High temperature process steam application at the Southern Union Refining Company, Hobbs, New Mexico. Solar energy in the oil patch. Final report, Phase III: operation, maintenance, and performance

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

Wilson, L.E.; McGuire, D.R.

1984-05-01

This final report summarizes the technical reports for Phase III of this project. The third phase included the operation, maintenance, upgrade and performance reporting of a 10,080 square foot Solar Industrial Process Heat System installed at the Famariss Energy Refinery of Southern Union Refining Company near Hobbs, New Mexico. This report contains a description of the upgraded system, and a summary of the overall operation, maintenance and performance of the installed system. The results of the upgrade activities can be seen in the last two months of operational data. Steam production was significantly greater in peak flow and monthly totalmore » than at any previous time. Also monthly total cost savings was greatly improved even though natural gas costs remain much lower than originally anticipated.« less

Broadband microwave photonic fully tunable filter using a single heterogeneously integrated III-V/SOI-microdisk-based phase shifter.

PubMed

Lloret, Juan; Morthier, Geert; Ramos, Francisco; Sales, Salvador; Van Thourhout, Dries; Spuesens, Thijs; Olivier, Nicolas; Fédéli, Jean-Marc; Capmany, José

2012-05-07

A broadband microwave photonic phase shifter based on a single III-V microdisk resonator heterogeneously integrated on and coupled to a nanophotonic silicon-on-insulator waveguide is reported. The phase shift tunability is accomplished by modifying the effective index through carrier injection. A comprehensive semi-analytical model aiming at predicting its behavior is formulated and confirmed by measurements. Quasi-linear and continuously tunable 2π phase shifts at radiofrequencies greater than 18 GHz are experimentally demonstrated. The phase shifter performance is also evaluated when used as a key element in tunable filtering schemes. Distortion-free and wideband filtering responses with a tuning range of ~100% over the free spectral range are obtained.

Growth-differentiation factor-15, endoglin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide induction in athletes participating in an ultramarathon foot race.

PubMed

Tchou, Isabelle; Margeli, Alexandra; Tsironi, Maria; Skenderi, Katerina; Barnet, Marc; Kanaka-Gantenbein, Christina; Papassotiriou, Ioannis; Beris, Photis

2009-09-01

We investigated the actions of growth-differentiation factor (GDF)-15, endoglin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in 15 male athletes who participated in the ultradistance foot race of the 246 km 'Sparthathlon'. Measurements were performed before (phase I), at the end of the race (phase II) and 48 h post-race (phase III). GDF-15 and endoglin serum concentrations were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and NT-pro-BNP plasma levels by electrochemiluminescence. GDF-15 levels were increased from phase I (563.9 +/- 57.1 pg ml(-1)) to phase II (2311.1 +/- 462.3 pg ml(-1)) and decreased at phase III (862.0 +/- 158.0 pg ml(-1)) (p < 0.0002). NT-pro-BNP levels followed a similar pattern to that of GDF-15 from 38.1 +/- 4.8 pg ml(-1) at phase I to 1280.6 +/- 259.0 pg ml(-1) at phase II and 89.8 +/- 13.6 pg ml(-1) at phase III (p < 0.0001) and at the same time points, endoglin levels were 4.7 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase I, 5.8 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase II and 4.3 +/- 0.2 ng ml(-1) at phase III (p < 0.002). These findings indicate that circulating GDF-15, endoglin and NT-pro-BNP levels reflect a transient endothelial dysfunction in these athletes who participated in a foot race consisting of continuous, prolonged and brisk exercise.

Effect of 60 degrees head-down tilt on peripheral gas mixing in the human lung.

PubMed

Olfert, I Mark; Prisk, G Kim

2004-09-01

The phase III slope of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in a single-breath washout (SBW) is greater than that of helium (He) under normal gravity (i.e., 1G), thus resulting in a positive SF6-He slope difference. In microgravity (microG), SF6-He slope difference is smaller because of a greater fall in the phase III slope of SF6 than He. We sought to determine whether increasing thoracic fluid volume using 60 degrees head-down tilt (HDT) in 1G would produce a similar effect to microG on phase III slopes of SF6 and He. Single-breath vital capacity (SBW) and multiple-breath washout (MBW) tests were performed before, during, and 60 min after 1 h of HDT. Compared with baseline (SF6 1.050 +/- 0.182%/l, He 0.670 +/- 0.172%/l), the SBW phase III slopes for both SF6 and He tended to decrease during HDT, reaching nadir at 30 min (SF6 0.609 +/- 0.211%/l, He 0.248 +/- 0.138%/l; P = 0.08 and P = 0.06, respectively). In contrast to microG, the magnitude of the phase III slope decrease was similar for both SF6 and He; therefore, no change in SF6-He slope difference was observed. MBW analysis revealed a decrease in normalized phase III slopes at all time points during HDT, for both SF6 (P < 0.01) and He (P < 0.01). This decrease was due to changes in the acinar, and not the conductive, component of the normalized phase III slope. These findings support the notion that changes in thoracic fluid volume alter ventilation distribution in the lung periphery but also demonstrate that the effect during HDT does not wholly mimic that observed in microG.

Analysis of phase II studies on targeted agents and subsequent phase III trials: what are the predictors for success?

PubMed

Chan, John K; Ueda, Stefanie M; Sugiyama, Valerie E; Stave, Christopher D; Shin, Jacob Y; Monk, Bradley J; Sikic, Branimir I; Osann, Kathryn; Kapp, Daniel S

2008-03-20

To identify the characteristics of phase II studies that predict for subsequent "positive" phase III trials (those that reached the proposed primary end points of study or those wherein the study drug was superior to the standard regimen investigating targeted agents in advanced tumors. We identified all phase III clinical trials of targeted therapies against advanced cancers published from 1985 to 2005. Characteristics of the preceding phase II studies were reviewed to identify predictive factors for success of the subsequent phase III trial. Data were analyzed using the chi(2) test and logistic regression models. Of 351 phase II studies, 167 (47.6%) subsequent phase III trials were positive and 184 (52.4%) negative. Phase II studies from multiple rather than single institutions were more likely to precede a successful trial (60.4% v 39.4%; P < .001). Positive phase II results were more likely to lead to a successful phase III trial (50.8% v 22.5%; P = .003). The percentage of successful trials from pharmaceutical companies was significantly higher compared with academic, cooperative groups, and research institutes (89.5% v 44.2%, 45.2%, and 46.3%, respectively; P = .002). On multivariate analysis, these factors and shorter time interval between publication of phase II results and III study publication were independent predictive factors for a positive phase III trial. In phase II studies of targeted agents, multiple- versus single-institution participation, positive phase II trial, pharmaceutical company-based trials, and shorter time period between publication of phase II to phase III trial were independent predictive factors of success in a phase III trial. Investigators should be cognizant of these factors in phase II studies before designing phase III trials.

Speciation of chromium using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to different spectrometric detection methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrle, C. M.; Jakubowski, N.; Broekaert, J. A. C.

1997-02-01

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on the formation of different complexes with ammonium-pyrrolidinedithioate (APDC) in a continuous flow technique and their preconcentration using solid phase extraction (SPE) have been elaborated and applied to the analysis of waste waters from the galvanic industry. The Cr complexes were separated and determined using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to different detection methods, namely UV-detection, graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with hydraulic high pressure nebulization (HHPN/ICP-MS). After optimization the detection limits for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) of all methods are at the μg 1 -1 level and the precision in terms of RSD is 5% ( cCr = 100 μg 1 -1, N = 10). The procedure was applied to the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at the μg 1 -1 level in galvanic waste waters, and its accuracy was approved by comparing the results with those of independent methods.

Electronic monitoring and voice prompts improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infections in an intermediate care unit.

PubMed

Swoboda, Sandra M; Earsing, Karen; Strauss, Kevin; Lane, Stephen; Lipsett, Pamela A

2004-02-01

To determine whether electronic monitoring of hand hygiene and voice prompts can improve hand hygiene and decrease nosocomial infection rates in a surgical intermediate care unit. Three-phase quasi-experimental design. Phase I was electronic monitoring and direct observation; phase II was electronic monitoring and computerized voice prompts for failure to perform hand hygiene on room exit; and phase III was electronic monitoring only. Nine-room, 14-bed intermediate care unit in a university, tertiary-care institution. All patient rooms, utility room, and staff lavatory were monitored electronically. All healthcare personnel including physicians, nurses, nursing support personnel, ancillary staff, all visitors and family members, and any other personnel interacting with patients on the intermediate care unit. All patients with an intermediate care unit length of stay >48 hrs were followed for nosocomial infection. Electronic monitoring during all phases, computerized voice prompts during phase II only. We evaluated a total of 283,488 electronically monitored entries into a patient room with 251,526 exits for 420 days (10,080 hrs and 3,549 patient days). Compared with phase I, hand hygiene compliance in patient rooms improved 37% during phase II (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.83) and 41% in phase III (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.84). When adjusting for patient admissions during each phase, point estimates of nosocomial infections decreased by 22% during phase II and 48% during phase III; when adjusting for patient days, the number of infections decreased by 10% during phase II and 40% during phase III. Although the overall rate of nosocomial infections significantly decreased when combining phases II and III, the association between nosocomial infection and individual phase was not significant. Electronic monitoring provided effective ongoing feedback about hand hygiene compliance. During both the voice prompt phase and post-intervention phase, hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection rates improved suggesting that ongoing monitoring and feedback had both a short-term and, perhaps, a longer-term effect.

Phase III of Early Restoration | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

information about this phase of Early Restoration, including fact sheets on each project. The final Phase III 44 projects are documented in a final Record of Decision. Information about Phase III of Early Archive Home Phase III of Early Restoration Phase III of Early Restoration Beach habitat would be restored

Secukinumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Abrouk, M; Gandy, J; Nakamura, M; Lee, K; Brodsky, M; Singh, R; Zhu, H; Farahnik, B; Bhutani, T; Koo, J

2017-07-01

While there are several commercially available treatment options for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there remains a large number of individuals who are refractory to current modalities. In the recent past, there has been increasing evidence that interleukin (IL)-17 plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Preclinical, phase II, and phase III studies of secukinumab (Cosentyx®) targeting IL-17 and its receptor have thus far proved to be promising. We reviewed the results of phase II and phase III clinical trials for secukinumab in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Only published studies were considered in the present review. We also performed an English language literature search from January 2003 to September 2015 using PubMed with any of the following key words: (secukinumab OR AIN457) AND (psoriasis OR psoriatic arthritis). In our review of the literature, seven phase III and five phase II clinical trials, as well as open-label extension studies with unpublished findings were found. Results from phase III clinical trials indicated secukinumab to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis according to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scores. The safety profile of this agent was similar across all studies, with the most frequently reported adverse events of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reaction. Secukinumab demonstrates rapid and robust clinical improvement accompanied by a favorable short- term safety profile. The results of the phase III trials continue to reinforce the theory that the IL-17 pathway is an essential target in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment. Additional extension studies of lower level evidence are needed to further understand the safety profile of the drug.

Validation of the phase II feasibility study in a palliative care setting: gastrografin in malignant bowel obstruction.

PubMed

Lee, Cindy; Vather, Ryash; O'Callaghan, Anne; Robinson, Jackie; McLeod, Briar; Findlay, Michael; Bissett, Ian

2013-12-01

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is common in patients with advanced cancer. To perform a phase II study to assess the feasibility of conducting a phase III trial investigating the therapeutic value of gastrografin in MBO. Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled feasibility study. Participants received 100 mL of either gastrografin or placebo. Over 8 months, 57 patients were screened and 9 enrolled (15.8% recruitment rate). Of the 9 enrolled, 4 received gastrografin (with 2 completing assessment) and 5 received placebo (with 4 completing assessment). It is not feasible to conduct a phase III trial using the same study protocol. This study validates the use of the phase II feasibility study to assess protocol viability in a palliative population prior to embarking on a larger trial.

23 CFR 636.204 - What items may be included in a phase-one solicitation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Selection Procedures, Award Criteria § 636.204... perform (including key personnel); and (iii) Past performance of the members of the offeror's team...

23 CFR 636.204 - What items may be included in a phase-one solicitation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Selection Procedures, Award Criteria § 636.204... perform (including key personnel); and (iii) Past performance of the members of the offeror's team...

23 CFR 636.204 - What items may be included in a phase-one solicitation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Selection Procedures, Award Criteria § 636.204... perform (including key personnel); and (iii) Past performance of the members of the offeror's team...

23 CFR 636.204 - What items may be included in a phase-one solicitation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Selection Procedures, Award Criteria § 636.204... perform (including key personnel); and (iii) Past performance of the members of the offeror's team...

23 CFR 636.204 - What items may be included in a phase-one solicitation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTING Selection Procedures, Award Criteria § 636.204... perform (including key personnel); and (iii) Past performance of the members of the offeror's team...

Probability of success for phase III after exploratory biomarker analysis in phase II.

PubMed

Götte, Heiko; Kirchner, Marietta; Sailer, Martin Oliver

2017-05-01

The probability of success or average power describes the potential of a future trial by weighting the power with a probability distribution of the treatment effect. The treatment effect estimate from a previous trial can be used to define such a distribution. During the development of targeted therapies, it is common practice to look for predictive biomarkers. The consequence is that the trial population for phase III is often selected on the basis of the most extreme result from phase II biomarker subgroup analyses. In such a case, there is a tendency to overestimate the treatment effect. We investigate whether the overestimation of the treatment effect estimate from phase II is transformed into a positive bias for the probability of success for phase III. We simulate a phase II/III development program for targeted therapies. This simulation allows to investigate selection probabilities and allows to compare the estimated with the true probability of success. We consider the estimated probability of success with and without subgroup selection. Depending on the true treatment effects, there is a negative bias without selection because of the weighting by the phase II distribution. In comparison, selection increases the estimated probability of success. Thus, selection does not lead to a bias in probability of success if underestimation due to the phase II distribution and overestimation due to selection cancel each other out. We recommend to perform similar simulations in practice to get the necessary information about the risk and chances associated with such subgroup selection designs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laboratory performance evaluation of CIR-emulsion and its comparison against CIR-foam test results from phase III.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

Currently, no standard mix design procedure is available for CIR-emulsion in Iowa. The CIR-foam mix : design process developed during the previous phase is applied for CIR-emulsion mixtures with varying : emulsified asphalt contents. Dynamic modulus ...

Human factors phase III : effects of train control technology on operator performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

This report describes a study evaluating the effects of train control technology on locomotive engineer performance. Several types : of train control systems were evaluated: partial automation (cruise control and programmed stop) and full automation ...

Human factors phase III : effects of train control technology on operator performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-31

This report describes a study evaluating the effects of train control technology on locomotive engineer performance. Several types of train control systems were evaluated: partial automation (cruise control and programmed stop) and full automation we...

Phase III Early Restoration Public Meetings | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

Archive Home Phase III Early Restoration Public Meetings Phase III Early Restoration Public Meetings share Posted on December 6, 2013 | Assessment and Early Restoration Restoration Area Title: Phase III Early on the draft plan for the third phase of Early Restoration, which proposes more than $625 million in

Using phase II data for the analysis of phase III studies: An application in rare diseases.

PubMed

Wandel, Simon; Neuenschwander, Beat; Röver, Christian; Friede, Tim

2017-06-01

Clinical research and drug development in orphan diseases are challenging, since large-scale randomized studies are difficult to conduct. Formally synthesizing the evidence is therefore of great value, yet this is rarely done in the drug-approval process. Phase III designs that make better use of phase II data can facilitate drug development in orphan diseases. A Bayesian meta-analytic approach is used to inform the phase III study with phase II data. It is particularly attractive, since uncertainty of between-trial heterogeneity can be dealt with probabilistically, which is critical if the number of studies is small. Furthermore, it allows quantifying and discounting the phase II data through the predictive distribution relevant for phase III. A phase III design is proposed which uses the phase II data and considers approval based on a phase III interim analysis. The design is illustrated with a non-inferiority case study from a Food and Drug Administration approval in herpetic keratitis (an orphan disease). Design operating characteristics are compared to those of a traditional design, which ignores the phase II data. An analysis of the phase II data reveals good but insufficient evidence for non-inferiority, highlighting the need for a phase III study. For the phase III study supported by phase II data, the interim analysis is based on half of the patients. For this design, the meta-analytic interim results are conclusive and would justify approval. In contrast, based on the phase III data only, interim results are inconclusive and require further evidence. To accelerate drug development for orphan diseases, innovative study designs and appropriate methodology are needed. Taking advantage of randomized phase II data when analyzing phase III studies looks promising because the evidence from phase II supports informed decision-making. The implementation of the Bayesian design is straightforward with public software such as R.

High-pressure phase transitions, amorphization, and crystallization behaviors in Bi2Se3.

PubMed

Zhao, Jinggeng; Liu, Haozhe; Ehm, Lars; Dong, Dawei; Chen, Zhiqiang; Gu, Genda

2013-03-27

The phase transition, amorphization, and crystallization behaviors of the topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) were discovered by performing in situ high-pressure angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction experiments during an increasing, decreasing, and recycling pressure process. In the compression process, Bi2Se3 transforms from the original rhombohedral structure (phase I(A)) to a monoclinic structure (phase II) at about 10.4 GPa, and further to a body-centered tetragonal structure (phase III) at about 24.5 GPa. When releasing pressure to ambient conditions after the complete transformation from phase II to III, Bi2Se3 becomes an amorphous solid (AM). In the relaxation process from this amorphous state, Bi2Se3 starts crystallizing into an orthorhombic structure (phase I(B)) about five hours after releasing the pressure to ambient. A review of the pressure-induced phase transition behaviors of A2B3-type materials composed from the V and VI group elements is presented.

Cold in-place recycling using solventless emulsion - phase IV (emulsion qualification and long-term field performance).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-05-01

This report looks into how a successful Cold In-Place solventless emulsion behaves and how the emulsion : break test developed in Phase III of this project demonstrates that behavior. Modifications to the test have been : made to improve the consiste...

Intersection collision avoidance using ITS countermeasures. Task 9, Intersection collision avoidance system performance guidelines

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-09-01

Phase III of the Intersection Collision Avoidance Using ITS Countermeasures program developed testbed systems, implemented the systems on a vehicle, and performed testing to determine the potential effectiveness of this system in preventing intersect...

Performance modeling for large database systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaar, Stephen; Hum, Frank; Romano, Joe

1997-02-01

One of the unique approaches Science Applications International Corporation took to meet performance requirements was to start the modeling effort during the proposal phase of the Interstate Identification Index/Federal Bureau of Investigations (III/FBI) project. The III/FBI Performance Model uses analytical modeling techniques to represent the III/FBI system. Inputs to the model include workloads for each transaction type, record size for each record type, number of records for each file, hardware envelope characteristics, engineering margins and estimates for software instructions, memory, and I/O for each transaction type. The model uses queuing theory to calculate the average transaction queue length. The model calculates a response time and the resources needed for each transaction type. Outputs of the model include the total resources needed for the system, a hardware configuration, and projected inherent and operational availability. The III/FBI Performance Model is used to evaluate what-if scenarios and allows a rapid response to engineering change proposals and technical enhancements.

A Low Nuclear Recoil Energy Threshold for Dark Matter Search with CRESST-III Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancuso, M.; Angloher, G.; Bauer, P.; Bento, A.; Bucci, C.; Canonica, L.; D'Addabbo, A.; Defay, X.; Erb, A.; von Feilitzsch, Franz; Ferreiro Iachellini, N.; Gorla, P.; Gütlein, A.; Hauff, D.; Jochum, J.; Kiefer, M.; Kluck, H.; Kraus, H.; Lanfranchi, J. C.; Langenkämper, A.; Loebell, J.; Mondragon, E.; Münster, A.; Pagliarone, C.; Petricca, F.; Potzel, W.; Pröbst, F.; Puig, R.; Reindl, F.; Rothe, J.; Schäffner, K.; Schieck, J.; Schipperges, V.; Schönert, S.; Seidel, W.; Stahlberg, M.; Stodolsky, L.; Strandhagen, C.; Strauss, R.; Tanzke, A.; Thi, H. H. Trinh; Türkoglu, C.; Uffinger, M.; Ulrich, A.; Usherov, I.; Wawoczny, S.; Willers, M.; Wüstrich, M.

2018-05-01

The CRESST-III experiment (Cryogenic Rare Events Search with Superconducting Thermometers), located at the underground facility Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy, uses scintillating CaWO_4 crystals as cryogenic calorimeters to search for direct dark matter interactions in detectors. A large part of the parameter space for spin-independent scattering off nuclei remains untested for dark matter particles with masses below a few GeV/c^2 , despite many naturally motivated theoretical models for light dark matter particles. The CRESST-III detectors are designed to achieve the performance required to probe the low-mass region of the parameter space with a sensitivity never reached before. In this paper, new results on the performance and an overview of the CRESST-III detectors will be presented, emphasizing the results about the low-energy threshold for nuclear recoil of CRESST-III Phase 1 which started collecting data in August 2016.

Efficacy and safety of rifaximin in Japanese patients with hepatic encephalopathy: A phase II/III, multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blinded, active-controlled trial and a phase III, multicenter, open trial.

PubMed

Suzuki, Kazuyuki; Endo, Ryujin; Takikawa, Yasuhiro; Moriyasu, Fuminori; Aoyagi, Yutaka; Moriwaki, Hisataka; Terai, Shuji; Sakaida, Isao; Sakai, Yoshiyuki; Nishiguchi, Shuhei; Ishikawa, Toru; Takagi, Hitoshi; Naganuma, Atsushi; Genda, Takuya; Ichida, Takafumi; Takaguchi, Koichi; Miyazawa, Katsuhiko; Okita, Kiwamu

2018-05-01

The efficacy and safety of rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are widely known, but they have not been confirmed in Japanese patients with HE. Thus, two prospective, randomized studies (a phase II/III study and a phase III study) were carried out. Subjects with grade I or II HE and hyperammonemia were enrolled. The phase II/III study, which was a randomized, evaluator-blinded, active-comparator, parallel-group study, was undertaken at 37 institutions in Japan. Treatment periods were 14 days. Eligible patients were randomized to the rifaximin group (1200 mg/day) or the lactitol group (18-36 g/day). The phase III study was carried out in the same patients previously enrolled in the phase II/III study, and they were all treated with rifaximin (1200 mg/day) for 10 weeks. In the phase II/III study, 172 patients were enrolled. Blood ammonia (B-NH 3 ) concentration was significantly improved in the rifaximin group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant. The portal systemic encephalopathy index (PSE index), including HE grade, was significantly improved in both groups. In the phase III study, 87.3% of enrolled patients completed the treatment. The improved B-NH 3 concentration and PSE index were well maintained from the phase II/III study during the treatment period of the phase III study. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were seen in 13.4% of patients who received rifaximin, but there were no severe ADRs leading to death. The efficacy of rifaximin is sufficient and treatment is well tolerated in Japanese patients with HE and hyperammonemia. © 2017 The Japan Society of Hepatology.

Structural, magnetic and phonon properties of Cr(III)-doped perovskite metal formate framework [(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}NH{sub 2}][Mn(HCOO){sub 3}

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

Mączka, Mirosław, E-mail: m.maczka@int.pan.wroc.pl; Gągor, Anna; Hermanowicz, Krzysztof

2016-05-15

We have incorporated Cr(III) into [(CH{sub 3}){sub 2}NH{sub 2}][Mn(HCOO){sub 3}] (DMMn) multiferroic metal organic framework (MOF). The highest concentration of Cr(III) in the synthesized samples reached 15.9 mol%. The obtained samples were characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, DSC, magnetic susceptibility, dielectric, EPR, Raman and IR methods. These methods and the performed chemical analysis revealed that electrical charge neutrality after substitution of Cr(III) for Mn(II) is maintained by partial replacement of dimethylammonium (DMA{sup +}) cations by neutral HCOOH molecules. These changes in the chemical composition are responsible for weakening of the hydrogen bonds and decreased flexibility of the framework.more » This in turn leads to lowering of the ferroelectric phase transition temperature, observed around 185 K for undoped DMMn and around 155 K for the sample containing 3.1 mol% of Cr(III), and lack of macroscopic phase transition for the samples with Cr(III) content of 8.2 and 15.9 mol %. Another interesting effect observed for the studied samples is pronounced strengthening of the weak ferromagnetism of in Cr(III)-doped samples, associated with slight decrease of the ferromagnetic ordering temperature from 8.5 K for DMMn to 7.0 K for the sample with 15.9 mol % Cr(III) content. - Graphical abstract: Incorporation of Cr(III) into [(CH3)2NH2[Mn(HCOO)3] framework increases the magnetization. - Highlights: • Chromium(III) substitutes for Mn(II) in the studied MOF. • Charge neutrality is maintained by replacing DMA{sup +} cations by neutral HCOOH molecules. • Compounds with 8.2 and 15.9% of Cr(III) show no phase transition above 100 K. • Doping with Cr(III) increases magnetization.« less

Antisense oligonucleotide inhibition of apolipoprotein C-III reduces plasma triglycerides in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans.

PubMed

Graham, Mark J; Lee, Richard G; Bell, Thomas A; Fu, Wuxia; Mullick, Adam E; Alexander, Veronica J; Singleton, Walter; Viney, Nick; Geary, Richard; Su, John; Baker, Brenda F; Burkey, Jennifer; Crooke, Stanley T; Crooke, Rosanne M

2013-05-24

Elevated plasma triglyceride levels have been recognized as a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) represents both an independent risk factor and a key regulatory factor of plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, elevated apoC-III levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, no selective apoC-III therapeutic agent has been evaluated in the clinic. To test the hypothesis that selective inhibition of apoC-III with antisense drugs in preclinical models and in healthy volunteers would reduce plasma apoC-III and triglyceride levels. Rodent- and human-specific second-generation antisense oligonucleotides were identified and evaluated in preclinical models, including rats, mice, human apoC-III transgenic mice, and nonhuman primates. We demonstrated the selective reduction of both apoC-III and triglyceride in all preclinical pharmacological evaluations. We also showed that inhibition of apoC-III was well tolerated and not associated with increased liver triglyceride deposition or hepatotoxicity. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I clinical study was performed in healthy subjects. Administration of the human apoC-III antisense drug resulted in dose-dependent reductions in plasma apoC-III, concomitant lowering of triglyceride levels, and produced no clinically meaningful signals in the safety evaluations. Antisense inhibition of apoC-III in preclinical models and in a phase I clinical trial with healthy subjects produced potent, selective reductions in plasma apoC-III and triglyceride, 2 known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This compelling pharmacological profile supports further clinical investigations in hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

Optimal dose selection accounting for patient subpopulations in a randomized Phase II trial to maximize the success probability of a subsequent Phase III trial.

PubMed

Takahashi, Fumihiro; Morita, Satoshi

2018-02-08

Phase II clinical trials are conducted to determine the optimal dose of the study drug for use in Phase III clinical trials while also balancing efficacy and safety. In conducting these trials, it may be important to consider subpopulations of patients grouped by background factors such as drug metabolism and kidney and liver function. Determining the optimal dose, as well as maximizing the effectiveness of the study drug by analyzing patient subpopulations, requires a complex decision-making process. In extreme cases, drug development has to be terminated due to inadequate efficacy or severe toxicity. Such a decision may be based on a particular subpopulation. We propose a Bayesian utility approach (BUART) to randomized Phase II clinical trials which uses a first-order bivariate normal dynamic linear model for efficacy and safety in order to determine the optimal dose and study population in a subsequent Phase III clinical trial. We carried out a simulation study under a wide range of clinical scenarios to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in comparison with a conventional method separately analyzing efficacy and safety in each patient population. The proposed method showed more favorable operating characteristics in determining the optimal population and dose.

The NATO III 5 MHz Distribution System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vulcan, A.; Bloch, M.

1981-01-01

A high performance 5 MHz distribution system is described which has extremely low phase noise and jitter characteristics and provides multiple buffered outputs. The system is completely redundant with automatic switchover and is self-testing. Since the 5 MHz reference signals distributed by the NATO III distribution system are used for up-conversion and multiplicative functions, a high degree of phase stability and isolation between outputs is necessary. Unique circuit design and packaging concepts insure that the isolation between outputs is sufficient to quarantee a phase perturbation of less than 0.0016 deg when other outputs are open circuited, short circuited or terminated in 50 ohms. Circuit design techniques include high isolation cascode amplifiers. Negative feedback stabilizes system gain and minimizes circuit phase noise contributions. Balanced lines, in lieu of single ended coaxial transmission media, minimize pickup.

X-ray Raman spectroscopic study of benzene at high pressure.

PubMed

Pravica, Michael; Grubor-Urosevic, Ognjen; Hu, Michael; Chow, Paul; Yulga, Brian; Liermann, Peter

2007-10-11

We have used X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) to study benzene up to approximately 20 GPa in a diamond anvil cell at ambient temperature. The experiments were performed at the High-Pressure Collaborative Access Team's 16 ID-D undulator beamline at the Advanced Photon Source. Scanned monochromatic X-rays near 10 keV were used to probe the carbon X-ray edge near 284 eV via inelastic scattering. The diamond cell axis was oriented perpendicular to the X-ray beam axis to prevent carbon signal contamination from the diamonds. Beryllium gaskets confined the sample because of their high transmission throughput in this geometry. Spectral alterations with pressure indicate bonding changes that occur with pressure because of phase changes (liquid: phase I, II, III, and III') and possibly due to changes in the hybridization of the bonds. Changes in the XRS spectra were especially evident in the data taken when the sample was in phase III', which may be related to a rate process observed in earlier shock wave studies.

Los Angeles International Airport Runway Incursion Studies: Phase III--Center-Taxiway Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madson, Michael D.

2004-01-01

Phase III of the Los Angeles International Airport Runway Incursion Studies was conducted, under an agreement with HNTB Corporation, at the NASA Ames FutureFlight Central (FFC) facility in June 2003. The objective of the study was the evaluation of a new center-taxiway concept at LAX. This study is an extension of the Phase I and Phase II studies previously conducted at FFC. This report presents results from Phase III of the study, in which a center-taxiway concept between runways 25L and 25R was simulated and evaluated. Phase III data were compared objectively against the Baseline data. Subjective evaluations by participating LAX controllers were obtained with regard to workload, efficiency, and safety criteria. To facilitate a valid comparison between Baseline and Phase III data, the same scenarios were used for Phase III that were tested during Phases I and II. This required briefing participating controllers on differences in airport and airline operations between 2001 and today.

Antisense inhibition of apoB synthesis with mipomersen reduces plasma apoC-III and apoC-III-containing lipoproteins.

PubMed

Furtado, Jeremy D; Wedel, Mark K; Sacks, Frank M

2012-04-01

Mipomersen, an antisense oligonucleotide that reduces hepatic production of apoB, has been shown in phase 2 studies to decrease plasma apoB, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides. ApoC-III inhibits VLDL and LDL clearance, and it stimulates inflammatory responses in vascular cells. Concentrations of VLDL or LDL with apoC-III independently predict cardiovascular disease. We performed an exploratory posthoc analysis on a subset of hypercholesterolemic subjects obtained from a randomized controlled dose-ranging phase 2 study of mipomersen receiving 100, 200, or 300 mg/wk, or placebo for 13 wk (n = 8 each). ApoC-III-containing lipoproteins were isolated by immuno-affinity chromatography and ultracentrifugation. Mipomersen 200 and 300 mg/wk reduced total apoC-III from baseline by 6 mg/dl (38-42%) compared with placebo group (P < 0.01), and it reduced apoC-III in both apoB lipoproteins and HDL. Mipomersen 100, 200, and 300 mg doses reduced apoB concentration of LDL with apoC-III (27%, 38%, and 46%; P < 0.05). Mipomersen reduced apoC-III concentration in HDL. The drug had no effect on apoE concentration in total plasma and in apoB lipoproteins. In summary, antisense inhibition of apoB synthesis reduced plasma concentrations of apoC-III and apoC-III-containing lipoproteins. Lower concentrations of apoC-III and LDL with apoC-III are associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in epidemiologic studies independent of traditional risk factors.

Task Characteristics, Structural Characteristics, Organizational Relationships, and Communication Processes: A Contingency Approach to Job Performance. Phase III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petelle, John L.; Garthright-Petelle, Kathleen

A study examined the relationships between (1) employee job performance and organizational relationships, (2) employee job performance and communication processes, (3) organizational relationships and communication processes, and (4) task characteristics and structural characteristics. Data were gathered from approximately 200 employees of a state…

Motor associations of iron accumulation in deep grey matter nuclei in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study of iron-related magnetic resonance imaging susceptibility.

PubMed

Martin-Bastida, A; Lao-Kaim, N P; Loane, C; Politis, M; Roussakis, A A; Valle-Guzman, N; Kefalopoulou, Z; Paul-Visse, G; Widner, H; Xing, Y; Schwarz, S T; Auer, D P; Foltynie, T; Barker, R A; Piccini, P

2017-02-01

To determine whether iron deposition in deep brain nuclei assessed using high-pass filtered phase imaging plays a role in motor disease severity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Seventy patients with mild to moderate PD and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (HVs) underwent susceptibility-weighted imaging on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Phase shifts (radians) in deep brain nuclei were derived from high-pass filtered phase images and compared between groups. Analysis of clinical laterality and correlations with motor severity (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III, UPDRS-III) were performed. Phase shifts (in radians) were compared between HVs and three PD subgroups divided according to UPDRS-III scores using analysis of covariance, adjusting for age and regional area. Parkinson's disease patients had significantly (P < 0.001) higher radians than HVs bilaterally in the putamen, globus pallidus and substantia nigra (SN). The SN contralateral to the most affected side showed higher radians (P < 0.001) compared to the less affected side. SN radians positively correlated with UPDRS-III and bradykinesia-rigidity subscores, but not with tremor subscores. ancova followed by post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons revealed that SN radians were significantly greater in the PD subgroup with higher UPDRS-III scores compared to both lowest UPDRS-III PD and HV groups (P < 0.001). Increased nigral iron accumulation in PD appears to be stratified according to disease motor severity and correlates with symptoms related to dopaminergic neurodegeneration. This semi-quantitative in vivo iron assessment could prove useful for objectively monitoring PD progression, especially in clinical trials concerning iron chelation therapies. © 2016 EAN.

Mechanism of selenite removal by a mixed adsorbent based on Fe-Mn hydrous oxides studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chubar, Natalia; Gerda, Vasyl; Szlachta, Małgorzata

2014-11-18

Selenium cycling in the environment is greatly controlled by various minerals, including Mn and Fe hydrous oxides. At the same time, such hydrous oxides are the main inorganic ion exchangers suitable (on the basis of their chemical nature) to sorb (toxic) anions, separating them from water solutions. The mechanism of selenite adsorption by the new mixed adsorbent composed of a few (amorphous and crystalline) phases [maghemite, MnCO3, and X-ray amorphous Fe(III) and Mn(III) hydrous oxides] was studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy [supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data]. The complexity of the porous adsorbent, especially the presence of the amorphous phases of Fe(III) and Mn(III) hydrous oxides, is the main reason for its high selenite removal performance demonstrated by batch and column adsorption studies shown in the previous work. Selenite was bound to the material via inner-sphere complexation (via oxygen) to the adsorption sites of the amorphous Fe(III) and Mn(III) oxides. This anion was attracted via bidentate binuclear corner-sharing coordination between SeO3(2-) trigonal pyramids and both FeO6 and MnO6 octahedra; however, the adsorption sites of Fe(III) hydrous oxides played a leading role in selenite removal. The contribution of the adsorption sites of Mn(III) oxide increased as the pH decreased from 8 to 6. Because most minerals have a complex structure (they are seldom based on individual substances) of various crystallinity, this work is equally relevant to environmental science and environmental technology because it shows how various solid phases control cycling of chemical elements in the environment.

A randomized phase II/III study of cabazitaxel versus vinflunine in metastatic or locally advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (SECAVIN).

PubMed

Bellmunt, J; Kerst, J M; Vázquez, F; Morales-Barrera, R; Grande, E; Medina, A; González Graguera, M B; Rubio, G; Anido, U; Fernández Calvo, O; González-Billalabeitia, E; Van den Eertwegh, A J M; Pujol, E; Perez-Gracia, J L; González Larriba, J L; Collado, R; Los, M; Maciá, S; De Wit, R

2017-07-01

Despite the advent of immunotherapy in urothelial cancer, there is still a need to find effective cytotoxic agents beyond first and second lines. Vinflunine is the only treatment approved in this setting by the European Medicines Agency and taxanes are also widely used in second line. Cabazitaxel is a taxane with activity in docetaxel-refractory cancers. A randomized study was conducted to compare its efficacy versus vinflunine. This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase II/III study, following a Simon's optimal method with stopping rules based on an interim futility analysis and a formal efficacy analysis at the end of the phase II. ECOG Performance Status, anaemia and liver metastases were stratification factors. Primary objectives were overall response rate for the phase II and overall survival for the phase III. Seventy patients were included in the phase II across 19 institutions in Europe. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. Three patients (13%) obtained a partial response on cabazitaxel (95% CI 2.7-32.4) and six patients (30%) in the vinflunine arm (95% CI 11.9-54.3). Median progression-free survival for cabazitaxel was 1.9 versus 2.9 months for vinflunine (P = 0.039). The study did not proceed to phase III since the futility analysis showed a lack of efficacy of cabazitaxel. A trend for overall survival benefit was found favouring vinflunine (median 7.6 versus 5.5 months). Grade 3- to 4-related adverse events were seen in 41% patients with no difference between the two arms. This phase II/III second line bladder study comparing cabazitaxel with vinflunine was closed when the phase II showed a lack of efficacy of the cabazitaxel arm. Vinflunine results were consistent with those known previously. NCT01830231. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Installation Restoration Program. Phase II: Stage 1 Problem Confirmation Study, Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

8 iii "i t-. Table of Contents (cont.) Section Title Page -APPENDIX A Acronyms, Definitions, Nomenclature and Units of Measure B Scope of Work, Task...Identification/Records Search Phase II - Problem Confirmation and Quantification Phase III - Technology Base Development Phase IV - Corrective Action Only...Problem Identification/Records Search Phase II - Problem Confirmation and Quantification Phase III - Technology Base Development Phase IV - Corrective

Chromium sorption and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) by grape stalks and yohimbe bark.

PubMed

Fiol, Núria; Escudero, Carlos; Villaescusa, Isabel

2008-07-01

In this work, two low cost sorbents, grape stalks and yohimbe bark wastes were used to remove Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were designed to obtain Cr(VI) and Cr(III) sorption data. The mechanism of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) removal and Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III) by the two vegetable wastes, has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared rays (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis on solid phase were performed to determine the main functional groups that might be involved in metal uptake and to confirm the presence of Cr(III) on the sorbent, respectively. Results put into evidence that both sorbents are able to reduce Cr(VI) to its trivalent form.

Motilin-induced gastric contractions signal hunger in man.

PubMed

Tack, J; Deloose, E; Ang, D; Scarpellini, E; Vanuytsel, T; Van Oudenhove, L; Depoortere, I

2016-02-01

Hunger is controlled by the brain, which receives input from signals of the GI tract (GIT). During fasting, GIT displays a cyclical motor pattern, the migrating motor complex (MMC), regulated by motilin. To study the relationship between hunger and MMC phases (I-III), focusing on spontaneous and pharmacologically induced phase III and the correlation with plasma motilin and ghrelin levels. The role of phase III was also studied in the return of hunger after a meal in healthy individuals and in patients with loss of appetite. In fasting healthy volunteers, mean hunger ratings during a gastric (62.5±7.5) but not a duodenal (40.4±5.4) phase III were higher (p<0.0005) than during phase I (27.4±4.7) and phase II (37±4.5). The motilin agonist erythromycin, but not the cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine, induced a premature gastric phase III, which coincided with an increase in hunger scores from 29.2±7 to 61.7±8. The somatostatin analogue octreotide induced a premature intestinal phase III without a rise in hunger scores. Hunger ratings significantly correlated (β=0.05; p=0.01) with motilin plasma levels, and this relationship was lost after erythromycin administration. Motilin, but not ghrelin administration, induced a premature gastric phase III and a rise in hunger scores. In contrast to octreotide, postprandial administration of erythromycin induced a premature gastric phase III accompanied by an early rise in hunger ratings. In patients with unexplained loss of appetite, gastric phase III was absent and hunger ratings were lower. Motilin-induced gastric phase III is a hunger signal from GIT in man. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The case for introducing pre-registered confirmatory pharmacological pre-clinical studies.

PubMed

Kiwanuka, Olivia; Bellander, Bo-Michael; Hånell, Anders

2018-05-01

When evaluating the design of pre-clinical studies in the field of traumatic brain injury, we found substantial differences compared to phase III clinical trials, which in part may explain the difficulties in translating promising experimental drugs into approved treatments. By using network analysis, we also found cases where a large proportion of the studies evaluating a pre-clinical treatment was performed by inter-related researchers, which is potentially problematic. Subjecting all pre-clinical trials to the rigor of a phase III clinical trial is, however, likely not practically achievable. Instead, we repeat the call for a distinction to be made between exploratory and confirmatory pre-clinical studies.

Initiation of phase III contractions in the jejunum by atropine, hexamethonium and xylocaine in conscious dogs.

PubMed

Tohara, K; Uchida, Y; Suzuki, H; Itoh, Z

2000-02-01

Mechanisms of initiation of phase III contractions in the jejunum during the digestive state are not well understood. To test whether phase III can be induced by a local injection of various agents in a jejunal segment, a polyethylene tube was chronically placed in a branch of the jejunal artery, and force transducers were chronically placed in the upper jejunum. Local injection of atropine, hexamethonium and xylocaine induced caudal-migrating phase III in the injected segment only in the digestive state, and simultaneous intra-arterial infusions of L-arginine, an NK-1 antagonist, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1P and 3 antagonists inhibited the induced phase III. Intravenous atropine and hexamethonium also inhibited xylocaine-induced phase III contractions. Atropine and hexamethonium-induced phase III were brought about by inhibition of neural transmission at nicotinic receptors in the inhibitory pathway to NO neurones. NK-1, 5-HT1P and 5-HT3 receptors are present in the excitatory but not the inhibitory pathway to NO neurones. Xylocaine appears to stop neuronal transmission from mechanoreceptors to NO neurones. Thus, the initiation of spontaneous occurrence of phase III in the digestive jejunum is likely to be brought about by transient cessation of postprandial contractions in a segment of the jejunum.

Complexation Enhancement Drives Water-to-Oil Ion Transport: A Simulation Study

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

Qiao, Baofu; Ferru, Geoffroy; Ellis, Ross J.

We address the structures and energetics of ion solvation in aqueous and organic solutions to understand liquid-liquid ion transport. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with polarizable force field are performed to study the coordination transformations driving lanthanide (Ln(III)) and nitrate ion transport between aqueous and an alkylamide-oil solution. An enhancement of the coordination behavior in the organic phase is achieved in contrast with the aqueous solution. In particular, the coordination number of Ce3+ increases from 8.9 in the aqueous to 9.9 in the organic solutions (from 8 in the aqueous to 8.8 in the organic systems for Yb3+). Moreover, themore » local coordination environ ment changes dramatically. Potential of mean force calculations show that the Ln(III)-ligand coordination interaction strengths follow the order of Ln(III-)nitrate> Ln(III)-water>Ln(III)-DMDBTDMA. They increase 2-fold in the lipophilic environment in comparison to the aqueous phase, and we attribute this to the shedding of the outer solvation shell. Our findings highlight the importance of outer sphere interactions on the competitive solvation energetics that cause ions to migrate between immiscible phases; an essential ingredient for advancing important applications such as rare earth metal separations. Some open questions in simulating the coordination behavior of heavy metals are also addressed.« less

Analysis of WakeVAS Benefits Using ACES Build 3.2.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jeremy C.

2005-01-01

The FAA and NASA are currently engaged in a Wake Turbulence Research Program to revise wake turbulence separation standards, procedures, and criteria to increase airport capacity while maintaining or increasing safety. The research program is divided into three phases: Phase I near term procedural enhancements; Phase II wind dependent Wake Vortex Advisory System (WakeVAS) Concepts of Operations (ConOps); and Phase III farther term ConOps based on wake prediction and sensing. This report contains an analysis that evaluates the benefits of a closely spaced parallel runway (CSPR) Phase I ConOps, a single runway and CSPR Phase II ConOps and a single runway Phase III ConOps. A series of simulation runs were performed using the Airspace Concepts Evaluation System (ACES) Build 3.21 air traffic simulator to provide an initial assessment of the reduction in delay and cost savings obtained by the use of a WakeVAS at selected U.S. airports. The ACES simulator is being developed by NASA Ames Research Center as part of the Virtual Airspace Modelling and Simulation (VAMS) program.

Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, Michael T.; Harper, Lynn D. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

This paper discusses the development of a Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Reduction (VPCAR) teststand and the results of an experimental program designed to evaluate the potential of the technology as a water purification process. In the experimental program the technology is evaluated based upon product water purity, water recovery rate, and power consumption. The experimental work demonstrates that the technology produces high purity product water and attains high water recovery rates at a relatively high specific power consumption. The experimental program was conducted in 3 phases. In phase I an Igepon(TM) soap and water mixture was used to evaluate the performance of an innovative Wiped-Film Rotating-Disk evaporator and associated demister. In phase II a phenol-water solution was used to evaluate the performance of the high temperature catalytic oxidation reactor. In phase III a urine analog was used to evaluate the performance of the combined distillation/oxidation functions of the processor.

Army Enlisted Personnel Competency Assessment Program: Phase 2 Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

benefit analysis of a notional Army program will be conducted. v Findings: The prototype Army core assessment was successfully administered to over 600...about competency assessment. They will also be incorporated into a cost and benefit analysis to be conducted in Phase III. vi CONTENTS Page Chapter 1...Conduct a Cost- Benefit Analysis, and Make System Recommendations Phase I of PerformM21 resulted in program design recommendations that included such

Antisense inhibition of apoB synthesis with mipomersen reduces plasma apoC-III and apoC-III-containing lipoproteins

PubMed Central

Furtado, Jeremy D.; Wedel, Mark K.; Sacks, Frank M.

2012-01-01

Mipomersen, an antisense oligonucleotide that reduces hepatic production of apoB, has been shown in phase 2 studies to decrease plasma apoB, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides. ApoC-III inhibits VLDL and LDL clearance, and it stimulates inflammatory responses in vascular cells. Concentrations of VLDL or LDL with apoC-III independently predict cardiovascular disease. We performed an exploratory posthoc analysis on a subset of hypercholesterolemic subjects obtained from a randomized controlled dose-ranging phase 2 study of mipomersen receiving 100, 200, or 300 mg/wk, or placebo for 13 wk (n = 8 each). ApoC-III–containing lipoproteins were isolated by immuno-affinity chromatography and ultracentrifugation. Mipomersen 200 and 300 mg/wk reduced total apoC-III from baseline by 6 mg/dl (38–42%) compared with placebo group (P < 0.01), and it reduced apoC-III in both apoB lipoproteins and HDL. Mipomersen 100, 200, and 300 mg doses reduced apoB concentration of LDL with apoC-III (27%, 38%, and 46%; P < 0.05). Mipomersen reduced apoC-III concentration in HDL. The drug had no effect on apoE concentration in total plasma and in apoB lipoproteins. In summary, antisense inhibition of apoB synthesis reduced plasma concentrations of apoC-III and apoC-III–containing lipoproteins. Lower concentrations of apoC-III and LDL with apoC-III are associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in epidemiologic studies independent of traditional risk factors. PMID:22301884

Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase III Training and Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-16

Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase III Training and Testing Sarah A. Blackstock Joseph O...December 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase III...Navy’s Phase III Study Areas as described in each Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact Statement and describes the methods

Four-phase or two-phase signal plan? A study on four-leg intersection by cellular automaton simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Cheng-Jie; Wang, Wei; Jiang, Rui

2016-08-01

The proper setting of traffic signals at signalized intersections is one of the most important tasks in traffic control and management. This paper has evaluated the four-phase traffic signal plans at a four-leg intersection via cellular automaton simulations. Each leg consists of three lanes, an exclusive left-turn lane, a through lane, and a through/right-turn lane. For a comparison, we also evaluate the two-phase signal plan. The diagram of the intersection states in the space of inflow rate versus turning ratio has been presented, which exhibits four regions: In region I/II/III, congestion will propagate upstream and laterally and result in queue spillover with both signal plans/two-phase signal plan/four-phase signal plan, respectively. Therefore, neither signal plan works in region I, and only the four-phase signal plan/two-phase signal plan works in region II/III. In region IV, both signal plans work, but two-phase signal plan performs better in terms of average delays of vehicles. Finally, we study the diagram of the intersection states and average delays in the asymmetrical configurations.

The impact of RTOG 0614 and RTOG 0933 trials in routine clinical practice: The US Survey of Utilization of Memantine and IMRT planning for hippocampus sparing in patients receiving whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases.

PubMed

Slade, Alexander N; Stanic, Sinisa

2016-03-01

Two recent clinical trials, phase III RTOG 0614 and phase II RTOG 0933, showed some effectiveness of Memantine and IMRT planning for hippocampus sparing, among patients receiving whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastases; however, their use in routine clinical practice is unknown. A survey was sent to 1933 radiation oncologists in the US. Data collected included utilization of Memantine and hippocampus sparing, reasons for adoption and non-adoption, and demographic variables. A total of 196 radiation oncologists responded to the survey, with 64% reporting using Memantine in almost none of the patients receiving WBRT for brain metastases, and only 11% considering Memantine for <10% of their patients. The most common reason for not using Memantine was a poor patient performance status, and limited life expectancy. Likewise, 56% of radiation oncologists would not change their clinical practice to include hippocampus sparing IMRT in patients receiving WBRT based on the results of RTOG 0933. Further validation of hippocampus sparing in a phase III trial was supported by 71% of radiation oncologists, whereas further exploration of Memantine for this purpose in a phase III trial was supported by 42%. At this time, the majority of surveyed radiation oncologists in the US do not use Memantine, or IMRT planning for hippocampus sparing in patients receiving WBRT. Further validation of the hippocampus sparing concept in a phase III trial was supported, before adopting it in routine clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical-orthodontic correction of a Class III dentofacial deformity.

PubMed

Devanna, Raghu; Kakkirala, Neelima

2010-04-01

This case report describes the surgical-orthodontic treatment of a 26-year-old post-pubertal male patient with a Class III dentofacial deformity. In the pre-surgical orthodontic phase of treatment, a reverse overjet of 5.5 mm was created and arch compatibility was obtained. A mandibualr set back with BSSO was performed during surgery to restore ideal overjet, overbite, occlusion and optimal esthetics. After 1 year of treatment, the results remained stable.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operational Test and Evaluation Lessons Learned

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-12-01

prevented during the test design phase. Test designers should ensure that the appropriate data can be collected in sample sizes large enough to support...encountered during previous tests in an attempt to prevent them from occurring in future tests. The focus of this paper is on UAVs acquired to perform...CHAPTER III TEST DESIGN III. TEST DESIGN Many of the problems encountered during UAV OT could have been prevented during the test

Chromium basalts - Experimental determination of redox states and partitioning among synthetic silicate phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schreiber, H. D.; Haskin, L. A.

1976-01-01

Experiments were performed on silicate compositions in the forsterite-anorthite-silica and forsterite-anorthite-diopside systems to determine the relative amounts of Cr(II), Cr(III), and Cr(VI) over a wide range of oxygen partial pressures from 10 to the -10th to 1 atm at 1500 and 1550 C. Redox states were measured by visible absorption spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and titration. It was found that Cr is present almost exclusively as Cr(III) in terrestrial basaltic liquids and as a mixture of Cr(III) and Cr(II) in lunar basaltic liquids.

Astaxanthin Inhibits Proliferation of Human Gastric Cancer Cell Lines by Interrupting Cell Cycle Progression.

PubMed

Kim, Jung Ha; Park, Jong-Jae; Lee, Beom Jae; Joo, Moon Kyung; Chun, Hoon Jai; Lee, Sang Woo; Bak, Young-Tae

2016-05-23

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that has antioxidant, antitumoral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this in vitro study, we investigated the mechanism of anticancer effects of astaxanthin in gastric carcinoma cell lines. The human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines AGS, KATO-III, MKN-45, and SNU-1 were treated with various concentrations of astaxanthin. A cell viability test, cell cycle analysis, and immunoblotting were performed. The viability of each cancer cell line was suppressed by astaxanthin in a dose-dependent manner with significantly decreased proliferation in KATO-III and SNU-1 cells. Astaxanthin increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase but reduced the proportion of S phase KATO-III and SNU-1 cells. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was decreased in an inverse dose-dependent correlation with astaxanthin concentration, and the expression of p27(kip-1) increased the KATO-III and SNU-1 cell lines in an astaxanthin dose-dependent manner. Astaxanthin inhibits proliferation by interrupting cell cycle progression in KATO-III and SNU-1 gastric cancer cells. This may be caused by the inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK and the enhanced expression of p27(kip-1).

Learning curve for robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer: use of the cumulative sum method.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Tomohiro; Kinugasa, Yusuke; Shiomi, Akio; Sato, Sumito; Yamakawa, Yushi; Kagawa, Hiroyasu; Tomioka, Hiroyuki; Mori, Keita

2015-07-01

Few data are available to assess the learning curve for robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the learning curve for robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer by a surgeon at a single institute. From December 2011 to August 2013, a total of 80 consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer performed by the same surgeon were included in this study. The learning curve was analyzed using the cumulative sum method. This method was used for all 80 cases, taking into account operative time. Operative procedures included anterior resections in 6 patients, low anterior resections in 46 patients, intersphincteric resections in 22 patients, and abdominoperineal resections in 6 patients. Lateral lymph node dissection was performed in 28 patients. Median operative time was 280 min (range 135-683 min), and median blood loss was 17 mL (range 0-690 mL). No postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo classification Grade III or IV were encountered. We arranged operative times and calculated cumulative sum values, allowing differentiation of three phases: phase I, Cases 1-25; phase II, Cases 26-50; and phase III, Cases 51-80. Our data suggested three phases of the learning curve in robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer. The first 25 cases formed the learning phase.

Refinement of the Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing, for Use by Veterinarians: detection of naturally occurring osteoarthritis in laboratory cats.

PubMed

Klinck, Mary P; Monteiro, Beatriz P; Lussier, Bertrand; Guillot, Martin; Moreau, Maxim; Otis, Colombe; Steagall, Paulo Vm; Frank, Diane; Martel-Pelletier, Johanne; Pelletier, Jean-Pierre; Del Castillo, Jérôme Re; Troncy, Eric

2017-09-01

Objectives Feline osteoarthritis causes pain and disability. Detection and measurement is challenging, relying heavily on owner report. This study describes refinement of the Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing, for Use by Veterinarians. Methods A video analysis of osteoarthritic (n = 6) and non-osteoarthritic (n = 4) cats facilitated expansion of scale items. Three successive therapeutic trials (using gabapentin, tramadol and oral transmucosal meloxicam spray) in laboratory cats with and without natural osteoarthritis (n = 12-20), permitted construct validation (assessments of disease status sensitivity and therapeutic responsiveness) and further scale refinements based on performance. Results Scale osteoarthritic sensitivity improved from phase I to phase III; phase III scale total score ( P = 0.0001) and 4/5 subcategories - body posture ( P = 0.0006), gait ( P = 0.0031), jumping (0.0824) and global distance examination ( P = 0.0001) - detected osteoarthritic cats. Total score inter-rater (intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC] = 0.64-0.75), intra-rater (ICC = 0.90-0.91) and overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85) reliability were good to excellent. von Frey anesthesiometer-induced paw withdrawal threshold increased with gabapentin in phase I, in osteoarthritic cats ( P <0.001) but not in non-osteoarthritic cats ( P = 0.075). Night-time activity increased during gabapentin treatment. Objective measures also detected tramadol and/or meloxicam treatment effects in osteoarthritic cats in phases II and III. There was some treatment responsiveness: in phase I, 3/10 subcategory scores improved ( P <0.09) in treated osteoarthritic cats; in phase II, 3/8 subcategories; and in phase III, 1/5 subcategories improved ( P <0.096). Conclusions and relevance The revised scale detected naturally occurring osteoarthritis, but not treatment effects, in laboratory cats, suggesting future potential for screening of at-risk cats. Further study is needed to confirm reliability, validity (disease sensitivity and treatment responsiveness) and clinical feasibility, as well as cut-off scores for osteoarthritic vs non-osteoarthritic status, in client-owned cats.

Influence of relative permeabilities on chemical enhanced oil recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Destefanis, M. F.; Savioli, G. B.

2011-05-01

The main objective of chemical flooding is to mobilize the trapped oil remaining after a secondary recovery by waterflooding. This purpose is achieved by lowering the oil-water interfacial tension and producing partial miscibility between both phases. The chemical partition among phases (phase behavior) influences all other physical properties. In particular, it affects residual saturations determining relative permeability curves. Relative permeabilities rule the flow of each phase through the porous medium, so they play an essential role in oil recovery. Therefore, in this work we study the influence of relative permeabilities on the behavior of a surfactant-polymer flooding for the three different types of phase behavior. This analysis is performed applying the 3D compositional numerical simulator UTCHEM developed at the University of Texas at Austin. From the examples studied, we conclude that the influence of relative permeabilities depends on the type of phase behavior, i.e., as microemulsion relative permeability decreases, oil recovery increases for Types II(+) and III while slightly decreases for Type II(-). Moreover, a better displacement efficiency is observed for Types II(+) and III, because they behave similarly to a miscible displacement.

Method development for speciation analysis of nanoparticle and ionic forms of gold in biological samples by high performance liquid chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malejko, Julita; Świerżewska, Natalia; Bajguz, Andrzej; Godlewska-Żyłkiewicz, Beata

2018-04-01

A new method based on coupling high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) has been developed for the speciation analysis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and dissolved gold species (Au(III)) in biological samples. The column type, the composition and the flow rate of the mobile phase were carefully investigated in order to optimize the separation conditions. The usefulness of two polymeric reversed phase columns (PLRP-S with 100 nm and 400 nm pore size) to separate gold species were investigated for the first time. Under the optimal conditions (PLRP-S400 column, 10 mmol L-1 SDS and 5% methanol as the mobile phase, 0.5 mL min-1 flow rate), detection limits of 2.2 ng L-1 for Au(III), 2.8 ng L-1 for 10 nm AuNPs and 3.7 ng L-1 for 40 nm AuNPs were achieved. The accuracy of the method was proved by analysis of reference material RM 8011 (NIST) of gold nanoparticles of nominal diameter of 10 nm. The HPLC-ICP MS method has been successfully applied to the detection and size characterization of gold species in lysates of green algae Acutodesmus obliquus, typical representative of phytoplankton flora, incubated with 10 nm AuNPs or Au(III).

Performance evaluation of two black nickel and two black chrome solar collectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Losey, R.

1977-01-01

The test program was based on the evaluation of four unique solar collectors described below: (1) black nickel collector surface with a desiccant drying bed, (2) black nickel collector surface without a desiccant drying bed, (3) black chrome collector surface with a dessicant drying bed, and (4) black chrome collector surface without a desiccant drying bed. The test program included three distinct phases: Initial performance evaluation, natural environmental aging, and post-aging performance evaluation. Results of Phase III testing conclusively indicated a higher normalized efficiency for Black Chrome surfaces when compared to Black Nickel.

Upright and Inverted Single-Junction GaAs Solar Cells Grown by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

DOE PAGES

Simon, John; Schulte, Kevin L.; Jain, Nikhil; ...

2016-10-19

Hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is a low-cost alternative to conventional metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of III-V solar cells. In this work, we show continued improvement of the performance of HVPE-grown single-junction GaAs solar cells. We show over an order of magnitude improvement in the interface recombination velocity between GaAs and GaInP layers through the elimination of growth interrupts, leading to increased short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage compared with cells with interrupts. One-sun conversion efficiencies as high as 20.6% were achieved with this improved growth process. Solar cells grown in an inverted configuration that were removed frommore » the substrate showed nearly identical performance to on-wafer cells, demonstrating the viability of HVPE to be used together with conventional wafer reuse techniques for further cost reduction. As a result, these devices utilized multiple heterointerfaces, showing the potential of HVPE for the growth of complex and high-quality III-V devices.« less

Effect of Precursor Selection on the Photocatalytic Performance of Indium Oxide Nanomaterials for Gas-Phase CO 2 Reduction

DOE PAGES

Hoch, Laura B.; He, Le; Qiao, Qiao; ...

2016-06-01

Nonstoichiometric indium oxide nanoparticles, In 2O 3–x(OH)y, have been shown to function as active photocatalysts for gas-phase CO 2 reduction under simulated solar irradiation. We demonstrate that the choice of starting material has a strong effect on the photocatalytic activity of indium oxide nanoparticles. We also examine three indium oxide materials prepared via the thermal decomposition of either indium(III) hydroxide or indium(III) nitrate and correlate their stability and photocatalytic activity to the number and type of defect present in the material. Furthermore, we use 13CO 2 isotope-tracing experiments to clearly identify the origins of the observed carbon-containing products. Significantly, wemore » find that the oxidizing nature of the precursor anion has a substantial impact on the defect formation within the sample. Our study demonstrates the importance of surface defects in designing an active heterogeneous photocatalyst and provides valuable insight into key parameters for the precursor design, selection, and performance optimization of materials for gas-phase CO 2 reduction.« less

Exploratory double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled extension study of edaravone (MCI-186) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

2017-10-01

Following the first phase III study of edaravone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), this extension study was performed to evaluate longer-term efficacy and safety. Patients given edaravone in the first 24-week phase III study (Cycles 1-6) were randomised to edaravone (E-E) or placebo (E-P) in the subsequent 24-week double-blind period (Cycles 7-12). Patients given placebo in phase III were switched to edaravone (P-E). Subsequently, all patients received edaravone for 12 weeks (Cycles 13-15). Efficacy endpoints included revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score. Analysis populations were the full analysis set (FAS) and the efficacy-expected subpopulation (EESP) defined by post-hoc analysis of the first phase III study. The least-squares mean and standard error of the intergroup difference (E-E vs. E-P) of change in the ALSFRS-R score from Cycles 7-12 was 1.16 ± 0.93 (p = 0.2176) in the FAS, and 1.85 ± 1.14 (p = 0.1127) in the EESP. The ALSFRS-R score changed almost linearly in the E-E group throughout Cycles 1-15 (60 weeks). The incidence of serious adverse events associated with ALS progression was higher in E-E than in E-P. Edaravone might have potential efficacy for up to 15 cycles when used to treat patients in the EESP with careful safety monitoring.

Vibronic Coupling Analysis of the Ligand-Centered Phosphorescence of Gas-Phase Gd(III) and Lu(III) 9-Oxophenalen-1-one Complexes.

PubMed

Chmela, Jiří; Greisch, Jean-François; Harding, Michael E; Klopper, Wim; Kappes, Manfred M; Schooss, Detlef

2018-03-08

The gas-phase laser-induced photoluminescence of cationic mononuclear gadolinium and lutetium complexes involving two 9-oxophenalen-1-one ligands is reported. Performing measurements at a temperature of 83 K enables us to resolve vibronic transitions. Via comparison to Franck-Condon computations, the main vibrational contributions to the ligand-centered phosphorescence are determined to involve rocking, wagging, and stretching of the 9-oxophenalen-1-one-lanthanoid coordination in the low-energy range, intraligand bending, and stretching in the medium- to high-energy range, rocking of the carbonyl and methine groups, and C-H stretching beyond. Whereas Franck-Condon calculations based on density-functional harmonic frequency computations reproduce the main features of the vibrationally resolved emission spectra, the absolute transition energies as determined by density functional theory are off by several thousand wavenumbers. This discrepancy is found to remain at higher computational levels. The relative energy of the Gd(III) and Lu(III) emission bands is only reproduced at the coupled-cluster singles and doubles level and beyond.

77 FR 40936 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-11

...: Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III ACTION: Notice of request for public comments. SUMMARY: The... of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III. OMB Control... Consular Affairs/Passport Services (CA/PPT) Form Number: SV-2012-0006. Respondents: A national...

Using a Theory of Action to Develop Performance Indicators to Measure Progress toward a SIMR

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schiller, Ellen; Hayes, Susan; Nagle, Katherine

2015-01-01

This white paper offers an approach for using a theory of action as an outline to develop the SSIP [State Systemic Improvement Plan] Phase II evaluation questions and plan that will guide the SSIP work in Phase III and beyond. Key areas of focus include generating evaluation questions at each level of outcomes, identifying essential steps and…

Tunnel Junction Development Using Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

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

Ptak, Aaron J.; Simon, John D.; Schulte, Kevin L.

We demonstrate for the first time III-V tunnel junctions grown using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) with peak tunneling currents >8 A/cm 2, sufficient for operation of a multijunction device to several hundred suns of concentration. Multijunction solar cells rely on tunneling interconnects between subcells to enable series connection with minimal voltage loss, but tunnel junctions have never been shown using the HVPE growth method. HVPE has recently reemerged as a low-cost growth method for high-quality III-V materials and devices, including the growth of high-efficiency III-V solar cells. We previously showed single-junction GaAs solar cells with conversion efficiencies of ~24%more » with a path forward to equal or exceed the practical efficiency limits of crystalline Si. Moving to a multijunction device structure will allow for even higher efficiencies with minimal impact on cost, necessitating the development of tunnel interconnects. Here in this paper, we demonstrate the performance of both isolated HVPE-grown tunnel junctions, as well as single-junction GaAs solar cell structures with a tunnel junction incorporated into the contact region. We observe no degradation in device performance compared to a structure without the added junction.« less

Tunnel Junction Development Using Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

DOE PAGES

Ptak, Aaron J.; Simon, John D.; Schulte, Kevin L.; ...

2017-10-18

We demonstrate for the first time III-V tunnel junctions grown using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) with peak tunneling currents >8 A/cm 2, sufficient for operation of a multijunction device to several hundred suns of concentration. Multijunction solar cells rely on tunneling interconnects between subcells to enable series connection with minimal voltage loss, but tunnel junctions have never been shown using the HVPE growth method. HVPE has recently reemerged as a low-cost growth method for high-quality III-V materials and devices, including the growth of high-efficiency III-V solar cells. We previously showed single-junction GaAs solar cells with conversion efficiencies of ~24%more » with a path forward to equal or exceed the practical efficiency limits of crystalline Si. Moving to a multijunction device structure will allow for even higher efficiencies with minimal impact on cost, necessitating the development of tunnel interconnects. Here in this paper, we demonstrate the performance of both isolated HVPE-grown tunnel junctions, as well as single-junction GaAs solar cell structures with a tunnel junction incorporated into the contact region. We observe no degradation in device performance compared to a structure without the added junction.« less

Effects of induction docetaxel, platinum, and fluorouracil chemotherapy in patients with stage III or IVA/B nasopharyngeal cancer treated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy: Final results of 2 parallel phase 2 clinical trials.

PubMed

Kong, Lin; Zhang, Youwang; Hu, Chaosu; Guo, Ye; Lu, Jiade J

2017-06-15

The effects of docetaxel, platinum, and fluorouracil (TPF) induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) on locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) are unclear. This study examined the long-term outcomes of the addition of this regimen to CCRT for stage III and IVA/B NPC. Two parallel, single-arm phase 2 trials were performed synchronously to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of TPF-based induction chemotherapy in patients with stage III or IVA/B NPC. The induction chemotherapy, which preceded standard intensity-modulated radiation therapy/platinum-based chemoradiation, consisted of 3 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg/m 2 on day 1), cisplatin (75 mg/m 2 on day 1), and a continuous infusion of fluorouracil (500 mg/m 2 /d on days 1-5) every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint for both trials was 5-year overall survival (OS). Between January 2007 and July 2010, 52 eligible patients with stage III NPC and 64 eligible patients with nonmetastatic stage IV NPC were accrued to the 2 trials. With a median follow-up of 67 months, the 5-year OS, progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and local progression-free survival (LPFS) rates were all improved in comparison with historical benchmarks for patients with stage III or IVA/IVB NPC. Multivariate analyses indicated that T and N classifications (T1/T2 vs T3/T4 and N3 vs N0-N2) were the only significant prognosticators for OS. The number of induction chemotherapy cycles was the only significant prognostic factor for predicting LPFS. TPF-based induction chemotherapy appears to significantly improve outcomes in comparison with historical data when it is administered before CCRT for locoregionally advanced NPC. A phase 3 trial is currently being performed to confirm this benefit. Cancer 2017;123:2258-2267. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Metastable growth of pure wurtzite InGaAs microstructures.

PubMed

Ng, Kar Wei; Ko, Wai Son; Lu, Fanglu; Chang-Hasnain, Connie J

2014-08-13

III-V compound semiconductors can exist in two major crystal phases, namely, zincblende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ). While ZB is thermodynamically favorable in conventional III-V epitaxy, the pure WZ phase can be stable in nanowires with diameters smaller than certain critical values. However, thin nanowires are more vulnerable to surface recombination, and this can ultimately limit their performances as practical devices. In this work, we study a metastable growth mechanism that can yield purely WZ-phased InGaAs microstructures on silicon. InGaAs nucleates as sharp nanoneedles and expand along both axial and radial directions simultaneously in a core-shell fashion. While the base can scale from tens of nanometers to over a micron, the tip can remain sharp over the entire growth. The sharpness maintains a high local surface-to-volume ratio, favoring hexagonal lattice to grow axially. These unique features lead to the formation of microsized pure WZ InGaAs structures on silicon. To verify that the WZ microstructures are truly metastable, we demonstrate, for the first time, the in situ transformation from WZ to the energy-favorable ZB phase inside a transmission electron microscope. This unconventional core-shell growth mechanism can potentially be applied to other III-V materials systems, enabling the effective utilization of the extraordinary properties of the metastable wurtzite crystals.

Speciation of As(III) and As(V) in water and sediment using reverse-phase ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography-neutron activation analysis (HPLC-NAA).

PubMed

Tulasi, Delali; Adotey, Dennis; Affum, Andrews; Carboo, Derick; Serfor-Armah, Yaw

2013-10-01

Total As content and the As species distribution in water and sediments from the Kwabrafo stream, a major water body draining the Obuasi gold mining community in southwestern Ghana, have been investigated. Total As content was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Ion-pair reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography-neutron activation analysis (HPLC-NAA) was used for speciation of As species. Solid phase extraction with phosphate buffer was used to extract soluble As species from lyophilized sediment. The mass balance after phosphate extraction of soluble As species in sediment varied from 89 to 96 %. Compositionally appropriate reference material International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-Lake Sediment (SL)-1 was used to check the validity of INAA method for total As determination. The measured values are in good agreement with the IAEA recommended value and also within the 95 % confidence interval. The accuracy of the measurement in terms of relative deviation from the IAEA recommended value was ±0.83 %. "In-house" prepared As(III) and As(V) standards were used to validate the HPLC-INAA method used for the As species determination. Total As concentration in the water samples ranged from 1.15 to 9.20 mg/L. As(III) species in water varied from 0.13 to 0.7 mg/L, while As(V) species varied from 0.79 to 3.85 mg/L. Total As content in sediment ranged from 2,134 to 3,596 mg/kg dry mass. The levels of As(III) and As(V) species in the sediment ranges from 138 to 506 mg/kg dry mass and 156 to 385 mg/kg dry mass, respectively.

Superpave in-situ stress/strain investigation--phase II : vol. III, field data collection and summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

The characterization of materials is an intergral part of the overall effort to validate the Superpave system and to calibrate the performance prdeictionmodels for the environmental conditions observed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Salt Brine Blending to Optimize Deicing and Anti-Icing Performance and Cost Effectiveness : Phase III

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-11-01

An evaluation of deicers and anti-icers and plowing, in parallel conditions on actual pavements to assess intuitions based on observations and anecdotal evidence. - Anti-icer persistence - Deicer effectiveness - Plow effectiveness - Pavement study of...

The public health impact of malaria vaccine RTS,S in malaria endemic Africa: country-specific predictions using 18 month follow-up Phase III data and simulation models.

PubMed

Penny, Melissa A; Galactionova, Katya; Tarantino, Michael; Tanner, Marcel; Smith, Thomas A

2015-07-29

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate recently completed Phase III trials in 11 African sites. Recommendations for its deployment will partly depend on predictions of public health impact in endemic countries. Previous predictions of these used only limited information on underlying vaccine properties and have not considered country-specific contextual data. Each Phase III trial cohort was simulated explicitly using an ensemble of individual-based stochastic models, and many hypothetical vaccine profiles. The true profile was estimated by Bayesian fitting of these models to the site- and time-specific incidence of clinical malaria in both trial arms over 18 months of follow-up. Health impacts of implementation via two vaccine schedules in 43 endemic sub-Saharan African countries, using country-specific prevalence, access to care, immunisation coverage and demography data, were predicted via weighted averaging over many simulations. The efficacy against infection of three doses of vaccine was initially approximately 65 % (when immunising 6-12 week old infants) and 80 % (children 5-17 months old), with a 1 year half-life (exponential decay). Either schedule will avert substantial disease, but predicted impact strongly depends on the decay rate of vaccine effects and average transmission intensity. For the first time Phase III site- and time-specific data were available to estimate both the underlying profile of RTS,S/AS01 and likely country-specific health impacts. Initial efficacy will probably be high, but decay rapidly. Adding RTS,S to existing control programs, assuming continuation of current levels of malaria exposure and of health system performance, will potentially avert 100-580 malaria deaths and 45,000 to 80,000 clinical episodes per 100,000 fully vaccinated children over an initial 10-year phase.

Improving Quality of Seal Leak Test Product using Six Sigma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luthfi Malik, Abdullah; Akbar, Muhammad; Irianto, Dradjad

2016-02-01

Seal leak test part is a polyurethane material-based product. Based on past data, defect level of this product was 8%, higher than the target of 5%. Quality improvement effort was done using six sigma method that included phases of define, measure, analyse, improve, and control. In the design phase, a Delphi method was used to identify factors that were critical to quality. In the measure phase, stability and process capability was measured. Fault tree analysis (FTA) and failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) were used in the next phase to analize the root cause and to determine the priority issues. Improve phase was done by compiling, selecting, and designing alternative repair. Some improvement efforts were identified, i.e. (i) making a checklist for maintenance schedules, (ii) making written reminder form, (iii) modifying the SOP more detail, and (iv) performing a major service to the vacuum machine. To ensure the continuity of improvement efforts, some control activities were executed, i.e. (i) controlling, monitoring, documenting, and setting target frequently, (ii) implementing reward and punishment system, (iii) adding cleaning tool, and (iv) building six sigma organizational structure.

Micro-CT at the imaging beamline P05 at PETRA III

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

Wilde, Fabian, E-mail: fabian.wilde@hzg.de; Ogurreck, Malte; Greving, Imke

2016-07-27

The Imaging Beamline (IBL) P05 is operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht and located at the DESY storage ring PETRA III. IBL is dedicated to X-ray full field imaging and consists of two experimental end stations. A micro tomography end station equipped for spatial resolutions down to 1 µm and a nano tomography end station for spatial resolutions down to 100 nm. The micro tomography end station is in user operation since 2013 and offers imaging with absorption contrast, phase enhanced absorption contrast and phase contrast methods. We report here on the current status and developments of the micro tomography endmore » station including technical descriptions and show examples of research performed at P05.« less

Phase I, open-cycle absorption solar cooling. Part IV. Executive summary analysis and resolution of critical issues and recommendations for Phase II. Final report

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

Wood, B.D.

The objective of this project is to advance lower cost solar cooling technology with the feasibility analysis, design and evaluation of proof-of-concept open cycle solar cooling concepts. The work is divided into three phases, with planned completion of each phase before proceeding with the following phase: Phase I - performance/economic/environmental related analysis and exploratory studies; Phase II - design and construction of an experimental system, including evaluative testing; Phase III - extended system testing during operation and engineering modifications as required. For Phase I, analysis and resolution of critical issues were completed with the objective of developing design specifications formore » an improved prototype OCA system.« less

Security Quality Requirements Engineering (SQUARE): Case Study Phase III

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

Security Quality Requirements Engineering (SQUARE): Case Study Phase III Lydia Chung Frank Hung Eric Hough Don Ojoko-Adams Advisor...Engineering (SQUARE): Case Study Phase III CMU/SEI-2006-SR-003 Lydia Chung Frank Hung Eric Hough Don Ojoko-Adams Advisor Nancy R. Mead...1 1.1 The SQUARE Process ............................................................................... 1 1.2 Case Study Clients

Accelerated hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3 Gy/fraction) combined with concurrent chemotherapy for patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer: preliminary results of an early terminated phase II trial.

PubMed

Ren, Xiao-Cang; Wang, Quan-Yu; Zhang, Rui; Chen, Xue-Ji; Wang, Na; Liu, Yue-E; Zong, Jie; Guo, Zhi-Jun; Wang, Dong-Ying; Lin, Qiang

2016-04-23

Increasing the biological effective dose (BED) of radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can increase local control rates and improve overall survival. Compared with conventional fractionated radiotherapy, accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy can yield higher BED, shorten the total treatment time, and theoretically obtain better efficacy. However, currently, there is no optimal hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen. Based on phase I trial results, we performed this phase II trial to further evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of accelerated hypofractionated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy(3-DCRT) combined with concurrent chemotherapy for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Patients with previously untreated unresectable stage III NSCLC received 3-DCRT with a total dose of 69 Gy, delivered at 3 Gy per fraction, once daily, five fractions per week, completed within 4.6 weeks. At the same time, platinum doublet chemotherapy was applied. After 12 patients were enrolled in the group, the trial was terminated early. There were five cases of grade III radiation esophagitis, of which four cases completed the radiation doses of 51 Gy, 51 Gy, 54 Gy, and 66 Gy, and one case had 16 days of radiation interruption. The incidence of grade III acute esophagitis in patients receiving an irradiation dose per fraction ≥2.7 Gy on the esophagus was 83.3% (5/6). The incidence of symptomatic grade III radiation pneumonitis among the seven patients who completed 69 Gy according to the plan was 28.6% (2/7). The median local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were not achieved; the 1-year LC rate was 59.3%, and the 1-year OS rate was 78.6%. For unresectable stage III NSCLC, the accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy with a total dose of 69 Gy (3 Gy/f) combined with concurrent chemotherapy might result in severe radiation esophagitis and pneumonitis to severely affect the completion of the radiotherapy. Therefore, we considered that this regimen was infeasible. During the hypofractionated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy, the irradiation dose per fraction to esophagus should be lower than 2.7 Gy. Further studies should be performed using esophageal tolerance as a metric in dose escalation protocols. NCT02720614, the date of registration: March 23, 2016.

Astaxanthin Inhibits Proliferation of Human Gastric Cancer Cell Lines by Interrupting Cell Cycle Progression

PubMed Central

Kim, Jung Ha; Park, Jong-Jae; Lee, Beom Jae; Joo, Moon Kyung; Chun, Hoon Jai; Lee, Sang Woo; Bak, Young-Tae

2016-01-01

Background/Aims Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that has antioxidant, antitumoral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this in vitro study, we investigated the mechanism of anticancer effects of astaxanthin in gastric carcinoma cell lines. Methods The human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines AGS, KATO-III, MKN-45, and SNU-1 were treated with various concentrations of astaxanthin. A cell viability test, cell cycle analysis, and immunoblotting were performed. Results The viability of each cancer cell line was suppressed by astaxanthin in a dose-dependent manner with significantly decreased proliferation in KATO-III and SNU-1 cells. Astaxanthin increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase but reduced the proportion of S phase KATO-III and SNU-1 cells. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was decreased in an inverse dose-dependent correlation with astaxanthin concentration, and the expression of p27kip-1 increased the KATO-III and SNU-1 cell lines in an astaxanthin dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Astaxanthin inhibits proliferation by interrupting cell cycle progression in KATO-III and SNU-1 gastric cancer cells. This may be caused by the inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK and the enhanced expression of p27kip-1. PMID:26470770

Impact of Truck Loading on Design and Analysis of Asphaltic Pavement Structures : Phase III

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-03-01

This study investigated the impact of the realistic constitutive material behavior of asphalt layer (both nonlinear inelastic : and fracture) for the prediction of pavement performance. To this end, this study utilized a cohesive zone model to consid...

Development of a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of aluminum by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using a fluorescence detector.

PubMed

Heena; Kumar, Rajesh; Rani, Susheela; Malik, Ashok Kumar

2015-01-01

This study represents a new analytical high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector method for the determination of Al(III) as Al(III) complex with 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid in a tap water sample and a coke sample. A micellar liquid chromatographic method is proposed for the determination of aluminum metal in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a cationic surfactant (0.05 M) used for the solubilization of the aluminum complex. The influence of pH and ligand concentration on the formation of the complex was studied by adding a small amount of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. The metal chelate was detected at λEx 410 nm and λEm 510 nm. This method eliminates the need for addition of reagent or organic modifier to the mobile phase. The complex was analyzed using an Ascentis Express C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, methanol and water (55 : 30 : 15). Under the optimized conditions, the linear range was 1-200 µg L(-1) and the limit of detection was 0.05 µg L(-1). The method showed a good detector response over the range of interest and was successfully applied for the determination of trace Al(III) in canned coke and water samples containing excess of Mg(II), Ca(II) and other matrices. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Baseline job satisfaction and stress among pharmacists and pharmacy technicians participating in the Fleetwood Phase III Study.

PubMed

Lapane, Kate L; Hughes, Carmel M

2004-11-01

To provide baseline levels of job satisfaction and stress among members of the long-term care pharmacy team participating in the Fleetwood Phase III evaluation. Cross-sectional design; long-term care pharmacy provider in North Carolina (the implementation site of the large-scale Fleetwood Phase III study). All current pharmacy employees as of May/June 2002. None. Health Professional Stress Inventory and job satisfaction. Ninety-four percent (16/17) of consultant pharmacists were satisfied with their job, with 89% reporting they would definitely choose to be a pharmacist again. Seventy-five percent both of dispensing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians reported overall job satisfaction. Forty-one reported that they would not choose to be a pharmacist (pharmacy technician) again. The most frequently reported sources of stress among the dispensing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were conflicts with non-work obligations (i.e., family, personal life) and the ability to perform duties with short staffing. In addition, inadequate pay and few opportunities for job advancement were often/frequent sources of stress among pharmacy technicians. More than one third of dispensing pharmacists also reported stress frequently because of fears of mistakes in patient treatment. Overall, consultants are very satisfied with their positions, although dispensing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are less satisfied with their work. The reasons may be because of the different nature of each job, as well as staffing shortages. The extent to which the Fleetwood Model can improve job satisfaction and impact on stress will be evaluated once we resurvey the pharmacy team after the intervention period of the Fleetwood Phase III study.

Enhanced Night Visibility Series, Volume XII : Overview of Phase II and Development of Phase III Experimental Plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

This volume provides an overview of the six studies that compose Phase II of the Enhanced Night Visibility project and the experimental plan for its third and final portion, Phase III. The Phase II studies evaluated up to 12 vision enhancement system...

Lot-to-lot consistency of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in healthy adults in Australia: a randomised study.

PubMed

Torresi, Joseph; Heron, Leon G; Qiao, Ming; Marjason, Joanne; Chambonneau, Laurent; Bouckenooghe, Alain; Boaz, Mark; van der Vliet, Diane; Wallace, Derek; Hutagalung, Yanee; Nissen, Michael D; Richmond, Peter C

2015-09-22

The recombinant yellow fever-17D-dengue virus, live, attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) has undergone extensive clinical trials. Here safety and consistency of immunogenicity of phase III manufacturing lots of CYD-TDV were evaluated and compared with a phase II lot and placebo in a dengue-naïve population. Healthy 18-60 year-olds were randomly assigned in a 3:3:3:3:1 ratio to receive three subcutaneous doses of either CYD-TDV from any one of three phase III lots or a phase II lot, or placebo, respectively in a 0, 6, 12 month dosing schedule. Neutralising antibody geometric mean titres (PRNT50 GMTs) for each of the four dengue serotypes were compared in sera collected 28 days after the third vaccination-equivalence among lots was demonstrated if the lower and upper limits of the two-sided 95% CIs of the GMT ratio were ≥0.5 and ≤2.0, respectively. 712 participants received vaccine or placebo and 614 (86%) completed the study; 17 (2.4%) participants withdrew after adverse events. Equivalence of phase III lots was demonstrated for 11 of 12 pairwise comparisons. One of three comparisons for serotype 2 was not statistically equivalent. GMTs for serotype 2 in phase III lots were close to each other (65.9, 44.1 and 58.1, respectively). Phase III lots can be produced in a consistent manner with predictable immune response and acceptable safety profile similar to previously characterised phase II lots. The phase III lots may be considered as not clinically different as statistical equivalence was shown for serotypes 1, 3 and 4 across the phase III lots. For serotype 2, although equivalence was not shown between two lots, the GMTs observed in the phase III lots were consistently higher than those for the phase II lot. As such, in our view, biological equivalence for all serotypes was demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Using site-selection model to identify suitable sites for seagrass transplantation in the west coast of South Sulawesi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanuru, Mahatma; Mashoreng, S.; Amri, K.

2018-03-01

The success of seagrass transplantation is very much depending on the site selection and suitable transplantation methods. The main objective of this study is to develop and use a site-selection model to identify the suitability of sites for seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) transplantation. Model development was based on the physical and biological characteristics of the transplantation site. The site-selection process is divided into 3 phases: Phase I identifies potential seagrass habitat using available knowledge, removes unnecessary sites before the transplantation test is performed. Phase II involves field assessment and transplantation test of the best scoring areas identified in Phase I. Phase III is the final calculation of the TSI (Transplant Suitability Index), based on results from Phases I and II. The model was used to identify the suitability of sites for seagrass transplantation in the West coast of South Sulawesi (3 sites at Labakkang Coast, 3 sites at Awerange Bay, and 3 sites at Lale-Lae Island). Of the 9 sites, two sites were predicted by the site-selection model to be the most suitable sites for seagrass transplantation: Site II at Labakkang Coast and Site III at Lale-Lae Island.

Effects of step-feeding and intermittent aeration on organics and nitrogen removal in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland.

PubMed

Patil, Sagar; Chakraborty, Saswati

2017-03-21

The effect of step feed strategy and intermittent aeration on removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen was investigated in a laboratory scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCW). Wetland was divided into four zones along the length (zone I to IV), and influent was introduced into first and third zones by step feeding. Continuous study was carried out in four phases. In phases I to III, 30% of influent was bypassed to zone III for denitrification along with organics removal. Intermittent aeration was provided only in zone II at 2.5 L/min for 4 h/day, during phases II, III and IV. In phase I, 87% COD and 43% NH 4 + -N (ammonia-nitrogen) removal were obtained from influents of 331 and 30 mg/L, respectively. In phase II study, external aeration resulted in 97% COD and 71% NH 4 + -N removal in the wetland. In phase IV, 40% of feed was delivered to zone III. Higher supply of organic in zone III resulted in higher denitrification, and total nitrogen removal rate increased to 70% from 56%. In the final effluent, concentration of NO 3 - -N was 9-11 mg/L in phase I to III and decreased to 4 mg/L in phase IV. Batch study showed that COD and NH 4 + -N removal followed first order kinetics in different zones of wetland.

Unraveling the Mystery of the Blue Fog: Structure, Properties, and Applications of Amorphous Blue Phase III.

PubMed

Gandhi, Sahil Sandesh; Chien, Liang-Chy

2017-12-01

The amorphous blue phase III of cholesteric liquid crystals, also known as the "blue fog," are among the rising stars in materials science that can potentially be used to develop next-generation displays with the ability to compete toe-to-toe with disruptive technologies like organic light-emitting diodes. The structure and properties of the practically unobservable blue phase III have eluded scientists for more than a century since it was discovered. This progress report reviews the developments in this field from both fundamental and applied research perspectives. The first part of this progress report gives an overview of the 130-years-long scientific tour-de-force that very recently resulted in the revelation of the mysterious structure of blue phase III. The second part reviews progress made in the past decade in developing electrooptical, optical, and photonic devices based on blue phase III. The strong and weak aspects of the development of these devices are underlined and criticized, respectively. The third- and-final part proposes ideas for further improvement in blue phase III technology to make it feasible for commercialization and widespread use. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Failures in Phase III: Causes and Consequences.

PubMed

Seruga, Bostjan; Ocana, Alberto; Amir, Eitan; Tannock, Ian F

2015-10-15

Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCT) in oncology fail to lead to registration of new therapies more often than RCTs in other medical disciplines. Most RCTs are sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, which reflects industry's increasing responsibility in cancer drug development. Many preclinical models are unreliable for evaluation of new anticancer agents, and stronger evidence of biologic effect should be required before a new agent enters the clinical development pathway. Whenever possible, early-phase clinical trials should include pharmacodynamic studies to demonstrate that new agents inhibit their molecular targets and demonstrate substantial antitumor activity at tolerated doses in an enriched population of patients. Here, we review recent RCTs and found that these conditions were not met for most of the targeted anticancer agents, which failed in recent RCTs. Many recent phase III RCTs were initiated without sufficient evidence of activity from early-phase clinical trials. Because patients treated within such trials can be harmed, they should not be undertaken. The bar should also be raised when making decisions to proceed from phase II to III and from phase III to marketing approval. Many approved agents showed only better progression-free survival than standard treatment in phase III trials and were not shown to improve survival or its quality. Introduction of value-based pricing of new anticancer agents would dissuade the continued development of agents with borderline activity in early-phase clinical trials. When collaborating with industry, oncologists should be more critical and better advocates for cancer patients. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

An Analysis of the Maintenance Performance Measurement System for LAMPS MK III Helicopter Squadrons

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, quality, budgetability, innovation and quality of work.life ), and determine the significance of AFM funds on... Balance .. Phase II - Unit Sustainment Manpower Cost Methodology, Management Consulting and Research, Falls Church, Virginia, 1981. McCutcheon, David A

Lack of effect of perampanel on QT interval duration: Results from a thorough QT analysis and pooled partial seizure Phase III clinical trials.

PubMed

Yang, Haichen; Laurenza, Antonio; Williams, Betsy; Patten, Anna; Hussein, Ziad; Ferry, Jim

2015-08-01

Perampanel is a selective, noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist approved as adjunctive treatment for partial seizures. To assess potential for delayed cardiac repolarization, a Phase I thorough QT study was performed, supplemented by plasma concentration-QT data modeled from 3 pooled Phase III studies. The Phase I thorough QT study (double-blind, combined fixed-sequence, parallel-group) quantified the effect of perampanel (6 mg once daily for 7 days, followed by dose escalation to a single 8-mg dose, a single 10-mg dose, then 12 mg once daily for 7 days), moxifloxacin positive control (single 400-mg dose on Day 16), and placebo on QT interval duration in healthy subjects (N = 261). Electrocardiograms were recorded at baseline, Day 7 (post 6 mg dose), and Day 16 (post 12 mg dose). Statistical comparisons were between the highest approved perampanel dose (12 mg) versus placebo, a "mid-therapeutic" dose (6 mg) versus placebo, and moxifloxacin versus placebo. Acknowledging that the Phase I thorough QT study could not incorporate a true "supratherapeutic" dose due to length of titration and tolerability concerns in healthy subjects, Phase III studies of perampanel included expanded electrocardiogram safety evaluations specifically intended to support concentration-QT response modeling. The lack of effect of perampanel on the QT interval is shown from pooled analysis of 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, 19-week, Phase III studies with perampanel doses ≤ 12 mg (N = 1038, total perampanel; and N=442, placebo) in patients with partial seizures. QT measures were corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's (QTcF; the primary endpoint) and Bazett's (QTcB) formulas. In the Phase I thorough QT study, the positive control moxifloxacin caused peak time-matched, baseline-adjusted, placebo-corrected (ΔΔ) QTcF of 12.15 ms at 4h postdose, confirming a drug effect on QTc interval and study assessment sensitivity. Mean baseline-adjusted (Δ) QTcF versus nominal time curves were comparable between perampanel 12 mg and placebo, with most ΔQTcF values being slightly negative. Healthy subjects receiving perampanel 6 and 12 mg doses for 7 days showed no evidence of effects on cardiac repolarization. Peak ΔΔQTcF was 2.34 ms at 1.5h postdose for perampanel 6 mg and 3.92 ms at 0.5h postdose for perampanel 12 mg. At every time point, the upper 95% confidence limit of ΔΔQTcF for perampanel 6 and 12 mg was <10 ms. Phase III studies revealed no clinically significant difference between patients with partial seizures treated with perampanel or placebo in QTcF and QTcB values >450 ms, with no dose-dependent increases or large incremental changes from baseline of >60 ms. Regression analysis of individual plasma perampanel concentrations versus corresponding QTc interval values in Phase I thorough QT and Phase III studies demonstrated no relationship between perampanel concentrations and QT interval duration. Treatment with perampanel 6 mg and 12 mg for 7 days did not delay cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers. In a population analysis of 1480 patients with partial seizures treated with perampanel doses ≤ 12 mg or placebo, no clinically significant trends in QT interval data were noted. Based on the thorough QT study and evaluations from pooled Phase III studies, there is no evidence of prolonged QT interval duration with perampanel treatment. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Statistical aspects of the TNK-S2B trial of tenecteplase versus alteplase in acute ischemic stroke: an efficient, dose-adaptive, seamless phase II/III design.

PubMed

Levin, Bruce; Thompson, John L P; Chakraborty, Bibhas; Levy, Gilberto; MacArthur, Robert; Haley, E Clarke

2011-08-01

TNK-S2B, an innovative, randomized, seamless phase II/III trial of tenecteplase versus rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke, terminated for slow enrollment before regulatory approval of use of phase II patients in phase III. (1) To review the trial design and comprehensive type I error rate simulations and (2) to discuss issues raised during regulatory review, to facilitate future approval of similar designs. In phase II, an early (24-h) outcome and adaptive sequential procedure selected one of three tenecteplase doses for phase III comparison with rt-PA. Decision rules comparing this dose to rt-PA would cause stopping for futility at phase II end, or continuation to phase III. Phase III incorporated two co-primary hypotheses, allowing for a treatment effect at either end of the trichotomized Rankin scale. Assuming no early termination, four interim analyses and one final analysis of 1908 patients provided an experiment-wise type I error rate of <0.05. Over 1,000 distribution scenarios, each involving 40,000 replications, the maximum type I error in phase III was 0.038. Inflation from the dose selection was more than offset by the one-half continuity correction in the test statistics. Inflation from repeated interim analyses was more than offset by the reduction from the clinical stopping rules for futility at the first interim analysis. Design complexity and evolving regulatory requirements lengthened the review process. (1) The design was innovative and efficient. Per protocol, type I error was well controlled for the co-primary phase III hypothesis tests, and experiment-wise. (2a) Time must be allowed for communications with regulatory reviewers from first design stages. (2b) Adequate type I error control must be demonstrated. (2c) Greater clarity is needed on (i) whether this includes demonstration of type I error control if the protocol is violated and (ii) whether simulations of type I error control are acceptable. (2d) Regulatory agency concerns that protocols for futility stopping may not be followed may be allayed by submitting interim analysis results to them as these analyses occur.

Rotary engine research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-06-01

A development history is presented for NASA's 1983-1991 Rotary Engine Enablement Program, emphasizing the CFD approaches to various problems that were instituted from 1987 to the end of the program. In phase I, a test rig was built to intensively clarify and characterize the stratified-charge rotary engine concept. In phase II, a high pressure, electronically controlled fuel injection system was tested. In phase III, the testing of improved fuel injectors led to the achievement of the stipulated 5 hp/cu inch specific power goal. CFD-aided design of advanced rotor-pocket shapes led to additional performance improvements.

Methods for synthesizing semiconductor quality chalcopyrite crystals for nonlinear optical and radiation detection applications and the like

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold

2016-05-10

A method for synthesizing I-III-VI.sub.2 compounds, including: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound under heat, with mixing, and/or via vapor transport. The Group III element is melted at a temperature of between about 200 degrees C. and about 700 degrees C. Preferably, the Group I element consists of a neutron absorber and the group III element consists of In or Ga. The Group VI element and the single phase I-III compound are heated to a temperature of between about 700 degrees C. and about 1000 degrees C. Preferably, the Group VI element consists of S, Se, or Te. Optionally, the method also includes doping with a Group IV element activator.

Medulloblastoma in children and adolescents: a systematic review of contemporary phase I and II clinical trials and biology update.

PubMed

Bautista, Francisco; Fioravantti, Victoria; de Rojas, Teresa; Carceller, Fernando; Madero, Luis; Lassaletta, Alvaro; Moreno, Lucas

2017-11-01

Survival rates for patients with medulloblastoma have improved in the last decades but for those who relapse outcome is dismal and new approaches are needed. Emerging drugs have been tested in the last two decades within the context of phase I/II trials. In parallel, advances in genetic profiling have permitted to identify key molecular alterations for which new strategies are being developed. We performed a systematic review focused on the design and outcome of early-phase trials evaluating new agents in patients with relapsed medulloblastoma. PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, and references from selected studies were screened to identify phase I/II studies with reported results between 2000 and 2015 including patients with medulloblastoma aged <18 years. A total of 718 studies were reviewed and 78 satisfied eligibility criteria. Of those, 69% were phase I; 31% phase II. Half evaluated conventional chemotherapeutics and 35% targeted agents. Overall, 662 patients with medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors were included. The study designs and the response assessments were heterogeneous, limiting the comparisons among trials and the correct identification of active drugs. Median (range) objective response rate (ORR) for patients with medulloblastoma in phase I/II studies was 0% (0-100) and 6.5% (0-50), respectively. Temozolomide containing regimens had a median ORR of 16.5% (0-100). Smoothened inhibitors trials had a median ORR of 8% (3-8). Novel drugs have shown limited activity against relapsed medulloblastoma. Temozolomide might serve as backbone for new combinations. Novel and more homogenous trial designs might facilitate the development of new drugs. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Structural phase transitions of (Bi 1$-$xSb x ) 2(Te 1$-$y Se y) 3 compounds under high pressure and the influence of the atomic radius on the compression processes of tetradymites

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

Zhao, Jinggeng; Yu, Zhenhai; Hu, Qingyang

Recently, A 2B 3-type tetradymites have developed into a hot topic in physical and material research fields, where the A and B atoms represent V and VI group elements, respectively. In this study, in situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on Bi 2Te 2Se, BiSbTeSe 2, and Sb 2Te 2Se tetradymites under high pressure. Bi 2Te 2Se transforms from a layered rhombohedral structure (phase I) into 7-fold monoclinic (phase II) and body-centered tetragonal (phase IV) structures at about 8.0 and 14.3 GPa, respectively, without an 8-fold monoclinic structure (phase III) similar to that in Bi 2Te 3. Thus, themore » compression behavior of Bi 2Te 2Se is the same as that of Bi 2Se 3, which could also be obtained from first-principles calculations and in situ high-pressure electrical resistance measurements. Under high pressure, BiSbTeSe 2 and Sb 2Te 2Se undergo similar structural phase transitions to Bi 2Te 2Se, which indicates that the compression process of tellurides can be modulated by doping Se in Te sites. According to these high-pressure investigations of A 2B 3-type tetradymites, the decrease of the B-site atomic radius shrinks the stable pressure range of phase III and expands that of phase II, whereas the decrease of the A-site atomic radius induces a different effect, i.e. expanding the stable pressure range of phase III and shrinking that of phase II. Lastly, the influence of the atomic radius on the compression process of tetradymites is closely related to the chemical composition and the atom arrangement in the quintuple layer.« less

Structural phase transitions of (Bi 1$-$xSb x ) 2(Te 1$-$y Se y) 3 compounds under high pressure and the influence of the atomic radius on the compression processes of tetradymites

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Jinggeng; Yu, Zhenhai; Hu, Qingyang; ...

2016-12-14

Recently, A 2B 3-type tetradymites have developed into a hot topic in physical and material research fields, where the A and B atoms represent V and VI group elements, respectively. In this study, in situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on Bi 2Te 2Se, BiSbTeSe 2, and Sb 2Te 2Se tetradymites under high pressure. Bi 2Te 2Se transforms from a layered rhombohedral structure (phase I) into 7-fold monoclinic (phase II) and body-centered tetragonal (phase IV) structures at about 8.0 and 14.3 GPa, respectively, without an 8-fold monoclinic structure (phase III) similar to that in Bi 2Te 3. Thus, themore » compression behavior of Bi 2Te 2Se is the same as that of Bi 2Se 3, which could also be obtained from first-principles calculations and in situ high-pressure electrical resistance measurements. Under high pressure, BiSbTeSe 2 and Sb 2Te 2Se undergo similar structural phase transitions to Bi 2Te 2Se, which indicates that the compression process of tellurides can be modulated by doping Se in Te sites. According to these high-pressure investigations of A 2B 3-type tetradymites, the decrease of the B-site atomic radius shrinks the stable pressure range of phase III and expands that of phase II, whereas the decrease of the A-site atomic radius induces a different effect, i.e. expanding the stable pressure range of phase III and shrinking that of phase II. Lastly, the influence of the atomic radius on the compression process of tetradymites is closely related to the chemical composition and the atom arrangement in the quintuple layer.« less

75 FR 38645 - Standards Improvement Project-Phase III

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-02

... are specified as ``ID,'' followed by the number of the document. OSHA posts these referenced materials... medical-testing requirement and eliminating an unnecessary and obsolete medical test required in both the... Sec. 1915.1001(h)(4)(ii) requires employers to perform quantitative and qualitative fit testing ``at...

Detection of periodicity based on independence tests - III. Phase distance correlation periodogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zucker, Shay

2018-02-01

I present the Phase Distance Correlation (PDC) periodogram - a new periodicity metric, based on the Distance Correlation concept of Gábor Székely. For each trial period, PDC calculates the distance correlation between the data samples and their phases. PDC requires adaptation of the Székely's distance correlation to circular variables (phases). The resulting periodicity metric is best suited to sparse data sets, and it performs better than other methods for sawtooth-like periodicities. These include Cepheid and RR-Lyrae light curves, as well as radial velocity curves of eccentric spectroscopic binaries. The performance of the PDC periodogram in other contexts is almost as good as that of the Generalized Lomb-Scargle periodogram. The concept of phase distance correlation can be adapted also to astrometric data, and it has the potential to be suitable also for large evenly spaced data sets, after some algorithmic perfection.

Pore-scale characterization of biogeochemical controls on iron and uranium speciation under flow conditions.

PubMed

Pearce, Carolyn I; Wilkins, Michael J; Zhang, Changyong; Heald, Steve M; Fredrickson, Jim K; Zachara, John M

2012-08-07

Etched silicon microfluidic pore network models (micromodels) with controlled chemical and redox gradients, mineralogy, and microbiology under continuous flow conditions are used for the incremental development of complex microenvironments that simulate subsurface conditions. We demonstrate the colonization of micromodel pore spaces by an anaerobic Fe(III)-reducing bacterial species (Geobacter sulfurreducens) and the enzymatic reduction of a bioavailable Fe(III) phase within this environment. Using both X-ray microprobe and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we investigate the combined effects of the precipitated Fe(III) phases and the microbial population on uranium biogeochemistry under flow conditions. Precipitated Fe(III) phases within the micromodel were most effectively reduced in the presence of an electron shuttle (AQDS), and Fe(II) ions adsorbed onto the precipitated mineral surface without inducing any structural change. In the absence of Fe(III), U(VI) was effectively reduced by the microbial population to insoluble U(IV), which was precipitated in discrete regions associated with biomass. In the presence of Fe(III) phases, however, both U(IV) and U(VI) could be detected associated with biomass, suggesting reoxidation of U(IV) by localized Fe(III) phases. These results demonstrate the importance of the spatial localization of biomass and redox active metals, and illustrate the key effects of pore-scale processes on contaminant fate and reactive transport.

Lessons Learned From The Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) Review of Children's Oncology Group Trial AAML1031

PubMed Central

Meshinchi, Soheil; Hunger, Stephen P.; Aplenc, Richard; Adamson, Peter C.; Jessup, J. Milburn

2012-01-01

The FDA is now exerting its regulatory authority over molecular diagnostics and their assays used for medical-decision making in clinical trials by performing pre-Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) reviews in all phases of clinical trials. This review assesses the analytical performance of the assay for the diagnostic and considers how that performance affects the diagnostic and the patient and their risks and benefits from treatment. This manuscript reviews the process of the first review that was performed on a new Children's Oncology Group (COG) Phase III trial in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. The lessons learned and recommendations for how to prepare for and incorporate this new level of regulatory review into the protocol development process are presented. PMID:22422407

Safety and tolerability review of lorcaserin in clinical trials.

PubMed

Greenway, F L; Shanahan, W; Fain, R; Ma, T; Rubino, D

2016-10-01

Lorcaserin is a novel selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist indicated by the US Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with ≥1 comorbidity. The safety and efficacy of lorcaserin were established during two Phase III clinical trials in patients without diabetes (BLOOM and BLOSSOM) and one Phase III clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes (BLOOM-DM). Headache was the most common adverse event experienced by patients during all Phase III trials. Additional adverse events occurring in >5% of patients receiving lorcaserin included dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation in patients without diabetes, and hypoglycaemia, back pain, cough and fatigue in patients with diabetes. In a pooled analysis of echocardiographic data collected during the three lorcaserin Phase III trials, the incidence of FDA-defined valvulopathy was similar in patients taking lorcaserin and the placebo. Here, the safety profile of lorcaserin at the FDA-approved dose of 10 mg twice daily is reviewed using data from the lorcaserin Phase III programme, with a focus on theoretical adverse events commonly associated with agonists of the serotonin receptor family. Based on the lorcaserin Phase III clinical trial data, lorcaserin is safe and well tolerated in the indicated patient populations. © 2016 World Obesity.

In-situ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) Investigation of a Bifunctional Manganese Oxide Catalyst with High Activity for Electrochemical Water Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction

PubMed Central

Benck, Jesse D.; Gul, Sheraz; Webb, Samuel M.; Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko; Jaramillo, Thomas F.

2013-01-01

In-situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful technique that can be applied to electrochemical systems, with the ability to elucidate the chemical nature of electrocatalysts under reaction conditions. In this study, we perform in-situ XAS measurements on a bifunctional manganese oxide (MnOx) catalyst with high electrochemical activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), we find that exposure to an ORR-relevant potential of 0.7 V vs. RHE produces a disordered Mn3II,III,IIIO4 phase with negligible contributions from other phases. After the potential is increased to a highly anodic value of 1.8 V vs. RHE, relevant to the OER, we observe an oxidation of approximately 80% of the catalytic thin film to form a mixed MnIII,IV oxide, while the remaining 20% of the film consists of a less oxidized phase, likely corresponding to unchanged Mn3II,III,IIIO4. XAS and electrochemical characterization of two thin film catalysts with different MnOx thicknesses reveals no significant influence of thickness on the measured oxidation states, at either ORR or OER potentials, but demonstrates that the OER activity scales with film thickness. This result suggests that the films have porous structure, which does not restrict electrocatalysis to the top geometric layer of the film. As the portion of the catalyst film that is most likely to be oxidized at the high potentials necessary for the OER is that which is closest to the electrolyte interface, we hypothesize that the MnIII,IV oxide, rather than Mn3II,III,IIIO4, is the phase pertinent to the observed OER activity. PMID:23758050

The motilin receptor agonist erythromycin stimulates hunger and food intake through a cholinergic pathway.

PubMed

Deloose, Eveline; Vos, Rita; Janssen, Pieter; Van den Bergh, Omer; Van Oudenhove, Lukas; Depoortere, Inge; Tack, Jan

2016-03-01

Motilin-induced phase III contractions have been identified as a hunger signal. These phase III contractions occur as part of the migrating motor complex (MMC), a contractility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract during fasting. The mechanism involved in this association between subjective hunger feelings and gastrointestinal motility during the MMC is largely unknown, however, as is its ability to stimulate food intake. We sought to 1) investigate the occurrence of hunger peaks and their relation to phase III contractions, 2) evaluate whether this relation was cholinergically driven, and 3) assess the ability of the motilin receptor agonist erythromycin to induce food intake. An algorithm was developed to detect hunger peaks. The association with phase III contractions was studied in 14 healthy volunteers [50% men; mean ± SEM age: 25 ± 2 y; mean ± SEM body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): 23 ± 1]. The impact of pharmacologically induced phase III contractions on the occurrence of hunger peaks and the involvement of a cholinergic pathway were assessed in 14 healthy volunteers (43% men; age: 29 ± 3 y; BMI: 23 ± 1). Last, the effect of erythromycin administration on food intake was examined in 15 healthy volunteers (40% men; age: 28 ± 3 y; BMI: 22 ± 1). The occurrence of hunger peaks and their significant association with phase III contractions was confirmed (P < 0.0001). Pharmacologically induced phase III contractions were also significantly associated with hunger peaks (P < 0.05), and this association involved a cholinergic pathway. Administering erythromycin significantly stimulated food intake compared with placebo (53% ± 13% compared with 10% ± 5%; P < 0.05). Motilin-induced phase III contractions induced hunger feelings through a cholinergic pathway. Moreover, erythromycin stimulated food intake, suggesting a physiologic role of motilin as an orexigenic signal from the gastrointestinal tract. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02633579. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Acquisition and performance of a problem-solving skill.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, B. B., Jr.; Alluisi, E. A.

1971-01-01

The acquisition of skill in the performance of a three-phase code transformation task (3P-COTRAN) was studied with 20 subjects who solved 27 3P-COTRAN problems during each of 8 successive sessions. The purpose of the study was to determine the changes in the 3P-COTRAN factor structure resulting from practice, the distribution of practice-related gains in performance over the nine measures of the five 3P-COTRAN factors, and the effects of transformation complexities on the 3P-COTRAN performance of subjects. A significant performance gain due to practice was observed, with improvements in speed continuing even when accuracy reached asymptotic levels. Transformation complexity showed no effect on early performances but the 3- and 4-element transformations were solved quicker than the 5-element transformation in the problem-solving Phase III of later skilled performances.

Determination of Grayanotoxins from Rhododendron brachycarpum in Dietary Supplements and Homemade Wine by Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Hwang, Taeik; Noh, Eunyoung; Jeong, Ji Hye; Park, Sung-Kwan; Shin, Dongwoo; Kang, Hoil

2018-02-28

A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) method combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of grayanotoxins I and III in dietary supplements and homemade wine. Grayanotoxins I and III were successfully extracted using solid-phase extraction cartridges, characterized by LC-QTOF-MS, and quantitated by LC-MS/MS. The LC-MS/MS calibration curves were linear over concentrations of 10-100 ng/mL (grayanotoxin I) and 20-400 ng/mL (grayanotoxin III). Grayanotoxins I and III were found in 51 foodstuffs, with quantitative determinations revealing total toxin concentrations of 18.4-101 000 ng/mL (grayanotoxin I) and 15.3-56 000 ng/mL (grayanotoxin III). The potential of the validated method was demonstrated by successful quantitative analysis of grayanotoxins I and III in dietary supplements and homemade wine; the method appears suitable for the routine detection of grayanotoxins I and III from Rhododendron brachycarpum.

[Risk factors associated with the diagnosis of chronic Chagasic miocardiopathy in seropositive individuals from Barinas state, Venezuela].

PubMed

González, Beatriz; Silva, Martha; Al-Atrache, Yusra; Delgado, Yelitze; Serrano, José Luis; Doccimo, Angelina; Hernández, Huber; Verde, Juan; Morillo, Daniela; Marín, Jaime; Concepción, Juan Luis; Bonfante-Cabarcas, Rafael; Rodríguez-Bonfante, Claudina

2014-06-01

This study evaluates the risk factors associated with the diagnosis of chronic chagasic miocardiopathy (CChM) in 115 seropositive individuals to anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies, in Barinas state, Venezuela. Serology was performed with ELISA and MABA; while the CChM diagnosis was established by electrocardiography and echocardiography. A complete clinical history including epidemiological, personal/familiar antecedents and psychobiological habits, plus socioeconomic, psychosocial and alimentary habits interviews were performed for each individual. Risk factors were determined through binary logistic regression. Results showed that 81 patients (70,4%; CI 95% = 66.4-74.4) had criteria for CChM, of which 74 (64.4%; IC 95% = 60.2-68.6) were in phase II; while 34 (29.6%; IC 95% = 25.5-33.5) were in phase I of the disease and 7 (6.1%; IC 95% = 4.0-8.2) in phase III. In a one year period, two patients in phase III died of heart failure. The diagnosis of CChM was associated with hunting practice, maternal history of cardiopathies, chewing chimó, medical history of hypertension and apex beat visible; it was negatively associated with canned and preserved foods ingest. In conclusion the CChM diagnosis has high frequency in seropositive individuals in Barinas and heart failure prevention must be based on an early medical attention and educative strategies in order to control risk factors.

Monterey-Salinas Transit ITS Augmentation Project : Phase III Evaluation Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

The purpose of this document is to present the findings from Phase II and Phase III of the Evaluation of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Augmentation Project that was implemented at the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) in Monterey, Califor...

Recent trends in 30-day mortality in patients with blunt splenic injury: A nationwide trauma database study in Japan.

PubMed

Tanaka, Chie; Tagami, Takashi; Matsumoto, Hisashi; Matsuda, Kiyoshi; Kim, Shiei; Moroe, Yuta; Fukuda, Reo; Unemoto, Kyoko; Yokota, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Splenic injury frequently occurs after blunt abdominal trauma; however, limited epidemiological data regarding mortality are available. We aimed to investigate mortality rate trends after blunt splenic injury in Japan. We retrospectively identified 1,721 adults with blunt splenic injury (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury scale grades III-V) from the 2004-2014 Japan Trauma Data Bank. We grouped the records of these patients into 3 time phases: phase I (2004-2008), phase II (2009-2012), and phase III (2013-2014). Over the 3 phases, we analysed 30-day mortality rates and investigated their association with the prevalence of certain initial interventions (Mantel-Haenszel trend test). We further performed multiple imputation and multivariable analyses for comparing the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent TAE or splenectomy/splenorrhaphy, adjusting for known potential confounders and for within-hospital clustering using generalised estimating equation. Over time, there was a significant decrease in 30-day mortality after splenic injury (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that mortality significantly decreased over time (from phase I to phase II, odds ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.67; from phase I to phase III, odds ratio: 0.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.62) for the overall cohort. While the 30-day mortality for splenectomy/splenorrhaphy diminished significantly over time (p = 0.01), there were no significant differences regarding mortality for non-operative management, with or without transcatheter arterial embolisation (p = 0.43, p = 0.29, respectively). In Japan, in-hospital 30-day mortality rates decreased significantly after splenic injury between 2004 and 2014, even after adjustment for within-hospital clustering and other factors independently associated with mortality. Over time, mortality rates decreased significantly after splenectomy/splenorrhaphy, but not after non-operative management. This information is useful for clinicians when making decisions about treatments for patients with blunt splenic injury.

TRANSFORMATION AND MOBILIZATION OF ARSENIC ADSORBED ON GRANULAR FERRIC HYDROXIDE UNDER BIO-REDUCTIVE CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Biotic and abiotic reduction of arsenic (V) and iron (III) influences the partioning of arsenic (As) between the solid and aqueous phases in soils, sediments and wastes. In this study, laboratory experiments on arsenic adsorbed on granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) was performed to ...

Coal-Fired Boilers at Navy Bases, Navy Energy Guidance Study, Phase II and III.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-01

several sizes were performed. Central plants containing four equal-sized boilers and central flue gas desulfurization facilities were shown to be less...Conceptual design and parametric cost studies of steam and power generation systems using coal-fired stoker boilers and stack gas scrubbers in

The Mississippi Catalog of Competencies for Public Elementary and Secondary Physical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi State Dept. of Education, Jackson.

Phase III of a five-phase project which has implications for the improvement of instructional programs in Mississippi's elementary and secondary schools is described. In phase III, specifically stated objectives or competencies in physical education, designed to accomplish the objectives stated in phase II, are cataloged. The competencies are…

The use of dihexyldithiocarbamate in reverse-phase HPLC of metal chelates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatimah, S. S.; Bahti, H. H.; Hastiawan, I.; Permanasari, A.

2018-05-01

Dialkyldithiocarbamates have long been used as chelating agents in reverse-phase HPLC of transition metals. In the previous study, an alkyl homolog of this type of ligand, namely dihexyldithiocarbamate (DHDTC), was synthesized and characterized. The use of this particular ligand in the revese-phase HPLC of some selected transition metal ions is now reported for the first time. The mobile phase comprising of the flow rate and of the detection, in the separation of the metal chelates of Cd (II), Fe (III), Cu (II), and Co (III), were investigated on a C-18 column. The results showed that dihexylditiocarbamate could be used for separating Cd (II), Fe(III), Cu(II), and Co(III). Therefore, it could be used in simultaneous analysis.

A new trial design to accelerate tuberculosis drug development: the Phase IIC Selection Trial with Extended Post-treatment follow-up (STEP).

PubMed

Phillips, Patrick P J; Dooley, Kelly E; Gillespie, Stephen H; Heinrich, Norbert; Stout, Jason E; Nahid, Payam; Diacon, Andreas H; Aarnoutse, Rob E; Kibiki, Gibson S; Boeree, Martin J; Hoelscher, Michael

2016-03-23

The standard 6-month four-drug regimen for the treatment of drug-sensitive tuberculosis has remained unchanged for decades and is inadequate to control the epidemic. Shorter, simpler regimens are urgently needed to defeat what is now the world's greatest infectious disease killer. We describe the Phase IIC Selection Trial with Extended Post-treatment follow-up (STEP) as a novel hybrid phase II/III trial design to accelerate regimen development. In the Phase IIC STEP trial, the experimental regimen is given for the duration for which it will be studied in phase III (presently 3 or 4 months) and patients are followed for clinical outcomes of treatment failure and relapse for a total of 12 months from randomisation. Operating characteristics of the trial design are explored assuming a classical frequentist framework as well as a Bayesian framework with flat and sceptical priors. A simulation study is conducted using data from the RIFAQUIN phase III trial to illustrate how such a design could be used in practice. With 80 patients per arm, and two (2.5 %) unfavourable outcomes in the STEP trial, there is a probability of 0.99 that the proportion of unfavourable outcomes in a potential phase III trial would be less than 12 % and a probability of 0.91 that the proportion of unfavourable outcomes would be less than 8 %. With six (7.5 %) unfavourable outcomes, there is a probability of 0.82 that the proportion of unfavourable outcomes in a potential phase III trial would be less than 12 % and a probability of 0.41 that it would be less than 8 %. Simulations using data from the RIFAQUIN trial show that a STEP trial with 80 patients per arm would have correctly shown that the Inferior Regimen should not proceed to phase III and would have had a high chance (0.88) of either showing that the Successful Regimen could proceed to phase III or that it might require further optimisation. Collection of definitive clinical outcome data in a relatively small number of participants over only 12 months provides valuable information about the likelihood of success in a future phase III trial. We strongly believe that the STEP trial design described herein is an important tool that would allow for more informed decision-making and accelerate regimen development.

Cloud point extraction: an alternative to traditional liquid-liquid extraction for lanthanides(III) separation.

PubMed

Favre-Réguillon, Alain; Draye, Micheline; Lebuzit, Gérard; Thomas, Sylvie; Foos, Jacques; Cote, Gérard; Guy, Alain

2004-06-17

Cloud point extraction (CPE) was used to extract and separate lanthanum(III) and gadolinium(III) nitrate from an aqueous solution. The methodology used is based on the formation of lanthanide(III)-8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) complexes soluble in a micellar phase of non-ionic surfactant. The lanthanide(III) complexes are then extracted into the surfactant-rich phase at a temperature above the cloud point temperature (CPT). The structure of the non-ionic surfactant, and the chelating agent-metal molar ratio are identified as factors determining the extraction efficiency and selectivity. In an aqueous solution containing equimolar concentrations of La(III) and Gd(III), extraction efficiency for Gd(III) can reach 96% with a Gd(III)/La(III) selectivity higher than 30 using Triton X-114. Under those conditions, a Gd(III) decontamination factor of 50 is obtained.

School Improvement Efforts: Qualitative Data from Four Naturally Occurring Experiments in Phase III of the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stringfield, Sam; And Others

Phase III of the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study (LSES-III) was designed in part to obtain rich, qualitative data on the characteristics of more and less effective schools in the Gulf South. Data were gathered on eight matched outlier pairs of schools during the 1984-1985 school year. Of the eight historically ineffective schools in LSES-III,…

CAISI Operational Assessment (OA) data collection results. Final report

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

NONE

1997-01-31

One of the lessons learned from Operation Desert Shield/Storm was the inability of deployed Combat Service Support (CSS) computers to exchange data effectively in a battlefield environment. The work-around solution to this previously identified problem has been to physically carry floppy disks between computers. A General Officer Steering Committee, directed by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, determined that immediate corrective action was necessary to ensure viability of the CSS Battlefield Mission Area. The study recommended that a three-phased system development plan address short-, mid- and long-term CSS automation communication interface requirements. In response to this study, Programmore » Executive Office (PEO) Standard Army Management Information System (STAMIS) authorized the development of the CSS Automated Information System Interface (CAISI). Phase I (Near-Term) equipped the {open_quotes}first to fight{close_quotes} Contingency Corps units. Phase II (Mid-Term) is being fielded to the remainder of Force Package One units in the active force. Phase III (Long-Term) will equip the remaining units. CAISI is now in the early stages of Phase II fielding. Prior to full Phase II fielding, CAISI must be approved for production by a Milestone III decision authority. Part of the data that will be used in the Milestone III decision is a demonstration of the CAISI`s operational suitability, as assessed by the US Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command (OPTEC). This assessment will be performed through an Operational Assessment (OA) using data provided from previous technical testing, such as the CAISI Customer User Test (CUT), and a field training exercise conducted by units of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The field training exercise data collection took place during two events.« less

Fe(II) sorption on pyrophyllite: Effect of structural Fe(III) (impurity) in pyrophyllite on nature of layered double hydroxide (LDH) secondary mineral formation

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

Starcher, Autumn N.; Li, Wei; Kukkadapu, Ravi K.

Fe(II)-Al(III)-LDH (layered double hydroxide) phases have been shown to form from reactions of aqueous Fe(II) with Fe-free Al-bearing minerals (phyllosilicate/clays and Al-oxides). To our knowledge, the effect of small amounts of structural Fe(III) impurities in “neutral” clays on such reactions, however, were not studied. In this study to understand the role of structural Fe(III) impurity in clays, laboratory batch studies with pyrophyllite (10 g/L), an Al-bearing phyllosilicate, containing small amounts of structural Fe(III) impurities and 0.8 mM and 3 mM Fe(II) (both natural and enriched in 57Fe) were carried out at pH 7.5 under anaerobic conditions (4% H2 – 96%more » N2 atmosphere). Samples were taken up to 4 weeks for analysis by Fe-X-ray absorption spectroscopy and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. In addition to the precipitation of Fe(II)-Al(III)-LDH phases as observed in earlier studies with pure minerals (no Fe(III) impurities in the minerals), the analyses indicated formation of small amounts of Fe(III) containing solid(s), most probably hybrid a Fe(II)-Al(III)/Fe(III)-LDH phase. The mechanism of Fe(II) oxidation was not apparent but most likely was due to interfacial electron transfer from the sorbed Fe(II) to the structural Fe(III) and/or surface-sorption-induced electron-transfer from the sorbed Fe(II) to the clay lattice. Increase in the Fe(II)/Al ratio of the LDH with reaction time further indicated the complex nature of the samples. This research provides evidence for the formation of both Fe(II)-Al(III)-LDH and Fe(II)-Fe(III)/Al(III)-LDH-like phases during reactions of Fe(II) in systems that mimic the natural environments. Better understanding Fe phase formation in complex laboratory studies will improve models of natural redox systems.« less

Methodology of clinical trials evaluating the incorporation of new drugs in the first-line treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): a critical review.

PubMed

Iacoboni, G; Zucca, E; Ghielmini, M; Stathis, A

2018-05-01

The first-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the combination of rituximab with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy, curing approximately 60% of patients. Many clinical trials have been carried out over the last 10 years trying to improve the results of this treatment, but the appropriateness of their planning strategies could be rediscussed. Reports of phase III trials evaluating the addition of molecularly targeted agents or new monoclonal antibodies to the classic R-CHOP backbone in first-line induction or maintenance treatment were reviewed. The trial design, primary end point, number of patients enrolled, patient selection criteria, treatment schedule and results were registered for each one. In addition, the phases I and II trials which preceded these phase III trials were also reviewed. Among six phase III trials with results, only one trial evaluating lenalidomide maintenance after response to R-CHOP induction was positive and reached its primary end point. The other five trials did not show an improved outcome with the addition of the new agent. The preceding phases I and II trials were very heterogeneous in their end points and design. Even though most of these trials were considered positive, thus encouraging further investigation, so far they failed to predict the results of the subsequent phase III trials. The standard of care for DLBCL is still R-CHOP. Phase I/II trials failed to predict the results of subsequent phase III trials evaluating non-chemotherapeutic agents added to R-CHOP. The methodology of phase II trials evaluating new agents in DLBCL needs to be better defined in the future.

Performance comparison of three types of high-speed counter-current chromatographs for the separation of components of hydrophilic and hydrophobic color additives.

PubMed

Weisz, Adrian; Ito, Yoichiro

2011-09-09

The performance of three types of high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) instruments was assessed for their use in separating components in hydrophilic and hydrophobic dye mixtures. The HSCCC instruments compared were: (i) a J-type coil planet centrifuge (CPC) system with a conventional multilayer-coil column, (ii) a J-type CPC system with a spiral-tube assembly-coil column, and (iii) a cross-axis CPC system with a multilayer-coil column. The hydrophilic dye mixture consisted of a sample of FD&C Blue No. 2 that contained mainly two isomeric components, 5,5'- and 5,7'-disulfonated indigo, in the ratio of ∼7:1. The hydrophobic dye mixture consisted of a sample of D&C Red No. 17 (mainly Sudan III) and Sudan II in the ratio of ∼4:1. The two-phase solvent systems used for these separations were 1-butanol/1.3M HCl and hexane/acetonitrile. Each of the three instruments was used in two experiments for the hydrophilic dye mixture and two for the hydrophobic dye mixture, for a total of 12 experiments. In one set of experiments, the lower phase was used as the mobile phase, and in the second set of experiments, the upper phase was used as the mobile phase. The results suggest that: (a) use of a J-type instrument with either a multilayer-coil column or a spiral-tube assembly column, applying the lower phase as the mobile phase, is preferable for separating the hydrophilic components of FD&C Blue No. 2; and (b) use of a J-type instrument with multilayer-coil column, while applying either the upper phase or the lower phase as the mobile phase, is preferable for separating the hydrophobic dye mixture of D&C Red No. 17 and Sudan II. Published by Elsevier B.V.

76 FR 52658 - State Program Requirements; Approval of Application for Program Revision to the National...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-23

... (ADEC) in four phases. Phases I-III have been transferred from the EPA to ADEC. In March 2011, ADEC made a submission for approval for a one year extension of the transfer of Phase IV of the APDES program... facilities not previously transferred in Phases I-III. The EPA approved the one year extension for Phase IV...

Pore-Scale Characterization of Biogeochemical Controls on Iron and Uranium Speciation under Flow Conditions

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

Pearce, Carolyn I.; Wilkins, Michael J.; Zhang, Changyong

2012-09-17

Etched silicon microfluidic pore network models (micromodels) with controlled chemical and redox gradients, mineralogy, and microbiology under continuous flow conditions are used for the incremental development of complex microenvironments that simulate subsurface conditions. We demonstrate the colonization of micromodel pore spaces by an anaerobic Fe(III)-reducing bacterial species (Geobacter sulfurreducens) and the enzymatic reduction of a bioavailable Fe(III) phase within this environment. Using both X-ray Microprobe and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, we investigate the combined effects of the precipitated Fe(III) phases and the microbial population on uranium biogeochemistry under flow conditions. Precipitated Fe(III) phases within the micromodel were most effectively reduced inmore » the presence of an electron shuttle (AQDS), and Fe(II) ions adsorbed onto the precipitated mineral surface without inducing any structural change. In the absence of Fe(III), U(VI) was effectively reduced by the microbial population to insoluble U(IV), which was precipitated in discrete regions associated with biomass. In the presence of Fe(III) phases, however, both U(IV) and U(VI) could be detected associated with biomass, suggesting re-oxidation of U(IV) by localized Fe(III) phases. These results demonstrate the importance of the spatial localization of biomass and redox active metals, and illustrate the key effects of pore-scale processes on contaminant fate and reactive transport.« less

Changing interdigestive migrating motor complex in rats under acute liver injury.

PubMed

Liu, Mei; Zheng, Su-Jun; Xu, Weihong; Zhang, Jianying; Chen, Yu; Duan, Zhongping

2014-01-01

Gastrointestinal motility disorder is a major clinical manifestation of acute liver injury, and interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) is an important indicator. We investigated the changes and characteristics of MMC in rats with acute liver injury. Acute liver injury was created by d-galactosamine, and we recorded the interdigestive MMC using a multichannel physiological recorder and compared the indexes of interdigestive MMC. Compared with normal controls, antral MMC Phase I duration was significantly prolonged and MMC Phase III duration was significantly shortened in the rats with acute liver injury. The duodenal MMC cycle and MMC Phases I and IV duration were significantly prolonged and MMC Phase III duration was significantly shortened in the rats with acute liver injury. The jejunal MMC cycle and MMC Phases I and IV duration were significantly prolonged and MMC Phase III duration was significantly shortened in the rats with acute liver injury compared with normal controls. Compared with the normal controls, rats with acute liver injury had a significantly prolonged interdigestive MMC cycle, related mainly to longer MMC Phases I and IV, shortened MMC Phase III, and MMC Phase II characterized by increased migrating clustered contractions, which were probably major contributors to the gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Phase III Simplified Integrated Test (SIT) results - Space Station ECLSS testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Barry C.; Carrasquillo, Robyn L.; Dubiel, Melissa Y.; Ogle, Kathryn Y.; Perry, Jay L.; Whitley, Ken M.

1990-01-01

During 1989, phase III testing of Space Station Freedom Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) began at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) with the Simplified Integrated Test. This test, conducted at the MSFC Core Module Integration Facility (CMIF), was the first time the four baseline air revitalization subsystems were integrated together. This paper details the results and lessons learned from the phase III SIT. Future plans for testing at the MSFC CMIF are also discussed.

Review of phase III trial data on IL-23 inhibitors tildrakizumab and guselkumab for psoriasis.

PubMed

Amin, M; Darji, K; No, D J; Wu, J J

2017-10-01

The development of monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-12 and IL-23 has enhanced the therapeutic options available for psoriasis patients. Recent research suggests that IL-23 alone plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The objective was to review the phase III clinical trial data for the anti-IL-23 agents to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of each agent. We reviewed the results of the phase III clinical trials for the anti-IL-23 agents tildrakizumab and guselkumab. The results of phase III trials on risankizumab have not yet been reported. By week 12, the proportion of patients reaching Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) was >60% among the most efficacious dose of each agent. The percentage of patients achieving PASI 90 at week 16 was the primary endpoint for the phase III trials for guselkumab, which was above 70%. The safety profiles of the agents were comparable, with the most commonly reported adverse events of nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The anti-IL-23 agents demonstrated a rapid clinical improvement that is similar or superior to the improvement seen with currently marketed IL-17 inhibitors with a favourable short-term safety profile. The results of the phase III trials support the notion that IL-23 is a potential target in psoriasis treatment. © 2017 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Confirmation of model-based dose selection for a Japanese phase III study of rivaroxaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

PubMed

Kaneko, Masato; Tanigawa, Takahiko; Hashizume, Kensei; Kajikawa, Mariko; Tajiri, Masahiro; Mueck, Wolfgang

2013-01-01

This study was designed to confirm the appropriateness of the dose setting for a Japanese phase III study of rivaroxaban in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), which had been based on model simulation employing phase II study data. The previously developed mixed-effects pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model, which consisted of an oral one-compartment model parameterized in terms of clearance, volume and a first-order absorption rate, was rebuilt and optimized using the data for 597 subjects from the Japanese phase III study, J-ROCKET AF. A mixed-effects modeling technique in NONMEM was used to quantify both unexplained inter-individual variability and inter-occasion variability, which are random effect parameters. The final PK and PK-PD models were evaluated to identify influential covariates. The empirical Bayes estimates of AUC and C(max) from the final PK model were consistent with the simulated results from the Japanese phase II study. There was no clear relationship between individual estimated exposures and safety-related events, and the estimated exposure levels were consistent with the global phase III data. Therefore, it was concluded that the dose selected for the phase III study with Japanese NVAF patients by means of model simulation employing phase II study data had been appropriate from the PK-PD perspective.

INTEGRATED PROTECTIVE FABRIC SYSTEM (IPFS) PHASE III PROGRAM: AEROSOL PROTECTION REPORT

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-16

one layer control. It was observed that aerosol swatch measurements showed no correlation to aerosol system test performance for the materials and...the BRHA model employed. It was observed that aerosol swatch measurements showed no correlation to aerosol system test performance for the...Testing” (McVeety et al., 2015). This report includes a description of the materials and material controls, a description of the IPFS configurations

Is the step-wise tiered approach for ERA of pharmaceuticals useful for the assessment of cancer therapeutic drugs present in marine environment?

PubMed

Aguirre-Martínez, G V; Okello, C; Salamanca, M J; Garrido, C; Del Valls, T A; Martín-Díaz, M L

2016-01-01

Methotrexate (MTX) and tamoxifen (TMX) cancer therapeutic drugs have been detected within the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, MTX and TMX research is essentially bio-medically orientated, with few studies addressing the question of its toxicity in fresh water organisms, and none to its' effect in the marine environment. To the authors' knowledge, Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) for pharmaceuticals has mainly been designed for freshwater and terrestrial environments (European Medicines Agency-EMEA guideline, 2006). Therefore, the purpose of this research was (1) to assess effect of MTX and TMX in marine organism using the EMEA guideline, (2) to develop an ERA methodology for marine environment, and (3) to evaluate the suitability of including a biomarker approach in Phase III. To reach these aims, a risk assessment of MTX and TMX was performed following EMEA guideline, including a 2-tier approach during Phase III, applying lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) as a screening biomarker in tier-1 and a battery of biochemical biomarkers in tier-2. Results from Phase II indicated that MTX was not toxic for bacteria, microalgae and sea urchin at the concentrations tested, thus no further assessment was required, while TMX indicated a possible risk. Therefore, Phase III was performed for only TMX. Ruditapes philippinarum were exposed during 14 days to TMX (0.1, 1, 10, 50 μg L(-1)). At the end of the experiment, clams exposed to environmental concentration indicated significant changes in LMS compared to the control (p<0.01); thus a second tier was applied. A significant induction of biomarkers (activity of Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase [EROD], glutathione S-transferase [GST], glutathione peroxidase [GPX], and lipid peroxidation [LPO] levels) was observed in digestive gland tissues of clams compared with control (p<0.01). Finally, this study indicated that MTX was not toxic at an environmental concentration, whilst TMX was potentially toxic for marine biota. This study has shown the necessity to create specific guidelines in order to evaluate effects of pharmaceuticals in marine environment which includes sensitive endpoints. The inadequacy of current EMEA guideline to predict chemotherapy agents toxicity in Phase II was displayed whilst the usefulness of other tests were demonstrated. The 2-tier approach, applied in Phase III, appears to be suitable for an ERA of cancer therapeutic drugs in the marine environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Benzocaine polymorphism: pressure-temperature phase diagram involving forms II and III.

PubMed

Gana, Inès; Barrio, Maria; Do, Bernard; Tamarit, Josep-Lluís; Céolin, René; Rietveld, Ivo B

2013-11-18

Understanding the phase behavior of an active pharmaceutical ingredient in a drug formulation is required to avoid the occurrence of sudden phase changes resulting in decrease of bioavailability in a marketed product. Benzocaine is known to possess three crystalline polymorphs, but their stability hierarchy has so far not been determined. A topological method and direct calorimetric measurements under pressure have been used to construct the topological pressure-temperature diagram of the phase relationships between the solid phases II and III, the liquid, and the vapor phase. In the process, the transition temperature between solid phases III and II and its enthalpy change have been determined. Solid phase II, which has the highest melting point, is the more stable phase under ambient conditions in this phase diagram. Surprisingly, solid phase I has not been observed during the study, even though the scarce literature data on its thermal behavior appear to indicate that it might be the most stable one of the three solid phases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Incineration of tannery sludge under oxic and anoxic conditions: study of chromium speciation.

PubMed

Kavouras, P; Pantazopoulou, E; Varitis, S; Vourlias, G; Chrissafis, K; Dimitrakopulos, G P; Mitrakas, M; Zouboulis, A I; Karakostas, Th; Xenidis, A

2015-01-01

A tannery sludge, produced from physico-chemical treatment of tannery wastewaters, was incinerated without any pre-treatment process under oxic and anoxic conditions, by controlling the abundance of oxygen. Incineration in oxic conditions was performed at the temperature range from 300°C to 1200°C for duration of 2h, while in anoxic conditions at the temperature range from 400°C to 600°C and varying durations. Incineration under oxic conditions at 500°C resulted in almost total oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), with CaCrO4 to be the crystalline phase containing Cr(VI). At higher temperatures a part of Cr(VI) was reduced, mainly due to the formation of MgCr2O4. At 1200°C approximately 30% of Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III). Incineration under anoxic conditions substantially reduced the extent of oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). Increase of temperature and duration of incineration lead to increase of Cr(VI) content, while no chromium containing crystalline phase was detected. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

GPS Space Service Volume: Ensuring Consistent Utility Across GPS Design Builds for Space Users

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Frank H.; Parker, Joel Jefferson Konkl; Valdez, Jennifer Ellen

2015-01-01

GPS availability and signal strength originally specified for users on or near surface of Earth with transmitted power levels specified at edge-of-Earth, 14.3 degrees. Prior to the SSV specification, on-orbit performance of GPS varied from block build to block build (IIA, IIRM, IIF) due to antenna gain and beam width variances. Unstable on-orbit performance results in significant risk to space users. Side-lobe signals, although not specified, were expected to significantly boost GPS signal availability for users above the constellation. During GPS III Phase A, NASA noted significant discrepancies in power levels specified in GPS III specification documents, and measured on-orbit performance. To stabilize the signal for high altitude space users, NASA DoD team in 2003-2005 led the creation of new Space Service Volume (SSV) definition and specifications.

Job Samples as Tank Gunnery Performance Predictors

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

previously been obtained ( Maitland , Eaton, and Neff, 1980). Table VI-M. The Table VI-M order of firing and engagement techniques used in Phase III were the... Maitland , Eaton, and Neff (1980) *** <.001 22 Sen 21 ’ )a. datz obtained from ch4 sensing cask was quanti:ied. as in Phase It, by Coti.purtirg the vie.i...of four test weighting methods in multiple regression. Educational and Psychological Measure- ment, 1959, 19, 103-114. Maitland , A. J., Eaton, N. K

Analysis of the Performance of Heat Pipes and Phase-Change Materials with Multiple Localized Heat Sources for Space Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF STEFAN PROBLEMS FOR GENERALIZED MULTI- DIMENSIONAL PHASE-CHANGE STRUCTURES USING THE ENTHALPY TRANSFORMING MODEL 4.1 Summary...equation St Stefan number, cs(Tm-Tw)/H or cs(Tm-Ti)/H s circumferential distance coordinate, m, Section III s dimensionless interface position along...fluid, kg/m 3 0 viscous dissipation term in the energy eqn. (1.4), Section I; dummy variable, Section IV r dimensionless time, ta/L 2 a Stefan -Boltzmann

Space shuttle navigation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. L.; Luders, G.; Matchett, G. A.; Sciabarrasi, J. E.

1976-01-01

A detailed analysis of space shuttle navigation for each of the major mission phases is presented. A covariance analysis program for prelaunch IMU calibration and alignment for the orbital flight tests (OFT) is described, and a partial error budget is presented. The ascent, orbital operations and deorbit maneuver study considered GPS-aided inertial navigation in the Phase III GPS (1984+) time frame. The entry and landing study evaluated navigation performance for the OFT baseline system. Detailed error budgets and sensitivity analyses are provided for both the ascent and entry studies.

Quality of reporting in oncology phase II trials: A 5-year assessment through systematic review.

PubMed

Langrand-Escure, Julien; Rivoirard, Romain; Oriol, Mathieu; Tinquaut, Fabien; Rancoule, Chloé; Chauvin, Frank; Magné, Nicolas; Bourmaud, Aurélie

2017-01-01

Phase II clinical trials are a cornerstone of the development in experimental treatments They work as a "filter" for phase III trials confirmation. Surprisingly the attrition ratio in Phase III trials in oncology is significantly higher than in any other medical specialty. This suggests phase II trials in oncology fail to achieve their goal. Objective The present study aims at estimating the quality of reporting in published oncology phase II clinical trials. A literature review was conducted among all phase II and phase II/III clinical trials published during a 5-year period (2010-2015). All articles electronically published by three randomly-selected oncology journals with Impact-Factors>4 were included: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Annals of Oncology and British Journal of Cancer. Quality of reporting was assessed using the Key Methodological Score. 557 articles were included. 315 trials were single-arm studies (56.6%), 193 (34.6%) were randomized and 49 (8.8%) were non-randomized multiple-arm studies. The Methodological Score was equal to 0 (lowest level), 1, 2, 3 (highest level) respectively for 22 (3.9%), 119 (21.4%), 270 (48.5%) and 146 (26.2%) articles. The primary end point is almost systematically reported (90.5%), while sample size calculation is missing in 66% of the articles. 3 variables were independently associated with reporting of a high standard: presence of statistical design (p-value <0.001), multicenter trial (p-value = 0.012), per-protocol analysis (p-value <0.001). Screening was mainly performed by a sole author. The Key Methodological Score was based on only 3 items, making grey zones difficult to translate. This literature review highlights the existence of gaps concerning the quality of reporting. It therefore raised the question of the suitability of the methodology as well as the quality of these trials, reporting being incomplete in the corresponding articles.

Quality of reporting in oncology phase II trials: A 5-year assessment through systematic review

PubMed Central

Langrand-Escure, Julien; Rivoirard, Romain; Oriol, Mathieu; Tinquaut, Fabien; Rancoule, Chloé; Chauvin, Frank; Magné, Nicolas; Bourmaud, Aurélie

2017-01-01

Background Phase II clinical trials are a cornerstone of the development in experimental treatments They work as a "filter" for phase III trials confirmation. Surprisingly the attrition ratio in Phase III trials in oncology is significantly higher than in any other medical specialty. This suggests phase II trials in oncology fail to achieve their goal. Objective The present study aims at estimating the quality of reporting in published oncology phase II clinical trials. Data sources A literature review was conducted among all phase II and phase II/III clinical trials published during a 5-year period (2010–2015). Study eligibility criteria All articles electronically published by three randomly-selected oncology journals with Impact-Factors>4 were included: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Annals of Oncology and British Journal of Cancer. Intervention Quality of reporting was assessed using the Key Methodological Score. Results 557 articles were included. 315 trials were single-arm studies (56.6%), 193 (34.6%) were randomized and 49 (8.8%) were non-randomized multiple-arm studies. The Methodological Score was equal to 0 (lowest level), 1, 2, 3 (highest level) respectively for 22 (3.9%), 119 (21.4%), 270 (48.5%) and 146 (26.2%) articles. The primary end point is almost systematically reported (90.5%), while sample size calculation is missing in 66% of the articles. 3 variables were independently associated with reporting of a high standard: presence of statistical design (p-value <0.001), multicenter trial (p-value = 0.012), per-protocol analysis (p-value <0.001). Limitations Screening was mainly performed by a sole author. The Key Methodological Score was based on only 3 items, making grey zones difficult to translate. Conclusions & implications of key findings This literature review highlights the existence of gaps concerning the quality of reporting. It therefore raised the question of the suitability of the methodology as well as the quality of these trials, reporting being incomplete in the corresponding articles. PMID:29216190

Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor: analysis of malignancies across the rheumatoid arthritis clinical development programme

PubMed Central

Curtis, Jeffrey R; Lee, Eun Bong; Kaplan, Irina V; Kwok, Kenneth; Geier, Jamie; Benda, Birgitta; Soma, Koshika; Wang, Lisy; Riese, Richard

2016-01-01

Objectives Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further assess the potential role of Janus kinase inhibition in the development of malignancies, we performed an integrated analysis of data from the tofacitinib RA clinical development programme. Methods Malignancy data (up to 10 April 2013) were pooled from six phase II, six Phase III and two long-term extension (LTE) studies involving tofacitinib. In the phase II and III studies, patients with moderate-to-severe RA were randomised to various tofacitinib doses as monotherapy or with background non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), mainly methotrexate. The LTE studies (tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily) enrolled patients from qualifying prior phase I, II and III index studies. Results Of 5671 tofacitinib-treated patients, 107 developed malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)). The most common malignancy was lung cancer (n=24) followed by breast cancer (n=19), lymphoma (n=10) and gastric cancer (n=6). The rate of malignancies by 6-month intervals of tofacitinib exposure indicates rates remained stable over time. Standardised incidence ratios (comparison with Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) for all malignancies (excluding NMSC) and selected malignancies (lung, breast, lymphoma, NMSC) were within the expected range of patients with moderate-to-severe RA. Conclusions The overall rates and types of malignancies observed in the tofacitinib clinical programme remained stable over time with increasing tofacitinib exposure. PMID:25902789

Adaptive Clinical Trials: Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Adaptive Design Elements.

PubMed

Korn, Edward L; Freidlin, Boris

2017-06-01

There is a wide range of adaptive elements of clinical trial design (some old and some new), with differing advantages and disadvantages. Classical interim monitoring, which adapts the design based on early evidence of superiority or futility of a treatment arm, has long been known to be extremely useful. A more recent application of interim monitoring is in the use of phase II/III designs, which can be very effective (especially in the setting of multiple experimental treatments and a reliable intermediate end point) but do have the cost of having to commit earlier to the phase III question than if separate phase II and phase III trials were performed. Outcome-adaptive randomization is an older technique that has recently regained attention; it increases trial complexity and duration without offering substantial benefits to the patients in the trial. The use of adaptive trials with biomarkers is new and has great potential for efficiently identifying patients who will be helped most by specific treatments. Master protocols in which trial arms and treatment questions are added to an ongoing trial can be especially efficient in the biomarker setting, where patients are screened for entry into different subtrials based on evolving knowledge about targeted therapies. A discussion of three recent adaptive clinical trials (BATTLE-2, I-SPY 2, and FOCUS4) highlights the issues. Published by Oxford University Press 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Improved electroacoustic dewatering (EAD) belt press for food products. Phase 3, Technical progress report

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

Not Available

1994-02-01

Battelle`s electroacoustic dewatering (EAD) process improves the performance of mechanical dewatering processes for several food products (such as corn fiber) by superimposing electric and ultrasonic fields. EAD has the potential to save 0.027 to 0.035 quad/yr energy by 1995 in the food processing industry, which consumed 0.15 to 0.18 quad in 1986. This report covers Phase III for demonstrating the EAD prototype on corn wet milling products (corn fiber and gluten); only Task 1 (prototype preparation and planning) was completed. EAD performance was examined in the laboratory; availability of a test site was examined. The single-roll, postdewatering EAD belt pressmore » prototype can accept material predewatered by a screw press, centrifuge, or any other mechanical dewatering device. The two-belt system, utilizing a copper-polymer cathode belt, performed as well as the three-belt system used in Phase II.« less

Carbon X-ray absorption in the local ISM: fingerprints in X-ray Novae spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatuzz, Efraín; Ness, J.-U.; Gorczyca, T. W.; Hasoglu, M. F.; Kallman, Timothy R.; García, Javier A.

2018-06-01

We present a study of the C K-edge using high-resolution LETGS Chandra spectra of four novae during their super-soft-source (SSS) phase. We identified absorption lines due to C II Kα, C III Kα and C III Kβ resonances. We used these astronomical observations to perform a benchmarking of the atomic data, which involves wavelength shifts of the resonances and photoionization cross-sections. We used improved atomic data to estimate the C II and C III column densities. The absence of physical shifts for the absorption lines, the consistence of the column densities between multiple observations and the high temperature required for the SSS nova atmosphere modeling support our conclusion about an ISM origin of the respective absorption lines. Assuming a collisional ionization equilibrium plasma the maximum temperature derived from the ratio of C II/C III column densities of the absorbers correspond to Tmax < 3.05 × 104 K.

Development and evaluation of an algorithm-based tool for Medication Management in nursing homes: the AMBER study protocol.

PubMed

Erzkamp, Susanne; Rose, Olaf

2018-04-20

Residents of nursing homes are susceptible to risks from medication. Medication Reviews (MR) can increase clinical outcomes and the quality of medication therapy. Limited resources and barriers between healthcare practitioners are potential obstructions to performing MR in nursing homes. Focusing on frequent and relevant problems can support pharmacists in the provision of pharmaceutical care services. This study aims to develop and evaluate an algorithm-based tool that facilitates the provision of Medication Management in clinical practice. This study is subdivided into three phases. In phase I, semistructured interviews with healthcare practitioners and patients will be performed, and a mixed methods approach will be chosen. Qualitative content analysis and the rating of the aspects concerning the frequency and relevance of problems in the medication process in nursing homes will be performed. In phase II, a systematic review of the current literature on problems and interventions will be conducted. The findings will be narratively presented. The results of both phases will be combined to develop an algorithm for MRs. For further refinement of the aspects detected, a Delphi survey will be conducted. In conclusion, a tool for clinical practice will be created. In phase III, the tool will be tested on MRs in nursing homes. In addition, effectiveness, acceptance, feasibility and reproducibility will be assessed. The primary outcome of phase III will be the reduction of drug-related problems (DRPs), which will be detected using the tool. The secondary outcomes will be the proportion of DRPs, the acceptance of pharmaceutical recommendations and the expenditure of time using the tool and inter-rater reliability. This study intervention is approved by the local Ethics Committee. The findings of the study will be presented at national and international scientific conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. DRKS00010995. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Development and evaluation of an algorithm-based tool for Medication Management in nursing homes: the AMBER study protocol

PubMed Central

Rose, Olaf

2018-01-01

Background Residents of nursing homes are susceptible to risks from medication. Medication Reviews (MR) can increase clinical outcomes and the quality of medication therapy. Limited resources and barriers between healthcare practitioners are potential obstructions to performing MR in nursing homes. Focusing on frequent and relevant problems can support pharmacists in the provision of pharmaceutical care services. This study aims to develop and evaluate an algorithm-based tool that facilitates the provision of Medication Management in clinical practice. Methods and analysis This study is subdivided into three phases. In phase I, semistructured interviews with healthcare practitioners and patients will be performed, and a mixed methods approach will be chosen. Qualitative content analysis and the rating of the aspects concerning the frequency and relevance of problems in the medication process in nursing homes will be performed. In phase II, a systematic review of the current literature on problems and interventions will be conducted. The findings will be narratively presented. The results of both phases will be combined to develop an algorithm for MRs. For further refinement of the aspects detected, a Delphi survey will be conducted. In conclusion, a tool for clinical practice will be created. In phase III, the tool will be tested on MRs in nursing homes. In addition, effectiveness, acceptance, feasibility and reproducibility will be assessed. The primary outcome of phase III will be the reduction of drug-related problems (DRPs), which will be detected using the tool. The secondary outcomes will be the proportion of DRPs, the acceptance of pharmaceutical recommendations and the expenditure of time using the tool and inter-rater reliability. Ethics and dissemination This study intervention is approved by the local Ethics Committee. The findings of the study will be presented at national and international scientific conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number DRKS00010995. PMID:29678967

Microbial mineral illization of montmorillonite in low-permeability oil reservoirs for microbial enhanced oil recovery.

PubMed

Cui, Kai; Sun, Shanshan; Xiao, Meng; Liu, Tongjing; Xu, Quanshu; Dong, Honghong; Wang, Di; Gong, Yejing; Sha, Te; Hou, Jirui; Zhang, Zhongzhi; Fu, Pengcheng

2018-05-11

Microbial mineral illization has been investigated for its role in the extraction and recovery of metals from ores. Here we report our application of mineral bioillization for the microbial enhanced oil recovery in low-permeability oil reservoirs. It aimed to reveal the etching mechanism of the four Fe (III)-reducing microbial strains under anaerobic growth conditions on the Ca-montmorillonite. The mineralogical characterization of the Ca-montmorillonite was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. Results showed that the microbial strains could efficiently reduce Fe (III) at an optimal rate of 71 %, and alter the crystal lattice structure of the lamella to promote the interlayer cation exchange, and to efficiently inhibit the Ca-montmorillonite swelling at an inhibitory rate of 48.9 %. Importance Microbial mineral illization is ubiquitous in the natural environment. Microbes in low-permeability reservoirs are able to enable the alteration of the structure and phase of the Fe-poor minerals by reducing Fe (III) and inhibiting clay swelling which is still poorly studied. This study aimed to reveal the interaction mechanism between Fe (III)-reducing bacterial strains and Ca-montmorillonite under anaerobic atmosphere, and to investigate the extent and rates of Fe (III) reduction and phase changes with their activities. Application of Fe (III)-reducing bacteria will provide a new way to inhibit clay swelling, to elevate reservoir permeability, and to reduce pore throat resistance after water flooding for enhanced oil recovery in low-permeability reservoirs. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Adsorption of As(III), As(V) and Cu(II) on zirconium oxide immobilized alginate beads in aqueous phase.

PubMed

Kwon, Oh-Hun; Kim, Jong-Oh; Cho, Dong-Wan; Kumar, Rahul; Baek, Seung Han; Kurade, Mayur B; Jeon, Byong-Hun

2016-10-01

A composite adsorbent to remove arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], and copper [Cu(II)] from aqueous phase was synthesized by immobilizing zirconium oxide on alginate beads (ZOAB). The composition (wt%) of ZOAB (Zr-34.0; O-32.7; C-21.3; Ca-1.0) was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Sorption studies were conducted on single and binary sorbate systems, and the effects of contact time, initial adsorbate concentration, and pH on the adsorption performance of ZOAB (pHPZC = 4.3) were monitored. The sorption process for As(III)/As(V) and Cu(II) reached an equilibrium state within 240 h and 24 h, respectively, with maximum sorption capacities of 32.3, 28.5, and 69.9 mg g(-1), respectively. The addition of Cu(II) was favorable for As(V) sorption in contrast to As(III). In the presence of 48.6 mg L(-1) Cu(II), the sorption capacity of As(V) increased from 1.5 to 3.8 mg g(-1) after 240 h. The sorption data for As(III)/As(V) and Cu(II) conformed the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively. The adsorption of As(III), As(V), and Cu(II) followed pseudo second order kinetics. The effect of arsenic species on Cu(II) sorption was insignificant. The results of present study demonstrated that the synthesized sorbent could be useful for the simultaneous removal of both anionic and cationic contaminants from wastewaters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase shifts of the human circadian system and performance deficit during the periods of transition : III, North-South flight.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1965-12-01

At periodic intervals throughout the biological day, biomedical assessments were made for a week prior to jet flight to Santiago, Chile, for 12 days at Santiago, and for a week following return to Washington, D.C. Although previous East-West and West...

Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography of porphyrins in clinical materials: column and mobile phase selection and optimisation.

PubMed

Benton, Christopher M; Lim, Chang Kee; Moniz, Caje; Jones, Donald J L

2012-06-01

Ultra high-performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) systems on columns packed with materials ranging from 1.9 to 2.7 µm average particle size were assessed for the fast and sensitive analysis of porphyrins in clinical materials. The fastest separation was achieved on an Agilent Poroshell C(18) column (2.7 µm particle size, 50 × 4.6 mm i.d.), followed by a Thermo Hypersil Gold C(18) column (1.9 µm particle size, 50 × 2.1 mm i.d.) and the Thermo Hypersil BDS C(18) column (2.4 µm particle size, 100 × 2.1 mm i.d.). All columns required a mobile phase containing 1 m ammonium acetate buffer, pH 5.16, with a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol as the organic modifiers for optimum resolution of the type I and III isomers, particularly for uroporphyrin I and III isomers. All UHPLC columns were suitable and superior to conventional HPLC columns packed with 5 µm average particle size materials for clinical sample analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation of cerium halide solvate complexes

DOEpatents

Vasudevan, Kalyan V; Smith, Nickolaus A; Gordon, John C; McKigney, Edward A; Muenchaussen, Ross E

2013-08-06

Crystals of a solvated cerium(III) halide solvate complex resulted from a process of forming a paste of a cerium(III) halide in an ionic liquid, adding a solvent to the paste, removing any undissolved solid, and then cooling the liquid phase. Diffusing a solvent vapor into the liquid phase also resulted in crystals of a solvated cerium(III) halide complex.

Design, analysis, and test verification of advanced encapsulation systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mardesich, N.; Minning, C.

1982-01-01

Design sensitivities are established for the development of photovoltaic module criteria and the definition of needed research tasks. The program consists of three phases. In Phase I, analytical models were developed to perform optical, thermal, electrical, and structural analyses on candidate encapsulation systems. From these analyses several candidate systems will be selected for qualification testing during Phase II. Additionally, during Phase II, test specimens of various types will be constructed and tested to determine the validity of the analysis methodology developed in Phase I. In Phse III, a finalized optimum design based on knowledge gained in Phase I and II will be developed. All verification testing was completed during this period. Preliminary results and observations are discussed. Descriptions of the thermal, thermal structural, and structural deflection test setups are included.

Environmental, health, and safety issues of fuel cells in transportation. Volume 1: Phosphoric acid fuel-cell buses

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

Ring, S

1994-12-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chartered the Phosphoric Acid Fuel-Cell (PAFC) Bus Program to demonstrate the feasibility of fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation systems. As part of this program, PAFC- powered buses are being built to meet transit industry design and performance standards. Test-bed bus-1 (TBB-1) was designed in 1993 and integrated in March 1994. TBB-2 and TBB-3 are under construction and should be integrated in early 1995. In 1987 Phase I of the program began with the development and testing of two conceptual system designs- liquid- and air-cooled systems. The liquid-cooled PAFC system was chosen to continue, throughmore » a competitive award, into Phase H, beginning in 1991. Three hybrid buses, which combine fuel-cell and battery technologies, were designed during Phase III. After completing Phase II, DOE plans a comprehensive performance testing program (Phase HI) to verify that the buses meet stringent transit industry requirements. The Phase III study will evaluate the PAFC bus and compare it to a conventional diesel bus. This NREL study assesses the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues that may affect the commercialization of the PAFC bus. Because safety is a critical factor for consumer acceptance of new transportation-based technologies the study focuses on these issues. The study examines health and safety together because they are integrally related. In addition, this report briefly discusses two environmental issues that are of concern to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first issue involves a surge battery used by the PAFC bus that contains hazardous constituents. The second issue concerns the regulated air emissions produced during operation of the PAFC bus.« less

Effect of amoxicillin/clavulanate on gastrointestinal motility in children.

PubMed

Gomez, Roberto; Fernandez, Sergio; Aspirot, Ann; Punati, Jaya; Skaggs, Beth; Mousa, Hayat; Di Lorenzo, Carlo

2012-06-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C) on gastrointestinal motility. Twenty consecutive pediatric patients referred for antroduodenal manometry received 20 mg/kg of A/C into the small bowel lumen. In 10 patients (group A), A/C was given 1 hour after and in 10 (group B), 1 hour before ingestion of a meal. Characteristics of the migrating motor complex, including presence, frequency, amplitude, and propagation of duodenal phase III and phase I duration and phase II motility index (MI), were evaluated 30 minutes before and after A/C administration. There were no statistically significant differences in age and sex between the 2 groups. Manometry studies were considered normal in 8 patients in each group. In group A, 2 patients developed duodenal phase III after receiving A/C, and no significant difference was found in the MI before and after the drug administration. In group B, 9 patients developed duodenal phase III (P <0.05 vs group A). All phase III occurred within a few minutes from the medication administration. Most duodenal phase III contractions were preceded by an antral component during fasting but never after the medication was administered in either of the 2 groups (P<0.001 vs fasting). In group B, the duration of duodenal phase I was shorter after drug administration (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in duodenal phase II MI before and after A/C administration for the 2 study groups. In children, administration of A/C directly into the small bowel before a meal induces phase III-type contractions in the duodenum, with characteristics similar to those present in the fasting state. These data suggest the possible use of A/C as a prokinetic agent. Further studies are needed to clarify its specific mechanism of action and the group of patients most likely to benefit from its use.

Simultaneous determination of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) using reversed-phased ion-pairing liquid chromatography with dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wolf, R.E.; Morrison, J.M.; Goldhaber, M.B.

2007-01-01

A method for the simultaneous determination of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) species in waters, soil leachates and synthetic bio-fluids is described. The method uses reversed-phase ion-pairing liquid chromatography to separate the chromium species and a dynamic reaction cell (DRC??) equipped ICP-MS for detection of chromium. Separation of the chromium species is carried out in less than 2 min. Cr(iii) is complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) prior to separation by mixing samples with the mobile phase containing 2.0 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), 0.5 mM EDTA (dipotassium salt), and 5% (vol/vol) methanol, adjusted to pH 7.6. The interfering 40Ar 12C+ background peak at mass 52 was reduced by over four orders of magnitude to less than 200 cps by using 0.65 mL min-1 ammonia as a reaction gas and an RPq setting on the DRC of 0.75. Method detection limits (MDLs) of 0.09 ??g L-1 for Cr(iii) and 0.06 ??g L-1 for Cr(vi) were obtained based on peak areas at mass 52 for 50 ??L injections of low level spikes. Reproducibility at 2 ??g L-1 was 3% RSD for 5 replicate injections. The tolerance of the method to various levels of common cations and anions found in natural waters and to matrix constituents found in soil leachates and simulated gastric and lung fluids was tested by performing spike recovery calculations for a variety of samples. ?? The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Neutron imaging systems utilizing lithium-containing semiconductor crystals

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley C.; Burger, Arnold

2017-04-25

A neutron imaging system, including: a plurality of Li-III-VI.sub.2 semiconductor crystals arranged in an array, wherein III represents a Group III element and VI represents a Group VI element; and electronics operable for detecting and a charge in each of the plurality of crystals in the presence of neutrons and for imaging the neutrons. Each of the crystals is formed by: melting the Group III element; adding the Li to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Li and Group III element to react, thereby providing a single phase Li-III compound; and adding the Group VI element to the single phase Li-III compound and heating. Optionally, each of the crystals is also formed by doping with a Group IV element activator.

75 FR 30385 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-01

... extensions will be considered due to the timelines associated with funding and programming future Phase III... extensions will be considered due to the timelines associated with funding and programming future Phase III...

Moving Beyond Conventional Clinical Trial End Points in Treatment-refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Composite Quality-of-life and Symptom Control End Point.

PubMed

Gong, Jun; Wu, Daniel; Chuang, Jeremy; Tuli, Richard; Simard, John; Hendifar, Andrew

2017-11-01

This review highlights the evidence supporting symptom control and quality-of-life (QOL) measures as predictors of survival in treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and describes a composite symptom control and QOL end point recently reported in a Phase III trial that may serve as a more reasonable end point of efficacy in this population. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE to identify clinical studies (including case series and observational, retrospective, and prospective studies) that reported the predictive value of QOL measures for survival in mCRC. The search was limited by the following key words: quality of life, survival, and colorectal cancer. We then performed a second search limited to studies of randomized and Phase III design in mCRC to identify studies that used QOL assessments as their primary end points. A manual search was also performed to include additional studies of potential relevance. There is increasing evidence to support that symptom control and QOL measures are predictors of survival in treatment-refractory mCRC and can serve as an alternative but equally as important end point to survival in this population. A recent large, randomized Phase III trial using a composite primary end point of lean body mass, pain, anorexia, and fatigue reported the feasibility in evaluating benefit in mCRC beyond conventional clinical trial end points. Future studies in treatment-refractory mCRC may be better served by evaluating improvement in symptom control and QOL, which may otherwise serve as the best predictor of survival in last-line treatment settings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Coping with missing data in phase III pivotal registration trials: Tolvaptan in subjects with kidney disease, a case study.

PubMed

Ouyang, John; Carroll, Kevin J; Koch, Gary; Li, Junfang

2017-07-01

Missing data cause challenging issues, particularly in phase III registration trials, as highlighted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US National Research Council. We explore, as a case study, how the issues from missing data were tackled in a double-blind phase III trial in subjects with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A total of 1445 subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive active treatment (tolvaptan), or placebo. The primary outcome, the rate of change in total kidney volume, favored tolvaptan (P < .0001). The key secondary efficacy endpoints of clinical progression of disease and rate of decline in kidney function also favored tolvaptan. However, as highlighted by Food and Drug Administration and EMA, the interpretation of results was hampered by a high number of unevenly distributed dropouts, particularly early dropouts. In this paper, we outline the analyses undertaken to address the issue of missing data thoroughly. "Tipping point analyses" were performed to explore how extreme and detrimental outcomes among subjects with missing data must be to overturn the positive treatment effect attained in those subjects who had complete data. Nonparametric rank-based analyses were also performed accounting for missing data. In conclusion, straightforward and transparent analyses directly taking into account missing data convincingly support the robustness of the preplanned analyses on the primary and secondary endpoints. Tolvaptan was confirmed to be effective in slowing total kidney volume growth, which is considered an efficacy endpoint by EMA, and in lessening the decline in renal function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Accurate critical pressures for structural phase transitions of group IV, III-V, and II-VI compounds from the SCAN density functional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahi, Chandra; Sun, Jianwei; Perdew, John P.

2018-03-01

Most of the group IV, III-V, and II-VI compounds crystallize in semiconductor structures under ambient conditions. Upon application of pressure, they undergo structural phase transitions to more closely packed structures, sometimes metallic phases. We have performed density functional calculations using projector augmented wave (PAW) pseudopotentials to determine the transition pressures for these transitions within the local density approximation (LDA), the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA), and the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) meta-GGA. LDA underestimates the transition pressure for most of the studied materials. PBE under- or overestimates in many cases. SCAN typically corrects the errors of LDA and PBE for the transition pressure. The accuracy of SCAN is comparable to that of computationally expensive methods like the hybrid functional HSE06, the random phase approximation (RPA), and quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), in cases where calculations with these methods have been reported, but at a more modest computational cost. The improvement from LDA to PBE to SCAN is especially clearcut and dramatic for covalent semiconductor-metal transitions, as for Si and Ge, where it reflects the increasing relative stabilization of the covalent semiconducting phases under increasing functional sophistication.

Individualized Inservice Teacher Education (Project In-Step). Evaluation Report. Phase III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurber, John C.

This is a report on the third phase of Project IN-STEP, which was intended to develop a viable model for individualized, multi-media in-service teacher education programs. (Phase I and II are reported in ED 033 905, and ED 042 709). The rationale for Phase III was to see if the model could be successfully transferred to an area other than teaching…

Phase transformation in the alumina-titania system during flash sintering experiments

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

Jha, S. K.; Lebrun, J. M.; Raj, R.

2016-02-01

We show that phase transformation in the alumina–titania system, which produces aluminum-titanate, follows an unusual trajectory during flash sintering. The experiments begin with mixed powders of alumina–titania and end in dense microstructures that are transformed into aluminum-titanate. The sintering and the phase transformation are separated in time, with the sintering occurs during Stage II, and phase transformation during Stage III of the flash sintering experiment. Stage III is the steady-state condition of flash activated state that is established under current control, while Stage II is the period of transition from voltage to current control. The extent of phase transformation increasesmore » with the current density and the hold time in Stage III.« less

Imprinted magnetic graphene oxide for the mini-solid phase extraction of Eu (III) from coal mine area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Santanu; Roy, Ekta; Madhuri, Rashmi; Sharma, Prashant K.

2017-05-01

The present work represents the preparation of imprinted magnetic reduced graphene oxide and applied it for the selective removal of Eu (III) from local coal mines area. A simple solid phase extraction method was used for this purpose. The material shows a very high adsorption as well as removal efficiency towards Eu (III), which suggest that the material have potential to be used in future for their real time applications in removal of Eu (III) from complex matrices.

Job Aids: Descriptive Authoring Flowcharts for Phase III--DEVELOP of the Instructional Systems Development Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

This resource guide for the use of job aids ("how-to-do-it" guidance) for activities identified in the third phase of the Instructional Systems Development Model (ISD) contains an introduction to the use of job aids, as well as descriptive authoring flowcharts for Blocks III.1 through III.5. The introduction includes definitions;…

Benchmark On Sensitivity Calculation (Phase III)

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

Ivanova, Tatiana; Laville, Cedric; Dyrda, James

2012-01-01

The sensitivities of the keff eigenvalue to neutron cross sections have become commonly used in similarity studies and as part of the validation algorithm for criticality safety assessments. To test calculations of the sensitivity coefficients, a benchmark study (Phase III) has been established by the OECD-NEA/WPNCS/EG UACSA (Expert Group on Uncertainty Analysis for Criticality Safety Assessment). This paper presents some sensitivity results generated by the benchmark participants using various computational tools based upon different computational methods: SCALE/TSUNAMI-3D and -1D, MONK, APOLLO2-MORET 5, DRAGON-SUSD3D and MMKKENO. The study demonstrates the performance of the tools. It also illustrates how model simplifications impactmore » the sensitivity results and demonstrates the importance of 'implicit' (self-shielding) sensitivities. This work has been a useful step towards verification of the existing and developed sensitivity analysis methods.« less

Material growth and characterization for solid state devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collis, Ward J.; Abul-Fadl, Ali; Iyer, Shanthi

1988-01-01

During the period of this research grant, the process of liquid phase electroepitaxy (LPEE) was used to grow ternary and quaternary alloy III-V semiconductor thin films. Selective area growth of InGaAs was performed on InP substrates using a patterned sputtered quartz or spin-on glass layer. The etch back and growth characteristics with respect to substrate orientation were investigated. The etch back behavior is somewhat different from wet chemical etching with respect to the sidewall profiles which are observed. LPEE was also employed to grow epitaxial layers of InGaAsP alloys on InP substrates. The behavior of Mn as an acceptor dopant was investigated with low temperature Hall coefficient and photoluminescence measurements. A metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy system was partially complete within the grant period. This atmospheric pressure system will be used to deposit III-V compound and alloy semiconductor layers in future research efforts.

Development and testing of responder : phase III.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-06-28

This report documents the research project Development and Testing of Responder Phase III. Under previous research, a Responder system has been developed to provide relevant and timely information to first responders, allow responders to provid...

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News Publications Press Releases Story programmatic approach to early restoration planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Corpus Christi, TX | NOAA Gulf Spill

Science.gov Websites

Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News programmatic approach to early restoration planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Pensacola, FL (rescheduled) | NOAA

Science.gov Websites

Restoration Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News programmatic approach to early restoration planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open

Motivation and participation in a phase III cardiac rehabilitation programme: an application of the health action process approach.

PubMed

Dohnke, Birte; Nowossadeck, Enno; Müller-Fahrnow, Werner

2010-10-01

This longitudinal study extends the previous research on low participation rates and high dropout rates in phase III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise programmes. It examines the correlates of motivation and participation 6 months after inpatient phase II CR (T1) and the predictors of dropout 6 months later (T2) using the health action process approach (HAPA). Risk perception, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, intention (at T1), and participation (at T1 and T2) in relation to phase III CR programmes was assessed in 456 patients. Based on intention and participation at T1, patients were classified as nonintenders (56%), intenders (13%), or actors (31%). Group differences were confirmed in outcome expectancies and self-efficacy. By T2, 21% of T1 actors had dropped out. Dropouts and maintainers differed in intention and self-efficacy (at T1). Results are in line with the HAPA and suggest a perspective for tailoring motivational counselling to improve participation in phase III CR programmes.

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

Wu, T.; Griffin, A. M.; Gorski, C. A.

Dissimilatory microbial reduction of solid-phase Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-bearing phyllosilicates (Fe(III)-phyllosilicates) is an important process in anoxic soils, sediments, and subsurface materials. Although various studies have documented the relative extent of microbial reduction of single-phase Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-phyllosilicates, detailed information is not available on interaction between these two processes in situations where both phases are available for microbial reduction. The goal of this research was to use the model dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium (DIRB) Geobacter sulfurreducens to study Fe(III)-oxide vs. Fe(III)-phyllosilicate reduction in a range of subsurface materials and Fe(III)-oxide stripped versions of the materials. Low temperature (12K) Mossbauer spectroscopy was usedmore » to infer changes in the relative abundances of Fe(III)-oxide, Fe(III)-phyllosilicate, and phyllosilicate-associated Fe(II) (Fe(II)-phyllosilicate). A Fe partitioning model was employed to analyze the fate of Fe(II) and assess the potential for abiotic Fe(II)-catalyzed reduction of Fe(III)-phyllosilicates. The results showed that in most cases Fe(III)- oxide utilization dominated (70-100 %) bulk Fe(III) reduction activity, and that electron transfer from oxide-derived Fe(II) played only a minor role (ca. 10-20 %) in Fe partitioning. In addition, the extent of Fe(III)-oxide reduction was positively correlated to surface area-normalized cation exchange capacity and the phyllosilicate-Fe(III)/total Fe(III) ratio, which suggests that the phyllosilicates in the natural sediments promoted Fe(III)-oxide reduction by binding of oxide-derived Fe(II), thereby enhancing Fe(III)-oxide reduction by reducing or delaying the inhibitory effect that Fe(II) accumulation on oxide and DIRB cell surfaces has on Fe(III)-oxide reduction. In general our results suggest that although Fe(III)-oxide reduction is likely to dominate bulk Fe(III) reduction in most subsurface sediments, Fe(II) binding by phyllosilicates is likely to play a key role in controlling the long-term kinetics of Fe(III)-oxide reduction.« less

Installation Restoration Program. Phase II--Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

four phases. Phase I, Initial Assessment/ Records Search, is designed to identify possible hazardous waste contami- nated sites and potential...7 71 -. - - IL’ -, 1% 33 AihlIII Is 33 n~iL t iiC UII! ii CL C LU 1-3, Phase II, Confirmation and Quantification, is designed to confirm the...additional monitoring data upon which design of mitigative actions are based. In Phase III, Technology Base Development, appropriate technology is selected and

A tutorial on pilot studies: the what, why and how

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Pilot studies for phase III trials - which are comparative randomized trials designed to provide preliminary evidence on the clinical efficacy of a drug or intervention - are routinely performed in many clinical areas. Also commonly know as "feasibility" or "vanguard" studies, they are designed to assess the safety of treatment or interventions; to assess recruitment potential; to assess the feasibility of international collaboration or coordination for multicentre trials; to increase clinical experience with the study medication or intervention for the phase III trials. They are the best way to assess feasibility of a large, expensive full-scale study, and in fact are an almost essential pre-requisite. Conducting a pilot prior to the main study can enhance the likelihood of success of the main study and potentially help to avoid doomed main studies. The objective of this paper is to provide a detailed examination of the key aspects of pilot studies for phase III trials including: 1) the general reasons for conducting a pilot study; 2) the relationships between pilot studies, proof-of-concept studies, and adaptive designs; 3) the challenges of and misconceptions about pilot studies; 4) the criteria for evaluating the success of a pilot study; 5) frequently asked questions about pilot studies; 7) some ethical aspects related to pilot studies; and 8) some suggestions on how to report the results of pilot investigations using the CONSORT format. PMID:20053272

Flight Test of an Intelligent Flight-Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, Ron; Bosworth, John T.; Jacobson, Steven R.; Thomson, Michael Pl; Jorgensen, Charles C.

2003-01-01

The F-15 Advanced Controls Technology for Integrated Vehicles (ACTIVE) airplane (see figure) was the test bed for a flight test of an intelligent flight control system (IFCS). This IFCS utilizes a neural network to determine critical stability and control derivatives for a control law, the real-time gains of which are computed by an algorithm that solves the Riccati equation. These derivatives are also used to identify the parameters of a dynamic model of the airplane. The model is used in a model-following portion of the control law, in order to provide specific vehicle handling characteristics. The flight test of the IFCS marks the initiation of the Intelligent Flight Control System Advanced Concept Program (IFCS ACP), which is a collaboration between NASA and Boeing Phantom Works. The goals of the IFCS ACP are to (1) develop the concept of a flight-control system that uses neural-network technology to identify aircraft characteristics to provide optimal aircraft performance, (2) develop a self-training neural network to update estimates of aircraft properties in flight, and (3) demonstrate the aforementioned concepts on the F-15 ACTIVE airplane in flight. The activities of the initial IFCS ACP were divided into three Phases, each devoted to the attainment of a different objective. The objective of Phase I was to develop a pre-trained neural network to store and recall the wind-tunnel-based stability and control derivatives of the vehicle. The objective of Phase II was to develop a neural network that can learn how to adjust the stability and control derivatives to account for failures or modeling deficiencies. The objective of Phase III was to develop a flight control system that uses the neural network outputs as a basis for controlling the aircraft. The flight test of the IFCS was performed in stages. In the first stage, the Phase I version of the pre-trained neural network was flown in a passive mode. The neural network software was running using flight data inputs with the outputs provided to instrumentation only. The IFCS was not used to control the airplane. In another stage of the flight test, the Phase I pre-trained neural network was integrated into a Phase III version of the flight control system. The Phase I pretrained neural network provided realtime stability and control derivatives to a Phase III controller that was based on a stochastic optimal feedforward and feedback technique (SOFFT). This combined Phase I/III system was operated together with the research flight-control system (RFCS) of the F-15 ACTIVE during the flight test. The RFCS enables the pilot to switch quickly from the experimental- research flight mode back to the safe conventional mode. These initial IFCS ACP flight tests were completed in April 1999. The Phase I/III flight test milestone was to demonstrate, across a range of subsonic and supersonic flight conditions, that the pre-trained neural network could be used to supply real-time aerodynamic stability and control derivatives to the closed-loop optimal SOFFT flight controller. Additional objectives attained in the flight test included (1) flight qualification of a neural-network-based control system; (2) the use of a combined neural-network/closed-loop optimal flight-control system to obtain level-one handling qualities; and (3) demonstration, through variation of control gains, that different handling qualities can be achieved by setting new target parameters. In addition, data for the Phase-II (on-line-learning) neural network were collected, during the use of stacked-frequency- sweep excitation, for post-flight analysis. Initial analysis of these data showed the potential for future flight tests that will incorporate the real-time identification and on-line learning aspects of the IFCS.

Evaluation of Effective Factors on the Clinical Performance of General Surgeons in Tehran University of Medical Science, 2015.

PubMed

Farzianpour, Fereshteh; Mohamadi, Efat; Najafpour, Zhila; Yousefinezhadi, Taraneh; Forootan, Sara; Foroushani, Abbas Rahimi

2016-09-01

Existence of doctors with high performance is one of the necessary conditions to provide high quality services. There are different motivations, which could affect their performance. Recognizing Factors which effect the performance of doctors as an effective force in health care centers is necessary. The aim of this article was evaluate the effective factors which influence on clinical performance of general surgery of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. This is a cross-sectional qualitative-quantitative study. This research conducted in 3 phases-phases I: (use of library studies and databases to collect data), phase II: localization of detected factors in first phase by using the Delphi technique and phase III: prioritizing the affecting factors on performance of doctors by using qualitative interviews. 12 articles were analyzed from 300 abstracts during the evaluation process. The output of assessment identified 23 factors was sent to surgeons and their assistants for obtaining their opinions. Quantitative analysis of the findings showed that "work qualification" (86.1%) and "managers and supervisors style" (50%) have respectively the most and the least impact on the performance of doctors. Finally 18 effective factors were identified and prioritized in the performance of general surgeons. The results showed that motivation and performance is not a single operating parameter and it depends on several factors according to cultural background. Therefore it is necessary to design, implementation and monitoring based on key determinants of effective interventions due to cultural background.

Raman spectroscopic study of calcite III to aragonite transformation under high pressure and high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chuanjiang; Zheng, Haifei; Wang, Duojun

2017-10-01

In our study, a series of Raman experiments on the phase transition of calcite at high pressure and high temperature were investigated using a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell and Raman spectroscopy technique. It was found that calcite I transformed to calcite II and calcite III at pressures of 1.62 and 2.12 GPa and room temperature. With increasing temperature, the phase transition of calcite III to aragonite occurred. Aragonite was retained upon slowly cooling of the system, indicating that the transition of calcite III to aragonite was irreversible. Based on the available data, the phase boundary between calcite III and aragonite was determined by the following relation: P(GPa) = 0.013 × T(°C) + 1.22 (100°C ≤ T ≤ 170°C). It showed that the transition pressure linearly rose with increasing temperature. A better understanding of the stability of calcite III and aragonite is of great importance to further explore the thermodynamic behavior of carbonates and carbon cycling in the mantle.

Trends in heteroepitaxy of III-Vs on silicon for photonic and photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourdudoss, Sebastian; Junesand, Carl; Kataria, Himanshu; Metaferia, Wondwosen; Omanakuttan, Giriprasanth; Sun, Yan-Ting; Wang, Zhechao; Olsson, Fredrik

2017-02-01

We present and compare the existing methods of heteroepitaxy of III-Vs on silicon and their trends. We focus on the epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG) method as a means of achieving good quality III-Vs on silicon. Initially conducted primarily by near-equilibrium epitaxial methods such as liquid phase epitaxy and hydride vapour phase epitaxy, nowadays ELOG is being carried out even by non-equilibrium methods such as metal organic vapour phase epitaxy. In the ELOG method, the intermediate defective seed and the mask layers still exist between the laterally grown purer III-V layer and silicon. In a modified ELOG method called corrugated epitaxial lateral overgrowth (CELOG) method, it is possible to obtain direct interface between the III-V layer and silicon. In this presentation we exemplify some recent results obtained by these techniques. We assess the potentials of these methods along with the other existing methods for realizing truly monolithic photonic integration on silicon and III-V/Si heterojunction solar cells.

Stirling convertor performance mapping test results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Songgang; Peterson, Allen A.; White, Maurice A.; Faultersack, Franklyn; Redinger, Darin L.; Petersen, Stephen L.

2002-01-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Free-Piston Stirling Convertors as a technology for future advanced radioisotope space power systems. In August 2000, DOE awarded competitive Phase I, Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) power system integration contracts to three major aerospace contractors, resulting in SRG conceptual designs in February 2001. All three contractors based their designs on the Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC) developed by Stirling Technology Company (STC) for DOE. The contract award to a single system integration contractor for Phases II and III of the SRG program is anticipated in late 2001. The first potential SRG mission is targeted for a Mars rover. Recent TDC performance data are provided in this paper, together with predictions from Stirling simulation models. .

Solubility and transport of Cr(III) in a historically contaminated soil - Evidence of a rapidly reacting dimeric Cr(III) organic matter complex.

PubMed

Löv, Åsa; Sjöstedt, Carin; Larsbo, Mats; Persson, Ingmar; Gustafsson, Jon Petter; Cornelis, Geert; Kleja, Dan B

2017-12-01

Chromium is a common soil contaminant and, although it has been studied widely, questions about its speciation and dissolutions kinetics remain unanswered. We combined information from an irrigation experiment performed with intact soil columns with data from batch experiments to evaluate solubility and mobilization mechanisms of Cr(III) in a historically contaminated soil (>65 years). Particulate and colloidal Cr(III) forms dominated transport in this soil, but their concentrations were independent of irrigation intensity (2-20 mm h -1 ). Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements indicated that Cr(III) associated with colloids and particles, and with the solid phase, mainly existed as dimeric hydrolyzed Cr(III) bound to natural organic matter. Dissolution kinetics of this species were fast (≤1 day) at low pH (<3) and slightly slower (≤5 days) at neutral pH. Furthermore, it proved possible to describe the solubility of the dimeric Cr(III) organic matter complex with a geochemical equilibrium model using only generic binding parameters, opening the way for use of geochemical models in risk assessments of Cr(III)-contaminated sites. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Lake Charles, LA | NOAA Gulf Spill

Science.gov Websites

Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News early restoration planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open House: 5:30pm Public

Extraction equilibrium of indium(III) from nitric acid solutions by di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid dissolved in kerosene.

PubMed

Tsai, Hung-Sheng; Tsai, Teh-Hua

2012-01-04

The extraction equilibrium of indium(III) from a nitric acid solution using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as an acidic extractant of organophosphorus compounds dissolved in kerosene was studied. By graphical and numerical analysis, the compositions of indium-D2EHPA complexes in organic phase and stoichiometry of the extraction reaction were examined. Nitric acid solutions with various indium concentrations at 25 °C were used to obtain the equilibrium constant of InR₃ in the organic phase. The experimental results showed that the extraction distribution ratios of indium(III) between the organic phase and the aqueous solution increased when either the pH value of the aqueous solution and/or the concentration of the organic phase extractant increased. Finally, the recovery efficiency of indium(III) in nitric acid was measured.

Influence of Al(III) on biofilm and its extracellular polymeric substances in sequencing batch biofilm reactors.

PubMed

Hu, Xuewei; Yang, Lei; Lai, Xinke; Yao, Qi; Chen, Kai

2017-10-03

This paper presented the influence of Al(III) on biodegradability, micromorphology, composition and functional groups characteristics of the biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) during different growth phases. The sequencing batch biofilm reactors were developed to cultivate biofilms under different Al(III) dosages. The results elucidated that Al(III) affected biofilm development adversely at the beginning of biofilm growth, but promoted the biofilm mass and improved the biofilm activity with the growth of the biofilm. The micromorphological observation indicated that Al(III) led to a reduction of the filaments and promotion of the EPS secretion in growth phases of the biofilm, also Al(III) could promote microorganisms to form larger colonies for mature biofilm. Then, the analysis of EPS contents and components suggested that Al(III) could increase the protein (PN) of tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) which alleviated the metal toxicity inhibition on the biofilm during the initial phases of biofilm growth. The biofilm could gradually adapt to the inhibition caused by Al(III) at the biofilm maturation moment. Finally, through the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, it was found that Al(III) was beneficial for the proliferation and secretion of TB-EPS functional groups, especially the functional groups of protein and polysaccharides.

Multicenter evaluation of crystal violet decolorization assay (CVDA) for rapid detection of isoniazid and rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Coban, Ahmet Yilmaz; Akbal, Ahmet Ugur; Bicmen, Can; Albay, Ali; Sig, Ali Korhan; Uzun, Meltem; Selale, Deniz Sertel; Ozkutuk, Nuri; Surucuoglu, Suheyla; Albayrak, Nurhan; Ucarman, Nilay; Ozkutuk, Aydan; Esen, Nuran; Ceyhan, Ismail; Ozyurt, Mustafa; Bektore, Bayhan; Aslan, Gonul; Delialioğlu, Nuran; Alp, Alpaslan

2016-01-01

The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the performance of the crystal violet decolorization assay (CVDA) for detection of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). This study was performed in 11 centers in two phases. A total of 156 isolates were tested for INH and RIF resistance. In the phase I, 106 clinical isolates were tested in the Center 1–7. In the phase 2, 156 clinical isolates were tested in the center 1–6, center 8–11. Eighty six of 156 tested isolates were the same in phase I. Agreements were 96.2–96.8% for INH and 98.1–98.7% for RIF in the phase I-II, respectively. Mean time to obtain the results in the phase I was 14.3 ± 5.4 days. In the phase II, mean time to obtain the results was 11.6 ± 3.5 days. Test results were obtained within 14days for 62.3% (66/106) of isolates in the phase I and 81.4% (127/156) of isolates in the phase II. In conclusion, CVDA is rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and easy to perform for rapid detection of MDR-TB isolates. In addition, it could be adapted for drug susceptibility testing with all drugs both in developed and developing countries. PMID:27982061

Multicenter evaluation of crystal violet decolorization assay (CVDA) for rapid detection of isoniazid and rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PubMed

Coban, Ahmet Yilmaz; Akbal, Ahmet Ugur; Bicmen, Can; Albay, Ali; Sig, Ali Korhan; Uzun, Meltem; Selale, Deniz Sertel; Ozkutuk, Nuri; Surucuoglu, Suheyla; Albayrak, Nurhan; Ucarman, Nilay; Ozkutuk, Aydan; Esen, Nuran; Ceyhan, Ismail; Ozyurt, Mustafa; Bektore, Bayhan; Aslan, Gonul; Delialioğlu, Nuran; Alp, Alpaslan

2016-12-16

The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the performance of the crystal violet decolorization assay (CVDA) for detection of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). This study was performed in 11 centers in two phases. A total of 156 isolates were tested for INH and RIF resistance. In the phase I, 106 clinical isolates were tested in the Center 1-7. In the phase 2, 156 clinical isolates were tested in the center 1-6, center 8-11. Eighty six of 156 tested isolates were the same in phase I. Agreements were 96.2-96.8% for INH and 98.1-98.7% for RIF in the phase I-II, respectively. Mean time to obtain the results in the phase I was 14.3 ± 5.4 days. In the phase II, mean time to obtain the results was 11.6 ± 3.5 days. Test results were obtained within 14days for 62.3% (66/106) of isolates in the phase I and 81.4% (127/156) of isolates in the phase II. In conclusion, CVDA is rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and easy to perform for rapid detection of MDR-TB isolates. In addition, it could be adapted for drug susceptibility testing with all drugs both in developed and developing countries.

40 CFR 63.163 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... later than 1 year after the compliance date; and (C) Phase III, beginning no later than 21/2 years after... requirements; and (B) Beginning no later than 1 year after initial start-up, comply with the Phase III... parts per million or greater. (ii) For Phase II, an instrument reading of 5,000 parts per million or...

40 CFR 63.163 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... later than 1 year after the compliance date; and (C) Phase III, beginning no later than 21/2 years after... requirements; and (B) Beginning no later than 1 year after initial start-up, comply with the Phase III... parts per million or greater. (ii) For Phase II, an instrument reading of 5,000 parts per million or...

40 CFR 63.163 - Standards: Pumps in light liquid service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... later than 1 year after the compliance date; and (C) Phase III, beginning no later than 21/2 years after... requirements; and (B) Beginning no later than 1 year after initial start-up, comply with the Phase III... parts per million or greater. (ii) For Phase II, an instrument reading of 5,000 parts per million or...

Phase II and III Clinical Studies of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Containing Inactivated Polio Vaccine Derived from Sabin Strains (DTaP-sIPV).

PubMed

Okada, Kenji; Miyazaki, Chiaki; Kino, Yoichiro; Ozaki, Takao; Hirose, Mizuo; Ueda, Kohji

2013-07-15

Phase II and III clinical studies were conducted to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a novel DTaP-IPV vaccine consisting of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). A Phase II study was conducted in 104 healthy infants using Formulation H of the DTaP-sIPV vaccine containing high-dose sIPV (3, 100, and 100 D-antigen units for types 1, 2, and 3, respectively), and Formulations M and L, containing half and one-fourth of the sIPV in Formulation H, respectively. Each formulation was administered 3 times for primary immunization and once for booster immunization. A Phase III study was conducted in 342 healthy infants who received either Formulation M + oral polio vaccine (OPV) placebo or DTaP + OPV. The OPV or OPV placebo was orally administered twice between primary and booster immunizations. Formulation M was selected as the optimum dose. In the Phase III study, the seropositive rate was 100% for all Sabin strains after primary immunization, and the neutralizing antibody titer after booster immunization was higher than in the control group (DTaP + OPV). All adverse reactions were clinically acceptable. DTaP-sIPV was shown to be a safe and immunogenic vaccine. JapicCTI-121902 for Phase II study, JapicCTI-101075 for Phase III study (http://www.clinicaltrials.jp/user/cte_main.jsp).

Structures and phase transitions in a new ferroelectric -- pyridinium chlorochromate -- studied by X-ray diffraction, DSC and dielectric methods.

PubMed

Małuszyńska, Hanna; Czarnecki, Piotr; Czarnecka, Anna; Pająk, Zdzisław

2012-04-01

Pyridinium chlorochromate, [C(5)H(5)NH](+)[ClCrO(3)](-) (hereafter referred to as PyClCrO(3)), was studied by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric methods. Studies reveal three reversible phase transitions at 346, 316 and 170 K with the following phase sequence: R ̅3m (I) → R3m (II) → Cm (III) → Cc (IV), c' = 2c. PyClCrO(3) is the first pyridinium salt in which all four phases have been successfully characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Structural results together with dielectric and calorimetric studies allow the classification of the two intermediate phases (II) and (III) as ferroelectric with the Curie point at 346 K, and the lowest phase (IV) as most probably ferroelectric. The ferroelectric hysteresis loop was observed only in phase (III). The high ionic conductivity hindered its observation in phase (II).

Effect of weak magnetic field on arsenate and arsenite removal from water by zerovalent iron: an XAFS investigation.

PubMed

Sun, Yuankui; Guan, Xiaohong; Wang, Jianmin; Meng, Xiaoguang; Xu, Chunhua; Zhou, Gongming

2014-06-17

In this study, a weak magnetic field (WMF), superimposed with a permanent magnet, was utilized to improve ZVI corrosion and thereby enhance As(V)/As(III) removal by ZVI at pHini 3.0-9.0. The experiment with real arsenic-bearing groundwater revealed that WMF could greatly improve arsenic removal by ZVI even in the presence of various cations and anions. The WMF-induced improvement in As(V)/As(III) removal by ZVI should be primarily associated with accelerated ZVI corrosion, as evidenced by the pH variation, Fe(2+) release, and the formation of corrosion products as characterized with X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The arsenic species analysis in solution/solid phases at pHini 3.0 revealed that As(III) oxidation to As(V) in aqueous phase preceded its subsequent sequestration by the newly formed iron (hydr)oxides. However, both As(V) adsorption following As(III) oxidation to As(V) in solution and As(III) adsorption preceding its conversion to As(V) in solid phase were observed at pHini 5.0-9.0. The application of WMF accelerated the transformation of As(III) to As(V) in both aqueous and solid phases at pHini 5.0-9.0 and enhanced the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) in solution at pHini 3.0.

The Systems Approach to Functional Job Analysis. Task Analysis of the Physician's Assistant: Volume II--Curriculum and Phase I Basic Core Courses and Volume III--Phases II and III--Clinical Clerkships and Assignments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wake Forest Univ., Winston Salem, NC. Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

This publication contains a curriculum developed through functional job analyses for a 24-month physician's assistant training program. Phase 1 of the 3-phase program is a 6-month basic course program in clinical and bioscience principles and is required of all students regardless of their specialty interest. Phase 2 is a 6 to 10 month period of…

Development of GaInP Solar Cells Grown by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

DOE PAGES

Schulte, Kevin L.; Simon, John; Mangum, John; ...

2017-04-30

We demonstrate the growth of homojunction GaInP solar cells by dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy for the first time. Simple unpassivated n-on-p structures grown in an inverted configuration with gold back reflectors were analyzed. Short wavelength performance varied strongly with emitter thickness, since collection in the emitter was limited by the lack of surface passivation. Collection in the base increased strongly with decreasing doping density, in the range 1 x 10 16 - 5 x 10 17 cm -3. Optical modeling indicated that, in our best device, doped ~1 x 10 16 cm -3, almost 94% of photons that passedmore » through the emitter were collected. Modeling also indicated that the majority of collection occurs in the depletion region with this design, suggesting that nonradiative recombination there might limit device performance. In agreement with this observation, the experimental dark J-V curve exhibited an ideality factor near n = 2. Thus, limitation of deep level carrier traps in the material is a path to improved performance. Preliminary experiments indicate that a reduced V/III ratio, which potentially affects the density of these presumed traps, improves cell performance. With reduced V/III ratio, we demonstrate a ~13% efficient GaInP cell measured under the 1-sun AM1.5G spectrum. In conclusion, this cell had an antireflective coating, but no front surface passivation.« less

Joint probability of statistical success of multiple phase III trials.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianliang; Zhang, Jenny J

2013-01-01

In drug development, after completion of phase II proof-of-concept trials, the sponsor needs to make a go/no-go decision to start expensive phase III trials. The probability of statistical success (PoSS) of the phase III trials based on data from earlier studies is an important factor in that decision-making process. Instead of statistical power, the predictive power of a phase III trial, which takes into account the uncertainty in the estimation of treatment effect from earlier studies, has been proposed to evaluate the PoSS of a single trial. However, regulatory authorities generally require statistical significance in two (or more) trials for marketing licensure. We show that the predictive statistics of two future trials are statistically correlated through use of the common observed data from earlier studies. Thus, the joint predictive power should not be evaluated as a simplistic product of the predictive powers of the individual trials. We develop the relevant formulae for the appropriate evaluation of the joint predictive power and provide numerical examples. Our methodology is further extended to the more complex phase III development scenario comprising more than two (K > 2) trials, that is, the evaluation of the PoSS of at least k₀ (k₀≤ K) trials from a program of K total trials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) Quarterly Report - Fourth Quarter FY-09

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, William; Crawford, Winifred; Barrett, Joe; Watson, Leela; Wheeler, Mark

2009-01-01

This report summarizes the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) activities for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2009 (July - September 2009). Tasks reports include: (1) Peak Wind Tool for User Launch Commit Criteria (LCC), (2) Objective Lightning Probability Tool. Phase III, (3) Peak Wind Tool for General Forecasting. Phase II, (4) Update and Maintain Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) Data Analysis System (ADAS), (5) Verify MesoNAM Performance (6) develop a Graphical User Interface to update selected parameters for the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLlT)

Chattanooga SmartBus Project : phase III evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

This report presents the results of Phase III of the national evaluation of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authoritys (CARTA) SmartBus Project. The SmartBus Project is a comprehensive transit ITS program for the city of Chattanooga, ...

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Galveston, TX | NOAA Gulf Spill

Science.gov Websites

Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open House: 6:00pm Public Meeting: 6:30pm

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Port Arthur, TX | NOAA Gulf Spill

Science.gov Websites

Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open House: 6:00pm Public Meeting: 6:30pm

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting - Panama City, FL | NOAA Gulf Spill

Science.gov Websites

Areas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Texas Region-wide Open Ocean Data Media & News planning for Phase III and future early restoration plans. Open House: 6:00pm Public Meeting: 6:30pm

Teaching leadership in trauma resuscitation: Immediate feedback from a real-time, competency-based evaluation tool shows long-term improvement in resident performance.

PubMed

Gregg, Shea C; Heffernan, Daithi S; Connolly, Michael D; Stephen, Andrew H; Leuckel, Stephanie N; Harrington, David T; Machan, Jason T; Adams, Charles A; Cioffi, William G

2016-10-01

Limited data exist on how to develop resident leadership and communication skills during actual trauma resuscitations. An evaluation tool was developed to grade senior resident performance as the team leader during full-trauma-team activations. Thirty actions that demonstrated the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies were graded on a Likert scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (exceptional). These actions were grouped by their respective core competencies on 5 × 7-inch index cards. In Phase 1, baseline performance scores were obtained. In Phase 2, trauma-focused communication in-services were conducted early in the academic year, and immediate, personalized feedback sessions were performed after resuscitations based on the evaluation tool. In Phase 3, residents received only evaluation-based feedback following resuscitations. In Phase 1 (October 2009 to April 2010), 27 evaluations were performed on 10 residents. In Phase 2 (April 2010 to October 2010), 28 evaluations were performed on nine residents. In Phase 3 (October 2010 to January 2012), 44 evaluations were performed on 13 residents. Total scores improved significantly between Phases 1 and 2 (p = 0.003) and remained elevated throughout Phase 3. When analyzing performance by competency, significant improvement between Phases 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) was seen in all competencies (patient care, knowledge, system-based practice, practice-based learning) with the exception of "communication and professionalism" (p = 0.56). Statistically similar scores were observed between Phases 2 and 3 in all competencies with the exception of "medical knowledge," which showed ongoing significant improvement (p = 0.003). Directed resident feedback sessions utilizing data from a real-time, competency-based evaluation tool have allowed us to improve our residents' abilities to lead trauma resuscitations over a 30-month period. Given pressures to maximize clinical educational opportunities among work-hour constraints, such a model may help decrease the need for costly simulation-based training. Therapeutic study, level III.

Research safety vehicle, Phase II. Volume I. Executive summary. Final report jul 75-dec 76

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

Struble, D.

1976-12-01

Volume I summarizes the results of the Minicars Research Safety Vehicle Phase II program, as detailed in Volumes II and III. Phase I identified trends leading to the desired national social goals of the mid-1980's in vehicle crashworthiness, crash avoidance, damageability, pedestrian safety, fuel economy, emissions and cost, and characterized an RSV to satisfy them. In Phase II an RSV prototype was designed, developed and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of meeting these goals simultaneously. Although further refinement is necessary to assure operational validity, in all categories the results meet or exceed the most advanced performance specified by The Presidentialmore » Task Force on Motor Vehicle Goals beyond 1980.« less

The Clinical Development of Molecularly Targeted Agents in Combination With Radiation Therapy: A Pharmaceutical Perspective

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

Ataman, Ozlem U., E-mail: ouataman@hotmail.com; Sambrook, Sally J.; Wilks, Chris

2012-11-15

Summary: This paper explores historical and current roles of pharmaceutical industry sponsorship of clinical trials testing radiation therapy combinations with molecularly targeted agents and attempts to identify potential solutions to expediting further combination studies. An analysis of clinical trials involving a combination of radiation therapy and novel cancer therapies was performed. Ongoing and completed trials were identified by searching the (clinicaltrials.gov) Web site, in the first instance, with published trials of drugs of interest identified through American Society of Clinical Oncology, European CanCer Organisation/European Society for Medical Oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology/European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, andmore » PubMed databases and then cross-correlated with (clinicaltrials.gov) protocols. We examined combination trials involving radiation therapy with novel agents and determined their distribution by tumor type, predominant molecular mechanisms examined in combination to date, timing of initiation of trials relative to a novel agent's primary development, and source of sponsorship of such trials. A total of 564 studies of targeted agents in combination with radiation therapy were identified with or without concomitant chemotherapy. Most studies were in phase I/II development, with only 36 trials in phase III. The tumor site most frequently studied was head and neck (26%), followed by non-small cell lung cancer. Pharmaceutical companies were the sponsors of 33% of studies overall and provided support for only 16% of phase III studies. In terms of pharmaceutical sponsorship, Genentech was the most active sponsor of radiation therapy combinations (22%), followed by AstraZeneca (14%). Most radiation therapy combination trials do not appear to be initiated until after drug approval. In phase III studies, the most common (58%) primary endpoint was overall survival. Collectively, this analysis suggests that such trials are not given priority by pharmaceutical companies. The potential reasons for this and some challenges and possible solutions are discussed.« less

North Carolina "Sealed Corridor" Phase I, II, and III Assessment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) tasked the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to document the further success of the North Carolina DOT "Sealed Corridor" project through Phases I, II, and III. The Sealed Corridor is the se...

Improvement of conspicuity of trailblazing signs, Phase III : evaluation of fluorescent colors.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

This report represents a Phase III effort to design and evaluate a new sign design for incident route trailblazing. The colors evaluated were fluorescent coral, fluorescent purple, fluorescent yellow-green, and non-fluorescent purple. The results ind...

Clinical Investigation Program Report, RCS MED-300 (R-1).

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-31

Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma, Phase III. (C) 63 1982 SWOG 8006, Preoperative Reductive Chemotherapy for Stage III or IV Operable...Mesothelioma Localized to One Hemithorax, Phase III. (C) 81 1984 SWOG 8104, Treatment of Advanced Seminoma (Stage cII (4) + clII) with Combined...of Locally or Regionally Recurrent but Surgically Resectable Breast Cancer. (C) 99 1984 SWOG 8300, Treatment of Limited Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Structure of the CFA/III major pilin subunit CofA from human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli determined at 0.90 Å resolution by sulfur-SAD phasing.

PubMed

Fukakusa, Shunsuke; Kawahara, Kazuki; Nakamura, Shota; Iwashita, Takaki; Baba, Seiki; Nishimura, Mitsuhiro; Kobayashi, Yuji; Honda, Takeshi; Iida, Tetsuya; Taniguchi, Tooru; Ohkubo, Tadayasu

2012-10-01

CofA, a major pilin subunit of colonization factor antigen III (CFA/III), forms pili that mediate small-intestinal colonization by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In this study, the crystal structure of an N-terminally truncated version of CofA was determined by single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) phasing using five sulfurs in the protein. Given the counterbalance between anomalous signal strength and the undesired X-ray absorption of the solvent, diffraction data were collected at 1.5 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. These data were sufficient to elucidate the sulfur substructure at 1.38 Å resolution. The low solvent content (29%) of the crystal necessitated that density modification be performed with an additional 0.9 Å resolution data set to reduce the phase error caused by the small sulfur anomalous signal. The CofA structure showed the αβ-fold typical of type IVb pilins and showed high structural homology to that of TcpA for toxin-coregulated pili of Vibrio cholerae, including spatial distribution of key residues critical for pilin self-assembly. A pilus-filament model of CofA was built by computational docking and molecular-dynamics simulation using the previously reported filament model of TcpA as a structural template. This model revealed that the CofA filament surface was highly negatively charged and that a 23-residue-long loop between the α1 and α2 helices filled the gap between the pilin subunits. These characteristics could provide a unique binding epitope for the CFA/III pili of ETEC compared with other type IVb pili.

Treatment response of airway clearance assessed by single-breath washout in children with cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Abbas, Chiara; Singer, Florian; Yammine, Sophie; Casaulta, Carmen; Latzin, Philipp

2013-12-01

We studied the ability of 4 single-breath gas washout (SBW) tests to measure immediate effects of airway clearance in children with CF. 25 children aged 4-16 years with CF performed pulmonary function tests to assess short-term variability at baseline and response to routine airway clearance. Tidal helium and sulfur hexafluoride (double-tracer gas: DTG) SBW, tidal capnography, tidal and vital capacity nitrogen (N2) SBW and spirometry were applied. We analyzed the gasses' phase III slope (SnIII--normalized for tidal volume) and FEV1 from spirometry. SnIII from tidal DTG-SBW, SnIII from vital capacity N2-SBW, and FEV1 improved significantly after airway clearance. From these tests, individual change of SnIII from tidal DTG-SBW and FEV1 exceeded short-term variability in 10 and 6 children. With the tidal DTG-SBW, an easy and promising test for peripheral gas mixing efficiency, immediate pulmonary function response to airway clearance can be assessed in CF children. Copyright © 2013 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of an EORTC quality of life phase III module measuring cancer-related fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA13).

PubMed

Weis, Joachim; Arraras, Juan Ignacio; Conroy, Thierry; Efficace, Fabio; Fleissner, Claudia; Görög, Attila; Hammerlid, Eva; Holzner, Bernhard; Jones, Louise; Lanceley, Anne; Singer, Susanne; Wirtz, Markus; Flechtner, Henning; Bottomley, Andrew

2013-05-01

European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has developed a new multidimensional instrument measuring cancer-related fatigue that can be used in conjunction with the quality of life core questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-C30. The paper focuses on the development of the phase III module, collaborating with seven European countries, including a patient sample of 318 patients. The methodology followed the EORTC guidelines for developing phase III modules. Patients were assessed by questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 with the EORTC Fatigue Module FA15) followed by an interview, asking for their opinions on the difficulty in understanding, on annoyance and on intrusiveness. The phase II FA15 was revised on the basis of qualitative analyses (comments of the patients), quantitative results (descriptive statistics) as well as the multi-item response theory analyses. The three dimensions (physical, emotional and cognitive) of the scale could be confirmed. As a result, EORTC QLQ-FA13 is now available as a valid phase III module measuring cancer-related fatigue in clinical trials and will be psychometrically improved in the upcoming phase IV. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Incorporation of zero valent iron nanoparticles in the matrix of cationic resin beads for the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated waters.

PubMed

Toli, Aikaterini; Chalastara, Konstantina; Mystrioti, Christiana; Xenidis, Anthimos; Papassiopi, Nymphodora

2016-07-01

The objective of present study was to obtain the fixation of nano zero valent iron (nZVI) particles on a permeable matrix and evaluate the performance of this composite material for the removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated waters. The experiments were carried out using the cationic resin Dowex 50WX2 as porous support of the iron nanoparticles. The work was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved the fixation of nZVI on the resin matrix. The resin granules were initially mixed with a FeCl3 solution to obtain the adsorption of Fe(III). Then the Fe(III) loaded resin (RFe) was treated with polyphenol solutions to obtain the reduction of Fe(III) to the elemental state. Two polyphenol solutions were tested as reductants, i.e. green tea extract and gallic acid. Green tea was found to be inefficient, probably due to the relatively big size of the contained polyphenol molecules, but gallic acid molecules were able to reach adsorbed Fe(III) and reduce the cations to the elemental state. The second phase was focused on the investigation of Cr(VI) reduction kinetics using the nanoiron loaded resins (R-nFe). It was found that the reduction follows a kinetic law of first order with respect to Cr(VI) and to the embedded nanoiron. Compared to other similar products, this composite material was found to have comparable performance regarding reaction rates and higher degree of iron utilization. Namely the rate constant for the reduction of Cr(VI), in the presence of 1 mM nZVI, was equivalent to 1.4 h of half-life time at pH 3.2 and increased to 24 h at pH 8.5. The degree of iron utilization was as high as 0.8 mol of reduced Cr(VI) per mole of iron. It was also found that this composite material can be easily regenerated and reused for Cr(VI) reduction without significant loss of efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 86.109-94 - Exhaust gas sampling system; Otto-cycle vehicles not requiring particulate emission measurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and...

40 CFR 86.109-94 - Exhaust gas sampling system; Otto-cycle vehicles not requiring particulate emission measurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and...

40 CFR 86.109-94 - Exhaust gas sampling system; Otto-cycle vehicles not requiring particulate emission measurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and... detection for the HPLC analyzer. Sampling systems for all phases shall be identical. (iii) The methanol and...

Short Range Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for UAV/UAS Battery Charging - Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering 8...Research Computer Engineering iii THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK iv ABSTRACT The...battery charging, spacecraft recharging and station keeping, and direct propulsion of UAVs and hovering airships . The client antenna is usually of low

Benzyl and Methyl Fatty Hydroxamic Acids Based on Palm Kernel Oil as Chelating Agent for Liquid-Liquid Iron(III) Extraction

PubMed Central

Haron, Md Jelas; Jahangirian, Hossein; Silong, Sidik; Yusof, Nor Azah; Kassim, Anuar; Rafiee-Moghaddam, Roshanak; Mahdavi, Behnam; Peyda, Mazyar; Abdollahi, Yadollah; Amin, Jamileh

2012-01-01

Liquid-liquid iron(III) extraction was investigated using benzyl fatty hydroxamic acids (BFHAs) and methyl fatty hydroxamic acids (MFHAs) as chelating agents through the formation of iron(III) methyl fatty hydroxamate (Fe-MFHs) or iron(III) benzyl fatty hydroxamate (Fe-BFHs) in the organic phase. The results obtained under optimized conditions, showed that the chelating agents in hexane extract iron(III) at pH 1.9 were realized effectively with a high percentage of extraction (97.2% and 98.1% for MFHAs and BFHAs, respectively). The presence of a large amount of Mg(II), Ni(II), Al(III), Mn(II) and Co(II) ions did affect the iron(III) extraction. Finally stripping studies for recovering iron(III) from organic phase (Fe-MFHs or Fe-BFHs dissolved in hexane) were carried out at various concentrations of HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4. The results showed that the desired acid for recovery of iron(III) was 5 M HCl and quantitative recovery of iron(III) was achieved from Fe(III)-MFHs and Fe(III)-BFHs solutions in hexane containing 5 mg/L of Fe(III). PMID:22408444

A study of room-temperature LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saravanan, Kuppan; Jarry, Angelique; Kostecki, Robert; Chen, Guoying

2015-01-01

Understanding the kinetic implication of solid-solution vs. biphasic reaction pathways is critical for the development of advanced intercalation electrode materials. Yet this has been a long-standing challenge in materials science due to the elusive metastable nature of solid solution phases. The present study reports the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of room-temperature LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 solid solutions. In situ XRD studies performed on pristine and chemically-delithiated, micron-sized single crystals reveal the thermal behavior of LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (0 <= x <= 1) cathode material consisting of three cubic phases: LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase I), Li0.5Mn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase II) and Mn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase III). A phase diagram capturing the structural changes as functions of both temperature and Li content was established. The work not only demonstrates the possibility of synthesizing alternative electrode materials that are metastable in nature, but also enables in-depth evaluation on the physical, electrochemical and kinetic properties of transient intermediate phases and their role in battery electrode performance.

Remedial Action Report for Operable Units 6-05 and 10-04, Phase III

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

R. P. Wells

2007-08-15

This Phase III remedial action report addresses the remediation of lead-contaminated soils found at the Security Training Facility STF-02 Gun Range at the Idaho National Laboratory Site. Phase I, consisting of developing and implementing institutional controls at Operble Unit 10-04 sites and developing and implementing Idaho National Laboratory Site-wide plans for both institutional controls and ecological monitoring, was addressed in a previous report. Phase II will remediate sites contaminated with trinitrotoluene and Royal Demolition Explosive. Phase IV will remediate hazards from unexploded ordnance.

Quasi-elastic (QENS) and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) on hexamethylbenzene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, J.; Mayer, J.; Natkaniec, I.; Nowina Konopka, M.; Pawlukojć; Steinsvoll, O.; Janik, J. A.

2005-05-01

The Quasi-elastic Neutron scattering (QENS) spectra of polycrystalline hexamethylbenzene (HMB) were measured for temperatures from 10 K to room temperature (phase III and phase II) for momentum transfer 1.9 Å -1. The Inelastic Neutron scattering (INS) and QENS spectra for momentum transfer 0.5-2.9 Å -1 were measured at T=20, 100 and 130 K for energy transfer up to 200 meV. The low-resolution diffraction patterns, used as the phase indicator, were also obtained. In the phase III (below 117 K), we see practically no quasi-elastic broadening. In phase II, the broadening changes with the temperature are in good agreement with the Arrhenius law. The estimated activation barrier to reorientation is 6 kJ/mol. The fitted mean time between instantaneous 120° jumps of CH 3 groups changes from 10 -11 s at T=130 K to 2×10 -13 s at room temperature. On the basis of EISF versus momentum transfer dependency it is hardly possible to decide what is the geometry of the reorientation. Both reorientation of the CH 3 groups around the three-fold symmetry axis and reorientation of the whole molecule around the six-fold symmetry axis of the benzene ring could describe our results, the former being more probable. The measured INS spectra are compared with the quantum chemical ab initio calculations performed for an isolated HMB molecule.

Unusual pressure dependence of the multipolar interactions in CexLa1-xB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, S.; Umeo, K.; Tou, H.; Sera, M.; Iga, F.; Kunii, S.

We performed the mean field calculation of the magnetization under pressure for the four sublattice model to understand the unusual pressure effect of CeB6. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results and the canted ferromagnetic ground state is predicted to appear at higher pressure. We studied the electrical resistivity of Ce0.75La0.25B6 under pressure. We found that the phase III is rapidly suppressed by pressure and T increases with pressure. At P=0.6 GPa, the direct phase transition from IV to II is found, which will be the clue to understanding the phase IV.

New Round of Studies Begin in Phase 0/I/II Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Program | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

The NCI Division of Cancer Prevention’s Phase 0/I/II Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Program, also known as the Consortia for Early Phase Prevention Trials, is beginning a new round of studies in the effort toward systematic early clinical development of promising preventive agents for people at increased risk of developing cancer. |

Student Perceptions of Elementary School Climates in the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study: A Comparison of Phase III and Phase IV.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Sharon Pol; Heroman, Deborah S.

A 5-year study examined third-graders' perceptions of school climate in 16 Louisiana schools. Part of the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study (LSES), Phase III and IV examined student perceptions in 1984-85 and 1989-90, respectively, and also gathered demographic data and multiple measures of student outcomes through student surveys and classroom…

How to emerge from the conservatism in clinical research methodology?

PubMed

Kotecki, Nuria; Penel, Nicolas; Awada, Ahmad

2017-09-01

Despite recent changes in clinical research methodology, many challenges remain in drug development methodology. Advances in molecular biology and cancer treatments have changed the clinical research landscape. Thus, we moved from empirical clinical oncology to molecular and immunological therapeutic approaches. Along with this move, adapted dose-limiting toxicities definitions, endpoints, and dose escalation methods have been proposed. Moreover, the classical frontier between phase I, phase II, and phase III has become unclear in particular for immunological approaches. So, investigators are facing major challenges in drug development methodology. We propose to individualize clinical research using innovative approaches to significantly improve patient outcomes and targeting what is considered unmet need. Integrating high level of translational research and performing well designed biomarker studies with great potential for clinical practice are of utmost importance. This could be performed within new models of clinical research networks and by building a strong collaboration between academic, cooperative groups, on-site investigators, and pharma.

Effect of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Sacral Chordoma: Results of Phase I-II and Phase II Clinical Trials

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

Imai, Reiko, E-mail: r_imai@nirs.go.j; Kamada, Tadashi; Tsuji, Hiroshi

2010-08-01

Purpose: To summarize the results of treatment for sacral chordoma in Phase I-II and Phase II carbon ion radiotherapy trials for bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 38 patients with medically unresectable sacral chordomas treated with the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba, Japan between 1996 and 2003. Of the 38 patients, 30 had not received previous treatment and 8 had locally recurrent tumor after previous resection. The applied carbon ion dose was 52.8-73.6 Gray equivalents (median, 70.4) in a total of 16 fixed fractions within 4 weeks. Results: The median patient agemore » was 66 years. The cranial tumor extension was S2 or greater in 31 patients. The median clinical target volume was 523 cm{sup 3}. The median follow-up period was 80 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 86%, and the 5-year local control rate was 89%. After treatment, 27 of 30 patients with primary tumor remained ambulatory with or without supportive devices. Two patients experienced severe skin or soft-tissue complications requiring skin grafts. Conclusion: Carbon ion radiotherapy appears effective and safe in the treatment of patients with sacral chordoma and offers a promising alternative to surgery.« less

Potential additional effect of omentectomy on metabolic syndrome, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators in grade III obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Herrera, Miguel F; Pantoja, Juan Pablo; Velázquez-Fernández, David; Cabiedes, Javier; Aguilar-Salinas, Carlos; García-García, Eduardo; Rivas, Alfredo; Villeda, Christian; Hernández-Ramírez, Diego F; Dávila, Andrea; Zaraín, Aarón

2010-07-01

To assess the additional effect of sudden visceral fat reduction by omentectomy on metabolic syndrome, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators in patients with grade III obesity (G-III O) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Twenty-two patients were randomized into two groups, LRYGB alone or with omentectomy. Levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as clinical characteristics, were evaluated before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results were compared between groups. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean operative time was significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent omentectomy (P < 0.001). Median weight of the omentum was 795 +/- 341 g. In one patient, a duodenal perforation occurred at the time of omentectomy. BMI, blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides significantly improved in both groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up when compared with basal values. However, there were no consistent statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of metabolic syndrome components, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators. Omentectomy does not have an ancillary short-term significant impact on the components of metabolic syndrome and does not induce important changes in the inflammatory mediators in patients undergoing LRYGB. Operative time is more prolonged when omentectomy is performed.

A novel technique to determine cobalt exchangeability in soils using isotope dilution.

PubMed

Wendling, Laura A; Kirby, Jason K; McLaughlin, Michael J

2008-01-01

The environmental risk posed by Co contamination is largely a function of its oxidation state. Our objective was to assess the potential biological availability of Co and the reactions and fate of soluble Co(II) after addition to soils with varying physical and chemical characteristics. A potential risk in quantifying exchangeable Co in soils using isotope dilution techniques is the possible presence of two species of Co in soil solution and adsorbed on soil solid phases [Co(II) and Co(III)], coupled with the possibility that when an isotope of Co is added it may undergo a change in oxidation state during the measurement phase. In this study, we have utilized an isotope dilution technique with cation exchange and high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to determine the isotopically exchangeable Co fraction in several soils with varying characteristics such as differing Al, Fe, and Mn oxide content; pH; and organic carbon content. The application of the cation exchange procedure adjusts measurements of isotopically exchangeable Co to correct for the presence of non-exchangeable 57Co not in equilibrium with the solution phase. Results indicated that oxidation of added 57Co(II) to 57Co(III) or precipitation of 57Co(II) may occur on the surfaces of some soils, particularly those with a high pH or substantial quantities of Mn oxide minerals. No detectable Co(III)(aq) was found in the aqueous extracts of the soils examined.

Practice versus knowledge when it comes to pressure ulcer prevention.

PubMed

Provo, B; Piacentine, L; Dean-Baar, S

1997-09-01

This study was completed to determine the current knowledge and documentation patterns of nursing staff in the prevention of pressure ulcers and to identify the prevalence of pressure ulcers. This pre-post intervention study was carried out in three phases. In phase 1, 67 nursing staff members completed a modified version of Bostrom's Patient Skin Integrity Survey. A Braden Scale score, the presence of actual skin breakdown, and the presence of nursing documentation were collected for each patient (n = 43). Phase II consisted of a 20-minute educational session to all staff. In phase III, 51 nursing staff completed a second questionnaire similar to that completed in phase I. Patient data (n = 49) were again collected using the same procedure as phase I. Twenty-seven staff members completed questionnaires in both phase I and phase III of the study. No statistically significant differences were found in the knowledge of the staff before or after the educational session. The number of patients with a documented plan of care showed a statistically significant difference from phase I to phase III. The number of patients with pressure ulcers or at risk for pressure ulcer development (determined by a Braden Scale score of 16 or less) did not differ statistically from phase I to phase III. Knowledge about pressure ulcers in this sample of staff nurses was for the most part current and consistent with the recommendations in the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guideline. Documentation of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment improved after the educational session. Although a significant change was noted in documentation, it is unclear whether it reflected an actual change in practice.

Development of a central data warehouse for statewide ITS and transportation data in Florida phase III : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-15

This report documents Phase III of the development and operation of a prototype for the Statewide Transportation : Engineering Warehouse for Archived Regional Data (STEWARD). It reflects the progress on the development and : operation of STEWARD sinc...

Application of Δ- and λ-isomerism of octahedral metal complexes for inducing chiral nematic phases.

PubMed

Sato, Hisako; Yamagishi, Akihiko

2009-11-20

The Delta- and Lambda-isomerism of octahedral metal complexes is employed as a source of chirality for inducing chiral nematic phases. By applying a wide range of chiral metal complexes as a dopant, it has been found that tris(beta-diketonato)metal(III) complexes exhibit an extremely high value of helical twisting power. The mechanism of induction of the chiral nematic phase is postulated on the basis of a surface chirality model. The strategy for designing an efficient dopant is described, together with the results using a number of examples of Co(III), Cr(III) and Ru(III) complexes with C(2) symmetry. The development of photo-responsive dopants to achieve the photo-induced structural change of liquid crystal by use of photo-isomerization of chiral metal complexes is also described.

Application of Δ- and Λ-Isomerism of Octahedral Metal Complexes for Inducing Chiral Nematic Phases

PubMed Central

Sato, Hisako; Yamagishi, Akihiko

2009-01-01

The Δ- and Λ-isomerism of octahedral metal complexes is employed as a source of chirality for inducing chiral nematic phases. By applying a wide range of chiral metal complexes as a dopant, it has been found that tris(β-diketonato)metal(III) complexes exhibit an extremely high value of helical twisting power. The mechanism of induction of the chiral nematic phase is postulated on the basis of a surface chirality model. The strategy for designing an efficient dopant is described, together with the results using a number of examples of Co(III), Cr(III) and Ru(III) complexes with C2 symmetry. The development of photo-responsive dopants to achieve the photo-induced structural change of liquid crystal by use of photo-isomerization of chiral metal complexes is also described. PMID:20057959

Zwitterion-functionalized polymer microspheres as a sorbent for solid phase extraction of trace levels of V(V), Cr(III), As(III), Sn(IV), Sb(III) and Hg(II) prior to their determination by ICP-MS.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaoyu; Gong, Dirong; Zhao, Junyi; Ren, Hongyun; Wang, Jiani; Zhang, Xian

2018-03-19

This paper describes the preparation of zwitterion-functionalized polymer microspheres (ZPMs) and their application to simultaneous enrichment of V(V), Cr(III), As(III), Sn(IV), Sb(III) and Hg(II) from environmental water samples. The ZPMs were prepared by emulsion copolymerization of ethyl methacrylate, 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate followed by modification with 1,3-propanesultone. The components were analyzed by elemental analyses as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ZPMs were packed into a mini-column for on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) of the above metal ions. Following extraction with 40 mM NH 4 NO 3 and 0.5 M HNO 3 solution, the ions were quantified by ICP-MS. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factors (from a 40 mL sample) are up to 60 for the ions V(V), As(III), Sb(III) and Hg(II), and 55 for Cr(III) and Sn(IV). The detection limits are 1.2, 3.4, 1.0, 3.7, 2.1 and 1.6 ng L -1 for V(V), Cr(III), As(III), Sn(IV), Sb(III) and Hg(II), respectively, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) are below 5.2%. The feasibility and accuracy of the method were validated by successfully analyzing six certified reference materials as well as lake, well and river waters. Graphical abstract Zwitterion-functionalized polymer microspheres (ZPMs) were prepared and packed into a mini-column for on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) via pump 1. Then V(V), Cr(III), As(III), Sn(IV), Sb(III) and Hg(II) ions in environmental waters were eluted and submitted to ICP-MS via pump 2.

Light contamination during the dark phase in "photoperiodically controlled" animal rooms: effect on tumor growth and metabolism in rats.

PubMed

Dauchy, R T; Sauer, L A; Blask, D E; Vaughan, G M

1997-10-01

Enhanced neoplastic growth and metabolism have been reported in animals maintained in a constant light (24L:0D) environment. Results from this laboratory indicate that tumor growth is directly dependent upon increased ambient blood concentrations of arachidonic and linoleic acids, particularly linoleic acid. Tumor linoleic acid utilization and production if its putative mitogenic metabolite, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), are suppressed by the circadian neurohormone melatonin, the production of which is itself regulated by light in all mammals. This study was performed to determine whether minimal light contamination (0.2 lux) in an animal room during an otherwise normal dark phase may disrupt normal circadian production of melatonin and affect tumor growth and metabolism. Animals of groups I (12L:12D), II (12L:12-h light-contaminated dark phase), and III (24L:0D) had plasma total fatty acid (TFA), linoleic acid (LA), and melatonin concentrations measured prior to tumor implantation; groups I and II had daily cycles in plasma TFA and LA values, whereas group III had constant values throughout the day. The integrated mean TFA and LA values for the entire day were similar in all groups. Although group-I animals had a normal nocturnal surge of melatonin (127.0 pg/ml) at 2400 h, the nocturnal amplitude was suppressed in group-II animals (16.0 pg/ml); circadian variation in melatonin concentration was not seen in group-III animals (7.4 pg/ml). At 12 weeks of age, rats had the Morris hepatoma 7288CTC implanted as "tissue-isolated" tumors grown subcutaneously. Latency to onset of palpable tumor mass for groups I, II, and III was 11, 9, and 5 days respectively. Tumor growth rates were 0.72 +/- 0.09, 1.30 +/- 0.15, and 1.48 +/- 0.17 g/d (mean +/- SD, n = 6/group) in groups I, II, and III respectively. Arteriovenous difference measurements for TFA and LA across the tumors were 4.22 +/- 0.89 and 0.83 +/- 0.18 (group I), 8.26 +/- 0.66 and 1.64 +/- 0.13 (group II), and 7.10 +/- 0.78 and 1.50 +/- 0.16 (group III)/min/g, and groups II and III were significantly different from group I (P < 0.05). Tumor TFA and LA contents were 14.3 +/- 1.7 and 1.8 +/- 0.3 (group I), 52.9 +/- 5.5 and 7.9 +/- 0.8 (group II), and 106.0 +/- 12.0 and 18.5 +/- 2.4 (group III) micrograms/g and were significantly different from each other (P < 0.001). Production of 13-HODE by the hepatomas in groups I, II, and III was 35.5 +/- 6.3, 109.6 +/- 10.6, and 196.2 +/- 34.9 ng/min/g respectively, values which also were significantly different among groups (P < 0.001). The results indicate that minimal light contamination of only 0.2 lux during an otherwise normal dark phase inhibits host melatonin secretion and increases the rate of tumor growth and lipid uptake and metabolism. These data suggest that great care must be taken to prevent "light-leaks" in animal rooms during the dark phase of a diurnal cycle because such contamination may adversely affect the outcome of tumor growth investigations.

Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor: analysis of malignancies across the rheumatoid arthritis clinical development programme.

PubMed

Curtis, Jeffrey R; Lee, Eun Bong; Kaplan, Irina V; Kwok, Kenneth; Geier, Jamie; Benda, Birgitta; Soma, Koshika; Wang, Lisy; Riese, Richard

2016-05-01

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further assess the potential role of Janus kinase inhibition in the development of malignancies, we performed an integrated analysis of data from the tofacitinib RA clinical development programme. Malignancy data (up to 10 April 2013) were pooled from six phase II, six Phase III and two long-term extension (LTE) studies involving tofacitinib. In the phase II and III studies, patients with moderate-to-severe RA were randomised to various tofacitinib doses as monotherapy or with background non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), mainly methotrexate. The LTE studies (tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily) enrolled patients from qualifying prior phase I, II and III index studies. Of 5671 tofacitinib-treated patients, 107 developed malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)). The most common malignancy was lung cancer (n=24) followed by breast cancer (n=19), lymphoma (n=10) and gastric cancer (n=6). The rate of malignancies by 6-month intervals of tofacitinib exposure indicates rates remained stable over time. Standardised incidence ratios (comparison with Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) for all malignancies (excluding NMSC) and selected malignancies (lung, breast, lymphoma, NMSC) were within the expected range of patients with moderate-to-severe RA. The overall rates and types of malignancies observed in the tofacitinib clinical programme remained stable over time with increasing tofacitinib exposure. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

A literature review of applied adaptive design methodology within the field of oncology in randomised controlled trials and a proposed extension to the CONSORT guidelines.

PubMed

Mistry, Pankaj; Dunn, Janet A; Marshall, Andrea

2017-07-18

The application of adaptive design methodology within a clinical trial setting is becoming increasingly popular. However the application of these methods within trials is not being reported as adaptive designs hence making it more difficult to capture the emerging use of these designs. Within this review, we aim to understand how adaptive design methodology is being reported, whether these methods are explicitly stated as an 'adaptive design' or if it has to be inferred and to identify whether these methods are applied prospectively or concurrently. Three databases; Embase, Ovid and PubMed were chosen to conduct the literature search. The inclusion criteria for the review were phase II, phase III and phase II/III randomised controlled trials within the field of Oncology that published trial results in 2015. A variety of search terms related to adaptive designs were used. A total of 734 results were identified, after screening 54 were eligible. Adaptive designs were more commonly applied in phase III confirmatory trials. The majority of the papers performed an interim analysis, which included some sort of stopping criteria. Additionally only two papers explicitly stated the term 'adaptive design' and therefore for most of the papers, it had to be inferred that adaptive methods was applied. Sixty-five applications of adaptive design methods were applied, from which the most common method was an adaptation using group sequential methods. This review indicated that the reporting of adaptive design methodology within clinical trials needs improving. The proposed extension to the current CONSORT 2010 guidelines could help capture adaptive design methods. Furthermore provide an essential aid to those involved with clinical trials.

Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis

PubMed Central

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-01-01

Background Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. Objectives To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. Methods The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Results Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. Conclusions The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. PMID:23252768

Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

PubMed

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-04-01

Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. © 2012 Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.

Hexafluorobenzene under Extreme Conditions.

PubMed

Pravica, Michael; Sneed, Daniel; Wang, Yonggang; Smith, Quinlan; White, Melanie

2016-03-17

We report the results from three high pressure experiments on hexafluorobenzene (C6F6). In the first experiment, Raman spectra were recorded up to 34.4 GPa. A phase transition from I → II was observed near 2 GPa. Near 8.8 GPa, a phase transition to an unreported phase (III) commenced. Above 20.6 GPa, yet another phase was observed (IV). Pressure cycling was employed to determine that, below 25.6 GPa, all pressure-induced alterations were reversible. However, at pressures above 20 GPa, dramatic spectral changes and broadening were observed at 25.6 and 34.4 GPa. The sample irreversibly changed into a soft solid with waxlike consistency when pressure was reduced to ambient and was recoverable. In the second experiment, IR spectra were collected up to 14.6 GPa. The phase transition (II → III) near 8.8 GPa was confirmed. An angular dispersive X-ray diffraction experiment was conducted to 25.6 GPa. Phase transitions above 1.4 GPa (I → II), above 5.5 GPa (II → III), above 10 GPa (III → IV), and above 15.5 GPa (IV → V) were observed. Near 25.6 GPa, long-range crystalline order was lost as the X-ray diffraction spectrum presented evidence of an amorphous solid.

Changes of Polyphenolic Substances in the Anatomical Parts of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) during Its Growth Phases

PubMed Central

Bystricka, Judita; Musilova, Janette; Tomas, Jan; Vollmannova, Alena; Lachman, Jaromir; Kavalcova, Petra

2014-01-01

In this study the changes of total polyphenolics in different anatomical parts (stems, leaves, flowers and seeds) of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) during vegetation period were analysed. The content of total polyphenolics was evaluated in growth phase I (formation of buds), phase II (at the beginning of flowering), phase III (full blossoming) and phase IV (full ripeness). In all growth phases (GP) the stems and leaves were evaluated and statistically significant differences in polyphenolics content between the two parts were confirmed. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in polyphenolics content (in GP II and III) between stems and leaves; and between stems and flowers were found. In flowers an average of 13.8 times higher and in leaves 6 times higher concentration of polyphenolics in comparison with stems was measured. In GP III the content of polyphenolics in common buckwheat was following: flowers > leaves > achene > stems. In flowers an average of 11.9 times higher, in leaves 8.3 times higher and in achenes 5.9 times higher contents of polyphenolics compared with stems were found. In GP III and IV (leaves, achenes, stems) the leaves contained in average 20 times higher and achenes 5.6 times higher polyphenolics than stems. PMID:28234337

Renaissance of antibiotics against difficult infections: Focus on oritavancin and new ketolides and quinolones.

PubMed

Van Bambeke, Françoise

2014-11-01

Lipoglycopeptide, ketolide, and quinolone antibiotics are currently in clinical development, with specific advantages over available molecules within their respective classes. The lipoglycopeptide oritavancin is bactericidal against MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and multiresistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and proved effective and safe for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI) upon administration of a single 1200 mg dose (two completed phase III trials). The ketolide solithromycin (two phase III studies recruiting for community-acquired pneumonia) shows a profile of activity similar to that of telithromycin, but in vitro data suggest a lower risk of hepatotoxicity, visual disturbance, and aggravation of myasthenia gravis due to reduced affinity for nicotinic receptors. Among quinolones, finafloxacin and delafloxacin share the unique property of an improved activity in acidic environments (found in many infection sites). Finafloxacin (phase II completed; activity profile similar to that of ciprofloxacin) is evaluated for complicated urinary tract and Helicobacter pylori infections. The other quinolones (directed towards Gram-positive pathogens) show improved activity on MRSA and multiresistant S. pneumoniae compared to current molecules. They are in clinical evaluation for ABSSSI (avarofloxacin (phase II completed), nemonoxacin and delafloxacin (ongoing phase III)), respiratory tract infections (zabofloxacin and nemonoxacin (ongoing phase III)), or gonorrhea (delafloxacin).

Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, William; Crawford, Winifred; Barrett, Joe; Watson, Leela; Wheeler, Mark

2010-01-01

This report summarizes the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) activities for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2010 (October - December 2009). A detailed project schedule is included in the Appendix. Included tasks are: (1) Peak Wind Tool for User Launch Commit Criteria (LCC), (2) Objective Lightning Probability Tool, Phase III, (3) Peak Wind Tool for General Forecasting, Phase II, (4) Upgrade Summer Severe Weather Tool in Meteorological Interactive Data Display System (MIDDS), (5) Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) Data Analysis System (ADAS) Update and Maintainability, (5) Verify 12-km resolution North American Model (MesoNAM) Performance, and (5) Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) Graphical User Interface.

78 FR 18325 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... received in connection with the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) Phase III Direct Procurement Method... at http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-iv/phaseiii.cfm (DPM SECTION). All identified changes will be... Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Phase III programming projected for FY17. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

76 FR 36095 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-21

... with the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) Phase III Domestic Small Shipments (dS2) and... Regulation, Part IV Web site at http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-iv/phaseiii.cfm . All identified changes... based on completion of Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Phase III programming projected for FY15...

SPSP Phase III Recruiting, Selecting, and Developing Secure Power Systems Professionals. Job Profiles

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

O'Neil, Lori Ross; Conway, T. J.; Tobey, D. H.

The Secure Power Systems Professional Phase III final report was released last year which an appendix of Job Profiles. This new report is that appendix broken out as a standalone document to assist utilities in recruiting and developing Secure Power Systems Professionals at their site.

76 FR 53704 - 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-29

...: Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III, OMB Number 1405-0177 ACTION: Notice of request for public... approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Passport... Passport Services CA/PPT. Form Number: SV2011-0010. [[Page 53705

76 FR 33398 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection; Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

...; Passport Demand Forecasting Study Phase III, 1405-0177 ACTION: Notice of request for public comments... the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Passport Demand Forecasting... Approved Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services Office: CA/PPT. Form...

Air sampling unit for breath analyzers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabra, Dariusz; Prokopiuk, Artur; Mikołajczyk, Janusz; Ligor, Tomasz; Buszewski, Bogusław; Bielecki, Zbigniew

2017-11-01

The paper presents a portable breath sampling unit (BSU) for human breath analyzers. The developed unit can be used to probe air from the upper airway and alveolar for clinical and science studies. The BSU is able to operate as a patient interface device for most types of breath analyzers. Its main task is to separate and to collect the selected phases of the exhaled air. To monitor the so-called I, II, or III phase and to identify the airflow from the upper and lower parts of the human respiratory system, the unit performs measurements of the exhaled CO2 (ECO2) in the concentration range of 0%-20% (0-150 mm Hg). It can work in both on-line and off-line modes according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards. A Tedlar bag with a volume of 5 dm3 is mounted as a BSU sample container. This volume allows us to collect ca. 1-25 selected breath phases. At the user panel, each step of the unit operation is visualized by LED indicators. This helps us to regulate the natural breathing cycle of the patient. There is also an operator's panel to ensure monitoring and configuration setup of the unit parameters. The operation of the breath sampling unit was preliminarily verified using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) laboratory setup. At this setup, volatile organic compounds were extracted by solid phase microextraction. The tests were performed by the comparison of GC/MS signals from both exhaled nitric oxide and isoprene analyses for three breath phases. The functionality of the unit was proven because there was an observed increase in the signal level in the case of the III phase (approximately 40%). The described work made it possible to construct a prototype of a very efficient breath sampling unit dedicated to breath sample analyzers.

Estimates of general combining ability in Hevea breeding at the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia : I. Phases II and III A.

PubMed

Tan, H

1977-01-01

Estimates of general combining ability of parents for yield and girth obtained separately from seedlings and their corresponding clonal families in Phases II and IIIA of the RRIM breeding programme are compared. A highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.71***) is found between GCA estimates from seedling and clonal families for yield in Phase IIIA, but not in Phase II (r = -0.03(NS)) nor for girth (r= -0.27(NS)) in Phase IIIA. The correlations for Phase II yield and Phase IIIA girth, however, improve when the GCA estimates based on small sample size or reversed rankings are excluded.When the best selections (based on present clonal and seedling information) are compared, all five of the parents top-ranking for yield are common in Phase IIIA but only two parents are common for yield and girth in Phases II and IIIA respectively. However, only one parent for yield in Phase II and two parents for girth in Phase IIIA would, if selected on clonal performance, have been omitted from the top ranking selections made by previous workers using seedling information.These findings, therefore, justify the choice of parents based on GCA estimates for yield obtained from seedling performance. Similar justification cannot be offered for girth, for which analysis is confounded by uninterpretable site and seasonal effects.

OECD/NEA expert group on uncertainty analysis for criticality safety assessment: Results of benchmark on sensitivity calculation (phase III)

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

Ivanova, T.; Laville, C.; Dyrda, J.

2012-07-01

The sensitivities of the k{sub eff} eigenvalue to neutron cross sections have become commonly used in similarity studies and as part of the validation algorithm for criticality safety assessments. To test calculations of the sensitivity coefficients, a benchmark study (Phase III) has been established by the OECD-NEA/WPNCS/EG UACSA (Expert Group on Uncertainty Analysis for Criticality Safety Assessment). This paper presents some sensitivity results generated by the benchmark participants using various computational tools based upon different computational methods: SCALE/TSUNAMI-3D and -1D, MONK, APOLLO2-MORET 5, DRAGON-SUSD3D and MMKKENO. The study demonstrates the performance of the tools. It also illustrates how model simplificationsmore » impact the sensitivity results and demonstrates the importance of 'implicit' (self-shielding) sensitivities. This work has been a useful step towards verification of the existing and developed sensitivity analysis methods. (authors)« less

Is clarithromycin a potential treatment for cachexia in people with lung cancer? A feasibility study.

PubMed

Awan, Sarah; Crosby, Vincent; Potter, Vanessa; Hennig, Ivo; Baldwin, David; Ndlovu, Mehluli; Paradine, Sharon; Wilcock, Andrew

2017-02-01

Clarithromycin may improve cachexia and survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but adequately controlled data are lacking. This study was undertaken primarily to inform the feasibility and scale of a phase III trial. Eligible consenting patients with stage IV NSCLC and cachexia were to be randomized to receive either clarithromycin 250mg twice daily or placebo for eight weeks. Aspects of trial feasibility recorded included numbers eligible, approached and recruited, together with adherence and completion of treatment and assessments. Over 6 months, none of 125 patients identified fulfilled the entry criteria. The commonest reasons for ineligibility were the use of an excluded concurrent drug (45, 36%), brain metastases (22, 18%), poor performance status (21, 17%) and current chemotherapy (15, 12%). A phase III trial of clarithromycin using these entry criteria is not feasible in this setting. Other macrolides that have a lower risk of a drug-drug interaction may be more practical to pursue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stability hierarchy between Piracetam forms I, II, and III from experimental pressure-temperature diagrams and topological inferences.

PubMed

Toscani, Siro; Céolin, René; Minassian, Léon Ter; Barrio, Maria; Veglio, Nestor; Tamarit, Josep-Lluis; Louër, Daniel; Rietveld, Ivo B

2016-01-30

The trimorphism of the active pharmaceutical ingredient piracetam is a famous case of polymorphism that has been frequently revisited by many researchers. The phase relationships between forms I, II, and III were ambiguous because they seemed to depend on the heating rate of the DSC and on the history of the samples or they have not been observed at all (equilibrium II-III). In the present paper, piezo-thermal analysis and high-pressure differential thermal analysis have been used to elucidate the positions of the different solid-solid and solid-liquid equilibria. The phase diagram, involving the three solid phases, the liquid phase and the vapor phase, has been constructed. It has been shown that form III is the high-pressure, low-temperature form and the stable form at room temperature. Form II is stable under intermediary conditions and form I is the low pressure, high temperature form, which possesses a stable melting point. The present paper demonstrates the strength of the topological approach based on the Clapeyron equation and the alternation rule when combined with high-pressure measurements. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chronology and pyroclastic stratigraphy of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, C. William

1987-01-01

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 can be subdivided into six phases: the paroxysmal phase I, the early Plinian phase II, the early ash flow phase III, the climactic phase IV, the late ash flow phase V, and phase VI, the activity of which consisted of a low-energy ash plume. These phases are correlated with stratigraphic subunits of ash-fall tephra and pyroclastic flow deposits. Sustained vertical discharge of phase II produced evolved dacite with high S/Cl ratios. Ash flow activity of phase III is attributed to decreases in gas content, indicated by reduced S/Cl ratios and increased clast density of the less evolved gray pumice. Climactic events are attributed to vent clearing and exhaustion of the evolved dacite.

Combat Casualties in Afghanistan Cared for by a Single Forward Surgical Team during the Initial Phases of Operation Enduring Freedom

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

SW, stab wound. TABLE III ALL SURGICAL PROCEDURES PERFORMED BY THE 274TH FST DURING OEF Category Procedure No. Trauma Nontrauma Total Head Craniotomy ...Sheeting 2 0 2 Soft tissue Total 94 12 106 I&D, wound exploration 73 FB removal 11 Complex laceration closure 9 Abscess drainage 12 STSG 1 Orthopedic Total

Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: III. Effects on long-term reproductive and lactation performance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

During the prepubertal growth phase, 33 Holstein heifers (133 ± 18 d old) were used in a 24-week randomized complete block design. Treatments included: 1) a control diet (CON) containing ground corn (15.9% of DM) and soybean products (17.9%); 2) a low-fat diet (LFDG) formulated with 21.9% fat-extrac...

Acquisition, Retention, and Retraining: Effects of High and Low Fidelity in Training Devices. Technical Report 69-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grimsley, Douglas L.

This study is the first in a series which was conducted under the name STRANGER III, and which was to examine trainee's long-term memory of motor skills. This phase examined the effects of varying fidelity of training devices on acquisition, retention, and reinstatement of ability to perform a 92-step procedural task. Three versions of the Section…

Tailoring the optical characteristics of microsized InP nanoneedles directly grown on silicon.

PubMed

Li, Kun; Sun, Hao; Ren, Fan; Ng, Kar Wei; Tran, Thai-Truong D; Chen, Roger; Chang-Hasnain, Connie J

2014-01-08

Nanoscale self-assembly offers a pathway to realize heterogeneous integration of III-V materials on silicon. However, for III-V nanowires directly grown on silicon, dislocation-free single-crystal quality could only be attained below certain critical dimensions. We recently reported a new approach that overcomes this size constraint, demonstrating the growth of single-crystal InGaAs/GaAs and InP nanoneedles with the base diameters exceeding 1 μm. Here, we report distinct optical characteristics of InP nanoneedles which are varied from mostly zincblende, zincblende/wurtzite-mixed, to pure wurtzite crystalline phase. We achieved, for the first time, pure single-crystal wurtzite-phase InP nanoneedles grown on silicon with bandgaps of 80 meV larger than that of zincblende-phase InP. Being able to attain excellent material quality while scaling up in size promises outstanding device performance of these nanoneedles. At room temperature, a high internal quantum efficiency of 25% and optically pumped lasing are demonstrated for single nanoneedle as-grown on silicon substrate. Recombination dynamics proves the excellent surface quality of the InP nanoneedles, which paves the way toward achieving multijunction photovoltaic cells, long-wavelength heterostructure lasers, and advanced photonic integrated circuits.

Design of Phase II Non-inferiority Trials.

PubMed

Jung, Sin-Ho

2017-09-01

With the development of inexpensive treatment regimens and less invasive surgical procedures, we are confronted with non-inferiority study objectives. A non-inferiority phase III trial requires a roughly four times larger sample size than that of a similar standard superiority trial. Because of the large required sample size, we often face feasibility issues to open a non-inferiority trial. Furthermore, due to lack of phase II non-inferiority trial design methods, we do not have an opportunity to investigate the efficacy of the experimental therapy through a phase II trial. As a result, we often fail to open a non-inferiority phase III trial and a large number of non-inferiority clinical questions still remain unanswered. In this paper, we want to develop some designs for non-inferiority randomized phase II trials with feasible sample sizes. At first, we review a design method for non-inferiority phase III trials. Subsequently, we propose three different designs for non-inferiority phase II trials that can be used under different settings. Each method is demonstrated with examples. Each of the proposed design methods is shown to require a reasonable sample size for non-inferiority phase II trials. The three different non-inferiority phase II trial designs are used under different settings, but require similar sample sizes that are typical for phase II trials.

Community shift of biofilms developed in a full-scale drinking water distribution system switching from different water sources.

PubMed

Li, Weiying; Wang, Feng; Zhang, Junpeng; Qiao, Yu; Xu, Chen; Liu, Yao; Qian, Lin; Li, Wenming; Dong, Bingzhi

2016-02-15

The bacterial community of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) with various water sources has been rarely reported. In this research, biofilms were sampled at three points (A, B, and C) during the river water source phase (phase I), the interim period (phase II) and the reservoir water source phase (phase III), and the biofilm community was determined using the 454-pyrosequencing method. Results showed that microbial diversity declined in phase II but increased in phase III. The primary phylum was Proteobacteria during three phases, while the dominant class at points A and B was Betaproteobacteria (>49%) during all phases, but that changed to Holophagae in phase II (62.7%) and Actinobacteria in phase III (35.6%) for point C, which was closely related to its water quality. More remarkable community shift was found at the genus level. In addition, analysis results showed that water quality could significantly affect microbial diversity together, while the nutrient composition (e.g. C/N ration) of the water environment might determine the microbial community. Furthermore, Mycobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were detected in the biofilm, which should give rise to attention. This study revealed that water source switching produced substantial impact on the biofilm community. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Mg/Ga and V/III source ratios on hole concentration of N-polar (000\\bar{1}) p-type GaN grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nonoda, Ryohei; Shojiki, Kanako; Tanikawa, Tomoyuki; Kuboya, Shigeyuki; Katayama, Ryuji; Matsuoka, Takashi

2016-05-01

The effects of growth conditions such as Mg/Ga and V/III ratios on the properties of N-polar (000\\bar{1}) p-type GaN grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy were studied. Photoluminescence spectra from Mg-doped GaN depended on Mg/Ga and V/III ratios. For the lightly doped samples, the band-to-acceptor emission was observed at 3.3 eV and its relative intensity decreased with increasing V/III ratio. For the heavily doped samples, the donor-acceptor pair emission was observed at 2.8 eV and its peak intensity monotonically decreased with V/III ratio. The hole concentration was maximum for the Mg/Ga ratio. This is the same tendency as in group-III polar (0001) growth. The V/III ratio also reduced the hole concentration. The higher V/III ratio reduced the concentration of residual donors such as oxygen by substituting nitrogen atoms. The surface became rougher with increasing V/III ratio and the hillock density increased.

Model for Predicting the Performance of Planetary Suit Hip Bearing Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowley, Matthew S.; Margerum, Sarah; Hharvill, Lauren; Rajulu, Sudhakar

2012-01-01

Designing a space suit is very complex and often requires difficult trade-offs between performance, cost, mass, and system complexity. During the development period of the suit numerous design iterations need to occur before the hardware meets human performance requirements. Using computer models early in the design phase of hardware development is advantageous, by allowing virtual prototyping to take place. A virtual design environment allows designers to think creatively, exhaust design possibilities, and study design impacts on suit and human performance. A model of the rigid components of the Mark III Technology Demonstrator Suit (planetary-type space suit) and a human manikin were created and tested in a virtual environment. The performance of the Mark III hip bearing model was first developed and evaluated virtually by comparing the differences in mobility performance between the nominal bearing configurations and modified bearing configurations. Suited human performance was then simulated with the model and compared to actual suited human performance data using the same bearing configurations. The Mark III hip bearing model was able to visually represent complex bearing rotations and the theoretical volumetric ranges of motion in three dimensions. The model was also able to predict suited human hip flexion and abduction maximums to within 10% of the actual suited human subject data, except for one modified bearing condition in hip flexion which was off by 24%. Differences between the model predictions and the human subject performance data were attributed to the lack of joint moment limits in the model, human subject fitting issues, and the limited suit experience of some of the subjects. The results demonstrate that modeling space suit rigid segments is a feasible design tool for evaluating and optimizing suited human performance. Keywords: space suit, design, modeling, performance

Maximizing return on socioeconomic investment in phase II proof-of-concept trials.

PubMed

Chen, Cong; Beckman, Robert A

2014-04-01

Phase II proof-of-concept (POC) trials play a key role in oncology drug development, determining which therapeutic hypotheses will undergo definitive phase III testing according to predefined Go-No Go (GNG) criteria. The number of possible POC hypotheses likely far exceeds available public or private resources. We propose a design strategy for maximizing return on socioeconomic investment in phase II trials that obtains the greatest knowledge with the minimum patient exposure. We compare efficiency using the benefit-cost ratio, defined to be the risk-adjusted number of truly active drugs correctly identified for phase III development divided by the risk-adjusted total sample size in phase II and III development, for different POC trial sizes, powering schemes, and associated GNG criteria. It is most cost-effective to conduct small POC trials and set the corresponding GNG bars high, so that more POC trials can be conducted under socioeconomic constraints. If δ is the minimum treatment effect size of clinical interest in phase II, the study design with the highest benefit-cost ratio has approximately 5% type I error rate and approximately 20% type II error rate (80% power) for detecting an effect size of approximately 1.5δ. A Go decision to phase III is made when the observed effect size is close to δ. With the phenomenal expansion of our knowledge in molecular biology leading to an unprecedented number of new oncology drug targets, conducting more small POC trials and setting high GNG bars maximize the return on socioeconomic investment in phase II POC trials. ©2014 AACR.

Structural and phase transformation of A{sup III}B{sup V}(100) semiconductor surface in interaction with selenium

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

Bezryadin, N. N.; Kotov, G. I., E-mail: giktv@mail.ru; Kuzubov, S. V., E-mail: kuzub@land.ru

2015-03-15

Surfaces of GaAs(100), InAs(100), and GaP(100) substrates thermally treated in selenium vapor have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Some specific features and regularities of the formation of A{sub 3}{sup III}B{sub 4}{sup VI} (100)c(2 × 2) surface phases and thin layers of gallium or indium selenides A{sub 2}{sup III}B{sub 3}{sup VI} (100) on surfaces of different A{sup III}B{sup V}(100) semiconductors are discussed within the vacancy model of surface atomic structure.

A comparative evaluation of different ionic liquids for arsenic species separation and determination in wine varietals by liquid chromatography - hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

PubMed

Castro Grijalba, Alexander; Fiorentini, Emiliano F; Martinez, Luis D; Wuilloud, Rodolfo G

2016-09-02

The application of different ionic liquids (ILs) as modifiers for chromatographic separation and determination of arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], dimethylarsonic acid (DMA) and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) species in wine samples, by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry detection (RP-HPLC-HG-AFS) was studied in this work. Several factors influencing the chromatographic separation of the As species, such as pH of the mobile phase, buffer solution concentration, buffer type, IL concentration and length of alkyl groups in ILs were evaluated. The complete separation of As species was achieved using a C18 column in isocratic mode with a mobile phase composed of 0.5% (v/v) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C8mim]Cl) and 5% (v/v) methanol at pH 8.5. A multivariate methodology was used to optimize the variables involved in AFS detection of As species after they were separated by HPLC. The ILs showed remarkable performance for the separation of As species, which was obtained within 18min with a resolution higher than 0.83. The limits of detection for As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA were 0.81, 0.89, 0.62 and 1.00μg As L(-1). The proposed method was applied for As speciation analysis in white and red wine samples originated from different grape varieties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phase II study of imatinib mesylate and hydroxyurea for recurrent grade III malignant gliomas.

PubMed

Desjardins, Annick; Quinn, Jennifer A; Vredenburgh, James J; Sathornsumetee, Sith; Friedman, Allan H; Herndon, James E; McLendon, Roger E; Provenzale, James M; Rich, Jeremy N; Sampson, John H; Gururangan, Sridharan; Dowell, Jeannette M; Salvado, August; Friedman, Henry S; Reardon, David A

2007-05-01

Recent reports demonstrate the activity of imatinib mesylate, an ATP-mimetic, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, plus hydroxyurea, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. We performed the current phase 2 study to evaluate this regimen among patients with recurrent WHO grade III malignant glioma (MG). Patients with grade III MG at any recurrence, received imatinib mesylate plus hydroxyurea (500 mg twice a day) orally on a continuous, daily schedule. The imatinib mesylate dose was 500 mg twice a day for patients on enzyme inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAEDs) and 400 mg once a day for those not on EIAEDs. Clinical assessments were performed monthly and radiographic assessments were obtained at least every 2 months. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. All patients had progressive disease after prior radiotherapy and at least temozolomide-based chemotherapy. The median number of episodes of prior progression was 2 (range, 1-7) and the median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (range, 1-8). With a median follow-up of 82.9 weeks, 24% of patients were progression-free at 6 months. The radiographic response rate was 10%, while 33% achieved stable disease. Among patients who achieved at least stable disease at first evaluation, the 6-month and 12-month PFS rates were 53% and 29%, respectively. The most common grade 3 or greater toxicities were hematologic and complicated less than 4% of administered courses. Imatinib mesylate plus hydroxyurea, is well tolerated and associated with anti-tumor activity in some patients with recurrent grade 3 MG.

Chemical Transformations in Proto-Cytoplasmic Media. Phosphorus Coupling in the Silica Hydrogel Phase

PubMed Central

Gorrell, Ian B.; Henderson, Timothy W.; Albdeery, Kamal; Savage, Philip M.; Kee, Terence P.

2017-01-01

It has been proposed that prebiotic chemical studies on the emergence of primitive life would be most relevant when performed in a hydrogel, rather than an aqueous, environment. In this paper we describe the ambient temperature coupling of phosphorus oxyacids [Pi] mediated by Fe(II) under aerobic conditions within a silica hydrogel (SHG) environment. We have chosen to examine SHGs as they have considerable geological precedence as key phases in silicification en route to rock formation. Following a description of the preparation and characterization studies on our SHG formulations, coupling experiments between Pi species are described across multiple permutations of (i) Pi compound; (ii) gel formulation; (iii) metal salt additive; and (iv) pH-modifying agent. The results suggest that successful Pi coupling, indicated by observation of pyrophosphate [PPi(V)] via 31P-NMR spectroscopy, takes place when the following components are present: (i) a mixture of mixture of Pi(III) and Pi(V) or pure PPi(III– V); (ii) Fe(II); (iii) acetic or formic acid (not hydrochloric acid); (iv) aerobic conditions or the presence of H2O2 as an oxidant; and (v) the presence of a gel system. On the basis of these, and aqueous control reactions, we suggest mechanistic possibilities. PMID:29156594

The CTFA Evaluation of Alternatives Program: an evaluation of in vitro alternatives to the Draize primary eye irritation test. (Phase III) surfactant-based formulations.

PubMed

Gettings, S D; Lordo, R A; Hintze, K L; Bagley, D M; Casterton, P L; Chudkowski, M; Curren, R D; Demetrulias, J L; Dipasquale, L C; Earl, L K; Feder, P I; Galli, C L; Glaza, S M; Gordon, V C; Janus, J; Kurtz, P J; Marenus, K D; Moral, J; Pape, W J; Renskers, K J; Rheins, L A; Roddy, M T; Rozen, M G; Tedeschi, J P; Zyracki, J

1996-01-01

The CTFA Evaluation of Alternatives Program is an evaluation of the relationship between data from the Draize primary eye irritation test and comparable data from a selection of promising in vitro eye irritation tests. In Phase III, data from the Draize test and 41 in vitro endpoints on 25 representative surfactant-based personal care formulations were compared. As in Phase I and Phase II, regression modelling of the relationship between maximum average Draize score (MAS) and in vitro endpoint was the primary approach adopted for evaluating in vitro assay performance. The degree of confidence in prediction of MAS for a given in vitro endpoint is quantified in terms of the relative widths of prediction intervals constructed about the fitted regression curve. Prediction intervals reflect not only the error attributed to the model but also the material-specific components of variation in both the Draize and the in vitro assays. Among the in vitro assays selected for regression modeling in Phase III, the relationship between MAS and in vitro score was relatively well defined. The prediction bounds on MAS were most narrow for materials at the lower or upper end of the effective irritation range (MAS = 0-45), where variability in MAS was smallest. This, the confidence with which the MAS of surfactant-based formulations is predicted is greatest when MAS approaches zero or when MAS approaches 45 (no comment is made on prediction of MAS > 45 since extrapolation beyond the range of observed data is not possible). No single in vitro endpoint was found to exhibit relative superiority with regard to prediction of MAS. Variability associated with Draize test outcome (e.g. in MAS values) must be considered in any future comparisons of in vivo and in vitro test results if the purpose is to predict in vivo response using in vitro data.

The history of couple therapy: a millennial review.

PubMed

Gurman, Alan S; Fraenkel, Peter

2002-01-01

In this article, we review the major conceptual and clinical influences and trends in the history of couple therapy to date, and also chronicle the history of research on couple therapy. The evolving patterns in theory and practice are reviewed as having progressed through four distinctive phases: Phase I--Atheoretical Marriage Counseling Formation (1930-1963); Phase II--Psychoanalytic Experimentation (1931-1966); Phase III--Family Therapy Incorporation (1963-1985); and Phase IV--Refinement, Extension, Diversification, and Integration (1986-present). The history of research in the field is described as having passed through three phases: Phase I--A Technique in Search of Some Data (1930-1974), Phase II--Irrational(?) Exuberance (1975-1992), and Phase III--Caution and Extension (1993-present). The article concludes with the identification of Four Great Historical Ironies in the History of Couple Therapy.

Principle Findings from Development of a Recirculated Exhaust Gas Intake Sensor (REGIS) Enabling Cost-Effective Fuel Efficiency Improvement

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

Schnabel, Claus

Kick-off of the Bosch scope of work for the REGIS project started in October 2012. The primary work-packages included in the Bosch scope of work were the following: overall project management, development of the EGR sensor (design of sensor element, design of protection tube, and design of mounting orientation), development of EGR system control strategy, build-up of prototype sensors, evaluation of system performance with the new sensor and the new control strategy, long-term durability testing, and development of a 2nd generation sensor concept for continued technology development after the REGIS project. The University of Clemson was a partner with Boschmore » in the REGIS project. The Clemson scope of work for the REGIS project started in June 2013. The primary work-packages included in the Clemson scope of work were the following: development of EGR system control strategy, and evaluation of system performance with the new sensor and new control strategy. This project was split into phase I, phase II and phase III. Phase I work was completed by the end of June 2014 and included the following primary work packages: development of sensor technical requirements, assembly of engine testbench at Clemson, design concept for sensor housing, connector, and mounting orientation, build-up of EGR flow test benches at Bosch, and build-up of first sensor prototypes. Phase II work was completed by the end of June 2015 and included the following primary work pack ages: development of an optimizing function and demonstration of robustness of sensor, system control strategy implementation and initial validation, completion of engine in the loop testing of developed control algorithm, completion of sensor testing including characteristic line, synthetic gas test stand, and pressure dependency characterization, demonstration of benefits of control w/o sensing via simulation, development of 2nd generation sensor concept. Notable technical achievements from phase II were the following: publication of two new technical papers by Clemson detailing the control strategies used for the EGR system control. The two papers was published in the 2016 SAE World Congress in April 2016. The titles of each paper are, “Physics-Based Exhaust Pressure and Temperature Estimation for Low Pressure EGR Control in Turbocharged Gasoline Engines,” by K. Siokos, and “A Control Algorithm for Low Pressure – EGR Systems using a Smith Predictor with Intake Oxygen Sensor Feedback”, by R. Koli. All phase III work packages have been completed. The primary work packages in phase III were the following: completion of long-term sensor durability testing, final demonstration of benefits of EGR control w/o sensing, final decision of the second generation sensor development path.« less

Anti-MRSA beta-lactams in development, with a focus on ceftobiprole: the first anti-MRSA beta-lactam to demonstrate clinical efficacy.

PubMed

Bush, Karen; Heep, Markus; Macielag, Mark J; Noel, Gary J

2007-04-01

Ceftobiprole is the first of the investigational beta-lactam antibiotics with in vitro activity against methicillin-resistant staphylococci to reach and complete Phase III therapeutic trials. Its antibacterial spectrum includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, penicillin-resistant streptococci and many Gram-negative pathogens. It has demonstrated in vivo activity against many experimental infections caused by these pathogens. Ceftobiprole has completed Phase III clinical trials for complicated skin and skin structure infections, is being studied in Phase III pneumonia trials and has demonstrated non-inferiority compared with vancomycin in a Phase III complicated skin and skin structure infections trial, resulting in > 90% clinical cures of infections caused by MRSA. Other anti-MRSA beta-lactams in therapeutic clinical trials include the carbapenem CS-023/RO-4908463 and the cephalosporin ceftaroline (PPI-0903). The future of all of these agents will depend on their clinical efficacy, safety and their ability to be accepted as beta-lactams for the reliable treatment of a broad spectrum of infections, including those caused by MRSA.

Re-defining one's occupational self 2 years after breast cancer: a case study.

PubMed

Newman, Robin M

2013-01-01

Margaret*, a 56 year-old Caucasian Stage III breast cancer survivor, participated in a 5 week occupational therapy pilot program, called Take Action. This program was designed for breast cancer survivors who self-reported changes in cognitive function following completion of chemotherapy. The goals of the program were to improve participants' knowledge and use of strategies to enhance occupational performance and to improve satisfaction and performance of meaningful daily activities or occupations. Through a client-centered and evidence-based approach, this case study highlights the importance of incorporating the survivors' sense of self into an occupation-based intervention. Occupational therapists play an important role in facilitating exploration of sense of self in the survivorship phase of care to support occupational performance in self care, productivity, work, leisure and social participation. This case study highlights the important work of redefining oneself in the survivorship phase of care. (*denotes name change).

HST/COS Far-ultraviolet Spectroscopic Analysis of U Geminorum Following a Wide Outburst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godon, Patrick; Shara, Michael M.; Sion, Edward M.; Zurek, David

2017-12-01

We used the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to obtain a series of four far-ultraviolet (FUV; 915-2148 Å) spectroscopic observations of the prototypical dwarf nova U Geminorum during its cooling following a two-week outburst. Our FUV spectral analysis of the data indicates that the white dwarf (WD) cools from a temperature of ˜41,500 K, 15 days after the peak of the outburst, to ˜36,250 K, 56 days after the peak of the outburst, assuming a massive WD (log(g) = 8.8) and a distance of 100.4 ± 3.7 pc. These results are self-consistent with a ˜1.1 M ⊙ WD with a 5000 ± 200 km radius. The spectra show absorption lines of H I, He II, C II III IV, N III IV, O VI, S IV, Si II III IV, Al III, Ar III, and Fe II, but no emission features. We find suprasolar abundances of nitrogen, confirming the anomalous high N/C ratio. The FUV light curve reveals a ±5% modulation with the orbital phase, showing dips near phases 0.25 and ˜0.75, where the spectra exhibit an increase in the depth of some absorption lines and in particular strong absorption lines from Si II, Al III, and Ar III. The phase dependence we observe is consistent with material overflowing the disk rim at the hot spot, reaching a maximum elevation near phase 0.75, falling back at smaller radii near phase 0.5 where it bounces off the disk surface, and again rising above the disk near phase ˜0.25. There is a large scatter in the absorption lines’ velocities, especially for the silicon lines, while the carbon lines seem to match more closely the orbital velocity of the WD. This indicates that many absorption lines are affected by—or form in—the overflowing stream material veiling the WD, making the analysis of the WD spectra more difficult. Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

Microbial exudate promoted dissolution and transformation of chromium containing minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saad, E. M.; Sun, J.; Tang, Y.

2015-12-01

Because of its utility in many industrial processes, chromium has become the second most common metal contaminant in the United States. The two most common oxidation states of chromium in nature are Cr(III), which is highly immobile, and Cr(VI), which is highly mobile and toxic. In both natural and engineered environments, the most common remediation of Cr(VI) is through reduction, which results in chromium sequestration in the low solubility mixed Cr(III)-Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxide phases. Consequently, the stability of these minerals must be examined to assess the fate of chromium in the subsurface. We examined the dissolution of mixed Cr(III)-Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides in the presence of common microbial exudates, including the siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB; a common organic ligand secreted by most microbes with high affinity for ferric iron and other trivalent metal ions) and oxalate (a common organic acid produced by microbes). The solids exhibited incongruent dissolution with preferential leaching of Fe from the solid phase. Over time, this leads to a more Cr rich mineral, which is known to be more soluble than the corresponding mixed mineral phase. We are currently investigating the structure of the reacted mineral phases and soluble Cr(III) species, as well as the potential oxidation and remobilization of the soluble Cr species. Results from this study will provide insights regarding the long term transport and fate of chromium in the natural environment in the presence of microbial activities.

The role of order-disorder transitions in the quest for molecular multiferroics: structural and magnetic neutron studies of a mixed valence iron(II)-iron(III) formate framework.

PubMed

Cañadillas-Delgado, Laura; Fabelo, Oscar; Rodríguez-Velamazán, J Alberto; Lemée-Cailleau, Marie-Hélène; Mason, Sax A; Pardo, Emilio; Lloret, Francesc; Zhao, Jiong-Peng; Bu, Xian-He; Simonet, Virginie; Colin, Claire V; Rodríguez-Carvajal, Juan

2012-12-05

Neutron diffraction studies have been carried out to shed light on the unprecedented order-disorder phase transition (ca. 155 K) observed in the mixed-valence iron(II)-iron(III) formate framework compound [NH(2)(CH(3))(2)](n)[Fe(III)Fe(II)(HCOO)(6)](n). The crystal structure at 220 K was first determined from Laue diffraction data, then a second refinement at 175 K and the crystal structure determination in the low temperature phase at 45 K were done with data from the monochromatic high resolution single crystal diffractometer D19. The 45 K nuclear structure reveals that the phase transition is associated with the order-disorder of the dimethylammonium counterion that is weakly anchored in the cavities of the [Fe(III)Fe(II)(HCOO)(6)](n) framework. In the low-temperature phase, a change in space group from P31c to R3c occurs, involving a tripling of the c-axis due to the ordering of the dimethylammonium counterion. The occurrence of this nuclear phase transition is associated with an electric transition, from paraelectric to antiferroelectric. A combination of powder and single crystal neutron diffraction measurements below the magnetic order transition (ca. 37 K) has been used to determine unequivocally the magnetic structure of this Néel N-Type ferrimagnet, proving that the ferrimagnetic behavior is due to a noncompensation of the different Fe(II) and Fe(III) magnetic moments.

Relative Contributions of Regional and Sector Emissions to the Radiative Forcing of Aerosol-Radiation and Aerosol-Cloud Interactions Based on the AeroCOM Phase III/HTAP2 Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takemura, T.; Chin, M.

2014-12-01

It is important to understand relative contributions of each regional and sector emission of aerosols and their precursor gases to the regional and global mean radiative forcing of aerosol-radiation and aerosol-cloud interactions. This is because it is useful for international cooperation on controls of air pollution and anthropogenic climate change along most suitable reduction path of their emissions from each region and sector. The Task Force on Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution (TF HTAP) under the United Nations researches the intercontinental transport of air pollutants including aerosols with strong support of the Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCOM). The ongoing AeroCOM Phase III/HTAP2 experiment assesses relative contributions of regional and sector sources of aerosols and their precursor gases to the air quality using global aerosol transport models with latest emission inventories. In this study, the extended analyses on the relative contributions of each regional and sector emission to the radiative forcing of aerosol-radiation and aerosol-cloud interactions are done from the AeroCOM Phase III/HTAP2 experiment. Simulated results from MIROC-SPRINTARS and other some global aerosol models participating in the the AeroCOM Phase III/HTAP2 experiment are assessed. Acknowledgements: This study is based on the AeroCOM Phase III/HTAP2 experiment and partly supported by the Environment Research and Technology Development Fund (S-12-3) of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.

Safety and hemostatic efficacy of fibrin pad in partial nephrectomy: Results of an open-label Phase I and a randomized, standard-of-care-controlled Phase I/II study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Bleeding severity, anatomic location, tissue characteristics, and visibility are common challenges encountered while managing intraoperative bleeding, and conventional hemostatic measures (suture, ligature, and cautery) may sometimes be ineffective or impractical. While topical absorbable hemostats (TAH) are useful hemostatic adjuvants, each TAH has associated disadvantages. Methods We evaluated the safety and hemostatic efficacy of a new advanced biologic combination product―fibrin pad―to potentially address some gaps associated with TAHs. Fibrin pad was assessed as adjunctive hemostat in open partial nephrectomy in single-center, open-label, Phase I study (N = 10), and as primary hemostat in multicenter, single-blind, randomized, standard-of-care (SOC)-controlled Phase I/II study (N = 7) in Israel. It was used to control mild-to-moderate bleeding in Phase I and also spurting arterial bleeding in Phase I/II study. Phase I study assessed safety and Phase I/II study, proportion of successes at 10 min following randomization, analyzed by Fisher exact tests at 5% significance level. Results Phase I (N = 10): All patients completed the study. Hemostasis was achieved within 3–4 min (average = 3.1 min) of a single application in all patients. Fibrin pad was found to be safe for human use, with no product-related adverse events reported. Phase I/II (N = 7): Hemostatic success at 10 min (primary endpoint) was achieved in 3/4 patients treated with fibrin pad versus 0/3 patients treated with SOC. No clinically significant change in laboratory or coagulation parameters was recorded, except a case of post-procedural hemorrhage with fibrin pad, which was considered serious and related to the fibrin pad treatment, and required re-operation. Although Data Safety Monitoring Board authorized trial continuation, the sponsor decided against proceeding toward an indication for primary treatment of severe arterial hemorrhage as a replacement for sutures. The study was suspended after 7/30 planned subjects were enrolled. Conclusions The first-in-man trial of fibrin pad demonstrated its safety and efficacy as an adjunctive hemostatic technique for mild-to-moderate bleeding in partial nephrectomy. The study also suggested that the product should not replace sutures or meticulous surgical techniques for the treatment of severe arterial hemorrhage. Trial registration Phase I/II trial, NCT00598130 PMID:23137020

Characterization of the Solid-Phase Behavior of n-Nonylammonium Tetrachlorocuprate by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Guo

1995-06-01

The solid-phase behavior of [n-C9H19NH3]2CuCl4 was investigated by infrared spectroscopy. The nature of the three solid phases (phase I, phase II, and phase III) is discussed. A temperature-dependent study of infrared spectra provides evidence for the occurrence of structural phase transitions related to the dynamics of the alkyl chains and -NH3 polar heads. The phase transition at Tc1 (22°C) arises from variation in the interaction and packing structure of the chain. The phase transition at Tc2 (34°C) is related to variation in partial conformational order-disorder at the intramolecular level. The GTG or GTG‧ and small concentration of TG structures near the CH3 group are generated in phase III (above 38°C).

A study of room-temperature LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 solid solutions

PubMed Central

Saravanan, Kuppan; Jarry, Angelique; Kostecki, Robert; Chen, Guoying

2015-01-01

Understanding the kinetic implication of solid-solution vs. biphasic reaction pathways is critical for the development of advanced intercalation electrode materials. Yet this has been a long-standing challenge in materials science due to the elusive metastable nature of solid solution phases. The present study reports the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of room-temperature LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 solid solutions. In situ XRD studies performed on pristine and chemically-delithiated, micron-sized single crystals reveal the thermal behavior of LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) cathode material consisting of three cubic phases: LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase I), Li0.5Mn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase II) and Mn1.5Ni0.5O4 (Phase III). A phase diagram capturing the structural changes as functions of both temperature and Li content was established. The work not only demonstrates the possibility of synthesizing alternative electrode materials that are metastable in nature, but also enables in-depth evaluation on the physical, electrochemical and kinetic properties of transient intermediate phases and their role in battery electrode performance. PMID:25619504

A study of room-temperature Li xMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 solid solutions

DOE PAGES

Saravanan, Kuppan; Jarry, Angelique; Kostecki, Robert; ...

2015-01-26

Understanding the kinetic implication of solid-solution vs. biphasic reaction pathways is critical for the development of advanced intercalation electrode materials. Yet this has been a long-standing challenge in materials science due to the elusive metastable nature of solid solution phases. The present study reports the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of room-temperature Li xMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 solid solutions. In situ XRD studies performed on pristine and chemically-delithiated, micron-sized single crystals reveal the thermal behavior of Li xMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) cathode material consisting of three cubic phases: LiMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 (Phase I), Li 0.5Mnmore » 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 (Phase II) and Mn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4 (Phase III). A phase diagram capturing the structural changes as functions of both temperature and Li content was established. In conclusion, the work not only demonstrates the possibility of synthesizing alternative electrode materials that are metastable in nature, but also enables in-depth evaluation on the physical, electrochemical and kinetic properties of transient intermediate phases and their role in battery electrode performance.« less

Development and validation of a simple and robust method for arsenic speciation in human urine using HPLC/ICP-MS.

PubMed

Sen, Indranil; Zou, Wei; Alvaran, Josephine; Nguyen, Linda; Gajek, Ryszard; She, Jianwen

2015-01-01

In order to better distinguish the different toxic inorganic and organic forms of arsenic (As) exposure in individuals, we have developed and validated a simple and robust analytical method for determining the following six As species in human urine: arsenous (III) acid (As-III), As (V) acid, monomethylarsonic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, arsenobetaine (AsB), and arsenocholine. In this method, human urine is diluted using a pH 5.8 buffer, separation is performed using an anion exchange column with isocratic HPLC, and detection is achieved using inductively coupled plasma-MS. The method uses a single mobile phase consisting of low concentrations of both phosphate buffer (5 mM) and ammonium nitrate salt (5 mM) at pH 9.0; this minimizes the column equilibration time and overcomes challenges with separation between AsB and As-III. In addition, As-III oxidation is prevented by degassing the sample preparation buffer at pH 5.8, degassing the mobile phase online at pH 9.0, and by the use of low temperature (-70 °C) and flip-cap airtight tubes for long term storage of samples. The method was validated using externally provided reference samples. Results were in agreement with target values at varying concentrations and successfully passed external performance test criteria. Internal QC samples were prepared and repeatedly analyzed to assess the method's long-term precision, and further analyses were completed on anonymous donor urine to assess the quality of the method's baseline separation. Results from analyses of external reference samples agreed with target values at varying concentrations, and results from precision studies yielded absolute CV values of 3-14% and recovery from 82 to 115% for the six As species. Analysis of anonymous donor urine confirmed the well-resolved baseline separation capabilities of the method for real participant samples.

Chemically-modified activated carbon with ethylenediamine for selective solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of metal ions.

PubMed

Li, Zhenhua; Chang, Xijun; Zou, Xiaojun; Zhu, Xiangbing; Nie, Rong; Hu, Zheng; Li, Ruijun

2009-01-26

A new method that utilizes ethylenediamine-modified activated carbon (AC-EDA) as a solid-phase extractant has been developed for simultaneous preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Fe(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II) prior to the measurement by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The new sorbent was prepared by oxidative surface modification. Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cr(III), Fe(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II) were optimized with respect to different experimental parameters using batch and column procedures in detail. The optimum pH value for the separation of metal ions simultaneously on the new sorbent was 4.0. Complete elution of absorbed metal ions from the sorbent surface was carried out using 3.0 mL of 2% (%w/w) thiourea and 0.5 mol L(-1) HCl solution. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of target metal ions. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 39.4, 28.9, 60.5 and 49.9 mg g(-1) for Cr(III), Fe(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The time for 94% adsorption of target metal ions was less than 2 min. The detection limits of the method was found to be 0.28, 0.22, 0.09 and 0.17 ng mL(-1) for Cr(III), Fe(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The precision (R.S.D.) of the method was lower 4.0% (n=8). The prepared sorbent as solid-phase extractant was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Fe(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II) in natural and certified samples with satisfactory results.

Maximizing Patient Recruitment and Retention in a Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinical Trial: Lessons Learned from the STAND FIRM Study.

PubMed

Thayabaranathan, Tharshanah; Cadilhac, Dominique A; Srikanth, Velandai K; Fitzgerald, Sharyn M; Evans, Roger G; Kim, Joosup; Gerraty, Richard P; Phan, Thanh G; Bladin, Christopher F; Nelson, Mark R; Frayne, Judith H; Thrift, Amanda G

2016-06-01

Recruitment and retention of patients in a clinical trial is important for generalizability and robustness of findings. We aimed to investigate features of a study design that were associated with recruitment and retention in a Phase II and Phase III trial of a secondary prevention program for stroke. Following informed consent in hospital, Phase II participants were randomized to intervention or usual care. Baseline clinical assessments were conducted at home approximately 3 months after discharge. In Phase III study, informed consent was obtained at home. We compared the characteristics of participants recruited and retained to 12 months for both phases. Interviews with study nurses were undertaken in order to ascertain their opinions of features of study design. Triangulation was used to identify the features of study design that nurses thought had improved recruitment and retention. All 24 eligible participants were recruited to the Phase II pilot study (100% recruitment), with 67% retention at 12 months. In Phase III study, 570 participants were recruited, and 93% of these participants had reached their 12-month assessment (n = 532) and were still participating. Consistent with the greater patient retention in Phase III study, nurses reported that patients' willingness to participate was greater when consent was obtained at home. Following a change in the consent process from hospital to home, more participants continued participation to 12 months. Pilot studies can provide important data to improve study design and better understand potential barriers to recruitment and retention. Copyright © 2016 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abagovomab As Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Phase III Trial of the AGO OVAR, COGI, GINECO, and GEICO—The MIMOSA Study

PubMed Central

Sabbatini, Paul; Harter, Philipp; Scambia, Giovanni; Sehouli, Jalid; Meier, Werner; Wimberger, Pauline; Baumann, Klaus H.; Kurzeder, Christian; Schmalfeldt, Barbara; Cibula, David; Bidzinski, Mariusz; Casado, Antonio; Martoni, Andrea; Colombo, Nicoletta; Holloway, Robert W.; Selvaggi, Luigi; Li, Andrew; del Campo, Jose; Cwiertka, Karel; Pinter, Tamas; Vermorken, Jan B.; Pujade-Lauraine, Eric; Scartoni, Simona; Bertolotti, Monica; Simonelli, Cecilia; Capriati, Angela; Maggi, Carlo Alberto; Berek, Jonathan S.; Pfisterer, Jacobus

2013-01-01

Purpose To determine whether abagovomab maintenance therapy prolongs recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with ovarian cancer in first clinical remission. Patients and Methods Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III to IV ovarian cancer in complete clinical remission after primary surgery and platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1 in a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Abagovomab 2 mg or placebo was administered as 1-mL suspension once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks (induction phase) and then once every 4 weeks (maintenance phase) until recurrence or up to 21 months after random assignment of the last patient. The primary end point was RFS; secondary end points were OS and immunologic response. Results Characteristics of the 888 patients included: mean age, 56.3 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, ≤ 1 in > 99% of patients; serous papillary subtype, 81.5%; stage III, 85.9%; and cancer antigen 125 ≤ 35U/mL after third cycle, 80.9%. Mean exposure to study treatment (± standard deviation) was 449.7 ± 333.08 days. Hazard ratio (HR) of RFS for the treatment group using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.099 (95% CI, 0.919 to 1.315; P = .301). HR of OS using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.150 (95% CI, 0.872 to 1.518; P = .322). The most frequently reported type of adverse event was an injection site reaction in 445 patients (50.2%), followed by injection site erythema and fatigue in 227 (25.6%) and 212 patients (23.9%), respectively. By the final visit, median anti–anti-idiotypic antibody level was 493,000.0 ng/mL, indicating a robust response. Conclusion Abagovomab administered as repeated monthly injections is safe and induces a measurable immune response. Administration as maintenance therapy for patients with ovarian cancer in first remission does not prolong RFS or OS. PMID:23478059

Anal Cancer: An Examination of Radiotherapy Strategies

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

Glynne-Jones, Rob; Lim, Faye

2011-04-01

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9811, ACCORD-03, and ACT II Phase III trials in anal cancer showed no benefit for cisplatin-based induction and maintenance chemotherapy, or radiation dose-escalation >59 Gy. This review examines the efficacy and toxicity of chemoradiation (CRT) in anal cancer, and discusses potential alternative radiotherapy strategies. The evidence for the review was compiled from randomized and nonrandomized trials of radiation therapy and CRT. A total of 103 retrospective/observational studies, 4 Phase I/II studies, 16 Phase II prospective studies, 2 randomized Phase II studies, and 6 Phase III trials of radiotherapy or chemoradiation were identified. There are nomore » meta-analyses based on individual patient data. A 'one-size-fits-all' approach for all stages of anal cancer is inappropriate. Early T1 tumors are probably currently overtreated, whereas T3/T4 lesions might merit escalation of treatment. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy or the integration of biological therapy may play a role in future.« less

Dysprosium sorption by polymeric composite bead: robust parametric optimization using Taguchi method.

PubMed

Yadav, Kartikey K; Dasgupta, Kinshuk; Singh, Dhruva K; Varshney, Lalit; Singh, Harvinderpal

2015-03-06

Polyethersulfone-based beads encapsulating di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid have been synthesized and evaluated for the recovery of rare earth values from the aqueous media. Percentage recovery and the sorption behavior of Dy(III) have been investigated under wide range of experimental parameters using these beads. Taguchi method utilizing L-18 orthogonal array has been adopted to identify the most influential process parameters responsible for higher degree of recovery with enhanced sorption of Dy(III) from chloride medium. Analysis of variance indicated that the feed concentration of Dy(III) is the most influential factor for equilibrium sorption capacity, whereas aqueous phase acidity influences the percentage recovery most. The presence of polyvinyl alcohol and multiwalled carbon nanotube modified the internal structure of the composite beads and resulted in uniform distribution of organic extractant inside polymeric matrix. The experiment performed under optimum process conditions as predicted by Taguchi method resulted in enhanced Dy(III) recovery and sorption capacity by polymeric beads with minimum standard deviation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

InGaAsP Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical modulator monolithically integrated with InGaAs driver MOSFET on a III-V CMOS photonics platform.

PubMed

Park, Jin-Kown; Takagi, Shinichi; Takenaka, Mitsuru

2018-02-19

We demonstrated the monolithic integration of a carrier-injection InGaAsP Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical modulator and InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) on a III-V-on-insulator (III-V-OI) wafer. A low-resistivity lateral PIN junction was formed along an InGaAsP rib waveguide by Zn diffusion and Ni-InGaAsP alloy, enabling direct driving of the InGaAsP optical modulator by the InGaAs MOSFET. A π phase shift of the InGaAsP optical modulator was obtained through the injection of a drain current from the InGaAs MOSFET with a gate voltage of approximately 1 V. This proof-of-concept demonstration of the monolithic integration of the InGaAsP optical modulator and InGaAs driver MOSFET will enable us to develop high-performance and low-power electronic-photonic integrated circuits on a III-V CMOS photonics platform.

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

Noel, Donna

This project integrated state-of-the-art exploration technologies with a geologic framework and reservoir modeling to ultimately determine the efficacy of future geothermal production within the PLPT reservation. The information gained during this study should help the PLPT to make informed decisions regarding construction of a geothermal power plant. Additional benefits included the transfer of new technologies and geothermal data to the geothermal industry and it created and/or preserved nearly three dozen jobs accordance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A variety of tasks were conducted to achieve the above stated objectives. The following are the tasks completed withinmore » the project: 1. Permitting 2. Shallow temperature survey 3. Seismic data collection and analysis 4. Fracture stress analysis 5. Phase I reporting Permitting 7. Shallow temperature survey 8. Seismic data collection and analysis 9. Fracture stress analysis 10. Phase I reporting 11. Drilling two new wells 12. Borehole geophysics 13. Phase II reporting 14. Well testing and geochemical analysis 15. Three-dimensional geologic model 16. Three-dimensional reservoir analysis 17. Reservation wide geothermal potential analysis 18. Phase III reporting Phase I consisted of tasks 1 – 5, Phase II tasks 6 – 8, and Phase III tasks 9 – 13. This report details the results of Phase III tasks. Reports are available for Phase I, and II as separate documents.« less

A Progressive Reading, Writing, and Artistic Module to Support Scientific Literacy.

PubMed

Stockwell, Stephanie B

2016-03-01

Scientific literacy, marked by the ability and willingness to engage with scientific information, is supported through a new genre of citizen science-course-based research in association with undergraduate laboratories. A three-phased progressive learning module was developed to enhance student engagement in such contexts while supporting three learning outcomes: I) present an argument based on evidence, II) analyze science and scientists within a social context, and III) experience, reflect upon, and communicate the nature of scientific discovery. Phase I entails guided reading and reflection of citizen science-themed texts. In Phase II, students write, peer-review, and edit position and counterpoint papers inspired by the following prompt, "Nonscientists should do scientific research." Phase III involves two creative assignments intended to communicate the true nature of science. Students work collaboratively to develop public service announcement-like poster campaigns to debunk a common misconception about the nature of science or scientists. Individually, they create a work of art to communicate a specific message about the raw experience of performing scientific research. Suggestions for implementation and modifications are provided. Strengths of the module include the development of transferable skills, temporal distribution of grading demands, minimal in-class time needed for implementation, and the inclusion of artistic projects to support affective learning domains. This citizen science-themed learning module is an excellent complement to laboratory coursework, as it serves to surprise, challenge, and inspire students while promoting disciplinary values.

Virtual reality exercise on a home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation program, effect on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Vieira, Ágata; Melo, Cristina; Machado, Jorge; Gabriel, Joaquim

2018-02-01

To analyse the effect of a six-month home-based phase III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) specific exercise program, performed in a virtual reality (Kinect) or conventional (booklet) environment, on executive function, quality of life and depression, anxiety and stress of subjects with coronary artery disease. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with subjects, who had completed phase II, randomly assigned to intervention group 1 (IG1), whose program encompassed the use of Kinect (n = 11); or intervention group 2 (IG2), a paper booklet (n = 11); or a control group (CG), only subjected to the usual care (n = 11). The three groups received education on cardiovascular risk factors. The assessed parameters, at baseline (M0), 3 (M1) and 6 months (M2), were executive function, control and integration in the implementation of an adequate behaviour in relation to a certain objective, specifically the ability to switch information (Trail Making Test), working memory (Verbal Digit Span test), and selective attention and conflict resolution ability (Stroop test), quality of life (MacNew questionnaire) and depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21). Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used, significance level was set at .05. The IG1 revealed significant improvements, in the selective attention and conflict resolution ability, in comparison with the CG in the variable difference M0 - M2 (p = .021) and in comparison with the IG2 in the variable difference M1 - M2 and M0 - M2 (p = .001 and p = .002, respectively). No significant differences were found in the quality of life, and depression, anxiety and stress. The virtual reality format had improved selective attention and conflict resolution ability, revealing the potential of CR, specifically with virtual reality exercise, on executive function. Implications for Rehabilitation In cardiac rehabilitation, especially in phase III, it is important to develop and to present alternative strategies, as virtual reality using the Kinect in a home context. Taking into account the relationship between the improvement of the executive function with physical exercise, it is relevant to access the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program on the executive function. Enhancing the value of the phase III of cardiac rehabilitation.

Adaptive clinical trial designs for European marketing authorization: a survey of scientific advice letters from the European Medicines Agency.

PubMed

Elsäßer, Amelie; Regnstrom, Jan; Vetter, Thorsten; Koenig, Franz; Hemmings, Robert James; Greco, Martina; Papaluca-Amati, Marisa; Posch, Martin

2014-10-02

Since the first methodological publications on adaptive study design approaches in the 1990s, the application of these approaches in drug development has raised increasing interest among academia, industry and regulators. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have published guidance documents addressing the potentials and limitations of adaptive designs in the regulatory context. Since there is limited experience in the implementation and interpretation of adaptive clinical trials, early interaction with regulators is recommended. The EMA offers such interactions through scientific advice and protocol assistance procedures. We performed a text search of scientific advice letters issued between 1 January 2007 and 8 May 2012 that contained relevant key terms. Letters containing questions related to adaptive clinical trials in phases II or III were selected for further analysis. From the selected letters, important characteristics of the proposed design and its context in the drug development program, as well as the responses of the Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP)/Scientific Advice Working Party (SAWP), were extracted and categorized. For 41 more recent procedures (1 January 2009 to 8 May 2012), additional details of the trial design and the CHMP/SAWP responses were assessed. In addition, case studies are presented as examples. Over a range of 5½ years, 59 scientific advices were identified that address adaptive study designs in phase II and phase III clinical trials. Almost all were proposed as confirmatory phase III or phase II/III studies. The most frequently proposed adaptation was sample size reassessment, followed by dropping of treatment arms and population enrichment. While 12 (20%) of the 59 proposals for an adaptive clinical trial were not accepted, the great majority of proposals were accepted (15, 25%) or conditionally accepted (32, 54%). In the more recent 41 procedures, the most frequent concerns raised by CHMP/SAWP were insufficient justifications of the adaptation strategy, type I error rate control and bias. For the majority of proposed adaptive clinical trials, an overall positive opinion was given albeit with critical comments. Type I error rate control, bias and the justification of the design are common issues raised by the CHMP/SAWP.

Action of Brazilian propolis on hematological and serum biochemical parameters of Blue-fronted Amazons (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) in captivity.

PubMed

Silva, Cínthia R B; Putarov, Thaila C; Fruhvald, Erika; Destro, Flavia C; Marques Filho, Wolff C; Thomazini, Camila M; Barbosa, Tatiana S; Orsi, Ricardo O; Siqueira, Edson R

2014-07-01

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of propolis use on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in Blue-fronted Amazons (Amazona aestiva). For this, 12 adult birds were distributed randomly into individual cages, divided into treatments with different propolis levels (A = 0.0%; B = 0.5%; and C = 1.0%), in 3 distinct phases (I, II, and III), with 15-d duration for phases I and III and 30 d for phase II, totaling 60 d. In phases I and III, all birds received treatment A ration, and in phase II received A, B, or C (4 birds per treatment). At the end of each phase, blood was collected for biochemical and hematological evaluations. The variables were analyzed by ANOVA (P < 0.05). Results suggest that 0.5% propolis reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels, whereas treatment B augmented hemoglobin concentrations and eosinophil count. It is concluded that 0.5% propolis improves levels of lactate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin, and eosinophils. © 2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.

A quality assurance audit: phase III trial of maximal androgen deprivation in prostate cancer (TROG 96.01).

PubMed

Steigler, A; Mameghan, H; Lamb, D; Joseph, D; Matthews, J; Franklin, I; Turner, S; Spry, N; Poulsen, M; North, J; Kovacev, O; Denham, J

2000-02-01

In 1997 the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) performed a quality assurance (QA) audit of its phase III randomized clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of different durations of maximal androgen deprivation prior to and during definitive radiation therapy for locally advanced carcinoma of the prostate (TROG 96.01). The audit reviewed a total of 60 cases from 15 centres across Australia and New Zealand. In addition to verification of technical adherence to the protocol, the audit also incorporated a survey of centre planning techniques and a QA time/cost analysis. The present report builds on TROG's first technical audit conducted in 1996 for the phase III accelerated head and neck trial (TROG 91.01) and highlights the significant progress TROG has made in the interim period. The audit provides a strong validation of the results of the 96.01 trial, as well as valuable budgeting and treatment planning information for future trials. Overall improvements were detected in data quality and quantity, and in protocol compliance, with a reduction in the rate of unacceptable protocol violations from 10 to 4%. Audit design, staff education and increased data management resources were identified as the main contributing factors to these improvements. In addition, a budget estimate of $100 per patient has been proposed for conducting similar technical audits. The next major QA project to be undertaken by TROG during the period 1998-1999 is an intercentre dosimetry study. Trial funding and staff education have been targeted as the key major issues essential to the continued success and expansion of TROG's QA programme.

Biotechnology stock prices before public announcements: evidence of insider trading?

PubMed

Overgaard, C B; van den Broek, R A; Kim, J H; Detsky, A S

2000-03-01

Unique financial challenges faced by biotechnology companies developing therapeutics have contributed to the creation of a highly sensitive market, where stock prices are capable of great fluctuation. The potential for significant financial reward and the nature of the scientific review process make this industry susceptible to illegal share trading on nonpublic information. We examined stock prices of biotechnology products before and after announcement of Phase III clinical trial and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Panel results for indirect evidence of insider trading. Biotechnology stock prices were recorded for 98 products undergoing Phase III clinical trials and 49 products undergoing FDA Advisory Panel review between 1990 and 1998. Prices were recorded for 120 consecutive trading days before and after public announcement of these two events. We compared the average change in stock price of successful products ('winners') with unsuccessful products ('losers') before the public announcement of results for both critical events. The difference between average stock price change from 120 to 3 days before public announcement of results of Phase III clinical trial winners (+27%) and losers (-4%) was highly significant (P = 0.0007). A similar but non-significant difference was observed between the average stock price of winning (+27%) and losing products (+13%) before FDA Advisory Panel review announcements (P = 0.25). Our results provide indirect evidence that insider trading may be common in the biotechnology industry. Clinical investigators may wish to consider this issue before participating in any equity position in the biotechnology industry, especially if they are going to perform research for those companies.

Simultaneous separation and determination of six arsenic species in rice by anion-exchange chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ma, Li; Yang, Zhaoguang; Tang, Jie; Wang, Lin

2016-06-01

The simultaneous separation and determination of arsenite As(III), arsenate As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), and arsenocholine (AsC) in rice samples have been carried out in one single anion-exchange column run by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. To estimate the effect of variables on arsenic (As) speciation, the chromatographic conditions including type of competing anion, ionic strength, pH of elution buffer, and flow rate of mobile phase have been investigated by a univariate approach. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, baseline separation of six As species has been achieved within 10 min by gradient elution program using 4 mM NH4 HCO3 at pH 8.6 as mobile phase A and 4 mM NH4 HCO3 , 40 mM NH4 NO3 at pH 8.6 as mobile phase B. The method detection limits for As(III), As(V), MMA, DMA, AsB, and AsC were 0.4, 0.9, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.3 μg/kg, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to separation and quantification of As species in real rice samples collected from Hunan Province, China. The main As species detected in all samples were As(III), As(V) and DMA, with inorganic As accounting for over 80% of total As in these samples. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A green separation strategy for neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase system.

PubMed

Chen, Yuehua; Wang, Huiyong; Pei, Yuanchao; Wang, Jianji

2018-05-15

It is significant to develop sustainable strategies for the selective separation of rare earth from transition metals from fundamental and practical viewpoint. In this work, an environmentally friendly solvent extraction approach has been developed to selectively separate neodymium (III) from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) by using an ionic liquid-based aqueous two phase system (IL-ATPS). For this purpose, a hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL) tetrabutylphosphonate nitrate ([P 4444 ][NO 3 ]) was prepared and used for the formation of an ATPS with NaNO 3 . Binodal curves of the ATPSs have been determined for the design of extraction process. The extraction parameters such as contact time, aqueous phase pH, content of phase-formation components of NaNO 3 and the ionic liquid have been investigated systematically. It is shown that under optimal conditions, the extraction efficiency of neodymium (III) is as high as 99.7%, and neodymium (III) can be selectively separated from cobalt (II) and nickel (II) with a separation factor of 10 3 . After extraction, neodymium (III) can be stripped from the IL-rich phase by using dilute aqueous sodium oxalate, and the ILs can be quantitatively recovered and reused in the next extraction process. Since [P 4444 ][NO 3 ] works as one of the components of the ATPS and the extractant for the neodymium, no organic diluent, extra etractant and fluorinated ILs are used in the separation process. Thus, the strategy described here shows potential in green separation of neodymium from cobalt and nickel by using simple IL-based aqueous two-phase system. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical phase I/II research on ultrasound thermo-chemotherapy in oral and maxillofacial-head and neck carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Guofeng; Ren, Guoxin; Guo, Wei; Chen, Yazhu

2012-11-01

The principle of a ultrasound thermo-chemotherapy instrument and the clinical phase I/II research on short-term and long-term therapeutic effect and main side-effect of ultrasound hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy in oral and maxillofacial-head & neck carcinoma by the instrument will be presented in this paper.

SPSP Phase III Recruiting, Selecting, and Developing Secure Power Systems Professionals: Behavioral Interview Guidelines by Job Roles

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

O'Neil, Lori Ross; Conway, T. J.; Tobey, D. H.

The Secure Power Systems Professional Phase III final report was released last year which an appendix of Behavioral Interview Guidelines by Job Roles. This new report is that appendix broken out as a standalone document to assist utilities in recruiting and developing Secure Power Systems Professionals at their site.

Biogeochemical transformation of Fe minerals in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zachara, John M.; Kukkadapu, Ravi K.; Glassman, Paul L.; Dohnalkova, Alice; Fredrickson, Jim K.; Anderson, Todd

2004-01-01

The Bemidji aquifer in Minnesota, USA is a well-studied site of subsurface petroleum contamination. The site contains an anoxic groundwater plume where soluble petroleum constituents serve as an energy source for a region of methanogenesis near the source and bacterial Fe(III) reduction further down gradient. Methanogenesis apparently begins when bioavailable Fe(III) is exhausted within the sediment. Past studies indicate that Geobacter species and Geothrix fermentens-like organisms are the primary dissimilatory Fe-reducing bacteria at this site. The Fe mineralogy of the pristine aquifer sediments and samples from the methanogenic (source) and Fe(III) reducing zones were characterized in this study to identify microbiologic changes to Fe valence and mineral distribution, and to identify whether new biogenic mineral phases had formed. Methods applied included X-ray diffraction; X-ray fluorescence (XRF); and chemical extraction; optical, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy; and Mössbauer spectroscopy.All of the sediments were low in total Fe content (≈ 1%) and exhibited complex Fe-mineralogy. The bulk pristine sediment and its sand, silt, and clay-sized fractions were studied in detail. The pristine sediments contained Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases. Ferrous iron represented approximately 50% of FeTOT. The relative Fe(II) concentration increased in the sand fraction, and its primary mineralogic residence was clinochlore with minor concentrations found as a ferroan calcite grain cement in carbonate lithic fragments. Fe(III) existed in silicates (epidote, clinochlore, muscovite) and Fe(III) oxides of detrital and authigenic origin. The detrital Fe(III) oxides included hematite and goethite in the form of mm-sized nodular concretions and smaller-sized dispersed crystallites, and euhedral magnetite grains. Authigenic Fe(III) oxides increased in concentration with decreasing particle size through the silt and clay fraction. Chemical extraction and Mössbauer analysis indicated that this was a ferrihydrite like-phase. Quantitative mineralogic and Fe(II/III) ratio comparisons between the pristine and contaminated sediments were not possible because of textural differences. However, comparisons between the texturally-similar source (where bioavailable Fe(III) had been exhausted) and Fe(III) reducing zone sediments (where bioavailable Fe(III) remained) indicated that dispersed detrital, crystalline Fe(III) oxides and a portion of the authigenic, poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide fraction had been depleted from the source zone sediment by microbiologic activity. Little or no effect of microbiologic activity was observed on silicate Fe(III). The presence of residual “ferrihydrite” in the most bioreduced, anoxic plume sediment (source) implied that a portion of the authigenic Fe(III) oxides were biologically inaccessible in weathered, lithic fragment interiors. Little evidence was found for the modern biogenesis of authigenic ferrous-containing mineral phases, perhaps with the exception of thin siderite or ferroan calcite surface precipitates on carbonate lithic fragments within source zone sediments.

Activity of Lower Limb Muscles During Squat With and Without Abdominal Drawing-in and Pilates Breathing.

PubMed

Barbosa, Alexandre C; Martins, Fábio M; Silva, Angélica F; Coelho, Ana C; Intelangelo, Leonardo; Vieira, Edgar R

2017-11-01

Barbosa, AC, Martins, FM, Silva, AF, Coelho, AC, Intelangelo, L, and Vieira, ER. Activity of lower limb muscles during squat with and without abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3018-3023, 2017-The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing on the activity of lower limb muscles during squats. Adults (n = 13, 22 ± 3 years old) with some Pilates experience performed three 60° squats under each of the following conditions in a random order: (I) normal breathing, (II) drawing-in maneuver with normal breathing, and (III) drawing-in maneuver with Pilates breathing. Peak-normalized surface electromyography of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior during the knee flexion and extension phases of squat exercises was analyzed. There were significant differences among the conditions during the knee flexion phase for the rectus femoris (p = 0.001), biceps femoris (p = 0.038), and tibialis anterior (p = 0.001), with increasing activation from conditions I to III. For the gastrocnemius medialis, there were significant differences among the conditions during the knee extension phase (p = 0.023), with increased activity under condition I. The rectus and biceps femoris activity was higher during the extension vs. flexion phase under conditions I and II. The tibialis anterior activity was higher during the flexion compared with the extension phase under all conditions, and the medial gastrocnemius activity was higher during the extension phase under condition I. Doing squats with abdominal drawing-in and Pilates breathing resulted in increased rectus, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior activity during the flexion phase, increasing movement stability during squat exercises.

Involvement of hippocampal NMDA receptors in encoding and consolidation, but not retrieval, processes of spontaneous object location memory in rats.

PubMed

Yamada, Kazuo; Arai, Misaki; Suenaga, Toshiko; Ichitani, Yukio

2017-07-28

The hippocampus is thought to be involved in object location recognition memory, yet the contribution of hippocampal NMDA receptors to the memory processes, such as encoding, retention and retrieval, is unknown. First, we confirmed that hippocampal infusion of a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, AP5 (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 20-40nmol), impaired performance of spontaneous object location recognition test but not that of novel object recognition test in Wistar rats. Next, the effects of hippocampal AP5 treatment on each process of object location recognition memory were examined with three different injection times using a 120min delay-interposed test: 15min before the sample phase (Time I), immediately after the sample phase (Time II), and 15min before the test phase (Time III). The blockade of hippocampal NMDA receptors before and immediately after the sample phase, but not before the test phase, markedly impaired performance of object location recognition test, suggesting that hippocampal NMDA receptors play an important role in encoding and consolidation/retention, but not retrieval, of spontaneous object location memory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer utilizing a single material

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold; Lukosi, Eric

2017-05-02

A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.

Extracorporeal blood purification therapy for sepsis and systemic inflammation: its biological rationale.

PubMed

Bellomo, R; Baldwin, I; Ronco, C

2001-01-01

EBPTs represent a promising new approach to the adjuvant treatment of severe sepsis, septic shock and MODS. Their technology is rapidly evolving and pilot animal and human studies are now taking place to prepare the territory for the first large randomized controlled trial. The rationale for EBPT is reasonable and the initial data are encouraging. The correct technology and molecular targeting, however, are still being explored. Once the best technology has been determined, it is likely that phase II and phase III trials will be performed to test the hypothesis that these therapies can indeed alter mortality in severe inflammatory multiorgan dysfunction.

Speciation of As(III) and As(V) in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after solid phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic drop.

PubMed

Shamsipur, Mojtaba; Fattahi, Nazir; Assadi, Yaghoub; Sadeghi, Marzieh; Sharafi, Kiomars

2014-12-01

A solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) method, using diethyldithiphosphate (DDTP) as a proper chelating agent, has been developed as an ultra preconcentration technique for the determination of inorganic arsenic in water samples prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Variables affecting the performance of both steps were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, 100mL of As(ΙΙΙ) solution was first concentrated using a solid phase sorbent. The extract was collected in 2.0 mL of acetone and 60.0 µL of 1-undecanol was added into the collecting solvent. The mixture was then injected rapidly into 5.0 mL of pure water for further DLLME-SFO. Total inorganic As(III, V) was extracted similarly after reduction of As(V) to As(III) with potassium iodide and sodium thiosulfate and As(V) concentration was calculated by difference. A mixture of Pd(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2 was used as a chemical modifier in GFAAS. The analytical characteristics of the method were determined. The calibration graph was linear in the rage of 10-100 ng L(-1) with detection limit of 2.5 ng L(-1). Repeatability (intra-day) and reproducibility (inter-day) of method based on seven replicate measurements of 80 ng L(-1) of As(ΙΙΙ) were 6.8% and 7.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to speciation of As(III), As(V) and determination of the total amount of As in water samples and in a certified reference material (NIST RSM 1643e). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flight Test of the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing Airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voracek, David

2007-01-01

A viewgraph presentation of flight tests performed on the F/A active aeroelastic wing airplane is shown. The topics include: 1) F/A-18 AAW Airplane; 2) F/A-18 AAW Control Surfaces; 3) Flight Test Background; 4) Roll Control Effectiveness Regions; 5) AAW Design Test Points; 6) AAW Phase I Test Maneuvers; 7) OBES Pitch Doublets; 8) OBES Roll Doublets; 9) AAW Aileron Flexibility; 10) Phase I - Lessons Learned; 11) Control Law Development and Verification & Validation Testing; 12) AAW Phase II RFCS Envelopes; 13) AAW 1-g Phase II Flight Test; 14) Region I - Subsonic 1-g Rolls; 15) Region I - Subsonic 1-g 360 Roll; 16) Region II - Supersonic 1-g Rolls; 17) Region II - Supersonic 1-g 360 Roll; 18) Region III - Subsonic 1-g Rolls; 19) Roll Axis HOS/LOS Comparison Region II - Supersonic (open-loop); 20) Roll Axis HOS/LOS Comparison Region II - Supersonic (closed-loop); 21) AAW Phase II Elevated-g Flight Test; 22) Region I - Subsonic 4-g RPO; and 23) Phase II - Lessons Learned

Cd Mobility in Anoxic Fe-Mineral-Rich Environments - Potential Use of Fe(III)-Reducing Bacteria in Soil Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muehe, E. M.; Adaktylou, I. J.; Obst, M.; Schröder, C.; Behrens, S.; Hitchcock, A. P.; Tylsizczak, T.; Michel, F. M.; Krämer, U.; Kappler, A.

2014-12-01

Agricultural soils are increasingly burdened with heavy metals such as Cd from industrial sources and impure fertilizers. Metal contaminants enter the food chain via plant uptake from soil and negatively affect human and environmental health. New remediation approaches are needed to lower soil metal contents. To apply these remediation techniques successfully, it is necessary to understand how soil microbes and minerals interact with toxic metals. Here we show that microbial Fe(III) reduction initially mobilizes Cd before its immobilization under anoxic conditions. To study how microbial Fe(III) reduction influences Cd mobility, we isolated a new Cd-tolerant, Fe(III)-reducing Geobacter sp. from a heavily Cd-contaminated soil. In lab experiments, this Geobacter strain first mobilized Cd from Cd-loaded Fe(III) hydroxides followed by precipitation of Cd-bearing mineral phases. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the original and newly formed Cd-containing Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases, including Cd-Fe-carbonates, Fe-phosphates and Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides, were identified and characterized. Using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, Cd was mapped in the Fe(II) mineral aggregates formed during microbial Fe(III) reduction. Microbial Fe(III) reduction mobilizes Cd prior to its precipitation in Cd-bearing mineral phases. The mobilized Cd could be taken up by phytoremediating plants, resulting in a net removal of Cd from contaminated sites. Alternatively, Cd precipitation could reduce Cd bioavailability in the environment, causing less toxic effects to crops and soil microbiota. However, the stability and thus bioavailability of these newly formed Fe-Cd mineral phases needs to be assessed thoroughly. Whether phytoremediation or immobilization of Cd in a mineral with reduced Cd bioavailability are feasible mechanisms to reduce toxic effects of Cd in the environment remains to be determined.

International field testing of the psychometric properties of an EORTC quality of life module for oral health: the EORTC QLQ-OH15.

PubMed

Hjermstad, Marianne J; Bergenmar, Mia; Bjordal, Kristin; Fisher, Sheila E; Hofmeister, Dirk; Montel, Sébastien; Nicolatou-Galitis, Ourania; Pinto, Monica; Raber-Durlacher, Judith; Singer, Susanne; Tomaszewska, Iwona M; Tomaszewski, Krzysztof A; Verdonck-de Leeuw, Irma; Yarom, Noam; Winstanley, Julie B; Herlofson, Bente B

2016-09-01

This international EORTC validation study (phase IV) is aimed at testing the psychometric properties of a quality of life (QoL) module related to oral health problems in cancer patients. The phase III module comprised 17 items with four hypothesized multi-item scales and three single items. In phase IV, patients with mixed cancers, in different treatment phases from 10 countries completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, the QLQ-OH module, and a debriefing interview. The hypothesized structure was tested using combinations of classical test theory and item response theory, following EORTC guidelines. Test-retest assessments and responsiveness to change analysis (RCA) were performed after 2 weeks. Five hundred seventy-two patients (median age 60.3, 54 % females) were analyzed. Completion took <10 min for 84 %, 40 % expressed satisfaction that these issues were addressed. Analyses suggested a revision of the phase III hypothesized scale structure. Two items were deleted based on a high degree of item misfit, together with negative patient feedback. The remaining 15 items formed one eight-item scale named OH-QoL score, a two-item information scale, a two-item scale regarding dentures, and three single items (sticky saliva/mouth soreness/sensitivity to food/drink). Face and convergent validity and internal consistency were confirmed. Test-retest reliability (n = 60) was demonstrated as was RCA for patients undergoing chemotherapy (n = 117; p = 0.06). The resulting QLQ-OH15 discriminated between clinically distinct patient groups, e.g., low performance status vs. higher (p < 000.1), and head-and-neck cancer versus other cancers (p < 0.03). The EORTC module QLQ-OH15 is a short, well-accepted assessment tool focusing on oral problems and QoL to improve clinical management. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01724333.

Exploring the high-pressure behavior of the three known polymorphs of BiPO{sub 4}: Discovery of a new polymorph

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

Errandonea, D., E-mail: daniel.errandonea@uv.es; García-Domene, B.; Gomis, O.

We have studied the structural behavior of bismuth phosphate under compression. We performed x-ray powder diffraction measurements up to 31.5 GPa and ab initio calculations. Experiments were carried out on different polymorphs: trigonal (phase I) and monoclinic (phases II and III). Phases I and III, at low pressure (P < 0.2–0.8 GPa), transform into phase II, which has a monazite-type structure. At room temperature, this polymorph is stable up to 31.5 GPa. Calculations support these findings and predict the occurrence of an additional transition from the monoclinic monazite-type to a tetragonal scheelite-type structure (phase IV). This transition was experimentally found after the simultaneous applicationmore » of pressure (28 GPa) and temperature (1500 K), suggesting that at room temperature the transition might by hindered by kinetic barriers. Calculations also predict an additional phase transition at 52 GPa, which exceeds the maximum pressure achieved in the experiments. This transition is from phase IV to an orthorhombic barite-type structure (phase V). We also studied the axial and bulk compressibility of BiPO{sub 4}. Room-temperature pressure-volume equations of state are reported. BiPO{sub 4} was found to be more compressible than isomorphic rare-earth phosphates. The discovered phase IV was determined to be the less compressible polymorph of BiPO{sub 4}. On the other hand, the theoretically predicted phase V has a bulk modulus comparable with that of monazite-type BiPO{sub 4}. Finally, the isothermal compressibility tensor for the monazite-type structure is reported at 2.4 GPa showing that the direction of maximum compressibility is in the (0 1 0) plane at approximately 15° (21°) to the a axis for the case of our experimental (theoretical) study.« less

Solid phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Au(III) with 5-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenylazo)thiorhodanine.

PubMed

Hu, Qiufen; Chen, Xiubin; Yang, Xiangjun; Huang, Zhangjie; Chen, Jing; Yang, Guangyu

2006-04-01

A new chromogenic reagent, 5-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenylazo)thiorhodanine (HNATR) was synthesized. A highly sensitive, selective and rapid method for the determination microg l(-1) level of Au(III) based on the rapid reaction of Au(III) with HNATR and the solid phase extraction of the colored complex with a reversed phase polymer-based C(18) cartridge have been developed. The HNATR reacted with Au(III) to form a red complex of a molar ratio 1:2 (Au(III) to HNATR) in the presence of 0.05 - 0.5 mol l(-1) of phosphoric acid solution and emulsifier-OP medium. This complex was enriched by the solid phase extraction with a polymer-based C(18) cartridge. The enrichment factor of 100 was achieved. The molar absorptivity of the complex is 1.37 x 10(5) l mol(-1) cm(-1) at 520 nm in the measured solution. The system obeys Beer's law in the range of 0.01 - 3 microg ml(-1). The relative standard deviation for eleven replicates sample of 0.5 microg l(-1) level is 2.18%. The detection limit, based on the three times of standard deviation is 0.02 microg l(-1) in the original sample. This method was applied to the determination of gold in water and ore with good results.

Preparation of III-V semiconductor nanocrystals

DOEpatents

Alivisatos, A. Paul; Olshavsky, Michael A.

1996-01-01

Nanometer-scale crystals of III-V semiconductors are disclosed, They are prepared by reacting a group III metal source with a group V anion source in a liquid phase at elevated temperature in the presence of a crystallite growth terminator such as pyridine or quinoline.

Don't Mess with the NEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, Michael

2012-03-01

This presentation will describe the history of the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) and its evolution over the years. NEST was formed due to a number of nuclear extortion threats received in the early 1970s. From the beginning NEST developed an extensive exercise program to test and expand capabilities. The Nuclear Assessment Program (NAP) was developed, in part, to determine if NEST deployments were required. A major revamp of the NEST program occurred in 1994. Many other organizations work in conjunction with NEST in particular the FBI and DOD. Considerable research and development has been performed in the areas of Access, Search, Diagnostics, Device Assessment, and Disablement. Extensive searches of material appearing in the unclassified literature have been and are being performed to see what is being said about nuclear materials and devices. A comprehensive study of Improvised Nuclear Devices (IND) is ongoing to determine what a terrorist can and cannot do. NEST now consists of four phases with the latest additions of Phase III, Disposition and Phase IV, Nuclear Forensics. LLNL-ABS-521775

Ankle Sprain Treatment

MedlinePlus

... strengthening exercise"). Resume low-impact aerobic training; maintain general fitness. III Phase III treatment focuses on restoring ankle proprioception (balance and position awareness) as well as agility and ...

Higher plasma motilin levels in obese patients decrease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and regulate hunger.

PubMed

Deloose, E; Janssen, P; Lannoo, M; Van der Schueren, B; Depoortere, I; Tack, J

2016-07-01

Motilin-induced phase III contractions of the migrating motor complex (MMC) signal hunger in healthy volunteers. The current aim was to study the role of motilin as a hunger-inducing factor in obese patients and to evaluate the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on plasma motilin levels and hunger scores. Motilin and ghrelin plasma levels were determined during a complete MMC cycle in controls and obese patients selected for RYGB before, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. 20 min after the end of the second phase III, obese patients received an intravenous infusion of 40 mg erythromycin. Hunger was scored every 5 min. Hedonic hunger was assessed in obese patients with the Power of Food Scale questionnaire. Obesity caused a switch in the origin of phase III from antrum to duodenum. Obese patients had significantly higher motilin levels compared with controls during the MMC but tended to lack the motilin peak prior to phase III necessary to trigger hunger. Hunger scores during phase III were significantly lower in obese patients, but could be restored to control levels through the administration of a low dose of the motilin agonist, erythromycin. After RYGB surgery motilin, but not ghrelin, levels decreased in parallel with hedonic hunger scores. Motilin may be an important regulator involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Stakeholder perspectives on the use of positron emission tomography in phase III oncology trials in the UK.

PubMed

Rojas-Anaya, Hector; Skogen, Karoline; Miles, Kenneth Alan

2012-06-01

To identify factors that influence the use of PET in phase III oncology trials in the UK by evaluating stakeholder perspectives. A wide range of UK PET research stakeholders with a potential interest in the use of PET in phase III trials were identified and invited to participate. These UK PET research stakeholders were consulted using a semistructured questionnaire on their personal experience with and involvement in PET research, the role of PET in phase III oncology clinical trials and on the promotion of UK PET research and unmet clinical needs in oncology. Responses were analysed quantitatively and by qualitative content analysis of free-text responses. A total of 118 responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders representing several professional groups and working environments. Of these respondents, 49 (42%) were using PET in their research. There was the general perception that using PET in clinical research is beneficial in oncology. The two major barriers identified were poor availability of PET and perceived difficulties in funding of excess treatment costs (75% of respondents). Other factors included limited coverage of PET in training, uncertainty about developing imaging protocols or the status of tracers other than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, and low awareness of the role of PET in patient selection for therapeutic trials. Patient concerns about radiation were not perceived as a research barrier. Interventions that improve the availability and funding pathways for PET research scans and that increase researcher awareness could help promote the use of PET for phase III oncology trials in the UK.

Objectives and methodology of BIOBADASER phase iii.

PubMed

Sanchez-Piedra, Carlos; Hernández Miguel, M Victoria; Manero, Javier; Roselló, Rosa; Sánchez-Costa, Jesús Tomás; Rodríguez-Lozano, Carlos; Campos, Cristina; Cuende, Eduardo; Fernández-Lopez, Jesús Carlos; Bustabad, Sagrario; Martín Domenech, Raquel; Pérez-Pampín, Eva; Del Pino-Montes, Javier; Millan-Arcineas, Ana Milena; Díaz-González, Federico; Gómez-Reino, Juan Jesús

2017-09-18

Describe the objectives, methods and results of the first year of the new version of the Spanish registry of adverse events involving biological therapies and synthetic drugs with an identifiable target in rheumatic diseases (BIOBADASER III). Multicenter prospective registry of patients with rheumatic inflammatory diseases being treated with biological drugs or synthetic drugs with an identifiable target in rheumatology departments in Spain. The main objective of BIOBADASER Phase III is the registry and analysis of adverse events; moreover, a secondary objective was added consisting of assessing the effectiveness by means of the registry of activity indexes. Patients in the registry are evaluated at least once every year and whenever they experience an adverse event or a change in treatment. The collection of data for phase iii began on 17 December 2015. During the first year, 35 centers participated. The number of patients included in this new phase in December 2016 was 2,664. The mean age was 53.7 years and the median duration of treatment was 8.1 years. In all, 40.4% of the patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The most frequent adverse events were infections and infestations. BIOBADASER Phase III has been launched to adapt to a changing pharmacological environment, with the introduction of biosimilars and small molecules in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. This new stage is adapted to the changes in the reporting of adverse events and now includes information related to activity scores. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

Cancer vaccine--Antigenics.

PubMed

2002-01-01

Antigenics is developing a therapeutic cancer vaccine based on heat-shock proteins (HSPs). The vaccine [HSPPC-96, Oncophage] is in a pivotal phase III clinical trial for renal cancer at 80 clinical sites worldwide. The trial is enrolling at least 500 patients who are randomised to receive surgical removal of the primary tumour followed by out-patient treatment with Oncophage((R)) or surgery only. This study was initiated on the basis of results from a pilot phase I/II study and preliminary results from a phase II study in patients with renal cell cancer. In October 2001, Oncophage was designated as a fast-track product by the Food and Drug Administration in the US for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Oncophage is in phase I/II trials in Italy for colorectal cancer (30 patients) and melanoma. The trials in Italy are being conducted at the Istituto dei Tumouri, Milan (in association with Sigma-Tau). Preliminary data from the phase II trial for melanoma was presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference in Florida, USA, in October 2001. Oncophage is also in a phase I/II (42 patients) and a phase II trial (84 patients) in the US for renal cell cancer, a phase II trial in the US for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (35 patients), a phase II trial in the US for sarcoma (20-35 patients), a phase I/II trial in the US for melanoma (36 patients), and phase I/II trials in Germany for gastric (30 patients) and pancreatic cancers. A pilot phase I trial in patients with pancreatic cancer began in the US in 1997 with 5 patients enrolled. In November 2000, Antigenics announced that this trial had been expanded to a phase I/II study which would now include survival as an endpoint and would enroll 5 additional patients. The US trials are being performed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The trials in Germany are being carried out at Johannes Gutenberg-University Hospital, Mainz. Oncophage is an autologous vaccine consisting of purified complexes of tumour-derived HSPs linked to tumour antigen peptides. When these HSPPC are readministered to a patient following surgery or biopsy of the tumour, the antigenic tumour peptides are expressed on the surface of potent antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. This stimulates a much more powerful anti-tumour immune response than that generated by expression of the same antigens by the tumour cell. Thus, Antigenics autologous HSP technology is attractive because it is highly specific for individual patients and circumvents the need for identification of specific antigens for individual cancers (i.e. it does not require definition of the antigenic epitopes on cancer cells) and it overcomes the immune tolerance associated with various tumours. Oncophage is manufactured in a 10-hour process from surgically resected autologous tumour. A minimum of 1-3g of tumour tissue is required to produce enough Oncophage for a course of treatment. The major limiting factor for producing Oncophage from a particular cancer is the ability to purify HSP from that cancer. From clinical studies to date, Antigenics has been able to produce HSP from 100, 98, 90, 71 and 30% of colorectal carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer tumours, respectively. The low success rate with pancreatic cancers is because of the high concentration of proteases in that tissue type. HSPs are a family of highly conserved proteins present in the cells of all organisms. They function as molecular chaperones, assisting the correct folding of polypeptides and aiding intracellular protein transport. In addition, HSPs associate with a broad range of peptides derived from intracellular protein degradation, including antigenic peptides produced in tumour cells. Antigenics has exclusively licensed worldwide rights to its HSP immunotherapeutic complexes from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Fordham University in the USA. On 3 November 1998, Antigenics was issued a US patent (5,830,464) covering immunotherapy in which antigen-presenting cells are isolated and mixed with heat shock protein-antigen complexes purified from patients' tumours. The patent was issued to Fordham University, New York, US, who subsequently licensed it to Antigenics. Antigenics has an agreement with Sigma Tau, under the terms of which the latter company will fund 2 clinical trials in return for an option to market Oncophage in Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Antigenics also has an agreement with Medison for marketing of Oncophage in Israel.

Innovative microchannel plate with reformulation of composition and modification of microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jingsheng; Lv, Jingwen; Kesaev, S. A.; Liu, Shulin; Liu, Zhanying; Li, Junguo; Chong, Xiaoqin; Shu, Detan

2009-07-01

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean time to failure (MTTF) are two important attributes to describe the performance and operation life of an image intensifier. The presents of the ion barrier film (IBF) in Gen. III image intensifier, which used to suppress MCP's ion feedback, while dramatically improve the MTTF but significantly reduce the SNR, so more completely diminishing the ion poisoning source within the channels of MCP are crucial for improved Gen. III; image intensifier to thinned thickness IBF and achieving this two conflicting attributes promotion simultaneously. This research was originally initiated to develop a MCP with glass composition redesigned specially for GaAs photocathode image intensifier, proved which can be imposed an exceedingly intensive electron bombard degassing but without suffering a fatal gain degrade, and had achieved significantly improved SNR of Gen. III image intensifier but with a short distance to meet the lifetime success, so that our research work step forward to intent upon the restriction of ion poisoning source formation within the MCP substrate, we reformulated the MCP glass composition, and modified the microstructure of this MCP glass substrate though a glass-crystal phase transition during the MCP fabricate heating process, we present an innovative MCP based on a glass-ceramic substrate, with reformulated composition and close-linked network microstructure mix with many of nanometer size crystal grains, provide this MCP with sustainable high gain, lower ion feedback and less outgasing performance, this glass-ceramic MCPs are assembled to Gen. III image intensifiers which results showing promoting both the MTTF and SNR of Gen. III image intensifier.

Connection between nitrogen and manganese cycles revealed by transcriptomic analysis in Shewanella algae C6G3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michotey, V.; Aigle, A.; Armougom, F.; Mejean, V.; Guasco, S.; Bonin, P.

2016-02-01

In sedimentary systems, the repartition of terminal electron-accepting molecules is often stratified on a permanent or seasonal basis. Just below to oxic zone, the suboxic one is characterized by high concentrations of oxidized inorganic compounds such as nitrate, manganese oxides (MnIII/IV) and iron oxides that are in close vicinity. Several studies have reported unexpected anaerobic nitrite/nitrate production at the expense of ammonium mediated by MnIII/IV, however this transient processes is difficult to discern and poorly understood. In the frame of this study, genes organization of nitrate and MnIII/IV respiration was investigated in S.algae. Additional genes were identified in S. algae compare to S. oneidensis: genes coding for nitrate and nitrite reductase (napA-a and nrfA-2) and an OMC protein (mtrH). In contrast to S. oneidensis, an anaerobic transitory nitrite accumulation at the expense of ammonium was observed in S. algae during growth with MnIII/IV, concomitantly with expression of nitrate/nitrite reductase genes (napA, nrfA, nrfA-2). Among the hypothesis explaining this data, the potential putative expression of unidentified gene able to perform ammonium oxidation was not observed on the global transcriptional level, however several signs of oxidative stress were detected and the existence of a secondary reaction generated by a putative oxidative s could not be excluded. Another option could be the action of reverse reaction by an enzyme such as NrfA or NrfA-2 due to the electron flow equilibrium. Whatever the electron acceptor (Nitrate/ MnIII/IV), the unexpected expression level of of omcA, mtrF, mtrH, mtrC was observed and peaked at the end of the exponential phase. Different expression patterns of the omc genes were observed depending on electron acceptor and growth phase. Only mtrF-2 gene was specifically expressed in Mn(III/IV) condition. Nitrate and Mn(III/IV) respirations seem connected at physiological as well as at transcriptional level

A Sequenced Instructional Program in Physical Education for the Handicapped, Phase III. Producing and Disseminating Demonstration Packages. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Dorothy B.; Avance, Lyonel D.

Presented is a sequenced instructional program in physical education which constitutes the third of a three-phase, 4-year project, funded by Title III, for handicapped children, preschool through high school levels, in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Described are the project setting and the following accomplishments: a curriculum guide…

Effects of PECS Phase III Application Training on Independent Mands in Young Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Love, Jessica June

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PECS phase III application training on independent mands in young children with autism. Participants were five children with autism ranging from ages 2 to 4 years old. A multiple baseline across participants was used to evaluate acquisition of independent correct mands across baseline and…

About the Lung and Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Research Group | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

The Lung and Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Research Group conducts and supports research on the prevention and early detection of lung and head and neck cancers, as well as new approaches to clinical prevention studies including cancer immunoprevention.Phase 0/I/II Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials ProgramThe group jointly administers the Phase 0/I/II Cancer Prevention Clinical

Transitional phase inversion of emulsions monitored by in situ near-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Charin, R M; Nele, M; Tavares, F W

2013-05-21

Water-heptane/toluene model emulsions were prepared to study emulsion transitional phase inversion by in situ near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). The first emulsion contained a small amount of ionic surfactant (0.27 wt % of sodium dodecyl sulfate) and n-pentanol as a cosurfactant. In this emulsion, the study was guided by an inversion coordinate route based on a phase behavior study previously performed. The morphology changes were induced by rising aqueous phase salinity in a "steady-state" inversion protocol. The second emulsion contained a nonionic surfactant (ethoxylated nonylphenol) at a concentration of 3 wt %. A continuous temperature change induced two distinct transitional phase inversions: one occurred during the heating of the system and another during the cooling. NIR spectroscopy was able to detect phase inversion in these emulsions due to differences between light scattered/absorbed by water in oil (W/O) and oil in water (O/W) morphologies. It was observed that the two model emulsions exhibit different inversion mechanisms closely related to different quantities of the middle phases formed during the three-phase behavior of Winsor type III.

Resolving phase stability in the Ti-O binary with first-principles statistical mechanics methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunda, N. S. Harsha; Puchala, Brian; Van der Ven, Anton

2018-03-01

The Ti-O system consists of a multitude of stable and metastable oxides that are used in wide ranging applications. In this work we investigate phase stability in the Ti-O binary from first principles. We perform a systematic search for ground state structures as a function of oxygen concentration by considering oxygen-vacancy and/or titanium-vacancy orderings over four parent crystal structures: (i) hcp Ti, (ii) ω -Ti, (iii) rocksalt, and (iv) hcp oxygen containing interstitial titanium. We explore phase stability at finite temperature using cluster expansion Hamiltonians and Monte Carlo simulations. The calculations predict a high oxygen solubility in hcp Ti and the stability of suboxide phases that undergo order-disorder transitions upon heating. Vacancy ordered rocksalt phases are also predicted at low temperature that disorder to form an extended solid solution at high temperatures. Predicted stable and metastable phase diagrams are qualitatively consistent with experimental observations, however, important discrepancies are revealed between first-principles density functional theory predictions of phase stability and the current understanding of phase stability in this system.

Preparation of III-V semiconductor nanocrystals

DOEpatents

Alivisatos, A.P.; Olshavsky, M.A.

1996-04-09

Nanometer-scale crystals of III-V semiconductors are disclosed. They are prepared by reacting a group III metal source with a group V anion source in a liquid phase at elevated temperature in the presence of a crystallite growth terminator such as pyridine or quinoline. 4 figs.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Metastable β-Fe 2 O 3 via Isomorphic Epitaxy for Photoassisted Water Oxidation

DOE PAGES

Emery, Jonathan D.; Schlepütz, Christian M.; Guo, Peijun; ...

2014-12-09

Here, we report the growth and photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization of the uncommon bibyite phase of iron(III) oxide (β-Fe 2O 3) epitaxially stabilized via atomic layer deposition on an conductive, transparent, and isomorphic template (Sn-doped In 2O 3). Furthermore, as a photoanode, unoptimized β-Fe 2O 3 ultrathin films perform similarly to their ubiquitous α-phase (hematite) counterpart, but reveal a more ideal bandgap (1.8 eV), a ~0.1 V improved photocurrent onset potential, and longer wavelength (>600 nm) spectral response. Finally, stable operation under basic water oxidation justifies further exploration of this atypical phase and motivates the investigation of other unexplored metastable phasesmore » as new PEC materials.« less

Development and Demonstration of a Magnesium-Intensive Vehicle Front-End Substructure

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

Logan, Stephen D.; Forsmark, Joy H.; Osborne, Richard

2016-07-01

This project is the final phase (designated Phase III) of an extensive, nine-year effort with the objectives of developing a knowledge base and enabling technologies for the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of magnesium-intensive automotive front-end substructures intended to partially or completely replace all-steel comparators, providing a weight savings approaching 50% of the baseline. Benefits of extensive vehicle weight reduction in terms of fuel economy increase, extended vehicle range, vehicle performance and commensurate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are well known. An exemplary vehicle substructure considered by the project is illustrated in Figure 1, along with the exterior vehicle appearance.more » This unibody front-end “substructure” is one physical objective of the ultimate design and engineering aspects established at the outset of the larger collective effort.« less

Identification and characterization of potential impurities of donepezil.

PubMed

Krishna Reddy, K V S R; Moses Babu, J; Kumar, P Anil; Chandrashekar, E R R; Mathad, Vijayavitthal T; Eswaraiah, S; Reddy, M Satyanarayana; Vyas, K

2004-09-03

Five unknown impurities ranging from 0.05 to 0.2% in donepezil were detected by a simple isocratic reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These impurities were isolated from crude sample of donepezil using isocratic reversed-phase preparative high performance liquid chromatography. Based on the spectral data (IR, NMR and MS), the structures of these impurities were characterised as 5,6-dimethoxy-2-(4-pyridylmethyl)-1-indanone (impurity I), 4-(5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-2-indenylmethyl) piperidine (impurity II), 2-(1-benzyl-4-piperdylmethyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanol (impurity III) 1-benzyl-4(5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-2-indenylmethyl) piperidine (impurity IV) and 1,1-dibenzyl-4(5,6-dimethoxy-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-2H-2-indenylmethyl)hexahydropyridinium bromide (impurity V). The synthesis of these impurities and their formation was discussed.

Quantitative Determining of Ultra-Trace Aluminum Ion in Environmental Samples by Liquid Phase Microextraction Assisted Anodic Stripping Voltammetry.

PubMed

Zhang, Liuyang; Luo, Jinju; Shen, Xinyu; Li, Chunya; Wang, Xian; Nie, Bei; Fang, Huaifang

2018-05-10

Direct detecting of trace amount Al(III) in aqueous solution by stripping voltammetry is often frustrated by its irreversible reduction, resided at −1.75 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference), which is in a proximal potential of proton reduction. Here, we described an electroanalytical approach, combined with liquid phase microextraction (LPME) using ionic liquid (IL), to quantitatively assess trace amount aluminum in environmental samples. The Al(III) was caged by 8-hydroxyquinoline, forming a superb hydrophobic metal⁻chelate, which sequentially transfers and concentrates in the bottom layer of IL-phase during LPME. The preconcentrated Al(III) was further analyzed by a square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SW-ASV). The resulting Al-deposited electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction, showing the intriguing amorphous nanostructures. The method developed provides a linear calibration ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 ng L −1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The LOD attains as low as 1 pmol L −1 , which reaches the lowest report for Al(III) detection using electroanalytical techniques. The applicable methodology was implemented for monitoring Al(III) in commercial distilled water.

Effect of Group-III precursors on unintentional gallium incorporation during epitaxial growth of InAlN layers by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeomoh; Ji, Mi-Hee; Detchprohm, Theeradetch; Dupuis, Russell D.; Fischer, Alec M.; Ponce, Fernando A.; Ryou, Jae-Hyun

2015-09-01

Unintentional incorporation of gallium (Ga) in InAlN layers grown with different molar flow rates of Group-III precursors by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition has been experimentally investigated. The Ga mole fraction in the InAl(Ga)N layer was increased significantly with the trimethylindium (TMIn) flow rate, while the trimethylaluminum flow rate controls the Al mole fraction. The evaporation of metallic Ga from the liquid phase eutectic system between the pyrolized In from injected TMIn and pre-deposited metallic Ga was responsible for the Ga auto-incorporation into the InAl(Ga)N layer. The theoretical calculation on the equilibrium vapor pressure of liquid phase Ga and the effective partial pressure of Group-III precursors based on growth parameters used in this study confirms the influence of Group-III precursors on Ga auto-incorporation. More Ga atoms can be evaporated from the liquid phase Ga on the surrounding surfaces in the growth chamber and then significant Ga auto-incorporation can occur due to the high equilibrium vapor pressure of Ga comparable to effective partial pressure of input Group-III precursors during the growth of InAl(Ga)N layer.

Evaluation of DCS III Transmission Alternatives. Phase 1A report. Appendix B. Regulatory Barriers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-26

greatest impact on transmission system design, and the Q- and V-series deal with switching and signaling, and with data transmission respectively. These...equipments or systems (such as receiver performance papameters). If appropriate technical data are not found in the NTIA Manual provisions of the ITU Radio...under control of the JCS and complying with applicable restrictions. 3. System alternatives should be consistent with projected data prepared for the

Enhanced Preliminary Assessment Report: Kapalama Military Reservation, Honolulu, Hawaii

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

Environmentally Significant Operations - Transformers 3-4 5-1 Recommended Sampling Methods 5-6 vii 1073M2-4 LIST OF TABLES Tabf lN. Title ES-1 ESOs...Phase III. ES-I 1073M2-4 ESOs identified on the property include: Buildings 913/914 - Mortuary - chemicals used in the embalming process. The chemicals...The chemicals stored here are associated with the examination and embalming procedures performed at the mortuary and include arterial fluids

A Kinetic Model for GaAs Growth by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

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

Schulte, Kevin L.; Simon, John; Jain, Nikhil

2016-11-21

Precise control of the growth of III-V materials by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) is complicated by the fact that the growth rate depends on the concentrations of nearly all inputs to the reactor and also the reaction temperature. This behavior is in contrast to metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), which in common practice operates in a mass transport limited regime where growth rate and alloy composition are controlled almost exclusively by flow of the Group III precursor. In HVPE, the growth rate and alloy compositions are very sensitive to temperature and reactant concentrations, which are strong functions of themore » reactor geometry. HVPE growth, particularly the growth of large area materials and devices, will benefit from the development of a growth model that can eventually be coupled with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a specific reactor geometry. In this work, we develop a growth rate law using a Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) analysis, fitting unknown parameters to growth rate data from the literature that captures the relevant kinetic and thermodynamic phenomena of the HVPE process. We compare the L-H rate law to growth rate data from our custom HVPE reactor, and develop quantitative insight into reactor performance, demonstrating the utility of the growth model.« less

Gas-phase reactions of glycine, alanine, valine and their N-methyl derivatives with the nitrosonium ion, NO+.

PubMed

Freitas, M A; O'Hair, R A; Schmidt, J A; Tichy, S E; Plashko, B E; Williams, T D

1996-10-01

The gas-phase reactions of the nitrosonium ion, NO+ with the amino acids glycine, alanine and valine and their N-methyl derivatives were investigated under chemical ionization mass spectrometric (CIMS) conditions. Two products were observed in all cases: the formation of the iminium ion and the formation of an [M-H]+ ion. The latter product is consistent with a reaction channel involving hydride abstraction by NO+, and was confirmed by (i) examining the Ar+CI mass spectra of the same amino acids under similar source conditions and (ii) examining the unimolecular fragmentation reactions of the [M + H]+ ions of the N-nitroso-N-methyl derivatives of each of the amino acids in a tandem mass spectrometer. Further insights into the reaction of glycine with NO+ were obtained by performing ab initio calculations (at the MP2/6-31G* parallel HF/6-31G* level). These results indicate that four reactions are thermodynamically viable for glycine: (i) hydride abstraction; (ii) iminium ion formation (with concomitant loss of HONO and CO); (iii) diazonium ion formation; and (iv) diazonium ion formation followed by loss of N2. Possible reasons why reactions (iii) and (iv) are not observed are discussed, and comparisons with solution reactivity and the gas-phase reactivity of NO+ are also made.

Tau-Centric Targets and Drugs in Clinical Development for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

PubMed Central

Solfrizzi, Vincenzo; Imbimbo, Bruno P.; Lozupone, Madia; Santamato, Andrea; Zecca, Chiara; Barulli, Maria Rosaria; Bellomo, Antonello; Pilotto, Alberto; Daniele, Antonio; Greco, Antonio

2016-01-01

The failure of several Phase II/III clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with drugs targeting β-amyloid accumulation in the brain fuelled an increasing interest in alternative treatments against tau pathology, including approaches targeting tau phosphatases/kinases, active and passive immunization, and anti-tau aggregation. The most advanced tau aggregation inhibitor (TAI) is methylthioninium (MT), a drug existing in equilibrium between a reduced (leuco-methylthioninium) and oxidized form (MT+). MT chloride (methylene blue) was investigated in a 24-week Phase II clinical trial in 321 patients with mild to moderate AD that failed to show significant positive effects in mild AD patients, although long-term observations (50 weeks) and biomarker studies suggested possible benefit. The dose of 138 mg/day showed potential benefits on cognitive performance of moderately affected AD patients and cerebral blood flow in mildly affected patients. Further clinical evidence will come from the large ongoing Phase III trials for the treatment of AD and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia on a new form of this TAI, more bioavailable and less toxic at higher doses, called TRx0237. More recently, inhibitors of tau acetylation are being actively pursued based on impressive results in animal studies obtained by salsalate, a clinically used derivative of salicylic acid. PMID:27429978

Changes in the amino acid sequence of the recombinant human factor VIIa analog, vatreptacog alfa, are associated with clinical immunogenicity.

PubMed

Mahlangu, J N; Weldingh, K N; Lentz, S R; Kaicker, S; Karim, F A; Matsushita, T; Recht, M; Tomczak, W; Windyga, J; Ehrenforth, S; Knobe, K

2015-11-01

Vatreptacog alfa, a recombinant human factor VIIa (rFVIIa) analog developed to improve the treatment of bleeds in hemophilia patients with inhibitors, differs from native FVIIa by three amino acid substitutions. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover, confirmatory phase III trial (adept(™) 2), 8/72 (11%) hemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors treated for acute bleeds developed anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) to vatreptacog alfa. To characterize the formation of anti-vatreptacog alfa ADAs in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. This was a post hoc analysis of adept(™) 2. Immunoglobulin isotype determination, specificity analysis of rFVIIa cross-reactive antibodies, epitope mapping of rFVIIa single mutant analogs and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling were performed to characterize the ADAs. Immunoglobulin isotyping indicated that the ADAs were of the immunoglobulin G subtype. In epitope mapping, none of the rFVIIa single mutant analogs (V158D, E296V or M298Q) contained the complete antibody epitope, confirming that the antibodies were specific for vatreptacog alfa. In two patients, for whom PK profiling was performed both before and after the development of ADAs, vatreptacog alfa showed a prolonged elimination phase following ADA development. During the follow-up evaluation, the rFVIIa cross-reactivity disappeared after the last vatreptacog alfa exposure, despite continued exposure to rFVIIa as part of standard care. Results from the vatreptacog alfa phase III trial demonstrate that the specific changes made, albeit relatively small, to the FVIIa molecule alter its clinical immunogenicity. © 2015 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Exploring the Photoreduction of Au(III) Complexes in the Gas-Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcum, Jesse C.; Kaufman, Sydney H.; Weber, J. Mathias

2010-06-01

We have used photodissociation spectroscopy to probe the electronic structure and photoreduction of Au(III) in gas-phase complexes containing Cl- and OH-. The gas-phase electronic spectrum of [AuCl_4]- closely resembles the aqueous solution spectrum, showing a lack of strong solvatochromic shifts. Substitution of Cl- ligands with OH- results in a strong blue shift, in agreement with ligand-field theory. Upon excitation, [AuCl_4]- can dissociate by loss of either one or two neutral Cl atoms, resulting in the reduction of gold from Au(III) to Au(II) and Au(I) respectively. The hydroxide substituted complex, [AuCl_2(OH)_2]-, demonstrates similar behavior but the only observable fragment channel is the loss of two neutral OH ligands, leading only to Au(I).

Effect of Population III Multiplicity on Dark Star Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stacy, Athena; Pawlik, Andreas H.; Bromm, Volker; Loeb, Abraham

2012-01-01

We numerically study the mutual interaction between dark matter (DM) and Population III (Pop III) stellar systems in order to explore the possibility of Pop III dark stars within this physical scenario. We perform a cosmological simulation, initialized at z approx. 100, which follows the evolution of gas and DM. We analyze the formation of the first mini halo at z approx. 20 and the subsequent collapse of the gas to densities of 10(exp 12)/cu cm. We then use this simulation to initialize a set of smaller-scale 'cut-out' simulations in which we further refine the DM to have spatial resolution similar to that of the gas. We test multiple DM density profiles, and we employ the sink particle method to represent the accreting star-forming region. We find that, for a range of DM configurations, the motion of the Pop III star-disk system serves to separate the positions of the protostars with respect to the DM density peak, such that there is insufficient DM to influence the formation and evolution of the protostars for more than approx. 5000 years. In addition, the star-disk system causes gravitational scattering of the central DM to lower densities, further decreasing the influence of DM over time. Any DM-powered phase of Pop III stars will thus be very short-lived for the typical multiple system, and DM will not serve to significantly prolong the life of Pop III stars.

A physicochemical research of the Dy-Sn-O system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinovskaya, Tatyana; Lysak, Ilya; Zhek, Valentina; Kuznetsova, Svetlana

2017-11-01

A physicochemical research of the processes of phase composition formation in the materials of the Dy-Sn-O system was performed. Phase composition was taking place in the course of thermal treatment of dysprosium (III) and tin (IV) codeposition products. These were codeposited from nitrate solutions at pH 7, and 25% ammonia water was used as the precipitant. Using thermal and X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that in the above system at 90 wt. % of Dy2O3 and 10 wt. % of SnO2, when the precursors were heated above 600°C there are no solid solutions. In the meanwhile, at temperatures below 1000°C there is only one phase, Dy2O3. At temperatures above 1000°C, the system becomes bi-phase and includes Dy2O3 and Dy2Sn2O7.

Polymerase III transcription factor B activity is reduced in extracts of growth-restricted cells.

PubMed Central

Tower, J; Sollner-Webb, B

1988-01-01

Extracts of cells that are down-regulated for transcription by RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase III exhibit a reduced in vitro transcriptional capacity. We have recently demonstrated that the down-regulation of polymerase I transcription in extracts of cycloheximide-treated and stationary-phase cells results from a lack of an activated subform of RNA polymerase I which is essential for rDNA transcription. To examine whether polymerase III transcriptional down-regulation occurs by a similar mechanism, the polymerase III transcription factors were isolated and added singly and in pairs to control cell extracts and to extracts of cells that had reduced polymerase III transcriptional activity due to cycloheximide treatment or growth into stationary phase. These down-regulations result from a specific reduction in TFIIIB; TFIIIC and polymerase III activities remain relatively constant. Thus, although transcription by both polymerase III and polymerase I is substantially decreased in extracts of growth-arrested cells, this regulation is brought about by reduction of different kinds of activities: a component of the polymerase III stable transcription complex in the former case and the activated subform of RNA polymerase I in the latter. Images PMID:3352599

Selective solid-phase extraction using oxidized activated carbon modified with triethylenetetramine for preconcentration of metal ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Chang, Xijun; Li, Zhenhua; He, Qun

2010-02-01

A new selective solid-phase extractant using activated carbon as matrix which was purified, oxidized and modified by triethylenetetramine (AC-TETA) was prepared and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy. At pH 4, quantitative extraction of trace Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) was obtained and determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Complete elution of the adsorbed metal ions from the sorbent surface was carried out using 0.5 mol L -1 HCl. The maximum static adsorption capacity of sorbent for Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) was 34.6, 36.5 and 51.9 mg g -1, respectively. The time of quantitative adsorption was less than 2 min. The detection limits of the method was found to be 0.71, 0.35 and 0.45 ng mL -1 for Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.7%, 2.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Moreover, the method was free from interference with common coexiting ions. The method was also successfully applied to the preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) in synthetic samples and a real sample with satisfactory results.

A study of solar preflare activity using two-dimensional radio and SMM-XRP observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, M. R.; Gopalswamy, N.; Saba, J. L. R.; Schmelz, J. T. S.; Strong, K. T.

1987-01-01

A study of type III activity at meter-decameter wavelengths in the preflare phase of the February 3, 1986 flare is presented, using data obtained with the Clark Lake Multifrequency Radioheliograph. This activity is compared with similar type III burst activity during the impulsive phase, and it is found that there is a displacement of burst sources between the onset and end times of the activity. A comparison of this displacement at three frequencies suggests that the type III emitting electrons gain access progressively to diverging and different field lines relative to the initial field lines. The energetics of the type III emitting electrons are inferred from observations and compared with those of the associated hard X-ray emitting electrons. The soft X-ray data from SMM-XRP show enhanced emission measure, density, and temperature in the region associated with the preflare type III activity.

A study of solar preflare activity using two-dimensional radio and SMM-XRP observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, M. R.; Gopalswamy, N.; Saba, J. L. R.; Schmelz, J. T. S.; Strong, K. T.

1987-09-01

The authors present a study of type III activity at meter-decameter wavelengths in the preflare phase of the 1986 February 3 flare using data obtained with the Clark Lake Multifrequency Radioheliograph. They compare this activity with similar type III burst activity during the impulsive phase and find that there is a displacement of burst sources between the onset and end times of the activity. A comparison of this displacement at three frequencies suggests that the type III emitting electrons gain access progressively to diverging and different field lines relative to the initial field lines. The energetics of the type III emitting electrons are inferred from observations and compared with those of the associated hard X-ray emitting electrons. The soft X-ray data from SMM-XRP shows enhanced emission measure, density and temperature in the region associated with the preflare type III activity.

Durability of lightweight concrete : Phase II : wetting and drying tests, Phase III : freezing and thawing tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1966-12-01

This report describes a laboratory research program on the durability of lightweight concrete. Two phases of a three phase study are covered by this report, while the remaining phase is still under study. The two phases being reported are Phase II - ...

Orbital phase dependent IUE spectra of the nova like binary II Arietis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guinan, E. F.; Sion, E. M.

1981-01-01

Nine low dispersion IUE spectra of the nova like binary TT Ari over its 3h17m orbital period were obtained. Four short wave spectra and five long wave spectra exhibit marked changes in line strength and continuum shape with orbital phase. The short wave spectra show the presence in absorption of C III, Lyman alpha, SiIII, NV, SiIV, CIV, HeII, AlIII, and NIV. The CIV shows a P Cygni profile on two of the spectra. Implications of these spectra for the nature of nova like variables are discussed.

Recent trends in 30-day mortality in patients with blunt splenic injury: A nationwide trauma database study in Japan

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Chie; Matsumoto, Hisashi; Matsuda, Kiyoshi; Kim, Shiei; Moroe, Yuta; Fukuda, Reo; Unemoto, Kyoko; Yokota, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Background Splenic injury frequently occurs after blunt abdominal trauma; however, limited epidemiological data regarding mortality are available. We aimed to investigate mortality rate trends after blunt splenic injury in Japan. Methods We retrospectively identified 1,721 adults with blunt splenic injury (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma splenic injury scale grades III–V) from the 2004–2014 Japan Trauma Data Bank. We grouped the records of these patients into 3 time phases: phase I (2004–2008), phase II (2009–2012), and phase III (2013–2014). Over the 3 phases, we analysed 30-day mortality rates and investigated their association with the prevalence of certain initial interventions (Mantel-Haenszel trend test). We further performed multiple imputation and multivariable analyses for comparing the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent TAE or splenectomy/splenorrhaphy, adjusting for known potential confounders and for within-hospital clustering using generalised estimating equation. Results Over time, there was a significant decrease in 30-day mortality after splenic injury (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that mortality significantly decreased over time (from phase I to phase II, odds ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.22–0.67; from phase I to phase III, odds ratio: 0.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.62) for the overall cohort. While the 30-day mortality for splenectomy/splenorrhaphy diminished significantly over time (p = 0.01), there were no significant differences regarding mortality for non-operative management, with or without transcatheter arterial embolisation (p = 0.43, p = 0.29, respectively). Conclusions In Japan, in-hospital 30-day mortality rates decreased significantly after splenic injury between 2004 and 2014, even after adjustment for within-hospital clustering and other factors independently associated with mortality. Over time, mortality rates decreased significantly after splenectomy/splenorrhaphy, but not after non-operative management. This information is useful for clinicians when making decisions about treatments for patients with blunt splenic injury. PMID:28910356

Efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in heart failure patients with volume overload despite the standard treatment with conventional diuretics: a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (QUEST study).

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Masunori; Hori, Masatsugu; Izumi, Tohru; Fukunami, Masatake

2011-12-01

Diuretics are recommended to treat volume overload with heart failure (HF), however, they may cause serum electrolyte imbalance, limiting their use. Moreover, patients with advanced HF could poorly respond to these diuretics. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of Tolvaptan, a competitive vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist developed as a new drug to treat volume overload in HF patients. A phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in treating HF patients with volume overload despite the use of conventional diuretics. One hundred and ten patients were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 15 mg/day tolvaptan for 7 consecutive days. Compared with placebo, tolvaptan administered for 7 days significantly reduced body weight and improved symptoms associated with volume overload. The safety profile of tolvaptan was considered acceptable for clinical use with minimal adverse effects. Tolvaptan reduced volume overload and improved congestive symptoms associated with HF by a potent water diuresis (aquaresis).

Set-up of an XAFS beamline for measurements between 2.4-8 keV at DORIS III

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

Welter, Edmund

2010-06-23

In this paper results from the commissioning phase and from first user experiments of a new EXAFS beamline at the DORIS III storage ring are presented. The bending magnet EXAFS beamline A1 underwent a complete rebuild and now covers the energy range 2.4-8 keV. A Ni-coated toroidal mirror, placed in a 2:1 focusing position and a plane mirror with one Ni coated stripe and one uncoated (SiO{sub 2}) stripe are used for effective higher harmonics suppression and focusing. The UHV-compatible fixed-exit Double Crystal Monochromator (DCM) is equipped with two Si(111) crystal pairs. The second crystal of one of the twomore » crystal pairs is tilted by 90 deg. around the surface normal to shift the position of glitches. It allows Bragg angles between 5 deg. and 55.5 deg. and continuous scans in quick-EXAFS mode. Test measurements during the commissioning phase proved the excellent performance of the monochromator and a high quality of the XAFS spectra over the entire working range.« less

Exploratory modeling and simulation to support development of motesanib in Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer based on MONET1 study results.

PubMed

Claret, L; Bruno, R; Lu, J-F; Sun, Y-N; Hsu, C-P

2014-04-01

The motesanib phase III MONET1 study failed to show improvement in overall survival (OS) in non-small cell lung cancer, but a subpopulation of Asian patients had a favorable outcome. We performed exploratory modeling and simulations based on MONET1 data to support further development of motesanib in Asian patients. A model-based estimate of time to tumor growth was the best of tested tumor size response metrics in a multivariate OS model (P < 0.00001) to capture treatment effect (hazard ratio, HR) in Asian patients. Significant independent prognostic factors for OS were baseline tumor size (P < 0.0001), smoking history (P < 0.0001), and ethnicity (P < 0.00001). The model successfully predicted OS distributions and HR in the full population and in Asian patients. Simulations indicated that a phase III study in 500 Asian patients would exceed 80% power to confirm superior efficacy of motesanib combination therapy (expected HR: 0.74), suggesting that motesanib combination therapy may benefit Asian patients.

A dynamical system approach to Bianchi III cosmology for Hu-Sawicki type f( R) gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banik, Sebika Kangsha; Banik, Debika Kangsha; Bhuyan, Kalyan

2018-02-01

The cosmological dynamics of spatially homogeneous but anisotropic Bianchi type-III space-time is investigated in presence of a perfect fluid within the framework of Hu-Sawicki model. We use the dynamical system approach to perform a detailed analysis of the cosmological behaviour of this model for the model parameters n=1, c_1=1, determining all the fixed points, their stability and corresponding cosmological evolution. We have found stable fixed points with de Sitter solution along with unstable radiation like fixed points. We have identified a matter like point which act like an unstable spiral and when the initial conditions of a trajectory are very close to this point, it stabilizes at a stable accelerating point. Thus, in this model, the universe can naturally approach to a phase of accelerated expansion following a radiation or a matter dominated phase. It is also found that the isotropisation of this model is affected by the spatial curvature and that all the isotropic fixed points are found to be spatially flat.

Bilastine: in allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

PubMed

Carter, Natalie J

2012-06-18

Bilastine is an orally administered, second-generation antihistamine used in the symptomatic treatment of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. In two well designed phase III trials, 14 days' treatment with bilastine was associated with a significantly lower area under the effect curve (AUEC) for the reflective total symptom score (TSS) than placebo in patients with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis. Additionally, reflective nasal symptom scores were significantly lower in bilastine than placebo recipients in patients with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis who were challenged with grass pollen allergen in a single-centre, phase II study. Neither bilastine nor cetirizine was effective in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with regard to the mean AUEC for reflective TSS in another well designed phase III trial. However, results may have been altered by differences in some baseline characteristics and placebo responses between study countries. In another well designed phase III trial, compared with placebo, bilastine was associated with a significantly greater change from baseline to day 28 in the mean reflective daily urticaria symptom score in patients with chronic urticaria. There were no significant differences in primary endpoint results between bilastine and any of the active comparators used in these trials (i.e. cetirizine, levocetirizine and desloratadine). Bilastine was generally well tolerated, with a tolerability profile that was generally similar to that of the other second-generation antihistamines included in phase III clinical trials.

Studies of phase transitions in the aripiprazole solid dosage form.

PubMed

Łaszcz, Marta; Witkowska, Anna

2016-01-05

Studies of the phase transitions in an active substance contained in a solid dosage form are very complicated but essential, especially if an active substance is classified as a BCS Class IV drug. The purpose of this work was the development of sensitive methods for the detection of the phase transitions in the aripiprazole tablets containing initially its form III. Aripiprazole exhibits polymorphism and pseudopolymorphism. Powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry methods were developed for the detection of the polymorphic transition between forms III and I as well as the phase transition of form III into aripiprazole monohydrate in tablets. The study involved the initial 10 mg and 30 mg tablets, as well as those stored in Al/Al blisters, a triplex blister pack and HDPE bottles (with and without desiccant) under accelerated and long term conditions. The polymorphic transition was not observed in the initial and stored tablets but it was visible on the DSC curve of the Abilify(®) 10 mg reference tablets. The formation of the monohydrate was observed in the diffractograms and Raman spectra in the tablets stored under accelerated conditions. The monohydrate phase was not detected in the tablets stored in the Al/Al blisters under long term conditions. The results showed that the Al/Al blisters can be recommended as the packaging of the aripiprazole tablets containing form III. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lubiprostone: in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Carter, Natalie J; Scott, Lesley J

2009-06-18

Lubiprostone is an oral bicyclic fatty acid that selectively activates type 2 chloride channels in the apical membrane of human gastrointestinal epithelial cells, thereby increasing chloride-rich fluid secretion. Although the mechanism is unclear, this may then decrease intestinal transit time, allowing the passage of stool and alleviating symptoms of constipation. Oral lubiprostone was effective in the treatment of patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in large (n = 193-583) phase II (dose-finding) and phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trials. The number of patients with IBS-C demonstrating an overall response to treatment (primary endpoint) in the two phase III trials was significantly greater in patients receiving lubiprostone 8 microg twice daily for 3 months than in those receiving placebo. In addition, a randomized, 4-week withdrawal period at the end of one of the phase III trials demonstrated that discontinuation of lubiprostone was not associated with rebound of IBS symptoms. Lubiprostone was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with the majority of adverse events being of mild to moderate severity. In patients with IBS-C who received lubiprostone 8 microg twice daily, nausea was the most frequently occurring adverse event that was considered possibly or probably treatment related. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported in a 36-week open-label extension to the phase III trials.

76 FR 33589 - Standards Improvement Project-Phase III

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

... rule: I. Background A. Introduction B. Regulatory History II. Legal Considerations III. Summary and... without diminishing worker protections. B. Regulatory History The Standards Improvement Project (SIP...

Brush Day & Night Phase III to Phase IV: ensuring that good oral health habits are sustainable.

PubMed

Melo, Paulo; Fine, Charlotte; Malone, Sinead; Horn, Virginie

2018-05-01

Over the past 10 years, the FDI-Unilever Brush Day & Night partnership has significantly influenced the life of children worldwide through the implementation of school programmes for oral health education and prevention. This article reports the key facts and outcomes of Phase III of the partnership, and announces the launch of Phase IV. During Phase III, the expert advisors of the Brush Day & Night partnership conducted a longitudinal study to evaluate the impact of the '21 Day' programme in almost 8,000 children in 10 countries. Analysis revealed the effectiveness of the 21 Day programme in sustainably educating children to brush their teeth twice a day, with the greatest impact observed in children aged 7-9 years. With the launch of Phase IV, the Brush Day & Night partnership will continue to deliver its oral health school programme for 7-9 year-old children with a strengthened methodology, including randomized sampling and control groups. The scope of the evaluation will be broadened to include oral health-related quality of life indicators, and monitoring of the oral health knowledge of children's parents/carers. © 2018 FDI World Dental Federation.

Phase I and II feasibility study report for the 300-FF-5 operable unit

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

NONE

1993-12-31

The purpose of this Phase I/II feasibility study is to assemble and screen a list of alternatives for remediation of the 300-FF-5 operable site on the Hanford Reservation. This screening is based on information gathered in the Phase I Remedial Investigation (RI) and on currently available information on remediation technologies. The alternatives remaining after screening provide a range of response actions for remediation. In addition, key data needs are identified for collection during a Phase II RI (if necessary). This Phase I/II FS represents a primary document as defined by the Tri-Party Agreement, but will be followed by a Phasemore » III FS that will further develop the alternatives and provide a detailed evaluation of them. The following remedial action objectives were identified for the 300-FF-5 operable unit: Limit current human exposure to contaminated groundwater in the unit; Limit discharge of contaminated groundwater to the Columbia River; Reduce contaminant concentrations in groundwater below acceptable levels by the year 2018.« less

Long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong) for children with growth hormone deficiency: phase II and phase III multicenter, randomized studies.

PubMed

Luo, Xiaoping; Hou, Ling; Liang, Li; Dong, Guanping; Shen, Shuixian; Zhao, Zhuhui; Gong, Chun Xiu; Li, Yuchuan; Du, Min-Lian; Su, Zhe; Du, Hongwei; Yan, Chaoying

2017-08-01

We assessed the efficacy and safety of a weekly pegylated human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) (Jintrolong) vs daily rhGH for children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Phase II and III, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trials. 108 and 343 children with treatment-naive GHD from 6 hospitals in China were enrolled in the phase II and III studies respectively. Patients in the phase II study were randomized 1:1:1 to weekly Jintrolong (0.1 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex), weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. Patients in the phase III study were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. The primary endpoint for both studies was height velocity (HV) increase at the end of treatment. Other growth-related parameters, safety and compliance were also monitored. The phase II study established the preliminary efficacy, safety and recommended dose of Jintrolong PEG-rhGH. In the phase III study, we demonstrated significantly greater HV increases in patients receiving Jintrolong treatment (from 2.26 ± 0.87 cm/year to 13.41 ± 3.72 cm/year) vs daily rhGH (from 2.25 ± 0.82 cm/year to 12.55 ± 2.99 cm/year) at the end of treatment ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, significantly greater improvement in the height standard deviation scores was associated with Jintrolong throughout the treatment ( P  < 0.05). Adverse event rates and treatment compliance were comparable between the two groups. Jintrolong PEG-rhGH at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/week for 25 weeks is effective and safe for GHD treatment and is non-inferior to daily rhGH. © 2017 The authors.

Long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong) for children with growth hormone deficiency: phase II and phase III multicenter, randomized studies

PubMed Central

Hou, Ling; Liang, Li; Dong, Guanping; Shen, Shuixian; Zhao, Zhuhui; Gong, Chun Xiu; Li, Yuchuan; Du, Min-lian; Su, Zhe; Du, Hongwei; Yan, Chaoying

2017-01-01

Objective We assessed the efficacy and safety of a weekly pegylated human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) (Jintrolong) vs daily rhGH for children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Design Phase II and III, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trials. Methods 108 and 343 children with treatment-naive GHD from 6 hospitals in China were enrolled in the phase II and III studies respectively. Patients in the phase II study were randomized 1:1:1 to weekly Jintrolong (0.1 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex), weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. Patients in the phase III study were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. The primary endpoint for both studies was height velocity (HV) increase at the end of treatment. Other growth-related parameters, safety and compliance were also monitored. Results The phase II study established the preliminary efficacy, safety and recommended dose of Jintrolong PEG-rhGH. In the phase III study, we demonstrated significantly greater HV increases in patients receiving Jintrolong treatment (from 2.26 ± 0.87 cm/year to 13.41 ± 3.72 cm/year) vs daily rhGH (from 2.25 ± 0.82 cm/year to 12.55 ± 2.99 cm/year) at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, significantly greater improvement in the height standard deviation scores was associated with Jintrolong throughout the treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse event rates and treatment compliance were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion Jintrolong PEG-rhGH at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/week for 25 weeks is effective and safe for GHD treatment and is non-inferior to daily rhGH. PMID:28566441

Pair-instability supernovae of fast rotating stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ke-Jung

2015-01-01

We present 2D simulations of pair-instability supernovae considering rapid rotation during their explosion phases. Recent studies of the Population III (Pop III) star formation suggested that these stars could be born with a mass scale about 100 M⊙ and with a strong rotation. Based on stellar evolution models, these massive Pop III stars might have died as highly energetic pair-instability supernovae. We perform 2D calculations to investigate the impact of rotation on pair-instability supernovae. Our results suggest that rotation leads to an aspherical explosion due to an anisotropic collapse. If the first stars have a 50% of keplerian rotational rate of the oxygen core before their pair-instability explosions, the overall 56Ni production can be significantly reduced by about two orders of magnitude. An extreme case of 100% keplerian rotational rate shows an interesting feature of fluid instabilities along the equatorial plane caused by non-synchronized and non-isotropic ignitions of explosions, so that the shocks run into the in-falling gas and generate the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability.

The removal of As(III) and As(V) from aqueous solutions by waste materials.

PubMed

Rahaman, M S; Basu, A; Islam, M R

2008-05-01

The use of different waste materials such as Atlantic Cod fish scale, chicken fat, coconut fibre and charcoal in removing arsenic [As(III) and As(V)] from aqueous solutions was investigated. Initial experimental runs, conducted for both As(III) and As(V) with the aforementioned materials, demonstrated the potential of using Atlantic Cod fish scale in removing both species of arsenic from aqueous streams. Therefore, the biosorbent fish scale was selected for further investigations and various parameters such as residence time, adsorbent dose, initial concentration of adsorbate, grain size of the adsorbent and pH of the bulk phase were studied to establish optimum conditions. The maximum adsorption capacity was observed at pH value 4.0. The equilibrium adsorption data were interpreted by using both Freundlich and Langmuir models. Rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCT) were also performed to determine the breakthrough characteristics of the arsenic species with respect to packed biosorbent columns.

Structural, Electronic, and Electrochemical Properties of LixCo[Fe(CN)6]0.902.9H2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takachi, Masamitsu; Matsuda, Tomoyuki; Moritomo, Yutaka

2013-04-01

Prussian blue analogues with jungle-gym-type structure are promising candidates for cathode materials of the lithium-ion secondary battery (LIB). Here, we investigated the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of cobalt hexacyanoferrate, LixCo[Fe(CN)6]0.902.9H2O, against Li concentration (x). The capacity (= 139 mAh/g) of the thin-film electrode was close to the ideal value (= 132 mAh/g) for the two-electron reaction. The discharge curve exhibits three plateaus, i.e., plateaus I, II, and III. The material exhibits a first-order phase transition accompanied by significant volume expansion by 7% at the boundary between plateaus II and III. Ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) indicates that the discharge processes of plateaus I, II, and III are ascribed to the reduction processes of Fe3+, Co3+, and Fe3+, respectively. The rate (r) and cycle (n) dependence of the electrode performance will be discussed in terms of the reduction processes.

Prevention of Posttraumatic Contractures with Ketotifen (PERK)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

opportunity to design a Phase III RCT on the use of ketotifen in post -traumatic joint contractures. The goal is to design and develop the infrastructure to...Research (CIHR) for the Phase III RCT. 2. KEYWORDS Post -traumatic contractures, elbow fractures, randomized clinical trial, multicenter, ketotifen...application to use ketotifen in post -traumatic joint contracture prevention was submitted to the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Rheumatology

What Works in Oklahoma Schools: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Oklahoma Schools. Phase III Action Steps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marzano Research Laboratory, 2011

2011-01-01

This document contains the Phase III report from the "What Works in Oklahoma Schools" study. As opposed to describing the findings from the study that was conducted, it provides a tool-kit that can be used by Oklahoma principals and teachers to determine the best courses of action for their schools and classrooms. The tools provided in…

Rimonabant Sanofi-Synthélabo.

PubMed

Fernandez, Jose R; Allison, David B

2004-04-01

Rimonabant, an antagonist of central cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, is being developed by Sanofi-Synthélabo for the potential treatment of obesity and as a potential smoking cessation agent. Phase III trials were initiated for obesity in August 2001 and were ongoing in September 2003. By September 2002, the compound had entered phase III trials for smoking cessation, and these trials were ongoing in September 2003.

Cellulose-lanthanum hydroxide nanocomposite as a selective marker for detection of toxic copper

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this current report, a simple, reliable, and rapid method based on modifying the cellulose surface by doping it with different percentages of lanthanum hydroxide (i.e., 1% La(OH)3-cellulose (LC), 5% La(OH)3-cellulose (LC2), and 10% La(OH)3-cellulose (LC3)) was proposed as a selective marker for detection of copper (Cu(II)) in aqueous medium. Surface properties of the newly modified cellulose phases were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The effect of pH on the adsorption of modified cellulose phases for Cu(II) was evaluated, and LC3 was found to be the most selective for Cu(II) at pH 6.0. Other parameters, influencing the maximum uptake of Cu(II) on LC3, were also investigated for a deeper mechanistic understanding of the adsorption phenomena. Results showed that the adsorption capacity for Cu(II) was improved by 211% on the LC3 phase as compared to diethylaminoethyl cellulose phase after only 2 h contact time. Adsorption isotherm data established that the adsorption process nature was monolayer with a homogeneous adsorbent surface. Results displayed that the adsorption of Cu(II) onto the LC3 phase obeyed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Selectivity studies toward eight metal ions, i.e., Cd(II), Co(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Zn(II), were further performed at the optimized pH value. Based on the selectivity study, it was found that Cu(II) is highly selective toward the LC3 phase. Moreover, the efficiency of the proposed method was supported by implementing it to real environmental water samples with adequate results. PMID:25258599

Ultracompact electro-optic phase modulator based on III-V-on-silicon microdisk resonator.

PubMed

Lloret, J; Kumar, R; Sales, S; Ramos, F; Morthier, G; Mechet, P; Spuesens, T; Van Thourhout, D; Olivier, N; Fédéli, J-M; Capmany, J

2012-06-15

A novel ultracompact electro-optic phase modulator based on a single 9 μm-diameter III-V microdisk resonator heterogeneously integrated on and coupled to a nanophotonic waveguide is presented. Modulation is enabled by effective index modification through carrier injection. Proof-of-concept implementation involving binary phase shift keying modulation format is assembled. A power imbalance of ∼0.6  dB between both symbols and a modulation rate up to 1.8 Gbps are demonstrated without using any special driving technique.

US-UK Collaboration on Fossil Energy Advanced Materials: Task 1—Steam Oxidation

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

Holcomb, Gordon R.; Tylczak, Joseph; Carney, Casey

This presentation goes over the following from the US-UK collaboration on Fossil Energy Advanced Materials: Task 1, Steam Oxidation: US-led or co-led deliverables, Phase II products (US), 2011-present, Phase III products, Phase III Plan, an explanation of sCO 2 compared with sH 2O, an explanation of Ni-base Alloys, an explanation of 300 Series (18Cr-8Ni)/E-Brite, an explanation of the typical Microchannel HX Fabrication process, and an explanation of diffusion bonded Ni-base superalloys.

Manufacturing Technology for Apparel Automation. Phase 1, 2 and 3 Activity.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-15

A189 129 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL AUTOMATION PHASE I t/l 2 AND I ACTIVITY(U) NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV ATRALEIGH SCHOOL OF TEXTILES E M...34III 1.8 - iai T ON HART St 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MTC FILE coax Report: NCSU/DLA-87/2 CDRL A004 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL...I Report: NCSU/DLA-87/2 CDRL A004 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL AUTOMATION Phase I, II and III Activity Edwin M. McPherson North Carolina

Raman spectra of solid benzene under high pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thiery, M.-M.; Kobashi, K.; Spain, I. L.

1985-01-01

Raman spectra of solid benzene have been measured at room temperature up to about 140 kbar, using the diamond anvil cell. Effort has been focused upon the lattice vibration spectra at pressures above that of phase II. It is found that a change in slopes occurs in the frequency-pressure curves at about 40 kbar. Furthermore, a new band appears above 90 kbar. These features probably correspond respectively to the II-III phase transition, which has been reported previously, and a III-IV phase transition, reported here for the first time.

Phase III development of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire module for women undergoing breast reconstruction.

PubMed

Winters, Z E; Balta, V; Thomson, H J; Brandberg, Y; Oberguggenberger, A; Sinove, Y; Unukovych, D; Nava, M; Sandelin, K; Johansson, H; Dobbeleir, J; Blondeel, P; Bruno, N; Catanuto, G; Llewellyn-Bennett, R

2014-03-01

Comprehensive outcome assessments after breast reconstruction (BRR) require surgery-specific patient-reported outcome measures. The aims of this study were to assess the relevance, acceptability and redundancy of questions/items (phase III pretesting) of a new BRR questionnaire evaluating patients' health-related quality of life before and after BRR. Phase III occurred in collaboration with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) following earlier development phases that identified 31 items. The EORTC BRR subgroup applied decision-making rules to each question according to eight EORTC criteria. A total of 197 patients (from the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden) were recruited. Forty-seven patients completed pre- and post-BRR questionnaires prospectively, and 150 reported post-BRR questionnaires only retrospectively. Qualitative debriefing interviews were undertaken in 189 patients. Preliminary psychometric analyses were performed. Thirty-one items fulfilled 'relevance', with none producing 'difficulties'. Ten items were not a priority for 10 per cent of respondents. Of these, two questions concerning muscle twitching in the affected breast and problem with donor-site swelling were deleted. Three redundant items were deleted: weakness in arm, which correlated significantly to the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) BR23 breast questionnaire, and shape and colour of the affected nipple. Descriptive statistics reduced the module to 26 items conceptualized into three provisional scales (disease treatment/surgery-related symptoms, sexuality and cosmetic outcome) within the newly completed questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BRR26. The QLQ-BRR26 is available for psychometric validation in a large-field international sample. The intended use for QLQ-BRR26 is alongside EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23, in women treated by mastectomy for breast cancer and undergoing all types of BRR. © 2014 BJS Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Capnogram slope and ventilation dead space parameters: comparison of mainstream and sidestream techniques.

PubMed

Balogh, A L; Petak, F; Fodor, G H; Tolnai, J; Csorba, Z; Babik, B

2016-07-01

Capnography may provide useful non-invasive bedside information concerning heterogeneity in lung ventilation, ventilation-perfusion mismatching and metabolic status. Although the capnogram may be recorded by mainstream and sidestream techniques, the capnogram indices furnished by these approaches have not previously been compared systematically. Simultaneous mainstream and sidestream time and volumetric capnography was performed in anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated patients undergoing elective heart surgery. Time capnography was used to assess the phase II (SII,T) and III slopes (SIII,T). The volumetric method was applied to estimate phase II (SII,V) and III slopes (SIII,V), together with the dead space values according to the Fowler (VDF), Bohr (VDB), and Enghoff (VDE) methods and the volume of CO2 eliminated per breath ([Formula: see text]). The partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 ([Formula: see text]) was registered. Excellent correlation and good agreement were observed in SIII,T measured by the mainstream and sidestream techniques [ratio=1.05 (sem 0.16), R(2)=0.92, P<0.0001]. Although the sidestream technique significantly underestimated [Formula: see text] and overestimated SIII,V [1.32 (0.28), R(2)=0.93, P<0.0001], VDF, VDB, and VDE, the agreement between the mainstream and sidestream techniques in the difference between VDE and VDB, reflecting the intrapulmonary shunt, was excellent [0.97 (0.004), R(2)=0.92, P<0.0001]. The [Formula: see text] exhibited good correlation and mild differences between the mainstream and sidestream approaches [0.025 (0.005) kPa]. Sidestream capnography provides adequate quantitative bedside information about uneven alveolar emptying and ventilation-perfusion mismatching, because it allows reliable assessments of the phase III slope, [Formula: see text] and intrapulmonary shunt. Reliable measurement of volumetric parameters (phase II slope, dead spaces, and eliminated CO2 volumes) requires the application of a mainstream device. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Capnogram slope and ventilation dead space parameters: comparison of mainstream and sidestream techniques

PubMed Central

Balogh, A. L.; Petak, F.; Fodor, G. H.; Tolnai, J.; Csorba, Z.; Babik, B.

2016-01-01

Background Capnography may provide useful non-invasive bedside information concerning heterogeneity in lung ventilation, ventilation–perfusion mismatching and metabolic status. Although the capnogram may be recorded by mainstream and sidestream techniques, the capnogram indices furnished by these approaches have not previously been compared systematically. Methods Simultaneous mainstream and sidestream time and volumetric capnography was performed in anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated patients undergoing elective heart surgery. Time capnography was used to assess the phase II (SII,T) and III slopes (SIII,T). The volumetric method was applied to estimate phase II (SII,V) and III slopes (SIII,V), together with the dead space values according to the Fowler (VDF), Bohr (VDB), and Enghoff (VDE) methods and the volume of CO2 eliminated per breath (VCO2). The partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) was registered. Results Excellent correlation and good agreement were observed in SIII,T measured by the mainstream and sidestream techniques [ratio=1.05 (sem 0.16), R2=0.92, P<0.0001]. Although the sidestream technique significantly underestimated VCO2 and overestimated SIII,V [1.32 (0.28), R2=0.93, P<0.0001], VDF, VDB, and VDE, the agreement between the mainstream and sidestream techniques in the difference between VDE and VDB, reflecting the intrapulmonary shunt, was excellent [0.97 (0.004), R2=0.92, P<0.0001]. The PETCO2 exhibited good correlation and mild differences between the mainstream and sidestream approaches [0.025 (0.005) kPa]. Conclusions Sidestream capnography provides adequate quantitative bedside information about uneven alveolar emptying and ventilation–perfusion mismatching, because it allows reliable assessments of the phase III slope, PETCO2 and intrapulmonary shunt. Reliable measurement of volumetric parameters (phase II slope, dead spaces, and eliminated CO2 volumes) requires the application of a mainstream device. PMID:27317710

Characterization of a whole, inactivated influenza (H5N1) vaccine.

PubMed

Tada, Yoshikazu

2008-11-01

Effective vaccines against the highly pathogenic influenza A/H5N1 virus are being developed worldwide. In Japan, two adjuvanted, inactivated, whole-virion influenza vaccines were recently developed and licensed as mock-up, pre-pandemic vaccine formulations by the Ministry of Health and Labor Welfare of Japan. During the vaccine design and development process, various obstacles were overcome and, in this report, we introduce the non clinical production, immunogenicity data in human and development process that was associated with egg-derived adjuvanted, inactivated, whole-virion influenza A (H5N1) vaccine. Pilot lots of H5N1 vaccine were produced using the avirulent H5N1 reference strain A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (H5N1) NIBRG-14 and administered following adsorption with aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant. Quality control and formulation stability tests were performed before clinical trials were initiated (phase I-III). The research foundation for microbial diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN) carried out vaccine production, quality control, stability testing and the phase I clinical trial in addition to overseeing the licensing of this vaccine. Mitsubishi Chemical Safety Institute Ltd. carried out the non clinical pharmacological toxicity and safety studies and the Japanese medical association carried out the phase II/III trials. Phase I-III trials took place in 2006. The production processes were well controlled by established tests and validations. Vaccine quality was confirmed by quality control, stability and pre-clinical tests, and the vaccine was approved as a mock-up, pre-pandemic vaccine by the Ministry of Health and Labor Welfare of Japan. Numerous safety and efficacy procedures were carried out prior to the approval of the described vaccine formulation. Some of these procedures were of particular importance e.g., vaccine development, validation, and quality control tests that included strict monitoring of the hemagglutinin (HA) content of the vaccine formulations. Improving vaccine productivity, shortening the production period and improving antigen yield of the avirulent vaccine strains were also considered important vaccine development criteria.

A comparison study of the Born effective charges and dielectric properties of the cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, ortho-I, ortho-II and ortho-III phases of zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Chen, Hua-Xin; Duan, Li; Fan, Ji-Bin; Ni, Lei; Ji, Vincent

2018-07-01

Using density-functional perturbation theory, we systematically investigate the Born effective charges and dielectric properties of cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, ortho-I (Pbca), ortho-II (Pnma) and ortho-III (Pca21) phases of ZrO2. The magnitudes of the Born effective charges of the Zr and oxygen atoms are greater than their nominal ionic valences (+4 for Zr and -2 for oxygen), indicating a strong dynamic charge transfer from Zr atoms to O atoms and a mixed covalent-ionic bonding in six phases of ZrO2. For all six phases of ZrO2, the electronic contributions εij∞ to the static dielectric constant are rather small (range from 5 to 6.5) and neither strongly anisotropic nor strongly dependent on the structural phase, while the ionic contributions εijion to the static dielectric constant are large and not only anisotropic but also dependent on the structural phase. The average dielectric constant εbar0 of the six ZrO2 phases decreases in the sequence of tetragonal, cubic, ortho-II (Pnma), ortho-I (Pbca), ortho-III (Pca21) and monoclinic. So among six phases of ZrO2, the tetragonal and cubic phases are two suitable phases to replace SiO2 as the gate dielectric material in modern integrated-circuit technology. Furthermore, for the tetragonal ZrO2 the best orientation is [100].

Method for the determination of chromium in feed matrix by HPLC.

PubMed

Umesh, Balakrishnan; Rajendran, Rajendra Moorthy; Manoharan, Muthu Tamizh

2015-11-01

An improved method for the chromatographic separation and determination of chromium (III) and (VI) [ CRIII AND CRVI: ] in mineral mixtures and feed samples has been developed. The method uses precolumn derivatization using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ( APD: ) followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography to separate the chromium ions. Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species are chelated with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prior to separation by mixing with acetonitrile and 0.5 mmol acetate buffer (pH 4.5). Optimum chromatographic separations were obtained with a polymer-based reversed-phase column (Kinetex, 5 μ, 250 × 4.5 mm, Phenomenex, Torrance, CA) and a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and water (7:3). Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ion concentrations were directly determined from the corresponding areas in the chromatogram. The effect of analytical parameters, including pH, concentration of ligand, incubation temperature, and mobile phase, was optimized for both chromium complexes. The range of the procedure was found to be linear for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations between 0.125 and 4 μg/mL (r² = 0.9926) and 0.1 and 3.0 μg/mL (r² = 0.9983), respectively. Precision was evaluated by replicate analysis in which the percentage relative standard deviation values for chromium complex were found to be below 4.0. The recoveries obtained (85-115%) for both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) complexes indicated the accuracy of the developed method. The degradation products, as well as the excipients, were well resolved from the chromium complex peak in the chromatogram. Finally, the new method proved to be suitable for routine analysis of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species in raw materials, mineral mixtures, and feed samples. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

The influence of different sets of surgical instrumentation in Oxford UKA on bearing size and component position.

PubMed

Walker, Tilman; Heinemann, Pascal; Bruckner, Thomas; Streit, Marcus R; Kinkel, Stefan; Gotterbarm, Tobias

2017-07-01

The Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) has been proven to be an effective treatment for anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee joint. New instrumentation has been introduced to improve the reproducibility of implant positioning and to minimize bone loss during tibial resection (Oxford Microplasty; Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). To assess the effect of the new instrumentation, we retrospectively evaluated the postoperative radiographs and surgical records of 300 OUKAs in three consecutive cohorts of patients. The first cohort consists of the first 100 minimal invasive implantations of the OUKA using the conventional phase III instrumentation, the second cohort consists of the 100 most recent minimal invasive OUKA with the conventional phase III instrumentation and the third cohort consists of the first 100 minimal invasive OUKA using the new Oxford Microplasty instrumentation. Mean bearing thickness was statistically significant and lower in OUKA with use of the updated instrumentation than with the conventional instrumentation (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04). Additionally, statistically significant and more femoral components were aligned within the accepted range of tolerance in both the coronal and the sagittal plane with use of the updated instrumentation compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation in group A (p = 0.029 and p = 0.038) and in the sagittal plane with use of the updated instrumentation compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation in group B (p = 0.002). The new modified instrumentation seems to be an effective tool to reduce the risk of malalignment of the femoral component in the coronal and in the sagittal plane compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation. Furthermore, the instrumentation is also effective in determining an adequate level of tibial resection and thus avoiding unnecessary bone loss.

The Combination Process for Preparative Separation and Purification of Paclitaxel and 10-Deacetylbaccatin III Using Diaion® Hp-20 Followed by Hydrophilic Interaction Based Solid Phase Extraction.

PubMed

Shirshekanb, Mahsa; Rezadoost, Hassan; Javanbakht, Mehran; Ghassempour, Ali Reza

2017-01-01

There is no other naturally occurring defense agent against cancer that has a stronger effect than paclitaxel, commonly known under the brand name of Taxol ® . The major drawback for the more widespread use of paclitaxel and its precious precursor, 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III), is that they require large-scale extraction from different parts of yew trees ( Taxus species), cell cultures, taxane-producing endophytic fungi, and Corylus species. In our previous work, a novel online two-dimensional heart-cut liquid chromatography process using hydrophilic interaction/ reversed-phase chromatography was used to introduce a semi-preparative treatment for the separation of polar (10-deacetylbaccatin III) and non-polar (paclitaxel) taxanes from Taxus baccata L. In this work, a combination of the absorbent (Diaion ®  HP-20) and a silica based solid phase extraction is utilized as a new, efficient, and cost effective method for large-scale production of taxanes. This process avoids the technical problem of two-dimensional preparative liquid chromatography. The first stage of the process involves discarding co-extractive polar compounds including chlorophylls and pigments using a non-polar synthetic hydrophobic absorbent, Diaion ®  HP-20. Extract was then loaded on to a silica based hydrophilic interaction solid phase extraction (silica 40-60 micron). Taxanes was eluted using a mixture of water and methanol at the optimized ratio of 70:30. Finally, the fraction containing taxanes was applied to semi-preparative reversed phase HPLC. The results revealed that using this procedure, paclitaxel and 10-DAB III could be obtained at 8 and 3 times more, respectively than by the traditional method of extraction.

Comparison between publicly accessible publications, registries, and protocols of phase III trials indicated persistence of selective outcome reporting.

PubMed

Zhang, Sheng; Liang, Fei; Li, Wenfeng

2017-11-01

The decision to make protocols of phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publicly accessible by leading journals was a landmark event in clinical trial reporting. Here, we compared primary outcomes defined in protocols with those in publications describing the trials and in trial registration. We identified phase III RCTs published between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015, in The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and The BMJ with available protocols. Consistency in primary outcomes between protocols and registries (articles) was evaluated. We identified 299 phase III RCTs with available protocols in this analysis. Out of them, 25 trials (8.4%) had some discrepancy for primary outcomes between publications and protocols. Types of discrepancies included protocol-defined primary outcome reported as nonprimary outcome in publication (11 trials, 3.7%), protocol-defined primary outcome omitted in publication (10 trials, 3.3%), new primary outcome introduced in publication (8 trials, 2.7%), protocol-defined nonprimary outcome reported as primary outcome in publication (4 trials, 1.3%), and different timing of assessment of primary outcome (4 trials, 1.3%). Out of trials with discrepancies in primary outcome, 15 trials (60.0%) had discrepancies that favored statistically significant results. Registration could be seen as a valid surrogate of protocol in 237 of 299 trials (79.3%) with regard to primary outcome. Despite unrestricted public access to protocols, selective outcome reporting persists in a small fraction of phase III RCTs. Only studies from four leading journals were included, which may cause selection bias and limit the generalizability of this finding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lorcaserin: an investigational serotonin 2C agonist for weight loss.

PubMed

Hurren, Kathryn M; Berlie, Helen D

2011-11-01

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of the selective serotonin (5-HT) agonist lorcaserin are reviewed, with an emphasis on efficacy and safety data from Phase III clinical trials. Lorcaserin is highly selective for a subtype of 5-HT receptors important in appetite regulation, with low affinity for other 5-HT-receptor subtypes whose activation is thought to underlie serious cardiovascular adverse effects; such effects have been seen with nonselective serotonergic agents for weight loss (e.g., fenfluramine). In two Phase III trials of lorcaserin, the cumulative proportion of patients who achieved weight loss of ≥5% over 12 months was about 47% with lorcaserin use versus 20-25% among placebo users (p < 0.0001 for both trials). Lorcaserin was generally well tolerated in the clinical trials to date; nausea and vomiting, headache, and dizziness were the most commonly reported adverse effects. In two of the three Phase III trials to date, lorcaserin use was not found to increase the risk of cardiac valvulopathy; however, in the other Phase III trial, which focused on patients with diabetes, lorcaserin use was associated with an increased rate of new valvulopathy. In a carcinogenicity evaluation involving laboratory rats, lorcaserin was linked to the development of various malignancies, a finding with uncertain implications for its potential future use in humans. Lorcaserin, a 5-HT(2C) agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in patients who are obese or are overweight with associated comorbidities. Phase III trials have found that more than 35% of patients lost greater than 5% of their baseline weight. The maker of lorcaserin has indicated it will continue to seek U.S. marketing approval of the drug for the indications of long-term weight loss and weight-loss maintenance in specific patient populations.

The Value of Botox-A in Acute Radiation Proctitis: Results From a Phase I/II Study Using a Three-Dimensional Scoring System

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

Vuong, Te, E-mail: tvuong@jgh.mcgill.ca; Waschke, Kevin; Niazi, Tamim

Purpose: Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is a common side effect of pelvic radiotherapy, and its management is challenging in daily practice. The present phase I/II study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) in ARP treatment for rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT). Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients, treated with neoadjuvant HDREBT, 26-Gy in 4 fractions, received the study treatment that consisted of a single injection of BTX-A into the rectal wall. The injection was performed post-HDREBT and prior to the development of ARP. The control group, 20 such patients, did not receivemore » the BTX-A injection. Both groups had access to standard treatment with hydrocortisone rectal aerosol foam (Cortifoam) and anti-inflammatory and narcotic medication. The ARP was clinically evaluated by self-administered daily questionnaires using visual analog scores to document frequency and urgency of bowel movements, rectal burning/tenesmus, and pain symptoms before and after HDREBT. Results: At the time of this analysis, there was no observed systemic toxicity. Patient compliance with the self-administered questionnaire was 100% from week 1 to 4, 70% during week 5, and 40% during week 6. The maximum tolerated dose was established at the 100-U dose level, and noticeable mean differences were observed in bowel frequency (p = 0.016), urgency (p = 0.007), and pain (p = 0.078). Conclusions: This study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of BTX-A intervention at 100-U dose level for study patients compared to control patients. A phase III study with this dose level is planned to validate these results.« less

A sense of urgency: Evaluating the link between clinical trial development time and the accrual performance of cancer therapy evaluation program (NCI-CTEP) sponsored studies.

PubMed

Cheng, Steven K; Dietrich, Mary S; Dilts, David M

2010-11-15

Postactivation barriers to oncology clinical trial accruals are well documented; however, potential barriers prior to trial opening are not. We investigate one such barrier: trial development time. National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP)-sponsored trials for all therapeutic, nonpediatric phase I, I/II, II, and III studies activated between 2000 and 2004 were investigated for an 8-year period (n = 419). Successful trials were those achieving 100% of minimum accrual goal. Time to open a study was the calendar time from initial CTEP submission to trial activation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR), controlling for study phase and size of expected accruals. Among the CTEP-approved oncology trials, 37.9% (n = 221) failed to attain the minimum accrual goals, with 70.8% (n = 14) of phase III trials resulting in poor accrual. A total of 16,474 patients (42.5% of accruals) accrued to those studies were unable to achieve the projected minimum accrual goal. Trials requiring less than 12 months of development were significantly more likely to achieve accrual goals (OR, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.57, P = 0.003) than trials with the median development times of 12 to 18 months. Trials requiring a development time of greater than 24 months were significantly less likely to achieve accrual goals (OR, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.78; P = 0.011) than trials with the median development time. A large percentage of oncology clinical trials do not achieve minimum projected accruals. Trial development time appears to be one important predictor of the likelihood of successfully achieving the minimum accrual goals. ©2010 AACR.

Peat and coconut fiber as biofilters for chromium adsorption from contaminated wastewaters.

PubMed

Henryk, Kołoczek; Jarosław, Chwastowski; Witold, Żukowski

2016-01-01

Batch adsorption experiments were performed for the removal of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions using Canadian peat and coconut fiber. The Langmuir model was used to describe the adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption for peat reached 18.75 mg/g for Cr(III) and 8.02 mg/g for Cr(VI), whereas the value for fiber was slightly higher and reached 19.21 mg/g for Cr(III) and 9.54 mg/g for Cr(VI). Both chromium forms could be easily eluted from the materials. The adsorption of chromium forms to organic matter could be explained in terms of formation of donor-acceptor chemical covalent bound with hydroxyl groups as ligands and chromium as the central atom in the formed complex. The chromate-reducing activities were monitored with the use of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that both adsorption and reduction occurred simultaneously and the maximum adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium being equal to 95% for fiber and 92% for peat was obtained at pH 1.5. The reduction of Cr(VI) in wastewaters began immediately and disappeared after 20 h. Both materials contained yeast and fungi species which can be responsible for reduction of chromium compounds, due to their enzymatic activity (Chwastowski and Koloczek (Acta Biochim Pol 60: 829-834, 2013)). The reduction of Cr(VI) is a two-phase process, the first phase being rapid and based on chemical reaction and the second phase having biological features. After the recovery step, both types of organic materials can be used again for chromium adsorption without any loss in the metal uptake. Both of the materials could be used as biofilters in the wastewater treatment plants.

Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in Elderly Subjects with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Pooled Analysis of Phase III Studies.

PubMed

Körber, Andreas; Papavassilis, Charis; Bhosekar, Vaishali; Reinhardt, Maximilian

2018-02-01

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, affecting patients of a wide age range, including elderly patients. Elderly patients can respond differently to drug treatments and can be more vulnerable to adverse reactions. There are limited data on biologic therapies for psoriasis in elderly subjects. Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL-17A, has proven significant efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. A post-hoc analysis of three phase III trials (ERASURE, FIXTURE and CLEAR) was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in elderly subjects. Studies were multicentre, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, 52-week phase III trials in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. For efficacy analyses, 67 elderly subjects (≥ 65 years) treated with secukinumab 300 mg were compared with 841 younger subjects (18-64 years). Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) and safety were analysed. Elderly subjects had higher baseline frequencies of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Secukinumab efficacy in elderly subjects was comparable to that in younger subjects throughout 52 weeks of treatment. PASI 75 response was reached by 81.8% of elderly subjects and 79.4% of younger subjects at Week 52. Similar rates of DLQI 0/1 response were observed. The total rate of adverse events was similar between elderly and younger subjects. Secukinumab at the recommended dose (300 mg) is effective and acceptably safe in subjects aged ≥ 65 years with moderate to severe psoriasis, with quality-of-life benefits, despite an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities in this population.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Subei, Adnan M; Cohen, Jeffrey A

2015-07-01

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators possess a unique mechanism of action as disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Subtype 1 S1P receptors are expressed on the surfaces of lymphocytes and are important in regulating egression from lymph nodes. The S1P receptor modulators indirectly antagonize the receptor's function and sequester lymphocytes in lymph nodes. Fingolimod was the first S1P agent approved in the USA in 2010 for relapsing MS after two phase III trials (FREEDOMS and TRANSFORMS) demonstrated potent efficacy, and good safety and tolerability. Post-marketing experience, as well as a third phase III trial (FREEDOMS II), also showed favorable results. More selective S1P receptor agents-ponesimod (ACT128800), siponimod (BAF312), ozanimod (RPC1063), ceralifimod (ONO-4641), GSK2018682, and MT-1303-are still in relatively early stages of development, but phase I and II trials showed promising efficacy and safety. However, these observations have yet to be reproduced in phase III clinical trials.

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

Wu, Tao; Kukkadapu, Ravi K.; Griffin, Aron M.

Fe(III)-oxides and Fe(III)-bearing phyllosilicates are the two major iron sources utilized as electron acceptors by dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria (DIRB) in anoxic soils and sediments. Although there have been many studies of microbial Fe(III)-oxide and Fe(III)-phyllosilicate reduction with both natural and specimen materials, no controlled experimental information is available on the interaction between these two phases when both are available for microbial reduction. In this study, the model DIRB Geobacter sulfurreducens was used to examine the pathways of Fe(III) reduction in Fe(III)-oxide stripped subsurface sediment that was coated with different amounts of synthetic high surface area goethite. Cryogenic (12K) 57Fe Mössbauermore » spectroscopy was used to determine changes in the relative abundances of Fe(III)-oxide, Fe(III)-phyllosilicate, and phyllosilicate-associated Fe(II) (Fe(II)-phyllosilicate) in bioreduced samples. Analogous Mössbauer analyses were performed on samples from abiotic Fe(II) sorption experiments in which sediments were exposed to a quantity of exogenous soluble Fe(II) (FeCl22H2O) comparable to the amount of Fe(II) produced during microbial reduction. A Fe partitioning model was developed to analyze the fate of Fe(II) and assess the potential for abiotic Fe(II)-catalyzed reduction of Fe(III)-phyllosilicatesilicates. The microbial reduction experiments indicated that although reduction of Fe(III)-oxide accounted for virtually all of the observed bulk Fe(III) reduction activity, there was no significant abiotic electron transfer between oxide-derived Fe(II) and Fe(III)-phyllosilicatesilicates, with 26-87% of biogenic Fe(II) appearing as sorbed Fe(II) in the Fe(II)-phyllosilicate pool. In contrast, the abiotic Fe(II) sorption experiments showed that 41 and 24% of the added Fe(II) engaged in electron transfer to Fe(III)-phyllosilicate surfaces in synthetic goethite-coated and uncoated sediment. Differences in the rate of Fe(II) addition and system redox potential may account for the microbial and abiotic reaction systems. Our experiments provide new insight into pathways for Fe(III) reduction in mixed Fe(III)-oxide/Fe(III)-phyllosilicate assemblages, and provide key mechanistic insight for interpreting microbial reduction experiments and field data from complex natural soils and sediments.« less

VIPR III VADR SPIDER Structural Design and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Wesley; Chen, Tony

2016-01-01

In support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Vehicle Integrated Propulsion Research (VIPR) Phase III team to evaluate the volcanic ash environment effects on the Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engine, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center has successfully performed structural design and analysis on the Volcanic Ash Distribution Rig (VADR) and the Structural Particulate Integration Device for Engine Research (SPIDER) for the ash ingestion test. Static and dynamic load analyses were performed to ensure no structural failure would occur during the test. Modal analysis was conducted, and the results were used to develop engine power setting avoidance zones. These engine power setting avoidance zones were defined to minimize the dwell time when the natural frequencies of the VADR/SPIDER system coincided with the excitation frequencies of the engine which was operating at various revolutions per minute. Vortex-induced vibration due to engine suction air flow during the ingestion test was also evaluated, but was not a concern.

The development and application of multi-criteria decision-making tool with consideration of uncertainty: the selection of a management strategy for the bio-degradable fraction in the municipal solid waste.

PubMed

El Hanandeh, Ali; El-Zein, Abbas

2010-01-01

A modified version of the multi-criteria decision aid, ELECTRE III has been developed to account for uncertainty in criteria weightings and threshold values. The new procedure, called ELECTRE-SS, modifies the exploitation phase in ELECTRE III, through a new definition of the pre-order and the introduction of a ranking index (RI). The new approach accommodates cases where incomplete or uncertain preference data are present. The method is applied to a case of selecting a management strategy for the bio-degradable fraction in the municipal solid waste of Sydney. Ten alternatives are compared against 11 criteria. The results show that anaerobic digestion (AD) and composting of paper are less environmentally sound options than recycling. AD is likely to out-perform incineration where a market for heating does not exist. Moreover, landfilling can be a sound alternative, when considering overall performance and conditions of uncertainty.

Correlation of cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients treated with cetuximab: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Abdel-Rahman, Omar; Fouad, Mona

2015-02-01

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients treated with cetuximab. Eligible studies included phase I, II and III trials of patients with solid tumors on cetuximab; describing events of skin rash and correlating skin rash with overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and/or overall response rate (ORR). Our search strategy yielded 409 potentially relevant citations on CETUXIMAB from Pubmed/Medline, CENTRAL Cochrane registry and ASCO meeting library. After exclusion of ineligible studies, a total of 13 clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta-analysis, including 4 phase III trials, 8 phase II trials and one phase I trial. The occurrence of cetuximab-induced rash in patients was highly associated with improvements in PFS (HR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, P<0.0002), OS (HR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.47-0.76, P<0.0001), and ORR (RR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.26-1.81, P<0.00001), as compared to patients without rash. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed no effect of tumor types on the RR of ORR. Our meta-analysis has demonstrated that cetuximab-induced rash is associated with a significantly improved OS, PFS and ORR. Cetuximab-induced skin rash may represent a prognostic factor in patients with advanced solid tumors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of crystal allomorph and crystallinity on the products and behavior of cellulose during fast pyrolysis

DOE PAGES

Mukarakate, Calvin; Mittal, Ashutosh; Ciesielski, Peter N.; ...

2016-07-19

Here, cellulose is the primary biopolymer responsible for maintaining the structural and mechanical integrity of cell walls and, during the fast pyrolysis of biomass, may be restricting cell wall expansion and inhibiting phase transitions that would otherwise facilitate efficient escape of pyrolysis products. Here, we test whether modifications in two physical properties of cellulose, its crystalline allomorph and degree of crystallinity, alter its performance during fast pyrolysis. We show that both crystal allomorph and relative crystallinity of cellulose impact the slate of primary products produced by fast pyrolysis. For both cellulose-I and cellulose-II, changes in crystallinity dramatically impact the fastmore » pyrolysis product portfolio. In both cases, only the most highly crystalline samples produced vapors dominated by levoglucosan. Cellulose-III, on the other hand, produces largely the same slate of products regardless of its relative crystallinity and produced as much or more levoglucosan at all crystallinity levels compared to cellulose-I or II. In addition to changes in products, the different cellulose allomorphs affected the viscoelastic properties of cellulose during rapid heating. Real-time hot-stage pyrolysis was used to visualize the transition of the solid material through a molten phase and particle shrinkage. SEM analysis of the chars revealed additional differences in viscoelastic properties and molten phase behavior impacted by cellulose crystallinity and allomorph. Regardless of relative crystallinity, the cellulose-III samples displayed the most obvious evidence of having transitioned through a molten phase.« less

Leu72Met408 Polymorphism of the Ghrelin Gene Is Associated With Early Phase of Gastric Emptying in the Patients With Functional Dyspepsia in Japan

PubMed Central

Yamawaki, Hiroshi; Futagami, Seiji; Shimpuku, Mayumi; Shindo, Tomotaka; Maruki, Yuuta; Nagoya, Hiroyuki; Kodaka, Yasuhiro; Sato, Hitomi; Gudis, Katya; Kawagoe, Tetsuro; Sakamoto, Choitsu

2015-01-01

Background/Aims There are no available data about the relationship between ghrelin gene genotypes and early phase of gastric emptying in functional dyspepsia (FD) as defined by Rome III classification. Methods We enrolled 74 patients presenting with typical symptoms of FD and 64 healthy volunteers. Gastric motility was evaluated using the 13C-acetate breath test. We used Rome III criteria to evaluate upper abdominal symptoms and self-rating questionnaires for depression (SRQ-D) scores to determine status of depression. The Arg51Gln (346G>A), preproghrelin (3056T>C), Leu72Met (408C>A), Gln90Leu (3412T>A) and G-protein β3 (825C>T) polymorphisms were analyzed in the DNA from blood samples of enrolled subjects. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Results There was a significant relationship between the Gln90Leu3412 genotype and SRQ-D score in FD patients (P = 0.009). Area under the curve at 15 minutes (AUC15) value was significantly associated with the Leu72Met408 genotype (P = 0.015) but not with entire gastric emptying. Conclusions The Leu72Met (408C>A) single nucleotide polymorphism was significantly associated with early phase of gastric emptying in FD patients. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the association between ghrelin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and early phase of gastric emptying in FD patients. PMID:25540946

Leu72Met408 Polymorphism of the Ghrelin Gene Is Associated With Early Phase of Gastric Emptying in the Patients With Functional Dyspepsia in Japan.

PubMed

Yamawaki, Hiroshi; Futagami, Seiji; Shimpuku, Mayumi; Shindo, Tomotaka; Maruki, Yuuta; Nagoya, Hiroyuki; Kodaka, Yasuhiro; Sato, Hitomi; Gudis, Katya; Kawagoe, Tetsuro; Sakamoto, Choitsu

2015-01-01

There are no available data about the relationship between ghrelin gene genotypes and early phase of gastric emptying in functional dyspepsia (FD) as defined by Rome III classification. We enrolled 74 patients presenting with typical symptoms of FD and 64 healthy volunteers. Gastric motility was evaluated using the 13C-acetate breath test. We used Rome III criteria to evaluate upper abdominal symptoms and self-rating questionnaires for depression (SRQ-D) scores to determine status of depression. The Arg51Gln (346G->A), preproghrelin (3056T->C), Leu72Met (408C->A), Gln90Leu (3412T->A) and G-protein 3 (825C->T) polymorphisms were analyzed in the DNA from blood samples of enrolled subjects. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction. There was a significant relationship between the Gln90Leu3412 genotype and SRQ-D score in FD patients (P = 0.009). Area under the curve at 15 minutes (AUC15) value was significantly associated with the Leu72Met408 genotype (P = 0.015) but not with entire gastric emptying. The Leu72Met (408C->A) single nucleotide polymorphism was significantly associated with early phase of gastric emptying in FD patients. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the association between ghrelin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and early phase of gastric emptying in FD patients.

A Progressive Reading, Writing, and Artistic Module to Support Scientific Literacy†

PubMed Central

Stockwell, Stephanie B.

2016-01-01

Scientific literacy, marked by the ability and willingness to engage with scientific information, is supported through a new genre of citizen science—course-based research in association with undergraduate laboratories. A three-phased progressive learning module was developed to enhance student engagement in such contexts while supporting three learning outcomes: I) present an argument based on evidence, II) analyze science and scientists within a social context, and III) experience, reflect upon, and communicate the nature of scientific discovery. Phase I entails guided reading and reflection of citizen science–themed texts. In Phase II, students write, peer-review, and edit position and counterpoint papers inspired by the following prompt, “Nonscientists should do scientific research.” Phase III involves two creative assignments intended to communicate the true nature of science. Students work collaboratively to develop public service announcement–like poster campaigns to debunk a common misconception about the nature of science or scientists. Individually, they create a work of art to communicate a specific message about the raw experience of performing scientific research. Suggestions for implementation and modifications are provided. Strengths of the module include the development of transferable skills, temporal distribution of grading demands, minimal in-class time needed for implementation, and the inclusion of artistic projects to support affective learning domains. This citizen science–themed learning module is an excellent complement to laboratory coursework, as it serves to surprise, challenge, and inspire students while promoting disciplinary values. PMID:27047600

Phase II trial of CoQ10 for ALS finds insufficient evidence to justify Phase III

PubMed Central

Kaufmann, Petra; Thompson, John L.P.; Levy, Gilberto; Buchsbaum, Richard; Shefner, Jeremy; Krivickas, Lisa S.; Katz, Jonathan; Rollins, Yvonne; Barohn, Richard J.; Jackson, Carlayne E.; Tiryaki, Ezgi; Lomen-Hoerth, Catherine; Armon, Carmel; Tandan, Rup; Rudnicki, Stacy A.; Rezania, Kourosh; Sufit, Robert; Pestronk, Alan; Novella, Steven P.; Heiman-Patterson, Terry; Kasarskis, Edward J.; Pioro, Erik P.; Montes, Jacqueline; Arbing, Rachel; Vecchio, Darleen; Barsdorf, Alexandra; Mitsumoto, Hiroshi; Levin, Bruce

2010-01-01

Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, and currently incurable, neuromuscular disease in which oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are contributing to neuronal loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor, has shown promise in ALS transgenic mice, and in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases other than ALS. Our aims were to choose between two high doses of CoQ10 for ALS, and to determine if it merits testing in a Phase III clinical trial. Methods We designed and implemented a multi-center trial with an adaptive, two-stage, bias-adjusted, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase II design (n=185). The primary outcome in both stages was decline in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRSr) score over 9 months. Stage 1 (dose selection, 35 participants per group) compared CoQ10 doses of 1,800 and 2,700 mg/day. Stage 2 (futility test, 75 patients per group) compared the dose selected in Stage 1 against placebo. Results Stage 1 selected the 2,700 mg dose. In Stage 2, the pre-specified primary null hypothesis that this dose is superior to placebo was not rejected. It was rejected, however, in an accompanying pre-specified sensitivity test, and further supplementary analyses. Pre-specified secondary analyses showed no significant differences between CoQ10 at 2,700 mg/day and placebo. There were no safety concerns. Interpretation CoQ10 at 2,700 mg daily for 9 months shows insufficient promise to warrant Phase III testing. Given this outcome, the adaptive Phase II design incorporating a dose selection and a futility test avoided the need for a much larger conventional Phase III trial. PMID:19743457

Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of Atractylenolide I, II and III in rat plasma after intragastric administration of Baizhufuling extract and Atractylodis extract by UPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Yan, Han; Sun, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Qili; Yang, Mingjing; Wang, Xiaorui; Wang, Yang; Yu, Zhiguo; Zhao, Yunli

2015-07-01

A simple and rapid ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of Atractylenolide I, II and III in rat plasma. Plasma samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, using schisandrin as internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Thermo Hypersil GOLD C18 column (2.1mm×50mm, 1.9μm) with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid-water (50:50, v/v). The detection was carried out by ESI-MS (positive ionization mode) and low-energy collision dissociation tandem mass spectrometric analyses using the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scan mode. The quantification was performed using the transitions of the protonated molecule→product ion at m/z 231.0→185.1 for Atractylenolide I, at m/z 233.1→187.1 for Atractylenolide II and at m/z 249.1→231.1 for Atractylenolide III, respectively. Method validation revealed excellent linearity over investigated range together with satisfactory intra- and inter-day precision, accuracy, matrix effects and extraction recoveries. This method was successfully applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic study of Atractylenolide I, II and III in rat plasma after intragastric administration of Baizhufuling extract and Atractylodis extract. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Revisiting NMR composite pulses for broadband 2H excitation

PubMed Central

Shen, Ming; Roopchand, Rabia; Mananga, Eugene S.; Amoureux, Jean-Paul; Chen, Qun; Boutis, Gregory S.; Hu, Bingwen

2014-01-01

Quadrupolar echo NMR spectroscopy of static solids often requires RF excitation that covers spectral widths exceeding 100 kHz, which is difficult to obtain due to instrumental limitations. In this work we revisit four well-known composite pulses (COM-I, II, III and IV) for broadband excitation in deuterium quadrupolar echo spectroscopy. These composite pulses are combined with several phase cycling schemes that were previously shown to decrease finite pulse width distortions in deuterium solid-echo experiments performed with two single pulses. The simulations and experiments show that COM-II and IV composite pulses combined with an 8-step phase cycling aid in achieving broadband excitation with limited pulse width distortions. PMID:25583576

Refinement of Foam Backfill Technology for Expedient Airfield Damage Repair- Phase I: Laboratory Evaluation of Foam Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

the spring of 2016. Four of these materials were commercially available. The remaining formulations were designed specifically to support this... designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. ERDC TR-16-16 iii...The Program Manager was Jeb S. Tingle, ERDC-GSL. This work was performed by the Airfields and Pavements Branch (GMA) of the Engineering Systems

Modular C3 Interface Analysis (Flexible Intraconnect). Volume 1, Part 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

was prepared in parallel with a separate Flexible^ Intraconnect design definition study conducted by Hughes Aircraft Company under F19628-77-O-0261...reported herein consists of Task I, Task II, and Task III of Phase I of an on-going study being conducted by the Air Force to develop a Flexible...Intraconnect for tactical C^ tivity. equipment connec- As evidenced by the quantity of analyses performed and docu- mented during the period of this study

Can high pressure I-II transitions in semiconductors be affected by plastic flow and nanocrystal precipitation in phase I?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, B. A.; Lindberg, G. P.

Pressure-Raman spectroscopy in ZnSe and ZnTe single crystals reveals that Se and Te nano-crystals (NCs) precipitate in these II-VI hosts for pressures far below their I-II phase transitions. The inclusions are evident from the appearance and negative pressure-shift of the A1 Raman peaks of Se and Te (trigonal phase). The Se and Te NCs nucleate at dislocations and grain boundaries that arise from pressure-induced plastic flow. This produces chemical and structural inhomogeneities in the zincblende phase of the host. At substantially higher pressures, the I-II transition proceeds in the presence of these inhomogenities. This can affect the transition's onset pressure Pt and width ΔPt, and the occurrence of metastable phases along the transition path. Precipitation models in metals show that nucleation of inclusions depends on the Peierls stress τp and a parameter α related to the net free energy gained on nucleation. For favorable values of τp and α, NC precipitation at pressures below the I-II transition could occur in other compounds. We propose criteria to judge whether this is likely based on the observed ranges of τp in the hosts, and estimates of α derived from the cohesive energy densities of the NC materials. One finds trends that can serve as a useful guide, both to test the proposed criteria, and to decide when closer scrutiny of phase transition experiments is warranted, e.g., in powders where high dislocation densities are initially created

Polyamide as an efficient sorbent for simultaneous interface-free determination of three Sudan dyes in saffron and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography-ultra violet detection.

PubMed

Saeidi, Iman; Barfi, Behruz; Payrovi, Moazameh; Feizy, Javid; Sheibani, Hojat A; Miri, Mina; Ghollasi Moud, Farahnaz

2015-01-01

With polyamide (PA) as an efficient sorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE) of Sudan dyes II, III and Red 7B from saffron and urine, their determination by HPLC was performed. The optimum conditions for SPE were achieved using 7 mL methanol/water (1:9, v/v, pH 7) as the washing solvent and 3 mL tetrahydrofuran for elution. Good clean-up and high (above 90%) recoveries were observed for all the analytes. The optimized mobile phase composition for HPLC analysis of these compounds was methanol-water (70:30, v/v). The SPE parameters, such as the maximum loading capacity and breakthrough volume, were also determined for each analyte. The limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs), linear ranges and recoveries for the analytes were 4.6-6.6 microg/L, 13.0-19.8 microg/L, 13.0-5000 microg/L (r2>0.99) and 92.5%-113.4%, respectively. The precisions (RSDs) of the overall analytical procedure, estimated by five replicate measurements for Sudan II, III and Red 7B in saffron and urine samples were 2.3%, 1.8% and 3.6%, respectively. The developed method is simple and successful in the application to the determination of Sudan dyes in saffron and urine samples with HPLC coupled with UV detection.

A phase II study of intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy with iodine-131-labeled monoclonal antibody OC-125 in patients with residual ovarian carcinoma.

PubMed

Mahé, M A; Fumoleau, P; Fabbro, M; Guastalla, J P; Faurous, P; Chauvot, P; Chetanoud, L; Classe, J M; Rouanet, P; Chatal, J F

1999-10-01

Standard treatment of advanced ovarian cancer is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Additional therapies using the i.p. route are considered as a potential means of improving the locoregional control rate. This Phase II study evaluated the efficacy of i.p. radioimmunotherapy (RIT) in patients with minimal residual ovarian adenocarcinoma after primary treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Between February 1995 and March 1996, six patients with residual macroscopic (<5 mm) or microscopic disease as demonstrated by laparotomy and multiple biopsies received i.p. RIT. All had initial stage III epithelial carcinoma and were treated with debulking surgery and one line (four patients) or two lines (two patients) of chemotherapy. RIT was performed with 60 mg of OC 125 F(ab')2 monoclonal antibody labeled with 4.44 GBq (120 mCi) of 131I injected 5-10 days after the surgical procedure. Systematic laparoscopy or laparotomy with multiple biopsies performed 3 months after RIT in five patients (clinical progression was seen in one patient) showed no change in three patients and progression in two patients. Toxicity was mainly hematological, with grade III neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in two patients. Human antimouse antibody production was demonstrated in all six patients. This study showed little therapeutic benefit from i.p. RIT in patients with residual ovarian carcinoma.

A Microfabricated Segmented-Involute-Foil Regenerator for Enhancing Reliability and Performance of Stirling Engines. Phase III Final Report for the Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology NRA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ibrahim, Mounir B.; Gedeon, David; Wood, Gary; McLean, Jeffrey

2009-01-01

Under Phase III of NASA Research Announcement contract NAS3-03124, a prototype nickel segmented-involute-foil regenerator was microfabricated and tested in a Sunpower Frequency-Test-Bed (FTB) Stirling convertor. The team for this effort consisted of Cleveland State University, Gedeon Associates, Sunpower Inc. and International Mezzo Technologies. Testing in the FTB convertor produced about the same efficiency as testing with the original random-fiber regenerator. But the high thermal conductivity of the prototype nickel regenerator was responsible for a significant performance degradation. An efficiency improvement (by a 1.04 factor, according to computer predictions) could have been achieved if the regenerator was made from a low-conductivity material. Also, the FTB convertor was not reoptimized to take full advantage of the microfabricated regenerator s low flow resistance; thus, the efficiency would likely have been even higher had the FTB been completely reoptimized. This report discusses the regenerator microfabrication process, testing of the regenerator in the Stirling FTB convertor, and the supporting analysis. Results of the pre-test computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the effects of the regenerator-test-configuration diffusers (located at each end of the regenerator) are included. The report also includes recommendations for further development of involute-foil regenerators from a higher-temperature material than nickel.

A Multiphase Validation of Atlas-Based Automatic and Semiautomatic Segmentation Strategies for Prostate MRI

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

Martin, Spencer; Rodrigues, George, E-mail: george.rodrigues@lhsc.on.ca; Department of Epidemiology/Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London

2013-01-01

Purpose: To perform a rigorous technological assessment and statistical validation of a software technology for anatomic delineations of the prostate on MRI datasets. Methods and Materials: A 3-phase validation strategy was used. Phase I consisted of anatomic atlas building using 100 prostate cancer MRI data sets to provide training data sets for the segmentation algorithms. In phase II, 2 experts contoured 15 new MRI prostate cancer cases using 3 approaches (manual, N points, and region of interest). In phase III, 5 new physicians with variable MRI prostate contouring experience segmented the same 15 phase II datasets using 3 approaches: manual,more » N points with no editing, and full autosegmentation with user editing allowed. Statistical analyses for time and accuracy (using Dice similarity coefficient) endpoints used traditional descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and pooled Student t test. Results: In phase I, average (SD) total and per slice contouring time for the 2 physicians was 228 (75), 17 (3.5), 209 (65), and 15 seconds (3.9), respectively. In phase II, statistically significant differences in physician contouring time were observed based on physician, type of contouring, and case sequence. The N points strategy resulted in superior segmentation accuracy when initial autosegmented contours were compared with final contours. In phase III, statistically significant differences in contouring time were observed based on physician, type of contouring, and case sequence again. The average relative timesaving for N points and autosegmentation were 49% and 27%, respectively, compared with manual contouring. The N points and autosegmentation strategies resulted in average Dice values of 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. Pre- and postedited autosegmented contours demonstrated a higher average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.94. Conclusion: The software provided robust contours with minimal editing required. Observed time savings were seen for all physicians irrespective of experience level and baseline manual contouring speed.« less

A Model System for the Design and Maintenance of Related Instruction Curriculum for Approved U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs; Phase III. Final Report and Final Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane Community Coll., Eugene, OR.

A final report and final evaluation report of Phase III are provided for a project to establish a national clearinghouse for apprenticeship-related instructional materials. The final report provides a summary and a narrative account of these project activities: identification of materials; identification of apprenticeship curriculum needs;…

The Effects of PECS Teaching to Phase III on the Communicative Interactions between Children with Autism and Their Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Deborah; Felce, Janet

2007-01-01

The study investigated the impact of mastery of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to Phase III, on the communications of children with autism. Children aged between 3 and 7 years, formed a PECS intervention group and a non-intervention control group. The intervention group received 15 h of PECS teaching over 5 weeks. Three 2-h…

Herpes Zoster and Tofacitinib Therapy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Winthrop, Kevin L; Yamanaka, Hisashi; Valdez, Hernan; Mortensen, Eric; Chew, Robert; Krishnaswami, Sriram; Kawabata, Thomas; Riese, Richard

2014-01-01

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ) (i.e., shingles). The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with tofacitinib increases the risk of HZ in patients with RA. Methods HZ cases were identified as those reported by trial investigators from the databases of the phase II, phase III, and long-term extension (LTE) clinical trials in the Tofacitinib RA Development Program. Crude incidence rates (IRs) of HZ per 100 patient-years (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) were calculated by exposure group. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential risk factors for HZ (e.g., age, prednisone use). Results Among 4,789 participants, 239 were identified as having tofacitinib-associated HZ during the phase II, phase III, and LTE trials, of whom 208 (87%) were female and whose median age was 57 years (range 21–75 years). One HZ case (0.4%) was multidermatomal; none of the cases involved visceral dissemination or death. Twenty-four patients with HZ (10%) permanently discontinued treatment with tofacitinib, and 16 (7%) were either hospitalized or received intravenous antiviral drugs. The crude HZ IR across the development program was 4.4 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 3.8–4.9), but the IR was substantially higher within Asia (7.7 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 6.4–9.3). Older age was associated with HZ (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.6), and IRs for HZ were similar between patients receiving 5 mg tofacitinib twice daily (4.4 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 3.2–6.0) and those receiving 10 mg twice daily (4.2 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 3.1–5.8). In the phase III trials among placebo recipients, the incidence of HZ was 1.5 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 0.5–4.6). Conclusion In the Tofacitinib RA Development Program, increased rates of HZ were observed in patients treated with tofacitinib compared with those receiving placebo, particularly among patients within Asia. Complicated HZ among tofacitinib-treated patients was rare. PMID:24943354

Phase transitions in the system CaCO3 at high P and T determined by in situ vibrational spectroscopy in diamond anvil cells and first-principles simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch-Müller, Monika; Jahn, Sandro; Birkholz, Natalie; Ritter, Eglof; Schade, Ulrich

2016-09-01

The stability of the high-pressure CaCO3 calcite (cc)-related polymorphs was studied in experiments that were performed in conventional diamond anvil cells (DAC) at room temperature as a function of pressure up to 30 GPa as well as in internally heated diamond anvil cells (DAC-HT) at pressures and temperatures up to 20 GPa and 800 K. To probe structural changes, we used Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. For the latter, we applied conventional and synchrotron mid-infrared as well as synchrotron far-infrared radiation. Within the cc-III stability field (2.2-15 GPa at room temperature, e.g., Catalli and Williams in Phys Chem Miner 32(5-6):412-417, 2005), we observed in the Raman spectra consistently three different spectral patterns: Two patterns at pressures below and above 3.3 GPa were already described in Pippinger et al. (Phys Chem Miner 42(1):29-43, 2015) and assigned to the phase transition of cc-IIIb to cc-III at 3.3 GPa. In addition, we observed a clear change between 5 and 6 GPa that is independent of the starting material and the pressure path and time path of the experiments. This apparent change in the spectral pattern is only visible in the low-frequency range of the Raman spectra—not in the infrared spectra. Complementary electronic structure calculations confirm the existence of three distinct stability regions of cc-III-type phases at pressures up to about 15 GPa. By combining experimental and simulation data, we interpret the transition at 5-6 GPa as a re-appearance of the cc-IIIb phase. In all types of experiments, we confirmed the transition from cc-IIIb to cc-VI at about 15 GPa at room temperature. We found that temperature stabilizes cc-VI to lower pressure. The reaction cc-IIIb to cc-VI has a negative slope of -7.0 × 10-3 GPa K-1. Finally, we discuss the possibility of the dense cc-VI phase being more stable than aragonite at certain pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the Earth's mantle.

Role of relativity in high-pressure phase transitions of thallium.

PubMed

Kotmool, Komsilp; Chakraborty, Sudip; Bovornratanaraks, Thiti; Ahuja, Rajeev

2017-02-20

We demonstrate the relativistic effects in high-pressure phase transitions of heavy element thallium. The known first phase transition from h.c.p. to f.c.c. is initially investigated by various relativistic levels and exchange-correlation functionals as implemented in FPLO method, as well as scalar relativistic scheme within PAW formalism. The electronic structure calculations are interpreted from the perspective of energetic stability and electronic density of states. The full relativistic scheme (FR) within L(S)DA performs to be the scheme that resembles mostly with experimental results with a transition pressure of 3 GPa. The s-p hybridization and the valence-core overlapping of 6s and 5d states are the primary reasons behind the f.c.c. phase occurrence. A recent proposed phase, i.e., a body-centered tetragonal (b.c.t.) phase, is confirmed with a small distortion from the f.c.c. phase. We have also predicted a reversible b.c.t. → f.c.c. phase transition at 800 GPa. This finding has been suggested that almost all the III-A elements (Ga, In and Tl) exhibit the b.c.t. → f.c.c. phase transition at extremely high pressure.

Whole Brain Radiotherapy and RRx-001: Two Partial Responses in Radioresistant Melanoma Brain Metastases from a Phase I/II Clinical Trial: A TITE-CRM Phase I/II Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Kim, Michelle M; Parmar, Hemant; Cao, Yue; Pramanik, Priyanka; Schipper, Matthew; Hayman, James; Junck, Larry; Mammoser, Aaron; Heth, Jason; Carter, Corey A; Oronsky, Arnold; Knox, Susan J; Caroen, Scott; Oronsky, Bryan; Scicinski, Jan; Lawrence, Theodore S; Lao, Christopher D

2016-04-01

Kim et al. report two patients with melanoma metastases to the brain that responded to treatment with RRx-001 and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) without neurologic or systemic toxicity in the context of a phase I/II clinical trial. RRx-001 is an reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS)-dependent systemically nontoxic hypoxic cell radiosensitizer with vascular normalizing properties under investigation in patients with various solid tumors including those with brain metastases. Metastatic melanoma to the brain is historically associated with poor outcomes and a median survival of 4 to 5 months. WBRT is a mainstay of treatment for patients with multiple brain metastases, but no significant therapeutic advances for these patients have been described in the literature. To date, candidate radiosensitizing agents have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in patients with brain metastases, and in particular, no agent has demonstrated improved outcome in patients with metastatic melanoma. Kim et al. report two patients with melanoma metastases to the brain that responded to treatment with novel radiosensitizing agent RRx-001 and WBRT without neurologic or systemic toxicity in the context of a phase I/II clinical trial. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A randomized, multicenter, phase II/III study to determine the optimal dose and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegteograstim (GCPGC) on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia compared to pegfilgrastim in breast cancer patients: KCSG PC10-09.

PubMed

Lee, Ki Hyeong; Kim, Ji-Yeon; Lee, Moon Hee; Han, Hye Sook; Lim, Joo Han; Park, Keon Uk; Park, In Hae; Cho, Eun Kyung; Yoon, So Young; Kim, Jee Hyun; Choi, In Sil; Park, Jae Hoo; Choi, Young Jin; Kim, Hee-Jun; Jung, Kyung Hae; Kim, Si-Young; Oh, Do-Youn; Im, Seock-Ah

2016-04-01

Pegylated granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is frequently used to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients undergoing chemotherapy with a high risk of myelosuppression. This phase II/III study was conducted to determine the adequate dose of pegteograstim, a new formulation of pegylated G-CSF, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegteograstim compared to pegfilgrastim. In the phase II part, 60 breast cancer patients who were undergoing DA (docetaxel and doxorubicin) or TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of 3.6 or 6.0 mg pegteograstim on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle. The phase III part was seamlessly started to compare the dose of pegteograstim at selected in phase II with 6.0 mg pegfilgrastim in 117 breast cancer patients. The primary endpoint of both the phase II and III parts was the duration of grade 4 neutropenia in the chemotherapy cycle 1. The mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia for the 3.6 mg pegteograstim (n = 33) was similar to that for the 6.0 mg pegteograstim (n = 26) (1.97 ± 1.79 days vs. 1.54 ± 0.95 days, p = 0.33). The 6.0 mg pegteograstim was selected to be compared with the 6.0 mg pegfilgrastim in the phase III part. In the phase III part, the primary analysis revealed that the efficacy of pegteograstim (n = 56) was non-inferior to that of pegfilgrastim (n = 59) [duration of grade 4 neutropenia, 1.64 ± 1.18 days vs. 1.80 ± 1.05 days; difference, -0.15 ± 1.11 (p = 0.36, 97.5 % confidence intervals = 0.57 and 0.26)]. The time to the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery of pegteograstim (≥2000/μL) was significantly shorter than that of pegfilgrastim (8.85 ± 1.45 days vs. 9.83 ± 1.20 days, p < 0.0001). Other secondary endpoints showed no significant difference between the two groups. The safety profiles of the two groups did not differ significantly. Pegteograstim was shown to be as effective as pegfilgrastim in the reduction of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in the breast cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy with a high risk of myelosuppression.

The Utilization of the Microflora Indigenous to and Present in Oil-Bearing Formations to Selectively Plug the More Porous Zones Thereby Increasing Oil Recovery During Waterflooding

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

Brown, Lewis R.; Byrnes, Martin J.; Stephens, James O.

This project was designed to demonstrate that a microbially enhanced oil recovery process (MEOR), developed in part under DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-90BC14665, will increase oil recovery from fluvial dominated deltaic oil reservoirs. The process involves stimulating the in-situ indigenous microbial population in the reservoir to grow in the more permeable zones, thus diverting flow to other areas of the reservoir, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the waterflood. This five and a half year project is divided into three phases, Phase I, Planning and Analysis (9 months), Phase II, Implementation (45 months), and Phase III, Technology Transfer (12 months). Phase Imore » was completed and reported in the first annual report. This fifth annual report covers the completion of Phase II and the first six months of Phase III.« less

Methods for forming particles

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V.; Zhang, Fengyan; Rodriguez, Rene G.; Pak, Joshua J.; Sun, Chivin

2016-06-21

Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.

Phase II Study of Chemoradiotherapy With 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin for Stage II-III Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: JCOG Trial (JCOG 9906)

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

Kato, Ken, E-mail: kenkato@ncc.go.jp; Muro, Kei; Department of Clinical Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi

Purpose: In this Phase II study, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for Stage II-III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients and Methods: Patients with clinical Stage II-III (T1N1M0 or T2-3N0-1M0) thoracic ESCC were enrolled between April 2000 and March 2002. Chemotherapy comprised two courses of protracted infusion of 5-FU (400 mg/m{sup 2}/day) on Days 1-5 and 8-12, and 2-h infusion of CDDP (40 mg/m{sup 2}) on Days 1 and 8; this regimen was repeated every 5 weeks. Concurrent radiotherapy involved 60-Gy irradiation (30 fractions) for 8 weeks with a 2-weekmore » break. Responders received two courses of 5-FU (800 mg/m{sup 2}/day) on Days 1-5 and CDDP (80 mg/m{sup 2}) on Day 1. Final analysis was conducted in March 2007. Survival and late toxicities were monitored for 5 years. Results: The characteristics of the 76 patients enrolled were as follows: median age, 61 years; male/female, 68/8; performance status 0/1, 59/17 patients; Stage IIA/IIB/III, 26/12/38 patients. Of the 74 eligible patients, 46 (62.2%) achieved complete response. Median survival time was 29 months, with 3- and 5-year survival rates of 44.7% and 36.8%, respectively. Acute toxicities included Grade 3/4 esophagitis (17%), nausea (17%), hyponatremia (16%), and infection without neutropenia (12%). Late toxicities comprised Grade 3/4 esophagitis (13%), pericardial (16%) and pleural (9%) effusion, and radiation pneumonitis (4%), causing 4 deaths. Conclusions: CRT is effective for Stage II-III ESCC with manageable acute toxicities and can provide a nonsurgical treatment option. However, further improvement is required for reduction in late toxicity.« less

Effect of Group-III precursors on unintentional gallium incorporation during epitaxial growth of InAlN layers by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

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

Kim, Jeomoh, E-mail: jkim610@gatech.edu; Ji, Mi-Hee; Detchprohm, Theeradetch

2015-09-28

Unintentional incorporation of gallium (Ga) in InAlN layers grown with different molar flow rates of Group-III precursors by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition has been experimentally investigated. The Ga mole fraction in the InAl(Ga)N layer was increased significantly with the trimethylindium (TMIn) flow rate, while the trimethylaluminum flow rate controls the Al mole fraction. The evaporation of metallic Ga from the liquid phase eutectic system between the pyrolized In from injected TMIn and pre-deposited metallic Ga was responsible for the Ga auto-incorporation into the InAl(Ga)N layer. The theoretical calculation on the equilibrium vapor pressure of liquid phase Ga and the effectivemore » partial pressure of Group-III precursors based on growth parameters used in this study confirms the influence of Group-III precursors on Ga auto-incorporation. More Ga atoms can be evaporated from the liquid phase Ga on the surrounding surfaces in the growth chamber and then significant Ga auto-incorporation can occur due to the high equilibrium vapor pressure of Ga comparable to effective partial pressure of input Group-III precursors during the growth of InAl(Ga)N layer.« less

Is alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction an effective protocol in the treatment of Class III malocclusion? A systematic review

PubMed Central

Pithon, Matheus Melo; Santos, Nathalia de Lima; dos Santos, Camila Rangel Barreto; Baião, Felipe Carvalho Souza; Pinheiro, Murilo Costa Rangel; Matos, Manoel; Souza, Ianderlei Andrade; de Paula, Rafael Pereira

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Introduction: the treatment of Class III malocclusion in early age is one of the greatest challenges for orthodontists, and the establishment of more effective treatment method is a constant concern for these professionals. Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to verify the effectiveness of the therapy protocol for alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) in the early treatment of Class III malocclusion. Methods: searches were performed in the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, Medline (EBSCO and PubMed), SciELO, LILACS and Scopus. The following inclusion criteria were used: in vivo studies conducted with early intervention (patient in craniofacial development phase) with the use of the Alt-RAMEC protocol. Reviews, case reports, editorials, and studies with syndromic patients or under use of systemic drug were excluded. Duplicates were also excluded. The studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane tool for assessment of risk of bias, and classified as high or low risk of bias. Results: 53 articles were found. Duplicates exclusion was thus performed and 35 articles remained. After inclusion analysis, only 5 matched the criteria. Two articles were classified as low risk of bias and three as high risk of bias. It was observed that the Alt-RAMEC enable protraction in less time and with better results, promoting greater effectiveness in the protraction treatment of Class III malocclusion. Conclusions: Although there is positive evidence of the effectiveness of early treatment with the Alt-RAMEC protocol in patients with Class III malocclusion, further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness using long-term methodology. PMID:28125138

Magnetic and low temperature phonon studies of CoCr2O4 powders doped with Fe(III) and Ni(II) ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ptak, M.; Mączka, M.; Pikul, A.; Tomaszewski, P. E.; Hanuza, J.

2014-04-01

Extensive temperature-dependent phonon studies and low-temperature magnetic measurements of CoCr2-xFexO4 (for x=0.5, 1 and 2) and Co0.9Ni0.1Cr2O4 polycrystalline powders are presented. The main aim of these studies was to obtain information on phonon and structural properties of these compounds as well as strength of spin-phonon coupling in the magnetically ordered phases. IR and Raman spectra show that doping of CoCr2O4 with Fe(III) ions leads to broadening of bands and appearance of new bands due to the formation of inverted spinel structure. In contrast to this behavior, doping with 10 mol% of Ni(II) ions leads to weak increase of band width only. Magnetization measured as a function of temperature and external magnetic field showed that magnetic properties of Co0.9Ni0.1Cr2O4 sample are similar to those reported for pure CoCr2O4, i.e., partial substitution of Ni(II) for Co(II) leads to slight shift of the ferrimagnetic phase transition at TC and spiral spin order transition at TS towards lower values. The change of crystallization preference induced by incorporation of increasing concentration of Fe(III) ions in the spinel lattice causes significant increase of TC and decrease of TS. The latter transition disappears completely for higher concentrations of Fe(III). The performed temperature-dependent IR studies revealed interesting anomalous behavior of phonons below TC for CoCr1.5Fe0.5O4 and Co0.9Ni0.1Cr2O4, which was attributed to spin-phonon coupling.

A Hybrid Method for Endocardial Contour Extraction of Right Ventricle in 4-Slices from 3D Echocardiography Dataset.

PubMed

Dawood, Faten A; Rahmat, Rahmita W; Kadiman, Suhaini B; Abdullah, Lili N; Zamrin, Mohd D

2014-01-01

This paper presents a hybrid method to extract endocardial contour of the right ventricular (RV) in 4-slices from 3D echocardiography dataset. The overall framework comprises four processing phases. In Phase I, the region of interest (ROI) is identified by estimating the cavity boundary. Speckle noise reduction and contrast enhancement were implemented in Phase II as preprocessing tasks. In Phase III, the RV cavity region was segmented by generating intensity threshold which was used for once for all frames. Finally, Phase IV is proposed to extract the RV endocardial contour in a complete cardiac cycle using a combination of shape-based contour detection and improved radial search algorithm. The proposed method was applied to 16 datasets of 3D echocardiography encompassing the RV in long-axis view. The accuracy of experimental results obtained by the proposed method was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. It has been done by comparing the segmentation results of RV cavity based on endocardial contour extraction with the ground truth. The comparative analysis results show that the proposed method performs efficiently in all datasets with overall performance of 95% and the root mean square distances (RMSD) measure in terms of mean ± SD was found to be 2.21 ± 0.35 mm for RV endocardial contours.

Optical fluoride sensor based on monomer-dimer equilibrium of scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin in a plasticized polymeric film.

PubMed

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2007-08-29

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on coextraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F- > ClO4(-), SCN-, NO3(-) > Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10(-4) to 10(-2) M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements.

Optical Fluoride Sensor Based on Monomer-Dimer Equilibrium of Scandium(III)-Octaethylporphyrin in a Plasticized Polymeric Film

PubMed Central

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W.; Meyerhoff, Mark E.

2007-01-01

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III) octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on co-extraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F-≫ClO4-, SCN-, NO3->Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10-4 ~10-2 M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements. PMID:17719905

A rapid monitoring method for inorganic arsenic in rice flour using reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Narukawa, Tomohiro; Chiba, Koichi; Sinaviwat, Savarin; Feldmann, Jörg

2017-01-06

A new rapid monitoring method by means of high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) following the heat-assisted extraction was developed for measurement of total inorganic arsenic species in rice flour. As(III) and As(V) eluted at the same retention time and completely separated from organoarsenic species by an isocratic elution program on a reversed phase column. Therefore, neither ambiguous oxidation of arsenite to arsenate nor the integration of two peaks were necessary to determine directly the target analyte inorganic arsenic. Rapid injection allowed measuring 3 replicates within 6min and this combined with a quantitative extraction of all arsenic species from rice flour by a 15min HNO 3 -H 2 O 2 extraction makes this the fastest laboratory based method for inorganic arsenic in rice flour. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[France, an attractive country for international clinical research: 2008 survey assessed by Leem (French association of pharmaceutical companies)].

PubMed

Lassale, Catherine; Sibenaler, Claire; Béhier, Jehan-Michel; Plétan, Yannick; Courcier, Soizic

2008-01-01

In order to evaluate the attractiveness of France for conducting international clinical trials, a survey is performed every two years among pharmaceutical companies that are based in France or have affiliates in France. Nineteen companies (61.9 % of the French market) have participated in the current survey which included 385 international phase II and III clinical studies, 77 countries, 29,708 centres and 312,835 patients (included in 2006/2007). France (400 patients/million inhabitants) ranked among the best European recruiters in second position behind Scandinavia. Since 2006, France has improved administrative processes and reduced deadlines for hospital contracts. Protocols are now to be given the go-ahead by French Authorities (Afssaps and CPP) within 60 days, in accordance with European directive. Its performance in early phases, oncology/hematology and vaccines/anti-infectious contribute to the attractiveness of France in international clinical research.

Impact of Fe(III)-OM complexes and Fe(III) polymerization on SOM pools reactivity under different land uses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannetta, B.; Plaza, C.; Zaccone, C.; Siebecker, M. G.; Rovira, P.; Vischetti, C.; Sparks, D. L.

2017-12-01

Soil organic matter (SOM) protection and long-term accumulation are controlled by adsorption to mineral surfaces in different ways, depending on its molecular structure and pedo-climatic conditions. Iron (Fe) oxides are known to be key regulators of the soil carbon (C) cycle, and Fe speciation in soils is highly dependent on environmental conditions and chemical interactions with SOM. However, the molecular structure and hydrolysis of Fe species formed in association with SOM is still poorly described. We hypothesize the existence of two pools of Fe which interact with SOM: mononuclear Fe(III)-SOM complexes and precipitated Fe(III) hydroxides. To verify our hypothesis, we investigated the interactions between Fe(III) and physically isolated soil fractions by means of batch experiments at pH 7. Specifically, we examined the fine silt plus clay (FSi+C) fraction, obtained by ultrasonic dispersion and wet sieving. The soil samples spanned several land uses, including coniferous forest (CFS), grassland (GS), technosols (TS) and agricultural (AS) soils. Solid phase products and supernatants were analyzed for C and Fe content. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis were also performed. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to assess the main C functional groups involved in C complexation and desorption experiments. Preliminary linear combination fitting (LCF) of Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra suggested the formation of ferrihydrite-like polymeric Fe(III) oxides in reacted CFS and GS samples, with higher C and Fe concentration. Conversely, mononuclear Fe(III) OM complexes dominated the speciation for TS and AS samples, characterized by lower C and Fe concentration, inhibiting the hydrolysis and polymerization of Fe (III). This approach will help revealing the mechanisms by which SOM pools can control Fe(III) speciation, and will elucidate how both Fe(III)-OM complexes and Fe(III) polymerization can affect SOM reactivity and, consequently, its mean residence time in different ecosystems.

Formation, Phase, and Elemental Composition of Micro- and Nano-Dimensional Particles of the Fe-Ti System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dresvyannikov, A. F.; Kolpakov, M. E.

2018-05-01

X-ray fluorescence, X-ray phase analysis, and transmission Mössbauer and NGR spectrometry are used to study the formation, phase, and elemental composition of Fe-Ti particles. The interaction between Fe(III) ions and dispersed titanium in an aqueous solution containing chloride ions and HF is studied. It is shown that the resulting Fe-Ti samples are a set of core-shell microparticles with titanium cores coated with micro- and nanosized α-Fe nucleation centers with the thinness outer layer of iron(III) oxide characterized by a developed surface.

The emplacement of long lava flows in Mare Imbrium, the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garry, W. B.

2012-12-01

Lava flow margins are scarce on the lunar surface. The best developed lava flows on the Moon occur in Mare Imbrium where flow margins are traceable nearly their entire flow length. The flow field originates in the southwest part of the basin from a fissure or series of fissures and cones located in the vicinity of Euler crater and erupted in three phases (Phases I, II, III) over a period of 0.5 Billion years (3.0 - 2.5 Ga). The flow field was originally mapped with Apollo and Lunar Orbiter data by Schaber (1973) and shows the flow field extends 200 to 1200 km from the presumed source area and covers an area of 2.0 x 10^5 km^2 with an estimated eruptive volume of 4 x 10^4 km^3. Phase I flows extend 1200 km and have the largest flow volume, but interestingly do not exhibit visible topography and are instead defined by difference in color from the surrounding mare flows. Phases II and III flows have well-defined flow margins (10 - 65 m thick) and channels (0.4 - 2.0 km wide, 40 - 70 m deep), but shorter flow lengths, 600 km and 400 km respectively. Recent missions, including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Kaguya (Selene), and Clementine, provide high resolution data sets of these lava flows. Using a combination of data sets including images from LRO Wide-Angle-Camera (WAC)(50-100 m/pixel) and Narrow-Angle-Camera (NAC) (up to 0.5m/pixel), Kaguya Terrain Camera (TC) (10 m/pixel), and topography from LRO Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), the morphology has been remapped and topographic measurements of the flow features have been made in an effort to reevaluate the emplacement of the flow field. Morphologic mapping reveals a different flow path for Phase I compared to the original mapping completed by Schaber (1973). The boundaries of the Phase I flow field have been revised based on Moon Mineralogy Mapper color ratio images (Staid et al., 2011). This has implications for the area covered and volume erupted during this stage, as well as, the age of Phase I. Flow features and margins have been identified in the Phase I flow within the LROC WAC mosaic and in Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images. These areas have a mottled appearance. LOLA profiles over the more prominent flow lobes in Phase I reveal these margins are less 10 m thick. Phase II and III morphology maps are similar to previous flow maps. Phase III lobes near Euler are 10-12 km wide and 20-30 m thick based on measurements of the LOLA 1024ppd Elevation Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in JMoon. One of the longer Phase III lobes varies between 15 to 50 km wide and 25 to 60 m thick, with the thickest section at the distal end of the lobe. The Phase II lobe is 15 to 25 m thick and up to 35 km wide. The eruptive volume of the Mare Imbrium lava flows has been compared to terrestrial flood basalts. The morphology of the lobes in Phase II and III, which includes levees, thick flow fronts, and lobate margins suggests these could be similar to terrestrial aa-style flows. The Phase I flows might be more representative of sheet flows, pahoehoe-style flows, or inflated flows. Morphologic comparisons will be made with terrestrial flows at Askja volcano in Iceland, a potential analog to compare different styles of emplacement for the flows in Mare Imbrium.

UV and visible activation of Cr(III)-doped TiO2 catalyst prepared by a microwave-assisted sol-gel method during MCPA degradation.

PubMed

Mendiola-Alvarez, S Y; Guzmán-Mar, J L; Turnes-Palomino, G; Maya-Alejandro, F; Hernández-Ramírez, A; Hinojosa-Reyes, L

2017-05-01

Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) in aqueous solution using Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 under UV and visible light was investigated. The semiconductor material was synthesized by a microwave-assisted sol-gel method with Cr(III) doping contents of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 wt%. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen physisorption, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of MCPA was followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. The intermediates formed during degradation were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chloride ion evolution was measured by ion chromatography. Characterization results showed that Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 materials possessed a small crystalline size, high surface area, and mesoporous structure. UV-Vis DRS showed enhanced absorption in the visible region as a function of the Cr(III) concentration. The Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 catalyst with 0.04 wt% of Cr(III) was more active than bare TiO 2 for the degradation of MCPA under both UV and visible light. The intermediates identified during MCPA degradation were 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (CMP), 2-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid (HMPA), and 2-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,4-diyl-bis (oxy)dimethanol (HBDM); the formation of these intermediates depended on the radiation source.

Thermodynamic considerations of the vapor phase reactions in III-nitride metal organic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekiguchi, Kazuki; Shirakawa, Hiroki; Chokawa, Kenta; Araidai, Masaaki; Kangawa, Yoshihiro; Kakimoto, Koichi; Shiraishi, Kenji

2017-04-01

We analyzed the metal organic vapor phase epitaxial growth mechanism of the III-nitride semiconductors GaN, AlN, and InN by first-principles calculations and thermodynamic analyses. In these analyses, we investigated the decomposition processes of the group III source gases X(CH3)3 (X = Ga, Al, In) at finite temperatures and determined whether the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct can be formed or not. The results of our calculations show that the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct cannot be formed in the gas phase in GaN metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), whereas, in AlN MOVPE, the formation of the (CH3)2AlNH2 adduct in the gas phase is exclusive. In the case of GaN MOVPE, trimethylgallium (TMG, [Ga(CH3)3]) decomposition into Ga gas on the growth surface with the assistance of H2 carrier gas, instead of the formation of the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct, occurs almost exclusively. Moreover, in the case of InN MOVPE, the formation of the (CH3)2InNH2 adduct does not occur and it is relatively easy to produce In gas even without H2 in the carrier gas.

Metalloporphyrin Co(III)TMPyP ameliorates acute, sublethal cyanide toxicity in mice.

PubMed

Benz, Oscar S; Yuan, Quan; Amoscato, Andrew A; Pearce, Linda L; Peterson, Jim

2012-12-17

The formation of Co(III)TMPyP(CN)(2) at pH 7.4 has been shown to be completely cooperative (α(H) = 2) with an association constant of 2.1 (±0.2) × 10(11). The kinetics were investigated by stopped-flow spectrophotometry and revealed a complicated net reaction exhibiting 4 phases at pH 7.4 under conditions where cyanide was in excess. The data suggest molecular HCN (rather than CN(-)) to be the attacking nucleophile around neutrality. The two slower phases do not seem to be present when cyanide is not in excess, and the other two phases have rates comparable to that observed for cobalamin, a known effective cyanide scavenger. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) did not affect the cooperativity of cyanide binding to Co(III)TMPyP, only lowered the equilibrium constant slightly to 1.2 (±0.2) × 10(11) and had an insignificant effect on the observed rate. A sublethal mouse model was used to assess the effectiveness of Co(III)TMPyP as a potential cyanide antidote. The administration of Co(III)TMPyP to sodium cyanide intoxicated mice resulted in the time required for the surviving mice to right themselves from a supine position being significantly decreased (9 ± 2 min) compared to that of the controls (33 ± 2 min). All observations were consistent with the demonstrated antidotal activity of Co(III)TMPyP operating through a cyanide-binding (i.e., scavenging) mechanism.

The GKSS beamlines at PETRA III and DORIS III

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haibel, A.; Beckmann, F.; Dose, T.; Herzen, J.; Utcke, S.; Lippmann, T.; Schell, N.; Schreyer, A.

2008-08-01

Due to the high brilliance of the new storage ring PETRA III at DESY in Hamburg, the low emittance of 1 nmrad and the high fraction of coherent photons also in the hard X-ray range extremely intense and sharply focused X-ray light will be provided. These advantages of the beam fulfill excellently the qualifications for the planned Imaging BeamLine IBL and the High Energy Materials Science Beamline (HEMS) at PETRA III, i.e. for absorption tomography, phase enhanced and phase contrast experiments, for diffraction, for nano focusing, for nano tomography, and for high speed or in-situ experiments with highest spatial resolution. The existing HARWI II beamline at the DORIS III storage ring at DESY completes the GKSS beamline concept with setups for high energy tomography (16-150 keV) and diffraction (16-250 keV), characterized by a large field of view and an excellent absorption contrast with spatial resolutions down to 2 μm.

General Improvement of Reading Instruction, Grades 1-12, Teacher Training Program of Title III, P.L. 89-10. Evaluation of Second Phase of Program, Summer 1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brookland-Cayce Schools, West Columbia, SC.

An evaluation of the second phase of a projected 3-year Title III inservice reading instruction program for teaching personnel is presented after one and one-half years of operation in 16 Cayce-West Columbia, South Carolina, schools. Included is an evaluation prepared by each of the 11 elementary supervisors which includes objectives and how they…

Installation Restoration Program Records Search for Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

Phase III (not part of this contract) consists of a technology base development study to support the development of project plans for controlling...determine the extent and magnitude of the contaminant migration. Phase III (not part of this contract) consists of a technology base development study to...number of vegetation studies have attempted to classify the potential climax vegetation within the region of Westover AFB (Braun, 1972; Kuchler, 1975

OPTIM trial: a Phase III trial of an oncolytic herpes virus encoding GM-CSF for unresectable stage III or IV melanoma.

PubMed

Kaufman, Howard L; Bines, Steven D

2010-06-01

There are few effective treatment options available for patients with advanced melanoma. An oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 encoding granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; Oncovex(GM-CSF)) for direct injection into accessible melanoma lesions resulted in a 28% objective response rate in a Phase II clinical trial. Responding patients demonstrated regression of both injected and noninjected lesions highlighting the dual mechanism of action of Oncovex(GM-CSF) that includes both a direct oncolytic effect in injected tumors and a secondary immune-mediated anti-tumor effect on noninjected tumors. Based on these preliminary results a prospective, randomized Phase III clinical trial in patients with unresectable Stage IIIb or c and Stage IV melanoma has been initiated. The rationale, study design, end points and future development of the Oncovex(GM-CSF) Pivotal Trial in Melanoma (OPTIM) trial are discussed in this article.

Re-evaluating the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis during initiation of DNA sliding by Type III restriction enzymes

PubMed Central

Tóth, Júlia; Bollins, Jack; Szczelkun, Mark D.

2015-01-01

DNA cleavage by the Type III restriction enzymes requires long-range protein communication between recognition sites facilitated by thermally-driven 1D diffusion. This ‘DNA sliding’ is initiated by hydrolysis of multiple ATPs catalysed by a helicase-like domain. Two distinct ATPase phases were observed using short oligoduplex substrates; the rapid consumption of ∼10 ATPs coupled to a protein conformation switch followed by a slower phase, the duration of which was dictated by the rate of dissociation from the recognition site. Here, we show that the second ATPase phase is both variable and only observable when DNA ends are proximal to the recognition site. On DNA with sites more distant from the ends, a single ATPase phase coupled to the conformation switch was observed and subsequent site dissociation required little or no further ATP hydrolysis. The overall DNA dissociation kinetics (encompassing site release, DNA sliding and escape via a DNA end) were not influenced by the second phase. Although the data simplifies the ATP hydrolysis scheme for Type III restriction enzymes, questions remain as to why multiple ATPs are hydrolysed to prepare for DNA sliding. PMID:26538601

Chemoradiation in elderly esophageal cancer patients: rationale and design of a phase I/II multicenter study (OSAGE).

PubMed

Servagi-Vernat, Stéphanie; Créhange, Gilles; Bonnetain, Franck; Mertens, Cécile; Brain, Etienne; Bosset, Jean François

2017-07-13

The management of elderly patients with cancer is a therapeutic challenge and a public health problem. Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an accepted standard treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who cannot undergo surgery. However, there are few reports regarding tolerance to CRT in elderly patients. We previously reported results for CRT in patients aged ≥75 years. Following this first phase II trial, we propose to conduct a phase I/II study to evaluate the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel, with concurrent RT in unresectable esophageal cancer patients aged 75 years or older. This prospective multicenter phase I/II study will include esophageal cancer in patients aged 75 years or older. Study procedures will consist to determinate the tolerated dose of chemotherapy (Carboplatin, paclitaxel) and of radiotherapy (41.4-45 and 50.4 Gy) in the phase I. Efficacy will be assessed using a co-primary endpoint encompassing health related quality of life and the progression-free survival in the phase II with the dose recommended of CRT in the phase I. This geriatric evaluation was defined by the French geriatric oncology group (GERICO). This trial has been designed to assess the tolerated dose of CRT in selected patient aged 75 years or older. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02735057 . Registered on 18 March 2016.

Effect of intravenous amino acids on interdigestive antroduodenal motility and small bowel transit time.

PubMed

Gielkens, H A; van den Biggelaar, A; Vecht, J; Onkenhout, W; Lamers, C B; Masclee, A A

1999-02-01

Patients on total parenteral nutrition have an increased risk of developing gallstones because of gall bladder hypomotility. High dose amino acids may prevent biliary stasis by stimulating gall bladder emptying. To investigate whether intravenous amino acids also influence antroduodenal motility. Eight healthy volunteers received, on three separate occasions, intravenous saline (control), low dose amino acids (LDA), or high dose amino acids (HDA). Antroduodenal motility was recorded by perfusion manometry and duodenocaecal transit time (DCTT) using the lactulose breath hydrogen test. DCTT was significantly prolonged during LDA and HDA treatment compared with control. The interdigestive motor pattern was maintained and migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle length was significantly reduced during HDA compared with control and LDA due to a significant reduction in phase II duration. Significantly fewer phase IIIs originated in the gastric antrum during LDA and HDA compared with control. Duodenal phase II motility index was significantly reduced during HDA, but not during LDA, compared with control. Separate intravenous infusion of high doses of amino acids in healthy volunteers: (1) modulates interdigestive antroduodenal motility; (2) shortens MMC cycle length due to a reduced duration of phase II with a lower contractile incidence both in the antrum and duodenum (phase I remains unchanged whereas the effect on phase III is diverse: in the antrum phase III is suppressed and in the duodenum the frequency is increased); and (3) prolongs interdigestive DCTT.

A crossover study of the combination therapy of metformin and exenatide or biphasic insulin aspart 30 in overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Quan, Huibiao; Zhang, Huachuan; Wei, Weiping; Fang, Tuanyu; Chen, Daoxiong; Chen, Kaining

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of various combinations of exenatide, metformin (MET) and biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIA30) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two hundred overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were evenly randomized into two groups: A (twice daily for all: Phase I, 5 µg exenatide + 0.5 g MET for 4 weeks, then 10 µg exenatide + 0.5 g MET for 8 weeks; Phase II, 0.5 g MET for 12 weeks; Phase III, 0.3–0.4 U/kg/day BIA30 + 0.5 g MET for 12 weeks) and B (Phases I, II, III matched the phases III, II and I in group A). In groups A and B a significant decrease and increase, respectively, in glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) and body mass index (BMI) was noted during Phase I. A 3.2±0.4-kg decrease in body weight in group A and a 2.6±0.3-kg increase in group B was observed. In Phase II, HbAlc was significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). In Phase III, the BMI was increased in group A and reduced in group B (P<0.05). There was a 3.8±0.4-kg weight decrease in group B and 4.2±0.5-kg increase in group A (P<0.05). The combination of exenatide and MET promoted weight loss, glycemic control, β-cell function index, C peptide and adiponectin levels. These results suggested that the combination of exenatide and MET is better than the combination of BIA and MET for the therapy of overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with T2DM. PMID:28912879

Guideline-based intervention to reduce telemetry rates in a large tertiary centre.

PubMed

Ramkumar, Satish; Tsoi, Edward H; Raghunath, Ajay; Dias, Floyd F; Li Wai Suen, Christopher; Tsoi, Andrew H; Mansfield, Darren R

2017-07-01

Inappropriate cardiac telemetry use is associated with reduced patient flow and increased healthcare costs. To evaluate the outcomes of guideline-based application of cardiac telemetry. Phase I involved a prospective audit (March to August 2011) of telemetry use at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected on indication for telemetry and clinical outcomes. Phase II prospectively included patients more than 18 years under general medicine requiring ward-based telemetry. As phase II occurred at a time remotely from phase I, an audit similar to phase I (phase II - baseline) was completed prior to a 3-month intervention (May to August 2015). The intervention consisted of a daily telemetry ward round and an admission form based on the American Heart Association guidelines (class I, telemetry indicated; class II, telemetry maybe indicated; class III, telemetry not indicated). Patient demographics, telemetry data, and clinical outcomes were studied. Primary endpoint was the percentage reduction of class III indications, while secondary endpoint included telemetry duration. In phase I (n = 200), 38% were admitted with a class III indication resulting in no change in clinical management. A total of 74 patients was included in phase II baseline (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 73 years ± 14.9, 57% male), whilst 65 patients were included in the intervention (mean ± SD age 71 years ± 18.4, 35% male). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. There was a reduction in class III admissions post-intervention from 38% to 11%, P < 0.001. Intervention was associated with a reduction in median telemetry duration (1.8 ± 1.8 vs 2.4 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.047); however, length of stay was similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Guideline-based telemetry admissions and a regular telemetry ward round are associated with a reduction in inappropriate telemetry use. © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Intra-tumoral gene delivery of feIL-2, feIFN-gamma and feGM-CSF using magnetofection as a neoadjuvant treatment option for feline fibrosarcomas: a phase-I study.

PubMed

Jahnke, A; Hirschberger, J; Fischer, C; Brill, T; Köstlin, R; Plank, C; Küchenhoff, H; Krieger, S; Kamenica, K; Schillinger, U

2007-12-01

Despite aggressive pre- or postoperative treatment, feline fibrosarcomas have a high relapse rate. In this study, a new treatment option based on immune stimulation by intra-tumoral delivery of three feline cytokine genes was performed. The objective of this phase-I dose-escalation study was to determine a safe dose for further evaluation in a subsequent phase-II trial. Twenty-five client-owned cats with clinical diagnosis of fibrosarcoma - primary tumours as well as recurrences - entered the study. Four increasing doses of plasmids coding for feIL-2, feIFN-gamma or feGM-CSF, respectively, were previously defined. In groups I, II, III and IV these doses were 15, 50, 150 and 450 microg per plasmid and a corresponding amount of magnetic nanoparticles. Two preoperative intra-tumoral injections of the magnetic DNA solution were followed by magnetofection. A group of four control cats received only surgical treatment. Side effects were registered and graded according to the VCOG-CTCAE scale and correlated to treatment. Statistical analyses included one-way anova, post hoc and Kruskal-Wallis tests. ELISA tests detecting plasma feIFN-gamma and plasma feGM-CSF were performed. One cat out of group IV (450 microg per plasmid) showed adverse events probably related to gene delivery. As these side effects were self-limiting and occurred only in one of eight cats in group IV, this dose was determined to be well tolerable. Altogether six cats developed local recurrences during a 1-year observation period. Four of these cats had been treated with dose IV. Regarding these observations, a subsequent phase-II trial including a representative amount of cats should be tested for the efficacy of dose IV as well as dose III.

The local magnetic properties of [MnIII6 CrIII]3+ and [FeIII6 CrIII]3+ single-molecule magnets deposited on surfaces studied by spin-polarized photoemission and XMCD with circularly polarized synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinzmann, U.; Helmstedt, A.; Dohmeier, N.; Müller, N.; Gryzia, A.; Brechling, A.; Hoeke, V.; Krickemeyer, E.; Glaser, T.; Fonin, M.; Bouvron, S.; Leicht, P.; Tietze, T.; Goering, E.; Kuepper, K.

2014-04-01

It is demonstrated that local magnetic moments of single molecule magnets (SMM) normally studied by XMCD at very low temperatures and high magnetic fields can be measured by means of spin-resolved electron emission in the paramagnetic phase at room temperature by use of circularly polarized radiation.

Use of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone for thyrotropin stimulation test in healthy, hypothyroid and euthyroid sick dogs.

PubMed

Daminet, Sylvie; Fifle, Lyanne; Paradis, Manon; Duchateau, Luc; Moreau, Maxim

2007-12-01

Recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) was evaluated for the diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism, using TSH response tests. Phase I stimulation tests were performed in 6 healthy dogs weighing over 20 kg, using 50 and then 100 microg of freshly reconstituted rhTSH administered intravenously. In phase II, the same dogs were stimulated by using 100 microg of rhTSH frozen for 3 months at -20 degrees C. Phase III stimulation tests were performed by using 50 or 100 microg of freshly reconstituted or frozen rhTSH in healthy (n = 14), euthyroid sick (n = 11) and hypothyroid dogs (n = 9). A dose of 100 microg of rhTSH was judged more appropriate for dogs weighing more than 20 kg. Biological activity of rhTSH after freezing at -20 degrees C for up to 12 weeks was maintained. When stimulated, significant (P < 0.05) increases in total thyroxine concentration were observed only in healthy and euthyroid sick dogs. Results of this study show that the rhTSH stimulation test is able to differentiate euthyroidism from hypothyroidism in dogs.

Optimizing Cr(VI) and Tc(VII) remediation through nano-scale biomineral engineering

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

Cutting, R. S.; Coker, V. S.; Telling, N. D.

2009-09-09

To optimize the production of biomagnetite for the bioremediation of metal oxyanion contaminated waters, the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by two biogenic magnetites and a synthetic magnetite was evaluated under batch and continuous flow conditions. Results indicate that nano-scale biogenic magnetite produced by incubating synthetic schwertmannite powder in cell suspensions of Geobacter sulfurreducens is more efficient at reducing Cr(VI) than either biogenic nano-magnetite produced from a suspension of ferrihydrite 'gel' or synthetic nano-scale Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} powder. Although X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements obtained from post-exposure magnetite samples reveal that both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) are associated with nanoparticlemore » surfaces, X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) studies indicate that some Cr(III) has replaced octahedrally coordinated Fe in the lattice of the magnetite. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) measurements of total aqueous Cr in the associated solution phase indicated that, although the majority of Cr(III) was incorporated within or adsorbed to the magnetite samples, a proportion ({approx}10-15 %) was released back into solution. Studies of Tc(VII) uptake by magnetites produced via the different synthesis routes also revealed significant differences between them as regards effectiveness for remediation. In addition, column studies using a {gamma}-camera to obtain real time images of a {sup 99m}Tc(VII) radiotracer were performed to visualize directly the relative performances of the magnetite sorbents against ultra-trace concentrations of metal oxyanion contaminants. Again, the magnetite produced from schwertmannite proved capable of retaining more ({approx}20%) {sup 99m}Tc(VII) than the magnetite produced from ferrihydrite, confirming that biomagnetite production for efficient environmental remediation can be fine-tuned through careful selection of the initial Fe(III) mineral substrate supplied to Fe(III)-reducing bacteria.« less

Stereotactic Injection of DTI-015 into Recurrent Malignant Gliomas: Phase I/II Trial

PubMed Central

Hassenbusch, Samuel J; Nardone, Emilio M; Levin, Victor A; Leeds, Norman; Pietronigro, Dennis

2003-01-01

Abstract DTI-015 (BCNU in 100% ethanol) utilizes solvent facilitated perfusion for the intratumoral treatment of gliomas. The ethanol solvent vehicle facilitates a rapid and thorough saturation of the tumor with the dissolved anticancer agent BCNU. We conducted a phase I/II dose escalation study of DTI-015 in 40 heavily pretreated patients with inoperable recurrent malignant glioma. The study goals were to establish a maximally tolerated dose (MTD) for DTI-015 and assess its safety and activity. Patients received stereotactic intratumoral injection of DTI-015 under magnetic resonance imaging guidance. Dose escalation was performed in two phases. First, DTI-015 volume was escalated at a set BCNU concentration of 12.5 mg/ml; second, BCNU mg dose was escalated by increasing BCNU concentration to 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg/ml. A MTD of 5 ml and 240 mg was established. Twenty-five of 28 DTI-015 treatments (89%) using ≤MTD were administered safely without producing high-grade drug-related adverse events. Median survival for GBM patients administered DTI-015 at ≤MTD was 55 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated stable disease in 72% of evaluable patients with a median of 10.5 weeks. The results suggest that DTI-015 administered at ≤MTD is well tolerated and active in patients with inoperable recurrent GBM. PMID:12659665

Method for Improving Mg Doping During Group-III Nitride MOCVD

DOEpatents

Creighton, J. Randall; Wang, George T.

2008-11-11

A method for improving Mg doping of Group III-N materials grown by MOCVD preventing condensation in the gas phase or on reactor surfaces of adducts of magnesocene and ammonia by suitably heating reactor surfaces between the location of mixing of the magnesocene and ammonia reactants and the Group III-nitride surface whereon growth is to occur.

Impact of Availability of Companion Diagnostics on the Clinical Development of Anticancer Drugs.

PubMed

Tibau, Ariadna; Díez-González, Laura; Navarro, Beatriz; Galán-Moya, Eva M; Templeton, Arnoud J; Seruga, Bostjan; Pandiella, Atanasio; Amir, Eitan; Ocana, Alberto

2017-06-01

Companion diagnostics permit the selection of patients likely to respond to targeted anticancer drugs; however, it is unclear if the drug development process differs between drugs developed with or without companion diagnostics. Identification of differences in study design could help future clinical development. Anticancer drugs approved for use in solid tumors between 28 September 2000 and 4 January 2014 were identified using a search of the US FDA website. Phase III trials supporting registration were extracted from the drug label. Each published study was reviewed to obtain information about the phase I and II trials used for the development of the respective drug. We identified 35 drugs and 59 phase III randomized trials supporting regulatory approval. Fifty-three phase I trials and 47 phase II trials were cited in the studies and were used to support the design of these phase III trials. The approval of drugs using a companion diagnostic has increased over time (p for trend 0.01). Expansion cohorts were more frequently observed with drugs developed with a companion diagnostic (62 vs. 20%; p = 0.005). No differences between drugs developed with or without a companion diagnostic were observed for the design of phase I and II studies. The approval of drugs developed with a companion diagnostic has increased over time. The availability of a companion diagnostic was associated with more frequent use of phase I expansion cohorts comprising patients selected by the companion diagnostic.

Visual Technology Research Simulator (VTRS) Human Performance Research: Phase III.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

you will intercept the glideslope and a centered meatball at approximately 4500 feet from the ramp. When the meatball approaches centerball you are to...this system with two horizontal bars (to represent the datum bars) and a moving dot (referred to as the ball or the meatball ). The system is...At two balls low the meatball starts to flash. Plus or minus two balls is the maximum effective range of the system. The ball will be lost off the top

Human Factors Assessment of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Limb Protection Program (QuadGard Phase 3 Pre-Pilot Production Design)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL- HRM Aberdeen Proving...user’s hand must be inserted toward the elbow area of the QuadGard III sleeve. This issue was overcome by equipment familiarization and practice ...ADELPHI MD 20783-1197 NO. OF NO. OF COPIES ORGANIZATION COPIES ORGANIZATION 17 1 ARMY RSCH LABORATORY – HRED RDRL HRM DW E REDDEN

Determination of As(III) and total inorganic As in water samples using an on-line solid phase extraction and flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Sigrist, Mirna; Albertengo, Antonela; Beldoménico, Horacio; Tudino, Mabel

2011-04-15

A simple and robust on-line sequential injection system based on solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled to a flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometer (FI-HGAAS) with a heated quartz tube atomizer (QTA) was developed and optimized for the determination of As(III) in groundwater without any kind of sample pretreatment. The method was based on the selective retention of inorganic As(V) that was carried out by passing the filtered original sample through a cartridge containing a chloride-form strong anion exchanger. Thus the most toxic form, inorganic As(III), was determined fast and directly by AsH(3) generation using 3.5 mol L(-1) HCl as carrier solution and 0.35% (m/v) NaBH(4) in 0.025% NaOH as the reductant. Since the uptake of As(V) should be interfered by several anions of natural occurrence in waters, the effect of Cl(-), SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), HPO(4)(2-), HCO(3)(-) on retention was evaluated and discussed. The total soluble inorganic arsenic concentration was determined on aliquots of filtered samples acidified with concentrated HCl and pre-reduced with 5% KI-5% C(6)H(8)O(6) solution. The concentration of As(V) was calculated by difference between the total soluble inorganic arsenic and As(III) concentrations. Detection limits (LODs) of 0.5 μg L(-1) and 0.6 μg L(-1) for As(III) and inorganic total As, respectively, were obtained for a 500 μL sample volume. The obtained limits of detection allowed testing the water quality according to the national and international regulations. The analytical recovery for water samples spiked with As(III) ranged between 98% and 106%. The sampling throughput for As(III) determination was 60 samplesh(-1). The device for groundwater sampling was especially designed for the authors. Metallic components were avoided and the contact between the sample and the atmospheric oxygen was carried to a minimum. On-field arsenic species separation was performed through the employ of a serial connection of membrane filters and anion-exchange cartridges. Advantages derived from this approach were evaluated. HPLC-ICPMS was employed to study the consistency of the analytical results. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sorption of Ferrioxime B to Synthetic and Biogenic layer type Mn Oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duckworth, O. W.; Bargar, J. R.; Sposito, G.

2005-12-01

Siderophores are biogenic chelating agents produced in terrestrial and marine environments to increase the bioavailablity of ferric iron. Recent work has suggested that both aqueous and solid-phase Mn(III) may affect siderophore-mediated iron transport, but no information appears to be available about the effect of solid-phase Mn(IV). To probe the effect of solid-phase Mn(IV), we studied the sorption reaction of ferrioxamine B [principally the species, Fe(III)HDFOB+, an Fe(III) chelate of the trihydroxamate siderophore, desferrioxamine B (DFOB)] with two synthetic birnessites [layer type Mn(IV) oxides] and a biogenic birnessite produced by Pseudomonas putida MnB1. We found that all of these predominantly Mn(IV) oxides greatly reduced the aqueous concentration of Fe(III)HDFOB+ over the pH range between 5 and 9. After 72 h equilibration time at pH 8, the sorption behavior for the synthetic birnessites could be accurately described by a Langmuir isotherm; for the biogenic oxide, a Freundlich isotherm was best utilized to model the sorption data. To study the molecular nature of the interaction between the Fe(III)HDFOB+ complex and the oxide surface, Fe K-edge extended X-Ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was employed. Analysis of the X-ray absorption spectra indicated that Fe(III) associated with the Mn(IV) oxides is not complexed with DFOB, but instead is incorporated into the mineral structure, thus implying that the Mn(IV) oxides displaced Fe(III) from the siderophore complex. These results indicate that manganese oxides, including biominerals, may strongly sequester iron from soluble ferric complexes and thus may play a significant role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron.

The Importance of pH, Oxygen, and Bitumen on the Oxidation and Precipitation of Fe(III)-(oxy)hydroxides during Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil/Gas Shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jew, A. D.; Dustin, M. K.; Harrison, A. L.; Joe-Wong, C. M.; Thomas, D.; Maher, K.; Brown, G. E.; Bargar, J.

2016-12-01

Due to the rapid growth of hydraulic fracturing in the United States, understanding the cause for the rapid production drop off of new wells over the initial months of production is paramount. One possibility for the production decrease is pore occlusion caused by the oxidation of Fe(II)-bearing phases resulting in Fe(III) precipitates. To understand the release and fate of Fe in the shale systems, we reacted synthesized fracture fluid at 80oC with shale from four different geological localities (Marcellus Fm., Barnett Fm., Eagle Ford Fm., and Green River Fm.). A variety of wet chemical and synchrotron-based techniques (XRF mapping and x-ray absorption spectroscopy) were used to understand Fe release and solid phase Fe speciation. Solution pH was found to be the greatest factor for Fe release. Carbonate-poor Barnett and Marcellus shale showed rapid Fe release into solution followed by a plateau or significant drop in Fe concentrations indicating mineral precipitation. Conversely, in high carbonate shales, Eagle Ford and Green River, no Fe was detected in solution indicating fast Fe oxidation and precipitation. For all shale samples, bulk Fe EXAFS data show that a significant amount of Fe in the shales is bound directly to organic carbon. Throughout the course of the experiments inorganic Fe(II) phases (primarily pyrite) reacted while Fe(II) bound to C showed no indication of reaction. On the micron scale, XRF mapping coupled with μ-XANES spectroscopy showed that at pH < 4.0, Fe(III) bearing phases precipitated as diffuse surface precipitates of ferrihydrite, goethite, and magnetite away from Fe(II) point sources. In near circum-neutral pH systems, Fe(III)-bearing phases (goethite and hematite) form large particles 10's of μm's in diameter near Fe(II) point sources. Idealized systems containing synthesized fracturing fluid, dissolved ferrous chloride, and bitumen showed that bitumen released during reaction with fracturing fluids is capable of oxidizing Fe(II) to Fe(III) at pH's 2.0 and 7.0. This indicates that bitumen can play a large role in Fe oxidation and speciation in the subsurface. This work shows that shale mineralogy has a significant impact on the morphology and phases of Fe(III) precipitates in the subsurface which in turn can significantly impact subsurface solution flow.

A "First Principles" Potential Energy Surface for Liquid Water from VRT Spectroscopy of Water Clusters

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

Goldman, N; Leforestier, C; Saykally, R J

We present results of gas phase cluster and liquid water simulations from the recently determined VRT(ASP-W)III water dimer potential energy surface. VRT(ASP-W)III is shown to not only be a model of high ''spectroscopic'' accuracy for the water dimer, but also makes accurate predictions of vibrational ground-state properties for clusters up through the hexamer. Results of ambient liquid water simulations from VRT(ASP-W)III are compared to those from ab initio Molecular Dynamics, other potentials of ''spectroscopic'' accuracy, and to experiment. The results herein represent the first time that a ''spectroscopic'' potential surface is able to correctly model condensed phase properties of water.

Clinical Signatures of Mucinous and Poorly Differentiated Subtypes of Colorectal Adenocarcinomas by a Propensity Score Analysis of an Independent Patient Database from Three Phase III Trials.

PubMed

Kanda, Mitsuro; Oba, Koji; Aoyama, Toru; Kashiwabara, Kosuke; Mayanagi, Shuhei; Maeda, Hiromichi; Honda, Michitaka; Hamada, Chikuma; Sadahiro, Sotaro; Sakamoto, Junichi; Saji, Shigetoyo; Yoshikawa, Takaki

2018-04-01

Although colorectal cancer comprises several histological subtypes, the influences of histological subtypes on disease progression and treatment responses remain controversial. We sought to evaluate the prognostic relevance of mucinous and poorly differentiated histological subtypes of colorectal cancer by the propensity score weighting analysis of prospectively collected data from multi-institute phase III trials. Independent patient data analysis of a pooled database from 3 phase III trials was performed. An integrated database of 3 multicenter prospective clinical trials (the Japanese Foundation for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer 7, 15, and 33) was the source of study data. Surgery alone or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was offered in patients with resectable colorectal cancer. To balance essential variables more strictly for the comparison analyses, propensity score weighting was conducted with the use of a multinomial logistic regression model. We evaluated the clinical signatures of mucinous and poorly differentiated subtypes with regard to postoperative survival, recurrence, and chemosensitivity. Of 5489 patients, 136 (2.5%) and 155 (2.8%) were pathologically diagnosed with poorly differentiated and mucinous subtypes. The poorly differentiated subtypes were associated with a poorer prognosis than the "others" group (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.00-2.87; p = 0.051), particularly in the patient subgroup of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 2.16). Although the mucinous subtype had a marginal prognostic impact among patients with stage I to III colorectal cancer (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.90-1.96), it was found to be an independent prognostic factor in the subpopulation of patients with stage II disease, being associated with a higher prevalence of peritoneal recurrence. The treatment regimens of postoperative chemotherapy are now somewhat outdated. Both mucinous and poorly differentiated subtypes have distinct clinical characteristics. Patients with the mucinous subtype require special attention during follow-up, even for stage II disease, because of the risk of peritoneal or local recurrence. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A531.

School Emergencies--Preparation Not Panic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sousa, Barbara

1982-01-01

A three-phase emergency recognition course was designed to train 26 faculty and staff members to recognize and respond to emergency school medical situations. Phase I included comprehensive first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and injections. Phase II dealt with recognition of medical emergencies, and Phase III recertified those who had…

Research, Development, and Field Testing of Thermochemical Recuperation for High Temperature Furnace

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

Kurek, Harry; Kozlov, Aleksandr

Gas Technology Institute (GTI) evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing a non-catalytic ThermoChemical Recuperation System (TCRS) to recover a significant amount of energy from the waste gases of natural gas fired steel reheat furnaces. The project was related to DOE-AMO’s (formerly known as ITP) one of the technical areas of interest: Technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of equipment currently used in energy-intensive industries such as iron and steel, and reduce by at least 30% energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission compared to the conventional technologies. ThermoChemical Recuperation (TCR) is a technique that recoversmore » sensible heat in the exhaust gas from an industrial process, furnace, engine etc., when a hydrocarbon fuel is used for combustion. TCR enables waste heat recovery by both combustion air preheat and hydrocarbon fuel (natural gas, for example) reforming into a higher calorific fuel. The reforming process uses hot flue gas components (H2O and CO2) or steam to convert the fuel into a combustible mixture of hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), and some unreformed hydrocarbons (CnHm). Reforming of natural gas with recycled exhaust gas or steam can significantly reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cost as well as increase process thermal efficiency. The calorific content of the fuel can be increased by up to ~28% with the TCR process if the original source fuel is natural gas. In addition, the fuel is preheated during the TCR process adding sensible heat to the fuel. The Research and Development work by GTI was proposed to be carried out in three Phases (Project Objectives). • Phase I: Develop a feasibility study consisting of a benefits-derived economic evaluation of a ThermoChemical Recuperation (TCR) concept with respect to high temperature reheat furnace applications within the steel industry (and cross-cutting industries). This will establish the design parameters and potential performance of TCR. • Phase II: Conduct research and development to take the validated technology concept from Phase I to a developmental state for a Phase 3, prototype field test. • Phase III: Design, fabricate, and prototype field testing of the TCR unit close coupled to an existing high temperature reheat furnace at a steel company for evaluation under industrial conditions The project was initiated on September 30, 2008. The report of Phase I results and conclusions was issued on October 30, 2009. The findings were reviewed by the project partners and the collective recommendation was to proceed with Phase II. Upon the work-conclusion, the Phase II report was issued on March 5, 2012. The scope of work involved the physical testing of a laboratory scale Recuperative Reformer (RR) to validate predicted performances from the feasibility study in Phase I (26% fuel reduction). Although the testing was a successful validation (21% fuel reduction mode), a technical issue 5 arose, namely a Methane Reforming Rate (MRR) roll off or non-sustaining of the methane reforming rate. GTI’s preliminary conclusions were that mechanism(s) producing the methane reforming rate reduction were not entirely known or understood and the chemical kinetics that triggered the roll off mechanism and/or other mechanisms needed to be further evaluated. GTI developed a plan to uncover the reason(s) for not sustaining a satisfactory Methane Reforming Rate (MRR) of the laboratory scale recuperator reformer (RR). The extended testing program consisted primarily of four tasks based on expected outcomes at that time. The project partners reviewed the proposal and recommended the proposed work extension to proceed and suspension of Phase III pending further review of the results of this work identified as Task 2.5. Additional Temperature Threshold Testing was undertaken by GTI and simultaneously independent analysis was carried out by the University of California Davis. Upon completion of the work, the Phase II - Task 2.5 - Extended TCR Testing Report was issued on July 10, 2013. As a result of the work performed in Phase II, Task 2.5, the end conclusion was that temperature dependency has been affirmed, but with temperatures within the recuperative reformer with higher criticality than the flue gas temperature entering into the recuperative reformer. GTI’s further conclusion is that adjustments to the lab recuperative reformer design, given the three-heat exchanger-configuration, remains a valid constraint, and therefore, it would be necessary to scale up to a field experiment capacity level. Design modifications to the recuperative reformer would likely be necessary requiring re-examining space velocity (residence time), heat transfer surface area, plus other considerations, so that a target “temperature profile envelope” within the recuperative reformer would be broad enough to perform satisfactorily in the field with varying flue gas exit temperatures from the majority of the reheat furnace population. A project review meeting was held with the project partners July 17, 2013. Task 2.5 results were reviewed along with the conclusions and recommendations. GTI proposed three field experiment options for Phase III. On the basis of successful sets of Temperature Threshold Tests (TTT), measured results demonstrated that the current design can capably be scaled up and GTI recommended consideration of these three options for a Phase III field experiment. Option 1: Production furnace ~250 MMBtu/h Option 2: Production furnace ~100 - 200 MMBtu/h Option 3: Production furnace ~50 - 100 MMBtu/h The project partners’ resulting unanimous recommendation was to provisionally proceed with Phase 3 – Option 3. Subsequently, after further deliberation, review and analysis of their respective field experiment sites, the three steel industry partners determined not to continue to Phase III of the project for both technical reasons and reasons of process economics, i.e., limited applicability of TCR technology due to higher exhaust gas temperature ranges and sensitivity to natural gas prices. As of this report, the current natural gas price is lower than the $6.03 per 6 MMBtu projected to return positive NPVs for implementing TCR technology. Accordingly, the project work was terminated effective December 31, 2013.« less

Puzzling calcite-III dimorphism: crystallography, high-pressure behavior, and pathway of single-crystal transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pippinger, T.; Miletich, R.; Merlini, M.; Lotti, P.; Schouwink, P.; Yagi, T.; Crichton, W. A.; Hanfland, M.

2015-01-01

High-pressure phase transformations between the polymorphic forms I, II, III, and IIIb of CaCO3 were investigated by analytical in situ high-pressure high-temperature experiments on oriented single-crystal samples. All experiments at non-ambient conditions were carried out by means of Raman scattering, X-ray, and synchrotron diffraction techniques using diamond-anvil cells in the pressure range up to 6.5 GPa. The composite-gasket resistive heating technique was applied for all high-pressure investigations at temperatures up to 550 K. High-pressure Raman spectra reveal distinguishable characteristic spectral differences located in the wave number range of external modes with the occurrence of band splitting and shoulders due to subtle symmetry changes. Constraints from in situ observations suggest a stability field of CaCO3-IIIb at relatively low temperatures adjacent to the calcite-II field. Isothermal compression of calcite provides the sequence from I to II, IIIb, and finally, III, with all transformations showing volume discontinuities. Re-transformation at decreasing pressure from III oversteps the stability field of IIIb and demonstrates the pathway of pressure changes to determine the transition sequence. Clausius-Clapeyron slopes of the phase boundary lines were determined as: Δ P/Δ T = -2.79 ± 0.28 × 10-3 GPa K-1 (I-II); +1.87 ± 0.31 × 10-3 GPa K-1 (II/III); +4.01 ± 0.5 × 10-3 GPa K-1 (II/IIIb); -33.9 ± 0.4 × 10-3 GPa K-1 (IIIb/III). The triple point between phases II, IIIb, and III was determined by intersection and is located at 2.01(7) GPa/338(5) K. The pathway of transition from I over II to IIIb can be interpreted by displacement with small shear involved (by 2.9° on I/II and by 8.2° on II/IIIb). The former triad of calcite-I corresponds to the [20-1] direction in the P21/ c unit cell of phase II and to [101] in the pseudomonoclinic C setting of phase IIIb. Crystal structure investigations of triclinic CaCO3-III at non-ambient pressure-temperature conditions confirm the reported structure, and the small changes associated with the variation in P and T explain the broad stability of this structure with respect to variations in P and T. PVT equation of state parameters was determined from experimental data points in the range of 2.20-6.50 GPa at 298-405 K providing = 87.5(5.1) GPa, ( δK T/ δT) P = -0.21(0.23) GPa K-1, α 0 = 0.8(21.4) × 10-5 K-1, and α 1 = 1.0(3.7) × 10-7 K-1 using a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state formalism.

Phase 0 trials: an industry perspective.

PubMed

Eliopoulos, Helen; Giranda, Vincent; Carr, Robert; Tiehen, Rita; Leahy, Terri; Gordon, Gary

2008-06-15

Worldwide, cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. An increased understanding of the disease and its process has resulted in a multitude of new targeted therapies. The costs as well as time from drug discovery to market, however, remain staggeringly high and protracted, with the majority of compounds never reaching phase III. The concept of an exploratory or phase 0 trial was introduced as a mechanism to enhance and accelerate the overall process of new oncologic drug development. Performance of a phase 0 study allows researchers to better understand the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of compounds in human subjects before initiation of phase I trials. Data gleaned from a phase 0 trial are beneficial not only in prioritizing promising compounds but also in allowing the modification of phase I study design before initiation. To date, few researchers have taken advantage of the potential benefits of phase 0 trials. This review focuses on the purpose as well as the potential merits of phase 0 trials from the perspective of a pharmaceutical company. The review summarizes the experience of a team of researchers with ABT-888, a novel poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase agent that inhibits an enzyme critical for repairing damage to DNA, which is one of the first compounds to be investigated using the phase 0 clinical trial design.

Joint Operations 2030 - Phase III Report: The JO 2030 Capability Set (Operations interarmees 2030 - Rapport Phase III: L’ensemble capacitaire JO 2030)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

a ‘strategy as process’ manner to develop capabilities that are flexible, adaptable and robust. 3.4 Future structures The need for agile...to develop models of the future security environment 3.4.10 Planning Under Deep Uncertainty Future structures The need for agile, flexible and... Organisation NEC Network Enabled Capability NGO Non Government Organisation NII Networking and Information Infrastructure PVO Private Voluntary

Phase fluctuation spectra: New radio science information to become available in the DSN tracking system Mark III-77

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, A. L.

1977-01-01

An algorithm was developed for the continuous and automatic computation of Doppler noise concurrently at four sample rate intervals, evenly spanning three orders of magnitude. Average temporal Doppler phase fluctuation spectra will be routinely available in the DSN tracking system Mark III-77 and require little additional processing. The basic (noise) data will be extracted from the archival tracking data file (ATDF) of the tracking data management system.

Separation of metalloporphyrins from metallation reactions by liquid chromatography and electrophoresis.

PubMed

Duff, G A; Yeager, S A; Singhal, A K; Pestel, B C; Ressner, J M; Foster, N

1987-04-24

The analytical separation of the indium and manganese complexes of three synthetic, meso-substituted, water-soluble porphyrins from their respective free bases in metallation reaction mixtures is described. The ligands tetra-3N-methylpyridyl porphyrin, tetra-4N-methylpyridyl porphyrin and tetra-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium porphyrin are complexed with In (III) and Mn (III) and are separated from residual free base by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in acidic conditions with gradient elution on ODS bonded stationary phase. Electrophoretic separation is achieved on both cellulose polyacetate strips and polyacrylamide tube gels under basic conditions. Although analytical separations can be achieved by both HPLC and electrophoresis, only HPLC is suitable for the development of preparative scale separations. Column chromatography, ion-pairing and ion-suppression HPLC techniques fail to separate such highly charged and closely related aromatic compounds.

Phase III Archives | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

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III Early Restoration Plan and Draft Early Restoration PEIS Executive Summary (pdf, 3.4 MB) Project Summary Table (pdf, 80 KB) Public Repositories (pdf, 113 KB) Press Release (pdf, 501 KB) Press Release

Solid phase extraction of gold(III) on attapulgite modified with triocarbohydrazide prior to its determination in environmental samples by ICP-OES.

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Li, Zhenhua; Hu, Zheng; Chang, Xijun

2011-09-01

The first study on the high efficiency of triocarbohydrazide modified attapulgite as solid-phase extractant for preconcentration of trace Au(III) prior to the measurement by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) has been reported. Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Au(III) were optimized with respect to different experimental parameters using batch and column procedures in detail. At pH 3, Au(III) could be quantitatively adsorbed on the new sorbent, and the adsorbed Au(III) could be completely eluted from the sorbent surface by 2.0mL 1.0molL(-1) of HCl+2% CS(NH(2))(2) solution. An enrichment factor of 150 was accomplished. Moreover, common interfering ions did not interfere in both separation and determination. The maximum adsorption capacity of the sorbent for Au(III) was found to be 66.7mgg(-1). The detection limit (3σ) of this method was 0.32μgL(-1) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.3% (n=8). The method, with high selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility, was validated using certified reference materials, and had been applied for the determination of trace Au(III) with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromium(iii) oxidation by biogenic manganese oxides with varying structural ripening.

PubMed

Tang, Yuanzhi; Webb, Samuel M; Estes, Emily R; Hansel, Colleen M

2014-09-20

Manganese (Mn) oxides, which are generally considered biogenic in origin within natural systems, are the only oxidants of Cr(iii) under typical environmental conditions. Yet the influence of Mn biooxide mineral structural evolution on Cr(iii) oxidation under varying geochemical conditions is unknown. In this study we examined the role of light, organic carbon, pH, and the structure of biogenic Mn oxides on Cr(iii) oxidation. Aging of Mn oxides produced by a marine bacterium within the widespread Roseobacter clade resulted in structural ripening from a colloidal hexagonal to a particulate triclinic birnessite phase. The structurally diverse Mn oxides were then reacted with aqueous Cr(iii) within artificial seawater in the presence or absence of carbon and light. Here we found that Cr(iii) oxidation capacity was highest at near neutral pH and in the combined presence of carbon and light. Mn oxide ripening from a hexagonal to a triclinic birnessite phase led to decreased Cr(iii) oxidation in the presence of carbon and light, whereas no change in reactivity was observed in the absence of carbon and/or in the dark. As only minimal Cr(iii) oxidation was observed in the absence of Mn oxides, these results strongly point to coupled Mn oxide- and photo-induced generation of organic and/or oxygen radicals involved in Cr(iii) oxidation. Based on Mn oxide concentration and structural trends, we postulate that Mn(ii) produced from the oxidation of Cr(iii) by the primary Mn oxide is recycled in the presence of organics and light conditions, (re)generating secondary hexagonal birnessite and thereby allowing for continuous oxidation of Cr(iii). In the absence of this Mn oxide regeneration, Cr(iii) induced structural ripening of the hexagonal birnessite precludes further Cr(iii) oxidation. These results highlight the complexity of reactions involved in Mn oxide mediated Cr(iii) oxidation and suggest that photochemical carbon reactions are requisite for sustained Cr(iii) oxidation and persistence of reactive Mn oxides.

Determination of some metal ions in various meat and baby food samples by atomic spectrometry.

PubMed

Daşbaşı, Teslima; Saçmacı, Şerife; Ülgen, Ahmet; Kartal, Şenol

2016-04-15

In this paper, we report a simple and rapid solid phase extraction system for the separation/preconcentration and determination of Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), Cr(III), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). This method is based upon the retention of metal ions on a column packed with poly[N-(3-methyl-1H-indole-1-yl)]-2-methacrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulphonic acid-co divinylbenzene] (MMAD) resin as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent at pH 8. At the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (3 s/b) between 0.12 and 1.6 μg L(-1), preconcentration factor of 100, and the relative standard deviation of ⩽1.8% were achieved (n=10). The accuracy of the method was verified by analyzing certified reference materials (CRMs) and performing recovery experiments. The developed method was successfully applied to the various natural water, meat products and baby food samples. The recoveries of analyte ions were found in added real samples and CRMs from 95% to 102%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geriatric assessment and biomarkers in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving first-line mono-chemotherapy: Results from the randomized phase III PELICAN trial.

PubMed

Honecker, Friedemann; Harbeck, Nadia; Schnabel, Claudia; Wedding, Ulrich; Waldenmaier, Dirk; Saupe, Steffen; Jäger, Elke; Schmidt, Marcus; Kreienberg, Rolf; Müller, Lothar; Otremba, Burkhard; Dorn, Julia; Warm, Mathias; Al-Batran, Salah-Eddin; de Wit, Maike

2018-03-01

To determine predictive/prognostic factors for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receiving first-line monochemotherapy using biomarker analysis and geriatric assessment (GA). Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and GA as clinical parameters, and prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI), and Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) as biomarkers were analyzed for association with clinical outcome within the randomized phase III PEg-LIposomal Doxorubicin vs. CApecitabin iN MBC (PELICAN) trial of first-line pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) or capecitabine. Of 210 patients, 38% were >65years old. GA (n=152) classified 74% as fit, 10% as compromised, and 16% as frail. Biomarkers showed no age dependency. In multivariate analysis (n=70) KPS, GA, cumulative illness rating scale-geriatrics (CIRS-G), and GPS were significantly associated with time to progression, and KPS, CIRS-G, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) from GA, and PINI showed a significant correlation with overall survival. GA evaluation was feasible. KPS significantly correlated with efficacy outcomes. Items of a GA and biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition may have prognostic significance in patients with MBC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Hawkins, Cory A.; Bustillos, Christian G.; May, Iain

Conventional solvent extraction of selected f-element cations by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) yields increased extraction from aqueous to organic solution along the series Np(V) < Cm(III) < Eu(III) < U(VI), with distribution ratios all within two orders of magnitude. However, in the presence of the water-soluble tetradentate Schiff base (N,N'-bis(5-sulfonatosalicylidene)-ethylenediamine or H 2salenSO 3), selective complexation of the two actinyl cations (Np(V) and U(VI)) resulted in an extraction order of Np(V) < U(VI) << Eu(III) < Cm(III). The extraction of neither Cm(III) or Eu(III) by HDEHP are significantly impacted by the presence of the aqueous phase Schiff base. Despite observed hydrolyticmore » decomposition of H 2salenSO 3 in aqueous solutions, the calculated high conditional stability constant (β 11 = 26) for the complex [UO 2(salenSO 3)] 2- demonstrates its capacity for aqueous hold-back of U(VI). UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy of solutions prepared with a Np(VI) stock and H 2salenSO 3 suggest that reduction of Np(VI) to Np(V) by the ligand was rapid, resulting in a pentavalent Np complex that was substantially retained in the aqueous phase. Lastly, results from 1H NMR of aqueous solutions of H 2salenSO 3 with U(VI) and La(III), Eu(III), and Lu(III) provides additional evidence that the ligand readily chelates U(VI), but has only weak interactions with trivalent lanthanide ions.« less

Comprehensive classification test of scapular dyskinesis: A reliability study.

PubMed

Huang, Tsun-Shun; Huang, Han-Yi; Wang, Tyng-Guey; Tsai, Yung-Shen; Lin, Jiu-Jenq

2015-06-01

Assessment of scapular dyskinesis (SD) is of clinical interest, as SD is believed to be related to shoulder pathology. However, no clinical assessment with sufficient reliability to identify SD and provide treatment strategies is available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of the comprehensive SD classification method. Cross-sectional reliability study. Sixty subjects with unilateral shoulder pain were evaluated by two independent physiotherapists with a visual-based palpation method. SD was classified as single abnormal scapular pattern [inferior angle (pattern I), medial border (pattern II), superior border of scapula prominence or abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm (pattern III)], a mixture of the above abnormal scapular patterns, or normal pattern (pattern IV). The assessment of SD was evaluated as subjects performed bilateral arm raising/lowering movements with a weighted load in the scapular plane. Percentage of agreement and kappa coefficients were calculated to determine reliability. Agreement between the 2 independent physiotherapists was 83% (50/60, 6 subjects as pattern III and 44 subjects as pattern IV) in the raising phase and 68% (41/60, 5 subjects as pattern I, 12 subjects as pattern II, 12 subjects as pattern IV, 12 subjects as mixed patterns I and II) in the lowering phase. The kappa coefficients were 0.49-0.64. We concluded that the visual-based palpation classification method for SD had moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability. The appearance of different types of SD was more pronounced in the lowering phase than in the raising phase of arm movements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of two different geo-climatic zones on the prevalence and time trends of asthma symptoms among Spanish adolescents and schoolchildren

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Marcos, Luis; Batllés-Garrido, José; Blanco-Quirós, Alfredo; García-Hernández, Gloria; Guillén-Grima, Francisco; González-Díaz, Carlos; García-Merino, Águeda; Arnedo-Pena, Alberto; Busquets-Monge, Rosa M.; Morales-Suárez-Varela, María; López-Silvarrey-Varela, Ángel; García-Andoin, Nekane

2009-01-01

Few studies have focused on the long-term influence of the climate on the prevalence of asthma. The aim of this study is to establish the influence of geo-climatic conditions on the prevalence of asthma symptoms both in adolescents and schoolchildren, and to discover if this influence is associated with their time trends. Eight centres in Spain performed both ISAAC phases I (1994) and III (2002) in children 13-14 years old. Six of them also surveyed children 6-7 years old. For each age group and phase, about 3,000 children were surveyed per centre. This study examines the prevalence of current wheeze and severe current wheeze in two different geo-climatic zones, coast and plateau, considering their relative humidity and temperature range. In both age groups, the mean asthma prevalence on the coast, for phase I and III, was significantly higher than on the plateau. Living on the plateau was an independent protective factor for current wheeze and severe current wheeze for the two age groups. Within the coastal centres, the increase of the annual relative humidity was a statistical significant risk factor for current wheeze, the same trend existing for current severe wheeze. These effects were independent of the sex and of the phase of the study. The prevalence of asthma and severe asthma symptoms is more frequent on the coast of Spain as compared to the inner plateau. This finding was repeated both in 1994 and in 2002.

Cytotoxicity and apoptotic inducibility of Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract in cultured human normal and cancer cells and effect on growth.

PubMed

Ohyama, Kunio; Akaike, Takenori; Hirobe, Chieko; Yamakawa, Toshio

2003-01-01

A crude extract was prepared with ethanol from dried ripened Vitex agnus-castus fruits growing in Israel (Vitex extract). Cytotoxicity of the extract against human uterine cervical canal fibroblast (HCF), human embryo fibroblast (HE-21), ovarian cancer (MCF-7), cervical carcinoma (SKG-3a), breast carcinoma (SKOV-3), gastric signet ring carcinoma (KATO-III), colon carcinoma (COLO 201), and small cell lung carcinoma (Lu-134-A-H) cells was examined. After culture for 24 h (logarithmic growth phase) or 72 h (stationary growth phase), the cells were treated with various concentrations of Vitex extract. In both growth phases, higher growth activity of cells and more cytotoxic activity of Vitex extract were seen. The cytotoxic activity against stationary growth-phase cells was less than that against logarithmic growth-phase cells. DNA fragmentation of Vitex extract-treated cells was seen in SKOV-3, KATO-III, COLO 201, and Lu-134-A-H cells. The DNA fragmentation in Vitex extract-treated KATO-III cells was inhibited by the presence of the antioxidative reagent pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Western blotting analysis showed that in Vitex extract-treated KATO-III cells, the presence of NAC also inhibited the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and the active forms of caspases-3, -8 and -9. It is concluded that the cytotoxic activity of Vitex extract may be attributed to the effect on cell growth, that cell death occurs through apoptosis, and that this apoptotic cell death may be attributed to increased intracellular oxidation by Vitex extract treatment.

Persistence of Mixed and Non-intermediate Valence in the High-Pressure Structure of Silver(I,III) Oxide, AgO: A Combined Raman, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study.

PubMed

Grzelak, Adam; Gawraczyński, Jakub; Jaroń, Tomasz; Somayazulu, Maddury; Derzsi, Mariana; Struzhkin, Viktor; Grochala, Wojciech

2017-05-15

The X-ray diffraction data collected up to ca. 56 GPa and the Raman spectra measured up to 74.8 GPa for AgO, or Ag I Ag III O 2 , which is a prototypical mixed valence (disproportionated) oxide, indicate that two consecutive phase transitions occur: the first-order phase transition occurs between 16.1 GPa and 19.7 GPa, and a second-order phase transition occurs at ca. 40 GPa. All polymorphic forms host the square planar [Ag III O 4 ] units typical of low-spin Ag III . The disproportionated Imma form persists at least up to 74.8 GPa, as indicated by Raman spectra. Theoretical hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the first-order transition is phonon-driven. AgO stubbornly remains disproportionated up to at least 100 GPa-in striking contrast to its copper analogue-and the fundamental band gap of AgO is ∼0.3 eV at this pressure and is weakly pressure-dependent. Metallization of AgO is yet to be achieved.

Evidence to Support Peer Tutoring Programs at the Undergraduate Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colver, Mitchell; Fry, Trevor

2016-01-01

The present study examined undergraduate peer tutoring in three phases. Phase I qualitatively surveyed students' perceptions about the effectiveness of tutoring. Phase II examined the usefulness of promoting regular use of services through a tutoring contract. Phase III utilized an archival, quasi-experimental approach to estimate the effect of…

40 CFR 72.92 - Phase I unit allowance surrender.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... chapter) for all Phase I units in the dispatch system. (iii) Calculating percentage change in dispatch... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Phase I unit allowance surrender. 72... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Compliance Certification § 72.92 Phase I unit allowance surrender. (a) Annual...

40 CFR 72.92 - Phase I unit allowance surrender.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... chapter) for all Phase I units in the dispatch system. (iii) Calculating percentage change in dispatch... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Phase I unit allowance surrender. 72... (CONTINUED) PERMITS REGULATION Compliance Certification § 72.92 Phase I unit allowance surrender. (a) Annual...

Seeking the Profile of an Elementary Educator: Phase III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arth, Alfred A.; And Others

This paper presents the third phase of a student-faculty investigation seeking the profile of the elementary school teacher. Phase I discovered an indication of different personality traits in elementary and secondary teachers. Phase II redesigned the original questionnaire and supported the findings with additional research. This third phase…

Composition, stability, and measurement of reduced uranium phases for groundwater bioremediation at Old Rifle, CO

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

Campbell, K. M.; Davis, J. A.; Bargar, J.

2011-10-15

Reductive biostimulation is currently being explored as a possible remediation strategy for uranium (U) contaminated groundwater, and is currently being investigated at a field site in Rifle, CO, USA. The long-term stability of the resulting U(IV) phases is a key component of the overall performance and depends upon a variety of factors, including rate and mechanism of reduction, mineral associations in the subsurface, and propensity for oxidation. To address these factors, several approaches were used to evaluate the redox sensitivity of U: measurement of the rate of oxidative dissolution of biogenic uraninite (UO{sub 2(s)}) deployed in groundwater at Rifle, characterizationmore » of a zone of natural bioreduction exhibiting relevant reduced mineral phases, and laboratory studies of the oxidative capacity of Fe(III) and reductive capacity of Fe(II) with regard to U(IV) and U(VI), respectively.« less

Magnetic behavior study of samarium nitride using density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Som, Narayan N.; Mankad, Venu H.; Dabhi, Shweta D.; Patel, Anjali; Jha, Prafulla K.

2018-02-01

In this work, the state-of-art density functional theory is employed to study the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of samarium nitride (SmN). We have performed calculation for both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states in rock-salt phase. The calculated results of optimized lattice parameter and magnetic moment agree well with the available experimental and theoretical values. From energy band diagram and electronic density of states, we observe a half-metallic behaviour in FM phase of rock salt SmN in while metallicity in AFM I and AFM III phases. We present and discuss our current understanding of the possible half-metallicity together with the magnetic ordering in SmN. The calculated phonon dispersion curves shows dynamical stability of the considered structures. The phonon density of states and Eliashberg functional have also been analysed to understand the superconductivity in SmN.

Interim analysis of postoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin versus capecitabine alone for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer: a randomized multicenter phase III trial.

PubMed

Feng, Yan-Ru; Zhu, Yuan; Liu, Lu-Ying; Wang, Wei-Hu; Wang, Shu-Lian; Song, Yong-Wen; Wang, Xin; Tang, Yuan; Liu, Yue-Ping; Ren, Hua; Fang, Hui; Zhang, Shi-Ping; Liu, Xin-Fan; Yu, Zi-Hao; Li, Ye-Xiong; Jin, Jing

2016-05-03

The aim of this study is to present an interim analysis of a phase III trial (NCT00714077) of postoperative concurrent capecitabine and radiotherapy with or without oxaliplatin for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer. Patients with pathologically confirmed stage II and III rectal cancer were randomized to either radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine (Cap-RT group) or with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (Capox-RT group). The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS). The 3-year DFS rate was 73.9% in the Capox-RT group and 71.6% in the Cap-RT group (HR 0.92, p = 0.647), respectively. No significant difference was observed in overall survival, cumulative incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups (p > 0.05). More grade 3-4 acute toxicity was observed in the Capox-RT group than in the Cap-RT group (38.1% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.041). Inclusion of oxaliplatin in the capecitabine-based postoperative regimen did not improve DFS but increased toxicities for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer in this interim analysis.

1-(2-Formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea functionalized activated carbon for selective solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of metal ions.

PubMed

Tu, Zhifeng; He, Qun; Chang, Xijun; Hu, Zheng; Gao, Ru; Zhang, Lina; Li, Zhenhua

2009-09-07

A novel method that utilizes 1-(2-formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea-modified activated carbon (AC-1-(2-formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea) as a solid-phase extractant has been developed for simultaneous preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) prior to the measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) were optimized using batch and column procedures in detail. The optimum pH value for the separation of metal ions simultaneously on the new sorbent was 4. And the adsorbed metal ions could be completely eluted by using 2.0 mL 2.0 mol L(-1) HCl solution. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of target metal ions. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 39.8, 39.9, 77.8 and 17.3 mg g(-1) for Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II), respectively. The detection limits of the method were found to be 0.15, 0.41, 0.27 and 0.36 ng mL(-1) for Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was lower than 4.0% (n=8). The method was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) in natural and certified samples with satisfactory results.

Iron dynamics: Transformation of Fe(II)/Fe(III) during injection of natural organic matter in a sandy aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Liyuan; McCarthy, John F.; Jolley, Louwanda W.; McNabb, J. Andrew; Mehlhorn, Tonia L.

1993-05-01

The dynamics of dissolved, colloidal, and deposited iron phases were examined during a forced-gradient field experiment. The experiment involved the injection of oxygenated water containing high levels of natural organic matter (NOM) into a sandy aquifer. The initial redox potential of the aquifer favored Fe(II) in the groundwater. The changes in the concentrations of Fe(II) and Fe(III) were observed in sampling wells. Under the increased dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions, Fe(II) oxygenation was rapid, resulting in the formation of Fe(III) (hydr) oxide colloids. The oxidation follows the rate law as given in STUMM and MORGAN (1981): d[ Fe(II)] /dt = - k obs[ O2( aq)] /[ H+] 2[ Fe(II)] , with a rate constant, kobs to be 1.9 × 10 -12 M min -1. For an averaged pH and DO of the groundwater, the half time of Fe(II) oxidation is 49 h. The NOM was postulated to stabilize the newly formed colloids, thereby increasing the turbidity in the groundwater. The additional increase in the colloidal fraction of Fe(III) oxide suggested that transport of the colloidal particles was occurring. At those locations where DO remained constantly low, the turbidity increase was moderate, and up to 80% of Fe(III) was in the dissolved phase (< 3000 mol. wt). The latter observation was attributed to the presence of NOM, forming Fe(III)-organic complexes. In addition, NOM may play a role in the oxygen consumption through a Fe(II)/Fe(III) catalyzed oxidation of organic matter as outlined by STUMM and MORGAN (1981, p. 469). In this mechanism, Fe(II) oxidation is slow, maintaining a near constant Fe(II) concentration, in agreement with field data. The overall increase in Fe(III) under low DO conditions was postulated to be a combination of (1) slow oxidation, (2) ligand-promoted and catalytic dissolution of deposited iron phases, and (3) the transport of newly formed iron oxide colloids along flow paths.

Methodology of health-related quality of life analysis in phase III advanced non-small-cell lung cancer clinical trials: a critical review.

PubMed

Fiteni, Frédéric; Anota, Amélie; Westeel, Virginie; Bonnetain, Franck

2016-02-18

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is recognized as a component endpoint for cancer therapy approvals. The aim of this review was to evaluate the methodology of HRQoL analysis and reporting in phase III clinical trials of first-line chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). A search in MEDLINE databases identified phase III clinical trials in first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC, published between January 2008 to December 2014. Two authors independently extracted information using predefined data abstraction forms. A total of 55 phase III advanced NSCLC trials were identified. HRQoL was declared as an endpoint in 27 studies (49%). Among these 27 studies, The EORTC questionnaire Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 was used in 13 (48%) of the studies and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General was used in 12 (44%) trials. The targeted dimensions of HRQoL, the minimal clinically important difference and the statistical approaches for dealing with missing data were clearly specified in 13 (48.1%), 9 (33.3%) and 5 (18.5%) studies, respectively. The most frequent statistical methods for HRQoL analysis were: the mean change from baseline (33.3%), the linear mixed model for repeated measures (22.2%) and time to HRQoL score deterioration (18.5%). For each targeted dimension, the results for each group, the estimated effect size and its precision were clearly reported in 4 studies (14.8%), not clearly reported in 11 studies (40.7%) and not reported at all in 12 studies (44.4%). This review demonstrated the weakness and the heterogeneity of the measurement, analysis, and reporting of HRQoL in phase III advanced NSCLC trials. Precise and uniform recommendations are needed to compare HRQoL results across publications and to provide understandable messages for patients and clinicians.

Therapeutic efficacy of melanoma-reactive TIL injected in stage III melanoma patients.

PubMed

Labarrière, Nathalie; Pandolfino, Marie-Christine; Gervois, Nadine; Khammari, Amir; Tessier, Marie-Hélène; Dréno, Brigitte; Jotereau, Francine

2002-11-01

Adoptive therapy for cancer using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has mainly been investigated in cancer patients with advanced stage disease. The limited clinical success has not been encouraging, although this might be explained by poor TIL specificity and/or high tumor burden. To re-evaluate the effectiveness of adoptive therapy, we analyzed the capacity of tumor-reactive TIL injection in preventing the further development of disease in stage III melanoma patients after complete tumor resection. A phase II/III randomized trial was performed on 88 melanoma patients, who received autologous TIL plus interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-2 only. The duration of relapse-free survival was analyzed, taking into account the immunological specificity of injected TIL and the number of metastatic lymph nodes removed before treatment. Kaplan-Meyer analysis revealed that the injection of tumor-reactive TIL was statistically correlated with prolonged relapse-free survival in patients with only one metastatic lymph node. Therefore, improved clinical outcome could be obtained after adoptive therapy by selecting appropriate groups of patients and monitoring the specificity of the injected TIL populations.

Objective Lightning Probability Forecasting for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Phase III

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, Winifred C.

2010-01-01

The AMU created new logistic regression equations in an effort to increase the skill of the Objective Lightning Forecast Tool developed in Phase II (Lambert 2007). One equation was created for each of five sub-seasons based on the daily lightning climatology instead of by month as was done in Phase II. The assumption was that these equations would capture the physical attributes that contribute to thunderstorm formation more so than monthly equations. However, the SS values in Section 5.3.2 showed that the Phase III equations had worse skill than the Phase II equations and, therefore, will not be transitioned into operations. The current Objective Lightning Forecast Tool developed in Phase II will continue to be used operationally in MIDDS. Three warm seasons were added to the Phase II dataset to increase the POR from 17 to 20 years (1989-2008), and data for October were included since the daily climatology showed lightning occurrence extending into that month. None of the three methods tested to determine the start of the subseason in each individual year were able to discern the start dates with consistent accuracy. Therefore, the start dates were determined by the daily climatology shown in Figure 10 and were the same in every year. The procedures used to create the predictors and develop the equations were identical to those in Phase II. The equations were made up of one to three predictors. TI and the flow regime probabilities were the top predictors followed by 1-day persistence, then VT and Ll. Each equation outperformed four other forecast methods by 7-57% using the verification dataset, but the new equations were outperformed by the Phase II equations in every sub-season. The reason for the degradation may be due to the fact that the same sub-season start dates were used in every year. It is likely there was overlap of sub-season days at the beginning and end of each defined sub-season in each individual year, which could very well affect equation performance.

A randomized phase III trial comparing S-1 versus UFT as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II/III rectal cancer (JFMC35-C1: ACTS-RC).

PubMed

Oki, E; Murata, A; Yoshida, K; Maeda, K; Ikejiri, K; Munemoto, Y; Sasaki, K; Matsuda, C; Kotake, M; Suenaga, T; Matsuda, H; Emi, Y; Kakeji, Y; Baba, H; Hamada, C; Saji, S; Maehara, Y

2016-07-01

Preventing distant recurrence and achieving local control are important challenges in rectal cancer treatment, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy has been studied. However, no phase III study comparing adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for rectal cancer has demonstrated superiority of a specific regimen. We therefore conducted a phase III study to evaluate the superiority of S-1 to tegafur-uracil (UFT), a standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for curatively resected stage II/III rectal cancer in Japan, in the adjuvant setting for rectal cancer. The ACTS-RC trial was an open-label, randomized, phase III superiority trial conducted at 222 sites in Japan. Patients aged 20-80 with stage II/III rectal cancer undergoing curative surgery without preoperative therapy were randomly assigned to receive UFT (500-600 mg/day on days 1-5, followed by 2 days rest) or S-1 (80-120 mg/day on days 1-28, followed by 14 days rest) for 1 year. The primary end point was relapse-free survival (RFS), and the secondary end points were overall survival and adverse events. In total, 961 patients were enrolled from April 2006 to March 2009. The primary analysis was conducted in 480 assigned to receive UFT and 479 assigned to receive S-1. Five-year RFS was 61.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.1% to 65.9%] for UFT and 66.4% (95% CI 61.9% to 70.5%) for S-1 [P = 0.0165, hazard ratio (HR): 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.96]. Five-year survival was 80.2% (95% CI 76.3% to 83.5%) for UFT and 82.0% (95% CI 78.3% to 85.2%) for S-1. The main grade 3 or higher adverse events were increased alanine aminotransferase and diarrhea (each 2.3%) in the UFT arm and anorexia, diarrhea (each 2.6%), and fatigue (2.1%) in the S-1 arm. One-year S-1 treatment is superior to UFT with respect to RFS and has therefore become a standard adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for stage II/III rectal cancer following curative resection. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology.

Effect of Protein Incorporation on the Nanostructure of the Bicontinuous Microemulsion Phase of Winsor-III Systems: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

DOE PAGES

Hayes, Douglas G.; Gomez del Rio, Javier A.; Ye, Ran; ...

2015-01-20

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis using the Teubner₋Strey model has been employed to evaluate the effect of protein incorporation into the middle, bicontinuous microemulsion (BμE) phase of Winsor-III (W III) systems formed by an aerosol-OT (AOT)/alkyl ethoxylate mixed surfactant system to understand better the extraction of proteins into and out of BμEs and to study the effect of proteins on a system that serves as a biomimetic analog of cell membranes. Under conditions of high salinity, the incorporation of positively charged proteins cytochrome c, lysozyme, and α-chymotrypsin, near their solubilization limit in the BμEs promoted the release of water andmore » oil from the BμEs, a decrease in the quasi-periodic repeat distance (d), an increase in ordering (a decrease in the amphiphilicity factor, f a) for the surfactant monolayers, and a decrease in the surface area per surfactant headgroup, suggesting that the proteins affected the self-assembly of components in the BμE phase and produced Debye shielding of AOTs sulfonate headgroup. For W III systems possessing lower salinity, cytochrome c reduced the efficiency of surfactant in the BμE phase, noted by increases in d and f a, suggesting that the enzyme and AOT underwent ion pairing. We find that the results of this study demonstrate the importance of ionic strength to modulate proteinsurfactant interactions, which in turn will control the release of proteins encapsulated in the BμEs, relevant to W III-based protein extraction and controlled release from BμE delivery systems, and demonstrate the utility of BμEs as a model system to understand the effect of proteins on biomembranes.« less

Organic and Aqueous Redox Speciation of Cu(III) Periodate Oxidized Transuranium Actinides

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

McCann, Kevin; Sinkov, Sergey I.; Lumetta, Gregg J.

A hexavalent group actinide separation process could streamline used nuclear fuel recycle and waste management. The limiting factor to such a process compatible with current fuel dissolution practices is obtaining and maintaining hexavalent Am, in molar nitric acid due to the high reduction potential of the Am(VI)/Am(III) couple (1.68 V vs SCE). Two strong oxidants, sodium bismuthate and Cu(III) periodate, have demonstrated quantitative oxidation of Am under molar acid conditions and better than 50% recovery by diamyl amylphosphonate (DAAP) is possible under these same conditions. This work considers the use of Cu(III) periodate to oxidize Np(V) to Np(VI) and Pu(IV)more » to Pu(VI) and recover these elements by extraction with DAAP. A metal:oxidant ratio of 1:1.2 and 1:3 was necessary to quantitatively oxidize Np(V) and Pu(IV), respectively, to the hexavalent state. Extraction of hexavalent Np, Pu, and Am by 1 M DAAP in n-dodecane was measured using UV-Vis [Pu(VI), Am (VI)] and NIR [Np(VI)]. Distribution values of Am(VI) were found to match previous tracer level studies. The organic phase spectra of Np, Pu, and Am are presented and molar absorptivities are calculated for characteristic peaks. Hexavalent Pu was found to be stable in the organic phase while Np(VI) showed some reduction to Np(V) and Am was present as Am(III), Am(V), and Am(VI) species in aqueous and organic phases during the extraction experiments. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the ability to recover macroscopic amounts of americium that would be present during fuel reprocessing and are the first characterization of Am organic phase oxidation state speciation relevant to a hexavalent group actinide separation process under acidic conditions.« less

New treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Vijverman, Anne-Catherine; Fox, Susan H

2014-11-01

Levodopa remains the most potent drug to treat motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesia that occur with long-term use restrict some of its therapeutic value. Despite these limitations, the medical treatment of PD strives for continuous relief of symptoms using different strategies throughout the course of the illness: increasing the half-life of levodopa, using 'levodopa-sparing agents' and adding non-dopaminergic drugs. New options to 'improve' delivery of levodopa are under investigation, including long-acting levodopa, nasal inhalation and continuous subcutaneous or intrajejunal administration of levodopa. Long-acting dopamine agonists were recently developed and are undergoing further comparative studies to investigate potential superiority over the immediate-release formulations. Non-dopaminergic drugs acting on adenosine receptors, cholinergic, adrenergic, serotoninergic and glutamatergic pathways are newly developed and many are being evaluated in Phase II and Phase III trials. This article focuses on promising novel therapeutic approaches for the management of PD motor symptoms and motor complications. We will provide an update since 2011 on new formulations of current drugs, new drugs with promising results in Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, old drugs with new possibilities and some new potential strategies that are currently in Phase I and II of development (study start date may precede 2011 but are included as study is still ongoing or full data have not yet been published). Negative Phase II and Phase III clinical trials published since 2011 will also be briefly mentioned.

Decision-theoretic designs for a series of trials with correlated treatment effects using the Sarmanov multivariate beta-binomial distribution.

PubMed

Hee, Siew Wan; Parsons, Nicholas; Stallard, Nigel

2018-03-01

The motivation for the work in this article is the setting in which a number of treatments are available for evaluation in phase II clinical trials and where it may be infeasible to try them concurrently because the intended population is small. This paper introduces an extension of previous work on decision-theoretic designs for a series of phase II trials. The program encompasses a series of sequential phase II trials with interim decision making and a single two-arm phase III trial. The design is based on a hybrid approach where the final analysis of the phase III data is based on a classical frequentist hypothesis test, whereas the trials are designed using a Bayesian decision-theoretic approach in which the unknown treatment effect is assumed to follow a known prior distribution. In addition, as treatments are intended for the same population it is not unrealistic to consider treatment effects to be correlated. Thus, the prior distribution will reflect this. Data from a randomized trial of severe arthritis of the hip are used to test the application of the design. We show that the design on average requires fewer patients in phase II than when the correlation is ignored. Correspondingly, the time required to recommend an efficacious treatment for phase III is quicker. © 2017 The Author. Biometrical Journal published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Colloidal Material Box: In-situ Observations of Colloidal Self-Assembly and Liquid Crystal Phase Transitions in Microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, WeiBin; Lan, Ding; Sun, ZhiBin; Geng, BaoMing; Wang, XiaoQing; Tian, WeiQian; Zhai, GuangJie; Wang, YuRen

2016-05-01

To study the self-assembly behavior of colloidal spheres in the solid/liquid interface and elucidate the mechanism of liquid crystal phase transition under microgravity, a Colloidal Material Box (CMB) was designed which consists of three modules: (i) colloidal evaporation experimental module, made up of a sample management unit, an injection management unit and an optical observation unit; (ii) liquid crystal phase transition experimental module, including a sample management unit and an optical observation unit; (iii) electronic control module. The following two experimental plans will be performed inside the CMB aboard the SJ-10 satellite in space. (i) Self-assembly of colloidal spheres (with and without Au shell) induced by droplet evaporation, allowing observation of the dynamic process of the colloidal spheres within the droplet and the change of the droplet outer profile during evaporation; (ii) Phase behavior of Mg2Al LDHs suspensions in microgravity. The experimental results will be the first experimental observations of depositing ordered colloidal crystals and their self-assembly behavior under microgravity, and will illustrate the influence of gravity on liquid crystal phase transition.

Use of column V alkyls in organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ludowise, M. J.; Cooper, C. B., III

1982-01-01

The use of the column V-trialkyls trimethylarsenic (TMAs) and trimethylantimony (TMSb) for the organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OM-VPE) of III-V compound semiconductors is reviewed. A general discussion of the interaction chemistry of common Group III and Group V reactants is presented. The practical application of TMSb and TMAs for OM-VPE is demonstrated using the growth of GaSb, GaAs(1-y)Sb(y), Al(x)Ga(1-x)Sb, and Ga(1-x)In(x)As as examples.

A seamless phase IIB/III adaptive outcome trial: design rationale and implementation challenges.

PubMed

Chen, Y H Joshua; Gesser, Richard; Luxembourg, Alain

2015-02-01

The licensed four-valent prophylactic human papillomavirus vaccine is highly efficacious in preventing cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers and related precancers caused by human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, and 18. These four types account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. A nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, including the four original types (6, 11, 16, and 18) plus the next five most prevalent types in cervical cancer (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) could provide approximately 90% overall cervical cancer coverage. To expedite the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine clinical development, an adaptive, seamless Phase IIB/III outcome trial with ∼ 15,000 subjects was conducted to facilitate dose formulation selection and provide pivotal evidence of safety and efficacy for regulatory registrations. We discuss the design rationale and implementation challenges of the outcome trial, focusing on the adaptive feature of the seamless Phase IIB/III design. Subjects were enrolled in two parts (Part A and Part B). Approximately 1240 women, 16-26 years of age, were enrolled in Part A for Phase IIB evaluation and equally randomized to one of three dose formulations of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine or the four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (active control). Based on an interim analysis of immunogenicity and safety, one dose formulation of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine was selected for evaluation in the Phase III part of the study. Subjects enrolled in Part A who received the selected dose formulation of the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine continued to be followed up and contributed to the final efficacy and safety analyses. In addition, ∼ 13,400 women 16-26 years of age were enrolled in Part B, randomized to nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine at the selected dose formulation or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, and followed for immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety. A seamless Phase IIB/III design was justified by the extensive pre-existing knowledge of the licensed four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine and the development objectives for the nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine. Subjects enrolled in Part A who received either the selected nine-valent human papillomavirus formulation or four-valent human papillomavirus vaccine contributed ∼ 10% of person-years of follow-up due to its earlier start-thereby maximizing the overall efficiency of the trial. Some of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the adaptive design included practical considerations during Phase IIB formulation selection by internal and external committees, End-of-Phase II discussion with health authorities and managing changes in the assay for immunological endpoints. Application of the experience and lesson learned from this seamless adaptive design to other clinical programs may depend on case-by-case consideration. A seamless Phase IIB/III adaptive design was successfully implemented in this large outcome study. The development time of the second-generation nine-valent human papillomavirus vaccine was shortened due to improved statistical efficiency. © The Author(s) 2014.

Application of high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for determination of chromium compounds in the air at the workplace.

PubMed

Stanislawska, Magdalena; Janasik, Beata; Wasowicz, Wojciech

2013-12-15

The toxicity and bioavailability of chromium species are highly dependable on the form or species, therefore determination of total chromium is insufficient for a complete toxicological evaluation and risk assessment. An analytical method for determination of soluble and insoluble Cr (III) and Cr (VI) compounds in welding fume at workplace air has been developed. The total chromium (Cr) was determined by using quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC(®)). Soluble trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). A high-speed, reversed-phase CR C8 column (PerkinElmer, Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) was used for the speciation of soluble Cr (III) and soluble Cr (VI). The separation was accomplished by interaction of the chromium species with the different components of the mobile phase. Cr (III) formed a complex with EDTA, i.e. retained on the column, while Cr (VI) existed in the solutions as dichromate. Alkaline extraction (2% KOH and 3% Na2CO3) and anion exchange column (PRP-X100, PEEK, Hamilton) were used for the separation of the total Cr (VI). The results of the determination of Cr (VI) were confirmed by the analysis of the certified reference material BCR CRM 545 (Cr (VI) in welding dust). The results obtained for the certified material (40.2±0.6 g kg(-1)) and the values recorded in the examined samples (40.7±0.6 g kg(-1)) were highly consistent. This analytical method was applied for the determination of chromium in the samples in the workplace air collected onto glass (Whatman, Ø 37 mm) and membrane filters (Sartorius, 0.8 μm, Ø 37 mm). High performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a remarkably powerful and versatile technique for determination of chromium species in welding fume at workplace air. Crown Copyright © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Type III-L Solar Radio Bursts and Solar Energetic Particle Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffin, R. T.; White, S. M.; Ray, P. S.; Kaiser, M. L.

2015-09-01

A radio-selected sample of fast drift radio bursts with complex structure occurring after the impulsive phase of the associated flare (“Type III-L bursts”) is identified by inspection of radio dynamic spectra from 1 to 180 MHz for over 300 large flares in 2001. An operational definition that takes into account previous work on these radio bursts starting from samples of solar energetic particle (SEP) events is applied to the data, and 66 Type III-L bursts are found in the sample. In order to determine whether the presence of these radio bursts can be used to predict the occurrence of SEP events, we also develop a catalog of all SEP proton events in 2001 using data from the ERNE detector on the SOHO satellite. 68 SEP events are found, for 48 of which we can identify a solar source and hence look for associated Type III-L emission. We confirm previous work that found that most (76% in our sample) of the solar sources of SEP events exhibit radio emission of this type. However, the correlation in the opposite direction is not as strong: starting from a radio-selected sample of Type III-L events, around 64% of the bursts that occur at longitudes magnetically well-connected to the Earth, and hence favorable for detection of SEPs, are associated with SEP events. The degree of association increases when the events have durations over 10 minutes at 1 MHz, but in general Type III-L bursts do not perform any better than Type II bursts in our sample as predictors of SEP events. A comparison of Type III-L timing with the arrival of near-relativistic electrons at the ACE spacecraft is not inconsistent with a common source for the accelerated electrons in both phenomena.

Non-equilibrium phase transition in mesoscopic biochemical systems: from stochastic to nonlinear dynamics and beyond

PubMed Central

Ge, Hao; Qian, Hong

2011-01-01

A theory for an non-equilibrium phase transition in a driven biochemical network is presented. The theory is based on the chemical master equation (CME) formulation of mesoscopic biochemical reactions and the mathematical method of large deviations. The large deviations theory provides an analytical tool connecting the macroscopic multi-stability of an open chemical system with the multi-scale dynamics of its mesoscopic counterpart. It shows a corresponding non-equilibrium phase transition among multiple stochastic attractors. As an example, in the canonical phosphorylation–dephosphorylation system with feedback that exhibits bistability, we show that the non-equilibrium steady-state (NESS) phase transition has all the characteristics of classic equilibrium phase transition: Maxwell construction, a discontinuous first-derivative of the ‘free energy function’, Lee–Yang's zero for a generating function and a critical point that matches the cusp in nonlinear bifurcation theory. To the biochemical system, the mathematical analysis suggests three distinct timescales and needed levels of description. They are (i) molecular signalling, (ii) biochemical network nonlinear dynamics, and (iii) cellular evolution. For finite mesoscopic systems such as a cell, motions associated with (i) and (iii) are stochastic while that with (ii) is deterministic. Both (ii) and (iii) are emergent properties of a dynamic biochemical network. PMID:20466813

Molecular targeted therapy in enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: from biology to clinical practice.

PubMed

Fazio, N; Scarpa, A; Falconi, M

2014-01-01

Advanced enteropancreatic (EP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be treated with several different therapies, including chemotherapy, biotherapy, and locoregional treatments. Over the last few decades, impressive progress has been made in the biotherapy field. Three main druggable molecular targets have been studied and developed in terms of therapy: somatostatin receptor (sstr), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and angiogenic factors. In particular, research has moved from the old somatostatin analogs (SSAs), such as octreotide (OCT) and lanreotide (LAN), specifically binding to the sstr-2, to the newer pasireotide (PAS), which presents a wider sstr spectrum. Over the last ten years, several molecular targeted agents (MTAs) have been studied in phase II trials, and very few of them have reached phase III. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the multitargeted inhibitor sunitinib have been approved for clinical use by the FDA and EMA in advanced well/moderately-differentiated (WD, MD) progressive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), on the basis of the positive results of two international large randomized phase III trials vs. placebo. Bevacizumab has been studied in a large US phase III trial vs. interferon (IFN)-alfa2b, and results are pending. In this review, the biological and clinical aspects of MTAs introduced into clinical practice or which are currently in an advanced phase of clinical investigation are addressed.