 °C/1.2 W g(-1) allowed the best preservation of phenolic compounds and increased the efficiency of production. Results obtained support the use of MVD and its combination for better quality of dried plum products. The study proved that the determination of the browning index and HMF level (formed via Maillard reaction) might be good tool for monitoring the thermal processing of plum powders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of modern icing cloud instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takeuchi, D. M.; Jahnsen, L. J.; Callander, S. M.; Humbert, M. C.

1983-01-01

Intercomparison tests with Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) were conducted. Cloud liquid water content (LWC) measurements were also taken with a Johnson and Williams (JW) hot-wire device and an icing rate device (Leigh IDS). Tests include varying cloud LWC (0.5 to 5 au gm), cloud median volume diameter (MVD) (15 to 26 microns), temperature (-29 to 20 C), and air speeds (50 to 285 mph). Comparisons were based upon evaluating probe estimates of cloud LWC and median volume diameter for given tunnel settings. Variations of plus or minus 10% and plus or minus 5% in LWC and MVD, respectively, were determined of spray clouds between test made at given tunnel settings (fixed LWC, MVD, and air speed) indicating cloud conditions were highly reproducible. Although LWC measurements from JW and Leigh devices were consistent with tunnel values, individual probe measurements either consistently over or underestimated tunnel values by factors ranging from about 0.2 to 2. Range amounted to a factor of 6 differences between LWC estimates of probes for given cloud conditions. For given cloud conditions, estimates of cloud MVD between probes were within plus or minus 3 microns and 93% of the test cases. Measurements overestimated tunnel values in the range between 10 to 20 microns. The need for improving currently used calibration procedures was indicated. Establishment of test facility (or facilities) such as an icing tunnel where instruments can be calibrated against known cloud standards would be a logical choice.

Effect of drying methods (microwave vacuum, freeze, hot air and sun drying) on physical, chemical and nutritional attributes of five pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) cultivars.

PubMed

Maurya, Vaibhav Kumar; Gothandam, Kodiveri Muthukaliannan; Ranjan, Vijay; Shakya, Amita; Pareek, Sunil

2018-07-01

A randomized block design experiment was performed to investigate the influence of drying on the physical, chemical and nutritional quality attributes of five prominent cultivars of India under sun drying (SD) (mean temperature 35.5 °C, average daily radiation 5.26 kW h m -2 and mean relative humidity 73.66% RH), hot air drying (HD) at 65 °C, microwave vacuum drying (MVD) (800 W, 5 kPa) and freeze drying (FD) (-50 °C, 5 kPa). Water activity, pH, total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA), capsaicin, β-carotene, color and Scoville heat unit were studied. TPC, AA, capsaicin content, β-carotene, color and water activity were significantly affected by the drying method. FD was observed to be most efficient in minimizing the loss of color, capsaicin and β-carotene. The hotness of analyzed samples decreased in the order 'Bird's Eye' > 'Sannam S4' > 'CO-4' > 'PLR-1' > 'PKM-1' among the studied cultivars, and FD > MVD > HD > SD among the drying methods. The FD method was observed to be the most efficient drying method for retaining capsaicin content over other drying methods (SD, HD, MVD), whereas MVD was found to be most efficient in minimizing the loss to nutritional attributes for all five pepper cultivars. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype

PubMed Central

Wu, Di; Yan, Aimin; Li, Yuhua; Wong, Molly D.; Zheng, Bin; Wu, Xizeng; Liu, Hong

2015-01-01

Purpose: In this research, a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype was developed and characterized through quantitative investigations and phantom studies. Methods: The prototype system consists of an x-ray source, a motorized rotation stage, and a CMOS detector with a pixel pitch of 0.05 mm. The x-ray source was operated at 120 kVp for this study, and the objects were mounted on the rotation stage 76.2 cm (R1) from the source and 114.3 cm (R2) from the detector. The large air gap between the object and detector guarantees sufficient phase-shift effects. The quantitative evaluation of this prototype included modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum measurements conducted under both projection mode and tomosynthesis mode. Phantom studies were performed including three custom designed phantoms with complex structures: a five-layer bubble wrap phantom, a fishbone phantom, and a chicken breast phantom with embedded fibrils and mass structures extracted from an ACR phantom. In-plane images of the phantoms were acquired to investigate their image qualities through observation, intensity profile plots, edge enhancement evaluations, and/or contrast-to-noise ratio calculations. In addition, the robust phase-attenuation duality (PAD)-based phase retrieval method was applied to tomosynthesis for the first time in this research. It was utilized as a preprocessing method to fully exhibit phase contrast on the angular projection before reconstruction. Results: The resolution and noise characteristics of this high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype were successfully investigated and demonstrated. The phantom studies demonstrated that this imaging prototype can successfully remove the structure overlapping in phantom projections, obtain delineate interfaces, and achieve better contrast-to-noise ratio after applying phase retrieval to the angular projections. Conclusions: This research successfully demonstrated a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype. In addition, the PAD-based method of phase retrieval was combined with tomosynthesis imaging for the first time, which demonstrated its capability in significantly improving the contrast-to-noise ratios in the images. PMID:25979035

Automatic building information model query generation

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Yufei; Yu, Nan; Ming, Jiang; ...

2015-12-01

Energy efficient building design and construction calls for extensive collaboration between different subfields of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) community. Performing building design and construction engineering raises challenges on data integration and software interoperability. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) data hub to host and integrate building models is a promising solution to address those challenges, which can ease building design information management. However, the partial model query mechanism of current BIM data hub collaboration model has several limitations, which prevents designers and engineers to take advantage of BIM. To address this problem, we propose a general and effective approachmore » to generate query code based on a Model View Definition (MVD). This approach is demonstrated through a software prototype called QueryGenerator. In conclusion, by demonstrating a case study using multi-zone air flow analysis, we show how our approach and tool can help domain experts to use BIM to drive building design with less labour and lower overhead cost.« less

Automatic building information model query generation

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

Jiang, Yufei; Yu, Nan; Ming, Jiang

Energy efficient building design and construction calls for extensive collaboration between different subfields of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) community. Performing building design and construction engineering raises challenges on data integration and software interoperability. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) data hub to host and integrate building models is a promising solution to address those challenges, which can ease building design information management. However, the partial model query mechanism of current BIM data hub collaboration model has several limitations, which prevents designers and engineers to take advantage of BIM. To address this problem, we propose a general and effective approachmore » to generate query code based on a Model View Definition (MVD). This approach is demonstrated through a software prototype called QueryGenerator. In conclusion, by demonstrating a case study using multi-zone air flow analysis, we show how our approach and tool can help domain experts to use BIM to drive building design with less labour and lower overhead cost.« less

Morpheus Trailered to the SLF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians monitor the progress as a crane lowers the Project Morpheus prototype for positioning on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The prototype lander is being prepared for its fourth free flight test at Kennedy. Morpheus will launch from the ground over a flame trench and then descend and land on a dedicated pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Morpheus Trailered to the SLF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians and engineers monitor the progress as the Project Morpheus prototype lander is lifted by crane for positioning on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The prototype lander is being prepared for its fourth free flight test at Kennedy. Morpheus will launch from the ground over a flame trench and then descend and land on a dedicated pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Morpheus Trailered to the SLF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians monitor the progress as the Project Morpheus prototype lander is lifted by crane for positioning on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The prototype lander is being prepared for its fourth free flight test at Kennedy. Morpheus will launch from the ground over a flame trench and then descend and land on a dedicated pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Quantitative evaluation of benign meningioma and hemangiopericytoma with peritumoral brain edema by 64-slice CT perfusion imaging.

PubMed

Ren, Guang; Chen, Shuang; Wang, Yin; Zhu, Rui-jiang; Geng, Dao-ying; Feng, Xiao-yuan

2010-08-05

Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) have a relentless tendency for local recurrence and metastases, differentiating between benign meningiomas and HPCs before surgery is important for both treatment planning and the prognosis appraisal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlations between CT perfusion parameters and microvessel density (MVD) in extra-axial tumors and the possible role of CT perfusion imaging in preoperatively differentiating benign meningiomas and HPCs. Seventeen patients with benign meningiomas and peritumoral edema, 12 patients with HPCs and peritumoral edema underwent 64-slice CT perfusion imaging pre-operation. Perfusion was calculated using the Patlak method. The quantitative parameters, include cerebral blood volume (CBV), permeability surface (PS) of parenchyma, peritumoral edema among benign meningiomas and HPCs were compared respectively. CBV and PS in parenchyma, peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were also compared to that of the contrallateral normal white matter respectively. The correlations between CBV, PS of tumoral parenchyma and MVD were examined. The value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05), while the values of CBV and PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly different (P > 0.05). MVD in parenchyma of HPCs were significantly higher than that of benign meningiomas (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between CBV and MVD (r = 0.648, P < 0.05), PS and MVD (r = 0.541, P < 0.05) respectively. Furthermore, the value of CBV and PS in parenchyma of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly higher than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), the value of CBV in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were significantly lower than that of contrallateral normal white matter (P < 0.05), while the value of PS in peritumoral edema of benign meningiomas and HPCs were not significantly different with that of contrallateral normal white matter (P > 0.05). CT perfusion imaging can provide critical information on the vascularity of HPC and benign meningiomas. Determination of maximal CBV and corresponding PS values in the parenchyma may be useful in the preoperative differentiating HPC from benign meningiomas.

Germline Polymorphisms of the VEGF Pathway Predict Recurrence in Nonadvanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

PubMed

Marotta, Vincenzo; Sciammarella, Concetta; Capasso, Mario; Testori, Alessandro; Pivonello, Claudia; Chiofalo, Maria Grazia; Gambardella, Claudio; Grasso, Marica; Antonino, Antonio; Annunziata, Annamaria; Macchia, Paolo Emidio; Pivonello, Rosario; Santini, Luigi; Botti, Gerardo; Losito, Simona; Pezzullo, Luciano; Colao, Annamaria; Faggiano, Antongiulio

2017-02-01

Tumor angiogenesis is determined by host genetic background rather than environment. Germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have demonstrated prognostic value in different tumors. Our main objective was to test the prognostic value of germline SNPs of the VEGF pathway in nonadvanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Secondarily, we sought to correlate analyzed SNPs with microvessel density (MVD). Multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Four referral centers. Blood samples were obtained from consecutive DTC patients. Genotyping was performed according to the TaqMan protocol, including 4 VEGF-A (-2578C>A, -460T>C, +405G>C, and +936C>T) and 2 VEGFR-2 (+1192 C>T and +1719 T>A) SNPs. MVD was estimated by means of CD34 staining. Rate of recurrent structural disease/disease-free survival (DFS). Difference in MVD between tumors from patients with different genotype. Two hundred four patients with stage I-II DTC (mean follow-up, 73 ± 64 months) and 240 patients with low- to intermediate-risk DTC (mean follow-up, 70 ± 60 months) were enrolled. Two "risk" genotypes were identified by combining VEGF-A SNPs -2578 C>A, -460 T>C, and +405 G>C. The ACG homozygous genotype was protective in both stage I-II (odds ratio [OR], 0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01 to 1.43; P = 0.018) and low- to intermediate-risk (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.01 to 1.13; P = 0.035) patients. The CTG homozygous genotype was significantly associated with recurrence in stage I-II (OR, 5.47; 95% CI, 1.15 to 26.04; P = 0.018) and was slightly deleterious in low- to intermediate-risk (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 0.8 to 14.33; P = 0.079) patients. MVD of primary tumors from patients harboring a protective genotype was significantly lower (median MVD, 76.5 ± 12.7 and 86.7 ± 27.9, respectively; P = 0.024). Analysis of germline VEGF-A SNPs could empower a prognostic approach to DTC. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society

Contrast-enhanced power Doppler endosonography and pathological assessment of vascularization in advanced gastric carcinomas--a feasibility study.

PubMed

Iordache, Sevastiţa; Filip, Maria-Monalisa; Georgescu, Claudia-Valentina; Angelescu, Cristina; Ciurea, Tudorel; Săftoiu, Adrian

2012-06-01

Besides representing angiogenesis markers, microvascular density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are two important tools for the assessment of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the Doppler parameters (resistivity and pulsatility indexes) and vascularity index (VI) calculated by contrast-enhanced power Doppler endoscopic ultrasound (CEPD-EUS) in correlation with the expression of intra-tumoral MVD and VEGF in patients with gastric cancer. The study included 20 consecutive patients with advanced gastric carcinoma, but without distant metastasis at initial assessment. All the patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced power Doppler endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combined with pulsed Doppler examinations in the late venous phase. The vascularity index (VI) was calculated before and after injection of second generation microbubble contrast specific agent (SonoVue 2.4 mL), used as a Doppler signal enhancer. Moreover, pulsed Doppler parameters (resistivity and pulsatility indexes) were further calculated. The correlation between power Doppler parameters and pathological/molecular parameters (MVD assessed through immunohistochemistry with CD31 and CD34, as well as VEGF assessed through real-time PCR) was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for the assessment of prognosis. Significantly statistical correlations were found between post-contrast VI and CD34 (p=0.0226), VEGF (p=0.0231), VEGF-A (p=0.0464) and VEGF-B (p=0.0022) while pre-contrast VI was correlated only with CD34 expression. Pulsatility index and resistivity index were not correlated with MVD or VEGF expression. Survival analysis demonstrated that VEGF-A is an accurate parameter for survival rate (p=0.045), as compared to VEGF (p=0.085) and VEGF-B (p=0.230). We did not find any correlation between the survival rate and ultrasound parameters (RI, PI, pre-contrast VI or post-contrast VI). Assessment of tumor vascularity using contrast-enhanced EUS, including analysis of spectral Doppler parameters is possible and feasible in gastric cancer patients. A correlation between measured EUS vascularity and pathological parameters of angiogenesis (MVD and VEGF expression) was found.

Pre-operative declining proportion of fractional anisotropy of trigeminal nerve is correlated with the outcome of micro-vascular decompression surgery.

PubMed

Chen, Fanfan; Chen, Lei; Li, Wei; Li, Ling; Xu, Xiangdong; Li, Weimin; Le, Wuhua; Xie, Wei; He, Hua; Li, Peng

2016-07-16

Type 2 trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an intractable neuropathic pain syndrome compared with type 1 TN because of the difficulty of diagnosis as well as the unsatisfactory prognosis. Neurovascular compression (NVC) is considered the major pathology of TN. Routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are inadequate for revealing the effect of NVC which is related to the surgical decision and outcome. The decreasing of fractional anisotropy (FA), one of the MRI diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics, is correlated with the demyelination of trigeminal nerve (TGN) that reveal the severity of NVC. A retrospective review of patients treated with micro-vascular decompression (MVD) surgery was undertaken. All the patients were diagnosed as type 2 TN. FA of TGN of both sides were measured. The FA declining proportion = ((the mean FA value of healthy lateral)-(the mean FA value of the symptomatic lateral))/(the mean FA value of healthy lateral). Declining proportion of FA value, discovery of surgery and outcome of MVD were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were employed to analyze the risk factors of declining proportion of FA value and MVD outcome. Nineteen patients were assessed in our study. The average declining proportion of FA value for all patients was 0.25 ± 0.12. The average declining proportion of FA value of "success" and "failure" group was 0.32 ± 0.09 to 0.14 ± 0.10 (P = 0.002 < 0.05). The declining proportion of FA value of artery (including the artery plus vein situation) was 0.34 ± 0.06 in contrast to 0.15 ± 0.08 of vein (P = 0.000 < 0.05). MVD outcome was correlated with declining proportion of FA value (AUC = 0.900). Furthermore, declining proportion of FA value was higher in arterial compression situation. FA value quantitatively showed the alteration of TGN caused by NVC. It provided direct evidence about the effect of NVC which facilitated the diagnosis and surgical decision of type 2 TN. Besides, significant reduction of FA value may predict an optimistic outcome of MVD.

Angiogenesis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, tumour necrosis factor-α and hypoxia inducible factor-1α in canine renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Yhee, J Y; Yu, C H; Kim, J H; Im, K S; Kim, N H; Brodersen, B W; Doster, A R; Sur, J-H

2012-01-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution and characteristics of microvessels in various histological types of canine renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study compared microvessel density (MVD) and distribution of blood vessels according to histological type and evaluated the presence of angiogenesis-related proteins. Nine archival samples of canine RCC were studied. MVD was calculated as the mean number of blood vessels per mm(2). The diameter of blood vessels was calculated by determining either the length of the long axis of blood vessels (diameter(max)) or the mean distance from the centre of each blood vessel to the tunica adventia (diameter(mean)). A significant difference in MVD was evident between RCCs and normal kidneys (46.6 ± 28.0 versus 8.4 ± 2.2 microvessels/mm(2)). Diameter(max) in canine RCCs (34.1 ± 14.7 μm) was also significantly different from normal canine kidney (23.2 ± 3.4 μm). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was expressed by tumour cells and vascular endothelial cells and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was observed in vascular endothelial cells in both neoplastic and normal kidney. Although VEGF is involved in angiogenesis and correlates with tumour stage of development, no correlation was found between VEGF expression and MVD. Tumour-associated macrophages expressing TNF-α and hypoxia inducible factor 1α were identified in peritumoural tissue and may play an important role in angiogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

VEGF concentration from plasma-activated platelets rich correlates with microvascular density and grading in canine mast cell tumour spontaneous model

PubMed Central

Patruno, R; Arpaia, N; Gadaleta, CD; Passantino, L; Zizzo, N; Misino, A; Lucarelli, NM; Catino, A; Valerio, P; Ribatti, D; Ranieri, G

2009-01-01

Abstract Canine cutaneous mast cell tumour (CMCT) is a common cutaneous tumour in dog, with a higher incidence than in human. CMCT is classified in three subgroups, well and intermediately differentiated (G1 and G2), corresponding to a benign disease, and poorly differentiated (G3), corresponding to a malignant disease, which metastasize to lymph nodes, liver, spleen and bone marrow. In this study, we have evaluated serum (S), platelet-poor plasma (P-PP), plasma-activated platelet rich (P-APR) and cytosol vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations, microvascular density (MVD) and mast cell density (MCD) in a series of 86 CMCTs and we have correlated these parameters with each other, by means of ELISA detection of VEGF and immunohistochemistry. Results show that VEGF level from cytosol P-APR and MVD were significantly higher in G3 CMCTs as compared to G1 or G2 subgroups. Moreover, a significantly strong correlation among VEGF levels from P-PAR and cytosol, MVD and MCD was found in G3 subgroup. Because VEGF levels from P-APR well correlated with MVD and malignancy grade in CMCT, we suggest that VEGF might be secreted from MCs and it may be a suitable surrogate inter-species angiogenetic markers of tumour progression in CMCT. Finally, CMCT seems to be a useful model to study the role of MCs in tumour angiogenesis and inhibition of MCs degranulation or activation might be a new anti-angiogenic strategy worthy to further investigations. PMID:18429933

A retrospective histopathological survey on canine and feline liver diseases at the University of Tokyo between 2006 and 2012.

PubMed

Hirose, Naoki; Uchida, Kazuyuki; Kanemoto, Hideyuki; Ohno, Koichi; Chambers, James K; Nakayama, Hiroyuki

2014-07-01

To determine the incidence of hepatic diseases in dogs and cats in Japan, a retrospective study was performed using data of 463 canine and 71 feline liver biopsies at the Veterinary Medical Center of the University of Tokyo. The most common canine hepatic disease was microvascular dysplasia (MVD) and occupied 29.4% of all diagnoses. This terminology might contain "real" MVD and primary portal vein hypoplasia, because these two conditions were difficult to be clearly distinguished histopathologically. Parenchymal and interstitial hepatitis and primary hepatic tumors accounted for 23.5% and 21.0% of the diagnoses, respectively. Parenchymal and interstitial hepatitis occupied 34.1% of non-proliferative canine hepatic diseases, while hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma were 26.6% and 24.5% of proliferative hepatic diseases, respectively. Breed-specificity was seen in MVD for Yorkshire terrier, Papillon and Toy poodle, in hepatitis for Doberman pinscher and Labrador retriever, in cholangiohepatitis for American cocker spaniel, Miniature schnauzer and Pomeranian, in hepatocellular adenoma for Golden retriever and Shiba and in hepatocellular carcinoma for Shih Tzu. The most common feline liver disease was parenchymal and interstitial hepatitis (45.1% of all diagnoses). Among feline hepatitis, neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis (23.9%), lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis (14.1%) and chronic hepatitis (5.6%) were recorded. Adult polycystic liver disease was 5.6%. Among proliferative diseases in the feline liver (11.3% of the all), lymphoma (4.2%) and primary epithelial tumors (4.2%) including hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocellular adenoma and cholangiocellular carcinoma were observed. Hepatic degeneration was 14.1%, and MVD was 12.7%, respectively.

Expression and localization of the vascular endothelial growth factor and changes of microvessel density during hair follicle development of Liaoning cashmere goats.

PubMed

Zhang, Q L; Li, J P; Li, Y M; Chang, Q; Chen, Y; Jiang, H Z; Zhao, Z H; Guo, D

2013-12-10

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) play important roles in neovascularization, tissue development, and angiogenesis. In this study, changes in VEGF expression patterns and microvessel density (MVD), and their correlations, were investigated during hair follicle development in epidermal appendages of Liaoning cashmere goats. Polyclonal antibodies to VEGF and microvessels were used for monthly immunohistochemical examinations of normal skin specimens from adult female goats for one year. VEGF was expressed in the hair bulb of primary and secondary hair follicles, the outer and inner root sheaths, sebaceous glands (ductal and secretory portions), eccrine sweat glands (ductal and secretory portions), and the epidermis. Abundant expression of VEGF was observed in the follicular basement membrane zone surrounding the bulb matrix and in ductal and secretory portions of eccrine sweat glands. The change in VEGFs in primary hair follicles showed a bimodal pattern, with the first peak observed from March to May, and the second in August. Maximal expression in secondary hair follicles occurred in May and August. Therefore, VEGF expression in primary and secondary hair follicles is synchronized throughout the year, and is correlated to hair development. In the later telogen and anagen phases, VEGF expression was higher in the secondary, compared to the primary, hair follicle. Changes in MVD also showed a bimodal pattern with peaks in May and August. VEGF expression and MVD showed moderate and strongly positive correlation in the primary and secondary hair follicles, respectively. Therefore, MVD and VEGF are closely related to the processes involved in hair cycle regulation.

A comparison of three induction regimens using succinylcholine, vecuronium, or no muscle relaxant: impact on the intraoperative monitoring of the lateral spread response in hemifacial spasm surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Surgical microvascular decompression (MVD) is the curative treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS). Monitoring MVD by recording the lateral spread response (LSR) intraoperatively can predict a successful clinical outcome. However, the rate of the LSR varies between trials, and the reason for this variation is unclear. The aim of our trial is to evaluate the rate of the LSR after intubation following treatment with succinylcholine, vecuronium, or no muscle relaxant. Methods and design This trial is a prospective randomised controlled trial of 96 patients with HFS (ASA status I or II) undergoing MVD under general anaesthesia. Patients are randomised to receive succinylcholine, vecuronium, or no muscle relaxant before intubation. Intraoperative LSR will be recorded until dural opening. The primary outcome of this study is the rate of the LSR, and the secondary outcomes are post-intubation pharyngolaryngeal symptoms, the rate of difficult intubations, the rate of adverse haemodynamic events and the relationship between the measurement of LSR or not, and clinical success rates at 30 days after surgery. Discussion This study aims to evaluate the impact of muscle relaxants on the rate of the LSR, and the study may provide evidence supporting the use of muscle relaxants before intubation in patients with HFS undergoing MVD surgery. Trials registration http://www.chictr.org/ ChiCTR-TRC-11001504 Date of registration: 24 June, 2011. The date the first patient was randomised: 30 September, 2011. PMID:22958580

[Significance and mechanism of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC].

PubMed

Liu, Jin-Kang; Hu, Cheng-Ping; Zhou, Mo-Ling; Zhou, Hui; Xiong, Zeng; Xia, Yu; Chen, Wei

2009-06-01

To determine the significance of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC and to investigate its possible mechanisms. Forty four NSCLC patients underwent CT perfusion scan by MSCT. Among them, 22 cases were selected to detected the two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP), the relationships between CT perfusion parameters (BF, BV, PEI, TIP), and the differentiation of NSCLC were analysed by using the correlation analysis and trend test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationships between CT perfusion parameters, differentiation, and 2D-TMAP. The total BF, BV and PEI decreased with decreasing differentiation of NSCLC (P<0.05). The total PEI showed a positive correlation with the total MVD (P<0.05). There were negative correlations between the surrounding area BF, the total BF, BV, and PEI, the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD, and expression of PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between degree of differentiation and the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD (P<0.05). It was the same as degree of differentiation and expression of PCNA, VEGF, respectively. There were positive correlations between the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD and expression of VEGF, ephrinB2, EphB4, and PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). Perfusion parameters reflect the difference of density of vassels with mature functional lumen. Careful evaluation of the differences of blood flow pattern in pulmonary space-occupying lesions by MSCT perfusion scan can be used to identify the degree of NSCLC differentiation.

Potential role of leptin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Wang, S‐N; Yeh, Y‐T; Yang, S‐F; Chai, C‐Y; Lee, K‐T

2006-01-01

Background Obesity is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The association may result from the aberrant expression of adipokines. Aim To explore the potential biological effect and prognostic value of leptin, one of the adipokines, in HCC. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of leptin in 68 patients with HCC. The expression of Ki‐67 and microvessel density (MVD) of tumorous lesions in HCC were also analysed. The result of leptin expression was further correlated with Ki‐67 expression, intratumour MVD, clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival and the postoperative use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Results High leptin expression was seen in 60.3% of patients with HCC and was significantly correlated with intratumour MVD (high v low; 59.2 (standard deviation 3.2) v 44.2 (19.5), p = 0.004), but not with Ki‐67 expression. No marked correlation was seen between leptin expression and clinicopathological characteristics. However, using a multivariate Cox's proportional hazards model, leptin expression was a predictor for improved overall survival of patients with HCC (odds ratio 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.87; p = 0.033). In addition, the Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that high leptin expression was associated with a better survival in patients with HCC, treated postoperatively with MPA (p = 0.008, log rank test). Conclusion High leptin expression was associated with an increased intratumour MVD and thus may be associated with HCC development. In addition, high leptin expression was a predictor for improved survival of patients with HCC, treated postoperatively with MPA. PMID:16565221

Tenth case of bilateral hemifacial spasm treated by microvascular decompression: Review of the pathophysiology

PubMed Central

da Silva Martins, Warley Carvalho; de Albuquerque, Lucas Alverne Freitas; de Carvalho, Gervásio Teles Cardoso; Dourado, Jules Carlos; Dellaretti, Marcos; de Sousa, Atos Alves

2017-01-01

Background: Bilateral hemifacial spasm (BHFS) is a rare neurological syndrome whose diagnosis depends on excluding other facial dyskinesias. We present a case of BHFS along with a literature review. Methods: A 64-year-old white, hypertense male reported involuntary left hemiface contractions in 2001 (aged 50). In 2007, right hemifacial symptoms appeared, without spasm remission during sleep. Botulinum toxin type A application produced partial temporary improvement. Left microvascular decompression (MVD) was performed in August 2013, followed by right MVD in May 2014, with excellent results. Follow-up in March 2016 showed complete cessation of spasms without medication. Results: The literature confirms nine BHFS cases bilaterally treated by MVD, a definitive surgical option with minimal complications. Regarding HFS pathophysiology, ectopic firing and ephaptic transmissions originate in the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve, due to neurovascular compression (NVC), orthodromically stimulate facial muscles and antidromically stimulate the facial nerve nucleus; this hyperexcitation continuously stimulates the facial muscles. These activated muscles can trigger somatosensory afferent skin nerve impulses and neuromuscular spindles from the trigeminal nerve, which, after transiting the Gasser ganglion and trigeminal nucleus, reach the somatosensory medial posterior ventral nucleus of the contralateral thalamus as well as the somatosensory cortical area of the face. Once activated, this area can stimulate the motor and supplementary motor areas (extrapyramidal and basal ganglia system), activating the motoneurons of the facial nerve nucleus and peripherally stimulating the facial muscles. Conclusions: We believe that bilateral MVD is the best approach in cases of BHFS. PMID:29026661

Effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor alacepril in dogs with mitral valve disease.

PubMed

Hori, Yasutomo; Nakamura, Kensuke; Kanno, Nobuyuki; Hitomi, Makoto; Yamashita, Yohei; Hosaka, Satoshi; Isayama, Noriko; Mimura, Takahiro

2018-06-22

Alacepril is a relatively novel angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; however, the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of alacepril in terms of cough suppression in dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerance, and cough suppression efficacy of alacepril in dogs with MVD. This was a multi-center, prospective study. Forty-two dogs with echocardiographic or radiographic evidence of cardiac enlargement in addition to cough were enrolled. Dogs were treated with alacepril (1.0-3.0 mg/kg/day) for at least 4 weeks. One dog (2.4%) developed complications, including appetite loss, lethargy, and vomiting. Thirty-six dogs were re-evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment. Cough resolved or improved in 20 dogs (55.6%) after treatment. Based on the efficacy of alacepril, the dogs were divided into an effective group (n=20) and an ineffective group (n=16). After treatment, the left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter corrected for body weight was significantly increased from baseline in the ineffective group but was significantly decreased in the effective group. Univariate binomial logistic regression analyses showed that high atrial natriuretic peptide level, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, and E wave velocity at baseline were significantly correlated with alacepril inefficacy. Alacepril as treatment for MVD is well tolerated in most dogs, and different conditions of cardiac loading may influence the effect of the drug. Alacepril is expected to improve the quality of life of dogs with early stage MVD.

Predictive values of FAP and HGF for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Ma, T H; Gao, C C; Xie, R; Yang, X Z; Dai, W J; Zhang, J L; Yan, W; Wu, S N

2017-01-01

This study aims to explore the correlation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressions with the angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The immunohistochemical SABC method was used to detect HGF and FAP expressions in 127 CRC tissues, 51 colorectal polyp tissues and 28 normal tissues. HGF and FAP expressions in liver metastasis were detected using western blot to analyze the correlation of their expressions with lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis. Micro-vessel density (MVD) and clinic-pathologic information of CRC patients were recorded and analyzed. In CRC group, HGF and FAP expressions were greatly higher than those in normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the positive rates of HGF and FAP expressions in lymph node metastasis were evidently higher than those in non-lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In liver metastasis group, HGF and FAP expressions were obviously higher than non-liver metastasis group (P < 0.05). CRC group had much more MVD in comparison with normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05).When compared with negative group, MVD was significantly higher than that in CRC tissue with positive HGF and FAP (P < 0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that HGF and FAP were in positive correlation with MVD (r = 0.542, P < 0.001; r = 0.753, P < 0.001). These results indicate that FAP and HGF play an important role in CRC angiogenesis, and their expression levels are valuable to predict CRC liver metastasis and lymph node metastasis.

Prognostic relevance of microvessel density in colorectal tumours.

PubMed

Abdalla, S A; Behzad, F; Bsharah, S; Kumar, S; Amini, S K; O'Dwyer, S T; Haboubi, N Y

1999-01-01

The importance of angiogenesis as a prognostic marker has been examined in 111 colorectal cancer patients with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Tumour sections were immunostained with pan-endothelial antibody to CD31. Microvessels were identified and counted in 5 separate areas of highest vascularity (). Analysis of the data showed that the survival was not significantly affected by tumour site, size, grade, patients' age or gender. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between microvessel density (MVD) and survival: patients with an increased number of microvessels survived longer than those with a low number of microvessels (p=0.0007). Therefore, paradoxically, unlike other tumour types, in colorectal cancer MVD appears to be an indicator of good prognosis. The reasons that MVD correlates with good or poor prognosis are likely to vary in different tumours. For instance a frequent difficult issue in colon cancer is the presence of ulceration and adjacent severe inflammation which by itself can increase vascularity. Furthermore, overall prognosis will also depend on other factors, such as oncogenes, extracellular matrix components, adhesion molecules, growth factors, degree of apoptosis and the mode of metastatic spread.

Low QRS Voltage on Presenting Electrocardiogram Predicts Multi-vessel Disease in Anterior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Akihiro; Misumida, Naoki; Aoi, Shunsuke; Kanei, Yumiko

Low QRS voltage was reported to predict adverse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction in the pre-thrombolytic era. However, the association between low voltage and angiographic findings has not been fully addressed. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Low QRS voltage was defined as either peak to peak QRS complex voltage <1.0mV in all precordial leads or <0.5mV in all limb leads. Among 190 patients, 37 patients (19%) had low voltage. Patients with low voltage had a higher rate of multi-vessel disease (MVD) (76% vs. 52%, p=0.01). Patients with low voltage were more likely to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during admission (11% vs. 2%, p=0.028). Low voltage was an independent predictor for MVD (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.12 to 6.03; p=0.032). Low QRS voltage was associated with MVD and in-hospital CABG in anterior STEMI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drying of restructured chips made from the old stalks of Asparagus officinalis: impact of different drying methods.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenbin; Zhang, Min; Wang, Yuchuan

2016-06-01

Old stalks of Asparagus officinalis, which account for one third of the total length of each spear, are always discarded as waste. To make full use of the resource, a kind of restructured Asparagus officinalis chip was made. The effects of pulse-spouted microwave-assisted vacuum drying (PSMVD), microwave-assisted vacuum drying (MVD) and vacuum drying (VD) on texture, color and other quality parameters of restructured chips were then studied to obtain high-quality dried chips. Results indicated that the drying time was significantly affected by drying methods, and PSMVD had much better drying uniformity than MVD. The expansion ratio and crispness of chips increased with increasing microwave power and vacuum degree. The browning reaction of samples in VD was more serious, which was confirmed by the results of color test and electronic nose. The PSMVD drying method showed much better drying uniformity than MVD. The dried chips obtained by PSMVD showed optimal quality and were more readily accepted by consumers. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Rubber pad forming - Efficient approach for the manufacturing of complex structured sheet metal blanks for food industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spoelstra, Paul; Djakow, Eugen; Homberg, Werner

2017-10-01

The production of complex organic shapes in sheet metals is gaining more importance in the food industry due to increasing functional and hygienic demands. Hence it is necessary to produce parts with complex geometries promoting cleanability and general sanitation leading to improvement of food safety. In this context, and especially when stainless steel has to be formed into highly complex geometries while maintaining desired surface properties, it is inevitable that alternative manufacturing processes will need to be used which meet these requirements. Rubber pad forming offers high potential when it comes to shaping complex parts with excellent surface quality, with virtually no tool marks and scratches. Especially in cases where only small series are to be produced, rubber pad forming processes offers both technological and economic advantages. Due to the flexible punch, variation in metal thickness can be used with the same forming tool. The investments to set-up Rubber pad forming is low in comparison to conventional sheet metal forming processes. The process facilitates production of shallow sheet metal parts with complex contours and bends. Different bending sequences in a multiple tool set-up can also be conducted. The planned contribution thus describes a brief overview of the rubber pad technology. It shows the prototype rubber pad forming machine which can be used to perform complex part geometries made from stainless steel (1.4301). Based on an analysis of the already existing systems and new machines for rubber pad forming processes, together with their process properties, influencing variables and areas of application, some relevant parts for the food industry are presented.

Medical Robotic and Telesurgical Simulation and Education Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

versions of the device for sale . A B 13 C D Figure 6: The Computer Aided Design of the Dome (A-B) and the last High Fidelity Prototype (C...FRxS Advanced Etc. Etc. Virtual Worlds for Robotic Surgery 31 HumanSim Preview for iPad is available on iTunes VIRTURLHEROES OMS ION O F

75 FR 51020 - Third Party Testing for Certain Children's Products; Mattresses, Mattress Pads, and/or Mattress...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... product, or samples that are identical in all material respects to the product. The Commission also..., but only if the prototype is the same as the production unit with respect to materials, components... of materials such as ticking. The ticking substitution test must also be conducted by a CPSC-accepted...

Real-time intraoperative monitoring of brainstem auditory evoked potentials during microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.

PubMed

Joo, Byung-Euk; Park, Sang-Ku; Cho, Kyung-Rae; Kong, Doo-Sik; Seo, Dae-Won; Park, Kwan

2016-11-01

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to define a new protocol for intraoperative monitoring (IOM) of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) during microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to treat hemifacial spasm (HFS) and to evaluate the usefulness of this new protocol to prevent hearing impairment. METHODS To define the optimal stimulation rate, estimate the number of trials to be averaged, and identify useful warning criteria in IOM of BAEPs, the authors performed a preliminary study of 13 patients with HFS in 2010. They increased the stimulation rate from 10.1 Hz/sec to 100.1 Hz/sec by 10-Hz increments, and they elevated the average time from 100 times to 1000 times by 100-unit increments at a fixed stimulus rate of 43.9 Hz. After defining the optimal stimulation rate and the number of trials that needed to be averaged for IOM of BAEPs, they also identified the useful warning criteria for this protocol for MVD surgery. From January to December 2013, 254 patients with HFS underwent MVD surgery following the new IOM of BAEPs protocol. Pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination scoring were performed before surgery and 1 week after surgery. To evaluate the usefulness of the new protocol, the authors compared the incidence of postoperative hearing impairment with the results from the group that underwent MVD surgery prior to the new protocol. RESULTS Through a preliminary study, the authors confirmed that it was possible to obtain a reliable wave when using a stimulation rate of 43.9 Hz/sec and averaging 400 trials. Only a Wave V amplitude loss > 50% was useful as a warning criterion when using the new protocol. A reliable BAEP could be obtained in approximately 9.1 seconds. When the new protocol was used, 2 patients (0.8%) showed no recovery of Wave V amplitude loss > 50%, and only 1 of those 2 patients (0.39%) ultimately had postoperative hearing impairment. When compared with the outcomes in the pre-protocol group, hearing impairment incidence decreased significantly among patients who underwent surgery with the new protocol (0.39% vs 4.02%, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences between the 2 surgery groups regarding other complications, including facial palsy, sixth cranial nerve palsy, and vocal cord palsy. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant decrease in postoperative hearing impairment after MVD for HFS when the new protocol for IOM of BAEPs was used. Real-time IOM of BAEPs, which can obtain a reliable BAEP in less than 10 seconds, is a successful new procedure for preventing hearing impairment during MVD surgery for HFS.

Fabrication of implantable microelectrode arrays by laser cutting of silicone rubber and platinum foil.

PubMed

Schuettler, M; Stiess, S; King, B V; Suaning, G J

2005-03-01

A new method for fabrication of microelectrode arrays comprised of traditional implant materials is presented. The main construction principle is the use of spun-on medical grade silicone rubber as insulating substrate material and platinum foil as conductor (tracks, pads and electrodes). The silicone rubber and the platinum foil are patterned by laser cutting using an Nd:YAG laser and a microcontroller-driven, stepper-motor operated x-y table. The method does not require expensive clean room facilities and offers an extremely short design-to-prototype time of below 1 day. First prototypes demonstrate a minimal achievable feature size of about 30 microm.

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers assist as a crane is used to lift a large portion of the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a transporter at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad is being moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Morpheus completed its seventh free flight test on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Morpheus Launch Pad Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Construction workers monitor the progress as a crane is used to lift a portion of the launch pad for the Project Morpheus prototype lander at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad will be moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces . The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: comments on a series of 250 cases, including 10 patients with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Broggi, G; Ferroli, P; Franzini, A; Servello, D; Dones, I

2000-01-01

To examine surgical findings and results of microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), including patients with multiple sclerosis, to bring new insight about the role of microvascular compression in the pathogenesis of the disorder and the role of MVD in its treatment. Between 1990 and 1998, 250 patients affected by trigeminal neuralgia underwent MVD in the Department of Neurosurgery of the "Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C Besta" in Milan. Limiting the review to the period 1991-6, to exclude the "learning period" (the first 50 cases) and patients with less than 1 year follow up, surgical findings and results were critically analysed in 148 consecutive cases, including 10 patients with multiple sclerosis. Vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve was found in all cases. The recurrence rate was 15.3% (follow up 1-7 years, mean 38 months). In five of 10 patients with multiple sclerosis an excellent result was achieved (follow up 12-39 months, mean 24 months). Patients with TN for more than 84 months did significantly worse than those with a shorter history (p<0.05). There was no mortality and most complications occurred in the learning period. Surgical complications were not related to age of the patients. Aetiopathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia remains a mystery. These findings suggest a common neuromodulatory role of microvascular compression in both patients with or without multiple sclerosis rather than a direct causal role. MVD was found to be a safe and effective procedure to relieve typical TN in patients of all ages. It should be proposed as first choice surgery to all patients affected by TN, even in selected cases with multiple sclerosis, to give them the opportunity of pain relief without sensory deficits.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: comments on a series of 250 cases, including 10 patients with multiple sclerosis

PubMed Central

Broggi, G.; Ferroli, P.; Franzini, A.; Servello, D.; Dones, I.

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVE—To examine surgical findings and results of microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), including patients with multiple sclerosis, to bring new insight about the role of microvascular compression in the pathogenesis of the disorder and the role of MVD in its treatment.
METHODS—Between 1990 and 1998, 250 patients affected by trigeminal neuralgia underwent MVD in the Department of Neurosurgery of the "Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C Besta" in Milan. Limiting the review to the period 1991-6, to exclude the "learning period" (the first 50 cases) and patients with less than 1 year follow up, surgical findings and results were critically analysed in 148 consecutive cases, including 10 patients with multiple sclerosis.
RESULTS—Vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve was found in all cases. The recurrence rate was 15.3% (follow up 1-7 years, mean 38 months). In five of 10 patients with multiple sclerosis an excellent result was achieved (follow up 12-39 months, mean 24months). Patients with TN for more than 84 months did significantly worse than those with a shorter history (p<0.05). There was no mortality and most complications occurred in the learning period. Surgical complications were not related to age of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS—Aetiopathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia remains a mystery. These findings suggest a common neuromodulatory role of microvascular compression in both patients with or without multiple sclerosis rather than a direct causal role. MVD was found to be a safe and effective procedure to relieve typical TN in patients of all ages. It should be proposed as first choice surgery to all patients affected by TN, even in selected cases with multiple sclerosis, to give them the opportunity of pain relief without sensory deficits. 

 PMID:10601403

Tumor angiogenesis and its clinical significance in pediatric malignant liver tumor

PubMed Central

Sun, Xiao-Yi; Wu, Zai-De; Liao, Xiao-Feng; Yuan, Ji-Yan

2005-01-01

AIM: To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvascular density (MVD) count in pediatric malignant liver tumor and their clinical significances. METHODS: Fourteen children with malignant liver tumors including seven hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), five hepatoblastomas, one malignant mesenchymoma and one rhabdomyosarcoma were studied. Twelve adult HCC samples served as control group. All samples were examined with streptavidin-biotin peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical staining for VEGF expression and MVD count. RESULTS: VEGF positive expression in all pediatric malignant liver tumors was significantly higher than that in adult HCC (0.4971±0.14 vs 0.4027±0.03, P<0.05). VEGF expression in pediatric HCC group was also markedly higher than that in adult HCC group (0.5665±0.10 vs 0.4027±0.03, P<0.01) and pediatric non-HCC group (0.5665±0.10 vs 0.4276±0.15, P<0.05). The mean value of MVD in pediatric malignant liver tumors was significantly higher than that in adult HCC (33.66±12.24 vs 26.52±4.38, P<0.05). Furthermore, MVD in pediatric HCC group was significantly higher compared to that in adult HCC group (36.94±9.28 vs 26.52±4.38, P<0.05), but there was no significant difference compared to the pediatric non-HCC group (36.94±9.28 vs 30.37±14.61, P>0.05). All 7 children in HCC group died within 2 years, whereas the prognosis in pediatric non-HCC group was better, in which two patients survived more than 5 years. CONCLUSION: Children with malignant liver tumors, especially with HCC, may have extensive angiogenesis that induces a rapid tumor growth and leads to a poor prognosis. PMID:15655835

Systolic arterial blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation velocity, high definition oscillometry, and Doppler ultrasonography in dogs with naturally occurring degenerative mitral valve disease.

PubMed

Hanzlicek, A S; Baumwart, R D; Payton, M E

2016-09-01

To determine if systolic blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation (MR) velocity can be used interchangeably with that estimated by high definition oscillometry (HDO) and Doppler ultrasonography (DU) in dogs with naturally occurring mitral valve disease (MVD). Forty-nine client-owned dogs with naturally occurring MVD. This is a retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed and dogs with MR caused by degenerative MVD were included if systolic blood pressure was estimated from MR velocity determined by continuous wave Doppler (CW), DU and HDO at the same visit. A Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was determined for each combination of measures and tested for significance with a paired t-test. Limits of agreement between 2 measures were determined by the 95% confidence interval of the average difference of the means and illustrated by Bland-Altman plots. Systolic pressure estimated from CW was significantly but only moderately correlated to DU (r = 0.42, p=0.0015) and HDO (r = 0.40, p=0.0021). Pressure estimated from DU was significantly but only moderately correlated to HDO (r = 0.57, p≤0.0001). Limits of agreement were wide for all measures including DU and CW (-61.9to 44.6 mmHg), HDO and CW (-65.2to 26.9 mmHg), and HDO and DU (-63.1 to 42.06 mmHg). Systolic blood pressure estimated by CW cannot be used interchangeably with HDO or DU in dogs with naturally occurring MVD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Shanks, Katherine S.; Philipp, Hugh T.; Weiss, Joel T.

Experiments at storage ring light sources as well as at next-generation light sources increasingly require detectors capable of high dynamic range operation, combining low-noise detection of single photons with large pixel well depth. XFEL sources in particular provide pulse intensities sufficiently high that a purely photon-counting approach is impractical. The High Dynamic Range Pixel Array Detector (HDR-PAD) project aims to provide a dynamic range extending from single-photon sensitivity to 10{sup 6} photons/pixel in a single XFEL pulse while maintaining the ability to tolerate a sustained flux of 10{sup 11} ph/s/pixel at a storage ring source. Achieving these goals involves themore » development of fast pixel front-end electronics as well as, in the XFEL case, leveraging the delayed charge collection due to plasma effects in the sensor. A first prototype of essential electronic components of the HDR-PAD readout ASIC, exploring different options for the pixel front-end, has been fabricated. Here, the HDR-PAD concept and preliminary design will be described.« less

A Front-End Electronics Prototype Based on Gigabit Ethernet for the ATLAS Small-Strip Thin Gap Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Kun; Lu, Houbing; Wang, Xu; Li, Feng; Wang, Xinxin; Geng, Tianru; Yang, Hang; Liu, Shengquan; Han, Liang; Jin, Ge

2017-06-01

A front-end electronics prototype for the ATLAS small-strip Thin Gap Chamber (sTGC) based on gigabit Ethernet has been developed. The prototype is designed to read out signals of pads, wires, and strips of the sTGC detector. The prototype includes two VMM2 chips developed to read out the signals of the sTGC, a Xilinx Kintex-7 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) used for the VMM2 configuration and the events storage, and a gigabit Ethernet transceiver PHY chip for interfacing with a computer. The VMM2 chip is designed for the readout of the Micromegas detector and sTGC detector, which is composed of 64 linear front-end channels. Each channel integrates a charge-sensitive amplifier, a shaper, several analog-to-digital converters, and other digital functions. For a bunch-crossing interval of 25 ns, events are continuously read out by the FPGA and forwarded to the computer. The interface between the computer and the prototype has been measured to reach an error-free rate of 900 Mb/s, therefore making a very effective use of the available bandwidth. Additionally, the computer can control several prototypes of this kind simultaneously via the Ethernet interface. At present, the prototype will be used for the sTGC performance test. The features of the prototype are described in detail.

Prospective Study of Neuroendoscopy versus Microscopy: 213 Cases of Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Performed by One Neurosurgeon.

PubMed

Xiang, Hui; Wu, Guangyong; Ouyang, Jia; Liu, Ruen

2018-03-01

To compare the efficacy and complications of microvascular decompression (MVD) by complete neuroendoscopy versus microscopy for 213 cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Between January 2014 and January 2016, 213 patients with TN were randomly assigned to the neuroendoscopy (n = 105) or microscopy (n = 114) group for MVD via the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. All procedures were performed by the same neurosurgeon. Follow-up was conducted by telephone interview. Statistical data were analyzed with the chi-square test, and a probability (P) value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Chi-square test was conducted using SAS 9.4 software (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in pain-free condition immediately post procedure, pain-free condition 1 year post procedure, hearing loss, facial hypoesthesia, transient ataxia, aseptic meningitis, intracranial infections, and herpetic lesions of the lips. There were no instances of death, facial paralysis, cerebral hemorrhage, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage in either group. There were no significant differences in the cure rates or incidences of surgical complications between neuroendoscopic and microscopic MVD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tryptase-positive mast cells correlate with angiogenesis in early breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Ranieri, Girolamo; Ammendola, Michele; Patruno, Rosa; Celano, Giuseppe; Zito, Francesco Alfredo; Montemurro, Severino; Rella, Addolorata; Di Lecce, Valentina; Gadaleta, Cosmo Damiano; Battista De Sarro, Giovanni; Ribatti, Domenico

2009-07-01

Literature data indicate that mast cells (MCs) are involved in tumor angiogenesis due to the release of several pro-angiogenetic factors among which tryptase, a serine protease stored in MCs granules, is one of the most active. However, no data are available concerning the role of MCs in angiogenesis in primary human breast cancer. In this study, we have evaluated the correlations between the number of MCs positive to tryptase (MCDPT), the area occupied by MCs positive to tryptase (MCAPT) and microvascular density (MVD) and endothelial area (EA) in a series of 88 primary T1-3, N0-2 M0 female breast cancer, by means of immunohistochemistry and image analysis methods. Data demonstrated a significant (r = from 0.78 to 0.89; p-value from 0.001 to 0.002 by Pearson's analysis respectively) correlation between MCDPT, MCAPT, MVD, EA to each other. No correlation concerning MCDPT, MCAPT, MVD, EA and the main clinicopathological features was found. Our results suggest that tryptase-positive MCs play a role in breast cancer angiogenesis. In this context several tryptase inhibitors such as gabexate mesilate and nafamostat mesilate might be evaluated in clinical trials as a new anti-angiogenetic approach.

Inability of immunomorphometric assessment of angiogenesis to distinguish primary versus secondary myelofibrosis.

PubMed

Sharma, Prashant; Pati, Hara Prasad; Mishra, Pravas Chandra; Dinda, Amit Kumar; Gupta, Ruchika; Sharma, Alok; Jacob, Tony George

2011-08-01

To explore the utility of bone marrow (BM) angiogenesis in differentiating primary myelofibrosis (PMF) from secondary myelofibrosis (MF). CD34 immunostaining was performed on BM biopsies from 21 PMFs, 23 non-PMF myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) with associated MF, 20 secondary MF samples, and 10 nonfibrotic controls. Microvessel density (MVD) and microvessel surface area (MSA), along with blood and BM findings were compared between the groups. The post-MPN MF cases included chronic myeloid leukemia-MF and polycythemia vera-MF. Etiologies of secondary MF were metastatic carcinomas, non-MPN hematologic malignancies, tuberculosis, autoimmune MF, and osteopetrosis. Megakaryocytic clustering was the most frequent and intrasinusoidal hematopoiesis the most specific feature of PMF. Higher reticulin grade, collagenization, and osteomyelosclerosis were commoner in PMF. MVD and MSA were significantly increased in fibrotic marrows regardless of etiology. Although mean MVD as well as MSA were highest in PMF, extensive overlaps among groups and marked heterogeneity in the secondary MF group rendered them of limited utility in the differential diagnosis. Enhanced angiogenesis is not entirely specific for PMF. Overlaps with secondary MF limits its differential diagnostic utility. Pathogenetically, our findings suggest that enhanced angiogenesis is a secondary paraneoplastic stromal response shared by various unrelated conditions.

Further studies on the effect of lysine at the C-terminus of the Dmt-Tic opioid pharmacophore.

PubMed

Balboni, Gianfranco; Onnis, Valentina; Congiu, Cenzo; Zotti, Margherita; Sasaki, Yusuke; Ambo, Akihiro; Bryant, Sharon D; Jinsmaa, Yunden; Lazarus, Lawrence H; Lazzari, Ilaria; Trapella, Claudio; Salvadori, Severo

2007-05-01

A wide range of activities are induced by Lys when introduced at C-terminus of the delta-opioid Dmt-Tic pharmacophore through the alpha-amine group, including: improved delta-antagonism, mu-agonism and mu-antagonism. Here we report the synthesis of a new series of compounds with the general formula H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(CH(2))(4)-CH(R)-R' (R=-NH(2), -NH-Ac, -NH-Z; R'=CO-NH-Ph, -CO-NH-CH(2)-Ph, -Bid) in which Lys is linked to Dmt-Tic through its side-chain amine group. All new compounds (1-9) displayed potent and selective delta-antagonism (MVD, pA(2)=7.81-8.27), which was independent of the functionalized alpha-amine and carboxylic groups of C-terminal Lys. This behaviour suggests a direct application as a prototype intermediate, such as Boc-Dmt-Tic-epsilon-Lys(Z)-OMe, which could be successfully applied in the synthesis (after Z or methyl ester removal) of unique designed multiple ligands containing the pharmacophore of the quintessential delta-antagonist Dmt-Tic and another opioid or biologically active non-opioid ligand.

Utilizing mobile technology in GIS education: A case study of using iPad and iBooks in fieldwork and location based exercises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Yi-Ting

The advancement of mobile computing technology has provided diverse way for education. Combination of mobile devices and GIS tools has become a trend in many geospatial technology applications (i.e., Google Maps application on smartphones). This research aims to develop an iBook prototype (a GIS textbook) for GIS education on Apple iPads and to evaluate the effectiveness of adopting the GIS iBook in classes and fieldwork exercises. We conducted the evaluation tests in two GIS courses (GEOG104 and GEOG381) in Fall 2014 at San Diego State University. There are two main research questions in this study: (1) How to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of location-based learning exercises (from iBook) and fieldwork exercises for first-time GIS students? (2) What were major technical challenges and opportunities to utilize mobile device and mobile technology in GIS education? The procedures of developing and evaluating the prototype of the GIS iBook include creating two new chapters (chapter three: Wander the World through Remote Sensing Data and chapter four: Internet and Mobile GIS), interviewing five educators from high schools and community colleges, and improving the contents of the GIS iBook after the interview. There were 31 students who tested the GIS iBook and did a fieldwork exercise with iPads. The 31 students were required to finish five questionnaires after the exercise to express their user experiences and thoughts about the GIS iBook. Based on the result of questionnaires, most students preferred to take GIS classes with the free GIS iBook and thought fieldwork exercise can help their learning. The students also performed better in knowledge oriented survey after reading the GIS iBook. This research also adopts the SWOT analysis method to evaluate the prototype of the GIS iBook. The result of the SWOT analysis indicates that utilizing mobile device in GIS education does have a great potential value in enhancing student's understanding. The strengths of utilizing mobile device in GIS education include portability, easy update contents and abundant free development resources, while the weaknesses include distracting multimedia widgets, lack of Internet access, and security issues. The opportunities of SWOT analysis include financial plan for iPads and lack of competitors, while the threats include higher price and incompatibility of iBooks on other tablet computers. The major limitations and key challenges are limited survey time, small sample size, and technical difficulties of developing the GIS iBook.

Construction of the DHCAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, Kurt; CALICE Collaboration

Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) have been proposed as a method of improving the jet energy resolution of future colliding beam detectors. PFAs require calorimeters with high granularity to enable three-dimensional imaging of events. The Calorimeter for the Linear Collider Collaboration (CALICE) is developing and testing prototypes of such highly segmented calorimeters. In this context, a large prototype of a Digital Hadron Calorimeter (DHCAL) was developed and constructed by a group led by Argonne National Laboratory. The DHCAL consists of 52 layers, instrumented with Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) and interleaved with steel absorber plates. The RPCs are read out by 1 x 1 cm2 pads with a 1-bit resolution (digital readout). The DHCAL prototype has approximately 480,000 readout channels. This talk reports on the design, construction and commissioning of the DHCAL. The DHCAL was installed at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility in fall 2010 and data was collected through the summer 2011.

Resistive Plate Chambers for imaging calorimetry — The DHCAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Repond, J.

2014-09-01

The DHCAL — the Digital Hadron Calorimeter — is a prototype calorimeter based on Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). The design emphasizes the imaging capabilities of the detector in an effort to optimize the calorimeter for the application of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) to the reconstruction of hadronic jet energies in a colliding beam environment. The readout of the chambers is segmented into 1 × 1 cm2 pads, each read out with a 1-bit (single threshold) resolution. The prototype with approximately 500,000 readout channels underwent extensive testing in both the Fermilab and CERN test beams. This talk presents preliminary findings from the analysis of data collected at the test beams.

Clinician-Driven Design of VitalPAD-An Intelligent Monitoring and Communication Device to Improve Patient Safety in the Intensive Care Unit.

PubMed

Flohr, Luisa; Beaudry, Shaylene; Johnson, K Taneille; West, Nicholas; Burns, Catherine M; Ansermino, J Mark; Dumont, Guy A; Wensley, David; Skippen, Peter; Gorges, Matthias

2018-01-01

The pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex environment, in which a multidisciplinary team of clinicians (registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians) continually observe and evaluate patient information. Data are provided by multiple, and often physically separated sources, cognitive workload is high, and team communication can be challenging. Our aim is to combine information from multiple monitoring and therapeutic devices in a mobile application, the VitalPAD , to improve the efficiency of clinical decision-making, communication, and thereby patient safety. We observed individual ICU clinicians, multidisciplinary rounds, and handover procedures for 54 h to identify data needs, workflow, and existing cognitive aid use and limitations. A prototype was developed using an iterative participatory design approach; usability testing, including general and task-specific feedback, was obtained from 15 clinicians. Features included map overviews of the ICU showing clinician assignment, patient status, and respiratory support; patient vital signs; a photo-documentation option for arterial blood gas results; and team communication and reminder functions. Clinicians reported the prototype to be an intuitive display of vital parameters and relevant alerts and reminders, as well as a user-friendly communication tool. Future work includes implementation of a prototype, which will be evaluated under simulation and real-world conditions, with the aim of providing ICU staff with a monitoring device that will improve their daily work, communication, and decision-making capacity. Mobile monitoring of vital signs and therapy parameters might help improve patient safety in wards with single-patient rooms and likely has applications in many acute and critical care settings.

Biomechanical investigation of prolonged driving in an ergonomically designed truck seat prototype.

PubMed

Cardoso, Michelle; McKinnon, Colin; Viggiani, Dan; Johnson, Michel J; Callaghan, Jack P; Albert, Wayne J

2018-03-01

A postural evaluation during a prolonged driving task was conducted to determine the ergonomic validity of a new freely adjustable truck seat prototype. Twenty participants were recruited to perform two 2-h simulated driving sessions. Postures were assessed using motion capture, accelerometers and pressure pads. Subjective discomfort was also monitored in 15-min increments using ratings of perceived discomfort (RPD) and the Automotive Seating Discomfort Questionnaire. Participants had a more neutral spine posture during the first hour of the drive and reported lower RPDs while sitting in the prototype. Pairing the gluteal backrest panel with the adjustable seat pan helped reduce the average sitting pressure. The industry-standard truck seat may lead to the development of poor whole body posture, and the proposed ergonomic redesign of a new truck seat helped improve sitting posture and reduce perceived discomfort. Practitioner Summary: A new freely adjustable truck seat prototype was compared to an Industry standard seat to assess hypothesised improvements to sitting posture and discomfort for long haul driving. It was found that the adjustable panels in the prototype helped promote spine posture, reduce sitting pressure and improved discomfort ratings.

Impact of regional hypothermia on urinary continence and potency after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Finley, David S; Chang, Alexandra; Morales, Blanca; Osann, Kathryn; Skarecky, Douglas; Ahlering, Thomas

2010-07-01

This is the third publication that updates clinical outcomes using a novel technique to apply locoregional hypothermia to the pelvis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to reduce inflammatory injury. This report updates urinary and sexual clinical outcomes with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Regional pelvic cooling (<30 degrees C) [corrected] was achieved with a prototype endorectal cooling balloon (ECB) during the course ofRARP. All clinical data were entered prospectively into an electronic database for historic (cases 1-666) and hypothermic groups (115 pts). Urinary and sexual outcomes were obtained using self-administered validated questionnaires. Continence was defined as no pads, and potency was defined as two affirmative answers to "erections adequate for penetration" and "were the erections satisfactory." Six patients were excluded: three ECB malfunction, three previous radiation/surgery. Median time to zero pad use was 39 days vs 62 days (hypothermic vs controls, P = 0.0003). At 1 year, overall pad-free continence was 96.3% (105/109) vs controls of 86.6%, P < 0.001. Potency was evaluated in all men (40-78 years) with preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores of 22 to 25. At 3 months, potency results were unchanged between groups: 24% vs 23%. At 15 months, the potency rates were significantly better for the hypothermic group, 83% vs controls 66%, P = 0.045. No difference in oncologic outcome was noted with cooling. Using a prototype cooling balloon, hypothermic RARP significantly improved time to continence and overall continence. Hypothermia also resulted in a modest but statistically significant improvement in potency at 15 months. Once cooling parameters have been optimized, a randomized multicenter clinical trial will be needed for validation.

KSC-2014-2341

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians check NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander after it touched down on a dedicated landing pad inside the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus launched on a free-flight test from a new launch pad at the north end of the landing facility. The 98-second test began at 1:57 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet at a peak speed of 36 mph. The vehicle, with its recently installed ALHAT sensors, surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before landing on the dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Clinical impact and network of determinants of tumour necrosis in colorectal cancer

PubMed Central

Väyrynen, Sara A; Väyrynen, Juha P; Klintrup, Kai; Mäkelä, Jyrki; Karttunen, Tuomo J; Tuomisto, Anne; Mäkinen, Markus J

2016-01-01

Background: The disease outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC) can vary in a wide range within the same tumour stage. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic value and the determinants of tumour necrosis in CRC. Methods: The areal proportion (%) of tumour tissue showing coagulative necrosis was evaluated in a cohort of 147 CRC patients and correlated with basic clinicopathological characteristics, microvascular density (MVD), cell proliferation rate, KRAS and BRAF mutations, and survival. To validate the prognostic significance of tumour necrosis, an independent cohort of 418 CRC patients was analysed. Results: Tumour necrosis positively correlated with tumour stage (P=8.5E−4)—especially with T class (4.0E−6)—and inversely correlated with serrated histology (P=0.014), but did not significantly associate with cell proliferation rate, MVD, and KRAS or BRAF mutation. Abundant (10% or more) tumour necrosis associated with worse disease-free survival independent of stage and other biological or clinicopathological characteristics in both cohorts, and the adverse effect was directly related to its extent. High CD105 MVD was also a stage independent marker for worse disease-free survival. Conclusions: Tumour necrosis percentage is a relevant histomorphological prognostic indicator in CRC. More studies are needed to disclose the mechanisms of tumour necrosis. PMID:27195424

Modifications of the mouse bone marrow microenvironment favor angiogenesis and correlate with disease progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic multiple myeloma

PubMed Central

Calcinotto, Arianna; Ponzoni, Maurilio; Ria, Roberto; Grioni, Matteo; Cattaneo, Elena; Villa, Isabella; Sabrina Bertilaccio, Maria Teresa; Chesi, Marta; Rubinacci, Alessandro; Tonon, Giovanni; Bergsagel, P Leif; Vacca, Angelo; Bellone, Matteo

2015-01-01

While multiple myeloma (MM) is almost invariably preceded by asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and/or smoldering MM (SMM), the alterations of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment that establish progression to symptomatic disease are circumstantial. Here we show that in Vk*MYC mice harboring oncogene-driven plasma cell proliferative disorder, disease appearance associated with substantial modifications of the BM microenvironment, including a progressive accumulation of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with a dominant T helper type 1 (Th1) response. Progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic MM was characterized by further BM accrual of T cells with reduced Th1 and persistently increased Th2 cytokine production, which associated with accumulation of CD206+Tie2+ macrophages, and increased pro-angiogenic cytokines and microvessel density (MVD). Notably, MVD was also increased at diagnosis in the BM of MGUS and SMM patients that subsequently progressed to MM when compared with MGUS and SMM that remained quiescent. These findings suggest a multistep pathogenic process in MM, in which the immune system may contribute to angiogenesis and disease progression. They also suggest initiating a large multicenter study to investigate MVD in asymptomatic patients as prognostic factor for the progression and outcome of this disease. PMID:26155424

YFa and analogs: investigation of opioid receptors in smooth muscle contraction.

PubMed

Kumar, Krishan; Goyal, Ritika; Mudgal, Annu; Mohan, Anita; Pasha, Santosh

2011-10-28

To study the pharmacological profile and inhibition of smooth muscle contraction by YFa and its analogs in conjunction with their receptor selectivity. The effects of YFa and its analogs (D-Ala2) YFa, Y (D-Ala2) GFMKKKFMRF amide and Des-Phe-YGGFMKKKFMR amide in guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) motility were studied using an isolated tissue organ bath system, and morphine and DynA (1-13) served as controls. Acetylcholine was used for muscle stimulation. The observations were validated by specific antagonist pretreatment experiments using naloxonazine, naltrindole and norbinaltorphimine norBNI. YFa did not demonstrate significant inhibition of GPI muscle contraction as compared with morphine (15% vs 62%, P = 0.0002), but moderate inhibition of MVD muscle contraction, indicating the role of κ opioid receptors in the contraction. A moderate inhibition of GPI muscles by (Des-Phe) YFa revealed the role of anti-opiate receptors in the smooth muscle contraction. (D-Ala-2) YFa showed significant inhibition of smooth muscle contraction, indicating the involvement of mainly δ receptors in MVD contraction. These results were supported by specific antagonist pretreatment assays. YFa revealed its side-effect-free analgesic properties with regard to arrest of gastrointestinal transit. The study provides evidences for the involvement of κ and anti-opioid receptors in smooth muscle contraction.

A Collaborative Effort to Assess Environmental Health in ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Region 3 “Making a Visible Difference in Communities” (MVD) initiative for Southeast Newport News, VA has taken a community-centric, place-based approach to identifying and delivering service to the area’s residents and the city as a whole. Beginning with a CARE (Community Action for a Renewed Environment) Level 1 cooperative agreement (a grant with substantial government involvement and required outputs) in 2011, Region 3 funding helped to establish the Southeast CARE Coalition (“the Coalition”), and quickly formed a bond with the organization. Two years later, Region 3, the US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Coalition embarked on a scientific, socio-demographic Regional Sustainable Environmental Science (RESES) research project to assess local pollutant sources and their potential impacts to the community. These efforts helped EPA select Newport News as an MVD community, resulting in an expanded partnership that now includes the City of Newport News. Through this association and the MVD designation, the partners have identified and prioritized environmental and other concerns (e.g., improving air and water quality, adapting to extreme weather, promoting equitable development, improving transportation). Newport News has recently held workshops and training on topics such as environmental health, asthma, weather events, and equitable development, and continues to improve the community’s health, its knowledge of the relevant e

Embryo survival and birth rate after minimum volume vitrification or slow freezing of in vivo and in vitro produced ovine embryos.

PubMed

Dos Santos-Neto, P C; Cuadro, F; Barrera, N; Crispo, M; Menchaca, A

2017-10-01

The objective was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes and birth rate of in vivo derived vs. in vitro produced ovine embryos submitted to different cryopreservation methods. A total of 197 in vivo and 240 in vitro produced embryos were cryopreserved either by conventional freezing, or by vitrification with Cryotop or Spatula MVD methods on Day 6 after insemination/fertilization. After thawing/warming and transfer, embryo survival rate on Day 30 of gestation was affected by the source of the embryos (in vivo 53.3%, in vitro 20.8%; P < 0.05) and by the method of cryopreservation (conventional freezing 26.5%, Cryotop 52.0%, Spatula MVD 22.2%; P < 0.05). For in vivo derived embryos, survival rate after embryo transfer was 45.6% for conventional freezing, 67.1% for Cryotop, and 40.4% for Spatula MVD. For in vitro produced embryos, survival rate was 7.3% for conventional freezing, 38.7% for Cryotop, and 11.4% for Spatula MVD. Fetal loss from Day 30 to birth showed a tendency to be greater for in vitro (15.0%) rather than for in vivo produced embryos (5.7%), and was not affected by the cryopreservation method. Gestation length, weight at birth and lamb survival rate after birth were not affected by the source of the embryo, the cryopreservation method or stage of development (average: 150.5 ± 1.8 days; 4232.8 ± 102.8 g; 85.4%; respectively). This study demonstrates that embryo survival and birth rate of both in vivo and in vitro produced ovine embryos are improved by vitrification with the minimum volume Cryotop method. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chronic Bronchitis and Current Smoking Are Associated with More Goblet Cells in Moderate to Severe COPD and Smokers without Airflow Obstruction

PubMed Central

Kim, Victor; Oros, Michelle; Durra, Heba; Kelsen, Steven; Aksoy, Mark; Cornwell, William D.; Rogers, Thomas J.; Criner, Gerard J.

2015-01-01

Background Goblet cell hyperplasia is a classic but variable pathologic finding in COPD. Current literature shows that smoking is a risk factor for chronic bronchitis but the relationship of these clinical features to the presence and magnitude of large airway goblet cell hyperplasia has not been well described. We hypothesized that current smokers and chronic bronchitics would have more goblet cells than nonsmokers or those without chronic bronchitis (CB), independent of airflow obstruction. Methods We recruited 15 subjects with moderate to severe COPD, 12 healthy smokers, and 11 healthy nonsmokers. Six endobronchial mucosal biopsies per subject were obtained by bronchoscopy and stained with periodic acid Schiff-Alcian Blue. Goblet cell density (GCD) was quantified as goblet cell number per millimeter of basement membrane. Mucin volume density (MVD) was quantified as volume of mucin per unit area of basement membrane. Results Healthy smokers had a greater GCD and MVD than nonsmokers and COPD subjects. COPD subjects had a greater GCD than nonsmokers. When current smokers (healthy smokers and COPD current smokers, n = 19) were compared with all nonsmokers (nonsmoking controls and COPD ex-smokers, n = 19), current smokers had a greater GCD and MVD. When those with CB (n = 12) were compared to those without CB (n = 26), the CB group had greater GCD. This finding was also seen in those with CB in the COPD group alone. In multivariate analysis, current smoking and CB were significant predictors of GCD using demographics, lung function, and smoking pack years as covariates. All other covariates were not significant predictors of GCD or MVD. Conclusions Current smoking is associated with a more goblet cell hyperplasia and number, and CB is associated with more goblet cells, independent of the presence of airflow obstruction. This provides clinical and pathologic correlation for smokers with and without COPD. PMID:25646735

The value of DCE-MRI in assessing histopathological and molecular biological features in induced rat epithelial ovarian carcinomas.

PubMed

Yuan, Su Juan; Qiao, Tian Kui; Qiang, Jin Wei; Cai, Song Qi; Li, Ruo Kun

2017-09-26

To investigate dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for assessing histopathological and molecular biological features in induced rat epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs). 7,12-dimethylbenz[A]anthracene (DMBA) was applied to induce EOCs in situ in 46 SD rats. Conventional MRI and DCE-MRI were performed to evaluate the morphology and perfusion features of the tumors, including the time-signal intensity curve (TIC), volume transfer constant (K trans ), rate constant (K ep ), extravascular extracellular space volume ratio (V e ) and initial area under the curve (IAUC). DCE-MRI parameters were correlated with histological grade, microvascular density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fraction of Ki67-positive cells and the serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125). Thirty-five of the 46 rats developed EOCs. DCE-MRI showed type III TIC more frequently than type II (29/35 vs. 6/35, p < 0.001) in EOCs. The two types of TIC of tumors had significant differences in the histological grade, MVD, expression of VEGF and Ki67, and the serum level of CA125 (all p < 0.01). K trans , K ep and IAUC values showed significant differences in different histological grades in overall and pairwise comparisons except for IAUC in grade 2 vs. grade 3 (all p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in V e values among the three grade groups (p > 0.05). K trans , K ep and IAUC values were positively correlated with MVD, VEGF and Ki67 expression (all p < 0.01). V e was not significantly correlated with MVD, VEGF expression, Ki67 expression and the CA125 level (all p > 0.05). TIC types and perfusion parameters of DCE-MRI can reflect tumor grade, angiogenesis and cell proliferation to some extent, thereby helping treatment planning and predicting prognosis.

Serum IgE levels are associated with coronary artery disease severity.

PubMed

Guo, Xiaoxiao; Yuan, Su; Liu, Yongtai; Zeng, Yong; Xie, Hongzhi; Liu, Zhenyu; Zhang, Shuyang; Fang, Quan; Wang, Jing; Shen, Zhujun

2016-08-01

Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key element of allergic reactions, was considered to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. This study was designed to test whether total serum IgE levels were associated with the atherosclerosis severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Total serum IgE concentrations were measured in 708 consecutive patients who were presented to our center for coronary angiography. Atherosclerosis severity of CAD was assessed by the number of diseased vessels showing ≥50% diameter stenosis and quantified by Gensini score. Patients with CAD (N = 562) had higher serum IgE levels than those without CAD (N = 146) [55.90 (19.10-156.00) vs. 26.90 (11.80-62.10) KU/L, p = 0.003]. Furthermore, the serum IgE levels were significantly increased in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) compared to those with single-vessel disease [61.80 (23.20-159.00) vs. 32.45(14.15-94.38) KU/L, p = 0.003]. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, a high serum IgE level was an independent predictor for an increased risk of MVD (OR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001-1.004; p = 0.041). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum IgE levels improved the predictive capability of traditional risk factors for MVD (area under the curve with and without IgE: 0.734 and 0.713, respectively, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was a significant linear relationship between Gensini score and the serum IgE level quartiles (p for linear trend <0.001). Increased total serum IgE levels are associated with MVD and contribute to discriminating CAD severity independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of microvascular decompression on depression and anxiety in trigeminal neuralgia: A prospective cohort study focused on risk factors and prognosis.

PubMed

Cheng, Jian; Long, Jiang; Hui, Xuhui; Lei, Ding; Zhang, Heng

2017-10-01

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) often develop a terrible fear of triggering pain, which may lead to depression and anxiety, exerting a negative effect on their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety in TN patients, and further to investigate the effects of microvascular decompression (MVD) on these psychiatric disorders. A prospective cohort study was conducted, patients with TN who underwent MVD in our department between 2013 and 2015 were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to measure the severity of pain. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate depression and anxiety disorders before and 6-month after MVD. The clinical data of these patients were collected prospectively and statistically analyzed. A total of 128 study subjects comprising 70 women and 58 men with a mean age of 47.5±11.2years were included in this study. The mean VAS score was 7.7±1.5. Eighty-three patients (64.8%) had depression and 24 patients (18.8%) suffered anxiety. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender (OR=2.4, P=0.036), high pain intensity (OR=3.25, P=0.027) and ineffective medicine treatment (OR=1.89, P=0.041) were associated with depression, and female gender (OR=3.45, P=0.034) and high pain intensity (OR=2.88, P=0.022) were also associated with anxiety. There were significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms between pre- and postoperative responses. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with idiopathic TN. Female gender, high pain intensity and ineffective medicine treatment are risk factors. MVD not only provides high pain-relief rate, but also leads to significant improvements in the depression and anxiety symptoms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians watch as a crane lowers the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a launch pad at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preparations are underway for a tether test. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lowers the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a launch pad at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preparations are underway for a tether test. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

GN and C Design Overview and Flight Test Results from NASA's Max Launch Abort System (MLAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennehy, Cornelius J.; Lanzi, Ryamond J.; Ward, Philip R.

2010-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) designed, developed and flew the alternative Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) as risk mitigation for the baseline Orion spacecraft launch abort system (LAS) already in development. The NESC was tasked with both formulating a conceptual objective system (OS) design of this alternative MLAS as well as demonstrating this concept with a simulated pad abort flight test. The goal was to obtain sufficient flight test data to assess performance, validate models/tools, and to reduce the design and development risks for a MLAS OS. Less than 2 years after Project start the MLAS simulated pad abort flight test was successfully conducted from Wallops Island on July 8, 2009. The entire flight test duration was 88 seconds during which time multiple staging events were performed and nine separate critically timed parachute deployments occurred as scheduled. Overall, the as-flown flight performance was as predicted prior to launch. This paper provides an overview of the guidance navigation and control (GN&C) technical approaches employed on this rapid prototyping activity. This paper describes the methodology used to design the MLAS flight test vehicle (FTV). Lessons that were learned during this rapid prototyping project are also summarized.

A portable explosive detector based on fluorescence quenching of pyrene deposited on coloured wax-printed μPADs.

PubMed

Taudte, Regina Verena; Beavis, Alison; Wilson-Wilde, Linzi; Roux, Claude; Doble, Philip; Blanes, Lucas

2013-11-07

A new technique for the detection of explosives has been developed based on fluorescence quenching of pyrene on paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). Wax barriers were generated (150 °C, 5 min) using ten different colours. Magenta was found as the most suitable wax colour for the generation of the hydrophobic barriers with a nominal width of 120 μm resulting in fully functioning hydrophobic barriers. One microliter of 0.5 mg mL(-1) pyrene dissolved in an 80:20 methanol-water solution was deposited on the hydrophobic circle (5 mm diameter) to produce the active microchip device. Under ultra-violet (UV) illumination, ten different organic explosives were detected using the μPAD, with limits of detection ranging from 100-600 ppm. A prototype of a portable battery operated instrument using a 3 W power UV light-emitting-diode (LED) (365 nm) and a photodiode sensor was also built and evaluated for the successful automatic detection of explosives and potential application for field-based screening.

Plasma Chemokine signature correlates with lung goblet cell hyperplasia in smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Kim, Victor; Cornwell, William D; Oros, Michelle; Durra, Heba; Criner, Gerard J; Rogers, Thomas J

2015-09-30

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by lung and systemic inflammation as well as airway goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH). Mucin production is activated in part by stimulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor pathway through neutrophils and macrophages. How circulating cytokine levels relate to GCH is not clear. We performed phlebotomy and bronchoscopy on 25 subjects (six nonsmokers, 11 healthy smokers, and eight COPD subjects FEV1 30-60 %). Six endobronchial biopsies per subject were performed. GCH was measured by measuring mucin volume density (MVD) using stereological techniques on periodic acid fast-Schiff stained samples. We measured the levels of chemokines CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL7/MCP-3, CCL22/MCD, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL4/MIP-1β, and the cytokines IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-9, IL-17, EGF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Differences between groups were assessed using one-way ANOVA, t test, or Chi squared test. Post hoc tests after ANOVA were performed using Bonferroni correction. MVD was highest in healthy smokers (27.78 ± 10.24 μL/mm(2)) compared to COPD subjects (16.82 ± 16.29 μL/mm(2), p = 0.216) and nonsmokers (3.42 ± 3.07 μL/mm(2), p < 0.0001). Plasma CXCL8 was highest in healthy smokers (11.05 ± 8.92 pg/mL) compared to nonsmokers (1.20 ± 21.92 pg/mL, p = 0.047) and COPD subjects (6.01 ± 5.90 pg/mL, p = 0.366). CCL22 and CCL4 followed the same trends. There were no significant differences in the other cytokines measured. When the subjects were divided into current smokers (healthy smokers and COPD current smokers) and non/ex-smokers (nonsmokers and COPD ex-smokers), plasma CXCL8, CCL22, CCL4, and MVD were greater in current smokers. No differences in other cytokines were seen. Plasma CXCL8 moderately correlated with MVD (r = 0.552, p = 0.003). In this small cohort, circulating levels of the chemokines CXCL8, CCL4, and CCL22, as well as MVD, attain the highest levels in healthy smokers compared to nonsmokers and COPD subjects. These findings seem to be driven by current smoking and are independent of airflow obstruction. These data suggest that smoking upregulates a systemic pattern of neutrophil and macrophage chemoattractant expression, and this correlates significantly with the development of goblet cell hyperplasia.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance for identifying neurovascular compressions in trigeminal neuralgia.

PubMed

Ruiz-Juretschke, F; Guzmán-de-Villoria, J G; García-Leal, R; Sañudo, J R

2017-05-23

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is accepted as the only aetiological surgical treatment for refractory classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There is therefore increasing interest in establishing the diagnostic and prognostic value of identifying neurovascular compressions (NVC) using preoperative high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MRI) in patients with classic TN who are candidates for surgery. This observational study includes a series of 74 consecutive patients with classic TN treated with MVD. All patients underwent a preoperative three-dimensional high-resolution MRI with DRIVE sequences to diagnose presence of NVC, as well as the degree, cause, and location of compressions. MRI results were analysed by doctors blinded to surgical findings and subsequently compared to those findings. After a minimum follow-up time of six months, we assessed the surgical outcome and graded it on the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score (BNI score). The prognostic value of the preoperative MRI was estimated using binary logistic regression. Preoperative DRIVE MRI sequences showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 87%, with a 98% positive predictive value and a 70% negative predictive value. Moreover, Cohen's kappa (CK) indicated a good level of agreement between radiological and surgical findings regarding presence of NVC (CK 0.75), type of compression (CK 0.74) and the site of compression (CK 0.72), with only moderate agreement as to the degree of compression (CK 0.48). After a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 6-100 months), 81% of the patients reported pain control with or without medication (BNI score i-iiiI). Patients with an excellent surgical outcome, i.e. without pain and off medication (BNI score i), made up 66% of the total at the end of follow-up. Univariate analysis using binary logistic regression showed that a diagnosis of NVC on the preoperative MRI was a favorable prognostic factor that significantly increased the odds of obtaining an excellent outcome (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.72; P=.02) or an acceptable outcome (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.68; P=.01) after MVD. DRIVE MRI shows high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing NVC in patients with refractory classic TN and who are candidates for MVD. The finding of NVC on preoperative MRI is a good prognostic factor for long-term pain relief with MVD. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

An Undergraduate-Built Prototype Altitude Determination System (PADS) for High Altitude Research Balloons.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verner, E.; Bruhweiler, F. C.; Abot, J.; Casarotto, V.; Dichoso, J.; Doody, E.; Esteves, F.; Morsch Filho, E.; Gonteski, D.; Lamos, M.; Leo, A.; Mulder, N.; Matubara, F.; Schramm, P.; Silva, R.; Quisberth, J.; Uritsky, G.; Kogut, A.; Lowe, L.; Mirel, P.; Lazear, J.

2014-12-01

In this project a multi-disciplinary undergraduate team from CUA, comprising majors in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Biology, design, build, test, fly, and analyze the data from a prototype attitude determination system (PADS). The goal of the experiment is to determine if an inexpensive attitude determination system could be built for high altitude research balloons using MEMS gyros. PADS is a NASA funded project, built by students with the cooperation of CUA faculty, Verner, Bruhweiler, and Abot, along with the contributed expertise of researchers and engineers at NASA/GSFC, Kogut, Lowe, Mirel, and Lazear. The project was initiated through a course taught in CUA's School of Engineering, which was followed by a devoted effort by students during the summer of 2014. The project is an experiment to use 18 MEMS gyros, similar to those used in many smartphones, to produce an averaged positional error signal that could be compared with the motion of the fixed optical system as recorded through a string of optical images of stellar fields to be stored on a hard drive flown with the experiment. The optical system, camera microprocessor, and hard drive are enclosed in a pressure vessel, which maintains approximately atmospheric pressure throughout the balloon flight. The experiment uses multiple microprocessors to control the camera exposures, record gyro data, and provide thermal control. CUA students also participated in NASA-led design reviews. Four students traveled to NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas to integrate PADS into a large balloon gondola containing other experiments, before being shipped, then launched in mid-August at Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. The payload is to fly at a float altitude of 40-45,000 m, and the flight last approximately 15 hours. The payload is to return to earth by parachute and the retrieved data are to be analyzed by CUA undergraduates. A description of the instrument is presented here as well as a preliminary analysis of the anticipated data, which were not available at the time of abstract submission. Acknowledgements: NASA grant NNX13AR61 under NASA's Undergraduate Student Instrument Program (USIP). Participating Brazilian students acknowledge support through Brazil's "Science without Borders" program.

Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts secondary to primary hypoplasia of the portal vein in a cat.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Satoko; Maeda, Shingo; Tsuboi, Masaya; Saeki, Kohei; Chambers, James K; Yonezawa, Tomohiro; Fukushima, Kenjiro; Fujiwara, Reina; Uchida, Kazuyuki; Tsujimoto, Hajime; Matsuki, Naoaki; Ohno, Koichi

2018-06-06

A 6-year 5-month-old spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with a one-month history of gait abnormalities, increased salivation, and decreased activity. A blood test showed hyperammonemia and increased serum bile acids. Imaging tests revealed multiple shunt vessels indicating acquired portosystemic shunt. Histopathologic analysis of liver biopsy showed features consistent with liver hypoperfusion, such as a barely recognizable portal vein, increased numbers of small arterioles, and diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. These findings supported the diagnosis of primary hypoplasia of the portal vein/microvascular dysplasia, (PHPV/MVD). To our knowledge, this is the first case of feline PHPV/MVD that developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts and presented with hepatic encephalopathy.

iPadPix—A novel educational tool to visualise radioactivity measured by a hybrid pixel detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, O.; Schmeling, S.; Müller, A.; Benoit, M.

2016-11-01

With the ability to attribute signatures of ionising radiation to certain particle types, pixel detectors offer a unique advantage over the traditional use of Geiger-Müller tubes also in educational settings. We demonstrate in this work how a Timepix readout chip combined with a standard 300μm pixelated silicon sensor can be used to visualise radioactivity in real-time and by means of augmented reality. The chip family is the result of technology transfer from High Energy Physics at CERN and facilitated by the Medipix Collaboration. This article summarises the development of a prototype based on an iPad mini and open source software detailed in ref. [1]. Appropriate experimental activities that explore natural radioactivity and everyday objects are given to demonstrate the use of this new tool in educational settings.

Ares I-X Ground Diagnostic Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwabacher, Mark A.; Martin, Rodney Alexander; Waterman, Robert D.; Oostdyk, Rebecca Lynn; Ossenfort, John P.; Matthews, Bryan

2010-01-01

The automation of pre-launch diagnostics for launch vehicles offers three potential benefits: improving safety, reducing cost, and reducing launch delays. The Ares I-X Ground Diagnostic Prototype demonstrated anomaly detection, fault detection, fault isolation, and diagnostics for the Ares I-X first-stage Thrust Vector Control and for the associated ground hydraulics while the vehicle was in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and while it was on the launch pad. The prototype combines three existing tools. The first tool, TEAMS (Testability Engineering and Maintenance System), is a model-based tool from Qualtech Systems Inc. for fault isolation and diagnostics. The second tool, SHINE (Spacecraft Health Inference Engine), is a rule-based expert system that was developed at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We developed SHINE rules for fault detection and mode identification, and used the outputs of SHINE as inputs to TEAMS. The third tool, IMS (Inductive Monitoring System), is an anomaly detection tool that was developed at NASA Ames Research Center. The three tools were integrated and deployed to KSC, where they were interfaced with live data. This paper describes how the prototype performed during the period of time before the launch, including accuracy and computer resource usage. The paper concludes with some of the lessons that we learned from the experience of developing and deploying the prototype.

Wiener-Hopf optimal control of a hydraulic canal prototype with fractional order dynamics.

PubMed

Feliu-Batlle, Vicente; Feliu-Talegón, Daniel; San-Millan, Andres; Rivas-Pérez, Raúl

2017-06-26

This article addresses the control of a laboratory hydraulic canal prototype that has fractional order dynamics and a time delay. Controlling this prototype is relevant since its dynamics closely resembles the dynamics of real main irrigation canals. Moreover, the dynamics of hydraulic canals vary largely when the operation regime changes since they are strongly nonlinear systems. All this makes difficult to design adequate controllers. The controller proposed in this article looks for a good time response to step commands. The design criterium for this controller is minimizing the integral performance index ISE. Then a new methodology to control fractional order processes with a time delay, based on the Wiener-Hopf control and the Padé approximation of the time delay, is developed. Moreover, in order to improve the robustness of the control system, a gain scheduling fractional order controller is proposed. Experiments show the adequate performance of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of lymphatic vessel density in colorectal cancer: prognostic significance and clinicopathologic correlations.

PubMed

Pappas, A; Lagoudianakis, E; Seretis, C; Koronakis, N; Keramidaris, D; Grapatsas, K; Filis, K; Manouras, A; Salemis, N

2015-06-01

Over the past decades the identification of several molecules that are expressed specifically in the lymphatic endothelial cells has resulted in marked advances in the field of lymphangiogenesis. We aimed to measure LVD in colorectal cancer patients and to compare it with microvascular density (MVD) - a marker of angiogenesis - and patients' clinicopathological parameters and survival, as the measurement of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) has been documented in various tumor types, including colorectal cancer. Fifty one patients who had undergone surgical resection for stage I-III colorectal cancer entered this study. LVD and MVD were determined immunohistochemically with the use of D2-40 and CD34 antibody respectively. The evaluation of LVD was performed by both visual and computer-aided image analysis. The majority of lymphatic vessels were located in the peritumoral areas rather than within the tumor. The results obtained from the image analyzer correlated significantly with the data obtained using visual counting with light microscopy. Both visual and image analysis LVD failed to correlate with patients' age and gender and tumor location, stage, grade, MVD count and survival. The biologic role of the lymphatic vasculature in tumor progression remains controversial. The present study failed to associate LVD with outcome markers and prognosis and further studies would be required to verify our results. © Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica.

Expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor and tumor necrosis factor-α is correlated in bladder tumor and is related to tumor angiogenesis.

PubMed

Feng, Chen-Chen; Wang, Pao-Hsun; Ding, Qiang; Guan, Ming; Zhang, Yuan-Fang; Jiang, Hao-Wen; Wen, Hui; Wu, Zhong

2013-02-01

Angiogenesis is a pivotal process on which solid tumor growth is substantially dependent. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is the most potent natural anti-angiogenic factor, which has seldom been studied in bladder tumor, and whose functioning pathway remains unclear. We have thus investigated PEDF expression in relation to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and microvessel density (MVD) with immunohistochemistry. Antibodies of PEDF and TNF-α were examined by Western blotting before immunohistochemistry. Sixty-four urothelial tumor sections and 23 normal controls were stained and expression of PEDF, TNF-α, and MVD were studied. Decreased PEDF expression and increased TNF-α expression was noticed in tumorous tissue compared with healthy urothelium. Lower PEDF expression was related to higher tumor grade but stage. Increased TNF-α expression was noticed in recurrent, larger tumors as well as in tumors with progression in grade and stage. Expression of PEDF and TNF-α was correlated in bladder tumor. PEDF or TNF-α was correlated with MVD negatively or positively, respectively, in cancerous tissue and tumorous grouping without correlation in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential. Expressional change of PEDF and TNF-α is in relation to angiogenesis of bladder tumor, especially in bladder cancer development. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary emphysema and tumor microenvironment in primary lung cancer.

PubMed

Murakami, Junichi; Ueda, Kazuhiro; Sano, Fumiho; Hayashi, Masataro; Nishimoto, Arata; Hamano, Kimikazu

2016-02-01

To clarify the relationship between the presence of pulmonary emphysema and tumor microenvironment and their significance for the clinicopathologic aggressiveness of non-small cell lung cancer. The subjects included 48 patients with completely resected and pathologically confirmed stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Quantitative computed tomography was used to diagnose pulmonary emphysema, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression status in the intratumoral stromal cells as well as the microvessel density (MVD). Positive MMP-9 staining in the intratumoral stromal cells was confirmed in 17 (35%) of the 48 tumors. These 17 tumors were associated with a high MVD, frequent lymphovascular invasion, a high proliferative activity, and high postoperative recurrence rate (all, P < 0.05). The majority of the tumors (13 of 17) arose in patients with pulmonary emphysema (P = 0.02). Lung cancers arising from pulmonary emphysema were also associated with a high MVD, proliferative activity, and postoperative recurrence rate (all, P < 0.05). The MMP-9 expression in intratumoral stromal cells is associated with the clinicopathologic aggressiveness of lung cancer and is predominantly identified in tumors arising in emphysematous lungs. Further studies regarding the biological links between the intratumoral and extratumoral microenvironment will help to explain why lung cancers originating in emphysematous lung tissues are associated with a poor prognosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vacuum-compatible, ultra-low material budget Micro-Vertex Detector of the compressed baryonic matter experiment at FAIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koziel, Michal; Amar-Youcef, Samir; Bialas, Norbert; Deveaux, Michael; Fröhlich, Ingo; Klaus, Philipp; Michel, Jan; Milanović, Borislav; Müntz, Christian; Stroth, Joachim; Tischler, Tobias; Weirich, Roland; Wiebusch, Michael

2017-02-01

The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) Experiment is one of the core experiments of the future FAIR facility near Darmstadt (Germany). The fixed-target experiment will explore the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter in the regime of high net baryon densities with numerous probes, among them open charm mesons. The Micro Vertex Detector (MVD) will provide the secondary vertex resolution of ∼ 50 μm along the beam axis, contribute to the background rejection in dielectron spectroscopy, and to the reconstruction of weak decays. The detector comprises four stations placed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm downstream the target and inside the target vacuum. The stations will be populated with highly granular CMOS Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors, which will feature a spatial resolution of < 5 μm, a non-ionizing radiation tolerance of >1013neq /cm2, an ionizing radiation tolerance of ∼ 3 Mrad, and a readout speed of a few 10 μs/frame. This work introduces the MVD-PRESTO project, which aims at integrating a precursor of the second station of the CBM-MVD meeting the following requirements: material budget of x /X0 < 0.5 %, vacuum compatibility, double-sided sensor integration on a Thermal Pyrolytic Graphite (TPG) carrier, and heat evacuation of about 350 mW/cm2/sensor with a temperature gradient of a few K/cm.

YFa and analogs: Investigation of opioid receptors in smooth muscle contraction

PubMed Central

Kumar, Krishan; Goyal, Ritika; Mudgal, Annu; Mohan, Anita; Pasha, Santosh

2011-01-01

AIM: To study the pharmacological profile and inhibition of smooth muscle contraction by YFa and its analogs in conjunction with their receptor selectivity. METHODS: The effects of YFa and its analogs (D-Ala2) YFa, Y (D-Ala2) GFMKKKFMRF amide and Des-Phe-YGGFMKKKFMR amide in guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) motility were studied using an isolated tissue organ bath system, and morphine and DynA (1-13) served as controls. Acetylcholine was used for muscle stimulation. The observations were validated by specific antagonist pretreatment experiments using naloxonazine, naltrindole and norbinaltorphimine norBNI. RESULTS: YFa did not demonstrate significant inhibition of GPI muscle contraction as compared with morphine (15% vs 62%, P = 0.0002), but moderate inhibition of MVD muscle contraction, indicating the role of κ opioid receptors in the contraction. A moderate inhibition of GPI muscles by (Des-Phe) YFa revealed the role of anti-opiate receptors in the smooth muscle contraction. (D-Ala-2) YFa showed significant inhibition of smooth muscle contraction, indicating the involvement of mainly δ receptors in MVD contraction. These results were supported by specific antagonist pretreatment assays. CONCLUSION: YFa revealed its side-effect-free analgesic properties with regard to arrest of gastrointestinal transit. The study provides evidences for the involvement of κ and anti-opioid receptors in smooth muscle contraction. PMID:22110284

CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4) is predictor of tumour angiogenic activity and prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing surgical treatment.

PubMed

Spaks, Artjoms; Svirina, Darja; Spaka, Irina; Jaunalksne, Inta; Breiva, Donats; Tracums, Ilmars; Krievins, Dainis

2016-07-01

To evaluate the association of CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4) plasma levels with tumour angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to assess association of CXCL4 with clinical outcomes. Fifty patients with early stage NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection. CXCL4 levels were analysed by ELISA. Angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and microvessel density (MVD) count. There was positive correlation between MVD and CXCL4 levels. Patients with higher CXCL4 levels had worse overall and disease-free survival. Plasma levels of CXCL4 are associated with tumour vascularity. Increased CXCL4 levels in NSCLC patients undergoing treatment may indicate active cancer-induced angiogenesis associated with relapse and worse outcome.

Design, construction and commissioning of the Digital Hadron Calorimeter—DHCAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, C.; Bambaugh, A.; Bilki, B.; Butler, J.; Corriveau, F.; Cundiff, T.; Drake, G.; Francis, K.; Furst, B.; Guarino, V.; Haberichter, B.; Hazen, E.; Hoff, J.; Holm, S.; Kreps, A.; DeLurgio, P.; Matijas, Z.; Dal Monte, L.; Mucia, N.; Norbeck, E.; Northacker, D.; Onel, Y.; Pollack, B.; Repond, J.; Schlereth, J.; Skrzecz, F.; Smith, J. R.; Trojand, D.; Underwood, D.; Velasco, M.; Walendziak, J.; Wood, K.; Wu, S.; Xia, L.; Zhang, Q.; Zhao, A.

2016-07-01

A novel hadron calorimeter is being developed for future lepton colliding beam detectors. The calorimeter is optimized for the application of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) to the measurement of hadronic jets and features a very finely segmented readout with 1 × 1 cm2 cells. The active media of the calorimeter are Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) with a digital, i.e. one-bit, readout. To first order the energy of incident particles in this calorimeter is reconstructed as being proportional to the number of pads with a signal over a given threshold. A large-scale prototype calorimeter with approximately 500,000 readout channels has been built and underwent extensive testing in the Fermilab and CERN test beams. This paper reports on the design, construction, and commissioning of this prototype calorimeter.

Hypoxia-Related Marker GLUT-1, CAIX, Proliferative Index and Microvessel Density in Canine Oral Malignant Neoplasia

PubMed Central

Meier, Valeria; Guscetti, Franco; Roos, Malgorzata; Ohlerth, Stefanie; Pruschy, Martin; Rohrer Bley, Carla

2016-01-01

For various types of tumor therapy, it is suggested that co-targeting of tumor microenvironment, mainly tumor vasculature, mediates tumor response mechanisms. Immunohistochemistry for glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), carbonic anhydrase-IX (CAIX), Ki-67, and von Willebrand factor VIII for microvessel density (MVD) were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of canine oral malignant neoplasms. Polarographic oxygen measurements (median pO2) and perfusion data via contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound (median vascularity, median blood volume) provided additional information. Ninety-two samples were analyzed: sarcomas (n = 32), carcinomas (n = 30), and malignant melanomas (n = 30). Polarographic oxygen and perfusion data was available in 22.8% (sarcomas n = 9, carcinomas n = 7, melanomas n = 5), and 27.1% (sarcomas n = 10, carcinomas n = 8, melanomas n = 7) of cases, respectively. GLUT-1 expression was detected in 46.7% of all samples, and was generally weak. CAIX expression was found in 34.8% of all samples. Median Ki-67 score and MVD count was 19% and 17, respectively. The evaluation of the GLUT-1 score and continuous data showed significantly lower GLUT-1 levels in sarcomas (mean 5.1%, SD 6.2) versus carcinomas and melanomas (mean 16.5%/ 19.0%, SD 17.3/ 20.9, p = 0.001). The expression of CAIX correlated mildly positively with GLUT-1 (p = 0.018, rho = 0.250) as well as with Ki-67 (p = 0.014, rho = 0.295). MVD showed a significantly lower level in melanomas (mean 12.6, SD 7.7) versus sarcomas and carcinomas (mean 21.8/ 26.9, SD 13.0/20.4, p = 0.001). Median vascularity and blood volume were significantly lower in sarcomas (mean 10.4%, SD 11.0, and mean 6.3%, SD 6.5, respectively) versus carcinomas (mean 39.2%, SD 16.4 and mean 33.0%, SD 25.6, respectively) and melanomas (mean 36.0%, SD 18.3, and 31.5%, SD 24.5). Between the 3 histological groups, there was neither a significant difference in the GLUT-1 and CAIX score and continuous data, nor the Ki67 score, or polarographic oxygen measurements. GLUT-1 continuous data and Ki-67 (p<0.001, rho = 0.403), as well as Ki-67 and MVD (p = 0.029, rho = 0.228) correlated positively and a mild correlation was found between vascularity and GLUT-1 (p = 0.043, rho = 0.408). GLUT-1, CAIX, proliferative index and MVD levels were established as microenvironmental descriptors with the purpose of creating a baseline in order to follow changes seen in the tumor microenvironment after hypofractionated radiation with high doses. PMID:26906567

Arrays of Position-Sensitive Virtual Frisch-Grid CdZnTe Detectors: Results From a $$4\\times 4$$ Array Prototype

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

Ocampo Giraldo, L. A.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.

Position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid (VFG) CdZnTe (CZT) detectors offer a unique capability for correcting the response nonuniformities caused by crystal defects. This allowed us to achieve high energy resolution, while using typical-grade commercial CZT crystals with relaxed requirements to their quality, thus reducing the overall cost of detectors. Another advantage of the VFG detectors is that they can be integrated into arrays and used in small compact hand-held instruments or large-area gamma cameras that will enhance detection capability for many practical applications, including nonproliferation, medical imaging, and gamma-ray astronomy. Here in this paper, we present the results from testing small arraymore » prototypes coupled with front-end application-specified integrated circuit. Each detector in the array is furnished with 5-mm-wide charge-sensing pads placed near the anode. The pads signals are converted into XY coordinates, which combined with the cathode signals (for Z coordinates) provide 3-D position information of all interaction points. The basic array consists of a number of detectors grouped into 2×2 subarrays, each having a common cathode made by connecting together the cathodes of the individual detectors. Lastly, these features can significantly improve the performance of detectors while using typical-grade low-cost CZT crystals to reduce the overall cost of the proposed instrument.« less

Arrays of Position-Sensitive Virtual Frisch-Grid CdZnTe Detectors: Results From a $$4\\times 4$$ Array Prototype

DOE PAGES

Ocampo Giraldo, L. A.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; ...

2017-08-22

Position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid (VFG) CdZnTe (CZT) detectors offer a unique capability for correcting the response nonuniformities caused by crystal defects. This allowed us to achieve high energy resolution, while using typical-grade commercial CZT crystals with relaxed requirements to their quality, thus reducing the overall cost of detectors. Another advantage of the VFG detectors is that they can be integrated into arrays and used in small compact hand-held instruments or large-area gamma cameras that will enhance detection capability for many practical applications, including nonproliferation, medical imaging, and gamma-ray astronomy. Here in this paper, we present the results from testing small arraymore » prototypes coupled with front-end application-specified integrated circuit. Each detector in the array is furnished with 5-mm-wide charge-sensing pads placed near the anode. The pads signals are converted into XY coordinates, which combined with the cathode signals (for Z coordinates) provide 3-D position information of all interaction points. The basic array consists of a number of detectors grouped into 2×2 subarrays, each having a common cathode made by connecting together the cathodes of the individual detectors. Lastly, these features can significantly improve the performance of detectors while using typical-grade low-cost CZT crystals to reduce the overall cost of the proposed instrument.« less

Socioeconomic Factors and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Multicentre Study of Arabian Gulf States.

PubMed

Daoulah, Amin; Elkhateeb, Osama E; Nasseri, S Ali; Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Al-Kaabi, Salem; Lotfi, Amir; Alama, Mohamed N; Al-Faifi, Salem M; Haddara, Mamdouh; Dixon, Ciaran M; Alzahrani, Ibrahim S; Alghamdi, Abdullah A; Ahmed, Waleed; Fathey, Adnan; Haq, Ejazul; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A

2017-01-01

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. The association of socioeconomic status with CAD is supported by numerous epidemiological studies. Whether such factors also impact the number of diseased coronary vessels and its severity is not well established. We conducted a prospective multicentre, multi-ethnic, cross sectional observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) at 5 hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Baseline demographics, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were collected for all patients. Significant CAD was defined as ≥70% luminal stenosis in a major epicardial vessel. Left main disease (LMD) was defined as ≥50% stenosis in the left main coronary artery. Multi-vessel disease (MVD) was defined as having >1 significant CAD. Of 1,068 patients (age 59 ± 13, female 28%, diabetes 56%, hypertension 60%, history of CAD 43%), 792 (74%) were from urban and remainder (26%) from rural communities. Patients from rural centres were older (61 ± 12 vs 58 ± 13), and more likely to have a history of diabetes (63 vs 54%), hypertension (74 vs 55%), dyslipidaemia (78 vs 59%), CAD (50 vs 41%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (27 vs 21%). The two groups differed significantly in terms of income level, employment status and indication for angiography. After adjusting for baseline differences, patients living in a rural area were more likely to have significant CAD (adjusted OR 2.40 [1.47, 3.97]), MVD (adjusted OR 1.76 [1.18, 2.63]) and LMD (adjusted OR 1.71 [1.04, 2.82]). Higher income was also associated with a higher risk for significant CAD (adjusted OR 6.97 [2.30, 21.09]) and MVD (adjusted OR 2.49 [1.11, 5.56]), while unemployment was associated with a higher risk of significant CAD (adjusted OR 2.21, [1.27, 3.85]). Communal and socioeconomic factors are associated with higher odds of significant CAD and MVD in the group of patients referred for CAG. The underpinnings of these associations ( e.g. pathophysiologic factors, access to care, and system-wide determinants of quality) require further study.

High eIF4E, VEGF, and Microvessel Density in Stage I to III Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Byrnes, Kerry; White, Stephen; Chu, Quyen; Meschonat, Carol; Yu, Herbert; Johnson, Lester W.; DeBenedetti, Arrigo; Abreo, Fleurette; Turnage, Richard H.; McDonald, John C.; Li, Benjamin D.

2006-01-01

Objective: In a prospective trial, to determine if eIF4E overexpression in breast cancer specimens is correlated with VEGF elevation, increased tumor microvessel density (MVD) counts, and a worse clinical outcome irrespective of nodal status. Summary and Background Data: In vitro, the overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) up-regulates the translation of mRNAs with long 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs). One such gene product is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods: A total of 114 stage I to III breast cancer patients were prospectively accrued and followed with a standardized clinical surveillance protocol. Cancer specimens were quantified for eIF4E, VEGF, and MVD. Outcome endpoints were cancer recurrence and cancer-related death. Results: eIF4E overexpression was found in all cancer specimens (mean ± SD, 12.5 ± 7.6-fold). Increasing eIF4E overexpression correlated with increasing VEGF elevation (r = 0.24, P = 0.01, Spearman's coefficient), and increasing MVD counts (r = 0.35, P < 0.0002). Patients whose tumor had high eIF4E overexpression had shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.004, log-rank test) and higher cancer-related deaths (P = 0.002) than patients whose tumors had low eIF4E overexpression. Patients with high eIF4E had a hazard ratio for cancer recurrence and cancer-related death of 1.8 and 2.1 times that of patients with low eIF4E (respectively, P = 0.009 and P = 0.002, Cox proportional hazard model). Conclusions: In breast cancer patients, increasing eIF4E overexpression in the cancer specimens correlates with higher VEGF levels and MVD counts. Patients whose tumors had high eIF4E overexpression had a worse clinical outcome, independent of nodal status. Thus, eIF4E overexpression in breast cancer appears to predict increased tumor vascularity and perhaps cancer dissemination by hematogenous means. PMID:16633004

Auscultation and echocardiographic findings in Bull Terriers with and without polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

O'Leary, C A; Mackay, B M; Taplin, R H; Atwell, R B

2005-05-01

To investigate a possible association between Bull Terrier polycystic kidney disease (BTPKD) and cardiac disease, to determine the prevalence of mitral valve disease (MVD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in the Australian Bull Terrier population, and to compare auscultation and echocardiography in detection of cardiac disease in Bull Terriers. Ninety-nine Bull Terriers, ranging in age from 8 weeks to 13 years and 11 months were auscultated and examined using renal ultrasonography; 86 were also examined using echocardiography. The prevalence and severity of heart defects in dogs with BTPKD was compared with that in dogs without BTPKD. Nineteen of these 99 dogs were diagnosed with BTPKD. Forty-two percent of Bull Terriers with BTPKD and 28% of those without BTPKD had murmurs characteristic of mitral regurgitation or LVOTO. How recently an animal was descended from an ancestor with BTPKD was associated with presence (P = 0.008) and loudness of a murmur (P = 0.009). Overall, echocardiography detected MVD in 39% of Bull Terriers, with increased prevalence in older animals (P = 0.003). Mitral stenosis was found in eight cases. Fifty-three percent of dogs in this study had evidence of LVOTO, with obstruction consisting of a complex of lesions including dynamic or fixed subvalvular LVOTO, significantly narrowed left ventricular outflow tract or valvular aortic stenosis. Dogs with BTPKD, or those descended from dogs with BTPKD, were more likely to have MVD (P = 0.006), and while LVOTO was not more common in these dogs, if they did have LVOTO, they were more likely to have severe obstruction than dogs with no ancestors with BTPKD (analysed in three ways P = 0.028 to 0.001). In this study, 46% of Bull Terriers without a murmur or arrhythmia had cardiac disease detected on echocardiographic examination. Cardiac disease, especially MVD and LVOTO, was common in Bull Terriers in this study, and those with BTPKD had an increased risk of cardiac abnormalities. Auscultation did not detect a significant number of Bull Terriers with cardiac disease.

Multivessel disease in patients over 75years old with ST elevated myocardial infarction. Current management strategies and related clinical outcomes in the ESTROFA MI+75 nation-wide registry.

PubMed

de La Torre Hernandez, Jose M; Gomez Hospital, Joan A; Baz, Jose A; Brugaletta, Salvatore; Perez de Prado, Armando; Linares, Jose A; Lopez Palop, Ramón; Cid, Belen; Garcia Camarero, Tamara; Diego, Alejandro; Gutierrez, Hipolito; Fernandez Diaz, Jose A; Sanchis, Juan; Alfonso, Fernando; Blanco, Roberto; Botas, Javier; Navarro Cuartero, Javier; Moreu, Jose; Bosa, Francisco; Vegas, Jose M; Elizaga, Jaime; Arrebola, Antonio L; Hernandez, Felipe; Salvatella, Neus; Monteagudo, Marta; Gomez Jaume, Alfredo; Carrillo, Xavier; Martin Reyes, Roberto; Lozano, Fernando; Rumoroso, Jose R; Andraka, Leire; Dominguez, Antonio J

2017-12-06

In elderly patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD the outcomes related with different revascularization strategies are not well known. Subgroup-analysis of a nation-wide registry of primary angioplasty in the elderly (ESTROFA MI+75) with 3576 patients over 75years old from 31 centers. Patients with MVD were analyzed to describe treatment approaches and 2years outcomes. Of 1830 (51%) with MVD, 847 (46%) underwent multivessel revascularization either in acute (51%), staged (44%) or both procedures (5%). Patients with previous myocardial infarction and those receiving drug-eluting stents or IIb-IIIa inhibitors were more prone to be revascularized, whereas older patients, females and those with Killip III-IV, renal failure and higher ejection fraction were less likely. Survival free of cardiac death and infarction at 2years was better for those undergoing multivessel PCI (85.8% vs. 80.4%, p<0.0008), regardless of Killip class. Multivessel PCI was protective of cardiac death and infarction (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.89; p=0.011). Complete revascularization made no difference in outcomes among those patients undergoing multivessel PCI. The best prognosis corresponded to those undergoing multivessel PCI in staged procedures (p<0.001). A propensity score matching analysis (514 patients in each group) yielded similar results. In elderly patients with STEMI and MVD, multivessel PCI was related with better outcomes especially after staged procedures. Among those undergoing multivessel PCI, anatomically defined completeness of revascularization had not prognostic influence. We sought to investigate the revascularization strategies applied and their prognostic implications in patients aged over 75years with ST elevated myocardial infarction showing multivessel disease. Of 1830 patients, 847 (46%) underwent multivessel PCI either in acute (51%), staged (44%) or both procedures (5%). Multivessel PCI was independent predictor of cardiac death and infarction with the best prognosis corresponding to those undergoing staged procedures. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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

Averyanov, A. V.; Bajajin, A. G.; Chepurnov, V. F.

The time-projection chamber (TPC) is the main tracking detector in the MPD/NICA. The information on charge-particle tracks in the TPC is registered by the MWPG with cathode pad readout. The frontend electronics (FEE) are developed with use of modern technologies such as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and data transfer to a concentrator via a fast optical interface. The main parameters of the FEE are as follows: total number of channels, ∼95 000; data stream from the whole TPC, 5 GB/s; low power consumption, less than 100 mW/ch; signal to noise ratio (S/N), 30; equivalent noisemore » charge (ENC), <1000e{sup –} (C{sub in} = 10–20 pF); and zero suppression (pad signal rejection ∼90%). The article presents the status of the readout chamber construction and the data acquisition system. The results of testing FEE prototypes are presented.« less

KSC-2014-4807

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is being lowered by crane onto the launch pad. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Demonstrator Detection System for the Active Target and Time Projection Chamber (ACTAR TPC) project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roger, T.; Pancin, J.; Grinyer, G. F.; Mauss, B.; Laffoley, A. T.; Rosier, P.; Alvarez-Pol, H.; Babo, M.; Blank, B.; Caamaño, M.; Ceruti, S.; Daemen, J.; Damoy, S.; Duclos, B.; Fernández-Domínguez, B.; Flavigny, F.; Giovinazzo, J.; Goigoux, T.; Henares, J. L.; Konczykowski, P.; Marchi, T.; Lebertre, G.; Lecesne, N.; Legeard, L.; Maugeais, C.; Minier, G.; Osmond, B.; Pedroza, J. L.; Pibernat, J.; Poleshchuk, O.; Pollacco, E. C.; Raabe, R.; Raine, B.; Renzi, F.; Saillant, F.; Sénécal, P.; Sizun, P.; Suzuki, D.; Swartz, J. A.; Wouters, C.; Wittwer, G.; Yang, J. C.

2018-07-01

The design, realization and operation of a prototype or "demonstrator" version of an active target and time projection chamber (ACTAR TPC) for experiments in nuclear physics is presented in detail. The heart of the detection system features a MICROMEGAS gas amplifier coupled to a high-density pixelated pad plane with square pad sizes of 2 × 2 mm2. The detector has been thoroughly tested with several different gas mixtures over a wide range of pressures and using a variety of sources of ionizing radiation including laser light, an α-particle source and heavy-ion beams of 24Mg and 58Ni accelerated to energies of 4.0 MeV/u. Results from these tests and characterization of the detector response over a wide range of operating conditions will be described. These developments have served as the basis for the design of a larger detection system that is presently under construction.

USE OF GLUE-ON SHOES TO IMPROVE CONFORMATIONAL ABNORMALITIES IN TWO ASIAN ELEPHANTS ( ELEPHAS MAXIMUS).

PubMed

Johnson, Gary; Smith, Joanne; Peddie, Jim; Peddie, Linda; DeMarco, Joe; Wiedner, Ellen

2018-03-01

This report describes the use of custom-made, glue-on shoes for the front feet of two female adult Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) with conformational abnormalities. Both elephants had unequal leg lengths. The first elephant also had bilateral fetlock varus causing recurrent nail infections of the fourth digits of the front feet. The second elephant displayed weight shifting. Over several years, multiple shoe prototypes were tested. The current version is made of two types of shoe rubber, glued together and attached to the pad of the shorter leg with a liquid adhesive. The first elephant also has bilateral wedge pads to offload pressure from the fourth nails. The shoes are removed each month for foot care, then replaced. Within several months of wearing shoes, the first elephant's nail infections healed and the second elephant stopped weight shifting. Both elephants' gaits became smoother. This is the first description of corrective shoeing in elephants.

Behavior of auxetic structures under compression and impact forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Chulho; Vora, Hitesh D.; Chang, Young

2018-02-01

In recent years, various auxetic material structures have been designed and fabricated for diverse applications that utilize normal materials that follow Hooke’s law but still show the properties of negative Poisson’s ratios (NPR). One potential application is body protection pads that are comfortable to wear and effective in protecting body parts by reducing impact force and preventing injuries in high-risk individuals such as elderly people, industrial workers, law enforcement and military personnel, and athletes. This paper reports an integrated theoretical, computational, and experimental investigation conducted for typical auxetic materials that exhibit NPR properties. Parametric 3D CAD models of auxetic structures such as re-entrant hexagonal cells and arrowheads were developed. Then, key structural characteristics of protection pads were evaluated through static analyses of FEA models. Finally, impact analyses were conducted through dynamic simulations of FEA models to validate the results obtained from the static analyses. Efforts were also made to relate the individual and/or combined effect of auxetic structures and materials to the overall stiffness and shock-absorption performance of the protection pads. An advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) technique was used to build prototypes of the auxetic structures. Three different materials typically used for fused deposition modeling technology, namely polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane material (NinjaFlex® and SemiFlex®), were used for different stiffness and shock-absorption properties. The 3D printed prototypes were then tested and the results were compared to the computational predictions. The results showed that the auxetic material could be effective in reducing the shock forces. Each structure and material combination demonstrated unique structural properties such as stiffness, Poisson’s ratio, and efficiency in shock absorption. Auxetic structures showed better shock absorption performance than non-auxetic ones. The mechanism for ideal input force distribution or shunting could be suggested for designing protectors using various shapes, thicknesses, and materials of auxetic materials to reduce the risk of injury.

Morpheus Alhat Integrated and Laser Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lowers the Project Morpheus prototype lander onto a launch pad at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Engineers and technicians are preparing Morpheus for an automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and laser test at the new launch site. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

[Microvascular descompression for trigeminal neuralgia: prognostic [corrected] factors].

PubMed

Alberione, F; Arena, A; Matera, R

2008-06-01

We describe our experience of the MVD in the typical trigeminal neuralgia and identify the prognostic factors. A retrospective studio of 89 cases between 1995-2005 was used. The prognostic significant data evaluated were demographics data; duration of neuralgia; the affected divisions involved; surgical findings; used material for the decompression. The data analysis was made with the chi(2) test. We have found an excellent outcome in 77% one year later. The age and the antecedent of hypertension disease were not statistically significant. A poor outcome was observed for: female sex, neuralgia lasting longer than two years, the three divisions involved, venous compression and the muscle used as surgical material. The MVD is an effective and reliable technique. The use of muscle is not recommended. When the three trigeminal divisions are involved we should choose another technique.

Multidistrict Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease-Uganda, 2012.

PubMed

Knust, Barbara; Schafer, Ilana J; Wamala, Joseph; Nyakarahuka, Luke; Okot, Charles; Shoemaker, Trevor; Dodd, Kimberly; Gibbons, Aridth; Balinandi, Stephen; Tumusiime, Alex; Campbell, Shelley; Newman, Edmund; Lasry, Estrella; DeClerck, Hilde; Boum, Yap; Makumbi, Issa; Bosa, Henry Kyobe; Mbonye, Anthony; Aceng, Jane Ruth; Nichol, Stuart T; Ströher, Ute; Rollin, Pierre E

2015-10-01

In October 2012, a cluster of illnesses and deaths was reported in Uganda and was confirmed to be an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD). Patients meeting the case criteria were interviewed using a standard investigation form, and blood specimens were tested for evidence of acute or recent Marburg virus infection by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The total count of confirmed and probable MVD cases was 26, of which 15 (58%) were fatal. Four of 15 laboratory-confirmed cases (27%) were fatal. Case patients were located in 4 different districts in Uganda, although all chains of transmission originated in Ibanda District, and the earliest case detected had an onset in July 2012. No zoonotic exposures were identified. Symptoms significantly associated with being a MVD case included hiccups, anorexia, fatigue, vomiting, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Contact with a case patient and attending a funeral were also significantly associated with being a case. Average RT-PCR cycle threshold values for fatal cases during the acute phase of illness were significantly lower than those for nonfatal cases. Following the institution of contact tracing, active case surveillance, care of patients with isolation precautions, community mobilization, and rapid diagnostic testing, the outbreak was successfully contained 14 days after its initial detection. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Radiographic features of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs with mitral regurgitation: 61 cases (1998-2007).

PubMed

Diana, Alessia; Guglielmini, Carlo; Pivetta, Mauro; Sanacore, Antonina; Di Tommaso, Morena; Lord, Peter F; Cipone, Mario

2009-11-01

To evaluate radiographic distribution of pulmonary edema (PE) in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) and investigate the association between location of radiographic findings and direction of the mitral regurgitant jet (MRJ). Retrospective case series. 61 dogs with cardiogenic PE and MR resulting from mitral valve disease (MVD; 51 dogs), dilated cardiomyopathy (9), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (1). Thoracic radiographs of dogs with Doppler echocardiographic evidence of MR were reviewed for location (diffuse, perihilar, or focal) of PE. Also, direction (central or eccentric) of the MRJ, as evaluated by Doppler color flow mapping (DCFM), and distribution (symmetric or asymmetric) of radiographic findings were evaluated. Diffuse, perihilar, and focal increases in pulmonary opacity were observed in 11 (18.0%), 7 (11.5%), and 43 (70.5%) of 61 dogs, respectively. Radiographic evidence of asymmetric PE in a single lung lobe or 2 ipsilateral lobes was found in 21 dogs, with involvement of only the right caudal lung lobe in 17 dogs. Doppler color flow mapping of the MRJ was available for 46 dogs. Of 31 dogs with a central MRJ, 28 had radiographic findings indicative of symmetric PE. Of 15 dogs with eccentric MRJ, 11 had radiographic evidence of asymmetric PE, and all of these dogs had MVD. In dogs with cardiogenic PE, a symmetric radiographic distribution of increased pulmonary opacity was predominantly associated with a central MRJ, whereas an asymmetric radiographic distribution was usually associated with eccentric MRJ, especially in dogs with MVD.

Divorce and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Study

PubMed Central

Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Al-kaabi, Salem; Lotfi, Amir; Al-Faifi, Salem M.; Alqahtani, Saleh; Stewart, James; Heavey, Jon; Hurley, William T.; Alama, Mohamed N.; Faden, Mazen; Al-Shehri, Mohamed; Youssef, Ali; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A.

2017-01-01

The association between marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD) is supported by numerous epidemiological studies. While divorce may have an adverse effect on cardiac outcomes, the relationship between divorce and severe CAD is unclear. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period between April 1, 2013, and March 30, 2014. Of 1,068 patients, 124 (12%) were divorced. Divorce was more frequent among women (27%) compared to men (6%). Most divorced patients had been divorced only once (49%), but a subset had been divorced 2 (38%) or ≥3 (12%) times. After adjusting for baseline differences, there was no significant association between divorce and severe CAD in men. In women, there was a significant adjusted association between divorce and severe MVD (OR 2.31 [1.16, 4.59]) or LMD (OR 5.91 [2.19, 15.99]). The modification of the association between divorce and severe CAD by gender was statistically significant for severe LMD (Pinteraction 0.0008) and marginally significant for CAD (Pinteraction 0.05). Among women, there was a significant adjusted association between number of divorces and severe CAD (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2, 4.5]), MVD (OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.4, 3.0]), and LMD (OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.9, 5.9]). In conclusion, divorce, particularly multiple divorces, is associated with severe CAD, MVD, and LMD in women but not in men. PMID:28811952

The Putative Mevalonate Diphosphate Decarboxylase from Picrophilus torridus Is in Reality a Mevalonate-3-Kinase with High Potential for Bioproduction of Isobutene

PubMed Central

Hall, Stephen J.; Eastham, Graham; Licence, Peter; Stephens, Gill

2015-01-01

Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD) is an ATP-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation/decarboxylation of (R)-mevalonate-5-diphosphate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. MVD is a key enzyme in engineered metabolic pathways for bioproduction of isobutene, since it catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxyisovalerate (3-HIV) to isobutene, an important platform chemical. The putative homologue from Picrophilus torridus has been identified as a highly efficient variant in a number of patents, but its detailed characterization has not been reported. In this study, we have successfully purified and characterized the putative MVD from P. torridus. We discovered that it is not a decarboxylase per se but an ATP-dependent enzyme, mevalonate-3-kinase (M3K), which catalyzes the phosphorylation of MVA to mevalonate-3-phosphate. The enzyme's potential in isobutene formation is due to the conversion of 3-HIV to an unstable 3-phosphate intermediate that undergoes consequent spontaneous decarboxylation to form isobutene. Isobutene production rates were as high as 507 pmol min−1 g cells−1 using Escherichia coli cells expressing the enzyme and 2,880 pmol min−1 mg protein−1 with the purified histidine-tagged enzyme, significantly higher than reported previously. M3K is a key enzyme of the novel MVA pathway discovered very recently in Thermoplasma acidophilum. We suggest that P. torridus metabolizes MVA by the same pathway. PMID:25636853

Flight test of an improved solid waste collection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, W.; Brasseaux, H.; Whitmore, H.

1991-01-01

A system for human waste collection is described and evaluated on the basis of a prototype employed for the shuttle flight STS-35. The manually operated version of the unit is designed to collect, compact, and store human waste and cleaning material in replaceable volumes. The system is presented with illustrations and descriptions of the disposable pads that are used to clean the cylinder and occlusive air valves as well as seal the unit. Temporary retention and waste entrainment are provided by the variable airflow in the manual unit tested. The prototype testing indicates that sufficient airflow is achieved at 45 CFM and that the stowage volume (18.7 cu in.) is adequate for storing human waste with minimal logistical support. Higher compaction pressure and the use of a directed airstream are proposed for improving the packing efficiency of the unit.

Initial Usability Testing of a Hand-Held Electronic Logbook Prototype for the Human Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, Andrea H.; Whitmore, Mihriban

1996-01-01

The Apple(R) Newton(TM) MessagePad 110 was flown aboard the KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft for microgravity usability testing. The Newton served as the initial hand-held electronic logbook prototype for the International Space Station (ISS) Human Research Facility (HRF). Subjects performed three different tasks with the Newton: (1) using the stylus to tap on different sections of the screen in order to launch an application and to select options within it; (2) using the stylus to write, and; (3) correcting handwriting recognition errors in a handwriting-intensive application. Subjects rated handwriting in microgravity 'Borderline' and had great difficulties finding a way in which to adequately restrain themselves at the lower body in order to have their hands free for the Newton. Handwriting recognition was rated 'Unacceptable,' but this issue is hardware-related and not unique to the microgravity environment. It is suggested that the restraint and handwriting issues are related and require further joint research with the current Handheld Electronic Logbook prototype: the Norand Pen*key Model #6300.

The impact of acute and chronic strenuous exercise on pelvic floor muscle strength and support in nulliparous healthy women.

PubMed

Middlekauff, Monique L; Egger, Marlene J; Nygaard, Ingrid E; Shaw, Janet M

2016-09-01

Strenuous physical activity, which is known to increase intraabdominal pressure and theoretically places stress on the pelvic floor, may affect pelvic support in nulliparous women. The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the differences in maximal vaginal descent (MVD), vaginal resting pressure (VRP), and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) between women who habitually perform strenuous exercise vs women who refrain from performing strenuous exercise; and (2) compare MVD, VRP, and PFMS before and immediately following physical activity in the strenuous and nonstrenuous groups separately. Participants were healthy nulliparous women ages 18-35 years who were habitual strenuous or nonstrenuous exercisers. Women in the strenuous group participated in CrossFit (CrossFit, Inc., Washington, DC) at least 3 days per week for at least 6 months. We assessed anthropometric and body composition values using standardized procedures. Participants completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination and pelvic muscle strength assessment before and again within 15 minutes of completing exercise (CrossFit for the strenuous group and self-paced walking for the nonstrenuous). A research nurse masked to study group assignment recorded MVD, defined as the greatest value of anterior, posterior, or apical support, and VRP and PFMS using a perineometer. Maximal PFMS was recorded as the highest pressure measured in 3 vaginal contraction trials. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests as appropriate. P < .05 was considered significant. Seventy nulliparous women participated in the study, 35 in each group. The mean age was 24.77 ± 4.3 years. Compared to the nonstrenuous group, strenuous participants were heavier (64.70 ± 7.78 kg vs 60.6 ± 8.99 kg, P = .027), had lower percent body fat (23.36 ± 5.88% vs 27.55 ± 7.07%, P = .003), and had higher handgrip strength (20.78 ± 5.97 kg vs 16.04 ± 11.04 kg, P = .001). Before exercise, there were no significant differences in VRP (P = .167), MVD (P = .49), or maximal PFMS (P = .773) between the strenuous and nonstrenuous groups. Immediately following exercise, we observed significant increases in MVD in both the strenuous (P = .008) and nonstrenuous (P = .025) groups, indicating marginal decreases in support. VRP significantly decreased in both groups after exercise. Maximal PFMS did not change significantly in either group after exercise. After an exercise bout typical for each group, vaginal support and VRP decreased slightly in both groups. Based on preexercise measures, chronic strenuous exercise demonstrated neither beneficial nor deleterious effects on pelvic floor strength or support. While strenuous women had greater grip strength than nonstrenuous women, PFMS was not significantly greater, suggesting that targeted pelvic floor muscle strengthening, rather than general muscle fitness, is needed to maximize PFMS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morpheus Campaign 1C

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its sixth free flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1604

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its sixth free flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1603

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its sixth free flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by an anomalous posterior inferior cerebellar artery from the primitive trigeminal artery: case report.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Hwan; Koh, Jun Seok; Lee, Cheol Young

2011-06-01

A 61-year-old woman presented with typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN), caused by an aberrant posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) associated with the primitive trigeminal artery (PTA). Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography clearly showed an anomalous artery directly originating from the PTA and coursing into the PICA territory at the cerebellum. During microvascular decompression (MVD), we confirmed and decompressed vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve by this anomalous, PICA-variant type of PTA. The PTA did not conflict with the trigeminal nerve, and the anomalous PICA only compressed the caudolateral part of the trigeminal nerve, without the more common compression at its root entry zone. This case is informative due not only to its very unusual angioanatomical variation but also to its helpfulness for surgeons preparing a MVD for a TN associated with such a rare vascular anomaly.

Effect of Microwave Vacuum Drying on the Drying Characteristics, Color, Microstructure, and Antioxidant Activity of Green Coffee Beans.

PubMed

Dong, Wenjiang; Cheng, Ke; Hu, Rongsuo; Chu, Zhong; Zhao, Jianping; Long, Yuzhou

2018-05-11

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of microwave vacuum drying (MVD) on the drying characteristics and quality attributes of green coffee beans. We specifically focused on the effective moisture diffusion coefficient ( D eff ), surface temperature, glass transition temperature ( T g ), water state, and microstructure. The kinetics of color changes during drying, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) were also characterized. Microwave power during MVD affected the porosity of coffee beans, their color, TPC, and antioxidant activity. The Allometric 1 model was the most suitable for simulating surface temperature rise kinetics. Thermal processing of green coffee beans resulted in increased b* , L* , Δ E , and TPC values, and greater antioxidant capacity. These findings may provide a theoretical reference for the technical improvement, mechanisms of flavor compound formation, and quality control of dried green coffee beans.

Angiogenesis in the Progression of Breast Ductal Proliferations

PubMed Central

Carpenter, Philip M.; Chen, Wen-Pin; Mendez, Aaron; McLaren, Christine E.; Su, Min-Ying

2013-01-01

Angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels, is necessary for a tumor to grow, but when angiogenesis first appears in the progression of breast ductal carcinomas is unknown. To determine when this occurs, the authors examined microvessel density (MVD) by CD31 and CD105 immunostaining in normal ducts, 32 cases of usual hyperplasia, 19 cases of atypical hyperplasia, and 29 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Simple hyperplasia had a 22-fold greater MVD than normal ducts (P < .0001). An increase during the progression of ductal changes was highly significant (P < .0001). To determine a possible mechanism, immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was evaluated. VEGF staining intensity of ductal epithelium increased during the progression from normal to hyperplastic to DCIS. This study shows that the first significant increase in angiogenesis occurs very early in the evolution of ductal proliferations as ductal cells become hyperplastic. PMID:19403546

The further development of the active urine collection device: a novel continence management system.

PubMed

Tinnion, E; Jowitt, F; Clarke-O'Neill, S; Cottenden, A M; Fader, M; Sutherland, I

2003-01-01

Continence difficulties affect the lives of a substantial minority of the population. Women are far more likely than men to be affected by urinary incontinence but the range of management options for them is limited. There has been considerable interest in developing an external urine collection system for women but without success to date. This paper describes the development and preliminary clinical testing of an active urine collection device (AUCD), which could provide a solution for sufferers. The device uses stored vacuum, protected by a high bubble point filter, to remove urine as quickly as it is produced. This allows a small battery-operated pump to provide the required vacuum, enabling the device to be portable. Two different types of non-invasive patient/device interface were developed, and tested by volunteers: urinal and small pad. The slimline urinal was popular with users although liquid noise was a problem. The pad interface was successful on occasions but further work is necessary to produce a reliable pad. This study has successfully demonstrated that a prototype AUCD liquid handling system can remove urine at clinically relevant flowrates. While further development is required, volunteer tests have shown that the AUCD could be a useful advance in continence management.

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 regulates angiogenesis in a transforming growth factor β-dependent manner in human osteosarcoma.

PubMed

Jiang, Xuan; Shan, Jinlu; Dai, Nan; Zhong, Zhaoyang; Qing, Yi; Yang, Yuxing; Zhang, Shiheng; Li, Chongyi; Sui, Jiangdong; Ren, Tao; Li, Mengxia; Wang, Dong

2015-10-01

Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis and has been reported to be inversely correlated with overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. It has been shown that apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), a dually functional protein possessing both base excision repair and redox activities, is involved in tumor angiogenesis, although these mechanisms are not fully understood. Our previous study showed that the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) was significantly reduced in APE1-deficient osteosarcoma cells. Transforming growth factor β promotes cancer metastasis through various mechanisms including immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and invasion. In the current study, we initially revealed that APE1, TGFβ, and microvessel density (MVD) have pairwise correlation in osteosarcoma tissue samples, whereas TGFβ, tumor size, and MVD were inversely related to the prognosis of the cohort. We found that knocking down APE1 in osteosarcoma cells resulted in TGFβ downregulation. In addition, APE1-siRNA led to suppression of angiogenesis in vitro based on HUVECs in Transwell and Matrigel tube formation assays. Reduced secretory protein level of TGFβ of culture medium also resulted in decreased phosphorylation of Smad3 of HUVECs. In a mouse xenograft model, siRNA-mediated silencing of APE1 downregulated TGFβ expression, tumor size, and MVD. Collectively, the current evidence indicates that APE1 regulates angiogenesis in osteosarcoma by controlling the TGFβ pathway, suggesting a novel target for anti-angiogenesis therapy in human osteosarcoma. © 2015 The Authors. Cancer Science published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

Sumatriptan improves postoperative quality of recovery and reduces postcraniotomy headache after cranial nerve decompression

PubMed Central

Venkatraghavan, L.; Li, L.; Bailey, T.; Manninen, P. H.; Tymianski, M.

2016-01-01

Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical treatment for cranial nerve disorders via a small craniotomy. The postoperative pain of this procedure can be classified as surgical site somatic pain and postcraniotomy headache similar in nature to a migraine, including its association with photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. This headache can be difficult to treat and can impact on postoperative recovery. Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine-like headaches in various settings. This single-centre randomized controlled trial investigated whether postoperative administration of sumatriptan after MVD surgery impacts the quality of postoperative recovery. Methods Fifty patients who complained of postoperative headache after MVD were randomized to receive an s.c. injection of sumatriptan (6 mg) or saline. The primary outcome was quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) score at 24 h. Results The QoR-40 scores were significantly higher in the sumatriptan group (median 184; interquartile range 169–196) than in the placebo group (133; 119–155; P<0.01), suggesting higher quality of recovery. The sumatriptan group also had significantly lower headache scores at 4, 12, and 24 h. There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions Use of sumatriptan improved the quality of recovery as measured by the QoR-40 and reduction of headache at 24 h after surgery. Sumatriptan is a useful alternative treatment for postcraniotomy headache. The mechanism remains unknown but could be related to reduction in headache, mood modulation, or both, mediated by a serotonin effect. Clinical trial registration NCT01632657. PMID:27317706

Reduced CSF leak in complete calvarial reconstructions of microvascular decompression craniectomies using calcium phosphate cement.

PubMed

Eseonu, Chikezie I; Goodwin, C Rory; Zhou, Xin; Theodros, Debebe; Bender, Matthew T; Mathios, Dimitrios; Bettegowda, Chetan; Lim, Michael

2015-12-01

Calcium phosphate cement provides a biomaterial that can be used for calvarial reconstruction in a retrosigmoid craniectomy for microvascular decompression (MVD). This study evaluates the outcomes of postoperative CSF leak and wound infection for patients undergoing a complete cranioplasty using calcium phosphate cement versus incomplete cranioplasty using polyethylene titanium mesh following a retrosigmoid craniectomy for MVD. The authors evaluated 211 cases involving patients who underwent first-time retrosigmoid craniectomies performed by a single attending surgeon fortrigeminal neuralgia from October 2008 to June 2014. From this patient population, 111 patients underwent calvarial reconstruction after retrosigmoid craniectomy using polyethylene titanium mesh, and 100 patients had reconstructions using calcium phosphate cement. A Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare postoperative complications of CSF leak and wound infection in these 2 types of cranioplasties. The polyethylene titanium mesh group included 5 patients (4.5%) with postoperative CSF leak or pseudomeningocele and 3 patients (2.7%) with wound infections. In the calcium phosphate cement group, no patients had a CSF leak, and 2 patients (2%) had wound infections. This represented a statistically significant reduction of postoperative CSF leak in patients who underwent calcium phosphate reconstructions of their calvarial defect compared with those who underwent polyethylene titanium mesh reconstructions (p = 0.03). No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups in the number of patients with postoperative wound infections. Calcium phosphate cement provides a viable alternative biomaterial for calvarial reconstruction of retrosigmoid craniectomy defects in patients who have an MVD. The application of this material provides a biocompatible barrier that reduces the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks.

Inter-ethnic marriages and severity of coronary artery disease: A multicenter study of Arabian Gulf States

PubMed Central

Daoulah, Amin; Al-kaabi, Salem; Lotfi, Amir; Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Nasseri, S Ali; Ahmed, Waleed; Al-Otaibi, Salah N; Alama, Mohamed N; Elkhateeb, Osama E; Plotkin, Amy J; Malak, Majed M; Alshali, Khalid; Hamzi, Mohamed; Al Khunein, Saleh; Abufayyah, Mohammed; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A

2017-01-01

AIM To assess the association of inter-ethnic vs intra-ethnic marriage with severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in men undergoing angiography. METHODS We conducted a prospective multicenter, multi-ethnic, cross sectional observational study at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in which we used logistic regression analysis with and without adjustment for baseline differences. RESULTS Data were collected for 1068 enrolled patients undergoing coronary angiography for clinical indications during the period of April 1st, 2013 to March 30th, 2014. Ethnicities of spouses were available only for male patients. Of those enrolled, 687 were married men and constituted the cohort for the present analysis. Intra-ethnic marriages were reported in 70% and inter-ethnic marriages in 30%. After adjusting for baseline differences, inter-ethnic marriage was associated with lower odds of having significant CAD [adjusted odds ratio 0.52 (95%CI: 0.33, 0.81)] or multi-vessel disease (MVD) [adjusted odds ratio 0.57 (95%CI: 0.37, 0.86)]. The adjusted association with left main disease showed a similar trend, but was not statistically significant [adjusted odds ratio 0.74 (95%CI: 0.41, 1.32)]. The association between inter-ethnic marriage and the presence of significant CAD and MVD was not modified by number of concurrent wives (P interaction > 0.05 for both). CONCLUSION Among married men undergoing coronary angiography, inter-ethnic, as compared to intra-ethnic, marriage is associated with lower odds of significant CAD and MVD. PMID:28515856

H pylori status and angiogenesis factors in human gastric carcinoma

PubMed Central

Mangia, Anita; Chiriatti, Annalisa; Ranieri, Girolamo; Abbate, Ines; Coviello, Maria; Simone, Giovanni; Zito, Francesco Alfredo; Montemurro, Severino; Rucci, Antonello; Leo, Alfredo Di; Tommasi, Stefania; Berloco, Pasquale; Xu, Jian Ming; Paradiso, Angelo

2006-01-01

AIM: To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density (MVD), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1), p53 and circulating VEGF levels. METHODS: Angiogenic markers were analyzed immunohistochemically in 56 primary gastric cancers. H pylori cytotoxin (vacA) and the cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) amplification were evaluated using PCR assay. Serum H pylori IgG antibodies and serum/plasma circulating VEGF levels were detected in 39 and 38 patients by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 69% of patients were positive for circulating IgG antibodies against H pylori. cagA-positive H pylori strains were found in 41% of gastric patients. vacA was found in 50% of patients; s1 strains were more highly expressed among vacA-positive patients. The presence of the s1 strain was significantly associated with cagA (P = 0.0001). MVD was significantly correlated with both tumor VEGF expression (r = 0.361, P = 0.009) and serum VEGF levels (r = -0.347, P = 0.041). Conversely, neither VEGF-R1 expression nor MVD was related to p53 expression. However, H pylori was not related to any angiogenic markers except for the plasma VEGF level (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: H pylori antigen is related to higher plasma VEGF levels, but not to angiogenic characteristics. It can be hypothesized that the toxic effects of H pylori on angiogenesis occurs in early preclinical disease phase or in long-lasting aggressive infections, but only when high H pylori IgG levels are persistent. PMID:17006982

Salvage Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Surgically Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia

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

Little, Andrew S.; Shetter, Andrew G.; Shetter, Mary E.

2009-06-01

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with surgically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treated with rescue gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Methods and Materials: Seventy-nine patients with typical TN received salvage GKRS between 1997 and 2002 at the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI). All patients had recurrent pain following at least one prior surgical intervention. Prior surgical interventions included percutaneous destructive procedures, microvascular decompression (MVD), or GKRS. Thirty-one (39%) had undergone at least two prior procedures. The most common salvage dose was 80 Gy, although 40-50 Gy was typical in patients who had received prior radiosurgery. Pain outcome was assessed usingmore » the BNI Pain Intensity Score, and quality of life was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory. Results: Median follow-up after salvage GKRS was 5.3 years. Actuarial analysis demonstrated that at 5 years, 20% of patients were pain-free and 50% had pain relief. Pain recurred in patients who had an initial response to GKRS at a median of 1.1 years. Twenty-eight (41%) required a subsequent surgical procedure for recurrence. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model suggested that the strongest predictor of GKRS failure was a history of prior MVD (p=0.029). There were no instances of serious morbidity or mortality. Ten percent of patients developed worsening facial numbness and 8% described their numbness as 'very bothersome.' Conclusions: GKRS salvage for refractory TN is well tolerated and results in long-term pain relief in approximately half the patients treated. Clinicians may reconsider using GKRS to salvage patients who have failed prior MVD.« less

Computed Tomography Cisternography for Evaluation of Trigeminal Neuralgia When Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Contraindicated: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Gospodarev, Vadim; Chakravarthy, Vikram; Harms, Casey; Myers, Hannah; Kaplan, Brett; Kim, Esther; Pond, Matthew; De Los Reyes, Kenneth

2018-05-01

Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) causes severe unilateral facial pain. The etiology is hypothesized to be segmental demyelination of the trigeminal nerve root via compression by the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Microvascular decompression (MVD) allows immediate and long-term pain relief. Preoperative evaluation includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance angiography of the brain. Having a pacemaker is a contraindication for MRI. There have been isolated reports of using computed tomography (CT) cisternography scans for radiation planning for TGN. A 75-year-old male with a permanent pacemaker who had refractory TGN in the V2 (maxillary) distribution of the trigeminal nerve underwent CT cisternography to prepare for MVD. CT angiography with Isovue 370 intravenous contrast injection and 0.625-mm axial images were obtained from the skull base across the posterior fossa. An intrathecal injection of Isovue 180 was performed at the L2/3 level. Imaging revealed the right SCA abutting the medial margin of the proximal right trigeminal nerve. In surgery (K.D.), a standard retrosigmoid suboccipital craniotomy was performed to access the cerebellopontine angle and separate the abutting SCA and trigeminal nerve. The patient had immediate pain relief. MRI is the preferred method of evaluating for TGN because it offers excellent visualization of vasculature in relation to the trigeminal nerve without accompanying radiation exposure. However, for patients who have contraindications to MRI, CT cisternography is shown to also be an effective method for visualizing the trigeminal root entry zone and nearby vasculature in preparation for MVD of the trigeminal nerve. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Socioeconomic Factors and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Multicentre Study of Arabian Gulf States

PubMed Central

Daoulah, Amin; Elkhateeb, Osama E.; Nasseri, S. Ali; Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Al-kaabi, Salem; Lotfi, Amir; Alama, Mohamed N.; Al-Faifi, Salem M.; Haddara, Mamdouh; Dixon, Ciaran M.; Alzahrani, Ibrahim S.; Alghamdi, Abdullah A.; Ahmed, Waleed; Fathey, Adnan; Haq, Ejazul; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A

2017-01-01

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. The association of socioeconomic status with CAD is supported by numerous epidemiological studies. Whether such factors also impact the number of diseased coronary vessels and its severity is not well established. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective multicentre, multi-ethnic, cross sectional observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) at 5 hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Baseline demographics, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were collected for all patients. Significant CAD was defined as ≥70% luminal stenosis in a major epicardial vessel. Left main disease (LMD) was defined as ≥50% stenosis in the left main coronary artery. Multi-vessel disease (MVD) was defined as having >1 significant CAD. Results: Of 1,068 patients (age 59 ± 13, female 28%, diabetes 56%, hypertension 60%, history of CAD 43%), 792 (74%) were from urban and remainder (26%) from rural communities. Patients from rural centres were older (61 ± 12 vs 58 ± 13), and more likely to have a history of diabetes (63 vs 54%), hypertension (74 vs 55%), dyslipidaemia (78 vs 59%), CAD (50 vs 41%) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (27 vs 21%). The two groups differed significantly in terms of income level, employment status and indication for angiography. After adjusting for baseline differences, patients living in a rural area were more likely to have significant CAD (adjusted OR 2.40 [1.47, 3.97]), MVD (adjusted OR 1.76 [1.18, 2.63]) and LMD (adjusted OR 1.71 [1.04, 2.82]). Higher income was also associated with a higher risk for significant CAD (adjusted OR 6.97 [2.30, 21.09]) and MVD (adjusted OR 2.49 [1.11, 5.56]), while unemployment was associated with a higher risk of significant CAD (adjusted OR 2.21, [1.27, 3.85]). Conclusion: Communal and socioeconomic factors are associated with higher odds of significant CAD and MVD in the group of patients referred for CAG. The underpinnings of these associations (e.g. pathophysiologic factors, access to care, and system-wide determinants of quality) require further study. PMID:28553410

Psychological stress-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction: the role of metabolic syndrome and exercise.

PubMed

Brooks, Steven; Brnayan, Kayla W; DeVallance, Evan; Skinner, Roy; Lemaster, Kent; Sheets, J Whitney; Pitzer, Christopher R; Asano, Shinichi; Bryner, Randall W; Olfert, I Mark; Frisbee, Jefferson C; Chantler, Paul D

2018-05-01

What is the central question of this study? How does chronic stress impact cerebrovascular function and does metabolic syndrome accelerate the cerebrovascular adaptations to stress? What role does exercise training have in preventing cerebrovascular changes to stress and metabolic syndrome? What is the main finding and its importance? Stressful conditions lead to pathological adaptations of the cerebrovasculature via an oxidative nitric oxide pathway, and the presence of metabolic syndrome produces a greater susceptibility to stress-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction. The results also provide insight into the mechanisms that may contribute to the influence of stress and the role of exercise in preventing the negative actions of stress on cerebrovascular function and structure. Chronic unresolvable stress leads to the development of depression and cardiovascular disease. There is a high prevalence of depression with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but to what extent the MetS concurrent with psychological stress affects cerebrovascular function is unknown. We investigated the differential effect of MetS on cerebrovascular structure/function in rats (16-17 weeks old) following 8 weeks of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and whether exercise training could limit any cerebrovascular dysfunction. In healthy lean Zucker rats (LZR), UCMS decreased (28%, P < 0.05) ex vivo middle cerebral artery (MCA) endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD), but changes in MCA remodelling and stiffness were not evident, though cerebral microvessel density (MVD) decreased (30%, P < 0.05). The presence of UCMS and MetS (obese Zucker rats; OZR) decreased MCA EDD (35%, P < 0.05) and dilatation to sodium nitroprusside (20%, P < 0.05), while MCA stiffness increased and cerebral MVD decreased (31%, P < 0.05), which were linked to reduced nitric oxide and increased oxidative levels. Aerobic exercise prevented UCMS impairments in MCA function and MVD in LZR, and partly restored MCA function, stiffness and MVD in OZR. Our data suggest that the benefits of exercise with UCMS were due to a reduction in oxidative stress and increased production of nitric oxide in the cerebral vessels. In conclusion, UCMS significantly impaired MCA structure and function, but the effects of UCMS were more substantial in OZR vs. LZR. Importantly, aerobic exercise when combined with UCMS prevented the MCA dysfunction through subtle shifts in nitric oxide and oxidative stress in the cerebral microvasculature. © 2018 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2018 The Physiological Society.

A contact-free respiration monitor for smart bed and ambulatory monitoring applications.

PubMed

Hart, Adam; Tallevi, Kevin; Wickland, David; Kearney, Robert E; Cafazzo, Joseph A

2010-01-01

The development of a contact-free respiration monitor has a broad range of clinical applications in the home and hospital setting. Current approaches suffer from a variety of problems including unreliability, low sensitivity, and high cost. This work describes a novel approach to contact-free respiration monitoring that addresses these shortcomings by employing a highly sensitive capacitance sensor to detect variations in capacitive coupling caused by breathing. A prototype system consisting of a synthetic-metallic pad, sensor electronics, and iPhone interface was built and its performance compared experimentally to the gold standard technique (Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography) on both a healthy volunteer and SimMan robotic mannequin. The prototype sensor effectively captured respiratory movements over breathing rates of 5-55 bpm; achieving an average spectral correlation of 0.88 (CI: 0.86-0.90) and 0.95 (CI: 0.95-0.96) to the gold standard using the SimMan and healthy volunteer respectively.

Analog pixel array detectors.

PubMed

Ercan, A; Tate, M W; Gruner, S M

2006-03-01

X-ray pixel array detectors (PADs) are generally thought of as either digital photon counters (DPADs) or X-ray analog-integrating pixel array detectors (APADs). Experiences with APADs, which are especially well suited for X-ray imaging experiments where transient or high instantaneous flux events must be recorded, are reported. The design, characterization and experimental applications of several APAD designs developed at Cornell University are discussed. The simplest design is a ;flash' architecture, wherein successive integrated X-ray images, as short as several hundred nanoseconds in duration, are stored in the detector chips for later off-chip digitization. Radiography experiments using a prototype flash APAD are summarized. Another design has been implemented that combines flash capability with the ability to continuously stream X-ray images at slower (e.g. milliseconds) rates. Progress is described towards radiation-hardened APADs that can be tiled to cover a large area. A mixed-mode PAD, design by combining many of the attractive features of both APADs and DPADs, is also described.

A Prototype Exercise-Empowerment Mobile Video Game for Children With Cancer, and Its Usability Assessment: Developing Digital Empowerment Interventions for Pediatric Diseases.

PubMed

Bruggers, Carol S; Baranowski, Sabrina; Beseris, Mathew; Leonard, Rachel; Long, Derek; Schulte, Elizabeth; Shorter, Ashton; Stigner, Rowan; Mason, Clinton C; Bedrov, Alisa; Pascual, Ian; Bulaj, Grzegorz

2018-01-01

Medical advances continue to improve morbidity and mortality of serious pediatric diseases, including cancer, driving research addressing diminished physical and psychological quality of life in children with these chronic conditions. Empowerment enhances resilience and positively influences health, disease, and therapy understanding. We describe the development and usability assessment of a prototype Empower Stars! mobile video game grounded in behavioral and exercise theories with the purpose of coupling physical exercise with empowerment over disease in children with cancer. Academic faculty, health-care providers, and community video game developers collaborated in this project. The iPadAir was selected as a delivery platform for its accelerometer and gyroscope features facilitating exercise design. Unity multiplatform technology provided animation and audiovisual features for immediate player feedback. Javascript, C#, Photoshop, Flash, and SketchUp were used for coding, creating graphical assets, Sprite sheets, and printing files, respectively. 3D-printed handles and case backing were used to adapt the iPad for physical exercise. Game usability, engagement, and enjoyment were assessed via a multilevel study of children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, their parents, and pediatric cancer health-care providers. Feedback crucial for ongoing game development was analyzed. A prototype Empower Stars! mobile video game was developed for children 7-14 years old with cancer. Active, sedentary, educational, and empowerment-centered elements intermix for 20 min of exercise within a 30 min "one-day treatment" gameplay session involving superheroes, space exploration, metaphorical cancer challenges, life restoration on a barren planet, and innumerable star rewards. No player "dies." Usability assessment data analyses showed widespread enthusiasm for integrating exercise with empowerment over cancer and the game itself. Favorite elements included collecting star rewards and planet terraforming. Traveling in space and the Healthy Food Choice game were least liked. The need for improved gameplay instructions was expressed by all groups. The usability study provided essential feedback for converting the prototype into alpha version of Empower Stars! Adapting exercise empowerment-promoting video game technology to mobile platforms facilitates usability and widespread dissemination for children with cancer. We discuss broader therapeutic applicability in diverse chronic pediatric diseases, including obesity, asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Long term outcomes of new generation drug eluting stents versus coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel and/or left main coronary artery disease. A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Mina, George S; Watti, Hussam; Soliman, Demiana; Shewale, Anand; Atkins, Jessica; Reddy, Pratap; Dominic, Paari

2018-01-05

Most data guiding revascularization of multivessel disease (MVD) and/or left main disease (LMD) favor coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, those data are based on trials comparing CABG to bare metal stents (BMS) or old generation drug eluting stents (OG-DES). Hence, it is essential to outcomes of CABG to those of new generation drug eluting stents (NG-DES). We searched PUBMED and Cochrane database for trials evaluating revascularization of MVD and/or LMD with CABG and/or PCI. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI). Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 3-5 years. Secondary outcomes were mortality, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization. We included 10 trials with a total of 9287 patients. CABG was associated with lower MACE when compared to BMS or OG-DES. However, MACE was not significantly different between CABG and NG-DES (OR 0.79, CrI 0.45-1.40). Moreover, there were no significant differences between CABG and NG-DES in mortality (OR 0.78, CrI 0.45-1.37), CVA (OR 0.93 CrI 0.35-2.2) or MI (OR 0.6, CrI 0.17-2.0). On the other hand, CABG was associated with lower repeat revascularization (OR 0.55, CrI 0.36-0.84). Our study suggests that NG-DES is an acceptable alternative to CABG in patients with MVD and/or LMD. However, repeat revascularization remains to be lower with CABG than with PCI. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Computerized whole slide quantification shows increased microvascular density in pT2 prostate cancer as compared to normal prostate tissue.

PubMed

van Niekerk, Cornelis G; van der Laak, Jeroen A W M; Börger, M Elisa; Huisman, Henk-Jan; Witjes, J Alfred; Barentsz, Jelle O; Hulsbergen-van de Kaa, Christina A

2009-01-01

Contrast enhanced imaging enables powerful, non-invasive diagnostics, important for detection and staging of early prostate cancer. The uptake of contrast agent is increased in prostate cancer as compared to normal prostate tissue. To reveal the underlying physiological mechanisms, quantification of tissue components in pathology specimens may yield important information. Aim of this study was to investigate whether microvascularity is increased in prostate confined cancer (pT2). Radical prostatectomy specimens of 26 patients were selected for organ confined peripheral zone tumors which were restricted to one side of the prostate. Microvessels were visualized by immunohistochemistry against CD31. Specimens were scanned using a computer controlled microscope and scanning stage and vessels were recognized automatically. Pseudocolor mappings were produced showing number of vascular profiles (MVD), vascular area (MVA) and perimeter (MVP) in an overview of the entire prostate transection. MVD is a common measure for vascularity, whereas MVA represents the 3D vascular volume and MVP the perfused surface area. Mean, coefficient of variation and 75th percentile of these parameters were calculated automatically in manually indicated areas, consisting of the entire tumor area and the corresponding normal area in the contra lateral side of the prostate. The mappings clearly indicate areas of increased vascularity in prostate transections. In tumor tissue an increase was found compared to normal tissue of 81%, 49%, and 62% for mean MVD, mean MVA and mean MVP, respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). In contrast, the heterogeneity in tumor vasculature was significantly decreased as compared to normal prostate (P < 0.001). Characteristics of microvasculature deviated significantly in pT2 prostate tumor as compared to normal tissue. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Utility of Brainstem Trigeminal Evoked Potentials in Patients With Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia Treated by Microvascular Decompression.

PubMed

Zhu, Jin; Zhang, Xin; Zhao, Hua; Tang, Yin-Da; Ying, Ting-Ting; Li, Shi-Ting

2017-09-01

To investigate the characteristics of brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials (BTEP) waveform in patients with and without trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and to discuss the utility of BTEP in patients with primary TN treated by microvascular decompression (MVD). A retrospective review of 43 patients who underwent BTEP between January 2016 and June 2016, including 33 patients with TN who underwent MVD and 10 patients without TN. Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials characteristics of TN and non-TN were summarized, in particular to compare the BTEP changes between pre- and post-MVD, and to discover the relationship between BTEP changes and surgical outcome. Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials can be recorded in patients without trigeminal neuralgia. Abnormal BTEP could be recorded when different branches were stimulated. After decompression, the original W2, W3 disappeared and then replaced by a large wave in most patients, or original wave poorly differentiated improved in some patients, showed as shorter latency and (or) amplitude increased. Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials waveform of healthy side in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was similar to the waveform of patients without TN. In 3 patients, after decompression the W2, W3 peaks increased, and the latency, duration, IPLD did not change significantly. Until discharge, 87.9% (29/33) of the patients presented complete absence of pain without medication (BNI I) and 93.9% (31/33) had good pain control without medication (BNI I-II). Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials can reflect the conduction function of the trigeminal nerve to evaluate the functional level of the trigeminal nerve conduction pathway. The improvement and restoration of BTEP waveforms are closely related to the postoperative curative effect.

NCOA1 promotes angiogenesis in breast tumors by simultaneously enhancing both HIF1α- and AP-1-mediated VEGFa transcription

PubMed Central

Qin, Li; Xu, Yan; Xu, Yixiang; Ma, Gang; Liao, Lan; Wu, Yelin; Li, Yi; Wang, Xian; Wang, Xiaosong; Jiang, Jun; Wang, Jin; Xu, Jianming

2015-01-01

Nuclear receptor coactivator 1 (NCOA1) is overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer and its increased expression positively correlates with disease recurrence and metastasis. Although NCOA1 is known to promote breast cancer metastasis through working with multiple transcription factors to upregulate the expression of Twist1, ITGA5, CSF-1, SDF1 and CXCR4, the role of NCOA1 in breast tumor angiogenesis has not been investigated. In this study, we found that the microvascular density (MVD) was significantly decreased and increased in Ncoa1-knockout and NCOA1-overexpressing mammary tumors, respectively, in several breast cancer mouse models. Knockout or knockdown of NCOA1 in breast cancer cell lines also markedly compromised their capability to induce angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs embedded subcutaneously in mice, while this compromised capability could be rescued by VEGFa treatment. At the molecular level, NCOA1 upregulates VEGFa expression in both mouse mammary tumors and cultured breast cancer cells, and it does so by associating with both c-Fos, which is recruited to the AP-1 site at bp −938 of the VEGFa promoter, and HIF1α, which is recruited to the HIF1α-binding element at bp −979 of the VEGFa promoter, to enhance VEGFa transcription. In 140 human breast tumors, high NCOA1 protein correlates with high MVD and patients with both high NCOA1 and high MVD showed significantly shorter survival time. In summary, this study revealed a novel mechanism that NCOA1 potentiates breast cancer angiogenesis through upregulating HIF1α and AP-1-mediated VEGFa expression, which reinforces the rational of targeting NCOA1 in controlling breast cancer progression and metastasis. PMID:26287601

Effects of treatment on respiratory rate, serum natriuretic peptide concentration, and Doppler echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling pressure in dogs with congestive heart failure secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Schober, Karsten E; Hart, Taye M; Stern, Joshua A; Li, Xiaobai; Samii, Valerie F; Zekas, Lisa J; Scansen, Brian A; Bonagura, John D

2011-08-15

To evaluate the effects of treatment on respiratory rate, serum natriuretic peptide concentrations, and Doppler echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling pressure in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Prospective cohort study. 63 client-owned dogs. Physical examination, thoracic radiography, analysis of natriuretic peptide concentrations, and Doppler echocardiography were performed twice, at baseline (examination 1) and 5 to 14 days later (examination 2). Home monitoring of respiratory rate was performed by the owners between examinations. In dogs with MVD, resolution of CHF was associated with a decrease in respiratory rate, serum N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration, and diastolic functional class and an increase of the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to peak velocity of early diastolic lateral mitral annulus motion (E:Ea Lat). In dogs with DCM, resolution of CHF was associated with a decrease in respiratory rate and serum NT-proBNP concentration and significant changes in 7 Doppler echocardiographic variables, including a decrease of E:Ea Lat and the ratio of peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow to isovolumic relaxation time. Only respiratory rate predicted the presence of CHF at examination 2 with high accuracy. Resolution of CHF was associated with predictable changes in respiratory rate, serum NT-proBNP concentration, and selected Doppler echocardiographic variables in dogs with DCM and MVD. Home monitoring of respiratory rate was simple and was the most useful in the assessment of successful treatment of CHF.

Focal adhesion kinase

PubMed Central

Stone, Rebecca L; Baggerly, Keith A; Armaiz-Pena, Guillermo N; Kang, Yu; Sanguino, Angela M; Thanapprapasr, Duangmani; Dalton, Heather J; Bottsford-Miller, Justin; Zand, Behrouz; Akbani, Rehan; Diao, Lixia; Nick, Alpa M; DeGeest, Koen; Lopez-Berestein, Gabriel; Coleman, Robert L; Lutgendorf, Susan; Sood, Anil K

2014-01-01

This investigation describes the clinical significance of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at the major activating tyrosine site (Y397) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells. FAK gene amplification as a mechanism for FAK overexpression and the effects of FAK tyrosine kinase inhibitor VS-6062 on tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis were examined. FAK and phospho-FAKY397 were quantified in tumor (FAK-T; pFAK-T) and tumor-associated endothelial (FAK-endo; pFAK-endo) cell compartments of EOCs using immunostaining and qRT-PCR. Associations between expression levels and clinical variables were evaluated. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to correlate FAK gene copy number and expression levels in EOC specimens. The in vitro and in vivo effects of VS-6062 were assayed in preclinical models. FAK-T and pFAK-T overexpression was significantly associated with advanced stage disease and increased microvessel density (MVD). High MVD was observed in tumors with elevated endothelial cell FAK (59%) and pFAK (44%). Survival was adversely affected by FAK-T overexpression (3.03 vs 2.06 y, P = 0.004), pFAK-T (2.83 vs 1.78 y, P < 0.001), and pFAK-endo (2.33 vs 2.17 y, P = 0.005). FAK gene copy number was increased in 34% of tumors and correlated with expression levels (P < 0.001). VS-6062 significantly blocked EOC and endothelial cell migration as well as endothelial cell tube formation in vitro. VS-6062 reduced mean tumor weight by 56% (P = 0.005), tumor MVD by 40% (P = 0.0001), and extraovarian metastasis (P < 0.01) in orthotopic EOC mouse models. FAK may be a unique therapeutic target in EOC given the dual anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic potential of FAK inhibitors. PMID:24755674

[Evaluation of three-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype heterogeneity in non-small cell carcinoma and its significance].

PubMed

Zhou, Hui; Liu, Jinkang; Chen, Shengxi; Xiong, Zeng; Zhou, Jianhua; Tong, Shiyu; Chen, Hao; Zhou, Moling

2012-06-01

To explore the degree, mechanism and clinical significance of three-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype heterogeneity (3D-TMAPH) in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). Twenty-one samples of solitary pulmonary nodules were collected integrally. To establish two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP) and three-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (3D-TMAP), five layers of each nodule were selected and embedded in paraffin. Test indices included the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), EphB4, ephfinB2 and microvascular density marked by anti-CD34 (CD34-MVD). The degrees of 3D-TMAPH were evaluated by the coefficient of variation and extend of heterogeneity. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between 2D-TMAP, 3D-TMAP and clinicopathological features. 3D-TMAPH showed that 2D-TMAP heterogeneity was expressed in the tissues of NSCLC. The heterogeneities in the malignant nodules were significantly higher than those in the active inflammatory nodules and tubercular nodules. In addition, different degrees of heterogeneity of CD34-MVD and PCNA were found in NSCLC tissues. The coefficients of variation of CD34- MVD and PCNA were positively related to the degree of differentiation (all P<0.05), but not related to the P-TNM stages, histological type or lymphatic metastasis (all P>0.05). The level of heterogeneity of various expression indexes (ephrinB2, EphB4, VEGF) in NSCLC tissues were inconsistent, but there were no significant differences in heterogeneity in NSCLC tissues with different histological types (P>0.05). 3D-TMAPH exists widely in the microenvironment during the genesis and development of NSCLC and has a significant impact on its biological complexity.

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

Xu Junji; Yan Xing; Gao Runtao

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of irradiation on microvascular endothelial cells in miniature pig parotid glands. Methods and Materials: A single 25-Gy dose of irradiation (IR) was delivered to parotid glands of 6 miniature pigs. Three other animals served as non-IR controls. Local blood flow rate in glands was measured pre- and post-IR with an ultrasonic Doppler analyzer. Samples of parotid gland tissue were taken at 4 h, 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after IR for microvascular density (MVD) analysis and sphingomyelinase (SMase) assay. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining (anti-CD31 and anti-AQP1) were used to assess morphological changes. MVDmore » was determined by calculating the number of CD31- or AQP1-stained cells per field. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay was used to detect apoptotic cells. The activity of acid and neutral Mg{sup 2+}-dependent SMase (ASMase and NSMase, respectively) was also assayed. Results: Local parotid gland blood flow rate decreased rapidly at 4 h post-IR and remained below control levels throughout the 14-day observation period. Parotid MVD also declined from 4 to 24 hours and remained below control levels thereafter. The activity levels of ASMase and NSMase in parotid glands increased rapidly from 4 to 24 h post-IR and then declined gradually. The frequency of detecting apoptotic nuclei in the glands followed similar kinetics. Conclusions: Single-dose IR led to a significant reduction of MVD and local blood flow rate, indicating marked damage to microvascular endothelial cells in miniature pig parotid glands. The significant and rapid increases of ASMase and NSMase activity levels may be important in this IR-induced damage.« less

Performance of the Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer icing cloud droplet sizing probe in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudoff, R. C.; Bachalo, E. J.; Bachalo, W. D.; Oldenburg, J. R.

1992-01-01

The design, development, and testing of an icing cloud droplet sizing probe based upon the Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) are discussed. This probe is an in-situ laser interferometry based single particle measuring device capable of determining size distributions. The probe is designed for use in harsh environments such as icing tunnels and natural icing clouds. From the measured size distribution, Median Volume Diameter (MVD) and Liquid Water Content (LWC) may be determined. Both the theory of measurement and the mechanical aspects of the probe design and development are discussed. The MVD results from the probe are compared to an existing calibration based upon different instruments in a series of tests in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel. Agreement between the PDPA probe and the existing calibration is close for MVDs between 15 to 30 microns, but the PDPA results are considerably smaller for MVDs under 15 microns.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Conditional External Cardiac Defibrillator for Resuscitation Within the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Bore.

PubMed

Schmidt, Ehud J; Watkins, Ronald D; Zviman, Menekhem M; Guttman, Michael A; Wang, Wei; Halperin, Henry A

2016-10-01

Subjects undergoing cardiac arrest within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are currently removed from the bore and then from the MRI suite, before the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, potentially increasing the risk of mortality. This precludes many higher-risk (acute ischemic and acute stroke) patients from undergoing MRI and MRI-guided intervention. An MRI-conditional cardiac defibrillator should enable scanning with defibrillation pads attached and the generator ON, enabling application of defibrillation within the seconds of MRI after a cardiac event. An MRI-conditional external defibrillator may improve patient acceptance for MRI procedures. A commercial external defibrillator was rendered 1.5 Tesla MRI-conditional by the addition of novel radiofrequency filters between the generator and commercial disposable surface pads. The radiofrequency filters reduced emission into the MRI scanner and prevented cable/surface pad heating during imaging, while preserving all the defibrillator monitoring and delivery functions. Human volunteers were imaged using high specific absorption rate sequences to validate MRI image quality and lack of heating. Swine were electrically fibrillated (n=4) and thereafter defibrillated both outside and inside the MRI bore. MRI image quality was reduced by 0.8 or 1.6 dB, with the generator in monitoring mode and operating on battery or AC power, respectively. Commercial surface pads did not create artifacts deeper than 6 mm below the skin surface. Radiofrequency heating was within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Defibrillation was completely successful inside and outside the MRI bore. A prototype MRI-conditional defibrillation system successfully defibrillated in the MRI without degrading the image quality or increasing the time needed for defibrillation. It can increase patient acceptance for MRI procedures. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

A Collaborative Effort to Assess Environmental Health in Newport News, Virginia

EPA Science Inventory

The Region 3 “Making a Visible Difference in Communities” (MVD) initiative for Southeast Newport News, VA has taken a community-centric, place-based approach to identifying and delivering service to the area’s residents and the city as a whole. Beginning with a ...

An improved waste collection system for space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, William E.; Lofland, William W., Jr.; Whitmore, Henry

1986-01-01

Waste collection systems are a critical part of manned space flight. Systems to date have had a number of deficiencies. A new system, which uses a simple mechanical piston compactor and disposable pads allows a clean area for defecation and maximum efficiency of waste collection and storage. The concept has been extensively tested. Flight demonstration units are being built, tested, and scheduled for flight. A prototype operational unit is under construction. This system offers several advantages over existing or planned systems in the areas of crew interface and operation, cost, size, weight, and maintenance and power consumption.

A Collaborative Effort to Assess Environmental Health in Newport News, Virginia

EPA Science Inventory

The Region 3 “Making a Visible Difference in Communities” (MVD) initiative for Southeast Newport News, VA has taken a community-centric, place-based approach to identifying and delivering service to the area’s residents and the city as a whole. Beginning with a CARE (Community Ac...

Resolution verification targets for airborne and spaceborne imaging systems at the Stennis Space Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKellip, Rodney; Yuan, Ding; Graham, William; Holland, Donald E.; Stone, David; Walser, William E.; Mao, Chengye

1997-06-01

The number of available spaceborne and airborne systems will dramatically increase over the next few years. A common systematic approach toward verification of these systems will become important for comparing the systems' operational performance. The Commercial Remote Sensing Program at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi has developed design requirements for a remote sensing verification target range to provide a means to evaluate spatial, spectral, and radiometric performance of optical digital remote sensing systems. The verification target range consists of spatial, spectral, and radiometric targets painted on a 150- by 150-meter concrete pad located at SSC. The design criteria for this target range are based upon work over a smaller, prototypical target range at SSC during 1996. This paper outlines the purpose and design of the verification target range based upon an understanding of the systems to be evaluated as well as data analysis results from the prototypical target range.

Morpheus Alhat Integrated and Laser Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for an automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and laser test at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Morpheus Alhat Integrated and Laser Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers run an automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and laser test on the Project Morpheus prototype lander at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-2340

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander touches down on the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, field after lifting off on a free-flight test from a new launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 1:57 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet at a peak speed of 36 mph. The vehicle, with its recently installed ALHAT sensors, surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-2336

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander touches down on the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, field after lifting off on a free-flight test from a new launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 1:57 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet at a peak speed of 36 mph. The vehicle, with its recently installed ALHAT sensors, surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential of Resina Draconis (Dracaena cochinchinensis) in Animal Models.

PubMed

Liu, Huihui; Lin, Shaohui; Xiao, Dan; Zheng, Xiao; Gu, Yan; Guo, Shanyu

2013-01-01

Resina Draconis (RD) is a type of dragon's blood resin obtained from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen (Yunnan, China). It has been used as a medicine since ancient times by many cultures. The ethanolic extract of Resina Draconis (RDEE) was evaluated for its wound-healing activity using excision and incision wound models in rats. Group I, the control group, was treated with ointment base. Group II, which served as a reference standard, was treated with moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). Group III was treated with RDEE. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, tensile strength, histopathological studies, microvessel density (MVD), and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor- β 1 (TGF- β 1). The group treated with RDEE showed significantly better wound contraction and better skin-breaking strength as compared with the control group. The results of histopathological examination, MVD, and the expression levels of growth factors supported the outcome of the wound models as well. The present study provided a scientific rationale for the traditional use of RD in the management of wounds.

Angiosonography in suspicious breast lesions with non-diagnostic FNAC: comparison with power Doppler US.

PubMed

Caumo, F; Carbognin, G; Casarin, A; Pinali, L; Vasori, S; D'Onofrio, M; Pozzi Mucelli, R

2006-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of angiosonography in comparison with colour Doppler ultrasound (US) in the discrimination of suspicious breast lesions with nondiagnostic fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Pre-operative Power Doppler US and angiosonography were prospectively performed in 20 suspicious breast lesions with non-diagnostic FNAC. A second-generation US contrast agent was utilised with a high-frequency transducer and a contrast-specific algorithm (low acoustic pressure CnTI). The enhancement characteristics of all lesions were analysed using qualitative and quantitative parameters obtained from time-intensity curves with the different imaging modalities. The final diagnosis was confirmed at pathology in all cases. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed in the surgical specimen using CD34. The correct assessment of biological behaviour was achieved in all cases by angiosonography (sensitivity of 100%; specificity of 91%) and colour Doppler US (45% sensitivity; 78% specificity). MVD correlated with the biological behaviour. Angiosonography is more accurate than colour Doppler US in the correct assessment of biological behaviour of suspicious breast lesions.

Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential of Resina Draconis (Dracaena cochinchinensis) in Animal Models

PubMed Central

Gu, Yan

2013-01-01

Resina Draconis (RD) is a type of dragon's blood resin obtained from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen (Yunnan, China). It has been used as a medicine since ancient times by many cultures. The ethanolic extract of Resina Draconis (RDEE) was evaluated for its wound-healing activity using excision and incision wound models in rats. Group I, the control group, was treated with ointment base. Group II, which served as a reference standard, was treated with moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO). Group III was treated with RDEE. The parameters observed were percentage of wound contraction, epithelialization period, tensile strength, histopathological studies, microvessel density (MVD), and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The group treated with RDEE showed significantly better wound contraction and better skin-breaking strength as compared with the control group. The results of histopathological examination, MVD, and the expression levels of growth factors supported the outcome of the wound models as well. The present study provided a scientific rationale for the traditional use of RD in the management of wounds. PMID:23762154

The dynamics of soil aggregate breakdown in water in response to landuse as measured with laser diffraction technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyedele, D. J.; Pini, R.; Sparvoli, E.; Scatena, M.

2012-04-01

The Mastersizer 2000G (Malvern Instruments) Diffraction Instrument was used to assess and quantify the breakdown of soil aggregates and compute wet aggregate stability indices. The study was aimed at evolving a novel rapid method of determining soil aggregate stability. Bulk surface (0-15 cm) soil samples were collected under 5 different land uses in the Teaching and Resrach Farm of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. About 0.5g of the soils aggregates (0.5 -1 mm diameter) were evaluated in the laser diffractometer with the stirrer operated at 500 rpm and the pump at 1800 rpm. The different size aggregates and particles of sand silt and clay were quantified periodically. Water stable aggregates greater than 250 µm (WSA>250), water stable aggregates less than 250 µm (WSA<250), water dispersible clay index (WDI), and mean volume diameter (MVD) among others were computed from the laser diffraction data. The values were compared with the classical Yoder wet sieving technique. The WSA>250 was significantly higher on the soils under Forest (FR), Cacao (CC), Teak (TK) and Oil Palm (OP) plantations, while it was significantly lowest under no-tillage (NT) and continuous cultivation (CT). The pasture (PD) was not significantly different from either the cultivated and the non-cultivated soils. Conversely, the WSA<250 and water dispersible clay index was highest in the cultivated soils (CT and NT) and lowest in the non-cultivated soils (FR, TK, CC and OP) while the PD was in-between. The MVD also followed a similar trend as the WSA>250. The wet sieving water stable aggregates index (WSI>250) was significantly correlated with WSA>250 (r = 0.75), MVD (r = 0.75), WDI (r = -0.68) and WSA<250 (r = - 0.73). All the laser diffraction measured aggregation indices were significantly correlated with the organic matter contents of the soils. Thus the laser diffraction promises a rapid and comprehensive method of evaluation of soil aggregate stability.

Pharmacological versus microvascular decompression approaches for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: clinical outcomes and direct costs

PubMed Central

Lemos, Laurinda; Alegria, Carlos; Oliveira, Joana; Machado, Ana; Oliveira, Pedro; Almeida, Armando

2011-01-01

In idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) the neuroimaging evaluation is usually normal, but in some cases a vascular compression of trigeminal nerve root is present. Although the latter condition may be referred to surgery, drug therapy is usually the first approach to control pain. This study compared the clinical outcome and direct costs of (1) a traditional treatment (carbamazepine [CBZ] in monotherapy [CBZ protocol]), (2) the association of gabapentin (GBP) and analgesic block of trigger-points with ropivacaine (ROP) (GBP+ROP protocol), and (3) a common TN surgery, microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve (MVD protocol). Sixty-two TN patients were randomly treated during 4 weeks (CBZ [n = 23] and GBP+ROP [n = 17] protocols) from cases of idiopathic TN, or selected for MVD surgery (n = 22) due to intractable pain. Direct medical cost estimates were determined by the price of drugs in 2008 and the hospital costs. Pain was evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and number of pain crises; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Sickness Impact Profile, and satisfaction with treatment and hospital team were evaluated. Assessments were performed at day 0 and 6 months after the beginning of treatment. All protocols showed a clinical improvement of pain control at month 6. The GBP+ROP protocol was the least expensive treatment, whereas surgery was the most expensive. With time, however, GBP+ROP tended to be the most and MVD the least expensive. No sequelae resulted in any patient after drug therapies, while after MDV surgery several patients showed important side effects. Data reinforce that, (1) TN patients should be carefully evaluated before choosing therapy for pain control, (2) different pharmacological approaches are available to initiate pain control at low costs, and (3) criteria for surgical interventions should be clearly defined due to important side effects, with the initial higher costs being strongly reduced with time. PMID:21941455

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression predicts lymph node metastasis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PubMed

Suzuki, Kazumi; Morita, Tatsuo; Tokue, Akihiko

2005-02-01

It has been found that expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in several carcinomas is significantly associated with angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and regional lymph node metastasis. However, VEGF-C expression in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) has not yet been reported. To elucidate the role of VEGF-C in bladder TCC, we examined VEGF-C expression in bladder TCC and pelvic lymph node metastasis specimens obtained from patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Eighty-seven patients who underwent radical cystectomy for clinically organ-confined TCC of the bladder were enrolled in the present study. No neoadjuvant treatments, except transurethral resection of the tumor, were given to these patients. The VEGF-C expressions of 87 bladder tumors and 20 pelvic lymph node metastasis specimens were examined immunohistochemically and the association between VEGF-C expression and clinicopathological factors, including angiogenesis as evaluated by microvessel density (MVD), was also examined. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression was found in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, but not in the normal transitional epithelium. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression was significantly associated with the pathological T stage (P = 0.0289), pelvic lymph node metastasis (P < 0.0001), lymphatic involvement (P = 0.0008), venous involvement (P = 0.0002) and high MVD (P = 0.0043). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that VEGF-C expression and high MVD in bladder TCC were independent risk factors influencing the pelvic lymph node metastasis. Moreover, the patients with VEGF-C-positive tumors had significantly poorer prognoses than those with the VEGF-C-negative tumors (P = 0.0087) in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis based on Cox proportional hazard model showed that the independent prognostic factors were patient age (P = 0.0132) and pelvic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0333). The present study suggests that VEGF-C expression is an important predictive factor of pelvic lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer patients.

Channel response to sediment release: insights from a paired analysis of dam removal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Collins, Mathias J.; Snyder, Noah P.; Boardman, Graham; Banks, William S.; Andrews, Mary; Baker, Matthew E.; Conlon, Maricate; Gellis, Allen; McClain, Serena; Miller, Andrew; Wilcock, Peter

2017-01-01

Dam removals with unmanaged sediment releases are good opportunities to learn about channel response to abruptly increased bed material supply. Understanding these events is important because they affect aquatic habitats and human uses of floodplains. A longstanding paradigm in geomorphology holds that response rates to landscape disturbance exponentially decay through time. However, a previous study of the Merrimack Village Dam (MVD) removal on the Souhegan River in New Hampshire, USA, showed that an exponential function poorly described the early geomorphic response. Erosion of impounded sediments there was two-phased. We had an opportunity to quantitatively test the two-phase response model proposed for MVD by extending the record there and comparing it with data from the Simkins Dam removal on the Patapsco River in Maryland, USA. The watershed sizes are the same order of magnitude (102 km2), and at both sites low-head dams were removed (~3–4 m) and ~65 000 m3 of sand-sized sediments were discharged to low-gradient reaches. Analyzing four years of repeat morphometry and sediment surveys at the Simkins site, as well as continuous discharge and turbidity data, we observed the two-phase erosion response described for MVD. In the early phase, approximately 50% of the impounded sediment at Simkins was eroded rapidly during modest flows. After incision to base level and widening, a second phase began when further erosion depended on floods large enough to go over bank and access impounded sediments more distant from the newly-formed channel. Fitting functional forms to the data for both sites, we found that two-phase exponential models with changing decay constants fit the erosion data better than single-phase models. Valley width influences the two-phase erosion responses upstream, but downstream responses appear more closely related to local gradient, sediment re-supply from the upstream impoundments, and base flows.

Cardiac troponin-I concentration in dogs with cardiac disease.

PubMed

Oyama, Mark A; Sisson, D David

2004-01-01

Cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) is a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial injury and can be detected in plasma by immunoassay techniques. The purpose of this study was to establish a reference range for plasma cTnI in a population of healthy dogs using a human immunoassay system and to determine whether plasma cTnI concentrations were high in dogs with acquired or congenital heart disease, specifically cardiomyopathy (CM), degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD), and subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). In total, 269 dogs were examined by physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and plasma cTnI assay. In 176 healthy dogs, median cTnI was 0.03 ng/mL (upper 95th percentile = 0.11 ng/mL). Compared with the healthy population, median plasma cTnI was increased in dogs with CM (0.14 ng/mL; range, 0.03-1.88 ng/mL; P < .001; n = 26), in dogs with MVD (0.11 ng/mL; range, 0.01-9.53 ng/mL; P < .001; n = 37), and in dogs with SAS (0.08 ng/mL; range, 0.01-0.94 ng/mL; P < .001; n = 30). In dogs with CM and MVD, plasma cTnI was correlated with left ventricular and left atrial size. In dogs with SAS, cTnI demonstrated a modest correlation with ventricular wall thickness. In dogs with CM, the median survival time of those with cTnI >0.20 ng/mL was significantly shorter than median survival time of those with cTnI <0.20 ng/mL (112 days versus 357 days; P = .006). Plasma cTnI is high in dogs with cardiac disease, correlates with heart size and survival, and can be used as a blood-based biomarker of cardiac disease.

Screw vs cement-implant-retained restorations: an experimental study in the beagle. Part 2. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the peri-implant tissues.

PubMed

Assenza, Bartolomeo; Artese, Luciano; Scarano, Antonio; Rubini, Corrado; Perrotti, Vittoria; Piattelli, Maurizio; Thams, Ulf; San Roman, Fidel; Piccirilli, Marcello; Piattelli, Adriano

2006-01-01

Crestal bone loss has been reported to occur around dental implants. Even if the causes of this bone loss are not completely understood, the presence of a microgap between implant and abutment with a possible contamination of the internal portion of the implants has been suggested. The aim of this study was to see if there were differences in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, microvessel density (MVD), proliferative activity (MIB-1), and inflammatory infiltrate in the soft tissues around implants with screwed and cemented abutments. Sandblasted and acid-etched implants were inserted in the mandibles of 6 Beagle dogs. Ten 3.5- x 10-mm root-form implants were inserted in each mandible. A total of 60 implants (30 with screwed abutments and 30 with cemented abutments) were used. After 12 months, all the bridges were removed and all abutments were checked for mobility. A total of 8 loosened screws (27%) were found in the screwed abutments, whereas no loosening was observed in cemented abutments. A gingival biopsy was performed in 8 implants with cemented abutments, in 8 implants with screwed abutments, and in 8 implants with unscrewed abutments. No statistically significant differences were found in the inflammatory infiltrate and in the MIB-1 among the different groups. No statistically significant difference was found in the MVD between screwed and cemented abutments (P = .2111), whereas there was a statistically significant difference in MVD between screwed and unscrewed abutments (P = .0277) and between cemented and unscrewed abutments (P = .0431). A low intensity of VEGF was prevalent in screwed and in cemented abutments, whereas a high intensity of VEGF was prevalent in unscrewed abutments. These facts could be explained by the effects induced, in the abutments that underwent a screw loosening, by the presence of bacteria inside the hollow portion of the implants or by enhanced reparative processes.

14-O-Methylmorphine: A Novel Selective Mu-Opioid Receptor Agonist with High Efficacy and Affinity.

PubMed

Zádor, Ferenc; Balogh, Mihály; Váradi, András; Zádori, Zoltán S; Király, Kornél; Szűcs, Edina; Varga, Bence; Lázár, Bernadette; Hosztafi, Sándor; Riba, Pál; Benyhe, Sándor; Fürst, Susanna; Al-Khrasani, Mahmoud

2017-11-05

14-O-methyl (14-O-Me) group in morphine-6-O-sulfate (M6SU) or oxymorphone has been reported to be essential for enhanced affinity, potency and antinociceptive effect of these opioids. Herein we report on the pharmacological properties (potency, affinity and efficacy) of the new compound, 14-O-methylmorphine (14-O-MeM) in in vitro. Additionally, we also investigated the antinociceptive effect of the novel compound, as well as its inhibitory action on gastrointestinal transit in in vivo. The potency and efficacy of test compound were measured by [ 35 S]GTPγS binding, isolated mouse vas deferens (MVD) and rat vas deferens (RVD) assays. The affinity of 14-O-MeM for opioid receptors was assessed by radioligand binding and MVD assays. The antinociceptive and gastrointestinal effects of the novel compound were evaluated in the rat tail-flick test and charcoal meal test, respectively. Morphine, DAMGO, Ile 5,6 deltorphin II, deltorphin II and U-69593 were used as reference compounds. 14-O-MeM showed higher efficacy (E max ) and potency (EC 50 ) than morphine in MVD, RVD or [ 35 S]GTPγS binding. In addition, 14-O-MeM compared to morphine showed higher affinity for μ-opioid receptor (MOR). In vivo, in rat tail-flick test 14-O-MeM proved to be stronger antinociceptive agent than morphine after peripheral or central administration. Additionally, both compounds inhibited the gastrointestinal peristalsis. However, when the antinociceptive and antitransit doses for each test compound are compared, 14-O-MeM proved to have slightly more favorable pharmacological profile. Our results affirm that 14-O-MeM, an opioid of high efficacy and affinity for MOR can be considered as a novel analgesic agent of potential clinical value. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combination of Vessel-Targeting Agents and Fractionated Radiation Therapy: The Role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 Pathway

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

Chen, Fang-Hsin; Fu, Sheng-Yung; Yang, Ying-Chieh

2013-07-15

Purpose: To investigate vascular responses during fractionated radiation therapy (F-RT) and the effects of targeting pericytes or bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) on the efficacy of F-RT. Methods and Materials: Murine prostate TRAMP-C1 tumors were grown in control mice or mice transplanted with green fluorescent protein-tagged bone marrow (GFP-BM), and irradiated with 60 Gy in 15 fractions. Mice were also treated with gefitinib (an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor) or AMD3100 (a CXCR4 antagonist) to examine the effects of combination treatment. The responses of tumor vasculatures to these treatments and changes of tumor microenvironment were assessed. Results: After F-RT, the tumormore » microvascular density (MVD) was reduced; however, the surviving vessels were dilated, incorporated with GFP-positive cells, tightly adhered to pericytes, and well perfused with Hoechst 33342, suggesting a more mature structure formed primarily via vasculogenesis. Although the gefitinib+F-RT combination affected the vascular structure by dissociating pericytes from the vascular wall, it did not further delay tumor growth. These tumors had higher MVD and better vascular perfusion function, leading to less hypoxia and tumor necrosis. By contrast, the AMD3100+F-RT combination significantly enhanced tumor growth delay more than F-RT alone, and these tumors had lower MVD and poorer vascular perfusion function, resulting in increased hypoxia. These tumor vessels were rarely covered by pericytes and free of GFP-positive cells. Conclusions: Vasculogenesis is a major mechanism for tumor vessel survival during F-RT. Complex interactions occur between vessel-targeting agents and F-RT, and a synergistic effect may not always exist. To enhance F-RT, using CXCR4 inhibitor to block BM cell influx and the vasculogenesis process is a better strategy than targeting pericytes by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor.« less

Low energy intake during the first week in an emergency intensive care unit is associated with reduced duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill, underweight patients: a single-center retrospective chart review.

PubMed

Ichimaru, Satomi; Fujiwara, Hidetoshi; Amagai, Teruyoshi; Atsumi, Takahiro

2014-06-01

Although nutrition support is essential in intensive care units, optimal energy intake remains unclear. Here, we assessed the influence of energy intake on outcomes of critically ill, underweight patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients with body mass index (BMI) of <20.0 kg/m(2) in an emergency intensive care unit (EICU). Patients were categorized into 4 groups by initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (I-SOFA) and average daily energy intake during the first week: group M-1, I-SOFA ≤8 and <16 kcal/kg/d; group M-2, I-SOFA ≤8 and ≥16 kcal/kg/d; group S-1, I-SOFA >8 and <16 kcal/kg/d; and group S-2, I-SOFA >8 and ≥16 kcal/kg/d. The study included 51 patients with a median age of 69 years. No significant differences were noted in all-cause mortality and length of stay in the EICU and hospital between groups M-1 and M-2 or groups S-1 and S-2. The mechanical ventilation duration (MVD) was significantly shorter in group M-1 than M-2 (2.7 [1.0-5.7] vs 9.2 [4.2-17.4] days; P = .040) and in group S-1 than S-2 (3.1 [0.7-6.0] vs 8.8 [6.1-23.1] days; P = .006). The number of patients who underwent tracheostomy in hospital was significantly lower in group S-1 than in S-2 (20% vs 32%; P = .002). Multivariable analyses to adjust for confounders revealed that average energy intake during the first week in EICU was a significant factor independently associated with MVD but not with the requirement of tracheostomy. Reduced energy intake during the first week in EICU was associated with a reduced MVD in clinically ill patients with BMI <20.0 kg/m(2).

[Inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus combined with endostatin on growth and metastasis of hepatoma xenograft].

PubMed

Qu, B; Chen, G N; Sheng, G N; Yu, F; Lyu, Q; Gu, Y J; Guo, L; Lyu, Y

2016-09-20

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of migration-inducing gene-7(Mig-7)interfered with retrovirus-mediated RNA(shRNA)combined with recombinant human endostatin(ES)on the growth and metastasis of subcutaneous xenograft of human hepatoma cells in nude mice. Methods: Two Mig-7-mRNA oligonucleotide sequences(Mig-7-shRNA-1 and Mig-7-shRNA-2)and one sequence as a negative control(Mig-7-shRNA-N)were designed. The specific Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus expression vector plasmid was constructed and used for the transfection of human hepatoma MHCC-97H cells with high expression of Mig-7. The subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in nude mice was established, and according to the condition of transfection and administration, the nude mice were divided into pSIREN-M1 group, pSIREN-MN group, ES group, and pSIREN-M1+ES group. The xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis were compared between groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the formation of vasculogenic mimicry(VM)in xenograft tumor and the difference in tumor microvascular density(MVD), and Western blot was used to measure the expression of Mig-7 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in each group. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups. Results: Compared with the pSIREN-MN group, the pSIREN-M1 group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, Mig-7 expression, and formation of VM( P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher VEGF expression and MVD( P < 0.05). Compared with the pSIREN-MN group, the ES group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, VEGF expression, and MVD( P < 0.05), as well as significantly higher Mig-7 expression and formation of VM( P < 0.05). Compared with the pSIREN-M1 group and the ES group, the pSIREN-M1+ES group had significantly lower xenograft tumor volume, mass, and metastasis rate, Mig-7 expression, formation of VM, VEGF expression, and MVD( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus combined with ES has a better inhibitory effect on the growth and metastasis of HCC xenograft tumor than Mig-7-shRNA recombinant retrovirus or ES alone. The anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy alone, which targets vascular endothelial cells in vivo, has a limited effect, since it may promote the formation of VM.

USSR Report: Political and Sociological Affairs

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-13

Babayan Cites Areas of Progress in Drive Against Alcoholism (E. A. Babayan Interview; TRUD, 22 May 85).................. 45 USSR First Deputy...Procurator on Campaign Against Alcoholism (Nikolay Aleksandrovich Bazhenov; Moscow Television Service, 20 May 85) ................................... 46 MVD’s...Trushin on Fight Against Alcohol Abuse (Moscow Domestic Service, 17 May 85) ........................ 48 Economic System That Punishes Initiative (I

Hot melt adhesive pad surface attachment assembly concept for on-orbit operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Progar, D. J.; Stein, B. A.

1984-01-01

The use of a hot melt adhesive concept to develop a Surface Attachment Assembly (SAA) for on-orbit attachment and detachment operations for the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) was investigated. The concept involved impregnation of the hot melt adhesive into a fiberglass covered pad which contained electrical heating and thermoelectric cooling devices. The polyamide hot melt adhesive selected can be repeatedly heated to its melting point in a vacuum and provide good adhesion to various surfaces, i.e., reusable surface insulation tiles, metals, and composites, when cooled. After a series of adhesive screening tests, Jet-Melt 3746 was selected from a group of commercially available thermoplastic adhesive candidates which met or exceeded many of the criteria established for the SAA system. The SAA system was designed and fabricted with the goal of proving the concept with a working model rather than attempting to optimize all facets of the system. This system evolved by investigating alternate attachment concepts, designing and fabricating electronic systems to heat and cool the adhesive, and then fabricating electronic systems to heat and cool the adhesive, and then fabricating and testing two prototype full-size units.

Trichocyanines: a Red-Hair-Inspired Modular Platform for Dye-Based One-Time-Pad Molecular Cryptography.

PubMed

Leone, Loredana; Pezzella, Alessandro; Crescenzi, Orlando; Napolitano, Alessandra; Barone, Vincenzo; d'Ischia, Marco

2015-06-01

Current molecular cryptography (MoCryp) systems are almost exclusively based on DNA chemistry and reports of cryptography technologies based on other less complex chemical systems are lacking. We describe herein, as proof of concept, the prototype of the first asymmetric MoCryp system, based on an 8-compound set of a novel bioinspired class of cyanine-type dyes called trichocyanines. These novel acidichromic cyanine-type dyes inspired by red hair pigments were synthesized and characterized with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Trichocyanines consist of a modular scaffold easily accessible via an expedient condensation of 3-phenyl- or 3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzothiazines with N-dimethyl- or o-methoxyhydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde or cinnamaldehyde derivatives. The eight representative members synthesized herein can be classified as belonging to two three-state systems tunable through four different control points. This versatile dye platform can generate an expandable palette of colors and appears to be specifically suited to implement an unprecedented single-use asymmetric molecular cryptography system. With this system, we intend to pioneer the translation of digital public-key cryptography into a chemical-coding one-time-pad-like system.

Trichocyanines: a Red-Hair-Inspired Modular Platform for Dye-Based One-Time-Pad Molecular Cryptography

PubMed Central

Leone, Loredana; Pezzella, Alessandro; Crescenzi, Orlando; Napolitano, Alessandra; Barone, Vincenzo; d’Ischia, Marco

2015-01-01

Current molecular cryptography (MoCryp) systems are almost exclusively based on DNA chemistry and reports of cryptography technologies based on other less complex chemical systems are lacking. We describe herein, as proof of concept, the prototype of the first asymmetric MoCryp system, based on an 8-compound set of a novel bioinspired class of cyanine-type dyes called trichocyanines. These novel acidichromic cyanine-type dyes inspired by red hair pigments were synthesized and characterized with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Trichocyanines consist of a modular scaffold easily accessible via an expedient condensation of 3-phenyl- or 3-methyl-2H-1,4-benzothiazines with N-dimethyl- or o-methoxyhydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde or cinnamaldehyde derivatives. The eight representative members synthesized herein can be classified as belonging to two three-state systems tunable through four different control points. This versatile dye platform can generate an expandable palette of colors and appears to be specifically suited to implement an unprecedented single-use asymmetric molecular cryptography system. With this system, we intend to pioneer the translation of digital public-key cryptography into a chemical-coding one-time-pad-like system. PMID:26246999

Parylene-on-oil packaging for long-term implantable pressure sensors.

PubMed

Shapero, Aubrey M; Liu, Yang; Tai, Yu-Chong

2016-08-01

This paper reports and analyzes the feasibility study of a parylene-on-oil encapsulation packaging method of pressure sensors targeted for long-term implantation. Commercial barometric digital-output pressure sensors are enclosed in silicone oil and then encapsulated in situ with parylene-C or -D (PA-C, PA-D) chemical vapor deposition. Experimentally, sensors encapsulated with 30,000 cSt silicone oil and 27 μm PA-D show good performance for 6 weeks in 77 °C saline with >99 % of original sensitivity, corresponding to an extrapolated lifetime of around 21 months in 37 °C saline. This work shows that, with proper designs, such a packaging method can preserve the original pressure sensor sensitivity without offset, validated throughout accelerated lifetime tests. In experiments, wires on the prototypes are used for external electronics but it is found that they contributed to early failures, which would be absent in real wireless versions, indicating a potential for even longer lifetimes. Finally, a verified model is presented to predict the pressure sensor sensitivity of parylene-on-oil packaging with and without the presence of a bubble in the oil.

A Study to Compare the Failure Rates of Current Space Shuttle Ground Support Equipment with the New Pathfinder Equipment and Investigate the Effect that the Proposed GSE Infrastructure Upgrade Might Have to Reduce GSE Infrastructure Failures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kennedy, Barbara J.

2004-01-01

The purposes of this study are to compare the current Space Shuttle Ground Support Equipment (GSE) infrastructure with the proposed GSE infrastructure upgrade modification. The methodology will include analyzing the first prototype installation equipment at Launch PAD B called the "Pathfinder". This study will begin by comparing the failure rate of the current components associated with the "Hardware interface module (HIM)" at the Kennedy Space Center to the failure rate of the neW Pathfinder components. Quantitative data will be gathered specifically on HIM components and the PAD B Hypergolic Fuel facility and Hypergolic Oxidizer facility areas which has the upgraded pathfinder equipment installed. The proposed upgrades include utilizing industrial controlled modules, software, and a fiber optic network. The results of this study provide evidence that there is a significant difference in the failure rates of the two studied infrastructure equipment components. There is also evidence that the support staff for each infrastructure system is not equal. A recommendation to continue with future upgrades is based on a significant reduction of failures in the new' installed ground system components.

Smartphone-based, sensitive µPAD detection of urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

PubMed

Cho, Soohee; Park, Tu San; Nahapetian, Tigran G; Yoon, Jeong-Yeol

2015-12-15

The presence of bacteria in urine can be used to monitor the onset or prognosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and some sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea. Typically, bacteria's presence in urine is confirmed by culturing samples overnight on agar plates, followed by a microscopic examination. Additionally, the presence of Escherichia coli in a urine sample can be indirectly confirmed through assaying for nitrite (generated by reducing nitrate in urine), however this is not sufficiently specific and sensitive. Species/strains identification of bacteria in a urine sample provides insight to appropriate antibiotic treatment options. In this work, a microfluidic paper analytical device (µPAD) was designed and fabricated for evaluating UTI (E. coli) and STD (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) from human urine samples. Anti-E. coli or anti-N. gonorrhoeae antibodies were conjugated to submicron particles then pre-loaded and dried in the center of each paper microfluidic channel. Human urine samples (undiluted) spiked with E. coli or N. gonorrhoeae were incubated for 5 min with 1% Tween 80. The bacteria-spiked urine samples were then introduced to the inlet of paper microfluidic channel, which flowed through the channel by capillary force. Data confirms that proteins were not filtered by μPAD, which is essential for this assay. Urobilin, the component responsible for the yellow appearance of urine and green fluorescence emission, was filtered by μPAD, resulting in significantly minimized false-positive signals. This filtration was simultaneously made during the μPAD assay and no pretreatment/purification step was necessary. Antibody-conjugated particles were immunoagglutinated at the center of the paper channel. The extent of immunoagglutination was quantified by angle-specific Mie scatter under ambient lighting conditions, utilizing a smartphone camera as a detector. The total μPAD assay time was less than 30s. The detection limit was 10 CFU/mL for both E. coli and N. gonorrhoeae, while commercially available gonorrhea rapid kit showed a detection limit of 10(6) CFU/mL. A commercially available nitrite assay test strip also had a detection limit of 10(6) CFU/mL, but this method is not antibody-based and thus not sufficiently specific. By optimizing the particle concentration, we were also able to extend the linear range of the assay up to 10(7) CFU/mL. The proposed prototype will serve as a low-cost, point-of-care, sensitive urinalysis biosensor to monitor UTI and gonorrhea from human urine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Prototype PZT Matrix Transducer With Low-Power Integrated Receive ASIC for 3-D Transesophageal Echocardiography.

PubMed

Chen, Chao; Raghunathan, Shreyas B; Yu, Zili; Shabanimotlagh, Maysam; Chen, Zhao; Chang, Zu-yao; Blaak, Sandra; Prins, Christian; Ponte, Jacco; Noothout, Emile; Vos, Hendrik J; Bosch, Johan G; Verweij, Martin D; de Jong, Nico; Pertijs, Michiel A P

2016-01-01

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of a prototype lead zirconium titanate (PZT) matrix transducer with an integrated receive ASIC, as a proof of concept for a miniature three-dimensional (3-D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe. It consists of an array of 9 ×12 piezoelectric elements mounted on the ASIC via an integration scheme that involves direct electrical connections between a bond-pad array on the ASIC and the transducer elements. The ASIC addresses the critical challenge of reducing cable count, and includes front-end amplifiers with adjustable gains and micro-beamformer circuits that locally process and combine echo signals received by the elements of each 3 ×3 subarray. Thus, an order-of-magnitude reduction in the number of receive channels is achieved. Dedicated circuit techniques are employed to meet the strict space and power constraints of TEE probes. The ASIC has been fabricated in a standard 0.18-μm CMOS process and consumes only 0.44 mW/channel. The prototype has been acoustically characterized in a water tank. The ASIC allows the array to be presteered across ±37° while achieving an overall dynamic range of 77 dB. Both the measured characteristics of the individual transducer elements and the performance of the ASIC are in good agreement with expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.

A Prototype Combination TPC Cherenkov Detector with GEM Readout for Tracking and Particle Identification and its Potential Use at an Electron Ion Collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woody, Craig; Azmoun, Babak; Majka, Richard; Phipps, Michael; Purschke, Martin; Smirnov, Nikolai

2018-02-01

A prototype detector is being developed which combines the functions of a Time Projection Chamber for charged particle tracking and a Cherenkov detector for particle identification. The TPC consists of a 10×10×10 cm3 drift volume where the charge is drifted to a 10×10 cm2 triple GEM detector. The charge is measured on a readout plane consisting of 2×10 mm2 chevron pads which provide a spatial resolution ˜ 100 μm per point in the chevron direction along with dE/dx information. The Cherenkov portion of the detector consists of a second 10×10 cm2 triple GEM with a photosensitive CsI photocathode on the top layer. This detector measures Cherenkov light produced in the drift gas of the TPC by high velocity particles which are above threshold. CF4 or CF4 mixtures will be used as the drift gas which are highly transparent to UV light and can provide excellent efficiency for detecting Cherenkov photons. The drift gas is also used as the operating gas for both GEM detectors. The prototype detector has been constructed and is currently being tested in the lab with sources and cosmic rays, and additional tests are planned in the future to study the detector in a test beam.

Image Analysis via Fuzzy-Reasoning Approach: Prototype Applications at NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominguez, Jesus A.; Klinko, Steven J.

2004-01-01

A set of imaging techniques based on Fuzzy Reasoning (FR) approach was built for NASA at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to perform complex real-time visual-related safety prototype tasks, such as detection and tracking of moving Foreign Objects Debris (FOD) during the NASA Space Shuttle liftoff and visual anomaly detection on slidewires used in the emergency egress system for Space Shuttle at the launch pad. The system has also proved its prospective in enhancing X-ray images used to screen hard-covered items leading to a better visualization. The system capability was used as well during the imaging analysis of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. These FR-based imaging techniques include novel proprietary adaptive image segmentation, image edge extraction, and image enhancement. Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) scheme available from NeuroShell(TM) Classifier and optimized via Genetic Algorithm (GA) was also used along with this set of novel imaging techniques to add powerful learning and image classification capabilities. Prototype applications built using these techniques have received NASA Space Awards, including a Board Action Award, and are currently being filed for patents by NASA; they are being offered for commercialization through the Research Triangle Institute (RTI), an internationally recognized corporation in scientific research and technology development. Companies from different fields, including security, medical, text digitalization, and aerospace, are currently in the process of licensing these technologies from NASA.

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

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-01

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

[Suppression of COX-2 protein to cell apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer].

PubMed

Sun, Limei; Zhao, Yue; Wang, Lujian; Song, Min; Song, Jiye

2007-06-20

One of mechanisms of carcinogenesis is suppression of cell apoptosis which leads to accumulation of aberrant cells. The aim of this study is to investigate cell apoptosis and COX-2 protein expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cell apoptosis, expression of COX-2 and microvessel density (MVD) were detcted in 111 NSCLC samples by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique and immunohistochemical staining. The positive rate of COX-2 protein expression was 67.6% (75/111), and there were 53 patients with high level cell apoptosis (47.7%). Expression of COX-2 protien was significantly related to TNM stages (P=0.025) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.018). The MVD in NSCLC tissues with positive COX-2 expression was significantly higher than that in negative expression ones (P=0.000). COX model showed that lymph node metastasis (P=0.006) and positive expression of COX-2 protein (P=0.000) were independent prognostic factors of NSCLC. The expression of COX-2 protein may suppress cell apoptosis of tumor, and it may serve as a potential marker of prognosis for NSCLC.

Hemifacial Spasm and Neurovascular Compression

PubMed Central

Lu, Alex Y.; Yeung, Jacky T.; Gerrard, Jason L.; Michaelides, Elias M.; Sekula, Raymond F.; Bulsara, Ketan R.

2014-01-01

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by involuntary unilateral contractions of the muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve, usually starting around the eyes before progressing inferiorly to the cheek, mouth, and neck. Its prevalence is 9.8 per 100,000 persons with an average age of onset of 44 years. The accepted pathophysiology of HFS suggests that it is a disease process of the nerve root entry zone of the facial nerve. HFS can be divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary HFS is triggered by vascular compression whereas secondary HFS comprises all other causes of facial nerve damage. Clinical examination and imaging modalities such as electromyography (EMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful to differentiate HFS from other facial movement disorders and for intraoperative planning. The standard medical management for HFS is botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections, which provides low-risk but limited symptomatic relief. The only curative treatment for HFS is microvascular decompression (MVD), a surgical intervention that provides lasting symptomatic relief by reducing compression of the facial nerve root. With a low rate of complications such as hearing loss, MVD remains the treatment of choice for HFS patients as intraoperative technique and monitoring continue to improve. PMID:25405219

Prognostic significance of thymidylate synthase (TS) expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

PubMed

Shimizu, A; Kaira, K; Yasuda, M; Asao, T; Ishikawa, O

2016-01-01

Thymidylate synthase (TS) plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and development of cancer, and TS-targeting agents have been widely used against different types of cancers. However, it remains still unclear whether or not TS is expressed in malignant melanoma. We conducted the clinicopathological study to investigate the prognostic significance of TS expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma. Ninety-nine patients with surgically resected cutaneous malignant melanoma were assessed. Tumor sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for TS, Ki-67, and microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD34. TS was positively expressed in 26% (26 out of 99). The expression of TS was significantly associated with T factor, cell proliferation (Ki-67) and MVD (CD34). By Spearman's rank test, TS expression was significantly correlated with Ki67 and CD34. By univariate analysis, ulceration, disease stage, TS, Ki-67 and CD34 had a significant relationship with survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that TS was an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma. The positive expression of TS could be a useful marker for predicting poor prognosis in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma, and TS-targeting agents may be worth trying for the treatment of this dismal disease.

Predefined Redundant Dictionary for Effective Depth Maps Representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebai, Dorsaf; Chaieb, Faten; Ghorbel, Faouzi

2016-01-01

The multi-view video plus depth (MVD) video format consists of two components: texture and depth map, where a combination of these components enables a receiver to generate arbitrary virtual views. However, MVD presents a very voluminous video format that requires a compression process for storage and especially for transmission. Conventional codecs are perfectly efficient for texture images compression but not for intrinsic depth maps properties. Depth images indeed are characterized by areas of smoothly varying grey levels separated by sharp discontinuities at the position of object boundaries. Preserving these characteristics is important to enable high quality view synthesis at the receiver side. In this paper, sparse representation of depth maps is discussed. It is shown that a significant gain in sparsity is achieved when particular mixed dictionaries are used for approximating these types of images with greedy selection strategies. Experiments are conducted to confirm the effectiveness at producing sparse representations, and competitiveness, with respect to candidate state-of-art dictionaries. Finally, the resulting method is shown to be effective for depth maps compression and represents an advantage over the ongoing 3D high efficiency video coding compression standard, particularly at medium and high bitrates.

Investigating the Moisture Content of Polyamide 6 by Raman-Microscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lechner, Tobias; Noack, Kristina; Thöne, Manuel; Amend, Philipp; Schmidt, Michael; Will, Stefan

Thermal malleability of thermoplastics results in a high product diversity in various industry sectors. However, industrial applications require a constant and high component quality. Hence, material processing such as laser welding has to consider that, e.g., the moisture content of thermoplastics influences the mechanical properties such as the tensile strength. Moreover, water evaporates during laser welding and can form pores and defects. Thus, there is a large need for non-invasive material inspection before processing. To that end, we developed a methodology based on Raman-microscopy and multivariate data analysis (MVD) to determine the moisture content of polyamide (MCP). Further, the impact of the MCP on the mechanical properties was verified. For samples with a defined variation of the MCP, xyz-Raman-scans were carried out and analysed using MVD. For reference purposes, the samples were weighted and tensile tests were performed. An evaluation by means of partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) resulted in a prediction of the MCP with a correlation coefficient >98%. Consequently, Raman-microscopy shows large potential for developing new techniques for inspection and quality control of plastics before processing. Dedicated to Professor Alfred Leipertz on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

Morpheus Alhat Integrated and Laser Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians wearing safety goggles, prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for an automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and laser test at a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. The seventh free flight test of Morpheus occurred on March 11. The 83-second test began at 3:41 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 580 feet. Morpheus then flew its fastest downrange trek at 30 mph, travelling farther than before, 837 feet. The lander performed a 42-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and touching down on Landing Site 2, at the northern landing pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Morpheus landed within one foot of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Angiogenesis blockade as a new therapeutic approach to experimental colitis

PubMed Central

Danese, Silvio; Sans, Miquel; Spencer, David M; Beck, Ivy; Doñate, Fernando; Plunkett, Marian L; de la Motte, Carol; Redline, Raymond; Shaw, David E; Levine, Alan D; Mazar, Andrew P; Fiocchi, Claudio

2007-01-01

Background Neoangiogenesis is a critical component of chronic inflammatory disorders. Inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective treatment in animal models of inflammation, but has not been tested in experimental colitis. Aim To investigate the effect of ATN‐161, an anti‐angiogenic compound, on the course of experimental murine colitis. Method Interleukin 10‐deficient (IL10−/−) mice and wild‐type mice were kept in ultra‐barrier facilities (UBF) or conventional housing, and used for experimental conditions. Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐treated mice were used as a model of acute colitis. Mice were treated with ATN‐161 or its scrambled peptide ATN‐163. Mucosal neoangiogenesis and mean vascular density (MVD) were assessed by CD31 staining. A Disease Activity Index (DAI) was determined, and the severity of colitis was determined by a histological score. Colonic cytokine production was measured by ELISA, and lamina propria mononuclear cell proliferation by thymidine incorporation. Result MVD increased in parallel with disease progression in IL10−/− mice kept in conventional housing, but not in IL10−/− mice kept in UBF. Angiogenesis also occurred in DSS‐treated animals. IL10−/− mice with established disease treated with ATN‐161, but not with ATN‐163, showed a significant and progressive decrease in DAI. The histological colitis score was significantly lower in ATN‐161‐treated mice than in scrambled peptide‐treated mice. Inhibition of angiogenesis was confirmed by a significant decrease of MVD in ATN‐161‐treated mice than in ATN‐163‐treated mice. No therapeutic effects were observed in the DSS model of colitis. ATN‐161 showed no direct immunomodulatory activity in vitro. Conclusion Active angiogenesis occurs in the gut of IL10−/− and DSS‐treated colitic mice and parallels disease progression. ATN‐161 effectively decreases angiogenesis as well as clinical severity and histological inflammation in IL10−/− mice but not in the DDS model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The results provide the rational basis for considering anti‐angiogenic strategies in the treatment of IBD in humans. PMID:17170016

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale.

PubMed

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2017-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale , there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block-intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures.

Overexpression and correlation of HIF-2α, VEGFA and EphA2 in residual hepatocellular carcinoma following high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment: Implications for tumor recurrence and progression.

PubMed

Wu, Lun; Zhang, You-Shun; Ye, Meng-Liang; Shen, Feng; Liu, Wei; Hu, Hong-Sheng; Li, Sheng-Wei; Wu, Hong-Wei; Chen, Qin-Hua; Zhou, Wen-Bo

2017-06-01

Rapid growth of residual tumors can occur as a result of their recurrence and progression. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-2 subunit α (HIF-2α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) and angiogenesis in residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), following treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation, in order to investigate the association between protein expression and tumor recurrence and growth. Athymic BALB/c (nu/nu) mice were subcutaneously inoculated with the HCC cell line HepG2, in order to create xenograft tumors. Approximately 30 days post-inoculation, eight mice were treated with HIFU, whereas eight mice received no treatment and acted as the control group. Residual tumor tissues were obtained from the experimental groups after one month. Levels of HIF-2α, VEGFA, EphA2 and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining. CD31-positive vascular endothelial cells were counted to calculate microvascular density (MVD), and western blot analysis was performed to determine levels of HIF-2α, VEGFA, and EphA2 protein. It was found that the expression levels of HIF-2α, VEGFA, EphA2, and MVD proteins in residual HCC tissues were significantly higher than in the control group tissues (P<0.05). Tumor MVD was strongly correlated with VEGFA (R=0.957, P<0.01) and EphA2 (R=0.993, P<0.01) protein expression levels. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between HIF-2α and EphA2 expression (R=0.991, P<0.01). The correlation between VEGFA and EphA2 expression was also positive (R=0.985, P<0.01). These data suggest that overexpression of HIF-2α, VEGFA and EphA2 is related to angiogenesis in residual HCC following HIFU ablation, potentially via their association with key mediators of recurrence.

Positron emission tomography imaging of tumor angiogenesis and monitoring of antiangiogenic efficacy using the novel tetrameric peptide probe 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4.

PubMed

Jin, Zhao-Hui; Furukawa, Takako; Claron, Michael; Boturyn, Didier; Coll, Jean-Luc; Fukumura, Toshimitsu; Fujibayashi, Yasuhisa; Dumy, Pascal; Saga, Tsuneo

2012-12-01

64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 is a novel multimeric positron emission tomography (PET) probe for αVβ3 integrin imaging. Its uptake and αVβ3 expression in tumors showed a linear correlation. Since αVβ3 integrin is strongly expressed on activated endothelial cells during angiogenesis, we aimed to determine whether 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 PET can be used to image tumor angiogenesis and monitor the antiangiogenic effect of a novel multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, TSU-68. Athymic nude mice bearing human hepatocellular carcinoma HuH-7 xenografts, which expressed negligible αVβ3 levels on the tumor cells, received intraperitoneal injections of TSU-68 or the vehicle for 14 days. Antiangiogenic effects were determined at the end of therapy in terms of 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 uptake evaluated using PET, biodistribution assay, and autoradiography, and they were compared with microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD31 immunostaining. 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 PET enabled clear tumor visualization by targeting the vasculature, and the biodistribution assay indicated high tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios of 31.6 ± 6.3 and 6.7 ± 1.1, respectively, 3 h after probe injection. TSU-68 significantly slowed tumor growth and reduced MVD; these findings were consistent with a significant reduction in the tumor 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 uptake. Moreover, a linear correlation was observed between tumor MVD and the corresponding standardized uptake value (SUV) (r = 0.829, P = 0.011 for SUV(mean); r = 0.776, P = 0.024 for SUV(max)) determined by quantitative PET. Autoradiography and immunostaining showed that the distribution of intratumoral radioactivity and tumor vasculature corresponded. We concluded that 64Cu-cyclam-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 PET can be used for in vivo angiogenesis imaging and monitoring of tumor response to antiangiogenic therapy.

Antitumor effect of the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on endometrial adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

XIAO, YITAO; TENG, YINCHENG; ZHANG, RUI; LUO, LAIMIN

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib on endometrial adenocarcinoma in mice. Various amounts of celecoxib were added to HEC-1B cells in vitro for different durations. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. HEC-1B cytostasis, invasiveness and COX-2 expression were examined by MTT, transwell cabin and western blot assays, respectively. An in vivo human endometrial adenocarcinoma model was established in BALB/c nude mice using HEC-1B cells. For two weeks, the celecoxib groups were treated with celecoxib 2 or 4 mg/day via oral administration and the control group was treated with saline. Tumor volume, growth curves and the inhibition rate (IR) were recorded. COX-2 expression levels and microvessel density (MVD) were investigated using an immunohistochemical technique. In the celecoxib groups, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased within 24 h after the addition of celecoxib whereas those in the S and G2/M phases decreased with an increasing apoptosis peak (sub-G1) and apoptosis rate. The microporous Matrigel-coated polycarbonate membrane of the Transwell cabin was traversable for the HEC-1B cells. The invasiveness was attenuated when the celecoxib concentration was increased. The tumor growth was also greatly inhibited when the celecoxib concentration was increased. The tumor IRs were 32.4 and 48.6% following treatment with 2 and 4 mg/day celecoxib, respectively. COX-2 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. In the celecoxib groups, the COX-2 expression levels were concentration-dependent. The COX-2 expression level and MVD decreased when the celecoxib concentration was increased. The results of dependability analysis revealed that the COX-2 expression level was positively correlated with MVD (r=0.921; P<0.01). The antitumor effect of celecoxib on endometrial adenocarcinoma in nude mice may be related to the inhibition of COX-2 expression and microangiogenesis. PMID:23226798

Infectious agents is a risk factor for myxomatous mitral valve degeneration: A case control study.

PubMed

Tiveron, Marcos Gradim; Pomerantzeff, Pablo Maria Alberto; de Lourdes Higuchi, Maria; Reis, Marcia Martins; de Jesus Pereira, Jaqueline; Kawakami, Joyce Tieko; Ikegami, Renata Nishiyama; de Almeida Brandao, Carlos Manuel; Jatene, Fabio Biscegli

2017-04-21

The etiology of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MVD) is not fully understood and may depend on time or environmental factors for which the interaction of infectious agents has not been documented. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp), Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cp) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) on myxomatous mitral valve degeneration pathogenesis and establish whether increased in inflammation and collagen degradation in myxomatous mitral valve degeneration etiopathogenesis. An immunohistochemical test was performed to detect the inflammatory cells (CD20, CD45, CD68) and Mp, Bb and MMP9 antigens in two groups. The in situ hybridization was performed to detect Chlamydophila pneumoniae and the bacteria study was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Group 1 (n = 20), surgical specimen composed by myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, and group 2 (n = 20), autopsy specimen composed by normal mitral valve. The data were analyzed using SigmaStat version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The groups were compared using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test. A correlation analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation test. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. By immunohistochemistry, there was a higher inflammatory cells/mm2 for CD20 and CD45 in group 1, and CD68 in group 2. Higher number of Mp and Cp antigens was observed in group 1 and more Bb antigens was detected in group 2. The group 1 exhibited a positive correlation between the Bb and MVD percentage, between CD45 and Mp, and between MMP9 with Mp. These correlations were not observed in the group 2. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of structures compatible with microorganisms that feature Borrelia and Mycoplasma characteristics. The presence of infectious agents, inflammatory cells and collagenases in mitral valves appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of MVD. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was strongly related with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Despite of low percentage of Borrelia burgdorferi in MD group, this agent was correlated with myxomatous degeneration and this may occour due synergistic actions between these infectious agents likely contribute to collagen degradation.

Thoracic Vertebral Body Irradiation Contributes to Acute Hematologic Toxicity During Chemoradiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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

Deek, Matthew P.; Benenati, Brian; Kim, Sinae

Purpose: To determine the relationships between radiation doses to the thoracic bone marrow and declines in blood cell counts in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Methods and Materials: We included 52 patients with NSCLC treated with definitive concurrent carboplatin–paclitaxel and RT. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters for the thoracic vertebrae (TV), sternum, scapulae, clavicles, and ribs were assessed for associations with changes in blood counts during the course of CRT. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between hematologic nadirs and DVH parameters. A DVH parameter of Vx was the percentage ofmore » the total organ volume exceeding x radiation dose. Results: Grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity including neutropenia developed in 21% (n=11), leukopenia in 42% (n=22), anemia in 6% (n=3), and throbocytopenia in 2% (n=1) of patients. Greater RT dose to the TV was associated with higher risk of grade ≥3 leukopenia across multiple DVH parameters, including TV V{sub 20} (TVV) (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; P=.025), TVV{sub 30} (OR 1.07; P=.013), and mean vertebral dose (MVD) (OR 1.13; P=.026). On multiple regression analysis, TVV{sub 30} (β = −0.004; P=.018) and TVV{sub 20} (β = −0.003; P=.048) were associated with white blood cell nadir. Additional bone marrow sites (scapulae, clavicles, and ribs) did not affect hematologic toxicity. A 20% chance of grade ≥3 leukopenia was associated with a MVD of 13.5 Gy and a TTV{sub 30} of 28%. Cutoff values to avoid grade ≥3 leukopenia were MVD ≤23.9 Gy, TVV{sub 20} ≤56.0%, and TVV{sub 30} ≤52.1%. Conclusions: Hematologic toxicity is associated with greater RT doses to the TV during CRT for NSCLC. Sparing of the TV using advanced radiation techniques may improve tolerance of CRT and result in improved tolerance of concurrent chemotherapy.« less

Low-frequency ultrasound-mediated microvessel disruption combined with docetaxel to treat prostate carcinoma xenografts in nude mice: A novel type of chemoembolization

PubMed Central

Yang, Yu; Bai, Wenkun; Chen, Yini; Nan, Shuliang; Lin, Yanduan; Ying, Tao; Hu, Bing

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether low-frequency ultrasound (US)-mediated microvessel disruption combined with docetaxel (DTX) can be used as a novel type of chemoembolization. Mice were assigned to four groups: i) The USMB group, treated with low-frequency US combined with microbubbles (USMB); ii) the DTX group, treated with DTX; iii) the USMB + DTX group, treated with combined therapy; and iv) the control group, which was untreated. Immediately after the first treatment, the average peak intensity (API) on contrast-enhanced US was calculated, and tumors were excised for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. At 2 weeks post-treatment, the tumor volumes and wet weights were calculated, and tumors were excised for immunohistochemistry to calculate apoptotic index (AI), proliferative index (PI) and microvessel density (MVD) values. Immediately after the first treatment, in the DTX and control groups, the tumors demonstrated abundant perfusion enhancement, while in the USMB + DTX and USMB groups, blood perfusion of the tumors was interrupted. Compared with that of the control group, the API was significantly lower in the USMB + DTX USMB groups (all P<0.001). HE staining showed that tumor microvasculature was disrupted into flaky hematomas and severely dilated microvessels in the USMB + DTX and USMB groups. In the DTX and control groups, there was no distinct evidence of the disruption and dilation of blood microvessels. At the end of the treatment, the mean tumor inhibition ratio was 73.33, 46.67 and 33.33% for the USMB + DTX, DTX and USMB groups, respectively. The USMB + DTX group had the highest AI, and the lowest PI and MVD compared with the other groups, although the difference between the USMB + DTX and DTX groups with regard to PI and MVD was not significant (USMB + DTX vs. DTX group, P=0.345 and P=0.059, respectively). In conclusion, as a novel type of chemoembolization, USMB combined with DTX is more effective than USMB or DTX alone in inhibiting tumor growth via the enhancement of apoptosis, and the suppression of proliferation and angiogenesis. PMID:27446386

Small-strip Thin Gap Chambers for the muon spectrometer upgrade of the ATLAS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez Codina, E.; ATLAS Muon Collaboration

2016-07-01

The ATLAS muon system upgrade to be installed during the LHC long shutdown in 2018/19, the so-called New Small Wheel (NSW), is designed to cope with the increased instantaneous luminosity in LHC Run 3. The small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC) will provide the NSW with a fast trigger and high precision tracking. The construction protocol has been validated by test beam experiments on a full-size prototype sTGC detector, showing the performance requirements are met. The intrinsic spatial resolution for a single layer has been found to be about 45 μm for a perpendicular incident angle, and the transition region between pads has been measured to be about 4 mm.

Design and construction of prototype radio antenna for shortest radio wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leighton, R. B.

1975-01-01

A paraboloid radio antenna of 10.4 meters diameter, 0.41 meter focal length was constructed and its successful completion is described. The surface accuracy of the antenna is at least four times better than any existing antenna in its class size (50 micrometers rms). Antenna design specifications (i.e., for mounting, drive motors, honeycomb structures) are discussed and engineering drawings and photographs of antenna components are shown. The antenna will be used for millimeter-wave interferometry and sub-millimeter wave radiometry over a full frequency range (up to approximately 860 GHz). The antenna will also be moveable (for interferometric use) between reinforced concrete pads by rail. The effects of the weather and gravity on antenna performance are briefly discussed.

The effects of feedback on computer workstation posture habits.

PubMed

Epstein, Rhonda; Colford, Sean; Epstein, Ethan; Loye, Brandon; Walsh, Michael

2012-01-01

Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) and musculoskeletal disorders in the United States and worldwide are increasing at an alarming rate due to the advent of ubiquitous computer usage. Factors that lead to computer-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) include inadequately designed workstations, poor posture, and lack of knowledge about proper ergonomics and use habits. Studies have documented the negative impact of improper posture and the MSD seen in students and office workers due to frequent computer usage. Determine if the frequency (single vs. continuous reminder) and/or use of feedback affects posture at a computer workstation. Observations of posture habits were made in three local schools and one local company. Feedback effects were tested on the students (ages 10-15). Real time feedback was given in two studies. In one study, instructions and a verbal reminder were given to students and in a second study, a prototype 'Posture Pad' was developed to provide continuous feedback to the user. Verbal reminders to sit correctly led to transient improvement of posture. Use of the 'Posture Pad' resulted in significant improvement in posture with subjects exhibiting correct posture 98 ± 5% of the time. Real time feedback about how one is sitting is an effective mechanism for non-transient improvement of posture at computer workstations.

Alternative glues for the production of ATLAS silicon strip modules for the Phase-II upgrade of the ATLAS Inner Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poley, L.; Bloch, I.; Edwards, S.; Friedrich, C.; Gregor, I.-M.; Jones, T.; Lacker, H.; Pyatt, S.; Rehnisch, L.; Sperlich, D.; Wilson, J.

2016-05-01

The Phase-II upgrade of the ATLAS detector for the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) includes the replacement of the current Inner Detector with an all-silicon tracker consisting of pixel and strip detectors. The current Phase-II detector layout requires the construction of 20,000 strip detector modules consisting of sensor, circuit boards and readout chips, which are connected mechanically using adhesives. The adhesive used initially between readout chips and circuit board is a silver epoxy glue as was used in the current ATLAS SemiConductor Tracker (SCT). However, this glue has several disadvantages, which motivated the search for an alternative. This paper presents a study of six ultra-violet (UV) cure glues and a glue pad for possible use in the assembly of silicon strip detector modules for the ATLAS upgrade. Trials were carried out to determine the ease of use, thermal conduction and shear strength. Samples were thermally cycled, radiation hardness and corrosion resistance were also determined. These investigations led to the exclusion of three UV cure glues as well as the glue pad. Three UV cure glues were found to be possible better alternatives than silver loaded glue. Results from electrical tests of first prototype modules constructed using these glues are presented.

USSR Report, Political and Sociological Affairs, No. 1297, Current Political Issues.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-26

Sihanouk Visits Pyongyang 9 NAT IONAL Deputy MVD Minister on Combatting Alcoholism (B. Shumilin; PRAVDA, 17 Jul 82) ............................. 10...COMBATTING ALCOHOLISM Moscow PRAVDA in Russian 17 Jul 82 p 3 [Article by B. Shumilin, USSR deputy ’Minister of -internal affairs: "And Persuadeand...work, is occupied by the struggle against alcoholism . An overwhelming majority of the Soviet people does not tolerate drunkenness and supports measures

Ontology for Life-Cycle Modeling of Electrical Distribution Systems: Application of Model View Definition Attributes

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

Building in- formation exchange (COBie), Building Information Modeling ( BIM ) 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF...to develop a life-cycle building model have resulted in the definition of a “core” building information model that contains general information de...develop an information -exchange Model View Definition (MVD) for building electrical systems. The objective of the current work was to document the

Ice Roughness in Short Duration SLD Icing Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClain, Stephen T.; Reed, Dana; Vargas, Mario; Kreeger, Richard E.; Tsao, Jen-Ching

2014-01-01

Ice accretion codes depend on models of roughness parameters to account for the enhanced heat transfer during the ice accretion process. While mitigating supercooled large droplet (SLD or Appendix O) icing is a significant concern for manufacturers seeking future vehicle certification due to the pending regulation, historical ice roughness studies have been performed using Appendix C icing clouds which exhibit mean volumetric diameters (MVD) much smaller than SLD clouds. Further, the historical studies of roughness focused on extracting parametric representations of ice roughness using multiple images of roughness elements. In this study, the ice roughness developed on a 21-in. NACA 0012 at 0deg angle of attack exposed to short duration SLD icing events was measured in the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The MVD's used in the study ranged from 100 micrometer to 200 micrometers, in a 67 m/s flow, with liquid water contents of either 0.6 gm/cubic meters or 0.75 gm/cubic meters. The ice surfaces were measured using a Romer Absolute Arm laser scanning system. The roughness associated with each surface point cloud was measured using the two-dimensional self-organizing map approach developed by McClain and Kreeger (2013) resulting in statistical descriptions of the ice roughness.

Immunohistochemical Comparison of the Expression of CD34 and CD105 in Odontogenic Keratocyst and Dentigerous Cyst

PubMed Central

Jamshidi, Shokoofeh; Zargaran, Massoumeh; Roshanaei, Ghodratollah; Hadadi, Fatemeh; Dehghani| Nazhvani, Ali

2017-01-01

Statement of the Problem: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a developmental odontogenic cyst with specific histopathological features, high recurrence rate, and aggressive clinical behavior. Angiogenesis might be considered as an important factor for the growth, expansion, and distribution of this lesion. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the mean vascular densities (MVD) of OKCs and dentigerous cysts to evaluate their relationship with the biologic behavior of these lesions. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional analytical study, angiogenesis was assessed in OKC and dentigerous cyst by measuring the MVD. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using CD34 and CD105. The results were analyzed with independent samples t-test. The data were analyzed, setting p value at 0.05. Results: The MVDs with the use of CD34 and CD105 markers were significantly higher in OKC compared to dentigerous cyst (p< 0.05). In addition, MVDs obtained by CD105 in dentigerous cysts and OKC were significantly less than those based on CD34 (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be suggested that angiogenesis might be one of the possible mechanisms involved in higher aggressive biologic behavior and greater recurrence rate of OKC compared to dentigerous cysts. PMID:28280759

Polygamy and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Men Undergoing Angiography: An Observational Study.

PubMed

Daoulah, Amin; Lotfi, Amir; Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Al-Kaabi, Salem; Al-Faifi, Salem M; Elkhateeb, Osama E; Alama, Mohamed N; Hersi, Ahmad S; Dixon, Ciaran M; Ahmed, Waleed; Al-Shehri, Mohamed; Youssef, Ali; Elimam, Ahmed Moustafa; Abougalambou, Ayman S; Murad, Waheed; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A

2017-01-01

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a link between psychosocial risk factors such as marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD). Polygamy (multiple concurrent wives) is a distinct marital status practiced in many countries in Asia and the Middle East, but its association with CAD is not well defined. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period from April 1, 2013, to March 30, 2014. Of 1,068 enrolled patients, 687 were married men. Polygamy was reported in 32% of married men (1 wife: 68%, 2 wives: 19%, 3 wives: 10%, and 4 wives: 3%). When stratified by number of wives, significant baseline differences were observed in age, type of community (rural versus urban), prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and household income. After adjusting for baseline differences, there was a significant association between polygamy and CAD (adjusted OR 4.6 [95% CI 2.5, 8.3]), multivessel disease (MVD) (adjusted OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.8, 3.7]), and left main disease (LMD) (adjusted OR 3.5 [95% CI 2.1, 5.9]). Findings were consistent when the number of wives was analyzed as a continuous variable. In conclusion, among married men undergoing coronary angiography for clinical indications, polygamy is associated with the presence of significant CAD, MVD, and LMD.

Lymphatic vessel density in the neoplastic progression of Barrett's oesophagus to adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Brundler, M‐A; Harrison, J A; de Saussure, B; de Perrot, M; Pepper, M S

2006-01-01

Background Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis as a result of early lymph node metastasis. Aims To measure lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the neoplastic progression from Barrett's metaplasia to adenocarcinoma and determine whether LVD can predict the risk of cancer. In addition, to correlate LVD with lymph node metastasis and assess whether LVD could be used as a prognostic indicator for outcome or survival. Methods LVD and microvascular density (MVD) were assessed after immunohistochemical staining of vessels in Barrett's metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma tissues and were correlated with clinicopathological features. Results LVD was significantly reduced in adenocarcinoma, being half that seen in normal stomach/oesophagus or metaplasia/dysplasia. LVD did not correlate with tumour grade, stage, or clinical outcome; however, patients who had either lymph node metastasis or invasion of tumour cells into peritumorous lymphatic vessels had a significantly worse overall survival. MVD was also assessed as a prognostic marker; its increase appeared to be linked more with the development of Barrett's metaplasia than adenocarcinoma. Conclusions The reduction in lymphatic vessel numbers was not useful for determining disease outcome in the patient group studied. It is the entry of tumour cells into pre‐existing peritumorous lymphatic vessels that confers a significantly worse overall survival. PMID:16443737

Topical erythropoietin promotes wound repair in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Hamed, Saher; Ullmann, Yehuda; Masoud, Muhannad; Hellou, Elias; Khamaysi, Ziad; Teot, Luc

2010-01-01

Wound healing in diabetic patients is slower than in healthy individuals. Erythropoietin (EPO) has non-hemopoietic targets in the skin, and systemically administered EPO promotes wound healing in experimental animals. This study investigated the effect of topical EPO treatment on defective wound repair in the skin of diabetic rats. Full-thickness excisional skin wounds were made in 38 rats, of which 30 had diabetes. The wounds were then treated topically with a cream that contained either vehicle, 600 IU ml(-1) EPO (low dose), or 3,000 IU ml(-1) (high dose) EPO. We assessed the rate of wound closure during the 12-day treatment period, and microvascular density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hydroxyproline (HP) contents, and the extent of apoptosis in wound tissues at the end of the 12-day treatment period. Topical EPO treatment significantly reduced the time to final wound closure. This increased rate of closure of the two EPO-treated wounds in diabetic rats was associated with increased MVD, VEGF, and HP contents, and a reduced extent of apoptosis. In light of our finding that topical EPO treatment promotes skin wound repair in diabetic rats, we propose that topical EPO treatment is a therapeutically beneficial method of treating chronic diabetic wounds.

Parecoxib: an enhancer of radiation therapy for colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Xiong, Wei; Li, Wen-Hui; Jiang, Yong-Xin; Liu, Shan; Ai, Yi-Qin; Liu, Rong; Chang, Li; Zhang, Ming; Wang, Xiao-Li; Bai, Han; Wang, Hong; Zheng, Rui; Tan, Jing

2015-01-01

To study the effect of parecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor, on the radiation response of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and its underlying mechanisms. Both in vitro colony formation and apoptosis assays as well as in vivo mouse xenograft experiments were used to explore the radiosensitizing effects of parecoxib in human HCT116 and HT29 CRC cells. Parecoxib sensitized CRC cells to radiation in vitro with a sensitivity enhancement ratio of 1.32 for HCT116 cells and 1.15 for HT29 cells at a surviving fraction of 0.37. This effect was partially attributable to enhanced apoptosis induction by parecoxib combined with radiation, as illustrated using an in vitro apoptosis assays. Parecoxib augmented the tumor response of HCT116 xenografts to radiation, achieving growth delay more than 20 days and an enhancement factor of 1.53. In accordance with the in vitro results, parecoxib combined with radiation resulted in less proliferation and more apoptosis in tumors than radiation alone. Radiation monotherapy decreased microvessel density (MVD) and microvessel intensity (MVI), but increased the hypoxia level in xenografts. Parecoxib did not affect MVD, but it increased MVI and attenuated hypoxia. Parecoxib can effectively enhance radiation sensitivity in CRC cells through direct effects on tumor cells and indirect effects on tumor vasculature.

Continuous representation of tumor microvessel density and detection of angiogenic hotspots in histological whole-slide images.

PubMed

Kather, Jakob Nikolas; Marx, Alexander; Reyes-Aldasoro, Constantino Carlos; Schad, Lothar R; Zöllner, Frank Gerrit; Weis, Cleo-Aron

2015-08-07

Blood vessels in solid tumors are not randomly distributed, but are clustered in angiogenic hotspots. Tumor microvessel density (MVD) within these hotspots correlates with patient survival and is widely used both in diagnostic routine and in clinical trials. Still, these hotspots are usually subjectively defined. There is no unbiased, continuous and explicit representation of tumor vessel distribution in histological whole slide images. This shortcoming distorts angiogenesis measurements and may account for ambiguous results in the literature. In the present study, we describe and evaluate a new method that eliminates this bias and makes angiogenesis quantification more objective and more efficient. Our approach involves automatic slide scanning, automatic image analysis and spatial statistical analysis. By comparing a continuous MVD function of the actual sample to random point patterns, we introduce an objective criterion for hotspot detection: An angiogenic hotspot is defined as a clustering of blood vessels that is very unlikely to occur randomly. We evaluate the proposed method in N=11 images of human colorectal carcinoma samples and compare the results to a blinded human observer. For the first time, we demonstrate the existence of statistically significant hotspots in tumor images and provide a tool to accurately detect these hotspots.

Effect of Jianweiyuyang granule on gastric ulcer recurrence and expression of VEGF mRNA in the healing process of gastric ulcer in rats.

PubMed

Dai, Xing-Ping; Li, Jia-Bang; Liu, Zhao-Qian; Ding, Xiang; Huang, Cheng-Hui; Zhou, Bing

2005-09-21

To investigate the effect of Jianweiyuyang (JWYY) granule on gastric ulcer recurrence and its mechanism in the treatment of gastric ulcer in rats. Gastric ulcer in rats was induced according to Okeba's method with minor modification and the recurrence model was induced by IL-1beta. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA (VEGF mRNA) was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in gastric ulcer and microvessel density (MVD) adjacent to the ulcer margin was examined by immunohistochemistry. MVD was higher in the JWYY treatment group (14.0+/-2.62) compared with the normal, model and ranitidine treatment groups (2.2+/-0.84, 8.8+/-0.97, 10.4+/-0.97) in rats (P<0.01). The expression level of VEGF mRNA in gastric tissues during the healing process of JWYY treatment group rats significantly increased compared with other groups (normal group: 0.190+/-0.019, model group: 0.642+/-0.034, ranitidine group: 0.790+/-0.037, P<0.01). JWYY granules can stimulate angiogenesis and enhance the expression of VEGF mRNA in gastric ulcer rats. This might be the mechanism for JWYY accelerating the ulcer healing, and preventing the recurrence of gastric ulcer.

Beta-methyl substitution of cyclohexylalanine in Dmt-Tic-Cha-Phe peptides results in highly potent delta opioid antagonists.

PubMed

Tóth, Géza; Ioja, Eniko; Tömböly, Csaba; Ballet, Steven; Tourwé, Dirk; Péter, Antal; Martinek, Tamás; Chung, Nga N; Schiller, Peter W; Benyhe, Sándor; Borsodi, Anna

2007-01-25

The opioid peptide TIPP (H-Tyr-Tic-Phe-Phe-OH, Tic:1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) was substituted with Dmt (2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) and a new unnatural amino acid, beta-MeCha (beta-methyl-cyclohexylalanine). This double substitution led to a new series of opioid peptides displaying subnanomolar delta antagonist activity and mu agonist or antagonist properties depending on the configuration of the beta-MeCha residue. The most promising analog, H-Dmt-Tic-(2S,3S)-beta-MeCha-Phe-OH was a very selective delta antagonist both in the mouse vas deferens (MVD) assay (Ke = 0.241 +/- 0.05 nM) and in radioligand binding assay (K i delta = 0.48 +/- 0.05 nM, K i mu/K i delta = 2800). The epimeric peptide H-Dmt-Tic-(2S,3R)-beta-MeCha-Phe-OH and the corresponding peptide amide turned out to be mixed partial mu agonist/delta antagonists in the guinea pig ileum and MVD assays. Our results constitute further examples of the influence of Dmt and beta-methyl substitution as well as C-terminal amidation on the potency, selectivity, and signal transduction properties of TIPP related peptides. Some of these compounds represent valuable pharmacological tools for opioid research.

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a tether test near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is positioned near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a tether test. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician prepares the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a tether test near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Launch Pad in a Box

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mantovani, J. G.; Tamasy, G. J.; Mueller, R. P.; Townsend, I. I.; Sampson, J. W.; Lane, M. A.

2016-01-01

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is developing a new deployable launch system capability to support a small class of launch vehicles for NASA and commercial space companies to test and launch their vehicles. The deployable launch pad concept was first demonstrated on a smaller scale at KSC in 2012 in support of NASA Johnson Space Center's Morpheus Lander Project. The main objective of the Morpheus Project was to test a prototype planetary lander as a vertical takeoff and landing test-bed for advanced spacecraft technologies using a hazard field that KSC had constructed at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). A steel pad for launch or landing was constructed using a modular design that allowed it to be reconfigurable and expandable. A steel flame trench was designed as an optional module that could be easily inserted in place of any modular steel plate component. The concept of a transportable modular launch and landing pad may also be applicable to planetary surfaces where the effects of rocket exhaust plume on surface regolith is problematic for hardware on the surface that may either be damaged by direct impact of high speed dust particles, or impaired by the accumulation of dust (e.g., solar array panels and thermal radiators). During the Morpheus free flight campaign in 2013-14, KSC performed two studies related to rocket plume effects. One study compared four different thermal ablatives that were applied to the interior of a steel flame trench that KSC had designed and built. The second study monitored the erosion of a concrete landing pad following each landing of the Morpheus vehicle on the same pad located in the hazard field. All surfaces of a portable flame trench that could be directly exposed to hot gas during launch of the Morpheus vehicle were coated with four types of ablatives. All ablative products had been tested by NASA KSC and/or the manufacturer. The ablative thicknesses were measured periodically following the twelve Morpheus free flight tests. The thermal energy from the Morpheus rocket exhaust plume was only found to be sufficient to cause appreciable ablation of one of the four ablatives that were tested. The rocket exhaust plume did cause spalling of concrete during each descent and landing on a landing pad in the hazard field. The Extended Abstract ASE Earth and Space Conference April, 2016 - Orlando, FL concrete surface was laser scanned following each Morpheus landing, and the total volume of spalled concrete that eroded between the first and final landings of the Morpheus Project's test campaign was estimated. This paper will also describe a new deployable launch system (DLS) capability that is being developed at KSC and was publicly announced in May 2015 (KSC Partnerships, 2015). The DLS is a set of multi-user Ground Support Equipment that will be used to test and launch small class launch vehicles. The system is comprised of four main elements: the Launch Stand, the Flame Deflector, the Pad Apron and the KAMAG transporter. The system elements are designed to be deployed at launch or test sites within the KSC/CCAFS boundaries. The DLS is intended to be used together with the Fluid and Electrical System of the Universal Propellant Servicing Systems and Mobile Power Data and Communications Unit.

Launch Pad in a Box

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mantovani, James; Tamasy, Gabor; Mueller, Rob; Townsend, Van; Sampson, Jeff; Lane, Mike

2016-01-01

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is developing a new deployable launch system capability to support a small class of launch vehicles for NASA and commercial space companies to test and launch their vehicles. The deployable launch pad concept was first demonstrated on a smaller scale at KSC in 2012 in support of NASA Johnson Space Center's Morpheus Lander Project. The main objective of the Morpheus Project was to test a prototype planetary lander as a vertical takeoff and landing test-bed for advanced spacecraft technologies using a hazard field that KSC had constructed at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). A steel pad for launch or landing was constructed using a modular design that allowed it to be reconfigurable and expandable. A steel flame trench was designed as an optional module that could be easily inserted in place of any modular steel plate component. The concept of a transportable modular launch and landing pad may also be applicable to planetary surfaces where the effects of rocket exhaust plume on surface regolith is problematic for hardware on the surface that may either be damaged by direct impact of high speed dust particles, or impaired by the accumulation of dust (e.g., solar array panels and thermal radiators). During the Morpheus free flight campaign in 2013-14, KSC performed two studies related to rocket plume effects. One study compared four different thermal ablatives that were applied to the interior of a steel flame trench that KSC had designed and built. The second study monitored the erosion of a concrete landing pad following each landing of the Morpheus vehicle on the same pad located in the hazard field. All surfaces of a portable flame trench that could be directly exposed to hot gas during launch of the Morpheus vehicle were coated with four types of ablatives. All ablative products had been tested by NASA KSC and/or the manufacturer. The ablative thicknesses were measured periodically following the twelve Morpheus free flight tests. The thermal energy from the Morpheus rocket exhaust plume was only found to be sufficient to cause appreciable ablation of one of the four ablatives that were tested. The rocket exhaust plume did cause spalling of concrete during each descent and landing on a landing pad in the hazard field. The Extended Abstract ASE Earth and Space Conference April, 2016 - Orlando, FL concrete surface was laser scanned following each Morpheus landing, and the total volume of spalled concrete that eroded between the first and final landings of the Morpheus Project's test campaign was estimated. This paper will also describe a new deployable launch system (DLS) capability that is being developed at KSC and was publicly announced in May 2015 (KSC Partnerships, 2015). The DLS is a set of multi-user Ground Support Equipment that will be used to test and launch small class launch vehicles. The system is comprised of four main elements: the Launch Stand, the Flame Deflector, the Pad Apron and the KAMAG transporter. The system elements are designed to be deployed at launch or test sites within the KSC/CCAFS boundaries. The DLS is intended to be used together with the Fluid and Electrical System of the Universal Propellant Servicing Systems and Mobile Power Data and Communications Unit

Paper-based chemical and biological sensors: Engineering aspects.

PubMed

Ahmed, Snober; Bui, Minh-Phuong Ngoc; Abbas, Abdennour

2016-03-15

Remarkable efforts have been dedicated to paper-based chemosensors and biosensors over the last few years, mainly driven by the promise of reaching the best trade-off between performance, affordability and simplicity. Because of the low-cost and rapid prototyping of these sensors, recent research has been focused on providing affordable diagnostic devices to the developing world. The recent progress in sensitivity, multi-functionality and integration of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs), increasingly suggests that this technology is not only attractive in resource-limited environments but it also represents a serious challenger to silicon, glass and polymer-based biosensors. This review discusses the design, chemistry and engineering aspects of these developments, with a focus on the past few years. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinician-Driven Design of VitalPAD–An Intelligent Monitoring and Communication Device to Improve Patient Safety in the Intensive Care Unit

PubMed Central

Flohr, Luisa; Beaudry, Shaylene; Johnson, K Taneille; West, Nicholas; Burns, Catherine M; Ansermino, J Mark; Dumont, Guy A; Wensley, David; Skippen, Peter

2018-01-01

The pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex environment, in which a multidisciplinary team of clinicians (registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians) continually observe and evaluate patient information. Data are provided by multiple, and often physically separated sources, cognitive workload is high, and team communication can be challenging. Our aim is to combine information from multiple monitoring and therapeutic devices in a mobile application, the VitalPAD, to improve the efficiency of clinical decision-making, communication, and thereby patient safety. We observed individual ICU clinicians, multidisciplinary rounds, and handover procedures for 54 h to identify data needs, workflow, and existing cognitive aid use and limitations. A prototype was developed using an iterative participatory design approach; usability testing, including general and task-specific feedback, was obtained from 15 clinicians. Features included map overviews of the ICU showing clinician assignment, patient status, and respiratory support; patient vital signs; a photo-documentation option for arterial blood gas results; and team communication and reminder functions. Clinicians reported the prototype to be an intuitive display of vital parameters and relevant alerts and reminders, as well as a user-friendly communication tool. Future work includes implementation of a prototype, which will be evaluated under simulation and real-world conditions, with the aim of providing ICU staff with a monitoring device that will improve their daily work, communication, and decision-making capacity. Mobile monitoring of vital signs and therapy parameters might help improve patient safety in wards with single-patient rooms and likely has applications in many acute and critical care settings. PMID:29552425

Determining the relationship between "microvessel density" and different grades of astrocytoma based on immunohistochemistry for "factor VIII-related antigen" (von Willebrand factor) expression in tumor microvessels.

PubMed

Mahzouni, Parvin; Mohammadizadeh, Fereshteh; Mougouei, Kourosh; Moghaddam, Noushin Afshar; Chehrei, Ali; Mesbah, Alireza

2010-01-01

Astrocytic brain tumors are the most common primary central nervous system tumors, which are classified into four grades. One of the most important pathologic criteria for the diagnosis of higher-grade astrocytomas (especially glioblastoma multiforme) is microvessel proliferation, particularly in the form of glomeruloid complex. Because tumor angiogenesis is a necessary factor for growth and invasiveness of malignancies, microvessel density (MVD) and intensity of angiogenesis may be used to determine the grade of astrocytomas and plan therapy accordingly. We have planned this study to evaluate the relationship between vwf expression in microvessels and different grades of astrocytoma. Sixty-four formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded blocks of surgical specimens with diagnosis of astrocytoma (grades I to IV, each of them 16 blocks) were selected in a simple-nonrandom sampling. Thin sections of tissue blocks underwent immunohistochemical staining for vwf. The stained slides were examined using a light microscope at low (100) and high (400) magnifications. MVD was estimated by calculating the mean number of stained microvessels in three areas of highest vascularization in the high-power field (400). The intensity of staining was determined based on a 3 scale model, in which scores 0, 1, 2, and 3 mean no detectable stain, trace staining, moderate amount of diffuse stain, and strong diffuse staining, respectively. Thirty-six (56%) patients were male and 28 (44%) were female. Scores 0 and 1 of microvessel staining intensity were not observed in any grades studied, but severe staining intensity (score 3) was observed in 18.8%, 37.5%, 56.3%, and 87.5% of grades I, II, III, and IV astrocytomas, respectively. "Vwf vessel index" (MVD staining intensity of microvessels) was 23.84, 25.62, 31.62, and 62.43 in grades I, II, III, and IV astrocytomas, respectively. We found a significant relationship between staining intensity of vwf in microvessels and different grades of astrocytomas. The intensity of microvessel stain increases in parallel with increasing tumor grade. Regarding "microvessel density" and "vwf vessel index," the difference is predominantly between grade IV and all other grades. However, there is no other statistically meaningful difference between grades I, II and III.

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale

PubMed Central

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2018-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale, there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block–intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures. PMID:29354145

[Antitumor effect of recombinant T7 phage vaccine expressing xenogenic vascular endothelial growth factor on Lewis lung cancer in mice].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Hui; Tang, Liang; Liu, Dong; Sun, Hong-Mei; Zhou, Cai-Cun; Tan, Li-Song; Wang, Li-Ping; Zhang, Pei-De; Zhang, Shang-Quan

2006-10-01

Angiogenesis plays an important role in growth and metastasis of tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered as a fundamental regulator for angiogenesis. This study was to construct a recombinant T7 phage vaccine expressing xenogenic VEGF on the capsid, and test its inhibitory effect on Lewis lung cancer cells in mice. VEGF gene was cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from human lung cancer tissues, and inserted into phage using T7 Select10-3b kit to construct T7 Select10-3b_VEGF vaccine. The titer of prepared phage reached 1x10(13) pfu/ml. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: T7 Select10-3b_VEGF vaccine group (T7-VEGF), T7 phage (T7) group, normal saline (NS) group (10 mice/group). Each mouse was injected with Freundos adjuvant mixed with 1x10(12) pfu/200 microl T7 Select10-3b_VEGF, or T7, or normal saline once a week for 4 weeks. Lewis lung carcinoma model (LL/2) was established in C57BL/6J mice after 4-week immunization. Tumor growth and mouse's physical status were observed during immunization. Tumor weight and serum level of specific anti-VEGF antibody were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Microvessel density (MVD) of tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry 14 days after the inoculation of tumor cells. Tumor weight of T7-VEGF vaccine group,T7 group, and NS group were (0.543+/-0.259)g, (0.982+/-0.359)g, (1.169+/-0.460)g, respectively. Tumor weight of T7-VEGF vaccine group was significantly lower than that of NS group (P<0.01). Serum anti-VEGF antibody level in T7-VEGF vaccine group was 1:1,000. MVD was significantly lower in T7-VEGF vaccine group than in NS group (8.5+/-0.8 vs 18.5+/-1.6, P<0.05). MVD in T7 group was 16.4+/-1.3. Recombinant T7 phage vaccine expressing xenogenic VEGF can break immunologic tolerance against self-VEGF and inhibit the growth of Lewis lung cancer cells.

[Pathologic change of elastic fibers with difference of microvessel density and expression of angiogenesis-related proteins in internal hemorrhoid tissues].

PubMed

Han, Wei; Wang, Zhen-jun; Zhao, Bo; Yang, Xin-qing; Wang, Dong; Wang, Jian-pin; Tang, Xiu-ying; Zhao, Fa; Hung, Yan-ting

2005-01-01

To investigate the pathological variations in internal hemorrhoid and evaluate the expression of nitric- oxide synthase(NOS),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),matrix metalloproteinase- 2(MMP2) and MMP9. Normal anal cushion and internal hemorrhoids tissue samples were obtained from 24 patients with iii degree hemorrhoids after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids(PPH) procedure. The expression of NOS, VEGF, MMP2, MMP9 and CD34 were detected by immunohistochemical staining; the microvessel density (MVD) was counted by anti- CD34 antibody; the elastic fibers were detected by orcein staining. There were statistically significant differences in the expression of MVD, VEGF, MMP9 between internal hemorrhoid tissue and normal anal cushions(P< 0.05). iNOS was significantly increased in hemorrhoid tissue, but no significant difference between normal anal cushions and hemorrhoid tissue. Morphological abnormalities such as breaking, distortion, mortality, hyaline degeneration were found in elastic fibers of internal hemorrhoid tissue, but not in normal anal cushions. Angiogenesis is evident in hemorrhoid tissue, suggesting the possible mechanism in the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids. The direct degeneration effect of MMP9 on supporting structure elastic fibers in anal cushion is another important mechanism. The high expression of iNOS suggests the inflammatory factors involve in the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids, and NO may be involve in pathological effect on hemorrhoids.

World-Wide Variation in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Associated Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-Regression

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) isolate. The objective here is to define the extent and possible reasons for geographic variation in the incidences of S. aureus-associated VAP, MRSA-VAP and overall VAP. A meta-regression model of S. aureus-associated VAP incidence per 1000 Mechanical Ventilation Days (MVD) was undertaken using random effects methods among publications obtained from a search of the English language literature. This model incorporated group level factors such as admission to a trauma ICU, year of publication and use of bronchoscopic sampling towards VAP diagnosis. The search identified 133 publications from seven worldwide regions published over three decades. The summary S. aureus-associated VAP incidence was 4.5 (3.9–5.3) per 1000 MVD. The highest S. aureus-associated VAP incidence is amongst reports from the Mediterranean (mean; 95% confidence interval; 6.1; 4.1–8.5) versus that from Asian ICUs (2.1; 1.5–3.0). The incidence of S. aureus-associated VAP varies by up to three-fold (for the lowest versus highest incidence) among seven geographic regions worldwide, whereas the incidence of VAP varies by less than two-fold. Admission to a trauma unit is the most important group level correlate for S. aureus-associated VAP. PMID:29495472

Clinical and Pathological Significance of ER Stress Marker (BiP/GRP78 and PERK) Expression in Malignant Melanoma.

PubMed

Shimizu, Akira; Kaira, Kyoichi; Yasuda, Masahito; Asao, Takayuki; Ishikawa, Osamu

2017-01-01

Glucose-regulated protein of 78 kD (GRP78) also referred to as immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP/GRP78) plays an important role in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The level of BiP/GRP78 is highly elevated in various human cancers. The purpose of this study is to examine the prognostic significance of BiP/GRP78 expression in patients with malignant melanoma. A total of 133 malignant melanoma patients were analyzed, and tumor specimens were stained by immunohistochemistry for BiP/GRP78, PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), Ki-67, p53 and microvessel density (MVD) determined by CD34. BiP/GRP78 and PERK were highly expressed in 40 % (53/133) and 78 % (104/133), respectively. BiP/GRP78 disclosed a significant relationship with PERK expression, thickness, T factor, N factor, disease staging, cell proliferation (Ki-67) and MVD (CD34). By multivariate analysis, the high expression of BiP/GRP78 was identified as an independent prognostic factor for predicting poor survival against malignant melanoma. The increased BiP/GRP78 expression was clarified as an independent prognostic marker for predicting worse outcome. ER stress marker, BiP/GRP78 could be a powerful molecular target for the treatment of malignant melanoma.

Polygamy and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in Men Undergoing Angiography: An Observational Study

PubMed Central

Lotfi, Amir; Al-Murayeh, Mushabab; Al-kaabi, Salem; Al-Faifi, Salem M.; Alama, Mohamed N.; Hersi, Ahmad S.; Dixon, Ciaran M.; Ahmed, Waleed; Al-Shehri, Mohamed; Youssef, Ali; Elimam, Ahmed Moustafa; Abougalambou, Ayman S.; Murad, Waheed; Alsheikh-Ali, Alawi A.

2017-01-01

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a link between psychosocial risk factors such as marital status and coronary artery disease (CAD). Polygamy (multiple concurrent wives) is a distinct marital status practiced in many countries in Asia and the Middle East, but its association with CAD is not well defined. We conducted a multicenter, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography during the period from April 1, 2013, to March 30, 2014. Of 1,068 enrolled patients, 687 were married men. Polygamy was reported in 32% of married men (1 wife: 68%, 2 wives: 19%, 3 wives: 10%, and 4 wives: 3%). When stratified by number of wives, significant baseline differences were observed in age, type of community (rural versus urban), prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and household income. After adjusting for baseline differences, there was a significant association between polygamy and CAD (adjusted OR 4.6 [95% CI 2.5, 8.3]), multivessel disease (MVD) (adjusted OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.8, 3.7]), and left main disease (LMD) (adjusted OR 3.5 [95% CI 2.1, 5.9]). Findings were consistent when the number of wives was analyzed as a continuous variable. In conclusion, among married men undergoing coronary angiography for clinical indications, polygamy is associated with the presence of significant CAD, MVD, and LMD. PMID:28250991

A Preliminary Study of Ice-Accretion Scaling for SLD Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, David N.

2003-01-01

Proposed changes to aircraft icing certification rules are being considered by European, Canadian, and American regulatory agencies to include operation in super-cooled large droplet conditions (SLD). This paper reports results of an experimental study in the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) to evaluate how well scaling methods developed for Appendix C conditions might apply to SLD conditions. Until now, scaling studies have been confined to the FAA FAR-25 Appendix C envelope of atmospheric cloud conditions. Tests were made in which it was attempted to scale to a droplet MVD of 50 microns from clouds having droplet MVDs of 175, 120, 100, and 70 microns. Scaling was based on the Ruff method with scale velocities found either by maintaining constant Weber number or by using the average of the velocities obtained by maintaining constant Weber number and constant Reynolds number. Models were unswept NACA 0012 wing sections. The reference model had a chord of 91.4 cm. Scale models had chords of 91.4, 80.0, and 53.3 cm. Tests were conducted with reference airspeeds of 100 and 150 kt (52 and 77 m/s) and with freezing fractions of 1.0, 0.6, and 0.3. It was demonstrated that the scaled 50-micron cloud simulated well the non-dimensional ice shapes accreted in clouds with MVD's of 120 microns or less.

Teflon Might Be a Factor Accounting for a Failed Microvascular Decompression in Hemifacial Spasm: A Technical Note.

PubMed

Dou, Ning-Ning; Zhong, Jun; Liu, Ming-Xing; Xia, Lei; Sun, Hui; Li, Bin; Li, Shi-Ting

2016-01-01

Although Teflon is widely adopted for microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery, it has never been addressed for failure analysis. This study analyzed the reasons for failed MVDs with emphasis on the Teflon sponge. Among the 685 hemifacial spasm cases between 2010 and 2014, 31 were reoperated on within a week because of unsatisfactory outcome, which was focused on in this study. Intraoperative findings regarding Teflon inserts of these repeat MVDs were reviewed. Among the 38 without satisfactory outcomes, 31 underwent repeat MVDs, and they were all spasm free afterwards. Eventually, the final cure rate was 99.2%. It was found in the repeat MVDs that the failure was attributable to the Teflon insert in most of the cases (74.2%) directly or indirectly. It was caused by improper placement (47.8%), inappropriate size (34.8%) and unsuitable shape (17.4%) of the Teflon sponge. Although it is not difficult for an experienced neurosurgeon to discover a neurovascular conflict during the MVD process, the size, shape and location of the Teflon sponge should not be ignored. Basically, the Teflon insert is used to keep the offending artery away from the facial nerve root rather than to isolate it. Therefore, the ideal Teflon sponge should be just small enough to produce a neurovascular separation. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Design synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 5-substituted (tetrahydronaphthalen-2yl)methyl with N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide derivatives as opioid ligands.

PubMed

Deekonda, Srinivas; Rankin, David; Davis, Peg; Lai, Josephine; Vanderah, Todd W; Porecca, Frank; Hruby, Victor J

2016-01-15

Here, we report the design, synthesis and structure activity relationship of novel small molecule opioid ligands based on 5-amino substituted (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety with N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide derivatives. We synthesized various molecules including amino, amide and hydroxy substitution on the 5th position of the (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety. In our further designs we replaced the (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety with benzyl and phenethyl moiety. These N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide analogues showed moderate to good binding affinities (850-4 nM) and were selective towards the μ opioid receptor over the δ opioid receptors. From the structure activity relationship studies, we found that a hydroxyl substitution at the 5th position of (tetrahydronapthalen-2yl)methyl group, ligands 19 and 20, showed excellent binding affinities 4 and 5 nM, respectively, and 1000 fold selectivity towards the μ opioid relative to the delta opioid receptor. The ligand 19 showed potent agonist activities 75±21 nM, and 190±42 nM in the GPI and MVD assays. Surprisingly the fluoro analogue 20 showed good agonist activities in MVD assays 170±42 nM, in contrast to its binding affinity results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiparametric Monitoring of Early Response to Antiangiogenic Therapy: A Sequential Perfusion CT and PET/CT Study in a Rabbit VX2 Tumor Model

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyun-Ju; Lee, Kyung Won; Lee, Hak Jong; Lee, Won Woo

2014-01-01

Objectives. To perform dual analysis of tumor perfusion and glucose metabolism using perfusion CT and FDG-PET/CT for the purpose of monitoring the early response to bevacizumab therapy in rabbit VX2 tumor models and to assess added value of FDG-PET to perfusion CT. Methods. Twenty-four VX2 carcinoma tumors implanted in bilateral back muscles of 12 rabbits were evaluated. Serial concurrent perfusion CT and FDG-PET/CT were performed before and 3, 7, and 14 days after bevacizumab therapy (treatment group) or saline infusion (control group). Perfusion CT was analyzed to calculate blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), and permeability surface area product (PS); FDG-PET was analyzed to calculate SUVmax, SUVmean, total lesion glycolysis (TLG), entropy, and homogeneity. The flow-metabolic ratio (FMR) was also calculated and immunohistochemical analysis of microvessel density (MVD) was performed. Results. On day 14, BF and BV in the treatment group were significantly lower than in the control group. There were no significant differences in all FDG-PET-derived parameters between both groups. In the treatment group, FMR prominently decreased after therapy and was positively correlated with MVD. Conclusions. In VX2 tumors, FMR could provide further insight into the early antiangiogenic effect reflecting a mismatch in intratumor blood flow and metabolism. PMID:25383376

Role of 2',6'-dimethyl-l-tyrosine (Dmt) in some opioid lead compounds.

PubMed

Balboni, Gianfranco; Marzola, Erika; Sasaki, Yusuke; Ambo, Akihiro; Marczak, Ewa D; Lazarus, Lawrence H; Salvadori, Severo

2010-08-15

Here we evaluated how the interchange of the amino acids 2',6'-dimethyl-L-tyrosine (Dmt), 2',6'-difluoro-L-tyrosine (Dft), and tyrosine in position 1 can affect the pharmacological characterization of some reference opioid peptides and pseudopeptides. Generally, Dft and Tyr provide analogues with a similar pharmacological profile, despite different pK(a) values. Dmt/Tyr(Dft) replacement gives activity changes depending on the reference opioid in which the modification was made. Whereas, H-Dmt-Tic-Asp *-Bid is a potent and selective delta agonist (MVD, IC(50)=0.12nM); H-Dft-Tic-Asp *-Bid and H-Tyr-Tic-Asp *-Bid are potent and selective delta antagonists (pA(2)=8.95 and 8.85, respectively). When these amino acids are employed in the synthesis of deltorphin B and its Dmt(1) and Dft(1) analogues, the three compounds maintain a very similar delta agonism (MVD, IC(50) 0.32-0.53 nM) with a decrease in selectivity relative to the Dmt(1) analogue. In the less selective H-Dmt-Tic-Gly *-Bid the replacement of Dmt with Dft and Tyr retains the delta agonism but with a decrease in potency. Antagonists containing the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore do not support the exchange of Dmt with Dft or Tyr. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Translating building information modeling to building energy modeling using model view definition.

PubMed

Jeong, WoonSeong; Kim, Jong Bum; Clayton, Mark J; Haberl, Jeff S; Yan, Wei

2014-01-01

This paper presents a new approach to translate between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) that uses Modelica, an object-oriented declarative, equation-based simulation environment. The approach (BIM2BEM) has been developed using a data modeling method to enable seamless model translations of building geometry, materials, and topology. Using data modeling, we created a Model View Definition (MVD) consisting of a process model and a class diagram. The process model demonstrates object-mapping between BIM and Modelica-based BEM (ModelicaBEM) and facilitates the definition of required information during model translations. The class diagram represents the information and object relationships to produce a class package intermediate between the BIM and BEM. The implementation of the intermediate class package enables system interface (Revit2Modelica) development for automatic BIM data translation into ModelicaBEM. In order to demonstrate and validate our approach, simulation result comparisons have been conducted via three test cases using (1) the BIM-based Modelica models generated from Revit2Modelica and (2) BEM models manually created using LBNL Modelica Buildings library. Our implementation shows that BIM2BEM (1) enables BIM models to be translated into ModelicaBEM models, (2) enables system interface development based on the MVD for thermal simulation, and (3) facilitates the reuse of original BIM data into building energy simulation without an import/export process.

Translating Building Information Modeling to Building Energy Modeling Using Model View Definition

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong Bum; Clayton, Mark J.; Haberl, Jeff S.

2014-01-01

This paper presents a new approach to translate between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) that uses Modelica, an object-oriented declarative, equation-based simulation environment. The approach (BIM2BEM) has been developed using a data modeling method to enable seamless model translations of building geometry, materials, and topology. Using data modeling, we created a Model View Definition (MVD) consisting of a process model and a class diagram. The process model demonstrates object-mapping between BIM and Modelica-based BEM (ModelicaBEM) and facilitates the definition of required information during model translations. The class diagram represents the information and object relationships to produce a class package intermediate between the BIM and BEM. The implementation of the intermediate class package enables system interface (Revit2Modelica) development for automatic BIM data translation into ModelicaBEM. In order to demonstrate and validate our approach, simulation result comparisons have been conducted via three test cases using (1) the BIM-based Modelica models generated from Revit2Modelica and (2) BEM models manually created using LBNL Modelica Buildings library. Our implementation shows that BIM2BEM (1) enables BIM models to be translated into ModelicaBEM models, (2) enables system interface development based on the MVD for thermal simulation, and (3) facilitates the reuse of original BIM data into building energy simulation without an import/export process. PMID:25309954

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

Ross, Steve; Haji-Sheikh, Michael; Huntington, Andrew

The Voxtel VX-798 is a prototype X-ray pixel array detector (PAD) featuring a silicon sensor photodiode array of 48 x 48 pixels, each 130 mu m x 130 mu m x 520 mu m thick, coupled to a CMOS readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first synchrotron X-ray characterization of this detector is presented, and its ability to selectively count individual X-rays within two independent arrival time windows, a programmable energy range, and localized to a single pixel is demonstrated. During our first trial run at Argonne National Laboratory's Advance Photon Source, the detector achieved a 60 ns gatingmore » time and 700 eV full width at half-maximum energy resolution in agreement with design parameters. Each pixel of the PAD holds two independent digital counters, and the discriminator for X-ray energy features both an upper and lower threshold to window the energy of interest discarding unwanted background. This smart-pixel technology allows energy and time resolution to be set and optimized in software. It is found that the detector linearity follows an isolated dead-time model, implying that megahertz count rates should be possible in each pixel. Measurement of the line and point spread functions showed negligible spatial blurring. When combined with the timing structure of the synchrotron storage ring, it is demonstrated that the area detector can perform both picosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.« less

Chemochromic Hydrogen Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiggins, Bryan C.

2007-01-01

As fossil fuel supplies decline, hydrogen is quickly becoming an increasingly important fuel source. Currently hydrogen is the prime fuel of today's space vehicles (e.g., Space Shuttle) and featured as a fuel for some prototype vehicles such as the BMW seven series model. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with a 4% lower explosive limit which makes leak detection a priority. In an effort to support the use of hydrogen, a chemochromic (color changing) sensor was developed that is robust, simple to use, and does not require active operation. It can be made into a thin tape which can be conveniently used for leak detection at flanges, valves, or outlets. Chemochromic sensors can be either reversible or irreversible; however, irreversible chemochromic sensors will be analyzed in this report. The irreversible sensor is useful during hazardous operations when personnel cannot be present. To actively monitor leaks, testing of the irreversible sensor against environmental effects was completed and results indicated this material is suitable for outdoor use in the harsh beachside environment of Kennedy Space Center. The experiments in this report will give additional results to the environmental testing by adding solid rocket booster residue as a variable. The primary motivation for these experiments is to prepare the sensors for the launch pad environment at the Kennedy Space Center. In an effort to simulate the atmosphere at the pads before and after launch, the chemochromic sensors are exposed to solid rocket residue under various conditions.

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians monitor the progress as a crane lifts the Project Morpheus prototype lander off the ground for a tether test near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Morpheus Campaign 2A Tether Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is positioned near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a tethered test. The test will be performed to verify the lander's recently installed autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, sensors and integration system. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson

Morpheus Alhat Tether Test Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is positioned near a new launch site at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a tether test. The launch pad was moved to a different location at the landing facility to support the next phase of flight testing. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. In the foreground of the photo is the ALHAT field. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

KSC-2014-4802

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Family History of Peripheral Artery Disease is associated with Prevalence and Severity of Peripheral Artery Disease: The San Diego Population Study (SDPS)

PubMed Central

Wassel, Christina L.; Loomba, Rohit; Ix, Joachim H.; Allison, Matthew A.; Denenberg, Julie O.; Criqui, Michael H.

2011-01-01

Objective To determine the association of family history of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with PAD prevalence and severity. Background PAD is a significant public health problem. Shared genetic and environmental factors may play an important role in the development of PAD. However, family history of PAD has not been adequately investigated. Methods The San Diego Population Study (SDPS) enrolled 2404 ethnically diverse men and women aged 29–91 who attended a baseline visit from 1994–98 to assess PAD and venous disease. Ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement was performed at the baseline clinic examination and family history of PAD was obtained via questionnaire. Family history of PAD was primarily defined as having any 1st degree relative with PAD. Prevalent PAD was defined as ABI ≤ 0.90 and severe prevalent PAD as ABI ≤ 0.70, with both definitions also including any previous leg revascularization. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of family history of PAD with prevalent PAD. Results The mean (SD) age was 59 (11) years, 66% were women, and 58% were Caucasian with 42% comprising other racial/ethnic groups. Prevalence of PAD was 3.6%, and severe prevalent PAD was 1.9%. In fully adjusted models, family history of PAD was associated with a 1.83-fold higher odds of PAD (95% CI (1.03, 3.26), p=0.04), an association which was stronger for severe prevalent PAD (OR 2.42, 95% CI (1.13, 5.23), p=0.02). Conclusions Family history of PAD is independently strongly associated with PAD prevalence and severity. This indicates a role for genetic factors and/or other shared environmental factors contributing to PAD. PMID:21920269

Ares I-X Ground Diagnostic Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwabacher, Mark; Martin, Rodney; Waterman, Robert; Oostdyk, Rebecca; Ossenfort, John; Matthews, Bryan

2010-01-01

Automating prelaunch diagnostics for launch vehicles offers three potential benefits. First, it potentially improves safety by detecting faults that might otherwise have been missed so that they can be corrected before launch. Second, it potentially reduces launch delays by more quickly diagnosing the cause of anomalies that occur during prelaunch processing. Reducing launch delays will be critical to the success of NASA's planned future missions that require in-orbit rendezvous. Third, it potentially reduces costs by reducing both launch delays and the number of people needed to monitor the prelaunch process. NASA is currently developing the Ares I launch vehicle to bring the Orion capsule and its crew of four astronauts to low-earth orbit on their way to the moon. Ares I-X will be the first unmanned test flight of Ares I. It is scheduled to launch on October 27, 2009. The Ares I-X Ground Diagnostic Prototype is a prototype ground diagnostic system that will provide anomaly detection, fault detection, fault isolation, and diagnostics for the Ares I-X first-stage thrust vector control (TVC) and for the associated ground hydraulics while it is in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and on the launch pad. It will serve as a prototype for a future operational ground diagnostic system for Ares I. The prototype combines three existing diagnostic tools. The first tool, TEAMS (Testability Engineering and Maintenance System), is a model-based tool that is commercially produced by Qualtech Systems, Inc. It uses a qualitative model of failure propagation to perform fault isolation and diagnostics. We adapted an existing TEAMS model of the TVC to use for diagnostics and developed a TEAMS model of the ground hydraulics. The second tool, Spacecraft Health Inference Engine (SHINE), is a rule-based expert system developed at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We developed SHINE rules for fault detection and mode identification. The prototype uses the outputs of SHINE as inputs to TEAMS. The third tool, the Inductive Monitoring System (IMS), is an anomaly detection tool developed at NASA Ames Research Center and is currently used to monitor the International Space Station Control Moment Gyroscopes. IMS automatically "learns" a model of historical nominal data in the form of a set of clusters and signals an alarm when new data fails to match this model. IMS offers the potential to detect faults that have not been modeled. The three tools have been integrated and deployed to Hangar AE at KSC where they interface with live data from the Ares I-X vehicle and from the ground hydraulics. The outputs of the tools are displayed on a console in Hangar AE, one of the locations from which the Ares I-X launch will be monitored. The full paper will describe how the prototype performed before the launch. It will include an analysis of the prototype's accuracy, including false-positive rates, false-negative rates, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. It will also include a description of the prototype's computational requirements, including CPU usage, main memory usage, and disk usage. If the prototype detects any faults during the prelaunch period then the paper will include a description of those faults. Similarly, if the prototype has any false alarms then the paper will describe them and will attempt to explain their causes.

Mobile App Delivery of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Questionnaire to Assess Health-Related Quality of Life in Oncological Patients: Usability Study.

PubMed

Kessel, Kerstin A; Vogel, Marco Me; Alles, Anna; Dobiasch, Sophie; Fischer, Hanna; Combs, Stephanie E

2018-02-20

Mobile apps are evolving in the medical field. However, ongoing discussions have questioned whether such apps are really valuable and whether patients will accept their use in day-to-day clinical life. Therefore, we initiated a usability study in our department. We present our results of the first app prototype and patient testing of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment in oncological patients. We developed an app prototype for the iOS operating system within eight months in three phases: conception, initial development, and pilot testing. For the HRQoL assessment, we chose to implement only the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30; German version 3). Usability testing was conducted for three months. Participation was voluntary and pseudonymized. After completion of the QLQ-C30 questionnaire using iPads provided by our department, we performed a short survey with 10 questions. This survey inquired about patients' opinions regarding general aspects, including technical advances in medicine, mobile and app assistance during cancer treatment, and the app-specific functions (eg, interface and navigation). After logging into the app, the user can choose between starting a questionnaire, reviewing answers (administrators only), and logging out. The questionnaire is displayed with the same information, questions, and answers as on the original QLQ-C30 sheet. No alterations in wording were made. Usability was tested with 81 patients; median age was 55 years. The median time for completing the HRQoL questionnaire on the iPad was 4.0 minutes. Of all participants, 84% (68/81) owned a mobile device. Similarly, 84% (68/81) of participants would prefer a mobile version of the HRQoL questionnaire instead of a paper-based version. Using the app in daily life during and after cancer treatment would be supported by 83% (67/81) of participants. In the prototype version of the app, data were stored on the device; in the future, 79% (64/81) of the patients would agree to transfer data via the Internet. Our usability test showed good results regarding attractiveness, operability, and understandability. Moreover, our results demonstrate a high overall acceptance of mobile apps and telemedicine in oncology. The HRQoL assessment via the app was accepted thoroughly by patients, and individuals are keen to use it in clinical routines, while data privacy and security must be ensured. ©Kerstin A Kessel, Marco M E Vogel, Anna Alles, Sophie Dobiasch, Hanna Fischer, Stephanie E Combs. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 20.02.2018.

Prototypical Concepts and Misconceptions of Plate Tectonic Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sibley, D. F.; Patino, L. C.

2003-12-01

Students of geology encounter many prototypical/exemplar concepts* that include representative, but not necessarily defining, features and characteristics. This study of students' prototypical representations of plate tectonic boundaries indicates that their representations are rich sources of information about their misconceptions about plate tectonics. After lectures in plate tectonics and mountain building, 353 students in a general education geology class were asked to draw a continent-continent convergent boundary. For this study, a correct answer is defined as having the major features in correct proportions as depicted in the plate boundary diagrams on the USGS web. Fifty-two percent of the drawings were either incorrect or incomplete such that they could not be interpreted. Only 48% were readily interpretable, and of these 22% drew the boundary correctly, showing a thickening of crust where two continents collide. Thirty-three percent drew the boundary showing concave slabs of continental crust as one might imagine two pieces of firm rubber pushed together on a rigid surface and 45% depicted mountains as one might imagine inverted ice cream cones on a rigid plank. Twenty-one senior class geology majors and graduate students were given the same assignment. Forty-eight percent rendered a correct drawing, whereas 38% drew the same ice cream cone on a plank type picture that 45% of the general education students drew. In a second class of 12 geology majors, only 1 student drew a cross section of a continent-ocean boundary similar to standard representation. Four of 12 drew mountains on the top of continental crust over a subduction zone but did not draw a compensating mass within the crust or lithosphere. Prototypical drawings provide more information about students' concepts than do most multiple-choice questions. For example, sixty-two percent of theses students who drew mountains similar to foam rubber pads pushed together on a desk or ice cream cones on a plank correctly answered a multiple-choice question that would appear to indicate a better understanding than the drawings reveal. Furthermore, 12 interviewed students made statements that could be interpreted to indicate that they understood the concept of mountain building at plate tectonic boundaries better than their drawings suggest. Incoherence of multiple-choice responses, verbal statements and drawings may be common in novice learners. If cognitive scientists are correct in their model of multiple types of mental representations for the same term, then the fact that novices may hold inconsistent representations is not surprising. The fact that students at various academic levels draw very similar prototypes that are incorrect is evidence that students have distinct and persistent prototype misconceptions. * Cognitive scientists define a prototypical/exemplar concept as a mental representation of the best examples or central tendencies of a term.

Deletion of IL-33R attenuates VEGF expression and enhances necrosis in mammary carcinoma

PubMed Central

Pejnovic, Nada N.; Mitrovic, Slobodanka L. J.; Arsenijevic, Nebojsa N.; Simovic Markovic, Bojana J.; Lukic, Miodrag L.

2016-01-01

Interleukin-33 (IL-33)/IL-33 receptor (IL-33R, ST2) signaling pathway promotes mammary cancer growth and metastasis by inhibiting anti-tumor immunity. However, the role of IL-33/IL-33R axis in neoangiogenesis and tumor necrosis is not elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-33/IL-33R axis in mammary tumor necrosis. Deletion of IL-33R (ST2) gene in BALB/c mice enhanced tumor necrosis and attenuated tumor growth in 4T1 breast cancer model, which was associated with markedly decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-33 in mammary tumor cells. We next analyzed IL-33, IL-33R and VEGF expression and microvascular density (MVD) in breast tumors from 40 female patients with absent or present tumor necrosis. We found significantly higher expression of IL-33, IL-33R and VEGF in breast cancer tissues with absent tumor necrosis. Both, IL-33 and IL-33R expression correlated with VEGF expression in tumor cells. Further, VEGF expression positively correlated with MVD in perinecrotic zone. Taking together, our data indicate that IL-33/IL-33R pathway is critically involved in mammary tumor growth by facilitating expression of pro-angiogenic VEGF in tumor cells and attenuating tumor necrosis. These data add an unidentified mechanism by which IL-33/IL-33R axis facilitates tumor growth. PMID:26919112

Deletion of IL-33R attenuates VEGF expression and enhances necrosis in mammary carcinoma.

PubMed

Milosavljevic, Milos Z; Jovanovic, Ivan P; Pejnovic, Nada N; Mitrovic, Slobodanka L J; Arsenijevic, Nebojsa N; Simovic Markovic, Bojana J; Lukic, Miodrag L

2016-04-05

Interleukin-33 (IL-33)/IL-33 receptor (IL-33R, ST2) signaling pathway promotes mammary cancer growth and metastasis by inhibiting anti-tumor immunity. However, the role of IL-33/IL-33R axis in neoangiogenesis and tumor necrosis is not elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-33/IL-33R axis in mammary tumor necrosis. Deletion of IL-33R (ST2) gene in BALB/c mice enhanced tumor necrosis and attenuated tumor growth in 4T1 breast cancer model, which was associated with markedly decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-33 in mammary tumor cells. We next analyzed IL-33, IL-33R and VEGF expression and microvascular density (MVD) in breast tumors from 40 female patients with absent or present tumor necrosis. We found significantly higher expression of IL-33, IL-33R and VEGF in breast cancer tissues with absent tumor necrosis. Both, IL-33 and IL-33R expression correlated with VEGF expression in tumor cells. Further, VEGF expression positively correlated with MVD in perinecrotic zone. Taking together, our data indicate that IL-33/IL-33R pathway is critically involved in mammary tumor growth by facilitating expression of pro-angiogenic VEGF in tumor cells and attenuating tumor necrosis. These data add an unidentified mechanism by which IL-33/IL-33R axis facilitates tumor growth.

The expression of asparaginyl endopeptidase promotes growth potential in epithelial ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Zhu, Qinyi; Tang, Meiling; Wang, Xipeng

2017-04-03

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common and lethal cancer-related death among females in the world. Asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) is a member of C13 family peptidases and expressed in the extracellular matrix and tumor cells. The aim of this article is to explore the function of asparaginyl endopeptidase in epithelial ovarian cancer. The expression of AEP was examined in 20 EOC samples, 3 EOC metastasis samples, 6 fallopian tube metastasis samples, 4 peritoneum metastasis samples and 20 benign ovarian tumor samples by immunohistochemistry. The expression of AEP was also evaluated in serum and ascites of EOC patients by elisa. And we used a lentiviral vector to overexpress AEP in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3ip and detected the function of AEP-SKOV3ip cells both in vitro and in vivo. The growth of AEP-SKOV3ip cells was observed by MTT, migration and tube formation assays in vitro. Additionally, the subcutaneous mice model was used to identify the tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mice tumors were stained for CD31 to determine the microvessel density (MVD). We demonstrated that AEP was highly expressed in the EOC patient tissues and ascites. The AEP transfected SKOV3ip cells could both promote tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The MVD in AEP-SKOV3ip group was higher than that in NC-SKOV3ip group. Therefore, our results demonstrated that AEP could induce EOC growth and progressionboth in vitro and in vivo.

Enzymatic process optimization for the in vitro production of isoprene from mevalonate.

PubMed

Cheng, Tao; Liu, Hui; Zou, Huibin; Chen, Ningning; Shi, Mengxun; Xie, Congxia; Zhao, Guang; Xian, Mo

2017-01-09

As an important bulk chemical for synthetic rubber, isoprene can be biosynthesized by robust microbes. But rational engineering and optimization are often demanded to make the in vivo process feasible due to the complexities of cellular metabolism. Alternative synthetic biochemistry strategies are in fast development to produce isoprene or isoprenoids in vitro. This study set up an in vitro enzyme synthetic chemistry process using 5 enzymes in the lower mevalonate pathway to produce isoprene from mevalonate. We found the level and ratio of individual enzymes would significantly affect the efficiency of the whole system. The optimized process using 10 balanced enzyme unites (5.0 µM of MVK, PMK, MVD; 10.0 µM of IDI, 80.0 µM of ISPS) could produce 6323.5 µmol/L/h (430 mg/L/h) isoprene in a 2 ml in vitro system. In a scale up process (50 ml) only using 1 balanced enzyme unit (0.5 µM of MVK, PMK, MVD; 1.0 µM of IDI, 8.0 µM of ISPS), the system could produce 302 mg/L isoprene in 40 h, which showed higher production rate and longer reaction phase with comparison of the in vivo control. By optimizing the enzyme levels of lower MVA pathway, synthetic biochemistry methods could be set up for the enzymatic production of isoprene or isoprenoids from mevalonate.

Prognostic value of endoglin-assessed microvessel density in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jinguo; Zhang, Lingyun; Lin, Qunbo; Ren, Weimin; Xu, Guoxiong

2018-01-01

Background Endoglin (ENG, CD105), an auxiliary receptor for several TGF-β superfamily ligands, is constitutively expressed in tumor microvessels. The prognostic value of ENG-assessed microvessel density (MVD) has not been systemically analyzed. This meta-analysis reviews and evaluates the association between ENG expression and prognosis in cancer patients. Materials and Methods Thirty published studies involving in 3613 patients were included after searching of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated using random-effects models. The publication bias was detected by a Begg’s test and Egger’s test. The outcome stability was verified by sensitivity analysis. Results The high ENG-assessed MVD was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.62–2.81; P < 0.001), DFS (HR = 3.23, 95% CI 2.10–4.95; P < 0.001), CSS (HR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.32–8.37; P < 0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that the association between the overexpression of ENG in tumor microvessels and the outcome endpoints (OS or DFS) were also significant in the Asians and Caucasians patients with different cancer types. Conclusions ENG of tumor microvessels is a predictor of poor OS, DFS and CSS and may be a prognostic marker of patients with cancer. PMID:29484142

[Dectection of G3BP and CD44v6 in the tissues of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and their clinical significance].

PubMed

Luo, Dahu; Lou, Weihua

2017-07-01

Objective To study the expressions of RNA-binding Ras-GAP SH3 binding protein (G3BP) and tumor stem cell marker CD44v6 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and their correlations with angiogenesis. Methods We collected the cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues from 56 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The expressions of G3BP and CD44v6 proteins were detected by Western blotting in cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues; the expressions of G3BP, CD44v6 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were tested by immunohistochemistry. Thereafter, we compared the positive expression rates of G3BP and CD44v6 between in cancer tissues and in normal tissues, analyzed the correlations between the expressions of G3BP, CD44v6 and the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma features as well as their correlations with microvessel density (MVD) that was determined by FVIIIAg immunohistochemistry. Results Western blotting showed that the expressions of G3BP and CD44v6 proteins in the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were higher than those in the paracancerous tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the paracancerous tissues, G3BP, CD44v6 and VEGF-A expressions (the positive rates are 58.9%, 53.6%, 46.4%, respectively) were higher in cancer tissues. The positive rates of G3BP and CD44v6 in cancer tissues were related with the clinical stage, recurrence or metastasis, and lymph node metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, but had nothing to do with patients' age and tumor size. Pearson correlation analysis showed the expressions of both G3BP and CD44v6 were positively correlated with VEGF-A (r=0.741, r=0.756). MVD values were significantly higher in the G3BP and CD44v6 positive cases than in paracancerous tissues, but there was no difference in MVD between those without G3BP and CD44v6 positive expressions and the paracancerous tissues. Conclusion The positive expression rates of G3BP and CD44v6 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues are very high, and they have a close relationship with the clinical prognosis. They may raise the VEGF-A expression so as to promote angiogenesis, and then accelerate the development of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Comparison of semi-quantitative and quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations of vertebral marrow perfusion in a rat osteoporosis model.

PubMed

Zhu, Jingqi; Xiong, Zuogang; Zhang, Jiulong; Qiu, Yuyou; Hua, Ting; Tang, Guangyu

2017-11-14

This study aims to investigate the technical feasibility of semi-quantitative and quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the assessment of longitudinal changes of marrow perfusion in a rat osteoporosis model, using bone mineral density (BMD) measured by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathology as the gold standards. Fifty rats were randomly assigned to the control group (n=25) and ovariectomy (OVX) group whose bilateral ovaries were excised (n=25). Semi-quantitative and quantitative DCE-MRI, micro-CT, and histopathological examinations were performed on lumbar vertebrae at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after operation. The differences between the two groups in terms of semi-quantitative DCE-MRI parameter (maximum enhancement, E max ), quantitative DCE-MRI parameters (volume transfer constant, K trans ; interstitial volume, V e ; and efflux rate constant, K ep ), micro-CT parameter (BMD), and histopathological parameter (microvessel density, MVD) were compared at each of the time points using an independent-sample t test. The differences in these parameters between baseline and other time points in each group were assessed via Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. A Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the relationships between DCE-MRI, micro-CT, and histopathological parameters. In the OVX group, the E max values decreased significantly compared with those of the control group at weeks 6 and 9 (p=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). The K trans values decreased significantly compared with those of the control group from week 3 (p<0.05). However, the V e values decreased significantly only at week 9 (p=0.032), and no difference in the K ep was found between two groups. The BMD values of the OVX group decreased significantly compared with those of the control group from week 3 (p<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy showed tighter gaps between vascular endothelial cells with swollen mitochondria in the OVX group from week 3. The MVD values of the OVX group decreased significantly compared with those of the control group only at week 12 (p=0.023). A weak positive correlation of E max and a strong positive correlation of K trans with MVD were found. Compared with semi-quantitative DCE-MRI, the quantitative DCE-MRI parameter K trans is a more sensitive and accurate index for detecting early reduced perfusion in osteoporotic bone.

Passive zero-gravity leg restraint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Christopher R. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A passive zero or microgravity leg restraint is described which includes a central support post with a top and a bottom. Extending from the central support post are a calf pad tab, to which calf pad is attached, and a foot pad tab, to which foot tab is attached. Also extending from central support post are knee pads. When the restraint is in use the user's legs are forced between pads by a user imposed scissors action of the legs. The user's body is then supported in a zero or microgravity neutral body posture by the leg restraint. The calf pad has semi-ridig elastic padding material covering structural stiffener. The foot pad has padding material and a structural stiffener. Knee pads have s structural tube stiffener at their core.

Towards reducing impact-induced brain injury: lessons from a computational study of army and football helmet pads.

PubMed

Moss, William C; King, Michael J; Blackman, Eric G

2014-01-01

We use computational simulations to compare the impact response of different football and U.S. Army helmet pad materials. We conduct experiments to characterise the material response of different helmet pads. We simulate experimental helmet impact tests performed by the U.S. Army to validate our methods. We then simulate a cylindrical impactor striking different pads. The acceleration history of the impactor is used to calculate the head injury criterion for each pad. We conduct sensitivity studies exploring the effects of pad composition, geometry and material stiffness. We find that (1) the football pad materials do not outperform the currently used military pad material in militarily relevant impact scenarios; (2) optimal material properties for a pad depend on impact energy and (3) thicker pads perform better at all velocities. Although we considered only the isolated response of pad materials, not entire helmet systems, our analysis suggests that by using larger helmet shells with correspondingly thicker pads, impact-induced traumatic brain injury may be reduced.

X-ray characterization of a multichannel smart-pixel array detector.

PubMed

Ross, Steve; Haji-Sheikh, Michael; Huntington, Andrew; Kline, David; Lee, Adam; Li, Yuelin; Rhee, Jehyuk; Tarpley, Mary; Walko, Donald A; Westberg, Gregg; Williams, George; Zou, Haifeng; Landahl, Eric

2016-01-01

The Voxtel VX-798 is a prototype X-ray pixel array detector (PAD) featuring a silicon sensor photodiode array of 48 × 48 pixels, each 130 µm × 130 µm × 520 µm thick, coupled to a CMOS readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first synchrotron X-ray characterization of this detector is presented, and its ability to selectively count individual X-rays within two independent arrival time windows, a programmable energy range, and localized to a single pixel is demonstrated. During our first trial run at Argonne National Laboratory's Advance Photon Source, the detector achieved a 60 ns gating time and 700 eV full width at half-maximum energy resolution in agreement with design parameters. Each pixel of the PAD holds two independent digital counters, and the discriminator for X-ray energy features both an upper and lower threshold to window the energy of interest discarding unwanted background. This smart-pixel technology allows energy and time resolution to be set and optimized in software. It is found that the detector linearity follows an isolated dead-time model, implying that megahertz count rates should be possible in each pixel. Measurement of the line and point spread functions showed negligible spatial blurring. When combined with the timing structure of the synchrotron storage ring, it is demonstrated that the area detector can perform both picosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.

Implementation of a General Real-Time Visual Anomaly Detection System Via Soft Computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominguez, Jesus A.; Klinko, Steve; Ferrell, Bob; Steinrock, Todd (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The intelligent visual system detects anomalies or defects in real time under normal lighting operating conditions. The application is basically a learning machine that integrates fuzzy logic (FL), artificial neural network (ANN), and generic algorithm (GA) schemes to process the image, run the learning process, and finally detect the anomalies or defects. The system acquires the image, performs segmentation to separate the object being tested from the background, preprocesses the image using fuzzy reasoning, performs the final segmentation using fuzzy reasoning techniques to retrieve regions with potential anomalies or defects, and finally retrieves them using a learning model built via ANN and GA techniques. FL provides a powerful framework for knowledge representation and overcomes uncertainty and vagueness typically found in image analysis. ANN provides learning capabilities, and GA leads to robust learning results. An application prototype currently runs on a regular PC under Windows NT, and preliminary work has been performed to build an embedded version with multiple image processors. The application prototype is being tested at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida, to visually detect anomalies along slide basket cables utilized by the astronauts to evacuate the NASA Shuttle launch pad in an emergency. The potential applications of this anomaly detection system in an open environment are quite wide. Another current, potentially viable application at NASA is in detecting anomalies of the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter's radiator panels.

Socket with built-in valves for the interconnection of microfluidic chips to macro constituents.

PubMed

Yang, Zhen; Maeda, Ryutaro

2003-09-26

This paper reports a prototype for a standard connector between a microfluidic chip and the macro world. This prototype demonstrate a fully functioning socket for a microchip to access the outside world by means of fluids, data signals and energy supply. It supports up to 10 channels for the input and output of liquids or gases, as well as compressed air or vacuum lines for pneumatic power lines. The socket has built-in valves for each flow channel. It also contains 28 pins for the connection of electrical signals and power. Built-in valves make it possible to control the flow in each channel independently. A chip ( 11.0 x 11.0 x 0.9 mm) can be mounted into or dismounted from the socket with one touch. The fluidic connectors of the socket are designed to contact vertically on the top of chip. And the electrical connectors (the spring array) of that physically support the chip and contact lead pads at the bottom of chip. No adhesives or solders are used at any contact points. The pressure limit for the connection of working fluids was 0.2 MPa and the current limit for the electrical connections was 1 A. This socket supports both serial and parallel processing applications. It exhibits great potential for developing microfluidic systems efficiently.

Towards Practical Application of Paper based Printed Circuits: Capillarity Effectively Enhances Conductivity of the Thermoplastic Electrically Conductive Adhesives

PubMed Central

Wu, Haoyi; Chiang, Sum Wai; Lin, Wei; Yang, Cheng; Li, Zhuo; Liu, Jingping; Cui, Xiaoya; Kang, Feiyu; Wong, Ching Ping

2014-01-01

Direct printing nanoparticle-based conductive inks onto paper substrates has encountered difficulties e.g. the nanoparticles are prone to penetrate into the pores of the paper and become partially segmented, and the necessary low-temperature-sintering process is harmful to the dimension-stability of paper. Here we prototyped the paper-based circuit substrate in combination with printed thermoplastic electrically conductive adhesives (ECA), which takes the advantage of the capillarity of paper and thus both the conductivity and mechanical robustness of the printed circuitsweredrastically improved without sintering process. For instance, the electrical resistivity of the ECA specimen on a pulp paper (6 × 10−5Ω·cm, with 50 wt% loading of Ag) was only 14% of that on PET film than that on PET film. This improvement has been found directly related to the sizing degree of paper, in agreement with the effective medium approximation simulation results in this work. The thermoplastic nature also enables excellent mechanical strength of the printed ECA to resist repeated folding. Considering the generality of the process and the wide acceptance of ECA technique in the modern electronic packages, this method may find vast applications in e.g. circuit boards, capacitive touch pads, and radio frequency identification antennas, which have been prototyped in the manuscript. PMID:25182052

KSC-2014-4806

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare the launch pad for NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is being prepared for free flight test number 15 at the SLF. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2014-4801

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is being lowered by crane onto a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility in preparation for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Temperature dependence of the response of ultra fast silicon detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulargia, R.; Arcidiacono, R.; Bellora, A.; Boscardin, M.; Cartiglia, N.; Cenna, F.; Cirio, R.; Dalla Betta, G. F.; Durando, S.; Fadavi, A.; Ferrero, M.; Galloway, Z.; Gruey, B.; Freeman, P.; Kramberger, G.; Mandic, I.; Monaco, V.; Obertino, M.; Pancheri, L.; Paternoster, G.; Ravera, F.; Sacchi, R.; Sadrozinski, H. F. W.; Seiden, A.; Sola, V.; Spencer, N.; Staiano, A.; Wilder, M.; Woods, N.; Zatserklyaniy, A.

2016-12-01

The Ultra Fast Silicon Detectors (UFSD) are a novel concept of silicon detectors based on the Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) technology, which are able to obtain time resolution of the order of few tens of picoseconds. First prototypes with different geometries (pads/pixels/strips), thickness (300 and 50 μm) and gain (between 5 and 20) have been recently designed and manufactured by CNM (Centro Nacional de Microelectrónica, Barcelona) and FBK (Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento). Several measurements on these devices have been performed in laboratory and in beam test and a dependence of the gain on the temperature has been observed. Some of the first measurements will be shown (leakage current, breakdown voltage, gain and time resolution on the 300 μm from FBK and gain on the 50 μm-thick sensor from CNM) and a comparison with the theoretically predicted trend will be discussed.

Rapid Assessment of Contrast Sensitivity with Mobile Touch-screens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulligan, Jeffrey B.

2013-01-01

The availability of low-cost high-quality touch-screen displays in modern mobile devices has created opportunities for new approaches to routine visual measurements. Here we describe a novel method in which subjects use a finger swipe to indicate the transition from visible to invisible on a grating which is swept in both contrast and frequency. Because a single image can be swiped in about a second, it is practical to use a series of images to zoom in on particular ranges of contrast or frequency, both to increase the accuracy of the measurements and to obtain an estimate of the reliability of the subject. Sensitivities to chromatic and spatio-temporal modulations are easily measured using the same method. We will demonstrate a prototype for Apple Computer's iPad-iPod-iPhone family of devices, implemented using an open-source scripting environment known as QuIP (QUick Image Processing,

Power density of piezoelectric transformers improved using a contact heat transfer structure.

PubMed

Shao, Wei Wei; Chen, Li Juan; Pan, Cheng Liang; Liu, Yong Bin; Feng, Zhi Hua

2012-01-01

Based on contact heat transfer, a novel method to increase power density of piezoelectric transformers is proposed. A heat transfer structure is realized by directly attaching a dissipater to the piezoelectric transformer plate. By maintaining the vibration mode of the transformer and limiting additional energy losses from the contact interface, an appropriate design can improve power density of the transformer on a large scale, resulting from effective suppression of its working temperature rise. A prototype device was fabricated from a rectangular piezoelectric transformer, a copper heat transfer sheet, a thermal grease insulation pad, and an aluminum heat radiator. The experimental results show the transformer maintains a maximum power density of 135 W/cm(3) and an efficiency of 90.8% with a temperature rise of less than 10 °C after more than 36 h, without notable changes in performance. © 2012 IEEE

Mobile Building Energy Audit and Modeling Tools: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-11-00441

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

Brackney, L.

Broadly accessible, low cost, accurate, and easy-to-use energy auditing tools remain out of reach for managers of the aging U.S. building population (over 80% of U.S. commercial buildings are more than 10 years old*). concept3D and NREL's commercial buildings group will work to translate and extend NREL's existing spreadsheet-based energy auditing tool for a browser-friendly and mobile-computing platform. NREL will also work with concept3D to further develop a prototype geometry capture and materials inference tool operable on a smart phone/pad platform. These tools will be developed to interoperate with NREL's Building Component Library and OpenStudio energy modeling platforms, and willmore » be marketed by concept3D to commercial developers, academic institutions and governmental agencies. concept3D is NREL's lead developer and subcontractor of the Building Component Library.« less

Screen-printed flexible MRI receive coils

PubMed Central

Corea, Joseph R.; Flynn, Anita M.; Lechêne, Balthazar; Scott, Greig; Reed, Galen D.; Shin, Peter J.; Lustig, Michael; Arias, Ana C.

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging is an inherently signal-to-noise-starved technique that limits the spatial resolution, diagnostic image quality and results in typically long acquisition times that are prone to motion artefacts. This limitation is exacerbated when receive coils have poor fit due to lack of flexibility or need for padding for patient comfort. Here, we report a new approach that uses printing for fabricating receive coils. Our approach enables highly flexible, extremely lightweight conforming devices. We show that these devices exhibit similar to higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional ones, in clinical scenarios when coils could be displaced more than 18 mm away from the body. In addition, we provide detailed material properties and components performance analysis. Prototype arrays are incorporated within infant blankets for in vivo studies. This work presents the first fully functional, printed coils for 1.5- and 3-T clinical scanners. PMID:26961073

CsI-Silicon Particle detector for Heavy ions Orbiting in Storage rings (CsISiPHOS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najafi, M. A.; Dillmann, I.; Bosch, F.; Faestermann, T.; Gao, B.; Gernhäuser, R.; Kozhuharov, C.; Litvinov, S. A.; Litvinov, Yu. A.; Maier, L.; Nolden, F.; Popp, U.; Sanjari, M. S.; Spillmann, U.; Steck, M.; Stöhlker, T.; Weick, H.

2016-11-01

A heavy-ion detector was developed for decay studies in the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany. This detector serves as a prototype for the in-pocket particle detectors for future experiments with the Collector Ring (CR) at FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research). The detector includes a stack of six silicon pad sensors, a double-sided silicon strip detector (DSSD), and a CsI(Tl) scintillation detector. It was used successfully in a recent experiment for the detection of the β+-decay of highly charged 142Pm60+ ions. Based on the ΔE / E technique for particle identification and an energy resolution of 0.9% for ΔE and 0.5% for E (Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM)), the detector is well-suited to distinguish neighbouring isobars in the region of interest.

Shock absorbency of factors in the shoe/heel interaction--with special focus on role of the heel pad.

PubMed

Jørgensen, U; Bojsen-Møller, F

1989-06-01

The heel pad acts as a shock absorber in walking and in heel-strike running. In some patients, a reduction of its shock-absorbing capacity has been connected to the development of overuse injuries. In this article, the shock absorption of the heel pad as well as external shock absorbers are studied. Individual variation and the effect of trauma and confinement on the heel pad were specifically investigated. Drop tests, imitating heel impacts, were performed on a force plate. The test specimens were cadaver heel pads (n = 10); the shoe sole component consisted of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and Sorbothane inserts. The shock absorption was significantly greater in the heel pad than in the external shock absorbers. The mean heel pad shock absorption was 1.1 times for EVA foam and 2.1 times for Sorbothane. The shock absorption varied by as much as 100% between heel pads. Trauma caused a decrease in the heel pad shock absorbency (24%), whereas heel pad confinement increased the shock absorbency (49% in traumatized heel pads and 29.5% in nontraumatized heel pads). These findings provide a biomechanical rationale for the clinical observations of a correlation between heel pad shock absorbency loss and heel strike-dependent overuse injuries. To increase shock absorbency, confinement of the heel pad should be attempted in vivo.

Role of peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2) in mammary carcinoma cell migration.

PubMed

Horibata, Sachi; Rogers, Katherine E; Sadegh, David; Anguish, Lynne J; McElwee, John L; Shah, Pragya; Thompson, Paul R; Coonrod, Scott A

2017-05-26

Penetration of the mammary gland basement membrane by cancer cells is a crucial first step in tumor invasion. Using a mouse model of ductal carcinoma in situ, we previously found that inhibition of peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2, aka PADI2) activity appears to maintain basement membrane integrity in xenograft tumors. The goal of this investigation was to gain insight into the mechanisms by which PAD2 mediates this process. For our study, we modulated PAD2 activity in mammary ductal carcinoma cells by lentiviral shRNA-mediated depletion, lentiviral-mediated PAD2 overexpression, or PAD inhibition and explored the effects of these treatments on changes in cell migration and cell morphology. We also used these PAD2-modulated cells to test whether PAD2 may be required for EGF-induced cell migration. To determine how PAD2 might promote tumor cell migration in vivo, we tested the effects of PAD2 inhibition on the expression of several cell migration mediators in MCF10DCIS.com xenograft tumors. In addition, we tested the effect of PAD2 inhibition on EGF-induced ductal invasion and elongation in primary mouse mammary organoids. Lastly, using a transgenic mouse model, we investigated the effects of PAD2 overexpression on mammary gland development. Our results indicate that PAD2 depletion or inhibition suppresses cell migration and alters the morphology of MCF10DCIS.com cells. In addition, we found that PAD2 depletion suppresses the expression of the cytoskeletal regulatory proteins RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 and also promotes a mesenchymal to epithelial-like transition in tumor cells with an associated increase in the cell adhesion marker, E-cadherin. Our mammary gland organoid study found that inhibition of PAD2 activity suppresses EGF-induced ductal invasion. In vivo, we found that PAD2 overexpression causes hyperbranching in the developing mammary gland. Together, these results suggest that PAD2 plays a critical role in breast cancer cell migration. Our findings that EGF treatment increases protein citrullination and that PAD2 inhibition blocks EGF-induced cell migration suggest that PAD2 likely functions within the EGF signaling pathway to mediate cell migration.

Dynamic behavior of air lubricated pivoted-pad journal-bearing, rotor system. 2: Pivot consideration and pad mass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Z. N.

1972-01-01

Rotor bearing dynamic tests were conducted with tilting-pad journal bearings having three different pad masses and two different pivot geometries. The rotor was vertically mounted and supported by two three-pad tilting-pad gas journal bearings and a simple externally pressurized thrust bearing. The bearing pads were 5.1 cm (2.02 in.) in diameter and 2.8 cm (1.5 in.) long. The length to diameter ratio was 0.75. One pad was mounted on a flexible diaphragm. The bearing supply pressure ranged from 0 to 690 kilonewtons per square meter (0 to 100 psig), and speeds ranged to 38,500 rpm. Heavy mass pad tilting-pad assemblies produced three rotor-bearing resonances above the first two rotor critical speeds. Lower supply pressure eliminated the resonances. The resonances were oriented primarily in the direction normal to the diaphragm.

Influence of periampullary diverticulum on the occurrence of pancreaticobiliary diseases and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

PubMed

Chen, Lu; Xia, Lu; Lu, Yi; Bie, Like; Gong, Biao

2017-01-01

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is frequently encountered in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PAD with pancreaticobiliary diseases as well as the impact of PAD on the technical success of ERCP and different methods of bile duct stone extraction. A total of 1489 cases of patients with PAD were identified from 6390 patients who underwent ERCP. These patients were compared with 1500 controls without PAD in terms of biliary stone formation, technical success, and complications of ERCP. Patients with PAD had increased prevalence of bile duct stones, gallstones, and cholangitis (P<0.01). Successful cannulation rates were similar in the PAD and the control group (98.59 vs. 99.07%, P=0.225). The incidence of complications did not differ between the PAD and the control group. Successful stone removal rate of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was lower in the PAD group than in the control group (83.53 vs. 94.31%, P=0.005). In patients with PAD, the rate of successful stone removal was lower in the EST group than in the endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and EPBD combined with limited EST (ESBD) group. The rates of complications were similar among different treatments (EST, EPBD, or ESBD) in patients with PAD. PAD is associated with bile duct stones, gallstones, and cholangitis. In addition, PAD should not be considered a barrier to a successful cannulation. Moreover, EST is less effective than EPBD and ESBD in patients with PAD, whereas EST, EPBD, and ESBD are equally safe in patients with PAD.

Pad stress tests with increasing load for the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Rimstad, Liv; Larsen, Elsa Skjønhaug; Schiøtz, Hjalmar A; Kulseng-Hanssen, Sigurd

2014-09-01

The aim of the study was to test the ability of pad stress tests with increasing load (supine, jumping on the floor, and jumping on a trampoline) to document stress incontinence in subjectively stress incontinent women. In this prospective study 147 subjectively stress and mixed incontinent women performed consecutively the three pad stress tests with a bladder volume of 300 ml. Nineteen women performed a second trampoline pad stress test to test repeatability of the test. Nine continent women performed a trampoline pad stress test in order to determine if subjectively continent women would leak during the test. Seventy-two women (49%) leaked during the supine, 136 (93%) leaked during the jumping, and 146 (99%) leaked during the trampoline pad stress test. The differences between pad stress tests were significant with P < 0.005. Correlation between the two trampoline pad stress tests was high at 0.8. None of the nine continent women leaked during the trampoline pad stress test. The supine pad stress test has low sensitivity and is therefore often falsely negative. The jumping pad stress test is a simple test to perform and is satisfactory for everyday use. Subjectively stress incontinent women who do not leak during the jumping pad stress test may perform a trampoline pad stress test to document stress incontinence. The trampoline pad stress test is also simple to perform and detected leakage in 91% of the women who did not leak during the jumping pad stress test. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electrical interconnect

DOEpatents

Frost, John S.; Brandt, Randolph J.; Hebert, Peter; Al Taher, Omar

2015-10-06

An interconnect includes a first set of connector pads, a second set of connector pads, and a continuous central portion. A first plurality of legs extends at a first angle from the continuous central portion. Each leg of the first plurality of legs is connected to a connector pad of a first set of connector pads. A second plurality of legs extends at a second angle from the continuous central portion. Each leg of the second plurality of legs is connected to a connector pad of the second set of connector pads. Gaps are defined between legs. The gaps enable movement of the first set of connector pads relative to the second set of connector pads.

Competence to Complete Psychiatric Advance Directives: Effects of Facilitated Decision Making

PubMed Central

Swanson, Jeffrey W.; Appelbaum, Paul S.; Swartz, Marvin S.; Ferron, Joelle; Van Dorn, Richard A.; Wagner, H. Ryan

2013-01-01

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) statutes presume competence to complete these documents, but the range and dimensions of decisional competence among people who actually complete PADs is unknown. This study examines clinical and neuropsychological correlates of performance on a measure to assess competence to complete PADs and investigates the effects of a facilitated PAD intervention on decisional capacity. N = 469 adults with psychotic disorders were interviewed at baseline and then randomly assigned to either a control group in which they received written materials about PADs or to an intervention group in which they were offered an opportunity to meet individually with a trained facilitator to create a PAD. At baseline, domains on the Decisional Competence Assessment Tool for PADs (DCAT-PAD) were most strongly associated with IQ, verbal memory, abstract thinking, and psychiatric symptoms. At one-month follow-up, participants in the intervention group showed more improvement on the DCAT-PAD than controls, particularly among participants with pre-morbid IQ estimates below the median of 100. The results suggest that PAD facilitation is an effective method to boost competence of cognitively-impaired clients to write PADs and make treatment decisions within PADs, thereby maximizing the chances their advance directives will be valid. PMID:17294136

Electrostatic Evaluation of the SRB Velostat(Trademark) Pads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhler, Charles R.; Calle, Carlos I.

2007-01-01

During RSRM Grain inspection, pads constructed of Velostat are grounded and installed in the RSRM bore enabling inspectors to move throughout the bore during the inspection. Velostat pads are installed by grounding the first pad installed and subsequent pads are installed overlapping the previously installed pad maintaining a conductive path to facility ground. Pads are removed upon completion of the inspection in a reverse fashion. As the pads are removed scanning of propellant surfaces is performed per OMRS. During PPICI Audit of B5308.006 (Forward Segment Grain Inspection) in October 07 one audit finding noted that electrostatic scanning of propellant surfaces was being performed during removal of conductive pads following grain inspection. ATK does not perform electrostatic scanning of propellant surfaces during pad removal following final inspection at the plant. The integrated team consisting of NASA SE, USA SE, USA QE, ATK LSS, ATK Systems Safety and ATK DE concurred that electrostatic scanning of propellant surfaces was unnecessary as the conductive pads are grounded. Additional time spent in bore performing scanning presents itself as additional risk. Technicians reported that they have never seen any voltage readings while scanning propellant surfaces during pad removal. USA Systems engineering has written KB 17530 in response to the finding which will delete the requirement (item 2 B47GEN.ll0) to scan propellant surfaces during pad removal. As a result of an E3 panel discussion on December 13, 2007, it was decided that verification of the electrical grounding of the Velostat pads be verified.

Environmental effects and characterization of the Egyptian radioactive well logging calibration pad facility.

PubMed

Al Alfy, Ibrahim Mohammad

2013-12-01

A set of ten radioactive well-logging calibration pads were constructed in one of the premises of the Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA), Egypt, at 6th October city. These pads were built for calibrating geophysical well-logging instruments. This calibration facility was conducted through technical assistance and practical support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and (ARCN). There are five uranium pads with three different uranium concentrations and borehole diameters. The other five calibration pads include one from each of the following: blank, potassium, thorium, multi layers and mixed. More than 22 t of various selected Egyptian raw materials were gathered for pad construction from different locations in Egypt. Pad's site and the surrounding area were spectrometrically surveyed before excavation for the construction process of pad-basin floor. They yielded negligible radiation values which are very near to the detected general background. After pad's construction, spectrometric measurements were carried out again in the same locations when the exposed bore holes of the pads were closed. No radioactivity leakage was noticed from the pads. Meanwhile, dose rate values were found to range from 0.12 to 1.26 mS/y. They were measured during the opening of bore holes of the pads. These values depend mainly upon the type and concentration of the pads as well as their borehole diameters. The results of radiospectrometric survey illustrate that the specification of top layers of the pads were constructed according to international standards. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three isozymes of peptidylarginine deiminase in the chicken: molecular cloning, characterization, and tissue distribution.

PubMed

Shimizu, Akira; Handa, Kenji; Honda, Tomonori; Abe, Naoki; Kojima, Toshio; Takahara, Hidenari

2014-01-01

Peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD; EC 3.5.3.15) is a post-translational modification enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of protein-bound arginine to citrulline (deimination) in a calcium ion dependent manner. Although PADI genes are widely conserved among vertebrates, their function in the chicken is poorly understood. Here, we cloned and sequenced three chicken PADI cDNAs and analyzed the expression of their proteins in various tissues. Immunoblotting analysis showed that chicken PAD1 and PAD3 were present in cells of several central neuron system tissues including the retina; the chicken PAD2 protein was not detected in any tissue. We expressed recombinant chicken PADs in insect cells and characterized their enzymatic properties. The chicken PAD1 and PAD3 recombinant proteins required calcium ions as an essential cofactor for their catalytic activity. The two recombinant proteins showed similar substrate specificities toward synthetic arginine derivatives. By contrast to them, chicken PAD2 did not show any activity. We found that one of the conserved active centers in mammalian PADs had been altered in chicken PAD2; we prepared a reverse mutant but we did not detect an activity. We conclude that chicken PAD1 and PAD3 might play specific roles in the nervous system, but that chicken PAD2 might not be functional under normal physiological conditions. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RCRA, superfund and EPCRA hotline training module. Introduction to: Drip pads (40 cfr parts 264/265, subpart w) updated July 1996

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

NONE

1996-07-01

In 1990, EPA promulgated listings for wastes from wood preserving processes. Many of these wastes are generated by allowing preservative to drip from wood onto concrete pads, called drip pads. To facilitate proper handling of these wastes, EPA developed design and operating standards for drip pads used to manage hazardous wastes. This module explains these standards. It defines a drip pad and summarizes the design and operating standards for drip pads. It describes the relationship between generator accumulation provisions and drip pads.

Thrombospondin 1 and its mimetic peptide ABT-510 decrease angiogenesis and inflammation in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Punekar, Salman; Zak, Samantha; Kalter, Valerie G; Dobransky, Larissa; Punekar, Imran; Lawler, Jack W; Gutierrez, Linda S

2008-01-01

Vascular abnormalities and expression of proangiogenic factors have been repeatedly reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) is a protein well known for its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model, the role of TSP-1 in IBD has been investigated in vivo. TSP-1-deficient mice (TSP-1-/-) and WT mice were treated with DSS for 7 days. Disease activity indices, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and histology were analyzed. Microvascular density (MVD) was quantified using immunohistochemistry (IMH) with CD31 antibody. TGF-beta(1), basic FGF, VEGF, TNF-alpha and MMPs protein levels were evaluated by IMH and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Mice were treated with ABT-510 (Abbott Laboratories), an antiangiogenic TSP peptide, using miniosmotic pumps for 7 days. TSP-1(-/-) mice had a worse clinical outcome and exhibited severe signs of rectal bleeding compared to the WT controls. The TSP-1-/- mice showed a higher level of crypt damage and deeper lesions. The grade of inflammation and the levels of MPO activity were also significantly higher in colons of TSP-1-/- mice. TSP-1-/- mice displayed higher MVD in focal areas of the colon after only 3 days of DSS treatment. Furthermore, clinical severity of the colitis and angiogenesis was significantly diminished when mice was treated with ABT-510. These findings directly link TSP-1 as a protective factor in IBD and suggest antiangiogenesis treatment, including compounds such as ABT-510 as an adjuvant therapy for IBD. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effects of thalidomide on angiogenesis and tumor growth and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhong-Lin; Liu, Zhi-Su; Sun, Quan

2005-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effects of thalidomide on angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice. METHODS: Twenty-four nude mice were randomly divided into therapy group and control group, 12 mice in each group. Thalidomide dissolved in 0.5% sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) suspension was administered intraperitoneally once a day at the dose of 200 mg/kg in therapy group, and an equivalent volume of 0.5% CMC in control group. Mice were sacrificed on the 30th d, tumor size and weight and metastases in liver and lungs were measured. CD34 and VEGF mRNA in tumor tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR respectively and microvessel density (MVD) was counted. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and ALT and AFP were also tested. RESULTS: MVD and VEGF mRNA in therapy group were less than those in control group (31.08±16.23 vessels/HP vs 80.00±26.27 vessels/HP, 0.0538±0.0165 vs 0.7373±0.1297, respectively, P<0.05). No statistical difference was observed in tumor size and weight and metastases in liver and lungs. TNF-α was significantly lower in therapy group than in control group (28.64±4.64 ng/L vs 42.69±6.99 ng/L, P<0.05). No statistical difference in ALT and AFP was observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Thalidomide can significantly inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. It also has inhibitory effects on circulating TNF-α. PMID:15633219

High energy ion collisions. Final technical report, December 14, 1995--March 17, 1997

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

Jacak, B.V.

1997-12-31

This grant supported one year of work on Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions at the University of New Mexico. The Principal Investigator, an Adjunct Associate Professor at UNM, recruited a student (Mikhail Kopytine), sent him to CERN for several months to participate in the final data taking period of the NA44 experiment at CERN, then initiated analysis of the data collected during the run. A Hewlett-Packard workstation was purchased and Mr. Kopytine performed calibration, software development, and data analysis using it. A collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory and other faculty members at the University of New Mexico was begun, withmore » the goal of working closely together on the PHENIX experiment for RHIC. At this time, a close collaboration continues, centered around the Muon tracking detectors for PHENIX. Station 1 of the tracking system is under construction at UNM, while stations 2 and 3 are the responsibility of LANL. The following accomplishments were made: (1) Participation in final data taking period of NA44; (2) Work on commissioning of aerogel Cerenkov trigger and performed offline analysis to demonstrate its performance; (3) Calibration of the uranium calorimeter in NA44 in preparation for Data Summary Tape production; (4) An optimized DST production for tapes with single pion, kaon, and proton triggers for Pb+Pb collisions was performed; (5) Analysis of pion and kaon distributions and production cross sections from Pb+Pb collisions; and (6) Participation in MVD development meetings and contributed to planning of the analysis software for MVD.« less

Multi-Ethnic Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Death in California and Hawaii

PubMed Central

Kraemer, Helena; Neri, Eric

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: As aid-in-dying laws are gaining more public acceptance and support, it is important to understand diverse perceptions toward physician-assisted death (PAD). We compare attitudes of residents from California and Hawaii to identify variables that may predict attitudes toward PAD. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of 1095 participants (a 75.8% survey completion rate) from California and 819 from Hawaii (a 78.4% survey completion rate). Data were collected between July through October 2015. Results: Majority of study participants in California (72.5%) and Hawaii (76.5%) were supportive of PAD. Only 36.8% of participants in Hawaii and 34.8% of participants in California reported completing advance directives. To better understand which subgroups were most in favor of PAD, data were analyzed using both recursive partitioning and stepwise logistic regression. Older participants were more supportive of PAD in both states. Also, all ethnic groups were equally supportive of PAD. Completion of advance directives was not a significant predictor of attitudes toward PAD. Persons who reported that faith/religion/spirituality was less important to them were more likely to support PAD in both states. Thus, the major influences on the attitudes to PAD were religious/spiritual views and age, not ethnicity and gender. Even in the subgroups least supportive of PAD, the majority supported PAD. Conclusions: This study shows that in the ethnically diverse states of California and Hawaii, faith/religion/spirituality and age are major influencers of attitudes toward PAD and not ethnicity and gender. Even in the subgroups least supportive of PAD, the majority supports PAD. PMID:27276445

Multi-Ethnic Attitudes Toward Physician-Assisted Death in California and Hawaii.

PubMed

Periyakoil, Vyjeyanthi S; Kraemer, Helena; Neri, Eric

2016-10-01

As aid-in-dying laws are gaining more public acceptance and support, it is important to understand diverse perceptions toward physician-assisted death (PAD). We compare attitudes of residents from California and Hawaii to identify variables that may predict attitudes toward PAD. A cross-sectional online survey of 1095 participants (a 75.8% survey completion rate) from California and 819 from Hawaii (a 78.4% survey completion rate). Data were collected between July through October 2015. Majority of study participants in California (72.5%) and Hawaii (76.5%) were supportive of PAD. Only 36.8% of participants in Hawaii and 34.8% of participants in California reported completing advance directives. To better understand which subgroups were most in favor of PAD, data were analyzed using both recursive partitioning and stepwise logistic regression. Older participants were more supportive of PAD in both states. Also, all ethnic groups were equally supportive of PAD. Completion of advance directives was not a significant predictor of attitudes toward PAD. Persons who reported that faith/religion/spirituality was less important to them were more likely to support PAD in both states. Thus, the major influences on the attitudes to PAD were religious/spiritual views and age, not ethnicity and gender. Even in the subgroups least supportive of PAD, the majority supported PAD. This study shows that in the ethnically diverse states of California and Hawaii, faith/religion/spirituality and age are major influencers of attitudes toward PAD and not ethnicity and gender. Even in the subgroups least supportive of PAD, the majority supports PAD.

CFD Analysis of A Starved Four-Pad Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing with An Elastic Support of Pads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parovay, E. F.; Falaleev, S. V.

2018-01-01

Tilting-pad journal bearings are widely used in technics. Oil starvation operation regime is not common for hydrodynamic bearings. However, correctly designed low-flow journal bearing have to operate efficiently and consistently on high rotor speeds. An elastic support of bearing pads is a set of elastic pins made of steel. Elastic support allows pads to self-align and achieve an optimal operational mode. The article presents the thermohydrodynamic performance of an axial journal bearing. The study deals with 60 mm diameter four-pad tilting-pad journal bearing, submitted to a static load varying from 1000 to 30000 N with a rotating speed varying from 1000 to 10000 rpm. The investigation focuses on numerical studying the characteristics of low-flow tilting-pad journal bearings under oil starvation conditions. Dependencies of the bearing performance on the load, rotational speed of the shaft, and the size of the radial clearance are presented.

The hemostatic efficacy of chitosan-pads in hemodialysis patients with significant bleeding tendency.

PubMed

Misgav, Mudi; Lubetszki, Ahron; Brutman-Barazani, Tami; Martinowitz, Uri; Kenet, Gili

2017-05-15

Patients on chronic hemodialysis often have acquired coagulopathy that can aggravate bleeding from puncture site after needle extraction. Chitosan-based pads have been reported to accelerate hemostasis even in the presence of coagulopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of the chitosan pads compared to gauze pads, applied for local hemostasis. A crossover study in a cohort of patients on hemodialysis with extended time to hemostasis after needle extraction. At the end of each dialysis, either gauze or chitosan pad was applied on both access points (arterial and venous). The type of pad was changed in the next dialysis all together 5 times in each patient (10 applications per patient for every pad). A total of 288 applications, 144 for each type of pad, were performed in 15 patients. The average time to hemostasis for the entire group was significantly shorter with the chitosan pads compared to the regular gauze pads ("arterial" point 3 vs. 18.5 min, p<0.001 "venous" access 2.8 vs. 13.2 min, p<0.001, respectively). Chitosan pads significantly reduce time to hemostasis and should be considered for the treatment of accessible bleeds in patients with coagulopathy.

Injectable-antineoplastic-drug practices in Michigan hospitals.

PubMed

Cohen, I A; Newland, S J; Kirking, D M

1987-05-01

Practices related to parenteral (injectable) antineoplastic drugs (PADs) in Michigan hospitals were surveyed. All hospitals in Michigan were surveyed to assess compliance with American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations related to PADs. Other PAD-related practice issues not covered within those guidelines were also studied. Surveys were mailed to the pharmacy directors of the state's 192 acute-care hospitals. Included were questions concerning policies and procedures for ordering, storing, preparing, handling, labeling, transporting, administering, and disposing of PADs. Questions concerning staff education, spill cleanup, and personnel issues were also included. A total of 169 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 88%. Of those respondents, 132 indicated that they prepare PAD doses for inpatients. Adherence rates were high for several of the PAD-preparation recommendations, including handwashing (97%) and gloving (98.5%). Rates for gowning (71.2%), labeling of PAD doses as biohazards (chemical hazards) (73.5%), and use of Class II biological-safety cabinets (71.2%) were less favorable. Practice areas with relatively poor adherence rates included use of plastic-backed absorbent pads under PAD preparation areas (53.8%), storing PADs separately from other drugs (48.5%), informing prospective employees of potential risks of handling PADs (36.4%), availability of spill kits (36.4%), and attaching and priming i.v. tubing before adding PADs to i.v. containers (5.4%). Many pharmacy departments in Michigan hospitals can substantially improve their adherence to ASHP and OSHA recommendations related to PADs.

Characteristics of pitch angle distributions of hundreds of keV electrons in the slot region and inner radiation belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, H.; Li, X.; Blake, J. B.; Fennell, J. F.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Baker, D. N.; Jaynes, A. N.; Malaspina, D. M.

2014-12-01

The pitch angle distribution (PAD) of energetic electrons in the slot region and inner radiation belt received little attention in the past decades due to the lack of quality measurements. Using the state-of-the-art pitch angle-resolved data from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer instrument onboard the Van Allen Probes, a detailed analysis of hundreds of keV electron PADs below L = 4 is performed, in which the PADs are categorized into three types: normal (flux peaking at 90°), cap (exceedingly peaking narrowly around 90°), and 90° minimum (lower flux at 90°) PADs. By examining the characteristics of the PADs of ˜460 keV electrons for over a year, we find that the 90° minimum PADs are generally present in the inner belt (L<2), while normal PADs dominate at L˜3.5-4. In the region between, 90° minimum PADs dominate during injection times and normal PADs dominate during quiet times. Cap PADs appear mostly at the decay phase of storms in the slot region and are likely caused by the pitch angle scattering of hiss waves. Fitting the normal PADs into sinnα form, the parameter n is much higher below L = 3 than that in the outer belt and relatively constant in the inner belt but changes significantly in the slot region (2 < L < 3) during injection times. As for the 90° minimum PADs, by performing a detailed case study, we find in the slot region this type of PAD is likely caused by chorus wave heating, but this mechanism can hardly explain the formation of 90° minimum PADs at the center of inner belt.

Flour pads: devices to improve CHESS fat suppression.

PubMed

Moriya, Susumu; Miki, Yukio; Miyati, Tosiaki; Kanagaki, Mitsunori; Yokobayashi, Tsuneo

2014-01-01

We compared the suppression of lingering fat signals in chemical shift selective (CHESS) images by pads filled with flour and pads filled with rice in a phantom and human subjects. First, we prepared a phantom by creating an empty space in a mass of lard and filling the space with air, rice, or flour. Then, we obtained MR images of the phantoms in the center of the magnetic field and at a position 8 cm to the left (off-center) to compare lingering fat signals. MR images of the knee were obtained in 10 healthy volunteers using CHESS after placing a polyurethane sponge pillow, rice pad, or flour pad in the popliteal space under the flexed knee. We visually assessed the number of areas with lingering fat signals and the statistical differences among the groups were assessed using Tukey's test. Similarly to rice, flour clearly decreased lingering fat signals in the phantom study. A similar effect was obtained in the off-center images. In the volunteer study, the mean number of areas with lingering fat signals was 2.5 with a sponge pillow, 0.5 with the rice pad, and 0.3 with the flour pad. Those numbers were significantly different using flour pad and rice pad compared with sponge pillow (P < 0.001). No significant differences were seen between flour pads and rice pads (P = 0.662). Flour pads can suppress lingering fat signals in CHESS images.

Sports-related pads.

PubMed

Dickens, Rio; Adams, Brian B; Mutasim, Diya F

2002-05-01

Knuckle pads, first described by Garrod in 1893, 1 are benign, asymptomatic, well- circumscribed, smooth, firm, skin colored papules, nodules, or plaques. They most commonly occur on the dorsal aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger, 2 but also may occur on the dorsal aspects of the foot over joints. 3-5 Knuckle pads may be inherited or acquired. 1 While some authors suggest that trauma is not a significant factor, 6 acquired knuckle pads have been associated with repetitive friction and trauma, 2,7 and may resemble athlete's nodules (also referred to as collagenomas). 1 Histologically, knuckle pads are characterized by hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, proliferation of fibroblasts and capillaries, and thickened and irregular collagen bundles. 1 Few cases of knuckle pads involving the lower extremities have been reported. 7 Knuckle pads of the feet have been described in association with inherited syndromes, such as acrokeratoelastoidosis Costa, 3 a syndrome of knuckle pads, leukonychia and deafness, 4 and a syndrome of knuckle pads, leukonychia, deafness and keratosis palmoplantaris. 5 We report a case that illustrates an unusual presentation of acquired knuckle pads of the feet secondary to repetitive friction from athletic gear.

Ice hockey shoulder pad design and the effect on head response during shoulder-to-head impacts.

PubMed

Richards, Darrin; Ivarsson, B Johan; Scher, Irving; Hoover, Ryan; Rodowicz, Kathleen; Cripton, Peter

2016-11-01

Ice hockey body checks involving direct shoulder-to-head contact frequently result in head injury. In the current study, we examined the effect of shoulder pad style on the likelihood of head injury from a shoulder-to-head check. Shoulder-to-head body checks were simulated by swinging a modified Hybrid-III anthropomorphic test device (ATD) with and without shoulder pads into a stationary Hybrid-III ATD at 21 km/h. Tests were conducted with three different styles of shoulder pads (traditional, integrated and tethered) and without shoulder pads for the purpose of control. Head response kinematics for the stationary ATD were measured. Compared to the case of no shoulder pads, the three different pad styles significantly (p < 0.05) reduced peak resultant linear head accelerations of the stationary ATD by 35-56%. The integrated shoulder pads reduced linear head accelerations by an additional 18-21% beyond the other two styles of shoulder pads. The data presented here suggest that shoulder pads can be designed to help protect the head of the struck player in a shoulder-to-head check.

Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy

MedlinePlus

Amyloidosis - abdominal wall fat pad biopsy; Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad ... most common method of taking an abdominal wall fat pad biopsy . The health care provider cleans the ...

Preliminary Performance of CdZnTe Imaging Detector Prototypes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramsey, B.; Sharma, D. P.; Meisner, J.; Gostilo, V.; Ivanov, V.; Loupilov, A.; Sokolov, A.; Sipila, H.

1999-01-01

The promise of good energy and spatial resolution coupled with high efficiency and near-room-temperature operation has fuelled a large International effort to develop Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) for the hard-x-ray region. We present here preliminary results from our development of small-pixel imaging arrays fabricated on 5x5x1-mm and 5x5x2-mm spectroscopy and discriminator-grade material. Each array has 16 (4x4) 0.65-mm gold readout pads on a 0.75-mm pitch, with each pad connected to a discrete preamplifier via a pulse-welded gold wire. Each array is mounted on a 3-stage Peltier cooler and housed in an ion-pump-evacuated housing which also contains a hybrid micro-assembly for the 16 channels of electronics. We have investigated the energy resolution and approximate photopeak efficiency for each pixel at several energies and have used an ultra-fine beam x-ray generator to probe the performance at the pixel boundaries. Both arrays gave similar results, and at an optimum temperature of -20 C we achieved between 2 and 3% FWHM energy resolution at 60 keV and around 15% at 5.9 keV. We found that all the charge was contained within 1 pixel until very close to the pixels edge, where it would start to be shared with its neighbor. Even between pixels, all the charge would be appropriately shared with no apparently loss of efficiency or resolution. Full details of these measurements will be presented, together with their implications for future imaging-spectroscopy applications.

Biomarkers and Genetics in Peripheral Artery Disease

PubMed Central

Hazarika, Surovi; Annex, Brian H.

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is highly prevalent and there is considerable diversity in the initial clinical manifestation and disease progression among individuals. Currently, there is no ideal biomarker to screen for PAD, to risk stratify patients with PAD, or to monitor therapeutic response to revascularization procedures. Advances in human genetics have markedly enhanced the ability to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches across a host of human diseases, but such developments in the field of PAD are lagging. CONTENT In this article, we will discuss the epidemiology, traditional risk factors for, and clinical presentations of PAD. We will discuss the possible role of genetic factors and gene–environment interactions in the development and/or progression of PAD. We will further explore future avenues through which genetic advances can be used to better our understanding of the pathophysiology of PAD and potentially find newer therapeutic targets. We will discuss the potential role of biomarkers in identifying patients at risk for PAD and for risk stratifying patients with PAD, and novel approaches to identification of reliable biomarkers in PAD. SUMMARY The exponential growth of genetic tools and newer technologies provides opportunities to investigate and identify newer pathways in the development and progression of PAD, and thereby in the identification of newer biomarkers and therapies. PMID:27872083

Impact of the rail-pad multi-discrete model upon the prediction of the rail response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazilu, T.; Leu, M.

2017-08-01

Wheel/rail vibration has many technical effects such as wear of the rolling surfaces, rolling noise, settlement of the ballast and subgrade etc. This vibration is depending on the rail pad characteristic and subsequently, it is important to have an accurate overview on the relation between the rail pad characteristic and the level of the wheel/rail vibration. To this end, much theoretical and experimental research has been developed in the past, and for the theoretical approach the track model, in general, and, particularly, the rail pad model is of crucial importance. Usually, the rail pad model is discrete model one, neglecting the length of the rail pad. This fact is questionable because the sleepers span is only 4 times the rail pad length. Using the rail pad discrete model, the rail response is overestimated when the frequency of the excitation equals the pinned-pinned resonance frequency. In this paper, a multi-discrete model for the rail pad, consisting in many Kelvin-Voigt parallel systems, is inserted into an analytical model of the track. The track model is reduced to a rail taken as infinite Timoshenko beam, discretely supported via rail pad, sleeper and ballast. The influence of the number of Kelvin-Voigt systems of the rail pad model on the rail response is analysed.

Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Urban Water Resources Study. Grand Forks Flood Fight Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

insurance is available for residential and commercial structures and contents at actuarial rates. As of 30 April 1980, 1258 policies were in effect...STATION #3 (WW) CLOSE SHEAR OATE ON LEW« M.VD. ON RIVER SOE OF IMKE. (S) PUCE PUMP M CATCH ■ ASM ON OTHER «DC OF MKE CLOSE SHEAR OATE ON OKE AT ISIS mVBMM...DRIVE. (S>* PUCE PUMP M CATCH « ASM ON OTHER SBC OF (NKE CLOU SHEAR OATE AT UFT STATION «S M MANHOU «WW> SWITCH OVER UFT STATION «I - CLOSE OATE

In vivo evaluation of the effects of simultaneous inhibition of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma using micro 18F-FDG PET/CT

PubMed Central

Shen, Li-Fang; Zhao, Xin; Zhou, Shui-Hong; Lu, Zhong-Jie; Zhao, Kui; Fan, Jun; Zhou, Min-Li

2017-01-01

Purpose Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) are two important hypoxic markers associated with the radioresistance of cancers including laryngeal carcinoma. We evaluated whether the simultaneous inhibition of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α expression improved the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma. We explored whether the expression of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 was correlated with 2′-deoxy-2’-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake and whether 18F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) was appropriate for early evaluation of the response of laryngeal carcinoma to targeted treatment in vivo. Materials and Methods To verify the above hypotheses, an in vivo model was applied by subcutaneously injecting Hep-2 (2 × 107/mL × 0.2 mL) and Tu212 cells (2 × 107/mL × 0.2 mL) into nude mice. The effects of HIF-1α antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) (100 μg) and GLUT-1 AS-ODNs (100 μg) on the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma were assessed by tumor volume and weight, microvessel density (MVD), apoptosis index (AI) and necrosis in vivo based on a full factorial (23) design. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was taken before and after the treatment of xenografts. The relationships between HIF-1α and GLUT-1 expression and 18F-FDG uptake in xenografts were estimated and the value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT was assessed after treating the xenografts. Results 10 Gy X-ray irradiation decreased the weight of Hep-2 xenografts 8 and 12 days after treatment, and the weights of Tu212 xenografts 8 days after treatment. GLUT-1 AS-ODNs decreased the weight of Tu212 xenografts 12 days after treatment. There was a synergistic interaction among the three treatments (GLUT-1 AS-ODNs, HIF-1α AS-ODNs and 10Gy X-ray irradiation) in increasing apoptosis, decreasing MVD, and increasing necrosis in Hep-2 xenografts 8 days after treatment (p < 0.05) and in Tu212 xenografts 12 days after treatment (p < 0.001). Standardized uptake value (tumor/normal tissue)( SUVmaxT/N) did not show a statistically significant correlation with GLUT1 and HIF-1α expression and therapeutic effect (necrosis, apoptosis). Conclusions Simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 expression might increase the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma, decreasing MVD, and promoting apoptosis and necrosis. 18F-FDG-PET/CT wasn't useful in evaluating the therapeutic effect on laryngeal cancer in this animal study. PMID:28410229

In vivo evaluation of the effects of simultaneous inhibition of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma using micro 18F-FDG PET/CT.

PubMed

Shen, Li-Fang; Zhao, Xin; Zhou, Shui-Hong; Lu, Zhong-Jie; Zhao, Kui; Fan, Jun; Zhou, Min-Li

2017-05-23

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) are two important hypoxic markers associated with the radioresistance of cancers including laryngeal carcinoma. We evaluated whether the simultaneous inhibition of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α expression improved the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma. We explored whether the expression of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 was correlated with 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake and whether 18F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) was appropriate for early evaluation of the response of laryngeal carcinoma to targeted treatment in vivo. To verify the above hypotheses, an in vivo model was applied by subcutaneously injecting Hep-2 (2 × 107/mL × 0.2 mL) and Tu212 cells (2 × 107/mL × 0.2 mL) into nude mice. The effects of HIF-1α antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) (100 μg) and GLUT-1 AS-ODNs (100 μg) on the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma were assessed by tumor volume and weight, microvessel density (MVD), apoptosis index (AI) and necrosis in vivo based on a full factorial (23) design. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was taken before and after the treatment of xenografts. The relationships between HIF-1α and GLUT-1 expression and 18F-FDG uptake in xenografts were estimated and the value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT was assessed after treating the xenografts. 10 Gy X-ray irradiation decreased the weight of Hep-2 xenografts 8 and 12 days after treatment, and the weights of Tu212 xenografts 8 days after treatment. GLUT-1 AS-ODNs decreased the weight of Tu212 xenografts 12 days after treatment. There was a synergistic interaction among the three treatments (GLUT-1 AS-ODNs, HIF-1α AS-ODNs and 10Gy X-ray irradiation) in increasing apoptosis, decreasing MVD, and increasing necrosis in Hep-2 xenografts 8 days after treatment (p < 0.05) and in Tu212 xenografts 12 days after treatment (p < 0.001). Standardized uptake value (tumor/normal tissue)( SUVmaxT/N) did not show a statistically significant correlation with GLUT1 and HIF-1α expression and therapeutic effect (necrosis, apoptosis). Simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 expression might increase the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma, decreasing MVD, and promoting apoptosis and necrosis. 18F-FDG-PET/CT wasn't useful in evaluating the therapeutic effect on laryngeal cancer in this animal study.

An experimental study on the design, performance and suitability of evaporative cooling system using different indigenous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam, Md. Ferdous; Sazidy, Ahmad Sharif; Kabir, Asif; Mridha, Gowtam; Litu, Nazmul Alam; Rahman, Md. Ashiqur

2017-06-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of coconut coir pads, jute fiber pads and sackcloth pads as alternative pad materials. Experimental measurements were conducted and the experimental data were quantitative. The experimental work mainly focused on the effects of different types and thicknesses of evaporative cooling pads by using forced draft fan while changing the environmental conditions. Experiments are conducted in a specifically constructed test chamber having dimensions of 12'X8'X8', using a number of cooling pads (36"X26") with a variable thickness parameters of the evaporative cooling pads i.e., 50, 75 and 100 mm. Moreover, the experimental work involved the measurement of environmental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, water mass flow rate and pressure drops at different times during the day. Experiments were conducted at three different water mass flow rates (0.25 kgs-1, 0.40 kgs-1 & 0.55 kgs-1) and three different air velocities (3.6 ms-1, 4.6 ms-1& 5.6 ms-1). There was a significant difference between evaporative cooling pad types and cooling efficiency. The coconut coir pads yielded maximum cooling efficiency of 85%, whereas other pads yielded the following maximum cooling efficiency: jute fiber pads 78% and sackcloth 69% for higher air velocity and minimum mass flow rate. It is found that the maximum reduction in temperature between cooling pad inlet and outlet is 4°C with a considerable increase in humidity. With the increase of pad thickness there was an increment of cooling efficiency. The results obtained for environmental factors, indicated that there was a significant difference between environmental factors and cooling efficiency. In terms of the effect of air velocity on saturation efficiency and pressure drop, higher air velocity decreases saturation efficiency and increases pressure drop across the wetted pad for maximum flow rate. Convective heat transfer co-efficient has an almost linear relationship with air Velocity. Water consumption or evaporation rate increases with the increase in air velocity. Finally, the present study indicated that the coconut coir pads perform better than the other evaporative cooling pads and have higher potential as wetted-pad material. The outcomes of this study can provide an effective and low-cost solution in the form of evaporative cooling system, especially in an agricultural country like Bangladesh.

Impact response of US Army and National Football League helmet pad systems

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

Moss, W C; King, M J

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory [LLNL] was tasked to compare the impact response of NFL helmet pad systems and U.S. Army pad systems compatible with an Advanced Combat Helmet [ACH] at impact velocities up to 20 ft/s. This was a one-year study funded by the U.S. Army and JIEDDO. The Army/JIEDDO point of contact is COL R. Todd Dombroski, DO, JIEDDO Surgeon. LLNL was chosen by committee to perform the research based on prior published computational studies of the mechanical response of helmets and skulls to blast. Our collaborators include the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory [USAARL] (a DoD laboratory responsiblemore » for impact testing helmets), Team Wendy and Oregon Aero (current and former ACH pad manufacturers), Riddell and Xenith (NFL pad manufacturers), and d3o (general purpose sports pad manufacturer). The manufacturer-supplied pad systems that were studied are shown in the figure below. The first two are the Army systems, which are bilayer foam pads with both hard and soft foam and a water-resistant airtight wrapper (Team Wendy) or a water-resistant airtight coating (Oregon Aero). The next two are NFL pad systems. The Xenith system consists of a thin foam pad and a hollow air-filled cylinder that elastically buckles under load. The Riddell system is a bilayer foam pad that is encased in an inflatable airbag with relief channels to neighboring pads in the helmet. The inflatable airbag is for comfort and provides no enhancement to impact mitigation. The d3o system consists of a rate-sensitive homogeneous dense foam. LLNL performed experiments to characterize the material properties of the individual foam materials and the response of the complete pad systems, to obtain parameters needed for the simulations. LLNL also performed X-ray CT scans of an ACH helmet shell that were used to construct a geometrically accurate computational model of the helmet. Two complementary sets of simulations were performed. The first set of simulations reproduced the experimental helmet impact certification tests performed by USAARL, who provided data for comparison. The goal of this set of simulations was to demonstrate the overall validity of LLNL's computational analyses and methods and understand the general physics of helmet impacts. In these tests and the corresponding simulations, an inverted ACH containing pads and a head-form are dropped onto a hemispherical anvil, at 10 and 14.14 ft/s impact velocities. The simulations predicted peak accelerations (the metric used by USAARL for comparing the performance of pad systems), rebound velocities, and impact durations consistent with the experimental data, thus demonstrating the validity and relevance of the simulation methods. Because the NFL pad systems are approximately double the thickness of the U.S. Army pads, they do not fit into the ACH. As a result, the NFL pads could not be simply placed into an ACH shell in either a simulation or an experiment without modifying their size and shape. Since impact mitigation depends critically on the available stopping distance and the area over which the stopping force is applied, it is important to consider identically shaped pads in order to compare their performance in a fair and meaningful manner. Consequently, the second set of simulations utilized a simplified simulation geometry consisting of a 5 kg cylindrical impactor (equal in mass to a head) striking equally sized pads from each manufacturer. The simulated bilayer foam pads had the same proportions of hard and soft foam as the actual pad systems, while the Xenith pads were simulated as a bilayer foam pad with material properties adjusted to give the same response as the actual Xenith pads. The effects of trapped air were included in the simulations of the Team Wendy and Oregon Aero pads. All simulations used material properties derived from the experiments conducted at LLNL. The acceleration history of the center of mass of the impactor was used to calculate the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) for each simulation, to assess the pad performance. The HIC is a well-established metric that combines both acceleration and duration of impact to assess the danger of injury, and is a more robust measure than peak acceleration. Our key findings are: (1) The performance of a pad depends on the range of impact velocities. At lower impact velocity, softer pads perform better. At higher impact velocity, harder pads perform better; (2) Thicker pads perform better at all velocities, but especially at high velocities; and (3) For comparable thicknesses, neither the NFL systems nor the Oregon Aero pads outperform the Team Wendy pads currently used in the ACH system in militarily-relevant impact scenarios (impact speeds less than 20 ft/s). The second finding suggests a commercial off-the-shelf solution for mitigating impact-related traumatic brain injury to soldiers.« less

Analysis of an all-metallic resilient-pad gas-lubricated thrust bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. J.

1974-01-01

A resilient-pad gas thrust bearing that does not contain any elastomers in the bearing assembly is described and analyzed. The bearing consists of sector-shaped pads mounted asymmetrically on resilient foil beams. The effects of bearing design parameters on performance are shown. Performance of a resilient-pad bearing is compared with that of a pivoted-pad bearing.

Experimental Research and Analysis of Rotordynamic Characteristics for a New Kind of Tilting-pad Gas Seal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Hao; Cao, Xiaoyu; Chen, Fei; Li, Ming; Zhang, Bolin; Wei, Jilong

2017-12-01

This paper presents a new kind of tilting-pad gas seal. This design is introduced to reduce the tangential seal force and to improve the stability of rotor system finally. A seal test rig is set up. The paper compares the leakage between tilting-pad seal and fixed pad seal. The result shows that the leakage ratio of the tilting-pad seal is close to the leakage ratio of the fixed pad seal. The work done by seal force on the cylinder system is calculated as an index of comparison between these two seals. Result shows that the work done by the fixed pad seal is greater than the work done by the tilting-pad seal. Moreover, system damping factor is used to compare the stabilities of these two seals. The impact tests on the cylinder system are done under different conditions. The system damping factors are calculated from the damped waves of system vibration. Test results show that the damping factor of the tilting pad seal is higher than that of the fixed pad seal in both the vertical and the horizontal directions.

Measuring emissions from oil and natural gas well pads using the mobile flux plane technique.

PubMed

Rella, Chris W; Tsai, Tracy R; Botkin, Connor G; Crosson, Eric R; Steele, David

2015-04-07

We present a study of methane emissions from oil and gas producing well pad facilities in the Barnett Shale region of Texas, measured using an innovative ground-based mobile flux plane (MFP) measurement system, as part of the Barnett Coordinated Campaign.1 Using only public roads, we measured the emissions from nearly 200 well pads over 2 weeks in October 2013. The population of measured well pads is split into well pads with detectable emissions (N = 115) and those with emissions below the detection limit of the MFP instrument (N = 67). For those well pads with nonzero emissions, the distribution was highly skewed, with a geometric mean of 0.63 kg/h, a geometric standard deviation of 4.2, and an arithmetic mean of 1.72 kg/h. Including the population of nonemitting well pads, we find that the arithmetic mean of the well pads sampled in this study is 1.1 kg/h. This distribution implies that 50% of the emissions is due to the 6.6% highest emitting well pads, and 80% of the emissions is from the 22% highest emitting well pads.

Resident iPad use: has it really changed the game?

PubMed

Berkowitz, Seth J; Kung, Justin W; Eisenberg, Ronald L; Donohoe, Kevin; Tsai, Leo L; Slanetz, Priscilla J

2014-02-01

The purpose of this study was to assess residents' usage patterns and opinions of the iPad as a tool for radiology education and clinical practice at an academic medical center. All 38 radiology residents in our radiology program (postgraduate years 2 to 5) were provided with iPad 2 tablets and subscriptions to e-Anatomy and STATdx. After 6 months of device use, residents were surveyed to assess their opinions regarding the technology as a tool for education and clinical practice. A total of 36 residents (95%) completed the survey. Eighty-six percent reported daily iPad use. Radiology-specific applications, particularly e-Anatomy, were used weekly or daily by 88% of respondents. Most preferred to read journal articles on the iPad (70%), but the number of respondents preferring to read textbooks on the iPad (48.5%) compared with the traditional bound form (48.5%) was evenly divided. Residents were also divided on the clinical utility of the iPad. Most had not used the iPad to view radiologic examinations (75%). Fewer than half (47%) used their iPads during readout. Finally, only 12% had used the iPad to edit dictated reports. The iPad has generated excitement within the radiology community, particularly among resident educators, who are increasingly recognizing the unique needs of "millennial learners." This study showed that the majority of residents at the authors' institution have incorporated the iPad as an educational tool and use it as a learning aid. Incorporation of the iPad into clinical workflow has been less pronounced. Copyright © 2014 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of general characteristics of ischemic stroke of BAD and non-BAD CISS subtypes.

PubMed

Mei, Bin; Liu, Guang-zhi; Yang, Yang; Liu, Yu-min; Cao, Jiang-hui; Zhang, Jun-jian

2015-12-01

Based on the recently proposed Chinese ischemic stroke subclassification (CISS) system, intracranial branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is divided into large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and penetrating artery disease (PAD). In the current retrospective analysis, we compared the general characteristics of BAD-LAA with BAD-PAD, BAD-LAA with non-BAD-LAA and BAD-PAD with non-BAD-PAD. The study included a total of 80 cases, including 45 cases of BAD and 35 cases of non-BAD. Subjects were classified using CISS system: BAD-LAA, BAD-PAD, non-BAD-LAA and non-BAD-PAD. In addition to analysis of general characteristics, the correlation between the factors and the two subtypes of BAD was evaluated. The number of cases included in the analysis was: 32 cases of BAD-LAA, 13 cases of BAD-PAD, 21 cases of non-BAD-LAA, and 14 cases of non-BAD-PAD. Diabetes mellitus affected more non-BAD-LAA patients than BAD-LAA patients (P=0.035). In comparison with non-BAD-PAD, patients with BAD-PAD were younger (P=0.040), had higher initial NIHSS score (P<0.001) and morbidity of ischemic heart disease (P=0.033). Within patients with BAD, the PAD subtype was associated with smoking (OR=0.043; P=0.011), higher low-density lipoprotein (OR=5.339; P=0.029), ischemic heart disease (OR=9.383; P=0.047) and diabetes mellitus (OR=12.59; P=0.020). It was concluded that large artery atherosclerosis was the primary mechanism of BAD. The general characteristics showed no significant differences between the CISS subtypes of LAA and PAD within BAD, as well as between the BAD and non-BAD within LAA subtype. Several differences between PAD subtypes of BAD and non-BAD were revealed.

Release of Active Peptidyl Arginine Deiminases by Neutrophils Can Explain Production of Extracellular Citrullinated Autoantigens in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fluid

PubMed Central

Spengler, Julia; Lugonja, Božo; Jimmy Ytterberg, A.; Zubarev, Roman A.; Creese, Andrew J.; Pearson, Mark J.; Grant, Melissa M.; Milward, Michael; Lundberg, Karin; Buckley, Christopher D.; Filer, Andrew; Raza, Karim; Cooper, Paul R.; Chapple, Iain L.

2015-01-01

Objective In the majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), antibodies specifically recognize citrullinated autoantigens that are generated by peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs). Neutrophils express high levels of PAD and accumulate in the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients during disease flares. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that neutrophil cell death, induced by either NETosis (extrusion of genomic DNA–protein complexes known as neutrophil extracellular traps [NETs]) or necrosis, can contribute to production of autoantigens in the inflamed joint. Methods Extracellular DNA was quantified in the SF of patients with RA, patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Release of PAD from neutrophils was investigated by Western blotting, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence staining, and PAD activity assays. PAD2 and PAD4 protein expression, as well as PAD enzymatic activity, were assessed in the SF of patients with RA and those with OA. Results Extracellular DNA was detected at significantly higher levels in RA SF than in OA SF (P < 0.001) or PsA SF (P < 0.05), and its expression levels correlated with neutrophil concentrations and PAD activity in RA SF. Necrotic neutrophils released less soluble extracellular DNA compared to NETotic cells in vitro (P < 0.05). Higher PAD activity was detected in RA SF than in OA SF (P < 0.05). The citrullinated proteins PAD2 and PAD4 were found attached to NETs and also freely diffused in the supernatant. PAD enzymatic activity was detected in supernatants of neutrophils undergoing either NETosis or necrosis. Conclusion Release of active PAD isoforms into the SF by neutrophil cell death is a plausible explanation for the generation of extracellular autoantigens in RA. PMID:26245941

Morpheus Campaign 1C

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander begins to ascend on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1606

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander soars high after launching on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1607

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander soars high and moves forward after launching on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1609

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander begins to ascend on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KSC-2014-1613

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander soars high after launching on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KSC-2014-1610

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander begins to ascend on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

Morpheus Campaign 1C

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander soars high after launching on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1612

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander soars high after launching on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KSC-2014-1611

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander ascends on its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

Morpheus Campaign 1A Liftoff

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander touches down in the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field after launching on its fourth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 64-second test began at 1:15 p.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending about 305 feet, significantly increasing the ascent velocity from the last test. The lander flew forward, covering about 358 feet in 25 seconds before descending and landing within 15 inches of its target on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2014-1614

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander touches down in the automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field after completing its sixth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 82-second test began at 11:32 a.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending to 465 feet. The lander flew forward, covering 633 feet while performing a 55-foot divert to emulate a hazard avoidance maneuver before descending and landing on a dedicated pad inside the hazard field. Morpheus landed 10 inches west of its intended target. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

Morpheus Campaign 1A Liftoff

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Project Morpheus prototype lander touched down in the autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, hazard field after launching on its fourth free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 64-second test began at 1:15 p.m. EST with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending about 305 feet, significantly increasing the ascent velocity from the last test. The lander flew forward, covering about 358 feet in 25 seconds before descending and landing within 15 inches of its target on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

On the influence of zero-padding on the nonlinear operations in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping

PubMed Central

Eskreis-Winkler, Sarah; Zhou, Dong; Liu, Tian; Gupta, Ajay; Gauthier, Susan A.; Wang, Yi; Spincemaille, Pascal

2016-01-01

Purpose Zero padding is a well-studied interpolation technique that improves image visualization without increasing image resolution. This interpolation is often performed as a last step before images are displayed on clinical workstations. Here, we seek to demonstrate the importance of zero padding before rather than after performing non-linear post-processing algorithms, such as Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM). To do so, we evaluate apparent spatial resolution, relative error and depiction of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on images that were zero padded prior to, in the middle of, and after the application of the QSM algorithm. Materials and Methods High resolution gradient echo (GRE) data were acquired on twenty MS patients, from which low resolution data were derived using k-space cropping. Pre-, mid-, and post-zero padded QSM images were reconstructed from these low resolution data by zero padding prior to field mapping, after field mapping, and after susceptibility mapping, respectively. Using high resolution QSM as the gold standard, apparent spatial resolution, relative error, and image quality of the pre-, mid-, and post-zero padded QSM images were measured and compared. Results Both the accuracy and apparent spatial resolution of the pre-zero padded QSM was higher than that of mid-zero padded QSM (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), which was higher than that of post-zero padded QSM (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The image quality of pre-zero padded reconstructions was higher than that of mid- and post-zero padded reconstructions (p = 0.004; p < 0.001). Conclusion Zero padding of the complex GRE data prior to nonlinear susceptibility mapping improves image accuracy and apparent resolution compared to zero padding afterwards. It also provides better delineation of MS lesion geometry, which may improve lesion subclassification and disease monitoring in MS patients. PMID:27587225

Characteristics of Pitch Angle Distributions of 100s Kev Electrons in the Slot Region and Inner Radiation Belt­­­­­­­­

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, H.; Li, X.; Blake, J. B.; Fennell, J.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Baker, D. N.; Jaynes, A. N.; Malaspina, D.

2014-12-01

The pitch angle distribution (PAD) of energetic electrons in the slot region and inner radiation belt received little attention in the past decades due to the lack of quality measurements. Using the state-of-art pitch-angle-resolved data from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) instrument onboard the Van Allen Probes, a detailed analysis of 100s keV electron PADs below L =4 is performed, in which the PADs is categorized into three types: normal (flux peaking at 90°), cap (exceedingly peaking narrowly around 90°) and 90°-minimum (lower flux at 90°) PADs. By examining the characteristics of the PADs of 460 keV electrons for over a year, we find that the 90°-minimum PADs are generally present in the inner belt (L<2), while normal PADs dominate at L~3.5-4. In the region between, 90°-minimum PADs dominate during injection times and normal PADs dominate during quiet times. Cap PADs appear mostly at the decay phase of storms in the slot region and are likely caused by the pitch angle scattering of hiss waves. Fitting the normal PADs into sinnα form, the parameter n is much higher below L=3 than that in the outer belt and relatively constant in the inner belt but changes significantly in the slot region (2

On the influence of zero-padding on the nonlinear operations in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping.

PubMed

Eskreis-Winkler, Sarah; Zhou, Dong; Liu, Tian; Gupta, Ajay; Gauthier, Susan A; Wang, Yi; Spincemaille, Pascal

2017-01-01

Zero padding is a well-studied interpolation technique that improves image visualization without increasing image resolution. This interpolation is often performed as a last step before images are displayed on clinical workstations. Here, we seek to demonstrate the importance of zero padding before rather than after performing non-linear post-processing algorithms, such as Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM). To do so, we evaluate apparent spatial resolution, relative error and depiction of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions on images that were zero padded prior to, in the middle of, and after the application of the QSM algorithm. High resolution gradient echo (GRE) data were acquired on twenty MS patients, from which low resolution data were derived using k-space cropping. Pre-, mid-, and post-zero padded QSM images were reconstructed from these low resolution data by zero padding prior to field mapping, after field mapping, and after susceptibility mapping, respectively. Using high resolution QSM as the gold standard, apparent spatial resolution, relative error, and image quality of the pre-, mid-, and post-zero padded QSM images were measured and compared. Both the accuracy and apparent spatial resolution of the pre-zero padded QSM was higher than that of mid-zero padded QSM (p<0.001; p<0.001), which was higher than that of post-zero padded QSM (p<0.001; p<0.001). The image quality of pre-zero padded reconstructions was higher than that of mid- and post-zero padded reconstructions (p=0.004; p<0.001). Zero padding of the complex GRE data prior to nonlinear susceptibility mapping improves image accuracy and apparent resolution compared to zero padding afterwards. It also provides better delineation of MS lesion geometry, which may improve lesion subclassification and disease monitoring in MS patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gait kinematics and kinetics are affected more by peripheral arterial disease than age

PubMed Central

Myers, Sara A.; Applequist, Bryon C.; Huisinga, Jessie M.; Pipinos, Iraklis I.; Johanning, Jason M.

2016-01-01

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) produces abnormal gait and disproportionately affects older individuals. The current study investigated PAD gait biomechanics in young and older subjects. Sixty-one (31 < 65 years, age: 57.4 ± 5.3 years and 30 ≥ 65 years; age: 72.2 ± 5.4 years) patients with PAD and 52 healthy age matched controls were included. Patients with PAD were tested during pain free walking and compared to matched healthy controls. Joint kinematics and kinetics (torques) were compared using a 2 × 2 ANOVA (Groups: PAD vs. Control, Age: Younger vs. Older). Patients with PAD had significantly increased ankle and decreased hip range of motion during the stance phase as well as decreased ankle dorsiflexor torque compared to controls. Gait changes in older individuals are largely constrained to time-distance parameters. Joint kinematics and kinetics are significantly altered in patients with PAD during pain free ambulation. Symptomatic PAD produces a consistent ambulatory deficit across ages definable by advanced biomechanical analysis. The most important finding of the current study is that gait, in the absence of PAD and other ambulatory comorbidities, does not decline significantly with age based on advanced biomechanical analysis. Therefore, previous studies must be examined in the context of potential PAD patients being present in the population and future ambulatory studies must include PAD as a confounding factor when assessing the gait function of elderly individuals. PMID:27149635

Effect of Gender on Mechanical Properties of the Plantar Fascia and Heel Fat Pad.

PubMed

Taş, Serkan

2017-10-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate the plantar fascia and heel fat pad stiffness and thickness parameters in females and compare these values with those of males. This study was carried out in 60 healthy sedentary participants (30 female, 30 male) between the ages of 19 and 50 years. Shear wave velocity (SWV) and thickness of the plantar fascia and heel fat pad were measured with an ultrasonography device. Males had a higher plantar fascia ( P = .037) and heel fat pad ( P = .001) thickness compared with females, but SWV of the plantar fascia ( P = .673), heel fat pad microchamber layer ( P = .240), and heel fat pad macrochamber layer ( P = .636) were similar in both groups. Body mass had a strong correlation with the plantar fascia ( r = 0.64, P < .001) and heel fat pad thickness ( r = 0.68, P < .001). Height had a moderate correlation with the plantar fascia ( r = 0.44, P < .001) and heel fat pad thickness ( r = 0.42, P = .001). Plantar fascia and heel fat pad stiffness were similar in both genders; however, females had a lower plantar fascia and heel fat pad thickness compared with males. Correlation analysis results suggest that higher plantar fascia and heel fat pad thickness in males may be related to higher body mass and height. Level III, Retrospective comparative study.

A Scott bench with ergonomic thorax stabilisation pad improves body posture during preacher arm curl exercise.

PubMed

Biscarini, Andrea; Benvenuti, Paolo; Busti, Daniele; Zanuso, Silvano

2016-05-01

We assessed whether the use of an ergonomic thorax stabilisation pad, during the preacher arm curl exercise, could significantly reduce the excessive shoulder protraction and thoracic kyphosis induced by the standard flat pad built into the existing preacher arm curl equipment. A 3D motion capture system and inclinometers were used to measure shoulder protraction and thoracic kyphosis in 15 subjects performing preacher arm curl with a plate-loaded machine provided with the standard flat pad. The same measures were repeated after replacing the flat pad with a new ergonomic pad, specifically designed to accommodate the thorax profile and improve body posture. Pad replacement significantly (p < 0.001) reduced shoulder protraction (from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]) and thoracic kyphosis (from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]), enabling postural and functional improvements within the entire spine, shoulder girdle and rib cage. The ergonomic pad may potentially allow a more effective training, prevent musculoskeletal discomfort and reduce the risk of injury. Practitioner summary: We have designed an ergonomic thorax stabilisation pad for the preacher arm curl exercise. The new ergonomic pad improves the poor posture conditions induced by the standard flat pad and may potentially allow a more effective training, prevent musculoskeletal discomfort, improve the breathing function and reduce the risk of injury.

Prevalence, Correlates, and Prognosis of Peripheral Artery Disease in Rural Ecuador—Rationale, Protocol, and Phase I Results of a Population-Based Survey: An Atahualpa Project-Ancillary Study

PubMed Central

Del Brutto, Oscar H.; Sedler, Mark J.; Mera, Robertino M.; Castillo, Pablo R.; Cusick, Elizabeth H.; Gruen, Jadry A.; Phelan, Kelsie J.; Del Brutto, Victor J.; Zambrano, Mauricio; Brown, David L.

2014-01-01

Background. Little is known on the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in developing countries. Study design. Population-based study in Atahualpa. In Phase I, the Edinburgh claudication questionnaire (ECQ) was used for detection of suspected symptomatic PAD; persons with a negative ECQ but a pulse pressure ≥65 mmHg were suspected of asymptomatic PAD. In Phase II, the ankle-brachial index will be used to test reliability of screening instruments and to determine PAD prevalence. In Phase III, participants will be followed up to estimate the relevance of PAD as a predictor of vascular outcomes. Results. During Phase I, 665 Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years were enrolled (mean age: 59.5 ± 12.6 years, 58% women). A poor cardiovascular health status was noticed in 464 (70%) persons of which 27 (4%) had a stroke and 14 (2%) had ischemic heart disease. Forty-four subjects (7%) had suspected symptomatic PAD and 170 (26%) had suspected asymptomatic PAD. Individuals with suspected PAD were older, more often women, and had a worse cardiovascular profile than those with nonsuspected PAD. Conclusions. Prevalence of suspected PAD in this underserved population is high. Subsequent phases of this study will determine whether prompt detection of PAD is useful to reduce the incidence of catastrophic vascular diseases in the region. PMID:25389500

Interactive 3D display simulator for autostereoscopic smart pad

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choe, Yeong-Seon; Lee, Ho-Dong; Park, Min-Chul; Son, Jung-Young; Park, Gwi-Tae

2012-06-01

There is growing interest of displaying 3D images on a smart pad for entertainments and information services. Designing and realizing various types of 3D displays on the smart pad is not easy for costs and given time. Software simulation can be an alternative method to save and shorten the development. In this paper, we propose a 3D display simulator for autostereoscopic smart pad. It simulates light intensity of each view and crosstalk for smart pad display panels. Designers of 3D display for smart pad can interactively simulate many kinds of autostereoscopic displays interactively by changing parameters required for panel design. Crosstalk to reduce leakage of one eye's image into the image of the other eye, and light intensity for computing visual comfort zone are important factors in designing autostereoscopic display for smart pad. Interaction enables intuitive designs. This paper describes an interactive 3D display simulator for autostereoscopic smart pad.

Using iPad2 for a Graduate Practicum Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sachs, Lindsey; Bull, Prince Hycy

2012-01-01

iPads and iPhones continue to impact academia, but the iPad2 provides features that could enhance teacher education programs. This paper addresses how eight graduate students and a faculty used iPad2 to support a graduate practicum course. Participants were asked to report how they used their iPad2 each week in the form of a written log and…

Analysis of an all-metallic resilient pad gas-lubricated thrust bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. J.

1974-01-01

A new type of resilient pad gas thrust bearing that does not contain any elastomers in the bearing assembly is described and analyzed. The bearing consists of sector-shaped pads mounted asymmetrically on resilient foil beams. The effects of bearing design parameters on performance are shown. Performance of a resilient pad bearing is compared with that of a pivoted pad bearing.

Experienced iPad-Using Early Childhood Teachers: Practices in the One-to-One iPad Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lu, Ya-Huei; Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Anne T.; Ding, Ai-Chu; Glazewski, Krista

2017-01-01

Although many elementary schools have adopted one-to-one programs, we still lack information on how teachers integrate iPads or other tablets into their daily instruction, especially in early childhood settings. The purpose of this case study was to present how four experienced iPad-using early childhood teachers integrated one-to-one iPads into…

Effect of metatarsal pad placement on plantar pressure in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

PubMed

Hastings, Mary K; Mueller, Michael J; Pilgram, Thomas K; Lott, Donovan J; Commean, Paul K; Johnson, Jeffrey E

2007-01-01

Standard prevention and treatment strategies to decrease peak plantar pressure include a total contact insert with a metatarsal pad, but no clear guidelines exist to determine optimal placement of the pad with respect to the metatarsal head. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of metatarsal pad location on peak plantar pressure in subjects with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Twenty subjects with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and a history of forefoot plantar ulcers were studied (12 men and eight women, mean age=57+/-9 years). CT determined the position of the metatarsal pad relative to metatarsal head and peak plantar pressures were measured on subjects in three footwear conditions: extra-depth shoes and a 1) total contact insert, 2) total contact insert and a proximal metatarsal pad, and 3) total contact insert and a distal metatarsal pad. The change in peak plantar pressure between shoe conditions was plotted and compared to metatarsal pad position relative to the second metatarsal head. Compared to the total contact insert, all metatarsal pad placements between 6.1 mm to 10.6 mm proximal to the metatarsal head line resulted in a pressure reduction (average reduction=32+/-16%). Metatarsal pad placements between 1.8 mm distal and 6.1 mm proximal and between 10.6 mm proximal and 16.8 mm proximal to the metatarsal head line resulted in variable peak plantar pressure reduction (average reduction=16+/-21%). Peak plantar pressure increased when the metatarsal pad was located more than 1.8 mm distal to the metatarsal head line. Consistent peak plantar pressure reduction occurred when the metatarsal pad in this study was located between 6 to 11 mm proximal to the metatarsal head line. Pressure reduction lessened as the metatarsal pad moved outside of this range and actually increased if the pad was located too distal of this range. Computational models are needed to help predict optimal location of metatarsal pad with a variety of sizes, shapes, and material properties.

Clinical and economic burden in patients with diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease in a claims database in Japan.

PubMed

Hosaka, Akihiro; Miyata, Tetsuro; Onishi, Yoshie; Liao, Laura; Zhang, Quanwu

2014-08-01

The effect of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among young and middle-aged adults can be significant, but no previous study has examined the prognosis and the associated health care cost of the disease in this population. We evaluated the clinical and economic burden of PAD in patients from a large claims database to clarify the effect of the disease on a relatively young working Japanese population. Patients aged ≥45 and ≤64 years with first PAD diagnosis between 2005 and 2011 comprised the PAD cohort (n = 362); an age- and sex-matched non-PAD comparison cohort (n = 362) was also identified. Rates of cardiovascular events/interventions, health care utilization, and costs were compared. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 52.8 (5.6) years and 40.8% were women. Baseline Charlson comorbidity index was significantly higher in the PAD cohort than in the non-PAD cohort (1.90 [2.19] vs 1.16 [1.99]; P < 0.001). The PAD cohort had significantly higher first-year event rates than did the non-PAD cohort for myocardial infarction (2.2% vs 0.2%; P = 0.019) and ischemic stroke (4.1% vs 0.5%; P = 0.001). Health care utilization was significantly greater for the PAD cohort for all parameters assessed (number of hospitalization, inpatient days, and outpatient visits) in the first year (all, P < 0.001). Total annual costs for health care were significantly higher in the PAD cohort than in the non-PAD cohort in the first year (P < 0.001). Among patients with diabetes, patients with PAD (n = 98) had significantly greater first-year event rates (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, peripheral arterial revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention, and limb amputation; all, P < 0.001), significantly greater number of clinic visits (P = 0.023), and total cost burden than did patients without PAD (n = 63). Even in a relatively young working Japanese population, PAD is associated with substantial clinical and economic burden. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sympathetic denervation of one white fat depot changes norepinephrine content and turnover in intact white and brown fat depots

PubMed Central

Harris, Ruth B.S.

2013-01-01

It is well established that the sympathetic nervous system regulates adipocyte metabolism and recently it has been reported that sensory afferents from white fat overlap anatomically with sympathetic efferents to white fat. The studies described here characterize the response of intact fat pads to selective sympathectomy (local 6-hydroxydopamine injections) of inguinal (ING) or epididymal (EPI) fat in male NIH Swiss mice and provide in vivo evidence for communication between individual white and brown fat depots. The contralateral ING pad, both EPI pads, perirenal and mesenteric pads were significantly enlarged four weeks after denervating one ING pad, but only intrascapular brown fat (IBAT) increased when both ING pads were denervated. Denervation of one or both EPI pad had no effect on fat depot weights. In an additional experiment, NE turnover was inhibited in ING, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and IBAT two days after denervation of both EPI or of both ING pads. NE content was reduced to 10-30% of control values in all fat depots. There was no relation between early changes in NE turnover and fat pad weight 4 weeks after denervation, even though the reduction in NE content of intact fat pads was maintained. These data demonstrate that there is communication among individual fat pads, presumably through central integration of activity of sensory afferent and sympathetic efferent fibers,that changes sympathetic drive to white adipose tissue in a unified manner. In specific situations, removal of sympathetic efferents to one pad induces a compensatory enlargement of other intact depots. PMID:22513494

Perceptions and use of iPad technology by pharmacy practice faculty members.

PubMed

DiVall, Margarita V; Zgarrick, David P

2014-04-17

To explore the potential of tablet technology to address the specific workload challenges of pharmacy practice faculty members and to evaluate tablet usage after a department-wide iPad initiative. After conducting a needs assessment to determine pharmacy faculty attitudes towards tablet technology and to identify potential usage scenarios, all faculty members in a department of pharmacy practice received an iPad. After iPad distribution, training sessions and virtual tutorials were provided. An anonymous survey was administered to evaluate the pilot. The needs assessment survey revealed positive attitudes towards iPad technology, identified use scenarios, and led to a department-wide iPad pilot program. Most faculty members used iPads for connectivity with students (86%), paper/project annotation (68%), assessment (57%), and demonstration of tools used in practice (36%). For teaching, 61% of faculty members used iPads in seminars/laboratories, 57% used iPads in the experiential setting, and 43% used iPads in the classroom. Use of iPads for patient-care activities varied and depended on site support for mobile technology. The 23 faculty members with external practice sites used iPads to a greater extent and had more positive attitudes towards this technology compared with campus-based faculty members. Integration of tablet technology into the pharmacy education setting resulted in faculty-reported increased productivity and decreased paper waste. It also allowed faculty members to experiment with new teaching strategies in the classroom and experiential setting. Administrators at institutions exploring the use of tablet technology should allocate resources based on faculty needs and usage patterns.

Survival of foodborne pathogens on commercially packed table grapes under simulated refrigerated transit conditions.

PubMed

Carter, Michelle Qiu; Feng, Doris; Chapman, Mary H; Gabler, Franka

2018-06-01

We examined the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica Thompson inoculated on commercially packed table grapes under simulated refrigerated transit conditions (1.1 ± 0.5 °C; 90% RH). Grapes were placed in perforated polyethylene cluster bags, within a commercial expanded polystyrene box equipped with either a SO 2 -generating pad; a perforated polyethylene box liner; a SO 2 -generating pad and a box liner; or none of them. L. monocytogenes was most sensitive to SO 2 -generating pad. SO 2 -generating pad or SO 2 -generating pad with box liner inactivated this pathogen completely on day 12 following the inoculation. S. enterica Thompson displayed a similar cold sensitivity as L. monocytogenes, but was more resistant to SO 2 -generating pad than L. monocytogenes. While SO 2 -generating pad eliminated S. enterica Thompson on day 20, a combination of box liner with SO 2 -generating pad inactivated this pathogen completely on day 13. E. coli O157:H7 had the highest tolerance to transit temperature and to SO 2 -generating pad; SO 2 -generating pad inactivated this pathogen completely on Day 20. Our data suggest that use of SO 2 -generating pad combined with box liner is effective in reducing foodborne pathogens L. monocytogenes and S. enterica Thompson, while the use of SO 2 -generating pad alone was more effective on E. coli O157:H7. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An approach to evaluate capacitance, capacitive reactance and resistance of pivoted pads of a thrust bearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prashad, Har

1992-07-01

A theoretical approach is developed for determining the capacitance and active resistance between the interacting surfaces of pivoted pads and thrust collar, under different conditions of operation. It is shown that resistance and capacitive reactance of a thrust bearing decrease with the number of pads times the values of these parameters for an individual pad, and that capacitance increases with the number of pads times the capacitance of an individual pad. The analysis presented has a potential to diagnose the behavior of pivoted pad thrust bearings with the angle of tilt and the ratio of film thickness at the leading to trailing edge, by determining the variation of capacitance, resistance, and capacitive reactance.

A statistical study of ion pitch-angle distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sibeck, D. G.; Mcentire, R. W.; Lui, A. T. Y.; Krimigis, S. M.

1987-01-01

Preliminary results of a statistical study of energetic (34-50 keV) ion pitch-angle distributions (PADs) within 9 Re of earth provide evidence for an orderly pattern consistent with both drift-shell splitting and magnetopause shadowing. Normal ion PADs dominate the dayside and inner magnetosphere. Butterfly PADs typically occur in a narrow belt stretching from dusk to dawn through midnight, where they approach within 6 Re of earth. While those ion butterfly PADs that typically occur on closed drift paths are mainly caused by drift-shell splitting, there is also evidence for magnetopause shadowing in observations of more frequent butterfly PAD occurrence in the outer magnetosphere near dawn than dusk. Isotropic and gradient boundary PADs terminate the tailward extent of the butterfly ion PAD belt.

4. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCH PAD B FROM LAUNCH PAD ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCH PAD B FROM LAUNCH PAD A MOBILE SERVICE STRUCTURE; VIEW TO SOUTH. - Cape Canaveral Air Station, Launch Complex 17, Facility 28402, East end of Lighthouse Road, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, FL

Ectopic expression of AtPAD4 broadens resistance of soybean to soybean cyst and root-knot nematodes.

PubMed

Youssef, Reham M; MacDonald, Margaret H; Brewer, Eric P; Bauchan, Gary R; Kim, Kyung-Hwan; Matthews, Benjamin F

2013-04-25

The gene encoding PAD4 (PHYTOALEXIN-DEFICIENT4) is required in Arabidopsis for expression of several genes involved in the defense response to Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola. AtPAD4 (Arabidopsis thaliana PAD4) encodes a lipase-like protein that plays a regulatory role mediating salicylic acid signaling. We expressed the gene encoding AtPAD4 in soybean roots of composite plants to test the ability of AtPAD4 to deter plant parasitic nematode development. The transformed roots were challenged with two different plant parasitic nematode genera represented by soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita). Expression of AtPAD4 in soybean roots decreased the number of mature SCN females 35 days after inoculation by 68 percent. Similarly, soybean roots expressing AtPAD4 exhibited 77 percent fewer galls when challenged with RKN. Our experiments show that AtPAD4 can be used in an economically important crop, soybean, to provide a measure of resistance to two different genera of nematodes.

Microscale Effects from Global Hot Plasma Imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, T. E.; Fok, M.-C.; Perez, J. D.; Keady, J. P.

1995-01-01

We have used a three-dimensional model of recovery phase storm hot plasmas to explore the signatures of pitch angle distributions (PADS) in global fast atom imagery of the magnetosphere. The model computes mass, energy, and position-dependent PADs based on drift effects, charge exchange losses, and Coulomb drag. The hot plasma PAD strongly influences both the storm current system carried by the hot plasma and its time evolution. In turn, the PAD is strongly influenced by plasma waves through pitch angle diffusion, a microscale effect. We report the first simulated neutral atom images that account for anisotropic PADs within the hot plasma. They exhibit spatial distribution features that correspond directly to the PADs along the lines of sight. We investigate the use of image brightness distributions along tangent-shell field lines to infer equatorial PADS. In tangent-shell regions with minimal spatial gradients, reasonably accurate PADs are inferred from simulated images. They demonstrate the importance of modeling PADs for image inversion and show that comparisons of models with real storm plasma images will reveal the global effects of these microscale processes.

Breast pads: their effectiveness and use by lactating women.

PubMed

Griffiths, R J

1993-03-01

The diversity of breast pads available and absence of data on their effectiveness led the Breastfeeding Association of South Africa to design laboratory simulation experiments measuring fluid retention and evaporative properties as indicators of pad surface dryness. Questionnaires distributed at four breastfeeding clinics were used to obtain data on mothers' use of pads and incidence of breast problems. The majority of mothers surveyed used a new disposable breast pad made by Johnson & Johnson. The experimental studies showed that this pad allowed no leaking and kept the breast markedly drier than other disposables. Exclusive use of these pads or cotton towelling pads did not produce a detectable increase in nipple problems. A home-made disposable breast pad using a nappy (diaper) liner encasing toilet paper was most effective at keeping the breast dry and offered good protection against leaking. Since it is economical and easy to use, it is recommended as a good alternative to expensive disposables. Clinging materials, e.g. gauze, cottonwool or paper, and panty liners, maintain excessive surface dampness and are not recommended. If used, two layers of nappy liner on the inner surface may enhance nipple dryness.

Method of fabricating a solar cell array

DOEpatents

Lazzery, Angelo G.; Crouthamel, Marvin S.; Coyle, Peter J.

1982-01-01

A first set of pre-tabbed solar cells are assembled in a predetermined array with at least part of each tab facing upward, each tab being fixed to a bonding pad on one cell and abutting a bonding pad on an adjacent cell. The cells are held in place with a first vacuum support. The array is then inverted onto a second vacuum support which holds the tabs firmly against the cell pads they abut. The cells are exposed to radiation to melt and reflow the solder pads for bonding the tab portions not already fixed to bonding pads to these pads.

The Vascular Disrupting Agent 5,6-Dimethylxanthenone-4-Acetic Acid Improves the Antitumor Efficacy and Shortens Treatment Time Associated with Photochlor-sensitized Photodynamic Therapy In Vivo

PubMed Central

Seshadri, Mukund; Bellnier, David A.

2010-01-01

In this report, we examined the antitumor activity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with 5,6-dimethylxanthenone- 4-acetic acid (DMXAA), a vascular disrupting agent currently undergoing clinical evaluation. BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous CT-26 colon carcinomas were treated with PDT using the second-generation chlorin-based sensitizer, 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a (Photochlor) with or without DMXAA. Long-term (60-days) treatment outcome, induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6), vascular damage (microvessel density, MVD) were evaluated as endpoints. In addition, treatment selectivity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the foot response assay. A highly synergistic interaction was observed with the combination of low-dose DMXAA and PDT (48 J cm−2 at 112 mW cm−2) resulting in ~60% long-term cures. The duration of the PDT session for this combination therapy protocol was only 7 min, while the duration of a monotherapy PDT session, selected to yield the equivalent cure rate, was 152 min. MRI showed markedly less peritumoral edema after DMXAA + short-duration PDT compared with long-duration PDT monotherapy. Similarly, DMXAA + PDT caused significantly less phototoxicity to normal mouse foot tissue than PDT alone. Increased induction of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (P < 0.001) was observed at 4 h followed by extensive vascular damage, demonstrated by a significant reduction in MVD at 24 h after combination treatment. In conclusion, Photochlorsensitized PDT in combination with DMXAA exhibits superior efficacy and improved selectivity with clinically feasible illumination schemes. Clinical evaluation of this novel combination strategy is currently being planned. PMID:18643909

The National Eutrophication Survey: lake characteristics and historical nutrient concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stachelek, Joseph; Ford, Chanse; Kincaid, Dustin; King, Katelyn; Miller, Heather; Nagelkirk, Ryan

2018-01-01

Historical ecological surveys serve as a baseline and provide context for contemporary research, yet many of these records are not preserved in a way that ensures their long-term usability. The National Eutrophication Survey (NES) database is currently only available as scans of the original reports (PDF files) with no embedded character information. This limits its searchability, machine readability, and the ability of current and future scientists to systematically evaluate its contents. The NES data were collected by the US Environmental Protection Agency between 1972 and 1975 as part of an effort to investigate eutrophication in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Although several studies have manually transcribed small portions of the database in support of specific studies, there have been no systematic attempts to transcribe and preserve the database in its entirety. Here we use a combination of automated optical character recognition and manual quality assurance procedures to make these data available for analysis. The performance of the optical character recognition protocol was found to be linked to variation in the quality (clarity) of the original documents. For each of the four archival scanned reports, our quality assurance protocol found an error rate between 5.9 and 17 %. The goal of our approach was to strike a balance between efficiency and data quality by combining entry of data by hand with digital transcription technologies. The finished database contains information on the physical characteristics, hydrology, and water quality of about 800 lakes in the contiguous US (Stachelek et al.(2017), https://doi.org/10.5063/F1639MVD). Ultimately, this database could be combined with more recent studies to generate meta-analyses of water quality trends and spatial variation across the continental US.

Combination of anginex gene therapy and radiation decelerates the growth and pulmonary metastasis of human osteosarcoma xenografts.

PubMed

Zhao, Kai; Yang, Shang-You; Geng, Jun; Gong, Xuan; Gong, Weiming; Shen, Lin; Ning, Bin

2018-06-01

Investigate whether rAAV-anginex gene therapy combined with radiotherapy could decrease growth and pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma in mice and examine the mechanisms involved in this therapeutic strategy. During in vitro experiment, multiple treatment regimes (rAAV-eGFP, radiotherapy, rAAV-anginex, combination therapy) were applied to determine effects on proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) and G-292 osteosarcoma cells. During in vivo analysis, the same multiple treatment regimes were applied to osteosarcoma tumor-bearing mice. Use microcomputed tomography to evaluate tumor size. Eight weeks after tumor cell inoculation, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the therapeutic efficacy according to microvessel density (MVD), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Metastasis of lungs was also evaluated by measuring number of metastatic nodules and wet weight of metastases. The proliferation of ECs and the tumor volumes in combination therapy group were inhibited more effectively than the other three groups at end point (P < 0.05). Cell clone assay showed anginex had radiosensitization effect on ECs. Immunohistochemistry showed tumors from mice treated with combination therapy exhibited the lowest MVD and proliferation rate, with highest apoptosis rate, as confirmed by IHC staining for CD34 and PCNA and TUNEL assays (P < 0.05). Combination therapy also induced the fewest metastatic nodules and lowest wet weights of the lungs (P < 0.05). rAAV-anginex combined with radiotherapy induced apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells and inhibited tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis on the experimental osteosarcoma models. We conclude that the primary mechanism of this process may be due to sensitizing effect of anginex to radiotherapy. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial neoplasms

PubMed Central

Liu, Ying; Xu, Yi; Cheng, Wen; Liu, Xinghan

2016-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility of applying contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) imaging technology for distinguishing between benign and malignant endometrial lesions, and to screen markers that could be correlated with the pathological results. In this study, endometrial diseases were diagnosed by biopsy under hysteroscopy and CEUS examinations. The intensity and time parameters of the time-intensity curve (TIC) were analyzed. The mean arrival time (AT), time-to-peak (TTP), rise time (RT), washout half-time and clearance half-time of malignant lesions were shorter than those of benign lesions (P<0.05), whereas the average peak intensity (PI) and enhancement intensity (EI) of malignant lesions were higher than those of benign lesions (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed the following cut-off values: PI, 29.2 dB; EI, 21.35 dB; AT, 12.75 sec; TTP, 26.75 sec; RT, 13.2 sec; clearance half-time, 89.3 sec; and washout half-time, 75.45 sec. The lesions with PI, an EI higher than that of the cut-off and lesions with an AT, TTP, RT, half clearing time and washout half-time shorter than the cut-off were considered malignant. The TTP, RT and half clearing time were negatively correlated with microvessel density (MVD), i.e., MVD was higher when the TTP, RT and half clearing time were shorter. Overall, changes in the enhancement and clearing of lesions could be quantitatively analyzed by CEUS TIC and further discriminate benign from malignant lesions. In the present study, CEUS appeared to indirectly reflect blood vessel changes inside the lesions and provided a pre-operative non-invasive fast imaging method for the diagnosis of endometrial disease. PMID:27895728

Dual-Energy Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging of Radiation-Induced Vascular Changes in Primary Mouse Sarcomas

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

Moding, Everett J.; Clark, Darin P.; Qi, Yi

2013-04-01

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of radiation therapy on primary tumor vasculature using dual-energy (DE) micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods and Materials: Primary sarcomas were generated with mutant Kras and p53. Unirradiated tumors were compared with tumors irradiated with 20 Gy. A liposomal-iodinated contrast agent was administered 1 day after treatment, and mice were imaged immediately after injection (day 1) and 3 days later (day 4) with DE micro-CT. CT-derived tumor sizes were used to assess tumor growth. After DE decomposition, iodine maps were used to assess tumor fractional blood volume (FBV) at day 1 and tumor vascular permeability at daymore » 4. For comparison, tumor vascularity and vascular permeability were also evaluated histologically by use of CD31 immunofluorescence and fluorescently-labeled dextrans. Results: Radiation treatment significantly decreased tumor growth from day 1 to day 4 (P<.05). There was a positive correlation between CT measurement of tumor FBV on day 1 and extravasated iodine on day 4 with microvascular density (MVD) on day 4 (R{sup 2}=0.53) and dextran accumulation (R{sup 2}=0.63) on day 4, respectively. Despite no change in MVD measured by histology, tumor FBV significantly increased after irradiation as measured by DE micro-CT (0.070 vs 0.091, P<.05). Both dextran and liposomal-iodine accumulation in tumors increased significantly after irradiation, with dextran fractional area increasing 5.2-fold and liposomal-iodine concentration increasing 4.0-fold. Conclusions: DE micro-CT is an effective tool for noninvasive assessment of vascular changes in primary tumors. Tumor blood volume and vascular permeability increased after a single therapeutic dose of radiation treatment.« less

The feasibility of 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT for monitoring early response of Endostar antiangiogenic therapy in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft model compared with 18F-FDG

PubMed Central

Liang, Sheng; Zhang, Caiyuan; Cheng, Weiwei; Hai, Wangxi; Yin, Bing; Wang, Dengbin

2016-01-01

Purpose Radiolabeled arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptides have been developed for PET imaging of integrin avβ3 in the tumor vasculature, leading to great potential for noninvasively evaluating tumor angiogenesis and monitoring antiangiogenic treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel one-step labeled integrin-targeted tracer, 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2, for PET/CT for detecting tumor angiogenesis and monitoring the early therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic agent Endostar in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) xenograft model. Experimental design and results Mice bearing NPC underwent 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT at baseline and after 2, 4, 7, and 14 days of consecutive treatment with Endostar or PBS, compared with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Tumors were harvested at all imaging time points for histopathological analysis with H & E and microvessel density (MVD) and integrin avβ3 immunostaining. The maximum percent injected dose per gram of body weight (%ID/gmax) tumor uptake of 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT was significantly lower than that in the control group starting from day 2 (p < 0.01), much earlier and more accurately than that of 18F-FDG PET/CT. Moreover, a moderate linear correlation was observed between tumor MVD and the corresponding tumor uptake of 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT (r = 0.853, p < 0.01). Conclusions 18F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT can be used for in vivo angiogenesis imaging and monitoring early response to Endostar antiangiogenic treatment in NPC xenograft model, favoring its potential clinical translation. PMID:27029065

[Antitumor effect of recombinant Xenopus laevis vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a vaccine combined with adriamycin on EL4 lymphoma in mice].

PubMed

Niu, Ting; Liu, Ting; Jia, Yong-Qian; Liu, Ji-Yan; Wu, Yang; Hu, Bing; Tian, Ling; Yang, Li; Kan, Bing; Wei, Yu-Quan

2005-09-01

To explore the antitumor effect of immunotherapy with recombinant Xenopus laevis vascular endothelial growth factor (xVEGF) as a vaccine combined with adriamycin on lymphoma model in mice. EL4 lymphoma model was established in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were randomized into four groups: combination therapy, adriamycin alone, xVEGF alone and normal saline (NS) groups, and then were given relevant treatments. The growth of tumor, the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice, and the potential toxicity of regimens above were observed. Anti-VEGF antibody-producing B cells (APBCs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. In addition, microvessel density (MVD) of tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry, and tumor cell apoptosis was also detected by TUNEL staining. The tumor volumes of mice were significantly smaller in combination group than those in other three groups (P < 0.05). Complete regression of tumor was observed in 3 of 10 mice in combination group. Forty-eight days after inoculation of tumor cells, the survival rate of mice was significantly higher in combination group than in NS group (P < 0.01). The anti-VEGF APBC count in combination group or xVEGF group was significantly higher, compared with that in adriamycin group or NS group (P < 0.01). MVD in tumor tissues was significantly lower in combination group than those in other three groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, tumor cell apoptosis was significantly higher in combination group than those in other three groups (P < 0.05). In this experimental study, the use of xVEGF vaccine and adriamycin as a combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy has sucessfully produced synergistic antitumor effect on lymphoma in mice.

Tissue engineering of bladder using vascular endothelial growth factor gene-modified endothelial progenitor cells.

PubMed

Chen, Bai-Song; Xie, Hua; Zhang, Sheng-Li; Geng, Hong-Quan; Zhou, Jun-Mei; Pan, Jun; Chen, Fang

2011-12-01

This study assessed the use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene-modified endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) seeded onto bladder acellular matrix grafts (BAMGs), to enhance the blood supply in tissue-engineered bladders in a porcine model. Autologous porcine peripheral EPCs were isolated, cultured, expanded, characterized, and modified with the VEGF gene using an adenovirus vector. The expression of VEGF was examined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VEGF gene modified EPCs were seeded onto BAMG and cultured for 3 days before implantation into pigs for bladder tissue engineering. A partial bladder cystectomy was performed in 12 pigs. The experimental group (6 pigs) received VEGF gene-modified EPC-seeded BAMG. The control group (6 pigs) received BAMG without seeded EPCs. The resulting tissue-engineered bladders were subject to a general and histological analysis. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The ex vivo transfection efficiency of EPCs was greater than 60%-70% when concentrated adenovirus was used. The genetically modified cells expressed both VEGF and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Masson's trichrome staining of cross sections of the cultured cells seeded to BAMG showed cell attachment and proliferation on the surface of the BAMG. Histological examination revealed bladder regeneration in a time-dependent fashion. Significant increases in MVD were observed in the experimental group, in comparison with the control group. VEGF-modified EPCs significantly enhanced neovascularization, compared with BAMG alone. These results indicate that EPCs, combined with VEGF gene therapy, may be a suitable approach for increasing blood supply in the tissue engineering of bladders. Thus, a useful strategy to achieve a tissue-engineered bladder is indicated.

Treatment of non-culprit lesions detected during primary PCI: long-term follow-up of a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Ghani, A; Dambrink, J-H E; van 't Hof, A W J; Ottervanger, J P; Gosselink, A T M; Hoorntje, J C A

2012-09-01

There are conflicting data regarding optimal treatment of non-culprit lesions detected during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multi-vessel disease (MVD). We aimed to investigate whether ischaemia-driven early invasive treatment improves the long-term outcome and prevents major adverse cardiac events (MACE). 121 patients with at least one non-culprit lesion were randomised in a 2:1 manner, 80 were randomised to early fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided PCI (invasive group), and 41 to medical treatment (conservative group). The primary endpoint was MACE at 3 years. Three-year follow-up was available in 119 patients (98.3 %). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the invasive and conservative strategy, 4 patients (3.4 %) died, all in the invasive group (P = 0.29). Re-infarction occurred in 14 patients (11.8 %) in the invasive group versus none in the conservative group (p = 0.002). Re-PCI was performed in 7 patients (8.9 %) in the invasive group and in 13 patients (32.5 %) in the conservative group (P = 0.001). There was no difference in MACE between these two strategies (35.4 vs 35.0 %, p = 0.96). In STEMI patients with MVD, early FFR-guided additional revascularisation of the non-culprit lesion did not reduce MACE at three-year follow-up compared with a more conservative strategy. The rate of MACE in the invasive group was predominantly driven by death and re-infarction, whereas in the conservative group the rate of MACE was only driven by repeat interventions.

The optimal strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease: an updated meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Fan, Zhong G; Gao, Xiao F; Li, Xiao B; Mao, Wen X; Chen, Li W; Tian, Nai L

2017-04-01

The optimal strategy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) still remains controversial. This study sought to explore the optimal PCI strategy for those patients. Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry were searched for relevant studies. We analyzed the comparison of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) as the primary end point between the preventive PCI strategy and the culprit only PCI strategy (CV-PCI). The further analysis of two subgroups described as the complete multivessel PCI strategy during primary procedure (CMV-PCI) and the staged PCI strategy (S-PCI) was also performed. Nine randomized trials were identified. The risk of MACEs was reduced significantly regarding to preventive PCI strategy (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.31-0.53, P<0.001) compared to CV-PCI strategy. There were lower risks of long-term mortality, reinfarction and repeat revascularization in the preventive PCI group compared to the CV-PCI group (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.27-0.62, P<0.001; OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.91, P=0.021; OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.26-0.51, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that staged PCI strategy reduced the incidence of long-term mortality versus CMV-PCI strategy. The preventive PCI is associated with the lower risk of MACEs in STEMI patients with MVD compared to the CV-PCI strategy, and the S-PCI strategy seems to be an optimal choice for these patients rather than the CMV-PCI.

The effects of a picosecond pulsed electric field on angiogenesis in the cervical cancer xenograft models.

PubMed

Wu, Limei; Yao, Chenguo; Xiong, Zhengai; Zhang, Ruizhe; Wang, Zhiliang; Wu, Yutong; Qin, Qin; Hua, Yuanyuan

2016-04-01

The application of picosecond pulsed electric field (psPEF) is a new biomedical engineering technique used in cancer therapy. However, its effects on cervical cancer angiogenesis are not clear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of psPEF on angiogenesis in cervical cancer xenograft models. Xenograft tumors were created by subcutaneously inoculating nude mice (athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice) with HeLa cells, then were placed closely between tweezer-type plate electrodes and subjected to psPEF with a gradually increased electric field intensity (0kV/cm, 50kV/cm, 60kV/cm, 70kV/cm). The direct effect on tumor tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The changes of blood vessels and oxygen saturation (sO2) of tumors were monitored in vivo by photoacoustic tomography (PAT). The microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) were detected by immunohistochemical technique (IHC). Their protein expressions and gene transcription levels were evaluated using western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PsPEF induced obvious necrosis of cervical cancer tissue; with the increasing of electric field intensity, the MVD, vascular PA signal and sO2 values declined significantly. The protein expression and gene transcription levels of VEGF, HIF1α and HIF2α were significantly decreased at the same time. PsPEF exhibited dramatic anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis effects in cervical cancer xenograft models by exerting direct effect on cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells and indirect effect on tumor angiogenesis-related factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects and mechanism of recombinant human erythropoietin on the growth of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in nude mice.

PubMed

Jin, Wen; Lin, Zhiwu; Zhang, Xiaorong; Kong, Lingying; Yang, Li

2015-08-01

This study aimed to explore the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on the growth of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in nude mice, and investigate its functions in regulating tumor growth, angiogenesis and apoptosis. A tumor-bearing nude mice model was established by subcutaneous injection of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Two weeks later, the mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=6 for each group): negative control group, rhEPO group, EPO antibody group and EPO+EPO antibody group. Drugs were administered to the corresponding mice once every 3 days for five times. The size and weight of tumors were measured after the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The expression levels of EPO/EPOR, TNF-α, IL-10, and Bcl-2 in the tumor tissues were determined using RT-PCR and Western blot. The microvessel density (MVD) and expression of VEGF in the tumors were detected using immunohistochemistry. TUNEL assay was used to determine apoptosis in tumors. Results show that rhEPO significantly promoted the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in nude mice (P<0.05). Compared with the negative control group, the expression levels of EPO, EPOR, TNF-α, IL-10, and VEGF, as well as the MVD values, were significantly elevated in the rhEPO group. However, the apoptotic index was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The ability of rhEPO to promote tumor growth may be associated with its functions in promoting microvessel formation and inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The effects of RNA interference mediated VEGF gene silencing on biological behavior of renal cell carcinoma and transplanted renal tumor in nude mice.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Wang, Shuai; Sun, Si-Qiao; Cheng, Zhi-Hua; Zhang, Yang; Chen, Guang; Gu, Meng; Yao, Hai-Jun; Wang, Zhong; Zhou, Juan; Peng, Yu-Bing; Xu, Ming-Xi; Zhang, Ke; Sun, Xi-Wei

2016-01-01

This study was to explore the effects of RNA interference mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene silencing on biological behavior of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), transplanted renal tumor and angiogenesis in nude mice. The specific siRNA sequence targeting VEGF were designed and synthesized to construct hVEGF-siRNA plasmid which was transfected into RCC 786-O cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the detection of VEGF gene expression and western blot was adopted for the examination of VEGF protein expression. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect cell growth as well as cell migration and invasion. The transplanted renal tumor models in nude mice were established, and the growth condition of nude mice, and VEGF protein expression in transplanted tumor slices and the microvessel density (MVD) were detected. The expression level of VEGF mRNA in VEGF-siRNA group was significant lower than that in the control group and negative group, suggesting that establishment of plasmid specifically inhibited the expression of VEGF gene The expression level of VEGF protein in VEGF-siRNA group was significant lower than that in the control group and negative group. VEGF gene silencing has the significant inhibition effects on proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC 786-O cells. The tumor weight, VEGF protein positive rate and MVD in VEGF-siRNA group were significant lower than those in negative group and blank group. The VEGF gene silencing could inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC 786-O cells; inhibition of VEGF protein expression could prevent transplanted RCC growth and tumor angiogenesis.

New opioid receptor antagonist: Naltrexone-14-O-sulfate synthesis and pharmacology.

PubMed

Zádor, Ferenc; Király, Kornél; Váradi, András; Balogh, Mihály; Fehér, Ágnes; Kocsis, Dóra; Erdei, Anna I; Lackó, Erzsébet; Zádori, Zoltán S; Hosztafi, Sándor; Noszál, Béla; Riba, Pál; Benyhe, Sándor; Fürst, Susanna; Al-Khrasani, Mahmoud

2017-08-15

Opioid antagonists, naloxone and naltrexone have long been used in clinical practice and research. In addition to their low selectivity, they easily pass through the blood-brain barrier. Quaternization of the amine group in these molecules, (e.g. methylnaltrexone) results in negligible CNS penetration. In addition, zwitterionic compounds have been reported to have limited CNS access. The current study, for the first time gives report on the synthesis and the in vitro [competition binding, G-protein activation, isolated mouse vas deferens (MVD) and mouse colon assay] pharmacology of the zwitterionic compound, naltrexone-14-O-sulfate. Naltrexone, naloxone, and its 14-O-sulfate analogue were used as reference compounds. In competition binding assays, naltrexone-14-O-sulfate showed lower affinity for µ, δ or κ opioid receptor than the parent molecule, naltrexone. However, the μ/κ opioid receptor selectivity ratio significantly improved, indicating better selectivity. Similar tendency was observed for naloxone-14-O-sulfate when compared to naloxone. Naltrexone-14-O-sulfate failed to activate [ 35 S]GTPγS-binding but inhibit the activation evoked by opioid agonists (DAMGO, Ile 5,6 deltorphin II and U69593), similarly to the reference compounds. Schild plot constructed in MVD revealed that naltrexone-14-O-sulfate acts as a competitive antagonist. In mouse colon, naltrexone-14-O-sulfate antagonized the inhibitory effect of morphine with lower affinity compared to naltrexone and higher affinity when compared to naloxone or naloxone-14-O-sulfate. In vivo (mouse tail-flick test), subcutaneously injected naltrexone-14-O-sulfate antagonized morphine's antinociception in a dose-dependent manner, indicating it's CNS penetration, which was unexpected from such zwitter ionic structure. Future studies are needed to evaluate it's pharmacokinetic profile. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Combined Simultaneous and Sequential Endostar and Cisplatin Treatment in a Mice Model of Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastases.

PubMed

Jia, Lin; Ren, Shuguang; Li, Tao; Wu, Jianing; Zhou, Xinliang; Zhang, Yan; Wu, Jianhua; Liu, Wei

2017-01-01

Objective . Aimed to study the effects of endostar and cisplatin using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) in a model of peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. Methods . NUGC-4 gastric cancer cells transfected with luciferase gene (NUGC-4-Luc) were injected i.p. into nude mice. One week later, mice were randomly injected i.p.: group 1, cisplatin (d1-3) + endostar (d4-7); group 2, endostar (d1-4) + cisplatin (d5-7); group 3, endostar + cisplatin d1, 4, and 7; group 4, saline for two weeks. One week after the final administration, mice were sacrificed. Bioluminescent data, microvessel density (MVD), and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) were analyzed. Results . Among the four groups, there were no significant differences in the weights and in the number of cancer cell photons on days 1 and 8 ( P > 0.05). On day 15, the numbers in groups 3 and 1 were less than that in group 2 ( P < 0.05). On day 21, group 3 was significantly less than group 2 ( P < 0.05). MVD of group 4 was less than that of groups 1 and 2 ( P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 ( P > 0.05) or in LVD number among the four groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions . IVIS® was more useful than weight, volume of ascites, and number of peritoneal nodules. The simultaneous group was superior to sequential groups in killing cancer cells and inhibiting vascular endothelium. Cisplatin-endostar was superior to endostar-cisplatin in killing cancer cells, while the latter in inhibiting peritoneal vascular endothelium.

Quantitative assessment of tumor angiogenesis using real-time motion-compensated contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging

PubMed Central

Pysz, Marybeth A.; Guracar, Ismayil; Foygel, Kira; Tian, Lu; Willmann, Jürgen K.

2015-01-01

Purpose To develop and test a real-time motion compensation algorithm for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of tumor angiogenesis on a clinical ultrasound system. Materials and methods The Administrative Institutional Panel on Laboratory Animal Care approved all experiments. A new motion correction algorithm measuring the sum of absolute differences in pixel displacements within a designated tracking box was implemented in a clinical ultrasound machine. In vivo angiogenesis measurements (expressed as percent contrast area) with and without motion compensated maximum intensity persistence (MIP) ultrasound imaging were analyzed in human colon cancer xenografts (n = 64) in mice. Differences in MIP ultrasound imaging signal with and without motion compensation were compared and correlated with displacements in x- and y-directions. The algorithm was tested in an additional twelve colon cancer xenograft-bearing mice with (n = 6) and without (n = 6) anti-vascular therapy (ASA-404). In vivo MIP percent contrast area measurements were quantitatively correlated with ex vivo microvessel density (MVD) analysis. Results MIP percent contrast area was significantly different (P < 0.001) with and without motion compensation. Differences in percent contrast area correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with x- and y-displacements. MIP percent contrast area measurements were more reproducible with motion compensation (ICC = 0.69) than without (ICC = 0.51) on two consecutive ultrasound scans. Following anti-vascular therapy, motion-compensated MIP percent contrast area significantly (P = 0.03) decreased by 39.4 ± 14.6 % compared to non-treated mice and correlated well with ex vivo MVD analysis (Rho = 0.70; P = 0.05). Conclusion Real-time motion-compensated MIP ultrasound imaging allows reliable and accurate quantification and monitoring of angiogenesis in tumors exposed to breathing-induced motion artifacts. PMID:22535383

Quantitative assessment of tumor angiogenesis using real-time motion-compensated contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging.

PubMed

Pysz, Marybeth A; Guracar, Ismayil; Foygel, Kira; Tian, Lu; Willmann, Jürgen K

2012-09-01

To develop and test a real-time motion compensation algorithm for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of tumor angiogenesis on a clinical ultrasound system. The Administrative Institutional Panel on Laboratory Animal Care approved all experiments. A new motion correction algorithm measuring the sum of absolute differences in pixel displacements within a designated tracking box was implemented in a clinical ultrasound machine. In vivo angiogenesis measurements (expressed as percent contrast area) with and without motion compensated maximum intensity persistence (MIP) ultrasound imaging were analyzed in human colon cancer xenografts (n = 64) in mice. Differences in MIP ultrasound imaging signal with and without motion compensation were compared and correlated with displacements in x- and y-directions. The algorithm was tested in an additional twelve colon cancer xenograft-bearing mice with (n = 6) and without (n = 6) anti-vascular therapy (ASA-404). In vivo MIP percent contrast area measurements were quantitatively correlated with ex vivo microvessel density (MVD) analysis. MIP percent contrast area was significantly different (P < 0.001) with and without motion compensation. Differences in percent contrast area correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with x- and y-displacements. MIP percent contrast area measurements were more reproducible with motion compensation (ICC = 0.69) than without (ICC = 0.51) on two consecutive ultrasound scans. Following anti-vascular therapy, motion-compensated MIP percent contrast area significantly (P = 0.03) decreased by 39.4 ± 14.6 % compared to non-treated mice and correlated well with ex vivo MVD analysis (Rho = 0.70; P = 0.05). Real-time motion-compensated MIP ultrasound imaging allows reliable and accurate quantification and monitoring of angiogenesis in tumors exposed to breathing-induced motion artifacts.

Expression of Jagged1/Notch3 Signaling Pathway and their Relationship with the Tumor Angiogenesis in TNBC.

PubMed

Xue, Siliang; He, Lang; Zhang, Xiao; Zhou, Jin; Li, Fanghua; Wang, Xiaoshan

2017-02-01

Jagged1/Notch3 signaling pathway plays a key role in angiogenesis of breast cancer, but little is known in TNBC. This study was designed to investigate the expression of Jagged1/Notch3 mRNA and protein in TNBC, analyze their correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Moreover, the interrelationship among Jagged1/Notch3 and VEGF was initially evaluated. Jagged1/Notch3 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by Q-RT-PCR and Western blotting. Additionally, Immunohistochemistry for Jagged1/Notch3 was detected by Ventana platform, VEGF and CD34 was performed using the EnVision/HRP technique. mRNA transcriptionof Jagged1/Notch3 was in accord with protein expression. TNBC patients with positive Jagged1 expression had poorer DFS (p = 0.008) and OS (p = 0.004). Jagged1 expression was independent predictors of OS (p = 0.038). The expression of VEGF was positively correlative to MVD (p = 0.018), MVD was significantly associated with Jagged1 (p <0.0001) and Notch3 (p <0.0001). The expression of Jagged1/Notch3 has no correlation with VEGF, only in positive VEGF expression of TNBC patients Jagged1/Notch3 had influence on DFS and OS (p <0.05). Jagged1/Notch3 was -expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels, Jagged1 served as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. We speculate that there is a cross-talk between Jagged1/Notch3 and VEGF in TNBC angiogenesis. Jagged1/Notch3 is expected to be an important signaling pathway for TNBC progression and a potential target for TNBC neovascularization therapy. Copyright © 2017 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pathological significance and prognostic roles of densities of CD57+ cells, CD68+ cells, and mast cells, and their ratios in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Nakanishi, Hiromi; Miyata, Yasuyoshi; Mochizuki, Yasushi; Yasuda, Takuji; Nakamura, Yuichiro; Araki, Kyohei; Sagara, Yuji; Matsuo, Tomohiro; Ohba, Kojiro; Sakai, Hideki

2018-05-19

The immune system is closely associated with malignant behavior in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, understanding the pathological roles of immune cells in tumor stroma is essential to discuss the pathological characteristics of RCC. In this study, the clinical significance of densities of CD57+ cells, CD68+ cells, and mast cells, and their ratios were investigated in patients with clear cell RCC. The densities of CD57+, CD68+, and mast cells were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques in 179 patients. Proliferation index (PI), apoptotic index (AI), and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated by using anti-Ki-67, anti-cleaved caspase-3, and anti-CD31 antibodies, respectively. The density of CD57+ cell was negatively correlated with grade, pT stage, and metastasis, although densities of CD68+ cell and mast cell were positively correlated. Ratios of CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell and mast cell/CD57+ cell were significantly correlated with grade, pT stage, and metastasis. Survival analyses showed that the CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell ratio was a significant predictor for cause-specific survival by multi-variate analyses (hazard ratio=1.41, 95% confidential interval=1.03-1.93, P=.031), and was significantly correlated with PI, AI, and MVD (r=.47; P <. 001, r=-.31, P<.001, and r=.40, P<.001, respectively). In conclusion, CD57+ cell, CD68+ cell, and mast cell played important roles in malignancy in clear cell RCC. The CD68+ cell/CD57+ cell ratio was strongly correlated with pathological features and prognosis in these patients because this ratio reflected the status of cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The expression and underlying angiogenesis effect of DPC4 and VEGF on the progression of cervical carcinoma

PubMed Central

A, Yanni; Li, Ying; Zhao, Shuping

2018-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the expression and roles of deleted in pancreatic carcinoma locus 4 (DPC4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of cervical carcinoma. A total of 115 patients aged between 25 and 60 years were involved, including 19 cervical inflammation, 35 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 61 cervical squamous-cell carcinoma (CSCC). The protein expression rates of DPC4 and VEGF in all samples were detected using immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of DPC4 and VEGF in CSCC samples were measured using ELISA. Microvessel density (MVD) of each CSCC sample was measured according to the Winder method. Association analysis between DPC4, VEGF and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) was conducted using Spearman's correlations. The negative expression rate of DPC4 [DPC4 (−)] and positive expression rate of VEGF [VEGF (+)] of the CSCC group were significantly higher compared with that in the cervical inflammation and CIN groups (P<0.05). In the CSCC group, the protein level of DPC4 decreased, while the VEGF level increased significantly compared with the healthy control group (P<0.05). The MVD in the DPC4 (−), VEGF (+) and TSP-1 (−) groups was significantly increased compared with that of the DPC4 (+), VEGF (−), and TSP-1 (+) groups (P<0.05). The expression of DPC4 was negatively associated with VEGF and TSP-1 (P<0.01). These results suggest that DPC4, VEGF and TSP-1 are involved in the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinoma by inducing angiogenesis. In addition, the loss of DPC4 induces angiogenesis through increasing VEGF. Thus, VEGF may be a target gene regulated by DPC4. PMID:29434970

The expression and underlying angiogenesis effect of DPC4 and VEGF on the progression of cervical carcinoma.

PubMed

A, Yanni; Li, Ying; Zhao, Shuping

2018-02-01

The present study aimed to investigate the expression and roles of deleted in pancreatic carcinoma locus 4 (DPC4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of cervical carcinoma. A total of 115 patients aged between 25 and 60 years were involved, including 19 cervical inflammation, 35 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 61 cervical squamous-cell carcinoma (CSCC). The protein expression rates of DPC4 and VEGF in all samples were detected using immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of DPC4 and VEGF in CSCC samples were measured using ELISA. Microvessel density (MVD) of each CSCC sample was measured according to the Winder method. Association analysis between DPC4, VEGF and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) was conducted using Spearman's correlations. The negative expression rate of DPC4 [DPC4 (-)] and positive expression rate of VEGF [VEGF (+)] of the CSCC group were significantly higher compared with that in the cervical inflammation and CIN groups (P<0.05). In the CSCC group, the protein level of DPC4 decreased, while the VEGF level increased significantly compared with the healthy control group (P<0.05). The MVD in the DPC4 (-), VEGF (+) and TSP-1 (-) groups was significantly increased compared with that of the DPC4 (+), VEGF (-), and TSP-1 (+) groups (P<0.05). The expression of DPC4 was negatively associated with VEGF and TSP-1 (P<0.01). These results suggest that DPC4, VEGF and TSP-1 are involved in the carcinogenesis of cervical carcinoma by inducing angiogenesis. In addition, the loss of DPC4 induces angiogenesis through increasing VEGF. Thus, VEGF may be a target gene regulated by DPC4.

Lingering fat signals with CHESS in simultaneous imaging of both hands can be improved with rice pads in both 1.5T and 3.0T.

PubMed

Moriya, Susumu; Miki, Yukio; Kamishima, Tamotsu; Miyati, Tosiaki; Kanagaki, Mitsunori; Matsuno, Yukako; Yokobayashi, Tsuneo

2013-09-01

To investigate whether rice pads can eliminate lingering fat signals of the complex surface shape of both hands that occur with chemical shift selective (CHESS) at 1.5T and 3.0T. T1-weighted images were obtained with CHESS using 1.5T and 3.0T systems. The same imaging parameters were used with and without rice pads on the coronal plane of both hands in 10 healthy volunteers. The fat-suppression effects were classified into four categories and scored for images, and visual evaluations were performed by one radiologist and one radiologic technologist. At 1.5T, the mean evaluation score was 1.55 for images obtained without rice pads and 3.50 for images obtained with rice pads. At 3.0T, the mean evaluation score was 1.10 for images obtained without rice pads and 3.20 for images obtained with rice pads. With both systems, images obtained with the rice pads showed significantly better fat suppression effects than images obtained without rice pads (P<0.0001, P<0.0001). It was confirmed that lingering fat signals are eliminated and good fat-suppressed images are obtained with the use of rice pads at 1.5T and 3.0T. Rice pads are therefore useful with at 1.5T and 3.0T, which are currently becoming more widely used. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functionally Different Pads on the Same Foot Allow Control of Attachment: Stick Insects Have Load-Sensitive “Heel” Pads for Friction and Shear-Sensitive “Toe” Pads for Adhesion

PubMed Central

Labonte, David; Federle, Walter

2013-01-01

Stick insects (Carausius morosus) have two distinct types of attachment pad per leg, tarsal “heel” pads (euplantulae) and a pre-tarsal “toe” pad (arolium). Here we show that these two pad types are specialised for fundamentally different functions. When standing upright, stick insects rested on their proximal euplantulae, while arolia were the only pads in surface contact when hanging upside down. Single-pad force measurements showed that the adhesion of euplantulae was extremely small, but friction forces strongly increased with normal load and coefficients of friction were 1. The pre-tarsal arolium, in contrast, generated adhesion that strongly increased with pulling forces, allowing adhesion to be activated and deactivated by shear forces, which can be produced actively, or passively as a result of the insects' sprawled posture. The shear-sensitivity of the arolium was present even when corrected for contact area, and was independent of normal preloads covering nearly an order of magnitude. Attachment of both heel and toe pads is thus activated partly by the forces that arise passively in the situations in which they are used by the insects, ensuring safe attachment. Our results suggest that stick insect euplantulae are specialised “friction pads” that produce traction when pressed against the substrate, while arolia are “true” adhesive pads that stick to the substrate when activated by pulling forces. PMID:24349156

16 CFR 1632.5 - Mattress pad test procedure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 1632.5 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION FLAMMABLE FABRICS ACT REGULATIONS... substrate. (b) Flame resistant mattress pads. The following additional requirements shall be applicable to mattress pads which contain a chemical fire retardant. (1) These mattress pads shall be tested in...

Evaluating lotion transfer from products to skin using the behind-the-knee test.

PubMed

Farage, Miranda A

2010-05-01

Adding lotions or emollients to the surface of a variety of paper products confers a number of benefits to the skin of consumers. A modification of the 'behind-the-knee (BTK)' test model was used as a means of measuring the effectiveness of lotion transfer to the skin. Two series of feminine protection pads were prepared: (1) identically constructed pads differing only in the amount of lotion applied to the surface and (2) pads of various compositions to compare the influence of other product characteristics. For the first series, pads were applied for 3 h using the BTK protocol, and lotion transfer was evaluated. For the second series of products, two sample pads were applied consecutively for 3 h each, and lotion transfer was evaluated a both time points (e.g., 3 and 6 h). In addition, a clinical in-use study was used to evaluate lotion transfer for the second product series. In the BTK model using pads of identical composition, lotion transfer was a function of the amount of lotion placed on the pad. However, results from the second product series indicated that when pads were prepared using different absorbant materials (supreabsorbent gelling material, or AGM and cellulose), pads with the AGM core transferred lotion more effectively than pads with a cellulose core. Other product characteristics, i.e., pad thickness and lotion configuration, did not detectibly influence lotion transfer. The results of an in-use clinical study conducted on the second series of test products were directionally similar to those from the BTK, but statistical significance was not reached. An adaptation of the BTK test method provides an effective means of evaluating the transfer of lotion formulations from feminine protection pads at a fraction of the cost of clinical in-use studies.

Multidisciplinary Testing of Floor Pads on Stability, Energy Absorption, and Ease of Hospital Use for Enhanced Patient Safety.

PubMed

Crane, Barbara; Goodworth, Adam D; Liquori, Melissa; Ghosh, Suhash; Certo, Catherine; McCafferty, Lorraine

2016-09-01

A major improvement in hospital safety could be realized if serious injury did not accompany falls. We studied several commercially available floor pads made of different materials to determine which (if any) would be practical in a hospital room and reduce injury without posing a threat to the balance of patients. A multidisciplinary approach was undertaken to (1) measure upper and lower body motion in 17 young (<50 years) and 17 older (>55 years) adults during an instrumented sit to stand test from a hospital bed onto the different floor pads, (2) predict the energy dissipation available in floor pads by quantifying the relative mechanical properties, and (3) obtain professional feedback from hospital nurses via a questionnaire (8 questions) following a period of working on the different floor pads. Five floor pads, composed of foam, gel, and/or rubber were tested. All pads were compared with a typical hospital floor (concrete covered with linoleum tiles, considered the control). All of the pads subject to mechanical testing showed at least 3 times more energy absorption compared with the control. Balance testing showed that three of the pads resulted in minimal or no significant increases in body motion during sit-to-stand. Nursing feedback revealed that only 2 of these 3 pads may be feasible for hospital room use: one made primarily of firm rubber and one made of foam. Floor pads do exist that show promise for hospital use that absorbing energy without major impacts on balance during sit-to-stand. Although only commercially available pads were investigated, results may inform the design and multidisciplinary testing of other floor surfaces.

Does It Matter Whether One Takes a Test on an iPad or a Desktop Computer?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ling, Guangming

2016-01-01

To investigate possible iPad related mode effect, we tested 403 8th graders in Indiana, Maryland, and New Jersey under three mode conditions through random assignment: a desktop computer, an iPad alone, and an iPad with an external keyboard. All students had used an iPad or computer for six months or longer. The 2-hour test included reading, math,…

Development and field performance of indy race car head impact padding.

PubMed

Melvin, J W; Bock, H; Anderson, K; Gideon, T

2001-11-01

The close-fitting cockpit of the modern Indy car single seat race car has the potential to provide a high level of head and neck impact protection in rear and side impacts. Crash investigation has shown that a wide variety of materials have been used as the padding for these cockpits and, as a result, produced varying outcomes in crashes. Additionally, these pads have not always been positioned for optimal performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the head impact performance of a variety of energy-absorbing padding materials under impact conditions typical of Indy car rear impacts and to identify superior materials and methods of improving their performance as race car head pads. An extensive series of tests with the helmeted Hybrid III test dummy head and neck on an impact mini-sled was conducted to explore head padding concepts. Following this, a performance specification for a simplified impact test using a rigid headform that simulates the helmeted head was developed and recommendations for performance levels of head padding based on biomechanical data on helmeted head impacts were made. In 1997, during the time that the head pad research was being performed, the Indy Racing League introduced a new chassis specification for their cars. There were a number of rear- and side-impact crashes during that season that resulted in seven severe head injuries. Examples of the head padding in those cars were included in the experimental study. The results of the head pad research were used to specify new padding materials that met the new biomechanical criteria. The placement of the head pads was also changed for better location of the padding. These changes instituted in 1998 have reduced the number of head injuries in crashes similar to or more severe than those of 1997 and have resulted in only occasional moderate head injuries (concussions) in the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

Mild peripheral neuropathy prevents both leg muscular ischaemia and activation of exercise-induced coagulation in Type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease.

PubMed

Piarulli, F; Sambataro, M; Minicuci, N; Scarano, L; Laverda, B; Baiocchi, M R; Baldo-Enzi, G; Galasso, S; Bax, G; Fedele, D

2007-10-01

To study the influence of peripheral neuropathy on intermittent claudication in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twenty-five patients with T2DM were grouped according to the ankle/brachial index (ABI): 10 with ABI > 0.9 without peripheral artery disease (PAD; group T2DM) and 15 with ABI < 0.9 with PAD (group T2DM + PAD). Twelve individuals without T2DM with PAD (group PAD without T2DM) were also enrolled. Tests for peripheral neuropathy were performed in all patients. ABI, rate pressure product, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (F1+2), thrombin-anti-thrombin complex (TAT), and d-dimer were measured before and after a treadmill test. During exercise both initial and absolute claudication distance and electrocardiogram readings were recorded. We found mild peripheral neuropathy in 20% of group T2DM and 46.7% of group T2DM + PAD (P < 0.01). After exercise, the rate pressure product increased in each group; ABI fell in T2DM + PAD (P < 0.0001) and in PAD without T2DM (P = 0.0005); the fall was greater in the latter group. Initial and absolute claudication distances were similar in PAD patients. In group T2DM + PAD, absolute claudication distance was longer in the subgroup without peripheral neuropathy (P < 0.05), whereas ABI and rate pressure products were similar. F1+2 values at rest were higher in group T2DM + PAD. After exercise, F1+2 values and TAT increased only in group PAD without T2DM. Only group PAD without T2DM experienced muscular ischaemia, whereas group T2DM + PAD did not. Mild peripheral neuropathy may have prevented them from reaching the point of muscular ischaemia during the treadmill test, because they stopped exercising with the early onset of pain. Reaching a false absolute claudication distance may induce ischaemic preconditioning. These findings suggest a possible protective role of mild peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients with intermittent claudication, by preventing further activation of coagulation during treadmill testing.

Older adults' perceptions of using iPads for improving fruit and vegetable intake: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Watkins, Ivan; Xie, Bo

2015-01-01

Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption can improve older adults' health outcomes, but conventional interventions can be resource demanding and make it difficult to provide just-in-time intervention content. iPad-based interventions may help overcome these limitations, but little is known about how older adults might perceive and use iPads for FV consumption. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a qualitative study to explore older adults' perceptions and use of iPads for improving FV consumption between February and August of 2012. Five focus group sessions each lasting 120 min were conducted with 22 older adult participants. During each session, participants received guided exposure and instruction on iPad use and then explored three iPad applications targeting FV consumption (MyFood, FiveADay Lite, and Whole Foods Market Recipes). Detailed notes from focus group interviews were analyzed with a grounded theory approach that applied a constant comparative method to enable themes to emerge from the data. Three themes were identified from the data regarding participants' baseline perceptions of iPads. These included (a) limited knowledge on iPad's functions, (b) iPads were intended for younger users, and (c) iPads were too expensive. Themes identified regarding participants' perceptions of iPads after guided exposure included (a) the touchscreen was easier to use than a computer mouse, (b) tapping the interface required practice, (c) portability was an asset in conjunction with functionality, (d) portability and functionality supported personal interests, (e) the difficulty of learning an iPad's functions varied, and (f) practice and instruction helped overcome fear of the iPad. Finally, participants recommended iPad app features that could help them overcome barriers to their FV intake. These included (a) locating inexpensive FV from nearby sources, (b) providing tailored food and recipe suggestions, and (c) tracking and communicating FV intake with a doctor. These findings have important implications for future research on mobile app-based eHealth interventions to improve older adults' FV intake.

The ALICE-HMPID Detector Control System: Its evolution towards an expert and adaptive system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Cataldo, G.; Franco, A.; Pastore, C.; Sgura, I.; Volpe, G.

2011-05-01

The High Momentum Particle IDentification (HMPID) detector is a proximity focusing Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) for charged hadron identification. The HMPID is based on liquid C 6F 14 as the radiator medium and on a 10 m 2 CsI coated, pad segmented photocathode of MWPCs for UV Cherenkov photon detection. To ensure full remote control, the HMPID is equipped with a detector control system (DCS) responding to industrial standards for robustness and reliability. It has been implemented using PVSS as Slow Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) environment, Programmable Logic Controller as control devices and Finite State Machines for modular and automatic command execution. In the perspective of reducing human presence at the experiment site, this paper focuses on DCS evolution towards an expert and adaptive control system, providing, respectively, automatic error recovery and stable detector performance. HAL9000, the first prototype of the HMPID expert system, is then presented. Finally an analysis of the possible application of the adaptive features is provided.

Precision Timing with Silicon Sensors for Use in Calorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bornheim, A.; Ronzhin, A.; Kim, H.; Bolla, G.; Pena, C.; Xie, S.; Apresyan, A.; Los, S.; Spiropulu, M.; Ramberg, E.

2017-11-01

The high luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) at CERN is expected to provide instantaneous luminosities of 5 × 1034 cm -2 s -1. The high luminosities expected at the HL-LHC will be accompanied by a factor of 5 to 10 more pileup compared with LHC conditions in 2015, causing general confusion for particle identification and event reconstruction. Precision timing allows to extend calorimetric measurements into such a high density environment by subtracting the energy deposits from pileup interactions. Calorimeters employing silicon as the active component have recently become a popular choice for the HL- LHC and future collider experiments which face very high radiation environments. We present studies of basic calorimetric and precision timing measurements using a prototype composed of tungsten absorber and silicon sensor as the active medium. We show that for the bulk of electromagnetic showers induced by electrons in the range of 20 GeV to 30 GeV, we can achieve time resolutions better than 25 ps per single pad sensor.

Braille line using electrical stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puertas, A.; Purés, P.; Echenique, A. M.; Ensinck, J. P. Graffigna y. G.

2007-11-01

Conceived within the field of Rehabilitation Technologies for visually impaired persons, the present work aims at enabling the blind user to read written material by means of a tactile display. Once he is familiarized to operate this system, the user will be able to achieve greater performance in study, academic and job activities, thus achieving a rapid and easier social inclusion. The devise accepts any kind of text that is computer-loadable (documents, books, Internet information, and the like) which, through digital means, can be read as Braille text on the pad. This tactile display is composed of an electrodes platform that simulate, through stimulation the writing/reading Braille characters. In order to perceive said characters in similar way to the tactile feeling from paper material, the skin receptor of fingers are stimulated electrically so as to simulate the same pressure and depressions as those of the paper-based counterpart information. Once designed and developed, the display was tested with blind subjects, with relatively satisfactory results. As a continuing project, this prototype is currently being improved as regards.

Investigating 3-body Decays of Cluster States with the PAT-TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpenter, Lisa; Ayyad Limonge, Y.; Bazin, D.; Beceiro-Novo, S.; Bradt, J.; Cortesi, M.; Mittig, W.; Ahn, T.; Kolata, J. J.; Meisel, Z.; Bechetti, F. D.; Fritsch, A.; Howard, A.

2016-03-01

Recent model calculations with most advanced methods for cluster states have shown the need of experimental data to probe the structure of light exotic nuclei, including those with α-clustering, such as 14C. The Prototype Active Target Time Projection Chamber (PAT-TPC) allows us to investigate these types of structures, giving access to the full excitation function with a single beam energy. This type of experiment measures resonances in 14C that can be compared to the models. With an improved Micromegas pad plane with a circular backgammon design we are able to investigate 3-body decays in addition to 2-body scattering. The measurements were carried out by resonant alpha-scattering on 10Be beam delivered by the TwinSol facility at the University of Notre Dame. We also observed the 3-body decay of the Hoyle State in 12C from a 12N or 12B beam with the same device. Preliminary results will be presented. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation.

Comparison of postural sway depending on balance pad type

PubMed Central

Lee, DongGeon; Kim, HaNa; An, HyunJi; Jang, JiEun; Hong, SoungKyun; Jung, SunHye; Lee, Kyeongbong; Choi, Myong-Ryol; Lee, Kyung-Hee; Lee, GyuChang

2018-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the postural sway of healthy adults standing on different types of balance pads. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy adults participated in this study. Postural body sway was measured while participants were standing on four different types of balance pads: Balance-pad Elite (BE), Aero-Step XL (AS), Dynair Ballkissen Senso (DBS), and Dynair Ballkissen XXL Meditation and Yoga (DBMY). A Wii Balance Board interfaced with Balancia software was used to measure postural body sway. [Results] In the sway velocity, sway path length, and sway area, no significant differences were found between baseline conditions (participants were standing on the floor with no balance pad) and the use of the BE or AS. However, significant increases in all parameters were found comparing baseline conditions to the use of either Dynair balance pad. Furthermore, the use of either Dynair balance pad significantly increased postural sway compared to both the BE and the AS. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that the DBS and DBMY balance pads may serve as superior tools for providing unstable condition for balance training than the BE and the AS balance pads. PMID:29545688

Parametric studies on floating pad journal bearing for high speed cryogenic turboexpanders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, A.; Jadhav, M. M.; Karimulla, S.; Chakravarty, A.

2017-12-01

Most modern medium and large capacity helium liquefaction/refrigeration plants employ high speed cryogenic turboexpanders in their refrigeration/liquefaction cycles as active cooling devices. The operating speed of these turboexpanders is in the range of 3000-5000 Hz and hence specialized types of bearings are required. Floating pad journal bearing, which is a special type of tilting pad journal bearing, where mechanical pivots are absent and pads are fully suspended in gas, can be a good solution for stable operation of these high speed compact rotors. The pads are separated from shaft as well as from housing by fluid film between them, and both these sides of pad are interconnected by a network of feed holes. The work presented in this article aims to characterize floating pad journal bearings through parametric studies. The steady state performance characteristics of the bearing are represented by load capacity, stiffness coefficients and heat generation rate of the bearing. The geometrical parameters such as bearing clearances, preload of pads, etc. are varied and performance characteristics of the floating pad journal bearing are studied and presented. The dependence of stiffness coefficients on rotational speed of shaft is also analyzed.

Comparison of postural sway depending on balance pad type.

PubMed

Lee, DongGeon; Kim, HaNa; An, HyunJi; Jang, JiEun; Hong, SoungKyun; Jung, SunHye; Lee, Kyeongbong; Choi, Myong-Ryol; Lee, Kyung-Hee; Lee, GyuChang

2018-02-01

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the postural sway of healthy adults standing on different types of balance pads. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy adults participated in this study. Postural body sway was measured while participants were standing on four different types of balance pads: Balance-pad Elite (BE), Aero-Step XL (AS), Dynair Ballkissen Senso (DBS), and Dynair Ballkissen XXL Meditation and Yoga (DBMY). A Wii Balance Board interfaced with Balancia software was used to measure postural body sway. [Results] In the sway velocity, sway path length, and sway area, no significant differences were found between baseline conditions (participants were standing on the floor with no balance pad) and the use of the BE or AS. However, significant increases in all parameters were found comparing baseline conditions to the use of either Dynair balance pad. Furthermore, the use of either Dynair balance pad significantly increased postural sway compared to both the BE and the AS. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that the DBS and DBMY balance pads may serve as superior tools for providing unstable condition for balance training than the BE and the AS balance pads.

Final Environmental Assessment to Construct a One-quarter Mile Track with Stretching Pads and PAR Course Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

recycled tires, • Addition of stretching pads comprised of 2 concrete, rubberized workout pads located around the walking track, • Install utility...surfacing made of polyurethane and recycled tires, 3. Addition of stretching pads comprised of2 concrete, rubberized workout pads located around the...Wichita Falls Public Library 600 Eleventh Street Wichita ~ails, Texas 76301 The EA, which addressed the proposed action and alternative, has been

Magnetic resonance imaging-derived arterial peak flow in peripheral arterial disease: towards a standardized measurement.

PubMed

Versluis, B; Nelemans, P J; Wildberger, J E; Schurink, G-W; Leiner, T; Backes, W H

2014-08-01

To determine the best location to measure the arterial peak flow (APF) in patients with peripheral arterial disease in order to facilitate clinical standardization. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients with varying degrees of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and 48 patients without PAD were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance phase-contrast imaging of the common femoral artery (CFA), superficial femoral artery (SFA), and popliteal artery (PA). APF values of patients with PAD were compared with patients with no PAD. The discriminative ability to identify PAD was evaluated by means of receiver-operator characteristic curves and the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). Mean APF values in patients with PAD were reduced by 42%, 55% and 59% compared with non-PAD patients for the CFA, SFA, and PA, respectively (p < .01). The AUC's were 0.84, 0.92, and 0.93 for the CFA, SFA, and PA, respectively. The APF measured at the level of the PA shows the largest differences between patients with PAD and patients with no PAD and the best discriminative ability compared with the APF acquired in the CFA or SFA. The PA seems to be the most suitable level for standardized flow measurements in patients with PAD in order to obtain relevant functional information about the vascular status. Copyright © 2014 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low Dose High Energy X-ray In-Line Phase Sensitive Imaging Prototype: Investigation of Optimal Geometric Conditions and Design Parameters

PubMed Central

Ghani, Muhammad. U.; Yan, Aimin; Wong, Molly. D.; Li, Yuhua; Ren, Liqiang; Wu, Xizeng; Liu, Hong

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of a high energy in-line phase sensitive x-ray imaging prototype under different geometric and operating conditions for mammography application. A phase retrieval algorithm based on phase attenuation duality (PAD) was applied to the phase contrast images acquired by the prototype. Imaging performance was investigated at four magnification values of 1.67, 2, 2.5 and 3 using an acrylic edge, an American College of Radiology (ACR) mammography phantom and contrast detail (CD) phantom with tube potentials of 100, 120 and 140 kVp. The ACR and CD images were acquired at the same mean glandular dose (MGD) of 1.29 mGy with a computed radiography (CR) detector of 43.75 µm pixel pitch at a fixed source to image distance (SID) of 170 cm. The x-ray tube focal spot size was kept constant as 7 µm while a 2.5 mm thick aluminum (Al) filter was used for beam hardening. The performance of phase contrast and phase retrieved images were compared with computer simulations based on the relative phase contrast factor (RPF) at high x-ray energies. The imaging results showed that the x-ray tube operated at 100 kVp under the magnification of 2.5 exhibits superior imaging performance which is in accordance to the computer simulations. As compared to the phase contrast images, the phase retrieved images of the ACR and CD phantoms demonstrated improved imaging contrast and target discrimination. We compared the CD phantom images acquired in conventional contact mode with and without the anti-scatter grid using the same prototype at 1.295 mGy and 2.59 mGy using 40 kVp, a 25 µm rhodium (Rh) filter. At the same radiation dose, the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for both the large and small discs, while compared to the double dose image acquired in conventional mode, the observer study also indicated that the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for the large discs. This study therefore validates the potential of using high energy phase contrast x-ray imaging to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose for clinical applications such as mammography. PMID:26756405

Sarcopenia in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevalence and Effect on Functional Status.

PubMed

Addison, Odessa; Prior, Steven J; Kundi, Rishi; Serra, Monica C; Katzel, Leslie I; Gardner, Andrew W; Ryan, Alice S

2018-04-01

(1) To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older men with peripheral arterial disease (PAD); (2) to compare a subgroup of the group with age-, race-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-PAD control counterparts, and (3) to compare the functional status of those with PAD with and without sarcopenia. Cohort study. Medical center. Sedentary community-dwelling men (N=108; age, >50y) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD (44% blacks; BMI, 27.8±0.4kg/m 2 ; ankle-brachial index, .62±.01). Not applicable. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were used to assess appendicular lean mass and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia by/height 2 . Treadmill tests were used to determine claudication onset time, peak walking time, and claudication recovery time. 6-Minute walk distance was also measured. Sarcopenia prevalence in our PAD cohort was 25%. The PAD subgroup (n=42) matched with control counterparts in terms of race, sex, age, and BMI had higher prevalence rates than did their non-PAD counterparts (23.8% vs 2.4%; P<.05). Individuals with sarcopenia (n=28) had a shorter 6-minute walk distance (326±18.8m vs 380±9.7m; P<.05) and higher claudication recovery time (592±98s vs 395±29s; P<.05) than did individuals with PAD but without sarcopenia (n=80). There was no difference in claudication onset time or peak walking time between the PAD groups. Men with PAD demonstrate a high prevalence of sarcopenia. Those with sarcopenia and PAD demonstrate decreased mobility function. Published by Elsevier Inc.

78 FR 34605 - Airworthiness Directives; CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-10

... with a handcranking pad ``oil dynamic seal'' assembly. This proposed AD was prompted by 42 events of... of the pad cover for maintenance until installation of a handcranking pad oil dynamic seal assembly... maintenance. Introduction of a handcranking pad oil dynamic seal is available as an optional terminating...

16 CFR 300.23 - Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and facings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and... Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and facings. (a) In labeling or marking garments or articles of apparel which are wool products, the fiber content of any linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings or...

16 CFR 300.23 - Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and facings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and... Linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings and facings. (a) In labeling or marking garments or articles of apparel which are wool products, the fiber content of any linings, paddings, stiffening, trimmings or...

21 CFR 878.4440 - Eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Eye pad. 878.4440 Section 878.4440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4440 Eye pad. (a) Identification. An eye pad is...

21 CFR 878.4440 - Eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Eye pad. 878.4440 Section 878.4440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4440 Eye pad. (a) Identification. An eye pad is...

21 CFR 878.4440 - Eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Eye pad. 878.4440 Section 878.4440 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4440 Eye pad. (a) Identification. An eye pad is...

DDN (Defense Data Network) Protocol Handbook. Volume 2. DARPA Internet Protocols

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

header padding is used to ensure that the internet header ends on a 32 bit boundary. The padding is zero . 3.2. Discussion The implementation of a... zeros . The first of these would be interpreted as the end-of-options option, and the remainder as internet header padding , Every internet module must...several octets in length. The internet header Padding field is used to ensure that the data begins on 32 bit word boundary. The padding is zero

A Protection And Detection Surface (PADS) for damage tolerance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuart, M. J.; Prasad, C. B.; Biggers, S. B.

1990-01-01

A protection and detection surface (PADS) concept was studied for application to composite primary aircraft structures. A Kevlar-epoxy woven face sheet with a Rohacell foam core was found to be the most effective PADS configuration among the configurations evaluated. The weight of the PADS configuration was estimated to be approximately 17 percent of the structural weight. The PADS configuration was bonded to graphite-epoxy base laminates, and up to a 70 percent improvement in compression-after-impact failure strains was observed.

A Protection And Detection Surface (PADS) for damage tolerance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuart, Mark J.; Prasad, Chunchu B.; Biggers, Sherrill B.

1990-01-01

A protection and detection surface (PADS) concept was studied for application to composite primary aircraft structures. A Kevlar-epoxy woven face sheet with a Rohacell foam core was found to be the most effective PADS configuration among the configurations evaluated. The weight of the PADS configuration was estimated to be approximately 17 pct of the structural weight. The PADS configuration was bonded to graphite-epoxy base laminates, and up to a 70 pct improvement in compression-after-impact failure strains was observed.

Study of Isospin Correlation in High Energy Heavy Ion Interactions with the RHIC PHENIX. Final Report

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

Takahashi, Y.

This report describes the research work performed under the support of the DOE research grant E-FG02-97ER4108. The work is composed of three parts: (1) Visual analysis and quality control of the Micro Vertex Detector (MVD) of the PHENIX experiments carried out of Brookhaven National Laboratory. (2) Continuation of the data analysis of the EMU05/09/16 experiments for the study of the inclusive particle production spectra and multi-particle correlation. (3) Exploration of a new statistical means to study very high-multiplicity of nuclear-particle ensembles and its perspectives to apply to the higher energy experiments.

Personal annunciation device

DOEpatents

Angelo, Peter [Oak Ridge, TN; Younkin, James [Oak Ridge, TN; DeMint, Paul [Kingston, TN

2011-01-25

A personal annunciation device (PAD) providing, in an area of interest, compensatory annunciation of the presence of an abnormal condition in a hazardous area and accountability of the user of the PAD. Compensatory annunciation supplements primary annunciation provided by an emergency notification system (ENS). A detection system detects an abnormal condition, and a wireless transmission system transmits a wireless transmission to the PAD. The PAD has a housing enclosing the components of the PAD including a communication module for receiving the wireless transmission, a power supply, processor, memory, annunciation system, and RFID module. The RFID module has an RFID receiver that listens for an RFID transmission from an RFID reader disposed in a portal of an area of interest. The PAD identifies the transmission and changes its operating state based on the transmission. The RFID readers recognize, record, and transmit the state of the PAD to a base station providing accountability of the wearer.

Wireless power transfer system

DOEpatents

Wu, Hunter; Sealy, Kylee; Gilchrist, Aaron

2016-02-23

A system includes a first stage of an inductive power transfer system with an LCL load resonant converter with a switching section, an LCL tuning circuit, and a primary receiver pad. The IPT system includes a second stage with a secondary receiver pad, a secondary resonant circuit, a secondary rectification circuit, and a secondary decoupling converter. The secondary receiver pad connects to the secondary resonant circuit. The secondary resonant circuit connects to the secondary rectification circuit. The secondary rectification circuit connects to the secondary decoupling converter. The second stage connects to a load. The load includes an energy storage element. The second stage and load are located on a vehicle and the first stage is located at a fixed location. The primary receiver pad wirelessly transfers power to the secondary receiver pad across a gap when the vehicle positions the secondary receiver pad with respect to the primary receiver pad.

Sub-Kelvin resistance thermometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castles, Stephen H. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A device capable of accurate temperature measurement down to 0.01 K of a particular object is discussed. The device is comprised of the following: a heat sink wafer; a first conducting pad bonded near one end of the heat sink wafer; a second conducting pad bonded near the other end of the heat sink wafer; and an oblong doped semiconductor crystal such as germanium. The oblong doped semiconductor crystal has a third conducting pad bonded on its bottom surface with the oblong doped semiconductor crystal bonded to the heat sink wafer by having the fourth conducting pad bonded to the first conducting pad. A wire is bonded between the second and third conducting pads. Current and voltage wires bonded to the first and second conducting pads measure the change in resistance of the oblong doped semiconductor crystal; this indicates the temperature of the object whose temperature is to be measured.

21 CFR 880.5270 - Neonatal eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Neonatal eye pad. 880.5270 Section 880.5270 Food... § 880.5270 Neonatal eye pad. (a) Identification. A neonatal eye pad is an opaque device used to cover and protect the eye of an infant during therapeutic procedures, such as phototherapy. (b...

21 CFR 878.4440 - Eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Eye pad. 878.4440 Section 878.4440 Food and Drugs... GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4440 Eye pad. (a) Identification. An eye pad is... use as a bandage over the eye for protection or absorption of secretions. (b) Classification. Class I...

21 CFR 880.5270 - Neonatal eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Neonatal eye pad. 880.5270 Section 880.5270 Food... § 880.5270 Neonatal eye pad. (a) Identification. A neonatal eye pad is an opaque device used to cover and protect the eye of an infant during therapeutic procedures, such as phototherapy. (b...

21 CFR 878.4440 - Eye pad.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Eye pad. 878.4440 Section 878.4440 Food and Drugs... GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4440 Eye pad. (a) Identification. An eye pad is... use as a bandage over the eye for protection or absorption of secretions. (b) Classification. Class I...

76 FR 33019 - Notice of Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-07

..., 2011. 10. Aruba Petroleum, Inc., Pad ID: Lundy Well Pad, ABR-201103010, Gamble Township, Lycoming...-- 4H Drilling Pad, ABR-201104012, Gamble Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of up to 5.000...-- 4H Drilling Pad, ABR-201104013, Gamble Township, Lycoming County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of up to 5.000...

Immunological response to nitroglycerin-loaded shear-responsive liposomes in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Buscema, Marzia; Matviykiv, Sofiya; Mészáros, Tamás; Gerganova, Gabriela; Weinberger, Andreas; Mettal, Ute; Mueller, Dennis; Neuhaus, Frederik; Stalder, Etienne; Ishikawa, Takashi; Urbanics, Rudolf; Saxer, Till; Pfohl, Thomas; Szebeni, János; Zumbuehl, Andreas; Müller, Bert

2017-10-28

Liposomes formulated from the 1,3-diamidophospholipid Pad-PC-Pad are shear-responsive and thus promising nano-containers to specifically release a vasodilator at stenotic arteries. The recommended preclinical safety tests for therapeutic liposomes of nanometer size include the in vitro assessment of complement activation and the evaluation of the associated risk of complement activation-related pseudo-allergy (CARPA) in vivo. For this reason, we measured complement activation by Pad-PC-Pad formulations in human and porcine sera, along with the nanopharmaceutical-mediated cardiopulmonary responses in pigs. The evaluated formulations comprised of Pad-PC-Pad liposomes, with and without polyethylene glycol on the surface of the liposomes, and nitroglycerin as a model vasodilator. The nitroglycerin incorporation efficiency ranged from 25% to 50%. In human sera, liposome formulations with 20mg/mL phospholipid gave rise to complement activation, mainly via the alternative pathway, as reflected by the rises in SC5b-9 and Bb protein complex concentrations. Formulations having a factor of ten lower phospholipid content did not result in measurable complement activation. The weak complement activation induced by Pad-PC-Pad liposomal formulations was confirmed by the results obtained by performing an in vivo study in a porcine model, where hemodynamic parameters were monitored continuously. Our study suggests that, compared to FDA-approved liposomal drugs, Pad-PC-Pad exhibits less or similar risks of CARPA. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expectations of iPad use in an internal medicine residency program: is it worth the "hype"?

PubMed

Luo, Nancy; Chapman, Christopher G; Patel, Bhakti K; Woodruff, James N; Arora, Vineet M

2013-05-08

While early reports highlight the benefits of tablet computing in hospitals, introducing any new technology can result in inflated expectations. The aim of the study is to compare anticipated expectations of Apple iPad use and perceptions after deployment among residents. 115 internal medicine residents received Apple iPads in October 2010. Residents completed matched surveys on anticipated usage and perceptions after distribution 1 month prior and 4 months after deployment. In total, 99% (114/115) of residents responded. Prior to deployment, most residents believed that the iPad would improve patient care and efficiency on the wards; however, fewer residents "strongly agreed" after deployment (34% vs 15% for patient care, P<.001; 41% vs 24% for efficiency, P=.005). Residents with higher expectations were more likely to report using the iPad for placing orders post call and during admission (71% vs 44% post call, P=.01, and 16% vs 0% admission, P=.04). Previous Apple iOS product owners were also more likely to use the iPad in key areas. Overall, 84% of residents thought the iPad was a good investment for the residency program, and over half of residents (58%) reported that patients commented on the iPad in a positive way. While the use of tablets such as the iPad by residents is generally well received, high initial expectations highlight the danger of implementing new technologies. Education on the realistic expectations of iPad benefits may be warranted.

Pad per day usage, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections in nursing home residents.

PubMed

Omli, Ragnhild; Skotnes, Liv Heidi; Romild, Ulla; Bakke, August; Mykletun, Arnstein; Kuhry, Esther

2010-09-01

many elderly suffer from urinary incontinence and use absorbent pads. Pad use per day (PPD) is a frequently used measure of urinary incontinence. Nursing home residents are often dependent on help from nursing staff to change pads. This study was performed in order to determine whether PPD is a reliable method to quantify urinary incontinence in nursing home residents. Furthermore, the association between urinary tract infections (UTIs), PPD and fluid intake was studied. data were retrieved from a multicentre, prospective surveillance among nursing home residents. Data on the use of absorbent pads, fluid intake and incontinence volumes were collected during 48 h. During a 1-year follow-up period, data on UTIs were collected. in this study, 153 residents were included, of whom 118 (77%) used absorbent pads. Residents who used absorbent pads were at increased risk of developing UTIs compared to residents who did not use pads (41 vs 11%; P = 0.001). Daily fluid intake was not associated with UTIs (P = 0.46). The number of pad changes showed no correlation with the risk of developing UTIs (P = 0.62). Patients with a given PPD presented a wide range of incontinence volumes. the use of absorbent pads is associated with an increased risk of developing UTIs. PPD and daily fluid intake are not correlated with the risk of developing UTIs. PPD is an unreliable measure of urinary incontinence in nursing home residents.

Plasma homocysteine, dietary B vitamins, betaine, and choline and risk of peripheral artery disease

PubMed Central

Bertoia, Monica L.; Pai, Jennifer K.; Cooke, John P.; Joosten, Michel M.; Mittleman, Murray A.; Rimm, Eric B.; Mukamal, Kenneth J.

2014-01-01

Objective Few studies have examined the roles of homocysteine and related nutrients in the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined the associations between plasma homocysteine, dietary B vitamins, betaine, choline, and supplemental folic acid use and incidence of PAD. Methods We used two cohort studies of 72,348 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1990-2010) and 44,504 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, 1986-2010). We measured plasma homocysteine in nested matched case-control studies of clinically recognized PAD within both cohorts, including 143 PAD cases and 424 controls within the NHS (1990-2010) and 143 PAD cases and 428 controls within the HPFS (1994-2008). We examined the association between diet and risk of incident PAD in the cohorts using a food frequency questionnaire and 790 cases of PAD over 3.1 million person-years of follow-up. Results Higher homocysteine levels were positively associated with risk of PAD in men (adjusted IRR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.08-4.38 for tertile 3 vs. 1). There was no evidence of an association in women (adjusted IRR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.61-2.12). Similarly, higher folate intake, including supplements, was inversely associated with risk of PAD in men (adjusted HR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98 for each 250 μg increase) but not women (HR 1.01, 95% CI, 0.88-1.15). Intakes of the other B vitamins, betaine, and choline were not consistently associated with risk of PAD in men or women. Conclusion Homocysteine levels were positively associated and dietary folate intake was inversely associated with risk of PAD in men but not in women. PMID:24819748

Plasma homocysteine, dietary B vitamins, betaine, and choline and risk of peripheral artery disease.

PubMed

Bertoia, Monica L; Pai, Jennifer K; Cooke, John P; Joosten, Michel M; Mittleman, Murray A; Rimm, Eric B; Mukamal, Kenneth J

2014-07-01

Few studies have examined the roles of homocysteine and related nutrients in the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined the associations between plasma homocysteine, dietary B vitamins, betaine, choline, and supplemental folic acid use and incidence of PAD. We used two cohort studies of 72,348 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1990-2010) and 44,504 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, 1986-2010). We measured plasma homocysteine in nested matched case-control studies of clinically recognized PAD within both cohorts, including 143 PAD cases and 424 controls within the NHS (1990-2010) and 143 PAD cases and 428 controls within the HPFS (1994-2008). We examined the association between diet and risk of incident PAD in the cohorts using a food frequency questionnaire and 790 cases of PAD over 3.1 million person-years of follow-up. Higher homocysteine levels were positively associated with risk of PAD in men (adjusted IRR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.08-4.38 for tertile 3 vs. 1). There was no evidence of an association in women (adjusted IRR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.61-2.12). Similarly, higher folate intake, including supplements, was inversely associated with risk of PAD in men (adjusted HR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98 for each 250 μg increase) but not women (HR 1.01, 95% CI, 0.88-1.15). Intakes of the other B vitamins, betaine, and choline were not consistently associated with risk of PAD in men or women. Homocysteine levels were positively associated and dietary folate intake was inversely associated with risk of PAD in men but not in women. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Pilot Study of iPad Incorporation Into Graduate Medical Education.

PubMed

Lobo, Mark J; Crandley, Edwin F; Rumph, Jake S; Kirk, Susan E; Dunlap, Neal E; Rahimi, Asal S; Turner, A Benton; Larner, James M; Read, Paul W

2013-03-01

Increased documentation and charting requirements are challenging for residents, given duty hour limits. Use of mobile electronic devices may help residents complete these tasks efficiently. To collect initial data on usage rates, information technology (IT) support requirements, and resident use of iPads during training. In this pilot study, we provided 12 residents/fellows from various specialties at the University of Virginia with an iPad with IT support. The system used a virtual private network with access to the institution's electronic health record. Participants were allowed to develop their own methods and systems for personalized iPad use, and after 9 months they provided data on the utility of the iPad. Feedback from the IT team also was obtained. Average iPad use was 2.1 h/d (range, 0.5-6 h/d). The average self-reported reduction in administrative work due to the iPad was 2.7 h/wk (range, 0-9 h/wk). A total of 75% (9 of 12) of the users would recommend universal adoption among residents and fellows. More than 90% (11 of 12) of users reported the iPad would improve communication for coordination of care. A total of 68% (8 of 12) of users reported that an iPad facilitated their activities as educators of medical students and junior residents. Residents cited slow data entry into the electronic health record and hospital areas lacking Wi-Fi connectivity as potential drawbacks to iPad use. The IT team reported minimal support time for device setup, maintenance, and upgrades, and limited security risks. The iPad may contribute to increased clinical efficiency, reduced hours spent on administrative tasks, and enhanced educational opportunities for residents, with minimal IT support.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEX HORMONES, SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN AND PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE IN OLDER PERSONS

PubMed Central

Maggio, M; Cattabiani, C; Lauretani, F; Artoni, A; Bandinelli, S; Schiavi, G; Vignali, A; Volpi, R; Ceresini, G; Lippi, G; Aloe, R; De Vita, F; Giallauria, F; McDermott, MM; Ferrucci, L; Ceda, GP

2014-01-01

Objective The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases with aging and is higher in persons with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. PAD is associated with adverse outcomes, including frailty and disability. The protective effect of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) for diabetes in men suggests that the biological activity of sex hormones may affect PAD, especially in older populations. Methods Nine hundred and twenty-one elderly subjects with data on SHBG, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) were selected from InCHIANTI study. PAD was defined as an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) <0.90. Logistic regression models adjusted for age (Model 1), age, BMI, insulin, interleukin-6, physical activity, smoking, chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome (Model 2), and a final model including also sex hormones (Model 3) were performed to test the relationship between SHBG, sex hormones and PAD. Results The mean age (± SD) of the 419 men and 502 women was 75.0 ± 6.8 years (Sixty two participants (41 men, 21 women) had ABI<0.90. Men with PAD had SHBG levels lower than men without PAD (p=0.03). SHBG was negatively and independently associated with PAD in men (p=0.028). but not in women. The relationship was however attenuated after adjusting for sex hormones (p=0.07). The E2 was not significantly associated with PAD in both men and women. In women, but not in men, T was positively associated with PAD, even after adjusting for multiple confounders, including E2 (p=0.01). Conclusions Low SHBG and high T levels are significantly and independently associated with the presence of PAD in older men and women, respectively. PMID:23102785

The relationship between sex hormones, sex hormone binding globulin and peripheral artery disease in older persons.

PubMed

Maggio, M; Cattabiani, C; Lauretani, F; Artoni, A; Bandinelli, S; Schiavi, G; Vignali, A; Volpi, R; Ceresini, G; Lippi, G; Aloe, R; De Vita, F; Giallauria, F; McDermott, M M; Ferrucci, L; Ceda, G P

2012-12-01

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases with aging and is higher in persons with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. PAD is associated with adverse outcomes, including frailty and disability. The protective effect of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) for diabetes in men suggests that the biological activity of sex hormones may affect PAD, especially in older populations. Nine hundred and twenty-one elderly subjects with data on SHBG, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) were selected from InCHIANTI study. PAD was defined as an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) < 0.90. Logistic regression models adjusted for age (Model 1), age, BMI, insulin, interleukin-6, physical activity, smoking, chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome (Model 2), and a final model including also sex hormones (Model 3) were performed to test the relationship between SHBG, sex hormones and PAD. The mean age (±SD) of the 419 men and 502 women was 75.0 ± 6.8 years. Sixty two participants (41 men, 21 women) had ABI < 0.90. Men with PAD had SHBG levels lower than men without PAD (p = 0.03). SHBG was negatively and independently associated with PAD in men (p = 0.028) but not in women. The relationship was however attenuated after adjusting for sex hormones (p = 0.07). The E2 was not significantly associated with PAD in both men and women. In women, but not in men, T was positively associated with PAD, even after adjusting for multiple confounders, including E2 (p = 0.01). Low SHBG and high T levels are significantly and independently associated with the presence of PAD in older men and women, respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

iPads in Breast Imaging – A Phantom Study

PubMed Central

Hammon, M.; Schlechtweg, P. M.; Schulz-Wendtland, R.; Uder, M.; Schwab, S. A.

2014-01-01

Introduction: Modern tablet PCs as the iPad are becoming more and more integrated into medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the display quality of iPads regarding digital mammography. Materials and Methods: Three experienced readers compared the display quality of the iPad 2 and 3 with a dedicated 10 megapixel (MP) mammography liquid crystal display (LCD) screen in consensus using the standardized Contrast Detail Mammography (CDMAM) phantom. Phantom fields without agreement between the readers were classified as “uncertain”, correct 2 : 1 decisions were classified as “uncertain/readable”. In a second step display quality of the three reading devices was judged subjectively in a side by side comparison. Results: The 10 MP screen was superior to both iPads in 4 (phantom-)fields and inferior in 2 fields. Comparing the iPads, version 3 was superior in 4 fields and version 2 was superior in 1 field. However these differences were not significant. Total number of “uncertain” fields did not show significant differences. The number of “uncertain” fields was 15 with the 10 MP screen, 16 with the iPad 2 and 17 with the iPad 3 (p > 0.05), the number of “uncertain/readable” fields was 4, 7 and 8, respectively. Subjective image quality of the iPad 3 and the 10 MP screen was rated superior to the iPad 2. Conclusion: The evaluated iPads, especially in version 3, seem to be adequate to display mammograms in a diagnostic quality and thus could be useful e.g. for patient consultation, clinical demonstration or educational and teaching purposes. However primary mammogram reading should still be performed on dedicated large sized reading screens. PMID:24741126

Platelet-Derived MRP-14 Induces Monocyte Activation in Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease.

PubMed

Dann, Rebecca; Hadi, Tarik; Montenont, Emilie; Boytard, Ludovic; Alebrahim, Dornaszadat; Feinstein, Jordyn; Allen, Nicole; Simon, Russell; Barone, Krista; Uryu, Kunihiro; Guo, Yu; Rockman, Caron; Ramkhelawon, Bhama; Berger, Jeffrey S

2018-01-02

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a diffuse manifestation of atherothrombosis, is a major cardiovascular threat. Although platelets are primary mediators of atherothrombosis, their role in the pathogenesis of PAD remains unclear. The authors sought to investigate the role of platelets in a cohort of symptomatic PAD. The authors profiled platelet activity, mRNA, and effector roles in patients with symptomatic PAD and in healthy controls. Patients with PAD and carotid artery stenosis were recruited into ongoing studies (NCT02106429 and NCT01897103) investigating platelet activity, platelet RNA, and cardiovascular disease. Platelet RNA sequence profiling mapped a robust up-regulation of myeloid-related protein (MRP)-14 mRNA, a potent calcium binding protein heterodimer, in PAD. Circulating activated platelets were enriched with MRP-14 protein, which augmented the expression of the adhesion mediator, P-selectin, thereby promoting monocyte-platelet aggregates. Electron microscopy confirmed the firm interaction of platelets with monocytes in vitro and colocalization of macrophages with MRP-14 confirmed their cross talk in atherosclerotic manifestations of PAD in vivo. Platelet-derived MRP-14 was channeled to monocytes, thereby fueling their expression of key PAD lesional hallmarks and increasing their directed locomotion, which were both suppressed in the presence of antibody-mediated blockade. Circulating MRP-14 was heightened in the setting of PAD, significantly correlated with PAD severity, and was associated with incident limb events. The authors identified a heightened platelet activity profile and unraveled a novel immunomodulatory effector role of platelet-derived MRP-14 in reprograming monocyte activation in symptomatic PAD. (Platelet Activity in Vascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Events [PACE]; NCT02106429; and Platelet Activity in Vascular Surgery for Thrombosis and Bleeding [PIVOTAL]; NCT01897103). Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association of sleep apnea and sleep duration with peripheral artery disease: The Multi-Ethic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

PubMed Central

Nagayoshi, Mako; Lutsey, Pamela L.; Benkeser, David; Wassel, Christina L.; Folsom, Aaron R.; Shahar, Eyal; Iso, Hiroyasu; Allison, Matthew A.; Criqui, Michael H.; Redline, Susan

2016-01-01

Background and aims Numerous biological pathways linking sleep disturbances to atherosclerosis have been identified, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction. Yet, the association of sleep apnea and sleep duration with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not well characterized. Methods We evaluated the cross-sectional association between objectively measured sleep and prevalent PAD in 1,844 participants (mean age 68 years) who in 2010–2013 had in-home polysomnography, 7-day wrist actigraphy and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements. We also evaluated the relation between self-reported diagnosed sleep apnea and PAD incidence in 5,365 participants followed from 2000 to 2012. PAD was defined as ABI<0.90. Results In cross-sectional analyses, severe sleep apnea [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥30 vs. AHI <5] was associated with greater prevalent PAD only among black participants [multivariate adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI): 2.29 (1.07–4.89); p-interaction = 0.05]. Short and long sleep duration was also associated with a 2-fold higher prevalence of PAD as compared with those who slept 7h/night, in the full sample. In longitudinal analyses, participants with self-reported diagnosed sleep apnea were at higher risk of incident PAD [multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.93 (1.05–3.53)], with no evidence of interaction by race/ethnicity. Conclusions These findings support a significant association between sleep apnea and prevalent and incident PAD, with evidence for stronger associations with objectively measured sleep apnea and cross sectional PAD in blacks. In addition, short and long sleep duration was associated with PAD. These results identify sleep disturbances as a potential risk factor for PAD. PMID:27423537

Amputations and mortality in in-hospital treated patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot syndrome.

PubMed

Malyar, Nasser M; Freisinger, Eva; Meyborg, Matthias; Lüders, Florian; Gebauer, Katrin; Reinecke, Holger; Lawall, Holger

2016-08-01

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) are increasing worldwide. We aimed to determine the contemporary acute and long-term outcome of patients with PAD and DFS in Germany. Nationwide, anonymized data of 40,335 patients hospitalized for PAD and/or DFS from the years 2009-2011 were analyzed and followed up until 2013. Patients were classified into 3 groups: DFS, PAD+DM and PAD without DM. In-hospital and long-term outcome (1156days, 95% CI 1.151-1.161) regarding major and minor amputation and mortality was assessed. Cumulative amputation-free survival and overall survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The proportion of DFS, PAD+DM and PAD only was 17.3%, 21.5% and 61.2%, respectively. At index-hospitalization, DFS patients had the highest amputation (31.9% vs. 11.1% vs. 6.0%), yet the lowest revascularization rate (18.2% vs. 67.8% vs. 71.6%) compared to patients with PAD only and PAD+DM (P<0.001). Cumulative 4-year survival (57.4%, 60.8% and 70.0%) and amputation-free-survival (45.4%, 74.4% and 86.5%) were lowest for DFS followed by PAD+DM and PAD only (P<0.001). Patients with diabetes, particularly those with DFS, have persistent high rates of limb amputation and of mortality in a real-world setting. Our data emphasize the need for further dedicated research to identify and target the underlying causes of the extraordinary poor outcome in this high risk population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Binocular iPad treatment for amblyopia in preschool children

PubMed Central

Birch, Eileen E.; Li, Simone L.; Jost, Reed M.; Morale, Sarah E.; De La Cruz, Angie; Stager, David; Dao, Lori; Stager, David R.

2014-01-01

Background Recent experimental evidence supports a role for binocular visual experience in the treatment of amblyopia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether repeated binocular visual experience with dichoptic iPad games could effectively treat amblyopia in preschool children. Methods A total of 50 consecutive amblyopic preschool children 3–6.9 years of age were assigned to play sham iPad games (first 5 children) or binocular iPad games (n = 45) for at least 4 hours per week for 4 weeks. Thirty (67%) children in the binocular iPad group and 4 (80%) in the sham iPad group were also treated with patching at a different time of day. Visual acuity and stereoacuity were assessed at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 3 months after the cessation of game play. Results The sham iPad group had no significant improvement in visual acuity (t4 = 0.34, P = 0.75). In the binocular iPad group, mean visual acuity (plus or minus standard error) improved from 0.43 ± 0.03 at baseline to 0.34 ± 0.03 logMAR at 4 weeks (n = 45; paired t44 = 4.93; P < 0.0001). Stereoacuity did not significantly improve (t44 = 1.35, P = 0.18). Children who played the binocular iPad games for ≥8 hours (≥50% compliance) had significantly more visual acuity improvement than children who played 0–4 hours (t43 = 4.21, P = 0.0001). Conclusions Repeated binocular experience, provided by dichoptic iPad game play, was more effective than sham iPad game play as a treatment for amblyopia in preschool children. PMID:25727578

A peripheral artery disease screening study in Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Delgado-Osorio, Héctor; Franqui-Rivera, Hilton; García-Palmieri, Mario R; Díaz-Santana, Mary V; Alvarez, Mario

2011-01-01

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The results of screening for PAD in adults attending outpatient clinics at different sites in Puerto Rico from 2007 to 2010 are presented. A total of 33 outpatients screening clinics were conducted at different sites throughout the Island. Following the ACC/AHA Guideline recommendations, asymptomatic patients who qualified were screened for PAD using the ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI < 0.9 was considered positive for PAD. We estimated the prevalence of PAD in the study population and used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with a positive screening test for PAD. A total of 933 patients were screened for PAD. Out of the 933 patients, the ABI was < 0.9 in 390 (41.8%) of them. Bivariate analysis showed a significant difference in PAD screening results by gender (P = 0.004) and history of arterial hypertension (P = 0.004). Regarding clinical characteristics, leg edema 44.7% (P = 0.001), intermittent claudication 40.3% (P = 0.002), distal extremity coldness 29.0% (P = 0.012), and weak lower extremity pulses 67.5% (P < 0.001) were more prevalent on patients with an ABI < 0.9. In the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.11) and arterial hypertension (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.65) were significantly associated with PAD after adjusting for specific confounders. Arterial hypertension, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia are known key factors in development of PAD. Practicing physicians must be aware of the importance of an early diagnosis of PAD, particularly in the asymptomatic patient, so as to institute preventive and management measures.

Prevalence and Significance of Unrecognized Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease in General Medicine Practice

PubMed Central

McGrae McDermott, Mary; Kerwin, Diana R; Liu, Kiang; Martin, Gary J; O'Brien, Erin; Kaplan, Heather; Greenland, Philip

2001-01-01

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of unrecognized lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among men and women aged 55 years and older in a general internal medicine (GIM) practice and to identify characteristics and functional performance associated with unrecognized PAD. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS We identified 143 patients with known PAD from the noninvasive vascular laboratory, and 239 men and women aged 55 and older with no prior PAD history from a GIM practice. Group 1 consisted of patients with PAD consecutively identified from the noninvasive vascular laboratory (n = 143). Group 2 included GIM practice patients found to have an ankle brachial index less than 0.90, consistent with PAD (n = 34). Group 3 consisted of GIM practice patients without PAD (n = 205). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Leg functioning was assessed with the 6-minute walk, 4-meter walking velocity, and Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ). Of GIM practice patients, 14% had unrecognized PAD. Only 44% of patients in Group 2 had exertional leg symptoms. Distances achieved in the 6-minute walk were 1,130, 1,362, and 1,539 feet for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, adjusting for age, gender, and race (P < .001). The degree of difficulty walking due to leg symptoms as reported on the WIQ was comparable between Groups 2 and 3 and significantly greater in Group 1 than Group 2. In multiple logistic regression analysis including Groups 2 and 3, current cigarette smoking was associated independently with unrecognized PAD (odds ratio [OR], 6.82; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.55 to 29.93). Aspirin therapy was nearly independently associated with absence of PAD (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.12). CONCLUSION Unrecognized PAD is common among men and women aged 55 years and older in GIM practice and is associated with impaired lower extremity functioning. Ankle brachial index screening may be necessary to diagnose unrecognized PAD in a GIM practice. PMID:11422635

Improved Cardiac Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 3 T Using High Permittivity Pads.

PubMed

de Heer, Paul; Bizino, Maurice B; Versluis, Maarten J; Webb, Andrew G; Lamb, Hildo J

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether high permittivity (HP) pads can be used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of cardiac proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T, allowing faster data acquisition. The institutional review board approved the study protocol, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. In 22 healthy volunteers, water-suppressed localized spectra were acquired in the interventricular septum without and with HP pads. The SNR and myocardial triglyceride content (MTGC) were measured without and with the HP pads, and the results were compared with a paired sample Student t test. Application of HP pads increased mean (SD) SNR from 27.9 (15.6) to 42.3 (24.4) (P < 0.0001), a mean gain of 60%. The acquisition time can thereby be reduced from just under 5 minutes to just under 2 minutes while maintaining the same SNR. The mean (SD) MTGC was 0.39% (0.17%) without pads and 0.38% (0.15%) with pads (P = 0.83) for the healthy volunteers, showing that no bias is introduced by using the pads. No difference in spectral linewidth was measured (P = 0.80), the values being 17.4 (4.9) Hz without and 17.1 (3.2) Hz with pads. Both transmit and receive maps showed increases in sensitivity due to the presence of the HP pads. High permittivity pads improve cardiac proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T by increasing the SNR on average by 60%, which can be used to reduce data acquisition time significantly, allowing fast assessment of MTGC without compromising spectral quality. The SNR increase arises primarily from the increase in receive sensitivity of the phased array, which is more closely coupled to the body via the HP pads. In addition, the transmit efficiency is also increased, allowing shorter or lower power radiofrequency pulses.

Teaching with iPads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maj, Hubert

2015-04-01

Bilingual students in high school with bilingual units in Boguchwała have received iPads for learning English and a few subjects using CLIL (biology, basics of entrepreneurship, geography, IT and mathematics). Lessons with iPads are interesting for students for several reasons. First of all, teenagers like new technologies and using iPads for teaching helps students to learn by fun. Secondly, iPads give new possibilities of looking for knowledge about each theme. Moreover, teaching with iPads develops students' engagement. They have a chance to choose a few among over 65 000 applications for gathering and then presenting information about the lesson topic. They can easily prepare presentations, movies, cartoons, mind maps or whatever they like. Teaching students, thanks to the iPads, makes it their initiative, and the teacher can inspire them to look for the knowledge rather than disciplining pupils. But teaching with iPads is connected with many problems. For instance, there are not any examples on how to teach using these tools. It is very up-to-date technology and teachers firstly must learn the possibilities of iPads and look for new applications. It takes much time, especially at the beginning, and is difficult especially for inexperienced teachers. In addition, it is almost impossible to maintain control of the iPads for all of the students during the lesson. They can use their iPads for something unconnected with the topic of the lesson. Thirdly is lack of time - active methods (with iPads as well) are more time-consuming and it could be that they do not finish the whole program. And of course the last, but not at least, is the problem of money. Some of the applications must be paid for, and it is usually obligatory to possess a credit card. Fortunately, it is not expensive - applications usually cost a few euros and many of them are free and really good.

Absorbent products for incontinence: 'treatment effects' and impact on quality of life.

PubMed

Getliffe, Kathryn; Fader, Mandy; Cottenden, Alan; Jamieson, Katharine; Green, Nicholas

2007-10-01

This study aimed to determine how the use and characteristics of absorbent products for incontinence impact on women's quality of life, and to examine the concept of 'treatment effects' in the context of pad use. Key pad performance characteristics were identified from the literature and focus group work. Semi-structured interviews with 99 women with light incontinence were used to investigate the impact of pad use on women's quality of life, including both positive and negative 'treatment effects', and to rank pad characteristics by their importance. Achieving effective and discrete containment of urine was the dominant factor impacting on women's lives. Sub-themes embraced physical effects, psychological impact and social functioning. The five pad characteristics ranked most important for day time use were: 'to hold urine, to contain smell, to stay in place, discreteness, and comfort when wet. For night use discreteness was replaced by to keep skin dry'. High levels of reported anxiety were associated with perceived risk of poor pad performance, lack of discreteness and need for complex regimes for pad management. Insufficient attention has been paid to the balance between the beneficial and negative treatment effects of absorbent pads to date. Existing continence-related quality of life measures are not designed for conditions where change in symptoms is not an outcome measure. The study findings provide the basis for developing a more sensitive, patient-oriented, quality of life measure for pad-users which can aid product selection, new product development and inform future evaluative comparisons between products/products and treatments. This paper illustrates the complex influence on quality of life caused by using absorbent pads to contain incontinence. It raises awareness of the importance of careful selection of the most appropriate pad for each individual to minimize unfavourable side effects, and the need for a new quality of life measure designed for pad-users.

Volatile organic compounds at two oil and natural gas production well pads in Colorado and Texas using passive samplers.

PubMed

Eisele, Adam P; Mukerjee, Shaibal; Smith, Luther A; Thoma, Eben D; Whitaker, Donald A; Oliver, Karen D; Wu, Tai; Colon, Maribel; Alston, Lillian; Cousett, Tamira A; Miller, Michael C; Smith, Donald M; Stallings, Casson

2016-04-01

A pilot study was conducted in application of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods 325A/B variant for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) near two oil and natural gas (ONG) production well pads in the Texas Barnett Shale formation and Colorado Denver-Julesburg Basin (DJB), along with a traffic-dominated site in downtown Denver, CO. As indicated in the EPA method, VOC concentrations were measured for 14-day sampling periods using passive-diffusive tube samplers with Carbopack X sorbent at fenceline perimeter and other locations. VOCs were significantly higher at the DJB well pad versus the Barnett well pad and were likely due to higher production levels at the DJB well pad during the study. Benzene and toluene were significantly higher at the DJB well pad versus downtown Denver. Except for perchloroethylene, VOCs measured at passive sampler locations (PSs) along the perimeter of the Barnett well pad were significantly higher than PSs farther away. At the DJB well pad, most VOC concentrations, except perchloroethylene, were significantly higher prior to operational changes than after these changes were made. Though limited, the results suggest passive samplers are precise (duplicate precision usually ≤10%) and that they can be useful to assess spatial gradients and operational conditions at well pad locations over time-integrated periods. Recently enacted EPA Methods 325A/B use passive-diffusive tube samplers to measure benzene at multiple fenceline locations at petrochemical refineries. This pilot study presents initial data demonstrating the utility of Methods 325A/B for monitoring at ONG facilities. Measurements revealed elevated concentrations reflective of production levels and spatial gradients of VOCs relative to source proximity at the Barnett well pad, as well as operational changes at the DJB well pad. Though limited, these findings indicate that Methods 325A/B can be useful in application to characterize VOCs at well pad boundaries.

Effect of Casting Material on the Cast Pressure After Sequential Cast Splitting.

PubMed

Roberts, Aaron; Shaw, K Aaron; Boomsma, Shawn E; Cameron, Craig D

2017-01-01

Circumferential casting is a vital component of nonoperative fracture management. These casts are commonly valved to release pressure and decrease the risk of complications from swelling. However, little information exists regarding the effect of different casting supplies on the pressure within the cast. Seventy-five long-arm casts were performed on human volunteers, divided between 5 experimental groups with 15 casts in each groups. Testing groups consisted of 2 groups with a plaster short-arm cast overwrapped with fiberglass to a long arm with either cotton or synthetic cast padding. The 3 remaining groups included fiberglass long-arm casts with cotton, synthetic, or waterproof cast padding. A pediatric blood pressure cuff bladder was placed within the cast and inflated to 100 mm Hg. After inflation, the cast was sequentially released with pressure reading preformed after each stage. Order of release consisted of cast bivalve, cast padding release, and cotton stockinet release. After release, the cast was overwrapped with a loose elastic bandage. Difference in pressure readings were compared based upon the cast material. Pressures within the cast were found to decrease with sequential release of cast. The cast type had no effect of change in pressure. Post hoc testing demonstrated that the type of cast padding significantly affected the cast pressures with waterproof padding demonstrating the highest pressure readings at all time-points in the study, followed by synthetic padding. Cotton padding had the lowest pressure readings at all time-points. Type of cast padding significantly influences the amount of pressure within a long-arm cast, even after bivalving the cast and cutting the cast padding. Cotton cast padding allows for the greatest change in pressure. Cotton padding demonstrates the greatest change in pressure within a long-arm cast after undergoing bivalve. Synthetic and waterproof cast padding should not be used in the setting of an acute fracture to accommodate swelling.

Digital representation of oil and natural gas well pad scars in southwest Wyoming: 2012 update

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garman, Steven L.; McBeth, Jamie L.

2015-01-01

The recent proliferation of oil and natural gas energy development in the Greater Green River Basin of southwest Wyoming has accentuated the need to understand wildlife responses to this development. The location and extent of surface disturbance that is created by oil and natural gas well pad scars are key pieces of information used to assess the effects of energy infrastructure on wildlife populations and habitat. A digital database of oil and natural gas pad scars had previously been generated from 1-meter (m) National Agriculture Imagery Program imagery (NAIP) acquired in 2009 for a 7.7-million hectare (ha) (19,026,700 acres) region of southwest Wyoming. Scars included the pad area where wellheads, pumps, and storage facilities reside and the surrounding area that was scraped and denuded of vegetation during the establishment of the pad. Scars containing tanks, compressors, the storage of oil and gas related equipment, and produced-water ponds were also collected on occasion. This report updates the digital database for the five counties of southwest Wyoming (Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Uinta) within the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) study area and for a limited portion of Fremont, Natrona, and Albany Counties using 2012 1-m NAIP imagery and 2012 oil and natural gas well permit information. This report adds pad scars created since 2009, and updates attributes of all pad scars using the 2012 well permit information. These attributes include the origination year of the pad scar, the number of active and inactive wells on or near each pad scar in 2012, and the overall status of the pad scar (active or inactive). The new 2012 database contains 17,404 pad scars of which 15,532 are attributed as oil and natural gas well pads. Digital data are stored as shapefiles projected to the Universal Transverse Mercator (zones 12 and 13) coordinate system. These data are available from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ds934.

Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban Compared With Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the ARISTOTLE Trial.

PubMed

Hu, Peter T; Lopes, Renato D; Stevens, Susanna R; Wallentin, Lars; Thomas, Laine; Alexander, John H; Hanna, Michael; Lewis, Basil S; Verheugt, Freek W A; Granger, Christopher B; Jones, W Schuyler

2017-01-17

We studied (1) the rates of stroke or systemic embolism and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease (PAD) and (2) the efficacy and safety of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation with and without PAD. The Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial randomized 18 201 patients with atrial fibrillation to apixaban or warfarin for stroke/systemic embolism prevention; 884 (4.9%) patients had PAD at baseline. Patients with PAD had higher unadjusted rates of stroke and systemic embolism (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, 95% CI 1.22-2.45; P=0.002) and major bleeding (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00-1.81; P=0.05), but after adjustment, no differences existed in rates of stroke and systemic embolism (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.93-1.88; P=0.12) and major bleeding (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76-1.40; P=0.83) compared with patients without PAD. The risk of stroke or systemic embolism was similar in patients assigned to apixaban and warfarin with PAD (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-1.25) and without PAD (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96; interaction P=0.52). Patients with PAD did not have a statistically significant reduction in major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding with apixaban compared with warfarin (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.69-1.58), whereas those without PAD had a statistically significant reduction (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58-0.73; interaction P=0.03). Patients with PAD in ARISTOTLE had a higher crude risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared with patients without PAD that was not present after adjustment. The benefits of apixaban versus warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism were similar in patients with and without PAD. These findings highlight the need to optimize the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation and PAD. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00412984. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Tablet computers in support of rural and frontier clinical practice.

PubMed

Anderson, Chad; Henner, Terry; Burkey, Jake

2013-11-01

Healthcare organizations are increasingly faced with an environment in which they must implement health information systems to achieve higher standards for efficiency and quality of care while at the same time being asked to provide needed services with fewer resources. This is particularly challenging for rural health systems where access to resources is often more limited. This study investigates the potential value of iPad tablets for enhancing health services delivery by primary care physicians in rural Nevada. Five physicians from rural Nevada were selected to receive iPads and funding for apps that would enhance their medical practices. Following a year of use, data was gathered on each physician's actual use and perceived value of the iPads. A case study approach was taken using both an online survey and semi-structured phone interviews to collect case data. Use and perceived usefulness of the iPad was mixed but generally positive with some physicians utilizing it much more than others. The iPads were primarily used by the physicians to access medical information through online resources (e.g. Epocrates and UpToDate) for reference and diagnostic purposes, although they were also used for some interaction with patients. All felt that resources available through the iPad were limited and that better applications would improve the usefulness of the iPad, particularly in regard to graphical and video content suitable to sharing with patients. Physicians in this study felt that the iPad could fill a need between smartphones and desktops, which were their primary technology tools prior to receiving the iPad, but that useful medical applications and resources are currently limited for the iPad. In particular, better graphical and video content would improve the usefulness of the iPad as a tool for patient interactions. Apps that store content locally would serve to mitigate inconsistent internet access that is still common in rural settings, increasing the usefulness of the iPad in that context. Tablets like the iPad also have potential for use in accessing the electronic medical record systems that are increasingly being implemented in rural hospitals and healthcare facilities. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oil and gas development footprint in the Piceance Basin, western Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martinez, Cericia D.; Preston, Todd M.

2018-01-01

Understanding long-term implications of energy development on ecosystem functionrequires establishing regional datasets to quantify past development and determine relationships to predict future development. The Piceance Basin in western Colorado has a history of energy production and development is expected to continue into the foreseeable future due to abundant natural gas resources. To facilitate analyses of regional energy development we digitized all well pads in the Colorado portion of the basin, determined the previous land cover of areas converted to well pads over three time periods (2002–2006, 2007–2011, and 2012–2016), and explored the relationship between number of wells per pad and pad area to model future development. We also calculated the area of pads constructed prior to 2002. Over 21 million m2 has been converted to well pads with approximately 13 million m2 converted since 2002. The largest land conversion since 2002 occurred in shrub/scrub (7.9 million m2), evergreen (2.1 million m2), and deciduous (1.3 million m2) forest environments based on National Land Cover Database classifications. Operational practices have transitioned from single well pads to multi-well pads, increasing the average number of wells per pad from 2.5 prior to 2002, to 9.1 between 2012 and 2016. During the same time period the pad area per well has increased from 2030 m2 to 3504 m2. Kernel density estimation was used to model the relationship between the number of wells per pad and pad area, with these curves exhibiting a lognormal distribution. Therefore, either kernel density estimation or lognormal probability distributions may potentially be used to model land use requirements for future development. Digitized well pad locations in the Piceance Basin contribute to a growing body of spatial data on energy infrastructure and, coupled with study results, will facilitate future regional and national studies assessing the spatial and temporal effects of energy development on ecosystem function.

Development of a High Dynamic Range Pixel Array Detector for Synchrotrons and XFELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Joel Todd

Advances in synchrotron radiation light source technology have opened new lines of inquiry in material science, biology, and everything in between. However, x-ray detector capabilities must advance in concert with light source technology to fully realize experimental possibilities. X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) place particularly large demands on the capabilities of detectors, and developments towards diffraction-limited storage ring sources also necessitate detectors capable of measuring very high flux [1-3]. The detector described herein builds on the Mixed Mode Pixel Array Detector (MM-PAD) framework, developed previously by our group to perform high dynamic range imaging, and the Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detector (AGIPD) developed for the European XFEL by a collaboration between Deustsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), the Paul-Scherrer-Institute (PSI), the University of Hamburg, and the University of Bonn, led by Heinz Graafsma [4, 5]. The feasibility of combining adaptive gain with charge removal techniques to increase dynamic range in XFEL experiments is assessed by simulating XFEL scatter with a pulsed infrared laser. The strategy is incorporated into pixel prototypes which are evaluated with direct current injection to simulate very high incident x-ray flux. A fully functional 16x16 pixel hybrid integrating x-ray detector featuring several different pixel architectures based on the prototypes was developed. This dissertation describes its operation and characterization. To extend dynamic range, charge is removed from the integration node of the front-end amplifier without interrupting integration. The number of times this process occurs is recorded by a digital counter in the pixel. The parameter limiting full well is thereby shifted from the size of an integration capacitor to the depth of a digital counter. The result is similar to that achieved by counting pixel array detectors, but the integrators presented here are designed to tolerate a sustained flux >1011 x-rays/pixel/second. In addition, digitization of residual analog signals allows sensitivity for single x-rays or low flux signals. Pixel high flux linearity is evaluated by direct exposure to an unattenuated synchrotron source x-ray beam and flux measurements of more than 1010 9.52 keV x-rays/pixel/s are made. Detector sensitivity to small signals is evaluated and dominant sources of error are identified. These new pixels boast multiple orders of magnitude improvement in maximum sustained flux over the MM-PAD, which is capable of measuring a sustained flux in excess of 108 x-rays/pixel/second while maintaining sensitivity to smaller signals, down to single x-rays.

Comparative Assessment of Medical Resource Use and Costs Associated with Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease in the United States.

PubMed

Chase, Monica Reed; Friedman, Howard S; Navaratnam, Prakash; Heithoff, Kim; Simpson, Ross J

2016-06-01

There is growing concern about appropriate disease management for peripheral artery disease (PAD) because of the rapidly expanding population at risk for PAD and the high burden of illness associated with symptomatic PAD. A better understanding of the potential economic impact of symptomatic PAD relative to a matched control population may help improve care management for these patients. To compare the medical resource utilization, costs, and medication use for patients with symptomatic PAD relative to a matched control population. In this retrospective longitudinal analysis, the index date was the earliest date of a symptomatic PAD record (symptomatic PAD cohort) or any medical record (control cohort), and a period of 1 year pre-index and 3 years post-index was the study time frame. Symptomatic PAD patients and control patients (aged ≥ 18 years) enrolled in the MarketScan Commercial and Encounters database from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2010, were identified. Symptomatic PAD was defined as having evidence of intermittent claudication (IC) and/or acute critical limb ischemia requiring medical intervention. Symptomatic PAD patients were selected using an algorithm comprising a combination of PAD-related ICD-9-CM diagnostic and diagnosis-related group codes, peripheral revascularization CPT-4 procedure codes, and IC medication National Drug Code numbers. Patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack, bleeding complications, or contraindications to antiplatelet therapy were excluded from the symptomatic PAD group but not the control group. A final 1:1 symptomatic PAD to control population with an exact match based on age, sex, index year, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was identified. Descriptive statistics comparing patient demographics, comorbidities, medical resource utilization, cost, and medication use outcomes were generated. Generalized linear models were developed to compare the outcomes while controlling for residual difference in demographics, comorbidities, pre-index resource use, and pre-index costs. 3,965 symptomatic PAD and 3,965 control patients were matched. In both cohorts, 54.7% were male, with a mean age (SD) of 69.0 (12.9) years and a CCI score of 1.3 (0.9). Symptomatic PAD patients had more cardiovascular comorbidities than control patients (27.7% vs. 12.6% coronary artery disease, 27.1% vs. 15.9% hyperlipidemia, and 49.8% vs. 28.2% hypertension) in the pre-index period. Post-index rates of ischemic stroke, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and cardiovascular- or PAD-related procedures (limb amputations, endovascular procedures, open surgical procedures, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft) were higher among symptomatic PAD patients versus control patients. All-cause annualized inpatient admissions (0.46 vs. 0.22 admissions), emergency department/urgent care days (0.27 vs. 0.22 days), and office visit days (12.5 vs. 10.2 days) were higher among symptomatic PAD versus control patients post-index. Annualized all-cause inpatient costs ($8,494 vs. $3,778); outpatient costs ($8,459 vs. $5,692); and total costs ($20,880 vs. $12,501) were higher among symptomatic PAD versus control patients post-index. Only 17.8% of symptomatic PAD patients versus 6.6% of control patients were on clopidogrel pre-index. In the post-index period, clopidogrel prescriptions in the symptomatic PAD population increased to 38.0%. Results were consistent in the regression models with the symptomatic PAD population having a higher number of all-cause post-index inpatient admissions, emergency department/urgent care days, office visit days, inpatient costs, outpatient costs, and total costs versus control patients (P ≤ 0.026). Symptomatic PAD patients have significantly higher medical resource use and costs when compared with a matched control population. As the prevalence of symptomatic PAD increases, there will be a significant impact on the population and health care system. The rates of use of evidence-based secondary prevention therapies, such as antiplatelet medication, were low. Therefore, greater effort must be made to increase utilization rates of appropriate treatments to determine if the negative economic and clinical impacts of symptomatic PAD can be minimized. This study was funded by Merck & Co., Kenilworth, New Jersey. Chase and Heithoff are employees of Merck & Co., Kenilworth, New Jersey, and Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania. Friedman and Navaratnam are paid consultants for Merck & Co. Simpson is a paid consultant for Merck, Pfizer, and Amgen and has received speaker's fees from Merck and Pfizer. Study concept and design were contributed by Chase, Navaratnam, and Heilhoff, along with Simpson and Friedman. Friedman collected the data, which was interpreted by Simpson and Navaratnam, along with Friedman. The manuscript was written by Navaratnam and Friedman, along with Chase, Heilhoff and Simpson, and revised by all of the authors.

76 FR 47564 - Procurement List; Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-05

...-117-9886--Envelope, Bubble Padded, 14\\1/2\\'' x 20''. NSN: 8105-00-290-0340--Envelope, Macerated Paper Padded, 6'' x 10''. NSN: 8105-00-290-0343--Envelope, Macerated Paper Padded, 8\\1/2\\'' x 12''. NSN: 8105-00-281-1168--Envelope, Macerated Paper Padded, 9\\1/2\\'' x 14\\1/2\\''. NSN: 8105-00-281-1436--Envelope...

School Administrators' Use of iPads: Impact of Training and Attitudes toward School Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dogan, Bulent; Almus, Kadir

2014-01-01

As Apple iPads are increasingly being adopted in schools for educational purposes, school administrators are seen as the key facilitators in the implementation of this new technology. This survey-based quantitative study investigated the impact of receiving iPad training on school administrators' attitudes towards iPad use in their professional…

Exploring Leadership in Schools-Based iPad Initiatives: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrold, Richard

2017-01-01

The world's first school-based one-to-one iPad initiative was implemented in a British school in 2010. Every year since, more iPad initiatives have been implemented in British schools, with school leaders citing various reasons for introducing them. However, results of iPad initiatives have not always matched expectations. British schools are also…

ksc-93pc1449

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-11-15

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour is being "rolled around" from Launch Pad 39A to Launch Pad 39B. The rare pad switch was deemed necessary after contamination was discovered in the Payload Changeout Room at pad A. Still to come are the payloads for the upcoming STS-61 mission, the first servicing of the Hubble Telescope

76 FR 21092 - Notice of Projects Approved or Rescinded for Consumptive Uses of Water

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-14

.... 46. Anadarko E&P Company LP, Pad ID: Harry W Stryker Pad A, ABR- 201011044, Cogan House Township... Energy, LLC, Pad ID: Triana-Young Pad B, ABR-201012008, Hector Township, Potter County, Pa.; Consumptive...- 20100346, Harrison Township, Potter County, Pa.; Consumptive Use of up 4.000 mgd; Rescinded Date: December...