Effectiveness of Plaque Control with Novel Pediatric Oral Hygiene Need Station (Modified Oral Irrigation Device) as Compared with Manual Brushing and Flossing: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

PubMed Central

Murthy, Prashanth Sadashiva; Shaik, Naseemoon; Deshmukh, Seema; Girish, M. S.

2018-01-01

Background: Establishing good hygiene habits are valuable for present and future oral health. Below 6 years, tooth brushing should be performed by parents, as increasing dexterity and cognition may permit supervised brushing until the child is capable of independent brushing. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of modified oral irrigation device in children in terms of plaque control and to compare the effectiveness of plaque control with manual brushing with the modified oral irrigation device in children. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed on 12 subjects who were allocated to the two study groups. After obtaining the consent, the control group was instructed tooth brushing with regular pediatric commercially available toothbrush and the intervention group with modified oral irrigation device. Plaque scores in both groups were assessed pre- and post-brushing using modified navy plaque index. Results: The data were subjected to Descriptive statistics and Paired t-test using SPSS version 22. Intragroup comparison of mean difference of plaque score in control group and intervention group pre- and post-brushing was statistically significant. Intergroup comparison of manual brushing group with modified oral irrigation group shows P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, it has been found novel pediatric oral hygiene need Station is more effective than manual brushing since it combined the effect of brushing, flossing (water floss), and rinsing in children simultaneously and at the same time did not demand any special motor skill. PMID:29875555

Smelling themselves: Dogs investigate their own odours longer when modified in an "olfactory mirror" test.

PubMed

Horowitz, Alexandra

2017-10-01

While domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, have been found to be skillful at social cognitive tasks and even some meta-cognitive tasks, they have not passed the test of mirror self-recognition (MSR). Acknowledging the motivational and sensory challenges that might hinder performance, even before the question of self-recognition is broached, this study creates and enacts a novel design extrapolated from the species' natural behaviour. Given dogs' use of olfactory signals in communication, this experiment presents dogs with various canisters for approach and investigation. Each holds an odorous stimulus: in the critical test, either an "olfactory mirror" of the subject - the dog's own urine - or one in which the odour stimulus is modified. By looking at subjects' investigation times of each canister, it is shown that dogs distinguish between the olfactory "image" of themselves when modified: investigating their own odour for longer when it had an additional odour accompanying it than when it did not. Such behaviour implies a recognition of the odour as being of or from "themselves." The ecological validity of this odour presentation is examined by presenting to the subjects odours of other known or unknown dogs: dogs spend longer investigating the odour of other dogs than their own odour. Finally, in a second experiment, subjects spent longer with the modified stimulus than with the modified odour by itself, indicating that novelty alone does not explain the dogs' behavior. This study translates the MSR study for a species whose primary sensory modality is olfaction, and finds both that natural sniffing behaviour can be replicated in the lab and that dogs show more investigative interest in their own odours when modified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determining the Transference Number of H[superscript +](aq) by a Modified Moving Boundary Method: A Directed Study for the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dabke, Rajeev B.; Gebeyehu, Zewdu; Padelford, Jonathan

2012-01-01

A directed study for the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory for determining the transference number of H[superscript +](aq) using a modified moving boundary method is presented. The laboratory study combines Faraday's laws of electrolysis with mole ratios and the perfect gas equation. The volume of hydrogen gas produced at the cathode is…

Performance of the modified Poisson regression approach for estimating relative risks from clustered prospective data.

PubMed

Yelland, Lisa N; Salter, Amy B; Ryan, Philip

2011-10-15

Modified Poisson regression, which combines a log Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation, is a useful alternative to log binomial regression for estimating relative risks. Previous studies have shown both analytically and by simulation that modified Poisson regression is appropriate for independent prospective data. This method is often applied to clustered prospective data, despite a lack of evidence to support its use in this setting. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of the modified Poisson regression approach for estimating relative risks from clustered prospective data, by using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering. A simulation study is conducted to compare log binomial regression and modified Poisson regression for analyzing clustered data from intervention and observational studies. Both methods generally perform well in terms of bias, type I error, and coverage. Unlike log binomial regression, modified Poisson regression is not prone to convergence problems. The methods are contrasted by using example data sets from 2 large studies. The results presented in this article support the use of modified Poisson regression as an alternative to log binomial regression for analyzing clustered prospective data when clustering is taken into account by using generalized estimating equations.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors in Eighth Grade Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lysen, Victoria C.; Walker, Robert

1997-01-01

Presents findings from food frequency questionnaires and surveys of 138 Midwestern eighth-grade student-parent pairs. The study examined the incidence of modifiable and nonmodifiable osteoporosis risk factors and compared gender differences. Data analysis indicated that many adolescents possessed several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors…

Modified Test Administration Using Assistive Technology: Preliminary Psychometric Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warschausky, Seth; Van Tubbergen, Marie; Asbell, Shana; Kaufman, Jacqueline; Ayyangar, Rita; Donders, Jacobus

2012-01-01

This study examined the psychometric properties of test presentation and response formats that were modified to be accessible with the use of assistive technology (AT). First, the stability of psychometric properties was examined in 60 children, ages 6 to 12, with no significant physical or communicative impairments. Population-specific…

Radiation induced dechlorination of some chlorinated hydrocarbons in aqueous suspensions of various solid particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Múčka, V.; Buňata, M.; Čuba, V.; Silber, R.; Juha, L.

2015-07-01

Radiation induced dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in aqueous solutions containing the active carbon (AC) or cupric oxide (CuO) as the modifiers was studied. The obtained results were compared to the previously studied dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Both modifiers were found to decrease the efficiency of dechlorination. The AC modifier acts mainly via adsorption of the aliphatic (unlike the aromatic) hydrocarbons and the CuO oxide mainly inhibits the mineralization of the perchloroethylene. The results presented in this paper will be also helpful for the studies of the impact of chlorinated hydrocarbons on the membrane permeability of living cells.

Initial singularity and pure geometric field theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanas, M. I.; Kamal, Mona M.; Dabash, Tahia F.

2018-01-01

In the present article we use a modified version of the geodesic equation, together with a modified version of the Raychaudhuri equation, to study initial singularities. These modified equations are used to account for the effect of the spin-torsion interaction on the existence of initial singularities in cosmological models. Such models are the results of solutions of the field equations of a class of field theories termed pure geometric. The geometric structure used in this study is an absolute parallelism structure satisfying the cosmological principle. It is shown that the existence of initial singularities is subject to some mathematical (geometric) conditions. The scheme suggested for this study can be easily generalized.

Pathways to Care for Critically Ill or Injured Children: A Cohort Study from First Presentation to Healthcare Services through to Admission to Intensive Care or Death.

PubMed

Hodkinson, Peter; Argent, Andrew; Wallis, Lee; Reid, Steve; Perera, Rafael; Harrison, Sian; Thompson, Matthew; English, Mike; Maconochie, Ian; Ward, Alison

2016-01-01

Critically ill or injured children require prompt identification, rapid referral and quality emergency management. We undertook a study to evaluate the care pathway of critically ill or injured children to identify preventable failures in the care provided. A year-long cohort study of critically ill and injured children was performed in Cape Town, South Africa, from first presentation to healthcare services until paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission or emergency department death, using expert panel review of medical records and caregiver interview. Main outcomes were expert assessment of overall quality of care; avoidability of severity of illness and PICU admission or death and the identification of modifiable factors. The study enrolled 282 children, 252 emergency PICU admissions, and 30 deaths. Global quality of care was graded good in 10% of cases, with half having at least one major impact modifiable factor. Key modifiable factors related to access to care and identification of the critically ill, assessment of severity, inadequate resuscitation, and delays in decision making and referral. Children were transferred with median time from first presentation to PICU admission of 12.3 hours. There was potentially avoidable severity of illness in 185 (74%) of children, and death prior to PICU admission was avoidable in 17/30 (56.7%) of children. The study presents a novel methodology, examining quality of care across an entire system, and highlighting the complexity of the pathway and the modifiable events amenable to interventions, that could reduce mortality and morbidity, and optimize utilization of scarce critical care resources; as well as demonstrating the importance of continuity and quality of care.

Development and study the performance of PBA cladding modified fiber optic intrinsic biosensor for urea detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Botewad, S. N.; Pahurkar, V. G.; Muley, G. G.

2016-05-01

The fabrication and study of a cladding modified fiber optic intrinsic urea biosensor based on evanescent wave absorbance has been presented. The sensor was prepared using cladding modification technique by removing a small portion of cladding of an optical fiber and modifying with an active cladding of porous polyaniline-boric acid (PBA) matrix to immobilize enzyme-urease through cross-linking via glutaraldehyde. The nature of as-synthesized and deposited PBA film on fiber optic sensing element was studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The performance of the developed sensor was studied for different urea concentrations in solutions prepared in phosphate buffer.

Laser pulse, initial stress and modified Ohm's law in micropolar thermoelasticity with microtemperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othman, Mohamed I. A.; Tantawi, Ramadan S.; Hilal, Mohamed I. M.

2018-03-01

The present manuscript studies the effect of the initial stress in micropolar magneto-thermoelasticity with microtemperatures heated by a laser pulse. The modified Ohm's law illustrates the temperature gradient and the charge density effects in the governing equations of the studied problem. The used analytical method was the normal modes. The physical quantities are established numerically and represented graphically.

Optic neuritis following aseptic meningitis associated with modified measles: a case report.

PubMed

Nakajima, Nobuhito; Ueda, Masayuki; Yamazaki, Mineo; Takahashi, Toshiyuki; Katayama, Yasuo

2013-01-01

In this study, we report the case of a 35-year-old woman with modified measles complicated by aseptic meningitis and subsequent optic neuritis. Although her initial manifestations were only flu-like symptoms without any Koplik's spots or skin rashes, virological testing confirmed an acute measles infection. Subsequently, right optic neuritis appeared after aseptic meningitis and was completely resolved following steroid pulse therapy. In general, modified measles is believed to be associated with mild symptoms and few neurological complications; however, our present observations demonstrated that modified measles can cause rapid neurological complications.

Cystic fibrosis modifier genes.

PubMed Central

Davies, Jane; Alton, Eric; Griesenbach, Uta

2005-01-01

Since the recognition that CFTR genotype was not a good predictor of pulmonary disease severity in CF, several candidate modifier genes have been identified. It is unlikely that a single modifier gene will be found, but more probable that several haplotypes in combination may contribute, which in itself presents a major methodological challenge. The aims of such studies are to increase our understanding of disease pathogenesis, to aid prognosis and ultimately to lead to the development of novel treatments. PMID:16025767

Modeling the Effect of Modified Atmospheres on Conidial Germination of Fungi from Dairy Foods

PubMed Central

Nguyen Van Long, Nicolas; Vasseur, Valérie; Couvert, Olivier; Coroller, Louis; Burlot, Marion; Rigalma, Karim; Mounier, Jérôme

2017-01-01

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is commonly applied to extend food shelf-life. Despite growth of a wide variety of fungal contaminants has been previously studied in relation to modified-atmospheres, few studies aimed at quantifying the effects of dioxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressures on conidial germination in solid agar medium. In the present study, an original culture method was developed, allowing microscopic monitoring of conidial germination under modified-atmospheres in static conditions. An asymmetric model was utilized to describe germination kinetics of Paecilomyces niveus, Mucor lanceolatus, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium roquefoti, using two main parameters, i.e., median germination time (τ) and maximum germination percentage (Pmax). These two parameters were subsequently modeled as a function of O2 partial pressure ranging from 0 to 21% and CO2 partial pressure ranging from 0.03 to 70% (8 tested levels for both O2 and CO2). Modified atmospheres with residual O2 or CO2 partial pressures below 1% and up to 70%, respectively, were not sufficient to totally inhibit conidial germination,. However, O2 levels < 1% or CO2 levels > 20% significantly increased τ and/or reduced Pmax, depending on the fungal species. Overall, the present method and results are of interest for predictive mycology applied to fungal spoilage of MAP food products. PMID:29163403

Wound healing outcomes: Using big data and a modified intent-to-treat method as a metric for reporting healing rates.

PubMed

Ennis, William J; Hoffman, Rachel A; Gurtner, Geoffrey C; Kirsner, Robert S; Gordon, Hanna M

2017-08-01

Chronic wounds are increasing in prevalence and are a costly problem for the US healthcare system and throughout the world. Typically outcomes studies in the field of wound care have been limited to small clinical trials, comparative effectiveness cohorts and attempts to extrapolate results from claims databases. As a result, outcomes in real world clinical settings may differ from these published studies. This study presents a modified intent-to-treat framework for measuring wound outcomes and measures the consistency of population based outcomes across two distinct settings. In this retrospective observational analysis, we describe the largest to date, cohort of patient wound outcomes derived from 626 hospital based clinics and one academic tertiary care clinic. We present the results of a modified intent-to-treat analysis of wound outcomes as well as demographic and descriptive data. After applying the exclusion criteria, the final analytic sample includes the outcomes from 667,291 wounds in the national sample and 1,788 wounds in the academic sample. We found a consistent modified intent to treat healing rate of 74.6% from the 626 clinics and 77.6% in the academic center. We recommend that a standard modified intent to treat healing rate be used to report wound outcomes to allow for consistency and comparability in measurement across providers, payers and healthcare systems. © 2017 by the Wound Healing Society.

First application of a microsphere-based immunoassay to the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): quantification of Cry1Ab protein in genetically modified maize.

PubMed

Fantozzi, Anna; Ermolli, Monica; Marini, Massimiliano; Scotti, Domenico; Balla, Branko; Querci, Maddalena; Langrell, Stephen R H; Van den Eede, Guy

2007-02-21

An innovative covalent microsphere immunoassay, based on the usage of fluorescent beads coupled to a specific antibody, was developed for the quantification of the endotoxin Cry1Ab present in MON810 and Bt11 genetically modified (GM) maize lines. In particular, a specific protocol was developed to assess the presence of Cry1Ab in a very broad range of GM maize concentrations, from 0.1 to 100% [weight of genetically modified organism (GMO)/weight]. Test linearity was achieved in the range of values from 0.1 to 3%, whereas fluorescence signal increased following a nonlinear model, reaching a plateau at 25%. The limits of detection and quantification were equal to 0.018 and 0.054%, respectively. The present study describes the first application of quantitative high-throughput immunoassays in GMO analysis.

Text, Graphics, and Multimedia Materials Employed in Learning a Computer-Based Procedural Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coffindaffer, Kari Christine Carlson

2010-01-01

The present research study investigated the interaction of graphic design students with different forms of software training materials. Four versions of the procedural task instructions were developed (A) Traditional Textbook with Still Images, (B) Modified Text with Integrated Still Images, (C) Onscreen Modified Text with Silent Onscreen Video…

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of Sea Buckthorn during postharvest storage

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used to retain the quality of postharvest produce. In the present study the effect of MAP on quality of berry fruit of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., a hardy, deciduous shrub, native to Asia) during refrigerated storage was investigated. Sea buck...

Modified RS2101 rocket engine study program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The purpose of the program is to perform design studies and analyses to determine the effects of incorporating a 60:1 expansion area ratio nozzle extension, extended firing time, and modified operating conditions and environments on the MM'71 rocket engine assembly. An injector-to-thrust chamber seal study was conducted to define potential solutions for leakage past this joint. The results and recommendations evolving from the engine thermal analyses, the injector-to-thrust chamber seal studies, and the nozzle extension joint stress analyses are presented.

Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics Version 4 (ANAM4): Select Psychometric Properties and Administration Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

review Task 22 Preparation of Project Final Report 6 A request for a 12 month no- cost extension for this study was approved on 7 November 2012...extending study activities through December 2013. A modified statement of work, approved as part of the no- cost extension, is presented in Table 6. Table...6: MODIFIED SOW for remaining PROJECT Tasks and STUDY TIMETABLE (Nov 2012) A request for an additional 12 month no- cost extension for this study

Reexamination of the Classical View of how Drag-Reducing Polymer Solutions Modify the Mean Velocity Profile: Baseline Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farsiani, Yasaman; Baade, Jacquelyne; Elbing, Brian

2016-11-01

Recent numerical and experimental data have shown that the classical view of how drag-reducing polymer solutions modify the mean turbulent velocity profile is incorrect. The classical view is that the log-region is unmodified from the traditional law-of-the-wall for Newtonian fluids, though shifted outward. Thus the current study reexamines the modified velocity distribution and its dependence on flow and polymer properties. Based on previous work it is expected that the behavior will depend on the Reynolds number, Weissenberg number, ratio of solvent viscosity to the zero-shear viscosity, and the ratio between the coiled and fully extended polymer chain lengths. The long-term objective for this study includes a parametric study to assess the velocity profile sensitivity to each of these parameters. This study will be performed using a custom design water tunnel, which has a test section that is 1 m long with a 15.2 cm square cross section and a nominal speed range of 1 to 10 m/s. The current presentation focuses on baseline (non-polymeric) measurements of the velocity distribution using PIV, which will be used for comparison of the polymer modified results. Preliminary polymeric results will also be presented. This work was supported by NSF Grant 1604978.

ANTI-11[E]-PYROGLUTAMATE-MODIFIED AMYLOID β ANTIBODIES CROSS-REACT WITH OTHER PATHOLOGICAL Aβ SPECIES: RELEVANCE FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY

PubMed Central

Perez-Garmendia, Roxanna; Ibarra-Bracamontes, Vanessa; Vasilevko, Vitaly; Luna-Muñoz, Jose; Mena, Raul; Govezensky, Tzipe; Acero, Gonzalo; Manoutcharian, Karen; Cribbs, David H.; Gevorkian, Goar

2010-01-01

N-truncated/modified forms of amyloid beta (Aß) peptide are found in diffused and dense core plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down's syndrome patients as well as animal models of AD, and represent highly desirable therapeutic targets. In the present study we have focused on Ntruncated/modified Aβ peptide bearing amino-terminal pyroglutamate at position 11 (AβN11(pE)). We identified two B-cell epitopes recognized by rabbit anti-AβN11(pE) polyclonal antibodies. Interestingly, rabbit anti-AβN11(pE) polyclonal antibodies bound also to full-length Aβ1-42 and N-truncated/modified AβN3(pE), suggesting that the three peptides may share a common B-cell epitope. Importantly, rabbit anti-AβN11(pE) antibodies bound to naturally occurring Aβ aggregates present in brain samples from AD patients. These results are potentially important for developing novel immunogens for targeting N-truncated/modified Aβ aggregates as well, since the most commonly used immunogens in the majority of vaccine studies have been shown to induce antibodies that recognize the N-terminal immunodominant epitope (EFRH) of the full length Aβ, which is absent in N-amino truncated peptides. PMID:20864186

Green banana pasta: an alternative for gluten-free diets.

PubMed

Zandonadi, Renata Puppin; Botelho, Raquel Braz Assunção; Gandolfi, Lenora; Ginani, Janini Selva; Montenegro, Flávio Martins; Pratesi, Riccardo

2012-07-01

The objective of this study was to develop and analyze a gluten-free pasta made with green banana flour. The study was divided into five steps: preparation/selection, chemical, sensory, technological, and statistical analysis. The modified sample presented greater acceptance (84.5% for celiac individuals and 61.2% for nonceliac) than standard samples (53.6% for nonceliac individuals). There was no significant difference between the modified and the standard samples in terms of appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall quality. The modified pastas presented approximately 98% less lipids. Green bananas are considered a subproduct of low commercial value with little industrial use. The possibility of developing gluten-free products with green banana flour can expand the product supply for people with celiac disease and contribute to a more diverse diet. Copyright © 2012 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a novel electric field-assisted modified hydrodynamic cavitation system for disintegration of waste activated sludge.

PubMed

Jung, Kyung-Won; Hwang, Min-Jin; Yun, Yeo-Myeong; Cha, Min-Jung; Ahn, Kyu-Hong

2014-09-01

In this current study, we present a modified hydrodynamic cavitation device that combines an electric field to substitute for the chemical addition. A modified HC system is basically an orifice plate and crisscross pipe assembly, in which the crisscross pipe imparts some turbulence, which creates collision events. This study shows that for maximizing disintegration, combining HC system, which called electric field-assisted modified orifice plate hydrodynamic cavitation (EFM-HC) in this study, with an electric field is important. Various HC systems were compared in terms of disintegration of WAS, and, among them, the EFM-HC system exhibited the best performance with the highest disintegration efficiency of 47.0±2.0% as well as the destruction of WAS morphological characteristics. The experimental results clearly show that a conventional HC system was successfully modified. In addition, electric field has a great potential for efficient disintegration of WAS for as a additional option in a combination treatment. This study suggests continued research in this field may lead to an appropriate design for commercial use. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and study the performance of PBA cladding modified fiber optic intrinsic biosensor for urea detection

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

Botewad, S. N.; Pahurkar, V. G.; Muley, G. G., E-mail: gajananggm@yahoo.co.in

2016-05-06

The fabrication and study of a cladding modified fiber optic intrinsic urea biosensor based on evanescent wave absorbance has been presented. The sensor was prepared using cladding modification technique by removing a small portion of cladding of an optical fiber and modifying with an active cladding of porous polyaniline-boric acid (PBA) matrix to immobilize enzyme-urease through cross-linking via glutaraldehyde. The nature of as-synthesized and deposited PBA film on fiber optic sensing element was studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The performance of the developed sensor was studied for different urea concentrations in solutions prepared in phosphatemore » buffer.« less

Mechanical waves conceptual survey: Its modification and conversion to a standard multiple-choice test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barniol, Pablo; Zavala, Genaro

2016-06-01

In this article we present several modifications of the mechanical waves conceptual survey, the most important test to date that has been designed to evaluate university students' understanding of four main topics in mechanical waves: propagation, superposition, reflection, and standing waves. The most significant changes are (i) modification of several test questions that had some problems in their original design, (ii) standardization of the number of options for each question to five, (iii) conversion of the two-tier questions to multiple-choice questions, and (iv) modification of some questions to make them independent of others. To obtain a final version of the test, we administered both the original and modified versions several times to students at a large private university in Mexico. These students were completing a course that covers the topics tested by the survey. The final modified version of the test was administered to 234 students. In this study we present the modifications for each question, and discuss the reasons behind them. We also analyze the results obtained by the final modified version and offer a comparison between the original and modified versions. In the Supplemental Material we present the final modified version of the test. It can be used by teachers and researchers to assess students' understanding of, and learning about, mechanical waves.

The Relationship Between Observations and Measures of Oral and Pharyngeal Residue from Videofluorography and Scintigraphy

PubMed Central

Logemann, Jeri A.; Williams, Rohan B.; Rademaker, Alfred; Pauloski, Barbara Roa; Lazarus, Cathy L.; Cook, Ian

2006-01-01

We examined measures of oral and pharyngeal residues from scintigraphic studies and estimates/observations from videofluorographic (modified barium swallow) studies taken on the same day but not concurrently in 16 dysphagic patients of varying etiologies presenting with oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia. Oral and pharyngeal residuals following the swallow were quantified scintigraphically and were then compared with measures of residuals obtained from the modified barium swallow. Estimates of oral and pharyngeal residues from the modified barium swallows were generated by a trained observer who was blinded to the scintigraphic data. Positive and significant Spearman correlations between oral and pharyngeal residue measures from scintigraphy and observations of oral and pharyngeal residues from modified barium swallows were found. This supports the validity of observations of oral and pharyngeal residues in clinical studies. Limitations of these observations are discussed. PMID:16362511

Shore zone land use and land cover: Central Atlantic Regional Ecological Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dolan, R.; Hayden, B.P.; Vincent, C.L.

1974-01-01

Anderson's 1972 United States Geological Survey classification in modified form was applied to the barrier-island coastline within the CARETS region. High-altitude, color-infrared photography of December, 1972, and January, 1973, served as the primary data base in this study. The CARETS shore zone studied was divided into six distinct geographical regions; area percentages for each class in the modified Anderson classification are presented. Similarities and differences between regions are discussed within the framework of man's modification of these landscapes. The results of this study are presented as a series of 19 maps of land-use categories. Recommendations are made for a remote-sensing system for monitoring the CARETS shore zone within the context of the dynamics of the landscapes studied.

A theoretical approach to excessive CO2 expiration due to lactate production in exercise.

PubMed

Yano, T

1987-01-01

Cerretelli et al. (1982) proposed a model to estimate pH changes due to lactate production in exercise. This model was modified in the present study so as to express the relationship between CO2 excess and lactate production. The modified model fitted to the data reported on endurance-trained men.

Opinion Building on a Socio-Scientific Issue: The Case of Genetically Modified Plants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ekborg, Margareta

2008-01-01

This paper presents results from a study with the following research questions: (a) are pupils' opinions on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) influenced by biology teaching; and (b) what is important for the opinion pupils hold and how does knowledge work together with other parameters such as values? 64 pupils in an upper secondary school…

The study of interaction of modified fatty acid with {sup 99m}Tc in alcoholic media

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

Skuridin, V. S.; Stasyuk, E. S.; Varlamova, N. V.

2016-08-02

The paper presents the results of laboratory research aimed at the development of methods of synthesis of new radiodiagnostic agents based on modified fatty acid labelled with technetium-99m intended for scintigraphic evaluation of myocardial metabolism. In particular, the interaction of substance with {sup 99m}Tc in alcoholic media and the use of ethanol as solvent in the synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical were studied.

Modifiable factors associated with caregiver burden among family caregivers of terminally ill Korean cancer patients.

PubMed

Yoon, Seok-Joon; Kim, Jong-Sung; Jung, Jin-Gyu; Kim, Sung-Soo; Kim, Samyong

2014-05-01

Higher caregiver burden is associated with poor quality of life among family caregivers. However, in Korea, very few studies have examined factors associated with caregiver burden. The present study investigated factors associated with caregiver burden among family caregivers of terminally ill Korean cancer patients, particularly modifiable factors as a potential target of intervention strategies. A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires was performed. Sixty-four family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients who were admitted to the hospice-palliative care unit of a university hospital in South Korea were included. To identify caregiver burden, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment scale (CRA) was used in this study. Time spent in providing care per day, number of visits per week from other family members, family functioning, and a positive subscale, self-esteem, of the CRA were deemed as modifiable factors. Other sociodemographic, caregiving characteristics of the subjects were non-modifiable factors. Longer time spent providing care per day, fewer weekly visits from other family members, poor family functioning, and low self-esteem were considered as modifiable factors associated with caregiver burden. Low monthly income and the spouse being the family caregiver were non-modifiable factors. Our study has practical significance in that it identifies modifiable factors that can be used to devise intervention strategies. Developing and applying such intervention strategies for alleviating the factors associated with high caregiver burden could be important for improving the quality of life of both patients and their families.

Introduction of modified cervical cardiac transplant model in mice.

PubMed

Gong, Weihua; Thornley, Thomas; Whitcher, Gregory H; Ge, Fangmin; Yuan, Shunzong; Liu, Derek J; Balasubramanian, Savithri

2012-04-01

The murine cervical heterotopic heart transplant model was initially designed to test the immune response to third-party allografts, modified by cuff techniques. While cuff techniques simplify the execution of this procedure, cutting of the carotid artery and the external jugular vein alters the blood supply to central nervous system and makes it difficult to achieve long-term graft survival. In the present study, we describe modified techniques that preserve the continuity and function of blood vessels and improve transplant integrity. The modified techniques in this study comprise the following aspects: (1) Preservation of the sternal head of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, (2) use of the donor's intrathoracic inferior vena cava for anastomosis and (3) preservation of the function of the recipient's carotid artery and external jugular vein and thus, continuity of blood flow to the central nervous system. Stable, long-term, disease-free allograft survival has been achieved with syngeneic transplants (> 200 days), whereas allografts from fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched donors were acutely rejected in a time similar to the traditional abdominal heterotopic heart transplant model (8.2 ± 1.3 vs 8.4 ± 1.4 days; P = .73 in the Mantel Cox test, and P = .61 in the Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon test). Similar alloresponses could be induced in these 2 models. It is possible and feasible to achieve long-term graft survival in the mouse cervical heart transplant model using the modified procedures described in the present study.

Performance of an improved first generation optical CT scanner for 3D dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Xin; Adamovics, John; Wuu, Cheng-Shie

2013-12-01

Performance analysis of a modified 3D dosimetry optical scanner based on the first generation optical CT scanner OCTOPUS is presented. The system consists of PRESAGE™ dosimeters, the modified 3D scanner, and a new developed in-house user control panel written in Labview program which provides more flexibility to optimize mechanical control and data acquisition technique. The total scanning time has been significantly reduced from initial 8 h to ∼2 h by using the modified scanner. The functional performance of the modified scanner has been evaluated in terms of the mechanical integrity uncertainty of the data acquisition process. Optical density distribution comparison between the modified scanner, OCTOPUS and the treatment plan system has been studied. It has been demonstrated that the agreement between the modified scanner and treatment plans is comparable with that between the OCTOPUS and treatment plans.

Gelatin modified lipid nanoparticles for anti- viral drug delivery.

PubMed

K S, Joshy; S, Snigdha; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar; Pothen, Laly A; Thomas, Sabu

2017-10-01

The major challenges to clinical application of zidovudine are its moderate aqueous solubility and relative short half-life and serious side effects due to frequent administrations. We investigated the preparation of zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles based on lipids which were further modified with the polymer gelatin. Formulation and stability of the modified nanoparticles were analysed from the physico-chemical characterizations. The interactions of nanoparticles with blood components were tested by haemolysis and aggregation studies. The drug content and entrapment efficiencies were assessed by UV analysis. The effect of nanoparticles on protein adsorption was assessed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile of zidovudine. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles were performed in MCF-7 and neuro 2a brain cells. The enhanced cellular internalization of drug loaded modified nanoparticles in both the cell lines were revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Hence the present study focuses on the feasibility of zidovudine-loaded polymer modified lipid nanoparticles as carriers for safe and efficient HIV/AIDS therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reading Time Allocation Strategies and Working Memory Using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Busler, Jessica N.; Lazarte, Alejandro A.

2017-01-01

Rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) is a useful method for controlling the timing of text presentations and studying how readers' characteristics, such as working memory (WM) and reading strategies for time allocation, influence text recall. In the current study, a modified version of RSVP (Moving Window RSVP [MW-RSVP]) was used to induce…

Development of ketoconazole nanovesicular system using 1,2-hexanediol and 1,4-cyclohexanediol for dermal targeting delivery: physicochemical characterization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jinping; Guo, Fang; Ma, Man; Li, Nan; Tan, Fengping

2014-07-01

The present study was aimed at the encapsulation of ketoconazole (KCZ) in the novel modified nanovesicles for dermal targeting delivery. To this purpose, innovative modified vesicles were prepared with soy phospholipid and aqueous solutions containing different concentrations of two targeting modifiers, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,4-cyclohexanediol. Conventional liposomes, with soy phospholipid and cholesterol, were used as control. The prepared formulations were characterized in terms of entrapment efficiency, size distribution, morphology, and stability. Dermal KCZ targeting delivery from modified vesicles was investigated in vitro and in vivo through newborn pig and rat skin, respectively. All vesicles showed a mean size ranging from 58 to 147 nm with fairly narrow size distribution and drug entrapment efficiency between 20 and 75 %. Results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that modified vesicles provided an improved KCZ targeting delivery into skin layers. Images of the confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses supported the conclusion that modified vesicles could enhance the drug deposition into the skin strata and reduce the drug permeation into the blood, due to a synergic effect of phospholipid and modifiers. Finally, histological evaluation showed that KCZ-loaded modified vesicles caused no irritation to the skin. The results obtained encouraged the use of the KCZ-loaded modified vesicles as the formulation for the potential topical treatment of fungal infections.

Modified tandem gratings anastigmatic imaging spectrometer with oblique incidence for spectral broadband

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Chengguang; Wang, Shurong; Huang, Yu; Xue, Qingsheng; Li, Bo; Yu, Lei

2015-09-01

A modified spectrometer with tandem gratings that exhibits high spectral resolution and imaging quality for solar observation, monitoring, and understanding of coastal ocean processes is presented in this study. Spectral broadband anastigmatic imaging condition, spectral resolution, and initial optical structure are obtained based on geometric aberration theory. Compared with conventional tandem gratings spectrometers, this modified design permits flexibility in selecting gratings. A detailed discussion of the optical design and optical performance of an ultraviolet spectrometer with tandem gratings is also included to explain the advantage of oblique incidence for spectral broadband.

Thermomechanical treatment of welded joints of aluminum-lithium alloys modified by scandium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malikov, A. G.

2017-12-01

At present, the aeronautical equipment manufacture involves up-to-date high-strength aluminum alloys of decreased density resulting from the lithium admixture. Various technologies of fusible welding of these alloys are being developed. The paper presents experimental investigations of the optimization of the laser welding of aluminum alloys with the scandium-modified welded joint after thermomechanical treatment. The effect of scandium on the micro- and macrostructure is studied along with strength characteristics of the welded joint. It is found that thermomechanical treatment allows us to obtain the strength of the welded joint 0.89 for the Al-Mg-Li system and 0.99 for the Al-Cu-Li system with the welded joint modified by scandium in comparison with the base alloy after treatment.

Testing modified gravity with globular clusters: the case of NGC 2419

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llinares, Claudio

2018-05-01

The dynamics of globular clusters has been studied in great detail in the context of general relativity as well as with modifications of gravity that strongly depart from the standard paradigm such as Modified Newtonian Dynamics. However, at present there are no studies that aim to test the impact that less extreme modifications of gravity (e.g. models constructed as alternatives to dark energy) have on the behaviour of globular clusters. This Letter presents fits to the velocity dispersion profile of the cluster NGC 2419 under the symmetron-modified gravity model. The data show an increase in the velocity dispersion towards the centre of the cluster which could be difficult to explain within general relativity. By finding the best-fitting solution associated with the symmetron model, we show that this tension does not exist in modified gravity. However, the best-fitting parameters give a model that is inconsistent with the dynamics of the Solar system. Exploration of different screening mechanisms should give us the chance to understand if it is possible to maintain the appealing properties of the symmetron model when it comes to globular clusters and at the same time recover the Solar system dynamics properly.

Modeling zero-modified count and semicontinuous data in health services research part 2: case studies.

PubMed

Neelon, Brian; O'Malley, A James; Smith, Valerie A

2016-11-30

This article is the second installment of a two-part tutorial on the analysis of zero-modified count and semicontinuous data. Part 1, which appears as a companion piece in this issue of Statistics in Medicine, provides a general background and overview of the topic, with particular emphasis on applications to health services research. Here, we present three case studies highlighting various approaches for the analysis of zero-modified data. The first case study describes methods for analyzing zero-inflated longitudinal count data. Case study 2 considers the use of hurdle models for the analysis of spatiotemporal count data. The third case study discusses an application of marginalized two-part models to the analysis of semicontinuous health expenditure data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Application of the STROBE statement to the hypospadias literature: Report of the international pediatric urology task force on hypospadias.

PubMed

Braga, Luis H; Lorenzo, Armando J; Bagli, Darius J; Pippi Salle, Joao L; Caldamone, Anthony

2016-12-01

Observational studies, particularly case series, represent the majority of the current hypospadias research. As a result, this literature lacks standardization of surgical techniques, uniform definitions of hypospadias complications, and consistency of outcome reporting, which may make it difficult to compare results across studies. A modified version of the STROBE statement, containing 20 items, was presented at the International Pediatric Urology Task Force on Hypospadias meeting to assist with clear and transparent reporting of hypospadias studies. The adoption and implementation of this modified tool will allow investigators and health care providers to critically evaluate quality and identify bias within the literature. In addition this instrument will ensure consistency of reporting, improving objective comparisons between studies, unification of results, and development of evidence-based clinical guidelines. In this article, we have applied the modified STROBE statement to the hypospadias literature, aiming to create a guide on study reporting for pediatric urologists, and ultimately improve the quality of research in our field. We present itemized recommendations for adequate reporting of hypospadias studies and case series, ranging from drafting the abstract to addressing biases and potential sources of confounding. Included with each item is a brief explanation of its importance and potential effect on the study, as well as pertinent examples of hypospadias articles. A modified STROBE summary table containing 20 items is presented in (Supplementary Table 1). If properly conducted and reported, hypospadias studies have the potential to provide useful information to clinicians and surgeons. However, authors should recognize the inherent limitations of these observational studies, especially in the form of bias, which may introduce invalid data or limit generalizability. Thus, we expect that the use of this guiding tool will not only improve transparency of hypospadias reporting, but also improve its methodological quality, allowing proper comparison and interpretation of data across different institutions. Copyright © 2016 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modified transverse phonon-helicon interaction in colloids laden semiconductor plasmas due to Bohm potential and Fermi degenerate pressure

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

Sharma, Aartee, E-mail: aartee.sharma08@gmail.com; Yadav, N.; Ghosh, S.

2015-07-31

A detailed study of the quantum modification of acousto-helicon wave spectra due to Bohm potential and Fermi degenerate pressure in colloids laden semiconductor plasma has been presented. We have used quantum hydrodynamic model of plasmas to arrive at most general dispersion relation in presence of magnetic field. This dispersion relation has been analyzed in three different velocity regimes and the expressions for gain constants have been obtained. From the present study it has been concluded that the quantum effect and the magnetic field significantly modify the wave characteristics particularly in high doping regime in semiconductor plasma medium in presence ofmore » colloids in it.« less

Peroxynitrite modified DNA presents better epitopes for anti-DNA autoantibodies in diabetes type 1 patients.

PubMed

Tripathi, Prashant; Moinuddin; Dixit, Kiran; Mir, Abdul Rouf; Habib, Safia; Alam, Khursheed; Ali, Asif

2014-07-01

Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), formed by the reaction between nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2(-)), has been implicated in the etiology of numerous disease processes. Peroxynitrite interacts with DNA via direct oxidative reactions or via indirect radical-mediated mechanism. It can inflict both oxidative and nitrosative damages on DNA bases, generating abasic sites, resulting in the single strand breaks. Plasmid pUC 18 isolated from Escherichiacoli was modified with peroxynitrite, generated by quenched flow process. Modifications incurred in plasmid DNA were characterized by ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, HPLC and melting temperature studies. Binding characteristics and specificity of antibodies from diabetes patients were analyzed by direct binding and inhibition ELISA. Peroxynitrite modification of pUC 18 plasmid resulted in the formation of strand breaks and base modification. The major compound formed when peroxynitrite reacted with DNA was 8-nitroguanine, a specific marker for peroxynitrite induced DNA damage in inflamed tissues. The concentration of 8-nitroguanine was found to be 3.8 μM. Sera from diabetes type 1 patients from different age groups were studied for their binding to native and peroxynitrite modified plasmid. Direct binding and competitive-inhibition ELISA results showed higher recognition of peroxynitrite modified plasmid, as compared to the native form, by auto-antibodies present in diabetes patients. The preferential recognition of modified plasmid by diabetes autoantibodies was further reiterated by gel shift assay. Experimentally induced anti-peroxynitrite-modified plasmid IgG was used as a probe to detect nitrosative lesions in the DNA isolated from diabetes patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The modified Stroop paradigm as a measure of selective attention towards pain-related information in patients with chronic low back pain.

PubMed

Roelofs, Jeffrey; Peters, Madelon L; Vlaeyen, Johan W S

2003-06-01

The present study assessed, by means of a modified Stroop paradigm, whether highly fearful patients with chronic low back pain pay selective attention to words related to movement and injury. Two groups of patients (High Fear and Low Fear) were included based on their scores on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), a measure of fear of movement or (re)injury. A control group was recruited by means of advertisement in a local newspaper. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to examine whether highly fearful pain patients pay more selective attention to movement and injury words, compared to patients with low pain-related fear and controls. The results from the present study do not support the proposition that highly fearful patients with chronic low back pain selectively pay attention to words related to injury and movement. Limitations of the modified Stroop paradigm are discussed as well as the need for the application of alternative methods such as the dot-probe paradigm.

Chemically modified carbonic anhydrases useful in carbon capture systems

DOEpatents

Novick, Scott; Alvizo, Oscar

2013-01-15

The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.

Chemically modified carbonic anhydrases useful in carbon capture systems

DOEpatents

Novick, Scott J; Alvizo, Oscar

2013-10-29

The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.

Multicriteria Personnel Selection by the Modified Fuzzy VIKOR Method

PubMed Central

Alguliyev, Rasim M.; Aliguliyev, Ramiz M.; Mahmudova, Rasmiyya S.

2015-01-01

Personnel evaluation is an important process in human resource management. The multicriteria nature and the presence of both qualitative and quantitative factors make it considerably more complex. In this study, a fuzzy hybrid multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model is proposed to personnel evaluation. This model solves personnel evaluation problem in a fuzzy environment where both criteria and weights could be fuzzy sets. The triangular fuzzy numbers are used to evaluate the suitability of personnel and the approximate reasoning of linguistic values. For evaluation, we have selected five information culture criteria. The weights of the criteria were calculated using worst-case method. After that, modified fuzzy VIKOR is proposed to rank the alternatives. The outcome of this research is ranking and selecting best alternative with the help of fuzzy VIKOR and modified fuzzy VIKOR techniques. A comparative analysis of results by fuzzy VIKOR and modified fuzzy VIKOR methods is presented. Experiments showed that the proposed modified fuzzy VIKOR method has some advantages over fuzzy VIKOR method. Firstly, from a computational complexity point of view, the presented model is effective. Secondly, compared to fuzzy VIKOR method, it has high acceptable advantage compared to fuzzy VIKOR method. PMID:26516634

Viscosity studies of water based magnetite nanofluids

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

Anu, K.; Hemalatha, J.

2016-05-23

Magnetite nanofluids of various concentrations have been synthesized through co-precipitation method. The structural and topographical studies made with the X-Ray Diffractometer and Atomic Force Microscope are presented in this paper. The density and viscosity studies for the ferrofluids of various concentrations have been made at room temperature. The experimental viscosities are compared with theoretical values obtained from Einstein, Batchelor and Wang models. An attempt to modify the Rosensweig model is made and the modified Rosensweig equation is reported. In addition, new empirical correlation is also proposed for predicting viscosity of ferrofluid at various concentrations.

Different CO2 absorbents-modified SBA-15 sorbent for highly selective CO2 capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiuwu; Zhai, Xinru; Liu, Dongyang; Sun, Yan

2017-05-01

Different CO2 absorbents-modified SBA-15 materials are used as CO2 sorbent to improve the selectivity of CH4/CO2 separation. The SBA-15 sorbents modified by physical CO2 absorbents are very limited to increasing CO2 adsorption and present poor selectivity. However, the SBA-15 sorbents modified by chemical CO2 absorbents increase CO2 adsorption capacity obviously. The separation coefficients of CO2/CH4 increase in this case. The adsorption and regeneration properties of the SBA-15 sorbents modified by TEA, MDEA and DIPA have been compared. The SBA-15 modified by triethanolamine (TEA) presents better CO2/CH4 separation performance than the materials modified by other CO2 absorbents.

Detection of Genetically Modified Food: Has Your Food Been Genetically Modified?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brandner, Diana L.

2002-01-01

Explains the benefits and risks of genetically-modified foods and describes methods for genetically modifying food. Presents a laboratory experiment using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect foreign DNA in genetically-modified food. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Progress in the understanding and utilization of biologic response modifiers in the treatment of uveitis.

PubMed

Maleki, Arash; Meese, Halea; Sahawneh, Haitham; Foster, C Stephen

2016-07-01

Uveitis is the third most common cause of blindness in developed countries. Considering the systemic and local complications of long-term corticosteroid therapy and the intolerance due to side effects and ineffectiveness of conventional chemotherapy, use of biologic response modifiers is a reasonable alternative in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis and persistent uveitic macular edema. The majority of the evidence presented here comes from open uncontrolled analyses. Based on these studies, tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, especially infliximab and adalimumab, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis in numerous studies. More research is necessary, particularly multi-center randomized clinical trials, to address the choice of biologic response modifier agent and the length of treatment as we employ biologic response modifiers in different types of uveitis and persistent uveitic macular edema.

A Family History of Psychopathology Modifies the Decrement in Cognitive Control among Patients with HIV/AIDS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauer, Lance O.

2008-01-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of HIV/AIDS on cognitive control and to determine if the effect is modified by familial risk for either alcohol or mood disorders. Sixty HIV-1 seropositive and 75 seronegative volunteers were assigned to four subgroups defined by the crossing of a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the…

Activity, Stability, and Structure of Native and Modified by Woodward Reagent K Mushroom Tyrosinase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emami, S.; Piri, H.; Gheibi, N.

2018-01-01

Mushroom tyrosinase (MT) was considered a good model for studying the inhibition, activation, and mutation of tyrosinase as the key enzyme of melanogenesis. In the present study, the activity, structure, reduction, and stability of native and modified enzymes were investigated after the modification of MT carboxylic residues by the Woodward reagent K (WRK). The relative activity of the sole enzyme was reduced from 100 to 77.9, 53.8, 39.4, and 26.4% after its modification by 2.5, 5, 25, and 50 ratios of [WRK]/[MT], respectively. The Tm values were calculated from thermal denaturation curves at 61.2, 60.1, 58.3, 53.9, and 45.5oC for the sole and modified enzymes. The reduction of the Δ {G}_{{H}_2O} values for the modified enzyme in chemical denaturation indicated instability. A structural study by CD and intrinsic fluorescence technique revealed the fluctuation of the secondary and tertiary structures of MT.

Modified scoring criteria for the RBANS figures.

PubMed

Duff, Kevin; Leber, W R; Patton, Doyle E; Schoenberg, Mike R; Mold, James W; Scott, James G; Adams, Russell L

2007-01-01

Visual construction and memory tasks are routinely used in neuropsychological assessment, but their subjective scoring criteria can negatively affect the reliability of these instruments. The current study examined the standard scoring criteria for the Figure Copy and Recall subtests of the RBANS and compared them to a modified set of scoring criteria in two samples. In both a large community dwelling sample of older adults and in a mixed clinical sample, the original scoring criteria consistently led to lower scores than the modified criteria. Inter-rater reliability was high for the modified scoring criteria, and no age effects were found with the modified scoring criteria. In both samples, the modified scoring criteria led to Figure Copy scores that more closely approximated other performances on the RBANS compared to the standard criteria, whereas both scoring systems led to plausible Figure Recall scores. Despite these results, the present study cannot identify one scoring criterion as the "better," but only points out the significant differences between them. Such differences can have important clinical implications, and practitioners and researchers who utilize the RBANS with patient samples should be cautious when interpreting low scores on Figure Copy and Recall if the standard criteria are used.

Antibacterial effect of silver nanofilm modified stainless steel surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, F.; Kennedy, J.; Dhillon, M.; Flint, S.

2015-03-01

Bacteria can attach to stainless steel surfaces, resulting in the colonization of the surface known as biofilms. The release of bacteria from biofilms can cause contamination of food such as dairy products in manufacturing plants. This study aimed to modify stainless steel surfaces with silver nanofilms and to examine the antibacterial effectiveness of the modified surface. Ion implantation was applied to produce silver nanofilms on stainless steel surfaces. 35 keV Ag ions were implanted with various fluences of 1 × 1015 to 1 × 1017 ions•cm-2 at room temperature. Representative atomic force microscopy characterizations of the modified stainless steel are presented. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry spectra revealed the implanted atoms were located in the near-surface region. Both unmodified and modified stainless steel coupons were then exposed to two types of bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Streptococcus thermophilus, to determine the effect of the surface modification on bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The silver modified coupon surface fluoresced red over most of the surface area implying that most bacteria on coupon surface were dead. This study indicates that the silver nanofilm fabricated by the ion implantation method is a promising way of reducing the attachment of bacteria and delay biofilm formation.

Study plan to identify long term national telecommunications need and priorities applying Delphi techniques (handbook). [technological forecasting - United States of America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

A handbook that explains the basic Delphi methodology and discusses modified Delphi techniques is presented. The selection of communications experts to participate in a study, the construction of questionnaires on potential communications developments, and requisite technology is treated. No two modified Delphi studies were the same, which reflects the flexibility and adaptability of the technique. Each study must be specifically tailored to a particular case, and consists of seeking a consensus of opinion among experts about a particular subject and attendant conditions that may prevail in the future.

Phosphorylation of psyllium seed polysaccharide and its characterization.

PubMed

Rao, Monica R P; Warrier, Deepa U; Gaikwad, Snehal R; Shevate, Prachi M

2016-04-01

Psyllium is widely used as a medicinally active natural polysaccharide for treating conditions like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. Studies have been performed to characterize and modify the polysaccharide obtained from psyllium seed husk and to evaluate its use as a pharmaceutical excipient, but no studies have been performed to evaluate the properties of the polysaccharide present in psyllium seeds. The present study focuses on phosphorylation of psyllium seed polysaccharide (PPS) using sodium tri-meta phosphate as the cross-linking agent. The modified phosphorylated psyllium seed polysaccharide was then evaluated for physicochemical properties, rheological properties, spectral analysis, thermal analysis, crosslinking density and acute oral toxicity studies. The modified polysaccharide (PhPPS) has a high swelling index due to which it can be categorized as a hydrogel. The percent increase in swelling of PhPPS as compared to PPS was found to be 90.26%. The PPS & PhPPS mucilages of all strengths were found to have shear thinning properties. These findings are suggestive of the potential use of PhPPS as gelling & suspending agent. PhPPS was found to have a mucoadhesive property which was comparable with carbopol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preferential recognition of auto-antibodies against 4-hydroxynonenal modified DNA in the cancer patients.

PubMed

Faisal, Mohammad; Shahab, Uzma; Alatar, Abdulrahman A; Ahmad, Saheem

2017-11-01

The structural perturbations in DNA molecule may be caused by a break in a strand, a missing base from the backbone, or a chemically changed base. These alterations in DNA that occurs naturally can result from metabolic or hydrolytic processes. DNA damage plays a major role in the mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, aging and various other patho-physiological conditions. DNA damage can be induced through hydrolysis, exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other reactive carbonyl metabolites including 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). 4-HNE is an important lipid peroxidation product which has been implicated in the mutagenesis and carcinogenesis processes. The present study examines to probe the presence of auto-antibodies against 4-hydroxynonenal damaged DNA (HNE-DNA) in various cancer subjects. In this study, the purified calf thymus DNA was damaged by the action of 4-HNE. The DNA was incubated with 4-HNE for 24 h at 37°C temperature. The binding characteristics of cancer auto-antibodies were assessed by direct binding and competitive inhibition ELISA. DNA modifications produced hyperchromicity in UV spectrum and decreased fluorescence intensity. Cancer sera exhibited enhanced binding with the 4-HNE modified calf thymus DNA as compared to its native conformer. The 4-HNE modified DNA presents unique epitopes which may be one of the factors for the auto-antibody induction in cancer patients. The HNE modified DNA presents unique epitopes which may be one of the factors for the autoantibody induction in cancer patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Calcium modified edible Canna (Canna edulis L) starch for controlled released matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, A. P.; Ridwan, M.; Darmawan, T. A.; Darusman, F.; Gadri, A.

2017-07-01

Canna edulis L starch was modified with calcium chloride in order to form controlled released matrix. Present study aim to analyze modified starch characteristic. Four different formulation of ondansetron granules was used to provide dissolution profile of controlled released, two formula consisted of 15% and 30% modified starch, one formula utilized matrix reference standards and the last granules was negative control. Methocel-hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was used as controlled released matrix reference standards in the third formula. Calcium starch was synthesized in the presence of sodium hydroxide to form gelatinized mass and calcium chloride as the cross linking agent. Physicochemical and dissolution properties of modified starch for controlled released application were investigated. Modified starch has higher swelling index, water solubility and compressibility index. Three of four different formulation of granules provide dissolution profile of controlled released. The profiles indicate granules which employed calcium Canna edulis L starch as matrix are able to resemble controlled drug released profile of matrix reference, however their bigger detain ability lead to lower bioavailability.

The effect of reagents mimicking oxidative stress on fibrinogen function.

PubMed

Štikarová, Jana; Kotlín, Roman; Riedel, Tomáš; Suttnar, Jiří; Pimková, Kristýna; Chrastinová, Leona; Dyr, Jan E

2013-01-01

Fibrinogen is one of the plasma proteins most susceptible to oxidative modification. It has been suggested that modification of fibrinogen may cause thrombotic/bleeding complications associated with many pathophysiological states of organism. We exposed fibrinogen molecules to three different modification reagents-malondialdehyde, sodium hypochlorite, and peroxynitrite-that are presented to various degrees in different stages of oxidative stress. We studied the changes in fibrin network formation and platelet interactions with modified fibrinogens under flow conditions. The fastest modification of fibrinogen was caused by hypochlorite. Fibers from fibrinogen modified with either reagent were thinner in comparison with control fibers. We found that platelet dynamic adhesion was significantly lower on fibrinogen modified with malondialdehyde and significantly higher on fibrinogen modified either with hypochlorite or peroxynitrite reflecting different prothrombotic/antithrombotic properties of oxidatively modified fibrinogens. It seems that, in the complex reactions ongoing in living organisms at conditions of oxidation stress, hypochlorite modifies proteins (e.g., fibrinogen) faster and more preferentially than malondialdehyde. It suggests that the prothrombotic effects of prior fibrinogen modifications may outweigh the antithrombotic effect of malondialdehyde-modified fibrinogen in real living systems.

The Effect of Reagents Mimicking Oxidative Stress on Fibrinogen Function

PubMed Central

Štikarová, Jana; Kotlín, Roman; Riedel, Tomáš; Suttnar, Jiří; Pimková, Kristýna; Chrastinová, Leona; Dyr, Jan E.

2013-01-01

Fibrinogen is one of the plasma proteins most susceptible to oxidative modification. It has been suggested that modification of fibrinogen may cause thrombotic/bleeding complications associated with many pathophysiological states of organism. We exposed fibrinogen molecules to three different modification reagents—malondialdehyde, sodium hypochlorite, and peroxynitrite—that are presented to various degrees in different stages of oxidative stress. We studied the changes in fibrin network formation and platelet interactions with modified fibrinogens under flow conditions. The fastest modification of fibrinogen was caused by hypochlorite. Fibers from fibrinogen modified with either reagent were thinner in comparison with control fibers. We found that platelet dynamic adhesion was significantly lower on fibrinogen modified with malondialdehyde and significantly higher on fibrinogen modified either with hypochlorite or peroxynitrite reflecting different prothrombotic/antithrombotic properties of oxidatively modified fibrinogens. It seems that, in the complex reactions ongoing in living organisms at conditions of oxidation stress, hypochlorite modifies proteins (e.g., fibrinogen) faster and more preferentially than malondialdehyde. It suggests that the prothrombotic effects of prior fibrinogen modifications may outweigh the antithrombotic effect of malondialdehyde-modified fibrinogen in real living systems. PMID:24235886

Toxicity of fluoride to aquatic species and evaluation of toxicity modifying factors.

PubMed

Pearcy, Krysta; Elphick, James; Burnett-Seidel, Charlene

2015-07-01

The present study was performed to investigate the toxicity of fluoride to a variety of freshwater aquatic organisms and to establish whether water quality variables contribute substantively to modifying its toxicity. Water hardness, chloride, and alkalinity were tested as possible toxicity modifying factors for fluoride using acute toxicity tests with Hyalella azteca and Oncorhynchus mykiss. Chloride appeared to be the major toxicity modifying factor for fluoride in these acute toxicity tests. The chronic toxicity of fluoride was evaluated with a variety of species, including 3 fish (Pimephales promelas, O. mykiss, and Salvelinus namaycush), 3 invertebrates (Ceriodaphnia dubia, H. azteca, and Chironomus dilutus), 1 plant (Lemna minor), and 1 alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). Hyalella azteca was the most sensitive species overall, and O. mykiss was the most sensitive species of fish. The role of chloride as a toxicity modifying factor was inconsistent between species in the chronic toxicity tests. © 2015 SETAC.

Long-term MBR performance of polymeric membrane modified with Bismuth-BAL chelate (BisBAL).

PubMed

Turken, Turker; Kose-Mutlu, Borte; Okatan, Selin; Durmaz, Gamze; Guclu, Mehmet C; Guclu, Serkan; Ovez, Suleyman; Koyuncu, Ismail

2018-02-15

An ultrafiltration membrane prepared by polyethersulfone (PES) was modified with Bismuth-BAL chelate (BisBAL) and was used in submerged membrane bioreactor system. Moreover, a control membrane reactor was also tasked to evaluate the effect of BisBAL on the membrane performance. The flux profile, transmembrane pressure, the effect of chemical treatment, cake layer formation, anti-fouling properties against extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP) were studied. The UF modified membrane demonstrated a sustained permeability, low cleaning frequency, and longer filtration time. In terms of anti-EPS and SMP accumulation, the modified membrane showed a lower membrane resistance. It can be illustrated from scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope images that the modified membrane had presented better properties than bare PES membrane, as it was looser and thinner. Thus, the UF membrane proved to be more efficient in terms of permeability and lifetime.

Investigation of timing effects in modified composite quadrupolar echo pulse sequences by mean of average Hamiltonian theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mananga, Eugene Stephane

2018-01-01

The utility of the average Hamiltonian theory and its antecedent the Magnus expansion is presented. We assessed the concept of convergence of the Magnus expansion in quadrupolar spectroscopy of spin-1 via the square of the magnitude of the average Hamiltonian. We investigated this approach for two specific modified composite pulse sequences: COM-Im and COM-IVm. It is demonstrated that the size of the square of the magnitude of zero order average Hamiltonian obtained on the appropriated basis is a viable approach to study the convergence of the Magnus expansion. The approach turns to be efficient in studying pulse sequences in general and can be very useful to investigate coherent averaging in the development of high resolution NMR technique in solids. This approach allows comparing theoretically the two modified composite pulse sequences COM-Im and COM-IVm. We also compare theoretically the current modified composite sequences (COM-Im and COM-IVm) to the recently published modified composite pulse sequences (MCOM-I, MCOM-IV, MCOM-I_d, MCOM-IV_d).

Disease-modifying genetic factors in cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Marson, Fernando A L

2018-05-01

To compile data from the past 10 years regarding the role of modifying genes in cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a model disease for understanding of the action of modifying genes. Although it is a monogenic (CFTR) autosomal recessive disease, CF presents with wide phenotypic variability. In CF, variability occurs with different intensity among patients by each organ, being organ-specific, resulting from the mutual interaction of environmental and genetic factors, including CFTR mutations and various other genes, most of which are associated with inflammatory processes. In individuals, using precision medicine, gene modification studies have revealed individualized responses to drugs depending on particular CFTR mutations and modifying genes, most of which are alternative ion channels. Studies of modifying genes in CF allow: understanding of clinical variability among patients with the same CFTR genotype; evaluation of precision medicine; understanding of environmental and genetic effects at the organ level; understanding the involvement of genetic variants in inflammatory responses; improvements in genetic counseling; understanding the involvement of genetic variants in inflammatory responses in lung diseases, such as asthma; and understanding the individuality of the person with the disease.

Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Combined with Bimanual Training (mCIMT-BiT) in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: How Are Improvements in Arm-Hand Use Established?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aarts, Pauline B.; Jongerius, Peter H.; Geerdink, Yvonne A.; van Limbeek, Jacques; Geurts, Alexander C.

2011-01-01

A recent randomized controlled trial indicated that modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy followed by Bimanual Training (mCIMT-BiT) is an effective intervention to improve spontaneous use of the affected upper limb in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The present study aimed to investigate how the above-mentioned…

Effect of Pre-Ozonation and UF Membrane Modification with CNT on Fouling Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kailun; Guan, Yuqi; Zhu, Xuedong; Dong, Dan; Guo, Jin

2018-01-01

The effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) modification on ultrafiltration membrane fouling control was explored. Three kinds of base membrane were chosen in the study: 20 kDa polysulfone (PS) membrane, 20 kDa and 100 kDa polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. Besides, the effect of pre-ozonation on the three CNT modified membranes for fouling alleviation was further studied. CNT modification presented antifouling properties at the beginning of filtration, while the recoverability of the CNT modified membranes are relatively lower as for the blocking of CNT layer by foulants. Pre-ozonation with a lower ozone concentration (0.25 mgO3/mgDOC) did not efficiently alleviate the fouling of CNT modified membranes. With the ozone concentration increased to 0.81 mgO3/mgDOC, the CNT modified membranes exhibited their higher antifouling properties. Water quality analysis results showed that CNT modification presented a higher capture ability for the humic-like and protein-like substances. After pre-ozonation, more organic materials could be retained in the interior of CNT layer, which decreased the fouling of base membranes and increased the permeate quality as well. Base membrane with large molecular size cut-off is more helpful for the synergistic effect of pre-ozonation and CNT modification.

Enhanced permeability of blood-brain barrier and targeting function of brain via borneol-modified chemically solid lipid nanoparticle.

PubMed

Song, Hui; Wei, Man; Zhang, Nan; Li, He; Tan, Xiaochuan; Zhang, Yujia; Zheng, Wensheng

2018-01-01

The incidence of central nervous system disease has increased in recent years. However, the transportation of drug is restricted by the blood-brain barrier, contributing to the poor therapeutic effect in the brain. Therefore, the development of a new brain-targeting drug delivery system has become the hotspot of pharmacy. Borneol, a simple bicyclic monoterpene extracted from Dryobalanops aromatica , can direct drugs to the upper body parts according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Dioleoyl phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) was chemically modified by borneol as one of the lipid materials of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) in the present study. The borneol-modified chemically solid lipid nanoparticle (BO-SLN/CM), borneol-modified physically solid lipid nanoparticle (BO-SLN/PM), and SLN have similar diameter (of about 87 nm) and morphological characteristics. However, BO-SLN/CM has a lower cytotoxicity, higher cell uptake, and better blood-brain barrier permeability compared with BO-SLN/PM and SLN. BO-SLN/CM has a remarkable targeting function to the brain, while BO-SLN/ PM and SLNs are concentrated at the lung. The present study provides an excellent drug delivery carrier, BO-SLN/CM, having the application potential of targeting to the brain and permeating to the blood-brain barrier.

Factors Modifying Burnout in Osteopathic Medical Students.

PubMed

Lapinski, Jessica; Yost, Morgan; Sexton, Patricia; LaBaere, Richard J

2016-02-01

The purposes of the current study are to examine factors modifying burnout and identify which of these factors place osteopathic medical students at risk for developing burnout. The current study used a cross-sectional study design and an anonymous, web-based survey to assess burnout and depression in osteopathic medical students. The survey included Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Stressors and their impact scale, students' sleeping and studying habits, and students' extracurricular involvement. In total, 1294 osteopathic medical students completed the survey. Burnout was present in 516 (39.9%) osteopathic medical students, and 1006 (77.0%) met criteria for depression. Females were 1.5 times more likely to be burned out in comparison to males. For the burnout subscales, males had lower emotional exhaustion, slightly higher depersonalization, and lower personal accomplishment. Lesbian/gay/bisexual/asexual students were 2.62 times more likely to be burned out compared with heterosexual students. Depression and academic, personal, and family stressors were all strongly linked to overall burnout. Finally, for modifiable factors, average hours of sleep, average hours spent studying, and club involvement appeared to be linked to burnout. The current study suggested that a variety of factors, including non-modifiable, situational, and modifiable, impact burnout in osteopathic medical students. Future research is necessary since burnout in physicians affects the quality of care provided to patients.

[Overdose of modified-release paracetamol calls for changed treatment routines. New guidelines from the Swedish Poisons Information Centre].

PubMed

Höjer, Jonas; Salmonson, Helene; Sjöberg, Gunilla; Tellerup, Markus; Brogren, Jacob

2016-11-10

Overdose of modified-release paracetamol calls for changed treatment routines. New guidelines from the Swedish Poisons Information Centre  The sales of modified-release paracetamol tablets are steadily increasing in Sweden as are the number of overdose cases with this formulation. The Swedish Poisons Information Centre has noted that the standard treatment protocol with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is based on overdoses with immediate-release paracetamol formulations, is often inadequate in this setting. In this paper, an adult who overdosed on 66.5 grams of modified-release paracetamol tablets and developed severe liver impairment (max ALT 6,660 U/l) despite timely and rigorous NAC treatment is presented. The patient's peak S-paracetamol of 2,800 µmol/l was delayed to 19 hours post-ingestion. Moreover, a pharmacokinetic and clinical study of similar cases showed that seven (21%) of the 34 patients who received NAC treatment within 8 hours after ingestion developed liver impairment. Finally, new Swedish guidelines for management of these cases are presented. The guidelines are also available on www.giftinfo.se.

Methods for producing partially digested restriction DNA fragments and for producing a partially modified PCR product

DOEpatents

Wong, Kwong-Kwok

2000-01-01

The present invention is an improved method of making a partially modified PCR product from a DNA fragment with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In a standard PCR process, the DNA fragment is combined with starting deoxynucleoside triphosphates, a primer, a buffer and a DNA polymerase in a PCR mixture. The PCR mixture is then reacted in the PCR producing copies of the DNA fragment. The improvement of the present invention is adding an amount of a modifier at any step prior to completion of the PCR process thereby randomly and partially modifying the copies of the DNA fragment as a partially modified PCR product. The partially modified PCR product may then be digested with an enzyme that cuts the partially modified PCR product at unmodified sites thereby producing an array of DNA restriction fragments.

CO2 adsorption on modified carbon coated monolith: effect of surface modification by using alkaline solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Soraya; Marahel, Ehsan; Bayesti, Iman; Abbasi, Ali; Chuah Abdullah, L.; Choong, Thomas S. Y.

2015-01-01

A monolithic column was used to study the feasibility of modified carbon-coated monolith for recovery of CO2 from gaseous mixtures (He/CO2) in a variety of operating conditions. Carbon-coated monolith was prepared by dip-coating method and modified by two alkaline solutions, i.e. NH3 and KOH. The surface properties of the carbon-coated monolith were altered by functional groups via KOH and NH3 treatments. The comparative study of CO2 uptake by two different adsorbents, i.e. unmodified and modified carbon-coated monolith, demonstrated that the applied modification process had improved CO2 adsorption. The presence of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the carbon led to an improved level of microporosity on the synthesized carbon-coated monolith. The physical parameters such as higher surface area, lower pore diameter, and larger micropore volume of modified monoliths indicated direct influence on the adsorbed amount of CO2. In the present study, the Deactivation Model is applied to analyze the breakthrough curves. The adsorption capacity increased with an increase in pressure and concentration, while a reduction of CO2 adsorption capacity was occurred with increase in temperature. Ammonia (NH3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-modified carbon-coated monolith showed an increase of approximately 12 and 27% in CO2 adsorption, respectively, as compared to unmodified carbon-coated monolith.

Modified screening interaction potential on dust lattice waves in dusty plasma ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Kerong; Chen, Hui; Liu, Sanqiu

2017-05-01

In the present paper, the modified screening interaction potential was adopted to investigate the dust lattice waves in dusty ring. Firstly, the influence of parameter ε on the modified screening interaction potential was analyzed; and it was found that the parameter ε has a long-range effect on the pairwise interaction between the particles. Secondly, the dispersion relations of longitudinal and transverse waves are obtained, and the effect of long-range action parameter ε, dimensionless lattice parameter α and dimensionless shielding parameter \\tilde{κ } on the dust lattice waves propagation in dusty ring are studied. Some interesting phenomena, such as the coupling of longitudinal and transverse waves, and instabilities of transverse waves are found, which are in good agreement with some previous works. Finally, the transverse wave instabilities and the relevant critical lattice parameter αc are presented and discussed.

Healing of intrabony defects and its relationship to root canal therapy. A histologic and histometric study in dogs.

PubMed

Lima, L A; Anderson, G B; Wang, M M; Nasjleti, C E; Morrison, E C; Kon, S; Caffesse, R G

1997-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of root canal therapy in the healing process of severe intrabony defects. Four beagle dogs were used and 32 interproximal intrabony defects, up to the apical third, were created. Wire ligatures were placed into these defects for plaque accumulation. Three weeks later, the ligatures were removed and 4 different treatment modalities were employed: group 1) scaling and root planing (SRP); group 2) modified Widman flap (MWF); group 3) modified Widman flap and root canal therapy performed at the same time (RCT/MWF); and group 4) modified Widman flap and root canal therapy performed 3 weeks after the surgical procedure (MWF + RCT). Postoperative oral hygiene was obtained by spraying a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution 3 times a week. The animals were sacrificed 7 weeks after treatment. Blocks were obtained and processed for routine histology. Results were expressed as a percentage of the total defect length (TDL). No differences were observed when SRP was compared to MWF. New bone formation (BF) presented better results for SRP (43.4%) and MWF (53.4%) when compared to RCT/MWF (15.5%). New cementum formation (CF) presented better results for SRP (59.8%) and MWF (64.6%) when compared to RCT/MWF (19.3%) and MWF + RCT (31.5%). Connective tissue repair (CTR) presented better results for SRP (72.4%) and MWF (74.2%) when compared to RCT/MWF (47.5%) and MWF + RCT (44.4%). Results were statistically significant at the level of 0.05. Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that root canal therapy performed simultaneously or 3 weeks after surgery modified the healing of intrabony defects, impairing new bone formation, new cementum formation and new attachment.

A Modified Personalized Image-Based Drill Guide Template for Atlantoaxial Pedicle Screw Placement: A Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Jiang, Lianghai; Dong, Liang; Tan, Mingsheng; Qi, Yingna; Yang, Feng; Yi, Ping; Tang, Xiangsheng

2017-01-01

Background Atlantoaxial posterior pedicle screw fixation has been widely used for treatment of atlantoaxial instability (AAI). However, precise and safe insertion of atlantoaxial pedicle screws remains challenging. This study presents a modified drill guide template based on a previous template for atlantoaxial pedicle screw placement. Material/Methods Our study included 54 patients (34 males and 20 females) with AAI. All the patients underwent posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation: 25 patients underwent surgery with the use of a modified drill guide template (template group) and 29 patients underwent surgery via the conventional method (conventional group). In the template group, a modified drill guide template was designed for each patient. The modified drill guide template and intraoperative fluoroscopy were used for surgery in the template group, while only intraoperative fluoroscopy was used in the conventional group. Results Of the 54 patients, 52 (96.3%) completed the follow-up for more than 12 months. The template group had significantly lower intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency (p<0.001) and higher accuracy of screw insertion (p=0.045) than the conventional group. There were no significant differences in surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, or improvement of neurological function between the 2 groups (p>0.05). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, it is feasible to use the modified drill guide template for atlantoaxial pedicle screw placement. Using the template can significantly lower the screw malposition rate and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy. PMID:28301445

Evaluation of functional outcomes and complications following modified Latarjet reconstruction in athletes with anterior shoulder instability

PubMed Central

van der Watt, Christelle; de Beer, Joe F

2015-01-01

Background The optimal management of anterior shoulder instability in athletes continues to be a challenge. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of athletes with anterior shoulder instability following modified Latarjet reconstruction through assessing the timing of return to sport and complications. Methods Retrospective assessment was performed of athletes (n = 56) who presented with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and were treated with modified congruent arc Latarjet reconstruction over a 1-year period. Rugby union was the predominant sport performed. Pre-operative instability severity index scores were assessed. Postoperative complications were recorded as was the time taken for the athlete to return to sport. Results Arthroscopic evaluation revealed that 86% of patients had associated bony lesions affecting the glenohumeral joint. The overall complication rate relating to the Latarjet reconstruction was 7%. No episodes of recurrent shoulder instability were noted. Of the patients, 89% returned to competitive sport at the same level as that prior to surgery. The mean time post surgery to returning to full training was 3.2 months. Conclusions The modified congruent arc Latarjet procedure facilitates early rehabilitation and return to sport. These results support our systematic management protocol of performing modified Latarjet surgery in contact sport athletes with recurrent anterior instability. PMID:27582973

Influence of association of "EVA-NBR" on indirect tensile strength of modified bituminous concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinoun, M.; Soudani, K.; Haddadi, S.

2016-04-01

The aim of this work is to contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties of bituminous concrete by modification of bituminous concrete. In this study, we present the results of the indirect tensile strength "ITS" of modified bituminous concrete by the combination of two modifiers, one is a plastomer EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and the other is a industrial waste from the shoe soles grinding NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) as crumb rubber. To modify the bitumen a wet process was used. The results show that the modification of bitumen by EVA-NBR combination increases their resistance to the indirect traction "ITS" compared to the bituminous concrete control. The mixture of 5% [50% EVA+ 50% NBR] is given the best result among the other associations.

Simulation study on ion extraction from electron cyclotron resonance ion sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, S.; Kitagawa, A.; Yamada, S.

1994-04-01

In order to study beam optics of NIRS-ECR ion source used in the HIMAC project, the EGUN code has been modified to make it capable of modeling ion extraction from a plasma. Two versions of the modified code are worked out with two different methods in which 1D and 2D sheath theories are used, respectively. Convergence problem of the strong nonlinear self-consistent equations is investigated. Simulations on NIRS-ECR ion source and HYPER-ECR ion source are presented in this paper, exhibiting an agreement with the experiment results.

Adaptive antenna arrays for satellite communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Inder J.

1989-01-01

The feasibility of using adaptive antenna arrays to provide interference protection in satellite communications was studied. The feedback loops as well as the sample matric inversion (SMI) algorithm for weight control were studied. Appropriate modifications in the two were made to achieve the required interference suppression. An experimental system was built to test the modified feedback loops and the modified SMI algorithm. The performance of the experimental system was evaluated using bench generated signals and signals received from TVRO geosynchronous satellites. A summary of results is given. Some suggestions for future work are also presented.

Patient safety priorities in mental healthcare in Switzerland: a modified Delphi study.

PubMed

Mascherek, Anna C; Schwappach, David L B

2016-08-05

Identifying patient safety priorities in mental healthcare is an emerging issue. A variety of aspects of patient safety in medical care apply for patient safety in mental care as well. However, specific aspects may be different as a consequence of special characteristics of patients, setting and treatment. The aim of the present study was to combine knowledge from the field and research and bundle existing initiatives and projects to define patient safety priorities in mental healthcare in Switzerland. The present study draws on national expert panels, namely, round-table discussion and modified Delphi consensus method. As preparation for the modified Delphi questionnaire, two round-table discussions and one semistructured questionnaire were conducted. Preparative work was conducted between May 2015 and October 2015. The modified Delphi was conducted to gauge experts' opinion on priorities in patient safety in mental healthcare in Switzerland. In two independent rating rounds, experts made private ratings. The modified Delphi was conducted in winter 2015. Nine topics were defined along the treatment pathway: diagnostic errors, non-drug treatment errors, medication errors, errors related to coercive measures, errors related to aggression management against self and others, errors in treatment of suicidal patients, communication errors, errors at interfaces of care and structural errors. Patient safety is considered as an important topic of quality in mental healthcare among experts, but it has been seriously neglected up until now. Activities in research and in practice are needed. Structural errors and diagnostics were given highest priority. From the topics identified, some are overlapping with important aspects of patient safety in medical care; however, some core aspects are unique. 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/

Patient safety priorities in mental healthcare in Switzerland: a modified Delphi study

PubMed Central

Mascherek, Anna C

2016-01-01

Objective Identifying patient safety priorities in mental healthcare is an emerging issue. A variety of aspects of patient safety in medical care apply for patient safety in mental care as well. However, specific aspects may be different as a consequence of special characteristics of patients, setting and treatment. The aim of the present study was to combine knowledge from the field and research and bundle existing initiatives and projects to define patient safety priorities in mental healthcare in Switzerland. The present study draws on national expert panels, namely, round-table discussion and modified Delphi consensus method. Design As preparation for the modified Delphi questionnaire, two round-table discussions and one semistructured questionnaire were conducted. Preparative work was conducted between May 2015 and October 2015. The modified Delphi was conducted to gauge experts' opinion on priorities in patient safety in mental healthcare in Switzerland. In two independent rating rounds, experts made private ratings. The modified Delphi was conducted in winter 2015. Results Nine topics were defined along the treatment pathway: diagnostic errors, non-drug treatment errors, medication errors, errors related to coercive measures, errors related to aggression management against self and others, errors in treatment of suicidal patients, communication errors, errors at interfaces of care and structural errors. Conclusions Patient safety is considered as an important topic of quality in mental healthcare among experts, but it has been seriously neglected up until now. Activities in research and in practice are needed. Structural errors and diagnostics were given highest priority. From the topics identified, some are overlapping with important aspects of patient safety in medical care; however, some core aspects are unique. PMID:27496233

High pressure rheology of gas hydrate formed from multiphase systems using modified Couette rheometer.

PubMed

Pandey, Gaurav; Linga, Praveen; Sangwai, Jitendra S

2017-02-01

Conventional rheometers with concentric cylinder geometries do not enhance mixing in situ and thus are not suitable for rheological studies of multiphase systems under high pressure such as gas hydrates. In this study, we demonstrate the use of modified Couette concentric cylinder geometries for high pressure rheological studies during the formation and dissociation of methane hydrate formed from pure water and water-decane systems. Conventional concentric cylinder Couette geometry did not produce any hydrates in situ and thus failed to measure rheological properties during hydrate formation. The modified Couette geometries proposed in this work observed to provide enhanced mixing in situ, thus forming gas hydrate from the gas-water-decane system. This study also nullifies the use of separate external high pressure cell for such measurements. The modified geometry was observed to measure gas hydrate viscosity from an initial condition of 0.001 Pa s to about 25 Pa s. The proposed geometries also possess the capability to measure dynamic viscoelastic properties of hydrate slurries at the end of experiments. The modified geometries could also capture and mimic the viscosity profile during the hydrate dissociation as reported in the literature. The present study acts as a precursor for enhancing our understanding on the rheology of gas hydrate formed from various systems containing promoters and inhibitors in the context of flow assurance.

High pressure rheology of gas hydrate formed from multiphase systems using modified Couette rheometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Gaurav; Linga, Praveen; Sangwai, Jitendra S.

2017-02-01

Conventional rheometers with concentric cylinder geometries do not enhance mixing in situ and thus are not suitable for rheological studies of multiphase systems under high pressure such as gas hydrates. In this study, we demonstrate the use of modified Couette concentric cylinder geometries for high pressure rheological studies during the formation and dissociation of methane hydrate formed from pure water and water-decane systems. Conventional concentric cylinder Couette geometry did not produce any hydrates in situ and thus failed to measure rheological properties during hydrate formation. The modified Couette geometries proposed in this work observed to provide enhanced mixing in situ, thus forming gas hydrate from the gas-water-decane system. This study also nullifies the use of separate external high pressure cell for such measurements. The modified geometry was observed to measure gas hydrate viscosity from an initial condition of 0.001 Pa s to about 25 Pa s. The proposed geometries also possess the capability to measure dynamic viscoelastic properties of hydrate slurries at the end of experiments. The modified geometries could also capture and mimic the viscosity profile during the hydrate dissociation as reported in the literature. The present study acts as a precursor for enhancing our understanding on the rheology of gas hydrate formed from various systems containing promoters and inhibitors in the context of flow assurance.

A technical feasibility study of surfactant-free drug suspensions using octenyl succinate-modified starches.

PubMed

Kuentz, Martin; Egloff, Peter; Röthlisberger, Dieter

2006-05-01

Many new drugs exhibit poor wetting behaviour and low aqueous solubility. This is particularly an issue for preclinical studies like toxicological trials, in which considerably higher doses and volumes are being administered compared to clinical studies. Preclinical vehicles typically contain high levels of surfactants that can exert biological effects. However, the biological inertness of vehicles is pivotal for the application in preclinical studies stressing the need in finding new excipients to solve formulation problems of today's drug discovery. The present study investigated the technical feasibility of surfactant-free suspensions using a new poorly soluble drug as model. It was shown that octenyl succinate-modified starches adequately wetted the drug and homogenous tasteless suspensions were obtained. The polymer xanthan gum was identified as macroscopically compatible gelling agent. Concentration effects of xanthan, drug and different modified starches were studied in a D-optimal design with respect to rheological properties. The suspensions were also tested in an analytical centrifuge using NIR transmission profiles to obtain a measure of sedimentation stability under accelerated conditions. The modified starches exhibited only little influence on the viscosity as well as on the yield point in contrast to the rheological effects of xanthan gum. This gelling agent was the main stabilising excipient as the modified starches hindered to a lesser extent sedimentation. The most stable suspensions displayed convenient flow properties. The viscosity at 100 s(-1) and 25 degrees C was in technically acceptable range of 120-140 mPa s in view of a application via gavage or a syringe in animal studies. The results demonstrated that surfactant-free drug suspensions with excellent technical performance can be obtained using octenyl succinate-modified starches. The vehicles were tasteless and based on the experience of modified starches in the food industry, the vehicles should exhibit good tolerability. The future use of such surfactant-free drug suspensions in toxicological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies will have to determine their advantage in terms of biological inertness.

N-Glycopeptide Profiling in Arabidopsis Inflorescence

DOE PAGES

Xu, Shou-Ling; Medzihradszky, Katalin F.; Wang, Zhi-Yong; ...

2016-04-11

This study presents the first large scale analysis of plant intact glycopeptides. Using wheat germ agglutinin lectin weak affinity chromatography to enrich modified peptides, followed by ETD fragmentation tandem mass spectrometry, glycan compositions on over 1100 glycopeptides from 270 proteins found in Arabidopsis inflorescence tissue were characterized. While some sites were only detected with a single glycan attached, others displayed up to 16 different glycoforms. Among the identified glycopeptides were four modified in non-consensus glycosylation motifs. Finally, while most of the modified proteins are secreted, membrane, ER or Golgi localized proteins, surprisingly N-linked sugars were detected on a protein predictedmore » to be cytosolic or nuclear.« less

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents.

PubMed

Johnson, Megan M; Deardorff, Julianna; Parra, Kimberly; Alkon, Abbey; Eskenazi, Brenda; Shirtcliff, Elizabeth

2017-07-10

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a well validated and widely used social stressor that has been shown to induce a 2-4 fold increase in cortisol, the biological output produced by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in humans. While studies have explored how modifications to the TSST influence stress responsivity, few studies have created a modified TSST appropriate for vulnerable youth that elicits a significant cortisol stress response. Thus, the current study sought to modify or adjust the TSST in a culturally sensitive way for a vulnerable sample of 14 year-old adolescents. The present study took place within the context of a longitudinal birth cohort study of Mexican American families in California called the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS). The CHAMACOS sample was optimal to test the effectiveness of a modified culturally appropriate TSST, as it is comprised of Mexican American youth, who are often excluded from research. These youths also have experienced significant early life adversity. Example modifications included timed prompts, alternative math tasks, use of same-ethnicity peers as confederates, debriefing immediately after the conclusion of the TSST, and using an unknown youth examiner to administer the debrief. Saliva samples were collected at baseline (after a resting phase), and then again at 15, 30, and 45 min post-TSST onset to assess cortisol concentration. A pilot study of 50 participants (50% female) have been analyzed for cortisol reaction to the TSST. Results confirmed that this modified version of the TSST was successful at eliciting a significant cortisol reaction, with a wide range of variability likely due to individual differences. Goals for modifications and ethnicity considerations are discussed. This study provides the foundation for future research to utilize a modified TSST with vulnerable youth.

Biopolymer-modified graphite oxide nanocomposite films based on benzalkonium chloride-heparin intercalated in graphite oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Na; Zhang, Shuang-Quan; Zhou, Ning-Lin; Shen, Jian

2010-05-01

Heparin is a potent anticoagulant agent that interacts strongly with antithrombin III to prevent the formation of fibrin clots. In the present work, poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS)/graphite oxide-benzalkonium chloride-heparin (PDMS/modified graphite oxide) nanocomposite films were obtained by the solution intercalation technique as a possible drug delivery system. The heparin-benzalkonium chloride (BAC-HEP) was intercalated into graphite oxide (GO) layers to form GO-BAC-HEP (modified graphite oxide). Nanocomposite films were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR and TGA. The modified graphite oxide was observed to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the PDMS matrix. The effect of modified graphite oxide on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite film was investigated. When the modified graphite oxide content was lower than 0.2 wt%, the nanocomposites showed excellent mechanical properties. Furthermore, nanocomposite films become delivery systems that release heparin slowly to make the nanocomposite films blood compatible. The in vitro studies included hemocompatibility testing for effects on platelet adhesion, platelet activation, plasma recalcification profiles, and hemolysis. Results from these studies showed that the anticoagulation properties of PDMS/GO-BCA-HEP nanocomposite films were greatly superior to those for no treated PDMS. Cell culture assay indicated that PDMS/GO-BCA-HEP nanocomposite films showed enhanced cell adhesion.

The effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy on upper extremity function and its influence on activities of daily living.

PubMed

Ju, Yumi; Yoon, In-Jin

2018-01-01

[Purpose] Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy are recognized as stroke rehabilitation methods. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these therapies influence upper extremity function and whether upper extremity function influences the ability to perform activities of daily living in further. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight stroke patients participated in the study. Interventions were administered five times per week for 3 weeks. Activities of daily living or self-exercise were performed after modified constraint-induced movement therapy or mirror therapy, respectively. Analyses were performed on the results of the Manual Function Test and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index to determine the factors influencing activities of daily living. [Results] Both groups showed improvement in upper extremity function, but only the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group showed a correlation between upper extremity function and performance in the hygiene, eating, and dressing. The improved hand manipulation function found in the modified constraint-induced movement therapy had statistically significant influences on eating and dressing. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a patient's attempts to move the affected side result in improved performance in activities of daily living as well as physical function.

The effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy on upper extremity function and its influence on activities of daily living

PubMed Central

Ju, Yumi; Yoon, In-Jin

2018-01-01

[Purpose] Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy are recognized as stroke rehabilitation methods. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these therapies influence upper extremity function and whether upper extremity function influences the ability to perform activities of daily living in further. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight stroke patients participated in the study. Interventions were administered five times per week for 3 weeks. Activities of daily living or self-exercise were performed after modified constraint-induced movement therapy or mirror therapy, respectively. Analyses were performed on the results of the Manual Function Test and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index to determine the factors influencing activities of daily living. [Results] Both groups showed improvement in upper extremity function, but only the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group showed a correlation between upper extremity function and performance in the hygiene, eating, and dressing. The improved hand manipulation function found in the modified constraint-induced movement therapy had statistically significant influences on eating and dressing. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a patient’s attempts to move the affected side result in improved performance in activities of daily living as well as physical function. PMID:29410571

Composite materials with improved phyllosilicate dispersion

DOEpatents

Chaiko, David J.

2004-09-14

The present invention provides phyllosilicates edge modified with anionic surfactants, composite materials made from the edge modified phyllosilicates, and methods for making the same. In various embodiments the phyllosilicates are also surface-modified with hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) modifying agents, polymeric hydrotropes, and antioxidants. The invention also provides blends of edge modified phyllosilicates and semicrystalline waxes. The composite materials are made by dispersing the edge modified phyllosilicates with polymers, particularly polyolefins and elastomers.

Improving Student Group Marketing Presentations: A Modified Pecha Kucha Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Jason; Kowalczyk, Christine

2013-01-01

Student presentations can often seem like a formality rather than a lesson in representing oneself or group in a professional manner. To improve the quality of group presentations, the authors modified the popular presentation style of Pecha Kucha (20 slides, 20 seconds per slide) for marketing courses to help students prepare and deliver…

The use of a modified semantic features analysis approach in aphasia.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Naomi; Frome, Amber

2011-01-01

Several studies have reported improved naming using the semantic feature analysis (SFA) approach in individuals with aphasia. Whether the SFA can be modified and still produce naming improvements in aphasia is unknown. The present study was designed to address this question by using a modified version of the SFA approach. Three, rather than the typical six, features were used, and written along with verbal responses were allowed in an individual with both aphasia and apraxia of speech. A single-subject multiple-baseline design across behaviors was used to treat naming of single objects across three different semantic categories in a 72-year-old individual with aphasia and apraxia of speech. Stimulus generalization of training was measured by using photographs of trained items presented in natural contexts. Training of the three different categories resulted in improved naming. At a 6-week follow-up session, naming remained above pre-treatment levels but declines were noted compared to treatment levels. Generalization to the same trained items presented in different contexts was also demonstrated although declines in performance were also noted over time. Results of the study provide qualified support for the use of three features in promoting long-term improvement of naming in an individual with both aphasia and apraxia of speech. Future SFA studies should focus on whether it is the number or types of features used, aphasia severity, or length of treatment that are critical factors in rehabilitating naming deficits in aphasia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study of the variation of thermal conductivity with water saturation using nuclear magnetic resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jorand, Rachel; Fehr, Annick; Koch, Andreas; Clauser, Christoph

2011-08-01

In this paper, we present a method that allows one to correct thermal conductivity measurements for the effect of water loss when extrapolating laboratory data to in situ conditions. The water loss in shales and unconsolidated rocks is a serious problem that can introduce errors in the characterization of reservoirs. For this study, we measure the thermal conductivity of four sandstones with and without clay minerals according to different water saturation levels using an optical scanner. Thermal conductivity does not decrease linearly with water saturation. At high saturation and very low saturation, thermal conductivity decreases more quickly because of spontaneous liquid displacement and capillarity effects. Apart from these two effects, thermal conductivity decreases quasi-linearly. We also notice that the samples containing clay minerals are not completely drained, and thermal conductivity reaches a minimum value. In order to fit the variation of thermal conductivity with the water saturation as a whole, we used modified models commonly presented in thermal conductivity studies: harmonic and arithmetic mean and geometric models. These models take into account different types of porosity, especially those attributable to the abundance of clay, using measurements obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). For argillaceous sandstones, a modified arithmetic-harmonic model fits the data best. For clean quartz sandstones under low water saturation, the closest fit to the data is obtained with the modified arithmetic-harmonic model, while for high water saturation, a modified geometric mean model proves to be the best.

Calculation of optical parameters for covalent binary alloys used in optical memories/solar cells: a modified approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatnagar, Promod K.; Gupta, Poonam; Singh, Laxman

2001-06-01

Chalcogenide based alloys find applications in a number of devices like optical memories, IR detectors, optical switches, photovoltaics, compound semiconductor heterosrtuctures etc. We have modified the Gurman's statistical thermodynamic model (STM) of binary covalent alloys. In the Gurman's model, entropy calculations are based on the number of structural units present. The need to modify this model arose due to the fact that it gives equal probability for all the tetrahedra present in the alloy. We have modified the Gurman's model by introducing the concept that the entropy is based on the bond arrangement rather than that on the structural units present. In the present work calculation based on this modification have been presented for optical properties, which find application in optical switching/memories, solar cells and other optical devices. It has been shown that the calculated optical parameters (for a typical case of GaxSe1-x) based on modified model are closer to the available experimental results. These parameters include refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric functions, optical band gap etc. GaxSe1-x has been found to be suitable for reversible optical memories also, where phase change (a yields c and vice versa) takes place at specified physical conditions. DTA/DSC studies also suggest the suitability of this material for optical switching/memory applications. We have also suggested possible use of GaxSe1-x (x = 0.4) in place of oxide layer in a Metal - Oxide - Semiconductor type solar cells. The new structure is Metal - Ga2Se3 - GaAs. The I-V characteristics and other parameters calculated for this structure are found to be much better than that for Si based solar cells. Maximum output power is obtained at the intermediate layer thickness approximately 40 angstroms for this typical solar cell.

Heuristics to Evaluate Interactive Systems for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

PubMed

Khowaja, Kamran; Salim, Siti Salwah; Asemi, Adeleh

2015-01-01

In this paper, we adapted and expanded a set of guidelines, also known as heuristics, to evaluate the usability of software to now be appropriate for software aimed at children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We started from the heuristics developed by Nielsen in 1990 and developed a modified set of 15 heuristics. The first 5 heuristics of this set are the same as those of the original Nielsen set, the next 5 heuristics are improved versions of Nielsen's, whereas the last 5 heuristics are new. We present two evaluation studies of our new heuristics. In the first, two groups compared Nielsen's set with the modified set of heuristics, with each group evaluating two interactive systems. The Nielsen's heuristics were assigned to the control group while the experimental group was given the modified set of heuristics, and a statistical analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the modified set, the contribution of 5 new heuristics and the impact of 5 improved heuristics. The results show that the modified set is significantly more effective than the original, and we found a significant difference between the five improved heuristics and their corresponding heuristics in the original set. The five new heuristics are effective in problem identification using the modified set. The second study was conducted using a system which was developed to ascertain if the modified set was effective at identifying usability problems that could be fixed before the release of software. The post-study analysis revealed that the majority of the usability problems identified by the experts were fixed in the updated version of the system.

The O2 reduction at the IFC modified O2 fuel cell electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielder, William L.; Singer, Joseph; Baldwin, Richard S.; Johnson, Richard E.

1992-01-01

The International Fuel Corporation (IFC) state of the art (SOA) O2 electrode (Au-10 percent Pt electrocatalyst by weight) is currently being used in the alkaline H2-O2 fuel cell in the NASA Space Shuttle. Recently, IFC modified O2 electrode, as a possible replacement for the SOA electrode. In the present study, O2 reduction data were obtained for the modified electrode at temperatures between 23.3 and 91.7 C. BET measurements gave an electrode BET surface area of about 2070 sq. cm/sq. cm of geometric surface area. The Tafel data could be fitted to two straight line regions. The slope for the lower region, designated as the 0.04 V/decade region, was temperature dependent, and the transfer coefficient was about 1.5. The 'apparent' energy of activation for this region was about 19 kcal/mol. An O2 reduction mechanism for this 0.04 region is presented. In the upper region, designated as the 0.08 V/decade region, diffusion may be the controlling process. Tafel data are presented to illustrate the increase in performance with increasing temperature.

Corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium alloy modified by alkali heating treatment followed by the immobilization of poly (ethylene glycol), fibronectin and heparin.

PubMed

Pan, Changjiang; Hu, Youdong; Hou, Yu; Liu, Tao; Lin, Yuebin; Ye, Wei; Hou, Yanhua; Gong, Tao

2017-01-01

In recent years, magnesium alloys are attracting more and more attention as a kind of biodegradable metallic biomaterials, however, their uncontrollable biodegradation speed in vivo and the limited surface biocompatibility hinder their clinical applications. In the present study, with the aim of improving the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, the magnesium alloy (AZ31B) surface was modified by alkali heating treatment followed by the self-assembly of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). Subsequently, poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and fibronectin or fibronectin/heparin complex were sequentially immobilized on the modified surface. The results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the above molecules were successfully immobilized on the magnesium alloy surface. An excellent hydrophilic surface was obtained after the alkali heating treatment while the hydrophilicity decreased to some degree after the self-assembly of APTMS, the surface hydrophilicity was gradually improved again after the immobilization of PEG, fibronectin or fibronectin/heparin complex. The corrosion resistance of the control magnesium alloy was significantly improved by the alkali heating treatment. The self-assembly of APTMS and the following immobilization of PEG further enhanced the corrosion resistance of the substrates, however, the grafting of fibronectin or fibronectin/heparin complex slightly lowered the corrosion resistance. As compared to the pristine magnesium alloy, the samples modified by the immobilization of PEG and fibronectin/heparin complex presented better blood compatibility according to the results of hemolysis assay and platelet adhesion as well as the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In addition, the modified substrates had better cytocompatibility to endothelial cells due to the improved anticorrosion and the introduction of fibronectin. The substrates modified by fibronectin or fibronectin/heparin complex can significantly promote endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. Taking all these results into consideration, the method of the present study can be used for the surface modification of the magnesium alloy to simultaneously impart it better corrosion resistance, favorable blood compatibility and good cytocompatibility to endothelial cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and antifouling properties of 2-(meth-acryloyloxy)ethyl cholinephosphate based polymers modified surface with different molecular architectures by ATRP.

PubMed

Jiang, Yuchen; Su, Yuling; Zhao, Lili; Meng, Fancui; Wang, Quanxin; Ding, Chunmei; Luo, Jianbin; Li, Jianshu

2017-08-01

Choline phosphate (CP) containing polymers modified surfaces have been shown good resist to the adhesion of proteins while prompt the attaching of mammalian cells due to the dipole pairing between the CP groups of the polymer and the phosphorylcholine (PC) groups on the cell membrane. However, the antifouling activities of CP modified surface against microbes have not been investigated at present. In addition, CP containing polymers modified surface with different molecular architectures has not been prepared and studied. To this end, glass slides surface modified with two different 2-(meth-acryloyloxy)ethyl cholinephosphate (MCP) containing polymer (PMCP) structures, i.e. brush-like (Glass-PMCP) and bottle brush-like (Glass-PHEMA-g-PMCP) architectures, were prepared in this work by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The surface physichemical and antifouling properties of the prepared surfaces were characterized and studied. The Glass-PMCP shows improved antifouling properties against proteins and bacteria as compared to pristine glass slides (Glass-OH) and glass slides grafted with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Glass-PHEMA). Notably, a synergetic fouling resistant properties of PHEMA and PMCP is presented for Glass-PHEMA-g-PMCP, which shows superior antifouling activities over Glass-PHEMA and Glass-PMCP. Furthermore, glass slides containing PMCP, i.e. Glass-PMCP and Glas-PHEMA-g-PMCP, decrease platelet adhesion and prevent their activation significantly. Therefore, the combination of antifouling PHEMA and PMCP into one system holds potential for prevention of bacterial fouling and biomaterial-centered infections. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrosorption of a modified electrode in the vicinity of phase transition: A Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavilán Arriazu, E. M.; Pinto, O. A.

2018-03-01

We present a Monte Carlo study for the electrosorption of an electroactive species on a modified electrode. The surface of the electrode is modified by the irreversible adsorption of a non-electroactive species which is able to block a percentage of the adsorption sites. This generates an electrode with variable connectivity sites. A second species, electroactive in this case, is adsorbed in surface vacancies and can interact repulsively with itself. In particular, we are interested in the analysis of the effect of the non-electroactive species near of critical regime, where the c(2 × 2) structure is formed. Lattice-gas models and Monte Carlo simulations in the Gran Canonical Ensemble are used. The analysis conducted is based on the study of voltammograms, order parameters, isotherms, configurational entropy per site, at several values of energies and coverage degrees of the non-electroactive species.

Improved word comprehension in Global aphasia using a modified semantic feature analysis treatment.

PubMed

Munro, Philippa; Siyambalapitiya, Samantha

2017-01-01

Limited research has investigated treatment of single word comprehension in people with aphasia, despite numerous studies examining treatment of naming deficits. This study employed a single case experimental design to examine efficacy of a modified semantic feature analysis (SFA) therapy in improving word comprehension in an individual with Global aphasia, who presented with a semantically based comprehension impairment. Ten treatment sessions were conducted over a period of two weeks. Following therapy, the participant demonstrated improved comprehension of treatment items and generalisation to control items, measured by performance on a spoken word picture matching task. Improvements were also observed on other language assessments (e.g. subtests of WAB-R; PALPA subtest 47) and were largely maintained over a period of 12 weeks without further therapy. This study provides support for the efficacy of a modified SFA therapy in remediating single word comprehension in individuals with aphasia with a semantically based comprehension deficit.

Assessment of the use of latissimus dorsi restoration during modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Yang, Chao; Wang, Xinle; Zhang, Geng; Yang, Liu; Guo, Xuan; Wang, Xue; Song, Zhenchuan

2017-12-01

The incision area of modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients is associated with subcutaneous effusion and skin flap necrosis as the most common complications. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of latissimus dorsi restoration during modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients by evaluating 365 cases. Among these cases, 185 received modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration, while 180 received modified radical mastectomy alone. The flap tension, drainage fluid amount and extubation time were compared between the two methods. The flap tension in patients who received modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration was significantly lower and the blood supply was better. After surgery, the drainage fluid amount was also significantly lower in these patients compared with the control group. Furthermore, the mean time to drainage tube removal was significantly shorter in these patients and the postoperative cosmetic outcome was superior. Thus, it was concluded that modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration in breast cancer patients was associated with reduced drainage fluid effusion, shorter hospitalization time and decreased flap tension. Overall, this method appears to be potentially suitable for extensive application in the clinical setting.

A modified oral sugar test for evaluation of insulin and glucose dynamics in horses.

PubMed

Lindåse, Sanna; Nostell, Katarina; Bröjer, Johan

2016-10-20

An oral sugar test (OST) using Karo ® Light Corn Syrup has been developed in the USA as a field test for the assessment of insulin dysregulation in horses but the syrup is not available in Scandinavian grocery stores. The aim of the study was to compare the results of a modified OST between horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and healthy horses using a Scandinavian commercially available glucose syrup (Dansukker glykossirap). In addition, the effect of breed and the repeatability of the test were evaluated. In the present study, clinically healthy horses (7 Shetland ponies, 8 Icelandic horses, 8 Standardbred horses) and 20 horses of various breeds with EMS underwent the modified OST test. The Icelandic horses and Shetland ponies underwent the OST twice. Insulin and glucose data from the OST were used to calculate peak insulin concentration (Peak INS ), time to peak insulin concentration (T-peak INS ), area under the curve for insulin (AUC INS ) and glucose (AUC GLU ) as well as whole body insulin sensitivity index (ISI COMP ). Compared to the healthy group, the EMS group had 6-7 times higher geometric mean for Peak INS and AUC INS and 8 times lower geometric mean for ISI COMP . The EMS group had a delayed T-peak INS compared to the healthy group. There was no effect of breed in the group of healthy horses on Peak INS , T-peak INS , AUC INS , AUC GLU and ISI COMP . Coefficient of variation for repeated tests was 19.8, 19.0 and 17.6 % for Peak INS , AUC INS and ISI COMP respectively. The results of the present study demonstrate that the modified OST appears to be a practical and useful diagnostic tool for assessment of insulin dysregulation in the horse. However, to make it possible to establish the most appropriate sampling interval and to evaluate the accuracy of the modified OST, further studies in horses with a variable degree of insulin resistance are needed, where results from the modified OST are compared with quantitative measurements for IS.

A Modified Kirchhoff plate theory for Free Vibration analysis of functionally graded material plates using meshfree method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen Van Do, Vuong

2018-04-01

In this paper, a modified Kirchhoff theory is presented for free vibration analyses of functionally graded material (FGM) plate based on modified radial point interpolation method (RPIM). The shear deformation effects are taken account into modified theory to ignore the locking phenomenon of thin plates. Due to the proposed refined plate theory, the number of independent unknowns reduces one variable and exists with four degrees of freedom per node. The simulated free vibration results employed by the modified RPIM are compared with the other analytical solutions to verify the effectiveness and the accuracy of the developed mesh-free method. Detail parametric studies of the proposed method are then conducted including the effectiveness of thickness ratio, boundary condition and material inhomogeneity on the sample problems of square plates. Results illustrated that the modified mesh-free RPIM can effectively predict the numerical calculation as compared to the exact solutions. The obtained numerical results are indicated that the proposed method are stable and well accurate prediction to evaluate with other published analyses.

Generated effect modifiers (GEM's) in randomized clinical trials.

PubMed

Petkova, Eva; Tarpey, Thaddeus; Su, Zhe; Ogden, R Todd

2017-01-01

In a randomized clinical trial (RCT), it is often of interest not only to estimate the effect of various treatments on the outcome, but also to determine whether any patient characteristic has a different relationship with the outcome, depending on treatment. In regression models for the outcome, if there is a non-zero interaction between treatment and a predictor, that predictor is called an "effect modifier". Identification of such effect modifiers is crucial as we move towards precision medicine, that is, optimizing individual treatment assignment based on patient measurements assessed when presenting for treatment. In most settings, there will be several baseline predictor variables that could potentially modify the treatment effects. This article proposes optimal methods of constructing a composite variable (defined as a linear combination of pre-treatment patient characteristics) in order to generate an effect modifier in an RCT setting. Several criteria are considered for generating effect modifiers and their performance is studied via simulations. An example from a RCT is provided for illustration. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Analysis and evalaution in the production process and equipment area of the low-cost solar array project. [including modifying gaseous diffusion and using ion implantation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldman, H.; Wolf, M.

1979-01-01

The manufacturing methods for photovoltaic solar energy utilization are assessed. Economic and technical data on the current front junction formation processes of gaseous diffusion and ion implantation are presented. Future proposals, including modifying gaseous diffusion and using ion implantation, to decrease the cost of junction formation are studied. Technology developments in current processes and an economic evaluation of the processes are included.

Institute for the Study of Human Capabilities Summary Descriptions of Research for the Period September 1988 through June 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

12 1.7 Application of the Modified Speech Transmission Index to Monaural and Binaural Speech Recognition in Normal and Impaired...describe all of the data from both groups. 1.7 Application of the Modified Speech Transmission Index to Monaural and Binaural Speech Recognition in...were obtained for materials presented to each ear separately (monaurally) and to both ears ( binaurally ). Results from the normal listeners are accurately

Inhibition of MMP-13 with modified polymer particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Hai; Bratlie, Kaitlin M.

2016-06-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteases that destroy the extracellular matrix and have important roles in the foreign body response, wound healing, and disease. Of particular importance is the chronic wound environment in which MMP activity is increased, resulting in destruction of the de novo extracellular matrix. One potential treatment of these wounds would be to use dressings that are capable of inhibiting MMP activity. In this study, we examined the effect of seven polymer modifiers (2-amino-3-guanidinopropionic acid, arginine, carnitine, citrulline, creatine, 3-guanidino propionic acid, and Nw-nitro-L-arginine) on MMP-13 activity. MMP-13 is a collagenase that is present in chronic wounds and is zinc dependent. Our results showed that these polymer modifiers were able to inhibit MMP-13 activity to varying degrees. The mechanism of inhibition appears to be binding zinc to the modifiers.

Refrigerated poultry breast fillets packed in modified atmosphere and irradiated: bacteriological evaluation, shelf life and sensory acceptance

PubMed Central

Mantilla, Samira Pirola Santos; Santos, Érica Barbosa; de Freitas, Mônica Queiroz; de Carvalho Vital, Helio; Mano, Sérgio Borges; Franc, Robson Maia

2012-01-01

In the present study the effects on shelf life and sensory acceptance of gamma-irradiated refrigerated poultry breast fillets subjected to modified atmosphere packaging (80% CO2/20% N2 or vacuum) were investigated. After irradiation with 2 kGy, sensory acceptance tests and monitoring of bacterial growth were performed in order to determine the sanitary quality of the samples. It has been found that irradiation, used in combination with modified atmosphere packaging, can double the shelf life of refrigerated poultry breast fillets by reducing the populations of aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteria, coliforms, Listeria spp. and Aeromonas spp., without significantly modifying its color or its overall appearance, the lactic acid bacteria being the most resistant to exposure to radiation and carbon dioxide. PMID:24031967

Uptake Mechanism of ApoE-Modified Nanoparticles on Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells as a Blood-Brain Barrier Model

PubMed Central

Wagner, Sylvia; Zensi, Anja; Wien, Sascha L.; Tschickardt, Sabrina E.; Maier, Wladislaw; Vogel, Tikva; Worek, Franz; Pietrzik, Claus U.; Kreuter, Jörg; von Briesen, Hagen

2012-01-01

Background The blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents an insurmountable obstacle for most drugs thus obstructing an effective treatment of many brain diseases. One solution for overcoming this barrier is a transport by binding of these drugs to surface-modified nanoparticles. Especially apolipoprotein E (ApoE) appears to play a major role in the nanoparticle-mediated drug transport across the BBB. However, at present the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, the uptake of the ApoE-modified nanoparticles into the brain capillary endothelial cells was investigated to differentiate between active and passive uptake mechanism by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, different in vitro co-incubation experiments were performed with competing ligands of the respective receptor. Conclusions/Significance This study confirms an active endocytotic uptake mechanism and shows the involvement of low density lipoprotein receptor family members, notably the low density lipoprotein receptor related protein, on the uptake of the ApoE-modified nanoparticles into the brain capillary endothelial cells. This knowledge of the uptake mechanism of ApoE-modified nanoparticles enables future developments to rationally create very specific and effective carriers to overcome the blood-brain barrier. PMID:22396775

Uptake mechanism of ApoE-modified nanoparticles on brain capillary endothelial cells as a blood-brain barrier model.

PubMed

Wagner, Sylvia; Zensi, Anja; Wien, Sascha L; Tschickardt, Sabrina E; Maier, Wladislaw; Vogel, Tikva; Worek, Franz; Pietrzik, Claus U; Kreuter, Jörg; von Briesen, Hagen

2012-01-01

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents an insurmountable obstacle for most drugs thus obstructing an effective treatment of many brain diseases. One solution for overcoming this barrier is a transport by binding of these drugs to surface-modified nanoparticles. Especially apolipoprotein E (ApoE) appears to play a major role in the nanoparticle-mediated drug transport across the BBB. However, at present the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. In this study, the uptake of the ApoE-modified nanoparticles into the brain capillary endothelial cells was investigated to differentiate between active and passive uptake mechanism by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, different in vitro co-incubation experiments were performed with competing ligands of the respective receptor. This study confirms an active endocytotic uptake mechanism and shows the involvement of low density lipoprotein receptor family members, notably the low density lipoprotein receptor related protein, on the uptake of the ApoE-modified nanoparticles into the brain capillary endothelial cells. This knowledge of the uptake mechanism of ApoE-modified nanoparticles enables future developments to rationally create very specific and effective carriers to overcome the blood-brain barrier.

Effect of dry heating and ionic gum on the physicochemical and release properties of starch from Dioscorea.

PubMed

Vashisht, Deepika; Pandey, Anima; Hermenean, Anca; Yáñez-Gascón, Maria Josefa; Pérez-Sánchez, Horacio; Kumar, K Jayaram

2017-02-01

To meet the ever increasing industrial demand for excipients with desirable properties, modified starch is regarded as an alternative to it. With this in mind, the present study focuses on the modification of starches of Dioscorea from Jharkhand (India) using dry heat treatment with and without ionic gum. Modified starches were prepared using sodium alginate (1% w/w). Native and modified starches were subjected to heat treatment at 130°C for 2h and 4h. The effect of heating and ionic gum on the properties of Dioscorea starch was investigated. The amylose content, water holding capacity, micromeritic properties, swelling power, solubility and morphology of starches were evaluated. Dry heat treatment of starches without gum showed an increment in water-holding capacity after two-hours heating, but no such increment was found after four-hours heating. Oil binding capacity of starches modified with gum varied from 62% to 78%. Strongest effect of heat treatment occurred on the morphology of starches and thereby modified starches showed distorted surface morphology. Amylose content (21.09-21.89%) found to be decreased with the addition of gum which lead to decrease in paste clarity. Starches heated with gum at high-temperature resulted in restrict swelling and slight increase in solubility. Micromeritic properties of the modified starches showed the good flow properties. Further, the modified starches were investigated for in-vitro release studies and that the thermally modified derivatives can be a good prospect in slow release formulations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acid-degradable and bioerodible modified polyhydroxylated materials

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

Frechet, Jean M. J.; Bachelder, Eric M.; Beaudette, Tristan T.

Compositions and methods of making a modified polyhydroxylated polymer comprising a polyhydroxylated polymer having reversibly modified hydroxyl groups, whereby the hydroxyl groups are modified by an acid-catalyzed reaction between a polydroxylated polymer and a reagent such as acetals, aldehydes, vinyl ethers and ketones such that the modified polyhydroxylated polymers become insoluble in water but freely soluble in common organic solvents allowing for the facile preparation of acid-sensitive materials. Materials made from these polymers can be made to degrade in a pH-dependent manner. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic cargoes were successfully loaded into particles made from the present polymers using single andmore » double emulsion techniques, respectively. Due to its ease of preparation, processability, pH-sensitivity, and biocompatibility, of the present modified polyhydroxylated polymers should find use in numerous drug delivery applications.« less

A Novel Computer-Aided Approach for Parametric Investigation of Custom Design of Fracture Fixation Plates.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaozhong; He, Kunjin; Chen, Zhengming

2017-01-01

The present study proposes an integrated computer-aided approach combining femur surface modeling, fracture evidence recover plate creation, and plate modification in order to conduct a parametric investigation of the design of custom plate for a specific patient. The study allows for improving the design efficiency of specific plates on the patients' femur parameters and the fracture information. Furthermore, the present approach will lead to exploration of plate modification and optimization. The three-dimensional (3D) surface model of a detailed femur and the corresponding fixation plate were represented with high-level feature parameters, and the shape of the specific plate was recursively modified in order to obtain the optimal plate for a specific patient. The proposed approach was tested and verified on a case study, and it could be helpful for orthopedic surgeons to design and modify the plate in order to fit the specific femur anatomy and the fracture information.

Published GMO studies find no evidence of harm when corrected for multiple comparisons.

PubMed

Panchin, Alexander Y; Tuzhikov, Alexander I

2017-03-01

A number of widely debated research articles claiming possible technology-related health concerns have influenced the public opinion on genetically modified food safety. We performed a statistical reanalysis and review of experimental data presented in some of these studies and found that quite often in contradiction with the authors' conclusions the data actually provides weak evidence of harm that cannot be differentiated from chance. In our opinion the problem of statistically unaccounted multiple comparisons has led to some of the most cited anti-genetically modified organism health claims in history. We hope this analysis puts the original results of these studies into proper context.

Generated effect modifiers (GEM’s) in randomized clinical trials

PubMed Central

Petkova, Eva; Tarpey, Thaddeus; Su, Zhe; Ogden, R. Todd

2017-01-01

In a randomized clinical trial (RCT), it is often of interest not only to estimate the effect of various treatments on the outcome, but also to determine whether any patient characteristic has a different relationship with the outcome, depending on treatment. In regression models for the outcome, if there is a non-zero interaction between treatment and a predictor, that predictor is called an “effect modifier”. Identification of such effect modifiers is crucial as we move towards precision medicine, that is, optimizing individual treatment assignment based on patient measurements assessed when presenting for treatment. In most settings, there will be several baseline predictor variables that could potentially modify the treatment effects. This article proposes optimal methods of constructing a composite variable (defined as a linear combination of pre-treatment patient characteristics) in order to generate an effect modifier in an RCT setting. Several criteria are considered for generating effect modifiers and their performance is studied via simulations. An example from a RCT is provided for illustration. PMID:27465235

Genetic modifiers of Velo- cardio- facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome

PubMed Central

Aggarwal, Vimla S.; Morrow, Bernice E.

2009-01-01

Velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome (VCFS/DGS), the most common micro-deletion disorder in humans, is characterized by craniofacial, parathyroid and thymic defects as well as cardiac outflow tract malformations. Most patients have a similar hemizygous 3 million base pair deletion on 22q11.2. Studies in mouse have shown that Tbx1, a T- box containing transcription factor present on the deleted region, is likely responsible for the etiology of the syndrome. Furthermore, mutations in TBX1 have been found in rare non-deleted patients. Despite having the same sized deletion, most VCFS/DGS patients exhibit significant clinical variability. Stochastic, environmental and genetic factors likely modify the phenotype of patients with the disorder. Here, we review mouse genetics studies which may help identify genetic modifiers for VCFS/DGS. PMID:18636633

Dynamic high-pressure microfluidization assisting octenyl succinic anhydride modification of rice starch.

PubMed

Li, Yu-Ting; Wang, Ri-Si; Liang, Rui-Hong; Chen, Jun; He, Xiao-Hong; Chen, Rui-Yun; Liu, Wei; Liu, Cheng-Mei

2018-08-01

Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modified starch is widely used in food industries. In this study, rice starch (RS) was pretreated by dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM) and subsequently modified by OSA. The influence of DHPM on OSA modification of rice starch was investigated. Results showed that DHPM pretreatment enhanced the degree of substitution by changing the morphology and crystallinity of rice starch. Compared with the rice starch modified by OSA without DHPM pretreatment (OSA-RS), the DHPM-pretreated OSA starch (DHPM-OSA-RS) presented higher peak viscosity and lower pasting temperature. DHPM-OSA-RS also exhibited better emulsifying activity and emulsion stability. This study suggested that DHPM will provide an opportunity to change the physicochemical properties of starch, with the resulting starch being more suitable for chemical modification. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling and control study of the NASA 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel for use with sulfur hexafluoride medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balakrishna, S.; Kilgore, W. Allen

1992-01-01

The NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel is to be modified to operate with sulfur hexafluoride gas while retaining its present capability to operate with nitrogen. The modified tunnel will provide high Reynolds number flow on aerodynamic models with two different test gases. The document details a study of the SF6 tunnel performance boundaries, thermodynamic modeling of the tunnel process, nonlinear dynamical simulation of math model to yield tunnel responses, the closed loop control requirements, control laws, and mechanization of the control laws on the microprocessor based controller.

On adaptive modified projective synchronization of a supply chain management system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tirandaz, Hamed

2017-12-01

In this paper, the synchronization problem of a chaotic supply chain management system is studied. A novel adaptive modified projective synchronization method is introduced to control the behaviour of the leader supply chain system by a follower chaotic system and to adjust the leader system parameters until the measurable errors of the system parameters converge to zero. The stability evaluation and convergence analysis are carried out by the Lyapanov stability theorem. The proposed synchronization and antisynchronization techniques are studied for identical supply chain chaotic systems. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical discussions.

Investigations on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticulate systems of atypical antipsychotic drug: effect of material used and surface modification.

PubMed

Joseph, Emil; Saha, Ranendra N

2017-04-01

The present study focuses on the effect of material used for the preparation of nanoparticulate (NP) systems and surface modification on the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of atypical antipsychotic, olanzapine (OLN). NP carriers of OLN were prepared from two different materials such as polymer (polycaprolactone) and solid lipid (Glyceryl monostearate). These systems were further surface modified with surfactant, Polysorbate 80 and studied for pharmacokinetics-biodistribution in Wistar rats using in-house developed bioanalytical methods. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies resulted in a modified and varied distribution of NP systems with higher area under curve (AUC) values along with prolonged residence time of OLN in the rat blood circulation. The distribution of OLN to the brain was significantly enhanced with surfactant surface-modified NP systems, followed by nonsurface-modified NP formulations as compared with pure OLN solution. Biodistribution study demonstrated a low uptake of obtained NP systems by kidney and heart, thereby decreasing the nephrotoxicity and adverse cardiovascular effects. By coating the NP with surfactant, uptake of macrophage was found to be reduced. Thus, our studies confirmed that the biodistribution OLN could be modified effectively by incorporating in NP drug delivery systems prepared from different materials and surface modifications. A judicious selection of materials used for the preparation of delivery carriers and surface modifications would help to design a most efficient drug delivery system with better therapeutic efficacy.

Modified signed-digit arithmetic based on redundant bit representation.

PubMed

Huang, H; Itoh, M; Yatagai, T

1994-09-10

Fully parallel modified signed-digit arithmetic operations are realized based on redundant bit representation of the digits proposed. A new truth-table minimizing technique is presented based on redundant-bitrepresentation coding. It is shown that only 34 minterms are enough for implementing one-step modified signed-digit addition and subtraction with this new representation. Two optical implementation schemes, correlation and matrix multiplication, are described. Experimental demonstrations of the correlation architecture are presented. Both architectures use fixed minterm masks for arbitrary-length operands, taking full advantage of the parallelism of the modified signed-digit number system and optics.

Engineered microorganisms capable of producing target compounds under anaerobic conditions

DOEpatents

Buelter, Thomas [Denver, CO; Meinhold, Peter [Denver, CO; Feldman, Reid M. Renny [San Francisco, CA; Hawkins, Andrew C [Parker, CO; Urano, Jun [Irvine, CA; Bastian, Sabine [Pasadena, CA; Arnold, Frances [La Canada, CA

2012-01-17

The present invention is generally provides recombinant microorganisms comprising engineered metabolic pathways capable of producing C3-C5 alcohols under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The invention further provides ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes which have been mutated or modified to increase their NADH-dependent activity or to switch the cofactor preference from NADPH to NADH and are expressed in the modified microorganisms. In addition, the invention provides isobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes expressed in modified microorganisms. Also provided are methods of producing beneficial metabolites under aerobic and anaerobic conditions by contacting a suitable substrate with the modified microorganisms of the present invention.

Wind tunnel tests of modified cross, hemisflo, and disk-gap-band parachutes with emphasis in the transonic range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foughner, J. T., Jr.; Alexander, W. C.

1974-01-01

Transonic wind-tunnel studies were conducted with modified cross, hemisflo, and disk-gap-band parachute models in the wake of a cone-cylinder shape forebody. The basic cross design was modified with the addition of a circumferential constraining band at the lower edge of the canopy panels. The tests covered a Mach number range of 0.3 to 1.2 and a dynamic pressure range from 479 Newtons per square meter to 5746 Newtons per square meter. The parachute models were flexible textile-type structures and were tethered to a rigid forebody with a single flexible riser. Different size models of the modified cross and disk-gap-band canopies were tested to evaluate scale effects. Model reference diameters were 0.30, 0.61, and 1.07 meters (1.0, 2.0, and 3.5 ft) for the modified cross; and nominal diameters of 0.25 and 0.52 meter (0.83 and 1.7 ft) for the disk-gap-band; and 0.55 meter (1.8 ft) for the hemisflo. Reefing information is presented for the 0.61-meter-diameter cross and the 0.52-meter-diameter disk-gap-band. Results are presented in the form of the variation of steady-state average drag coefficient with Mach number. General stability characteristics of each parachute are discussed. Included are comments on canopy coning, spinning, and fluttering motions.

Explosive compaction of aluminum oxide modified by multiwall carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzyurkin, A. E.; Kraus, E. I.; Lukyanov, Ya L.

2018-04-01

This paper presents experiments and numerical research on explosive compaction of aluminum oxide powder modified by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and modeling of the stress state behind the shock front at shock loading. The aim of this study was to obtain a durable low-porosity compact sample. The explosive compaction technology is used in this problem because the aluminum oxide is an extremely hard and refractory material. Therefore, its compaction by traditional methods requires special equipment and considerable expenses.

Rubber-Modified Epoxies: Morphology and Mechanical Properties.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

matrix and enhances ductility. The elastomers used in the present study are carboxyl-terminated copolymers of butadiene and acrylonitrile ( CTBN ). The...marketed under the trade name Hycar CTBN . The structure of Hycar CTBN is HO - C(CH2CH = CHCH2)x--(CH2-CH) ) -C-OH o CN 0 where x : 5, y = I and z = 10...for a typical copolymer. (Properties of CTBN rubbers are found in ref. 8.) Two rubber modifiers, CTBN (X]3) and CTBN (X8), with 27 and 17 wt

Study on aging of single pile in soft soil foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tiejun; Cao, Haiying

2017-04-01

In this paper, the single pile under load is analyzed by using the Biot consolidation equation and the modified method of the coupling of the Komala - Huang model. The consolidation of soil is simulated by Biot consolidation theory, and the whole process of the deformation of single pile is presented in the paper by means of the modified Komala - Huang model. Some useful conclusions are obtained by analyzing the variation of the pore pressure and the settlement of the soil under the action of load.

Evaluation of modified Alvarado scoring system and RIPASA scoring system as diagnostic tools of acute appendicitis.

PubMed

Shuaib, Abdullah; Shuaib, Ali; Fakhra, Zainab; Marafi, Bader; Alsharaf, Khalid; Behbehani, Abdullah

2017-01-01

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical condition presented in emergency departments worldwide. Clinical scoring systems, such as the Alvarado and modified Alvarado scoring systems, were developed with the goal of reducing the negative appendectomy rate to 5%-10%. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) scoring system was established in 2008 specifically for Asian populations. The aim of this study was to compare the modified Alvarado with the RIPASA scoring system in Kuwait population. This study included 180 patients who underwent appendectomies and were documented as having "acute appendicitis" or "abdominal pain" in the operating theatre logbook (unit B) from November 2014 to March 2016. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), diagnostic accuracy, predicted negative appendectomy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the modified Alvarado and RIPASA scoring systems were derived using SPSS statistical software. A total of 136 patients were included in this study according to our criteria. The cut-off threshold point of the modified Alvarado score was set at 7.0, which yielded a sensitivity of 82.8% and a specificity of 56%. The PPV was 89.3% and the NPV was 42.4%. The cut-off threshold point of the RIPASA score was set at 7.5, which yielded a 94.5% sensitivity and an 88% specificity. The PPV was 97.2% and the NPV was 78.5%. The predicted negative appendectomy rates were 10.7% and 2.2% for the modified Alvarado and RIPASA scoring systems, respectively. The negative appendectomy rate decreased significantly, from 18.4% to 10.7% for the modified Alvarado, and to 2.2% for the RIPASA scoring system, which was a significant difference (P<0.001) for both scoring systems. Based on the results of this study, the RIPASA score is a simple scoring system with better sensitivity and specificity than the modified Alvarado scoring system in Asian populations. It consists of 14 clinical parameters that can be obtained from a good patient history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The RIPASA scoring system is more accurate and specific than the modified Alvarado scoring system for Kuwait population.

Methods for modifying monofilaments, bundles of monofilaments, and fibrous structural material

DOEpatents

Allen, Charles A.; Argyle, Mark D.; Fox, Robert V.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Janikowski, Stuart K.; Miller, David L.; Propp, W. Alan; Toth, William J.

2002-12-17

The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates such as monofilaments, bundles of monofilaments, and fibrous structural material with a modifying agent. The modifying agent is suspended or dissolved in a supercritical fluid, near-critical fluid, superheated fluid, superheated liquid, or a liquified gas and is deposited by rapidly altering the pressure in a chamber to deposit the modifying material onto the substrate.

Studies on glycoxidatively modified human IgG: Implications in immuno-pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Islam, Sidra; Moinuddin; Mir, Abdul Rouf; Arfat, Mir Yasir; Alam, Khursheed; Ali, Asif

2017-11-01

Structural rearrangements and condensations of proteins under hyperglycemic stress have been implicated in various pathological disorders. This study aims to probe the role of methylglyoxal (MG) modified human immunoglobulin G (MG-IgG) in immuno-pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MG was found to perturb the structural integrity of IgG, affect its aromatic micro-environment and cause the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and aggregate adducts. It liberated the hydrophobic pockets of the protein, reduced its β pleated sheet structure and affected its tertiary conformation. Transition from β sheet to α helix and random coil was also observed in IgG upon modification by MG. It acted with strong oxidative potential and caused oligomerisation and disordered or amorphous type aggregation in the modified protein. Modified IgG had a cytotoxic and genotoxic impact. The MG modified IgG presented novel antigenic determinants that lead to an aggressive immune response. The antibodies had high affinity towards the immunogen. Auto-antibodies derived from T2DM patients exhibited strong affinity towards the modified IgG in comparison to the unmodified protein. Specificity of serum antibodies from T2DM patients was further confirmed by competitive-inhibition ELISA. The potential role of MG-IgG in the immunopathogenesis of T2DM has been discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rescue of the mouse DDK syndrome by parent-of-origin-dependent modifiers.

PubMed

Ideraabdullah, Folami Y; Kim, Kuikwon; Pomp, Daniel; Moran, Jennifer L; Beier, David; de Villena, Fernando Pardo-Manuel

2007-02-01

When females of the DDK inbred mouse strain are mated to males of other strains, 90-100% of the resulting embryos die during early embryonic development. This DDK syndrome lethality results from incompatibility between an ooplasmic DDK factor and a non-DDK paternal gene, which map to closely linked loci on chromosome 11. It has been proposed that the expression of the gene that encodes the ooplasmic factor is subject to allelic exclusion in oocytes. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of recessive modifiers that increase lethality in the C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains. These modifiers are thought to skew the choice of allele undergoing allelic exclusion in the oocytes of heterozygous females. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of modifiers in three Mus musculus domesticus wild-derived strains, PERA, PERC, and RBA. These modifiers completely rescued DDK syndrome lethality. We mapped the major locus that is responsible for rescue in PERA and PERC crosses to proximal chromosome 13 and named this locus Rmod1 (Rescue Modifier of the DDK Syndrome 1). Our experiments demonstrate that PERA or PERC alleles at Rmod1 rescue lethality independently of allelic exclusion. In addition, rescue of the lethal phenotype depends on the parental origin of the Rmod1 alleles; transmission through the dam leads to rescue, while transmission through the sire has no effect.

Heuristics to Evaluate Interactive Systems for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

PubMed Central

Khowaja, Kamran; Salim, Siti Salwah

2015-01-01

In this paper, we adapted and expanded a set of guidelines, also known as heuristics, to evaluate the usability of software to now be appropriate for software aimed at children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We started from the heuristics developed by Nielsen in 1990 and developed a modified set of 15 heuristics. The first 5 heuristics of this set are the same as those of the original Nielsen set, the next 5 heuristics are improved versions of Nielsen's, whereas the last 5 heuristics are new. We present two evaluation studies of our new heuristics. In the first, two groups compared Nielsen’s set with the modified set of heuristics, with each group evaluating two interactive systems. The Nielsen’s heuristics were assigned to the control group while the experimental group was given the modified set of heuristics, and a statistical analysis was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the modified set, the contribution of 5 new heuristics and the impact of 5 improved heuristics. The results show that the modified set is significantly more effective than the original, and we found a significant difference between the five improved heuristics and their corresponding heuristics in the original set. The five new heuristics are effective in problem identification using the modified set. The second study was conducted using a system which was developed to ascertain if the modified set was effective at identifying usability problems that could be fixed before the release of software. The post-study analysis revealed that the majority of the usability problems identified by the experts were fixed in the updated version of the system. PMID:26196385

Improving the Crossing-SIBTEST Statistic for Detecting Non-uniform DIF.

PubMed

Chalmers, R Philip

2018-06-01

This paper demonstrates that, after applying a simple modification to Li and Stout's (Psychometrika 61(4):647-677, 1996) CSIBTEST statistic, an improved variant of the statistic could be realized. It is shown that this modified version of CSIBTEST has a more direct association with the SIBTEST statistic presented by Shealy and Stout (Psychometrika 58(2):159-194, 1993). In particular, the asymptotic sampling distributions and general interpretation of the effect size estimates are the same for SIBTEST and the new CSIBTEST. Given the more natural connection to SIBTEST, it is shown that Li and Stout's hypothesis testing approach is insufficient for CSIBTEST; thus, an improved hypothesis testing procedure is required. Based on the presented arguments, a new chi-squared-based hypothesis testing approach is proposed for the modified CSIBTEST statistic. Positive results from a modest Monte Carlo simulation study strongly suggest the original CSIBTEST procedure and randomization hypothesis testing approach should be replaced by the modified statistic and hypothesis testing method.

The modified respiratory index score (RIS) guides resource allocation in acute bronchiolitis.

PubMed

Chong, Shu-Ling; Teoh, Oon Hoe; Nadkarni, Nivedita; Yeo, Joo Guan; Lwin, Zaw; Ong, Yong-Kwang Gene; Lee, Jan Hau

2017-07-01

Bronchiolitis is a common disease in early childhood with increasing healthcare utilization. We aim to study how well a simple and improved respiratory score (the modified Respiratory Index Score [RIS]) would perform when predicting for a warranted admission. This is an observational prospective study, from June 2015 to December 2015 in a paediatric emergency department (ED) of a large tertiary hospital in Singapore. We included children aged less than 2 years old, presenting with typical symptoms and signs of bronchiolitis but excluded children with four or more previous wheezes, a gestation of <35 weeks, and known cardiopulmonary disease. We also performed a sensitivity analysis for children presenting with their first wheeze. We defined a warranted admission as a composite of: The need for airway intervention, intravenous hydration, and a hospital stay of 2 days or more. Among 1,818 patients, the median age was 10.8 months (IQR 7.2-15.9). The median modified RIS score was 4.0 (IQR 3.0-5.0). A total of 19 (1.0%) children required respiratory support, 101 (5.6%) received intravenous hydration, and 571 (31.4%) required a hospital stay of 2 days or more. After adjusting for age and duration of illness, a modified RIS score of >4 predicted significantly for a warranted admission (adjusted Odds Ratio: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 2.62-4.12). The association remained significant among children presenting with their first wheeze. This simple respiratory tool predicts for the need for respiratory support, intravenous hydration, and a significant hospital stay of 2 days or more. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:954-961. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multimodal Medical Image Fusion by Adaptive Manifold Filter.

PubMed

Geng, Peng; Liu, Shuaiqi; Zhuang, Shanna

2015-01-01

Medical image fusion plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as image-guided radiotherapy and surgery. The modified local contrast information is proposed to fuse multimodal medical images. Firstly, the adaptive manifold filter is introduced into filtering source images as the low-frequency part in the modified local contrast. Secondly, the modified spatial frequency of the source images is adopted as the high-frequency part in the modified local contrast. Finally, the pixel with larger modified local contrast is selected into the fused image. The presented scheme outperforms the guided filter method in spatial domain, the dual-tree complex wavelet transform-based method, nonsubsampled contourlet transform-based method, and four classic fusion methods in terms of visual quality. Furthermore, the mutual information values by the presented method are averagely 55%, 41%, and 62% higher than the three methods and those values of edge based similarity measure by the presented method are averagely 13%, 33%, and 14% higher than the three methods for the six pairs of source images.

Concanavalin A conjugated biodegradable nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurkat, Pooja; Jain, Aviral; Jain, Ashish; Shilpi, Satish; Gulbake, Arvind; Jain, Sanjay K.

2012-11-01

Major research issues in oral protein delivery include the stabilization of protein in delivery devices which could increase its oral bioavailability. The study deals with development of oral insulin delivery system utilizing biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and modifying its surface with Concanavalin A to increase lymphatic uptake. Surface-modified PLGA nanoparticles were characterized for conjugation efficiency of ligand, shape and surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Stability of insulin in the developed formulation was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, and integrity of entrapped insulin was assessed using circular dichroism spectrum. Ex vivo study was performed on Wistar rats, which exhibited the higher intestinal uptake of Con A conjugated nanoparticles. In vivo study performed on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats which indicate that a surface-modified nanoparticle reduces blood glucose level effectively within 4 h of its oral administration. In conclusion, the present work resulted in successful production of Con A NPs bearing insulin with sustained release profile, and better absorption and stability. The Con A NPs showed high insulin uptake, due to its relative high affinity for non-reducing carbohydrate residues i.e., fucose present on M cells and have the potential for oral insulin delivery in effective management of Type 1 diabetes condition.

Evaluation, modification and validation of a set of asthma illustrations in children with chronic asthma in the emergency department.

PubMed

Tulloch, Joanie; Irwin, Danica; Pascuet, Elena; Vaillancourt, Régis

2012-01-01

To test, modify and validate a set of illustrations depicting different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers in pediatric patients (and⁄or their parents) with chronic asthma who presented to the emergency department at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario. Semistructured interviews using guessability and translucency questionnaires tested the comprehensibility of 15 illustrations depicting different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers in children 10 to 17 years of age, and parents of children one to nine years of age who presented to the emergency department. Illustrations with an overall guessability score <80% and⁄or translucency median score <6, were reviewed by the study team and modified by the study's graphic designer. Modifications were made based on key concepts identified by study participants. A total of 80 patients were interviewed. Seven of the original 15 illustrations (47%) required modifications to obtain the prespecified guessability and translucency goals. The authors successfully developed, modified and validated a set of 15 illustrations representing different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers. These illustrations will be incorporated into a child-friendly asthma action plan that enables the child to be involved in his or her asthma self-management care.

Effectiveness of Addiction Science Presentations to Treatment Professionals, Using a Modified Solomon Study Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erickson, Carlton K.; Wilcox, Richard E.; Miller, Gary W.; Littlefield, John H.; Lawson, Kenneth A.

2003-01-01

Assesses the instructional effectiveness of three-hour addiction science workshops presented to health-care professionals. The workshop participants showed significant knowledge gain and belief changes. After six months, knowledge gains decreased, but were still higher than pre-test scores. Concludes that motivated health-care professionals can…

Routine Breakers for Emotionally Active Learning: "A Case Study"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munoz-Luna, Rosa; Jurado-Navas, Antonio

2016-01-01

The present paper aims to present a typology of classroom activities which may serve as group driving dynamics to improve student attention in class. Human attention skills may have been shortened now and traditional ways of imparting knowledge should be modified (Soslau, 2015). As a consequence, this implies multi-tasking behaviour as users…

Life support system cost study: Addendum to cost analysis of carbon dioxide concentrators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yakut, M. M.

1973-01-01

New cost data are presented for the Hydrogen-Depolarized Carbon Dioxide Concentrator (HDC), based on modifying the concentrator to delete the quick disconnect valves and filters included in the system model defined in MDC-G4631. System description, cost data and a comparison between CO2 concentrator costs are presented.

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging and irradiation in combination on content of nitrosamines in cooked pork sausage.

PubMed

Song, I H; Kim, W J; Jo, C; Ahn, H J; Kim, J H; Byun, M W

2003-06-01

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging and irradiation in combination on nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) levels in pork sausage was studied. Emulsion-type cooked pork sausage was manufactured and packaged in aerobic, CO2 (100%), N2 (100%), and CO2/N2 (25%/75%) environments, respectively, and irradiated at 0, 5, 10, and 20 kGy with gamma irradiation. The nitrosamine contents were significantly reduced by irradiation, and the reduction of nitrosamines was more extensive with modified atmosphere packaging than with aerobic packaging. The correlation coefficient between irradiation dose and nitrosamine content indicated that irradiation can reduce the levels of nitrosamines. The combination of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging is effective in enhancing the chemical safety of sausage by reducing nitrosamines, if present, as well as enhancing the microbial safety of cooked pork sausage.

Two-stage repair for severe proximal hypospadias using oral mucosal grafts: combination of a modified Bracka method and a modified Byars flap method.

PubMed

Mitsukawa, Nobuyuki; Saiga, Atsuomi; Akita, Shinsuke; Kubota, Yoshitaka; Kuriyama, Motone; Satoh, Kaneshige

2015-02-01

One-stage repair is a conventional treatment of hypospadias. If hypospadias is severe as in the scrotal type and perineal type, penile curvature sometimes cannot be corrected by dorsal midline plication alone. In addition to resection of the urethral plate, ventral grafting becomes necessary for insufficient skin and subcutaneous tissue. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in 2-stage repair for such severe cases and salvage of failed cases with scarring. In the present study, novel 2-stage urethroplasty was performed in 6 cases to repair severe proximal hypospadias which required resection of the urethral plate. This novel method consisted of a combination of a modified Bracka method using oral mucosal grafts and a modified Byars flap of the dorsal foreskin. Good results were obtained using this novel method.

Using Rasch-models to compare the 30-, 20-, and 12-items version of the general health questionnaire taking four recoding schemes into account.

PubMed

Alexandrowicz, Rainer W; Friedrich, Fabian; Jahn, Rebecca; Soulier, Nathalie

2015-01-01

The present study compares the 30-, 20-, and 12-items versions of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) in the original coding and four different recoding schemes (Bimodal, Chronic, Modified Likert and a newly proposed Modified Chronic) with respect to their psychometric qualities. The dichotomized versions (i.e. Bimodal, Chronic and Modified Chronic) were evaluated with the Rasch-Model and the polytomous original version and the Modified Likert version were evaluated with the Partial Credit Model. In general, the versions under consideration showed agreement with the model assumption. However, the recoded versions exhibited some deficits with respect to the Outfit index. Because of the item deficits and for theoretical reasons we argue in favor of using the any of the three length versions with the original four-categorical coding scheme. Nevertheless, any of the versions appears apt for clinical use from a psychometric perspective.

Viking '79 Rover study. Volume 1: Summary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The results of a study to define a roving vehicle suitable for inclusion in a 1979 Viking mission to Mars are presented. The study focused exclusively on the 1979 mission incorporating a rover that would be stowed on and deployed from a modified Viking lander. The overall objective of the study was to define a baseline rover, the lander/rover interfaces, a mission operations concept, and a rover development program compatible with the 1979 launch opportunity. During the study, numerous options at the rover system and subsystem levels were examined and a baseline configuration was selected. Launch vehicle, orbiter, and lander performance capabilities were examined to ensure that the baseline rover could be transported to Mars using minimum-modified Viking '75 hardware and designs.

Phosphate-Modified Nucleotides for Monitoring Enzyme Activity.

PubMed

Ermert, Susanne; Marx, Andreas; Hacker, Stephan M

2017-04-01

Nucleotides modified at the terminal phosphate position have been proven to be interesting entities to study the activity of a variety of different protein classes. In this chapter, we present various types of modifications that were attached as reporter molecules to the phosphate chain of nucleotides and briefly describe the chemical reactions that are frequently used to synthesize them. Furthermore, we discuss a variety of applications of these molecules. Kinase activity, for instance, was studied by transfer of a phosphate modified with a reporter group to the target proteins. This allows not only studying the activity of kinases, but also identifying their target proteins. Moreover, kinases can also be directly labeled with a reporter at a conserved lysine using acyl-phosphate probes. Another important application for phosphate-modified nucleotides is the study of RNA and DNA polymerases. In this context, single-molecule sequencing is made possible using detection in zero-mode waveguides, nanopores or by a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based mechanism between the polymerase and a fluorophore-labeled nucleotide. Additionally, fluorogenic nucleotides that utilize an intramolecular interaction between a fluorophore and the nucleobase or an intramolecular FRET effect have been successfully developed to study a variety of different enzymes. Finally, also some novel techniques applying electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based detection of nucleotide cleavage or the detection of the cleavage of fluorophosphates are discussed. Taken together, nucleotides modified at the terminal phosphate position have been applied to study the activity of a large diversity of proteins and are valuable tools to enhance the knowledge of biological systems.

[The framing effect: medical implications].

PubMed

Mazzocco, Ketti; Cherubini, Paolo; Rumiati, Rino

2005-01-01

Over the last 20 years, many studies explored how the way information is presented modifies choices. This sort of effect, referred to as "framing effects", typically consists of the inversion of choices when presenting structurally identical decision problems in different ways. It is a common assumption that physicians are unaffected (or less affected) by the surface description of a decision problem, because they are formally trained in medical decision making. However, several studies showed that framing effects occur even in the medical field. The complexity and variability of these effects are remarkable, making it necessary to distinguish among different framing effects, depending on whether the effect is obtained by modifying adjectives (attribute framing), goals of a behavior (goal framing), or the probability of an outcome (risky choice framing). A further reason for the high variability of the framing effects seems to be the domain of the decision problem, with different effects occurring in prevention decisions, disease-detection decisions, and treatment decisions. The present work reviews the studies on framing effects, in order to summarize them and clarify their possible role in medical decision making.

Overview of feasibility study on conducting overflight measurements of shaped sonic boom signatures using RPV's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maglieri, Domenic J.; Sothcott, Victor E.; Keefer, Thomas N., Jr.; Bobbitt, Percy J.

1992-01-01

Before beginning this presentation, it is appropriate to acknowledge the sincere interest and financial support provided by the NASA LaRC under contract NAS9-17900. An outline of the material to be used in the present paper is given. It begins with a indication of the origin and objectives of the feasibility study. This is followed by a discussion of various simulation methods of establishing the persistence of shaped sonic boom signatures to large distances including the use of recoverable RPV/drones. The desirable features to be sought out in an RPV along with a rationale for the selection of a 'shaped' sonic boom signature will be addressed. Three candidate vehicles are examined as to their suitability with respect to a number of factors, in particular, modifiability. Area distributions and associated sonic boom signatures of the basic and modified Firebee vehicle will also be shown. An indication of the scope of the proposed wind tunnel and flight test programs will be presented including measurement technologies and predicted waveforms. Finally, some remarks will be made summarizing the study and highlighting the key findings.

NMR-Metabolic Methodology in the Study of GM Foods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 1H NMR methodology used in the study of genetically modified (GM) foodstuff is discussed. The study of transgenic lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv "Luxor") over-expressing the KNAT1 gene from Arabidopsis is presented as a novel study-case. The 1H NMR metabolic profiling was carried out. Twenty-two wat...

Electrochemical determination of inorganic mercury and arsenic--A review.

PubMed

Zaib, Maria; Athar, Muhammad Makshoof; Saeed, Asma; Farooq, Umar

2015-12-15

Inorganic mercury and arsenic encompasses a term which includes As(III), As(V) and Hg(II) species. These metal ions have been extensively studied due to their toxicity related issues. Different analytical methods are used to monitor inorganic mercury and arsenic in a variety of samples at trace level. The present study reviews various analytical techniques available for detection of inorganic mercury and arsenic with particular emphasis on electrochemical methods especially stripping voltammetry. A detailed critical evaluation of methods, advantages of electrochemical methods over other analytical methods, and various electrode materials available for mercury and arsenic analysis is presented in this review study. Modified carbon paste electrode provides better determination due to better deposition with linear and improved response under studied set of conditions. Biological materials may be the potent and economical alternative as compared to macro-electrodes and chemically modified carbon paste electrodes in stripping analysis of inorganic mercury and arsenic. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the Modified McBride Procedure and the Distal Chevron Osteotomy for Mild to Moderate Hallux Valgus.

PubMed

Choi, Gi Won; Kim, Hak Jun; Kim, Taik Seon; Chun, Sung Kwang; Kim, Tae Wan; Lee, Yong In; Kim, Kyoung Ho

2016-01-01

Distal metatarsal osteotomy and the modified McBride procedure have each been used for the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus. However, few studies have compared the results of these 2 procedures for mild to moderate hallux valgus. The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of distal chevron osteotomy and the modified McBride procedure for treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus according to the severity of the deformity. We analyzed the data from 45 patients (49.5%; 48 feet [49.0%]), who had undergone an isolated modified McBride procedure (McBride group), and 46 patients (50.5%; 50 feet [51.0%]), who had a distal chevron osteotomy (chevron group). We subdivided each group into those with mild and moderate deformity and compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes between the groups in relation to the severity of the deformity. The improvements in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score and the visual analog scale for pain were significantly better for the chevron group for both mild and moderate deformity. The chevron group experienced significantly greater correction in the hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle for both mild and moderate deformity. The chevron group experienced a significantly greater decrease in the grade of sesamoid displacement for patients with moderate deformity. The McBride group had a greater risk of recurrence than did the chevron group for moderate deformity (odds ratio 14.00, 95% confidence interval 3.91 to 50.06, p < .001). The results of the present study have demonstrated the superiority of the distal chevron osteotomy over the modified McBride procedure for mild to moderate deformity. For patients with moderate deformity, the McBride group had a greater risk of hallux valgus recurrence than did the distal chevron group. Therefore, we recommend distal chevron osteotomy rather than a modified McBride procedure for the treatment of mild and moderate hallux valgus. Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A critical evaluation of fasted state simulating gastric fluid (FaSSGF) that contains sodium lauryl sulfate and proposal of a modified recipe.

PubMed

Aburub, Aktham; Risley, Donald S; Mishra, Dinesh

2008-01-22

The aim of this work is to evaluate one of the most commonly used fasted state simulating gastric fluids (FaSSGFs), which contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (FaSSGF(SLS)), and propose a more appropriate surfactant concentration. Surface tension studies clearly show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of SLS in the relevant media (a media whose pH and sodium chloride concentration are representative of physiological conditions) is significantly lower (p<0.05) than 8.67 mM, which is the SLS concentration in FaSSGF(SLS). The CMC of SLS in the relevant media was determined to be 1.75 mM. Based on this a modified recipe is proposed in which the concentration of SLS is sufficient to achieve a surface tension similar to that in vivo without causing artificial micellar solubilization. Solubility, intrinsic dissolution, and GastroPlus modeling studies are presented to support and give rationale for the modified recipe. In addition, a comparison between the modified recipe and other FaSSGFs reported in the literature is made.

Visible spectroscopy as a tool for the assessment of storage conditions of fresh pork packaged in modified atmosphere.

PubMed

Spanos, Dimitrios; Christensen, Mette; Tørngren, Mari Ann; Baron, Caroline P

2016-03-01

The storage conditions of fresh meat are known to impact its colour and microbial shelf life. In the present study, visible spectroscopy was evaluated as a method to assess meat storage conditions and its optimisation. Fresh pork steaks (longissimus thoracis et lumborum and semimembranosus) were placed in modified atmosphere packaging using gas mixtures containing 0, 40, 50, and 80% oxygen, and stored with or without light for up to 9days. Principal component analysis of visible reflectance spectra (400-700nm) showed that the colour of the different meat cuts was affected by presence of oxygen, illumination, and storage time. Differences in the oxygen levels did not contribute to the observed variance. Predictive models based on partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis exhibited high potency in the classification of the storage parameters of meat cuts packaged in modified atmosphere. The study demonstrates the applicability of visible spectroscopy as a tool to assess the storage conditions of meat cuts packaged in modified atmosphere. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of micro-structural modifier on the morphology of silicon rich secondary phase and strain hardening behavior of eutectic Al-Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansoor, M.; Salam, I.; Tauqir, A.

2016-08-01

Eutectic Al-Si alloys find their applications in moderate to severe tribological conditions, for example: pistons, casings of high speed pumps and slide sleeves. The higher hardness, so the better tribological properties, are originated by the formation of a silicon rich secondary phase, however, the morphology of the secondary phase drastically influence the toughness of the alloy. Microstructural modifiers are used to control the toughness which modifies the Si rich secondary phase into dispersed spherical structure instead of needle-like network. In the present study, a mixture of chemical fluxes was used to modify the Si phase. The alloy was cast into a sand mold and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, hardness testing and tensile testing. It was found that the morphology of the Si phase was altered to acicular structure due to the modification process. In comparison, the un-modified alloy contained Si phase in needle-like structure. The effect of modifier was also pronounced on the mechanical properties, where increase of 50% in yield strength, 56% in tensile strength and 200% in elongation occurred. A discernable raise in strain hardening component indicated the improved strain harden ability and formability of the modified alloy.

Assessment of the use of latissimus dorsi restoration during modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients

PubMed Central

Yang, Chao; Wang, Xinle; Zhang, Geng; Yang, Liu; Guo, Xuan; Wang, Xue; Song, Zhenchuan

2017-01-01

The incision area of modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients is associated with subcutaneous effusion and skin flap necrosis as the most common complications. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of latissimus dorsi restoration during modified radical mastectomy in breast cancer patients by evaluating 365 cases. Among these cases, 185 received modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration, while 180 received modified radical mastectomy alone. The flap tension, drainage fluid amount and extubation time were compared between the two methods. The flap tension in patients who received modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration was significantly lower and the blood supply was better. After surgery, the drainage fluid amount was also significantly lower in these patients compared with the control group. Furthermore, the mean time to drainage tube removal was significantly shorter in these patients and the postoperative cosmetic outcome was superior. Thus, it was concluded that modified radical mastectomy combined with intraoperative latissimus dorsi restoration in breast cancer patients was associated with reduced drainage fluid effusion, shorter hospitalization time and decreased flap tension. Overall, this method appears to be potentially suitable for extensive application in the clinical setting. PMID:29285380

Modified hybrid subcarrier/amplitude/ phase/polarization LDPC-coded modulation for 400 Gb/s optical transmission and beyond.

PubMed

Batshon, Hussam G; Djordjevic, Ivan; Xu, Lei; Wang, Ting

2010-06-21

In this paper, we present a modified coded hybrid subcarrier/ amplitude/phase/polarization (H-SAPP) modulation scheme as a technique capable of achieving beyond 400 Gb/s single-channel transmission over optical channels. The modified H-SAPP scheme profits from the available resources in addition to geometry to increase the bandwidth efficiency of the transmission system, and so increases the aggregate rate of the system. In this report we present the modified H-SAPP scheme and focus on an example that allows 11 bits/Symbol that can achieve 440 Gb/s transmission using components of 50 Giga Symbol/s (GS/s).

Engineering calculations for communications satellite systems planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walton, E.; Aebker, E.; Mata, F.; Reilly, C.

1991-01-01

The final phase of a satellite synthesis project is described. Several methods for generating satellite positionings with improved aggregate carrier to interference characteristics were studied. Two general methods for modifying required separation values are presented. Also, two methods for improving aggregate carrier to interference (C/I) performance of given satellite synthesis solutions are presented. A perturbation of the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) synthesis is presented.

Investigation of parabolic computational techniques for internal high-speed viscous flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, O. L.; Power, G. D.

1985-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to assess the applicability of an existing parabolic analysis (ADD-Axisymmetric Diffuser Duct), developed previously for subsonic viscous internal flows, to mixed supersonic/subsonic flows with heat addition simulating a SCRAMJET combustor. A study was conducted with the ADD code modified to include additional convection effects in the normal momentum equation when supersonic expansion and compression waves were present. It is concluded from the present study that for the class of problems where strong viscous/inviscid interactions are present a global iteration procedure is required.

Assessment of air quality in Haora River basin using fuzzy multiple-attribute decision making techniques.

PubMed

Singh, Ajit Pratap; Chakrabarti, Sumanta; Kumar, Sumit; Singh, Anjaney

2017-08-01

This paper deals with assessment of air quality in Haora River basin using two techniques. Initially, air quality indices were evaluated using a modified EPA method. The indices were also evaluated using a fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA) method. The results obtained from the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method were compared to that obtained from the modified EPA method. To illustrate the applicability of the methodology proposed herein, a case study has been presented. Air samples have been collected at 10 sampling sites located along Haora River. Six important air pollutants, namely, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, suspended particulate matter (SPM), PM 10 , and lead, were monitored continuously, and air quality maps were generated on the GIS platform. Comparison of the methodologies has clearly highlighted superiority and robustness of the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method in determining air quality indices under study. It has effectively addressed the inherent uncertainties involved in the evaluation, modeling, and interpretation of sampling data, which was beyond the scope of the traditional weighted approaches employed otherwise. The FCA method is robust and prepares a credible platform of air quality evaluation and identification, in face of the uncertainties that remain eclipsed in the traditional approaches like the modified EPA method. The insights gained through the present study are believed to be of pivotal significance in guiding the development and implementation of effective environmental remedial action plans in the study area.

On thermophysical effects on the surface of functional nanostructured materials obtained with the application of femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babenko, D. D.; Dmitriev, A. S.; Makarov, P. G.; Mikhailova, I. A.

2017-11-01

In recent years, a great scientific and practical interest is caused by functional energy surfaces, modified for certain technological problems. The urgency of the work is to develop promising technologies for thermal and nuclear power engineering, methods for converting solar energy, cooling low-current and high-current electronics devices, energy storage and transport systems on the basis of studying and developing new ways of creating and modifying the functional surfaces of heat exchange and other devices. Modified functional surfaces must have a number of new mechanical and thermophysical properties, including mechanical strength, a new surface morphology for controlling the processes of wetting and spreading working fluids on them, and have high efficiency from the viewpoint of thermohydrodynamic processes of flow and heat and mass transfer of working fluids to them. Among the various ways of modifying surfaces, recently, the method of surface exposure to femtosecond laser pulses (FLI) has become widespread. The technology of femtosecond laser surface treatment (FLPO) of solid materials has shown high efficiency, reliability, high productivity and a huge variety of modification methods. The paper presents new results on the study of thermophysical phenomena - the wetting and spreading of drops of various liquids, the study of the hysteresis of the contact angle, the study of evaporation and boiling processes on functional energy surfaces modified by femtosecond laser pulses. It is shown that in the majority of cases the presence of regular or stochastic nanostructures on the surface leads to a very strong change in the basic properties of the surface, which makes it possible to use such a technology to quickly and efficiently modify and obtain functional energy surfaces for certain predetermined purposes.

3D study of intermetallics and their effect on the corrosion morphology of rheocast aluminium alloy

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

Mingo, B.; Arrabal, R., E-mail: rarrabal@ucm.es; Pardo, A.

In the present study, the effect of heat treatment T6.1 on the microstructure and corrosion behaviour of rheocast aluminium alloy A356 is investigated on the basis of 2D/3D characterization techniques and electrochemical and SKPFM measurements. Heat treatment strengthens the α-Al matrix, modifies the intermetallic particles and spheroidizes eutectic Si. These changes do not modify significantly the corrosion behaviour of the alloy. 3D SEM-Tomography clearly shows that the corrosion advances in the shape of narrow paths between closely spaced intermetallics without a major influence of eutectic Si. - Highlights: • T6.1 spheroidizes Si, strengthens the matrix and modifies the intermetallics. •more » Electrochemical behaviour of untreated and heat-treated alloys is similar. • 3D SEM-Tomography provides additional information on the corrosion morphology. • Corrosion advances as paths between intermetallics with little influence of Si.« less

Removal of free fatty acid in Azadirachta indica (Neem) seed oil using phosphoric acid modified mordenite for biodiesel production.

PubMed

SathyaSelvabala, Vasanthakumar; Varathachary, Thiruvengadaravi Kadathur; Selvaraj, Dinesh Kirupha; Ponnusamy, Vijayalakshmi; Subramanian, Sivanesan

2010-08-01

In this study free fatty acids present in Azadirachta indica (Neem) oil were esterified with our synthesized phosphoric acid modified catalyst. During the esterification, the acid value was reduced from 24.4 to 1.8 mg KOH/g oil. Synthesized catalyst was characterized by NH(3) TPD, XRD, SEM, FTIR and TGA analysis. During phosphoric acid modification hydrophobic character and weak acid sites of the mordenite were increased, which lead to better esterification when compared to H-mordenite. A kinetic study demonstrates that the esterification reaction followed pseudo-first order kinetics. Thermodynamic studies were also done based on the Arrhenius model. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electron transfer of plurimodified DNA SAMs.

PubMed

Rospigliosi, Alessandro; Ehlich, Rudolf; Hoerber, Heinrich; Middelberg, Anton; Moggridge, Geoff

2007-07-17

An STM-based current-voltage (I/V) investigation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) 18 base pair (bp) oligonucleotide monolayers on gold is presented. Three bases of each of the immobilized and complementary strands were modified with either iodine or phenylethylene moieties. The oligonucleotides were immobilized on template stripped gold (tsg) surfaces and characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). AFM imaging showed that monolayers of the expected height were formed. A comparative study of normal, halogenated, and phenyl-modified DNA was made with the STM in tunneling spectroscopy (TS) mode. I/V spectroscopic measurements in the range +/-250 mV on both single- and double-stranded (ds) DNA monolayers (modified and unmodified) showed that for negative substrate bias (U(sub)) electron transfer is more efficient through a phenyl-modified monolayer than through normal or halogenated DNA. This effect was particularly clear below a threshold bias of -100 mV. For positive U(sub), unmodified ds DNA was found to conduct slightly better than the modified strands. This is presumably caused by greater order in the unmodified versus modified DNA monolayers. Modifications on the immobilized (thiolated) strand seem to improve electron transport through the DNA monolayer more than modifications on the complementary (not surface-bound) strand.

Atomic diffusion in laser surface modified AISI H13 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqida, S. N.; Brabazon, D.; Naher, S.

2013-07-01

This paper presents a laser surface modification process of AISI H13 steel using 0.09 and 0.4 mm of laser spot sizes with an aim to increase surface hardness and investigate elements diffusion in laser modified surface. A Rofin DC-015 diffusion-cooled CO2 slab laser was used to process AISI H13 steel samples. Samples of 10 mm diameter were sectioned to 100 mm length in order to process a predefined circumferential area. The parameters selected for examination were laser peak power, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and overlap percentage. The hardness properties were tested at 981 mN force. Metallographic study and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) were performed to observe presence of elements and their distribution in the sample surface. Maximum hardness achieved in the modified surface was 1017 HV0.1. Change of elements composition in the modified layer region was detected in the laser modified samples. Diffusion possibly occurred for C, Cr, Cu, Ni, and S elements. The potential found for increase in surface hardness represents an important method to sustain tooling life. The EDXS findings signify understanding of processing parameters effect on the modified surface composition.

Structure-Property Relationships of Inorganically Surface-Modified Zeolite Molecular Sieves for Nanocomposite Membrane Fabrication

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

Lydon, Megan E; Unocic, Kinga A; Jones, Christopher W

2012-01-01

A multiscale experimental study of the structural, compositional, and morphological characteristics of aluminosilicate (LTA) and pure-silica (MFI) zeolite materials surface-modified with MgO{sub x}H{sub y} nanostructures is presented. These characteristics are correlated with the suitability of such materials in the fabrication of LTA/Matrimid mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} separations. The four functionalization methods studied in this work produce surface nanostructures that may appear superficially similar under SEM observation but in fact differ considerably in shape, size, surface coverage, surface area/roughness, degree of attachment to the zeolite surface, and degree of zeolite pore blocking. The evaluation of these characteristics bymore » a combination of TEM, HRTEM, N{sub 2} physisorption, multiscale compositional analysis (XPS, EDX, and ICP-AES elemental analysis), and diffraction (ED and XRD) allows improved understanding of the origin of disparate gas permeation properties observed in MMMs made with four types of surface-modified zeolite LTA materials, as well as a rational selection of the method expected to result in the best enhancement of the desired properties (in the present case, CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} selectivity increase without sacrificing permeability). A method based on ion exchange of the LTA with Mg{sup 2+}, followed by base-induced precipitation and growth of MgOxHy nanostructures, deemed 'ion exchange functionalization' here, offers modified particles with the best overall characteristics resulting in the most effective MMMs. LTA/Matrimid MMMs containing ion exchange functionalized particles had a considerably higher CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} selectivity (40) than could be obtained with the other functionalization techniques (30), while maintaining a CO{sub 2} permeability of 10 barrers. A parallel study on pure silica MFI surface nanostructures is also presented to compare and contrast with the zeolite LTA case.« less

Cationic surfactants-modified natural zeolites: improvement of the excipients functionality.

PubMed

Krajisnik, Danina; Milojević, Maja; Malenović, Anđelija; Daković, Aleksandra; Ibrić, Svetlana; Savić, Snezana; Dondur, Vera; Matijasević, Srđan; Radulović, Aleksandra; Daniels, Rolf; Milić, Jela

2010-10-01

In this study an investigation of cationic surfactants-modified natural zeolites as drug formulation excipient was performed. The aim of this work was to carry out a study of the purified natural zeolitic tuff with high amount of clinoptilolite as a potential carrier for molecules of pharmaceutical interest. Two cationic surfactants (benzalkonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) were used for modification of the zeolitic surface in two levels (equal to and twice as external cation-exchange capacity of the zeolitic tuff). Prepared samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and powder flow determination. Different surfactant/zeolite composites were used for additional investigation of three model drugs: diclofenac diethylamine, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen by means of adsorption isotherm measurements in aqueous solutions. The modified zeolites with two levels of surfactant coverage within the short activation time were prepared. Determination of flow properties showed that modification of zeolitic surface reflected on powder flow characteristics. Investigation of the model drugs adsorption on the obtained composites revealed that a variation between adsorption levels was influenced by the surfactant type and the amount present at the surface of the composites. In vitro release profiles of the drugs from the zeolite-surfactant-drug composites revealed that sustained drug release could be attained over a period of 8 hours. The presented results for drug uptake by surfactant-zeolite composites and the afterward drug release demonstrated the potential use of investigated modified natural zeolite as excipients for advanced excipients in drug formulations.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) and personality traits: the modifying effect of season of birth and sex.

PubMed

Kazantseva, A; Gaysina, D; Kutlumbetova, Yu; Kanzafarova, R; Malykh, S; Lobaskova, M; Khusnutdinova, E

2015-01-02

Personality traits are complex phenotypes influenced by interactions of multiple genetic variants of small effect and environmental factors. It has been suggested that the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) is involved in personality traits. Season of birth (SOB) has also been shown to affect personality traits due to its influences on brain development during prenatal and early postnatal periods. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BDNF on personality traits; and the modifying effects of SOB and sex on associations between BDNF and personality traits. A sample of 1018 young adults (68% women; age range 17-25years) of Caucasian origin from the Russian Federation was assessed on personality traits (Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence, Persistence, Self-directedness, Cooperativeness, Self-transcendence) with the Temperament and Character Inventory-125 (TCI-125). Associations between personality traits and 12 BDNF SNPs were tested using linear regression models. The present study demonstrated the effect of rs11030102 on Persistence in females only (PFDR=0.043; r(2)=1.3%). There were significant interaction effects between Val66Met (rs6265) and SOB (PFDR=0.048, r(2)=1.4%), and between rs2030323 and SOB (PFDR=0.042, r(2)=1.3%), on Harm Avoidance. Our findings provide evidence for the modifying effect of SOB on the association between BDNF and Harm Avoidance, and for the modifying effect of sex on the association between BDNF and Persistence. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of 12-aminolauric acid-modified montmorillonite for catalytic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagtalunan, Cris Angelo M.; Sumera, Florentino C.; Conato, Marlon T.

2018-05-01

The simple cation-exchange preparation of 12-aminolauric acid-modified montmorillonite (ALA-Mt), an aluminosilicate clay modified with the alkylammonium surfactant, is reported. Different loadings of 12-aminolauric acid (12-ALA) from 100 to 400 times the cation exchange capacity (CEC) in montmorillonite (Mt) was prepared and studied. Successful intercalation of the organic surfactant was monitored by the increase in basal (d001) spacing of the organoclay compared to the pure Mt. The clay mineral composite have increased surfactant loading resulting to lower degradation temperatures, rougher surface morphology, increased particle size, and increased organophilicity of the organoclay compared to the native Mt. The improved properties of ALA-Mt present it as an attractive catalyst material for polymerization reactions.

Modified Johnson-Cook model incorporated with electroplasticity for uniaxial tension under a pulsed electric current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Moon-Jo; Jeong, Hye-Jin; Park, Ju-Won; Hong, Sung-Tae; Han, Heung Nam

2018-01-01

An empirical expression describing the electroplastic deformation behavior is suggested based on the Johnson-Cook (JC) model by adding several functions to consider both thermal and athermal electric current effects. Tensile deformation behaviors are carried out for an AZ31 magnesium alloy and an Al-Mg-Si alloy under pulsed electric current at various current densities with a fixed duration of electric current. To describe the flow curves under electric current, a modified JC model is proposed to take the electric current effect into account. Phenomenological descriptions of the adopted parameters in the equation are made. The modified JC model suggested in the present study is capable of describing the tensile deformation behaviors under pulsed electric current reasonably well.

Foam concrete of increased strength with the thermomodified peat additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudyakov, A. I.; Kopanitsa, N. O.; Sarkisov, Ju S.; Kasatkina, A. V.; Prischepa, I. A.

2015-01-01

The paper presents the results of research of foam concrete with thermomodified peat additives. The aim of the research was to study the effect of modifying additives on cement stone and foam concrete properties. Peat additives are prepared by heat treatment of peat at 600 °C. Two approaches of obtaining additives are examined: in condition of open air access (TMT-600) and in condition of limited air access (TMT-600-k). Compressive strength of a cement stone with modifiers found to be increased by 28.9 - 65.2%. Introducing peat modifiers into foam concrete mix leads to increase of compressive strength by 44-57% at 28- day age and heat conductivity of foam concrete decreases by 0.089 W/(m·°C).

Unimodular F ( R ) gravity

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

Nojiri, S.; Odintsov, S.D.; Oikonomou, V.K., E-mail: nojiri@gravity.phys.nagoya-u.ac.jp, E-mail: odintsov@ieec.uab.es, E-mail: v.k.oikonomou1979@gmail.com

2016-05-01

We extend the formalism of the Einstein-Hilbert unimodular gravity in the context of modified F ( R ) gravity. After appropriately modifying the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric in a way that it becomes compatible to the unimodular condition of having a constant metric determinant, we derive the equations of motion of the unimodular F ( R ) gravity by using the metric formalism of modified gravity with Lagrange multiplier constraint. The resulting equations are studied in frames of reconstruction method, which enables us to realize various cosmological scenarios, which was impossible to realize in the standard Einstein-Hilbert unimodular gravity. Several unimodular Fmore » ( R ) inflationary scenarios are presented, and in some cases, concordance with Planck and BICEP2 observational data can be achieved.« less

Soil-modified carbon paste electrode: a useful tool in environmental assessment of heavy metal ion binding interactions.

PubMed

Svegl, I G; Ogorevc, B

2000-08-01

Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with different soils in their native form were prepared to create a soil-like solid phase suitable for application in studies of heavy metal ion uptake and binding interactions. The preparation of CPEs modified with five different soils was examined and their heavy metal ion uptake behavior investigated using a model Cu(II) aqueous solution. Metal ions were accumulated under open circuit conditions and were determined after a medium exchange using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, applying preelectrolysis at -0.7 V. The soil-modified CPE accumulation behavior, including the linearity of the current response versus Cu(II) concentration, the influence of the pH on the solution, and the uptake kinetics, was thoroughly investigated. The correlation between the soil-modified CPE uptake capability and the standard soil parameters, such as ion exchange capacity, soil pH, organic matter and clay content, were evaluated for all five examined soils. The influence of selected endogenous cations (K(I), Ca(II), Fe(III)) on the transfer of Cu(II) ions from a solution to the simulated soil solid phase was examined and is discussed. Preliminary examinations of the soil-modified CPE uptake behavior with some exogenous heavy metal ions of strong environmental interest (Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II) and Ag(I)) are also presented. This work demonstrates some attractive possibilities for the application of a soil-modified CPE in studying soil-heavy metal ion binding interactions, with a further potential use as a new environmental sensor appropriate for fist on-site testing of polluted soils.

Performance assessment of improved composting system for food waste with varying aeration and use of microbial inoculum.

PubMed

Manu, M K; Kumar, Rakesh; Garg, Anurag

2017-06-01

Wet waste recycling at generation point will alleviate burden on the overflowing waste dumpsites in developing nations. Drum composting is a potential treatment option for such waste at individual or community level. The present study was aimed to produce compost from wet waste (primarily comprising food waste) in composting drums modified for improved natural air circulation. Effect of microbial inoculum and waste turning on composting process was also studied. The final results showed the production of matured and stable compost in the modified drums. Addition of the microbial inoculum resulted in thermophilic phase within a week time. The self-heating test and germination index (>80%) showed the production of non-phytotoxic and mature compost in the modified drums after 60days. The change in microbial population, humic substances and biological parameters (lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose) during the study is discussed. Moreover, the reduction in waste mass and volume is also reported. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Consumer reaction to information on the labels of genetically modified food].

PubMed

Sebastian-Ponce, Miren Itxaso; Sanz-Valero, Javier; Wanden-Berghe, Carmina

2014-02-01

To analyze consumer opinion on genetically modified foods and the information included on the label. A systematic review of the scientific literature on genetically modified food labeling was conducted consulting bibliographic databases (Medline - via PubMed -, EMBASE, ISI-Web of knowledge, Cochrane Library Plus, FSTA, LILACS, CINAHL and AGRICOLA) using the descriptors "organisms, genetically modified" and "food labeling". The search covered the first available date, up to June 2012, selecting relevant articles written in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Forty articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of them should have conducted a population-based intervention focused on consumer awareness of genetically modified foods and their need or not, to include this on the label. The consumers expressed a preference for non-genetically modified products, and added that they were prepared to pay more for this but, ultimately, the product bought was that with the best price, in a market which welcomes new technologies. In 18 of the articles, the population was in favor of obligatory labelling, and in six, in favor of this being voluntary; seven studies showed the consumer knew little about genetically modified food, and in three, the population underestimated the quantity they consumed. Price was an influencing factor in all cases. Label should be homogeneous and clarify the degree of tolerance of genetically modified products in humans, in comparison with those non-genetically modified. Label should also present the content or not of genetically modified products and how these commodities are produced and should be accompanied by the certifying entity and contact information. Consumers express their preference for non-genetically modified products and they even notice that they are willing to pay more for it, but eventually they buy the item with the best price, in a market that welcomes new technologies.

Noncooperative rendezvous radar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

A fire control radar system was developed, assembled, and modified. The baseline system and modified angle tracking system are described along with the performance characteristics of the baseline and modified systems. Proposed changes to provide additional techniques for radar evaluation are presented along with flight test data.

Radiation Characteristics of a 0.11 Micrometer Modified Commercial CMOS Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poivey, Christian; Kim, Hak; Berg, Melanie D.; Forney, Jim; Seidleck, Christina; Vilchis, Miguel A.; Phan, Anthony; Irwin, Tim; LaBel, Kenneth A.; Saigusa, Rajan K.;

Modifying your Physics and Astronomy Courses to Incorporate Heliophysics - Some Examples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cebulka, Rebecca; Cox, Amanda; Rodriguez Garrigues, Alvar; Hoshino, Laura; Fitzgerald, Cullen; Montgomery, M.; Al-Rawi, Ahlam N.; Velissaris, Christos; Flitsiyan, Elena

2016-01-01

Although physics and astronomy courses include heliophysics topics, students still leave the courses without knowing what heliophysics is and how heliophysics relates to their daily lives. To meet goals of NASA's Living With a Star Program, UCF Physics has modified courses such as SCALE-UP: Electricity and Magnetism for Engineers and Scientists, Astronomy (for non-science majors), and Astrophysics to include heliophysics topics. In this poster, we present the previous labs, the student-modified labs to incorporate heliophysics, and we present student learning statistics.

Bond Strength of Composite to Dentin using Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers as Bonding Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-02

59 MDW/SGVU SUBJECT: Professional Presentation Approval 2 MAR 20 16 l. Your paper, entitl ed Bond Strength of Composite to Dentin using Resin...Modified G lass Ionomers as Bonding Agents presented at Journal of Dental Research with MDWI 41- 108, and has been assigned local fi le #16086. 2...Vandewalle /Civ/SGDTG (59th CSPG/SGVU) DECS I 5-009 PROTOCOL TITLE Bond Strength of Composite to Dentin using Resin-modified Glass lonomers as

Locating a modifier gene of Ovum mutant through crosses between DDK and C57BL/6J inbred strains in mice.

PubMed

Tan, Jing; Song, Gen Di; Song, Jia Sheng; Ren, Shi Hao; Li, Chun Li; Zheng, Zhen Yu; Zhao, Wei Dong

2016-06-01

A striking infertile phenotype has been discovered in the DDK strain of mouse. The DDK females are usually infertile when crossed with males of other inbred strains, whereas DDK males exhibit normal fertility in reciprocal crosses. This phenomenon is caused by mutation in the ovum (Om) locus on chromosome 11 and known as the DDK syndrome. Previously, some research groups reported that the embryonic mortality deviated from the semilethal rate in backcrosses between heterozygous (Om/+) females and males of other strains. This embryonic mortality exhibited an aggravated trend with increasing background genes of other strains. These results indicated that some modifier genes of Om were present in other strains. In the present study, a population of N₂2 (Om/+) females from the backcrosses between C57BL/6J (B6) and F₁ (B6♀ × DDK♂) was used to map potential modifier genes of Om. Quantitative trait locus showed that a major locus, namely Amom1 (aggravate modifier gene of Om 1), was located at the middle part of chromosome 9 in mice. The Amom1 could increase the expressivity of Om gene, thereby aggravating embryonic lethality when heterozygous (Om/+) females mated with males of B6 strain. Further, the 1.5 LOD-drop analysis indicated that the confidence interval was between 37.54 and 44.46 cM, ~6.92 cM. Amom1 is the first modifier gene of Om in the B6 background.

Hydrological and Climatic Significance of Martian Deltas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Achille, G.; Vaz, D. A.

2017-10-01

We a) review the geomorphology, sedimentology, and mineralogy of the martian deltas record and b) present the results of a quantitative study of the hydrology and sedimentology of martian deltas using modified version of terrestrial model Sedflux.

Intellectual property rights related to the genetically modified glyphosate tolerant soybeans in Brazil.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Roberta L; Lage, Celso L S; Vasconcellos, Alexandre G

2011-06-01

The present work analyzes the different modalities of protection of the intellectual creations in the biotechnology agricultural field. Regarding the Brazilian legislations related to the theme (the Industrial Property Law - no. 9. 279/96 and the Plant Variety Protection Law - no. 9. 456/97), and based in the international treaties signed by Brazil, the present work points to the inclusions of each of them, as well as to their interfaces using as reference the case study of glyphosate tolerant genetically modified soybean. For this case study, Monsanto's pipelines patents were searched and used to analyze the limits of patent protection in respect to others related to the Intellectual Property (IP) laws. Thus, it was possible to elucidate the complex scenario of the Intellectual Property of the glyphosate tolerant soybeans, since for the farmer it is hard to correlate the royalties payment with the IP enterprise's rights.

Perceptual load modifies processing of unattended stimuli both in the presence and absence of attended stimuli.

PubMed

Couperus, J W

2010-11-26

This study explored effects of perceptual load on stimulus processing in the presence and absence of an attended stimulus. Participants were presented with a bilateral or unilateral display and asked to perform a discrimination task at either low or high perceptual load. Electrophysiological responses to stimuli were then compared at the P100 and N100. As in previous studies, perceptual load modified processing of attended and unattended stimuli seen at occipital scalp sites. Moreover, perceptual load modulated attention effects when the attended stimulus was presented at high perceptual load for unilateral displays. However, this was not true when the attended and unattended stimulus appeared simultaneously in bilateral displays. Instead, only a main effect of perceptual load was found. Reductions in processing contralateral to the unattended stimulus at the N100 provide support for Lavie's (1995) theory of selective attention. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Composite wastewater treatment by aerated electrocoagulation and modified peroxi-coagulation processes.

PubMed

Kumar, Abhijeet; Nidheesh, P V; Suresh Kumar, M

2018-08-01

Treatment of composite wastewater generating from the industrial estates is a great challenge. The present study examines the applicability of aerated electrocoagulation and modified peroxi-coagulation processes for removing color and COD from composite wastewater. Iron plates were used as anodes and cathodes in both electrochemical processes and experiments were carried out in a working volume of 2 L. Aeration enhanced the efficiency of electrocoagulation process significantly. More than 50% of COD and 60% of color were removed after 1 h of electrocoagulation process operated at pH 3 and applied voltage of 1 V. Efficiency of the modified peroxi-coagulation process was significantly higher than that of aerated electrocoagulation. COD and color removal efficiencies of the modified peroxi-coagulation process were found as 77.7% and 97%, respectively after 1 h of electrolysis operated at 1 V, solution pH 3 and 50 mM hydrogen peroxide addition. This improved efficiency of modified peroxi-coagulation compared to aerated electrocoagulation is mainly due to the attack of in-situ generated hydroxyl radicals. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modified extradural temporopolar approach with mini-peeling of dura propria for paraclinoid and/or parasellar tumors: Operative technique and nuances

PubMed Central

Otani, Naoki; Toyooka, Terushige; Takeuchi, Satoru; Tomiyama, Arata; Wada, Kojiro; Mori, Kentaro

2017-01-01

Background: Modified extradural temporopolar approach (EDTPA) with mini-peeling of the dura propria can provide extensive exposure of the anterior clinoid process and early exposure, as well as complete mobilization and decompression of the optic nerve and internal carotid artery, which can prevent intraoperative neurovascular injury for paraclinoid and/or parasellar lesions. The present study investigated the usefulness of this modified technique and discusses the operative nuances. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of 27 consecutive patients with neoplastic paraclinoid and/or parasellar lesions who underwent this modified approach between September 2009 and August 2016. Results: Preoperative visual acuity worsened in 2 patients (7.4%), and worsening of visual field function occurred in 2 patients (7.4%). Postoperative outcome was good recovery in 25 patients (92.6%) and moderate disability in 2 (7.4%). No operation-related mortality occurred in the series. Conclusions: The modified EDTPA is safe and recommended for surgical treatment of paraclinoid and/or parasellar tumors to reduce the risk of intraoperative optic neurovascular injury. PMID:28904826

Improving dissolution and oral bioavailability of pranlukast hemihydrate by particle surface modification with surfactants and homogenization

PubMed Central

Ha, Eun-Sol; Baek, In-hwan; Yoo, Jin-Wook; Jung, Yunjin; Kim, Min-Soo

2015-01-01

The present study was carried out to develop an oral formulation of pranlukast hemihydrate with improved dissolution and oral bioavailability using a surface-modified microparticle. Based on solubility measurements, surface-modified pranlukast hemihydrate microparticles were manufactured using the spray-drying method with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sucrose laurate, and water and without the use of an organic solvent. The hydrophilicity of the surface-modified pranlukast hemihydrate microparticle increased, leading to enhanced dissolution and oral bioavailability of pranlukast hemihydrate without a change in crystallinity. The surface-modified microparticles with an hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose/sucrose laurate ratio of 1:2 showed rapid dissolution of up to 85% within 30 minutes in dissolution medium (pH 6.8) and oral bioavailability higher than that of the commercial product, with approximately 2.5-fold and 3.9-fold increases in area under the curve (AUC0→12 h) and peak plasma concentration, respectively. Therefore, the surface-modified microparticle is an effective oral drug delivery system for the poorly water-soluble therapeutic pranlukast hemihydrate. PMID:26150699

Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Spray-Formed Boron-Modified Supermartensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zepon, Guilherme; Nogueira, Ricardo P.; Kiminami, Claudio S.; Botta, Walter J.; Bolfarini, Claudemiro

2017-04-01

Spray-formed boron-modified supermartensitic stainless steel (SMSS) grades are alloys developed to withstand severe wear conditions. The addition of boron to the conventional chemical composition of SMSS, combined with the solidification features promoted by the spray forming process, leads to a microstructure composed of low carbon martensitic matrix reinforced by an eutectic network of M2B-type borides, which considerably increases the wear resistance of the stainless steel. Although the presence of borides in the microstructure has a very beneficial effect on the wear properties of the alloy, their effect on the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel was not comprehensively evaluated. The present work presents a study of the effect of boron addition on the corrosion resistance of the spray-formed boron-modified SMSS grades by means of electrochemical techniques. The borides fraction seems to have some influence on the repassivation kinetics of the spray-formed boron-modified SMSS. It was shown that the Cr content of the martensitic matrix is the microstructural feature deciding the corrosion resistance of this sort of alloys. Therefore, if the Cr content in the alloy is increased to around 14 wt pct to compensate for the boron consumed by the borides formation, the corrosion resistance of the alloy is kept at the same level of the alloy without boron addition.

Equations of state and pressure dependence of bulk modulus for aggregated diamond nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, G. R.; Thakar, N. A.; Pandya, T. C.

2018-04-01

In the present paper study of the high pressure behaviour of aggregated diamond nanorods (ADNRs) and diamond have been carried out. A comparative study of different equations of state is discussed to understand the high pressure behaviour of diamond and the aggregated diamond nanorods. In the present study the usual Tait's equation of state has been modified to predict the high pressure behaviour of carbon material ADNRs and diamond. The results obtained in the present study are compared with available experimental evidences. Bulk moduli as a function of pressure are also computed for ADNRs and natural diamond in the light of recent investigations. Present study reveals that ADNRs are less compressible than diamond.

Fasting and postprandial lipid response to the consumption of modified milk fats by guinea pigs.

PubMed

Asselin, Geneviève; Lavigne, Charles; Bergeron, Nathalie; Angers, Paul; Belkacemi, Khaled; Arul, Joseph; Jacques, Hélène

2004-10-01

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of three modified milk fats with different melting profiles on fasting and postprandial lipid responses and on fecal fat content in guinea pigs. We hypothesized that the consumption of modified milk fat with a high m.p. results in reduced fasting and postprandial lipid responses compared with that of modified milk fat fractions with lower m.p. To test this hypothesis, male Hartley guinea pigs were fed isoenergetic diets containing 110 g of fat/kg, either from one of the three modified milk fats with high (HMF), medium (MMF), or low melting profiles (LMF), or from one of the two reference fats as whole milk fat (MF) or a fat blend similar to that of nonhydrogenated soft margarine (MA) for 28 d. Food intake (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (P < 0.05) were reduced in the animals fed the HMF diet compared with the other groups. In the fasting state, plasma LDL cholesterol was highest in animals fed the LMF diet, intermediary in those fed the MMF and MF diets, and lowest in those fed the HMF and MA diets (P< 0.05). Postprandially, the areas under the 0- to 3-h curves for the changes in plasma TG were lower in the HMF group than in the MA- and LMF-fed guinea pigs (P< 0.05). The fecal fat content was higher (P< 0.05) in the HMF group compared to the other milk fat groups. The present results suggest that modified milk fats can impact food intake, body weight gain, fasting cholesterolemia, and postprandial triglyceridemia, and these changes may be attributed to an altered fat absorption.

Modifier gene study of meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis: statistical considerations and gene mapping results

PubMed Central

Dorfman, Ruslan; Li, Weili; Sun, Lei; Lin, Fan; Wang, Yongqian; Sandford, Andrew; Paré, Peter D.; McKay, Karen; Kayserova, Hana; Piskackova, Tereza; Macek, Milan; Czerska, Kamila; Sands, Dorota; Tiddens, Harm; Margarit, Sonia; Repetto, Gabriela; Sontag, Marci K.; Accurso, Frank J.; Blackman, Scott; Cutting, Garry R.; Tsui, Lap-Chee; Corey, Mary; Durie, Peter; Zielenski, Julian; Strug, Lisa J.

2010-01-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease due to mutations in the CFTR gene. Yet, variability in CF disease presentation is presumed to be affected by modifier genes, such as those recently demonstrated for the pulmonary aspect. Here, we conduct a modifier gene study for meconium ileus (MI), an intestinal obstruction that occurs in 16–20% of CF newborns, providing linkage and association results from large family and case–control samples. Linkage analysis of modifier traits is different than linkage analysis of primary traits on which a sample was ascertained. Here, we articulate a source of confounding unique to modifier gene studies and provide an example of how one might overcome the confounding in the context of linkage studies. Our linkage analysis provided evidence of a MI locus on chromosome 12p13.3, which was segregating in up to 80% of MI families with at least one affected offspring (HLOD = 2.9). Fine mapping of the 12p13.3 region in a large case–control sample of pancreatic insufficient Canadian CF patients with and without MI pointed to the involvement of ADIPOR2 in MI (p = 0.002). This marker was substantially out of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the cases only, and provided evidence of a cohort effect. The association with rs9300298 in the ADIPOR2 gene at the 12p13.3 locus was replicated in an independent sample of CF families. A protective locus, using the phenotype of no-MI, mapped to 4q13.3 (HLOD = 3.19), with substantial heterogeneity. A candidate gene in the region, SLC4A4, provided preliminary evidence of association (p = 0.002), warranting further follow-up studies. Our linkage approach was used to direct our fine-mapping studies, which uncovered two potential modifier genes worthy of follow-up. PMID:19662435

Accuracy and Acceptability of a Screening Tool for Identifying Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration among Women Veterans: A Pre-Implementation Evaluation.

PubMed

Portnoy, Galina A; Haskell, Sally G; King, Matthew W; Maskin, Rachel; Gerber, Megan R; Iverson, Katherine M

2018-06-06

Veterans are at heightened risk for perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV), yet there is limited evidence to inform practice and policy for the detection of IPV perpetration. The present study evaluated the accuracy and acceptability of a potential IPV perpetration screening tool for use with women veterans. A national sample of women veterans completed a 2016 web-based survey that included a modified 5-item Extended-Hurt/Insult/Threaten/Scream (Modified E-HITS) and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-2). Items also assessed women's perceptions of the acceptability and appropriateness of the modified E-HITS questions for use in healthcare settings. Accuracy statistics, including sensitivity and specificity, were calculated using the CTS-2 as the reference standard. Primary measures included the Modified E-HITS (index test), CTS-2 (reference standard), and items assessing acceptability. This study included 187 women, of whom 31 women veterans (16.6%) reported past-6-month IPV perpetration on the CTS-2. The Modified E-HITS demonstrated good overall accuracy (area under the curve, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.94). In addition, the majority of women perceived the questions to be acceptable and appropriate. Findings demonstrate that the Modified E-HITS is promising as a low-burden tool for detecting of IPV perpetration among women veterans. This tool may help the Veterans Health Administration and other health care providers detect IPV perpetration and offer appropriate referrals for comprehensive assessment and services. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Genetically modified food--unnecessary controversy?].

PubMed

Tchórz, Michał; Radoniewicz-Chagowska, Anna; Lewandowska-Stanek, Hanna; Szponar, Elzbieta; Szponar, Jarosław

2012-01-01

Fast development of genetic engineering and biotechnology allows use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) more and more in different branches of science and economy. Every year we can see an increase of food amount produced with the use of modification of genetic material. In our supermarkets we can find brand new types of plants, products including genetically modified ingredients or meat from animals fed with food containing GMO. This article presents general information about genetically modified organisms, it also explains the range of genetic manipulation, use of newly developed products and current field area for GMO in the world. Based on scientific data the article presents benefits from development of biotechnology in reference to modified food. It also presents the voice of skeptics who are extremely concerned about the impact of those organisms on human health and natural environment. Problems that appear or can appear as a result of an increase of GMO are very important not only from a toxicologist's or a doctor's point of view but first of all from the point of view of ordinary consumers--all of us.

Failure probability of three designs of zirconia crowns

PubMed Central

Ramos, G. Freitas; Monteiro, E. Barbosa Carmona; Bottino, M.A.; Zhang, Y.; de Melo, R. Marques

2015-01-01

Objectives This study utilized a 2-parameter Weibull analysis for evaluation of lifetime of fully or partially porcelain-/glaze-veneered zirconia crowns after fatigue test. Methods Sixty first molars were selected and prepared for full-coverage crowns with three different designs(n = 20): Traditional –crowns with zirconia framework covered with feldspathic porcelain; Modified– crowns partially covered with veneering porcelain; and Monolithic–full-contour zirconia crowns. All specimens were treated with a glaze layer. Specimens were subjected to mechanical cycling (100N, 3Hz) with a piston with hemispherical tip (Ø=6 mm) until the specimens failed or up to 2×106 cycles. Every 500,000 cycles intervals, the fatigue tests were interrupted, and stereomicroscopy (10 X) was used to inspect the specimens for damage. We performed Weibull analysis of interval data to calculate the number of failures in each interval. Results The types and number of failures according to the groups were: cracking (Traditional-13, Modified-6) and chipping (Traditional-4) of the feldspathic porcelain, followed by delamination (Traditional-1) at the veneer/core interface and debonding (Monollithic-2) at the cementation interface. Weibull parameters (beta, scale; and eta, shape), with a two-sided confidence interval of 95%, were: Traditional – 1.25 and 0.9 × 106cycles; Modified– 0.58 and 11.7 × 106 cycles; and Monolithic – 1.05 and 16.5 × 106 cycles. Traditional crowns showed greater susceptibility to fatigue, the Modified group presented higher propensity to early failures, and the Monolithic group showed no susceptibility to fatigue. The Modified and Monolithic groups presented the highest number of crowns with no failures after the fatigue test. Conclusions The three crown designs presented significantly different behaviors under fatigue. The Modified and the Monolithic groups presented less probability to failure after 2×106cycles. PMID:26509988

Hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNAs of epigenetic modifiers in mice using RNA-sequencing

PubMed Central

Lu, Hong; Cui, Julia; Gunewardena, Sumedha; Yoo, Byunggil; Zhong, Xiao-bo; Klaassen, Curtis

2012-01-01

Developmental regulation of gene expression is controlled by distinct epigenetic signatures catalyzed by various epigenetic modifiers. Little is known about the ontogeny and tissue distribution of these epigenetic modifiers. In the present study, we used a novel approach of RNA-sequencing to elucidate hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNA expression of 142 epigenetic modifiers, including enzymes involved in DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, histone methylation/demethylation, histone phosphorylation and chromosome remodeling factors in male C57BL/6 mice. Livers from male C57BL/6 mice were collected at 12 ages from prenatal to adulthood. Many of these epigenetic modifiers were expressed at much higher levels in perinatal livers than adult livers, such as Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Apobec3, Kat1, Ncoa4, Setd8, Ash2l, Dot1l, Cbx1, Cbx3, Cbx5, Cbx6, Ezh2, Suz12, Eed, Suv39h1, Suv420h2, Dek, Hdac1, Hdac2, Hdac7, Kdm2b, Kdm5c, Kdm7, Prmt1–5, Prmt7, Smarca4, Smarcb1, Chd4 and Ino80e. In contrast, hepatic mRNA expression of a few epigenetic modifiers increased during postnatal liver development, such as Smarca2, Kdm1b, Cbx7 and Chd3. In adult mice (60 d of age), most epigenetic modifiers were expressed at moderately (1–3-fold) higher levels in kidney and/or small intestine than liver. In conclusion, this study, for the first time, unveils developmental changes in mRNA abundance of all major known epigenetic modifiers in mouse liver. These data suggest that ontogenic changes in mRNA expression of epigenetic modifiers may play important roles in determining the addition and/or removal of corresponding epigenetic signatures during liver development. PMID:22772165

Hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNAs of epigenetic modifiers in mice using RNA-sequencing.

PubMed

Lu, Hong; Cui, Julia Yue; Gunewardena, Sumedha; Yoo, Byunggil; Zhong, Xiao-bo; Klaassen, Curtis D

2012-08-01

Developmental regulation of gene expression is controlled by distinct epigenetic signatures catalyzed by various epigenetic modifiers. Little is known about the ontogeny and tissue distribution of these epigenetic modifiers. In the present study, we used a novel approach of RNA-sequencing to elucidate hepatic ontogeny and tissue distribution of mRNA expression of 142 epigenetic modifiers, including enzymes involved in DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, histone methylation/demethylation, histone phosphorylation and chromosome remodeling factors in male C57BL/6 mice. Livers from male C57BL/6 mice were collected at 12 ages from prenatal to adulthood. Many of these epigenetic modifiers were expressed at much higher levels in perinatal livers than adult livers, such as Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Apobec3, Kat1, Ncoa4, Setd8, Ash2l, Dot1l, Cbx1, Cbx3, Cbx5, Cbx6, Ezh2, Suz12, Eed, Suv39h1, Suv420h2, Dek, Hdac1, Hdac2, Hdac7, Kdm2b, Kdm5c, Kdm7, Prmt1-5, Prmt7, Smarca4, Smarcb1, Chd4 and Ino80e. In contrast, hepatic mRNA expression of a few epigenetic modifiers increased during postnatal liver development, such as Smarca2, Kdm1b, Cbx7 and Chd3. In adult mice (60 d of age), most epigenetic modifiers were expressed at moderately (1-3-fold) higher levels in kidney and/or small intestine than liver. In conclusion, this study, for the first time, unveils developmental changes in mRNA abundance of all major known epigenetic modifiers in mouse liver. These data suggest that ontogenic changes in mRNA expression of epigenetic modifiers may play important roles in determining the addition and/or removal of corresponding epigenetic signatures during liver development.

Pseudospin symmetry for modified Rosen-Morse potential including a Pekeris-type approximation to the pseudo-centrifugal term

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Gao-Feng; Dong, Shi-Hai

2010-11-01

By applying a Pekeris-type approximation to the pseudo-centrifugal term, we study the pseudospin symmetry of a Dirac nucleon subjected to scalar and vector modified Rosen-Morse (MRM) potentials. A complicated quartic energy equation and spinor wave functions with arbitrary spin-orbit coupling quantum number k are presented. The pseudospin degeneracy is checked numerically. Pseudospin symmetry is discussed theoretically and numerically in the limit case α rightarrow 0 . It is found that the relativistic MRM potential cannot trap a Dirac nucleon in this limit.

A Bivariate Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Quasilinearization Method for Nonlinear Evolution Parabolic Equations

PubMed Central

Motsa, S. S.; Magagula, V. M.; Sibanda, P.

2014-01-01

This paper presents a new method for solving higher order nonlinear evolution partial differential equations (NPDEs). The method combines quasilinearisation, the Chebyshev spectral collocation method, and bivariate Lagrange interpolation. In this paper, we use the method to solve several nonlinear evolution equations, such as the modified KdV-Burgers equation, highly nonlinear modified KdV equation, Fisher's equation, Burgers-Fisher equation, Burgers-Huxley equation, and the Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation. The results are compared with known exact analytical solutions from literature to confirm accuracy, convergence, and effectiveness of the method. There is congruence between the numerical results and the exact solutions to a high order of accuracy. Tables were generated to present the order of accuracy of the method; convergence graphs to verify convergence of the method and error graphs are presented to show the excellent agreement between the results from this study and the known results from literature. PMID:25254252

A bivariate Chebyshev spectral collocation quasilinearization method for nonlinear evolution parabolic equations.

PubMed

Motsa, S S; Magagula, V M; Sibanda, P

2014-01-01

This paper presents a new method for solving higher order nonlinear evolution partial differential equations (NPDEs). The method combines quasilinearisation, the Chebyshev spectral collocation method, and bivariate Lagrange interpolation. In this paper, we use the method to solve several nonlinear evolution equations, such as the modified KdV-Burgers equation, highly nonlinear modified KdV equation, Fisher's equation, Burgers-Fisher equation, Burgers-Huxley equation, and the Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation. The results are compared with known exact analytical solutions from literature to confirm accuracy, convergence, and effectiveness of the method. There is congruence between the numerical results and the exact solutions to a high order of accuracy. Tables were generated to present the order of accuracy of the method; convergence graphs to verify convergence of the method and error graphs are presented to show the excellent agreement between the results from this study and the known results from literature.

Improvement of human cell line activation test (h-CLAT) using short-time exposure methods for prevention of false-negative results.

PubMed

Narita, Kazuto; Ishii, Yuuki; Vo, Phuc Thi Hong; Nakagawa, Fumiko; Ogata, Shinichi; Yamashita, Kunihiko; Kojima, Hajime; Itagaki, Hiroshi

2018-01-01

Recently, animal testing has been affected by increasing ethical, social, and political concerns regarding animal welfare. Several in vitro safety tests for evaluating skin sensitization, such as the human cell line activation test (h-CLAT), have been proposed. However, similar to other tests, the h-CLAT has produced false-negative results, including in tests for acid anhydride and water-insoluble chemicals. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the cause of false-negative results from phthalic anhydride was hydrolysis by an aqueous vehicle, with IL-8 release from THP-1 cells, and that short-time exposure to liquid paraffin (LP) dispersion medium could reduce false-negative results from acid anhydrides. In the present study, we modified the h-CLAT by applying this exposure method. We found that the modified h-CLAT is a promising method for reducing false-negative results obtained from acid anhydrides and chemicals with octanol-water partition coefficients (LogK ow ) greater than 3.5. Based on the outcomes from the present study, a combination of the original and the modified h-CLAT is suggested for reducing false-negative results. Notably, the combination method provided a sensitivity of 95% (overall chemicals) or 93% (chemicals with LogK ow > 2.0), and an accuracy of 88% (overall chemicals) or 81% (chemicals with LogK ow > 2.0). We found that the combined method is a promising evaluation scheme for reducing false-negative results seen in existing in vitro skin-sensitization tests. In the future, we expect a combination of original and modified h-CLAT to be applied in a newly developed in vitro test for evaluating skin sensitization.

Determining the Number of Ischemic Strokes Potentially Eligible for Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Chia, Nicholas H; Leyden, James M; Newbury, Jonathan; Jannes, Jim; Kleinig, Timothy J

2016-05-01

Endovascular thrombectomy (ET) is standard-of-care for ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion, but estimates of potentially eligible patients from population-based studies have not been published. Such data are urgently needed to rationally plan hyperacute services. Retrospective analysis determined the incidence of ET-eligible ischemic strokes in a comprehensive population-based stroke study (Adelaide, Australia 2009-2010). Stroke patients were stratified via a prespecified eligibility algorithm derived from recent ET trials comprising stroke subtype, pathogenesis, severity, premorbid modified Rankin Score, presentation delay, large vessel occlusion, and target mismatch penumbra. Recognizing centers may interpret recent ET trials either loosely or rigidly; 2 eligibility algorithms were applied: restrictive (key criteria modified Rankin Scale score 0-1, presentation delay <3.5 hours, and target mismatch penumbra) and permissive (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3 and presentation delay <5 hours). In a population of 148 027 people, 318 strokes occurred in the 1-year study period (crude attack rate 215 [192-240] per 100 000 person-years). The number of ischemic strokes eligible by restrictive criteria was 17/258 (7%; 95% confidence intervals 4%-10%) and by permissive criteria, an additional 16 were identified, total 33/258 (13%; 95% confidence intervals 9%-18%). Two of 17 patients (and 6/33 permissive patients) had thrombolysis contraindications. Using the restrictive algorithm, there were 11 (95% confidence intervals 4-18) potential ET cases per 100 000 person-years or 22 (95% confidence intervals 13-31) using the permissive algorithm. In this cohort, ≈7% of ischemic strokes were potentially eligible for ET (13% with permissive criteria). In similar populations, the permissive criteria predict that ≤22 strokes per 100 000 person-years may be eligible for ET. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

The Effects Of Feedback And Selected Personality Variables On Aesthetic Judgment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stallings, William M.; And Others

1973-01-01

This present study is an attempt to investigate the extent to which knowledge of results in various forms (true, none, and false) may modify aesthetic judgment in "typical" (with respect to aesthetic judgment) students. (Author)

Evaluation of railroad cab car end beam designs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

This report presents the results of an experimental study to establish the strength and energy absorption capability of railroad cab car corner structures built to current requirements and for structures modified to carry higher loads and absorb more...

The use of DMA to characterize the aging of asphalt binders.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-06-01

This report presents issues associated with long-term aging of polymer modified asphalt cements (PMACs) as : reflected by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) data. In this study a standard SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block : copolymer) polymer modif...

Invertebrate Paleontology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feldmann, Rodney M.

1983-01-01

Indicating that, although no broad conceptual notions in invertebrate paleontology were proposed during 1982, a large number of excellent papers focusing on testing, modifying, and documenting earlier speculations were published or presented at professional meetings. Highlights of papers, conferences, and research studies are provided (including…

Structural landscape of base pairs containing post-transcriptional modifications in RNA

PubMed Central

Seelam, Preethi P.; Sharma, Purshotam

2017-01-01

Base pairs involving post-transcriptionally modified nucleobases are believed to play important roles in a wide variety of functional RNAs. Here we present our attempts toward understanding the structural and functional role of naturally occurring modified base pairs using a combination of X-ray crystal structure database analysis, sequence analysis, and advanced quantum chemical methods. Our bioinformatics analysis reveals that despite their presence in all major secondary structural elements, modified base pairs are most prevalent in tRNA crystal structures and most commonly involve guanine or uridine modifications. Further, analysis of tRNA sequences reveals additional examples of modified base pairs at structurally conserved tRNA regions and highlights the conservation patterns of these base pairs in three domains of life. Comparison of structures and binding energies of modified base pairs with their unmodified counterparts, using quantum chemical methods, allowed us to classify the base modifications in terms of the nature of their electronic structure effects on base-pairing. Analysis of specific structural contexts of modified base pairs in RNA crystal structures revealed several interesting scenarios, including those at the tRNA:rRNA interface, antibiotic-binding sites on the ribosome, and the three-way junctions within tRNA. These scenarios, when analyzed in the context of available experimental data, allowed us to correlate the occurrence and strength of modified base pairs with their specific functional roles. Overall, our study highlights the structural importance of modified base pairs in RNA and points toward the need for greater appreciation of the role of modified bases and their interactions, in the context of many biological processes involving RNA. PMID:28341704

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy of explosive 2,4-dinitroanisole using modified silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Xu, Zhonghou; Hao, Jumin; Braida, Washington; Strickland, David; Li, Fasheng; Meng, Xiaoguang

2011-11-15

2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is being used as a replacement for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a less-sensitive melt-cast medium explosive than TNT. In this paper, we studied the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of DNAN using Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified by L-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride. Due to the formation of a Meisenheimer complex between DNAN and the modifier, the modified AgNPs can detect 20 μg/L (0.2 ng) and 0.1 mg/L (1 ng) DNAN in deionized water and aged tap water, respectively. Three other chemicals (L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and L-cysteine ethyl ester hydrochloride) were used as AgNPs modifiers to study the mechanism of the SERS of DNAN. It was confirmed that the amino group of L-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride was the active group and that the methyl ester group significantly contributed to the high SERS sensitivity of DNAN. In order to further test the mechanism of Meisenheimer complex formation, the effect of anions and cations present in natural water on the SERS of DNAN was studied. It was found that CO(3)(2-), Cl(-), and K(+) at 100 mg/L did not negatively affect the SERS of 10 mg/L DNAN, while SO(4)(2-), Na(+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+) at 100 mg/L significantly quenched the SERS of 10 mg/L DNAN. The negative effect of the bivalent cations could be offset by SO(4)(2-).

Bisphosphonate-modified gold nanoparticles: a useful vehicle to study the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fanord, Fedena; Fairbairn, Korie; Kim, Harry; Garces, Amanda; Bhethanabotla, Venkat; Gupta, Vinay K.

2011-01-01

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a juvenile form of osteonecrosis of the femoral head that presents in children aged 2-14 years. To date, there is no effective medical therapy for treating LCPD largely due to an inability to modulate the repair process, including the predominance of bone resorption. This investigation aims to evaluate the feasibility of using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) that are surface modified with a bisphosphonate compound for the treatment of osteonecrosis at the cellular level. Studies have found osteoclast-mediated resorption to be a process that contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of femoral head deformities arising from Perthes disease. Our in vitro model was designed to elucidate the effect of alendronate-(a bisphosphonate) modified GNPs, on osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were cultured with recombinant mouse receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), which stimulates osteoclastogenesis, and were then treated with alendronate-modified GNPs for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell proliferation, osteoclast function, and osteoclast morphology were evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion assay, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Comparative studies were performed with GNPs that were only stabilized with citrate ions and with alendronate alone. Neither osteoclastogenesis nor osteoclast function were adversely affected by the presence of the citrate-GNP. Alendronate-modified GNPs had an enhanced effect on inducing osteoclast apoptosis and impairing osteoclast function when compared to unbound alendronate populations.

A comparative Study of Aptasensor Vs Immunosensor for Label-Free PSA Cancer Detection on GQDs-AuNRs Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes.

PubMed

Srivastava, Monika; Nirala, Narsingh R; Srivastava, S K; Prakash, Rajiv

2018-01-31

Label-free and sensitive detection of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is still a big challenge in the arena of prostate cancer diagnosis in males. We present a comparative study for label-free PSA aptasensor and PSA immunosensor for the PSA-specific monoclonal antibody, based on graphene quantum dots-gold nanorods (GQDs-AuNRs) modified screen-printed electrodes. GQDs-AuNRs composite has been synthesized and used as an electro-active material, which shows fast electron transfer and catalytic property. Aptamer or anti-PSA has immobilized onto the surface of modified screen printed electrodes. Three techniques are used simultaneously, viz. cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS) to investigate the analytical performance of both PSA aptasensor and PSA immunosensor with its corresponding PSA antigen. Under optimum conditions, both sensors show comparable results with an almost same limit of detection (LOD) of 0.14 ng mL -1 . The results developed with aptasensor and anti-PSA is also checked through the detection of PSA in real samples with acceptable results. Our study suggests some advantages of aptasensor in terms of better stability, simplicity and cost effectiveness. Further our present work shows enormous potential of our developed sensors for real application using voltammetric and EIS techniques simultaneous to get reliable detection of the disease.

Electrocardiogram‐gated coronary CT angiography dose estimates using ImPACT

PubMed Central

Asada, Yasuki; Matsubara, Kosuke; Suzuki, Shouichi; Koshida, Kichiro; Matsunaga, Yuta; Haba, Tomonobu; Kawaguchi, Ai; Toyama, Hiroshi; Kato, Ryoichi

2016-01-01

The primary study objective was to assess radiation doses using a modified form of the Imaging Performance Assessment of Computed Tomography (CT) scanner (ImPACT) patient dosimetry for cardiac applications on an Aquilion ONE ViSION Edition scanner, including the Ca score, target computed tomography angiography (CTA), prospective CTA, continuous CTA/cardiac function analysis (CFA), and CTA/CFA modulation. Accordingly, we clarified the CT dose index (CTDI) to determine the relationship between heart rate (HR) and X‐ray exposure. As a secondary objective, we compared radiation doses using modified ImPACT, a whole‐body dosimetry phantom study, and the k‐factor method to verify the validity of the dose results obtained with modified ImPACT. The effective dose determined for the reference person (4.66 mSv at 60 beats per minute (bpm) and 33.43 mSv at 90 bpm) were approximately 10% less than those determined for the phantom study (5.28 mSv and 36.68 mSv). The effective doses according to the k‐factor (0.014 mSv·mGy−1·cm−1; 2.57 mSv and 17.10 mSv) were significantly lower than those obtained with the other two methods. In the present study, we have shown that ImPACT, when modified for cardiac applications, can assess both absorbed and effective doses. The results of our dose comparison indicate that modified ImPACT dose assessment is a promising and practical method for evaluating coronary CTA. PACS number(s): 87.57.Q‐, 87.59.Dj, 87.57.uq PMID:27455500

Preliminary Evidence Supports Modification of Retraction Technique to Prevent Needlestick Injuries

PubMed Central

Fa, Bernadette Alvear; Cuny, Eve

2016-01-01

A modified retraction technique was introduced into the DDS degree preclinical anesthesia course in 2011 with the goal of reducing needlestick exposure incidents. In numerous studies of dental exposures, injuries from dental anesthetic needles account for the highest proportion of all exposures. The purpose of this study was to assess the preliminary impact of a modified retraction technique on the incidence of blood and body fluids (BBF) exposure incidents associated with needles during injection. Data from evaluations of students from 2014 and 2015 were obtained and tracked to determine whether the modified retraction technique was “excellent,” “clinically acceptable,” or “clinically unacceptable.” Data were collected to determine if the patient perceived the modified retraction technique as “comfortable” or “correctable when addressed” to help improve student technique for future injections. Likewise, data from the blood-borne exposure database where all information related to BBF exposures is recorded were reviewed and the information separated by year and class. This study presents preliminary data only and because of the small sample size does not lend itself to validation by statistical analysis. However, the technique effectively removes the operator's hand from the field during injection, reducing the risk of accidental intraoral needlestick to the nondominant hand of the operator. PMID:27973940

Modeling zero-modified count and semicontinuous data in health services research Part 1: background and overview.

PubMed

Neelon, Brian; O'Malley, A James; Smith, Valerie A

2016-11-30

Health services data often contain a high proportion of zeros. In studies examining patient hospitalization rates, for instance, many patients will have no hospitalizations, resulting in a count of zero. When the number of zeros is greater or less than expected under a standard count model, the data are said to be zero modified relative to the standard model. A similar phenomenon arises with semicontinuous data, which are characterized by a spike at zero followed by a continuous distribution with positive support. When analyzing zero-modified count and semicontinuous data, flexible mixture distributions are often needed to accommodate both the excess zeros and the typically skewed distribution of nonzero values. Various models have been introduced over the past three decades to accommodate such data, including hurdle models, zero-inflated models, and two-part semicontinuous models. This tutorial describes recent modeling strategies for zero-modified count and semicontinuous data and highlights their role in health services research studies. Part 1 of the tutorial, presented here, provides a general overview of the topic. Part 2, appearing as a companion piece in this issue of Statistics in Medicine, discusses three case studies illustrating applications of the methods to health services research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Distribution network connection pricing framework and methodology: identification of areas of improvement for Sarawak Energy Berhad Connection Charges Guidelines through modified delphi method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, J. K.; Abas, N.

2017-07-01

Complaints on issues and matters related to connection charges have been very common for electricity supply utility companies around the world including Sarawak Energy Berhad. In order to identify the areas that can be improved, a mixed method of exploratory research involving qualitative and quantitative methods have been designed and undertaken rather than a single method of survey. This will ensure a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the issues from various target groups. The method is designed under three phases, employing Modified Delphi Technique for phase 1 through a series of stake holder engagements, online and offline survey questionnaires to be filled by internal wiring contractors for phase 2 whilst under phase 3, case studies shall be carried out on the issues identified from phase 1 and phase 2 of the study. This paper presented the findings from the Modified Delphi Technique. The findings revealed that there are areas of improvement for Sarawak Energy Berhad connection guidelines in term of differentiation of dedicated and shared assets which leads to unfairness to the connecting customers, inconsistency and non-transparent in charging. The findings of Modified Delphi Technique shall be used for implementation of phase 2 and phase 3 of the study.

Efforts To Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Throckmorton, Warren

1998-01-01

Reviews successful efforts to modify patterns of sexual arousal from psychoanalytical, behavioral, cognitive, group, and religious perspectives. Presents an ethical analysis of the American Counseling Association's resolution expressing concerns about conversion therapy. Concludes that efforts to assist homosexuals who wish to modify their…

Bio-Oss® modified by calcitonin gene-related peptide promotes osteogenesis in vitro.

PubMed

Li, Yuanjing; Yang, Lan; Zheng, Zhichao; Li, Zhengmao; Deng, Tian; Ren, Wen; Wu, Caijuan; Guo, Lvhua

2017-11-01

Bio-Oss ® and α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are involved in osteogenesis. However, it has remained to be assessed how α-CGRP affects the effect of Bio-Oss. In the present study, primary osteoblasts were incubated with α-CGRP, Bio-Oss, α-GGRP-Bio-Oss or mimic-α-CGRP. The proliferation rate, mineralization nodules, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenic genes were measured by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Alizarin Red-S staining, ALP activity detection and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR as well as western blot analysis, respectively. The proliferation rate, ALP activity and the number of mineralization nodules were significantly increased in the α-CGRP-modified Bio-Oss group compared to that in the Bio-Oss group. The mRNA and protein levels of osteocalcin, Runt-related transcription factor-2 and ALP were significantly upregulated in the α-CGRP-Bio-Oss group compared with those in the Bio-Oss group. Furthermore, the effect of mimic-α-CGRP on osteogenesis was reduced as it carried a mutation. In conclusion, the present study was the first to demonstrate that Bio-Oss modified with CGRP contributed to osteogenesis and may provide a novel formulation applied in the clinic for restoration of large bone defects.

Evaluation, modification and validation of a set of asthma illustrations in children with chronic asthma in the emergency department

PubMed Central

Tulloch, Joanie; Vaillancourt, Régis; Irwin, Danica; Pascuet, Elena

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVES: To test, modify and validate a set of illustrations depicting different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers in pediatric patients (and/or their parents) with chronic asthma who presented to the emergency department at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario. METHODS: Semistructured interviews using guessability and translucency questionnaires tested the comprehensibility of 15 illustrations depicting different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers in children 10 to 17 years of age, and parents of children one to nine years of age who presented to the emergency department. Illustrations with an overall guessability score <80% and/or translucency median score <6, were reviewed by the study team and modified by the study’s graphic designer. Modifications were made based on key concepts identified by study participants. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were interviewed. Seven of the original 15 illustrations (47%) required modifications to obtain the prespecified guessability and translucency goals. CONCLUSION: The authors successfully developed, modified and validated a set of 15 illustrations representing different levels of asthma control and common asthma triggers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These illustrations will be incorporated into a child-friendly asthma action plan that enables the child to be involved in his or her asthma self-management care. PMID:22332128

The Use of Modified Bentonite for Removal of Aromatic Organics from Contaminated Soil.

PubMed

Gitipour; Bowers; Bodocsi

1997-12-15

This study investigates the clay-aromatic interactions with a view to the use of bentonite clay for binding benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX compounds) in contaminated soils. BTEX compounds are the most toxic aromatic constituents of gasoline present in many underground storage tanks. Modified (organophilic) and ordinary bentonites are used to remove these organics. The organophilic bentonites are prepared by replacing the exchangeable inorganic cations present in bentonite particles with a quaternary ammonium salt. Various clay-to-soil ratios were applied to determine the efficiency of the modified bentonite in enhancing the cement-based solidification/stabilization (S/S) of BTEX contaminated soils. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) tests were performed on soil samples to evaluate the leaching of the organics. In addition, X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted to assess the changes in the basal spacing of the clays as a result of their interaction with BTEX compounds. The findings of this study reveal that organophilic bentonite can act as a successful adsorbent for removing the aromatic organics from contaminated soil. Thus, this material is viable for enhancing the performance of cement-based S/S processes, as an adsorbent for petroleum spills, and for landfill liners and slurry walls. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.

Biomineralization in metakaolin modified cement mortar to improve its strength with lowered cement content.

PubMed

Li, Mengmeng; Zhu, Xuejiao; Mukherjee, Abhijit; Huang, Minsheng; Achal, Varenyam

2017-05-05

The role of industrial byproduct as supplementary cementitious material to partially replace cement has greatly contributed to sustainable environment. Metakaolin (MK), one of such byproduct, is widely used to partial replacement of cement; however, during cement replacement at high percentage, it may not be a good choice to improve the strength of concrete. Thus, in the present study, biocement, a product of microbially induced carbonate precipitation is utilized in MK-modified cement mortars to improve its compressive strength. Despite of cement replacement with MK as high as 50%, the presented technology improved compressive strength of mortars by 27%, which was still comparable to those mortars with 100% cement. The results proved that biomineralization could be effectively used in reducing cement content without compromising compressive strength of mortars. Biocementation also reduced the porosity of mortars at all ages. The process was characterized by SEM-EDS to observe bacterially-induced carbonate crystals and FTIR spectroscopy to predict responsible bonding in the formation of calcium carbonate. Further, XRD analysis identified bio/minerals formed in the MK-modified mortars. The study also encourages combining biological role in construction engineering to solve hazardous nature of cement and at same time solve the disposal problem of industrial waste for sustainable environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parametric study of closed wet cooling tower thermal performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qasim, S. M.; Hayder, M. J.

2017-08-01

The present study involves experimental and theoretical analysis to evaluate the thermal performance of modified Closed Wet Cooling Tower (CWCT). The experimental study includes: design, manufacture and testing prototype of a modified counter flow forced draft CWCT. The modification based on addition packing to the conventional CWCT. A series of experiments was carried out at different operational parameters. In view of energy analysis, the thermal performance parameters of the tower are: cooling range, tower approach, cooling capacity, thermal efficiency, heat and mass transfer coefficients. The theoretical study included develops Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to predicting various thermal performance parameters of the tower. Utilizing experimental data for training and testing, the models simulated by multi-layer back propagation algorithm for varying all operational parameters stated in experimental test.

Immobilization of biomolecules on cysteamine-modified polyaniline film for highly sensitive biosensing.

PubMed

Cai, Qi; Xu, Baojian; Ye, Lin; Di, Zengfeng; Zhang, Jishen; Jin, Qinghui; Zhao, Jianlong; Xue, Jian; Chen, Xianfeng

2014-03-01

We present a new cysteamine (CS)-modified polyaniline (PANI) film for highly efficient immobilization of biomolecules in biosensing technology. This electrochemical deposited PANI film treated with CS and glutaraldehyde could be employed as an excellent substrate for biomolecules immobilization. The parameters of PANI growth were optimized to obtain suitable surface morphology of films for biomolecules combination with the help of electron and atomic force microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was utilized to illustrate the different electrochemical activities of each modified electrode. Due to the existence of sulfydryl group and amino group in CS, surface modification with CS was proven to reduce oxidized units on PANI film remarkably, as evidenced by both ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy characterizations. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the model protein to investigate the immobilization efficiency of biomolecules on the PANI film, comparative study using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) showed that BSA immobilized on CS-modified PANI could be increased by at least 20% than that without CS-modified PANI in BSA solution with the concentration of 0.1-1mg/mL. The CS-modified PANI film would be significant for the immobilization and detection of biomolecules and especially promising in the application of immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fiber Surface Modification Technology for Fiber-Optic Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qiang; Xue, Chenyang; Yuan, Yanling; Lee, Junyang; Sun, Dong; Xiong, Jijun

2012-01-01

Considerable studies have been performed on the development of optical fiber sensors modified by gold nanoparticles based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) technique. The current paper presents a new approach in fiber surface modification technology for biosensors. Star-shaped gold nanoparticles obtained through the seed-mediated solution growth method were found to self-assemble on the surface of tapered optical fibers via amino- and mercapto-silane coupling agents. Transmitted power spectra of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane (APTMS)-modified fiber were obtained, which can verify that the silane coupling agent surface modification method is successful. Transmission spectra are characterized in different concentrations of ethanol and gentian violet solutions to validate the sensitivity of the modified fiber. Assembly using star-shaped gold nanoparticles and amino/mercapto silane coupling agent are analyzed and compared. The transmission spectra of the gold nanoparticles show that the nanoparticles are sensitive to the dielectric properties of the surrounding medium. After the fibers are treated in t-dodecylmercaptan to obtain their transmission spectra, APTMS-modified fiber becomes less sensitive to different media, except that modified by 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTMS). Experimental results of the transmission spectra show that the surface modified by the gold nanoparticles using MPTMS is firmer compared to that obtained using APTMS. PMID:22736974

Simultaneous/Selective Detection of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid at Synthetic Zeolite-Modified/Graphite-Epoxy Composite Macro/Quasi-Microelectrodes

PubMed Central

Ilinoiu, Elida Cristina; Manea, Florica; Serra, Pier Andrea; Pode, Rodica

2013-01-01

The present paper aims to miniaturize a graphite-epoxy and synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite macroelectrode as a quasi-microelectrode aiming in vitro and also, envisaging in vivo simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) neurotransmitters, or DA detection in the presence of AA. The electrochemical behavior and the response of the designed materials to the presence of dopamine and ascorbic acid without any protective membranes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and constant-potential amperometry techniques. The catalytic effect towards dopamine detection was proved for the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode, allowing increasing the sensitivity and selectivity for this analyte detection, besides a possible electrostatic attraction between dopamine cation and the negative surface of the synthetic zeolite and electrostatic repulsion with ascorbic acid anion. Also, the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode gave the best electroanalytical parameters for dopamine detection using constant-potential amperometry, the most useful technique for practical applications. PMID:23736851

Enhanced sulfide removal and bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells with anodes modified by vertically oriented nanosheets.

PubMed

Yang, Meng; Zhong, Yuezhi; Zhang, Baogang; Shi, Jiaxin; Huang, Xueyang; Xing, Yi; Su, Lin; Liu, Huipeng; Borthwick, Alistair G L

2018-01-31

Anode materials and structures are of critical importance for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) recovering energy from toxic substrates. Carbon-fiber-felt anodes modified by layers of vertically oriented TiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 nanosheets were applied in the present study. Enhanced sulfide removal efficiencies (both over 90%) were obtained after a 48-h operation, with maximum power densities improved by 1.53 and 1.36 folds compared with MFCs with raw carbon-fiber-felt anode. The modified anodes provided more active sites for microbial adhesion with increasing biomass densities. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis also indicated the increase in microbial diversities. Bacteroidetes responsible for bioelectricity generation with Thiobacillus and Spirochaeta dominating sulfide removal were found in the MFCs with the modified anodes, with less anaerobic fermentative bacteria as Firmicutes appeared. This indicates that the proposed materials are competitive for applications of MFCs generating bioelectricity from toxic sulfide.

Simultaneous/selective detection of dopamine and ascorbic acid at synthetic zeolite-modified/graphite-epoxy composite macro/quasi-microelectrodes.

PubMed

Ilinoiu, Elida Cristina; Manea, Florica; Serra, Pier Andrea; Pode, Rodica

2013-06-03

The present paper aims to miniaturize a graphite-epoxy and synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite macroelectrode as a quasi-microelectrode aiming in vitro and also, envisaging in vivo simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) neurotransmitters, or DA detection in the presence of AA. The electrochemical behavior and the response of the designed materials to the presence of dopamine and ascorbic acid without any protective membranes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and constant-potential amperometry techniques. The catalytic effect towards dopamine detection was proved for the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode, allowing increasing the sensitivity and selectivity for this analyte detection, besides a possible electrostatic attraction between dopamine cation and the negative surface of the synthetic zeolite and electrostatic repulsion with ascorbic acid anion. Also, the synthetic zeolite-modified graphite-epoxy composite quasi-microelectrode gave the best electroanalytical parameters for dopamine detection using constant-potential amperometry, the most useful technique for practical applications.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-osmolarity ORS vs. Modified Rehydration Solution for Malnourished Children for Treatment of Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition and Diarrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Kumar, Ruchika; Kumar, Praveen; Aneja, S; Kumar, Virendra; Rehan, Harmeet S

2015-12-01

World Health Organization-recommended rehydration solution for malnourished children (ReSoMal) for rehydrating severe acute malnourished children is not available in India. In present study, 110 consecutive children aged 6-59 months with severely acute malnourishment and acute diarrhea were randomized to low-osmolarity oral rehydration solution (ORS) (osmolarity: 245, sodium: 75) with added potassium (20 mmol/l) or modified ReSoMal (osmolarity: 300, sodium: 45). In all, 15.4% of modified ReSoMal group developed hyponatremia as compared with 1.9% in low-osmolarity ORS, but none developed severe hyponatremia or hypernatremia. Both groups had equal number of successful rehydration (52 each). Both types of ORS were effective in correcting hypokalemia and dehydration, but rehydration was achieved in shorter duration with modified ReSoMal. © The Author [2015]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A study on effect of ATH on Euphorbia coagulum modified polyester banana fiber composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Sanju; Rai, Bhuvneshwar; Kumar, Gulshan

2018-02-01

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are used for building and structural applications due to their high strength. In conventional composites both the binder and the reinforcing fibers are synthetic or either one of the material is natural. In the present study coagulum of Euphorbia royleana has been used for replacing polyester resinas binder in polyester banana composite. Euphorbia coagulum (driedlatex) is rich in resinous mass (60-80%), which are terpenes and polyisoprene (10-20%). Effect of varying percentage of coagulum content on various physico-mechanical properties of polyester-banana composites has been studied. Since banana fiber is sensitive to water due to presence of polar group, banana composite undergoes delamination and deterioration under humid condition. Alkali treated banana fiber along with coagulum content has improved overall mechanical properties and reduction in water absorption. The best physico-mechanical properties have been achieved on replacing 40% of polyester resin by coagulum. An increase of 50% in bending strength, 30% bending modulus and 45% impact strength as well as 68% decrease in water absorption was observed. Incorporation of 20% ATH as flame retardant in coagulum modified banana polyester composite enhanced limiting oxygen index from 20.6 to 26.8% and smoke density reduced up to 40%. This study presents the possibility of utilization of renewable materials for environmental friendly composite development as well as to find out alternative feedstock for petroleum products. Developed Euphorbia latex modified banana polyester composites can have potential utility in hardboard, partition panel, plywood and automotive etc.

Effect of alkali and oxidative treatments on the physicochemical, pasting, thermal and morphological properties of corn starch.

PubMed

Spier, Franciela; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa; Marques e Silva, Ricardo; Elias, Moacir Cardoso; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra

2013-07-01

Few studies on starch modifications using different chemical agents are available in the literature, and no reports were found on the combined effect of oxidation and alkaline treatment of corn starch. Thus this work evaluated the physicochemical, pasting, morphological, cystallinity and thermal properties of chemically modified corn starch, after either the isolated or combined action of alkaline (sodium hydroxide) and oxidative (sodium hypochlorite) treatments. The highest values for the sum of carbonyl and carboxyl and enzymatic hydrolysis occurred in starches submitted to oxidative treatment at high active chlorine concentrations. The alkali treatment in isolation modified the pasting properties, reduced the paste temperature and increased the peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and setback of starches. Starch modified by the action of sodium hypochlorite and hydroxide in combination presented more severe damage on granule surfaces. The results show that corn starch modified by the combined action of oxidative and alkaline treatments should be studied more, especially at the concentration limit of sodium hydroxide where gelatinization occurs. Under these conditions the effect of oxidation can be more intense and thus allow the production of starches with different properties and an increase in their industrial applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Three-generation reproduction toxicity study of genetically modified rice with insect resistant genes.

PubMed

Hu, Yichun; Zhuo, Qin; Gong, Zhaolong; Piao, Jianhua; Yang, Xiaoguang

2017-01-01

In the present work, we evaluated the three generation reproductive toxicity of the genetically modified rice with insectresistant cry1Ac and sck genes. 120 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups which were fed with genetically modified rice diet (GM group), parental control rice diet (PR group) and AIN-93 control diet (both used as negative control) respectively. Bodyweight, food consumption, reproductive data, hematological parameters, serum chemistry, relative organ weights and histopathology for each generation were examined respectively. All the hematology and serum chemistry parameters, organ/body weight indicators were within the normal range or no change to the adverse direction was observed, although several differences in hematology and serum chemistry parameters (WBC, BUN, LDH of male rat, PLT, PCT, MPV of female rats), reproductive data (rate of morphologically abnormal sperm) were observed between GM rice group and two control groups. No macroscopic or histological adverse effects were found or considered as treatment-related, either. Overall, the three generation study of genetically modified rice with cry1Ac and sck genes at a high level showed no unintended adverse effects on rats's reproductive system. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Thrombospondin-1 modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promote neurite outgrowth and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Pu, Yujie; Meng, Ke; Gu, Chuanlong; Wang, Linlin; Zhang, Xiaoming

2017-01-01

Stem cell therapies are currently gaining momentum in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, unsatisfied intrinsic neurite growth capacity constitutes significant obstacles for injured spinal cord repair and ultimately results in neurological dysfunction. The present study assessed the efficacy of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a neurite outgrowth-promoting molecule, modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on promoting neurite outgrowth in vitro and in vivo of Oxygen–Glucose Deprivation (OGD) treated motor neurons and SCI rat models. The present results demonstrated that the treatment of BMSCs+TSP-1 could promote the neurite length, neuronal survival, and functional recovery after SCI. Additionally, TSP-1 could activate transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) then induced the smad2 phosphorylation, and expedited the expression of GAP-43 to promote neurite outgrowth. The present study for the first time demonstrated that BMSCs+TSP-1 could promote neurite outgrowth and functional recovery after SCI partly through the TGF-β1/p-Samd2 pathway. The study provided a novel encouraging evidence for the potential treatment of BMSCs modification with TSP-1 in patients with SCI. PMID:29221205

Immobilization of hyaluronic acid on plasma-sprayed porous titanium coatings for improving biological properties.

PubMed

Ao, Haiyong; Xie, Youtao; Qin, An; Ji, Heng; Yang, Shengbing; Huang, Liping; Zheng, Xuebin; Tang, Tingting

2014-01-01

In the present study, hyaluronic acid (HyA) was covalently immobilized onto titanium coatings to improve their biological properties. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the HyA-modified titanium coating. HyA-modified titanium coatings possess better cell-material interaction, and human mesenchymal stem cells present good adhesive morphologies on the surface of TC-AAH. The results of subsequent cellular evaluation showed that the immobilization of HyA on titanium coatings could improve hMSC attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. In vivo evaluation of implants in rabbit femur condyle defect model showed improvements of early osseointegration and bone-to-implant contact of TC-AAH. In conclusion, immobilization of HyA could improve biological properties of titanium coatings.

Fe local structure in Pt-free nitrogen-modified carbon based electrocatalysts: XAFS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkowska, Agnieszka; Giuli, Gabriele; Renzi, Marco; Marzorati, Stefania; Yiming, Wubulikasimu; Nobili, Francesco; Longhi, Mariangela

2016-05-01

The paper presents a new results on the bonding environment (coordination number and geometry) and on oxidation states of Fe in nitrogen-modified Fe/C composites used as Pt-free catalysts for oxygen reduction in Direct Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Starting from glucose or fructose, two catalysts displaying different electrochemical performance were prepared and studied in the form of pristine powder and thin catalytic layer of electrode by Fe K-edge XAFS spectroscopy. The results show how the Fe local structure varies as a function of different synthesis conditions and how changes in the structural properties of the catalysts are related to fuel cell electrochemical performance increase during a cell activation period.

Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Bladder Cancer in Men and Women

PubMed Central

Quirk, Jeffrey T; Li, Qiang; Natarajan, Nachimuthu; Mettlin, Curtis J; Cummings, K Michael

2004-01-01

Although cigarette smoking is a principal risk factor for bladder cancer in both men and women, few studies have statistically evaluated whether gender modifies the effect of smoking on bladder cancer risk. We initiated the present case-control study at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, U.S., to provide further data on this important issue. We observed similar risk estimates for men and women with comparable smoking exposures, but did not observe a statistically significant interaction between gender and lifetime smoking exposure. We conclude that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer in both sexes, but that gender does not modify the effect of smoking on bladder cancer risk.

Synthesis and characterization of modified starch/polybutadiene as novel transdermal drug delivery system.

PubMed

Saboktakin, Mohammad Reza; Akhyari, Shahab; Nasirov, Fizuli A

2014-08-01

Transdermal drug delivery systems are topically administered medicaments in the form of patches that deliver drugs for systemic effects at a predetermined and controlled rate. It works very simply in which drug is applied inside the patch and it is worn on skin for long period of time. Polymer matrix, drug, permeation enhancers are the main components of transdermal drug delivery systems. The objective of the present study was to develop the modified starch and 1,4-cis polybutadiene nanoparticles as novel polymer matrix system. We have been studied the properties of a novel transdermal drug delivery system with clonidine as drug model. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Buckling and postbuckling of size-dependent cracked microbeams based on a modified couple stress theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbarzadeh Khorshidi, M.; Shariati, M.

2017-07-01

The elastic buckling analysis and the static postbuckling response of the Euler-Bernoulli microbeams containing an open edge crack are studied based on a modified couple stress theory. The cracked section is modeled by a massless elastic rotational spring. This model contains a material length scale parameter and can capture the size effect. The von Kármán nonlinearity is applied to display the postbuckling behavior. Analytical solutions of a critical buckling load and the postbuckling response are presented for simply supported cracked microbeams. This parametric study indicates the effects of the crack location, crack severity, and length scale parameter on the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of cracked microbeams.

Designing Pulse Laser Surface Modification of H13 Steel Using Response Surface Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqida, S. N.; Brabazon, D.; Naher, S.

2011-01-01

This paper presents a design of experiment (DOE) for laser surface modification process of AISI H13 tool steel in achieving the maximum hardness and minimum surface roughness at a range of modified layer depth. A Rofin DC-015 diffusion-cooled CO2 slab laser was used to process AISI H13 tool steel samples. Samples of 10 mm diameter were sectioned to 100 mm length in order to process a predefined circumferential area. The parameters selected for examination were laser peak power, overlap percentage and pulse repetition frequency (PRF). The response surface method with Box-Behnken design approach in Design Expert 7 software was used to design the H13 laser surface modification process. Metallographic study and image analysis were done to measure the modified layer depth. The modified surface roughness was measured using two-dimensional surface profilometer. The correlation of the three laser processing parameters and the modified surface properties was specified by plotting three-dimensional graph. The hardness properties were tested at 981 mN force. From metallographic study, the laser modified surface depth was between 37 μm and 150 μm. The average surface roughness recorded from the 2D profilometry was at a minimum value of 1.8 μm. The maximum hardness achieved was between 728 and 905 HV0.1. These findings are significant to modern development of hard coatings for wear resistant applications.

Seismic Risk Studies in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Algermissen, S.T.

A new seismic risk map of the United States is presented, along with strain release and maximum Modified Mercalli intesity maps of the country. Frequency of occurrence of damaging earthquakes was not considered in zone ratings, but included frequency studies may aid interpretation. Discussion of methods is included with review of calculations. (MH)

The Effects of Multimedia Annotation and Summary Writing on Taiwanese EFL Students' Reading Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Wen-Chi

2014-01-01

The present study investigates the effects of multimedia annotation through the discourse scheme and summary writing through the grounding theory (Chang, 1997) on text comprehension. Specifically, the study focuses on examining the influences of multimedia annotation from a special perspective, namely, the use of modified discourse scheme to…

Group Work for Korean Expatriate Women in the United States: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suh, Suhyun; Lee, Myoung-Suk

2006-01-01

This paper presents the results of exploratory research with a group of seven Korean expatriate women. The study employed a modified Reality Therapy approach over eight meetings conducted by two professionally qualified leaders who also speak Korean. Qualitative research methods were used to analyze and describe the participants' experiences.…

Modification of Personal Hygiene and Grooming Behaviors with Contingency Contracting: A Brief Review and Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, Sarah J.; Kramer, Jack J.

1990-01-01

Presents discussion of basic components and characteristics of contingency contracts. Includes case study in which contingency contracting procedures were integrated within a behavioral consultation model used by a school psychologist consulting with a classroom teacher to modify personal hygiene of 12-year-old male. (Author/ABL)

VAKT for Basic Subtraction Facts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Carol A.; Toohey, Margaret A.

Guidelines are presented for modifying basic instruction of subtraction facts for elementary level learning disabled students. A detailed case study is used to illustrate a five-step structured program: (1) find a way to work it out; (2) add to check; (3) learn the partner facts; (4) study families of facts; (5) review and practice. The selection…

Recent developments in the Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz procedure for multireader ROC study analysis.

PubMed

Hillis, Stephen L; Berbaum, Kevin S; Metz, Charles E

2008-05-01

The Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz (DBM) method has been one of the most popular methods for analyzing multireader receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) studies since it was proposed in 1992. Despite its popularity, the original procedure has several drawbacks: it is limited to jackknife accuracy estimates, it is substantially conservative, and it is not based on a satisfactory conceptual or theoretical model. Recently, solutions to these problems have been presented in three papers. Our purpose is to summarize and provide an overview of these recent developments. We present and discuss the recently proposed solutions for the various drawbacks of the original DBM method. We compare the solutions in a simulation study and find that they result in improved performance for the DBM procedure. We also compare the solutions using two real data studies and find that the modified DBM procedure that incorporates these solutions yields more significant results and clearer interpretations of the variance component parameters than the original DBM procedure. We recommend using the modified DBM procedure that incorporates the recent developments.

Divergent synthetic approach to 6”-modified α-GalCer analogues

PubMed Central

Pauwels, Nora; Aspeslagh, Sandrine; Vanhoenacker, Gerd; Sandra, Koen; Yu, Esther D.; Zajonc, Dirk M.; Elewaut, Dirk; Linclau, Bruno; Van Calenbergh, Serge

2011-01-01

A synthetic approach is presented for the synthesis of galacturonic acid and d-fucosyl modified KRN7000. The approach allows for late-stage functionalisation of both the sugar 6”-OH and the sphingosine amino groups, which enables convenient synthesis of promising 6”-modified KRN7000 analogues. PMID:22042483

Factors influencing utilization of hospital services by adult sickle cell disease patients: a systematic review.

PubMed

Benenson, Irina; Jadotte, Yuri; Echevarria, Mercedes

2017-03-01

Painful vaso-occlusive crisis is a hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) that commonly results in utilization of hospital services. Recurrent use of hospital services by SCD patients is associated with high healthcare costs and adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the factors influencing the pattern of utilization is a first step in improving medical care of this patient population while reducing healthcare expenditures. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine what modifiable and non-modifiable factors influence utilization of hospital services by adult SCD patients. Adult SCD patients of both sexes who utilized hospital services for acute or emergency care. Non-modifiable and modifiable factors influencing utilization of hospital services. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control and analytical cross-sectional studies. The primary outcome of interest was high utilization of hospital services by adult SCD patients based on non-modifiable and modifiable factors measured as an odds ratio (analytical outcome). The secondary outcome was the prevalence of non-modifiable and modifiable factors among SCD patients who utilized hospital services measured as an event rate (descriptive outcome). A comprehensive multi-step search was undertaken to find both published and unpublished studies. Only studies published in the English language were included. The search was not limited by year of publication. Retrieved papers were assessed for methodological quality using standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. Data were extracted using a researcher-developed tool. Included studies were combined in a statistical meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was based on a random effect model. For studies that did not allow statistical pooling, the findings have been presented in a narrative form. Fourteen studies were included in this review. The analysis demonstrated that male patients accounted for 40.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.370-0.447) of all utilizing patients. Sickle cell disease patients who were publically insured accounted for 76.5% (95% CI 0.632-0.861) of all patients who had hospital encounters. Patients aged 25-35 years had the highest rate of utilization, and the rate of utilization declined in patients older than 50 years. High utilizing patients had more diagnoses of acute chest syndrome and sepsis than patients who were moderate or low utilizers. The majority of SCD patients who utilized hospital services were women, young people and publically insured individuals. Patients with particularly high level of utilization had more frequent diagnoses of acute chest syndrome and sepsis.

Readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms according to their knowledge and emotional attitude towards GMOs.

PubMed

Lachowski, Stanisław; Jurkiewicz, Anna; Choina, Piotr; Florek-Łuszczki, Magdalena; Buczaj, Agnieszka; Goździewska, Małgorzata

2017-06-07

Agriculture based on genetically modified organisms plays an increasingly important role in feeding the world population, which is evidenced by a considerable growth in the size of land under genetically modified crops (GM). Uncertainty and controversy around GM products are mainly due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, and lack of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications, and the effect of GM food on the human organism, and consequently, a negative emotional attitude towards what is unknown. The objective of the presented study was to discover to what extent knowledge and the emotional attitude of adolescents towards genetically modified organisms is related with acceptance of growing genetically modified plants or breeding GM animals on own farm or allotment garden, and the purchase and consumption of GM food, as well as the use of GMOs in medicine. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed by the author, which covered a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary school on the level of maturity examination. The collected material was subjected to statistical analysis. Research hypotheses were verified using chi-square test (χ ² ), t-Student test, and stepwise regression analysis. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms as food or for the production of pharmaceuticals, the production of GM plants or animals on own farm, depends on an emotional-evaluative attitude towards GMOs, and the level of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications.

External facial features modify the representation of internal facial features in the fusiform face area.

PubMed

Axelrod, Vadim; Yovel, Galit

2010-08-15

Most studies of face identity have excluded external facial features by either removing them or covering them with a hat. However, external facial features may modify the representation of internal facial features. Here we assessed whether the representation of face identity in the fusiform face area (FFA), which has been primarily studied for internal facial features, is modified by differences in external facial features. We presented faces in which external and internal facial features were manipulated independently. Our findings show that the FFA was sensitive to differences in external facial features, but this effect was significantly larger when the external and internal features were aligned than misaligned. We conclude that the FFA generates a holistic representation in which the internal and the external facial features are integrated. These results indicate that to better understand real-life face recognition both external and internal features should be included. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Organic amaranth starch: A study of its technological properties after heat-moisture treatment.

PubMed

Bet, Camila Delinski; de Oliveira, Cristina Soltovski; Colman, Tiago André Denck; Marinho, Marina Tolentino; Lacerda, Luiz Gustavo; Ramos, Augusto Pumacahua; Schnitzler, Egon

2018-10-30

Organic amaranth starch (Amaranthus caudatus) was studied after heat-moisture treatment (HMT) using different moisture contents and different times. The starch extracted by the aqueous method presented low lipid and protein content. After HMT, an increase in the thermal stability was identified. The onset and peak temperatures were higher with an increase in moisture content and the times used in the modification. The gelatinisation enthalpy varied due to the heterogeneity of the crystals formed after the structural reorganisation caused by HMT. The relative crystallinity was lower for the physically modified starches. An increase in the pasting temperature was accompanied by a decrease in the viscosity, setback and breakdown, which were proportional to the moisture and time used. The morphology of the HMT-modified samples was not altered; however, agglomerations were noted. Low levels of dispersion homogeneity and suspension stability were observed for the modified samples due to the strong presence of agglomerates. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

New modified multi-level residue harmonic balance method for solving nonlinearly vibrating double-beam problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Md. Saifur; Lee, Yiu-Yin

2017-10-01

In this study, a new modified multi-level residue harmonic balance method is presented and adopted to investigate the forced nonlinear vibrations of axially loaded double beams. Although numerous nonlinear beam or linear double-beam problems have been tackled and solved, there have been few studies of this nonlinear double-beam problem. The geometric nonlinear formulations for a double-beam model are developed. The main advantage of the proposed method is that a set of decoupled nonlinear algebraic equations is generated at each solution level. This heavily reduces the computational effort compared with solving the coupled nonlinear algebraic equations generated in the classical harmonic balance method. The proposed method can generate the higher-level nonlinear solutions that are neglected by the previous modified harmonic balance method. The results from the proposed method agree reasonably well with those from the classical harmonic balance method. The effects of damping, axial force, and excitation magnitude on the nonlinear vibrational behaviour are examined.

Concurrent myotomy and tunneling after establishment of a half tunnel instead of myotomy after establishment of a full tunnel: a more efficient method of peroral endoscopic myotomy

PubMed Central

Philips, George M.; Dacha, Sunil; Keilin, Steve A.; Willingham, Field F.; Cai, Qiang

2016-01-01

Background and study aims: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a time-consuming and challenging procedure. Traditionally, the myotomy is done after the submucosal tunnel has been completed. Starting the myotomy earlier, after submucosal tunneling is half completed (concurrent myotomy and tunneling), may be more efficient. This study aims to assess if the method of concurrent myotomy and tunneling may decrease the procedural time and be efficacious. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent modified POEM (concurrent myotomy and tunneling) or traditional POEM at a tertiary care medical center. Modified POEM or traditional POEM was performed at the discretion of the endoscopist in patients presenting with achalasia. The total procedural duration, myotomy duration, myotomy length, and time per unit length of myotomy were recorded for both modified and traditional POEM. Results: Modified POEM was performed in 6 patients whose mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) was 58 ± 13.3 years. Of these, 5 patients had type II achalasia and 1 patient had esophageal dysmotility. The mean Eckardt score (± SD) before the procedure was 8.8 ± 1.3. The modified technique was performed in 47 ± 8 minutes, with 6 ± 1 minutes required per centimeter of myotomy and 3 ± 1 minutes required per centimeter of submucosal space. The Eckardt score was 3 ± 1.1 at 1 month and 3 ± 2.5 at 3 months. The procedure time for modified POEM was significantly shorter than that for traditional POEM. Conclusions: Modified POEM with short submucosal tunneling may be more efficient than traditional POEM with long submucosal tunneling, and outcomes may be equivalent over short-term follow-up. Long-term data and randomized controlled studies are needed to compare the clinical efficacy of modified POEM with that of the traditional method. PMID:27092318

Concurrent myotomy and tunneling after establishment of a half tunnel instead of myotomy after establishment of a full tunnel: a more efficient method of peroral endoscopic myotomy.

PubMed

Philips, George M; Dacha, Sunil; Keilin, Steve A; Willingham, Field F; Cai, Qiang

2016-04-01

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a time-consuming and challenging procedure. Traditionally, the myotomy is done after the submucosal tunnel has been completed. Starting the myotomy earlier, after submucosal tunneling is half completed (concurrent myotomy and tunneling), may be more efficient. This study aims to assess if the method of concurrent myotomy and tunneling may decrease the procedural time and be efficacious. This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent modified POEM (concurrent myotomy and tunneling) or traditional POEM at a tertiary care medical center. Modified POEM or traditional POEM was performed at the discretion of the endoscopist in patients presenting with achalasia. The total procedural duration, myotomy duration, myotomy length, and time per unit length of myotomy were recorded for both modified and traditional POEM. Modified POEM was performed in 6 patients whose mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) was 58 ± 13.3 years. Of these, 5 patients had type II achalasia and 1 patient had esophageal dysmotility. The mean Eckardt score (± SD) before the procedure was 8.8 ± 1.3. The modified technique was performed in 47 ± 8 minutes, with 6 ± 1 minutes required per centimeter of myotomy and 3 ± 1 minutes required per centimeter of submucosal space. The Eckardt score was 3 ± 1.1 at 1 month and 3 ± 2.5 at 3 months. The procedure time for modified POEM was significantly shorter than that for traditional POEM. Modified POEM with short submucosal tunneling may be more efficient than traditional POEM with long submucosal tunneling, and outcomes may be equivalent over short-term follow-up. Long-term data and randomized controlled studies are needed to compare the clinical efficacy of modified POEM with that of the traditional method.

Modified Kidner procedure utilizing a Mitek bone anchor.

PubMed

Dawson, D M; Julsrud, M E; Erdmann, B B; Jacobs, P M; Ringstrom, J B

1998-01-01

The recent development of small bone suture anchors has created several potential applications in reconstructive surgery of the foot. Mitek bone anchors are simple to insert, require less aggressive dissection and surgical time than reefing of the redundant posterior tibial tendon, and are a reliable method of tendon-to-bone fixation. Mitek bone anchors are an excellent technique for the treatment of redundant tibialis posterior tendon following a modified Kidner procedure. In modified Kidner procedures involving an excessively large os tibiale externum, Mitek anchoring of the redundant tibialis posterior tendon to the navicular bone is an excellent means for secure plication of the posterior tibial tendon in cases involving intraoperative tendon laxity. A description of the Mitek Anchor System and technique of application in a modified Kinder procedure is presented. The purpose of this study was to describe patient satisfaction and long-term clinical outcomes of the modified Kinder procedure with and without the Mitek bone anchoring system. A retrospective study of the modified Kinder procedure was performed with 13 patients being evaluated, seven with Mitek anchoring and six without. The University of Maryland 100-point Painful Foot Center Scoring System was modified to be more specific to the modified Kinder procedure for assessment of subjective long-term results. Patient overall satisfaction was rated good to excellent by 85.6% of patients in the Mitek group and by 100% of patients in the non-Mitek group. Use of the Mitek anchor allowed for quicker postoperative recovery to resumption of ambulation without assistive devices (average of 3 weeks vs. 4.42 weeks) and a quicker return to pain-free ambulation in normal shoegear (average of 4 weeks vs. 6 weeks). Mitek anchoring of the tibialis posterior tendon, theoretically, increases medial arch support as evidenced by 14% of the Mitek group and 67% of the non-Mitek group requiring postoperative orthotics.

Rheology of different hydrocolloids–rice starch blends. Effect of successive heating–cooling cycles

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hydrocolloids are frequently used for modifying starch functionality. In the present study the possible interaction of three different hydrocolloids - guar gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and xanthan gum - with rice starch was explored by determining the pasting, viscoelastic and swelling ...

Cell-mediated T lymphocyte responses against syngeneic cells modified with amino-reactive hapten (AED-NH2): H-2Dk serves as an element for cell-mediated lympholysis to amino-reactive hapten (AED-NH2)-modified self.

PubMed

Mizuochi, T; Fujiwara, H; Takai, Y; Hamaoka, T

1985-02-01

Spleen cells from C3H/He mice immunized to the newly synthesized amino-reactive hapten, 5-sulfo-1-naphthoxy acetic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide (AED-NH2), were stimulated in vitro with AED-NH2 modified syngeneic cells. After 5 days of culture, effector cells were assayed for their cytotoxic activity against AED-NH2-modified target blast cells. In contrast to other amino-reactive haptens reported so far, a strong cytotoxic activity against AED-NH2-modified syngeneic cells was found in H-2b mice as well as in H-2k mice. Furthermore, Dk-restricted anti-AED-NH2 CTL recognition was observed in H-2k mice as shown by cold target inhibition. Previous studies have demonstrated the predominant influence of K over D region self determinants, and of the chemical reactivity of the haptenic reagent in Ir gene control of CTL response to hapten-self. The present report illustrates the importance of the hapten itself in genetic regulation of these CTL responses.

Application of nickel zinc ferrite/graphene nanocomposite as a modifier for fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical sensor for determination of omeprazole in real samples.

PubMed

Afkhami, Abbas; Bahiraei, Atousa; Madrakian, Tayyebeh

2017-06-01

In the present study, a simple and highly sensitive sensor for the determination of omeprazole based on nickel-zinc ferrite/graphene modified glassy carbon electrode is reported. The morphology and electro analytical performance of the fabricated sensor were characterized with X-ray diffraction spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and operation of the sensor. Results were compared with those achieved at the graphene modified glassy carbon electrode and bare glassy carbon electrode. Under the optimized experimental conditions, linear response was over the range of 0.03-100.0µmolL -1 . The lower detection limit was found to be 0.015µmolL -1 . The effect of different interferences on the anodic current response of OMZ was investigated. By measuring the concentrations of omeprazole in plasma and pharmaceutical samples, the practical application of the modified electrode was evaluated. This revealed that the nickel-zinc ferrite/graphene modified glassy carbon electrode shows excellent analytical performance for the determination of omeprazole with a very low detection limit, high sensitivity, and very good accuracy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct electron transfer of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase at platinum and palladium nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes modified electrodes.

PubMed

Bozorgzadeh, Somayyeh; Hamidi, Hassan; Ortiz, Roberto; Ludwig, Roland; Gorton, Lo

2015-10-07

In the present work, platinum and palladium nanoparticles (PtNPs and PdNPs) were decorated on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by a simple thermal decomposition method. The prepared nanohybrids, PtNPs-MWCNTs and PdNPs-MWCNTs, were cast on the surface of spectrographic graphite electrodes and then Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase (PcCDH) was adsorbed on the modified layer. Direct electron transfer between PcCDH and the nanostructured modified electrodes was studied using flow injection amperometry and cyclic voltammetry. The maximum current responses (Imax) and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constants (K) for the different PcCDH modified electrodes were calculated by fitting the data to the Michaelis-Menten equation and compared. The sensitivity towards lactose was 3.07 and 3.28 μA mM(-1) at the PcCDH/PtNPs-MWCNTs/SPGE and PcCDH/PdNPs-MWCNTs/SPGE electrodes, respectively, which were higher than those measured at the PcCDH/MWCNTs/SPGE (2.60 μA mM(-1)) and PcCDH/SPGE (0.92 μA mM(-1)). The modified electrodes were additionally tested as bioanodes for biofuel cell applications.

Effects of caffeine and alcohol on mood and performance changes following consumption of lager.

PubMed

Smith, Andrew P

2013-06-01

The present study examined whether caffeine would modify the behavioural effects of alcohol. The aim of the study was to determine whether caffeine modifies the effects of alcohol on mood and psychomotor performance and to identify possible dose-response and temporal relationships. A double-blind study examined the effects of three successive lager drinks (330 ml each) in the early afternoon on mood and psychomotor performance assessed at 30-min intervals over a 2-h period. Participants carried out a baseline session and were then randomly assigned to one of six conditions formed by combining three different doses of caffeine (0, 62.5 and 125 mg per drink) with either no alcohol or 4.3 % alcohol. One hundred and forty-six young adults (65 male, 81 female; age range 18-30 years) participated in the study. Mood (alertness, hedonic tone and anxiety) was assessed before and after performing simple reaction time and choice reaction time tasks. Alcohol was associated with higher hedonic tone (p < 0.005), reduced anxiety (p < 0.05) and reduced alertness (p < 0.005). Caffeine had no modifying effect on hedonic tone or anxiety. However, the highest dose of caffeine did remove the effect of alcohol on alertness (p < 0.05). Effects of alcohol and caffeine were found on the performance tasks (all p values < 0.05) but these were independent effects. The results from the present study confirm that caffeine does not remove the negative effects of alcohol on performance although high doses counteract the drop in subjective alertness produced by alcohol.

Modified cable equation incorporating transverse polarization of neuronal membranes for accurate coupling of electric fields.

PubMed

Wang, Boshuo; Aberra, Aman S; Grill, Warren M; Peterchev, Angel V

2018-04-01

We present a theory and computational methods to incorporate transverse polarization of neuronal membranes into the cable equation to account for the secondary electric field generated by the membrane in response to transverse electric fields. The effect of transverse polarization on nonlinear neuronal activation thresholds is quantified and discussed in the context of previous studies using linear membrane models. The response of neuronal membranes to applied electric fields is derived under two time scales and a unified solution of transverse polarization is given for spherical and cylindrical cell geometries. The solution is incorporated into the cable equation re-derived using an asymptotic model that separates the longitudinal and transverse dimensions. Two numerical methods are proposed to implement the modified cable equation. Several common neural stimulation scenarios are tested using two nonlinear membrane models to compare thresholds of the conventional and modified cable equations. The implementations of the modified cable equation incorporating transverse polarization are validated against previous results in the literature. The test cases show that transverse polarization has limited effect on activation thresholds. The transverse field only affects thresholds of unmyelinated axons for short pulses and in low-gradient field distributions, whereas myelinated axons are mostly unaffected. The modified cable equation captures the membrane's behavior on different time scales and models more accurately the coupling between electric fields and neurons. It addresses the limitations of the conventional cable equation and allows sound theoretical interpretations. The implementation provides simple methods that are compatible with current simulation approaches to study the effect of transverse polarization on nonlinear membranes. The minimal influence by transverse polarization on axonal activation thresholds for the nonlinear membrane models indicates that predictions of stronger effects in linear membrane models with a fixed activation threshold are inaccurate. Thus, the conventional cable equation works well for most neuroengineering applications, and the presented modeling approach is well suited to address the exceptions.

Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from synthetic and electroplating effluent on chemically modified Swietenia mahagoni shell in a packed bed column.

PubMed

Rangabhashiyam, S; Nandagopal, M S Giri; Nakkeeran, E; Selvaraju, N

2016-07-01

Packed bed column studies were carried out to evaluate the performance of chemically modified adsorbents for the sequestration of hexavalent chromium from synthetic and electroplating industrial effluent. The effects of parameters such as bed height (3-9 cm), inlet flow rate (5-15 mL/min), and influent Cr(VI) concentration (50-200 mg/L) on the percentage removal of Cr(VI) and the adsorption capacity of the adsorbents in a packed bed column were investigated. The breakthrough time increased with increasing bed height and decreased with the increase of inlet flow rate and influent Cr(VI) concentration. The adsorption column models such as Thomas, Adams-Bohart, Yoon-Nelson, and bed depth service time (BDST) were successfully correlated with the experimental data. The Yoon-Nelson and BDST model showed good agreement with the experimental data for all the studied parameter conditions. Results of the present study indicated that the chemically modified Swietenia mahagoni shell can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater in a packed bed column.

Phenol hydroxylation on Al-Fe modified-bentonite: Effect of Fe loading, temperature and reaction time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widi, R. K.; Budhyantoro, A.; Christianto, A.

2017-11-01

The present work reflects the study of the phenol hydroxylation reactions to synthesize hydroquinone and catechol on Al-Fe modified-bentonite. This study started with synthesizes the catalyst material based on the modified bentonite. Natural bentonite from Pacitan, Indonesia was intercalated with Cetyl-TetramethylammoniumBromida (CTMA-Br) followed by pillarization using Alumina. The pillared bentonite was then impregnated with Fe solution (0.01 M, 0.05 M, and 0.1 M). The solid material obtained was calcined at 723 K for 4 hours. All the materials were characterized using BET N2 adsorption. Their catalytic activity and selectivity were studied for phenol hydroxylation using H2O2 (30%). The reaction conditions of this reaction were as follows: ratio of phenol/H2O2 = 1:1 (molar ratio), concentration of phenol = 1 M and ratio of catalyst/phenol was 1:10. Reaction temperatures were varied at 333, 343 and 353 K. The reaction time was also varied at 3, 4 and 5 hours. The result shows that the materials have potential catalyst activity.

Dynamic modulus of nanosilica modified porous asphalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arshad, A. K.; Masri, K. A.; Ahmad, J.; Samsudin, M. S.

2017-11-01

Porous asphalt (PA) is a flexible pavement layer with high interconnected air void contents and constructed using open-graded aggregates. Due to high temperature environment and increased traffic volume in Malaysia, PA may have deficiencies particularly in rutting and stiffness of the mix. A possible way to improve these deficiencies is to improve the asphalt binder used. Binder is normally modified using polymer materials to improve its properties. However, nanotechnology presently is being gradually used for asphalt modification. Nanosilica (NS), a byproduct of rice husk and palm oil fuel ash is used as additive in this study. The aim of this study is to enhance the rutting resistance and stiffness performance of PA using NS. This study focused on the performance of PA in terms of dynamic modulus with the addition of NS modified binder to produce better and more durable PA. From the result of Dynamic SPT Test, it shows that the addition of NS was capable in enhancing the stiffness and rutting resistance of PA. The addition of NS also increase the dynamic modulus value of PA by 50%.

Modified formulation of CPDA for storage of whole blood, and of SAGM for storage of red blood cells, to maintain the concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate.

PubMed

Kurup, P A; Arun, P; Gayathri, N S; Dhanya, C R; Indu, A R

2003-11-01

A dramatic decrease in the level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) takes place during the storage of whole blood (WB) in CPDA (citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine) and a similar decrease occurs during the storage of red blood cells (RBCs) in SAGM (saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol). The aim of the present study was to prevent this decrease by modifying CPDA and SAGM. The pH of WB anticoagulant or RBC preservative solution was maintained at 7.6 by autoclaving the dextrose solution separately, by incorporating ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid into both CPDA and SAGM (to produce modified CPDA and SAGM solutions), and by reducing the concentration of adenine and adding citrate to the modified SAGM solution. The concentration of 2,3-DPG in WB after 28 days of storage in modified CPDA, and in RBCs stored in modified SAGM, was compared with that in WB or RBCs stored in unmodified solutions. The initial 2,3-DPG levels were maintained after 28 days in the modified formulations [10.63 +/- 2.58 microM/g of haemoglobin (Hb) in the case of modified CPDA and 12.07 +/- 1.47 microM/g of Hb in the case of modified SAGM], whereas in standard CPDA and SAGM solutions, the concentration of 2,3-DPG decreased to very low levels (0.86 +/- 0.97 microM/g Hb for CPDA and 0.12 +/- 0.008 for SAGM). Our modification in the formulation of CPDA or SAGM is effective in arresting the dramatic decrease in the level of 2,3-DPG that occurs during storage of WB and RBCs in unmodified solutions.

An integrated model to simulate the scattering of ultrasounds by inclusions in steels.

PubMed

Darmon, Michel; Calmon, Pierre; Bèle, Bertrand

2004-04-01

We present a study performed to model and predict the ultrasonic response of alumina inclusions in steels. The Born and the extended quasistatic approximations have been applied and modified to improve their accuracy in the framework of this application. The modified Born approximation, called "doubly distorted wave (D(2)W) Born approximation" allowing to deal with various inclusion shapes, has been selected to be implemented in the CIVA software. The model reliability has been evaluated by comparison with Ying and Truell's exact analytical solution. In parallel, measurements have been carried out upon both natural and artificial alumina inclusions.

Unravelling the nocturnal appearance of bogue Boops boops shoals in the anthropogenically modified shallow littoral.

PubMed

Mavraki, N; Georgiadis, M; Koutsikopoulos, C; Tzanatos, E

2016-05-01

In the present study the role of the nocturnal migration of bogue Boops boops shoals to anthropogenically modified shallow littoral locations was examined, evaluating four alternative hypotheses: (1) feeding, (2) reproduction, (3) attraction of B. boops to artificial light and (4) concealment in the darkness related to predation avoidance. All hypotheses apart from predation avoidance were rejected, as B. boops tended to concentrate in shaded locations of wider illuminated areas, a finding not only important concerning fish behaviour, but also with significant management implications. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Geobacteraceae strains and methods

DOEpatents

Lovley, Derek R.; Nevin, Kelly P.; Yi, Hana

2015-07-07

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of producing genetically modified strains of electricigenic microbes that are specifically adapted for the production of electrical current in microbial fuel cells, as well as strains produced by such methods and fuel cells using such strains. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides genetically modified strains of Geobacter sulfurreducens and methods of using such strains.

Methods and compositions for controlling gene expression by RNA processing

DOEpatents

Doudna, Jennifer A.; Qi, Lei S.; Haurwitz, Rachel E.; Arkin, Adam P.

2017-08-29

The present disclosure provides nucleic acids encoding an RNA recognition sequence positioned proximal to an insertion site for the insertion of a sequence of interest; and host cells genetically modified with the nucleic acids. The present disclosure also provides methods of modifying the activity of a target RNA, and kits and compositions for carrying out the methods.

Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in case-control studies.

PubMed

Li, Yonghong; Shiffman, Dov; Oberbauer, Rainer

2011-01-01

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variants in the human genome. SNPs are known to modify susceptibility to complex diseases. We describe and discuss methods used to identify SNPs associated with disease in case-control studies. An outline on study population selection, sample collection and genotyping platforms is presented, complemented by SNP selection, data preprocessing and analysis.

Neural Substrates of the Topology Test to Measure Fluid Reasoning: An fMRI Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Masunaga, Hiromi; Kawashima, Ryuta; Horn, John L.; Sassa, Yuko; Sekiguchi, Atsushi

2008-01-01

In our prior study the negative correlation between Topology, a behavioral measure of fluid reasoning, and adult age diminished with the increase in the level of expertise in a cognitively-demanding domain of expertise in the game of GO. The present fMRI study was designed to investigate neural substrates of Topology. The modified topology…

Absolute quantitation of NAPQI-modified rat serum albumin by LC-MS/MS: monitoring acetaminophen covalent binding in vivo.

PubMed

LeBlanc, André; Shiao, Tze Chieh; Roy, René; Sleno, Lekha

2014-09-15

Acetaminophen is known to cause hepatoxicity via the formation of a reactive metabolite, N-acetyl p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), as a result of covalent binding to liver proteins. Serum albumin (SA) is known to be covalently modified by NAPQI and is present at high concentrations in the bloodstream and is therefore a potential biomarker to assess the levels of protein modification by NAPQI. A newly developed method for the absolute quantitation of serum albumin containing NAPQI covalently bound to its active site cysteine (Cys34) is described. This optimized assay represents the first absolute quantitation of a modified protein, with very low stoichiometric abundance, using a protein-level standard combined with isotope dilution. The LC-MS/MS assay is based on a protein standard modified with a custom-designed reagent, yielding a surrogate peptide (following digestion) that is a positional isomer to the target peptide modified by NAPQI. To illustrate the potential of this approach, the method was applied to quantify NAPQI-modified SA in plasma from rats dosed with acetaminophen. The resulting method is highly sensitive (capable of quantifying down to 0.0006% of total RSA in its NAPQI-modified form) and yields excellent precision and accuracy statistics. A time-course pharmacokinetic study was performed to test the usefulness of this method for following acetaminophen-induced covalent binding at four dosing levels (75-600 mg/kg IP), showing the viability of this approach to directly monitor in vivo samples. This approach can reliably quantify NAPQI-modified albumin, allowing direct monitoring of acetaminophen-related covalent binding.

Changing Health Behaviors to Improve Health Outcomes after Angioplasty: A Randomized Trial of Net Present Value versus Future Value Risk Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charlson, M. E.; Peterson, J. C.; Boutin-Foster, C.; Briggs, W. M.; Ogedegbe, G. G.; McCulloch, C. E.; Hollenberg, J.; Wong, C.; Allegrante, J. P.

2008-01-01

Patients who have undergone angioplasty experience difficulty modifying at-risk behaviors for subsequent cardiac events. The purpose of this study was to test whether an innovative approach to framing of risk, based on "net present value" economic theory, would be more effective in behavioral intervention than the standard "future value approach"…

The Effects of a Modified Treatment Package with and without Feeder Modeling on One Child's Acceptance of Novel Foods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seiverling, Laura; Harclerode, Whitney; Williams, Keith

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine if sequential presentation with feeder modeling would lead to an increase in bites accepted of new foods compared to sequential presentation without feeder modeling in a typically developing 4-year-old boy with food selectivity. The participant's acceptance of novel foods increased both in the modeling and…

Enhancing the educational value of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs.

PubMed

Hwang, Monica J; Young, Henry N

The educational value of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs hinges on its ability to convey important benefit and risk information to consumers. However, the literacy level required to understand some of the information presented in print advertisements may hinder DTCA's ability to educate consumers. The objective of this study was to compare the comprehension and retention of benefit and risk information between consumers who viewed an original print DTCA and those who viewed an advertisement modified according to health literacy principles. An experimental design was used to conduct the study. Participants were randomly assigned to view a modified print advertisement (experimental group) or the original print advertisement (control group) for an antidepressant medication. Study participants were recruited from the University of Wisconsin Kidney Clinic. Ten true-false and 10 multiple-choice questions were developed to assess participants' comprehension and retention of benefit and risk information. A total of 120 participants were randomized to view either the original or the modified version of the advertisement. Regarding the comprehension and retention of only the benefit information, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. Significant differences were observed for comprehension and retention of only the risk information. The experimental group had significantly higher scores in comprehension (U = 1224; P < 0.01) and retention (U = 965; P < 0.01) of the risk information compared with the control group. These differences were also significant in multivariate analyses controlling for extraneous variables that were found to have associations with comprehension and retention of information. Study results demonstrated that the health literacy techniques used to modify the advertisement were successful in enhancing both consumers' comprehension and their retention of information presented in a print DTCA. This was especially apparent for the risk information. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetorheological finishing with chemically modified fluids for studying material removal of single-crystal ZnS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salzman, S.; Romanofsky, H. J.; Clara, Y. I.; Giannechini, L. J.; West, Garrett J.; Lambropoulos, J. C.; Jacobs, S. D.

2013-09-01

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) of polycrystalline, chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) zinc sulfide (ZnS) and zinc selenide (ZnSe) can leave millimeter-size artifacts on the part surface. These pebble-like features come from the anisotropic mechanical and chemical properties of the ceramic material and from the CVD growth process itself. The resulting surface texture limits the use of MRF for polishing aspheric and other complex shapes using these important infrared (IR) ceramics. An investigation of the individual contributions of chemistry and mechanics to polishing of other polycrystalline ceramics has been employed in the past to overcome similar material anisotropy problems. The approach taken was to study the removal process for the different single-crystal orientations that comprise the ceramic, making adjustments to mechanics (polishing abrasive type and concentration) and polishing slurry chemistry (primarily pH) to equalize the removal rate for all crystal orientations. Polishing with the modified slurry was shown to prevent the development of surface texture. Here we present mechanical (microhardness testing) and chemical (acid etching) studies performed on the four single-crystal orientations of ZnS: 100, 110, 111, and 311. We found that the (111) plane is 35% to 55% harder and 30% to 40% more resistant to chemical etching than the other three planes. This relatively high degree of variation in these properties can help to explain the surface texture developed from MRF of the polycrystalline material. Theoretical calculations of microhardness, planar, and bond densities are presented and compared with the experimental data. Here surface characterization of these single-crystal orientations of ZnS for material removal and roughness with chemically modified MR fluids at various pH levels between pH 4 and pH 6 are presented for the first time.

Integrated analysis on static/dynamic aeroelasticity of curved panels based on a modified local piston theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhichun; Zhou, Jian; Gu, Yingsong

2014-10-01

A flow field modified local piston theory, which is applied to the integrated analysis on static/dynamic aeroelastic behaviors of curved panels, is proposed in this paper. The local flow field parameters used in the modification are obtained by CFD technique which has the advantage to simulate the steady flow field accurately. This flow field modified local piston theory for aerodynamic loading is applied to the analysis of static aeroelastic deformation and flutter stabilities of curved panels in hypersonic flow. In addition, comparisons are made between results obtained by using the present method and curvature modified method. It shows that when the curvature of the curved panel is relatively small, the static aeroelastic deformations and flutter stability boundaries obtained by these two methods have little difference, while for curved panels with larger curvatures, the static aeroelastic deformation obtained by the present method is larger and the flutter stability boundary is smaller compared with those obtained by the curvature modified method, and the discrepancy increases with the increasing of curvature of panels. Therefore, the existing curvature modified method is non-conservative compared to the proposed flow field modified method based on the consideration of hypersonic flight vehicle safety, and the proposed flow field modified local piston theory for curved panels enlarges the application range of piston theory.

Dark stars in Starobinsky's model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panotopoulos, Grigoris; Lopes, Ilídio

2018-01-01

In the present work we study non-rotating dark stars in f (R ) modified theory of gravity. In particular, we have considered bosonic self-interacting dark matter modeled inside the star as a Bose-Einstein condensate, while as far as the modified theory of gravity is concerned we have assumed Starobinsky's model R +a R2. We solve the generalized structure equations numerically, and we obtain the mass-to-ratio relation for several different values of the parameter a , and for two different dark matter equation-of-states. Our results show that the dark matter stars become more compact in the R-squared gravity compared to general relativity, while at the same time the highest star mass is slightly increased in the modified gravitational theory. The numerical value of the highest star mass for each case has been reported.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of sialyl-oligonucleotide conjugates targeting leukocyte B trans-membranal receptor CD22 as delivery agents for nucleic acid drugs.

PubMed

St-Pierre, Gabrielle; Pal, Sudip; Østergaard, Michael E; Zhou, Tianyuan; Yu, Jinghua; Tanowitz, Michael; Seth, Punit P; Hanessian, Stephen

2016-06-01

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) modified with ligands which target cell surface receptors have the potential to significantly improve potency in the target tissue. This has recently been demonstrated using triantennary N-acetyl d-galactosamine conjugated ASOs. CD22 is a cell surface receptor expressed exclusively on B cells thus presenting an attractive target for B cell specific delivery of drugs. Herein, we reported the synthesis of monovalent and trivalent ASO conjugates with biphenylcarbonyl (BPC) modified sialic acids and their study as ASO delivery agents into B cells. CD22 positive cells exhibited reduced potency when treated with ligand modified ASOs and mechanistic examination suggested reduced uptake into cells potentially as a result of sequestration of ASO by other cell-surface proteins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of laser parameters on surface roughness of laser modified tool steel after thermal cyclic loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lau Sheng, Annie; Ismail, Izwan; Nur Aqida, Syarifah

2018-03-01

This study presents the effects of laser parameters on the surface roughness of laser modified tool steel after thermal cyclic loading. Pulse mode Nd:YAG laser was used to perform the laser surface modification process on AISI H13 tool steel samples. Samples were then treated with thermal cyclic loading experiments which involved alternate immersion in molten aluminium (800°C) and water (27°C) for 553 cycles. A full factorial design of experiment (DOE) was developed to perform the investigation. Factors for the DOE are the laser parameter namely overlap rate (η), pulse repetition frequency (f PRF) and peak power (Ppeak ) while the response is the surface roughness after thermal cyclic loading. Results indicate the surface roughness of the laser modified surface after thermal cyclic loading is significantly affected by laser parameter settings.

Comprehensive Isotopic and Elemental Analysis of a Multi-Oxide Glass By Multicollector ICP-MS in Isotope Substitution Studies

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

v, Mitroshkov; JV, Ryan

2016-04-07

Multicollector ICP-MS was used to comprehensively analyze different types of isotopically-modified glass created in order to investigate the processes of glass corrosion in the water. The analytical methods were developed for the analyses of synthesized, isotopically-modified solid glass and the release of glass constituents upon contact with deionized water. To validate the methods, results from an acid digestion sample of the Analytical Reference Glass (ARG) showed good agreement when compared to data from multiple prior analyses on the same glass [Smith-1]. In this paper, we present the results of this comprehensive analysis from the acid digestion of six types ofmore » isotopically-modified glass and the release of glass constituents into water corrosion after one year of aqueous corrosion.« less

Modifying the Balanced Scorecard for a Network Industry The Case of the Clearing Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chlistalla, Michael; Schaper, Torsten

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a well-established framework for the management of a company as it integrates financial and non-financial perspectives. Little attention has been given to its theoretical and conceptual valuation. We illustrate how the stakeholder value theory corresponds with the concept of the BSC and show the importance of underlying cause-and-effect relationships between its perspectives. For the case of clearing in Europe which is currently facing profound changes, we present our three-phased approach how to adjust and to extend Kaplan and Norton’s original concept. We modify the generic BSC by adding risk management as a separate perspective and by integrating competition and IT. Based on multiple case studies, we then validate whether the modified BSC is suited to meet the specifics of the clearing industry.

Prospective Validation of Modified NEXUS Cervical Spine Injury Criteria in Low-risk Elderly Fall Patients

PubMed Central

Tran, John; Jeanmonod, Donald; Agresti, Darin; Hamden, Khalief; Jeanmonod, Rebecca K.

2016-01-01

Introduction The National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria are used extensively in emergency departments to rule out C-spine injuries (CSI) in the general population. Although the NEXUS validation set included 2,943 elderly patients, multiple case reports and the Canadian C-Spine Rules question the validity of applying NEXUS to geriatric populations. The objective of this study was to validate a modified NEXUS criteria in a low-risk elderly fall population with two changes: a modified definition for distracting injury and the definition of normal mentation. Methods This is a prospective, observational cohort study of geriatric fall patients who presented to a Level I trauma center and were not triaged to the trauma bay. Providers enrolled non-intoxicated patients at baseline mental status with no lateralizing neurologic deficits. They recorded midline neck tenderness, signs of trauma, and presence of other distracting injury. Results We enrolled 800 patients. One patient fall event was excluded due to duplicate enrollment, and four were lost to follow up, leaving 795 for analysis. Average age was 83.6 (range 65–101). The numbers in parenthesis after the negative predictive value represent confidence interval. There were 11 (1.4%) cervical spine injuries. One hundred seventeen patients had midline tenderness and seven of these had CSI; 366 patients had signs of trauma to the face/neck, and 10 of these patients had CSI. Using signs of trauma to the head/neck as the only distracting injury and baseline mental status as normal alertness, the modified NEXUS criteria was 100% sensitive (CI [67.9–100]) with a negative predictive value of 100 (98.7–100). Conclusion Our study suggests that a modified NEXUS criteria can be safely applied to low-risk elderly falls. PMID:27330655

Prospective Validation of Modified NEXUS Cervical Spine Injury Criteria in Low-risk Elderly Fall Patients.

PubMed

Tran, John; Jeanmonod, Donald; Agresti, Darin; Hamden, Khalief; Jeanmonod, Rebecca K

2016-05-01

The National Emergency X-radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria are used extensively in emergency departments to rule out C-spine injuries (CSI) in the general population. Although the NEXUS validation set included 2,943 elderly patients, multiple case reports and the Canadian C-Spine Rules question the validity of applying NEXUS to geriatric populations. The objective of this study was to validate a modified NEXUS criteria in a low-risk elderly fall population with two changes: a modified definition for distracting injury and the definition of normal mentation. This is a prospective, observational cohort study of geriatric fall patients who presented to a Level I trauma center and were not triaged to the trauma bay. Providers enrolled non-intoxicated patients at baseline mental status with no lateralizing neurologic deficits. They recorded midline neck tenderness, signs of trauma, and presence of other distracting injury. We enrolled 800 patients. One patient fall event was excluded due to duplicate enrollment, and four were lost to follow up, leaving 795 for analysis. Average age was 83.6 (range 65-101). The numbers in parenthesis after the negative predictive value represent confidence interval. There were 11 (1.4%) cervical spine injuries. One hundred seventeen patients had midline tenderness and seven of these had CSI; 366 patients had signs of trauma to the face/neck, and 10 of these patients had CSI. Using signs of trauma to the head/neck as the only distracting injury and baseline mental status as normal alertness, the modified NEXUS criteria was 100% sensitive (CI [67.9-100]) with a negative predictive value of 100 (98.7-100). Our study suggests that a modified NEXUS criteria can be safely applied to low-risk elderly falls.

Studies on transport phenomena in electrothermal vaporization sample introduction applied to inductively coupled plasma for optical emission and mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kántor, T.; Maestre, S.; de Loos-Vollebregt, M. T. C.

2005-10-01

In the present work electrothermal vaporization (ETV) was used in both inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (OES) for sample introduction of solution samples. The effect of (Pd + Mg)-nitrate modifier and CaCl 2 matrix/modifier of variable amounts were studied on ETV-ICP-MS signals of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb and on ETV-ICP-OES signals of Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mn and Zn. With the use of matrix-free standard solutions the analytical curves were bent to the signal axes (as expected from earlier studies), which was observed in the 20-800 pg mass range by ICP-MS and in the 1-50 ng mass range by ICP-OES detection. The degree of curvature was, however, different with the use of single element and multi-element standards. When applying the noted chemical modifiers (aerosol carriers) in microgram amounts, linear analytical curves were found in the nearly two orders of magnitude mass ranges. Changes of the CaCl 2 matrix concentration (loaded amount of 2-10 μg Ca) resulted in less than 5% changes in MS signals of 5 elements (each below 1 ng) and OES signals of 22 analytes (each below 15 ng). Exceptions were Pb (ICP-MS) and Cd (ICP-OES), where the sensitivity increase by Pd + Mg modifier was much larger compared to other elements studied. The general conclusions suggest that quantitative analysis with the use of ETV sample introduction requires matrix matching or matrix replacement by appropriate chemical modifier to the specific concentration ranges of analytes. This is a similar requirement to that claimed also by the most commonly used pneumatic nebulization of solutions, if samples with high matrix concentration are concerned.

Investigation of the antibiofilm capacity of peptide-modified stainless steel

PubMed Central

Cao, Pan; Li, Wen-Wu; Morris, Andrew R.; Horrocks, Paul D.; Yuan, Cheng-Qing

2018-01-01

Biofilm formation on surfaces is an important research topic in ship tribology and medical implants. In this study, dopamine and two types of synthetic peptides were designed and attached to 304 stainless steel surfaces, aiming to inhibit the formation of biofilms. A combinatory surface modification procedure was applied in which dopamine was used as a coupling agent, allowing a strong binding ability with the two peptides. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, contact angle measurement and surface roughness test were used to evaluate the efficiency of the peptide modification. An antibiofilm assay against Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to validate the antibiofilm capacity of the peptide-modified stainless steel samples. XPS analysis confirmed that the optimal dopamine concentration was 40 µg ml−1 in the coupling reaction. Element analysis showed that dopamine and the peptides had bound to the steel surfaces. The robustness assay of the modified surface demonstrated that most peptide molecules had bound on the surface of the stainless steel firmly. The contact angle of the modified surfaces was significantly changed. Modified steel samples exhibited improved antibiofilm properties in comparison to untreated and dopamine-only counterpart, with the peptide 1 modification displaying the best antibiofilm effect. The modified surfaces showed antibacterial capacity. The antibiofilm capacity of the modified surfaces was also surface topography sensitive. The steel sample surfaces polished with 600# sandpaper exhibited stronger antibiofilm capacity than those polished with other types of sandpapers after peptide modification. These findings present valuable information for future antifouling material research. PMID:29657809

Investigation of the antibiofilm capacity of peptide-modified stainless steel.

PubMed

Cao, Pan; Li, Wen-Wu; Morris, Andrew R; Horrocks, Paul D; Yuan, Cheng-Qing; Yang, Ying

2018-03-01

Biofilm formation on surfaces is an important research topic in ship tribology and medical implants. In this study, dopamine and two types of synthetic peptides were designed and attached to 304 stainless steel surfaces, aiming to inhibit the formation of biofilms. A combinatory surface modification procedure was applied in which dopamine was used as a coupling agent, allowing a strong binding ability with the two peptides. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, contact angle measurement and surface roughness test were used to evaluate the efficiency of the peptide modification. An antibiofilm assay against Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to validate the antibiofilm capacity of the peptide-modified stainless steel samples. XPS analysis confirmed that the optimal dopamine concentration was 40 µg ml -1 in the coupling reaction. Element analysis showed that dopamine and the peptides had bound to the steel surfaces. The robustness assay of the modified surface demonstrated that most peptide molecules had bound on the surface of the stainless steel firmly. The contact angle of the modified surfaces was significantly changed. Modified steel samples exhibited improved antibiofilm properties in comparison to untreated and dopamine-only counterpart, with the peptide 1 modification displaying the best antibiofilm effect. The modified surfaces showed antibacterial capacity. The antibiofilm capacity of the modified surfaces was also surface topography sensitive. The steel sample surfaces polished with 600# sandpaper exhibited stronger antibiofilm capacity than those polished with other types of sandpapers after peptide modification. These findings present valuable information for future antifouling material research.

"Structured Discovery": A Modified Inquiry Approach to Teaching Social Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lordon, John

1981-01-01

Describes structured discovery approach to inquiry teaching which encourages the teacher to select instructional objectives, content, and questions to be answered. The focus is on individual and group activities. A brief outline using this approach to analyze Adolf Hitler is presented. (KC)

Static and dynamic crush testing and analysis of a rail vehicle corner structural element

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to establish the strength and energy absorption capability of cab car rail vehicle corner structures built to current strength requirements and for structures modified to carry higher loads and...

Associations of smoking status with other lifestyle behaviors are modified by sex and occupational category among urban civil servants in Japan.

PubMed

Higashibata, Takahiro; Wakai, Kenji; Okada, Rieko; Nakagawa, Hiroko; Hamajima, Nobuyuki

2016-11-01

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of current smoking with five other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among urban civil servants in Japan according to sex and occupational category. The study included 10,232 urban civil servants in Japan who presented for a health check-up in 2011. We analyzed data on anthropometric measurements and self-reported lifestyle factors. Current smokers had a higher BMI than never smokers in white-collar workers, but not in blue-collar workers of both sexes. There were strong associations of current smoking with irregular breakfasting regardless of sex and occupational category. In males, current smokers were less likely to take exercise than ex-smokers in both occupational categories. The associations of current smoking with other unhealthy behaviors were modified by sex and occupational category. These results are useful for understanding the health risks among smokers according to sex and occupational category.

Using ion flows parallel and perpendicular to gravity to modify dust acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, E.; Fisher, R.

2008-11-01

Recent studies of dust acoustic waves have shown that the dust kinetic temperature can play an important role in determining the resulting dispersion relation [M. Rosenberg, et al., Phys. Plasmas, 15, 073701 (2008)]. In these studies, it is believed that ion flows play a dominant role in determining both the kinetic temperature of the charged microparticles as well as providing the source of energy for triggering the waves. In this presentation, results will be presented on the effects of ion flow on spatial structure and velocity distribution of dust acoustic waves. Here, the waves will be formed in dusty plasmas consisting of 3 ± 1 micron diameter silica microspheres. Two separate electrodes will be used to modify the ion flow in the plasma -- one parallel to the direction of gravity and one perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques will be used to observe the particles and to measure their velocity distributions.

Shyness and Vocabulary: The Roles of Executive Functioning and Home Environmental Stimulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blankson, A. Nayena; O'Brien, Marion; Leerkes, Esther M.; Marcovitch, Stuart; Calkins, Susan D.

2011-01-01

Although shyness has often been found to be negatively related to vocabulary, few studies have examined the processes that produce or modify this relation. The present study examined executive functioning skills and home environmental stimulation as potential mediating and moderating mechanisms. A sample of 3 1/2-year-old children (N = 254) was…

Effect of a Classroom-Based Behavioral Intervention Package on the Improvement of Children's Sitting Posture in Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noda, Wataru; Tanaka-Matsumi, Junko

2009-01-01

The present study evaluates the effect of a classroom-based behavioral intervention package to improve Japanese elementary school children's sitting posture in regular classrooms (N = 68). This study uses a multiple-baseline design across two classrooms with a modified repeated reversal within each class. The article defines appropriate sitting…

Maternal Behavior Modifications during Pretense and Their Long-Term Effects on Toddlers' Understanding of Pretense

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakamichi, Naoko

2015-01-01

Recent studies indicate the need to investigate the sources of toddlers' understanding of another person's pretense. The present study is a cultural and longitudinal extension of the work of Lillard and Witherington (2004), who claimed that mothers modify their behaviors during pretense and that the some of these behavior modifications help their…

Planetary Defense: Options for Deflection of Near Earth Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, R. B.; Statham, G.; Hopkins, R.; Chapman, J.; White, S.; Bonometti, J.; Alexander, R.; Fincher, S.; Polsgrove, T.; Kalkstein, M.

2003-01-01

Several recent near-miss encounters with asteroids and comets have focused attention on the threat of a catastrophic impact with the Earth. This document reviews the historical impact record and current understanding of the number and location of Near Earth Objects (NEO's) to address their impact probability. Various ongoing projects intended to survey and catalog the NEO population are also reviewed. Details are then given of an MSFC-led study, intended to develop and assess various candidate systems for protection of the Earth against NEOs. An existing program, used to model the NE0 threat, was extensively modified and is presented here. Details of various analytical tools, developed to evaluate the performance of proposed technologies for protection against the NEO threat, are also presented. Trajectory tools, developed to model the outbound path a vehicle would take to intercept or rendezvous with a target asteroid or comet, are described. Also, details are given of a tool that was created to model both the un-deflected inbound path of an NE0 as well as the modified, post-deflection, path. The number of possible options available for protection against the NE0 threat was too numerous for them to all be addressed within the study; instead, a representative selection were modeled and evaluated. The major output from this work was a novel process by which the relative effectiveness of different threat mitigation concepts can be evaluated during future, more detailed, studies. In addition, several new or modified mathematical models were developed to analyze various proposed protection systems. A summary of the major lessons learned during this study is presented, as are recommendations for future work. It is hoped that this study will serve to raise the level attention about this very real threat and also demonstrate that successful defense is both possible and practicable, provided appropriate steps are taken.

Microorganisms having enhanced tolerance to inhibitors and stress

DOEpatents

Brown, Steven D.; Yang, Shihui

2014-07-29

The present invention provides genetically modified strains of microorganisms that display enhanced tolerance to stress and/or inhibitors such as sodium acetate and vanillin. The enhanced tolerance can be achieved by increasing the expression of a protein of the Sm-like superfamily such as a bacterial Hfq protein and a fungal Sm or Lsm protein. Further, the present invention provides methods of producing alcohol from biomass materials by using the genetically modified microorganisms of the present invention.

Facile Preparation of Nanostructured, Superhydrophobic Filter Paper for Efficient Water/Oil Separation

PubMed Central

Wang, Jianhua; Wong, Jessica X. H.; Kwok, Honoria; Li, Xiaochun; Yu, Hua-Zhong

2016-01-01

In this paper, we present a facile and cost-effective method to obtain superhydrophobic filter paper and demonstrate its application for efficient water/oil separation. By coupling structurally distinct organosilane precursors (e.g., octadecyltrichlorosilane and methyltrichlorosilane) to paper fibers under controlled reaction conditions, we have formulated a simple, inexpensive, and efficient protocol to achieve a desirable superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface on conventional filter paper. The silanized superhydrophobic filter paper showed nanostructured morphology and demonstrated great separation efficiency (up to 99.4%) for water/oil mixtures. The modified filter paper is stable in both aqueous solutions and organic solvents, and can be reused multiple times. The present study shows that our newly developed binary silanization is a promising method of modifying cellulose-based materials for practical applications, in particular the treatment of industrial waste water and ecosystem recovery. PMID:26982055

Hyperbolic-symmetry vector fields.

PubMed

Gao, Xu-Zhen; Pan, Yue; Cai, Meng-Qiang; Li, Yongnan; Tu, Chenghou; Wang, Hui-Tian

2015-12-14

We present and construct a new kind of orthogonal coordinate system, hyperbolic coordinate system. We present and design a new kind of local linearly polarized vector fields, which is defined as the hyperbolic-symmetry vector fields because the points with the same polarization form a series of hyperbolae. We experimentally demonstrate the generation of such a kind of hyperbolic-symmetry vector optical fields. In particular, we also study the modified hyperbolic-symmetry vector optical fields with the twofold and fourfold symmetric states of polarization when introducing the mirror symmetry. The tight focusing behaviors of these vector fields are also investigated. In addition, we also fabricate micro-structures on the K9 glass surfaces by several tightly focused (modified) hyperbolic-symmetry vector fields patterns, which demonstrate that the simulated tightly focused fields are in good agreement with the fabricated micro-structures.

System Configured For Applying Multiple Modifying Agents To A Substrate.

DOEpatents

Propp, W. Alan; Argyle, Mark D.; Janikowski, Stuart K.; Fox, Robert V.; Toth, William J.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Allen, Charles A.; Miller, David L.

2005-11-08

The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates with multiple modifying agents in a single continuous system. At least two processing chambers are configured for modifying the substrate in a continuous feed system. The processing chambers can be substantially isolated from one another by interstitial seals. Additionally, the two processing chambers can be substantially isolated from the surrounding atmosphere by end seals. Optionally, expansion chambers can be used to separate the seals from the processing chambers.

System configured for applying multiple modifying agents to a substrate

DOEpatents

Propp, W. Alan; Argyle, Mark D.; Janikowski, Stuart K.; Fox, Robert V.; Toth, William J.; Ginosar, Daniel M.; Allen, Charles A.; Miller, David L.

2003-11-25

The present invention is related to the modifying of substrates with multiple modifying agents in a single continuous system. At least two processing chambers are configured for modifying the substrate in a continuous feed system. The processing chambers can be substantially isolated from one another by interstitial seals. Additionally, the two processing chambers can be substantially isolated from the surrounding atmosphere by end seals. Optionally, expansion chambers can be used to separate the seals from the processing chambers.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of Radial Velocity Generation for Extending Bandwidth of Magnetohydrodynamic Angular Rate Sensor at Low Frequency.

PubMed

Ji, Yue; Li, Xingfei; Wu, Tengfei; Chen, Cheng

2015-12-15

The magnetohydrodynamics angular rate sensor (MHD ARS) has received much attention for its ultra-low noise in ultra-broad bandwidth and its impact resistance in harsh environments; however, its poor performance at low frequency hinders its work in long time duration. The paper presents a modified MHD ARS combining Coriolis with MHD effect to extend the measurement scope throughout the whole bandwidth, in which an appropriate radial flow velocity should be provided to satisfy simplified model of the modified MHD ARS. A method that can generate radial velocity by an MHD pump in MHD ARS is proposed. A device is designed to study the radial flow velocity generated by the MHD pump. The influence of structure and physical parameters are studied by numerical simulation and experiment of the device. The analytic expression of the velocity generated by the energized current drawn from simulation and experiment are consistent, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the method generating radial velocity. The study can be applied to generate and control radial velocity in modified MHD ARS, which is essential for the two effects combination throughout the whole bandwidth.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of Radial Velocity Generation for Extending Bandwidth of Magnetohydrodynamic Angular Rate Sensor at Low Frequency

PubMed Central

Ji, Yue; Li, Xingfei; Wu, Tengfei; Chen, Cheng

2015-01-01

The magnetohydrodynamics angular rate sensor (MHD ARS) has received much attention for its ultra-low noise in ultra-broad bandwidth and its impact resistance in harsh environments; however, its poor performance at low frequency hinders its work in long time duration. The paper presents a modified MHD ARS combining Coriolis with MHD effect to extend the measurement scope throughout the whole bandwidth, in which an appropriate radial flow velocity should be provided to satisfy simplified model of the modified MHD ARS. A method that can generate radial velocity by an MHD pump in MHD ARS is proposed. A device is designed to study the radial flow velocity generated by the MHD pump. The influence of structure and physical parameters are studied by numerical simulation and experiment of the device. The analytic expression of the velocity generated by the energized current drawn from simulation and experiment are consistent, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the method generating radial velocity. The study can be applied to generate and control radial velocity in modified MHD ARS, which is essential for the two effects combination throughout the whole bandwidth. PMID:26694393

Mechanism of increased clearance of glycated albumin by proximal tubule cells

PubMed Central

Wagner, Mark C.; Myslinski, Jered; Pratap, Shiv; Flores, Brittany; Rhodes, George; Campos-Bilderback, Silvia B.; Sandoval, Ruben M.; Kumar, Sudhanshu; Patel, Monika; Ashish

2016-01-01

Serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and has a long half-life due to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)-mediated transcytosis by many cell types, including proximal tubule cells of the kidney. Albumin also interacts with, and is modified by, many small and large molecules. Therefore, the focus of the present study was to address the impact of specific known biological albumin modifications on albumin-FcRn binding and cellular handling. Binding at pH 6.0 and 7.4 was performed since FcRn binds albumin strongly at acidic pH and releases it after transcytosis at physiological pH. Equilibrium dissociation constants were measured using microscale thermophoresis. Since studies have shown that glycated albumin is excreted in the urine at a higher rate than unmodified albumin, we studied glucose and methylgloxal modified albumins (21 days). All had reduced affinity to FcRn at pH 6.0, suggesting these albumins would not be returned to the circulation via the transcytotic pathway. To address why modified albumin has reduced affinity, we analyzed the structure of the modified albumins using small-angle X-ray scattering. This analysis showed significant structural changes occurring to albumin with glycation, particularly in the FcRn-binding region, which could explain the reduced affinity to FcRn. These results offer an explanation for enhanced proximal tubule-mediated sorting and clearance of abnormal albumins. PMID:26887834

Ninety-day oral toxicity studies on two genetically modified maize MON810 varieties in Wistar Han RCC rats (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE).

PubMed

Zeljenková, Dagmar; Ambrušová, Katarína; Bartušová, Mária; Kebis, Anton; Kovrižnych, Jevgenij; Krivošíková, Zora; Kuricová, Miroslava; Líšková, Aurélia; Rollerová, Eva; Spustová, Viera; Szabová, Elena; Tulinská, Jana; Wimmerová, Soňa; Levkut, Mikuláš; Révajová, Viera; Ševčíková, Zuzana; Schmidt, Kerstin; Schmidtke, Jörg; La Paz, Jose Luis; Corujo, Maria; Pla, Maria; Kleter, Gijs A; Kok, Esther J; Sharbati, Jutta; Hanisch, Carlos; Einspanier, Ralf; Adel-Patient, Karine; Wal, Jean-Michel; Spök, Armin; Pöting, Annette; Kohl, Christian; Wilhelm, Ralf; Schiemann, Joachim; Steinberg, Pablo

2014-12-01

The GMO Risk Assessment and Communication of Evidence (GRACE; www.grace-fp7.eu ) project is funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme. A key objective of GRACE is to conduct 90-day animal feeding trials, animal studies with an extended time frame as well as analytical, in vitro and in silico studies on genetically modified (GM) maize in order to comparatively evaluate their use in GM plant risk assessment. In the present study, the results of two 90-day feeding trials with two different GM maize MON810 varieties, their near-isogenic non-GM varieties and four additional conventional maize varieties are presented. The feeding trials were performed by taking into account the guidance for such studies published by the EFSA Scientific Committee in 2011 and the OECD Test Guideline 408. The results obtained show that the MON810 maize at a level of up to 33 % in the diet did not induce adverse effects in male and female Wistar Han RCC rats after subchronic exposure, independently of the two different genetic backgrounds of the event.

Quartz tuning fork based sensor for detection of volatile organic compounds: towards breath analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampson, Abraham; Panchal, Suresh; Phadke, Apoorva; Kashyap, A.; Suman, Jilma; Unnikrishnan, G.; Datar, Suwarna

2018-04-01

Several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in the exhaled human breath whose concentration can vary depending on the physiological changes occurring within a human being. These changes in the concentration or the occurrence of a particular VOC can be used as signature of a particular disease in a person. In the present work, a sensor has been developed to detect VOCs such as 1,4-dimethoxy-2,3-butanediol (BD), and cyclohexanone (CH), acetone, methanol and ethanol. Except for BD and CH, the rest of the VOCs are present in a healthy person in ppm levels. CH and BD have been reported to be present in the exhaled human breath of breast cancer patients in ppm levels and can be used to distinguish between a healthy person and a person with breast cancer. The selectivity of the sensor towards these two compounds in the presence of other VOCs commonly present in human breath like acetone, ethanol and methanol has been studied. The sensor has been developed using modified Quartz Tuning Forks (QTFs) with the intent of developing an array of such sensors identifying different VOCs present in a healthy human’s breath. Two differently modified QTFs have been used to detect 1 ppm of 1,4-dimethoxy-2,3-butanediol and 20 ppm of cyclohexanone. Linear Discriminants Analysis (LDA) has been used to classify seven different VOCs. For this purpose, features extracted from sensor responses -shift in resonant frequency, response time and recovery time of the sensors- have been used as features in the model. Differently modified array of QTFs along with the use of LDA can be a useful pathway towards development of a QTF based sensor array for human breath analysis.

Reflective Practice: The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. The CEET Faculty Development Program on Teaching and Learning. Second Edition: 2009 College Portfolio. Volumes I-IV

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scarborough, Jule Dee

2009-01-01

"2009 Portfolio: The Second Edition of the College of Engineering's Portfolio" presents the 2009 Faculty Development Program on Teaching & Learning (TL) new content, modified models, new process and procedures, especially the new Instructional Analysis and Design Process Map, new PowerPoint presentations, modified teaching and…

Measurements of AAFE RADSCAT antenna characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cross, A. E.; Jones, W. L., Jr.; Jones, A. L.

1977-01-01

Antenna characteristics (active and passive) for a modified AAFE-RADSCAT parabolic dish antenna are documented for a variety of antenna configurations. The modified antenna was a replacement for the original unit which was damaged in January 1975. Pattern measurements made at Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are presented, with an analysis of the results. Antenna loss measurements are also presented and summarized.

Modified nonlinear amplifying loop mirror for mode-locked fibre oscillators with record-high energy and high-average-power pulsed output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobtsev, Sergey; Ivanenko, Alexey; Smirnov, Sergey; Kokhanovsky, Alexey

2018-02-01

The present work proposes and studies approaches for development of new modified non-linear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) allowing flexible and dynamic control of their non-linear properties within a relatively broad range of radiation powers. Using two independently pumped active media in the loop reflector constitutes one of the most promising approaches to development of better NALM with nonlinear properties controllable independently of the intra-cavity radiation power. This work reports on experimental and theoretical studies of the proposed redesigned NALM allowing both a higher level of energy parameters of output generated by mode-locked fibre oscillators and new possibilities of switching among different mode-locked regimes.

Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Bladder Cancer in Men and Women

PubMed Central

Quirk, Jeffrey T; Li, Qiang; Natarajan, Nachimuthu; Mettlin, Curtis J; Cummings, K Michael

2004-01-01

Although cigarette smoking is a principal risk factor for bladder cancer in both men and women, few studies have statistically evaluated whether gender modifies the effect of smoking on bladder cancer risk. We initiated the present case-control study at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, U.S., to provide further data on this important issue. We observed similar risk estimates for men and women with comparable smoking exposures, but did not observe a statistically significant interaction between gender and lifetime smoking exposure. We conclude that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer in both sexes, but that gender does not modify the effect of smoking on bladder cancer risk. PMID:19570280

Nonlinear beat excitation of low frequency wave in degenerate plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, Zahid; Shahid, M.; Jamil, M.; Rasheed, A.; Shahbaz, A.

2018-03-01

The beat phenomenon due to the coupling of two signals at slightly different frequencies that generates the low frequency signal is studied. The linear dispersive properties of the pump and sideband are analyzed. The modified nonlinear dispersion relation through the field coupling of linear modes against the beat frequency is derived in the homogeneous quantum dusty magnetoplasmas. The dispersion relation is used to derive the modified growth rate of three wave parametric instability. Moreover, significant quantum effects of electrons through the exchange-correlation potential, the Bohm potential, and the Fermi pressure evolved in macroscopic three wave interaction are presented. The analytical results are interpreted graphically describing the significance of the work. The applications of this study are pointed out at the end of introduction.

Application and Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Modified Version of Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale in China

PubMed Central

Yu, Yong; Xiang, Ying

2011-01-01

The present study was the first attempt to test the reliability and validity of Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG; Herek, 1988) in the Chinese population. Participants (n = 2,391 for the field trials and n = 200 for test–retest reliability) were asked to complete the translated, slightly modified version of the ATLG. The resulting ATLG has a two-dimensional factor structure as well as good validity and reliability in the Chinese culture. ATLG scores followed distinct patterns according sex and level of education that were consistent with previous studies in other populations. The significance of these findings in Chinese culture is discussed. PMID:21294029

Complex dynamics and enhanced photosensitivity in a modified Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Nan; Zhao, Jinpei; Wang, Jichang

2008-06-01

This study presents an experimental investigation of nonlinear dynamics in a modified Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, in which the addition of 1,4-benzoquinone induced various complex behaviors such as mixed-mode oscillations and consecutive period-adding bifurcations. In addition, the presence of 1,4-benzoquinone significantly enhanced the photosensitivity of the ferroin-catalyzed BZ system, in which light-induced transitions between simple and complex oscillations have been achieved. Mechanistic study suggests that the influence of benzoquinone may arise from its interactions with the metal catalyst ferroin/ferriin, where cyclic voltammograms illustrate that the presence of benzoquinone causes an increase in the redox potential of ferroin/ferriin couple, which may consequently alternate the oxidation and reduction paths of the catalyst.

Functionalization of textiles with silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulit-Prociak, Jolanta; Chwastowski, Jarosław; Kucharski, Arkadiusz; Banach, Marcin

2016-11-01

The paper presents a method for functionalization of textile materials using fabric dyes modified with silver or zinc oxide nanoparticles. Embedding of these nanoparticles into the structure of other materials makes that the final product is characterized by antimicrobial properties. Indigo and commercially available dye were involved in studies. It is worth to note that silver nanoparticles were obtained in-situ in the reaction of preparing indigo dye and in the process of preparing commercial dye baths. Such a method allows reducing technological steps. The modified dyes were used for dyeing of cotton fibers. The antimicrobial properties of final textile materials were studied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was used in microbiological test. The results confirmed biocidal activity of prepared materials.

A study of gas flow pattern, undercutting and torch modification in variable polarity plasma arc welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcclure, John C.; Hou, Haihui Ron

1994-01-01

A study on the plasma and shield gas flow patterns in variable polarity plasma arc (VPPA) welding was undertaken by shadowgraph techniques. Visualization of gas flow under different welding conditions was obtained. Undercutting is often present with aluminum welds. The effects of torch alignment, shield gas flow rate and gas contamination on undercutting were investigated and suggestions made to minimize the defect. A modified shield cup for the welding torch was fabricated which consumes much less shield gas while maintaining the weld quality. The current torch was modified with a trailer flow for Al-Li welding, in which hot cracking is a critical problem. The modification shows improved weldablility on these alloys.

12P-conjugated PEG-modified gold nanorods combined with near-infrared laser for tumor targeting and photothermal therapy.

PubMed

Zhan, Tao; Li, Pengfei; Bi, Shan; Dong, Biao; Song, Hongwei; Ren, Hui; Wang, Liping

2012-09-01

Gold nanorods have been reported as potential tumor photothermal therapy in vivo and in vitro. However, development of the safe and efficient tumor-targeting gold nanorods for in vivo localized tumor therapy is still a challenge. In our present study, we synthesized the PEG modified gold nanorods and demonstrated its negligible cytotoxicity in vitro. These nanorods also have been demonstrated to efficiently ablate the different kinds of tumor cells in vitro after exposure to the near-infrared laser. When the PEG modified gold nanorods conjugated with the 12P (sequence: TACHQHVRMVRP), this conjugate showed great tumor-targeting and hyperthermia effects on the human liver cancer cell line HepG2 in vitro when coupled with the near-infrared laser treatment. To determine the potential hyperthermia effect of PEG modified gold nanorods or 12P conjugate on tumor cells in vivo, the mice hepatic cancer cells were used to induce the subcutaneous tumor-bearing model in ICR mice. The significant inhibition effects of near-infrared laser mediated PEG modified gold nanorods or 12P conjugate on the tumor growth were observed. These composite results suggest that the 12P-conjugated PEG modified gold nanorods exhibit great biocompatible, particular tumor-targeting and effective photothermal ablation of tumor cells, which warrant the potential therapeutic value of this conjugate for further application in in vivo localized tumor therapy.

Effects of pretreatment on the surface chemistry and pore size properties of nitrogen functionalized and alkylated granular activated carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiajun; Zhai, Yunbo; Chen, Hongmei; Li, Caiting; Zeng, Guangming; Pang, Daoxiong; Lu, Pei

2012-12-01

In this paper, granular activated carbon (GAC) from coconut shell was pretreated by HNO3, H2O2 and urea-formaldehyde resin, respectively. Then the obtained materials were functionalized in the same way for nitrogen group, and then alkylated. Effects of pretreatment on the surface chemistry and pore size of modified GACs were studied. Surface area and micropore volume of modified GAC which pretreated by HNO3 were 723.88 m2/g and 0.229 cm3/g, respectively, while virgin GAC were 742.34 m2/g and 0.276 cm3/g. Surface area and micropore volume decrease of the modified GACs which pretreated by the others two methods were more drastically. The types of groups presented were analyzed by electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nsbnd CH3 group and Cdbnd N group were detected on the surfaces of these three kinds of modified GACs. Results of XPS showed that the nitrogen functions of modified GAC which pretreated by H2O2 was 4.07%, it was more than that of the others two pretreatment methods. However, the modified GAC which pretreated by urea-formaldehyde resin was fixed more pyridine structure, which structure percentage was 45.88%, in addition, there were more basic groups or charge on the surface than the others.

Polymeric coating of surface modified nitinol stent with POSS-nanocomposite polymer.

PubMed

Bakhshi, Raheleh; Darbyshire, Arnold; Evans, James Eaton; You, Zhong; Lu, Jian; Seifalian, Alexander M

2011-08-01

Stent angioplasty is a successful treatment for arterial occlusion, particularly in coronary artery disease. The clinical communities were enthusiastic about the use of drug-eluting stents; however, these stents have a tendency to be a contributory factor towards late stage thrombosis, leading to mortality in a significant number of patients per year. This work presents an innovative approach in self-expanding coronary stents preparation. We developed a new nanocomposite polymer based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and poly(carbonate-urea)urethane (PCU), which is an antithrombogenic and a non-biodegradable polymer with in situ endothelialization properties. The aim of this work is to coat a NiTi stent alloy with POSS-PCU. In prolonged applications in the human body, the corrosion of the NiTi alloy can result in the release of deleterious ions which leads to unwanted biological reactions. Coating the nitinol (NiTi) surface with POSS-PCU can enhance surface resistance and improve biocompatibility. Electrohydrodynamic spraying was used as the polymer deposition process and thus a few experiments were carried out to compare this process with casting. Prior to deposition the NiTi has been surface modified. The peel strength of the deposit was studied before and after degradation of the coating. It is shown that the surface modification enhances the peel strength by 300%. It is also indicated how the adhesion strength of the POSS-PCU coating changes post-exposure to physiological solutions comprised of hydrolytic, oxidative, peroxidative and biological media. This part of the study shows that the modified NiTi presents far greater resistance to decay in peel strength compared to the non-modified NiTi. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenolyxacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide in the aqueous phase using modified granular activated carbon

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Low cost 2,4-Dichlorophenolyxacetic acid (2,4-D) widely used in controlling broad-leafed weeds is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on evaluating the feasibility of using granular activated carbon modified with acid to remove 2,4-D from aqueous phase, determining its removal efficiency and assessing the adsorption kinetics. Results The present study was conducted at bench-scale method. The influence of different pH (3–9), the effect of contact time (3–90 min), the amount of adsorbent (0.1-0.4 g), and herbicide initial concentration (0.5-3 ppm) on 2,4-D removal efficiency by the granular activated carbon were investigated. Based on the data obtained in the present study, pH of 3 and contact time of 60 min is optimal for 2,4-D removal. 2,4-D reduction rate increased rapidly by the addition of the adsorbent and decreased by herbicide initial concentration (63%). The percent of 2,4-D reduction were significantly enhanced by decreasing pH and increasing the contact time. The adsorption of 2,4-D onto the granular activated carbon conformed to Langmuir and Freundlich models, but was best fitted to type II Langmuir model (R2 = 0.999). The second order kinetics was the best for the adsorption of 2,4-D by modified granular activated carbon with R2 > 0.99. Regression analysis showed that all of the variables in the process have been statistically significant effect (p < 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, granular activated carbon modified with acid is an appropriate method for reducing the herbicide in the polluted water resources. PMID:24410737

Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenolyxacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide in the aqueous phase using modified granular activated carbon.

PubMed

Dehghani, Mansooreh; Nasseri, Simin; Karamimanesh, Mojtaba

2014-01-10

Low cost 2,4-Dichlorophenolyxacetic acid (2,4-D) widely used in controlling broad-leafed weeds is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on evaluating the feasibility of using granular activated carbon modified with acid to remove 2,4-D from aqueous phase, determining its removal efficiency and assessing the adsorption kinetics. The present study was conducted at bench-scale method. The influence of different pH (3-9), the effect of contact time (3-90 min), the amount of adsorbent (0.1-0.4 g), and herbicide initial concentration (0.5-3 ppm) on 2,4-D removal efficiency by the granular activated carbon were investigated. Based on the data obtained in the present study, pH of 3 and contact time of 60 min is optimal for 2,4-D removal. 2,4-D reduction rate increased rapidly by the addition of the adsorbent and decreased by herbicide initial concentration (63%). The percent of 2,4-D reduction were significantly enhanced by decreasing pH and increasing the contact time. The adsorption of 2,4-D onto the granular activated carbon conformed to Langmuir and Freundlich models, but was best fitted to type II Langmuir model (R2 = 0.999). The second order kinetics was the best for the adsorption of 2,4-D by modified granular activated carbon with R2 > 0.99. Regression analysis showed that all of the variables in the process have been statistically significant effect (p < 0.001). In conclusion, granular activated carbon modified with acid is an appropriate method for reducing the herbicide in the polluted water resources.

A New Colorimetric Assay of Tabletop Sweeteners Using a Modified Biuret Reagent: An Analytical Chemistry Experiment for the Undergraduate Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenk, Christopher J.; Kaufman, Nathan; Gerbig, Donald G., Jr.

2007-01-01

A new, fast and effective colorimetric analysis of the artificial sweetener aspartame is presented for application in undergraduate laboratory courses. This new method incorporates the use of a modified biuret reagent for selective detection and analysis of aspartame in aqueous solutions. The modified reagent is less caustic than the traditional…

Detection of nonauthorized genetically modified organisms using differential quantitative polymerase chain reaction: application to 35S in maize.

PubMed

Cankar, Katarina; Chauvensy-Ancel, Valérie; Fortabat, Marie-Noelle; Gruden, Kristina; Kobilinsky, André; Zel, Jana; Bertheau, Yves

2008-05-15

Detection of nonauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has always presented an analytical challenge because the complete sequence data needed to detect them are generally unavailable although sequence similarity to known GMOs can be expected. A new approach, differential quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for detection of nonauthorized GMOs is presented here. This method is based on the presence of several common elements (e.g., promoter, genes of interest) in different GMOs. A statistical model was developed to study the difference between the number of molecules of such a common sequence and the number of molecules identifying the approved GMO (as determined by border-fragment-based PCR) and the donor organism of the common sequence. When this difference differs statistically from zero, the presence of a nonauthorized GMO can be inferred. The interest and scope of such an approach were tested on a case study of different proportions of genetically modified maize events, with the P35S promoter as the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus common sequence. The presence of a nonauthorized GMO was successfully detected in the mixtures analyzed and in the presence of (donor organism of P35S promoter). This method could be easily transposed to other common GMO sequences and other species and is applicable to other detection areas such as microbiology.

Effects of North American Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)-Based Modified Live Vaccines on Preimmunized Sows Artificially Inseminated with European PRRSV-Spiked Semen

PubMed Central

Han, Kiwon; Seo, Hwi Won; Oh, Yeonsu; Kang, Ikjae; Park, Changhoon

2012-01-01

The objective of the present study was to determine if the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted via spiked semen to preimmunized sows and induce reproductive failure. Sows were immunized with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine (Ingelvac PRRS MLV; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, St. Joseph, MO) and were artificially inseminated. The sows were randomly divided into three groups. The vaccinated (group 2) and nonvaccinated (group 3) sows developed a PRRSV viremia at 7 to 28 days postinsemination with the European PRRSV-spiked semen. The number of genomic copies of the European PRRSV in serum samples was not significantly different between vaccinated and nonvaccinated sows. All negative-control sows in group 1 farrowed at the expected date. The sows in groups 2 and 3 farrowed between 103 and 110 days after the first insemination. European PRRSV RNA was detected in the lungs of 8 out of 11 live-born piglets and 46 out of 54 stillborn fetuses. In addition, PRRSV RNA was detected using in situ hybridization in other tissues from vaccinated sows that had been inseminated with European PRRSV-spiked semen (group 2). The present study has demonstrated that vaccinating sows with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine does not prevent reproductive failure after insemination with European PRRSV-spiked semen. PMID:22237898

Energy dissipation in the blade tip region of an axial fan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizjan, B.; Milavec, M.; Širok, B.; Trenc, F.; Hočevar, M.

2016-11-01

A study of velocity and pressure fluctuations in the tip clearance flow of an axial fan is presented in this paper. Two different rotor blade tip designs were investigated: the standard one with straight blade tips and the modified one with swept-back tip winglets. Comparison of integral sound parameters indicates a significant noise level reduction for the modified blade tip design. To study the underlying mechanisms of the energy conversion and noise generation, a novel experimental method based on simultaneous measurements of local flow velocity and pressure has also been developed and is presented here. The method is based on the phase space analysis by the use of attractors, which enable more accurate identification and determination of the local flow structures and turbulent flow properties. Specific gap flow energy derived from the pressure and velocity time series was introduced as an additional attractor parameter to assess the flow energy distribution and dissipation within the phase space, and thus determines characteristic sources of the fan acoustic emission. The attractors reveal a more efficient conversion of the pressure to kinetic flow energy in the case of the modified (tip winglet) fan blade design, and also a reduction in emitted noise levels. The findings of the attractor analysis are in a good agreement with integral fan characteristics (efficiency and noise level), while offering a much more accurate and detailed representation of gap flow phenomena.

The effects of the covalent attachment of 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl) propyl amine to glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium on structural degeneration, oxidative modification, and calcification of rat subdermal implants.

PubMed

Christian, Abigail J; Alferiev, Ivan S; Connolly, Jeanne M; Ischiropoulos, Harry; Levy, Robert J

2015-07-01

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) fabricated from glutaraldehyde pretreated heterograft materials, porcine aortic valves or bovine pericardium (BP), are widely used in cardiac surgery. BHV progressively fail in clinical use due to structural degeneration. Previously we reported that dityrosine, an oxidized amino acid, was present in failed clinical BP-BHV explants; unimplanted BP had no detectable dityrosine. In the same studies BP were demonstrated in vitro to be susceptible to oxidative damage, that could be mitigated with BP covalently modified with the antioxidant, 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propyl amine (DBP). The present studies compared in rat subdermal implants glutaraldehyde pretreated BP to BP modified with either DBP or the chemical reactions used to link DBP. All BP explants regardless of DBP demonstrated reduced hydroxyproline and increased digestibility by collagenase. However, the DBP-BP explants showed significant inhibition of reduced explant shrink temperatures (an index of crosslinking) as compared with control BP. Significant mitigation of calcification was observed in both the BP-DBP and chemically modified explants as compared with BP. Dityrosine was not detectable in the 90 day explants. It is concluded that rat subdermal BP implants undergo both calcific and noncalcific structural degeneration, but without the formation of dityrosine, unlike clinical BP explants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effects of the covalent attachment of 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propyl amine to glutaraldehyde pre-treated bovine pericardium on structural degeneration, oxidative modification and calcification of rat subdermal implants

PubMed Central

Christian, Abigail J.; Alferiev, Ivan S.; Connolly, Jeanne M.; Ischiropoulos, Harry; Levy, Robert J.

2014-01-01

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) fabricated from glutaraldehyde pretreated heterograft materials, porcine aortic valves or bovine pericardium (BP), are widely used in cardiac surgery. BHV progressively fail in clinical use due to structural degeneration. Previously we reported that dityrosine, an oxidized amino acid, was present in failed clinical BP-BHV explants; unimplanted BP had no detectable dityrosine. In the same studies BP were demonstrated in vitro to be susceptible to oxidative damage, that could be mitigated with BP covalently modified with the antioxidant, 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propyl amine (DBP). The present studies compared in rat subdermal implants glutaraldehyde pretreated BP to BP modified with either DBP or the chemical reactions used to link DBP. All BP explants regardless of DBP demonstrated reduced hydroxyproline and increased digestibility by collagenase. However, the DBP-BP explants showed significant inhibition of reduced explant shrink temperatures (an index of crosslinking) compared to control BP. Significant mitigation of calcification was observed in both the BP-DBP and chemically modified explants compared to BP. Dityrosine was not detectable in the 90 day explants. It is concluded that rat subdermal BP implants undergo both calcific and non-calcific structural degeneration, but without the formation of dityrosine, unlike clinical BP explants. PMID:25546235

GRP78 enabled micelle-based glioma targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Ran, Danni; Mao, Jiani; Shen, Qing; Xie, Cao; Zhan, Changyou; Wang, Ruifeng; Lu, Weiyue

2017-06-10

GRP78, a specific cancer cell-surface marker, is implicated in cancer cells proliferation, apoptosis resistance, metastasis and drug resistance. l-VAP (SNTRVAP) is a tumor homing peptide exhibiting high binding affinity in vitro to GRP78 protein overexpressed on glioma, glioma stem cells, vasculogenic mimicry and neovasculature. Even though short peptides are often non-immunogenic and demonstrate high affinity to tumor cells, their targeting efficacy is always undermined by rapid blood clearance and enzymatic degradation. In the present study, two d peptides RI-VAP (retro inverso isomer of l-VAP) and d-VAP (retro isomer of l-VAP) were developed by structure-guided peptide design and retro-inverso isomerization technique for glioma targeting. RI-VAP and d-VAP were predicted to bind their receptor GRP78 protein with similar binding affinity, which was experimentally confirmed. The results of in vivo imaging demonstrated that RI-VAP and d-VAP had remarkably advantage over l-VAP for tumor accumulation. In addition, RI-VAP and d-VAP modified paclitaxel-loaded polymeric micelle had better anti-tumor efficacy in comparison to taxol, paclitaxel-loaded plain micelles and l-VAP modified micelles. Overall, the VAP modified micelles suggested in the present study could effectively achieve glioma-targeted drug delivery, validating the potential of the stable VAP peptides in improving the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel for glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of North American porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-based modified live vaccines on preimmunized sows artificially inseminated with European PRRSV-spiked semen.

PubMed

Han, Kiwon; Seo, Hwi Won; Oh, Yeonsu; Kang, Ikjae; Park, Changhoon; Chae, Chanhee

2012-03-01

The objective of the present study was to determine if the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted via spiked semen to preimmunized sows and induce reproductive failure. Sows were immunized with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine (Ingelvac PRRS MLV; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, St. Joseph, MO) and were artificially inseminated. The sows were randomly divided into three groups. The vaccinated (group 2) and nonvaccinated (group 3) sows developed a PRRSV viremia at 7 to 28 days postinsemination with the European PRRSV-spiked semen. The number of genomic copies of the European PRRSV in serum samples was not significantly different between vaccinated and nonvaccinated sows. All negative-control sows in group 1 farrowed at the expected date. The sows in groups 2 and 3 farrowed between 103 and 110 days after the first insemination. European PRRSV RNA was detected in the lungs of 8 out of 11 live-born piglets and 46 out of 54 stillborn fetuses. In addition, PRRSV RNA was detected using in situ hybridization in other tissues from vaccinated sows that had been inseminated with European PRRSV-spiked semen (group 2). The present study has demonstrated that vaccinating sows with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine does not prevent reproductive failure after insemination with European PRRSV-spiked semen.

Potential of near infrared spectroscopy in the prediction of cotton fiber strength indices

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Despite relatively low correlation between 2 cotton strength readings from the automation oriented HVI and laboratory based Stelometer device, the present study demonstrates the consistence of cotton fiber strength measurements between the two methods if the strength readings were modified by cotton...

Genetically Modified (GM) Foods & Teaching Critical Thinking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flores, Vanessa S.; Tobin, Allan J.

2003-01-01

Describes instructional materials developed to address two major needs in biology education--how to form scientific opinions and providing a link between students and literature. Presents two essays, rats and potatoes and butterflies and corn, introduces students to article searching, reading peer-reviewed scientific studies, writing, critical…

Rasch validation of the PHQ-9 in people with visual impairment in South India.

PubMed

Gothwal, Vijaya K; Bagga, Deepak K; Sumalini, Rebecca

2014-01-01

The Patient-Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a widely used screening instrument for depression. Recently, its properties as a measure were investigated using Rasch analysis in an Australian population with visual impairment (VI) and it was demonstrated to possess excellent measurement properties, but the response scale required shortening (modified PHQ-9). However, further validation was recommended to substantiate its use with the growing population of VI. Therefore, we aimed to use Rasch analysis to evaluate the measurement properties of the modified PHQ-9 in an Indian population with VI. 303 patients with VI (mean age 40.2 years; 71% male) referred to Vision Rehabilitation Centres were administered the PHQ-9 by trained interviewer. Rasch analysis was used to investigate the psychometric properties of the modified PHQ-9. Rasch analysis showed good fit to the model, no misfitting items and an acceptable person separation reliability (0.82). Dimensionality testing supported combining 9 items to create a total score. Targeting was sub-optimal (-1.30 logits); more difficult items are needed. One item ('trouble falling asleep') showed notable differential item functioning, DIF (1.18 logits) by duration of VI. The generalisability of these results might be restricted to patients with VI presenting to a tertiary eye care centre. Except for DIF, the performance of the modified PHQ-9 is consistent with that of the original, albeit in a different cultural context (Indian population with VI). Clinicians/researchers can readily use the modified PHQ-9 without formal training in Rasch procedures given the provision of ready-to-use spreadsheets that convert raw to Rasch-scaled scores. However the conversions will apply only if the sample being tested is similar to that of the present study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dense Plasma Focus-Based Nanofabrication of III–V Semiconductors: Unique Features and Recent Advances

PubMed Central

Mangla, Onkar; Roy, Savita; Ostrikov, Kostya (Ken)

2015-01-01

The hot and dense plasma formed in modified dense plasma focus (DPF) device has been used worldwide for the nanofabrication of several materials. In this paper, we summarize the fabrication of III–V semiconductor nanostructures using the high fluence material ions produced by hot, dense and extremely non-equilibrium plasma generated in a modified DPF device. In addition, we present the recent results on the fabrication of porous nano-gallium arsenide (GaAs). The details of morphological, structural and optical properties of the fabricated nano-GaAs are provided. The effect of rapid thermal annealing on the above properties of porous nano-GaAs is studied. The study reveals that it is possible to tailor the size of pores with annealing temperature. The optical properties of these porous nano-GaAs also confirm the possibility to tailor the pore sizes upon annealing. Possible applications of the fabricated and subsequently annealed porous nano-GaAs in transmission-type photo-cathodes and visible optoelectronic devices are discussed. These results suggest that the modified DPF is an effective tool for nanofabrication of continuous and porous III–V semiconductor nanomaterials. Further opportunities for using the modified DPF device for the fabrication of novel nanostructures are discussed as well. PMID:28344261

Dense Plasma Focus-Based Nanofabrication of III-V Semiconductors: Unique Features and Recent Advances.

PubMed

Mangla, Onkar; Roy, Savita; Ostrikov, Kostya Ken

2015-12-29

The hot and dense plasma formed in modified dense plasma focus (DPF) device has been used worldwide for the nanofabrication of several materials. In this paper, we summarize the fabrication of III-V semiconductor nanostructures using the high fluence material ions produced by hot, dense and extremely non-equilibrium plasma generated in a modified DPF device. In addition, we present the recent results on the fabrication of porous nano-gallium arsenide (GaAs). The details of morphological, structural and optical properties of the fabricated nano-GaAs are provided. The effect of rapid thermal annealing on the above properties of porous nano-GaAs is studied. The study reveals that it is possible to tailor the size of pores with annealing temperature. The optical properties of these porous nano-GaAs also confirm the possibility to tailor the pore sizes upon annealing. Possible applications of the fabricated and subsequently annealed porous nano-GaAs in transmission-type photo-cathodes and visible optoelectronic devices are discussed. These results suggest that the modified DPF is an effective tool for nanofabrication of continuous and porous III-V semiconductor nanomaterials. Further opportunities for using the modified DPF device for the fabrication of novel nanostructures are discussed as well.

Evaluation of the oleophilicity of different alkoxysilane modified ceramic membranes through wetting dynamic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Nengwen; Ke, Wei; Fan, Yiqun; Xu, Nanping

2013-10-01

Wettability has been recognized as one of the most important properties of porous materials for both fundamental and practical applications. In this study, the oleophilicity of Al2O3 membranes modified by four alkoxysilanes with different length of alkyl group was investigated through oil wetting dynamic test. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimertric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were measured to confirm that ceramic membrane surfaces have been grafted with alkoxysilanes without changing the membrane morphology. A high speed video camera was used to record the spreading and imbibition process of oil on the modified membrane surface. The value of oil contact angle and its change during the wetting process were used to characterize the membrane oleophilicity. Characterization results showed that the oleophilicity of the modified membranes increased along with the increasing of the silane alkyl group. The influence of oleophilicity on the filtration performance of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions was experimentally studied. A higher oil flux was obtained for membranes grafted with a longer alkyl group, indicating that increase oleophilicity can increase the membrane antifouling property. This work presents a valuable route to the surface oleophilicity control and testing of ceramic membranes in the filtration of non-polar organic solvents.

First-principles prediction of new photocatalyst materials with visible-light absorption and improved charge separation: surface modification of rutile TiO₂ with nanoclusters of MgO and Ga₂O₃.

PubMed

Nolan, Michael

2012-11-01

Titanium dioxide is an important and widely studied photocatalytic material, but to achieve photocatalytic activity under visible-light absorption, it needs to have a narrower band gap and reduced charge carrier recombination. First-principles simulations are presented in this paper to show that heterostructures of rutil TiO₂ modified with nanoclusters of MgO and Ga₂O₃ will be new photocatalytically active materials in the UV (MgO-TiO₂) and visible (Ga₂O₃-TiO₂) regions of the solar spectrum. In particular, our investigations of a model of the excited state of the heterostructures demonstrate that upon light excitation electrons and holes can be separated onto the TiO₂ surface and the metal oxide nanocluster, which will reduce charge recombination and improve photocatalytic activity. For MgO-modified TiO₂, no significant band gap change is predicted, but for Ga₂O₃-modified TiO₂ we predict a band gap change of up to 0.6 eV, which is sufficient to induce visible light absorption. Comparisons with unmodified TiO₂ and other TiO₂-based photocatalyst structures are presented.

Cocoa extracts reduce oligomerization of amyloid-β: implications for cognitive improvement in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Varghese, Merina; Ono, Kenjiro; Yamada, Masahito; Levine, Samara; Tzavaras, Nikos; Gong, Bing; Hurst, William J; Blitzer, Robert D; Pasinetti, Giulio Maria

2014-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by pathological aggregates of amyloid peptide-β (Aβ) and tau protein. Currently available therapies mediate AD symptoms without modifying disease progression. Polyphenol-rich diets are reported to reduce the risk for AD. In the present study, we investigated the AD disease-modifying effects of cocoa, a rich source of flavanols, which are a class of polyphenols. We hypothesized that cocoa extracts interfere with amyloid-β oligomerization to prevent synaptic deficits. We tested the effects of three different cocoa extracts, viz. Natural, Dutched, and Lavado extracts, on Aβ42 and Aβ40 oligomerization, using photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins technique. To assess the effects of cocoa extracts on synaptic function, we measured long term potentiation in mouse brain hippocampal slices exposed to oligomeric Aβ. Our results indicate that cocoa extracts are effective in preventing the oligomerization of Aβ, with Lavado extract being most effective. Lavado extract, but not Dutched extract, was effective in restoring the long term potentiation response reduced by oligomeric Aβ. Our findings indicate that cocoa extracts have multiple disease-modifying properties in AD and present a promising route of therapeutic and/or preventative initiatives.

Accuracy of the paracetamol-aminotransferase multiplication product to predict hepatotoxicity in modified-release paracetamol overdose.

PubMed

Wong, Anselm; Sivilotti, Marco L A; Graudins, Andis

2017-06-01

The paracetamol-aminotransferase multiplication product (APAP × ALT) is a risk predictor of hepatotoxicity that is somewhat independent of time and type of ingestion. However, its accuracy following ingestion of modified-release formulations is not known, as the product has been derived and validated after immediate-release paracetamol overdoses. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the accuracy of the multiplication product to predict hepatotoxicity in a cohort of patients with modified-release paracetamol overdose. We assessed all patients with modified-release paracetamol overdose presenting to our hospital network from October 2009 to July 2016. Ingestion of a modified-release formulation was identified by patient self-report or retrieval of the original container. Hepatotoxicity was defined as peak alanine aminotransferase ≥1000 IU/L, and acute liver injury (ALI) as a doubling of baseline ALT to more than 50 IU/L. Of 1989 paracetamol overdose presentations, we identified 73 modified-release paracetamol exposures treated with acetylcysteine. Five patients developed hepatotoxicity, including one who received acetylcysteine within eight hours of an acute ingestion. No patient with an initial multiplication product <10,000 mg/L × IU/L developed hepatotoxicity (sensitivity 100% [95%CI 48%, 100%], specificity 97% [90%, 100%]). Specificity fell to 54% (95%CI: 34, 59%) at a product cut-off point <1500 mg/L × IU/L. When calculated within eight hours of ingestion, mild elevations of the multiplication product fell quickly on repeat testing in patients without ALI or hepatotoxicity. In modified-release paracetamol overdose treated with acetylcysteine, the paracetamol-aminotransferase multiplication product demonstrated similar accuracy and temporal profile to previous reports involving mostly immediate-release formulations. Above a cut-point of 10,000 mg/L × IU/L, it was very strongly associated with the development of acute liver injury and hepatotoxicity, especially when calculated more than eight hours post-ingestion. When below 1500 mg/L × IU/L the likelihood of developing hepatotoxicity was very low. Persistently high serial multiplication product calculations were associated with the greatest risk of hepatotoxicity.

Does the Vaginal Flora Modify When a Synthetic Mesh is Used for Genital Prolapse Repair in Postmenopausal Women? A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

de Castro, Edilson Benedito; Brito, Luiz Gustavo Oliveria; Giraldo, Paulo César; Teatin Juliato, Cássia Raquel

2018-01-10

The vaginal flora from postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is different from younger women. We hypothesized that the decision of a surgical route using a mesh would modify the vaginal flora. The purpose of this study was to analyze the vaginal flora from postmenopausal women that were submitted to abdominal sacrocervicopexy or vaginal sacrospinous fixation. A pilot, randomized controlled study with 50 women aged 55 to 75 years (n = 25; abdominal sacrocervicopexy + subtotal hysterectomy; n = 25 vaginal sacrospinous fixation + vaginal hysterectomy) was performed. A polyvinylidene mesh was used in both arms. The vaginal content analysis was collected before and 60 days after the surgery. The type of flora, the presence of lactobacilli/leukocytes, and the Nugent criteria were analyzed. Most of the women were white (80%), with at least 1 comorbidity (69.9%), did not present sexual activity (60%), and presented advanced stage 4 POP. Two thirds of women presented a type 3 flora, and half of them did not present lactobacilli (48.3%). About the Nugent criteria, 51.7% presented normal flora, 46.6% found altered flora, and 1.7% had bacterial vaginosis. There were no differences about the type of flora (P = 1), number of lactobacilli (P = 0.9187), Nugent criteria (P = 0.4235), inflammation (P = 0.1018), and bacterial vaginosis (P = 0.64) before and after surgery in both groups. In this pilot study, the use of synthetic mesh by vaginal or abdominal route did not affect the vaginal flora in postmenopausal women operated on by POP surgery.

Validation of the classification criteria commonly used in Korea and a modified set of preliminary criteria for Behçet's disease: a multi-center study.

PubMed

Chang, H K; Lee, S S; Bai, H J; Lee, Y W; Yoon, B Y; Lee, C H; Lee, Y H; Song, G G; Chung, W T; Lee, S W; Choe, J Y; Kim, C G; Chang, D K

2004-01-01

Recently we have proposed a modified set of criteria to settle the questions raised regarding the International Study Group (ISG) criteria for Behçet's disease (BD). The aim of the present study was to validate the two pre-existing criteria sets commonly used in Korea, the ISG criteria and the criteria of the Behçet's Disease Research Committee of Japan (Japanese criteria), as well as the proposed modified criteria. The study population included 155 consecutive patients with BD and 170 controls with non-Behçet's rheumatic diseases. Detailed data for all of the subjects were recorded prospectively by the participating physicians on a standard form that listed the clinical features of BD. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each set of the criteria were measured. Of the three criteria sets employed, the modified criteria were the most accurate, with an accuracy of 96.3%. The ISG criteria often failed to classify the following patients with BD: patients with only oral and genital ulcerations, certain patients with intestinal ulcerations, patients who did not manifest oral ulcerations, and patients with acute disease but fewer than three recurrent oral ulceration relapses in a 1-year period. The Japanese criteria also failed to categorize the following patients with BD: patients with oral and genital ulcerations, and patients with oral ulcerations, skin lesions, and a positive pathergy reaction. In addition, the Japanese criteria misclassified some of the control subjects with non-Behçet's uveitis as having BD. The results of this study suggest that there are some points that need to be reconsidered in the clinical application of the two pre-existing sets of criteria. Although the modified criteria were the most accurate, further validation studies will be required in other ethnic populations.

A single-step aerosol process for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles: Preparation of stable aqueous nanoparticle suspensions.

PubMed

Sapra, Mahak; Pawar, Amol Ashok; Venkataraman, Chandra

2016-02-15

Surface modification of nanoparticles during aerosol or gas-phase synthesis, followed by direct transfer into liquid media can be used to produce stable water-dispersed nanoparticle suspensions. This work investigates a single-step, aerosol process for in-situ surface-modification of nanoparticles. Previous studies have used a two-step sublimation-condensation mechanism following droplet drying, for surface modification, while the present process uses a liquid precursor containing two solutes, a matrix lipid and a surface modifying agent. A precursor solution in chloroform, of stearic acid lipid, with 4 %w/w of surface-active, physiological molecules [1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol)-sodium salt (DPPG) or 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) 2000]-ammonium salt (DPPE-PEG)] was processed in an aerosol reactor at a low gas temperatures. The surface modified nanoparticles were characterized for morphology, surface composition and suspension properties. Spherical, surface-modified lipid nanoparticles with median mobility diameters in the range of 105-150nm and unimodal size distributions were obtained. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirmed the presence of surface-active molecules on external surfaces of modified lipid nanoparticles. Surface modified nanoparticles exhibited improved suspension stability, compared to that of pure lipid nanoparticles for a period of 30days. Lowest aggregation was observed in DPPE-PEG modified nanoparticles from combined electrostatic and steric effects. The study provides a single-step aerosol method for in-situ surface modification of nanoparticles, using minimal amounts of surface active agents, to make stable, aqueous nanoparticle suspensions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Fracture and Osteotomy Union in the Setting of Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Reliability of the Modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures (RUST).

PubMed

Franzone, Jeanne M; Finkelstein, Mark S; Rogers, Kenneth J; Kruse, Richard W

2017-09-08

Evaluation of the union of osteotomies and fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a critical component of patient care. Studies of the OI patient population have so far used varied criteria to evaluate bony union. The radiographic union score for tibial fractures (RUST), which was subsequently revised to the modified RUST, is an objective standardized method of evaluating fracture healing. We sought to evaluate the reliability of the modified RUST in the setting of the tibias of patients with OI. Tibial radiographs of 30 patients with OI fractures, or osteotomies were scored by 3 observers on 2 separate occasions. Each of the 4 cortices was given a score (1=no callus, 2=callus present, 3=bridging callus, and 4=remodeled, fracture not visible) and the modified RUST is the sum of these scores (range, 4 to 16). The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were evaluated using intraclass coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals. The ICC representing the interobserver reliability for the first iteration of scores was 0.926 (0.864 to 0.962) and for the second series was 0.915 (0.845 to 0.957). The ICCs representing the intraobserver reliability for each of the 3 reviewers for the measurements in series 1 and 2 were 0.860 (0.707 to 0.934), 0.994 (0.986 to 0.997), and 0.974 (0.946 to 0.988). The modified RUST has excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability in the setting of OI despite challenges related to the poor quality of the bone and its dysplastic nature. The application and routine use of the modified RUST in the OI population will help standardize our evaluation of osteotomy and fracture healing. Level III-retrospective study of nonconsecutive patients.

Role of Au(NPs) in the enhanced response of Au(NPs)-decorated MWCNT electrochemical biosensor

PubMed Central

Mehmood, Shahid; Ciancio, Regina; Carlino, Elvio; Bhatti, Arshad S

2018-01-01

Background The combination of Au-metallic-NPs and CNTs are a new class of hybrid nanomaterials for the development of electrochemical biosensor. Concentration of Au(nanoparticles [NPs]) in the electrochemical biosensor is crucial for the efficient charge transfer between the Au-NPs-MWCNTs modified electrode and electrolytic solution. Methods In this work, the charge transfer kinetics in the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Au(NPs)–multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanohybrid with varied concentrations of Au(NPs) in the range 40–100 nM was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the attachment of Au(NPs) on the surface of MWCNTs. Results The cyclic voltammetry and EIS results showed that the charge transfer mechanism was diffusion controlled and the rate of charge transfer was dependent on the concentration of Au(NPs) in the nanohybrid. The formation of spherical diffusion zone, which was dependent on the concentration of Au(NPs) in nanohybrids, was attributed to result in 3 times the increase in the charge transfer rate ks, 5 times increase in mass transfer, and 5% (9%) increase in Ipa (Ipc) observed in cyclic voltammetry in 80 nM Au(NP) nanohybrid-modified GCE from MWCNT-modified GCE. The work was extended to probe the effect of charge transfer rates at various concentrations of Au(NPs) in the nanohybrid-modified electrodes in the presence of Escherichia coli. The cyclic voltammetry results clearly showed the best results for 80 nM Au(NPs) in nanohybrid electrode. Conclusion The present study suggested that the formation of spherical diffusion zone in nanohybrid-modified electrodes is critical for the enhanced electrochemical biosensing applications. PMID:29713161

Oxidation Sensitive Nociception Involved in Endometriosis Associated Pain

PubMed Central

Ray, Kristeena; Fahrmann, Johannes; Mitchell, Brenda; Paul, Dennis; King, Holly; Crain, Courtney; Cook, Carla; Golovko, Mikhail; Brose, Stephen; Golovko, Svetlana; Santanam, Nalini

2015-01-01

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and is associated with chronic pelvic pain. Peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with endometriosis is a dynamic milieu, rich in inflammatory markers and pain-inducing prostaglandins PGE2/PGF2α and lipid peroxides, and the endometriotic tissue is innervated with nociceptors. Our clinical study showed the abundance of oxidatively-modified lipoproteins in the PF of women with endometriosis and the ability of antioxidant supplementation to alleviate endometriosis-associated pain. We hypothesized that oxidatively-modified lipoproteins present in the PF are the major source of nociceptive molecules that play a key role in endometriosis-associated pain. In this study, PF obtained from women with endometriosis or control women were used for (i) the detection of lipoprotein derived oxidation-sensitive pain molecules, (ii) the ability of such molecules to induce nociception, and (iii) the ability of antioxidants to suppress this nociception. LC-MS/MS showed the generation of eicosanoids by oxidized-lipoproteins similar to that seen in the PF. The oxidatively-modified lipoproteins induced hypothermia (intra-cerebroventricular) in CD-1 mice and nociception in the Hargreaves paw-withdrawal latency assay in Sprague-Dawley rats. Antioxidants, vitamin-E and N-acetylcysteine and the NSAID, indomethacin suppressed the pain inducing ability of oxidatively-modified lipoproteins. Treatment of human endometrial cells with oxidatively-modified lipoproteins or PF from women with endometriosis showed up-regulation of similar genes belonging to the opioid and inflammatory pathways. Our finding that oxidatively-modified lipoproteins can induce nociception has a broader impact not only in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain but also in other diseases associated with chronic pain. PMID:25599233

Numerical investigation of internal high-speed viscous flows using a parabolic technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, O. L.; Power, G. D.

1985-01-01

A feasibility study has been conducted to assess the applicability of an existing parabolic analysis (ADD-Axisymmetric Diffuser Duct), developed previously for subsonic viscous internal flows, to mixed supersonic/subsonic flows with heat addition simulating a SCRAMJET combustor. A study was conducted with the ADD code modified to include additional convection effects in the normal momentum equation when supersonic expansion and compression waves are present. A set of test problems with weak shock and expansion waves have been analyzed with this modified ADD method and stable and accurate solutions were demonstrated provided the streamwise step size was maintained at levels larger than the boundary layer displacement thickness. Calculations made with further reductions in step size encountered departure solutions consistent with strong interaction theory. Calculations were also performed for a flow field with a flame front in which a specific heat release was imposed to simulate a SCRAMJET combustor. In this case the flame front generated relatively thick shear layers which aggravated the departure solution problem. Qualitatively correct results were obtained for these cases using a marching technique with the convective terms in the normal momentum equation suppressed. It is concluded from the present study that for the class of problems where strong viscous/inviscid interactions are present a global iteration procedure is required.

On computing special functions in marine engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constantinescu, E.; Bogdan, M.

2015-11-01

Important modeling applications in marine engineering conduct us to a special class of solutions for difficult differential equations with variable coefficients. In order to be able to solve and implement such models (in wave theory, in acoustics, in hydrodynamics, in electromagnetic waves, but also in many other engineering fields), it is necessary to compute so called special functions: Bessel functions, modified Bessel functions, spherical Bessel functions, Hankel functions. The aim of this paper is to develop numerical solutions in Matlab for the above mentioned special functions. Taking into account the main properties for Bessel and modified Bessel functions, we shortly present analytically solutions (where possible) in the form of series. Especially it is studied the behavior of these special functions using Matlab facilities: numerical solutions and plotting. Finally, it will be compared the behavior of the special functions and point out other directions for investigating properties of Bessel and spherical Bessel functions. The asymptotic forms of Bessel functions and modified Bessel functions allow determination of important properties of these functions. The modified Bessel functions tend to look more like decaying and growing exponentials.

Immobilization of Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 on a modified titanium implant surface and improved human gingival fibroblasts behavior.

PubMed

Ma, Qianli; Mei, Shenglin; Ji, Kun; Zhang, Yumei; Chu, Paul K

2011-08-01

The objective of this study was to form a rapid and firm soft tissue sealing around dental implants that resists bacterial invasion. We present a novel approach to modify Ti surface by immobilizing Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 compound bioactive factors onto a titania nanotubular surface. The titanium samples were anodized to form vertically organized TiO(2) nanotube arrays and Ag nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the nanotubular surface, on which FGF-2 was immobilized with repeated lyophilization. A uniform distribution of Ag nanoparticles/FGF-2 was observed on the TiO(2) nanotubular surface. The L929 cell line was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured on the modified surface for cytocompatibility determination. The Ag/FGF-2 immobilized samples displayed excellent cytocompatibility, negligible cytotoxicity, and enhanced HGF functions such as cell attachment, proliferation, and ECM-related gene expression. The Ag nanoparticles also exhibit some bioactivity. In conclusion, this modified TiO(2) nanotubular surface has a large potential for use in dental implant abutment. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated to systemic erythematous lupus: molecular characterization of 3 cases.

PubMed

Pousada, Guillermo; Lago-Docampo, Mauro; Baloira, Adolfo; Valverde, Diana

2018-03-08

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (PAH-SLE) is a rare disease with a low incidence rate. In this study, PAH related genes and genetic modifiers were characterised molecularly in patients with PAH-SLE. Three patients diagnosed with PAH-SLE and 100 control individuals were analysed after signing an informed consent. Two out of the three analysed patients with PAH-SLE were carriers of pathogenic mutations in the genes BMPR2 and ENG. After an in silico analysis, pathogenic mutations were searched for in control individuals and different databases, with negative results, and they were thus functionally analysed. The third patients only showed polymorphisms in the genes BMPR2, ACVRL1 and ENG. Several genetic variants and genetic modifiers were identified in the three analysed patients. These modifiers, along with the pathogenic mutations, could lead to a more severe clinical course in patients with PAH. We present, for the first time, patients with PAH-SLE carrying pathogenic mutations in the main genes related to PAH and alterations in the genetic modifiers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The Modified Hartmann Potential Effects on γ-rigid Bohr Hamiltonian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suparmi, A.; Cari, C.; Nur Pratiwi, Beta

2018-04-01

In this paper, we present the solution of Bohr Hamiltonian in the case of γ-rigid for the modified Hartmann potential. The modified Hartmann potential was formed from the original Hartmann potential, consists of β function and θ function. By using the separation method, the three-dimensional Bohr Hamiltonian equation was reduced into three one-dimensional Schrodinger-like equation which was solved analytically. The results for the wavefunction were shown in mathematically, while for the binding energy was solved numerically. The numerical binding energy for the presence of the modified Hartmann potential is lower than the binding energy value in the absence of modified Hartmann potential effect.

Enhancement of chromate reduction in soils by surface modified biochar.

PubMed

Mandal, Sanchita; Sarkar, Binoy; Bolan, Nanthi; Ok, Yong Sik; Naidu, Ravi

2017-01-15

Chromium (Cr) is one of the common metals present in the soils and may have an extremely deleterious environmental impact depending on its redox state. Among two common forms, trivalent Cr(III) is less toxic than hexavalent Cr(VI) in soils. Carbon (C) based materials including biochar could be used to alleviate Cr toxicity through converting Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Incubation experiments were conducted to examine Cr(VI) reduction in different soils (Soil 1: pH 7.5 and Soil 2: pH 5.5) with three manures from poultry (PM), cow (CM) and sheep (SM), three respective manure-derived biochars (PM biochar (PM-BC), CM biochar (CM-BC) and SM biochar (SM-BC)) and two modified biochars (modified PM-BC (PM-BC-M) and modified SM-BC (SM-BC-M)). Modified biochar was synthesized by incorporating chitosan and zerovalent iron (ZVI) during pyrolysis. Among biochars, highest Cr(VI) reduction was observed with PM-BC application (5%; w/w) (up to 88.12 mg kg -1 ; 45% reduction) in Soil 2 (pH 5.5). The modified biochars enhanced Cr(VI) reduction by 55% (SM-BC-M) compared to manure (29%, SM) and manure-derived biochars (40% reduction, SM-BC). Among the modified biochars, SM-BC-M showed a higher Cr(VI) reduction rate (55%) than PM-BC-M (48%) in Soil 2. Various oxygen-containing surface functional groups such as phenolic, carboxyl, carbonyl, etc. on biochar surface might act as a proton donor for Cr(VI) reduction and subsequent Cr(III) adsorption. This study underpins the immense potential of modified biochar in remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soils. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of a modified Comprehensive Pain Evaluation Questionnaire: Characteristics and functional status of patients on entry to a tertiary care pain clinic

PubMed Central

Nelli, Jennifer M; Nicholson, Keith; Lakha, S Fatima; Louffat, Ada F; Chapparo, Luis; Furlan, Julio; Mailis-Gagnon, Angela

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND: With increasing knowledge of chronic pain, clinicians have attempted to assess chronic pain patients with lengthy assessment tools. OBJECTIVES: To describe the functional and emotional status of patients presenting to a tertiary care pain clinic; to assess the reliability and validity of a diagnostic classification system for chronic pain patients modelled after the Multidimensional Pain Inventory; to provide psychometric data on a modified Comprehensive Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (CPEQ); and to evaluate the relationship between the modified CPEQ construct scores and clusters with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition – Text Revision Pain Disorder diagnoses. METHODS: Data on 300 new patients over the course of nine months were collected using standardized assessment procedures plus a modified CPEQ at the Comprehensive Pain Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of the modified CPEQ revealed three patient profiles, labelled Adaptive Copers, Dysfunctional, and Interpersonally Distressed, which closely resembled those previously reported. The distribution of modified CPEQ construct T scores across profile subtypes was similar to that previously reported for the original CPEQ. A novel finding was that of a strong relationship between the modified CPEQ clusters and constructs with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition – Text Revision Pain Disorder diagnoses. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The CPEQ, either the original or modified version, yields reproducible results consistent with the results of other studies. This technique may usefully classify chronic pain patients, but more work is needed to determine the meaning of the CPEQ clusters, what psychological or biomedical variables are associated with CPEQ constructs or clusters, and whether this instrument may assist in treatment planning or predict response to treatment. PMID:22518368

Genetically modified food in perspective: an inquiry-based curriculum to help middle school students make sense of tradeoffs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seethaler, Sherry; Linn, Marcia

To understand how students learn about science controversy, this study examines students' reasoning about tradeoffs in the context of a technology-enhanced curriculum about genetically modified food. The curriculum was designed and refined based on the Scaffolded Knowledge Integration Framework to help students sort and integrate their initial ideas and those presented in the curriculum. Pre-test and post-test scores from 190 students show that students made significant (p < 0.0001) gains in their understanding of the genetically modified food controversy. Analyses of students' final papers, in which they took and defended a position on what type of agricultural practice should be used in their geographical region, showed that students were able to provide evidence both for and against their positions, but were less explicit about how they weighed these tradeoffs. These results provide important insights into students' thinking and have implications for curricular design.

Moisture Management Behaviour of Knitted Fabric from Structurally Modified Ring and Vortex Spun Yarn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Navendu; Kumar, Pawan; Bhatia, Dinesh; Sinha, Sujit Kumar

2016-10-01

The acceptability of a new product is decided by its performance, level of improvement in quality and economy of production. The basic aim of generating micro pores in a textile structure is to provide better thermo-physiological comfort by enhancing the breathability and hence improving moisture management behaviour. In the present study, an attempt has been made to create a relatively more open structure through removal of a component. A comparative assessment with a homogeneous and parent yarn was also made. Yarns of two linear densities, each from ring and vortex spinning systems were produced using 100 % polyester and 80:20 polyester/cotton blend. The modified yarn was produced by removing a component, viz; cotton, by treatment with sulphuric acid from the blended yarn. The knitted fabric from modified yarn was found to show significant improvement in air permeability, water vapour permeability and total absorbency while the wicking characteristic was found to decline.

Identify Secretory Protein of Malaria Parasite with Modified Quadratic Discriminant Algorithm and Amino Acid Composition.

PubMed

Feng, Yong-E

2016-06-01

Malaria parasite secretes various proteins in infected red blood cell for its growth and survival. Thus identification of these secretory proteins is important for developing vaccine or drug against malaria. In this study, the modified method of quadratic discriminant analysis is presented for predicting the secretory proteins. Firstly, 20 amino acids are divided into five types according to the physical and chemical characteristics of amino acids. Then, we used five types of amino acids compositions as inputs of the modified quadratic discriminant algorithm. Finally, the best prediction performance is obtained by using 20 amino acid compositions, the sensitivity of 96 %, the specificity of 92 % with 0.88 of Mathew's correlation coefficient in fivefold cross-validation test. The results are also compared with those of existing prediction methods. The compared results shown our method are prominent in the prediction of secretory proteins.

Investigation of thermo-fluid behavior of mixed convection heat transfer of different dimples-protrusions wall patterns to heat transfer enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobhani, M.; Behzadmehr, A.

2018-05-01

This study is a numerical investigation of the effect of improving heat transfer namely, modified rough (dimples and protrusions) surfaces on the mixed convective heat transfer of a turbulent flow in a horizontal tube. The effects of different dimples-protrusions arrangements on the improving the thermal performance of a rough tube are investigated at various Richardson numbers. Three dimensional governing equations are discretized by the finite-volume technique. Based on the obtained results the dimples-protrusions arrangements are modified to find a suitable configuration for which heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop to be balanced. Modified dimples-protrusions arrangements that shows higher performance is presented. Its average thermal performance 18% and 11% is higher than the other arrangements. In addition, the results show that roughening a smooth tube is more effective at the higher Richardson number.

Discrimination of genetically modified sugar beets based on terahertz spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tao; Li, Zhi; Yin, Xianhua; Hu, Fangrong; Hu, Cong

2016-01-01

The objective of this paper was to apply terahertz (THz) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics techniques for discrimination of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM sugar beets. In this paper, the THz spectra of 84 sugar beet samples (36 GM sugar beets and 48 non-GM ones) were obtained by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system in the frequency range from 0.2 to 1.2 THz. Three chemometrics methods, principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA) and discriminant partial least squares (DPLS), were employed to classify sugar beet samples into two groups: genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMOs. The DPLS method yielded the best classification result, and the percentages of successful classification for GM and non-GM sugar beets were both 100%. Results of the present study demonstrate the usefulness of THz spectroscopy together with chemometrics methods as a powerful tool to distinguish GM and non-GM sugar beets.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTION DURING IMMUNOSUPPRESSION

PubMed Central

Zunt, Joseph R.

2009-01-01

The central nervous system (CNS) is susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Suppression of the immune system by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation increases susceptibility to CNS infection and modifies the presentation, diagnosis, and recommended treatment of various CNS infections. This chapter discusses how suppression of the host immune status modifies the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of selected CNS infections. PMID:11754299

Modified tendon stripper for obtaining palmaris longus tendon graft.

PubMed

Aköz, T; Altintaş, H; Civelek, B

1999-04-01

Tendon graft harvesting is a challenging part of hand surgery. It is not only a time-consuming procedure but also carries the potential complications associated with it. Various alternatives for this procedure are presented in the literature to overcome these difficulties. In this paper, we are presenting a series of cases in which a newly modified tendon stripper was used for tendon graft harvesting.

A high-throughput method for GMO multi-detection using a microfluidic dynamic array.

PubMed

Brod, Fábio Cristiano Angonesi; van Dijk, Jeroen P; Voorhuijzen, Marleen M; Dinon, Andréia Zilio; Guimarães, Luis Henrique S; Scholtens, Ingrid M J; Arisi, Ana Carolina Maisonnave; Kok, Esther J

2014-02-01

The ever-increasing production of genetically modified crops generates a demand for high-throughput DNA-based methods for the enforcement of genetically modified organisms (GMO) labelling requirements. The application of standard real-time PCR will become increasingly costly with the growth of the number of GMOs that is potentially present in an individual sample. The present work presents the results of an innovative approach in genetically modified crops analysis by DNA based methods, which is the use of a microfluidic dynamic array as a high throughput multi-detection system. In order to evaluate the system, six test samples with an increasing degree of complexity were prepared, preamplified and subsequently analysed in the Fluidigm system. Twenty-eight assays targeting different DNA elements, GM events and species-specific reference genes were used in the experiment. The large majority of the assays tested presented expected results. The power of low level detection was assessed and elements present at concentrations as low as 0.06 % were successfully detected. The approach proposed in this work presents the Fluidigm system as a suitable and promising platform for GMO multi-detection.

Role of organic interfacial modifiers in inverted polymers solar cells: An in-depth analysis of perylene vs fullerene organic modifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, S.; Panigrahi, D.; Dhar, A.

2018-03-01

Interfacial issues can significantly restrict the performance of photovoltaic devices by exacerbating the charge recombination channels, macroscopic phase separation, and providing a non-ideal contact for selective extraction of charges particularly in photovoltaic devices using organic and inorganic materials together. Organic interfacial modifiers (IMs) are often used to mitigate these issues by modifying the organic-inorganic interface. In order to extricate the role of these IMs on the photovoltaic performance we have made a comprehensive study on the application of perylene-based and fullerene small molecules having different molecular origin as organic IMs on ZnO electron extracting layers in inverted BHJs photovoltaic devices. We report an elaborate study on the electronic and surface altering properties of these IMs and correlated their effect on the different PV performance parameters of the inverted BHJ solar cells employing P3HT: PCBM photoactive layer. Our investigations demonstrate the role of these organic IMs in reducing the ZnO cathode work function and increasing its electron transportation property along with the passivation of superficial traps states present on ZnO which helps in selective extraction of charge carriers from the devices and minimize the recombination losses. These different aspects of IMs compete and their balanced effect decides the final outcome. As a result, we obtain a substantial improvement in the device performance with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.0% for the C70/ZnO cathode device which shows over 60% improvement in contrast to the devices without any ZnO surface modification. The present investigation intents to exhibit the feasibility of vacuum sublimated organic small molecules in performance improvement in BHJ solar cells utilizing the ZnO ETLs and contrast their efficacy for the purpose rather than setting any benchmark device performance although the efficiencies obtained are typical for the active layer used in the study.

Coherent Doppler Lidar for Boundary Layer Studies and Wind Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choukulkar, Aditya

This thesis outlines the development of a vector retrieval technique, based on data assimilation, for a coherent Doppler LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). A detailed analysis of the Optimal Interpolation (OI) technique for vector retrieval is presented. Through several modifications to the OI technique, it is shown that the modified technique results in significant improvement in velocity retrieval accuracy. These modifications include changes to innovation covariance portioning, covariance binning, and analysis increment calculation. It is observed that the modified technique is able to make retrievals with better accuracy, preserves local information better, and compares well with tower measurements. In order to study the error of representativeness and vector retrieval error, a lidar simulator was constructed. Using the lidar simulator a thorough sensitivity analysis of the lidar measurement process and vector retrieval is carried out. The error of representativeness as a function of scales of motion and sensitivity of vector retrieval to look angle is quantified. Using the modified OI technique, study of nocturnal flow in Owens' Valley, CA was carried out to identify and understand uncharacteristic events on the night of March 27th 2006. Observations from 1030 UTC to 1230 UTC (0230 hr local time to 0430 hr local time) on March 27 2006 are presented. Lidar observations show complex and uncharacteristic flows such as sudden bursts of westerly cross-valley wind mixing with the dominant up-valley wind. Model results from Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS RTM) and other in-situ instrumentations are used to corroborate and complement these observations. The modified OI technique is used to identify uncharacteristic and extreme flow events at a wind development site. Estimates of turbulence and shear from this technique are compared to tower measurements. A formulation for equivalent wind speed in the presence of variations in wind speed and direction, combined with shear is developed and used to determine wind energy content in presence of turbulence.

Addressing the Local in Localization: A Case Study of Open Textbook Adoption by Three South African Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jimes, Cynthia; Weiss, Shenandoah; Keep, Renae

2013-01-01

This article presents a case study of the adoption and use of open textbooks by three high school teachers in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The textbooks, collaboratively authored and distributed through the South African initiative, Siyavula, are available online and are openly licensed, allowing teachers to freely use, modify,…

Piloting a Dispersed and Inter-Professional Lesson Study Using Technology to Link Team Members at a Distance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koutsouris, George; Norwich, Brahm; Fujita, Taro; Ralph, Thomas; Adlam, Anna; Milton, Fraser

2017-01-01

This article presents an evaluation of distance technology used in a novel Lesson Study (LS) approach involving a dispersed LS team for inter-professional purposes. A typical LS model with only school teachers as team members was modified by including university-based lecturers with the school-based teachers, using video-conferencing and online…

Interactive effects of fire, soil, climate, and moss on CO2 fluxes in black spruce ecosystems of interior Alaska

Treesearch

Jonathan A. O' Donnell; Merritt R. Turetsky; Jennifer W. Harden; Kristen L. Manies; Lee E. Pruett; Gordon Shetler; Jason C. Neff

2009-01-01

We present findings from two complementary studies that examine how fire modifies soil organic matter properties, and how these modifications influence rates of decomposition and carbon (C) exchange in black spruce (Picea mariana) ecosystems of interior Alaska. Our laboratory study showed that burning reduced the sensitivity of decomposition to...

Neural correlates of the modified Stroop effect in post-traumatic stress disorder: an event-related potential study.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoyi; Wei, Dongtao; Dupuis-Roy, Nicolas; Du, Xue; Qiu, Jiang; Zhang, Qinglin

2012-12-19

Previous studies have provided electrophysiological evidence for attentional abnormalities in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study examined the electrophysiological activity of trauma-exposed patients with or without a PTSD during a modified Stroop task. The PTSD group showed a reduced P2 and P3 amplitude relative to the non-PTSD group under both the earthquake-related and earthquake-unrelated words conditions. Importantly, the earthquake-related words elicited a greater P3 amplitude (350-450 ms after stimulus) than did unrelated words in the non-PTSD group, whereas no significant difference was found in the PTSD group. This indicates that PTSD patients had some attention deficits compared with non-PTSD individuals, and that these attention deficits were not just limited to earthquake-related words.

Quantum chemical characterization of zwitterionic structures: Supramolecular complexes for modifying the wettability of oil-water-limestone system.

PubMed

Lopez-Chavez, Ernesto; Garcia-Quiroz, Alberto; Gonzalez-Garcia, Gerardo; Orozco-Duran, Gabriela E; Zamudio-Rivera, Luis S; Martinez-Magadan, José M; Buenrostro-Gonzalez, Eduardo; Hernandez-Altamirano, Raul

2014-06-01

In this work, we present a quantum chemical study pertaining to some supramolecular complexes acting as wettability modifiers of oil-water-limestone system. The complexes studied are derived from zwitterionic liquids of the types N'-alkyl-bis, N-alquenil, N-cycloalkyl, N-amyl-bis-beta amino acid or salts acting as sparkling agents. We studied two molecules of zwitterionic liquids (ZL10 and ZL13), HOMO and LUMO levels, and the energy gap between them, were calculated, as well as the electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP), chemical potential, chemical hardness, chemical electrophilicity index and selectivity descriptors such Fukui indices. In this work, electrochemical comparison was realized with cocamidopropyl betaine (CPB), which is a structure zwitterionic liquid type, nowadays widely applied in enhanced recovery processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of epinephrene and paracetamol at copper-cobalt oxide spinel decorated nanocrystalline zeolite modified electrodes.

PubMed

Samanta, Subhajyoti; Srivastava, Rajendra

2016-08-01

In this study, CuCo2O4 and CuCo2O4 decorated nanocrystalline ZSM-5 materials were prepared. For comparative study, a series of MCo2O4 spinels were also prepared. Materials were characterized by the complementary combination of X-ray diffraction, N2-adsorption, UV-visible, and electron microscopic techniques. A simple and rapid method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and epinephrine at MCo2O4 spinels modified electrodes is presented in this manuscript. Among the materials investigated in this study, CuCo2O4 decorated nanocrystalline ZSM-5 exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity with excellent stability, sensitivity, and selectivity. Analytical performance of the sensor was demonstrated in the determination of epinephrine and paracetamol in the commercial pharmaceutical samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stimulation of d- and l-lactate dehydrogenases transcriptional levels in presence of diammonium hydrogen phosphate resulting to enhanced lactic acid production by Lactobacillus strain.

PubMed

Singhvi, Mamata; Zendo, Takeshi; Iida, Hiroshi; Gokhale, Digambar; Sonomoto, Kenji

2017-12-01

The present study revealed the effect of nitrogen sources on lactic acid production and stimulation of d- and l-lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) of parent Lactobacillus lactis NCIM 2368 and its mutant RM2-24 generated after UV mutagenesis. Both the parent and mutant strains were evaluated for d-lactic acid production in control and modified media. The modified media did not show remarkable effect on lactic acid production in case of parent whereas mutant exhibited significant enhancement in d-lactic acid production along with the appearance of l-lactic acid in the broth. Both LDH activities and specific activities were found to be higher in mutant than the parent strain. These results suggested that the diammonium hydrogen phosphate in modified media triggered the expression of LDH genes leading to enhanced lactic acid production. This observation has been proved by studying the expression levels of d- and l-LDH genes of parent and mutant in control and modified media using quantitative RT-PCR technique. In case of mutant, the transcriptional levels of d-LDH and l-LDH increased ∼17 fold and ∼1.38 fold respectively in modified medium compared to the values obtained with control medium. In case of parent, no significant change in transcriptional levels of d- and l-LDH was found when the cells were grown in either control medium or modified medium. This study suggested that the mutant, RM2-24 has l-LDH gene which is expressed in presence of (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 resulting in l-lactic acid production. Co-production of l-lactic acid in d-lactic acid fermentation may be detrimental in the PLA production. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical Modification of Cyclodextrin and Amylose by Click Reaction and Its Application to the Synthesis of Poly-alkylamine-Modified Antibacterial Sugars.

PubMed

Yamamura, Hatsuo

2017-01-01

Cyclodextrin (CD) can be chemically modified into desired and sophisticated functional molecules. However, poly-modification often produces complicated mixtures, resulting in a low yield of the desired product. As the most promising procedure to solve such problems and to achieve poly-modification of the CD molecule, we present here the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, known as a click reaction. This review will describe the results of our microwave-assisted click reaction for the poly-modification of CD and amylose molecules, and its application to the study of synthetic membrane active antibacterial derivatives.

Analytical study of fractional equations describing anomalous diffusion of energetic particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawfik, A. M.; Fichtner, H.; Schlickeiser, R.; Elhanbaly, A.

2017-06-01

To present the main influence of anomalous diffusion on the energetic particle propagation, the fractional derivative model of transport is developed by deriving the fractional modified Telegraph and Rayleigh equations. Analytical solutions of the fractional modified Telegraph and the fractional Rayleigh equations, which are defined in terms of Caputo fractional derivatives, are obtained by using the Laplace transform and the Mittag-Leffler function method. The solutions of these fractional equations are given in terms of special functions like Fox’s H, Mittag-Leffler, Hermite and Hyper-geometric functions. The predicted travelling pulse solutions are discussed in each case for different values of fractional order.

Calibration of a Modified Andersen Bacterial Aerosol Sampler

PubMed Central

May, K. R.

1964-01-01

A study of the flow regime in the commercial Andersen sampler revealed defects in the sampling of the larger airborne particles. Satisfactory sampling was obtained by redesigning the hole pattern of the top stages and adding one more stage to extend the range of the instrument. A new, rational hole pattern is suggested for the lower stages. With both patterns a special colony-counting mask can be used to facilitate the assay. A calibration of the modified system is presented which enables particle size distribution curves to be drawn from the colony counts. Images FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 PMID:14106938

Post-dauer life span of Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larvae can be modified by X-irradiation.

PubMed

Onodera, Akira; Yanase, Sumino; Ishii, Takamasa; Yasuda, Kayo; Miyazawa, Masaki; Hartman, Philip S; Ishii, Naoaki

2010-01-01

The time spent as a dauer larva does not affect adult life span in Caenorhabditis elegans, as if aging is suspended in this quiescent developmental stage. We now report that modest doses X-irradiation of dauer larvae increased their post-dauer longevity. Post-irradiation incubation of young dauer larvae did not modify this beneficial effect of radiation. Conversely, holding dauer larvae prior to irradiation rendered them refractory to this X-radiation-induced response. We present a model to explain these results. These experiments demonstrate that dauer larvae provide an excellent opportunity to study mechanisms by which X irradiation can extend life span.

Modifying physician behavior to improve cost-efficiency in safety-net ambulatory settings.

PubMed

Borkowski, Nancy; Gumus, Gulcin; Deckard, Gloria J

2013-01-01

Change interventions in one form or another are viewed as important tools to reduce variation in medical services, reduce costs, and improve quality of care. With the current focus on efficient resource use, the successful design and implementation of change strategies are of utmost importance for health care managers. We present a case study in which macro and micro level change strategies were used to modify primary care physicians' practice patterns of prescribing diagnostic services in a safety-net's ambulatory clinics. The findings suggest that health care managers using evidence-based strategies can create a practice environment that reduces barriers and facilitates change.

[The public perception of information about the potential risks of genetically modified crops in the food chain].

PubMed

Furnival, Ariadne Chloë; Pinheiro, Sônia Maria

2008-01-01

At a time when genetically modified (GM) crops are entering the Brazilian food chain, we present the findings of a study that makes use of a qualitative technique involving focal groups to look into the public's interpretation of the information available about this biotechnological innovation. This methodology produced results that revealed the interconnections drawn by the research subjects between this form of biotechnology, changes to the environment, and food production in general. The mistrust expressed about GM crops was particularly attributed by the participants to the non-availability of comprehensible information in the mass media or on product labels.

Monogenic Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Common Mechanisms and Missing Links

PubMed Central

Hulbert, Samuel W.; Jiang, Yong-hui

2016-01-01

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) present unique challenges in the fields of genetics and neurobiology because of the clinical and molecular heterogeneity underlying these disorders. Genetic mutations found in ASD patients provide opportunities to dissect the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying autistic behaviors using animal models. Ongoing studies of genetically modified models have offered critical insight into possible common mechanisms arising from different mutations, but links between molecular abnormalities and behavioral phenotypes remain elusive. The challenges encountered in modeling autism in mice demand a new analytic paradigm that integrates behavioral analysis with circuit-level analysis in genetically modified models with strong construct validity. PMID:26733386

Magnetic field dependence of Sommerfeld coefficient and penetration depth in NdFeAsO1-XFX single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, Geetanjali; Pattanaik, Anup; Nayak, Pratibindhya

2018-05-01

Anisotropic properties of Sommerfeld coefficient and penetration depth for single crystal NdFeAsO1-xFx has been studied by using modified phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory. In the above two-band superconducting system, the calculated value of Sommerfeld coefficient shows very close proximity with the experimental result as reported by Welp. Further, anisotropic ratio of penetration depth also calculated and reported for this system. The results of anisotropic properties of the above superconducting system implied that modified GL-theory in the form presented here can be applicable to the above superconducting system.

A Framework for Assessing Reading Comprehension of Geometric Construction Texts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Kai-Lin; Li, Jian-Lin

2018-01-01

This study investigates one issue related to reading mathematical texts by presenting a two-dimensional framework for assessing reading comprehension of geometric construction texts. The two dimensions of the framework were formulated by modifying categories of reading literacy and drawing on key elements of geometric construction texts. Three…

Heat source reentry vehicle design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, R. L.

1971-01-01

The design details are presented of a flight-type heat source reentry vehicle and heat exchanger compatible with the isotope Brayton power conversion system. The reference reentry vehicle and heat exchanger were modified, orbital and superorbital capability was assessed, and a complete set of detail design layout drawings were provided.

Nontraditional Games in a Foreign Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cross, Thomas S.

A study investigated students' reactions to the addition of nontraditional games (played in and traditional to another country) to the physical education curriculum. Seventh grade students in Australia were introduced to game development, skills, and present status of two sports, 'Midget' Hockey, a modified version of Canadian ice hockey, and…

Financial Literacy Curriculum: The Effect on Offender Money Management Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koenig, Lori A.

2007-01-01

Offenders involved in this study lacked basic financial knowledge which presented a barrier to their success upon release. The researcher modified existing curriculum and created a course in financial literacy for offenders within a medium security correctional facility based upon their personal experiences. The offenders gained financial…

Counterdependence at Work: Relationships with Social Support, Control Beliefs, and Self-Monitoring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gianakos, Irene

2013-01-01

Although styles of self-reliance theoretically arise from early attachments, other research suggests the influence of attachment operates indirectly through internalized but modifiable beliefs about the self and others. The present study examined the relative contribution of parental attachment, social support perceptions, control beliefs, and…

Alternative Second Language Curricula for Learners with Disabilities: Two Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abrams, Zsuzsanna

2008-01-01

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (2005), students with disabilities often must demonstrate failure in order to qualify for academic accommodations. For students with disabilities, this failure may be life-altering. The present article argues that alternative curricula (modified teaching and assessment plans) should be…

The Classroom Infrastructure and the Early Learner: Reducing Aggression during Transition Times

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guardino, Caroline; Fullerton, Elizabeth Kirby

2012-01-01

High levels of aggressive behaviors were observed during the transition times in two selfcontained special education classrooms: a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten. The present case studies examine how modifying the classroom infrastructure impacts students' aggressive behavior. Teachers were assisted on the usage of select modifications (visual…

Modifying Attitudes of Arab School Teachers toward Stuttering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdalla, Fauzia; St. Louis, Kenneth O.

2014-01-01

Purpose: The authors of this quasi-experimental design study explored the effect of an educational documentary video that presented factual and emotional aspects of stuttering on changing attitudes toward stuttering of preservice trainees and in-service public school teachers in Kuwait. Method: Participants were 99 preservice trainees (48 control,…

Influence of magnetic fields on the color screening masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonati, Claudio; D'Elia, Massimo; Mesiti, Michele; Negro, Francesco; Rucci, Andrea; Sanfilippo, Francesco

2018-03-01

We present some recent results obtained in the study of the color magnetic and electric screening masses in the QCD plasma. In particular, we discuss how the masses get modified by strong external fields which are expected to be created in physical situations such as heavy-ion collisions.

Constructing a Feminist-Inclusive Theory of Leadership.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irby, Beverly J.; Brown, Genevieve

There are some who argue that the existing theoretical paradigm used in leadership training programs should be modified to include the feminist perspective. This paper presents findings of a study that investigated male and female perceptions of effective leadership skills. Indepth interviews were conducted with 120 executives--60 men and 60…

Systematic Representation of Knowledge of Ecology: Concepts and Relationships.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garb, Yaakov; And Others

This study describes efforts to apply principles of systematic knowledge representation (concept mapping and computer-based semantic networking techniques) to the domain of ecology. A set of 24 relationships and modifiers is presented that seem sufficient for describing all ecological relationships discussed in an introductory course. Many of…

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, without increasing operative time. Harmonic scalpel can be recommended as a preferential surgical instrument in modified radical mastectomy.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Background Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. Methods A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. Results A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Conclusion Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, without increasing operative time. Harmonic scalpel can be recommended as a preferential surgical instrument in modified radical mastectomy. PMID:26544716

Sulfur-modified rice husk biochar: A green method for the remediation of mercury contaminated soil.

PubMed

O'Connor, David; Peng, Tianyue; Li, Guanghe; Wang, Shuxiao; Duan, Lei; Mulder, Jan; Cornelissen, Gerard; Cheng, Zhenglin; Yang, Shengmao; Hou, Deyi

2018-04-15

Mercury (Hg) contamination of surface soils has increased by ~86Giga grams due to anthropogenic activities. There is an urgent need to find new, effective and preferably 'green' remediation technologies to protect human health and the environment. Sulfur-modification of sorbents can greatly enhance Hg sorption capacity - by forming low solubility HgS (cinnabar). However, S-modified sorbents are not considered suitable for soil remediation due to the economic cost and secondary environmental impacts of sorbents such as granulated activated carbon (GAC), and the toxicity of S-modifiers such as thiol compounds. It was previously found that if biochar is used as an alternative to GAC then the overall environmental impact can be significantly reduced. However, due to a lack of experimental evidence, the practicality of S-modified biochar remains uncertain. The present study was undertaken to provide a proof-of-concept for the 'green' remediation of Hg contaminated soils with rice husk biochar modified with non-toxic elemental S. It was found that the S modification process increased the biochar S content from 0.2% to 13.04% via surface deposition or volume pore filling. This increased the biochar's Hg 2+ adsorptive capacity (Q max ) by ~73%, to 67.11mg/g. To assess the performance of S-modified rice husk biochar for soil remediation it was applied to a high 1000mg/kg Hg 2+ contaminated soil. Treatment dosages of 1%, 2% and 5% (dry wt.) were found to reduce freely available Hg in TCLP (toxicity characterization leaching procedure) leachates by 95.4%, 97.4% and 99.3%, respectively, compared to untreated soil. In comparison, unmodified rice husk biochar reduced Hg concentrations by 94.9%, 94.9% and 95.2% when applied at the same treatment dosage rates, respectively. This study has revealed that S-modified rice husk biochar has potential to stabilize Hg as a 'green' method for the remediation of contaminated soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atomic force measurements of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid and its salt with CH 3, OH, and CONHCH 3 functionalized self-assembled monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales-Cruz, Angel L.; Tremont, Rolando; Martínez, Ramón; Romañach, Rodolfo; Cabrera, Carlos R.

2005-03-01

Chemical and mechanical properties of different compounds can be elucidated by measuring fundamental forces such as adhesion, attraction and repulsion, between modified surfaces by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in force mode calibration. This work presents a combination of AFM, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and crystallization techniques to study the forces of interaction between excipients and active ingredients used in pharmaceutical formulations. SAMs of 16-mercaptohexadecanoate, which represent magnesium stereate, were used to modify the probe tip, whereas CH3-, OH- and CONHCH3-functional SAMs were formed on a gold-coated mica substrate, and used as examples of the surfaces of lactose and theophylline. The crystals of lactose and theophylline were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The modification of gold surfaces with 16-mercaptohexadecanoate, 10-mercapto-1-decanol (OH-functional SAM), 1-decanethiol (CH3-functional) and N-methyl-11-mercaptoundecanamide (CONHCH3-functional SAM) was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) in specular reflectance mode. XPS and AES results of the modified surfaces showed the presence of sulfur binding, and kinetic energies that correspond to the presence of 10-mercapto-1-decanol, 1-decanethiol, N-methyl-11-mercaptoundecanamide and the salt of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid. The absorption bands in the IR spectra further confirm the modification of the gold-coated substrates with these compounds. Force versus distance measurements were performed between the modified tip and the modified gold-coated mica substrates. The mean adhesion forces between the COO-Ca2+ functionalized tip and the CH3-, OH-, and CONHCH3-modified substrates were determined to be 4.5, 8.9 and 6.3 nN, respectively. The magnitude of the adhesion force (ion-dipole) interaction between the modified tip and substrate decreases in the following order: COO-Ca2+/OH > COO-Ca2+/CONHCH3 > COO-Ca2+/CH3.

37 CFR 1.822 - Symbols and format to be used for nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... base or modified or unusual amino acid may be presented in a given sequence as the corresponding unmodified base or amino acid if the modified base or modified or unusual amino acid is one of those listed... the Feature section. Otherwise, each occurrence of a base or amino acid not appearing in WIPO Standard...

Waste Material of Propolis as a Film Forming Agent Intended to Modify the Metronidazole Release: Preparation and Characterization.

PubMed

de Toledo, Lucas de Alcântara Sica; Rosseto, Hélen Cássia; Ravani, Laura; Cortesi, Rita; Bruschi, Marcos Luciano

2016-01-01

Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent utilized for the treatment of protozoa and anaerobic bacteria infections. Many times, it is necessary to modify the metronidazole release, and the development of modified release systems may be suggested. In this study, we are able to investigate the use of the residue normally thrown out from the preparation of propolis extracts (BP) as strategy to modify the metronidazole release. We prepared films containing polymeric adjuvant (gelatin or ethylcellulose) and metronidazole, by solvent casting method. Density, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture uptake capacity (MUC), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and in vitro metronidazole release were investigated. Thickness and density of the preparations indicated that the compounds were homogeneously dispersed throughout. Mechanical properties were influenced by film composition. Films containing gelatin showed higher resistance to stress while those containing ethylcellulose presented greater flexibility. The greater the adjuvant concentrations lower the resistance to rupture and the elasticity, but higher MUC and WVP of formulations. FT-IR tests suggested interactions between BP and the adjuvants. Films were capable to protect the metronidazole and changed its release profile. BP films are of great practical importance constituting a novel strategy to modify the metronidazole release.

Sounds of Modified Flight Feathers Reliably Signal Danger in a Pigeon.

PubMed

Murray, Trevor G; Zeil, Jochen; Magrath, Robert D

2017-11-20

In his book on sexual selection, Darwin [1] devoted equal space to non-vocal and vocal communication in birds. Since then, vocal communication has become a model for studies of neurobiology, learning, communication, evolution, and conservation [2, 3]. In contrast, non-vocal "instrumental music," as Darwin called it, has only recently become subject to sustained inquiry [4, 5]. In particular, outstanding work reveals how feathers, often highly modified, produce distinctive sounds [6-9], and suggests that these sounds have evolved at least 70 times, in many orders [10]. It remains to be shown, however, that such sounds are signals used in communication. Here we show that crested pigeons (Ochyphaps lophotes) signal alarm with specially modified wing feathers. We used video and feather-removal experiments to demonstrate that the highly modified 8 th primary wing feather (P8) produces a distinct note during each downstroke. The sound changes with wingbeat frequency, so that birds fleeing danger produce wing sounds with a higher tempo. Critically, a playback experiment revealed that only if P8 is present does the sound of escape flight signal danger. Our results therefore indicate, nearly 150 years after Darwin's book, that modified feathers can be used for non-vocal communication, and they reveal an intrinsically reliable alarm signal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anti-thrombogenicity and permeability of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membrane with sulfonated alginate toward blood purification.

PubMed

Salimi, Esmaeil; Ghaee, Azadeh; Ismail, Ahmad Fauzi; Karimi, Majid

2018-04-30

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of sulfonated alginate as a modifying agent to enhance the hemocompatibility of self-fabricated polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membrane for blood detoxification. Sodium alginate was sulfonated with a degree of 0.6 and immobilized on the membrane via surface amination and using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent. Coating layer not only improved the membrane surface hydrophilicity, but also induced -39.2 mV negative charges on the surface. Water permeability of the modified membrane was enhanced from 67 to 95 L/m 2 ·h·bar and flux recovery ratio increased more than 2-fold. Furthermore, the modified membrane presented higher platelet adhesion resistance (reduced by more than 90%) and prolonged coagulation time (35 s for APTT and 14 s for PT) in comparison with the pristine PES hollow fiber membrane, which verified the improved anti-thrombogenicity of the modified membrane. On the other hand, obtained membrane after 3 h coating could remove up-to 60% of the uremic toxins. According to the obtained data, sulfonated alginate can be a promising modifying agent for the future blood-contacting membrane and specially blood purification issues. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A modified ion-selective electrode method for measurement of chloride in sweat.

PubMed

Finley, P R; Dye, J A; Lichti, D A; Byers, J M; Williams, R J

1978-06-01

A modified method of analysis of sweat chloride concentration with an ion-selective electrode is presented. The original method of sweat chloride analysis proposed by the Orion Research Corporation (Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139) is inadequate because it produces erratic and misleading results. The modified method was compared with the reference quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke. In the modified method, individual electrode pads are cut and placed in the electrodes rather than using the pads supplied by the company; pilocarpine nitrate (2,000 mg/l) is used in place of pilocarpine HCl (640 mg/l); sodium bicarbonate as the weak electrolyte is used instead of K2SO4. A 10-minute period for sweat accumulation is employed rather than a zero-time collection as in the original Orion method. The modification has been studied for reproducibility in individuals, reproducibility between right and left arm in individuals; it has been compared extensively with the quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke, both in normal individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis. There is excellent agreement between the modified method and the quantitative reference method. There appears to be a slight bias toward higher concentrations of chloride from the right arm compared with the left arm, but this difference is not medically significant.

SCIAMACHY In-orbit Operations until 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottwald, Manfred; Krieg, Eckhart; Lichtenberg, Günter; Noël, Stefan; Bramstedt, Klaus; Bovensmann, Heinrich

In 2010 ENVISAT enters its next mission extension phase when a manoeuvre transfers the plat-form from its nominal into a modified orbit. This modified orbit is not only characterized by the lower altitude but also by slightly drifting parameters such as e.g. the inclination or the Mean Local Solar Time at ascending node crossing. Thus all SCIAMACHY measurements requiring an accurate pointing knowledge are affected. How the line-of-sight evolves along the orbit de-pends on orbit altitude and orbital period. Therefore adjustments to SCIAMACHY's on-board instrument configuration are necessary reflecting this orbit chance. Based on a detailed analysis simulating SCIAMACHY operations in the modified orbit until the end of 2013, the impacts on nadir, limb and solar and lunar occultation measurements when orbiting the Earth at a reduced altitude was studied. By modifying SCIAMACHY's configuration these impacts can be compensated for. Thus the current performance of instrument operations, including the pointing knowledge, can be maintained. It ensures acquisition of high quality measurement data for the entire duration of the mission. This presentation describes how the instrument will be configured for achieving successful operations until the end of 2013. In addition a brief outlook is given how the drifting modified orbit may impact an operations phase even beyond 2013 and potential corrective countermeasures.

Use of potassium ferrocyanide as habit modifier in the size reduction and phase modification of ammonium nitrate crystals in slurries.

PubMed

Vargeese, Anuj A; Joshi, Satyawati S; Krishnamurthy, V N

2010-08-15

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is an inorganic crystalline compound used as a solid propellant oxidizer and as a nitrogenous fertilizer. The practical use of AN as solid propellant oxidizer is restricted due to the near room temperature polymorphic phase transition and hygroscopicity. A good deal of effort has been expended for last many years to stabilize the polymorphic transitions of AN, so as to minimize the storage difficulties of AN based fertilizers and to achieve more environmentally benign propellant systems. Also, particles with aspect ratio nearer to one are a vital requirement in fertilizer and propellant industries. In the present study AN is crystallized in presence of trace amount of potassium ferrocyanide (K(4)Fe(CN)(6)) crystal habit modifier and kept for different time intervals. And the effect of K(4)Fe(CN)(6) on the habit and phase modification of AN was studied. Phase modified ammonium nitrate (PMAN) with a particle aspect ratio nearer to one was obtained by this method and the reasons for this modifications are discussed. The morphology changes were studied by SEM, the phase modifications were studied by DSC and the structural properties were studied by powder XRD. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Age at onset in Huntington's disease: replication study on the association of HAP1.

PubMed

Karadima, Georgia; Dimovasili, Christina; Koutsis, Georgios; Vassilopoulos, Demetris; Panas, Marios

2012-11-01

In recent years two association studies investigating the HAP1 T441M (rs4523977) polymorphism as a potential modifying factor of the age at onset (AAO) of Huntington's disease (HD), have been reported. Initially evidence for association was found between the M441 risk allele and the AAO. Subsequently, a second study, although failing to replicate these findings, found evidence for association between the same risk allele and AAO of motor symptoms (mAAO). In the present study, the role of the HAP1 T441M polymorphism as a modifier of the AAO in HD was investigated in a cohort of 298 Greek HD patients. In this cohort the CAG repeat number accounted for 55% of the variance in AAO. No association was found between the HAP1 T441M polymorphism and the AAO of HD. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding Karma Police: The Perceived Plausibility of Noun Compounds as Predicted by Distributional Models of Semantic Representation

PubMed Central

Günther, Fritz; Marelli, Marco

2016-01-01

Noun compounds, consisting of two nouns (the head and the modifier) that are combined into a single concept, differ in terms of their plausibility: school bus is a more plausible compound than saddle olive. The present study investigates which factors influence the plausibility of attested and novel noun compounds. Distributional Semantic Models (DSMs) are used to obtain formal (vector) representations of word meanings, and compositional methods in DSMs are employed to obtain such representations for noun compounds. From these representations, different plausibility measures are computed. Three of those measures contribute in predicting the plausibility of noun compounds: The relatedness between the meaning of the head noun and the compound (Head Proximity), the relatedness between the meaning of modifier noun and the compound (Modifier Proximity), and the similarity between the head noun and the modifier noun (Constituent Similarity). We find non-linear interactions between Head Proximity and Modifier Proximity, as well as between Modifier Proximity and Constituent Similarity. Furthermore, Constituent Similarity interacts non-linearly with the familiarity with the compound. These results suggest that a compound is perceived as more plausible if it can be categorized as an instance of the category denoted by the head noun, if the contribution of the modifier to the compound meaning is clear but not redundant, and if the constituents are sufficiently similar in cases where this contribution is not clear. Furthermore, compounds are perceived to be more plausible if they are more familiar, but mostly for cases where the relation between the constituents is less clear. PMID:27732599

Conformity of modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength for cross tape application direction.

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Hoon; Choi, Hyun-Su

2018-06-01

Although cross tape has recently been used by clinicians for various musculoskeletal conditions, scientific studies on the direction of cross tape application are lacking. The present study aimed to investigate whether the direction of cross tape application affected the outcomes of the modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge and the conformity between these 2 tests when cross tape was applied to the forearm muscles of individuals with no upper extremity pain and no restriction of joint range of motion.This study used a single-blinding crossover design. The subjects comprised 39 adults (16 men and 23 women). Cross tape was applied to the dominant hand so that the 4 rows were at an angle of 45° to the right or left of the direction of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle fibers, and then the subjects underwent a modified O-ring test and a test of maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge. Both tests were performed in both directions, and the order of the directions and tests was randomized. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to analyze the conformity of the results from the 2 tests. The statistical significance level was P < .05. A positive response in the modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength were both affected by cross tape direction. The modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength using pinch gauge results were in agreement (P < .00), and the kappa coefficient was significant at 1.00. The direction of cross tape application that produced a positive response in the modified O-ring test also produced greater maximal pinch strength. Thus, we propose that when applying cross tape to muscles, the direction of the 4 lines of the cross tape should be 45° relative to the direction of the muscle fibers, toward the side that produces a positive response in the modified O-ring test or produces the greatest maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge.

Methane production by treating vinasses from hydrous ethanol using a modified UASB reactor

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background A modified laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was used to obtain methane by treating hydrous ethanol vinasse. Vinasses or stillage are waste materials with high organic loads, and a complex composition resulting from the process of alcohol distillation. They must initially be treated with anaerobic processes due to their high organic loads. Vinasses can be considered multipurpose waste for energy recovery and once treated they can be used in agriculture without the risk of polluting soil, underground water or crops. In this sense, treatment of vinasse combines the elimination of organic waste with the formation of methane. Biogas is considered as a promising renewable energy source. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum organic loading rate for operating a modified UASB reactor to treat vinasse generated in the production of hydrous ethanol from sugar cane molasses. Results The study showed that chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 69% at an optimum organic loading rate (OLR) of 17.05 kg COD/m3-day, achieving a methane yield of 0.263 m3/kg CODadded and a biogas methane content of 84%. During this stage, effluent characterization presented lower values than the vinasse, except for potassium, sulfide and ammonia nitrogen. On the other hand, primers used to amplify the 16S-rDNA genes for the domains Archaea and Bacteria showed the presence of microorganisms which favor methane production at the optimum organic loading rate. Conclusions The modified UASB reactor proposed in this study provided a successful treatment of the vinasse obtained from hydrous ethanol production. Methanogen groups (Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales) detected by PCR during operational optimum OLR of the modified UASB reactor, favored methane production. PMID:23167984

Bone healing at implants with a fluoride-modified surface: an experimental study in dogs.

PubMed

Berglundh, T; Abrahamsson, I; Albouy, J-P; Lindhe, J

2007-04-01

The aim of the present experiment was to study early stages of osseointegration to implants with a fluoride-modified surface. Six mongrel dogs, about 1-year old, were used. All mandibular premolars and the first mandibular molars were extracted. Three months later, mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in one side of the mandible and six sites were identified for implant placement. The control implants (MicroThread) had a TiOblast surface, while the test implants (OsseoSpeed) had a fluoride-modified TiOblast surface. Both types of implants had a similar geometry, a diameter of 3.5 mm and were 8 mm long. Following installation, cover screws were placed and the flaps were adjusted and sutured to cover all implants. Four weeks after the first implant surgery, the installation procedure was repeated in the opposite side of the mandible. Two weeks later, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. The void that occurred between the cut bone wall of the recipient site and the macro-threads of the implant immediately following implant installation was used to study early bone formation. It was demonstrated that the amount of new bone that formed in the voids within the first 2 weeks of healing was larger at fluoride-modified implants (test) than at TiOblast (control) implants. It was further observed that the amount of bone-to-implant contact that had been established after 2 weeks in the macro-threaded portion of the implant was significantly larger at the test implants than at the controls. It is suggested that the fluoride-modified implant surface promotes osseointegration in the early phase of healing following implant installation.

Methane production by treating vinasses from hydrous ethanol using a modified UASB reactor.

PubMed

España-Gamboa, Elda I; Mijangos-Cortés, Javier O; Hernández-Zárate, Galdy; Maldonado, Jorge A Domínguez; Alzate-Gaviria, Liliana M

2012-11-21

A modified laboratory-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was used to obtain methane by treating hydrous ethanol vinasse. Vinasses or stillage are waste materials with high organic loads, and a complex composition resulting from the process of alcohol distillation. They must initially be treated with anaerobic processes due to their high organic loads. Vinasses can be considered multipurpose waste for energy recovery and once treated they can be used in agriculture without the risk of polluting soil, underground water or crops. In this sense, treatment of vinasse combines the elimination of organic waste with the formation of methane. Biogas is considered as a promising renewable energy source. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum organic loading rate for operating a modified UASB reactor to treat vinasse generated in the production of hydrous ethanol from sugar cane molasses. The study showed that chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 69% at an optimum organic loading rate (OLR) of 17.05 kg COD/m3-day, achieving a methane yield of 0.263 m3/kg CODadded and a biogas methane content of 84%. During this stage, effluent characterization presented lower values than the vinasse, except for potassium, sulfide and ammonia nitrogen. On the other hand, primers used to amplify the 16S-rDNA genes for the domains Archaea and Bacteria showed the presence of microorganisms which favor methane production at the optimum organic loading rate. The modified UASB reactor proposed in this study provided a successful treatment of the vinasse obtained from hydrous ethanol production.Methanogen groups (Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales) detected by PCR during operational optimum OLR of the modified UASB reactor, favored methane production.

Dental extrusion with orthodontic miniscrew anchorage: a case report describing a modified method.

PubMed

Horliana, Ricardo Fidos; Horliana, Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini; Wuo, Alexandre do Vale; Perez, Flávio Eduardo Guillin; Abrão, Jorge

2015-01-01

In recent years, the skeletal anchorage through miniscrews has expanded the treatment options in orthodontics (Yamaguchi et al., 2012). We hereby present a modified method for tooth extrusion for cases where crown-lengthening surgery is contraindicated for aesthetic reasons. This modified method uses three orthodontic appliances: a mini-implant, an orthodontic wire, and a bracket. The aim of this case report was to increase the length of the clinical crown of a fractured tooth (tooth 23) by means of an orthodontic extrusion with the modified method of Roth and Diedrich.

Generalization of the quasi-geostrophic Eliassen-Palm flux to include eddy forcing of condensation heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, P. H.; Salustri, G.

1984-01-01

A modified Eulerian form of the Eliassen-Palm flux which includes the effect of eddy forcing on condensation heating is defined. With the two-dimensional vector flux in the meridional plane which is a function of the zonal mean eddy fluxes replaced by the modified flux, both the Eliassen-Palm theorem and a modified but more general form of the nonacceleration theorem for quasi-geostrophic motion still hold. Calculations of the divergence of the modified flux and of the eddy forcing of the moisture field are presented.

Optical properties of electrically connected plasmonic nanoantenna dimer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, Darin T.; Borst, Benjamin D.; Carrick, Cassandra J.; Lent, Joseph M.; Wambold, Raymond A.; Weisel, Gary J.; Willis, Brian G.

2018-02-01

We fabricate electrically connected gold nanoantenna arrays of homodimers and heterodimers on silica substrates and present a systematic study of their optical properties. Electrically connected arrays of plasmonic nanoantennas make possible the realization of novel photonic devices, including optical sensors and rectifiers. Although the plasmonic response of unconnected arrays has been studied extensively, the present study shows that the inclusion of nanowire connections modifies the device response significantly. After presenting experimental measurements of optical extinction for unconnected dimer arrays, we compare these to measurements of dimers that are interconnected by gold nanowire "busbars." The connected devices show the familiar dipole response associated with the unconnected dimers but also show a second localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that we refer to as the "coupled-busbar mode." Our experimental study also demonstrates that the placement of the nanowire along the antenna modifies the LSPR. Using finite-difference time-domain simulations, we confirm the experimental results and investigate the variation of dimer gap and spacing. Changing the dimer gap in connected devices has a significantly smaller effect on the dipole response than it does in unconnected devices. On the other hand, both LSPR modes respond strongly to changing the spacing between devices in the direction along the interconnecting wires. We also give results for the variation of E-field strength in the dimer gap, which will be important for any working sensor or rectenna device.

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

Ruegg, Thomas Lawrence; Thelen, Michael P.

The present invention provides for a method of genetically modifying microorganisms to enhance resistance to ionic liquids, host cells genetically modified in accordance with the methods, and methods of using the host cells in a reaction comprising biomass that has been pretreated with ionic liquids.

Synergistic effect of Kalpaamruthaa on antiarthritic and antiinflammatory properties--its mechanism of action.

PubMed

Mythilypriya, Rajendran; Shanthi, Palanivelu; Sachdanandam, Panchanadam

2008-12-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the antiinflammatory properties of Kalpaamruthaa (KA) a modified indigenous Siddha formulation constituting Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract (SA), Emblica officinalis (EO) and honey in acute and chronic antiinflammatory studies. A dose of 150 mg/kg b.wt. of SA and KA were used for the present studies. The effect of KA was compared with standard drug diclofenac sodium. It was observed that the drug KA exhibited enhanced effect on antiinflammatory and antiarthritic properties than sole SA treatment and the collective effect of KA might be due to the combined interactions of the phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as vitamin c present in KA.

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

Song, Yong-Seon; Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Dennis Sciama Building, Portsmouth, PO1 3FX; Zhao Gongbo

We explore the complementarity of weak lensing and galaxy peculiar velocity measurements to better constrain modifications to General Relativity. We find no evidence for deviations from General Relativity on cosmological scales from a combination of peculiar velocity measurements (for Luminous Red Galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey) with weak lensing measurements (from the Canadian France Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey). We provide a Fisher error forecast for a Euclid-like space-based survey including both lensing and peculiar velocity measurements and show that the expected constraints on modified gravity will be at least an order of magnitude better than with present data,more » i.e. we will obtain {approx_equal}5% errors on the modified gravity parametrization described here. We also present a model-independent method for constraining modified gravity parameters using tomographic peculiar velocity information, and apply this methodology to the present data set.« less

A Goal Seeking Strategy for Constructing Systems from Alternative Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valentine, Mark E.

1999-01-01

This paper describes a methodology to efficiently construct feasible systems then modify feasible systems to meet successive goals by selecting from alternative components, a problem recognized to be n-p complete. The methodology provides a means to catalog and model alternative components. A presented system modeling Structure is robust enough to model a wide variety of systems and provides a means to compare and evaluate alternative systems. These models act as input to a methodology for selecting alternative components to construct feasible systems and modify feasible systems to meet design goals and objectives. The presented algorithm's ability to find a restricted solution, as defined by a unique set of requirements, is demonstrated against an exhaustive search of a sample of proposed shuttle modifications. The utility of the algorithm is demonstrated by comparing results from the algorithm with results from three NASA shuttle evolution studies using their value systems and assumptions.

New Class of Quasinormal Modes of Neutron Stars in Scalar-Tensor Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendes, Raissa F. P.; Ortiz, Néstor

2018-05-01

Detection of the characteristic spectrum of pulsating neutron stars can be a powerful tool not only to probe the nuclear equation of state but also to test modifications to general relativity. However, the shift in the oscillation spectrum induced by modified theories of gravity is often small and degenerate with our ignorance of the equation of state. In this Letter, we show that the coupling to additional degrees of freedom present in modified theories of gravity can give rise to new families of modes, with no counterpart in general relativity, which could be sufficiently well resolved in frequency space to allow for clear detection. We present a realization of this idea by performing a thorough study of radial oscillations of neutron stars in massless scalar-tensor theories of gravity. We anticipate astrophysical scenarios where the presence of this class of quasinormal modes could be probed with electromagnetic and gravitational wave measurements.

Modified chloride diffusion model for concrete under the coupling effect of mechanical load and chloride salt environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Mingfeng; Lin, Dayong; Liu, Jianwen; Shi, Chenghua; Ma, Jianjun; Yang, Weichao; Yu, Xiaoniu

2018-03-01

For the purpose of investigating lining concrete durability, this study derives a modified chloride diffusion model for concrete based on the odd continuation of boundary conditions and Fourier transform. In order to achieve this, the linear stress distribution on a sectional structure is considered, detailed procedures and methods are presented for model verification and parametric analysis. Simulation results show that the chloride diffusion model can reflect the effects of linear stress distribution of the sectional structure on the chloride diffusivity with reliable accuracy. Along with the natural environmental characteristics of practical engineering structures, reference value ranges of model parameters are provided. Furthermore, a chloride diffusion model is extended for the consideration of multi-factor coupling of linear stress distribution, chloride concentration and diffusion time. Comparison between model simulation and typical current research results shows that the presented model can produce better considerations with a greater universality.

Sliding mode controller with modified sliding function for DC-DC Buck Converter.

PubMed

Naik, B B; Mehta, A J

2017-09-01

This article presents design of Sliding Mode Controller with proportional integral type sliding function for DC-DC Buck Converter for the controlled power supply. The converter with conventional sliding mode controller results in a steady state error in load voltage. The proposed modified sliding function improves the steady state and dynamic performance of the Convertor and facilitates better choices of controller tuning parameters. The conditions for existence of sliding modes for proposed control scheme are derived. The stability of the closed loop system with proposed sliding mode control is proved and improvement in steady state performance is exemplified. The idea of adaptive tuning for the proposed controller to compensate load variations is outlined. The comparative study of conventional and proposed control strategy is presented. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is endowed by the simulation and experimental results. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

APIC. Absolute Position Interfero-Coronagraph for direct exoplanet detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allouche, F.; Glindemann, A.; Aristidi, E.; Vakili, F.

2009-06-01

Context: For detecting and directly imaging exoplanets, coronagraphic methods are mandatory when the intensity ratio between a star and its orbiting planet can be as large as 10^6. In 1996, a concept of an achromatic interfero-coronagraph (AIC) was presented for detecting very faint stellar companions, such as exoplanets. Aims: We present a modified version of the AIC not only permitting these faint companions to be detected but also their relative position to be determined with respect to the parent star, a problem that was not solved in the original design of the AIC. Methods: In our modified design, two cylindrical lens doublets were used to remove the 180° ambiguity introduced by the AIC's original design. Results: Our theoretical study and the numerical computations show that the axis of symmetry is destroyed when one of the cylindrical doublets is rotated around the optical axis.

Resilience, Integrity and Ecosystem Dynamics: Bridging Ecosystem Theory and Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Felix; Burkhard, Benjamin; Kroll, Franziska

In this paper different approaches to elucidate ecosystem dynamics are described, illustrated and interrelated. Ecosystem development is distinguished into two separate sequences, a complexifying phase which is characterized by orientor optimization and a destruction based phase which follows disturbances. The two developmental pathways are integrated in a modified illustration of the "adaptive cycle". Based on these fundamentals, the recent definitions of resilience, adaptability and vulnerability are discussed and a modified comprehension is proposed. Thereafter, two case studies about wetland dynamics are presented to demonstrate both, the consequences of disturbance and the potential of ecosystem recovery. In both examples ecosystem integrity is used as a key indicator variable. Based on the presented results the relativity and the normative loading of resilience quantification is worked out. The paper ends with the suggestion that the features of adaptability could be used as an integrative guideline for the analysis of ecosystem dynamics and as a well-suited concept for ecosystem management.

Exploring nursing expertise in residential care for older people: a mixed method study.

PubMed

Phelan, Amanda; McCormack, Brendan

2016-10-01

To explore the expertise of Registered Nurses in residential care for older people. As older people in residential care have many complex dependencies, nursing expertise is an essential component of care excellence. However, the work of these nurses can be invisible and, therefore, unrecognized. Thus, additional attention is required to illuminate such nursing expertise. A mixed method design was used in this study. The research took place in 2012 in the Republic of Ireland. Twenty-three case study nurses were recruited from nursing homes. Each case study nurse involved five data collection methods: shadowing, interview with a colleague, interview with a resident, a demographic profile and a director of nursing survey. The study was also informed by a modified focus group. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis using a conceptual framework generated from the literature on nursing expertise. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and presented in descriptive statistics. The findings from the case studies and the modified focus group are presented in seven themes, which represent nursing expertise in residential care of older people: transitions, context of the nursing home, saliency, holistic practice knowledge, knowing the resident, moral agency and skilled know how. Nursing expertise in residential care of older people is a complex phenomenon which encompasses many aspects of care delivery in a person-centred framework. By rendering this expertise visible, the need for appropriate and adequate skill mix for a growing residential care population is presented. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Artificial Rice from Composite Flour: Modified Cassava Starch, Canavalia ensiformis and Dioscorea esculenta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumardiono, Siswo; Pudjihastuti, Isti; Handayani, Noer Abyor; Kusumayanti, Heny

2018-02-01

Indonesia is the third largest country on the global paddy rice production and also considered as a rice importer. Even, Indonesia has the biggest per capita consumption of paddy rice (140 kg of paddy rice per person per year). Product diversification using local commodities. Artificial rice is potential to be developed as a new value product using different types of grains. It is one of appropriate solutions for reducing imported rice rate. Artificial rice was produced using high nutrition composite flours (modified cassava starch, corn, Canavalian ensiformis, and Dioscorea esculenta). This study consists of three main stages, preparation of composite flour, formulation, and artificial rice production using hot extruder capacity 10 kg/day. The objectives of this studies were to investigate some formulation in compare with commercial paddy rice. Artificial rice has been successfully conducted using prototype of hot extruder with the temperature 95°C. Physical analyses (color and water absorption) were carried out to artificial rice product and commercial paddy rice. Chemical analyses (nutrition and amylose content) of product will be also presented in this study. The best formulation of artificial rice was achieved in 80% modified cassava starch, 10% Canavalian ensiformis, and 10% Dioscorea esculenta, respectively.

High-performance computational fluid dynamics: a custom-code approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fannon, James; Loiseau, Jean-Christophe; Valluri, Prashant; Bethune, Iain; Náraigh, Lennon Ó.

2016-07-01

We introduce a modified and simplified version of the pre-existing fully parallelized three-dimensional Navier-Stokes flow solver known as TPLS. We demonstrate how the simplified version can be used as a pedagogical tool for the study of computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) and parallel computing. TPLS is at its heart a two-phase flow solver, and uses calls to a range of external libraries to accelerate its performance. However, in the present context we narrow the focus of the study to basic hydrodynamics and parallel computing techniques, and the code is therefore simplified and modified to simulate pressure-driven single-phase flow in a channel, using only relatively simple Fortran 90 code with MPI parallelization, but no calls to any other external libraries. The modified code is analysed in order to both validate its accuracy and investigate its scalability up to 1000 CPU cores. Simulations are performed for several benchmark cases in pressure-driven channel flow, including a turbulent simulation, wherein the turbulence is incorporated via the large-eddy simulation technique. The work may be of use to advanced undergraduate and graduate students as an introductory study in CFDs, while also providing insight for those interested in more general aspects of high-performance computing.

Influence of surfactants on the release behaviour and structural properties of sol-gel derived silica xerogels embedded with metronidazole.

PubMed

Czarnobaj, Katarzyna; Sawicki, Wiesław

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to obtain stable and controlled release silica xerogels containing metronidazole (MT) prepared with surfactants with different charges: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), which could be the promising carrier materials used as the implantable drug delivery systems. The xerogels were prepared by the sol-gel method. The influence of various formulation precursors on porosity parameters and drug release were investigated. Addition of surfactants showed a promising result in controlling the MT release. Dissolution study revealed increased release of MT from silica modified SDS and CTAB, whereas the release of MT from silica modified HPC considerably decreased, in comparison with unmodified silica. The addition of surfactants showed slight changes in porosity parameters. All xerogels are characterized by a highly developed surface area (701-642 m(2) g(-1)) and mesoporous structure. The correlation between pore size obtained matrices and release rate of drug was also observed. Based on the presented results of this study, it may be stated that applied xerogel matrices: pure silica and surfactants-modified silica could be promising candidates for the formulation in local delivery systems.

The Developing Country Reactions to Biomedical Techniques and Plant Biotechnology: The Tunisian Experience

PubMed Central

Tebourski, Fethi

2004-01-01

In the present study we present the conditions offered to biotechnology development in Tunisia and we compare three main biotechnology applications which raise ethical and health problems: organ transplant, assisted reproductive techniques, and genetically modified organisms. We try to identify factors that have allowed success of the first two applications and failure of the latter. Conditions offered to biotechnology in other African countries are also discussed. PMID:15292577

Modulation of venlafaxine hydrochloride release from press coated matrix tablet.

PubMed

Gohel, M C; Soni, C D; Nagori, S A; Sarvaiya, K G

2008-01-01

The aim of present study was to prepare novel modified release press coated tablets of venlafaxine hydrochloride. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K100M were used as release modifier in core and coat, respectively. A 3(2) full factorial design was adopted in the optimization study. The drug to polymer ratio in core and coat were chosen as independent variables. The drug release in the first hour and drug release rate between 1 and 12 h were chosen as dependent variables. The tablets were characterized for dimension analysis, crushing strength, friability and in vitro drug release. A check point batch, containing 1:2.6 and 1:5.4 drug to polymer in core and coat respectively, was prepared. The tablets of check point batch were subjected to in vitro drug release in dissolution media with pH 5, 7.2 and distilled water. The kinetics of drug release was best explained by Korsmeyer and Peppas model (anomalous non-Fickian diffusion). The systematic formulation approach enabled us to develop modified release venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets.

Dose Estimating Application Software Modification: Additional Function of a Size-Specific Effective Dose Calculator and Auto Exposure Control.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Masanao; Asada, Yasuki; Matsubara, Kosuke; Suzuki, Shouichi; Matsunaga, Yuta; Haba, Tomonobu; Kawaguchi, Ai; Daioku, Tomihiko; Toyama, Hiroshi; Kato, Ryoichi

2017-05-01

Adequate dose management during computed tomography is important. In the present study, the dosimetric application software ImPACT was added to a functional calculator of the size-specific dose estimate and was part of the scan settings for the auto exposure control (AEC) technique. This study aimed to assess the practicality and accuracy of the modified ImPACT software for dose estimation. We compared the conversion factors identified by the software with the values reported by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 204, and we noted similar results. Moreover, doses were calculated with the AEC technique and a fixed-tube current of 200 mA for the chest-pelvis region. The modified ImPACT software could estimate each organ dose, which was based on the modulated tube current. The ability to perform beneficial modifications indicates the flexibility of the ImPACT software. The ImPACT software can be further modified for estimation of other doses. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Cross-protection of a new type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live vaccine (Fostera PRRS) against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs.

PubMed

Park, Changhoon; Choi, Kyuhyung; Jeong, Jiwoon; Chae, Chanhee

2015-05-15

The objective of the present study was to determine the cross-protection of a new type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live vaccine against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs. The mean rectal temperature and respiratory score was significantly (P<0.05) lower in vaccinated challenged pigs than in unvaccinated challenged pigs. Vaccination of pigs with type 2 PRRSV reduced the levels of type 1 PRRSV viremia after challenge with type 1 PRRSV. Vaccinated challenged pigs had significantly (P<0.05) higher frequency of interferon-γ secreting cells and lower levels of interleukin-10 compared to unvaccinated challenged pigs. Vaccination of pigs with the type 2 PRRSV effectively reduced the macroscopic and microscopic lung lesion and the type 1 PRRSV antigens within lung lesions in vaccinated challenged pigs. This study demonstrates partial cross-protection of a new type 2 PRRSV modified live vaccine against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fault detection techniques for complex cable shield topologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coonrod, Kurt H.; Davis, Stuart L.; McLemore, Donald P.

1994-09-01

This document presents the results of a basic principles study which investigated technical approaches for developing fault detection techniques for use on cables with complex shielding topologies. The study was limited to those approaches which could realistically be implemented on a fielded cable, i.e., approaches which would require partial disassembly of a cable were not pursued. The general approach used was to start with present transfer impedance measurement techniques and modify their use to achieve the best possible measurement range. An alternative test approach, similar to a sniffer type test, was also investigated.

Investigation of squeal noise under positive friction characteristics condition provided by friction modifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaogang; Meehan, Paul A.

2016-06-01

Field application of friction modifiers on the top of rail has been shown to effectively curb squeal and reduce lateral forces, but performance can be variable, according to other relevant research. Up to now, most investigations of friction modifiers were conducted in the field, where it is difficult to control or measure important parameters such as angle of attack, rolling speed, adhesion ratio etc. In the present investigation, the effect of different friction modifiers on the occurrence of squeal was investigated on a rolling contact two disk test rig. In particular, friction-creep curves and squeal sound pressure levels were measured under different rolling speeds and friction modifiers. The results show friction modifiers can eliminate or reduce the negative slope of friction-creep curves, but squeal noise still exists. Theoretical modelling of instantaneous creep behaviours reveals a possible reason why wheel squeal still exists after the application of friction modifiers.

Modifying the test of understanding graphs in kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavala, Genaro; Tejeda, Santa; Barniol, Pablo; Beichner, Robert J.

2017-12-01

In this article, we present several modifications to the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics. The most significant changes are (i) the addition and removal of items to achieve parallelism in the objectives (dimensions) of the test, thus allowing comparisons of students' performance that were not possible with the original version, and (ii) changes to the distractors of some of the original items that represent the most frequent alternative conceptions. The final modified version (after an iterative process involving four administrations of test variations over two years) was administered to 471 students of an introductory university physics course at a large private university in Mexico. When analyzing the final modified version of the test it was found that the added items satisfied the statistical tests of difficulty, discriminatory power, and reliability; also, that the great majority of the modified distractors were effective in terms of their frequency selection and discriminatory power; and, that the final modified version of the test satisfied the reliability and discriminatory power criteria as well as the original test. Here, we also show the use of the new version of the test, presenting a new analysis of students' understanding not possible to do before with the original version of the test, specifically regarding the objectives and items that in the new version meet parallelisms. Finally, in the PhysPort project (physport.org), we present the final modified version of the test. It can be used by teachers and researchers to assess students' understanding of graphs in kinematics, as well as their learning about them.

The Modified HZ Conjugate Gradient Algorithm for Large-Scale Nonsmooth Optimization.

PubMed

Yuan, Gonglin; Sheng, Zhou; Liu, Wenjie

2016-01-01

In this paper, the Hager and Zhang (HZ) conjugate gradient (CG) method and the modified HZ (MHZ) CG method are presented for large-scale nonsmooth convex minimization. Under some mild conditions, convergent results of the proposed methods are established. Numerical results show that the presented methods can be better efficiency for large-scale nonsmooth problems, and several problems are tested (with the maximum dimensions to 100,000 variables).

Properties of the Mean Momentum Balance in Polymer Drag Reduced Channel Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Christopher; Dubief, Yves; Klewicki, Joseph

2014-11-01

The redistribution of mean momentum and the underlying mechanisms of the redistribution process in polymer drag reduced channel flow are investigated by employing a mean momentum equation based analysis. The work is motivated by recent studies that showed (contrary to long-held views) that polymers modify the von Karman coefficient, κ, at low drag reduction, and at some relatively high drag reduction eradicate the inertially dominated logarithmic region. Since κ is a manifestation of the underlying dynamical behaviors of wall-bounded flow, understanding how polymers modify κ is inherently important to understanding the dynamics of polymer drag reduced flow, and, consequently, the phenomenon of polymer drag reduction. The goal of the present study is to explore and quantify these effects within the framework of a mean momentum based analysis.

A study of the feasibility of conducting the ELISE and EXL experiments at the ITEP accelerator complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolshakov, A. E.; Golubev, A. A.; Zenkevich, P. R.; Kats, M. M.; Kolomiets, A. A.

2014-09-01

We report the results of a study into the feasibility of conducting the ELISE and EXL experiments on collisions of nuclei of radioactive fragments with electrons at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP). A scheme for uranium ion acceleration in the ITEP accelerator complex is chosen, and it is shown that uranium ions may be accelerated with an intensity of ˜1 × 1011 ions/s as soon as the complex is modified and a new injector is constructed. The basic parameters of the modified complex are given, and a layout diagram indicating the positions of the target that serves to produce radioactive fragments, the separator, and the storage rings (CR, RESR, NESR, and ER) at the ITEP site is presented.

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Activity of Xanthones Obtained via Semi-Synthetic Modification of α-Mangostin from Garcinia mangostana.

PubMed

Narasimhan, Srinivasan; Maheshwaran, Shanmugam; Abu-Yousef, Imad A; Majdalawieh, Amin F; Rethavathi, Janarthanam; Das, Prince Edwin; Poltronieri, Palmiro

2017-02-12

The microbial contamination in food packaging has been a major concern that has paved the way to search for novel, natural anti-microbial agents, such as modified α-mangostin. In the present study, twelve synthetic analogs were obtained through semi-synthetic modification of α-mangostin by Ritter reaction, reduction by palladium-carbon (Pd-C), alkylation, and acetylation. The evaluation of the anti-microbial potential of the synthetic analogs showed higher bactericidal activity than the parent molecule. The anti-microbial studies proved that I E showed high anti-bacterial activity whereas I I showed the highest anti-fungal activity. Due to their microbicidal potential, modified α-mangostin derivatives could be utilized as active anti-microbial agents in materials for the biomedical and food industry.

Recycling cycle of materials applied to acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/policarbonate blends with styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cândido, L. H. A.; Ferreira, D. B.; Júnior, W. Kindlein; Demori, R.; Mauler, R. S.

2014-05-01

The scope of this research is the recycling of polymers from mobile phones hulls discarded and the performance evaluation when they are submitted to the Recycling Cycle of Materials (RCM). The studied material was the ABS/PC blend in a 70/30 proportion. Different compositions were evaluated adding virgin material, recycled material and using the copolymer SBS as impact modifier. In order to evaluate the properties of material's composition, the samples were characterized by TGA, FTIR, SEM, IZOD impact strength and tensile strength tests. At the first stage, the presented results suggest the composition containing 25% of recycled material and 5% of SBS combines good mechanical performance to the higher content of recycled material and lower content of impact modifier providing major benefits to recycling plans. Five cycles (RCM) were applied in the second stage; they evidenced a decrease trend considering the impact strength. At first and second cycle the impact strength was higher than reference material (ABS/PC blend) and from the fourth cycle it was lower. The superiority impact strength in the first and second cycles can be attributed to impact modifier effect. The thermal tests and the spectrometry didn't show the presence of degradation process in the material and the TGA curves demonstrated the process stability. The impact surface of each sample was observed at SEM. The microstructures are not homogeneous presenting voids and lamellar appearance, although the outer surface presents no defects, demonstrating good moldability. The present work aims to assess the life cycle of the material from the successive recycling processes.

Optoelectronic investigation of nanodiamond interactions with human blood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ficek, M.; Wróbel, M. S.; Wasowicz, M.; Jedrzejewska-Szczerska, M.

2016-03-01

We present optoelectronic investigation of in vitro interactions of whole human blood with different nanodiamond biomarkers. Plasmo-chemical modifications of detonation nanodiamond particles gives the possibility for controlling their surface for biological applications. Optical investigations reveal the biological activity of nanodiamonds in blood dependent on its surface termination. We compare different types of nanodiamonds: commercial non-modified detonation nanodiamonds, and nanodiamonds modified by MW PACVD method with H2-termination, and chemically modified nanodiamond with O2-termination. The absorption spectra, and optical microscope investigations were conducted. The results indicate haemocompatibility of non-modified detonation nanodiamond as well as modified nanodiamonds, which enables their application for drug delivery, as well as sensing applications.

Comment on the modified Beer-Lambert law for scattering media.

PubMed

Sassaroli, Angelo; Fantini, Sergio

2004-07-21

We present a concise overview of the modified Beer-Lambert law, which has been extensively used in the literature of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of scattering media. In particular, we discuss one form of the modified Beer-Lambert law that is commonly found in the literature and that is not strictly correct. However, this incorrect form of the modified Beer-Lambert law still leads to the correct expression for the changes in the continuous wave optical signal associated with changes in the absorption coefficient of the investigated medium. Here we propose a notation for the modified Beer-Lambert law that keeps the typical form commonly found in the literature without introducing any incorrect assumptions.

A Simple Approach to Achieve Modified Projective Synchronization between Two Different Chaotic Systems

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

A new approach, the projective system approach, is proposed to realize modified projective synchronization between two different chaotic systems. By simple analysis of trajectories in the phase space, a projective system of the original chaotic systems is obtained to replace the errors system to judge the occurrence of modified projective synchronization. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show that, although the projective system may not be unique, modified projective synchronization can be achieved provided that the origin of any of projective systems is asymptotically stable. Furthermore, an example is presented to illustrate that even a necessary and sufficient condition for modified projective synchronization can be derived by using the projective system approach. PMID:24187522

Enhanced heat transfer and frictional losses in heat exchanger tube with modified helical coiled inserts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Aditya; Kumar, Manoj; Patil, Anil Kumar

2018-04-01

The application of compact heat exchangers in any thermal system improves overall performance with a considerable reduction in size and weight. Inserts of different geometrical features have been used as turbulence promoting devices to increase the heat transfer rates. The present study deals with the experimental investigation of heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of a tubular heat exchanger fitted with modified helical coiled inserts. Experiments have been carried out for a smooth tube without insert, tube fitted with helical coiled inserts, and modified helical coiled inserts. The helical coiled inserts are tested by varying the pitch ratio and wire diameter ratio from 0.5-1.5, and 0.063-0.125, respectively for the Reynolds number range of 1400 to 11,000. Experimental data have also been collected for the modified helical coiled inserts with gradually increasing pitch (GIP) and gradually decreasing pitch (GDP) configurations. The Nusselt number and friction factor values for helical coiled inserts are enhanced in the range of 1.42-2.62, 3.4-27.4, relative to smooth tube, respectively. The modified helical coiled insert showed enhancements in Nusselt number and friction factor values in the range of 1.49-3.14, 11.2-19.9, relative to smooth tube, respectively. The helical coiled and modified helical coiled inserts have thermo-hydraulic performance factor in the range of 0.59-1.29, 0.6-1.39, respectively. The empirical correlations of Nusselt number and friction factor for helical coiled inserts are proposed.

Understanding Gas Phase Modifier Interactions in Rapid Analysis by Differential Mobility-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafle, Amol; Coy, Stephen L.; Wong, Bryan M.; Fornace, Albert J.; Glick, James J.; Vouros, Paul

2014-07-01

A systematic study involving the use and optimization of gas-phase modifiers in quantitative differential mobility-mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) analysis is presented using nucleoside-adduct biomarkers of DNA damage as an important reference point for analysis in complex matrices. Commonly used polar protic and polar aprotic modifiers have been screened for use against two deoxyguanosine adducts of DNA: N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-4-ABP) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-y1)-2-amino-l-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (dG-C8-PhIP). Particular attention was paid to compensation voltage (CoV) shifts, peak shapes, and product ion signal intensities while optimizing the DMS-MS conditions. The optimized parameters were then applied to rapid quantitation of the DNA adducts in calf thymus DNA. After a protein precipitation step, adduct levels corresponding to less than one modification in 106 normal DNA bases were detected using the DMS-MS platform. Based on DMS fundamentals and ab initio thermochemical results, we interpret the complexity of DMS modifier responses in terms of thermal activation and the development of solvent shells. At very high bulk gas temperature, modifier dipole moment may be the most important factor in cluster formation and cluster geometry, but at lower temperatures, multi-neutral clusters are important and less predictable. This work provides a useful protocol for targeted DNA adduct quantitation and a basis for future work on DMS modifier effects.

Understanding gas phase modifier interactions in rapid analysis by Differential Mobility-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Kafle, Amol; Coy, Stephen L.; Wong, Bryan M.; Fornace, Albert J.; Glick, James J.; Vouros, Paul

2014-01-01

A systematic study involving the use and optimization of gas phase modifiers in quantitative differential mobility- mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) analysis is presented using mucleoside-adduct biomarkers of DNA damage as an important reference point for analysis in complex matrices. Commonly used polar protic and polar aprotic modifiers have been screened for use against two deoxyguanosine adducts of DNA: N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-4-ABP) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-y1)-2-amino-l-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (dG-C8-PhIP). Particular attention was paid to compensation voltage (CoV) shifts, peak shapes and product ion signal intensities while optimizing the DMS-MS conditions. The optimized parameters were then applied to rapid quantitation of the DNA adducts in calf thymus DNA. After a protein precipitation step, adduct levels corresponding to less than one modification in 106 normal DNA bases were detected using the DMS-MS platform. Based on DMS fundamentals and ab-initio thermochemical results we interpret the complexity of DMS modifier responses in terms of thermal activation and the development of solvent shells. At very high bulk gas temperature, modifier dipole moment may be the most important factor in cluster formation and cluster geometry in mobility differences, but at lower temperatures multi-neutral clusters are important and less predictable. This work provides a useful protocol for targeted DNA adduct quantitation and a basis for future work on DMS modifier effects. PMID:24452298

Consumer reaction to information on the labels of genetically modified food

PubMed Central

Sebastian-Ponce, Miren Itxaso; Sanz-Valero, Javier; Wanden-Berghe, Carmina

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE To analyze consumer opinion on genetically modified foods and the information included on the label. METHODS A systematic review of the scientific literature on genetically modified food labeling was conducted consulting bibliographic databases (Medline – via PubMed –, EMBASE, ISI-Web of knowledge, Cochrane Library Plus, FSTA, LILACS, CINAHL and AGRICOLA) using the descriptors “organisms, genetically modified” and “food labeling”. The search covered the first available date, up to June 2012, selecting relevant articles written in English, Portuguese or Spanish. RESULTS Forty articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of them should have conducted a population-based intervention focused on consumer awareness of genetically modified foods and their need or not, to include this on the label. The consumers expressed a preference for non-genetically modified products, and added that they were prepared to pay more for this but, ultimately, the product bought was that with the best price, in a market which welcomes new technologies. In 18 of the articles, the population was in favor of obligatory labelling, and in six, in favor of this being voluntary; seven studies showed the consumer knew little about genetically modified food, and in three, the population underestimated the quantity they consumed. Price was an influencing factor in all cases. CONCLUSIONS Label should be homogeneous and clarify the degree of tolerance of genetically modified products in humans, in comparison with those non-genetically modified. Label should also present the content or not of genetically modified products and how these commodities are produced and should be accompanied by the certifying entity and contact information. Consumers express their preference for non-genetically modifiedproducts and they even notice that they are willing to pay more for it, but eventually they buy the item with the best price, in a market that welcomes new technologies. PMID:24789648

A comparative study on assessment procedures and metric properties of two scoring systems of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised items: standard and modified scores.

PubMed

Sattin, Davide; Lovaglio, Piergiorgio; Brenna, Greta; Covelli, Venusia; Rossi Sebastiano, Davide; Duran, Dunja; Minati, Ludovico; Giovannetti, Ambra Mara; Rosazza, Cristina; Bersano, Anna; Nigri, Anna; Ferraro, Stefania; Leonardi, Matilde

2017-09-01

The study compared the metric characteristics (discriminant capacity and factorial structure) of two different methods for scoring the items of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and it analysed scale scores collected using the standard assessment procedure and a new proposed method. Cross sectional design/methodological study. Inpatient, neurological unit. A total of 153 patients with disorders of consciousness were consecutively enrolled between 2011 and 2013. All patients were assessed with the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised using standard (rater 1) and inverted (rater 2) procedures. Coma Recovery Scale-Revised score, number of cognitive and reflex behaviours and diagnosis. Regarding patient assessment, rater 1 using standard and rater 2 using inverted procedures obtained the same best scores for each subscale of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised for all patients, so no clinical (and statistical) difference was found between the two procedures. In 11 patients (7.7%), rater 2 noted that some Coma Recovery Scale-Revised codified behavioural responses were not found during assessment, although higher response categories were present. A total of 51 (36%) patients presented the same Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores of 7 or 8 using a standard score, whereas no overlap was found using the modified score. Unidimensionality was confirmed for both score systems. The Coma Recovery Scale Modified Score showed a higher discriminant capacity than the standard score and a monofactorial structure was also supported. The inverted assessment procedure could be a useful evaluation method for the assessment of patients with disorder of consciousness diagnosis.

Reliable critical sized defect rodent model for cleft palate research.

PubMed

Mostafa, Nesrine Z; Doschak, Michael R; Major, Paul W; Talwar, Reena

2014-12-01

Suitable animal models are necessary to test the efficacy of new bone grafting therapies in cleft palate surgery. Rodent models of cleft palate are available but have limitations. This study compared and modified mid-palate cleft (MPC) and alveolar cleft (AC) models to determine the most reliable and reproducible model for bone grafting studies. Published MPC model (9 × 5 × 3 mm(3)) lacked sufficient information for tested rats. Our initial studies utilizing AC model (7 × 4 × 3 mm(3)) in 8 and 16 weeks old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats revealed injury to adjacent structures. After comparing anteroposterior and transverse maxillary dimensions in 16 weeks old SD and Wistar rats, virtual planning was performed to modify MPC and AC defects dimensions, taking the adjacent structures into consideration. Modified MPC (7 × 2.5 × 1 mm(3)) and AC (5 × 2.5 × 1 mm(3)) defects were employed in 16 weeks old Wistar rats and healing was monitored by micro-computed tomography and histology. Maxillary dimensions in SD and Wistar rats were not significantly different. Preoperative virtual planning enhanced postoperative surgical outcomes. Bone healing occurred at defect margin leaving central bone void confirming the critical size nature of the modified MPC and AC defects. Presented modifications for MPC and AC models created clinically relevant and reproducible defects. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CFD Predictions of Sonic-Boom Characteristics for Unmodified and Modified SR-71 Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fouladi, Kamran

1999-01-01

Shaped sonic-boom signatures refer to signatures that look something other than the typical N-waves. Shaped sonic-boom signatures such as "flat-top," "ramp-type," or "hybrid-type" waveforms have been shown to reduce the subjective loudness without requiring reductions in overpressure peaks. The shaping of sonic-boom signatures requires increasing the shock rise time and changes in frequency spectra. So far, a flat-top waveform was shown to be achievable in wind tunnels; however, the influence of long propagation distance and real atmosphere on shaped signatures should be addressed using flight tests. Two different approaches have been proposed for sonic-boom minimization flight tests. The first approach, proposed by Eagle Aerospace, is for a flight test using a modified BQM-34 "FIREBEE" remotely piloted vehicle. The 30-foot long FIREBEE has a steady state flight condition at the Mach number and altitude of interest, and it can be recovered by helicopter from the water. As an alternative approach, a modified SR-71 vehicle has been proposed by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Benefits of the SR-71 include its variable geometry supersonic inlets, small cockpit bulge, higher Mach number capabilities, slender design, and longer length (105 foot). The present investigation addresses the sonic-boom analysis for the second vehicle.The objective of the current investigation is to assess the feasibility of a modified SR-71 configuration, with McDonnell Douglas-designed fuselage modifications, intended to produce shaped sonic-boom signatures on the ground. The present study describes the use of a higher-order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to predict the sonic-boom characteristics for both unmodified and modified SR-71 configurations. An Euler unstructured grid methodology is used to predict the near-field, three-dimensional pressure patterns generated by both SR-71 models. The computed near-field pressure signatures are extrapolated to specified distances below the aircraft down to impingement on the ground using the code MDBOOM. Comparisons of the near-field pressure signatures with available flight-test data are presented in the current paper.

Modeling of pathogen survival during simulated gastric digestion.

PubMed

Koseki, Shige; Mizuno, Yasuko; Sotome, Itaru

2011-02-01

The objective of the present study was to develop a mathematical model of pathogenic bacterial inactivation kinetics in a gastric environment in order to further understand a part of the infectious dose-response mechanism. The major bacterial pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. were examined by using simulated gastric fluid adjusted to various pH values. To correspond to the various pHs in a stomach during digestion, a modified logistic differential equation model and the Weibull differential equation model were examined. The specific inactivation rate for each pathogen was successfully described by a square-root model as a function of pH. The square-root models were combined with the modified logistic differential equation to obtain a complete inactivation curve. Both the modified logistic and Weibull models provided a highly accurate fitting of the static pH conditions for every pathogen. However, while the residuals plots of the modified logistic model indicated no systematic bias and/or regional prediction problems, the residuals plots of the Weibull model showed a systematic bias. The modified logistic model appropriately predicted the pathogen behavior in the simulated gastric digestion process with actual food, including cut lettuce, minced tuna, hamburger, and scrambled egg. Although the developed model enabled us to predict pathogen inactivation during gastric digestion, its results also suggested that the ingested bacteria in the stomach would barely be inactivated in the real digestion process. The results of this study will provide important information on a part of the dose-response mechanism of bacterial pathogens.

Modeling of Pathogen Survival during Simulated Gastric Digestion ▿

PubMed Central

Koseki, Shige; Mizuno, Yasuko; Sotome, Itaru

2011-01-01

The objective of the present study was to develop a mathematical model of pathogenic bacterial inactivation kinetics in a gastric environment in order to further understand a part of the infectious dose-response mechanism. The major bacterial pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. were examined by using simulated gastric fluid adjusted to various pH values. To correspond to the various pHs in a stomach during digestion, a modified logistic differential equation model and the Weibull differential equation model were examined. The specific inactivation rate for each pathogen was successfully described by a square-root model as a function of pH. The square-root models were combined with the modified logistic differential equation to obtain a complete inactivation curve. Both the modified logistic and Weibull models provided a highly accurate fitting of the static pH conditions for every pathogen. However, while the residuals plots of the modified logistic model indicated no systematic bias and/or regional prediction problems, the residuals plots of the Weibull model showed a systematic bias. The modified logistic model appropriately predicted the pathogen behavior in the simulated gastric digestion process with actual food, including cut lettuce, minced tuna, hamburger, and scrambled egg. Although the developed model enabled us to predict pathogen inactivation during gastric digestion, its results also suggested that the ingested bacteria in the stomach would barely be inactivated in the real digestion process. The results of this study will provide important information on a part of the dose-response mechanism of bacterial pathogens. PMID:21131530

Chimpanzees create and modify probe tools functionally: A study with zoo-housed chimpanzees.

PubMed

Hopper, Lydia M; Tennie, Claudio; Ross, Stephen R; Lonsdorf, Elizabeth V

2015-02-01

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) use tools to probe for out-of-reach food, both in the wild and in captivity. Beyond gathering appropriately-sized materials to create tools, chimpanzees also perform secondary modifications in order to create an optimized tool. In this study, we recorded the behavior of a group of zoo-housed chimpanzees when presented with opportunities to use tools to probe for liquid foods in an artificial termite mound within their enclosure. Previous research with this group of chimpanzees has shown that they are proficient at gathering materials from within their environment in order to create tools to probe for the liquid food within the artificial mound. Extending beyond this basic question, we first asked whether they only made and modified probe tools when it was appropriate to do so (i.e. when the mound was baited with food). Second, by collecting continuous data on their behavior, we also asked whether the chimpanzees first (intentionally) modified their tools prior to probing for food or whether such modifications occurred after tool use, possibly as a by-product of chewing and eating the food from the tools. Following our predictions, we found that tool modification predicted tool use; the chimpanzees began using their tools within a short delay of creating and modifying them, and the chimpanzees performed more tool modifying behaviors when food was available than when they could not gain food through the use of probe tools. We also discuss our results in terms of the chimpanzees' acquisition of the skills, and their flexibility of tool use and learning. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Understanding the Early Signs of Chronic Disease by Investigating the Overlap of Mental Health Needs and Adolescent Obesity.

PubMed

Smith, Tyler C; Smith, Besa

2015-01-01

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions with two to three-fold increases in prevalence in the past three decades. Sedentary lifestyles and nutrition have been linked to these increases though little is known about mental health illnesses in children and teens which may be precursors to negative modifiable health risk factors. The objective of this study was to investigate for a potentially more clinically practical indicator of depression over a multi-item screen in respect to reporting of overweight and obesity in adolescents. This study further investigated modifiers to this association and stability of association. This cross-sectional study aggregated 2007/2009 California Health Interview Survey data (n = 6,917 adolescents). Univariate analyses of population characteristics and modifiable behaviors with obesity/overweight and depression are presented. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to compare the adjusted odds of overweight and obesity for those children with reported depression. After controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, age, and modifiable behaviors, there was a statistically significant relationship between reported depression and overweight/obesity (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.49). This effect size was consistent in hierarchical models overall and stratified by gender. Overweight and obesity in adolescents should be understood clinically in the context of depression and other mental health illness. This study highlights a routine primary care or parental screening assessment that could indicate tendencies in adolescent boys and girls which may be precursors to overweight or obesity. Further research should be conducted to identify ways for integrating adolescent mental health screens into primary care.

Polymer modified concrete study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-04-01

Four polymer modifiers, commercially known as: Dow SM Modifier "A", Thermoflex 8002, Arco-Dylex 1186, and Duralguard Modifier "E", were chosen to be evaluated in this study effort. The first three of these products were already approved by FHWA as al...

Mining Careers. Instructor's Manual and Student's Basic Course of Study. Recommended Courses for Entry Level Miner, General Inside Laborer, Timber Framer, Face Worker.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School, Ebensburg, PA.

Guides for organizing and individualizing three courses of study for job training in the mining careers of entry level miner, general inside laborer/timber framer, and faceman are presented in this manual. Introductory information includes (1) suggestions for utilizing, modifying, or customizing materials (task sheets) in the manual to suit…

Acids in combination with sodium dodecyl sulfate caused quality deterioration of fresh-cut iceburg lettuce during storage in modified atmosphere package

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Recent studies showed that levulinic acid (LA) and sodium acid sulfate (SAS) were effective in inactivating human pathogens on fresh produce. The present study investigated the effects of LA and SAS in comparison with citric acid and chlorine on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 and the sensory qu...

Narrative, Visual Model and Dragon Culture: A Narrative Analysis of Value Presentation in Two Movies Preferred by Chinese Adolescents. Research Bulletin 98.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jin, He

A narrative study was conducted of the visual models in two movies preferred by Chinese adolescents in two schools (n=152). The two movies studied were "Three Decisive Campaigns" (A Chinese Trilogy) and the American science fiction movie, "Jurassic Park." The modified approach from Bandura's modeling theory and film semiotics…

Behavior Modification of Aggressive Behavior on a Nursery School Bus: A Case Study.1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitehurst, Carol; Miller, Edward

1973-01-01

A case study is presented in which aggressive behavior of two pre-school boys on a nursery school bus was modified by the introduction of a negative punishment contingency in which the Ss were told they would be detained on the bus until the second time the bus passed their house (delay of reinforcement) if abusive behavior occurred. (Author)

Surface-modified bacterial nanofibrillar PHB scaffolds for bladder tissue repair.

PubMed

Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Demirbilek, Murat; Şam, Mesut; Sağlam, Necdet; Mızrak, Alpay Koray; Denkbaş, Emir Baki

2016-01-01

The aim of the study is in vitro investigation of the feasibility of surface-modified bacterial nanofibrous poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) graft for bladder reconstruction. In this study, the surface of electrospun bacterial PHB was modified with PEG- or EDA via radio frequency glow discharge method. After plasma modification, contact angle of EDA-modified PHB scaffolds decreased from 110 ± 1.50 to 23 ± 0.5 degree. Interestingly, less calcium oxalate stone deposition was observed on modified PHB scaffolds compared to that of non-modified group. Results of this study show that surface-modified scaffolds not only inhibited calcium oxalate growth but also enhanced the uroepithelial cell viability and proliferation.

Contribution of the TTC21B gene to glomerular and cystic kidney diseases.

PubMed

Bullich, Gemma; Vargas, Iván; Trujillano, Daniel; Mendizábal, Santiago; Piñero-Fernández, Juan Alberto; Fraga, Gloria; García-Solano, José; Ballarín, José; Estivill, Xavier; Torra, Roser; Ars, Elisabet

2017-01-01

The TTC21B gene was initially described as causative of nephronophthisis (NPHP). Recently, the homozygous TTC21B p.P209L mutation has been identified in families with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and tubulointerstitial lesions. Heterozygous TTC21B variants have been proposed as genetic modifiers in ciliopathies. We aimed to study the causative and modifying role of the TTC21B gene in glomerular and cystic kidney diseases. Mutation analysis of the TTC21B gene was performed by massive parallel sequencing. We studied the causative role of the TTC21B gene in 17 patients with primary diagnosis of FSGS or NPHP and its modifying role in 184 patients with inherited glomerular or cystic kidney diseases. Disease-causing TTC21B mutations were identified in three families presenting nephrotic proteinuria with FSGS and tubulointerstitial lesions in which some family members presented hypertension and myopia. Two families carried the homozygous p.P209L and the third was compound heterozygous for the p.P209L and a novel p.H426D mutation. Rare heterozygous TTC21B variants predicted to be pathogenic were found in five patients. These TTC21B variants were significantly more frequent in renal patients compared with controls (P = 0.0349). Two patients with a heterozygous deleterious TTC21B variant in addition to the disease-causing mutation presented a more severe phenotype than expected. Our results confirm the causal role of the homozygous p.P209L TTC21B mutation in two new families with FSGS and tubulointerstitial disease. We identified a novel TTC21B mutation demonstrating that p.P209L is not the unique causative mutation of this nephropathy. Thus, TTC21B mutation analysis should be considered for the genetic diagnosis of families with FSGS and tubulointerstitial lesions. Finally, we provide evidence that heterozygous deleterious TTC21B variants may act as genetic modifiers of the severity of glomerular and cystic kidney diseases. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the use of recycled polymer-modified asphalt in asphaltic concrete pavements.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-06-30

This report presents issues associated with recycling polymer modified asphalt cements (PMACs), particularly blending aged PMAC with new PMAC. A styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) PMAC was selected and graded using the Superpave Performance Grading (PG)...

Gaseous modification of MCrAlY coatings

DOEpatents

Vance, Steven J.; Goedjen, John G.; Sabol, Stephen M.; Sloan, Kelly M.

2000-01-01

The present invention generally describes methods for modifying MCrAlY coatings by using gaseous carburization, gaseous nitriding or gaseous carbonitriding. The modified MCrAlY coatings are useful in thermal barrier coating systems, which may be used in gas turbine engines.

Modified Antifreeze Liquids for Use on Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lynn, R. O.

1983-01-01

Report presents results of evaluation of two antifreeze liquids, dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol and five viscosity modifiers: gelatin, gum tragacanth, starch, agarose powder and citrus pectin. Purpose of evaluation to find best way of dealing with frost formation on Space Shuttle.

Effects of self-assembly of 3-phosphonopropionic acid, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and dopamine on the corrosion behaviors and biocompatibility of a magnesium alloy.

PubMed

Pan, Chang-Jiang; Hou, Yu; Wang, Ya-Nan; Gao, Fei; Liu, Tao; Hou, Yan-Hua; Zhu, Yu-Fu; Ye, Wei; Wang, Ling-Ren

2016-10-01

Magnesium based alloys are attracting tremendous interests as the novel biodegradable metallic biomaterials. However, the rapid in vivo degradation and the limited surface biocompatibility restrict their clinical applications. Surface modification represents one of the important approaches to control the corrosion rate of Mg based alloys and to enhance the biocompatibility. In the present study, in order to improve the corrosion resistance and surface biocompatibility, magnesium alloy (AZ31B) was modified by the alkali heating treatment followed by the self-assembly of 3-phosphonopropionic acid, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and dopamine, respectively. The results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) indicated that the molecules were successfully immobilized on the magnesium alloy surface by the self-assembly. An excellent hydrophilic surface was obtained after the alkali heating treatment and the water contact angle increased to some degree after the self-assembly of dopamine, APTMS and 3-phosphonopropionic acid, however, the hydrophilicity of the modified samples was better than that of the pristine magnesium substrate. Due to the formation of the passivation layer after the alkali heating treatment, the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy was obviously improved. The corrosion rate further decreased to varying degrees after the self-assembly surface modification. The blood compatibility of the pristine magnesium was significantly improved after the surface modification. The hemolysis rate was reduced from 56% of the blank magnesium alloy to 18% of the alkali heating treated sample and the values were further reduced to about 10% of dopamine-modified sample and 7% of APTMS-modified sample. The hemolysis rate was below 5% for the 3-phosphonopropionic acid modified sample. As compared to the pristine magnesium alloy, fewer platelets were attached and activated on the modified surfaces and the activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) were prolonged to some degree. Furthermore, the modified samples showed good cytocompatibility. Endothelial cells exhibited the improved proliferative profiles in terms of CCK-8 assay as compared to those on the pristine magnesium alloy. The modified samples showed better endothelial cell adhesion and spreading than the pristine magnesium alloy. Taking all these results into consideration, the method of this study can be used to modify the magnesium alloy surface to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility simultaneously. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Executive Control in a Modified Antisaccade Task: Effects of Aging and Bilingualism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bialystok, Ellen; Craik, Fergus I. M.; Ryan, Jennifer

2006-01-01

Two studies are reported that assess differences associated with aging and bilingualism in an executive control task. Previous work has suggested that bilinguals have an advantage over monolinguals in nonlinguistic tasks involving executive control; the major purpose of the present article is to ascertain which aspects of control are sensitive…

Morphological Processing of Chinese Compounds from a Grammatical View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Phil D.; McBride-Chang, Catherine

2010-01-01

In the present study, morphological structure processing of Chinese compounds was explored using a visual priming lexical decision task among 21 Hong Kong college students. Two compounding structures were compared. The first type was the subordinate, in which one morpheme modifies the other (e.g., [image omitted] ["laam4 kau4",…

Components of Executive Control with Advantages for Bilingual Children in Two Cultures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bialystok, Ellen; Viswanathan, Mythili

2009-01-01

The present study used a behavioral version of an anti-saccade task, called the "faces task", developed by [Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I. M., & Ryan, J. (2006). Executive control in a modified anti-saccade task: Effects of aging and bilingualism. "Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition," 32,…

Rhythms that Speed You Up

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanabria, Daniel; Capizzi, Mariagrazia; Correa, Angel

2011-01-01

This study investigates whether a rhythm can orient attention to specific moments enhancing people's reaction times (RT). We used a modified version of the temporal orienting paradigm in which an auditory isochronous rhythm was presented prior to an auditory single target. The rhythm could have a fast pace (450 ms Inter-Onset-Interval or IOI) or a…

Development of Attention Networks and Their Interactions in Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pozuelos, Joan P.; Paz-Alonso, Pedro M.; Castillo, Alejandro; Fuentes, Luis J.; Rueda, M. Rosario

2014-01-01

In the present study, we investigated developmental trajectories of alerting, orienting, and executive attention networks and their interactions over childhood. Two cross-sectional experiments were conducted with different samples of 6-to 12-year-old children using modified versions of the attention network task (ANT). In Experiment 1 (N = 106),…

Transgender Individuals' Workplace Experiences: The Applicability of Sexual Minority Measures and Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brewster, Melanie E.; Velez, Brandon; DeBlaere, Cirleen; Moradi, Bonnie

2012-01-01

The present study explored whether 3 existing measures of workplace constructs germane to the experiences of sexual minority people could be modified to improve their applicability with transgender individuals. To this end, the Workplace Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire (WHEQ; C. R. Waldo, 1999); the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered…

Effects of almond and pistachio consumption on gut microbiota composition in a randomised cross-over human feeding study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Modifying microbiota towards a 'beneficial' composition is a promising approach for improving intestinal as well as overall health. Natural fibers and phytochemicals that reach the proximal colon, such as those present in various nuts, provide substrates for maintaining a healthy and diverse microbi...

A Cognitive Behavioral Depression Prevention Program for Early Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miloseva, Lence

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to present results of our one year experience with Cognitive Behavioral Psychology Program, in order to contribute to the building of whole school approach and positive psychology preventive mental health problems model. Based on Penn Resilience program (PRP), we modify and create program for early adolescents: how to…

Changing the Teaching/Learning Procedures in Physics for Agricultural Engineering. A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mulero, Angel; Parra, M. Isabel; Cachadina, Isidro

2012-01-01

The subject "Physical Fundamentals of Engineering" for agricultural engineers in the University of Extremadura has long had high rates of students not attending classes, not presenting for examinations and, finally, failing the subject. During the 2007 and 2008 courses, the teaching/learning procedures were strongly modified. Analysis of the…

The Effects of an Afterschool Physical Activity Program on Working Memory in Preadolescent Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamijo, Keita; Pontifex, Matthew B.; O'Leary, Kevin C.; Scudder, Mark R.; Wu, Chien-Ting; Castelli, Darla M.; Hillman, Charles H.

2011-01-01

The present study examined the effects of a 9-month randomized control physical activity intervention aimed at improving cardiorespiratory fitness on changes in working memory performance in preadolescent children relative to a waitlist control group. Participants performed a modified Sternberg task, which manipulated working memory demands based…

Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from the gray wolf Canis lupus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Little is known of the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii circulating in wildlife. In the present study feral gray wolf (Canis lupus) from Minnesota were examined for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 130 (52.4%) of 248 wolves tested by the modified agglutination test...

Lexical Selection Is Competitive: Evidence from Indirectly Activated Semantic Associates during Picture Naming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melinger, Alissa; Rahman, Rasha Abdel

2013-01-01

In this study, we present 3 picture-word interference (PWI) experiments designed to investigate whether lexical selection processes are competitive. We focus on semantic associative relations, which should interfere according to competitive models but not according to certain noncompetitive models. In a modified version of the PWI paradigm,…

Improving the Quality of Science Classroom Discourse on Controversial Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geddis, Arthur N.

1991-01-01

Illustrates how the sophistication of students' discussion on controversial issues can be increased by explicit attention to (1) the defensibility of more than one position, and (2) the relationship between protagonist's interests and the positions adopted. Presents a case study of a teacher using this scheme as he reflects on and modifies his…

Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from mute swan (Cygnus olor) from the USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Little is known of the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii circulating in wildlife. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 632 mute swans (Cygnus olor) collected from different areas of the USA. Sera were tested by T. gondii modified agglutination te...

Neuroanatomically Separable Effects of Imageability and Grammatical Class during Single-Word Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bedny, Marina; Thompson-Schill, Sharon L.

2006-01-01

The present study characterizes the neural correlates of noun and verb imageability and addresses the question of whether components of the neural network supporting word recognition can be separately modified by variations in grammatical class and imageability. We examined the effect of imageability on BOLD signal during single-word comprehension…

Local Assessment: Using Genre Analysis to Validate Directed Self-Placement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gere, Anne Ruggles; Aull, Laura; Escudero, Moises Damian Perales; Lancaster, Zak; Lei, Elizabeth Vander

2013-01-01

Grounded in the principle that writing assessment should be locally developed and controlled, this article describes a study that contextualizes and validates the decisions that students make in the modified Directed Self-Placement (DSP) process used at the University of Michigan. The authors present results of a detailed text analysis of…

Analysis of windsat 3rd and 4th stokes components over Arct Sea ice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

WindSat has provided an opportunity to investigate the first spaceborne passive fully polarimetric observations of the Earth’s surface. In the present study, we investigated the Arctic sea ice. The passive polarimetric data is provided in the form of the modified Stokes vector consisting of four par...

Preservice Science Teachers' Efficacy Regarding a Socioscientific Issue: A Belief System Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilinç, Ahmet; Kartal, Tezcan; Eroglu, Baris; Demiral, Ümit; Afacan, Özlem; Polat, Dilber; Demirci Guler, Mutlu P.; Görgülü, Özkan

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to understand the nature of teaching efficacy beliefs related to a socioscientific issue (SSI). We investigated Turkish preservice science teachers' teaching efficacy beliefs about genetically modified (GM) foods using a belief system approach. We assumed that preservice teachers' beliefs about GM foods (content…

Effects of Direct and Indirect Instruction on Fostering Decision-Making Competence in Socioscientific Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bottcher, Florian; Meisert, Anke

2013-01-01

In this study the effects of different learning environments on the promotion of decision-making competence for the socioscientific issue of genetically modified crops is investigated. The comparison focuses on direct vs. indirect instructions. Therefore on the one hand a sophisticated decision-making strategy was presented to the directly…

Future Engineers: The Intrinsic Technology Motivation of Secondary School Pupils

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Lewis C. R.; McDermott, Hilary J.; Tyrer, John R.; Zanker, Nigel P.

2018-01-01

The supply of students motivated to study engineering in higher education is critical to the sector. Results are presented from the 'Mindsets STEM Enhancement Project.' Fifty-seven new resources packs, designed to improve STEM education in Design and Technology, were given to schools across London. A modified Intrinsic Motivation Inventory…

Dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma inhibits Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Tulane virus in Romaine lettuce

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The present study investigated the effects of dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma (DACP) treatment on the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Tulane virus (TV) on Romaine lettuce, assessing the influences of moisture vaporization, modifi...

Dynamic modeling of porous heterogeneous micro/nanobeams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, Farzad; Jafari, Ali; Reza Barati, Mohammad

2017-12-01

In the present paper, the thermo-mechanical vibration characteristics of a functionally graded (FG) porous microbeam subjected to various types of thermal loadings are investigated based on modified couple stress theory and exact position of neutral axis. The FG micro/nanobeam is modeled via a refined hyperbolic beam theory in which the shear deformation effect is verified without the shear correction factor. A modified power-law distribution which contains porosity volume fraction is used to describe the graded material properties of the FG micro/nanobeam. The temperature field has uniform, linear and nonlinear distributions across the thickness. The governing equations and the related boundary conditions are derived by Hamilton's principle and they are solved applying an analytical solution which satisfies various boundary conditions. A comparison study is performed to verify the present formulation with the known data in the literature and a good agreement is observed. The parametric study covered in this paper includes several parameters, such as thermal loadings, porosity volume fraction, power-law exponents, slenderness ratio, scale parameter and various boundary conditions on natural frequencies of porous FG micro/nanobeams in detail.

[Foot ulceration risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Bustos-Saldaña, Rafael; Prieto-Miranda, Sergio

2009-01-01

To identify risk factor prevalence for development of foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2). A cross sectional study, of 2067 patients with DM2 from seven primary care units was conducted. A questionnaire exploring age, sex, occupation, time from diabetes mellitus diagnosis (DMD), and data concerning neuropathy, vascular changes, and presence of infections, anthropometry, and gait was applied. We found mean age, 59.96 +/- 11.47 years and time from DMD, 10.2 +/- 8.09 years. From 1360 women, 65.8 % presented the following risk factors: age, 34.7 %; schooling, 49.5 %; time from DMD, 38.8 %; occupation, 20 %; smoking, 24.3 %; alcoholism, 4.6 %; fasting glucose disturbance, 78 %; ulcer history, 10 %. In relation to associated diseases, 67.5 % of patients had one or more antecedent. The presence of risk factors in the sample was 9.716 +/- 2.52, of which 6.259 +/- 1.59 were modifiable. Patients studied presented high risk factor prevalence for development of foot ulcer. The majority of RF is potentially modifiable by adjusting patients' customs and habits.

An entropy correction method for unsteady full potential flows with strong shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitlow, W., Jr.; Hafez, M. M.; Osher, S. J.

1986-01-01

An entropy correction method for the unsteady full potential equation is presented. The unsteady potential equation is modified to account for entropy jumps across shock waves. The conservative form of the modified equation is solved in generalized coordinates using an implicit, approximate factorization method. A flux-biasing differencing method, which generates the proper amounts of artificial viscosity in supersonic regions, is used to discretize the flow equations in space. Comparisons between the present method and solutions of the Euler equations and between the present method and experimental data are presented. The comparisons show that the present method more accurately models solutions of the Euler equations and experiment than does the isentropic potential formulation.

In vitro and in vivo physiology of low nanomolar concentrations of Zn2+ in artificial cerebrospinal fluid.

PubMed

Tamano, Haruna; Nishio, Ryusuke; Shakushi, Yukina; Sasaki, Miku; Koike, Yuta; Osawa, Misa; Takeda, Atsushi

2017-02-17

Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), i.e., brain extracellular medium, which includes Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ , but not other divalent cations such as Zn 2+ , has been used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The present study deals with the physiological significance of extracellular Zn 2+ in ACSF. Spontaneous presynaptic activity is suppressed in the stratum lucidum of brain slices from young rats bathed in ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl 2 , indicating that extracellular Zn 2+ modifies hippocampal presynaptic activity. To examine the in vivo action of 10 nM ZnCl 2 on long-term potentiation (LTP), the recording region was perfused using a recording electrode attached to a microdialysis probe. The magnitude of LTP was not modified in young rats by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl 2 , compared to perfusion with ACSF without Zn 2+ , but attenuated by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl 2 . Interestingly, the magnitude of LTP was not modified in aged rats even by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl 2 , but enhanced by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 mM CaEDTA, an extracellular Zn 2+ chelator. The present study indicates that the basal levels of extracellular Zn 2+ , which are in the range of low nanomolar concentrations, are critical for synaptic activity and perhaps increased age-dependently.

In vitro and in vivo physiology of low nanomolar concentrations of Zn2+ in artificial cerebrospinal fluid

PubMed Central

Tamano, Haruna; Nishio, Ryusuke; Shakushi, Yukina; Sasaki, Miku; koike, Yuta; Osawa, Misa; Takeda, Atsushi

2017-01-01

Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), i.e., brain extracellular medium, which includes Ca2+ and Mg2+, but not other divalent cations such as Zn2+, has been used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The present study deals with the physiological significance of extracellular Zn2+ in ACSF. Spontaneous presynaptic activity is suppressed in the stratum lucidum of brain slices from young rats bathed in ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl2, indicating that extracellular Zn2+ modifies hippocampal presynaptic activity. To examine the in vivo action of 10 nM ZnCl2 on long-term potentiation (LTP), the recording region was perfused using a recording electrode attached to a microdialysis probe. The magnitude of LTP was not modified in young rats by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl2, compared to perfusion with ACSF without Zn2+, but attenuated by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl2. Interestingly, the magnitude of LTP was not modified in aged rats even by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl2, but enhanced by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 mM CaEDTA, an extracellular Zn2+ chelator. The present study indicates that the basal levels of extracellular Zn2+, which are in the range of low nanomolar concentrations, are critical for synaptic activity and perhaps increased age-dependently. PMID:28211543

Simulation of salinity effects on past, present, and future soil organic carbon stocks.

PubMed

Setia, Raj; Smith, Pete; Marschner, Petra; Gottschalk, Pia; Baldock, Jeff; Verma, Vipan; Setia, Deepika; Smith, Jo

2012-02-07

Soil organic carbon (SOC) models are used to predict changes in SOC stocks and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions from soils, and have been successfully validated for non-saline soils. However, SOC models have not been developed to simulate SOC turnover in saline soils. Due to the large extent of salt-affected areas in the world, it is important to correctly predict SOC dynamics in salt-affected soils. To close this knowledge gap, we modified the Rothamsted Carbon Model (RothC) to simulate SOC turnover in salt-affected soils, using data from non-salt-affected and salt-affected soils in two agricultural regions in India (120 soils) and in Australia (160 soils). Recently we developed a decomposition rate modifier based on an incubation study of a subset of these soils. In the present study, we introduce a new method to estimate the past losses of SOC due to salinity and show how salinity affects future SOC stocks on a regional scale. Because salinity decreases decomposition rates, simulations using the decomposition rate modifier for salinity suggest an accumulation of SOC. However, if the plant inputs are also adjusted to reflect reduced plant growth under saline conditions, the simulations show a significant loss of soil carbon in the past due to salinization, with a higher average loss of SOC in Australian soils (55 t C ha(-1)) than in Indian soils (31 t C ha(-1)). There was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between SOC loss and osmotic potential. Simulations of future SOC stocks with the decomposition rate modifier and the plant input modifier indicate a greater decrease in SOC in saline than in non-saline soils under future climate. The simulations of past losses of SOC due to salinity were repeated using either measured charcoal-C or the inert organic matter predicted by the Falloon et al. equation to determine how much deviation from the Falloon et al. equation affects the amount of plant inputs generated by the model for the soils used in this study. Both sets of results suggest that saline soils have lost carbon and will continue to lose carbon under future climate. This demonstrates the importance of both reduced decomposition and reduced plant input in simulations of future changes in SOC stocks in saline soils.

Graphene-gold nanoparticle composite: application as a good scaffold for construction of glucose oxidase biosensor.

PubMed

Sabury, Sina; Kazemi, Sayed Habib; Sharif, Farhad

2015-04-01

In the present work we report a facile method for fabrication of glucose oxidase immobilized on the partially reduced graphene-gold nanocomposite (PRGO-AuNPs/GOx) as a novel biosensor for determination of glucose concentration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the morphology of PRGO and PRGO-AuNPs. Also, fast Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to confirm formation of graphene and graphene-gold composite. Then, the electrochemical behavior of PRGO-AuNPs/GOx modified electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Our electrochemical studies, especially chronoamperometry (CA), showed that the PRGO-AuNPs/GOx modified electrode has excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the glucose. The limit of detection and sensitivity towards glucose were estimated as 0.06μM and 15.04mAmM(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Natural gum-type biopolymers as potential modified nonpolar drug release systems.

PubMed

Salamanca, Constain H; Yarce, Cristhian J; Moreno, Roger A; Prieto, Vanessa; Recalde, Juanita

2018-06-01

In this work, the relationship between surface properties and drug release mechanism from binary composition tablets formed by quetiapine fumarate and biopolymer materials was studied. The biopolymers correspond to xanthan and tragacanth gums, which are projected as modified drug release systems. The surface studies were carried out by the sessile drop method, while the surface free energy (SFE) was determinate through Young-Dupree and OWRK semi-empirical models. On the other hand, the drug release studies were performed by in vitro dissolution tests, where the data were analyzed through kinetic models of zero order, first order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas. The results showed that depending on the type and the proportion of biopolymer, surface properties, and the drug release processes are significantly affected, wherein tragacanth gum present a usual erosion mechanism, while xanthan gum describes a swelling mechanism that controls the release of the drug. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occupational therapy in Australian acute hospitals: A modified practice.

PubMed

Britton, Lauren; Rosenwax, Lorna; McNamara, Beverley

2016-08-01

Ongoing changes to health-care funding Australia wide continue to influence how occupational therapists practise in acute hospitals. This study describes the practice challenges experienced by Western Australian acute care occupational therapists. Then, it explores if and how acute care occupational therapists are modifying their practice in response to these practice changes. This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 13 purposively selected acute care occupational therapists from four Western Australian metropolitan hospitals. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method to provide detailed descriptions of acute care occupational therapy practice and to generate theory. Five conceptual categories were developed. The first two addressed practice challenges: pragmatic organisational influences on client care and establishing a professional identity within the multidisciplinary team. Three categories related to therapist responses are as follows: becoming the client advocate, being the facilitator and applying clinical reasoning. Finally, modified practice was identified as the core category which explains the process whereby acute care occupational therapists are ensuring they remain relevant and authentic in the acute care context. Western Australian acute care occupational therapists are practising in a highly complex health context that presents many challenges. They are responding by using a modified form of practice that ensures occupational therapy skills remain relevant within the narrow confines of this health setting. © 2016 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Bacterial communities of fresh goat meat packaged in modified atmosphere.

PubMed

Carrizosa, Elia; Benito, María José; Ruiz-Moyano, Santiago; Hernández, Alejandro; Villalobos, Maria Del Carmen; Martín, Alberto; Córdoba, María de Guía

2017-08-01

The objective of this work was to study the growth and development of fortuitous flora and food pathogens in fresh goat meat packaged under modified atmospheres containing two different concentrations of CO 2 . Meat samples were stored at 10 °C under two different modified-atmosphere packing (MAP) conditions: treatment A had 45% CO 2  + 20% O 2  + 35% N 2 and treatment B had 20% CO 2  + 55% O 2  + 25% N 2 . During 14 days of storage, counts of each bacterial group and dominant species identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed to determine the microbial diversity present. The MAP condition used for treatment A was a more effective gas mixture for increasing the shelf life of fresh goat meat, significantly reducing the total number of viable bacteria and enterobacteria counts. Members of the Enterobacteriaceae family were the most common contaminants, although Hafnia alvei was dominant in treatment A and Serratia proteamaculans in treatment B. Identification studies at the species level showed that different microorganisms develop under different storage conditions, reflecting the importance of gas composition in the modified atmosphere on the bacterial community. This work provides new insights into the microbial changes of goat meat storage under different MAP conditions, which will be beneficial for the meat industry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of quartz fibres for dental composites through a sol-gel process.

PubMed

Wang, Yazi; Wang, Renlin; Habib, Eric; Wang, Ruili; Zhang, Qinghong; Sun, Bin; Zhu, Meifang

2017-05-01

In this study, quartz fibres (QFs) surface modification using a sol-gel method was proposed and dental posts reinforced with modified QFs were produced. A silica sol (SS) was prepared using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) as precursors. The amount of γ-MPS in the sol-gel system was varied from 0 to 24wt.% with a constant molar ratio of TEOS, ethanol, deionized water, and HCl. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle (CA) measurements were used to characterize the modified QFs, which confirmed that SS had successfully coated the surface of QFs. SEM images showed good interfacial bonding between the modified QFs and the resin matrix. The results of three-point bending tests of the fibre reinforced composite (FRC) posts showed that the QFs modified by SS with 12wt.% γ-MPS presented the best mechanical properties, demonstrating improvements of 108.3% and 89.6% for the flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, compared with untreated QFs. Furthermore, the sorption and solubility of the prepared dental posts were also studied by immersing the posts in artificial saliva (AS) for 4weeks, and yielded favourable results. This sol-gel surface modification method promises to resolve interfacial bonding issues of fibres with the resin matrix, and produce FRC posts with excellent properties. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Space biology initiative program definition review. Trade study 5: Modification of existing hardware (COTS) versus new hardware build cost analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, L. Neal; Crenshaw, John, Sr.; Davidson, William L.; Blacknall, Carolyn; Bilodeau, James W.; Stoval, J. Michael; Sutton, Terry

1989-01-01

The JSC Life Sciences Project Division has been directly supporting NASA Headquarters, Life Sciences Division, in the preparation of data from JSC and ARC to assist in defining the Space Biology Initiative (SBI). GE Government Services and Horizon Aerospace have provided contract support for the development and integration of review data, reports, presentations, and detailed supporting data. An SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review at NASA Headquarters, Code B, has been scheduled for the June-July 1989 time period. In a previous NASA Headquarters review, NASA determined that additional supporting data would be beneficial to determine the potential advantages in modifying commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware for some SBI hardware items. In order to meet the demands of program implementation planning with the definition review in late spring of 1989, the definition trade study analysis must be adjusted in scope and schedule to be complete for the SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review. The relative costs of modifying existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware is compared to fabricating new hardware. An historical basis for new build versus modifying COTS to meet current NMI specifications for manned space flight hardware is surveyed and identified. Selected SBI hardware are identified as potential candidates for off-the-shelf modification and statistical estimates on the relative cost of modifying COTS versus new build are provided.