Japan Meteorological Agency/Meteorological Research Institute-Coupled Prediction System version 2 (JMA/MRI-CPS2): atmosphere-land-ocean-sea ice coupled prediction system for operational seasonal forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takaya, Yuhei; Hirahara, Shoji; Yasuda, Tamaki; Matsueda, Satoko; Toyoda, Takahiro; Fujii, Yosuke; Sugimoto, Hiroyuki; Matsukawa, Chihiro; Ishikawa, Ichiro; Mori, Hirotoshi; Nagasawa, Ryoji; Kubo, Yutaro; Adachi, Noriyuki; Yamanaka, Goro; Kuragano, Tsurane; Shimpo, Akihiko; Maeda, Shuhei; Ose, Tomoaki

2018-02-01

This paper describes the Japan Meteorological Agency/Meteorological Research Institute-Coupled Prediction System version 2 (JMA/MRI-CPS2), which was put into operation in June 2015 for the purpose of performing seasonal predictions. JMA/MRI-CPS2 has various upgrades from its predecessor, JMA/MRI-CPS1, including improved resolution and physics in its atmospheric and oceanic components, introduction of an interactive sea-ice model and realistic initialization of its land component. Verification of extensive re-forecasts covering a 30-year period (1981-2010) demonstrates that JMA/MRI-CPS2 possesses improved seasonal predictive skills for both atmospheric and oceanic interannual variability as well as key coupled variability such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). For ENSO prediction, the new system better represents the forecast uncertainty and transition/duration of ENSO phases. Our analysis suggests that the enhanced predictive skills are attributable to incremental improvements resulting from all of the changes, as is apparent in the beneficial effects of sea-ice coupling and land initialization on 2-m temperature predictions. JMA/MRI-CPS2 is capable of reasonably representing the seasonal cycle and secular trends of sea ice. The sea-ice coupling remarkably enhances the predictive capability for the Arctic 2-m temperature, indicating the importance of this factor, particularly for seasonal predictions in the Arctic region.

48 CFR 442.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 442.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Contractor Performance Information 442.1502 Policy. The Contractor Performance System (CPS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, is designated as the single USDA-wide system for maintaining...

48 CFR 442.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 442.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Contractor Performance Information 442.1502 Policy. The Contractor Performance System (CPS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, is designated as the single USDA-wide system for maintaining...

48 CFR 442.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 442.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Contractor Performance Information 442.1502 Policy. The Contractor Performance System (CPS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, is designated as the single USDA-wide system for maintaining...

48 CFR 442.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 442.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Contractor Performance Information 442.1502 Policy. The Contractor Performance System (CPS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, is designated as the single USDA-wide system for maintaining...

48 CFR 442.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 442.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Contractor Performance Information 442.1502 Policy. The Contractor Performance System (CPS), developed by the National Institutes of Health, is designated as the single USDA-wide system for maintaining...

Security analysis of cyber-physical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Zhang, Lichen

2017-05-01

In recent years, Cyber-Physical System (CPS) has become an important research direction of academic circles and scientific and technological circles at home and abroad, is considered to be following the third wave of world information technology after the computer, the Internet. PS is a multi-dimensional, heterogeneous, deep integration of open systems, Involving the computer, communication, control and other disciplines of knowledge. As the various disciplines in the research theory and methods are significantly different, so the application of CPS has brought great challenges. This paper introduces the definition and characteristics of CPS, analyzes the current situation of CPS, analyzes the security threats faced by CPS, and gives the security solution for security threats. It also discusses CPS-specific security technology, to promote the healthy development of CPS in information security.

48 CFR 3042.1502 - Policy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Performance Information 3042.1502 Policy. (a) Components shall use the Contractor Performance System (CPS) for... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Policy. 3042.1502 Section 3042.1502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, HOMELAND SECURITY...

Clinical pharmacists: The major support to Indian healthcare system in near future

PubMed Central

Deshpande, Prasanna R.; Vantipalli, Raghuram; Chaitanya Lakshmi, C. H.; Rao, E. Jagadeswara; Regmi, Bishnu; Ahad, Abdul; Nirojini, P. Sharmila

2015-01-01

Pharmacy practice is still in the initial stages of development in India, but launching of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) study program has brought serious discussions about clinical pharmacy in the country. As the profession is in budding stage in the country, the patients, physicians, nurses, other healthcare providers, recruiters in pharmaceutical industries, prospective students, and their parents have numerous questions about this profession and study course. The objective of this article is to create awareness about clinical pharmacy services (CPS) and to introduce the role of clinical pharmacists (CPs). After reading this article, one will know about the usefulness of CPs in the Indian healthcare system against the current flaws in the system. The article describes the role of CPs in the hospitals, in research, in pharmaceutical/contract research companies, in community service and it also tells about the related myths and facts. Prospective job opportunities for CPs, present challenges and the possible solutions are elaborated as well. In conclusion, CPs are going to be the major support to the Indian healthcare system in near future; the reasons being (1) CPS are beneficial in many ways to improve healthcare; CPS have already proved their importance in western countries (2) India was never officially and efficiently exposed to CPS; so launching of CPS shall revolutionize the country's healthcare scenario. PMID:26229349

Designing interchain and intrachain properties of conjugated polymers for latent optical information encoding

DOE PAGES

Chung, Kyeongwoon; McAllister, Andrew; Bilby, David; ...

2015-09-03

Building molecular-design insights for controlling both the intrachain and the interchain properties of conjugated polymers (CPs) is essential to determine their characteristics and to optimize their performance in applications. However, most CP designs have focused on the conjugated main chain to control the intrachain properties, while the design of side chains is usually used to render CPs soluble, even though the side chains critically affect the interchain packing. Here, we present a straightforward and effective design strategy for modifying the optical and electrochemical properties of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based CPs by controlling both the intrachain and interchain properties in a single system. Themore » synthesized polymers, P1, P2 and P3, show almost identical optical absorption spectra in solution, manifesting essentially the same intrachain properties of the three CPs having restricted effective conjugation along the main chain. However, the absorption spectra of CP films are gradually tuned by controlling the interchain packing through the side-chain design. Here, based on the tailored optical properties, we demonstrate the encoding of latent optical information utilizing the CPs as security inks on a silica substrate, which reveals and conceals hidden information upon the reversible aggregation/deaggregation of CPs.« less

Designing interchain and intrachain properties of conjugated polymers for latent optical information encoding

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

Chung, Kyeongwoon; McAllister, Andrew; Bilby, David

Building molecular-design insights for controlling both the intrachain and the interchain properties of conjugated polymers (CPs) is essential to determine their characteristics and to optimize their performance in applications. However, most CP designs have focused on the conjugated main chain to control the intrachain properties, while the design of side chains is usually used to render CPs soluble, even though the side chains critically affect the interchain packing. Here, we present a straightforward and effective design strategy for modifying the optical and electrochemical properties of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based CPs by controlling both the intrachain and interchain properties in a single system. Themore » synthesized polymers, P1, P2 and P3, show almost identical optical absorption spectra in solution, manifesting essentially the same intrachain properties of the three CPs having restricted effective conjugation along the main chain. However, the absorption spectra of CP films are gradually tuned by controlling the interchain packing through the side-chain design. Here, based on the tailored optical properties, we demonstrate the encoding of latent optical information utilizing the CPs as security inks on a silica substrate, which reveals and conceals hidden information upon the reversible aggregation/deaggregation of CPs.« less

Analysis of white box test of cyber-physical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Zhang, Lichen

2017-05-01

The Cyber-Physical System is a complex system in which the information system is closely integrated with the physical system. Through the environment detection and the combination of computing, communication and control process, the physical real-time perception and dynamic control function are realized. CPS is another information revolution after the Internet, and his presence will change the way people interact with the physical world. In this paper, the concept of CPS and white box testing is introduced, and then the white box test for CPS hardware, software, network and system is discussed in detail. Finally, the research on CPS is prospected.

76 FR 39015 - Contractor Performance Information

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-05

...] Contractor Performance Information AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ACTION: Direct final rule... contractor performance information. EPA is issuing a final rule because the changes are procedural in nature... Institutes of Health's Contractor Performance System (CPS) to the Department of Defense's Contractor...

Operating The Central Process Systems At Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiler, Carly P.

2004-01-01

As a research facility, the Glenn Research Center (GRC) trusts and expects all the systems, controlling their facilities to run properly and efficiently in order for their research and operations to occur proficiently and on time. While there are many systems necessary for the operations at GRC, one of those most vital systems is the Central Process Systems (CPS). The CPS controls operations used by GRC's wind tunnels, propulsion systems lab, engine components research lab, and compressor, turbine and combustor test cells. Used widely throughout the lab, it operates equipment such as exhausters, chillers, cooling towers, compressors, dehydrators, and other such equipment. Through parameters such as pressure, temperature, speed, flow, etc., it performs its primary operations on the major systems of Electrical Dispatch (ED), Central Air Dispatch (CAD), Central Air Equipment Building (CAEB), and Engine Research Building (ERB). In order for the CPS to continue its operations at Glenn, a new contract must be awarded. Consequently, one of my primary responsibilities was assisting the Source Evaluation Board (SEB) with the process of awarding the recertification contract of the CPS. The job of the SEB was to evaluate the proposals of the contract bidders and then to present their findings to the Source Selecting Official (SSO). Before the evaluations began, the Center Director established the level of the competition. For this contract, the competition was limited to those companies classified as a small, disadvantaged business. After an industry briefing that explained to qualified companies the CPS and type of work required, each of the interested companies then submitted proposals addressing three components: Mission Suitability, Cost, and Past Performance. These proposals were based off the Statement of Work (SOW) written by the SEB. After companies submitted their proposals, the SEB reviewed all three components and then presented their results to the SSO. While the SEB does not select the company receiving the contract, they can make recommendations based on their findings to the SSO, who actually awards the contract. The SEB began work for this contract in July 2003 by writing the SOW and the selection will tentatively occur July 30, 2004. Contract awarding will take place Aug. 15. Following the awarding, the winning company has a 30-day Phase-in Period beginning Sept. 1,2004 and full performance will begin October 1.

Thermal Hysteresis of MEMS Packaged Capacitive Pressure Sensor (CPS) Based 3C-SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marsi, N.; Majlis, B. Y.; Mohd-Yasin, F.; Hamzah, A. A.; Mohd Rus, A. Z.

2016-11-01

Presented herein are the effects of thermal hysteresis analyses of the MEMS packaged capacitive pressure sensor (CPS). The MEMS CPS was employed on Si-on-3C-SiC wafer that was performed using the hot wall low-pressure chemical vapour deposition (LPCVD) reactors at the Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Center (QMNC), Griffith University and fabricated using the bulk-micromachining process. The MEMS CPS was operated at an extreme temperature up to 500°C and high external pressure at 5.0 MPa. The thermal hysteresis phenomenon that causes the deflection, strain and stress on the 3C-SiC diaphragm spontaneously influence the MEMS CPS performances. The differences of temperature, hysteresis, and repeatability test were presented to demonstrate the functionality of the MEMS packaged CPS. As expected, the output hysteresis has a low hysteresis (less than 0.05%) which has the hardness greater than the traditional silicon. By utilizing this low hysteresis, it was revealed that the MEMS packaged CPS has high repeatability and stability of the sensor.

Security and Privacy in Cyber-Physical Systems

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

Fink, Glenn A.; Edgar, Thomas W.; Rice, Theora R.

As you have seen from the previous chapters, cyber-physical systems (CPS) are broadly used across technology and industrial domains. While these systems enable process optimization and efficiency and allow previously impossible functionality, security and privacy are key concerns for their design, development, and operation. CPS have been key components utilized in some of the highest publicized security breaches over the last decade. In this chapter, we will look over the CPS described in the previous chapters from a security perspective. In this chapter, we explain classical information and physical security fundamentals in the context of CPS and contextualize them acrossmore » application domains. We give examples where the interplay of functionality and diverse communication can introduce unexpected vulnerabilities and produce larger impacts. We will discuss how CPS security and privacy is inherently different from that of pure cyber or physical systems and what may be done to secure these systems, considering their emergent cyber-physical properties. Finally, we will discuss security and privacy implications of merging infrastructural and personal CPS. Our hope is to impart the knowledge of what CPS security and privacy are, why they are important, and explain existing processes and challenges.« less

Intersections of Family Homelessness, CPS Involvement, and Race in Alameda County, California

PubMed Central

Shinn, Marybeth

2016-01-01

The homelessness and child protective services (CPS) systems are closely linked. This study examines the patterns and sequence of families’ involvement with homeless shelters and CPS, as well as whether involvement in each system predicts involvement in the other using linked administrative records for 258 families recruited in emergency shelters in Alameda County, California. More than half of families were reported to CPS at some point, but less than one fifth ever had a report substantiated. Reports that were uninvestigated or unfounded increased in the months leading up to shelter entry and spiked immediately afterward, but substantiations and child removals increased only later. Shelter use before study entry was associated with CPS referrals and investigations after study entry, although not with substantiated cases or child removals. However, CPS involvement before study entry was not associated with returns to shelter after study entry. These results imply that an unsubstantiated report of neglect or abuse may serve as an early warning signal for homelessness and that preventive strategies aiming to affect both homeless and child protective systems should focus on reducing homelessness. CPS workers should evaluate families’ housing needs and attempt to link families to appropriate resources. Black families were disproportionately referred to CPS after shelter entry after controlling for other family characteristics, but race was not associated with substantiations of neglect or abuse or with child removals. Findings lend modest support to human decision-making and institutional explanations of racial disproportionalities in CPS involvement, especially for reporters outside of the CPS system. PMID:27318034

Restricted Authentication and Encryption for Cyber-physical Systems

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

Kirkpatrick, Michael S; Bertino, Elisa; Sheldon, Frederick T

2009-01-01

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are characterized by the close linkage of computational resources and physical devices. These systems can be deployed in a number of critical infrastructure settings. As a result, the security requirements of CPS are different than traditional computing architectures. For example, critical functions must be identified and isolated from interference by other functions. Similarly, lightweight schemes may be required, as CPS can include devices with limited computing power. One approach that offers promise for CPS security is the use of lightweight, hardware-based authentication. Specifically, we consider the use of Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) to bind an access requestmore » to specific hardware with device-specific keys. PUFs are implemented in hardware, such as SRAM, and can be used to uniquely identify the device. This technology could be used in CPS to ensure location-based access control and encryption, both of which would be desirable for CPS implementations.« less

Isolation and identification of citrus psorosis virus Egyptian isolate (CPsV-EG).

PubMed

Ghazal, S A; El-Dougdoug, Kh A; Mousa, A A; Fahmy, H; Sofy, A R

2008-01-01

Citrus psorosis ophiovirus (CPsV), is considered to be of the most serious and deter mental virus pathogen's citrus species trees in Egypt. CPsV-EG was isolated from infected citrus grapefruit (C. paradisi Macf.) at Agric. Res. Centre (ARC). The grapefruit which used for CPsV-EG isolate was found to be free from CTV, CEVd and Spiroplasma citri where as gave -ve results with DTBIA, tissue print hybridization and Diene's stain respectively. CPsV-EG was detected on the basis of biological indexing by graft inoculation which gave oak leaf pattern (OLP) on Dweet tangor and serological assay by DAS-ELISA using Mab specific CPsV. CPsV-EG was reacted with variable responses on 16 host plants belonging to 6 families. Only 8 host plants are susceptible and showed visible external symptoms which appeared as local, systemic and local followed by systemic infections. CPsV-EG isolate was transmitted from infected citrus to citrus by syringe and grafting and herbaceous plants by forefinger inoculation and syringe. The woody indicators and rootstocks were differed in response to CPsV-EG isolate which appeared as no-response, response, sensitivity and hypersensitivity. The serological characters represented as the antigenic determinants of CPsV-EG isolate related to monoclonal antibodies specific CPsV strain where as appeared precipitation reaction by DAS-ELISA and DTBIA. The partial fragment of RNA3 (coat protein gene) of CPsV-EG (-1140bp and -571bp) was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from grapefruit tissues using two sets primers specific CPsV (CPV3 and CPV4) and (PS66 and PS65) respectively. The virus under study was identified as CPsV-EG isolate according to biological, serological and molecular characters.

Conducting Polymers for Neural Prosthetic and Neural Interface Applications

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Neural interfacing devices are an artificial mechanism for restoring or supplementing the function of the nervous system lost as a result of injury or disease. Conducting polymers (CPs) are gaining significant attention due to their capacity to meet the performance criteria of a number of neuronal therapies including recording and stimulating neural activity, the regeneration of neural tissue and the delivery of bioactive molecules for mediating device-tissue interactions. CPs form a flexible platform technology that enables the development of tailored materials for a range of neuronal diagnostic and treatment therapies. In this review the application of CPs for neural prostheses and other neural interfacing devices are discussed, with a specific focus on neural recording, neural stimulation, neural regeneration, and therapeutic drug delivery. PMID:26414302

Panel summary of cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) opportunities with information fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blasch, Erik; Kadar, Ivan; Grewe, Lynne L.; Brooks, Richard; Yu, Wei; Kwasinski, Andres; Thomopoulos, Stelios; Salerno, John; Qi, Hairong

2017-05-01

During the 2016 SPIE DSS conference, nine panelists were invited to highlight the trends and opportunities in cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) with information fusion. The world will be ubiquitously outfitted with many sensors to support our daily living thorough the Internet of Things (IoT), manage infrastructure developments with cyber-physical systems (CPS), as well as provide communication through networked information fusion technology over the internet (NIFTI). This paper summarizes the panel discussions on opportunities of information fusion to the growing trends in CPS and IoT. The summary includes the concepts and areas where information supports these CPS/IoT which includes situation awareness, transportation, and smart grids.

A qualitative assessment of a community pharmacy cognitive pharmaceutical services program, using a work system approach.

PubMed

Chui, Michelle A; Mott, David A; Maxwell, Leigh

2012-01-01

Although lack of time, trained personnel, and reimbursement have been identified as barriers to pharmacists providing cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) in community pharmacies, the underlying contributing factors of these barriers have not been explored. One approach to better understand barriers and facilitators to providing CPS is to use a work system approach to examine different components of a work system and how the components may impact care processes. The goals of this study were to identify and describe pharmacy work system characteristics that pharmacists identified and changed to provide CPS in a demonstration program. A qualitative approach was used for data collection. A purposive sample of 8 pharmacists at 6 community pharmacies participating in a demonstration program was selected to be interviewed. Each semistructured interview was audio recorded and transcribed, and the text was analyzed in a descriptive and interpretive manner by 3 analysts. Themes were identified in the text and aligned with 1 of 5 components of the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) work system model (organization, tasks, tools/technology, people, and environment). A total of 21 themes were identified from the interviews, and 7 themes were identified across all 6 interviews. The organization component of the SEIPS model contained the most (n=10) themes. Numerous factors within a pharmacy work system appear important to enable pharmacists to provide CPS. Leadership and foresight by the organization to implement processes (communication, coordination, planning, etc.) to facilitate providing CPS was a key finding across the interviews. Expanding technician responsibilities was reported to be essential for successfully implementing CPS. To be successful in providing CPS, pharmacists must be cognizant of the different components of the pharmacy work system and how these components influence providing CPS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A qualitative assessment of a community pharmacy cognitive pharmaceutical services program, using a work system approach

PubMed Central

Chui, Michelle A.; Mott, David A.; Maxwell, Leigh

2012-01-01

Background Although lack of time, trained personnel, and reimbursement have been identified as barriers to pharmacists providing cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) in community pharmacies, the underlying contributing factors of these barriers have not been explored. One approach to better understand barriers and facilitators to providing CPS is to use a work system approach to examine different components of a work system and how the components may impact care processes. Objectives The goals of this study were to identify and describe pharmacy work system characteristics that pharmacists identified and changed to provide CPS in a demonstration program. Methods A qualitative approach was used for data collection. A purposive sample of 8 pharmacists at 6 community pharmacies participating in a demonstration program was selected to be interviewed. Each semistructured interview was audio recorded and transcribed, and the text was analyzed in a descriptive and interpretive manner by 3 analysts. Themes were identified in the text and aligned with 1 of 5 components of the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) work system model (organization, tasks, tools/technology, people, and environment). Results A total of 21 themes were identified from the interviews, and 7 themes were identified across all 6 interviews. The organization component of the SEIPS model contained the most (n = 10) themes. Numerous factors within a pharmacy work system appear important to enable pharmacists to provide CPS. Leadership and foresight by the organization to implement processes (communication, coordination, planning, etc.) to facilitate providing CPS was a key finding across the interviews. Expanding technician responsibilities was reported to be essential for successfully implementing CPS. Conclusions To be successful in providing CPS, pharmacists must be cognizant of the different components of the pharmacy work system and how these components influence providing CPS. PMID:21824822

A new practice-driven approach to develop software in a cyber-physical system environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yiping; Chen, C. L. Philip; Duan, Junwei

2016-02-01

Cyber-physical system (CPS) is an emerging area, which cannot work efficiently without proper software handling of the data and business logic. Software and middleware is the soul of the CPS. The software development of CPS is a critical issue because of its complicity in a large scale realistic system. Furthermore, object-oriented approach (OOA) is often used to develop CPS software, which needs some improvements according to the characteristics of CPS. To develop software in a CPS environment, a new systematic approach is proposed in this paper. It comes from practice, and has been evolved from software companies. It consists of (A) Requirement analysis in event-oriented way, (B) architecture design in data-oriented way, (C) detailed design and coding in object-oriented way and (D) testing in event-oriented way. It is a new approach based on OOA; the difference when compared with OOA is that the proposed approach has different emphases and measures in every stage. It is more accord with the characteristics of event-driven CPS. In CPS software development, one should focus on the events more than the functions or objects. A case study of a smart home system is designed to reveal the effectiveness of the approach. It shows that the approach is also easy to be operated in the practice owing to some simplifications. The running result illustrates the validity of this approach.

Molecular Structural Characteristics of Polysaccharide Fractions from Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch and Their Antioxidant Activities.

PubMed

Zeng, Hongliang; Miao, Song; Zheng, Baodong; Lin, Shan; Jian, Yeye; Chen, Shen; Zhang, Yi

2015-11-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the multiple relations between the preliminary molecular structural characteristics and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Canarium album (Lour.) Raeusch (CPS). Three polysaccharide fractions, CPS1, CPS2, and CPS3, were isolated from CPS by column chromatography. CPS1 and CPS3 were mainly composed of neutral polysaccharides linked by α- and β-glycosidic linkages while CPS2 was pectin polysaccharides mainly linked by β-glycosidic linkages. According to the SEC-MALLS-RI system, the molecular weight of CPS1 was greater compared to CPS2 and CPS3, and the molecular weight and radius of CPS did not display positive correlation. The chain conformation analysis indicated CPS1 and CPS2 were typical highly branched polysaccharides while CPS3 existed as a globular shape in aqueous. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of CPS2 was better than that of CPS3, while that of CPS1 was the weakest. The antioxidant activities of polysaccharide fractions were affected by their monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, molecular weight, and chain conformation. This functional property was a result of a combination of multiple molecular structural factors. CPS2 was the major antioxidant component of CPS and it could be exploited as a valued antioxidant product. The molecular structural characteristics, antioxidant activities, and structure-function relationships of polysaccharide fractions from Canarium album were first investigated in this study. The results provided background and practical knowledge for the deep-processed products of C. album with high added value. CPS2 was the major antioxidant component of CPS, which could be exploited as a valued antioxidant ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Cognitive Performance Scores for the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Vega-Fernandez, Patricia; Vanderburgh White, Shana; Zelko, Frank; Ruth, Natasha M; Levy, Deborah M; Muscal, Eyal; Klein-Gitelman, Marisa S; Huber, Adam M; Tucker, Lori B; Roebuck-Spencer, Tresa; Ying, Jun; Brunner, Hermine I

2015-08-01

To develop and initially validate a global cognitive performance score (CPS) for the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (PedANAM) to serve as a screening tool of cognition in childhood lupus. Patients (n = 166) completed the 9 subtests of the PedANAM battery, each of which provides 3 principal performance parameters (accuracy, mean reaction time for correct responses, and throughput). Cognitive ability was measured by formal neurocognitive testing or estimated by the Pediatric Perceived Cognitive Function Questionnaire-43 to determine the presence or absence of neurocognitive dysfunction (NCD). A subset of the data was used to develop 4 candidate PedANAM-CPS indices with supervised or unsupervised statistical approaches: PedANAM-CPSUWA , i.e., unweighted averages of the accuracy scores of all PedANAM subtests; PedANAM-CPSPCA , i.e., accuracy scores of all PedANAM subtests weighted through principal components analysis; PedANAM-CPSlogit , i.e., algorithm derived from logistic models to estimate NCD status based on the accuracy scores of all of the PedANAM subtests; and PedANAM-CPSmultiscore , i.e., algorithm derived from logistic models to estimate NCD status based on select PedANAM performance parameters. PedANAM-CPS candidates were validated using the remaining data. PedANAM-CPS indices were moderately correlated with each other (|r| > 0.65). All of the PedANAM-CPS indices discriminated children by NCD status across data sets (P < 0.036). The PedANAM-CPSmultiscore had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) across all data sets for identifying NCD status (AUC >0.74), followed by the PedANAM-CPSlogit , the PedANAM-CPSPCA , and the PedANAM-CPSUWA , respectively. Based on preliminary validation and considering ease of use, the PedANAM-CPSmultiscore and the PedANAM-CPSPCA appear to be best suited as global measures of PedANAM performance. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

The impact of a Classroom Performance System on learning gains in a biology course for science majors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marin, Nilo Eric

This study was conducted to determine if the use of the technology known as Classroom Performance System (CPS), specifically referred to as "Clickers", improves the learning gains of students enrolled in a biology course for science majors. CPS is one of a group of developing technologies adapted for providing feedback in the classroom using a learner-centered approach. It supports and facilitates discussion among students and between them and teachers, and provides for participation by passive students. Advocates, influenced by constructivist theories, claim increased academic achievement. In science teaching, the results have been mixed, but there is some evidence of improvements in conceptual understanding. The study employed a pretest-posttest, non-equivalent groups experimental design. The sample consisted of 226 participants in six sections of a college biology course at a large community college in South Florida with two instructors trained in the use of clickers. Each instructor randomly selected their sections into CPS (treatment) and non-CPS (control) groups. All participants filled out a survey that included demographic data at the beginning of the semester. The treatment group used clicker questions throughout, with discussions as necessary, whereas the control groups answered the same questions as quizzes, similarly engaging in discussion where necessary. The learning gains were assessed on a pre/post-test basis. The average learning gains, defined as the actual gain divided by the possible gain, were slightly better in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was statistically non-significant. An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistic with pretest scores as the covariate was conducted to test for significant differences between the treatment and control groups on the posttest. A second ANCOVA was used to determine the significance of differences between the treatment and control groups on the posttest scores, after controlling for sex, GPA, academic status, experience with clickers, and instructional style. The results indicated a small increase in learning gains but these were not statistically significant. The data did not support an increase in learning based on the use of the CPS technology. This study adds to the body of research that questions whether CPS technology merits classroom adaptation.

Cyber Physical System Modelling of Distribution Power Systems for Dynamic Demand Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Xiaodong; Zhang, Rongxiang; Tang, Maosen; Huang, Haoyi; Zhang, Lei

2018-01-01

Dynamic demand response (DDR) is a package of control methods to enhance power system security. A CPS modelling and simulation platform for DDR in distribution power systems is presented in this paper. CPS modelling requirements of distribution power systems are analyzed. A coupled CPS modelling platform is built for assessing DDR in the distribution power system, which combines seamlessly modelling tools of physical power networks and cyber communication networks. Simulations results of IEEE 13-node test system demonstrate the effectiveness of the modelling and simulation platform.

Network challenges for cyber physical systems with tiny wireless devices: a case study on reliable pipeline condition monitoring.

PubMed

Ali, Salman; Qaisar, Saad Bin; Saeed, Husnain; Khan, Muhammad Farhan; Naeem, Muhammad; Anpalagan, Alagan

2015-03-25

The synergy of computational and physical network components leading to the Internet of Things, Data and Services has been made feasible by the use of Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs). CPS engineering promises to impact system condition monitoring for a diverse range of fields from healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation to aerospace and warfare. CPS for environment monitoring applications completely transforms human-to-human, human-to-machine and machine-to-machine interactions with the use of Internet Cloud. A recent trend is to gain assistance from mergers between virtual networking and physical actuation to reliably perform all conventional and complex sensing and communication tasks. Oil and gas pipeline monitoring provides a novel example of the benefits of CPS, providing a reliable remote monitoring platform to leverage environment, strategic and economic benefits. In this paper, we evaluate the applications and technical requirements for seamlessly integrating CPS with sensor network plane from a reliability perspective and review the strategies for communicating information between remote monitoring sites and the widely deployed sensor nodes. Related challenges and issues in network architecture design and relevant protocols are also provided with classification. This is supported by a case study on implementing reliable monitoring of oil and gas pipeline installations. Network parameters like node-discovery, node-mobility, data security, link connectivity, data aggregation, information knowledge discovery and quality of service provisioning have been reviewed.

Network Challenges for Cyber Physical Systems with Tiny Wireless Devices: A Case Study on Reliable Pipeline Condition Monitoring

PubMed Central

Ali, Salman; Qaisar, Saad Bin; Saeed, Husnain; Farhan Khan, Muhammad; Naeem, Muhammad; Anpalagan, Alagan

2015-01-01

The synergy of computational and physical network components leading to the Internet of Things, Data and Services has been made feasible by the use of Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs). CPS engineering promises to impact system condition monitoring for a diverse range of fields from healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation to aerospace and warfare. CPS for environment monitoring applications completely transforms human-to-human, human-to-machine and machine-to-machine interactions with the use of Internet Cloud. A recent trend is to gain assistance from mergers between virtual networking and physical actuation to reliably perform all conventional and complex sensing and communication tasks. Oil and gas pipeline monitoring provides a novel example of the benefits of CPS, providing a reliable remote monitoring platform to leverage environment, strategic and economic benefits. In this paper, we evaluate the applications and technical requirements for seamlessly integrating CPS with sensor network plane from a reliability perspective and review the strategies for communicating information between remote monitoring sites and the widely deployed sensor nodes. Related challenges and issues in network architecture design and relevant protocols are also provided with classification. This is supported by a case study on implementing reliable monitoring of oil and gas pipeline installations. Network parameters like node-discovery, node-mobility, data security, link connectivity, data aggregation, information knowledge discovery and quality of service provisioning have been reviewed. PMID:25815444

A game-theoretic method for cross-layer stochastic resilient control design in CPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Jiajun; Feng, Dongqin

2018-03-01

In this paper, the cross-layer security problem of cyber-physical system (CPS) is investigated from the game-theoretic perspective. Physical dynamics of plant is captured by stochastic differential game with cyber-physical influence being considered. The sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of state-feedback equilibrium strategies is given. The attack-defence cyber interactions are formulated by a Stackelberg game intertwined with stochastic differential game in physical layer. The condition such that the Stackelberg equilibrium being unique and the corresponding analytical solutions are both provided. An algorithm is proposed for obtaining hierarchical security strategy by solving coupled games, which ensures the operational normalcy and cyber security of CPS subject to uncertain disturbance and unexpected cyberattacks. Simulation results are given to show the effectiveness and performance of the proposed algorithm.

Prospective study of Centurion® versus Infiniti® phacoemulsification systems: surgical and visual outcomes.

PubMed

Oh, Lawrence J; Nguyen, Chu Luan; Wong, Eugene; Wang, Samuel S Y; Francis, Ian C

2017-01-01

To evaluate surgical outcomes (SOs) and visual outcomes (VOs) in cataract surgery comparing the Centurion ® phacoemulsification system (CPS) with the Infiniti ® phacoemulsification system (IPS). Prospective, consecutive study in a single-site private practice. Totally 412 patients undergoing cataract surgery with either the CPS using the 30-degree balanced ® tip ( n =207) or the IPS using the 30-degree Kelman ® tip ( n =205). Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were documented prospectively up to one month follow-up. Nuclear sclerosis (NS) grade, cumulated dissipated energy (CDE), preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and CDVA at one month were recorded. CDE was 13.50% less in the whole CPS compared with the whole IPS subcohort. In eyes with NS grade III or greater, CDE was 28.87% less with CPS ( n =70) compared with IPS ( n =44) ( P =0.010). Surgical complications were not statistically different between the two subcohorts ( P =0.083), but in the one case of vitreous loss using the CPS, CDVA of 6/4 was achieved at one month. The mean CDVAs (VOs) at one month for NS grade III and above cataracts were -0.17 logMAR (6/4.5) in the CPS and -0.15 logMAR (6/4.5) in the IPS subcohort respectively ( P =0.033). CDE is 28.87% less, and VOs are significantly improved, in denser cataracts in the CPS compared with the IPS. The authors recommend the CPS for cases with denser nuclei.

Planning assistance for the NASA 30/20 GHz program. Network control architecture study.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Inukai, T.; Bonnelycke, B.; Strickland, S.

1982-01-01

Network Control Architecture for a 30/20 GHz flight experiment system operating in the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) was studied. Architecture development, identification of processing functions, and performance requirements for the Master Control Station (MCS), diversity trunking stations, and Customer Premises Service (CPS) stations are covered. Preliminary hardware and software processing requirements as well as budgetary cost estimates for the network control system are given. For the trunking system control, areas covered include on board SS-TDMA switch organization, frame structure, acquisition and synchronization, channel assignment, fade detection and adaptive power control, on board oscillator control, and terrestrial network timing. For the CPS control, they include on board processing and adaptive forward error correction control.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase CpsB and Alterations in Capsule Production Resulting from Changes in Oxygen Availability

PubMed Central

Geno, K. Aaron; Hauser, Jocelyn R.; Gupta, Kanupriya

2014-01-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae produces a protective capsular polysaccharide whose production must be modulated for bacterial survival within various host niches. Capsule production is affected in part by a phosphoregulatory system comprised of CpsB, CpsC, and CpsD. Here, we found that growth of serotype 2 strain D39 under conditions of increased oxygen availability resulted in decreased capsule levels concurrent with an ∼5-fold increase in Cps2B-mediated phosphatase activity. The change in Cps2B phosphatase activity did not result from alterations in the levels of either the cps2B transcript or the Cps2B protein. Recombinant Cps2B expressed in Escherichia coli similarly exhibited increased phosphatase activity under conditions of high-oxygen growth. S. pneumoniae D39 derivatives with defined deletion or point mutations in cps2B demonstrated reduced phosphatase activity with corresponding increases in levels of Cps2D tyrosine phosphorylation. There was, however, no correlation between these phenotypes and the level of capsule production. During growth under reduced-oxygen conditions, the Cps2B protein was essential for parental levels of capsule, but phosphatase activity alone could be eliminated without an effect on capsule. Under increased-oxygen conditions, deletion of cps2B did not affect capsule levels. These results indicate that neither Cps2B phosphatase activity nor Cps2D phosphorylation levels per se are determinants of capsule levels, whereas the Cps2B protein is important for capsule production during growth under conditions of reduced but not enhanced oxygen availability. Roles for factors outside the capsule locus, possible interactions between capsule regulatory proteins, and links to other cellular processes are also suggested by the results described in this study. PMID:24659769

Self-Adaptive Strategy Based on Fuzzy Control Systems for Improving Performance in Wireless Sensors Networks.

PubMed

Hernández Díaz, Vicente; Martínez, José-Fernán; Lucas Martínez, Néstor; del Toro, Raúl M

2015-09-18

The solutions to cope with new challenges that societies have to face nowadays involve providing smarter daily systems. To achieve this, technology has to evolve and leverage physical systems automatic interactions, with less human intervention. Technological paradigms like Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are providing reference models, architectures, approaches and tools that are to support cross-domain solutions. Thus, CPS based solutions will be applied in different application domains like e-Health, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation and so on, to assure the expected response from a complex system that relies on the smooth interaction and cooperation of diverse networked physical systems. The Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN) are a well-known wireless technology that are part of large CPS. The WSN aims at monitoring a physical system, object, (e.g., the environmental condition of a cargo container), and relaying data to the targeted processing element. The WSN communication reliability, as well as a restrained energy consumption, are expected features in a WSN. This paper shows the results obtained in a real WSN deployment, based on SunSPOT nodes, which carries out a fuzzy based control strategy to improve energy consumption while keeping communication reliability and computational resources usage among boundaries.

Self-Adaptive Strategy Based on Fuzzy Control Systems for Improving Performance in Wireless Sensors Networks

PubMed Central

Hernández Díaz, Vicente; Martínez, José-Fernán; Lucas Martínez, Néstor; del Toro, Raúl M.

2015-01-01

The solutions to cope with new challenges that societies have to face nowadays involve providing smarter daily systems. To achieve this, technology has to evolve and leverage physical systems automatic interactions, with less human intervention. Technological paradigms like Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are providing reference models, architectures, approaches and tools that are to support cross-domain solutions. Thus, CPS based solutions will be applied in different application domains like e-Health, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation and so on, to assure the expected response from a complex system that relies on the smooth interaction and cooperation of diverse networked physical systems. The Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN) are a well-known wireless technology that are part of large CPS. The WSN aims at monitoring a physical system, object, (e.g., the environmental condition of a cargo container), and relaying data to the targeted processing element. The WSN communication reliability, as well as a restrained energy consumption, are expected features in a WSN. This paper shows the results obtained in a real WSN deployment, based on SunSPOT nodes, which carries out a fuzzy based control strategy to improve energy consumption while keeping communication reliability and computational resources usage among boundaries. PMID:26393612

Tetrazole amphiphile inducing growth of conducting polymers hierarchical nanostructures and their electromagnetic absorption properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Aming; Sun, Mengxiao; Zhang, Kun; Xia, Yilu; Wu, Fan

2018-05-01

Conducting polymers (CPs) at nano scales endow materials with special optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. The crucial factor to construct and regulate the micro-structures of CPs is the inducing reagent, particular in its chemical structure, such active sites, self-assembling properties. In this paper, we design and synthesize an amphiphile bearing tetrazole moiety on its skeleton, and use this amphiphile as an inducing reagent to prepare and regulate the micro-structures of a series of CPs including polypyrrole, polyaniline, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(p-phenylenediamine). Because of the unique electric properties of CPs and size effect, we next explored the electromagnetic absorption performances of these CPs nanostructures. A synergetic combination of electric loss and magnetic loss is used to explain the absorption mechanism of these CPs nano-structures.

Effect of developmental exposure to chlorpyrifos on the expression of neurotrophin growth factors and cell-specific markers in neonatal rat brain.

PubMed

Betancourt, Angela M; Burgess, Shane C; Carr, Russell L

2006-08-01

Chlorpyrifos (CPS), a known neurotoxicant, is a widely used agricultural organophosphorus insecticide. The effects of postnatal exposure to CPS on the expression of mRNA for two factors critical to brain development, nerve growth factor (NGF) and reelin, were investigated in the forebrain of rats. In addition, the expression of mRNA for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) M(1) subtype and cell-specific markers for developing neurons (beta-III tubulin), astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), and oligodendrocytes (myelin-associated glycoprotein, MAG) was also investigated. Oral administration of CPS (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg) or the corn oil vehicle was performed daily from postnatal days (PNDs) 1 through 6. No signs of overt toxicity or of cholinergic hyperstimulation were observed after CPS administration. Body weight was significantly different from controls on PND7 in both males and females exposed to 3.0 mg/kg CPS. Quantitative PCR was performed on the forebrain. The expression of NGF, reelin, and M(1) mAChR mRNA was significantly reduced with both dosages of CPS in both sexes. beta-III Tubulin mRNA expression remained unchanged after exposure, whereas MAG mRNA expression was significantly decreased with both dosages of CPS in both sexes, suggesting effects on the developing oligodendrocytes. In contrast, GFAP mRNA levels were significantly increased with both dosages of CPS in both sexes, suggesting increased astrocyte reactivity. Our findings indicate that dosages of CPS which cause significant cholinesterase inhibition but do not exert overt toxicity can adversely affect the expression levels of critical genes involved in brain development during the early postnatal period in the rat.

Positioning navigation and timing service applications in cyber physical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Yi; Wu, Xiaojing; Zeng, Lingchuan

2017-10-01

The positioning navigation and timing (PNT) architecture was discussed in detail, whose history, evolvement, current status and future plan were presented, main technologies were listed, advantages and limitations of most technologies were compared, novel approaches were introduced, and future capacities were sketched. The concept of cyber-physical system (CPS) was described and their primary features were interpreted. Then the three-layer architecture of CPS was illustrated. Next CPS requirements on PNT services were analyzed, including requirements on position reference and time reference, requirements on temporal-spatial error monitor, requirements on dynamic services, real-time services, autonomous services, security services and standard services. Finally challenges faced by PNT applications in CPS were concluded. The conclusion was expected to facilitate PNT applications in CPS, and furthermore to provide references to the design and implementation of both architectures.

Emerging Role of Clinical Preceptors (CPs) at a Private University, Karachi, Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dias, Jacqueline Maria; Lalwani, Erum; Khowaja, Amina Aijaz; Mithani, Yasmin Murad

2017-01-01

Clinical preceptors (CPs) play an integral role to prepare skilled, competent and caring student nurses to perform their future roles as members of the health care team. The aim of this study was to explore processes and effectiveness of the new role of clinical preceptors (CPs) in a low income country. A case study using Tellis (1997) approach…

Prospective study of Centurion® versus Infiniti® phacoemulsification systems: surgical and visual outcomes

PubMed Central

Oh, Lawrence J.; Nguyen, Chu Luan; Wong, Eugene; Wang, Samuel S.Y.; Francis, Ian C.

2017-01-01

AIM To evaluate surgical outcomes (SOs) and visual outcomes (VOs) in cataract surgery comparing the Centurion® phacoemulsification system (CPS) with the Infiniti® phacoemulsification system (IPS). METHODS Prospective, consecutive study in a single-site private practice. Totally 412 patients undergoing cataract surgery with either the CPS using the 30-degree balanced® tip (n=207) or the IPS using the 30-degree Kelman® tip (n=205). Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were documented prospectively up to one month follow-up. Nuclear sclerosis (NS) grade, cumulated dissipated energy (CDE), preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and CDVA at one month were recorded. RESULTS CDE was 13.50% less in the whole CPS compared with the whole IPS subcohort. In eyes with NS grade III or greater, CDE was 28.87% less with CPS (n=70) compared with IPS (n=44) (P=0.010). Surgical complications were not statistically different between the two subcohorts (P=0.083), but in the one case of vitreous loss using the CPS, CDVA of 6/4 was achieved at one month. The mean CDVAs (VOs) at one month for NS grade III and above cataracts were -0.17 logMAR (6/4.5) in the CPS and -0.15 logMAR (6/4.5) in the IPS subcohort respectively (P=0.033). CONCLUSION CDE is 28.87% less, and VOs are significantly improved, in denser cataracts in the CPS compared with the IPS. The authors recommend the CPS for cases with denser nuclei. PMID:29181313

The Impact of Classroom Performance System-Based Instruction with Peer Instruction upon Student Achievement and Motivation in Eighth Grade Math Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allison, Tracy Michelle Hunter

2012-01-01

The researcher employed two designs to address the research question for this particular study. This quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group study compared the math achievement of 92 eighth grade students who received Classroom Performance System (CPS)-based instruction using Peer Instruction (PI) to 76 eighth grade students who received…

Effect of worker contacts on risk of child maltreatment recurrence among CPS-involved children and families.

PubMed

Halverson, Julie L; Russell, Jesse Rio; Kerwin, Colleen

2018-06-05

The mission and responsibility of child protective services (CPS) is to investigate maltreatment; intervene to protect children from harm; and promote safety, permanency, and well-being (DePanfilis & Salus, 2003; Goldman, Salus, Wolcott, & Kennedy, 2003). In 2015, approximately 7.2 million children in the United States were referred to CPS agencies, and 3.4 million children had an investigation or received an alternative response (US Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). Fluke, Shusterman, Hollinshead, and Yuan (2005) found that about one third of children with an allegation of maltreatment would have at least one re-report within a five-year period. Research indicates that the rates of child maltreatment or changes in indicators of child maltreatment have remained unchanged over time (Gilbert et al., 2012). Despite policies aimed at reducing or preventing maltreatment, the development of CPS systems across the United States, and a CPS workforce, the aggregate effects of the CPS system, services, and worker efforts are not well understood. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Female sexual abuse and criminal justice intervention: a comparison of child protective service and criminal justice samples.

PubMed

Bader, Shannon M; Scalora, Mario J; Casady, Thomas K; Black, Shannon

2008-01-01

The current study compared a sample of female perpetrators reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) to a sample of women from the criminal justice system. Instead of examining a clinical or criminal justice sample in isolation, this comparison allows a more accurate description of female sexual offending. Cases were drawn from a Midwestern state's child abuse registry, law enforcement records, and sex offender registry. The CPS sample consisted of 179 women, and the criminal justice system sample consisted of 57 women. All cases were reported to the agencies between 1994 and 2004. Victims ranged in age from 1 to 18 years old (M=9.98, SD=4.37). As hypothesized, there were statistically significant differences between the CPS and criminal justice samples. Specifically, the CPS sample had a majority of victims under age 12 (74.9%), while the criminal justice sample had a majority of victims between ages 13 and 19 (73.8%). The CPS sample had predominantly intrafamilial victims (97.8%), while the criminal justice sample had a majority of extrafamilial victims (63.3%). The CPS sample also showed significantly more female victims (63.7%), while the criminal justice sample had mostly male victims (62.1%). There were significant differences in the victim's age, the victim's gender and the perpetrator-victim relationship between cases managed in the CPS and the criminal justice system. The results highlight the need for further research into child welfare and law enforcement collaboration.

Network Location-Aware Service Recommendation with Random Walk in Cyber-Physical Systems.

PubMed

Yin, Yuyu; Yu, Fangzheng; Xu, Yueshen; Yu, Lifeng; Mu, Jinglong

2017-09-08

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) have received much attention from both academia and industry. An increasing number of functions in CPS are provided in the way of services, which gives rise to an urgent task, that is, how to recommend the suitable services in a huge number of available services in CPS. In traditional service recommendation, collaborative filtering (CF) has been studied in academia, and used in industry. However, there exist several defects that limit the application of CF-based methods in CPS. One is that under the case of high data sparsity, CF-based methods are likely to generate inaccurate prediction results. In this paper, we discover that mining the potential similarity relations among users or services in CPS is really helpful to improve the prediction accuracy. Besides, most of traditional CF-based methods are only capable of using the service invocation records, but ignore the context information, such as network location, which is a typical context in CPS. In this paper, we propose a novel service recommendation method for CPS, which utilizes network location as context information and contains three prediction models using random walking. We conduct sufficient experiments on two real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods and verify that the network location is indeed useful in QoS prediction.

Student Perceptions of a Wireless Audience Response System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walton, Abram; Homan, Scott; Naimi, Linda; Tomovic, Cynthia

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and measure the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding the classroom performance system (CPS). Design/methodology/approach: The paper reviews a range of recently published (1993-2006) works on pedagogy and educational technology. A survey methodology was utilized to measure students'…

High Assurance Control of Cyber-Physical Systems with Application to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Cheolhyeon

With recent progress in the networked embedded control technology, cyber attacks have become one of the major threats to Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) due to their close integration of physical processes, computational resources, and communication capabilities. While CPSs have various applications in both military and civilian uses, their on-board automation and communication afford significant advantages over a system without such abilities, but these benefits come at the cost of possible vulnerability to cyber attacks. Traditionally, most cyber security studies in CPSs are mainly based on the computer security perspective, focusing on issues such as the trustworthiness of data flow, without rigorously considering the system's physical processes such as real-time dynamic behaviors. While computer security components are key elements in the hardware/software layer, these methods alone are not sufficient for diagnosing the healthiness of the CPSs' physical behavior. In seeking to address this problem, this research work proposes a control theoretic perspective approach which can accurately represent the interactions between the physical behavior and the logical behavior (computing resources) of the CPS. Then a controls domain aspect is explored extending beyond just the logical process of the CPS to include the underlying physical behavior. This approach will allow the CPS whose physical operations are robust/resilient to the damage caused by cyber attacks, successfully complementing the existing CPS security architecture. It is important to note that traditional fault-tolerant/robust control methods could not be directly applicable to achieve resiliency against malicious cyber attacks which can be designed sophisticatedly to spoof the security/safety monitoring system (note this is different from common faults). Thus, security issues at this layer require different risk management to detect cyber attacks and mitigate their impact within the context of a unified physical and logical process model of the CPS. Specifically, three main tasks are discussed in this presentation: (i) we first investigate diverse granularity of the interactions inside the CPS and propose feasible cyber attack models to characterize the compromised behavior of the CPS with various measures, from its severity to detectability; (ii) based on this risk information, our approach to securing the CPS addresses both monitoring of and high assurance control design against cyber attacks by developing on-line safety assessment and mitigation algorithms; and (iii) by extending the developed theories and methods from a single CPS to multiple CPSs, we examine the security and safety of multi-CPS network that are strongly dependent on the network topology, cooperation protocols between individual CPSs, etc. The effectiveness of the analytical findings is demonstrated and validated with illustrative examples, especially unmanned aircraft system (UAS) applications.

Recurrence of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency in Turkish patients: characterization of a founder mutation by use of recombinant CPS1 from insect cells expression.

PubMed

Hu, Liyan; Diez-Fernandez, Carmen; Rüfenacht, Véronique; Hismi, Burcu Öztürk; Ünal, Özlem; Soyucen, Erdogan; Çoker, Mahmut; Bayraktar, Bilge Tanyeri; Gunduz, Mehmet; Kiykim, Ertugrul; Olgac, Asburce; Pérez-Tur, Jordi; Rubio, Vicente; Häberle, Johannes

2014-12-01

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency due to CPS1 mutations is a rare autosomal-recessive urea cycle disorder causing hyperammonemia that can lead to death or severe neurological impairment. CPS1 catalyzes carbamoyl phosphate formation from ammonia, bicarbonate and two molecules of ATP, and requires the allosteric activator N-acetyl-L-glutamate. Clinical mutations occur in the entire CPS1 coding region, but mainly in single families, with little recurrence. We characterized here the only currently known recurrent CPS1 mutation, p.Val1013del, found in eleven unrelated patients of Turkish descent using recombinant His-tagged wild type or mutant CPS1 expressed in baculovirus/insect cell system. The global CPS1 reaction and the ATPase and ATP synthesis partial reactions that reflect, respectively, the bicarbonate and the carbamate phosphorylation steps, were assayed. We found that CPS1 wild type and V1013del mutant showed comparable expression levels and purity but the mutant CPS1 exhibited no significant residual activities. In the CPS1 structural model, V1013 belongs to a highly hydrophobic β-strand at the middle of the central β-sheet of the A subdomain of the carbamate phosphorylation domain and is close to the predicted carbamate tunnel that links both phosphorylation sites. Haplotype studies suggested that p.Val1013del is a founder mutation. In conclusion, the mutation p.V1013del inactivates CPS1 but does not render the enzyme grossly unstable or insoluble. Recurrence of this particular mutation in Turkish patients is likely due to a founder effect, which is consistent with the frequent consanguinity observed in the affected population. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Fog Computing Based Cyber-Physical System for the Automation of Pipe-Related Tasks in the Industry 4.0 Shipyard.

PubMed

Fernández-Caramés, Tiago M; Fraga-Lamas, Paula; Suárez-Albela, Manuel; Díaz-Bouza, Manuel A

2018-06-17

Pipes are one of the key elements in the construction of ships, which usually contain between 15,000 and 40,000 of them. This huge number, as well as the variety of processes that may be performed on a pipe, require rigorous identification, quality assessment and traceability. Traditionally, such tasks have been carried out by using manual procedures and following documentation on paper, which slows down the production processes and reduces the output of a pipe workshop. This article presents a system that allows for identifying and tracking the pipes of a ship through their construction cycle. For such a purpose, a fog computing architecture is proposed to extend cloud computing to the edge of the shipyard network. The system has been developed jointly by Navantia, one of the largest shipbuilders in the world, and the University of A Coruña (Spain), through a project that makes use of some of the latest Industry 4.0 technologies. Specifically, a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) is described, which uses active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track pipes and detect relevant events. Furthermore, the CPS has been integrated and tested in conjunction with Siemens’ Manufacturing Execution System (MES) (Simatic IT). The experiments performed on the CPS show that, in the selected real-world scenarios, fog gateways respond faster than the tested cloud server, being such gateways are also able to process successfully more samples under high-load situations. In addition, under regular loads, fog gateways react between five and 481 times faster than the alternative cloud approach.

Capsule Polysaccharide Mediates Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides

PubMed Central

Campos, Miguel A.; Vargas, Miguel A.; Regueiro, Verónica; Llompart, Catalina M.; Albertí, Sebastián; Bengoechea, José A.

2004-01-01

The innate immune system plays a critical role in the defense of areas exposed to microorganisms. There is an increasing body of evidence indicating that antimicrobial peptides and proteins (APs) are one of the most important weapons of this system and that they make up the protective front for the respiratory tract. On the other hand, it is known that pathogenic organisms have developed countermeasures to resist these agents such as reducing the net negative charge of the bacterial membranes. Here we report the characterization of a novel mechanism of resistance to APs that is dependent on the bacterial capsule polysaccharide (CPS). Klebsiella pneumoniae CPS mutant was more sensitive than the wild type to human neutrophil defensin 1, β-defensin 1, lactoferrin, protamine sulfate, and polymyxin B. K. pneumoniae lipopolysaccharide O antigen did not play an important role in AP resistance, and CPS was the only factor conferring protection against polymyxin B in strains lacking O antigen. In addition, we found a significant correlation between the amount of CPS expressed by a given strain and the resistance to polymyxin B. We also showed that K. pneumoniae CPS mutant bound more polymyxin B than the wild-type strain with a concomitant increased in the self-promoted pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that CPS protects bacteria by limiting the interaction of APs with the surface. Finally, we report that K. pneumoniae increased the amount of CPS and upregulated cps transcription when grown in the presence of polymyxin B and lactoferrin. PMID:15557634

Extending AADL for Security Design Assurance of Cyber Physical Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-16

a detailed system architecture design of a CPS can be analyzed using AADL to prevent such types of CWEs. We divided the work into two tasks as...security modeling to CPSs, and develop a case study to show how formal modeling using AADL could be applied to a CPS to improve the security design of the... CPS . These examples of recent attacks against automobiles have been reported:  A wireless device used by Progressive Insurance to gather information

Turning around Low-Performing Schools in Chicago. Summary Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de la Torre, Marisa; Allensworth, Elaine; Jagesic, Sanja; Sebastian, James; Salmonowicz, Michael; Meyers, Coby; Gerdeman, R. Dean

2012-01-01

The University of Chicago Consortium on Chicago School Research and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) partnered to examine five different models initiated by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 36 schools. CPS was an early adopter of dramatic intervention strategies in low-performing schools, and the reforms in this study were implemented…

Facile morphology-controlled synthesis of nickel-coated graphite core-shell particles for excellent conducting performance of polymer-matrix composites and enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Juan; Lan, Fang; Wang, Yilong; Ren, Ke; Zhao, Suling; Li, Wei; Chen, Zhihong; Li, Jiangyu; Guan, Jianguo

2018-04-01

We have developed a novel seed-mediated growth method to fabricate nickel-coated graphite composite particles (GP@Ni-CPs) with controllable shell morphology by simply adjusting the concentration of sodium hydroxide ([NaOH]). The fabrication of two kinds of typical GP@Ni-CPs includes adsorption of Ni2+ via electrostatic attraction, sufficient heterogeneous nucleation of Ni atoms by an in situ reduction, and shell-controlled growth by regulating the kinetics of electroless Ni plating in turn. High [NaOH] results in fast kinetics of electroless plating, which causes heterogeneous nuclei to grow isotropically. After fast and uniform growth of Ni nuclei, GP@Ni-CPs with dense shells can be achieved. The first typical GP@Ni-CPs exhibit denser shells, smaller diameters and higher conductivities than the available commercial ones, indicating their important applications in the conducting of polymer-matrix composites. On the other hand, low [NaOH] favors slow kinetics. Thus, the reduction rate of Ni2+ slows down to a relatively low level so that electroless plating is dominated thermodynamically instead of kinetically, leading to an anisotropic crystalline growth of nuclei and finally to the formation of GP@Ni-CPs with nanoneedle-like shells. The second typical samples can effectively catalyze the reduction of p-nitrophenol into p-aminophenol with NaBH4 in comparison with commercial GP@Ni-CPs and RANEY® Ni, owing to the strong charge accumulation effect of needle-like Ni shells. This work proposes a model system for fundamental investigations and has important applications in the fields of electronic interconnection and catalysis.

Comparison of the long-term clinical performance of a biodegradable and a titanium fixation system in maxillofacial surgery: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Gareb, B; van Bakelen, N B; Buijs, G J; Jansma, J; de Visscher, J G A M; Hoppenreijs, Th J M; Bergsma, J E; van Minnen, B; Stegenga, B; Bos, R R M

2017-01-01

Biodegradable fixation systems could reduce or eliminate problems associated with titanium removal of implants in a second operation. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term (i.e. >5 years postoperatively) clinical performance of a titanium and a biodegradable system in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The present multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was performed in four hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients treated with a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and/or a Le Fort-I osteotomy, and those treated for fractures of the mandible, maxilla, or zygoma were included from December 2006 to July 2009. The patients were randomly assigned to either a titanium (KLS Martin) or a biodegradable group (Inion CPS). After >5 years postoperatively, plate removal was performed in 22 of the 134 (16.4%) patients treated with titanium and in 23 of the 87 (26.4%) patients treated with the biodegradable system (P = 0.036, hazard ratio (HR) biodegradable (95% CI) = 2.0 (1.05-3.8), HR titanium = 1). Occlusion, VAS pain scores, and MFIQ showed good and (almost) pain free mandibular function in both groups. In conclusion, the performance of the Inion CPS biodegradable system was inferior compared to the KLS Martin titanium system regarding plate/screws removal in the abovementioned surgical procedures. http://controlled-trials.com ISRCTN44212338.

The performance of approximations of farm contiguity compared to contiguity defined using detailed geographical information in two sample areas in Scotland: implications for foot-and-mouth disease modelling.

PubMed

Flood, Jessica S; Porphyre, Thibaud; Tildesley, Michael J; Woolhouse, Mark E J

2013-10-08

When modelling infectious diseases, accurately capturing the pattern of dissemination through space is key to providing optimal recommendations for control. Mathematical models of disease spread in livestock, such as for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), have done this by incorporating a transmission kernel which describes the decay in transmission rate with increasing Euclidean distance from an infected premises (IP). However, this assumes a homogenous landscape, and is based on the distance between point locations of farms. Indeed, underlying the spatial pattern of spread are the contact networks involved in transmission. Accordingly, area-weighted tessellation around farm point locations has been used to approximate field-contiguity and simulate the effect of contiguous premises (CP) culling for FMD. Here, geographic data were used to determine contiguity based on distance between premises' fields and presence of landscape features for two sample areas in Scotland. Sensitivity, positive predictive value, and the True Skill Statistic (TSS) were calculated to determine how point distance measures and area-weighted tessellation compared to the 'gold standard' of the map-based measures in identifying CPs. In addition, the mean degree and density of the different contact networks were calculated. Utilising point distances <1 km and <5 km as a measure for contiguity resulted in poor discrimination between map-based CPs/non-CPs (TSS 0.279-0.344 and 0.385-0.400, respectively). Point distance <1 km missed a high proportion of map-based CPs; <5 km point distance picked up a high proportion of map-based non-CPs as CPs. Area-weighted tessellation performed best, with reasonable discrimination between map-based CPs/non-CPs (TSS 0.617-0.737) and comparable mean degree and density. Landscape features altered network properties considerably when taken into account. The farming landscape is not homogeneous. Basing contiguity on geographic locations of field boundaries and including landscape features known to affect transmission into FMD models are likely to improve individual farm-level accuracy of spatial predictions in the event of future outbreaks. If a substantial proportion of FMD transmission events are by contiguous spread, and CPs should be assigned an elevated relative transmission rate, the shape of the kernel could be significantly altered since ability to discriminate between map-based CPs and non-CPs is different over different Euclidean distances.

Hollow-fiber-supported liquid phase microextraction with in situ derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of chlorophenols in human urine samples.

PubMed

Ito, Rie; Kawaguchi, Migaku; Honda, Hidehiro; Koganei, Youji; Okanouchi, Noriya; Sakui, Norihiro; Saito, Koichi; Nakazawa, Hiroyuki

2008-09-01

A simple and highly sensitive method that involves hollow-fiber-supported liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) with in situ derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed for the determination of chlorophenols (CPs) such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TrCP), 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol (TeCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in human urine samples. Human urine samples were enzymatically de-conjugated with beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase. After de-conjugation, HF-LPME with in situ derivatization was performed. After extraction, 2 microl of extract was carefully withdrawn into a syringe and injected into the GC-MS system. The limits of detection (S/N=3) and quantification (S/N>10) of CPs in the human urine samples are 0.1-0.2 ng ml(-1) and 0.5-1 ng ml(-1), respectively. The calibration curve for CPs is linear with a correlation coefficient of >0.99 in the range of 0.5-500 ng ml(-1) for DCP and TrCP, and of 1-500 ng ml(-1) for TeCP and PCP, respectively. The average recoveries of CPs (n=6) in human urine samples are 81.0-104.0% (R.S.D.: 1.9-6.6%) with correction using added surrogate standards. When the proposed method was applied to human urine samples, CPs were detected at sub-ng ml(-1) level.

Network Location-Aware Service Recommendation with Random Walk in Cyber-Physical Systems

PubMed Central

Yin, Yuyu; Yu, Fangzheng; Xu, Yueshen; Yu, Lifeng; Mu, Jinglong

2017-01-01

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) have received much attention from both academia and industry. An increasing number of functions in CPS are provided in the way of services, which gives rise to an urgent task, that is, how to recommend the suitable services in a huge number of available services in CPS. In traditional service recommendation, collaborative filtering (CF) has been studied in academia, and used in industry. However, there exist several defects that limit the application of CF-based methods in CPS. One is that under the case of high data sparsity, CF-based methods are likely to generate inaccurate prediction results. In this paper, we discover that mining the potential similarity relations among users or services in CPS is really helpful to improve the prediction accuracy. Besides, most of traditional CF-based methods are only capable of using the service invocation records, but ignore the context information, such as network location, which is a typical context in CPS. In this paper, we propose a novel service recommendation method for CPS, which utilizes network location as context information and contains three prediction models using random walking. We conduct sufficient experiments on two real-world datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods and verify that the network location is indeed useful in QoS prediction. PMID:28885602

Patent medicine vendors, community pharmacists and STI management in Abuja, Nigeria.

PubMed

Okonkwo, A D; Okonkwo, U P

2010-09-01

Increasingly, literature indicates that Patent Medicine Vendors (PMVs) and Community Pharmacists (CPs) provide sexual reproductive health services and products to their young patrons. This study explored the validity of literature claims, principally from CPs and PMVs perspective in Abuja, Nigeria. Participants were recruited with convenience sampling based on their willingness to participate in the study and our judgement of their professional competence. They were administered a semi-structured questionnaire, which was modelled after McCracken's long interview. We empirically assessed the validity of CPs and PMVs opinions with an exit interview of seven consenting patrons. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and subjected to iterative thematic analysis. Participants' accounts and our observations indicate that PMVs and CPs serve young people's sexual reproductive healthcare needs in Abuja. CPs and PMVs provide young people with a seamless and non-judgemental access to contraceptives, sexual health advice and post-sexual risk exposure care. The study corroborates literature claims that CPs and PMVs provide sexual reproductive health advice, services and products to young people. However, participants contend that the current pharmacy practice laws in Nigeria constrain the scope and quality of services that young unmarried people require. Because it is unlikely that Nigeria will reinvigorate her primary healthcare system soon, we call for the formal co-option of CPs and PMVs into the sexual reproductive health management system to standardize and improve services.

Child protection services and parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PubMed

LaLiberte, Traci; Piescher, Kristine; Mickelson, Nicole; Lee, Mi Hwa

2017-05-01

Information about parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the child protection system (CPS) continues to evolve. This study examined characteristics, experiences and representation of parents with IDD across three CPS decision points, as compared to parents with other disabilities and parents without disabilities in the United States. The sample consisted of 303,039 individuals: 2,081 were individuals identified as parents in a CPS investigation; 1,101 had children in out-of-home care (OHC); and 308 experienced termination of parental rights (TPR). Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, disparity indices and logistic regression were employed. Parents with IDD were significantly more likely than parents without disabilities (but not significantly more likely than parents with other types of disabilities) to experience disproportionately representation. Parents with IDD are generally over-represented within CPS; however, this representation is dependent upon the comparison group utilized and other risk factors. CPS system-level changes are necessary. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Exploring the Universe Together: Cooperative Quizzes With and Without a Classroom Performance System in Astronomy 101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrd, Gene G.; Coleman, Susanna; Werneth, Charles

Our University of Alabama introductory astronomy course has large enrollments, with the usual problems of low attendance and students putting off studying until just before major exams--with predictable consequences. We tried one strategy--cooperatively answering quiz questions--during our May 2002 interim term. Classes were long: three hours a day over three weeks. Before midclass break, we presented a multiple-choice open-book-and-notes quiz to be answered after the break. Quizzes could increase grades without excessively diluting the importance of closed-book major exams. The interim 2002 final exam average was 80%, much better than the 2001 class average of 57%. During a regular semester, handing out and taking up papers would take up much time during the more frequent classes. It's also more interesting if students vote for different answers together, then see the correct answer. We obtained funds for a Classroom Performance System (CPS) consisting of two computer receiver units, a hub, and 128 TV remote-style response pads. We used the CPS during interim 2003. Ease of giving quizzes and grading permitted two shorter quizzes a day. Improvement was maintained, with a slight 3% increase. In addition, students graded the "cooperative quiz" 2002 and 2003 courses higher than the 2001 course. We also used the CPS for public astronomy events and introductory physics courses.

Ensemble coding of face identity is present but weaker in congenital prosopagnosia.

PubMed

Robson, Matthew K; Palermo, Romina; Jeffery, Linda; Neumann, Markus F

2018-03-01

Individuals with congenital prosopagnosia (CP) are impaired at identifying individual faces but do not appear to show impairments in extracting the average identity from a group of faces (known as ensemble coding). However, possible deficits in ensemble coding in a previous study (CPs n = 4) may have been masked because CPs relied on pictorial (image) cues rather than identity cues. Here we asked whether a larger sample of CPs (n = 11) would show intact ensemble coding of identity when availability of image cues was minimised. Participants viewed a "set" of four faces and then judged whether a subsequent individual test face, either an exemplar or a "set average", was in the preceding set. Ensemble coding occurred when matching (vs. mismatching) averages were mistakenly endorsed as set members. We assessed both image- and identity-based ensemble coding, by varying whether test faces were either the same or different images of the identities in the set. CPs showed significant ensemble coding in both tasks, indicating that their performance was independent of image cues. As a group, CPs' ensemble coding was weaker than controls in both tasks, consistent with evidence that perceptual processing of face identity is disrupted in CP. This effect was driven by CPs (n= 3) who, in addition to having impaired face memory, also performed particularly poorly on a measure of face perception (CFPT). Future research, using larger samples, should examine whether deficits in ensemble coding may be restricted to CPs who also have substantial face perception deficits. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and Characterization of Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Kuhn, Liisa T.

2015-01-01

Objectives Our goal is to review design strategies for the fabrication of calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds (CPS), in light of their transient role in bone tissue engineering and associated requirements for effective bone regeneration. Methods We examine the various design options available to meet mechanical and biological requirements of CPS and later focus on the importance of proper characterization of CPS in terms of architecture, mechanical properties and time-sensitive properties such as biodegradability. Finally, relationships between in vitro vs. in vivo testing are addressed, with an attempt to highlight reliable performance predictors. Results A combinatory design strategy should be used with CPS taking into consideration 3D architecture, adequate surface chemistry and topography, all of which are needed to promote bone formation. CPS represent the media of choice for delivery of osteogenic factors and anti-infectives. Non-osteoblast mediated mineral deposition can confound in vitro osteogenesis testing of CPS and therefore the expression of a variety of proteins or genes including collagen type I, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin should be confirmed in addition to increased mineral content. Conclusions CPS are a superior scaffold material for bone regeneration because they actively promote osteogenesis. Biodegradability of CPS via calcium and phosphate release represents a unique asset. Structural control of CPS at the macro, micro and nanoscale and their combination with cells and polymeric materials is likely to lead to significant developments in bone tissue engineering. PMID:26423007

Design and characterization of calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Denry, Isabelle; Kuhn, Liisa T

2016-01-01

Our goal is to review design strategies for the fabrication of calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds (CPS), in light of their transient role in bone tissue engineering and associated requirements for effective bone regeneration. We examine the various design options available to meet mechanical and biological requirements of CPS and later focus on the importance of proper characterization of CPS in terms of architecture, mechanical properties and time-sensitive properties such as biodegradability. Finally, relationships between in vitro versus in vivo testing are addressed, with an attempt to highlight reliable performance predictors. A combinatory design strategy should be used with CPS, taking into consideration 3D architecture, adequate surface chemistry and topography, all of which are needed to promote bone formation. CPS represent the media of choice for delivery of osteogenic factors and anti-infectives. Non-osteoblast mediated mineral deposition can confound in vitro osteogenesis testing of CPS and therefore the expression of a variety of proteins or genes including collagen type I, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin should be confirmed in addition to increased mineral content. CPS are a superior scaffold material for bone regeneration because they actively promote osteogenesis. Biodegradability of CPS via calcium and phosphate release represents a unique asset. Structural control of CPS at the macro, micro and nanoscale and their combination with cells and polymeric materials is likely to lead to significant developments in bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of control software for the closed ecology experiment facilities (CEEF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyajima, H.; Abe, K.; Hirosaki, T.; Ishikawa, Y.

A habitation experiment using a closed ecology experiment facilities CEEF was started in fiscal 2005 three experiments in which two humans stayed for one week were conducted Their stays will be extended gradually until fiscal 2009 when an experiment will be launched with two humans staying for four months The CEEF has an ambitious target of acquiring the technology of an advanced life support system and the system is being developed based on the technology of conventional plant systems Especially in respect to supervision and control of the system the system still has little automation This system has many manual operation parts whose starts and stops are determined by human judgment There are even several parts requiring off-line measurements that include analyses performed by hand At present a CEEF behavioral prediction system CPS is being developed as the first stage for controlling such a system In this CPS an operator creates an operational schedule after due consideration However creation of the operational schedule of the complex CEEF is not easy and it is above the operator s capability to fully cope with alterations of the operational schedule that occur during a long-term habitation experiment Therefore we are going to develop an automatic creation function of the operational schedule that will be incorporated into the CPS by the beginning of the habitation experiment in fiscal 2009 This function will enable automation of most of the operational schedule that human operators currently set up In this paper we examine

The Streptococcus iniae transcriptional regulator CpsY is required for protection from neutrophil-mediated killing and proper growth in vitro.

PubMed

Allen, Jonathan P; Neely, Melody N

2011-11-01

The ability of a pathogen to metabolically adapt to the local environment for optimal expression of virulence determinants is a continued area of research. Orthologs of the Streptococcus iniae LysR family regulator CpsY have been shown to regulate methionine biosynthesis and uptake pathways but appear to influence expression of several virulence genes as well. An S. iniae mutant with an in-frame deletion of cpsY (ΔcpsY mutant) is highly attenuated in a zebrafish infection model. The ΔcpsY mutant displays a methionine-independent growth defect in serum, which differs from the methionine-dependent defect observed for orthologous mutants of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus agalactiae. On the contrary, the ΔcpsY mutant can grow in excess of the wild type (WT) when supplemented with proteose peptone, suggesting an inability to properly regulate growth. CpsY is critical for protection of S. iniae from clearance by neutrophils in whole blood but is dispensable for intracellular survival in macrophages. Susceptibility of the ΔcpsY mutant to killing in whole blood is not due to a growth defect, because inhibition of neutrophil phagocytosis rescues the mutant to WT levels. Thus, CpsY appears to have a pleiotropic regulatory role for S. iniae, integrating metabolism and virulence. Furthermore, S. iniae provides a unique model to investigate the paradigm of CpsY-dependent regulation during systemic streptococcal infection.

The Streptococcus iniae Transcriptional Regulator CpsY Is Required for Protection from Neutrophil-Mediated Killing and Proper Growth In Vitro ▿

PubMed Central

Allen, Jonathan P.; Neely, Melody N.

2011-01-01

The ability of a pathogen to metabolically adapt to the local environment for optimal expression of virulence determinants is a continued area of research. Orthologs of the Streptococcus iniae LysR family regulator CpsY have been shown to regulate methionine biosynthesis and uptake pathways but appear to influence expression of several virulence genes as well. An S. iniae mutant with an in-frame deletion of cpsY (ΔcpsY mutant) is highly attenuated in a zebrafish infection model. The ΔcpsY mutant displays a methionine-independent growth defect in serum, which differs from the methionine-dependent defect observed for orthologous mutants of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus agalactiae. On the contrary, the ΔcpsY mutant can grow in excess of the wild type (WT) when supplemented with proteose peptone, suggesting an inability to properly regulate growth. CpsY is critical for protection of S. iniae from clearance by neutrophils in whole blood but is dispensable for intracellular survival in macrophages. Susceptibility of the ΔcpsY mutant to killing in whole blood is not due to a growth defect, because inhibition of neutrophil phagocytosis rescues the mutant to WT levels. Thus, CpsY appears to have a pleiotropic regulatory role for S. iniae, integrating metabolism and virulence. Furthermore, S. iniae provides a unique model to investigate the paradigm of CpsY-dependent regulation during systemic streptococcal infection. PMID:21911465

Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (CPS) Configuration in Support of NASA's Multiple Design Reference Missions (DRMs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanna, Stephen G.; Jones, David L.; Creech, Stephen D.; Lawrence, Thomas D.

2012-01-01

In support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), the Space Launch System (SLS) is being designed for safe, affordable, and sustainable human and scientific exploration missions beyond Earth's or-bit (BEO). The SLS Team is tasked with developing a system capable of safely and repeatedly lofting a new fleet of spaceflight vehicles beyond Earth orbit. The Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (CPS) is a key enabler for evolving the SLS capability for BEO missions. This paper reports on the methodology and initial recommendations relative to the CPS, giving a brief retrospective of early studies on this promising propulsion hardware. This paper provides an overview of the requirements development and CPS configuration in support of NASA's multiple Design Reference Missions (DRMs).

Segregation and Inequality in Chicago Public Schools, Transformed and Intensified under Corporate Education Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jankov, Pavlyn; Caref, Carol

2017-01-01

During the period of 1981 to 2015, the total population of Black students in CPS plummeted from close to 240,000, 60% of all CPS students, to 156,000 or 39% of CPS. This paper documents how despite their decreasing numbers and percentage in the system, the vast majority of Black students remained isolated in predominantly low-income Black schools…

SecureCPS: Defending a nanosatellite cyber-physical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forbes, Lance; Vu, Huy; Udrea, Bogdan; Hagar, Hamilton; Koutsoukos, Xenofon D.; Yampolskiy, Mark

2014-06-01

Recent inexpensive nanosatellite designs employ maneuvering thrusters, much as large satellites have done for decades. However, because a maneuvering nanosatellite can threaten HVAs on-­orbit, it must provide a level of security typically reserved for HVAs. Securing nanosatellites with maneuvering capability is challenging due to extreme cost, size, and power constraints. While still in the design process, our low-­cost SecureCPS architecture promises to dramatically improve security, to include preempting unknown binaries and detecting abnormal behavior. SecureCPS also applies to a broad class of cyber-­physical systems (CPS), such as aircraft, cars, and trains. This paper focuses on Embry-­Riddle's ARAPAIMA nanosatellite architecture, where we assume any off-­the-­shelf component could be compromised by a supply chain attack.1 Based on these assumptions, we have used Vanderbilt's Cyber Physical -­ Attack Description Language (CP-­ADL) to represent realistic attacks, analyze how these attacks propagate in the ARAPAIMA architecture, and how to defeat them using the combination of a low-­cost Root of Trust (RoT) Module, Global InfoTek's Advanced Malware Analysis System (GAMAS), and Anomaly Detection by Machine Learning (ADML).2 Our most recent efforts focus on refining and validating the design of SecureCPS.

Prenatal whole exome sequencing: the views of clinicians, scientists, genetic counsellors and patient representatives.

PubMed

Quinlan-Jones, Elizabeth; Kilby, Mark D; Greenfield, Sheila; Parker, Michael; McMullan, Dominic; Hurles, Matthew E; Hillman, Sarah C

2016-10-01

Focus groups were conducted with individuals involved in prenatal diagnosis to determine their opinions relating to whole exome sequencing in fetuses with structural anomalies. Five representatives of patient groups/charities (PRGs) and eight clinical professionals (CPs) participated. Three focus groups occurred (the two groups separately and then combined). Framework analysis was performed to elicit themes. A thematic coding frame was identified based on emerging themes. Seven main themes (consent, analysis, interpretation/reinterpretation of results, prenatal issues, uncertainty, incidental findings and information access) with subthemes emerged. The main themes were raised by both groups, apart from 'analysis', which was raised by CPs only. Some subthemes were raised by PRGs and CPs (with different perspectives). Others were raised either by PRGs or CPs, showing differences in patient/clinician agendas. Prenatal consent for whole exome sequencing is not a 'perfect' process, but consent takers should be fully educated regarding the test. PRGs highlighted issues involving access to results, feeling that women want to know all information. PRGs also felt that patients want reinterpretation of results over time, whilst CPs felt that interpretation should be performed at the point of testing only. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci, other than Staphylococcus aureus, in bovine mastitis.

PubMed

Roberson, J R; Fox, L K; Hancock, D D; Gay, J M; Besser, T E

1996-01-01

To determine prevalence and relevance of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus hyicus and S intermedius intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows and determine the ability of the 4-hour tube coagulase (TC) test to differentiate the coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS). Prevalence of CPS was determined for primiparous cows (point prevalence and prevalence at first parturition) and multiparous cows (point prevalence) of 2 herd groups: < 6% CPS IMI prevalence = low prevalence (LP); > 10% CPS IMI prevalence = high prevalence (HP). For prevalence, cows of 22 dairy herds. For TC, 1,038 CPS strains isolated from cow milk. Speciation of CPS from aseptically collected composite milk samples was performed. Coagulase-positive isolates from 4 cow groups were tested for their ability to coagulate rabbit plasma by 4 hours: LP and HP primiparous cows at parturition, and LP and HP cows any time after first parturition. Of 487 CPS in the prevalence study, 82.1% were S aureus, 17.7% were coagulase-positive S hyicus, and 0.2% were S intermedius. Of all CPS IMI in LP herds, 34% were coagulase-positive S hyicus; of all CPS IMI in HP herds, 9% were coagulase-positive S hyicus. Coagulase-positive S hyicus appeared to persist to the end of lactation in 4 cows (mean linear somatic cell count = 3.7). The TC test was > or = 97% sensitive, < or = 33% specific, and had a predictive value positive range of 60 to 97% for S aureus isolates. Coagulase-positive S hyicus appears capable of inducing chronic, low-grade IMI. Staphylococcus intermedius does not appear to be an important mastitis pathogen. The TC test is not valid to use as the sole method to differentiate CPS species.

Use of simulated patients to evaluate combined oral contraceptive dispensing practices of community pharmacists.

PubMed

Obreli-Neto, Paulo Roque; Pereira, Leonardo Régis Leira; Guidoni, Camilo Molino; de Oliveira Baldoni, André; Marusic, Srecko; de Lyra-Júnior, Divaldo Pereira; de Almeida, Kelsen Luis; Pazete, Ana Claudia Montolezi; do Nascimento, Janaina Dutra; Kos, Mitja; Girotto, Edmarlon; Cuman, Roberto Kenji Nakamura

2013-01-01

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is the most commonly used reversible method of birth control. The incorrect use of COCs is frequent and one of the most common causes of unintended pregnancies. Community pharmacists (CPs) are in a strategic position to improve COC use because they are the last health professional to interact with patients before drug use. To evaluate the COC dispensing practices of CPs in a developing country. A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies of Assis and Ourinhos microregions, Brazil, between June 1, 2012, and October 30, 2012. Four simulated patients (SPs) (with counseled audio recording) visited community pharmacies with a prescription for Ciclo 21(®) (a COC containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg + levonorgestrel 15 mcg). The audio recording of every SP visit was listened to independently by 3 researchers to evaluate the COC dispensing practice. The percentage of CPs who performed a screening for safe use of COCs (i.e., taking of patients' medical and family history, and measuring of blood pressure) and provided counseling, as well as the quality of the screening and counseling, were evaluated. Of the 185 CPs contacted, 41 (22.2%) agreed to participate in the study and finished the study protocol. Only 3 CPs asked the SP a question (1 question asked by each professional), and all of the questions were closed-ended, viz., "do you smoke?" (n = 2) and "what is your age?" (n = 1). None of the CPs measured the patient's blood pressure. Six CPs provided counseling when dispensing COCs (drug dosing, 5 CPs; possible adverse effects, 2 CPs), and one CP provided counseling regarding both aspects. The CPs evaluated did not dispense COC appropriately and could influence in the occurrence of negatives therapeutic outcomes such as adverse effects and treatment failure.

On the use of seminumerical simulations in predicting the 21-cm signal from the epoch of reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumdar, Suman; Mellema, Garrelt; Datta, Kanan K.; Jensen, Hannes; Choudhury, T. Roy; Bharadwaj, Somnath; Friedrich, Martina M.

2014-10-01

We present a detailed comparison of three different simulations of the epoch of reionization (EoR). The radiative transfer simulation (C2-RAY) among them is our benchmark. Radiative transfer codes can produce realistic results, but are computationally expensive. We compare it with two seminumerical techniques: one using the same haloes as C2-RAY as its sources (Sem-Num), and one using a conditional Press-Schechter scheme (CPS+GS). These are vastly more computationally efficient than C2-RAY, but use more simplistic physical assumptions. We evaluate these simulations in terms of their ability to reproduce the history and morphology of reionization. We find that both Sem-Num and CPS+GS can produce an ionization history and morphology that is very close to C2-RAY, with Sem-Num performing slightly better compared to CPS+GS. We also study different redshift-space observables of the 21-cm signal from EoR: the variance, power spectrum and its various angular multipole moments. We find that both seminumerical models perform reasonably well in predicting these observables at length scales relevant for present and future experiments. However, Sem-Num performs slightly better than CPS+GS in producing the reionization history, which is necessary for interpreting the future observations. The CPS+GS scheme, however, has the advantage that it is not restricted by the mass resolution of the dark matter density field.

An FMRI-compatible Symbol Search task.

PubMed

Liebel, Spencer W; Clark, Uraina S; Xu, Xiaomeng; Riskin-Jones, Hannah H; Hawkshead, Brittany E; Schwarz, Nicolette F; Labbe, Donald; Jerskey, Beth A; Sweet, Lawrence H

2015-03-01

Our objective was to determine whether a Symbol Search paradigm developed for functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) is a reliable and valid measure of cognitive processing speed (CPS) in healthy older adults. As all older adults are expected to experience cognitive declines due to aging, and CPS is one of the domains most affected by age, establishing a reliable and valid measure of CPS that can be administered inside an MR scanner may prove invaluable in future clinical and research settings. We evaluated the reliability and construct validity of a newly developed FMRI Symbol Search task by comparing participants' performance in and outside of the scanner and to the widely used and standardized Symbol Search subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). A brief battery of neuropsychological measures was also administered to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the FMRI Symbol Search task. The FMRI Symbol Search task demonstrated high test-retest reliability when compared to performance on the same task administered out of the scanner (r=.791; p<.001). The criterion validity of the new task was supported, as it exhibited a strong positive correlation with the WAIS Symbol Search (r=.717; p<.001). Predicted convergent and discriminant validity patterns of the FMRI Symbol Search task were also observed. The FMRI Symbol Search task is a reliable and valid measure of CPS in healthy older adults and exhibits expected sensitivity to the effects of age on CPS performance.

Agricultural conservation practices can help mitigate the impact of climate change.

PubMed

Wagena, Moges B; Easton, Zachary M

2018-09-01

Agricultural conservation practices (CPs) are commonly implemented to reduce diffuse nutrient pollution. Climate change can complicate the development, implementation, and efficiency of agricultural CPs by altering hydrology, nutrient cycling, and erosion. This research quantifies the impact of climate change on hydrology, nutrient cycling, erosion, and the effectiveness of agricultural CP in the Susquehanna River Basin in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA. We develop, calibrate, and test the Soil and Water Assessment Tool-Variable Source Area (SWAT-VSA) model and select four CPs; buffer strips, strip-cropping, no-till, and tile drainage, to test their effectiveness in reducing climate change impacts on water quality. We force the model with six downscaled global climate models (GCMs) for a historic period (1990-2014) and two future scenario periods (2041-2065 and 2075-2099) and quantify the impact of climate change on hydrology, nitrate-N (NO 3 -N), total N (TN), dissolved phosphorus (DP), total phosphorus (TP), and sediment export with and without CPs. We also test prioritizing CP installation on the 30% of agricultural lands that generate the most runoff (e.g., critical source areas-CSAs). Compared against the historical baseline and with no CPs, the ensemble model predictions indicate that climate change results in annual increases in flow (4.5±7.3%), surface runoff (3.5±6.1%), sediment export (28.5±18.2%) and TN export (9.5±5.1%), but decreases in NO 3 -N (12±12.8%), DP (14±11.5), and TP (2.5±7.4%) export. When agricultural CPs are simulated most do not appreciably change the water balance, however, tile drainage and strip-cropping decrease surface runoff, sediment export, and DP/TP, while buffer strips reduce N export. Installing CPs on CSAs results in nearly the same level of performance for most practices and most pollutants. These results suggest that climate change will influence the performance of agricultural CPs and that targeting agricultural CPs to CSAs can provide nearly the same level of water quality effects as more widespread adoption. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Tension-Band Wiring With the Cable Pin System in Patella Fractures: A Randomized Prospective Study.

PubMed

Tian, Qing-xian; Hai, Yong; Du, Xin-ru; Xu, Zi-yu; Lu, Tie; Shan, Lei; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Jun-lin

2015-12-01

To compare the outcome of tension-band wiring (TBW) with the cable pin system (CPS) for transverse fractures of the patella. Randomized prospective study. Academic Level I trauma center. From February 2008 to December 2011, 73 consecutive patients with transverse fractures of the patella were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was treated using the CPS, and the other group was treated using the modified TBW. The clinical outcome assessment included analyses of the radiographic images, the modified Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system, and complications. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 29 months. All fractures healed, with a union rate of 100%. The fracture healing time was significantly shorter in the CPS group (8.51 ± 2.59 weeks, n = 34) compared with the TBW group (11.79 ± 3.04 weeks, n = 39). Postoperative complications in the CPS and TBW groups were observed in 1 and 9 patients, respectively, a difference that was statistically significant. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery score for the CPS group (90.53 ± 5.19 points) was significantly higher than that for the TBW group (81.36 ± 12.71 points). The CPS is a viable option for transverse fractures of the patella and is associated with a shorter healing time, fewer complications, and better function than TBW. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A longitudinal study of higher-order thinking skills: working memory and fluid reasoning in childhood enhance complex problem solving in adolescence.

PubMed

Greiff, Samuel; Wüstenberg, Sascha; Goetz, Thomas; Vainikainen, Mari-Pauliina; Hautamäki, Jarkko; Bornstein, Marc H

2015-01-01

Scientists have studied the development of the human mind for decades and have accumulated an impressive number of empirical studies that have provided ample support for the notion that early cognitive performance during infancy and childhood is an important predictor of later cognitive performance during adulthood. As children move from childhood into adolescence, their mental development increasingly involves higher-order cognitive skills that are crucial for successful planning, decision-making, and problem solving skills. However, few studies have employed higher-order thinking skills such as complex problem solving (CPS) as developmental outcomes in adolescents. To fill this gap, we tested a longitudinal developmental model in a sample of 2,021 Finnish sixth grade students (M = 12.41 years, SD = 0.52; 1,041 female, 978 male, 2 missing sex). We assessed working memory (WM) and fluid reasoning (FR) at age 12 as predictors of two CPS dimensions: knowledge acquisition and knowledge application. We further assessed students' CPS performance 3 years later as a developmental outcome (N = 1696; M = 15.22 years, SD = 0.43; 867 female, 829 male). Missing data partly occurred due to dropout and technical problems during the first days of testing and varied across indicators and time with a mean of 27.2%. Results revealed that FR was a strong predictor of both CPS dimensions, whereas WM exhibited only a small influence on one of the two CPS dimensions. These results provide strong support for the view that CPS involves FR and, to a lesser extent, WM in childhood and from there evolves into an increasingly complex structure of higher-order cognitive skills in adolescence.

A longitudinal study of higher-order thinking skills: working memory and fluid reasoning in childhood enhance complex problem solving in adolescence

PubMed Central

Greiff, Samuel; Wüstenberg, Sascha; Goetz, Thomas; Vainikainen, Mari-Pauliina; Hautamäki, Jarkko; Bornstein, Marc H.

2015-01-01

Scientists have studied the development of the human mind for decades and have accumulated an impressive number of empirical studies that have provided ample support for the notion that early cognitive performance during infancy and childhood is an important predictor of later cognitive performance during adulthood. As children move from childhood into adolescence, their mental development increasingly involves higher-order cognitive skills that are crucial for successful planning, decision-making, and problem solving skills. However, few studies have employed higher-order thinking skills such as complex problem solving (CPS) as developmental outcomes in adolescents. To fill this gap, we tested a longitudinal developmental model in a sample of 2,021 Finnish sixth grade students (M = 12.41 years, SD = 0.52; 1,041 female, 978 male, 2 missing sex). We assessed working memory (WM) and fluid reasoning (FR) at age 12 as predictors of two CPS dimensions: knowledge acquisition and knowledge application. We further assessed students’ CPS performance 3 years later as a developmental outcome (N = 1696; M = 15.22 years, SD = 0.43; 867 female, 829 male). Missing data partly occurred due to dropout and technical problems during the first days of testing and varied across indicators and time with a mean of 27.2%. Results revealed that FR was a strong predictor of both CPS dimensions, whereas WM exhibited only a small influence on one of the two CPS dimensions. These results provide strong support for the view that CPS involves FR and, to a lesser extent, WM in childhood and from there evolves into an increasingly complex structure of higher-order cognitive skills in adolescence. PMID:26283992

Comparison of the long-term clinical performance of a biodegradable and a titanium fixation system in maxillofacial surgery: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

van Bakelen, N. B.; Buijs, G. J.; Jansma, J.; de Visscher, J. G. A. M.; Hoppenreijs, Th. J. M.; Bergsma, J. E.; van Minnen, B.; Stegenga, B.; Bos, R. R. M.

2017-01-01

Background Biodegradable fixation systems could reduce or eliminate problems associated with titanium removal of implants in a second operation. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the long-term (i.e. >5 years postoperatively) clinical performance of a titanium and a biodegradable system in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and methods The present multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was performed in four hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients treated with a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and/or a Le Fort-I osteotomy, and those treated for fractures of the mandible, maxilla, or zygoma were included from December 2006 to July 2009. The patients were randomly assigned to either a titanium (KLS Martin) or a biodegradable group (Inion CPS). Results After >5 years postoperatively, plate removal was performed in 22 of the 134 (16.4%) patients treated with titanium and in 23 of the 87 (26.4%) patients treated with the biodegradable system (P = 0.036, hazard ratio (HR) biodegradable (95% CI) = 2.0 (1.05–3.8), HR titanium = 1). Occlusion, VAS pain scores, and MFIQ showed good and (almost) pain free mandibular function in both groups. Conclusion In conclusion, the performance of the Inion CPS biodegradable system was inferior compared to the KLS Martin titanium system regarding plate/screws removal in the abovementioned surgical procedures. Trial registration http://controlled-trials.com ISRCTN44212338. PMID:28493922

Future Interoperability of Camp Protection Systems (FICAPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caron, Sylvie; Gündisch, Rainer; Marchand, Alain; Stahl, Karl-Hermann

2013-05-01

The FICAPS Project has been established as a Project of the European Defence Agency based on an initiative of Germany and France. Goal of this Project was to derive Guidelines, which by a proper implementation in future developments improve Camp Protection Systems (CPS) by enabling and improving interoperability between Camp Protection Systems and its Equipments of different Nations involved in multinational missions. These Guidelines shall allow for: • Real-time information exchange between equipments and systems of different suppliers and nations (even via SatCom), • Quick and easy replacement of equipments (even of different Nations) at run-time in the field by means of plug and play capability, thus lowering the operational and logistic costs and making the system highly available, • Enhancement of system capabilities (open and modular systems) by adding new equipment with new capabilities (just plug-in, automatic adjustment of the HMI Human Machine Interface) without costly and time consuming validation and test on system level (validation and test can be done on Equipment level), Four scenarios have been identified to summarize the interoperability requirements from an operational viewpoint. To prove the definitions given in the Guideline Document, a French and a German Demonstration System, based on existing national assets, were realized. Demonstrations, showing the capabilities given by the defined interoperability requirements with respect to the operational scenarios, were performed. Demonstrations included remote control of a CPS by another CPS, remote sensor control (Electro-Optic/InfraRed EO/IR) and remote effector control. This capability can be applied to extend the protection area or to protect distant infrastructural assets Demonstrations have been performed. The required interoperability functionality was shown successfully. Even if the focus of the FICAPS project was on camp protection, the solution found is also appropriate for other force protection and ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) tasks not only due to its flexibility but also due to the chosen interfacing.

Cyber attack analysis on cyber-physical systems: Detectability, severity, and attenuation strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Cheolhyeon

Security of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) against malicious cyber attacks is an important yet challenging problem. Since most cyber attacks happen in erratic ways, it is usually intractable to describe and diagnose them systematically. Motivated by such difficulties, this thesis presents a set of theories and algorithms for a cyber-secure architecture of the CPS within the control theoretic perspective. Here, instead of identifying a specific cyber attack model, we are focused on analyzing the system's response during cyber attacks. Firstly, we investigate the detectability of the cyber attacks from the system's behavior under cyber attacks. Specifically, we conduct a study on the vulnerabilities in the CPS's monitoring system against the stealthy cyber attack that is carefully designed to avoid being detected by its detection scheme. After classifying three kinds of cyber attacks according to the attacker's ability to compromise the system, we derive the necessary and sufficient conditions under which such stealthy cyber attacks can be designed to cause the unbounded estimation error while not being detected. Then, the analytical design method of the optimal stealthy cyber attack that maximizes the estimation error is developed. The proposed stealthy cyber attack analysis is demonstrated with illustrative examples on Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) navigation system applications. Secondly, in an attempt to study the CPSs' vulnerabilities in more detail, we further discuss a methodology to identify potential cyber threats inherent in the given CPSs and quantify the attack severity accordingly. We then develop an analytical algorithm to test the behavior of the CPS under various cyber attack combinations. Compared to a numerical approach, the analytical algorithm enables the prediction of the most effective cyber attack combinations without computing the severity of all possible attack combinations, thereby greatly reducing the computational cost. The proposed algorithm is validated through a linearized longitudinal motion of a UAV example. Finally, we propose an attack attenuation strategy via the controller design for CPSs that are robust to various types of cyber attacks. While the previous studies have investigated a secure control by assuming a specific attack strategy, in this research we propose a hybrid robust control scheme that contains multiple sub-controllers, each matched to a specific type of cyber attacks. Then the system can be adapted to various cyber attacks (including those that are not assumed for sub-controller design) by switching its sub-controllers to achieve the best performance. Then, a method for designing a secure switching logic to counter all possible cyber attacks is proposed and it verifies mathematically the system's performance and stability as well. The performance of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated by an example with the hybrid H2 - H-infinity controller applied to a UAV example.

Cable pin system versus K-wire tension band fixation for patella fractures in Chinese Han population: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zha, Kun; Liu, Guo-Hui; Yang, Shu-Hua; Zhou, Wu; Liu, Yi; Wu, Qi-Peng

2017-10-01

This meta-analysis compared the therapeutic effect of cable pin system (CPS) with K-wire tension band (KTB) in the treatment of patella fractures among Chinese Han population. The databases of PubMed, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese WanFang and Chinese VIP were searched for studies on CPS versus KTB in the treatment of patella fractures among Chinese Han population. Literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed, and meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's REVMAN 5.3 software. A total of 932 patients from 15 studies were included in this meta-analysis (426 fractures treated with CPS and 506 fractures treated with KTB). There were significant differences in duration of hospital stay [mean difference (MD)=-1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI):-1.71 to-0.43], fracture healing time (MD=-1.23; 95% CI:-1.68 to-0.77), flexion degree of knee joint at 6th month after operation (MD=14.82; 95% CI: 10.93 to 18.71), incidence of postoperative complication [risk ratio (RR)=0.16; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.27] and excellent-good rate of Böstman score (RR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.16) between the CPS group and KTB group, while no significant difference was found in operative time between the two groups (MD=-4.52; 95% CI:-11.70 to 2.67). For the treatment of patella fractures among Chinese Han population, limited evidence suggests that the CPS is more suitable than the KTB when considering the hospital stay, fracture healing time, flexion degree of knee at 6th month after operation, incidence of postoperative complication and excellent-good rate of Böstman joint score. Due to the limitation of high quality evidence and sample size, more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the findings in the future.

Development of the low-cost multi-channel analyzer system for γ-ray spectroscopy with a PC sound card

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugihara, Kenkoh; Nakamura, Satoshi N.; Chiga, Nobuyuki; Fujii, Yuu; Tamura, Hirokazu

2013-10-01

A low-cost multi-channel analyzer (MCA) system was developed using a custom-build interface circuit and a PC sound card. The performance of the system was studied using γ-ray spectroscopy measurements with a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. Our system successfully measured the energy of γ-rays at a rate of 1000 counts per second (cps).

Prevention and the Child Protection System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldfogel, Jane

2009-01-01

The nation's child protection system (CPS) has historically focused on preventing maltreatment in high-risk families, whose children have already been maltreated. But, as Jane Waldfogel explains, it has also begun developing prevention procedures for children at lower risk--those who are referred to CPS but whose cases do not meet the criteria for…

Cyber Physical Systems for User Reliability Measurements in a Sharing Economy Environment

PubMed Central

Seo, Aria; Kim, Yeichang

2017-01-01

As the sharing economic market grows, the number of users is also increasing but many problems arise in terms of reliability between providers and users in the processing of services. The existing methods provide shared economic systems that judge the reliability of the provider from the viewpoint of the user. In this paper, we have developed a system for establishing mutual trust between providers and users in a shared economic environment to solve existing problems. In order to implement a system that can measure and control users’ situation in a shared economic environment, we analyzed the necessary factors in a cyber physical system (CPS). In addition, a user measurement system based on a CPS structure in a sharing economic environment is implemented through analysis of the factors to consider when constructing a CPS. PMID:28805709

Cyber Physical Systems for User Reliability Measurements in a Sharing Economy Environment.

PubMed

Seo, Aria; Jeong, Junho; Kim, Yeichang

2017-08-13

As the sharing economic market grows, the number of users is also increasing but many problems arise in terms of reliability between providers and users in the processing of services. The existing methods provide shared economic systems that judge the reliability of the provider from the viewpoint of the user. In this paper, we have developed a system for establishing mutual trust between providers and users in a shared economic environment to solve existing problems. In order to implement a system that can measure and control users' situation in a shared economic environment, we analyzed the necessary factors in a cyber physical system (CPS). In addition, a user measurement system based on a CPS structure in a sharing economic environment is implemented through analysis of the factors to consider when constructing a CPS.

Streptococcus suis capsular polysaccharide inhibits phagocytosis through destabilization of lipid microdomains and prevents lactosylceramide-dependent recognition.

PubMed

Houde, Mathieu; Gottschalk, Marcelo; Gagnon, Fleur; Van Calsteren, Marie-Rose; Segura, Mariela

2012-02-01

Streptococcus suis type 2 is a major swine pathogen and a zoonotic agent, causing meningitis in both swine and humans. S. suis infects the host through the respiratory route, reaches the bloodstream, and persists until breaching into the central nervous system. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of S. suis type 2 is considered a key virulence factor of the bacteria. Though CPS allows S. suis to adhere to the membrane of cells of the immune system, it provides protection against phagocytosis. In fact, nonencapsulated mutants are easily internalized and killed by macrophages and dendritic cells. The objective of this work was to study the molecular mechanisms by which the CPS of S. suis prevents phagocytosis. By using latex beads covalently linked with purified CPS, it was shown that CPS itself was sufficient to inhibit entry of both latex beads and bystander fluorescent beads into macrophages. Upon contact with macrophages, encapsulated S. suis was shown to destabilize lipid microdomains at the cell surface, to block nitric oxide (NO) production during infection, and to prevent lactosylceramide accumulation at the phagocytic cup during infection. In contrast, the nonencapsulated mutant was easily internalized via lipid rafts, in a filipin-sensitive manner, leading to lactosylceramide recruitment and strong NO production. This is the first report to identify a role for CPS in lipid microdomain stability and to recognize an interaction between S. suis and lactosylceramide in phagocytes.

Test of a Cardiology Patient Simulator with Students in Fourth-Year Electives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ewy, Gordon A.; And Others

1987-01-01

Students at five medical schools participated in an evaluation of a cardiology patient simulator (CPS), a life-size mannequin capable of simulating a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions. The CPS enhances learning both the knowledge and the skills necessary to perform a bedside cardiovascular evaluation. (Author/MLW)

Improving preventive health services training in chiropractic colleges part II: enhancing outcomes through improved training and accountability processes.

PubMed

Globe, Gary; Redwood, Daniel; Brantingham, James W; Hawk, Cheryl; Terre, Lisa; Globe, Denise; Mayer, Stephan

2009-01-01

Over the past decade, chiropractic colleges have introduced clinical prevention services (CPS) training. This has included an updated public health curriculum and procedures for student interns to determine the need for preventive services and to provide these services directly or through referral to other health professionals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a program to train chiropractic interns to deliver CPS to patients. Program evaluation used retrospective chart review, comparing the proportion of patients receiving CPS recommendations before and after implementation of the program. The main outcome measures were the percentage of appropriate CPS recommendations based upon chart reviews. Chart reviews in 2006 indicated appropriate CPS recommendations in 47.4% of cases (295/623). Chart reviews in 2007, after an additional year of sustained implementation of procedures to ensure intern and faculty accountability, showed appropriate counseling recommendations in 87% of files (137/156). Requiring interns to attend didactic presentations on CPS had no measurable effect on their performance. Major improvements occurred after a series of clinically relevant training interventions; new forms and audit procedures were implemented to increase intern and clinical faculty accountability.

Capsular Sialyltransferase Specificity Mediates Different Phenotypes in Streptococcus suis and Group B Streptococcus

PubMed Central

Roy, David; Takamatsu, Daisuke; Okura, Masatoshi; Goyette-Desjardins, Guillaume; Van Calsteren, Marie-Rose; Dumesnil, Audrey; Gottschalk, Marcelo; Segura, Mariela

2018-01-01

The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) represents a key virulence factor for most encapsulated streptococci. Streptococcus suis and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are both well-encapsulated pathogens of clinical importance in veterinary and/or human medicine and responsible for invasive systemic diseases. S. suis and GBS are the only Gram-positive bacteria which express a sialylated CPS at their surface. An important difference between these two sialylated CPSs is the linkage between the side-chain terminal galactose and sialic acid, being α-2,6 for S. suis but α-2,3 for GBS. It is still unclear how sialic acid may affect CPS production and, consequently, the pathogenesis of the disease caused by these two bacterial pathogens. Here, we investigated the role of sialic acid and the putative effect of sialic acid linkage modification in CPS synthesis using inter-species allelic exchange mutagenesis. To this aim, a new molecular biogenetic approach to express CPS with modified sialic acid linkage was developed. We showed that sialic acid (and its α-2,6 linkage) is crucial for S. suis CPS synthesis, whereas for GBS, CPS synthesis may occur in presence of an α-2,6 sialyltransferase or in absence of sialic acid moiety. To evaluate the effect of the CPS composition/structure on sialyltransferase activity, two distinct capsular serotypes within each bacterial species were compared (S. suis serotypes 2 and 14 and GBS serotypes III and V). It was demonstrated that the observed differences in sialyltransferase activity and specificity between S. suis and GBS were serotype unrestricted. This is the first time that a study investigates the interspecies exchange of capsular sialyltransferase genes in Gram-positive bacteria. The obtained mutants represent novel tools that could be used to further investigate the immunomodulatory properties of sialylated CPSs. Finally, in spite of common CPS structural characteristics and similarities in the cps loci, sialic acid exerts differential control of CPS expression by S. suis and GBS. PMID:29666608

Use of Simulated Patients to Evaluate Combined Oral Contraceptive Dispensing Practices of Community Pharmacists

PubMed Central

Obreli-Neto, Paulo Roque; Pereira, Leonardo Régis Leira; Guidoni, Camilo Molino; Baldoni, André de Oliveira; Marusic, Srecko; de Lyra-Júnior, Divaldo Pereira; de Almeida, Kelsen Luis; Pazete, Ana Claudia Montolezi; do Nascimento, Janaina Dutra; Kos, Mitja; Girotto, Edmarlon; Cuman, Roberto Kenji Nakamura

2013-01-01

Background Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is the most commonly used reversible method of birth control. The incorrect use of COCs is frequent and one of the most common causes of unintended pregnancies. Community pharmacists (CPs) are in a strategic position to improve COC use because they are the last health professional to interact with patients before drug use. Objective To evaluate the COC dispensing practices of CPs in a developing country. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies of Assis and Ourinhos microregions, Brazil, between June 1, 2012, and October 30, 2012. Four simulated patients (SPs) (with counseled audio recording) visited community pharmacies with a prescription for Ciclo 21® (a COC containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg + levonorgestrel 15 mcg). The audio recording of every SP visit was listened to independently by 3 researchers to evaluate the COC dispensing practice. The percentage of CPs who performed a screening for safe use of COCs (i.e., taking of patients’ medical and family history, and measuring of blood pressure) and provided counseling, as well as the quality of the screening and counseling, were evaluated. Results Of the 185 CPs contacted, 41 (22.2%) agreed to participate in the study and finished the study protocol. Only 3 CPs asked the SP a question (1 question asked by each professional), and all of the questions were closed-ended, viz., “do you smoke?” (n = 2) and “what is your age?” (n = 1). None of the CPs measured the patient’s blood pressure. Six CPs provided counseling when dispensing COCs (drug dosing, 5 CPs; possible adverse effects, 2 CPs), and one CP provided counseling regarding both aspects. Conclusion The CPs evaluated did not dispense COC appropriately and could influence in the occurrence of negatives therapeutic outcomes such as adverse effects and treatment failure. PMID:24324584

Medical cyber-physical systems: A survey.

PubMed

Dey, Nilanjan; Ashour, Amira S; Shi, Fuqian; Fong, Simon James; Tavares, João Manuel R S

2018-03-10

Medical cyber-physical systems (MCPS) are healthcare critical integration of a network of medical devices. These systems are progressively used in hospitals to achieve a continuous high-quality healthcare. The MCPS design faces numerous challenges, including inoperability, security/privacy, and high assurance in the system software. In the current work, the infrastructure of the cyber-physical systems (CPS) are reviewed and discussed. This article enriched the researches of the networked Medical Device (MD) systems to increase the efficiency and safety of the healthcare. It also can assist the specialists of medical device to overcome crucial issues related to medical devices, and the challenges facing the design of the medical device's network. The concept of the social networking and its security along with the concept of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are addressed. Afterward, the CPS systems and platforms have been established, where more focus was directed toward CPS-based healthcare. The big data framework of CPSs is also included.

Satellite provided customer premises services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-01-01

Development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand, identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by CPS systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Ka-band CPS system, and postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level were achieved. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a parametric cost model, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for: 1980, 1990, 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

The Consolidated Planning and Scheduling System for Space Transportation and Space Station operations - Successful development experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hornstein, Rhoda S.; Willoughby, John K.; Gardner, Jo A.; Shinkle, Gerald L.

1993-01-01

In 1992, NASA made the decision to evolve a Consolidated Planning System (CPS) by adding the Space Transportation System (STS) requirements to the Space Station Freedom (SSF) planning software. This paper describes this evolutionary process, which began with a series of six-month design-build-test cycles, using a domain-independent architecture and a set of developmental tools known as the Advanced Scheduling Environment. It is shown that, during these tests, the CPS could be used at multiple organizational levels of planning and for integrating schedules from geographically distributed (including international) planning environments. The potential for using the CPS for other planning and scheduling tasks in the SSF program is being currently examined.

Satellite provided customer premises services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume: Executive summary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-08-01

Development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand, identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by CPS systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Ka-band CPS system, and postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level were achieved. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a parametric cost model, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for: 1980, 1990, 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

Effect of the Interposition of Calcium Phosphate Materials on Tendon-Bone Healing During Repair of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear.

PubMed

Zhao, Song; Peng, Lingjie; Xie, Guoming; Li, Dingfeng; Zhao, Jinzhong; Ning, Congqin

2014-08-01

The current nature of tendon-bone healing after rotator cuff (RC) repair is still the formation of granulation tissue at the tendon-bone interface rather than the formation of fibrocartilage, which is the crucial structure in native tendon insertion and can be observed after knee ligament reconstruction. The interposition of calcium phosphate materials has been found to be able to enhance tendon-bone healing in knee ligament reconstruction. However, whether the interposition of these kinds of materials can enhance tendon-bone healing or even change the current nature of tendon-bone healing after RC repair still needs to be explored. The interposition of calcium phosphate materials during RC repair would enhance tendon-bone healing or change its current nature of granulation tissue formation into a more favorable process. Controlled laboratory study. A total of 144 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus tendon, followed by delayed repair after 3 weeks. The animals were allocated into 1 of 3 groups: (1) repair alone, (2) repair with Ca5(PO4)2SiO4 (CPS) bioceramic interposition, or (3) repair with hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramic interposition at the tendon-bone interface. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, or 8 weeks postoperatively, and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was used to quantify the new bone formation at the repair site. New fibrocartilage formation and collagen organization at the tendon-bone interface was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. Biomechanical testing of the supraspinatus tendon-bone complex was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance. Significance was set at P < .05. The micro-CT analysis demonstrated remarkable osteogenic activity and osteoconductivity to promote new bone formation and ingrowth of CPS and HA bioceramic, with CPS bioceramic showing better results than HA. Histological observations indicated that CPS bioceramic had excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. At early time points after the RC repair, CPS bioceramic significantly increased the area of fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface compared with the control and HA groups. Moreover, CPS and HA bioceramics had significantly improved collagen organization. Biomechanical tests indicated that the CPS and HA groups have greater ultimate load to failure and stiffness than the control group at 4 and 8 weeks, and the CPS specimens exhibited the maximum ultimate load to failure, stiffness, and stress of the healing enthesis. Both CPS and HA bioceramics aid in cell attachment and proliferation and accelerate new bone formation, and CPS bioceramic has a more prominent effect on tendon-to-bone healing. Local application of CPS and HA bioceramic at the tendon-bone interface shows promise in improving healing after rotator cuff tear repair. © 2014 The Author(s).

Characterization and analysis of the cotton cyclopropane fatty acid synthase family and their contribution to cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis

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

Yu X. H.; Shanklin J.; Rawat, R.

Cyclopropane fatty acids (CPA) have been found in certain gymnosperms, Malvales, Litchi and other Sapindales. The presence of their unique strained ring structures confers physical and chemical properties characteristic of unsaturated fatty acids with the oxidative stability displayed by saturated fatty acids making them of considerable industrial interest. While cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPE) are well-known inhibitors of fatty acid desaturation in animals, CPE can also inhibit the stearoyl-CoA desaturase and interfere with the maturation and reproduction of some insect species suggesting that in addition to their traditional role as storage lipids, CPE can contribute to the protection of plants frommore » herbivory. Three genes encoding cyclopropane synthase homologues GhCPS1, GhCPS2 and GhCPS3 were identified in cotton. Determination of gene transcript abundance revealed differences among the expression of GhCPS1, 2 and 3 showing high, intermediate and low levels, respectively, of transcripts in roots and stems; whereas GhCPS1 and 2 are both expressed at low levels in seeds. Analyses of fatty acid composition in different tissues indicate that the expression patterns of GhCPS1 and 2 correlate with cyclic fatty acid (CFA) distribution. Deletion of the N-terminal oxidase domain lowered GhCPS's ability to produce cyclopropane fatty acid by approximately 70%. GhCPS1 and 2, but not 3 resulted in the production of cyclopropane fatty acids upon heterologous expression in yeast, tobacco BY2 cell and Arabidopsis seed. In cotton GhCPS1 and 2 gene expression correlates with the total CFA content in roots, stems and seeds. That GhCPS1 and 2 are expressed at a similar level in seed suggests both of them can be considered potential targets for gene silencing to reduce undesirable seed CPE accumulation. Because GhCPS1 is more active in yeast than the published Sterculia CPS and shows similar activity when expressed in model plant systems, it represents a strong candidate gene for CFA accumulation via heterologous expression in production plants.« less

Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Streptococcus suis and Group B Streptococcus Capsular Polysaccharides on the Humoral Response

PubMed Central

Calzas, Cynthia; Taillardet, Morgan; Fourati, Insaf Salem; Roy, David; Gottschalk, Marcelo; Soudeyns, Hugo; Defrance, Thierry; Segura, Mariela

2017-01-01

Streptococcus suis and group B Streptococcus (GBS) are encapsulated streptococci causing septicemia and meningitis. Antibodies (Abs) against capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) have a crucial protective role, but the structure/composition of the CPS, including the presence of sialic acid, may interfere with the generation of anti-CPS Ab responses. We investigated the features of the CPS-specific Ab response directed against S. suis serotypes 2 and 14 and GBS serotypes III and V after infection or immunization with purified native or desialylated CPSs in mice. Whereas S. suis-infected mice developed a very low/undetectable CPS-specific IgM response, significant anti-CPS IgM titers were measured in GBS-infected animals (especially for type III GBS). No isotype switching was detected in S. suis- or GBS-infected mice. While the expression of sialic acid was essential for the immunogenicity of purified GBS type III CPS, this sugar was not responsible for the inability of purified S. suis types 2, 14 and GBS type V CPSs to induce a specific Ab response. Thus, other biochemical criteria unrelated to the presence of sialic acid may be responsible for the inaptitude of the host immune system to mount an effective response against certain S. suis and GBS CPS types. PMID:28425925

Congenital portosystemic shunts associated with liver tumours.

PubMed

Pupulim, L F; Vullierme, M-P; Paradis, V; Valla, D; Terraz, S; Vilgrain, V

2013-07-01

To evaluate the diagnosis and presentation of liver tumours in patients with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPS). Eight patients were diagnosed in Hôpital Beaujon as having CPS. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological examination of liver tumours. CPS were classified according to anatomy and the amount of portal flow deviated to the systemic circulation as: total, subtotal, or partial. Liver tumours were diagnosed by needle core biopsy (n = 5) or surgery (n = 3). Clinical follow-up was available in all patients but one (mean follow-up 36 months; range 1-5 years). Six patients had total CPS, one patient had a subtotal CPS, and the last had a partial CPS. All patients presented with multiple liver nodules (range four to >15). The tumours were characterized as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH; n = 4), FNH with hepatocellular adenoma (n = 2), and regenerative nodular hyperplasia (n = 2). In four of seven patients (57%) that had follow-up, tumours showed enlargement or new lesions appeared. In this series of CPS patients, tumours were all benign, multiple, and of hepatocellular origin, and different tumours were present simultaneously in two patients. Tumour enlargement or new nodules were common during follow-up. Copyright © 2013 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validity of the MicroDYN Approach: Complex Problem Solving Predicts School Grades beyond Working Memory Capacity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schweizer, Fabian; Wustenberg, Sascha; Greiff, Samuel

2013-01-01

This study examines the validity of the complex problem solving (CPS) test MicroDYN by investigating a) the relation between its dimensions--rule identification (exploration strategy), rule knowledge (acquired knowledge), rule application (control performance)--and working memory capacity (WMC), and b) whether CPS predicts school grades in…

Removal of total suspended solid by natural coagulant derived from cassava peel waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd-Asharuddin, S.; Othman, N.; Mohd-Zin, N. S.; Tajarudin, H. A.

2018-04-01

The present study was aimed to investigate the performance of starch derived from cassava peel waste as primary coagulant and coagulant aid. Comparable study was also conducted using commercially used aluminium sulfate (alum) as primary coagulant. A series of Jar tests were performed using raw water from Sembrong Barat water treatment plant. It was observed that coagulation test using cassava peel starch (CPS) alone had unappreciable removing ability. However, it was found that combination of alum-CPS successfully achieve up to 90.48% of total suspended solid (TSS) removal under optimized working conditions (pH 9, 7.5mg/L : 100 mg/L of alum : CPS dosage, rapid mixing of 200 rpm for 1 minute; 100 rpm for 2 minutes, slow mixing of 25 rpm for 30 minutes and 30 minutes settling time). This remarks the reduction in alum dosage up to 50% compared to coagulation test using alum alone. Therefore this finding suggesting that CPS can be considered as potential source of sustainable and effective coagulant aid for water treatment especially in developing countries.

System administrator`s guide to CDPS. Version 1.0

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

Didier, B.T.; Portwood, M.H.

The System Administrator`s Guide to CDPS is intended for those responsible for setting up and maintaining the hardware and software of a Common Mapping Standard (CMS) Date Production System (CDPS) installation. This guide assists the system administrator in performing typical administrative functions. It is not intended to replace the Ultrix Documentation Set that should be available for a DCPS installation. The Ultrix Documentation Set will be required to provide details on referenced Ultrix commands as well as procedures for performing Ultrix maintenance functions. There are six major sections in this guide. Section 1 introduces the system administrator to CDPS andmore » describes the assumptions that are made by this guide. Section 2 describes the CDPS platform configuration. Section 3 describes the platform preparation that is required to install the CDPS software. Section 4 describes the CPS software and its installation procedures. Section 5 describes the CDS software and its installation procedures. Section 6 describes various operation and maintenance procedures. Four appendices are also provided. Appendix A contains a list of used acronyms. Appendix B provides a terse description of common Ultrix commands that are used in administrative functions. Appendix C provides sample CPS and CDS configuration files. Appendix D provides a required list and a recommended list of Ultrix software subsets for installation on a CDPS platform.« less

Children's Executive Function in a CPS-Involved Sample: Effects of Cumulative Adversity and Specific Types of Adversity.

PubMed

Roos, Leslie E; Kim, Hyoun K; Schnabler, Simone; Fisher, Philip A

2016-12-01

Prior research has identified the presence of executive function (EF) deficits in child protective service (CPS) involved (versus non-involved) children but minimal work has examined predictors that might explain individual differences within these CPS-involved children. Here, we sought to characterize EF in a large sample (N=694) of CPS-involved children and examine how specific adversities (physical abuse, neglect, caregiver domestic violence, and caregiver substance dependence) and cumulative adversity (at ages 0-3 and 3-6 years) predict EF (at approximately 5-6 years). It was expected that the sample would exhibit low EF overall based on previous research in maltreated children. Specific adversity and cumulative adversity analyses were largely exploratory given the limited previous work in this area. Results indicated poor EF overall, with 43.5% of children performing worse than chance. Amongst children who performed greater than chance, higher cumulative adversity, physical abuse, and caregiver substance use (at ages 3-6 years) predicted better EF. These findings join literature documenting that, within CPS-involved children, the presence of certain adversities predicts variable cognitive function. Findings highlight the potential relevance of evolutionary psychology to understanding how alterations in behavior linked to harsh and unpredictable early environments may cue accelerated brain development underlying relative cognitive advantages, within at-risk, low performing samples. Longitudinal studies are critical to determine if the relative EF advantages linked to higher adversity persist over time or result in lower EF later on, reflecting a more rapid, but overall limited, trajectory of cognitive development.

Providing patient care in community pharmacies in Australia.

PubMed

Benrimoj, Shalom I; Roberts, Alison S

2005-11-01

To describe Australia's community pharmacy network in the context of the health system and outline the provision of services. The 5000 community pharmacies form a key component of the healthcare system for Australians, for whom health expenditures represent 9% of the Gross Domestic Product. A typical community pharmacy dispenses 880 prescriptions per week. Pharmacists are key partners in the Government's National Medicines Policy and contribute to its objectives through the provision of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS). The Third Community Pharmacy Agreement included funding for CPS including medication review and the provision of written drug information. Funding is also provided for a quality assurance platform with which the majority of pharmacies are accredited. Fifteen million dollars (Australian) have been allocated to research in community pharmacy, which has focused on achieving quality use of medicines (QUM), as well as developing new CPS and facilitating change. Elements of the Agreements have taken into account QUM principles and are now significant drivers of practice change. Although accounting for 10% of remuneration for community pharmacy, the provision of CPS represents a significant shift in focus to view pharmacy as a service provider. Delivery of CPS through the community pharmacy network provides sustainability for primary health care due to improvement in quality presumably associated with a reduction in healthcare costs. Australian pharmacy practice is moving strongly in the direction of CPS provision; however, change does not occur easily. The development of a change management strategy is underway to improve the uptake of professional and business opportunities in community pharmacy.

Streptococcus suis Capsular Polysaccharide Inhibits Phagocytosis through Destabilization of Lipid Microdomains and Prevents Lactosylceramide-Dependent Recognition

PubMed Central

Houde, Mathieu; Gottschalk, Marcelo; Gagnon, Fleur; Van Calsteren, Marie-Rose

2012-01-01

Streptococcus suis type 2 is a major swine pathogen and a zoonotic agent, causing meningitis in both swine and humans. S. suis infects the host through the respiratory route, reaches the bloodstream, and persists until breaching into the central nervous system. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of S. suis type 2 is considered a key virulence factor of the bacteria. Though CPS allows S. suis to adhere to the membrane of cells of the immune system, it provides protection against phagocytosis. In fact, nonencapsulated mutants are easily internalized and killed by macrophages and dendritic cells. The objective of this work was to study the molecular mechanisms by which the CPS of S. suis prevents phagocytosis. By using latex beads covalently linked with purified CPS, it was shown that CPS itself was sufficient to inhibit entry of both latex beads and bystander fluorescent beads into macrophages. Upon contact with macrophages, encapsulated S. suis was shown to destabilize lipid microdomains at the cell surface, to block nitric oxide (NO) production during infection, and to prevent lactosylceramide accumulation at the phagocytic cup during infection. In contrast, the nonencapsulated mutant was easily internalized via lipid rafts, in a filipin-sensitive manner, leading to lactosylceramide recruitment and strong NO production. This is the first report to identify a role for CPS in lipid microdomain stability and to recognize an interaction between S. suis and lactosylceramide in phagocytes. PMID:22124659

Recent Development of Nanomaterial-Doped Conductive Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asyraf, Mohammad; Anwar, Mahmood; Sheng, Law Ming; Danquah, Michael K.

2017-12-01

Conductive polymers (CPs) have received significant research attention in material engineering for applications in microelectronics, micro-scale sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and micro actuators. Numerous research efforts have been focused on enhancing the conductivity of CPs by doping. Various conductive materials, such as metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanoparticles, and structures, such as silver nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets, have been converted into polypyrrole and polypyrrole compounds as the precursors to developing hybrids, conjugates, or crystal nodes within the matrix to enhance the various structural properties, particularly the electrical conductivity. This article reviews nanomaterial doping of conductive polymers alongside technological advancements in the development and application of nanomaterial-doped polymeric systems. Emphasis is given to conductive nanomaterials such as nano-silver particles and carbon-based nanoparticles, graphene nano-sheets, fullerene, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as dopants for polypyrrole-based CPs. The nature of induced electrical properties including electromagnetic absorption, electrical capacitance, and conductivities of polypyrrole systems is also discussed. The prospects and challenges associated with the development and application of CPs are also presented.

Suitable areas of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Spodoptera exigua, and their host plant Phaseolus vulgaris are projected to reduce and shift due to climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez-Cabral, Nadiezhda Yakovleva Zitz; Kumar, Lalit; Shabani, Farzin

2018-01-01

Worldwide, crop pests (CPs) such as pathogens and insects affect agricultural production detrimentally. Species distribution models can be used for projecting current and future suitability of CPs and host crop localities. Our study overlays the distribution of two CPs (Asian soybean rust and beet armyworm) and common bean, a potential host of them, in order to determine their current and future levels of coexistence. This kind of modeling approach has rarely been performed previously in climate change studies. The soybean rust and beet armyworm model projections herein show a reduction of the worldwide area with high and medium suitability of both CPs and a movement of them away from the Equator, in 2100 more pronounced than in 2050. Most likely, heat and dry stress will be responsible for these changes. Heat and dry stress will greatly reduce and shift the future suitable cultivation area of common bean as well, in a similar manner. The most relevant findings of this study were the reduction of the suitable areas for the CPs, the reduction of the risk under future scenarios, and the similarity of trends for the CPs and host. The current results highlight the relation between and the coevolution of host and pathogens.

Human adipose stem cell and ASC-derived cardiac progenitor cellular therapy improves outcomes in a murine model of myocardial infarction

PubMed Central

Davy, Philip MC; Lye, Kevin D; Mathews, Juanita; Owens, Jesse B; Chow, Alice Y; Wong, Livingston; Moisyadi, Stefan; Allsopp, Richard C

2015-01-01

Background Adipose tissue is an abundant and potent source of adult stem cells for transplant therapy. In this study, we present our findings on the potential application of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as well as induced cardiac-like progenitors (iCPs) derived from ASCs for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Methods and results Human bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells, ASCs, and iCPs generated from ASCs using three defined cardiac lineage transcription factors were assessed in an immune-compromised mouse myocardial infarction model. Analysis of iCP prior to transplant confirmed changes in gene and protein expression consistent with a cardiac phenotype. Endpoint analysis was performed 1 month posttransplant. Significantly increased endpoint fractional shortening, as well as reduction in the infarct area at risk, was observed in recipients of iCPs as compared to the other recipient cohorts. Both recipients of iCPs and ASCs presented higher myocardial capillary densities than either recipients of BM-derived stem cells or the control cohort. Furthermore, mice receiving iCPs had a significantly higher cardiac retention of transplanted cells than all other groups. Conclusion Overall, iCPs generated from ASCs outperform BM-derived stem cells and ASCs in facilitating recovery from induced myocardial infarction in mice. PMID:26604802

Left-right and Yin-Yang balance of biophoton emission from hands.

PubMed

Yang, Joon-mo; Choi, Chunho; Hyun-hee; Woo, Won-myung; Yi, Seung-ho; Soh, Kwang-sup; Yang, Jong Soo; Choi, C

2004-01-01

Yearlong measurements of biophotons from palm and back of hand of three healthy people were performed. The detection of biophoton was done with two photomultiplier tubes whose spectral range was from 300 nm to 650 nm. The measurement was done on a circular area of diameter 46 mm whose centers were at the acupuncture point Laogong (PC8) of a palm and the mid-point of a back, respectively. The emission rates from the dorsa showed strong seasonal dependence which is consistent with the active nature of Yang meridians, while the palm sides show less seasonal dependence as they belong to the passive Yin meridians. This could be quantified simply by the standard deviations from the yearly average: They were 47.6 counts per second (cps), 66.1 cps and 66.0 cps from the dorsa, and 23.8 cps, 29.7 cps and 30.4 cps from the palms of subject 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Biophoton emission revealed qualitative individual tendencies: The subjects 1 and 2 emitted more strongly from the left dorsa, while the subject 3 from the right dorsum. The left-right balance of biophoton emission was well kept for normal people, which is in contrast with the severe imbalance for some stroke patients. Thus biophoton measurement has a diagnostic potential that encourages more studies.

Widefield TSCSPC-systems with large-area-detectors: application in simultaneous multi-channel-FLIM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, Sergei; Bakhlanov, Sergei; Drobchenko, Evgeny; Eckert, Hann-Jörg; Kemnitz, Klaus

2010-11-01

Novel proximity-type Time- and Space-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TSCSPC) crossed-delay-line (DL)- and multi-anode (MA)-systems of outstanding performance and homogeneity were developed, using large-area detector heads of 25 and 40 mm diameter. Instrument response functions IRF(space) = (60 +/- 5) μm FWHM and IRF(time) = (28 +/- 3) ps FWHM were achieved over the full 12 cm2 area of the detector. Deadtime at throughput of 105 cps is 10% for "high-resolution" system and 5% in the "video"-system at 106 cps, at slightly reduced time- and space resolution. A fluorescence lifetime of (3.5 +/- 1) ps can be recovered from multi-exponential dynamics of a single living cyanobacterium (Acaryochloris marina). The present large-area detectors are particularly useful in simultaneous multichannel applications, such as 2-colour anisotropy or 4-colour lifetime imaging, utilizing dual- or quad-view image splitters. The long-term stability, low- excitation-intensity (< 100 mW/cm2) widefield systems enable minimal-invasive observation, without significant bleaching or photodynamic reactions, thus allowing long-period observation of up to several hours in living cells.

Context- and Template-Based Compression for Efficient Management of Data Models in Resource-Constrained Systems.

PubMed

Macho, Jorge Berzosa; Montón, Luis Gardeazabal; Rodriguez, Roberto Cortiñas

2017-08-01

The Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) paradigm is based on the deployment of interconnected heterogeneous devices and systems, so interoperability is at the heart of any CPS architecture design. In this sense, the adoption of standard and generic data formats for data representation and communication, e.g., XML or JSON, effectively addresses the interoperability problem among heterogeneous systems. Nevertheless, the verbosity of those standard data formats usually demands system resources that might suppose an overload for the resource-constrained devices that are typically deployed in CPS. In this work we present Context- and Template-based Compression (CTC), a data compression approach targeted to resource-constrained devices, which allows reducing the resources needed to transmit, store and process data models. Additionally, we provide a benchmark evaluation and comparison with current implementations of the Efficient XML Interchange (EXI) processor, which is promoted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and it is the most prominent XML compression mechanism nowadays. Interestingly, the results from the evaluation show that CTC outperforms EXI implementations in terms of memory usage and speed, keeping similar compression rates. As a conclusion, CTC is shown to be a good candidate for managing standard data model representation formats in CPS composed of resource-constrained devices.

Context- and Template-Based Compression for Efficient Management of Data Models in Resource-Constrained Systems

PubMed Central

Montón, Luis Gardeazabal

2017-01-01

The Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) paradigm is based on the deployment of interconnected heterogeneous devices and systems, so interoperability is at the heart of any CPS architecture design. In this sense, the adoption of standard and generic data formats for data representation and communication, e.g., XML or JSON, effectively addresses the interoperability problem among heterogeneous systems. Nevertheless, the verbosity of those standard data formats usually demands system resources that might suppose an overload for the resource-constrained devices that are typically deployed in CPS. In this work we present Context- and Template-based Compression (CTC), a data compression approach targeted to resource-constrained devices, which allows reducing the resources needed to transmit, store and process data models. Additionally, we provide a benchmark evaluation and comparison with current implementations of the Efficient XML Interchange (EXI) processor, which is promoted by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and it is the most prominent XML compression mechanism nowadays. Interestingly, the results from the evaluation show that CTC outperforms EXI implementations in terms of memory usage and speed, keeping similar compression rates. As a conclusion, CTC is shown to be a good candidate for managing standard data model representation formats in CPS composed of resource-constrained devices. PMID:28763013

Electrical and magnetic properties of rock and soil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scott, J.H.

1983-01-01

Field and laboratory measurements have been made to determine the electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability of rock and soil in areas of interest in studies of electromagnetic pulse propagation. Conductivity is determined by making field measurements of apparent resisitivity at very low frequencies (0-20 cps), and interpreting the true resistivity of layers at various depths by curve-matching methods. Interpreted resistivity values are converted to corresponding conductivity values which are assumed to be applicable at 10^2 cps, an assumption which is considered valid because the conductivity of rock and soil is nearly constant at frequencies below 10^2 cps. Conductivity is estimated at higher frequencies (up to 10^6 cps) by using statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of rock and soil samples: conductivity at 10^2 cps, frequency and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Conductivity may also be estimated in this frequency range by using field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and conductivity measured over the range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. This method is less accurate because nonrandom variation of ion concentration in natural pore water introduces error. Dielectric constant is estimated in a similar manner from field-derived conductivity values applicable at 10^2 cps and statistical correlations of three parameters obtained from laboratory measurements of samples: conductivity measured at 10^2 cps, frequency, and dielectric constant measured over the frequency range 10^2 to 10^6 cps. Dielectric constant may also be estimated from field measurements of water content and correlations of laboratory sample measurements of the three parameters: water content, frequency, and dielectric constant measured from 10^2 to 10^6 cps, but again, this method is less accurate because of variation of ion concentration of pore water. Special laboratory procedures are used to measure conductivity and dielectric constant of rock and soil samples. Electrode polarization errors are minimized by using an electrode system that is electrochemically reversible-with ions in pore water.

Efficacy of lacosamide by focal seizure subtype.

PubMed

Sperling, Michael R; Rosenow, Felix; Faught, Edward; Hebert, David; Doty, Pamela; Isojärvi, Jouko

2014-10-01

The purpose of this post hoc exploratory analysis was to determine the effects of the antiepileptic drug, lacosamide, on focal (partial-onset) seizure subtypes. Patient data from the three lacosamide pivotal trials were grouped and pooled by focal seizure subtype at Baseline: simple partial seizures (SPS), complex partial seizures (CPS), and secondarily generalized partial seizures (SGPS). Both efficacy outcomes (median percent change from Baseline to Maintenance Phase in seizure frequency per 28 days and the proportion of patients experiencing at least a 50% reduction in seizures) were evaluated by lacosamide dose (200, 400, or 600 mg/day) compared to placebo for each seizure subtype. An additional analysis was performed to determine whether a shift from more severe focal seizure subtypes to less severe occurred upon treatment with lacosamide. In patients with CPS or SGPS at Baseline, lacosamide 400 mg/day (maximum recommended daily dose) and 600 mg/day reduced the frequency of CPS and SGPS compared to placebo. Likewise, a proportion of patients with CPS and SGPS at Baseline experienced at least a 50% reduction in the frequency of CPS and SGPS (≥50% responder rate) in the lacosamide 400 and 600 mg/day groups compared with placebo. For both outcomes, numerically greatest responses were observed in the lacosamide 600 mg/day group among patients with SGPS at Baseline. In patients with SPS at Baseline, no difference between placebo and lacosamide was observed for either efficacy outcome. An additional exploratory analysis suggests that in patients with SPS at Baseline, CPS and SGPS may have been shifted to less severe SPS upon treatment with lacosamide. The results of these exploratory analyses revealed reductions in CPS and SGPS frequency with adjunctive lacosamide. Reduction in CPS and SGPS may confound assessment of SPS since the CPS or SGPS may possibly change to SPS by effective treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a 3D cell printed structure as an alternative to autologs cartilage for auricular reconstruction.

PubMed

Park, Ju Young; Choi, Yeong-Jin; Shim, Jin-Hyung; Park, Jeong Hun; Cho, Dong-Woo

2017-07-01

Surgical technique using autologs cartilage is considered as the best treatment for cartilage tissue reconstruction, although the burdens of donor site morbidity and surgical complications still remain. The purpose of this study is to apply three-dimensional (3D) cell printing to fabricate a tissue-engineered graft, and evaluate its effects on cartilage reconstruction. A multihead tissue/organ building system is used to print cell-printed scaffold (CPS), then assessed the effect of the CPS on cartilage regeneration in a rabbit ear. The cell viability and functionality of chondrocytes were significantly higher in CPS than in cell-seeded scaffold (CSS) and cell-seeded hybrid scaffold (CSHS) in vitro. CPS was then implanted into a rabbit ear that had an 8 mm-diameter cartilage defect; at 3 months after implantation the CPS had fostered complete cartilage regeneration whereas CSS and autologs cartilage (AC) fostered only incomplete healing. This result demonstrates that cell printing technology can provide an appropriate environment in which encapsulated chondrocytes can survive and differentiate into cartilage tissue in vivo. Moreover, the effects of CPS on cartilage regeneration were even better than those of AC. Therefore, we confirmed the feasibility of CPS as an alternative to AC for auricular reconstruction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1016-1028, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Child Protection Services and Parents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaLiberte, Traci; Piescher, Kristine; Mickelson, Nicole; Lee, Mi Hwa

2017-01-01

Background: Information about parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the child protection system (CPS) continues to evolve. This study examined characteristics, experiences and representation of parents with IDD across three CPS decision points, as compared to parents with other disabilities and parents without…

Creating personalised clinical pathways by semantic interoperability with electronic health records.

PubMed

Wang, Hua-Qiong; Li, Jing-Song; Zhang, Yi-Fan; Suzuki, Muneou; Araki, Kenji

2013-06-01

There is a growing realisation that clinical pathways (CPs) are vital for improving the treatment quality of healthcare organisations. However, treatment personalisation is one of the main challenges when implementing CPs, and the inadequate dynamic adaptability restricts the practicality of CPs. The purpose of this study is to improve the practicality of CPs using semantic interoperability between knowledge-based CPs and semantic electronic health records (EHRs). Simple protocol and resource description framework query language is used to gather patient information from semantic EHRs. The gathered patient information is entered into the CP ontology represented by web ontology language. Then, after reasoning over rules described by semantic web rule language in the Jena semantic framework, we adjust the standardised CPs to meet different patients' practical needs. A CP for acute appendicitis is used as an example to illustrate how to achieve CP customisation based on the semantic interoperability between knowledge-based CPs and semantic EHRs. A personalised care plan is generated by comprehensively analysing the patient's personal allergy history and past medical history, which are stored in semantic EHRs. Additionally, by monitoring the patient's clinical information, an exception is recorded and handled during CP execution. According to execution results of the actual example, the solutions we present are shown to be technically feasible. This study contributes towards improving the clinical personalised practicality of standardised CPs. In addition, this study establishes the foundation for future work on the research and development of an independent CP system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of a Littoral Combat Ship as a Major Node in a Wireless Mesh Network

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

17 Figure 6. Cloud Relay Groups . Source: Persistent Systems (2014a). .......................18 Figure 7. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor...CIG Commander’s Initiative Group CLI Command Line Interface CN Core Network CODA Common Optical Digital Architecture CPS Cyber-Physical Systems...CSBA Center for Strategic and Budgetary CSG Carrier Strike Group DAMA Demand Assigned Multiple Access DDG Guided Missile Destroyer DL Distributed

The genetic organization of the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis region of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 14

PubMed Central

ITO, Hiroya

2015-01-01

The genetic organization of the gene involved in the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 14 has been determined. The DNA region for the CPS biosynthesis of serotype 14 (cps14) comprised 9 open reading frames, designated as cps14AB1B2B3CDEFG genes, encoding Cps14A to Cps14G protein, respectively. Cps14A was similar to CpsA of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 4 and 12; the Cps14B1 and Cps14B2 were similar to CpsB of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 4 and 12, suggesting that CPS structure of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 14 would belong to Group I including A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 12 and 15. Surprisingly, the overall nucleotide sequence, deduced amino acid sequence, and the genetic organization of the cps14 were nearly identical to those of Actinobacillus suis. This study will provide the molecular basic knowledge for development of diagnostics and vaccine of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 14. PMID:25648373

On Improving 4-km Mesoscale Model Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Aijun; Stauffer, David R.

2006-03-01

A previous study showed that use of analysis-nudging four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) and improved physics in the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) produced the best overall performance on a 12-km-domain simulation, based on the 18 19 September 1983 Cross-Appalachian Tracer Experiment (CAPTEX) case. However, reducing the simulated grid length to 4 km had detrimental effects. The primary cause was likely the explicit representation of convection accompanying a cold-frontal system. Because no convective parameterization scheme (CPS) was used, the convective updrafts were forced on coarser-than-realistic scales, and the rainfall and the atmospheric response to the convection were too strong. The evaporative cooling and downdrafts were too vigorous, causing widespread disruption of the low-level winds and spurious advection of the simulated tracer. In this study, a series of experiments was designed to address this general problem involving 4-km model precipitation and gridpoint storms and associated model sensitivities to the use of FDDA, planetary boundary layer (PBL) turbulence physics, grid-explicit microphysics, a CPS, and enhanced horizontal diffusion. Some of the conclusions include the following: 1) Enhanced parameterized vertical mixing in the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) turbulence scheme has shown marked improvements in the simulated fields. 2) Use of a CPS on the 4-km grid improved the precipitation and low-level wind results. 3) Use of the Hong and Pan Medium-Range Forecast PBL scheme showed larger model errors within the PBL and a clear tendency to predict much deeper PBL heights than the TKE scheme. 4) Combining observation-nudging FDDA with a CPS produced the best overall simulations. 5) Finer horizontal resolution does not always produce better simulations, especially in convectively unstable environments, and a new CPS suitable for 4-km resolution is needed. 6) Although use of current CPSs may violate their underlying assumptions related to the size of the convective element relative to the grid size, the gridpoint storm problem was greatly reduced by applying a CPS to the 4-km grid.

[Pay for performance explained by transaction costs theory].

PubMed

Gorbaneff, Yuri; Cortes, Ariel; Torres, Sergio; Yepes, Francisco

2011-01-01

To evaluate the ability of transaction costs theory to explain incentives in the health care chain. We performed a case study of CPS, a health insurance company in Bogota (Colombia), which preferred not to publish its name. CPS moves in the environment of high transaction costs and uses the hybrid form of governance at the outpatient level. Incentive intensity, administrative control and the contract all agree with the theory. At the hospital level, the market is used, despite greater uncertainty. Because of the discrete form (1.0) of the incentives and the absence of administrative control, it is difficult for CPS to relate payment to hospital performance. Transaction costs theory explains the configuration of incentives. Another contribution made by this theory to the literature is the criterion to differentiate between the market and the hybrid. We propose that the market uses discrete-type (1.0) incentives, while the hybrid uses continuous, commission-like incentives. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

An Examination of the Medicaid Undercount in the Current Population Survey: Preliminary Results from Record Linking

PubMed Central

Davern, Michael; Klerman, Jacob Alex; Baugh, David K; Call, Kathleen Thiede; Greenberg, George D

2009-01-01

Objective To assess reasons why survey estimates of Medicaid enrollment are 43 percent lower than raw Medicaid program enrollment counts (i.e., “Medicaid undercount”). Data Sources Linked 2000–2002 Medicaid Statistical Information System (MSIS) and the 2001–2002 Current Population Survey (CPS). Data Collection Methods Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided the Census Bureau with its MSIS file. The Census Bureau linked the MSIS to the CPS data within its secure data analysis facilities. Study Design We analyzed how often Medicaid enrollees incorrectly answer the CPS health insurance item and imperfect concept alignment (e.g., inclusion in the MSIS of people who are not included in the CPS sample frame and people who were enrolled in Medicaid in more than one state during the year). Principal Findings The extent to which the Medicaid enrollee data were adjusted for imperfect concept alignment reduces the raw Medicaid undercount considerably (by 12 percentage points). However, survey response errors play an even larger role with 43 percent of Medicaid enrollees answering the CPS as though they were not enrolled and 17 percent reported being uninsured. Conclusions The CPS is widely used for health policy analysis but is a poor measure of Medicaid enrollment at any time during the year because many people who are enrolled in Medicaid fail to report it and may be incorrectly coded as being uninsured. This discrepancy should be considered when using the CPS for policy research. PMID:19187185

Rural access to clinical pharmacy services.

PubMed

Patterson, Brandon J; Kaboli, Peter J; Tubbs, Traviss; Alexander, Bruce; Lund, Brian C

2014-01-01

To examine the impact of rural residence and primary care site on use of clinical pharmacy services (CPS) and to describe the use of clinical telepharmacy within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health care system. Using 2011 national VHA data, the frequency of patients with CPS encounters was compared across patient residence (urban or rural) and principal site of primary care (medical center, urban clinic, or rural clinic). The likelihood of CPS utilization was estimated with random effects logistic regression. Individual service types (e.g., anticoagulation clinics) and delivery modes (e.g., telehealth) were also examined. Of 3,040,635 patients, 711,348 (23.4%) received CPS. Service use varied by patient residence (urban: 24.9%; rural: 19.7%) and principal site of primary care (medical center: 25.9%; urban clinic: 22.5%; rural clinic: 17.6%). However, in adjusted analyses, urban-rural differences were explained primarily by primary care site and less so by patient residence. Similar findings were observed for individual CPS types. Telehealth encounters were common, accounting for nearly one-half of patients receiving CPS. Video telehealth was infrequent (<0.2%), but more common among patients of rural clinics than those receiving CPS at medical centers (odds ratio [OR] = 9.7; 95% CI 9.0-10.5). We identified a potential disparity between rural and urban patients' access to CPS, which was largely explained by greater reliance on community clinics for primary care than on medical centers. Future research is needed to determine if this disparity will be alleviated by emerging organizational changes, including expanding telehealth capacity and integrating pharmacists into primary care teams, and whether lessons learned at VHA translate to other settings.

The thoracic muscular system and its innervation in third instar Calliphora vicina Larvae. I. Muscles of the pro- and mesothorax and the pharyngeal complex.

PubMed

Hanslik, Ulrike; Schoofs, Andreas; Niederegger, Senta; Heinzel, Hans-Georg; Spiess, Roland

2010-08-01

An anatomical description is given by the muscles in the pro- and mesothorax, and those associated with the feeding apparatus (cephalopharyngeal skeleton, CPS) that participate in feeding behavior in third instar Calliphora larvae. The body wall muscles in the pro- and mesothoracic segments are organized in three layers: internal, intermedial, and external. The muscles were labeled with roman numerals according to the nomenclature in use for the abdominal segments. Muscles associated with the CPS are labeled according to their function. The prothorax bears five pairs of lateral symmetrically longitudinal segmental body wall muscles and lacks the transversal muscle group present in the mesothorax and abdominal segments. Additionally, four pairs of intersegmental muscles project from the prothorax to the second, fourth, and fifth segment. The mesothorax bears 15 pairs of segmental longitudinal and 18 pairs of transversal muscles. The accessory pharyngeal muscles span the CPS and the cuticle. Three pairs of protractors and retractors and two pairs of mouth hook accessors (MH(AC)) exist, which move the CPS relative to the body. The pharyngeal muscles are exclusively attached to the structures of the CPS. The mouth hook elevators and depressors, which mediate the hooks rotation are attached to the ventral arm of the CPS and project to a dorsal (elevators) or ventral (depressors) protuberance of the mouth hooks. The cibarial dilator muscles (CDM) span the dorsal arms of the CPS and the dorsal surface of the esophagus and mediate food ingestion. The labial retractors (LRs) lack antagonists and project from the ventral surface of the CPS to the unpaired labium. Contractions of these muscles open the mouth cavity. J. Morphol. 271:960-968, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The First Step of Gibberellin Biosynthesis in Pumpkin Is Catalyzed by at Least Two Copalyl Diphosphate Synthases Encoded by Differentially Regulated Genes

PubMed Central

Smith, Maria W.; Yamaguchi, Shinjiro; Ait-Ali, Tahar; Kamiya, Yuji

1998-01-01

The first step in gibberellin biosynthesis is catalyzed by copalyl diphosphate synthase (CPS) and ent-kaurene synthase. We have cloned from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) two cDNAs, CmCPS1 and CmCPS2, that each encode a CPS. Both recombinant fusion CmCPS proteins were active in vitro. CPS are translocated into plastids and processed by cleavage of transit peptides. For CmCPS1 and CmCPS2, the putative transit peptides cannot exceed the first 99 and 107 amino acids, respectively, because longer N-terminal deletions abolished activity. Levels of both CmCPS transcripts were strictly regulated in an organ-specific and developmental manner. Both transcripts were almost undetectable in leaves and were abundant in petioles. CmCPS1 transcript levels were high in young cotyledons and low in roots. In contrast, CmCPS2 transcripts were undetectable in cotyledons but present at significant levels in roots. In hypocotyls, apices, and petioles, CmCPS1 transcript levels decreased with age much more rapidly than those of CmCPS2. We speculate that CmCPS1 expression is correlated with the early stages of organ development, whereas CmCPS2 expression is correlated with subsequent growth. In contrast, C. maxima ent-kaurene synthase transcripts were detected in every organ at almost constant levels. Thus, ent-kaurene biosynthesis may be regulated through control of CPS expression. PMID:9847116

Comparison of 2 kinds of pedicle screws in primary spinal instrumentation: biomechanical and interfacial evaluations in sheep vertebrae in vitro.

PubMed

Liu, Da; Zhang, Yi; Lei, Wei; Wang, Cai-ru; Xie, Qing-yun; Liao, Dong-fa; Jiang, Kai; Zhou, Jin-song; Zhang, Bo; Pan, Xian-ming

2014-04-01

Expansive pedicle screw (EPS) and polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw (PMMA-PS) were inserted in sheep vertebrae in vitro and were evaluated by performing biomechanical tests, radiographic examinations and histological observations. The objective of the study was to compare the biomechanical and interfacial performances of EPS and PMMA-PS in sheep lumbar vertebrae in vitro. It is a great challenge for orthopedic surgeons performing transpedicular fixation in the osteoporotic spine. It was reported that either the EPS or PMMA-PS could increase the screw stability. However, there are no studies comparing the 2 kinds of screws especially in primary spinal instrumentation. A total of 60 sheep lumbar vertebrae were randomly divided into 3 groups. A pilot hole was made in advance in all samples using the same method. Thereafter, the conventional pedicle screw (CPS) was inserted directly into the pilot hole in the CPS group; the hole in PMMA-PS group was first filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 1.0 mL) and then inserted with CPS; and the EPS was inserted directly into the vertebrae in EPS group. After a period of 24 hours, biomechanical tests were performed to evaluate screw stability, and x-ray examination, micro-computerized tomography analysis, and histologic observation were performed to evaluate the interface between screw and bone. Compared with the stability of CPS, those of EPS and PMMA-PS were significantly enhanced. However, no significant differences were detected between the stabilities of EPS and PMMA-PS. The PMMA surrounding the screw blocked direct contact between bone and screw and formed a "screw-PMMA-bone" interface in the PMMA-PS group. There was a "screw-bone" interface in both CPS and EPS groups. Nevertheless, the expanded anterior part of EPS formed a claw-like structure pressing the surrounding bone trabeculae, which made the local bone tissue more compacted and denser than that in the CPS group. EPS can enhance the screw stability as markedly as the traditional PMMA-PS in primary surgery, and EPS can form a better immediate interface between screw and bone compared with PMMA-PS. EPS also can effectively avoid thermal injury, leakage, and compression caused by PMMA. A great feasibility was proved in this study to perform comparisons between the 2 kinds of pedicle screws in osteoporotic sheep vertebrae in vivo in the further research. In conclusion, we propose that EPS has a great application potential in augmentation of screw stability in the clinic.

Teacher Evaluation in Practice: Understanding Evaluator Reliability and Teacher Engagement in Chicago Public Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sporte, Susan E.; Jiang, Jennie Y.; Luppescu, Stuart

2014-01-01

Starting in 2012-13, researchers have worked in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) to study implementation of Chicago's new teacher evaluation system: Recognizing Educators Advancing Chicago's Students (REACH). This paper presents findings as well as experiences from the collaboration with CPS and…

Potential use of multispectral imaging technology to identify moisture content and water-holding capacity in cooked pork sausages.

PubMed

Ma, Fei; Zhang, Bin; Wang, Wu; Li, Peijun; Niu, Xiangli; Chen, Conggui; Zheng, Lei

2018-03-01

The traditional detection methods for moisture content (MC) and water-holding capacity (WHC) in cooked pork sausages (CPS) are destructive, time consuming, require skilled personnel and are not suitable for online industry applications. The goal of this work was to explore the potential of multispectral imaging (MSI) in combination with multivariate analysis for the identification of MC and WHC in CPS. Spectra and textures of 156 CPS treated by six salt concentrations (0-2.5%) were analyzed using different calibration models to find the most optimal results of predicting MC and WHC in CPS. By using the fused data of spectra and textures, partial least squares regression models performed well for determining the MC and WHC, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.949 and 0.832, respectively. Additionally, their spatial distribution in CPS could be visualized via applying prediction equations to transfer each pixel in the image. Results of satisfactory detection and visualization of the MC and WHC showed that MSI has the potential to serve as a rapid and non-destructive method for use in sausage industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

City public service learns to speed read. [Computerized routing system for meter reading

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

Aitken, E.L.

1994-02-01

City Public Service (CPS) of San Antonio, TX is a municipally owned utility that serves a densely populated 1,566 square miles in and around San Antonio. CPS's service area is divided into 21 meter reading districts, each of which is broken down into no more than 99 regular routes. Every day, a CPS employee reads one of the districts, following one or more routes. In 1991, CPS began using handheld computers to record reads for regular routes, which are stored on the devices themselves. In contrast, rereads and final reads occur at random throughout the service area. Because they changemore » every day, the process of creating routes that can be loaded onto a handheld device is difficult. Until recently, rereads and final reads were printed on paper orders, and route schedulers would spend close to two hours sorting the paper orders into routes. Meter readers would then hand-sequence the orders on their routes, often using a city map, before taking them into the field in stacks. When the meter readers returned, their completed orders had to be separated by type of reread, and then keyed into the mainframe computer before bill processing could begin. CPS's data processing department developed a computerized routing system of its own that saves time and labor, as well as paper. The system eliminates paper orders entirely, enabling schedulers to create reread and final read routes graphically on a PC. Information no longer needs to be keyed from hard copy, reducing the margin of error and streamlining bill processing by incorporating automated data transfer between systems.« less

Key Role of Capsular Polysaccharide in the Induction of Systemic Infection and Abortion by Hypervirulent Campylobacter jejuni

PubMed Central

Sahin, Orhan; Terhorst, Samantha A.; Burrough, Eric R.; Shen, Zhangqi; Wu, Zuowei; Dai, Lei; Tang, Yizhi; Plummer, Paul J.; Ji, Ju; Yaeger, Michael J.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni is a zoonotic pathogen, and a hypervirulent clone, named clone SA, has recently emerged as the predominant cause of ovine abortion in the United States. To induce abortion, orally ingested Campylobacter must translocate across the intestinal epithelium, spread systemically in the circulation, and reach the fetoplacental tissue. Bacterial factors involved in these steps are not well understood. C. jejuni is known to produce capsular polysaccharide (CPS), but the specific role that CPS plays in systemic infection and particularly abortion in animals remains to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the role of CPS in bacteremia using a mouse model and in abortion using a pregnant guinea pig model following oral challenge. Compared with C. jejuni NCTC 11168 and 81-176, a clone SA isolate (IA3902) resulted in significantly higher bacterial counts and a significantly longer duration of bacteremia in mice. The loss of capsule production via gene-specific mutagenesis in IA3902 led to the complete abolishment of bacteremia in mice and abortion in pregnant guinea pigs, while complementation of capsule expression almost fully restored these phenotypes. The capsule mutant strain was also impaired for survival in guinea pig sera and sheep blood. Sequence-based analyses revealed that clone SA possesses a unique CPS locus with a mosaic structure, which has been stably maintained in all clone SA isolates derived from various hosts and times. These findings establish CPS as a key virulence factor for the induction of systemic infection and abortion in pregnant animals and provide a viable candidate for the development of vaccines against hypervirulent C. jejuni. PMID:28373351

Workplace discrimination and cancer.

PubMed

McKenna, Maureen A; Fabian, Ellen; Hurley, Jessica E; McMahon, Brian T; West, Steven L

2007-01-01

Data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Integrated Mission System database were analyzed with specific reference to allegations of workplace discrimination filed by individuals with cancer under ADA Title One. These 6,832 allegations, filed between July 27, 1992 and September 30, 2003, were compared to 167,798 allegations from a general disability population on the following dimensions: type of workplace discrimination; demographic characteristics of the charging parties (CPs); the industry designation, location, and size of employers; and the outcome or resolution of EEOC investigations. Results showed allegations derived from CPs with cancer were more likely than those in the general disability population to include issues involving discharge, terms and conditions of employment, lay-off, wages, and demotion. Compared to the general disability group, CPs with cancer were more likely to be female, older, and White. Allegations derived from CPs with cancer were also more likely to be filed against smaller employers (15-100 workers) or those in service industries. Finally, the resolution of allegations by CPs with cancer were more likely to be meritorious than those filed from the general disability population; that is, actual discrimination is more likely to have occurred.

Maternal Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Before and During Pregnancy and Postbirth Child Welfare Contact: A Population-Based Assessment.

PubMed

Parrish, Jared W; Lanier, Paul; Newby-Kew, Abigail; Arvidson, Joshua; Shanahan, Meghan

2016-02-01

We conducted a population-based prospective cohort study to help elucidate the predictive relationship between a maternal prebirth self-reported history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and any postbirth reported allegation to Child Protective Services (CPS) by age 2. We linked data from the 2009-2010 Alaska Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System with CPS data through 2012. Among this cohort, we found that 8.0%w self-reported experiencing IPV 12 months prior or during pregnancy, and 8.0%w of the offspring experienced at least one CPS report of alleged maltreatment during the study period. The predictive relationship varied by maternal educational attainment. Among mothers with 12+ years education completed, the odds of a CPS report were 3.9 times compared to those with no IPV, while among mothers with <12 years education completed, no association was noted. These results suggest that for a subset of Alaskan families, maternal history of IPV is a strong independent predictor of future CPS contact. © The Author(s) 2015.

A Model for Remote Depth Estimation of Buried Radioactive Wastes Using CdZnTe Detector.

PubMed

Ukaegbu, Ikechukwu Kevin; Gamage, Kelum A A

2018-05-18

This paper presents the results of an attenuation model for remote depth estimation of buried radioactive wastes using a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector. Previous research using an organic liquid scintillator detector system showed that the model is able to estimate the depth of a 329-kBq Cs-137 radioactive source buried up to 12 cm in sand with an average count rate of 100 cps. The results presented in this paper showed that the use of the CZT detector extended the maximum detectable depth of the same radioactive source to 18 cm in sand with a significantly lower average count rate of 14 cps. Furthermore, the model also successfully estimated the depth of a 9-kBq Co-60 source buried up to 3 cm in sand. This confirms that this remote depth estimation method can be used with other radionuclides and wastes with very low activity. Finally, the paper proposes a performance parameter for evaluating radiation detection systems that implement this remote depth estimation method.

Development and Operation of a High Resolution Positron Emission Tomography System to Perform Metabolic Studies on Small Animals.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hogan, Matthew John

A positron emission tomography system designed to perform high resolution imaging of small volumes has been characterized. Two large area planar detectors, used to detect the annihilation gamma rays, formed a large aperture stationary positron camera. The detectors were multiwire proportional chambers coupled to high density lead stack converters. Detector efficiency was 8%. The coincidence resolving time was 500 nsec. The maximum system sensitivity was 60 cps/(mu)Ci for a solid angle of acceptance of 0.74(pi) St. The maximum useful coincidence count rate was 1500 cps and was limited by electronic dead time. Image reconstruction was done by performing a 3-dimensional deconvolution using Fourier transform methods. Noise propagation during reconstruction was minimized by choosing a 'minimum norm' reconstructed image. In the stationary detector system (with a limited angle of acceptance for coincident events) statistical uncertainty in the data limited reconstruction in the direction normal to the detector surfaces. Data from a rotated phantom showed that detector rotation will correct this problem. Resolution was 4 mm in planes parallel to the detectors and (TURN)15 mm in the normal direction. Compton scattering of gamma rays within a source distribution was investigated using both simulated and measured data. Attenuation due to scatter was as high as 60%. For small volume imaging the Compton background was identified and an approximate correction was performed. A semiquantitative blood flow measurement to bone in the leg of a cat using the ('18)F('-) ion was performed. The results were comparable to investigations using more conventional techniques. Qualitative scans using ('18)F labelled deoxy -D-glucose to assess brain glucose metabolism in a rhesus monkey were also performed.

Enlisted Personnel Individualized Career System (EPICS) and Conventional Personnel System (CPS): Preliminary Comparison of Training and Ancillary Costs

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

NUMNIIIR(e) A. M. Megrditchian S. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME ANO ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT, TASK AREA & WORK UNIT NUMUERS Navy Personnel...individualized career system (EPICS) program provides an alternative that strives for these advantages. It defers formal school assignment to follow sea duty...enabling the seaman to understand and adjust to the shipboard environment as well as prepare for an opt imall y- phased, formal, shore-based schools program

Optimization and Control of Cyber-Physical Vehicle Systems

PubMed Central

Bradley, Justin M.; Atkins, Ella M.

2015-01-01

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is composed of tightly-integrated computation, communication and physical elements. Medical devices, buildings, mobile devices, robots, transportation and energy systems can benefit from CPS co-design and optimization techniques. Cyber-physical vehicle systems (CPVSs) are rapidly advancing due to progress in real-time computing, control and artificial intelligence. Multidisciplinary or multi-objective design optimization maximizes CPS efficiency, capability and safety, while online regulation enables the vehicle to be responsive to disturbances, modeling errors and uncertainties. CPVS optimization occurs at design-time and at run-time. This paper surveys the run-time cooperative optimization or co-optimization of cyber and physical systems, which have historically been considered separately. A run-time CPVS is also cooperatively regulated or co-regulated when cyber and physical resources are utilized in a manner that is responsive to both cyber and physical system requirements. This paper surveys research that considers both cyber and physical resources in co-optimization and co-regulation schemes with applications to mobile robotic and vehicle systems. Time-varying sampling patterns, sensor scheduling, anytime control, feedback scheduling, task and motion planning and resource sharing are examined. PMID:26378541

Optimization and Control of Cyber-Physical Vehicle Systems.

PubMed

Bradley, Justin M; Atkins, Ella M

2015-09-11

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is composed of tightly-integrated computation, communication and physical elements. Medical devices, buildings, mobile devices, robots, transportation and energy systems can benefit from CPS co-design and optimization techniques. Cyber-physical vehicle systems (CPVSs) are rapidly advancing due to progress in real-time computing, control and artificial intelligence. Multidisciplinary or multi-objective design optimization maximizes CPS efficiency, capability and safety, while online regulation enables the vehicle to be responsive to disturbances, modeling errors and uncertainties. CPVS optimization occurs at design-time and at run-time. This paper surveys the run-time cooperative optimization or co-optimization of cyber and physical systems, which have historically been considered separately. A run-time CPVS is also cooperatively regulated or co-regulated when cyber and physical resources are utilized in a manner that is responsive to both cyber and physical system requirements. This paper surveys research that considers both cyber and physical resources in co-optimization and co-regulation schemes with applications to mobile robotic and vehicle systems. Time-varying sampling patterns, sensor scheduling, anytime control, feedback scheduling, task and motion planning and resource sharing are examined.

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

Bisht, Kamal Kumar; Rachuri, Yadagiri; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research

Four ternary coordination polymers (CPs) namely, ([Ni(SDB)(BITMB)(H{sub 2}O)]·H{sub 2}O){sub n} (CP1), ([Cd(SDB)(BITMB) (H{sub 2}O)]·(THF)(H{sub 2}O)){sub n} (CP2), ([Zn{sub 2}(SDB){sub 2}(BITMB)]·(THF){sub 2}){sub n} (CP3) and ([Co{sub 2}(SDB){sub 2}(BITMB)]·(Dioxane){sub 3}){sub n} (CP4) composed of angular dicarboxylate SDB (4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoate) and N-donor BITMB (1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethyl benzene) have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and other physico-chemical techniques. CP1 possesses one-dimensional ribbon type metal–organic motifs glued together by H-bonds and π⋯π interactions, whereas CP2–CP4, exhibit non-interpenetrated sql networks supported by weak supramolecular interactions. Structural diversity of these CPs can be attributed to the coordination geometry adopted by the metal nodes,more » versatile coordination modes of SDB and conformational flexibility of BITMB. Solid state luminescence properties of CP1–CP4 were explored. Photocatalytic performance of all CPs for the decomposition of metanil yellow by dilute hydrogen peroxide in the presence of visible light was also investigated. 25–83% dye removal from aqueous solutions in the presence of CP1–CP4 was observed. - Graphical abstract: Four new ternary transition metal CPs have been hydrothermally prepared and their structural aspects as well as photocatalytic activity for decolourization of metanil yellow (MY) dye have been investigated. - Highlights: • Four ternary coordination polymers containing Ni, Cd, Zn and Co center are prepared. • Crystal structure and thermal stability of all four CPs has been described. • PL and diffuse reflectance spectra of synthesized CPs have also been examined. • Band gap values suggest semiconducting behavior of prepared CPs. • Photocatalytic activity of CPs for oxidative degradation of metanil yellow is studied.« less

CpsR, a GntR family regulator, transcriptionally regulates capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis and governs bacterial virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PubMed

Wu, Kaifeng; Xu, Hongmei; Zheng, Yuqiang; Wang, Libin; Zhang, Xuemei; Yin, Yibing

2016-07-08

Transcriptional regulation of capsule expression is critical for pneumococcal transition from carriage to infection, yet the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we describe the regulation of capsular polysaccharide, one of the most important pneumococcal virulence factor by a GntR family regulator, CpsR. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays have shown the direct interaction between CpsR and the cps promoter (cpsp), and their interaction could be competitively interfered by glucose. DNase I footprinting assays localized the binding site to a region -146 to -114 base pairs relative to the transcriptional start site of the cps locus in S. pneumoniae D39. We found that CpsR negatively controlled the transcription of the cps locus and hence CPS production, which was confirmed by fine-tuning expression of CpsR in a ΔcpsR complemented strain. Increased expression of CpsR in complemented strain led to a decreased resistance to the whole-blood-mediated killing, suggesting a protective role for CpsR-cpsp interaction in the establishment of invasive infection. Finally, animal experiments showed that CpsR-cpsp interaction was necessary for both pneumococcal colonization and invasive infection. Taken together, our results provide a thorough insight into the regulation of capsule production mediated by CpsR and its important roles in pneumococcal pathogenesis.

Probability scores and diagnostic algorithms in pulmonary embolism: are they followed in clinical practice?

PubMed

Sanjuán, Pilar; Rodríguez-Núñez, Nuria; Rábade, Carlos; Lama, Adriana; Ferreiro, Lucía; González-Barcala, Francisco Javier; Alvarez-Dobaño, José Manuel; Toubes, María Elena; Golpe, Antonio; Valdés, Luis

2014-05-01

Clinical probability scores (CPS) determine the pre-test probability of pulmonary embolism (PE) and assess the need for the tests required in these patients. Our objective is to investigate if PE is diagnosed according to clinical practice guidelines. Retrospective study of clinically suspected PE in the emergency department between January 2010 and December 2012. A D-dimer value ≥ 500 ng/ml was considered positive. PE was diagnosed on the basis of the multislice computed tomography angiography and, to a lesser extent, with other imaging techniques. The CPS used was the revised Geneva scoring system. There was 3,924 cases of suspected PE (56% female). Diagnosis was determined in 360 patients (9.2%) and the incidence was 30.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Sensitivity and the negative predictive value of the D-dimer test were 98.7% and 99.2% respectively. CPS was calculated in only 24 cases (0.6%) and diagnostic algorithms were not followed in 2,125 patients (54.2%): in 682 (17.4%) because clinical probability could not be estimated and in 482 (37.6%), 852 (46.4%) and 109 (87.9%) with low, intermediate and high clinical probability, respectively, because the diagnostic algorithms for these probabilities were not applied. CPS are rarely calculated in the diagnosis of PE and the diagnostic algorithm is rarely used in clinical practice. This may result in procedures with potential significant side effects being unnecessarily performed or to a high risk of underdiagnosis. Copyright © 2013 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Protection of tokamak plasma facing components by a capillary porous system with lithium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyublinski, I.; Vertkov, A.; Mirnov, S.; Lazarev, V.

2015-08-01

Development of plasma facing material (PFM) based on the Capillary-Porous System (CPS) with lithium and activity on realization of lithium application strategy are addressed to meet the challenges under the creation of steady-state tokamak fusion reactor and fusion neutron source. Presented overview of experimental study of lithium CPS in plasma devices demonstrates the progress in protection of tokamak plasma facing components (PFC) from damage, stabilization and self-renewal of liquid lithium surface, elimination of plasma pollution and lithium accumulation in tokamak chamber. The possibility of PFC protection from the high power load related to cooling of the tokamak boundary plasma by radiation of non-fully stripped lithium ions supported by experimental results. This approach demonstrated in scheme of closed loops of Li circulation in the tokamak vacuum chamber and realized in a series of design of tokamak in-vessel elements.

A Case Study of Design and Usability Evaluation of the Collaborative Problem Solving Instructional Platform System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Jen-Yi; Chao, Shu-Jen; Yao, Lo-Yi; Liu, Chuan-His

2016-01-01

This study used Focus Group to analyze user requirements for user interface so as to understand what capabilities of the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) Instructional Platform were expected by users. After 12 focus group interviews, the following four functions had been identified as essential to the CPS Instructional Platform: CPS…

Meaningful participation for children in the Dutch child protection system: A critical analysis of relevant provisions in policy documents.

PubMed

Bouma, Helen; López López, Mónica; Knorth, Erik J; Grietens, Hans

2018-05-01

Policymakers are increasingly focusing on the participation of children in the child protection system (CPS). However, research shows that actual practice still needs to be improved. Embedding children's participation in legislation and policy documents is one important prerequisite for achieving meaningful participation in child protection practice. In this study, the participation of children in the Dutch CPS under the new Youth Act 2015 is critically analyzed. National legislation and policy documents were studied using a model of "meaningful participation" based on article 12 of the UNCRC. Results show that the idea of children's participation is deeply embedded in the current Dutch CPS. However, Dutch policy documents do not fully cover the three dimensions of what is considered to be meaningful participation for children: informing, hearing, and involving. Furthermore, children's participation differs among the organizations included in the child protection chain. A clear overall policy concerning the participation of children in the Dutch CPS is lacking. The conclusions of this critical analysis of policy documents and the framework of meaningful participation presented may provide a basis for the embedding of meaningful participation for children in child protection systems of other countries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The efficacy of family reunification practices: reentry rates and correlates of reentry for abused and neglected children reunited with their families.

PubMed

Terling, T

1999-12-01

Since the 1980s Child Protective Services has increasingly relied on family reunification for abused/neglected children rather than long term foster care or adoption. While family reunification practices are controversial, little research is available to inform the debate. This research explores the efficacy of these practices. This study utilizes two CPS data sources and both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify reentry rates and correlates of reentry for abused and neglected children returned to their families by CPS. System reentry due to additional maltreatment is considerable. Thirty-seven percent of the children reunited with their families reenter the system within 3 1/2 years. Correlates of reentry are identified as; abuse type, CPS history, parental competency, race, criminal history, substance abuse, and social support. Notably, assessments of risk made by caseworkers are found to be unrelated to reentry. The high reentry rate and the limitations of current risk assessment procedures suggest that CPS family reunification practices have not been entirely successful. The identification of specific risks of reentry, such as those revealed in this study, will be helpful in assessing risk on cases. In addition, future studies should explore the systemic deficiencies that contribute to the additional maltreatment that occurs for a sizable proportion of the children served by the system.

Cyber physical system based on resilient ICT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwatsuki, Katsumi

2016-02-01

While development of science and technology has built up the sophisticated civilized society, it has also resulted in quite a few disadvantages in global environment and human society. The common recognition has been increasingly shared worldwide on sustainable development society attaching greater importance to the symbiotic relationship with nature and social ethics. After the East Japan Great Earthquake, it is indispensable for sustainable social development to enhance capacity of resistance and restoration of society against natural disaster, so called "resilient society". Our society consists of various Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) that make up the physical systems by fusing with an Information Communication Technology (ICT). We describe the proposed structure of CPS in order to realize resilient society. The configuration of resilient CPS consisting of ICT and physical system is discussed to introduce "autonomous, distributed, and cooperative" structure, where subsystems of ICT and physical system are simultaneously coordinated and cooperated with Business Continuity Planning (BCP) engine, respectively. We show the disaster response information system and energy network as examples of BCP engine and resilient CPS, respectively. We also propose the structure and key technology of resilient ICT.

Reading Readiness and Early Linguistic Skills as a Function of Individual Differences in the Orienting Response. Working Paper No. 94.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berkowitz, Gloria D.; Farley, Frank H.

The research paradigm of Farley and Manske on individual differences in the orienting response (OR) defined by heart rate (HR) deceleration was extended to performance in reading readiness tasks. The OR was measured in 114 kindergarteners. Fifteen trials of pure tone stimulation (1000 cps, 61 db) followed by a 16th trial at 2000 cps and a…

How Do They Compare? ITBS and ISAT Reading and Mathematics in the Chicago Public Schools, 1999 to 2002. Research Data Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Easton, John Q.; Correa, Macarena; Luppescu, Stuart; Park, Hye-Sook; Ponisciak, Stephen; Rosenkranz, Todd; Sporte, Susan

For several decades, the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) held the preeminent role in measuring student and school performance in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Illinois. In the context of the No Child Left Behind act and new calls for accountability, the CPS has decided to include results from the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) in…

Preparation and electrochemical characteristics of porous hollow spheres of NiO nanosheets as electrodes of supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Wei; Jiang, Xinbing; Ding, Shujiang; Li, Ben Q.

2014-06-01

Porous hollow nanospheres (or spherical shells) made of NiO nanosheets are synthesized and tested for the electrochemical performance of the electrodes made of these materials for supercapacitors. Preparation of the NiO sheet hollow spheres starts with synthesis of polystyrene nanospheres with carboxyl groups (CPS), followed by a two-step activation procedure and the subsequent nucleation and growth by electroless deposition of Ni on the CPS core to obtain CPS@Ni core-shell nanoparticles. The CPS core is eliminated and metallic Ni nanoshell is converted into NiO by calcinations at high temperatures. The material properties of as-prepared hollow NiO nanospheres are characterized by TEM, XRD and N2-absorption measurements. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes made of these nanostructured NiO materials are determined by the CV and galvanostatic measurements. These electrochemical tests indicate that electrodes made of the NiO nanosheet hollow spheres exhibit an improved reversible capacitance of 600 F g-1 after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g-1. It is believed that the good electrochemical performance of these electrodes is attributed to the improved OH- transport in the porous network structures associated with the hollow spheres of randomly oriented NiO nanosheets.

Correlation of somatic mutations and clinical outcome in melanoma patients treated with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and sorafenib

PubMed Central

Wilson, Melissa A.; Zhao, Fengmin; Letrero, Richard; D’Andrea, Kurt; Rimm, David L.; Kirkwood, John M.; Kluger, Harriet M.; Lee, Sandra J.; Schuchter, Lynn M.; Flaherty, Keith T.; Nathanson, Katherine L.

2014-01-01

Purpose Sorafenib is an inhibitor of VEGFR, PDGFR, and RAF kinases, amongst others. We assessed the association of somatic mutations with clinicopathologic features and clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma treated on E2603, comparing treatment with carboplatin, paclitaxel +/− sorafenib (CP vs. CPS). Experimental Design Pre-treatment tumor samples from 179 unique individuals enrolled on E2603 were analyzed. Genotyping was performed using a custom iPlex panel interrogating 74 mutations in 13 genes. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression, and Cox’s proportional-hazards models. Progression free survival and overall survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results BRAF and NRAS mutations were found at frequencies consistent with other metastatic melanoma cohorts. BRAF-mutant melanoma was associated with worse performance status, increased number of disease sites, and younger age at diagnosis; NRAS-mutant melanoma was associated with better performance status, fewer sites of disease, and female gender. BRAF and NRAS mutations were not significantly predictive of response or survival when treated with CPS vs. CP. However, patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma trended towards a worse response and PFS on CP than those with BRAF-mutant or WT/WT melanoma, an association that was reversed for this group on the CPS arm. Conclusions This study of somatic mutations in melanoma is the last prospectively collected phase III clinical trial population prior to the era of BRAF targeted therapy. A trend towards improved clinical response in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma treated with CPS was observed, possibly due to sorafenib’s effect on CRAF. PMID:24714776

Chlorinated paraffins wrapping of carbon nanotubes: A theoretical investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Qiuyue; Ding, Ning; Chen, Xiangfeng; Wu, Chi-Man Lawrence

2018-04-01

How nanomaterials interact with pollutants is the central for understanding their environmental behavior and practical application. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theoretical (DFT) methods were used to investigated the influence of carbon chain length, degree of chlorination, chain configuration, and chirality of chlorinated paraffin (CP) and diameter of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the interaction between CPs and SWNTs. The simulation results demonstrated that CP chain length and chlorination degree played considerably important roles in determining interaction strength between SWNTs and CPs. The interaction energies increased with increasing chain length and chlorination degree. The chirality of SWNT exerted negligible influence on the interaction energy between SWNTs and CPs. On the contrary, interaction energy increased with increasing radius of SWNTs due to the surface curvatures. This result was rationalized by considering the decrease in SWNT curvature with increasing radius, which resulted in plane-like CNT wall. The negligible influence of CP chain configurations was attributed to relative flexibility of CP carbon chains, which can wrap on tubes through conformational changes with low-energy barriers. MD results indicated that CPs could adsorb on SWNT surface rapidly in aqueous environment. Charge transfer and electronic density results indicated that the interaction between CPs and SWNTs was physisorption in nature. This work provides fundamental information regarding SWNTs as sorbents for CPs extraction and adsorptive removal from environmental water system.

In Lactobacillus plantarum, Carbamoyl Phosphate Is Synthesized by Two Carbamoyl-Phosphate Synthetases (CPS): Carbon Dioxide Differentiates the Arginine-Repressed from the Pyrimidine-Regulated CPS

PubMed Central

Nicoloff, Hervé; Hubert, Jean-Claude; Bringel, Françoise

2000-01-01

Carbamoyl phosphate (CP) is an intermediate in pyrimidine and arginine biosynthesis. Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase (CPS) contains a small amidotransferase subunit (GLN) that hydrolyzes glutamine and transfers ammonia to the large synthetase subunit (SYN), where CP biosynthesis occurs in the presence of ATP and CO2. Lactobacillus plantarum, a lactic acid bacterium, harbors a pyrimidine-inhibited CPS (CPS-P; Elagöz et al., Gene 182:37–43, 1996) and an arginine-repressed CPS (CPS-A). Sequencing has shown that CPS-A is encoded by carA (GLN) and carB (SYN). Transcriptional studies have demonstrated that carB is transcribed both monocistronically and in the carAB arginine-repressed operon. CP biosynthesis in L. plantarum was studied with three mutants (ΔCPS-P, ΔCPS-A, and double deletion). In the absence of both CPSs, auxotrophy for pyrimidines and arginine was observed. CPS-P produced enough CP for both pathways. In CO2-enriched air but not in ordinary air, CPS-A provided CP only for arginine biosynthesis. Therefore, the uracil sensitivity observed in prototrophic wild-type L. plantarum without CO2 enrichment may be due to the low affinity of CPS-A for its substrate CO2 or to regulation of the CP pool by the cellular CO2/bicarbonate level. PMID:10852872

Rates of Cerebral Protein Synthesis in Primary Visual Cortex during Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation, a Study in Human Subjects.

PubMed

Picchioni, Dante; Schmidt, Kathleen C; McWhirter, Kelly K; Loutaev, Inna; Pavletic, Adriana J; Speer, Andrew M; Zametkin, Alan J; Miao, Ning; Bishu, Shrinivas; Turetsky, Kate M; Morrow, Anne S; Nadel, Jeffrey L; Evans, Brittney C; Vesselinovitch, Diana M; Sheeler, Carrie A; Balkin, Thomas J; Smith, Carolyn B

2018-05-15

If protein synthesis during sleep is required for sleep-dependent memory consolidation, we might expect rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) to increase during sleep in the local brain circuits that support performance on a particular task following training on that task. To measure circuit-specific brain protein synthesis during a daytime nap opportunity, we used the L-[1-(11)C]leucine positron emission tomography (PET) method with simultaneous polysomnography. We trained subjects on the visual texture discrimination task (TDT). This was followed by a nap opportunity during the PET scan, and we retested them later in the day after the scan. The TDT is considered retinotopically specific, so we hypothesized that higher rCPS in primary visual cortex would be observed in the trained hemisphere compared to the untrained hemisphere in subjects who were randomized to a sleep condition. Our results indicate that the changes in rCPS in primary visual cortex depended on whether subjects were in the wakefulness or sleep condition but were independent of the side of the visual field trained. That is, only in the subjects randomized to sleep, rCPS in the right primary visual cortex was higher than the left regardless of side trained. Other brain regions examined were not so affected. In the subjects who slept, performance on the TDT improved similarly regardless of the side trained. Results indicate a regionally selective and sleep-dependent effect that occurs with improved performance on the TDT.

High Stability Pentacene Transistors Using Polymeric Dielectric Surface Modifier.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaohong; Lin, Guangqing; Li, Peng; Lv, Guoqiang; Qiu, Longzhen; Ding, Yunsheng

2015-08-01

1,6-bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane (C6Cl), polystyrene (PS), and cross-linked polystyrene (CPS) were investigated as gate dielectric modified layers for high performance organic transistors. The influence of the surface energy, roughness and morphology on the charge transport of the organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) was investigated. The surface energy and roughness both affect the grain size of the pentacene films which will control the charge carrier mobility of the devices. Pentacene thin-film transistors fabricated on the CPS modified dielectric layers exhibited charge carrier mobility as high as 1.11 cm2 V-1 s-1. The bias stress stability for the CPS devices shows that the drain current only decays 1% after 1530 s and the mobility never decreases until 13530 s.

Radiation induced in-situ cationic polymerization of polystyrene organogel for selective absorption of cholorophenols from petrochemical wastewater.

PubMed

Ghobashy, Mohamed M; Younis, Sherif A; Elhady, Mohamed A; Serp, Philippe

2018-03-15

A new in-situ cationic polymerization was performed to synthesize a cross-linked (91%) polystyrene (PS) organogel through tetrachloroethylene radiolysis assisted by 60 Co gamma rays. Hoernschemeyer diagram and swelling capacity test show a better selectivity of PS organogel to chlorinated molecules compared to ester, hydrocarbons and alcohols organic molecules by 80-184 folds. Response surface modeling (RSM) of CPs (2,4,6-trichlorophenol) sorption from artificial wastewater confirm superiority of PS organogel to absorb 1746 μmol CPs/g (∼345 mg CPs/g) at broad pH (4-10) and temperature (25-45 °C). Based on ANOVA statistic, simulated CPs absorption model onto PS organogel was successfully developed, with accuracy of prediction of R 2 ≈ R Adj 2 of 0.991-0.995 and lower coefficient of variation of 2.73% with F model of 611.4 at p < .0001. Particularly, the usage of PS organogel for petroleum wastewater reclamation exhibited higher absorption affinities for all the organic contaminants especially for CPs (>99%) by non-covalent and/or dispersive interaction mechanisms with a well-term reusability and good stability up to 5 cycles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Joint Service Chemical and Biological Defense Program: FY 06-07 Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

Performers Molecular model of human plasma-derived butyryl Electronmicrograph of bacillus spores adhering to cell membrane processes 38866_BATT_TX 11...agents, and radioactive fallout. CPS is integrated with the ship’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning ( HVAC ) systems and provides filtered air...molecules for intervention against protein NTA. • Identify and evaluate effectiveness of spore germination inhibitors. • Expand drug discovery program

A high dynamic range pulse counting detection system for mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Collings, Bruce A; Dima, Martian D; Ivosev, Gordana; Zhong, Feng

2014-01-30

A high dynamic range pulse counting system has been developed that demonstrates an ability to operate at up to 2e8 counts per second (cps) on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Previous pulse counting detection systems have typically been limited to about 1e7 cps at the upper end of the systems dynamic range. Modifications to the detection electronics and dead time correction algorithm are described in this paper. A high gain transimpedance amplifier is employed that allows a multi-channel electron multiplier to be operated at a significantly lower bias potential than in previous pulse counting systems. The system utilises a high-energy conversion dynode, a multi-channel electron multiplier, a high gain transimpedance amplifier, non-paralysing detection electronics and a modified dead time correction algorithm. Modification of the dead time correction algorithm is necessary due to a characteristic of the pulse counting electronics. A pulse counting detection system with the capability to count at ion arrival rates of up to 2e8 cps is described. This is shown to provide a linear dynamic range of nearly five orders of magnitude for a sample of aprazolam with concentrations ranging from 0.0006970 ng/mL to 3333 ng/mL while monitoring the m/z 309.1 → m/z 205.2 transition. This represents an upward extension of the detector's linear dynamic range of about two orders of magnitude. A new high dynamic range pulse counting system has been developed demonstrating the ability to operate at up to 2e8 cps on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. This provides an upward extension of the detector's linear dynamic range by about two orders of magnitude over previous pulse counting systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

CPS-Rater: Automated Sequential Annotation for Conversations in Collaborative Problem-Solving Activities. Research Report. ETS RR-17-58

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hao, Jiangang; Chen, Lei; Flor, Michael; Liu, Lei; von Davier, Alina A.

2017-01-01

Conversations in collaborative problem-solving activities can be used to probe the collaboration skills of the team members. Annotating the conversations into different collaboration skills by human raters is laborious and time consuming. In this report, we report our work on developing an automated annotation system, CPS-rater, for conversational…

Fluorescence polarization measures energy funneling in single light-harvesting antennas—LH2 vs conjugated polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camacho, Rafael; Tubasum, Sumera; Southall, June; Cogdell, Richard J.; Sforazzini, Giuseppe; Anderson, Harry L.; Pullerits, Tõnu; Scheblykin, Ivan G.

2015-10-01

Numerous approaches have been proposed to mimic natural photosynthesis using artificial antenna systems, such as conjugated polymers (CPs), dendrimers, and J-aggregates. As a result, there is a need to characterize and compare the excitation energy transfer (EET) properties of various natural and artificial antennas. Here we experimentally show that EET in single antennas can be characterized by 2D polarization imaging using the single funnel approximation. This methodology addresses the ability of an individual antenna to transfer its absorbed energy towards a single pool of emissive states, using a single parameter called energy funneling efficiency (ɛ). We studied individual peripheral antennas of purple bacteria (LH2) and single CP chains of 20 nm length. As expected from a perfect antenna, LH2s showed funneling efficiencies close to unity. In contrast, CPs showed lower average funneling efficiencies, greatly varying from molecule to molecule. Cyclodextrin insulation of the conjugated backbone improves EET, increasing the fraction of CPs possessing ɛ = 1. Comparison between LH2s and CPs shows the importance of the protection systems and the protein scaffold of LH2, which keep the chromophores in functional form and at such geometrical arrangement that ensures excellent EET.

Fluorescence polarization measures energy funneling in single light-harvesting antennas--LH2 vs conjugated polymers.

PubMed

Camacho, Rafael; Tubasum, Sumera; Southall, June; Cogdell, Richard J; Sforazzini, Giuseppe; Anderson, Harry L; Pullerits, Tõnu; Scheblykin, Ivan G

2015-10-19

Numerous approaches have been proposed to mimic natural photosynthesis using artificial antenna systems, such as conjugated polymers (CPs), dendrimers, and J-aggregates. As a result, there is a need to characterize and compare the excitation energy transfer (EET) properties of various natural and artificial antennas. Here we experimentally show that EET in single antennas can be characterized by 2D polarization imaging using the single funnel approximation. This methodology addresses the ability of an individual antenna to transfer its absorbed energy towards a single pool of emissive states, using a single parameter called energy funneling efficiency (ε). We studied individual peripheral antennas of purple bacteria (LH2) and single CP chains of 20 nm length. As expected from a perfect antenna, LH2s showed funneling efficiencies close to unity. In contrast, CPs showed lower average funneling efficiencies, greatly varying from molecule to molecule. Cyclodextrin insulation of the conjugated backbone improves EET, increasing the fraction of CPs possessing ε = 1. Comparison between LH2s and CPs shows the importance of the protection systems and the protein scaffold of LH2, which keep the chromophores in functional form and at such geometrical arrangement that ensures excellent EET.

Cortisol production patterns in young children living with birth parents vs children placed in foster care following involvement of Child Protective Services.

PubMed

Bernard, Kristin; Butzin-Dozier, Zachary; Rittenhouse, Joseph; Dozier, Mary

2010-05-01

To examine differences in waking to bedtime cortisol production between children who remained with birth parents vs children placed in foster care following involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS). Between-subject comparison of cortisol patterns among 2 groups of children. Children referred from the child welfare system. Three hundred thirty-nine children aged 2.9 to 31.4 months who were living with birth parents (n = 155) or placed in foster care (n = 184) following CPS involvement as well as 96 unmatched children from low-risk environments. Main Exposures Involvement by CPS and foster care. Main Outcome Measure Salivary cortisol samples obtained at waking and bedtime for children on 2 days. Child Protective Services-involved children who continued to live with birth parents and CPS-involved children placed in foster care differed in cortisol production, with children living with their birth parents showing flatter slopes in waking to bedtime values. Continuing to live with birth parents following involvement of CPS is associated with greater perturbation to the diurnal pattern of cortisol production than living with foster parents. Foster care may have a regulating influence on children's cortisol among children who have experienced maltreatment.

A Personalized QoS Prediction Approach for CPS Service Recommendation Based on Reputation and Location-Aware Collaborative Filtering.

PubMed

Kuang, Li; Yu, Long; Huang, Lan; Wang, Yin; Ma, Pengju; Li, Chuanbin; Zhu, Yujia

2018-05-14

With the rapid development of cyber-physical systems (CPS), building cyber-physical systems with high quality of service (QoS) has become an urgent requirement in both academia and industry. During the procedure of building Cyber-physical systems, it has been found that a large number of functionally equivalent services exist, so it becomes an urgent task to recommend suitable services from the large number of services available in CPS. However, since it is time-consuming, and even impractical, for a single user to invoke all of the services in CPS to experience their QoS, a robust QoS prediction method is needed to predict unknown QoS values. A commonly used method in QoS prediction is collaborative filtering, however, it is hard to deal with the data sparsity and cold start problem, and meanwhile most of the existing methods ignore the data credibility issue. Thence, in order to solve both of these challenging problems, in this paper, we design a framework of QoS prediction for CPS services, and propose a personalized QoS prediction approach based on reputation and location-aware collaborative filtering. Our approach first calculates the reputation of users by using the Dirichlet probability distribution, so as to identify untrusted users and process their unreliable data, and then it digs out the geographic neighborhood in three levels to improve the similarity calculation of users and services. Finally, the data from geographical neighbors of users and services are fused to predict the unknown QoS values. The experiments using real datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms other existing methods in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.

A Personalized QoS Prediction Approach for CPS Service Recommendation Based on Reputation and Location-Aware Collaborative Filtering

PubMed Central

Huang, Lan; Wang, Yin; Ma, Pengju; Li, Chuanbin; Zhu, Yujia

2018-01-01

With the rapid development of cyber-physical systems (CPS), building cyber-physical systems with high quality of service (QoS) has become an urgent requirement in both academia and industry. During the procedure of building Cyber-physical systems, it has been found that a large number of functionally equivalent services exist, so it becomes an urgent task to recommend suitable services from the large number of services available in CPS. However, since it is time-consuming, and even impractical, for a single user to invoke all of the services in CPS to experience their QoS, a robust QoS prediction method is needed to predict unknown QoS values. A commonly used method in QoS prediction is collaborative filtering, however, it is hard to deal with the data sparsity and cold start problem, and meanwhile most of the existing methods ignore the data credibility issue. Thence, in order to solve both of these challenging problems, in this paper, we design a framework of QoS prediction for CPS services, and propose a personalized QoS prediction approach based on reputation and location-aware collaborative filtering. Our approach first calculates the reputation of users by using the Dirichlet probability distribution, so as to identify untrusted users and process their unreliable data, and then it digs out the geographic neighborhood in three levels to improve the similarity calculation of users and services. Finally, the data from geographical neighbors of users and services are fused to predict the unknown QoS values. The experiments using real datasets show that our proposed approach outperforms other existing methods in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and robustness. PMID:29757995

On-going collaborative priority-setting for research activity: a method of capacity building to reduce the research-practice translational gap.

PubMed

Cooke, Jo; Ariss, Steven; Smith, Christine; Read, Jennifer

2015-05-07

International policy suggests that collaborative priority setting (CPS) between researchers and end users of research should shape the research agenda, and can increase capacity to address the research-practice translational gap. There is limited research evidence to guide how this should be done to meet the needs of dynamic healthcare systems. One-off priority setting events and time-lag between decision and action prove problematic. This study illustrates the use of CPS in a UK research collaboration called Collaboration and Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC). Data were collected from a north of England CLAHRC through semi-structured interviews with 28 interviewees and a workshop of key stakeholders (n = 21) including academics, NHS clinicians, and managers. Documentary analysis of internal reports and CLAHRC annual reports for the first two and half years was also undertaken. These data were thematically coded. Methods of CPS linked to the developmental phase of the CLAHRC. Early methods included pre-existing historical partnerships with on-going dialogue. Later, new platforms for on-going discussions were formed. Consensus techniques with staged project development were also used. All methods demonstrated actual or potential change in practice and services. Impact was enabled through the flexibility of research and implementation work streams; 'matched' funding arrangements to support alignment of priorities in partner organisations; the size of the collaboration offering a resource to meet project needs; and the length of the programme providing stability and long term relationships. Difficulties included tensions between being responsive to priorities and the possibility of 'drift' within project work, between academics and practice, and between service providers and commissioners in the health services. Providing protected 'matched' time proved difficult for some NHS managers, which put increasing work pressure on them. CPS is more time consuming than traditional approaches to project development. CPS can produce needs-led projects that are bedded in services using a variety of methods. Contributing factors for effective CPS include flexibility in use and type of available resources, flexible work plans, and responsive leadership. The CLAHRC model provides a translational infrastructure that enables CPS that can impact on healthcare systems.

The genetic organization of the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis region of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 15

PubMed Central

ITO, Hiroya; SUEYOSHI, Masuo

2014-01-01

Nucleotide sequence determination and analysis of the cps gene involved in the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 15 revealed the presence of three open reading frames, designated as cps15ABC genes. At the protein level, Cps15A and Cps15B showed considerably high homology to CpsA (67.0 to 68.7%) and CpsB (31.7 to 36.8%), respectively, of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 4 and 12, revealing the common genetic organization of the cps among serotypes 1, 4, 12 and 15. However, Cps15C showed no homology to any proteins of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes, indicating that cps15C may be specific to serotype 15. This study will provide the basic molecular knowledge necessary for the development of diagnostics and a vaccine for A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 15. PMID:25502540

Determination of chlorophenols in honey samples using in-situ ionic liquid-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as a pretreatment method followed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Fan, Chen; Li, Nai; Cao, Xueli

2015-05-01

In-situ ionic liquid-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME) method was developed as a pretreatment method for the detection of six chlorophenols (CPs) in honey samples. The hydrophobic ionic liquid [C4MIM][NTf2], formed in-situ by the hydrophilic ionic liquid [C4MIM][BF4] and the ion exchange reagent LiNTf2 was used as the microextractant solvent of CPs from honey sample. Then the enriched analytes were back-extracted into 40 μL of 0.14 M NaOH solution and finally subjected to analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. The method showed low limit of detection of CPs, 0.8-3.2 μg/L and high enrichment factor, 34-65 with the recoveries range from 91.60% to 114.33%. The method is simple, rapid, environmentally friendly and with high extraction efficiency. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

FPGA-Based Optical Cavity Phase Stabilization for Coherent Pulse Stacking

DOE PAGES

Xu, Yilun; Wilcox, Russell; Byrd, John; ...

2017-11-20

Coherent pulse stacking (CPS) is a new time-domain coherent addition technique that stacks several optical pulses into a single output pulse, enabling high pulse energy from fiber lasers. We develop a robust, scalable, and distributed digital control system with firmware and software integration for algorithms, to support the CPS application. We model CPS as a digital filter in the Z domain and implement a pulse-pattern-based cavity phase detection algorithm on an field-programmable gate array (FPGA). A two-stage (2+1 cavities) 15-pulse stacking system achieves an 11.0 peak-power enhancement factor. Each optical cavity is fed back at 1.5kHz, and stabilized at anmore » individually-prescribed round-trip phase with 0.7deg and 2.1deg rms phase errors for Stages 1 and 2, respectively. Optical cavity phase control with nanometer accuracy ensures 1.2% intensity stability of the stacked pulse over 12 h. The FPGA-based feedback control system can be scaled to large numbers of optical cavities.« less

Model documentation, Coal Market Module of the National Energy Modeling System

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

NONE

This report documents the objectives and the conceptual and methodological approach used in the development of the National Energy Modeling System`s (NEMS) Coal Market Module (CMM) used to develop the Annual Energy Outlook 1998 (AEO98). This report catalogues and describes the assumptions, methodology, estimation techniques, and source code of CMM`s two submodules. These are the Coal Production Submodule (CPS) and the Coal Distribution Submodule (CDS). CMM provides annual forecasts of prices, production, and consumption of coal for NEMS. In general, the CDS integrates the supply inputs from the CPS to satisfy demands for coal from exogenous demand models. The internationalmore » area of the CDS forecasts annual world coal trade flows from major supply to major demand regions and provides annual forecasts of US coal exports for input to NEMS. Specifically, the CDS receives minemouth prices produced by the CPS, demand and other exogenous inputs from other NEMS components, and provides delivered coal prices and quantities to the NEMS economic sectors and regions.« less

FPGA-Based Optical Cavity Phase Stabilization for Coherent Pulse Stacking

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

Xu, Yilun; Wilcox, Russell; Byrd, John

Coherent pulse stacking (CPS) is a new time-domain coherent addition technique that stacks several optical pulses into a single output pulse, enabling high pulse energy from fiber lasers. We develop a robust, scalable, and distributed digital control system with firmware and software integration for algorithms, to support the CPS application. We model CPS as a digital filter in the Z domain and implement a pulse-pattern-based cavity phase detection algorithm on an field-programmable gate array (FPGA). A two-stage (2+1 cavities) 15-pulse stacking system achieves an 11.0 peak-power enhancement factor. Each optical cavity is fed back at 1.5kHz, and stabilized at anmore » individually-prescribed round-trip phase with 0.7deg and 2.1deg rms phase errors for Stages 1 and 2, respectively. Optical cavity phase control with nanometer accuracy ensures 1.2% intensity stability of the stacked pulse over 12 h. The FPGA-based feedback control system can be scaled to large numbers of optical cavities.« less

Effect of Different Administration Paradigms on Cholinesterase Inhibition following Repeated Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Late Preweanling Rats

PubMed Central

Carr, Russell L.; Nail, Carole A.

2008-01-01

Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is widely used in agricultural settings and residue analysis has suggested that children in agricultural communities are at risk of exposure. This has resulted in a large amount of literature investigating the potential for CPS-induced developmental neurotoxic effects. Two developmental routes of administration of CPS are orally in corn oil at a rate of 0.5 ml/kg and subcutaneously in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a rate of 1.0 ml/kg. For comparison between these methods, rat pups were exposed daily from days 10 to 16 to CPS (5 mg/kg) either orally dissolved in corn oil or subcutaneously dissolved in DMSO, both at rates of either 0.5 or 1.0 ml/kg. A representative vehicle/route group was present for each treatment. Both the low and high volume CPS in DMSO subcutaneous groups were lower than that of the low and high volume CPS in oil oral groups. At 4 h following the final administration, serum carboxylesterase was inhibited > 90% with all treatments. For cholinesterase activity in the cerebellum, medulla-pons, forebrain, and hindbrain, and serum, inhibition in the CPS-oil groups was similar and inhibition in the CPS-DMSO groups was similar. However, significantly greater inhibition was present in the high volume CPS-DMSO group as compared to the CPS-oil groups. Inhibition in the low volume CPS-DMSO group was generally between that in the CPS-oil groups and the high volume CPS-DMSO group. These data suggest that using DMSO as a vehicle for CPS may alter the level of brain ChE inhibition. PMID:18703558

The effect of care pathways for hip fractures: a systematic review.

PubMed

Leigheb, Fabrizio; Vanhaecht, Kris; Sermeus, Walter; Lodewijckx, Cathy; Deneckere, Svin; Boonen, Steven; Boto, Paulo Alexandre Faria; Mendes, Rita Veloso; Panella, Massimiliano

2012-07-01

We performed a systematic review for primary studies on care pathways (CPs) for hip fracture (HF). The online databases MEDLINE-PubMed, Ovid-EMBASE, CINAHL-EBSCO host, and The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Health Technology Assessment Database, NHS Economic Evaluation Database) were searched. Two researchers reviewed the literature independently. Primary studies that met predefined inclusion criteria were assessed for their methodological quality. A total of 15 publications were included: 15 primary studies corresponding with 12 main investigations. Primary studies were evaluated for clinical outcomes, process outcomes, and economic outcomes. The studies assessed a wide range of outcome measures. While a number of divergent clinical outcomes were reported, most studies showed positive results of process management and health-services utilization. In terms of mortality, the results provided evidence for a positive impact of CPs on in-hospital mortality. Most studies also showed a significantly reduced risk of complications, including medical complications, wound infections, and pressure sores. Moreover, time-span process measures showed that an improvement in the organization of care was achieved through the use of CPs. Conflicting results were observed with regard to functional recovery and mobility between patients treated with CPs compared to usual care. Although our review suggests that CPs can have positive effects in patients with HF, the available evidence is insufficient for formal recommendations. There is a need for more research on CPs with selected process and outcome indicators, for in-hospital and postdischarge management of HF, with an emphasis on well-designed randomized trials.

10 GHz Standing-Wave Coplanar Stripline on LiNbO3 Crystal for Radio to Optical-Wave Conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwis, F.; Wijayanto, Y. N.; Setiawan, A.; Mahmudin, D.; Rahman, A. N.; Daud, P.

2018-04-01

Recently, X-band radar systems are used widely for surveillance and navigation applications. Especially in archipelago or maritime country, the surveillance/navigation radar systems are required to monitoring critical areas and managing marine traffic. Accurate detection and fast analysis should be improved furthermore to provide security and safety condition. Therefore, several radar systems should be installed in many places to coverage the critical areas within radar networks. The radar network can be connected using optical fibers since it has extremely low propagation loss with optical-wave to carry-out the radar-wave. One important component in the scenario is a radio to optical-wave conversion component. In this paper, we report a 10 GHz radio to optical-wave conversion component using standing-wave coplanar stripline (CPS) on LiNbO3 optical crystal as the substrate. The standing-wave CPS electrodes with narrow slot are arranged in an array structure. An optical waveguide is located close to the narrow slot. The CPS electrodes were analysed using electromagnetic analysis software for 10 GHz operational frequency. Responses for slot width and electrode length variation are reported. As results, return loss of -14.580 dB and -19.517 dB are obtained for single and array CPS electrodes respectively. Optimization of the designed radio to optical-wave conversion devices was also done.

Sequence Elements Upstream of the Core Promoter Are Necessary for Full Transcription of the Capsule Gene Operon in Streptococcus pneumoniae Strain D39

PubMed Central

Wen, Zhensong; Sertil, Odeniel; Cheng, Yongxin; Zhang, Shanshan; Liu, Xue; Wang, Wen-Ching

2015-01-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major bacterial pathogen in humans. Its polysaccharide capsule is a key virulence factor that promotes bacterial evasion of human phagocytic killing. While S. pneumoniae produces at least 94 antigenically different types of capsule, the genes for biosynthesis of almost all capsular types are arranged in the same locus. The transcription of the capsular polysaccharide (cps) locus is not well understood. This study determined the transcriptional features of the cps locus in the type 2 virulent strain D39. The initial analysis revealed that the cps genes are cotranscribed from a major transcription start site at the −25 nucleotide (G) upstream of cps2A, the first gene in the locus. Using unmarked chromosomal truncations and a luciferase-based transcriptional reporter, we showed that the full transcription of the cps genes not only depends on the core promoter immediately upstream of cps2A, but also requires additional elements upstream of the core promoter, particularly a 59-bp sequence immediately upstream of the core promoter. Unmarked deletions of these promoter elements in the D39 genome also led to significant reduction in CPS production and virulence in mice. Lastly, common cps gene (cps2ABCD) mutants did not show significant abnormality in cps transcription, although they produced significantly less CPS, indicating that the CpsABCD proteins are involved in the encapsulation of S. pneumoniae in a posttranscriptional manner. This study has yielded important information on the transcriptional characteristics of the cps locus in S. pneumoniae. PMID:25733517

Level of Discomfort Decreases After the Administration of Continuous Palliative Sedation: A Prospective Multicenter Study in Hospices and Palliative Care Units.

PubMed

van Deijck, Rogier H P D; Hasselaar, Jeroen G J; Verhagen, Stans C A H H V M; Vissers, Kris C P; Koopmans, Raymond T C M

2016-09-01

A gold standard or validated tool for monitoring the level of discomfort during continuous palliative sedation (CPS) is lacking. Therefore, little is known about the course of discomfort in sedated patients, the efficacy of CPS, and the determinants of discomfort during CPS. To identify the course of discomfort in patients receiving CPS. A prospective observational multicenter study in nine hospices and palliative care units was performed. The Discomfort Scale-Dementia of Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT) was independently assessed for monitoring of patient discomfort during CPS. The DS-DAT scores range from 0 (no observed discomfort) to a maximum of 27 (high level of observed discomfort). Using a mixed model, the mean group score of discomfort between four predefined time frames of CPS was compared, correcting for confounding patient characteristics. A total of 130 patients were sedated, and the DS-DAT was completed in 106 patients at least once. The median duration of the sedation in these 106 patients was 25.5 hours (range 2-161). The mean score of the DS-DAT in the phase before sedation was 12.16 (95% CI 9.83-14.50) and decreased significantly to 8.06 (95% CI 5.53-10.58) in the titration phase of sedation. The mean score of the DS-DAT in the final phase of sedation was 7.42 (95% CI 4.90-9.94). This study shows that CPS is associated with a decrease in the level of discomfort within an acceptable time frame, although in some sedated patients higher levels of discomfort in the last hours of life occurred. Although the DS-DAT seems to be of value for monitoring the level of discomfort during CPS, the results of this study should be interpreted within the constraints of the limitations, and further research on the psychometric properties of this tool is needed before the DS-DAT can be used in clinical practice. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The 30/20 GHz flight experiment system, phase 2. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronstein, L.; Kawamoto, Y.; Ribarich, J. J.; Scope, J. R.; Forman, B. J.; Bergman, S. G.; Reisenfeld, S.

1981-01-01

Summary information on the final communication system design, communication payload, space vehicle, and development plan for the 30/20 GHz flight experiment will be installed on the LEASAT spacecraft which will be placed into orbit from the space shuttle cargo bay. The communication concept has two parts: a truck service and a customer premise service (CPS). The trucking system serves four spot beams which are interconnected in a satellite switched time division multiple access mode by an IF switch matrix. The CPS covers two large areas of the eastern United States with a pair of scanning beams.

Towards a cyber-physical era: soft computing framework based multi-sensor array for water quality monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhardwaj, Jyotirmoy; Gupta, Karunesh K.; Gupta, Rajiv

2018-02-01

New concepts and techniques are replacing traditional methods of water quality parameter measurement systems. This paper introduces a cyber-physical system (CPS) approach for water quality assessment in a distribution network. Cyber-physical systems with embedded sensors, processors and actuators can be designed to sense and interact with the water environment. The proposed CPS is comprised of sensing framework integrated with five different water quality parameter sensor nodes and soft computing framework for computational modelling. Soft computing framework utilizes the applications of Python for user interface and fuzzy sciences for decision making. Introduction of multiple sensors in a water distribution network generates a huge number of data matrices, which are sometimes highly complex, difficult to understand and convoluted for effective decision making. Therefore, the proposed system framework also intends to simplify the complexity of obtained sensor data matrices and to support decision making for water engineers through a soft computing framework. The target of this proposed research is to provide a simple and efficient method to identify and detect presence of contamination in a water distribution network using applications of CPS.

Fully integrated free-running InGaAs/InP single-photon detector for accurate lidar applications.

PubMed

Yu, Chao; Shangguan, Mingjia; Xia, Haiyun; Zhang, Jun; Dou, Xiankang; Pan, Jian-Wei

2017-06-26

We present a fully integrated InGaAs/InP negative feedback avalanche diode (NFAD) based free-running single-photon detector (SPD) designed for accurate lidar applications. A free-piston Stirling cooler is used to cool down the NFAD with a large temperature range, and an active hold-off circuit implemented in a field programmable gate array is applied to further suppress the afterpulsing contribution. The key parameters of the free-running SPD including photon detection efficiency (PDE), dark count rate (DCR), afterpulse probability, and maximum count rate (MCR) are dedicatedly optimized for lidar application in practice. We then perform a field experiment using a Mie lidar system with 20 kHz pulse repetition frequency to compare the performance between the free-running InGaAs/InP SPD and a commercial superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD). Our detector exhibits good performance with 1.6 Mcps MCR (0.6 μs hold-off time), 10% PDE, 950 cps DCR, and 18% afterpulse probability over 50 μs period. Such performance is worse than the SNSPD with 60% PDE and 300 cps DCR. However, after performing a specific algorithm that we have developed for afterpulse and count rate corrections, the lidar system performance in terms of range-corrected signal (Pr 2 ) distribution using our SPD agrees very well with the result using the SNSPD, with only a relative error of ∼2%. Due to the advantages of low-cost and small size of InGaAs/InP NFADs, such detector provides a practical solution for accurate lidar applications.

Intellectual Disabilities and Neglectful Parenting: Preliminary Findings on the Role of Cognition in Parenting Risk

PubMed Central

Azar, Sandra T.; Stevenson, Michael T.; Johnson, David R.

2014-01-01

Parents with intellectual disabilities (PID) are over-represented in the child protective services (CPS) system. This study examined a more nuanced view of the role of cognition in parenting risk. Its goal was to validate a social information processing (SIP) model of child neglect that draws on social cognition research and advances in neuroscience. Mothers who had CPS child neglect cases were compared with mothers with no CPS involvement on a set of SIP factors. Mothers with low IQs were oversampled. As predicted, the Neglect group had significantly greater SIP problems than the Comparison mothers. SIP problems were associated with direct measures of neglect (e.g., cognitive stimulation provided children, home hygiene, belief regarding causes of child injuries). Further, for the direct measures that were most closely linked to CPS Neglect Status, IQ did not add significant predictive capacity beyond SIP factors in preliminary model testing. Implications for intervention with PID discussed. PMID:25506405

From High School to the Future: ACT Preparation--Too Much, Too Late. Why ACT Scores Are Low in Chicago and What It Means for Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allensworth, Elaine; Correa, Macarena; Ponisciak, Steve

2008-01-01

The majority of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students are not attaining the ACT scores they are aiming for, which they need to qualify for scholarships and college acceptance. This report looks at the reasons behind students' low performance and what matters for doing well on this test. CPS students are highly motivated to do well on the ACT, and…

Study of electronic structure and Compton profiles of transition metal diborides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Samir; Heda, N. L.; Kumar, Kishor; Ahuja, B. L.

2017-08-01

We report Compton profiles (CPs) of transition metal diborides (MB2; M= Ti and Zr) using a 740 GBq 137Cs Compton spectrometer measured at an intermediate resolution of 0.34 a.u. To validate the experimental momentum densities, we have employed the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method to compute the theoretical CPs along with the energy bands, density of states (DOS) and Mulliken's population response. The LCAO computations have been performed in the frame work of density functional theory (DFT) and hybridization of Hartree-Fock and DFT (namely B3LYP and PBE0). For both the diborides, the CPs based on revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof exchange and correlation functions (DFT-PBESol) lead to a better agreement with the experimental momentum densities than other reported approximations. Energy bands, DOS and real space analysis of CPs confirm a metallic-like character of both the borides. Further, a comparison of DFT-PBESol and experimental data on equal-valence-electron-density scale shows more ionicity in ZrB2 than that in TiB2, which is also supported by the Mulliken's population based charge transfer data.

Cognitive programs: software for attention's executive

PubMed Central

Tsotsos, John K.; Kruijne, Wouter

2014-01-01

What are the computational tasks that an executive controller for visual attention must solve? This question is posed in the context of the Selective Tuning model of attention. The range of required computations go beyond top-down bias signals or region-of-interest determinations, and must deal with overt and covert fixations, process timing and synchronization, information routing, memory, matching control to task, spatial localization, priming, and coordination of bottom-up with top-down information. During task execution, results must be monitored to ensure the expected results. This description includes the kinds of elements that are common in the control of any kind of complex machine or system. We seek a mechanistic integration of the above, in other words, algorithms that accomplish control. Such algorithms operate on representations, transforming a representation of one kind into another, which then forms the input to yet another algorithm. Cognitive Programs (CPs) are hypothesized to capture exactly such representational transformations via stepwise sequences of operations. CPs, an updated and modernized offspring of Ullman's Visual Routines, impose an algorithmic structure to the set of attentional functions and play a role in the overall shaping of attentional modulation of the visual system so that it provides its best performance. This requires that we consider the visual system as a dynamic, yet general-purpose processor tuned to the task and input of the moment. This differs dramatically from the almost universal cognitive and computational views, which regard vision as a passively observing module to which simple questions about percepts can be posed, regardless of task. Differing from Visual Routines, CPs explicitly involve the critical elements of Visual Task Executive (vTE), Visual Attention Executive (vAE), and Visual Working Memory (vWM). Cognitive Programs provide the software that directs the actions of the Selective Tuning model of visual attention. PMID:25505430

Occurrences, sources and risk assessment of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in sediments from the middle reaches of the Yellow River, China.

PubMed

Qiao, Lin; Xia, Dan; Gao, Lirong; Huang, Huiting; Zheng, Minghui

2016-12-01

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), one class of hydrophobic and toxic compounds, are easily adsorbed into sediments and then pose potential risks to the ecosystem and human health. However, few researches on short- and medium-chain CPs (SCCPs and MCCPs) in sediments have been performed. In order to comprehensively investigate the spatial distributions, sources, and ecological risks of CPs, sediments collected from the middle reaches of the Yellow River were analyzed by two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS). The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs ranged from 11.6 to 9.76 × 10 3  ng/g dry weight (dw) and from 8.33 to 168 ng/g dw, respectively. No significant correlation was found between total organic carbon (TOC) and CP concentrations (P > 0.05). The spatial distributions showed that contamination levels of CPs were relevant to human activities. In addition, two types of sediment samples were classified by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and results indicated the predominant congener groups were C 10 Cl 6-7 for SCCPs and C 14 Cl 7-8 for MCCPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that SCCPs and MCCPs in the sediments may have different sources, and SCCPs are likely to come from the production and use of CP-42 and CP-52. Moreover, complex environmental processes, including long-range transportation via the atmosphere and/or river, deposition and degradation of CPs, resulted in increased abundances of short chain and low chlorinated congeners in sediment samples compared with commercial mixtures, and different homolog patterns among samples. The significant negative correlation between SCCP concentrations and MCCP/SCCP ratios could be related to long-range transport of CPs. A preliminary risk assessment indicated that CPs at current levels posed no significant ecological risk. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Model for Remote Depth Estimation of Buried Radioactive Wastes Using CdZnTe Detector

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This paper presents the results of an attenuation model for remote depth estimation of buried radioactive wastes using a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector. Previous research using an organic liquid scintillator detector system showed that the model is able to estimate the depth of a 329-kBq Cs-137 radioactive source buried up to 12 cm in sand with an average count rate of 100 cps. The results presented in this paper showed that the use of the CZT detector extended the maximum detectable depth of the same radioactive source to 18 cm in sand with a significantly lower average count rate of 14 cps. Furthermore, the model also successfully estimated the depth of a 9-kBq Co-60 source buried up to 3 cm in sand. This confirms that this remote depth estimation method can be used with other radionuclides and wastes with very low activity. Finally, the paper proposes a performance parameter for evaluating radiation detection systems that implement this remote depth estimation method. PMID:29783644

MONICA: A Compact, Portable Dual Gamma Camera System for Mouse Whole-Body Imaging

PubMed Central

Xi, Wenze; Seidel, Jurgen; Karkareka, John W.; Pohida, Thomas J.; Milenic, Diane E.; Proffitt, James; Majewski, Stan; Weisenberger, Andrew G.; Green, Michael V.; Choyke, Peter L.

2009-01-01

Introduction We describe a compact, portable dual-gamma camera system (named “MONICA” for MObile Nuclear Imaging CAmeras) for visualizing and analyzing the whole-body biodistribution of putative diagnostic and therapeutic single photon emitting radiotracers in animals the size of mice. Methods Two identical, miniature pixelated NaI(Tl) gamma cameras were fabricated and installed “looking up” through the tabletop of a compact portable cart. Mice are placed directly on the tabletop for imaging. Camera imaging performance was evaluated with phantoms and field performance was evaluated in a weeklong In-111 imaging study performed in a mouse tumor xenograft model. Results Tc-99m performance measurements, using a photopeak energy window of 140 keV ± 10%, yielded the following results: spatial resolution (FWHM at 1-cm), 2.2-mm; sensitivity, 149 cps/MBq (5.5 cps/μCi); energy resolution (FWHM), 10.8%; count rate linearity (count rate vs. activity), r2 = 0.99 for 0–185 MBq (0–5 mCi) in the field-of-view (FOV); spatial uniformity, < 3% count rate variation across the FOV. Tumor and whole-body distributions of the In-111 agent were well visualized in all animals in 5-minute images acquired throughout the 168-hour study period. Conclusion Performance measurements indicate that MONICA is well suited to whole-body single photon mouse imaging. The field study suggests that inter-device communications and user-oriented interfaces included in the MONICA design facilitate use of the system in practice. We believe that MONICA may be particularly useful early in the (cancer) drug development cycle where basic whole-body biodistribution data can direct future development of the agent under study and where logistical factors, e.g. limited imaging space, portability, and, potentially, cost are important. PMID:20346864

Organization of the capsule biosynthesis gene locus of the oral streptococcus Streptococcus anginosus.

PubMed

Tsunashima, Hiroyuki; Miyake, Katsuhide; Motono, Makoto; Iijima, Shinji

2012-03-01

The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of the important oral streptococcus Streptococcus anginosus, which causes endocarditis, and the genes for its synthesis have not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the gene locus required for CPS synthesis in S. anginosus. Southern hybridization using the cpsE gene of the well-characterized bacterium S. agalactiae revealed that there is a similar gene in the genome of S. anginosus. By using the colony hybridization technique and inverse PCR, we isolated the CPS synthesis (cps) genes of S. anginosus. This gene cluster consisted of genes containing typical regulatory genes, cpsA-D, and glycosyltransferase genes coding for glucose, rhamnose, N-acetylgalactosamine, and galactofuranose transferases. Furthermore, we confirmed that the cps locus is required for CPS synthesis using a mutant strain with a defective cpsE gene. The cps cluster was found to be located downstream the nrdG gene, which encodes ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase activator, as is the case in other oral streptococci such as S. gordonii and S. sanguinis. However, the location of the gene cluster was different from those of S. pneumonia and S. agalactiae. Copyright © 2011 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An expert system for scheduling requests for communications Links between TDRSS and ERBS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclean, David R.; Littlefield, Ronald G.; Beyer, David S.

1987-01-01

An ERBS-TDRSS Contact Planning System (ERBS-TDRSS CPS) is described which uses a graphics interface and the NASA Transportable Interference Engine. The procedure involves transfer of the ERBS-TDRSS Ground Track Orbit Prediction data to the ERBS flight operations area, where the ERBS-TDRSS CPS automatically generates requests for TDRSS service. As requested events are rejected, alternative context sensitive strategies are employed to generate new requested events until a schedule is completed. A report generator builds schedule requests for separate ERBS-TDRSS contacts.

Polysaccharides obtained from bamboo shoots (Chimonobambusa quadrangularis) processing by-products: New insight into ethanol precipitation and characterization.

PubMed

Zhang, Fusheng; Ran, ChunXia; Zheng, Jiong; Ding, Yongbo; Chen, Guangjing

2018-06-01

Chimonobambusa quadrangularis polysaccharides (CPS) were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction from bamboo shoots (C. quadrangularis) processing by-products. Three polysaccharide fractions, CPS70, CPS75 and CPS80, were obtained by precipitation at final ethanol concentrations of 70%, 75% and 80%, respectively. The physicochemical characterization and chemical antioxidant activities of the three polysaccharide fractions were compared on the basis of HPLC, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and antioxidant measurements in vitro. The results suggested that ethanol concentrations used for precipitation of CPS can affect its physicochemical and associated functional properties, and antioxidant activities. Compared with CPS70 and CPS80, CPS75 had lower glucose content, higher total sugar content, and higher protein and uronic acid contents. The CPS70 and CPS80 were composed of Man, Rha, GlcA, Glc, Gal, Xyl and Ara, but none of them were found to contain GalA. In contrast, CPS75 consisted of Man, Rha, GlcA, GalA, Glc, Gal, Xyl and Ara. CPS75 had the lowest medium-high-molecular-weight value (116.53-118.18kDa) and the highest medium-low-molecular-weight value (21.30-22.68kDa). Meanwhile, CPS75 exhibited better functional properties including the repose angle, swelling capacity (SC), water retention capacity (WRC), and oil retention capacity (ORC). Moreover, CPS75 possessed higher scavenging capacities on DPPH, hydroxyl and ABTS radicals, higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (OARC), higher metal chelating activity, and more significant reducing power. According to the results above, a final ethanol concentration of 75% could be chose to precipitate polysaccharides from bamboo shoots (C. quadrangularis) processing by-products. In summary, it is strongly recommended that the ethanol concentration employed in precipitation of natural polysaccharides could be optimized in advance. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neurophysiological Correlates of Musical and Prosodic Phrasing: Shared Processing Mechanisms and Effects of Musical Expertise.

PubMed

Glushko, Anastasia; Steinhauer, Karsten; DePriest, John; Koelsch, Stefan

2016-01-01

The processing of prosodic phrase boundaries in language is immediately reflected by a specific event-related potential component called the Closure Positive Shift (CPS). A component somewhat reminiscent of the CPS in language has also been reported for musical phrases (i.e., the so-called 'music CPS'). However, in previous studies the quantification of the music-CPS as well as its morphology and timing differed substantially from the characteristics of the language-CPS. Therefore, the degree of correspondence between cognitive mechanisms of phrasing in music and in language has remained questionable. Here, we probed the shared nature of mechanisms underlying musical and prosodic phrasing by (1) investigating whether the music-CPS is present at phrase boundary positions where the language-CPS has been originally reported (i.e., at the onset of the pause between phrases), and (2) comparing the CPS in music and in language in non-musicians and professional musicians. For the first time, we report a positive shift at the onset of musical phrase boundaries that strongly resembles the language-CPS and argue that the post-boundary 'music-CPS' of previous studies may be an entirely distinct ERP component. Moreover, the language-CPS in musicians was found to be less prominent than in non-musicians, suggesting more efficient processing of prosodic phrases in language as a result of higher musical expertise.

Bacterial degradation of chlorophenols and their derivatives

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Chlorophenols (CPs) and their derivatives are persistent environmental pollutants which are used in the manufacture of dyes, drugs, pesticides and other industrial products. CPs, which include monochlorophenols, polychlorophenols, chloronitrophenols, chloroaminophenols and chloromethylphenols, are highly toxic to living beings due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic properties. Several physico-chemical and biological methods have been used for removal of CPs from the environment. Bacterial degradation has been considered a cost-effective and eco-friendly method of removing CPs from the environment. Several bacteria that use CPs as their sole carbon and energy sources have been isolated and characterized. Additionally, the metabolic pathways for degradation of CPs have been studied in bacteria and the genes and enzymes involved in the degradation of various CPs have been identified and characterized. This review describes the biochemical and genetic basis of the degradation of CPs and their derivatives. PMID:24589366

Fluorescence polarization measures energy funneling in single light-harvesting antennas—LH2 vs conjugated polymers

PubMed Central

Camacho, Rafael; Tubasum, Sumera; Southall, June; Cogdell, Richard J.; Sforazzini, Giuseppe; Anderson, Harry L.; Pullerits, Tõnu; Scheblykin, Ivan G.

2015-01-01

Numerous approaches have been proposed to mimic natural photosynthesis using artificial antenna systems, such as conjugated polymers (CPs), dendrimers, and J-aggregates. As a result, there is a need to characterize and compare the excitation energy transfer (EET) properties of various natural and artificial antennas. Here we experimentally show that EET in single antennas can be characterized by 2D polarization imaging using the single funnel approximation. This methodology addresses the ability of an individual antenna to transfer its absorbed energy towards a single pool of emissive states, using a single parameter called energy funneling efficiency (ε). We studied individual peripheral antennas of purple bacteria (LH2) and single CP chains of 20 nm length. As expected from a perfect antenna, LH2s showed funneling efficiencies close to unity. In contrast, CPs showed lower average funneling efficiencies, greatly varying from molecule to molecule. Cyclodextrin insulation of the conjugated backbone improves EET, increasing the fraction of CPs possessing ε = 1. Comparison between LH2s and CPs shows the importance of the protection systems and the protein scaffold of LH2, which keep the chromophores in functional form and at such geometrical arrangement that ensures excellent EET. PMID:26478272

Structural analysis of the core COMPASS family of histone H3K4 methylases from yeast to human

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Yoh-hei; Westfield, Gerwin H.; Oleskie, Austin N.; Trievel, Raymond C.; Shilatifard, Ali; Skiniotis, Georgios

2011-01-01

Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is catalyzed by the highly evolutionarily conserved multiprotein complex known as Set1/COMPASS or MLL/COMPASS-like complexes from yeast to human, respectively. Here we have reconstituted fully functional yeast Set1/COMPASS and human MLL/COMPASS-like complex in vitro and have identified the minimum subunit composition required for histone H3K4 methylation. These subunits include the methyltransferase C-terminal SET domain of Set1/MLL, Cps60/Ash2L, Cps50/RbBP5, Cps30/WDR5, and Cps25/Dpy30, which are all common components of the COMPASS family from yeast to human. Three-dimensional (3D) cryo-EM reconstructions of the core yeast complex, combined with immunolabeling and two-dimensional (2D) EM analysis of the individual subcomplexes reveal a Y-shaped architecture with Cps50 and Cps30 localizing on the top two adjacent lobes and Cps60-Cps25 forming the base at the bottom. EM analysis of the human complex reveals a striking similarity to its yeast counterpart, suggesting a common subunit organization. The SET domain of Set1 is located at the juncture of Cps50, Cps30, and the Cps60-Cps25 module, lining the walls of a central channel that may act as the platform for catalysis and regulative processing of various degrees of H3K4 methylation. This structural arrangement suggested that COMPASS family members function as exo-methylases, which we have confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. PMID:22158900

Structural analysis of the core COMPASS family of histone H3K4 methylases from yeast to human.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yoh-hei; Westfield, Gerwin H; Oleskie, Austin N; Trievel, Raymond C; Shilatifard, Ali; Skiniotis, Georgios

2011-12-20

Histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is catalyzed by the highly evolutionarily conserved multiprotein complex known as Set1/COMPASS or MLL/COMPASS-like complexes from yeast to human, respectively. Here we have reconstituted fully functional yeast Set1/COMPASS and human MLL/COMPASS-like complex in vitro and have identified the minimum subunit composition required for histone H3K4 methylation. These subunits include the methyltransferase C-terminal SET domain of Set1/MLL, Cps60/Ash2L, Cps50/RbBP5, Cps30/WDR5, and Cps25/Dpy30, which are all common components of the COMPASS family from yeast to human. Three-dimensional (3D) cryo-EM reconstructions of the core yeast complex, combined with immunolabeling and two-dimensional (2D) EM analysis of the individual subcomplexes reveal a Y-shaped architecture with Cps50 and Cps30 localizing on the top two adjacent lobes and Cps60-Cps25 forming the base at the bottom. EM analysis of the human complex reveals a striking similarity to its yeast counterpart, suggesting a common subunit organization. The SET domain of Set1 is located at the juncture of Cps50, Cps30, and the Cps60-Cps25 module, lining the walls of a central channel that may act as the platform for catalysis and regulative processing of various degrees of H3K4 methylation. This structural arrangement suggested that COMPASS family members function as exo-methylases, which we have confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Examining Child Welfare Decisions and Services for Asian-Canadian Versus White-Canadian Children and Families in the Child Welfare System.

PubMed

Lee, Barbara; Fuller-Thomson, Esme; Fallon, Barbara; Black, Tara; Trocmé, Nico

2017-05-01

Using administrative child welfare data from the Ontario Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (OCANDS), this study compared the profiles of Asian-Canadian and White-Canadian children and families that experienced a case closure after an investigation instead of being transferred to ongoing child protection services (CPS). Child protection investigations involving Asian-Canadian and White-Canadian children and families that were transferred to ongoing CPS presented a different profile of case characteristics and caregiver and child clinical needs. Asian-Canadian children and families received ongoing CPS for over a month longer than White-Canadian children and families and were less likely (odds ratio [ OR] = 0.39) to be reinvestigated for any form of maltreatment-related concerns within 1 year after case closure. It appears that child protection investigations involving Asian-Canadian children and families are less likely to be closed prematurely than White-Canadian children and families, and the child protection system may be meeting the needs of Asian-Canadian communities. Alternatively, it is possible there is unaccounted biases that may be reflective of systemic problem of discriminative practices in the child protection system. Further research is needed to explore this phenomenon.

Analysis of the ontogeny of the murine humoral response to Neisseria meningitidis B capsular polysaccharide reveals levels of complexity relevant to vaccine development.

PubMed

Colino, J; Outschoorn, I

2001-12-15

Although purified capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis group B (CpsB) is not immunogenic at any age, CpsB on the bacterial surface elicits antibody responses late in ontogeny. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the ontogeny of the murine anti-CpsB response to N. meningitidis could determine key parameters regarding the poor immunogenicity of CpsB. The effects of bacterial dose, hyperimmunization, age, and sex on the induction of primary and secondary anti-CpsB immunoglobulin isotype profiles were studied. It was demonstrated that the timing and repetition of immunization and of the bacterial dose have a marked differential effect on the primary induction of anti-CpsB immunoglobulin isotypes and on the ability to induce anti-CpsB antibody responses after subsequent rechallenge. It is noteworthy that the ontogeny of the response is related to the appearance of natural anti-CpsB antibodies, but this is not associated with the presence of CpsB cross-reactive antigens in the microflora.

3D printed bioceramics for dual antibiotic delivery to treat implant-associated bone infection.

PubMed

Inzana, J A; Trombetta, R P; Schwarz, E M; Kates, S L; Awad, H A

2015-11-04

Surgical implant-associated bone infections (osteomyelitis) have severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences. Treatment of chronic bone infections often involves antibiotics given systemically and locally to the affected site in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement. Given the high antibiotic concentrations required to affect bacteria in biofilm, local delivery is important to achieve high doses at the infection site. PMMA is not suitable to locally-deliver some biofilm-specific antibiotics, including rifampin, due to interference with PMMA polymerisation. To examine the efficacy of localised, combinational antibiotic delivery compared to PMMA standards, we fabricated rifampin- and vancomycin-laden calcium phosphate scaffolds (CPS) by three-dimensional (3D) printing to treat an implant-associated Staphylococcus aureus bone infection in a murine model. All vancomycin- and rifampin-laden CPS treatments significantly reduced the bacterial burden compared with vancomycin-laden PMMA. The bones were bacteria culture negative in 50 % of the mice that received sustained release vancomycin- and rifampin-laden CPS. In contrast, 100 % of the bones treated with vancomycin monotherapy using PMMA or CPS were culture positive. Yet, the monotherapy CPS significantly reduced the bacterial metabolic load following revision compared to PMMA. Biofilm persisted on the fixation hardware, but the infection-induced bone destruction was significantly reduced by local rifampin delivery. These data demonstrate that, despite the challenging implant-retaining infection model, co-delivery of rifampin and vancomycin from 3D printed CPS, which is not possible with PMMA, significantly improved the outcomes of implant-associated osteomyelitis. However, biofilm persistence on the fixation hardware reaffirms the importance of implant exchange or other biofilm eradication strategies to complement local antibiotics.

Chronic postnatal stress induces voluntary alcohol intake and modifies glutamate transporters in adolescent rats.

PubMed

Odeon, María Mercedes; Andreu, Marcela; Yamauchi, Laura; Grosman, Mauricio; Acosta, Gabriela Beatriz

2015-01-01

Postnatal stress alters stress responses for life, with serious consequences on the central nervous system (CNS), involving glutamatergic neurotransmission and development of voluntary alcohol intake. Several drugs of abuse, including alcohol and cocaine, alter glutamate transport (GluT). Here, we evaluated effects of chronic postnatal stress (CPS) on alcohol intake and brain glutamate uptake and transporters in male adolescent Wistar rats. For CPS from postnatal day (PD) 7, pups were separated from their mothers and exposed to cold stress (4 °C) for 1 h daily for 20 days; controls remained with their mothers. Then they were exposed to either voluntary ethanol (6%) or dextrose (1%) intake for 7 days (5-7 rats per group), then killed. CPS: (1) increased voluntary ethanol intake, (2) did not affect body weight gain or produce signs of toxicity with alcohol exposure, (3) increased glutamate uptake by hippocampal synaptosomes in vitro and (4) reduced protein levels (Western measurements) in hippocampus and frontal cortex of glial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and excitatory amino-acid transporter-3 (EAAT-3) but increased glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) levels. We propose that CPS-induced decrements in GLT-1 and EAAT-3 expression levels are opposed by activation of a compensatory mechanism to prevent excitotoxicity. A greater role for GLAST in total glutamate uptake to prevent enlarged extracellular glutamate levels is inferred. Although CPS strongly increased intake of ethanol, this had little impact on effects of CPS on brain glutamate uptake or transporters. However, the impact of early life adverse events on glutamatergic neurotransmission may underlie increased alcohol consumption in adulthood.

Reversible synthesis of colanic acid and O-antigen polysaccharides in Salmonella Typhimurium enhances induction of cross-immune responses and provides protection against heterologous Salmonella challenge.

PubMed

Li, Pei; Liu, Qing; Huang, Chun; Zhao, Xinxin; Roland, Kenneth L; Kong, Qingke

2017-05-15

Colanic Acid (CA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are two major mannose-containing extracellular polysaccharides of Salmonella. Their presence on the bacterial surface can mask conserved protective outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from the host immune system. The mannose moiety in these molecules is derived from GDP-mannose, which is synthesized in several steps. The first two steps require the action of phosphomannose isomerase, encoded by pmi (manA), followed by phosphomannomutase, encoded by manB. There are two copies of manB present in the Salmonella chromosome, one located in the cps gene cluster (cpsG) responsible for CA synthesis, and the other in the rfb gene cluster (rfbK) involved in LPS O-antigen synthesis. In this study, it was demonstrated that the products of cpsG and rfbK are isozymes. To evaluate the impact of these genes on O-antigen synthesis, virulence and immunogenicity, single mutations (Δpmi, ΔrfbK or ΔcpsG) and a double mutation (ΔrfbK ΔcpsG) were introduced into both wild-type Salmonella enterica and an attenuated Δcya Δcrp vaccine strain. The Δpmi, ΔrfbK and ΔcpsG ΔrfbK mutants were defective in LPS synthesis and attenuated for virulence. In orally inoculated mice, strain S122 (Δcrp Δcya ΔcpsG ΔrfbK) and its parent S738 (Δcrp Δcya) were both avirulent and colonized internal tissues. Strain S122 elicited higher levels of anti-S. Typhimurium OMP serum IgG than its parent strain. Mice immunized with S122 were completely protected against challenge with wild-type virulent S. Typhimurium and partially protected against challenge with either wild-type virulent S. Choleraesuis or S. Enteritidis. These data indicate that deletions in rfbK and cpsG are useful mutations for inclusion in future attenuated Salmonella vaccine strains to induce cross-protective immunity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DNA Methylation Suppresses Expression of the Urea Cycle Enzyme Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (CPS1) in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Liu, Hongyan; Dong, Huijia; Robertson, Keith; Liu, Chen

2011-01-01

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) is a liver-specific, intramitochondrial, rate-limiting enzyme in the urea cycle. A previous study showed that CPS1 is the antigen for hepatocyte paraffin 1 antibody, a commonly used antibody in surgical pathology practice; and CPS1 expression appears to be down-regulated in liver cancer tissue and cell lines. The aim of this study is to understand how the CPS1 gene is regulated in liver carcinogenesis. In this report, we show that human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells do not express CPS1, whereas cultured human primary hepatocytes express abundant levels. In addition, CPS1 was silenced or down-regulated in liver tumor tissues compared with the matched noncancerous tissues. The expression of CPS1 in HCC cells was restored with a demethylation agent, 5-azacytidine. We show that two CpG dinucleotides, located near the transcription start site, and a CpG-rich region in the first intron were hypermethylated in HCC cells. The hypermethylation of the two CpG dinucleotides was also detected in HCC tumor tissues compared with noncancerous tissues. Further molecular analysis with mutagenesis indicated that the two CpG dinucleotides play a role in promoter activity of the CPS1 gene. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that DNA methylation is a key mechanism of silencing CPS1 expression in human HCC cells, and CPS1 gene hypermethylation of the two CpG dinucleotides is a potential biomarker for HCC. PMID:21281797

TREM-1 expression in craniopharyngioma and Rathke's cleft cyst: its possible implication for controversial pathology.

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Wang, Chao-Hu; Li, Dan-Ling; Zhang, Shi-Chao; Peng, Yu-Ping; Peng, Jun-Xiang; Song, Ye; Qi, Song-Tao; Pan, Jun

2016-08-02

Whether a mixed type of craniopharyngioma (CP) exists and whether papillary craniopharyngioma (pCP) is on a histopathological continuum with Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) remain controversial. Herein, we examined the expression and localization of β-catenin, BRAF p.V600E (V600E), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in 58 samples including 20 pCPs, 26 adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (aCP), and 12 RCCs. Five aCPs were diagnosed with mixed type CPs and the remaining 21 cases were pure aCPs. Four of the 12 RCCs presented with significant squamous epithelium (SE). V600E immunoreactivity was observed in all pCPs in the cytoplasm, but not in the nuclei. aCPs and RCCs, including mixed type CP, did not express V600E. Nuclear β-catenin translocation was detected exclusively in aCPs. TREM-1 was expressed in pCPs. Additionally, TREM-1 expression was detected in the SE of 5 "mixed type" CPs, while it was absent in pure aCPs. TREM-1 was expressed in 4 RCCs with SE, but not in the remaining 8 RCCs. TREM-1 mRNA levels were compared in cultured pCP and aCP cells. TREM-1 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.001; up to 4.045 fold) higher in pCPs than in aCPs. Western blotting revealed a significantly (p < 0.001; up to 7.19 fold) lower level of TREM-1 expression in aCP cells compared to that in pCP cells. Our findings further supported that RCC and pCP may represent two ends of a morphological spectrum. A variant showing overlapping histological features of aCP and pCP should not be considered as a mixed type.

The Transcriptional Regulator CpsY Is Important for Innate Immune Evasion in Streptococcus pyogenes

PubMed Central

Vega, Luis A.; Valdes, Kayla M.; Sundar, Ganesh S.; Belew, Ashton T.; Islam, Emrul; Berge, Jacob; Curry, Patrick; Chen, Steven

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT As an exclusively human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes (the group A streptococcus [GAS]) has specifically adapted to evade host innate immunity and survive in multiple tissue niches, including blood. GAS can overcome the metabolic constraints of the blood environment and expresses various immunomodulatory factors necessary for survival and immune cell resistance. Here we present our investigation of one such factor, the predicted LysR family transcriptional regulator CpsY. The encoding gene, cpsY, was initially identified as being required for GAS survival in a transposon-site hybridization (TraSH) screen in whole human blood. CpsY is homologous with transcriptional regulators of Streptococcus mutans (MetR), Streptococcus iniae (CpsY), and Streptococcus agalactiae (MtaR) that regulate methionine transport, amino acid metabolism, resistance to neutrophil-mediated killing, and survival in vivo. Our investigation indicated that CpsY is involved in GAS resistance to innate immune cells of its human host. However, GAS CpsY does not manifest the in vitro phenotypes of its homologs in other streptococcal species. GAS CpsY appears to regulate a small set of genes that is markedly different from the regulons of its homologs. The differential expression of these genes depends on the growth medium, and CpsY modestly influences their expression. The GAS CpsY regulon includes known virulence factors (mntE, speB, spd, nga [spn], prtS [SpyCEP], and sse) and cell surface-associated factors of GAS (emm1, mur1.2, sibA [cdhA], and M5005_Spy0500). Intriguingly, the loss of CpsY in GAS does not result in virulence defects in murine models of infection, suggesting that CpsY function in immune evasion is specific to the human host. PMID:27993974

Streptococcus iniae cpsG alters capsular carbohydrate composition and is a cause of serotype switching in vaccinated fish.

PubMed

Heath, Candice; Gillen, Christine M; Chrysanthopoulos, Panagiotis; Walker, Mark J; Barnes, Andrew C

2016-09-25

Streptococcus iniae causes septicaemia and meningitis in marine and freshwater fish wherever they are farmed in warm-temperate and tropical regions. Although serotype specific, vaccination with bacterins (killed bacterial cultures) is largely successful and vaccine failure occurs only occasionally through emergence of new capsular serotypes. Previously we showed that mutations in vaccine escapes are restricted to a limited repertoire of genes within the 20-gene capsular polysaccharide (cps) operon. cpsG, a putative UDP-galactose 4-epimerase, has three sequence types based on the insertion or deletion of the three amino acids leucine, serine and lysine in the substrate binding site of the protein. To elucidate the role of cpsG in capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis and capsular composition, we first prepared isogenic knockout and complemented mutants of cpsG by allelic exchange mutagenesis. Deletion of cpsG resulted in changes to colony morphology and cell buoyant density, and also significantly decreased galactose content relative to glucose in the capsular polysaccharide as determined by GC-MS, consistent with epimerase activity of CpsG. There was also a metabolic penalty of cpsG knockout revealed by slower growth in complex media, and reduced proliferation in whole fish blood. Moreover, whilst antibodies raised in fish against the wild type cross-reacted in whole cell and cps ELISA, they did not cross-opsonise the mutant in a peripheral blood neutrophil opsonisation assay, consistent with reported vaccine escape. We have shown here that mutation in cpsG results in altered CPS composition and this in turn results in poor cross-opsonisation that explains some of the historic vaccination failure on fish farms in Australia. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Andrographis paniculata transcriptome provides molecular insights into tissue-specific accumulation of medicinal diterpenes.

PubMed

Garg, Anchal; Agrawal, Lalit; Misra, Rajesh Chandra; Sharma, Shubha; Ghosh, Sumit

2015-09-02

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) has been widely exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases and health disorders. Ent-labdane-related diterpene (ent-LRD) specialized (i.e., secondary) metabolites of kalmegh such as andrographolide, neoandrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, are known for variety of pharmacological activities. However, due to the lack of genomic and transcriptomic information, underlying molecular basis of ent-LRDs biosynthesis has remained largely unknown. To identify candidate genes of the ent-LRD biosynthetic pathway, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis using leaf and root tissues that differentially accumulate ent-LRDs. De novo assembly of Illumina HiSeq2000 platform-generated paired-end sequencing reads resulted into 69,011 leaf and 64,244 root transcripts which were assembled into a total of 84,628 unique transcripts. Annotation of these transcripts to the Uniprot, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZy) databases identified candidate transcripts of the ent-LRD biosynthetic pathway. These included transcripts that encode enzymes of the plastidial 2C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate pathway which provides C5 isoprenoid precursors for the ent-LRDs biosynthesis, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, class II diterpene synthase (diTPS), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and glycosyltransferase. Three class II diTPSs (ApCPS1, ApCPS2 and ApCPS3) that showed distinct tissue-specific expression profiles and are phylogenetically related to the dicotyledon ent-copalyl diphosphate synthases, are identified. ApCPS1, ApCPS2 and ApCPS3 encode for 832-, 817- and 797- amino acids proteins of 55-63 % identity, respectively. Spatio-temporal patterns of transcripts and ent-LRDs accumulation are consistent with the involvement of ApCPS1 in general (i.e., primary) metabolism for the biosynthesis of phytohormone gibberellin, ApCPS2 in leaf specialized ent-LRDs biosynthesis and ApCPS3 in root diterpene biosynthesis. Moreover, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) that might assist in genotyping and developing specific chemotypes were identified in transcripts of the specialized metabolic pathways, including ent-LRDs. Comparative analysis of root and leaf transcriptomes disclosed novel genes of the ent-LRD biosynthetic pathway, including three class II diTPSs that showed discrete spatio-temporal expression patterns; thus, suggesting their participation into distinct diterpene metabolic pathways of kalmegh. Overall, these results will be useful in understanding molecular basis of the medicinal ent-LRDs biosynthesis and developing breeding strategies for improving their yields.

Modeling of an intelligent pressure sensor using functional link artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Patra, J C; van den Bos, A

2000-01-01

A capacitor pressure sensor (CPS) is modeled for accurate readout of applied pressure using a novel artificial neural network (ANN). The proposed functional link ANN (FLANN) is a computationally efficient nonlinear network and is capable of complex nonlinear mapping between its input and output pattern space. The nonlinearity is introduced into the FLANN by passing the input pattern through a functional expansion unit. Three different polynomials such as, Chebyschev, Legendre and power series have been employed in the FLANN. The FLANN offers computational advantage over a multilayer perceptron (MLP) for similar performance in modeling of the CPS. The prime aim of the present paper is to develop an intelligent model of the CPS involving less computational complexity, so that its implementation can be economical and robust. It is shown that, over a wide temperature variation ranging from -50 to 150 degrees C, the maximum error of estimation of pressure remains within +/- 3%. With the help of computer simulation, the performance of the three types of FLANN models has been compared to that of an MLP based model.

Satellite provided customer promises services, a forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 4: Sensitivity analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1984-01-01

The overall purpose was to forecast the potential United States domestic telecommunications demand for satellite provided customer promises voice, data and video services through the year 2000, so that this information on service demand would be available to aid in NASA program planning. To accomplish this overall purpose the following objectives were achieved: (1) development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand; (2) identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems; (3) identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by consumer promises service (CPS) systems; (4) identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Ka-band CPS system; and (5) postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a parametric cost model, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for: 1980, 1990, and 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

Satellite provided customer promises services, a forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 4: Sensitivity analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1984-03-01

The overall purpose was to forecast the potential United States domestic telecommunications demand for satellite provided customer promises voice, data and video services through the year 2000, so that this information on service demand would be available to aid in NASA program planning. To accomplish this overall purpose the following objectives were achieved: (1) development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand; (2) identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems; (3) identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by consumer promises service (CPS) systems; (4) identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Ka-band CPS system; and (5) postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a parametric cost model, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for: 1980, 1990, and 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

The Study of Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 Deficiency Sheds Light on the Mechanism for Switching On/Off the Urea Cycle.

PubMed

Díez-Fernández, Carmen; Gallego, José; Häberle, Johannes; Cervera, Javier; Rubio, Vicente

2015-05-20

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency (CPS1D) is an inborn error of the urea cycle having autosomal (2q34) recessive inheritance that can cause hyperammonemia and neonatal death or mental retardation. We analyzed the effects on CPS1 activity, kinetic parameters and enzyme stability of missense mutations reported in patients with CPS1 deficiency that map in the 20-kDa C-terminal domain of the enzyme. This domain turns on or off the enzyme depending on whether the essential allosteric activator of CPS1, N-acetyl-L-glutamate (NAG), is bound or is not bound to it. To carry out the present studies, we exploited a novel system that allows the expression in vitro and the purification of human CPS1, thus permitting site-directed mutagenesis. These studies have clarified disease causation by individual mutations, identifying functionally important residues, and revealing that a number of mutations decrease the affinity of the enzyme for NAG. Patients with NAG affinity-decreasing mutations might benefit from NAG site saturation therapy with N-carbamyl-L-glutamate (a registered drug, the analog of NAG). Our results, together with additional present and prior site-directed mutagenesis data for other residues mapping in this domain, suggest an NAG-triggered conformational change in the β4-α4 loop of the C-terminal domain of this enzyme. This change might be an early event in the NAG activation process. Molecular dynamics simulations that were restrained according to the observed effects of the mutations are consistent with this hypothesis, providing further backing for this structurally plausible signaling mechanism by which NAG could trigger urea cycle activation via CPS1. Copyright © 2015 Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Genetics Society of China. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The classification based on intrahepatic portal system for congenital portosystemic shunts.

PubMed

Kanazawa, Hiroyuki; Nosaka, Shunsuke; Miyazaki, Osamu; Sakamoto, Seisuke; Fukuda, Akinari; Shigeta, Takanobu; Nakazawa, Atsuko; Kasahara, Mureo

2015-04-01

Liver transplantation was previously indicated as a curative operation for congenital absence of portal vein. Recent advances in radiological interventional techniques can precisely visualize the architecture of the intrahepatic portal system (IHPS). Therefore, the therapeutic approach for congenital portosystemic shunt (CPS) needs to be reevaluated from a viewpoint of radiological appearances. The aim of this study was to propose the IHPS classification which could explain the pathophysiological characteristics and play a complementary role of a therapeutic approach and management for CPS. Nineteen patients with CPS were retrospectively reviewed. The median age at diagnosis was 6.8 years old. Eighteen of these patients underwent angiography with a shunt occlusion test and were classified based of the severity of the hypoplasia of IHPS. The eighteen cases who could undergo the shunt occlusion test were classified into mild (n=7), moderate (n=6) and severe types (n=5) according to the IHPS classification. The IHPS classification correlated with the portal venous pressure under shunt occlusion, the histopathological findings, postoperative portal venous flow and liver regeneration. Shunt closure resulted in dramatic improvement in the laboratory data and subclinical encephalopathy. Two patients with the severe type suffered from sepsis associated with portal hypertension after treatment, and from the portal flow steal phenomenon because of the development of unexpected collateral vessels. The patients with the severe type had a high risk of postoperative complications after shunt closure in one step, even if the PVP was relatively low during the shunt occlusion test. The IHPS could be visualized by the shunt occlusion test. The IHPS classification reflected the clinicopathological features of CPS, and was useful to determine the therapeutic approach and management for CPS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experiments with lithium limiter on T-11M tokamak and applications of the lithium capillary-pore system in future fusion reactor devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirnov, S. V.; Azizov, E. A.; Evtikhin, V. A.; Lazarev, V. B.; Lyublinski, I. E.; Vertkov, A. V.; Prokhorov, D. Yu

2006-06-01

The paper is an overview of recent results of Li limiter testing in T-11M tokamak. The lithium limiter is based on the capillary-pore system (CPS) concept. The Li erosion process and deuterium (D2) and helium (He) sorption by Li first wall were investigated. The ability of capillary forces to confine the liquid Li in the CPS limiter during disruption was demonstrated. The idea of combined lithium limiter with thin (0.6 mm) CPS coating as a solution of the heat removal problem was realized. As a result the quasi steady-state tokamak regime with duration up to 0.3 s and clean (Zeff = 1) deuterium plasma has been achieved. The temporal evolution of the lithium surface temperature during discharge was measured by a IR radiometer and then was recalculated to the surface power load. For the estimation of the Li limiter erosion the Li neutral and ions spectral line emission were observed. The increase in lithium erosion as a result of limiter heating was discovered. The radial distribution of plasma column radiation measurements showed up to 90% of the total radiation losses in a relatively thin (5 cm) boundary layer and only 10% in a plasma centre during discharges with high Li influx. Oscillations of Li emission and saw-tooth-like oscillations of the limiter surface temperature have been detected in discharge regimes with highest Li limiter temperature (>600 °C). A version of Li CPS first wall of DEMO reactor and Li CPS limiter experiment in the International Thermonuclear Energy Reactor are suggested.

Use of a dynamic in vitro attachment and invasion system (DIVAS) to determine influence of growth rate on invasion of respiratory epithelial cells by group B Streptococcus.

PubMed

Malin, G; Paoletti, L C

2001-11-06

Expression of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and some surface proteins by group B Streptococcus (GBS) is regulated by growth rate. We hypothesized that precise control of GBS growth, and thus surface-expressed components, could modulate the ability of GBS to invade eukaryotic cells. To test this hypothesis, a dynamic in vitro attachment and invasion system (DIVAS) was developed that combines the advantages of bacterial growth in continuous culture with tissue culture. Tissue culture flasks were modified with inlet and outlet ports to permit perfusion of GBS. Encapsulated type III GBS strains M781 and COH1 and strains COH1-11 and COH1-13 (transposon mutants of COH1 that express an asialo CPS or are acapsular, respectively) were grown in continuous culture in a chemically defined medium at fast mass doubling time (t(d) = 1.8 h) and slow (t(d) = 11 h) growth rates, conditions previously shown to induce and repress, respectively, type III CPS expression. Encapsulated GBS strains invaded A549 respiratory epithelial cells 20- to 700-fold better at the fast than at the slow growth rate, suggesting a role for CPS. However, unencapsulated GBS were also invasive but only when cultured at the fast growth rate, which indicates that GBS invasion is independent of CPS expression and can be regulated by growth rate. Growth rate-dependent invasion occurred when GBS was grown in continuous culture under glucose-defined, thiamine-defined, and undefined nutrient limitations. These results suggest a growth rate-dependent regulation of GBS pathogenesis and demonstrate the usefulness of DIVAS as a tool in studies of host-microbe interactions.

Cross-national comparisons of complex problem-solving strategies in two microworlds.

PubMed

Güss, C Dominik; Tuason, Ma Teresa; Gerhard, Christiane

2010-04-01

Research in the fields of complex problem solving (CPS) and dynamic decision making using microworlds has been mainly conducted in Western industrialized countries. This study analyzes the CPS process by investigating thinking-aloud protocols in five countries. Participants were 511 students from Brazil, Germany, India, the Philippines, and the United States who worked on two microworlds. On the basis of cultural-psychological theories, specific cross-national differences in CPS strategies were hypothesized. Following theories of situatedness of cognition, hypotheses about the specific frequency of problem-solving strategies in the two microworlds were developed. Results of the verbal protocols showed (a) modification of the theoretical CPS model, (b) task dependence of CPS strategies, and (c) cross-national differences in CPS strategies. Participants' CPS processes were particularly influenced by country-specific problem-solving strategies. Copyright © 2009 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Comparison of Capsular Genes of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D Isolates▿

PubMed Central

Song, Jae-Hoon; Baek, Jin Yang; Ko, Kwan Soo

2011-01-01

Recently, Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6C and 6D have been identified. It is thought that they emerged by the replacement of wciNβ in the capsular loci of serotypes 6A and 6B, respectively. However, their evolution has not been unveiled yet. To investigate the evolution of four serotypes of S. pneumoniae serogroup 6, four genes of the capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) locus, wchA, wciN, wciO, and wciP, of isolates of S. pneumoniae serotypes 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D were sequenced. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to investigate their genetic backgrounds. The wchA gene of serotype 6C and 6D isolates was distinct from that of serotype 6A and 6B isolates, which may suggest cotransfer of wchA with wciNβ. Otherwise, serotypes 6C and 6D displayed different genetic backgrounds from serotypes 6A and 6B, which was suggested by MLST analysis. In addition, serotype 6C isolates showed distinct wciP polymorphisms from other serotypes, which also indicated that serotype 6C had not recently originated from serotype 6A. Although serotype 6D shared the same amino acid polymorphisms of wciO with serotype 6B, wciP of serotype 6D differed from that of serotype 6B. The data indicate the implausibility of the scenario of a recent emergence of the cps locus of serotype 6D by genetic recombination between serotypes 6B and 6C. In addition, five serotype 6A and 6B isolates (6X group) displayed cps loci distinct from those of other isolates. The cps locus homogeneity and similar sequence types in MLST analysis suggest that most of the 6X group of isolates originated from the same ancestor and that the entire cps locus might have recently been transferred from an unknown origin. Serotype 6B isolates showed two or more cps locus subtypes, indicating a recombination-mediated mosaic structure of the cps locus of serotype 6B. The collective data favor the emergence of cps loci of serotypes 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D by complicated recombination. PMID:21411593

Cysteine protease 30 (CP30) contributes to adhesion and cytopathogenicity in feline Tritrichomonas foetus

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

Gould, Emily N.; Giannone, Richard; Kania, Stephen A.

Tritrichomonas foetus ( T. foetus) is a flagellated protozoan parasite that is recognized as a significant cause of diarrhea in domestic cats with a prevalence rate as high as 30%. No drugs have been shown to consistently eliminate T. foetus infection in all cats. Cysteine proteases (CPs) have been identified as mediators of T. foetus-induced adhesion-dependent cytotoxicity to the intestinal epithelium. These CPs represent novel targets for the treatment of feline trichomonosis. However, cats also produce CPs that are part of life-critical systems. Thus, parasitic CPs need to be selectively targeted to reduce the potential for host toxicity. Previous studiesmore » have demonstrated the importance of a specific CP, CP30, in mediating bovine and human trichomonad cytopathogenicity. This CP has also recently been identified in feline T. foetus, although the function of this protease in the feline genotype remains unknown. Furthermore, the study objectives were to characterize the presence of CP30 in feline T. foetus isolates and to evaluate the effect of targeted inhibition of CP30 on feline T. foetus-induced adhesion dependent cytotoxicity.« less

Identification and Characterization of Novel Chitin-Binding Proteins from the Larval Cuticle of Silkworm, Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Dong, Zhaoming; Zhang, Weiwei; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Xiaolu; Zhao, Ping; Xia, Qingyou

2016-05-06

Cuticle is mainly made of chitin filaments embedded in a matrix of cuticular proteins (CPs). Cuticular chitins have minor differences, whereas CPs are widely variable with respect to their sequences and structures. To understand the molecular basis underlying the mechanical properties of cuticle, it is necessary to know which CPs interact with chitin and how they are assembled into the cuticle structure. In the present study, a chitin-binding assay was performed followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify the extracted proteins from the larval cuticle of silkworm, Bombyx mori. There were 463 proteins identified from the silkworm larval cuticle, 200 of which were recovered in the chitin-binding fraction. A total of 103 proteins were annotated as CPs, which were classified into 11 CP families based on their conserved motifs, including CPR, CPAP, CPT, CPF and CPFL, CPCFC, chitin_bind 3, BmCPH2 homologues, BmCPH9 homologues, BmCPG1 homologues, BmCPG20 homologues, and BmCPG21 homologues. A total of five CP families were newly identified in the chitin-binding fraction, thereby providing new information and insight into the composition, structure, and function of the silkworm larval cuticle.

Development and characterization of a compact hand-held gamma probe system, SURGEOGUIDE, based on NEMA NU3-2004 standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaviani, S.; Zeraatkar, N.; Sajedi, S.; Gorjizadeh, N.; Farahani, M. H.; Ghafarian, P.; El Fakhri, G.; Sabet, H.; Ay, M. R.

2016-12-01

Using an intra-operative gamma probe after periareolar or peritumoral injection of a radiotracer during surgery helps the surgeon to identify the sentinel, or first, nodal site of regional metastasis in clinically node-negative patients. The pathological analysis of this node can have an important influence on the treatment staging in various cancers. This paper reports the design and performance evaluation of a gamma probe recently developed in our department. The detector unit of this system consists of an 8 mm diameter and 10 mm thickness monolithic CsI(Tl) scintillator optically, coupled to a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) with an active area of 6×6 mm2, and a single-hole collimator. The unit is shielded using tungsten. The system can operate in three different modes for Tc-99m, I-131, or F-18 isotopes. The following measurements were carried out to evaluate the performance of the probe: sensitivity in air and scatter medium, spatial resolution in scatter medium, angular resolution in scatter medium, and side and back shielding effectiveness. All experiments have been performed based on the NEMA NU3-2004 standard set up. The measured system sensitivities in air and scatter medium (water) are 1700 cps/MBq and 1770 cps/MBq, respectively, both measured at 3 cm from the collimator. The spatial resolution in the scatter medium is about 45 mm at 3 cm distance from the collimator. Also, the angular resolution of the probe is 74o FWHM. Finally, a shielding effectiveness of 99.5% is measured. The results show that the probe can potentially be used for sentinel lymph node localization during the surgery.

Exploring Business Students' Creative Problem-Solving Preferences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Titus, Philip A.; Koppitsch, Steven

2018-01-01

Past research has established the importance of problem solving to business success. The authors explored the creative problem-solving (CPS) preferences of business students, addressing two primary issues: (a) Do CPS preferences vary across CPS stages and tasks? And (b) Do CPS preferences regarding collaboration and delegation vary by stage?…

Balancing collaborative and independent practice roles in clinical pharmacy: a qualitative research study.

PubMed

McCullough, Megan B; Solomon, Jeffrey L; Petrakis, Beth Ann; Park, Angela M; Ourth, Heather; Morreale, Anthony P; Rose, Adam J

2015-02-01

Clinical pharmacists (CPs) with a scope of practice operate as direct care providers and health care team members. Research often focuses on one role or the other; little is understood about the dynamic relationship between roles in practice settings. To identify the challenges CPs face in balancing dual roles as direct care providers and health care team members and the implications for CP effectiveness and quality of care. Pharmacists were interviewed with a primary purpose of informing an implementation effort. Besides the implementation, there were emergent themes regarding the challenges posed for CPs in negotiating dual roles. This study is, therefore, a secondary analysis of semistructured interviews and direct observation of 48 CPs, addressing this phenomenon. Interview data were entered into NVivo 10 and systematically analyzed using an emergent thematic coding strategy. Pharmacists describe role ambiguity, where they perform as direct providers or team members simultaneously or in quick succession. They note the existence of a "transaction cost," where switching causes loss of momentum or disruption of work flow. Additionally, pharmacists feel that fellow providers lack an understanding of what they do and that CP contributions are not evaluated accurately by other health professionals. It is a challenge for CPs to balance the distinct roles of serving as collaborators and primary providers. Frequent role switching is not conducive to optimal work efficiency or patient care. Our findings suggest concrete steps that medical centers can take to improve both CP worklife and quality of patient care. © The Author(s) 2014.

Use of spectral analysis with iterative filter for voxelwise determination of regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis with L-[1-11C]leucine PET.

PubMed

Veronese, Mattia; Schmidt, Kathleen C; Smith, Carolyn Beebe; Bertoldo, Alessandra

2012-06-01

A spectral analysis approach was used to estimate kinetic parameters of the L-[1-(11)C]leucine positron emission tomography (PET) method and regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Spectral analysis applies to both heterogeneous and homogeneous tissues; it does not require prior assumptions concerning number of tissue compartments. Parameters estimated with spectral analysis can be strongly affected by noise, but numerical filters improve estimation performance. Spectral analysis with iterative filter (SAIF) was originally developed to improve estimation of leucine kinetic parameters and rCPS in region-of-interest (ROI) data analyses. In the present study, we optimized SAIF for application at the voxel level. In measured L-[1-(11)C]leucine PET data, voxel-level SAIF parameter estimates averaged over all voxels within a ROI (mean voxel-SAIF) generally agreed well with corresponding estimates derived by applying the originally developed SAIF to ROI time-activity curves (ROI-SAIF). Region-of-interest-SAIF and mean voxel-SAIF estimates of rCPS were highly correlated. Simulations showed that mean voxel-SAIF rCPS estimates were less biased and less variable than ROI-SAIF estimates in the whole brain and cortex; biases were similar in white matter. We conclude that estimation of rCPS with SAIF is improved when the method is applied at voxel level than in ROI analysis.

Simultaneous removal of nitrogen oxide/nitrogen dioxide/sulfur dioxide from gas streams by combined plasma scrubbing technology.

PubMed

Chang, Moo Been; Lee, How Ming; Wu, Feeling; Lai, Chi Ren

2004-08-01

Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) [nitrogen oxide (NO) + nitrogen dioxide (NO2)] and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are removed individually in traditional air pollution control technologies. This study proposes a combined plasma scrubbing (CPS) system for simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx. CPS consists of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and wet scrubbing in series. DBD is used to generate nonthermal plasmas for converting NO to NO2. The water-soluble NO2 then can be removed by wet scrubbing accompanied with SO2 removal. In this work, CPS was tested with simulated exhausts in the laboratory and with diesel-generator exhausts in the field. Experimental results indicate that DBD is very efficient in converting NO to NO2. More than 90% removal of NO, NOx, and SO2 can be simultaneously achieved with CPS. Both sodium sulfide (Na2S) and sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) scrubbing solutions are good for NO2 and SO2 absorption. Energy efficiencies for NOx and SO2 removal are 17 and 18 g/kWh, respectively. The technical feasibility of CPS for simultaneous removal of NO, NO2, and SO2 from gas streams is successfully demonstrated in this study. However, production of carbon monoxide as a side-product (approximately 100 ppm) is found and should be considered.

DFT studies for three Cu(II) coordination polymers: Geometrical and electronic structures, g factors and UV-visible spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Chang-Chun; Wu, Shao-Yi; Xu, Yong-Qiang; Wu, Li-Na; Zhang, Li-Juan

2018-05-01

This work presents a systematic density functional theory (DFT) study for geometrical and electronic structures, g factors and UV-vis spectra of three Cu(II) coordination polymers (CPs) [Cu(XL)(NO3)2]n (1), {[Cu(XL)(4,4‧-bpy)(NO3)2]•CH3CN}n (2) and {[Cu(XL)3](NO3)2·3.5H2O}n (3) based on the ligand N,N‧-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxdiimide bi(1,2,4-triazole) (XL) with the linker triazole coordinated with copper to construct the CPs. For three CPs with distinct ligands, the optimized molecular structures with PBE0 hybrid functional and the 6-311g basis set agree well with the corresponding XRD data. Meanwhile, the electronic properties are also analyzed for all the systems. The calculated g factors are found sensitive to the (Hartree-Fock) HF character due to the significant hybridization between copper and ligand orbitals. The calculated UV-visible spectra reveal that the main electronic transitions for CP 1 contain d-d and CT transitions, while those for CPs 2 and 3 largely belong to CT ones. The present CPs seem difficult to adsorb small molecules, e.g., CP 1 with H2O and NO2 exhibit unfavorable adsorption and deformation structures near the Cu2+ site.

Crosslinked plastic scintillators: a new detection system for radioactivity measurement in organic and aggressive media.

PubMed

Bagán, Héctor; Tarancón, Alex; Ye, Lei; García, José F

2014-12-10

The measurement of radioactive solutions containing organic or aggressive media may cause stability problems in liquid and plastic scintillation (PS) techniques. In the case of PS, this can be overcome by adding a crosslinker to the polymer structure. The objectives of this study are to synthesise a suitable crosslinked plastic scintillator (C-PS) for radioactivity determination in organic and aggressive media. The results indicated that an increase in the crosslinker content reduces the detection efficiency and a more flexible crosslinker yields higher detection efficiency. For the polymer composition studied, 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) is the most adequate fluorescent solute and an increase in its concentration causes little change in the detection efficiency. The inclusion of a secondary fluorescent solute 1,4-bis-2-(5-phenyloxazolyl) benzene (POPOP) improves the C-PS radiometrical characteristics. For the final composition chosen, the synthesis of the C-PS exhibits good reproducibility with elevated yield. The obtained C-PS also displays high stability in different organic (toluene, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and methanol) and aggressive media (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide). Finally, the C-PS exhibits high detection efficiency both in water and in aggressive media and can also be applied in organic media showing similar or even higher detection efficiency values. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Behavioral dissociation between emotional and non-emotional facial expressions in congenital prosopagnosia

PubMed Central

Daini, Roberta; Comparetti, Chiara M.; Ricciardelli, Paola

2014-01-01

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have shown that facial recognition and emotional expressions are dissociable. However, it is unknown if a single system supports the processing of emotional and non-emotional facial expressions. We aimed to understand if individuals with impairment in face recognition from birth (congenital prosopagnosia, CP) can use non-emotional facial expressions to recognize a face as an already seen one, and thus, process this facial dimension independently from features (which are impaired in CP), and basic emotional expressions. To this end, we carried out a behavioral study in which we compared the performance of 6 CP individuals to that of typical development individuals, using upright and inverted faces. Four avatar faces with a neutral expression were presented in the initial phase. The target faces presented in the recognition phase, in which a recognition task was requested (2AFC paradigm), could be identical (neutral) to those of the initial phase or present biologically plausible changes to features, non-emotional expressions, or emotional expressions. After this task, a second task was performed, in which the participants had to detect whether or not the recognized face exactly matched the study face or showed any difference. The results confirmed the CPs' impairment in the configural processing of the invariant aspects of the face, but also showed a spared configural processing of non-emotional facial expression (task 1). Interestingly and unlike the non-emotional expressions, the configural processing of emotional expressions was compromised in CPs and did not improve their change detection ability (task 2). These new results have theoretical implications for face perception models since they suggest that, at least in CPs, non-emotional expressions are processed configurally, can be dissociated from other facial dimensions, and may serve as a compensatory strategy to achieve face recognition. PMID:25520643

Behavioral dissociation between emotional and non-emotional facial expressions in congenital prosopagnosia.

PubMed

Daini, Roberta; Comparetti, Chiara M; Ricciardelli, Paola

2014-01-01

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have shown that facial recognition and emotional expressions are dissociable. However, it is unknown if a single system supports the processing of emotional and non-emotional facial expressions. We aimed to understand if individuals with impairment in face recognition from birth (congenital prosopagnosia, CP) can use non-emotional facial expressions to recognize a face as an already seen one, and thus, process this facial dimension independently from features (which are impaired in CP), and basic emotional expressions. To this end, we carried out a behavioral study in which we compared the performance of 6 CP individuals to that of typical development individuals, using upright and inverted faces. Four avatar faces with a neutral expression were presented in the initial phase. The target faces presented in the recognition phase, in which a recognition task was requested (2AFC paradigm), could be identical (neutral) to those of the initial phase or present biologically plausible changes to features, non-emotional expressions, or emotional expressions. After this task, a second task was performed, in which the participants had to detect whether or not the recognized face exactly matched the study face or showed any difference. The results confirmed the CPs' impairment in the configural processing of the invariant aspects of the face, but also showed a spared configural processing of non-emotional facial expression (task 1). Interestingly and unlike the non-emotional expressions, the configural processing of emotional expressions was compromised in CPs and did not improve their change detection ability (task 2). These new results have theoretical implications for face perception models since they suggest that, at least in CPs, non-emotional expressions are processed configurally, can be dissociated from other facial dimensions, and may serve as a compensatory strategy to achieve face recognition.

An investigation of new toxicity test method performance in validation studies: 1. Toxicity test methods that have predictive capacity no greater than chance.

PubMed

Bruner, L H; Carr, G J; Harbell, J W; Curren, R D

2002-06-01

An approach commonly used to measure new toxicity test method (NTM) performance in validation studies is to divide toxicity results into positive and negative classifications, and the identify true positive (TP), true negative (TN), false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) results. After this step is completed, the contingent probability statistics (CPS), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) are calculated. Although these statistics are widely used and often the only statistics used to assess the performance of toxicity test methods, there is little specific guidance in the validation literature on what values for these statistics indicate adequate performance. The purpose of this study was to begin developing data-based answers to this question by characterizing the CPS obtained from an NTM whose data have a completely random association with a reference test method (RTM). Determining the CPS of this worst-case scenario is useful because it provides a lower baseline from which the performance of an NTM can be judged in future validation studies. It also provides an indication of relationships in the CPS that help identify random or near-random relationships in the data. The results from this study of randomly associated tests show that the values obtained for the statistics vary significantly depending on the cut-offs chosen, that high values can be obtained for individual statistics, and that the different measures cannot be considered independently when evaluating the performance of an NTM. When the association between results of an NTM and RTM is random the sum of the complementary pairs of statistics (sensitivity + specificity, NPV + PPV) is approximately 1, and the prevalence (i.e., the proportion of toxic chemicals in the population of chemicals) and PPV are equal. Given that combinations of high sensitivity-low specificity or low specificity-high sensitivity (i.e., the sum of the sensitivity and specificity equal to approximately 1) indicate lack of predictive capacity, an NTM having these performance characteristics should be considered no better for predicting toxicity than by chance alone.

4U 1909+07: A Well-Hidden Pearl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuerst, F.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Barragan, L.; Wilms, J.; Rothschild, R. E.; Suchy, S.; Pottschmidt, K.

2009-01-01

We present the first detailed spectral and timing analysis of the High Mass X-ray Binary (HMXB) 4U 1909+07 with INTEGRAL and RXTE. 4U 1909+07 is detected with an average of 2.4 cps in ISGRI. but shows flares up to approx.50 cps. The system shows a pulse period of 605 s, but we found that the period changes erratically around this value. The pulse profile is extremely energy dependent: while it shows a double peaked structure at low energies, the secondary pulse decreases rapidly with increasing energy and above 20 ke V only the primary pulse is visible. This evolution is consistent between peA, HEXTE and ISGRI. We find that the phase averaged spectrum can be well fitted with a photo-absorbed power law with a cutoff at high energies and a blackbody component. To investigate the peculiar pulse profile, we performed phase resolved spectral analysis. We find that a change in the cutoff energy is required to fit the changing spectrum of the different pulse phases

Conditional protein splicing: a new tool to control protein structure and function in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Mootz, Henning D; Blum, Elyse S; Tyszkiewicz, Amy B; Muir, Tom W

2003-09-03

Protein splicing is a naturally occurring process in which an intervening intein domain excises itself out of a precursor polypeptide in an autocatalytic fashion with concomitant linkage of the two flanking extein sequences by a native peptide bond. We have recently reported an engineered split VMA intein whose splicing activity in trans between two polypeptides can be triggered by the small molecule rapamycin. In this report, we show that this conditional protein splicing (CPS) system can be used in mammalian cells. Two model constructs harboring maltose-binding protein (MBP) and a His-tag as exteins were expressed from a constitutive promoter after transient transfection. The splicing product MBP-His was detected by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation in cells treated with rapamycin or a nontoxic analogue thereof. No background splicing in the absence of the small-molecule inducer was observed over a 24-h time course. Product formation could be detected within 10 min of addition of rapamycin, indicating the advantage of the posttranslational nature of CPS for quick responses. The level of protein splicing was dose dependent and could be competitively attenuated with the small molecule ascomycin. In related studies, the geometric flexibility of the CPS components was investigated with a series of purified proteins. The FKBP and FRB domains, which are dimerized by rapamycin and thereby induce the reconstitution of the split intein, were fused to the extein sequences of the split intein halves. CPS was still triggered by rapamycin when FKBP and FRB occupied one or both of the extein positions. This finding suggests yet further applications of CPS in the area of proteomics. In summary, CPS holds great promise to become a powerful new tool to control protein structure and function in vitro and in living cells.

3D printed bioceramics for dual antibiotic delivery to treat implant-associated bone infection

PubMed Central

Inzana, Jason A.; Trombetta, Ryan P.; Schwarz, Edward M.; Kates, Stephen L.; Awad, Hani A.

2015-01-01

Surgical implant-associated bone infections (osteomyelitis) have severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences. Treatment of chronic bone infections often involves antibiotics given systemically and locally to the affected site via poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement. Given the high antibiotic concentrations required to affect bacteria in biofilm, local delivery is important to achieve high doses at the infection site. PMMA is not suitable to locally deliver some biofilm-specific antibiotics, including rifampin, due to interference with PMMA polymerization. To examine the efficacy of localized, combinational antibiotic delivery compared to PMMA standards, we fabricated rifampin- and vancomycin-laden calcium phosphate scaffolds (CPS) by three-dimensional (3D) printing to treat an implant-associated Staphylococcus aureus bone infection in a murine model. All vancomycin- and rifampin-laden CPS treatments significantly reduced the bacterial burden compared with vancomycin-laden PMMA. The bones were bacteria culture negative in 50% of the mice that received sustained release vancomycin- and rifampin-laden CPS. In contrast, 100% of the bones treated with vancomycin monotherapy via PMMA or CPS were culture positive. Yet, the monotherapy CPS significantly reduced the bacterial metabolic load following revision compared to PMMA. Biofilm persisted on the fixation hardware, but the infection-induced bone destruction was significantly reduced by local rifampin delivery. These data demonstrate that, despite the challenging implant-retaining infection model, co-delivery of rifampin and vancomycin from 3D printed CPS, which is not possible with PMMA, significantly improved the outcomes of implant-associated osteomyelitis. However, biofilm persistence on the fixation hardware reaffirms the importance of implant exchange or other biofilm eradication strategies to complement local antibiotics. PMID:26535494

The effect of rate denominator source on US fatal occupational injury rate estimates.

PubMed

Richardson, David; Loomis, Dana; Bailer, A John; Bena, James

2004-09-01

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is often used as a source of denominator information for analyses of US fatal occupational injury rates. However, given the relatively small sample size of the CPS, analyses that examine the cross-classification of occupation or industry with demographic or geographic characteristics will often produce highly imprecise rate estimates. The Decennial Census of Population provides an alternative source for rate denominator information. We investigate the comparability of fatal injury rates derived using these two sources of rate denominator information. Information on fatal occupational injuries that occurred between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 1994 was obtained from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality surveillance system. Annual estimates of employment by occupation, industry, age, and sex were derived from the CPS, and by linear interpolation and extrapolation from the 1980 and 1990 Census of Population. Fatal injury rates derived using these denominator data were compared. Fatal injury rates calculated using Census-based denominator data were within 10% of rates calculated using CPS data for all major occupation groups except farming/forestry/fishing, for which the fatal injury rate calculated using Census-based denominator data was 24.69/100,000 worker-years and the rate calculated using CPS data was 19.97/100,000 worker-years. The choice of denominator data source had minimal influence on estimates of trends over calendar time in the fatal injury rates for most major occupation and industry groups. The Census offers a reasonable source for deriving fatal injury rate denominator data in situations where the CPS does not provide sufficiently precise data, although the Census may underestimate the population-at-risk in some industries as a consequence of seasonal variation in employment.

Functional characterization of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase from Andrographis paniculata with putative involvement in andrographolides biosynthesis.

PubMed

Shen, Qinqin; Li, Lixia; Jiang, Yu; Wang, Qiang

2016-01-01

To characterize the ent-copalyl diphosphate (ent-CPP) synthase involved in the biosynthetic pathway of andrographolides in a medicinal plant, Andrographis paniculata. The ent-CPP synthase (ent-CPS) gene was cloned from A. paniculata and its encoded ApCPS was demonstrated to react with (E,E,E)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate to form ent-CPP through recombinant expression in Escherichia coli. Site-directed mutagenesis of the Asp to Ala in the conserved DXDD motif of ApCPS resulted in loss of function. One Arg is located in the conserved position close to DXDD motif indicating the involvement of ApCPS in specialized metabolism. In addition, RT-PCR analysis revealed that ApCPS was expressed in all tissues of A. paniculata at all growth stages, which is consistent with andrographolides accumulating in these organs. Methyl jasmonate induced ApCPS gene expression, matching inducible accumulation of andrographolides in vivo. ApCPS is the first ent-CPS characterized in A. paniculata and is suggested to be involved in biosynthesis of andrographolides that have high pharmaceutical values.

Making Full Use of the Longitudinal Design of the Current Population Survey: Methods for Linking Records Across 16 Months *

PubMed Central

Drew, Julia A. Rivera; Flood, Sarah; Warren, John Robert

2015-01-01

Data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) are rarely analyzed in a way that takes advantage of the CPS’s longitudinal design. This is mainly because of the technical difficulties associated with linking CPS files across months. In this paper, we describe the method we are using to create unique identifiers for all CPS person and household records from 1989 onward. These identifiers—available along with CPS basic and supplemental data as part of the on-line Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS)—make it dramatically easier to use CPS data for longitudinal research across any number of substantive domains. To facilitate the use of these new longitudinal IPUMS-CPS data, we also outline seven different ways that researchers may choose to link CPS person records across months, and we describe the sample sizes and sample retention rates associated with these seven designs. Finally, we discuss a number of unique methodological challenges that researchers will confront when analyzing data from linked CPS files. PMID:26113770

Nano-sized and micro-sized polystyrene particles affect phagocyte function

PubMed Central

Prietl, B.; Meindl, C.; Roblegg, E.; Pieber, T. R.; Lanzer, G.; Fröhlich, E.

2015-01-01

Adverse effect of nanoparticles may include impairment of phagocyte function. To identify the effect of nanoparticle size on uptake, cytotoxicity, chemotaxis, cytokine secretion, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, nitric oxide production and myeloperoxidase release, leukocytes isolated from human peripheral blood, monocytes and macrophages were studied. Carboxyl polystyrene (CPS) particles in sizes between 20 and 1,000 nm served as model particles. Twenty nanometers CPS particles were taken up passively, while larger CPS particles entered cells actively and passively. Twenty nanometers CPS were cytotoxic to all phagocytes, ≥500 nm CPS particles only to macrophages. Twenty nanometers CPS particles stimulated IL-8 secretion in human monocytes and induced oxidative burst in monocytes. Five hundred nanometers and 1,000 nm CPS particles stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in monocytes and macrophages, chemotaxis towards a chemotactic stimulus of monocytes and phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages and provoked an oxidative burst of granulocytes. At very high concentrations, CPS particles of 20 and 500 nm stimulated myeloperoxidase release of granulocytes and nitric oxide generation in macrophages. Cytotoxic effect could contribute to some of the observed effects. In the absence of cytotoxicity, 500 and 1,000 nm CPS particles appear to influence phagocyte function to a greater extent than particles in other sizes. PMID:24292270

Targeting CPS1 in the treatment of Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency, a urea cycle disorder.

PubMed

Diez-Fernandez, Carmen; Häberle, Johannes

2017-04-01

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder (UCD), which can lead to life-threatening hyperammonemia. Unless promptly treated, it can result in encephalopathy, coma and death, or intellectual disability in surviving patients. Over recent decades, therapies for CPS1D have barely improved leaving the management of these patients largely unchanged. Additionally, in many cases, current management (protein-restriction and supplementation with citrulline and/or arginine and ammonia scavengers) is insufficient for achieving metabolic stability, highlighting the importance of developing alternative therapeutic approaches. Areas covered: After describing UCDs and CPS1D, we give an overview of the structure- function of CPS1. We then describe current management and potential novel treatments including N-carbamoyl-L-glutamate (NCG), pharmacological chaperones, and gene therapy to treat hyperammonemia. Expert opinion: Probably, the first novel CPS1D therapies to reach the clinics will be the already commercial substance NCG, which is the standard treatment for N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency and has been proven to rescue specific CPS1D mutations. Pharmacological chaperones and gene therapy are under development too, but these two technologies still have key challenges to be overcome. In addition, current experimental therapies will hopefully add further treatment options.

Nano-sized and micro-sized polystyrene particles affect phagocyte function.

PubMed

Prietl, B; Meindl, C; Roblegg, E; Pieber, T R; Lanzer, G; Fröhlich, E

2014-02-01

Adverse effect of nanoparticles may include impairment of phagocyte function. To identify the effect of nanoparticle size on uptake, cytotoxicity, chemotaxis, cytokine secretion, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, nitric oxide production and myeloperoxidase release, leukocytes isolated from human peripheral blood, monocytes and macrophages were studied. Carboxyl polystyrene (CPS) particles in sizes between 20 and 1,000 nm served as model particles. Twenty nanometers CPS particles were taken up passively, while larger CPS particles entered cells actively and passively. Twenty nanometers CPS were cytotoxic to all phagocytes, ≥500 nm CPS particles only to macrophages. Twenty nanometers CPS particles stimulated IL-8 secretion in human monocytes and induced oxidative burst in monocytes. Five hundred nanometers and 1,000 nm CPS particles stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in monocytes and macrophages, chemotaxis towards a chemotactic stimulus of monocytes and phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages and provoked an oxidative burst of granulocytes. At very high concentrations, CPS particles of 20 and 500 nm stimulated myeloperoxidase release of granulocytes and nitric oxide generation in macrophages. Cytotoxic effect could contribute to some of the observed effects. In the absence of cytotoxicity, 500 and 1,000 nm CPS particles appear to influence phagocyte function to a greater extent than particles in other sizes.

Toxicity of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon in a transgenic mouse model of the human paraoxonase (PON1) Q192R polymorphism

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

Cole, Toby B.; Walter, Betsy J.; Shih, Diana M.

2005-08-01

The Q192R polymorphism of paraoxonase (PON1) has been shown to affect hydrolysis of organophosphorus compounds. The Q192 and R192 alloforms exhibit equivalent catalytic efficiencies of hydrolysis for diazoxon, the oxon form of the pesticide (DZ). However, the R192 alloform has a higher catalytic efficiency of hydrolysis than does the Q192 alloform for chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO), the oxon form of the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPS). The current study examined the relevance of these observations for in-vivo exposures to chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon. Methods Using a transgenic mouse model we examined the relevance of the Q192R polymorphism for exposure to CPS and CPOmore » in vivo. Transgenic mice were generated that expressed either human PON1Q192 or PON1R192 at equivalent levels, in the absence of endogenous mouse PON1. Dose-response and time course experiments were performed on adult mice exposed dermally to CPS or CPO. Morbidity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain and diaphragm were determined in the first 24 h following exposure. Results Mice expressing PON1Q192 were significantly more sensitive to CPO, and to a lesser extent CPS, than were mice expressing PON1R192. The time course of inhibition following exposure to 1.2 mg/kg CPO revealed maximum inhibition of brain AChE at 6?12 h, with PON1R192, PON1Q192, and PON1? /? mice exhibiting 40, 70 and 85% inhibition, respectively, relative to control mice. The effect of PON1 removal on the dose?response curve for CPS exposure was remarkably consistent with a PBPK/PD model of CPS exposure. Conclusion These results indicate that individuals expressing only the PON1Q192 allele would be more sensitive to the adverse effects of CPO or CPS exposure, especially if they are expressing a low level of plasma PON1Q192.« less

A critical evaluation and a search for the ideal colonoscopic preparation.

PubMed

Arora, Manish; Senadhi, Viplove; Arora, Deepika; Weinstock, Joyce; Dubin, Ethan; Okolo, Patrick I; Dutta, Sudhir K

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various bowel preparations in accomplishing colonic cleansing for optimal mucosal visualization during colonoscopy. The study included a cohort of 980 patients who underwent colonoscopy at our endoscopy center within the last 3 years. All of the study patients were subdivided into four groups. Each group included 245 patients, all receiving a different type of bowel preparation. The bowel preparations used in this study included: magnesium citrate (Group I), a combination of oral sodium phosphate (fleets) and powder PEG-3350 (Group II), powder polyethylene glycol-3350 (PEG-3350 powder for Group III), and oral sodium phosphate (fleets for Group IV). A Colon Prep Score (CPS) was devised to compare the quality of the different bowel preparations used. The colonoscopy results from all of these patients were tabulated and analyzed statistically and expressed as mean ± 1 standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using a one way ANOVA with Holm-Sidak method for intergroup analysis. Group I patients received magnesium citrate and had a mean CPS ± 1 SD of 3.11 ± 0.91. Group II patients (fleets and powder PEG-3350 combination) achieved a CPS of 3.37 ± 1.16. The patients in Group III (powder PEG-3350) actually showed the highest mean CPS of 3.44 ± 1.12. Group IV patients who used oral sodium phosphate alone reached a mean CPS of 3.23 ± 1.01. Group III patients (powder PEG-3350 only) demonstrated a statistically higher CPS (P<0.0006) in colon cleansing as compared to Group I patients (magnesium citrate). Similarly, Group II patients (oral sodium phosphate and powder PEG-3350 combination) also showed improved colon cleansing statistically (P<0.006) as compared to Group I patients (magnesium citrate). Overall, all four colon preparations achieved an average CPS greater than 3.0 indicating clinically adequate colonic cleansing. However, powder PEG-3350 alone and in combination with oral sodium phosphate was observed to be statistically superior to magnesium citrate, when used for colon preparation for colonoscopy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

9-Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl/ tbutyl-based convergent protein synthesis.

PubMed

Barlos, K; Gatos, D

1999-01-01

Besides linear solid phase peptide synthesis, segment condensation in solution and chemical ligation, convergent peptide synthesis (CPS) was developed in order to enable the efficient preparation of complex peptides and small proteins. According to this synthetic strategy, solid phase synthesized and suitably protected peptide fragments corresponding to the entire peptide/protein-sequence are condensed on a solid support or in solution, to the target protein. This review summarizes CPS performed utilizing the mild 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl/tbutyloxycarbonyl-based protecting scheme for the amino acids. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Rate of Decay in Proportion of Condom Protected Sex Acts among Adolescents Following Participation in an HIV Risk-Reduction Intervention

PubMed Central

DiClemente, Ralph J.; Brown, Jennifer L.; Sales, Jessica M.; Rose, Eve S.

2013-01-01

Objective HIV risk-reduction interventions have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the proportion of condom protected sex acts (CPS) among diverse populations. While post-intervention exposure increases in CPS are often observed, there is scant empirical data quantifying decay of intervention efficacy (declines in CPS following cessation of the intervention among participants reporting an initial post-intervention increase in CPS). Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify the rate of decay in intervention efficacy over a 24-month follow-up. Design African-American adolescent females (ages 14–20; N = 349) completed a baseline ACASI, participated in an HIV risk-reduction intervention, and were assessed at 6-month intervals for 24-months post-intervention. Intervention efficacy was conceptualized as an increase in participants’ CPS relative to baseline. Methods Analyses focused on the subset of participants who reported an initial increase in CPS from baseline to the 6-month post-intervention assessment (n = 121) to quantify the rate of decay in intervention efficacy over a 24-month follow-up period. Results CPS increased markedly from baseline to 6-month follow-up assessment. However, from 6- to 12-months, a marked decline in CPS was observed. Further CPS declines, though not statistically significant, were observed from 12- to 18-months and 18- to 24-months. Cumulative reductions in CPS over the entire 24-month follow-up resulted in no statistical difference between baseline and 24-month follow-up; indicative of a non-significant intervention effect at 24-month assessment. Conclusions Innovative post-intervention optimization strategies are needed to minimize CPS decay over protracted time periods by reinforcing, sustaining, and potentially amplifying initial gains in condom use. PMID:23673893

Consensus guidelines: improving the delivery of clinical preventive services.

PubMed

Ayres, Cynthia G; Griffith, Hurdis M

2008-01-01

Medical directors from the largest competing health plans in the state came together in a noncompetitive way to collaborate on improving the delivery of clinical preventive service (CPS) among their provider base. They identified one consistent set of CPS guidelines based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, the health plan consensus guidelines (HPCG), that they could endorse as priority for guideline implementation. The purposes of this study were to assess clinicians' knowledge and use of CPS recommendations as a guide to delivering preventive care services to their patients and, most importantly, to test the effectiveness of providing the HPCG to clinicians in an effort to increase knowledge and use of CPS guidelines. Within-subjects repeated-measures design was used. We hypothesized an increase in clinician's knowledge and use of CPS after the provision of the HPCG. Survey methodology, including two surveys that assessed clinicians' knowledge and use of CPS in practice, was used. Health plan clinician databases were obtained from the health plans that participated in the development of the HPCG. Health plan clinicians directly involved in delivering preventive services were invited to participate in the study. Final sample included 163 clinicians. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were determined to examine the relationships between clinician's knowledge and clinician's use of CPS guidelines. Differences between knowledge and use of CPS before and after HPCG were examined by t tests. No difference was found in the familiarity with U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines before and after receipt of HPCG. However, clinician's use increased significantly. A consistent set of CPS guidelines provided by competing health plans can improve the delivery of CPS among contracted health plan clinicians. This approach provides a template for competing health plans nationwide to come to consensus on guidelines that support clinicians in the delivery of CPS ().

[Localization of scotomas in AMD by reading test : Random series of words in standardized format].

PubMed

Eisenbarth, W; Pado, U; Schriever, S; Schötschel, D; Feucht, N; MacKeben, M

2016-09-01

Reading performance that can be measured by reading tests depends on whether reading material with or without contextual continuity is used. The goal of this study was to create a German version of the SKread test and to evaluate it in a clinical setting. The evaluation of the SKread test was first performed on two groups of visually healthy subjects of different ages: a junior group of 25 persons with ages between 20 and 30 years (mean = 25.84 years, SD ± 2.41 years) and a senior group of 25 persons with ages between 51 and 84 years (mean = 62.40 ± 8.46 years). The same measurements were also performed on a group of 18 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with ages between 75 and 95 years (mean = 81.89 ± 5.48 years). The reading performance was also measured using Radner charts. Using reading material without syntactic continuity considerably slowed down the reading speed and increased the error rate. Median reading rates of 11.53 characters/s (CPS) for the junior group and 8.96 CPS for the senior group were clearly lower than those for the Radner charts (22.02 CPS and 18.48 CPS, respectively). In the AMD patients, a statistical analysis of the error rates showed a highly significant difference between the Radner charts and the SKread test (p = 0.00014). Furthermore, by analyzing the errors made in the SKread test information could be obtained about the position of central scotomas. The test-retest reliability of the SKread was very good. Information about the position of a central scotoma can be acquired by using the SKread test and an analysis of reading errors, which can augment effective clinical monitoring in AMD and subsequent visual rehabilitation.

Satellite provided customer premise services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 3: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-01-01

Voice applications, data applications, video applications, impacted baseline forecasts, market distribution, potential CPS (customers premises services) user classes, net long haul forecasts, CPS cost analysis, overall satellite forecast, CPS satellite market, Ka-band CPS satellite forecast, nationwide traffic distribution model, and intra-urban topology are discussed.

Satellite provided customer premise services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 3: Appendices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Kaushal, D.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-08-01

Voice applications, data applications, video applications, impacted baseline forecasts, market distribution, potential CPS (customers premises services) user classes, net long haul forecasts, CPS cost analysis, overall satellite forecast, CPS satellite market, Ka-band CPS satellite forecast, nationwide traffic distribution model, and intra-urban topology are discussed.

The Process of Parallelizing the Conjunction Prediction Algorithm of ESA's SSA Conjunction Prediction Service Using GPGPU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fehr, M.; Navarro, V.; Martin, L.; Fletcher, E.

2013-08-01

Space Situational Awareness[8] (SSA) is defined as the comprehensive knowledge, understanding and maintained awareness of the population of space objects, the space environment and existing threats and risks. As ESA's SSA Conjunction Prediction Service (CPS) requires the repetitive application of a processing algorithm against a data set of man-made space objects, it is crucial to exploit the highly parallelizable nature of this problem. Currently the CPS system makes use of OpenMP[7] for parallelization purposes using CPU threads, but only a GPU with its hundreds of cores can fully benefit from such high levels of parallelism. This paper presents the adaptation of several core algorithms[5] of the CPS for general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) using NVIDIAs Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA).

The integration of information and communication technology into community pharmacists practice in Barcelona.

PubMed

Lupiáñez-Villanueva, Francisco; Hardey, Michael; Lluch, Maria

2014-03-01

The study aims to identify community pharmacists' (CPs) utilization of information and communication technology (ICT); to develop and characterize a typology of CPs' utilization of ICT and to identify factors that can enhance or inhibit the use of these technologies. An online survey of the 7649 members of the Pharmacist Association of Barcelona who had a registered email account in 2006 was carried out. Factor analysis, cluster analysis and binomial logit modelling were undertaken. Multivariate analysis of the CPs' responses to the survey (648) revealed two profiles of adoption of ICT. The first profile (40.75%) represents those CPs who place high emphasis on ICT within their practice. This group is therefore referred to as 'integrated CPs'. The second profile (59.25%) represents those CPs who make less use of ICT and so are consequently labelled 'non-integrated CPs'. Statistical modelling was used to identify variables that were important in predisposing CPs to integrate ICT with their work. From the analysis it is evident that responses to questions relating to 'recommend patients going on line for health information'; 'patients discuss or share their Internet health information findings'; 'emphasis on the Internet for communication and dissemination' and 'Pharmacists Professional Association information' play a positive and significant role in the probability of being an 'integrated CP'. The integration of ICT within CPs' practices cannot be adequately understood and appreciated without examining how CPs are making use of ICT within their own practice, their organizational context and the nature of the pharmacists-client relationship.

Pediatricians’ Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices about Child Passenger Safety

PubMed Central

Zonfrillo, Mark R.; Sauber-Schatz, Erin K.; Hoffman, Benjamin D.; Durbin, Dennis R.

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate pediatricians’ self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and dissemination practices regarding the new American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) child passenger safety (CPS) policy recommendations. Study design A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatric primary care physicians via AAP e-mail distribution lists. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to current AAP CPS recommendations and the revised policy statement were ascertained. Results There were 718 respondents from 3497 physicians with active e-mail addresses, resulting in a 20.5% response rate, of which 533 were eligible based on the initial survey question. All 6 CPS knowledge and scenario-based items were answered correctly by 52.9% of the sample; these respondents were identified as the “high knowledge” group. Pediatricians with high knowledge were more likely to be female (P < .001), to have completed a pediatrics residency (vs medicine-pediatrics) (P = .03), and have a child between 4 and 7 years of age (P = .001). CPS information was distributed more frequently at routine health visits for patients 0-2 years of age vs those 4-12 years of age. Those with high knowledge were less likely to report several specific barriers to dissemination of CPS information, more likely to allot adequate time and discuss CPS with parents, and had greater confidence for topics related to all CPS topics. Conclusions Although CPS knowledge is generally high among respondents, gaps in knowledge still exist. Knowledge is associated with attitudes, practices, barriers, and facilitators of CPS guideline dissemination. These results identify opportunities to increase knowledge and implement strategies to routinely disseminate CPS information in the primary care setting. PMID:25195160

Altered cerebral protein synthesis in fragile X syndrome: studies in human subjects and knockout mice

PubMed Central

Qin, Mei; Schmidt, Kathleen C; Zametkin, Alan J; Bishu, Shrinivas; Horowitz, Lisa M; Burlin, Thomas V; Xia, Zengyan; Huang, Tianjiang; Quezado, Zenaide M; Smith, Carolyn Beebe

2013-01-01

Dysregulated protein synthesis is thought to be a core phenotype of fragile X syndrome (FXS). In a mouse model (Fmr1 knockout (KO)) of FXS, rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) are increased in selective brain regions. We hypothesized that rCPS are also increased in FXS subjects. We measured rCPS with the ℒ-[1-11C]leucine positron emission tomography (PET) method in whole brain and 10 regions in 15 FXS subjects who, because of their impairments, were studied under deep sedation with propofol. We compared results with those of 12 age-matched controls studied both awake and sedated. In controls, we found no differences in rCPS between awake and propofol sedation. Contrary to our hypothesis, FXS subjects under propofol sedation had reduced rCPS in whole brain, cerebellum, and cortex compared with sedated controls. To investigate whether propofol could have a disparate effect in FXS subjects masking usually elevated rCPS, we measured rCPS in C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) and KO mice awake or under propofol sedation. Propofol decreased rCPS substantially in most regions examined in KO mice, but in WT mice caused few discrete changes. Propofol acts by decreasing neuronal activity either directly or by increasing inhibitory synaptic activity. Our results suggest that changes in synaptic signaling can correct increased rCPS in FXS. PMID:23299245

Neurophysiological Correlates of Musical and Prosodic Phrasing: Shared Processing Mechanisms and Effects of Musical Expertise

PubMed Central

Steinhauer, Karsten; DePriest, John; Koelsch, Stefan

2016-01-01

The processing of prosodic phrase boundaries in language is immediately reflected by a specific event-related potential component called the Closure Positive Shift (CPS). A component somewhat reminiscent of the CPS in language has also been reported for musical phrases (i.e., the so-called ‘music CPS’). However, in previous studies the quantification of the music-CPS as well as its morphology and timing differed substantially from the characteristics of the language-CPS. Therefore, the degree of correspondence between cognitive mechanisms of phrasing in music and in language has remained questionable. Here, we probed the shared nature of mechanisms underlying musical and prosodic phrasing by (1) investigating whether the music-CPS is present at phrase boundary positions where the language-CPS has been originally reported (i.e., at the onset of the pause between phrases), and (2) comparing the CPS in music and in language in non-musicians and professional musicians. For the first time, we report a positive shift at the onset of musical phrase boundaries that strongly resembles the language-CPS and argue that the post-boundary ‘music-CPS’ of previous studies may be an entirely distinct ERP component. Moreover, the language-CPS in musicians was found to be less prominent than in non-musicians, suggesting more efficient processing of prosodic phrases in language as a result of higher musical expertise. PMID:27192560

77 FR 43122 - Corob North America, a Subsidiary of CPS Color Equipment, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workes...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-23

... Subsidiary of CPS Color Equipment, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workes From Pionear and Integra Staffing..., 2012, applicable to workers of CPS Color Equipment, Inc., formerly known as Corob North America... under the name CPS Color Equipment, Inc. The amended notice applicable to TA-W-81,222 is hereby issued...

Inhibitory effect of dietary capsaicin on liver fibrosis in mice.

PubMed

Bitencourt, Shanna; Stradiot, Leslie; Verhulst, Stefaan; Thoen, Lien; Mannaerts, Inge; van Grunsven, Leo A

2015-06-01

Virtually all chronic liver injuries result in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In their activated state, these cells are the main collagen-producing cells implicated in liver fibrosis. Capsaicin (CPS), the active compound of chili peppers, can modulate the activation and migration of HSCs in vitro. Here, we evaluated the potential protective and prophylactic effects of CPS related to cholestatic and hepatotoxic-induced liver fibrosis and its possible underlying mechanism of action. Male Balb/c mice received dietary CPS after 3 days of bile duct ligation (BDL) or before and during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) injections. Mice receiving dietary CPS after BDL had a significant improvement of liver fibrosis accompanied by a decrease in collagen deposition and downregulation of activation markers in isolated HSCs. In the CCl4 model, dietary CPS inhibited the upregulation of profibrogenic markers. However, CPS could not attenuate the CCl4 -induced fibrosis when it was already established. Furthermore, in vitro CPS treatment inhibited the autophagic process during HSC activation. Dietary CPS has potential benefits in the therapy of cholestatic liver fibrosis and in the prophylaxis of hepatotoxic-induced liver injury. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Engagement and action for health: the contribution of leaders' collaborative skills to partnership success.

PubMed

El Ansari, Walid; Oskrochi, Reza; Phillips, Ceri

2009-01-01

A multi-site evaluation (survey) of five Kellogg-funded Community Partnerships (CPs) in South Africa was undertaken to explore the relationship between leadership skills and a range of 30 operational, functional and organisational factors deemed critical to successful CPs. The CPs were collaborative academic-health service-community efforts aimed at health professions education reforms. The level of agreement to eleven dichotomous ('Yes/No') leadership skills items was used to compute two measures of members' appreciation of their CPs' leadership. The associations between these measures and 30 CPs factors were explored, and the partnership factors that leadership skills explained were assessed after controlling. Respondents who perceived the leadership of their CPs favourably had more positive ratings across 30 other partnership factors than those who rated leadership skills less favourably, and were more likely to report a positive cost/ benefit ratio. In addition, respondents who viewed their CPs' leadership positively also rated the operational understanding, the communication mechanisms, as well as the rules and procedures of the CPs more favourably. Leadership skills explained between 20% and 7% of the variance of 10 partnership factors. The influence of leaders' skills in effective health-focussed partnerships is much broader than previously conceptualised.

Silicon deposition in nanopores using a liquid precursor.

PubMed

Masuda, Takashi; Tatsuda, Narihito; Yano, Kazuhisa; Shimoda, Tatsuya

2016-11-22

Techniques for depositing silicon into nanosized spaces are vital for the further scaling down of next-generation devices in the semiconductor industry. In this study, we filled silicon into 3.5-nm-diameter nanopores with an aspect ratio of 70 by exploiting thermodynamic behaviour based on the van der Waals energy of vaporized cyclopentasilane (CPS). We originally synthesized CPS as a liquid precursor for semiconducting silicon. Here we used CPS as a gas source in thermal chemical vapour deposition under atmospheric pressure because vaporized CPS can fill nanopores spontaneously. Our estimation of the free energy of CPS based on Lifshitz van der Waals theory clarified the filling mechanism, where CPS vapour in the nanopores readily undergoes capillary condensation because of its large molar volume compared to those of other vapours such as water, toluene, silane, and disilane. Consequently, a liquid-specific feature was observed during the deposition process; specifically, condensed CPS penetrated into the nanopores spontaneously via capillary force. The CPS that filled the nanopores was then transformed into solid silicon by thermal decomposition at 400 °C. The developed method is expected to be used as a nanoscale silicon filling technology, which is critical for the fabrication of future quantum scale silicon devices.

Silicon deposition in nanopores using a liquid precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, Takashi; Tatsuda, Narihito; Yano, Kazuhisa; Shimoda, Tatsuya

2016-11-01

Techniques for depositing silicon into nanosized spaces are vital for the further scaling down of next-generation devices in the semiconductor industry. In this study, we filled silicon into 3.5-nm-diameter nanopores with an aspect ratio of 70 by exploiting thermodynamic behaviour based on the van der Waals energy of vaporized cyclopentasilane (CPS). We originally synthesized CPS as a liquid precursor for semiconducting silicon. Here we used CPS as a gas source in thermal chemical vapour deposition under atmospheric pressure because vaporized CPS can fill nanopores spontaneously. Our estimation of the free energy of CPS based on Lifshitz van der Waals theory clarified the filling mechanism, where CPS vapour in the nanopores readily undergoes capillary condensation because of its large molar volume compared to those of other vapours such as water, toluene, silane, and disilane. Consequently, a liquid-specific feature was observed during the deposition process; specifically, condensed CPS penetrated into the nanopores spontaneously via capillary force. The CPS that filled the nanopores was then transformed into solid silicon by thermal decomposition at 400 °C. The developed method is expected to be used as a nanoscale silicon filling technology, which is critical for the fabrication of future quantum scale silicon devices.

Prevalence and quality of clinical pathways in Swedish intensive care units: a national survey.

PubMed

Bjurling-Sjöberg, Petronella; Jansson, Inger; Wadensten, Barbro; Engström, Gabriella; Pöder, Ulrika

2014-02-01

To identify the prevalence of clinical pathways (CPs) in Swedish intensive care units (ICUs) and to explore the quality, content and evidence base of the documents. A descriptive and explorative survey of all Swedish ICUs (N84) and a review of submitted examples of CPs (n12) were conducted. CPs were in use at 20% of the Swedish ICUs. There was a significant geographic variation but no relationship between the use of CPs and category of hospital, type of ICU, size of ICU or type of health record applied. In total, 56 CPs were reported within a range of scopes and extensions. The content of the ICUs' CPs, as well as the degree to which they were interprofessional, evidence based, and renewed varied. Progress has been made in relation to CPs in recent years, but there is potential for further improvements. None of the ICUs had CPs that contained all key characteristics of a high-quality, interprofessional and evidence-based CP identified in the literature. Greater knowledge sharing and cooperation within the field would be beneficial, and further research is needed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Indoor Smartphone Navigation Using a Combination of Wi-Fi and Inertial Navigation with Intelligent Checkpoints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofer, H.; Retscher, G.

2017-09-01

For Wi-Fi positioning location fingerprinting is one of the most commonly employed localization technique. To achieve an acceptable level of positioning accuracy on the few meter level, i.e., to provide at least room resolution in buildings, such an approach is very labour consuming as it requires a high density of reference points. Thus, the novel approach developed aims at a significant reduction of workload for the training phase. The basic idea is to intelligently choose waypoints along possible users' trajectories in the indoor environment. These waypoints are termed intelligent checkpoints (iCPs) and serve as reference points for the fingerprinting localization approach. They are selected along the trajectories in such a way that they define a logical sequence with their ascending order. Thereby, the iCPs are located, for instance, at doors at entrances to buildings, rooms, along corridors, etc., or in low density along the trajectory to provide a suitable absolute user localization. Continuous positioning between these iCPs is obtained with the help of the smartphones' inertial sensors. While walking along a selected trajectory to the destination a dynamic recognition of the iCPs is performed and the drift of the inertial sensors is reduced as the iCP recognition serves as absolute position update. Conducted experiments in a multi-storey office building have shown that positioning accuracy of around 2.0 m are achievable which goes along with a reduction of workload by three quarter using this novel approach. The iCP concept and performance are presented and demonstrated in this paper.

Subseasonal prediction of the heat wave of December 2013 in Southern South America by the POAMA and BCC-CPS models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osman, Marisol; Alvarez, Mariano S.

2018-01-01

The prediction skill of subseasonal forecast models is evaluated for a strong and long-lasting heat wave occurred in December 2013 over Southern South America. Reforecasts from two models participating in the WCRP/WWRP Subseasonal to Seasonal project, the Bureau of Meteorology POAMA and Beijing Climate Center model BCC-CPS were considered to evaluate their skill in forecasting temperature and circulation anomalies during that event. The POAMA reforecast of 32-member ensemble size, initialized every five days, and BCC-CPS reforecast of 4-member ensemble size for the same date of POAMA plus the previous 4 days were considered. Weekly ensemble-mean forecasts were computed with leadtimes from 2 days up to 24 days every 5 days. Weekly anomalies were calculated for observations from 13th of December to 31st of December 2013. Anomalies for both observations and reforecast were calculated with respect to their own climatology. Results show that the ensemble mean warm anomalies forecasted for week 1 and 2 of the heat wave resulted more similar to the observations for the POAMA model, especially for longer leads. The BCC-CPS performed better for leads shorter than 7 (14) for week 1 (2). For week 3 the BCC-CPS outperformed the POAMA model, particularly at shorter leads, locating more accurately the maxima of the anomalies. In a probabilistic approach, POAMA predicted with a higher chance than BCC-CPS the excess of the upper tercile of temperature anomalies for almost every week and lead time. The forecast of the circulation anomalies over South America could be used to explain the location of the highest temperature anomalies. In summary, for this case, models skill in forecasting surface temperature in a context of a heat wave resulted moderate at lead times longer than the fortnight. However, this study is limited to model-to-model analysis and a multi-model ensemble strategy might increase the skill.

Comparative studies of liquid metals for an alternative divertor target in a fusion reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabarés, F. L.; Oyarzabal, E.; Tafalla, D.; Martin-Rojo, A. B.; Pastor, I.; Ochando, M. A.; Medina, F.; Zurro, B.; McCarthy, K. J.; the TJ-II Team

2017-12-01

Two liquid metals (LM), Li and LiSn (20:80 at), presently considered as alternative materials for the divertor target of a fusion reactor, have been exposed to the plasma in a capillary porous system (CPS) arrangement in TJ-II. A negligible perturbation of the plasma has been recorded in both cases, even when stellarator plasmas are particularly sensitive to high Z elements due to the tendency to central impurity accumulation. The surface temperature of the LM CPS samples (made of a tungsten mesh impregnated in SnLi or Li) has been measured during the plasma pulse with ms resolution by pyrometry and the thermal balance during heating and cooling has been used to obtain the thermal parameters of the SnLi and Li CPS arrangements. Temperatures as high as 1150 K during TJ-II plasma exposure were observed for the LiSn solid case. Strong changes in the thermal conductivity of the alloy were recorded in the cooling phase at temperatures close to the nominal melting point. The deduced values for the thermal conductivity of the LiSn alloy/CPS sample were significantly lower than those predicted from their individual components.

Biological Modeling Based Outcome Analysis (BMOA) in 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) Treatments for Lung and Breast Cancers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyakuryal, Anil; Chen, Chiu-Hao; Dhungana, Sudarshan

2010-03-01

3DCRT treatments are the most commonly used techniques in the treatment of lung and breast cancers. The purpose of this study was to perform the BMOA of the 3DCRT plans designed for the treatment of breast and lung cancers utilizing HART program (Med. Phys. 36, p.2547(2009)). The BMOA parameters include normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), tumor control probability (TCP), and the complication-free tumor control probability (P+). The 3DCRT plans were designed for (i) the palliative treatment of 8 left lung cancer patients (CPs) at early stage (m=8), (ii) the curative treatment of 8 left lung CPs at stages II and III (k=8), and (iii) the curative treatment of 8 left breast CPs (n=8). The NTCPs were noticeably small (<2%) for heart, lungs and cord in both types of treatments except for the esophagus in lung CPs (k=8). Assessments of the TCPs and P+s also indicated good improvements in local tumor control in all plans. Homogeneous target coverage and improved dose conformality were the major advantages of such techniques in the treatment of breast cancer. These achievements support the efficacy of the 3DCRT techniques for the efficient treatment of various types of cancer.

Molecular mapping of the cell wall polysaccharides of the human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaussart, Audrey; Péchoux, Christine; Trieu-Cuot, Patrick; Hols, Pascal; Mistou, Michel-Yves; Dufrêne, Yves F.

2014-11-01

The surface of many bacterial pathogens is covered with polysaccharides that play important roles in mediating pathogen-host interactions. In Streptococcus agalactiae, the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is recognized as a major virulence factor while the group B carbohydrate (GBC) is crucial for peptidoglycan biosynthesis and cell division. Despite the important roles of CPS and GBC, there is little information available on the molecular organization of these glycopolymers on the cell surface. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze the nanoscale distribution of CPS and GBC in wild-type (WT) and mutant strains of S. agalactiae. TEM analyses reveal that in WT bacteria, peptidoglycan is covered with a very thin (few nm) layer of GBC (the ``pellicle'') overlaid by a 15-45 nm thick layer of CPS (the ``capsule''). AFM-based single-molecule mapping with specific antibody probes shows that CPS is exposed on WT cells, while it is hardly detected on mutant cells impaired in CPS production (ΔcpsE mutant). By contrast, both TEM and AFM show that CPS is over-expressed in mutant cells altered in GBC expression (ΔgbcO mutant), indicating that the production of the two surface glycopolymers is coordinated in WT cells. In addition, AFM topographic imaging and molecular mapping with specific lectin probes demonstrate that removal of CPS (ΔcpsE), but not of GBC (ΔgbcO), leads to the exposure of peptidoglycan, organized into 25 nm wide bands running parallel to the septum. These results indicate that CPS forms a homogeneous barrier protecting the underlying peptidoglycan from environmental exposure, while the presence of GBC does not prevent peptidoglycan detection. This work shows that single-molecule AFM, combined with high-resolution TEM, represents a powerful platform for analysing the molecular arrangement of the cell wall polymers of bacterial pathogens.

Oncologic emergencies in a cancer center emergency department and in general emergency departments countywide and nationwide.

PubMed

Yang, Zhi; Yang, Runxiang; Kwak, Min Ji; Qdaisat, Aiham; Lin, Junzhong; Begley, Charles E; Reyes-Gibby, Cielito C; Yeung, Sai-Ching Jim

2018-01-01

Although cancer patients (CPs) are increasingly likely to visit emergency department (ED), no population-based study has compared the characteristics of CPs and non-cancer patients (NCPs) who visit the ED and examined factors associated with hospitalization via the ED. In this study, we (1) compared characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs who visited the ED in a cancer center or general hospital; (2) compared characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs who were hospitalized via the ED in a cancer center or general hospital; and (3) investigated important factors associated with such hospitalization. We analyzed patient characteristic and diagnosis [based on International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) codes] data from the ED of a comprehensive cancer center (MDACC), 24 general EDs in Harris County, Texas (HCED), and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 1/1/2007-12/31/2009. Approximately 3.4 million ED visits were analyzed: 47,245, 3,248,973, and 104,566 visits for MDACC, HCED, and NHAMCS, respectively, of which 44,143 (93.4%), 44,583 (1.4%), and 632 (0.6%) were CP visits. CPs were older than NCPs and stayed longer in EDs. Lung, gastrointestinal (excluding colorectal), and genitourinary (excluding prostate) cancers were the three most common diagnoses related to ED visits at general EDs. CPs visiting MDACC were more likely than CPs visiting HCED to be privately insured. CPs were more likely than NCPs to be hospitalized. Pneumonia and influenza, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and fever were important predictive factors for CP hospitalization; coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure were important factors for NCP hospitalization. CPs consumed more ED resources than NCPs and had a higher hospitalization rate. Given the differences in characteristics and diagnoses between CPs and NCPs, ED physicians must pay special attention to CPs and be familiar with their unique set of oncologic emergencies.

Maintenance and Preservation of Concrete Structures. Report 3. Abrasion-Erosion Resistance of Concrete.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

ORG. REPORT NUMBER 7. AUTH R(s) 11. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(&) Tony C Liu C I PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT... organic acids, alkalis, solvents, etc. Polyurethane 25. Two types of elastomeric polyurethane systems were investi- gated: T19 and T21. a. The T19 specimens...polymer with a viscosity of about 450 cps at 250 C. The catalyst used to polymerize the resin is an organic acid. The mixing ratio of the resin to

Welfare recipients’ involvement with child protective services after welfare reform

PubMed Central

Nam, Yunju; Meezan, William; Danziger, Sandra K.

2007-01-01

Objective This study identifies factors associated with child protective services (CPS) involvement among current and former welfare recipients after welfare reform legislation was passed in the US in 1996. Method Data come from the Women’s Employment Study, a longitudinal study of randomly selected welfare recipients living in a Michigan city in 1997 (N = 541). In order to identify risk factors for CPS involvement among current and former welfare recipients, multinomial logit analyses with 29 independent variables were employed on a trichotomous dependent variable: no CPS involvement, investigation only, and supervision by CPS after investigation. Results The relationship between work and involvement with CPS differs by work experience prior to welfare reform. As the percentage of months working after welfare reform increased, the risk of being investigated by CPS declined among those with prior work experience but the risk increased among those without prior work experience. However, work variables were not significant predictors of supervision by CPS after an initial investigation. Further, race, cohabitation, childhood welfare receipt, having a learning disability, having a large number of children, being newly divorced, living in a high problem neighborhood, and being convicted of a crime were associated with one’s probability of being either investigated or supervised by CPS. Conclusions These findings suggest that employment could have increased the stress levels of current or former welfare recipients without prior work experience to the point where they were prone to minor child rearing mistakes that resulted in a CPS investigation, but were not severe enough to warrant opening the case for supervision. Supports should be provided to welfare mothers who are prone to involvement with CPS; expansions in the childcare subsidy and a reduction or delay in work requirements might also help these families. PMID:17116329

Welfare recipients' involvement with child protective services after welfare reform.

PubMed

Nam, Yunju; Meezan, William; Danziger, Sandra K

2006-11-01

This study identifies factors associated with child protective services (CPS) involvement among current and former welfare recipients after welfare reform legislation was passed in the US in 1996. Data come from the Women's Employment Study, a longitudinal study of randomly selected welfare recipients living in a Michigan city in 1997 (N=541). In order to identify risk factors for CPS involvement among current and former welfare recipients, multinomial logit analyses with 29 independent variables were employed on a trichotomous dependent variable: no CPS involvement, investigation only, and supervision by CPS after investigation. The relationship between work and involvement with CPS differs by work experience prior to welfare reform. As the percentage of months working after welfare reform increased, the risk of being investigated by CPS declined among those with prior work experience but the risk increased among those without prior work experience. However, work variables were not significant predictors of supervision by CPS after an initial investigation. Further, race, cohabitation, childhood welfare receipt, having a learning disability, having a large number of children, being newly divorced, living in a high problem neighborhood, and being convicted of a crime were associated with one's probability of being either investigated or supervised by CPS. These findings suggest that employment could have increased the stress levels of current or former welfare recipients without prior work experience to the point where they were prone to minor child rearing mistakes that resulted in a CPS investigation, but were not severe enough to warrant opening the case for supervision. Supports should be provided to welfare mothers who are prone to involvement with CPS; expansions in the childcare subsidy and a reduction or delay in work requirements might also help these families.

Preferential use of lambda light chains is associated with defective mouse antibody responses to the capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis group B.

PubMed

Colino, Jesus; Outschoorn, Ingrid

2004-01-01

The capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis group B (CpsB) is a very poor immunogen in mammals; this has been considered to be due to the induction of tolerance to cross-reactive host glycoconjugates. It has hampered the development of an effective vaccine against this meningococcal group for many years. Syngeneic populations have a similar tolerogenic background. Thus, we used the variability in ability to mount CpsB-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) responses of individuals from these populations to reveal underlying mechanisms to tolerance contributing to the poor immunogenicity of CpsB. Here we analyze by ELISA, the individual CpsB-specific Ig response of BALB/c and other syngeneic mice to immunization with intact bacteria, using the distribution of light chains as a direct indicator of the repertoire dynamics of the response. Although approximately 96% of anti-CpsB Ig bear kappa-light chains, BALB/c mouse populations were heterogeneous in the light chain composition of their individual anti-CpsB Ig responses. The proportion of kappa and lambda-light chains used for anti-CpsB Ig was a private characteristic that remained relatively constant, for each individual, through repetitive immunizations regardless of the bacterial stimuli size. Despite the prevalence of individual use of kappa-light chains, 5% of BALB/c mice showed restricted usage of lambda-light chains in their CpsB-specific Ig responses, and an additional 11% use them significantly. The preferential use of lambda-light chains in these mice was strongly associated with defective IgM, and absent or barely detectable IgG anti-CpsB responses even after repetitive bacterial immunization. We conclude that differences in the private repertoire of specific Ig also contribute to mouse unresponsiveness to CpsB.

Involvement of an ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase in tissue-specific accumulation of specialized diterpenes in Andrographis paniculata.

PubMed

Misra, Rajesh Chandra; Garg, Anchal; Roy, Sudeep; Chanotiya, Chandan Singh; Vasudev, Prema G; Ghosh, Sumit

2015-11-01

Ent-labdane-related diterpene (ent-LRD) specialized (i.e. secondary) metabolites of the medicinal plant kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) have long been known for several pharmacological activities. However, our understanding of the ent-LRD biosynthetic pathway has remained largely incomplete. Since ent-LRDs accumulate in leaves, we carried out a comparative transcriptional analysis using leaf and root tissues, and identified 389 differentially expressed transcripts, including 223 transcripts that were preferentially expressed in leaf tissue. Analysis of the transcripts revealed various specialized metabolic pathways, including transcripts of the ent-LRD biosynthetic pathway. Two class II diterpene synthases (ApCPS1 and ApCPS2) along with one (ApCPS1') and two (ApCPS2' and ApCPS2″) transcriptional variants that were the outcomes of alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA and alternative transcriptional termination, respectively, were identified. ApCPS1 and ApCPS2 encode for 832- and 817-amino acids proteins, respectively, and are phylogenetically related to the dicotyledons ent-copalyl diphosphate synthases (ent-CPSs). The spatio-temporal patterns of ent-LRD metabolites accumulation and gene expression suggested a likely role for ApCPS1 in general (i.e. primary) metabolism, perhaps by providing precursor for the biosynthesis of phytohormone gibberellin (GA). However, ApCPS2 is potentially involved in tissue-specific accumulation of ent-LRD specialized metabolites. Bacterially expressed recombinant ApCPS2 catalyzed the conversion of (E,E,E)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), the general precursor of diterpenes to ent-copalyl diphosphate (ent-CPP), the precursor of ent-LRDs. Taken together, these results advance our understanding of the tissue-specific accumulation of specialized ent-LRDs of medicinal importance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carotid Plaque Score and Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality in the Oldest Old: Results from the TOOTH Study.

PubMed

Hirata, Takumi; Arai, Yasumichi; Takayama, Michiyo; Abe, Yukiko; Ohkuma, Kiyoshi; Takebayashi, Toru

2018-01-01

Accumulating evidence suggests that predictability of traditional cardiovascular risk factors declines with advancing age. We investigated whether carotid plaque scores (CPSs) were associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in the oldest old, and whether asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), a marker of endothelial dysfunction, moderated the association between the CPS and CVD death. We conducted a prospective cohort study of Japanese subjects aged ≥85 years without CVD at baseline. We followed this cohort for 6 years to investigate the association of CPS with CVD death via multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis. We divided participants into three groups according to CPS (no, 0 points; low, 1.2-4.9 points; high, ≥5.0 points). The predictive value of CPS for estimating CVD death risk over CVD risk factors, including ADMA, was examined using C-statistics. We analyzed 347 participants (151 men, 196 women; mean age, 87.6 years), of which 135 (38.9%) had no carotid plaque at baseline, and 48 (13.8%) had high CPS. Of the total, 29 (8.4%) participants experienced CVD-related death during the study period. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association of high CPS with CVD-related mortality relative to no CPS (hazard ratio, 3.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.47-10.39). ADMA was not associated with CVD death, but the significant association between CPS and CVD death was observed only in lower ADMA level. The addition of CPS to other risk factors improved the predictability of CVD death (p=0.032). High CPS correlated significantly with a higher CVD death risk in the oldest old with low cardiovascular risk. Ultrasound carotid plaque evaluation might facilitate risk evaluations of CVD death in the very old.

Predictors of re-entry into the child protection system in Singapore: a cumulative ecological-transactional risk model.

PubMed

Li, Dongdong; Chu, Chi Meng; Ng, Wei Chern; Leong, Wai

2014-11-01

This study examines the risk factors of re-entry for 1,750 child protection cases in Singapore using a cumulative ecological-transactional risk model. Using administrative data, the present study found that the overall percentage of Child Protection Service (CPS) re-entry in Singapore is 10.5% based on 1,750 cases, with a range from 3.9% (within 1 year) to 16.5% (within 8 years after case closure). One quarter of the re-entry cases were observed to occur within 9 months from case closure. Seventeen risk factors, as identified from the extant literature, were tested for their utility to predict CPS re-entry in this study using a series of Cox regression analyses. A final list of seven risk factors (i.e., children's age at entry, case type, case closure result, duration of case, household income, family size, and mother's employment status) was used to create a cumulative risk score. The results supported the cumulative risk model in that higher risk score is related to higher risk of CPS re-entry. Understanding the prevalence of CPS re-entry and the risk factors associated with re-entry is the key to informing practice and policy in a culturally relevant way. The results from this study could then be used to facilitate critical case management decisions in order to enhance positive outcomes of families and children in Singapore's care system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.

PubMed

Bardossy, Ana Cecilia; Alsafadi, Muhammad Yasser; Starr, Patricia; Chami, Eman; Pietsch, Jennifer; Moreno, Daniela; Johnson, Laura; Alangaden, George; Zervos, Marcus; Reyes, Katherine

2017-12-01

There are limited controlled data demonstrating contact precautions (CPs) prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections in endemic settings. We evaluated changes in hospital-acquired MRSA and VRE infections after discontinuing CPs for these organisms. This is a retrospective study done at an 800-bed teaching hospital in urban Detroit. CPs for MRSA and VRE were discontinued hospital-wide in 2013. Data on MRSA and VRE catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), surgical site infections (SSIs), and hospital-acquired MRSA bacteremia (HA-MRSAB) rates were compared before and after CPs discontinuation. There were 36,907 and 40,439 patients hospitalized during the two 12-month periods: CPs and no CPs. Infection rates in the CPs and no-CPs periods were as follows: (1) MRSA infections: VAP, 0.13 versus 0.11 (P = .84); CLABSI, 0.11 versus 0.19 (P = .45); SSI, 0 versus 0.14 (P = .50); and CAUTI, 0.025 versus 0.033 (P = .84); (2) VRE infections: CAUTI, 0.27 versus 0.13 (P = .19) and CLABSI, 0.29 versus 0.3 (P = .94); and (3) HA-MRSAB rates: 0.14 versus 0.11 (P = .55), respectively. Discontinuation of CPs did not adversely impact endemic MRSA and VRE infection rates. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Novel Method for Profiling and Quantifying Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Environmental Samples Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Negative Ionization High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Xia, Dan; Gao, Lirong; Zheng, Minghui; Tian, Qichang; Huang, Huiting; Qiao, Lin

2016-07-19

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are complex technical mixtures containing thousands of isomers. Analyzing CPs in environmental matrices is extremely challenging. CPs have broad, unresolved profiles when analyzed by one-dimensional gas chromatography (GC). Comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC) can separate CPs with a high degree of orthogonality. A novel method for simultaneously profiling and quantifying short- and medium-chain CPs, using GC×GC coupled with electron capture negative ionization high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was developed. The method allowed 48 CP formula congener groups to be analyzed highly selectively in one injection through accurate mass measurements of the [M - Cl](-) ions in full scan mode. The correlation coefficients (R(2)) for the linear calibration curves for different chlorine contents were 0.982 for short-chain CPs and 0.945 for medium-chain CPs. The method was successfully used to determine CPs in sediment and fish samples. By using this method, with enhanced chromatographic separation and high mass resolution, interferences between CP congeners and other organohalogen compounds, such as toxaphene, are minimized. New compounds, with the formulas C9H14Cl6 and C9H13Cl7, were found in sediment and biological samples for the first time. The method was shown to be a powerful tool for the analysis of CPs in environmental samples.

Innovations in the management of child protection workers: building worker resilience.

PubMed

Yin, Robert T

2004-10-01

CPS staff work in a fishbowl. Parents, teachers, advocates, counselors, doctors, and lawyers frequently see themselves as experts in the field of CPS. Yet, few of them have had the experience of a CPS worker telling them how to do their job. The true potential for CPS work will not be realized until our communities decide to increase worker pay and reduce worker caseloads. Yet, if we choose to work under these conditions, it is our responsibility to find ways to survive them. The CPS workers unanimously reported that the overall impact of these progressive management strategies was to significantly reduce their stress. Given the serious threats, criticisms, and outrage thrown daily at CPS workers, it is imperative that managers act first to protect their worker's "best interests." It is my belief that all of the policy deviations described above are ethical. None of them put children at risk. I hope that policymakers will someday change the old-school, management policies that are pervasive within our bureaucracies. I do not promote a wanton disregard for policy compliance; however, I do promote change where change is due. In light of the enormous impact that CPS workers have on children and their families, it is crucial that CPS managers be allowed to create an atmosphere where workers can successfully do their work.

Neuropathic ocular pain due to dry eye is associated with multiple comorbid chronic pain syndromes

PubMed Central

Galor, Anat; Covington, Derek; Levitt, Alexandra E.; McManus, Katherine T.; Seiden, Benjamin; Felix, Elizabeth R.; Kalangara, Jerry; Feuer, William; Patin, Dennis J.; Martin, Eden R.; Sarantopoulos, Konstantinos D.; Levitt, Roy C.

2015-01-01

Recent data demonstrate that dry eye (DE) susceptibility and other chronic pain syndromes (CPS) such as chronic widespread pain, irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic pain, may share common heritable factors. Previously, we showed that DE patients describing more severe symptoms tended to report features of neuropathic ocular pain (NOP). We hypothesize that patients with a greater number of CPS would have a different DE phenotype compared to those with fewer CPS. We recruited a cohort of 154 DE patients from the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital and defined high and low CPS groups by cluster analysis. In addition to worse non-ocular pain complaints and higher PTSD and depression scores (P<0.01), we found that the high CPS group reported more severe neuropathic-type DE symptoms compared to the low CPS group, including worse ocular pain assessed via 3 different pain scales (P<0.05), with similar objective corneal DE signs. This is the first study to demonstrate DE patients who manifest a greater number of comorbid CPS report more severe DE symptoms and features of NOP. These findings provide further evidence that NOP may represent a central pain disorder, and that shared mechanistic factors may underlie vulnerability to some forms of DE and other comorbid CPS. PMID:26606863

Electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors based on conducting polymers.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Mahbubur; Li, Xiao-Bo; Lopa, Nasrin Siraj; Ahn, Sang Jung; Lee, Jae-Joon

2015-02-05

Conducting polymers (CPs) are a group of polymeric materials that have attracted considerable attention because of their unique electronic, chemical, and biochemical properties. This is reflected in their use in a wide range of potential applications, including light-emitting diodes, anti-static coating, electrochromic materials, solar cells, chemical sensors, biosensors, and drug-release systems. Electrochemical DNA sensors based on CPs can be used in numerous areas related to human health. This review summarizes the recent progress made in the development and use of CP-based electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors. We discuss the distinct properties of CPs with respect to their use in the immobilization of probe DNA on electrode surfaces, and we describe the immobilization techniques used for developing DNA hybridization sensors together with the various transduction methods employed. In the concluding part of this review, we present some of the challenges faced in the use of CP-based DNA hybridization sensors, as well as a future perspective.

The onset of visual experience gates auditory cortex critical periods

PubMed Central

Mowery, Todd M.; Kotak, Vibhakar C.; Sanes, Dan H.

2016-01-01

Sensory systems influence one another during development and deprivation can lead to cross-modal plasticity. As auditory function begins before vision, we investigate the effect of manipulating visual experience during auditory cortex critical periods (CPs) by assessing the influence of early, normal and delayed eyelid opening on hearing loss-induced changes to membrane and inhibitory synaptic properties. Early eyelid opening closes the auditory cortex CPs precociously and dark rearing prevents this effect. In contrast, delayed eyelid opening extends the auditory cortex CPs by several additional days. The CP for recovery from hearing loss is also closed prematurely by early eyelid opening and extended by delayed eyelid opening. Furthermore, when coupled with transient hearing loss that animals normally fully recover from, very early visual experience leads to inhibitory deficits that persist into adulthood. Finally, we demonstrate a functional projection from the visual to auditory cortex that could mediate these effects. PMID:26786281

Improving the performance of surgery-based clinical pathways: a simulation-optimization approach.

PubMed

Ozcan, Yasar A; Tànfani, Elena; Testi, Angela

2017-03-01

This paper aims to improve the performance of clinical processes using clinical pathways (CPs). The specific goal of this research is to develop a decision support tool, based on a simulation-optimization approach, which identify the proper adjustment and alignment of resources to achieve better performance for both the patients and the health-care facility. When multiple perspectives are present in a decision problem, critical issues arise and often require the balancing of goals. In our approach, meeting patients' clinical needs in a timely manner, and to avoid worsening of clinical conditions, we assess the level of appropriate resources. The simulation-optimization model seeks and evaluates alternative resource configurations aimed at balancing the two main objectives-meeting patient needs and optimal utilization of beds and operating rooms.Using primary data collected at a Department of Surgery of a public hospital located in Genoa, Italy. The simulation-optimization modelling approach in this study has been applied to evaluate the thyroid surgical treatment together with the other surgery-based CPs. The low rate of bed utilization and the long elective waiting lists of the specialty under study indicates that the wards were oversized while the operating room capacity was the bottleneck of the system. The model enables hospital managers determine which objective has to be given priority, as well as the corresponding opportunity costs.

Validity of the Modified Child Psychopathy Scale for Juvenile Justice Center Residents.

PubMed

Verschuere, Bruno; Candel, Ingrid; Van Reenen, Lique; Korebrits, Andries

2012-06-01

Adult psychopathy has proven to be an important clinical and forensic construct, but much less is known about juvenile psychopathy. In the present study, we examined the construct validity of the self report modified Child Psychopathy Scale mCPS; Lynam (Psychological Bulletin 120:(2), 209-234, 1997) in a sample of 57 adolescents residing in a Dutch juvenile justice center, aged between 13 and 22 years. The mCPS total score was reliably related to high externalizing problems, low empathy, high anger and aggression, high impulsivity, high (violent) delinquency, and high alcohol/drug use. Unique relations were found for the antisocial-impulsive (mCPS Factor 2), but not the callous-unemotional facet of psychopathy (mCPS Factor 1). Our findings support the validity of the mCPS in that it encompasses the antisocial-impulsive facet of psychopathy, but it is less clear whether the mCPS sufficiently captures the affective-interpersonal facet of psychopathy.

Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Diabetes Management.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Cao, Luyao; Li, Lanlan; Cheng, Wen; Xu, Liangliang; Ping, Xinyu; Pan, Lijia; Shi, Yi

2016-10-26

Advances in conducting polymers (CPs) have promoted the development of diabetic monitoring and treatment, which is of great significance in human healthcare and modern medicine. CPs are special polymers with physical and electrochemical features resembling metals, inorganic semiconductors and non-conducting polymers. To improve and extend their properties, the fabrication of CPs and CP composites has attracted intensive attention in recent decades. Some CPs are biocompatible and suitable for biomedical use. Thus, the intriguing properties of CPs make wearable, noninvasive, continuous diabetes managing devices and other potential applications in diabetes possible in the near future. To highlight the recent advances of CPs and their derived materials (especially in conducting polymer hydrogels), here we discuss their fabrication and characterization, review the current state-of-the-art research in diabetes management based on these materials and describe current challenges as well as future potential research directions.

Conjugated Polymers/DNA Hybrid Materials for Protein Inactivation.

PubMed

Zhao, Likun; Zhang, Jiangyan; Xu, Huiming; Geng, Hao; Cheng, Yongqiang

2016-09-07

Chromophore-assisted light inactivation (CALI) is a powerful tool for analyzing protein functions due to the high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. In this work, we demonstrate a CALI approach based on conjugated polymers (CPs)/DNA hybrid material for protein inactivation. The target protein is conjugated with single-stranded DNA in advance. Single-stranded DNA can form CPs/DNA hybrid material with cationic CPs via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Through the formation of CPs/DNA hybrid material, the target protein that is conjugated with DNA is brought into close proximity to CPs. Under irradiation, CPs harvest light and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the inactivation of the adjacent target protein. This approach can efficiently inactivate any target protein which is conjugated with DNA and has good specificity and universality, providing a new strategy for studies of protein function and adjustment of protein activity.

Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in Diabetes Management

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yu; Cao, Luyao; Li, Lanlan; Cheng, Wen; Xu, Liangliang; Ping, Xinyu; Pan, Lijia; Shi, Yi

2016-01-01

Advances in conducting polymers (CPs) have promoted the development of diabetic monitoring and treatment, which is of great significance in human healthcare and modern medicine. CPs are special polymers with physical and electrochemical features resembling metals, inorganic semiconductors and non-conducting polymers. To improve and extend their properties, the fabrication of CPs and CP composites has attracted intensive attention in recent decades. Some CPs are biocompatible and suitable for biomedical use. Thus, the intriguing properties of CPs make wearable, noninvasive, continuous diabetes managing devices and other potential applications in diabetes possible in the near future. To highlight the recent advances of CPs and their derived materials (especially in conducting polymer hydrogels), here we discuss their fabrication and characterization, review the current state-of-the-art research in diabetes management based on these materials and describe current challenges as well as future potential research directions. PMID:27792179

Inhibition of fipronil and nonane metabolism in human liver microsomes and human cytochrome P450 isoforms by chlorpyrifos.

PubMed

Joo, Hyun; Choi, Kyoungju; Rose, Randy L; Hodgson, Ernest

2007-01-01

Previous studies have established that chlorpyrifos (CPS), fipronil, and nonane can all be metabolized by human liver microsomes (HLM) and a number of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. However, metabolic interactions between these three substrates have not been described. In this study the effect of either coincubation or preincubation of CPS with HLM or CYP isoforms with either fipronil or nonane as substrate was investigated. In both co- and preincubation experiments, CPS significantly inhibited the metabolism of fipronil or nonane by HLM although CPS inhibited the metabolism of fipronil more effectively than that of nonane. CPS significantly inhibited the metabolism of fipronil by CYP3A4 as well as the metabolism of nonane by CYP2B6. In both cases, preincubation with CPS caused greater inhibition than coincubation, suggesting that the inhibition is mechanism based.

Template-mediated nano-crystallite networks in semiconducting polymers.

PubMed

Kwon, Sooncheol; Yu, Kilho; Kweon, Kyoungchun; Kim, Geunjin; Kim, Junghwan; Kim, Heejoo; Jo, Yong-Ryun; Kim, Bong-Joong; Kim, Jehan; Lee, Seoung Ho; Lee, Kwanghee

2014-06-18

Unlike typical inorganic semiconductors with a crystal structure, the charge dynamics of π-conjugated polymers (π-CPs) are severely limited by the presence of amorphous portions between the ordered crystalline regions. Thus, the formation of interconnected pathways along crystallites of π-CPs is desired to ensure highly efficient charge transport in printable electronics. Here we report the formation of nano-crystallite networks in π-CP films by employing novel template-mediated crystallization (TMC) via polaron formation and electrostatic interaction. The lateral and vertical charge transport of TMC-treated films increased by two orders of magnitude compared with pristine π-CPs. In particular, because of the unprecedented room temperature and solution-processing advantages of our TMC method, we achieve a field-effect mobility of 0.25 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) using a plastic substrate, which corresponds to the highest value reported thus far. Because our findings can be applied to various π-conjugated semiconductors, our approach is universal and is expected to yield high-performance printable electronics.

Solution properties of the capsular polysaccharide produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae SK1.

PubMed

Cescutti, P; Paoletti, S; Navarini, L; Flaibani, A

1993-08-01

The solution properties of the capsular polysaccharide produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae SK1, SK1-CPS, were investigated by various methods. The SK1-CPS repeating unit is a branched pentasaccharide containing one glucuronic acid as single unit side chain; acetyl groups are present as non-carbohydrate substituents on the uronic acid residue in non-stoichiometric amounts. Chiro-optical, potentiometric, viscometric and rheological measurements have been performed in order to characterize the conformational behaviour of the polymer in water and in aqueous salt solutions. Under the investigated experimental conditions, changes of temperature, ionic strength and pH were shown not to induce any cooperative conformational transition. All the results obtained suggest that the solution conformation of SK1-CPS is a random coil with a certain degree of chain flexibility. The removal of the acetyl substituents apparently does not modify the overall conclusions drawn for the native polymer, except for an incipient tendency to aggregation revealed for high salt conditions.

The effect of chromosomal polymorphisms on the outcomes of fresh IVF/ICSI-ET cycles in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaojuan; Zhang, Rui; Wang, Wei; Liu, Hongfang; Liu, Lin; Mao, Bin; Zeng, Xiangwu; Zhang, Xuehong

2016-11-01

Chromosomal polymorphisms (CPs) have been reported to be associated with infertility; however, their effects on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) are still controversial. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of CPs on IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes. To investigate whether CPs affected the outcomes of fresh IVF/ICSI-ET cycles in a Chinese population, we evaluated infertile couples with male carriers of CPs (n = 348), infertile couples with female carriers (n = 99), and unaffected couples (n = 400) who had received their first treatment cycles in our hospital between January 2013 and March 2015. CPs in either male or female carriers seemed to have adverse effects on IVF/ICSI-ET outcomes. CPs in male carriers affected outcomes mainly by decreasing the rates of fertilization, embryo cleavage, good quality embryos, clinical pregnancies, ongoing pregnancies, and deliveries as well as increasing the biochemical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05); CPs in female carriers affected outcomes only by lowering the embryo cleavage rate (P < 0.05). The mean fertilization rate of couples with male CP carriers undergoing IVF was significantly lower than that in those undergoing ICSI (61.1 versus 66.5 %, respectively; P = 0.0004). Our data provide evidence for the involvement of CPs in the poor outcomes of fresh IVF/ICSI-ET cycles in a Chinese population. The use of ICSI might improve outcomes by increasing the fertilization rate for men with CPs.

Conduct Problems Among Boston-Area Youth Following the 2013 Marathon Bombing: The Moderating Role of Prior Violent Crime Exposure.

PubMed

Crum, Kathleen I; Cornacchio, Danielle; Coxe, Stefany; Greif Green, Jennifer; Comer, Jonathan S

2017-01-01

A large body of work documents the heavy mental health burden of youth exposure to disasters, but the majority of this research has focused on posttraumatic stress and internalizing symptoms. Less is known about associations between disaster exposure and children's conduct problems (CPs), or variables that may moderate such relationships. Given well-documented links between CPs and children's exposure to community violence, youth with greater prior community violence exposure through residence in high-crime areas may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of disaster exposure on CPs. We surveyed Boston-area caregivers (N = 460) in the first 6 months following the 2013 Marathon bombing on their children's event-related exposures, as well as CPs. To estimate prior violent crime exposure, children's neighborhoods were assigned corresponding violent crime rates obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's uniform crime reporting statistics. Almost 1 in 6 Boston-area children assessed in this convenience sample showed clinically elevated CPs in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt. Prior violent crime exposure significantly moderated the link between children's manhunt exposure (but not bombing exposure) and child CPs. Manhunt exposure was related to increased CPs among children living in areas with high and medium (but not low) levels of prior violent crime. Children living in neighborhoods characterized by violent crime may be at particularly increased risk for developing CPs after violent manmade disasters. As most postdisaster child intervention efforts focus on posttraumatic stress, efforts are needed to develop programs targeting child CPs, particularly for youth dwelling in violent neighborhoods.

The Accuracy of Physicians' Clinical Predictions of Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

PubMed

Amano, Koji; Maeda, Isseki; Shimoyama, Satofumi; Shinjo, Takuya; Shirayama, Hiroto; Yamada, Takeshi; Ono, Shigeki; Yamamoto, Ryo; Yamamoto, Naoki; Shishido, Hideki; Shimizu, Mie; Kawahara, Masanori; Aoki, Shigeru; Demizu, Akira; Goshima, Masahiro; Goto, Keiji; Gyoda, Yasuaki; Hashimoto, Kotaro; Otomo, Sen; Sekimoto, Masako; Shibata, Takemi; Sugimoto, Yuka; Morita, Tatsuya

2015-08-01

Accurate prognoses are needed for patients with advanced cancer. To evaluate the accuracy of physicians' clinical predictions of survival (CPS) and assess the relationship between CPS and actual survival (AS) in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care units, hospital palliative care teams, and home palliative care services, as well as those receiving chemotherapy. This was a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in 58 palliative care service centers in Japan. The palliative care physicians evaluated patients on the first day of admission and followed up all patients to their death or six months after enrollment. We evaluated the accuracy of CPS and assessed the relationship between CPS and AS in the four groups. We obtained a total of 2036 patients: 470, 764, 404, and 398 in hospital palliative care teams, palliative care units, home palliative care services, and chemotherapy, respectively. The proportion of accurate CPS (0.67-1.33 times AS) was 35% (95% CI 33-37%) in the total sample and ranged from 32% to 39% in each setting. While the proportion of patients living longer than CPS (pessimistic CPS) was 20% (95% CI 18-22%) in the total sample, ranging from 15% to 23% in each setting, the proportion of patients living shorter than CPS (optimistic CPS) was 45% (95% CI 43-47%) in the total sample, ranging from 43% to 49% in each setting. Physicians tend to overestimate when predicting survival in all palliative care patients, including those receiving chemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The design of a capsule polysaccharide conjugate vaccine against Campylobacter jejuni serotype HS15.

PubMed

Bertolo, Lisa; Ewing, Cheryl P; Maue, Alexander; Poly, Frederic; Guerry, Patricia; Monteiro, Mario A

2013-01-25

Campylobacter jejuni infection is now the main cause of diarrhea-related illnesses in humans. An efficacious vaccine for the traveler and developing world market would be welcomed. We are engaged in the discovery and characterization of serotype-specific C. jejuni capsule polysaccharides (CPSs) to study their role in virulence and as protective vaccine antigens. Our prototype conjugate vaccine with serotype HS23 CPS (strain 81-176) has been shown to fully protect non-human primates against diarrhea inflicted by C. jejuni HS23, but ultimately, a useful CPS-based vaccine will have to be multivalent. To this end, we describe here the creation of a CPS-conjugate vaccine against C. jejuni serotype HS15. Structural analysis revealed that a repeating block consisting of L-α-arabinofuranose (Ara) and 6-deoxy-L-α-gulo-heptopyranose (6d-gulo-Hep) comprised the CPS of serotype HS15 type strain ATCC 43442 [→3)-α-L-Araf-(1→3)-6d-L-α-gulo-Hepp(1→](n). Strategically, the non-reducing end of the CPS was activated and used in the attachment of CPS to CRM₁₉₇ to yield a conjugate vaccine. A serological assessment of the CPS(HS15)-CRM₁₉₇ conjugate with an anti-HS15 polyclonal antibody confirmed the conservation of antigenic epitopes, and subsequent inoculation of mice with CPS(HS15)-CRM₁₉₇ revealed that this conjugate was indeed capable of raising anti-CPS(HS15) antibodies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation of a lightning data assimilation technique in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for improving precipitation prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannaros, Theodore; Kotroni, Vassiliki; Lagouvardos, Kostas

2015-04-01

Lightning data assimilation has been recently attracting increasing attention as a technique implemented in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models for improving precipitation forecasts. In the frame of TALOS project, we implemented a robust lightning data assimilation technique in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the aim to improve the precipitation prediction in Greece. The assimilation scheme employs lightning as a proxy for the presence or absence of deep convection. In essence, flash data are ingested in WRF to control the Kain-Fritsch (KF) convective parameterization scheme (CPS). When lightning is observed, indicating the occurrence of convective activity, the CPS is forced to attempt to produce convection, whereas the CPS may be optionally be prevented from producing convection when no lightning is observed. Eight two-day precipitation events were selected for assessing the performance of the lightning data assimilation technique. The ingestion of lightning in WRF was carried out during the first 6 h of each event and the evaluation focused on the consequent 24 h, constituting a realistic setup that could be used in operational weather forecasting applications. Results show that the implemented assimilation scheme can improve model performance in terms of precipitation prediction. Forecasts employing the assimilation of flash data were found to exhibit more skill than control simulations, particularly for the intense (>20 mm) 24 h rain accumulations. Analysis of results also revealed that the option not to suppress the KF scheme in the absence of observed lightning, leads to a generally better performance compared to the experiments employing the full control of the CPS' triggering. Overall, the implementation of the lightning data assimilation technique is found to improve the model's ability to represent convection, especially in situations when past convection has modified the mesoscale environment in ways that affect the occurrence and evolution of subsequent convection.

Screening cognitive impairment among institutionalized older Chinese men in Taiwan: a new minimum data set-based dementia screening tool is needed.

PubMed

Lin, Chu-Sheng; Lin, Ming-Hsien; Peng, Li-Ning; Chen, Liang-Kung; Hwang, Shinn-Jang; Lan, Chung-Fu

2011-01-01

Dementia screening is of great importance in various health settings for older people, long-term care facilities are no exception. The need for an effective dementia screening tool being culture sensitive is important. Minimum data set (MDS) is a population instrument for health care management in the world, which also covers dementia screening. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MDS-based dementia screening tools among older Chinese men in the Veteran Home in Taiwan. Overall, 576 participants (mean age: 80.9±5.3 years, all males, 92.7% physically independent), 18.6% had cognitive impairment according to the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (mean score: 26.7±3.9). However, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 5.5% by MDS cognitive performance scale (CPS) and 18.9% by MDS cognition scale (MDS-COGS). The screening results of CPS and MDS-COGS were highly interrelated (γ=0.93, p<0.001), and MMSE scores were also significantly associated with CPS and MDS-COGS status (γ=-0.50, p<0.001 and γ=-0.52, p<0.001, respectively). Although the prevalence of cognitive impairment by MMSE and MDS-COGS are similar, the results are significantly inconsistent (p<0.001). In conclusion, both MDS-COGS and CPS were significantly correlated with MMSE scores, but significant inconsistence was noted between screening results of MMSE, CPS and MDS-COGS. Further study is needed to develop MDS-based dementia screening tools for older Chinese men in Taiwan. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of mobile and cordless phones and change in cognitive function: a prospective cohort analysis of Australian primary school children.

PubMed

Bhatt, Chhavi Raj; Benke, Geza; Smith, Catherine L; Redmayne, Mary; Dimitriadis, Christina; Dalecki, Anna; Macleod, Skye; Sim, Malcolm R; Croft, Rodney J; Wolfe, Rory; Kaufman, Jordy; Abramson, Michael J

2017-06-19

Some previous studies have suggested an association between children's use of mobile phones (MPs)/cordless phones (CPs) and development of cognitive function. We evaluated possible longitudinal associations between the use of MPs and CPs in a cohort of primary school children and effects on their cognitive function. Data on children's socio-demographics, use of MPs and CPs, and cognitive function were collected at baseline (2010-2012) and follow-up (2012-2013). Cognitive outcomes were evaluated with the CogHealth™ test battery and Stroop Color-Word test. The change in the number of MP/CP voice calls weekly from baseline to follow-up was dichotomized: "an increase in calls" or a "decrease/no change in calls". Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for confounders and clustering by school, were performed to evaluate the associations between the change in cognitive outcomes and change in MP and CP exposures. Of 412 children, a larger proportion of them used a CP (76% at baseline and follow-up), compared to a MP (31% at baseline and 43% at follow-up). Of 26 comparisons of changes in cognitive outcomes, four demonstrated significant associations. The increase in MP usage was associated with larger reduction in response time for response inhibition, smaller reduction in the number of total errors for spatial problem solving and larger increase in response time for a Stroop interference task. Except for the smaller reduction in detection task accuracy, the increase in CP usage had no effect on the changes in cognitive outcomes. Our study shows that a larger proportion of children used CPs compared to MPs. We found limited evidence that change in the use of MPs or CPs in primary school children was associated with change in cognitive function.

Comparison of Expansive Pedicle Screw and Polymethylmethacrylate-Augmented Pedicle Screw in Osteoporotic Sheep Lumbar Vertebrae: Biomechanical and Interfacial Evaluations

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bo; Xie, Qing-yun; Wang, Cai-ru; Liu, Jin-biao; Liao, Dong-fa; Jiang, Kai; Lei, Wei; Pan, Xian-ming

2013-01-01

Background It was reported that expansive pedicle screw (EPS) and polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw (PMMA-PS) could be used to increase screw stability in osteoporosis. However, there are no studies comparing the two kinds of screws in vivo. Thus, we aimed to compare biomechanical and interfacial performances of EPS and PMMA-PS in osteoporotic sheep spine. Methodology/Principal Findings After successful induction of osteoporotic sheep, lumbar vertebrae in each sheep were randomly divided into three groups. The conventional pedicle screw (CPS) was inserted directly into vertebrae in CPS group; PMMA was injected prior to insertion of CPS in PMMA-PS group; and the EPS was inserted in EPS group. Sheep were killed and biomechanical tests, micro-CT analysis and histological observation were performed at both 6 and 12 weeks post-operation. At 6-week and 12-week, screw stabilities in EPS and PMMA-PS groups were significantly higher than that in CPS group, but there were no significant differences between EPS and PMMA-PS groups at two study periods. The screw stability in EPS group at 12-week was significantly higher than that at 6-week. The bone trabeculae around the expanding anterior part of EPS were more and denser than that in CPS group at 6-week and 12-week. PMMA was found without any degradation and absorption forming non-biological “screw-PMMA-bone” interface in PMMA-PS group, however, more and more bone trabeculae surrounded anterior part of EPS improving local bone quality and formed biological “screw-bone” interface. Conclusions/Significance EPS can markedly enhance screw stability with a similar effect to the traditional method of screw augmentation with PMMA in initial surgery in osteoporosis. EPS can form better biological interface between screw and bone than PMMA-PS. In addition, EPS have no risk of thermal injury, leakage and compression caused by PMMA. We propose EPS has a great application potential in augmentation of screw stability in osteoporosis in clinic. PMID:24086381

Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles from Citrus sinensis as efficient sorbents for pollutant dyes.

PubMed

Adedokun, Oluwaseun; Roy, Anurag; Awodugba, Ayodeji O; Devi, P Sujatha

2017-02-01

Here, we report a simple, green and economic process for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (CPs) through low-temperature carbonization of a fruit waste, Citrus sinensis peel. This approach allows the large-scale production of aqueous CPs dispersions without any additives and post-treatment processes. The as-prepared CPs were of small particle size, exhibited bright blue fluorescence under UV irradiation (λ max  = 365 nm) with excellent colloidal stability in water. The chemical composition, structure and morphology of the as-prepared CPs were analyzed using various spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and raman spectroscopy. The formed CPs were turbostratic in nature, with a large number of functional groups on the surface. We explored the adsorption characteristics of the formed CPs for wastewater treatment. Because of the negative surface of the CPs, as evident from the zeta value, it is possible to use them for selective adsorption of the cationic dye methylene blue from a mixture of dyes. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm revealed that the Langmuir model better describes the adsorption process than the Freundlich model. As-prepared CPs rapidly adsorbed ~84% of the methylene blue within 1 min and can be regenerated and used repeatedly. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantum dots and duplex-specific nuclease enabled ultrasensitive detection and serotyping of Dengue viruses in one step in a single tube.

PubMed

Shen, Wei; Gao, Zhiqiang

2015-03-15

Leveraging on the enzymatic processing of Dengue virus (DV) RNA hybridized quantum dot-capped DNA capture probes (QD-CPs), an ultrasensitive assay for the detection and serotyping of DVs is described in the report. Briefly, DV-specific DNA CPs are first capped by QDs and then conjugated to magnetic beads. In a sample solution, strands of DV RNA form heteroduplexes with the QD-CPs on the magnetic beads. The CPs together with the QDs in the heteroduplexes are subsequently cleaved off the magnetic beads by a duplex-specific nuclease (DSN), releasing the QDs to the solution, freeing the target RNA strands, and availing them for another around of hybridization with the remaining QD-CPs. After removing the magnetic beads along with unreacted (uncleaved) QD-CPs by using a permanent magnet, ultrasensitive fluorescent detection of DV is realized through the cleaved QDs. Serotyping of DV is accomplished by a judicious design of the QD-CPs. The assay combines excellent signal generation by the highly fluorescent QDs and the effortlessness of utilizing magnetic beads in the removal of the unreacted QD-CPs. The highly efficient DSN cleavage in conjunction with its excellent mismatch discrimination ability permits serotyping of DVs in one tube with excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How physician and community pharmacist perceptions of the community pharmacist role in Australian primary care influence the quality of collaborative chronic disease management.

PubMed

Rieck, Allison; Pettigrew, Simone

2013-01-01

Community pharmacists (CPs) have been changing their role to focus on patient-centred services to improve the quality of chronic disease management (CDM) in primary care. However, CPs have not been readily included in collaborative CDM with other primary care professionals such as physicians. There is little understanding of the CP role change and whether it affects the utilisation of CPs in primary care collaborative CDM. To explore physician and CP perceptions of the CP's role in Australian primary care and how these perceptions may influence the quality of physician/CP CDM programmes. Data were collected from physicians and CPs using semi-structured interviews. A qualitative methodology utilising thematic analysis was employed during data analysis. Qualitative methodology trustworthiness techniques, negative case analysis and member checking were utilised to substantiate the resultant themes. A total of 22 physicians and 22 CPs were interviewed. Strong themes emerged regarding the participant perceptions of the CP's CDM role in primary care. The majority of interviewed physicians perceived that CPs did not have the appropriate CDM knowledge to complement physician knowledge to provide improved CDM compared with what they could provide on their own. Most of the interviewed CPs expressed a willingness and capability to undertake CDM; however, they were struggling to provide sustainable CDM in the business setting within which they function in the primary care environment. Role theory was selected as it provided the optimum explanation of the resultant themes. First, physician lack of confidence in the appropriateness of CP CDM knowledge causes physicians to be confused about the role CPs would undertake in a collaborative CDM that would benefit the physicians and their patients. Thus, by increasing physician awareness of CP CDM knowledge, physicians may see CPs as suitable CDM collaborators. Second, CPs are experiencing role conflict and stress in trying to change their role. Strengthening the service business model may reduce these CP role issues and allow CPs to reach their full potential in CDM and improve the quality of collaborative CDM in Australian primary care.

The form variation of the capsular polysaccharide K1 is not a critical virulence factor of Escherichia coli in a neonatal mouse model of infection.

PubMed

Colino, J; Outschoorn, I

1999-10-01

Escherichia coli K1 is a prevalent cause of Gram-negative neonatal bacteraemia and meningitis in humans. Its capsular polysaccharide K1 (CpsK1) has been identified as an important virulence factor. Nevertheless, the biological and pathogenic implications of its O-acetylated and non-O-acetylated forms are poorly understood. In an attempt to address this, we monitored the expression of both CpsK1 form variants in a neonatal mouse infection model. In the absence of anti-CpsK1 antibodies, no CpsK1 form variant selection was observed during the course of infection. The administration of monoclonal antibodies specific for CpsK1 provided a high level of protection. The monoclonal antibodies that recognized both CpsK1 forms (MGB12) provided protection from up to 850 LD(50). By contrast, the administration of the monoclonal antibodies (MGB15) specific for non-O-acetylated CpsK1 cleared only bacteria expressing this CpsK1 form; a few mouse pups remained bacteraemic, and the bacteria in the blood had O-acetylated CpsK1. In those pups, the infection progressed in a similar fashion to that in mice not treated with monoclonal antibody. Moreover, when the number of bacteria expressing the O-acetylated CpsK1 in the inoculated dose is considered independently, the LD(50)was similar to that for the original strain in pups that had not been treated with monoclonal antibodies (35 CFU). These results suggest that whereas variation in acetylation form per se does not reinforce virulence, it could enable E. coli to avoid immune defenses. This highlights the importance of using highly specific monoclonal antibodies in immunotherapeutic approaches to E. coli K1 neonatal meningitis. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide CPS-2 protects human mesangial cells from PDGF-BB-induced proliferation through the PDGF/ERK and TGF-β1/Smad pathways.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Liu, Dan; Zhao, Huan; Jiang, Huixing; Luo, Chen; Wang, Min; Yin, Hongping

2014-02-15

CPS-2, a Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, has been demonstrated to have significant therapeutic activity against chronic renal failure. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. In this study, we found that CPS-2 could inhibit PDGF-BB-induced human mesangial cells (HMCs) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CPS-2 notably suppressed the expression of α-SMA, PDGF receptor-beta (PDGFRβ), TGF-β1, and Smad 3 in PDGF-BB-treated HMCs. Furthermore, PDGF-BB-stimulated ERK activation was significantly inhibited by CPS-2, and this inhibitory effect was synergistically potentiated by U0126. CPS-2 could prevent the PDGFRβ promoter activity induced by PDGF-BB, and return expression of PDGFRβ, TGF-β1, and TGFβRI to normal levels while cells were under PDGFRβ and ERK silencing conditions and transfected with DN-ERK. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that CPS-2 reduces PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation through the PDGF/ERK and TGF-β1/Smad pathways, and it may have bi-directional regulatory effects on the PDGF/ERK cellular signaling pathway. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dendritic Cell-Derived Exosomes Express a Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide Type 14 Cross-Reactive Antigen That Induces Protective Immunoglobulin Responses against Pneumococcal Infection in Mice

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. Dendritic Cell-Derived Exosomes Express a Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide Type 14 Cross-Reactive...cross-reactive with the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14 (Cps14-CRA). Cps14-CRA was localized to the cholesterol-enriched...for S. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides (Cps) (17). More than 90 Cps sero- types have been described, with no cross-reaction among each other (16

The past, present and future of cyber-physical systems: a focus on models.

PubMed

Lee, Edward A

2015-02-26

This paper is about better engineering of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) through better models. Deterministic models have historically proven extremely useful and arguably form the kingpin of the industrial revolution and the digital and information technology revolutions. Key deterministic models that have proven successful include differential equations, synchronous digital logic and single-threaded imperative programs. Cyber-physical systems, however, combine these models in such a way that determinism is not preserved. Two projects show that deterministic CPS models with faithful physical realizations are possible and practical. The first project is PRET, which shows that the timing precision of synchronous digital logic can be practically made available at the software level of abstraction. The second project is Ptides (programming temporally-integrated distributed embedded systems), which shows that deterministic models for distributed cyber-physical systems have practical faithful realizations. These projects are existence proofs that deterministic CPS models are possible and practical.

The Past, Present and Future of Cyber-Physical Systems: A Focus on Models

PubMed Central

Lee, Edward A.

2015-01-01

This paper is about better engineering of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) through better models. Deterministic models have historically proven extremely useful and arguably form the kingpin of the industrial revolution and the digital and information technology revolutions. Key deterministic models that have proven successful include differential equations, synchronous digital logic and single-threaded imperative programs. Cyber-physical systems, however, combine these models in such a way that determinism is not preserved. Two projects show that deterministic CPS models with faithful physical realizations are possible and practical. The first project is PRET, which shows that the timing precision of synchronous digital logic can be practically made available at the software level of abstraction. The second project is Ptides (programming temporally-integrated distributed embedded systems), which shows that deterministic models for distributed cyber-physical systems have practical faithful realizations. These projects are existence proofs that deterministic CPS models are possible and practical. PMID:25730486

Effect of POU5F1 Expression Level in Clonal Subpopulations of Bovine Fibroblasts Used as Nuclear Donors for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer.

PubMed

Sá, André Luiz; Sampaio, Rafael V; da Costa Almeida, Nathália Nogueira; Sangalli, Juliano Rodrigues; Brito, Karynne Nazaré Lins; Bressan, Fabiana Fernandes; Rissino, Joirge Dores; do Socorro Damasceno Santos, Simone; Meirelles, Flavio Vieira; Ohashi, Otávio Mitio; Dos Santos Miranda, Moysés

2017-10-01

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) success is partially hindered by the low epigenetic reprogramming efficiency of the donor cell. Previous studies suggest cellular heterogeneity among donor nuclei in regard to reprogramming potential, which precludes comparison among different strategies to increase cloning success. In this context, we evaluated the effect of using clonal cell populations (CPs) of bovine adult fibroblasts established by single-cell plating in SCNT. Different CPs were evaluated in regard to proliferation rate, senescence level, and chromosome stability, as well as for POU5F1 (POU class 5 homeobox 1) mRNA expression levels. In total, 9 of 24 CPs (37.5%) were successfully expanded in vitro up to the fourth passage and shown to proliferate following cryopreservation, at which time cell analyses were performed. The use of a CP with low senescence level, normal karyotype, and highest POU5F1 expression levels did not improve embryo development rates or quality following SCNT. As previously suggested, this study supports the notion that levels of POU5F1 expression in the donor nucleus do not impact the SCNT results. Notably, the single-cell seeding approach used herein to isolate CPs may be extended to the evaluation of additional predictor markers of reprogrammability success for SCNT in future experiments.

Mutations blocking side chain assembly, polymerization, or transport of a Wzy-dependent Streptococcus pneumoniae capsule are lethal in the absence of suppressor mutations and can affect polymer transfer to the cell wall.

PubMed

Xayarath, Bobbi; Yother, Janet

2007-05-01

Extracellular polysaccharides of many bacteria are synthesized by the Wzy polymerase-dependent mechanism, where long-chain polymers are assembled from undecaprenyl-phosphate-linked repeat units on the outer face of the cytoplasmic membrane. In gram-positive bacteria, Wzy-dependent capsules remain largely cell associated via membrane and peptidoglycan linkages. Like many Wzy-dependent capsules, the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 2 capsule is branched. In this study, we found that deletions of cps2K, cps2J, or cps2H, which encode a UDP-glucose dehydrogenase necessary for side chain synthesis, the putative Wzx transporter (flippase), and the putative Wzy polymerase, respectively, were obtained only in the presence of suppressor mutations. Most of the suppressor mutations were in cps2E, which encodes the initiating glycosyltransferase for capsule synthesis. The cps2K mutants containing the suppressor mutations produced low levels of high-molecular-weight polymer that was detected only in membrane fractions. cps2K-repaired mutants exhibited only modest increases in capsule production due to the effect of the secondary mutation, but capsule was detectable in both membrane and cell wall fractions. Lethality of the cps2K, cps2J, and cps2H mutations was likely due to sequestration of undecaprenyl-phosphate in the capsule pathway and either preclusion of its turnover for utilization in essential pathways or destabilization of the membrane due to an accumulation of lipid-linked intermediates. The results demonstrate that proper polymer assembly requires not only a functional transporter and polymerase but also complete repeat units. A central role for the initiating glycosyltransferase in controlling capsule synthesis is also suggested.

Conduct Problems among Boston-Area Youth Following the 2013 Marathon Bombing: The moderating Role of Prior Violent Crime Exposure

PubMed Central

Crum, Kathleen I.; Cornacchio, Danielle; Coxe, Stefany; Green, Jennifer Greif; Comer, Jonathan S.

2017-01-01

A large body of work documents the heavy mental health burden of youth exposure to disasters, but the majority of this research has focused on posttraumatic stress and internalizing symptoms. Less is known about associations between disaster exposure and children’s conduct problems (CPs), or variables that may moderate such relationships. Given well-documented links between CPs and children’s exposure to community violence, youth with greater prior community violence exposure through residence in high-crime areas may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of disaster exposure on CPs. We surveyed Boston-area caregivers (N=460) in the first 6 months following the 2013 Marathon bombing on their children’s event-related exposures, as well as CPs. To estimate prior violent crime exposure, children’s neighborhoods were assigned corresponding violent crime rates obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s uniform crime reporting statistics. Almost 1 in 6 Boston-area children assessed in this convenience sample showed clinically elevated CPs in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt. Prior violent crime exposure significantly moderated the link between children’s manhunt exposure (but not bombing exposure) and child CPs. Manhunt exposure was related to increased CPs among children living in areas with high and medium (but not low) levels of prior violent crime. Children living in neighborhoods characterized by violent crime may be at particularly increased risk for developing CPs after violent manmade disasters. As most post-disaster child intervention efforts focus on posttraumatic stress, efforts are needed to develop programs targeting child CPs, particularly for youth dwelling in violent neighborhoods. PMID:26630365

Synergistic Substrate Inhibition of ent-Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase: A Potential Feed-Forward Inhibition Mechanism Limiting Gibberellin Metabolism1[OA

PubMed Central

Prisic, Sladjana; Peters, Reuben J.

2007-01-01

Gibberellins (GAs) or gibberellic acids are ubiquitous diterpenoid phytohormones required for many aspects of plant growth and development, including repression of photosynthetic pigment production (i.e. deetiolation) in the absence of light. The committed step in GA biosynthesis is catalyzed in plastids by ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase (CPS), whose substrate, (E,E,E,)-geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), is also a direct precursor of carotenoids and the phytol side chain of chlorophyll. Accordingly, during deetiolation, GA production is repressed, whereas flux toward these photosynthetic pigments through their common GGPP precursor is dramatically increased. How this is accomplished has been unclear because no mechanism for regulation of CPS activity has been reported. We present here kinetic analysis of recombinant pseudomature CPS from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana; rAtCPS) demonstrating that Mg2+ and GGPP exert synergistic substrate inhibition effects on CPS activity. These results suggest that GA metabolism may be limited by feed-forward inhibition of CPS; in particular, the effect of Mg2+ because light induces increases in plastid Mg2+ levels over a similar range as that observed here to affect rAtCPS activity. Notably, this effect is most pronounced in the GA-specific AtCPS because the corresponding activity of the resin acid biosynthetic enzyme abietadiene synthase is 100-fold less sensitive to [Mg2+]. Furthermore, Mg2+ allosterically activates the plant porphobilinogen synthase involved in chlorophyll production. Hence, Mg2+ may have a broad role in regulating plastidial metabolic flux during deetiolation. Finally, the observed synergistic substrate/feed-forward inhibition of CPS also seems to provide a novel example of direct regulation of enzymatic activity in hormone biosynthesis. PMID:17384166

The Phillips Laboratory capillary pumped loop test facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gluck, Donald F.; Kaylor, Marc C.

1996-03-01

An ammonia capillary pumped loop (CPL) test facility has been designed, fabricated, subject to acceptance tests, and assembled at Phillips Laboratory. Its intent is to support a wide range of Air Force programs, bringing CPL technology to flight readiness for operational systems. The facility provides a high degree of modularity and flexibility with several heating and cooling options, and capability for elevation (+/- 15 in.), tilt (+/-60°) and transport length variation. It has a 182 by 44 by 84 inch envelope, an expected heat load capability of 2500 W, and a temperature range of 0 to 50 °C. The evaporator section has two plates with four capillary pumps (CPs) each, with a starter pump on one plate. The CPs are 5/8 in., with TAG aluminum 6063-T6 casing and UHMW polyethylene wicks. The active lengths are 15 and 30 inch with both 10 and 15 micron wicks. The individual CPs have thermal and hydraulic isolation capability, and are removable. The transport section consists of stainless steel lines in a serpentine configuration, a 216 in3 free volume reservoir, and a mechanical pump. The vapor transport line contains a capillary device (which can be bypassed) for vapor blockage during startup. The condenser consists of two separately valved, parallel cold plates each with a downstream noncondensible gas trap. Cooling of up to 1500 W at -50 °C is provided by an FTS Systems chiller using Flourinert FC-72. An enclosure/exhaust system is provided for safety and emergency venting of ammonia. An ammonia charge station performs or supports the functions of proof pressure, flushing with ammonia, purging with gaseous nitrogen, evacuation of all or part of the CPL to 20 microns, and charging. Instrumentation consists of over 116 thermocouples, five of which are internal; one absolute and six differential pressure transducers; eleven watt transducers, and a reservoir load cell. The data acquisition system consists of a temperature scanner, Bernoulli drive, and two Macintosh computers using LabView software. Data scanning and storage as rapid as once every three seconds for thermocouples and once per 0.6 seconds for transducers is supported.

Evidenced-Based Guidelines on the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients: Are They Consistent and If Not, Why Not? Have Effective Psychological Treatments Been Overlooked?

PubMed

Thieme, Kati; Mathys, Marc; Turk, Dennis C

2017-07-01

We compared the recommendations and methodology of several recent evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with fibromyalgia published by professional organizations: 1) American Pain Society (APS; 2005), 2) Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF; 2012), 3) Canadian Pain Society (CPS; 2013; also used in the United Kingdom), and 4) European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR; 2016). Each guideline used systematic reviews and meta-analyses as highest level of evidence; APS, CPS, and AWMF also included individual randomized clinical trials. The APS, CPS, and AWMF assigned the highest ranking of recommendation to aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, amitriptyline, and multicomponent treatment. In contrast, the most recent EULAR guidelines assign the highest level of recommendation to exercise, contrary to the 2008 EULAR guidelines, which recommended pharmacotherapy. Although there was some consistency for pharmacological treatment recommendations among the 4 guidelines, APS, CPS, and AWMF guidelines gave the higher ranking to cognitive-behavioral therapy and multicomponent treatments. The inconsistencies across guidelines can be attributed to the criteria used for study inclusion, outcome measures used, weighting systems, and composition of the review panels. A guideline consensus is needed to harmonize the discrepancies. This article presents an overview and highlights the inconsistencies of 4 recent clinical practice guidelines for treatment of fibromyalgia patients related to study inclusion criteria, outcome measures used, ranking system used, and composition of the review panels. The discrepancies suggest a need to create a guideline consensus to synthesize guidelines. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implementation of consumer providers into mental health intensive case management teams.

PubMed

Hamilton, Alison B; Chinman, Matthew; Cohen, Amy N; Oberman, Rebecca Shoai; Young, Alexander S

2015-01-01

In mental health care, consumer providers (CPs) are individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who draw upon their lived experiences while providing services to others with SMI. Implementation of CPs has proven to be challenging in a variety of settings. The PEER project (Peers Enhancing Recovery) involved rolling out CPs using an implementation science model and evaluating implementation and impact in mental health treatment settings (three intervention, three control). In qualitative interviews, facilitators and challenges to implementation were described by the CPs, their team members, clients, and study researchers. Site preparation, external facilitation, and positive, reinforcing experiences with CPs facilitated implementation. Role definitions and deficiencies in CPs' technical knowledge posed challenges to implementation. Sustainability was not realized due to insufficient resources. However, implementation was positive overall, characterized by diffusion of innovation concepts of high relative advantage, strong trialability, compatibility with prevailing norms, compelling observability, and relatively low complexity. By preparing and working systematically with intervention sites to incorporate new services, implementation was strengthened and challenges were minimized.

Child Passenger Safety Training for Pediatric Interns: Does it Work?

PubMed

Morrissey, Dina; Riese, Alison; Violano, Pina; Lapidus, Garry; Baird, Janette; Mello, Michael J

2016-03-01

Evaluate the efficacy of a child passenger safety (CPS) educational intervention on the CPS-related knowledge, attitude and anticipatory guidance behaviors of pediatric interns. All subjects were surveyed at baseline and 6 months. Intervention interns attended a CPS training module which included viewing an educational video, observing a car seat inspection appointment, hands-on practice and completion of a post-intervention survey. All 16 intervention interns completed the initial survey, the intervention and the immediate-post questionnaire. Thirteen (81%) completed the 6-month follow-up. The baseline survey was completed by 27/40 (67%) of control interns, 28/40 (70%) submitted a follow-up. The proportion of intervention interns who self-reported giving CPS guidance at all well-child visits increased by 31.3% (95% CI 6.1,56.5%); the control group had no change. Similar results were seen with self-reported knowledge and attitude. A CPS training module increases pediatric interns' knowledge, improves attitudes, and self-reported behaviors regarding CPS-related anticipatory guidance.

A cluster randomized trial to assess the effect of clinical pathways for patients with stroke: results of the clinical pathways for effective and appropriate care study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Clinical pathways (CPs) are used to improve the outcomes of acute stroke, but their use in stroke care is questionable, because the evidence on their effectiveness is still inconclusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether CPs improve the outcomes and the quality of care provided to patients after acute ischemic stroke. Methods This was a multicentre cluster-randomized trial, in which 14 hospitals were randomized to the CP arm or to the non intervention/usual care (UC) arm. Healthcare workers in the CP arm received 3 days of training in quality improvement of CPs and in use of a standardized package including information on evidence-based key interventions and indicators. Healthcare workers in the usual-care arm followed their standard procedures. The teams in the CP arm developed their CPs over a 6-month period. The primary end point was mortality. Secondary end points were: use of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, implementation of organized care, length of stay, re-admission and institutionalization rates after discharge, dependency levels, and complication rates. Results Compared with the patients in the UC arm, the patients in the CP arm had a significantly lower risk of mortality at 7 days (OR = 0.10; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.95) and significantly lower rates of adverse functional outcomes, expressed as the odds of not returning to pre-stroke functioning in their daily life (OR = 0.42; 95 CI 0.18 to 0.98). There was no significant effect on 30-day mortality. Compared with the UC arm, the hospital diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed more appropriately in the CP arm, and the evidence-based key interventions and organized care were more applied in the CP arm. Conclusions CPs can significantly improve the outcomes of patients with ischemic patients with stroke, indicating better application of evidence-based key interventions and of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This study tested a new hypothesis and provided evidence on how CPs can work. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: [NCT00673491]. PMID:22781160

Comparison of HPMC based polymers performance as carriers for manufacture of solid dispersions using the melt extruder.

PubMed

Ghosh, Indrajit; Snyder, Jennifer; Vippagunta, Radha; Alvine, Marilyn; Vakil, Ronak; Tong, Wei-Qin; Vippagunta, Sudha

2011-10-31

Preparation of amorphous solid dispersions using hot-melt extrusion process for poorly water soluble compounds which degrade on melting remains a challenge due to exposure to high temperatures. The aim of this study was to develop a physically and chemically stable amorphous solid dispersion of a poorly water-soluble compound, NVS981, which is highly thermal sensitive and degrades upon melting at 165 °C. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) based polymers; HPMC 3cps, HPMC phthalate (HPMCP) and HPMC acetyl succinate (HPMCAS) were selected as carriers to prepare solid dispersions using hot melt extrusion because of their relatively low glass transition temperatures. The solid dispersions were compared for their ease of manufacturing, physical stability such as recrystallization potential, phase separation, molecular mobility and enhancement of drug dissolution. Two different drug loads of 20 and 50% (w/w) were studied in each polymer system. It was interesting to note that solid dispersions with 50% (w/w) drug load were easier to process in the melt extruder compared to 20% (w/w) drug load in all three carriers, which was attributed to the plasticizing behavior of the drug substance. Upon storage at accelerated stability conditions, no phase separation was observed in HPMC 3cps and HPMCAS solid dispersions at the lower and higher drug load, whereas for HPMCP, phase separation was observed at higher drug load after 3 months. The pharmaceutical performance of these solid dispersions was evaluated by studying drug dissolution in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. Drug release from solid dispersion prepared from polymers used for enteric coating, i.e. HPMCP and HPMCAS was faster compared with the water soluble polymer HPMC 3cps. In conclusion, of the 3 polymers studied for preparing solid dispersions of thermally sensitive compound using hot melt extrusion, HPMCAS was found to be the most promising as it was easily processible and provided stable solid dispersions with enhanced dissolution. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using Creative Problem Solving to Promote Students' Performance of Concept Mapping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tseng, Kuo-Hung; Chang, Chi-Cheng; Lou, Shi-Jer; Hsu, Pi-Shan

2013-01-01

The purpose of the study was to explore that using creative problem solving can promote students' performance of concept mapping (CMPING). Students were encouraged to use creative problem solving (CPS) in constructing nanometer knowledge structure, and then to promote the performance of CMPING. The knowledge structure was visualized through…

Sources and Fates of Carbamyl Phosphate: A Labile Energy-Rich Molecule with Multiple Facets.

PubMed

Shi, Dashuang; Caldovic, Ljubica; Tuchman, Mendel

2018-06-12

Carbamyl phosphate (CP) is well-known as an essential intermediate of pyrimidine and arginine/urea biosynthesis. Chemically, CP can be easily synthesized from dihydrogen phosphate and cyanate. Enzymatically, CP can be synthesized using three different classes of enzymes: (1) ATP-grasp fold protein based carbamyl phosphate synthetase (CPS); (2) Amino-acid kinase fold carbamate kinase (CK)-like CPS (anabolic CK or aCK); and (3) Catabolic transcarbamylase. The first class of CPS can be further divided into three different types of CPS as CPS I, CPS II, and CPS III depending on the usage of ammonium or glutamine as its nitrogen source, and whether N -acetyl-glutamate is its essential co-factor. CP can donate its carbamyl group to the amino nitrogen of many important molecules including the most well-known ornithine and aspartate in the arginine/urea and pyrimidine biosynthetic pathways. CP can also donate its carbamyl group to the hydroxyl oxygen of a variety of molecules, particularly in many antibiotic biosynthetic pathways. Transfer of the carbamyl group to the nitrogen group is catalyzed by the anabolic transcarbamylase using a direct attack mechanism, while transfer of the carbamyl group to the oxygen group is catalyzed by a different class of enzymes, CmcH/NodU CTase, using a different mechanism involving a three-step reaction, decomposition of CP to carbamate and phosphate, transfer of the carbamyl group from carbamate to ATP to form carbamyladenylate and pyrophosphate, and transfer of the carbamyl group from carbamyladenylate to the oxygen group of the substrate. CP is also involved in transferring its phosphate group to ADP to generate ATP in the fermentation of many microorganisms. The reaction is catalyzed by carbamate kinase, which may be termed as catabolic CK (cCK) in order to distinguish it from CP generating CK. CP is a thermally labile molecule, easily decomposed into phosphate and cyanate, or phosphate and carbamate depending on the pH of the solution, or the presence of enzyme. Biological systems have developed several mechanisms including channeling between enzymes, increased affinity of CP to enzymes, and keeping CP in a specific conformation to protect CP from decomposition. CP is highly important for our health as both a lack of, or decreased, CP production and CP accumulation results in many disease conditions.

Characterization and performance evaluation of an innovative mesoporous activated carbon used for drinking water purification in comparison with commercial carbons.

PubMed

Gong, Xu-Jin; Li, Wei-Guang; Wang, Guang-Zhi; Zhang, Duo-Ying; Fan, Wen-Biao; Yin, Zhao-Dong

2015-09-01

The preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of an innovative mesoporous activated carbon (C-XHIT) were conducted in this study. Comparative evaluation with commercial carbons (C-PS and C-ZJ15) and long-term performance evaluation of C-XHIT were conducted in small-scale system-A (S-A) and pilot-scale system-B (S-B-1 and S-B-2 in series), respectively, for treating water from Songhua River. The cumulative uptake of micropollutants varied with KBV (water volume fed to columns divided by the mass of carbons, m(3) H2O/kg carbon) was employed in the performance evaluation. The results identified that mesoporous and microporous volumes were simultaneously well-developed in C-XHIT. Higher mesoporosity (63.94 %) and average pore width (37.91 Å) of C-XHIT ensured a higher adsorption capacity for humic acid compared to C-PS and C-ZJ15. When the KBV of S-A reached 12.58 m(3) H2O/kg carbon, cumulative uptake of organic pollutants achieved by C-XHIT increased by 32.82 and 156.29 % for DOC (QC) and 22.53 and 112.48 % for UV254 (QUV) compared to C-PS and C-ZJ15, respectively; in contrast, the adsorption capacity of NH4 (+)-N did not improve significantly. C-XHIT achieved high average removal efficiencies for DOC (77.43 ± 16.54 %) and UV254 (83.18 ± 13.88 %) in S-B over 253 days of operation (KBV = 62 m(3) H2O/kg carbon). Adsorption dominated the removal of DOC and UV254 in the initial phases of KBV (0-15 m(3) H2O/kg carbon), and simultaneous biodegradation and adsorption were identified as the mechanisms for organic pollutant uptake at KBV above 25 m(3) H2O/kg carbon. The average rates contributed by S-B-1 and S-B-2 for QC and QUV were approximately 0.75 and 0.25, respectively. Good linear and exponential correlations were observed between S-A and S-B in terms of QC and QUV obtained by C-XHIT, respectively, for the same KBV ranges, indicating a rapid and cost-saving evaluation method. The linear correlation between mesoporosity and QC (QUV) was also identified by the evolution of the property indices of C-XHIT.

High-sensitivity brain SPECT system using cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator.

PubMed

Suzuki, Atsuro; Takeuchi, Wataru; Ishitsu, Takafumi; Tsuchiya, Katsutoshi; Morimoto, Yuichi; Ueno, Yuichiro; Kobashi, Keiji; Kubo, Naoki; Shiga, Tohru; Tamaki, Nagara

2013-11-07

For high-sensitivity brain imaging, we have developed a two-head single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system using a CdTe semiconductor detector and 4-pixel matched collimator (4-PMC). The term, '4-PMC' indicates that the collimator hole size is matched to a 2 × 2 array of detector pixels. By contrast, a 1-pixel matched collimator (1-PMC) is defined as a collimator whose hole size is matched to one detector pixel. The performance of the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC was experimentally compared with that of the 1-PMC. The sensitivities of the 1-PMC and 4-PMC were 70 cps/MBq/head and 220 cps/MBq/head, respectively. The SPECT system using the 4-PMC provides superior image resolution in cold and hot rods phantom with the same activity and scan time to that of the 1-PMC. In addition, with half the usual scan time the 4-PMC provides comparable image quality to that of the 1-PMC. Furthermore, (99m)Tc-ECD brain perfusion images of healthy volunteers obtained using the 4-PMC demonstrated acceptable image quality for clinical diagnosis. In conclusion, our CdTe SPECT system equipped with the higher-sensitivity 4-PMC can provide better spatial resolution than the 1-PMC either in half the imaging time with the same administered activity, or alternatively, in the same imaging time with half the activity.

The Process of Solving Complex Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischer, Andreas; Greiff, Samuel; Funke, Joachim

2012-01-01

This article is about Complex Problem Solving (CPS), its history in a variety of research domains (e.g., human problem solving, expertise, decision making, and intelligence), a formal definition and a process theory of CPS applicable to the interdisciplinary field. CPS is portrayed as (a) knowledge acquisition and (b) knowledge application…

46. C.P.S., photographer March 1936 MENDOCINO COUNTY, SECTION, HIGHWAY 1. ...

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

46. C.P.S., photographer March 1936 MENDOCINO COUNTY, SECTION, HIGHWAY 1. MEN-1-J#135, 384+50 81TTC2, LOOKING SOUTH LANES FLAT, C.P.S., 36. - Redwood National & State Parks Roads, California coast from Crescent City to Trinidad, Crescent City, Del Norte County, CA

AERORADIOACTIVITY SURVEY AND AREAL GEOLOGY OF THE GEORGIA NUCLEAR LABORATORY AREA, NORTHERN GEORGIA (ARMS-I)

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

MacKallor, J.A.

1962-01-01

An airborne gamma-radioactivity survey of about 7000 square miles around the Georgia Nuclear Laboratory (GNL) in Dawson County, Ga., was made by the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Division of Biology and Medicine, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. The project was flown perpendicular to the regional strike at a nominal elevation of 500 ft above the ground with a flight-line spacing of 1 mile. Radioactivity contacts shown on a 1:250,000 map delineate areas of similar radioactivity, which, in general, trend northeast, parallel to the geologic strike. Many, but not all, formations correlate closely with radioactivity units. Changesmore » of radioactivity within some formations may indicate facies changes. In the GNL area the Cartersville fault, which dlosely coincides with a prominent radioactivity contact, separates the Valley and Ridge physiographic province from the Piedmont to the east. Within the Valley and Ridge province bedrock consists of sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic age; the radioactivity is from 300 to 900 counts per second (cps). Areas of limestone and dolomite are characterized by radioactivity lows, usually less than 500 cps. Most areas of shale have a radioactivity of 600 to 900 cps. Bedrock in the Piedmont consists mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks of Precambrian and Palezoic ages, and the radioactivity ranges from about 250 to 2000 cps. The least radioactive rocks (250 to 500 cps) are hornblende gneiss, dioritic injection gneiss, and some of the granitic gneiss. The most radioactive rock is the augen gneiss in Bartow and Cherokee Counties (1000 to 2000 cps). Some of the granitic gneiss, biotite gneiss and schist, and the Talladega Slate have a radioactivity of slightly more than 1000 cps. Composite samples of surficial material were collected from sites directly under the flight path of the aircraft. After analysis for equivalent uranium based upon the number of counts recorded by geiger tubes, the samples were stored for future reference. The equivalent uranium was plotted against cps obtained from the aerial surveying. From 600 cps, which corresponds to slightiy more than 0.001 percent equivalent uranium, to 1600 cps, each 200-cps increase corresponds to an increase of almost 0.001 percent equivalent uranium. (auth)« less

Evaluation of a CdTe semiconductor based compact γ camera for sentinel lymph node imaging.

PubMed

Russo, Paolo; Curion, Assunta S; Mettivier, Giovanni; Esposito, Michela; Aurilio, Michela; Caracò, Corradina; Aloj, Luigi; Lastoria, Secondo

2011-03-01

The authors assembled a prototype compact gamma-ray imaging probe (MediPROBE) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization. This probe is based on a semiconductor pixel detector. Its basic performance was assessed in the laboratory and clinically in comparison with a conventional gamma camera. The room-temperature CdTe pixel detector (1 mm thick) has 256 x 256 square pixels arranged with a 55 microm pitch (sensitive area 14.08 x 14.08 mm2), coupled pixel-by-pixel via bump-bonding to the Medipix2 photon-counting readout CMOS integrated circuit. The imaging probe is equipped with a set of three interchangeable knife-edge pinhole collimators (0.94, 1.2, or 2.1 mm effective diameter at 140 keV) and its focal distance can be regulated in order to set a given field of view (FOV). A typical FOV of 70 mm at 50 mm skin-to-collimator distance corresponds to a minification factor 1:5. The detector is operated at a single low-energy threshold of about 20 keV. For 99 mTc, at 50 mm distance, a background-subtracted sensitivity of 6.5 x 10(-3) cps/kBq and a system spatial resolution of 5.5 mm FWHM were obtained for the 0.94 mm pinhole; corresponding values for the 2.1 mm pinhole were 3.3 x 10(-2) cps/kBq and 12.6 mm. The dark count rate was 0.71 cps. Clinical images in three patients with melanoma indicate detection of the SLNs with acquisition times between 60 and 410 s with an injected activity of 26 MBq 99 mTc and prior localization with standard gamma camera lymphoscintigraphy. The laboratory performance of this imaging probe is limited by the pinhole collimator performance and the necessity of working in minification due to the limited detector size. However, in clinical operative conditions, the CdTe imaging probe was effective in detecting SLNs with adequate resolution and an acceptable sensitivity. Sensitivity is expected to improve with the future availability of a larger CdTe detector permitting operation at shorter distances from the patient skin.

A Promising Combo Gene Delivery System Developed from (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-Modified Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Cationic Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zubin; Song, Lina; Dong, Jinlai; Guo, Dawei; Du, Xiaolin; Cao, Biyin; Zhang, Yu; Gu, Ning; Mao, Xinliang

2013-05-01

(3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (APTES-IONPs) have been evaluated for various biomedical applications, including medical imaging and drug delivery. Cationic polymers (CPs) such as Lipofectamine and TurboFect are widely used for research in gene delivery, but their toxicity and low in vivo efficiency limited their further application. In the present study, we synthesized water-soluble APTES-IONPs and developed a combo gene delivery system based on APTES-IONPs and CPs. This system significantly increased gene-binding capacity, protected genes from degradation, and improved gene transfection efficiency for DNA and siRNA in both adherent and suspension cells. Because of its great biocompatibility, high gene-carrying ability, and very low cytotoxicity, this combo gene delivery system will be expected for a wide application, and it might provide a new method for gene therapy.

Electrochemical DNA Hybridization Sensors Based on Conducting Polymers

PubMed Central

Rahman, Md. Mahbubur; Li, Xiao-Bo; Lopa, Nasrin Siraj; Ahn, Sang Jung; Lee, Jae-Joon

2015-01-01

Conducting polymers (CPs) are a group of polymeric materials that have attracted considerable attention because of their unique electronic, chemical, and biochemical properties. This is reflected in their use in a wide range of potential applications, including light-emitting diodes, anti-static coating, electrochromic materials, solar cells, chemical sensors, biosensors, and drug-release systems. Electrochemical DNA sensors based on CPs can be used in numerous areas related to human health. This review summarizes the recent progress made in the development and use of CP-based electrochemical DNA hybridization sensors. We discuss the distinct properties of CPs with respect to their use in the immobilization of probe DNA on electrode surfaces, and we describe the immobilization techniques used for developing DNA hybridization sensors together with the various transduction methods employed. In the concluding part of this review, we present some of the challenges faced in the use of CP-based DNA hybridization sensors, as well as a future perspective. PMID:25664436

Smart factory in the context of 4th industrial revolution: challenges and opportunities for Romania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pîrvu, B. C.; Zamfirescu, C. B.

2017-08-01

Manufacturing companies, independent of operation sector and size, must be able to produce lot size one products, just-in-time at a competitive cost. Coping with this high adaptability and short reaction times proves to be very challenging. New approaches must be taken into consideration for designing modular, intelligent and cooperative production systems which are easy to integrate with the entire factory. The coined term for this network of intelligent interacting artefacts system is cyber-physical systems (CPS). CPS is often used in the context of Industry 4.0 - or what many consider the forth industrial revolution. The paper presents an overview of key technological and social requirements to map the Smart Factory vision into reality. Finally, global and Romanian specific challenges hindering the vision of a true Smart Factory to become reality are presented.

Site-directed mutagenesis studies on the uridine monophosphate binding sites of feedback inhibition in carbamoyl phosphate synthetase and effects on cytidine production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

PubMed

Fang, Haitian; Liu, Huiyan; Chen, Ning; Zhang, Chenglin; Xie, Xixian; Xu, Qingyang

2013-06-01

A major problem when pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis is used for cytidine production is the existence of many negative regulatory factors. Cytidine biosynthesis in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens proceeds via a pathway that is controlled by uridine monophosphate (UMP) through feedback inhibition of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS), the enzyme that converts CO2, NH3, and glutamine to carbamoyl phosphate. In this study, the gene carB encoding the large subunit of CPS from B. amyloliquefaciens CYT1 was site directed, and the UMP binding sites of feedback inhibition in Bam-CPS are described. The residues Thr-941, Thr-970, and Lys-986 in CPS from B. amyloliquefaciens were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis to alter UMP's feedback inhibition of CPS. To find feedback-resistant B. amyloliquefaciens, the influence of the T941F, T970A, K986I, T941F/K986I, and T941F/T970A/K986I mutations on CPS enzymatic properties was studied. The recombinant B. amyloliquefaciens with mutated T941F/K986I and T941F/T970A/K986I CPS showed a 3.7- and 5.7-fold increase, respectively, in cytidine production in comparison with the control expressing wild-type CPS, which was more suitable for further application of the cytidine synthesis. To a certain extent, the 5 mutations were found to release the enzyme from UMP inhibition and to improve B. amyloliquefaciens cytidine-producing strains.

Differences in Child Passenger Safety Counseling Frequency and Attitudes by Health Care Provider Specialty.

PubMed

Huseth-Zosel, Andrea L; Orr, Megan

2016-12-01

Many children are not being properly restrained in motor vehicles, resulting in unnecessary injury and fatalities. Health care provider (HCP) education is effective at increasing proper child restraint within vehicles. However, differences exist by HCP specialty in regards to frequency of child passenger safety (CPS) counseling. This study of a sample of 255 HCPs examined differences in CPS counseling by HCP specialty (pediatric vs. non-pediatric). HCPs from several upper Midwest states were surveyed about how frequently they provide CPS counseling in their practice by patient age and their attitudes toward CPS-related issues. Pediatric HCPs were twice as likely as non-pediatric HCPs to always provide CPS counseling to parents/guardians of children aged 5 or older. Non-pediatric HCPs were more likely than pediatric HCPs to feel that counseling is ineffective at increasing child seat/booster (p = 0.001) or seat belt use (p = 0.006). Non-pediatric HCPs were more likely than pediatric HCPs to feel there is inadequate time to provide CPS counseling in their practice setting (p = 0.001), and were less likely to know where to refer patients if they have questions regarding CPS issues (0.0291). The differences in HCP attitudes toward CPS counseling provision and the resulting differences in counseling frequency by patient age may contribute to disparities for patients who have limited or no access to pediatric HCPs. Additional research is needed to investigate the rationale for counseling differences seen by HCP specialty and patient age, and the potential effect on child motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.

Understanding the bacterial polysaccharide antigenicity of Streptococcus agalactiae versus Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PubMed

Kadirvelraj, Renuka; Gonzalez-Outeiriño, Jorge; Foley, B Lachele; Beckham, Meredith L; Jennings, Harold J; Foote, Simon; Ford, Michael G; Woods, Robert J

2006-05-23

Bacterial surface capsular polysaccharides (CPS) that are similar in carbohydrate sequence may differ markedly in immunogenicity and antigenicity. The structural origin of these phenomena is poorly understood. Such a case is presented by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) type III (GBSIII) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pn) type 14 (Pn14), which share closely related CPS sequences. Nevertheless, antibodies (Abs) against GBSIII rarely cross-react with the CPS from Pn14. To establish the origin for the variation in CPS antigenicity, models for the immune complexes of CPS fragments from GBSIII and Pn14, with the variable fragment (Fv) of a GBS-specific mAb (mAb 1B1), are presented. The complexes are generated through a combination of comparative Ab modeling and automated ligand docking, followed by explicitly solvated 10-ns molecular dynamics simulations. The relationship between carbohydrate sequence and antigenicity is further quantified through the computation of interaction energies using the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) method, augmented by conformational entropy estimates. Despite the electrostatic differences between Pn14 and GBSIII CPS, analysis indicates that entropic penalties are primarily responsible for the loss of affinity of the highly flexible Pn14 CPS for mAb 1B1. The similarity of the solution conformation of the relatively rigid GBSIII CPS with that in the immune complex characterizes the previously undescribed 3D structure of the conformational epitope. The analysis provides a comprehensive interpretation for a large body of biochemical and immunological data related to Ab recognition of bacterial polysaccharides and should be applicable to other Ab-carbohydrate interactions.

Community pharmacists' perspectives of online health-related information: A qualitative insight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PubMed

See Wan, Ong; Hassali, Mohamed Azmi; Saleem, Fahad

2017-01-01

The Internet is a resource used by health professionals as well as the public to access health information. Within this context, little is reported on community pharmacists' (CPs') perceptions of online health-related information. The objective of this study was to explore the attitudes of Malaysian CPs towards online health-related information. A qualitative research method was adopted with face-to-face interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit a convenient sample of CPs who were practising in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed by the research team using a thematic content analysis framework. Eleven CPs participated in the study. Participants reported that online health-related information was accessible, useful, fast, and in some respects, the Internet is a unique source of information. It was reported that there was a need to establish websites for trusted information. CPs also reported that training was needed in Internet searching and website evaluation skills. Most information accessed by CPs related to drugs and diseases and to knowledge-based information. Barriers to efficacy of Internet usage were related to the reliability and volume of information available on the Internet. Frequent use of online health-related information among CPs was reported. Many CPs supported the use of the Internet for health-related information but certain reservations were also reported. An analysis of the reasons for information seeking and barriers suggests that a wider range of influences on health information seeking should be investigated.

Child, caregiver, and family characteristics associated with emergency department use by children who remain at home after a child protective services investigation

PubMed Central

Hurlburt, Michael S.; Leslie, Laurel K.; Zhang, Jinjin; Horwitz, Sarah McCue

2012-01-01

Objectives To examine emergency department (ED) use among children involved with child protective services (CPS) in the U.S. but who remain at home, and to determine if ED use is related to child, caregiver and family characteristics as well as receipt of CPS services. Method We analyzed data on 4,001 children in the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being. Multivariate models compared rates of ED use for whether the family received CPS services or did not receive CPS services as well as child characteristics, caregiver characteristics and caregiver/family psychological variables. Results ED use among children who remained at home receiving CPS services was similar to that of children who did not receive CPS services (35.6% and 37.4%, respectively). In multivariate modeling, children with families who received CPS services, children six years or older, and children without a chronic health problem were less likely to use the ED. Children who remained at home in families identified with numerous stressors and, therefore, likely at high risk for future abuse and neglect were 1.73 times (95% CI, 1.14–2.63) more likely to have repeat ED use than children in low risk families. Conclusion Children who remain at home after a CPS evaluation are at high risk for ED use. Future research should focus on the health problems that precipitate an ED visit as well as the relationship between primary care and ED use. PMID:22265905

Effect of intravenous infusion of an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent on the haemodynamic changes in human masseter muscle induced by cold pressor stimulation.

PubMed

Maekawa, K; Kuboki, T; Miyawaki, T; Shimada, M; Yamashita, A; Clark, G T

1999-04-01

This study evaluated the effect of intravenous infusion of a non-selective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent on masseter muscle haemodynamics induced by 4 degrees C cold pressor stimulation (CPS) of the right foot and ankle, which reportedly evokes a rapidly increasing sympathetic nerve activity in human skeletal muscle. Nine healthy non-smoking males (mean age 23.7+/-2.1 year) with no history of chronic muscle pain or migraine participated. The haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the right masseter was continuously recorded by non-invasive, near-infrared spectroscopy. Heart rate and blood pressure were also recorded. The experiment involved the following sequence: (1) a placebo (physiological saline) with a CPS trial; (2) a 30-sec maximal voluntary clenching (MVC)-only trial; and (3) an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent with a CPS trial. The saline and drug trials each involved continuous recording for 1 min before, 2 min during and 5 min after the CPS. Physiological saline (20 ml) or phentolamine mesylate (20 ml) were infused at the rate of 2 ml/min. This infusion was begun 15 min before baseline recording and participants were not aware which solution (saline or phentolamine) was being infused. For the MVC trial, each participant performed a 30-sec MVC of his jaw-closing muscles followed by a 15-min rest between each trial. The individual Hb data were adjusted so that the baseline at the beginning of the experiment was equal to zero and all data were normalized as a percentage of the individual's highest absolute Hb change seen after the MVC. The mean baseline Hb concentrations 1 min before CPS were significantly higher in the alpha-blocker trial (83.6%) than in the placebo saline trial (P < 0.001). The change in mean Hb concentration from baseline during CPS in the alpha-blocker trial was significantly less than in the placebo trial (P = 0.006). Mean heart rate before CPS was also significantly higher in the alpha-blocker trial (85.2 beats/min) than in the placebo trial (69.6 beats/min) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures between the placebo and alpha-blocker trials in any time period. The results suggest that non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor blockade increases the blood volume in the masseter muscle. This change might be due to a combination of peripheral vasodilation and an increase in cardiac output.

Transcriptional analysis of exopolysaccharides biosynthesis gene clusters in Lactobacillus plantarum.

PubMed

Vastano, Valeria; Perrone, Filomena; Marasco, Rosangela; Sacco, Margherita; Muscariello, Lidia

2016-04-01

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria contribute to specific rheology and texture of fermented milk products and find applications also in non-dairy foods and in therapeutics. Recently, four clusters of genes (cps) associated with surface polysaccharide production have been identified in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, a probiotic and food-associated lactobacillus. These clusters are involved in cell surface architecture and probably in release and/or exposure of immunomodulating bacterial molecules. Here we show a transcriptional analysis of these clusters. Indeed, RT-PCR experiments revealed that the cps loci are organized in five operons. Moreover, by reverse transcription-qPCR analysis performed on L. plantarum WCFS1 (wild type) and WCFS1-2 (ΔccpA), we demonstrated that expression of three cps clusters is under the control of the global regulator CcpA. These results, together with the identification of putative CcpA target sequences (catabolite responsive element CRE) in the regulatory region of four out of five transcriptional units, strongly suggest for the first time a role of the master regulator CcpA in EPS gene transcription among lactobacilli.

An Open Metadata Schema for Clinical Pathway (openCP) in China.

PubMed

Xu, Wei; Zhu, Yanxin; Wang, Xia

2017-01-01

China has issued and implemented standard clinical pathways (Chinese standard CPs) since 2009; however, they are still paper-based CPs. The aim of the study is to reorganize Chinese standard CPs based on related Chinese medical standards, by using archetype approach, and develop an Open platform for CP (openCP) in China.

45. C.P.S., photographer January 1936 MENDOCINO COUNTY, SECTION, HIGHWAY 1. ...

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

45. C.P.S., photographer January 1936 MENDOCINO COUNTY, SECTION, HIGHWAY 1. MEN-I-J #132, 388+00 81TTC2, LOOKING SOUTH LANES FLAT, C.P.S., 1-36. - Redwood National & State Parks Roads, California coast from Crescent City to Trinidad, Crescent City, Del Norte County, CA

131I activity quantification of gamma camera planar images.

PubMed

Barquero, Raquel; Garcia, Hugo P; Incio, Monica G; Minguez, Pablo; Cardenas, Alexander; Martínez, Daniel; Lassmann, Michael

2017-02-07

A procedure to estimate the activity in target tissues in patients during the therapeutic administration of 131 I radiopharmaceutical treatment for thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer) using a gamma camera (GC) with a high energy (HE) collimator, is proposed. Planar images are acquired for lesions of different sizes r, and at different distances d, in two HE GC systems. Defining a region of interest (ROI) on the image of size r, total counts n g are measured. Sensitivity S (cps MBq -1 ) in each acquisition is estimated as the product of the geometric G and the intrinsic efficiency η 0 . The mean fluence of 364 keV photons arriving at the ROI per disintegration G, is calculated with the MCNPX code, simulating the entire GC and the HE collimator. Intrinsic efficiency η 0 is estimated from a calibration measurement of a plane reference source of 131 I in air. Values of G and S for two GC systems-Philips Skylight and Siemens e-cam-are calculated. The total range of possible sensitivity values in thyroidal imaging in the e-cam and skylight GC measure from 7 cps MBq -1 to 35 cps MBq -1 , and from 6 cps MBq -1 to 29 cps MBq -1 , respectively. These sensitivity values have been verified with the SIMIND code, with good agreement between them. The results have been validated with experimental measurements in air, and in a medium with scatter and attenuation. The counts in the ROI can be produced by direct, scatter and penetration photons. The fluence value for direct photons is constant for any r and d values, but scatter and penetration photons show different values related to specific r and d values, resulting in the large sensitivity differences found. The sensitivity in thyroidal GC planar imaging is strongly dependent on uptake size, and distance from the GC. An individual value for the acquisition sensitivity of each lesion can significantly alleviate the level of uncertainty in the measurement of thyroid uptake activity for each patient.

Improving computer security by health smart card.

PubMed

Nisand, Gabriel; Allaert, François-André; Brézillon, Régine; Isphording, Wilhem; Roeslin, Norbert

2003-01-01

The University hospitals of Strasbourg have worked for several years on the computer security of the medical data and have of this fact be the first to use the Health Care Professional Smart Card (CPS). This new tool must provide security to the information processing systems and especially to the medical data exchanges between the partners who collaborate to the care of the Beyond the purely data-processing aspects of the functions of safety offered by the CPS, safety depends above all on the practices on the users, their knowledge concerning the legislation, the risks and the stakes, of their adhesion to the procedures and protections installations. The aim of this study is to evaluate this level of knowledge, the practices and the feelings of the users concerning the computer security of the medical data, to check the relevance of the step taken, and if required, to try to improve it. The survey by questionnaires involved 648 users. The practices of users in terms of data security are clearly improved by the implementation of the security server and the use of the CPS system, but security breaches due to bad practices are not however completely eliminated. That confirms that is illusory to believe that data security is first and foremost a technical issue. Technical measures are of course indispensable, but the greatest efforts are required after their implementation and consist in making the key players [2], i.e. users, aware and responsible. However, it must be stressed that the user-friendliness of the security interface has a major effect on the results observed. For instance, it is highly probable that the bad practices continued or introduced upon the implementation of the security server and CPS scheme are due to the complicated nature or functional defects of the proposed solution, which must therefore be improved. Besides, this is only the pilot phase and card holders can be expected to become more responsible as time goes by, along with the gradual national implementation of the CPS project and the introduction of new functions using electronic signatures and encryption.

Concurrent partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa: race and sex differences in prevalence and duration of overlap

PubMed Central

Beauclair, Roxanne; Hens, Niel; Delva, Wim

2015-01-01

Introduction Concurrent partnerships (CPs) have been suggested as a risk factor for transmitting HIV, but their impact on the epidemic depends upon how prevalent they are in populations, the average number of CPs an individual has and the length of time they overlap. However, estimates of prevalence of CPs in Southern Africa vary widely, and the duration of overlap in these relationships is poorly documented. We aim to characterize concurrency in a more accurate and complete manner, using data from three disadvantaged communities of Cape Town, South Africa. Methods We conducted a sexual behaviour survey (n=878) from June 2011 to February 2012 in Cape Town, using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing to collect sexual relationship histories on partners in the past year. Using the beginning and end dates for the partnerships, we calculated the point prevalence, the cumulative prevalence and the incidence rate of CPs, as well as the duration of overlap for relationships begun in the previous year. Linear and binomial regression models were used to quantify race (black vs. coloured) and sex differences in the duration of overlap and relative risk of having CPs in the past year. Results The overall point prevalence of CPs six months before the survey was 8.4%: 13.4% for black men, 1.9% for coloured men, 7.8% black women and 5.6% for coloured women. The median duration of overlap in CPs was 7.5 weeks. Women had less risk of CPs in the previous year than men (RR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.32–0.57) and black participants were more at risk than coloured participants (RR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.17–2.97). Conclusions Our results indicate that in this population the prevalence of CPs is relatively high and is characterized by overlaps of long duration, implying there may be opportunities for HIV to be transmitted to concurrent partners. PMID:25697328

Binding of purified and radioiodinated capsular polysaccharides from Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A strains to capsule-free mutants.

PubMed Central

Small, J M; Mitchell, T G

1986-01-01

Strains 6, 15, 98, 110, and 145 of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A vary in capsule size, animal virulence, and susceptibility to in vitro phagocytosis. The isolated capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) differ in monosaccharide composition ratios and molecular size, as determined by gel filtration. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the binding of CPSs to capsule-free mutants of C. neoformans and to examine CPSs from these strains for differences in their ability to bind, to determine whether such differences might explain the variation in the pathobiology of these strains. CPSs were partially periodate oxidized, tyraminated, iodinated with 125I, and used in binding studies with two capsule-free mutants of C. neoformans, strain 602 and Cap59. Binding was specific for yeast species and for polysaccharide and was saturable, which is consistent with a receptor-mediated mechanism of attachment. Binding occurred rapidly and was only slowly reversible. Binding was also independent of pH from pH 5.5 to 8, of cation concentrations, and of competition by sugars up to 1.0 M concentrations. Only a portion of CPS was capable of binding, and strains varied in the extent to which their CPS bound. CPS-15-IV (peak IV was the major polysaccharide peak on DEAE-cellulose chromatography of CPS from strain 15) had the highest proportion of binding (40%), followed by CPS from strains 98, 6, 145, 110, and 15-III (peak III was an earlier eluting fraction of CPS from strain 15). The CPSs differed similarly in their ability to competitively inhibit binding. Treatment of CPS, but not yeast cells, with proteinase XIV abolished binding without altering the CPS gross structure. Treatment of yeast cells with proteases, heat, or formaldehyde did not alter binding, and both strain 602 and Cap59 bound CPS similarly. Binding to encapsulated yeast cells was minimal. PMID:3536747

Binding of purified and radioiodinated capsular polysaccharides from Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A strains to capsule-free mutants

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

Small, J.M.; Mitchell, T.G.

Strains 6, 15, 98, 110, and 145 of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A vary in capsule size, animal virulence, and susceptibility to in vitro phagocytosis. The isolated capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) differ in monosaccharide composition ratios and molecular size, as determined by gel filtration. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the binding of CPSs to capsule-free mutants of C. neoformans and to examine CPSs from these strains for differences in their ability to bind, to determine whether such differences might explain the variation in the pathobiology of these strains. CPSs were partially periodate oxidized, tyraminated, iodinated with /sup 125/I, andmore » used in binding studies with two capsule-free mutants of C. neoformans, strain 602 and Cap59. Binding was specific for yeast species and for polysaccharide and was saturable, which is consistent with a receptor-mediated mechanism of attachment. Binding occurred rapidly and was only slowly reversible. Binding was also independent of pH from pH 5.5 to 8, of cation concentrations, and of competition by sugars up to 1.0 M concentrations. Only a portion of CPS was capable of binding, and strains varied in the extent to which their CPS bound. CPS-15-IV (peak IV was the major polysaccharide peak on DEAE-cellulose chromatography of CPS from strain 15) had the highest proportion of binding (40%), followed by CPS from strains 98, 6, 145, 110, and 15-III (peak III was an earlier eluting fraction of CPS from strain 15). The CPSs differed similarly in their ability to competitively inhibit binding. Treatment of CPS, but not yeast cells, with proteinase XIV abolished binding without altering the CPS gross structure. Treatment of yeast cells with proteases, heat, or formaldehyde did not alter binding, and both strain 602 and Cap59 bound CPS similarly. Binding to encapsulated yeast cells was minimal.« less

Smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0: Conceptual framework, scenarios, and future perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Pai; wang, Honghui; Sang, Zhiqian; Zhong, Ray Y.; Liu, Yongkui; Liu, Chao; Mubarok, Khamdi; Yu, Shiqiang; Xu, Xun

2018-06-01

Information and communication technology is undergoing rapid development, and many disruptive technologies, such as cloud computing, Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, have emerged. These technologies are permeating the manufacturing industry and enable the fusion of physical and virtual worlds through cyber-physical systems (CPS), which mark the advent of the fourth stage of industrial production (i.e., Industry 4.0). The widespread application of CPS in manufacturing environments renders manufacturing systems increasingly smart. To advance research on the implementation of Industry 4.0, this study examines smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0. First, a conceptual framework of smart manufacturing systems for Industry 4.0 is presented. Second, demonstrative scenarios that pertain to smart design, smart machining, smart control, smart monitoring, and smart scheduling, are presented. Key technologies and their possible applications to Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing systems are reviewed based on these demonstrative scenarios. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are identified and discussed.

Non-encapsidation Activities of the Capsid Proteins of Positive-strand RNA Viruses

PubMed Central

Ni, Peng; Kao, C. Cheng

2013-01-01

Viral capsid proteins (CPs) are characterized by their role in forming protective shells around viral genomes. However, CPs have additional and important roles in the virus infection cycles and in the cellular response to infection. These activities involve CP binding to RNAs in both sequence-specific and nonspecific manners as well as association with other proteins. This review focuses on CPs of both plant and animal-infecting viruses with positive-strand RNA genomes. We summarize the structural features of CPs and describe their modulatory roles in viral translation, RNA-dependent RNA synthesis, and host defense responses. PMID:24074574

Economic evaluations of clinical pharmacy services: 2006-2010.

PubMed

Touchette, Daniel R; Doloresco, Fred; Suda, Katie J; Perez, Alexandra; Turner, Stuart; Jalundhwala, Yash; Tangonan, Maria C; Hoffman, James M

2014-08-01

Studies have consistently evidenced the positive clinical, economic, and humanistic benefits of pharmacist-directed patient care in a variety of settings. Given the vast differences in clinical outcomes associated with evaluated clinical pharmacy services (CPS), more detail as to the nature of the CPS is needed to better understand observed differences in economic outcomes. With the growing trend of outpatient pharmacy services, these economic evaluations serve as viable decision-making tools in choosing the most effective and cost-effective pharmacy programs. We previously conducted three systematic reviews to evaluate the economic impact of CPS from 1988 to 2005. In this systematic review, our objectives were to describe and evaluate the quality of economic evaluations of CPS published between 2006 and 2010, with the goal of informing administrators and practitioners as to their cost-effectiveness. We searched the scientific literature by using the Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Embase, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases to identify studies describing CPS published from 2006 to 2010. Studies meeting our inclusion criteria (original research articles that evaluated CPS and described economic and clinical outcomes) were reviewed by two investigators. Methodology used, economic evaluation type, CPS setting and type, and clinical and economic outcome results were extracted. Results were informally compared with previous systematic reviews. Of 3587 potential studies identified, 25 met inclusion criteria. Common CPS settings were hospital (36%), community (32%), and clinic or hospital-based ambulatory practices (28%). CPS types were disease state management (48%), general pharmacotherapeutic monitoring (24%), target drug programs (8%), and patient education (4%). Two studies (8%) listed CPS as medication therapy management. Costs were evaluated in 24 studies (96%) and sufficiently described in 13 (52%). Clinical or humanistic outcomes were evaluated in 20 studies (80%) and were sufficiently described in 18 (72%). Control groups were included in 16 (70%) of 23 studies not involving modeling. Study assumptions and limitations were stated and justified in eight studies (32%). Conclusions and recommendations were considered justified and based on results in 24 studies (96%). Eighteen studies (72%) involved full economic evaluation. The mean ± SD study quality score for full economic evaluations (18 studies) was 60.4 ± 22.3 of a possible 100 points. Benefit-cost ratios from three studies ranged from 1.05:1 to 25.95:1, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of five studies were calculated and reported. Fewer studies documented the economic impact of CPS from 2006-2010 than from 2001-2005, although a higher proportion involved controlled designs and were full economic evaluations. Evaluations of ambulatory practices were increasingly common. CPS were generally considered cost-effective or provided a good benefit-cost ratio. © 2014 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Unifying neural-network quantum states and correlator product states via tensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Stephen R.

2018-04-01

Correlator product states (CPS) are a powerful and very broad class of states for quantum lattice systems whose (unnormalised) amplitudes in a fixed basis can be sampled exactly and efficiently. They work by gluing together states of overlapping clusters of sites on the lattice, called correlators. Recently Carleo and Troyer (2017 Science 355 602) introduced a new type sampleable ansatz called neural-network quantum states (NQS) that are inspired by the restricted Boltzmann model used in machine learning. By employing the formalism of tensor networks we show that NQS are a special form of CPS with novel properties. Diagramatically a number of simple observations become transparent. Namely, that NQS are CPS built from extensively sized GHZ-form correlators making them uniquely unbiased geometrically. The appearance of GHZ correlators also relates NQS to canonical polyadic decompositions of tensors. Another immediate implication of the NQS equivalence to CPS is that we are able to formulate exact NQS representations for a wide range of paradigmatic states, including superpositions of weighed-graph states, the Laughlin state, toric code states, and the resonating valence bond state. These examples reveal the potential of using higher dimensional hidden units and a second hidden layer in NQS. The major outlook of this study is the elevation of NQS to correlator operators allowing them to enhance conventional well-established variational Monte Carlo approaches for strongly correlated fermions.

Virulence factors genes of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from caprine subclinical mastitis.

PubMed

Salaberry, Sandra Renata Sampaio; Saidenberg, André Becker Simões; Zuniga, Eveline; Melville, Priscilla Anne; Santos, Franklin Gerônimo Bispo; Guimarães, Ednaldo Carvalho; Gregori, Fábio; Benites, Nilson Roberti

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to investigate genes involved in adhesion expression, biofilm formation, and enterotoxin production in isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from goats with subclinical mastitis and associate these results with the staphylococcal species. One hundred and twenty-four isolates were identified and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the following genes: cna, ebpS, eno, fib, fnbA, fnbB, bap, sea, seb, sec, sed and see. The most commonly Staphylococcus species included S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, S. chromogenes, S. capitis ss capitis and S. intermedius. With the exception of fnbB, the genes were detected in different frequencies of occurrence in 86.3% of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates. Eno (73.2%) and bap (94.8%) were more frequently detected in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS); ebpS (76%), fib (90.9%) and fnbA (87%) were the most frequent genes in coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS). Regarding enterotoxins, genes sed (28.2%) and see (24.2%) had a higher frequency of occurrence; sec gene was more frequently detected in CPS (58.8%). There was no association between the presence of the genes and the Staphylococcus species. Different virulence factors genes can be detected in caprine subclinical mastitis caused by CNS and CPS. The knowledge of the occurrence of these virulence factors is important for the development of effective control and prevention measures of subclinical mastitis caused by CNS and CPS in goats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation and evaluation of Parkinson disease management in an outpatient clinical pharmacist-run neurology telephone clinic.

PubMed

Stefan, Teodora Cristina; Elharar, Nicole; Garcia, Guadalupe

2018-05-01

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive, debilitating neurodegenerative disease that often requires complex pharmacologic treatment regimens. Prior to this clinic, there was no involvement of a clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) in the outpatient neurology clinic at the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This was a prospective, quality-improvement project to develop a clinical pharmacist-run neurology telephone clinic and evaluate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions in an effort to improve the quality of care for patients with PD. Additionally, the CPS conducted medication education groups to 24 patients with PD and their caregivers, if applicable, at this medical center with the purpose of promoting patient knowledge and medication awareness. Medication management was performed via telephone rather than face to face. Only patients with a concomitant mental health diagnosis for which they were receiving at least one psychotropic medication were included for individual visits due to the established scope of practice of the CPS being limited to mental health and primary care medications. Data collection included patient and clinic demographics as well as pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions made for patients enrolled from January 6, 2017, through March 31, 2017. A total of 49 pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions were made for 10 patients. We successfully implemented and evaluated a clinical pharmacist-run neurology telephone clinic for patients with PD. Expansion of this clinic to patients with various neurological disorders may improve access to care using an innovative method of medication management expertise by a CPS.

A Decentralized Compositional Framework for Dependable Decision Process in Self-Managed Cyber Physical Systems

PubMed Central

Hou, Kun-Mean; Zhang, Zhan

2017-01-01

Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) need to interact with the changeable environment under various interferences. To provide continuous and high quality services, a self-managed CPS should automatically reconstruct itself to adapt to these changes and recover from failures. Such dynamic adaptation behavior introduces systemic challenges for CPS design, advice evaluation and decision process arrangement. In this paper, a formal compositional framework is proposed to systematically improve the dependability of the decision process. To guarantee the consistent observation of event orders for causal reasoning, this work first proposes a relative time-based method to improve the composability and compositionality of the timing property of events. Based on the relative time solution, a formal reference framework is introduced for self-managed CPSs, which includes a compositional FSM-based actor model (subsystems of CPS), actor-based advice and runtime decomposable decisions. To simplify self-management, a self-similar recursive actor interface is proposed for decision (actor) composition. We provide constraints and seven patterns for the composition of reliability and process time requirements. Further, two decentralized decision process strategies are proposed based on our framework, and we compare the reliability with the static strategy and the centralized processing strategy. The simulation results show that the one-order feedback strategy has high reliability, scalability and stability against the complexity of decision and random failure. This paper also shows a way to simplify the evaluation for dynamic system by improving the composability and compositionality of the subsystem. PMID:29120357

A Decentralized Compositional Framework for Dependable Decision Process in Self-Managed Cyber Physical Systems.

PubMed

Zhou, Peng; Zuo, Decheng; Hou, Kun-Mean; Zhang, Zhan

2017-11-09

Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) need to interact with the changeable environment under various interferences. To provide continuous and high quality services, a self-managed CPS should automatically reconstruct itself to adapt to these changes and recover from failures. Such dynamic adaptation behavior introduces systemic challenges for CPS design, advice evaluation and decision process arrangement. In this paper, a formal compositional framework is proposed to systematically improve the dependability of the decision process. To guarantee the consistent observation of event orders for causal reasoning, this work first proposes a relative time-based method to improve the composability and compositionality of the timing property of events. Based on the relative time solution, a formal reference framework is introduced for self-managed CPSs, which includes a compositional FSM-based actor model (subsystems of CPS), actor-based advice and runtime decomposable decisions. To simplify self-management, a self-similar recursive actor interface is proposed for decision (actor) composition. We provide constraints and seven patterns for the composition of reliability and process time requirements. Further, two decentralized decision process strategies are proposed based on our framework, and we compare the reliability with the static strategy and the centralized processing strategy. The simulation results show that the one-order feedback strategy has high reliability, scalability and stability against the complexity of decision and random failure. This paper also shows a way to simplify the evaluation for dynamic system by improving the composability and compositionality of the subsystem.

A cyber-physical management system for delivering and monitoring surgical instruments in the OR.

PubMed

Li, Yu-Ting; Jacob, Mithun; Akingba, George; Wachs, Juan P

2013-08-01

The standard practice in the operating room (OR) is having a surgical technician deliver surgical instruments to the surgeon quickly and inexpensively, as required. This human "in the loop" system may result in mistakes (eg, missing information, ambiguity of instructions, and delays). Errors can be reduced or eliminated by integrating information technology (IT) and cybernetics into the OR. Gesture and voice automatic acquisition, processing, and interpretation allow interaction with these new systems without disturbing the normal flow of surgery. This article describes the development of a cyber-physical management system (CPS), including a robotic scrub nurse, to support surgeons by passing surgical instruments during surgery as required and recording counts of surgical instruments into a personal health record (PHR). The robot used responds to hand signals and voice messages detected through sophisticated computer vision and data mining techniques. The CPS was tested during a mock surgery in the OR. The in situ experiment showed that the robot recognized hand gestures reliably (with an accuracy of 97%), it can retrieve instruments as close as 25 mm, and the total delivery time was less than 3 s on average. This online health tool allows the exchange of clinical and surgical information to electronic medical record-based and PHR-based applications among different hospitals, regardless of the style viewer. The CPS has the potential to be adopted in the OR to handle surgical instruments and track them in a safe and accurate manner, releasing the human scrub tech from these tasks.

Consumer providers' experiences of recovery and concerns as members of a psychiatric multidisciplinary outreach team: A qualitative descriptive study from the Japan Outreach Model Project 2011-2014.

PubMed

Kido, Yoshifumi; Kayama, Mami

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to clarify consumer providers (CPs) subjective experiences as members of a psychiatric multidisciplinary outreach team that provided services to individuals with a mental illness living in the community. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Participants were clients hired as CPs in the Japanese Outreach Model Project from September 2011 until March 2014. Of the seventeen CPs, nine participated in this study. We looked at the CPs' subjective experiences of fulfillment and difficulty. In the process of providing services, CPs experienced both achievements and concerns. They had a sense of achievement by caring for their clients and they experienced that they themselves were recovering. They were also concerned about having inadequate knowledge and skills to provide psychiatric services to their clients. Further, there were concerns about their dual role on the multidisciplinary team and being support staff while they were still using mental health services themselves. The results show that the activities of CPs included fulfillment, recovery, and dilemmas. Clarifications will likely contribute to an increase in understanding and cooperation between CPs and other professionals with whom they work. Further studies are needed to investigate policies related to mental health consumers who are also providers of mental health services.

Screening of Chlorinated Paraffins and Unsaturated Analogues in Commercial Mixtures: Confirmation of Their Occurrences in the Atmosphere.

PubMed

Li, Tong; Gao, Shixiong; Ben, Yujie; Zhang, Hong; Kang, Qiyue; Wan, Yi

2018-02-20

Characterizing the detailed compositions of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) commercial mixtures is crucial to understand their environmental sources, fates, and potential risks. In this study, dichloromethane (DCM)-enhanced UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS analysis combined with characteristic isotope chlorine peaks is applied to screen all CPs and their structural analogues in the three most commonly produced CP commercial mixtures (CP-42, CP-52, and CP-70). Mass fractions of total short-chain CPs (SCCPs), medium-chain CPs (MCCPs) and long-chain CPs (LCCPs) ranged from 0.64 to 31.9%, 0.64 to 21.8%, and 0.04 to 43.9%, respectively, in the three commercial mixtures. 113 unsaturated SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs were identified in the commercial mixtures. The detailed mass percentages of saturated and unsaturated CPs with carbon numbers of 10-30, chlorine numbers of 5-28, and unsaturated degrees of 0-7 were characterized in all commercial mixtures. Occurrences of the predominant saturated and unsaturated CPs were further confirmed in air samples collected in Guangdong Province, one of the major CP production areas in China, over one year. The profiles of the detected compounds indicated that LCCPs in air samples might come mainly from the production and usage of CP-52, and unsaturated C 24-29 -LCCPs were specifically originated from CP-70 used in the area.

Aligator: A computational tool for optimizing total chemical synthesis of large proteins.

PubMed

Jacobsen, Michael T; Erickson, Patrick W; Kay, Michael S

2017-09-15

The scope of chemical protein synthesis (CPS) continues to expand, driven primarily by advances in chemical ligation tools (e.g., reversible solubilizing groups and novel ligation chemistries). However, the design of an optimal synthesis route can be an arduous and fickle task due to the large number of theoretically possible, and in many cases problematic, synthetic strategies. In this perspective, we highlight recent CPS tool advances and then introduce a new and easy-to-use program, Aligator (Automated Ligator), for analyzing and designing the most efficient strategies for constructing large targets using CPS. As a model set, we selected the E. coli ribosomal proteins and associated factors for computational analysis. Aligator systematically scores and ranks all feasible synthetic strategies for a particular CPS target. The Aligator script methodically evaluates potential peptide segments for a target using a scoring function that includes solubility, ligation site quality, segment lengths, and number of ligations to provide a ranked list of potential synthetic strategies. We demonstrate the utility of Aligator by analyzing three recent CPS projects from our lab: TNFα (157 aa), GroES (97 aa), and DapA (312 aa). As the limits of CPS are extended, we expect that computational tools will play an increasingly important role in the efficient execution of ambitious CPS projects such as production of a mirror-image ribosome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heart rate changes in partial seizures: analysis of influencing factors among refractory patients

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background We analyzed the frequency of heart rate (HR) changes related to seizures, and we sought to identify the influencing factors of these changes during partial seizures, to summarize the regularity of the HR changes and gain some insight into the mechanisms involved in the neuronal regulation of cardiovascular function. To date, detailed information on influencing factors of HR changes related to seizures by multiple linear regression analysis remains scarce. Methods Using video-electroencephalograph (EEG)-electrocardiograph (ECG) recordings, we retrospectively assessed the changes in the HR of 81 patients during a total of 181 seizures, including 27 simple partial seizures (SPS), 110 complex partial seizures (CPS) and 44 complex partial seizures secondarily generalized (CPS-G). The epileptogenic focus and the seizure type, age, gender, and sleep/wakefulness state of each patient were evaluated during and after the seizure onset. The HR changes were evaluated in the stage of epilepsy as time varies. Results Of the 181 seizures from 81 patients with ictal ECGs, 152 seizures (83.98%) from 74 patients were accompanied by ictal tachycardia (IT). And only 1 patient was accompanied by ictal bradycardia (IB). A patient has both IT and IB. We observed that HR difference was independently correlated with side, type and sleep/wakefulness state. In this analysis, the HR changes were related to the side, gender, seizure type, and sleep/wakefulness state. Right focus, male, sleep, and CPS-G showed more significant increases than that were observed in left, female, wakefulness, SPS and CPS. HR increases rapidly within 10 seconds before seizure onset and ictus, and typically slows to normal with seizure offset. Conclusion CPS-G, sleep and right focus led to higher ictal HR. The HR in the stage of epilepsy has regularly been observed to change to become time-varying. The risk factors of ictal HR need to be controlled along with sleep, CPS-G and right focus. Our study first explains that the HR in seizures has a regular evolution varying with time. Our study might help to further clarify the basic mechanisms of interactions between heart and brain, making seizure detection and closed-loop systems a possible therapeutic alternative in refractory patients. PMID:24950859

Studies of a Next-Generation Silicon-Photomultiplier-Based Time-of-Flight PET/CT System.

PubMed

Hsu, David F C; Ilan, Ezgi; Peterson, William T; Uribe, Jorge; Lubberink, Mark; Levin, Craig S

2017-09-01

This article presents system performance studies for the Discovery MI PET/CT system, a new time-of-flight system based on silicon photomultipliers. System performance and clinical imaging were compared between this next-generation system and other commercially available PET/CT and PET/MR systems, as well as between different reconstruction algorithms. Methods: Spatial resolution, sensitivity, noise-equivalent counting rate, scatter fraction, counting rate accuracy, and image quality were characterized with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU-2 2012 standards. Energy resolution and coincidence time resolution were measured. Tests were conducted independently on two Discovery MI scanners installed at Stanford University and Uppsala University, and the results were averaged. Back-to-back patient scans were also performed between the Discovery MI, Discovery 690 PET/CT, and SIGNA PET/MR systems. Clinical images were reconstructed using both ordered-subset expectation maximization and Q.Clear (block-sequential regularized expectation maximization with point-spread function modeling) and were examined qualitatively. Results: The averaged full widths at half maximum (FWHMs) of the radial/tangential/axial spatial resolution reconstructed with filtered backprojection at 1, 10, and 20 cm from the system center were, respectively, 4.10/4.19/4.48 mm, 5.47/4.49/6.01 mm, and 7.53/4.90/6.10 mm. The averaged sensitivity was 13.7 cps/kBq at the center of the field of view. The averaged peak noise-equivalent counting rate was 193.4 kcps at 21.9 kBq/mL, with a scatter fraction of 40.6%. The averaged contrast recovery coefficients for the image-quality phantom were 53.7, 64.0, 73.1, 82.7, 86.8, and 90.7 for the 10-, 13-, 17-, 22-, 28-, and 37-mm-diameter spheres, respectively. The average photopeak energy resolution was 9.40% FWHM, and the average coincidence time resolution was 375.4 ps FWHM. Clinical image comparisons between the PET/CT systems demonstrated the high quality of the Discovery MI. Comparisons between the Discovery MI and SIGNA showed a similar spatial resolution and overall imaging performance. Lastly, the results indicated significantly enhanced image quality and contrast-to-noise performance for Q.Clear, compared with ordered-subset expectation maximization. Conclusion: Excellent performance was achieved with the Discovery MI, including 375 ps FWHM coincidence time resolution and sensitivity of 14 cps/kBq. Comparisons between reconstruction algorithms and other multimodal silicon photomultiplier and non-silicon photomultiplier PET detector system designs indicated that performance can be substantially enhanced with this next-generation system. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Teacher Hiring, Transfer and Assignment in Chicago Public Schools. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Teacher Project, 2007

2007-01-01

In the winter of 2006-2007, The New Teacher Project (TNTP) engaged in an extensive review of teacher staffing policies and practices in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). TNTP investigated the impact of CPS staffing rules through several avenues: (1) Review of CPS Teachers contract; (2) Analysis of Human Resources transaction data; (3) Surveys of…

Complex Problem Solving in Educational Contexts--Something beyond "g": Concept, Assessment, Measurement Invariance, and Construct Validity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greiff, Samuel; Wustenberg, Sascha; Molnar, Gyongyver; Fischer, Andreas; Funke, Joachim; Csapo, Beno

2013-01-01

Innovative assessments of cross-curricular competencies such as complex problem solving (CPS) have currently received considerable attention in large-scale educational studies. This study investigated the nature of CPS by applying a state-of-the-art approach to assess CPS in high school. We analyzed whether two processes derived from cognitive…

Agent-Based Modeling of Collaborative Problem Solving. Research Report. ETS RR-16-27

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergner, Yoav; Andrews, Jessica J.; Zhu, Mengxiao; Gonzales, Joseph E.

2016-01-01

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is a critical competency in a variety of contexts, including the workplace, school, and home. However, only recently have assessment and curriculum reformers begun to focus to a greater extent on the acquisition and development of CPS skill. One of the major challenges in psychometric modeling of CPS is…

National CPS Certification | A Program of Safe Kids Worldwide

Science.gov Websites

the Tech! ABOUT THE PROGRAM National CPS Certification Training is a program of Safe Kids Worldwide ; E-Vouchers FAQS/HELP FAQs Fees Forms Policies & Procedures Who We Are NHTSA Safe Kids CPS-board State Farm Follow us on Facebook Copyright © 2017 by Safe Kids Worldwide - Child Passenger Safety

Analytical tools for the analysis of β-carotene and its degradation products

PubMed Central

Stutz, H.; Bresgen, N.; Eckl, P. M.

2015-01-01

Abstract β-Carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, possesses pronounced radical scavenging properties. This has centered the attention on β-carotene dietary supplementation in healthcare as well as in the therapy of degenerative disorders and several cancer types. However, two intervention trials with β-carotene have revealed adverse effects on two proband groups, that is, cigarette smokers and asbestos-exposed workers. Beside other causative reasons, the detrimental effects observed have been related to the oxidation products of β-carotene. Their generation originates in the polyene structure of β-carotene that is beneficial for radical scavenging, but is also prone to oxidation. Depending on the dominant degradation mechanism, bond cleavage might occur either randomly or at defined positions of the conjugated electron system, resulting in a diversity of cleavage products (CPs). Due to their instability and hydrophobicity, the handling of standards and real samples containing β-carotene and related CPs requires preventive measures during specimen preparation, analyte extraction, and final analysis, to avoid artificial degradation and to preserve the initial analyte portfolio. This review critically discusses different preparation strategies of standards and treatment solutions, and also addresses their protection from oxidation. Additionally, in vitro oxidation strategies for the generation of oxidative model compounds are surveyed. Extraction methods are discussed for volatile and non-volatile CPs individually. Gas chromatography (GC), (ultra)high performance liquid chromatography (U)HPLC, and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are reviewed as analytical tools for final analyte analysis. For identity confirmation of analytes, mass spectrometry (MS) is indispensable, and the appropriate ionization principles are comprehensively discussed. The final sections cover analysis of real samples and aspects of quality assurance, namely matrix effects and method validation. PMID:25867077

Role of superconducting energy gap in extended BCS-Bose crossover theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chávez, I.; García, L. A.; de Llano, M.; Grether, M.

2017-10-01

The generalized Bose-Einstein condensation (GBEC) theory of superconductivity (SC) is briefly surveyed. It hinges on three distinct new ingredients: (i) Treatment of Cooper pairs (CPs) as actual bosons since they obey Bose statistics, in contrast to BCS pairs which do not obey Bose commutation relations; (ii) inclusion of two-hole Cooper pairs (2hCPs) on an equal footing with two-electron Cooper pairs (2eCPs), thus making this a complete boson-fermion (BF) model; and (iii) inclusion in the resulting ternary ideal BF gas with particular BF vertex interactions that drive boson formation/disintegration processes. GBEC subsumes as special cases both BCS (having its 50-50 symmetry of both kinds of CPs) and ordinary BEC theories (having no 2hCPs), as well as the now familiar BCS-Bose crossover theory. We extended the crossover theory with the explicit inclusion of 2hCPs and construct a phase diagram of Tc/TF versus n/nf, where Tc and TF are the critical and Fermi temperatures, n is the total number density and nf that of unbound electrons at T = 0. Also, with this extended crossover one can construct the energy gap Δ(T)/Δ(0) versus T/Tc for some elemental SCs by solving at least two equations numerically: a gap-like and a number equation. In 50-50 symmetry, the energy gap curve agrees quite well with experimental data. But ignoring 2hCPs altogether leads to the gap curve falling substantially below that with 50-50 symmetry which already fits the data quite well, showing that 2hCPs are indispensable to describe SCs.

A cross-sectional evaluation of community pharmacists' perceptions of intermediate care and medicines management across the healthcare interface.

PubMed

Millar, Anna; Hughes, Carmel; Devlin, Maria; Ryan, Cristín

2016-12-01

Background Despite the importance placed on the concept of the multidisciplinary team in relation to intermediate care (IC), little is known about community pharmacists' (CPs) involvement. Objective To determine CPs' awareness of and involvement with IC services, perceptions of the transfer of patients' medication information between healthcare settings and views of the development of a CP-IC service. Setting Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland. Methods A postal questionnaire, informed by previous qualitative work was developed and piloted. Main outcome measure CPs' awareness of and involvement with IC. Results The response rate was 35.3 % (190/539). Under half (47.4 %) of CPs 'agreed/strongly agreed' that they understood the term 'intermediate care'. Three quarters of respondents were either not involved or unsure if they were involved with providing services to IC. A small minority (1.2 %) of CPs reported that they received communication regarding medication changes made in hospital or IC settings 'all of the time'. Only 9.5 and 0.5 % of respondents 'strongly agreed' that communication from hospital and IC, respectively, was sufficiently detailed. In total, 155 (81.6 %) CPs indicated that they would like to have greater involvement with IC services. 'Current workload' was ranked as the most important barrier to service development. Conclusion It was revealed that CPs had little awareness of, or involvement with, IC. Communication of information relating to patients' medicines between settings was perceived as insufficient, especially between IC and community pharmacy settings. CPs demonstrated willingness to be involved with IC and services aimed at bridging the communication gap between healthcare settings.

Antibody Response Specific to the Capsular Polysaccharide Is Impaired in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2-Infected Animals

PubMed Central

Calzas, Cynthia; Lemire, Paul; Auray, Gael; Gerdts, Volker; Gottschalk, Marcelo

2014-01-01

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an extracellular encapsulated bacterium that causes severe septicemia and meningitis in swine and humans. Albeit crucial in the fight against encapsulated bacteria, the nature of the capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-specific antibody (Ab) response during S. suis type 2 infection is unknown. We compared for the first time the features of CPS-specific versus protein-specific Ab responses during experimental infections with live virulent S. suis type 2 in mice. The primary protein-specific Ab response was dominated by both type 1 and 2 IgG subclasses, whereas IgM titers were more modest. The secondary protein-specific Ab response showed all of the features of a memory response with faster kinetics and boosted the titers of all Ig isotypes. In contrast, the primary CPS-specific Ab response was either inexistent or had titers only slightly higher than those in noninfected animals and was essentially composed of IgM. A poor CPS-specific memory response was observed, with only a moderate boost in IgM titers and no IgG. Both protein- and CPS-specific Ab responses were Toll-like receptor 2 independent. By using S. suis type 2 strains of European or North American origin, the poor CPS-specific Ab response was demonstrated to be independent of the genotypic/phenotypic diversity of the strain within serotype 2. Finally, the CPS-specific Ab response was also impaired and lacked isotype switching in S. suis-infected pigs, the natural host of the bacterium. The better resistance of preinfected animals to reinfection with the same strain of S. suis type 2 might thus more likely be related to the development of a protein rather than CPS Ab response. PMID:25385801

A comparison of alternative methods for measuring cigarette prices.

PubMed

Chaloupka, Frank J; Tauras, John A; Strasser, Julia H; Willis, Gordon; Gibson, James T; Hartman, Anne M

2015-05-01

Government agencies, public health organisations and tobacco control researchers rely on accurate estimates of cigarette prices for a variety of purposes. Since the 1950s, the Tax Burden on Tobacco (TBOT) has served as the most widely used source of this price data despite its limitations. This paper compares the prices and collection methods of the TBOT retail-based data and the 2003 and 2006/2007 waves of the population-based Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). From the TUS-CPS, we constructed multiple state-level measures of cigarette prices, including weighted average prices per pack (based on average prices for single-pack purchases and average prices for carton purchases) and compared these with the weighted average price data reported in the TBOT. We also constructed several measures of tax avoidance from the TUS-CPS self-reported data. For the 2003 wave, the average TUS-CPS price was 71 cents per pack less than the average TBOT price; for the 2006/2007 wave, the difference was 47 cents. TUS-CPS and TBOT prices were also significantly different at the state level. However, these differences varied widely by state due to tax avoidance opportunities, such as cross-border purchasing. The TUS-CPS can be used to construct valid measures of cigarette prices. Unlike the TBOT, the TUS-CPS captures the effect of price-reducing marketing strategies, as well as tax avoidance practices and non-traditional types of purchasing. Thus, self-reported data like TUS-CPS appear to have advantages over TBOT in estimating the 'real' price that smokers face. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of clobetasol propionate shampoo (CPS) maintenance in patients with moderate scalp psoriasis: a Pan-European analysis.

PubMed

Papp, K; Poulin, Y; Barber, K; Lynde, C; Prinz, J C; Berg, M; Kerrouche, N; Rives, V P

2012-11-01

Scalp psoriasis is a difficult to treat and usually chronic manifestation of psoriasis. The CalePso study showed that CPS (Clobex(®) Shampoo) in maintenance therapy of scalp psoriasis (twice weekly) significantly increases the probability of keeping patient under remission during 6 months, compared with vehicle (40.3% relapses vs. 11.6% relapses, ITT). The objective of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a maintenance therapy with CPS vs. its vehicle in nine European countries. A 24-week decision tree model was developed with 4-weekly time steps. The considered population has moderate scalp psoriasis successfully treated with a daily application of CPS up to 4 weeks. Data were taken from the CalePso study and from national experts' recommendations for alternative treatment choices, with their probabilities of success taken from literature to develop country-specific models. Health benefits are measured in disease-free days (DFD). The economic analysis includes drug and physician costs. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PrSA) assesses the uncertainty of the model. Depending on the country, the mean total number of DFDs per patient is 21-42% higher with CPS compared with vehicle, and the mean total cost is 11-31% lower. The mean costs per DFD are 30-46% lower with CPS compared with the vehicle. The PrSA showed in 1000 simulations that CPS is more effective vs. vehicle in 100% of the cases and less expensive than its vehicle in 80-99% of the cases. This model suggests that CPS is cost-effective in maintaining the success achieved in moderate scalp psoriasis patients. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Perception of teratogenic and foetotoxic risk by health professionals: a survey in Midi-Pyrenees area.

PubMed

Damase-Michel, Christine; Pichereau, Juliette; Pathak, Atul; Lacroix, Isabelle; Montastruc, Jean Louis

2008-01-01

Counselling or prescribing drugs during pregnancy requires health professionals to assess risk/benefit ratio for women and their baby. A misperception of the risk may lead to inappropriate decisions for pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess teratogenic and/or foetotoxic risk perception of common medications by general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) from the Midi-Pyrenees area. 103 GPs and 104 CPs were interviewed. For 21 given drugs, a visual-analogue scale was used to evaluate the risk to give birth to a malformed infant if the mother had taken the drug during first trimester of pregnancy. For 9 drugs, health professionals had to say if they thought there was a potential foetotoxic and/or neonatal risk when drugs were administered during late pregnancy. 97% and 91% of GPs and CPs respectively thought that isotretinoin and thalidomide are teratogenic and more than 80% thought that amoxicillin and acetaminophen are safe in early pregnancy. However, 19% of the GPs and 33% of CPs answered there were no teratogenic risk for valproate. Around 11% of both GPs and CPs said that warfarin was safe during pregnancy. For 22% of GPs and for 13% and 27% of CPs respectively, ibuprofen and enalapril were safe on late pregnancy. For each drug, mean value of perceived teratogenic risk by health professionals was higher than values that can be found in scientific references. Concerning isotretinoin, thalidomide and metoclopramide, perceived teratogenic risk was higher for CPs. These data show that the potential teratogenic and foetotoxic risk of several commonly used drugs is unknown by health professionals. Conversely, GPs and CPs who think that a risk exists, overestimate it. This misperception can lead to inappropriate decisions for pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of acute exposure to chlorpyrifos on cholinergic and non-cholinergic targets in normal and high-fat fed male C57BL/6J mice.

PubMed

Kondakala, Sandeep; Lee, Jung Hwa; Ross, Matthew K; Howell, George E

2017-12-15

The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States with 36.5% of adults being classified as obese. Compared to normal individuals, obese individuals have noted pathophysiological alterations which may alter the toxicokinetics of xenobiotics and therefore alter their toxicities. However, the effects of obesity on the toxicity of many widely utilized pesticides has not been established. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine if the obese phenotype altered the toxicity of the most widely used organophosphate (OP) insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPS). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed normal or high-fat diet for 4weeks and administered a single dose of vehicle or CPS (2.0mg/kg; oral gavage) to assess cholinergic (acetylcholinesterase activities) and non-cholinergic (carboxylesterase and endocannabinoid hydrolysis) endpoints. Exposure to CPS significantly decreased red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, but not brain AChE activity, in both diet groups. Further, CPS exposure decreased hepatic carboxylesterase activity and hepatic hydrolysis of a major endocannabinoid, anandamide, in a diet-dependent manner with high-fat diet fed animals being more sensitive to CPS-mediated inhibition. These in vivo studies were corroborated by in vitro studies using rat primary hepatocytes, which demonstrated that fatty acid amide hydrolase and CES activities were more sensitive to CPS-mediated inhibition than 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolase activity. These data demonstrate hepatic CES and FAAH activities in high-fat diet fed mice were more potently inhibited than those in normal diet fed mice following CPS exposure, which suggests that the obese phenotype may exacerbate some of the non-cholinergic effects of CPS exposure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1 is a rapid turnover biomarker in mouse and human acute liver injury.

PubMed

Weerasinghe, Sujith V W; Jang, You-Jin; Fontana, Robert J; Omary, M Bishr

2014-08-01

Several serum markers are used to assess hepatocyte damage, but they have limitations related to etiology specificity and prognostication. Identification of novel hepatocyte-specific biomarkers could provide important prognostic information and better pathogenesis classification. We tested the hypothesis that hepatocyte-selective biomarkers are released after subjecting isolated mouse hepatocytes to Fas-ligand-mediated apoptosis. Proteomic analysis of hepatocyte culture medium identified the mitochondrial matrix protein carbamoyl phosphate synthetase-1 (CPS1) among the most readily detected proteins that are released by apoptotic hepatocytes. CPS1 was also detected in mouse serum upon acute challenge with Fas-ligand or acetaminophen and in hepatocytes upon hypoosmotic stress, independent of hepatocyte caspase activation. Furthermore, CPS1 was observed in sera of mice chronically fed the hepatotoxin 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Mouse CPS1 detectability was similar in serum and plasma, and its half-life was 126 ± 9 min. Immune staining showed that CPS1 localized to mouse hepatocytes but not ductal cells. Analysis of a few serum samples from patients with acute liver failure (ALF) due to acetaminophen, Wilson disease, or ischemia showed readily detectable CPS1 that was not observed in several patients with chronic viral hepatitis or in control donors. Notably, CPS1 rapidly decreased to undetectable levels in sera of patients with acetaminophen-related ALF who ultimately recovered, while alanine aminotransferase levels remained elevated. Therefore, CPS1 becomes readily detectable upon hepatocyte apoptotic and necrotic death in culture or in vivo. Its abundance and short serum half-life, compared with alanine aminotransferase, suggest that it may be a useful prognostic biomarker in human and mouse liver injury. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Periotest values of implants placed in sockets augmented with calcium phosphosilicate putty graft: a comparative analysis against implants placed in naturally healed sockets.

PubMed

Mahesh, Lanka; Narayan, Tv; Kostakis, Georgios; Shukla, Sagrika

2014-03-01

To measure implant stability using periotest values of implants placed in sockets augmented with calcium phospho-silicate putty (CPS Putty) as compared with implant stability in naturally healed sockets. Twenty two sockets were implanted with CPS Putty immediately after extraction. The sockets were re-entered after a healing period at 5 to 6 months (average 5.3 months) for implant placement. Periotest values were recorded during implant insertion to assess primary stability. These were compared with the Periotest values of 26 implants placed in 22 patients, with naturally healed sockets. Periotest values were significantly lower in the grafted group, indicating better implant stability in sites grafted with CPS putty. Implant stability seems to be significantly higher in sockets augmented using CPS putty when compared to nongrafted sites. This suggests that socket grafting with CPS putty may enhance the quality of available bone for implantation.

Continuous Palliative Sedation for Existential Distress? A Survey of Canadian Palliative Care Physicians' Views.

PubMed

Voeuk, Anna; Nekolaichuk, Cheryl; Fainsinger, Robin; Huot, Ann

2017-01-01

Palliative sedation can be used for refractory symptoms during end-of-life care. However, continuous palliative sedation (CPS) for existential distress remains controversial due to difficulty determining when this distress is refractory. The aim was to determine the opinions and practices of Canadian palliative care physicians regarding CPS for existential distress. A survey focusing on experience and views regarding CPS for existential distress was sent to 322 members of the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians. Eighty-one surveys returned (accessible target, 314), resulting in a response rate of 26%. One third (31%) of the respondents reported providing CPS for existential distress. On a 5-point Likert-type scale, 40% of participants disagreed, while 43% agreed that CPS could be used for existential distress alone. Differing opinions exist regarding this complex and potentially controversial issue, necessitating the education of health-care professionals and increased awareness within the general public.

Contribution of correlated noise and selective decoding to choice probability measurements in extrastriate visual cortex.

PubMed

Gu, Yong; Angelaki, Dora E; DeAngelis, Gregory C

2014-07-01

Trial by trial covariations between neural activity and perceptual decisions (quantified by choice Probability, CP) have been used to probe the contribution of sensory neurons to perceptual decisions. CPs are thought to be determined by both selective decoding of neural activity and by the structure of correlated noise among neurons, but the respective roles of these factors in creating CPs have been controversial. We used biologically-constrained simulations to explore this issue, taking advantage of a peculiar pattern of CPs exhibited by multisensory neurons in area MSTd that represent self-motion. Although models that relied on correlated noise or selective decoding could both account for the peculiar pattern of CPs, predictions of the selective decoding model were substantially more consistent with various features of the neural and behavioral data. While correlated noise is essential to observe CPs, our findings suggest that selective decoding of neuronal signals also plays important roles.

Effects of an Attachment-based Intervention on CPS-Referred Mothers’ Event-related Potentials to Children’s Emotions

PubMed Central

Bernard, Kristin; Simons, Robert; Dozier, Mary

2015-01-01

This study examined the neurobiology of maternal sensitivity to children’s emotions among mothers involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) and low-risk comparison mothers (Mean age = 31.6 years). CPS-referred mothers participated in the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) intervention or a control intervention. Mothers’ event-related potentials (ERP) were measured while they categorized images of children with crying, laughing, and neutral expressions. CPS-referred ABC mothers (n = 19) and low-risk comparison mothers (n = 30) showed a larger enhancement of ERP responses for emotional faces relative to neutral faces than CPS-referred control mothers (n = 21). Additionally, the magnitude of ERP responses to emotional faces was associated with observed maternal sensitivity. Findings add to our understanding of the neurobiology of deficits in parenting and suggest that these deficits are changeable through a parenting intervention. PMID:26344398

The ASC/SIL ratio for cytopathologists as a quality control measure: a follow-up study.

PubMed

Nascimento, Alessandra F; Cibas, Edmund S

2007-10-01

Monitoring the relative frequency of the interpretations of atypical squamous cells (ASC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) has been proposed as a quality control measure. To assess its value, an ASC/SIL ratio was calculated every 6 months for 3.5 years, and confidential feedback was provided to 10 cytopathologists (CPs). By using simple regression analysis, we analyzed the initial and final ASC/SIL ratios for individual CPs and for the entire group. The ratio was below the upper benchmark of 3:1 for all but 1 CP during every 6-month period. The ratio for all CPs combined showed a downward trend (from 2.05 to 1.73). The ratio for 6 CPs decreased, and for two of them the decrease was statistically significant. One CP showed a statistically significant increase in the ASC/SIL ratio. The decrease for some CPs likely reflects the salutary effect of confidential feedback and counseling.

Performance study of thin epitaxial silicon PIN detectors for thermal neutron measurements with reduced γ sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Arvind; Desai, Shraddha; Kumar, Arvind; Topkar, Anita

2018-05-01

A novel approach of using thin epitaxial silicon PIN detectors for thermal neutron measurements with reduced γ sensitivity has been presented. Monte Carlo simulations showed that there is a significant reduction in the gamma sensitivity for thin detectors with the thickness of 10- 25 μm compared to a detector of thickness of 300 μm. Epitaxial PIN silicon detectors with the thickness of 10 μm, 15 μm and 25 μm were fabricated using a custom process. The detectors exhibited low leakage currents of a few nano-amperes. The gamma sensitivity of the detectors was experimentally studied using a 33 μCi, 662 keV, 137Cs source. Considering the count rates, compared to a 300 μm thick detector, the gamma sensitivity of the 10 μm, 15 μm and 25 μm thick detectors was reduced by factors of 1874, 187 and 18 respectively. The detector performance for thermal neutrons was subsequently investigated with a thermal neutron beam using an enriched 10B film as a neutron converter layer. The thermal neutron spectra for all three detectors exhibited three distinct regions corresponding to the 4He and 7Li charge products released in the 10B-n reaction. With a 10B converter, the count rates were 1466 cps, 3170 cps and 2980 cps for the detectors of thicknesses of 10 μm, 25 μm and 300 μm respectively. The thermal neutron response of thin detectors with 10 μm and 25 μm thickness showed significant reduction in the gamma sensitivity compared to that observed for the 300 μm thick detector. Considering the total count rate obtained for thermal neutrons with a 10B converter film, the count rate without the converter layer were about 4%, 7% and 36% for detectors with thicknesses of 10 μm, 25 μm and 300 μm respectively. The detector with 10 μm thickness showed negligible gamma sensitivity of 4 cps, but higher electronic noise and reduced pulse heights. The detector with 25 μm thickness demonstrated the best performance with respect to electronic noise, thermal neutron response and gamma sensitivity.

Context dependency of Set1/COMPASS-mediated histone H3 Lys4 trimethylation

PubMed Central

Thornton, Janet L.; Westfield, Gerwin H.; Takahashi, Yoh-hei; Cook, Malcolm; Gao, Xin; Woodfin, Ashley R.; Lee, Jung-Shin; Morgan, Marc A.; Jackson, Jessica; Smith, Edwin R.; Couture, Jean-Francois; Skiniotis, Georgios; Shilatifard, Ali

2014-01-01

The stimulation of trimethylation of histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4) by H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub) has been widely studied, with multiple mechanisms having been proposed for this form of histone cross-talk. Cps35/Swd2 within COMPASS (complex of proteins associated with Set1) is considered to bridge these different processes. However, a truncated form of Set1 (762-Set1) is reported to function in H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) without interacting with Cps35/Swd2, and such cross-talk is attributed to the n-SET domain of Set1 and its interaction with the Cps40/Spp1 subunit of COMPASS. Here, we used biochemical, structural, in vivo, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing (ChIP-seq) approaches to demonstrate that Cps40/Spp1 and the n-SET domain of Set1 are required for the stability of Set1 and not the cross-talk. Furthermore, the apparent wild-type levels of H3K4me3 in the 762-Set1 strain are due to the rogue methylase activity of this mutant, resulting in the mislocalization of H3K4me3 from the promoter-proximal regions to the gene bodies and intergenic regions. We also performed detailed screens and identified yeast strains lacking H2Bub but containing intact H2Bub enzymes that have normal levels of H3K4me3, suggesting that monoubiquitination may not directly stimulate COMPASS but rather works in the context of the PAF and Rad6/Bre1 complexes. Our study demonstrates that the monoubiquitination machinery and Cps35/Swd2 function to focus COMPASS's H3K4me3 activity at promoter-proximal regions in a context-dependent manner. PMID:24402317

Multiscale modeling of the dynamics of multicellular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosztin, Ioan

2011-03-01

Describing the biomechanical properties of cellular systems, regarded as complex highly viscoelastic materials, is a difficult problem of great conceptual and practical value. Here we present a novel approach, referred to as the Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) method, for: (i) quantitatively relating biomechanical properties at the cell level to those at the multicellular and tissue level, and (ii) describing and predicting the time evolution of multicellular systems that undergo biomechanical relaxations. In CPD cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through integration of their equations of motion. Cell and multicellular level biomechanical properties (e.g., viscosity, surface tension and shear modulus) are determined through the combined use of experiments and theory of continuum viscoelastic media. The same biomechanical properties are also ``measured'' computationally by employing the CPD method, the results being expressed in terms of CPD parameters. Once these parameters have been calibrated experimentally, the formalism provides a systematic framework to predict the time evolution of complex multicellular systems during shape-changing biomechanical transformations. By design, the CPD method is rather flexible and most suitable for multiscale modeling of multicellular system. The spatial level of detail of the system can be easily tuned by changing the number of CPs in a cell. Thus, CPD can be used equally well to describe both cell level processes (e.g., the adhesion of two cells) and tissue level processes (e.g., the formation of 3D constructs of millions of cells through bioprinting). Work supported by NSF [FIBR-0526854 and PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

4U 1909+07: A Hidden Pearl

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kreykenbohm, Ingo; Fuerst, Felix; Barragan, Laura; Wilms, Joern; Rothschild, Richard E.; Suchy, Slawomir; Pottschmidt, Katja

2010-01-01

We present a detailed spectral and timing analysis of the High Mass X-ray Binary (HMXB) 4U 1909+07 with INTEGRAL and RXTE. 4U 1909+07 is a persistent accreting X-ray pulsar with a period of approximately 605 s. The period changes erratically consistent with a random walk expected for a wind accreting system. INTEGRAL detects the source with an average of 2.4 cps (corresponding to 15 mCrab), but sometimes exhibits flaring activity up to 50 cps (i.e. 300 mCrab). The strongly energy dependent pulse profile shows a double peaked structure at low energies and only a single narrow peak at energies above 20 keV. The phase averaged spectrum is well described by a powerlaw modified at higher energies by an exponential cutoff and photoelectric absorption at low energies. In addition at 6.4 keV a strong iron fluorescence line and at lower energies a black body component are present. We performed phase resolved spectroscopy to study the pulse phase dependence of the spectral parameters: while most spectral parameters are constant within uncertainties, the blackbody normalization and the cutoff folding energy vary strongly with phase.

Planning assistance for the 30/20 GHz program, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Al-Kinani, G.; Frankfort, M.; Kaushal, D.; Markham, R.; Siperko, C.; Wall, M.

1981-01-01

In the baseline concept development the communications payload on Flight 1 was specified to consist of on-board trunking and emergency communications systems (ECS). On Flight 2 the communications payloads consisted of trunking and CPS on-board systems, the CPS capability replacing the Flight 1 ECS. No restriction was placed on the launch vehicle size. Constraints placed on multiple concept development effort were that launch vehicle size for Concept 1 was restricted to SUSS-D and for Concept 2 a SUSS-A. The design concept development was based on satisfying the baseline requirements set forth in the SOW for a single demonstration flight system. Key constraints on contractors were cost and launch vehicle size. Five major areas of new technology development were reviewed: (1) 30 GHz low noise receivers; (2) 20 GHz Power Amplifiers; (3) SS-TDMA switch; (4) Baseband Processor; (5) Multibeam Antennas.

A SPECT Scanner for Rodent Imaging Based on Small-Area Gamma Cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lage, Eduardo; Villena, José L.; Tapias, Gustavo; Martinez, Naira P.; Soto-Montenegro, Maria L.; Abella, Mónica; Sisniega, Alejandro; Pino, Francisco; Ros, Domènec; Pavia, Javier; Desco, Manuel; Vaquero, Juan J.

2010-10-01

We developed a cost-effective SPECT scanner prototype (rSPECT) for in vivo imaging of rodents based on small-area gamma cameras. Each detector consists of a position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PS-PMT) coupled to a 30 x 30 Nal(Tl) scintillator array and electronics attached to the PS-PMT sockets for adapting the detector signals to an in-house developed data acquisition system. The detector components are enclosed in a lead-shielded case with a receptacle to insert the collimators. System performance was assessed using 99mTc for a high-resolution parallel-hole collimator, and for a 0.75-mm pinhole collimator with a 60° aperture angle and a 42-mm collimator length. The energy resolution is about 10.7% of the photopeak energy. The overall system sensitivity is about 3 cps/μCi/detector and planar spatial resolution ranges from 2.4 mm at 1 cm source-to-collimator distance to 4.1 mm at 4.5 cm with parallel-hole collimators. With pinhole collimators planar spatial resolution ranges from 1.2 mm at 1 cm source-to-collimator distance to 2.4 mm at 4.5 cm; sensitivity at these distances ranges from 2.8 to 0.5 cps/μCi/detector. Tomographic hot-rod phantom images are presented together with images of bone, myocardium and brain of living rodents to demonstrate the feasibility of preclinical small-animal studies with the rSPECT.

Influence of psychological stress on headache in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Vargas-Hitos, José Antonio; Sabio, José Mario; Martínez-Egea, Isabel; Jiménez-Jáimez, Enrique; Rodríguez-Guzmán, Manuel; Navarrete-Navarrete, Nuria; López-Lozano, Esther; Romero-Alegría, Ángela; de la Calle, Cristina; Jáimez-Gámiz, Laura; Baños-Piñero, Pilar; Nebrera-Navarro, Fernando; Fidalgo, Alba; Caminal, Luis; de Ramón Garrido, Enrique; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; Expósito, Manuela; Zamora-Pasadas, Mónica; Jiménez-Alonso, Juan

2014-03-01

To compare the prevalence and disability of headache in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with the general population and to assess the role of chronic psychological stress (CPS) in headache development. One hundred seventy patients with SLE and 102 control subjects matched for age, sex, and level of education were included in this multicenter, cross-sectional study. CPS, headache-related disability, and chronic analgesic intake (CAI) were evaluated in all participants. No statistical differences in the prevalence of headache between both groups were observed but headache disability was significantly higher in patients with SLE. In addition, a higher average score in the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) and a higher prevalence of patients with CAI were observed in patients with SLE. In multivariate analysis, CPSS score was positively (OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.14; p = 0.001) and CAI negatively (OR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19-0.99; p = 0.049) associated with headache in patients with SLE. Despite the prevalence of headache in patients with SLE and the general population being similar, headache-related disability may be higher in patients with SLE. Moreover, CPS might play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE headache, whereas CAI might have a protective effect against it.

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

Barada, K., E-mail: kshitish@ucla.edu; Rhodes, T. L.; Crocker, N. A.

We present new measurements of internal magnetic fluctuations obtained with a novel eight channel cross polarization scattering (CPS) system installed on the DIII-D tokamak. Measurements of internal, localized magnetic fluctuations provide a window on an important physics quantity that we heretofore have had little information on. Importantly, these measurements provide a new ability to challenge and test linear and nonlinear simulations and basic theory. The CPS method, based upon the scattering of an incident microwave beam into the opposite polarization by magnetic fluctuations, has been significantly extended and improved over the method as originally developed on the Tore Supra tokamak.more » A new scattering geometry, provided by a unique probe beam, is utilized to improve the spatial localization and wavenumber range. Remotely controllable polarizer and mirror angles allow polarization matching and wavenumber selection for a range of plasma conditions. The quasi-optical system design, its advantages and challenges, as well as important physics validation tests are presented and discussed. Effect of plasma beta (ratio of kinetic to magnetic pressure) on both density and magnetic fluctuations is studied and it is observed that internal magnetic fluctuations increase with beta. During certain quiescent high confinement operational regimes, coherent low frequency modes not detected by magnetic probes are detected locally by CPS diagnostics.« less

Accumulation of MRI contrast agents in malignant fibrous histiocytoma for gadolinium neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Fujimoto, T; Ichikawa, H; Akisue, T; Fujita, I; Kishimoto, K; Hara, H; Imabori, M; Kawamitsu, H; Sharma, P; Brown, S C; Moudgil, B M; Fujii, M; Yamamoto, T; Kurosaka, M; Fukumori, Y

2009-07-01

Neutron-capture therapy with gadolinium (Gd-NCT) has therapeutic potential, especially that gadolinium is generally used as a contrast medium in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The accumulation of gadolinium in a human sarcoma cell line, malignant fibrosis histiocytoma (MFH) Nara-H, was visualized by the MRI system. The commercially available MRI contrast medium Gd-DTPA (Magnevist, dimeglumine gadopentetate aqueous solution) and the biodegradable and highly gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Gd-nanoCPs) were prepared as MRI contrast agents. The MFH cells were cultured and collected into three falcon tubes that were set into the 3-tesra MRI system to acquire signal intensities from each pellet by the spin echo method, and the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) was calculated. The amount of Gd in the sample was measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrography (ICP-AES). The accumulation of gadolinium in cells treated with Gd-nanoCPs was larger than that in cells treated with Gd-DTPA. In contrast, and compared with the control, Gd-DTPA was more effective than Gd-nanoCPs in reducing T1, suggesting that the larger accumulation exerted the adverse effect of lowering the enhancement of MRI. Further studies are warranted to gain insight into the therapeutic potential of Gd-NCT.

Linking Complex Problem Solving and General Mental Ability to Career Advancement: Does a Transversal Skill Reveal Incremental Predictive Validity?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mainert, Jakob; Kretzschmar, André; Neubert, Jonas C.; Greiff, Samuel

2015-01-01

Transversal skills, such as complex problem solving (CPS) are viewed as central twenty-first-century skills. Recent empirical findings have already supported the importance of CPS for early academic advancement. We wanted to determine whether CPS could also contribute to the understanding of career advancement later in life. Towards this end, we…

Preparation of PLGA/Rose Bengal colloidal particles by double emulsion and layer-by-layer for breast cancer treatment.

PubMed

Loya-Castro, María F; Sánchez-Mejía, Mariana; Sánchez-Ramírez, Dante R; Domínguez-Ríos, Rossina; Escareño, Noé; Oceguera-Basurto, Paola E; Figueroa-Ochoa, Édgar B; Quintero, Antonio; Del Toro-Arreola, Alicia; Topete, Antonio; Daneri-Navarro, Adrián

2018-05-15

The use of colloidal particles (CPs) in the transport of drugs is developing rapidly thanks to its effectiveness and biosafety, especially in the treatment of various types of cancer. In this study Rose Bengal/PLGA CPs synthesized by double emulsion (W/O/W) and by electrostatic adsorption (layer-by-layer), were characterized and evaluated as potential breast cancer treatment. CPs were evaluated in terms of size, zeta potential, drug release kinetics and cell viability inhibition efficacy with the triple negative breast cancer cell line HCC70. The results showed that both types of CPs can be an excellent alternative to conventional cancer treatment by taking advantage of the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, manifested by solid tumors; however, the double emulsion CPs showed more suitable delivery times of up to 60% within two days, while layer-by-layer showed fast release of 50% in 90 min. Both types of CPs were capable to decrease cell viability, which encourage us to further testing in in vivo models to prove their efficacy and feasible use in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide inhibits PDGF-BB-induced inflammation and ROS production in human mesangial cells.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Wang, Yan; Liu, Dan; Wang, Wang; Zhao, Huan; Wang, Min; Yin, Hongping

2015-07-10

CPS-F, a polysaccharide derived from Cordyceps sinensis, is a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent. We demonstrated that CPS-F not only inhibits platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), but also acts synergistically in combination with MAPK/ERK inhibitor U0126 and PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Additionally, up-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors was reversed by use of a combination of CPS-F and NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) or silencing of NOX1. Furthermore, CPS-F prevents the PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ) promoter activity induced by PDGF-BB in transfected cells and ameliorates increased levels of TNF-α, TNFR1, and MCP-1 when PDGFRβ is silenced, thereby suggesting that CPS-F possesses a bidirectional regulatory function. Our findings suggest CPS-F may exert its therapeutic effect for the treatment of glomerulonephritis related to human mesangial cells (HMCs) through the ERK1/2/Akt pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Communicating with individuals receiving home mechanical ventilation: the experiences of key communication partners.

PubMed

Laakso, Katja; Markström, Agneta; Havstam, Christina; Idvall, Markus; Hartelius, Lena

2014-01-01

The aim of the study was to explore the communication experiences of key communications partners (CPs) of individuals receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV), with particular emphasis on the possibilities, difficulties and limitations CPs experienced in communication, possible support given to facilitate communication and exploring what made a skilled communicator. A qualitative research design using interviews was used. The participants included 19 key CPs of individuals receiving HMV. The analysis resulted in five themes: Encountering communication limitations, Functional communication strategies, Being a communication facilitator, Role insecurity and Emotional reactions and coping. The findings revealed that CPs needed to develop partly new reference frames for communication. In particular, participants emphasised the need to understand and interpret subtle details in the communicative interaction. The findings are discussed in the light of previous research, in particular an earlier study exploring another perspective; the ventilator-supported individuals' experiences of communication. Issues relating to the educational needs of CPs of individuals receiving HMV are discussed. The results are intended to enhance understanding of the challenges that individuals receiving HMV and their CPs face with communication, which should be of relevance not only to speech therapists, but for all healthcare practitioners in the field of HMV.

Engagement and Action for Health: The Contribution of Leaders’ Collaborative Skills to Partnership Success

PubMed Central

Ansari, Walid El; Oskrochi, Reza; Phillips, Ceri

2009-01-01

A multi-site evaluation (survey) of five Kellogg-funded Community Partnerships (CPs) in South Africa was undertaken to explore the relationship between leadership skills and a range of 30 operational, functional and organisational factors deemed critical to successful CPs. The CPs were collaborative academic-health service-community efforts aimed at health professions education reforms. The level of agreement to eleven dichotomous (‘Yes/No’) leadership skills items was used to compute two measures of members’ appreciation of their CPs’ leadership. The associations between these measures and 30 CPs factors were explored, and the partnership factors that leadership skills explained were assessed after controlling. Respondents who perceived the leadership of their CPs favourably had more positive ratings across 30 other partnership factors than those who rated leadership skills less favourably, and were more likely to report a positive cost/ benefit ratio. In addition, respondents who viewed their CPs’ leadership positively also rated the operational understanding, the communication mechanisms, as well as the rules and procedures of the CPs more favourably. Leadership skills explained between 20% and 7% of the variance of 10 partnership factors. The influence of leaders’ skills in effective health-focussed partnerships is much broader than previously conceptualised. PMID:19440289

Norman M. Dott, master of hypothalamic craniopharyngioma surgery: the decisive mentoring of Harvey Cushing and Percival Bailey at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital.

PubMed

Prieto, Ruth; Pascual, José M

2017-10-01

Norman McOmish Dott (1897-1973) developed surgical neurology in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a scholar of worldwide renown. One of Dott's most notable contributions to neurosurgery was his understanding of hypothalamic physiology, mostly acquired through the comprehensive study of patients with lesions involving this region of the diencephalon, particularly craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Recognition of symptoms caused by hypothalamic disturbances allowed him to predict the accurate anatomical relationships between CPs and the hypothalamus, despite the rudimentary radiological methods available during the 1930s. His sophisticated knowledge permitted Dott to perform radical removals of CPs originating within the third ventricle floor with acceptable success. Between 1934 and 1937, he operated on 4 CP cases originating in the hypothalamus, achieving a satisfactory postoperative outcome in 3 of the 4 patients. Aware of the strong attachment of hypothalamic CPs to the infundibulo-tuberal area, Dott used a double transbasal and transventricular approach to these lesions, a strategy providing an optimal view and control of the tumor boundaries. The decisive mentorship of several legendary figures of physiology and neurosurgery greatly influenced Dott's surgical evolution. The experimental pituitary gland work he performed with Sir Edward Sharpey-Schäfer at the beginning of his career stirred Dott's curiosity about the issue of hypothalamus-pituitary relationships. As a result, he decided to move to Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts) in 1923, to train in neurosurgery and neuropathology under the guidance of the leaders in these fields, Harvey Williams Cushing (1869-1939) and Percival Sylvester Bailey (1892-1973). They inspired the young Dott and shared with him their clinical and pathological expertise, in addition to their surgical strategies for best approaching and removing these challenging tumors. In time, Dott would come to surpass his mentors. This paper aims to credit Norman M. Dott for his decisive, modern contributions to hypothalamic CP surgery.

Coupling of headspace solid phase microextraction with ultrasonic extraction for the determination of chlorinated pesticides in bird livers using gas chromatography.

PubMed

Lambropoulou, Dimitra A; Konstantinou, Ioannis K; Albanis, Triantafyllos A

2006-07-28

In the present study a combined analytical method involving ultrasonic extraction (USE), sulfuric acid clean-up and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was developed for the determination of chlorinated pesticides (CPs) in bird livers. Extraction of CPs from 1g of liver was performed by ultrasonication for 30 min using 20 mL of solvent mixture (n-hexane:acetone (4:1, v/v)). The extract was subsequently subjected to a clean-up step for lipid removal. A comparative study on several clean-up procedures prior to the HS-SPME enrichment step was performed in order to achieve maximum recovery and optimal clean-up efficiency, which would provide suitable limits of detection in the gas chromatographic analysis. For this purpose, destructive (sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide treatment) and non-destructive (alumina column) clean-up procedures has been assayed. The treatment of the extract with 40% (v/v) H2SO4 prior to HS-SPME process showed the best performance since lower detection limits and higher extraction efficiencies were obtained. The method detection limit ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 ng g(-1) wet weight and peak areas were proportional to analyte concentrations (r2>0.990) in the range of 5-500 ng g(-1) wet wt. The method was found to be reproducible (R.S.D.<10%) and effective under the operational conditions proposed and was applied successfully to the analysis of CPs in liver tissues of various bird species from Greece.

Interprofessional communication between community pharmacists and general practitioners: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Weissenborn, Marina; Haefeli, Walter E; Peters-Klimm, Frank; Seidling, Hanna M

2017-06-01

Background While collaboration between community pharmacists (CPs) and general practitioners (GPs) is essential to provide comprehensive patient care, their communication often is scarce and hampered by multiple barriers. Objective We aimed to assess both professions' perceptions of interprofessional communication with regard to content and methods of communication as a basis to subsequently develop best-practice recommendations for information exchange. Setting Ambulatory care setting in Germany. Method CPs and GPs shared their experience in focus groups and in-depth interviews which were conducted using a semi-structured interview guideline. Transcribed recordings were assessed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Main outcome measure Specification of existing barriers, CPs'/GPs' general perceptions of interprofessional communication and similarities and differences regarding prioritization of specific information items and how to best communicate with each other. Results Four focus groups and fourteen interviews were conducted. Seven internal (e.g. professions were not personally known to one another) and nine external barriers (e.g. mutual accessibility) were identified. Ten organizational, eight medication-related, and four patient-related information items were identified requiring interprofessional communication. Their relevance varied between the professions, e.g. CPs rated organizational issues higher than GPs. Both professions indicated communication via phone to be the most frequently used method of communication. Conclusion CPs and GPs opinions often differ. However, communication between CPs and GPs is perceived as crucial suggesting that a future concept has to offer standardized recommendations, while leaving CPs and GPs room to adjust it to their individual needs.

Rational chemical design of the carbohydrate in a glycoconjugate vaccine enhances IgM-to-IgG switching.

PubMed

Guttormsen, Hilde-Kari; Paoletti, Lawrence C; Mansfield, Keith G; Jachymek, Wojcieck; Jennings, Harold J; Kasper, Dennis L

2008-04-15

Many pathogens are sheltered from host immunity by surface polysaccharides that would be ideal as vaccines except that they are too similar to host antigens to be immunogenic. The production of functional IgG is a desirable response to vaccines; because IgG is the only isotype that crosses the placenta, it is of particular importance in maternal vaccines against neonatal disease due to group B Streptococcus (GBS). Clinical studies found a substantially lower proportion of IgG-relative to IgM-among antibodies elicited by conjugates prepared with purified GBS type V capsular polysaccharide (CPS) than among those evoked by CPSs of other GBS serotypes. The epitope specificity of IgG elicited in humans by a conjugate prepared with type V CPS is for chemically desialylated type V CPS (dV CPS). We studied desialylation as a mechanism for enhancing the ability of type V CPS to induce IgM-to-IgG switching. Desialylation did not affect the structural conformation of type V CPS. Rhesus macaques, whose isotype responses to GBS conjugates match those of humans, produced functionally active IgG in response to a dV CPS-tetanus toxoid conjugate (dV-TT), and 98% of neonatal mice born to dams vaccinated with dV-TT survived lethal challenge with viable GBS. Targeted chemical engineering of a carbohydrate to create a molecule less like host self may be a rational approach for improving other glycoconjugates.

A Cyber-Physical System for Girder Hoisting Monitoring Based on Smartphones.

PubMed

Han, Ruicong; Zhao, Xuefeng; Yu, Yan; Guan, Quanhua; Hu, Weitong; Li, Mingchu

2016-07-07

Offshore design and construction is much more difficult than land-based design and construction, particularly due to hoisting operations. Real-time monitoring of the orientation and movement of a hoisted structure is thus required for operators' safety. In recent years, rapid development of the smart-phone commercial market has offered the possibility that everyone can carry a mini personal computer that is integrated with sensors, an operating system and communication system that can act as an effective aid for cyber-physical systems (CPS) research. In this paper, a CPS for hoisting monitoring using smartphones was proposed, including a phone collector, a controller and a server. This system uses smartphones equipped with internal sensors to obtain girder movement information, which will be uploaded to a server, then returned to controller users. An alarming system will be provided on the controller phone once the returned data exceeds a threshold. The proposed monitoring system is used to monitor the movement and orientation of a girder during hoisting on a cross-sea bridge in real time. The results show the convenience and feasibility of the proposed system.

The Effectiveness of CPS-ALM Model in Enhancing Statistical Literacy Ability and Self Concept of Elementary School Student Teacher

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Takaria, J.; Rumahlatu, D.

2016-01-01

The focus of this study is to examine comprehensively statistical literacy and self-concept enhancement of elementary school student teacher through CPS-BML model in which this enhancement is measured through N-gain. The result of study indicate that the use of Collaborative Problem Solving Model assisted by literacy media (CPS-ALM) model…

Mapping an Experiment-Based Assessment of Collaborative Behavior onto Collaborative Problem Solving in PISA 2015: A Cluster Analysis Approach for Collaborator Profiles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herborn, Katharina; Mustafic, Maida; Greiff, Samuel

2017-01-01

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) assessment is a new academic research field with a number of educational implications. In 2015, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessed CPS with a computer-simulated human-agent (H-A) approach that claimed to measure 12 individual CPS skills for the first time. After reviewing the…

A multicentre study of vigabarin for drug-resistant epilepsy

PubMed Central

Browne, T. R.; Mattson, R. H.; Penry, J. K.; Smith, D. B.; Treiman, D. M.; Wilder, B. J.; Ben-Menachem, E.; Miketta, R. M.; Sherry, K. M.; Szabo, G. K.

1989-01-01

1 Vigabatrin (GVG) was given in a single-blind fashion to 89 patients with complex partial seizures (CPS) refractory to conventional drugs. 2 The median number of CPS per month decreased from 11.0 to 5.0 after addition of GVG, and 51% of patients had a 50% or greater decrease in CPS frequency (P < 0.001). 3 Side effects (principally drowsiness, ataxia, headache) occurred mainly during the initiation of therapy and decreased during therapy. After 12 weeks on GVG side effects significantly interfered with functioning in only 13% of patients, and the efficacy: toxicity ratio warranted continued administration in 74% of patients. 4 Co-administration of GVG resulted in a mean decrease of 20% in phenytoin serum concentration (P < 0.001). 5 Sixty-six patients having a favourable response to GVG during the single-blind study have been followed for 6-54 (median 33) months on GVG. Only 17 patients have dropped out of long-term follow-up due to break through seizures and/or side effects. No serious systemic or neurological toxicity has been detected. PMID:2667606

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

Rahman, Nur Aira Abd, E-mail: nur-aira@nm.gov.my; Lombigit, Lojius; Abdullah, Nor Arymaswati

This paper presents the design of new digital radiation survey meter with LND7121 Geiger Muller tube detector and Atmega328P microcontroller. Development of the survey meter prototype is carried out on Arduino Uno platform. 16-bit Timer1 on the microcontroller is utilized as external pulse counter to produce count per second or CPS measurement. Conversion from CPS to dose rate technique is also performed by Arduino to display results in micro Sievert per hour (μSvhr{sup −1}). Conversion factor (CF) value for conversion of CPM to μSvhr{sup −1} determined from manufacturer data sheet is compared with CF obtained from calibration procedure. The surveymore » meter measurement results are found to be linear for dose rates below 3500 µSv/hr.« less

Arduino based radiation survey meter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Nur Aira Abd; Lombigit, Lojius; Abdullah, Nor Arymaswati; Azman, Azraf; Dolah, Taufik; Muzakkir, Amir; Jaafar, Zainudin; Mohamad, Glam Hadzir Patai; Ramli, Abd Aziz Mhd; Zain, Rasif Mohd; Said, Fazila; Khalid, Mohd Ashhar; Taat, Muhamad Zahidee

2016-01-01

This paper presents the design of new digital radiation survey meter with LND7121 Geiger Muller tube detector and Atmega328P microcontroller. Development of the survey meter prototype is carried out on Arduino Uno platform. 16-bit Timer1 on the microcontroller is utilized as external pulse counter to produce count per second or CPS measurement. Conversion from CPS to dose rate technique is also performed by Arduino to display results in micro Sievert per hour (μSvhr-1). Conversion factor (CF) value for conversion of CPM to μSvhr-1 determined from manufacturer data sheet is compared with CF obtained from calibration procedure. The survey meter measurement results are found to be linear for dose rates below 3500 µSv/hr.

Dynamic time-correlated single-photon counting laser ranging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Huan; Wang, Yu-rong; Meng, Wen-dong; Yan, Pei-qin; Li, Zhao-hui; Li, Chen; Pan, Hai-feng; Wu, Guang

2018-03-01

We demonstrate a photon counting laser ranging experiment with a four-channel single-photon detector (SPD). The multi-channel SPD improve the counting rate more than 4×107 cps, which makes possible for the distance measurement performed even in daylight. However, the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) technique cannot distill the signal easily while the fast moving targets are submersed in the strong background. We propose a dynamic TCSPC method for fast moving targets measurement by varying coincidence window in real time. In the experiment, we prove that targets with velocity of 5 km/s can be detected according to the method, while the echo rate is 20% with the background counts of more than 1.2×107 cps.

Aircraft digital control design methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, J. D.; Parsons, E.; Tashker, M. G.

1976-01-01

Variations in design methods for aircraft digital flight control are evaluated and compared. The methods fall into two categories; those where the design is done in the continuous domain (or s plane) and those where the design is done in the discrete domain (or z plane). Design method fidelity is evaluated by examining closed loop root movement and the frequency response of the discretely controlled continuous aircraft. It was found that all methods provided acceptable performance for sample rates greater than 10 cps except the uncompensated s plane design method which was acceptable above 20 cps. A design procedure based on optimal control methods was proposed that provided the best fidelity at very slow sample rates and required no design iterations for changing sample rates.

Customer premises services market demand assessment 1980 - 2000. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gamble, R. B.; Saporta, L.; Heidenrich, G. A.

1983-01-01

Estimates of market demand for domestic civilian telecommunications services for the years 1980 to 2000 are provided. Overall demand, demand or satellite services, demand for satellite delivered Customer Premises Service (CPS), and demand for 30/20 GHz Customer Premises Services are covered. Emphasis is placed on the CPS market and demand is segmented by market, by service, by user class and by geographic region. Prices for competing services are discussed and the distribution of traffic with respect to distance is estimated. A nationwide traffic distribution model for CPS in terms of demand for CPS traffic and earth stations for each of the major SMSAs in the United States are provided.

Nondeducibility-Based Analysis of Cyber-Physical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamage, Thoshitha; McMillin, Bruce

Controlling information flow in a cyber-physical system (CPS) is challenging because cyber domain decisions and actions manifest themselves as visible changes in the physical domain. This paper presents a nondeducibility-based observability analysis for CPSs. In many CPSs, the capacity of a low-level (LL) observer to deduce high-level (HL) actions ranges from limited to none. However, a collaborative set of observers strategically located in a network may be able to deduce all the HL actions. This paper models a distributed power electronics control device network using a simple DC circuit in order to understand the effect of multiple observers in a CPS. The analysis reveals that the number of observers required to deduce all the HL actions in a system increases linearly with the number of configurable units. A simple definition of nondeducibility based on the uniqueness of low-level projections is also presented. This definition is used to show that a system with two security domain levels could be considered “nondeducibility secure” if no unique LL projections exist.

In vitro cellular accumulation of gadolinium incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles designed for neutron-capture therapy of cancer.

PubMed

Shikata, Futoshi; Tokumitsu, Hiroyuki; Ichikawa, Hideki; Fukumori, Yoshinobu

2002-01-01

The accumulation of gadolinium loaded as gadopentetic acid (Gd-DTPA) in chitosan nanoparticles (Gd-nanoCPs), which were designed for gadolinium neutron-capture therapy (Gd-NCT) for cancer, was evaluated in vitro in cultured cells. Using L929 fibroblast cells, the Gd accumulation for 12 h at 37 degrees C was investigated at Gd concentrations lower than 40 ppm. The accumulation leveled above 20 ppm and reached 18.0+/-2.7 (mean+/-S.D.) microg Gd/10(6) cells at 40 ppm. Furthermore, the corresponding accumulations in B16F10 melanoma cells and SCC-VII squamous cell carcinoma, which were used in the previous Gd-NCT trials in vivo, were 27.1+/-2.9 and 59.8+/-9.8 microg Gd/10(6) cells, respectively, hence explaining the superior growth-suppression in the in vivo trials using SCC-VII cells. The accumulation of Gd-nanoCPs in these cells was 100-200 times higher in comparison to dimeglumine gadopentetate aqueous solution (Magnevist), a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. The endocytic uptake of Gd-nanoCPs, strongly holding Gd-DTPA, was suggested from transmission electron microscopy and comparative studies at 4 degrees C and with the solution system. These findings indicated that Gd-nanoCPs had a high affinity to the cells, probably contributing to the long retention of Gd in tumor tissue and leading to the significant suppression of tumor growth in the in vivo studies that were previously reported.

What Happened Next: Interviews With Mothers After a Finding of Child Maltreatment in the Household.

PubMed

Campbell, Kristine A; Olson, Lenora M; Keenan, Heather T; Morrow, Susan L

2017-01-01

Child Protective Services (CPS) identifies over 700,000 victims of child maltreatment in the United States annually. Research shows that risk factors for these children may persist despite CPS intervention. Mothers have unique and often untapped perspectives on the experiences and consequences of CPS intervention that may inform future practice. We explored these perspectives through interviews with 24 mothers after a first-time CPS finding of maltreatment not resulting in out-of-home placement. Male partners were primary perpetrators in 21 cases, with mothers or sitters identified as perpetrators in remaining cases. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Mothers described risk factors or Roots of maltreatment prior to CPS involvement and reported variable experiences with Recognition of and Response to maltreatment. Divergent Outcomes emerged: I Feel Stronger and We're No Better These findings provide an understanding of household experiences around child maltreatment that may support practice and policy changes to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. © The Author(s) 2016.

Effects of light wavelengths on extracellular and capsular polysaccharide production by Nostoc flagelliforme.

PubMed

Han, Pei-pei; Sun, Ying; Jia, Shi-ru; Zhong, Cheng; Tan, Zhi-lei

2014-05-25

The influences of different wavelengths of light (red 660nm, yellow 590nm, green 520nm, blue 460nm, purple 400nm) and white light on extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) production by Nostoc flagelliforme in liquid culture were demonstrated in this study. The results showed that, compared with white light, red and blue lights significantly increased both EPS and CPS production while yellow light reduced their production; purple and green lights stimulated EPS production but inhibited CPS formation. Nine constituent monosaccharides and one uronic acid were detected in both EPS and CPS, and their ratios showed significant differences among treatment with different light wavelengths. However, the advanced structure of EPS and CPS from various light conditions did not present obvious difference through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction characterization. These findings establish a basis for development of high-yielding polysaccharide production process and understanding their regulation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polysaccharides from by-products of the Wonderful and Laffan pomegranate varieties: New insight into extraction and characterization.

PubMed

Khatib, Mohamad; Giuliani, Camilla; Rossi, Federico; Adessi, Alessandra; Al-Tamimi, Amal; Mazzola, Giuseppe; Di Gioia, Diana; Innocenti, Marzia; Mulinacci, Nadia

2017-11-15

The main crude polysaccharides (CPS), extracted from two widely cultivated pomegranate varieties, Laffan and Wonderful, were studied and characterized. We obtained the highest CPS extraction yield (approximatively 10% w/w on dried matter) by 1h of decoction (ratio 1/40w/v). The predominant polymers (75-80%) of the CPS samples showed a hydrodynamic volume close to 2000kDa by size exclusion chromatography and the exocarp and mesocarp profiles were very similar. The proton spectra ( 1 H NMR), according to sugar composition and gelling ability, confirmed the main polysaccharide fractions were pectin with different acylation and methylation degree. The CPS from Laffan and Wonderful mesocarp showed prebiotic properties in vitro with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. The composition of the decoction (12% ellagitannins and 10% of CPS) obtained by a green extraction process of pomegranate by-products, makes it a suitable component of functional food formulations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Altitude profiles of total chlorinated paraffins in humus and spruce needles from the Alps (MONARPOP).

PubMed

Iozza, Saverio; Schmid, Peter; Oehme, Michael; Bassan, Rodolfo; Belis, Claudio; Jakobi, Gert; Kirchner, Manfred; Schramm, Karl-Werner; Kräuchi, Norbert; Moche, Wolfgang; Offenthaler, Ivo; Weiss, Peter; Simoncic, Primoz; Knoth, Wilhelm

2009-12-01

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are toxic, bioaccumulative, persistent, and ubiquitously present in the environment. CPs were analyzed in humus and needle samples, which were taken within the Monitoring Network in the Alpine Region for Persistent and other Organic Pollutants (MONARPOP) at sampling sites of 7 different altitude profiles in the Alps. Gas chromatography combined with electron ionization tandem mass spectrometry (EI-MS/MS) was used for the determination of total CPs (sum of short, medium and long chain CPs). CPs were found in all samples; the concentrations varied between 7 and 199 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) and within 26 and 460 ng g(-1) dw in humus and needle samples, respectively. A clear vertical tendency within the individual altitude profiles could not be ascertained. Within all altitude profiles, elevated concentrations were observed in humus samples taken between 700 and 900 m and between 1300 and 1500 m. In the needle samples no similar correlation could be observed due to higher variation of the data.

The anthelmintic efficacy of natural plant cysteine proteinases against the equine tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata in vitro.

PubMed

Mansur, F; Luoga, W; Buttle, D J; Duce, I R; Lowe, A E; Behnke, J M

2016-09-01

Papaya latex has been demonstrated to be an efficacious anthelmintic against murine, porcine, ovine and canine nematode parasites, and even those infecting poultry, and it has some efficacy against rodent cestodes. The active ingredients of papaya latex are known to be cysteine proteinases (CPs). The experiments described in this paper indicate that CPs in papaya latex, and also those in pineapples, are highly efficacious against the equine cestode Anoplocephala perfoliata in vitro, by causing a significant reduction in motility leading to death of the worms. The susceptibility of A. perfoliata to damage by CPs was considerably greater than that of the rodent cestodes Hymenolepis diminuta and H. microstoma. Our results are the first to report anthelmintic efficacy of CPs against an economically important equine helminth. Moreover, they provide further evidence that the spectrum of activity of CPs is not restricted to nematodes and support the idea that these plant-derived enzymes can be developed into useful broad-spectrum anthelmintics.

The preparation of three selenium-containing Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides: Characterization and anti-tumor activities.

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Zhu, Zhen-Yuan; Sun, Xiaoli; Gao, Hui; Zhang, Yong-Min

2017-06-01

In the present work, three fractions of selenized Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides (SeCPS) named SeCPS- I, SeCPS- II and SeCPS- III were isolated and purified by ultra-filtration. Their selenium content were measured as 541.3, 863.7 and 623.3μg/g respectively by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The monosaccharide comformation analysis showed that they were mainly consisted of D-Mannose, D-Glucose, and D-Galactose in mole ratios of 1:7.63:0.83, 1:1.34:0.31 and 1:3.77:0.41 respectively. Their structure characteristics were compared by IFR and NMR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Congo red (CR) spectrophotometric method were used to investigate their morphological characteristics and conformational transition. SeCPS-II showed the strongest anti-tumor effects judging from the result of in vitro anti-tumor assays against two tumor cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cells and lung adenocarcinom A549 cells). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contribution of correlated noise and selective decoding to choice probability measurements in extrastriate visual cortex

PubMed Central

Gu, Yong; Angelaki, Dora E; DeAngelis, Gregory C

2014-01-01

Trial by trial covariations between neural activity and perceptual decisions (quantified by choice Probability, CP) have been used to probe the contribution of sensory neurons to perceptual decisions. CPs are thought to be determined by both selective decoding of neural activity and by the structure of correlated noise among neurons, but the respective roles of these factors in creating CPs have been controversial. We used biologically-constrained simulations to explore this issue, taking advantage of a peculiar pattern of CPs exhibited by multisensory neurons in area MSTd that represent self-motion. Although models that relied on correlated noise or selective decoding could both account for the peculiar pattern of CPs, predictions of the selective decoding model were substantially more consistent with various features of the neural and behavioral data. While correlated noise is essential to observe CPs, our findings suggest that selective decoding of neuronal signals also plays important roles. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02670.001 PMID:24986734

Elucidation of terpenoid metabolism in Scoparia dulcis by RNA-seq analysis.

PubMed

Yamamura, Yoshimi; Kurosaki, Fumiya; Lee, Jung-Bum

2017-03-07

Scoparia dulcis biosynthesize bioactive diterpenes, such as scopadulcic acid B (SDB), which are known for their unique molecular skeleton. Although the biosynthesis of bioactive diterpenes is catalyzed by a sequence of class II and class I diterpene synthases (diTPSs), the mechanisms underlying this process are yet to be fully identified. To elucidate these biosynthetic machinery, we performed a high-throughput RNA-seq analysis, and de novo assembly of clean reads revealed 46,332 unique transcripts and 40,503 two unigenes. We found diTPSs genes including a putative syn-copalyl diphosphate synthase (SdCPS2) and two kaurene synthase-like (SdKSLs) genes. Besides them, total 79 full-length of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes were also discovered. The expression analyses showed selected CYP450s associated with their expression pattern of SdCPS2 and SdKSL1, suggesting that CYP450 candidates involved diterpene modification. SdCPS2 represents the first predicted gene to produce syn-copalyl diphosphate in dicots. In addition, SdKSL1 potentially contributes to the SDB biosynthetic pathway. Therefore, these identified genes associated with diterpene biosynthesis lead to the development of genetic engineering focus on diterpene metabolism in S. dulcis.

Elucidation of terpenoid metabolism in Scoparia dulcis by RNA-seq analysis

PubMed Central

Yamamura, Yoshimi; Kurosaki, Fumiya; Lee, Jung-Bum

2017-01-01

Scoparia dulcis biosynthesize bioactive diterpenes, such as scopadulcic acid B (SDB), which are known for their unique molecular skeleton. Although the biosynthesis of bioactive diterpenes is catalyzed by a sequence of class II and class I diterpene synthases (diTPSs), the mechanisms underlying this process are yet to be fully identified. To elucidate these biosynthetic machinery, we performed a high-throughput RNA-seq analysis, and de novo assembly of clean reads revealed 46,332 unique transcripts and 40,503 two unigenes. We found diTPSs genes including a putative syn-copalyl diphosphate synthase (SdCPS2) and two kaurene synthase-like (SdKSLs) genes. Besides them, total 79 full-length of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes were also discovered. The expression analyses showed selected CYP450s associated with their expression pattern of SdCPS2 and SdKSL1, suggesting that CYP450 candidates involved diterpene modification. SdCPS2 represents the first predicted gene to produce syn-copalyl diphosphate in dicots. In addition, SdKSL1 potentially contributes to the SDB biosynthetic pathway. Therefore, these identified genes associated with diterpene biosynthesis lead to the development of genetic engineering focus on diterpene metabolism in S. dulcis. PMID:28266568

Is the Diagnosis of Physical Abuse Changed when Child Protective Services Consults a Child Abuse Pediatrics Subspecialty Group as a Second Opinion?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderst, James; Kellogg, Nancy; Jung, Inkyung

2009-01-01

Objectives: To characterize the changes regarding the diagnosis of physical abuse provided to Child Protective Services (CPS) when CPS asks a Child Abuse Pediatrics (CAP) specialty group for a second opinion and works in concert with that CAP group. Methods: Subjects were reported to CPS for suspected physical abuse and were first evaluated by a…

Exploring the Universe with TV Remotes: Cooperative Quizzes via the Classroom Performance System (CPS) in AY101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrd, G.; Coleman, S.; Werneth, C.

2003-12-01

Our AY101 course has large enrollments. There are the usual attendance problems with students putting off studying until just before major exams, with predictable consequences. We (myself, faculty, Werneth, grad student, and Coleman, undergrad) describe our experience with one strategy to actively involve students: cooperatively answering quiz questions. We tried a solution during our May 2002 Interim term. Classes of three hours/day over three weeks make mid-class breaks essential! Before breaks, we presented a short multiple choice, open book/note quiz answered after break. Quizzes could increase grades, e.g. A- to an A, without excessively diluting importance of closed-book major exams. Comparing Interim 2002 final exams to Interim 2001, the average was 80%, much better than the 2001 class's 57%. The 2002 students interacted with one another more. Attendance was over 90%. During a regular semester, handing out and taking up papers would take up much time during the more frequent and larger classes. It's more interesting if students vote for different answers together then revealing the correct answer. Toward these ends, I obtained a grant for a "Classroom Performance System," a computer receiver unit, 128 ``TV remote" response pads and software for creating quizzes. Spring 2003, three teachers tried out the system in a trial fashion. To compare, we used the system during Interim 2003. Ease of giving quizzes and grading permitted a shorter 5 question quiz during break with another at class end totaling of 27 quizzes (almost one/day for a regular semester's Tuesday/Thursday class). Improvement was maintained with a slight 3 % increase. We used the CPS for events such as the recent Mars close approach. Kids of all ages like to check their understanding with a few questions. We created a web site where the students can interactively review questions and other materials, http://ay101.garnetsigma.com/index.html

The Streptococcus agalactiae Stringent Response Enhances Virulence and Persistence in Human Blood

PubMed Central

Hooven, Thomas A.; Catomeris, Andrew J.; Bonakdar, Maryam; Tallon, Luke J.; Santana-Cruz, Ivette; Ott, Sandra; Daugherty, Sean C.; Tettelin, Hervé

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) causes serious infections in neonates. We previously reported a transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) system for performing genomewide assessment of gene fitness in GBS. In order to identify molecular mechanisms required for GBS to transition from a mucosal commensal lifestyle to bloodstream invasion, we performed Tn-seq on GBS strain A909 with human whole blood. Our analysis identified 16 genes conditionally essential for GBS survival in blood, of which 75% were members of the capsular polysaccharide (cps) operon. Among the non-cps genes identified as conditionally essential was relA, which encodes an enzyme whose activity is central to the bacterial stringent response—a conserved adaptation to environmental stress. We used blood coincubation studies of targeted knockout strains to confirm the expected growth defects of GBS deficient in capsule or stringent response activation. Unexpectedly, we found that the relA knockout strains demonstrated decreased expression of β-hemolysin/cytolysin, an important cytotoxin implicated in facilitating GBS invasion. Furthermore, chemical activation of the stringent response with serine hydroxamate increased β-hemolysin/cytolysin expression. To establish a mechanism by which the stringent response leads to increased cytotoxicity, we performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) on two GBS strains grown under stringent response or control conditions. This revealed a conserved decrease in the expression of genes in the arginine deiminase pathway during stringent response activation. Through coincubation with supplemental arginine and the arginine antagonist canavanine, we show that arginine availability is a determinant of GBS cytotoxicity and that the pathway between stringent response activation and increased virulence is arginine dependent. PMID:29109175

Genetic variation in the urea cycle: a model resource for investigating key candidate genes for common diseases.

PubMed

Mitchell, Sabrina; Ellingson, Clint; Coyne, Thomas; Hall, Lynn; Neill, Meaghan; Christian, Natalie; Higham, Catherine; Dobrowolski, Steven F; Tuchman, Mendel; Summar, Marshall

2009-01-01

The urea cycle is the primary means of nitrogen metabolism in humans and other ureotelic organisms. There are five key enzymes in the urea cycle: carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase 1 (ARG1). Additionally, a sixth enzyme, N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS), is critical for urea cycle function, providing CPS1 with its necessary cofactor. Deficiencies in any of these enzymes result in elevated blood ammonia concentrations, which can have detrimental effects, including central nervous system dysfunction, brain damage, coma, and death. Functional variants, which confer susceptibility for disease or dysfunction, have been described for enzymes within the cycle; however, a comprehensive screen of all the urea cycle enzymes has not been performed. We examined the exons and intron/exon boundaries of the five key urea cycle enzymes, NAGS, and two solute carrier transporter genes (SLC25A13 and SLC25A15) for sequence alterations using single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and high-resolution melt profiling. SSCP was performed on a set of DNA from 47 unrelated North American individuals with a mixture of ethnic backgrounds. High-resolution melt profiling was performed on a nonoverlapping DNA set of either 47 or 100 unrelated individuals with a mixture of backgrounds. We identified 33 unarchived polymorphisms in this screen that potentially play a role in the variation observed in urea cycle function. Screening all the genes in the pathway provides a catalog of variants that can be used in investigating candidate diseases. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Collagen Peptides from Crucian Skin Improve Calcium Bioavailability and Structural Characterization by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

PubMed

Hou, Tao; Liu, Yanshuang; Guo, Danjun; Li, Bo; He, Hui

2017-10-11

The effects of collagen peptides (CPs), which are derived from crucian skin, were investigated in a retinoic acid-induced bone loss model. The level of serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in the model group (117.65 ± 4.66 units/L) was significantly higher than those of the other three groups (P < 0.05). After treatment with 600 and 1200 mg of CPs/kg, the level of BALP decreased to 85.26 ± 7.35 and 97.03 ± 7.21 units/L, respectively. After treatment with 600 mg of CPs/kg, the bone calcium content significantly increased by 22% (femur) and 12.38% (tibia) compared to those of the model group. In addition, the bone mineral density in the 600 mg of CPs/kg group was significantly higher (femur, 0.37 ± 0.02 g/cm 2 ; tibia, 0.33 ± 0.02 g/cm 2 ) than in the model group (femur, 0.26 ± 0.01 g/cm 2 ; tibia, 0.23 ± 0.02 g/cm 2 ). The morphology results indicated bone structure improved after the treatment with CPs. Structural characterization demonstrated that Glu, Lys, and Arg play important roles in binding calcium and promoting calcium uptake. Our results indicated that CPs could promote calcium uptake and regulate bone formation.

The effect of creative problem solving on students’ mathematical adaptive reasoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muin, A.; Hanifah, S. H.; Diwidian, F.

2018-01-01

This research was conducted to analyse the effect of creative problem solving (CPS) learning model on the students’ mathematical adaptive reasoning. The method used in this study was a quasi-experimental with randomized post-test only control group design. Samples were taken as many as two classes by cluster random sampling technique consisting of experimental class (CPS) as many as 40 students and control class (conventional) as many as 40 students. Based on the result of hypothesis testing with the t-test at the significance level of 5%, it was obtained that significance level of 0.0000 is less than α = 0.05. This shows that the students’ mathematical adaptive reasoning skills who were taught by CPS model were higher than the students’ mathematical adaptive reasoning skills of those who were taught by conventional model. The result of this research showed that the most prominent aspect of adaptive reasoning that could be developed through a CPS was inductive intuitive. Two aspects of adaptive reasoning, which were inductive intuitive and deductive intuitive, were mostly balanced. The different between inductive intuitive and deductive intuitive aspect was not too big. CPS model can develop student mathematical adaptive reasoning skills. CPS model can facilitate development of mathematical adaptive reasoning skills thoroughly.

External Exposure to Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins for the General Population in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Gao, Wei; Cao, Dandan; Wang, Yingjun; Wu, Jing; Wang, Ying; Wang, Yawei; Jiang, Guibin

2018-01-02

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a class of compounds that are currently produced and used in large amounts in commercial products worldwide. In this study, food, indoor air, indoor dust, and drinking water samples were collected to evaluate the external exposure levels of CPs and possible pathway for the general population in Beijing, China. Short chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium chain CPs (MCCPs) in 199 samples were analyzed using a gas chromatography tandem time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-HR-MS) method. High levels of CPs were observed in the indoor environment from residential houses, offices, and student dormitories. The geometric mean concentrations (GM) of ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs in indoor dust were 92 μg g -1 and 82 μg g -1 , respectively, while in indoor air, the concentrations were 80 ng m -3 and 3.4 ng m -3 , respectively. The GM of ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs in the diet were 83 ng g -1 dry weight (dw) and 56 ng g -1 dw, respectively. The most important external exposure routes to CPs to the general populations in Beijing were food intake and indoor dust ingestion. Indoor dust and indoor air posed higher risks for toddlers and infants than for adults.

Bacterially induced mineralization of calcium carbonate: the role of exopolysaccharides and capsular polysaccharides.

PubMed

Ercole, Claudia; Cacchio, Paola; Botta, Anna Lucia; Centi, Valeria; Lepidi, Aldo

2007-02-01

Bacterially induced carbonate mineralization has been proposed as a new method for the restoration of limestones in historic buildings and monuments. We describe here the formation of calcite crystals by extracellular polymeric substances isolated from Bacillus firmus and Bacillus sphaericus. We isolated bacterial outer structures (glycocalix and parietal polymers), such as exopolysaccharides (EPS) and capsular polysaccharides (CPS) and checked for their influence on calcite precipitation. CPS and EPS extracted from both B. firmus and B. sphaericus were able to mediate CaCO3 precipitation in vitro. X-ray microanalysis showed that in all cases the formed crystals were calcite. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the shape of the crystals depended on the fractions utilized. These results suggest the possibility that biochemical composition of CPS or EPS influences the resulting morphology of CaCO3. There were no precipitates in the blank samples. CPS and EPS comprised of proteins and glycoproteins. Positive alcian blue staining also reveals acidic polysaccharides in CPS and EPS fractions. Proteins with molecular masses of 25-40 kDa and 70 kDa in the CPS fraction were highly expressed in the presence of calcium oxalate. This high level of synthesis could be related to the binding of calcium ions and carbonate deposition.

Computer-Based Assessment of Collaborative Problem Solving: Exploring the Feasibility of Human-to-Agent Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosen, Yigal

2015-01-01

How can activities in which collaborative skills of an individual are measured be standardized? In order to understand how students perform on collaborative problem solving (CPS) computer-based assessment, it is necessary to examine empirically the multi-faceted performance that may be distributed across collaboration methods. The aim of this…

Measuring the involvement of people with HIV in treatment decision making using the control preferences scale.

PubMed

Kremer, Heidemarie; Ironson, Gail

2008-01-01

Since 1983, HIV patients have been advocating for participatory decision making. This study measures the involvement that HIV-positive people perceive in treatment decision making. A secondary objective is to assess the validity of the instrument used to examine decisional roles, the Control Preferences Scale (CPS). The authors interviewed 79 HIV-positive people, a sub-sample of a study on long survival with HIV, diverse with respect to ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation. They compared the self- and researcher-rated decisional roles of participants on the CPS. They also assessed how well the CPS corresponds with Charles's paternalistic, shared- and informed-choice models of decision making about treatment based on decisional roles and information exchange. Most participants (75%) perceived collaborative/active involvement in decision making. Agreement (Kendall's tau-b) between self- and researcher-rated decisional roles on the CPS was 0.82, whereas agreement between self-ratings on the CPS and researcher ratings on Charles's classification was 0.60. Charles's classification was difficult if participants had chosen not to take their prescribed medication without being adequately informed about the risky consequences of this decision. In this study, HIV-positive people perceived a high level of involvement in decision making. Reliability and convergent validity of the CPS was high. Charles's classification was problematic because decisional roles and information exchange are distinct dimensions. Some people make risky treatment decisions on their own without being adequately informed. The CPS is a useful instrument to measure decisional role perceptions of HIV-positive people but needs to be complemented by an instrument measuring treatment knowledge.

Continuous palliative sedation: not only a response to physical suffering.

PubMed

Swart, Siebe J; van der Heide, Agnes; van Zuylen, Lia; Perez, Roberto S G M; Zuurmond, Wouter W A; van der Maas, Paul J; van Delden, Johannes J M; Rietjens, Judith A C

2014-01-01

Palliative sedation is a medical intervention aimed at relieving symptoms that can no longer be controlled by conventional treatment. Ample knowledge is available regarding the nature of such symptoms, but there is no in-depth information regarding how health care workers decide about palliative sedation. The study objective was to investigate considerations concerning the indications for continuous palliative sedation (CPS) and issues that influence these considerations. The study consisted of qualitative interviews regarding patients who had recently received CPS. The study involved physicians and nurses working in general practice, nursing homes, and hospitals. Analyses by a multidisciplinary research team used the constant comparative method. Together with physical symptoms, psychological and existential suffering may combine to produce a refractory state for which other treatment options than CPS were not available or considered inappropriate. A limited life expectancy was by many considered crucial (e.g., to avoid hastening death) and by some less important (e.g., because the patient's suffering was considered to be key). Issues influencing the decision to use CPS related to patient preferences (e.g., dignity, not wanting to experience further suffering) or family issues (impact of suffering on family, family requesting CPS). The indication for CPS typically originates from physical symptoms and nonphysical problems producing a refractory state in which a patient suffers unbearably. In such states, preferences of patients and families and the life expectancy criterion are weighed against the severity of refractory symptoms. Therefore the use of CPS is not only a response to the physical suffering of patients in the dying phase.

Using time-to-event analysis to identify preconception and prenatal predictors of child protective services contact.

PubMed

Austin, Anna E; Parrish, Jared W; Shanahan, Meghan E

2018-06-02

We examined preconception and prenatal predictors of time to first child protective services (CPS) contact among Alaska children. Data were from the Alaska Longitudinal Child Abuse and Neglect Linkage (ALCANLink) project, a population-representative data source linking 2009-2011 Alaska Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data with administrative data sources through 2015. We examined the incidence CPS contact using the Kaplan-Meier method and predictors of CPS contact using Cox proportional hazards regression. Using data from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend and Child Death Review, we censored children who emigrated out-of-state or died during the study period. Significant predictors included low socioeconomic status (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.68, 2.96), maternal smoking during pregnancy (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.55, 2.24), unmarried maternal marital status (HR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.31, 1.99), urban residence (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.32, 1.92), lower maternal education (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.24, 1.92), maternal experience of intimate partner violence in the 12 months before childbirth(HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.01, 1.74), Alaska Native/American Indian race (HR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.15, 1.71), a greater number of living children (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13, 1.29), a greater number of stressful life eventsin the 12 months before childbirth (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.11, 1.21), and younger maternal age at childbirth (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93, 0.97). Use of multiple linked data sources and time-to-event analysis methods adds to the growing literature regarding predictors of CPS contact. Results suggest that assessing for and addressing clinical, social, and environmental indicators during the prenatal period may aid prevention efforts in mitigating family need for involvement with CPS. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Incongruence between women's survey- and interview-determined decision control preferences: A mixed methods study of decision-making in metastatic breast cancer.

PubMed

Ejem, Deborah; Dionne-Odom, J Nicholas; Turkman, Yasemin; Knight, Sara J; Willis, Dan; Kaufman, Peter A; Bakitas, Marie

2018-04-30

Women with metastatic breast cancer face numerous, complex treatment and advance care planning (ACP) decisions. Our aim was to develop a better understanding of women with metastatic breast cancer's decision-making preferences overtime and relative to specific types of decisions. Convergent, parallel mixed-methods study. Participants completed the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) and a semi-structured interview of decision-making experiences at enrollment (T1; n = 22) and when facing a decision or 3 months later (T2; n = 19). We categorized women's decision-making experience descriptions into one of the CPS decisional styles and compared them to their CPS response. We constructed an analytic grid that aligned the interview-determined treatment and ACP decisional preferences with the CPS categories at T1 and T2 and calculated Cohen's kappa coefficient and congruence percentages. Participants (n = 22) were White (100%), averaged 62 years, married (54%), retired (45%), and had a bachelor's degree (45%). Congruence between CPS response and interview-determined treatment preferences at T1 was 32% (kappa = 0.083) and 33% (kappa = 0.120) at T2. Congruence between CPS survey response and interview-determined ACP preferences at T1 was 22.7% (kappa =0.092) at T1 and 11% (kappa = 0.011) at T2. Although women selected a "shared" treatment decision-making style using the CPS validated tool, when interviewed their descriptions generally reflected a passive process in which they followed the oncologists' treatment suggestions. Future research should explore whether the incongruence between stated and actual decision-making style is a function of misinterpreting the CPS choices or a true inconsistency that could lead to adverse consequences such as decisional regret. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Establishment and characterization of the reversibly immortalized mouse fetal heart progenitors.

PubMed

Li, Mi; Chen, Yuan; Bi, Yang; Jiang, Wei; Luo, Qing; He, Yun; Su, Yuxi; Liu, Xing; Cui, Jing; Zhang, Wenwen; Li, Ruidong; Kong, Yuhan; Zhang, Jiye; Wang, Jinhua; Zhang, Hongyu; Shui, Wei; Wu, Ningning; Zhu, Jing; Tian, Jie; Yi, Qi-Jian; Luu, Hue H; Haydon, Rex C; He, Tong-Chuan; Zhu, Gao-Hui

2013-01-01

Progenitor cell-based cardiomyocyte regeneration holds great promise of repairing an injured heart. Although cardiomyogenic differentiation has been reported for a variety of progenitor cell types, the biological factors that regulate effective cardiomyogenesis remain largely undefined. Primary cardiomyogenic progenitors (CPs) have a limited life span in culture, hampering the CPs' in vitro and in vivo studies. The objective of this study is to investigate if primary CPs isolated from fetal mouse heart can be reversibly immortalized with SV40 large T and maintain long-term cell proliferation without compromising cardiomyogenic differentiation potential. Primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from mouse E15.5 fetal heart, and immortalized retrovirally with the expression of SV40 large T antigen flanked with loxP sites. Expression of cardiomyogenic markers were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The immortalization phenotype was reversed by using an adenovirus-mediated expression of the Cre reconbinase. Cardiomyogenic differentiation induced by retinoids or dexamethasone was assessed by an α-myosin heavy chain (MyHC) promoter-driven reporter. We demonstrate that the CPs derived from mouse E15.5 fetal heart can be efficiently immortalized by SV40 T antigen. The conditionally immortalized CPs (iCP15 clones) exhibit an increased proliferative activity and are able to maintain long-term proliferation, which can be reversed by Cre recombinase. The iCP15 cells express cardiomyogenic markers and retain differentiation potential as they can undergo terminal differentiate into cardiomyctes under appropriate differentiation conditions although the iCP15 clones represent a large repertoire of CPs at various differentiation stages. The removal of SV40 large T increases the iCPs' differentiation potential. Thus, the iCPs not only maintain long-term cell proliferative activity but also retain cardiomyogenic differentiation potential. Our results suggest that the reported reversible SV40 T antigen-mediated immortalization represents an efficient approach for establishing long-term culture of primary cardiomyogenic progenitors for basic and translational research.

A field operational test on valve-regulated lead-acid absorbent-glass-mat batteries in micro-hybrid electric vehicles. Part I. Results based on kernel density estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaeck, S.; Karspeck, T.; Ott, C.; Weckler, M.; Stoermer, A. O.

2011-03-01

In March 2007 the BMW Group has launched the micro-hybrid functions brake energy regeneration (BER) and automatic start and stop function (ASSF). Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries in absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology are applied in vehicles with micro-hybrid power system (MHPS). In both part I and part II of this publication vehicles with MHPS and AGM batteries are subject to a field operational test (FOT). Test vehicles with conventional power system (CPS) and flooded batteries were used as a reference. In the FOT sample batteries were mounted several times and electrically tested in the laboratory intermediately. Vehicle- and battery-related diagnosis data were read out for each test run and were matched with laboratory data in a data base. The FOT data were analyzed by the use of two-dimensional, nonparametric kernel estimation for clear data presentation. The data show that capacity loss in the MHPS is comparable to the CPS. However, the influence of mileage performance, which cannot be separated, suggests that battery stress is enhanced in the MHPS although a battery refresh function is applied. Anyway, the FOT demonstrates the unsuitability of flooded batteries for the MHPS because of high early capacity loss due to acid stratification and because of vanishing cranking performance due to increasing internal resistance. Furthermore, the lack of dynamic charge acceptance for high energy regeneration efficiency is illustrated. Under the presented FOT conditions charge acceptance of lead-acid (LA) batteries decreases to less than one third for about half of the sample batteries compared to new battery condition. In part II of this publication FOT data are presented by multiple regression analysis (Schaeck et al., submitted for publication [1]).

A Quasi-Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Neighborhood Disadvantage on Child and Adolescent Conduct Problems

PubMed Central

Goodnight, Jackson A.; Lahey, Benjamin B.; Van Hulle, Carol A.; Rodgers, Joseph L.; Rathouz, Paul J.; Waldman, Irwin D.; D’Onofrio, Brian M.

2012-01-01

A quasi-experimental comparison of cousins differentially exposed to levels of neighborhood disadvantage (ND) was used with extensive measured covariates to test the hypothesis that neighborhood risk has independent effects on youth conduct problems (CPs). Multilevel analyses were based on mother-rated ND and both mother-reported CPs across 4–13 years (n = 7,077) and youth-reported CPs across 10–13 years (n = 4,524) from the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. ND was robustly related to CPs reported by both informants when controlling for both measured risk factors that are correlated with ND and unmeasured confounds. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ND has influence on conduct problems. PMID:21942334

Trichomonas vaginalis Cysteine Proteinases: Iron Response in Gene Expression and Proteolytic Activity

PubMed Central

Cárdenas-Guerra, Rosa Elena; Figueroa-Angulo, Elisa Elvira; Puente-Rivera, Jonathan; Zamudio-Prieto, Olga; Ortega-López, Jaime

2015-01-01

We focus on the iron response of Trichomonas vaginalis to gene family products such as the cysteine proteinases (CPs) involved in virulence properties. In particular, we examined the effect of iron on the gene expression regulation and function of cathepsin L-like and asparaginyl endopeptidase-like CPs as virulence factors. We addressed some important aspects about CPs genomic organization and we offer possible explanations to the fact that only few members of this large gene family are expressed at the RNA and protein levels and the way to control their proteolytic activity. We also summarized all known iron regulations of CPs at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels along with new insights into the possible epigenetic and miRNA processes. PMID:26090464

A Systematic Review of Community Interventions to Improve Aboriginal Child Passenger Safety

PubMed Central

Oudie, Eugenia; Desapriya, Ediriweera; Turcotte, Kate; Pike, Ian

2014-01-01

We evaluated evidence of community interventions to improve Aboriginal child passenger safety (CPS) in terms of its scientific merit and cultural relevance. We included studies if they reported interventions to improve CPS in Aboriginal communities, compared at least pre- and postintervention conditions, and evaluated rates and severity of child passenger injuries, child restraint use, or knowledge of CPS. We also appraised quality and cultural relevance of studies. Study quality was associated with community participation and cultural relevance. Strong evidence showed that multicomponent interventions tailored to each community improves CPS. Interventions in Aboriginal communities should incorporate Aboriginal views of health, involve the community, and be multicomponent and tailored to the community’s circumstances and culture. PMID:24754652

Urea cycle regulation by mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT5.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Takashi; Guarente, Leonard

2009-06-29

Mammalian sirtuins have diverse roles in aging, metabolism and disease. Recently we reported a new function for SIRT5 in urea cycle regulation. Our study uncovered that SIRT5 localized to mitochondria matrix and deacetylates carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), an enzyme which is the first and rate-limiting step of urea cycle. Deacetylation of CPS1 by SIRT5 resulted in activation of CPS1 enzymatic activity. Indeed, SIRT5-deficient mice failed to up-regulate CPS1 activity and showed hyper ammonemia during fasting. Similar effects are also observed on high protein diet or calorie restriction. These data indicate SIRT5 also has an emerging role in the metabolic adaptation to fasting, high protein diet and calorie restriction.

Meta II: Multi-Model Language Suite for Cyber Physical Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

AVM META) projects have developed tools for designing cyber physical (or Mechatronic ) Systems . These systems are increasingly complex, take much...projects have developed tools for designing cyber physical (CPS) (or Mechatronic ) systems . Exemplified by modern amphibious and ground military...and parametric interface of Simulink models and defines associations with CyPhy components and component interfaces. 2. Embedded Systems Modeling

Evaluation of a CdTe semiconductor based compact gamma camera for sentinel lymph node imaging

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

Russo, Paolo; Curion, Assunta S.; Mettivier, Giovanni

2011-03-15

Purpose: The authors assembled a prototype compact gamma-ray imaging probe (MediPROBE) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization. This probe is based on a semiconductor pixel detector. Its basic performance was assessed in the laboratory and clinically in comparison with a conventional gamma camera. Methods: The room-temperature CdTe pixel detector (1 mm thick) has 256x256 square pixels arranged with a 55 {mu}m pitch (sensitive area 14.08x14.08 mm{sup 2}), coupled pixel-by-pixel via bump-bonding to the Medipix2 photon-counting readout CMOS integrated circuit. The imaging probe is equipped with a set of three interchangeable knife-edge pinhole collimators (0.94, 1.2, or 2.1 mm effective diametermore » at 140 keV) and its focal distance can be regulated in order to set a given field of view (FOV). A typical FOV of 70 mm at 50 mm skin-to-collimator distance corresponds to a minification factor 1:5. The detector is operated at a single low-energy threshold of about 20 keV. Results: For {sup 99m}Tc, at 50 mm distance, a background-subtracted sensitivity of 6.5x10{sup -3} cps/kBq and a system spatial resolution of 5.5 mm FWHM were obtained for the 0.94 mm pinhole; corresponding values for the 2.1 mm pinhole were 3.3x10{sup -2} cps/kBq and 12.6 mm. The dark count rate was 0.71 cps. Clinical images in three patients with melanoma indicate detection of the SLNs with acquisition times between 60 and 410 s with an injected activity of 26 MBq {sup 99m}Tc and prior localization with standard gamma camera lymphoscintigraphy. Conclusions: The laboratory performance of this imaging probe is limited by the pinhole collimator performance and the necessity of working in minification due to the limited detector size. However, in clinical operative conditions, the CdTe imaging probe was effective in detecting SLNs with adequate resolution and an acceptable sensitivity. Sensitivity is expected to improve with the future availability of a larger CdTe detector permitting operation at shorter distances from the patient skin.« less

Assessment of potential factors associating with costs of hospitalizing cardiovascular diseases in 141 hospitals in Guangxi, China

PubMed Central

Zhou, Li-fang; Zhang, Mao-xin; Kong, Ling-qian; Liu, Jun-jun; Feng, Qi-ming; Lu, Wei; Wei, Bo; Zhao, Lue Ping

2017-01-01

Background The rising cost of healthcare is of great concern in China, as evidenced by the media features negative reports almost daily. However there are only a few studies from well-developed cities, like Beijing or Shanghai, and little is known about healthcare costs in rest of the country. In this study, we use hospitalization summary reports (HSRs) from admitted cardiovascular diseases patients in Guangxi hospitals during 2013–2016, and we investigate temporal trends of healthcare costs and associated factors. Methods By generalized additive model, we compute temporal trends of cost per stay (CPS), cost per day (CPD) and others. We then use generalized linear models to assess which factors associate with CPS and CPD. Findings Using a total of 760,000 HSRs, we find that CPS appears to be stabilized around $1040 until the middle of year 2015, before exhibiting a downward trend. Similarly, CPD exhibits similar stable pattern. Meanwhile, surgery-specific CPS showed an increase in year 2013–2014, and then stabilized. Drug costs account for over 1/3 of CPS, but they are gradually declining. Costs associated with physicians’ and nurses’ services represent less than 5% of CPS. We found that age, sex, marital status, occupation and payment methods are significantly associated with CPS or CPD. Interestingly, we found no association between patient ethnicity and these costs. However, we did find that minority patients use more secondary hospitals than Han patients. Interpretations Healthcare costs in Guangxi are stable, contrary to the rise portrayed by Chinese mass media. Several factors can be associated with healthcare costs, and these may be useful for developing evidence-based policies. In particular, there is a need to encourage more Han patients to seek care in primary and secondary hospitals. PMID:28301501

Protection against Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Infection Using a Capsular Polysaccharide Glycoconjugate Vaccine

PubMed Central

Calzas, Cynthia; Shiao, Tze Chieh; Neubauer, Axel; Kempker, Jennifer; Roy, René; Gottschalk, Marcelo

2016-01-01

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is an encapsulated bacterium and one of the most important bacterial pathogens in the porcine industry. Despite decades of research for an efficient vaccine, none is currently available. Based on the success achieved with other encapsulated pathogens, a glycoconjugate vaccine strategy was selected to elicit opsonizing anti-capsular polysaccharide (anti-CPS) IgG antibodies. In this work, glycoconjugate prototypes were prepared by coupling S. suis type 2 CPS to tetanus toxoid, and the immunological features of the postconjugation preparations were evaluated in vivo. In mice, experiments evaluating three different adjuvants showed that CpG oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) induces very low levels of anti-CPS IgM antibodies, while the emulsifying adjuvants Stimune and TiterMax Gold both induced high levels of IgGs and IgM. Dose-response trials comparing free CPS with the conjugate vaccine showed that free CPS is nonimmunogenic independently of the dose used, while 25 μg of the conjugate preparation was optimal in inducing high levels of anti-CPS IgGs postboost. With an opsonophagocytosis assay using murine whole blood, sera from immunized mice showed functional activity. Finally, the conjugate vaccine showed immunogenicity and induced protection in a swine challenge model. When conjugated and administered with emulsifying adjuvants, S. suis type 2 CPS is able to induce potent IgM and isotype-switched IgGs in mice and pigs, yielding functional activity in vitro and protection against a lethal challenge in vivo, all features of a T cell-dependent response. This study represents a proof of concept for the potential of glycoconjugate vaccines in veterinary medicine applications against invasive bacterial infections. PMID:27113360

What is the number of child prostitutes in Thailand?

PubMed

Archavanitkul, K

1999-01-01

This study estimates the number of child prostitutes (CPs) in Thailand. It is estimated by Mahidol University that CPs amounted to about 36,000 children out of 150,000-200,000 prostitutes. The Center for the Protection of Children's Rights estimates that Thai and foreign child prostitutes aged under 11 years, in 1996, amounted to about 800,000 out of a total 2 million prostitutes. An estimated 20,000 establishments employed about 700,000 sex workers. About 30,000 underground sex establishments registered about 1.3 million sex workers. The Ministry of Public Health estimates that CPs amounted to about 16,276 in 1995. The 3 different estimates vary widely. This study estimates the number of CPs aged under 18 years of age, differentiates between Thai and foreign prostitutes, and accounts for those who entered prostitution prior to the age of 18 years. 16% of the total number of prostitutes may be Thai CPs; 50% may have begun their work under the age of 18. About 30% of total foreign prostitutes may be children; 75% may have entered prostitution as minors. A 1997 census of establishments indicates 7816 sex establishments. Based on field research on underestimation, it is estimated that 18,248 were foreign sex workers in Thailand in 1997, or 20% of the total of 90,915 sex workers. 90% of the foreign sex workers were estimated to be from the Mekong subregion of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Viet Nam. An estimated 4927 (30%) were CPs. During 1990-97, an estimated minimum 80,000 children and women from the Mekong subregion entered the sex trade. An estimated 18,000 were Thai CPs.

Transformation of chlorinated paraffins to olefins during metal work and thermal exposure - Deconvolution of mass spectra and kinetics.

PubMed

Schinkel, Lena; Lehner, Sandro; Knobloch, Marco; Lienemann, Peter; Bogdal, Christian; McNeill, Kristopher; Heeb, Norbert V

2018-03-01

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are high production volume chemicals widely used as additives in metal working fluids. Thereby, CPs are exposed to hot metal surfaces which may induce degradation processes. We hypothesized that the elimination of hydrochloric acid would transform CPs into chlorinated olefins (COs). Mass spectrometry is widely used to detect CPs, mostly in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) evaluating 2-3 ions at mass resolutions R < 20'000. This approach is not suited to detected COs, because their mass spectra strongly overlap with CPs. We applied a mathematical deconvolution method based on full-scan MS data to separate interfered CP/CO spectra. Metal drilling indeed induced HCl-losses. CO proportions in exposed mixtures of chlorotridecanes increased. Thermal exposure of chlorotridecanes at 160, 180, 200 and 220 °C also induced dehydrohalogenation reactions and CO proportions also increased. Deconvolution of respective mass spectra is needed to study the CP transformation kinetics without bias from CO interferences. Apparent first-order rate constants (k app ) increased up to 0.17, 0.29 and 0.46 h -1 for penta-, hexa- and heptachloro-tridecanes exposed at 220 °C. Respective half-life times (τ 1/2 ) decreased from 4.0 to 2.4 and 1.5 h. Thus, higher chlorinated paraffins degrade faster than lower chlorinated ones. In conclusion, exposure of CPs during metal drilling and thermal treatment induced HCl losses and CO formation. It is expected that CPs and COs are co-released from such processes. Full-scan mass spectra and subsequent deconvolution of interfered signals is a promising approach to tackle the CP/CO problem, in case of insufficient mass resolution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The thoracic muscular system and its innervation in third instar Calliphora vicina Larvae. II. Projection patterns of the nerves associated with the pro- and mesothorax and the pharyngeal complex.

PubMed

Schoofs, Andreas; Hanslik, Ulrike; Niederegger, Senta; Heinzel, Hans-Georg; Spiess, Roland

2010-08-01

We describe the anatomy of the nerves that project from the central nervous system (CNS) to the pro- and mesothoracic segments and the cephalopharyngeal skeleton (CPS) for third instar Calliphora larvae. Due to the complex branching pattern we introduce a nomenclature that labels side branches of first and second order. Two fine nerves that were not yet described are briefly introduced. One paired nerve projects to the ventral arms (VAs) of the CPS. The second, an unpaired nerve, projects to the ventral surface of the cibarial part of the esophagus (ES). Both nerves were tentatively labeled after the structures they innervate. The antennal nerve (AN) innervates the olfactory dorsal organ (DO). It contains motor pathways that project through the frontal connectives (FC) to the frontal nerve (FN) and innervate the cibarial dilator muscles (CDM) which mediate food ingestion. The maxillary nerve (MN) innervates the sensory terminal organ (TO), ventral organ (VO), and labial organ (LO) and comprises the motor pathways to the mouth hook (MH) elevator, MH depressor, and the labial retractor (LR) which opens the mouth cavity. An anastomosis of unknown function exists between the AN and MN. The prothoracic accessory nerve (PaN) innervates a dorsal protractor muscle of the CPS and sends side branches to the aorta and the bolwig organ (BO) (stemmata). In its further course, this nerve merges with the prothoracic nerve (PN). The architecture of the PN is extremely complex. It innervates a set of accessory pharyngeal muscles attached to the CPS and the body wall musculature of the prothorax. Several anastomoses exist between side branches of this nerve which were shown to contain motor pathways. The mesothoracic nerve (MeN) innervates a MH accessor and the longitudinal and transversal body wall muscles of the second segment. J. Morphol. 271:969-979, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Design of Cyclic Peptide Based Glucose Receptors and Their Application in Glucose Sensing.

PubMed

Li, Chao; Chen, Xin; Zhang, Fuyuan; He, Xingxing; Fang, Guozhen; Liu, Jifeng; Wang, Shuo

2017-10-03

Glucose assay is of great scientific significance in clinical diagnostics and bioprocess monitoring, and to design a new glucose receptor is necessary for the development of more sensitive, selective, and robust glucose detection techniques. Herein, a series of cyclic peptide (CP) glucose receptors were designed to mimic the binding sites of glucose binding protein (GBP), and CPs' sequence contained amino acid sites Asp, Asn, His, Asp, and Arg, which constituted the first layer interactions of GBP. The properties of these CPs used as a glucose receptor or substitute for the GBP were studied by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. It was found that CPs can form a self-assembled monolayer at the Au quartz electrode surface, and the monolayer's properties were characterized by using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The CPs' binding affinity to saccharide (i.e., galactose, fructose, lactose, sucrose, and maltose) was investigated, and the CPs' sensitivity and selectivity toward glucose were found to be dependent upon the configuration,i.e., the amino acids sequence of the CPs. The cyclic unit with a cyclo[-CNDNHCRDNDC-] sequence gave the highest selectivity and sensitivity for glucose sensing. This work suggests that a synthetic peptide bearing a particular functional sequence could be applied for developing a new generation of glucose receptors and would find huge application in biological, life science, and clinical diagnostics fields.

Cold Incineration of Chlorophenols in Aqueous Solution by Advanced Electrochemical Process Electro-Fenton. Effect of Number and Position of Chlorine Atoms on the Degradation Kinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oturan, Nihal; Panizza, Marco; Oturan, Mehmet A.

2009-09-01

This study reports the kinetics of the degradation of several chlorophenols (CPs), such as monochlorophenols (2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol), dichlorophenols (2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,6- dichlorophenol), trichlorophenols (2,3,5- trichlorophenol and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol), 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol, by the electro-Fenton process using a carbon felt cathode and a Pt anode. The effect of number and the position of the chlorine atoms in the aromatic ring on the oxidative degradation rate was evaluated and discussed. The oxidation reaction of all the CPs with hydroxyl radicals evidenced a pseudo-first-order kinetics and the rate constant decreased with increasing the number of chlorine atoms. The absolute rate constant of second-order reaction kinetics between CPs and •OH was determined by the competition kinetics method in the range of (3.56-7.75) × 109 M-1 s-1 and follows the same sequence of the apparent rate constants. The mineralization of several CPs and of a mixture of all CPs under study was monitored by the total organic carbon (TOC) removal and the chlorine release during mineralization was followed by ion chromatography. Our results demonstrated that more chlorinated phenols are more difficult to mineralize; however for all the tested CPs, almost quantitative release of chloride ions was obtained after 6 h of treatment.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism of Streptococcus suis strains correlates with their profile of virulence-associated genes and clinical background.

PubMed

Rehm, Thomas; Baums, Christoph G; Strommenger, Birgit; Beyerbach, Martin; Valentin-Weigand, Peter; Goethe, Ralph

2007-01-01

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) typing was applied to 116 Streptococcus suis isolates with different clinical backgrounds (invasive/pneumonia/carrier/human) and with known profiles of virulence-associated genes (cps1, -2, -7 and -9, as well as mrp, epf and sly). A dendrogram was generated that allowed identification of two clusters (A and C) with different subclusters (A1, A2, C1 and C2) and two heterogeneous groups of strains (B and D). For comparison, three strains from each AFLP subcluster and group were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. The closest relationship and lowest diversity were found for patterns clustering within AFLP subcluster A1, which corresponded with sequence type (ST) complex 1. Strains within subcluster A1 were mainly invasive cps1 and mrp+ epf+ (or epf*) sly+ cps2+ strains of porcine or human origin. A new finding of this study was the clustering of invasive mrp* cps9 isolates within subcluster A2. MLST analysis suggested that A2 correlates with a single ST complex (ST87). In contrast to A1 and A2, subclusters C1 and C2 contained mainly pneumonia isolates of genotype cps7 or cps2 and epf- sly-. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that AFLP allows identification of clusters of S. suis strains with clinical relevance.

Are persistent early onset child conduct problems predicted by the trajectories and initial levels of discipline practices?

PubMed

Lorber, Michael F; Slep, Amy M Smith

2015-08-01

In the present investigation we focused on 2 broad sets of questions: Do parental overreactivity, laxness, and corporal punishment show evidence of normative change in early to middle childhood? Are persistently elevated child conduct problems (CPs) associated with deviations from normative changes in, as well as high initial levels of, discipline practices? Four hundred fifty-three couples with 3- to 7-year-old children were recruited via random digit dialing and studied at 3 annual assessments. Parents completed questionnaire measures of all study constructs. Normative declines were found in maternal corporal punishment and laxness. Maternal overreactivity showed a normative increase. For fathers, only corporal punishment showed evidence of a normative decline. The declines in mothers' corporal punishment and laxness, and in fathers' corporal punishment, exhibited little variability. In contrast, the trajectories of maternal overreactivity were significantly variable. High-increasing CPs were more common than low-stable CPs in families with greater increases in maternal overreactivity. High-increasing CPs were also more common in families with greater initial maternal overreactivity and corporal punishment. Yet in no case did discipline practices significantly distinguish children on high-increasing versus high-decreasing CPs trajectories. In tests of alternative models, child effects were found for all parenting variables, suggesting reciprocal causation. The findings are discussed relative to etiological models of CPs and implications for preventive intervention. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Dispersion of Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (CPs) from a CP Production Plant to the Surrounding Surface Soils and Coniferous Leaves.

PubMed

Xu, Jiazhi; Gao, Yuan; Zhang, Haijun; Zhan, Faqiang; Chen, Jiping

2016-12-06

Chlorinated paraffin (CP) production is one important emission source for short- and medium-chain CPs (SCCPs and MCCPs) in the environment. In this study, 48 CP congener groups were measured in the surface soils and coniferous leaves collected from the inner and surrounding environment of a CP production plant that has been in operation for more than 30 years to investigate the dispersion and deposition behavior of SCCPs and MCCPs. The average concentrations of the sum of SCCPs and MCCPs in the in-plant coniferous leaves and surface soils were 4548.7 ng g -1 dry weight (dw) and 3481.8 ng g -1 dw, which were 2-fold and 10-fold higher than those in the surrounding environment, respectively. The Gaussian air pollution model explained the spatial distribution of CPs in the coniferous leaves, whereas the dispersion of CPs to the surrounding surface soils fits the Boltzmann equation well. Significant fractionation effect was observed for the atmospheric dispersion of CPs from the production plant. CP congener groups with higher octanol-air partitioning coefficients (K OA ) were more predominant in the in-plant environment, whereas the ones with lower K OA values had the elevated proportion in the surrounding environment. A radius of approximately 4 km from the CP production plant was influenced by the atmospheric dispersion and deposition of CPs.

Improving parenting in families referred for child maltreatment: a randomized controlled trial examining effects of Project Support.

PubMed

Jouriles, Ernest N; McDonald, Renee; Rosenfield, David; Norwood, William D; Spiller, Laura; Stephens, Nanette; Corbitt-Shindler, Deborah; Ehrensaft, Miriam

2010-06-01

Project Support is an intervention designed to decrease coercive patterns of aggressive discipline and increase positive parenting. This research evaluates Project Support in a sample of families reported to Children's Protective Services (CPS) for allegations of physical abuse or neglect; 35 families with a child between 3- and 8-years-old participated. In all families, CPS allowed the children to remain in the family home while the family received services. Families were randomly assigned to receive either Project Support or services as usual, which were provided by CPS or CPS-contracted service providers. To evaluate intervention effects, a multimethod, multi-informant assessment strategy was used that included data from mothers' reports, direct observation of parents' behavior, and review of CPS records for re-referrals for child maltreatment. Families who received Project Support services showed greater decreases than families who received services as usual in the following areas: mothers' perceived inability to manage childrearing responsibilities, mothers' reports of harsh parenting, and observations of ineffective parenting practices. Only 5.9% of families in the Project Support condition had a subsequent referral to CPS for child maltreatment, compared with 27.7% of families in the comparison condition. The results suggest that Project Support may be a promising intervention for reducing child maltreatment among families in which it has occurred. (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved.

Effects of mipafox, paraoxon, chlorpyrifos and its metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon on the expression of biomarker genes of differentiation in D3 mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Sogorb, Miguel A; Fuster, Encarnación; Del Río, Eva; Estévez, Jorge; Vilanova, Eugenio

2016-11-25

Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is an organophosphorus compound (OP) capable of causing well-known cholinergic and delayed syndromes through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE), respectively. CPS is also able to induce neurodevelopmental toxicity in animals. NTE is codified by the Pnpla6 gene and plays a central role in differentiation and neurodifferentiation. We tested, in D3 mouse embryonic stem cells under differentiation, the effects of the NTE inhibition by the OPs mipafox, CPS and its main active metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) on the expression of genes Vegfa, Bcl2, Amot, Nes and Jun, previously reported to be under- or overexpressed after Pnpla6 silencing in this same cellular model. Mipafox did not significantly alter the expression of such genes at concentrations that significantly inhibited NTE. However, CPS and CPO at concentrations that caused NTE inhibition at similar levels to mipafox statistically and significantly altered the expression of most of these genes. Paraoxon (another OP with capability to inhibit esterases but not NTE) caused similar effects to CPS and CPO. These findings suggest that the molecular mechanism for the neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by CPS is not based on NTE inhibition, and that other unknown esterases might be potential targets of neurodevelopmental toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

You Need to Know: There Is a Causal Relationship between Structural Knowledge and Control Performance in Complex Problem Solving Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goode, Natassia; Beckmann, Jens F.

2010-01-01

This study investigates the relationships between structural knowledge, control performance and fluid intelligence in a complex problem solving (CPS) task. 75 participants received either complete, partial or no information regarding the underlying structure of a complex problem solving task, and controlled the task to reach specific goals.…

Predictive modeling of multicellular structure formation by using Cellular Particle Dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCune, Matthew; Shafiee, Ashkan; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2014-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is an effective computational method for describing and predicting the time evolution of biomechanical relaxation processes of multicellular systems. A typical example is the fusion of spheroidal bioink particles during post bioprinting structure formation. In CPD cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short-range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through integration of their equations of motion. CPD was successfully applied to describe and predict the fusion of 3D tissue construct involving identical spherical aggregates. Here, we demonstrate that CPD can also predict tissue formation involving uneven spherical aggregates whose volumes decrease during the fusion process. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

The Feasibility of a Web-Intervention for Military and Veteran Spouses Concerned about their Partner’s Alcohol Misuse

PubMed Central

Osilla, Karen Chan; Pedersen, Eric R.; Tolpadi, Anagha; Howard, Stefanie Stern; Phillips, Jessica L.; Gore, Kristie L.

2017-01-01

Concerned partners (CPs) of military service members and veterans with alcohol misuse can be an important catalyst for change. We adapted the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) intervention into a 4-session web-based intervention (WBI) called Partners Connect. The program aims to help the CP increase their own well-being, teach the CP how to manage his/her behavior (e.g., communication) toward their partner, and identify ways the CP can help their partner reduce drinking and seek treatment. We recruited CPs through social media, and then tested the feasibility and acceptance of the WBI by conducting qualitative interviews and post-WBI session surveys after their WBI sessions. CPs (n=12) spontaneously reported improvements in communication and more effective management of their partner’s drinking due to skills learned. They discussed how the online approach can help overcome barriers to seeking in-person help. This WBI fills an important gap in clinical services for military and veteran CPs and CPs in the general population who may not otherwise seek in-person counseling. PMID:28039559

Polysaccharides from bamboo shoots processing by-products: New insight into extraction and characterization.

PubMed

Chen, Guangjing; Chen, Kewei; Zhang, Renfeng; Chen, Xiaolong; Hu, Peng; Kan, Jianquan

2018-04-15

In this study, an efficient accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) technology was applied for rapid extraction of polysaccharides from the processing by-products of Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (CPS). The extraction yields, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant activities of CPS obtained by ASE and hot water extraction (HWE) were further compared. A maximal ASE-CPS yield was obtained by optimized extraction conditions (temperature 126 °C, 2 cycles, and 22 min) using response surface methodology. The yield of polysaccharides from ASE (9.96% ± 0.39%) was significantly higher than that from HWE (7.16% ± 0.32%). Differences were found between ASE and HWE with the chemical composition, molecular weight distribution, rheological property, and antioxidant activities of the obtained polysaccharides, while the primary structure remained the same. ASE-CPS exhibited better chemical antioxidant activities in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reducing power, and DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, whereas HWE-CPS displayed higher activity in metal chelating activity assay. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of extraction methods on the yield, chemical structure and anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides from Cordyceps gunnii mycelia.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhen-Yuan; Dong, Fengying; Liu, Xiaocui; Lv, Qian; YingYang; Liu, Fei; Chen, Ling; Wang, Tiantian; Wang, Zheng; Zhang, Yongmin

2016-04-20

This study was to investigate the effects of different extraction methods on the yield, chemical structure and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Cordyceps gunnii (C. gunnii) mycelia. Five extraction methods were used to extract crude polysaccharides (CPS), which include room-temperature water extraction (RWE), hot-water extraction (HWE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and cellulase-assisted extraction (CAE). Then Sephadex G-100 was used for purification of CPS. As a result, the antitumor activities of CPS and PPS on S180 cells were evaluated. Five CPS and purified polysaccharides (PPS) were obtained. The yield of CPS by microwave-assisted extraction (CPSMAE) was the highest and its anti-tumor activity was the best and its macromolecular polysaccharide (3000-1000kDa) ratio was the largest. The PPS had the same monosaccharide composition, but their obvious difference was in the antitumor activity and the physicochemical characteristics, such as intrinsic viscosity, specific rotation, scanning electron microscopy and circular dichroism spectra. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction of polysaccharides from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhenyu; Song, Haiyan; Yang, Yingjie; Liu, Yan; Liu, Zhigang; Hu, Haobin; Zhang, Yang

2015-05-01

A microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction (MAEE) method had been developed, which was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and orthogonal test design, to enhance the extraction of crude polysaccharides (CPS) from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis Baill. The optimum conditions were as follows: microwave irradiation time of 10 min, extraction pH of 4.21, extraction temperature of 47.58°C, extraction time of 3h and enzyme concentration of 1.5% (wt% of S. chinensis powder) for cellulase, papain and pectinase, respectively. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of CPS was 7.38 ± 0.21%, which was well in close agreement with the value predicted by the model. The three methods including heat-refluxing extraction (HRE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) for extracting CPS by RSM were further compared. Results indicated MAEE method had the highest extraction yields of CPS at lower temperature. It was indicated that the proposed approach in this study was a simple and efficient technique for extraction of CPS in S. chinensis Baill. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solvent induced rapid modulation of micro/nano structures of metal carboxylates coordination polymers: mechanism and morphology dependent magnetism.

PubMed

Liu, Kun; Shen, Zhu-Rui; Li, Yue; Han, Song-De; Hu, Tong-Liang; Zhang, Da-Shuai; Bu, Xian-He; Ruan, Wen-Juan

2014-08-12

Rational modulation of morphology is very important for functional coordination polymers (CPs) micro/nanostructures, and new strategies are still desired to achieve this challenging target. Herein, organic solvents have been established as the capping agents for rapid modulating the growth of metal-carboxylates CPs in organic solvent/water mixtures at ambient conditions. Co-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (pydc) CPs was studied here as the example. During the reaction, the organic solvents exhibited three types of modulation effect: anisotropic growth, anisotropic growth/formation of new crystalline phase and the formation of new crystalline phase solely, which was due to the variation of their binding ability with metal cations. The following study revealed that the binding ability was critically affected by their functional groups and molecular size. Moreover, their modulation effect could be finely tuned by changing volume ratios of solvent mixtures. Furthermore, they could be applied for modulating other metal-carboxylates CPs: Co-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTC), Zn-pydc and Eu-pydc etc. Additionally, the as-prepared Co-pydc CPs showed a fascinating morphology-dependent antiferromagnetic behavior.

Solvent induced rapid modulation of micro/nano structures of metal carboxylates coordination polymers: mechanism and morphology dependent magnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kun; Shen, Zhu-Rui; Li, Yue; Han, Song-De; Hu, Tong-Liang; Zhang, Da-Shuai; Bu, Xian-He; Ruan, Wen-Juan

2014-08-01

Rational modulation of morphology is very important for functional coordination polymers (CPs) micro/nanostructures, and new strategies are still desired to achieve this challenging target. Herein, organic solvents have been established as the capping agents for rapid modulating the growth of metal-carboxylates CPs in organic solvent/water mixtures at ambient conditions. Co-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (pydc) CPs was studied here as the example. During the reaction, the organic solvents exhibited three types of modulation effect: anisotropic growth, anisotropic growth/formation of new crystalline phase and the formation of new crystalline phase solely, which was due to the variation of their binding ability with metal cations. The following study revealed that the binding ability was critically affected by their functional groups and molecular size. Moreover, their modulation effect could be finely tuned by changing volume ratios of solvent mixtures. Furthermore, they could be applied for modulating other metal-carboxylates CPs: Co-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTC), Zn-pydc and Eu-pydc etc. Additionally, the as-prepared Co-pydc CPs showed a fascinating morphology-dependent antiferromagnetic behavior.

Solvent induced rapid modulation of micro/nano structures of metal carboxylates coordination polymers: mechanism and morphology dependent magnetism

PubMed Central

Liu, Kun; Shen, Zhu-Rui; Li, Yue; Han, Song-De; Hu, Tong-Liang; Zhang, Da-Shuai; Bu, Xian-He; Ruan, Wen-Juan

2014-01-01

Rational modulation of morphology is very important for functional coordination polymers (CPs) micro/nanostructures, and new strategies are still desired to achieve this challenging target. Herein, organic solvents have been established as the capping agents for rapid modulating the growth of metal-carboxylates CPs in organic solvent/water mixtures at ambient conditions. Co-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (pydc) CPs was studied here as the example. During the reaction, the organic solvents exhibited three types of modulation effect: anisotropic growth, anisotropic growth/formation of new crystalline phase and the formation of new crystalline phase solely, which was due to the variation of their binding ability with metal cations. The following study revealed that the binding ability was critically affected by their functional groups and molecular size. Moreover, their modulation effect could be finely tuned by changing volume ratios of solvent mixtures. Furthermore, they could be applied for modulating other metal-carboxylates CPs: Co-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTC), Zn-pydc and Eu-pydc etc. Additionally, the as-prepared Co-pydc CPs showed a fascinating morphology-dependent antiferromagnetic behavior. PMID:25113225

Child Protective Services referrals in cases of sudden infant death: a 10-year, population-based analysis in San Diego County, California.

PubMed

Krous, Henry F; Haas, Elisabeth A; Manning, Julie M; Deeds, Anita; Silva, Patricia D; Chadwick, Amy E; Stanley, Christina

2006-08-01

The potential diagnostic significance of prior family referral to Child Protective Services (CPS) in cases of sudden infant death is unknown. Therefore, the authors retrospectively searched for CPS data for the 5-year referral history on all 533 families whose infants died suddenly from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), other natural diseases, accidents, or inflicted injuries and underwent postmortem examination by the medical examiner during a 10-year period. No family had more than one infant death. At least 27% of the families in each group had at least one CPS referral. The data suggest that a family's referral to CPS prior to their sudden death of their infant does not increase the likelihood that it was caused by inflicted injuries, and prior referral should not preclude a diagnosis of SIDS. The authors recommend future prospective studies that include refined exposure histories and that are large enough to have sufficient statistical power to compare family CPS referrals and outcomes in groups of infants who died suddenly with a matched group of living infants.

Satellite provided customer premise services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 2: Technical report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-01-01

The potential United States domestic telecommunications demand for satellite provided customer premises voice, data and video services through the year 2000 were forecast, so that this information on service demand would be available to aid in NASA program planning. To accomplish this overall purpose the following objectives were achieved: development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand, identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Computer premises services systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressabble by Ka-band CPS system, and postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for; 1980, 1990, and 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

Communications platform payload definition study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clopp, H. W.; Hawkes, T. A.; Bertles, C. R.; Pontano, B. A.; Kao, T.

1986-01-01

Large geostationary communications platforms were investigated in a number of studies since 1974 as a possible means to more effectively utilize the geostationary arc and electromagnetic spectrum and to reduce overall satellite communications system costs. The commercial feasibility of various communications platform payload concepts circa 1998 was addressed. Promising payload concepts were defined, recurring costs were estimated, and critical technologies needed to enable eventual commercialization were identified. Ten communications service aggregation scenarios describing potential groupings of service were developed for a range of conditions. Payload concepts were defined for four of these scenarios: (1) Land Mobile Satellite Service (LMSS) meets 100% of Contiguous United States (CONUS) plus Canada demand with a single platform; (2) Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) (trunking + Customer Premises Service (CPS)), meet 20% of CONUS demand;(3) FSS (trunking + CPS + video distribution), 10 to 13% of CONUS demand; and (4) FSS (20% of demand) + Inter Satellite Links (ISL) + Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)/Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS) Data Distribution.

Satellite provided customer premise services: A forecast of potential domestic demand through the year 2000. Volume 2: Technical report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kratochvil, D.; Bowyer, J.; Bhushan, C.; Steinnagel, K.; Al-Kinani, G.

1983-08-01

The potential United States domestic telecommunications demand for satellite provided customer premises voice, data and video services through the year 2000 were forecast, so that this information on service demand would be available to aid in NASA program planning. To accomplish this overall purpose the following objectives were achieved: development of a forecast of the total domestic telecommunications demand, identification of that portion of the telecommunications demand suitable for transmission by satellite systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressable by Computer premises services systems, identification of that portion of the satellite market addressabble by Ka-band CPS system, and postulation of a Ka-band CPS network on a nationwide and local level. The approach employed included the use of a variety of forecasting models, a market distribution model and a network optimization model. Forecasts were developed for; 1980, 1990, and 2000; voice, data and video services; terrestrial and satellite delivery modes; and C, Ku and Ka-bands.

Immunisation of cattle with cysteine proteinases of Trypanosoma congolense: targetting the disease rather than the parasite.

PubMed

Authié, E; Boulangé, A; Muteti, D; Lalmanach, G; Gauthier, F; Musoke, A J

2001-11-01

In order to test the hypothesis that trypanosome cysteine proteinases (CPs) contribute to pathology of trypanosomosis, cattle were immunised with CP1 and/or CP2, the major CPs of Trypanosoma congolense, and subsequently challenged with T. congolense. Immunisation had no effect on the establishment of infection and the development of acute anaemia. However, immunised cattle, unlike control cattle, maintained or gained weight during infection. Their haematocrit and leukocyte counts showed a tendency to recovery after 2-3 months of infection. Cattle immunised with CP2 mounted early and prominent IgG responses to CPs and to the variable surface glycoprotein following challenge. Thus trypanosome CPs may play a role in anaemia and immunosuppression; conversely, anti-CP antibody may modulate the trypanosome-induced pathology.

Evidence-based clinical guidelines in Kyrgyz Republic.

PubMed

Zurdinova, A A

2015-01-01

Improving quality of care in many countries is one of the priorities of health systems. At the same time one of the most important methods of improving quality of care is the widespread use of methods and principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) [1]. The implementation of EBM in public health practice provides for the optimization of quality of care in terms of safety, efficacy and cost, one way of which is the use of clinical guidelines. Clinical guidelines developed with the use of EBM, provide an opportunity to use the latest and accurate information to optimize or neutralize impact on physician decision-making of subjective factors such as intuition, expertise, opinion of respected colleagues, recommendations of popular manuals and handbooks, etc. To assess and analyze the developed clinical guidelines (CG) and protocols (CP) in the Kyrgyz Republic in the period from 2008 to 2014 and evaluate their implementation in practical healthcare. Retrospective analysis of the developed clinical guidelines and protocols according to the approved methodology, interviewing leaders, questioning doctors and patients for their implementation. All participants gave informed consent for voluntary participation in the study. Within the framework of the National Program "Manas Taalimi" "Strategy for development of evidence-based medicine in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2006-2010" (MOH Order №490 from 09.04.06) was developed and approved for use. Its main purpose was to create a sustainable system of development, deployment and monitoring of the CG and CP and further promotion of EBM into practical health care, education and science. As a result, a number of documents ("Expert Council for assessing the quality of clinical guidelines/protocols", "AGREE instrument to assess the methodological content of clinical guidelines" [2], "The methodology of development and adaptation of clinical guidelines based on evidence-based medicine") were approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health from 31.12.2008 №704.This methodology was based on the international guideline SIGN-50 [3], as part of the strategy, it was decided to adapt clinical guidelines of the advanced countries of the world to the organizational characteristics of health care in the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the adopted methodology, the development of clinical guidelines should include the following steps: choose a theme, create a multidisciplinary group to conduct a search of existing clinical guidelines and assess their quality, if necessary, conduct an additional search of evidence, make recommendations and draw up the text of clinical guidelines, conduct peer review and consultations, approve clinical guidelines in the pilot, approve the clinical management of the Ministry of Health, publish and distribute, put into practice, monitor the effectiveness of implementation, provide for the revision and updating of clinical guidelines as new credible information appears. In the future, these CGs will be considered as a basis for the development of the CP in accordance with the possibilities of health care organizations of the country. Figuratively speaking, the CG answers the question - "What can be done in an ideal situation? ', And CP -" What should be done in a country?".The Ministry of Health over the period 2008-2014 years approved 41 CGs and 118 CPs for common diseases. It should be noted that only 31.7% of them were represented by the corresponding CGs. Among the approved CPs only 15.3% were based on the corresponding CGs. All of the CGs and CPs (100%) identified experts who prepared the documents and to whom they are addressed. The search strategy information was available only in 24.3% of cases, and only 18.1% used the criteria for selection of international guidelines, which were found in the CGs. 100% of the CGs and CPs indicated no conflict of interest of their developers, but it should be noted that 89% of the CG and CP were developed with the financial assistance of donor organizations supporting the Kyrgyz health reform. The degree of evidence of the recommendations was presented in 100% of the documents, but grading scales were different: in one CG manual grading was used with 3 levels of evidence (A, B, C), in the other - 4 levels (A, B, C, D ), and in the third - tier 5-6 (I, II, III, IV, V), which is not the approved methodology, which was based on gradation - A, B, C, D. In the process of approval of CGs and CPs, 100% did not specify points of methodological quality evaluation.To assess the implementation of approved CG in the practice (training, availability of the CG and CP for each doctor, informing patients about the CG and CP, monitoring use) we interviewed the leaders of health care organizations (20), surveyed 200 doctors and 100 patients. Only 10% of leaders said that they participated in the training on the CG and CP. 5% of them confirmed that every doctor had the corresponding copies of CGs and CPs, 100% of the leaders conduct internal audits on the use of the CG and CP, in 95% of cases the developed CGs and CPs do not take into account local health systems conditions (drugs, equipments etc.). 100% of respondents followed the CGs and CPs, as penalties were introduces by the Ministry of Health, Health Insurance Fund for violation of these recommendations. 25% of respondents reported improved clinical outcomes. To the question "How to improve the practice of medicine with the use of CGs and CPs?" 100% of the managers answered that they needed trainings: trainings for physicians, trainings for the developers of these documents. The survey of doctors showed that only 5% of them were trained in the use of CGs and CPs, 100% of them had the copies of CGs and CPs, 100% of doctors answered that the CGs and CPs not always were suitable for their practice. Questioning patients revealed the following: 100% of them never heard of the CGs and CPs, 2% of patients noted some improvement in healthcare delivery, and 20% of patients were referred to private laboratories for diagnostic tests, and 100% of the patients-respondents bought their drugs for their own pocket money. It is very important to ensure equal opportunities in access to medical interventions designed accordingly to the CGs and CPs at all health facilities that will prevent discrimination, depending on territorial distribution, administrative subordination, and other factors in the provision of health care. Implementation of CG and CP recommendations depends not only on the level of health care, knowledge and judgment of a clinician, but also on affordability of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic technologies for a patient. Cases when effective services are not unaffordable for patients should be considered from ethical perspective.

Mobile app reading speed test.

PubMed

Kingsnorth, Alec; Wolffsohn, James S

2015-04-01

To validate the accuracy and repeatability of a mobile app reading speed test compared with the traditional paper version. Twenty-one subjects wearing their full refractive correction glasses read 14 sentences of decreasing print size between 1.0 and -0.1 logMAR, each consisting of 14 words (Radner reading speed test) at 40 cm with a paper-based chart and twice on iPad charts. Time duration was recorded with a stop watch for the paper chart and on the App itself for the mobile chart allowing critical print size (CPS) and optimal reading speed (ORS) to be derived objectively. The ORS was higher for the mobile app charts (194±29 wpm; 195±25 wpm) compared with the paper chart (166±20 wpm; F=57.000, p<0.001). The CPS was lower for the mobile app charts (0.17±0.20 logMAR; 0.18±0.17 logMAR) compared with the paper chart (0.25±0.17 logMAR; F=5.406, p=0.009). The mobile app test had a mean difference repeatability of 0.30±22.5 wpm, r=0.917 for ORS, and a CPS of 0.0±0.2 logMAR, r=0.769. Repeatability of the app reading speed test is as good (ORS) or better (CPS) than previous studies on the paper test. While the results are not interchangeable with paper-based charts, mobile app tablet-based tests of reading speed are reliable and rapid to perform, with the potential to capture functional visual ability in research studies and clinical practice. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Aberrant expression and distribution of enzymes of the urea cycle and other ammonia metabolizing pathways in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

PubMed

van Straten, Giora; van Steenbeek, Frank G; Grinwis, Guy C M; Favier, Robert P; Kummeling, Anne; van Gils, Ingrid H; Fieten, Hille; Groot Koerkamp, Marian J A; Holstege, Frank C P; Rothuizen, Jan; Spee, Bart

2014-01-01

The detoxification of ammonia occurs mainly through conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver via the urea cycle and glutamine synthesis. Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs cause hyperammonemia eventually leading to hepatic encephalopathy. In this study, the gene expression of urea cycle enzymes (carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC), argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase (ARG1)), N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1), and glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) was evaluated in dogs with CPSS before and after surgical closure of the shunt. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on urea cycle enzymes and GLUL on liver samples of healthy dogs and dogs with CPSS to investigate a possible zonal distribution of these enzymes within the liver lobule and to investigate possible differences in distribution in dogs with CPSS compared to healthy dogs. Furthermore, the effect of increasing ammonia concentrations on the expression of the urea cycle enzymes was investigated in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Gene-expression of CPS1, OTC, ASL, GLUD1 and NAGS was down regulated in dogs with CPSS and did not normalize after surgical closure of the shunt. In all dogs GLUL distribution was localized pericentrally. CPS1, OTC and ASS1 were localized periportally in healthy dogs, whereas in CPSS dogs, these enzymes lacked a clear zonal distribution. In primary hepatocytes higher ammonia concentrations induced mRNA levels of CPS1. We hypothesize that the reduction in expression of urea cycle enzymes, NAGS and GLUD1 as well as the alterations in zonal distribution in dogs with CPSS may be caused by a developmental arrest of these enzymes during the embryonic or early postnatal phase.

Occurrence of a Sequence in Marine Cyanophages Similar to That of T4 g20 and Its Application to PCR-Based Detection and Quantification Techniques†

PubMed Central

Fuller, Nicholas J.; Wilson, William H.; Joint, Ian R.; Mann, Nicholas H.

1998-01-01

Viruses are ubiquitous components of marine ecosystems and are known to infect unicellular phycoerythrin-containing cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Synechococcus. A conserved region from the cyanophage genome was identified in three genetically distinct cyanomyoviruses, and a sequence analysis revealed that this region exhibited significant similarity to a gene encoding a capsid assembly protein (gp20) from the enteric coliphage T4. The results of a comparison of gene 20 sequences from three cyanomyoviruses and T4 allowed us to design two degenerate PCR primers, CPS1 and CPS2, which specifically amplified a 165-bp region from the majority of cyanomyoviruses tested. A competitive PCR (cPCR) analysis revealed that cyanomyovirus strains could be accurately enumerated, and it was demonstrated that quantification was log-linear over ca. 3 orders of magnitude. Different calibration curves were obtained for each of the three cyanomyovirus strains tested; consequently, cPCR performed with primers CPS1 and CPS2 could lead to substantial inaccuracies in estimates of phage abundance in natural assemblages. Further sequence analysis of cyanomyovirus gene 20 homologs would be necessary in order to design primers which do not exhibit phage-to-phage variability in priming efficiency. It was demonstrated that PCR products of the correct size could be amplified from seawater samples following 100× concentration and even directly without any prior concentration. Hence, the use of degenerate primers in PCR analyses of cyanophage populations should provide valuable data on the diversity of cyanophages in natural assemblages. Further optimization of procedures may ultimately lead to a sensitive assay which can be used to analyze natural cyanophage populations both quantitatively (by cPCR) and qualitatively following phylogenetic analysis of amplified products. PMID:9603813

Aberrant Expression and Distribution of Enzymes of the Urea Cycle and Other Ammonia Metabolizing Pathways in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

PubMed Central

van Straten, Giora; van Steenbeek, Frank G.; Grinwis, Guy C. M.; Favier, Robert P.; Kummeling, Anne; van Gils, Ingrid H.; Fieten, Hille; Groot Koerkamp, Marian J. A.; Holstege, Frank C. P.; Rothuizen, Jan; Spee, Bart

2014-01-01

The detoxification of ammonia occurs mainly through conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver via the urea cycle and glutamine synthesis. Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs cause hyperammonemia eventually leading to hepatic encephalopathy. In this study, the gene expression of urea cycle enzymes (carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1), ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC), argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase (ARG1)), N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD1), and glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) was evaluated in dogs with CPSS before and after surgical closure of the shunt. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed on urea cycle enzymes and GLUL on liver samples of healthy dogs and dogs with CPSS to investigate a possible zonal distribution of these enzymes within the liver lobule and to investigate possible differences in distribution in dogs with CPSS compared to healthy dogs. Furthermore, the effect of increasing ammonia concentrations on the expression of the urea cycle enzymes was investigated in primary hepatocytes in vitro. Gene-expression of CPS1, OTC, ASL, GLUD1 and NAGS was down regulated in dogs with CPSS and did not normalize after surgical closure of the shunt. In all dogs GLUL distribution was localized pericentrally. CPS1, OTC and ASS1 were localized periportally in healthy dogs, whereas in CPSS dogs, these enzymes lacked a clear zonal distribution. In primary hepatocytes higher ammonia concentrations induced mRNA levels of CPS1. We hypothesize that the reduction in expression of urea cycle enzymes, NAGS and GLUD1 as well as the alterations in zonal distribution in dogs with CPSS may be caused by a developmental arrest of these enzymes during the embryonic or early postnatal phase. PMID:24945279

Intra-/inter-laboratory validation study on reactive oxygen species assay for chemical photosafety evaluation using two different solar simulators.

PubMed

Onoue, Satomi; Hosoi, Kazuhiro; Toda, Tsuguto; Takagi, Hironori; Osaki, Naoto; Matsumoto, Yasuhiro; Kawakami, Satoru; Wakuri, Shinobu; Iwase, Yumiko; Yamamoto, Toshinobu; Nakamura, Kazuichi; Ohno, Yasuo; Kojima, Hajime

2014-06-01

A previous multi-center validation study demonstrated high transferability and reliability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay for photosafety evaluation. The present validation study was undertaken to verify further the applicability of different solar simulators and assay performance. In 7 participating laboratories, 2 standards and 42 coded chemicals, including 23 phototoxins and 19 non-phototoxic drugs/chemicals, were assessed by the ROS assay using two different solar simulators (Atlas Suntest CPS series, 3 labs; and Seric SXL-2500V2, 4 labs). Irradiation conditions could be optimized using quinine and sulisobenzone as positive and negative standards to offer consistent assay outcomes. In both solar simulators, the intra- and inter-day precisions (coefficient of variation; CV) for quinine were found to be below 10%. The inter-laboratory CV for quinine averaged 15.4% (Atlas Suntest CPS) and 13.2% (Seric SXL-2500V2) for singlet oxygen and 17.0% (Atlas Suntest CPS) and 7.1% (Seric SXL-2500V2) for superoxide, suggesting high inter-laboratory reproducibility even though different solar simulators were employed for the ROS assay. In the ROS assay on 42 coded chemicals, some chemicals (ca. 19-29%) were unevaluable because of limited solubility and spectral interference. Although several false positives appeared with positive predictivity of ca. 76-92% (Atlas Suntest CPS) and ca. 75-84% (Seric SXL-2500V2), there were no false negative predictions in both solar simulators. A multi-center validation study on the ROS assay demonstrated satisfactory transferability, accuracy, precision, and predictivity, as well as the availability of other solar simulators. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advance Directives among Nursing Home Residents with Mild, Moderate, and Advanced Dementia.

PubMed

Tjia, Jennifer; Dharmawardene, Marisa; Givens, Jane L

2018-01-01

To describe prevalence and content of AD documentation among NH residents by dementia stage. The prevalence of advance directives (ADs) among nursing home (NH) residents with mild, moderate, and advanced dementia remains unclear. Population-based, cross-sectional study of all licensed NHs in five U.S. states. Subjects included all long-stay (>90 day) NH residents with dementia, aged ≥65 years, and a Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS) score ≥1 from the 2007 to 2008 Minimum Data Set 2.0 (n = 180,621). Dementia severity was classified as follows: mild (CPS 1-2), moderate (CPS 3-4), and advanced (CPS 5-6). ADs were defined as the presence of a living will, do-not-resuscitate order, do-not-hospitalize order, medication restriction, or feeding restriction). Overall, 59% of residents had any AD and 17% had a living will. Prevalence of any AD increased by dementia severity: mild (51.2%), moderate (58.2%), and advanced (61.5%) (p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, resident characteristics associated with any AD documentation included older age, female gender, being white, and having more severe dementia. Having a living will was associated with higher education (≥high school graduate vs. some high school or less) and being married. While dementia severity was associated with greater likelihood of having documented any AD, almost 4 in 10 residents with dementia lacked any AD. Effective outreach may focus efforts on subgroups with lower odds of any AD or living wills, including non-white, less educated, and unmarried NH residents. A greater understanding of how such factors impact care planning will help to address barriers to patient-centered care for this population.

Transportation-cyber-physical-systems-oriented engine cylinder pressure estimation using high gain observer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong-Fu; Xiao-Pei, Kou; Zheng, Tai-Xiong; Li, Yin-Guo

2015-05-01

In transportation cyber-physical-systems (T-CPS), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications play an important role in the coordination between individual vehicles as well as between vehicles and the roadside infrastructures, and engine cylinder pressure is significant for engine diagnosis on-line and torque control within the information exchange process under V2V communications. However, the parametric uncertainties caused from measurement noise in T-CPS lead to the dynamic performance deterioration of the engine cylinder pressure estimation. Considering the high accuracy requirement under V2V communications, a high gain observer based on the engine dynamic model is designed to improve the accuracy of pressure estimation. Then, the analyses about convergence, converge speed and stability of the corresponding error model are conducted using the Laplace and Lyapunov method. Finally, results from combination of Simulink with GT-Power based numerical experiments and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach with respect to robustness and accuracy. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61304197), the Scientific and Technological Talents of Chongqing, China (Grant No. cstc2014kjrc-qnrc30002), the Key Project of Application and Development of Chongqing, China (Grant No. cstc2014yykfB40001), the Natural Science Funds of Chongqing, China (Grant No. cstc2014jcyjA60003), and the Doctoral Start-up Funds of Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China (Grant No. A2012-26).

Telemetry Tracking and Control Through Commercial LEO Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Streich, Ronald C.; Morgan, Dwayne R.; Bull, Barton B.; Grant, Charles E.; Powers, Edward I. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Personnel from the Goddard Space Flight Center Wallops Flight Facility (GSFC/WFF in Virginia have successfully tested commercial LEO communications satellites for sounding rocket, balloon and aircraft flight TT&C. The Flight Modern became a GSFC/WFF Advanced Range Technology Initiative (ARTI) in an effort to streamline TT&C capability to the user community at low cost. Ground tests of the Flight Modem verified duplex communications quality of service and measured transmission latencies. These tests were completed last year and results reported in the John Hopkins University (JHU) Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) 4th International Symposium on Reducing Spacecraft Costs for Ground Systems and Operations. The second phase of the Flight Modem baseline test program was a demonstration of the ruggedized version of the WFF Flight Modem flown on a sounding rocket launched it the Swedish rocket range (Esrangc) near Kiruna, Sweden, with results contained in this paper. Aircraft flight tests have been and continue to be conducted. Flights of opportunity are being actively pursued with other centers, ranges and users at universities. The WFF Flight Modem contains a CPS receiver to provide vehicle position for tracking and vehicle recovery. The system architecture, which integrates antennas, CPS receiver, commercial satellite packet data modem and a single board computer with custom software, is described. Small satellite use of the WFF Flight Modem is also being investigated, The Flight Modem provides an independent vehicle position source for Range Safety applications. The LEO communication system contains a coarse position location system, which is compared to GPS ace acy. This comparison allows users, to determine the need for a CPS receiver in addition to the satellite packet data modem for their application.

[Biomechanical study on effects of bone mineral density on fixation strength of expansive pedicle screw].

PubMed

Gao, Mingxuan; Li, Xusheng; Zhen, Ping; Wu, Zhigang; Zhou, Shenghu; Tian, Qi; Lei, Wei

2013-08-01

To evaluate the fixation strength of expansive pedicle screw (EPS) at different bone mineral density (BMD) levels, further to provide theoretical evidence for the clinical application of the EPS in patients with osteoporosis. Fresh human cadaver spines (T12-L5 spines) were divided into 4 levels: normal BMD, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and severe osteoporosis according to the value of BMD, 12 vertebra in each level. Conventional pedicle screw (CPS) or EPS was implanted into the bilateral vertebra in CPS group and EPS group, respectively, 12 screws in each group per BMD level. Screw pullout tests were conducted. The maximum pullout strength, stiffness, and energy absorption were determined by an AG-IS material testing machine with constant rate of loading in a speed of 5 mm/min. With the decline of BMD from normal to severe osteoporosis level, the maximum pullout strength and the stiffness correspondingly declined (P < 0.05). In CPS group, the energy absorption gradually decreased (P < 0.05); in EPS group, significant difference was found between other different BMD levels (P < 0.05) except between normal BMD and osteopenia and between osteoporosis and severe osteoporosis (P > 0.05). At the same BMD level, the maximum pullout strength of EPS group was significantly larger than that of CPS group (P < 0.05); the stiffness of EPS group was significantly higher than that of CPS group (P < 0.05) except one at normal BMD level; and no significant difference was found in the energy absorption between 2 groups (P > 0.05) except one at osteopenia level. No significant difference was found in maximum pullout strength, stiffness, and energy absorption between EPS group at osteoporosis level and CPS group at osteopenia level (P > 0.05); however, the maximum pullout strength, stiffness, and energy absorption of EPS group at severe osteoporosis level were significantly lower than those of CPS group at osteopenia level (P < 0.05). Compared with CPS, the EPS can significantly improve the fixation strength, especially in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Mixed ligand coordination polymers with flexible bis-imidazole linker and angular sulfonyldibenzoate: Crystal structure, photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bisht, Kamal Kumar; Rachuri, Yadagiri; Parmar, Bhavesh; Suresh, Eringathodi

2014-05-01

Four ternary coordination polymers (CPs) namely, {[Ni(SDB)(BITMB)(H2O)]·H2O}n (CP1), {[Cd(SDB)(BITMB) (H2O)]·(THF)(H2O)}n (CP2), {[Zn2(SDB)2(BITMB)]·(THF)2}n (CP3) and {[Co2(SDB)2(BITMB)]·(Dioxane)3}n (CP4) composed of angular dicarboxylate SDB (4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoate) and N-donor BITMB (1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethyl benzene) have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and other physico-chemical techniques. CP1 possesses one-dimensional ribbon type metal-organic motifs glued together by H-bonds and π⋯π interactions, whereas CP2-CP4, exhibit non-interpenetrated sql networks supported by weak supramolecular interactions. Structural diversity of these CPs can be attributed to the coordination geometry adopted by the metal nodes, versatile coordination modes of SDB and conformational flexibility of BITMB. Solid state luminescence properties of CP1-CP4 were explored. Photocatalytic performance of all CPs for the decomposition of metanil yellow by dilute hydrogen peroxide in the presence of visible light was also investigated. 25-83% dye removal from aqueous solutions in the presence of CP1-CP4 was observed.

High Anodic Performance of Co 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylate Coordination Polymers for Li-Ion Battery.

PubMed

Li, Chao; Lou, Xiaobing; Shen, Ming; Hu, Xiaoshi; Guo, Zhi; Wang, Yong; Hu, Bingwen; Chen, Qun

2016-06-22

We report the designed synthesis of Co 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate coordination polymers (CPs) via a straightforward hydrothermal method, in which three kinds of reaction solvents are selected to form CPs with various morphologies and dimensions. When tested as anode materials in Li-ion battery, the cycling stabilities of the three CoBTC CPs at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) have not evident difference; however, the reversible capacities are widely divergent when the current density is increased to 2 A g(-1). The optimized product CoBTC-EtOH maintains a reversible capacity of 473 mAh g(-1) at a rate of 2 A g(-1) after 500 galvanostatic charging/discharging cycles while retaining a nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. The hollow microspherical morphology, accessible specific area, and the absence of coordination solvent of CoBTC-EtOH might be responsible for such difference. Furthermore, the ex situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of CoBTC-EtOH under different states-of-charge suggest that the Co ions remain in the Co(2+) state during the charging/discharging process. Therefore, Li ions are inserted to the organic moiety (including the carboxylate groups and the benzene ring) of CoBTC without the direct engagement of Co ions during electrochemical cycling.

Fatigue Tests with Random Flight Simulation Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schijve, J.

1972-01-01

Crack propagation was studied in a full-scale wing structure under different simulated flight conditions. Omission of low-amplitude gust cycles had a small effect on the crack rate. Truncation of the infrequently occurring high-amplitude gust cycles to a lower level had a noticeably accelerating effect on crack growth. The application of fail-safe load (100 percent limit load) effectively stopped subsequent crack growth under resumed flight-simulation loading. In another flight-simulation test series on sheet specimens, the variables studied are the design stress level and the cyclic frequency of the random gust loading. Inflight mean stresses vary from 5.5 to 10.0 kg/sq mm. The effect of the stress level is larger for the 2024 alloy than for the 7075 alloy. Three frequencies were employed: namely, 10 cps, 1 cps, and 0.1 cps. The frequency effect was small. The advantages and limitations of flight-simulation tests are compared with those of alternative test procedures such as constant-amplitude tests, program tests, and random-load tests. Various testing purposes are considered. The variables of flight-simulation tests are listed and their effects are discussed. A proposal is made for performing systematic flight-simulation tests in such a way that the compiled data may be used as a source of reference.

Teacher Evaluation in Chicago: Key Findings from Consortium Research. Research Retrospective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, 2016

2016-01-01

Teacher evaluation systems have been a pillar of recent efforts to improve instruction and ensure that all students have access to effective educators. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) began revising its approach to teacher evaluation in 2006. An initial pilot, the Excellence in Teaching Project (EITP), launched in 2008. The current system, called…

Engineering Nanoscale Polymers in Photovoltaics and Supercapacitors: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolin, Yuriy Y.

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and carbon-based supercapacitors are promising energy conversion and storage systems, respectively, because they can be made inexpensively, have good performance, and can be integrated into portable and flexible electronics. Both systems utilize nanostructured porous electrodes, leading to fewer diffusion limitations and higher active surface areas for interfacial processes compared to planar electrodes. A major drawback of the DSSC design is the use of a liquid electrolyte, since it is prone to leakage and evaporation--hindering DSSC applications, durability, and thermal stability. A polymer electrolyte (PE) can overcome these shortcomings; however, the integration of a PE within the mesoporous TiO2 photoanode of DSSCs with pore openings of 10-20 nm and photoanode thicknesses of 10 microm is very challenging. Solution-based deposition methods such as spin coating and drop casting to deposit PEs has led to incomplete pore filling inside the mesoporous photoanode, resulting in lower than optimal efficiencies. To overcome these challenges, a solvent-free method called initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) was adopted to deposit PEs within the porous TiO2 electrode. In iCVD, the monomer and initiator are vapors which easily penetrate into the porous electrode. By carefully controlling the iCVD processing parameters, complete pore filling of PEs into the TiO2 photoanode was achieved, leading to 50% improvement in conversion efficiency. Polymers with ether, ester, pyridine, pyrrolidone, imidazole and epoxy functionality were synthesized and integrated. The findings indicated that DSSC characteristics, including open circuit voltage, short circuit current density and fill factor, can be tuned by polymer chemistry. A promising approach to improve the energy density of supercapacitor electrodes is to integrate inexpensive conducting polymers (CPs), such as polyaniline (PANI). Unfortunately, most CPs are insoluble, and integrating CPs into tortuous electrode pores with aspect ratios of >10,000 while preserving the intrinsic pore structures, to retain the double layer capacitance, is very challenging. Therefore, similarly to the iCVD process, oxidative CVD (oCVD) was chosen to bypass the limited solubility of CPs to deposit thin conformal CP films onto porous electrodes. By controlling the oCVD deposition parameters, PANI films on the order of a few nm were integrated into carbide-derived-carbon (CDC) electrodes, leading to a doubling of the capacitance. This yielded a PANI-only capacitance of 690 F/g, close to the theoretical value of 750 F/g. This work also combined experiments with first-principles modeling to develop a model-guided design and optimization framework, allowing for optimal device design and the intelligent selection of polymer chemistries with minimal experimental investigations. For example, to determine the effects of PE chemistry on DSSC processes, parameter estimation and parametric sensitivity studies were conducted which indicated that a shift in the conduction band of TiO2 and a suppression of the back electron transfer at the dye-TiO2-PE interface was induced by the side group PE chemistry. Furthermore, optimal design specifications for a PE DSSC were calculated using the model, and optimally performing DSSCs were subsequently fabricated and tested, validating the model.

Neighborhood collective efficacy, parental spanking, and subsequent risk of household child protective services involvement.

PubMed

Ma, Julie; Grogan-Kaylor, Andrew; Klein, Sacha

2018-06-01

Children exposed to negative neighborhood conditions and parental spanking are at higher risk of experiencing maltreatment. We conducted prospective analyses of secondary data to determine the effects of neighborhood collective efficacy and parental spanking on household Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement, and whether spanking mediates the relationship between neighborhood collective efficacy and CPS involvement. The sample (N = 2,267) was drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a stratified random sample of 4,789 births between 1998-2000 in 20 large U.S. cities. Logistic regression models were employed to test the effects of neighborhood collective efficacy and spanking at child age 3 on mother's report of CPS contact during the subsequent two years. The product-of-coefficient approach was used to test the mediation hypothesis. One aspect of neighborhood collective efficacy (i.e., Social Cohesion/Trust) is associated with lower odds of CPS involvement (OR = .80, 95% CI 0.670-0.951) after controlling for Informal Social Control, parental spanking, and the covariates. Parental spanking predicts increased odds of CPS involvement during the next two years (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.001-1.898), net of neighborhood collective efficacy and the covariates. The mediation hypothesis is not supported. Promoting both cohesive and trusting relationships between neighbors and non-physical discipline practices is likely to reduce the incidence of household CPS involvement. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The relationship between child protection contact and mental health outcomes among Canadian adults with a child abuse history.

PubMed

Afifi, Tracie O; McTavish, Jill; Turner, Sarah; MacMillan, Harriet L; Wathen, C Nadine

2018-05-01

Despite being a primary response to child abuse, it is currently unknown whether contact with child protection services (CPS) does more good than harm. The aim of the current study was to examine whether contact with CPS is associated with improved mental health outcomes among adult respondents who reported experiencing child abuse, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and abuse severity. The data were drawn from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (CCHS-2012), which used a multistage stratified cluster design (household-level response rate = 79.8%). Included in this study were individuals aged 18 years and older living in the 10 Canadian provinces (N = 23,395). Child abuse included physical abuse, sexual abuse, and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). Mental health outcomes included lifetime mental disorders, lifetime and past year suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts, and current psychological well-being and functioning and distress. All models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and severity of child abuse. For the majority of outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences between adults with a child abuse history who had CPS contact compared to those without CPS contact. However, those with CPS contact were more likely to report lifetime suicide attempts. These findings suggest that CPS contact is not associated with improved mental health outcomes. Implications are discussed. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Inferring Roles in Defense from Metabolic Allocation of Rice Diterpenoids.

PubMed

Lu, Xuan; Zhang, Juan; Brown, Benjamin; Li, Riqing; Rodríguez-Romero, Julio; Berasategui, Aileen; Liu, Bo; Xu, Meimei; Luo, Dangping; Pan, Zhiqiang; Baerson, Scott; Gershenzon, Jonathan; Li, Zhaohu; Sesma, Ane; Yang, Bing; Peters, Reuben J

2018-04-24

Among their responses to microbial infection, plants deploy an arsenal of natural antibiotic products. These historically have been identified on the basis of their antibiotic activity in vitro, which leaves open the question of their relevance to defense in planta. The vast majority of such natural products from the important crop plant rice (Oryza sativa) are diterpenoids whose biosynthesis proceeds via either ent- or syn- copalyl diphosphate (CPP) intermediates, and which were isolated on the basis of their antibiotic activity against the fungal blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. However, rice plants in which the gene for the syn-CPP synthase Os-CPS4 is knocked-out do not exhibit increased susceptibility to M. oryzae. Here we show that knocking-out or knocking-down Os-CPS4 actually decreases susceptibility to the bacterial leaf blight pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae. By contrast, genetic manipulation of the gene for the ent-CPP synthase Os-CPS2 alters susceptibility to both M. oryzae and X. oryzae. Despite the secretion of diterpenoids dependent on Os-CPS2 or Os-CPS4 from roots, neither knock-out exhibited significant changes in the composition of their rhizosphere bacterial communities. Nevertheless, rice plants allocate substantial metabolic resources towards syn- and ent-CPP derived diterpenoids upon infection/induction. Further investigation revealed that Os-CPS4 plays a role in fungal non-host disease resistance. Thus, examination of metabolic allocation provides important clues into physiological function. © 2018 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

Middle Grade Indicators of Readiness in Chicago Public Schools: Looking Forward to High School and College. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allensworth, Elaine M.; Gwynne, Julia A.; Moore, Paul; de la Torre, Marisa

2014-01-01

This report is designed to provide a detailed picture of the relationship between students' performance in the middle grades (grades five through eight) and their subsequent performance in high school and college among students in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The key findings of this report have been summarized in briefs for middle grade and…

Commentary: taking a deep breath before reflecting on differential response.

PubMed

Merkel-Holguin, Lisa; Bross, Donald C

2015-01-01

Although there are certainly limitations to each and every research and evaluation project in child welfare, as with other fields of study, understanding DR as a CPS reform has been fostered through many thoughtful and rigorous studies that have employed random control trial evaluation designs. For each assumption addressed in this commentary, we have raised a few questions. For all interested in CPS reform, other questions arise because child protection and child welfare professionals are trying to encourage more scientific ways of thinking as a means of engendering improvements: 1. Has the research on DR spotlighted the inadequacy of CPS interventions, either AR or IR? A high percentage of CPS responses are short-term. Is it reasonable to expect significant differences between AR and IR families and improvements in the CPS population, given that families often present with problems characterized as intractable but the intensity of the CPS response, coupled with limited service availability and accessibility, may not be sufficient to meet family needs? 2. Has the DR research, which has mainly focused on AR families, also highlighted the glaring absence of quality research in what is effective in producing positive outcomes for families that receive traditional child abuse and neglect investigations? 3. Does the implementation of DR move the CPS field ahead in terms of making better triage decisions, identifying especially those that require CPS involvement as compared to those who will benefit from but might not absolutely need intervention? Is 'triage' an explicit assumption of the DR innovation? Is it an implicit assumption of DR, however defined? If triage is not part of the research, does the ability of child protection to respond both differentially and also correctly to cases needing most, some, or no attention remain unknown? Until there is a reliable and valid way for determining for which families services are most urgently needed, are many reforms in CPS at risk of not producing the outcomes desired? 4. Are there other unintended consequences of either accepting or rejecting DR that might not have been considered? Our current perspective is to state the obvious and point out that rarely are scientifically or "evidence-based" changes in practice achieved or discredited in a decade or two, much more a scant few years. Breathing deeply from time to time, and even pausing for reflection once in awhile, are useful habits for taking on long-range and difficult human endeavors.

Exposure for ultrafine carbon particles at levels below detectable pulmonary inflammation affects cardiovascular performance in spontaneously hypertensive rats*

EPA Science Inventory

Rationale: Exposure to particulate matter is a risk factor for cardiopulmonary disease but the related molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Previously we studied cardiovascular responses in healthy WKY rats following inhalation exposure to ultrafine carbon particles (UfCPs...

Control costs, enhance quality, and increase revenue in three top general public hospitals in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Zhao, Lue-Ping; Yu, Guo-Pei; Liu, Hui; Ma, Xie-Min; Wang, Jing; Kong, Gui-Lan; Li, Yi; Ma, Wen; Cui, Yong; Xu, Beibei; Yu, Na; Bao, Xiao-Yuan; Guo, Yu; Wang, Fei; Zhang, Jun; Li, Yan; Xie, Xue-Qin; Jiang, Bao-Guo; Ke, Yang

2013-01-01

With market-oriented economic and health-care reform, public hospitals in China have received unprecedented pressures from governmental regulations, public opinions, and financial demands. To adapt the changing environment and keep pace of modernizing healthcare delivery system, public hospitals in China are expanding clinical services and improving delivery efficiency, while controlling costs. Recent experiences are valuable lessons for guiding future healthcare reform. Here we carefully study three teaching hospitals, to exemplify their experiences during this period. We performed a systematic analysis on hospitalization costs, health-care quality and delivery efficiencies from 2006 to 2010 in three teaching hospitals in Beijing, China. The analysis measured temporal changes of inpatient cost per stay (CPS), cost per day (CPD), inpatient mortality rate (IMR), and length of stay (LOS), using a generalized additive model. There were 651,559 hospitalizations during the period analyzed. Averaged CPS was stable over time, while averaged CPD steadily increased by 41.7% (P<0.001), from CNY 1,531 in 2006 to CNY 2,169 in 2010. The increasing CPD seemed synchronous with the steady rising of the national annual income per capita. Surgical cost was the main contributor to the temporal change of CPD, while medicine and examination costs tended to be stable over time. From 2006 and 2010, IMR decreased by 36%, while LOS reduced by 25%. Increasing hospitalizations with higher costs, along with an overall stable CPS, reduced IMR, and shorter LOS, appear to be the major characteristics of these three hospitals at present. These three teaching hospitals have gained some success in controlling costs, improving cares, adopting modern medical technologies, and increasing hospital revenues. Effective hospital governance and physicians' professional capacity plus government regulations and supervisions may have played a role. However, purely market-oriented health-care reform could also misguide future healthcare reform.

The number of multinucleated trophoblastic giant cells in the basal decidua is decreased in retained placenta.

PubMed

van Beekhuizen, H J; Joosten, I; de Groot, A N J A; Lotgering, F K; van der Laak, J; Bulten, J

2009-09-01

Retained placenta (RP) is a major cause of obstetric haemorrhage. The aim of the study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause some placentas to become retained, while most are not. 23 RPs clinically diagnosed as placenta adhesiva and 10 control placentas (CPs) were examined for differences in trophoblast fusion into multinucleated trophoblastic giant cells (MTGCs), defects in the basal decidua, and decidual attachment of myometrial fibres. The number of MTGCs in the basal decidua was significantly smaller in RPs (0.23 MTGC/standard length) than in CPs (1.11 MTGC/standard length) (p<0.001). Defects in the decidua were observed in 4% of the RPs and in 0% of the CPs. Myometrial fibres were attached to the decidua in 78% of the RPs and in 0% of the CPs (p<0.001). In placenta adhesiva compared with CPs, significantly less MTGCs were present in the basal decidua, the basal decidua was intact, and myometrial fibres were more frequently attached to the basal decidua. It is speculated that these findings may indicate that defective fusion of trophoblastic cells into MTGCs plays a causative role in placenta adhesiva.

The CPS Plasma Award at the Intel Science and Engineering Fair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berry, Lee

2012-10-01

For the past eight years, the Coalition for Plasma Science (CPS) has presented an award for a plasma project at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). We reported on the first five years of this award at the 2009 DPP Symposium. Pulsed neutron-producing experiments are a recurring topic, with the efforts now turning to applications. The most recent award at the Pittsburgh ISEF this past May was given for analysis of data from Brookhaven's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The effort had the goal of understanding the fluid properties of the quark-gluon plasma. All of the CPS award-winning projects so far have been based on experiments, with four awards going to women students and four to men. In 2009 we noted that the number and quality of projects was improving. Since then, as we we predicted (hoped for), that trend has continued. The CPS looks forward to continuing its work with students who are excited about the possibilities of plasma. You too can share this excitement by judging at the 2013 fair in Phoenix on May 12-17. Information may be obtained by emailing cps@plasmacoalition.org.

Corn peptides protect against thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

PubMed

Lv, Jie; Nie, Zhi-Kui; Zhang, Jiu-Liang; Liu, Feng-Yan; Wang, Zhen-Zhen; Ma, Zhi-Li; He, Hui

2013-10-01

Certain bioactive peptides are reported to be able to alleviate hepatic fibrosis. Our previous work has confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of corn peptides (CPs) that are prepared from a high protein by-product, corn gluten meal, on acute liver injury in an animal model. However, the antifibrotic activity of CPs remained to be elucidated. In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of CPs on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis was tested. Results showed that CPs (100 mg/kg body weight) significantly decreased the levels of alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase, laminin, type IV collagen, and type III collagen in serum and increased the serum albumin levels and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, with CP treatment (100 mg/kg body weight), a significant decrease was observed in the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor β1, and lactate dehydrogenase activity as well as the liver index, while the activity of superoxidedismutase was significantly increased in livers. The histological and morphological analysis showed that the hepatocyte structure in CP-treated rats was superior to that of TAA-injured rats, and inflammation and fibrosis were also ameliorated. Therefore, CPs can be used as an option for prevention and adjuvant therapy of liver fibrosis.

The effect of material hardship on child protective service involvement.

PubMed

Yang, Mi-Youn

2015-03-01

This study employs four waves of survey data on 1,135 families from the Illinois Families Study, a longitudinal panel study of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Illinois. This study explores the following issues within this low-income population: (1) whether material hardships are associated with child protective services (CPS) investigations, (2) whether the effect of material hardship on CPS differs by the type of child maltreatment investigated, and (3) whether psychological distress mediates the association between material hardship and CPS involvement. Results from pooled and fixed effects logistic regressions suggest that caregivers who experience material hardship are more likely to become involved in CPS. In general, investigated neglect reports are responsive to particular types of hardship such as housing and food, while investigated physical abuse reports are responsive to levels of hardship regardless of specific types. The association between material hardship and CPS involvement is not fully explained by depressive symptoms or parenting stress. The study results suggest that in order to prevent child maltreatment, it may be necessary to address a family's unmet material needs through economic support interventions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical tagging of chlorinated phenols for their facile detection and analysis by NMR spectroscopy

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

Valdez, Carlos A.; Leif, Roald N.

2015-03-22

A derivatization method that employs diethyl (bromodifluoromethyl) phosphonate (DBDFP) to efficiently tag the endocrine disruptor pentachlorophenol (PCP) and other chlorinated phenols (CPs) along with their reliable detection and analysis by NMR is presented. The method accomplishes the efficient alkylation of the hydroxyl group in CPs with the difluoromethyl (CF 2H) moiety in extremely rapid fashion (5 min), at room temperature and in an environmentally benign manner. The approach proved successful in difluoromethylating a panel of 18 chlorinated phenols, yielding derivatives that displayed unique 1H, 19F NMR spectra allowing for the clear discrimination between isomerically related CPs. Due to its biphasicmore » nature, the derivatization can be applied to both aqueous and organic mixtures where the analysis of CPs is required. Furthermore, the methodology demonstrates that PCP along with other CPs can be selectively derivatized in the presence of other various aliphatic alcohols, underscoring the superiority of the approach over other general derivatization methods that indiscriminately modify all analytes in a given sample. The present work demonstrates the first application of NMR on the qualitative analysis of these highly toxic and environmentally persistent species.« less

Citrus psorosis virus RNA 1 is of negative polarity and potentially encodes in its complementary strand a 24K protein of unknown function and 280K putative RNA dependent RNA polymerase.

PubMed

Naum-Onganía, Gabriela; Gago-Zachert, Selma; Peña, Eduardo; Grau, Oscar; Garcia, Maria Laura

2003-10-01

Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), the type member of genus Ophiovirus, has three genomic RNAs. Complete sequencing of CPsV RNA 1 revealed a size of 8184 nucleotides and Northern blot hybridization with chain specific probes showed that its non-coding strand is preferentially encapsidated. The complementary strand of RNA 1 contains two open reading frames (ORFs) separated by a 109-nt intergenic region, one located near the 5'-end potentially encoding a 24K protein of unknown function, and another of 280K containing the core polymerase motifs characteristic of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp). Comparison of the core RdRp motifs of negative-stranded RNA viruses, supports grouping CPsV, Ranunculus white mottle virus (RWMV) and Mirafiori lettuce virus (MiLV) within the same genus (Ophiovirus), constituting a monophyletic group separated from all other negative-stranded RNA viruses. Furthermore, RNAs 1 of MiLV, CPsV and RWMV are similar in size and those of MiLV and CPsV also in genomic organization and sequence.

Screening by coral green fluorescent protein (GFP)-like chromoproteins supports a role in photoprotection of zooxanthellae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, E. G.; D'Angelo, C.; Salih, A.; Wiedenmann, J.

2013-06-01

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-like pigments are responsible for the vivid colouration of many reef-building corals and have been proposed to act as photoprotectants. Their role remains controversial because the functional mechanism has not been elucidated. We provide direct evidence to support a photoprotective role of the non-fluorescent chromoproteins (CPs) that form a biochemically and photophysically distinct group of GFP-like proteins. Based on observations of Acropora nobilis from the Great Barrier Reef, we explored the photoprotective role of CPs by analysing five coral species under controlled conditions. In vitro and in hospite analyses of chlorophyll excitation demonstrate that screening by CPs leads to a reduction in chlorophyll excitation corresponding to the spectral properties of the specific CPs present in the coral tissues. Between 562 and 586 nm, the CPs maximal absorption range, there was an up to 50 % reduction of chlorophyll excitation. The screening was consistent for established and regenerating tissue and amongst symbiont clades A, C and D. Moreover, among two differently pigmented morphs of Acropora valida grown under identical light conditions and hosting subclade type C3 symbionts, high CP expression correlated with reduced photodamage under acute light stress.

Clinical and Community Delivery Systems for Preventive Care

PubMed Central

Krist, Alex H.; Shenson, Douglas; Woolf, Steven H.; Bradley, Cathy; Liaw, Winston R.; Rothemich, Stephen F.; Slonim, Amy; Benson, William; Anderson, Lynda A.

2015-01-01

Although clinical preventive services (CPS)—screening tests, immunizations, health behavior counseling, and preventive medications—can save lives, Americans receive only half of recommended services. This "prevention gap," if closed, could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality. Opportunities to improve delivery of CPS exist in both clinical and community settings, but these activities are rarely coordinated across these settings, resulting in inefficiencies and attenuated benefits. Through a literature review, semi-structured interviews with 50 national experts, field observations of 53 successful programs, and a national stakeholder meeting, a framework to fully integrate CPS delivery across clinical and community care delivery systems was developed. The framework identifies the necessary participants, their role in care delivery, and the infrastructure, support, and policies necessary to ensure success. Essential stakeholders in integration include clinicians; community members and organizations; spanning personnel and infrastructure; national, state, and local leadership; and funders and purchasers. Spanning personnel and infrastructure are essential to bring clinicians and communities together and to help patients navigate across care settings. The specifics of clinical–community integrations vary depending on the services addressed and the local context. Although broad establishment of effective clinical–community integrations will require substantial changes, existing clinical and community models provide an important starting point. The key policies and elements of the framework are often already in place or easily identified. The larger challenge is for stakeholders to recognize how integration serves their mutual interests and how it can be financed and sustained over time. PMID:24050428

131I activity quantification of gamma camera planar images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barquero, Raquel; Garcia, Hugo P.; Incio, Monica G.; Minguez, Pablo; Cardenas, Alexander; Martínez, Daniel; Lassmann, Michael

2017-02-01

A procedure to estimate the activity in target tissues in patients during the therapeutic administration of 131I radiopharmaceutical treatment for thyroid conditions (hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer) using a gamma camera (GC) with a high energy (HE) collimator, is proposed. Planar images are acquired for lesions of different sizes r, and at different distances d, in two HE GC systems. Defining a region of interest (ROI) on the image of size r, total counts n g are measured. Sensitivity S (cps MBq-1) in each acquisition is estimated as the product of the geometric G and the intrinsic efficiency η 0. The mean fluence of 364 keV photons arriving at the ROI per disintegration G, is calculated with the MCNPX code, simulating the entire GC and the HE collimator. Intrinsic efficiency η 0 is estimated from a calibration measurement of a plane reference source of 131I in air. Values of G and S for two GC systems—Philips Skylight and Siemens e-cam—are calculated. The total range of possible sensitivity values in thyroidal imaging in the e-cam and skylight GC measure from 7 cps MBq-1 to 35 cps MBq-1, and from 6 cps MBq-1 to 29 cps MBq-1, respectively. These sensitivity values have been verified with the SIMIND code, with good agreement between them. The results have been validated with experimental measurements in air, and in a medium with scatter and attenuation. The counts in the ROI can be produced by direct, scatter and penetration photons. The fluence value for direct photons is constant for any r and d values, but scatter and penetration photons show different values related to specific r and d values, resulting in the large sensitivity differences found. The sensitivity in thyroidal GC planar imaging is strongly dependent on uptake size, and distance from the GC. An individual value for the acquisition sensitivity of each lesion can significantly alleviate the level of uncertainty in the measurement of thyroid uptake activity for each patient.

Fine Particulate Matter and Total Mortality in Cancer Prevention Study Cohort Reanalysis.

PubMed

Enstrom, James E

2017-01-01

In 1997 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), largely because of its positive relationship to total mortality in the 1982 American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study (CPS II) cohort. Subsequently, EPA has used this relationship as the primary justification for many costly regulations, most recently the Clean Power Plan. An independent analysis of the CPS II data was conducted in order to test the validity of this relationship. The original CPS II questionnaire data, including 1982 to 1988 mortality follow-up, were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results were obtained for 292 277 participants in 85 counties with 1979-1983 EPA Inhalable Particulate Network PM 2.5 measurements, as well as for 212 370 participants in the 50 counties used in the original 1995 analysis. The 1982 to 1988 relative risk (RR) of death from all causes and 95% confidence interval adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and smoking status was 1.023 (0.997-1.049) for a 10 µg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 in 85 counties and 1.025 (0.990-1.061) in the 50 original counties. The fully adjusted RR was null in the western and eastern portions of the United States, including in areas with somewhat higher PM 2.5 levels, particularly 5 Ohio Valley states and California. No significant relationship between PM 2.5 and total mortality in the CPS II cohort was found when the best available PM 2.5 data were used. The original 1995 analysis found a positive relationship by selective use of CPS II and PM 2.5 data. This independent analysis of underlying data raises serious doubts about the CPS II epidemiologic evidence supporting the PM 2.5 NAAQS. These findings provide strong justification for further independent analysis of the CPS II data.

Fine Particulate Matter and Total Mortality in Cancer Prevention Study Cohort Reanalysis

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Background: In 1997 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), largely because of its positive relationship to total mortality in the 1982 American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study (CPS II) cohort. Subsequently, EPA has used this relationship as the primary justification for many costly regulations, most recently the Clean Power Plan. An independent analysis of the CPS II data was conducted in order to test the validity of this relationship. Methods: The original CPS II questionnaire data, including 1982 to 1988 mortality follow-up, were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results were obtained for 292 277 participants in 85 counties with 1979-1983 EPA Inhalable Particulate Network PM2.5 measurements, as well as for 212 370 participants in the 50 counties used in the original 1995 analysis. Results: The 1982 to 1988 relative risk (RR) of death from all causes and 95% confidence interval adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and smoking status was 1.023 (0.997-1.049) for a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 in 85 counties and 1.025 (0.990-1.061) in the 50 original counties. The fully adjusted RR was null in the western and eastern portions of the United States, including in areas with somewhat higher PM2.5 levels, particularly 5 Ohio Valley states and California. Conclusion: No significant relationship between PM2.5 and total mortality in the CPS II cohort was found when the best available PM2.5 data were used. The original 1995 analysis found a positive relationship by selective use of CPS II and PM2.5 data. This independent analysis of underlying data raises serious doubts about the CPS II epidemiologic evidence supporting the PM2.5 NAAQS. These findings provide strong justification for further independent analysis of the CPS II data. PMID:28473741

Genome-wide annotation of cuticular proteins in the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), changes during pupariation and expression analysis of CPAP3 protein genes in response to environmental stresses.

PubMed

Chen, Er-Hu; Hou, Qiu-Li; Dou, Wei; Wei, Dan-Dan; Yue, Yong; Yang, Rui-Lin; Yang, Pei-Jin; Yu, Shuai-Feng; De Schutter, Kristof; Smagghe, Guy; Wang, Jin-Jun

2018-06-01

Cuticular proteins (CPs) are essential components of the insect cuticle as they create a structural and protective shield and may have a role in insect development. In this paper, we studied the CPs in the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), one of the most economically important pests in the Tephritidae family around the world. The availability of a complete genome sequence (NCBI Assembly: ASM78921v2) allowed the identification of 164 CP genes in B. dorsalis. Comparative analysis of the CPs in B. dorsalis with those in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster and the closely related Ceratitis capitata, and CPs from mosquitoes, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera identified Diptera-specific genes and cuticle development patterns. Analysis of their evolutionary relationship revealed that some CP families had evolved according to the phylogeny of the different insect species, while others shared a closer relationship based on domain architecture. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis showed that while most of the CPs (60-100% of the family members) are expressed in the epidermis, some were also present in internal organs such as the fat body and the reproductive organs. Furthermore, the study of the expression profiles throughout development revealed a profound change in the expression of CPs during the formation of the puparium (pupariation). Further analysis of the expression profiles of the CPAP3 genes under various environmental stresses revealed them to be involved in the response to pesticides and arid and extreme temperatures conditions. In conclusion, the data provide a particular overview of CPs and their evolutionary and transcriptional dynamics, and in turn they lay a molecular foundation to explore their roles in the unique developmental process of insect metamorphosis and stress responses. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Removal of 10-nm contaminant particles from Si wafers using CO2 bullet particles.

PubMed

Kim, Inho; Hwang, Kwangseok; Lee, Jinwon

2012-04-11

Removal of nanometer-sized contaminant particles (CPs) from substrates is essential in successful fabrication of nanoscale devices. The particle beam technique that uses nanometer-sized bullet particles (BPs) moving at supersonic velocity was improved by operating it at room temperature to achieve higher velocity and size uniformity of BPs and was successfully used to remove CPs as small as 10 nm. CO2 BPs were generated by gas-phase nucleation and growth in a supersonic nozzle; appropriate size and velocity of the BPs were obtained by optimizing the nozzle contours and CO2/He mixture fraction. Cleaning efficiency greater than 95% was attained. BP velocity was the most important parameter affecting removal of CPs in the 10-nm size range. Compared to cryogenic Ar or N2 particles, CO2 BPs were more uniform in size and had higher velocity and, therefore, cleaned CPs more effectively.