'Getting to Know Me': The second phase roll-out of a staff training programme for supporting people with dementia in general hospitals.

PubMed

Elvish, Ruth; Burrow, Simon; Cawley, Rosanne; Harney, Kathryn; Pilling, Mark; Gregory, Julie; Keady, John

2018-01-01

Objectives The aims were to evaluate a second phase roll-out of a dementia care training programme for general hospital staff and to further develop two outcome scales: the Confidence in Dementia scale for measuring confidence in working with people with dementia and the Knowledge in Dementia scale for measuring knowledge in dementia. Method Following a 'training the trainers' phase, the study involved the delivery of the 'Getting to Know Me' training programme to a large number of staff (n = 517) across three National Health Service (NHS) Trusts situated in North-West England. The impact of the programme was evaluated using a pre-post design which explored: (i) changes in confidence in dementia, (ii) changes in knowledge in dementia, and (iii) changes in beliefs about behaviours that challenge. Results Statistically significant change was identified between pre-post training on all outcome measures (Confidence in Dementia: eight point increase, p < 0.001; Knowledge in Dementia: two point increase p < 0.001; controllability beliefs scale: four point decrease, p < 0.001). Medium to large effect sizes were demonstrated on all outcome measures. The psychometric properties of the Confidence in Dementia and Knowledge in Dementia scales are reported. Conclusion Staff knowledge in dementia and confidence in working with people with dementia significantly increased following attendance at the training sessions. The findings are consistent with preliminary findings and strengthen current knowledge about the impact of dementia care training in general hospitals. The Confidence in Dementia and Knowledge in Dementia scales continue to demonstrate psychometrically sound properties and demonstrate utility in the field of dementia research.

Feasibility study to assess the delivery of a lifestyle intervention (TreatWELL) for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing potentially curative treatment.

PubMed

Macleod, Maureen; Steele, Robert J C; O'Carroll, Ronan E; Wells, Mary; Campbell, Anna; Sugden, Jacqui A; Rodger, Jackie; Stead, Martine; McKell, Jennifer; Anderson, Annie S

2018-06-06

To assess the feasibility of delivering and evaluating a lifestyle programme for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing potentially curative treatments. Non-randomised feasibility trial. National Health Service (NHS) Tayside. Adults with stage I-III colorectal cancer. The programme targeted smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet and weight management. It was delivered in three face-to-face counselling sessions (plus nine phone calls) by lifestyle coaches over three phases (1: presurgery, 2: surgical recovery and 3: post-treatment recovery). Feasibility measures (recruitment, retention, programme implementation, achieved measures, fidelity, factors affecting protocol adherence and acceptability). Measured changes in body weight, waist circumference, walking and self-reported physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol intake, fatigue, bowel function and quality of life. Of 84 patients diagnosed, 22 (26%) were recruited and 15 (18%) completed the study. Median time for intervention delivery was 5.5 hours. Coaches reported covering most (>70%) of the intervention components but had difficulties during phase 2. Evaluation measures (except walk test) were achieved by all participants at baseline, and most (<90%) at end of phase 2 and phase 3, but <20% at end of phase 1. Protocol challenges included limited time between diagnosis and surgery and the presence of comorbidities. The intervention was rated highly by participants but limited support from NHS staff was noted. The majority of participants (77%) had a body mass index>25 kg/m 2 and none was underweight. Physical activity data showed a positive trend towards increased activity overall, but no other changes in secondary outcomes were detected. To make this intervention feasible for testing as a full trial, further research is required on (a) recruitment optimisation, (b) appropriate assessment tools, (c) protocols for phase 2 and 3, which can build in flexibility and (d) ways for NHS staff to facilitate the programme. ISRCTN52345929; Post-results. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The United Nations programme on space applications: priority thematic areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haubold, H.

The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) was held in 1999 with efforts to identify world wide benefits of developing space science and technology, particularly in the developing nations. One of the main vehicles to implement recommendations of UNISPACE III is the United Nations Programme on Space Applications of the Office for Outer Space Affairs at UN Headquarters in Vienna. Following a process of prioritization by Member States, the Programme focus its activities on (i) knowledge-based themes as space law and basic space science, (ii) application-based themes as disaster management, natural resources management, environmental monitoring, tele-health, and (iii) enabling technologies such as remote sensing satellites, communications satellites, global navigation satellite systems, and small satellites. Current activities of the Programme will be reviewed. Further information available at http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/sapidx.html

Assessment of severe malaria in a multicenter, phase III, RTS, S/AS01 malaria candidate vaccine trial: case definition, standardization of data collection and patient care

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background An effective malaria vaccine, deployed in conjunction with other malaria interventions, is likely to substantially reduce the malaria burden. Efficacy against severe malaria will be a key driver for decisions on implementation. An initial study of an RTS, S vaccine candidate showed promising efficacy against severe malaria in children in Mozambique. Further evidence of its protective efficacy will be gained in a pivotal, multi-centre, phase III study. This paper describes the case definitions of severe malaria used in this study and the programme for standardized assessment of severe malaria according to the case definition. Methods Case definitions of severe malaria were developed from a literature review and a consensus meeting of expert consultants and the RTS, S Clinical Trial Partnership Committee, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Malaria Clinical Trials Alliance. The same groups, with input from an Independent Data Monitoring Committee, developed and implemented a programme for standardized data collection. The case definitions developed reflect the typical presentations of severe malaria in African hospitals. Markers of disease severity were chosen on the basis of their association with poor outcome, occurrence in a significant proportion of cases and on an ability to standardize their measurement across research centres. For the primary case definition, one or more clinical and/or laboratory markers of disease severity have to be present, four major co-morbidities (pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia or gastroenteritis with severe dehydration) are excluded, and a Plasmodium falciparum parasite density threshold is introduced, in order to maximize the specificity of the case definition. Secondary case definitions allow inclusion of co-morbidities and/or allow for the presence of parasitaemia at any density. The programmatic implementation of standardized case assessment included a clinical algorithm for evaluating seriously sick children, improvements to care delivery and a robust training and evaluation programme for clinicians. Conclusions The case definition developed for the pivotal phase III RTS, S vaccine study is consistent with WHO recommendations, is locally applicable and appropriately balances sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of severe malaria. Processes set up to standardize severe malaria data collection will allow robust assessment of the efficacy of the RTS, S vaccine against severe malaria, strengthen local capacity and benefit patient care for subjects in the trial. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00866619 PMID:21816031

Tildrakizumab: First Global Approval.

PubMed

Markham, Anthony

2018-05-11

Merck & Company Inc. have developed tildrakizumab (tildrakizumab-asmn; Ilumya™), a high-affinity, humanised IgG1 κ monoclonal antibody that specifically targets interleukin-23 p19, as a treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis. The drug was recently approved for marketing by the US FDA based on positive results from the phase III reSURFACE clinical trial programme in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of tildrakizumab leading to this first approval for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

How to Retain Postgraduate Students in Engineering Programmes: A Practical Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le, Khoa N.; Tam, Vivian W. Y.

2008-01-01

Six factors for pursuing an engineering postgraduate programme at Griffith University including (i) programme quality; (ii) employment prospects; (iii) practicality; (iv) personal interest; (v) popularity; and (vi) reputation; and 11 factors for not pursuing this engineering programme including (i) employment prospects; (ii) degree of difficulty;…

Etravirine: R165335, TMC 125, TMC-125, TMC125.

PubMed

2006-01-01

Etravirine [TMC 125] is a next-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that is being developed by Tibotec (Tibotec-Virco Group; now Johnson & Johnson) for the treatment of HIV-1 infections. Etravirine is a highly flexible, di-aryl-pyrimidine (DAPY) compound. The flexibility enables favourable binding interactions with mutant HIV strains as well as wild-type virus. Etravirine has superseded dapivirine as Tibotec's lead NNRTI in clinical development worldwide. Tibotec merged with Virco to form Tibotec-Virco Group in March 2001. Subsequently, Tibotec-Virco Group was acquired by Johnson & Johnson on 18 April 2002. Etravirine was discovered by Tibotec in collaboration with the Janssen Research Foundation. However, the Janssen Research Foundation is no longer involved in the development of etravirine. Etravirine has received fast-track status from the US FDA for the treatment of HIV-1 infections. An expanded access programme for etravirine began in the US in September 2006. The programme made etravirine available to HIV-1 infected adults who have limited treatment options due to virological failure or intolerance to multiple antiretroviral regimens. The progamme will also be introduced in Canada and Europe. In November 2005, Tibotec initiated two randomised, placebo-controlled phase III trials of etravirine in treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected patients with NNRTI resistance and at least three primary protease mutations. The two trials will each enroll 600 patients and will be conducted in 18 countries. Darunavir will be used as the background protease inhibitor in the trials. This is the first time that two investigational antivirals have been evaluated in combination in heavily treatment-experienced patients. The trial design is supported by the FDA, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMEA and the HIV patient community. Patient enrolment in the two phase III trials was completed in September 2006. A multicentre phase IIb dose-finding study (TMC125 C223) in Europe, Canada and the US found etravirine significantly reduced the HIV viral load in a subset of heavily treatment-experienced patients. Tibotec discontinued a single exploratory open-label phase II trial (TMC 125-C227) of etravirine in November 2005. The discontinuation was a result of 12-week data, which demonstrated a difference in the proportion of patients achieving or maintaining undetectable viral load in favour of the control group, who were receiving protease inhibitor-based treatment. There were no safety concerns and the discontinuation had no effect on phase III registration trials. Phase IIa clinical trials of etravirine for the treatment of HIV infections, initiated in November 2001, have been completed. Tibotec has conducted a phase I trial (TMC125-C157 study) evaluating etravirine + didanosine among healthy volunteers in Belgium; trial results have been presented.

A review of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol hydrobromide (Berodual) delivered via Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Kässner, Frank; Hodder, Rick; Bateman, Eric D

2004-01-01

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be effectively treated by the use of bronchodilator therapies delivered by inhalation. Berodual is a fixed combination of the anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide (IB) and the beta2-adrenergic agonist fenoterol hydrobromide (FEN). IB/FEN has been available for the treatment of asthma and COPD in a pressurised metered dose inhaler (MDI) [pMDI] formulation for many years. The pMDI is the most widely used device for the delivery of inhaled medications, such as IB/FEN. However, most conventional pMDIs contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, which are currently being withdrawn because of their detrimental effects on the environment. This has resulted in alternative methods of drug delivery being developed. Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI) is a new generation, propellant-free inhaler that generates a fine, slow-moving cloud (the Soft Mist) which can be easily inhaled. Scintigraphic studies have shown that this improves deposition of drugs in the lung and results in less oropharyngeal deposition than the CFC-MDI. A clinical development programme has been conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of IB/FEN delivered via Respimat SMI with that of IB/FEN via CFC-MDI in the treatment of patients with asthma or COPD. Five clinical studies (two phase II and three phase III) investigated dosages of IB/FEN 5/12.5 microg to 320/800 microg via Respimat SMI in single and multiple dose administration regimens. Four of the trials were conducted in patients with asthma (three in adults and one in children), while one phase III trial was conducted in patients with COPD. In phase III, 2058 patients participated, with a total of 1112 patients treated with IB/FEN via Respimat SMI. In the phase III studies, each dose from Respimat SMI was given in one actuation compared with two actuations with the CFC-MDI. In the paediatric asthma phase III study, all CFC-MDI doses were delivered via a spacer device. The results of the trials demonstrated that IB/FEN via Respimat SMI allows a reduction in the nominal dose of IB/FEN, while offering similar therapeutic efficacy and safety to a CFC-MDI. In children, Respimat SMI obviates the need for a spacer.

Visual health screening by schoolteachers in remote communities of Peru: implementation research

PubMed Central

Latorre-Arteaga, Sergio; Gil-González, Diana; Bascarán, Covadonga; Núñez, Richard Hurtado; Morales, María del Carmen Peral; Orihuela, Guillermo Carrillo

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective To describe the adaptation and scaling-up of an intervention to improve the visual health of children in the Apurimac region, Peru. Methods In a pilot screening programme in 2009–2010, 26 schoolteachers were trained to detect and refer visual acuity problems in schoolchildren in one district in Apurimac. To scale-up the intervention, lessons learnt from the pilot were used to design strategies for: (i) strengthening multisector partnerships; (ii) promoting the engagement and participation of teachers and (iii) increasing children’s attendance at referral eye clinics. Implementation began in February 2015 in two out of eight provinces of Apurimac, including hard-to-reach communities. We made an observational study of the processes and outcomes of adapting and scaling-up the intervention. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were made of data collected from March 2015 to January 2016 from programme documents, routine reports and structured evaluation questionnaires completed by teachers. Findings Partnerships were expanded after sharing the results of the pilot phase. Training was completed by 355 teachers and directors in both provinces, belonging to 315 schools distributed in 24 districts. Teachers’ appraisal of the training achieved high positive scores. Outreach eye clinics and subsidies for glasses were provided for poorer families. Data from six districts showed that attendance at the eye clinic increased from 66% (45/68 children referred) in the pilot phase to 92% (237/259) in the implementation phase. Conclusion Adaptation to the local context allowed the scaling-up of an intervention to improve visual health in children and enhanced the equity of the programme. PMID:27708470

Usage, adherence and attrition: how new mothers engage with a nurse-moderated web-based intervention to support maternal and infant health. A 9-month observational study

PubMed Central

Sawyer, Michael G; Reece, Christy E; Bowering, Kerrie; Jeffs, Debra; Sawyer, Alyssa C P; Peters, Jacqueline D; Mpundu-Kaambwa, Christine; Clark, Jennifer J; McDonald, Denise; Mittinty, Murthy N; Lynch, John W

2016-01-01

Objectives To identify factors predicting use, adherence and attrition with a nurse-moderated web-based group intervention designed to support mothers of infants aged 0–6 months. Design 9-Month observational study. Setting Community maternal and child health service. Participants 240 mothers attending initial postnatal health checks at community clinics who were randomly assigned to the intervention arm of a pragmatic preference randomised trial (total randomised controlled trial, n=819; response rate=45%). Intervention In the first week (phase I), mothers were assisted with their first website login by a research assistant. In weeks 2–7 (phase II), mothers participated in the web-based intervention with an expectation of weekly logins. The web-based intervention was comparable to traditional face-to-face new mothers’ groups. During weeks 8–26 (phase III), mothers participated in an extended programme at a frequency of their choosing. Primary outcome measures Number of logins and posted messages. Standard self-report measures assessed maternal demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Results In phase II, the median number of logins was 9 logins (IQR=1–25), and in phase III, it was 10 logins (IQR=0–39). Incident risk ratios from multivariable analyses indicated that compared to mothers with the lowest third of logins in phase I, those with the highest third had 6.43 times as many logins in phase II and 7.14 times in phase III. Fifty per cent of mothers logged-in at least once every 30 days for 147 days after phase I and 44% logged-in at least once in the last 30 days of the intervention. Frequency of logins during phase I was a stronger predictor of mothers’ level of engagement with the intervention than their demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Conclusions Mothers’ early use of web-based interventions could be employed to customise engagement protocols to the circumstances of individual mothers with the aim of improving adherence and reducing attrition with web-based interventions. Trial registration number ACTRN12613000204741; Results. PMID:27496227

An innovative cycling exergame to promote cardiovascular fitness in youth with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Knights, Shannon; Graham, Nicholas; Switzer, Lauren; Hernandez, Hamilton; Ye, Zi; Findlay, Briar; Xie, Wen Yan; Wright, Virginia; Fehlings, Darcy

2016-01-01

To evaluate the effects of an internet-platform exergame cycling programme on cardiovascular fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP). In this pilot prospective case series, eight youth with bilateral spastic CP, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level III, completed a six-week exergame programme. Outcomes were obtained at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome measure was the GMFCS III-specific shuttle run test (SRT-III). Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HQL) as measured by the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire, six-minute walk test, Wingate arm cranking test and anthropomorphic measurements. There were significant improvements in the SRT-III (t = -2.5, p = 0.04, d = 0.88) post-intervention. There were no significant changes in secondary outcomes. An exergame cycling programme may lead to improvement in cardiovascular fitness in youth with CP. This study was limited by small sample size and lack of a comparison group. Future research is warranted.

BG 12: BG 00012, BG 12/Oral Fumarate, FAG-201, second-generation fumarate derivative--Fumapharm/Biogen Idec.

PubMed

2005-01-01

Fumapharm AG has developed a second-generation fumarate (fumaric acid) derivative, BG 12 [BG 00012, FAG-201, BG 12/Oral Fumarate], for the oral treatment of psoriasis. Biogen Idec is currently evaluating the product in clinical trials as an oral treatment for multiple sclerosis (phase II) and psoriasis (phase III) trials.BG 12 has an immunomodulatory mechanism of action. It seems that this product has been developed to reduce the adverse effects associated with a first-generation product containing fumaric acid esters (mixed dimethylfumarate and monoethylfumarate salts), Fumaderm. Fumaderm was approved in Germany in August 1994 and is currently the leading oral systemic therapy for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in Germany. One of the problems associated with Fumaderm capsules has been its gastrointestinal adverse effects (including diarrhoea and nausea). In September 2003, Biogen (now Biogen Idec) licensed exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Germany) from Fumapharm to develop and market BG 12. Biogen plans to collaborate with Fumapharm to accelerate phase III development for psoriasis and the registration programme worldwide. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Development plans for BG 12 include other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. In November 2003, Biogen and IDEC Pharmaceuticals merged to form Biogen Idec. Fumapharm completed phase II trials of this second-generation fumarate derivative for psoriasis prior to licensing of the product to Biogen, also with positive results.

Stepping Stones to Resiliency following a community-based two-generation Canadian preschool programme.

PubMed

Ginn, Carla S; Benzies, Karen M; Keown, Leslie Anne; Raffin Bouchal, Shelley; Thurston, Wilfreda E Billlie

2018-05-01

Early intervention programmes are designed to address complex inequities for Canadian families living with low income, affecting social relationships, well-being and mental health. However, there is limited understanding of resiliency and change in families living with low income over time. We conducted a mixed methods study with recent immigrant, other Canadian-born, and Aboriginal families living with low income, who attended a two-generation preschool programme (CUPS One World) between 2002 and 2008. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the processes of change. We included 134 children and their caregivers living with low income, and experiencing mental health problems, addiction or social isolation. Children's receptive language, a proxy for school readiness, was measured at programme intake, exit, and age 10 years using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test 3rd Edition (PPVT-III). In Phase I (quantitative), we identified children with receptive language scores in the top and bottom 25th percentile, informing participant selection for Phase II. In Phase II (qualitative), we engaged in constructivist grounded theory to explore experiences of 14 biological mothers, after their children (n = 25) reached age 10 years. Interviews were conducted between June and September 2015. The core category, Stepping Stones to Resiliency, encompassed Perceptions of Family, Moving Forward, Achieving Goals, and Completely Different. Perceptions of Family influenced families' capabilities to move across the Stepping Stones to Resiliency. Stepping Stones to Resiliency provides a lens from which to view others in their daily challenges to break free of painful intergenerational cycles. It is a reminder of our struggle, our shared humanness, and that movement towards resiliency is more difficult for some than others. Our findings challenge traditional episodic, biomedical treatment paradigms for low-income families also experiencing intergenerational cycles of mental health problems, addictions, social isolation, and family violence. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Quality assurance in radiotherapy.

PubMed

Kouloulias, V E

2003-03-01

In 1999, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), being a European pioneer in the field of cancer research as well as in quality assurance (QA), launched an Emmanuel van der Schueren fellowship for QA in radiotherapy. In this paper, the work that has been done during the first E. van der Schueren fellowship is reported, focusing on four phase III EORTC clinical trials: 22921 for rectal cancer, 22961 and 22991 for prostate cancer and 22922 for breast cancer. A historical review of the QA programme of the EORTC Radiotherapy group during the past 20 years is included.

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

PubMed

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

2000-02-01

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

SAGE III on the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormick, M. P.; Damadeo, R. P.; Hill, C. A.

2017-12-01

A much-improved Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE III) instrument was launched on February 19, 2017 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard the SpaceX CRS-10 Dragon Spacecraft. It subsequently docked with the International Space Station (ISS), completed commissioning on July 1, 2017, and is now in its Mission Operations phase. SAGE III-ISS will combine the experience and capabilities of its successful predecessor satellite instruments SAM II, SAGE, SAGE II, and SAGE III-Meteor-3M to measure aerosol, cloud, O3, H2O, and NO2 profiles from the upper troposphere through the stratosphere. In addition to solar and lunar occultation with vertical resolutions of about 1.0 km, SAGE III-ISS will make limb scattering measurements on the solar side of each orbit greatly expanding the measurement coverage per spacecraft orbit, and tie the very high resolution and precise solar occultation measurements with the limb scattering measurements. The programmable readout array detector enhances its measurement capability and should allow for experimental data products like BrO, and IO, and along with a single photodiode detector, the measurement of larger aerosols. The wavelengths covered by SAGE III-ISS range from 280 to 1050 nm with 1 to 2 nm spectral resolution using a grating spectrometer. The single photodiode extends measurements to 1550 nm. This talk will describe the measurement capabilities of SAGE III, and include early data and validation examples, its additional modes and increased geographical coverage, its calibration and characterization, and data archival and validation approach.

Phase II randomised controlled trial of a 6-month self-managed community exercise programme for people with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Collett, Johnny; Franssen, Marloes; Meaney, Andy; Wade, Derick; Izadi, Hooshang; Tims, Martin; Winward, Charlotte; Bogdanovic, Marko; Farmer, Andrew; Dawes, Helen

2017-03-01

Evidence for longer term exercise delivery for people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) is deficient. Evaluate safety and adherence to a minimally supported community exercise intervention and estimate effect sizes (ES). 2-arm parallel phase II randomised controlled trial with blind assessment. PwP able to walk ≥100 m and with no contraindication to exercise were recruited from the Thames valley, UK, and randomised (1:1) to intervention (exercise) or control (handwriting) groups, via a concealed computer-generated list. Groups received a 6-month, twice weekly programme. Exercise was undertaken in community facilities (30 min aerobic and 30 min resistance) and handwriting at home, both were delivered through workbooks with monthly support visits. Primary outcome was a 2 min walk, with motor symptoms (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, MDS-UPDRS III), fitness, health and well-being measured. Between December 2011 and August 2013, n=53 (n=54 analysed) were allocated to exercise and n=52 (n=51 analysed) to handwriting. N=37 adhered to the exercise, most attending ≥1 session/week. Aerobic exercise was performed in 99% of attended sessions and resistance in 95%. Attrition and adverse events (AEs) were similar between groups, no serious AEs (n=2 exercise, n=3 handwriting) were related, exercise group-related AEs (n=2) did not discontinue intervention. Largest effects were for motor symptoms (2 min walk ES=0.20 (95% CI -0.44 to 0.45) and MDS-UPDRS III ES=-0.30 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.54)) in favour of exercise over the 12-month follow-up period. Some small effects were observed in fitness and well-being measures (ES>0.1). PwP exercised safely and the possible long-term benefits observed support a substantive evaluation of this community programme. NCT01439022. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

GSK's antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy programme: pilot results leading to Phase III clinical development.

PubMed

Brichard, Vincent G; Lejeune, Diane

2007-09-27

From the first evidence that the immune system could recognize tumors, different types of tumor antigens have been identified and deeply characterized. Several different approaches aimed at targeting these antigens have already been the subject of clinical studies. In this field, the GSK Biologicals' approach relying on recombinant proteins combined with an immunological Adjuvant System in a specific clinical setting, has entertained hopes of developing a new class of well tolerated anti-cancer therapy. This methodology led to promising advances with MAGE-A3 immunotherapy in NSCLC and has the potential to be applied to all tumor types.

Chagas disease in Switzerland: history and challenges.

PubMed

Jackson, Y; Chappuis, F

2011-09-15

Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, is an emerging health problem in Europe affecting an estimated 80,000 persons. Around 60,000 Latin American migrants live in Switzerland, and cases of Chagas disease have been reported since 1979. As of June 2011, 258 cases have been diagnosed, mostly adults in the indeterminate phase of the chronic stage of the disease. Vertical transmission has been identified and there is a high potential for blood- and organ-borne transmission in the absence of systematic screening. Major challenges include (i) raising awareness among migrants and healthcare professionals, (ii) developing national protocols for screening and treatment targeting high-risk groups such as pregnant woman, newborns, migrants from highly endemic areas (e.g. Bolivia), and immunocompromised migrants, (iii) preventing blood- and organ-borne transmission by appropriate screening strategies, (iv) taking into account the social vulnerability of individuals at risk in the design and implementation of public health programmes, and (v) facilitating contacts with the communities at risk through outreach programmes, for example in churches and cultural groups.

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

PubMed

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

2008-03-20

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

Barriers to participation in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme.

PubMed

Mak, Y M W; Chan, W K; Yue, C S S

2005-12-01

To identify barriers to participation in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme and measures that may enhance participation. Prospective study. Regional hospital, Hong Kong. Cardiac patients recruited for a phase I cardiac rehabilitation programme from July 2002 to January 2003. Reasons for not participating in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme. Of the 193 patients recruited for a phase I cardiac rehabilitation programme, 152 (79%) patients, with a mean age of 70.3 years (standard deviation, 11.9 years), did not proceed to phase II programme. Eleven (7%) deaths occurred before commencement of phase II and 74 (49%) patients were considered physically unfit. Reasons for the latter included fractures, pain, or degenerative changes in the lower limbs (24%), and co-morbidities such as cerebrovascular accident (19%), chronic renal failure (11%), congestive heart failure (9%), and unstable angina (8%). Phase II rehabilitation was postponed until after completion of scheduled cardiac interventions in 13% of patients. Failure of physicians to arrange the pre-phase II exercise stress test as per protocol was reported in 7% of patients. Other reasons were reported: work or time conflicts (16%), non-compliance with cardiac treatment (5%), financial constraints (4%), self-exercise (3%), fear after exercise stress testing (3%), and patients returning to their original cardiologists for treatment (3%). A significant (79%) proportion of patients did not proceed to a phase II cardiac rehabilitation programme for a variety of reasons. These included physical unfitness, work or time conflicts, and need to attend scheduled cardiac interventions. Further studies are required to determine how to overcome obstacles to cardiac rehabilitation.

Phase III of Early Restoration | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

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

A National Health Service Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation programme: a qualitative analysis of provision.

PubMed

O'Driscoll, Jamie M; Shave, Robert; Cushion, Christopher J

2007-10-01

This paper reports a study examining the effectiveness of a London National Health Service Trust Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation programme, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and patients. Cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of death and disability. Substantial research has reported that, following a cardiac event, cardiac rehabilitation can promote recovery, improve exercise capacity and patient health, reduce various coronary artery disease risk factors and subsequently reduce hospitalization costs. Despite these findings and the introduction of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, there is wide variation in the practice, management and organization of cardiac rehabilitation services. A purposeful sample of three postmyocardial infarction patients registered on the selected hospital's cardiac rehabilitation programme, coupled with 11 healthcare professionals were selected. The patients acted as individual case studies. The authors followed all three patients through phase III of their cardiac rehabilitation programme. The research attempted to explore the roles and procedures of a London hospital's cardiac rehabilitation programme through an interpretative framework involving qualitative research methods. Participant observation and in-depth semi-structured interviews were the instruments used to collect data. Whilst the healthcare professionals were enthusiastic about coronary heart disease prevention, the London NHS trust hospital's cardiac rehabilitation programme had several barriers, which reduced the programme's success and prevented it from achieving National Service Framework targets. The barriers were complex and mainly included service-related factors, such as lack of professional training, weak communication between primary and secondary care and confused roles and identities. Although the study has immediate relevance for the local area, it highlighted issues of more general relevance to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programme development, such as communication and role and identity perceptions in a multi-professional working environment and the need to develop a formal training programme for cardiac rehabilitation healthcare professionals. The results of this study highlight the need for increased investment, improved planning and the introduction of a comprehensive training programme for healthcare practitioners in cardiac rehabilitation. Implementation of these actions may reduce many of the service limitations and barriers that currently surround cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

Agomelatine: AGO 178, AGO178, S 20098.

PubMed

2008-01-01

Novartis and Servier are developing agomelatine for the treatment of depression. Agomelatine is a specific melatonin (MT1 and MT2) receptor agonist that also has antagonistic activities at serotonin-(2C) (5-HT(2C)) receptors. Novartis believes agomelatine is comparable to current standard therapies for depression with improved tolerability, including a low propensity to cause sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Clinical development is being conducted in the US for the treatment of depression; approval for this indication was declined in the EU, apparently due to insufficient data. Servier has also conducted a trial of the agent in patients with generalized anxiety disorder in France, South Africa and Finland, and a phase II trial in sleep disorders in France. In March 2006, Servier and Novartis signed a licensing agreement for agomelatine. Novartis obtained the exclusive rights for the development and marketing of agomelatine in the US and several other countries. Servier retained the rights to the product in the rest of the world. The clinical development plan for agomelatine includes phase III trials being conducted under the parAGOn clinical trial programme. One US-based trial that began in March 2007 (NCT00463242) is recruiting 490 patients with depression who will receive placebo or agomelatine 25 or 50 mg for 8 weeks and will then receive open-label agomelatine for 52 weeks. Novartis is also conducting an 8-week phase III trial (NCT00411099) comparing the safety and efficacy of agomelatine 25 and 50 mg in patients with major depressive disorder. A follow-up, 52-week open-label extension study (CAGO178A2301E) will also be conducted. Another phase III study underway is NCT00411242, which has the same design and is also followed by a 52-week open-label extension study (CAGO178A2302E). These studies are all expected to be completed by January 2009. In July 2006, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended the refusal of marketing authorisation for agomelatine for the treatment of depression. Servier had applied for a re-examination of the finding but withdrew the request in November 2006. Servier's MAA was not supported due to insufficient data and no recent development has been reported in this indication in the EU. Agomelatine prevented relapse in patients with depression compared with placebo and was well tolerated in an international phase III trial.

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

PubMed

Tan, H

1977-01-01

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

Refuah Shlema: a cross-cultural programme for promoting communication and health among Ethiopian immigrants in the primary health care setting in Israel: evidence and lessons learned from over a decade of implementation.

PubMed

Levin-Zamir, Diane; Keret, Sandra; Yaakovson, Orit; Lev, Boaz; Kay, Calanit; Verber, Giora; Lieberman, Niki

2011-03-01

The Refuah Shlema programme was established to reduce health disparities, promote health literacy and health indicators of the Ethiopian immigrant community in Israel, and included: (i) integrating Ethiopian immigrant liaisons in primary care as inter-cultural mediators; (ii) in-service training of clinical staff to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity; and (iii) health education community activities. Qualitative and quantitative evidence showed improvements in: (i) clinic staff–patient relations; (ii) availability and accessibility of health services, and health system navigation without increasing service expenditure; (iii) perception of general well-being; and (iv) self-care practice with regards to chronic conditions. Evidence significantly contributed to sustaining the programme for over 13 years.

Haematopoietic SCT in severe autoimmune diseases: updated guidelines of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

PubMed Central

Snowden, J A; Saccardi, R; Allez, M; Ardizzone, S; Arnold, R; Cervera, R; Denton, C; Hawkey, C; Labopin, M; Mancardi, G; Martin, R; Moore, J J; Passweg, J; Peters, C; Rabusin, M; Rovira, M; van Laar, J M; Farge, D

2012-01-01

In 1997, the first consensus guidelines for haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in autoimmune diseases (ADs) were published, while an international coordinated clinical programme was launched. These guidelines provided broad principles for the field over the following decade and were accompanied by comprehensive data collection in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) AD Registry. Subsequently, retrospective analyses and prospective phase I/II studies generated evidence to support the feasibility, safety and efficacy of HSCT in several types of severe, treatment-resistant ADs, which became the basis for larger-scale phase II and III studies. In parallel, there has also been an era of immense progress in biological therapy in ADs. The aim of this document is to provide revised and updated guidelines for both the current application and future development of HSCT in ADs in relation to the benefits, risks and health economic considerations of other modern treatments. Patient safety considerations are central to guidance on patient selection and HSCT procedural aspects within appropriately experienced and Joint Accreditation Committee of International Society for Cellular Therapy and EBMT accredited centres. A need for prospective interventional and non-interventional studies, where feasible, along with systematic data reporting, in accordance with EBMT policies and procedures, is emphasized. PMID:22002489

Note: Low phase noise programmable phase-locked loop with high temperature stability.

PubMed

Michálek, Vojtěch; Procházka, Ivan

2017-03-01

The design and construction of low jitter programmable phase-locked loop with low temperature coefficient of phase are presented. It has been designed for demanding high precision timing applications, especially as a clock source for event timer with subpicosecond precision. The phase-locked loop itself has a jitter of few hundreds of femtoseconds. It produces square wave with programmable output frequency from 100 MHz to 500 MHz and programmable amplitude of 0.25 V to 1.2 V peak-to-peak, which is locked to 5 MHz or 10 MHz reference frequency common for disciplined oscillators and highly stable clocks such as hydrogen maser. Moreover, it comprises an on-board temperature compensated crystal oscillator for stand-alone usage. The device provides temperature coefficient of the phase lock of 0.9 ps/K near room temperature.

An Intervention Programme for Promoting More Effective Learning among Foundation Phase Learners in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Rensburg, Ona Janse

2015-01-01

The author defends the claim, based on her experience as a teacher in the Foundation Phase as well as on her experience as the educator of student teachers in this Phase, that a specially constructed intervention programme will improve Grade 1's learning in several key areas. She firstly show that such a programme is required, given the current…

Phase III Early Restoration Public Meetings | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-06-01

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

The Potential Cost Effectiveness of Different Dengue Vaccination Programmes in Malaysia: A Value-Based Pricing Assessment Using Dynamic Transmission Mathematical Modelling.

PubMed

Shafie, Asrul Akmal; Yeo, Hui Yee; Coudeville, Laurent; Steinberg, Lucas; Gill, Balvinder Singh; Jahis, Rohani; Amar-Singh Hss

2017-05-01

Dengue disease poses a great economic burden in Malaysia. This study evaluated the cost effectiveness and impact of dengue vaccination in Malaysia from both provider and societal perspectives using a dynamic transmission mathematical model. The model incorporated sensitivity analyses, Malaysia-specific data, evidence from recent phase III studies and pooled efficacy and long-term safety data to refine the estimates from previous published studies. Unit costs were valued in $US, year 2013 values. Six vaccination programmes employing a three-dose schedule were identified as the most likely programmes to be implemented. In all programmes, vaccination produced positive benefits expressed as reductions in dengue cases, dengue-related deaths, life-years lost, disability-adjusted life-years and dengue treatment costs. Instead of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), we evaluated the cost effectiveness of the programmes by calculating the threshold prices for a highly cost-effective strategy [ICER <1 × gross domestic product (GDP) per capita] and a cost-effective strategy (ICER between 1 and 3 × GDP per capita). We found that vaccination may be cost effective up to a price of $US32.39 for programme 6 (highly cost effective up to $US14.15) and up to a price of $US100.59 for programme 1 (highly cost effective up to $US47.96) from the provider perspective. The cost-effectiveness analysis is sensitive to under-reporting, vaccine protection duration and model time horizon. Routine vaccination for a population aged 13 years with a catch-up cohort aged 14-30 years in targeted hotspot areas appears to be the best-value strategy among those investigated. Dengue vaccination is a potentially good investment if the purchaser can negotiate a price at or below the cost-effective threshold price.

Effectiveness of a programme of exercise on physical function in survivors of critical illness following discharge from the ICU: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (REVIVE)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Following discharge home from the ICU, patients often suffer from reduced physical function, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and social functioning. There is usually no support to address these longer term problems, and there has been limited research carried out into interventions which could improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-week programme of exercise on physical function in patients discharged from hospital following critical illness compared to standard care. Methods/Design The study design is a multicentre prospective phase II, allocation-concealed, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled clinical trial. Participants randomised to the intervention group will complete three exercise sessions per week (two sessions of supervised exercise and one unsupervised session) for 6 weeks. Supervised sessions will take place in a hospital gymnasium or, if this is not possible, in the participants home and the unsupervised session will take place at home. Blinded outcome assessment will be conducted at baseline after hospital discharge, following the exercise intervention, and at 6 months following baseline assessment (or equivalent time points for the standard care group). The primary outcome measure is physical function as measured by the physical functioning subscale of the Short-Form-36 health survey following the exercise programme. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, anxiety and depression, self efficacy to exercise and healthcare resource use. In addition, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore participants’ perceptions of the exercise programme, and the feasibility (safety, practicality and acceptability) of providing the exercise programme will be assessed. A within-trial cost-utility analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to standard care will also be conducted. Discussion If the exercise programme is found to be effective, this study will improve outcomes that are meaningful to patients and their families. It will inform the design of a future multicentre phase III clinical trial of exercise following recovery from critical illness. It will provide useful information which will help the development of services for patients after critical illness. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01463579 PMID:24767671

Effectiveness of a programme of exercise on physical function in survivors of critical illness following discharge from the ICU: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (REVIVE).

PubMed

O'Neill, Brenda; McDowell, Kathryn; Bradley, Judy; Blackwood, Bronagh; Mullan, Brian; Lavery, Gavin; Agus, Ashley; Murphy, Sally; Gardner, Evie; McAuley, Daniel F

2014-04-27

Following discharge home from the ICU, patients often suffer from reduced physical function, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and social functioning. There is usually no support to address these longer term problems, and there has been limited research carried out into interventions which could improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 6-week programme of exercise on physical function in patients discharged from hospital following critical illness compared to standard care. The study design is a multicentre prospective phase II, allocation-concealed, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled clinical trial. Participants randomised to the intervention group will complete three exercise sessions per week (two sessions of supervised exercise and one unsupervised session) for 6 weeks. Supervised sessions will take place in a hospital gymnasium or, if this is not possible, in the participants home and the unsupervised session will take place at home. Blinded outcome assessment will be conducted at baseline after hospital discharge, following the exercise intervention, and at 6 months following baseline assessment (or equivalent time points for the standard care group). The primary outcome measure is physical function as measured by the physical functioning subscale of the Short-Form-36 health survey following the exercise programme. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, anxiety and depression, self efficacy to exercise and healthcare resource use. In addition, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore participants' perceptions of the exercise programme, and the feasibility (safety, practicality and acceptability) of providing the exercise programme will be assessed. A within-trial cost-utility analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to standard care will also be conducted. If the exercise programme is found to be effective, this study will improve outcomes that are meaningful to patients and their families. It will inform the design of a future multicentre phase III clinical trial of exercise following recovery from critical illness. It will provide useful information which will help the development of services for patients after critical illness. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01463579.

Programmable pH buffers

DOEpatents

Gough, Dara Van; Huber, Dale L.; Bunker, Bruce C.; Roberts, Mark E.

2017-01-24

A programmable pH buffer comprises a copolymer that changes pK.sub.a at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The copolymer comprises a thermally programmable polymer that undergoes a hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic phase change at the LCST and an electrolytic polymer that exhibits acid-base properties that are responsive to the phase change. The programmable pH buffer can be used to sequester CO.sub.2 into water.

Antibiotics Smart Use: a workable model for promoting the rational use of medicines in Thailand.

PubMed

Sumpradit, Nithima; Chongtrakul, Pisonthi; Anuwong, Kunyada; Pumtong, Somying; Kongsomboon, Kedsenee; Butdeemee, Parichart; Khonglormyati, Jurairat; Chomyong, Santi; Tongyoung, Parnuchote; Losiriwat, Suraphol; Seesuk, Piyanooch; Suwanwaree, Pongthep; Tangcharoensathien, Viroj

2012-12-01

The Antibiotics Smart Use (ASU) programme was introduced in Thailand as a model to promote the rational use of medicines, starting with antibiotics. The programme's first phase consisted of assessing interventions intended to change prescribing practices; the second phase examined the feasibility of programme scale-up. Currently the programme is in its third phase, which centres on sustainability. This paper describes the concept behind ASU, the programme's functional modalities, the development of its conceptual framework and the implementation of its first and second phases. To change antibiotic prescription practices, multifaceted interventions at the individual and organizational levels were implemented; to maintain behaviour change and scale up the programme, interventions at the network and policy levels were used. The National Health Security Office has adopted ASU as a pay-for-performance criterion, a major achievement that has led to the programme's expansion nationwide. Despite limited resources, programme scale-up and sustainability have been facilitated by the promotion of local ownership and mutual recognition, which have generated pride and commitment. ASU is clearly a workable entry point for efforts to rationalize the use of medicines in Thailand. Its long-term sustainability will require continued local commitment and political support, effective auditing and integration of ASU into routine systems with appropriate financial incentives.

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-01

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

Tipranavir: PNU 140690, tipranivir.

PubMed

2006-01-01

Tipranavir [PNU 140690, tipranivir, Aptivus] is a second-generation HIV dihydropyrone (a sulphonamide derivative), nonpeptidic protease inhibitor (NPPI) discovered by Pharmacia & Upjohn (now Pfizer) in the US. The compound is in development with Boehringer Ingelheim. Tipranavir has potent in vitro activity against a variety of HIV-1 laboratory strains and clinical isolates, including those resistant to ritonavir, as well as HIV-2. Tipranavir has been shown to act synergistically with other antiretroviral agents. The limited bioavailability of the hard gel (and first available) formulation of tipranavir led to the development of a soft capsule formulation that has better oral bioavailability. Pharmacia Corporation (now Pfizer) considers that the resistance profile of tipranavir may be sufficiently unique for it to be effective against protease inhibitor resistant virus. On 16 April 2003, Pharmacia Corporation was acquired by, and merged into, Pfizer. In February 2000, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired exclusive worldwide rights to tipranavir. Tipranavir was launched in the US in mid-2005. In June 2005, the US FDA granted accelerated approval to tipranavir capsules for use in combination treatment, based on 24-week data from ongoing clinical trials. The approved dose is Aptivus 500 mg taken with ritonavir 200 mg, twice daily. Aptivus 250 mg soft gel capsules are expected to be available in the second half of 2005. A submission was made to the FDA in October 2004 seeking accelerated approval. In May 2005, the Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA recommended the approval of tipranavir. The positive recommendation is based on data from the RESIST-1 and RESIST-2 studies. Also in October 2004, Boehringer Ingelheim submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for tipranavir for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents in patients who are protease inhibitor experienced. In July 2005, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a positive opinion for tipranavir in the European Union. If approved, the drug will be marketed in Europe too under the name Aptivus. Marketing authorisation under exceptional circumstances (accelerated approval) is expected before the end of 2005.A phase III clinical programme (RESIST- Randomised Evaluation of Strategic Intervention in Multi-drug ReSistant Patients with Tipranavir) was launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in February 2003. The RESIST programme consists of two phase III pivotal trials (RESIST 1 and RESIST 2) and two companion trials (study 1182.51 and RESIST 3) available at some sites for even more advanced patients. The trials are designed to further study the efficacy and safety of tipranavir (500 mg) boosted with low-dose (200 mg) ritonavir, taken twice daily, versus a low-dose ritonavir boosted comparator protease inhibitor that is chosen by the patient's physician on the basis of the treatment history and baseline resistance testing. Each patient will also receive an individualised background regimen. Study participants will all be highly treatment-experienced HIV-positive adults. RESIST 1 study enrolled 620 patients in the US, Canada and Australia and RESIST 2 enrolled more than 863 patients in Europe and South America. These trials are now fully recruited. The clinical endpoint for RESIST 1 is at 24 weeks and for RESIST 2, the endpoints are at 16 and 24 weeks. Interim data from RESIST 1 (1182.12) were presented at the 44th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Washington, DC, USA, in October 2004. Results from this study show that tipranavir is a viable treatment option for patients who have failed other protease inhibitors. In June 2004, Boehringer Ingelheim announced the expansion of enrolment criteria in the international Compassionate Use Programme to allow broader access to tipranavir for HIV patients in need of new treatment options. All countries participating in the tipranavir phase III programme are eligible to take part in the Compassionate Use programme, which is enrolling patients over the age of 18 years, who are triple-antiretroviral class-experienced with at least two PI-based regimens. In November 2004, Boehringer Ingelheim opened the tipranavir Expanded Access Program (EAP) in the US, following a review of the protocol by the FDA. The programme will provide access to tipranavir for HIV-infected patients (> or =18 years old) who are not enrolled in the ongoing tipranavir clinical studies and who are triple-antiretroviral class-experienced with at least two previous PI-based regimens, and have documented PI-resistance and need tipranavir to construct a viable treatment regimen. Eligibility is not dependent upon viral load or CD4+ cell count. Tiparanvir is also being evaluated in phase II studies for use in paediatric and treatment-naive patient populations. Phase II trials completed in the US have established the clinical activity of tiprananvir in both antiretroviral-naive and -experienced patients with HIV infection. The studies have also shown that tipranavir can be combined with ritonavir for maximal clinical benefit. In its 2003 Annual Report, Boehringer Ingelheim stated that the process- and paediatric- formulation development of tipranavir had been completed.

Undergraduate medical education programme renewal: a longitudinal context, input, process and product evaluation study.

PubMed

Mirzazadeh, Azim; Gandomkar, Roghayeh; Hejri, Sara Mortaz; Hassanzadeh, Gholamreza; Koochak, Hamid Emadi; Golestani, Abolfazl; Jafarian, Ali; Jalili, Mohammad; Nayeri, Fatemeh; Saleh, Narges; Shahi, Farhad; Razavi, Seyed Hasan Emami

2016-02-01

The purpose of this study was to utilize the Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) evaluation model as a comprehensive framework to guide initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating a revised undergraduate medical education programme. The eight-year longitudinal evaluation study consisted of four phases compatible with the four components of the CIPP model. In the first phase, we explored the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional programme as well as contextual needs, assets, and resources. For the second phase, we proposed a model for the programme considering contextual features. During the process phase, we provided formative information for revisions and adjustments. Finally, in the fourth phase, we evaluated the outcomes of the new undergraduate medical education programme in the basic sciences phase. Information was collected from different sources such as medical students, faculty members, administrators, and graduates, using various qualitative and quantitative methods including focus groups, questionnaires, and performance measures. The CIPP model has the potential to guide policy makers to systematically collect evaluation data and to manage stakeholders' reactions at each stage of the reform in order to make informed decisions. However, the model may result in evaluation burden and fail to address some unplanned evaluation questions.

Moving forward through consensus: protocol for a modified Delphi approach to determine the top research priorities in the field of orthopaedic oncology.

PubMed

Schneider, Patricia; Evaniew, Nathan; Rendon, Juan Sebastian; McKay, Paula; Randall, R Lor; Turcotte, Robert; Vélez, Roberto; Bhandari, Mohit; Ghert, Michelle

2016-05-24

Orthopaedic oncology researchers face several obstacles in the design and execution of randomised controlled trials, including finite fiscal resources to support the rising costs of clinical research and insufficient patient volume at individual sites. As a result, high-quality research to guide clinical practice has lagged behind other surgical subspecialties. A focused approach is imperative to design a research programme that is economical, streamlined and addresses clinically relevant endpoints. The primary objective of this study will be to use a consensus-based approach to identify research priorities for international clinical trials in orthopaedic oncology. We will conduct a 3-phase modified Delphi method consisting of 2 sequential rounds of anonymous web-based questionnaires (phases I and II), and an in-person consensus meeting (phase III). Participants will suggest research questions that they believe are of particular importance to the field (phase I), and individually rate each proposed question on 5 criteria (phase II). Research questions that meet predetermined consensus thresholds will be brought forward to the consensus meeting (phase III) for discussion by an expert panel. Following these discussions, the expert panel will be asked to assign scores for each research question, and research questions meeting predetermined criteria will be brought forward for final ranking. The expert panel will then be asked to rank the top 3 research questions, and these 3 research questions will be distributed to the initial group of participants for validation. An ethics application is currently under review with the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The results of this initiative will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Leadership as a Health Research Policy Intervention: An Evaluation of the NIHR Leadership Programme (Phase 2).

PubMed

Marjanovic, Sonja; Cochrane, Gavin; Manville, Catriona; Harte, Emma; Chataway, Joanna; Jones, Molly Morgan

2016-01-29

In early 2012, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) leadership programme was re-commissioned for a further three years following an evaluation by RAND Europe. During this new phase of the programme, we conducted a real-time evaluation, the aim of which was to allow for reflection on and adjustment of the programme on an on-going basis as events unfold. This approach also allowed for participants on the programme to contribute to and positively engage in the evaluation. The study aimed to understand the outputs and impacts from the programme, and to test the underlying assumptions behind the NIHR Leadership Programme as a science policy intervention. Evidence on outputs and impacts of the programme were collected around the motivations and expectations of participants, programme design and individual-, institutional- and system-level impacts.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Madson, Michael D.

2004-01-01

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

Novel programmable microwave photonic filter with arbitrary filtering shape and linear phase.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiaoqi; Chen, Feiya; Peng, Huanfa; Chen, Zhangyuan

2017-04-17

We propose and demonstrate a novel optical frequency comb (OFC) based microwave photonic filter which is able to realize arbitrary filtering shape with linear phase response. The shape of filter response is software programmable using finite impulse response (FIR) filter design method. By shaping the OFC spectrum using a programmable waveshaper, we can realize designed amplitude of FIR taps. Positive and negative sign of FIR taps are achieved by balanced photo-detection. The double sideband (DSB) modulation and symmetric distribution of filter taps are used to maintain the linear phase condition. In the experiment, we realize a fully programmable filter in the range from DC to 13.88 GHz. Four basic types of filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass and bandstop) with different bandwidths, cut-off frequencies and central frequencies are generated. Also a triple-passband filter is realized in our experiment. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first demonstration of a programmable multiple passband MPF with linear phase response. The experiment shows good agreement with the theoretical result.

Improving the performance of community health workers in humanitarian emergencies: a realist evaluation protocol for the PIECES programme

PubMed Central

Gilmore, Brynne; Adams, Ben Jack; Bartoloni, Alex; Alhaydar, Bana; McAuliffe, Eilish; Raven, Joanna; Taegtmeyer, Miriam; Vallières, Frédérique

2016-01-01

Introduction Understanding what enhances the motivation and performance of community health workers (CHWs) in humanitarian emergencies represents a key research gap within the field of human resources for health. This paper presents the research protocol for the Performance ImprovEment of CHWs in Emergency Settings (PIECES) research programme. Enhancing Learning and Research in Humanitarian Action (ELRHA) funded the development of this protocol as part of their Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) call (No.19839). PIECES aims to understand what factors improve the performance of CHWs in level III humanitarian emergencies. Methods and analysis The suggested protocol uses a realist evaluation with multiple cases across the 3 country sites: Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon. Working with International Medical Corps (IMC), an initial programme theory was elicited through literature and document reviews, semistructured interviews and focus groups with IMC programme managers and CHWs. Based on this initial theory, this protocol proposes a combination of semistructured interviews, life histories and critical incident narratives, surveys and latent variable modelling of key constructs to explain how contextual factors work to trigger mechanisms for specific outcomes relating to IMC's 300+ CHWs' performance. Participants will also include programme staff, CHWs and programme beneficiaries. Realist approaches will be used to better understand ‘what works, for whom and under what conditions’ for improving CHW performance within humanitarian contexts. Ethics and dissemination Trinity College Dublin's Health Policy and Management/Centre for Global Health Research Ethics Committee gave ethical approval for the protocol development phase. For the full research project, additional ethical approval will be sought from: Université St. Joseph (Lebanon), the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health in Baghdad (Iraq) and the Middle East Technical University (Turkey). Dissemination activities will involve a mixture of research feedback, policy briefs, guidelines and recommendations, as well as open source academic articles. PMID:27531730

Improving the performance of community health workers in humanitarian emergencies: a realist evaluation protocol for the PIECES programme.

PubMed

Gilmore, Brynne; Adams, Ben Jack; Bartoloni, Alex; Alhaydar, Bana; McAuliffe, Eilish; Raven, Joanna; Taegtmeyer, Miriam; Vallières, Frédérique

2016-08-16

Understanding what enhances the motivation and performance of community health workers (CHWs) in humanitarian emergencies represents a key research gap within the field of human resources for health. This paper presents the research protocol for the Performance ImprovEment of CHWs in Emergency Settings (PIECES) research programme. Enhancing Learning and Research in Humanitarian Action (ELRHA) funded the development of this protocol as part of their Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) call (No.19839). PIECES aims to understand what factors improve the performance of CHWs in level III humanitarian emergencies. The suggested protocol uses a realist evaluation with multiple cases across the 3 country sites: Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon. Working with International Medical Corps (IMC), an initial programme theory was elicited through literature and document reviews, semistructured interviews and focus groups with IMC programme managers and CHWs. Based on this initial theory, this protocol proposes a combination of semistructured interviews, life histories and critical incident narratives, surveys and latent variable modelling of key constructs to explain how contextual factors work to trigger mechanisms for specific outcomes relating to IMC's 300+ CHWs' performance. Participants will also include programme staff, CHWs and programme beneficiaries. Realist approaches will be used to better understand 'what works, for whom and under what conditions' for improving CHW performance within humanitarian contexts. Trinity College Dublin's Health Policy and Management/Centre for Global Health Research Ethics Committee gave ethical approval for the protocol development phase. For the full research project, additional ethical approval will be sought from: Université St. Joseph (Lebanon), the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health in Baghdad (Iraq) and the Middle East Technical University (Turkey). Dissemination activities will involve a mixture of research feedback, policy briefs, guidelines and recommendations, as well as open source academic articles. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

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

Motilin-induced gastric contractions signal hunger in man.

PubMed

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

2016-02-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2000-02-01

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

Information, education and communication on family planning and maternal and child health care: an evaluation of a special action programme in northern Karnataka.

PubMed

Rajaretnam, T; Deshpande, R V

1991-01-01

This paper presents the results of an evaluation undertaken by the Population Research Centre of the India Population Project-III in two districts of Karnataka state in late 1990. "The evaluation study revealed that mass media type...programmes such as...films...were carried out satisfactorily. But inter-[personal] communication type...programmes such as group meetings...were rarely conducted and people's participation was not sufficiently ensured." Recommendations for improvements are included. excerpt

Impact of an intervention programme on knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare staff regarding pharmaceutical waste management, Gaza, Palestine.

PubMed

Tabash, M I; Hussein, R A; Mahmoud, A H; El-Borgy, M D; Abu-Hamad, B A

2016-09-01

To assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare staff regarding pharmaceutical waste management; and to determine the impact of an educational programme on the KAP survey items. Pre-post-test intervention study. The pre-intervention phase was performed using a sample of 530 out of 1500 healthcare workers. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to assess KAP. Next, an educational programme was designed and offered to a subsample of 69 healthcare workers. KAP were re-assessed for the programme attendees using the same interview questionnaire, both immediately (post-test) and six months after the end of the programme (follow-up test). The parametric paired sample t-test was used to assess the difference between pre-test and follow-up test results. Poor knowledge and poor practice levels (scores 50%) detected in the pre-intervention phase were found to improve to satisfactory levels (scores ≥75%) in the follow-up phase. Attitude was found to be positive (score ≥75%) in all phases of the study. The educational programme led to a significant improvement in KAP of healthcare staff regarding pharmaceutical waste management (P<0.001). Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Cannabis-based medicines--GW pharmaceuticals: high CBD, high THC, medicinal cannabis--GW pharmaceuticals, THC:CBD.

PubMed

2003-01-01

GW Pharmaceuticals is undertaking a major research programme in the UK to develop and market distinct cannabis-based prescription medicines [THC:CBD, High THC, High CBD] in a range of medical conditions. The cannabis for this programme is grown in a secret location in the UK. It is expected that the product will be marketed in the US in late 2003. GW's cannabis-based products include selected phytocannabinoids from cannabis plants, including D9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The company is investigating their use in three delivery systems, including sublingual spray, sublingual tablet and inhaled (but not smoked) dosage forms. The technology is protected by patent applications. Four different formulations are currently being investigated, including High THC, THC:CBD (narrow ratio), THC:CBD (broad ratio) and High CBD. GW is also developing a specialist security technology that will be incorporated in all its drug delivery systems. This technology allows for the recording and remote monitoring of patient usage to prevent any potential abuse of its cannabis-based medicines. GW plans to enter into agreements with other companies following phase III development, to secure the best commercialisation terms for its cannabis-based medicines. In June 2003, GW announced that exclusive commercialisation rights for the drug in the UK had been licensed to Bayer AG. The drug will be marketed under the Sativex brand name. This agreement also provides Bayer with an option to expand their license to include the European Union and certain world markets. GW was granted a clinical trial exemption certificate by the Medicines Control Agency to conduct clinical studies with cannabis-based medicines in the UK. The exemption includes investigations in the relief of pain of neurological origin and defects of neurological function in the following indications: multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, central nervous system damage, neuroinvasive cancer, dystonias, cerebral vascular accident and spina bifida, as well as for the relief of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and also pain relief in brachial plexus injury. The UK Government stated that it would be willing to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to permit the introduction of a cannabis-based medicine. GW stated in its 2002 Annual Report that it was currently conducting five phase III trials of its cannabis derivatives, including a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a sublingual spray containing High THC in more than 100 patients with cancer pain in the UK. Also included is a phase III trial of THC:CBD (narrow ratio) being conducted in patients with severe pain due to brachial plexus injury, as are two more phase III trials of THC:CBD (narrow ratio) targeting spasticity and bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients. Another phase III trial of THC:CBD (narrow ratio) in patients with spinal cord injury is also being conducted. Results from the trials are expected during 2003. Three additional trials are also in the early stages of planning. These trials include a phase I trial of THC:CBD (broad ratio) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a phase I trial of High CBD in patients with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and a preclinical trial of High CBD in various CNS disorders (including epilepsy, stroke and head injury). GW Pharmaceuticals submitted an application for approval of cannabis-based medicines to UK regulatory authorities in March 2003. Originally GW hoped to market cannabis-based prescription medicines by 2004, but is now planning for a launch in the UK towards the end of 2003. Several trials for GW's cannabis derivatives have also been completed, including four randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trials conducted in the UK. The trials were initiated by GW in April 2002, to investigate the use of a sublingual spray containing THC:CBD (narrow ratio) in the following medical conditions: pain in spinal cord injury, pain and sleep in MS and spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain in MS and general neuropathic pain (presented as allodynia). Results from these trials show that THC:CBD (narrow ratio) caused statistically significant reductions in neuropathic pain in patients with MS and other conditions. In addition, improvements in other MS symptoms were observed as well. Phase II studies of THC:CBD (narrow ratio) have also been completed in patients with MS, spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain and a small number of patients with peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus or AIDS. A phase II trial of THC:CBD (broad ratio) has also been completed in a small number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as has a trial of High CBD in patients with neurogenic symptoms. A phase II trial has also been evaluated with High THC in small numbers of patients for the treatment of perioperative pain. The phase II trials provided positive results and confirmed an excellent safety profile for cannabis-based medicines. GW Pharmaceuticals received an IND approval to commence phase II clinical trials in Canada in patients with chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury in 2002. Following meetings with the US FDA, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Office for National Drug Control Policy, and National Institute for Drug Abuse, GW was granted an import license from the DEA and has imported its first cannabis extracts into the US. Preclinical research with these extracts in the US is ongoing.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-16

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

Balancing the benefits and risks of disease-modifying therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Sørensen, Per Soelberg

2011-12-01

Balancing efficacy versus burden of therapy is essential for the choice of disease-modifying therapy in every MS patient. The first-line therapies, interferon-? and glatiramer acetate, have well-established efficacy and present no major safety concerns. Certain second-line therapies, such as natalizumab, offer potentially greater efficacy, but are associated with an increased level of risk. Over the last year, the first two oral treatments of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, cladribine and fingolimod, have been marketed in certain countries, although cladribine was subsequently withdrawn. In the Phase III clinical development programme, both drugs appeared effective and reasonably safe. However, there were cases of serious adverse events (malignancies and fatal infections) whose relationship with treatment was unclear. Specific postmarketing studies will be necessary to assess the risks of these new oral therapies. Indeed, both natalizumab and mitoxantrone are known today to be associated with rare adverse drug reactions (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy for natalizumab and treatment-related leukaemia for mitoxantrone), which were not identified before the treatments were approved. The use of therapies carrying potential serious risks is justified in patients who cannot be treated effectively with safe first-line therapies, but probably not in the average relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinical isolated syndrome patient. Pivotal Phase III clinical trials, on which basis drug approval is generally granted, are designed to demonstrate clinical efficacy and reveal frequently occurring adverse effects of a new drug. However, post-approval trials with extensive patient exposure are needed to generate knowledge of more patient-specific clinical effectiveness and long-term safety, in particular with respect to rare adverse reactions. Other post-approval measures, such as risk management programmes, pharmacovigilance studies, or phased launch of the drug, may be useful to ensure that risks associated with new treatments are identified and minimised. The final evaluation of the benefits to risks balance of a drug should be made in every patient by weighing benefits in disease activity and progression, quality of life and health economy against both commonly occurring mild side-effects and rare potentially life-threatening adverse drug effects. This decision should be shared between the physician and patient, who may not share the same perceptions of acceptable risk. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Digital micromirror device as amplitude diffuser for multiple-plane phase retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abregana, Timothy Joseph T.; Hermosa, Nathaniel P.; Almoro, Percival F.

2017-06-01

Previous implementations of the phase diffuser used in the multiple-plane phase retrieval method included a diffuser glass plate with fixed optical properties or a programmable yet expensive spatial light modulator. Here a model for phase retrieval based on a digital micromirror device as amplitude diffuser is presented. The technique offers programmable, convenient and low-cost amplitude diffuser for a non-stagnating iterative phase retrieval. The technique is demonstrated in the reconstructions of smooth object wavefronts.

Design of a phase III multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in children across diverse transmission settings in Africa

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative are working in partnership to develop a malaria vaccine to protect infants and children living in malaria endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa, which can be delivered through the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The RTS,S/AS candidate vaccine has been evaluated in multiple phase I/II studies and shown to have a favourable safety profile and to be well-tolerated in both adults and children. This paper details the design of the phase III multicentre efficacy trial of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate, which is pivotal for licensure and policy decision-making. Methods The phase III trial is a randomized, controlled, multicentre, participant- and observer-blind study on-going in 11 centres associated with different malaria transmission settings in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A minimum of 6,000 children in each of two age categories (6-12 weeks, 5-17 months) have been enrolled. Children were randomized 1:1:1 to one of three study groups: (1) primary vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 and booster dose of RTS,S/AS01; (2) primary vaccination with RTS,S/AS01 and a control vaccine at time of booster; (3) primary vaccination with control vaccine and a control vaccine at time of booster. Primary vaccination comprises three doses at monthly intervals; the booster dose is administered at 18 months post-primary course. Subjects will be followed to study month 32. The co-primary objectives are the evaluation of efficacy over one year post-dose 3 against clinical malaria when primary immunization is delivered at: (1) 6-12 weeks of age, with co-administration of DTPwHepB/Hib antigens and OPV; (2) 5-17 months of age. Secondary objectives include evaluation of vaccine efficacy against severe malaria, anaemia, malaria hospitalization, fatal malaria, all-cause mortality and other serious illnesses including sepsis and pneumonia. Efficacy of the vaccine against clinical malaria under different transmission settings, the evolution of efficacy over time and the potential benefit of a booster will be evaluated. In addition, the effect of RTS,S/AS01 vaccination on growth, and the safety and immunogenicity in HIV-infected and malnourished children will be assessed. Safety of the primary course of immunization and the booster dose will be documented in both age categories. Conclusions This pivotal phase III study of the RTS,S/AS01 candidate malaria vaccine in African children was designed and implemented by the Clinical Trials Partnership Committee. The study will provide efficacy and safety data to fulfil regulatory requirements, together with data on a broad range of endpoints that will facilitate the evaluation of the public health impact of the vaccine and will aid policy and implementation decisions. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00866619 PMID:21816029

Upstream Optioneering: Optimising Higher Activity Waste Management

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

McTeer, Jennifer; Morris, Jenny; Wickham, Stephen

2013-07-01

The Upstream Optioneering project was created by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Radioactive Waste Management Directorate (RWMD) to support the development and implementation of opportunities to optimise the management of UK higher activity waste, spent fuel and other materials that may be disposed of in a geological disposal facility. The project works in an integrative manner with the NDA, RWMD and waste producers, and was split into three phases: - In Phase 1 waste management opportunities were identified and collated from across the NDA estate. - In Phase 2, opportunities collated during Phase 1, were further consolidated, analysed and prioritisedmore » to develop a three year work programme. Prioritisation ensured that resources were deployed appropriately and opportunities can be realised before the potential benefit diminishes. - Phase 3, which began in April 2012, comprises a three year work programme to address the prioritised opportunities. Work varies from direct implementation of opportunities to scoping studies that may pave the way for more detailed subsequent work by Site Licence Companies. The work programme is flexible and, subject to change control, varies depending on the needs of project sponsors (RWMD, NDA Strategy and NDA Delivery). This paper provides an overview of the Upstream Optioneering project (focusing particularly on Phases 2 and 3), summarises work carried out to date within the three year work programme, and provides some examples of the main findings concerning specific opportunities from Year One of the Phase 3 work programme. (authors)« less

Effects of a School-Based Stress Prevention Programme on Adolescents in Different Phases of Behavioural Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vierhaus, Marc; Maass, Asja; Fridrici, Mirko; Lohaus, Arnold

2010-01-01

This study examines whether the assumptions of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) are useful to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based stress prevention programme in adolescence to promote appropriate coping behaviour. The TTM assumes three consecutive phases in the adoption of behavioural patterns. Progress throughout the phases is promoted…

Poverty alleviation programmes in India: a social audit.

PubMed

K Yesudian, C A

2007-10-01

The review highlights the poverty alleviation programmes of the government in the post-economic reform era to evaluate the contribution of these programmes towards reducing poverty in the country. The poverty alleviation programmes are classified into (i) self-employment programmes; (ii) wage employment programmes; (iii) food security programmes; (iv) social security programmes; and (v) urban poverty alleviation programmes. The parameter used for evaluation included utilization of allocated funds, change in poverty level, employment generation and number or proportion of beneficiaries. The paper attempts to go beyond the economic benefit of the programmes and analyzes the social impact of these programmes on the communities where the poor live, and concludes that too much of government involvement is actually an impediment. On the other hand, involvement of the community, especially the poor has led to better achievement of the goals of the programmes. Such endeavours not only reduced poverty but also empowered the poor to find their own solutions to their economic problems. There is a need for decentralization of the programmes by strengthening the panchayat raj institutions as poverty is not merely economic deprivation but also social marginalization that affects the poor most.

Developing and piloting a peer mentoring intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy in looked-after children and care leavers: an exploratory randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Mezey, Gillian; Meyer, Deborah; Robinson, Fiona; Bonell, Chris; Campbell, Rona; Gillard, Steve; Jordan, Peter; Mantovani, Nadia; Wellings, Kaye; White, Sarah

2015-10-01

Looked-after children (LAC) are at greater risk of teenage pregnancy than non-LAC, which is associated with adverse health and social consequences. Existing interventions have failed to reduce rates of teenage pregnancy in LAC. Peer mentoring is proposed as a means of addressing many of the factors associated with the increased risk of teenage pregnancy in this group. To develop a peer mentoring intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy in LAC. Phase I and II randomised controlled trial of a peer mentoring intervention for LAC; scoping exercise and literature search; national surveys of social care professionals and LAC; and focus groups and interviews with social care professionals, mentors and mentees. Three local authorities (LAs) in England. LAC aged 14-18 years (mentees/care as usual) and 19-25 years (mentors). Recruitment and training of mentors; randomisation and matching of mentors to mentees; and 1-year individual peer mentoring. pregnancy in LAC aged 14-18 years. sexual attitudes, behaviour and knowledge; psychological health; help-seeking behaviour; locus of control; and attachment style. A health economic evaluation was also carried out. In total, 54% of target recruitment was reached for the exploratory trial and 13 out of 20 mentors (65%) and 19 out of 30 LAC aged 14-18 years (63%) (recruited during Phases I and II) were retained in the research. The training programme was acceptable and could be manualised and replicated. Recruitment and retention difficulties were attributed to systemic problems and LA lack of research infrastructure and lack of additional funding to support and sustain such an intervention. Mentees appeared to value the intervention but had difficulty in meeting weekly as required. Only one in four of the relationships continued for the full year. A future Phase III trial would require the intervention to be modified to include provision of group and individual peer mentoring; internal management of the project, with support from an external agency such as a charity or the voluntary sector; funds to cover LA research costs, including the appointment of a dedicated project co-ordinator; a reduction in the lower age for mentee recruitment and an increase in the mentor recruitment age to 21 years; and the introduction of a more formal recruitment and support structure for mentors. Given the problems identified and described in mounting this intervention, a new development phase followed by a small-scale exploratory trial incorporating these changes would be necessary before proceeding to a Phase III trial. This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 85. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Development and review of the voluntary phase of a national BVD eradication programme in Ireland.

PubMed

Graham, D A; Lynch, M; Coughlan, S; Doherty, M L; O'Neill, R; Sammin, D; O'Flaherty, J

2014-01-18

The voluntary phase of an industry-led national Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme began in Ireland on January 1, 2012 with the goal of progressing to a compulsory programme in 2013. The development and implementation of the programme in 2012 was informed by a review of current and prior eradication programmes elsewhere in Europe and extensive stakeholder consultation. The programme was based on tissue tag testing of newborn calves in participating herds, with the status of the mothers of calves with positive or inconclusive results requiring clarification. Participating herd owners were required to comply with a series of guidelines, including not selling cattle suspected of being persistently infected. For herds compliant with the guidelines, the results from 2012 counted as one of three years of tag testing anticipated in the compulsory phase of the programme. Testing was carried out in laboratories designated for this purpose by the cross-industry BVD Implementation Group that oversees the programme. Results were reported to a central database managed by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, and the majority of results were reported to farmers' mobile telephones by SMS message. A detailed review of the programme was conducted, encompassing the period between January 1, 2012 and July 15, 2012, based on results from approximately 500,000 calves. This paper describes the establishment and structure of the programme, and the outcomes of the review, including findings at herd and animal level.

Meeting the goal of concurrent adolescent and adult licensure of HIV prevention and treatment strategies.

PubMed

Hume, Michelle; Lewis, Linda L; Nelson, Robert M

2017-12-01

The ability of adolescents to access safe and effective new products for HIV prevention and treatment is optimised by adolescent licensure at the same time these products are approved and marketed for adults. Many adolescent product development programmes for HIV prevention or treatment products may proceed simultaneously with adult phase III development programmes. Appropriately implemented, this strategy is not expected to delay licensure as information regarding product efficacy can often be extrapolated from adults to adolescents, and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs in adolescents are expected to be similar to those in adults. Finally, adolescents enrolled in therapeutic HIV prevention and treatment research can be considered adults, based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the appropriate application of state law. The FDA permits local jurisdictions to apply state and local HIV/sexually transmitted infection minor treatment laws so that adolescents who are HIV-positive or at risk of contracting HIV may be enrolled in therapeutic or prevention trials without obtaining parental permission. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Virulizin.

PubMed

2002-01-01

Virulizin, a biological response modifier, is a mixture of proteins and peptides that have been extracted from bovine reticuloendothelial tissue that activates macrophages. It is being developed by Lorus Therapeutics (formerly Imutec Pharma) for the treatment of various cancers and had completed phase II clinical trials in Canada for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and advanced malignant melanoma. The commencement of phase III clinical trials in Canada, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, was delayed due to quality control problems with batches of virulizin and all clinical trials of virulizin were suspended as Lorus underwent a major restructuring programme. However, phase I/II clinical trials are now underway again in Canada in HIV-positive patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. A phase I/II clinical trial is also underway in patients with pancreatic cancer in the USA. Lorus announced in June 2000 that it had completed a meta analysis of three phase I/II studies of virulizin that showed the drug increased survival and improved quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. Based on these positive results, Lorus initiated a phase III trial to be conducted at 40 sites in North America in November 2001. The study aims to enrol 350 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and will test the effectiveness of virulizin as first- and second-line treatment of pancreatic cancer. The study will compare virulizin + gemcitabine with gemcitabine alone as first-line therapy, while second-line treatment will involve patients who have failed to respond to gemcitabine. Some of these patients will receive virulizin + fluorouracil while another group will receive only fluorouracil. The study is scheduled to complete in 2004 or early 2005. Virulizin received orphan drug status for this indication from the US FDA in February 2001. Lorus received fast track designation from the FDA in June 2002 for virulizin for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Virulizin is registered for the treatment of malignant melanoma in Mexico and is due to be launched there in 2002. Lorus has entered into an exclusive 7-year distribution agreement with Faulding Canada Inc., giving Faulding (now part of Mayne Group) the right to market and sell virulizin in Mexico for the treatment of melanoma. Lorus will receive royalties from sales of the product and will be responsible for its manufacture. In April 2002, Mayne exercised its option to acquire the distribution rights for virulizin in Brazil. Lorus Therapeutics has signed a collaborative agreement with NaPro BioTherapeutics, USA, to study the efficacy of virulizin in combination with paclitaxel for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Lorus is conducting preclinical studies of virulizin in human breast cancer, lung, ovarian and prostate cancer, and has reported successful activity of the agent in these indications. Lorus was awarded a patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office to protect the only known process used to create virulizin. This patent, in conjunction with the patents issued in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Korea and Singapore, broadens and strengthens the protection of Lorus' intellectual property rights regarding the process, composition and use of virulizin.

Should luteal phase support be introduced in ovarian stimulation/IUI programmes? An evidence-based review.

PubMed

Cohlen, B J

2009-01-01

World-wide, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is still one of the most applied techniques to enhance the probability of conception in couples with longstanding subfertility. The outcome of this treatment option depends on many confounding factors. One of the confounding factors receiving little attention is the quality of the luteal phase. From IVF studies, it is known that ovarian stimulation causes luteal phase deficiency. Based on the best available evidence, this short review summarizes the indications for mild ovarian stimulation combined with IUI and the optimal stimulation programme. While it has been established that stimulated IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles have deficient luteal phases, the question remains whether the quality of the luteal phase when only two or three corpora lutea are present (as is the case in stimulated IUI cycles) is impaired as well. There are too few large non-IVF trials studying luteal phase quality to answer this question. Recently a randomized trial has been published that investigated luteal phase support in an IUI programme. This study is discussed in detail. It is recommended to apply luteal phase support in stimulated IUI cycles only when proven costeffective. Further trials are mandatory to investigate both endometrial and hormonal profile changes in the luteal phase after mild ovarian stimulation, and the cost-effectiveness of luteal support in IUI programmes.

Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) programmer workbench phase 1 evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Phase 1 of the SEL programmer workbench consists of the design of the following three components: communications link, command language processor, and collection of software aids. A brief description, and evaluation, and recommendations are presented for each of these three components.

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

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-11

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

Integrated safety and efficacy analysis of once-daily fluticasone furoate for the treatment of asthma.

PubMed

O'Byrne, Paul M; Jacques, Loretta; Goldfrad, Caroline; Kwon, Namhee; Perrio, Michael; Yates, Louisa J; Busse, William W

2016-11-24

Fluticasone furoate is a once-daily inhaled corticosteroid. This report provides an overview of safety and efficacy data that support the use of once-daily fluticasone furoate 100 μg or 200 μg in adult and adolescent asthma patients. Fourteen clinical studies (six Phase II and eight Phase III) were conducted as part of the fluticasone furoate global clinical development programme in asthma. Safety data from 10 parallel-group, randomised, double-blind Phase II and III studies (including 3345 patients who received at least one dose of fluticasone furoate) were integrated to provide information on adverse events, withdrawals, laboratory assessments, vital signs and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. The efficacy of once-daily fluticasone furoate was evaluated in all included studies. Once-daily fluticasone furoate 100 μg and 200 μg safety profiles were consistent with those reported for other inhaled corticosteroids, and both doses consistently demonstrated efficacy versus placebo. In the integrated analysis, no dose-response relationship was observed for the overall incidence of adverse events and there were no significant effects of fluticasone furoate on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Once-daily fluticasone furoate 100 μg and 200 μg had acceptable safety profiles and was efficacious in adult and adolescent patients with asthma. There was no evidence of cortisol suppression at studied doses. GSK (NCT01499446/FFA20001, NCT00398645/FFA106783, NCT00766090/112202, NCT00603746/FFA109684, NCT00603278/FFA109685, NCT00603382/FFA109687, NCT01436071/115283, NCT01436110/115285, NCT01159912/112059, NCT01431950/114496, NCT01165138/HZA106827, NCT01086384/106837, NCT01134042/HZA106829 and NCT01244984/1139879).

TBT: Telecommunications-Based Training in the 90s (DELTA Programme--Action Line III). Proceedings of the Workshop (Madrid, Spain, January 21-22, 1991).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Commission of the European Communities, Brussels (Belgium).

This report contains a collection of papers presented at a workshop on telecommunications-based training systems as part of the DELTA (Developing European Learning through Technological Advance) Action Line III, which addressed research in telecommunications for open and distance education. The following presentations are included: (1)…

Closed-loop carrier-envelope phase stabilization with an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter.

PubMed

Forget, N; Canova, L; Chen, X; Jullien, A; Lopez-Martens, R

2009-12-01

We demonstrate arbitrary carrier-envelope (CE) phase control of femtosecond laser pulses by an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter (AOPDF), with an accuracy better than pi/100 at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. We also demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, 15 Hz closed-loop CE phase stabilization using an AOPDF inside a 1 kHz chirped pulse amplifier to correct for slow CE phase drifts.

The impact of programmatic assessment on student learning: theory versus practice.

PubMed

Heeneman, Sylvia; Oudkerk Pool, Andrea; Schuwirth, Lambert W T; van der Vleuten, Cees P M; Driessen, Erik W

2015-05-01

It is widely acknowledged that assessment can affect student learning. In recent years, attention has been called to 'programmatic assessment', which is intended to optimise both learning functions and decision functions at the programme level of assessment, rather than according to individual methods of assessment. Although the concept is attractive, little research into its intended effects on students and their learning has been conducted. This study investigated the elements of programmatic assessment that students perceived as supporting or inhibiting learning, and the factors that influenced the active construction of their learning. The study was conducted in a graduate-entry medical school that implemented programmatic assessment. Thus, all assessment information, feedback and reflective activities were combined into a comprehensive, holistic programme of assessment. We used a qualitative approach and interviewed students (n = 17) in the pre-clinical phase of the programme about their perceptions of programmatic assessment and learning approaches. Data were scrutinised using theory-based thematic analysis. Elements from the comprehensive programme of assessment, such as feedback, portfolios, assessments and assignments, were found to have both supporting and inhibiting effects on learning. These supporting and inhibiting elements influenced students' construction of learning. Findings showed that: (i) students perceived formative assessment as summative; (ii) programmatic assessment was an important trigger for learning, and (iii) the portfolio's reflective activities were appreciated for their generation of knowledge, the lessons drawn from feedback, and the opportunities for follow-up. Some students, however, were less appreciative of reflective activities. For these students, the elements perceived as inhibiting seemed to dominate the learning response. The active participation of learners in their own learning is possible when learning is supported by programmatic assessment. Certain features of the comprehensive programme of assessment were found to influence student learning, and this influence can either support or inhibit students' learning responses. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

TRAVELLERS: a school-based early intervention programme helping young people manage and process change, loss and transition. Pilot phase findings.

PubMed

Dickinson, Pauline; Coggan, Carolyn; Bennett, Sara

2003-06-01

This paper outlines the conceptual background and findings from the pilot phase of TRAVELLERS--an early intervention programme designed to enhance protective factors for young people experiencing change, loss and transition events and early signs of emotional distress. The pilot study aimed to determine whether TRAVELLERS was a feasible, acceptable and promising intervention for young people within secondary schools in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The conceptual origins of the TRAVELLERS programme are described in terms of: adolescent mental health concerns; emerging mental health promotion theory and practice; and prevention and early intervention models. The key elements of the TRAVELLERS programme are described. The programme was piloted in two secondary schools, one rural and one urban with 34 participants (females n = 24, males n = 10). Evaluation methods included: review of programme materials; identification of potential selection tools appropriate to Year 9 students; analysis of selection questionnaire; and conduct of feedback from participants, facilitators and parents/caregivers. The TRAVELLERS programme provides a means of identifying and selecting young people who may benefit from participating in an early intervention programme. The programme has achieved a statistically significant reduction in participants' distress (p < 0.01). Young people were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about most aspects of TRAVELLERS. School personnel reported that TRAVELLERS was an appropriate and acceptable programme to the school. Targeted interventions provided within a supportive school environment can contribute to enhancing protective factors such as personal and interpersonal coping strategies, increased help-seeking behaviour, and young people feeling more positive about themselves and their lives. The pilot programme has been amended and prepared for a two year trial phase in 10 secondary schools during 2002-2003.

Assessment of the impact of the malaria elimination programme on the burden of disease morbidity in endemic areas of Iran.

PubMed

Sheikhzadeh, Khodadad; Haghdoost, Ali Akbar; Bahrampour, Abbas; Zolala, Farzaneh; Raeisi, Ahmad

2016-04-14

Controlling and preventive measures considerably reduced malaria incidence in Iran over the past few years, which confined the endemic areas to some regions in the southeastern Iran. The National Malaria Elimination Programme commenced in 2010. With regard to the presumption that the elimination programme interventions have accelerated the declining trend of malaria incidence across the endemic areas of Iran, the present study attempted to assess the effectiveness of the elimination programme by reviewing malaria incidence status, over a 14-year period, and comparing the trend of malaria incidence across malaria-endemic areas between the control and pre-elimination phase, and the elimination phase. A retrospective analysis of malaria surveillance data was conducted in a 14-year period (2001-2014), using multilevel Poisson regression. The epidemiological malaria maps and indicators also were developed and compared between the control and pre-elimination phase, and the elimination phase. The mean of malaria incidence was 2.2 (1.7-2.7) for the entire study period. This rate was 3.4 (2.6-4.1) in the control and pre-elimination phase, and 0.41 (0.25-0.57) for the elimination phase. During the malaria elimination phase, the decline of annual malaria incidence had significantly accelerated and autochthonous cases had the greatest difference in malaria incidence decline (compared to the control and pre-elimination phase), whereas, falciparum cases had the lowest difference in malaria incidence decline, followed by non-Iranian and imported cases. Furthermore, there was a decline in Iranians to non-Iranians ratio and an increase in the ratios of over 15 to under 15, as well as male to female, in the elimination phase in comparison to the control and pre-elimination phase. It seems that the decline of malaria transmission, which has been initiated over the past few years, has accelerated as a result of the elimination programme, and Iran is approaching the goals set regarding the elimination of this disease.

Relationship of drug-addicted patients' personality disorders to social problem-solving changes during the rehabilitation process.

PubMed

Kolesnikova, Jelena; Miezitis, Solveiga; Osis, Guntars

2013-08-01

Drug-addicted patients exhibit various personality disorders that interfere with their adaptation to society, as well as their ability to participate in the rehabilitation process. The Latvian Rehabilitation Programme for drug addicts includes social problem-solving training to help patients reintegrate into society. However, the role of personality disorders has not been investigated in relation to this process. The aim of the study is to assess whether personality disorders predict changes in dimensions of social problem-solving after 6 months of rehabilitation for drug-addicted patients. The sample of this study consists of 31 drug-addicted patients from the Latvian rehabilitation centres aged 21-35 (females 21%, males 79%). Two inventories are used: the Social Problem-Solving Inventory--Revised (SPSI-R) and Millon(TM) Clinical Multiaxial Inventory--III (MCMI-III) adapted into Russian. Results of the study indicated that some MCMI-III personality disorders (Schizoid and Histrionic) negatively predicted SPSI-R Positive problem orientation, and narcissistic disorder positively predicted SPSI-R Avoidance style after 6 months in the Latvian Rehabilitation Programme. The other personality disorders did not predict social problem-solving dimensions. The results of the study suggest that some personality disorders are related to changes in social problem-solving dimensions for drug-addicted patients. Hence, it is important to consider the implications of particular personality disorders to facilitate the implementation of social problem-solving rehabilitation programmes.

Football Fans in Training: the development and optimization of an intervention delivered through professional sports clubs to help men lose weight, become more active and adopt healthier eating habits

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The prevalence of obesity in men is rising, but they are less likely than women to engage in existing weight management programmes. The potential of professional sports club settings to engage men in health promotion activities is being increasingly recognised. This paper describes the development and optimization of the Football Fans in Training (FFIT) programme, which aims to help overweight men (many of them football supporters) lose weight through becoming more active and adopting healthier eating habits. Methods The MRC Framework for the design and evaluation of complex interventions was used to guide programme development in two phases. In Phase 1, a multidisciplinary working group developed the pilot programme (p-FFIT) and used a scoping review to summarize previous research and identify the target population. Phase 2 involved a process evaluation of p-FFIT in 11 Scottish Premier League (SPL) clubs. Participant and coach feedback, focus group discussions and interviews explored the utility/acceptability of programme components and suggestions for changes. Programme session observations identified examples of good practice and problems/issues with delivery. Together, these findings informed redevelopment of the optimized programme (FFIT), whose components were mapped onto specific behaviour change techniques using an evidence-based taxonomy. Results p-FFIT comprised 12, weekly, gender-sensitised, group-based weight management classroom and ‘pitch-side’ physical activity sessions. These in-stadia sessions were complemented by an incremental, pedometer-based walking programme. p-FFIT was targeted at men aged 35-65 years with body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2. Phase 2 demonstrated that participants in p-FFIT were enthusiastic about both the classroom and physical activity components, and valued the camaraderie and peer-support offered by the programme. Coaches appreciated the simplicity of the key healthy eating and physical activity messages. Suggestions for improvements that were incorporated into the optimized FFIT programme included: more varied in-stadia physical activity with football-related components; post-programme weight management support (emails and a reunion session); and additional training for coaches in SMART goal setting and the pedometer-based walking programme. Conclusions The Football Fans in Training programme is highly acceptable to participants and SPL coaches, and is appropriate for evaluation in a randomised controlled trial. PMID:23496915

Evaluation of European Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes: Toward a Model for Designing and Reporting Evaluations Related to Perpetrator Treatment Interventions.

PubMed

Lilley-Walker, Sarah-Jane; Hester, Marianne; Turner, William

2018-03-01

This article is based on a review of 60 evaluations (published and unpublished) relating to European domestic violence perpetrator programmes, involving 7,212 programme participants across 12 countries. The purpose of the review, part of the "IMPACT: Evaluation of European Perpetrator Programmes" project funded by the European Commission (Daphne III Programme), was to provide detailed knowledge about the range of European evaluation studies with particular emphasis on the design, methods, input, output, and outcome measures used in order to identify the possibilities and challenges of a multicountry, Europe-wide evaluation methodology that could be used to assess perpetrator programmes in the future. We provide a model to standardise the reporting of evaluation studies and to ensure attention is paid to what information is being collected at different time points so as to understand what and how the behaviour and attitudes of perpetrators might change throughout the course of the programme.

Phenomenology of Polymorphism, III: p, TDiagram and Stability of Piracetam Polymorphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Céolin, R.; Agafonov, V.; Louër, D.; Dzyabchenko, V. A.; Toscani, S.; Cense, J. M.

1996-02-01

The nootropic drug Piracetam is known to crystallize in three phases. In order to obtain their stability hierarchy from sublimation pressure inequalities, the drawing of a topologicalp,Tdiagram was attempted. For such a purpose and also for quality control, crystallographic and thermodynamic data were required. Powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used. Molecular energy calculations were performed. Phase I melts at 426 K (ΔfusH(I) = +180 J·g-1). Phase II transforms into Phase I at 399 K (Δ(II→I)H= +24 J·g-1). Phase III transforms into phase I at 392 K (Δ(III→I)H= +28 J·g-1) or melts at 412 K (ΔfusH(III) = +210 J·g-1). Thep,Tdiagram shows that phase I is stable at higher temperature and phase II at lower temperature, like phase III, which is stable under high pressure. At room temperature, phase II is the more stable form, and phase I the less stable one. This agrees with the spontaneous I → II transformation observed at 298 K within a few hours, and with lattice energies, calculated previously. Molecular energy calculations and crystal structure comparison show how intermolecular hydrogen bonds and H-bonded dimers, in phases II and III, may stabilize conformations higher in energy than those of the isolated molecule and of phase I.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

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

Suboptimal Dosing Parameters as Possible Factors in the Negative Phase III Clinical Trials of Progesterone for Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Howard, Randy B; Sayeed, Iqbal; Stein, Donald G

2017-06-01

To date, outcomes for all Phase III clinical trials for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been negative. The recent disappointing results of the Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (ProTECT) and Study of a Neuroprotective Agent, Progesterone, in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (SyNAPSe) Phase III trials for progesterone in TBI have triggered considerable speculation about the reasons for the negative outcomes of these two studies in particular and for those of all previous Phase III TBI clinical trials in general. Among the factors proposed to explain the ProTECT III and SyNAPSe results, the investigators themselves and others have cited: 1) the pathophysiological complexity of TBI itself; 2) issues with the quality and clinical relevance of the preclinical animal models; 3) insufficiently sensitive clinical endpoints; and 4) inappropriate clinical trial designs and strategies. This paper highlights three critical trial design factors that may have contributed substantially to the negative outcomes: 1) suboptimal doses and treatment durations in the Phase II studies; 2) the strategic decision not to perform Phase IIB studies to optimize these variables before initiating Phase III; and 3) the lack of incorporation of the preclinical and Chinese Phase II results, as well as allometric scaling principles, into the Phase III designs. Given these circumstances and the exceptional pleiotropic potential of progesterone as a TBI (and stroke) therapeutic, we are advocating a return to Phase IIB testing. We advocate the incorporation of dose and schedule optimization focused on lower doses and a longer duration of treatment, combined with the addressing of other potential trial design problems raised by the authors in the recently published trial results.

The IMPACT Common Module - A Low Cost, Reconfigurable Building Block for Next Generation Phased Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-31

The SiGe receiver has two stages of programmable RF filtering and one stage of IF filtering. Each filter can be tuned in center frequency and...distribution unlimited. transmit, with an IF to RF upconversion chain that is split to programmable phase shifters and VGAs at each output port. Figure 2...These are optimized to run on medium grade Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), such as the Altera Arria 10, and represent a few of the many

A FEROS Survey of Hot Subdwarf Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vennes, Stéphane; Németh, Péter; Kawka, Adela

2018-02-01

We have completed a survey of twenty-two ultraviolet-selected hot subdwarfs using the Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) and the 2.2-m telescope at La Silla. The sample includes apparently single objects as well as hot subdwarfs paired with a bright, unresolved companion. The sample was extracted from our GALEX catalogue of hot subdwarf stars. We identified three new short-period systems (P = 3.5 hours to 5 days) and determined the orbital parameters of a long-period (P = 62d.66) sdO plus G III system. This particular system should evolve into a close double degenerate system following a second common envelope phase.We also conducted a chemical abundance study of the subdwarfs: Some objects show nitrogen and argon abundance excess with respect to oxygen. We present key results of this programme.

Effectiveness of a universal school-based programme for preventing depression in Chinese adolescents: a quasi-experimental pilot study.

PubMed

Wong, Paul W C; Fu, King-Wa; Chan, Kim Y K; Chan, Wincy S C; Liu, Patricia M Y; Law, Yik-Wa; Yip, Paul S F

2012-12-15

Evidence of the effectiveness, rather than efficacy, of universal school-based programmes for preventing depression among adolescents is limited. This study examined the effectiveness of a universal depression prevention programme, "The Little Prince is Depressed" (LPD), which adopted the cognitive-behavioural model and aimed to reduce depressive symptoms and enhance protective factors of depression among secondary school students in Hong Kong. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for this pilot study. Thirteen classes were assigned to the intervention or control conditions according to the deliberation of the programme administrator of the four participating schools. Implementation was carried out in two phases, with a professional-led first phase and teacher-led programme second phase. LPD consisted of a 12-week school-based face-to-face programme with psycho-educational lessons and homework assignments. Students completed the programme generally showed positive development in help-seeking attitudes and self-esteem. For students who had more depressive symptoms at pre-assessment, the programme was found to be significant in enhancing cognitive-restructuring skills and support-seeking behaviours. The programme was not, however, found to be statistically significant in reducing depressive symptoms of the participants over the study period. A small sample size, a high attrition rate, and a short follow-up time frame. The LPD programme was successful in building resilience of the students in general and enhancing the cognitive-behavioural skills of students with depressive symptoms. While we did not find sufficient evidence for concluding that the LPD was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, we believe that these results highlight the challenges of implementing evidence-based practices generated from highly controlled environments in real-life settings. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and evaluation of a dietary self-management programme for older adults with low literacy and heart disease: pilot study of feasibility and acceptability.

PubMed

Shao, Jung-Hua; Chen, Su-Hui

2016-12-01

To develop a dietary self-management programme for salt-, fluid-, fat- and cholesterol-intake behaviours for older adults with low literacy and heart disease and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the programme. Eating behaviours such as fluid, salt, fat and cholesterol intake are an important factor related to heart disease outcomes. People with low literacy have difficulty following recommended health behaviours, but limited research has investigated intervention programmes for this population. Programme development and pilot testing its feasibility and acceptability. Recommendations were also collected from participants and the research assistant for future large-scale interventions. The study had two phases. Phase I consisted of programme development based on previous qualitative findings, a systematic review of the literature, clinical practice experience and expert opinion. In Phase II, we pilot tested the programme from January - June 2014 in a convenience sample of 10 older adults with low literacy, heart disease and recruited from a medical centre in northern Taiwan. Pilot testing showed that our programme was feasible and acceptable to older adults with low literacy and heart disease. Moreover, the final version of the programme was revised based on participants' and the research assistant's recommendations. Our study results suggest that with guidance and assistance, older adults with low literacy and heart disease can be motivated to take action for their health and are empowered by learning how to self-manage their heart-healthy eating behaviours. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2015-09-22

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

Antibiotics Smart Use: a workable model for promoting the rational use of medicines in Thailand

PubMed Central

Chongtrakul, Pisonthi; Anuwong, Kunyada; Pumtong, Somying; Kongsomboon, Kedsenee; Butdeemee, Parichart; Khonglormyati, Jurairat; Chomyong, Santi; Tongyoung, Parnuchote; Losiriwat, Suraphol; Seesuk, Piyanooch; Suwanwaree, Pongthep; Tangcharoensathien, Viroj

2012-01-01

Abstract The Antibiotics Smart Use (ASU) programme was introduced in Thailand as a model to promote the rational use of medicines, starting with antibiotics. The programme’s first phase consisted of assessing interventions intended to change prescribing practices; the second phase examined the feasibility of programme scale-up. Currently the programme is in its third phase, which centres on sustainability. This paper describes the concept behind ASU, the programme’s functional modalities, the development of its conceptual framework and the implementation of its first and second phases. To change antibiotic prescription practices, multifaceted interventions at the individual and organizational levels were implemented; to maintain behaviour change and scale up the programme, interventions at the network and policy levels were used. The National Health Security Office has adopted ASU as a pay-for-performance criterion, a major achievement that has led to the programme’s expansion nationwide. Despite limited resources, programme scale-up and sustainability have been facilitated by the promotion of local ownership and mutual recognition, which have generated pride and commitment. ASU is clearly a workable entry point for efforts to rationalize the use of medicines in Thailand. Its long-term sustainability will require continued local commitment and political support, effective auditing and integration of ASU into routine systems with appropriate financial incentives. PMID:23284196

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

PubMed

Patil, Sagar; Chakraborty, Saswati

2017-03-21

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

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

PubMed

Gandhi, Sahil Sandesh; Chien, Liang-Chy

2017-12-01

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

Failures in Phase III: Causes and Consequences.

PubMed

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

2015-10-15

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

The fabrication of a programmable via using phase-change material in CMOS-compatible technology.

PubMed

Chen, Kuan-Neng; Krusin-Elbaum, Lia

2010-04-02

We demonstrate an energy-efficient programmable via concept using indirectly heated phase-change material. This via structure has maximum phase-change volume to achieve a minimum on resistance for high performance logic applications. Process development and material investigations for this device structure are reported. The device concept is successfully demonstrated in a standard CMOS-compatible technology capable of multiple cycles between on/off states for reconfigurable applications.

Study abroad as a process of learning intercultural competence in nursing.

PubMed

Koskinen, Liisa; Tossavainen, Kerttu

2004-06-01

The aim of this research was to describe an international student exchange programme as a context of learning intercultural competence in nursing. Twelve Finnish nursing students who had participated in an exchange programme in the United Kingdom participated. The data consisted of group interviews, learning documents, background questionnaires and research diary notes, and the method of inductive content analysis was used. Study abroad as a process of learning intercultural competence consisted of three ethno-categories: transition from one culture to another, adjustment to the difference and gaining intercultural sensitivity. The exchange programme as a context of learning intercultural competence was characterized by a problematic orientation phase, a study abroad phase that involved stressful but rewarding adjustment to the intercultural differences and an inadequate re-entry debriefing phase. In order for the international experience of nursing students to have an impact on their understanding of diversity, they need assistance in each phase of the programme. Particularly, the students need intercultural tutoring and mentoring to venture into encounters with local people, including direct client contacts, during their study abroad.

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

PubMed

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

2011-08-01

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

Risk management and lessons learned solutions for satellite product assurance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larrère, Jean-Luc

2004-08-01

The historic trend of the space industry towards lower cost programmes and more generally a better economic efficiency raises a difficult question to the quality assurance community: how to achieve the same—or better—mission success rate while drastically reducing the cost of programmes, hence the cost and level of quality assurance activities. EADS Astrium Earth Observation and Science (France) Business Unit have experimented Risk Management and Lessons Learned on their satellite programmes to achieve this goal. Risk analysis and management are deployed from the programme proposal phase through the development and operations phases. Results of the analysis and the corresponding risk mitigation actions are used to tailor the product assurance programme and activities. Lessons learned have been deployed as a systematic process to collect positive and negative experience from past and on-going programmes and feed them into new programmes. Monitoring and justification of their implementation in programmes is done under supervision from the BU quality assurance function. Control of the system is ensured by the company internal review system. Deployment of these methods has shown that the quality assurance function becomes more integrated in the programme team and development process and that its tasks gain focus and efficiency while minimising the risks associated with new space programmes.

Primary School Autonomy in the Context of the Expanding Academies Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyask, Ruth

2018-01-01

The transnational trend towards school autonomy has been enacted in England through the academies programme. The programme is poised to enter its third phase of expansion in light of government commitment to the conversion of all state-funded schools to academies. This article considers the moral implications of the expansion of the programme that…

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

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold

2016-05-10

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

Enantioselective separation of racemic juvenile hormone III by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and preparation of [(2)H(3)]juvenile hormone III as an internal standard for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry quantification.

PubMed

Ichikawa, Akio; Ono, Hiroshi; Furuta, Kenjiro; Shiotsuki, Takahiro; Shinoda, Tetsuro

2007-08-17

Juvenile hormone III (JH III) racemate was prepared from methyl (2E,6E)-farnesoate via epoxidation with 3-chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). Enantioselective separation of JH III was conducted using normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a chiral stationary phase. [(2)H(3)]Methyl (2E,6E)-farnesoate was also prepared from (2E,6E)-farnesoic acid and [(2)H(4)]methanol (methanol-d(4)) using 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP); the conjugated double bond underwent isomerization to some degree. Epoxidation of [(2)H(3)]methyl (2E,6E)-farnesoate with mCPBA gave a novel deuterium-substituted internal standard [(2)H(3)]JH III (JH III-d(3)). The standard curve was produced by linear regression using the peak area ratios of JH III and JH III-d(3) in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Developing and piloting a peer mentoring intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy in looked-after children and care leavers: an exploratory randomised controlled trial.

PubMed Central

Mezey, Gillian; Meyer, Deborah; Robinson, Fiona; Bonell, Chris; Campbell, Rona; Gillard, Steve; Jordan, Peter; Mantovani, Nadia; Wellings, Kaye; White, Sarah

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: Looked-after children (LAC) are at greater risk of teenage pregnancy than non-LAC, which is associated with adverse health and social consequences. Existing interventions have failed to reduce rates of teenage pregnancy in LAC. Peer mentoring is proposed as a means of addressing many of the factors associated with the increased risk of teenage pregnancy in this group. OBJECTIVE: To develop a peer mentoring intervention to reduce teenage pregnancy in LAC. DESIGN: Phase I and II randomised controlled trial of a peer mentoring intervention for LAC; scoping exercise and literature search; national surveys of social care professionals and LAC; and focus groups and interviews with social care professionals, mentors and mentees. SETTING: Three local authorities (LAs) in England. PARTICIPANTS: LAC aged 14-18 years (mentees/care as usual) and 19-25 years (mentors). INTERVENTION: Recruitment and training of mentors; randomisation and matching of mentors to mentees; and 1-year individual peer mentoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PRIMARY OUTCOME: pregnancy in LAC aged 14-18 years. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: sexual attitudes, behaviour and knowledge; psychological health; help-seeking behaviour; locus of control; and attachment style. A health economic evaluation was also carried out. RESULTS: In total, 54% of target recruitment was reached for the exploratory trial and 13 out of 20 mentors (65%) and 19 out of 30 LAC aged 14-18 years (63%) (recruited during Phases I and II) were retained in the research. The training programme was acceptable and could be manualised and replicated. Recruitment and retention difficulties were attributed to systemic problems and LA lack of research infrastructure and lack of additional funding to support and sustain such an intervention. Mentees appeared to value the intervention but had difficulty in meeting weekly as required. Only one in four of the relationships continued for the full year. A future Phase III trial would require the intervention to be modified to include provision of group and individual peer mentoring; internal management of the project, with support from an external agency such as a charity or the voluntary sector; funds to cover LA research costs, including the appointment of a dedicated project co-ordinator; a reduction in the lower age for mentee recruitment and an increase in the mentor recruitment age to 21 years; and the introduction of a more formal recruitment and support structure for mentors. CONCLUSIONS: Given the problems identified and described in mounting this intervention, a new development phase followed by a small-scale exploratory trial incorporating these changes would be necessary before proceeding to a Phase III trial. FUNDING: This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 85. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. PMID:26497730

Treatment planning and delivery of involved field radiotherapy in advanced Hodgkin's disease: results from a questionnaire-based audit for the UK Stanford V regimen vs ABVD clinical trial quality assurance programme (ISRCTN 64141244).

PubMed

Diez, P; Hoskin, P J; Aird, E G A

2007-10-01

This questionnaire forms the basis of the quality assurance (QA) programme for the UK randomized Phase III study of the Stanford V regimen versus ABVD for treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease to assess differences between participating centres in treatment planning and delivery of involved-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma The questionnaire, which was circulated amongst 42 participating centres, consisted of seven sections: target volume definition and dose prescription; critical structures; patient positioning and irradiation techniques; planning; dose calculation; verification; and future developments The results are based on 25 responses. One-third plan using CT alone, one-third use solely the simulator and the rest individualize, depending on disease site. Eleven centres determine a dose distribution for each patient. Technique depends on disease site and whether CT or simulator planning is employed. Most departments apply isocentric techniques and use immobilization and customized shielding. In vivo dosimetry is performed in 7 centres and treatment verification occurs in 24 hospitals. In conclusion, the planning and delivery of treatment for lymphoma patients varies across the country. Conventional planning is still widespread but most centres are moving to CT-based planning and virtual simulation with extended use of immobilization, customized shielding and compensation.

Pre-trial quality assurance processes for an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) trial: PARSPORT, a UK multicentre Phase III trial comparing conventional radiotherapy and parotid-sparing IMRT for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Clark, C H; Miles, E A; Urbano, M T Guerrero; Bhide, S A; Bidmead, A M; Harrington, K J; Nutting, C M

2009-07-01

The purpose of this study was to compare conventional radiotherapy with parotid gland-sparing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using the PARSPORT trial. The validity of such a trial depends on the radiotherapy planning and delivery meeting a defined standard across all centres. At the outset, many of the centres had little or no experience of delivering IMRT; therefore, quality assurance processes were devised to ensure consistency and standardisation of all processes for comparison within the trial. The pre-trial quality assurance (QA) programme and results are described. Each centre undertook exercises in target volume definition and treatment planning, completed a resource questionnaire and produced a process document. Additionally, the QA team visited each participating centre. Each exercise had to be accepted before patients could be recruited into the trial. 10 centres successfully completed the quality assurance exercises. A range of treatment planning systems, linear accelerators and delivery methods were used for the planning exercises, and all the plans created reached the standard required for participation in this multicentre trial. All 10 participating centres achieved implementation of a comprehensive and robust IMRT programme for treatment of head and neck cancer.

The Effectiveness of a Weight Maintenance Intervention for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Obesity: A Single Stranded Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spanos, Dimitrios; Hankey, Catherine R.; Melville, Craig A.

2016-01-01

Background: The evidence base for weight management programmes incorporating a weight loss and a weight maintenance phase for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) is limited. This study describes the weight maintenance phase of a multicomponent weight management programme for adults with intellectual disability and obesity (TAKE 5).…

Training the next generation of psychotraumatologists: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology (CONTEXT)

PubMed Central

Vallières, Frédérique; Hyland, Philip; Murphy, Jamie; Hansen, Maj; Shevlin, Mark; Elklit, Ask; Ceannt, Ruth; Armour, Cherie; Wiedemann, Nana; Munk, Mette; Dinesen, Cecilie; O’Hare, Geraldine; Cunningham, Twylla; Askerod, Ditte; Spitz, Pernille; Blackwell, Noeline; McCarthy, Angela; O’Dowd, Leonie; Scott, Shirley; Reid, Tracey; Mokake, Andreas; Halpin, Rory; Perera, Camila; Gleeson, Christina; Frost, Rachel; Flanagan, Natalie; Aldamman, Kinan; Tamrakar, Trina; Louison Vang, Maria; Sherwood, Larissa; Travers, Áine; Haahr-Pedersen, Ida; Walshe, Catherine; McDonagh, Tracey; Bramsen, Rikke Holm

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT In this paper we present a description of the Horizon2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action funded, research and training programme CONTEXT: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology. The three objectives of the programme are put forward, each of which refers to a key component of the CONTEXT programme. First, we summarize the 12 individual research projects that will take place across three priority populations: (i) refugees and asylum seekers, (ii) first responders, and (iii) perpetrators and survivors of childhood and gender-based violence. Second, we detail the mentoring and training programme central to CONTEXT. Finally, we describe how the research, together with the training, will contribute towards better policy, guidelines, and practice within the field of psychotraumatology. PMID:29372015

Training the next generation of psychotraumatologists: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology (CONTEXT).

PubMed

Vallières, Frédérique; Hyland, Philip; Murphy, Jamie; Hansen, Maj; Shevlin, Mark; Elklit, Ask; Ceannt, Ruth; Armour, Cherie; Wiedemann, Nana; Munk, Mette; Dinesen, Cecilie; O'Hare, Geraldine; Cunningham, Twylla; Askerod, Ditte; Spitz, Pernille; Blackwell, Noeline; McCarthy, Angela; O'Dowd, Leonie; Scott, Shirley; Reid, Tracey; Mokake, Andreas; Halpin, Rory; Perera, Camila; Gleeson, Christina; Frost, Rachel; Flanagan, Natalie; Aldamman, Kinan; Tamrakar, Trina; Louison Vang, Maria; Sherwood, Larissa; Travers, Áine; Haahr-Pedersen, Ida; Walshe, Catherine; McDonagh, Tracey; Bramsen, Rikke Holm

2018-01-01

In this paper we present a description of the Horizon2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action funded, research and training programme CONTEXT: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology. The three objectives of the programme are put forward, each of which refers to a key component of the CONTEXT programme. First, we summarize the 12 individual research projects that will take place across three priority populations: (i) refugees and asylum seekers, (ii) first responders, and (iii) perpetrators and survivors of childhood and gender-based violence. Second, we detail the mentoring and training programme central to CONTEXT. Finally, we describe how the research, together with the training, will contribute towards better policy, guidelines, and practice within the field of psychotraumatology.

Unusual Enhancement of Magnetization by Pressure in the Antiferro-Quadrupole-Ordered Phase in CeB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, Suguru; Sera, Masafumi; Hane, Shingo; Uwatoko, Yoshiya; Kosaka, Masashi; Kunii, Satoru

2007-06-01

The effect of pressure on CeB6 was investigated by the measurement of the magnetization (M) under pressure, and we obtained the following results. The effect of pressure on M in phase I is very small. By applying pressure, TQ is enhanced, but TN and the critical field from the antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase III to the antiferro-quadrupole (AFQ) phase II (HcIII--II) are suppressed, as previously reported. The magnetization curve in phase III shows the characteristic shoulder at H˜ HcIII--II/2 at ambient pressure. This shoulder becomes much more pronounced by applying pressure. Both HcIII--II and the magnetic field, where a shoulder is seen in the magnetization curve in phase III, are largely suppressed by pressure. In phase II, the M-T curve at a low magnetic field exhibits an unusual concave temperature dependence below TQ down to TN. Thus, we found that the lower the magnetic field, the larger the enhancement of M in both phases III and II. To clarify the origin of the unusual pressure effect of M, we performed a mean-field calculation for the 4-sublattice model using the experimental results of dTQ/dP>0 and dTN/dP<0 and assuming the positive pressure dependence of the Txyz-antiferro-octupole (AFO) interaction. The characteristic features of the pressure effect of M obtained by the experiments could be reproduced well by the mean-field calculation. We found that the origin of the characteristic effect of pressure on CeB6 is the change in the subtle balance between the AFM interaction and the magnetic field-induced-effective FM interaction induced by the coexistence of the Oxy-AFQ and Txyz-AFO interactions under pressure.

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

PubMed

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

2012-08-07

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

Field-programmable beam reconfiguring based on digitally-controlled coding metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Xiang; Qi, Mei Qing; Chen, Tian Yi; Cui, Tie Jun

2016-02-01

Digital phase shifters have been applied in traditional phased array antennas to realize beam steering. However, the phase shifter deals with the phase of the induced current; hence, it has to be in the path of each element of the antenna array, making the phased array antennas very expensive. Metamaterials and/or metasurfaces enable the direct modulation of electromagnetic waves by designing subwavelength structures, which opens a new way to control the beam scanning. Here, we present a direct digital mechanism to control the scattered electromagnetic waves using coding metasurface, in which each unit cell loads a pin diode to produce binary coding states of “1” and “0”. Through data lines, the instant communications are established between the coding metasurface and the internal memory of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Thus, we realize the digital modulation of electromagnetic waves, from which we present the field-programmable reflective antenna with good measurement performance. The proposed mechanism and functional device have great application potential in new-concept radar and communication systems.

Programmable Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quirk, Kevin J.; Patawaran, Ferze D.; Nguyen, Danh H.; Lee, Clement G.; Nguyen, Huy

2011-01-01

A programmable oscillator is a frequency synthesizer with an output phase that tracks an arbitrary function. An offset, phase-locked loop circuit is used in combination with an error control feedback loop to precisely control the output phase of the oscillator. To down-convert the received signal, several stages of mixing may be employed with the compensation for the time-base distortion of the carrier occurring at any one of those stages. In the Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR), the compensation occurs in the mixing from an intermediate frequency (IF), whose value is dependent on the station and band, to a common IF used in the final stage of down-conversion to baseband. The programmable oscillator (PO) is used in the final stage of down-conversion to generate the IF, along with a time-varying phase component that matches the time-base distortion of the carrier, thus removing it from the final down-converted signal.

Programmable Phase Transitions in a Photonic Microgel System: Linking Soft Interactions to a Temporal pH Gradient.

PubMed

Go, Dennis; Rommel, Dirk; Chen, Lisa; Shi, Feng; Sprakel, Joris; Kuehne, Alexander J C

2017-02-28

Soft amphoteric microgel systems exhibit a rich phase behavior. Crystalline phases of these material systems are of interest because they exhibit photonic stop-gaps, giving rise to iridescent color. Such microgel systems are promising for applications in soft, switchable, and programmable photonic filters and devices. We here report a composite microgel system consisting of a hard and fluorescently labeled core and a soft, amphoteric microgel shell. At pH above the isoelectric point (IEP), these colloids easily crystallize into three-dimensional colloidal assemblies. By adding a cyclic lactone to the system, the temporal pH profile can be controlled, and the microgels can be programmed to melt, while they lose charge. When the microgels gain the opposite charge, they recrystallize into assemblies of even higher order. We provide a model system to study the dynamic phase behavior of soft particles and their switchable and programmable photonic effects.

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

PubMed

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

2016-03-01

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

Executive summary and recommendations from the WHO/UNAIDS/IAVI expert group consultation on 'Phase IIB-TOC trials as a novel strategy for evaluation of preventive HIV vaccines', 31 January-2 February 2006, IAVI, New York, USA.

PubMed

2007-02-19

This report summarizes the discussions and recommendations from a consultation held in New York City, USA (31 January-2 February 2006) organized by the joint World Health Organization-United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS HIV Vaccine Initiative and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. The consultation discussed issues related to the design and implementation of phase IIB 'test of concept' trials (phase IIB-TOC), also referred to as 'proof of concept' trials, in evaluating candidate HIV vaccines and their implications for future approval and licensure. The results of a single phase IIB-TOC trial would not be expected to provide sufficient evidence of safety or efficacy required for licensure. In many instances, phase IIB-TOC trials may be undertaken relatively early in development, before manufacturing processes and capacity are developed sufficiently to distribute the vaccine on a large scale. However, experts at this meeting considered the pressure that could arise, particularly in regions hardest hit by AIDS, if a phase IIB-TOC trial showed high levels of efficacy. The group largely agreed that full-scale phase III trials would still be necessary to demonstrate that the vaccine candidate was safe and effective, but emphasized that governments and organizations conducting trials should consider these issues in advance. The recommendations from this meeting should be helpful for all organizations involved in HIV vaccine trials, in particular for the national regulatory authorities in assessing the utility of phase IIB-TOC trials in the overall HIV vaccine research and development process.

The data management of a phase III efficacy trial of an 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and related satellite studies conducted in the Philippines

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background A large phase III placebo-controlled, randomized efficacy trial of an investigational 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against pneumonia in children less than 2 years of age was conducted in the Philippines from July 2000 to December 2004. Clinical data from 12,194 children who were given either study vaccine or placebo was collected from birth up to two years of age for the occurrence of radiologically proven pneumonia as the primary endpoint, and for clinical pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease as the secondary endpoints. Several tertiary endpoints were also explored. Along the core trial, several satellite studies on herd immunity, cost-effectiveness of the study vaccine, acute otitis media, and wheezing were conducted. Results We describe here in detail how the relevant clinical records were managed and how quality control procedures were implemented to ensure that valid data were obtained respectively for the core trial and for the satellite studies. We discuss how the task was achieved, what the challenges were and what might have been done differently. Conclusions There were several factors that made the task of data management doable and efficient. First, a pre-trial data management system was available. Secondly, local committed statisticians, programmers and support staff were available and partly familiar to clinical trials. Thirdly, the personnel had undergone training during trial and grew with the task they were supposed to do. Thus the knowledge needed to develop and operate clinical data system was fully transferred to local staff. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN62323832 PMID:22676626

A phase III, randomized controlled study to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a semi-synthetic diphtheria, tetanus and whole-cell pertussis vaccine in Indian infants.

PubMed

Sharma, Hitt; Patil, Vishwanath; Sharma, Dharambhushan; Kapre, Subhash; Jadhav, Suresh; Ravetkar, Satish; Kumar, Rakesh; Bahl, Sunil; Parekh, Sameer; Chakravarty, Anita

2012-09-21

Reactions to DTwP vaccine are well known and are a matter of great concern, much for the development of next generation combination vaccines. To avoid such reactions which occur from foreign compounds, WHO suggested manufacture of DTwP vaccine using semi-synthetic medium. The phase III trial reported here was conducted to assess the immunogenicity, tolerability and safety of a new DTwP vaccine manufactured using semi-synthetic medium for both tetanus and diphtheria toxoids in comparison with the routinely manufactured DTwP vaccine. In all, 331 infants aged 6-8 weeks were enrolled, out of which 308 completed the study. The vaccination was done at 6-10-14 weeks following EPI/WHO recommended immunization schedule. Blood samples were collected prior to the administration of first dose and one month after the third dose. Postvaccination, geometric mean titres for each component did not differ significantly amongst the two study groups. Though, the immunogenicity results were comparable between the two vaccines, the incidence of adverse events was comparatively low in semi-synthetic vaccine as against the routine vaccine group for all the three doses. The semi-synthetic DTwP vaccine was immunogenic and showed a significant lower incidence of local adverse events in comparison to the routine vaccine. This vaccine is now being used in the routine vaccination programme both as a triple antigen (DTwP alone) as well as a combination with Hepatitis B and/or Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The data management of a phase III efficacy trial of an 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and related satellite studies conducted in the Philippines.

PubMed

Sanvictores, Diozele Hazel M; Lucero, Marilla G; Nohynek, Hanna; Tallo, Veronica L; Tanskanen, Antti; Nillos, Leilani T; Williams, Gail

2012-06-07

A large phase III placebo-controlled, randomized efficacy trial of an investigational 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against pneumonia in children less than 2 years of age was conducted in the Philippines from July 2000 to December 2004. Clinical data from 12,194 children who were given either study vaccine or placebo was collected from birth up to two years of age for the occurrence of radiologically proven pneumonia as the primary endpoint, and for clinical pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease as the secondary endpoints. Several tertiary endpoints were also explored. Along the core trial, several satellite studies on herd immunity, cost-effectiveness of the study vaccine, acute otitis media, and wheezing were conducted. We describe here in detail how the relevant clinical records were managed and how quality control procedures were implemented to ensure that valid data were obtained respectively for the core trial and for the satellite studies. We discuss how the task was achieved, what the challenges were and what might have been done differently. There were several factors that made the task of data management doable and efficient. First, a pre-trial data management system was available. Secondly, local committed statisticians, programmers and support staff were available and partly familiar to clinical trials. Thirdly, the personnel had undergone training during trial and grew with the task they were supposed to do. Thus the knowledge needed to develop and operate clinical data system was fully transferred to local staff. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN62323832.

Safinamide: FCE 26743, NW 1015, PNU 151774, PNU 151774E.

PubMed

2004-01-01

Safinamide [NW 1015, PNU 151774E; FCE 26743] is a potent anticonvulsant and antiparkinsonian compound that is being developed by Newron Pharmaceuticals in Europe. It has been shown to antagonise the calcium and sodium channels, as well as inhibit monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B). Phase III trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease are underway in Germany and Europe, while phase II trials in patients with epilepsy are ongoing in Italy. Newron Pharmaceuticals was founded at the end of 1998 after Pharmacia & Upjohn announced its worldwide restructuring programme. Newron obtained the rights to safinamide, which Pharmacia Corporation (now Pfizer) had been developing as PNU 151774E. Safinamide was originated by Farmitalia-CarloErba in Italy. Newron now owns all intellectual property associated with the drug.A multinational phase II trial for Parkinson's disease in Europe has shown positive results in slowing the progression of the disease; however, due to the placebo-effect seen in this study, a longer (6-month) phase IIb study is planned for the second quarter of 2003. In July 2003, Newron received an IND from the US FDA authorising a phase I trial to confirm that no dietary restrictions are needed in patients while being treated with safinamide. This study is be conducted in 12 healthy volunteers at the University of Vienna, Austria, and will be followed by efficacy studies in Parkinson's disease in the US. Five phase I trials were completed in April 2001 in Switzerland. Safinamide combines sodium and calcium channel modulatory activity with monoamine oxidase B inhibition.

Encouraging translation and assessing impact of the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement: rationale and protocol for a research impact assessment

PubMed Central

Ramanathan, Shanthi; Reeves, Penny; Deeming, Simon; Bailie, Ross Stewart; Bailie, Jodie; Bainbridge, Roxanne; Cunningham, Frances; Doran, Christopher; McPhail Bell, Karen; Searles, Andrew

2017-01-01

Introduction There is growing recognition among health researchers and funders that the wider benefits of research such as economic, social and health impacts ought to be assessed and valued alongside academic outputs such as peer-reviewed papers. Research translation needs to increase and the pathways to impact ought to be more transparent. These processes are particularly pertinent to the Indigenous health sector given continued concerns that Indigenous communities are over-researched with little corresponding improvement in health outcomes. This paper describes the research protocol of a mixed methods study to apply FAIT (Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research) to the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement (CRE-IQI). FAIT will be applied to five selected CRE-IQI Flagship projects to encourage research translation and assess the wider impact of that research. Methods and analysis Phase I will develop a modified programme logic model for each Flagship project including identifying process, output and impact metrics so progress can be monitored. A scoping review will inform potential benefits. In phase II, programme logic models will be updated to account for changes in the research pathways over time. Audit and feedback will be used to encourage research translation and collect evidence of achievement of any process, output and interim impacts. In phase III, three proven methodologies for measuring research impact—Payback, economic assessment and narratives—will be applied. Data on the application of FAIT will be collected and analysed to inform and improve FAIT’s performance. Ethics and dissemination This study is funded by a nationally competitive grant (ID 1078927) from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Newcastle’s Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: H-2017–0026). The results from the study will be presented in several peer-reviewed publications, through conference presentations and via social media. PMID:29208619

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

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

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

Effectiveness of a Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) for Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: Study Design

PubMed Central

Garcia-Portilla, Maria Paz; Garcia-Alvarez, Leticia; Saiz, Pilar Alejandra; Diaz-Mesa, Eva; Galvan, Gonzalo; Sarramea, Fernando; Garcia-Blanco, Josefa; Elizagarate, Edorta; Bobes, Julio

2013-01-01

Only a few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation programmes in patients with mental disorders. The aim of this paper is to describe in detail the methodology used in the study as well as the Multi-component Smoking Cessation Support Programme in terms of pharmacological treatments and psychological interventions. An open-label 9-month follow-up study was conducted in Spain. A total of 82 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder were enrolled. Treatment consisted of a programme specifically developed by the research team for individuals with severe mental disorders. The programme consisted of two phases: (1) weekly individual motivational therapy for 4–12 weeks, and (2) a 12-week active treatment phase. During this phase, at each study visit patients received a one- or two-week supply of medication (transdermal nicotine patches, varenicline or bupropion) with instructions on how to take it, in addition to group psychotherapy for smoking cessation. Evaluations were performed: (1) at the time of enrolment in the study, (2) during the 12-week active treatment phase of the study (weekly for the first 4 weeks and then biweekly), and (3) after the end of this phase (two follow-up assessments at weeks 12 and 24). Evaluations included: (1) smoking history, (2) substance use, (3) psychopathology, (4) adverse events, and (5) laboratory tests. The importance of this study lies in addressing a topical issue often ignored by psychiatrists: the unacceptably high rates of tobacco use in patients with severe mental disorders. PMID:24368428

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi State Dept. of Education, Jackson.

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-05-01

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

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Metacognitive Programme for Disadvantaged Learners in the Foundation Phase

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benjamin, Louis

2016-01-01

Learners in South Africa lag behind in literacy and numeracy skills relative to their peers in other countries. This is ascribed to a lack of quality education in the preschool and Foundation Phases of schooling, and conditions related to poverty. The Basic Concepts Mediated Learning Programme (BCMLP) aims to promote the conceptual development of…

Scaffolding the Learning-To-Teach Process: A Study in an EFL Teacher Education Programme in Argentina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

San Martín, María Gimena

2018-01-01

This study seeks to examine how a supervisor scaffolds the student-teachers' learning-to-teach process in the context of one-to-one tutoring sessions in an English as a foreign language teacher education programme in Argentina. The findings indicate that scaffolding implies two main phases: a diagnostic and an intervention phase. Moreover, the…

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

PubMed

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

2016-03-23

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

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

PubMed

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

2004-06-17

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

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stringfield, Sam; And Others

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

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

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

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

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-01

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

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

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-23

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

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

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

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

2012-09-17

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

Parents’ Participation in the Sexuality Education of Their Children in Namibia: A Framework and an Educational Programme for Enhanced Action

PubMed Central

Nghipondoka- Lukolo, Linda Ndeshipandula; Charles, Kimera Lukanga

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to empower rural parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. The study was designed to be qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. It was performed in three phases. Phase 1 consisted of a situational analysis to explore and describe how parents provide sexuality education. Phase 2 consisted of the development of a conceptual framework that facilitated the development of an educational programme. In phase 3 the programme was implemented and evaluated, recommendations were made and conclusions drawn. The main findings revealed two themes: factors influencing parental participation in their children’s sexuality education, and the need for parental participation in their children’s sexuality education. This article is part of series of three article stems from a study on the topic of sexuality education empowerment programme of rural parents in Namibia. The three articles have the following titles one: parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis; two: parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a conceptual framework and an educational programme to enhance action, and three: parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: programme implementation and evaluation. The previous paper dealt with parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis: the results from the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions on sexuality education with children and parents were presented. This paper focuses on describing Phase 2 and 3, namely the process of devising a conceptual framework for the development of an educational programme to empower parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. Discussions included a description of the conceptual framework, based on the researcher’s paradigmatic assumptions, and the focus group and individual in-depth interviews results. The survey list suggested by Dickoff et al. (1968) consists of various elements which were employed in the conceptual framework, namely the context, agent, recipients, dynamics, procedure and a terminus. These elements were reflected in the “thinking map”. PMID:26573053

Parents' Participation in the Sexuality Education of Their Children in Namibia: A Framework and an Educational Programme for Enhanced Action.

PubMed

Nghipondoka-Lukolo, Linda Ndeshipandula; Charles, Kimera Lukanga

2015-08-18

The purpose of the study was to empower rural parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. The study was designed to be qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. It was performed in three phases. Phase 1 consisted of a situational analysis to explore and describe how parents provide sexuality education. Phase 2 consisted of the development of a conceptual framework that facilitated the development of an educational programme. In phase 3 the programme was implemented and evaluated, recommendations were made and conclusions drawn. The main findings revealed two themes: factors influencing parental participation in their children's sexuality education, and the need for parental participation in their children's sexuality education. This article is part of series of three article stems from a study on the topic of sexuality education empowerment programme of rural parents in Namibia. The three articles have the following titles: one: parent's participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis; two: parent's participation in sexuality education of their children: a conceptual framework and an educational programme to enhance action, and three: parent's participation in sexuality education of their children: programme implementation and evaluation. The previous paper dealt with parent's participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis: the results from the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions on sexuality education with children and parents were presented. This paper focuses on describing Phase 2 and 3, namely the process of devising a conceptual framework for the development of an educational programme to empower parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. Discussions included a description of the conceptual framework, based on the researcher's paradigmatic assumptions, and the focus group and individual in-depth interviews results. The survey list suggested by Dickoff et al. (1968) consists of various elements which were employed in the conceptual framework, namely the context, agent, recipients, dynamics, procedure and a terminus. These elements were reflected in the "thinking map".

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

PubMed

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

2014-01-01

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

Effects of Combined Phase III and Phase II Cardiac Exercise Therapy for Middle-aged Male Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

PubMed Central

Lee, Chih-Wei; Wang, Ji-Hung; Hsieh, Jen-Che; Hsieh, Tsung-Cheng; Huang, Chien-Hui

2013-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of cardiac exercise therapy (CET) on exercise capacity and coronary risk factors (CRFs) of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). [Methods] Patients who participated in an 8-week supervised, hospital-based phase II and 6-month home-based phase III CET with monthly telephone and/or home visits were defined as the exercise group (EG) (n=20), while those who did not receive phase II or phase III CET were defined as the no-exercise group (NEG) (n=10). CRFs were evaluated pre- and post-phase II and eight months after discharge. One and two-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to perform intra- and inter-group comparisons. [Results] Thirty men with AMI aged 49.3 ± 8.3 years were studied. EG increased their exercise capacity (METs) (6.8 ± 1.6 vs.10.0 ± 1.9) after phase II CET and was able to maintain it at 8-month follow-up. Both groups had significantly fewer persons who kept on smoking compared to the first examination. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from 38.1 ± 11.0 to 43.7 ± 8.7 mg/dl at follow-up in EG while no significant difference was noted in NEG. [Conclusion] After phase III CET subjects had maintained the therapeutic effects of smoking cessation, and increasing exercise capacity obtained in phase II CET. HDL-C in EG continued to improve during phase III CET. PMID:24396201

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1990-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-10-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2013-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2013-11-18

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

Empowering change: realist evaluation of a Scottish Government programme to support normal birth.

PubMed

Cheyne, Helen; Abhyankar, Purva; McCourt, Christine

2013-10-01

midwife-led care has consistently been found to be safe and effective in reducing routine childbirth interventions and improving women's experience of care. Despite consistent UK policy support for maximising the role of the midwife as the lead care provider for women with healthy pregnancies, implementation has been inconsistent and the persistent use of routine interventions in labour has given rise to concern. In response the Scottish Government initiated Keeping Childbirth Natural and Dynamic (KCND), a maternity care programme that aimed to support normal birth by implementing multiprofessional care pathways and making midwife-led care for healthy pregnant women the national norm. the evaluation was informed by realist evaluation. It aimed to explore and explain the ways in which the KCND programme worked or did not work in different maternity care contexts. the evaluation was conducted in three phases. In phase one semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with key informants to elicit the programme theory. At phase two, this theory was tested using a multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted and a case record audit was undertaken. In the final phase the programme theory was refined through analyses and interpretation of the data. the setting for the evaluation was NHS Scotland. In phase one, 12 national programme stakeholders and 13 consultant midwives participated. In phase two case studies were undertaken in three health boards; overall 73 participants took part in interviews or focus groups. A case record audit was undertaken of all births in Scotland during one week in two consecutive years before and after pathway implementation. government and health board level commitment to, and support of, the programme signalled its importance and facilitated change. Consultant midwives tailored change strategies, using different approaches in response to the culture of care and inter-professional relationships within contexts. In contexts where practice was already changing KCND was seen as validating and facilitating. In areas where a more medical culture existed there was strong resistance to change from midwives and medical staff and robust implementation strategies were required. Overall the pathways appeared to enable midwives to achieve change. our study highlighted the importance of those involved in a change programme working across levels of hierarchy within an organisation and from the macro-context of national policy and institutions to the meso-context of regional health service delivery and the micro-context of practitioner's experiences of providing care. The assumptions and propositions that inform programmes of change, which are often left at a tacit level and unexamined by those charged with implementing them, were made explicit. This examination illuminated the roles of the three key change mechanisms adopted in the KCND programme - appointment of consultant midwives as programme champions, multidisciplinary care pathways, and midwife-led care. It revealed the role of the commitment mechanism, which built on the appointment of the local change champions. The analysis indicated that the process of change, despite these clear mechanisms, needed to be adapted to local contexts and responses to the implementation of KCND. initial formative evaluation should be conducted prior to development of complex healthcare programmes to ensure that (1) the interventions will address the changes required, (2) key stakeholders who may support or resist change are identified, and (3) appropriate facilitation strategies are developed tailored to context. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies on the Inhalation Toxicity of Dyes Present in Colored Smoke Munitions. Phase III, Studies: Four-Week Inhalation Exposures of Rats to Dye Aerosols.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-10

0") AD STUDIES ON THE INHALATION TOXICITY CO• OF DYES PRESENT IN COLORED Ln SMOKE MUNIlIONS U FINAL REPORT FOR PHASE III STUDIES : SFOUR- ELK...3 RECIIEPIT’S CATA6.0G NUMBE.• 4. TITLE (and ,ubiltI.e) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COygC r., Studies on the Inhalation Toxicity of Dyes Final: Phase...III Present in Colored Smoke Munitions. Final Report Fh for Phase 111 Studies : FoLr-Week Inhalation G. PERFORMING ORO. REPORT N,’,ER Exposures of Rats

National tuberculosis programme review: experience over the period 1990-95.

PubMed Central

Pio, A.; Luelmo, F.; Kumaresan, J.; Spinaci, S.

1997-01-01

Since 1990 the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme (GTB) has promoted the revision of national tuberculosis programmes to strengthen the focus on directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) and close monitoring of treatment outcomes. GTB has encouraged in-depth evaluation of activities through a comprehensive programme review. Over the period 1990-95, WHO supported 12 such programme reviews. The criteria for selection were as follows: large population (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Thailand); good prospects of developing a model programme for a region (Nepal, Zimbabwe); or at advanced stage of implementation of a model programme for a region (Guinea, Peru). The estimated combined incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 82 per 100,000 population, about 43% of the global incidence. The prevalence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was variable, being very high in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, but negligible in Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Peru. The programme reviews were conducted by teams of 15-35 experts representing a wide range of national and external institutions. After a 2-3-month preparatory period, the conduct of the review usually lasted 2-3 weeks, including a first phase of meetings with authorities and review of documents, a second phase for field visits, and a third phase of discussion of findings and recommendations. The main lessons learned from the programme reviews were as follows: programme review is a useful tool to secure government commitment, reorient the tuberculosis control policies and replan the activities on solid grounds; the involvement of public health and academic institutions, cooperating agencies, and nongovernmental organizations secured a broad support to the new policies; programme success is linked to a centralized direction which supports a decentralized implementation through the primary health care services; monitoring and evaluation of case management functions well if it is based on the right classification of cases and quarterly reports on cohorts of patients; a comprehensive programme review should include teaching about tuberculosis in medical, nursing, and laboratory workers' schools; good quality diagnosis and treatment are the essential requirements for expanding a programme beyond the pilot testing; and control targets cannot be achieved if private and social security patients are left outside the programme scope. The methodology of comprehensive programme review should be recommended to all countries which require programme reorientation; it is also appropriate for carrying out evaluations at 4-5-year intervals in countries that are implementing the correct tuberculosis control policies. PMID:9509630

National tuberculosis programme review: experience over the period 1990-95.

PubMed

Pio, A; Luelmo, F; Kumaresan, J; Spinaci, S

1997-01-01

Since 1990 the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme (GTB) has promoted the revision of national tuberculosis programmes to strengthen the focus on directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) and close monitoring of treatment outcomes. GTB has encouraged in-depth evaluation of activities through a comprehensive programme review. Over the period 1990-95, WHO supported 12 such programme reviews. The criteria for selection were as follows: large population (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Thailand); good prospects of developing a model programme for a region (Nepal, Zimbabwe); or at advanced stage of implementation of a model programme for a region (Guinea, Peru). The estimated combined incidence of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis was 82 per 100,000 population, about 43% of the global incidence. The prevalence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was variable, being very high in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, but negligible in Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Peru. The programme reviews were conducted by teams of 15-35 experts representing a wide range of national and external institutions. After a 2-3-month preparatory period, the conduct of the review usually lasted 2-3 weeks, including a first phase of meetings with authorities and review of documents, a second phase for field visits, and a third phase of discussion of findings and recommendations. The main lessons learned from the programme reviews were as follows: programme review is a useful tool to secure government commitment, reorient the tuberculosis control policies and replan the activities on solid grounds; the involvement of public health and academic institutions, cooperating agencies, and nongovernmental organizations secured a broad support to the new policies; programme success is linked to a centralized direction which supports a decentralized implementation through the primary health care services; monitoring and evaluation of case management functions well if it is based on the right classification of cases and quarterly reports on cohorts of patients; a comprehensive programme review should include teaching about tuberculosis in medical, nursing, and laboratory workers' schools; good quality diagnosis and treatment are the essential requirements for expanding a programme beyond the pilot testing; and control targets cannot be achieved if private and social security patients are left outside the programme scope. The methodology of comprehensive programme review should be recommended to all countries which require programme reorientation; it is also appropriate for carrying out evaluations at 4-5-year intervals in countries that are implementing the correct tuberculosis control policies.

Parents’ Participation in the Sexuality Education of Their Children in Rural Namibia: A Situational Analysis

PubMed Central

Lukolo, Linda Ndeshipandula; van Dyk, Agnes

2015-01-01

Talking about sexuality has never been easy in most Namibians cultures and it seems that most parents feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to talk openly with their children about sexuality. They do not participate in the sexuality education of their children, because they believe they are unable to provide quality and adequate sexuality information due to their lack of knowledge about human sexuality or their perceived inability to explain what they do know. The ultimate purpose of this study was to develop, describe, implement and evaluate an educational programme to empower rural parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. The study was designed to be qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. It was performed in three phases. Phase 1 consisted of a situational analysis to explore and describe how parents provide sexuality education. Phase 2 consisted of the development of a conceptual framework that facilitated the development of an educational programme. In phase 3 the programme was implemented and evaluated, recommendations were made and conclusions drawn. The main findings revealed two themes: factors influencing parental participation in their children’s sexuality education, and the need for parental participation in their children’s sexuality education. This article is part of series of three article stems from a study on the topic of sexuality education empowerment programme of rural parents in Namibia. The three articles have the following titles: one: parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis; two: conceptual framework developments that facilitate the development of an educational programme and three: programme implementation and evaluation. This article dealt with parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis. PMID:25560329

Efficacy of metacognitive therapy for prolonged grief disorder: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Wenn, Jenine; O'Connor, Moira; Breen, Lauren J; Kane, Robert T; Rees, Clare S

2015-01-01

Introduction Studies of effective psychotherapy for individuals suffering from the effects of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) are scarce. This paper describes the protocol for an evaluation of a metacognitive therapy programme designed specifically for PGD, to reduce the psychological distress and loss of functioning resulting from bereavement. Methods and analysis The proposed trial comprises three phases. Phase 1 consists of a review of the literature and semistructured interviews with key members of the target population to inform the development of a metacognitive therapy programme for Prolonged Grief. Phase 2 involves a randomised controlled trial to implement and evaluate the programme. Male and female adults (N=34) will be randomly assigned to either a wait list or an intervention group. Measures of PGD, anxiety, depression, rumination, metacognitions and quality of life will be taken pretreatment and posttreatment and at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up. The generalised linear mixed model will be used to assess treatment efficacy. Phase 3 will test the social validity of the programme. Discussion This study is the first empirical investigation of the efficacy of a targeted metacognitive treatment programme for PGD. A focus on identifying and changing the metacognitive mechanisms underpinning the development and maintenance of prolonged grief is likely to be beneficial to theory and practice. Ethics Ethics approval was obtained from Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval number HR 41/2013.) Trial registration number ACTRN12613001270707. PMID:26646828

WHO programme for the prevention of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease in 16 developing countries: report from Phase I (1986-90). WHO Cardiovascular Diseases Unit and principal investigators.

PubMed

1992-01-01

The programme was initiated in 1984 by WHO in close collaboration with the International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC). Sixteen countries in five WHO Regions participated: Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe (in Africa); Bolivia, El Salvador and Jamaica (in the Americas); Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan (in the Eastern Mediterranean); India, Sri Lanka and Thailand (in South-East Asia); and China, the Philippines and Tonga (in the Western Pacific). The programme was planned for implementation in three phases: pilot study and control programme in a selected area, control programmes in all the selected communities, and their extension to the whole country. In Phase I, a total of 1,433,710 schoolchildren were screened and 3135 cases of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) were found, giving a prevalence of 2.2 per 1000 (higher in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions); 33,651 recently identified or already known cases were registered; completion of secondary prophylaxis was irregular but averaged 63.2% coverage; percentages of adverse reactions (0.3%) and recurrence of acute RF (0.4%) were very small; 24,398 health personnel and teachers were trained. Health education activities were organized for patients, their relatives, and the general public in hundreds of health education sessions. Thousands of pamphlets, brochures and posters were distributed, and health education programmes were broadcast on radio and television. The quality of care for RF/RHD patients improved under the programme, which has been expanded to other areas.

Agile high resolution arbitrary waveform generator with jitterless frequency stepping

DOEpatents

Reilly, Peter T. A.; Koizumi, Hideya

2010-05-11

Jitterless transition of the programmable clock waveform is generated employing a set of two coupled direct digital synthesis (DDS) circuits. The first phase accumulator in the first DDS circuit runs at least one cycle of a common reference clock for the DDS circuits ahead of the second phase accumulator in the second DDS circuit. As a phase transition through the beginning of a phase cycle is detected from the first phase accumulator, a first phase offset word and a second phase offset word for the first and second phase accumulators are calculated and loaded into the first and second DDS circuits. The programmable clock waveform is employed as a clock input for the RAM address controller. A well defined jitterless transition in frequency of the arbitrary waveform is provided which coincides with the beginning of the phase cycle of the DDS output signal from the second DDS circuit.

PLCO Ovarian Phase III Validation Study — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

Our preliminary data indicate that the performance of CA 125 as a screening test for ovarian cancer can be improved upon by additional biomarkers. With completion of one additional validation step, we will be ready to test the performance of a consensus marker panel in a phase III validation study. Given the original aims of the PLCO trial, we believe that the PLCO represents an ideal longitudinal cohort offering specimens for phase III validation of ovarian cancer biomarkers.

Self-management toolkit and delivery strategy for end-of-life pain: the mixed-methods feasibility study.

PubMed

Bennett, Michael I; Mulvey, Matthew R; Campling, Natasha; Latter, Sue; Richardson, Alison; Bekker, Hilary; Blenkinsopp, Alison; Carder, Paul; Closs, Jose; Farrin, Amanda; Flemming, Kate; Gallagher, Jean; Meads, David; Morley, Stephen; O'Dwyer, John; Wright-Hughes, Alexandra; Hartley, Suzanne

2017-12-01

Pain affects most people approaching the end of life and can be severe for some. Opioid analgesia is effective, but evidence is needed about how best to support patients in managing these medicines. To develop a self-management support toolkit (SMST) and delivery strategy and to test the feasibility of evaluating this intervention in a future definitive trial. Phase I - evidence synthesis and qualitative interviews with patients and carers. Phase II - qualitative semistructured focus groups and interviews with patients, carers and specialist palliative care health professionals. Phase III - multicentre mixed-methods single-arm pre-post observational feasibility study. Phase I - six patients and carers. Phase II - 15 patients, four carers and 19 professionals. Phase III - 19 patients recruited to intervention that experienced pain, living at home and were treated with strong opioid analgesia. Process evaluation interviews with 13 patients, seven carers and 11 study nurses. Self-Management of Analgesia and Related Treatments at the end of life (SMART) intervention comprising a SMST and a four-step educational delivery approach by clinical nurse specialists in palliative care over 6 weeks. Recruitment rate, treatment fidelity, treatment acceptability, patient-reported outcomes (such as scores on the Brief Pain Inventory, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease Scale, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, EuroQol-5 Dimensions, Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale, and feasibility of collecting data on health-care resource use for economic evaluation). Phase I - key themes on supported self-management were identified from evidence synthesis and qualitative interviews. Phase II - the SMST was developed and refined. The delivery approach was nested within a nurse-patient consultation. Phase III - intervention was delivered to 17 (89%) patients, follow-up data at 6 weeks were available on 15 patients. Overall, the intervention was viewed as acceptable and valued. Descriptive analysis of patient-reported outcomes suggested that interference from pain and self-efficacy were likely to be candidates for primary outcomes in a future trial. No adverse events related to the intervention were reported. The health economic analysis suggested that SMART could be cost-effective. We identified key limitations and considerations for a future trial: improve recruitment through widening eligibility criteria, refine the SMST resources content, enhance fidelity of intervention delivery, secure research nurse support at recruiting sites, refine trial procedures (including withdrawal process and data collection frequency), and consider a cluster randomised design with nurse as cluster unit. (1) The recruitment rate was lower than anticipated. (2) The content of the intervention was focused on strong opioids only. (3) The fidelity of intervention delivery was limited by the need for ongoing training and support. (4) Recruitment sites where clinical research nurse support was not secured had lower recruitment rates. (5) The process for recording withdrawal was not sufficiently detailed. (6) The number of follow-up visits was considered burdensome for some participants. (7) The feasibility trial did not have a control arm or assess randomisation processes. A future randomised controlled trial is feasible and acceptable. This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013572; Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN35327119; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio registration 162114. The NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme.

Interventions to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint in inpatient psychiatric settings: what we know so far a review of the literature.

PubMed

Scanlan, Justin Newton

2010-07-01

In recent times, much attention has been focused on the reduction of seclusion and restraint in psychiatric settings. This paper analyzes evidence available from evaluations of single seclusion and/or restraint reduction programmes. A total of 29 papers were included in the review. Seven key strategy types emerged from the analysis: (i) policy change/leadership; (ii) external review/debriefing; (iii) data use; (iv) training; (v) consumer/family involvement; (vi) increase in staff ratio/crisis response teams; and (vii) programme elements/changes. Outcomes indicate that a range of reduction programmes are successful in reducing the frequency and duration of seclusion and restraint use, while at the same time maintaining a safe environment. The development of new seclusion and restraint reduction programmes should include strong leadership from local management; external seclusion and restraint review committees or post-incident debriefing and analysis; broad-based staff training and programme changes at a local level. Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural programmes appear to be very useful in child and adolescent services. Further systematic research should be conducted to more fully understand which elements of successful programmes are the most powerful in reducing incidents of seclusion and restraint.

Preparation of cerium halide solvate complexes

DOEpatents

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

2013-08-06

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

Multidisciplinary and multisetting team management programme in heart failure patients affects hospitalisation and costing.

PubMed

Piepoli, M F; Villani, G Q; Aschieri, D; Bennati, S; Groppi, F; Pisati, M S; Rosi, A; Capucci, A

2006-08-28

We evaluated whether multidisciplinary disease management programme developed with collaboration of physicians and nurses inside and outside general district hospital settings can affect clinical outcomes in heart failure population over a 12-month period. 571 patients hospitalised with CHF were referred to our unit and 509 patients agreed to participation. The intervention team included physicians and nurses from Internal Medicine and Cardiac Dept., and the patient's general practitioners. Contacts were on a pre-specified schedule, included a computerised programme of hospital visits and phone calls; in case of NYHA functional class III and IV patients, home visits were also planned. The median age of patients was 77.7+/-9 years (43.3% women). At baseline the percentage of patients with NYHA class III and IV was 56.0% vs. 26.0% after 12 months (P<0.05). Programme enrolment reduced total hospital admissions (82 vs. 190, -56%, P<0.05), number of patients hospitalised (62 vs. 146, 57%, P<0.05). All NYHA functional class benefited (class I=75%, class IV=67%), with reduction in the costing (-48%, P<0.05). Improvement in symptoms (-9.0+/-3.2) and signs (-5.2+/-3.1) scores was measured (P<0.01). Therapy optimisation was obtained by 20.5% increase in patients taking betablockade and 21.0% increase in those on anti-aldosterone drugs. Multidisciplinary approach to CHF management can improve clinical management, reducing hospitalisation rate and costing.

Computer-based diagnosis of illness in historical persons.

PubMed

Peters, T J

2013-01-01

Retrospective diagnosis of illness in historical figures is a popular but somewhat unreliable pastime due to the lack of detailed information and reliable reports about clinical features and disease progression. Modern computer-based diagnostic programmes have been used to supplement historical documents and accounts, offering new and more objective approaches to the retrospective investigations of the medical conditions of historical persons. In the case of King George III, modern technology has been used to strengthen the findings of previous reports rejecting the popular diagnosis of variegate porphyria in the King, his grandson Augustus d'Esté and his antecedent King James VI and I. Alternative diagnoses based on these programmes are indicated. The Operational Criteria in Studies of Psychotic Illness (OPCRIT) programme and the Young mania scale have been applied to the features described for George III and suggest a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The neuro-diagnostic programme SimulConsult was applied to Augustus d'Esté and suggests a diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica rather than acute porphyria with secondarily multiple sclerosis, as proposed by others. James VI and I's complex medical history and the clinical features of his behavioural traits were also subjected to SimulConsult analysis; acute porphyria was rejected and the unexpected diagnosis of attenuated (mild) Lesch-Nyhan disease offered. A brief review of these approaches along with full reference listings to the methodology including validation are provided. Textual analysis of the written and verbal outputs of historical figures indicate possible future developments in the diagnosis of medical disorders in historical figures.

Effect of amoxicillin/clavulanate on gastrointestinal motility in children.

PubMed

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

2012-06-01

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

Developing a framework for successful research partnerships in global health.

PubMed

Larkan, Fiona; Uduma, Ogenna; Lawal, Saheed Akinmayọwa; van Bavel, Bianca

2016-05-06

The Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin has as one of its goals, strengthening health systems in developing countries. In realising this goal we work across more than 40 countries with third-level, civil society, government, private sector and UN partners. Each of these requires that different relationships be established. Good principles must guide all global health research partnerships. An exploratory research project was undertaken with research partners of, and staff within, the Centre for Global Health. The aim was to build an evidence-based framework. An inductive exploratory research process was undertaken using a grounded theory approach in three consecutive phases: Phase I: An open-ended questionnaire was sent via email to all identified partners. Phase II: A series of consultative meetings were held with the staff of the Centre for Global Health. Phase III: Data sets from Phases I and II were applied to the development of a unifying framework. Data was analysed using grounded theory three stage thematic analysis - open, axial and selective coding. Relational and operational aspects of partnership were highlighted as being relevant across every partnership. Seven equally important core concepts emerged (focus, values, equity, benefit, leadership, communication and resolution), and are described and discussed here. Of these, two (leadership and resolution) are less often considered in existing literature on partnerships. Large complex partnerships can work well if all parties are agreed in advance to a common minimum programme, have been involved from the design stage, and have adequate resources specifically allocated. Based on this research, a framework for partnerships has been developed and is shared.

Experiences with an adaptive design for a dose-finding study in patients with osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Miller, Frank; Björnsson, Marcus; Svensson, Ola; Karlsten, Rolf

2014-03-01

Dose-finding studies in non-oncology areas are usually conducted in Phase II of the development process of a new potential medicine and it is key to choose a good design for such a study, as the results will decide if and how to proceed to Phase III. The present article has focus on the design of a dose-finding study for pain in osteoarthritis patients treated with the TRPV1 antagonist AZD1386. We describe different design alternatives in the planning of this study, the reasoning for choosing the adaptive design and experiences with conduct and interim analysis. Three alternatives were proposed: one single dose-finding study with parallel design, a programme with a smaller Phase IIa study followed by a Phase IIb dose-finding study, and an adaptive dose-finding study. We describe these alternatives in detail and explain why the adaptive design was chosen for the study. We give insights in design aspects of the adaptive study, which need to be pre-planned, like interim decision criteria, statistical analysis method and setup of a Data Monitoring Committee. Based on the interim analysis it was recommended to stop the study for futility since AZD1386 showed no significant pain decrease based on the primary variable. We discuss results and experiences from the conduct of the study with the novel design approach. Huge cost savings have been done compared to if the option with one dose-finding design for Phase II had been chosen. However, we point out several challenges with this approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutron imaging systems utilizing lithium-containing semiconductor crystals

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley C.; Burger, Arnold

2017-04-25

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

The Alert Program for Self-Management of Behaviour in Second Level Schools: Results of Phase 1 of a Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mac Cobb, Siobhan; Fitzgerald, Brian; Lanigan-O'Keeffe, Carolyn

2014-01-01

This article reports on Phase 1 of a pilot programme on self-management of behaviour with challenging class groups of students as part of the evidence-informed practice of the National Behaviour Support Service. The Alert Program is a structured active learning programme using an engine analogy. The person's engine runs on high, low or just right…

Programmable rate modem utilizing digital signal processing techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naveh, Arad

1992-01-01

The need for a Programmable Rate Digital Satellite Modem capable of supporting both burst and continuous transmission modes with either Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) or Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation is discussed. The preferred implementation technique is an all digital one which utilizes as much digital signal processing (DSP) as possible. The design trade-offs in each portion of the modulator and demodulator subsystem are outlined.

75 FR 30385 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-01

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

A randomized-controlled trial focusing on socio-economic status for promoting vegetable intake among adults using a web-based nutrition intervention programme: study protocol.

PubMed

Nakamura, Saki; Inayama, Takayo; Arao, Takashi

2017-01-13

Web-based nutritional education programmes appear to be comparable to those delivered face-to-face. However, no existing web-based nutrition education or similar programme has yet been evaluated with consideration of socio-economic status. The objective of a nutritional education programme of promoting vegetable intake designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the results of intervention and to determine how socio-economic status influences the programme effects. Participants will be randomly sampled individuals (aged 30-59) stratified according national population statistics for sex, age, and household income. Participants were consented to survey participation (n = 1500), and will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention period is 5 weeks with one step of diet-related education per week. The main outcome of the programme is dietary behaviour as eating vegetable (350 g per day, five small bowl). To encourage behavioural changes, the programme contents are prepared using behavioural theories and techniques tailored to the assumed group stages of behavioural change. In the first step, we employ the health belief model to encourage a shift from the pre-contemplative to the contemplative phase; in the second and third steps, social cognitive theory is used to encourage transition to the preparatory phase; in the fourth step, social cognitive theory and strengthening social support are used to promote progression to the execution phase; finally, in the fifth step, strengthening social capital and social support are used to promote the shift to the maintenance phase. The baseline, post intervention and follow-up survey was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. For process evaluation, we use five items relating to programme participation and satisfaction. A follow-up survey of participants will be carried out 3 months after intervention completion. The fact that this study is an RCT with an established control group is a strong advantage. Information and communications technology is not limited by time or place. If we could show this web-based nutrition education programmes has a positive effect, it may be an appropriate tool for reaching individuals in lower socio-economic state. Current Controlled Trials UMIN-ICDR UMIN 000019376 (Registered October 16, 2015).

The use of reflective diaries in end of life training programmes: a study exploring the impact of self-reflection on the participants in a volunteer training programme.

PubMed

Germain, Alison; Nolan, Kate; Doyle, Rita; Mason, Stephen; Gambles, Maureen; Chen, Hong; Smeding, Ruthmarijke; Ellershaw, John

2016-03-05

A training programme was developed and delivered to a cohort of volunteers who were preparing for a unique role to provide companionship to dying patients in the acute hospital setting. This comprehensive programme aimed to provide an opportunity for participants to fully understand the nature and responsibilities of the role, whilst also allowing sufficient time to assess the qualities and competencies of participants for their ongoing volunteering role. Participants completed reflective diaries throughout the training course to record their ongoing thoughts and feelings. The purpose of this paper is to present a phenomenological analysis of these entries to understand participants' experiences, perceptions and motivations. The wider study was structured into three phases. Phase 1 was the delivery of a 12 week, bespoke training programme; Phase 2 involved a 26 week pilot implementation of the Care of the Dying Volunteer Service and Phase 3 was the research evaluation of the training and implementation which would inform the further development of the training programme. Self-reflection is a common component of End of Life training programmes and volunteers in this study completed a reflective diary after participation in each of the training sessions. A thematic analysis was undertaken to explore and understand the participants' experience, perceptions and motivations in relation to their participation in the training. All 19 volunteers completed the reflective diaries. From a potential 228 diary entries over the 12 week training programme, 178 diary entries were submitted (78 %). The following key themes were identified: Dying Alone and the importance of being present, Personal loss and the reconstruction of meaning, Self-Awareness and Personal growth, Self-preservation and Coping strategies and group unity/cohesion. The participants in this study demonstrated that they were able to use the diaries as an appropriate medium for reflection. Their reflections were also instrumental in the ongoing revision and development of the training programme. Analysis of their entries illustrated that the diaries could provide the opportunity for a reappraisal of their world view and personal philosophy around death and dying. Further research is undoubtedly required, however this paper suggests that self-reflection in this way, supports preparation in honing the appropriate attitudes and qualities required to work in this role.

The Schome Park Programme: Exploring Educational Alternatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Twining, Peter; Footring, Shri

The Schome Park Programme set out to extend thinking about what the education system for the information age (Schome) should be like. The first three phases of the programme spanned 13 months and involved the use of Schome Park, our "closed" island(s) in Teen Second LifeTM (TSL) virtual world alongside a wiki and forum. During this time approximately two hundred 13-17 year olds and around 50 adults were given access to Schome Park. Having explained the context in which this work took place the paper outlines the initial educational design underpinning the programme and describes some of the activities which took place. It goes on to explore some dimensions of practice which emerged from the data analysis towards the end of Phase 3, focusing on learner experiences of experimentation, playfulness, curriculum, choice, participation and the expression of the learner voice.

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thurber, John C.

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

Rotator Phases of n-Heptane under High Pressure: Raman Scattering and X-ray Diffraction Studies

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

C Ma; Q Zhou; F Li

2011-12-31

We performed high-pressure Raman scattering and angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements on n-heptane at room temperature. It has been found that n-heptane undergoes a liquid to rotator phase III (R{sub III}) transition at 1.2 GPa and then transforms into another rotator phase R{sub IV} at about 3 GPa. As the pressure reaches 7.5 GPa, a transition from an orientationally disordered R{sub IV} phase to an ordered crystalline state starts and is completed around 14.5 GPa. Our results clearly present the high-pressure phase transition sequence (liquid-R{sub III}-R{sub IV}-crystal) of n-heptane, similar to that of normal alkanes.

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

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

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

2016-02-01

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

The Challenges of Planning Individualized Programmes for Gifted Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senicar, Maruška Željeznov

2016-01-01

Individualized programmes for gifted students are one of the ways in which curricula can be adapted to take account of the identified educational needs of gifted students. Planning is a key phase in ensuring that these programmes are carried out in a high-quality manner. This article explores the challenges faced in the planning of individualized…

Turkish Parents' Views on Quality Standards for Children's Television Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Önder, Alev; Dagal, Asude Balaban

2007-01-01

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the opinions of parents of pre-school children about children's programmes on TV. The study had two phases: In the first step "The Evaluation Scale for Children's Programmes" was translated into Turkish, the reliability and validity of the scale was tested through analyzing of the data…

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-05-01

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

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schulz, Russel E.; Farrell, Jean R.

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

Development and testing of responder : phase III.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-06-28

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

Phase III Early Restoration Meeting | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

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

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

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

Comprehensive long-term efficacy and safety of recombinant human alpha-mannosidase (velmanase alfa) treatment in patients with alpha-mannosidosis.

PubMed

Lund, Allan M; Borgwardt, Line; Cattaneo, Federica; Ardigò, Diego; Geraci, Silvia; Gil-Campos, Mercedes; De Meirleir, Linda; Laroche, Cécile; Dolhem, Philippe; Cole, Duncan; Tylki-Szymanska, Anna; Lopez-Rodriguez, Monica; Guillén-Navarro, Encarna; Dali, Christine I; Héron, Bénédicte; Fogh, Jens; Muschol, Nicole; Phillips, Dawn; Van den Hout, J M Hannerieke; Jones, Simon A; Amraoui, Yasmina; Harmatz, Paul; Guffon, Nathalie

2018-05-03

Long-term outcome data provide important insights into the clinical utility of enzyme replacement therapies. Such data are presented for velmanase alfa in the treatment of alpha-mannosidosis (AM). Patient data (n = 33; 14 adults, 19 paediatric) from the clinical development programme for velmanase alfa were integrated in this prospectively-designed analysis of long-term efficacy and safety. Patients who participated in the phase I/II or phase III trials and were continuing to receive treatment after completion of the trials were invited to participate in a comprehensive evaluation visit to assess long-term outcomes. Primary endpoints were changes in serum oligosaccharide and the 3-minute stair climb test (3MSCT). Mean (SD) treatment exposure was 29.3 (15.2) months. Serum oligosaccharide levels were significantly reduced in the overall population at 12 months (mean change: -72.7%, P < 0.001) and remained statistically significant at last observation (-62.8%, P < 0.001). A mean improvement of +9.3% in 3MSCT was observed at 12 months (P = 0.013), which also remained statistically significant at last observation (+13.8%, P = 0.004), with a more pronounced improvement detected in the paediatric subgroup. No treatment-emergent adverse events were reported leading to permanent treatment discontinuation. Patients treated with velmanase alfa experienced improvements in biochemical and functional measures that were maintained for up to 4 years. Long term follow-up is important and further supports the use of velmanase alfa as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AM. Based on the currently available data set, no baseline characteristic can be predictive of treatment outcome. Early treatment during paediatric age showed better outcome in functional endpoints.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

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

Formal intergenerational mentoring at Australian Men's Sheds: a targeted survey about mentees, mentors, programmes and quality.

PubMed

Cordier, Reinie; Wilson, Nathan J; Stancliffe, Roger J; MacCallum, Judith; Vaz, Sharmila; Buchanan, Angus; Ciccarelli, Marina; Falkmer, Torbjorn S

2016-11-01

Intergenerational mentoring enables a purposeful exchange of skills and knowledge to enhance individual and social outcomes for sub-groups at risk of health and social disparities. Male intergenerational mentoring may be an approach to help address these disparities in young men. Over 1000 Men's Sheds operate in Australia with 39% providing some form of mentoring mainly to youth. Yet, little is known about the variables intrinsic to creating and running quality programmes. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of formal intergenerational mentoring programmes, review their quality against the Australian Youth Mentoring Network (AYMN) quality benchmarks, and identify the factors that predict quality in these programmes. All known Australian Men's Sheds were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. Forty sheds with formal mentor programmes completed the survey for a total of 387 mentees (mean = 9.7 mentees/programme), the majority being male. The majority of mentor programme facilitators were unpaid male volunteers aged 61 years and older, and programmes were unfunded. Promoting social and emotional well-being of the mentees was the primary focus in more than half of the programmes, and working on a shared construction project was the most common activity. Respondents rated the three most important factors that influenced programme effectiveness as being: (i) meaningful activities; (ii) mentors' approach; and (iii) a safe environment. Univariate analyses revealed that mentoring programmes that had a system in place for screening mentors, trained mentors and evaluated the programme were most likely to rate highly against the AYMN quality benchmarks. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

PubMed

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

2004-02-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chuanjiang; Zheng, Haifei; Wang, Duojun

2017-10-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-02-01

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

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

PubMed

Olfert, I Mark; Prisk, G Kim

2004-09-01

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

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

PubMed

Tsai, Hung-Sheng; Tsai, Teh-Hua

2012-01-04

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-10-03

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

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

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

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

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

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2013-07-15

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

Sustaining Institution-Wide Induction for Sessional Staff in a Research-Intensive University: The Strength of Shared Ownership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Kelly E.; Duck, Julie M.; Bartle, Emma

2017-01-01

The "Tutors@UQ" programme provides an example of a formalised, institution-wide, cross-discipline, academic development programme to enhance the quality of teaching that has been maintained for seven years despite a pattern of substantial organisational change. We present a case study of the programme framed around a four-phase model of…

Rubitecan: 9-NC, 9-Nitro-20(S)-camptothecin, 9-nitro-camptothecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, RFS 2000, RFS2000.

PubMed

2004-01-01

Rubitecan [Orathecin, 9-nitrocamptothecin, 9NC, RFS 2000] is a topoisomerase I inhibitor extracted from the bark and leaves of the Camptotheca acuminata tree, which is native to China. Rubitecan is an oral compound being developed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and other solid tumours by SuperGen. One of the major benefits of rubitecan is that it can be administered in an outpatient setting, so patients can be treated in their homes. Rubitecan was isolated by the Stehlin Foundation in the US. SuperGen is currently awaiting regulatory approval in the US and the EU for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the BIO-2004 conference, SuperGen announced it is seeking a partner for rubitecan for territories outside the US. SuperGen acquired exclusive worldwide rights to rubitecan from the Stehlin Foundation in 1997 except in Mexico, Canada, Spain, Japan, the UK, France, Italy and Germany. SuperGen has also received approval from the US FDA to use its own manufactured rubitecan in clinical trials. SuperGen and the Stehlin Foundation have an 8-year research agreement that secures global rights to other camptothecins and additional anticancer compounds for the former. In December 1999, SuperGen and Abbott signed a worldwide sales and marketing agreement for rubitecan. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott had exclusive distribution and promotion rights for rubitecan outside the US, and co-promotion rights with SuperGen within the US. In return, Abbott made an initial equity investment in SuperGen. SuperGen and Abbott Laboratories ended their collaboration agreement in February 2002 by mutual consent with SuperGen stating that the dissolution of the agreement was based on commercial motivation rather than anything to do with rubitecan's safety or efficacy. Abbott no longer has rights or obligations to purchase shares of SuperGen stock or an option to purchase up to 49% of the company. For its part, SuperGen will no longer receive milestone payments worth up to $US57 million. SuperGen has formed a clinical and business alliance with US Oncology (created by the merger between American Oncology Resources and Physician Reliance Network in the US), and will collaborate on clinical trials of rubitecan. SuperGen believes that this relationship will increase the patient population available for trials and enable it to market the drug directly to Oncologists. SuperGen and Capital Research and Management Company have completed a $US16.6 million private placement transaction that will enable future funding for the rubitecan programme as well as other oncology programmes. In July 2004, SuperGen's European subsidiary, EuroGen Pharmaceuticals, submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The application will be reviewed under the EMEA Centralised Procedure. In June 2003, the EMEA granted SuperGen orphan drug status for rubitecan for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The US FDA has also granted orphan drug status for rubitecan in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and fast-track status for rubitecan for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer that is resistant or refractory to chemotherapy. SuperGen has conducted three phase III pivotal trials in patients with pancreatic cancer. A phase III randomised trial in chemotherapy-naive patients was conducted at 132 centres throughout the US. The trial enrolled approximately 994 patients who were randomised to receive rubitecan or gemcitabine. Enrollment was completed in October 2001. Another phase III trial has compared rubitecan with the most appropriate chemotherapy in chemotherapy-resistant patients. Enrollment of over 400 patients at 200 medical centres across the US was completed in June 2001. Results from the trial were presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO-2003) [Chicago, US; 31 May - 3 June 2003], after they had been compiled, analysed and submitted to the FDA. The results of the study showed that rubitecan could not help all chemotherapy-resistant patients, but could increase survival in those that do respond. The other phase III pivotal trial was conducted in patients with pancreatic cancer who had failed treatment with gemcitabine. This trial completed enrollment in October 2001, and had enrolled approximately 448 patients. SuperGen is conducting phase II trials of rubitecan in patients with solid tumours in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. Each trial will enroll 100-150 patients with various tumour types, including colorectal, lung, breast, gastric, prostate, cervical and head and neck cancers. Phase I/II trials are underway to investigate rubitecan as a radiosensitiser in patients with lung cancer, and phase II trials in patients with breast cancer are also being conducted. A phase II study in ovarian cancer patients is also being conducted. Results from an ongoing phase II study in cancer patients have shown that rubitecan was effective against chordomas, a rare type of bone cancer. Phase II studies are also underway in haematological malignancies including myelodysplastic syndrome (preleukaemia) and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. In February 2000, SuperGen announced that its IND submission for rubitecan had been approved by the Therapeutics Products Programme of Canada. The company stated that it intended to begin clinical trials in Canada in the near future. In February 2004, SuperGen announced an offering of shares of its common stock to finance the commercialisation of rubitecan capsules. In July 2003, SuperGen was granted a US patent covering combination therapies with chemotherapeutic anthracycline agents and structural modifications that may one day lead to next-generation rubitecan compounds. In December 2002, SuperGen was granted US patent No. 6,482,830, covering its polymorphic formulations of rubitecan. The patent also covers a class of polymorphs that are similar to the one at the centre of rubitecan. In addition, SuperGen was also issued US patent No. 6,485,514 in December 2002, covering the local delivery of rubitecan via stents and/or catheters to sites of proliferating cells. Stent- or catheter-delivered rubitecan may be beneficial in certain types of cardiac procedures, such as ablation or angioplasty, as well as for direct injection into a certain number of solid tumours. SuperGen is also developing an inhaled, liposomal formulation of rubitecan. It acquired the worldwide rights to this formulation from the Clayton Foundation in December 1999. Inhaled rubitecan is in clinical trials in the US for the treatment of lung cancer and pulmonary metastatic cancer. Copyright 2004 Adis Data Information BV

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

PubMed

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

2012-04-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2014-06-17

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

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

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

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

Joint probability of statistical success of multiple phase III trials.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianliang; Zhang, Jenny J

2013-01-01

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

Chattanooga SmartBus Project : phase III evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

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

Science.gov Websites

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

Evaluation of an Integrated Telemonitoring Surveillance System in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

PubMed

Ammenwerth, E; Woess, S; Baumgartner, C; Fetz, B; van der Heidt, A; Kastner, P; Modre-Osprian, R; Welte, S; Poelzl, G

2015-01-01

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death in industrialized countries. Non-adherence with prescribed medication and recommended lifestyle changes significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events. The telemonitoring programme MyCor (Myokardinfarkt und Koronarstent Programm in Tirol) is a multi-modal intervention programme to improve lifestyle and medication management of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). It includes patient education, self-monitoring with goal-setting and feedback, and regular clinical visits. We evaluated the MyCor telemonitoring programme regarding technical feasibility, user acceptance, patient adherence, change in health status, and change in quality of life. A 4½-month study was conducted with two telemonitoring phases and one interim phase. The study comprised patient surveys, standardized assessment of quality of life using the MacNew questionnaire at study entry and after 4 and 18 weeks, analysis of adherence to medication and physical activity during the two telemonitoring phases, and analysis of reached goals regarding health conditions during the telemonitoring phases. Twenty-five patients (mean age: 63 years) participated in the study. Patients showed a high acceptance of the MyCor telemonitoring programme. Patients reported feelings of self-control, motivation for lifestyle changes, and improved quality of life. Adherence to daily measurements was high with 86% and 77% in the two telemonitoring phases. Adherence to medication was also high with up to 87% and 80%. Pre-defined goals for physical activity were reached in up to 86% and 73% of days, respectively. Quality of life improved from 5.5 at study entry to 6.3 at the end (p< 0.01; MacNew questionnaire). Reductions in blood pressure and heart rate or an improvement in reaching defined goals could not be observed. The MyCor telemonitoring programme Tirol for CHD patients has a high rate of acceptance among included patients. Critical evaluation revealed subjective benefits regarding quality of life and health status as well as high adherence rates to medication and lifestyle changes. Achieving long-term adherence and verifying clinical outcomes, however, remains an open issue. Our findings will promote further studies, addressing different strategies for an optimal mix of patient education, telemonitoring, feedback, and clinical follow-ups.

The fully integrated biomedical engineering programme at Eindhoven University of Technology.

PubMed

Slaaf, D W; van Genderen, M H P

2009-05-01

The development of a fully integrated biomedical engineering programme (life sciences included from the start) is described. Details are provided about background, implementation, and didactic concept: design centred learning combined with courses. The curriculum has developed into a bachelor-master's programme with two different master's degrees: Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering and Master's Degree in Medical Engineering. Recently, the programme has adopted semester programming, has included a major and minor in the bachelor's degree phase, and a true bachelor's degree final project. Details about the programme and data about where graduates find jobs are provided in this paper.

Neurogenic bowel management after spinal cord injury: Malaysian experience.

PubMed

Engkasan, Julia Patrick; Sudin, Siti Suhaida

2013-02-01

To describe the bowel programmes utilized by individuals with spinal cord injury; and to determine the association between the outcome of the bowel programmes and various interventions to facilitate defecation. A cross-sectional study. Individuals with spinal cord injury who have neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a self-constructed questionnaire that consisted of: (i) demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants; (ii) interventions to facilitate defecation; (iii) bowel care practices; (iv) outcome of the bowel programme (incidence of incontinence and duration of the evacuation procedure); and (v) participant satisfaction with their bowel programme. The majority (79.2%) of subjects used multiple interventions for bowel care. Duration of the evacuation procedure was more than 60 min in 28.0% of participants. Water intake of more than 2 l/day was associated with longer duration of bowel care. Only 8.0% of participants had at least one episode of incontinence per month. The majority of participants (84.8%) were satisfied with their bowel programme. Patients used multiple interventions to manage their bowels and spent a substantial amount of time performing bowel care. Nevertheless, the incidence of incontinence was low and satisfaction with their bowel programme was high.

Implementing health promotion in schools: protocol for a realist systematic review of research and experience in the United Kingdom (UK)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background School-based interventions and campaigns are used to promote health and address a wide variety of public health problems. Schools are considered to be key sites for the implementation of health promotion programmes for their potential to reach the whole population in particular age-groups and instil healthy patterns of behavior early in life. However, evidence for the effectiveness of school-based health promotion interventions is highly variable. Systematic reviews of the evidence of school-based interventions tend to be highly problem- or intervention- specific, thereby missing potential generic insights into implementation and effectiveness of such programmes across problems. Methods/design A realist systematic review will be undertaken to explain how, why and in what circumstances schools can provide feasible settings for effective health promotion programmes in the United Kingdom (UK). The review will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will identify programme theories about implementation (ideas about what enables or inhibits effective health promotion to be delivered in a school setting). Phase 2 will test the programme theories so that they can be challenged, endorsed and/or refined. A Review Advisory Group of education and health professionals will be convened to help identify and choose potential programme theories, provide a ‘reality check’ on the clarity and explanatory strength of the mechanisms to be tested, and help shape the presentation of findings to be usable by practitioners and decision-makers. Review findings will be disseminated through liaison with decision-makers, and voluntary and professional groups in the fields of education and health. PMID:23083508

PATHway I: design and rationale for the investigation of the feasibility, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a technology-enabled cardiac rehabilitation platform.

PubMed

Claes, Jomme; Buys, Roselien; Woods, Catherine; Briggs, Andrew; Geue, Claudia; Aitken, Moira; Moyna, Niall; Moran, Kieran; McCaffrey, Noel; Chouvarda, Ioanna; Walsh, Deirdre; Budts, Werner; Filos, Dimitris; Triantafyllidis, Andreas; Maglaveras, Nicos; Cornelissen, Véronique A

2017-06-30

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) independently alters the clinical course of cardiovascular diseases resulting in a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiac mortality. However, only 15%-30% of all eligible patients participate in a phase 2 ambulatory programme. The uptake rate of community-based programmes following phase 2 CR and adherence to long-term exercise is extremely poor. Newer care models, involving telerehabilitation programmes that are delivered remotely, show considerable promise for increasing adherence. In this view, the PATHway (Physical Activity Towards Health) platform was developed and now needs to be evaluated in terms of its feasibility and clinical efficacy. In a multicentre randomised controlled pilot trial, 120 participants (m/f, age 40-80 years) completing a phase 2 ambulatory CR programme will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to PATHway or usual care. PATHway involves a comprehensive, internet-enabled, sensor-based home CR platform and provides individualised heart rate monitored exercise programmes (exerclasses and exergames) as the basis on which to provide a personalised lifestyle intervention programme. The control group will receive usual care. Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after completion of phase 2 of the CR programme. The primary outcome is the change in active energy expenditure. Secondary outcomes include cardiopulmonary endurance capacity, muscle strength, body composition, cardiovascular risk factors, peripheral endothelial vascular function, patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), well-being, mediators of behaviour change and safety. HRQoL and healthcare costs will be taken into account in cost-effectiveness evaluation. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. This protocol has been approved by the director and clinical director of the PATHway study and by the ethical committee of each participating site. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at congresses and events. NCT02717806. This trial is currently in the pre-results stage. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Cascading training the trainers in ophthalmology across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.

PubMed

Corbett, Melanie C; Mathenge, Wanjiku; Zondervan, Marcia; Astbury, Nick

2017-07-10

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) and the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) are collaborating to cascade a Training the Trainers (TTT) Programme across the COECSA Region. Within the VISION 2020 Links Programme, it aims to develop a skilled motivated workforce who can deliver high quality eye care. It will train a lead, faculty member and facilitator in 8 countries, who can cascade the programme to local trainers. In phase 1 (2013/14) two 3-day courses were run for 16/17 selected delegates, by 3 UK Faculty. In phase 2 (2015/16) 1 UK Faculty Member ran 3 shorter courses, associated with COECSA events (Congress and Examination). A COECSA Lead was appointed after the first course, and selected delegates were promoted as Facilitators then Faculty Members on successive courses. They were given appropriate materials, preparation, training and mentoring. In 4 years the programme has trained 87 delegates, including 1 COECSA Lead, 4 Faculty Members and 7 Facilitators. Delegate feedback on the course was very good and Faculty were impressed with the progress made by delegates. A questionnaire completed by delegates after 6-42 months demonstrated how successfully they were implementing new skills in teaching and supervision. The impact was assessed using the number of eye-care workers that delegates had trained, and the number of patients seen by those workers each year. The figures suggested that approaching 1 million patients per year were treated by eye-care workers who had benefited from training delivered by those who had been on the courses. Development of the Programme in Africa initially followed the UK model, but the need to address more extensive challenges overseas, stimulated new ideas for the UK courses. The Programme has developed a pyramid of trainers capable of cascading knowledge, skills and teaching in training with RCOphth support. The third phase will extend the number of facilitators and faculty, develop on-line preparatory and teaching materials, and design training processes and tools for its assessment. The final phase will see local cascade of the TTT Programme in all 8 countries, and sustainability as UK support is withdrawn.

Stages of change: A qualitative study on the implementation of a perinatal audit programme in South Africa.

PubMed

Belizán, María; Bergh, Anne-Marie; Cilliers, Carolé; Pattinson, Robert C; Voce, Anna

2011-09-30

Audit and feedback is an established strategy for improving maternal, neonatal and child health. The Perinatal Problem Identification Programme (PPIP), implemented in South African public hospitals in the late 1990s, measures perinatal mortality rates and identifies avoidable factors associated with each death. The aim of this study was to elucidate the processes involved in the implementation and sustainability of this programme. Clinicians' experiences of the implementation and maintenance of PPIP were explored qualitatively in two workshop sessions. An analytical framework comprising six stages of change, divided into three phases, was used: pre-implementation (create awareness, commit to implementation); implementation (prepare to implement, implement) and institutionalisation (integrate into routine practice, sustain new practices). Four essential factors emerged as important for the successful implementation and sustainability of an audit system throughout the different stages of change: 1) drivers (agents of change) and team work, 2) clinical outreach visits and supervisory activities, 3) institutional perinatal review and feedback meetings, and 4) communication and networking between health system levels, health care facilities and different role-players.During the pre-implementation phase high perinatal mortality rates highlighted the problem and indicated the need to implement an audit programme (stage 1). Commitment to implementing the programme was achieved by obtaining buy-in from management, administration and health care practitioners (stage 2).Preparations in the implementation phase included the procurement and installation of software and training in its use (stage 3). Implementation began with the collection of data, followed by feedback at perinatal review meetings (stage 4).The institutionalisation phase was reached when the results of the audit were integrated into routine practice (stage 5) and when data collection had been sustained for a longer period (stage 6). Insights into the factors necessary for the successful implementation and maintenance of an audit programme and the process of change involved may also be transferable to similar low- and middle-income public health settings where the reduction of the neonatal mortality rate is a key objective in reaching Millennium Development Goal 4. A tool for reflecting on the implementation and maintenance of an audit programme is also proposed.

Stages of change: A qualitative study on the implementation of a perinatal audit programme in South Africa

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Audit and feedback is an established strategy for improving maternal, neonatal and child health. The Perinatal Problem Identification Programme (PPIP), implemented in South African public hospitals in the late 1990s, measures perinatal mortality rates and identifies avoidable factors associated with each death. The aim of this study was to elucidate the processes involved in the implementation and sustainability of this programme. Methods Clinicians' experiences of the implementation and maintenance of PPIP were explored qualitatively in two workshop sessions. An analytical framework comprising six stages of change, divided into three phases, was used: pre-implementation (create awareness, commit to implementation); implementation (prepare to implement, implement) and institutionalisation (integrate into routine practice, sustain new practices). Results Four essential factors emerged as important for the successful implementation and sustainability of an audit system throughout the different stages of change: 1) drivers (agents of change) and team work, 2) clinical outreach visits and supervisory activities, 3) institutional perinatal review and feedback meetings, and 4) communication and networking between health system levels, health care facilities and different role-players. During the pre-implementation phase high perinatal mortality rates highlighted the problem and indicated the need to implement an audit programme (stage 1). Commitment to implementing the programme was achieved by obtaining buy-in from management, administration and health care practitioners (stage 2). Preparations in the implementation phase included the procurement and installation of software and training in its use (stage 3). Implementation began with the collection of data, followed by feedback at perinatal review meetings (stage 4). The institutionalisation phase was reached when the results of the audit were integrated into routine practice (stage 5) and when data collection had been sustained for a longer period (stage 6). Conclusion Insights into the factors necessary for the successful implementation and maintenance of an audit programme and the process of change involved may also be transferable to similar low- and middle-income public health settings where the reduction of the neonatal mortality rate is a key objective in reaching Millennium Development Goal 4. A tool for reflecting on the implementation and maintenance of an audit programme is also proposed. PMID:21958353

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

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

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

Phase III gross solids removal devices pilot study, 2002-2005.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

The objective of the Phase III Gross Solids Removal Devices (GSRDs) Pilot study was to : evaluate the performance of non-proprietary devices that can capture gross solids and that can be : incorporated into existing highway drainage systems or implem...

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

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-01

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

A national survey of cardiac rehabilitation services in New Zealand: 2015.

PubMed

Kira, Geoff; Doolan-Noble, Fiona; Humphreys, Grace; Williams, Gina; O'Shaughnessy, Helen; Devlin, Gerry

2016-05-27

Guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes inform best practice. In Aotearoa NewZealand, little information exists about the structure and services provided by CR programmes and there is a poor understanding of how existing CR programmes are delivered with respect to evidence-based national guidelines. All 46 CR providers in New Zealand were invited to participate in a national survey in 2015. The survey sought information on the following: unit structure; referral processes; patient assessment; audit (including quality assurance activity); Phase 2 CR content; and support for special populations. Simple descriptive analysis of the responses was conducted, involving forming counts and percentages. Thirty-six distinct units completed the survey and 94% provided Phase 2. Assessment tools, Phase 2 educational components, and the methods of providing the exercise component varied. Most units audited their services, 25% audited their programme six-monthly or more frequently. Just over half of the units (56%) reported key performance indicators. The survey identified variations in delivery and content of CR in New Zealand, with poor understanding of the impact on patient outcomes. This is likely due to the absence of standardised audit practices and routine collection of key performance indicators on a national basis.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-31

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

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

PubMed

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

2009-09-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2013-05-01

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

An evaluation of the HM prison service "thinking skills programme" using psychometric assessments.

PubMed

Gobbett, Matthew J; Sellen, Joselyn L

2014-04-01

The most widely implemented offending behaviour programme in the United Kingdom was Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS), a cognitive-behavioural group intervention that aimed to develop participant's general cognitive skills. A new offending behaviour programme has been developed to replace ETS: the Thinking Skills Programme (TSP). This study reports an evaluation of the effectiveness of TSP using psychometric assessments. Phasing of the two programmes created an opportunity to compare the two programmes consecutively. Forty participants, 20 from each programme, completed a range of psychometric measures to examine cognition, attitudes, and thinking styles. Analysis of pre- and post-programme psychometric results indicated that participants of TSP demonstrated improvements on 14 of the 15 scales, 9 of which were statistically significant. Effect sizes between pre-post results were generally greater for TSP than ETS, demonstrating that TSP had a more positive impact on the thinking styles and attitudes of participants than the ETS programme.

Flexible digital modulation and coding synthesis for satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanderaar, Mark; Budinger, James; Hoerig, Craig; Tague, John

1991-01-01

An architecture and a hardware prototype of a flexible trellis modem/codec (FTMC) transmitter are presented. The theory of operation is built upon a pragmatic approach to trellis-coded modulation that emphasizes power and spectral efficiency. The system incorporates programmable modulation formats, variations of trellis-coding, digital baseband pulse-shaping, and digital channel precompensation. The modulation formats examined include (uncoded and coded) binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quatenary phase shift keying (QPSK), octal phase shift keying (8PSK), 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM), and quadrature quadrature phase shift keying (Q squared PSK) at programmable rates up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps). The FTMC is part of the developing test bed to quantify modulation and coding concepts.

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

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

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

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

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

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

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

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

PubMed Central

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

2012-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-07-01

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

Temperature dependent viscosity of cobalt ferrite / ethylene glycol ferrofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharat, Prashant B.; Somvanshi, Sandeep B.; Kounsalye, Jitendra S.; Deshmukh, Suraj S.; Khirade, Pankaj P.; Jadhav, K. M.

2018-04-01

In the present work, cobalt ferrite / ethylene glycol ferrofluid is prepared in 0 to 1 (in the step of 0.2) volume fraction of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method. The XRD results confirmed the formation of single phase spinel structure. The Raman spectra have been deconvoluted into individual Lorentzian peaks. Cobalt ferrite has cubic spinel structure with Fd3m space group. FT-IR spectra consist of two major absorption bands, first at about 586 cm-1 (υ1) and second at about 392 cm-1 (υ2). These absorption bands confirm the formation of spinel-structured cobalt ferrite. Brookfield DV-III viscometer and programmable temperature-controlled bath was used to study the relationship between viscosity and temperature. Viscosity behavior with respect to temperature has been studied and it is revealed that the viscosity of cobalt ferrite / ethylene glycol ferrofluids increases with an increase in volume fraction of cobalt ferrite. The viscosity of the present ferrofluid was found to decrease with increase in temperature.

Interculturality and the Study Abroad Experience: Students' Learning from the IEREST Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, Prue; Bavieri, Luisa; Ganassin, Sara; Murphy, Jonathon

2016-01-01

This study investigated how a "while abroad" (IEREST) intercultural experiential learning programme (i) encouraged mobile student sojourners to explore the concept of "interculturality"; (ii) promoted their intercultural engagement/communication during their stay abroad; and (iii) invited them to reflect on their own…

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

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

R. P. Wells

2007-08-15

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

Economic benefit of the PHLAME wellness programme on firefighter injury.

PubMed

Kuehl, K S; Elliot, D L; Goldberg, L; Moe, E L; Perrier, E; Smith, J

2013-04-01

Work-related injuries and illness are prevalent and costly. Firefighting is especially hazardous and many firefighters sustain work-related injuries. Workplace health promotion programmes have shown positive return on investment (ROI). Little is known about how similar programmes would impact injury and cost among firefighters. To evaluate the impact of a workplace health promotion intervention on workers' compensation (WC) claims and medical costs among Oregon fire departments participating in the PHLAME (Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Alternative Models' Effects) health promotion programme compared with Oregon fire departments not participating in PHLAME. Data from firefighters from four large urban fire departments in Oregon were evaluated using a retrospective quasi-experimental study design. Outcomes were (i) total annual firefighter WC claims, (ii) total annual incurred medical costs prior to and after implementation of the PHLAME firefighter worksite health promotion programme (iii) and an ROI analysis. Data were obtained from 1369 firefighters (mean age of 42 years, 91% white, 93% male). WC claims (P < 0.001) and medical costs (P < 0.01) were significantly lower among PHLAME fire departments compared with Oregon fire departments not participating in the programme. Fire departments participating in the PHLAME TEAM programme demonstrated a positive ROI of 4.61-1.00 (TEAM is used to indicate the 12-session peer-led health promotion programme). Fire department WC claims and medical costs were reduced after implementation of the PHLAME workplace health promotion programme. This is a low cost, team-based, peer-led, wellness programme that may provide a feasible, cost-effective means to reduce firefighter injury and illness rates.

Economic benefit of the PHLAME wellness programme on firefighter injury

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Work-related injuries and illness are prevalent and costly. Firefighting is especially hazardous and many firefighters sustain work-related injuries. Workplace health promotion programmes have shown positive return on investment (ROI). Little is known about how similar programmes would impact injury and cost among firefighters. Aims To evaluate the impact of a workplace health promotion intervention on workers’ compensation (WC) claims and medical costs among Oregon fire departments participating in the PHLAME (Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Alternative Models’ Effects) health promotion programme compared with Oregon fire departments not participating in PHLAME. Methods Data from firefighters from four large urban fire departments in Oregon were evaluated using a retrospective quasi-experimental study design. Outcomes were (i) total annual firefighter WC claims, (ii) total annual incurred medical costs prior to and after implementation of the PHLAME firefighter worksite health promotion programme (iii) and an ROI analysis. Results Data were obtained from 1369 firefighters (mean age of 42 years, 91% white, 93% male). WC claims (P < 0.001) and medical costs (P < 0.01) were significantly lower among PHLAME fire departments compared with Oregon fire departments not participating in the programme. Fire departments participating in the PHLAME TEAM programme demonstrated a positive ROI of 4.61–1.00 (TEAM is used to indicate the 12-session peer-led health promotion programme). Conclusions Fire department WC claims and medical costs were reduced after implementation of the PHLAME workplace health promotion programme. This is a low cost, team-based, peer-led, wellness programme that may provide a feasible, cost-effective means to reduce firefighter injury and illness rates. PMID:23416849

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

Cancer.gov

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

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Sharon Pol; Heroman, Deborah S.

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

Unbiased estimation in seamless phase II/III trials with unequal treatment effect variances and hypothesis-driven selection rules.

PubMed

Robertson, David S; Prevost, A Toby; Bowden, Jack

2016-09-30

Seamless phase II/III clinical trials offer an efficient way to select an experimental treatment and perform confirmatory analysis within a single trial. However, combining the data from both stages in the final analysis can induce bias into the estimates of treatment effects. Methods for bias adjustment developed thus far have made restrictive assumptions about the design and selection rules followed. In order to address these shortcomings, we apply recent methodological advances to derive the uniformly minimum variance conditionally unbiased estimator for two-stage seamless phase II/III trials. Our framework allows for the precision of the treatment arm estimates to take arbitrary values, can be utilised for all treatments that are taken forward to phase III and is applicable when the decision to select or drop treatment arms is driven by a multiplicity-adjusted hypothesis testing procedure. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Encouraging translation and assessing impact of the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement: rationale and protocol for a research impact assessment.

PubMed

Ramanathan, Shanthi; Reeves, Penny; Deeming, Simon; Bailie, Ross Stewart; Bailie, Jodie; Bainbridge, Roxanne; Cunningham, Frances; Doran, Christopher; McPhail Bell, Karen; Searles, Andrew

2017-12-04

There is growing recognition among health researchers and funders that the wider benefits of research such as economic, social and health impacts ought to be assessed and valued alongside academic outputs such as peer-reviewed papers. Research translation needs to increase and the pathways to impact ought to be more transparent. These processes are particularly pertinent to the Indigenous health sector given continued concerns that Indigenous communities are over-researched with little corresponding improvement in health outcomes. This paper describes the research protocol of a mixed methods study to apply FAIT (Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research) to the Centre for Research Excellence in Integrated Quality Improvement (CRE-IQI). FAIT will be applied to five selected CRE-IQI Flagship projects to encourage research translation and assess the wider impact of that research. Phase I will develop a modified programme logic model for each Flagship project including identifying process, output and impact metrics so progress can be monitored. A scoping review will inform potential benefits. In phase II, programme logic models will be updated to account for changes in the research pathways over time. Audit and feedback will be used to encourage research translation and collect evidence of achievement of any process, output and interim impacts. In phase III, three proven methodologies for measuring research impact-Payback, economic assessment and narratives-will be applied. Data on the application of FAIT will be collected and analysed to inform and improve FAIT's performance. This study is funded by a nationally competitive grant (ID 1078927) from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Newcastle's Human Research Ethics Committee (ID: H-2017-0026). The results from the study will be presented in several peer-reviewed publications, through conference presentations and via social media. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

"G.P.S Matrices" programme: A method to improve the mastery level of social science students in matrices operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ken Voon

2013-04-01

The purpose of this action research was to increase the mastery level of Form Five Social Science students in Tawau II National Secondary School in the operations of addition, subtraction and multiplication of matrices in Mathematics. A total of 30 students were involved. Preliminary findings through the analysis of pre-test results and questionnaire had identified the main problem faced in which the students felt confused with the application of principles of the operations of matrices when performing these operations. Therefore, an action research was conducted using an intervention programme called "G.P.S Matrices" to overcome the problem. This programme was divided into three phases. 'Gift of Matrices' phase aimed at forming matrix teaching aids. The second and third phases were 'Positioning the Elements of Matrices' and 'Strenghtening the Concept of Matrices'. These two phases were aimed at increasing the level of understanding and memory of the students towards the principles of matrix operations. Besides, this third phase was also aimed at creating an interesting learning environment. A comparison between the results of pre-test and post-test had shown a remarkable improvement in students' performances after implementing the programme. In addition, the analysis of interview findings also indicated a positive feedback on the changes in students' attitude, particularly in the aspect of students' understanding level. Moreover, the level of students' memory also increased following the use of the concrete matrix teaching aids created in phase one. Besides, teachers felt encouraging when conducive learning environment was created through students' presentation activity held in third phase. Furthermore, students were voluntarily involved in these student-centred activities. In conclusion, this research findings showed an increase in the mastery level of students in these three matrix operations and thus the objective of the research had been achieved.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: Examining College Readiness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conley, David; McGaughy, Charis; Davis-Molin, Whitney; Farkas, Rachel; Fukuda, Erin

2014-01-01

The International Baccalaureate (IB) works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. This three-phase study prepared by the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC) on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Organization explored the impact…

Progress and Achievements at the Mid Term of the Dragon 3 Programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desnos, Yves-Louis; Li, Zengyuan; Zmuda, Andy; Gao, Zhihai

2014-11-01

The Dragon Programme is a joint undertaking between ESA and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of China and the National Remote Sensing Center of China (NRSCC). Its purpose is to encourage increased exploitation of ESA and Chinese space resources within China as well as stimulate increased scientific cooperation in the field of Earth Observation (EO) science and applications between China and Europe. Since 2004, this pioneering programme has become a model for scientific and technological cooperation between China and Europe. By successfully encouraging joint research using ESA, Third Party Missions and Chinese EO data across a range of thematic areas, Dragon continues to deliver outstanding scientific results. The programme has successfully completed two phases, Dragon 1 from 2004 to 2008, Dragon 2 from 2008 to 2012. The third phase of Dragon was started in 2012 and will be completed in 2016. The Dragon 3 project teams are led by leading EO scientists and young scientists are also engaged on the projects. Advanced training in land, ocean and atmospheric applications is a feature of the programme and a course on land and one course on ocean applications have been successfully held in 2012 and 2013 in China. Here-in provided is an overview of the results, reporting and training activities at the mid-term stage of the programme.

Effectiveness of the palliative care ‘Availability, Current issues and Anticipation’ (ACA) communication training programme for general practitioners on patient outcomes: A controlled trial

PubMed Central

Blankenstein, Annette H; Schweitzer, Bart PM; Knol, Dirk L; van der Horst, Henriëtte E; Aaronson, Neil K; Deliens, Luc

2014-01-01

Background: Although communicating effectively with patients receiving palliative care can be difficult, it may contribute to maintaining or enhancing patients’ quality of life. Little is known about the effect of training general practitioners in palliative care–specific communication. We hypothesized that palliative care patients of general practitioners exposed to the ‘Availability, Current issues and Anticipation’ communication training programme would report better outcomes than patients of control general practitioners. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Availability, Current issues and Anticipation training programme for general practitioners on patient-reported outcomes. Design: In a controlled trial, general practitioners followed the Availability, Current issues and Anticipation programme or were part of the control group. Patients receiving palliative care of participating general practitioners completed the Palliative Care Outcome Scale, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative, the Rest & Peace Scale, the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire–III and the Availability, Current issues and Anticipation Scale, at baseline and 12 months follow-up. We analysed differences between groups using linear mixed models. Trial registration: ISRCTN56722368. Setting/participants: General practitioners who attended a 2-year Palliative Care Training Course in the Netherlands. Results: Questionnaire data were available for 145 patients (89 in intervention and 56 in control group). We found no significant differences over time between the intervention and control groups in any of the five outcome measures. Ceiling effects were observed for the Rest & Peace Scale, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire–III and Availability, Current issues and Anticipation Scale. Conclusion: General practitioner participation in the Availability, Current issues and Anticipation training programme did not have a measurable effect on any of the outcomes investigated. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with general practitioner care, regardless of group assignment. Future research might focus on general practitioners without special interest in palliative care. PMID:24951633

Practice versus knowledge when it comes to pressure ulcer prevention.

PubMed

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

1997-09-01

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

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

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-15

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

The impact of active stakeholder involvement on recruitment, retention and engagement of schools, children and their families in the cluster randomised controlled trial of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP): a school-based intervention to prevent obesity.

PubMed

Lloyd, J; McHugh, C; Minton, J; Eke, H; Wyatt, K

2017-08-14

Recruitment and retention of participants is crucial for statistical power and internal and external validity and participant engagement is essential for behaviour change. However, many school-based interventions focus on programme content rather than the building of supportive relationships with all participants and tend to employ specific standalone strategies, such as incentives, to improve retention. We believe that actively involving stakeholders in both intervention and trial design improves recruitment and retention and increases the chances of creating an effective intervention. The Healthy Lifestyles Programme, HeLP (an obesity prevention programme for children 9-10 years old) was developed using intervention mapping and involved extensive stakeholder involvement in both the design of the trial and the intervention to ensure that: (i) delivery methods were suitably engaging, (ii) deliverers had the necessary skills and qualities to build relationships and (iii) the intervention dovetailed with the National Curriculum. HeLP was a year-long intervention consisting of 4 multi-component phases using a range of delivery methods. We recruited 1324 children from 32 schools from the South West of England to a cluster-randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of HeLP in preventing obesity. The primary outcome was change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) at 24 months post randomisation. Secondary outcomes included additional anthropometric and behavioural (physical activity and diet) measures at 18 and 24 months. Anthropometric and behavioural measures were taken in 99%, 96% and 94% of children at baseline, 18 and 24 months, respectively, with no differential follow up between the control and intervention groups at each time point. All children participated in the programme and 92% of children and 77% of parents across the socio-economic spectrum were considered to have actively engaged with HeLP. We attribute our excellent retention and engagement results to the high level of stakeholder involvement in both trial and intervention design, the building of relationships using appropriate personnel and creative delivery methods that are accessible to children and their families across the social spectrum. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Register, ISRCTN15811706 . Registered on 1 May 2012.

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

PubMed

Sato, Hisako; Yamagishi, Akihiko

2009-11-20

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

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

PubMed Central

Sato, Hisako; Yamagishi, Akihiko

2009-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2018-03-19

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

14 CFR 255.4 - Display of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and the weight given to each criterion and the specifications used by the system's programmers in constructing the algorithm. (c) Systems shall not use any factors directly or indirectly relating to carrier...” connecting flights; and (iv) The weight given to each criterion in paragraphs (c)(3)(ii) and (iii) of this...

Human factors for capacity building: lessons learned from the OpenMRS implementers network.

PubMed

Seebregts, C J; Mamlin, B W; Biondich, P G; Fraser, H S F; Wolfe, B A; Jazayeri, D; Miranda, J; Blaya, J; Sinha, C; Bailey, C T; Kanter, A S

2010-01-01

The overall objective of this project was to investigate ways to strengthen the OpenMRS community by (i) developing capacity and implementing a network focusing specifically on the needs of OpenMRS implementers, (ii) strengthening community-driven aspects of OpenMRS and providing a dedicated forum for implementation-specific issues, and; (iii) providing regional support for OpenMRS implementations as well as mentorship and training. The methods used included (i) face-to-face networking using meetings and workshops; (ii) online collaboration tools, peer support and mentorship programmes; (iii) capacity and community development programmes, and; (iv) community outreach programmes. The community-driven approach, combined with a few simple interventions, has been a key factor in the growth and success of the OpenMRS Implementers Network. It has contributed to implementations in at least twenty-three different countries using basic online tools; and provided mentorship and peer support through an annual meeting, workshops and an internship program. The OpenMRS Implementers Network has formed collaborations with several other open source networks and is evolving regional OpenMRS Centres of Excellence to provide localized support for OpenMRS development and implementation. These initiatives are increasing the range of functionality and sustainability of open source software in the health domain, resulting in improved adoption and enterprise-readiness. Social organization and capacity development activities are important in growing a successful community-driven open source software model.

Nursing students' career preferences: a Norwegian study.

PubMed

Kloster, Torill; Høie, Magnhild; Skår, Randi

2007-07-01

This paper is a report of a study to identify Norwegian undergraduate nursing students' career preferences at the beginning and end of their nursing education programme, together with their reasons for these preferences. International studies have shown that recruitment and retention of nurses in areas such as aged care and psychiatric nursing is difficult. It is important to know why some working areas are popular whilst others are not, so that nursing schools produce graduates who meet the needs of the community. All students starting their nursing education programme in 2001/2002 in five Norwegian university colleges were invited to complete questionnaires at the beginning and end of their nursing education programme. In phase 1, 620 of 782 commencing students completed questionnaires (response rate 79.2%). In their third year, phase 2, 473 questionnaires were distributed (response rate 82.6%, n = 386). The questionnaire included closed questions about career preferences and open-ended questions seeking the reasons for the preferences. The study revealed changes in preferences between the beginning and the end of the nursing education programme. In phase 1, midwifery and paediatric nursing were ranked highest and in phase 2 working in medical/surgical ward, midwifery and psychiatric nursing were preferred. Working in aged care institutions remained unpopular throughout. Clinical experiences and professional challenges were often given as reasons for preferences. Nursing educators, clinical nurses and policymakers must reconsider their priorities and improve working conditions for nurses in aged care in order to meet society's need for nurses.

[The IPT integrative program of psychological therapy for schizophrenia patients: new perspectives].

PubMed

Pomini, Valentino

2004-04-01

The integrated psychological treatment for schizophrenic patients IPT is composed by six modules that can be implemented either separately or in an articulated way. In that case, the treatment begins with a cognitive remediation phase which is followed by a social skills training phase. In the first phase, exercises specifically focalize on selective attention, memory, logical reasoning, perception and communication skills. The second phase of the program offers three other modules that train other skills: 1) social skills, 2) emotional management, 3) interpersonal problem solving. The IPT program belong to the so called second generation of social skills training programmes. It has been validated by numerous controlled studies, either in its complete form or in partial forms containing only one ore more of its sub-programmes. The results of these studies are globally positive. They show that IPT is an interesting therapeutic contribution for the rehabilitation practice with schizophrenic patients. A third generation of social skills training has been elaborated on the basis of the current IPT program. These new adjunctions to the IPT tend to favour the utilization in the real life of the competencies trained in the sessions, either by adding specific homeworks, in-vivo or booster sessions, or by designating new programmes directed to specific rehabilitation objectives, such as the integration in a apartment, the management of leisure times or the return to a workplace. These new programmes have been studied. They are promising and seem to be a useful complement to the original IPT.

The Effectiveness and Sustainability of a Universal School-Based Programme for Preventing Depression in Chinese Adolescents: A Follow-Up Study Using Quasi-Experimental Design

PubMed Central

Lai, Eliza S. Y.; Kwok, Chi-Leung; Wong, Paul W. C.; Fu, King-Wa; Law, Yik-Wa; Yip, Paul S. F.

2016-01-01

Background A pilot study about the effectiveness of a universal school-based programme, “The Little Prince is Depressed”, for preventing depression in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong was conducted and reported previously. This study used a larger sample to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. Methods This study used quasi-experimental design. Twelve schools enrolled in “The Little Prince is Depressed” programme either as an intervention or a control condition. The intervention schools carried out the 12-session programme in two phases: the professional-led first phase and the teacher-led second phase. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire at three time points measuring their (1) depressive, anxiety, and stress levels; (2) knowledge of mental health; (3) attitudes towards mental illness; (4) perceived social support; and (5) help-seeking behaviours. Results A total of 3,391 students participated in the study. The level of depressive symptoms did not reduce significantly at post-intervention; however, a delayed effect was observed at follow-up assessment for the participants of the teacher-led group in reducing anxiety and stress levels. Also, the knowledge of mental health and attitudes towards mental illness of the intervention-group participants significantly improved at post-test, and the outcomes were maintained at 4 to 5 months after the intervention in both the professional-led and the teacher-led conditions (p<.05). A preference among schoolchildren for whom to seek help from was identified. Conclusions The universal depression prevention programme was effective in enhancing knowledge of mental health and promoting a more positive attitude towards mental illness among adolescents in Hong Kong. In particular, the teacher-led group showed better outcomes than the professional-led group in reducing students’ anxiety and stress at follow-up period. The programme can achieve sustainability in schools if teachers are provided with adequate support. PMID:26921275

The Effectiveness and Sustainability of a Universal School-Based Programme for Preventing Depression in Chinese Adolescents: A Follow-Up Study Using Quasi-Experimental Design.

PubMed

Lai, Eliza S Y; Kwok, Chi-Leung; Wong, Paul W C; Fu, King-Wa; Law, Yik-Wa; Yip, Paul S F

2016-01-01

A pilot study about the effectiveness of a universal school-based programme, "The Little Prince is Depressed", for preventing depression in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong was conducted and reported previously. This study used a larger sample to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. This study used quasi-experimental design. Twelve schools enrolled in "The Little Prince is Depressed" programme either as an intervention or a control condition. The intervention schools carried out the 12-session programme in two phases: the professional-led first phase and the teacher-led second phase. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire at three time points measuring their (1) depressive, anxiety, and stress levels; (2) knowledge of mental health; (3) attitudes towards mental illness; (4) perceived social support; and (5) help-seeking behaviours. A total of 3,391 students participated in the study. The level of depressive symptoms did not reduce significantly at post-intervention; however, a delayed effect was observed at follow-up assessment for the participants of the teacher-led group in reducing anxiety and stress levels. Also, the knowledge of mental health and attitudes towards mental illness of the intervention-group participants significantly improved at post-test, and the outcomes were maintained at 4 to 5 months after the intervention in both the professional-led and the teacher-led conditions (p<.05). A preference among schoolchildren for whom to seek help from was identified. The universal depression prevention programme was effective in enhancing knowledge of mental health and promoting a more positive attitude towards mental illness among adolescents in Hong Kong. In particular, the teacher-led group showed better outcomes than the professional-led group in reducing students' anxiety and stress at follow-up period. The programme can achieve sustainability in schools if teachers are provided with adequate support.

Phase I/II adaptive design for drug combination oncology trials

PubMed Central

Wages, Nolan A.; Conaway, Mark R.

2014-01-01

Existing statistical methodology on dose finding for combination chemotherapies has focused on toxicity considerations alone in finding a maximum tolerated dose combination to recommend for further testing of efficacy in a phase II setting. Recently, there has been increasing interest in integrating phase I and phase II trials in order to facilitate drug development. In this article, we propose a new adaptive phase I/II method for dual-agent combinations that takes into account both toxicity and efficacy after each cohort inclusion. The primary objective, both within and at the conclusion of the trial, becomes finding a single dose combination with an acceptable level of toxicity that maximizes efficacious response. We assume that there exist monotone dose–toxicity and dose–efficacy relationships among doses of one agent when the dose of other agent is fixed. We perform extensive simulation studies that demonstrate the operating characteristics of our proposed approach, and we compare simulated results to existing methodology in phase I/II design for combinations of agents. PMID:24470329

Hexafluorobenzene under Extreme Conditions.

PubMed

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

2016-03-17

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

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

PubMed Central

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

2014-01-01

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

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

PubMed

Van Bambeke, Françoise

2014-11-01

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

75 FR 14575 - Voting Equipment Evaluations Phase III

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-26

..., Human Performance-Based Standards and Usability Testing. NIST Phase III research is designed to: (1... vendor equipment will not be released. Comparative information may be released in a blind manner... electronic poll book systems as well as software used for ballot design and creation. Dated: March 23, 2010...

78 FR 18325 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

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

76 FR 36095 - Defense Transportation Regulation, Part IV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-21

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-29

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

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

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

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

Overcoming access barriers to health services through membership-based microfinance organizations: a review of evidence from South Asia

PubMed Central

Saha, Somen; Annear, Peter Leslie

2015-01-01

It is a challenge for the poor to overcome the barriers to accessing health services. Membership-based microfinance with associated health programmes can improve health outcomes for the poor. This study reviewed the evidence published between 1993 and 2013 on the role of membership-based microfinance with associated health programmes in improving health outcomes for the poor in South Asia. A total of 661 papers were identified and 26 selected for inclusion, based on the relevance and rigour of the research methods. Of these 26, five were evidence reviews. Of the remaining 21 papers, 12 were from India, seven from Bangladesh, and one each from Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Three papers addressed more than one theme. Five key themes emerged from the review: (i) the impact of microfinance programmes on the social and economic situation of the poor; (ii) the impact of microfinance programmes on community health; (iii) the impact of integrated microfinance health programmes on raising client awareness; (iv) the impact of integrated microfinance health programmes on financing health care; and (v) the impact of integrated microfinance health programmes on affordable health-care products and services. The review provides new evidence on the pathways through which microfinance helps to improve population health and value for money for such programmes. Among countries with large populations in the informal sector, there is a strong case for policy-makers to support these groups in providing access to life-saving health care among the poor. PMID:25685728

A Pharmacometric Approach to Substitute for a Conventional Dose-Finding Study in Rare Diseases: Example of Phase III Dose Selection for Emicizumab in Hemophilia A.

PubMed

Yoneyama, Koichiro; Schmitt, Christophe; Kotani, Naoki; Levy, Gallia G; Kasai, Ryu; Iida, Satofumi; Shima, Midori; Kawanishi, Takehiko

2017-12-06

Emicizumab (ACE910) is a bispecific antibody mimicking the cofactor function of activated coagulation factor VIII. In phase I-I/II studies, emicizumab reduced the bleeding frequency in patients with severe hemophilia A, regardless of the presence of factor VIII inhibitors, at once-weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg. Using the phase I-I/II study data, population pharmacokinetic and repeated time-to-event (RTTE) modeling were performed to quantitatively characterize the relationship between the pharmacokinetics of emicizumab and reduction in bleeding frequency. Simulations were then performed to identify the minimal exposure expected to achieve zero bleeding events for 1 year in at least 50% of patients and to select the dosing regimens to be tested in phase III studies. The RTTE model adequately predicted the bleeding onset over time as a function of plasma emicizumab concentration. Simulations suggested that plasma emicizumab concentrations of ≥  45 μg/mL should result in zero bleeding events for 1 year in at least 50% of patients. This efficacious exposure provided the basis for selecting previously untested dosing regimens of 1.5 mg/kg once weekly, 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, and 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks for phase III studies. A pharmacometric approach guided the phase III dose selection of emicizumab in hemophilia A, without conducting a conventional dose-finding study. Phase III studies with the selected dosing regimens are currently ongoing. This case study indicates that a pharmacometric approach can substitute for a conventional dose-finding study in rare diseases and will streamline the drug development process.

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

PubMed

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

2016-01-30

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

Reorienting programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) towards disinvestment.

PubMed

Mortimer, Duncan

2010-10-14

Remarkable progress has been made over the past 40 years in developing rational, evidence-based mechanisms for the allocation of health resources. Much of this progress has centred on mechanisms for commissioning new medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The attention of fund-managers and policy-makers is only now turning towards development of mechanisms for decommissioning, disinvesting or redeploying resources from currently funded interventions. While Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis would seem well-suited to this purpose, past applications include both successes and failures in achieving disinvestment and resource release. Drawing on recent successes/failures in achieving disinvestment and resource release via PBMA, this paper identifies four barriers/enablers to disinvestment via PBMA: (i) specification of the budget constraint, (ii) scope of the programme budget, (iii) composition and role of the advisory group, and (iv) incentives for/against contributing to a 'shift list' of options for disinvestment and resource release. A number of modifications to the PBMA process are then proposed with the aim of reorienting PBMA towards disinvestment. The reoriented model is differentiated by four features: (i) hard budget constraint with budgetary pressure; (ii) programme budgets with broad scope but specific investment proposals linked to disinvestment proposals with similar input requirements; (iii) advisory/working groups that include equal representation of sectional interests plus additional members with responsibility for advocating in favour of disinvestment, (iv) 'shift lists' populated and developed prior to 'wish lists' and investment proposals linked to disinvestment proposals within a relatively narrow budget area. While the argument and evidence presented here suggest that the reoriented model will facilitate disinvestment and resource release, this remains an empirical question. Likewise, further research will be required to determine whether or not the re-oriented model sacrifices feasibility and acceptability to obtain its hypothesised greater emphasis on disinvestment.

Reorienting programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) towards disinvestment

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Remarkable progress has been made over the past 40 years in developing rational, evidence-based mechanisms for the allocation of health resources. Much of this progress has centred on mechanisms for commissioning new medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The attention of fund-managers and policy-makers is only now turning towards development of mechanisms for decommissioning, disinvesting or redeploying resources from currently funded interventions. While Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis would seem well-suited to this purpose, past applications include both successes and failures in achieving disinvestment and resource release. Discussion Drawing on recent successes/failures in achieving disinvestment and resource release via PBMA, this paper identifies four barriers/enablers to disinvestment via PBMA: (i) specification of the budget constraint, (ii) scope of the programme budget, (iii) composition and role of the advisory group, and (iv) incentives for/against contributing to a 'shift list' of options for disinvestment and resource release. A number of modifications to the PBMA process are then proposed with the aim of reorienting PBMA towards disinvestment. Summary The reoriented model is differentiated by four features: (i) hard budget constraint with budgetary pressure; (ii) programme budgets with broad scope but specific investment proposals linked to disinvestment proposals with similar input requirements; (iii) advisory/working groups that include equal representation of sectional interests plus additional members with responsibility for advocating in favour of disinvestment, (iv) 'shift lists' populated and developed prior to 'wish lists' and investment proposals linked to disinvestment proposals within a relatively narrow budget area. While the argument and evidence presented here suggest that the reoriented model will facilitate disinvestment and resource release, this remains an empirical question. Likewise, further research will be required to determine whether or not the re-oriented model sacrifices feasibility and acceptability to obtain its hypothesised greater emphasis on disinvestment. PMID:20942972

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, C. William

1987-01-01

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

A programmable time alignment scheme for detector signals from the upgraded muon spectrometer at the ATLAS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jinhong; Guan, Liang; Chapman, J.; Zhou, Bing; Zhu, Junjie

2017-11-01

We present a programmable time alignment scheme used in an ASIC for the ATLAS forward muon trigger development. The scheme utilizes regenerated clocks with programmable phases to compensate for the timing offsets introduced by different detector trace lengths. Each ASIC used in the design has 104 input channels with delay compensation circuitry providing steps of ∼3 ns and a full range of 25 ns for each channel. Detailed implementation of the scheme including majority logic to suppress single-event effects is presented. The scheme is flexible and fully synthesizable. The approach is adaptable to other applications with similar phase shifting requirements. In addition, the design is resource efficient and is suitable for cost-effective digital implementation with a large number of channels.

Fully digital programmable optical frequency comb generation and application.

PubMed

Yan, Xianglei; Zou, Xihua; Pan, Wei; Yan, Lianshan; Azaña, José

2018-01-15

We propose a fully digital programmable optical frequency comb (OFC) generation scheme based on binary phase-sampling modulation, wherein an optimized bit sequence is applied to phase modulate a narrow-linewidth light wave. Programming the bit sequence enables us to tune both the comb spacing and comb-line number (i.e., number of comb lines). The programmable OFCs are also characterized by ultra-flat spectral envelope, uniform temporal envelope, and stable bias-free setup. Target OFCs are digitally programmed to have 19, 39, 61, 81, 101, or 201 comb lines and to have a 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, or 1 MHz comb spacing. As a demonstration, a scanning-free temperature sensing system using a proposed OFC with 1001 comb lines was also implemented with a sensitivity of 0.89°C/MHz.

Design of Phase II Non-inferiority Trials.

PubMed

Jung, Sin-Ho

2017-09-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2016-02-15

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-05-01

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

AstroGrid: the UK's Virtual Observatory Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Robert G.; Astrogrid Consortium; Lawrence, Andy; Davenhall, Clive; Mann, Bob; McMahon, Richard; Irwin, Mike; Walton, Nic; Rixon, Guy; Watson, Mike; Osborne, Julian; Page, Clive; Allan, Peter; Giaretta, David; Perry, Chris; Pike, Dave; Sherman, John; Murtagh, Fionn; Harra, Louise; Bentley, Bob; Mason, Keith; Garrington, Simon

AstroGrid is the UK's Virtual Observatory (VO) initiative. It brings together the principal astronomical data centres in the UK, and has been funded to the tune of ˜pounds 5M over the next three years, via PPARC, as part of the UK e--science programme. Its twin goals are the provision of the infrastructure and tools for the federation and exploitation of large astronomical (X-ray to radio), solar and space plasma physics datasets, and the delivery of federations of current datasets for its user communities to exploit using those tools. Whilst AstroGrid's work will be centred on existing and future (e.g. VISTA) UK datasets, it will seek solutions to generic VO problems and will contribute to the developing international virtual observatory framework: AstroGrid is a member of the EU-funded Astrophysical Virtual Observatory project, has close links to a second EU Grid initiative, the European Grid of Solar Observations (EGSO), and will seek an active role in the development of the common standards on which the international virtual observatory will rely. In this paper we shall primarily describe the concrete plans for AstroGrid's one-year Phase A study, which will centre on: (i) the definition of detailed science requirements through community consultation; (ii) the undertaking of a ``functionality market survey" to test the utility of existing technologies for the VO; and (iii) a pilot programme of database federations, each addressing different aspects of the general database federation problem. Further information on AstroGrid can be found at AstroGrid .

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

PubMed

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

2017-05-01

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

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

PubMed

Chen, Cong; Beckman, Robert A

2014-04-01

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

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

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

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

2015-03-15

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

International students' experience of a western medical school: a mixed methods study exploring the early years in the context of cultural and social adjustment compared to students from the host country.

PubMed

McGarvey, A; Brugha, R; Conroy, R M; Clarke, E; Byrne, E

2015-07-02

Few studies have addressed the challenges associated with international students as they adapt to studying medicine in a new host country. Higher level institutions have increasing numbers of international students commencing programmes. This paper explores the experiences of a cohort of students in the early years of medical school in Ireland, where a considerable cohort are from an international background. A mixed exploratory sequential study design was carried out with medical students in the preclinical component of a five year undergraduate programme. Data for the qualitative phase was collected through 29 semi-structured interviews using the peer interview method. Thematic analysis from this phase was incorporated to develop an online questionnaire combined with components of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire and Student Integration Questionnaire. First year students were anonymously surveyed online. The Mokken Scaling procedure was used to investigate the students' experiences, both positive and negative. Three main themes are identified; social adjustment, social alienation and cultural alienation. The response rate for the survey was 49% (467 Respondents). The Mokken Scaling method identified the following scales (i) Positive experience of student life; (ii) Social alienation, which comprised of negative items about feeling lonely, not fitting in, being homesick and (iii) Cultural alienation, which included the items of being uncomfortable around cultural norms of dress and contact between the sexes. With the threshold set to H = 0.4. Subscales of the positive experiences of student life scale are explored further. Overall student adjustment to a western third level college was good. Students from regions where cultural distance is greatest reported more difficulties in adjusting. Students from these regions also demonstrate very good adaptation. Some students from the host country and more similar cultural backgrounds were also struggling. Acculturation is more complex than being associated with cultural distance and worthy of further exploration.

The history of couple therapy: a millennial review.

PubMed

Gurman, Alan S; Fraenkel, Peter

2002-01-01

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

Women's experiences of developing musculoskeletal diseases: employment challenges and policy recommendations.

PubMed

Crooks, Valorie A

2007-07-30

To answer three specific questions: (i) How do women experience the workplace after the onset of a musculoskeletal disease; (ii) What employment policy and programme suggestions can they offer for ways to better support chronically ill women in their abilities to maintain workforce participation; and (iii) How are these women's employment policy and programme recommendations informed by their own lived experiences and desires? In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 women who had developed musculoskeletal diseases while involved in the labour market. Data were coded and analysed thematically. Participants identified three common workplace barriers experienced and three types of workplace accommodations commonly requested. They offered four specific employment policy and programme recommendations for ways to better support women who develop musculoskeletal diseases in maintaining labour market participation. It is found that their employment policy and programme recommendations are informed by their own experiences in the workplace and desires for being supported in maintaining involvement in paid labour. Creating employment programmes and policies that support chronically ill women in their attempts to remain involved in the workforce based on how much paid labour they are able to perform and where they are best able to work is of the utmost importance.

Societal constraints related to environmental remediation and decommissioning programmes.

PubMed

Perko, Tanja; Monken-Fernandes, Horst; Martell, Meritxell; Zeleznik, Nadja; O'Sullivan, Patrick

2017-06-20

The decisions related to decommissioning or environmental remediation projects (D/ER) cannot be isolated from the socio-political and cultural environment. Experiences of the IAEA Member States point out the importance of giving due attention to the societal aspects in project planning and implementation. The purpose of this paper is threefold: i) to systematically review societal constraints that some organisations in different IAEA Member States encounter when implementing D/ER programmes, ii) to identify different approaches to overcome these constraints and iii) to collect examples of existing practices related to the integration of societal aspects in D/ER programmes worldwide. The research was conducted in the context of the IAEA project Constraints to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation (CIDER). The research results show that societal constraints arise mostly as a result of the different perceptions, attitudes, opinions and concerns of stakeholders towards the risks and benefits of D/ER programmes and due to the lack of stakeholder involvement in planning. There are different approaches to address these constraints, however all approaches have common points: early involvement, respect for different views, mutual understanding and learning. These results are relevant for all on-going and planned D/ER programmes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Impact of a Postgraduate Learning Experience on the Confidence of General Dental Practitioners.

PubMed

Fine, Peter; Louca, Chris; Leung, Albert

2017-04-26

This study aimed to explore the relationship between participating in a learning experience and the ensuing changes in confidence. A self-selected group of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) entered a five-year, part-time postgraduate master's training programme in restorative dentistry. Confidence in communication with patients and technical skills were measured at the start of the programme by questionnaire and at the conclusion of the programme by questionnaire and personal interview. A total of 72 clinicians started the programme; 27% ( n = 20) completed the master's degree. Assessment of confidence revealed a spread from 4/10 to 10/10 for communication with patients and clinical skills in restorative dentistry before the programme started. A total of 15% ( n = 11) volunteered for interview. Analysis of qualitative data revealed (i) a perceived increase in confidence from all clinicians; (ii) a perceived greater ability to treat patients; (iii) an increase in treatment options being offered to patients; (iv) a perceived increase in treatment uptake by patients; and (v) greater job opportunities. The study showed a positive relationship between the learning experience and the perceived increase in confidence of clinicians. The increase in confidence manifested itself in better communication and clinical skills.

Identifying the genes underlying quantitative traits: a rationale for the QTN programme.

PubMed

Lee, Young Wha; Gould, Billie A; Stinchcombe, John R

2014-01-01

The goal of identifying the genes or even nucleotides underlying quantitative and adaptive traits has been characterized as the 'QTN programme' and has recently come under severe criticism. Part of the reason for this criticism is that much of the QTN programme has asserted that finding the genes and nucleotides for adaptive and quantitative traits is a fundamental goal, without explaining why it is such a hallowed goal. Here we outline motivations for the QTN programme that offer general insight, regardless of whether QTNs are of large or small effect, and that aid our understanding of the mechanistic dynamics of adaptive evolution. We focus on five areas: (i) vertical integration of insight across different levels of biological organization, (ii) genetic parallelism and the role of pleiotropy in shaping evolutionary dynamics, (iii) understanding the forces maintaining genetic variation in populations, (iv) distinguishing between adaptation from standing variation and new mutation, and (v) the role of genomic architecture in facilitating adaptation. We argue that rather than abandoning the QTN programme, we should refocus our efforts on topics where molecular data will be the most effective for testing hypotheses about phenotypic evolution.

The Impact of a Postgraduate Learning Experience on the Confidence of General Dental Practitioners

PubMed Central

Fine, Peter; Louca, Chris; Leung, Albert

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the relationship between participating in a learning experience and the ensuing changes in confidence. A self-selected group of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) entered a five-year, part-time postgraduate master’s training programme in restorative dentistry. Confidence in communication with patients and technical skills were measured at the start of the programme by questionnaire and at the conclusion of the programme by questionnaire and personal interview. A total of 72 clinicians started the programme; 27% (n = 20) completed the master’s degree. Assessment of confidence revealed a spread from 4/10 to 10/10 for communication with patients and clinical skills in restorative dentistry before the programme started. A total of 15% (n = 11) volunteered for interview. Analysis of qualitative data revealed (i) a perceived increase in confidence from all clinicians; (ii) a perceived greater ability to treat patients; (iii) an increase in treatment options being offered to patients; (iv) a perceived increase in treatment uptake by patients; and (v) greater job opportunities. The study showed a positive relationship between the learning experience and the perceived increase in confidence of clinicians. The increase in confidence manifested itself in better communication and clinical skills. PMID:29563422

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

PubMed

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

2007-04-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-12-01

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

Open Virtual Worlds as Pedagogical Research Tools: Learning from the Schome Park Programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Twining, Peter; Peachey, Anna

This paper introduces the term Open Virtual Worlds and argues that they are ‘unclaimed educational spaces’, which provide a valuable tool for researching pedagogy. Having explored these claims the way in which Teen Second Life® virtual world was used for pedagogical experimentation in the initial phases of the Schome Park Programme is described. Four sets of pedagogical dimensions that emerged are presented and illustrated with examples from the Schome Park Programme.

Microbial exudate promoted dissolution and transformation of chromium containing minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-12-01

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

Progress and Achievements at the Mid Term Stage of the Dragon 3 Programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desnos, Yves-Louis; Li, Zengyuan; Zmuda, Andy; Gao, Zhihai

2014-11-01

The Dragon Programme is a joint undertaking between ESA and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of China and the National Remote Sensing Center of China (NRSCC). Its purpose is to encourage increased exploitation of ESA and Chinese space resources within China as well as stimulate increased scientific cooperation in the field of Earth Observation (EO) science and applications between China and Europe. Since 2004, this pioneering programme has become a model for scientific and technological cooperation between China and Europe. By successfully encouraging joint research using ESA, Third Party Missions and Chinese EO data across a range of thematic areas, Dragon continues to deliver outstanding scientific results. The programme has successfully completed two phases, Dragon 1 from 2004 to 2008, Dragon 2 from 2008 to 2012. The third phase of Dragon was started in 2012 and will be completed in 2016. The Dragon 3 project teams are led by leading EO scientists and young scientists are also engaged on the projects. Advanced training in land, ocean and atmospheric applications is a feature of the programme and a course on land and one course on ocean applications have been successfully held in 2012 and 2013 in China. Here-in provided is an overview of the results, reporting and training activities at the mid-term stage of the programme.

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

PubMed

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

2012-12-05

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takemura, T.; Chin, M.

2014-12-01

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

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

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

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

Domestic Abuse Prevention Education: Listening to the Views of Young People

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fox, Claire L.; Hale, Rebecca; Gadd, David

2014-01-01

This paper reports on findings derived as part of a two-year project funded by the European Union's Daphne III scheme, involving collaboration between seven partner organisations across six European countries. The project involved an evaluation, using questionnaires and focus groups, of domestic abuse prevention education programmes delivered in…

PISA 2015 Results: Students' Well-Being. Volume III

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing, 2017

2017-01-01

The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) examines not just what students know in science, reading and mathematics, but what they can do with what they know. This report is the product of a collaborative effort between the countries participating in PISA, the national and international experts and institutions working within…

78 FR 12807 - Call for Expert Reviewers to the U.S. Government Review of the Working Group III Contribution to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-25

... on Climate Change (IPCC), Mitigation of Climate Change SUMMARY: The United States Global Change... Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Mitigation of Climate Change. The United Nations Environment Programme...-economic information for understanding the scientific basis of climate change, potential impacts, and...

Third Expert Consultation on RAMP (RAMP III) (Helsinki, Finland, September 13, 15 and 20, 1986). Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris (France). General Information Programme.

Organized for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) by contract with the International Council on Archives (ICA), this meeting concerning the Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP) was attended by 14 experts invited from Unesco member countries. Following a brief introduction, summaries are…

Community-based pilot intervention to tackle childhood obesity: a whole-system approach.

PubMed

Vamos, E P; Lewis, E; Junghans, C; Hrobonova, E; Dunsford, E; Millett, C

2016-11-01

Go-Golborne is a pilot intervention to prevent childhood obesity in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea between 2014 and 2018. It is a multistrategy approach targeting children aged 0-16 years and their families in all settings where children live, learn and play. This paper describes the methodology and the practical steps in the development of Go-Golborne. The programme uses a quasi-experimental design for the evaluation of changes in weight status using data from the extended National Child Measurement Programme across local schools. For specific behavioural change objectives, baseline self-reported lifestyle measures will be compared against annual follow-up data over the 3-year study period. Qualitative methods will be used to explore the perceptions of stakeholders and participants and organizational change. Go-Golborne aims to mobilize everyone in the community who has a role or interest in shaping the local environment, norms and behaviours across a range of sectors. A community network of local organizations has been established to codesign all programme activities. The Steering Group of Council officers support programme implementation and environmental changes. The programme has identified six specific behaviour change objectives representing the key areas of need in Golborne and all activities in the council and the community target these objectives during specific programme phases. Key components include community capacity building, community-wide social marketing, environment and policy change and evaluation. The programme is currently at the beginning of its implementation phase with activities in the community and council targeting the first behaviour change objective. The pilot aims to test the effectiveness of this approach to support behaviour change and prevent unhealthy weight gain in children using multiple strategies. This programme will inform the development of an intervention model that defines essential programme components, accountability of partner organizations delivering obesity prevention programmes and the effective use of existing assets. Copyright © 2016 The Royal Society for Public Health. All rights reserved.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Guo

1995-06-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2009-01-26

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

On-axis programmable microscope using liquid crystal spatial light modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Martínez, Pascuala; Martínez, José Luís.; Moreno, Ignacio

2017-06-01

Spatial light modulators (SLM) are currently used in many applications in optical microscopy and imaging. One of the most promising methods is the use of liquid crystal displays (LCD) as programmable phase diffractive optical elements (DOE) placed in the Fourier plane giving access to the spatial frequencies which can be phased shifted individually, allowing to emulate a wealth of contrast enhancing methods for both amplitude and phase samples. We use phase and polarization modulation of LCD to implement an on-axis microscope optical system. The LCD used are Hamamatsu liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) SLM free of flicker, thus showing a full profit of the SLM space bandwidth, as opposed to optical systems in the literature forced to work off-axis due to the strong zero-order component. Taking benefits of the phase modulation of the LCOS we have implemented different microscopic imaging operations, such as high-pass and low-pass filtering in parallel using programmable blazed gratings. Moreover, we are able to control polarization modulation to display two orthogonal linear state of polarization images than can be subtracted or added by changing the period of the blazed grating. In that sense, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy can be easily done by generating two images exploiting the polarization splitting properties when a blazed grating is displayed in the SLM. Biological microscopy samples are also used.

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

PubMed

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

2016-06-01

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

Day patient treatment for traumatic grief: preliminary evaluation of a one-year treatment programme for patients with multiple and traumatic losses

PubMed Central

de Heus, Annemiek; Hengst, Sophie M. C.; de la Rie, Simone M.; Djelantik, A. A. A. Manik J.; Boelen, Paul A.; Smid, Geert E.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Bereaved individuals who have lost a loved one under traumatic circumstances can develop symptoms of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) and/or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is particularly common in refugees, as they frequently have been confronted with multiple traumatic losses. For patients with severe PTSD and traumatic grief a treatment programme was developed, embedding individual traumatic grief focused therapy in a group-based multidisciplinary day patient treatment programme. The day patient treatment comprised a weekly five-hour programme consisting of three phases with a duration of four months each. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the treatment programme. Method: Data were analyzed from 16 participants treated between October 2013 and March 2014. PTSD severity and PTSD/PCBD diagnoses were measured during the initial and final phases of treatment using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS) and the Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). One clinical case is presented in more detail. Treatment attendance was also registered and therapist satisfaction was evaluated in a focus group. Results: Thirteen patients (81%) completed the treatment. Each day of the treatment programme was attended by a mean of 76% of the participants. In the focus group, therapists noted symptom reduction in their patients and they therefore regarded Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for Traumatic Grief (BEP-TG) as an effective therapy for their patients. During treatment, significant decreases in PTSD severity as well as diagnosable PTSD and PCBD were observed. Conclusions: Results support the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the day patient treatment programme for traumatic grief. The programme appears to be particularly suitable for refugees with severe PTSD and PCBD psychopathology, who may not benefit enough from usual care. PMID:29038679

Anal Cancer: An Examination of Radiotherapy Strategies

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

Glynne-Jones, Rob; Lim, Faye

2011-04-01

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

On Mutual Transform Between Number-Difference State and Phase State Corresponding to Operational Phase Operator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Hong-Yi; Hu, Hai-Peng

2005-09-01

In the mutual transform between the number-difference state and the phase state corresponding to the operational phase operator we find that there exists an end-point ambiguousness. This problem can be avoided by Lighthill's method. The project supported by the Ph. D Tutoring Programme of the Educational Ministry of China

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

Noel, Donna

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

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

PubMed

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

2014-07-01

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

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

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

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

2016-05-15

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

A multi-phase telepsychiatry programme in Michigan: organizational factors affecting utilization and user perceptions.

PubMed

Whitten, Pamela; Kuwahara, Emily

2004-01-01

Over the last few years, telepsychiatry services in Michigan have been developed by LifeWays, a Medicaid-managed behavioural health-care organization. The project had four phases, involving the introduction of telepsychiatry services between a rural and an urban clinic, to a crisis intervention centre, to a youth detention centre and to patients' homes. The role of organizational issues in the success of the programme was examined through patient interviews, provider interviews, patient and provider pre- and post-project focus groups, and service documents. Utilization data were obtained from activity logs and patient charts. During the study, 297 clients received 578 teleconsultations. Almost 97% of the telepsychiatry visits were scheduled. Telemedicine usage varied between the four project phases. The reasons for its variation in use included provider roles, existing organizational strategic goals and resources, the inherent organizational culture and quirks, and leadership and managerial factors. The major difficulties stemmed from the providers and the organization itself. There is tremendous potential for telepsychiatry and the ways in which organizational variables can be managed to influence the success of telepsychiatry programmes deserve further study.

Speech-language therapists supporting foundation-phase teachers with literacy and numeracy in a rural and township context.

PubMed

Wium, Anna-Marie; Louw, Brenda; Eloff, Irma

2010-12-01

Language is required for learning, but educators often find it difficult to facilitate listening and language skills while they have to adapt to a new national curriculum with an outcomes-based approach for which they have not necessarily been adequately trained. A multifaceted support programme was developed for foundation-phase educators to facilitate listening and language for literacy and numeracy, with a particular focus on language for numeracy. The aim of the research was to determine the value of this particular support programme for foundation-phase educators in two different contexts (a semi-rural and a township context). A mixed methods approach with a concurrent, equal status triangulation design was used, where qualitative data were transformed to quantitative data in order to be compared in a matrix. The results show that the participants benefited to varying degrees from the programme. The combination of workshops, practical and mentoring components proved to be an effective means of support. The results indicate a need for pre-training selection procedures as more effective support can be provided to homogeneous groups.

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-15

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2012-11-01

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

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

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

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

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

SPSP Phase III Recruiting, Selecting, and Developing Secure Power Systems Professionals. Individual and Team Performance Guidelines

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

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

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

Gas-phase infrared spectrum of phosphorus (III) oxycyanide, OPCN: experimental and theoretical investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allaf, Abdul. W.; Kassem, M.; Alibrahim, M.; Boustani, Ihsan

1999-03-01

An attempt was made to observe the gas-phase infrared spectrum of Phosphorus (III) oxycyanide, OPCN for the first time. This molecule was produced by an on-line process using phosphorus (III) oxychloride, OPCl as precursor passed over heated AgCN. The products were characterised by the infrared spectra of their vapours. The low resolution gas-phase Fourier transform infrared spectrum shows two bands centered at 2165 and 1385 cm -1. These bands are assigned to, ν1 (CN stretch) and ν2 (OP stretch), respectively. Ab initio self-consistent-field (SCF) molecular orbital (MO) and Møller-Plesset second order perturbation theory (MP2) calculations were performed to determine the geometry, total energy and vibrational frequencies of OPCN.

Health governance by collaboration: a case study on an area-based programme to tackle health inequalities in the Dutch city of the Hague.

PubMed

Plochg, Thomas; Schmidt, Melanie; Klazinga, Niek S; Stronks, Karien

2013-12-01

Area-based programmes are seen as a promising strategy for tackling health inequalities. In these programmes, local authorities and other local actors collaborate to employ health promoting interventions and policies. Little is known about the underlying processes of collaborative governance. To unravel this black box, we explored how the authority of The Hague, The Netherlands, developed a programme tackling health inequalities drawing on a collaborative mode of governance. Case study drawing on qualitative semi-structured interviews and document review. Data were inductively analysed against the concept of collaborative governance. The authority's ambition was to co-produce a programme on tackling health inequalities with local actors. Three stages could be distinguished in the governing process: (i) formulating policy objectives, (ii) translating policy objectives into interventions and (iii) executing health interventions. In the stage of formulating policy objectives, the collaboration led to a reframing of the initial objectives. Furthermore, the translation of the policy objectives into health interventions was rather pragmatic and loosely based on health needs and/or evidence. As a result, the concrete actions that ensued from the programme did not necessarily reflect the initial objectives. In a local system of health governance by collaboration, factors other than the stated policy objectives played a role, eventually undermining the effectiveness of the programme in reducing health inequalities. To be effective, the processes of collaborative governance underlying area-based programmes require the attention of the local authority, including the building and governing of networks, a competent public health workforce and supportive infrastructures.

Effectiveness of a respiratory rehabilitation programme in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Prunera-Pardell, María Jesús; Padín-López, Susana; Domenech-Del Rio, Adolfo; Godoy-Ramírez, Ana

To evaluate the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary respiratory rehabilitation (RR) programme in patients with severe or very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pre the RR programme, at the end of the programme and one year after the RR, measuring changes in ability to exercise (walking test), effort tolerance(forced expiratory volume (FEV1)) and health-related quality of life. Quasi-experimental single group design. We included patients diagnosed with severe or very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (stages III and IV of the GOLD classification) who entered the rehabilitation programme for the years 2011 and 2012. Demographic data, questionnaires on general health-related quality of life (SF-36) and specific to respiratory patients (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire), FEV1% and exercise capacity test (running test 6minutes) were collected. Data were collected before the RR programme, at the end of the RR programme and a year after completing the program. No significant differences in FEV1% values were observed. Regarding exercise capacity, an increase in distance walked in the walking test was noted, which changed significantly after training, 377±59.7 to 415±79 m after one year (P<.01). A statistically significant improvement in mean scores of HRQoL was observed, except for the emotional role dimension of the SF-36 questionnaire. A pulmonary rehabilitation programme for 8 weeks improved the exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life of patients with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

EffectS of non-nutritive sWeetened beverages on appetITe during aCtive weigHt loss (SWITCH): Protocol for a randomized, controlled trial assessing the effects of non-nutritive sweetened beverages compared to water during a 12-week weight loss period and a follow up weight maintenance period.

PubMed

Masic, U; Harrold, J A; Christiansen, P; Cuthbertson, D J; Hardman, C A; Robinson, E; Halford, J C G

2017-02-01

Acute and medium-term intervention studies suggest that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are beneficial for weight loss, however there is limited human data on the long-term effects of consuming NNS on weight loss, maintenance, and appetite. Further research is therefore required to elucidate the prolonged impact of NNS consumption on these outcome measures. A randomized parallel groups design will be used to assess whether regular NNS beverage intake is equivalent to a water control in promoting weight loss over 12-weeks (weekly weight loss sessions; Phase I), then supporting weight maintenance over 40-weeks (monthly sessions; Phase II) and subsequently independent weight maintenance over 52-weeks (Phase III) in 432 participants. A subset of these participants (n=116) will complete laboratory-based appetite probe days (15 sessions; 3 sessions each at baseline, at the start of phase I and the end of each phase). A separate subset (n=50) will complete body composition scans (DXA) at baseline and at the end of each phase. All participants will regularly be weighed and will complete questionnaires and cognitive tasks to assess changes in body weight and appetitive behaviours. Measures of physical activity and biochemical markers will also be taken. The trial will assess the efficacy of NNS beverages compared to water during a behavioural weight loss and maintenance programme. We aim to understand whether the impact of NNS on weight, dietary adherence and well-being are beneficial or transient and effects on prolonged successful weight loss and weight maintenance through sustained changes in appetite and eating behaviour. Clinical Trials: NCT02591134; registered: 23.10.2015. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The quest for modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an integral part of mainstream medicine in China. Due to its worldwide use, potential impact on healthcare and opportunities for new drug development, TCM is also of great international interest. Recently, a new era for modernisation of TCM was launched with the successful completion of the Good Practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in the Post-genomic Era (GP-TCM) project, the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) coordination action on TCM research. This 3.5-year project that involved inputs from over 200 scientists resulted in the production of 20 editorials and in-depth reviews on different aspects of TCM that were published in a special issue of Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2012; volume 140, issue 3). In this narrative review, we aim to summarise the findings of the FP7 GP-TCM project and highlight the relevance of TCM to modern medicine within a historical and international context. Advances in TCM research since the 1950s can be characterised into three phases: Phase I (1950s-1970s) was fundamental for developing TCM higher education, research and hospital networks in China; Phase II (1980s-2000s) was critical for developing legal, economic and scientific foundations and international networks for TCM; and Phase III (2011 onwards) is concentrating on consolidating the scientific basis and clinical practice of TCM through interdisciplinary, interregional and intersectoral collaborations. Taking into account the quality and safety requirements newly imposed by a globalised market, we especially highlight the scientific evidence behind TCM, update the most important milestones and pitfalls, and propose integrity, integration and innovation as key principles for further modernisation of TCM. These principles will serve as foundations for further research and development of TCM, and for its future integration into tomorrow’s medicine. PMID:23763836

Biogeochemical transformation of Fe minerals in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

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

2004-01-01

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

Chronic shin splints. Classification and management of medial tibial stress syndrome.

PubMed

Detmer, D E

1986-01-01

A clinical classification and treatment programme has been developed for chronic medial tibial stress syndrome. Medial tibial stress syndrome has been reported to be either tibial stress fracture or microfracture, tibial periostitis, or distal deep posterior chronic compartment syndrome. Three chronic types exist and may coexist: Type I (tibial microfracture, bone stress reaction or cortical fracture); type II (periostalgia from chronic avulsion of the periosteum at the periosteal-fascial junction); and type III (chronic compartment syndrome syndrome). Type I disease is treated nonoperatively. Operations for resistant types II and III medial tibial stress syndrome were performed in 41 patients. Bilaterality was common (type II, 50% type III, 88%). Seven had coexistent type II/III; one had type I/II. Preoperative symptoms averaged 24 months in type II, 6 months in type III, and 33 months in types II/III. Mean age was 22 years (15 to 51). Resting compartment pressures were normal in type II (mean 12 mm Hg) and elevated in type III and type II/III (mean 23 mm Hg). Type II and type II/III patients received fasciotomy plus periosteal cauterisation. Type III patients had fasciotomy only. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis using local anaesthesia. Follow up was complete and averaged 6 months (2 to 14 months). Improved performance was as follows: type II, 93%, type III, 100%; type II/III, 86%. Complete cures were as follows: type II, 78%; type III, 75%; and type II/III, 57%. This experience suggests that with precise diagnosis and treatment involving minimal risk and cost the athlete has a reasonable chance of return to full activity.

[GeKo KidS--Health Literacy in School Children].

PubMed

Splieth, C H; Franze, M; Plachta-Danielzik, S; Thyrian, J R; Schmidt, C O; John, U; Kohlmann, T; Müller, M J; Hoffmann, W

2015-09-01

The main goal of this study was the evaluation of an intervention programme for the promotion of health literacy in school-aged children (grade 5-6). The project and the programme were highly accepted, the extension of the annual dental health examination was suitable to collect data within evaluation projects in schools. In spite of positive outcomes, a longer supervision phase would be necessary in order to optimise and to implement other programme components fully. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Implementation of PBL Curriculum Involving Multiple Disciplines in Undergraduate Medical Education Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chakravarthi, Srikumar; Haleagrahara, Nagaraja

2010-01-01

This article describes how a multidisciplinary problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum was established at the International Medical University in Malaysia for preclinical education in a 5-semester phase 1 programme. Based on positive feedback from a modified PBL program implemented in one discipline, a multidisciplinary PBL curriculum was…

Planning and Administration of National Literacy Programmes: The Indian Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bordia, Anil

In reporting the history and status of the National Adult Education Programme of India (NAEP), a five-year literacy campaign (1979-84) that was designed to educate approximately 100 million persons, this study emphasizes the program's preparatory phase and its monitoring/evaluation systems. After a survey of the literacy needs and past literacy…

Making Distance Visible: Assembling Nearness in an Online Distance Learning Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Jen; Gallagher, Michael Sean; Macleod, Hamish

2013-01-01

Online distance learners are in a particularly complex relationship with the educational institutions they belong to (Bayne, Gallagher, & Lamb, 2012). For part-time distance students, arrivals and departures can be multiple and invisible as students take courses, take breaks, move into independent study phases of a programme, find work or…

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

DOEpatents

Stowe, Ashley; Burger, Arnold; Lukosi, Eric

2017-05-02

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

Towards computer-assisted surgery in shoulder joint replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valstar, Edward R.; Botha, Charl P.; van der Glas, Marjolein; Rozing, Piet M.; van der Helm, Frans C. T.; Post, Frits H.; Vossepoel, Albert M.

A research programme that aims to improve the state of the art in shoulder joint replacement surgery has been initiated at the Delft University of Technology. Development of improved endoprostheses for the upper extremities (DIPEX), as this effort is called, is a clinically driven multidisciplinary programme consisting of many contributory aspects. A part of this research programme focuses on the pre-operative planning and per-operative guidance issues. The ultimate goal of this part of the DIPEX project is to create a surgical support infrastructure that can be used to predict the optimal surgical protocol and can assist with the selection of the most suitable endoprosthesis for a particular patient. In the pre-operative planning phase, advanced biomechanical models of the endoprosthesis fixation and the musculo-skeletal system of the shoulder will be incorporated, which are adjusted to the individual's morphology. Subsequently, the support infrastructure must assist the surgeon during the operation in executing his surgical plan. In the per-operative phase, the chosen optimal position of the endoprosthesis can be realised using camera-assisted tools or mechanical guidance tools. In this article, the pathway towards the desired surgical support infrastructure is described. Furthermore, we discuss the pre-operative planning phase and the per-operative guidance phase, the initial work performed, and finally, possible approaches for improving prosthesis placement.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-12-01

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

Precise and programmable manipulation of microbubbles by two-dimensional standing surface acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Long; Cai, Feiyan; Chen, Juanjuan; Niu, Lili; Li, Yanming; Wu, Junru; Zheng, Hairong

2012-04-01

A microfluidic device is developed to transport microbubbles (MBs) along a desired trajectory in fluid by introducing the phase-shift to a planar standing surface acoustic wave (SSAW). The radiation force of SSAW due to the acoustic pressure gradient modulated by a phase-shift can move MBs to anticipated potential wells in a programmable manner. The resolution of the transportation is approximately 2.2 µm and the estimated radiation force on the MBs is on the order of 10-9 N. This device can be used for manipulation of bioparticles, cell sorting, tissue engineering, and other biomedical applications.

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

PubMed

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

2017-07-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2006-04-01

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

Preparation of III-V semiconductor nanocrystals

DOEpatents

Alivisatos, A. Paul; Olshavsky, Michael A.

1996-01-01

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

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array.

PubMed

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382∕MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad(2) and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad2 and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

Mimicking electrodeposition in the gas phase: a programmable concept for selected-area fabrication of multimaterial nanostructures.

PubMed

Cole, Jesse J; Lin, En-Chiang; Barry, Chad R; Jacobs, Heiko O

2010-05-21

An in situ gas-phase process that produces charged streams of Au, Si, TiO(2), ZnO, and Ge nanoparticles/clusters is reported together with a programmable concept for selected-area assembly/printing of more than one material type. The gas-phase process mimics solution electrodeposition whereby ions in the liquid phase are replaced with charged clusters in the gas phase. The pressure range in which the analogy applies is discussed and it is demonstrated that particles can be plated into pores vertically (minimum resolution 60 nm) or laterally to form low-resistivity (48 microOmega cm) interconnects. The process is applied to the formation of multimaterial nanoparticle films and sensors. The system works at atmospheric pressure and deposits material at room temperature onto electrically biased substrate regions. The combination of pumpless operation and parallel nozzle-free deposition provides a scalable tool for printable flexible electronics and the capability to mix and match materials.

The effectiveness of suicide prevention programmes: urban and gender disparity in age-specific suicide rates in a Taiwanese population.

PubMed

Lung, F-W; Liao, S-C; Wu, C-Y; Lee, M-B

2017-06-01

The effectiveness of suicide prevention programmes is an important issue worldwide today. The impact of urbanization and gender is controversial in suicide rates. Hence, this study adjusted on potential risk factors and secular changes for suicide rates in gender and rural/urban areas. Observational study. A Suicide Prevention Center was established by the Executive Yuan in Taiwan in 2005 and tried to carry out suicidal intervention in the community in every city and town. There were two phases, including the first phase of the programme from 2005 to 2008, and the second phase of the programme from 2009 to 2013. The crude suicide rates data from the period of 1991-2013, which recruited nine urban and 14 rural areas in Taiwan, were extracted from the Taiwanese national mortality data file. The suicide rates in two areas of Taiwan (Taipei city and Yilan County) were further used to compare the differences between urban and rural areas. The results show that unemployment increased the suicide rate in men aged 45-64 years and in women older than 65 years of age in Taiwan. High divorce and unemployment rates resulted in increased suicide rates in men in the city, whereas emotional distress was the main cause of suicides in men in rural areas. The main method of suicide was jumping from a high building for both sexes in the city, whereas drowning was the most common method of suicide for men in rural areas. Following the intervention programme, suicide behaviour began to decrease in all urban and rural areas of Taiwan. This study showed the cumulative effect of the intervention programme in decreasing the suicide rate in Taiwan. Moreover, the gender-specific suicidal rate and disparity in suicidal methods in urban and rural areas should be considered in further preventive strategies in Taiwan. Copyright © 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monitoring safety in a phase III real‐world effectiveness trial: use of novel methodology in the Salford Lung Study

PubMed Central

Harvey, Catherine; Brewster, Jill; Bakerly, Nawar Diar; Elkhenini, Hanaa F.; Stanciu, Roxana; Williams, Claire; Brereton, Jacqui; New, John P.; McCrae, John; McCorkindale, Sheila; Leather, David

2016-01-01

Abstract Background The Salford Lung Study (SLS) programme, encompassing two phase III pragmatic randomised controlled trials, was designed to generate evidence on the effectiveness of a once‐daily treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in routine primary care using electronic health records. Objective The objective of this study was to describe and discuss the safety monitoring methodology and the challenges associated with ensuring patient safety in the SLS. Refinements to safety monitoring processes and infrastructure are also discussed. The study results are outside the remit of this paper. The results of the COPD study were published recently and a more in‐depth exploration of the safety results will be the subject of future publications. Achievements The SLS used a linked database system to capture relevant data from primary care practices in Salford and South Manchester, two university hospitals and other national databases. Patient data were collated and analysed to create daily summaries that were used to alert a specialist safety team to potential safety events. Clinical research teams at participating general practitioner sites and pharmacies also captured safety events during routine consultations. Confidence in the safety monitoring processes over time allowed the methodology to be refined and streamlined without compromising patient safety or the timely collection of data. The information technology infrastructure also allowed additional details of safety information to be collected. Conclusion Integration of multiple data sources in the SLS may provide more comprehensive safety information than usually collected in standard randomised controlled trials. Application of the principles of safety monitoring methodology from the SLS could facilitate safety monitoring processes for future pragmatic randomised controlled trials and yield important complementary safety and effectiveness data. © 2016 The Authors Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:27804174

The RESPIRE trials: Two phase III, randomized, multicentre, placebo-controlled trials of Ciprofloxacin Dry Powder for Inhalation (Ciprofloxacin DPI) in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

PubMed

Aksamit, Timothy; Bandel, Tiemo-Joerg; Criollo, Margarita; De Soyza, Anthony; Elborn, J Stuart; Operschall, Elisabeth; Polverino, Eva; Roth, Katrin; Winthrop, Kevin L; Wilson, Robert

2017-07-01

The primary goals of long-term disease management in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) are to reduce the number of exacerbations, and improve quality of life. However, currently no therapies are licensed for this. Ciprofloxacin Dry Powder for Inhalation (Ciprofloxacin DPI) has potential to be the first long-term intermittent therapy approved to reduce exacerbations in NCFB patients. The RESPIRE programme consists of two international phase III prospective, parallel-group, randomized, double-blinded, multicentre, placebo-controlled trials of the same design. Adult patients with idiopathic or post-infectious NCFB, a history of ≥2 exacerbations in the previous 12months, and positive sputum culture for one of seven pre-specified pathogens, undergo stratified randomization 2:1 to receive twice-daily Ciprofloxacin DPI 32.5mg or placebo using a pocket-sized inhaler in one of two regimens: 28days on/off treatment or 14days on/off treatment. The treatment period is 48weeks plus an 8-week follow-up after the last dose. The primary efficacy endpoints are time to first exacerbation after treatment initiation and frequency of exacerbations using a stringent definition of exacerbation. Secondary endpoints, including frequency of events using different exacerbation definitions, microbiology, quality of life and lung function will also be evaluated. The RESPIRE trials will determine the efficacy and safety of Ciprofloxacin DPI. The strict entry criteria and stratified randomization, the inclusion of two treatment regimens and a stringent definition of exacerbation should clarify the patient population best positioned to benefit from long-term inhaled antibiotic therapy. Additionally RESPIRE will increase understanding of NCFB treatment and could lead to an important new therapy for sufferers. The RESPIRE trials are registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, ID number NCT01764841 (RESPIRE 1; date of registration January 8, 2013) and NCT02106832 (RESPIRE 2; date of registration April 4, 2014). Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Monitoring safety in a phase III real-world effectiveness trial: use of novel methodology in the Salford Lung Study.

PubMed

Collier, Sue; Harvey, Catherine; Brewster, Jill; Bakerly, Nawar Diar; Elkhenini, Hanaa F; Stanciu, Roxana; Williams, Claire; Brereton, Jacqui; New, John P; McCrae, John; McCorkindale, Sheila; Leather, David

2017-03-01

The Salford Lung Study (SLS) programme, encompassing two phase III pragmatic randomised controlled trials, was designed to generate evidence on the effectiveness of a once-daily treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in routine primary care using electronic health records. The objective of this study was to describe and discuss the safety monitoring methodology and the challenges associated with ensuring patient safety in the SLS. Refinements to safety monitoring processes and infrastructure are also discussed. The study results are outside the remit of this paper. The results of the COPD study were published recently and a more in-depth exploration of the safety results will be the subject of future publications. The SLS used a linked database system to capture relevant data from primary care practices in Salford and South Manchester, two university hospitals and other national databases. Patient data were collated and analysed to create daily summaries that were used to alert a specialist safety team to potential safety events. Clinical research teams at participating general practitioner sites and pharmacies also captured safety events during routine consultations. Confidence in the safety monitoring processes over time allowed the methodology to be refined and streamlined without compromising patient safety or the timely collection of data. The information technology infrastructure also allowed additional details of safety information to be collected. Integration of multiple data sources in the SLS may provide more comprehensive safety information than usually collected in standard randomised controlled trials. Application of the principles of safety monitoring methodology from the SLS could facilitate safety monitoring processes for future pragmatic randomised controlled trials and yield important complementary safety and effectiveness data. © 2016 The Authors Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

MedlinePlus

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

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

PubMed

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

2016-07-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2012-06-01

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

Objectives and methodology of BIOBADASER phase iii.

PubMed

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

2017-09-18

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

The "Good", the ''Bad" and the "Ugly"? Views on Male Teachers in Foundation Phase Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petersen, Nadine

2014-01-01

In the context of the foundation phase, where women tend to dominate, the increasing numbers of male students entering teaching programmes for this phase of schooling has generated considerable praise, as well as criticism. This paper explores the views of two first-year foundation phase (FP) student cohorts at a Johannesburg university about male…

Low-Cost Educational Materials. How to Make, How to Use, How to Adapt. Inventory. Volume III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Bangkok (Thailand). Regional Office for Education in Asia and the Pacific.

This volume presents instructions for 61 low-cost and indigenous teaching materials that were developed from recommendations of the Fifth Regional Consultation Meeting on APEID (Asia and the Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development) held in March 1978. Third in a series, this document describes materials that not only contribute…

Going global in physical therapist education: International Service-Learning in US-based programmes.

PubMed

Pechak, Celia; Thompson, Mary

2011-12-01

 Internationalization is expanding its presence in higher education in the United States. Reflecting this trend that includes incorporating global perspectives in the curricula, physical therapist education programmes increasingly offer international opportunities such as International Service-Learning (ISL) to their students. Service-learning, a teaching strategy that integrates community service with structured learning activities, has gained broad acceptance in health professions education including physical therapy, and is therefore the focus of this paper. The specific purposes of this paper were to identify and analyse the commonalities that existed among established ISL programmes within physical therapist education programmes in terms of structures and processes, and to consider its broader implications for physical therapist education.   A descriptive, exploratory study was performed using grounded theory. Snowball and purposive, theoretical sampling yielded 14 faculty members with experience in international service, international learning or ISL in physical therapist education programmes. Faculty were interviewed by phone. Interview transcriptions and course documents were analysed applying grounded theory methodology. Data from eight programmes which met the operational definition of established ISL were used to address the purposes of this paper.   Five phases of establishing an ISL programme were identified: development, design, implementation, evaluation, and enhancement. Although no single model exists for ISL in physical therapist education; commonalities in structures and processes were identified in each phase. However, attention to service objectives and outcomes is lacking.   While analysis revealed that each programme shared commonalities and demonstrated differences in structures and processes compared with the other programmes, the study demonstrated a general lack of focus on formal community outcomes which raises ethical concerns. Future research and dialogue is warranted to explore ethics and good practice in ISL and other global health initiatives in physical therapy. This study may facilitate reflections and creative solutions by individual faculty and the profession. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Dorothy B.; Avance, Lyonel D.

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

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Love, Jessica June

2013-01-01

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

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

Cancer.gov

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

Enhancements to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) multiplexer readout and control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forgione, Joshua B.; Benford, Dominic J.; Buchanan, Ernest D.; Moseley, S. H., Jr.; Rebar, Joyce; Shafer, Richard A.

2004-10-01

Far-infrared detector arrays such as the 16x32 superconducting bolometer array for the SAFIRE instrument (flying on the SOFIA airborne observatory) require systems of readout and control electronics to provide translation between a user-driven, digital PC and the cold, analog world of the cryogenic detector. In 2001, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed their Mark III electronics for purposes of control and readout of their 1x32 SQUID Multiplexer chips. We at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center acquired a Mark III system and subsequently designed upgrades to suit our and our collaborators' purposes. We developed an arbitrary, programmable multiplexing system that allows the user to cycle through rows in a SQUID array in an infinite number of combinations. We provided 'hooks' in the Mark III system to allow readout of signals from outside the Mark III system, such as telescope status information. Finally, we augmented the heart of the system with a new feedback algorithm implementation, flexible diagnostic tools, and informative telemetry.

Family health nurse project--an education program of the World Health Organization: the University of Stirling experience.

PubMed

Murray, Ian

2008-11-01

This article outlines the delivery of the Family Health Nurse Education Programme of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the University of Stirling, Scotland, from 2001 to 2005. The program was part of the WHO European Family Health Nurse pilot project. The curriculum outlined by the WHO Curriculum Planning Group detailed the broad thrust of the Family Health Nurse Education Programme and was modified to be responsive to the context in which it was delivered, while staying faithful to general principles and precepts. The Family Health Nurse Education Programme is described in its evolving format over the two phases of the project; the remote and rural context occurred from 2001 to 2003, and the modification of the program for the urban phase of the project occurred during 2004 and 2005. The conceptual framework that was foundational to the development of the curriculum to prepare family health nurses will be described.

Pressure effect on the long-range order in CeB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sera, M.; Ikeda, S.; Iwakubo, H.; Uwatoko, Y.; Hane, S.; Kosaka, M.; Kunii, S.

2006-08-01

The pressure effect of CeB6 was investigated. The pressure dependence of the Néel temperature, TN and the critical field from the antiferro-magnetic phase III to antiferro-quadrupolar phase II, HcIII-II of CeB6 exhibits the unusual pressure dependence that the suppression rate of HcIII-II is much larger than that of TN. In order to explain this unusual result, we have performed the mean field calculation for the 4-sublattice model assuming that the pressure dependence of TN, the antiferro-octupolar and quadrupolar temperatures, Toct and TQ as follows; dTN/dP<0, dToct/dP>dTQ/dP>0 and could explain the unusual pressure dependence of TN and HcIII-II.

Results from the UK 3rd generation programme: Albion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEwen, R. K.; Axcell, C.; Knowles, P.; Hoade, K. P.; Wilson, M.; Dennis, P. N. J.; Backhouse, P.; Gordon, N. T.

2008-10-01

Following the development of 1st Generation systems in the 1970s, thermal imaging has been in service with the UK armed forces for over 25 years and has proven itself to be a battle winning technology. More recently the wider accessibility to similar technologies within opposing forces has reduced the military advantage provided by these 1st Generation systems and a clear requirement has been identified by the UK MOD for thermal imaging sensors providing increased detection, recognition and identification (DRI) ranges together with a simplified logistical deployment burden and reduced through-life costs. In late 2005, the UK MOD initiated a programme known as "Albion" to develop high performance 3rd Generation single waveband infrared detectors to meet this requirement. At the same time, under a separate programme supporting higher risk technology, a dual waveband infrared detector was also developed. The development phase of the Albion programme has now been completed and prototype detectors are now available and have been integrated into demonstration thermal imaging cameras. The Albion programme has now progressed into the second phase, incorporating both single and dual waveband devices, focussing on low rate initial production (LRIP) and qualification of the devices for military applications. All of the detectors have been fabricated using cadmium mercury telluride material (CMT), grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on low cost, gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates and bump bonded to the silicon read out circuit (ROIC). This paper discusses the design features of the 3rd Generation detectors developed in the UK together with the results obtained from the prototype devices both in the laboratory and when integrated into field deployable thermal imaging cameras.

Preparation of III-V semiconductor nanocrystals

DOEpatents

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

1996-04-09

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

The National Institute for Health Research Leadership Programme

PubMed Central

Jones, Molly Morgan; Wamae, Watu; Fry, Caroline Viola; Kennie, Tom; Chataway, Joanna

2012-01-01

Abstract RAND Europe evaluated the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leadership Programme in an effort to help the English Department of Health consider the extent to which the programme has helped to foster NIHR's aims, extract lessons for the future, and develop plans for the next phase of the leadership programme. Successful delivery of high-quality health research requires not only an effective research base, but also a system of leadership supporting it. However, research leaders are not often given the opportunity, nor do they have the time, to attend formal leadership or management training programmes. This is unfortunate because research has shown that leadership training can have a hugely beneficial effect on an organisation. Therefore, the evaluation has a particular interest in understanding the role of the programme as a science policy intervention and will use its expertise in science policy analysis to consider this element alongside other, more traditional, measures of evaluation. PMID:28083231

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

PubMed

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

2018-05-10

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-09-01

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

Exploring the Photoreduction of Au(III) Complexes in the Gas-Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcum, Jesse C.; Kaufman, Sydney H.; Weber, J. Mathias

2010-06-01

We have used photodissociation spectroscopy to probe the electronic structure and photoreduction of Au(III) in gas-phase complexes containing Cl- and OH-. The gas-phase electronic spectrum of [AuCl_4]- closely resembles the aqueous solution spectrum, showing a lack of strong solvatochromic shifts. Substitution of Cl- ligands with OH- results in a strong blue shift, in agreement with ligand-field theory. Upon excitation, [AuCl_4]- can dissociate by loss of either one or two neutral Cl atoms, resulting in the reduction of gold from Au(III) to Au(II) and Au(I) respectively. The hydroxide substituted complex, [AuCl_2(OH)_2]-, demonstrates similar behavior but the only observable fragment channel is the loss of two neutral OH ligands, leading only to Au(I).

The work programme of NERIS in post-accident recovery.

PubMed

Schneider, T; Andronopoulos, S; Camps, J; Duranova, T; Gallego, E; Gering, F; Isnard, O; Maître, M; Murith, C; Oughton, D; Raskob, W

2018-01-01

NERIS is the European platform on preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergency response and recovery. Created in 2010 with 57 organisations from 28 different countries, the objectives of the platform are to: improve the effectiveness and coherency of current approaches to preparedness; identify further development needs; improve 'know how' and technical expertise; and establish a forum for dialogue and methodological development. The NERIS Strategic Research Agenda is now structured with three main challenges: (i) radiological impact assessments during all phases of nuclear and radiological events; (ii) countermeasures and countermeasure strategies in emergency and recovery, decision support, and disaster informatics; and (iii) setting up a multi-faceted framework for preparedness for emergency response and recovery. The Fukushima accident has highlighted some key issues for further consideration in NERIS research activities, including: the importance of transparency of decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels; the key role of access to environmental monitoring; the importance of dealing with uncertainties in assessment and management of the different phases of the accident; the use of modern social media in the exchange of information; the role of stakeholder involvement processes in both emergency and recovery situations; considerations of societal, ethical, and economic aspects; and the reinforcement of education and training for various actors. This paper emphasises the main issues at stake for NERIS for post-accident management.

Polymerase III transcription factor B activity is reduced in extracts of growth-restricted cells.

PubMed Central

Tower, J; Sollner-Webb, B

1988-01-01

Extracts of cells that are down-regulated for transcription by RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase III exhibit a reduced in vitro transcriptional capacity. We have recently demonstrated that the down-regulation of polymerase I transcription in extracts of cycloheximide-treated and stationary-phase cells results from a lack of an activated subform of RNA polymerase I which is essential for rDNA transcription. To examine whether polymerase III transcriptional down-regulation occurs by a similar mechanism, the polymerase III transcription factors were isolated and added singly and in pairs to control cell extracts and to extracts of cells that had reduced polymerase III transcriptional activity due to cycloheximide treatment or growth into stationary phase. These down-regulations result from a specific reduction in TFIIIB; TFIIIC and polymerase III activities remain relatively constant. Thus, although transcription by both polymerase III and polymerase I is substantially decreased in extracts of growth-arrested cells, this regulation is brought about by reduction of different kinds of activities: a component of the polymerase III stable transcription complex in the former case and the activated subform of RNA polymerase I in the latter. Images PMID:3352599

Selective solid-phase extraction using oxidized activated carbon modified with triethylenetetramine for preconcentration of metal ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Li; Chang, Xijun; Li, Zhenhua; He, Qun

2010-02-01

A new selective solid-phase extractant using activated carbon as matrix which was purified, oxidized and modified by triethylenetetramine (AC-TETA) was prepared and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy. At pH 4, quantitative extraction of trace Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) was obtained and determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Complete elution of the adsorbed metal ions from the sorbent surface was carried out using 0.5 mol L -1 HCl. The maximum static adsorption capacity of sorbent for Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) was 34.6, 36.5 and 51.9 mg g -1, respectively. The time of quantitative adsorption was less than 2 min. The detection limits of the method was found to be 0.71, 0.35 and 0.45 ng mL -1 for Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.7%, 2.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Moreover, the method was free from interference with common coexiting ions. The method was also successfully applied to the preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Fe(III) and Pb(II) in synthetic samples and a real sample with satisfactory results.

General practitioners and mental health staff sharing patient care: working model.

PubMed

Horner, Deborah; Asher, Kim

2005-06-01

The paper describes a shared care programme developed by mental health services and general practitioners for shifting patients with chronic psychiatric disorders to the care of a general practitioner. The programme is characterized by: (i) a dedicated mental health service general practitioner liaison position to manage the programme and provide support to both patients and doctors; (ii) a multidisciplinary care planning meeting that includes mental health staff, the patient, the general practitioner and a carer; and (iii) a jointly developed individual management plan that specifies patient issues, strategies to deal with these issues, persons responsible for monitoring and a review date. The shared care protocol, the results of a review of patient mental health indicators and general practitioner satisfaction with the programme are described. Outcomes to date suggest that patients' mental health is not compromised and may be enhanced by transfer to general practitioners within the shared care model. Indicators of mental health outcomes (Health of the Nation Outcome Scale and Life Skills Profile scores) show improved patient symptomatology and functioning in most cases. The programme fits the model of recovery-based mental health services and complies with current local, state and Commonwealth policies that encourage integrated and collaborative approaches by mental health services and general practitioners in delivering mental health care to persons with chronic mental illness.

Implementation and evaluation of a follow-up programme after intensive care treatment: A practice development project.

PubMed

van Mol, Margo; Ista, Erwin; van Dijk, Monique

2018-05-02

This study aimed to measure the effects of a newly developed follow-up programme on intensive care unit patient quality of care, as perceived by their relatives, and the appropriateness of the programme according to nurses. This before and after implementation study was conducted in a level III intensive care unit for adult patients and related follow-up wards and included 135 intensive care nurses and 105 general ward nurses. The implemented programme included a personalised poster, a revised discharge protocol and follow-up visits on the ward. Eligible relatives of patients who had remained in the intensive care for a minimum of 48 hours were included. Total quality of care and communication were assessed by relatives as high according to the Quality Monitor. Most intensive care nurses evaluated the usefulness of the discharge protocol as positive (71.8% partly/totally agreed) and in accordance with the patients' needs (82.1% partly/totally agreed). Communication and general support as perceived by patients' relatives improved; however, no influence on the total quality of care of the revised discharge protocol was shown. Nurses considered the programme as useful. The intervention might enable nurses to better respond to the instrumental and affective needs of patients and their relatives. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New pathways in the evaluation of programmes for men who perpetrate violence against their female partners.

PubMed

Wojnicka, Katarzyna; Scambor, Christian; Kraus, Heinrich

2016-08-01

Today, evaluation research in the field of intervention programmes for men who perpetrate violence against their female partners still makes a fragmentary impression. Across Europe various evaluation studies have been performed. However, the methodologies applied are too heterogeneous to allow the combination of the results in a meta-analytical way. In this paper we propose a future pathway for organising outcome evaluation studies of domestic violence perpetrator programmes in community settings, so that today's problems in this field can be overcome. In a pragmatic framework that acknowledges the limited pre-conditions for evaluation studies in the area of domestic violence perpetrator programmes as it is today, feasible approaches for outcome evaluation are outlined, with recent developments in the field taken as starting points. The framework for organising future evaluation studies of work with perpetrators of domestic violence is presented together with a strategy to promote this framework. International networks of practitioners and researchers play a central role in this strategy through upskilling the area of practical work, preparing the ground for evaluation research and improving cooperation between practitioners and researchers. This paper is based on the results of the European funded project IMPACT (under the Daphne-III-funding programme of the European Commission). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A study of solar preflare activity using two-dimensional radio and SMM-XRP observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, M. R.; Gopalswamy, N.; Saba, J. L. R.; Schmelz, J. T. S.; Strong, K. T.

1987-01-01

A study of type III activity at meter-decameter wavelengths in the preflare phase of the February 3, 1986 flare is presented, using data obtained with the Clark Lake Multifrequency Radioheliograph. This activity is compared with similar type III burst activity during the impulsive phase, and it is found that there is a displacement of burst sources between the onset and end times of the activity. A comparison of this displacement at three frequencies suggests that the type III emitting electrons gain access progressively to diverging and different field lines relative to the initial field lines. The energetics of the type III emitting electrons are inferred from observations and compared with those of the associated hard X-ray emitting electrons. The soft X-ray data from SMM-XRP show enhanced emission measure, density, and temperature in the region associated with the preflare type III activity.

A study of solar preflare activity using two-dimensional radio and SMM-XRP observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, M. R.; Gopalswamy, N.; Saba, J. L. R.; Schmelz, J. T. S.; Strong, K. T.

1987-09-01

The authors present a study of type III activity at meter-decameter wavelengths in the preflare phase of the 1986 February 3 flare using data obtained with the Clark Lake Multifrequency Radioheliograph. They compare this activity with similar type III burst activity during the impulsive phase and find that there is a displacement of burst sources between the onset and end times of the activity. A comparison of this displacement at three frequencies suggests that the type III emitting electrons gain access progressively to diverging and different field lines relative to the initial field lines. The energetics of the type III emitting electrons are inferred from observations and compared with those of the associated hard X-ray emitting electrons. The soft X-ray data from SMM-XRP shows enhanced emission measure, density and temperature in the region associated with the preflare type III activity.

A paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation training project in Honduras.

PubMed

Urbano, Javier; Matamoros, Martha M; López-Herce, Jesús; Carrillo, Angel P; Ordóñez, Flora; Moral, Ramón; Mencía, Santiago

2010-04-01

It is possible that the exportation of North American and European models has hindered the creation of a structured cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training programme in developing countries. The objective of this paper is to describe the design and present the results of a European paediatric and neonatal CPR training programme adapted to Honduras. A paediatric CPR training project was set up in Honduras with the instructional and scientific support of the Spanish Group for Paediatric and Neonatal CPR. The programme was divided into four phases: CPR training and preparation of instructors; training for instructors; supervised teaching; and independent teaching. During the first phase, 24 Honduran doctors from paediatric intensive care, paediatric emergency and anaesthesiology departments attended the paediatric CPR course and 16 of them the course for preparation as instructors. The Honduran Paediatric and Neonatal CPR Group was formed. In the second phase, workshops were given by Honduran instructors and four of them attended a CPR course in Spain as trainee instructors. In the third phase, a CPR course was given in Honduras by the Honduran instructors, supervised by the Spanish team. In the final phase of independent teaching, eight courses were given, providing 177 students with training in CPR. The training of independent paediatric CPR groups with the collaboration and scientific assessment of an expert group could be a suitable model on which to base paediatric CPR training in Latin American developing countries. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Durability of lightweight concrete : Phase II : wetting and drying tests, Phase III : freezing and thawing tests.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1966-12-01

This report describes a laboratory research program on the durability of lightweight concrete. Two phases of a three phase study are covered by this report, while the remaining phase is still under study. The two phases being reported are Phase II - ...

Programmable Toys and Free Play in Early Childhood Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newhouse, Christopher Paul; Cooper, Martin; Cordery, Zina

2017-01-01

This paper reports on a study that investigated the ways that young children interact with discrete programmable digital toys in a free play setting. One intention was to see whether this interaction would address some of the requirements of the Digital Technologies subject in the Australian Curriculum. The study was implemented in two phases in…

Action Research: Measuring Literacy Programme Participants' Learning Outcomes. Results of the Final Phase (2011-2014)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolly, Madina; Jonas, Nicolas

2015-01-01

Action Research on Measuring Literacy Programme Participants' Learning Outcomes (RAMAA) aims to develop, implement and collaborate on the creation of a methodological approach to measure acquired learning and study the various factors that influence its development. This report examines how RAMAA I has been implemented over the past four years in…

The Isan Culture Maintenance and Revitalisation Programme's Multilingual Signage Attitude Survey: Phase II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Draper, John

2016-01-01

This article contextualises and presents to the academic community the full dataset of the Isan Culture Maintenance and Revitalisation Programme's (ICMRP) multilingual signage survey. The ICMRP is a four-year European Union co-sponsored project in Northeast Thailand. This article focuses on one aspect of the project, four surveys each of 1,500…

AIDS chief says nonoxynol-9 not effective against HIV.

PubMed

According to Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the international multi-site trial of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 in gel form has shown that it is not effective in protecting women from HIV infection. This large-scale Phase III efficacy trial was conducted among female sex workers in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Thailand. Apart from receiving the trial microbicide or a placebo, participants also received classical HIV prevention support, such as free condoms, free treatment for sexually transmitted infections, counseling, and peer support. One positive outcome of the trial is that fewer of the sex workers who participated became infected with HIV, compared with the sex workers who did not participate at all in the study. However, Piot states that even if the results of the trials are disappointing, the search for an effective microbicide continues. To this effect, at least 36 compounds are at the preclinical testing stage, while 20 are ready for early safety trials in human volunteers and three additional compounds are being considered for large-scale trials.

Addressing overtreatment of screen detected DCIS; the LORIS trial.

PubMed

Francis, Adele; Thomas, Jeremy; Fallowfield, Lesley; Wallis, Matthew; Bartlett, John M S; Brookes, Cassandra; Roberts, Tracy; Pirrie, Sarah; Gaunt, Claire; Young, Jennie; Billingham, Lucinda; Dodwell, David; Hanby, Andrew; Pinder, Sarah E; Evans, Andrew; Reed, Malcolm; Jenkins, Valerie; Matthews, Lucy; Wilcox, Maggie; Fairbrother, Patricia; Bowden, Sarah; Rea, Daniel

2015-11-01

Overdiagnosis, and thus overtreatment, are inevitable consequences of most screening programmes; identification of ways of minimising the impact of overdiagnosis demands new prospective research, in particular the need to separate clinically relevant lesions that require active treatment from those that can be safely left alone or monitored and only need treated if they change characteristics. Breast cancer screening has led to a large increase in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnoses. This is a widely heterogeneous disease and most DCIS detected through screening is of high cytonuclear grade and therefore likely to be important clinically. However, the historic practice of surgical treatment for all DCIS is unlikely to be optimal for lower risk patients. A clearer understanding of how to manage DCIS is required. This article describes the background and development of 'The low risk' DCIS trial (LORIS), a phase III trial of surgery versus active monitoring. LORIS will determine if it is appropriate to manage women with screen detected or asymptomatic, low grade and intermediate grade DCIS with low grade features, by active monitoring rather than by surgical treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orbital phase dependent IUE spectra of the nova like binary II Arietis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guinan, E. F.; Sion, E. M.

1981-01-01

Nine low dispersion IUE spectra of the nova like binary TT Ari over its 3h17m orbital period were obtained. Four short wave spectra and five long wave spectra exhibit marked changes in line strength and continuum shape with orbital phase. The short wave spectra show the presence in absorption of C III, Lyman alpha, SiIII, NV, SiIV, CIV, HeII, AlIII, and NIV. The CIV shows a P Cygni profile on two of the spectra. Implications of these spectra for the nature of nova like variables are discussed.

Reducing child abuse amongst adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: A pre-post trial in South Africa.

PubMed

Cluver, Lucie; Meinck, Franziska; Yakubovich, Alexa; Doubt, Jenny; Redfern, Alice; Ward, Catherine; Salah, Nasteha; De Stone, Sachin; Petersen, Tshiamo; Mpimpilashe, Phelisa; Romero, Rocio Herrero; Ncobo, Lulu; Lachman, Jamie; Tsoanyane, Sibongile; Shenderovich, Yulia; Loening, Heidi; Byrne, Jasmina; Sherr, Lorraine; Kaplan, Lauren; Gardner, Frances

2016-07-13

No known studies have tested the effectiveness of child abuse prevention programmes for adolescents in low- or middle-income countries. 'Parenting for Lifelong Health' ( http://tiny.cc/whoPLH ) is a collaborative project to develop and rigorously test abuse-prevention parenting programmes for free use in low-resource contexts. Research aims of this first pre-post trial in South Africa were: i) to identify indicative effects of the programme on child abuse and related outcomes; ii) to investigate programme safety for testing in a future randomised trial, and iii) to identify potential adaptations. Two hundred thirty participants (adolescents and their primary caregivers) were recruited from schools, welfare services and community-sampling in rural, high-poverty South Africa (no exclusion criteria). All participated in a 12-week parenting programme, implemented by local NGO childcare workers to ensure real-world external validity. Standardised pre-post measures with adolescents and caregivers were used, and paired t-tests were conducted for primary outcomes: abuse (physical, emotional abuse and neglect), adolescent behaviour problems and parenting (positive and involved parenting, poor monitoring and inconsistent discipline), and secondary outcomes: mental health, social support and substance use. Participants reported high levels of socio-economic deprivation, e.g. 60 % of adolescents had either an HIV-positive caregiver or were orphaned by AIDS, and 50 % of caregivers experienced intimate partner violence. i) indicative effects: Primary outcomes comparing pre-test and post-test assessments showed reductions reported by adolescents and caregivers in child abuse (adolescent report 63.0 % pre-test to 29.5 % post-test, caregiver report 75.5 % pre-test to 36.5 % post-test, both p < 0.001) poor monitoring/inconsistent discipline (p < .001), adolescent delinquency/aggressive behaviour (both p < .001), and improvements in positive/involved parenting (p < .01 adolescent report, p < .001 caregiver report). Secondary outcomes showed improved social support (p < .001 adolescent and caregiver reports), reduced parental and adolescent depression (both p < .001), parenting stress (p < .001 caregiver report) and caregiver substance use (p < .002 caregiver report). There were no changes in adolescent substance use. No negative effects were detected. ii) Programme acceptability and attendance was high. There was unanticipated programme diffusion within some study villages, with families initiating parenting groups in churches, and diffusion through school assemblies and religious sermons. iii) potential adaptations identified included the need to strengthen components on adolescent substance use and to consider how to support spontaneous programme diffusion with fidelity. The programme showed no signs of harm and initial evidence of reductions in child abuse and improved caregiver and adolescent outcomes. It showed high acceptability and unexpected community-level diffusion. Findings indicate needs for adaptations, and suitability for the next research step of more rigorous testing in randomised trials, using cluster randomization to allow for diffusion effects.

Bilastine: in allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

PubMed

Carter, Natalie J

2012-06-18

Bilastine is an orally administered, second-generation antihistamine used in the symptomatic treatment of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. In two well designed phase III trials, 14 days' treatment with bilastine was associated with a significantly lower area under the effect curve (AUEC) for the reflective total symptom score (TSS) than placebo in patients with symptomatic seasonal allergic rhinitis. Additionally, reflective nasal symptom scores were significantly lower in bilastine than placebo recipients in patients with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis who were challenged with grass pollen allergen in a single-centre, phase II study. Neither bilastine nor cetirizine was effective in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with regard to the mean AUEC for reflective TSS in another well designed phase III trial. However, results may have been altered by differences in some baseline characteristics and placebo responses between study countries. In another well designed phase III trial, compared with placebo, bilastine was associated with a significantly greater change from baseline to day 28 in the mean reflective daily urticaria symptom score in patients with chronic urticaria. There were no significant differences in primary endpoint results between bilastine and any of the active comparators used in these trials (i.e. cetirizine, levocetirizine and desloratadine). Bilastine was generally well tolerated, with a tolerability profile that was generally similar to that of the other second-generation antihistamines included in phase III clinical trials.

Studies of phase transitions in the aripiprazole solid dosage form.

PubMed

Łaszcz, Marta; Witkowska, Anna

2016-01-05

Studies of the phase transitions in an active substance contained in a solid dosage form are very complicated but essential, especially if an active substance is classified as a BCS Class IV drug. The purpose of this work was the development of sensitive methods for the detection of the phase transitions in the aripiprazole tablets containing initially its form III. Aripiprazole exhibits polymorphism and pseudopolymorphism. Powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry methods were developed for the detection of the polymorphic transition between forms III and I as well as the phase transition of form III into aripiprazole monohydrate in tablets. The study involved the initial 10 mg and 30 mg tablets, as well as those stored in Al/Al blisters, a triplex blister pack and HDPE bottles (with and without desiccant) under accelerated and long term conditions. The polymorphic transition was not observed in the initial and stored tablets but it was visible on the DSC curve of the Abilify(®) 10 mg reference tablets. The formation of the monohydrate was observed in the diffractograms and Raman spectra in the tablets stored under accelerated conditions. The monohydrate phase was not detected in the tablets stored in the Al/Al blisters under long term conditions. The results showed that the Al/Al blisters can be recommended as the packaging of the aripiprazole tablets containing form III. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lubiprostone: in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Carter, Natalie J; Scott, Lesley J

2009-06-18

Lubiprostone is an oral bicyclic fatty acid that selectively activates type 2 chloride channels in the apical membrane of human gastrointestinal epithelial cells, thereby increasing chloride-rich fluid secretion. Although the mechanism is unclear, this may then decrease intestinal transit time, allowing the passage of stool and alleviating symptoms of constipation. Oral lubiprostone was effective in the treatment of patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in large (n = 193-583) phase II (dose-finding) and phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trials. The number of patients with IBS-C demonstrating an overall response to treatment (primary endpoint) in the two phase III trials was significantly greater in patients receiving lubiprostone 8 microg twice daily for 3 months than in those receiving placebo. In addition, a randomized, 4-week withdrawal period at the end of one of the phase III trials demonstrated that discontinuation of lubiprostone was not associated with rebound of IBS symptoms. Lubiprostone was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with the majority of adverse events being of mild to moderate severity. In patients with IBS-C who received lubiprostone 8 microg twice daily, nausea was the most frequently occurring adverse event that was considered possibly or probably treatment related. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported in a 36-week open-label extension to the phase III trials.

76 FR 33589 - Standards Improvement Project-Phase III

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-08

... rule: I. Background A. Introduction B. Regulatory History II. Legal Considerations III. Summary and... without diminishing worker protections. B. Regulatory History The Standards Improvement Project (SIP...

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

PubMed

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

2013-05-24

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

Phase I and II feasibility study report for the 300-FF-5 operable unit

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

NONE

1993-12-31

The purpose of this Phase I/II feasibility study is to assemble and screen a list of alternatives for remediation of the 300-FF-5 operable site on the Hanford Reservation. This screening is based on information gathered in the Phase I Remedial Investigation (RI) and on currently available information on remediation technologies. The alternatives remaining after screening provide a range of response actions for remediation. In addition, key data needs are identified for collection during a Phase II RI (if necessary). This Phase I/II FS represents a primary document as defined by the Tri-Party Agreement, but will be followed by a Phasemore » III FS that will further develop the alternatives and provide a detailed evaluation of them. The following remedial action objectives were identified for the 300-FF-5 operable unit: Limit current human exposure to contaminated groundwater in the unit; Limit discharge of contaminated groundwater to the Columbia River; Reduce contaminant concentrations in groundwater below acceptable levels by the year 2018.« less

Long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong) for children with growth hormone deficiency: phase II and phase III multicenter, randomized studies.

PubMed

Luo, Xiaoping; Hou, Ling; Liang, Li; Dong, Guanping; Shen, Shuixian; Zhao, Zhuhui; Gong, Chun Xiu; Li, Yuchuan; Du, Min-Lian; Su, Zhe; Du, Hongwei; Yan, Chaoying

2017-08-01

We assessed the efficacy and safety of a weekly pegylated human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) (Jintrolong) vs daily rhGH for children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Phase II and III, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trials. 108 and 343 children with treatment-naive GHD from 6 hospitals in China were enrolled in the phase II and III studies respectively. Patients in the phase II study were randomized 1:1:1 to weekly Jintrolong (0.1 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex), weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. Patients in the phase III study were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. The primary endpoint for both studies was height velocity (HV) increase at the end of treatment. Other growth-related parameters, safety and compliance were also monitored. The phase II study established the preliminary efficacy, safety and recommended dose of Jintrolong PEG-rhGH. In the phase III study, we demonstrated significantly greater HV increases in patients receiving Jintrolong treatment (from 2.26 ± 0.87 cm/year to 13.41 ± 3.72 cm/year) vs daily rhGH (from 2.25 ± 0.82 cm/year to 12.55 ± 2.99 cm/year) at the end of treatment ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, significantly greater improvement in the height standard deviation scores was associated with Jintrolong throughout the treatment ( P  < 0.05). Adverse event rates and treatment compliance were comparable between the two groups. Jintrolong PEG-rhGH at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/week for 25 weeks is effective and safe for GHD treatment and is non-inferior to daily rhGH. © 2017 The authors.

Long-acting PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (Jintrolong) for children with growth hormone deficiency: phase II and phase III multicenter, randomized studies

PubMed Central

Hou, Ling; Liang, Li; Dong, Guanping; Shen, Shuixian; Zhao, Zhuhui; Gong, Chun Xiu; Li, Yuchuan; Du, Min-lian; Su, Zhe; Du, Hongwei; Yan, Chaoying

2017-01-01

Objective We assessed the efficacy and safety of a weekly pegylated human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) (Jintrolong) vs daily rhGH for children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Design Phase II and III, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trials. Methods 108 and 343 children with treatment-naive GHD from 6 hospitals in China were enrolled in the phase II and III studies respectively. Patients in the phase II study were randomized 1:1:1 to weekly Jintrolong (0.1 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex), weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week PEG-rhGH complex) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. Patients in the phase III study were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to weekly Jintrolong (0.2 mg/kg/week) or daily rhGH (0.25 mg/kg/week) for 25 weeks. The primary endpoint for both studies was height velocity (HV) increase at the end of treatment. Other growth-related parameters, safety and compliance were also monitored. Results The phase II study established the preliminary efficacy, safety and recommended dose of Jintrolong PEG-rhGH. In the phase III study, we demonstrated significantly greater HV increases in patients receiving Jintrolong treatment (from 2.26 ± 0.87 cm/year to 13.41 ± 3.72 cm/year) vs daily rhGH (from 2.25 ± 0.82 cm/year to 12.55 ± 2.99 cm/year) at the end of treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, significantly greater improvement in the height standard deviation scores was associated with Jintrolong throughout the treatment (P < 0.05). Adverse event rates and treatment compliance were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion Jintrolong PEG-rhGH at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg/week for 25 weeks is effective and safe for GHD treatment and is non-inferior to daily rhGH. PMID:28566441

[Centralized immunization schedules and regional equity of access: an audit among Apulian healthcare workers].

PubMed

Tafuri, S; Martinelli, D; Caputi, G; Fortunato, F; Germinario, C; Prato, R

2009-01-01

The reform of the Vth Title of the Italian Constitution has given the Regions autonomous power over planning of their immunization programme and immunization calendar. This amendment has federalized Italy's vaccination system and, is justified by epidemiological evidence however casts doubt on its provision of equal rights to health care. The objective of this current study is to gain insight into the opinion of vaccine services officers in the Apulia region on federal immunization and the regional immunization programme. Research was conducted using an anonymous standardized questionnaire to which 302 vaccines services staff responded. 67.4% of respondents believe that the current federal vaccination programme should be maintained, whilst 20.2% believe that the current system should be eradicated and 12.4% believe it should be phased out gradually. The current apulian vaccination calendar provides free and active immunizations for all newborns for the pneumococcal, meningitis C, chickenpox and hepatitis A vaccines. The interviewees believe that the vaccinations provided in the regional immunization programme are very important (average importance out of 10 = 6.1/7). The positive response to the regional vaccination plan given by the health officers explains, at least in part, the conservative attitude tewards federal vaccination plans. It cannot be excluded that sacrificing regional autonomy over vaccination programmes might be considered by the vaccination officers as being responsible for the abandonment of the Region's long established immunization practices. The success of these practices is evident in the case of the Region's Hepatitis A immunization programme where the active provision of this vaccine has drastically reduced the endemicity of the illness in Apulia. These experiences of good practice should be adequately considered in before opting to phase out the current immunisation programme.

Prevention of Posttraumatic Contractures with Ketotifen (PERK)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

opportunity to design a Phase III RCT on the use of ketotifen in post -traumatic joint contractures. The goal is to design and develop the infrastructure to...Research (CIHR) for the Phase III RCT. 2. KEYWORDS Post -traumatic contractures, elbow fractures, randomized clinical trial, multicenter, ketotifen...application to use ketotifen in post -traumatic joint contracture prevention was submitted to the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Rheumatology

What Works in Oklahoma Schools: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Oklahoma Schools. Phase III Action Steps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marzano Research Laboratory, 2011

2011-01-01

This document contains the Phase III report from the "What Works in Oklahoma Schools" study. As opposed to describing the findings from the study that was conducted, it provides a tool-kit that can be used by Oklahoma principals and teachers to determine the best courses of action for their schools and classrooms. The tools provided in…

Army Enlisted Personnel Competency Assessment Program: Phase III Pilot Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

Officer’s Representatives and Subject Matter POCs: Tonia Heffner and Peter Greenston Contract for Manpower, Personnel, Leader Development, and Training ...3926 March 2007 Army Project Number Personnel Performance 622785A790 and Training Technology Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. 111...8217 ARMY ENLISTED PERSONNEL COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM: PHASE III PILOT TESTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Research Requirement: The Army Training and Leader

Rimonabant Sanofi-Synthélabo.

PubMed

Fernandez, Jose R; Allison, David B

2004-04-01

Rimonabant, an antagonist of central cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, is being developed by Sanofi-Synthélabo for the potential treatment of obesity and as a potential smoking cessation agent. Phase III trials were initiated for obesity in August 2001 and were ongoing in September 2003. By September 2002, the compound had entered phase III trials for smoking cessation, and these trials were ongoing in September 2003.

Development and use of the generic WHO/CDC logic model for vitamin and mineral interventions in public health programmes

PubMed Central

De-Regil, Luz Maria; Peña-Rosas, Juan Pablo; Flores-Ayala, Rafael; del Socorro Jefferds, Maria Elena

2015-01-01

Objective Nutrition interventions are critical to achieve the Millennium Development Goals; among them, micronutrient interventions are considered cost-effective and programmatically feasible to scale up, but there are limited tools to communicate the programme components and their relationships. The WHO/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) logic model for micronutrient interventions in public health programmes is a useful resource for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these interventions, which depicts the programme theory and expected relationships between inputs and expected Millennium Development Goals. Design The model was developed by applying principles of programme evaluation, public health nutrition theory and programmatic expertise. The multifaceted and iterative structure validation included feedback from potential users and adaptation by national stakeholders involved in public health programmes' design and implementation. Results In addition to the inputs, main activity domains identified as essential for programme development, implementation and performance include: (i) policy; (ii) products and supply; (iii) delivery systems; (iv) quality control; and (v) behaviour change communication. Outputs encompass the access to and coverage of interventions. Outcomes include knowledge and appropriate use of the intervention, as well as effects on micronutrient intake, nutritional status and health of target populations, for ultimate achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Conclusions The WHO/CDC logic model simplifies the process of developing a logic model by providing a tool that has identified high-priority areas and concepts that apply to virtually all public health micronutrient interventions. Countries can adapt it to their context in order to support programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for the successful scale-up of nutrition interventions in public health. PMID:23507463

Ultracompact electro-optic phase modulator based on III-V-on-silicon microdisk resonator.

PubMed

Lloret, J; Kumar, R; Sales, S; Ramos, F; Morthier, G; Mechet, P; Spuesens, T; Van Thourhout, D; Olivier, N; Fédéli, J-M; Capmany, J

2012-06-15

A novel ultracompact electro-optic phase modulator based on a single 9 μm-diameter III-V microdisk resonator heterogeneously integrated on and coupled to a nanophotonic waveguide is presented. Modulation is enabled by effective index modification through carrier injection. Proof-of-concept implementation involving binary phase shift keying modulation format is assembled. A power imbalance of ∼0.6  dB between both symbols and a modulation rate up to 1.8 Gbps are demonstrated without using any special driving technique.

US-UK Collaboration on Fossil Energy Advanced Materials: Task 1—Steam Oxidation

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

Holcomb, Gordon R.; Tylczak, Joseph; Carney, Casey

This presentation goes over the following from the US-UK collaboration on Fossil Energy Advanced Materials: Task 1, Steam Oxidation: US-led or co-led deliverables, Phase II products (US), 2011-present, Phase III products, Phase III Plan, an explanation of sCO 2 compared with sH 2O, an explanation of Ni-base Alloys, an explanation of 300 Series (18Cr-8Ni)/E-Brite, an explanation of the typical Microchannel HX Fabrication process, and an explanation of diffusion bonded Ni-base superalloys.

Manufacturing Technology for Apparel Automation. Phase 1, 2 and 3 Activity.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-15

A189 129 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL AUTOMATION PHASE I t/l 2 AND I ACTIVITY(U) NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV ATRALEIGH SCHOOL OF TEXTILES E M...34III 1.8 - iai T ON HART St 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MTC FILE coax Report: NCSU/DLA-87/2 CDRL A004 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL...I Report: NCSU/DLA-87/2 CDRL A004 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY FOR APPAREL AUTOMATION Phase I, II and III Activity Edwin M. McPherson North Carolina

Raman spectra of solid benzene under high pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thiery, M.-M.; Kobashi, K.; Spain, I. L.

1985-01-01

Raman spectra of solid benzene have been measured at room temperature up to about 140 kbar, using the diamond anvil cell. Effort has been focused upon the lattice vibration spectra at pressures above that of phase II. It is found that a change in slopes occurs in the frequency-pressure curves at about 40 kbar. Furthermore, a new band appears above 90 kbar. These features probably correspond respectively to the II-III phase transition, which has been reported previously, and a III-IV phase transition, reported here for the first time.

Programmable, secondary frequency standard based infrared synthesizer using tunable lead-salt diode lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freed, C.; Bielinski, J. W.; Lo, W.

1983-01-01

Quantum phase noise limited Lorentzian power spectral densities were achieved with tunable lead-salt diode lasers. Linewidths as narrow as 22 kHz were observed. A truly programmable infrared synthesizer was produced by frequency-offset-locking the tunable diode lasers to the combination of a stable CO2 (or CO) reference laser and a programmable microwave frequency synthesizer. Absolute frequency accuracy and reproducibility of about + or - 30 kHz (0.000001 kaysers) relative to the primary Cs frequency standard may now be obtained with this technique.

A versatile pulse programmer for pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarr, C. E.; Nickerson, M. A.

1972-01-01

A digital pulse programmer producing the standard pulse sequences required for pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is described. In addition, a 'saturation burst' sequence, useful in the measurement of long relaxation times in solids, is provided. Both positive and negative 4 V trigger pulses are produced that are fully synchronous with a crystal-controlled time base, and the pulse programmer may be phase-locked with a maximum pulse jitter of 3 ns to the oscillator of a coherent pulse spectrometer. Medium speed TTL integrated circuits are used throughout.

A comparison study of the Born effective charges and dielectric properties of the cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, ortho-I, ortho-II and ortho-III phases of zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Chen, Hua-Xin; Duan, Li; Fan, Ji-Bin; Ni, Lei; Ji, Vincent

2018-07-01

Using density-functional perturbation theory, we systematically investigate the Born effective charges and dielectric properties of cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, ortho-I (Pbca), ortho-II (Pnma) and ortho-III (Pca21) phases of ZrO2. The magnitudes of the Born effective charges of the Zr and oxygen atoms are greater than their nominal ionic valences (+4 for Zr and -2 for oxygen), indicating a strong dynamic charge transfer from Zr atoms to O atoms and a mixed covalent-ionic bonding in six phases of ZrO2. For all six phases of ZrO2, the electronic contributions εij∞ to the static dielectric constant are rather small (range from 5 to 6.5) and neither strongly anisotropic nor strongly dependent on the structural phase, while the ionic contributions εijion to the static dielectric constant are large and not only anisotropic but also dependent on the structural phase. The average dielectric constant εbar0 of the six ZrO2 phases decreases in the sequence of tetragonal, cubic, ortho-II (Pnma), ortho-I (Pbca), ortho-III (Pca21) and monoclinic. So among six phases of ZrO2, the tetragonal and cubic phases are two suitable phases to replace SiO2 as the gate dielectric material in modern integrated-circuit technology. Furthermore, for the tetragonal ZrO2 the best orientation is [100].

Educational intervention about oral piercing knowledge among dental students and adolescents at schools.

PubMed

Junco, Pilar; Barrios, Rocío; Ruiz, María José; Bravo, Manuel

2017-10-01

Oral piercing can lead to complications and dentists are in a unique position to detect such complications. The purpose of this study was: (i) to assess the immediate and the long-term effects, on dental students, of a training programme about oral piercing knowledge; and (ii) to assess the immediate effect, on adolescents, of a single educational intervention session about oral piercing. A training programme for dental students (n = 66) was carried out in three phases. The last phase consisted of preparing and giving talks about oral piercing at schools, which was delivered by a random selection of dental students involved in the training programme. Dental students answered a questionnaire about oral piercing knowledge, before, immediately after (only the dental students included in the last phase) and 12 months after the training programme. Adolescents (n = 347) answered a survey about oral piercing knowledge before and after the talks. There were statistically significant differences in all comparison groups, except for the results in the 'before intervention' and in the '12 months after intervention' groups among dental students who had not prepared and given the talks to adolescents. Knowledge about oral piercing significantly improved among adolescents when comparing results before (mean questionnaire score = 3.0) and after (mean questionnaire score = 6.2) the talks. Oral piercing educational intervention had a favourable impact on adolescents and dental students, particularly among those who were more involved in the learning process. © 2017 FDI World Dental Federation.

A Delphi study to determine the European core curriculum for Master programmes in genetic counselling.

PubMed

Skirton, Heather; Barnoy, Sivia; Ingvoldstad, Charlotta; van Kessel, Ingrid; Patch, Christine; O'Connor, Anita; Serra-Juhe, Clara; Stayner, Barbara; Voelckel, Marie-Antoinette

2013-10-01

Genetic counsellors have been working in some European countries for at least 30 years. Although there are great disparities between the numbers, education, practice and acceptance of these professionals across Europe, it is evident that genetic counsellors and genetic nurses in Europe are working autonomously within teams to deliver patient care. The aim of this study was to use the Delphi research method to develop a core curriculum to guide the educational preparation of these professionals in Europe. The Delphi method enables the researcher to utilise the views and opinions of a group of recognised experts in the field of study; this study consisted of four phases. Phases 1 and 4 consisted of expert workshops, whereas data were collected in phases 2 and 3 (n=35) via online surveys. All participants in the study were considered experts in the field of genetic counselling. The topics considered essential for genetic counsellor training have been organised under the following headings: (1) counselling; (2) psychological issues; (3) medical genetics; (4) human genetics; (5) ethics, law and sociology; (6) professional practice; and (7) education and research. Each topic includes the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to enable genetic counsellors to develop competence. In addition, it was considered by the experts that clinical practice should comprise 50% of the educational programme. The core Master programme curriculum will enable current courses to be assessed and inform the design of future educational programmes for European genetic counsellors.

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

PubMed

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

2012-05-07

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

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

PubMed

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

2017-02-01

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

Method for the determination of chromium in feed matrix by HPLC.

PubMed

Umesh, Balakrishnan; Rajendran, Rajendra Moorthy; Manoharan, Muthu Tamizh

2015-11-01

An improved method for the chromatographic separation and determination of chromium (III) and (VI) [ CRIII AND CRVI: ] in mineral mixtures and feed samples has been developed. The method uses precolumn derivatization using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ( APD: ) followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography to separate the chromium ions. Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species are chelated with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prior to separation by mixing with acetonitrile and 0.5 mmol acetate buffer (pH 4.5). Optimum chromatographic separations were obtained with a polymer-based reversed-phase column (Kinetex, 5 μ, 250 × 4.5 mm, Phenomenex, Torrance, CA) and a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and water (7:3). Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ion concentrations were directly determined from the corresponding areas in the chromatogram. The effect of analytical parameters, including pH, concentration of ligand, incubation temperature, and mobile phase, was optimized for both chromium complexes. The range of the procedure was found to be linear for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) concentrations between 0.125 and 4 μg/mL (r² = 0.9926) and 0.1 and 3.0 μg/mL (r² = 0.9983), respectively. Precision was evaluated by replicate analysis in which the percentage relative standard deviation values for chromium complex were found to be below 4.0. The recoveries obtained (85-115%) for both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) complexes indicated the accuracy of the developed method. The degradation products, as well as the excipients, were well resolved from the chromium complex peak in the chromatogram. Finally, the new method proved to be suitable for routine analysis of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species in raw materials, mineral mixtures, and feed samples. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

The influence of different sets of surgical instrumentation in Oxford UKA on bearing size and component position.

PubMed

Walker, Tilman; Heinemann, Pascal; Bruckner, Thomas; Streit, Marcus R; Kinkel, Stefan; Gotterbarm, Tobias

2017-07-01

The Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) has been proven to be an effective treatment for anteromedial osteoarthritis of the knee joint. New instrumentation has been introduced to improve the reproducibility of implant positioning and to minimize bone loss during tibial resection (Oxford Microplasty; Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). To assess the effect of the new instrumentation, we retrospectively evaluated the postoperative radiographs and surgical records of 300 OUKAs in three consecutive cohorts of patients. The first cohort consists of the first 100 minimal invasive implantations of the OUKA using the conventional phase III instrumentation, the second cohort consists of the 100 most recent minimal invasive OUKA with the conventional phase III instrumentation and the third cohort consists of the first 100 minimal invasive OUKA using the new Oxford Microplasty instrumentation. Mean bearing thickness was statistically significant and lower in OUKA with use of the updated instrumentation than with the conventional instrumentation (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04). Additionally, statistically significant and more femoral components were aligned within the accepted range of tolerance in both the coronal and the sagittal plane with use of the updated instrumentation compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation in group A (p = 0.029 and p = 0.038) and in the sagittal plane with use of the updated instrumentation compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation in group B (p = 0.002). The new modified instrumentation seems to be an effective tool to reduce the risk of malalignment of the femoral component in the coronal and in the sagittal plane compared to the conventional phase III instrumentation. Furthermore, the instrumentation is also effective in determining an adequate level of tibial resection and thus avoiding unnecessary bone loss.

The Combination Process for Preparative Separation and Purification of Paclitaxel and 10-Deacetylbaccatin III Using Diaion® Hp-20 Followed by Hydrophilic Interaction Based Solid Phase Extraction.

PubMed

Shirshekanb, Mahsa; Rezadoost, Hassan; Javanbakht, Mehran; Ghassempour, Ali Reza

2017-01-01

There is no other naturally occurring defense agent against cancer that has a stronger effect than paclitaxel, commonly known under the brand name of Taxol ® . The major drawback for the more widespread use of paclitaxel and its precious precursor, 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III), is that they require large-scale extraction from different parts of yew trees ( Taxus species), cell cultures, taxane-producing endophytic fungi, and Corylus species. In our previous work, a novel online two-dimensional heart-cut liquid chromatography process using hydrophilic interaction/ reversed-phase chromatography was used to introduce a semi-preparative treatment for the separation of polar (10-deacetylbaccatin III) and non-polar (paclitaxel) taxanes from Taxus baccata L. In this work, a combination of the absorbent (Diaion ®  HP-20) and a silica based solid phase extraction is utilized as a new, efficient, and cost effective method for large-scale production of taxanes. This process avoids the technical problem of two-dimensional preparative liquid chromatography. The first stage of the process involves discarding co-extractive polar compounds including chlorophylls and pigments using a non-polar synthetic hydrophobic absorbent, Diaion ®  HP-20. Extract was then loaded on to a silica based hydrophilic interaction solid phase extraction (silica 40-60 micron). Taxanes was eluted using a mixture of water and methanol at the optimized ratio of 70:30. Finally, the fraction containing taxanes was applied to semi-preparative reversed phase HPLC. The results revealed that using this procedure, paclitaxel and 10-DAB III could be obtained at 8 and 3 times more, respectively than by the traditional method of extraction.

Comparison between publicly accessible publications, registries, and protocols of phase III trials indicated persistence of selective outcome reporting.

PubMed

Zhang, Sheng; Liang, Fei; Li, Wenfeng

2017-11-01

The decision to make protocols of phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publicly accessible by leading journals was a landmark event in clinical trial reporting. Here, we compared primary outcomes defined in protocols with those in publications describing the trials and in trial registration. We identified phase III RCTs published between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2015, in The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The Journal of the American Medical Association, and The BMJ with available protocols. Consistency in primary outcomes between protocols and registries (articles) was evaluated. We identified 299 phase III RCTs with available protocols in this analysis. Out of them, 25 trials (8.4%) had some discrepancy for primary outcomes between publications and protocols. Types of discrepancies included protocol-defined primary outcome reported as nonprimary outcome in publication (11 trials, 3.7%), protocol-defined primary outcome omitted in publication (10 trials, 3.3%), new primary outcome introduced in publication (8 trials, 2.7%), protocol-defined nonprimary outcome reported as primary outcome in publication (4 trials, 1.3%), and different timing of assessment of primary outcome (4 trials, 1.3%). Out of trials with discrepancies in primary outcome, 15 trials (60.0%) had discrepancies that favored statistically significant results. Registration could be seen as a valid surrogate of protocol in 237 of 299 trials (79.3%) with regard to primary outcome. Despite unrestricted public access to protocols, selective outcome reporting persists in a small fraction of phase III RCTs. Only studies from four leading journals were included, which may cause selection bias and limit the generalizability of this finding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lorcaserin: an investigational serotonin 2C agonist for weight loss.

PubMed

Hurren, Kathryn M; Berlie, Helen D

2011-11-01

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of the selective serotonin (5-HT) agonist lorcaserin are reviewed, with an emphasis on efficacy and safety data from Phase III clinical trials. Lorcaserin is highly selective for a subtype of 5-HT receptors important in appetite regulation, with low affinity for other 5-HT-receptor subtypes whose activation is thought to underlie serious cardiovascular adverse effects; such effects have been seen with nonselective serotonergic agents for weight loss (e.g., fenfluramine). In two Phase III trials of lorcaserin, the cumulative proportion of patients who achieved weight loss of ≥5% over 12 months was about 47% with lorcaserin use versus 20-25% among placebo users (p < 0.0001 for both trials). Lorcaserin was generally well tolerated in the clinical trials to date; nausea and vomiting, headache, and dizziness were the most commonly reported adverse effects. In two of the three Phase III trials to date, lorcaserin use was not found to increase the risk of cardiac valvulopathy; however, in the other Phase III trial, which focused on patients with diabetes, lorcaserin use was associated with an increased rate of new valvulopathy. In a carcinogenicity evaluation involving laboratory rats, lorcaserin was linked to the development of various malignancies, a finding with uncertain implications for its potential future use in humans. Lorcaserin, a 5-HT(2C) agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in patients who are obese or are overweight with associated comorbidities. Phase III trials have found that more than 35% of patients lost greater than 5% of their baseline weight. The maker of lorcaserin has indicated it will continue to seek U.S. marketing approval of the drug for the indications of long-term weight loss and weight-loss maintenance in specific patient populations.

Design of the iPlay study: systematic development of a physical activity injury prevention programme for primary school children.

PubMed

Collard, Dorine C M; Chinapaw, Mai J M; van Mechelen, Willem; Verhagen, Evert A L M

2009-01-01

Health benefits of physical activity in children are well known. However, a drawback is the risk of physical activity-related injuries. Children are at particular risk for these injuries, because of a high level of exposure. Because of the high prevalence of physical activity injuries and the negative short- and long-term consequences, prevention of these injuries in children is important. This article describes how we systematically developed a school-based physical activity injury prevention programme using the intervention mapping (IM) protocol. IM describes a process for developing theory- and evidence-based health promotion programmes. The development can be described in six steps: (i) perform a needs assessment; (ii) identify programme and performance objectives; (iii) select methods and strategies; (iv) develop programme; (v) adopt and implement; and (vi) evaluate. First, the results of the needs assessment showed the injury problem in children and the different risk factors for physical activity injuries. Based on the results of the needs assessment the main focus of the injury prevention programme was described. Second, the overall programme objective of the injury prevention programme was defined as reducing the incidence of lower extremity physical activity injuries. Third, theoretical methods and practical strategies were selected to accomplish a decrease in injury incidence. The theoretical methods used were active learning, providing cues and scenario-based risk information, and active processing of information. The practical strategy of the injury prevention programme was an 8-month course about injury prevention to be used in physical education classes in primary schools. Fourth, programme materials that were used in the injury prevention programme were developed, including newsletters for children and parents, posters, exercises to improve motor fitness, and an information website. Fifth, an implementation plan was designed in order to ensure that the prevention programme would be implemented, adopted and sustained over time. Finally, an evaluation plan was designed. The injury prevention programme is being evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial with more than 2200 children from 40 primary schools throughout the Netherlands. The IM process is a useful process for developing an injury prevention programme. Based on the steps of the IM we developed an 8-month injury prevention programme to be used in physical education classes of primary schools.

Heart failure management programmes in Europe.

PubMed

Jaarsma, T; Strömberg, A; De Geest, S; Fridlund, B; Heikkila, J; Mårtensson, J; Moons, P; Scholte op Reimer, W; Smith, K; Stewart, S; Thompson, D R

2006-09-01

The ESC guidelines recommend that an organised system of specialist heart failure (HF) care should be established to improve outcomes of HF patients. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the number and the content of HF management programmes in Europe. A two-phase descriptive study was conducted: an initial screening to identify the existence of HF management programmes; and a survey to describe the content in countries where at least 30% of the hospitals had a programme. Of the 43 European countries approached, 26 (60%) estimated the percentage of HF management programmes. Seven countries reported that they had such programmes in more than 30% of their hospitals. Of the 673 hospitals responding to the questionnaire, 426 (63%) had a HF management programme. Half of the programmes (n = 205) were located in an outpatient clinic. In the UK a combination of hospital and home-based programmes was common (75%). The most programmes included physical examination, telephone consultation, patient education, drug titration and diagnostic testing. Most (89%) programmes involved nurses and physicians. Multi-disciplinary teams were active in 56% of the HF programmes. The most prominent differences between the 7 countries were the degree of collaboration with home care and GP's, the role in palliative care and the funding. Only a few European countries have a large number of organised programmes for HF care and follow up. To improve outcomes of HF patients throughout Europe more effort should be taken to increase the number of these programmes in all countries.

Current Status of the Nuclear Waste Management Programme in Finland - 13441

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

Lehto, Kimmo; Vuorio, Petteri

2013-07-01

Pursuant to the Decision-in-Principle of 2001 the Finnish programme for geologic disposal of spent fuel has now moved to the phase of applying for construction licence to build up the encapsulation plant and underground repository. The main objective of former programme phase, underground characterisation phase, was to confirm - or refute - the suitability of the Olkiluoto site by investigations conducted underground at the actual depth of the repository. The construction work of the access tunnel to the rock characterisation facility (ONKALO) started in the late summer of 2004. The site research and investigations work aimed at the maturity neededmore » for submission of the application for construction license of the actual repository in end of 2012. This requires, however, that also the technology has reached the maturity needed. The design and technical plans form the necessary platform for the development of the safety case for spent fuel disposal. A plan, 'road map', has been produced for the portfolio of reports that demonstrates the safety of disposal as required by the criteria set by the government and further detailed by the safety authority, STUK. (authors)« less

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Subei, Adnan M; Cohen, Jeffrey A

2015-07-01

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators possess a unique mechanism of action as disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Subtype 1 S1P receptors are expressed on the surfaces of lymphocytes and are important in regulating egression from lymph nodes. The S1P receptor modulators indirectly antagonize the receptor's function and sequester lymphocytes in lymph nodes. Fingolimod was the first S1P agent approved in the USA in 2010 for relapsing MS after two phase III trials (FREEDOMS and TRANSFORMS) demonstrated potent efficacy, and good safety and tolerability. Post-marketing experience, as well as a third phase III trial (FREEDOMS II), also showed favorable results. More selective S1P receptor agents-ponesimod (ACT128800), siponimod (BAF312), ozanimod (RPC1063), ceralifimod (ONO-4641), GSK2018682, and MT-1303-are still in relatively early stages of development, but phase I and II trials showed promising efficacy and safety. However, these observations have yet to be reproduced in phase III clinical trials.

Where Are the Foundation Phase Teachers for Our Children? Black Students' Perceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steyn, M. G.; Harris, T.; Hartell, C. G.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this research project was to explore how Black students perceive the reasons for the low enrolment of Black students in the Foundation Phase teacher education and training programmes at universities. Focus groups and follow up small group interviews were conducted to explore the reasons why Black students choose Foundation Phase and…

Natural Hazards Education in the Himalayan Region of Ladakh, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gill, Joel; Tostevin, Rosalie

2015-04-01

Here we present a review of a geohazards education and engagement project in the Indian region of Ladakh. Located in the Indian Himalaya, Ladakh is home to historically-disadvantaged and endangered indigenous groups. It is also an area of extreme topography, climate and vulnerability, with a growing tourist industry. This combination of factors makes it an important region to improve geohazards understanding and observe the complex interactions between nature, society, and culture. This project: (i) delivered a geoscience education programme, in conjunction with a range of local and international partners, to multiple schools in the region; (ii) utilised interactive demonstrations to teach students about the key physical dynamics of landslides and earthquakes; and (iii) integrated aspects of physical and social science within the teaching, to give students a holistic understanding of natural hazards and disaster risk reduction. In total three programmes were delivered, to a range of different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. This presentation will particularly highlight (i) the importance of delivering material in a culturally appropriate way, (ii) challenges regarding the sustainability of delivering high quality geoscience education projects, and (iii) ways in which geoscience education outreach can be mainstreamed into overseas research visits.

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

PubMed

Chubar, Natalia; Gerda, Vasyl; Szlachta, Małgorzata

2014-11-18

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

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

PubMed

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

2012-04-01

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

Experiences of parenting and clinical intervention for mothers affected by personality disorder: a pilot qualitative study combining parent and clinician perspectives.

PubMed

Wilson, Ruth; Weaver, Tim; Michelson, Daniel; Day, Crispin

2018-05-25

Evidence-based parenting programmes are recommended for the treatment of child mental health difficulties. Families with complex psychosocial needs show poorer retention and outcomes when participating in standard parenting programmes. The Helping Families Programme (HFP) is a 16-week community-based parenting intervention designed to meet the needs of these families, including families with parental personality disorder. This study aimed to explore the help seeking and participatory experiences of parents with a diagnosis of personality disorder. It further aimed to examine the acceptability of referral and intervention processes for the HFP from the perspectives of (i) clinicians referring into the programme; and (ii) referred parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents recruited to receive HFP (n = 5) as part of a research case series and the referring NHS child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) clinicians (n = 5). Transcripts were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes were identified for parents: (i) the experience of parenthood, (ii) being a parent affected by personality disorder, (iii) experience of the intervention, and (iv) qualities of helping. Three themes emerged for clinicians: (i) challenges of addressing parental need, (ii) experience of engaging parents with personality disorders and (iii) limited involvement during HFP. Comparison of parent and clinician themes led to the identification of two key interlinked themes: (i) concerns prior to receiving the intervention, and (ii) the challenges of working together without a mutual understanding. This pilot study identifies potentially significant challenges of working with parents affected by personality disorder and engaging them in HFP and other similar interventions. Results have important wider clinical implications by highlighting potential barriers to engagement and participation and providing insights on how these barriers might be overcome. Findings have been used to inform the referral and intervention processes of a pilot RCT and further intervention development.

Phase II trial of CoQ10 for ALS finds insufficient evidence to justify Phase III

PubMed Central

Kaufmann, Petra; Thompson, John L.P.; Levy, Gilberto; Buchsbaum, Richard; Shefner, Jeremy; Krivickas, Lisa S.; Katz, Jonathan; Rollins, Yvonne; Barohn, Richard J.; Jackson, Carlayne E.; Tiryaki, Ezgi; Lomen-Hoerth, Catherine; Armon, Carmel; Tandan, Rup; Rudnicki, Stacy A.; Rezania, Kourosh; Sufit, Robert; Pestronk, Alan; Novella, Steven P.; Heiman-Patterson, Terry; Kasarskis, Edward J.; Pioro, Erik P.; Montes, Jacqueline; Arbing, Rachel; Vecchio, Darleen; Barsdorf, Alexandra; Mitsumoto, Hiroshi; Levin, Bruce

2010-01-01

Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, and currently incurable, neuromuscular disease in which oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are contributing to neuronal loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor, has shown promise in ALS transgenic mice, and in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases other than ALS. Our aims were to choose between two high doses of CoQ10 for ALS, and to determine if it merits testing in a Phase III clinical trial. Methods We designed and implemented a multi-center trial with an adaptive, two-stage, bias-adjusted, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase II design (n=185). The primary outcome in both stages was decline in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRSr) score over 9 months. Stage 1 (dose selection, 35 participants per group) compared CoQ10 doses of 1,800 and 2,700 mg/day. Stage 2 (futility test, 75 patients per group) compared the dose selected in Stage 1 against placebo. Results Stage 1 selected the 2,700 mg dose. In Stage 2, the pre-specified primary null hypothesis that this dose is superior to placebo was not rejected. It was rejected, however, in an accompanying pre-specified sensitivity test, and further supplementary analyses. Pre-specified secondary analyses showed no significant differences between CoQ10 at 2,700 mg/day and placebo. There were no safety concerns. Interpretation CoQ10 at 2,700 mg daily for 9 months shows insufficient promise to warrant Phase III testing. Given this outcome, the adaptive Phase II design incorporating a dose selection and a futility test avoided the need for a much larger conventional Phase III trial. PMID:19743457

Organisational readiness: exploring the preconditions for success in organisation-wide patient safety improvement programmes.

PubMed

Burnett, Susan; Benn, Jonathan; Pinto, Anna; Parand, Anam; Iskander, Sandra; Vincent, Charles

2010-08-01

Patient safety has been high on the agenda for more than a decade. Despite many national initiatives aimed at improving patient safety, the challenge remains to find coherent and sustainable organisation-wide safety-improvement programmes. In the UK, the Safer Patients' Initiative (SPI) was established to address this challenge. Important in the success of such an endeavour is understanding 'readiness' at the organisational level, identifying the preconditions for success in this type of programme. This article reports on a case study of the four NHS organisations participating in the first phase of SPI, examining the perceptions of organisational readiness and the relationship of these factors with impact by those actively involved in the initiative. A mixed-methods design was used, involving a survey and semistructured interviews with senior executive leads, the principal SPI programme coordinator and the four operational leads in each of the SPI clinical work areas in all four organisations taking part in the first phase of SPI. This preliminary work would suggest that prior to the start of organisation-wide quality- and safety-improvement programmes, organisations would benefit from an assessment of readiness with time spent in the preparation of the organisational infrastructure, processes and culture. Furthermore, a better understanding of the preconditions that mark an organisation as ready for improvement work would allow policymakers to set realistic expectations about the outcomes of safety campaigns.

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

PubMed

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

2015-08-01

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

The Impact of the National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme on Educational Services in England

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCracken, Wendy; Young, Alys; Tattersall, Helen; Uus, Kai; Bamford, John

2005-01-01

This article presents results related to the impact on educational support services of the introduction of the first phase of the national Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) in England. This study was funded by the Department of Health and undertaken as one element of a national evaluation of NHSP across a range of domains. It presents…

Accelerated Reader as a Literacy Catch-Up Intervention during Primary to Secondary School Transition Phase

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siddiqui, Nadia; Gorard, Stephen; See, Beng Huat

2016-01-01

This paper describes an evaluation of an internet-based reading programme called Accelerated Reader (AR), which is widely used in UK schools and worldwide. AR is a whole-group reading management and monitoring programme that aims to stimulate the habit of independent reading among primary and secondary age pupils. The evaluation involved 349…

Submarine Structure Modeling and Analysis for Life-Cycle Management: Phase 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

tous les emplacements de jauges extensométriques. Un certain nombre d’autres programmes FORTRAN ont également été mis au point pour incorporer dans... jauges extensométriques. Un certain nombre d’autres programmes FORTRAN ont également été mis au point pour incorporer dans les modèles par éléments

Pre-Service Teachers' Belief Change and Practical Knowledge Development during the Course of Practicum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Debreli, Emre

2016-01-01

This study deals with the nature of change processes that pre-service teachers undergo throughout their training in an English Language Teaching programme. It also explores the types of beliefs about learning and teaching that pre-service teachers held before starting the practical phase of the programme and whether and how the practical phase…

A Global Approach to School Education and Local Reality: A Case Study of Community Participation in Haryana, India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narwana, Kamlesh

2015-01-01

In post-Jomtien phase, community participation in school education management has appeared as one of the most prominent features in all educational development programmes at global level. In line with this trend, India has also placed a significant focus on local communities in school management through various programmes such as LokJumbish,…

Laser scanning confocal microscope with programmable amplitude, phase, and polarization of the illumination beam.

PubMed

Boruah, B R; Neil, M A A

2009-01-01

We describe the design and construction of a laser scanning confocal microscope with programmable beam forming optics. The amplitude, phase, and polarization of the laser beam used in the microscope can be controlled in real time with the help of a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, acting as a computer generated hologram, in conjunction with a polarizing beam splitter and two right angled prisms assembly. Two scan mirrors, comprising an on-axis fast moving scan mirror for line scanning and an off-axis slow moving scan mirror for frame scanning, configured in a way to minimize the movement of the scanned beam over the pupil plane of the microscope objective, form the XY scan unit. The confocal system, that incorporates the programmable beam forming unit and the scan unit, has been implemented to image in both reflected and fluorescence light from the specimen. Efficiency of the system to programmably generate custom defined vector beams has been demonstrated by generating a bottle structured focal volume, which in fact is the overlap of two cross polarized beams, that can simultaneously improve both the lateral and axial resolutions if used as the de-excitation beam in a stimulated emission depletion confocal microscope.

A new method for developing compassionate communities and cities movement-"Todos Contigo" Programme (We are All With You): experience in Spain and Latin America countries.

PubMed

Librada Flores, Silvia

2018-01-01

Todos Contigo (We are All With You) is a programme for social awareness, training, and implementation of care networks for citizens to support, accompany and care for those who face advanced chronic disease and end of life situations. From New Health Foundation this programme collaborates with the Public Health and Palliative Care International Charter of Compassionate Communities. It seeks to promote a new integrated palliative care model in the daily lives of individuals, to make families and health/social professionals the main promoters of compassionate communities and compassionate cities movement. This workshop aims to: (I) describe the methodology of the programme: required tools and steps for building and developing a compassionate city or community; (II) identify stakeholders and organizations to join the compassionate community as networking agents; (III) sharing experiences from the implementation of this project in various contexts while providing specific examples and lessons learned from the perspective of various roles; (IV) explain the process of becoming a part of the project and of getting the official recognition for being a compassionate city. This workshop aims to share a new methodology "Todos Contigo" (We are all with you) Programme for the development of compassionate communities and cities movement. We describe our experiences in Spain and Latin American countries. The method is based on creating community networks, carrying out social awareness and training programmes related to end of life care.

A pre-operative group rehabilitation programme provided limited benefit for people with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Wallis, Jason A; Webster, Kate E; Levinger, Pazit; Fong, Cynthia; Taylor, Nicholas F

2014-01-01

To determine if a pre-operative group rehabilitation programme can improve arthritis self-efficacy for people with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis. Single group, repeated measures design: 4-week baseline phase followed by a 6-week intervention phase of water exercise, and education with self-management strategies. The primary outcome was arthritis self-efficacy. The secondary outcomes were measures of pain (WOMAC), activity limitation (WOMAC), activity performance (30 s chair stand test, 10 m walk test) and health-related quality of life (EuroQol). Twenty participants (10 knee osteoarthritis and 10 hip osteoarthritis) with a mean age of 71 years (SD 7) attended 92% (SD 10%) of the scheduled sessions. All measures demonstrated baseline stability between two time points for measurements at week 1 and measurements at week 4. After the 6-week intervention programme there were no significant improvements for arthritis self-efficacy. There was a 12% increase for fast walking speed (mean increase of 0.14 m/s, 95% CI 0.07, 0.22). There were no significant improvements for other secondary outcomes. A pre-operative water-based exercise and educational programme did not improve arthritis self-efficacy, self-reported pain and activity limitation, and health-related quality of life for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis who were candidates for joint replacement. While there was a significant increase in one measure of activity performance (walking speed), these findings suggest the current programme may be of little value. Implications for Rehabilitation This pre-operative group rehabilitation programme for people with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis did not change arthritis self-efficacy, pain, activity limitation and health-related quality of life. This programme may have little value in preparing people for joint replacement surgery. The optimal pre-operative programme requires further design and investigation.

Can high pressure I-II transitions in semiconductors be affected by plastic flow and nanocrystal precipitation in phase I?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, B. A.; Lindberg, G. P.

Pressure-Raman spectroscopy in ZnSe and ZnTe single crystals reveals that Se and Te nano-crystals (NCs) precipitate in these II-VI hosts for pressures far below their I-II phase transitions. The inclusions are evident from the appearance and negative pressure-shift of the A1 Raman peaks of Se and Te (trigonal phase). The Se and Te NCs nucleate at dislocations and grain boundaries that arise from pressure-induced plastic flow. This produces chemical and structural inhomogeneities in the zincblende phase of the host. At substantially higher pressures, the I-II transition proceeds in the presence of these inhomogenities. This can affect the transition's onset pressure Pt and width ΔPt, and the occurrence of metastable phases along the transition path. Precipitation models in metals show that nucleation of inclusions depends on the Peierls stress τp and a parameter α related to the net free energy gained on nucleation. For favorable values of τp and α, NC precipitation at pressures below the I-II transition could occur in other compounds. We propose criteria to judge whether this is likely based on the observed ranges of τp in the hosts, and estimates of α derived from the cohesive energy densities of the NC materials. One finds trends that can serve as a useful guide, both to test the proposed criteria, and to decide when closer scrutiny of phase transition experiments is warranted, e.g., in powders where high dislocation densities are initially created

A Model System for the Design and Maintenance of Related Instruction Curriculum for Approved U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Programs; Phase III. Final Report and Final Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane Community Coll., Eugene, OR.

A final report and final evaluation report of Phase III are provided for a project to establish a national clearinghouse for apprenticeship-related instructional materials. The final report provides a summary and a narrative account of these project activities: identification of materials; identification of apprenticeship curriculum needs;…

The Effects of PECS Teaching to Phase III on the Communicative Interactions between Children with Autism and Their Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Deborah; Felce, Janet

2007-01-01

The study investigated the impact of mastery of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to Phase III, on the communications of children with autism. Children aged between 3 and 7 years, formed a PECS intervention group and a non-intervention control group. The intervention group received 15 h of PECS teaching over 5 weeks. Three 2-h…

Phase 2 Site Investigations Report. Volume 3 of 3: Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

Phase II Site Investigations Ee Report Cn Volume III of III Appendices Fort Devens Sudbury Training Annex, Massachusetts September 1994 Contract No...laboratory quality control (QC) samples collected during field investigations at the Sudbury Training Annex of Fort Devens , Massachusetts. The QC...returned to its original condition. E & E performed this procedure for each monitoring well tested during the 1993 slug testing activities at Fort Devens

Whole Brain Radiotherapy and RRx-001: Two Partial Responses in Radioresistant Melanoma Brain Metastases from a Phase I/II Clinical Trial: A TITE-CRM Phase I/II Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Kim, Michelle M; Parmar, Hemant; Cao, Yue; Pramanik, Priyanka; Schipper, Matthew; Hayman, James; Junck, Larry; Mammoser, Aaron; Heth, Jason; Carter, Corey A; Oronsky, Arnold; Knox, Susan J; Caroen, Scott; Oronsky, Bryan; Scicinski, Jan; Lawrence, Theodore S; Lao, Christopher D

2016-04-01

Kim et al. report two patients with melanoma metastases to the brain that responded to treatment with RRx-001 and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) without neurologic or systemic toxicity in the context of a phase I/II clinical trial. RRx-001 is an reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS)-dependent systemically nontoxic hypoxic cell radiosensitizer with vascular normalizing properties under investigation in patients with various solid tumors including those with brain metastases. Metastatic melanoma to the brain is historically associated with poor outcomes and a median survival of 4 to 5 months. WBRT is a mainstay of treatment for patients with multiple brain metastases, but no significant therapeutic advances for these patients have been described in the literature. To date, candidate radiosensitizing agents have failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in patients with brain metastases, and in particular, no agent has demonstrated improved outcome in patients with metastatic melanoma. Kim et al. report two patients with melanoma metastases to the brain that responded to treatment with novel radiosensitizing agent RRx-001 and WBRT without neurologic or systemic toxicity in the context of a phase I/II clinical trial. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A randomized, multicenter, phase II/III study to determine the optimal dose and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegteograstim (GCPGC) on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia compared to pegfilgrastim in breast cancer patients: KCSG PC10-09.

PubMed

Lee, Ki Hyeong; Kim, Ji-Yeon; Lee, Moon Hee; Han, Hye Sook; Lim, Joo Han; Park, Keon Uk; Park, In Hae; Cho, Eun Kyung; Yoon, So Young; Kim, Jee Hyun; Choi, In Sil; Park, Jae Hoo; Choi, Young Jin; Kim, Hee-Jun; Jung, Kyung Hae; Kim, Si-Young; Oh, Do-Youn; Im, Seock-Ah

2016-04-01

Pegylated granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is frequently used to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients undergoing chemotherapy with a high risk of myelosuppression. This phase II/III study was conducted to determine the adequate dose of pegteograstim, a new formulation of pegylated G-CSF, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegteograstim compared to pegfilgrastim. In the phase II part, 60 breast cancer patients who were undergoing DA (docetaxel and doxorubicin) or TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of 3.6 or 6.0 mg pegteograstim on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle. The phase III part was seamlessly started to compare the dose of pegteograstim at selected in phase II with 6.0 mg pegfilgrastim in 117 breast cancer patients. The primary endpoint of both the phase II and III parts was the duration of grade 4 neutropenia in the chemotherapy cycle 1. The mean duration of grade 4 neutropenia for the 3.6 mg pegteograstim (n = 33) was similar to that for the 6.0 mg pegteograstim (n = 26) (1.97 ± 1.79 days vs. 1.54 ± 0.95 days, p = 0.33). The 6.0 mg pegteograstim was selected to be compared with the 6.0 mg pegfilgrastim in the phase III part. In the phase III part, the primary analysis revealed that the efficacy of pegteograstim (n = 56) was non-inferior to that of pegfilgrastim (n = 59) [duration of grade 4 neutropenia, 1.64 ± 1.18 days vs. 1.80 ± 1.05 days; difference, -0.15 ± 1.11 (p = 0.36, 97.5 % confidence intervals = 0.57 and 0.26)]. The time to the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery of pegteograstim (≥2000/μL) was significantly shorter than that of pegfilgrastim (8.85 ± 1.45 days vs. 9.83 ± 1.20 days, p < 0.0001). Other secondary endpoints showed no significant difference between the two groups. The safety profiles of the two groups did not differ significantly. Pegteograstim was shown to be as effective as pegfilgrastim in the reduction of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in the breast cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy with a high risk of myelosuppression.

A school-based intervention incorporating smartphone technology to improve health-related fitness among adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the NEAT and ATLAS 2.0 cluster randomised controlled trial and dissemination study

PubMed Central

Lubans, David R; Smith, Jordan J; Peralta, Louisa R; Plotnikoff, Ronald C; Okely, Anthony D; Salmon, Jo; Eather, Narelle; Dewar, Deborah L; Kennedy, Sarah; Lonsdale, Chris; Hilland, Toni A; Estabrooks, Paul; Finn, Tara L; Pollock, Emma; Morgan, Philip J

2016-01-01

Introduction Physical inactivity has been described as a global pandemic. Interventions aimed at developing skills in lifelong physical activities may provide the foundation for an active lifestyle into adulthood. In general, school-based physical activity interventions targeting adolescents have produced modest results and few have been designed to be ‘scaled-up’ and disseminated. This study aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of two physical activity promotion programmes (ie, NEAT and ATLAS) that have been modified for scalability; and (2) evaluate the dissemination of these programmes throughout government funded secondary schools. Methods and analysis The study will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase (cluster randomised controlled trial), 16 schools will be randomly allocated to the intervention or a usual care control condition. In the second phase, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (Re-AIM) framework will be used to guide the design and evaluation of programme dissemination throughout New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In both phases, teachers will be trained to deliver the NEAT and ATLAS programmes, which will include: (1) interactive student seminars; (2) structured physical activity programmes; (3) lunch-time fitness sessions; and (4) web-based smartphone apps. In the cluster RCT, study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end point) and 12-months. Muscular fitness will be the primary outcome and secondary outcomes will include: objectively measured body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, resistance training skill competency, physical activity, self-reported recreational screen-time, sleep, sugar-sweetened beverage and junk food snack consumption, self-esteem and well-being. Ethics and dissemination This study has received approval from the University of Newcastle (H-2014-0312) and the NSW Department of Education (SERAP: 2012121) human research ethics committees. This study is funded by the Australian Research Council (FT140100399) and the NSW Department of Education. Trial registration number ACTRN12615000360516; Pre-results. PMID:27354070

A school-based intervention incorporating smartphone technology to improve health-related fitness among adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the NEAT and ATLAS 2.0 cluster randomised controlled trial and dissemination study.

PubMed

Lubans, David R; Smith, Jordan J; Peralta, Louisa R; Plotnikoff, Ronald C; Okely, Anthony D; Salmon, Jo; Eather, Narelle; Dewar, Deborah L; Kennedy, Sarah; Lonsdale, Chris; Hilland, Toni A; Estabrooks, Paul; Finn, Tara L; Pollock, Emma; Morgan, Philip J

2016-06-27

Physical inactivity has been described as a global pandemic. Interventions aimed at developing skills in lifelong physical activities may provide the foundation for an active lifestyle into adulthood. In general, school-based physical activity interventions targeting adolescents have produced modest results and few have been designed to be 'scaled-up' and disseminated. This study aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of two physical activity promotion programmes (ie, NEAT and ATLAS) that have been modified for scalability; and (2) evaluate the dissemination of these programmes throughout government funded secondary schools. The study will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase (cluster randomised controlled trial), 16 schools will be randomly allocated to the intervention or a usual care control condition. In the second phase, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (Re-AIM) framework will be used to guide the design and evaluation of programme dissemination throughout New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In both phases, teachers will be trained to deliver the NEAT and ATLAS programmes, which will include: (1) interactive student seminars; (2) structured physical activity programmes; (3) lunch-time fitness sessions; and (4) web-based smartphone apps. In the cluster RCT, study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end point) and 12-months. Muscular fitness will be the primary outcome and secondary outcomes will include: objectively measured body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, resistance training skill competency, physical activity, self-reported recreational screen-time, sleep, sugar-sweetened beverage and junk food snack consumption, self-esteem and well-being. This study has received approval from the University of Newcastle (H-2014-0312) and the NSW Department of Education (SERAP: 2012121) human research ethics committees. This study is funded by the Australian Research Council (FT140100399) and the NSW Department of Education. ACTRN12615000360516; Pre-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The Utilization of the Microflora Indigenous to and Present in Oil-Bearing Formations to Selectively Plug the More Porous Zones Thereby Increasing Oil Recovery During Waterflooding

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

Brown, Lewis R.; Byrnes, Martin J.; Stephens, James O.

This project was designed to demonstrate that a microbially enhanced oil recovery process (MEOR), developed in part under DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-90BC14665, will increase oil recovery from fluvial dominated deltaic oil reservoirs. The process involves stimulating the in-situ indigenous microbial population in the reservoir to grow in the more permeable zones, thus diverting flow to other areas of the reservoir, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the waterflood. This five and a half year project is divided into three phases, Phase I, Planning and Analysis (9 months), Phase II, Implementation (45 months), and Phase III, Technology Transfer (12 months). Phase Imore » was completed and reported in the first annual report. This fifth annual report covers the completion of Phase II and the first six months of Phase III.« less

Methods for forming particles

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V.; Zhang, Fengyan; Rodriguez, Rene G.; Pak, Joshua J.; Sun, Chivin

2016-06-21

Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI.sub.2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.

Can exercise suppress tumour growth in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases? A randomised, controlled study protocol examining feasibility, safety and efficacy

PubMed Central

Newton, Robert U; Spry, Nigel A; Taaffe, Dennis R; Chambers, Suzanne K; Feeney, Kynan T; Joseph, David J; Redfern, Andrew D; Ferguson, Tom; Galvão, Daniel A

2017-01-01

Introduction Exercise may positively alter tumour biology through numerous modulatory and regulatory mechanisms in response to a variety of modes and dosages, evidenced in preclinical models to date. Specifically, localised and systemic biochemical alterations produced during and following exercise may suppress tumour formation, growth and distribution by virtue of altered epigenetics and endocrine–paracrine activity. Given the impressive ability of targeted mechanical loading to interfere with metastasis-driven tumour formation in human osteolytic tumour cells, it is of equal interest to determine whether a similar effect is observed in sclerotic tumour cells. The study aims to (1) establish the feasibility and safety of a combined modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases and (2) examine whether targeted and supervised exercise can suppress sclerotic tumour growth and activity in spinal metastases in humans. Methods and analysis A single-blinded, two-armed, randomised, controlled and explorative phase I clinical trial combining spinal isometric training with a modular multimodal exercise programme in 40 men with advanced prostate cancer and stable sclerotic spinal metastases. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) the exercise intervention or (2) usual medical care. The intervention arm will receive a 3-month, supervised and individually tailored modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training. Primary endpoints (feasibility and safety) and secondary endpoints (tumour morphology; biomarker activity; anthropometry; musculoskeletal health; adiposity; physical function; quality of life; anxiety; distress; fatigue; insomnia; physical activity levels) will be measured at baseline and following the intervention. Statistical analyses will include descriptive characteristics, t-tests, effect sizes and two-way (group × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (or analysis of covariance) to examine differences between groups over time. The data-set will be primarily examined using an intention-to-treat approach with multiple imputations, followed by a secondary sensitivity analysis to ensure data robustness using a complete cases approach. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of Edith Cowan University and the Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group. If proven to be feasible and safe, this study will form the basis of future phase II and III trials in human patients with advanced cancer. To reach a maximum number of clinicians, practitioners, patients and scientists, outcomes will be disseminated through national and international clinical, conference and patient presentations, as well as publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed academic journals. Trial registration number ACTRN 12616000179437. PMID:28559456

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

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

Kim, Jeomoh, E-mail: jkim610@gatech.edu; Ji, Mi-Hee; Detchprohm, Theeradetch

2015-09-28

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

Identifying the genes underlying quantitative traits: a rationale for the QTN programme

PubMed Central

Lee, Young Wha; Gould, Billie A.; Stinchcombe, John R.

2014-01-01

The goal of identifying the genes or even nucleotides underlying quantitative and adaptive traits has been characterized as the ‘QTN programme’ and has recently come under severe criticism. Part of the reason for this criticism is that much of the QTN programme has asserted that finding the genes and nucleotides for adaptive and quantitative traits is a fundamental goal, without explaining why it is such a hallowed goal. Here we outline motivations for the QTN programme that offer general insight, regardless of whether QTNs are of large or small effect, and that aid our understanding of the mechanistic dynamics of adaptive evolution. We focus on five areas: (i) vertical integration of insight across different levels of biological organization, (ii) genetic parallelism and the role of pleiotropy in shaping evolutionary dynamics, (iii) understanding the forces maintaining genetic variation in populations, (iv) distinguishing between adaptation from standing variation and new mutation, and (v) the role of genomic architecture in facilitating adaptation. We argue that rather than abandoning the QTN programme, we should refocus our efforts on topics where molecular data will be the most effective for testing hypotheses about phenotypic evolution. PMID:24790125

Optical fluoride sensor based on monomer-dimer equilibrium of scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin in a plasticized polymeric film.

PubMed

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2007-08-29

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III)-octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on coextraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F- > ClO4(-), SCN-, NO3(-) > Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10(-4) to 10(-2) M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements.

Optical Fluoride Sensor Based on Monomer-Dimer Equilibrium of Scandium(III)-Octaethylporphyrin in a Plasticized Polymeric Film

PubMed Central

Kang, Youngjea; Kampf, Jeff W.; Meyerhoff, Mark E.

2007-01-01

A fluoride-selective optical sensor based on scandium(III) octaethylporphyrin (Sc(III)OEP) as an ionophore within a plasticized PVC film is described. The presence of fluoride ion in the aqueous sample phase increases the formation of a difluoro-bridged Sc(III)OEP dimer species in the polymer film. The ability of the Sc(III) porphyrin to form the dimeric structure in the presence of fluoride is confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. For more practical sensing applications, a pH chromoionophore (ETH 7075) is added to the plasticized PVC film along with Sc(III)OEP and the observed optical response is based on co-extraction of protons with sample phase fluoride to create the dimeric porphyrin and a protonated chromoionophore species. The selectivity pattern observed is F-≫ClO4-, SCN-, NO3->Br-, Cl-. Only organic salicylate is a significant interferent. Fast and reversible fluoride response is observed over the range of 10-4 ~10-2 M fluoride, allowing use of the sensing film in a waveguide configuration for flow-injection measurements. PMID:17719905

In-situ Testing of the EHT High Gain and Frequency Ultra-Stable Integrators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Kenneth; Ziemba, Timothy; Prager, James; Slobodov, Ilia; Lotz, Dan

2014-10-01

Eagle Harbor Technologies (EHT) has developed a long-pulse integrator that exceeds the ITER specification for integration error and pulse duration. During the Phase I program, EHT improved the RPPL short-pulse integrators, added a fast digital reset, and demonstrated that the new integrators exceed the ITER integration error and pulse duration requirements. In Phase II, EHT developed Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) software that allows for integrator control and real-time signal digitization and processing. In the second year of Phase II, the EHT integrator will be tested at a validation platform experiment (HIT-SI) and tokamak (DIII-D). In the Phase IIB program, EHT will continue development of the EHT integrator to reduce overall cost per channel. EHT will test lower cost components, move to surface mount components, and add an onboard Field Programmable Gate Array and data acquisition to produce a stand-alone system with lower cost per channel and increased the channel density. EHT will test the Phase IIB integrator at a validation platform experiment (HIT-SI) and tokamak (DIII-D). Work supported by the DOE under Contract Number (DE-SC0006281).

Transferring disease management and health promotion programs to other countries: critical success factors.

PubMed

Azarmina, Pejman; Prestwich, Graham; Rosenquist, Joel; Singh, Debbie

2008-12-01

Governments and health service providers around the world are under pressure to improve health outcomes while containing rising healthcare costs. In response to such challenges, many regions have implemented services that have been successful in other countries-but 'importing' initiatives has many challenges. This article summarizes factors found to be critical to the success of adapting a US disease management and health promotion programme for use in Italy and the UK. Using three illustrative case studies, it describes how in each region the programme needed to adapt (i) the form and content of the disease management service, (ii) the involvement and integration with local clinicians and services and (iii) the evaluation of programme outcomes. We argue that it is important to implement evidence-based practice by learning lessons from other countries and service initiatives, but that it is equally important to take into consideration the '3Ps' that are critical for successful service implementation: payers, practitioners and patients.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

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

Xu Zhouxiang; Zhang Xian; Huang Kaikai

2012-09-15

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat notemore » line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad{sup 2} and transition time of 100 {mu}s under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.« less

Formation, Phase, and Elemental Composition of Micro- and Nano-Dimensional Particles of the Fe-Ti System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dresvyannikov, A. F.; Kolpakov, M. E.

2018-05-01

X-ray fluorescence, X-ray phase analysis, and transmission Mössbauer and NGR spectrometry are used to study the formation, phase, and elemental composition of Fe-Ti particles. The interaction between Fe(III) ions and dispersed titanium in an aqueous solution containing chloride ions and HF is studied. It is shown that the resulting Fe-Ti samples are a set of core-shell microparticles with titanium cores coated with micro- and nanosized α-Fe nucleation centers with the thinness outer layer of iron(III) oxide characterized by a developed surface.

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

PubMed

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

2013-12-01

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

The European space exploration programme: current status of ESA's plans for Moon and Mars exploration.

PubMed

Messina, Piero; Vennemann, Dietrich

2005-01-01

After a large consultation with the scientific and industrial communities in Europe, the Aurora Space Exploration Programme was unanimously approved at the European Space Agency (ESA) Council at ministerial level in Edinburgh in 2001. This marked the start of the programme's preparation phase that was due to finish by the end of 2004. Aurora features technology development robotic and crewed rehearsal missions aimed at preparing a human mission to Mars by 2033. Due to the evolving context, both international and European, ESA has undertaken a review of the goals and approach of its exploration programme. While maintaining the main robotic missions that had been conceived during Aurora, the European Space Exploration Programme that is currently being proposed to the Aurora participating states and other ESA Member States has a reviewed approach and will feature a greater synergy with other ESA programmes. The paper will present the process that led to the revision of ESA's plans in the field of exploration and will give the current status of the programme. c2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

X-ray phase-contrast imaging of the breast—advances towards clinical implementation

PubMed Central

Herzen, J; Willner, M; Grandl, S; Scherer, K; Bamberg, F; Reiser, M F; Pfeiffer, F; Hellerhoff, K

2014-01-01

Breast cancer constitutes about one-quarter of all cancers and is the leading cause of cancer death in women. To reduce breast cancer mortality, mammographic screening programmes have been implemented in many Western countries. However, these programmes remain controversial because of the associated radiation exposure and the need for improvement in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Phase-contrast imaging is a new X-ray-based technology that has been shown to provide enhanced soft-tissue contrast and improved visualization of cancerous structures. Furthermore, there is some indication that these improvements of image quality can be maintained at reduced radiation doses. Thus, X-ray phase-contrast mammography may significantly contribute to advancements in early breast cancer diagnosis. Feasibility studies of X-ray phase-contrast breast CT have provided images that allow resolution of the fine structure of tissue that can otherwise only be obtained by histology. This implies that X-ray phase-contrast imaging may also lead to the development of entirely new (micro-) radiological applications. This review provides a brief overview of the physical characteristics of this new technology and describes recent developments towards clinical implementation of X-ray phase-contrast imaging of the breast. PMID:24452106

The emplacement of long lava flows in Mare Imbrium, the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garry, W. B.

2012-12-01

Lava flow margins are scarce on the lunar surface. The best developed lava flows on the Moon occur in Mare Imbrium where flow margins are traceable nearly their entire flow length. The flow field originates in the southwest part of the basin from a fissure or series of fissures and cones located in the vicinity of Euler crater and erupted in three phases (Phases I, II, III) over a period of 0.5 Billion years (3.0 - 2.5 Ga). The flow field was originally mapped with Apollo and Lunar Orbiter data by Schaber (1973) and shows the flow field extends 200 to 1200 km from the presumed source area and covers an area of 2.0 x 10^5 km^2 with an estimated eruptive volume of 4 x 10^4 km^3. Phase I flows extend 1200 km and have the largest flow volume, but interestingly do not exhibit visible topography and are instead defined by difference in color from the surrounding mare flows. Phases II and III flows have well-defined flow margins (10 - 65 m thick) and channels (0.4 - 2.0 km wide, 40 - 70 m deep), but shorter flow lengths, 600 km and 400 km respectively. Recent missions, including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Kaguya (Selene), and Clementine, provide high resolution data sets of these lava flows. Using a combination of data sets including images from LRO Wide-Angle-Camera (WAC)(50-100 m/pixel) and Narrow-Angle-Camera (NAC) (up to 0.5m/pixel), Kaguya Terrain Camera (TC) (10 m/pixel), and topography from LRO Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), the morphology has been remapped and topographic measurements of the flow features have been made in an effort to reevaluate the emplacement of the flow field. Morphologic mapping reveals a different flow path for Phase I compared to the original mapping completed by Schaber (1973). The boundaries of the Phase I flow field have been revised based on Moon Mineralogy Mapper color ratio images (Staid et al., 2011). This has implications for the area covered and volume erupted during this stage, as well as, the age of Phase I. Flow features and margins have been identified in the Phase I flow within the LROC WAC mosaic and in Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images. These areas have a mottled appearance. LOLA profiles over the more prominent flow lobes in Phase I reveal these margins are less 10 m thick. Phase II and III morphology maps are similar to previous flow maps. Phase III lobes near Euler are 10-12 km wide and 20-30 m thick based on measurements of the LOLA 1024ppd Elevation Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in JMoon. One of the longer Phase III lobes varies between 15 to 50 km wide and 25 to 60 m thick, with the thickest section at the distal end of the lobe. The Phase II lobe is 15 to 25 m thick and up to 35 km wide. The eruptive volume of the Mare Imbrium lava flows has been compared to terrestrial flood basalts. The morphology of the lobes in Phase II and III, which includes levees, thick flow fronts, and lobate margins suggests these could be similar to terrestrial aa-style flows. The Phase I flows might be more representative of sheet flows, pahoehoe-style flows, or inflated flows. Morphologic comparisons will be made with terrestrial flows at Askja volcano in Iceland, a potential analog to compare different styles of emplacement for the flows in Mare Imbrium.

The Incredible Years Therapeutic Dinosaur Programme to build social and emotional competence in Welsh primary schools: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Bywater, Tracey; Hutchings, Judy; Whitaker, Christopher; Evans, Ceri; Parry, Laura

2011-02-11

School interventions such as the Incredible Years Classroom Dinosaur Programme targets pupil behaviour across whole classrooms, yet for some children a more intense approach is needed. The Incredible Years Therapeutic Dinosaur Programme is effective for clinically referred children by enhancing social, problem-solving skills, and peer relationship-building skills when delivered in a clinical setting in small groups. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Therapeutic Programme, delivered with small groups of children at high-risk of developing conduct disorder, delivered in schools already implementing the Classroom Programme. This is a pragmatic, parallel, randomised controlled trial.Two hundred and forty children (aged 4-8 years) rated by their teacher as above the 'borderline cut-off' for concern on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and their parents, will be recruited. Randomisation is by individual within blocks (schools); 1:1 ratio, intervention to waiting list control. Twenty schools will participate in two phases. Two teachers per school will deliver the programme to six intervention children for 2-hours/week for 18 weeks between baseline and first follow-up. The control children will receive the intervention after first follow up. Phase 1 comprises three data collection points - baseline and two follow-ups eight months apart. Phase 2 includes baseline and first follow-up.The Therapeutic Programme includes elements on; Learning school rules; understanding, identifying, and articulating feelings; problem solving; anger management; how to be friendly; how to do your best in school. Primary outcomes are; change in child social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Secondary outcomes are; teacher and parent mental wellbeing, child academic attainment, child and teacher school attendance. Intervention delivery will be assessed for fidelity. Intention to treat analyses will be conducted. ANCOVA, effect sizes, mediator and moderator analyses will be applied to establish differences between conditions, and for whom the intervention works best for and why. This trial will provide information on the delivery and effectiveness of a child centred, school-based intervention delivered in small groups of children, at risk of developing more severe conduct problems. The effects on child behaviour in school and home environments, academic attainment, peer interactions, parent and teacher mental health will be assessed. UK Clinical Research Network UKCRNID8615. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN96803379.

Thermodynamic considerations of the vapor phase reactions in III-nitride metal organic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekiguchi, Kazuki; Shirakawa, Hiroki; Chokawa, Kenta; Araidai, Masaaki; Kangawa, Yoshihiro; Kakimoto, Koichi; Shiraishi, Kenji

2017-04-01

We analyzed the metal organic vapor phase epitaxial growth mechanism of the III-nitride semiconductors GaN, AlN, and InN by first-principles calculations and thermodynamic analyses. In these analyses, we investigated the decomposition processes of the group III source gases X(CH3)3 (X = Ga, Al, In) at finite temperatures and determined whether the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct can be formed or not. The results of our calculations show that the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct cannot be formed in the gas phase in GaN metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE), whereas, in AlN MOVPE, the formation of the (CH3)2AlNH2 adduct in the gas phase is exclusive. In the case of GaN MOVPE, trimethylgallium (TMG, [Ga(CH3)3]) decomposition into Ga gas on the growth surface with the assistance of H2 carrier gas, instead of the formation of the (CH3)2GaNH2 adduct, occurs almost exclusively. Moreover, in the case of InN MOVPE, the formation of the (CH3)2InNH2 adduct does not occur and it is relatively easy to produce In gas even without H2 in the carrier gas.

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

PubMed

Takahashi, Fumihiro; Morita, Satoshi

2018-02-08

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

Metalloporphyrin Co(III)TMPyP ameliorates acute, sublethal cyanide toxicity in mice.

PubMed

Benz, Oscar S; Yuan, Quan; Amoscato, Andrew A; Pearce, Linda L; Peterson, Jim

2012-12-17

The formation of Co(III)TMPyP(CN)(2) at pH 7.4 has been shown to be completely cooperative (α(H) = 2) with an association constant of 2.1 (±0.2) × 10(11). The kinetics were investigated by stopped-flow spectrophotometry and revealed a complicated net reaction exhibiting 4 phases at pH 7.4 under conditions where cyanide was in excess. The data suggest molecular HCN (rather than CN(-)) to be the attacking nucleophile around neutrality. The two slower phases do not seem to be present when cyanide is not in excess, and the other two phases have rates comparable to that observed for cobalamin, a known effective cyanide scavenger. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) did not affect the cooperativity of cyanide binding to Co(III)TMPyP, only lowered the equilibrium constant slightly to 1.2 (±0.2) × 10(11) and had an insignificant effect on the observed rate. A sublethal mouse model was used to assess the effectiveness of Co(III)TMPyP as a potential cyanide antidote. The administration of Co(III)TMPyP to sodium cyanide intoxicated mice resulted in the time required for the surviving mice to right themselves from a supine position being significantly decreased (9 ± 2 min) compared to that of the controls (33 ± 2 min). All observations were consistent with the demonstrated antidotal activity of Co(III)TMPyP operating through a cyanide-binding (i.e., scavenging) mechanism.

The GKSS beamlines at PETRA III and DORIS III

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haibel, A.; Beckmann, F.; Dose, T.; Herzen, J.; Utcke, S.; Lippmann, T.; Schell, N.; Schreyer, A.

2008-08-01

Due to the high brilliance of the new storage ring PETRA III at DESY in Hamburg, the low emittance of 1 nmrad and the high fraction of coherent photons also in the hard X-ray range extremely intense and sharply focused X-ray light will be provided. These advantages of the beam fulfill excellently the qualifications for the planned Imaging BeamLine IBL and the High Energy Materials Science Beamline (HEMS) at PETRA III, i.e. for absorption tomography, phase enhanced and phase contrast experiments, for diffraction, for nano focusing, for nano tomography, and for high speed or in-situ experiments with highest spatial resolution. The existing HARWI II beamline at the DORIS III storage ring at DESY completes the GKSS beamline concept with setups for high energy tomography (16-150 keV) and diffraction (16-250 keV), characterized by a large field of view and an excellent absorption contrast with spatial resolutions down to 2 μm.

General Improvement of Reading Instruction, Grades 1-12, Teacher Training Program of Title III, P.L. 89-10. Evaluation of Second Phase of Program, Summer 1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brookland-Cayce Schools, West Columbia, SC.

An evaluation of the second phase of a projected 3-year Title III inservice reading instruction program for teaching personnel is presented after one and one-half years of operation in 16 Cayce-West Columbia, South Carolina, schools. Included is an evaluation prepared by each of the 11 elementary supervisors which includes objectives and how they…

Installation Restoration Program Records Search for Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

Phase III (not part of this contract) consists of a technology base development study to support the development of project plans for controlling...determine the extent and magnitude of the contaminant migration. Phase III (not part of this contract) consists of a technology base development study to...number of vegetation studies have attempted to classify the potential climax vegetation within the region of Westover AFB (Braun, 1972; Kuchler, 1975

Integrated programmable photonic filter on the silicon-on-insulator platform.

PubMed

Liao, Shasha; Ding, Yunhong; Peucheret, Christophe; Yang, Ting; Dong, Jianji; Zhang, Xinliang

2014-12-29

We propose and demonstrate a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) on-chip programmable filter based on a four-tap finite impulse response structure. The photonic filter is programmable thanks to amplitude and phase modulation of each tap controlled by thermal heaters. We further demonstrate the tunability of the filter central wavelength, bandwidth and variable passband shape. The tuning range of the central wavelength is at least 42% of the free spectral range. The bandwidth tuning range is at least half of the free spectral range. Our scheme has distinct advantages of compactness, capability for integrating with electronics.

MOEMs devices designed and tested for future astronomical instrumentation in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamkotsian, Frédéric; Lanzoni, Patrick; Waldis, Severin; Noell, Wilfried; Conedera, Veronique; Fabre, Norbert; Viard, Thierry; Buisset, Christophe

2017-11-01

Next generation of astronomical instrumentation for space telescopes requires Micro-Opto-Electro- Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) with remote control capability and cryogenic operation. MOEMS devices have the capability to tailor the incoming light in terms of intensity and object selection with programmable slit masks, in terms of phase and wavefront control with micro-deformable mirrors, and finally in terms of spectrum with programmable diffraction gratings. Applications are multi-object spectroscopy (MOS), wavefront correction and programmable spectrographs. We are engaged since several years in the design, realization and characterization of MOEMS devices suited for astronomical instrumentation.

OPTIM trial: a Phase III trial of an oncolytic herpes virus encoding GM-CSF for unresectable stage III or IV melanoma.

PubMed

Kaufman, Howard L; Bines, Steven D

2010-06-01

There are few effective treatment options available for patients with advanced melanoma. An oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 encoding granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; Oncovex(GM-CSF)) for direct injection into accessible melanoma lesions resulted in a 28% objective response rate in a Phase II clinical trial. Responding patients demonstrated regression of both injected and noninjected lesions highlighting the dual mechanism of action of Oncovex(GM-CSF) that includes both a direct oncolytic effect in injected tumors and a secondary immune-mediated anti-tumor effect on noninjected tumors. Based on these preliminary results a prospective, randomized Phase III clinical trial in patients with unresectable Stage IIIb or c and Stage IV melanoma has been initiated. The rationale, study design, end points and future development of the Oncovex(GM-CSF) Pivotal Trial in Melanoma (OPTIM) trial are discussed in this article.

Optical simulation of quantum algorithms using programmable liquid-crystal displays

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

Puentes, Graciana; La Mela, Cecilia; Ledesma, Silvia

2004-04-01

We present a scheme to perform an all optical simulation of quantum algorithms and maps. The main components are lenses to efficiently implement the Fourier transform and programmable liquid-crystal displays to introduce space dependent phase changes on a classical optical beam. We show how to simulate Deutsch-Jozsa and Grover's quantum algorithms using essentially the same optical array programmed in two different ways.

Re-evaluating the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis during initiation of DNA sliding by Type III restriction enzymes

PubMed Central

Tóth, Júlia; Bollins, Jack; Szczelkun, Mark D.

2015-01-01

DNA cleavage by the Type III restriction enzymes requires long-range protein communication between recognition sites facilitated by thermally-driven 1D diffusion. This ‘DNA sliding’ is initiated by hydrolysis of multiple ATPs catalysed by a helicase-like domain. Two distinct ATPase phases were observed using short oligoduplex substrates; the rapid consumption of ∼10 ATPs coupled to a protein conformation switch followed by a slower phase, the duration of which was dictated by the rate of dissociation from the recognition site. Here, we show that the second ATPase phase is both variable and only observable when DNA ends are proximal to the recognition site. On DNA with sites more distant from the ends, a single ATPase phase coupled to the conformation switch was observed and subsequent site dissociation required little or no further ATP hydrolysis. The overall DNA dissociation kinetics (encompassing site release, DNA sliding and escape via a DNA end) were not influenced by the second phase. Although the data simplifies the ATP hydrolysis scheme for Type III restriction enzymes, questions remain as to why multiple ATPs are hydrolysed to prepare for DNA sliding. PMID:26538601

Chemoradiation in elderly esophageal cancer patients: rationale and design of a phase I/II multicenter study (OSAGE).

PubMed

Servagi-Vernat, Stéphanie; Créhange, Gilles; Bonnetain, Franck; Mertens, Cécile; Brain, Etienne; Bosset, Jean François

2017-07-13

The management of elderly patients with cancer is a therapeutic challenge and a public health problem. Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an accepted standard treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who cannot undergo surgery. However, there are few reports regarding tolerance to CRT in elderly patients. We previously reported results for CRT in patients aged ≥75 years. Following this first phase II trial, we propose to conduct a phase I/II study to evaluate the combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel, with concurrent RT in unresectable esophageal cancer patients aged 75 years or older. This prospective multicenter phase I/II study will include esophageal cancer in patients aged 75 years or older. Study procedures will consist to determinate the tolerated dose of chemotherapy (Carboplatin, paclitaxel) and of radiotherapy (41.4-45 and 50.4 Gy) in the phase I. Efficacy will be assessed using a co-primary endpoint encompassing health related quality of life and the progression-free survival in the phase II with the dose recommended of CRT in the phase I. This geriatric evaluation was defined by the French geriatric oncology group (GERICO). This trial has been designed to assess the tolerated dose of CRT in selected patient aged 75 years or older. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02735057 . Registered on 18 March 2016.

Effect of intravenous amino acids on interdigestive antroduodenal motility and small bowel transit time.

PubMed

Gielkens, H A; van den Biggelaar, A; Vecht, J; Onkenhout, W; Lamers, C B; Masclee, A A

1999-02-01

Patients on total parenteral nutrition have an increased risk of developing gallstones because of gall bladder hypomotility. High dose amino acids may prevent biliary stasis by stimulating gall bladder emptying. To investigate whether intravenous amino acids also influence antroduodenal motility. Eight healthy volunteers received, on three separate occasions, intravenous saline (control), low dose amino acids (LDA), or high dose amino acids (HDA). Antroduodenal motility was recorded by perfusion manometry and duodenocaecal transit time (DCTT) using the lactulose breath hydrogen test. DCTT was significantly prolonged during LDA and HDA treatment compared with control. The interdigestive motor pattern was maintained and migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle length was significantly reduced during HDA compared with control and LDA due to a significant reduction in phase II duration. Significantly fewer phase IIIs originated in the gastric antrum during LDA and HDA compared with control. Duodenal phase II motility index was significantly reduced during HDA, but not during LDA, compared with control. Separate intravenous infusion of high doses of amino acids in healthy volunteers: (1) modulates interdigestive antroduodenal motility; (2) shortens MMC cycle length due to a reduced duration of phase II with a lower contractile incidence both in the antrum and duodenum (phase I remains unchanged whereas the effect on phase III is diverse: in the antrum phase III is suppressed and in the duodenum the frequency is increased); and (3) prolongs interdigestive DCTT.

The success factors of scaling-up Estonian sexual and reproductive health youth clinic network--from a grassroots initiative to a national programme 1991-2013.

PubMed

Kempers, Jari; Ketting, Evert; Chandra-Mouli, Venkatraman; Raudsepp, Triin

2015-01-08

A growing number of middle-income countries are scaling up youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health pilot projects to national level programmes. Yet, there are few case studies on successful national level scale-up of such programmes. Estonia is an excellent example of scale-up of a small grassroots adolescent sexual and reproductive health initiative to a national programme, which most likely contributed to improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This study; (1) documents the scale-up process of the Estonian youth clinic network 1991-2013, and (2) analyses factors that contributed to the successful scale-up. This research provides policy makers and programme managers with new insights to success factors of the scale-up, that can be used to support planning, implementation and scale-up of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programmes in other countries. Information on the scale-up process and success factors were collected by conducting a literature review and interviewing key stakeholders. The findings were analysed using the WHO-ExpandNet framework, which provides a step-by-step process approach for design, implementation and assessment of the results of scaling-up health innovations. The scale-up was divided into two main phases: (1) planning the scale-up strategy 1991-1995 and (2) managing the scaling-up 1996-2013. The planning phase analysed innovation, user organizations (youth clinics), environment and resource team (a national NGO and international assistance). The managing phase examines strategic choices, advocacy, organization, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning and management of the scale-up. The main factors that contributed to the successful scale-up in Estonia were: (1) favourable social and political climate, (2) clear demonstrated need for the adolescent services, (3) a national professional organization that advocated, coordinated and represented the youth clinics, (4) enthusiasm and dedication of personnel, (5) acceptance by user organizations and (6) sustainable funding through the national health insurance system. Finally, the measurement and recognition of the remarkable improvement of adolescent SRH outcomes in Estonia would not have been possible without development of good reporting and monitoring systems, and many studies and international publications.

Effects of pressure ulcer classification system education programme on knowledge and visual differential diagnostic ability of pressure ulcer classification and incontinence-associated dermatitis for clinical nurses in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Yun Jin; Kim, Jung Yoon

2016-03-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pressure ulcer classification system education on clinical nurses' knowledge and visual differential diagnostic ability of pressure ulcer (PU) classification and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). One group pre and post-test was used. A convenience sample of 407 nurses, participating in PU classification education programme of continuing education, were enrolled. The education programme was composed of a 50-minute lecture on PU classification and case-studies. The PU Classification system and IAD knowledge test (PUCS-KT) and visual differential diagnostic ability tool (VDDAT), consisting of 21 photographs including clinical information were used. Paired t-test was performed using SPSS/WIN 20.0. The overall mean difference of PUCS-KT (t = -11·437, P<0·001) and VDDAT (t = -21·113, P<0·001) was significantly increased after PU classification education. Overall understanding of six PU classification and IAD after education programme was increased, but lacked visual differential diagnostic ability regarding Stage III PU, suspected deep tissue injury (SDTI), and Unstageable. Continuous differentiated education based on clinical practice is needed to improve knowledge and visual differential diagnostic ability for PU classification, and comparison experiment study is required to examine effects of education programmes. © 2016 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Talented football players' development of achievement motives, volitional components, and self-referential cognitions: A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Feichtinger, Philip; Höner, Oliver

2015-01-01

Adolescence is regarded as a key developmental phase in the course of talented football players' careers. The present study focuses on early adolescent players' development of achievement motives, volitional components, and self-referential cognitions. Based on the multidimensional and dynamic nature of talent, the development of multifaceted personality characteristics is an important issue in the context of sports talent research. According to previous findings in psychology, personality characteristics' development is defined by both stability and change, and the current study analyses four different types: differential stability (I), mean-level change (II), individual-level change (III), and structural stability (IV). The sample consists of 151 male players in the talent development programme of the German Football Association. Psychological diagnostics of the personality characteristics are implemented across longitudinal sections over a time period of three seasons, from the U12 to U14 age classes. The results reveal that the personality characteristics show (I) moderate test-retest correlations over one-year intervals (.43 ≤ rtt ≤ .62), and lower coefficients for a two-year period (.26 ≤ rtt ≤ .53). (II) Most of the personality characteristics' mean values differ significantly across the age classes with small effect sizes (.01 ≤ [Formula: see text] ≤ .03). (III) Only minor individual-level changes in the football players' development are found. (IV) The personality characteristics' associations within a two-factor structure do not stay invariant over time. From the results of the present study, conclusions are drawn regarding the talent identification and development process.

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

PubMed

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

2017-09-01

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

A crossover study of the combination therapy of metformin and exenatide or biphasic insulin aspart 30 in overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PubMed Central

Quan, Huibiao; Zhang, Huachuan; Wei, Weiping; Fang, Tuanyu; Chen, Daoxiong; Chen, Kaining

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of various combinations of exenatide, metformin (MET) and biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIA30) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Two hundred overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with T2DM were evenly randomized into two groups: A (twice daily for all: Phase I, 5 µg exenatide + 0.5 g MET for 4 weeks, then 10 µg exenatide + 0.5 g MET for 8 weeks; Phase II, 0.5 g MET for 12 weeks; Phase III, 0.3–0.4 U/kg/day BIA30 + 0.5 g MET for 12 weeks) and B (Phases I, II, III matched the phases III, II and I in group A). In groups A and B a significant decrease and increase, respectively, in glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) and body mass index (BMI) was noted during Phase I. A 3.2±0.4-kg decrease in body weight in group A and a 2.6±0.3-kg increase in group B was observed. In Phase II, HbAlc was significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). In Phase III, the BMI was increased in group A and reduced in group B (P<0.05). There was a 3.8±0.4-kg weight decrease in group B and 4.2±0.5-kg increase in group A (P<0.05). The combination of exenatide and MET promoted weight loss, glycemic control, β-cell function index, C peptide and adiponectin levels. These results suggested that the combination of exenatide and MET is better than the combination of BIA and MET for the therapy of overweight or obese patients newly diagnosed with T2DM. PMID:28912879

Guideline-based intervention to reduce telemetry rates in a large tertiary centre.

PubMed

Ramkumar, Satish; Tsoi, Edward H; Raghunath, Ajay; Dias, Floyd F; Li Wai Suen, Christopher; Tsoi, Andrew H; Mansfield, Darren R

2017-07-01

Inappropriate cardiac telemetry use is associated with reduced patient flow and increased healthcare costs. To evaluate the outcomes of guideline-based application of cardiac telemetry. Phase I involved a prospective audit (March to August 2011) of telemetry use at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected on indication for telemetry and clinical outcomes. Phase II prospectively included patients more than 18 years under general medicine requiring ward-based telemetry. As phase II occurred at a time remotely from phase I, an audit similar to phase I (phase II - baseline) was completed prior to a 3-month intervention (May to August 2015). The intervention consisted of a daily telemetry ward round and an admission form based on the American Heart Association guidelines (class I, telemetry indicated; class II, telemetry maybe indicated; class III, telemetry not indicated). Patient demographics, telemetry data, and clinical outcomes were studied. Primary endpoint was the percentage reduction of class III indications, while secondary endpoint included telemetry duration. In phase I (n = 200), 38% were admitted with a class III indication resulting in no change in clinical management. A total of 74 patients was included in phase II baseline (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 73 years ± 14.9, 57% male), whilst 65 patients were included in the intervention (mean ± SD age 71 years ± 18.4, 35% male). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. There was a reduction in class III admissions post-intervention from 38% to 11%, P < 0.001. Intervention was associated with a reduction in median telemetry duration (1.8 ± 1.8 vs 2.4 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.047); however, length of stay was similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Guideline-based telemetry admissions and a regular telemetry ward round are associated with a reduction in inappropriate telemetry use. © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Designing Computer-Based Assessments: Multidisciplinary Findings and Student Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dembitzer, Leah; Zelikovitz, Sarah; Kettler, Ryan J.

2017-01-01

A partnership was created between psychologists and computer programmers to develop a computer-based assessment program. Psychometric concerns of accessibility, reliability, and validity were juxtaposed with core development concepts of usability and user-centric design. Phases of development were iterative, with evaluation phases alternating with…

The local magnetic properties of [MnIII6 CrIII]3+ and [FeIII6 CrIII]3+ single-molecule magnets deposited on surfaces studied by spin-polarized photoemission and XMCD with circularly polarized synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinzmann, U.; Helmstedt, A.; Dohmeier, N.; Müller, N.; Gryzia, A.; Brechling, A.; Hoeke, V.; Krickemeyer, E.; Glaser, T.; Fonin, M.; Bouvron, S.; Leicht, P.; Tietze, T.; Goering, E.; Kuepper, K.

2014-04-01

It is demonstrated that local magnetic moments of single molecule magnets (SMM) normally studied by XMCD at very low temperatures and high magnetic fields can be measured by means of spin-resolved electron emission in the paramagnetic phase at room temperature by use of circularly polarized radiation.

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

PubMed

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

2013-03-27

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

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, D.U.L.; Conway, P.H.

1994-11-15

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system. 11 figs.

Feed-forward digital phase and amplitude correction system

DOEpatents

Yu, David U. L.; Conway, Patrick H.

1994-01-01

Phase and amplitude modifications in repeatable RF pulses at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier are made utilizing a digital feed-forward correction system. A controlled amount of the output power is coupled to a correction system for processing of phase and amplitude information. The correction system comprises circuitry to compare the detected phase and amplitude with the desired phase and amplitude, respectively, and a digitally programmable phase shifter and attenuator and digital logic circuitry to control the phase shifter and attenuator. The Phase and amplitude of subsequent are modified by output signals from the correction system.

Situational analysis of infant and young child nutrition policies and programmatic activities in Mali.

PubMed

Wuehler, Sara E; Coulibaly, Mouctar

2011-04-01

Progress towards reducing mortality and malnutrition among children <5 years of age has been less than needed to achieve related Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, several international agencies joined to 'Reposition children's right to adequate nutrition in the Sahel', starting with a situational analysis of current activities related to infant and young child nutrition (IYCN). The main objectives of the situational analysis are to compile, analyse and interpret available information on infant and young child feeding, and the nutrition situation of children <2 years of age in Mali, as one of the six targeted countries. Between June and September 2008, key informants responsible for conducting IYCN-related activities in Mali were interviewed, and 117 documents were examined on the following themes: optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, prevention of micronutrient deficiencies, screening and management of acute malnutrition, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, food security, and hygienic practices. Most of the key IYCN topics were addressed in national policies, training materials, and programme documents. Information on the national coverage and impact of these programmes is generally not available. Exclusive breastfeeding (<6 months) has increased in Mali, but no studies identified the contributors to this increase. Despite improvements in breastfeeding practices, optimal infant, and young child feeding is still practiced among too few young children in Mali. Several research articles were identified, but few of these were linked to programme development. Some programme monitoring and evaluation reports were available, but few of these were rigorous enough to identify whether IYCN-specific programme components were implemented as designed or were achieving desired outcomes. Therefore, we could not confirm which programmes contributed to reported improvements. Monitoring of programmes managing malnutrition identified gaps in human and institutional capacities to fully carry out intended interventions and the government has recognized the overall lack of adequate numbers of health care providers to carry out necessary programmes in Mali, of which nutrition programmes are a part. The policy and programme framework is well established for support of optimal IYCN practices, but greater resources and capacity building are needed to: (i) conduct necessary research to adapt training materials and programme protocols to programmatic needs; (ii) implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation that identify effective programme components; and (iii) apply these findings in developing, expanding, and improving effective programmes. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

From spectators to implementers: civil society organizations involved in AIDS programmes in China

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Kuo, Nana Taona; Liu, Hui; Korhonen, Christine; Pond, Ellenie; Guo, Haoyan; Smith, Liz; Xue, Hui; Sun, Jiangping

2010-01-01

Background Over the past 20 years, civil society organizations (CSOs) in China have significantly increased their involvement in the AIDS response. This article aims to review the extent of civil society participation in China AIDS programmes over the past two decades. Methods A desk review was conducted to collect Chinese government policies, project documents and published articles on civil society participation of HIV/AIDS programmes in China over the past two decades. Assessment focused on five aspects: (i) the political environment; (ii) access to financial resources; (iii) the number of CSOs working on HIV/AIDS; (iv) the scope of work; and (v) the impact of CSO involvement on programmes. Results The number of CSOs specificly working on HIV/AIDS increased from 0 before 1988 to over 400 in 2009. Among a sample of 368 CSOs, 135 (36.7%) were registered. CSOs were primarily supported by international programmes. Government financial support to CSOs has increased from USD248 000 in 2002 to USD1.46 million in 2008. Initially, civil society played a minimal role. It is now widely involved in nearly all aspects of HIV/AIDS-related prevention, treatment and care efforts, and has had a positive impact; for example, increased adherence of anti-retroviral treatment and HIV testing among hard-to-reach groups. The main challenges faced by CSOs include registration, capacity and long-term financial support. Conclusion CSOs have significantly increased their participation and contribution to HIV/AIDS programmes in China. Policies for registration and financial support to CSOs need to be developed to enable them to play an even greater role in AIDS programmes. PMID:21113039

Elimination of human rabies in a canine endemic province in Thailand: five-year programme.

PubMed Central

Kamoltham, T.; Singhsa, J.; Promsaranee, U.; Sonthon, P.; Mathean, P.; Thinyounyong, W.

2003-01-01

A five-year project to prevent human deaths from rabies in Phetchabun Province, Thailand involved increasing accessibility of post-exposure treatment with the Thai Red Cross intradermal (2-2-2-0-1-1) regimen for humans exposed to potentially and confirmed rabid animals; intensifying documentation of post-exposure treatment; increasing educational awareness through advocacy in provincial schools, television programmes, and newspapers; reducing canine rabies by monitoring the dog population and implementing vaccination and sterilization programmes; increasing the cooperation between the Ministries of Public Health, Agriculture, and Education on a provincial level; and assessing the impact of the programme through intensified follow-up of patients exposed to suspected and laboratory-confirmed rabid animals. Between 1996 and 2001, 10350 patients received post-exposure treatment; 7227 of these received the Thai Red Cross intradermal regimen. Fewer than 3% of exposed patients received rabies immunoglobulin. Seventy-three percent of all patients presented with WHO category III exposures. In a retrospective study, 188 patients exposed to laboratory-confirmed rabid animals were followed to determine their health status. Of these patients, 20 received the intramuscular Essen regimen and 168 the Thai Red Cross intradermal regimen (148 received 0.1 ml purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine, 10 received 0.1 ml purified vero cell rabies vaccine, and 10 received 0.2 ml purified duck embryo cell rabies vaccine). All patients were alive one year after exposure. Two human deaths occurred in the first two years of the programme - neither patient had received vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin after exposure. No deaths occurred during the last three years of the programme, which indicated that the programme was successful. PMID:12862022

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

PubMed Central

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

2012-01-01

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

Method for Improving Mg Doping During Group-III Nitride MOCVD

DOEpatents

Creighton, J. Randall; Wang, George T.

2008-11-11

A method for improving Mg doping of Group III-N materials grown by MOCVD preventing condensation in the gas phase or on reactor surfaces of adducts of magnesocene and ammonia by suitably heating reactor surfaces between the location of mixing of the magnesocene and ammonia reactants and the Group III-nitride surface whereon growth is to occur.

Impact of Availability of Companion Diagnostics on the Clinical Development of Anticancer Drugs.

PubMed

Tibau, Ariadna; Díez-González, Laura; Navarro, Beatriz; Galán-Moya, Eva M; Templeton, Arnoud J; Seruga, Bostjan; Pandiella, Atanasio; Amir, Eitan; Ocana, Alberto

2017-06-01

Companion diagnostics permit the selection of patients likely to respond to targeted anticancer drugs; however, it is unclear if the drug development process differs between drugs developed with or without companion diagnostics. Identification of differences in study design could help future clinical development. Anticancer drugs approved for use in solid tumors between 28 September 2000 and 4 January 2014 were identified using a search of the US FDA website. Phase III trials supporting registration were extracted from the drug label. Each published study was reviewed to obtain information about the phase I and II trials used for the development of the respective drug. We identified 35 drugs and 59 phase III randomized trials supporting regulatory approval. Fifty-three phase I trials and 47 phase II trials were cited in the studies and were used to support the design of these phase III trials. The approval of drugs using a companion diagnostic has increased over time (p for trend 0.01). Expansion cohorts were more frequently observed with drugs developed with a companion diagnostic (62 vs. 20%; p = 0.005). No differences between drugs developed with or without a companion diagnostic were observed for the design of phase I and II studies. The approval of drugs developed with a companion diagnostic has increased over time. The availability of a companion diagnostic was associated with more frequent use of phase I expansion cohorts comprising patients selected by the companion diagnostic.

Photometric transit search for planets around cool stars from the western Italian Alps: a pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giacobbe, P.; Damasso, M.; Sozzetti, A.; Toso, G.; Perdoncin, M.; Calcidese, P.; Bernagozzi, A.; Bertolini, E.; Lattanzi, M. G.; Smart, R. L.

2012-08-01

We present the results of a year-long photometric monitoring campaign of a sample of 23 nearby (d < 60 pc), bright (J < 12) dM stars carried out at the Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley, in the western Italian Alps. This programme represents a 'pilot study' for a long-term photometric transit search for planets around a large sample of nearby M dwarfs, due to start with an array of identical 40-cm class telescopes by the Spring of 2012. In this study, we set out to (i) demonstrate the sensitivity to <4 R⊕ transiting planets with periods of a few days around our programme stars, through a two-fold approach that combines a characterization of the statistical noise properties of our photometry with the determination of transit detection probabilities via simulations; and (ii) where possible, improve our knowledge of some astrophysical properties (e.g. activity, rotation) of our targets by combining spectroscopic information and our differential photometric measurements. We achieve a typical nightly root mean square (RMS) photometric precision of ˜5 mmag, with little or no dependence on the instrumentation used or on the details of the adopted methods for differential photometry. The presence of correlated (red) noise in our data degrades the precision by a factor of ˜1.3 with respect to a pure white noise regime. Based on a detailed stellar variability analysis (i) we detected no transit-like events (an expected result, given the sample size); (ii) we determined photometric rotation periods of ˜0.47 and ˜0.22 d for LHS 3445 and GJ 1167A, respectively; (iii) these values agree with the large projected rotational velocities (˜25 and ˜33 km s-1, respectively) inferred for both stars based on the analysis of archival spectra; (iv) the estimated inclinations of the stellar rotation axes for LHS 3445 and GJ 1167A are consistent with those derived using a simple spot model; and (v) short-term, low-amplitude flaring events were recorded for LHS 3445 and LHS 2686. Finally, based on simulations of transit signals of given period and amplitude injected in the actual (nightly reduced) photometric data for our sample, we derive a relationship between transit detection probability and phase coverage. We find that, using the Box-fitting Least Squares search algorithm, even when the phase coverage approaches 100 per cent, there is a limit to the detection probability of ≈90 per cent. Around programme stars with phase coverage > 50 per cent, we would have had >80 per cent chances of detecting planets with P < 1 d inducing fractional transit depths > 0.5 per cent, corresponding to minimum detectable radii in the range ˜1.0-2.2 R⊕. These findings are illustrative of our high readiness level ahead of the main survey start.

Cethromycin: A-195773, A-195773-0, A-1957730, Abbott-195773, ABT 773.

PubMed

2007-01-01

Cethromycin [ABT 773, A-195773, Abbott-195773, A-1957730, A-195773-0] is a once-daily ketolide antibiotic that originated from Abbott Laboratories' research into next-generation compounds to the macrolide antibacterial, clarithromycin. The aim of the research programme was to maintain the positive attributes of clarithromycin and to add the property of efficacy against macrolide-resistant organisms. Cethromycin acts by binding to the 23S molecule of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Advanced Life Sciences is conducting multinational, pivotal phase III trials of cethromycin for the treatment of mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia, phase II/III trials for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, as well as preclinical trials for the treatment of anthrax. Advanced Life Sciences plans to advance discussions with prospective commercialisation partners for cethromycin during 2006. Abbott Laboratories and Taisho Pharmaceutical entered a collaboration to develop and commercialise new macrolide antibacterials in October 1997. Each company brought its existing macrolides into the collaboration and both companies were to jointly develop novel new macrolides. Abbott was to have exclusive marketing, manfacturing and supply rights worldwide (except in Japan) to any compounds resulting from this collaboration. Taisho was to receive royalties on Abbott's sales in consideration of granted rights. In Japan, the two companies were to co-market any resulting macrolide antibacterials. This agreement extended to the development of cethromycin; however, the agreement was suspended in April 2004 and appears to have been terminated. Abbott exclusively licensed cethromycin to Advanced Life Sciences worldwide excluding Japan in December 2004. Advanced Life Sciences initiated commercial manufacturing agreements for cethromycin with DSM and Cardinal Health in May 2006. In March 2006, Advanced Life Sciences completed private placement of $US36 million from which the net proceeds will be used to advance development of cethromycin. The company plans to submit an NDA for cethromycin in 2007. In Japan, phase II trials were being conducted with Abbott's partner, Taisho Pharmaceutical. Although development in the US had been put on hold, Abbott was to continue to support product development in Japan by Taisho. However, in April 2004, Taisho and Abbott Japan decided to suspend co-development activities for cethromycin. A patent has been granted for cethromycin (US patent number 5 866 549) that expires in September 2016.

A 45 ps time digitizer with a two-phase clock and dual-edge two-stage interpolation in a field programmable gate array device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szplet, R.; Kalisz, J.; Jachna, Z.

2009-02-01

We present a time digitizer having 45 ps resolution, integrated in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. The time interval measurement is based on the two-stage interpolation method. A dual-edge two-phase interpolator is driven by the on-chip synthesized 250 MHz clock with precise phase adjustment. An improved dual-edge double synchronizer was developed to control the main counter. The nonlinearity of the digitizer's transfer characteristic is identified and utilized by the dedicated hardware code processor for the on-the-fly correction of the output data. Application of presented ideas has resulted in the measurement uncertainty of the digitizer below 70 ps RMS over the time interval ranging from 0 to 1 s. The use of the two-stage interpolation and a fast FIFO memory has allowed us to obtain the maximum measurement rate of five million measurements per second.

A field programmable gate array unit for the diagnosis and control of neoclassical tearing modes on MAST

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

O'Gorman, T.; Gibson, K. J.; Snape, J. A.

2012-10-15

A real-time system has been developed to trigger both the MAST Thomson scattering (TS) system and the plasma control system on the phase and amplitude of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs), extending the capabilities of the original system. This triggering system determines the phase and amplitude of a given NTM using magnetic coils at different toroidal locations. Real-time processing of the raw magnetic data occurs on a low cost field programmable gate array (FPGA) based unit which permits triggering of the TS lasers on specific amplitudes and phases of NTM evolution. The MAST plasma control system can receive a separate triggermore » from the FPGA unit that initiates a vertical shift of the MAST magnetic axis. Such shifts have fully removed m/n= 2/1 NTMs instabilities on a number of MAST discharges.« less

Sorption of Ferrioxime B to Synthetic and Biogenic layer type Mn Oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duckworth, O. W.; Bargar, J. R.; Sposito, G.

2005-12-01

Siderophores are biogenic chelating agents produced in terrestrial and marine environments to increase the bioavailablity of ferric iron. Recent work has suggested that both aqueous and solid-phase Mn(III) may affect siderophore-mediated iron transport, but no information appears to be available about the effect of solid-phase Mn(IV). To probe the effect of solid-phase Mn(IV), we studied the sorption reaction of ferrioxamine B [principally the species, Fe(III)HDFOB+, an Fe(III) chelate of the trihydroxamate siderophore, desferrioxamine B (DFOB)] with two synthetic birnessites [layer type Mn(IV) oxides] and a biogenic birnessite produced by Pseudomonas putida MnB1. We found that all of these predominantly Mn(IV) oxides greatly reduced the aqueous concentration of Fe(III)HDFOB+ over the pH range between 5 and 9. After 72 h equilibration time at pH 8, the sorption behavior for the synthetic birnessites could be accurately described by a Langmuir isotherm; for the biogenic oxide, a Freundlich isotherm was best utilized to model the sorption data. To study the molecular nature of the interaction between the Fe(III)HDFOB+ complex and the oxide surface, Fe K-edge extended X-Ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was employed. Analysis of the X-ray absorption spectra indicated that Fe(III) associated with the Mn(IV) oxides is not complexed with DFOB, but instead is incorporated into the mineral structure, thus implying that the Mn(IV) oxides displaced Fe(III) from the siderophore complex. These results indicate that manganese oxides, including biominerals, may strongly sequester iron from soluble ferric complexes and thus may play a significant role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron.

The Importance of pH, Oxygen, and Bitumen on the Oxidation and Precipitation of Fe(III)-(oxy)hydroxides during Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil/Gas Shales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jew, A. D.; Dustin, M. K.; Harrison, A. L.; Joe-Wong, C. M.; Thomas, D.; Maher, K.; Brown, G. E.; Bargar, J.

2016-12-01

Due to the rapid growth of hydraulic fracturing in the United States, understanding the cause for the rapid production drop off of new wells over the initial months of production is paramount. One possibility for the production decrease is pore occlusion caused by the oxidation of Fe(II)-bearing phases resulting in Fe(III) precipitates. To understand the release and fate of Fe in the shale systems, we reacted synthesized fracture fluid at 80oC with shale from four different geological localities (Marcellus Fm., Barnett Fm., Eagle Ford Fm., and Green River Fm.). A variety of wet chemical and synchrotron-based techniques (XRF mapping and x-ray absorption spectroscopy) were used to understand Fe release and solid phase Fe speciation. Solution pH was found to be the greatest factor for Fe release. Carbonate-poor Barnett and Marcellus shale showed rapid Fe release into solution followed by a plateau or significant drop in Fe concentrations indicating mineral precipitation. Conversely, in high carbonate shales, Eagle Ford and Green River, no Fe was detected in solution indicating fast Fe oxidation and precipitation. For all shale samples, bulk Fe EXAFS data show that a significant amount of Fe in the shales is bound directly to organic carbon. Throughout the course of the experiments inorganic Fe(II) phases (primarily pyrite) reacted while Fe(II) bound to C showed no indication of reaction. On the micron scale, XRF mapping coupled with μ-XANES spectroscopy showed that at pH < 4.0, Fe(III) bearing phases precipitated as diffuse surface precipitates of ferrihydrite, goethite, and magnetite away from Fe(II) point sources. In near circum-neutral pH systems, Fe(III)-bearing phases (goethite and hematite) form large particles 10's of μm's in diameter near Fe(II) point sources. Idealized systems containing synthesized fracturing fluid, dissolved ferrous chloride, and bitumen showed that bitumen released during reaction with fracturing fluids is capable of oxidizing Fe(II) to Fe(III) at pH's 2.0 and 7.0. This indicates that bitumen can play a large role in Fe oxidation and speciation in the subsurface. This work shows that shale mineralogy has a significant impact on the morphology and phases of Fe(III) precipitates in the subsurface which in turn can significantly impact subsurface solution flow.

Evidence, theory and context - using intervention mapping to develop a school-based intervention to prevent obesity in children

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Only limited data are available on the development and feasibility piloting of school-based interventions to prevent and reduce obesity in children. Clear documentation of the rationale, process of development and content of such interventions is essential to enable other researchers to understand why interventions succeed or fail. Methods This paper describes the development of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP), a school-based intervention to prevent obesity in children, through the first 4 steps of the Intervention Mapping protocol (IM). The intervention focuses on the following health behaviours, i) reduction of the consumption of sweetened fizzy drinks, ii) increase in the proportion of healthy snacks consumed and iii) reduction of TV viewing and other screen-based activities, within the context of a wider attempt to improve diet and increase physical activity. Results Two phases of pilot work demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable and feasible for schools, children and their families and suggested areas for further refinement. Feedback from the first pilot phase suggested that the 9-10 year olds were both receptive to the messages and more able and willing to translate them into possible behaviour changes than older or younger children and engaged their families to the greatest extent. Performance objectives were mapped onto 3 three broad domains of behaviour change objectives - establish motivation, take action and stay motivated - in order to create an intervention that supports and enables behaviour change. Activities include whole school assemblies, parents evenings, sport/dance workshops, classroom based education lessons, interactive drama workshops and goal setting and runs over three school terms. Conclusion The Intervention Mapping protocol was a useful tool in developing a feasible, theory based intervention aimed at motivating children and their families to make small sustainable changes to their eating and activity behaviours. Although the process was time consuming, this systematic approach ensures that the behaviour change techniques and delivery methods link directly to the Programme's performance objectives and their associated determinants. This in turn provides a clear framework for process analysis and increases the potential of the intervention to realise the desired outcome of preventing and reducing obesity in children. PMID:21752261

Evidence, theory and context--using intervention mapping to develop a school-based intervention to prevent obesity in children.

PubMed

Lloyd, Jennifer J; Logan, Stuart; Greaves, Colin J; Wyatt, Katrina M

2011-07-13

Only limited data are available on the development and feasibility piloting of school-based interventions to prevent and reduce obesity in children. Clear documentation of the rationale, process of development and content of such interventions is essential to enable other researchers to understand why interventions succeed or fail. This paper describes the development of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP), a school-based intervention to prevent obesity in children, through the first 4 steps of the Intervention Mapping protocol (IM). The intervention focuses on the following health behaviours, i) reduction of the consumption of sweetened fizzy drinks, ii) increase in the proportion of healthy snacks consumed and iii) reduction of TV viewing and other screen-based activities, within the context of a wider attempt to improve diet and increase physical activity. Two phases of pilot work demonstrated that the intervention was acceptable and feasible for schools, children and their families and suggested areas for further refinement. Feedback from the first pilot phase suggested that the 9-10 year olds were both receptive to the messages and more able and willing to translate them into possible behaviour changes than older or younger children and engaged their families to the greatest extent. Performance objectives were mapped onto 3 three broad domains of behaviour change objectives--establish motivation, take action and stay motivated--in order to create an intervention that supports and enables behaviour change. Activities include whole school assemblies, parents evenings, sport/dance workshops, classroom based education lessons, interactive drama workshops and goal setting and runs over three school terms. The Intervention Mapping protocol was a useful tool in developing a feasible, theory based intervention aimed at motivating children and their families to make small sustainable changes to their eating and activity behaviours. Although the process was time consuming, this systematic approach ensures that the behaviour change techniques and delivery methods link directly to the Programme's performance objectives and their associated determinants. This in turn provides a clear framework for process analysis and increases the potential of the intervention to realise the desired outcome of preventing and reducing obesity in children.

A "First Principles" Potential Energy Surface for Liquid Water from VRT Spectroscopy of Water Clusters

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

Goldman, N; Leforestier, C; Saykally, R J

We present results of gas phase cluster and liquid water simulations from the recently determined VRT(ASP-W)III water dimer potential energy surface. VRT(ASP-W)III is shown to not only be a model of high ''spectroscopic'' accuracy for the water dimer, but also makes accurate predictions of vibrational ground-state properties for clusters up through the hexamer. Results of ambient liquid water simulations from VRT(ASP-W)III are compared to those from ab initio Molecular Dynamics, other potentials of ''spectroscopic'' accuracy, and to experiment. The results herein represent the first time that a ''spectroscopic'' potential surface is able to correctly model condensed phase properties of water.

Initial evaluation of the training programme for health care professionals on the use of Malaysian clinical practice guidelines for management of dementia.

PubMed

Yusoff, S; Koh, C T; Mohd Aminuddin, M Y; Krishnasamy, M; Suhaila, M Z

2013-09-01

The Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for Management of Dementia (second edition) was launched in April 2010 by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. A training programme for the management of dementia, involving all categories of staff working at primary and secondary centres, was implemented to ensure that care delivery for people with dementia was in accordance with the guidelines. The study aimed to look into improving knowledge and understanding of dementia following training, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programme using a clinical audit indicator recommended in the guidelines. The study entailed 2 phases (at national and state levels). The first phase involved the CPG training programme run as a 1.5-day workshop, in which participants filled up pre- and post-workshop questionnaires. A second phase involved analysing all the referral letters to the memory clinic at the Hospital Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru 1 year before and after the training programme. There was a significant improvement in knowledge about dementia and its management among the health care professionals following training. The mean percentage score for the pre-workshop test was 63% while for the post-workshop test it was 78%, giving a difference of 15%. Although there was an overall improvement in knowledge gain following training in both specialist and non-specialist groups, these differences were not statistically significant (t = 1.32; 95% confidence interval, -2.61 to 9.61; p = 0.25). The proportion of referrals with a possible diagnosis of dementia from primary clinic referrals to the memory clinic also increased from 18% to 44% after training. There was an overall improvement in the knowledge about dementia among the health care professionals following the training, which was reflected in the increase in referrals to the memory clinic. Although the initial results appeared to be promising, a multicentre study is warranted to conclude that the training had been effective.

Optimising text messaging to improve adherence to web-based smoking cessation treatment: a randomised control trial protocol

PubMed Central

Graham, Amanda L; Jacobs, Megan A; Cohn, Amy M; Cha, Sarah; Abroms, Lorien C; Papandonatos, George D; Whittaker, Robyn

2016-01-01

Introduction Millions of smokers use the Internet for smoking cessation assistance each year; however, most smokers engage minimally with even the best designed websites. The ubiquity of mobile devices and their effectiveness in promoting adherence in other areas of health behaviour change make them a promising tool to address adherence in Internet smoking cessation interventions. Text messaging is used by most adults, and messages can proactively encourage use of a web-based intervention. Text messaging can also be integrated with an Internet intervention to facilitate the use of core Internet intervention components. Methods and analysis We identified four aspects of a text message intervention that may enhance its effectiveness in promoting adherence to a web-based smoking cessation programme: personalisation, integration, dynamic tailoring and message intensity. Phase I will use a two-level full factorial design to test the impact of these four experimental features on adherence to a web-based intervention. The primary outcome is a composite metric of adherence that incorporates general utilisation metrics (eg, logins, page views) and specific feature utilisation shown to predict abstinence. Participants will be N=860 adult smokers who register on an established Internet cessation programme and enrol in its text message programme. Phase II will be a two-arm randomised trial to compare the efficacy of the web-based cessation programme alone and in conjunction with the optimised text messaging intervention on 30-day point prevalence abstinence at 9 months. Phase II participants will be N=600 adult smokers who register to use an established Internet cessation programme and enrol in text messaging. Secondary analyses will explore whether adherence mediates the effect of treatment condition on outcome. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by Chesapeake IRB. We will disseminate study results through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations related to the methods and design, outcomes and exploratory analyses. Trial registration number NCT02585206. PMID:27029775

School Emergencies--Preparation Not Panic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sousa, Barbara

1982-01-01

A three-phase emergency recognition course was designed to train 26 faculty and staff members to recognize and respond to emergency school medical situations. Phase I included comprehensive first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and injections. Phase II dealt with recognition of medical emergencies, and Phase III recertified those who had…

Towards Canine Rabies Elimination in South-Eastern Tanzania: Assessment of Health Economic Data.

PubMed

Hatch, B; Anderson, A; Sambo, M; Maziku, M; Mchau, G; Mbunda, E; Mtema, Z; Rupprecht, C E; Shwiff, S A; Nel, L

2017-06-01

An estimated 59 000 people die annually from rabies, keeping this zoonosis on the forefront of neglected diseases, especially in the developing world. Most deaths occur after being bitten by a rabid dog. Those exposed to a suspect rabid animal should receive appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or risk death. However, vaccination of dogs to control and eliminate canine rabies at the source has been implemented in many places around the world. Here, we analysed the vaccination and cost data for one such campaign in the area surrounding and including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and estimated the cost per dog vaccinated. We also estimated the cost of human PEP. We found that the cost per dog vaccinated ranged from $2.50 to $22.49 across districts and phases, with the phase average ranging from $7.30 to $11.27. These figures were influenced by over purchase of vaccine in the early phases of the programme and the significant costs associated with purchasing equipment for a programme starting from scratch. The cost per human PEP course administered was approximately $24.41, with the average patient receiving 2.5 of the recommended four vaccine doses per suspect bite. This study provides valuable financial insights into programme managers and policymakers working towards rabies elimination. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The EuroBioBank Network: 10 years of hands-on experience of collaborative, transnational biobanking for rare diseases

PubMed Central

Mora, Marina; Angelini, Corrado; Bignami, Fabrizia; Bodin, Anne-Mary; Crimi, Marco; Di Donato, Jeanne- Hélène; Felice, Alex; Jaeger, Cécile; Karcagi, Veronika; LeCam, Yann; Lynn, Stephen; Meznaric, Marija; Moggio, Maurizio; Monaco, Lucia; Politano, Luisa; de la Paz, Manuel Posada; Saker, Safaa; Schneiderat, Peter; Ensini, Monica; Garavaglia, Barbara; Gurwitz, David; Johnson, Diana; Muntoni, Francesco; Puymirat, Jack; Reza, Mojgan; Voit, Thomas; Baldo, Chiara; Bricarelli, Franca Dagna; Goldwurm, Stefano; Merla, Giuseppe; Pegoraro, Elena; Renieri, Alessandra; Zatloukal, Kurt; Filocamo, Mirella; Lochmüller, Hanns

2015-01-01

The EuroBioBank (EBB) network (www.eurobiobank.org) is the first operating network of biobanks in Europe to provide human DNA, cell and tissue samples as a service to the scientific community conducting research on rare diseases (RDs). The EBB was established in 2001 to facilitate access to RD biospecimens and associated data; it obtained funding from the European Commission in 2002 (5th framework programme) and started operation in 2003. The set-up phase, during the EC funding period 2003–2006, established the basis for running the network; the following consolidation phase has seen the growth of the network through the joining of new partners, better network cohesion, improved coordination of activities, and the development of a quality-control system. During this phase the network participated in the EC-funded TREAT-NMD programme and was involved in planning of the European Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure. Recently, EBB became a partner of RD-Connect, an FP7 EU programme aimed at linking RD biobanks, registries, and bioinformatics data. Within RD-Connect, EBB contributes expertise, promotes high professional standards, and best practices in RD biobanking, is implementing integration with RD patient registries and ‘omics' data, thus challenging the fragmentation of international cooperation on the field. PMID:25537360