MHD mixed convection and entropy generation of water-alumina nanofluid flow in a double lid driven cavity with discrete heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, S.; Mehmood, K.; Sagheer, M.

2016-12-01

In the present study, entropy generation due to mixed convection in a partially heated square double lid driven cavity filled with Al2O3 -water nanofluid under the influence of inclined magnetic field is numerically investigated. At the lower wall of the cavity two heat sources are fixed, with the condition that the remaining part of the bottom wall is kept insulated. Top wall and vertically moving walls are maintained at constant cold temperature. Buoyant force is responsible for the flow along with the two moving vertical walls. Governing equations are discretized in space using LBB-stable finite element pair Q2 / P1disc which lead to 3rd and 2nd order accuracy in the L2-norm for the velocity/temperature and pressure, respectively and the fully implicit Crank-Nicolson scheme of 2nd order accuracy is utilized for the temporal discretization. The discretized systems of nonlinear equations are treated by using the Newton method and the associated linear subproblems are solved by means of Guassian elimination method. Numerical results are presented and analyzed by means of streamlines, isotherms, tables and some useful plots. Impacts of emerging parameters on the flow, in specific ranges such as Reynolds number (1 ≤ Re ≤ 100) , Richardson number (1 ≤ Ri ≤ 50) , Hartman number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100) , solid volume fraction (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.2) as well as the angles of inclined magnetic field (0 ° ≤ γ ≤ 90 °) are investigated and the findings are exactly of the same order as that of the previously performed analysis. Calculation of average Nusselt number, entropy generation due to heat transfer, fluid friction and magnetic field, total entropy generation, Bejan number and kinetic energy are the main focus of our study.

Monitoring conformational heterogeneity of the lid of DnaK substrate-binding domain during its chaperone cycle.

PubMed

Banerjee, Rupa; Jayaraj, Gopal Gunanathan; Peter, Joshua Jebakumar; Kumar, Vignesh; Mapa, Koyeli

2016-08-01

DnaK or Hsp70 of Escherichia coli is a master regulator of the bacterial proteostasis network. Allosteric communication between the two functional domains of DnaK, the N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and the C-terminal substrate- or peptide-binding domain (SBD) regulate its activity. X-ray crystallography and NMR studies have provided snapshots of distinct conformations of Hsp70 proteins in various physiological states; however, the conformational heterogeneity and dynamics of allostery-driven Hsp70 activity remains underexplored. In this work, we employed single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (sm-FRET) measurements to capture distinct intradomain conformational states of a region within the DnaK-SBD known as the lid. Our data conclusively demonstrate prominent conformational heterogeneity of the DnaK lid in ADP-bound states; in contrast, the ATP-bound open conformations are homogeneous. Interestingly, a nonhydrolysable ATP analogue, AMP-PNP, imparts heterogeneity to the lid conformations mimicking the ADP-bound state. The cochaperone DnaJ confers ADP-like heterogeneous lid conformations to DnaK, although the presence of the cochaperone accelerates the substrate-binding rate by a hitherto unknown mechanism. Irrespective of the presence of DnaJ, binding of a peptide substrate to the DnaK-SBD leads to prominent lid closure. Lid closure is only partial upon binding to molten globule-like authentic cellular substrates, probably to accommodate non-native substrate proteins of varied structures. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Low Impact Docking System (LIDS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBauve, Tobie E.

2009-01-01

Since 1996, NASA has been developing a docking system that will simplify operations and reduce risks associated with mating spacecraft. This effort has focused on developing and testing an original, reconfigurable, active, closed-loop, force-feedback controlled docking system using modern technologies. The primary objective of this effort has been to design a docking interface that is tunable to the unique performance requirements for all types of mating operations (i.e. docking and berthing, autonomous and piloted rendezvous, and in-space assembly of vehicles, modules and structures). The docking system must also support the transfer of crew, cargo, power, fluid, and data. As a result of the past 10 years of docking system advancement, the Low Impact Docking System or LIDS was developed. The current LIDS design incorporates the lessons learned and development experiences from both previous and existing docking systems. LIDS feasibility was established through multiple iterations of prototype hardware development and testing. Benefits of LIDS include safe, low impact mating operations, more effective and flexible mission implementation with an anytime/anywhere mating capability, system level redundancy, and a more affordable and sustainable mission architecture with reduced mission and life cycle costs. In 1996 the LIDS project, then known as the Advanced Docking Berthing System (ADBS) project, launched a four year developmental period. At the end of the four years, the team had built a prototype of the soft-capture hardware and verified the control system that will be used to control the soft-capture system. In 2001, the LIDS team was tasked to work with the X- 38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) project and build its first Engineering Development Unit (EDU).

Lid dynamics of porcine pancreatic lipase in non-aqueous solvents.

PubMed

Haque, Neshatul; Prabhu, N Prakash

2016-10-01

Understanding the dynamics of enzymes in organic solvents has wider implications on their industrial applications. Pancreatic lipases, which show activity in their lid open-state, demonstrate enhanced activity in organic solvents at higher temperatures. However, the lid dynamics of pancreatic lipases in non-aqueous environment is yet to be clearly understood. Dynamics of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) in open and closed conformations was followed in ethanol, toluene, and octanol using molecular simulation methods. In silico double mutant D250V and E254L of PPL (PPLmut-Cl) was created and its lid opening dynamics in water and in octanol was analyzed. PPL showed increase in solvent accessible surface area and decrease in packing density as the polarity of the surrounded solvent decreased. Breaking the interactions between D250-Y115, and D250-E254 in PPLmut-Cl directed the lid to attain open-state conformation. Major energy barriers during the lid movement in water and in octanol were identified. Also, the trajectories of lid movement were found to be different in these solvents. Only the double mutant at higher temperature showed lid opening movement suggesting the essential role of the three residues in holding the lid in closed conformation. The lid opening dynamics was faster in octanol than water suggesting that non-polar solvents favor open conformation of the lid. This study identifies important interactions between the lid and the residues in domain 1 which possibly keeps the lid in closed conformation. Also, it explains the rearrangements of residue-residue interactions during lid opening movement in water and in octanol. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lower lid retraction in thyroid orbitopathy: lamellar shortening or proptosis?

PubMed

Rajabi, Mohammad Taher; Jafari, Hajar; Mazloumi, Mehdi; Tabatabaie, Syed Ziaeddin; Rajabi, Mohammad Bagher; Hasanlou, Narges; Abtahi, Seyed-Mojtaba; Goldberg, Robert A

2014-08-01

To investigate any correlation between lower lid retraction and proptosis and also between lower lid retraction and lamellar length, as measured by fornix depth, in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). One hundred and sixty-six eyes of 83 patients with TED were enrolled. The inferior fornix depth, Hertel exophthalmometry measurement, clinical activity score, and lower lid position were the main outcome variables. The correlation between lower lid position measurement and Hertel measurements and also between the lower lid position measurement and inferior fornix depth were evaluated using ANOVA and Pearson's tests. The mean age of subjects in patients with and without lid retraction was 42.8 ± 1.5 and 47.7 ± 1.6 years, respectively (P = 0.4). The inferior fornix depth in patients with and without lower lid retraction was 11.8 ± 1.5 and 11.8 ± 1.3 mm, respectively (P = 0.960). Pearson's analysis showed a significant correlation between the degree of proptosis and lower lid retraction in TED patients (P = 0.01). However, no significant correlation was found between the level of lower lid retraction and the fornix depth (P = 0.87). The main cause of lower lid retraction in TED is proptosis. The beneficial effect of orbital decompression on improvement of lower lid retraction must be considered during a stepwise surgical approach in TED patients.

Development of wireless vehicle remote control for fuel lid operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulaiman, N.; Jadin, M. S.; Najib, M. S.; Mustafa, M.; Azmi, S. N. F.

2018-04-01

Nowadays, the evolution of the vehicle technology had made the vehicle especially car to be equipped with a remote control to control the operation of the locking and unlocking system of the car’s door and rear’s bonnet. However, for the fuel or petrol lid, it merely can be opened from inside the car’s cabin by handling the fuel level inside the car’s cabin to open the fuel lid. The petrol lid can be closed by pushing the lid by hand. Due to the high usage of using fuel lever to open the fuel lid when refilling the fuel, the car driver might encounter the malfunction of fuel lid (fail to open) when pushing or pulling the fuel lever. Thus, the main aim of the research is to enhance the operation of an existing car remote control where the car fuel lid can be controlled using two techniques; remote control-based and smartphone-based. The remote control is constructed using Arduino microcontroller, wireless sensors and XCTU software to set the transmitting and receiving parameters. Meanwhile, the smartphone can control the operation of the fuel lid by communicating with Arduino microcontroller which is attached to the fuel lid using Bluetooth sensor to open the petrol lid. In order to avoid the conflict of instruction between wireless systems with the existing mechanical-based system, the servo motor will be employed to release the fuel lid merely after receiving the instruction from Arduino microcontroller and smartphone. As a conclusion, the prototype of the multipurpose vehicle remote control is successfully invented, constructed and tested. The car fuel lid can be opened either using remote control or smartphone in a sequential manner. Therefore, the outcome of the project can be used to serve as an alternative solution to solve the car fuel lid problem even though the problem rarely occurred.

SoLid Detector Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labare, Mathieu

2017-09-01

SoLid is a reactor anti-neutrino experiment where a novel detector is deployed at a minimum distance of 5.5 m from a nuclear reactor core. The purpose of the experiment is three-fold: to search for neutrino oscillations at a very short baseline; to measure the pure 235U neutrino energy spectrum; and to demonstrate the feasibility of neutrino detectors for reactor monitoring. This report presents the unique features of the SoLid detector technology. The technology has been optimised for a high background environment resulting from low overburden and the vicinity of a nuclear reactor. The versatility of the detector technology is demonstrated with a 288 kg detector prototype which was deployed at the BR2 nuclear reactor in 2015. The data presented includes both reactor on, reactor off and calibration measurements. The measurement results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The 1.6t SoLid detector is currently under construction, with an optimised design and upgraded material technology to enhance the detector capabilities. Its deployement on site is planned for the begin of 2017 and offers the prospect to resolve the reactor anomaly within about two years.

On square-wave-driven stochastic resonance for energy harvesting in a bistable system

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

Su, Dongxu, E-mail: sudx@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Zheng, Rencheng; Nakano, Kimihiko

Stochastic resonance is a physical phenomenon through which the throughput of energy within an oscillator excited by a stochastic source can be boosted by adding a small modulating excitation. This study investigates the feasibility of implementing square-wave-driven stochastic resonance to enhance energy harvesting. The motivating hypothesis was that such stochastic resonance can be efficiently realized in a bistable mechanism. However, the condition for the occurrence of stochastic resonance is conventionally defined by the Kramers rate. This definition is inadequate because of the necessity and difficulty in estimating white noise density. A bistable mechanism has been designed using an explicit analyticalmore » model which implies a new approach for achieving stochastic resonance in the paper. Experimental tests confirm that the addition of a small-scale force to the bistable system excited by a random signal apparently leads to a corresponding amplification of the response that we now term square-wave-driven stochastic resonance. The study therefore indicates that this approach may be a promising way to improve the performance of an energy harvester under certain forms of random excitation.« less

Retrofitting LID Practices into Existing Neighborhoods: Is It Worth It?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, Timothy J.; Liu, Yaoze; Carroll, Natalie J.; Ahiablame, Laurent M.; Engel, Bernard A.

2016-04-01

Low-impact development (LID) practices are gaining popularity as an approach to manage stormwater close to the source. LID practices reduce infrastructure requirements and help maintain hydrologic processes similar to predevelopment conditions. Studies have shown LID practices to be effective in reducing runoff and improving water quality. However, little has been done to aid decision makers in selecting the most effective practices for their needs and budgets. The long-term hydrologic impact assessment LID model was applied to four neighborhoods in Lafayette, Indiana using readily available data sources to compare LID practices by analyzing runoff volumes, implementation cost, and the approximate period needed to achieve payback on the investment. Depending on the LID practice and adoption level, 10-70 % reductions in runoff volumes could be achieved. The cost per cubic meter of runoff reduction was highly variable depending on the LID practice and the land use to which it was applied, ranging from around 3 to almost 600. In some cases the savings from reduced runoff volumes paid back the LID practice cost with interest in less than 3 years, while in other cases it was not possible to generate a payback. Decision makers need this information to establish realistic goals and make informed decisions regarding LID practices before moving into detailed designs, thereby saving time and resources.

The Versatile Lid Crease Approach to Upper Eyelid Margin Rotation.

PubMed

Cruz, Antonio A V; Akaishi, Patricia M S; Al-Dufaileej, Mohammed; Galindo-Ferreiro, Alicia

2015-01-01

Lid margin rotational procedures have been used to correct cicatricial trachomatous entropion since the 19(th) century. There are two basic types of surgeries used for lid margin rotation. The first type is based on through-and-through approach combining tarsotomy and the use of sutures on the anterior lamella. The second type of surgery was suggested by Trabut, who proposed a tarsal advancement by posterior approach. We demonstrate that using a lid crease incision combines the basic mechanisms of the anterior and posterior approaches and in addition, addresses a variety of lid problems commonly found in the aged population with cicatricial entropion. After tarsal plate exposure, a tarsotomy through conjunctiva is performed as described by Trabut. Then, instead of using external sutures secured by bolsters, internal absorbable sutures can be used to simultaneously advance the distal tarsal fragment and exert strong tension on the marginal orbicularis muscle. Sixty lids of 40 patients underwent surgery with a lid crease incision. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 12 months (mean 3.0 months ± 2.71). Forty percent of the patients (24 lids) had more than 3 months of follow-up. Adequate margin rotation was achieved in all lids but one that showed a medial eyelash touching the cornea.

Standard Waste Box Lid Screw Removal Option Testing

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

Anast, Kurt Roy

This report provides results from test work conducted to resolve the removal of screws securing the standard waste box (SWB) lids that hold the remediated nitrate salt (RNS) drums. The test work evaluated equipment and process alternatives for removing the 42 screws that hold the SWB lid in place. The screws were secured with a red Loctite thread locker that makes removal very difficult because the rivets that the screw threads into would slip before the screw could be freed from the rivet, making it impossible to remove the screw and therefore the SWB lid.

Characterization of Upper Eyelid Tarsus and Lid Wiper Dimensions.

PubMed

Navascues-Cornago, Maria; Maldonado-Codina, Carole; Gupta, Ruchi; Morgan, Philip B

2016-09-01

To measure various dimensions of the upper tarsal plate and the area of upper lid wiper staining. The repeatability of the method of measurement was investigated. Thirty-five healthy non-contact lens wearers were enrolled. The following parameters were measured from digital images of the upper eyelid captured with a slitlamp camera: length, height, and total area of the tarsal plate and area of lid wiper staining (lissamine green). Measurements were performed in a randomized and masked fashion on two separate occasions by the same investigator using ImageJ (National Institutes of Health). Coefficients of repeatability (COR) were calculated. The dimensions (mean±SD) of the tarsal plate were 20.6±1.9 mm length, 7.9±0.8 mm height, and 103.3±18.8 mm total area. The area of lid wiper staining was 2.7±2.0 mm. No association was found between tarsal dimensions and lid wiper staining (all P>0.05). Image analysis COR values were 0.6 mm tarsal length, 0.1 mm tarsal height, 1.2 mm tarsal area, and 0.4 mm lid wiper staining. There was no significant difference between repeated measurements for any parameter (all P>0.05). Limits of agreement were narrow for all parameters, indicating good agreement between repeated measurements. This work has demonstrated that there is a wide range in the dimensions of the upper tarsal plate in an urban UK population. No association was found between the upper tarsal dimensions and lid wiper staining. ImageJ was shown to be a repeatable method to measure the dimensions of the upper tarsal plate and upper lid wiper staining.

International Low Impact Docking System (iLIDS) Project Technical Requirements Specification, Revision F

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, James L.

2011-01-01

The NASA Docking System (NDS) is NASA's implementation for the emerging International Docking System Standard (IDSS) using low impact docking technology. The NASA Docking System Project (NDSP) is the International Space Station (ISS) Program's project to produce the NDS, Common Docking Adapter (CDA) and Docking Hub. The NDS design evolved from the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS). The acronym international Low Impact Docking System (iLIDS) is also used to describe this system as well as the Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) project designing the NDS for the NDSP. NDS and iLIDS may be used interchangeability. This document will use the acronym iLIDS. Some of the heritage documentation and implementations (e.g., software command names, requirement identification (ID), figures, etc.) used on NDS will continue to use the LIDS acronym. This specification defines the technical requirements for the iLIDS GFE delivered to the NDSP by the iLIDS project. This document contains requirements for two iLIDS configurations, SEZ29101800-301 and SEZ29101800-302. Requirements with the statement, iLIDS shall, are for all configurations. Examples of requirements that are unique to a single configuration may be identified as iLIDS (-301) shall or iLIDS (-302) shall. Furthermore, to allow a requirement to encompass all configurations with an exception, the requirement may be designated as iLIDS (excluding -302) shall. Verification requirements for the iLIDS project are identified in the Verification Matrix (VM) provided in the iLIDS Verification and Validation Document, JSC-63966. The following definitions differentiate between requirements and other statements: Shall: This is the only verb used for the binding requirements. Should/May: These verbs are used for stating non-mandatory goals. Will: This verb is used for stating facts or declaration of purpose. A Definition of Terms table is provided in Appendix B to define those terms with specific tailored uses in this document.

FRAMEWORK FOR PLACEMENT OF BMP/LID IN URBAN WATERSHEDS

EPA Science Inventory

To assist stormwater management professionals in planning for BMP/LID implementation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has funded the development of a decision support system for selection and placement of BMP/LID at strategic locations in urban watersheds. The...

Dynamic coupling between the LID and NMP domain motions in the catalytic conversion of ATP and AMP to ADP by adenylate kinase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jana, Biman; Adkar, Bharat V.; Biswas, Rajib; Bagchi, Biman

2011-01-01

The catalytic conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) by adenylate kinase (ADK) involves large amplitude, ligand induced domain motions, involving the opening and the closing of ATP binding domain (LID) and AMP binding domain (NMP) domains, during the repeated catalytic cycle. We discover and analyze an interesting dynamical coupling between the motion of the two domains during the opening, using large scale atomistic molecular dynamics trajectory analysis, covariance analysis, and multidimensional free energy calculations with explicit water. Initially, the LID domain must open by a certain amount before the NMP domain can begin to open. Dynamical correlation map shows interesting cross-peak between LID and NMP domain which suggests the presence of correlated motion between them. This is also reflected in our calculated two-dimensional free energy surface contour diagram which has an interesting elliptic shape, revealing a strong correlation between the opening of the LID domain and that of the NMP domain. Our free energy surface of the LID domain motion is rugged due to interaction with water and the signature of ruggedness is evident in the observed root mean square deviation variation and its fluctuation time correlation functions. We develop a correlated dynamical disorder-type theoretical model to explain the observed dynamic coupling between the motion of the two domains in ADK. Our model correctly reproduces several features of the cross-correlation observed in simulations.

iLIDS Simulations and Videos for Docking TIM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, James L.

2010-01-01

The video shows various aspects of the International Low Impact Docking System, including team members, some production, configuration, mated androgynous iLIDS, SCS Lockdown system, thermal analysis, electrical engineering aspects, the iLIDS control box and emulator, radiation testing at BNL, component environmental testing, component vibration testing, 3G processor board delivery system, GTA vibe test, EMA testbed, hook and hook disassembly, flex shaftdrive assembly, GSE cradle MISSE-6 Columbus, MISSE 6 and 7 seal experiments, actuated full scale seal test rig, LIDS on Hubble, dynamics test prep, EDU 54 mass emulation and SCS, load ring characterization, 6DOF proof test, SCS at 6DOF, machining EEMS and inner ring assembly, APAS assembly, inner ring fitting, rotation stand assembly, EEMS mating, and EEMS proof of concept demonstration.

Onset of transition from laminar to chaos in MHD mixed convection of a lid-driven trapezoidal cavity filled with Cu-water nanofluid

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

Azam, Mohammad, E-mail: azam09mebuet@gmail.com; Hasanuzzaman, Md., E-mail: hasanuzzaman138@gmail.com; Saha, Sumon, E-mail: sumonsaha@me.buet.ac.bd

2016-07-12

The present study investigates the thermal mixing scenarios of steady magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection in a two-dimensional lid-driven trapezoidal cavity filled with Cu-water nanofluid. The top wall of the cavity slides with a uniform velocity from left to right direction, while the other walls are fixed. The bottom wall is kept with a constant higher temperature than the top one. The governing mass, momentum and energy equations are expressed in non-dimensional forms and Galerkin finite element method has been employed to solve these equations. Special attention is paid on investigating the onset of transition from laminar to chaos at puremore » mixed convection case. Hence, the computations are carried out for a wide range of Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.1 − 400) and Grashof numbers (Gr = 10{sup −2} − 1.6 × 10{sup 5}) at unity Richardson number and fixed Hartmann number (Ha = 10). The variation of average Nusselt number of the bottom heated wall indicates the influence of governing parameters (Re and Gr) on heat transfer characteristics. The results are presented and explained through the visualisation of isotherms, streamlines and heatlines.« less

Maintaining Microclimates during Nanoliter Chemical Dispensations Using Custom-Designed Source Plate Lids.

PubMed

Foley, Bryan J; Drozd, Ashley M; Bollard, Mary T; Laspina, Denise; Podobedov, Nikita; Zeniou, Nicholas; Rao, Anjali S; Andi, Babak; Jackimowicz, Rick; Sweet, Robert M; McSweeney, Sean; Soares, Alexei S

2016-02-01

A method is described for using custom snap-on lids to protect chemicals in microtiter plates from evaporation and contamination. The lids contain apertures (diameter 1.5, 1.0, or 0.5 mm) through which the chemical building blocks can be transferred. The lid with 0.5 mm apertures was tested using a noncontact acoustic liquid handler; the 1.0 and 1.5 mm lids were tested using two tip-based liquid handlers. All of the lids reduced the rate at which solvents evaporated to room air, and greatly reduced the rate of contamination by water and oxygen from room air. In steady-state measurements, the lids reduced the rate of evaporation of methanol, 1-hexene, and water by 33% to 248%. In cycled experiments, the contamination of aqueous solvent with oxygen was reduced below detectability and the rate at which DMSO engorged atmospheric water was reduced by 81%. Our results demonstrate that the lids preserve the integrity of air-sensitive reagents during the time needed for different types of liquid handlers to perform dispensations. Controlling degradation and evaporation of chemical building blocks exposed to the atmosphere is increasingly useful as the reagent volume is reduced by advances in liquid handling technology, such as acoustic droplet ejection. © 2015 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

[Autogenous tarsus transplant as spacer for treatment of lower lid retraction in Grave's disease].

PubMed

Schittkowski, M P; Fichter, N; Guthoff, R F

2008-08-01

Lower lid retraction in dysthyroid orbitopathy is of less functional concern than optic neuropathy or diplopia in central positions of gaze. However, it may lead to incomplete lid closure resulting in corneal exposure. Patients often suffer from aesthetic impairment. A retrospective analysis of 13 consecutive patients treated for lower lid retraction due to Grave's Disease between 2005 and 2007 was undertaken. In spite of regular ophthalmological examinations, specific attention was directed to measurement of the lid fissure width and scleral show for quantification of lower lid retraction. OPERATION: The lower lid is everted and the conjunctiva is opened horizontally underneath the tarsal edge. Lower lid retractors are disinserted and dissected until the lower lid might be elevated in symmetry to the fellow eye. This procedure is continued until 1 mm overcorrection is gained. A free tarsal transplant is harvested from the ipsilateral upper lid tarsus. At least 4 mm vertical tarsus have to be left. Tarsus is sutured with absorbable material. In the 13 patients operated upon (9 women, 4 men) aged 23 - 67 years, scleral show was preoperative 2.7 mm (mean) and postoperative 0.1 mm. Lid fissure width was preoperative 13 mm (10 - 16 mm) and immediately postoperative 10.3 mm (7 - 13). 6 months postoperative the lid-elevating effect was reduced by 0.5 mm in maximum in the 9 patients available for control. The lid closure deficit, which was present in 7 patients before, could be corrected completely in 5 and diminished to 1 mm in 2 patients. Using this particular technique, functional and aesthetical satisfying results are obtained. The main advantages are renunciation of allogen, xenogeny or synthetic material with its possible risks of slow-virus infection and/or extrusion. Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term results.

IBD Selection for the 288kg Prototype SoLid Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, D.; SoLid Collaboration

2017-09-01

The SoLid experiment aims to make a measurement of very short baseline neutrino oscillations using reactor antineutrinos. Key to its sensitivity are the experiment’s high spatial and energy resolution, combined with a very suitable reactor source and excellent background rejection. Placed on the surface at just 5 m from the reactor core, the cosmic flux and reactor output lead to a challenging environment. The fine segmentation of the detector, 5 cm cubes, allows the topology of events to be studied to previously unseen precision. This offers new and unexplored handles for tackling these backgrounds - a key requirement for SoLid physics aims. Using the most recent SoLid prototype (288 kg, 20% scale), we present the first selection to focus on IBD signals. This includes descriptions of SoLid signals and backgrounds, and demonstration that the segmentation can lead to gains in orders of magnitude in background rejection.

Spatial Translation and Scaling Up of LID Practices in Deer Creek Watershed in East Missouri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Vittorio, Damien

This study investigated two important aspects of hydrologic effects of low impact development (LID) practices at the watershed scale by (1) examining the potential benefits of scaling up of LID design, and (2) evaluating downstream effects of LID design and its spatial translation within a watershed. The Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) was used to model runoff reduction with the implementation of LID practices in Deer Creek watershed (DCW), Missouri. The model was calibrated from 2003 to 2007 (R2 = 0.58 and NSE = 0.57), and validated from 2008 to 2012 (R2 = 0.64 and NSE = 0.65) for daily direct runoff. Runoff simulated for the study period, 2003 to 2012 (NSE = 0.61; R2 = 0.63), was used as the baseline for comparison to LID scenarios. Using 1958 areal imagery to assign land cover, a predevelopment scenario was constructed and simulated to assess LID scenarios' ability to restore predevelopment hydrologic conditions. The baseline and all LID scenarios were simulated using 2006 National Land Cover Dataset. The watershed was divided in 117 subcatchments, which were clustered in six groups of approximately equal areas and two scaling concepts consisting of incremental scaling and spatial scaling were modelled. Incremental scaling was investigated using three LID practices (rain barrel, porous pavement, and rain garden). Each LID practice was simulated at four implementation levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in all subcatchments for the study period (2003 to 2012). Results showed an increased runoff reduction, ranging from 3% to 31%, with increased implementation level. Spatial scaling was investigated by increasing the spatial extent of LID practices using the subcatchment groups and all three LID practices (combined) implemented at 50% level. Results indicated that as the spatial extent of LID practices increased the runoff reduction at the outlet also increased, ranging from 3% to 19%. Spatial variability of LID implementation was examined by

Electric-field-driven magnetization reversal in square-shaped nanomagnet-based multiferroic heterostructure

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

Peng, Ren-Ci; Nan, Ce-Wen, E-mail: jzw12@psu.edu, E-mail: cwnan@tsinghua.edu.cn; Wang, J. J., E-mail: jzw12@psu.edu, E-mail: cwnan@tsinghua.edu.cn

Based on phase field modeling and thermodynamic analysis, purely electric-field-driven magnetization reversal was shown to be possible in a multiferroic heterostructure of a square-shaped amorphous Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 40}B{sub 20} nanomagnet on top of a ferroelectric layer through electrostrain. The reversal is made possible by engineering the mutual interactions among the built-in uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the geometry-dependent magnetic configuration anisotropy, and the magnetoelastic anisotropy. Particularly, the incorporation of the built-in uniaxial anisotropy made it possible to reverse magnetization with one single unipolar electrostrain pulse, which is simpler than previous designs involving the use of bipolar electrostrains and may alleviate ferroelectric fatigue.more » Critical conditions for triggering the magnetization reversal are identified.« less

Overview of LIDS Docking Seals Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunlap, Pat; Steinetz, Bruce; Daniels, Chris

2008-01-01

NASA is developing a new docking system to support future space exploration missions to low-Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars. This mechanism, called the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS), is designed to connect pressurized space vehicles and structures including the Crew Exploration Vehicle, International Space Station, and lunar lander. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is playing a key role in developing the main interface seal for this new docking system. These seals will be approximately 147 cm (58 in.) in diameter. GRC is evaluating the performance of candidate seal designs under simulated operating conditions at both sub-scale and full-scale levels. GRC is ultimately responsible for delivering flight hardware seals to NASA Johnson Space Center around 2013 for integration into LIDS flight units.

Mechanical Circle-Squaring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagon, Stan; Cox, Barry

2009-01-01

A technique discovered in 1939 can be used to build a device that is driven by standard circular motion (as in a drill press) and drills exact square holes. This device is quite different from the classic design by Watts, which uses a Reuleaux triangle and drills a hole that is almost, but not exactly, square. We describe the device in detail,…

Frisbees, Can Lids, and Gyroscopic Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crane, H. Richard

1983-01-01

Provides an explanation for the observed motion of frisbees, can lids, "clay pidgeons," and flat stones when these objects are thrown through the air. Explanation focuses on forces (gravity and air), torque, and gyroscopic precession. (JN)

Evaluating Benefits of LID Practices at Multiple Spatial Scales Using SUSTAIN

EPA Science Inventory

Low impact development (LID) is a storm water management approach that essentially mimics the way nature works: infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. LID practices are distributed in nature, and they work on decentralized micro-scales and m...

Randomised controlled crossover trial of the effect on PtCO2 of oxygen-driven versus air-driven nebulisers in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Edwards, Llifon; Perrin, Kyle; Williams, Mathew; Weatherall, Mark; Beasley, Richard

2012-11-01

The comparative safety of oxygen versus air-driven nebulised bronchodilators in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is uncertain. A randomised controlled trial was performed to assess the effect on the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide of nebulised bronchodilator driven with oxygen versus air in stable severe COPD. In an open label randomised study, 18 subjects with stable severe COPD attended on 2 days to receive nebulised bronchodilator therapy driven by air or oxygen. Subjects received 5 mg salbutamol and 0.5 mg ipratropium bromide by nebulisation over 15 min, then, after 5 min, 5 mg salbutamol nebulised over 15 min, followed by 15 min of observation. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PtCO(2)) and oxygen saturations were recorded at 5 min intervals during the study. The primary outcome was the PtCO(2) after the completion of the second bronchodilator treatment. PtCO(2) was higher with nebulised bronchodilator therapy delivered by oxygen, but decreased back to the level associated with air nebulisation 15 min after completion of the second nebulised dose. One subject experienced an increase in PtCO(2) of 11 mm Hg after the first bronchodilator nebulisation driven by oxygen. The mean PtCO(2) difference between the oxygen and air groups after the second nebulisation was 3.1 mm Hg (95% CI 1.6 to 4.5, p<0.001). Nebulisers driven with oxygen result in significantly higher levels of PtCO(2) than those driven with air in patients with severe COPD. The study was registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12610000080022).

Cesar Chavez Street Headwaters Pilot LID Project

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Information about the SFBWQP Cesar Chavez Street LID Pilot Project, part of an EPA competitive grant program to improve SF Bay water quality focused on restoring impaired waters and enhancing aquatic resources.

Effects of a New Eyelid Shampoo on Lid Hygiene and Eyelash Length in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Comparative Open Study.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Asuka; Ide, Takeshi; Fukumoto, Teruki; Miki, Emiko; Tsubota, Kazuo; Toda, Ikuko

2016-01-01

Purpose . Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can lead to abnormalities in the composition and function of tear film, resulting in dry eye. Eyelid hygiene is a key to management of MGD. We tested a novel eyelid shampoo (Eye Shampoo Long, ESL) for its ability to maintain lid hygiene. This shampoo is nonirritating and can potentially lengthen eyelashes. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ESL in the treatment of MGD and its effects on eyelash length. Methods . Ten patients with MGD and 10 healthy subjects without MGD applied ESL twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were examined for lid margin and dry eye before and after the trial. Subjective symptoms were evaluated. Eyelash length was measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results . In the MGD group, significant improvements were observed in subjective symptoms obstruction of the meibomian orifice, secretion of meibum, eyelashes contamination, eyelid margin foam, and SPK. Eyelash length became significantly longer. Conclusions . Maintaining eyelid hygiene using ESL improved the eyelid margins and symptoms of dry eye in MGD patients and increased eyelash length. These findings are promising and warrant confirmation in a larger randomized controlled study.

Effects of a New Eyelid Shampoo on Lid Hygiene and Eyelash Length in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Comparative Open Study

PubMed Central

Miki, Emiko

2016-01-01

Purpose. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can lead to abnormalities in the composition and function of tear film, resulting in dry eye. Eyelid hygiene is a key to management of MGD. We tested a novel eyelid shampoo (Eye Shampoo Long, ESL) for its ability to maintain lid hygiene. This shampoo is nonirritating and can potentially lengthen eyelashes. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ESL in the treatment of MGD and its effects on eyelash length. Methods. Ten patients with MGD and 10 healthy subjects without MGD applied ESL twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were examined for lid margin and dry eye before and after the trial. Subjective symptoms were evaluated. Eyelash length was measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results. In the MGD group, significant improvements were observed in subjective symptoms obstruction of the meibomian orifice, secretion of meibum, eyelashes contamination, eyelid margin foam, and SPK. Eyelash length became significantly longer. Conclusions. Maintaining eyelid hygiene using ESL improved the eyelid margins and symptoms of dry eye in MGD patients and increased eyelash length. These findings are promising and warrant confirmation in a larger randomized controlled study. PMID:28078136

With a flick of the lid: a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants.

PubMed

Bauer, Ulrike; Di Giusto, Bruno; Skepper, Jeremy; Grafe, T Ulmar; Federle, Walter

2012-01-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants capture prey with modified leaves (pitchers), using diverse mechanisms such as 'insect aquaplaning' on the wet pitcher rim, slippery wax crystals on the inner pitcher wall, and viscoelastic retentive fluids. Here we describe a new trapping mechanism for Nepenthes gracilis which has evolved a unique, semi-slippery wax crystal surface on the underside of the pitcher lid and utilises the impact of rain drops to 'flick' insects into the trap. Depending on the experimental conditions (simulated 'rain', wet after 'rain', or dry), insects were captured mainly by the lid, the peristome, or the inner pitcher wall, respectively. The application of an anti-slip coating to the lower lid surface reduced prey capture in the field. Compared to sympatric N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis pitchers secreted more nectar under the lid and less on the peristome, thereby directing prey mainly towards the lid. The direct contribution to prey capture represents a novel function of the pitcher lid.

With a Flick of the Lid: A Novel Trapping Mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis Pitcher Plants

PubMed Central

Bauer, Ulrike; Di Giusto, Bruno; Skepper, Jeremy; Grafe, T. Ulmar; Federle, Walter

2012-01-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants capture prey with modified leaves (pitchers), using diverse mechanisms such as ‘insect aquaplaning’ on the wet pitcher rim, slippery wax crystals on the inner pitcher wall, and viscoelastic retentive fluids. Here we describe a new trapping mechanism for Nepenthes gracilis which has evolved a unique, semi-slippery wax crystal surface on the underside of the pitcher lid and utilises the impact of rain drops to ‘flick’ insects into the trap. Depending on the experimental conditions (simulated ‘rain’, wet after ‘rain’, or dry), insects were captured mainly by the lid, the peristome, or the inner pitcher wall, respectively. The application of an anti-slip coating to the lower lid surface reduced prey capture in the field. Compared to sympatric N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis pitchers secreted more nectar under the lid and less on the peristome, thereby directing prey mainly towards the lid. The direct contribution to prey capture represents a novel function of the pitcher lid. PMID:22719998

The Habitability of a Stagnant-Lid Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tosi, N.; Godolt, M.; Stracke, B.; Ruedas, T.; Grenfell, L.; Höning, D.; Nikolaou, A.; Plesa, A. C.; Breuer, D.; Spohn, T.

2017-12-01

Plate tectonics is a fundamental component for the habitability of the Earth. Yet whether it is a recurrent feature of terrestrial bodies orbiting other stars or unique to the Earth is unknown. The stagnant lid may rather be the most common tectonic expression on such bodies. To understand whether a stagnant-lid planet can be habitable, i.e. host liquid water at its surface, we model the thermal evolution of the mantle, volcanic outgassing of H2O and CO2, and resulting climate of an Earth-like planet lacking plate tectonics. We used a 1D model of parameterized convection to simulate the evolution of melt generation and the build-up of an atmosphere of H2O and CO2 over 4.5 Gyr. We then employed a 1D radiative-convective atmosphere model to calculate the global mean atmospheric temperature and the boundaries of the habitable zone (HZ). The evolution of the interior is characterized by the initial production of a large amount of partial melt accompanied by a rapid outgassing of H2O and CO2. At 1 au, the obtained temperatures generally allow for liquid water on the surface nearly over the entire evolution. While the outer edge of the HZ is mostly influenced by the amount of outgassed CO2, the inner edge presents a more complex behaviour that is dependent on the partial pressures of both gases. At 1 au, the stagnant-lid planet considered would be regarded as habitable. The width of the HZ at the end of the evolution, albeit influenced by the amount of outgassed CO2, can vary in a non-monotonic way depending on the extent of the outgassed H2O reservoir. Our results suggest that stagnant-lid planets can be habitable over geological timescales and that joint modelling of interior evolution, volcanic outgassing, and accompanying climate is necessary to robustly characterize planetary habitability.

Upper lid crease approach for margin rotation in trachomatous cicatricial entropion without external sutures.

PubMed

Cruz, Antonio Augusto Velasco E; Akaishi, Patricia M S; Al-Dufaileej, Mohammed; Galindo-Ferreiro, Alicia

2015-01-01

To describe the use of a lid crease incision for upper eyelid margin rotation in cicatricial entropion combining internal traction on the anterior lamella, tarsotomy, and tarsal overlap without external sutures. Surgical description: The main steps of the procedure consisted of exposure of the entire tarsal plate up to the eyelashes followed by tarsotomy through the conjunctiva. A double-armed 6.0 polyglactin suture was then passed through the distal tarsal fragment to the marginal section of the orbicularis oculi muscle. As the sutures were tied, the distal tarsus advanced over the marginal section, and traction was exerted on the marginal strip of the orbicularis muscle. There were no bolsters or external knots. The pretarsal skin-muscle flap was closed with a 6.0 plain gut suture. We used this procedure at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia from 2013 to 2014. Sixty upper lids of 40 patients (23 women and 17 men) were operated on, with an age range of 44-99 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD) = 70.9 ± 13.01 years]. Bilateral surgery was performed on 21 patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 12 months (mean 3.0 ± 2.71 months). Forty percent of the patients (24 lids) had more than 3 months' follow-up. The postoperative lid margin position was good in all cases. Trichiasis (two lashes) was observed in only one patient with unilateral entropion on the medial aspect of the operated lid. The upper lid margin can be effectively rotated through a lid crease incision with internal sutures. The technique combines the main mechanisms of the Wies and Trabut approaches and avoids the use of bolsters or external sutures, which require a second consultation to be removed. Some other lid problems, such as ptosis, retraction, or dermatochalasis, can be concomitantly addressed during the procedure.

A simple technique to reduce evaporation of crystallization droplets by using plate lids with apertures for adding liquids

PubMed Central

Zipper, Lauren E.; Aristide, Xavier; Bishop, Dylan P.; Joshi, Ishita; Kharzeev, Julia; Patel, Krishna B.; Santiago, Brianna M.; Joshi, Karan; Dorsinvil, Kahille; Sweet, Robert M.; Soares, Alexei S.

2014-01-01

A method is described for using plate lids to reduce evaporation in low-volume vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments. The plate lids contain apertures through which the protein and precipitants were added to different crystallization microplates (the reservoir was filled before fitting the lids). Plate lids were designed for each of these commonly used crystallization microplates. This system minimizes the dehydration of crystallization droplets containing just a few nanolitres of protein and precipitant, and results in more reproducible diffraction from the crystals. For each lid design, changes in the weight of the plates were used to deduce the rate of evaporation under different conditions of temperature, air movement, droplet size and precipitant. For comparison, the state of dehydration was also visually assessed throughout the experiment. Finally, X-ray diffraction methods were used to compare the diffraction of protein crystals that were conventionally prepared against those that were prepared on plates with plate lids. The measurements revealed that the plate lids reduced the rate of evaporation by 63–82%. Crystals grown in 5 nl drops that were set up with plate lids diffracted to higher resolution than similar crystals from drops that were set up without plate lids. The results demonstrate that plate lids can be instrumental for improving few-nanolitre crystallizations. PMID:25484231

A simple technique to reduce evaporation of crystallization droplets by using plate lids with apertures for adding liquids.

PubMed

Zipper, Lauren E; Aristide, Xavier; Bishop, Dylan P; Joshi, Ishita; Kharzeev, Julia; Patel, Krishna B; Santiago, Brianna M; Joshi, Karan; Dorsinvil, Kahille; Sweet, Robert M; Soares, Alexei S

2014-12-01

A method is described for using plate lids to reduce evaporation in low-volume vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments. The plate lids contain apertures through which the protein and precipitants were added to different crystallization microplates (the reservoir was filled before fitting the lids). Plate lids were designed for each of these commonly used crystallization microplates. This system minimizes the dehydration of crystallization droplets containing just a few nanolitres of protein and precipitant, and results in more reproducible diffraction from the crystals. For each lid design, changes in the weight of the plates were used to deduce the rate of evaporation under different conditions of temperature, air movement, droplet size and precipitant. For comparison, the state of dehydration was also visually assessed throughout the experiment. Finally, X-ray diffraction methods were used to compare the diffraction of protein crystals that were conventionally prepared against those that were prepared on plates with plate lids. The measurements revealed that the plate lids reduced the rate of evaporation by 63-82%. Crystals grown in 5 nl drops that were set up with plate lids diffracted to higher resolution than similar crystals from drops that were set up without plate lids. The results demonstrate that plate lids can be instrumental for improving few-nanolitre crystallizations.

Estimation of Stormwater Interception Rate for various LID Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S.; Lee, O.; Choi, J.

2017-12-01

In this study, the stormwater interception rate is proposed to apply in the design of LID facilities. For this purpose, EPA-SWMM is built with some areas of Noksan National Industrial Complex where long-term observed stormwater data were monitored and stormwater interception rates for various design capacities of various LID facilities are estimated. While the sensitivity of stormwater interception rate according to design specifications of bio-retention and infiltration trench facilities is not large, the sensitivity of stormwater interception rate according to local rainfall characteristics is relatively big. As a result of comparing the present rainfall interception rate estimation method which is officially operated in Korea with the one proposed in this study, it will be presented that the present method is highly likely to overestimate the performance of the bio-retention and infiltration trench facilities. Finally, a new stormwater interception rate formulas for the bio-retention and infiltration trench LID facilities will be proposed. Acknowledgement This research was supported by a grant (2016000200002) from Public Welfare Technology Development Program funded by Ministry of Environment of Korean government.

Post Surgical Giant Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Lid and Orbit- A Rare Case

PubMed Central

Mandal, Aparna; Bandyopadhya, Arghya

2015-01-01

Epidermoid cyst within the lid and orbit is extremely rare. Epidermoid tumours are inclusion of ectodermal elements in the site not normally containing these structures. It is of two types; primary type related to implantation of ectoderm at the time of closure of the neural groove and secondary type caused by post traumatic inclusion of the surface epithelium. A 45-year-old male had complaint of swelling on the right upper lid and orbital region. It first appeared two years back. It was painless progressively increased in size and shape. There was difficulty in opening of eye lid due to large swelling, feeling of heaviness in the right upper lid and occasional headache. There was history of right eye ocular infection following vegetative matter injury three years back. Evisceration of right eye was done for aforementioned reason. USG report shows cystic encapsulated mass with calcification foci in right upper lid-orbital region with fat component. MRI right orbit shows fairly large hyperintense cystic lesion seen involving right orbit with posterior extension up to optic canal. No intracranial extension. FNAC confirmed epidermal inclusion cyst. We did upper lid reconstruction with removal of mass. We have successfully removed the mass without any complication and with one year follow-up there is no recurrence. PMID:26500932

Enhancing a rainfall-runoff model to assess the impacts of BMPs and LID practices on storm runoff.

PubMed

Liu, Yaoze; Ahiablame, Laurent M; Bralts, Vincent F; Engel, Bernard A

2015-01-01

Best management practices (BMPs) and low impact development (LID) practices are increasingly being used as stormwater management techniques to reduce the impacts of urban development on hydrology and water quality. To assist planners and decision-makers at various stages of development projects (planning, implementation, and evaluation), user-friendly tools are needed to assess the effectiveness of BMPs and LID practices. This study describes a simple tool, the Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment-LID (L-THIA-LID), which is enhanced with additional BMPs and LID practices, improved approaches to estimate hydrology and water quality, and representation of practices in series (meaning combined implementation). The tool was used to evaluate the performance of BMPs and LID practices individually and in series with 30 years of daily rainfall data in four types of idealized land use units and watersheds (low density residential, high density residential, industrial, and commercial). Simulation results were compared with the results of other published studies. The simulated results showed that reductions in runoff volume and pollutant loads after implementing BMPs and LID practices, both individually and in series, were comparable with the observed impacts of these practices. The L-THIA-LID 2.0 model is capable of assisting decision makers in evaluating environmental impacts of BMPs and LID practices, thereby improving the effectiveness of stormwater management decisions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A simple technique to reduce evaporation of crystallization droplets by using plate lids with apertures for adding liquids

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

Zipper, Lauren E.; Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13902; Aristide, Xavier

This article describes the use of evaporation control lids that are fitted to crystallization plates to improve the reproducibility of trials using as little as 5 nl. The plate lids contain apertures which are large enough for the transfer of protein containing droplets, but small enough to greatly reduce the rate of evaporation during the time needed to prepare the plate. A method is described for using plate lids to reduce evaporation in low-volume vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments. The plate lids contain apertures through which the protein and precipitants were added to different crystallization microplates (the reservoir was filled before fittingmore » the lids). Plate lids were designed for each of these commonly used crystallization microplates. This system minimizes the dehydration of crystallization droplets containing just a few nanolitres of protein and precipitant, and results in more reproducible diffraction from the crystals. For each lid design, changes in the weight of the plates were used to deduce the rate of evaporation under different conditions of temperature, air movement, droplet size and precipitant. For comparison, the state of dehydration was also visually assessed throughout the experiment. Finally, X-ray diffraction methods were used to compare the diffraction of protein crystals that were conventionally prepared against those that were prepared on plates with plate lids. The measurements revealed that the plate lids reduced the rate of evaporation by 63–82%. Crystals grown in 5 nl drops that were set up with plate lids diffracted to higher resolution than similar crystals from drops that were set up without plate lids. The results demonstrate that plate lids can be instrumental for improving few-nanolitre crystallizations.« less

Anti-natural octyl disaccharide-leprosy IDRI diagnostic (NDO-LID) antibodies as indicators of leprosy reactions and neuritis.

PubMed

Serrano-Coll, Héctor; Muñoz, Mónica; Camilo Beltrán, Juan; Duthie, Malcolm S; Cardona-Castro, Nora

2017-03-01

Leprosy is a complex infectious and neurological disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Nerve damage is related to immunological hypersensitivity responses known as leprosy reactions (LRs). Diagnostic tools to predict LRs are not available. We hypothesized that natural octyl disaccharide-leprosy IDRI diagnostic (NDO-LID) would be helpful as an indicator of LRs and neuritis. To assess the utility of NDO-LID in indicating reactions, ELISA were used to detect specific antibodies in serum samples from 80 Colombian leprosy patients (40 with and 40 without history of LRs). Responses were detected using a range of detection reagents detecting IgG, IgM or both isotypes. Patients with a history of LRs had an increased seropositivity rate for anti-NDO-LID antibodies compared to patients without (anti-NDO-LID protein A [p=0.02], IgG anti-NDO-LID [p=0.01] and IgM anti-NDO-LID [p=0.01]). Further analyses of patients with a history of LRs indicated that both seropositivity rate and magnitude of responses were elevated among patients with neuritis versus those without neuritis (anti-NDO-LID protein A [p=0.03], IgG anti-NDO-LID [p=0.001] and IgM anti-NDO-LID [p=0.06]). Our data indicate that testing for serum anti-NDO-LID antibodies can be a useful screen to identify patients at risk of developing LRs and neuritis. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Importance of the lid and cap domains for the catalytic activity of gastric lipases.

PubMed

Miled, N; Bussetta, C; De caro, A; Rivière, M; Berti, L; Canaan, S

2003-09-01

Human gastric lipase (HGL) is an enzyme secreted by the stomach, which is stable and active despite the highly acidic environment. It has been clearly established that this enzyme is responsible for 30% of the fat digestion processes occurring in human. This globular protein belongs to the alpha/beta hydrolase fold family and its catalytic serine is deeply buried under a domain called the extrusion domain, which is composed of a 'cap' domain and a segment consisting of 58 residues, which can be defined as a lid. The exact roles played by the cap and the lid domains during the catalytic step have not yet been elucidated. We have recently solved the crystal structure of the open form of the dog gastric lipase in complex with a covalent inhibitor. The detergent molecule and the inhibitor were mimicking a triglyceride substrate that would interact with residues belonging to both the cap and the lid domains. In this study, we have investigated the role of the cap and the lid domains, using site-directed mutagenesis procedures. We have produced truncated mutants lacking the lid and the cap. After expressing these mutants and purifying them, their activity was found to have decreased drastically in comparison with the wild type HGL. The lid and the cap domains play an important role in the catalytic reaction mechanism. Based on these results and the structural data (open form of DGL), we have pointed out the cap and the lid residues involved in the binding with the lipidic substrate.

A simple technique to reduce evaporation of crystallization droplets by using plate lids with apertures for adding liquids

DOE PAGES

Zipper, Lauren E.; Aristide, Xavier; Bishop, Dylan P.; ...

2014-11-28

A method is described for using plate lids to reduce evaporation in low-volume vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments. The plate lids contain apertures through which the protein and precipitants were added to different crystallization microplates (the reservoir was filled before fitting the lids). Plate lids were designed for each of these commonly used crystallization microplates. This system minimizes the dehydration of crystallization droplets containing just a few nanolitres of protein and precipitant, and results in more reproducible diffraction from the crystals. For each lid design, changes in the weight of the plates were used to deduce the rate of evaporation under differentmore » conditions of temperature, air movement, droplet size and precipitant. For comparison, the state of dehydration was also visually assessed throughout the experiment. Finally, X-ray diffraction methods were used to compare the diffraction of protein crystals that were conventionally prepared against those that were prepared on plates with plate lids. The measurements revealed that the plate lids reduced the rate of evaporation by 63–82%. Crystals grown in 5 nl drops that were set up with plate lids diffracted to higher resolution than similar crystals from drops that were set up without plate lids. Ultimately, the results demonstrate that plate lids can be instrumental for improving few-nanolitre crystallizations.« less

Base-CP proteasome can serve as a platform for stepwise lid formation

PubMed Central

Yu, Zanlin; Livnat-Levanon, Nurit; Kleifeld, Oded; Mansour, Wissam; Nakasone, Mark A.; Castaneda, Carlos A.; Dixon, Emma K.; Fushman, David; Reis, Noa; Pick, Elah; Glickman, Michael H.

2015-01-01

26S proteasome, a major regulatory protease in eukaryotes, consists of a 20S proteolytic core particle (CP) capped by a 19S regulatory particle (RP). The 19S RP is divisible into base and lid sub-complexes. Even within the lid, subunits have been demarcated into two modules: module 1 (Rpn5, Rpn6, Rpn8, Rpn9 and Rpn11), which interacts with both CP and base sub-complexes and module 2 (Rpn3, Rpn7, Rpn12 and Rpn15) that is attached mainly to module 1. We now show that suppression of RPN11 expression halted lid assembly yet enabled the base and 20S CP to pre-assemble and form a base-CP. A key role for Regulatory particle non-ATPase 11 (Rpn11) in bridging lid module 1 and module 2 subunits together is inferred from observing defective proteasomes in rpn11–m1, a mutant expressing a truncated form of Rpn11 and displaying mitochondrial phenotypes. An incomplete lid made up of five module 1 subunits attached to base-CP was identified in proteasomes isolated from this mutant. Re-introducing the C-terminal portion of Rpn11 enabled recruitment of missing module 2 subunits. In vitro, module 1 was reconstituted stepwise, initiated by Rpn11–Rpn8 heterodimerization. Upon recruitment of Rpn6, the module 1 intermediate was competent to lock into base-CP and reconstitute an incomplete 26S proteasome. Thus, base-CP can serve as a platform for gradual incorporation of lid, along a proteasome assembly pathway. Identification of proteasome intermediates and reconstitution of minimal functional units should clarify aspects of the inner workings of this machine and how multiple catalytic processes are synchronized within the 26S proteasome holoenzymes. PMID:26182356

The Ω-loop lid domain of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is essential for catalytic function

PubMed Central

Johnson, Troy A.; Holyoak, Todd

2012-01-01

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is an essential metabolic enzyme operating in the gluconeogenesis and glyceroneogenesis pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that the enzyme contains a mobile active site lid domain that transitions between an open/disorded conformation to a closed/ordered conformation as the enzyme progresses through the catalytic cycle. The understanding of how this mobile domain functions in catalysis is incomplete. Previous studies show that the closure of the lid domain stabilizes the reaction intermediate and protects the reactive intermediate from spurious protonation and thus contributes to the fidelity of the enzyme. In order to more fully investigate the roles of the lid domain in PEPCK function we created three mutations that replaced the 11-residue lid domain with one, two or three glycine residues. Kinetic analysis of the mutant enzymes demonstrates that none of the enzyme constructs exhibit any measurable kinetic activity resulting in a decrease in the catalytic parameters by at least 106. Structural characterization of the mutants in complexes representing the catalytic cycle suggest that the inactivity is due to a role for the lid domain in the formation of the fully closed state of the enzyme that is required for catalytic function. In the absence of the lid domain, the enzyme is unable to achieve the fully closed state and is rendered inactive despite possessing all of the residues and substrates required for catalytic function. This work demonstrates how enzyme catalytic function can be abolished through the alteration of conformational equilibria despite all elements required for chemical conversion of substrates to products remaining intact. PMID:23127136

Structure of human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 with the lid in an open conformation.

PubMed

Eydoux, Cécilia; Spinelli, Silvia; Davis, Tara L; Walker, John R; Seitova, Alma; Dhe-Paganon, Sirano; De Caro, Alain; Cambillau, Christian; Carrière, Frédéric

2008-09-09

Access to the active site of pancreatic lipase (PL) is controlled by a surface loop, the lid, which normally undergoes conformational changes only upon addition of lipids or amphiphiles. Structures of PL with their lids in the open and functional conformation have required cocrystallization with amphiphiles. Here we report two crystal structures of wild-type and unglycosylated human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (HPLRP2) with the lid in an open conformation in the absence of amphiphiles. These structures solved independently are strikingly similar, with some residues of the lid being poorly defined in the electron-density map. The open conformation of the lid is however different from that previously observed in classical liganded PL, suggesting different kinetic properties for HPLRP2. Here we show that the HPLRP2 is directly inhibited by E600, does not present interfacial activation, and acts preferentially on substrates forming monomers or small aggregates (micelles) dispersed in solution like monoglycerides, phospholipids and galactolipids, whereas classical PL displays reverse properties and a high specificity for unsoluble substrates like triglycerides and diglycerides forming oil-in-water interfaces. These biochemical properties imply that the lid of HPLRP2 is likely to spontaneously adopt in solution the open conformation observed in the crystal structure. This open conformation generates a large cavity capable of accommodating the digalactose polar head of galactolipids, similar to that previously observed in the active site of the guinea pig PLRP2, but absent from the classical PL. Most of the structural and kinetic properties of HPLRP2 were found to be different from those of rat PLRP2, the structure of which was previously obtained with the lid in a closed conformation. Our findings illustrate the essential role of the lid in determining the substrate specificity and the mechanism of action of lipases.

Lid wiper microvascular responses as an indicator of contact lens discomfort

PubMed Central

Deng, Zhihong; Wang, Jianhua; Jiang, Hong; Fadli, Zohra; Liu, Che; Tan, Jia; Zhou, Jin

2016-01-01

Purpose To analyze quantitatively the alterations in the microvascular network of the upper tarsal conjunctiva, lid wiper, and bulbar conjunctiva relative to ocular discomfort after contact lens wear. Design A prospective, cross-over clinical study. Methods Functional slit-lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB) was used to image the microvascular network of the upper tarsal conjunctiva, lid wiper, and bulbar conjunctiva. The microvascular network was automatically segmented, and fractal analyses were performed to yield the fractal dimension (Dbox) that represented vessel density. Sixteen healthy subjects (nine female and seven male) with an average age of 35.5 ± 6.7 years old (mean ± standard deviation) were recruited. The right eye was imaged at 9 AM and 3 PM at the first visit (Day 1) when the subject was not wearing contact lenses. During the second visit (Day 2), the right eye was fit with a contact lens for 6 h. Microvascular imaging was performed before (at 9 AM) and after lens wear (at 3 PM). Ocular comfort was rated using a 50-point visual analogue scale before and after 6 h of lens wear, and its relationships with microvascular parameters were analyzed. Results There were no significant differences in Dbox among the upper tarsal conjunctiva, lid wiper, and bulbar conjunctiva among the measurements at 9 AM (Day 1 and Day 2) and 3 PM (Day 1) when the subjects were not wearing the lenses (P > 0.05), whereas after 6 h of lens wear, the microvascular network densities were increased in all three of these locations. Dbox of the lid wiper increased from 1.411 ± 0.116 to 1.548 ± 0.079 after 6 h of contact lens wear (P < 0.01). Dbox of the tarsal conjunctiva was 1.731 ± 0.026 at baseline and increased to 1.740 ± 0.030 (P < 0.05). Dbox of the bulbar conjunctiva increased from 1.587 ± 0.059 to 1.632 ± 0.060 (P < 0.001). The decrease in ocular discomfort was strongly related to the Dbox change in the lid wiper (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). There were no correlations between the

Effect of topical rebamipide on goblet cells in the lid wiper of human conjunctiva

PubMed Central

Kase, Satoru; Shinohara, Toshiya; Kase, Manabu; Ishida, Susumu

2017-01-01

It has been demonstrated that topical administration of rebamipide, which is an antiulcer agent, increases the mucin level of the tear film and ameliorates ocular surface conditions such as lid wiper epitheliopathy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in goblet cell number, cell proliferation, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induced by topical rebamipide addition to the lid wiper of humans. A total of 30 eyelid tissue samples were obtained during involutional entropion surgeries, fixed in paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and divided into two groups: Rebamipide or non-rebamipide. The tissues in the rebamipide group were obtained from patients who had a medical history of topical rebamipide use prior to surgery. The number of goblet cells was counted under light microscopy. A total of 22 eyelid tissue samples were further examined using immunohistochemistry with anti-Ki-67 and anti-EGFR antibodies to evaluate cell proliferation and EGFR expression, respectively. Histologically, the lid wiper and palpebral conjunctiva were clearly identified in the tissues. The number of goblet cells was significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0367). There was no significant difference in lid wiper cell proliferation between the rebamipide and non-rebamipide groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that EGFR levels in the lid wiper epithelial cells were significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0237). These results suggest that topical rebamipide application increases the number of goblet cells in the lid wiper, which in turn upregulates the expression of EGFR. These findings may be clinically relevant and provide a therapeutic basis for the treatment of ocular disease such as dry eye and lid wiper epitheliopathy. PMID:28587435

Effect of topical rebamipide on goblet cells in the lid wiper of human conjunctiva.

PubMed

Kase, Satoru; Shinohara, Toshiya; Kase, Manabu; Ishida, Susumu

2017-06-01

It has been demonstrated that topical administration of rebamipide, which is an antiulcer agent, increases the mucin level of the tear film and ameliorates ocular surface conditions such as lid wiper epitheliopathy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in goblet cell number, cell proliferation, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induced by topical rebamipide addition to the lid wiper of humans. A total of 30 eyelid tissue samples were obtained during involutional entropion surgeries, fixed in paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and divided into two groups: Rebamipide or non-rebamipide. The tissues in the rebamipide group were obtained from patients who had a medical history of topical rebamipide use prior to surgery. The number of goblet cells was counted under light microscopy. A total of 22 eyelid tissue samples were further examined using immunohistochemistry with anti-Ki-67 and anti-EGFR antibodies to evaluate cell proliferation and EGFR expression, respectively. Histologically, the lid wiper and palpebral conjunctiva were clearly identified in the tissues. The number of goblet cells was significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0367). There was no significant difference in lid wiper cell proliferation between the rebamipide and non-rebamipide groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed that EGFR levels in the lid wiper epithelial cells were significantly higher in the rebamipide group compared with the non-rebamipide group (P=0.0237). These results suggest that topical rebamipide application increases the number of goblet cells in the lid wiper, which in turn upregulates the expression of EGFR. These findings may be clinically relevant and provide a therapeutic basis for the treatment of ocular disease such as dry eye and lid wiper epitheliopathy.

Combined sewer overflow control with LID based on SWMM: an example in Shanghai, China.

PubMed

Liao, Z L; Zhang, G Q; Wu, Z H; He, Y; Chen, H

2015-01-01

Although low impact development (LID) has been commonly applied across the developed countries for mitigating the negative impacts of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) on urban hydrological environment, it has not been widely used in developing countries yet. In this paper, a typical combined sewer system in an urbanized area of Shanghai, China was used to demonstrate how to design and choose CSO control solutions with LID using stormwater management model. We constructed and simulated three types of CSO control scenarios. Our findings support the notion that LID measures possess favorable capability on CSO reduction. Nevertheless, the green scenarios which are completely comprised by LID measures fail to achieve the maximal effectiveness on CSO reduction, while the gray-green scenarios (LID measure combined with gray measures) achieve it. The unit cost-effectiveness of each type of scenario sorts as: green scenario > gray-green scenario > gray scenario. Actually, as the storage tank is built in the case catchment, a complete application of green scenario is inaccessible here. Through comprehensive evaluation and comparison, the gray-green scenario F which used the combination of storage tank, bio-retention and rain barrels is considered as the most feasible one in this case.

Optimizing low impact development (LID) for stormwater runoff treatment in urban area, Korea: Experimental and modeling approach.

PubMed

Baek, Sang-Soo; Choi, Dong-Ho; Jung, Jae-Woon; Lee, Hyung-Jin; Lee, Hyuk; Yoon, Kwang-Sik; Cho, Kyung Hwa

2015-12-01

Currently, continued urbanization and development result in an increase of impervious areas and surface runoff including pollutants. Also one of the greatest issues in pollutant emissions is the first flush effect (FFE), which implies a greater discharge rate of pollutant mass in the early part in the storm. Low impact development (LID) practices have been mentioned as a promising strategy to control urban stormwater runoff and pollution in the urban ecosystem. However, this requires many experimental and modeling efforts to test LID characteristics and propose an adequate guideline for optimizing LID management. In this study, we propose a novel methodology to optimize the sizes of different types of LID by conducting intensive stormwater monitoring and numerical modeling in a commercial site in Korea. The methodology proposed optimizes LID size in an attempt to moderate FFE on a receiving waterbody. Thereby, the main objective of the optimization is to minimize mass first flush (MFF), which is an indicator for quantifying FFE. The optimal sizes of 6 different LIDs ranged from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm in terms of runoff depths, which significantly moderate the FFE. We hope that the new proposed methodology can be instructive for establishing LID strategies to mitigate FFE. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variations in Nutrient Cycling and Meltwater Composition Between Ice-Lidded and Open System Cryoconites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mass, A.

2016-12-01

Cryoconites are small melt pools on the ablation surface of glaciers created by the accumulation of aeolian sediment with a lower albedo than the surrounding ice. While many cryoconites remain open to the surrounding atmosphere, environmental conditions in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica often lead to the formation of dense ice lids due to advection from cold winds. These lidded cryoconites are isolated from atmospheric exchange while maintaining subsurface melt in a solid-state greenhouse. The varying conditions for the formation and freeze-thaw cycle of cryoconites lead to a range of biogeochemical processes occurring within the pools. This study analyzed the biochemistry of both open and lidded cryoconite water from six glaciers in the Dry Valleys throughout the initial pulse melt, equilibrium, and refreezing periods in 2013- 2015. Many of the spatial gradients in carbon cycling, solute concentrations, and pH identified for lidded cryoconites exhibited opposite trends for pools in equilibrium with the atmosphere, while temporal gradients were less diverse for open pools.

Structure of Human Pancreatic Lipase-Related Protein 2 with the Lid in an Open Conformation

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

Eydoux, Cecilia; Spinelli, Silvia; Davis, Tara L.

2008-10-02

Access to the active site of pancreatic lipase (PL) is controlled by a surface loop, the lid, which normally undergoes conformational changes only upon addition of lipids or amphiphiles. Structures of PL with their lids in the open and functional conformation have required cocrystallization with amphiphiles. Here we report two crystal structures of wild-type and unglycosylated human pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (HPLRP2) with the lid in an open conformation in the absence of amphiphiles. These structures solved independently are strikingly similar, with some residues of the lid being poorly defined in the electron-density map. The open conformation of the lidmore » is however different from that previously observed in classical liganded PL, suggesting different kinetic properties for HPLRP2. Here we show that the HPLRP2 is directly inhibited by E600, does not present interfacial activation, and acts preferentially on substrates forming monomers or small aggregates (micelles) dispersed in solution like monoglycerides, phospholipids and galactolipids, whereas classical PL displays reverse properties and a high specificity for unsoluble substrates like triglycerides and diglycerides forming oil-in-water interfaces. These biochemical properties imply that the lid of HPLRP2 is likely to spontaneously adopt in solution the open conformation observed in the crystal structure. This open conformation generates a large cavity capable of accommodating the digalactose polar head of galactolipids, similar to that previously observed in the active site of the guinea pig PLRP2, but absent from the classical PL. Most of the structural and kinetic properties of HPLRP2 were found to be different from those of rat PLRP2, the structure of which was previously obtained with the lid in a closed conformation. Our findings illustrate the essential role of the lid in determining the substrate specificity and the mechanism of action of lipases.« less

Uniform two-dimensional square assemblies from conjugated block copolymers driven by π–π interactions with controllable sizes

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

Han, Liang; Wang, Meijing; Jia, Xiangmeng

Two-dimensional (2-D) micro- and nano- architectures are attractive because of their unique properties caused by their ultrathin and flat morphologies. However, the formation of 2-D supramolecular highly symmetrical structures with considerable control is still a major challenge. Here, we presented a simple approach for the preparation of regular and homogeneous 2-D fluorescent square noncrystallization micelles with conjugated diblock copolymers PPV12-b-P2VPn through a process of dissolving-cooling-aging. The scale of the formed micelles could be controlled by the ratio of PPV/P2VP blocks and the concentration of the solution. The forming process of the platelet square micelles was analyzed by UV-Vis, DLS andmore » SLS, while the molecular arrangement was characterized by GIXD. The results revealed that the micelles of PPV12-b-P2VPn initially form 1-D structures and then grow into 2-D structures in solution, and the growth is driven by intermolecular π-π interactions with the PPV12 blocks. The formation of 2-D square micelles is induced by herringbone arrangement of the molecules, which is closely related to the presence of the branched alkyl chains attached to conjugated PPV12 cores.« less

Objective Brow Height Measurements Following Pretrichial Brow Lift and Upper Lid Blepharoplasty.

PubMed

Martin, Matthew; Shah, Christopher T; Attawala, Payal; Neaman, Keith; Meldrum, Melissa; Hassan, Adam S

2016-01-01

As the ptotic brow drops below the supraorbital rim, it can exacerbate dermatochalasis by pushing the adjacent skin of the upper lid further down. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with a combined pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis. A retrospective case series of 46 patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis treated with a combined, bilateral pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty from January 2008 to December 2011. Main outcome measures included measurements of brow lift at 3 months post-operatively, complications encountered, patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction. Outcomes from 46 patients were evaluated. The mean brow lift was 1.85 mm at the lateral canthus, 1.54 mm at the lateral limbus, 1.31 mm at the mid-pupil, and 1.07 mm at the medial limbus. Brow lift at the lateral canthus was significantly more elevated than at the medial limbus (P < 0.001). Minor complications were encountered in seven of 46 patients (15.2%). Mean patient satisfaction score was 3.20 and surgeon satisfaction 3.24 (max = 4, very satisfied). The modified pretrichial brow lift offered effective lateral lift that complements an upper lid blepharoplasty. This technique was met with a high degree of patient and surgeon satisfaction, and had a minimal complication profile.

Light yield and energy resolution studies for SoLid phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boursette, Delphine; SoLid Collaboration

2017-09-01

The SoLid experiment is searching for sterile neutrinos at a nuclear research reactor. It looks for inverse beta decays (producing a positron and a neutron in delayed coincidence) with a very segmented detector made of thousands of scintillating cubes. SoLid has a very innovative hybrid technology with two different scintillators which have different light emissions: polyvynil-toluene cubes (PVT) to detect the positrons and 6LiF:ZnS sheets on two faces of each PVT cube to detect the neutrons. It allows us to do an efficient pulse shape analysis to identify the signals from neutrons and positrons. The 288 kg detector prototype (SM1) took data in 2015. It demonstrated the detection principle and background rejection efficiency. The construction of SoLid phase I (˜ 1.5 t) has now started. To improve the energy resolution of SoLid phase I, we have tried to increase the light yield studying separately the two scintillators: PVT and ZnS. A test bench has been built to fully characterize and improve the neutron detection with the ZnS using an AmBe source. To study the positron light yield on the PVT, we have built another test bench with a 207Bi source. We have improved the design of the cubes, their wrapping or the type and the configuration of the fibers. We managed to increase the PVT light yield by about 66 % and improve the resolution of the positron energy on the test bench from 21 % to 16 % at 1 MeV.

The Goals and Status of SoLid Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jaewon

2016-09-01

SoLid is a short baseline sterile neutrino oscillation search experiment using the BR2 compact core reactor in Belgium. Ruling out or confirming sterile neutrino is one of main interests in the neutrino physics field. Highly segmented scintillator cube detector with 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) neutron screen provides high purity neutron tagging by pulse shape discrimination (PSD), and capture position identification. These capabilities from this novel detector are critical to isolate neutrino interactions in a high background environment. The prototype detector (SM1) provides important feedback for validating the performance of the detector design. Recent results from SM1 will be presented. Construction of the SoLid Phase-1 detector is underway. The three-ton detector with three years running will allow us to reach the sterile neutrino exclusion limit of sin2 2 θ < 0 . 03 at Δm2 2eV2 at the 99% confidence level.

Unveiling the nucleon tensor charge at Jefferson Lab: A study of the SoLID case

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

Ye, Zhihong; Sato, Nobuo; Allada, Kalyan

© 2017 The Authors Future experiments at the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV upgrade, in particular, the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID), aim at a very precise data set in the region where the partonic structure of the nucleon is dominated by the valence quarks. One of the main goals is to constrain the quark transversity distributions. We apply recent theoretical advances of the global QCD extraction of the transversity distributions to study the impact of future experimental data from the SoLID experiments. Especially, we develop a simple strategy based on the Hessian matrix analysis that allows one to estimate themore » uncertainties of the transversity quark distributions and their tensor charges extracted from SoLID data simulation. We find that the SoLID measurements with the proton and the effective neutron targets can improve the precision of the u- and d-quark transversity distributions up to one order of magnitude in the range 0.05 < x < 0.6.« less

Unveiling the nucleon tensor charge at Jefferson Lab: A study of the SoLID case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Zhihong; Sato, Nobuo; Allada, Kalyan; Liu, Tianbo; Chen, Jian-Ping; Gao, Haiyan; Kang, Zhong-Bo; Prokudin, Alexei; Sun, Peng; Yuan, Feng

2017-04-01

Future experiments at the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV upgrade, in particular, the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID), aim at a very precise data set in the region where the partonic structure of the nucleon is dominated by the valence quarks. One of the main goals is to constrain the quark transversity distributions. We apply recent theoretical advances of the global QCD extraction of the transversity distributions to study the impact of future experimental data from the SoLID experiments. Especially, we develop a simple strategy based on the Hessian matrix analysis that allows one to estimate the uncertainties of the transversity quark distributions and their tensor charges extracted from SoLID data simulation. We find that the SoLID measurements with the proton and the effective neutron targets can improve the precision of the u- and d-quark transversity distributions up to one order of magnitude in the range 0.05 < x < 0.6.

An SDO/AIA-Observed Filament Eruption Triggered by a Lid-Removal Onset Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterling, A. C.; Moore, R. L.; Falconer, D. A.; Knox, J. M.

2013-12-01

An eruption of a solar filament often presages the onset of a more general solar eruption, often leading to a solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME). Among the mechanisms suggested for triggering eruptions are flux cancelation, flux emergence, tether-cutting reconnection, and breakout reconnection. Here we present an example of a filament eruption due to a different trigger mechanism, which we call ``lid removal,'' whereby a magnetic structure overlying the filament is removed by a preceding adjacent eruption, rendering MHD unstable the magnetic system containing the filament and resulting in the subsequent eruption of the filament. This filament eruption occurred on 23 Jan 2013, and was well-seen in SDO/AIA 193 Ang images. Prior to its eruption the filament was at an approximately constant height above the solar surface for ~4 hours, before smoothly lifting off. Evidence for the overlying ``lid'' field was difficult to discern in 193 Ang images, but was apparent in hotter coronal images, such as SDO/AIA 335. Removal of the lid field was due to an eruption of that field visible in the hotter-corona images. In this way, the lid-removal filament-eruption mechanism is similar to recent observations of connected or cascading eruptions originating from magnetically-linked locations.

Lines in the spectrum of /sup 6/LiD (3086--5156 A)

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

Li, K.C.

1976-01-01

The emission spectra of A/sup 1/..sigma../sup +/--X/sup 1/..sigma../sup +/ bands of /sup 6/LiD were photographed in the 3086 A - 5156 A region with a 3.4 meter Ebert Spectrograph of theoretical resolution of about 0.07 cm/sup -1/. High-purity /sup 6/LiD crystals were obtained from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The atomic percent of /sup 6/Li in /sup 6/LiD was 95.58 percent. The discharge source is a demountable stainless steel hollow cathode lamp. The lithium deuteride crystals were packed into the cathode. Pressure in the discharge tube was about 10 to 20 torr of D/sub 2/. The discharge was run at aboutmore » 600 volts and 1.25 to 1.75 amperes. Acceptable spectra were obtained with exposure time of 6 hours. A Westinghouse iron hollow cathode was used to produce the iron spectrum for calibration. The plates were measured on the Gaertner photoplate comparator with an encoder system and on-line computer service at Argonne National Laboratory. The measured lines in the spectra of /sup 6/LiD are given in this report (COO-2326-18). Similar spectra for /sup 6/LiH and /sup 7/LiH are given in companion reports (COO-2326-17) and (COO-2326-19), respectively. The relative intensities of the lines are applicable only to short regions and do not extend over the whole spectrum.« less

Objective Brow Height Measurements Following Pretrichial Brow Lift and Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

PubMed Central

Martin, Matthew; Shah, Christopher T; Attawala, Payal; Neaman, Keith; Meldrum, Melissa; Hassan, Adam S

2016-01-01

Background: As the ptotic brow drops below the supraorbital rim, it can exacerbate dermatochalasis by pushing the adjacent skin of the upper lid further down. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with a combined pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series of 46 patients with dermatochalasis and mild to moderate brow ptosis treated with a combined, bilateral pretrichial brow lift and upper lid blepharoplasty from January 2008 to December 2011. Main outcome measures included measurements of brow lift at 3 months post-operatively, complications encountered, patient satisfaction and surgeon satisfaction. Results: Outcomes from 46 patients were evaluated. The mean brow lift was 1.85 mm at the lateral canthus, 1.54 mm at the lateral limbus, 1.31 mm at the mid-pupil, and 1.07 mm at the medial limbus. Brow lift at the lateral canthus was significantly more elevated than at the medial limbus (P < 0.001). Minor complications were encountered in seven of 46 patients (15.2%). Mean patient satisfaction score was 3.20 and surgeon satisfaction 3.24 (max = 4, very satisfied). Conclusions: The modified pretrichial brow lift offered effective lateral lift that complements an upper lid blepharoplasty. This technique was met with a high degree of patient and surgeon satisfaction, and had a minimal complication profile. PMID:27398009

Mixed convection heat transfer enhancement in a cubic lid-driven cavity containing a rotating cylinder through the introduction of artificial roughness on the heated wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareem, Ali Khaleel; Gao, Shian

2018-02-01

The aim of the present numerical investigation is to comprehensively analyse and understand the heat transfer enhancement process using a roughened, heated bottom wall with two artificial rib types (R-s and R-c) due to unsteady mixed convection heat transfer in a 3D moving top wall enclosure that has a central rotating cylinder, and to compare these cases with the smooth bottom wall case. These different cases (roughened and smooth bottom walls) are considered at various clockwise and anticlockwise rotational speeds, -5 ≤ Ω ≤ 5, and Reynolds numbers of 5000 and 10 000. The top and bottom walls of the lid-driven cavity are differentially heated, whilst the remaining cavity walls are assumed to be stationary and adiabatic. A standard k-ɛ model for the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations is used to deal with the turbulent flow. The heat transfer improvement is carefully considered and analysed through the detailed examinations of the flow and thermal fields, the turbulent kinetic energy, the mean velocity profiles, the wall shear stresses, and the local and average Nusselt numbers. It has been concluded that artificial roughness can strongly affect the thermal fields and fluid flow patterns. Ultimately, the heat transfer rate has been dramatically increased by involving the introduced artificial rips. Increasing the cylinder rotational speed or Reynolds number can enhance the heat transfer process, especially when the wall roughness exists.

The devil is in the details: comparison between COP9 signalosome (CSN) and the LID of the 26S proteasome.

PubMed

Meister, Cindy; Gulko, Miriam Kolog; Köhler, Anna M; Braus, Gerhard H

2016-02-01

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) and the proteasomal LID are conserved macromolecular complexes composed of at least eight subunits with molecular weights of approximately 350 kDa. CSN and LID are part of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and cleave isopeptide linkages of lysine side chains on target proteins. CSN cleaves the isopeptide bond of ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 from cullins, whereas the LID cleaves ubiquitin from target proteins sentenced for degradation. CSN and LID are structurally and functionally similar but the order of the assembly pathway seems to be different. The assembly differs in at least the last subunit joining the pre-assembled subcomplex. This review addresses the similarities and differences in structure, function and assembly of CSN and LID.

Correction of lower lid retraction combined with entropion using an ear cartilage graft in the anophthalmic socket.

PubMed

Moon, Jun Woong; Choung, Ho Kyung; Khwarg, Sang In

2005-09-01

To investigate the surgical results of an ear cartilage graft and supplemental procedures for correcting lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 7 anophthalmic patients with lower lid retraction and entropion, who received a posterior lamellar ear cartilage graft and one or both of lateral tarsal strip or eyelash-everting procedure between March 1998 and March 2003. Preoperative and postoperative lid and socket statuses were also investigated. Ear cartilage grafts were performed in all 7 patients, lateral tarsal strips in 6, and eyelash-everting procedures in 5. Postoperative follow-up durations ranged from 4 to 28 months (average 12.6 months). Retractions were corrected during follow-up in all patients. There were no cases of entropion immediately after surgery. However, the eyelashes of the lower lid returned to an upright position in 4 patients, but not so severe as to touch the ocular prosthesis, and thus did not require surgical correction during follow up. Lower lid retraction combined with entropion in anophthalmic patients can be corrected effectively using an ear cartilage graft with selective, supplemental procedures.

Simulating Molecular Mechanisms of the MDM2-Mediated Regulatory Interactions: A Conformational Selection Model of the MDM2 Lid Dynamics

PubMed Central

Verkhivker, Gennady M.

2012-01-01

Diversity and complexity of MDM2 mechanisms govern its principal function as the cellular antagonist of the p53 tumor suppressor. Structural and biophysical studies have demonstrated that MDM2 binding could be regulated by the dynamics of a pseudo-substrate lid motif. However, these experiments and subsequent computational studies have produced conflicting mechanistic models of MDM2 function and dynamics. We propose a unifying conformational selection model that can reconcile experimental findings and reveal a fundamental role of the lid as a dynamic regulator of MDM2-mediated binding. In this work, structure, dynamics and energetics of apo-MDM2 are studied as a function of posttranslational modifications and length of the lid. We found that the dynamic equilibrium between “closed” and “semi-closed” lid forms may be a fundamental characteristic of MDM2 regulatory interactions, which can be modulated by phosphorylation, phosphomimetic mutation as well as by the lid size. Our results revealed that these factors may regulate p53-MDM2 binding by fine-tuning the thermodynamic equilibrium between preexisting conformational states of apo-MDM2. In agreement with NMR studies, the effect of phosphorylation on MDM2 interactions was more pronounced with the truncated lid variant that favored the thermodynamically dominant closed form. The phosphomimetic mutation S17D may alter the lid dynamics by shifting the thermodynamic equilibrium towards the ensemble of “semi-closed” conformations. The dominant “semi-closed” lid form and weakened dependence on the phosphorylation seen in simulations with the complete lid can provide a rationale for binding of small p53-based mimetics and inhibitors without a direct competition with the lid dynamics. The results suggested that a conformational selection model of preexisting MDM2 states may provide a robust theoretical framework for understanding MDM2 dynamics. Probing biological functions and mechanisms of MDM2 regulation

X-ray crystallographic and MD simulation studies on the mechanism of interfacial activation of a family I.3 lipase with two lids.

PubMed

Angkawidjaja, Clement; Matsumura, Hiroyoshi; Koga, Yuichi; Takano, Kazufumi; Kanaya, Shigenori

2010-07-02

The interfacial activation mechanism of family I.3 lipase from Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 (PML), which has two alpha-helical lids (lid1 and lid2), was investigated using a combination of X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The crystal structure of PML in an open conformation was determined at 2.1 A resolution in the presence of Ca(2+) and Triton X-100. Comparison of this structure with that in the closed conformation indicates that both lids greatly change their positions and lid1 is anchored by the calcium ion (Ca1) in the open conformation. This structure was not seriously changed even when the protein was dialyzed extensively against the Ca(2+)-free buffer containing Triton X-100 before crystallization, indicating that the open conformation is fairly stable unless a micellar substance is removed. The crystal structure of the PML derivative, in which the active site serine residue (Ser207) is diethylphosphorylated by soaking the crystal of PML in the open conformation in a solution containing diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, was also determined. This structure greatly resembles that in the open conformation, indicating that PML structure in the open conformation represents that in the active form. MD simulation of PML in the open conformation in the absence of micelles showed that lid2 closes first, while lid1 maintains its open conformation. Likewise, MD simulation of PML in the closed conformation in the absence of Ca(2+) and in the presence of octane or trilaurin micelles showed that lid1 opens, while lid2 remains closed. These results suggest that Ca1 functions as a hook for stabilization of a fully opened conformation of lid1 and for initiation of subsequent opening of lid2. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the Evolution of Terrestrial Planets: Implications of Evolutionary Paths and Evolving Lid-States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weller, M. B.; Lenardic, A.

2015-12-01

Growing geodynamic and geochemical evidence suggests that plate tectonics may not have operated on the early Earth, with both the timing of its onset and the length of its activity far from certain [e.g., 1, 2, and references therein]. Accordingly, information from current observations and processes have the potential of sampling portions of the Earth that has both formed under and been modified by differing tectonic regimes. Here we use coupled 3D mantle convection and planetary tectonics simulations to explore evolutionary paths and planetary tectonic regimes. Early in the geologic lifetime of a terrestrial planet, high mantle temperatures favour stagnant-lids. As radiogenics decay, an initial stagnant-lid may yield into a high temperature mobile-lid state. The transition from an initial stagnant-lid is a function of yield strength, in addition to both internal and surface temperatures. Each lid-state has specific diagnostics and implications for internal parameters, and consequently planetary evolution. The implication within this framework is that a system with a different thermal evolution has the potential to migrate through tectonic regimes at the same 'thermal time' (e.g. temperature), but very different 'temporal times'. This indicate that multiple modes of convection and surface tectonics can potentially operate on a single planetary body at different times in its evolution, as consequence of changing internal parameters, surface temperatures, and differing thermal histories. We will discuss the implications of terrestrial worlds that can alternate, and be offset between multiple tectonic states over giga-year timescales. [1] O'Neill et. al. (2013b) Geol. Soc. London; [2] Weller et al. (2015) EPSL

From flying wheel to square flow: Dynamics of a flow driven by acoustic forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cambonie, Tristan; Moudjed, Brahim; Botton, Valéry; Henry, Daniel; Ben Hadid, Hamda

2017-12-01

Acoustic streaming designates the ability to drive quasisteady flows by acoustic propagation in dissipative fluids and results from an acoustohydrodynamics coupling. It is a noninvasive way of putting a fluid into motion using the volumetric acoustic force and can be used for different applications such as mixing purposes. We present an experimental investigation of a kind of square flow driven by acoustic streaming, with the use of beam reflections, in a water tank. Time-resolved experiments using particle image velocimetry have been performed to investigate the velocity field in the reference plane of the experiments for six powers: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 W. The evolution of the flow regime from almost steady to strongly unsteady states is characterized using different tools: the plot of time-averaged and instantaneous velocity fields, the calculation of presence density maps for vortex positions and for the maximal velocity and vorticity crest lines, and the use of spatiotemporal maps of the waving observed on the jets created by acoustic streaming. A transition is observed between two regimes at moderate and high acoustic forcing.

Weathering on a stagnant lid planet: Prospects for habitability?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, B. J.

2016-12-01

Plate tectonics plays a major role in the operation of the long term carbon cycle on Earth, which in turn buffers Earth's climate by regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. As a result, plate tectonics has long been considered to be essential for maintaining habitable conditions over geologic timescales. In particular, plate tectonics returns carbon to the mantle through subduction, allowing for long-lived CO2 degassing to the atmosphere, and plate tectonics sustains a large supply of fresh, weatherable rock at the surface through continual uplift, orogeny, and seafloor spreading. Without a large supply of fresh rock weathering can become supply-limited, where no climate regulating weathering feedback occurs. However, another mechanism for supplying fresh rock to the surface is through volcanism. Volcanism occurs on rocky planets, at least for some portion of their history, regardless of their mode of surface tectonics. In this presentation I assess whether a stagnant lid planet can avoid supply-limited weathering, and thus buffer its climate through the weathering feedback, when the supply of fresh rock is provided solely by volcanism. A simple analysis shows that the amount of CO2 in the mantle is critical for determining whether volcanic degassing overwhelms the supply of rock produced by eruptions, leading to supply-limited weathering and a hot climate, or not. Models of the coupled evolution of climate, mantle temperature, and volcanic rate are then used to determine how long a habitable climate could be maintained on a stagnant lid planet, and how different initial conditions influence this timescale. The results have important implications for the prospects for habitability of stagnant lid planets.

DETAIL VIEW OF BRIDGE CRANE USED TO LIFT DOMED LIDS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DETAIL VIEW OF BRIDGE CRANE USED TO LIFT DOMED LIDS OF THE ALTITUDE CHAMBERS, FACING SOUTHWEST - Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 39, Altitude Chambers, First Street, between Avenue D and Avenue E, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, FL

Mass Fluxes of Ice and Oxygen Across the Entire Lid of Lake Vostok from Observations of Englacial Radiowave Attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winebrenner, D. P.; Kintner, P. M. S.; MacGregor, J. A.

2017-12-01

Over deep Antarctic subglacial lakes, spatially varying ice thickness and the pressure-dependent melting point of ice result in areas of melting and accretion at the ice-water interface, i.e., the lake lid. These ice mass fluxes drive lake circulation and, because basal Antarctic ice contains air-clathrate, affect the input of oxygen to the lake, with implications for subglacial life. Inferences of melting and accretion from radar-layer tracking and geodesy are limited in spatial coverage and resolution. Here we develop a new method to estimate rates of accretion, melting, and the resulting oxygen input at a lake lid, using airborne radar data over Lake Vostok together with ice-temperature and chemistry data from the Vostok ice core. Because the lake lid is a coherent reflector of known reflectivity (at our radar frequency), we can infer depth-averaged radiowave attenuation in the ice, with spatial resolution 1 km along flight lines. Spatial variation in attenuation depends mostly on variation in ice temperature near the lid, which in turn varies strongly with ice mass flux at the lid. We model ice temperature versus depth with ice mass flux as a parameter, thus linking that flux to (observed) depth-averaged attenuation. The resulting map of melt- and accretion-rates independently reproduces features known from earlier studies, but now covers the entire lid. We find that accretion is dominant when integrated over the lid, with an ice imbalance of 0.05 to 0.07 km3 a-1, which is robust against uncertainties.

The lid wiper and muco-cutaneous junction anatomy of the human eyelid margins: an in vivo confocal and histological study

PubMed Central

Knop, Erich; Knop, Nadja; Zhivov, Andrey; Kraak, Robert; Korb, Donald R; Blackie, Caroline; Greiner, Jack V; Guthoff, Rudolf

2011-01-01

The inner border of the eyelid margin is critically important for ocular surface integrity because it guarantees the thin spread of the tear film. Its exact morphology in the human is still insufficiently known. The histology in serial sections of upper and lower lid margins in whole-mount specimens from 10 human body donors was compared to in vivo confocal microscopy of eight eyes with a Heidelberg retina-tomograph (HRT II) and attached Rostock cornea module. Behind the posterior margin of the Meibomian orifices, the cornified epidermis stopped abruptly and was replaced by a continuous layer of para-keratinized (pk) cells followed by discontinuous pk cells. The pk cells covered the muco-cutaneous junction (MCJ), the surface of which corresponded to the line of Marx (0.2–0.3 mm wide). Then a stratified epithelium with a conjunctival structure of cuboidal cells, some pk cells, and goblet cells formed an epithelial elevation of typically about 100 μm initial thickness (lid wiper). This continued for 0.3–1.5 mm and formed a slope. The MCJ and lid wiper extended all along the lid margin from nasal to temporal positions in the upper and lower lids. Details of the epithelium and connective tissue were also detectable using the Rostock cornea module. The human inner lid border has distinct zones. Due to its location and morphology, the epithelial lip of the lid wiper appears a suitable structure to spread the tear film and is distinct from the MCJ/line of Marx. Better knowledge of the lid margin appears important for understanding dry eye disease and its morphology can be analysed clinically by in vivo confocal microscopy. PMID:21413985

Analysis on LID for highly urbanized areas' waterlogging control: demonstrated on the example of Caohejing in Shanghai.

PubMed

Liao, Z L; He, Y; Huang, F; Wang, S; Li, H Z

2013-01-01

Although a commonly applied measure across the United States and Europe for alleviating the negative impacts of urbanization on the hydrological cycle, low impact development (LID) has not been widely used in highly urbanized areas, especially in rapidly urbanizing cities in developing countries like China. In this paper, given five LID practices including Bio-Retention, Infiltration Trench, Porous Pavement, Rain Barrels, and Green Swale, an analysis on LID for highly urbanized areas' waterlogging control is demonstrated using the example of Caohejing in Shanghai, China. Design storm events and storm water management models are employed to simulate the total waterlogging volume reduction, peak flow rate reduction and runoff coefficient reduction of different scenarios. Cost-effectiveness is calculated for the five practices. The aftermath shows that LID practices can have significant effects on storm water management in a highly urbanized area, and the comparative results reveal that Rain Barrels and Infiltration Trench are the two most suitable cost-effective measures for the study area.

Closed and open conformations of the lid domain induce different patterns of human pancreatic lipase antigenicity and immunogenicity.

PubMed

Halimi, Hubert; De Caro, Josiane; Carrière, Frédéric; De Caro, Alain

2005-12-01

Epitope mapping was performed on human pancreatic lipase (HPL) using the SPOTscan method. A set of 146 short (12 amino acid residues) synthetic overlapping peptides covering the entire amino acid sequence of HPL were used to systematically assess the immunoreactivity of antisera raised in rabbits against native HPL, HPL without a lid (HPL(-lid)) and HPL covalently inhibited by diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (DP-HPL). In the latter form of HPL, the lid domain controlling the access to the active site was assumed to exist in the open conformation. All the anti-lipase sera were tested in a direct ELISA, anti-HPL serum showing the greatest antibody titer. Although from the structural point of view, the differences between the various forms of HPL were restricted to the lid domain, differences in the antigenic properties of HPL were observed with the SPOTscan method, and the anti-DP-HPL antibodies showed the strongest reactivity. Most of the peptide stretches recognized included amino acid residues which are accessible at the surface of the lipase, except for those located near the active site. Two small peptides (T173-P180, V199-A207) were identified in the vicinity of the active site, their antipeptide antibodies were produced and their reactivity towards the various forms of HPL was tested in a double sandwich ELISA. No reactivity was observed under these conditions. Two antipeptide antibodies directed against two other selected peptides, P208-V221 (belonging to the beta9 loop) and I245-F258 (belonging to the lid domain) were prepared and found to react much more strongly with DP-HPL than with HPL or HPL(-lid) in a double sandwich ELISA. These antibodies should provide useful tools for monitoring the conformational changes taking place during the opening of the HPL lid domain.

Thermal Pollution Mathematical Model. Volume 5: User's Manual for Three-Dimensional Rigid-Lid Model. [environment impact of thermal discharges from power plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. S.; Sengupta, S.; Nwadike, E. V.; Sinha, S. K.

1980-01-01

A user's manual for a three dimensional, rigid lid model used for hydrothermal predictions of closed basins subjected to a heated discharge together with various other inflows and outflows is presented. The model has the capability to predict (1) wind driven circulation; (2) the circulation caused by inflows and outflows to the domain; and (3) the thermal effects in the domain, and to combine the above processes. The calibration procedure consists of comparing ground truth corrected airborne radiometer data with surface isotherms predicted by the model. The model was verified for accuracy at various sites and results are found to be fairly accurate in all verification runs.

Optimal capacity design of LID facility for conserving natural water cycle and its sensitivity analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, O.; Choi, J.; Lee, J.; Kim, S.

2017-12-01

Since the 20th century, urbanization has resulted in increased impermeable land surface and reduced infiltration capacity in catchment scale. Especially, when agriculture area or forest area would be developed into urban area, it can cause more runoff in the same climate condition. Such urbanization causes problems such as changes in hydrological cycle and ecosystem disturbance. Various methods have been proposed worldwide to reduce the impact of such urbanization. Among the various strategies, the low-impact development is a development strategy that aims to return to pre-development state by minimizing the change of the hydrological cycle due to urbanization. In this strategy, the infiltration and/or surface storage of stormwater runoff can be increased through the installation of various facilities. In this study, a facility capacity design strategy is proposed to return into the natural water cycle through the installation of various LID facilities. This is accomplished by determining the optimal LID facility design capacity through which flow duration curves remain the same before and after urban development. For this purpose, EPA-SWMM is constructed with a part of Busan Metropolitan City Noksan Industrial Complex as a virtual processing area. Under the various land-use scenarios, the optimum design capacity of various LID facilities capable of retaining the flow duration curve before and after development is determined. In addition, the sensitivity of the optimal design capacity of LID facilities is analyzed according to the design specifications of various LID facilities, the local rainfall characteristics, and the size of the treatment area. Acknowledgement This research was supported by a grant (2016000200002) from Public Welfare Technology Development Program funded by Ministry of Environment of Korean government.

Diffusion-driven self-assembly of rodlike particles: Monte Carlo simulation on a square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebovka, Nikolai I.; Tarasevich, Yuri Yu.; Gigiberiya, Volodymyr A.; Vygornitskii, Nikolai V.

2017-05-01

The diffusion-driven self-assembly of rodlike particles was studied by means of Monte Carlo simulation. The rods were represented as linear k -mers (i.e., particles occupying k adjacent sites). In the initial state, they were deposited onto a two-dimensional square lattice of size L ×L up to the jamming concentration using a random sequential adsorption algorithm. The size of the lattice, L , was varied from 128 to 2048, and periodic boundary conditions were applied along both x and y axes, while the length of the k -mers (determining the aspect ratio) was varied from 2 to 12. The k -mers oriented along the x and y directions (kx-mers and ky-mers, respectively) were deposited equiprobably. In the course of the simulation, the numbers of intraspecific and interspecific contacts between the same sort and between different sorts of k -mers, respectively, were calculated. Both the shift ratio of the actual number of shifts along the longitudinal or transverse axes of the k -mers and the electrical conductivity of the system were also examined. For the initial random configuration, quite different self-organization behavior was observed for short and long k -mers. For long k -mers (k ≥6 ), three main stages of diffusion-driven spatial segregation (self-assembly) were identified: the initial stage, reflecting destruction of the jamming state; the intermediate stage, reflecting continuous cluster coarsening and labyrinth pattern formation; and the final stage, reflecting the formation of diagonal stripe domains. Additional examination of two artificially constructed initial configurations showed that this pattern of diagonal stripe domains is an attractor, i.e., any spatial distribution of k -mers tends to transform into diagonal stripes. Nevertheless, the time for relaxation to the steady state essentially increases as the lattice size growth.

Assessing cost-effectiveness of specific LID practice designs in response to large storm events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chui, Ting Fong May; Liu, Xin; Zhan, Wenting

2016-02-01

Low impact development (LID) practices have become more important in urban stormwater management worldwide. However, most research on design optimization focuses on relatively large scale, and there is very limited information or guideline regarding individual LID practice designs (i.e., optimal depth, width and length). The objective of this study is to identify the optimal design by assessing the hydrological performance and the cost-effectiveness of different designs of LID practices at a household or business scale, and to analyze the sensitivity of the hydrological performance and the cost of the optimal design to different model and design parameters. First, EPA SWMM, automatically controlled by MATLAB, is used to obtain the peak runoff of different designs of three specific LID practices (i.e., green roof, bioretention and porous pavement) under different design storms (i.e., 2 yr and 50 yr design storms of Hong Kong, China and Seattle, U.S.). Then, life cycle cost is estimated for the different designs, and the optimal design, defined as the design with the lowest cost and at least 20% peak runoff reduction, is identified. Finally, sensitivity of the optimal design to the different design parameters is examined. The optimal design of green roof tends to be larger in area but thinner, while the optimal designs of bioretention and porous pavement tend to be smaller in area. To handle larger storms, however, it is more effective to increase the green roof depth, and to increase the area of the bioretention and porous pavement. Porous pavement is the most cost-effective for peak flow reduction, followed by bioretention and then green roof. The cost-effectiveness, measured as the peak runoff reduction/thousand Dollars of LID practices in Hong Kong (e.g., 0.02 L/103 US s, 0.15 L/103 US s and 0.93 L/103 US s for green roof, bioretention and porous pavement for 2 yr storm) is lower than that in Seattle (e.g., 0.03 L/103 US s, 0.29 L/103 US s and 1.58 L/103 US s for

Modeling the effects of LID practices on streams health at watershed scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shannak, S.; Jaber, F. H.

2013-12-01

Increasing impervious covers due to urbanization will lead to an increase in runoff volumes, and eventually increase flooding. Stream channels adjust by widening and eroding stream bank which would impact downstream property negatively (Chin and Gregory, 2001). Also, urban runoff drains in sediment bank areas in what's known as riparian zones and constricts stream channels (Walsh, 2009). Both physical and chemical factors associated with urbanization such as high peak flows and low water quality further stress aquatic life and contribute to overall biological condition of urban streams (Maxted et al., 1995). While LID practices have been mentioned and studied in literature for stormwater management, they have not been studied in respect to reducing potential impact on stream health. To evaluate the performance and the effectiveness of LID practices at a watershed scale, sustainable detention pond, bioretention, and permeable pavement will be modeled at watershed scale. These measures affect the storm peak flows and base flow patterns over long periods, and there is a need to characterize their effect on stream bank and bed erosion, and aquatic life. These measures will create a linkage between urban watershed development and stream conditions specifically biological health. The first phase of this study is to design and construct LID practices at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center-Dallas, TX to collect field data about the performance of these practices on a smaller scale. The second phase consists of simulating the performance of LID practices on a watershed scale. This simulation presents a long term model (23 years) using SWAT to evaluate the potential impacts of these practices on; potential stream bank and bed erosion, and potential impact on aquatic life in the Blunn Watershed located in Austin, TX. Sub-daily time step model simulations will be developed to simulate the effectiveness of the three LID practices with respect to reducing

The influence of mantle refertilisation on the formation of TTGs in a plume-lid tectonics setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, R.; Gerya, T.

2017-12-01

Higher amounts of radiogenic elements and leftover primordial heat in the early Earth both contribute to the increased temperature in the Earth's interior and it is mainly this increased mantle potential temperature that controls the dynamics of the crust and upper mantle and the predominant style of tectonics in the Early Earth. The increased upper mantle temperature precludes the modern plate tectonics regime and stabilizes another type of global tectonics often called plume-lid tectonics (Fischer and Gerya, 2016) or 'plutonic squishy lid' tectonics(Rozel et al., 2017). Plume-lid tectonics is dominated by intrusive mantle-derived magmatism which results in a thickening of the overlaying crust. The overthickened basaltic crust is transformed into eclogite and episodically recycled back into the mantle. Melt extraction from hydrated partially molten basaltic crust leads to the production of primordial tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) continental crust. TTGs make up over half of the Archean crust and can be classied into low-, medium- and high-pressure types (Moyen, 2011). Field studies show that the three different types (low-, medium- and high-pressure) appear in a ratio of 20%, 60% and 20% (Moyen, 2011). Numerical models of plume-lid tectonics generally agree very well with these values (Rozel et al., 2017) but also show that the ratio between the three different TTG types varies greatly during the two phases of the plume-lid tectonics cycle: growth phase and overturn phase. Melt productivity of the mantle decreases rapidly after removal of the garnet and clinopyroxene components. Addition of new garnet and clinopyroxene-rich material into the harzburgitic residue should lead to a refertilised lherzolite which could potentially yield new melt (Bédard, 2006). Mixing of eclogite drips back into the mantle can lead to the geochemical refertilisation of already depleted mantle and allow for further extraction of melt (Bédard, 2006). We will explore this

Development of a novel disposable lid speculum with a drape.

PubMed

Urano, Toru; Kasaoka, Masataka; Yamakawa, Ryoji; Yukihikotamai; Nakamura, Shoichiro

2013-01-01

To evaluate the clinical use of a newly-developed disposable lid speculum with a drape. LiDrape® is a cylindrical device that consists of two flexible rings of polyacetal resin with a transparent elastic silicone sheet attached to the rings. The novel device holds the eyelids between the rings, and a hole in the center of the device provides a surgical field. We used the novel device in cataract surgery (75 eyes), glaucoma surgery (eleven eyes), vitrectomy (ten eyes), and intravitreal injection (six eyes) and evaluated its clinical efficacy. The LiDrape was easy to attach and detach. The novel device was not detached from the eye during surgery. No eyelashes or secretions from the meibomian glands were seen in the surgical field, and the drape provided a sufficient surgical field. The LiDrape functions as a lid speculum as well as a drape. Our results showed that the novel device is useful for ocular surgeries.

Stratified spin-up in a sliced, square cylinder

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

Munro, R. J.; Foster, M. R.

We previously reported experimental and theoretical results on the linear spin-up of a linearly stratified, rotating fluid in a uniform-depth square cylinder [M. R. Foster and R. J. Munro, “The linear spin-up of a stratified, rotating fluid in a square cylinder,” J. Fluid Mech. 712, 7–40 (2012)]. Here we extend that analysis to a “sliced” square cylinder, which has a base-plane inclined at a shallow angle α. Asymptotic results are derived that show the spin-up phase is achieved by a combination of the Ekman-layer eruptions (from the perimeter region of the cylinder's lid and base) and cross-slope-propagating stratified Rossby waves.more » The final, steady state limit for this spin-up phase is identical to that found previously for the uniform depth cylinder, but is reached somewhat more rapidly on a time scale of order E{sup −1/2}Ω{sup −1}/log (α/E{sup 1/2}) (compared to E{sup −1/2}Ω{sup −1} for the uniform-depth cylinder), where Ω is the rotation rate and E the Ekman number. Experiments were performed for Burger numbers, S, between 0.4 and 16, and showed that for S≳O(1), the Rossby modes are severely damped, and it is only at small S, and during the early stages, that the presence of these wave modes was evident. These observations are supported by the theory, which shows the damping factors increase with S and are numerically large for S≳O(1)« less

Early Earth plume-lid tectonics: A high-resolution 3D numerical modelling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, R.; Gerya, T.

2016-10-01

Geological-geochemical evidence point towards higher mantle potential temperature and a different type of tectonics (global plume-lid tectonics) in the early Earth (>3.2 Ga) compared to the present day (global plate tectonics). In order to investigate tectono-magmatic processes associated with plume-lid tectonics and crustal growth under hotter mantle temperature conditions, we conduct a series of 3D high-resolution magmatic-thermomechanical models with the finite-difference code I3ELVIS. No external plate tectonic forces are applied to isolate 3D effects of various plume-lithosphere and crust-mantle interactions. Results of the numerical experiments show two distinct phases in coupled crust-mantle evolution: (1) a longer (80-100 Myr) and relatively quiet 'growth phase' which is marked by growth of crust and lithosphere, followed by (2) a short (∼20 Myr) and catastrophic 'removal phase', where unstable parts of the crust and mantle lithosphere are removed by eclogitic dripping and later delamination. This modelling suggests that the early Earth plume-lid tectonic regime followed a pattern of episodic growth and removal also called episodic overturn with a periodicity of ∼100 Myr.

A Cutinase from Trichoderma reesei with a lid-covered active site and kinetic properties of true lipases.

PubMed

Roussel, Alain; Amara, Sawsan; Nyyssölä, Antti; Mateos-Diaz, Eduardo; Blangy, Stéphanie; Kontkanen, Hanna; Westerholm-Parvinen, Ann; Carrière, Frédéric; Cambillau, Christian

2014-11-11

Cutinases belong to the α/β-hydrolase fold family of enzymes and degrade cutin and various esters, including triglycerides, phospholipids and galactolipids. Cutinases are able to degrade aggregated and soluble substrates because, in contrast with true lipases, they do not have a lid covering their catalytic machinery. We report here the structure of a cutinase from the fungus Trichoderma reesei (Tr) in native and inhibitor-bound conformations, along with its enzymatic characterization. A rare characteristic of Tr cutinase is its optimal activity at acidic pH. Furthermore, Tr cutinase, in contrast with classical cutinases, possesses a lid covering its active site and requires the presence of detergents for activity. In addition to the presence of the lid, the core of the Tr enzyme is very similar to other cutinase cores, with a central five-stranded β-sheet covered by helices on either side. The catalytic residues form a catalytic triad involving Ser164, His229 and Asp216 that is covered by the two N-terminal helices, which form the lid. This lid opens in the presence of surfactants, such as β-octylglucoside, and uncovers the catalytic crevice, allowing a C11Y4 phosphonate inhibitor to bind to the catalytic serine. Taken together, these results reveal Tr cutinase to be a member of a new group of lipolytic enzymes resembling cutinases but with kinetic and structural features of true lipases and a heightened specificity for long-chain triglycerides. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of the variable thermophysical properties on the turbulent buoyancy-driven airflow inside open square cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamora, Blas; Kaiser, Antonio S.

2012-01-01

The effects of the air variable properties (density, viscosity and thermal conductivity) on the buoyancy-driven flows established in open square cavities are investigated, as well as the influence of the stated boundary conditions at open edges and the employed differencing scheme. Two-dimensional, laminar, transitional and turbulent simulations are obtained, considering both uniform wall temperature and uniform heat flux heating conditions. In transitional and turbulent cases, the low-Reynolds k - ω turbulence model is employed. The average Nusselt number and the dimensionless mass-flow rate have been obtained for a wide and not yet covered range of the Rayleigh number varying from 103 to 1016. The results obtained taking into account variable properties effects are compared with those calculated assuming constant properties and the Boussinesq approximation. For uniform heat flux heating, a correlation for the critical heating parameter above which the burnout phenomenon can be obtained is presented, not reported in previous works. The effects of variable properties on the flow patterns are analyzed.

Lid heater for glass melter

DOEpatents

Phillips, Terrance D.

1993-01-01

A glass melter having a lid electrode for heating the glass melt radiantly. The electrode comprises a series of INCONEL 690 tubes running above the melt across the melter interior and through the melter walls and having nickel cores inside the tubes beginning where the tubes leave the melter interior and nickel connectors to connect the tubes electrically in series. An applied voltage causes the tubes to generate heat of electrical resistance for melting frit injected onto the melt. The cores limit heat generated as the current passes through the walls of the melter. Nickel bus connection to the electrical power supply minimizes heat transfer away from the melter that would occur if standard copper or water-cooled copper connections were used between the supply and the INCONEL 690 heating tubes.

Lid heater for glass melter

DOEpatents

Phillips, T.D.

1993-12-14

A glass melter having a lid electrode for heating the glass melt radiantly. The electrode comprises a series of INCONEL 690 tubes running above the melt across the melter interior and through the melter walls and having nickel cores inside the tubes beginning where the tubes leave the melter interior and nickel connectors to connect the tubes electrically in series. An applied voltage causes the tubes to generate heat of electrical resistance for melting frit injected onto the melt. The cores limit heat generated as the current passes through the walls of the melter. Nickel bus connection to the electrical power supply minimizes heat transfer away from the melter that would occur if standard copper or water-cooled copper connections were used between the supply and the INCONEL 690 heating tubes. 3 figures.

Unveiling the nucleon tensor charge at Jefferson Lab: A study of the SoLID case

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

Ye, Zhihong; Sato, Nobuo; Allada, Kalyan

2017-01-27

Here, future experiments at the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV upgrade, in particular, the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID), aim at a very precise data set in the region where the partonic structure of the nucleon is dominated by the valence quarks. One of the main goals is to constrain the transversity quark distributions. We apply recent theoretical advances of the global QCD extraction of the transversity distributions to study the impact of future experimental data from the SoLID. Especially, we develop a model-independent method based on the hessian matrix analysis that allows to estimate the uncertainties of the transversity quarkmore » distributions and their tensor charge contributions extracted from the pseudo-data for the SoLID. Both u and d-quark transversity distributions are shown to be very well constrained in the kinematical region of the future experiments with the proton and the effective neutron targets.« less

The Crystal Structure Analysis of Group B Streptococcus Sortase C1: A Model for the ;Lid; Movement upon Substrate Binding

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

Khare, Baldeep; Fu, Zheng-Qing; Huang, I-Hsiu

2012-02-07

A unique feature of the class-C-type sortases, enzymes essential for Gram-positive pilus biogenesis, is the presence of a flexible 'lid' anchored in the active site. However, the mechanistic details of the 'lid' displacement, suggested to be a critical prelude for enzyme catalysis, are not yet known. This is partly due to the absence of enzyme-substrate and enzyme-inhibitor complex crystal structures. We have recently described the crystal structures of the Streptococcus agalactiae SAG2603 V/R sortase SrtC1 in two space groups (type II and type III) and that of its 'lid' mutant and proposed a role of the 'lid' as a protectormore » of the active-site hydrophobic environment. Here, we report the crystal structures of SAG2603 V/R sortase C1 in a different space group (type I) and that of its complex with a small-molecule cysteine protease inhibitor. We observe that the catalytic Cys residue is covalently linked to the small-molecule inhibitor without lid displacement. However, the type I structure provides a view of the sortase SrtC1 lid displacement while having structural elements similar to a substrate sorting motif suitably positioned in the active site. We propose that these major conformational changes seen in the presence of a substrate mimic in the active site may represent universal features of class C sortase substrate recognition and enzyme activation.« less

Long-term preservation of early formed mantle heterogeneity by mobile lid convection: Importance of grainsize evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, Bradford J.; Rizo, Hanika

2017-10-01

The style of tectonics on the Hadean and Archean Earth, particularly whether plate tectonics was in operation or not, is debated. One important, albeit indirect, constraint on early Earth tectonics comes from observations of early-formed geochemical heterogeneities: 142Nd and 182W anomalies recorded in Hadean to Phanerozoic rocks from different localities indicate that chemically heterogeneous reservoirs, formed during the first ∼500 Myrs of Earth's history, survived their remixing into the mantle for over 1 Gyrs. Such a long mixing time is difficult to explain because hotter mantle temperatures, expected for the early Earth, act to lower mantle viscosity and increase convective vigor. Previous studies found that mobile lid convection typically erases heterogeneity within ∼100 Myrs under such conditions, leading to the hypothesis that stagnant lid convection on the early Earth was responsible for the observed long mixing times. However, using two-dimensional Cartesian convection models that include grainsize evolution, we find that mobile lid convection can preserve heterogeneity at high mantle temperature conditions for much longer than previously thought, because higher mantle temperatures lead to larger grainsizes in the lithosphere. These larger grainsizes result in stronger plate boundaries that act to slow down surface and interior convective motions, in competition with the direct effect temperature has on mantle viscosity. Our models indicate that mobile lid convection can preserve heterogeneity for ≈0.4-1 Gyrs at early Earth mantle temperatures when the initial heterogeneity has the same viscosity as the background mantle, and ≈1-4 Gyrs when the heterogeneity is ten times more viscous than the background mantle. Thus, stagnant lid convection is not required to explain long-term survival of early formed geochemical heterogeneities, though these heterogeneities having an elevated viscosity compared to the surrounding mantle may be essential for their

Nucleotide-dependent switch in proteasome assembly mediated by the Nas6 chaperone

PubMed Central

Li, Frances; Tian, Geng; Langager, Deanna; Sokolova, Vladyslava; Finley, Daniel; Park, Soyeon

2017-01-01

The proteasome is assembled via the nine-subunit lid, nine-subunit base, and 28-subunit core particle (CP). Previous work has shown that the chaperones Rpn14, Nas6, Hsm3, and Nas2 each bind a specific ATPase subunit of the base and antagonize base–CP interaction. Here, we show that the Nas6 chaperone also obstructs base–lid association. Nas6 alternates between these two inhibitory modes according to the nucleotide state of the base. When ATP cannot be hydrolyzed, Nas6 interferes with base–lid, but not base–CP, association. In contrast, under conditions of ATP hydrolysis, Nas6 obstructs base–CP, but not base–lid, association. Modeling of Nas6 into cryoelectron microscopy structures of the proteasome suggests that Nas6 controls both base–lid affinity and base–CP affinity through steric hindrance; Nas6 clashes with the lid in the ATP-hydrolysis–blocked proteasome, but clashes instead with the CP in the ATP-hydrolysis–competent proteasome. Thus, Nas6 provides a dual mechanism to control assembly at both major interfaces of the proteasome. PMID:28137839

Calculation of wind-driven surface currents in the North Atlantic Ocean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rees, T. H.; Turner, R. E.

1976-01-01

Calculations to simulate the wind driven near surface currents of the North Atlantic Ocean are described. The primitive equations were integrated on a finite difference grid with a horizontal resolution of 2.5 deg in longitude and latitude. The model ocean was homogeneous with a uniform depth of 100 m and with five levels in the vertical direction. A form of the rigid-lid approximation was applied. Generally, the computed surface current patterns agreed with observed currents. The development of a subsurface equatorial countercurrent was observed.

Calculations of separated 3-D flows with a pressure-staggered Navier-Stokes equations solver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, S.-W.

1991-01-01

A Navier-Stokes equations solver based on a pressure correction method with a pressure-staggered mesh and calculations of separated three-dimensional flows are presented. It is shown that the velocity pressure decoupling, which occurs when various pressure correction algorithms are used for pressure-staggered meshes, is caused by the ill-conditioned discrete pressure correction equation. The use of a partial differential equation for the incremental pressure eliminates the velocity pressure decoupling mechanism by itself and yields accurate numerical results. Example flows considered are a three-dimensional lid driven cavity flow and a laminar flow through a 90 degree bend square duct. For the lid driven cavity flow, the present numerical results compare more favorably with the measured data than those obtained using a formally third order accurate quadratic upwind interpolation scheme. For the curved duct flow, the present numerical method yields a grid independent solution with a very small number of grid points. The calculated velocity profiles are in good agreement with the measured data.

Rethinking the process of detrainment: jets in obstructed natural flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mossa, Michele; de Serio, Francesca

2016-12-01

A thorough understanding of the mixing and diffusion of turbulent jets released in porous obstructions is still lacking in literature. This issue is undoubtedly of interest because it is not strictly limited to vegetated flows, but also includes outflows which come from different sources and which spread among oyster or wind farms, as well as aerial pesticide treatments sprayed onto orchards. The aim of the present research is to analyze this process from a theoretical point of view. Specifically, by examining the entrainment coefficient, it is deduced that the presence of a canopy prevents a momentum jet from having an entrainment process, but rather promotes its detrainment. In nature, detrainment is usually associated with buoyancy-driven flows, such as plumes or density currents flowing in a stratified environment. The present study proves that detrainment occurs also when a momentum-driven jet is issued in a not-stratified obstructed current, such as a vegetated flow.

On the Rigid-Lid Approximation for Two Shallow Layers of Immiscible Fluids with Small Density Contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duchêne, Vincent

2014-08-01

The rigid-lid approximation is a commonly used simplification in the study of density-stratified fluids in oceanography. Roughly speaking, one assumes that the displacements of the surface are negligible compared with interface displacements. In this paper, we offer a rigorous justification of this approximation in the case of two shallow layers of immiscible fluids with constant and quasi-equal mass density. More precisely, we control the difference between the solutions of the Cauchy problem predicted by the shallow-water (Saint-Venant) system in the rigid-lid and free-surface configuration. We show that in the limit of a small density contrast, the flow may be accurately described as the superposition of a baroclinic (or slow) mode, which is well predicted by the rigid-lid approximation, and a barotropic (or fast) mode, whose initial smallness persists for large time. We also describe explicitly the first-order behavior of the deformation of the surface and discuss the case of a nonsmall initial barotropic mode.

Orthodontic view in the diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea

PubMed Central

Banabilh, Saeed M

2017-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea is an exciting area for orthodontists to be involved. The level of awareness of sleep apnea and related health issues is growing rapidly. The demand of integrating sleep into the orthodontic practice shortly will be driven by the need of the societies as some of our patients will be shortly coming into our offices aware of sleep apnea. However, with our busy clinical orthodontic practice, the need of condense short review become more demanding. Therefore, this review will try to summarize the clinical and orthodontic observation in the diagnoses of adult obstructive sleep apnea with clinical application in orthodontic practice. PMID:28717631

Development of shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter prototype for SoLID

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

Shen, C.; Wang, Y.; Xiao, D.

A shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter will be produced in Hall A of Jefferson Laboratory for Solenoidal large Intensity Device (SoLID) to measure the energy deposition of electrons and hadrons, and to provide particle identification after the energy of the accelerator was upgraded to 12 GeV. Tsinghua University is the member of Hall A collaboration in charge of development and production of the large shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter of SoLID. One module of that calorimeter is composed by 194 layers. Each layer consists of a 1.5 mm thick plastic scintillator put on top of a 0.5 mm thick lead plate. Scintillation light ismore » read out by wave-length shifter fibers penetrating through the calorimeter modules longitudinally along the direction of flight of the impact particle. This paper describes the design and construction of that module, as well as a few optimization studies meant to improve its performance. A detailed Geant4 simulation also shows that an energy resolution of 5%/√ E (GeV) and a good containment for electromagnetic showers can be achieved, as well as some basic electron identification. In conclusion, a prototype of that module will be tested soon with an electron beam at JLab.« less

Development of shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter prototype for SoLID

DOE PAGES

Shen, C.; Wang, Y.; Xiao, D.; ...

2017-03-07

A shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter will be produced in Hall A of Jefferson Laboratory for Solenoidal large Intensity Device (SoLID) to measure the energy deposition of electrons and hadrons, and to provide particle identification after the energy of the accelerator was upgraded to 12 GeV. Tsinghua University is the member of Hall A collaboration in charge of development and production of the large shashlik electromagnetic calorimeter of SoLID. One module of that calorimeter is composed by 194 layers. Each layer consists of a 1.5 mm thick plastic scintillator put on top of a 0.5 mm thick lead plate. Scintillation light ismore » read out by wave-length shifter fibers penetrating through the calorimeter modules longitudinally along the direction of flight of the impact particle. This paper describes the design and construction of that module, as well as a few optimization studies meant to improve its performance. A detailed Geant4 simulation also shows that an energy resolution of 5%/√ E (GeV) and a good containment for electromagnetic showers can be achieved, as well as some basic electron identification. In conclusion, a prototype of that module will be tested soon with an electron beam at JLab.« less

Predicting glycerophosphoinositol identities in lipidomic datasets using VaLID (Visualization and Phospholipid Identification)--an online bioinformatic search engine.

PubMed

McDowell, Graeme S V; Blanchard, Alexandre P; Taylor, Graeme P; Figeys, Daniel; Fai, Stephen; Bennett, Steffany A L

2014-01-01

The capacity to predict and visualize all theoretically possible glycerophospholipid molecular identities present in lipidomic datasets is currently limited. To address this issue, we expanded the search-engine and compositional databases of the online Visualization and Phospholipid Identification (VaLID) bioinformatic tool to include the glycerophosphoinositol superfamily. VaLID v1.0.0 originally allowed exact and average mass libraries of 736,584 individual species from eight phospholipid classes: glycerophosphates, glyceropyrophosphates, glycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, glycerophosphoglycerols, glycerophosphoglycerophosphates, glycerophosphoserines, and cytidine 5'-diphosphate 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols to be searched for any mass to charge value (with adjustable tolerance levels) under a variety of mass spectrometry conditions. Here, we describe an update that now includes all possible glycerophosphoinositols, glycerophosphoinositol monophosphates, glycerophosphoinositol bisphosphates, and glycerophosphoinositol trisphosphates. This update expands the total number of lipid species represented in the VaLID v2.0.0 database to 1,473,168 phospholipids. Each phospholipid can be generated in skeletal representation. A subset of species curated by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Training Program in Neurodegenerative Lipidomics (CTPNL) team is provided as an array of high-resolution structures. VaLID is freely available and responds to all users through the CTPNL resources web site.

Application of the laser induced deflection (LID) technique for low absorption measurements in bulk materials and coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triebel, W.; Mühlig, C.; Kufert, S.

2005-10-01

Precise absorption measurements of bulk materials and coatings upon pulsed ArF laser irradiation are presented using a compact experimental setup based on the laser induced deflection technique (LID). For absorption measurements of bulk materials the influence of pure bulk and pure surface absorption on the temperature and refractive index profile and thus for the probe beam deflection is analyzed in detail. The separation of bulk and surface absorption via the commonly used variation of the sample thickness is carried out for fused silica and calcium fluoride. The experimental results show that for the given surface polishing quality the bulk absorption coefficient of fused silica can be obtained by investigating only one sample. To avoid the drawback of different bulk and surface properties amongst a thickness series, we propose a strategy based on the LID technique to generally obtain surface and bulk absorption separately by investigating only one sample. Apart from measuring bulk absorption coefficients the LID technique is applied to determine the absorption of highly reflecting (HR) coatings on CaF2 substrates. Beside the measuring strategy the experimental results of a AlF3/LaF3 based HR coating are presented. In order to investigate a larger variety of coatings, including high transmitting coatings, a general measuring strategy based on the LID technique is proposed.

Three Dimensional Thermal Pollution Models. Volume 2; Rigid-Lid Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. S.; Sengupta, S.

1978-01-01

Three versions of rigid lid programs are presented: one for near field simulation; the second for far field unstratified situations; and the third for stratified basins, far field simulation. The near field simulates thermal plume areas, and the far field version simulates larger receiving aquatic ecosystems. Since these versions have many common subroutines, a unified testing is provided, with main programs for the three possible conditions listed.

Normal flora of conjunctiva and lid margin, as well as its antibiotic sensitivity, in patients undergoing cataract surgery at Phramongkutklao Hospital.

PubMed

Ratnumnoi, Ravee; Keorochana, Narumon; Sontisombat, Chavalit

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the normal flora of conjunctiva and lid margin, as well as its antibiotic sensitivity. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. A prospective study was conducted on 120 patients who underwent cataract surgery at the Phramongkutklao Hospital from September 2014 to October 2014. Conjunctival and lid margin swabs were obtained from patients before they underwent cataract surgery. These swabs were used to inoculate blood agar and chocolate agar plates for culturing. After growth of the normal flora, the antibiotic sensitivity method using tobramycin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and cefazolin was applied. Normal flora of conjunctiva and lid margin, along with its antibiotic sensitivity, from patients who underwent cataract surgery was assessed. A total of 120 eyes were included in this study, and bacterial isolation rates were identified. Five bacteria from the lid margin were cultured, namely, coagulase-negative staphylococcus (58.33%), Streptococcus spp. (2.5%), Corynebacterium (1.67%), Micrococcus spp. (1.67%), and Staphylococcus aureus (0.83%). Two bacteria from the conjunctiva were cultured, namely, coagulase-negative staphylococcus (30%) and Streptococcus spp. (0.83%). Results of antibiotic sensitivity test showed that all isolated bacteria are sensitive to cefazolin 100%, tobramycin 98.67%, levofloxacin 100%, and moxifloxacin 100%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common bacteria isolated from conjunctiva and lid margin.

Parity Violation in DIS region with SoLID at the upgraded 12 GeV JLab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Ye; SoLID Collaboration

2017-09-01

In this talk, an overview of PVDIS future experiment by using a Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) Hall A with the 12 GeV upgrade, along with a brief description of the proposed SoLID spectrometer is discussed. We will obtain data with high statistic and large kinematic coverage for Bjorken 0.3 < x < 0.7 and in the momentum transfer Q2 range 2 - 10 GeV2 by a polarized electron beam scattering on unpolarized deuteron and proton targets. A measurement of PVDIS in deuteron aims to extract fundamental coupling constants C1 q ,C2 q as well as the weak mixing angle sin2θw with a high precision. This measurement can also access QCD physics of searching for charge asymmetry violation in PDF's and higher-twist effects with quark-quark correlations. In addition, the proton target experiment can be a powerful probe of the d / u ratio at high x without any nuclear correction. The designed SoLID spectrometer with its unique feature of high luminosity and large acceptance provides an opportunity to probe physics beyond the Standard Model.

Complications and outcomes of grafting of posterior orbital fat into the lower lid-cheek junction during orbital decompression.

PubMed

Litwin, Andre S; Poitelea, Cornelia; Tan, Petrina; Ziahosseini, Kimia; Malhotra, Raman

2018-04-01

To report the complications of grafting of excised posterior orbital fat into the lower lid-cheek junction at the time of orbital decompression surgery. Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing orbital decompression combined with grafting of posterior orbital fat to the pre-malar and lateral canthal area (FG). A second group of consecutive patients undergoing orbital decompression but no orbital fat grafting (NoFG) were also studied as a form of comparative control. Standard patient data, including age, sex, visual acuity, degree of proptosis, operative details, diplopia or any other complications was collected. Independent assessment of pre- and post-operative photographs graded the lower lid-cheek junction. Thirty-four orbits of 29 patients, of which 21 orbits underwent orbital decompression with orbital fat grafting (FG). There were no intraoperative complications, postoperative infections, or visual loss. Complications relating to fat grafting included prolonged swelling in 3 (17%) patients at 3 months, in 1 case lasting 6 months, lower lid lumps in 3 (17%), and fat seepage in 1 (6%). The FG group achieved a greater improvement in the appearance of the lower-lid-cheek junction at 12 months in comparison to NoFG. Mean grade improvement 1.24 ± 1.09 vs 0 ± 0.82 (p = 0.025). Median follow-up was 20 months (range 6-30 months). Grafting of excised orbital fat during orbital decompression can improve the appearance of the lower lid-cheek junction in patients being treated for thyroid orbitopathy. However, 24% of patients will experience swelling and/or lumpiness requiring several months to settle or further fat excision.

The pumping lid: investigating multi-material 3D printing for equipment-free, programmable generation of positive and negative pressures for microfluidic applications.

PubMed

Begolo, Stefano; Zhukov, Dmitriy V; Selck, David A; Li, Liang; Ismagilov, Rustem F

2014-12-21

Equipment-free pumping is a challenging problem and an active area of research in microfluidics, with applications for both laboratory and limited-resource settings. This paper describes the pumping lid method, a strategy to achieve equipment-free pumping by controlled generation of pressure. Pressure was generated using portable, lightweight, and disposable parts that can be integrated with existing microfluidic devices to simplify workflow and eliminate the need for pumping equipment. The development of this method was enabled by multi-material 3D printing, which allows fast prototyping, including composite parts that combine materials with different mechanical properties (e.g. both rigid and elastic materials in the same part). The first type of pumping lid we describe was used to produce predictable positive or negative pressures via controlled compression or expansion of gases. A model was developed to describe the pressures and flow rates generated with this approach and it was validated experimentally. Pressures were pre-programmed by the geometry of the parts and could be tuned further even while the experiment was in progress. Using multiple lids or a composite lid with different inlets enabled several solutions to be pumped independently in a single device. The second type of pumping lid, which relied on vapor-liquid equilibrium to generate pressure, was designed, modeled, and experimentally characterized. The pumping lid method was validated by controlling flow in different types of microfluidic applications, including the production of droplets, control of laminar flow profiles, and loading of SlipChip devices. We believe that applying the pumping lid methodology to existing microfluidic devices will enhance their use as portable diagnostic tools in limited resource settings as well as accelerate adoption of microfluidics in laboratories.

Hypertension, Snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy: A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

O’Brien, Louise M.; Bullough, Alexandra S.; Chames, Mark C.; Shelgikar, Anita V.; Armitage, Roseanne; Guilleminualt, Christian; Sullivan, Colin E.; Johnson, Timothy R. B.; Chervin, Ronald D.

2014-01-01

Objective To assess the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea among women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Design Cohort study. Setting Obstetric clinics at an academic medical center. Population Pregnant women with hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or pre-eclampsia) and normotensive women. Methods Women completed a questionnaire about habitual snoring and underwent overnight ambulatory polysomnography. Main Outcome Measures The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Results Obstructive sleep apnoea was found among 21 of 51 women with hypertensive disorders (41%), but in only three of 16 women who were normotensive (19%, chi-square test, P = 0.005). Non-snoring hypertensive women typically had mild obstructive sleep apnea but >25% of snoring hypertensive women had moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. Among the hypertensive women, the mean apnea/hypopnea index was substantially higher in snorers than non-snorers (19.9±34.1 vs. 3.4±3.1, p=0.013) and the oxyhemoglobin saturation nadir was significantly lower (86.4±6.6 vs. 90.2±3.5, p=0.021). Among hypertensive women, after stratification by obesity the pooled relative risk for obstructive sleep apnea in snoring women with hypertension compared to non-snoring hypertension was 2.0 [95%CI 1.4–2.8]. Conclusions Pregnant women with hypertension are at high risk for unrecognised obstructive sleep apnea. While longitudinal and intervention studies are urgently needed, it would seem pertinent given the known relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension in the general population, that hypertensive pregnant women who snore should be tested for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition believed to cause or promote hypertension. PMID:24888772

[Anthelmintics as a risk factor in intestinal obstruction by Ascaris lumbricoides in children].

PubMed

Vásquez Tsuji, O; Gutiérrez Castrellón, P; Yamazaki Nakashimada, M A; Arredondo Suárez, J C; Campos Riveral, T; Martínez Barbosa, I

2000-01-01

In a retrospective study the authors analyzed the clinical records of 199 children ages one month to 16 years hospitalized, with the diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis, in the Instituto Nacional de Pediatria of Mexico from 1984 to 1999. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of anthelmintics drugs as a risk factor of intestinal obstruction by A. lumbricoides. Two groups were made for the study: Group A (n = 66) of children who presented intestinal obstruction, Group B (n = 133) children with no complications. A comparative analysis of clinical data of both groups was made by means of chi square with Yates correction and a stratified analysis by means of chi square. Possible confusing elements were overcrowding, age and the use of antiparasitic drugs. The calculus of risk factors for intestinal obstruction by A. lumbricoides was done by means of contingency tables of 2 x 2 and odds ratio with an IC of 95%. The significant risk factors were included in a model of logistics regression with an impact variable consting in the presence or absence of intestinal obstruction in order to establish a multivariate model of predictive risk at level of significance of p < 0.05. Twenty-seven patients (40.90%) in group A (n = 66) were given anthelmintics medications prior to the intestinal obstruction: mebendazol, 14 (51-85%); two, albedazol (7.4%); eight, a non-specified anthelmintic (29.6%). In addition, an anthelmintic medication without a specified time of ingestion: two with mebendazol and one with piperazine (11.3%). In the case of mebendazol, the drug most frequently associated with intestinal obstruction, seven patients received it on the same day of the obstruction; five patients received it between one and seven days prior to the obstruction; two received it seven days prior to the complication. In the control group, only 7% had taken the anthelmintic one to seven days before the diagnosis of uncomplicated intestinal ascariasis diagnosis was made. With the step

Comparison of internal wave properties calculated by Boussinesq equations with/without rigid-lid assumption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C. M.

2017-12-01

Wave properties predicted by the rigid-lid and the free-surface Boussinesq equations for a two-fluid system are theoretically calculated and compared in this study. Boussinesq model is generally applied to numerically simulate surface waves in coastal regions to provide credible information for disaster prevention and breaker design. As for internal waves, Liu et al. (2008) and Liu (2016) respectively derived a free-surface model and a rigid-lid Boussinesq models for a two-fluid system. The former and the latter models respectively contain four and three key variables which may result in different results and efficiency while simulating. Therefore, present study shows the results theoretically measured by these two models to provide more detailed observation and useful information for motions of internal waves.

Lower Lid Laxity is Negatively Correlated with Improvement of the Ocular Surface Disease Index in Dry Eye Treatment.

PubMed

Oh, Seung Hoon; Lyu, Byul; Yim, Hye Bin; Lee, Na Young

2016-01-01

To compare the responses to dry eye treatment of patients sorted by the degree of lower lid laxity. Sixty patients were grouped into three groups according to the degree of lower lid laxity. Tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test (ST) scores, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, and changes in OSDI score in each group were compared, before and at 3 months after treatment. TBUT, ST, and OSDI scores were not different among the three groups at baseline. TBUT improved in each group at 3 months after treatment, and no differences between groups were found. ST scores were not increased after treatment, while OSDI were improved to 22.57 ± 5.243, 31.16 ± 11.353, and 37.85 ± 13.342 in the no, moderate, and high laxity groups, respectively; these improvements were statistically significant (p = 0.003, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). Patients with greater than moderate lower lid laxity saw the smallest improvement in response to dry eye treatment, as assessed by change in OSDI score (p = 0.005 versus moderate laxity group, p = 0.005 versus no laxity group). Lower lid laxity is one of the factors contributing to the responses to dry eye treatment assessed by change in OSDI score, independent of TBUT and ST scores.

Hypertension, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnoea during pregnancy: a cohort study.

PubMed

O'Brien, L M; Bullough, A S; Chames, M C; Shelgikar, A V; Armitage, R; Guilleminualt, C; Sullivan, C E; Johnson, T R B; Chervin, R D

2014-12-01

To assess the frequency of obstructive sleep apnoea among women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Cohort study. Obstetric clinics at an academic medical centre. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or pre-eclampsia) and women who were normotensive. Women completed a questionnaire about habitual snoring and underwent overnight ambulatory polysomnography. The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea was found among 21 of 51 women with hypertensive disorders (41%), but in only three of 16 women who were normotensive (19%, chi-square test, P=0.005). [Author correction added on 16 June 2014, after first online publication: Results mentioned in the abstract were amended.] Non-snoring women with hypertensive disorders typically had mild obstructive sleep apnoea, but >25% of snoring women with hypertensive disorders had moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Among women with hypertensive disorders, the mean apnoea/hypopnoea index was substantially higher in snorers than in non-snorers (19.9±34.1 versus 3.4±3.1, P=0.013), and the oxyhaemoglobin saturation nadir was significantly lower (86.4±6.6 versus 90.2±3.5, P=0.021). Among women with hypertensive disorders, after stratification by obesity, the pooled relative risk for obstructive sleep apnoea in snoring women with hypertension compared with non-snoring women with hypertension was 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-2.8). Pregnant women with hypertension are at high risk for unrecognised obstructive sleep apnoea. Although longitudinal and intervention studies are urgently needed, given the known relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension in the general population, it would seem pertinent that hypertensive pregnant women who snore should be tested for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition believed to cause or promote hypertension. © 2014 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Identifying priority sites for low impact development (LID) in a mixed-use watershed

EPA Science Inventory

ABSTRACT: Low impact development (LID), a comprehensive land use planning and design approach with the goal of mitigating land development impacts to the environment, is increasingly being touted as an effective approach to lessen runoff and pollutant loadings to streams. Broad-s...

Predicting Glycerophosphoinositol Identities in Lipidomic Datasets Using VaLID (Visualization and Phospholipid Identification)—An Online Bioinformatic Search Engine

PubMed Central

McDowell, Graeme S. V.; Taylor, Graeme P.; Fai, Stephen; Bennett, Steffany A. L.

2014-01-01

The capacity to predict and visualize all theoretically possible glycerophospholipid molecular identities present in lipidomic datasets is currently limited. To address this issue, we expanded the search-engine and compositional databases of the online Visualization and Phospholipid Identification (VaLID) bioinformatic tool to include the glycerophosphoinositol superfamily. VaLID v1.0.0 originally allowed exact and average mass libraries of 736,584 individual species from eight phospholipid classes: glycerophosphates, glyceropyrophosphates, glycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, glycerophosphoglycerols, glycerophosphoglycerophosphates, glycerophosphoserines, and cytidine 5′-diphosphate 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols to be searched for any mass to charge value (with adjustable tolerance levels) under a variety of mass spectrometry conditions. Here, we describe an update that now includes all possible glycerophosphoinositols, glycerophosphoinositol monophosphates, glycerophosphoinositol bisphosphates, and glycerophosphoinositol trisphosphates. This update expands the total number of lipid species represented in the VaLID v2.0.0 database to 1,473,168 phospholipids. Each phospholipid can be generated in skeletal representation. A subset of species curated by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Training Program in Neurodegenerative Lipidomics (CTPNL) team is provided as an array of high-resolution structures. VaLID is freely available and responds to all users through the CTPNL resources web site. PMID:24701584

Scale-down of vinegar production into microtiter plates using a custom-made lid.

PubMed

Schlepütz, Tino; Büchs, Jochen

2014-04-01

As an important food preservative and condiment, vinegar is widely produced in industry by submerged acetic acid bacteria cultures. Although vinegar production is established on the large scale, up to now suitable microscale cultivation methods, e.g. using microtiter plates, are missing to enable high-throughput cultivation and to optimize fermentation conditions. In order to minimize evaporation losses of ethanol and acetic acid in a 48-well microtiter plate during vinegar production a new custom-made lid was developed. A diffusion model was used to calculate the dimensions of a hole in the lid to guarantee a suitable oxygen supply and level of ventilation. Reference fermentation was conducted in a 9-L bioreactor to enable the calculation of the proper cultivation conditions in the microtiter plate. The minimum dissolved oxygen tensions in the microtiter plate were between 7.5% and 23% of air saturation and in the same range as in the 9-L bioreactor. Evaporation losses of ethanol and acetic acid were less than 5% after 47 h and considerably reduced compared to those of microtiter plate fermentations with a conventional gas-permeable seal. Furthermore, cultivation times in the microtiter plate were with about 40 h as long as in the 9-L bioreactor. In conclusion, microtiter plate cultivations with the new custom-made lid provide a platform for high-throughput studies on vinegar production. Results are comparable to those in the 9-L bioreactor. Copyright © 2013 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Outgassing on stagnant-lid super-Earths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorn, C.; Noack, L.; Rozel, A. B.

2018-06-01

Aims: We explore volcanic CO2-outgassing on purely rocky, stagnant-lid exoplanets of different interior structures, compositions, thermal states, and age. We focus on planets in the mass range of 1-8 M⊕ (Earth masses). We derive scaling laws to quantify first- and second-order influences of these parameters on volcanic outgassing after 4.5 Gyr of evolution. Methods: Given commonly observed astrophysical data of super-Earths, we identify a range of possible interior structures and compositions by employing Bayesian inference modeling. The astrophysical data comprise mass, radius, and bulk compositional constraints; ratios of refractory element abundances are assumed to be similar to stellar ratios. The identified interiors are subsequently used as input for two-dimensional (2D) convection models to study partial melting, depletion, and outgassing rates of CO2. Results: In total, we model depletion and outgassing for an extensive set of more than 2300 different super-Earth cases. We find that there is a mass range for which outgassing is most efficient ( 2-3 M⊕, depending on thermal state) and an upper mass where outgassing becomes very inefficient ( 5-7 M⊕, depending on thermal state). At small masses (below 2-3 M⊕) outgassing positively correlates with planet mass, since it is controlled by mantle volume. At higher masses (above 2-3 M⊕), outgassing decreases with planet mass, which is due to the increasing pressure gradient that limits melting to shallower depths. In summary, depletion and outgassing are mainly influenced by planet mass and thermal state. Interior structure and composition only moderately affect outgassing rates. The majority of outgassing occurs before 4.5 Gyr, especially for planets below 3 M⊕. Conclusions: We conclude that for stagnant-lid planets, (1) compositional and structural properties have secondary influence on outgassing compared to planet mass and thermal state, and (2) confirm that there is a mass range for which

Multi-level obstruction in obstructive sleep apnoea: prevalence, severity and predictive factors.

PubMed

Phua, C Q; Yeo, W X; Su, C; Mok, P K H

2017-11-01

To characterise multi-level obstruction in terms of prevalence, obstructive sleep apnoea severity and predictive factors, and to collect epidemiological data on upper airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnoea patients. Retrospective review of 250 obstructive sleep apnoea patients. On clinical examination, 171 patients (68.4 per cent) had multi-level obstruction, 49 (19.6 per cent) had single-level obstruction and 30 (12 per cent) showed no obstruction. Within each category of obstructive sleep apnoea severity, multi-level obstruction was more prevalent. Multi-level obstruction was associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (more than 30 events per hour) (p = 0.001). Obstructive sleep apnoea severity increased with the number of obstruction sites (correlation coefficient = 0.303, p < 0.001). Multi-level obstruction was more likely in younger (p = 0.042), male (p = 0.045) patients, with high body mass index (more than 30 kg/m2) (p < 0.001). Palatal (p = 0.004), tongue (p = 0.026) and lateral pharyngeal wall obstructions (p = 0.006) were associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Multi-level obstruction is more prevalent in obstructive sleep apnoea and is associated with increased severity. Obstruction at certain anatomical levels contributes more towards obstructive sleep apnoea severity.

Potential advantages and disadvantages of an endgame strategy: a 'sinking lid' on tobacco supply.

PubMed

Wilson, Nick; Thomson, George W; Edwards, Richard; Blakely, Tony

2013-05-01

One possible supply-side strategy for the tobacco endgame is a government-mandated 'sinking lid' on tobacco supply (tradeable but decreasing quotas on sales or imports). We considered literature on quota systems and from a tobacco endgame workshop at the University of Michigan. Likely strengths of the sinking lid strategy include: (1) that it can provide a clear timetable and an unambiguous signal of a tobacco end-date; (2) that supply reduction is likely to increase product price levels, and there is very strong evidence that increasing price is a highly effective tobacco control intervention. Its feasibility is also supported by the growing international experience with, and political acceptability of, using quota and auction systems in other domains (eg, greenhouse gases, other air pollutants and for fisheries). However, the main disadvantages of this strategy are probably the need for strong political will and high public support (to pass a new law), potential legal challenges by industry (eg, under trade agreements), and vulnerability to problems from illegal supplies of tobacco and from corruption. The sinking lid strategy is a plausible option that is worth considering when investigating possible tobacco endgame strategies, though it may be most applicable in well-organised jurisdictions with low (<15%) adult smoking prevalence. This idea could benefit from further research, such as studies in virtual worlds, and real-world testing on small island jurisdictions, or closed systems, such as military bases.

Monomerization alters the dynamics of the lid region in Campylobacter jejuni CstII: an MD simulation study.

PubMed

Prabhakar, Pradeep Kumar; Srivastava, Alka; Rao, K Krishnamurthy; Balaji, Petety V

2016-01-01

CstII, a bifunctional (α2,3/8) sialyltransferase from Campylobacter jejuni, is a homotetramer. It has been reported that mutation of the interface residues Phe121 (F121D) or Tyr125 (Y125Q) leads to monomerization and partial loss of enzyme activity, without any change in the secondary or tertiary structures. MD simulations of both tetramer and monomer, with and without bound donor substrate, were performed for the two mutants and WT to understand the reasons for partial loss of activity due to monomerization since the active site is located within each monomer. RMSF values were found to correlate with the crystallographic B-factor values indicating that the simulations are able to capture the flexibility of the molecule effectively. There were no gross changes in either the secondary or tertiary structure of the proteins during MD simulations. However, interface is destabilized by the mutations, and more importantly the flexibility of the lid region (Gly152-Lys190) is affected. The lid region accesses three major conformations named as open, intermediate, and closed conformations. In both Y121Q and F121D mutants, the closed conformation is accessed predominantly. In this conformation, the catalytic base His188 is also displaced. Normal mode analysis also revealed differences in the lid movement in tetramer and monomer. This provides a possible explanation for the partial loss of enzyme activity in both interface mutants. The lid region controls the traffic of substrates and products in and out of the active site, and the dynamics of this region is regulated by tetramerization. Thus, this study provides valuable insights into the role of loop dynamics in enzyme activity of CstII.

Reanalysis of tritium production in a sphere of /sup 6/LiD irradiated by 14-MeV neutrons

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

Fawcett, L.R. Jr.

1985-08-01

Tritium production and activation of radiochemical detector foils in a sphere of /sup 6/LiD irradiated by a central source of 14-MeV neutrons has been reanalyzed. The /sup 6/LiD sphere consisted of 10 solid hemispherical nested shells with ampules of /sup 6/LiH, /sup 7/LiH, and activation foils located 2.2, 5, 7.7, 12.6, 20, and 30 cm from the center. The Los Alamos Monte Carlo Neutron Photon Transport Code (MCNP) was used to calculate neutron transport through the /sup 6/LiD, tritium production in the ampules, and foil activation. The MCNP input model was three-dimensional and employed ENDF/B-V cross sections for transport, tritiummore » production, and (where available) foil activation. The reanalyzed experimentally observed-to-calculated values of tritium production were 1.053 +- 2.1% in /sup 6/LiH and 0.999 +- 2.1% in /sup 7/LiH. The recalculated foil activation observed-to-calculated ratios were not generally improved over those reported in the original analysis.« less

The relief of dry eye signs and symptoms using a combination of lubricants, lid hygiene and ocular nutraceuticals.

PubMed

Ngo, William; Srinivasan, Sruthi; Houtman, Diane; Jones, Lyndon

To determine the combined effect of TheraTears ® Lubricant Eye Drops, TheraTears ® SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser, and TheraTears ® Nutrition on dry eye signs and symptoms. This prospective study enrolled 28 dry eye participants. Participants were instructed to use the Lubricant Eye Drops at least 2-4× a day, SteriLid 1-2× a day, and Nutrition 3 gel caps once a day. Participants were followed up at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Outcome variables were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), osmolarity, number of meibomian glands blocked (#MG blocked), meibum quality, eyelid margin features, Schirmer's test, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), meniscus height, corneal and conjunctival staining. Twenty participants (mean age=43, from 23 to 66, 17F, 3M) completed the study. Participants reported having used, on average, the Lubricant Eye Drop 2.4×/day, the SteriLid 1.1×/day, and the Nutrition 3 gel caps 1×/day. There was a significant change over time (p<0.05) for OSDI (-21.2 points), SANDE (-32.4 points), NIBUT (+0.43s), eyelid margin features (-1.1 grade), meibum quality (-1.0 grade), and #MG blocked (-4.0 glands). By using a combination of TheraTears ® Lubricant Eye Drop, SteriLid, and Nutrition, patients experience significant relief in both dry eye symptoms and signs. Copyright © 2016 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of peripheral auditory pathways and brainstem in obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Matsumura, Erika; Matas, Carla Gentile; Magliaro, Fernanda Cristina Leite; Pedreño, Raquel Meirelles; Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo; Sanches, Seisse Gabriela Gandolfi; Carvallo, Renata Mota Mamede

2016-11-25

Obstructive sleep apnea causes changes in normal sleep architecture, fragmenting it chronically with intermittent hypoxia, leading to serious health consequences in the long term. It is believed that the occurrence of respiratory events during sleep, such as apnea and hypopnea, can impair the transmission of nerve impulses along the auditory pathway that are highly dependent on the supply of oxygen. However, this association is not well established in the literature. To compare the evaluation of peripheral auditory pathway and brainstem among individuals with and without obstructive sleep apnea. The sample consisted of 38 adult males, mean age of 35.8 (±7.2), divided into four groups matched for age and Body Mass Index. The groups were classified based on polysomnography in: control (n=10), mild obstructive sleep apnea (n=11) moderate obstructive sleep apnea (n=8) and severe obstructive sleep apnea (n=9). All study subjects denied a history of risk for hearing loss and underwent audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflex and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response. Statistical analyses were performed using three-factor ANOVA, 2-factor ANOVA, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. The significance level for all tests was 5%. There was no difference between the groups for hearing thresholds, tympanometry and evaluated Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response parameters. An association was observed between the presence of obstructive sleep apnea and changes in absolute latency of wave V (p=0.03). There was an association between moderate obstructive sleep apnea and change of the latency of wave V (p=0.01). The presence of obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes in nerve conduction of acoustic stimuli in the auditory pathway in the brainstem. The increase in obstructive sleep apnea severity does not promote worsening of responses assessed by audiometry, tympanometry and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de

Effects of selected low-impact-development (LID) techniques on water quality and quantity in the Ipswich River Basin, Massachusetts-Field and modeling studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zimmerman, Marc J.; Barbaro, Jeffrey R.; Sorenson, Jason R.; Waldron, Marcus C.

2010-01-01

During the months of August and September, flows in the Ipswich River, Massachusetts, dramatically decrease largely due to groundwater withdrawals needed to meet increased residential and commercial water demands. In the summer, rates of groundwater recharge are lower than during the rest of the year, and water demands are higher. From 2005 to 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey, in a cooperative funding agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, monitored small-scale installations of low-impact-development (LID) enhancements designed to diminish the effects of storm runoff on the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater. Funding for the studies also was contributed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Targeted Watersheds Grant Program through a financial assistance agreement with Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The monitoring studies examined the effects of (1) replacing an impervious parking lot surface with a porous surface on groundwater quality, (2) installing rain gardens and porous pavement in a neighborhood of 3 acres on the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff, and (3) installing a 3,000-square foot (ft2) green roof on the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. In addition, the effects of broad-scale implementation of LID techniques, reduced water withdrawals, and water-conservation measures on streamflow in large areas of the basin were simulated using the U.S. Geological Survey's Ipswich River Basin model. From June 2005 to 2007, groundwater quality was monitored at the Silver Lake town beach parking lot in Wilmington, MA, prior to and following the replacement of the conventional, impervious-asphalt surface with a porous surface consisting primarily of porous asphalt and porous pavers. Changes in the concentrations of the water-quality constituents, phosphorus, nitrogen, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, and total petroleum hydrocarbons, were monitored

Molecular cloning, expression and immunological properties of LiD1, a protein from the dermonecrotic family of Loxosceles intermedia spider venom.

PubMed

Kalapothakis, Evanguedes; Araujo, Simone Costa; de Castro, Cibele Soares; Mendes, Thais Melo; Gomez, Marcus Vinícius; Mangili, Oldemir C; Gubert, Ida C; Chávez-Olórtegui, Carlos

2002-12-01

The present report describes the identification and molecular characterization of LiD1, a protein expressed in the venom gland of the brown spider Loxosceles intermedia. LiD1 belongs to a family of proteins with dermonecrotic activity and members of this family have been found in spiders from the genus Loxosceles. The necrotic lesions caused by this group of proteins may lead to serious socio-economic problems such as surgical tissue reconstitution and even patient death. LiD1 was cloned using a cDNA library constructed from the venom gland of L. intermedia and antibodies against proteins with dermonecrotic activity isolated from the crude venom of this spider. The amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA revealed a mature protein of approximately 31 kDa, with a pI of 7.37. The cDNA also revealed the existence of a signal peptide, a propeptide and also an untranslated 3' region with 218 nucleotides. LiD1 was expressed as a protein fused with beta-galactoside protein using the vector pBK-CMV, resulting in the recombinant protein recLiD1 with important immunological properties. recLiD1 was strongly recognised by anti-dermonecrotic antibodies and was also able to generate reactive antibodies against native dermonecrotic proteins isolated from the venom of L. intermedia.

The lid domain of the MCP hydrolase DxnB2 contributes to the reactivity towards recalcitrant PCB metabolites

PubMed Central

Yam, Katherine C.; Ghosh, Subhangi; Bolin, Jeffrey T.; Eltis, Lindsay D.

2013-01-01

DxnB2 and BphD are meta-cleavage product (MCP) hydrolases that catalyze C-C bond hydrolysis of the biphenyl metabolite 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoic acid (HOPDA). BphD is a bottleneck in the bacterial degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by the Bph catabolic pathway due in part to inhibition by 3-Cl HOPDAs. By contrast, DxnB2 from Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of 3-Cl HOPDAs more efficiently. X-ray crystallographic studies of the catalytically inactive S105A variant of DxnB2 complexed with 3-Cl HOPDA revealed a binding mode in which C1 through C6 of the dienoate are coplanar. The chlorine substituent is accommodated by a hydrophobic pocket that is larger than the homologous site in BphDLB400 from Burkholderia xenovorans LB400. The planar binding mode observed in the crystalline complex was consistent with the hyper- and hypsochromically-shifted absorption spectra of 3-Cl and 3,9,11-triCl HOPDA, respectively, bound to S105A in solution. Moreover, ESred, an intermediate possessing a bathochromically-shifted spectrum observed in the turnover of HOPDA, was not detected, suggesting that substrate destabilization was rate-limiting in the turnover of these PCB metabolites. Interestingly, electron density for the first α-helix of the lid domain was poorly defined in the dimeric DxnB2 structures, unlike in the tetrameric BphDLB400. Structural comparison of MCP hydrolases identified the NC-loop, connecting the lid to the α/β-hydrolase core domain, as a determinant in oligomeric state and suggests its involvement in catalysis. Finally, an increased mobility of the DxnB2 lid may contribute to the enzyme’s ability to hydrolyze PCB metabolites, highlighting how lid architecture contributes to substrate specificity in α/β-hydrolases. PMID:23879719

Jam proof closure assembly for lidded pressure vessels

DOEpatents

Cioletti, Olisse C.

1992-01-01

An expendable closure assembly is provided for use (in multiple units) with a lockable pressure vessel cover along its rim, such as of an autoclave. This assembly is suited to variable compressive contact and locking with the vessel lid sealing gasket. The closure assembly consists of a thick walled sleeve insert for retention in the under bores fabricated in the cover periphery and the sleeve is provided with internal threading only. A snap serves as a retainer on the underside of the sleeve, locking it into an under bore retention channel. Finally, a standard elongate externally threaded bolt is sized for mating cooperation with the so positioned sleeve, whereby the location of the bolt shaft in the cover bore hole determines its compressive contact on the underlying gasket.

Calibration of resistance factors needed in the LRFD design of driven piles.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

This research project presents the calibration of resistance factors for the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method of driven : piles driven into Louisiana soils based on reliability theory. Fifty-three square Precast-Prestressed-Concrete (P...

Calibration of Resistance Factors Needed in the LRFD Design of Driven Piles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

This research project presents the calibration of resistance factors for the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method of driven : piles driven into Louisiana soils based on reliability theory. Fifty-three square Precast-Prestressed-Concrete (P...

Obstructed labour.

PubMed

Neilson, J P; Lavender, T; Quenby, S; Wray, S

2003-01-01

Obstructed labour is an important cause of maternal deaths in communities in which undernutrition in childhood is common resulting in small pelves in women, and in which there is no easy access to functioning health facilities with the capability of carrying out operative deliveries. Obstructed labour also causes significant maternal morbidity in the short term (notably infection) and long term (notably obstetric fistulas). Fetal death from asphyxia is also common. There are differences in the behaviour of the uterus during obstructed labour, depending on whether the woman has delivered previously. The pattern in primigravid women (typically diminishing contractility with risk of infection and fistula) may result from tissue acidosis, whereas in parous women, contractility may be maintained with the risk of uterine rupture. Ultimately, tackling the problem of obstructed labour will require universal adequate nutritional intake from childhood and the ability to access adequately equipped and staffed clinical facilities when problems arise in labour. These seem still rather distant aspirations. In the meantime, strategies should be implemented to encourage early recognition of prolonged labour and appropriate clinical responses. The sequelae of obstructed labour can be an enormous source of human misery and the prevention of obstetric fistulas, and skilled treatment if they do occur, are important priorities in regions where obstructed labour is still common.

A Comparison of Runoff Quantity and Quality from Two Small Basins Undergoing Implementation of Conventional and Low-Impact-Development (LID) Strategies: Cross Plains, Wisconsin, Water Years 1999-2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Selbig, William R.; Bannerman, Roger T.

2008-01-01

Environmental managers are often faced with the task of designing strategies to accommodate development while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Low-impact development (LID) is one such strategy that attempts to mitigate environmental degradation commonly associated with impervious surfaces. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, studied two residential basins in Cross Plains, Wis., during water years 1999?2005. A paired-basin study design was used to compare runoff quantity and quality from the two basins, one of which was developed in a conventional way and the other was developed with LID. The conventional-developed basin (herein called ?conventional basin?) consisted of curb and gutter, 40-foot street widths, and a fully connected stormwater-conveyance system. The LID basin consisted of grassed swales, reduced impervious area (32-foot street widths), street inlets draining to grass swales, a detention pond, and an infiltration basin. Data collected in the LID basin represented predevelopment through near-complete build-out conditions. Smaller, more frequent precipitation events that produced stormwater discharge from the conventional basin were retained in the LID basin. Only six events with precipitation depths less than or equal to 0.4 inch produced measurable discharge from the LID basin. Of these six events, five occurred during winter months when underlying soils are commonly frozen, and one was likely a result of saturated soil from a preceding storm. In the conventional basin, the number of discharge events, using the same threshold of precipitation depth, was 180, with nearly one-half of those resulting from precipitation depths less than 0.2 inch. Precipitation events capable of producing appreciable discharge in the LID basin were typically those of high intensity or precipitation depth or those that occurred after soils were already saturated. Total annual discharge volume measured from

Analysis of obstruction site in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients by drug induced sleep endoscopy.

PubMed

Koo, Soo Kweon; Choi, Jang Won; Myung, Nam Suk; Lee, Hyoung Ju; Kim, Yang Jae; Kim, Young Joong

2013-01-01

We analyzed site, pattern and degree of obstruction in Korean male obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients by drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). We also investigated possible links between BMI, AHI and DISE findings. Sixty-nine male patients underwent DISE. DISE findings were reported using our classification system in which modified 'VOTE classification' - obstruction type, site of obstruction, degree of obstruction and anatomical site contributing obstruction - was reported. Associations were analyzed among the results of the polysomnography, patients' characteristics and DISE finding. Multilevel airway obstruction was found in 84.06% of patients and 15.94% had a unilevel obstruction. Among those with unilevel obstruction, 90.90% had retropalatal level obstruction and 9.10% had retrolingual level obstruction. Palate with lateral pharyngeal wall obstruction (49.28%) is the most common obstruction type of the retropalatal level and tongue with lateral pharyngeal wall (37.68%) is the most common obstruction type of the retrolingual level. Examining the relation between obstruction site according to body mass index (BMI) and severity of OSAS (apnea hypopnea index, AHI), the lateral pharyngeal wall had an increasing tendency associated with higher BMI and higher AHI. But the lateral pharyngeal wall of both levels was statistically significant associated with higher AHI. The majority of the Korean male OSAS patients have multilevel obstruction and according to BMI and AHI, the DISE findings indicate that the lateral pharyngeal wall is the most important anatomical site contributing to obstruction regardless of the level at which the obstruction lies. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lagrangian chaos in three- dimensional steady buoyancy-driven flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Contreras, Sebastian; Speetjens, Michel; Clercx, Herman

2016-11-01

Natural convection plays a key role in fluid dynamics owing to its ubiquitous presence in nature and industry. Buoyancy-driven flows are prototypical systems in the study of thermal instabilities and pattern formation. The differentially heated cavity problem has been widely studied for the investigation of buoyancy-induced oscillatory flow. However, far less attention has been devoted to the three-dimensional Lagrangian transport properties in such flows. This study seeks to address this by investigating Lagrangian transport in the steady flow inside a cubic cavity differentially-heated from the side. The theoretical and numerical analysis expands on previously reported similarities between the current flow and lid-driven flows. The Lagrangian dynamics are controlled by the Péclet number (Pe) and the Prandtl number (Pr). Pe controls the behaviour qualitatively in that growing Pe progressively perturbs the integable state (Pe =0), thus paving the way to chaotic dynamics. Pr plays an entirely quantitative role in that Pr<1 and Pr>1 amplifies and diminishes, respectively, the perturbative effect of non-zero Pe. S.C. acknowledges financial support from Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).

Difference in airflow obstruction between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White female smokers.

PubMed

Sood, Akshay; Stidley, Christine A; Picchi, Maria A; Celedón, Juan C; Gilliland, Frank; Crowell, Richard E; Belinsky, Steven A; Tesfaigzi, Yohannes

2008-10-01

Smoking-related respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between smoking and respiratory disease has not been well-studied among ethnic minorities in general and among women in particular. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the risk of airflow obstruction and to assess lung function among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) female smokers in a New Mexico cohort. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing smoking history and underwent spirometry testing. Outcomes studied included airflow obstruction, selected lung function parameters, and chronic mucus hyper-secretion. Chi square, logistic, and linear regression techniques were utilized. Of the 1,433 eligible women participants, 248 (17.3%) were Hispanic; and 319 had airflow obstruction (22.3%). Hispanic smokers were more likely to be current smokers, and report lower pack-years of smoking, compared to NHW smokers (p < 0.05 for all analyses). Further, Hispanic smokers were at a reduced risk of airflow obstruction compared to NHW smokers, with an O.R. of 0.51, 95% C.I. 0.34, 0.78 (p = 0.002) after adjustment for age, BMI, pack-years and duration of smoking, and current smoking status. Following adjustment for covariates, Hispanic smokers also had a higher mean absolute and percent predicted post-bronchodilator FEV(1)/FVC ratio, as well as higher mean percent predicted FEV(1) (p < 0.05 for all analyses). Hispanic female smokers in this New Mexico-based cohort had lower risk of airflow obstruction and better lung function than NHW female smokers. Further, smoking history did not completely explain these associations.

On the habitability of a stagnant-lid Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tosi, Nicola; Stracke, Barbara; Godolt, Mareike; Ruedas, Thomas; Grenfell, John Lee; Höning, Dennis; Nikolaou, Athanasia; Plesa, Ana-Catalina; Breuer, Doris; Spohn, Tilman

2016-04-01

Whether plate tectonics is a recurrent feature of terrestrial bodies orbiting other stars or is unique to the Earth is unknown. The stagnant-lid may rather be the most common tectonic mode through which terrestrial bodies operate. Here we model the thermal history of the mantle, the outgassing evolution of H2O and CO2, and the resulting climate of a hypothetical planet with the same mass, radius, and composition as the Earth, but lacking plate tectonics. We employ a 1-D model of parameterized stagnant-lid convection to simulate the evolution of melt generation, crust production, and volatile extraction over a timespan of 4.5 Gyr, focusing on the effects of three key mantle parameters: the initial temperature, which controls the overall volume of partial melt produced; the initial water content, which affects the mantle rheology and solidus temperature; and the oxygen fugacity, which is employed in a model of redox melting to determine the amount of carbon stored in partial melts. We assume that the planet lost its primordial atmosphere and use the H2O and CO2 outgassed from the interior to build up a secondary atmosphere over time. Furthermore, we assume that the planet may possess an Earth-like ocean. We calculate the atmospheric pressure based on the solubility of H2O and CO2 in basaltic magmas at the evolving surface pressure conditions. We then employ a 1-D radiative-convective, cloud-free stationary atmospheric model to calculate the resulting atmospheric temperature, pressure and water content, and the corresponding boundaries of the habitable zone (HZ) accounting for the evolution of the Sun's luminosity with time but neglecting escape processes. The interior evolution is characterized by a large initial production of partial melt accompanied by the formation of crust that rapidly grows until its thickness matches that of the stagnant lid so that the convecting sublithospheric mantle prevents further crustal growth. Even for initial water concentrations in

Effect of LID (Registered) processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo titanium foil-gauge materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balckburn, Linda B.

1987-01-01

A study was undertaken to determine the mechanical properties and microstructures resulting from Liquid Interface Diffusion (LID -Registered) processing of foil-gauge specimens of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo coated with varying amounts of LID material. In addition, the effects of various elevated temperature exposures on the concentration profiles of the LID alloying elements were investigated, using specimens with a narrow strip of LID material applied to the surface. Room and elevated temperature tensile properties were determined for both coated and uncoated specimens. Optical microscopy was used to examine alloy microstructures, and scanning electron microscopy to examine fracture surface morphologies. The chemical concentration profiles of the strip-coated specimens were determined with an electron microprobe.

Reconfigurable Wideband Circularly Polarized Stacked Square Patch Antenna for Cognitive Radios

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbosa Kortright, Miguel A.; Waldstein, Seth W.; Simons, Rainee N.

2017-01-01

An almost square patch, a square patch and a stacked square patch with corner truncation for circular polarization (CP) are researched and developed at X-band for cognitive radios. Experimental results indicate, first, that the impedance bandwidth of a CP almost square patch fed from the edge by a 50 ohm line is 1.70 percent and second, that of a CP square patch fed from the ground plane side by a surface launch connector is 1.87 percent. Third, the impedance bandwidth of a CP stacked square patch fed by a surface launch connector is 2.22 percent. The measured center frequency for the CP square patch fed by a surface launch connector without and with an identical stacked patch is 8.45 and 8.1017 GHz, respectively. By stacking a patch, separated by a fixed air gap of 0.254 mm, the center frequency is observed to shift by as much as 348.3 MHz. The shift in the center frequency can be exploited to reconfigure the operating frequency by mechanically increasing the air gap. The results indicate that a tuning bandwidth of about 100 MHz can be achieved when the distance of separation between the driven patch and the stacked patch is increased from its initial setting of 0.254 to 1.016 mm.

Videoreflective dacryomeniscometry in normal adults and in patients with functional or primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PubMed

Francis, Ian C; Chan, Derek G; Papalkar, Daya; Papas, Eric B; Stapleton, Fiona

2005-03-01

Videoreflective dacryomeniscometry (VRD) for evaluation of marginal tear film has not been performed in patients with watery eye or in a controlled study. We used VRD to evaluate the height of the central marginal lower lid tear film in normal adults and compared it with two watery-eye groups and a postoperative dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) group. Case-controlled interventional case series. We evaluated with VRD 20 subjects with normal lacrimal drainage function, 21 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), 28 patients with functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction (FNLDO), and a postoperative group of 14 patients derived from the previous two pathologic groups. Comparison between the four groups was performed to determine statistically significant differences between tear film height. PANDO and FNLDO groups were shown to have significantly greater median tear meniscus heights ([TMH] PANDO: 620 microm, interquartile range [IQR] 453 microm; FNLDO: 731 microm, IQR 529 microm) than normal subjects (296 microm, IQR 214 microm; P < .001) and postoperative PANDO patients (265 microm, IQR 159 microm). There was no significant difference in TMH between PANDO and FNLDO groups preoperatively (P = .275). There was a reduction in median TMH postoperatively of 355 microm (P = .008) in PANDO and 360 microm (P = .068) in FNLDO. PANDO and FNLDO patients have similar preoperative TMH. In both these groups, TMH is significantly greater than in normal control subjects. Lacrimal drainage surgery substantially reduces TMH as measured using VRD in PANDO.

Prognostic effects of preoperative obstructive pneumonitis or atelectasis and comparison with tumor size in non-small cell lung cancer

PubMed Central

Pang, Zhaofei; Ding, Nan; Dong, Wei; Ni, Yang; Zhang, Tiehong; Qu, Xiao

2017-01-01

Background In the eighth TNM staging system proposal, lung cancer with part or complete obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis was classified to T2 category, and dividing lines of T category were changed. We conducted this study to search prognostic effect of preoperative obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis and its comparison with tumor size. Methods We collected clinical characteristics, preoperative hematological indicators, follow-up information of 1,313 lung cancer patients. Chi-square test was used to search relationship between obstruction pneumonitis/atelectasis and other factors. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves and cox regression methods were used for survival analysis. Results Preoperative obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis indicated shorter OS (HR: 1.308; 95% CI: 1.058–1.619) and RFS (HR: 1.276; 95% CI: 1.032–1.579) as an independent factor. In comparison with tumor size, we found patients with obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis and T1 size tumor had similar prognosis to those with T2 size but without obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis, and OS, RFS of patients with obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis and T2 size were significantly shorter than those with T2 tumor size but without obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis, while similar to patients with T3 tumor size but without obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis according to division by the eighth edition. We also found obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis was significantly related to higher neutrophil (P<0.001), platelet (P<0.001), monocyte (P<0.001), NLR (P<0.001), PLR (P=0.002), ESR (P<0.001) and lower LMR (P<0.001). Conclusions Preoperative obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis predicted poor survival independently in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). And we suggested which T staging group the patients with obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis would be divided to should depend on tumor size in the eighth TNM staging system. PMID:28449485

SoLid: Search for Oscillations with Lithium-6 Detector at the SCK-CEN BR2 reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ban, G.; Beaumont, W.; Buhour, J. M.; Coupé, B.; Cucoanes, A. S.; D'Hondt, J.; Durand, D.; Fallot, M.; Fresneau, S.; Giot, L.; Guillon, B.; Guilloux, G.; Janssen, X.; Kalcheva, S.; Koonen, E.; Labare, M.; Moortgat, C.; Pronost, G.; Raes, L.; Ryckbosch, D.; Ryder, N.; Shitov, Y.; Vacheret, A.; Van Mulders, P.; Van Remortel, N.; Weber, A.; Yermia, F.

2016-04-01

Sterile neutrinos have been considered as a possible explanation for the recent reactor and Gallium anomalies arising from reanalysis of reactor flux and calibration data of previous neutrino experiments. A way to test this hypothesis is to look for distortions of the anti-neutrino energy caused by oscillation from active to sterile neutrino at close stand-off (˜ 6- 8m) of a compact reactor core. Due to the low rate of anti-neutrino interactions the main challenge in such measurement is to control the high level of gamma rays and neutron background. The SoLid experiment is a proposal to search for active-to-sterile anti-neutrino oscillation at very short baseline of the SCK•CEN BR2 research reactor. This experiment uses a novel approach to detect anti-neutrino with a highly segmented detector based on Lithium-6. With the combination of high granularity, high neutron-gamma discrimination using 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) and precise localization of the Inverse Beta Decay products, a better experimental sensitivity can be achieved compared to other state-of-the-art technology. This compact system requires minimum passive shielding allowing for very close stand off to the reactor. The experimental set up of the SoLid experiment and the BR2 reactor will be presented. The new principle of neutrino detection and the detector design with expected performance will be described. The expected sensitivity to new oscillations of the SoLid detector as well as the first measurements made with the 8 kg prototype detector deployed at the BR2 reactor in 2013-2014 will be reported.

Creating Magic Squares.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyon, Betty Clayton

1990-01-01

One method of making magic squares using a prolongated square is illustrated. Discussed are third-order magic squares, fractional magic squares, fifth-order magic squares, decimal magic squares, and even magic squares. (CW)

Note: An inexpensive square waveform ion funnel driver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffman, Nathan M.; Opačić, Bojana; Reilly, Peter T. A.

2017-01-01

An inexpensive frequency variable square waveform generator (WFG) was developed to use with existing sinusoidal waveform driven ion funnels. The developed WFG was constructed using readily available low voltage DC power supplies and discrete components placed in printed circuit boards. As applied to ion funnels, this WFG represents considerable cost savings over commercially available products without sacrificing performance. Operation of the constructed pulse generator has been demonstrated for a 1 nF ion funnel at an operating frequency of 1 MHz while switching 48 Vp-p.

Note: An inexpensive square waveform ion funnel driver.

PubMed

Hoffman, Nathan M; Opačić, Bojana; Reilly, Peter T A

2017-01-01

An inexpensive frequency variable square waveform generator (WFG) was developed to use with existing sinusoidal waveform driven ion funnels. The developed WFG was constructed using readily available low voltage DC power supplies and discrete components placed in printed circuit boards. As applied to ion funnels, this WFG represents considerable cost savings over commercially available products without sacrificing performance. Operation of the constructed pulse generator has been demonstrated for a 1 nF ion funnel at an operating frequency of 1 MHz while switching 48 V p-p .

Periorbital hemangiomas.

PubMed

Goldberg, N S; Rosanova, M A

1992-10-01

1. Any hemangioma that involves the upper or lower lid and leads to partial closure in infancy may interfere with or prevent development of normal binocular vision in a matter of days to weeks. 2. Hemangiomas least likely to interfere with vision are lower lid lesions occupying one third of the lid margin or less, not extending beyond the eyelid region, and resolving early. 3. Hemangiomas associated with deprivation amblyopia (with or without anisometropia) are lesions occupying more than one half of the lid margin, extending beyond the eyelid region, resolving late, and obstructing the visual axis. 4. Hemangiomas associated with isolated anisometropic amblyopia are local but bulky lesions that are usually but not always restricted to the upper lid, closing the eye partly and resolving late. 5. The treatment of choice for periorbital hemangiomas is corticosteroids, either systemic or intralesional.

On the anomaly of velocity-pressure decoupling in collocated mesh solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Sang-Wook; Vanoverbeke, Thomas

1991-01-01

The use of various pressure correction algorithms originally developed for fully staggered meshes can yield a velocity-pressure decoupled solution for collocated meshes. The mechanism that causes velocity-pressure decoupling is identified. It is shown that the use of a partial differential equation for the incremental pressure eliminates such a mechanism and yields a velocity-pressure coupled solution. Example flows considered are a three dimensional lid-driven cavity flow and a laminar flow through a 90 deg bend square duct. Numerical results obtained using the collocated mesh are in good agreement with the measured data and other numerical results.

Using Squares to Sum Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeTemple, Duane

2010-01-01

Purely combinatorial proofs are given for the sum of squares formula, 1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2] + ... + n[superscript 2] = n(n + 1) (2n + 1) / 6, and the sum of sums of squares formula, 1[superscript 2] + (1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2]) + ... + (1[superscript 2] + 2[superscript 2] + ... + n[superscript 2]) = n(n + 1)[superscript 2]…

Effects of low-impact-development (LID) practices on streamflow, runoff quantity, and runoff quality in the Ipswich River Basin, Massachusetts-A Summary of field and modeling studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zimmerman, Marc J.; Waldron, Marcus C.; Barbaro, Jeffrey R.; Sorenson, Jason R.

2010-01-01

Low-impact-development (LID) approaches are intended to create, retain, or restore natural hydrologic and water-quality conditions that may be affected by human alterations. Wide-scale implementation of LID techniques may offer the possibility of improving conditions in river basins, such as the Ipswich River Basin in Massachusetts, that have run dry during the summer because of groundwater withdrawals and drought. From 2005 to 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey, in a cooperative funding agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, monitored small-scale installations of LID enhancements designed to diminish the effects of storm runoff on the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater. Funding for the studies also was contributed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Targeted Watersheds Grant Program through a financial assistance agreement with Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The monitoring studies examined the effects of * replacing an impervious parking-lot surface with a porous surface on groundwater quality, * installing rain gardens and porous pavement in a neighborhood of 3 acres on the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff, and * installing a 3,000-ft2 (square-foot) green roof on the quantity and quality of rainfall-generated roof runoff. In addition to these small-scale installations, the U.S. Geological Survey's Ipswich River Basin model was used to simulate the basin-wide effects on streamflow of several changes: broad-scale implementation of LID techniques, reduced water-supply withdrawals, and water-conservation measures. Water-supply and conservation scenarios for application in model simulations were developed with the assistance of two technical advisory committees that included representatives of State agencies responsible for water resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, water suppliers, and non-governmental organizations. From June

[Reintervention with percutaneous balloon angioplasty in patients with congenital heart disease with left-sided obstructions].

PubMed

Márquez-González, Horacio; López-Gallegos, Diana; Pérez-Velázquez, Nataly Alejandra; Yáñez-Gutiérrez, Lucelli

2017-01-01

Left-sided cardiac obstructions represent 15% of congenital heart disease (CHD). The treatment in adults is surgical; however, balloon dilation by interventional catheterization can alleviate the symptoms in pediatric patients to allow them to reach the target height. The aim was to determine the survival and the factors associated with reintervention in patients with CHD with left-sided obstruction treated with balloon angioplasty. A cohort study was conducted in patients aged 4 to 17 years with left-sided heart obstruction (valvular stenosis [VS], supravalvular aortic stenosis [SAS], coarctation of the aorta [CA]) successfully treated with balloon angioplasty. The follow-up was of 10 years and the outcome variable was the restenosis with reintervention criteria. Pediatric stage at the time of the procedure, nutritional status, residual gradient, and presence of genetic syndromes were considered prognostic variables. For statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used. Chi squared was employed in qualitative variables and Kruskal-Wallis in quantitative variables. We had a total of 110 patients: 40% had CA, 35% VS, and 25% SAS. 39% required reintervention: 80% in SAS, 35% in CA, and 14% in VS. The intervention balloon is a stopgap measure that allows patients with left-sided obstructions to reach the target height.

An on-line modified least-mean-square algorithm for training neurofuzzy controllers.

PubMed

Tan, Woei Wan

2007-04-01

The problem hindering the use of data-driven modelling methods for training controllers on-line is the lack of control over the amount by which the plant is excited. As the operating schedule determines the information available on-line, the knowledge of the process may degrade if the setpoint remains constant for an extended period. This paper proposes an identification algorithm that alleviates "learning interference" by incorporating fuzzy theory into the normalized least-mean-square update rule. The ability of the proposed methodology to achieve faster learning is examined by employing the algorithm to train a neurofuzzy feedforward controller for controlling a liquid level process. Since the proposed identification strategy has similarities with the normalized least-mean-square update rule and the recursive least-square estimator, the on-line learning rates of these algorithms are also compared.

Acute GI obstruction.

PubMed

Hucl, Tomas

2013-10-01

Acute gastrointestinal obstruction occurs when the normal flow of intestinal contents is interrupted. The blockage can occur at any level throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical symptoms depend on the level and extent of obstruction. Various benign and malignant processes can produce acute gastrointestinal obstruction, which often represents a medical emergency because of the potential for bowel ischemia leading to perforation and peritonitis. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are thus essential. The typical clinical symptoms associated with obstruction include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain and failure to pass bowel movements. Abdominal distention, tympany due to an air-filled stomach and high-pitched bowel sounds suggest the diagnosis. The diagnostic process involves imaging including radiography, ultrasonography, contrast fluoroscopy and computer tomography in less certain cases. In patients with uncomplicated obstruction, management is conservative, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, intestinal decompression and bowel rest. In many cases, endoscopy may aid in both the diagnostic process and in therapy. Endoscopy can be used for bowel decompression, dilation of strictures or placement of self-expandable metal stents to restore the luminal flow either as a final treatment or to allow for a delay until elective surgical therapy. When gastrointestinal obstruction results in ischemia, perforation or peritonitis, emergency surgery is required. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Shock compression experiments on Lithium Deuteride (LiD) single crystals

DOE PAGES

Knudson, M. D.; Desjarlais, M. P.; Lemke, R. W.

2016-12-21

Shock compression experiments in the few hundred GPa (multi-Mabr) regime were performed on Lithium Deuteride (LiD) single crystals. This study utilized the high velocity flyer plate capability of the Sandia Z Machine to perform impact experiments at flyer plate velocities in the range of 17-32 km/s. Measurements included pressure, density, and temperature between ~200-600 GPa along the Principal Hugoniot – the locus of end states achievable through compression by large amplitude shock waves – as well as pressure and density of re - shock states up to ~900 GPa. Lastly, the experimental measurements are compared with recent density functional theorymore » calculations as well as a new tabular equation of state developed at Los Alamos National Labs.« less

The identity of the active site of oxalate decarboxylase and the importance of the stability of active-site lid conformations1

PubMed Central

Just, Victoria J.; Burrell, Matthew R.; Bowater, Laura; McRobbie, Iain; Stevenson, Clare E. M.; Lawson, David M.; Bornemann, Stephen

2007-01-01

Oxalate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.2) catalyses the conversion of oxalate into carbon dioxide and formate. It requires manganese and, uniquely, dioxygen for catalysis. It forms a homohexamer and each subunit contains two similar, but distinct, manganese sites termed sites 1 and 2. There is kinetic evidence that only site 1 is catalytically active and that site 2 is purely structural. However, the kinetics of enzymes with mutations in site 2 are often ambiguous and all mutant kinetics have been interpreted without structural information. Nine new site-directed mutants have been generated and four mutant crystal structures have now been solved. Most mutants targeted (i) the flexibility (T165P), (ii) favoured conformation (S161A, S164A, D297A or H299A) or (iii) presence (Δ162–163 or Δ162–164) of a lid associated with site 1. The kinetics of these mutants were consistent with only site 1 being catalytically active. This was particularly striking with D297A and H299A because they disrupted hydrogen bonds between the lid and a neighbouring subunit only when in the open conformation and were distant from site 2. These observations also provided the first evidence that the flexibility and stability of lid conformations are important in catalysis. The deletion of the lid to mimic the plant oxalate oxidase led to a loss of decarboxylase activity, but only a slight elevation in the oxalate oxidase side reaction, implying other changes are required to afford a reaction specificity switch. The four mutant crystal structures (R92A, E162A, Δ162–163 and S161A) strongly support the hypothesis that site 2 is purely structural. PMID:17680775

Diagnosis of hidden bronchial obstruction using computer-assessed tracheal forced expiratory noise time.

PubMed

Pochekutova, Irina A; Korenbaum, Vladimir I

2013-04-01

Increased forced expiratory time was first recognized as a marker of obstruction half a century ago. However, the reported diagnostic capabilities of both auscultated forced expiratory time (FET(as)) and spirometric forced expiratory time are contradictory. Computer analysis of respiratory noises provides a precise estimation of acoustic forced expiratory noise time (FET(a)) being the object-measured analogue of FET(as). The aim of this study was to analyse FET(a) diagnostic capabilities in patients with asthma based on the hypothesis that FET(a) could reveal hidden bronchial obstruction. A group of asthma patients involved 149 males aged 16-25 years. In this group, 71 subjects had spirometry features of bronchial obstruction, meanwhile, the remaining 78 had normal spirometry. A control group involved 77 healthy subjects. Spirometry and forced expiratory tracheal noise recording were sequentially measured for each participant. FET(a) values were estimated by means of a developed computer procedure, including bandpass filtration (200-2000 Hz), waveform envelope calculation with accumulation period of 0.01 s, automated measurement of FET(a) at 0.5% level from the peak amplitude. Specificity, sensitivity and area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of FET(a) and its ratios to squared chest circumference, height, weight were indistinguishable with baseline spirometry index FEV1 /forced vital capacity. Meanwhile, acoustic features of obstruction were revealed in 41%-49% of subgroup of patients with asthma but normal spirometry. FET(a) of tracheal noise and its ratio to anthropometric parameters seem to be sensitive and specific tests of hidden bronchial obstruction in young male asthma patients. © 2012 The Authors. Respirology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Within-breath respiratory impedance and airway obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Silva, Karla Kristine Dames da; Faria, Alvaro Camilo Dias; Lopes, Agnaldo José; Melo, Pedro Lopes de

2015-07-01

Recent work has suggested that within-breath respiratory impedance measurements performed using the forced oscillation technique may help to noninvasively evaluate respiratory mechanics. We investigated the influence of airway obstruction on the within-breath forced oscillation technique in smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and evaluated the contribution of this analysis to the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Twenty healthy individuals and 20 smokers were assessed. The study also included 74 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We evaluated the mean respiratory impedance (Zm) as well as values for the inspiration (Zi) and expiration cycles (Ze) at the beginning of inspiration (Zbi) and expiration (Zbe), respectively. The peak-to-peak impedance (Zpp=Zbe-Zbi) and the respiratory cycle dependence (ΔZrs=Ze-Zi) were also analyzed. The diagnostic utility was evaluated by investigating the sensitivity, the specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01888705. Airway obstruction increased the within-breath respiratory impedance parameters that were significantly correlated with the spirometric indices of airway obstruction (R=-0.65, p<0.0001). In contrast to the control subjects and the smokers, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients presented significant expiratory-inspiratory differences (p<0.002). The adverse effects of moderate airway obstruction were detected based on the Zpp with an accuracy of 83%. Additionally, abnormal effects in severe and very severe patients were detected based on the Zm, Zi, Ze, Zbe, Zpp and ΔZrs with a high degree of accuracy (>90%). We conclude the following: (1) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease introduces higher respiratory cycle dependence, (2) this increase is proportional to airway obstruction, and (3) the within-breath forced oscillation technique may provide novel parameters that facilitate the

Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

MedlinePlus

... condition as adults. Intestinal pseudo-obstruction may be acute, occurring suddenly and lasting a short time, or it may be chronic, or long lasting. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, also called Ogilvie syndrome or ...

Fiber optic mounted laser driven flyer plates

DOEpatents

Paisley, Dennis L.

1991-01-01

A laser driven flyer plate where the flyer plate is deposited directly onto the squared end of an optical fiber. The plasma generated by a laser pulse drives the flyer plate toward a target. In another embodiment, a first metal layer is deposited onto the squared end of an optical fiber, followed by a layer of a dielectric material and a second metal layer. The laser pulse generates a plasma in the first metal layer, but the plasma is kept away from the second metal layer by the dielectric layer until the pressure reaches the point where shearing occurs.

Prognostic significance of obstructive uropathy in advanced prostate cancer.

PubMed

Oefelein, Michael G

2004-06-01

To report the incidence and prognostic implications of obstructive uropathy (OU) in patients with advanced prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy and to define the impact initial local therapy has on the development of OU in patients with prostate cancer who develop recurrence and begin androgen deprivation therapy. From a population of 260 patients with advanced prostate cancer diagnosed between 1986 and 2003, OU was identified in 51 patients. The OU treatment options included ureteral stent, percutaneous nephrostomy, transurethral resection of the prostate, Foley catheter placement, and urinary diversion. Overall survival and the factors that influenced survival were calculated using standard statistical methods. OU was diagnosed in 15 (16%) of 80 patients who received local therapy with curative intent and in whom local therapy subsequently failed and in 36 (19%) of 180 patients who had never received local therapy (P = 0.7, chi-square test). Of these 51 patients, 39 had bladder neck obstruction and 16 had ureteral obstruction. Overall survival was significantly worse for the men with OU compared with those without OU (41 versus 54 months). OU was associated with tumor stage and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer. OU results in significantly reduced survival in men with prostate cancer. In a select group of patients with prostate cancer with progression after local therapy (primarily radiotherapy), no statistically significant reduction in the development of OU was observed relative to patients matched for stage, grade, and pretreatment prostate-specific antigen level treated with androgen deprivation therapy alone. Aggressive advanced stage and hormone-insensitive disease are variables associated with OU.

Overlap Areas of a Square Box on a Square Mesh

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

ARL-TN-0818 ● APR 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Overlap Areas of a Square Box on a Square Mesh by James U Cazamias...originator. ARL-TN-0818 ● APR 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Overlap Areas of a Square Box on a Square Mesh by James U Cazamias...

An optimized prototype of electromagnetic calorimeter for the SoLID project at Jefferson Lab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, C.; Wang, Y.; Xiao, D.; Han, D.; Zou, Z.; Li, Y.; Zheng, X.; Chen, J.

2018-02-01

A shashlik-type electromagnetic calorimeter will be produced in Hall A of Jefferson Laboratory for the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID). Wavelength-shifting (WLS) fibers and clear fibers will be used as the light guide part of the calorimeter. The blue light from scintillators is converted into green light by WLS fibers and is carried out to the back of the calorimeters for readout. Since the magnetic field of SoLID reaches about 1.5 T behind the calorimeters, the design is to use clear fibers to further guide the light out of the solenoid for readout by PMTs. Therefore, it is important to study the perfomance of WLS and clear fibers. This paper describes a comparative test of two different WLS fibers and a light attenuation test for a clear fiber. The results show that the performance of the two WLS fibers is the same under large curvature bending, and that the bending has no effect on the light transmission through the clear fiber. In addition, a comparison test for two fiber end-face reflective materials is also reported. It reveals that the use of silver ink as a reflective material can increase the light yield by 30%. Thereby, an optimized prototype based on the above experimental results was built and the basic performance was tested.

Novel human D-amino acid oxidase inhibitors stabilize an active-site lid-open conformation

PubMed Central

Terry-Lorenzo, Ryan T.; Chun, Lawrence E.; Brown, Scott P.; Heffernan, Michele L. R.; Fang, Q. Kevin; Orsini, Michael A.; Pollegioni, Loredano; Hardy, Larry W.; Spear, Kerry L.; Large, Thomas H.

2014-01-01

The NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) is a central regulator of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. hDAAO (human D-amino acid oxidase) indirectly reduces NMDAR activity by degrading the NMDAR co-agonist D-serine. Since NMDAR hypofunction is thought to be a foundational defect in schizophrenia, hDAAO inhibitors have potential as treatments for schizophrenia and other nervous system disorders. Here, we sought to identify novel chemicals that inhibit hDAAO activity. We used computational tools to design a focused, purchasable library of compounds. After screening this library for hDAAO inhibition, we identified the structurally novel compound, ‘compound 2’ [3-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-6-yl)propanoic acid], which displayed low nM hDAAO inhibitory potency (Ki=7 nM). Although the library was expected to enrich for compounds that were competitive for both D-serine and FAD, compound 2 actually was FAD uncompetitive, much like canonical hDAAO inhibitors such as benzoic acid. Compound 2 and an analog were independently co-crystalized with hDAAO. These compounds stabilized a novel conformation of hDAAO in which the active-site lid was in an open position. These results confirm previous hypotheses regarding active-site lid flexibility of mammalian D-amino acid oxidases and could assist in the design of the next generation of hDAAO inhibitors. PMID:25001371

Temperatures of the Ocular Surface, Lid, and Periorbital Regions of Sjögren's, Evaporative, and Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eyes Relative to Normals.

PubMed

Abreau, Kerstin; Callan, Christine; Kottaiyan, Ranjini; Zhang, Aizhong; Yoon, Geunyoung; Aquavella, James V; Zavislan, James; Hindman, Holly B

2016-01-01

To compare the temperatures of the ocular surface, eyelid, and periorbital skin in normal eyes with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) eyes, evaporative dry eyes (EDE), and aqueous deficient dry eyes (ADDE). 10 eyes were analyzed in each age-matched group (normal, SS, EDE, and ADDE). A noninvasive infrared thermal camera captured two-dimensional images in three regions of interest (ROI) in each of three areas: the ocular surface, the upper eyelid, and the periorbital skin within a controlled environmental chamber. Mean temperatures in each ROI were calculated from the videos. Ocular surface time-segmented cooling rates were calculated over a 5-s blink interval. Relative to normal eyes, dry eyes had lower initial central OSTs (SS -0.71°C, EDE -0.55°C, ADDE -0.95°C, KW P<.0001) and lower central upper lid temperatures (SS -0.24°C, ADDE -0.51°C, and EDE -0.54°C, KW P<.0001). ADDE eyes had the lowest initial central OST (P<.0001), while EDE eyes had the lowest central lid temperature and lower periorbital temperatures (P<.0001). Over the 5-s interblink interval, the greatest rate of temperature loss occurred following eyelid opening, but varied by group (normals -0.52, SS -0.73, EDE -0.63, and ADDE -0.75°C/s). The ADDE group also had the most substantial heat loss over the 5-s interblink interval (-0.97°C). Differences in OST may be related to thermal differences in lids and periorbita along with an altered tear film. Thermography of the ocular surface, lids, and surrounding tissues may help to differentiate between different etiologies of dry eye. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sleep Disorders in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Etiology, Impact, and Management

PubMed Central

Budhiraja, Rohit; Siddiqi, Tauseef A.; Quan, Stuart F.

2015-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and may frequently be complicated by sleep disorders. Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are commonly encountered in patients with COPD. Nocturnal hypoxemia is also prevalent in COPD may occur despite adequate awake oxygenation and can be especially severe in rapid eye movement sleep. Additionally, several factors—some of them unique to COPD—can contribute to sleep-related hypoventilation. Recognition of hypoventilation can be vital as supplemental oxygen therapy itself can acutely worsen hypoventilation and lead to disastrous consequences. Finally, accruing data establish an association between restless leg syndrome and COPD— an association that may be driven by hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia. Comorbid sleep disorders portend worse sleep quality, diminished quality of life, and multifarious other adverse consequences. The awareness and knowledge regarding sleep comorbidities in COPD has continued to evolve over past many years. There are still several lacunae, however, in our understanding of the etiologies, impact, and therapies of sleep disorders, specifically in patients with COPD. This review summarizes the latest concepts in prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of diverse sleep disorders in COPD. Citation: Budhiraja R, Siddiqi TA, Quan SF. Sleep disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: etiology, impact, and management. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(3):259–270. PMID:25700872

Enhanced characterization of singly protonated phosphopeptide ions by femtosecond laser-induced ionization/dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (fs-LID-MS/MS).

PubMed

Smith, Scott A; Kalcic, Christine L; Safran, Kyle A; Stemmer, Paul M; Dantus, Marcos; Reid, Gavin E

2010-12-01

To develop an improved understanding of the regulatory role that post-translational modifications (PTMs) involving phosphorylation play in the maintenance of normal cellular function, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) strategies coupled with ion activation techniques such as collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) are typically employed to identify the presence and site-specific locations of the phosphate moieties within a given phosphoprotein of interest. However, the ability of these techniques to obtain sufficient structural information for unambiguous phosphopeptide identification and characterization is highly dependent on the ion activation method employed and the properties of the precursor ion that is subjected to dissociation. Herein, we describe the application of a recently developed alternative ion activation technique for phosphopeptide analysis, termed femtosecond laser-induced ionization/dissociation (fs-LID). In contrast to CID and ETD, fs-LID is shown to be particularly suited to the analysis of singly protonated phosphopeptide ions, yielding a wide range of product ions including a, b, c, x, y, and z sequence ions, as well as ions that are potentially diagnostic of the positions of phosphorylation (e.g., 'a(n)+1-98'). Importantly, the lack of phosphate moiety losses or phosphate group 'scrambling' provides unambiguous information for sequence identification and phosphorylation site characterization. Therefore, fs-LID-MS/MS can serve as a complementary technique to established methodologies for phosphoproteomic analysis. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Reduced upper obstructions in N3 and increased lower obstructions in REM sleep stage detected with manometry.

PubMed

Wirth, Markus; Schramm, Juliane; Bautz, Maximilian; Hofauer, Benedikt; Edenharter, Günther; Ott, Armin; Heiser, Clemens

2018-01-01

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), airway obstruction occurs at different anatomic levels. The frequency and location of obstructions play a crucial role in the planning of surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharyngeal obstruction levels in different sleep stages with manometry in OSA patients. In addition, the manometry results were compared with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). Forty-one patients with OSA received manometry measurements during one night of sleep. All patients were simultaneously evaluated with polysomnography. The frequency of obstructions in different sleep stages was assessed. Twenty patients were additionally studied with DISE. Obstruction levels detected with manometry were compared with DISE. The frequency of upper and to a lesser extent lower obstructions decreased in sleep stage N3. In rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, lower obstructions increased. The overall proportion of upper and lower obstructions detected with manometry corresponded with DISE in 13 of 20 cases. A significant change in the obstruction levels was detected with manometry in N3 and REM sleep. The reduction of both upper and to a lesser extent lower obstructions in N3 suggests more stable airways in slow-wave sleep. Relevant lower obstructions were not detected in DISE compared to manometry in 5 out of 20 examinations. This could be a potential reason for treatment failure of site-specific surgical OSA treatment when only performing DISE preoperatively. Therefore, manometry could be a useful complementary tool in the preoperative evaluation for OSA.

Severity of Airflow Obstruction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Proposal for a New Classification.

PubMed

Coton, Sonia; Vollmer, William M; Bateman, Eric; Marks, Guy B; Tan, Wan; Mejza, Filip; Juvekar, Sanjay; Janson, Christer; Mortimer, Kevin; P A, Mahesh; Buist, A Sonia; Burney, Peter G J

2017-10-01

Current classifications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) severity are complex and do not grade levels of obstruction. Obstruction is a simpler construct and independent of ethnicity. We constructed an index of obstruction severity based on the FEV 1 /FVC ratio, with cut-points dividing the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study population into four similarly sized strata to those created by the GOLD criteria that uses FEV 1 . We measured the agreement between classifications and the validity of the FEV 1 -based classification in identifying the level of obstruction as defined by the new groupings. We compared the strengths of association of each classification with quality of life (QoL), MRC dyspnoea score and the self-reported exacerbation rate. Agreement between classifications was only fair. FEV 1 -based criteria for moderate COPD identified only 79% of those with moderate obstruction and misclassified half of the participants with mild obstruction as having more severe COPD. Both scales were equally strongly associated with QoL, exertional dyspnoea and respiratory exacerbations. Severity assessed using the FEV 1 /FVC ratio is only in moderate agreement with the severity assessed using FEV 1 but is equally strongly associated with other outcomes. Severity assessed using the FEV 1 /FVC ratio is likely to be independent of ethnicity.

Ending appreciable tobacco use in a nation: using a sinking lid on supply.

PubMed

Thomson, George; Wilson, Nick; Blakely, Tony; Edwards, Richard

2010-10-01

We discuss some of the practical and ethical questions that may arise for a jurisdiction where a sinking lid endgame strategy for tobacco supply is implemented. Such a strategy would involve regular required reductions in the amount of tobacco released to the market for sale, sufficient to achieve the desired level of commercial sales by a target date. Tobacco manufacturers would periodically bid to the government for a residual quota. Prices would increase as supply reduced. The price level would be influenced by demand, which in turn would reflect the impact of other interventions to reduce demand and the changing normality of smoking. Higher priced tobacco could result in increased smuggling, theft, illegal sales and short-to-medium-term aggravation of some social inequalities. We suggest that the strategy be introduced in conjunction with a range of complementary interventions that would help reduce demand, and thus help ensure that the possible adverse effects are minimised. These complementary interventions include: providing comprehensive best practice smoking cessation support, better information to smokers and the public, strengthened regulation of tobacco retailing and supply, further controlling the pack and product design, measures to restrict supplies that bypass the increases in product price, strengthened enforcement and combating industry attacks. General prerequisites for a sinking lid strategy include public support for the goal of a tobacco-free society, and strong political leadership. The likely context for initial success in jurisdictions includes geographical isolation and/or strong border controls, absence of significant tobacco production and/or manufacturing and low government corruption.

Nasal obstruction and human communication.

PubMed

Malinoff, R; Moreno, C

1989-04-01

Nasal obstruction may cause a variety of communication disorders, particularly in children. The effects of nasal obstruction on hearing, speech, language, and voice are examined. Methods for assessing the effects of nasal obstruction are delineated, and recommendations for therapeutic interventions are described.

Obstructive sleep apnea: current perspectives

PubMed Central

Osman, Amal M; Carter, Sophie G; Carberry, Jayne C; Eckert, Danny J

2018-01-01

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) continues to rise. So too do the health, safety, and economic consequences. On an individual level, the causes and consequences of OSA can vary substantially between patients. In recent years, four key contributors to OSA pathogenesis or “phenotypes” have been characterized. These include a narrow, crowded, or collapsible upper airway “anatomical compromise” and “non-anatomical” contributors such as ineffective pharyngeal dilator muscle function during sleep, a low threshold for arousal to airway narrowing during sleep, and unstable control of breathing (high loop gain). Each of these phenotypes is a target for therapy. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on the different contributors to OSA with a focus on measurement techniques including emerging clinical tools designed to facilitate translation of new cause-driven targeted approaches to treat OSA. The potential for some of the specific pathophysiological causes of OSA to drive some of the key symptoms and consequences of OSA is also highlighted. PMID:29416383

Primary obstructive megaureter.

PubMed

Sripathi, V; King, P A; Thomson, M R; Bogle, M S

1991-07-01

Twenty-three children with primary obstructive megaureters presented between 1978 and 1988 to the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth. Twenty-eight ureters were treated. Urinary infections were the presenting feature in 14 children. The obstructive segment was transvesically excised. Histopathologic examination of the distal, intramural ureter showed fibromuscular disarray with a relative increase in fibrous tissue and reduction of musculature in all specimens. Twenty-two ureters were tapered by excision and all 28 were reimplanted using an antireflux technique. Seventeen children were followed for an average of 3 years. Seven children showed renal growth, reduction in ureteric size by greater than 2 cm, improvement in glomerular filtration rate by more than 10%, no obstruction on reflux, and no infections in postoperative period. Four children showed all the above but suffered one or more infections after the operation. Of the remaining 6 children, 3 had postoperative obstruction and 3 had vesicoureteric reflux.

Plutonic-squishy lid and beyond: implications of intrusive magmatism and characterization of a new global-tectonic regime on Earth-like planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louro Lourenço, Diogo; Rozel, Antoine; Ballmer, Maxim; Tackley, Paul

2017-04-01

-plastic rheology: stagnant-lid regime (a one-plate planet), episodic lid (where the lithosphere is unstable and frequently overturns into the mantle), and mobile-lid regime (similar to plate tectonics). At high intrusion efficiencies, we observe and characterise a new additional regime called here "plutonic-squishy lid". This regime is characterised by a set of strong plates separated by warm and weak regions due to plutonism. Eclogitic drippings and lithospheric delaminations often occur around these weak regions. These processes lead to significant surface velocities, even if subduction is not active. The location of plate boundaries is strongly time-dependent and mainly occurs in magma intrusion regions. This regime is also distinctive because it generates a thin lithosphere, which results in high conductive heat fluxes and lower internal temperatures when compared to a stagnant lid. The plutonic-squishy-lid regime has the potential to be applicable to the Archean Earth and Venus, as it combines elements of both protoplate tectonic and vertical tectonic models, such as horizontal plate motion and reprocessing of the lithosphere for the former, and lithospheric diapirism, volcanism, and basal delamination for the later.

Spin-orbit coupling, electron transport and pairing instabilities in two-dimensional square structures

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

Kocharian, Armen N.; Fernando, Gayanath W.; Fang, Kun

Rashba spin-orbit effects and electron correlations in the two-dimensional cylindrical lattices of square geometries are assessed using mesoscopic two-, three- and four-leg ladder structures. Here the electron transport properties are systematically calculated by including the spin-orbit coupling in tight binding and Hubbard models threaded by a magnetic flux. These results highlight important aspects of possible symmetry breaking mechanisms in square ladder geometries driven by the combined effect of a magnetic gauge field spin-orbit interaction and temperature. The observed persistent current, spin and charge polarizations in the presence of spin-orbit coupling are driven by separation of electron and hole charges andmore » opposite spins in real-space. The modeled spin-flip processes on the pairing mechanism induced by the spin-orbit coupling in assembled nanostructures (as arrays of clusters) engineered in various two-dimensional multi-leg structures provide an ideal playground for understanding spatial charge and spin density inhomogeneities leading to electron pairing and spontaneous phase separation instabilities in unconventional superconductors. Such studies also fall under the scope of current challenging problems in superconductivity and magnetism, topological insulators and spin dependent transport associated with numerous interfaces and heterostructures.« less

Impedance Changes Indicate Proximal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Obstruction In Vitro.

PubMed

Basati, Sukhraaj; Tangen, Kevin; Hsu, Ying; Lin, Hanna; Frim, David; Linninger, Andreas

2015-12-01

Extracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt obstruction is one of the most important problems in hydrocephalus patient management. Despite ongoing research into better shunt design, robust and reliable detection of shunt malfunction remains elusive. The authors present a novel method of correlating degree of tissue ingrowth into ventricular CSF drainage catheters with internal electrical impedance. The impedance based sensor is able to continuously monitor shunt patency using intraluminal electrodes. Prototype obstruction sensors were fabricated for in-vitro analysis of cellular ingrowth into a shunt under static and dynamic flow conditions. Primary astrocyte cell lines and C6 glioma cells were allowed to proliferate up to 7 days within a shunt catheter and the impedance waveform was observed. During cell ingrowth a significant change in the peak-to-peak voltage signal as well as the root-mean-square voltage level was observed, allowing the impedance sensor to potentially anticipate shunt malfunction long before it affects fluid drainage. Finite element modeling was employed to demonstrate that the electrical signal used to monitor tissue ingrowth is contained inside the catheter lumen and does not endanger tissue surrounding the shunt. These results may herald the development of "next generation" shunt technology that allows prediction of malfunction before it affects patient outcome.

Physics of Failure Analysis of Xilinx Flip Chip CCGA Packages: Effects of Mission Environments on Properties of LP2 Underfill and ATI Lid Adhesive Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suh, Jong-ook

2013-01-01

The Xilinx Virtex 4QV and 5QV (V4 and V5) are next-generation field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for space applications. However, there have been concerns within the space community regarding the non-hermeticity of V4/V5 packages; polymeric materials such as the underfill and lid adhesive will be directly exposed to the space environment. In this study, reliability concerns associated with the non-hermeticity of V4/V5 packages were investigated by studying properties and behavior of the underfill and the lid adhesvie materials used in V4/V5 packages.

Evaluation of two techniques of partial urethral obstruction in the male rat model of bladder outlet obstruction.

PubMed

Melman, Arnold; Tar, Moses; Boczko, Judd; Christ, George; Leung, Albert C; Zhao, Weixin; Russell, Robert G

2005-11-01

To perform a comparison to determine which of two methods of partial urethral ligation produces the most consistent outcome and fewest side effects. Such a study has not been previously reported. Partial urethral ligation is a means of causing reproducible bladder outlet obstruction. In the male rat model, partial urethral obstruction can be performed either by perineal incision and bulbous urethral ligation or retropubic incision and midprostatic obstruction. Fifteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Five were selected for bulbous urethral obstruction through a perineal incision, five for midprostatic obstruction using a retropubic approach, and five for a sham operation through a perineal incision. The operative time was shorter and morbidity lower with the perineal approach compared with the retropubic approach. Inflammation or infection, or both, were seen in the prostate, bladder, proximal urethra, ureters, and kidneys in the rats in which a midprostatic obstruction was performed. The proximal urethra and prostate were mildly inflamed in those rats that underwent bulbous obstruction. Sham-operated rats exhibited mild prostatitis only. The perineal approach to the bulbous urethra is the method of choice for creating a partial urethral obstruction model of bladder outlet obstruction in the male rat.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Phenotypes and Markers of Vascular Disease: A Review

PubMed Central

Ramos, Alberto R.; Figueredo, Pedro; Shafazand, Shirin; Chediak, Alejandro D.; Abreu, Alexandre R.; Dib, Salim I.; Torre, Carlos; Wallace, Douglas M.

2017-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic and heterogeneous disorder that leads to early mortality, stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). OSA is defined by the apnea–hypopnea index, which is an index of OSA severity that combines apneas (pauses in breathing) and hypopneas (partial obstructions in breathing) associated with hypoxemia. Yet, other sleep metrics (i.e., oxygen nadir, arousal frequency), along with clinical symptoms and molecular markers could be better predictors of stroke and CVD outcomes in OSA. The recent focus on personalized medical care introduces the possibility of a unique approach to the treatment of OSA based on its phenotypes, defined by pathophysiological mechanisms and/or clinical presentation. We summarized what is known about OSA and its phenotypes, and review the literature on factors or intermediate markers that could increase stroke risk and CVD in patients with OSA. The OSA phenotypes where divided across three different domains (1) clinical symptoms (i.e., daytime sleepiness), (2) genetic/molecular markers, and (3) experimental data-driven approach (e.g., cluster analysis). Finally, we further highlight gaps in the literature framing a research agenda. PMID:29259576

[Adverse respiratory events after general anesthesia in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

PubMed

Xará, Daniela; Mendonça, Júlia; Pereira, Helder; Santos, Alice; Abelha, Fernando José

2015-01-01

Patients with STOP-BANG score >3 have a high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to evaluate early postoperative respiratory complications in adults with STOP-BANG score >3 after general anesthesia. This is a prospective double cohort study matching 59 pairs of adult patients with STOP-BANG score >3 (high risk of obstructive sleep apnea) and patients with STOP-BANG score <3 (low risk of obstructive sleep apnea), similar with respect to gender, age and type of surgery, admitted after elective surgery in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit in May 2011. Primary outcome was the development of adverse respiratory events. Demographics data, perioperative variables, and postoperative length of stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and in hospital were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used for comparisons. Subjects in both pairs of study subjects had a median age of 56 years, including 25% males, and 59% were submitted to intra-abdominal surgery. High risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had a higher median body mass index (31 versus 24kg/m(2), p<0.001) and had more frequently co-morbidities, including hypertension (58% versus 24%, p<0.001), dyslipidemia (46% versus 17%, p<0.001) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (17% versus 2%, p=0.004). These patients were submitted more frequently to bariatric surgery (20% versus 2%, p=0.002). Patients with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had more frequently adverse respiratory events (39% versus 10%, p<0.001), mild to moderate desaturation (15% versus 0%, p=0.001) and inability to breathe deeply (34% versus 9%, p=0.001). After general anesthesia high risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had an increased incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Adverse respiratory events after general anesthesia in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Xará, Daniela; Mendonça, Júlia; Pereira, Helder; Santos, Alice; Abelha, Fernando José

2015-01-01

Patients with STOP-BANG score >3 have a high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to evaluate early postoperative respiratory complications in adults with STOP-BANG score >3 after general anesthesia. This is a prospective double cohort study matching 59 pairs of adult patients with STOP-BANG score >3 (high risk of obstructive sleep apnea) and patients with STOP-BANG score <3 (low risk of obstructive sleep apnea), similar with respect to gender, age and type of surgery, admitted after elective surgery in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit in May 2011. Primary outcome was the development of adverse respiratory events. Demographics data, perioperative variables, and postoperative length of stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and in hospital were recorded. The Mann-Whitney test, the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used for comparisons. Subjects in both pairs of study subjects had a median age of 56 years, including 25% males, and 59% were submitted to intra-abdominal surgery. High risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had a higher median body mass index (31 versus 24kg/m(2), p<0.001) and had more frequently co-morbidities, including hypertension (58% versus 24%, p<0.001), dyslipidemia (46% versus 17%, p<0.001) and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (17% versus 2%, p=0.004). These patients were submitted more frequently to bariatric surgery (20% versus 2%, p=0.002). Patients with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had more frequently adverse respiratory events (39% versus 10%, p<0.001), mild to moderate desaturation (15% versus 0%, p=0.001) and inability to breathe deeply (34% versus 9%, p=0.001). After general anesthesia high risk of obstructive sleep apnea patients had an increased incidence of postoperative respiratory complications. Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

The lid of the container for the Mobile Base System, part of the Canadian arm, is prepared for remov

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, workers prepare to remove the lid of a container holding the Mobile Base System (MBS). The MBS is part of the Canadian Space Agency's Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), which is part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the International Space Station.

Correlation of soft palate length with velum obstruction and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Lim, Ju-Shin; Lee, Jae Woo; Han, Chun; Kwon, Jang-Woo

2018-06-01

Our aim in this study was to analyze whether soft palate length and velum obstruction during sleep are correlated and to determine the effects of related parameters on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity. We used computed tomography to measure soft palate length and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to evaluate velum obstruction severity. Patients also underwent polysomnography (PSG) for evaluation of OSAS severity. A retrospective cohort of 67 patients with OSAS treated between May 1st, 2013 and July 31st, 2016 was analyzed. Each patient underwent DISE, PSG, and computed tomography. Using DISE, velum obstruction was categorized by the VOTE classification method. Using computed tomography, soft palate length was measured as the length of the posterior nasal spine to the uvula. Correlations of velum obstruction in DISE and PSG parameters (obstructive apnea, hypopnea, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort related arousal (RERA), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), baseline SaO 2 , and minimum SaO 2 ) with soft palate length were also analyzed. Among the 67 patients, the average PNS-U length was 39.90±4.19mm. Length was significantly different by age but not by other demographic characteristics such as sex, past history, or BMI. DISE revealed a statistically significant difference of velum obstruction degree; the cutoff value for PNS-U was 39.47mm. The PSG results, obstructive apnea, AHI, RDI, baseline SaO 2 , and minimum SaO 2 were correlated with PNS-U length, while other results such as hypopnea and RERA showed no correlation. Analysis of soft palate length showed that increased PNS-U length was associated with higher rates of obstructive apnea, AHI, and RDI as assessed by PSG. In contrast, lower baseline SaO 2 and minimum SaO 2 values were seen by PSG; more severe velum obstruction was seen by DISE. We propose that when a soft palate is suspected in OSAS, computed tomography measurement of soft palate length is a valid method for

View of Corto Square Road from Corto Square. Buildings No. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

View of Corto Square Road from Corto Square. Buildings No. 27 at left, Building No. 25 at rear, and Building No. 26 at right. Parking areas on left and right, looking north - Easter Hill Village, Bordered by South Twenty-sixth Street, South Twenty-eighth Street, Hinkley Avenue, Foothill Avenue & Corto Square, Richmond, Contra Costa County, CA

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

PubMed

Gabbard, Scott L; Lacy, Brian E

2013-06-01

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare and serious disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized as a motility disorder with the primary defect of impaired peristalsis; symptoms are consistent with a bowel obstruction, although mechanical obstruction cannot be identified. CIP is classified as a neuropathy, myopathy, or mesenchymopathy; it is a neuropathic process in the majority of patients. The natural history of CIP is generally that of a progressive disorder, although occasional patients with secondary CIP note significant symptomatic improvement when the underlying disorder is identified and treated. Symptoms vary from patient to patient depending on the location of the luminal GI tract involved and the degree of involvement; however, the small intestine is nearly always involved. Common symptoms include dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal distension, constipation or diarrhea, and involuntary weight loss. Unfortunately, these symptoms are nonspecific, which can contribute to misdiagnosis or a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Since many of the symptoms and signs suggest a mechanical bowel obstruction, diagnostic tests typically focus on uncovering a mechanical obstruction, although routine tests do not identify an obstructive process. Nutrition supplementation is required for many patients with CIP due to symptoms of dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. This review discusses the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with CIP, with an emphasis on nutrition assessment and treatment options for patients with nutrition compromise.

Gallbladder Polyp Mimicking an Obstructive Calculus

PubMed Central

Bass, James; Fegelman, Ronald H.

1978-01-01

The second documented case of obstructing polyp of the gallbladder—an extremely rare lesion—is presented. Symptoms were indistinguishable from those of acute obstructive cholecystitis. The mechanism of obstruction is hypothesized. ImagesFigure 1 PMID:702555

Analysis of tritium production in concentric spheres of oralloy and /sup 6/LiD irradiated by 14-MeV neutrons

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

Fawcett, L.R. Jr.; Roberts, R.R. II; Hunter, R.E.

1988-03-01

Tritium production and activation of radiochemical detector foils in a sphere of /sup 6/LiD with an oralloy core irradiated by a central source of 14-MeV neutrons have been calculated and compared with experimental measurements. The experimental assembly consisted of an oralloy sphere surrounded by three solid /sup 6/LiD concentric shells with ampules of /sup 6/LiH and /sup 7/LiH and activation foils located in several positions throughout the assembly. The Los Alamos Monte Carlo Neutron Photon Transport Code (MCNP) was used to calculate neutron transport throughout the system, tritium production in the ampules, and foil activation. The overall experimentally observed-to-calculated ratiosmore » of tritium production were 0.996 +- 2.5% in /sup 6/Li ampules and 0.903 +- 5.2% in /sup 7/Li ampules. Observed-to-calculated ratios for foil activation are also presented. 11 refs., 4 figs., 7 tabs.« less

Endogenic Origin of Ceres' Surface as an Outcome of Mobile-Lid Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillo, J. C.; Choukroun, M.; Hodyss, R. P.; Johnson, P. V.; Raymond, C. A.; Rivkin, A.

2011-12-01

Until recently, the interest generated by large wet asteroids was primarily due to their status of protoplanets, i.e., their intermediate stage between planetesimals and fully-developed planets [1]. This picture changed a few years ago, when it was suggested that these objects contain a lot of free water [2]. Such an idea was recently substantiated by the detection of ice and organics at the surface of large outer main belt asteroids (24 Themis and 65 Cybele) [3, 4]. This discovery sheds a new light on these asteroids, which now represent astrobiological targets accessible within NASA's Discovery program. Ceres' place in this picture is especially compelling as ground-based observations have shown that that object bears on its surface materials that are formed in alkaline hydrothermal environments [5], and it is the third planetary body on which carbonates have been detected. Large wet asteroids are akin to medium-sized outer planet satellites in terms of global internal structure and geophysical processes, but they benefit from far more heat [6]. Icy satellites are subject to tidal heating, supplied in the deep interior (in most cases), with an intensity function of the time-dependent dynamical state of these objects. The main heat source available at asteroids is solar energy, a permanent source that has been increasing with time. The contrast in surface temperature between the two classes of objects implies very different settings for endogenic and geological activity. Indeed the contrast in viscosity across icy satellite icy shells is at least ten orders of magnitude, while that contrast is only three to five orders of magnitude in the case of asteroids. This results preferentially in stagnant-lid convection in the former situation. On the other hand, we have demonstrated that Ceres could be subject to mobile-lid convection for at least part of its history [7]. Whether this regime is occurring nowadays depends on a number of unconstrained parameters. However

All Square Chiliagonal Numbers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

A?iru, Muniru A.

2016-01-01

A square chiliagonal number is a number which is simultaneously a chiliagonal number and a perfect square (just as the well-known square triangular number is both triangular and square). In this work, we determine which of the chiliagonal numbers are perfect squares and provide the indices of the corresponding chiliagonal numbers and square…

Effects of varying subthalamic nucleus stimulation on apraxia of lid opening in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Tommasi, Giorgio; Krack, Paul; Fraix, Valérie; Pollak, Pierre

2012-09-01

Apraxia of lid opening (ALO) is a non-paralytic inability to open the eyes or sustain lid elevation at will. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the syndrome are still unknown. ALO has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) after subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS), suggesting a possible involvement of the basal ganglia. We aimed to assess the effects of varying STN stimulation voltage on ALO in PD patients. Seven out of 14 PD patients with bilateral STN stimulation consecutively seen in our centre presented with ALO. We progressively increased voltage on each STN, using either 130 Hz (high-frequency stimulation, HFS) or 2 or 3 Hz (low-frequency stimulation, LFS). In five patients, HFS induced ALO time-locked to stimulation in 7 out of 10 STNs at a voltage higher than that used for chronic stimulation. LFS induced myoclonus in the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle (pOOm) with a rhythm synchronous to the frequency. In the other two patients with ALO already present at the time of the study, HFS improved ALO in 3 out of 4 STNs. ALO recurred within minutes of stimulation arrest. Our findings show that STN-DBS can have opposite effects on ALO. On the one hand, ALO is thought to be a corticobulbar side effect due to lateral current spreading from the STN, in which case it is necessary to use voltages below the ALO-inducing threshold. On the other hand, ALO may be considered a form of off-phase focal dystonia possibly improved by increasing the stimulation voltages.

16O resonances near 4α threshold through 12C (6Li,d ) reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, M. R. D.; Borello-Lewin, T.; Miyake, H.; Horodynski-Matsushigue, L. B.; Duarte, J. L. M.; Rodrigues, C. L.; de Faria, P. Neto; Cunsolo, A.; Cappuzzello, F.; Foti, A.; Agodi, C.; Cavallaro, M.; di Napoli, M.; Ukita, G. M.

2014-11-01

Several narrow alpha resonant 16O states were detected through the 12C (6Li,d ) reaction, in the range of 13.5 to 17.5 MeV of excitation energy. The reaction was measured at a bombarding energy of 25.5 MeV employing the São Paulo Pelletron-Enge-Spectrograph facility and the nuclear emulsion technique. Experimental angular distributions associated with natural parity quasi-bound states around the 4α threshold are presented and compared to DWBA predictions. The upper limit for the resonance widths obtained is near the energy resolution (15 keV).

Lid opening and conformational stability of T1 Lipase is mediated by increasing chain length polar solvents

PubMed Central

Mohamad Ali, Mohd Shukuri; Salleh, Abu Bakar; Rahman, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd; Normi, Yahaya M.; Mohd Shariff, Fairolniza

2017-01-01

The dynamics and conformational landscape of proteins in organic solvents are events of potential interest in nonaqueous process catalysis. Conformational changes, folding transitions, and stability often correspond to structural rearrangements that alter contacts between solvent molecules and amino acid residues. However, in nonaqueous enzymology, organic solvents limit stability and further application of proteins. In the present study, molecular dynamics (MD) of a thermostable Geobacillus zalihae T1 lipase was performed in different chain length polar organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and pentanol) and water mixture systems to a concentration of 50%. On the basis of the MD results, the structural deviations of the backbone atoms elucidated the dynamic effects of water/organic solvent mixtures on the equilibrium state of the protein simulations in decreasing solvent polarity. The results show that the solvent mixture gives rise to deviations in enzyme structure from the native one simulated in water. The drop in the flexibility in H2O, MtOH, EtOH and PrOH simulation mixtures shows that greater motions of residues were influenced in BtOH and PtOH simulation mixtures. Comparing the root mean square fluctuations value with the accessible solvent area (SASA) for every residue showed an almost correspondingly high SASA value of residues to high flexibility and low SASA value to low flexibility. The study further revealed that the organic solvents influenced the formation of more hydrogen bonds in MtOH, EtOH and PrOH and thus, it is assumed that increased intraprotein hydrogen bonding is ultimately correlated to the stability of the protein. However, the solvent accessibility analysis showed that in all solvent systems, hydrophobic residues were exposed and polar residues tended to be buried away from the solvent. Distance variation of the tetrahedral intermediate packing of the active pocket was not conserved in organic solvent systems, which

Post-obstructive pulmonary edema from aspirated nuts.

PubMed

Bashir, Ahsan; Ahmad, Sabina Qureshi; Silverman, Joshua; Concepcion, Emily; Lee, Haesoon

2017-01-01

Post-obstructive pulmonary edema is thought to occur from hemodynamic changes secondary to forced inspiration against the closed airway due to acute or chronic airway obstruction. We report a case of a 13 month-old boy who developed pulmonary edema from aspirated foreign body, nuts. He underwent emergency bronchoscopy to confirm the clinical diagnosis of aspirated nuts in the trachea and nuts were removed endoscopically. His trachea was then intubated and he was mechanically ventilated with oxygen. He developed florid pulmonary edema early in the course with tracheal obstruction and during endoscopic removal of nuts. After removal of obstruction he was ventilated mechanically and pulmonary edema cleared rapidly. Aspirated nuts obstructing trachea can induce obstructive pulmonary edema. Early recognition of foreign body obstruction based on clinical history and its removal resolved pulmonary edema.

Study on an antagonist differentiated heated lid driven-cavity enclosing a tube: lattice Boltzmann method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaoyan; Pellerin, Nicolas; Reggio, Marcelo; Bennacer, Rachid

2017-05-01

The method of lattice-Boltzmann multiple relaxation time (MRT) is commonly applied to study the conversion system consisting in a combination of forced convection and natural convection occurred in a cavity. Moving the top surface horizontally at a fixed speed, while two vertical walls are applied with constant different temperatures, assuming adiabatic case on both bottom and top walls. We consider a "non-cooperating" situation, where dynamics and buoyancy forces counterbalance. The cavity contains a circular cylinder placed at various positions. Boundary conditions for velocity and temperature have been applied to handle the non-Cartesian boundary of the cylinder. In lattice Boltzmann methods we adopt the double distribution model for calculating both the thermal and hydrodynamic fields. The D2Q5 and D2Q9 lattice are chosen to perform the simulations for a wide range of Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers. By calculating the average Nusselt number, we also investigated the influence of different obstacle positions on characteristics of flow and heat transfer. The results show the influence of the obstacle position on the dimensionless numbers, so as to effect the heat transfer behaviors inside the cavity. It is also indicates that the governing parameters are also related to driven power for the upper surface sliding. Contribution to the topical issue "Materials for Energy harvesting, conversion and storage II (ICOME 2016)", edited by Jean-Michel Nunzi, Rachid Bennacer and Mohammed El Ganaoui

The Fate of Nephrons in Congenital Obstructive Nephropathy: Adult Recovery is Limited by Nephron Number Despite Early Release of Obstruction.

PubMed

Sergio, Maria; Galarreta, Carolina I; Thornhill, Barbara A; Forbes, Michael S; Chevalier, Robert L

2015-11-01

Urinary tract obstruction and reduced nephron number often occur together as a result of maldevelopment of the kidneys and the urinary tract. We determined the role of nephron number on adaptation of the remaining nephrons of mice subjected to neonatal partial unilateral ureteral obstruction followed through adulthood. Wild-type and Os/+ mice (the latter with 50% fewer nephrons) underwent sham operation or partial unilateral ureteral obstruction in the first 2 days of life. Additional mice underwent release of unilateral ureteral obstruction at 7 days. All kidneys were harvested at 3 weeks (weaning) or 6 weeks (adulthood). Glomerular number and area, glomerulotubular junction integrity, proximal tubular volume fraction and interstitial fibrosis were measured by histomorphometry. In the obstructed kidney unilateral ureteral obstruction caused additional nephron loss in Os/+ but not in wild-type mice. Glomerular growth from 3 to 6 weeks was impaired by ipsilateral obstruction and not preserved by release in wild-type or Os/+ mice. Proximal tubular growth was impaired and interstitial collagen was increased by ipsilateral obstruction in all mice. These conditions were attenuated by release of unilateral ureteral obstruction in wild-type mice but were not restored in Os/+ mice. Unilateral ureteral obstruction increased interstitial collagen in the contralateral kidney while release of obstruction enhanced tubular growth and reduced interstitial collagen. Unilateral ureteral obstruction in early postnatal development impairs adaptation to reduced nephron number and induces additional nephron loss despite release of obstruction. Premature and low birth weight infants with congenital obstructive nephropathy are likely at increased risk for progression of chronic kidney disease. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Postradiation ureteral obstruction: a reappraisal

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

Muram, D.; Oxorn, H.; Curry, R.H.

1981-02-01

Thirty-four patients who received radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix developed hydronephrosis. Twelve of 34 (35%) had no evidence of pelvic malignancy, and the obstruction was caused by periureteral fibrosis. The incidence of obstructive uropathy due to periureteral fibrosis not associated with recurrent tumor increased when the obstructing lesion was unilateral, the clinical staging of the cervical carcinoma prior to therapy was Stage IB or Stage II rather than Stage III or Stage IV, and the obstructing lesion appeared 2 or more years after the completion of radiation therapy. The appearance of hydronephrosis in association with ipsilateral leg edema,more » and sciatic pain in these patients strongly suggest a recurrent tumor. The diagnosis of periureteral fibrosis should be considered in all patients who develop obstruction of the urinary tract after radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix. Laparotomy is indicated if all other methods of investigation fail to confirm the presence of a malignant lesion.« less

[The Investigation of Acanthamoeba and Other Free Living Amoeba in Swab Samples Obtained from Conjunctiva and Eye Lid].

PubMed

Yünlü, Önder; Özçelik, Semra; Arıcı, Mustafa Kemal

2015-09-01

In the study, it is aimed to determine the prevalence of Acanthamoeba and other free-living amoeba (FLA) species in the swab samples obtained from conjunctiva and lower eye lid. For this purpose, swab samples from the 500 patients'eye lid and conjunctiva were obtained who admitted to Cumhuriyet University, Research and Application Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology with variety of reasons. Swab samples were carried out using sterile cotton swab in steril tubes. The swab samples were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). Live Escherichia coli was used as food source for the growth of the FLA. The NNA plates were incubated at 300C and examined daily using ligth microscope for two weeks. For morphotyping of the trophozoites and cysts of the FLA were used taxonomic keys. Two of the 500 swab samples (0.4%) were positive for FLA. One of them (0.2%) were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. and other was identified as Hartmannella spp. However, these patients did not reveal any complaints yet. FLA both themselves and bacteria carrying in their body as reservoirs are potential pathogen. The rapid spread of Acanthamoeba keratitis in recent years reveal that these microorganisms are in contact with the eyes.

Surgical management of nasal obstruction.

PubMed

Moche, Jason A; Palmer, Orville

2012-05-01

The proper evaluation of the patient with nasal obstruction relies on a comprehensive history and physical examination. Once the site of obstruction is accurately identified, the patient may benefit from a trial of medical management. At times however, the definitive treatment of nasal obstruction relies on surgical management. Recognizing the nasal septum, nasal valve, and turbinates as possible sites of obstruction and addressing them accordingly can dramatically improve a patient's nasal breathing. Conservative resection of septal cartilage, submucous reduction of the inferior turbinate, and structural grafting of the nasal valve when appropriate will provide the optimal improvement in nasal airflow and allow for the most stable results. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Central Airway Obstruction: Benign Strictures, Tracheobronchomalacia, and Malignancy-related Obstruction.

PubMed

Murgu, Septimiu Dan; Egressy, Katarine; Laxmanan, Balaji; Doblare, Guillermo; Ortiz-Comino, Rosamaria; Hogarth, D Kyle

2016-08-01

The purpose of this article is to provide an update on methods for palliating symptoms in patients with histologically benign and malignant central airway obstruction. We review the published literature within the past decade on postintubation, posttracheostomy, and TB- and transplant-related airway strictures; tracheobronchomalacia; and malignant airway obstruction. We review terminology, classification systems, and parameters that impact treatment decisions. The focus is on how airway stent insertion fits into the best algorithm of care. Several case series and cohort studies demonstrate that airway stents improve dyspnea, lung function, and quality of life in patients with airway obstruction. Airway stenting, however, is associated with high rates of adverse events and should be used only when curative open surgical interventions are not feasible or are contraindicated. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discrete square root smoothing.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaminski, P. G.; Bryson, A. E., Jr.

1972-01-01

The basic techniques applied in the square root least squares and square root filtering solutions are applied to the smoothing problem. Both conventional and square root solutions are obtained by computing the filtered solutions, then modifying the results to include the effect of all measurements. A comparison of computation requirements indicates that the square root information smoother (SRIS) is more efficient than conventional solutions in a large class of fixed interval smoothing problems.

Microscopic hematuria and calculus-related ureteral obstruction.

PubMed

Stewart, D P; Kowalski, R; Wong, P; Krome, R

1990-01-01

The evaluation of patients with ureteral calculi in the emergency department has historically included urinalysis (UA) and intravenous pyelograms (IVP). This retrospective study was done to determine if a statistically significant relationship existed between the degree of calculus-related ureteral obstruction, proven by IVP, and the presence or absence of microscopic hematuria. Urine red blood cells were recorded as less than 3 rbc/hpf (negative) or greater than or equal to 3 rbc/hpf (positive). IVPs were recorded as nonsevere or severe. IVP criteria were based on the presence or absence of extravasation, greater than 2-hour ureteral filling times, and a numerical scoring system of 1 to 4 for ureteral or calyceal dilatation and nephrogenic effect. Eighty-nine men (72%) had non-severe obstructions and 34 (28%) had severe obstructions. Twenty-five women (68%) had nonsevere obstructions and 12 (32%) had severe obstructions. Of the 28 patients with normal UAs, 11 had severe ureteral obstructions and 17 had nonsevere ureteral obstructions. There were no statistically significant differences between the presence or absence of significant microscopic hematuria and the presence or absence of severe ureteral obstruction. Microscopic hematuria is neither sensitive nor specific in determining the degree of calculus-related ureteral obstruction.

SQUARE WAVE AMPLIFIER

DOEpatents

Leavitt, M.A.; Lutz, I.C.

1958-08-01

An amplifier circuit is described for amplifying sigmals having an alternating current component superimposed upon a direct current component, without loss of any segnnent of the alternating current component. The general circuit arrangement includes a vibrator, two square wave amplifiers, and recombination means. The amplifier input is connected to the vibrating element of the vibrator and is thereby alternately applied to the input of each square wave amplifier. The detailed circuitry of the recombination means constitutes the novelty of the annplifier and consists of a separate, dual triode amplifier coupled to the output of each square wave amplifier with a recombination connection from the plate of one amplifier section to a grid of one section of the other amplifier. The recombination circuit has provisions for correcting distortion caused by overlapping of the two square wave voltages from the square wave amplifiers.

Magic with Magic Squares.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wills, Herbert III

1989-01-01

Describes ways to make magic squares of 4 by 4 matrices. Presents two handouts: (1) Sets of 4 Numbers from 1 to 16 Whose Sum is 34; and (2) The Durer Square. Shows patterns which appeared in the magic squares, such as squares, chevrons, rhomboids, and trapezoids. (YP)

Snoring Sounds Predict Obstruction Sites and Surgical Response in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Lee, Li-Ang; Lo, Yu-Lun; Yu, Jen-Fang; Lee, Gui-She; Ni, Yung-Lun; Chen, Ning-Hung; Fang, Tuan-Jen; Huang, Chung-Guei; Cheng, Wen-Nuan; Li, Hsueh-Yu

2016-01-01

Snoring sounds generated by different vibrators of the upper airway may be useful indicators of obstruction sites in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study aimed to investigate associations between snoring sounds, obstruction sites, and surgical responses (≥50% reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] and <10 events/hour) in patients with OSAHS. This prospective cohort study recruited 36 OSAHS patients for 6-hour snoring sound recordings during in-lab full-night polysomnography, drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), and relocation pharyngoplasty. All patients received follow-up polysomnography after 6 months. Fifteen (42%) patients with at least two complete obstruction sites defined by DISE were significantly, positively associated with maximal snoring sound intensity (40–300 Hz; odds ratio [OR], 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.49) and body mass index (OR, 1.48, 95% CI 1.02–2.15) after logistic regression analysis. Tonsil obstruction was significantly, inversely correlated with mean snoring sound intensity (301–850 Hz; OR, 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.96). Moreover, baseline tonsil obstruction detected by either DISE or mean snoring sound intensity (301–850 Hz), and AHI could significantly predict the surgical response. Our findings suggest that snoring sound detection may be helpful in determining obstruction sites and predict surgical responses. PMID:27471038

Critical slowing down in driven-dissipative Bose-Hubbard lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicentini, Filippo; Minganti, Fabrizio; Rota, Riccardo; Orso, Giuliano; Ciuti, Cristiano

2018-01-01

We explore theoretically the dynamical properties of a first-order dissipative phase transition in coherently driven Bose-Hubbard systems, describing, e.g., lattices of coupled nonlinear optical cavities. Via stochastic trajectory calculations based on the truncated Wigner approximation, we investigate the dynamical behavior as a function of system size for one-dimensional (1D) and 2D square lattices in the regime where mean-field theory predicts nonlinear bistability. We show that a critical slowing down emerges for increasing number of sites in 2D square lattices, while it is absent in 1D arrays. We characterize the peculiar properties of the collective phases in the critical region.

Weighted Least Squares Fitting Using Ordinary Least Squares Algorithms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiers, Henk A. L.

1997-01-01

A general approach for fitting a model to a data matrix by weighted least squares (WLS) is studied. The approach consists of iteratively performing steps of existing algorithms for ordinary least squares fitting of the same model and is based on maximizing a function that majorizes WLS loss function. (Author/SLD)

[A case of gastric outlet obstruction and rectal obstruction due to metastases from breast cancer treated by gastroduodenal and colon stenting].

PubMed

Morimoto, Yoshihiro; Egawa, Chiyomi; Ishida, Tomo; Sato, Yasufumi; Kusama, Hiroki; Hashimoto, Tadayoshi; Matsushita, Katsunori; Kimura, Kei; Katsura, Yoshiteru; Nitta, Kanae; Kagawa, Yoshinori; Okishiro, Masatsugu; Takeno, Atsushi; Nakahira, Shin; Sakisaka, Hideki; Taniguchi, Hirokazu; Takeda, Yutaka; Kato, Takeshi; Tamura, Shigeyuki; Takatsuka, Yuichi

2014-11-01

Malignant bowel obstruction often causes oral intake difficulties and decreases quality of life. In Japan, gastroduodenal stenting for malignant gastric outlet obstruction has been covered by health insurance since 2010, while colon stenting has been covered since 2012. Both approaches are useful treatments for malignant bowel obstruction. Here we report the case of a woman with gastric outlet obstruction and rectal obstruction due to breast cancer metastases who was able to eat solid food after duodenal and colon stenting. When choosing whether to perform endoscopic stenting or surgical intervention such as gastrojejunostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy for treating malignant bowel obstruction, it is important to assess the patient's general condition and prognosis as well as the obstruction position.

Live Speech Driven Head-and-Eye Motion Generators.

PubMed

Le, Binh H; Ma, Xiaohan; Deng, Zhigang

2012-11-01

This paper describes a fully automated framework to generate realistic head motion, eye gaze, and eyelid motion simultaneously based on live (or recorded) speech input. Its central idea is to learn separate yet interrelated statistical models for each component (head motion, gaze, or eyelid motion) from a prerecorded facial motion data set: 1) Gaussian Mixture Models and gradient descent optimization algorithm are employed to generate head motion from speech features; 2) Nonlinear Dynamic Canonical Correlation Analysis model is used to synthesize eye gaze from head motion and speech features, and 3) nonnegative linear regression is used to model voluntary eye lid motion and log-normal distribution is used to describe involuntary eye blinks. Several user studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed speech-driven head and eye motion generator using the well-established paired comparison methodology. Our evaluation results clearly show that this approach can significantly outperform the state-of-the-art head and eye motion generation algorithms. In addition, a novel mocap+video hybrid data acquisition technique is introduced to record high-fidelity head movement, eye gaze, and eyelid motion simultaneously.

State Estimation for Linear Systems Driven Simultaneously by Wiener and Poisson Processes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

The state estimation problem of linear stochastic systems driven simultaneously by Wiener and Poisson processes is considered, especially the case...where the incident intensities of the Poisson processes are low and the system is observed in an additive white Gaussian noise. The minimum mean squared

Cohort profile: The lidA Cohort Study—a German Cohort Study on Work, Age, Health and Work Participation

PubMed Central

Hasselhorn, Hans Martin; Peter, Richard; Rauch, Angela; Schröder, Helmut; Swart, Enno; Bender, Stefan; du Prel, Jean-Baptist; Ebener, Melanie; March, Stefanie; Trappmann, Mark; Steinwede, Jacob; Müller, Bernd Hans

2014-01-01

The lidA Cohort Study (German Cohort Study on Work, Age, Health and Work Participation) was set up to investigate and follow the effects of work and work context on the physical and psychological health of the ageing workforce in Germany and subsequently on work participation. Cohort participants are initially employed people subject to social security contributions and born in either 1959 (n = 2909) or 1965 (n = 3676). They were personally interviewed in their homes in 2011 and will be visited every 3 years. Data collection comprises socio-demographic data, work and private exposures, work ability, work and work participation attitudes, health, health-related behaviour, personality and attitudinal indicators. Employment biographies are assessed using register data. Subjective health reports and physical strength measures are complemented by health insurance claims data, where permission was given. A conceptual framework has been developed for the lidA Cohort Study within which three confirmatory sub-models assess the interdependencies of work and health considering age, gender and socioeconomic status. The first set of the data will be available to the scientific community by 2015. Access will be given by the Research Data Centre of the German Federal Employment Agency at the Institute for Employment Research (http://fdz.iab.de/en.aspx). PMID:24618186

SoLid: An innovative anti-neutrino detector for searching oscillations at the SCK•CEN BR2 reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abreu, Yamiel; SoLid Collaboration

2017-02-01

The SoLid experiment intends to search for active-to-sterile anti-neutrino oscillations at a very short baseline from the SCK•CEN BR2 research reactor (Mol, Belgium). A novel detector approach to measure reactor anti-neutrinos was developed based on an innovative sandwich of composite polyvinyl-toluene and 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillators. The system is highly segmented and read out by a network of wavelength shifting fibers and SiPM. High experimental sensitivity can be achieved compared to other standard technologies thanks to the combination of high granularity, good neutron-gamma discrimination using 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillator and precise localisation of the Inverse Beta Decay products. This technology can be considered as a new generation of an anti-neutrino detector. This compact system requires limited passive shielding and relies on spatial topology to determine the different classes of backgrounds. We will describe the principle of detection and the detector design. Particular focus on the neutron discrimination will be made, as well as on the capability to use cosmic muons for channel equalisation and energy calibration. The performance of the first 288 kg SoLid module (SM1), based on the data taken at BR2 from February to September 2015, will be presented. We will conclude with the next phase, which will start in 2016, and the future plans of the experiment.

Obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

White, David P; Younes, Magdy K

2012-10-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. Control of pharyngeal patency is a complex process relating primarily to basic anatomy and the activity of many pharyngeal dilator muscles. The control of these muscles is regulated by a number of processes including respiratory drive, negative pressure reflexes, and state (sleep) effects. In general, patients with OSA have an anatomically small airway the patency of which is maintained during wakefulness by reflex-driven augmented dilator muscle activation. At sleep onset, muscle activity falls, thereby compromising the upper airway. However, recent data suggest that the mechanism of OSA differs substantially among patients, with variable contributions from several physiologic characteristics including, among others: level of upper airway dilator muscle activation required to open the airway, increase in chemical drive required to recruit the pharyngeal muscles, chemical control loop gain, and arousal threshold. Thus, the cause of sleep apnea likely varies substantially between patients. Other physiologic mechanisms likely contributing to OSA pathogenesis include falling lung volume during sleep, shifts in blood volume from peripheral tissues to the neck, and airway edema. Apnea severity may progress over time, likely due to weight gain, muscle/nerve injury, aging effects on airway anatomy/collapsibility, and changes in ventilatory control stability. © 2012 American Physiological Society

Search for a more adequate test to predict the long-term migration from the PVC gaskets of metal lids into oily foods in glass jars.

PubMed

Graubardt, Nadine; Biedermann, Maurus; Fiselier, Katell; Bolzoni, Luciana; Pedrelli, Turno; Cavalieri, Chiara; Simoneau, Cathérine; Grob, Koni

2009-07-01

As shown previously, the conventional testing procedure for simulating long-term migration from the gaskets of metal closures into oily foods does not adequately reflect reality. It appears to be impossible to accelerate migration to the extent that the situation at the end of the shelf life of a product can be anticipated in a few days or weeks. Therefore, we investigated whether long-term migration could be extrapolated from migration rates determined for new lids. Jars were kept in the normal upright position. Since heat treatment may have a strong temporary impact, migration during the initial heating for pasteurization or sterilization and storage at ambient temperature were determined using different lids. Commercial products were recalled from sales points throughout Europe to determine the real migration over extended periods of time and for jars with differing histories. This migration was compared with data from the short-term testing to investigate whether an empirical relationship could be derived. The results show that the short-term test enables the comparison of lids and plasticizers in the initial phase of migration, but that long-term extrapolation presupposes more complex kinetic modeling. The results also demonstrate that the legal relevance of "official" testing methods should be reconsidered to avoid conflict when food contact materials comply with migration limits in the test but not in actual application.

Migration of epoxidised soybean oil from PVC gaskets of commercial lids: simulation of migration under various conditions and screening of food products from Czech markets.

PubMed

Hanušová, Kristýna; Vrbík, Karel; Rajchl, Aleš; Dobiáš, Jaroslav; Sosnovcová, Jitka

2015-01-01

Previous studies have shown that a large number of polyvinylchloride (PVC) lid gaskets exceed the existing migration limits for epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) and correct prediction of ESBO release into food therefore appears to be a difficult issue. ESBO migration from PVC gaskets of metal closures into food simulants and food products from the Czech market is evaluated during a survey in 2009 and subsequently one in 2012 to assess progress in lid manufacturing and official testing conditions. ESBO migration from lids into various food simulants was studied at various temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) during storage times up to 12 months. ESBO released into food simulants or food products was transmethylated, derivatised and analysed by GC-MS. The levels of ESBO migration in foodstuffs in 2012 exceeded the specific migration limit (SML) in fewer products in comparison with the previous survey. However, most of the products were analysed at a time far from the expiry date and exceedance of the SML at the end of the product shelf life is not therefore excluded. More severe test conditions (60°C for 10 days) for specific migration given by the current European Union legislation (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011) still seem to be insufficient for the simulation of ESBO migration during long-term storage.

Evolutionary games combining two or three pair coordinations on a square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Király, Balázs; Szabó, György

2017-10-01

We study multiagent logit-rule-driven evolutionary games on a square lattice whose pair interactions are composed of a maximal number of nonoverlapping elementary coordination games describing Ising-type interactions between just two of the available strategies. Using Monte Carlo simulations we investigate the macroscopic noise-level-dependent behavior of the two- and three-pair games and the critical properties of the continuous phase transtitions these systems exhibit. The four-strategy game is shown to be equivalent to a system that consists of two independent and identical Ising models.

Evolutionary games combining two or three pair coordinations on a square lattice.

PubMed

Király, Balázs; Szabó, György

2017-10-01

We study multiagent logit-rule-driven evolutionary games on a square lattice whose pair interactions are composed of a maximal number of nonoverlapping elementary coordination games describing Ising-type interactions between just two of the available strategies. Using Monte Carlo simulations we investigate the macroscopic noise-level-dependent behavior of the two- and three-pair games and the critical properties of the continuous phase transtitions these systems exhibit. The four-strategy game is shown to be equivalent to a system that consists of two independent and identical Ising models.

Fast Algorithms for Structured Least Squares and Total Least Squares Problems

PubMed Central

Kalsi, Anoop; O’Leary, Dianne P.

2006-01-01

We consider the problem of solving least squares problems involving a matrix M of small displacement rank with respect to two matrices Z1 and Z2. We develop formulas for the generators of the matrix M HM in terms of the generators of M and show that the Cholesky factorization of the matrix M HM can be computed quickly if Z1 is close to unitary and Z2 is triangular and nilpotent. These conditions are satisfied for several classes of matrices, including Toeplitz, block Toeplitz, Hankel, and block Hankel, and for matrices whose blocks have such structure. Fast Cholesky factorization enables fast solution of least squares problems, total least squares problems, and regularized total least squares problems involving these classes of matrices. PMID:27274922

Fast Algorithms for Structured Least Squares and Total Least Squares Problems.

PubMed

Kalsi, Anoop; O'Leary, Dianne P

2006-01-01

We consider the problem of solving least squares problems involving a matrix M of small displacement rank with respect to two matrices Z 1 and Z 2. We develop formulas for the generators of the matrix M (H) M in terms of the generators of M and show that the Cholesky factorization of the matrix M (H) M can be computed quickly if Z 1 is close to unitary and Z 2 is triangular and nilpotent. These conditions are satisfied for several classes of matrices, including Toeplitz, block Toeplitz, Hankel, and block Hankel, and for matrices whose blocks have such structure. Fast Cholesky factorization enables fast solution of least squares problems, total least squares problems, and regularized total least squares problems involving these classes of matrices.

Palliation double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction

PubMed Central

ZHAO, LIANG; XU, HAITAO; ZHANG, YUBAO

2016-01-01

The surgical management of patients with malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction is complex. Tumor excision is no longer possible in the majority of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraluminal dual stent placement in malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. In total, 20 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction, including 6 with pancreatic carcinoma, 11 with cholangiocarcinoma, 1 with duodenal carcinoma and 2 with abdominal lymph node metastasis, were treated with intraluminal stent placement. Bile duct obstruction with late occurrence of duodenal obstruction was observed in 16 cases, and duodenal obstruction followed by a late occurrence of bile duct obstruction was observed in 3 cases, while, in 1 case, bile duct obstruction and duodenal obstruction occurred simultaneously. After X-ray fluoroscopy revealed obstruction in the bile duct and duodenum, stents were placed into the respective lumens. Percutaneous transhepatic placement was employed for the biliary stent, while the duodenal stent was placed perioraly. The clinical outcomes, including complications associated with the procedures and patency of the stents, were evaluated. The biliary and duodenal stents were successfully implanted in 18 patients and the technical success rate was 90% (18/20). A total of 39 stents were implanted in 20 patients. In 2 cases, duodenal stent placement failed following biliary stent placement. Duodenal obstruction remitted in 15 patients, and 1 patient succumbed to aspiration pneumonia 5 days after the procedure. No severe complications were observed in any other patient. The survival time of the 18 patients was 5–21 months (median, 9.6 months), and 6 of those patients survived for >12 months. The present study suggests that X-ray fluoroscopy-guided intraluminal stent implantation is an effective procedure for the treatment of malignant

Is ursodeoxycholic acid detrimental in obstructive cholestasis? A propos of a case of malignant biliary obstruction.

PubMed

Bessone, Fernando; Roma, Marcelo Gabriel

2016-01-01

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first choice medication for most cholestatic hepatopathies, due to its capability to counteract inflammation and bile-acid-induced liver damage, two common features in cholestasis. However, UDCA is usually contraindicated in obstructive cholestasis, due to the alleged risk of biliary integrity disruption due to its choleretic effect. We report on an 83-year-old man with an unsuspected malignant biliary obstruction who received moderate doses of UDCA (8-12 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks, because the preliminary evidence suggested he had chemotherapy-induced cholestasis. Liver integrity was extensively protected by UDCA, as indicated by a marked decrease in serum liver enzymes, despite a steady increase in the levels of bilirubin and serum bile acids due to the obstructive process. In conclusion, this report shows, for the first time in humans, that moderate UDCA doses can reduce liver injury associated with complete biliary obstruction. This may contribute to a better understanding of the risk-benefit ratio of the use of UDCA in obstructive cholangiopathies.

Obstructive uropathy

MedlinePlus

... the kidney and causes it to become swollen ( hydronephrosis ). Obstructive uropathy can affect one or both kidneys. ... occurs during pregnancy. This condition is called idiopathic hydronephrosis of pregnancy.

Vlasov dynamics of periodically driven systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Soumyadip; Shah, Kushal

2018-04-01

Analytical solutions of the Vlasov equation for periodically driven systems are of importance in several areas of plasma physics and dynamical systems and are usually approximated using ponderomotive theory. In this paper, we derive the plasma distribution function predicted by ponderomotive theory using Hamiltonian averaging theory and compare it with solutions obtained by the method of characteristics. Our results show that though ponderomotive theory is relatively much easier to use, its predictions are very restrictive and are likely to be very different from the actual distribution function of the system. We also analyse all possible initial conditions which lead to periodic solutions of the Vlasov equation for periodically driven systems and conjecture that the irreducible polynomial corresponding to the initial condition must only have squares of the spatial and momentum coordinate. The resulting distribution function for other initial conditions is aperiodic and can lead to complex relaxation processes within the plasma.

Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids.

PubMed

Sullivan, Eileen K; Callan, Robert J; Holt, Timothy N; Van Metre, David C

2005-01-01

To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids. Retrospective study. Alpacas (7) and 1 llama. Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy. Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes. Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction. Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.

49 CFR 236.382 - Switch obstruction test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Switch obstruction test. 236.382 Section 236.382... and Tests § 236.382 Switch obstruction test. Switch obstruction test of lock rod of each power-operated switch and lock rod of each hand-operated switch equipped with switch-and-lock-movement shall be...

49 CFR 236.382 - Switch obstruction test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Switch obstruction test. 236.382 Section 236.382... and Tests § 236.382 Switch obstruction test. Switch obstruction test of lock rod of each power-operated switch and lock rod of each hand-operated switch equipped with switch-and-lock-movement shall be...

49 CFR 236.382 - Switch obstruction test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Switch obstruction test. 236.382 Section 236.382... and Tests § 236.382 Switch obstruction test. Switch obstruction test of lock rod of each power-operated switch and lock rod of each hand-operated switch equipped with switch-and-lock-movement shall be...

49 CFR 236.382 - Switch obstruction test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Switch obstruction test. 236.382 Section 236.382... and Tests § 236.382 Switch obstruction test. Switch obstruction test of lock rod of each power-operated switch and lock rod of each hand-operated switch equipped with switch-and-lock-movement shall be...

49 CFR 236.382 - Switch obstruction test.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Switch obstruction test. 236.382 Section 236.382... and Tests § 236.382 Switch obstruction test. Switch obstruction test of lock rod of each power-operated switch and lock rod of each hand-operated switch equipped with switch-and-lock-movement shall be...

The Acoustically Driven Vortex Cannon

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Spencer B.; Gee, Kent L.

2014-01-01

Vortex cannons have been used by physics teachers for years, mostly to teach the continuity principle. In its simplest form, a vortex cannon is an empty coffee can with a hole cut in the bottom and the lid replaced. More elaborate models can be purchased through various scientific suppliers under names such as "Air Cannon" and…

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: the Mayo Clinic experience.

PubMed

Kotkar, Kunal D; Said, Sameh M; Dearani, Joseph A; Schaff, Hartzell V

2017-07-01

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy in the absence of other etiologies. Clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. Medical treatment is the first-line therapy for symptomatic patients. Extended left ventricular septal myectomy is the procedure of choice if medical treatment is unsuccessful or intolerable. More than 3,000 patients have had septal myectomy for HCM at the Mayo Clinic (MN, USA) from 1993 to 2016. Risk of hospital death after isolated septal myectomy for obstructive HCM is <1% and is similar to the risk of operation for elective mitral valve repair. Complications, such as complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker, are uncommon (2%), although partial or complete left bundle branch block is a frequent finding on the postoperative ECG. Relief of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction with septal myectomy dramatically improves symptoms and exercise capacity in symptomatic patients with obstructive HCM. More than 90% of severely symptomatic patients have improvement by at least two functional classes, and reduction of outflow gradients by myectomy decreases or eliminates symptoms of dyspnea, angina and/or syncope. Basal obstruction with systolic anterior motion (SAM) is treated by transaortic myectomy. The transapical approach was applied in 115 patients with obstructive midventricular and apical variants of HCM between 1993 and 2012. All patients with midventricular obstruction had gradient relief and none developed an apical aneurysm or ventricular septal defect. Recurrent obstruction after satisfactory myectomy was rare. Septal myectomy effectively and definitively relieves LVOT obstruction and cardiac symptoms in patients with obstructive HCM. In experienced centers, early mortality for isolated septal myectomy is less than 1%, and overall results are excellent and continue to improve in the current era.

33 CFR 67.20-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.20-5... Obstruction lights. The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part. The lights shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least five nautical...

33 CFR 67.20-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.20-5... Obstruction lights. The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part. The lights shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least five nautical...

33 CFR 67.20-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.20-5... Obstruction lights. The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part. The lights shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least five nautical...

33 CFR 67.20-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.20-5... Obstruction lights. The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part. The lights shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least five nautical...

33 CFR 67.20-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.20-5... Obstruction lights. The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part. The lights shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least five nautical...

Tuberculosis associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Sarkar, Malay; Srinivasa; Madabhavi, Irappa; Kumar, Kushal

2017-05-01

Reviewed the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, mechanisms, and treatment of tuberculosis associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the CINAHL from inception to June 2016. We used the following search terms: Tuberculosis, COPD, Tuberculosis associated COPD, and so forth. All types of study were chosen. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis are significant public health problems, particularly in developing countries. Although, smoking is the conventional risk factor for COPD, nonsmoking related risk factors such as biomass fuel exposure, childhood lower-respiratory tract infections, chronic asthma, outdoor air pollution, and prior history of pulmonary tuberculosis have become important risk factors of COPD, particularly in developing countries. Past history of tuberculosis as a risk factor of chronic airflow obstruction has been reported in several studies. It may develop during the course of tuberculosis or after completion of tuberculosis treatment. Developing countries with large burden of tuberculosis can contribute significantly to the burden of chronic airflow obstruction. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis should be emphasized to lessen the future burden of chronic airflow obstruction. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Stenting in Malignant Biliary Obstruction.

PubMed

Almadi, Majid A; Barkun, Jeffrey S; Barkun, Alan N

2015-10-01

Decompression of the biliary system in patients with malignant biliary obstruction has been widely accepted and implemented as part of the care. Despite a wealth of literature, there remains a significant amount of uncertainty as to which approach would be most appropriate in different clinical settings. This review covers stenting of the biliary system in cases of resectable or palliative malignant biliary obstruction, potential candidates for biliary drainage, technical aspects of the procedure, as well as management of biliary stent dysfunction. Furthermore, periprocedural considerations including proper mapping of the location of obstruction and the use of antibiotics are addressed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Latin and Magic Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emanouilidis, Emanuel

2005-01-01

Latin squares have existed for hundreds of years but it wasn't until rather recently that Latin squares were used in other areas such as statistics, graph theory, coding theory and the generation of random numbers as well as in the design and analysis of experiments. This note describes Latin and diagonal Latin squares, a method of constructing…

33 CFR 67.30-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.30-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white or red lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of... nautical mile 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed at such height, above...

33 CFR 67.25-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.25-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this... miles 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed not less than 20 feet above...

33 CFR 67.30-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.30-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white or red lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of... nautical mile 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed at such height, above...

33 CFR 67.30-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.30-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white or red lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of... nautical mile 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed at such height, above...

33 CFR 67.25-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.25-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this... miles 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed not less than 20 feet above...

33 CFR 67.30-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.30-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white or red lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of... nautical mile 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed at such height, above...

33 CFR 67.30-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.30-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white or red lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of... nautical mile 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed at such height, above...

33 CFR 67.25-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Obstruction lights. 67.25-5... Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this... miles 90 percent of the nights of the year. The lights shall be displayed not less than 20 feet above...

Eta Squared, Partial Eta Squared, and Misreporting of Effect Size in Communication Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levine, Timothy R.; Hullett, Craig R.

2002-01-01

Alerts communication researchers to potential errors stemming from the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) to obtain estimates of eta squared in analysis of variance (ANOVA). Strives to clarify issues concerning the development and appropriate use of eta squared and partial eta squared in ANOVA. Discusses the reporting of…

Bowel obstruction complicated by ischemia: analysis of CT findings.

PubMed

Cox, Veronica L; Tahvildari, Ali M; Johnson, Benjamin; Wei, Wei; Jeffrey, R Brooke

2018-06-01

To analyze CT signs of bowel ischemia in patients with surgical bowel obstruction, and thereby improve CT diagnosis in this common clinical scenario. Surgical and histopathological findings were used as the reference standard. We retrospectively analyzed CT findings in patients brought to surgery for bowel obstruction over 13 years. Etiology of obstruction (adhesion, hernia, etc.) was recorded. Specific CT features of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) were analyzed, including bowel wall thickening, mucosal hypoenhancement, and others. 173 cases were eligible for analysis. 21% of cases were positive for bowel ischemia. Volvulus, internal hernia, and closed-loop obstructions showed ischemia rates of 60%, 43%, and 43%; ischemia rate in obstruction from simple adhesion was 21%. Patients with bowel obstruction related to malignancy were never ischemic. Sensitivities and specificities for CT features predicting ischemia were calculated, with wall thickening, hypoenhancement, and pneumatosis showing high specificity for ischemia (86%-100%). Wall thickening, hypoenhancement, and pneumatosis are highly specific CT signs of ischemia in the setting of obstruction. None of the evaluated CT signs were found to be highly sensitive. Overall frequency of ischemia in surgical bowel obstruction is 21%, and 2-3 times that for complex obstructions (volvulus, closed loop, etc.). Obstructions related to malignancy virtually never become ischemic.

Localization of glossopharyngeal obstruction using nasopharyngeal tube versus Friedman tongue position classification in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

PubMed

Li, Shuhua; Hei, Renyi; Wu, Dahai; Shi, Hongjin

2014-08-01

Assessing the severity of glossopharyngeal obstruction is important for the diagnosis and therapy of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The polysomnography (PSG) with nasopharyngeal tube insertion (NPT-PSG) has shown good results in assessing glossopharyngeal obstruction. The objective of this study was to compare NPT-PSG with Friedman tongue position (FTP) classification which was also used to evaluate the glossopharyngeal obstruction. One hundred and five patients with OSAHS diagnosed by PSG were included in the study. All the patients were successfully examined by NPT-PSG. Based on the grade of FTP classification, 105 patients were divided into four groups. The differences of the general clinical data, PSG and NPT-PSG results were analyzed among the four groups. And the coincidence of diagnosing glossopharyngeal obstruction of two methods was calculated. There was no significant difference among the four groups in general clinical data and PSG results. However, NPT-PSG results were significantly different among the four groups. Following with the increasing FTP, apnea hypopnea index increased and lowest saturation of blood oxygen decreased. There were 38 patients with and other 38 patients without glossopharyngeal obstruction diagnosed by both methods. The coincidence of two methods was 72.4 %. NPT-PSG is an easy and effective method in assessing the severity of glossopharyngeal obstruction. The coincidence between the NPT-PSG and FTP classification is good. But in some special OSAHS patients such as glossoptosis, unsuccessful uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or suspicious pachyglossia, NPT-PSG is better than FTP classification.

The least-squares finite element method for low-mach-number compressible viscous flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Sheng-Tao

1994-01-01

The present paper reports the development of the Least-Squares Finite Element Method (LSFEM) for simulating compressible viscous flows at low Mach numbers in which the incompressible flows pose as an extreme. Conventional approach requires special treatments for low-speed flows calculations: finite difference and finite volume methods are based on the use of the staggered grid or the preconditioning technique; and, finite element methods rely on the mixed method and the operator-splitting method. In this paper, however, we show that such difficulty does not exist for the LSFEM and no special treatment is needed. The LSFEM always leads to a symmetric, positive-definite matrix through which the compressible flow equations can be effectively solved. Two numerical examples are included to demonstrate the method: first, driven cavity flows at various Reynolds numbers; and, buoyancy-driven flows with significant density variation. Both examples are calculated by using full compressible flow equations.

Intestinal obstruction

MedlinePlus

... of the bowel may be due to: A mechanical cause, which means something is in the way ... lung disease Use of certain medicines, especially narcotics Mechanical causes of intestinal obstruction may include: Adhesions or ...

Least Squares Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hester, Yvette

Least squares methods are sophisticated mathematical curve fitting procedures used in all classical parametric methods. The linear least squares approximation is most often associated with finding the "line of best fit" or the regression line. Since all statistical analyses are correlational and all classical parametric methods are least…

Partial Least Squares Regression Models for the Analysis of Kinase Signaling.

PubMed

Bourgeois, Danielle L; Kreeger, Pamela K

2017-01-01

Partial least squares regression (PLSR) is a data-driven modeling approach that can be used to analyze multivariate relationships between kinase networks and cellular decisions or patient outcomes. In PLSR, a linear model relating an X matrix of dependent variables and a Y matrix of independent variables is generated by extracting the factors with the strongest covariation. While the identified relationship is correlative, PLSR models can be used to generate quantitative predictions for new conditions or perturbations to the network, allowing for mechanisms to be identified. This chapter will provide a brief explanation of PLSR and provide an instructive example to demonstrate the use of PLSR to analyze kinase signaling.

Irrational Square Roots

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Misiurewicz, Michal

2013-01-01

If students are presented the standard proof of irrationality of [square root]2, can they generalize it to a proof of the irrationality of "[square root]p", "p" a prime if, instead of considering divisibility by "p", they cling to the notions of even and odd used in the standard proof?

Congenital Urinary Tract Obstruction: The Long View

PubMed Central

Chevalier, Robert L.

2015-01-01

Maldevelopment of the collecting system resulting in urinary tract obstruction (UTO) is the leading identifiable cause of CKD in children. Specific etiologies are unknown; most cases are suspected by discovering hydronephrosis on prenatal ultrasonography. Congenital UTO can reduce nephron number and cause bladder dysfunction, which contribute to ongoing injury. Severe UTO can impair kidney growth in utero, and animal models of unilateral ureteral obstruction show that ischemia and oxidative stress cause proximal tubular cell death, with later development of interstitial fibrosis. Congenital obstructive nephropathy therefore results from combined developmental and obstructive renal injury. Due to inadequacy of available biomarkers, criteria for surgical correction of upper tract obstruction are poorly established. Lower tract obstruction requires fetal or immediate postnatal intervention, and the rate of progression of CKD is highly variable. New biomarkers based on proteomics and determination of glomerular number by MRI should improve future care. Angiotensin inhibitors have not been effective in slowing progression, although avoidance of nephrotoxins and timely treatment of hypertension are important. Because congenital UTO begins in fetal life, smooth transfer of care from perinatologist to pediatric and adult urology and nephrology teams should optimize quality of life and ultimate outcomes for these patients. PMID:26088076

9 Square in the Air: Not Your Parents' Traditional Four Square Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, Amber Hall; Barney, David

2018-01-01

Physical educators are constantly looking for new ideas and activities that will quickly grab the interest of their students. 9 Square in the Air is a game that does just this. The game was developed as a way to integrate students who enjoy volleyball and those who like Four Square. 9 Square in the Air provides the opportunity for students to use…

Bladder outlet obstruction in women: definition and characteristics.

PubMed

Groutz, A; Blaivas, J G; Chaikin, D C

2000-01-01

The prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction in women is unknown and most probably has been underestimated. Moreover, there are no standard definitions for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction in women. Our study was conducted to define as well as to examine the clinical and urodynamic characteristics of bladder outlet obstruction among women referred for evaluation of voiding symptoms. Bladder outlet obstruction was defined as a persistent, low, maximum "free" flow rate of <12 mL/s in repeated non-invasive uroflow studies, combined with high detrusor pressure at a maximum flow (p(det.Q)(max) >20 cm H(2)O) during detrusor pressure-uroflow studies. A urodynamic database of 587 consecutive women identified 38 (6.5%) women with bladder outlet obstruction. The mean age of the patients was 63.9 +/- 17.5 years. The mean maximum "free" flow, voided volume, and residual urinary volume were 9.4 +/-3.9 mL/s, 144. 9 +/- 72.7 mL, and 86.1 +/- 98.8 mL, respectively. The mean p(det. Q)(max) was 37.2 +/- 19.2 cm H(2)O. Previous anti-incontinence surgery and severe genital prolapse were the most common etiologies, accounting for half of the cases. Other, less common, etiologies included urethral stricture (13%), primary bladder neck obstruction (8%), learned voiding dysfunction (5%), and detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (5%). Symptomatology was defined as mixed obstructive and irritative in 63% of the patients, isolated irritative in 29%, and isolated obstructive in other 8%. In conclusion, bladder outlet obstruction in women appears to be more common than was previously recognized, occurring in 6.5% of our patients. Micturition symptoms relevant to bladder outlet obstruction are non-specific, and a full urodynamic evaluation is essential in making the correct diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan.

Respiratory mechanics by least squares fitting in mechanically ventilated patients: application on flow-limited COPD patients.

PubMed

Volta, Carlo A; Marangoni, Elisabetta; Alvisi, Valentina; Capuzzo, Maurizia; Ragazzi, Riccardo; Pavanelli, Lina; Alvisi, Raffaele

2002-01-01

Although computerized methods of analyzing respiratory system mechanics such as the least squares fitting method have been used in various patient populations, no conclusive data are available in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), probably because they may develop expiratory flow limitation (EFL). This suggests that respiratory mechanics be determined only during inspiration. Eight-bed multidisciplinary ICU of a teaching hospital. Eight non-flow-limited postvascular surgery patients and eight flow-limited COPD patients. Patients were sedated, paralyzed for diagnostic purposes, and ventilated in volume control ventilation with constant inspiratory flow rate. Data on resistance, compliance, and dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,dyn) obtained by applying the least squares fitting method during inspiration, expiration, and the overall breathing cycle were compared with those obtained by the traditional method (constant flow, end-inspiratory occlusion method). Our results indicate that (a) the presence of EFL markedly decreases the precision of resistance and compliance values measured by the LSF method, (b) the determination of respiratory variables during inspiration allows the calculation of respiratory mechanics in flow limited COPD patients, and (c) the LSF method is able to detect the presence of PEEPi,dyn if only inspiratory data are used.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy in the identification of obstruction sites in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

PubMed

Viana, Alonço da Cunha; Thuler, Luiz Claudio Santos; Araújo-Melo, Maria Helena de

2015-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has multifactorial causes. Although indications for surgery are evaluated by well-known diagnostic tests in the awake state, these do not always correlate with satisfactory surgical results. To undertake a systematic review on endoscopy during sleep, as one element of the diagnosis routine, aiming to identify upper airway obstruction sites in adult patients with OSAS. By means of electronic databases, a systematic review was performed of studies using drug-induced sleep endoscopy to identify obstruction sites in patients with OSAS. Ten articles were selected that demonstrated the importance of identifying multilevel obstruction, especially in relation to retrolingual and laryngeal collapse in OSAS. DISE is an additional method to reveal obstruction sites that have not been detected in awake patients. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Avoiding Obstructions in Aiming a High-Gain Antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edmonds, Karina

2006-01-01

The High Gain Antenna Pointing and Obstruction Avoidance software performs computations for pointing a Mars Rover high-gain antenna for communication with Earth while (1) avoiding line-of-sight obstructions (the Martian terrain and other parts of the Rover) that would block communication and (2) taking account of limits in ranges of motion of antenna gimbals and of kinematic singularities in gimbal mechanisms. The software uses simplified geometric models of obstructions and of the trajectory of the Earth in the Martian sky(see figure). It treats all obstructions according to a generalized approach, computing and continually updating the time remaining before interception of each obstruction. In cases in which the gimbal-mechanism design allows two aiming solutions, the algorithm chooses the solution that provides the longest obstruction-free Earth-tracking time. If the communication session continues until an obstruction is encountered in the current pointing solution and the other solution is now unobstructed, then the algorithm automatically switches to the other position. This software also notifies communication- managing software to cease transmission during the switch to the unobstructed position, resuming it when the switch is complete.

36 CFR 4.13 - Obstructing traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... interfere with the normal flow of traffic. ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Obstructing traffic. 4.13... VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY § 4.13 Obstructing traffic. The following are prohibited: (a) Stopping or...

36 CFR 4.13 - Obstructing traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... interfere with the normal flow of traffic. ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Obstructing traffic. 4.13... VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY § 4.13 Obstructing traffic. The following are prohibited: (a) Stopping or...

36 CFR 4.13 - Obstructing traffic.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... interfere with the normal flow of traffic. ... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Obstructing traffic. 4.13... VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY § 4.13 Obstructing traffic. The following are prohibited: (a) Stopping or...

Mechanism for rapid passive-dynamic prey capture in a pitcher plant.

PubMed

Bauer, Ulrike; Paulin, Marion; Robert, Daniel; Sutton, Gregory P

2015-10-27

Plants use rapid movements to disperse seed, spores, or pollen and catch animal prey. Most rapid-release mechanisms only work once and, if repeatable, regaining the prerelease state is a slow and costly process. We present an encompassing mechanism for a rapid, repeatable, passive-dynamic motion used by a carnivorous pitcher plant to catch prey. Nepenthes gracilis uses the impact of rain drops to catapult insects from the underside of the canopy-like pitcher lid into the fluid-filled trap below. High-speed video and laser vibrometry revealed that the lid acts as a torsional spring system, driven by rain drops. During the initial downstroke, the tip of the lid reached peak velocities similar to fast animal motions and an order of magnitude faster than the snap traps of Venus flytraps and catapulting tentacles of the sundew Drosera glanduligera. In contrast to these active movements, the N. gracilis lid oscillation requires neither mechanical preloading nor metabolic energy, and its repeatability is only limited by the intensity and duration of rainfall. The underside of the lid is coated with friction-reducing wax crystals, making insects more vulnerable to perturbations. We show that the trapping success of N. gracilis relies on the combination of material stiffness adapted for momentum transfer and the antiadhesive properties of the wax crystal surface. The impact-driven oscillation of the N. gracilis lid represents a new kind of rapid plant movement with adaptive function. Our findings establish the existence of a continuum between active and passive trapping mechanisms in carnivorous plants.

Mechanism for rapid passive-dynamic prey capture in a pitcher plant

PubMed Central

Bauer, Ulrike; Paulin, Marion; Robert, Daniel; Sutton, Gregory P.

2015-01-01

Plants use rapid movements to disperse seed, spores, or pollen and catch animal prey. Most rapid-release mechanisms only work once and, if repeatable, regaining the prerelease state is a slow and costly process. We present an encompassing mechanism for a rapid, repeatable, passive-dynamic motion used by a carnivorous pitcher plant to catch prey. Nepenthes gracilis uses the impact of rain drops to catapult insects from the underside of the canopy-like pitcher lid into the fluid-filled trap below. High-speed video and laser vibrometry revealed that the lid acts as a torsional spring system, driven by rain drops. During the initial downstroke, the tip of the lid reached peak velocities similar to fast animal motions and an order of magnitude faster than the snap traps of Venus flytraps and catapulting tentacles of the sundew Drosera glanduligera. In contrast to these active movements, the N. gracilis lid oscillation requires neither mechanical preloading nor metabolic energy, and its repeatability is only limited by the intensity and duration of rainfall. The underside of the lid is coated with friction-reducing wax crystals, making insects more vulnerable to perturbations. We show that the trapping success of N. gracilis relies on the combination of material stiffness adapted for momentum transfer and the antiadhesive properties of the wax crystal surface. The impact-driven oscillation of the N. gracilis lid represents a new kind of rapid plant movement with adaptive function. Our findings establish the existence of a continuum between active and passive trapping mechanisms in carnivorous plants. PMID:26438874

New Aspects of a Lid-Removal Mechanism in the Onset of a SEP-Producing Eruption Sequence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterling, Alphonse C.; Moore, Ronald L.; Falconer, David A.; Knox, Javon M.

2014-01-01

We examine a sequence of two ejective eruptions from a single active region on 2012 January 23, using magnetograms and EUV images from SDO/HMI and SDO/AIA, and EUV images from STEREO. Cheng et al. (2013) showed that the first eruption's ("Eruption 1'') flux rope was apparent only in "hotter'' AIA channels, and that it removed overlying field that allowed the second eruption (``Eruption 2'') to begin via ideal MHD instability; here we say Eruption 2 began via a ``lid removal'' mechanism. We show that during Eruption-1's onset, its flux rope underwent ``tether weakening'' (TW) reconnection with the field of an adjacent active region. Standard flare loops from Eruption 1 developed over Eruption-2's flux rope and enclosed filament, but these overarching new loops were unable to confine that flux rope/filament. Eruption-1's flare loops, from both TW reconnection and standard-flare-model internal reconnection, were much cooler than Eruption-2's flare loops (GOES thermal temperatures of approx. 9 MK compared to approx. 14 MK). This eruption sequence produced a strong solar energetic particle (SEP) event (10 MeV protons, >10(exp 3) pfu for 43 hrs), apparently starting when Eruption-2's CME blasted through Eruption-1's CME at 5-10 R_s. This occurred because the two CMEs originated in close proximity and in close time sequence: Eruption-1's fast rise started soon after the TW reconnection; the lid removal by Eruption-1's ejection triggered the slow onset of Eruption 2; and Eruption-2's CME, which started approx. 1 hr later, was three times faster than Eruption-1's CME.

Effect of bilastine upon nasal obstruction.

PubMed

Dávila, I; Sastre, J; Mullol, J; Montoro, J; Jáuregui, I; Ferrer, M; del Cuvillo, A; Bartra, J; Valero, A

2011-01-01

H1 antihistamines constitute one of the main references for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Classically, these drugs have been considered effective in controlling sneezing, rhinorrhea and itching, though they have not been regarded as particularly effective in application to nasal obstruction. The most recent studies, involving second-generation H1 antihistamines (desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, rupatadine), have shown these drugs to offer effects upon nasal obstruction significantly superior to those of placebo. The present review examines the effect of bilastine, a new, potent and highly specific H1 antihistamine without sedative effects or cardiac toxicity, upon nasal obstruction. The analysis of the data from the different clinical trials indicates that in patients with allergic rhinitis, the effect of bilastine upon nasal obstruction is superior to that of placebo and similar to that of other second-generation H1 antihistamines, manifesting within 24 hours after the start of treatment.

Least-Squares Curve-Fitting Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, Anil V.

1990-01-01

Least Squares Curve Fitting program, AKLSQF, easily and efficiently computes polynomial providing least-squares best fit to uniformly spaced data. Enables user to specify tolerable least-squares error in fit or degree of polynomial. AKLSQF returns polynomial and actual least-squares-fit error incurred in operation. Data supplied to routine either by direct keyboard entry or via file. Written for an IBM PC X/AT or compatible using Microsoft's Quick Basic compiler.

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

33 CFR 67.05-5 - Multiple obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Multiple obstruction lights. 67... for Lights § 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights. When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. ...

Influence of obstructive jaundice on pharmacodynamics of rocuronium.

PubMed

Wang, Zhen-Meng; Zhang, Peng; Lin, Mi-Jia; Tan, Bo; Qiu, Hai-Bo; Yu, Wei-Feng

2013-01-01

Anesthetics are variable in patients with obstructive jaundice. The minimum alveolar concentration awake of desflurane is reduced in patients with obstructive jaundice, while it has no effect on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of propofol. In this study, we investigated the influence of obstructive jaundice on the pharmacodynamics and blood concentration of rocuronium. Included in this study were 26 control patients and 27 patients with obstructive jaundice. Neuromuscular block of rocuronium was monitored by acceleromyography. Onset time, spontaneous recovery of the height of twitch first (T1) to 25% of the final T1 value (Duration 25%, Dur 25%), recovery index (RI), and spontaneous recovery of train-of-four (TOF) ratios to 70% were measured. The plasma rocuronium concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography using berberine as an internal standard. There was no significant difference in onset time between the two groups. The Dur 25%, the recovery index and the time of recovery of the TOF ratios to 70% were all prolonged in the obstructive jaundice group compared with the control group. The plasma concentration of rocuronium at 60, 90 and 120 min after bolus administration was significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice group. The neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium is prolonged in obstructive jaundice patients, and therefore precautions should be taken in case of postoperative residual neuromuscular block. The possible reason is impedance of rocuronium excretion due to biliary obstruction and increased plasma unbound rocuronium because of free bilirubin competing with it for albumin binding.

Rheology Gradients at the Base of the Lithosphere and the Stabilization of Deep Mantle Plumes in Stagnant-Lid Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, S. D.

2017-12-01

In high-Rayleigh-number, spherical-shell convection, such as one expects to find in the interiors of large silicate planetary bodies, plumes will migrate unless they are anchored to fixed structures. Within the Earth LLSVPs or core-mantle boundary topography have been proposed to anchor deep mantle plumes, fixing the location of hotspots. The relative stability of volcanic features on Mars and Venus, which are thought to be related to mantle plumes, have not be satisfactorily explained. Thus, it is surprising to see high-Rayleigh-number, stagnant-lid, spherical-shell convection calculations where plumes seeded by the structure of the initial condition persist in a stable configuration for more than 1 Gyr. By comparing calculations with a fixed lithospheric rheology structure with a lithosphere rheology determined by temperature and pressure, I show that in these calculations, topography on the base of the stagnant lid (i.e., the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary) is responsible for the spatial stability of the plumes. If there is symmetry in the plume distribution, this symmetry can prevent the lithosphere becoming unstable and overturning, leading to a significantly over-thickened lithosphere relative to predictions based on scaling laws. This is confirmed by considering an identical calculation where the symmetry in the plume distribution is broken. I discuss geological and geophysical implications for planetary bodies resulting of long-lived, stable, mantle structures.

Accuracy of abdominal auscultation for bowel obstruction.

PubMed

Breum, Birger Michael; Rud, Bo; Kirkegaard, Thomas; Nordentoft, Tyge

2015-09-14

To investigate the accuracy and inter-observer variation of bowel sound assessment in patients with clinically suspected bowel obstruction. Bowel sounds were recorded in patients with suspected bowel obstruction using a Littmann(®) Electronic Stethoscope. The recordings were processed to yield 25-s sound sequences in random order on PCs. Observers, recruited from doctors within the department, classified the sound sequences as either normal or pathological. The reference tests for bowel obstruction were intraoperative and endoscopic findings and clinical follow up. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each observer and compared between junior and senior doctors. Interobserver variation was measured using the Kappa statistic. Bowel sound sequences from 98 patients were assessed by 53 (33 junior and 20 senior) doctors. Laparotomy was performed in 47 patients, 35 of whom had bowel obstruction. Two patients underwent colorectal stenting due to large bowel obstruction. The median sensitivity and specificity was 0.42 (range: 0.19-0.64) and 0.78 (range: 0.35-0.98), respectively. There was no significant difference in accuracy between junior and senior doctors. The median frequency with which doctors classified bowel sounds as abnormal did not differ significantly between patients with and without bowel obstruction (26% vs 23%, P = 0.08). The 53 doctors made up 1378 unique pairs and the median Kappa value was 0.29 (range: -0.15-0.66). Accuracy and inter-observer agreement was generally low. Clinical decisions in patients with possible bowel obstruction should not be based on auscultatory assessment of bowel sounds.

Accuracy of abdominal auscultation for bowel obstruction

PubMed Central

Breum, Birger Michael; Rud, Bo; Kirkegaard, Thomas; Nordentoft, Tyge

2015-01-01

AIM: To investigate the accuracy and inter-observer variation of bowel sound assessment in patients with clinically suspected bowel obstruction. METHODS: Bowel sounds were recorded in patients with suspected bowel obstruction using a Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope. The recordings were processed to yield 25-s sound sequences in random order on PCs. Observers, recruited from doctors within the department, classified the sound sequences as either normal or pathological. The reference tests for bowel obstruction were intraoperative and endoscopic findings and clinical follow up. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each observer and compared between junior and senior doctors. Interobserver variation was measured using the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Bowel sound sequences from 98 patients were assessed by 53 (33 junior and 20 senior) doctors. Laparotomy was performed in 47 patients, 35 of whom had bowel obstruction. Two patients underwent colorectal stenting due to large bowel obstruction. The median sensitivity and specificity was 0.42 (range: 0.19-0.64) and 0.78 (range: 0.35-0.98), respectively. There was no significant difference in accuracy between junior and senior doctors. The median frequency with which doctors classified bowel sounds as abnormal did not differ significantly between patients with and without bowel obstruction (26% vs 23%, P = 0.08). The 53 doctors made up 1378 unique pairs and the median Kappa value was 0.29 (range: -0.15-0.66). CONCLUSION: Accuracy and inter-observer agreement was generally low. Clinical decisions in patients with possible bowel obstruction should not be based on auscultatory assessment of bowel sounds. PMID:26379407

{sup 16}O resonances near 4α threshold through {sup 12}C({sup 6}Li,d) reaction

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

Rodrigues, M. R. D.; Borello-Lewin, T.; Miyake, H.

2014-11-11

Several narrow alpha resonant {sup 16}O states were detected through the {sup 12}C({sup 6}Li,d) reaction, in the range of 13.5 to 17.5 MeV of excitation energy. The reaction was measured at a bombarding energy of 25.5 MeV employing the São Paulo Pelletron-Enge-Spectrograph facility and the nuclear emulsion technique. Experimental angular distributions associated with natural parity quasi-bound states around the 4α threshold are presented and compared to DWBA predictions. The upper limit for the resonance widths obtained is near the energy resolution (15 keV)

Magnetic propulsion of a magnetic device using three square-Helmholtz coils and a square-Maxwell coil.

PubMed

Ha, Yong H; Han, Byung H; Lee, Soo Y

2010-02-01

We introduce a square coil system for remote magnetic navigation of a magnetic device without any physical movements of the coils. We used three square-Helmholtz coils and a square-Maxwell coil for magnetic propulsion of a small magnet along the desired path. All the square coils are mountable on a cubic frame that has an opening to accommodate a living subject. The square-Helmholtz coils control the magnetic propulsion direction by generating uniform magnetic field along the desired direction while the square-Maxwell coil controls the propulsion force by generating magnetic gradient field. We performed magnetic propulsion experiments with a down-scaled coil set and a three-channel coil driver. Experimental results demonstrate that we can use the square coil set for magnetic navigation of a magnetic device without any physical movements of the coils.

Influence of Obstructive Jaundice on Pharmacodynamics of Rocuronium

PubMed Central

Lin, Mi-Jia; Tan, Bo; Qiu, Hai-Bo; Yu, Wei-Feng

2013-01-01

Background Anesthetics are variable in patients with obstructive jaundice. The minimum alveolar concentration awake of desflurane is reduced in patients with obstructive jaundice, while it has no effect on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of propofol. In this study, we investigated the influence of obstructive jaundice on the pharmacodynamics and blood concentration of rocuronium. Methods Included in this study were 26 control patients and 27 patients with obstructive jaundice. Neuromuscular block of rocuronium was monitored by acceleromyography. Onset time, spontaneous recovery of the height of twitch first (T1) to 25% of the final T1 value (Duration 25%, Dur 25%), recovery index (RI), and spontaneous recovery of train-of-four (TOF) ratios to 70% were measured. The plasma rocuronium concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography using berberine as an internal standard. Results There was no significant difference in onset time between the two groups. The Dur 25%, the recovery index and the time of recovery of the TOF ratios to 70% were all prolonged in the obstructive jaundice group compared with the control group. The plasma concentration of rocuronium at 60, 90 and 120 min after bolus administration was significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice group. Conclusions The neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium is prolonged in obstructive jaundice patients, and therefore precautions should be taken in case of postoperative residual neuromuscular block. The possible reason is impedance of rocuronium excretion due to biliary obstruction and increased plasma unbound rocuronium because of free bilirubin competing with it for albumin binding. PMID:24147111

Small-airway obstruction and emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

McDonough, John E; Yuan, Ren; Suzuki, Masaru; Seyednejad, Nazgol; Elliott, W Mark; Sanchez, Pablo G; Wright, Alexander C; Gefter, Warren B; Litzky, Leslie; Coxson, Harvey O; Paré, Peter D; Sin, Don D; Pierce, Richard A; Woods, Jason C; McWilliams, Annette M; Mayo, John R; Lam, Stephen C; Cooper, Joel D; Hogg, James C

2011-10-27

The major sites of obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are small airways (<2 mm in diameter). We wanted to determine whether there was a relationship between small-airway obstruction and emphysematous destruction in COPD. We used multidetector computed tomography (CT) to compare the number of airways measuring 2.0 to 2.5 mm in 78 patients who had various stages of COPD, as judged by scoring on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) scale, in isolated lungs removed from patients with COPD who underwent lung transplantation, and in donor (control) lungs. MicroCT was used to measure the extent of emphysema (mean linear intercept), the number of terminal bronchioles per milliliter of lung volume, and the minimum diameters and cross-sectional areas of terminal bronchioles. On multidetector CT, in samples from patients with COPD, as compared with control samples, the number of airways measuring 2.0 to 2.5 mm in diameter was reduced in patients with GOLD stage 1 disease (P=0.001), GOLD stage 2 disease (P=0.02), and GOLD stage 3 or 4 disease (P<0.001). MicroCT of isolated samples of lungs removed from patients with GOLD stage 4 disease showed a reduction of 81 to 99.7% in the total cross-sectional area of terminal bronchioles and a reduction of 72 to 89% in the number of terminal bronchioles (P<0.001). A comparison of the number of terminal bronchioles and dimensions at different levels of emphysematous destruction (i.e., an increasing value for the mean linear intercept) showed that the narrowing and loss of terminal bronchioles preceded emphysematous destruction in COPD (P<0.001). These results show that narrowing and disappearance of small conducting airways before the onset of emphysematous destruction can explain the increased peripheral airway resistance reported in COPD. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others.).

The Versatile Magic Square.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Gale A.

2003-01-01

Demonstrates the transformations that are possible to construct a variety of magic squares, including modifications to challenge students from elementary grades through algebra. Presents an example of using magic squares with students who have special needs. (YDS)

Biomechanical remodeling of obstructed guinea pig jejunum

PubMed Central

Zhao, Jingbo; Liao, Donghua; Yang, Jian; Gregersen, Hans

2010-01-01

Data on morphological and biomechanical remodeling are needed to understand the mechanisms behind intestinal obstruction. The effect of partial obstruction on mechanical properties with reference to the zero-stress state and on the histomorphological properties of the guinea pig small intestine was determined in this study. Partial obstruction and sham operation were surgically created in mid-jejunum of guinea pigs. The animals survived 2, 4, 7, and 14 days respectively. The age-matched guinea pigs that were not operated served as normal controls. The segment proximal to the obstruction site was used for histological analysis, no-load state and zero-stress state data, and distension test. The segment for distension was immersed in an organ bath and inflated to 10 cmH20. The outer diameter change during the inflation was monitored using a microscope with CCD camera. Circumferential stresses and strains were computed from the diameter, pressure and the zero-stress state data. The opening angle and absolute value of residual strain decreased (P<0.01 and P<0.001) whereas the wall thickness, wall cross-sectional area, and the wall stiffness increased after 7 days obstruction (P<0.05, P<0.01). Histologically, the muscle and submucosa layers, especially the circumferential muscle layer increased in thickness after obstruction. The opening angle and residual strain mainly depended on the thickness of the muscle layer whereas the wall stiffness mainly depended on the thickness of the submucosa layer. In conclusion, the histomorphological and biomechanical properties of small intestine (referenced for the first time to the zero-stress state) remodel proximal to the obstruction site in a time-dependent manner. PMID:20189575

A microfluidic-based lid device for conventional cell culture dishes to automatically control oxygen level.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Yeob; Yang, Sung

2018-04-25

Most conventional hypoxic cell culture systems undergo reoxygenation during experimental manipulations, resulting in undesirable effects including the reduction of cell viability. A lid device was developed herein for conventional cell culture dishes to resolve this limitation. The integration of multilayered microfluidic channels inside a thin membrane was designed to prevent the reoxygenation caused by reagent infusion and automatically control the oxygen level. The experimental data clearly show the reducibility of the dissolved oxygen in the infusing reagent and the controllability of the oxygen level inside the dish. The feasibility of the device for hypoxia studies was confirmed by HIF-1α experiments. Therefore, the device could be used as a compact and convenient hypoxic cell culture system to prevent reoxygenation-related issues.

On estimating gravity anomalies: A comparison of least squares collocation with least squares techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Argentiero, P.; Lowrey, B.

1976-01-01

The least squares collocation algorithm for estimating gravity anomalies from geodetic data is shown to be an application of the well known regression equations which provide the mean and covariance of a random vector (gravity anomalies) given a realization of a correlated random vector (geodetic data). It is also shown that the collocation solution for gravity anomalies is equivalent to the conventional least-squares-Stokes' function solution when the conventional solution utilizes properly weighted zero a priori estimates. The mathematical and physical assumptions underlying the least squares collocation estimator are described, and its numerical properties are compared with the numerical properties of the conventional least squares estimator.

Preoperative Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening in Gynecologic Oncology Patients.

PubMed

Harrison, Ross F; Medlin, Erin E; Petersen, Chase B; Rose, Stephen L; Hartenbach, Ellen M; Kushner, David M; Spencer, Ryan J; Rice, Laurel W; Al-Niaimi, Ahmed N

2018-05-21

Women with a gynecologic cancer tend to be older, obese, and postmenopausal, characteristics that are associated with an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. However, there is limited investigation regarding the condition's prevalence in this population or its impact on postoperative outcomes. In other surgical populations, patients with obstructive sleep apnea have been observed to be at increased risk for adverse postoperative events. To estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among gynecologic oncology patients undergoing elective surgery and to investigate for a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and postoperative outcomes. Patients referred to an academic gynecologic oncology practice were approached for enrollment in this prospective, observational study. Patients were considered eligible for study enrollment if they were scheduled for a non-emergent inpatient surgery and could provide informed consent. Enrolled patients were evaluated for a preexisting diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Those without a prior diagnosis were screened using the validated, 4-item STOP [i.e. Snore loudly, daytime Tiredness, Observed apnea, elevated blood Pressure] questionnaire. All patients who screened positive for obstructive sleep apnea were referred for polysomnography. The primary outcome was the prevalence of women with obstructive sleep apnea or those who screened at high risk for the condition. Secondary outcomes examined the correlation between body mass index (kg/m 2 ) with obstructive sleep apnea and assessed for a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and postoperative outcomes. Over a 22-month accrual period, 383 eligible patients were consecutively approached to participate in the study. A cohort of 260 patients were enrolled. A total of 33/260 patients (13%) were identified as having a previous diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. An additional 66/260 (25%) screened at risk for the condition using the STOP questionnaire. Of

Drug-eluting stent in malignant biliary obstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong-Ki; Jang, Sung Ill

2012-10-01

Endoscopic stent insertion is the treatment of choice for patients with malignant biliary obstruction. However, conventional stents enable only mechanical palliation of the obstruction, without any anti-tumor effects. Drugeluting stent (DES), which was first introduced in coronary artery disease, are currently under investigation for sustaining stent patency and prolonging patient survival by inhibiting tumor ingrowth in malignant biliary obstruction. Many factors affecting efficient drug delivery have been studied to determine how drugs with antitumor effects suppress tumor ingrowth, including the specific drugs incorporated, means of incorporating the drugs, mode of drug release, and stent structure. Advances have resulted in the construction of more effective non-vascular DES and ongoing clinical research. Non-vascular DES is expected to play a vital role in prolonging the survival of patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

33 CFR 329.10 - Existence of obstructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... DEFENSE DEFINITION OF NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES § 329.10 Existence of obstructions. A stream... obstruction by means of artificial chutes. However, the question is ultimately a matter of degree, and it must...

[Treatment of a patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

PubMed

Mańkowski, M; Tulibacki, M; Koziej, M; Adach, W; Zieliński, J

1995-01-01

History of a middle aged obese male, presenting with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is described. Provisionally patient was started on CPAP and long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTOT). OSA was successfully treated by surgical repair of nasal patency and partial uvulectomy. There was also remarkable improvement in ventilatory indices after steroid therapy. There was no further need for CPAP and LTOT.

Clinical Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Malignant Rectal Obstruction.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Jung; Hong, Sung Pil; Cheon, Jae Hee; Kim, Tae Il; Kim, Won Ho; Park, Soo Jung

2018-01-01

Self-expandable metal stents are widely used to treat malignant colorectal obstruction. However, data on clinical outcomes of stent placement for rectal obstruction specifically are lacking. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in malignant rectal obstruction in comparison with those in left colonic obstruction and to identify factors associated with clinical failure and complication. This was a retrospective study. The study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Between January 2005 and December 2013, medical charts of patients who underwent stent placement for malignant rectal or left colonic obstruction were reviewed retrospectively. Study intervention included self-expandable metal stent placement. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were measured. Technical success rates for the 2 study groups (rectum vs left colon, 93.5% vs 93.1%; p = 0.86) did not differ significantly; however, the clinical success rate was lower in patients with rectal obstruction (85.4% vs 92.1%; p = 0.02). In addition, the complication rate was higher in patients with rectal obstruction (37.4% vs 25.1%; p = 0.01). Patients with rectal obstruction showed higher rates of obstruction because of extracolonic malignancy (33.8% vs 15.8%; p < 0.001) and stent use for palliation (78.6% vs 56.3%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated obstruction attributed to extracolonic malignancy and covered stent usage to be independent risk factors for clinical failure. Factors predictive of complications in the palliative group were total obstruction, obstruction because of extracolonic malignancy, and covered stent usage. This was a retrospective, single-center study. The efficacy and safety of stent placement for malignant rectal obstruction were comparable with those for left colonic obstruction. However, obstruction attributed to extracolonic malignancy, use of covered stents, and total obstruction negatively impacted clinical outcomes

Biliary obstruction - slideshow

MedlinePlus

... ency/presentations/100199.htm Biliary obstruction - series—Normal anatomy To use the sharing ... Overview Bile is a digestive fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder which normally is ...

AKLSQF - LEAST SQUARES CURVE FITTING

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, A. V.

1994-01-01

The Least Squares Curve Fitting program, AKLSQF, computes the polynomial which will least square fit uniformly spaced data easily and efficiently. The program allows the user to specify the tolerable least squares error in the fitting or allows the user to specify the polynomial degree. In both cases AKLSQF returns the polynomial and the actual least squares fit error incurred in the operation. The data may be supplied to the routine either by direct keyboard entry or via a file. AKLSQF produces the least squares polynomial in two steps. First, the data points are least squares fitted using the orthogonal factorial polynomials. The result is then reduced to a regular polynomial using Sterling numbers of the first kind. If an error tolerance is specified, the program starts with a polynomial of degree 1 and computes the least squares fit error. The degree of the polynomial used for fitting is then increased successively until the error criterion specified by the user is met. At every step the polynomial as well as the least squares fitting error is printed to the screen. In general, the program can produce a curve fitting up to a 100 degree polynomial. All computations in the program are carried out under Double Precision format for real numbers and under long integer format for integers to provide the maximum accuracy possible. AKLSQF was written for an IBM PC X/AT or compatible using Microsoft's Quick Basic compiler. It has been implemented under DOS 3.2.1 using 23K of RAM. AKLSQF was developed in 1989.

Applications of square-related theorems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, V. K.

2014-04-01

The square centre of a given square is the point of intersection of its two diagonals. When two squares of different side lengths share the same square centre, there are in general four diagonals that go through the same square centre. The Two Squares Theorem developed in this paper summarizes some nice theoretical conclusions that can be obtained when two squares of different side lengths share the same square centre. These results provide the theoretical basis for two of the constructions given in the book of H.S. Hall and F.H. Stevens , 'A Shorter School Geometry, Part 1, Metric Edition'. In page 134 of this book, the authors present, in exercise 4, a practical construction which leads to a verification of the Pythagorean theorem. Subsequently in Theorems 29 and 30, the authors present the standard proofs of the Pythagorean theorem and its converse. In page 140, the authors present, in exercise 15, what amounts to a geometric construction, whose verification involves a simple algebraic identity. Both the constructions are of great importance and can be replicated by using the standard equipment provided in a 'geometry toolbox' carried by students in high schools. The author hopes that the results proved in this paper, in conjunction with the two constructions from the above-mentioned book, would provide high school students an appreciation of the celebrated theorem of Pythagoras. The diagrams that accompany this document are based on the free software GeoGebra. The author formally acknowledges his indebtedness to the creators of this free software at the end of this document.

Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction: human disease and animal models

PubMed Central

Klein, Julie; Gonzalez, Julien; Miravete, Mathieu; Caubet, Cécile; Chaaya, Rana; Decramer, Stéphane; Bandin, Flavio; Bascands, Jean-Loup; Buffin-Meyer, Bénédicte; Schanstra, Joost P

2011-01-01

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is the most frequently observed cause of obstructive nephropathy in children. Neonatal and foetal animal models have been developed that mimic closely what is observed in human disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss how obstructive nephropathy alters kidney histology and function and describe the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of the lesions, including inflammation, proliferation/apoptosis, renin–angiotensin system activation and fibrosis, based on both human and animal data. Also we propose that during obstructive nephropathy, hydrodynamic modifications are early inducers of the tubular lesions, which are potentially at the origin of the pathology. Finally, an important observation in animal models is that relief of obstruction during kidney development has important effects on renal function later in adult life. A major short-coming is the absence of data on the impact of UPJ obstruction on long-term adult renal function to elucidate whether these animal data are also valid in humans. PMID:20681980

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Aloe vera Bezoars: A Case Report.

PubMed

Hong, In Taik; Cha, Jae Myung; Ki, Hye Jin; Kwak, Min Seob; Yoon, Jin Young; Shin, Hyun Phil; Jeoun, Jung Won; Choi, Sung Il

2017-05-25

Small bowel obstruction is a clinical condition commonly caused by postoperative adhesion, volvulus, intussusceptions, and hernia. Small bowel obstruction due to bezoars is clinically uncommon, accounting for approximately 2-4% of all obstructions. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful method in diagnosing the cause of small bowel obstruction. However, small bowel obstruction caused by bezoars may not be detected by an abdominal CT examination. Herein, we report a rare case of small bowel obstruction by Aloe vera bezoars, which were undetected by an abdominal CT. Phytobezoars should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction in patients with predisposing factors, such as excessive consumption of high-fiber food and diabetes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Due To Extrathoracic Tracheomalacia

PubMed Central

Muzumdar, Hiren; Nandalike, K.; Bent, J.; Arens, Raanan

2013-01-01

We report obstructive sleep apnea in a 3-year-old boy with tracheomalacia secondary to tracheotomy that resolved after placement of a metallic stent in the region of tracheomalacia. The tracheal location of obstruction during sleep in this case contrasts with the usual location in the pharynx or, less often, the larynx. This case also demonstrates the utility of polysomnography in managing decannulation of tracheostomies. Citation: Muzumdar H; Nandalike K; Bent J; Arens R. Obstructive sleep apnea due to extrathoracic tracheomalacia. J Clin Sleep Med 2013;9(2):163–164. PMID:23372471

[Helium-Oxigen (Heliox) mixture in airway obstruction

PubMed

Ulhôa, C A; Larner, L

2000-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the effectiveness and the good outcome of the patients treated with helium-oxygen (Heliox) mixture. This mixture (Heliox) has been used in patients with airway obstruction, from different ethiologies, who did not respond to a conventional treatment with oxygen. METHODS: Case report of five patients that received Heliox as treatment for airway obstruction. All of them had good results without side effects during the treatment. CONCLUSION: Heliox is a promising treatment for severe airway obstruction with good results in a short period of time, until the final treatment is established.

A New Class of Pandiagonal Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loly, P. D.; Steeds, M. J.

2005-01-01

An interesting class of purely pandiagonal, i.e. non-magic, whole number (integer) squares of orders (row/column dimension) of the powers of two which are related to Gray codes and square Karnaugh maps has been identified. Treated as matrices these squares possess just two non-zero eigenvalues. The construction of these squares has been automated…

Real-time positioning in logging: Effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and line-of-sight obstructions on GNSS-RF transponder accuracy and radio signal propagation.

PubMed

Zimbelman, Eloise G; Keefe, Robert F

2018-01-01

Real-time positioning on mobile devices using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology paired with radio frequency (RF) transmission (GNSS-RF) may help to improve safety on logging operations by increasing situational awareness. However, GNSS positional accuracy for ground workers in motion may be reduced by multipath error, satellite signal obstruction, or other factors. Radio propagation of GNSS locations may also be impacted due to line-of-sight (LOS) obstruction in remote, forested areas. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and other LOS obstructions on the GNSS accuracy and radio signal propagation quality of multiple Raveon Atlas PT GNSS-RF transponders functioning as a network in a range of forest conditions. Because most previous research with GNSS in forestry has focused on stationary units, we chose to analyze units in motion by evaluating the time-to-signal accuracy of geofence crossings in 21 randomly-selected stands on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest. Specifically, we studied the effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and LOS obstructions on (1) the odds of missed GNSS-RF signals, (2) the root mean squared error (RMSE) of Atlas PTs, and (3) the time-to-signal accuracy of safety geofence crossings in forested environments. Mixed-effects models used to analyze the data showed that stand characteristics, topography, and obstructions in the LOS affected the odds of missed radio signals while stand variables alone affected RMSE. Both stand characteristics and topography affected the accuracy of geofence alerts.

Real-time positioning in logging: Effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and line-of-sight obstructions on GNSS-RF transponder accuracy and radio signal propagation

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Real-time positioning on mobile devices using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology paired with radio frequency (RF) transmission (GNSS-RF) may help to improve safety on logging operations by increasing situational awareness. However, GNSS positional accuracy for ground workers in motion may be reduced by multipath error, satellite signal obstruction, or other factors. Radio propagation of GNSS locations may also be impacted due to line-of-sight (LOS) obstruction in remote, forested areas. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and other LOS obstructions on the GNSS accuracy and radio signal propagation quality of multiple Raveon Atlas PT GNSS-RF transponders functioning as a network in a range of forest conditions. Because most previous research with GNSS in forestry has focused on stationary units, we chose to analyze units in motion by evaluating the time-to-signal accuracy of geofence crossings in 21 randomly-selected stands on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest. Specifically, we studied the effects of forest stand characteristics, topography, and LOS obstructions on (1) the odds of missed GNSS-RF signals, (2) the root mean squared error (RMSE) of Atlas PTs, and (3) the time-to-signal accuracy of safety geofence crossings in forested environments. Mixed-effects models used to analyze the data showed that stand characteristics, topography, and obstructions in the LOS affected the odds of missed radio signals while stand variables alone affected RMSE. Both stand characteristics and topography affected the accuracy of geofence alerts. PMID:29324794

? filtering for stochastic systems driven by Poisson processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Bo; Wu, Zheng-Guang; Park, Ju H.; Shi, Guodong; Zhang, Ya

2015-01-01

This paper investigates the ? filtering problem for stochastic systems driven by Poisson processes. By utilising the martingale theory such as the predictable projection operator and the dual predictable projection operator, this paper transforms the expectation of stochastic integral with respect to the Poisson process into the expectation of Lebesgue integral. Then, based on this, this paper designs an ? filter such that the filtering error system is mean-square asymptotically stable and satisfies a prescribed ? performance level. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed filtering scheme.

Spectral analysis of bowel sounds in intestinal obstruction using an electronic stethoscope.

PubMed

Ching, Siok Siong; Tan, Yih Kai

2012-09-07

To determine the value of bowel sounds analysis using an electronic stethoscope to support a clinical diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Subjects were patients who presented with a diagnosis of possible intestinal obstruction based on symptoms, signs, and radiological findings. A 3M™ Littmann(®) Model 4100 electronic stethoscope was used in this study. With the patients lying supine, six 8-second recordings of bowel sounds were taken from each patient from the lower abdomen. The recordings were analysed for sound duration, sound-to-sound interval, dominant frequency, and peak frequency. Clinical and radiological data were reviewed and the patients were classified as having either acute, subacute, or no bowel obstruction. Comparison of bowel sound characteristics was made between these subgroups of patients. In the presence of an obstruction, the site of obstruction was identified and bowel calibre was also measured to correlate with bowel sounds. A total of 71 patients were studied during the period July 2009 to January 2011. Forty patients had acute bowel obstruction (27 small bowel obstruction and 13 large bowel obstruction), 11 had subacute bowel obstruction (eight in the small bowel and three in large bowel) and 20 had no bowel obstruction (diagnoses of other conditions were made). Twenty-five patients received surgical intervention (35.2%) during the same admission for acute abdominal conditions. A total of 426 recordings were made and 420 recordings were used for analysis. There was no significant difference in sound-to-sound interval, dominant frequency, and peak frequency among patients with acute bowel obstruction, subacute bowel obstruction, and no bowel obstruction. In acute large bowel obstruction, the sound duration was significantly longer (median 0.81 s vs 0.55 s, P = 0.021) and the dominant frequency was significantly higher (median 440 Hz vs 288 Hz, P = 0.003) when compared to acute small bowel obstruction. No significant difference was seen

Spectral analysis of bowel sounds in intestinal obstruction using an electronic stethoscope

PubMed Central

Ching, Siok Siong; Tan, Yih Kai

2012-01-01

AIM: To determine the value of bowel sounds analysis using an electronic stethoscope to support a clinical diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. METHODS: Subjects were patients who presented with a diagnosis of possible intestinal obstruction based on symptoms, signs, and radiological findings. A 3M™ Littmann® Model 4100 electronic stethoscope was used in this study. With the patients lying supine, six 8-second recordings of bowel sounds were taken from each patient from the lower abdomen. The recordings were analysed for sound duration, sound-to-sound interval, dominant frequency, and peak frequency. Clinical and radiological data were reviewed and the patients were classified as having either acute, subacute, or no bowel obstruction. Comparison of bowel sound characteristics was made between these subgroups of patients. In the presence of an obstruction, the site of obstruction was identified and bowel calibre was also measured to correlate with bowel sounds. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were studied during the period July 2009 to January 2011. Forty patients had acute bowel obstruction (27 small bowel obstruction and 13 large bowel obstruction), 11 had subacute bowel obstruction (eight in the small bowel and three in large bowel) and 20 had no bowel obstruction (diagnoses of other conditions were made). Twenty-five patients received surgical intervention (35.2%) during the same admission for acute abdominal conditions. A total of 426 recordings were made and 420 recordings were used for analysis. There was no significant difference in sound-to-sound interval, dominant frequency, and peak frequency among patients with acute bowel obstruction, subacute bowel obstruction, and no bowel obstruction. In acute large bowel obstruction, the sound duration was significantly longer (median 0.81 s vs 0.55 s, P = 0.021) and the dominant frequency was significantly higher (median 440 Hz vs 288 Hz, P = 0.003) when compared to acute small bowel obstruction. No significant

Obstructive sleep apnea and sedation in the endoscopy suite.

PubMed

Moos, Daniel D

2006-01-01

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at risk of mortality and morbidity related to the administration of sedatives, anesthetics, and opioids. Commonly employed sedatives and analgesics promote pharyngeal collapse and alter normal respiratory responses to obstruction and apnea. Literature concerning patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing moderate and deep sedation in the endoscopy suite is lacking. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a review of normal airway patency, the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on airway patency, and the impact that analgesics and sedatives may impart on the airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The goal of this article is to increase awareness, stimulate discussions within the gastroenterological community, and encourage research regarding sedation in this at-risk population.

Diffusion Driven Combustion Waves in Porous Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aldushin, A. P.; Matkowsky, B. J.

2000-01-01

Filtration of gas containing oxidizer, to the reaction zone in a porous medium, due, e.g., to a buoyancy force or to an external pressure gradient, leads to the propagation of Filtration combustion (FC) waves. The exothermic reaction occurs between the fuel component of the solid matrix and the oxidizer. In this paper, we analyze the ability of a reaction wave to propagate in a porous medium without the aid of filtration. We find that one possible mechanism of propagation is that the wave is driven by diffusion of oxidizer from the environment. The solution of the combustion problem describing diffusion driven waves is similar to the solution of the Stefan problem describing the propagation of phase transition waves, in that the temperature on the interface between the burned and unburned regions is constant, the combustion wave is described by a similarity solution which is a function of the similarity variable x/square root of(t) and the wave velocity decays as 1/square root of(t). The difference between the two problems is that in the combustion problem the temperature is not prescribed, but rather, is determined as part of the solution. We will show that the length of samples in which such self-sustained combustion waves can occur, must exceed a critical value which strongly depends on the combustion temperature T(sub b). Smaller values of T(sub b) require longer sample lengths for diffusion driven combustion waves to exist. Because of their relatively small velocity, diffusion driven waves are considered to be relevant for the case of low heat losses, which occur for large diameter samples or in microgravity conditions, Another possible mechanism of porous medium combustion describes waves which propagate by consuming the oxidizer initially stored in the pores of the sample. This occurs for abnormally high pressure and gas density. In this case, uniformly propagating planar waves, which are kinetically controlled, can propagate, Diffusion of oxidizer decreases

The Square Kilometre Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huynh, Minh; Lazio, Joseph

2011-01-01

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the premier instrument to study radiation at centimetre and metre wavelengths from the cosmos, and in particular neutral hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. The SKA will probe the dawn of galaxy formation as well as allow advances in many other areas of astronomy, such as fundamental physics, astro-biology and cosmology. The SKA will have a collecting area of up to one million square metres spread over at least 3000 km, providing a collecting area more than twenty times greater than the current largest radio telescope. Its field of view on the sky will be several tens of square degrees with potentially several large (100 square degrees) independent beams at the lower frequencies, providing a survey speed many thousands of times greater than current facilities. This paper summarises the key science drivers of the SKA and provides an update on the international project.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: knowing what we mean, meaning what we say.

PubMed

Joshi, J M

2008-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined in several different ways using different criteria based on symptoms, physiological impairment and pathological abnormalities. While some use COPD to mean smoking related chronic airway disease, others include all disorders causing chronic airway obstruction. When COPD is used as a broad descriptive term, specific disorders that cause chronic airway obstruction remain under-diagnosed and the prevalence estimates vary considerably. The lack of agreement over the precise terminology and classification of COPD has resulted in widespread confusion. Terminology includes definition, diagnostic criteria, and a system for staging severity. Recently, COPD is defined more clearly and diagnosed using precise criteria that include tobacco smoking greater than 10 pack years, symptoms and airway obstruction on spirometry. A multi-dimensional severity grading system, the BODE (body mass index, obstruction, dyspnoea, and exercise tolerance) index has been designed to assess the respiratory and systemic expressions of COPD. This review proposes that the broad group of chronic disorders of the airways (with or without airway obstruction) be called chronic airway disease (CAD). The term COPD should be used exclusively for tobacco smoking related chronic airway disease. Chronic airway obstruction or obstructive lung disease may be used to define those conditions with airways obstruction caused by factors other than tobacco smoking. The aetiology may be appended to the label, for example, chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease associated with bronchiectasis, chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease associated with obliterative bronchiolitis or chronic airway obstruction/obstructive lung disease due to biomass fuel/occupational exposure.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

... Apnea (OSA) Download Download the ebook for further information Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and ... that can create the necessary air passageway. The information provided here is not intended as a substitute ...

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

MedlinePlus

... more each hour, all night long. These disruptions impair your ability to reach the desired deep, restful ... with obstructive sleep apnea may also complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of ...

Mitral stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: An unusual combination.

PubMed

Hong, Joonhwa; Schaff, Hartzell V; Ommen, Steve R; Abel, Martin D; Dearani, Joseph A; Nishimura, Rick A

2016-04-01

Systolic anterior motion of mitral valve (MV) leaflets is a main pathophysiologic feature of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Thus, restricted leaflet motion that occurs with MV stenosis might be expected to minimize outflow tract obstruction related to systolic anterior motion. From January 1993 through February 2015, we performed MV replacement and septal myectomy in 12 patients with mitral stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Preoperative data, echocardiographic images, operative records, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Mean (standard deviation) age was 70 (7.6) years. Preoperative mean (standard deviation) maximal LVOT pressure gradient was 75.0 (35.0) mm Hg; MV gradient was 13.7 (2.8) mm Hg. From echocardiographic images, 4 mechanisms of outflow tract obstruction were identified: systolic anterior motion without severe limitation in MV leaflet excursion, severe limitation in MV leaflet mobility with systolic anterior motion at the tip of the MV anterior leaflet, septal encroachment toward the LVOT, and MV displacement toward the LVOT by calcification. Mitral valve replacement and extended septal myectomy relieved outflow gradients in all patients, with no death or serious morbidity. Patients with mitral stenosis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy have multiple LVOT obstruction mechanisms, and MV replacement may not be adequate treatment. We favor septal myectomy and MV replacement in this complex subset of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Infectious mononucleosis presenting as upper airway obstruction.

PubMed

Jain, Vivek; Singhi, Sunit; Desai, Ravi V

2003-01-01

Upper airway obstruction though a common complication of infectious mononucleosis is rarely considered in differential diagnosis of stridor. We report a three-year-old child who had upper airway obstruction due to infectious mononucleosis, managed conservatively with oxygen, intravenous fluids and steroids.

XAFS study of copper(II) complexes with square planar and square pyramidal coordination geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, A.; Klysubun, W.; Nitin Nair, N.; Shrivastava, B. D.; Prasad, J.; Srivastava, K.

2016-08-01

X-ray absorption fine structure of six Cu(II) complexes, Cu2(Clna)4 2H2O (1), Cu2(ac)4 2H2O (2), Cu2(phac)4 (pyz) (3), Cu2(bpy)2(na)2 H2O (ClO4) (4), Cu2(teen)4(OH)2(ClO4)2 (5) and Cu2(tmen)4(OH)2(ClO4)2 (6) (where ac, phac, pyz, bpy, na, teen, tmen = acetate, phenyl acetate, pyrazole, bipyridine, nicotinic acid, tetraethyethylenediamine, tetramethylethylenediamine, respectively), which were supposed to have square pyramidal and square planar coordination geometries have been investigated. The differences observed in the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) features of the standard compounds having four, five and six coordination geometry points towards presence of square planar and square pyramidal geometry around Cu centre in the studied complexes. The presence of intense pre-edge feature in the spectra of four complexes, 1-4, indicates square pyramidal coordination. Another important XANES feature, present in complexes 5 and 6, is prominent shoulder in the rising part of edge whose intensity decreases in the presence of axial ligands and thus indicates four coordination in these complexes. Ab initio calculations were carried out for square planar and square pyramidal Cu centres to observe the variation of 4p density of states in the presence and absence of axial ligands. To determine the number and distance of scattering atoms around Cu centre in the complexes, EXAFS analysis has been done using the paths obtained from Cu(II) oxide model and an axial Cu-O path from model of a square pyramidal complex. The results obtained from EXAFS analysis have been reported which confirmed the inference drawn from XANES features. Thus, it has been shown that these paths from model of a standard compound can be used to determine the structural parameters for complexes having unknown structure.

Vector Flow Visualization of Urinary Flow Dynamics in a Bladder Outlet Obstruction Model.

PubMed

Ishii, Takuro; Yiu, Billy Y S; Yu, Alfred C H

2017-11-01

Voiding dysfunction that results from bladder outlet (BO) obstruction is known to alter significantly the dynamics of urine passage through the urinary tract. To non-invasively image this phenomenon on a time-resolved basis, we pursued the first application of a recently developed flow visualization technique called vector projectile imaging (VPI) that can track the spatiotemporal dynamics of flow vector fields at a frame rate of 10,000 fps (based on plane wave excitation and least-squares Doppler vector estimation principles). For this investigation, we designed a new anthropomorphic urethral tract phantom to reconstruct urinary flow dynamics under controlled conditions (300 mm H 2 O inlet pressure and atmospheric outlet pressure). Both a normal model and a diseased model with BO obstruction were developed for experimentation. VPI cine loops were derived from these urinary flow phantoms. Results show that VPI is capable of depicting differences in the flow dynamics of normal and diseased urinary tracts. In the case with BO obstruction, VPI depicted the presence of BO flow jet and vortices in the prostatic urethra. The corresponding spatial-maximum flow velocity magnitude was estimated to be 2.43 m/s, and it is significantly faster than that for the normal model (1.52 m/s) and is in line with values derived from computational fluid dynamics simulations. Overall, this investigation demonstrates the feasibility of using vector flow visualization techniques to non-invasively examine internal flow characteristics related to voiding dysfunction in the urethral tract. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Obstructive sleep apnea, seizures, and childhood apraxia of speech.

PubMed

Caspari, Susan S; Strand, Edythe A; Kotagal, Suresh; Bergqvist, Christina

2008-06-01

Associations between obstructive sleep apnea and motor speech disorders in adults have been suggested, though little has been written about possible effects of sleep apnea on speech acquisition in children with motor speech disorders. This report details the medical and speech history of a nonverbal child with seizures and severe apraxia of speech. For 6 years, he made no functional gains in speech production, despite intensive speech therapy. After tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea at age 6 years, he experienced a reduction in seizures and rapid growth in speech production. The findings support a relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and childhood apraxia of speech. The rather late diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, especially in light of what was such a life-altering outcome (gaining functional speech), has significant implications. Most speech sounds develop during ages 2-5 years, which is also the peak time of occurrence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy and childhood obstructive sleep apnea. Hence it is important to establish definitive diagnoses, and to consider early and more aggressive treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, in children with motor speech disorders.

Systematic review: the influence of nasal obstruction on sleep apnea.

PubMed

Migueis, Debora Petrungaro; Thuler, Luiz Claudio Santos; Lemes, Lucas Neves de Andrade; Moreira, Chirlene Santos Souza; Joffily, Lucia; Araujo-Melo, Maria Helena de

2016-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as to metabolic, neurological, and behavioral consequences. It is currently believed that nasal obstruction compromises the quality of sleep when it results in breathing disorders and fragmentation of sleep. However, recent studies have failed to objectively associate sleep quality and nasal obstruction. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the influence of nasal obstruction on OSAS and polysomnographic indices associated with respiratory events. Eleven original articles published from 2003 to 2013 were selected, which addressed surgical and non-surgical treatment for nasal obstruction, performing polysomnography type 1 before and after the intervention. In most trials, nasal obstruction was not related to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), indicating no improvement in OSAS with reduction in nasal resistance. However, few researchers evaluated other polysomnography indices, such as the arousal index and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep percentage. These could change with nasal obstruction, since it is possible that the nasal obstruction does not completely block the upper airways, but can increase negative intrathoracic pressure, leading to sleep fragmentation. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Removal of obstructing T-tube and stabilization of the airway.

PubMed

Athavale, Sanjay M; Dang, Jennifer; Rangarajan, Sanjeet; Garrett, Gaelyn

2011-05-01

Although they are extremely effective in maintaining tracheal and subglottic patency, T-tubes themselves can result in airway obstruction from plugging. Many practitioners educate patients on placing a small (5.0) endotracheal tube (ETT) through the tracheal limb of the T-tube if they develop airway obstruction. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task to complete during acute airway obstruction. In this article, we describe a simple set of steps for rapid relief of airway obstruction and stabilization of the airway in the event of T-tube obstruction. This method requires removal of the T-tube with a Kelly clamp and stabilization of the airway with a tracheostomy tube. Although it is simple, we hope that this technique will prevent morbidity and mortality from acute airway obstructions related to T-tubes. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Visible-Light-Driven BiOI-Based Janus Micromotor in Pure Water.

PubMed

Dong, Renfeng; Hu, Yan; Wu, Yefei; Gao, Wei; Ren, Biye; Wang, Qinglong; Cai, Yuepeng

2017-02-08

Light-driven synthetic micro-/nanomotors have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications and unique performances such as remote motion control and adjustable velocity. Utilizing harmless and renewable visible light to supply energy for micro-/nanomotors in water represents a great challenge. In view of the outstanding photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI), visible-light-driven BiOI-based Janus micromotors have been developed, which can be activated by a broad spectrum of light, including blue and green light. Such BiOI-based Janus micromotors can be propelled by photocatalytic reactions in pure water under environmentally friendly visible light without the addition of any other chemical fuels. The remote control of photocatalytic propulsion by modulating the power of visible light is characterized by velocity and mean-square displacement analysis of optical video recordings. In addition, the self-electrophoresis mechanism has been confirmed for such visible-light-driven BiOI-based Janus micromotors by demonstrating the effects of various coated layers (e.g., Al 2 O 3 , Pt, and Au) on the velocity of motors. The successful demonstration of visible-light-driven Janus micromotors holds a great promise for future biomedical and environmental applications.

14 CFR 151.91 - Removal of obstructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Removal of obstructions. 151.91 Section 151.91 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRPORTS FEDERAL AID TO AIRPORTS Project Programming Standards § 151.91 Removal of obstructions. (a) The...

14 CFR 151.91 - Removal of obstructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Removal of obstructions. 151.91 Section 151.91 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRPORTS FEDERAL AID TO AIRPORTS Project Programming Standards § 151.91 Removal of obstructions. (a) The...

14 CFR 151.91 - Removal of obstructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Removal of obstructions. 151.91 Section 151.91 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRPORTS FEDERAL AID TO AIRPORTS Project Programming Standards § 151.91 Removal of obstructions. (a) The...

14 CFR 151.91 - Removal of obstructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Removal of obstructions. 151.91 Section 151.91 Aeronautics and Space FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED) AIRPORTS FEDERAL AID TO AIRPORTS Project Programming Standards § 151.91 Removal of obstructions. (a) The...

Pulmonary distribution of an inhaled radioaerosol in obstructive pulmonary disease

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

Lin, M.S.; Goodwin, D.A.

1976-03-01

Pulmonary distribution of an inhaled radioaerosol was analyzed in 20 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 8 of other OPD. Nonciliary/ciliary partition of the distribution correlated with the severity of airway obstruction and approximated 3 : 1 in mild and 1 : 3 in very severe obstruction. In nuclear images, the distribution featured contrast abnormalities of hyperdeposition and hypodeposition. Intense hyperdeposition most commonly occurred in hilar and perihilar large airways. In isolated instances, hyperdeposition almost certainly occurred focally at sites of partial bronchial obstruction and diffusely by expiratory trapping; hypodeposition occurred distally to bronchial obstruction and in areasmore » of parenchymal loss. (auth)« less

Obstructive ureteropathy following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix

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

Parliament, M.; Genest, P.; Girard, A.

1989-05-01

Between January 1959 and December 1986, 10 of 328 patients (3%) treated with curative intent using primary radiation therapy for carcinoma of the cervix developed obstructive ureteropathy due to fibrosis. The mean age of the patients with obstructive ureteropathy was 45 years and the median time to obstruction was 26 months. The obstruction was unilateral in 8 cases and involved the parametrial portion of the ureter in at least 5 cases. No predisposing risk factor was found to be associated with the development of obstructive ureteropathy. After corrective surgery, renal function remained normal in 8 patients, and resolution of themore » hydronephrosis occurred in 4 patients.« less

Wall Driven Cavity Approach to Slug Flow Modeling In a Micro channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Avinash; Kulkarni, Shekhar; Pushpavanam, Subramaniam; Pushpavanam Research League Team, Prof.

2014-03-01

Slug flow is a commonly observed stable regime and occurs at relatively low flow rates of the fluids. Wettability of channel decides continuous and discrete phases. In these types of biphasic flows, the fluid - fluid interface acts as a barrier that prohibits species movement across the interface. The flow inside a slug is qualitatively similar to the well known shallow cavity flow. In shallow cavities the flow mimics the ``fully developed'' internal circulation in slug flows. Another approach to slug flow modeling can be in a moving reference frame. Here the wall boundary moves in the direction opposite to that of the flow, hence induces circulations within the phases which is analogous to the well known Lid Driven Cavity. The two parallel walls are moved in the opposite directions which generate circulation patterns, equivalent to the ones regularly observed in slug flow in micro channels. A fourth order stream function equation is solved using finite difference approach. The flow field obtained using the two approaches will be used to analyze the effect on mass transfer and chemical reactions in the micro channel. The internal circulations and the performance of these systems will be validated experimentally.

Relationship between the upper mantle high velocity seismic lid and the continental lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priestley, Keith; Tilmann, Frederik

2009-04-01

The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary corresponds to the base of the "rigid" plates - the depth at which heat transport changes from advection in the convecting deeper upper mantle to conduction in the shallow upper mantle. Although this boundary is a fundamental feature of the Earth, mapping it has been difficult because it does not correspond to a sharp change in temperature or composition. Various definitions of the lithosphere and asthenosphere are based on the analysis of different types of geophysical and geological observations. The depth to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary determined from these different observations often shows little agreement when they are applied to the same region because the geophysical and geological observations (i.e., seismic velocity, strain rate, electrical resistivity, chemical depletion, etc.) are proxies for the change in rheological properties rather than a direct measure of the rheological properties. In this paper, we focus on the seismic mapping of the upper mantle high velocity lid and low velocity zone and its relationship to the lithosphere and asthenosphere. We have two goals: (a) to examine the differences in how teleseismic body-wave travel-time tomography and surface-wave tomography image upper mantle seismic structure; and (b) to summarise how upper mantle seismic velocity structure can be related to the structure of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Surface-wave tomography provides reasonably good depth resolution, especially when higher modes are included in the analysis, but lateral resolution is limited by the horizontal wavelength of the long-period surface waves used to constrain upper mantle velocity structure. Teleseismic body-wave tomography has poor depth resolution in the upper mantle, particularly when no strong lateral contrasts are present. If station terms are used, features with large lateral extent and gradual boundaries are attenuated in the tomographic image. Body-wave models are not

Engineering an improved light-induced dimer (iLID) for controlling the localization and activity of signaling proteins

DOE PAGES

Guntas, Gurkan; Hallett, Ryan A.; Zimmerman, Seth P.; ...

2014-12-22

The discovery of light-inducible protein–protein interactions has allowed for the spatial and temporal control of a variety of biological processes. To be effective, a photodimerizer should have several characteristics: it should show a large change in binding affinity upon light stimulation, it should not cross-react with other molecules in the cell, and it should be easily used in a variety of organisms to recruit proteins of interest to each other. In this study, to create a switch that meets these criteria we have embedded the bacterial SsrA peptide in the C-terminal helix of a naturally occurring photoswitch, the light-oxygen-voltage 2more » (LOV2) domain from Avena sativa. In the dark the SsrA peptide is sterically blocked from binding its natural binding partner, SspB. When activated with blue light, the C-terminal helix of the LOV2 domain undocks from the protein, allowing the SsrA peptide to bind SspB. Without optimization, the switch exhibited a twofold change in binding affinity for SspB with light stimulation. Here, we describe the use of computational protein design, phage display, and high-throughput binding assays to create an improved light inducible dimer (iLID) that changes its affinity for SspB by over 50-fold with light stimulation. A crystal structure of iLID shows a critical interaction between the surface of the LOV2 domain and a phenylalanine engineered to more tightly pin the SsrA peptide against the LOV2 domain in the dark. Finally, we demonstrate the functional utility of the switch through light-mediated subcellular localization in mammalian cell culture and reversible control of small GTPase signaling.« less

[Correlation between obstructive apnea syndrome and difficult airway in ENT surgery].

PubMed

Pera, Marcia Hiray; Tardelli, Maria Angela; Novo, Neil Ferreira; Juliano, Yara; Silva, Helga Cristina Almeida da

2017-12-21

ENT patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a tendency of collapsing the upper airways in addition to anatomical obstacles. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is related to the increased risk of difficult airway and also increased perioperative complications. In order to identify these patients in the preoperative period, the STOP Bang questionnaire has been highlighted because it is summarized and easy to apply. Evaluate through the STOP Bang questionnaire whether patients undergoing ENT surgery with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a higher risk of complications, particularly the occurrence of difficult airway. Measurements of anatomical parameters for difficult airway and questionnaire application for clinical prediction of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were performed in 48 patients with a previous polysomnographic study. The sample detected difficult airway in about 18.7% of patients, all of them with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This group had older age, cervical circumference > 40cm, ASA II and Cormack III/IV. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had higher body mass index, cervical circumference, and frequent apnea. In subgroup analysis, the group with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome showed a significantly higher SB score compared to patients without this syndrome or with a mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The STOP Bang questionnaire was not able to predict difficult airway and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but it identified marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. All patients with difficult airway had moderate and marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, although this syndrome did not involve difficult airway. The variables Cormack III/IV and BMI greater than 35 Kg.m -2 were able to predict difficult airway and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Greater effect of stroke thrombolysis in the presence of arterial obstruction.

PubMed

De Silva, Deidre A; Churilov, Leonid; Olivot, Jean-Marc; Christensen, Soren; Lansberg, Maarten G; Mlynash, Michael; Campbell, Bruce C V; Desmond, Patricia; Straka, Matus; Bammer, Roland; Albers, Gregory W; Davis, Stephen M; Donnan, Geoffrey A

2011-10-01

Recanalization of arterial obstruction is associated with improved clinical outcomes. There are no controlled data demonstrating whether arterial obstruction status predicts the treatment effect of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We aimed to determine if the presence of arterial obstruction improves the treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo in attenuating infarct growth. We analyzed 175 ischemic stroke patients treated in the 3-6 hour time window from the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial (EPITHET) trial (randomized to IV tPA or placebo) and Diffusion and perfusion imaging Evaluation For Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) study (all treated with IV tPA). Infarct growth was calculated as the difference between baseline diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and final T2 lesion volumes. Baseline arterial obstruction of large intracranial arteries was graded on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Among the 116 patients with adequate baseline MRA and final lesion assessment, 72 had arterial obstruction (48 tPA, 24 placebo) and 44 no arterial obstruction (33 tPA, 11 placebo). Infarct growth was lower in the tPA than placebo group (median difference 26ml, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-50) in patients with arterial obstruction, but was similar in patients with no arterial obstruction (median difference 5ml, 95%CI, -3 to 9). Infarct growth attenuation with tPA over placebo treatment was greater among patients with arterial obstruction than those without arterial obstruction by a median of 32ml (95%CI, 21-43, p < 0.001). The treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo was greater with baseline arterial obstruction, supporting arterial obstruction status as a consideration in selecting patients more likely to benefit from IV thrombolysis. Copyright © 2011 American Neurological Association.

Timing Matters: Circadian Rhythm in Sepsis, Obstructive Lung Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Cancer

PubMed Central

Truong, Kimberly K.; Lam, Michael T.; Grandner, Michael A.; Sassoon, Catherine S.

2016-01-01

Physiological and cellular functions operate in a 24-hour cyclical pattern orchestrated by an endogenous process known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms represent intrinsic oscillations of biological functions that allow for adaptation to cyclic environmental changes. Key clock genes that affect the persistence and periodicity of circadian rhythms include BMAL1/CLOCK, Period 1, Period 2, and Cryptochrome. Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of circadian rhythms and their role in common medical conditions. A critical review of the literature supports the association between circadian misalignment and adverse health consequences in sepsis, obstructive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and malignancy. Circadian misalignment plays an important role in these disease processes and can affect disease severity, treatment response, and survivorship. Normal inflammatory response to acute infections, airway resistance, upper airway collapsibility, and mitosis regulation follows a robust circadian pattern. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm at the molecular level affects severity of inflammation in sepsis, contributes to inflammatory responses in obstructive lung diseases, affects apnea length in obstructive sleep apnea, and increases risk for cancer. Chronotherapy is an underused practice of delivering therapy at optimal times to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. This approach has been shown to be advantageous in asthma and cancer management. In asthma, appropriate timing of medication administration improves treatment effectiveness. Properly timed chemotherapy may reduce treatment toxicities and maximize efficacy. Future research should focus on circadian rhythm disorders, role of circadian rhythm in other diseases, and modalities to restore and prevent circadian disruption. PMID:27104378

Timing Matters: Circadian Rhythm in Sepsis, Obstructive Lung Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Cancer.

PubMed

Truong, Kimberly K; Lam, Michael T; Grandner, Michael A; Sassoon, Catherine S; Malhotra, Atul

2016-07-01

Physiological and cellular functions operate in a 24-hour cyclical pattern orchestrated by an endogenous process known as the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms represent intrinsic oscillations of biological functions that allow for adaptation to cyclic environmental changes. Key clock genes that affect the persistence and periodicity of circadian rhythms include BMAL1/CLOCK, Period 1, Period 2, and Cryptochrome. Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of circadian rhythms and their role in common medical conditions. A critical review of the literature supports the association between circadian misalignment and adverse health consequences in sepsis, obstructive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and malignancy. Circadian misalignment plays an important role in these disease processes and can affect disease severity, treatment response, and survivorship. Normal inflammatory response to acute infections, airway resistance, upper airway collapsibility, and mitosis regulation follows a robust circadian pattern. Disruption of normal circadian rhythm at the molecular level affects severity of inflammation in sepsis, contributes to inflammatory responses in obstructive lung diseases, affects apnea length in obstructive sleep apnea, and increases risk for cancer. Chronotherapy is an underused practice of delivering therapy at optimal times to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. This approach has been shown to be advantageous in asthma and cancer management. In asthma, appropriate timing of medication administration improves treatment effectiveness. Properly timed chemotherapy may reduce treatment toxicities and maximize efficacy. Future research should focus on circadian rhythm disorders, role of circadian rhythm in other diseases, and modalities to restore and prevent circadian disruption.

Effective Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Long-Term Care Facility through an Infectious Disease Consultation Service: Keeping a LID on Antibiotic Use

PubMed Central

Jump, Robin L. P.; Olds, Danielle M.; Seifi, Nasim; Kypriotakis, Georgios; Jury, Lucy A.; Peron, Emily P.; Hirsch, Amy A.; Drawz, Paul E.; Watts, Brook; Bonomo, Robert A.; Donskey, Curtis J.

2014-01-01

Design We introduced a long-term care facility (LTCF) Infectious Disease (ID) consult service (LID) that provides on-site consultations to residents of a VA LTCF. We determined the impact of the LID service on antimicrobial use and Clostridium difficile infections at the LTCF. Setting A 160-bed Veterans Affairs (VA) LTCF. Methods Systemic antimicrobial use and the rate of positive C. difficile tests at the LTCF were compared for 36 months before and 18 months after the initiation of the ID consultation service using segmented regression analysis of an interrupted time-series. Results In contrast to the pre-intervention period, total systemic antibiotic administration decreased by 30% (P <.001) with a significant reduction in both oral (32%; P<.001) and intravenous agents (25%; P =.008). The greatest reductions were seen for tetracyclines (64%, P <.001), clindamycin (61%; P <.001), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (38%; P <.001), fluoroquinolones (38%; P <.001) and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (28%; P <.001). Rates of change for positive C. difficile tests at the LTCF declined in the post- vs. preintervention periods (P = .04). Conclusions Implementation of a LTCF ID service led to a significant reduction in total antimicrobial use. Bringing providers with infectious disease expertise to the LTCF represents a new and effective means to achieve antimicrobial stewardship. PMID:23143354

Usefulness of Ultrasonography and Cortical Transit Time to Differentiate Nonobstructive From Obstructive Dilatation in the Management of Prenatally Detected Pelvic Ureteric Junction Like Obstruction.

PubMed

Sharma, Gyanendra; Sharma, Anshu

2017-12-01

To differentiate a nonobstructive dilatation from an obstructive dilatation in prenatally detected presumed pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction so that intervention can be planned before irreversible damage can occur to the renal unit. From January 2012 to December 2016, all patients with prenatally detected or asymptomatic incidentally detected presumed pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction were evaluated by ultrasonography and renogram. The anteroposterior diameter of the renal pelvis was measured in supine and prone position. Presence of calyceal dilatation in prone position was noted. They were categorized into obstructed, nonobstructed, and equivocal groups based on sonography findings. The differential renal function and the cortical transit time (CTT) was calculated and compared with the sonography groups. Of the 98 patients, 72 were in the obstructed, 18 were in the nonobstructed, and 8 were in the equivocal category. All except 1 in the nonobstructed category had a function of >40% with CTT of <3 minutes. Seventy patients in the obstructed category had a CTT of >3 minutes, whereas 61 had function <40% on initial evaluation. Eleven patients in the obstructed category with an initial function of >40% had CTT of >3 minutes. All of them showed increasing hydronephrosis and deterioration of function during follow-up, necessitating pyeloplasty. All patients in the equivocal group had function >40% and CTT <3 minutes. Ultrasonography along with CTT can help to differentiate nonobstructive from obstructive dilatation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of compound nuclear reaction mechanism in 12C(6Li,d) reaction at sub-Coulomb energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Ashok; Adhikari, S.; Basu, C.

2017-09-01

The angular distribution of the 12C(6Li,d) reaction populating the 6.92 and 7.12 MeV states of 16O at sub-Coulomb energy (Ecm=3 MeV) are analysed in the framework of the Distorted Wave Born Approximation (DWBA). Recent results on excitation function measurements and backward angle angular distributions derive ANC for both the states on the basis of an alpha transfer mechanism. In the present work, we show that considering both forward and backward angle data in the analysis, the 7.12 MeV state at sub-Coulomb energy is populated from Compound nuclear process rather than transfer process. The 6.92 MeV state is however produced from direct reaction mechanism.

Crystallization and X-ray data analysis of the 10 kDa C-terminal lid subdomain from Caenorhabditis elegans Hsp70

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

Worrall, Liam; Walkinshaw, Malcolm D., E-mail: m.walkinshaw@ed.ac.uk

Crystals of the C-terminal 10 kDa lid subdomain from the C. elegans chaperone Hsp70 have been obtained that diffract X-rays to ∼3.5 Å and belong to space group I2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}. Analysis of X-ray data and initial heavy-atom phasing reveals 24 monomers in the asymmetric unit related by 432 non-crystallographic symmetry. Hsp70 is an important molecular chaperone involved in the regulation of protein folding. Crystals of the C-terminal 10 kDa helical lid domain (residues 542–640) from a Caenorhabditis elegans Hsp70 homologue have been produced that diffract X-rays to ∼3.4 Å. Crystals belong to space group I2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1},more » with unit-cell parameters a = b = 197, c = 200 Å. The Matthews coefficient, self-rotation function and Patterson map indicate 24 monomers in the asymmetric unit, showing non-crystallographic 432 symmetry. Molecular-replacement studies using the corresponding domain from rat, the only eukaryotic homologue with a known structure, failed and a mercury derivative was obtained. Preliminary MAD phasing using SHELXD and SHARP for location and refinement of the heavy-atom substructure and SOLOMON for density modification produced interpretable maps with a clear protein–solvent boundary. Further density-modification, model-building and refinement are currently under way.« less

36 CFR 910.67 - Square guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Square guidelines. 910.67 Section 910.67 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GENERAL... DEVELOPMENT AREA Glossary of Terms § 910.67 Square guidelines. Square Guidelines establish the Corporation's...

36 CFR 910.67 - Square guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Square guidelines. 910.67 Section 910.67 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GENERAL... DEVELOPMENT AREA Glossary of Terms § 910.67 Square guidelines. Square Guidelines establish the Corporation's...

36 CFR 910.67 - Square guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Square guidelines. 910.67 Section 910.67 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GENERAL... DEVELOPMENT AREA Glossary of Terms § 910.67 Square guidelines. Square Guidelines establish the Corporation's...

36 CFR 910.67 - Square guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Square guidelines. 910.67 Section 910.67 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GENERAL... DEVELOPMENT AREA Glossary of Terms § 910.67 Square guidelines. Square Guidelines establish the Corporation's...

Subtotal obstruction of the male reproductive tract.

PubMed

Dohle, G R; van Roijen, J H; Pierik, F H; Vreeburg, J T M; Weber, R F A

2003-03-01

Bilateral obstruction of the male reproductive tract is suspected in men with azoospermia, normal testicular volume and normal FSH. A testicular biopsy is required to differentiate between an obstruction and a testicular insufficiency. Unilateral or subtotal bilateral obstructions and epididymal dysfunction may cause severe oligozoospermia in men with a normal spermatogenesis. However, information on spermatogenesis in oligozoospermic men is lacking, since testicular biopsy is not routinely performed. Men with a sperm concentration of <1 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml were investigated for possible partial obstruction by performing a testicular biopsy under local anaesthesia. Spermatogenesis was determined by the Johnsen scoring method. A testicular biopsy was performed in 78 men with severe oligozoospermia. The medical history showed male accessory gland infection in 12.8%, previous hernia repair in 14.1% and a history of cryptorchidism in 12.8%. A normal or slightly disturbed spermatogenesis (Johnsen score >8) was present in 39/78 (50%) of the men. Hernia repair occurred more often in men with normal spermatogenesis. A varicocele was predominantly seen in men with a disturbed spermatogenesis. FSH was significantly lower ( P<0.0001) in men with normal spermatogenesis. Subtotal obstruction of the male reproductive tract is a frequent cause of severe oligozoospermia in men with a normal testicular volume and a normal FSH. In other cases, an epididymal dysfunction might explain the oligozoospermia in men with a normal testicular biopsy score.

Numerical modelling of rapid, flow-like landslides across 3-D terrains: a Tsunami Squares approach to El Picacho landslide, El Salvador, September 19, 1982

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiajia; Ward, Steven N.; Xiao, Lili

2015-06-01

Flow-like landslides are rapidly moving fluid-solid mixtures that can cause significant destruction along paths that run far from their original sources. Existing models for run out prediction and motion simulation of flow-like landslides have many limitations. In this paper, we develop a new method named `Tsunami Squares' to simulate the generation, propagation and stoppage of flow-like landslides based on conservation of volume and momentum. Landslide materials in the new method form divisible squares that are displaced, then further fractured. The squares move under the influence of gravity-driven acceleration and suffer decelerations due to basal and dynamic frictions. Distinctively, this method takes into account solid and fluid mechanics, particle interactions and flow regime transitions. We apply this approach to simulate the 1982 El Picacho landslide in San Salvador, capital city of El Salvador. Landslide products from Tsunami Squares such as run out distance, velocities, erosion and deposition depths and impacted area agree well with field investigated and eyewitness data.

A Note on Magic Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Horace E.

1974-01-01

A method for generating 3x3 magic squares is developed. A series of questions relating to these magic squares is posed. An invesitgation using matrix methods is suggested with some questions for consideration. (LS)

A chaotic micromixer using obstruction-pairs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jang Min; Duck Seo, Kyoung; Kwon, Tai Hun

2010-01-01

A micromixer is one of the most important components for a chemical and/or diagnostic analysis in microfluidic devices such as a micro-total-analysis-system and a lab-on-a-chip. In this paper, a novel chaotic micromixer is developed in a simple design by introducing obstruction-pairs on the bottom of a microchannel. An obstruction-pair, which is composed of two hexahedron blocks arranged in an asymmetric manner, can induce a rotational flow along the down-channel direction due to the anisotropy of flow resistance. By utilizing this characteristic of the obstruction-pair, four mixing units are designed in such a way that three obstruction-pairs induce three rotational flows which result in a down-welling and a hyperbolic point in the channel cross-section. There can be a variety of micromixer geometries by arranging the mixing units in various sequences along the microchannel, and their mixing performances will differ from each other due to different flow characteristics. In this regard, numerical investigations are carried out to predict and characterize the mixing performances of various micromixers. Also experimental verifications are carried out by a flow visualization technique using phenolphthalein and sodium hydroxide solutions in a polydimethylsiloxane-based micromixer.

Analysis of electrocardiogram in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

PubMed

Lazović, Biljana; Svenda, Mirjana Zlatković; Mazić, Sanja; Stajić, Zoran; Delić, Marina

2013-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a persistent airflow limitation usually progressive and not fully reversible to treatment. The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severity of disease is confirmed by spirometry. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produces electrical changes in the heart which shows characteristic electrocardiogram pattern. The aim of this study was to observe and evaluate diagnostic values of electrocardiogram changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with no other comorbidity. We analyzed 110 electrocardiogram findings in clinically stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and evaluated the forced expiratory volume in the first second, ratio of forces expiratory volume in the first second to the fixed vital capacity, chest radiographs and electrocardiogram changes such as p wave height, QRS axis and voltage, right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, right ventricular hypertrophy, T wave inversion in leads V1-V3, S1S2S3 syndrome, transition zone in praecordial lead and QT interval. We found electrocardiogram changes in 64% patients, while 36% had normal electrocardiogram. The most frequent electrocardiogram changes observed were transition zone (76.36%) low QRS (50%) and p pulmonale (14.54%). Left axis deviation was observed in 27.27% patients. Diagnostic values of electrocardiogram in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suggest that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients should be screened electrocardiographically in addition to other clinical investigations.

Video Altimeter and Obstruction Detector for an Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delgado, Frank J.; Abernathy, Michael F.; White, Janis; Dolson, William R.

2013-01-01

Video-based altimetric and obstruction detection systems for aircraft have been partially developed. The hardware of a system of this type includes a downward-looking video camera, a video digitizer, a Global Positioning System receiver or other means of measuring the aircraft velocity relative to the ground, a gyroscope based or other attitude-determination subsystem, and a computer running altimetric and/or obstruction-detection software. From the digitized video data, the altimetric software computes the pixel velocity in an appropriate part of the video image and the corresponding angular relative motion of the ground within the field of view of the camera. Then by use of trigonometric relationships among the aircraft velocity, the attitude of the camera, the angular relative motion, and the altitude, the software computes the altitude. The obstruction-detection software performs somewhat similar calculations as part of a larger task in which it uses the pixel velocity data from the entire video image to compute a depth map, which can be correlated with a terrain map, showing locations of potential obstructions. The depth map can be used as real-time hazard display and/or to update an obstruction database.

Migrating gallstone: from Bouveret's syndrome to distal small bowel obstruction.

PubMed

Yau, Kwok-Kay; Siu, Wing-Tai; Tsui, Ka-Kin

2006-06-01

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. When the gallstone lodges inside the duodenum and causes gastric outlet obstruction, it is termed Bouveret's syndrome. However, it is rather unusual to seen the evolution of a migrating gallstone (from duodenum to distal small bowel) in a patient during the same hospital admission. We report a case of gallstone ileus from the initial presentation of gastric outlet obstruction to the development of distal small bowel obstruction within the same hospital admission, and its total laparoscopic treatment.

The Effect of Slipstream Obstructions on Air Propellers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lesley, E P; Woods, B M

1924-01-01

The screw propeller on airplanes is usually placed near other objects, and hence its performance may be modified by them. Results of tests on propellers free from slip stream obstructions, both fore and aft, are therefore subject to correction, for the effect of such obstructions and the purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect upon the thrust and torque coefficients and efficiency, for previously tested air propellers, of obstructions placed in the slip stream, it being realized that such previous tests had been conducted under somewhat ideal conditions that are impracticable of realization in flight. Simple geometrical forms were used for the initial investigation. Such forms offered the advantage of easy, exact reproduction at another time or in other laboratories, and it was believed that the effects of obstructions usually encountered might be deduced or surmise from those chosen.

33 CFR 67.25-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... NAVIGATION AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS AND FIXED STRUCTURES Class âBâ Requirements § 67.25-5 Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part and shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least three nautical...

33 CFR 67.25-5 - Obstruction lights.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... NAVIGATION AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS AND FIXED STRUCTURES Class âBâ Requirements § 67.25-5 Obstruction lights. (a) The obstruction lights shall be white lights as prescribed in Subpart 67.05 of this part and shall be of sufficient candlepower as to be visible at a distance of at least three nautical...

Obstructive sleep apnea - adults

MedlinePlus

... SM. Obstructive sleep apnea: clinical features, evaluation, and principles of management. In: Kryger M, Roth T, Dement WC, eds. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, ...

Sharp metric obstructions for quasi-Einstein metrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Case, Jeffrey S.

2013-02-01

Using the tractor calculus to study smooth metric measure spaces, we adapt results of Gover and Nurowski to give sharp metric obstructions to the existence of quasi-Einstein metrics on suitably generic manifolds. We do this by introducing an analogue of the Weyl tractor W to the setting of smooth metric measure spaces. The obstructions we obtain can be realized as tensorial invariants which are polynomial in the Riemann curvature tensor and its divergence. By taking suitable limits of their tensorial forms, we then find obstructions to the existence of static potentials, generalizing to higher dimensions a result of Bartnik and Tod, and to the existence of potentials for gradient Ricci solitons.

Interplay between bulk and edge-bound topological defects in a square micromagnet

DOE PAGES

Sloetjes, Sam D.; Digernes, Einar; Olsen, Fredrik K.; ...

2018-01-22

A field-driven transformation of a domain pattern in a square micromagnet, defined in a thin film of La 0.7Sr 0.3MnO 3, is discussed in terms of creation and annihilation of bulk vortices and edge-bound topological defects with half-integer winding numbers. The evolution of the domain pattern was mapped with soft x-ray photoemission electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy. Micromagnetic modeling, permitting detailed analysis of the spin texture, accurately reproduces the measured domain state transformation. The simulations also helped stipulate the energy barriers associated with the creation and annihilation of the topological charges and thus to assess the stability of themore » domain states in this magnetic microstructure.« less

Interplay between bulk and edge-bound topological defects in a square micromagnet

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

Sloetjes, Sam D.; Digernes, Einar; Olsen, Fredrik K.

A field-driven transformation of a domain pattern in a square micromagnet, defined in a thin film of La 0.7Sr 0.3MnO 3, is discussed in terms of creation and annihilation of bulk vortices and edge-bound topological defects with half-integer winding numbers. The evolution of the domain pattern was mapped with soft x-ray photoemission electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy. Micromagnetic modeling, permitting detailed analysis of the spin texture, accurately reproduces the measured domain state transformation. The simulations also helped stipulate the energy barriers associated with the creation and annihilation of the topological charges and thus to assess the stability of themore » domain states in this magnetic microstructure.« less

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and growth failure.

PubMed

Esteller, E; Villatoro, J C; Agüero, A; Lopez, R; Matiñó, E; Argemi, J; Girabent-Farrés, M

2018-05-01

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a common problem among children and is recognized as a cause of significant medical morbidity. Since the 1980s, it has been suggested that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a risk factor for growth failure in children. In many cases, it has been shown that growth failure is reversible once the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is resolved. The objectives of this study were to analyze and compare growth failure prevalence in a Mediterranean population of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy children matched in age and sex, and to assess the effectiveness of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in resolving growth retardation. We compared 172 children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 3) who had undergone tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy with 172 healthy controls in terms of key anthropometric parameters. Most of the criteria used for growth failure were higher to a statistically significant degree in the study group vs the control group: height-for-age ≤ 3rd percentile (7.56% vs 2.91%; p = 0.044), weight-for-age ≤ 5th percentile (9.30% vs 2.33%; p = 0.005), weight-for-age ≤ 3rd percentile (8.14% vs 2.33%; p = 0.013) and height and/or weight for-age ≤ 5th percentile (13.95% vs 5.81%; p = 0.009). The height-for-age ≤ 5th percentile was almost at the limit of statistical significance (8.72% for the study group vs 4.65% for the control group; p = 0.097). At one-year post-surgery follow-up, 10 of 15 children with height-for-age ≤ 5th percentile had achieved catch-up growth (66.6%), and 14 of 24 children with height- and/or weight-for-age ≤ 5th percentile had normalized growth (58.33%). For children with failure to thrive or who have growth failure, physicians should consider the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. A significant number of children with obstructive sleep apnea concurrent with growth failure could benefit from

Infant perception of the rotating Kanizsa square.

PubMed

Yoshino, Daisuke; Idesawa, Masanori; Kanazawa, So; Yamaguchi, Masami K

2010-04-01

This study examined the perception of the rotating Kanizsa square by using a fixed-trial familiarization method. If the Kanizsa square is rotated across the pacmen, adult observers perceive not only a rotating illusory square, but also an illusory expansion/contraction motion of this square. The phenomenon is called a "rotational dynamic illusion". In experiments 1 and 2, we investigated whether infants perceived the rotational dynamic illusion, finding that 3-8-month-old infants perceived the rotational dynamic illusion as a simple rotation of the Kanizsa square. In experiment 3, we investigated whether infants perceived the rotational dynamic illusion as a rotation of the Kanizsa square or as a deformation of shape, finding that 3-4-month-old infants did perceive the rotational dynamic illusion as a rotation of the Kanizsa square. Our results show that while 3-8-month-old infants perceive the rotating Kanizsa square, however, it is difficult for the infants to extract expansion/contraction motion from the rotational dynamic illusion. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using Least Squares for Error Propagation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tellinghuisen, Joel

2015-01-01

The method of least-squares (LS) has a built-in procedure for estimating the standard errors (SEs) of the adjustable parameters in the fit model: They are the square roots of the diagonal elements of the covariance matrix. This means that one can use least-squares to obtain numerical values of propagated errors by defining the target quantities as…

Positive predictive value of cholescintigraphy in common bile duct obstruction

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

Lecklitner, M.L.; Austin, A.R.; Benedetto, A.R.

1986-09-01

Technetium-99m DISIDA imaging was employed in 400 patients to differentiate obstruction of the common bile duct from medical and other surgical causes of hyperbilirubinemia. Sequential anterior images demonstrated variable degrees of liver uptake, yet there was no evidence of intrabiliary or extrabiliary radioactivity for at least 4 hr after injection in 25 patients. Twenty-three patients were surgically documented to have complete obstruction of the common bile duct. One patient had hepatitis, and another had sickle cell crisis without bile duct obstruction. The remaining patients had either partial or no obstruction of the common bile duct. We conclude that the presencemore » of liver uptake without evident biliary excretion by 4 hr on cholescintigraphy is highly sensitive and predictive of total obstruction of the common bile duct.« less

Radiological interventions in malignant biliary obstruction

PubMed Central

Madhusudhan, Kumble Seetharama; Gamanagatti, Shivanand; Srivastava, Deep Narayan; Gupta, Arun Kumar

2016-01-01

Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly caused by gall bladder carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic nodes. Percutaneous interventions play an important role in managing these patients. Biliary drainage, which forms the major bulk of radiological interventions, can be palliative in inoperable patients or pre-operative to improve liver function prior to surgery. Other interventions include cholecystostomy and radiofrequency ablation. We present here the indications, contraindications, technique and complications of the radiological interventions performed in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. PMID:27247718

Forced oscillometry track sites of airway obstruction in bronchial asthma.

PubMed

Hafez, Manal Refaat; Abu-Bakr, Samiha Mohamed; Mohamed, Alyaa Abdelnaser

2015-07-01

Spirometry is the most commonly used method for assessment of airway function in bronchial asthma but has several limitations. Forced oscillometry was developed as a patient-friendly test that requires passive cooperation of the patient breathing normally through the mouth. To compare spirometry with forced oscillometry to assess the role of forced oscillometry in the detection of the site of airway obstruction. This case-and-control study included 50 patients with known stable asthma and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. All participants underwent spirometry (ratio of force expiration volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity, percentage predicted for forced expiration volume in 1 second, percentage predicted for forced vital capacity, percentage predicted for vital capacity, and forced expiratory flow at 25-75%) and forced oscillometry (resistance at 5, 20, and 5-20 Hz). By spirometry, all patients with asthma had airway obstruction, 8% had isolated small airway obstruction, 10% had isolated large airway obstruction, and 82% had large and small airway obstruction. By forced oscillometry, 12% had normal airway resistance, 50% had isolated small airway obstruction with frequency-dependent resistance, and 38% had large and small airway obstruction with frequency-independent resistance. There was significant difference between techniques for the detection of the site of airway obstruction (P = .012). Forced oscillometry indices were negatively correlated with spirometric indices (P < .01). Forced oscillometry as an effortless test, conducted during quiet tidal breathing, and does not alter airway caliber; thus, it can detect normal airway function better than spirometry in patients with asthma. Forced oscillometry detects isolated small airway obstruction better than spirometry in bronchial asthma. Copyright © 2015 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On estimating gravity anomalies - A comparison of least squares collocation with conventional least squares techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Argentiero, P.; Lowrey, B.

1977-01-01

The least squares collocation algorithm for estimating gravity anomalies from geodetic data is shown to be an application of the well known regression equations which provide the mean and covariance of a random vector (gravity anomalies) given a realization of a correlated random vector (geodetic data). It is also shown that the collocation solution for gravity anomalies is equivalent to the conventional least-squares-Stokes' function solution when the conventional solution utilizes properly weighted zero a priori estimates. The mathematical and physical assumptions underlying the least squares collocation estimator are described.

Eta Squared and Partial Eta Squared as Measures of Effect Size in Educational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, John T. E.

2011-01-01

Eta squared measures the proportion of the total variance in a dependent variable that is associated with the membership of different groups defined by an independent variable. Partial eta squared is a similar measure in which the effects of other independent variables and interactions are partialled out. The development of these measures is…

Metabolomic profiling of doxycycline treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Singh, Brajesh; Jana, Saikat K; Ghosh, Nilanjana; Das, Soumen K; Joshi, Mamata; Bhattacharyya, Parthasarathi; Chaudhury, Koel

2017-01-05

Serum metabolic profiling can identify the metabolites responsible for discrimination between doxycycline treated and untreated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explain the possible effect of doxycycline in improving the disease conditions. 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was used to obtain serum metabolic profiles of 60 add-on doxycycline treated COPD patients and 40 patients receiving standard therapy. The acquired data were analyzed using multivariate principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal projection to latent structure with discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). A clear metabolic differentiation was apparent between the pre and post doxycycline treated group. The distinguishing metabolites lactate and fatty acids were significantly down-regulated and formate, citrate, imidazole and l-arginine upregulated. Lactate and folate are further validated biochemically. Metabolic changes, such as decreased lactate level, inhibited arginase activity and lowered fatty acid level observed in COPD patients in response to add-on doxycycline treatment, reflect the anti-inflammatory action of the drug. Doxycycline as a possible therapeutic option for COPD seems promising. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bowel obstruction: Differential diagnosis and clinical management

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

Welch, J.P.

1987-01-01

This book presents a practical guide to the diagnosis and management of obstruction, both mechanical and organic, of the large and small bowel. Obstruction is a common problem for surgeons, and this text emphasizes differential diagnosis and the use of all radiologic modalities. It presents the surgical and medical considerations involved with gallstones, bezoars, parasites, tumors, inflammation, trauma, intussusception, more.

AnchorDock: Blind and Flexible Anchor-Driven Peptide Docking.

PubMed

Ben-Shimon, Avraham; Niv, Masha Y

2015-05-05

The huge conformational space stemming from the inherent flexibility of peptides is among the main obstacles to successful and efficient computational modeling of protein-peptide interactions. Current peptide docking methods typically overcome this challenge using prior knowledge from the structure of the complex. Here we introduce AnchorDock, a peptide docking approach, which automatically targets the docking search to the most relevant parts of the conformational space. This is done by precomputing the free peptide's structure and by computationally identifying anchoring spots on the protein surface. Next, a free peptide conformation undergoes anchor-driven simulated annealing molecular dynamics simulations around the predicted anchoring spots. In the challenging task of a completely blind docking test, AnchorDock produced exceptionally good results (backbone root-mean-square deviation ≤ 2.2Å, rank ≤15) for 10 of 13 unbound cases tested. The impressive performance of AnchorDock supports a molecular recognition pathway that is driven via pre-existing local structural elements. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reactive tunnel junctions in electrically driven plasmonic nanorod metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pan; Krasavin, Alexey V.; Nasir, Mazhar E.; Dickson, Wayne; Zayats, Anatoly V.

2018-02-01

Non-equilibrium hot carriers formed near the interfaces of semiconductors or metals play a crucial role in chemical catalysis and optoelectronic processes. In addition to optical illumination, an efficient way to generate hot carriers is by excitation with tunnelling electrons. Here, we show that the generation of hot electrons makes the nanoscale tunnel junctions highly reactive and facilitates strongly confined chemical reactions that can, in turn, modulate the tunnelling processes. We designed a device containing an array of electrically driven plasmonic nanorods with up to 1011 tunnel junctions per square centimetre, which demonstrates hot-electron activation of oxidation and reduction reactions in the junctions, induced by the presence of O2 and H2 molecules, respectively. The kinetics of the reactions can be monitored in situ following the radiative decay of tunnelling-induced surface plasmons. This electrically driven plasmonic nanorod metamaterial platform can be useful for the development of nanoscale chemical and optoelectronic devices based on electron tunnelling.

Structural and dynamic characteristics in monolayer square ice.

PubMed

Zhu, YinBo; Wang, FengChao; Wu, HengAn

2017-07-28

When water is constrained between two sheets of graphene, it becomes an intriguing monolayer solid with a square pattern due to the ultrahigh van der Waals pressure. However, the square ice phase has become a matter of debate due to the insufficient experimental interpretation and the slightly rhomboidal feature in simulated monolayer square-like structures. Here, we performed classical molecular dynamics simulations to reveal monolayer square ice in graphene nanocapillaries from the perspective of structure and dynamic characteristics. Monolayer square-like ice (instantaneous snapshot), assembled square-rhombic units with stacking faults, is a long-range ordered structure, in which the square and rhombic units are assembled in an order of alternative distribution, and the other rhombic unit forms stacking faults (polarized water chains). Spontaneous flipping of water molecules in monolayer square-like ice is intrinsic and induces transformations among different elementary units, resulting in the structural evolution of monolayer square ice in dynamics. The existence of stacking faults should be attributed to the spontaneous flipping behavior of water molecules under ambient temperature. Statistical averaging results (thermal average positions) demonstrate the inherent square characteristic of monolayer square ice. The simulated data and insight obtained here might be significant for understanding the topological structure and dynamic behavior of monolayer square ice.

Giant colonic volvulus due to colonic pseudo-obstruction

PubMed Central

Karaman, Kerem; Tanoglu, Alpaslan; Beyazit, Yavuz; Han, Ismet

2015-01-01

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is a clinical syndrome characterised by gross dilation of the caecum and right hemicolon, which sometimes extends to the sigmoid colon and rectum in the absence of an anatomic lesion in the intestinal lumen. It is characterised by impaired propulsion of contents of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in a clinical picture of intestinal obstruction. A careful examination of the markedly distended colon can exclude several colonic pathologies, including mechanical obstruction and other causes of toxic megacolon. ACPO can sometimes predispose or mimic colonic volvulus, especially in geriatric patients. PMID:25716038

Verification and transfer of thermal pollution model. Volume 4: User's manual for three-dimensional rigid-lid model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. S.; Nwadike, E. V.; Sinha, S. E.

1982-01-01

The theory of a three dimensional (3-D) mathematical thermal discharge model and a related one dimensional (1-D) model are described. Model verification at two sites, a separate user's manual for each model are included. The 3-D model has two forms: free surface and rigid lid. The former allows a free air/water interface and is suited for significant surface wave heights compared to mean water depth, estuaries and coastal regions. The latter is suited for small surface wave heights compared to depth because surface elevation was removed as a parameter. These models allow computation of time dependent velocity and temperature fields for given initial conditions and time-varying boundary conditions. The free surface model also provides surface height variations with time.

Retrospective cost adaptive Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes k-ω model for data-driven unsteady turbulent simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiyong; Hoagg, Jesse B.; Martin, Alexandre; Bailey, Sean C. C.

2018-03-01

This paper presents a data-driven computational model for simulating unsteady turbulent flows, where sparse measurement data is available. The model uses the retrospective cost adaptation (RCA) algorithm to automatically adjust the closure coefficients of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) k- ω turbulence equations to improve agreement between the simulated flow and the measurements. The RCA-RANS k- ω model is verified for steady flow using a pipe-flow test case and for unsteady flow using a surface-mounted-cube test case. Measurements used for adaptation of the verification cases are obtained from baseline simulations with known closure coefficients. These verification test cases demonstrate that the RCA-RANS k- ω model can successfully adapt the closure coefficients to improve agreement between the simulated flow field and a set of sparse flow-field measurements. Furthermore, the RCA-RANS k- ω model improves agreement between the simulated flow and the baseline flow at locations at which measurements do not exist. The RCA-RANS k- ω model is also validated with experimental data from 2 test cases: steady pipe flow, and unsteady flow past a square cylinder. In both test cases, the adaptation improves agreement with experimental data in comparison to the results from a non-adaptive RANS k- ω model that uses the standard values of the k- ω closure coefficients. For the steady pipe flow, adaptation is driven by mean stream-wise velocity measurements at 24 locations along the pipe radius. The RCA-RANS k- ω model reduces the average velocity error at these locations by over 35%. For the unsteady flow over a square cylinder, adaptation is driven by time-varying surface pressure measurements at 2 locations on the square cylinder. The RCA-RANS k- ω model reduces the average surface-pressure error at these locations by 88.8%.

Development of a diagnostic decision tree for obstructive pulmonary diseases based on real-life data

PubMed Central

in ’t Veen, Johannes C.C.M.; Dekhuijzen, P.N. Richard; van Heijst, Ellen; Kocks, Janwillem W.H.; Muilwijk-Kroes, Jacqueline B.; Chavannes, Niels H.; van der Molen, Thys

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop and explore the diagnostic accuracy of a decision tree derived from a large real-life primary care population. Data from 9297 primary care patients (45% male, mean age 53±17 years) with suspicion of an obstructive pulmonary disease was derived from an asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) service where patients were assessed using spirometry, the Asthma Control Questionnaire, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire, history data and medication use. All patients were diagnosed through the Internet by a pulmonologist. The Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection method was used to build the decision tree. The tree was externally validated in another real-life primary care population (n=3215). Our tree correctly diagnosed 79% of the asthma patients, 85% of the COPD patients and 32% of the asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) patients. External validation showed a comparable pattern (correct: asthma 78%, COPD 83%, ACOS 24%). Our decision tree is considered to be promising because it was based on real-life primary care patients with a specialist's diagnosis. In most patients the diagnosis could be correctly predicted. Predicting ACOS, however, remained a challenge. The total decision tree can be implemented in computer-assisted diagnostic systems for individual patients. A simplified version of this tree can be used in daily clinical practice as a desk tool. PMID:27730177

A Case of Polyarteritis Nodosa with Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction

PubMed Central

Yoo, Bin; Kim, Hong Kyu; Choi, Seung Won; Moon, Hee Bom

1996-01-01

We report a case of bilateral ureteral obstruction most likely caused by polyarteritis nodosa. The diagnosis was based upon muscle biopsy which showed typical necrotizing vasculitis in medium size artery in conjunction with microaneurysms in renal angiography. Ureteral obstruction is a rare manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa. This condition is thought to result from vasculitis of periureteral vessels. The patient was managed with prednisolone alone, which resulted in complete resolution of ureteral obstruction on both sides. PMID:8854655

Airway Obstruction Among Latino Poultry Processing Workers in North Carolina

PubMed Central

MIRABELLI, MARIA C.; CHATTERJEE, ARJUN B.; MORA, DANA C.; ARCURY, THOMAS A.; BLOCKER, JILL N.; CHEN, HAIYING; GRZYWACZ, JOSEPH G.; MARÍN, ANTONIO J.; SCHULZ, MARK R.; QUANDT, SARA A.

2015-01-01

This analysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of airway obstruction among Latino poultry processing workers. Data were collected from 279 poultry processing workers and 222 other manual laborers via spirometry and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants employed in poultry processing reported the activities they perform at work. Participants with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or FEV1/forced expiratory volume (FVC) below the lower limits of normal were categorized as having airway obstruction. Airway obstruction was identified in 13% of poultry processing workers and 12% of the comparison population. Among poultry processing workers, the highest prevalence of airway obstruction (21%) occurred among workers deboning chickens (prevalence ratio: 1.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 3.15). These findings identify variations in the prevalence of airway obstruction across categories of work activities. PMID:24965321

Combinatorics of least-squares trees.

PubMed

Mihaescu, Radu; Pachter, Lior

2008-09-09

A recurring theme in the least-squares approach to phylogenetics has been the discovery of elegant combinatorial formulas for the least-squares estimates of edge lengths. These formulas have proved useful for the development of efficient algorithms, and have also been important for understanding connections among popular phylogeny algorithms. For example, the selection criterion of the neighbor-joining algorithm is now understood in terms of the combinatorial formulas of Pauplin for estimating tree length. We highlight a phylogenetically desirable property that weighted least-squares methods should satisfy, and provide a complete characterization of methods that satisfy the property. The necessary and sufficient condition is a multiplicative four-point condition that the variance matrix needs to satisfy. The proof is based on the observation that the Lagrange multipliers in the proof of the Gauss-Markov theorem are tree-additive. Our results generalize and complete previous work on ordinary least squares, balanced minimum evolution, and the taxon-weighted variance model. They also provide a time-optimal algorithm for computation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosis and Management.

PubMed

Gentry, Shari; Gentry, Barry

2017-04-01

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be suspected in patients with risk factors (primarily a history of smoking) who report dyspnea at rest or with exertion, chronic cough with or without sputum production, or a history of wheezing. COPD may be suspected based on findings from the history and physical examination, but must be confirmed by spirometry to detect airflow obstruction. Findings that are most helpful to rule in COPD include a smoking history of more than 40 pack-years, a self-reported history of COPD, maximal laryngeal height, and age older than 45 years. The combination of three clinical variables-peak flow rate less than 350 L per minute, diminished breath sounds, and a smoking history of 30 pack-years or more-is another good clinical predictor, whereas the absence of all three of these signs essentially rules out airflow obstruction. Pharmacotherapy and smoking cessation are the mainstays of treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, and surgery may be considered in select patients. Current guidelines recommend starting monotherapy with an inhaled bronchodilator, stepping up to combination therapy as needed, and/or adding inhaled corticosteroids as symptom severity and airflow obstruction progress.

Probing of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with dacryoendoscope

PubMed Central

Kato, Kumiko; Matsunaga, Koichi; Takashima, Yuko; Kondo, Mineo

2014-01-01

Background A congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a relatively common disease in infants. We evaluated the results of probing three patients with CNLDO, under direct view, with a dacryoendoscope. Methods Three cases of CNLDO were examined and treated by probing with a dacryoendoscope, under intravenous anesthesia. The diameter of the dacryoendoscope probe was 0.7 mm, and we were able to observe the inner walls of the lacrimal duct and able to guide the probe through the duct. Results In all cases, the site of obstruction was detected, and the probe was used to remove the obstruction. At 2 weeks after the removal of the obstruction, there was no epiphora or mucopurulent discharge in any of the cases. No complications were detected intra- and postoperatively. Conclusion Although only three cases were studied, we believe that probing with a dacryoendoscope is a safe and effective method of treating a CNLDO. More cases need to be studied. PMID:24876765

Least-squares model-based halftoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pappas, Thrasyvoulos N.; Neuhoff, David L.

1992-08-01

A least-squares model-based approach to digital halftoning is proposed. It exploits both a printer model and a model for visual perception. It attempts to produce an 'optimal' halftoned reproduction, by minimizing the squared error between the response of the cascade of the printer and visual models to the binary image and the response of the visual model to the original gray-scale image. Conventional methods, such as clustered ordered dither, use the properties of the eye only implicitly, and resist printer distortions at the expense of spatial and gray-scale resolution. In previous work we showed that our printer model can be used to modify error diffusion to account for printer distortions. The modified error diffusion algorithm has better spatial and gray-scale resolution than conventional techniques, but produces some well known artifacts and asymmetries because it does not make use of an explicit eye model. Least-squares model-based halftoning uses explicit eye models and relies on printer models that predict distortions and exploit them to increase, rather than decrease, both spatial and gray-scale resolution. We have shown that the one-dimensional least-squares problem, in which each row or column of the image is halftoned independently, can be implemented with the Viterbi's algorithm. Unfortunately, no closed form solution can be found in two dimensions. The two-dimensional least squares solution is obtained by iterative techniques. Experiments show that least-squares model-based halftoning produces more gray levels and better spatial resolution than conventional techniques. We also show that the least- squares approach eliminates the problems associated with error diffusion. Model-based halftoning can be especially useful in transmission of high quality documents using high fidelity gray-scale image encoders. As we have shown, in such cases halftoning can be performed at the receiver, just before printing. Apart from coding efficiency, this approach

A Computational Study of the Respiratory Airflow Characteristics in Normal and Obstructed Human Airways

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

normal and three different obstructed airway geometries, consisting of symmetric, asym- metric, and random obstructions. Fig. 2 shows the geometric ...normal and obstructed airways Airway resistance is a measure of the opposition to the airflow caused by geometric properties, such as airway obstruction...pressure drops. Resistance values were dependent on the degree and geometric distribution of the obstruction sites. In the symmetric obstruction model

Caecal volvulus in a patient with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

PubMed Central

El-Khatib, C

2011-01-01

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare disorder characterised by recurrent symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction without an underlying mechanical cause. Caecal volvulus remains a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that often requires operative intervention. We describe the previously unreported case of caecal volvulus occurring in an adult patient with CIPO, together with his subsequent management. PMID:22004621

Murine model of long term obstructive jaundice

PubMed Central

Aoki, Hiroaki; Aoki, Masayo; Yang, Jing; Katsuta, Eriko; Mukhopadhyay, Partha; Ramanathan, Rajesh; Woelfel, Ingrid A.; Wang, Xuan; Spiegel, Sarah; Zhou, Huiping; Takabe, Kazuaki

2016-01-01

Background With the recent emergence of conjugated bile acids as signaling molecules in cancer, a murine model of obstructive jaundice by cholestasis with long-term survival is in need. Here, we investigated the characteristics of 3 murine models of obstructive jaundice. Methods C57BL/6J mice were used for total ligation of the common bile duct (tCL), partial common bile duct ligation (pCL), and ligation of left and median hepatic bile duct with gallbladder removal (LMHL) models. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Fibrotic change was determined by Masson-Trichrome staining and Collagen expression. Results 70% (7/10) of tCL mice died by Day 7, whereas majority 67% (10/15) of pCL mice survived with loss of jaundice. 19% (3/16) of LMHL mice died; however, jaundice continued beyond Day 14, with survival of more than a month. Compensatory enlargement of the right lobe was observed in both pCL and LMHL models. The pCL model demonstrated acute inflammation due to obstructive jaundice 3 days after ligation but jaundice rapidly decreased by Day 7. The LHML group developed portal hypertension as well as severe fibrosis by Day 14 in addition to prolonged jaundice. Conclusion The standard tCL model is too unstable with high mortality for long-term studies. pCL may be an appropriate model for acute inflammation with obstructive jaundice but long term survivors are no longer jaundiced. The LHML model was identified to be the most feasible model to study the effect of long-term obstructive jaundice. PMID:27916350

Obstructive sleep apnea due to extrathoracic tracheomalacia.

PubMed

Muzumdar, Hiren; Nandalike, K; Bent, J; Arens, Raanan

2013-02-01

We report obstructive sleep apnea in a 3-year-old boy with tracheomalacia secondary to tracheotomy that resolved after placement of a metallic stent in the region of tracheomalacia. The tracheal location of obstruction during sleep in this case contrasts with the usual location in the pharynx or, less often, the larynx. This case also demonstrates the utility of polysomnography in managing decannulation of tracheostomies.

Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction: physiopathology, decoupling of tout court pelvic dilatation-obstruction semantic connection, biomarkers to predict renal damage evolution.

PubMed

Alberti, C

2012-02-01

The widespread use of fetal ultrasonography results in a frequent antenatally observation of hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) accounting for the greatest fraction of congenital obstructive nephropathy. UPJO may be considered, in most cases, as a functional obstructive condition, depending on defective fetal smooth muscle/nerve development at this level, with lack of peristaltic wave propagation--aperistaltic segment--and, therefore, poor urine ejection from the renal pelvis into the ureter. The UPJO-related physiopathologic events are, at first, the compliant dilatation of renal pelvis that, acting as hydraulic buffer, protects the renal parenchyma from the rising intrapelvic pressure-related potential damages, and, subsequently, beyond such phase of dynamic balance, the tubular cell stretch-stress induced by increased intratubular pressure and following parenchymal inflammatory lesions: inflammatory infiltrates, fibroblast proliferation, activation of myofibroblasts, tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), several chemo- and cytokines, growth factors, prostaglandins and eicosanoids, angiotensin-II are the main pathogenetic mediators of the obstructive nephropathy. Apoptosis of tubular cells is the major cause of the tubular atrophy, together with epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation. Some criticisms on tout court semantic renal pelvis dilatation-obstruction connection have been raised considering that the renal pelvis expansion isn't, in any case, linked to an ostructive condition, as it may be verified by diuretic (furosemide) renogram together with scintiscan-based evaluation of differential renal function. In this regard, rather than repetitive invasive nuclear procedures that expose the children to ionizing radiations, an intriguing noninvasive strategy, based on the evaluation of urinary biomarkers and urinary proteome, can define the UPJO-related possible progress of parenchymal lesions

The Contribution of Small Airway Obstruction to the Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Hogg, James C; Paré, Peter D; Hackett, Tillie-Louise

2017-04-01

The hypothesis that the small conducting airways were the major site of obstruction to airflow in normal lungs was introduced by Rohrer in 1915 and prevailed until Weibel introduced a quantitative method of studying lung anatomy in 1963. Green repeated Rohrer's calculations using Weibels new data in 1965 and found that the smaller conducting airways offered very little resistance to airflow. This conflict was resolved by seminal experiments conducted by Macklem and Mead in 1967, which confirmed that a small proportion of the total lower airways resistance is attributable to small airways <2 mm in diameter. Shortly thereafter, Hogg, Macklem, and Thurlbeck used this technique to show that small airways become the major site of obstruction in lungs affected by emphysema. These and other observations led Mead to write a seminal editorial in 1970 that postulated the small airways are a silent zone within normal lungs where disease can accumulate over many years without being noticed. This review provides a progress report since the 1970s on methods for detecting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the structural nature of small airways' disease, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are thought to underlie its pathogenesis. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Exposure to PM10 as a risk factor for the development of nasal obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PubMed Central

Sichletidis, Lazaros; Spyratos, Dionisios; Tsiotsios, Anastasios; Haidich, Anna-Bettina; Chloros, Diamantis; Ganidis, Ioannis; Michailidis, Dimitrios; Triantafyllou, Georgios; Kottakis, George; Melas, Dimitrios

2014-01-01

Objectives: To investigate whether air pollution is a potential risk factor for airways obstruction. Methods: A prospective cohort study (11.3±2.9 years) that took place in two areas (Eordea where concentration of PM10 was high and Grevena, Greece). We used the MRC questionnaire, spirometry, and anterior rhinomanometry at both visits. Results: Initially we examined 3046 subjects. After excluding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, we re-examined 872 subjects and 168 of them had developed COPD (Grevena: 24.3%, Eordea: 18.5%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the area of residence and thus exposure to air pollution was not a risk factor for the development of COPD (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.18–1.46, P = 0.21). On the other hand, residence in Eordea was strongly related to the development of severe nasal obstruction (OR: 11.47, 95% CI: 6.15–21.40, P<0.001). Similar results were found after excluding patients with COPD stage I as well as in the subgroup of never smokers. Conclusion: Air pollution was associated with severe nasal obstruction but not with COPD development. PMID:24804336

Generalized adjustment by least squares ( GALS).

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elassal, A.A.

1983-01-01

The least-squares principle is universally accepted as the basis for adjustment procedures in the allied fields of geodesy, photogrammetry and surveying. A prototype software package for Generalized Adjustment by Least Squares (GALS) is described. The package is designed to perform all least-squares-related functions in a typical adjustment program. GALS is capable of supporting development of adjustment programs of any size or degree of complexity. -Author

Data-Driven H∞ Control for Nonlinear Distributed Parameter Systems.

PubMed

Luo, Biao; Huang, Tingwen; Wu, Huai-Ning; Yang, Xiong

2015-11-01

The data-driven H∞ control problem of nonlinear distributed parameter systems is considered in this paper. An off-policy learning method is developed to learn the H∞ control policy from real system data rather than the mathematical model. First, Karhunen-Loève decomposition is used to compute the empirical eigenfunctions, which are then employed to derive a reduced-order model (ROM) of slow subsystem based on the singular perturbation theory. The H∞ control problem is reformulated based on the ROM, which can be transformed to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs (HJI) equation, theoretically. To learn the solution of the HJI equation from real system data, a data-driven off-policy learning approach is proposed based on the simultaneous policy update algorithm and its convergence is proved. For implementation purpose, a neural network (NN)- based action-critic structure is developed, where a critic NN and two action NNs are employed to approximate the value function, control, and disturbance policies, respectively. Subsequently, a least-square NN weight-tuning rule is derived with the method of weighted residuals. Finally, the developed data-driven off-policy learning approach is applied to a nonlinear diffusion-reaction process, and the obtained results demonstrate its effectiveness.

Investigating bias in squared regression structure coefficients

PubMed Central

Nimon, Kim F.; Zientek, Linda R.; Thompson, Bruce

2015-01-01

The importance of structure coefficients and analogs of regression weights for analysis within the general linear model (GLM) has been well-documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate bias in squared structure coefficients in the context of multiple regression and to determine if a formula that had been shown to correct for bias in squared Pearson correlation coefficients and coefficients of determination could be used to correct for bias in squared regression structure coefficients. Using data from a Monte Carlo simulation, this study found that squared regression structure coefficients corrected with Pratt's formula produced less biased estimates and might be more accurate and stable estimates of population squared regression structure coefficients than estimates with no such corrections. While our findings are in line with prior literature that identified multicollinearity as a predictor of bias in squared regression structure coefficients but not coefficients of determination, the findings from this study are unique in that the level of predictive power, number of predictors, and sample size were also observed to contribute bias in squared regression structure coefficients. PMID:26217273

Using the Pathophysiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Teach Cardiopulmonary Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levitzky, Michael G.

2008-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder of upper airway obstruction during sleep. The effects of intermittent upper airway obstruction include alveolar hypoventilation, altered arterial blood gases and acid-base status, and stimulation of the arterial chemoreceptors, which leads to frequent arousals. These arousals disturb sleep…

Airway obstruction in children with infectious mononucleosis.

PubMed

Wohl, D L; Isaacson, J E

1995-09-01

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection generally has a benign clinical course. Upper airway obstruction is a known complication requiring the otolaryngologist's attention. EBV is usually associated with adolescence but has been increasingly documented in younger children. We review 36 pediatric admissions for infectious mononucleosis over a 12-year period at our institution, 11 of which required consultation for airway obstruction. Airway management was based on clinical severity and ranged from monitored observation, with or without nasopharyngeal stenting, to prolonged intubation or emergent tonsilloadenoidectomy. A rare case of a four-year-old with near total upper airway obstruction secondary to panpharyngeal and transglottic inflammatory edema prompted this review and is reported. The otolaryngologist must recognize the potential severity of EBV-related airway compromise and be prepared to manage it.

Collinearity in Least-Squares Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Levie, Robert

2012-01-01

How useful are the standard deviations per se, and how reliable are results derived from several least-squares coefficients and their associated standard deviations? When the output parameters obtained from a least-squares analysis are mutually independent, as is often assumed, they are reliable estimators of imprecision and so are the functions…

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PubMed

Balbay, Ege G; Balbay, Oner; Annakkaya, Ali N; Suner, Kezban O; Yuksel, Harun; Tunç, Murat; Arbak, Peri

2014-10-01

To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Case series. School of Medicine, Düzce University, Turkey. Twenty-one consecutive primary open-angle glaucoma patients (12 females and 9 males) who attended the out-patient clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology between July 2007 and February 2008 were included in this study. All patients underwent polysomnographic examination. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome was 33.3% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma; the severity of the condition was mild in 14.3% and moderate in 19.0% of the subjects. The age (P=0.047) and neck circumference (P=0.024) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome were significantly greater than those without the syndrome. Triceps skinfold thickness in glaucomatous obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients reached near significance versus those without the syndrome (P=0.078). Snoring was observed in all glaucoma cases with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. The intra-ocular pressure of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome was significantly lower than those without obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (P=0.006 and P=0.035 for the right and left eyes, respectively). There was no significant difference in the cup/disc ratio and visual acuity, except visual field defect, between primary open-angle glaucoma patients with and without obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Although it does not provide evidence for a cause-effect relationship, high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in this study suggests the need to explore the long-term results of coincidence, relationship, and cross-interaction of these two common disorders.

Design of multi-modal obstruction to control tonal fan noise using modulation principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gérard, Anthony; Moreau, Stéphane; Berry, Alain; Masson, Patrice

2015-11-01

The approach presented in this paper uses a combination of obstructions in the upstream flow of subsonic axial fans with B blades to destructively interfere with the primary tonal noise at the blade passage frequency. The first step of the proposed experimental method consists in identifying the independent radiation of B - 1 and B lobed obstructions at the control microphones. During this identification step, rotating obstructions allow for the frequencies of primary and secondary tonal noise to be slightly shifted in the spectrum due to modulation principles. The magnitude of the secondary tonal noise generated by each obstruction can be adjusted by varying the size of the lobes of the obstruction, and the phase of the secondary tonal noise is related to the angular position of the obstruction. The control obstructions are then optimized by combining the B - 1 and B lobed obstructions to significantly reduce the acoustic power at blade passage frequency.

Utility of CT in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel obstruction in children.

PubMed

Wang, Qiuyan; Chavhan, Govind B; Babyn, Paul S; Tomlinson, George; Langer, Jacob C

2012-12-01

CT is often used in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel obstruction in children. To determine sensitivity of CT in delineating presence, site and cause of small-bowel obstruction in children. We retrospectively reviewed the CT scans of 47 children with surgically proven small-bowel obstruction. We noted any findings of obstruction and the site and cause of obstruction. Presence, absence or equivocal findings of bowel obstruction on abdominal radiographs performed prior to CT were also noted. We reviewed patient charts for clinical details and surgical findings, including bowel resection. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test to determine which CT findings might predict bowel resection. CT correctly diagnosed small-bowel obstruction in 43/47 (91.5%) cases. CT correctly indicated site of obstruction in 37/47 (78.7%) cases and cause of obstruction in 32/47 (68.1%) cases. Small-bowel feces sign was significantly associated with bowel resection at surgery (P = 0.0091). No other CT finding was predictive of bowel resection. Out of 41 children who had abdominal radiographs before CT, 29 (70.7%) showed unequivocal obstruction, six (14.6%) showed equivocal findings and six (14.6%) were unremarkable. CT is highly sensitive in diagnosing small-bowel obstruction in children and is helpful in determining the presence of small-bowel obstruction in many clinically suspected cases with equivocal or normal plain radiographs. CT also helps to determine the site and cause of the obstruction with good sensitivity.

Latin and Cross Latin Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emanouilidis, Emanuel

2008-01-01

Latin squares were first introduced and studied by the famous mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 1700s. Through the years, Latin squares have been used in areas such as statistics, graph theory, coding theory, the generation of random numbers as well as in the design and analysis of experiments. Recently, with the international popularity of…

Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation in diagnosing exercise-induced laryngeal obstructions.

PubMed

Christensen, Pernille M; Rasmussen, Niels

2013-11-01

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstructions (EILOs) cause exercise-related respiratory symptoms (ERRS) and are important differential diagnoses to exercise-induced asthma. The diagnostic method for EILOs includes provocation to induce the obstruction followed by a verification of the obstruction and the degree thereof. The objective of the present study was to examine if a eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) test could induce laryngeal obstructions laryngoscopically identical in subtypes and development as seen during an exercise test. EVH and exercise testing with continuous laryngoscopy were performed during a screening of two national athletic teams (n = 67). The laryngoscopic recordings were examined for usability, abnormalities and maximal supraglottic and glottic obstruction using two currently available methods (Eilomea and CLE-score). The participants were asked questions on ERRS, and whether the symptoms experienced during each provocation matched those experienced during regular training. A total of 39 completed both tests. There were no significant differences in subtypes and development thereof, the experience of symptoms, and specificity and sensitivity between the methods. Significantly more recordings obtained during the exercise test were usable for evaluation primarily due to resilient mucus on the tip of the fiber-laryngoscope in the EVH test. Only recordings of six athletes from both provocation methods were usable for evaluation using the Eilomea method (high-quality demand). Amongst these, a linear correlation was found for the glottic obstruction. EVH tests can induce EILOs. However, the present test protocol needs adjustments to secure better visualisation of the larynx during provocation.

Use of helium-oxygen mixture in adult patients presenting with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.

PubMed

Colebourn, C L; Barber, V; Young, J D

2007-01-01

We examined systematically all controlled and cross-over randomised trials in patients with acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comparing Heliox against air-oxygen mixtures. Fourteen studies were identified. In asthma studies, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was increased by an average of 29.6% (95% CI 16.6-42.6) by Heliox-driven nebulisers, or by 13.3 l.min(-1) (95% CI 3.71-22.81) absolute. In studies of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving non-invasive ventilation the arterial carbon dioxide tension (P(a)co(2)) and respiratory rate were unchanged: weighted mean difference for P(a)co(2)-0.29kPa (95% CI - 0.64-0.07) favoured Heliox, and for respiratory rate 1.6 breaths.min(-1) (95% CI - 0.93, 4.14) favoured control. Heliox minimally reduced the work of breathing in intubated patients, and reduced intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (iPEEP). The use of Heliox to drive nebulisers in patients with acute asthma slightly improves airflow measures. We were unable to determine whether this improved recovery.

[Severe upper airway obstruction in infectious mononucleosis: a life emergency].

PubMed

Salazard, B; Paut, O; Nicollas, R; Zandotti, C; Chrestian, M A; Thuret, I; Camboulives, J

2001-09-01

Upper airway obstruction can represent a severe, life-threatening complication of infectious mononucleosis. We report a rare case of airway obstruction in a child with infectious mononucleosis associated with herpes virus infection, and we discuss management strategy that can be proposed in such cases. A 9-year-old girl was hospitalised in intensive care unit for obstructive dyspnea during infectious mononucleosis. Despite five days of corticosteroids and tracheal intubation, persistent pharyngo-tonsillar tumefaction led us to perform a surgical adenotonsillectomy. This latter treatment allowed immediate tracheal extubation and a rapid recovery. Histology showed a herpes virus infection associated with infectious mononucleosis. Maintaining airway opening in infectious mononucleosis needs sometimes to use instrumental interventions: nasal trumpet, endotracheal intubation, even tracheostomy. Early tonsilloadenoidectomy may relieve airway obstruction and allow a rapid recovery in the most severe cases. Airway obstruction in infectious mononucleosis may be aggravated by concomitant herpes virus infection that should be searched for in this situation, in order to adapt the treatment.

Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea: is our operative management evidence-based?

PubMed

Pabla, L; Duffin, J; Flood, L; Blackmore, K

2018-04-01

Despite the plethora of publications on the subject of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea, there seems to be wide variability in the literature and in practice, regarding recourse to surgery, the operation chosen, the benefits gained and post-operative management. This may reflect a lack of high-level evidence. A systematic review of four significant controversies in paediatric ENT was conducted from the available literature: tonsillectomy versus tonsillotomy, focusing on the evidence base for each; anaesthetic considerations in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea surgery; the objective evidence for the benefits of surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea; and the medical treatment options for residual obstructive sleep apnoea after surgical treatment. There are many gaps in the evidence base for the surgical correction of obstructive sleep apnoea. There is emerging evidence favouring subtotal tonsillectomy. There is continuing uncertainty around the prediction of the level of post-operative care that any individual child might require. The long-term benefit of surgical correction is a particularly fertile ground for further research.

Endoscopic Stent Placement in the Palliation of Malignant Biliary Obstruction

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Biliary drainage with biliary stent placement is the treatment of choice for palliation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction caused by unresectable neoplasms. In such patients, the endoscopic approach can be initially used with percutaneous radiological intervention. In patients with unresectable malignant distal bile duct obstructions, endoscopic biliary drainage with biliary stent placement has now become the main and least invasive palliative modality, which has been proven to be more effective in >80% of cases with lower morbidity than surgery, and perhaps may provide a survival benefit. In patients with unresectable malignant hilar obstruction, the endoscopic approach for biliary drainage with biliary stent placement has also been considered as the treatment of choice. There is still a lack of clear consensus on the use of covered versus uncovered metal stents in malignant distal bile duct obstructions and plastic versus metal stents and unilateral versus bilateral drainage in malignant hilar obstructions. PMID:22741117

''Sandwich'' treatment for diospyrobezoar intestinal obstruction: A case report

PubMed Central

Zheng, Yi-Xiong; Prasoon, Pankaj; Chen, Yan; Hu, Liang; Chen, Li

2014-01-01

Intestinal obstruction is a common clinical entity encountered in surgical practice. The objective of this report is to corroborate an atypical scenario of intestinal obstruction in a Chinese patient and to focus on the diagnosis and treatment. A 27-year-old male presented with a history of gastric pain combined with nausea and abdominal distension that had been present for 5 d. The presence of a foreign body was detected by computed tomography and observed as an abnormal density within the stomach. A diospyrobezoar was revealed during gastroscopy, the extraction of which was prevented due to its size and firmness. An endoscopic holmium laser joined with a snare was used to fragment the obstruction, which was followed by management with a conservative “sandwich” treatment strategy involving intestinal decompression with an ileus tube and Coca-Cola lavage between endoscopic lithotripsy fragmentation procedures. This strategy resulted in the successful removal of the diospyrobezoar along with multiple small bowel obstructions. The patient was discharged after abatement of symptoms. The case presented here demonstrates the implementation of a conservative, yet successful, treatment as an alternative to conventional surgical removal of intestinal obstructions. PMID:25561823

Castleman disease presenting as obstructive jaundice.

PubMed

Al-Salamah, Saleh M; Khan, Iftikhar A; Khalid, Kamran; Al-Shakweer, Wafaa A

2005-01-01

A 48-year-old Saudi male was admitted with features of obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed stricture in distal common bile duct CBD. Computed tomography scan revealed lymphadenopathy along CBD and in porta hepatis. Cholangiocarcinoma, lymphoma or metastatic deposits were suspected but no definite preoperative diagnosis could be established. Laparotomy disclosed lymph node enlargement in porta hepatis and along the CBD and lesser curvature of the stomach. Triple bypass procedure was performed to relieve the obstruction. Pathological examination of the lymph nodes showed Castleman disease of hyaline vascular type.

The Patient Burden of Bladder Outlet Obstruction after Prostate Cancer Treatment.

PubMed

Liberman, Daniel; Jarosek, Stephanie; Virnig, Beth A; Chu, Haitao; Elliott, Sean P

2016-05-01

Bladder outlet obstruction after prostate cancer therapy imposes a significant burden on health and quality of life in men. Our objective was to describe the burden of bladder outlet obstruction after prostate cancer therapy by detailing the type of procedures performed and how often those procedures were repeated in men with recurrent bladder outlet obstruction. Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare linked data from 1992 to 2007 with followup through 2009 we identified 12,676 men who underwent at least 1 bladder outlet obstruction procedure after prostate cancer therapy, including external beam radiotherapy in 3,994, brachytherapy in 1,485, brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy in 1,847, radical prostatectomy in 4,736, radical prostatectomy plus external beam radiotherapy in 369 and cryotherapy in 245. Histogram, incidence rates and Cox proportional hazards models with repeat events analysis were done to describe the burden of repeat bladder outlet obstruction treatments stratified by prostate cancer therapy type. We describe the type of bladder outlet obstruction surgery grouped by level of invasiveness. At a median followup of 8.8 years 44.6% of men underwent 2 or more bladder outlet obstruction procedures. Compared to men who underwent radical prostatectomy those treated with brachytherapy and brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy were at increased adjusted risk for repeat bladder outlet obstruction treatment (HR 1.2 and 1.32, respectively, each p <0.05). After stricture incision the men treated with radical prostatectomy or radical prostatectomy plus external beam radiotherapy were most likely to undergo dilation at a rate of 34.7% to 35.0%. Stricture resection/ablation was more common after brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy at a rate of 28.9% to 41.2%. Almost half of the men with bladder outlet obstruction after prostate cancer therapy undergo more than 1

Rationale and design of the Sodium Lowering In Dialysate (SoLID) trial: a randomised controlled trial of low versus standard dialysate sodium concentration during hemodialysis for regression of left ventricular mass

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The current literature recognises that left ventricular hypertrophy makes a key contribution to the high rate of premature cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Determining how we might intervene to ameliorate left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis populations has become a research priority. Reducing sodium exposure through lower dialysate sodium may be a promising intervention in this regard. However there is clinical equipoise around this intervention because the benefit has not yet been demonstrated in a robust prospective clinical trial, and several observational studies have suggested sodium lowering interventions may be deleterious in some dialysis patients. Methods/design The Sodium Lowering in Dialysate (SoLID) study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. It is a multi-centre, prospective, randomised, single-blind (outcomes assessor), controlled parallel assignment 3-year clinical trial. The SoLID study is designed to study what impact low dialysate sodium has upon cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients. The study intends to enrol 118 home hemodialysis patients from 6 sites in New Zealand over 24 months and follow up each participant over 12 months. Key exclusion criteria are: patients who dialyse more frequently than 3.5 times per week, pre-dialysis serum sodium of <135 mM, and maintenance hemodiafiltration. In addition, some medical conditions, treatments or participation in other dialysis trials, which contraindicate the SoLID study intervention or confound its effects, will be exclusion criteria. The intervention and control groups will be dialysed using dialysate sodium 135 mM and 140 mM respectively, for 12 months. The primary outcome measure is left ventricular mass index, as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, after 12 months of intervention. Eleven or more secondary outcomes will be studied in an attempt to better understand the physiologic and clinical mechanisms by which lower dialysate sodium

Danazol in the management of ureteral obstruction secondary to endometriosis

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

Rivlin, M.E.; Krueger, R.P.; Wiser, W.L.

1985-08-01

A case is reported in which a woman was diagnosed with ureteral obstruction secondary to endometriosis after cystourethrogram, retrograde pyelogram and a renal scan. After unsuccessful treatment with danazol, a retroperitoneal ureteroneocystotomy was performed. The ureter was found to be obstructed by dense fibrous tissue that contained endometrial glands. It was concluded that danazol is unlikely to relieve endometriotic ureteric obstruction once dense fibrosis has occurred. 8 references, 2 figures.

Arterially Delivered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Obstruction-Induced Renal Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Asanuma, Hiroshi; Vanderbrink, Brian A.; Campbell, Matthew T.; Hile, Karen L.; Zhang, Hongji; Meldrum, Daniel R.; Meldrum, Kirstan K.

2010-01-01

Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promise for the treatment of renal disease. While MSCs have been shown to accelerate recovery and prevent acute renal failure in multiple disease models, the effect of MSC therapy on chronic obstruction-induced renal fibrosis has not previously been evaluated. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent renal artery injection of vehicle or fluorescent-labeled human bone marrow-derived MSCs immediately prior to sham operation or induction of left ureteral obstruction (UUO). One or 4 weeks later, the kidneys were harvested and the renal cortex analyzed for evidence of stem cell infiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by E-cadherin/α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and fibroblast specific protein (FSP+) staining, renal fibrosis (collagen content, Masson’s trichrome staining), and cytokine and growth factor activity (ELISA and real time RT-PCR). Results Fluorescent-labeled MSCs were detected in the interstitium of the kidney up to 4 weeks post-obstruction. Arterially delivered MSCs significantly reduced obstruction-induced α-SMA expression, FSP+ cell accumulation, total collagen content, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, while simultaneously preserving E-cadherin expression, suggesting that MSCs prevent obstruction-induced EMT and renal fibrosis. Exogenous MSCs reduced obstruction-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, but did not alter transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression. Conclusions Human bone marrow-derived MSCs remain viable several weeks after delivery into the kidney and provide protection against obstruction-induced EMT and chronic renal fibrosis. While the mechanism of MSCs-induced renal protection during obstruction remains unclear, our results demonstrate that alterations in TNF-α production may be involved

2015 RECS Square Footage Methodology

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

The square footage, or size, of a home is an important characteristic in understanding its energy use. The amounts of energy used for major end uses such as space heating and air conditioning are strongly related to the size of the home. The Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), collects information about the size of the responding housing units as part of the data collection protocol. The methods used to collect data on housing unit size produce square footage estimates that are unique to RECS because they are designed to capture the energy-consuming space within a home. This document discusses how the 2015 RECS square footage estimates were produced.

Decline in arterial partial pressure of oxygen after exercise: a surrogate marker of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in patients with atrial septal defect and severe pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Laksmivenkateshiah, Srinivas; Singhi, Anil K; Vaidyanathan, Balu; Francis, Edwin; Karimassery, Sundaram R; Kumar, Raman K

2011-06-01

To examine the utility of decline in arterial partial pressure of oxygen after exercise as a marker of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in patients with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension. Treadmill exercise was performed in 18 patients with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension. Arterial blood gas samples were obtained before and after peak exercise. A decline in the arterial pressure of oxygen of more than 10 millimetres of mercury after exercise was considered significant based on preliminary tests conducted on the controls. Cardiac catheterisation was performed in all patients and haemodynamic data sets were obtained on room air, oxygen, and a mixture of oxygen and nitric oxide (30-40 parts per million). There were 10 patients who had more than a 10 millimetres of mercury drop in arterial partial pressure of oxygen after exercise and who had a basal pulmonary vascular resistance index of more than 7 Wood units per square metre. Out of eight patients who had less than a 10 millimetres of mercury drop in arterial partial pressure of oxygen after exercise, seven had a basal pulmonary vascular resistance index of less than 7 Wood units per square metre, p equals 0.0001. A decline in arterial partial pressure of oxygen of more than 10 millimetres of mercury predicted a basal pulmonary vascular resistance index of more than 7 Wood units per square metre with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 90%. A decline in arterial partial pressure of oxygen following exercise appears to predict a high pulmonary vascular resistance index in patients with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension. This test is a useful non-invasive marker of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in this subset.

Murine model of long-term obstructive jaundice.

PubMed

Aoki, Hiroaki; Aoki, Masayo; Yang, Jing; Katsuta, Eriko; Mukhopadhyay, Partha; Ramanathan, Rajesh; Woelfel, Ingrid A; Wang, Xuan; Spiegel, Sarah; Zhou, Huiping; Takabe, Kazuaki

2016-11-01

With the recent emergence of conjugated bile acids as signaling molecules in cancer, a murine model of obstructive jaundice by cholestasis with long-term survival is in need. Here, we investigated the characteristics of three murine models of obstructive jaundice. C57BL/6J mice were used for total ligation of the common bile duct (tCL), partial common bile duct ligation (pCL), and ligation of left and median hepatic bile duct with gallbladder removal (LMHL) models. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Fibrotic change was determined by Masson-Trichrome staining and Collagen expression. Overall, 70% (7 of 10) of tCL mice died by day 7, whereas majority 67% (10 of 15) of pCL mice survived with loss of jaundice. A total of 19% (3 of 16) of LMHL mice died; however, jaundice continued beyond day 14, with survival of more than a month. Compensatory enlargement of the right lobe was observed in both pCL and LMHL models. The pCL model demonstrated acute inflammation due to obstructive jaundice 3 d after ligation but jaundice rapidly decreased by day 7. The LHML group developed portal hypertension and severe fibrosis by day 14 in addition to prolonged jaundice. The standard tCL model is too unstable with high mortality for long-term studies. pCL may be an appropriate model for acute inflammation with obstructive jaundice, but long-term survivors are no longer jaundiced. The LHML model was identified to be the most feasible model to study the effect of long-term obstructive jaundice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Double obstruction of ureter: A diagnostic challenge.

PubMed

Halder, Pankaj; Shukla, Ram Mohan; Mandal, Kartik Chandra; Mukhopadhyay, Biswanath; Barman, Shibsankar

2014-07-01

Isolated obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction and the vesico-ureteric junction are the two most common causes of hydronephrosis in a pediatric population.[1] They do not pose diagnostic difficulties when are present alone but when together can be difficult to diagnose. Here, we discuss the problems we faced when we encountered these two anomalies in the same ureter and the way in which we managed them. To assess the difficulties in diagnosis of pediatric patients who present with both ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and vesico-ureteric junction obstruction (VUJO) in the ipsilateral ureter and their management protocol. This is a retrospective study. The study period is from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2011. Out of 254 children who were diagnosed to have hydronephrosis due to UPJO in our institute, 5 patients (in the age range of 5 to 10 years) had both UPJO and VUJO in the ipsilateral ureter. The problems we faced in diagnosing the two conditions are mentioned with a literature review. Operative intervention was used in four out of five patients; none of the patients had an accurate diagnosis before surgery. All patients were suspected of having double obstruction during pyeloplasty when appropriate size double J stent could not be negotiated through the vesicoureteric junction into the bladder. Postoperative nephrostogram confirmed the diagnosis in all patients. Children with double obstruction of the ipsilateral ureter present as a diagnostic dilemma. Because of the rarity of this condition it can escape the eye of even an astute clinician. Early diagnosis can be made if this condition is kept in mind while treating any hydronephrosis due to UPJO or UVJO.

Clinical presentation and outcome of cats with circumcaval ureters associated with a ureteral obstruction.

PubMed

Steinhaus, J; Berent, A C; Weisse, C; Eatroff, A; Donovan, T; Haddad, J; Bagley, D

2015-01-01

Circumcaval ureters (CU) are a rare embryological malformation resulting in ventral displacement of the caudal vena cava, which crosses the ureter, potentially causing a ureteral stricture. To evaluate cats with obstructed CU(s) and report the presenting signs, diagnostics, treatment(s), and outcomes. Cats with obstructed CU(s) were compared to ureterally obstructed cats without CU(s). 193 cats; 22 circumcaval obstructed (Group 1); 106 non-circumcaval obstructed (Group 2); 65 non-obstructed necropsy cases (Group 3). Retrospective study, review of medical records for cats treated for benign ureteral obstructions from AMC and University of Pennsylvania between 2009 and 2013. surgical treatment of benign ureteral obstruction, complete medical record including radiographic, ultrasonographic, biochemistry, and surgical findings. Seventeen percent (22/128) of obstructed cats had a CU (80% right-sided) compared to 14% (9/65) non-obstructed necropsy cats (89% right-sided). Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and creatinine were not statistically different between Groups 1 and 2. Strictures were a statistically more common (40%) cause of ureteral obstruction in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (17%) (P = .01). The MST for Groups 1 and 2 after ureteral decompression was 923 and 762 days, respectively (P = .62), with the MST for death secondary to kidney disease in both groups being >1,442 days. Re-obstruction was the most common complication in Group 1 (24%) occurring more commonly in ureters of cats treated with a ureteral stent(s) (44%) compared to the subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device (8%) (P = .01). Ureteral obstructions in cats with a CU(s) have a similar outcome to those cats with a ureteral obstruction and normal ureteral anatomy. Long-term prognosis is good for benign ureteral obstructions treated with a double pigtail stent or a SUB device. The SUB device re-obstructed less commonly than the ureteral stent, especially when a ureteral stricture was

From Square Dance to Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bremer, Zoe

2010-01-01

In this article, the author suggests a cross-curricular idea that can link with PE, dance, music and history. Teacher David Schmitz, a maths teacher in Illinois who was also a square dance caller, had developed a maths course that used the standard square dance syllabus to teach mathematical principles. He presents an intensive, two-week course…

Unexplained Obstruction of an Integrated Cardiotomy Filter During Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

PubMed

Alwardt, Cory M; Wilson, Donald S; Pajaro, Octavio E

2017-03-01

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is considered relatively safe in most cases, yet is not complication free. We present a case of an integrated cardiotomy filter obstruction during CPB, requiring circuit reconfiguration. Approximately an hour after uneventful initiation of CPB the integrated cardiotomy filter became obstructed over several minutes, requiring circuit reconfiguration using an external cardiotomy filter to maintain functionality. Following reconfiguration, CPB was maintained with a fully functional circuit allowing safe patient support throughout the remainder of CPB. Postoperatively, there was no sign of thrombus or mechanical obstruction of the filter, which was sent to the manufacturer for analysis. The cause of the obstruction was unclear even after chemical analysis, visual inspection, and a review of all techniques and products to which the patient was exposed. The patient had a generally routine hospital stay, with no signs or symptoms related to the incident. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing an obstructed integrated cardiotomy filter. An appropriate readiness plan for such an incident includes proper venting of the filter chamber, a method for detecting an obstruction, and a plan for circuit reconfiguration. This case illustrates the need for a formal reporting structure for incidents or "near miss" incidents during CPB.

Tuberculosis associates with both airflow obstruction and low lung function: BOLD results.

PubMed

Amaral, André F S; Coton, Sonia; Kato, Bernet; Tan, Wan C; Studnicka, Michael; Janson, Christer; Gislason, Thorarinn; Mannino, David; Bateman, Eric D; Buist, Sonia; Burney, Peter G J

2015-10-01

In small studies and cases series, a history of tuberculosis has been associated with both airflow obstruction, which is characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restrictive patterns on spirometry. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric abnormalities in adults.The study was performed in adults, aged 40 years and above, who took part in the multicentre, cross-sectional, general population-based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study, and had provided acceptable post-bronchodilator spirometry measurements and information on a history of tuberculosis. The associations between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction were assessed within each participating centre, and estimates combined using meta-analysis. These estimates were stratified by high- and low/middle-income countries, according to gross national income.A self-reported history of tuberculosis was associated with airflow obstruction (adjusted odds ratio 2.51, 95% CI 1.83-3.42) and spirometric restriction (adjusted odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.42-3.19).A history of tuberculosis was associated with both airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction, and should be considered as a potentially important cause of obstructive disease and low lung function, particularly where tuberculosis is common. Copyright ©ERS 2015.

Tuberculosis associates with both airflow obstruction and low lung function: BOLD results

PubMed Central

Amaral, André F. S.; Coton, Sonia; Kato, Bernet; Tan, Wan C.; Studnicka, Michael; Janson, Christer; Gislason, Thorarinn; Mannino, David; Bateman, Eric D.; Buist, Sonia; Burney, Peter G. J.

2015-01-01

Background In small studies and cases series, a history of tuberculosis has been associated with both airflow obstruction, which is characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and restrictive patterns on spirometry. Objective To assess the association between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric abnormalities in adults. Methods The study was performed in adults, aged 40 and above, who took part in the multicentre cross-sectional, general population-based, Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study, had provided acceptable post-bronchodilator spirometry measurements and information on a history of tuberculosis. The associations between a history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction were assessed within each participating centre, and estimates combined using meta-analysis. These estimates were stratified by high and low/middle income countries, according to gross national income. Results A self-reported history of tuberculosis was associated with airflow obstruction (adjusted odds ratio = 2.51, 95% confidence interval 1.83-3.42) and spirometric restriction (adjusted odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval 1.42-3.19). Conclusion A history of tuberculosis was associated with both airflow obstruction and spirometric restriction, and should be considered as a potentially important cause of obstructive disease and low lung function, particularly where tuberculosis is common. PMID:26113680

Laparoscopic gastropexy relieves symptoms of obstructed gastric volvulus in highoperative risk patients.

PubMed

Yates, Robert B; Hinojosa, Marcelo W; Wright, Andrew S; Pellegrini, Carlos A; Oelschlager, Brant K

2015-05-01

Operative repair of obstructive gastric volvulus is challenging. In high-operative risk patients with obstructive gastric volvulus, we perform laparoscopic reduction of gastric volvulus and anterior abdominal wall sutured gastropexy. This case series reports our experience with this operation. We reviewed the charts of all patients who presented with obstructive gastric volvulus and underwent laparoscopic gastropexy between 2007 and 2013. Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic gastropexy. Median age was 83 years (50 to 92). Six patients presented with chronic obstruction; 5 presented with acute obstruction. Median postoperative hospitalization was 2 days (1 to 39). Two patients required reoperation for displaced gastrostomy tubes. At median follow-up of 3 months (2 weeks to 57 months), all patients remained free of gastric obstructive symptoms and recurrent episodes of volvulus. Only 1 patient received nutrition via gastrostomy tube. Laparoscopic gastropexy can treat obstructed gastric volvulus in highoperative risk patients. Because of associated morbidity, gastrostomy tubes should be placed selectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fetal tracheolaryngeal airway obstruction: prenatal evaluation by sonography and MRI

PubMed Central

Courtier, Jesse; Poder, Liina; Wang, Zhen J.; Westphalen, Antonio C.; Yeh, Benjamin M.

2010-01-01

We reviewed the sonographic and MRI findings of tracheolaryngeal obstruction in the fetus. Conditions that can cause tracheolaryngeal obstruction include extrinsic causes such as lymphatic malformation, cervical teratoma and vascular rings and intrinsic causes such as congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS). Accurate distinction of these conditions by sonography or MRI can help facilitate parental counseling and management, including the decision to utilize the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. PMID:20737145

Intestinal obstruction caused by Taenia taeniaeformis infection in a cat.

PubMed

Wilcox, Rebbecca S; Bowman, Dwight D; Barr, Stephen C; Euclid, James M

2009-01-01

An adult domestic shorthair (DSH) cat was presented with acute vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and dyspnea. The cat's clinical status worsened over 24 hours with conservative medical management. An exploratory celiotomy was performed. Acute intestinal obstruction resulting from infection with Taenia (T.) taeniaeformis was diagnosed. Surgical removal of the cestodes via multiple enterotomies resolved the obstruction. This paper reports, for the first time, small intestinal obstruction caused by T. taeniaeformis infection in a cat.

36 CFR § 910.67 - Square guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 3 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Square guidelines. § 910.67 Section § 910.67 Parks, Forests, and Public Property PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GENERAL... DEVELOPMENT AREA Glossary of Terms § 910.67 Square guidelines. Square Guidelines establish the Corporation's...

47 CFR 17.23 - Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] 17.23 Section 17.23 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, MARKING... Commission. Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] Effective Date Note: At 79 FR 56986, Sept. 24, 2014...

Comparison of Polypropylene Sling with Combined Transconjunctival Retractor Plication and Lateral Tarsal Strip for Correction of Involutional Lower Eye Lid Ectropion.

PubMed

Goel, Ruchi; Sanoria, Abhilasha; Kumar, Sushil; Arya, Deepanjali; Nagpal, Smriti; Rathie, Neha

2017-01-01

The study aims to compare the effectiveness and complications of transconjunctival retractor plication (TRP) with lateral tarsal strip (LTS) and the polypropylene sling (PS) surgery for treatment of involutional lower lid ectropion. A prospective randomised pilot study was conducted on 30 eyes of 30 patients suffering from epiphora having horizontal eyelid laxity >6mm and age >50 years at a tertiary care centre from December 2014 to March 2015. They were randomly divided into two equal groups for TRP with LTS (group A) and PS (group B). Success was defined as relief in epiphora and lid laxity ≤4mm at 12 months post operatively. There were 19 male and 11 female patients with age ranging from 55-80 years. The mean grade of ectropion was 2.80±1.32 in group A and 2.87±1.60 in group B. The preoperative horizontal laxity increased with the grade of ectropion (p <0.001) while medial canthal laxity was variable. The average surgical time per procedure in group A was 66 minutes and in group B was 24 minutes. Group A had a success rate of 93.33%, while group B had a success rate of 87%. Post-operative complications occurred in 2 eyes in group B only. Both LTS with TRP and PS are effective in the management of involutional ectropion. LTS with TRP though more invasive has higher success rates and a lower incidence of complications as compared to PS. However, PS is an easy to perform out- patient procedure that is faster and better tolerated in old patients.

[Procedures according to data protection laws for coupling primary and secondary data in a cohort study: the lidA study].

PubMed

March, S; Rauch, A; Thomas, D; Bender, S; Swart, E

2012-12-01

In the German health service research there exists, unlike in labour market research, no experience with the combination of personal primary and secondary data. One of the reasons for this is, among other things, data protection. The lidA cohort study analyses persons in employment (excluding civil servants and self-employed), born in 1959 and 1965. It is intended to give answers to questions from the health services research as well as from the labour market research. It relies on different primary and secondary data sources: survey data, process data from the Federal Employment Agency, aggregated and individual health insurance data. The experiences made in the lidA study, in addition to the data protection needs and the expenditures for the implementation, are summarised as "best practice". The procedure for the application process according to § 75 SGB X, the directive to develop data security concepts, the informed consent for the linkage of personal information are described and the importance of a transparent approach is explained. So far it has been shown that the preparation and approval process for the release of the actual data, both within the project consortium, but also with external parties such as health insurance companies or the responsible data protection officer, requires a major effort. In view of all the identified legal and organisational challenges, our findings should be extremely useful for answering different research questions in the fields of labour market and health services research. In combination with primary data, they may even represent a "gold standard" for epidemiology and health services research. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of Lid Debridement-Scaling in Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye.

PubMed

Ngo, William; Caffery, Barbara; Srinivasan, Sruthi; Jones, Lyndon W

2015-09-01

To evaluate the effect of lid debridement-scaling (LDS) on dry eye signs and symptoms in subjects with Sjögren syndrome (SS). This prospective randomized controlled study enrolled 14 female subjects with SS. Seven subjects were randomized into the treatment group where they were selected to receive LDS; the remainder did not receive LDS and served as control subjects. Lid debridement-scaling was conducted using a stainless steel golf club spud (Hilco Wilson Ophthalmics, Plainville, MA) on both the upper and lower eyelids of both eyes. Outcome variables were assessed before LDS and again 1 month later. The outcome variables were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) visual analog scores, ocular staining (SICCA OSS [Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance Ocular Staining Score]), fluorescein tear breakup time (FLBUT), meibomian gland score (MGS), meibomian gland yielding liquid secretions (MGYLS) score, and line of Marx's (LOM) position. Thirteen subjects completed the study. Data from only the right eye were analyzed. For the control group (n = 6; mean [± SD] age, 62.3 [± 11.6] years), the pre-LDS, post-LDS, and significance level (pre-LDS mean [± SD] vs. post-LDS mean [± SD]; p value) were as follows: OSDI (58.3 [± 22.1] vs. 48.3 [± 29.0]; p = 0.051), SANDE (77.4 [± 22.1] vs. 89.6 [± 32.6]; p = 0.20), SICCA OSS (7.0 [± 4.5] vs. 8.2 [± 3.5]; p = 0.25), MGS (1.3 [± 1.5] vs. 1.0 [± 0.9]; p = 0.75), MGYLS (0.3 [± 0.5] vs. 0.0 [± 0.0]; p = 0.50), FLBUT (2.99 [± 1.54] vs. 2.85 [± 1.79]; p = 0.63), and LOM (2.0 [± 0.0] vs. 2.0 [± 0.0]; p = n/a). For the treatment group (n = 7; mean [± SD] age, 58.0 [± 8.1] years), the pre-LDS, post-LDS, and significance level were as follows: OSDI (63.2 [± 13.3] vs. 46.9 [± 19.4]; p = 0.04), SANDE (72.6 [± 17.1] vs. 77.0 [± 28.0]; p = 0.54), SICCA OSS (6.6 [± 2.9] vs. 5.0 [± 3.9]; p = 0.02), MGS (1.0 [± 1.2] vs. 3.1 [± 1.7]; p = 0.01), MGYLS (0.0 [± 0

A New Take on an Old Square

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Janessa; Bachman, Rachel M.

2017-01-01

This article describes a preservice teacher's imaginative exploration of completing the square through a process of reasoning and sense making. She recounts historical perspectives and her own discoveries in the process of completing the square. Through this process of sense making, she engaged with the content standard of completing the square to…

EDUCATIONAL SERIES IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: Congenital left-sided heart obstruction

PubMed Central

Carr, Michelle; Curtis, Stephanie; Marek, Jan

2018-01-01

Congenital obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract remains a significant problem and multilevel obstruction can often coexist. Obstruction can take several morphological forms and may involve the subvalvar, valvar or supravalvar portion of the aortic valve complex. Congenital valvar stenosis presenting in the neonatal period represents a spectrum of disorders ranging from the hypoplastic left heart syndrome to almost normal hearts. Treatment options vary dependent on the severity of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and the variable degree of left ventricular hypoplasia as well as the associated lesions such as arch hypoplasia and coarctation. PMID:29681546

The Fate of Nephrons in Congenital Obstructive Nephropathy: Adult Recovery is Limited by Nephron Number Despite Early Release of Obstruction

PubMed Central

Sergio, Maria; Galarreta, Carolina I.; Thornhill, Barbara A.; Forbes, Michael S.; Chevalier, Robert L.

2015-01-01

Purpose Urinary tract obstruction and reduced nephron number often occur together as a result of maldevelopment of kidneys and urinary tract. We wished to determine the role of nephron number on the adaptation of remaining nephrons of mice subjected to neonatal partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and followed through adulthood. Materials and Methods Wild-type (WT) and Os/+ mice (with 50% fewer nephrons) were subjected to sham operation or partial UUO in the first 2 days of life. Additional mice underwent release of UUO at 7 days. All kidneys were harvested at 3 weeks (weaning) or 6 weeks (adulthood). Glomerular number and area, glomerulotubular junction integrity, proximal tubular volume fraction, and interstitial fibrosis were measured by histomorphometry. Results In the obstructed kidney, UUO caused additional nephron loss in Os/+ but not WT mice. Glomerular growth from 3 to 6 weeks was impaired by ipsilateral UUO and was not preserved by release in WT or Os/+. Proximal tubular growth was impaired and interstitial collagen was increased by ipsilateral UUO in all mice. These were attenuated by release of UUO in WT mice, but were not restored in Os/+ mice. UUO increased interstitial collagen in the contralateral kidney; release of UUO enhanced tubular growth and reduced interstitial collagen. Conclusions We conclude that UUO in early postnatal development impairs adaptation to reduced nephron number and induces additional nephron loss despite release of obstruction. Premature and low birth weight infants with congenital obstructive nephropathy are likely at increased risk for progression of chronic kidney disease. PMID:25912494

Arterial stiffness in people with Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea.

PubMed

Hvelplund Kristiansen, M; Banghøj, A M; Laugesen, E; Tarnow, L

2018-05-15

To examine whether people with Type 2 diabetes with concurrent obstructive sleep apnoea have increased arterial stiffness as compared with people with Type 2 diabetes without obstructive sleep apnoea. In a study with a case-control design, 40 people with Type 2 diabetes and treatment-naïve moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index ≥15) and a control group of 31 people with Type 2 diabetes without obstructive sleep apnoea (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index <5) were examined. Obstructive sleep apnoea status was evaluated using the ApneaLink ® + home-monitoring device (Resmed Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), providing the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index scores. Arterial stiffness was assessed according to carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity using the Sphygmocor device and the oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph ® (I.E.M. GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was not significantly different between participants with Type 2 diabetes with obstructive sleep apnoea and those without obstructive sleep apnoea (10.7±2.2 m/s vs 10.3±2.1 m/s; P=0.513), whereas oscillometric pulse wave velocity was significantly higher in participants with Type 2 diabetes with obstructive sleep apnoea than in those without obstructive sleep apnoea (9.5±1.0 m/s vs 8.6±1.4 m/s; P=0.002). In multiple regression analysis, age (P=0.002), gender (men; P=0.018) and HbA 1c (P=0.027) were associated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and systolic blood pressure (P=0.004) and age (P<0.001) were associated with oscillometric pulse wave velocity. After adjustment, presence of obstructive sleep apnoea was not independently associated with pulse wave velocity whether assessed by tonometry or oscillometry. In conclusion, the present study did not find an age- and blood pressure-independent association between moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea and arterial stiffness in non-sleepy people with Type 2 diabetes. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02482584). © 2018

Approximating a free-field blast environment in the test section of an explosively driven conical shock tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, J. B.

2018-02-01

This paper presents experimental data on incident overpressures and the corresponding impulses obtained in the test section of an explosively driven 10° (full angle) conical shock tube. Due to the shock tube's steel walls approximating the boundary conditions seen by a spherical sector cut out of a detonating sphere of energetic material, a 5.3-g pentolite shock tube driver charge produces peak overpressures corresponding to a free-field detonation from an 816-g sphere of pentolite. The four test section geometries investigated in this paper (open air, cylindrical, 10° inscribed square frustum, and 10° circumscribed square frustum) provide a variety of different time histories for the incident overpressures and impulses, with a circumscribed square frustum yielding the best approximation of the estimated blast environment that would have been produced by a free-field detonation.

Obstructive sleep apnoea in obese adolescents and cardiometabolic risk markers.

PubMed

Watson, S E; Li, Z; Tu, W; Jalou, H; Brubaker, J L; Gupta, S; Huber, J N; Carroll, A; Hannon, T S

2014-12-01

In paediatric patients, obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with adiposity, especially visceral adiposity. In adults, obstructive sleep apnoea is also associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. There are limited and conflicting paediatric studies examining the association between obstructive sleep apnoea and biomarkers of risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in youth. Obstructive sleep apnoea is linked with greater cardiometabolic risk markers in obese adolescents. Fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance may be especially linked with obstructive sleep apnoea among obese male Hispanic adolescents. The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and cardiometabolic abnormalities in obese adolescents should be considered when evaluating patients found to have obstructive sleep apnoea. Paediatric studies examining the association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and insulin sensitivity/cardiometabolic risk are limited and conflicting. This study aims to determine if cardiometabolic risk markers are increased among obese youth with obstructive sleep apnoea as compared with their equally obese peers without OSA. We performed a retrospective analysis of 96 patients (age 14.2 ± 1.4 years) who underwent polysomnography for suspected OSA. Fasting lipids, glucose, insulin and haemoglobin A1 c (HbA1 c) were performed as part of routine clinical evaluation. Patients were categorized into two groups by degree of OSA as measured by the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI): none or mild OSA (AHI < 5) and moderate or severe OSA (AHI ≥ 5). Despite the similar degrees of obesity, patients with moderate or severe OSA had higher fasting insulin (P = 0.037) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR [P = 0.0497]) as compared with those with mild or no OSA. After controlling for body mass index, there was a positive association between the AHI and log�

Mathematical Construction of Magic Squares Utilizing Base-N Arithmetic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Brien, Thomas D.

2006-01-01

Magic squares have been of interest as a source of recreation for over 4,500 years. A magic square consists of a square array of n[squared] positive and distinct integers arranged so that the sum of any column, row, or main diagonal is the same. In particular, an array of consecutive integers from 1 to n[squared] forming an nxn magic square is…

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection.

PubMed

Yun, Kangsun

2017-10-12

Urinary tract junction obstruction defects are congenital anomalies inducing hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Murine urinary tract junction obstruction defects can be assessed by tracking methylene blue dye flow within the urinary system. Methylene blue dye is injected into the renal pelvis of perinatal embryonic kidneys and dye flow is monitored from the renal pelvis of the kidney through the ureter and into the bladder lumen after applying hydrostatic pressure. Dye accumulation will be evident in the bladder lumen of the normal perinatal urinary tract, but will be constrained between the renal pelvis and the end point of an abnormal ureter, if urinary tract obstructions occur. This method facilitates the confirmation of urinary tract junction obstructions and visualization of hydronephrosis and hydroureter. This manuscript describes a protocol for methylene blue dye injection into the renal pelvis to confirm urinary tract junction obstructions.

Orthogonalizing EM: A design-based least squares algorithm

PubMed Central

Xiong, Shifeng; Dai, Bin; Huling, Jared; Qian, Peter Z. G.

2016-01-01

We introduce an efficient iterative algorithm, intended for various least squares problems, based on a design of experiments perspective. The algorithm, called orthogonalizing EM (OEM), works for ordinary least squares and can be easily extended to penalized least squares. The main idea of the procedure is to orthogonalize a design matrix by adding new rows and then solve the original problem by embedding the augmented design in a missing data framework. We establish several attractive theoretical properties concerning OEM. For the ordinary least squares with a singular regression matrix, an OEM sequence converges to the Moore-Penrose generalized inverse-based least squares estimator. For ordinary and penalized least squares with various penalties, it converges to a point having grouping coherence for fully aliased regression matrices. Convergence and the convergence rate of the algorithm are examined. Finally, we demonstrate that OEM is highly efficient for large-scale least squares and penalized least squares problems, and is considerably faster than competing methods when n is much larger than p. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. PMID:27499558

Orthogonalizing EM: A design-based least squares algorithm.

PubMed

Xiong, Shifeng; Dai, Bin; Huling, Jared; Qian, Peter Z G

We introduce an efficient iterative algorithm, intended for various least squares problems, based on a design of experiments perspective. The algorithm, called orthogonalizing EM (OEM), works for ordinary least squares and can be easily extended to penalized least squares. The main idea of the procedure is to orthogonalize a design matrix by adding new rows and then solve the original problem by embedding the augmented design in a missing data framework. We establish several attractive theoretical properties concerning OEM. For the ordinary least squares with a singular regression matrix, an OEM sequence converges to the Moore-Penrose generalized inverse-based least squares estimator. For ordinary and penalized least squares with various penalties, it converges to a point having grouping coherence for fully aliased regression matrices. Convergence and the convergence rate of the algorithm are examined. Finally, we demonstrate that OEM is highly efficient for large-scale least squares and penalized least squares problems, and is considerably faster than competing methods when n is much larger than p . Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

BIOMECHANICS. Why the seahorse tail is square.

PubMed

Porter, Michael M; Adriaens, Dominique; Hatton, Ross L; Meyers, Marc A; McKittrick, Joanna

2015-07-03

Whereas the predominant shapes of most animal tails are cylindrical, seahorse tails are square prisms. Seahorses use their tails as flexible grasping appendages, in spite of a rigid bony armor that fully encases their bodies. We explore the mechanics of two three-dimensional-printed models that mimic either the natural (square prism) or hypothetical (cylindrical) architecture of a seahorse tail to uncover whether or not the square geometry provides any functional advantages. Our results show that the square prism is more resilient when crushed and provides a mechanism for preserving articulatory organization upon extensive bending and twisting, as compared with its cylindrical counterpart. Thus, the square architecture is better than the circular one in the context of two integrated functions: grasping ability and crushing resistance. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Adult obstructive sleep apnoea

PubMed Central

Jordan, Amy S.; McSharry, David G.; Malhotra, Atul

2013-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnoea is an increasingly common disorder of repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, which leads to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep. Symptoms include snoring, witnessed apnoeas, and sleepiness. Pathogenesis varies; predisposing factors include small upper airway lumen, unstable respiratory control, low arousal threshold, small lung volume, and dysfunctional upper airway dilator muscles. Risk factors include obesity, male sex, age, menopause, fluid retention, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and smoking. Obstructive sleep apnoea causes sleepiness, road traffic accidents, and probably systemic hypertension. It has also been linked to myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and diabetes mellitus though not definitively. Continuous positive airway pressure is the treatment of choice, with adherence of 60–70%. Bi-level positive airway pressure or adaptive servo-ventilation can be used for patients who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure. Other treatments include dental devices, surgery, and weight loss. PMID:23910433

Adult obstructive sleep apnoea.

PubMed

Jordan, Amy S; McSharry, David G; Malhotra, Atul

2014-02-22

Obstructive sleep apnoea is an increasingly common disorder of repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep. Features include snoring, witnessed apnoeas, and sleepiness. Pathogenesis varies; predisposing factors include small upper airway lumen, unstable respiratory control, low arousal threshold, small lung volume, and dysfunctional upper airway dilator muscles. Risk factors include obesity, male sex, age, menopause, fluid retention, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and smoking. Obstructive sleep apnoea causes sleepiness, road traffic accidents, and probably systemic hypertension. It has also been linked to myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and diabetes mellitus though not definitively. Continuous positive airway pressure is the treatment of choice, with adherence of 60-70%. Bi-level positive airway pressure or adaptive servo-ventilation can be used for patients who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure. Other treatments include dental devices, surgery, and weight loss. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

47 CFR 17.23 - Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] 17.23 Section 17.23 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, MARKING..., May 20, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004] Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] ...

47 CFR 17.23 - Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] 17.23 Section 17.23 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, MARKING..., May 20, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004] Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] ...

47 CFR 17.23 - Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] 17.23 Section 17.23 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, MARKING..., May 20, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004] Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] ...

47 CFR 17.23 - Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] 17.23 Section 17.23 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, MARKING..., May 20, 1999, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004] Aviation Red Obstruction Lighting [Reserved] ...

[Use of Gastrografin(®) in the management of adhesion intestinal obstruction].

PubMed

Mora López, Laura; Serra-Aracil, Xavier; Llaquet Bayo, Heura; Navarro Soto, Salvador

2013-01-01

Adhesions are the most important cause of intestinal obstruction. Approximately 25% of surgical admissions for acute abdominal conditions are due to intestinal obstruction. Better diagnostic and treatment methods of intestinal obstruction could potentially reduce mortality rate to 5-10%. Gastrografin(®) could contribute to this achieve this. To present a protocol to treat adhesion intestinal obstruction with Gastrografin(®) that is safe, and allows shorter hospital stays and shorter time between admission and surgery. All patients with adhesion intestinal obstruction without symptoms of strangulation were treated with Gastrografin(®), intravenous fluids and nasogastric tube. Those in whom contrast reach the colon in 8, 12 or 24hours were considered to have partial obstruction, and were fed orally. If Gastrografin(®) failed in the following 24hours, a laparotomy was performed. Out of a total of 211 episodes (164 patients), 170 episodes received contrast and in 142 cases Gastrografin(®) reached the colon (104 episodes at 8h, 11 at 12h, and 27 at 24h). A laparotomy was required in 28 patients because of failed treatment, and in another 5 for other causes. A management protocol for adhesion intestinal obstruction with Gastrografin(®) is safe, reduces morbidity and mortality, and leads to a shorter hospital stay. Copyright © 2012 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and glucose metabolism: a bitter sweet symphony

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are common and underdiagnosed medical conditions. It was predicted that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The healthcare burden of this disease is even greater if we consider the significant impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be considered as a novel risk factor for new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus via multiple pathophysiological alterations such as: inflammation and oxidative stress, insulin resistance, weight gain and alterations in metabolism of adipokines. On the other hand, diabetes may act as an independent factor, negatively affecting pulmonary structure and function. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary infections, disease exacerbations and worsened COPD outcomes. On the top of that, coexistent OSA may increase the risk for type 2 DM in some individuals. The current scientific data necessitate a greater outlook on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be viewed as a risk factor for the new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conversely, both types of diabetes mellitus should be viewed as strong contributing factors for the development of obstructive lung disease. Such approach can potentially improve the outcomes and medical control for both conditions, and, thus, decrease the healthcare burden of these major medical problems. PMID:23101436

Verification and transfer of thermal pollution model. Volume 3: Verification of 3-dimensional rigid-lid model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, S. S.; Sengupta, S.; Nwadike, E. V.; Sinha, S. K.

1982-01-01

The six-volume report: describes the theory of a three dimensional (3-D) mathematical thermal discharge model and a related one dimensional (1-D) model, includes model verification at two sites, and provides a separate user's manual for each model. The 3-D model has two forms: free surface and rigid lid. The former, verified at Anclote Anchorage (FL), allows a free air/water interface and is suited for significant surface wave heights compared to mean water depth; e.g., estuaries and coastal regions. The latter, verified at Lake Keowee (SC), is suited for small surface wave heights compared to depth (e.g., natural or man-made inland lakes) because surface elevation has been removed as a parameter. These models allow computation of time-dependent velocity and temperature fields for given initial conditions and time-varying boundary conditions. The free-surface model also provides surface height variations with time.

Use of percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting in management of ureteral obstruction

PubMed Central

Hsu, Linda; Li, Hanhan; Pucheril, Daniel; Hansen, Moritz; Littleton, Raymond; Peabody, James; Sammon, Jesse

2016-01-01

The management options for ureteral obstruction are diverse, including retrograde ureteral stent insertion or antegrade nephrostomy placement, with or without eventual antegrade stent insertion. There is currently no consensus on the ideal treatment or treatment pathway for ureteral obstruction owing, in part, to the varied etiologies of obstruction and diversity of institutional practices. Additionally, different clinicians such as internists, urologists, oncologists and radiologists are often involved in the care of patients with ureteral obstruction and may have differing opinions concerning the best management strategy. The purpose of this manuscript was to review available literature that compares percutaneous nephrostomy placement vs ureteral stenting in the management of ureteral obstruction from both benign and malignant etiologies. PMID:26981442

Obstructive apnea during sleep is associated with peripheral vasoconstriction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imadojemu, Virginia A.; Gleeson, Kevin; Gray, Kristen S.; Sinoway, Lawrence I.; Leuenberger, Urs A.

2002-01-01

Obstructive apnea during sleep is associated with a substantial transient blood pressure elevation. The mechanism of this pressor response is unclear. In this study we measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), mean arterial pressure (Psa), and mean limb blood velocity as an index of blood flow (MBV, Doppler) and calculated changes in limb vascular resistance during and after apneas during both wakefulness and sleep in patients with the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Immediately postapnea during sleep Psa increased significantly compared with the earlier stages of apnea and this was preceded by a rise of MSNA (n = 5). In contrast to blood pressure, MBV remained unchanged. Because resistance = blood pressure/blood flow, limb vascular resistance increased by 29 +/- 8% from late apnea to postapnea (n = 7, p < 0.002). Voluntary breathhold maneuvers during room air exposure evoked similar responses (n = 10). Supplemental oxygen administered via nonrebreather face mask attenuated the MSNA and vasoconstrictor responses to obstructive (n = 2) and voluntary apneas (n = 10). Our data suggest that obstructive apneas in patients with the obstructive apnea syndrome are accompanied by transient limb vasoconstriction. This vasoconstrictor response appears to be, at least in part, mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and may be linked to hypoxia.

Recommendation of LightSquared Subsidiary LLC

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

After a five-month effort, LightSquared, in cooperation with interested federal agencies and the commercial GPS device industry, has issued a Report on the results of intensive testing of the interaction between LightSquareds planned terrestrial o...

FCC Conditional Waiver for LightSquared

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-26

In this Order and Authorization (Order), we grant LightSquared Subsidiary LLC : (LightSquared), a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)1 licensee in the L-Band,2 a conditional waiver of the : Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) integrated service ru...

Iliocaval Confluence Stenting for Chronic Venous Obstructions

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

Graaf, Rick de, E-mail: r.de.graaf@mumc.nl; Wolf, Mark de, E-mail: markthewolf@gmail.com; Sailer, Anna M., E-mail: anni.sailer@mumc.nl

PurposeDifferent techniques have been described for stenting of venous obstructions. We report our experience with two different confluence stenting techniques to treat chronic bi-iliocaval obstructions.Materials and MethodsBetween 11/2009 and 08/2014 we treated 40 patients for chronic total bi-iliocaval obstructions. Pre-operative magnetic resonance venography showed bilateral extensive post-thrombotic scarring in common and external iliac veins as well as obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Stenting of the IVC was performed with large self-expandable stents down to the level of the iliocaval confluence. To bridge the confluence, either self-expandable stents were placed inside the IVC stent (24 patients, SECS group) ormore » high radial force balloon-expandable stents were placed at the same level (16 patients, BECS group). In both cases, bilateral iliac extensions were performed using nitinol stents.ResultsRecanalization was achieved for all patients. In 15 (38 %) patients, a hybrid procedure with endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula creation needed to be performed because of significant involvement of inflow vessels below the inguinal ligament. Mean follow-up was 443 ± 438 days (range 7–1683 days). For all patients, primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rate at 36 months were 70, 73, and 78 %, respectively. Twelve-month patency rates in the SECS group were 85, 85, and 95 % for primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency. In the BECS group, primary patency was 100 % during a mean follow-up period of 134 ± 118 (range 29–337) days.ConclusionStenting of chronic bi-iliocaval obstruction shows relatively high patency rates at medium follow-up. Short-term patency seems to favor confluence stenting with balloon-expandable stents.« less

MR pyelography and conventional MR imaging in urinary tract obstruction.

PubMed

Catalano, C; Pavone, P; Laghi, A; Scipioni, A; Panebianco, V; Brillo, R; Fraioli, F; Passariello, R

1999-03-01

To evaluate the possible role of MR imaging in the assessment of patients with urinary tract obstruction by combining conventional MR imaging and MR pyelography (MRP). Forty-three patients with dilated upper urinary tract were studied with a high gradient strength 0.5 T magnet. Respiratory compensated T1-weighted, SE and T2-weighted TSE sequences were acquired in all patients. MRP images were obtained by using a respiratory compensated 3D T2-weighted TSE sequence. MRP images were reconstructed with a MIP algorithm. In all cases, urography and/or ascending pyelography were also performed. Images were independently evaluated by two radiologists. The dilated tract ureter and the level of the obstruction could be correctly demonstrated in all cases. The cause of the obstruction was correctly demonstrated by examiner 1 in 90% and by examiner 2 in 88%. The interobserver agreement was high with a kappa-value of 0.96. In cases of obstructive hydroureteronephrosis MR imaging, combining MRP and conventional sequences, can be proposed as an accurate technique in the assessment of level and cause of obstruction.

Delayed ripple counter simplifies square-root computation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cliff, R.

1965-01-01

Ripple subtract technique simplifies the logic circuitry required in a binary computing device to derive the square root of a number. Successively higher numbers are subtracted from a register containing the number out of which the square root is to be extracted. The last number subtracted will be the closest integer to the square root of the number.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Health in Immigrants

PubMed Central

Arnetz, Bengt B.; Templin, Thomas; Saudi, Waleed; Jamil, Hikmet

2013-01-01

Objective To determine whether obstructive sleep apnea mediates the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychosomatic and somatic disorders and its implications for self-rated health (SRH) among Iraqi immigrants in the United States. Methods A random sample of immigrants who had left Iraq before the 1991 Gulf War (n = 145) or after (n = 205) and are residing in metropolitan Detroit responded to a structured interview covering questions on sociodemographics, premigration trauma, SRH, physician-diagnosed and -treated obstructive sleep apnea, somatic disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between premigration trauma scores and health, as well as to explore mediating pathways between PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, and health. Results The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among post-Gulf War immigrants (30.2%) was significantly higher than among pre-Gulf War immigrants (0.7%; p < .001). Premigration trauma scores were positively associated with depression and PTSD. Structural equation modeling supported a model in which obstructive sleep apnea mediated the relationship between PTSD and psychosomatic and somatic disorders. Premigration trauma also related directly to SRH. Conclusions Part of the PTSD-associated adverse health effects observed in Iraqi immigrants is mediated by obstructive sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea in the current study is based on medical history and current treatment, there is a need for future confirmatory polysomnographic studies. PMID:23023679

Prospective evaluation of oral gastrografin in postoperative small bowel obstruction.

PubMed

Kapoor, Sorabh; Jain, Gaurav; Sewkani, Ajit; Sharma, Sandesh; Patel, Kailash; Varshney, Subodh

2006-04-01

Orally administered gastrografin has been used for early resolution of postoperative small bowel obstruction (POSBO) and to reduce the need for surgery in various studies. However the studies have reported conflicting results as patients with complete obstruction and equivocal diagnosis of bowel strangulation were also included. We carried out a prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of gastrografin in patients with partial adhesive small bowel obstruction. Patients with suspected strangulation, complete obstruction, obstructed hernia, bowel malignancy, and radiation enteritis were excluded. Sixty-two patients with partial adhesive small bowel obstruction were given an initial trial of conservative management of 48 h. Thirty-eight patients improved within 48 h and the other 24 were given 100 ml of undiluted gastrografin through the nasogastric tube. In 22 patients the contrast reached the colon within 24 h. In the remaining two patients the contrast failed to reach the colon and these underwent surgery. The use of gastrografin avoided surgical intervention in 91.3% (22 of 24) patients who failed conservative management of POSBO. Gastrografin also decreased the overall requirement for surgical management of POSBO from the reported rate of 25 to 30% to 3.2% (2 of 62). Use of gastrografin in patients with partial POSBO helps in resolution of symptoms and avoids the need for surgical management in the majority of patients.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea in a child with osteopetrosis.

PubMed

Carter, M; Stokes, D; Wang, W

1988-02-01

The clinical features of a 5-year-old patient with osteopetrosis and severe obstructive sleep apnea are presented. The patient responded to tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, uvulectomy, and tracheostomy. The tracheostomy was later removed. Osteopetrosis, while rare, may be added to the list of causes of obstructive sleep apnea.

Phase transitions in a system of hard rectangles on the square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, Joyjit; Rajesh, R.

2014-05-01

The phase diagram of a system of monodispersed hard rectangles of size m ×mk on a square lattice is numerically determined for m =2,3 and aspect ratio k =1,2,...,7. We show the existence of a disordered phase, a nematic phase with orientational order, a columnar phase with orientational and partial translational order, and a solidlike phase with sublattice order, but no orientational order. The asymptotic behavior of the phase boundaries for large k is determined using a combination of entropic arguments and a Bethe approximation. This allows us to generalize the phase diagram to larger m and k, showing that for k ≥7, the system undergoes three entropy-driven phase transitions with increasing density. The nature of the different phase transitions is established and the critical exponents for the continuous transitions are determined using finite size scaling.

Emergency management of acute colonic cancer obstruction.

PubMed

Gainant, A

2012-02-01

Emergency management of obstructing colonic cancer depends on both tumor location and stage, general condition of the patient and surgeon's experience. Right sided or transverse colon obstructing cancers are usually treated by right hemicolectomy-extended if necessary to the transverse colon-with primary anastomosis. For left-sided obstructing cancer, in patients with low surgical risk, primary resection and anastomosis associated with on-table irrigation or manual decompression can be performed. It prevents the confection of a loop colostomy but presents the risk of anastomotic leakage. Subtotal or total colectomy allows the surgeon to encompass distended and fecal-loaded colon, and to perform one-stage resection and anastomosis. Its disadvantage is an increased daily frequency of stools. It must be performed only in cases of diastatic colon perforation or synchronous right colonic cancer. In patients with high surgical risk, Hartmann procedure must be preferred. It allows the treatment of both obstruction and cancer, and prevents anastomotic leakage but needs a second operation to reverse the colostomy. Colonic stenting is clinically successful in up to 90% in specialized groups. It is used as palliation in patients with disseminated disease or bridge to surgery in the others. If stent insertion is not possible, loop colostomy is still indicated in patients at high surgical risk. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Fatal Airway Obstruction in a Man With a Cystic Hygroma.

PubMed

Wygant, Cassandra Maria; Cohle, Stephen D

2018-05-03

We describe a 24-year-old man with a cystic hygroma of the left side of the lower neck that led to sudden death. Cystic hygroma (cystic lymphangioma) is a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. The patient, who had a tracheostomy because of airway obstruction from the cystic hygroma, was found dead with his tracheostomy tube on the floor next to him. Complications of cystic hygroma include infiltration of the neck causing airway obstruction, dysphagia, pain, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Infectious mononucleosis and bilateral peritonsillar abscesses resulting in airway obstruction.

PubMed

Burstin, P P; Marshall, C L

1998-12-01

Upper airway obstruction is an uncommon but recognized complication of infectious mononucleosis. The management depends upon the degree of airway compromise. In the case described, severe airway obstruction was treated by securing the airway with awake fibre-optic endoscopic intubation and then proceeding to tonsillectomy. Bilateral inferiorly loculated quinsies were encountered unexpectedly and drained. This is the first report of 'bilateral' quinsies, associated with infectious mononucleosis and severe airway obstruction. The association, pathogenesis and significance of this finding are also discussed.

Automatic Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Events Using Respiratory Signals.

PubMed

Aydoğan, Osman; Öter, Ali; Güney, Kerim; Kıymık, M Kemal; Tuncel, Deniz

2016-12-01

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which may lead to various results. While some studies used real-time systems, there are also numerous studies which focus on diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea via signals obtained by polysomnography from apnea patients who spend the night in sleep laboratory. The mean, frequency and power of signals obtained from patients are frequently used. Obstructive Sleep Apnea of 74 patients were scored in this study. A visual-scoring based algorithm and a morphological filter via Artificial Neural Networks were used in order to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea. After total accuracy of scoring was calculated via both methods, it was compared with visual scoring performed by the doctor. The algorithm used in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea reached an average accuracy of 88.33 %, while Artificial Neural Networks and morphological filter method reached a success of 87.28 %. Scoring success was analyzed after it was grouped based on apnea/hypopnea. It is considered that both methods enable doctors to reduce time and costs in the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea as well as ease of use.

A Novel Approach to Brachycephalic Syndrome. 1. Evaluation of Anatomical Intranasal Airway Obstruction.

PubMed

Oechtering, Gerhard U; Pohl, Sabine; Schlueter, Claudia; Lippert, Johanna P; Alef, Michaele; Kiefer, Ingmar; Ludewig, Eberhard; Schuenemann, Riccarda

2016-02-01

To evaluate airway obstruction due to abnormal intranasal anatomy in 3 brachycephalic dog breeds using computed tomography and rhinoscopy. Prospective clinical study. A total of 132 brachycephalic dogs (66 Pugs, 55 French Bulldogs, and 11 English Bulldogs) with severe respiratory distress due to brachycephalic syndrome. Computed tomography and anterior and posterior rhinoscopy were performed to evaluate endonasal obstruction. All dogs had abnormal conchal growth that obstructed the intranasal airways. Rostral aberrant turbinates (RAT) were common in Pugs (90.9%) but less frequent in French (56.4%) and English (36.4%) Bulldogs. Caudal aberrant turbinates (CAT) obstructing the nasopharyngeal meatus were commonly found in all breeds (66.7%). Deviation of the nasal septum was an almost consistent finding in Pugs (98.5%) but was less common in bulldogs. Obstructing turbinates had multiple points of mucosal contact responsible for obstruction of the intranasal airway. Interconchal and intraconchal mucosal contacts were evident in 91.7% of dogs. Selective breeding for short head conformation reduces the size of the nasal cavities to such an extent that intranasal structures grow aberrantly and malformed, leading to obstructed air conducting spaces. Intranasal airway obstruction of brachycephalic dogs may contribute to their exercise and heat intolerance because of impaired pulmonary ventilation and compromised thermoregulatory functions of the canine nose. Failure to address intranasal obstruction might be an explanation for lack of therapeutic success after conventional surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Future consideration should be given to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this newly described aspect of airway obstruction. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Acute intestinal obstruction due to metastatic lung cancer—case report

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract We present a case of male patient, who was referred to our department because of acute intestinal obstruction, which was the initial clinical symptom of primary lung cancer. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) prior to the emergency operation showed small intestinal obstruction and metastases to both adrenal glands. The patient underwent an emergency abdominal exploratory laparotomy, that confirmed small bowel obstruction and diffuse metastatic lesions along the entire small bowel length. During the operation we took a sample of one metastasis for pathological examination and we created an intestinal bypass to relieve small bowel obstruction. The pathologist suspected to primary lung cancer according to the immunohistochemical staining. The chest CT after the emergency operation showed a large primary tumor in the left upper pulmonary lobe. PMID:28458837

Going Off-the-Pegs: Revisiting Geoboard Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canada, Daniel L.; Ciancetta, Matthew A.; Blair, Stephen D.

2014-01-01

How many squares can be found on a typical 5 × 5 geoboard? Teachers who are unfamiliar with this question may wish to stop here and reflect a bit. The question can lead to wonderful student discourse: How can someone tell if something is a square? Should squares be counted that are the same size (but in a different location) or just different…

A spectral mimetic least-squares method

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

Bochev, Pavel; Gerritsma, Marc

We present a spectral mimetic least-squares method for a model diffusion–reaction problem, which preserves key conservation properties of the continuum problem. Casting the model problem into a first-order system for two scalar and two vector variables shifts material properties from the differential equations to a pair of constitutive relations. We also use this system to motivate a new least-squares functional involving all four fields and show that its minimizer satisfies the differential equations exactly. Discretization of the four-field least-squares functional by spectral spaces compatible with the differential operators leads to a least-squares method in which the differential equations are alsomore » satisfied exactly. Additionally, the latter are reduced to purely topological relationships for the degrees of freedom that can be satisfied without reference to basis functions. Furthermore, numerical experiments confirm the spectral accuracy of the method and its local conservation.« less

A spectral mimetic least-squares method

DOE PAGES

Bochev, Pavel; Gerritsma, Marc

2014-09-01

We present a spectral mimetic least-squares method for a model diffusion–reaction problem, which preserves key conservation properties of the continuum problem. Casting the model problem into a first-order system for two scalar and two vector variables shifts material properties from the differential equations to a pair of constitutive relations. We also use this system to motivate a new least-squares functional involving all four fields and show that its minimizer satisfies the differential equations exactly. Discretization of the four-field least-squares functional by spectral spaces compatible with the differential operators leads to a least-squares method in which the differential equations are alsomore » satisfied exactly. Additionally, the latter are reduced to purely topological relationships for the degrees of freedom that can be satisfied without reference to basis functions. Furthermore, numerical experiments confirm the spectral accuracy of the method and its local conservation.« less

The chi-square test of independence.

PubMed

McHugh, Mary L

2013-01-01

The Chi-square statistic is a non-parametric (distribution free) tool designed to analyze group differences when the dependent variable is measured at a nominal level. Like all non-parametric statistics, the Chi-square is robust with respect to the distribution of the data. Specifically, it does not require equality of variances among the study groups or homoscedasticity in the data. It permits evaluation of both dichotomous independent variables, and of multiple group studies. Unlike many other non-parametric and some parametric statistics, the calculations needed to compute the Chi-square provide considerable information about how each of the groups performed in the study. This richness of detail allows the researcher to understand the results and thus to derive more detailed information from this statistic than from many others. The Chi-square is a significance statistic, and should be followed with a strength statistic. The Cramer's V is the most common strength test used to test the data when a significant Chi-square result has been obtained. Advantages of the Chi-square include its robustness with respect to distribution of the data, its ease of computation, the detailed information that can be derived from the test, its use in studies for which parametric assumptions cannot be met, and its flexibility in handling data from both two group and multiple group studies. Limitations include its sample size requirements, difficulty of interpretation when there are large numbers of categories (20 or more) in the independent or dependent variables, and tendency of the Cramer's V to produce relative low correlation measures, even for highly significant results.

Squared eigenfunctions for the Sasa-Satsuma equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianke; Kaup, D. J.

2009-02-01

Squared eigenfunctions are quadratic combinations of Jost functions and adjoint Jost functions which satisfy the linearized equation of an integrable equation. They are needed for various studies related to integrable equations, such as the development of its soliton perturbation theory. In this article, squared eigenfunctions are derived for the Sasa-Satsuma equation whose spectral operator is a 3×3 system, while its linearized operator is a 2×2 system. It is shown that these squared eigenfunctions are sums of two terms, where each term is a product of a Jost function and an adjoint Jost function. The procedure of this derivation consists of two steps: First is to calculate the variations of the potentials via variations of the scattering data by the Riemann-Hilbert method. The second one is to calculate the variations of the scattering data via the variations of the potentials through elementary calculations. While this procedure has been used before on other integrable equations, it is shown here, for the first time, that for a general integrable equation, the functions appearing in these variation relations are precisely the squared eigenfunctions and adjoint squared eigenfunctions satisfying, respectively, the linearized equation and the adjoint linearized equation of the integrable system. This proof clarifies this procedure and provides a unified explanation for previous results of squared eigenfunctions on individual integrable equations. This procedure uses primarily the spectral operator of the Lax pair. Thus two equations in the same integrable hierarchy will share the same squared eigenfunctions (except for a time-dependent factor). In the Appendix, the squared eigenfunctions are presented for the Manakov equations whose spectral operator is closely related to that of the Sasa-Satsuma equation.

Prevalence, causes and management outcome of intestinal obstruction in Adama Hospital, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Soressa, Urgessa; Mamo, Abebe; Hiko, Desta; Fentahun, Netsanet

2016-06-04

In Africa, acute intestinal obstruction accounts for a great proportion of morbidity and mortality. Ethiopia is one of the countries where intestinal obstruction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine prevalence, causes and management outcome of intestinal obstruction in Adama Hospital in Oromia region, Ethiopia. A hospital based cross-sectional study design was used. Data covering the past three years were collected from hospital medical records of sampled patients. The collected data were checked for any inconsistency, coded and entered into SPSS version 16.0 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used. Statistical significance was based on confidence interval (CI) of 95 % at a p-value of < 0.05. 262 patients were admitted with intestinal obstruction. The prevalence of intestinal obstruction was 21.8 % and 4.8 % among patients admitted for acute abdomen surgery and total surgical admissions, respectively. The mortality rate was 2.5 % (6 of 262). The most common cause of small bowel obstruction was intussusceptions in 48 patients (30.9 %), followed by small bowel volvulus in 47 patients (30.3 %). Large bowel obstruction was caused by sigmoid volvulus in 60 patients (69.0 %) followed by colonic tumor in 12 patients (13.8 %). After controlling for possible confounding factors, the major predictors of management outcome of intestinal obstruction were: duration of illness before surgical intervention (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.49, 95 % CI: 0.25-0.97); intra-operative findings [Viable small bowel volvulus (SBV) (AOR = 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.01-0.95) and viable (AOR = 0.17, 95 % CI: 0.03-0.88)]; completion of intra-operative procedures (bowel resection & anastomosis (AOR = 3.05, 95 % CI: 1.04-8.94); and length of hospital stay (AOR = 0.05, 95 % CI: 0.01-0.16). Small bowel obstruction was more prevalent than large bowel obstruction. Intussusceptions and

Bile Cast Nephropathy Caused by Obstructive Cholestasis.

PubMed

Aniort, Julien; Poyet, Anaïs; Kemeny, Jean-Louis; Philipponnet, Carole; Heng, Anne-Elisabeth

2017-01-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication in patients with liver disease. Although hepatorenal syndrome is frequently involved, bile cast nephropathy, characterized by tubular bile cast formation, has been scarcely described in the setting of severe liver failure. Few renal histology studies are available in these patients. We describe a case of bile cast nephropathy in a patient with obstructive cholestasis caused by stones in the common bile duct. The kidney biopsy confirmed this diagnosis, with several green casts in tubular lumens, tubular injury, and bilirubin composition of the tubular casts with Hall stain. The patient had no confounding cause of kidney failure, and complete kidney recovery followed removal of the bile duct obstruction. This case shows that severe cholestasis is sufficient to cause AKI, and that AKI can be reversible after treatment of the biliary obstruction. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Large bowel obstruction due to gallstones: an endoscopic problem?

PubMed Central

Waterland, Peter; Khan, Faisal Shehzaad; Durkin, Damien

2014-01-01

A 73-year-old man was admitted with symptoms of large bowel obstruction. An emergency CT scan revealed pneumobilia and large bowel obstruction at the level of the rectosigmoid due to a 4×4 cm impacted gallstone. Flexible sigmoidoscopy confirmed the diagnosis but initial attempts to drag the stone into the rectum failed. An endoscopic mechanical lithotripter was employed to repeatedly fracture the gallstone into smaller fragments, which were passed spontaneously the next day. The patient made a complete recovery avoiding the potential dangers of surgery. This case report discusses cholecystoenteric fistula and a novel minimally invasive treatment for large bowel obstruction due to gallstones. PMID:24390966

Large bowel obstruction due to gallstones: an endoscopic problem?