78 FR 91 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-02

... Cabazon Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Green Power Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Montezuma Wind, LLC, FPL Energy New Mexico... Interconnect, LLC, Peetz Table Wind Energy, LLC, NextEra Energy Power Marketing, LLC. Description: NextEra.... Docket Numbers: ER11-3959-003. Applicants: Post Rock Wind Power Project, LLC. Description: Notice of Non...

Geographic Disparities in Access to Agencies Providing Income-Related Social Services.

PubMed

Bauer, Scott R; Monuteaux, Michael C; Fleegler, Eric W

2015-10-01

Geographic location is an important factor in understanding disparities in access to health-care and social services. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate disparities in the geographic distribution of income-related social service agencies relative to populations in need within Boston. Agency locations were obtained from a comprehensive database of social services in Boston. Geographic information systems mapped the spatial relationship of the agencies to the population using point density estimation and was compared to census population data. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate factors associated with categories of income-related agency density. Median agency density within census block groups ranged from 0 to 8 agencies per square mile per 100 population below the federal poverty level (FPL). Thirty percent (n = 31,810) of persons living below the FPL have no access to income-related social services within 0.5 miles, and 77 % of persons living below FPL (n = 83,022) have access to 2 or fewer agencies. 27.0 % of Blacks, 30.1 % of Hispanics, and 41.0 % of non-Hispanic Whites with incomes below FPL have zero access. In conclusion, some neighborhoods in Boston with a high concentration of low-income populations have limited access to income-related social service agencies.

Contribution of flexor pollicis longus to pinch strength: an in vivo study.

PubMed

Goetz, Thomas J; Costa, Joseph A; Slobogean, Gerard; Patel, Satyam; Mulpuri, Kishore; Travlos, Andrew

2012-11-01

To estimate the contribution of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) to key pinch strength. Secondary outcomes include tip pinch, 3-point chuck pinch, and grip strength. Eleven healthy volunteers consented to participate in the study. We recorded baseline measures for key, 3-point chuck, and tip pinch and for grip strength. In order to control for instability of the interphalangeal (IP) joint after FPL paralysis, pinch measurements were repeated after immobilizing the thumb IP joint. Measures were repeated after subjects underwent electromyography-guided lidocaine blockade of the FPL muscle. Nerve conduction studies and clinical examinations were used to confirm FPL blockade and to rule out median nerve blockade. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and postblock means for both unsplinted and splinted measures. The difference in means was used to estimate the contribution of FPL to pinch strength. All 3 types of pinch strength showed a significant decrease between pre- and postblock measurements. The relative contribution of FPL for each pinch type was 56%, 44%, and 43% for key, chuck, and tip pinch, respectively. Mean grip strength did not decrease significantly. Splinting of the IP joint had no significant effect on pinch measurements. FPL paralysis resulted in a statistically significant decrease in pinch strength. IP joint immobilization to simulate IP joint fusion did not affect results. Reconstruction after acute or chronic loss of FPL function should be considered when restoration of pinch strength is important. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

78 FR 2382 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-11

...: Blackwell Wind, LLC, CPV Cimarron Renewable Energy Company, LLC, Elk City Wind, LLC, Elk City II Wind, LLC, Ensign Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Cowboy Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Oklahoma Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Sooner Wind, LLC, Gray County Wind Energy, LLC, High Majestic Wind Energy Center, LLC, High Majestic Wind II, LLC, Minco...

76 FR 69252 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-08

..., Butler Ridge Wind Energy Center, LLC, Calhoun Power Company I, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind, LLC, Crystal Lake... Partnership, Elk City Wind, LLC, Elk City II Wind, LLC, ESI Vansycle Partners, L.P., Florida Power & Light Co... Cowboy Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Green Power Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Hancock County Wind, LLC, FPL Energy...

KSC-2009-3291

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gathering on stage for the groundbreaking ceremony for the joint NASA and Florida Power & Light, or FPL, solar power project at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are Florida Rep. Bill Posey, Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon of Florida, Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Armando Olivera, president and CEO of FPL, Center Director Bob Cabana and Pam Rauch, vice president of External Affairs for FPL. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Innovative approach to solving "stickies" problem and developing environmentally benign pressure sensitive adhesives through partnerships

Treesearch

Said M. Abubakr; Joe Peng

1999-01-01

As a result of a United States Postal Service (USPS) initiative, a work team consisting of the USPS, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL),Springborn Testing and Research (STR), and industry representatives wasformed. The industry representatives include papermakers, paper recyclers,paper collectors, equipment manufacturers, paper users, and adhesive and chemical...

Out-of-Pocket Financial Burden for Low-Income Families with Children: Socioeconomic Disparities and Effects of Insurance

PubMed Central

Galbraith, Alison A; Wong, Sabrina T; Kim, Sue E; Newacheck, Paul W

2005-01-01

Objective To determine whether socioeconomic disparities exist in the financial burden of out-of-pocket (OOP) health care expenditures for families with children, and whether health insurance coverage decreases financial burden for low-income families. Data Source The Household Component of the 2001 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Study Design Cross-sectional family-level analysis. We used bivariate statistics to examine whether financial burden varied by poverty level. Multivariate regression models were used to assess whether family insurance coverage was associated with level of financial burden for low-income families. The main outcome was financial burden, defined as the proportion of family income spent on OOP health care expenditures, including premiums, for all family members. Data Collection/Extraction We aggregated annual OOP expenditures for all members of 4,531 families with a child <18 years old. Family insurance coverage was categorized as follows: (1) all members publicly insured all year, (2) all members privately insured all year, (3) all members uninsured all year, (4) partial coverage, or (5) mix of public and private with no uninsured periods. Principal Findings A regressive gradient was noted for financial burden across income groups, with families with incomes <100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) spending a mean of $119.66 OOP per $1,000 of family income and families with incomes 100–199 percent FPL spending $66.30 OOP per $1,000, compared with $37.75 for families with incomes >400 percent FPL. For low-income families (<200 percent FPL), there was a 785 percent decrease in financial burden for those with full-year public coverage compared with those with full-year private insurance (p<.001). Conclusions Socioeconomic disparities exist in the financial burden of OOP health care expenditures for families with children. For low-income families, full-year public coverage provides significantly greater protection from financial burden than full-year private coverage. PMID:16336545

Out-of-pocket financial burden for low-income families with children: socioeconomic disparities and effects of insurance.

PubMed

Galbraith, Alison A; Wong, Sabrina T; Kim, Sue E; Newacheck, Paul W

2005-12-01

To determine whether socioeconomic disparities exist in the financial burden of out-of-pocket (OOP) health care expenditures for families with children, and whether health insurance coverage decreases financial burden for low-income families. The Household Component of the 2001 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Cross-sectional family-level analysis. We used bivariate statistics to examine whether financial burden varied by poverty level. Multivariate regression models were used to assess whether family insurance coverage was associated with level of financial burden for low-income families. The main outcome was financial burden, defined as the proportion of family income spent on OOP health care expenditures, including premiums, for all family members. We aggregated annual OOP expenditures for all members of 4,531 families with a child <18 years old. Family insurance coverage was categorized as follows: (1) all members publicly insured all year, (2) all members privately insured all year, (3) all members uninsured all year, (4) partial coverage, or (5) mix of public and private with no uninsured periods. A regressive gradient was noted for financial burden across income groups, with families with incomes <100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) spending a mean of 119.66 US dollars OOP per 1,000 US dollars of family income and families with incomes 100-199 percent FPL spending 66.30 US dollars OOP per 1,000 US dollars, compared with 37.75 US dollars for families with incomes >400 percent FPL. For low-income families (<200 percent FPL), there was a 785 percent decrease in financial burden for those with full-year public coverage compared with those with full-year private insurance (p < .001). Socioeconomic disparities exist in the financial burden of OOP health care expenditures for families with children. For low-income families, full-year public coverage provides significantly greater protection from financial burden than full-year private coverage.

76 FR 41236 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-13

... Hydro, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments Take notice that the....: 2283-064. c. Date Filed: March 25, 2011. d. Applicant: FPL Energy Maine Hydro, LLC. e. Name of Project... Land/Trail Management Plan issued March 25, 2010, FPL Energy Maine Hydro, LLC (licensee) filed an...

Students' Perspective on the First Programming Language: C-Like or Pascal-Like Languages?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xinogalos, Stelios; Pitner, Tomáš; Ivanovic, Mirjana; Savic, Miloš

2018-01-01

The choice of the first programming language (FPL) has been a controversial issue for several decades. Nearly everyone agrees that the FPL is important and affects students' subsequent education on programming. The study presented in this article investigates the suitability of various C-like and Pascal-like programming languages as a FPL.…

Surveillance for Health Care Access and Health Services Use, Adults Aged 18-64 Years - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2014.

PubMed

Okoro, Catherine A; Zhao, Guixiang; Fox, Jared B; Eke, Paul I; Greenlund, Kurt J; Town, Machell

2017-02-24

As a result of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, millions of U.S. adults attained health insurance coverage. However, millions of adults remain uninsured or underinsured. Compared with adults without barriers to health care, adults who lack health insurance coverage, have coverage gaps, or skip or delay care because of limited personal finances might face increased risk for poor physical and mental health and premature mortality. 2014. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state-based, landline- and cellular-telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 years residing in the United States. Data are collected from states, the District of Columbia, and participating U.S. territories on health risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, health care access, and use of clinical preventive services (CPS). An optional Health Care Access module was included in the 2014 BRFSS. This report summarizes 2014 BRFSS data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia on health care access and use of selected CPS recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices among working-aged adults (aged 18-64 years), by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and federal poverty level (FPL). This report also provides analysis of primary type of health insurance coverage at the time of interview, continuity of health insurance coverage during the preceding 12 months, and other health care access measures (i.e., unmet health care need because of cost, unmet prescription need because of cost, medical debt [medical bills being paid off over time], number of health care visits during the preceding year, and satisfaction with received health care) from 43 states that included questions from the optional BRFSS Health Care Access module. In 2014, health insurance coverage and other health care access measures varied substantially by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region (i.e., states categorized geographically into nine regions), and FPL category. The following proportions refer to the range of estimated prevalence for health insurance and other health care access measures by examined geographical unit (unless otherwise specified), as reported by respondents. Among adults with health insurance coverage, the range was 70.8%-94.5% for states, 78.8%-94.5% for Medicaid expansion states, 70.8%-89.1% for nonexpansion states, 73.3%-91.0% for expanded geographic regions, and 64.2%-95.8% for FPL categories. Among adults who had a usual source of health care, the range was 57.2%-86.6% for states, 57.2%-86.6% for Medicaid expansion states, 61.8%-83.9% for nonexpansion states, 64.4%-83.6% for expanded geographic regions, and 61.0%-81.6% for FPL categories. Among adults who received a routine checkup, the range was 52.1%-75.5% for states, 56.0%-75.5% for Medicaid expansion states, 52.1%-71.1% for nonexpansion states, 56.8%-70.2% for expanded geographic regions, and 59.9%-69.2% for FPL categories. Among adults who had unmet health care need because of cost, the range was 8.0%-23.1% for states, 8.0%-21.9% for Medicaid expansion states, 11.9%-23.1% for nonexpansion states, 11.6%-20.3% for expanded geographic regions, and 5.3%-32.9% for FPL categories. Estimated prevalence of cancer screenings, influenza vaccination, and having ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus also varied by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and FPL category. The prevalence of insurance coverage varied by approximately 25 percentage points among racial/ethnic groups (range: 63.9% among Hispanics to 88.4% among non-Hispanic Asians) and by approximately 32 percentage points by FPL category (range: 64.2% among adults with household income <100% of FPL to 95.8% among adults with household income >400% of FPL). The prevalence of unmet health care need because of cost varied by nearly 14 percentage points among racial/ethnic groups (range: 11.3% among non-Hispanic Asians to 25.0% among Hispanics), by approximately 17 percentage points among adults with and without disabilities (30.8% versus 13.7%), and by approximately 28 percentage points by FPL category (range: 5.3% among adults with household income >400% of FPL to 32.9% among adults with household income <100% of FPL). Among the 43 states that included questions from the optional module, a majority of adults reported private health insurance coverage (63.4%), followed by public health plan coverage (19.4%) and no primary source of insurance (17.1%). Financial barriers to health care (unmet health care need because of cost, unmet prescribed medication need because of cost, and medical bills being paid off over time [medical debt]) were typically lower among adults in Medicaid expansion states than those in nonexpansion states regardless of source of insurance. Approximately 75.6% of adults reported being continuously insured during the preceding 12 months, 12.9% reported a gap in coverage, and 11.5% reported being uninsured during the preceding 12 months. The largest proportion of adults reported ≥3 visits to a health care professional during the preceding 12 months (47.3%), followed by 1-2 visits (37.1%), and no health care visits (15.6%). Adults in expansion and nonexpansion states reported similar levels of satisfaction with received health care by primary source of health insurance coverage and by continuity of health insurance coverage during the preceding 12 months. This report presents for the first time estimates of population-based health care access and use of CPS among adults aged 18-64 years. The findings in this report indicate substantial variations in health insurance coverage; other health care access measures; and use of CPS by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and FPL category. In 2014, health insurance coverage, having a usual source of care, having a routine checkup, and not experiencing unmet health care need because of cost were higher among adults living below the poverty level (i.e., household income <100% of FPL) in states that expanded Medicaid than in states that did not. Similarly, estimates of breast and cervical cancer screening and influenza vaccination were higher among adults living below the poverty level in states that expanded Medicaid than in states that did not. These disparities might be due to larger differences to begin with, decreased disparities in Medicaid expansion states versus nonexpansion states, or increased disparities in nonexpansion states. BRFSS data from 2014 can be used as a baseline by which to assess and monitor changes that might occur after 2014 resulting from programs and policies designed to increase access to health care, reduce health disparities, and improve the health of the adult population. Post-2014 changes in health care access, such as source of health insurance coverage, attainment and continuity of coverage, financial barriers, preventive care services, and health outcomes, can be monitored using these baseline estimates.

Comprehensive overview of FPL field testing conducted in the tropics (1945-2005)

Treesearch

Grant T. Kirker; Stan L. Lebow; Mark E. Mankowski

2016-01-01

Tropical exposure often represents a more severe environment for treated wood and wood based products. Accelerated tropical decay rates are typically attributed to higher mean rainfall and temperatures. The Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, WI has been conducting tropical field tests in a variety of locations since the early 1940’s. This paper summarizes FPL...

FPL-PELPS : a price endogenous linear programming system for economic modeling, supplement to PELPS III, version 1.1.

Treesearch

Patricia K. Lebow; Henry Spelter; Peter J. Ince

2003-01-01

This report provides documentation and user information for FPL-PELPS, a personal computer price endogenous linear programming system for economic modeling. Originally developed to model the North American pulp and paper industry, FPL-PELPS follows its predecessors in allowing the modeling of any appropriate sector to predict consumption, production and capacity by...

76 FR 30740 - Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Acquisition of Land...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

... and Light Company (FPL) in Everglades National Park (Park). The NPS decision to be made at the conclusion of the process was to have been whether to exchange NPS lands for FPL's lands within the boundary of the Park or to acquire FPL's lands by purchase or eminent domain. After careful consideration of...

KSC-2009-3289

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Armando Olivera, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light, or FPL, speaks to guests at the groundbreaking ceremony for the joint NASA and FPL solar power project at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Others on the stage are, from left, Ed Smeloff with SunPower Corporation, Florida Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Sen. Bill Nelson, Center Director Bob Cabana, Florida Rep. Bill Posey, Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon of Florida, and Pam Rauch, vice president of External Affairs for FPL. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3288

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pam Rauch, vice president of External Affairs for Florida Power & Light, or FPL, speaks to guests at the groundbreaking ceremony for the joint NASA and FPL solar power project at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Others on the stage are Ed Smeloff with SunPower Corporation, Florida Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Sen. Bill Nelson, Center Director Bob Cabana, Armando Olivera, president and CEO of FPL, Florida Rep. Bill Posey and Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon of Florida. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3290

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Center Director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Bob Cabana addresses guests at the groundbreaking ceremony for the joint NASA and Florida Power & Light, or FPL, solar power project at Kennedy. Others on the stage are (from left) Ed Smeloff with SunPower Corporation, Florida Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Sen. Bill Nelson, Armando Olivera, president and CEO of FPL, Florida Rep. Bill Posey, Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon of Florida, and Pam Rauch, vice president of External Affairs for FPL. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

An Evaluation Framework and Comparative Analysis of the Widely Used First Programming Languages

PubMed Central

Farooq, Muhammad Shoaib; Khan, Sher Afzal; Ahmad, Farooq; Islam, Saeed; Abid, Adnan

2014-01-01

Computer programming is the core of computer science curriculum. Several programming languages have been used to teach the first course in computer programming, and such languages are referred to as first programming language (FPL). The pool of programming languages has been evolving with the development of new languages, and from this pool different languages have been used as FPL at different times. Though the selection of an appropriate FPL is very important, yet it has been a controversial issue in the presence of many choices. Many efforts have been made for designing a good FPL, however, there is no ample way to evaluate and compare the existing languages so as to find the most suitable FPL. In this article, we have proposed a framework to evaluate the existing imperative, and object oriented languages for their suitability as an appropriate FPL. Furthermore, based on the proposed framework we have devised a customizable scoring function to compute a quantitative suitability score for a language, which reflects its conformance to the proposed framework. Lastly, we have also evaluated the conformance of the widely used FPLs to the proposed framework, and have also computed their suitability scores. PMID:24586449

An evaluation framework and comparative analysis of the widely used first programming languages.

PubMed

Farooq, Muhammad Shoaib; Khan, Sher Afzal; Ahmad, Farooq; Islam, Saeed; Abid, Adnan

2014-01-01

Computer programming is the core of computer science curriculum. Several programming languages have been used to teach the first course in computer programming, and such languages are referred to as first programming language (FPL). The pool of programming languages has been evolving with the development of new languages, and from this pool different languages have been used as FPL at different times. Though the selection of an appropriate FPL is very important, yet it has been a controversial issue in the presence of many choices. Many efforts have been made for designing a good FPL, however, there is no ample way to evaluate and compare the existing languages so as to find the most suitable FPL. In this article, we have proposed a framework to evaluate the existing imperative, and object oriented languages for their suitability as an appropriate FPL. Furthermore, based on the proposed framework we have devised a customizable scoring function to compute a quantitative suitability score for a language, which reflects its conformance to the proposed framework. Lastly, we have also evaluated the conformance of the widely used FPLs to the proposed framework, and have also computed their suitability scores.

Effect of fluoride exposure on mRNA expression of cav1.2 and calcium signal pathway apoptosis regulators in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Liao, Qiuxia; Zhang, Rui; Wang, Xiaoyu; Nian, Weiwei; Ke, Lulu; Ouyang, Wei; Zhang, Zigui

2017-09-01

This study investigated the effects of fluoride exposure on the mRNA expression of Cav1.2 calcium signaling pathway and apoptosis regulatory molecules in PC12 cells. The viability of PC12 cell receiving high fluoride (5.0mM) and low fluoride (0.5mM) alone or fluoride combined with L-type calcium channel (LTCC) agonist/inhibitor (5umol/L FPL6417/2umol/L nifedipine) was detected using cell counting kit-8 at different time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 10, and 24h). Changes in the cell configuration were observed after exposing the cells to fluoride for 24h. The expression levels of molecules related to the LTCC were examined, particularly, Cav1.2, c-fos, CAMK II, Bax, and Bcl-2. Fluoride poisoning induced severe cell injuries, such as decreased PC12 cell activity, enhanced cell apoptosis, high c-fos, CAMKII, and Bax mRNA expression levels. Bcl-2 expression level was also reduced. Meanwhile, high fluoride, high fluoride with FPL64176, and low fluoride with FPL64176 enhanced the Cav1.2 expression level. In contrast, low fluoride, high fluoride with nifedipine, and low fluoride with nifedipine reduced the Cav1.2 expression level. Thus, Cav1.2 may be an important molecular target for the fluorosis treatment, and the LTCC inhibitor nifedipine may be an effective drug for fluorosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Family Income, Parent Education, and Perceived Constraints as Predictors of Observed Program Quality and Parent Rated Program Quality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torquati, Julia C.; Raikes, Helen H.; Huddleston-Casas, Catherine A.; Bovaird, James A.; Harris, Beatrice A.

2011-01-01

Observed child care quality and parent perceptions of child care quality received by children in poor (below Federal Poverty Line, FPL), low-income (between FPL and 200% of FPL), and non-low-income families were examined. Observations were completed in 359 center- and home-based child care programs in four Midwestern states and surveys were…

The role of post-operative radiographs in predicting risk of flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures - a case control study.

PubMed

Selvan, D R; Perry, D; Machin, D G; Brown, D J

2014-12-01

Volar plating of distal radius fractures is one of the common procedures performed in trauma surgery. Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture has been described as complication following volar plating of distal radius fractures. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible relation between parameters measured on post-operative radiographs and the occurrence of FPL ruptures. This was a case control study. The post-operative radiographs of 11 FPL rupture, and 22 non-FPL rupture patients were reviewed with respect to fracture reduction and plate position and the various parameters were calculated by five independent people. Logistic regression was used to examine the importance of the variables. We identified two significant factors to predict FPL rupture after volar plating of distal radial fractures. These were radial tilt and plate distance from the joint line. The odds ratio of ruptures was 0.74 (95% CI 0.57-0.95) for every degree of radial tilt <25° and 0.50 (95% CI 0.28-0.88) for every millimetre that the distal end of the plate was away from the volar lip of the distal radius at the wrist joint. Post-operative radiographs could help us predict FPL rupture after distal radius volar plating. The findings also highlight the need for good fracture reduction and thoughtful placement of the volar plate intraoperatively to minimise the risk of FPL tendon rupture. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MEDICAID and SCHIP: Recent HHS Approvals of Demonstration Waiver Projects Raise Concerns

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-07-01

Medicaid beneficiaries. However, because the demonstration defines adults as age 19 and older , HHS granted Utah a waiver of the EPSDT requirement...SCHIP children, at or below 200% FPL Adults age 19 and older below 150% FPL, including childless adults from state-only program, and parents... Seniors age 65 and older , at or below 200% FPL, not otherwise eligible for Medicaid; many from state-only pharmacy benefit program Number of

Family income and crowd out among children enrolled in Massachusetts Children's Medical Security Plan.

PubMed

Feinberg, E; Swartz, K; Zaslavsky, A; Gardner, J; Klein Walker, D

2001-12-01

To assess whether participation in a state publicly financed health insurance program, Massachusetts Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP) , which is open to children regardless of income, was associated with disenrollment from private insurance. A survey of participants in CMSP who were enrolled as of April 1998 was used. We conducted analyses to detect differences in access to and uptake of private insurance between Medicaid-eligible and in eligible children, and between children eligible for the State Children's Health insurance Program (SCHIP) and in eligible children. A stratified sample of children was drawn from administrative files. the sampling strategy allowed us to examine crowd out among children based on in come and eligibility for publicly funded coverage: those who were Medicaid-eligible (income pound 133 percent of the federal poverty level [FPL]) , those who were SCHIP-eligible (134-200 percent of FPL) , and those with family in comes that exceed SCHIP eligibility criteria (> 200 percent of FPL). The majority of telephone interviews were conducted with the child's parent/guardian between November 1998 and March 1999. The overall response rate was 61.8 percent , yielding a sample of 996 children. Of the children in our sample whose recent health coverage was employer-sponsored insurance (59 percent), 70 percent were no longer eligible. Few children who had employer-sponsored insurance at enrollment dropped this coverage to enroll in CM SP (1 percent, 4 percent, and 2 percent by income). Compared to Medicaid-eligible children, children with incomes > 133 percent of FPL were significantly more likely to be eligible for employer-sponsored insurance but they were no more likely to have purchased offered coverage. Access to employer-sponsored insurance was limited (19 percent), and uptake was low (13 percent). We found no significant difference between SCHIP-eligible children and those whose family incomes exceeded SCHIP guidelines. The Massachusetts experience suggests that (1) coverage could be expanded to children with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL with little direct substitution of public coverage for private insurance, and (2) substitution among children with incomes > 200 percent of FPL, who paid a premium that may have restrained crowd out, did not differ from that among SCHIP-eligible children.

Area-level poverty, race/ethnicity & dialysis star ratings.

PubMed

Kshirsagar, Abhijit V; Manickam, Raj N; Mu, Yi; Flythe, Jennifer E; Chin, Andrew I; Bang, Heejung

2017-01-01

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a five star rating system as part of 'Dialysis Facility Compare' to help patients identify and choose high performing clinics in the US. Eight dialysis-related measures determine ratings. Little is known about the association between surrounding community sociodemographic characteristics and star ratings. Using data from the U.S. Census and over 6000 dialysis clinics across the country, we examined the association between dialysis clinic star ratings and characteristics of the local population: 1) proportion of population below the federal poverty level (FPL); 2) proportion of black individuals; and 3) proportion of Hispanic individuals, by correlation and regression analyses. Secondary analyses with Quality Incentive Program (QIP) scores and population characteristics were also performed. We observed a negligible correlation between star ratings and the proportion of local individuals below FPL; Spearman coefficient, R = -0.09 (p<0.0001), and a stronger correlation between star ratings and the proportion of black individuals; R = -0.21 (p<0.0001). Ordered logistic regression analyses yielded adjusted odds ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval [0.80-1.30], p = 0.12) and 0.55 ([0.48-0.63], p<0.0001) for high vs. low level of proportion below FPL and proportion of black individuals, respectively. In contrast, a near-zero correlation was observed between star ratings and the proportion of Hispanic individuals. Correlations varied substantially by country region, clinic profit status and clinic size. Analyses using clinic QIP scores provided similar results. Sociodemographic characteristics of the surrounding community, factors typically outside of providers' direct control, have varying levels of association with clinic dialysis star ratings.

Surveillance for Health Care Access and Health Services Use, Adults Aged 18–64 Years — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2014

PubMed Central

Okoro, Catherine A.; Zhao, Guixiang; Fox, Jared B.; Eke, Paul I.; Greenlund, Kurt J.; Town, Machell

2017-01-01

Problem/Condition As a result of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, millions of U.S. adults attained health insurance coverage. However, millions of adults remain uninsured or underinsured. Compared with adults without barriers to health care, adults who lack health insurance coverage, have coverage gaps, or skip or delay care because of limited personal finances might face increased risk for poor physical and mental health and premature mortality. Period Covered 2014. Description of System The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state-based, landline- and cellular-telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 years residing in the United States. Data are collected from states, the District of Columbia, and participating U.S. territories on health risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, health care access, and use of clinical preventive services (CPS). An optional Health Care Access module was included in the 2014 BRFSS. This report summarizes 2014 BRFSS data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia on health care access and use of selected CPS recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices among working-aged adults (aged 18–64 years), by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and federal poverty level (FPL). This report also provides analysis of primary type of health insurance coverage at the time of interview, continuity of health insurance coverage during the preceding 12 months, and other health care access measures (i.e., unmet health care need because of cost, unmet prescription need because of cost, medical debt [medical bills being paid off over time], number of health care visits during the preceding year, and satisfaction with received health care) from 43 states that included questions from the optional BRFSS Health Care Access module. Results In 2014, health insurance coverage and other health care access measures varied substantially by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region (i.e., states categorized geographically into nine regions), and FPL category. The following proportions refer to the range of estimated prevalence for health insurance and other health care access measures by examined geographical unit (unless otherwise specified), as reported by respondents. Among adults with health insurance coverage, the range was 70.8%–94.5% for states, 78.8%–94.5% for Medicaid expansion states, 70.8%–89.1% for nonexpansion states, 73.3%–91.0% for expanded geographic regions, and 64.2%–95.8% for FPL categories. Among adults who had a usual source of health care, the range was 57.2%–86.6% for states, 57.2%–86.6% for Medicaid expansion states, 61.8%–83.9% for nonexpansion states, 64.4%–83.6% for expanded geographic regions, and 61.0%–81.6% for FPL categories. Among adults who received a routine checkup, the range was 52.1%–75.5% for states, 56.0%–75.5% for Medicaid expansion states, 52.1%–71.1% for nonexpansion states, 56.8%–70.2% for expanded geographic regions, and 59.9%–69.2% for FPL categories. Among adults who had unmet health care need because of cost, the range was 8.0%–23.1% for states, 8.0%–21.9% for Medicaid expansion states, 11.9%–23.1% for nonexpansion states, 11.6%–20.3% for expanded geographic regions, and 5.3%–32.9% for FPL categories. Estimated prevalence of cancer screenings, influenza vaccination, and having ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus also varied by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and FPL category. The prevalence of insurance coverage varied by approximately 25 percentage points among racial/ethnic groups (range: 63.9% among Hispanics to 88.4% among non-Hispanic Asians) and by approximately 32 percentage points by FPL category (range: 64.2% among adults with household income <100% of FPL to 95.8% among adults with household income >400% of FPL). The prevalence of unmet health care need because of cost varied by nearly 14 percentage points among racial/ethnic groups (range: 11.3% among non-Hispanic Asians to 25.0% among Hispanics), by approximately 17 percentage points among adults with and without disabilities (30.8% versus 13.7%), and by approximately 28 percentage points by FPL category (range: 5.3% among adults with household income >400% of FPL to 32.9% among adults with household income <100% of FPL). Among the 43 states that included questions from the optional module, a majority of adults reported private health insurance coverage (63.4%), followed by public health plan coverage (19.4%) and no primary source of insurance (17.1%). Financial barriers to health care (unmet health care need because of cost, unmet prescribed medication need because of cost, and medical bills being paid off over time [medical debt]) were typically lower among adults in Medicaid expansion states than those in nonexpansion states regardless of source of insurance. Approximately 75.6% of adults reported being continuously insured during the preceding 12 months, 12.9% reported a gap in coverage, and 11.5% reported being uninsured during the preceding 12 months. The largest proportion of adults reported ≥3 visits to a health care professional during the preceding 12 months (47.3%), followed by 1–2 visits (37.1%), and no health care visits (15.6%). Adults in expansion and nonexpansion states reported similar levels of satisfaction with received health care by primary source of health insurance coverage and by continuity of health insurance coverage during the preceding 12 months. Interpretation This report presents for the first time estimates of population-based health care access and use of CPS among adults aged 18–64 years. The findings in this report indicate substantial variations in health insurance coverage; other health care access measures; and use of CPS by state, state Medicaid expansion status, expanded geographic region, and FPL category. In 2014, health insurance coverage, having a usual source of care, having a routine checkup, and not experiencing unmet health care need because of cost were higher among adults living below the poverty level (i.e., household income <100% of FPL) in states that expanded Medicaid than in states that did not. Similarly, estimates of breast and cervical cancer screening and influenza vaccination were higher among adults living below the poverty level in states that expanded Medicaid than in states that did not. These disparities might be due to larger differences to begin with, decreased disparities in Medicaid expansion states versus nonexpansion states, or increased disparities in nonexpansion states. Public Health Action BRFSS data from 2014 can be used as a baseline by which to assess and monitor changes that might occur after 2014 resulting from programs and policies designed to increase access to health care, reduce health disparities, and improve the health of the adult population. Post-2014 changes in health care access, such as source of health insurance coverage, attainment and continuity of coverage, financial barriers, preventive care services, and health outcomes, can be monitored using these baseline estimates. PMID:28231239

Conversion of an 800 MW oil fired generating unit to burn Orimulsion

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

Blum, J.; Halpin, M.; Morgan, D.

1998-07-01

Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) is proposing to convert the two existing 800 megawatt (MW) residual oil fired generating units at its Manatee Plant located in Parrish, Florida, to burn Ormulsion. Ormulsion is the registered trademark name for a mixture of water and a naturally occurring heavy hydrocarbon known as bitumen. Orimulsion, which originates in Venezuela, will be shipped to Port Manatee in double-hulled vessels, stored at FPL's existing Port Manatee Terminal, and transported via FPL's existing fuel pipeline to the Manatee Plant. The proposed conversion involves modifications of the existing fuel handling facilities, enhancements of the boiler heatmore » transfer surfaces and soot blowing system, and addition of new pollution control equipment. The Manatee Orimulsion conversion will result in overall environmental benefits and significant savings to FPL's customers. This paper summarizes the overall objectives of the project and briefly describes these modifications.« less

Conversion of an 800 MW oil fired generating unit to burn Orimulsion

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

Blum, J.; Halpin, M.; Morgan, D.

1998-04-01

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is proposing to convert the two existing 800 megawatt (MW) residual oil fired generating units at its Manatee Plant located in Parrish, Florida, to burn Orimulsion. Orimulsion is the registered trademark name for a mixture of water and a naturally occurring heavy hydrocarbon known as bitumen. Orimulsion, which originates in Venezuela, will be shipped to Port Manatee in double-hulled vessels, stored at FPL`s existing Port Manatee Terminal, and transported via FPL`s existing fuel pipeline to the Manatee Plant. The proposed conversion involves modifications of the existing fuel handling facilities, enhancements of the boiler heatmore » transfer surfaces and soot blowing system, and addition of new pollution control equipment. The Manatee Orimulsion conversion will result in overall environmental benefits and significant savings to FPL`s customers. This paper summarizes the overall objectives of the project and briefly describes these modifications.« less

FPL official Laseter presents Center Director Bridges with a rebate check at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Larry Laseter (left), vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Florida Power & Light (FPL) Company, presents Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director Roy Bridges Jr., with a rebate check for $195,000, recognizing KSC's commitment to reducing overall energy consumption and costs now and in the future. The energy savings realized by KSC come as a direct result of installing new chilled water systems hardware in the KSC Industrial Area Chiller Plant. KSC has received FPL rebates for its energy-saving efforts since 1993, but this check is the largest single-project rebate to date.

42 CFR 435.4 - Definitions and use of terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... relative, even after the marriage is terminated by death or divorce. (3) At State option, another relative... poverty level (FPL) means the Federal poverty level updated periodically in the Federal Register by the... income at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line for a family of the size involved; and (ii...

42 CFR 435.4 - Definitions and use of terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... relative, even after the marriage is terminated by death or divorce. (3) At State option, another relative... poverty level (FPL) means the Federal poverty level updated periodically in the Federal Register by the... income at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line for a family of the size involved; and (ii...

78 FR 41791 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-11

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 2 Take notice.... Applicants: Sundevil Power Holdings, LLC, Castleton Energy Services, LLC, Castleton Power, LLC. Description...-1971-011. Applicants: Diablo Winds, LLC, FPL Energy Cabazon Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Green Power Wind, LLC...

76 FR 49464 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-10

... Peaker Plant, LLC, California Electric Marketing, LLC, Crete Energy Venture, LLC, High Desert Power..., Bayswater Peaking Facility, LLC, Blythe Energy, LLC, Butler Ridge Wind Energy Center, LLC, Calhoun Power..., ESI Vansycle Partners, L.P., Florida Power & Light Co., FPL Energy Burleigh County Wind, LLC, FPL...

KSC-2009-3284

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This is a rendering of one of two proposed solar power systems that NASA and Florida Power & Light Company are beginning to construct on NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of a public-private partnership that promotes a clean-energy future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 27 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo courtesy of FPL

KSC-2009-3285

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – These maps show one of the locations of the proposed solar power systems that NASA and Florida Power & Light Company are beginning to construct on NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of a public-private partnership that promotes a clean-energy future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 27 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo courtesy of FPL

Pharmacological analysis of ecto-ATPase inhibition: evidence for combined enzyme inhibition and receptor antagonism in P2X-purinoceptor ligands.

PubMed

Crack, B E; Beukers, M W; McKechnie, K C; Ijzerman, A P; Leff, P

1994-12-01

1. Previous studies have shown that suramin and FPL 66301 are competitive antagonists at the P2X-purinoceptor in the rabbit ear artery. Those studies employed alpha,beta-methylene ATP, a poorly hydrolysable ATP analogue, as the agonist. In this study these compounds have been tested using ATP as the agonist. 2. Suramin, in the concentration range 30-1000 microM, potentiated the contractile effects of ATP, producing a 3-fold leftward shift of the ATP E/[A] curves. FPL 66301, in the concentration range 100-1000 microM, produced a significant but small (approximately 3-fold) rightward shift of the ATP curves. These results are in marked contrast with previous studies using alpha,beta-methylene ATP in which 30-fold rightward shifts were achieved using the same concentration ranges of suramin and FPL 66301. 3. Suramin and FPL 66301 were tested as ecto-ATPase inhibitors in a human blood cell assay. Suramin inhibited the enzyme with a pIC50 of 4.3, FPL 66301 with a pIC50 of 3.3. 4. The pharmacological data were analysed using a theoretical model describing the action of a compound with dual enzyme inhibitory and receptor antagonistic properties on the effects of an agonist susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The model was found to fit the data well using the known pKB estimates for suramin and FPL 66301 and similar relative (but not absolute) pK1 estimates to those obtained for the compounds in the enzyme assay. 5. From this analysis it was concluded that the limited shifts of ATP E/[A] curves produced by suramin and FPL 66301 were the result of 'self-cancellation' of the potentiating (enzyme inhibitory) and rightward-shifting (receptor antagonistic) properties.6. The analysis also indicated that the presence of ecto-ATPase activity in the rabbit ear artery preparation has a marked effect on the apparent potency of ATP. The experimental p[A50] was 3.4,whereas the 'true' value, that is the value which would be obtained in the absence of ecto-ATPase activity, was 6.0, some 400-fold higher.7 Two conclusions are drawn from this study. Firstly, caution must be exercised in the use of suramin and FPL 66301 as tools for receptor classification. Absence of overt antagonism by these compounds when metabolically unstable agonists are used could lead to erroneous claims for receptor subtypes.Secondly, the agonist potency order currently used to designate P2X- purinoceptors may require modification.

77 FR 67356 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-09

..., LLC, FPL Energy Oklahoma Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Sooner Wind, LLC, Minco Wind Interconnection Services, LLC, Minco Wind, LLC, Minco Wind II, LLC, NextEra Energy Power Marketing, LLC. Description... Energy Center, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind II, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind III, LLC, Day...

Air quality and composite wood products

Treesearch

Melissa G. D. Baumann

1999-01-01

Research at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is being conducted to identify the compounds emitted from wood products during their manufacture and subsequent use. The FPL researchers are measuring the types and quantities of VOCs that are emitted from particleboard and MDF products to provide quantitative emissions information. This information...

75 FR 45620 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-03

..., LLC. Description: FPL Energy Oliver Wind I, LLC submits tariff filing per 35.12: Oliver I Baseline... Energy South Dakota Wind, LLC submits tariff filing per 35.12: South Dakota Baseline Filing, to be..., Inc. Description: FPL Energy Stateline II, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.12: Stateline II Baseline...

76 FR 58258 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

... Colorado Wind Energy, LLC, Peetz Table Energy, LLC, NextEtra Energy Power Marketing, LLC. Description: Next... System Cost filing for sales of electric power to the Bonneville Power Administration pursuant to Part 35...-832-011. Applicants: ESI Vansycle Partners, L.P., FPL Energy New Mexico Wind, LLC, FPL Energy...

Thermal Energy Briefing with FPL

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Bart Gaetjens, Florida Power & Light's FPL area external affairs manager, addresses the news media and NASA Social about the new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank Feb. 17. The TES tank works like a giant battery and is saving the center utility cost. These savings will be applied to new sustainable projects at Kennedy.

Poverty, near-poverty, and hardship around the time of pregnancy.

PubMed

Braveman, Paula; Marchi, Kristen; Egerter, Susan; Kim, Soowon; Metzler, Marilyn; Stancil, Tonya; Libet, Moreen

2010-01-01

To describe income levels and the prevalence of major hardships among women during or just before pregnancy. We separately analyzed 2002-2006 population-based postpartum survey data from California's Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (n = 18,332) and 19 states participating in CDC's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (n = 143,452) to examine income and several hardships (divorce/separation, domestic violence, homelessness, financial difficulties, spouse/partner's or respondent's involuntary job loss or incarceration, and, in California only, food insecurity and no social support) during/just before pregnancy. In both samples, over 30% of women were poor (income 400% FPL experienced one or more hardships. These findings paint a disturbing picture of experiences around the time of pregnancy in the United States for many women giving birth and their children, particularly because 60% had previous births. The high prevalence of low income and of serious hardships during pregnancy is of concern, given previous research documenting the adverse health consequences of these experiences and recognition of pregnancy as a critical period for health throughout the life course. Low income and major hardships around the time of pregnancy should be addressed as mainstream U.S. maternal-infant health and social policy issues.

Investment opportunity : the FPL low-cost solar dry kiln

Treesearch

George B. Harpole

1988-01-01

Two equations are presented that may be used to estimate a maximum investment limit and working capital requirements for the FPL low-cost solar dry kiln systems. The equations require data for drying cycle time, green lumber cost, and kiln-dried lumber costs. Results are intended to provide a preliminary estimate.

77 FR 71111 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of Florida; Regional Haze...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-29

..., modeling, and scientific knowledge about the relationships between pollutants and visibility impairment..., proposed amendment for reasonable progress are: City of Gainesville Deerhaven unit 5; Florida Power & Light (FP&L) Manatee units 1, 2; FP&L Turkey Point units 1, 2; Gulf Power Company Crist unit 7; Lakeland...

75 FR 9616 - FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC; Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-03

... Beach, LLC; Notice of Consideration of Issuance of Amendment to Facility Operating License, Proposed No... Commission (the Commission) is considering issuance of an amendment to Renewed Facility Operating License Nos... Operating Licenses. The correction changes ``FPLE Group Capital'' to the appropriately titled ``FPL Group...

76 FR 78629 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-19

...-1928-001; ER10-2720-001; ER10- 1971-004. Applicants: FPL Energy Oklahoma Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Sooner Wind, LLC, Minco Wind, LLC, NextEra Energy Power Marketing, LLC. Description: NextEra Resources... of Cost-Based Power Sales Tariff to be effective 12/10/2011. Filed Date: 12/9/11. Accession Number...

76 FR 18212 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Madison Paper Industries; Merimil Limited Partnership; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 2615-037] FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Madison Paper Industries; Merimil Limited Partnership; Notice of Availability of Draft... paper-filed. To paper-file, mail an original and seven copies to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal...

Strength and durability of one-part polyurethane adhesive bonds to wood

Treesearch

C. B. Vick; E. A. Okkonen

1998-01-01

One-part polyurethane wood adhesives comprise a new class of general purpose consumer products. Manufacturersa claims of waterproof bonds brought many inquiries to the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) from users constructing aircraft, boats, lawn furniture, and other laminated materials for outdoor use. Although FPL has technical information on several types of...

The Hidden Poor: Over Three-Quarters of a Million Older Californians Overlooked by Official Poverty Line.

PubMed

Padilla-Frausto, Imelda D; Wallace, Steven P

2015-08-01

More than three-quarters of a million (772,000) older Californians are among the "hidden poor"--older adults with incomes above the federal poverty line (FPL) but below a minimally decent standard of living as determined by the Elder Economic Security Standard™ Index (Elder Index) in 2011. This policy brief uses the most recent Elder Index calculations to document the wide discrepancy that exists between the FPL and the Elder Index. This study finds that the FPL significantly underestimates the number of economically insecure older adults who are unable to make ends meet. Yet, because many public assistance programs are aligned with the FPL, potentially hundreds of thousands of economically insecure older Californians are denied aid. The highest rates of the hidden poor among older adults are found among renters, Latinos, women, those who are raising grandchildren, and people in the oldest age groups. Raising the income and asset eligibility requirement thresholds for social support programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), housing, health care, and food assistance would help California's older hidden poor make ends meet.

Financial barriers to care among low-income children with asthma: health care reform implications.

PubMed

Fung, Vicki; Graetz, Ilana; Galbraith, Alison; Hamity, Courtnee; Huang, Jie; Vollmer, William M; Hsu, John; Wu, Ann Chen

2014-07-01

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes subsidies that reduce patient cost sharing for low-income families. Limited information on the effects of cost sharing among children is available to guide these efforts. To examine the associations between cost sharing, income, and care seeking and financial stress among children with asthma. A telephone survey in 2012 about experiences during the prior year within an integrated health care delivery system. Respondents included 769 parents of children aged 4 to 11 years with asthma. Of these, 25.9% of children received public subsidies; 21.7% were commercially insured with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and 18.2% had higher cost-sharing levels for all services (e.g., ≥$75 for emergency department visits). We classified children with asthma based on (1) current receipt of a subsidy (i.e., Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program) or potential eligibility for ACA low-income cost sharing or premium subsidies in 2014 (i.e., income ≤250%, 251%-400%, or >400% of the FPL) and (2) cost-sharing levels for prescription drugs, office visits, and emergency department visits. We examined the frequency of changes in care seeking and financial stress due to asthma care costs across these groups using logistic regression, adjusted for patient/family characteristics. Switching to cheaper asthma drugs, using less medication than prescribed, delaying/avoiding any office or emergency department visits, and financial stress (eg, cutting back on necessities) because of the costs of asthma care. After adjustment, parents at or below 250% of the FPL with lower vs higher cost-sharing levels were less likely to delay or avoid taking their children to a physician's office visit (3.8% vs. 31.6%; odds ratio, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01-0.39]) and the emergency department (1.2% vs. 19.4%; 0.05 [0.01-0.25]) because of cost; higher-income parents and those whose children were receiving public subsidies (eg, Medicaid) were also less likely to forego their children's care than parents at or below 250% of the FPL with higher cost-sharing levels. Overall, 15.6% of parents borrowed money or cut back on necessities to pay for their children's asthma care. Cost-related barriers to care among children with asthma were concentrated among low-income families with higher cost-sharing levels. The ACA's low-income subsidies could reduce these barriers for many families, but millions of dependents for whom employer-sponsored family coverage is unaffordable could remain at risk for cost-related problems because of ACA subsidy eligibility rules.

Effects of Volar Tilt, Wrist Extension, and Plate Position on Contact Between Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon and Volar Plate.

PubMed

Wurtzel, Caroline N Wolfe; Burns, Geoffrey T; Zhu, Andy F; Ozer, Kagan

2017-12-01

Volar plates positioned at, or distal to, the watershed line have been shown to have a higher incidence of attritional rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of wrist extension and volar tilt on the contact between the plate and the FPL tendon in a cadaver model. We hypothesized that, following volar plate application, loss of native volar tilt increases the contact between the FPL and the plate at lower degrees of wrist extension. A volar locking plate was applied on 6 fresh-frozen cadavers. To determine the contact between the plate and the FPL tendon, both structures were wrapped with copper wire and circuit conductivity was monitored throughout wrist motion. A lateral wrist radiograph was obtained at each circuit closure, indicating tendon-plate contact. Baseline measurements were obtained with plate positioned at Soong grades 0, 1, and 2. An extra-articular osteotomy was made and contact was recorded at various volar tilt angles (+5°, 0°, -5°, -10°, -15°, and -20°) in 3 different plate positions. A blinded observer measured the degree of wrist extension on all lateral radiographs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression model. Plates placed distal to the watershed line had the most contact throughout wrist range of motion. Significantly, less wrist extension was required for contact in wrists with neutral or dorsal tilt and in distally placed volar plates. Volar tilt, wrist extension, and plate position were 3 independent risk factors determining contact between plate and tendon. Loss of volar tilt, increased wrist extension, and higher Soong grade plate position result in greater contact between wire-wrapped FPL tendon and plate. The FPL/plate contact chart generated in this study may be used to assess the risk of rupture in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differences in risk factors for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) receiving needed specialty care by socioeconomic status

PubMed Central

Lykens, Kristine A; Fulda, Kimberly G; Bae, Sejong; Singh, Karan P

2009-01-01

Background The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting CSHCN's receiving needed specialty care among different socioeconomic levels. Previous literature has shown that Socioeconomic Status (SES) is a significant factor in CHSHCN receiving access to healthcare. Other literature has shown that factors of insurance, family size, race/ethnicity and sex also have effects on these children's receipt of care. However, this literature does not address whether other factors such as maternal education, geographic location, age, insurance type, severity of condition, or race/ethnicity have different effects on receiving needed specialty care for children in each SES level. Methods Data were obtained from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, 2000–2002. The study analyzed the survey which studies whether CHSCN who needed specialty care received it. The analysis included demographic characteristics, geographical location of household, severity of condition, and social factors. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed for SES levels defined by federal poverty level: < 199%; 200–299%; ≥ 300%. Results For the poorest children (,199% FPL) being uninsured had a strong negative effect on receiving all needed specialty care. Being Hispanic was a protective factor. Having more than one adult in the household had a positive impact on receipt of needed specialty care but a larger number of children in the family had a negative impact. For the middle income group of children (200–299% of FPL severity of condition had a strong negative association with receipt of needed specialty care. Children in highest income group (> 300% FPL) were positively impacted by living in the Midwest and were negatively impacted by the mother having only some college compared to a four-year degree. Conclusion Factors affecting CSHCN receiving all needed specialty care differed among socioeconomic groups. These differences should be addressed in policy and practice. Future research should explore the CSHCN population by income groups to better serve this population PMID:19646227

75 FR 6737 - FPL Energy Duane Arnold, LLC; Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplement 42 to the Generic...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-10

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-331; NRC-2010-0048] FPL Energy Duane Arnold, LLC... License Renewal of Nuclear Plants, and Public Meeting for the License Renewal of Duane Arnold Energy... of operation for Duane Arnold Energy Center (DAEC). DAEC is located near Cedar Rapids, Iowa...

75 FR 14206 - FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC; Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; Environmental Assessment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-24

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. 50-266 And 50-301; NRC-2010-0123 FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC; Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering issuance of an Exemption, pursuant to...

FPL designs meet family housing needs

Treesearch

G. E. Sherwood

1972-01-01

The Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has developed five house plans for low-cost rural houses to demonstrate cost-saving principles of construction, The plans feature simplicity of design, but provide structurally sound houses that fulfill the needs of many families. To determine to what extent the plans were used, how they met the needs and the acceptance standards of...

Forests and biofuels: an opportunity for public-private partnering

Treesearch

Theodore Wegner

2011-01-01

In 2010, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) celebrated its 100th anniversary — a significant milestone in its history. Throughout its century of public service, the FPL has conducted wood and fiber utilization research that contributes to the conservation and productivity of forest resources and to sustainably meeting the needs of people for forest products. Located...

Step Cut Lengthening: A Technique for Treatment of Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture.

PubMed

Chong, Chew-Wei; Chen, Shih-Heng

2018-04-01

Reconstruction of a tendon defect is a challenging task in hand surgery. Delayed repair of a ruptured flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon is often associated with tendon defect. Primary repair of the tendon is often not possible, particularly after debridement of the unhealthy segment of the tendon. As such, various surgical treatments have been described in the literature, including single-stage tendon grafting, 2-stage tendon grafting, flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer from ring finger, and interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. We describe step cut lengthening of FPL tendon for the reconstruction of FPL rupture. This is a single-stage reconstruction without the need for tendon grafting or tendon transfer. To our knowledge, no such technique has been previously described.

PLGA/polymeric liposome for targeted drug and gene co-delivery.

PubMed

Wang, Hanjie; Zhao, Peiqi; Su, Wenya; Wang, Sheng; Liao, Zhenyu; Niu, Ruifang; Chang, Jin

2010-11-01

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective approaches to treat cancers in the clinic, but the problems, such as multidrug resistance (MDR), low bioavailability and toxicity, severely constrain the further application of chemotherapy. Our group recently reported that cationic PLGA/folate coated PEGlated polymeric liposome core-shell nanoparticles (PLGA/FPL NPs). It was self-assembled from a hydrophobic PLGA core and a hydrophilic folate coated PEGlated lipid shell for targeting co-delivery of drug and gene. Hydrophobic drugs can be incorporated into the core and the cationic shell of the drug-loaded nanoparticles can be used to bind DNA. The drug-loaded PLGA/FPL NPs/DNA complexes offer advantages to overcome these problems mentioned above, such as co-delivery of drugs and DNA to improving the chemosensitivity of cancer cells at a gene level, and targeting delivery of drug to the cancer tissue that enhance the bioavailability and reduce the toxicity. The experiment showed that nanoparticles have core-shell structure with nanosize, sustained drug release profile and good DNA-binding ability. Importantly, the core-shell nanoparticles achieve the possibility of co-delivering drugs and genes to the same cells with high gene transfection and drug delivery efficiency. Our data suggest that the PLGA/FPL NPs may be a useful drug and gene co-delivery system. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Historic Equilibrium Moisture Content Data from the Forest Products Laboratory

Treesearch

Samuel V. Glass; Samuel L. Zelinka; Jay A. Johnson

2014-01-01

The Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has provided equilibrium moisture content (EMC) values of wood for given temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions in various forms over the course of its history, primarily for practical purposes related to drying lumber and controlling moisture content. The FPL EMC data have been widely cited and reprinted, not only in...

Chronicle of 65 years of wood finishing research at the Forest Products Laboratory

Treesearch

Thomas M. Gorman; William C. Feist

1989-01-01

For 65 years, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin, has had a continuous and extensive program of research on finishing wood for outdoor use. The research has stressed the fundamental aspects of wood weathering and the interactions of pretreatments and finishes on wood surfaces. This report outlines the history of the FPL wood finishing research...

Live load distribution on longitudinal glued-laminated timber deck bridges : final report : conclusions and recommendations

Treesearch

Fouad Fanous; Jeremy May; Terry Wipf; Michael Ritter

2010-01-01

Over the past few years the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have supported several research programs. This paper is a result of a study sponsored by FPL, with the objective of determining how truckloads are distributed to the deck panels of a longitudinal glued-laminated...

Procedure-specific assessment tool for flexible pharyngo-laryngoscopy: gathering validity evidence and setting pass-fail standards.

PubMed

Melchiors, Jacob; Petersen, K; Todsen, T; Bohr, A; Konge, Lars; von Buchwald, Christian

2018-06-01

The attainment of specific identifiable competencies is the primary measure of progress in the modern medical education system. The system, therefore, requires a method for accurately assessing competence to be feasible. Evidence of validity needs to be gathered before an assessment tool can be implemented in the training and assessment of physicians. This evidence of validity must according to the contemporary theory on validity be gathered from specific sources in a structured and rigorous manner. The flexible pharyngo-laryngoscopy (FPL) is central to the otorhinolaryngologist. We aim to evaluate the flexible pharyngo-laryngoscopy assessment tool (FLEXPAT) created in a previous study and to establish a pass-fail level for proficiency. Eighteen physicians with different levels of experience (novices, intermediates, and experienced) were recruited to the study. Each performed an FPL on two patients. These procedures were video recorded, blinded, and assessed by two specialists. The score was expressed as the percentage of a possible max score. Cronbach's α was used to analyze internal consistency of the data, and a generalizability analysis was performed. The scores of the three different groups were explored, and a pass-fail level was determined using the contrasting groups' standard setting method. Internal consistency was strong with a Cronbach's α of 0.86. We found a generalizability coefficient of 0.72 sufficient for moderate stakes assessment. We found a significant difference between the novice and experienced groups (p < 0.001) and strong correlation between experience and score (Pearson's r = 0.75). The pass/fail level was established at 72% of the maximum score. Applying this pass-fail level in the test population resulted in half of the intermediary group receiving a failing score. We gathered validity evidence for the FLEXPAT according to the contemporary framework as described by Messick. Our results support a claim of validity and are comparable to other studies exploring clinical assessment tools. The high rate of physicians underperforming in the intermediary group demonstrates the need for continued educational intervention. Based on our work, we recommend the use of the FLEXPAT in clinical assessment of FPL and the application of a pass-fail level of 72% for proficiency.

Increasing physically effective fiber content of dairy cow diets through forage proportion versus forage chop length: chewing and ruminal pH.

PubMed

Yang, W Z; Beauchemin, K A

2009-04-01

A study was conducted to evaluate whether the risk of acidosis in dairy cows can be lowered by increasing the physically effective fiber (peNDF) concentration of the diet, either through increased theoretical chop length of alfalfa silage or higher proportion of forage in the diet. The experiment was designed as a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square using 8 ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; 2 forage particle lengths (FPL) of alfalfa silage (short and long) were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dietary peNDF concentration (DM basis) was determined from the sum of the proportion of dietary DM retained either on the 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or on the 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by the neutral detergent fiber concentration of the diet. The dietary peNDF concentrations were altered by changing the F:C or the FPL, and ranged from 10.7 to 17.5% using 2 sieves, or from 23.1 to 28.2% using 3 sieves. Intake of peNDF was increased by increasing FPL but not by increasing F:C ratio because of the reduction of DM intake at the higher F:C ratio. Chewing activity, including number of chews and chewing time, increased with increasing F:C ratio or FPL. Mean ruminal pH was elevated by 0.4 and 0.2 units with increasing F:C ratio and FPL, respectively. Lowering the F:C ratio decreased the duration that ruminal pH was below 5.8 (1.2 vs. 8 h/d). Increased F:C ratio or FPL reduced ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration from 137 to 122 or from 133 to 126 mM, respectively, whereas acetate:propionate ratio was increased from 2.55 to 3.46 with increasing F:C ratio. Dietary peNDF concentration measured using 2 sieves was correlated to chewing time (r = 0.57) and mean ruminal pH (r = 0.75), whereas dietary peNDF concentration measured using 3 sieves was correlated to mean ruminal pH (r = 0.83) and negatively correlated to the time that pH was below 5.8 (r = -0.78). This study shows that the risk of ruminal acidosis is high for cows fed a low F:C diet. Increasing the proportion of forage in the diet helps prevent ruminal acidosis through increased chewing time, a change in meal patterns, and decreased ruminal acid production. Increasing FPL elevates ruminal pH, but in low forage diets, increased FPL does not alleviate subacute acidosis because the fermentability of the diet is high and changes in chewing activity are marginal.

Xylitol production by a Pichia stipitis D-xylulokinase mutant

Treesearch

Yong-Su Jin; Jose Cruz; Thomas W. Jeffries

2005-01-01

Xylitol production by Pichia stipitis FPL-YS30, a xyl3-Ä1 mutant that metabolizes xylose using an alternative metabolic pathway, was investigated under aerobic and oxygen-limited culture conditions. Under both culture conditions, FPL-YS30 (xyl3-Ä1) produced a negligible amount of ethanol and converted xylose mainly into xylitol with comparable yields (0.30 and 0.27 g...

75 FR 17706 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Complainant v. Great Lakes Hydro America LLC Rumford Falls Hydro LLC...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL10-53-000] FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Complainant v. Great Lakes Hydro America LLC Rumford Falls Hydro LLC, Respondents; Notice of Complaint March 29, 2010. Take notice that on March 26, 2010, pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission...

NEAMS FPL M2 Milestone Report: Development of a UO₂ Grain Size Model using Multicale Modeling and Simulation

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

Tonks, Michael R; Zhang, Yongfeng; Bai, Xianming

2014-06-01

This report summarizes development work funded by the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling Simulation program's Fuels Product Line (FPL) to develop a mechanistic model for the average grain size in UO₂ fuel. The model is developed using a multiscale modeling and simulation approach involving atomistic simulations, as well as mesoscale simulations using INL's MARMOT code.

Fermentation kinetics for xylitol production by a Pichia stipitis D-xylulokinase mutant previously grown in spent sulfite liquor

Treesearch

Rita C.L.B. Rodrigues; Chenfeng Lu; Bernice Liu; Thomas W. Jeffries

2008-01-01

Spent sulfite pulping liquor (SSL) contains lignin, which is present as lignosulfonate, and hemicelluloses that are present as hydrolyzed carbohydrates. To reduce the biological oxygen demand of SSL associated with dissolved sugars, we studied the capacity of Pichia stipitis FPL-YS30 (xyl3[delta]) to convert these sugars into useful products. FPL-YS30 produces a...

Motor unit recruitment strategies are altered during deep-tissue pain.

PubMed

Tucker, Kylie; Butler, Jane; Graven-Nielsen, Thomas; Riek, Stephan; Hodges, Paul

2009-09-02

Muscle pain is associated with decreased motor unit discharge rate during constant force contractions. As discharge rate is a determinant of force, other adaptations in strategy must explain force maintenance during pain. Our aim was to determine whether motor unit recruitment strategies are altered during pain to maintain force despite reduced discharge rate. Motor unit discharge behavior was recorded in two muscles, one with (quadriceps) and one without [flexor pollicis longus (FPL)] synergists. Motor units were recruited during matched low-force contractions with and without experimentally induced pain, and at higher force without pain. A total of 52 and 34 units were recorded in quadriceps and FPL, respectively, during low-force contractions with and without pain. Of these, 20 quadriceps and 9 FPL units were identified during both trials. The discharge rate of these units reduced during pain in both muscles [quadriceps: 8.7 (1.5) to 7.5 (1.3) Hz, p < 0.001; FPL: 11.9 (1.5) to 10.0 (1.7) Hz, p < 0.001]. All remaining units discharged only with or without pain, but not in both conditions. Only one-third of the additional units recruited during pain (quadriceps n = 7/19, FPL n = 3/15) were those expected given orderly recruitment of the motor unit pool as determined during higher-force contractions. We conclude that reduced motor unit discharge rate with pain is accompanied by changes in the population of units used to maintain force. The recruitment of new units is partly inconsistent with generalized inhibition of the motoneuron pool predicted by the "pain adaptation" theory, and provides the basis for a new mechanism of motor adaptation with pain.

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 7: High pressure fuel turbo-pump third stage impeller analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pool, Kirby V.

1989-01-01

This volume summarizes the analysis used to assess the structural life of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbo-Pump (HPFTP) Third Stage Impeller. This analysis was performed in three phases, all using the DIAL finite element code. The first phase was a static stress analysis to determine the mean (non-varying) stress and static margin of safety for the part. The loads involved were steady state pressure and centrifugal force due to spinning. The second phase of the analysis was a modal survey to determine the vibrational modes and natural frequencies of the impeller. The third phase was a dynamic response analysis to determine the alternating component of the stress due to time varying pressure impulses at the outlet (diffuser) side of the impeller. The results of the three phases of the analysis show that the Third Stage Impeller operates very near the upper limits of its capability at full power level (FPL) loading. The static loading alone creates stresses in some areas of the shroud which exceed the yield point of the material. Additional cyclic loading due to the dynamic force could lead to a significant reduction in the life of this part. The cyclic stresses determined in the dynamic response phase of this study are based on an assumption regarding the magnitude of the forcing function.

Sawing to reduce warp in plantation red pine studs

Treesearch

Hiram Hallock; F.B. Malcolm

1972-01-01

Large volumes of red pine (Pinus resinosa) from plantations in the Lake States and the Northeastern States are about to appear on the saw log market. One of the most important products of small saw logs is studs (2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft.). A study has been conducted by the FPL which examines the relationship of two industrial and one FPL sawing method on the subsequent...

Sawing to reduce warp in plantation red pine studs

Treesearch

Hiram Hallock; F.B. Malcolm

1972-01-01

Large volumes of red pine ( Pinus resinosa) from plantations in the Lake States and the Northeastern States are about to appear on the saw log market. One of the most important products of small saw logs is studs (2 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft.). A study has been conducted by the FPL which examines the relationship of two industrial and one FPL sawing method on the subsequent...

Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood—50 Years of Research: International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Series

Treesearch

Robert J. Ross; Xiping Wang

2012-01-01

The International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Series was initiated by Washington State University and the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in 1963 with the convening of a symposium on the topic of nondestructive testing of wood at FPL. Including that meeting, 17 symposia have been held during the last 50 years at various sites around...

Graded nanowell arrays: a fine plasmonic "library" with an adjustable spectral range.

PubMed

Xue, Peihong; Ye, Shunsheng; Su, Hongyang; Wang, Shuli; Nan, Jingjie; Chen, Xingchi; Ruan, Weidong; Zhang, Junhu; Cui, Zhanchen; Yang, Bai

2017-05-25

We present an effective approach for fabricating graded plasmonic arrays based on ordered micro-/nanostructures with a geometric gradient. Ag nanowell arrays with graded geometric parameters were fabricated and systematically investigated. The order of the graded plasmonic arrays is generated by colloidal lithography, while the geometric gradient is the result of inclined reactive ion etching. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks were measured at different positions, which move gradually along the Ag nanowell arrays with a geometric gradient. Such micro-/nanostructure arrays with graded and integrated SPR peaks can work as a fine plasmonic "library" (FPL), and the spectral range can be controlled using a "coarse adjustment knob" (lattice constant) and a "fine adjustment knob" (pore diameter). Additionally, the spectral resolution of the FPL is high, which benefits from the high value of the full height/full width at half-maximum and the small step size of the wavelength shift (0.5 nm). Meanwhile, the FPL could be effectively applied as a well-defined model to verify the plasmonic enhancement in surface enhanced Raman scattering. As the FPL is an integrated optical material with graded individual SPR peaks, it can not only be a theoretical model for fundamental research, but also has great potential in high-throughput screening of optical materials, multiplex sensors, etc.

42 CFR 435.4 - Definitions and use of terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...: (i) Has a family income at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty line for a family of the size... determination,” “Family size,” “Federal poverty level (FPL),” “Household income,” “Insurance affordability... of such parent or relative, even after the marriage is terminated by death or divorce. (3) At State...

Propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in dusty plasma with full ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dan, Li; Guo, Li-Xin; Li, Jiang-Ting

2018-01-01

This study investigates the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in fully ionized dusty plasmas. The propagation characteristics of fully ionized plasma with and without dust under the Fokker-Planck-Landau (FPL) and Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) models are compared to those of weakly ionized plasmas by using the propagation matrix method. It is shown that the FPL model is suitable for the analysis of the propagation characteristics of weakly collisional and fully ionized dusty plasmas, as is the BGK model. The influence of varying the dust parameters on the propagation properties of EM waves in the fully ionized dusty plasma was analyzed using the FPL model. The simulation results indicated that the densities and average radii of dust grains influence the reflection and transmission coefficients of fully ionized dusty plasma slabs. These results may be utilized to analyze the effects of interaction between EM waves and dusty plasmas, such as those associated with hypersonic vehicles.

Linear and nonlinear genetic relationships between type traits and productive life in US dairy goats.

PubMed

Castañeda-Bustos, V J; Montaldo, H H; Valencia-Posadas, M; Shepard, L; Pérez-Elizalde, S; Hernández-Mendo, O; Torres-Hernández, G

2017-02-01

Linear or nonlinear genetic relationships between productive life and functional productive life at 72 mo, with final score (SCO), stature, strength, dairyness (DAI), teat diameter, rear legs (side view), rump angle, rump width (RUW), fore udder attachment (FUA), rear udder height, rear udder arch, udder depth (UDD), suspensory ligament (SUS), and teat placement, as well as heritabilities and correlations were estimated from multibreed US dairy goat records. Productive life was defined as the total days in production until 72 mo of age (PL72) for goats having the opportunity to express the trait. Functional productive life (FPL72) was analyzed by incorporating first lactation milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, and SCO in the statistical model. Heritabilities and correlations were estimated using linear mixed models with pedigree additive genetic relationships and ASReml software. Nonlinearity of genetic relationships was assessed based on second-degree polynomial (quadratic) regression models, with the breeding values of PL72 or FPL72 as responses and the breeding values for each type trait (linear and quadratic) as predictor variables. Heritability estimates were 0.19, 0.14, 0.18, 0.20, 0.14, 0.07, 0.28, 0.20, 0.15, 0.13, 0.25, 0.18, 0.20, 0.21, 0.21, and 0.32 for PL72, FPL72, SCO, stature, strength, DAI, teat diameter, rear legs, rump angle, RUW, FUA, rear udder height, rear udder arch, UDD, SUS, and teat placement, respectively. The type traits SCO, RUW, and FUA were the most correlated with PL72 and FPL72, so these may be used as selection criteria to increase longevity in dairy goats. An increase in the coefficient of determination >1% for the second degree, compared with that for the linear model for either PL72 or FPL72, was taken as evidence of a nonlinear genetic relationship. Using this criterion, PL72 showed maximum values at intermediate scores in DAI, UDD, and RUW, and maximum values at extreme scores in FUA and SUS, whereas FPL72 showed maximum values at intermediate scores in DAI and UDD, and maximum values at extreme scores in FUA, RUW, and SUS. Selecting for increased SCO, RUW, and FUA will lead to an increase of FPL72 in goats. Consideration of nonlinear relationships between DAI, FUA, RUW, SUS, and UDD may help in the design of more efficient breeding programs for dairy goats using conformation traits. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).

The uninsured: an analysis by income and geography.

PubMed

Barker, Abigail R; Londeree, Jessica K; McBride, Timothy D; Kemper, Leah M; Mueller, Keith

2013-06-01

Key Findings. (1) A larger proportion of the rural population than the urban population is uninsured and low income (living at or below 138% of the federal poverty line [FPL]) (9.9% as compared to 8.5%) and a larger proportion of the rural population than the urban population will be eligible for subsidized Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM) coverage due to income levels and current lack of insurance (10.7% as compared to 9.6%). (2) Assuming full Medicaid expansion, a larger proportion of the rural uninsured than the urban uninsured would be eligible for Medicaid (43.5% as compared to 38.5%). (3) A smaller proportion of the rural uninsured than the urban uninsured has income above 400% FPL and thus will not qualify for either Medicaid or HIM subsidies (10% as compared to 14.1%). (4) The proportion of the uninsured population potentially eligible for Medicaid expansion is highest in the rural South (47.5%) and lowest in the urban Northeast (32.5%) and the rural Northeast (35.8%).

[Profitability of the bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of focal pulmonary malignant lesions].

PubMed

García Quero, C; García Luján, R; González Torralba, F; de Miguel Poch, E; Alfaro Abreu, J; Villena Garrido, V; López Ríos, F; López Encuentra, A

2008-12-01

We define focal pulmonary lesion (FPL) as an intra-parenchymatous pulmonary lesion that is well circumscribed and completely surrounded by healthy lung. It is considered that the profitability of the fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) in FPL < or = 2 cm is better than that of the fibrobronchoscopy (FBC). To analyze the diagnostic profitability of the FNAP in the malignant FPL and study if it varies according to site, size and histology. We analyzed all the FBCs of our Unit between 01/2000 and 12/2001 in patients with solitary FLP < or = 6 cm with a definitive diagnosis of malignancy. The diagnostic profitability by size, site and histology was analyzed with Pearson's chi(2) statistics. 124 patients. Mean FBC per patient was 1.3. A total of 101 cases (82%) were diagnosed with FBC, 15 by thoracotomy and 8 by FNAP. Global diagnostic profitability of the FBC was 0.82 and the transbronchial biopsy 0.76. There are no diagnostic profitability differences by size (< or = 2 cm vs > 2 cm) (0.81 vs 0.82 p = 0.96), site (peripheral vs central) (0.79 vs 0.85 p = 0.41) and histology (epidermoid vs adenocarcinoma) (0.89 vs 0.75 p = 0.21). Profitability of the FBC in malignant FPL in our hospital is elevated without differences by size, site or histology. In our site, the initial diagnostic approach of the FLP is done with FBC.

[Secondary tendon reconstruction on the thumb].

PubMed

Bickert, B; Kremer, T; Kneser, U

2016-12-01

Closed tendon ruptures of the thumb that require secondary reconstruction can affect the extensor pollicis longus (EPL), extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendons. Treatment of rupture of the EPB tendon consists of refixation to the bone and temporary transfixation of the joint. In the case of preexisting or posttraumatic arthrosis, definitive arthrodesis of the thumb is the best procedure. Closed ruptures of the EPL and FPL tendons at the wrist joint cannot be treated by direct tendon suture. Rupture of the EPL tendon occurs after distal radius fractures either due to protruding screws or following conservative treatment especially in undisplaced fractures. Transfer of the extensor indicis tendon to the distal EPL stump is a good option and free interposition of the palmaris longus tendon is a possible alternative. The tension should be adjusted to slight overcorrection, which can be checked intraoperatively by performing the tenodesis test. Closed FPL ruptures at the wrist typically occur 3-6 months after osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures with palmar plates and are mostly characterized by crepitation and pain lasting for several weeks. They can be prevented by premature plate removal, synovectomy and carpal tunnel release. For treatment of a ruptured FPL tendon in adult patients the options for tendon reconstruction should be weighed up against the less complicated tenodesis or arthrodesis of the thumb interphalangeal joint.

75 FR 18826 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Madison Paper Industries, and Merimil Limited Partnership; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-13

... fishway (inactive); and (e) a 734-foot earth dike with a concrete core wall; (2) a 9,700-acre reservoir... downstream demands for hydroelectric generation in the Kennebec River and for flood control. Reservoir fluctuations follow an annual cycle under which reservoir levels are reduced during the fall and winter to...

Altering physically effective fiber intake through forage proportion and particle length: chewing and ruminal pH.

PubMed

Yang, W Z; Beauchemin, K A

2007-06-01

Alfalfa silages varying in theoretical chop length and diets high and low in forage proportion were used to evaluate whether increasing the physically effective (pe) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of dairy cow diets reduces the risk of acidosis. The experiment was designed as a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square using 8 ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial design; 2 forage particle lengths (FPL) of alfalfa silage (short and long) were combined with low (35:65) and high (60:40) forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios [dry matter (DM) basis]. Dietary peNDF content (DM basis) was determined from the sum of the proportion of dietary DM retained on either the 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or the 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator multiplied by the NDF content of the diet. The dietary peNDF contents ranged from 9.6 to 19.8% using 2 sieves, or from 28.6 to 34.0% using 3 sieves. Intake of peNDF was increased by increasing both the F:C ratio and the FPL of the diets. However, F:C ratio and FPL affected chewing activity differently; increasing F:C ratio increased chewing time but increasing FPL only increased chewing when a high-forage diet was fed. Mean ruminal pH was increased by 0.5 and 0.2 units with increasing F:C ratio and FPL, respectively. Cows fed the low F:C diet had > 10 or 7 h daily in which ruminal pH was below 5.8 or 5.5, respectively, compared with 1.2 and 0.1 h for cows fed the high F:C ratio diet. Increased F:C ratio reduced ruminal VFA concentration from 135 to 121 mM but increased the acetate:propionate ratio from 1.82 to 3.13. Dietary peNDF content when measured using 2 sieves was positively correlated to chewing time (r = 0.61) and mean ruminal pH (r = 0.73), and negatively correlated to the time that pH was below 5.8 or 5.5 (r = -0.46). This study shows that the risk of ruminal acidosis is high for cows fed a low F:C diet, particularly when finely chopped silage is used. Intake of dietary peNDF is a good indicator of ruminal pH status of dairy cows. Increasing the proportion of forage in the diet helps prevent ruminal acidosis through increased chewing time, a change in meal patterns, and decreased ruminal acid production. Increasing FPL elevates ruminal pH, but in low-forage diets increased FPL does not completely alleviate subacute acidosis because the fermentability of the diet is high and changes in chewing activity are marginal.

Radial and ulnar bursae of the wrist: cadaveric investigation of regional anatomy with ultrasonographic-guided tenography and MR imaging.

PubMed

Aguiar, Rodrigo O C; Gasparetto, Emerson L; Escuissato, Dante L; Marchiori, Edson; Trudell, Debbie J; Haghighi, Parviz; Resnick, Donald

2006-11-01

To demonstrate the anatomy of the radial and ulnar bursae of the wrist using MR and US images. Ultrasonographic-guided tenography of the tendon sheath of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and the common tendon sheath of the flexor digitorum of the fifth digit (FD5) of ten cadaveric hands was performed, followed by magnetic resonance imaging and gross anatomic correlation. Patterns of communication were observed between these tendon sheaths and the radial and ulnar bursae of the wrist. The tendon sheath of the FPL communicated with the radial bursa in 100% (10/10) of cases, and the tendon sheath of the FD5 communicated with the ulnar bursa in 80% (8/10). Communication of the radial and ulnar bursae was evident in 100% (10/10), and presented an "hourglass" configuration in the longitudinal plane. The ulnar and radial bursae often communicate. The radial bursa communicates with the FPL tendon sheath, and the ulnar bursa may communicate with the FD5 tendon sheath.

The New and Improved Arkansas Family Income Standard: How Much Does It Really Cost To Raise a Family?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huddleston, Rich

The Family Income Standard (FIS), developed in Arkansas as a more adequate measure of families' economic well-being than the widely-criticized Federal Poverty Level (FPL), is defined as the amount of money a working family must earn to meet its daily living needs without assistance from charities. This report details the effort to update and…

Providing Comprehensive Educational Opportunity to Low Income Students. Part 4: What Are the Social and Economic Returns?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belfield, Clive; Hollands, Fiona; Levin, Henry

2011-01-01

Approximately half of all New York City public school students who live in families with incomes less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) do not graduate from high school. These dropouts are much less likely to achieve economic self-sufficiency in adulthood. This creates both a fiscal and social burden. Rothstein, Wilder and Allgood…

Fermentation Kinetics for Xylitol Production by a Pichia stipitis d-Xylulokinase Mutant Previously Grown in Spent Sulfite Liquor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Rita C. L. B.; Lu, Chenfeng; Lin, Bernice; Jeffries, Thomas W.

Spent sulfite pulping liquor (SSL) contains lignin, which is present as lignosulfonate, and hemicelluloses that are present as hydrolyzed carbohydrates. To reduce the biological oxygen demand of SSL associated with dissolved sugars, we studied the capacity of Pichia stipitis FPL-YS30 (xyl3Δ) to convert these sugars into useful products. FPL-YS30 produces a negligible amount of ethanol while converting xylose into xylitol. This work describes the xylose fermentation kinetics of yeast strain P.stipitis FPL-YS30. Yeast was grown in rich medium supplemented with different carbon sources: glucose, xylose, or ammonia-base SSL. The SSL and glucose-acclimatized cells showed similar maximum specific growth rates (0.146 h-1). The highest xylose consumption at the beginning of the fermentation process occurred using cells precultivated in xylose, which showed relatively high specific activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49). However, the maximum specific rates of xylose consumption (0.19 gxylose/gcel h) and xylitol production (0.059 gxylitol/gcel h) were obtained with cells acclimatized in glucose, in which the ratio between xylose reductase (EC 1.1.1.21) and xylitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.9) was kept at higher level (0.82). In this case, xylitol production (31.6 g/l) was 19 and 8% higher than in SSL and xylose-acclimatized cells, respectively. Maximum glycerol (6.26 g/l) and arabitol (0.206 g/l) production were obtained using SSL and xylose-acclimatized cells, respectively. The medium composition used for the yeast precultivation directly reflected their xylose fermentation performance. The SSL could be used as a carbon source for cell production. However, the inoculum condition to obtain a high cell concentration in SSL needs to be optimized.

Food insecurity and low self-efficacy are associated with increased healthcare utilization among adults with type II diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Becerra, Monideepa B; Allen, Nickolas L; Becerra, Benjamin J

Food insecurity has been shown to negatively impact health outcomes, disease management and hospitalizations. Despite the increasing burden of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the United States, little research exists on the role of food insecurity and its association to T2DM-related healthcare utilization. The purpose of our study was to address such a gap in the literature by evaluating the role of food insecurity and T2DM-related past 12-month hospitalization or emergency department (ED) admission among adults with healthcare professional diagnosed T2DM. We utilized the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), 2009, 2011/2012 data to select CHIS participants who were aged 18 or older and reported doctor diagnosis of T2DM; resulting in a total of 8252 participants. Food insecurity was defined as: living at or above 200% federal poverty level (FPL), living below 200% FPL but food secure, living below 200% FPL and food insecure. A secondary exposure variable of interest was self-efficacy, based on the CHIS-provided variable of confidence to manage T2DM. All analyses were survey weighted with alpha less than .05 noting significance. Those with low food security (12.96%) and low-self efficacy (15.14%), reported significantly higher prevalence of T2DM-related healthcare utilization, as compared to their counterparts. Both living with low food security and having low self-efficacy were also associated with over two-fold increase in healthcare utilization. Our results demonstrate the cumulative need for community-based resources to improve the continuum of care and ensure that such at-risk populations have adequate resources for disease management. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space Shuttle main engine powerhead structural modeling, stress and fatigue life analysis. Volume 3: Stress summay of blades and nozzles at FPL and 115 percent RPL loads. SSME HPFTP and HPOTP blades and nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammett, J. C.; Hayes, C. H.; Price, J. M.; Robinson, J. K.; Teal, G. A.; Thomson, J. M.; Tilley, D. M.; Welch, C. T.

1983-01-01

Gasdynamic environments applied to the turbine blades and nozzles of the HPFTP and HPOTP were analyzed. Centrifugal loads were applied to blades to account for the pump rotation of FPL and 115 percent RPL. The computer models used in the blade analysis with results presented in the form of temperature and stress contour plots are described. Similar information is given for the nozzles.

KSC-97PC1297

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-27

Larry Laseter (left), vice president of Sales and Marketing for the Florida Power & Light (FPL) Company, presents Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director Roy Bridges Jr., with a rebate check for $195,000, recognizing KSC's commitment to reducing overall energy consumption and costs now and in the future. The energy savings realized by KSC come as a direct result of installing new chilled water systems hardware in the KSC Industrial Area Chiller Plant. KSC has received FPL rebates for its energy-saving efforts since 1993, but this check is the largest single-project rebate to date

Local subcutaneous and muscle pain impairs detection of passive movements at the human thumb

PubMed Central

Weerakkody, N S; Blouin, J S; Taylor, J L; Gandevia, S C

2008-01-01

Activity in both muscle spindle endings and cutaneous stretch receptors contributes to the sensation of joint movement. The present experiments assessed whether muscle pain and subcutaneous pain distort proprioception in humans. The ability to detect the direction of passive movements at the interphalangeal joint of the thumb was measured when pain was induced experimentally in four sites: the flexor pollicis longus (FPL), the subcutaneous tissue overlying this muscle, the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle and the subcutaneous tissue distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb. Tests were conducted when pain was at a similar subjective intensity. There was no significant difference in the ability to detect flexion or extension under any painful or non-painful condition. The detection of movement was significantly impaired when pain was induced in the FPL muscle, but pain in the FCR, a nearby muscle that does not act on the thumb, had no effect. Subcutaneous pain also significantly impaired movement detection when initiated in skin overlying the thumb, but not in skin overlying the FPL muscle in the forearm. These findings suggest that while both muscle and skin pain can disturb the detection of the direction of movement, the impairment is site-specific and involves regions and tissues that have a proprioceptive role at the joint. Also, pain induced in FPL did not significantly increase the perceived size of the thumb. Proprioceptive mechanisms signalling perceived body size are less disturbed by a relevant muscle nociceptive input than those subserving movement detection. The results highlight the complex relationship between nociceptive inputs and their influence on proprioception and motor control. PMID:18467366

The Design and Implementation of a Parallel Persistent Object System

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

Semantica JilP L Add descriptor (FP.L) to active pool JMPF r L If Frames, FP+r.O-0 Add descriptor (FP,L) to active pool Else Add descriptor (FP, IP+l...Syntax Semantica STARTO rl r2 Let FP’ = Frames[FP+rl] Let IP’ - Frames[FP+r2] Add (FP.IP+I) to active pool Add (FP I, P’ ) to active pool STARTI rl r2 r3...deadlock. 119 Syntaz Semantica ALLOCFRANE ri rj Let CallerFP - Frames [FP+ri] Let ResultIP - Frames [FP+ri+1] Let SignalIP = Frames [FP+ri+2] Let ResSlot

KSC-2009-3286

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the site in the Industrial Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida where a solar power system will be built. The solar power systems are being constructed by NASA and Florida Power & Light Company as part of a public-private partnership that promotes a clean-energy future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 27 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second, which will be built on the pictured location, is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3287

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the site on S.R. 3 on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida where a solar power system will be built. The solar power systems are being constructed by NASA and Florida Power & Light Company as part of a public-private partnership that promotes a clean-energy future. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 27 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. FPL, Florida's largest electric utility, will build and maintain two solar photovoltaic power generation systems at Kennedy. One, which will be built on the pictured location, will produce an estimated 10 megawatts of emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes. The second is a one-megawatt solar power facility that will provide renewable energy directly to Kennedy. The FPL facilities at NASA will help provide Florida residents and America's space program with new sources of clean energy that will cut reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The one megawatt facility also will help NASA meet its goal for use of power generated from renewable energy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Advanced Grid Support Functionality Testing for Florida Power and Light

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

Nelson, Austin; Martin, Gregory; Hurtt, James

This report describes the results of laboratory testing of advanced photovoltaic (PV) inverter testing undertaken by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on behalf of the Florida Power and Light Company (FPL). FPL recently commissioned a 1.1 MW-AC PV installation on a solar carport at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. In addition to providing a source of clean energy production, the site serves as a live test bed with 36 different PV inverters from eight different manufacturers. Each inverter type has varied support for advanced grid support functions (GSFs) that are becoming increasingly commonplace, and are beingmore » required through revised interconnection standards such as UL1741, IEEE1547, and California (CA) Rule 21. FPL is interested in evaluating the trade-offs between different GSFs, their compliance to emerging standards, and their effects on efficiency and reliability. NREL has provided a controlled laboratory environment to undertake such a study. This work covered nine different classes of tests to compare inverter capabilities and performance for four different inverters that were selected by FPL. The test inverters were all three-phase models rated between 24-36 kW, and containing multiple PV input power point trackers. Advanced grid support functions were tested for functional behavior, and included fixed power factor operation, voltage-ride through, frequency ride-through, volt-var control, and frequency-Watt control. Response to abnormal grid conditions with GSFs enabled was studied through anti-islanding, fault, and load rejection overvoltage tests. Finally, efficiency was evaluated across a range of operating conditions that included power factor, output power, and input voltage variations. Test procedures were derived from requirements of a draft revision of UL741, CA Rule 21, and/or previous studies at NREL. This reports summarizes the results of each test case, providing a comparative performance analysis between the four test inverters. Inverters were mostly able to meet the requirements of their stated GSF capabilities, with deviations from expected results discussed throughout the report. There were mixed results across the range of abnormal tests, and results were often dependent on the capability of each test inverter to deploy the GSFs of interest. Detailed test data has been provided to FPL to support future decision making with respect to inverter selection and GSF deployment in the field.« less

Estimation of genetic parameters for productive life, reproduction, and milk-production traits in US dairy goats.

PubMed

Castañeda-Bustos, V J; Montaldo, H H; Torres-Hernández, G; Pérez-Elizalde, S; Valencia-Posadas, M; Hernández-Mendo, O; Shepard, L

2014-01-01

Heritabilities and correlations for milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), combined fat and protein yield (FPY), fat percentage (F%), protein percentage (P%), age at first kidding (AFK), interval between the first and second kidding (KI), and real and functional productive life at 72mo (FPL72) of 33,725 US dairy goats, were estimated using animal models. Productive life was defined as the total days in production until 72mo of age (PL72) for goats having the opportunity to express the trait. Functional productive life was obtained by correcting PL72 for MY, FY, PY, and final type score (FS). Six selection indexes were used, including or excluding PL72, with 6 groups of different economic weights, to estimate the responses to selection considering MY, FY, PY, and PL72 as selection criteria. The main criteria that determined the culling of a goat from the herd were low FS, MY, and FY per lactation. Heritability estimates were 0.22, 0.17, 0.37, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.54, 0.64, 0.09, and 0.16 for PL72, FPL72, MY, FY, PY, FPY, F%, P%, KI, and AFK, respectively. Most genetic correlations between the evaluated traits and PL72 or FPL72 were positive, except for F% (-0.04 and -0.06, respectively), P% (-0.002 and -0.03, respectively), and AFK (-0.03 and -0.01, respectively). The highest genetic correlations were between FPL72 and MY (0.39) and between PL72 and MY (0.33). Most phenotypic correlations between the traits evaluated and FPL72 and PL72 were positive (>0.23 and >0.26, respectively), except for F% (-0.004 and -0.02, respectively), P% (-0.05 and -0.02), KI (-0.01 and -0.07), and AFK (-0.08 and -0.08). The direct selection for PL72 increased it by 102.28d per generation. The use of MY, FY, PY, KI, or AFK as selection criteria increased PL72 by 39.21, 27.33, 35.90, -8.28, or 2.77d per generation, respectively. The inclusion of PL72 as selection criterion increased the expected response per generation from 0.15 to 17.35% in all selection indices studied. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expansion of Coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Primary Care Utilization

PubMed Central

Hofer, Adam N; Abraham, Jean Marie; Moscovice, Ira

2011-01-01

Context: Provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) expand Medicaid to all individuals in families earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) and make available subsidies to uninsured lower-income Americans (133 to 400 percent of FPL) without access to employer-based coverage to purchase insurance in new exchanges. Since primary care physicians typically serve as the point of entry into the health care delivery system, an adequate supply of them is critical to meeting the anticipated increase in demand for medical care resulting from the expansion of coverage. This article provides state-level estimates of the anticipated increases in primary care utilization given the PPACA's provisions for expanded coverage. Methods: Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this article estimates a multivariate regression model of annual primary care utilization. Using the model estimates and state-level information regarding the number of uninsured, it predicts, by state, the change in primary care visits expected from the expanded coverage. Finally, the article predicts the number of primary care physicians needed to accommodate this change in utilization. Findings: This expanded coverage is predicted to increase by 2019 the number of annual primary care visits between 15.07 million and 24.26 million. Assuming stable levels of physicians’ productivity, between 4,307 and 6,940 additional primary care physicians would be needed to accommodate this increase. Conclusions: The PPACA's health insurance expansion parameters are expected to significantly increase the use of primary care. Two strategies that policymakers may consider are creating stronger financial incentives to attract medical school students to primary care and changing the delivery of care in ways that lead to operational improvements, higher throughput, and better quality of care. PMID:21418313

Poverty, Sprawl, and Restaurant Types Influence Body Mass Index of Residents in California Counties

PubMed Central

Gregson, Jennifer

2011-01-01

Objectives. This article examines the relationships between structural poverty (the proportion of people in a county living at ≤130% of the federal poverty level [FPL]), urban sprawl, and three types of restaurants (grouped as fast food, chain full service, and independent full service) in explaining body mass index (BMI) of individuals. Methods. Relationships were tested with two-tiered hierarchical models. Individual-level data, including the outcome variable of calculated BMI, were from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (n=14,205). County-level data (n=33) were compiled from three sources. The 2000 U.S. Census provided the proportion of county residents living at ≤130% of FPL and county demographic descriptors. The sprawl index used came from the Smart Growth America Project. Fast-food, full-service chain, and full-service independently owned restaurants as proportions of the total retail food environment were constructed from a commercially available market research database from 2004. Results. In the analysis, county-level demographic characteristics lost significance and poverty had a consistent, robust association on BMI (p<0.001). Sprawl demonstrated an additional, complementary association to county poverty (p<0.001). Independent restaurants had a large, negative association to BMI (p<0.001). The coefficients for chain and fast-food restaurants were large and positive (p≤0.001), indicating that as the proportion of these restaurants in a county increases, so does BMI. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the important role of county poverty and urban sprawl toward understanding environmental influences on BMI. Using three categories of restaurants demonstrates different associations of full-service chain and independent restaurants, which are often combined in other research. PMID:21563722

Poverty, sprawl, and restaurant types influence body mass index of residents in California counties.

PubMed

Gregson, Jennifer

2011-01-01

This article examines the relationships between structural poverty (the proportion of people in a county living at < or =130% of the federal poverty level [FPL]), urban sprawl, and three types of restaurants (grouped as fast food, chain full service, and independent full service) in explaining body mass index (BMI) of individuals. Relationships were tested with two-tiered hierarchical models. Individual-level data, including the outcome variable of calculated BMI, were from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (n = 14,205). County-level data (n = 33) were compiled from three sources. The 2000 U.S. Census provided the proportion of county residents living at < or = 130% of FPL and county demographic descriptors. The sprawl index used came from the Smart Growth America Project. Fast-food, full-service chain, and full-service independently owned restaurants as proportions of the total retail food environment were constructed from a commercially available market research database from 2004. In the analysis, county-level demographic characteristics lost significance and poverty had a consistent, robust association on BMI (p < 0.001). Sprawl demonstrated an additional, complementary association to county poverty (p < 0.001). Independent restaurants had a large, negative association to BMI (p < 0.001). The coefficients for chain and fast-food restaurants were large and positive (p < or = 0.001), indicating that as the proportion of these restaurants in a county increases, so does BMI. This study demonstrates the important role of county poverty and urban sprawl toward understanding environmental influences on BMI. Using three categories of restaurants demonstrates different associations of full-service chain and independent restaurants, which are often combined in other research.

Access assured: a pilot program to finance primary care for uninsured patients using a monthly enrollment fee.

PubMed

Saultz, John W; Brown, David; Stenberg, Stephen; Rdesinski, Rebecca E; Tillotson, Carrie J; Eigner, Danielle; Devoe, Jennifer

2010-01-01

Access Assured is an experimental program being used by 2 academic family medicine practices to deliver primary care to an uninsured patient population using a monthly retainer payment system in addition to a sliding fee schedule for office visits. This prospective cohort study was designed to determine whether patients would join such a program, to describe the population of people who did so, and to assess the program's financial viability. We used data abstracted from our electronic medical record system to describe the demographic characteristics and care utilization patterns of those patients enrolling during the first year of the study, between February 1, 2008, and January 31, 2009. We also compared 2 subpopulations of enrollees defined by their eligibility for office fee discounts based on income. A total of 600 Access Assured members made 1943 office visits during the study period, receiving a total of 4538.22 relative value units of service. Based on the membership fee, office visit fee collections, and remaining accounts receivable, this resulted in an expected reimbursement rate of $42.88 per relative value units. Three hundred one of the 600 (50.2%) patients had incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) at the time of each of their office visits and were therefore not eligible for any visit fee discount. Another 156 patients (26.0%) were eligible for a 100% discount of all visit fees based on their income below 200% of the FPL. Using a multivariable Poisson regression analysis of these 2 groups, we determined that age was a significant determinant of return visit rate, with a 0.7% increase in return visit rate for each additional year of age (P = .006). Women had a 26% higher return visit rate than men (P = .001). After accounting for age, sex, and clinic site, fee discount level based on income was not a significant independent determinant of return visit rate (P = .118). A retainer-based program to enroll uninsured patients being used in 2 academic family medicine clinics attracted 600 patients during its first year. The program was financially viable and resulted in an expansion of our service to uninsured patients. More than half of the patients had incomes above 400% of the FPL, suggesting that the population of uninsured Oregonians may be economically more diverse than suspected.

Enrollment, expenditures, and utilization after CHIP expansion: evidence from Alabama.

PubMed

Becker, David J; Blackburn, Justin; Morrisey, Michael A; Sen, Bisakha; Kilgore, Meredith L; Caldwell, Cathy; Sellers, Chris; Menachemi, Nir

2015-01-01

In October 2009, Alabama expanded eligibility in its Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as ALL Kids, from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). We examined the expenditures, utilization, and enrollment behavior of expansion enrollees relative to traditional enrollees (100-200% FPL) and assessed the impact of expansion on total program expenditures. We compared unadjusted mean person-month-level expenditures and utilization of expansion enrollees and various categories of existing enrollees and used a 2-part modeling strategy to examine differences after controlling for enrollee characteristics. We used probit models to examine adjusted differences in reenrollment behavior by eligibility category. Expansion enrollees had higher total monthly expenditures ($10.33, P < .05) than traditional ALL Kids enrollees, including higher outpatient ($5.35, P < .001) and dental ($0.85, P < .01) expenditures but lower emergency department (-$1.34, P < .001) expenditures. Expansion enrollees had marginally lower utilization of emergency department services for low-severity conditions and higher utilization of physician outpatient visits. Expansion enrollees were 4.47 percentage points (P < .001) more likely to reenroll before their contract expiration date than traditional ALL Kids enrollees. As of October 2012, expansion enrollees accounted for approximately 20% of ALL Kids enrollment and expenditures. The expansion population was characterized by moderately higher health expenditures and utilization, and more persistent enrollment relative to fee group enrollees who are subject to the same levels of cost sharing and annual premiums. Although states are prohibited from changing program eligibility until 2019, the costs associated with the expansion population will be important to future policy decisions. Copyright © 2015 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of canine parvovirus strains isolated from cats with feline panleukopenia.

PubMed

Decaro, Nicola; Buonavoglia, Domenico; Desario, Costantina; Amorisco, Francesca; Colaianni, Maria Loredana; Parisi, Antonio; Terio, Valentina; Elia, Gabriella; Lucente, Maria Stella; Cavalli, Alessandra; Martella, Vito; Buonavoglia, Canio

2010-10-01

Unlike the original canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), CPV-2 variants have gained the ability to replicate in vivo in cats but there is limited information on the disease patterns induced by these variants in the feline host. During 2008, two distinct cases of parvoviral infection were diagnosed in our laboratories. A CPV-2a variant was identified in a 3-month-old Persian kitten displaying clinical sign of feline panleukopenia (FPL) (acute gastroenteritis and marked leukopenia) and oral ulcerations, that died eight days after the onset of the disease. Two pups living in the same pet shop as the cat were found to shed a CPV-2a strain genetically identical to the feline virus and were likely the source of infection. Also, non-fatal infection by a CPV-2c strain occurred in a 2.5-month-old European shorthair kitten displaying non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea and normal white blood cell counts. By sequence analysis of the major capsid protein (VP2) gene, the feline CPV-2c strain showed 100% identity to a recent canine type-2c isolate. Both kittens had been administered multivalent vaccines against common feline pathogens including FPL virus. Whether and to which extent the FPL vaccines can protect cats adequately from the antigenic variants of CPV-2 should be assessed. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KSC-2009-6449

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility is unveiled at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2009-6457

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility is ready for operation at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2009-6450

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility opens at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Perceived affordability of health insurance and medical financial burdens five years in to Massachusetts health reform.

PubMed

Zallman, Leah; Nardin, Rachel; Sayah, Assaad; McCormick, Danny

2015-10-29

Under the Massachusetts health reform, low income residents (those with incomes below 150 % of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]) were eligible for Medicaid and health insurance exchange-based plans with minimal cost-sharing and no premiums. Those with slightly higher incomes (150 %-300 % FPL) were eligible for exchange-based plans that required cost-sharing and premium payments. We conducted face to face surveys in four languages with a convenience sample of 976 patients seeking care at three hospital emergency departments five years after Massachusetts reform. We compared perceived affordability of insurance, financial burden, and satisfaction among low cost sharing plan recipients (recipients of Medicaid and insurance exchange-based plans with minimal cost-sharing and no premiums), high cost sharing plan recipients (recipients of exchange-based plans that required cost-sharing and premium payments) and the commercially insured. We found that despite having higher incomes, higher cost-sharing plan recipients were less satisfied with their insurance plans and perceived more difficulty affording their insurance than those with low cost-sharing plans. Higher cost-sharing plan recipients also reported more difficulty affording medical and non-medical health care as well as insurance premiums than those with commercial insurance. In contrast, patients with low cost-sharing public plans reported higher plan satisfaction and less financial concern than the commercially insured. Policy makers with responsibility for the benefit design of public insurance available under health care reforms in the U.S. should calibrate cost-sharing to income level so as to minimize difficulty affording care and financial burdens.

KSC-2009-6452

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana addresses the audience on hand for the unveiling of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility at Kennedy in Florida. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Creep and creep-rupture behaviour of wood-based structural panels

Treesearch

Theodore L. Laufenberg; L. C. Palka; J. Dobbin McNatt

This paper summarizes a cooperative research program between the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), in Madison, Wisconsin, and Forintek Canada Corp. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This research program provided...

77 FR 4557 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-30

.... Applicants: Entergy Nuclear Generation Company, Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC, Entergy Nuclear Vermont... IFA and Svc Agmt with FPL Energy Green Power Wind, LLC to be effective 1/21/2012. Filed Date: 1/20/12...

Phased Retrofits in Existing Homes in Florida Phase I: Shallow and Deep Retrofits

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

D. Parker; Sutherland, K.; Chasar, D.

2016-02-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America program, in collaboration with Florida Power and Light (FPL), conducted a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program. This research sought to establish impacts on annual energy and peak energy reductions from the technologies applied at two levels of retrofit - shallow and deep, with savings levels approaching the Building America program goals of reducing whole-house energy use by 40%. Under the Phased Deep Retrofit (PDR) project, we have installed phased, energy-efficiency retrofits in a sample of 56 existing, all-electric homes. End-use savings and economic evaluation results from the phased measure packages and singlemore » measures are summarized in this report.« less

Cardiovascular responses to railway noise during sleep in young and middle-aged adults.

PubMed

Tassi, Patricia; Saremi, Mahnaz; Schimchowitsch, Sarah; Eschenlauer, Arnaud; Rohmer, Odile; Muzet, Alain

2010-03-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nocturnal railway noise on cardiovascular reactivity in young (25.8 +/- 2.6 years) and middle-aged (52.2 +/- 2.5 years) adults during sleep. Thirty-eight subjects slept three nights in the laboratory at 1-week interval. They were exposed to 48 randomized pass-bys of Freight, Passenger and Automotive trains either at an 8-h equivalent sound level of 40 dBA (Moderate) and 50 dBA (High) or at a silent Control night. Heart rate response (HRR), heart response amplitude (HRA), heart response latency (HRL) and finger pulse response (FPR), finger pulse amplitude (FPA) and finger pulse latency (FPL) were recorded to measure cardiovascular reactivity after each noise onset and for time-matched pseudo-noises in the control condition. Results show that Freight trains produced the highest cardiac response (increased HRR, HRA and HRL) compared to Passenger and Automotive. But the vascular response was similar whatever the type of train. Juniors exhibited an increased HRR and HRA as compared to seniors, but there was no age difference on vasoconstriction, except a shorter FPL in seniors. Noise level produced dose-dependent effects on all the cardiovascular indices. Sleep stage at noise occurrence was ineffective for cardiac response, but FPA was reduced when noise occurred during REM sleep. In conclusion, our study is in favor of an important impact of nocturnal railway noise on the cardiovascular system of sleeping subjects. In the limit of the samples studied, Freight trains are the most harmful, probably more because of their special length (duration) than because of their speed (rise time).

Delayed and forgone care for families with chronic conditions in high-deductible health plans.

PubMed

Galbraith, Alison A; Soumerai, Stephen B; Ross-Degnan, Dennis; Rosenthal, Meredith B; Gay, Charlene; Lieu, Tracy A

2012-09-01

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are an increasingly common strategy to contain health care costs. Individuals with chronic conditions are at particular risk for increased out-of-pocket costs in HDHPs and resulting cost-related underuse of essential health care. To evaluate whether families with chronic conditions in HDHPs have higher rates of delayed or forgone care due to cost, compared with those in traditional health insurance plans. This mail and phone survey used multiple logistic regression to compare family-level rates of reporting delayed/forgone care in HDHPs vs. traditional plans. We selected families with children that had at least one member with a chronic condition. Families had employer-sponsored insurance in a Massachusetts health plan and >12 months of enrollment in an HDHP or a traditional plan. The primary outcome was report of any delayed or forgone care due to cost (acute care, emergency department visits, chronic care, checkups, or tests) for adults or children during the prior 12 months. Respondents included 208 families in HDHPs and 370 in traditional plans. Membership in an HDHP and lower income were each independently associated with higher probability of delayed/forgone care due to cost. For adult family members, the predicted probability of delayed/forgone care due to cost was higher in HDHPs than in traditional plans [40.0% vs 15.1% among families with incomes <400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and 16.0% vs 4.8% among those with incomes ≥400% FPL]. Similar associations were observed for children. Among families with chronic conditions, reporting of delayed/forgone care due to cost is higher for both adults and children in HDHPs than in traditional plans. Families with lower incomes are also at higher risk for delayed/forgone care.

KSC-2009-6454

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, recipients of a NASA Team Award for their parts in the successful construction of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility pose for a group portrait. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2009-6451

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Florida Power & Light Company Vice President and Chief Development Officer Eric Silagy, left, and NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, center, examine one of the solar panels at the unveiling of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility at Kennedy in Florida. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Common input to motor units of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles during two-digit object hold.

PubMed

Winges, Sara A; Kornatz, Kurt W; Santello, Marco

2008-03-01

Anatomical and physiological evidence suggests that common input to motor neurons of hand muscles is an important neural mechanism for hand control. To gain insight into the synaptic input underlying the coordination of hand muscles, significant effort has been devoted to describing the distribution of common input across motor units of extrinsic muscles. Much less is known, however, about the distribution of common input to motor units belonging to different intrinsic muscles and to intrinsic-extrinsic muscle pairs. To address this void in the literature, we quantified the incidence and strength of near-simultaneous discharges of motor units residing in either the same or different intrinsic hand muscles (m. first dorsal, FDI, and m. first palmar interosseus, FPI) during two-digit object hold. To extend the characterization of common input to pairs of extrinsic muscles (previous work) and pairs of intrinsic muscles (present work), we also recorded electromyographic (EMG) activity from an extrinsic thumb muscle (m. flexor pollicis longus, FPL). Motor-unit synchrony across FDI and FPI was weak (common input strength, CIS, mean +/- SE: 0.17 +/- 0.02). Similarly, motor units from extrinsic-intrinsic muscle pairs were characterized by weak synchrony (FPL-FDI: 0.25 +/- 0.02; FPL-FPI: 0.29 +/- 0.03) although stronger than FDI-FPI. Last, CIS from within FDI and FPI was more than three times stronger (0.70 +/- 0.06 and 0.66 +/- 0.06, respectively) than across these muscles. We discuss present and previous findings within the framework of muscle-pair specific distribution of common input to hand muscles based on their functional role in grasping.

42 CFR 435.219 - Individuals receiving State plan home and community-based services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... that does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal poverty line (FPL); (3) Meet the needs-based criteria...) Have income that does not exceed 300 percent of the Supplemental Security Income Federal Benefit Rate...

Gulf Coast Hurricanes Situation Report #40

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

None

2005-11-14

On 11/12 Florida Power & Light (FPL) announced that crews had essentially completed Hurricane Wilma restoration efforts to all 3.2 million customers in South Florida who had been without power. Electricity restoration efforts are now essentially complete in Florida.

Preparedness of Americans for the Affordable Care Act.

PubMed

Barcellos, Silvia Helena; Wuppermann, Amelie C; Carman, Katherine Grace; Bauhoff, Sebastian; McFadden, Daniel L; Kapteyn, Arie; Winter, Joachim K; Goldman, Dana

2014-04-15

This paper investigates whether individuals are sufficiently informed to make reasonable choices in the health insurance exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We document knowledge of health reform, health insurance literacy, and expected changes in healthcare using a nationally representative survey of the US population in the 5 wk before the introduction of the exchanges, with special attention to subgroups most likely to be affected by the ACA. Results suggest that a substantial share of the population is unprepared to navigate the new exchanges. One-half of the respondents did not know about the exchanges, and 42% could not correctly describe a deductible. Those earning 100-250% of federal poverty level (FPL) correctly answered, on average, 4 out of 11 questions about health reform and 4.6 out of 7 questions about health insurance. This compares with 6.1 and 5.9 correct answers, respectively, for those in the top income category (400% of FPL or more). Even after controlling for potential confounders, a low-income person is 31% less likely to score above the median on ACA knowledge questions, and 54% less likely to score above the median on health insurance knowledge than a person in the top income category. Uninsured respondents scored lower on health insurance knowledge, but their knowledge of ACA is similar to the overall population. We propose that simplified options, decision aids, and health insurance product design to address the limited understanding of health insurance contracts will be crucial for ACA's success.

An Examination of the Sociodemographic and Health Determinants of Major Depressive Disorder Among Black Women.

PubMed

Amutah-Onukagha, Ndidiamaka N; Doamekpor, Lauren A; Gardner, Michelle

2017-12-01

Black women disproportionately share the distribution of risk factors for physical and mental illnesses. The goal of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and health correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms among black women. Pooled data from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to assess the sociodemographic and health correlates of MDD symptoms among black women (n = 227). Multivariate logistic regression techniques assessed the association between MDD symptoms and age, socioeconomic status, health status, and health behaviors. Poverty income ratio and smoking status were significantly associated with the likelihood of having MDD symptoms. Black women who were smokers were also more likely to have MDD symptoms compared to non-smokers [OR = 8.05, 95% CI = (4.56, 14.23)]. After controlling for all other socioeconomic and health variables, this association remained statistically significant. In addition, after controlling for all other variables, the multivariate analyses showed that black women below 299% federal poverty level (FPL) were nearly three times more likely to have MDD symptoms compared to women above 300% FPL [OR = 2.82, 95% CI = (1.02, 7.96)]. These analyses suggest that poverty and smoking status are associated with MDD symptoms among black women. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and key factors which influence MDD symptoms are needed in order to develop and create mental health programs targeting women of color.

42 CFR 436.219 - Individuals receiving State plan home and community-based services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... eligible for Medicaid; (2) Have income that does not exceed 150 percent of the Federal poverty line (FPL... Security Income Federal Benefit Rate (SSI/FBR); and (3) Will receive State plan home and community-based...

76 FR 58260 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Madison Paper Industries; Merimil Limited Partnership; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

... (FEA) for the project. The FEA contains staff's analysis of the potential environmental effects of... human environment. A copy of the FEA is available for review at the Commission in the Public [[Page...

75 FR 9592 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Document and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-03

... a probable maximum flood, and modification of the existing earthen embankments for improved slope stability and safety. The proposed remedial measures would not alter the basic footprint of the existing dam...

78 FR 70029 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-22

... Solutions Corporation, Green Valley Hydro, LLC, Jersey Central Power & Light, Metropolitan Edison Company...-000. Applicants: Florida Power & Light Company. Description: FPL NITSA No. 266 Reallocation of Trans...-364-000. Applicants: Blue Sky West, LLC. Description: Request for Limited Waiver and Expedited Action...

75 FR 56667 - Facilitating Shareholder Director Nominations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-16

... Company (``DuPont''); Eaton Corporation (``Eaton''); Michael Eng (``M. Eng''); FedEx Corporation (``FedEx... Corporation (``ExxonMobil''); FedEx; Financial Services Roundtable (``Financial Services Roundtable...; Cummins; Davis Polk; Dewey; DuPont; Eaton; M. Eng; FedEx; FMC Corp.; FPL Group; Frontier; GE; General...

Stress grading of recycled lumber and timber

Treesearch

Robert H. Falk; David Green

1999-01-01

This paper presents an overview of selected research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) to characterize the grade distribution and engineering properties of lumber and timber recycled from deconstructed buildings on US. Army installations. The effects of splits on timber beam and column...

75 FR 24997 - FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC; Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; Environmental Assessment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-06

... proposed action is necessary to correct a typographical error in Appendix C which incorrectly labels the... day of April 2010. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Peter S. Tam, Senior Project Manager, Plant...

Development and analytical validation of a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in serum

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

Abstract Pancreatitis is recognized as an important cause for morbidity and mortality in cats, but diagnosis remains difficult in many cases. As a first step in trying to identify a better diagnostic tool for feline pancreatitis the objective of this project was to develop and analytically validate a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Feline pancreatic lipase (fPL) was purified from pancreatic tissue and antiserum against fPL was raised in rabbits. Tracer was produced by iodination of fPL using the chloramine T method. A radioimmunoassay was established and analytically validated by determination of sensitivity, dilutional parallelism, spiking recovery, intra-assay variability, and interassay variability. A control range for fPLI in cat serum was established from 30 healthy cats using the central 95th percentile. The sensitivity of the assay was 1.2 μg/L. Observed to expected ratios for serial dilutions ranged from 98.8% to 164.3% for 3 different serum samples. Observed to expected ratios for spiking recovery ranged from 76.9% to 147.6% for 3 different serum samples. Coefficients of variation for intra- and interassay variability for 4 different serum samples were 10.1%, 4.5%, 2.2%, and 3.9% and 24.4%, 15.8%, 16.6%, and 21.3%, respectively. A reference range for fPLI was established as 1.2 to 3.8 μg/L. We conclude that the assay described is sensitive, accurate, and precise with limited linearity in the lower and limited reproducibility in the lower and higher end of the working range. Further studies to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this assay are needed and in progress. PMID:15581227

75 FR 57745 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-22

... Unit 3 of the project by rewinding the generator and replacing the turbine runner with a more efficient runner. The proposed upgrade would increase the installed and hydraulic capacities of the project by 5.7...

78 FR 70032 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-22

.... Applicants: Florida Power & Light Company. Description: FPL Errata to the NITSA No. 162 Reallocation of.... ET 12/4/13. Docket Numbers: ER14-394-000. Applicants: Ethical Electric, Inc. Description: Ethical.... Docket Numbers: ER14-396-000. Applicants: Southern California Edison Company. Description: Notice of...

An Evolutionary History of Oriented Strandboard (OSB)

Treesearch

John I. Zerbe; Zhiyong Cai; George B. Harpole

2015-01-01

To improve wood utilization efficiency, oriented strandboard (OSB) was developed; 80% of the wood removed from the forest can now be processed into marketable products. This manuscript describes the history of developing this most profitable wood product, OSB, and the early FPL contribution in development.

Bibliography of FPL tropical forest utilization research–1910 to 1989

Treesearch

R. Sidney Boone; Lee R. Gjovik; George B. Harpole; James F. Laundrie; Robert R. Maeglin; Ronald W. Wolfe

1990-01-01

A complete annotated bibliography of all published and unpublished reports of the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, on the subject of tropical woods. Research on tropical woods began soon after the formation of the Forest Products Laboratory in 1910 and continues today.

KSC-2009-6456

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana, left, congratulates, Eric Silagy, Florida Power & Light Company vice president and chief development officer, for his part in the construction of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility as Roderick Roche, senior manager, Project Management Office of North America, SunPower Corporation, looks on. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2009-6455

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kennedy Director Bob Cabana, left, congratulates Roderick Roche, senior manager, Project Management Office of North America, SunPower Corporation, for his part in the construction of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility as Eric Silagy, Florida Power & Light Company vice president and chief development officer, looks on. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Phased Retrofits in Existing Homes in Florida Phase II. Shallow Plus Retrofits

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

K. Sutherland; Parker, D.; Martin, E.

2016-02-01

The BAPIRC team and Florida Power and Light (FPL) electric utility pursued a pilot phased energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida by creating detailed data on the energy and economic performance of two levels of retrofit - simple and deep. For this Phased Deep Retrofit (PDR) project, a total of 56 homes spread across the utility partner's territory in east central Florida, southeast Florida, and southwest Florida were instrumented between August 2012 and January 2013, and received simple pass-through retrofit measures during the period of March 2013 - June 2013. Ten of these homes received a deeper package of retrofits duringmore » August 2013 - December 2013.« less

Who will be denied Medicare prescription drug subsidies because of the asset test?

PubMed

Rice, Thomas; Desmond, Katherine

2006-01-01

To determine the number and characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries who will be excluded from low-income prescription drug subsidies because they do not qualify under an asset test. Cross-sectional, using the US Census Bureau's Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP); results were based on interviews occurring between October 2002 and January 2003. The sample included 9278 Medicare beneficiaries, 2929 with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Using SIPP, each sample member's income was compared to the FPL. Income was adjusted to include only liquid assets and primary residences. The number of individuals excluded by the asset test and their characteristics and types of assets responsible were calculated. Of 13.97 million noninstitutionalized Medicare beneficiaries, 2.37 million (17%) with low incomes would be excluded from subsidized drug coverage due to the asset test. Compared to higher-income beneficiaries, the excluded individuals tended to be older, female, widowed, and living alone. Almost half of their assets were checking and savings accounts. Half of the individuals failing the test had assets less than 35,000 dollars above the allowing thresholds. Widows are disproportionately affected by the asset test. When a husband dies, income plummets but accumulated assets often exceed those allowed under Medicare legislation. During their working years Americans are encouraged to save for retirement, but by accumulating modest amounts of assets, these same people often will then not qualify for low-income drug subsidies. Modifying or eliminating the asset test would help protect individuals disadvantaged by low incomes who have modest amounts of asset holdings.

75 FR 9591 - Florida Power & Light Company; Notice of Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-03

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL10-43-000] Florida Power & Light Company; Notice of Filing February 24, 2010. Take notice that on February 17, 2010, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) filed a petition for declaratory order pursuant to Rule 207 of the Commission's...

42 CFR 423.773 - Requirements for eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... for Low-Income Individuals § 423.773 Requirements for eligibility. (a) Subsidy eligible individual. A... seeking to enroll in a Part D plan and meets the following requirements: (1) Has income below 150 percent... eligible individual is a subsidy eligible individual who— (1) Has income below 135 percent of the FPL...

FPL roof temperature and moisture model : description and verification

Treesearch

A. TenWolde

This paper describes a mathematical model developed by the Forest Products Laboratory to predict attic temperatures, relative humidities, and roof sheathing moisture content. Comparison of data from model simulation and measured data provided limited validation of the model and led to the following conclusions: (1) the model can...

Thermal Energy Briefing with FPL

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Sustainability Team Lead Dan Clark addresses the news media and NASA Social about the new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Feb. 17. The TES tank works like a giant battery and is saving the center utility cost. These savings will be applied to new sustainable projects at Kennedy.

76 FR 3622 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-20

...: ER10-149-005, ER05-487-010, ER09-832-013. Applicants: Elk City Wind, LLC, FPL Energy Cowboy Wind, LLC, NexEra Energy Power Marketing, LLC. Description: NextEra Energy Entities Notification of Non-Material... Power Corporation. Description: Triennial Market Power Analysis of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power...

Opportunities for joint FPL and VTT research.

Treesearch

Theodore Wegner

2010-01-01

Openness, collaboration and sharing of information in developing the basic underlying, precompetitive science and technology for areas of emerging importance to the forest products sectors of the US and Finland are expected to provide synergistic benefits and allow for more creative problem solving. There appear to be a number of common interests with respect to...

76 FR 40904 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-12

... turbine from 34,000 hp (25.5 MW) to 42,400 hp (31.8 MW) and its hydraulic capacity would increase from 2... application. k. Description of Application: The licensee proposes to replace the project's Unit 1 turbine... 27 MW instead of [[Page 40905

Plans for crash-tested wood bridge railings for concrete decks

Treesearch

Michael A. Ritter; Ronald K. Faller; Barry T. Rosson; Paula D. Hilbrich Lee; Sheila Rimal Duwadi

1998-01-01

As part of a continuing cooperative research between the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF); the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL); and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), several crashworthy wood bridge railings and approach railing transitions have been adapted for use on concrete bridge decks. These railings meet testing and...

Home wreckers in search of moisture

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Frederick Green

2002-01-01

Research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) related to durability and disaster mitigation includes damage by decay fungi and termites and contamination by mold fungi. All these household pests are attracted to excess moisture, which can result from inadequate surface drying of condensation, leaks in pipes and foundations, poor ventila-tion, or flooding. Homeowners...

Lead with Green: Q&A with Louise Schaper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Rebecca

2010-01-01

When Louise Schaper opened the new Fayetteville Public Library (FPL) in Arkansas in 2004, she brought the state's second LEED Silver-certified building to completion. The green building fulfilled a community expectation for sustainable innovation established through complex public dialog, and the library went on to become the "2005 LJ/Gale Library…

42 CFR 423.773 - Requirements for eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 150 percent of the FPL applicable to the individual's family size. (2) Has resources at or below the resource thresholds set forth in § 423.773(b)(2) or (d)(2). (b) Full subsidy eligible individual. A full...-Sharing Subsidies for Low-Income Individuals § 423.773 Requirements for eligibility. (a) Subsidy eligible...

42 CFR 423.773 - Requirements for eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 150 percent of the FPL applicable to the individual's family size. (2) Has resources at or below the resource thresholds set forth in § 423.773(b)(2) or (d)(2). (b) Full subsidy eligible individual. A full...-Sharing Subsidies for Low-Income Individuals § 423.773 Requirements for eligibility. (a) Subsidy eligible...

42 CFR 423.773 - Requirements for eligibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 150 percent of the FPL applicable to the individual's family size. (2) Has resources at or below the resource thresholds set forth in § 423.773(b)(2) or (d)(2). (b) Full subsidy eligible individual. A full...-Sharing Subsidies for Low-Income Individuals § 423.773 Requirements for eligibility. (a) Subsidy eligible...

Vision of the U.S. biofuel future: a case for hydrogen-enriched biomass gasification

Treesearch

Mark A. Dietenberger; Mark Anderson

2007-01-01

Researchers at the Forest Product Laboratory (FPL) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) envision a future for biofuels based on biomass gasification with hydrogen enrichment. Synergisms between hydrogen production and biomass gasification technologies will be necessary to avoid being marginalized in the biofuel marketplace. Five feasible engineering solutions...

Recent advances in polyoxometalate based delignification

Treesearch

R. H. Atalla; L. A. Weinstock; R. S. Reiner; C. J. Houtman; S. Reichel; C. G. Hill; C. L. Hill

1999-01-01

A new delignification technology based on the use of polyoxometalates (POMs) as delignification agents is under development at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Labotatory (FPL), in Madison, Wisconsin. These reagents are chlorine free and can be used under conditions wherein they oxidize lignin and chromophores in wood pulp fibers while leaving the cellulose...

Thermal Energy Briefing with FPL

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Ismael H. Otero, NASA Kennedy Space Center's project manager on the thermal energy program, addresses the news media and NASA Social about the new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank Feb. 17. The TES tank works like a giant battery and is saving the center utility cost. These savings will be applied to new sustainable projects at Kennedy.

75 FR 16201 - FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC; Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2; Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-31

... power plants, but noted that the Commission's regulations provide mechanisms for individual licensees.... Borchardt (NRC) to M. S. Fertel (Nuclear Energy Institute) dated June 4, 2009. The licensee's request for an.... Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission) now or hereafter in effect. The facility consists of...

Improving playground surface accessibility

Treesearch

Theodore L. Laufenberg

2004-01-01

Could accessibility be improved and maintenance be reduced for wood fiber- based playgrounds? In July 2001, the US Access Board asked the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) for advice and a potential solution. Since that time new product standards have been adopted by ASTM for engineered wood fiber (EWF), new test techniques have been promulgated by RESNA (Rehabilitation...

Standard plans for southern pine bridges

Treesearch

P. D. Hilbrich Lee; M. A. Ritter; M. H. Triche

1995-01-01

The development of standardized timber bridge plans and specifications is a key element in improving design and construction practices. The bridge plans presented were developed as a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL); the University of Alabama; and the Southern Pine Council and are the first step in developing...

KSC-2009-6453

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-11-19

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A ceremonial "flipping of the switch" officially begins operation of NASA's first large-scale solar power generation facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Flipping the four-foot-tall light switch in unison are, from left, Bob Cabana, Kennedy center director; Roderick Roche, senior manager, Project Management Office of North America, SunPower Corporation; and Eric Silagy, Florida Power & Light Company vice president and chief development officer. Representatives from NASA, Florida Power & Light Company, or FPL, and SunPower Corporation formally commissioned the one-megawatt facility and announced plans to pursue a new research, development and demonstration project at Kennedy to advance America's use of renewable energy. The facility is the first element of a major renewable energy project currently under construction at Kennedy. The completed system features a fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar power system designed and built by SunPower, along with SunPower solar panels. A 10-megawatt solar farm, which SunPower is building on nearby Kennedy property, will supply power to FPL's customers when it is completed in April 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Effects of smartphone overuse on hand function, pinch strength, and the median nerve.

PubMed

İnal, Esra Erkol; Demİrcİ, kadİr; Çetİntürk, Azİze; Akgönül, Mehmet; Savaş, Serpİl

2015-08-01

In this study we investigated the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and median nerve in smartphone users by ultrasonography to assess the effects of smartphone addiction on the clinical and functional status of the hands. One hundred two students were divided into 3 groups: non-users, and high or low smartphone users. Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) scores and grip and pinch strengths were recorded. Pain in thumb movement and rest and hand function were evaluated on the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), respectively. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the median nerve and the FPL tendon were calculated bilaterally using ultrasonography. Significantly higher median nerve CSAs were observed in the dominant hands of the high smartphone users than in the non-dominant hands (P<0.001). SAS scores correlated with VAS pain for movement and rest, DHI scores, and pinch strength (P<0.05; r=0.345, 0.272, 0.245, and 0.281, respectively). Smartphone overuse enlarges the median nerve, causes pain in the thumb, and decreases pinch strength and hand functions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Georgia's Medicaid Family Planning Waiver: Working Together with Title X to Enhance Access to and Use of Contraceptive and Preventive Health Services.

PubMed

Dunlop, Anne L; Adams, Esther Kathleen; Hawley, Jonathan; Blake, Sarah C; Joski, Peter

We sought to assess the impact of Georgia's family planning demonstration waiver upon access to and use of contraceptive and preventive health services within Title X and Medicaid. Georgia Title X and Medicaid data for January 2009 through December 2013 (before and after the waiver), restricting Title X data to women targeted by the waiver (18-44 years, incomes from 25% and 50% through 200% of the federal poverty level [FPL]) was assembled by quarter and marginal effects of the changes before and after waiver implementation were derived using multivariate regression models. After implementation, there was a significant increase in the probability of Title X clients in the waiver-targeted age and income ranges who had Medicaid versus no insurance and who exited the encounter with higher effectiveness contraceptive methods, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and with cervical cytology and sexually transmitted infection testing. In the Medicaid data from 2009 to 2013, there was an increase in the mean number of encounters per enrollee (2.19 vs. 2.42) and in LARC users; however, the percentage of all Georgia women living under 200% of the FPL with a family planning encounter in Title X and Medicaid decreased from 19% to 15%. Our findings suggest that implementation of the Georgia family planning demonstration waiver contributed to the increased use of higher effectiveness contraceptive methods, including LARCs, within the Medicaid and Title X programs as well as the increased use of preventive screenings among Title X clients. However, when the full population of low-income Georgia women targeted by the waiver was considered, a greater percentage was not served over the demonstration period. Copyright © 2016 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Financial burden of medical care: a family perspective.

PubMed

Cohen, Robin A; Kirzinger, Whitney K

2014-01-01

Data from the National Health Interview Survey, 2012. In 2012, more than one in four families experienced financial burdens of medical care. Families with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) were more likely to experience financial burdens of medical care than families with incomes above 250% of the FPL. Families with children aged 0-17 years were more likely than families without children to experience financial burdens of medical care. The presence of a family member who was uninsured increased the likelihood that a family would experience a financial burden of medical care. Recently published data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that 1 in 5 persons was in a family having problems paying medical bills, and 1 in 10 persons was in a family with medical bills that they were unable to pay at all (1-3). NHIS defines "family" as an individual or a group of two or more related persons living together in the same housing unit. The family perspective is important to consider when examining financial risk because significant expenses for one family member may adversely affect the whole family. Health insurance coverage is one way for a family to mitigate financial risk associated with health care costs, although health insurance status may differ among family members. This report explores selected family demographic characteristics and their association with financial burdens of medical care (problems paying medical bills, paying medical bills over time, and having medical bills that cannot be paid) based on data from the 2012 NHIS. All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated.

Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Parental Perception and Experience of Having a Medical Home, 2007 to 2011-2012.

PubMed

Diao, Kristen; Tripodis, Yorghos; Long, Webb E; Garg, Arvin

To evaluate whether socioeconomic (SES) and racial disparities in the parental perception and experience of having a medical home decreased from 2007 to 2011-2012. We used nationally representative samples of children aged 1 to 17 from the 2007 (n = 83,293) and 2011-2012 (n = 87,774) National Surveys of Children's Health. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between SES (income, employment, and education) and race/ethnicity to the medical home and its subcomponents (personal doctor or nurse, usual source of care, family-centered care, referrals, care coordination), controlling for a priori identified covariates. From 2007 to 2011-2012, fewer children overall had access to a medical home (56.9% vs 54.0%, aOR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.86-0.96). There were no significant changes in SES and racial trends in access to the medical home during this time period. For example, parents of children <100% federal poverty level (FPL) were significantly less likely to report having a medical home than parents of children ≥400% FPL in 2007 and 2011-2012; however, this disparity did not significantly change during the time period (aOR = 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.75-1.27). There were also no significant changes in SES and racial/ethnic disparities over time for each medical home subcomponent. Despite widespread efforts to promote the medical home for all children, large SES and racial disparities in the parental perception and experience of having a medical home persisted from 2007 to 2011-2012. Copyright © 2016 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preventable Hospitalization Rates and Neighborhood Poverty among New York City Residents, 2008-2013.

PubMed

Bocour, Angelica; Tria, Maryellen

2016-12-01

Knowing which demographic groups have higher rates of preventable hospitalizations can help identify geographic areas where improvements in primary care access and quality can be made. This study assessed whether preventable hospitalization rates by neighborhood poverty decreased from 2008 to 2013 and whether the gap between very high and low poverty neighborhoods changed. We examined trends in age-adjusted preventable hospitalization rates and rate ratios by neighborhood poverty overall and by sex using JoinPoint regression. Prevention Quality Indicators (PQIs) developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were applied to inpatient hospitalization data from the New York State Department of Health's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System. PQIs were classified into composites. From 2008 to 2013, preventable hospitalization rates per 100,000 adults across each poverty group decreased. For very high poverty neighborhoods (ZIP codes with ≥30 % of persons living below the federal poverty level (FPL)), there were significant decreases overall (3430.56 to 2543.10, annual percent change [APC] = -5.91 %), for diabetes (676.15 to 500.83, APC = -5.75 %), respiratory (830.78 to 660.29, APC = -4.85 %), circulatory (995.69 to 701.81, APC = -7.24 %), and acute composites (928.18 to 680.17, APC = -5.62 %). The rate ratios also decreased over time; however, in 2013, the rates for very high poverty neighborhoods were two to four times higher than low poverty neighborhoods (ZIP codes with <10 % of persons below the FPL). While preventable hospitalization rates have decreased over time, disparities still exist. These findings underscore the need to ensure adequate access to quality and timely primary care among individuals living in high poverty neighborhoods.

Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Low-Income Latino Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Children.

PubMed

Loria, Hilda; Caughy, Margaret

2018-01-01

To estimate the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in low-income Latino children and examine differences in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences by immigrant generational status. This is a secondary data analysis of the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health, a telephone survey of parents/caregivers of a nationally representative sample of US children. The study sample was limited to Latino children in households with an annual income ≤200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) whose parents responded to a 9-item inventory of adverse childhood experiences. Descriptive statistics estimated the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and examined differences in prevalence by immigrant generational status. Of 22 297 children, 29% (n = 6483) were Latino (9% first generation, 57% second generation, 30% third or higher generation); 25% (n = 1692) of all Latino children were exposed to 2 or more adverse childhood experiences. Latino immigrant children had a lower prevalence (13%; n = 801) compared with nonimmigrant Latino children (40%; n = 772). The most common adverse childhood experiences were financial hardship and parent divorce/separation. The total number and mean number of adverse childhood experiences differed by child generational status, and the differences persisted after stratification by age and FPL. The prevalence of exposure to adverse childhood experiences was highest among third- or higher-generation nonimmigrant children and lowest among second-generation immigrant children. The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences in low-income Latino children is similar to the prevalence for all US children; however, the prevalence is significantly higher in nonimmigrant children. Targeted screening to address adverse childhood experiences, policy changes, and guidance regarding care practices to address adverse childhood experiences in Latino children are needed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Secular changes in mortality disparities in New York City: a reexamination.

PubMed

Althoff, Keri N; Karpati, Adam; Hero, Joachim; Matte, Thomas D

2009-09-01

Previously published analyses showed that inequalities in mortality rates between residents of poor and wealthy neighborhoods in New York City (NYC) narrowed between 1990 and 2000, but these trends may have been influenced by population in-migration and gentrification. The NYC public housing population has been less subject to these population shifts than those in other NYC neighborhoods. We compared changes in mortality rates (MRs) from 1989-1991 to 1999-2001 among residents of NYC census blocks consisting entirely of public housing residences with residents of nonpublic housing low-income and higher-income blocks. Public housing and nonpublic housing low-income blocks were those in census block groups with > or =50% of residents living at <1.5 times the federal poverty level (FPL); nonpublic housing higher-income blocks were those in census block groups with <50% of residents living at <1.5 times the FPL. Information on deaths was obtained from NYC's vital registry, and US Census data were used for denominators. Age-standardized all-cause MRs in public housing, low-income, and higher-income residents decreased between the decades by 16%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. While mortality rate ratios between low-income and higher-income residents narrowed by 8%, the relative disparity between public housing and low-income residents widened by 21%. Diseases amenable to prevention including malignancies, diabetes, and chronic lung disease contributed to the increased overall mortality disparity between public housing and lower-income residents. These findings temper previous findings that inequalities in the health of poor and wealthier NYC neighborhood residents have narrowed. NYC public housing residents should be a high-priority population for efforts to reduce health disparities.

Insurance Coverage and Treatment Use Under the Affordable Care Act Among Adults With Mental and Substance Use Disorders.

PubMed

Saloner, Brendan; Bandara, Sachini; Bachhuber, Marcus; Barry, Colleen L

2017-06-01

Many adults who have mental or substance use disorders or both experience insurance-related barriers to care, contributing to low treatment utilization. Expanded insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could improve coverage and access. The study identified changes in coverage and treatment use following 2014 ACA insurance expansions. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to identify individuals ages 18-64 screening positive for any mental disorder (N=29,962) or substance use disorder (N=19,243) for two periods: 2011-2013 and 2014. Regression-adjusted means were calculated for insurance rates and treatment used in each period overall and among individuals with household incomes ≤200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Compared with 2011-2013, in 2014 significant reductions were seen in the uninsured rate for individuals with mental disorders (-5.4 percentage points, p<.01) and substance use disorders (-5.1 percentage points, p<.01). Increases in insurance coverage occurred mostly through Medicaid. Insurance gains were larger for adults with incomes ≤200% of FPL compared with the overall sample. Use of mental health treatment increased by 2.1 percentage points (p=.04), but use of substance use disorder treatment did not change. No significant changes were noted in treatment settings for mental and substance use disorder treatments. Payment by Medicaid for substance use disorder treatment increased by 7.4 percentage points (p=.05). Sizable increases in coverage for adults with mental disorders and adults with substance use disorders were identified in the year following the 2014 ACA expansions; however, low treatment rates among this population remain a concern. Initiatives to engage the newly insured in treatment are needed.

77 FR 26793 - Florida Power and Light Company, St. Lucie Plant, Unit No. 2, Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-07

... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50-389; NRC-2011-0194] Florida Power and Light Company, St. Lucie Plant, Unit No. 2, Exemption 1.0 Background The Florida Power & Light Company (FPL, the licensee) is the holder of Renewed Facility Operating License No. NPF-16, which authorizes operation of St...

Structural Performance of the Second Oldest Glued-Laminated Structure in the United States

Treesearch

Douglas R. Rammer; Jorge de Melo Moura; Robert J. Ross

2014-01-01

The second glued-laminated structure built in the United States was constructed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in 1934 to demonstrate the performance of wooden arch buildings. After 75 years of use the structure was decommissioned in 2010. Shortly after construction, researchers structurally evaluated the glued-laminated arch structure for uniform loading...

Structural Evaluation of the Second Oldest Glued-Laminated Structure in the United States

Treesearch

Douglas R. Rammer; Jorge de Melo Moura

2013-01-01

The second glued-laminated structure built in the United States was constructed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in 1934 to demonstrate the performance of wooden arch buildings. After decades of use the structure was decommissioned in 2010. Shortly after construction, researchers structurally evaluated the glued-laminated arch structure for uniform loading...

Plans for crash-tested bridge railings for longitudinal wood decks on low-volume roads

Treesearch

Michael A. Ritter; Ronald K. Faller; Steve Bunnell; Paula D. Hilbrich Lee; Barry T. Rosson

1998-01-01

The plans for crashworthy bridge railings for low-volume roads were developed through a cooperative research program involving the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL); the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MwRSF); and the Forest Service, National Forest System, Engineering. Three railings were developed and successfully...

Assessment of fastener corrosion and salt damage in the bilge of the Eureka

Treesearch

Samuel L. Zelinka; Grant T. Kirker

2018-01-01

This report summarizes inspection of corrosion and salt damage on the National Historical Landmark ferryboat Eureka, built in 1890 and displayed at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). The USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) was contacted by the NPS because of concerns about...

76 FR 41771 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-15

..., LLC, Ashtabula Wind III, LLC, Badger Windpower, LLC, Butler Ridge Wind Energy Center, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind, LLC, Crystal Lake Winder II, LLC, Crystal Lake Wind III, LLC, FPL Energy Hancock County Wind.... Eastern Time on Friday, July 29, 2011. Docket Numbers: ER10-2670-003; ER10-2669-003; ER10-2671-003; ER10...

Building America Case Study: Pilot Demonstration of Phased Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Deep Retrofits, Central and South Florida

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

D. Parker, K. Sutherland, D. Chasar, J. Montemurno, B. Amos, J. Kono

2017-02-01

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), in collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL), is pursuing a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida. Researchers are looking to establish the impacts of technologies of two retrofit packages -- shallow and deep -- on annual energy and peak energy reductions.

Building America Case Study: Pilot Demonstration of Phased Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Deep Retrofits, Central and South Florida

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

2017-02-22

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), in collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL), is pursuing a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida. Researchers are looking to establish the impacts of technologies of two retrofit packages -- shallow and deep -- on annual energy and peak energy reductions.

77 FR 5755 - Request for Proposals: 2012 Hazardous Fuels Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-06

... appropriate grant officer. A grant awarded under this program will generate an IRS Form 1099 Miscellaneous.... Total Points 15. d. Amount and type of fossil fuel offset in therms/year once project is operational.... The application template form FPL-1500-4 is in Word format. After completing the template, the...

Measuring the mechanical behavior of paperboard in a changing humidity environment

Treesearch

Dennis E. Gunderson; John M. Considine

1986-01-01

“Both the strength and stability of compressively loaded paperboard are known to be adversely affected by cyclic changes in relative humidity. Current research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) seeks to observe and explain this phenomenon and to develop a simple, practical test to determine allowable "working loads" in cyclicmoisture environments. A new...

77 FR 10490 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro, LLC; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-22

... the spillway at the Upper Dam development, which is part of the Upper and Middle Dam Storage Project... not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment... Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket number excluding...

Ultrasonic inspection and analysis techniques in green and dried lumber

Treesearch

Mark E. Schafer; Robert J. Ross; Brian K. Brashaw; Roy D. Adams

1999-01-01

Ultrasonic inspection of lumber has been under investigation for over 20 years, with little commercial impact. Recently, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) developed ultrasound-based scanning technology to examine both green and dried lumber. In green lumber, the bacterial infection called wetwood (a significant source of degradation in oak at the kiln-drying...

75 FR 18242 - Florida Power and Light, St. Lucie Units 1 and 2; Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-09

... Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: B. Jennifer... for FPL to use Amendment 1 to CoC 1030 for their ISFSI loading campaign. Environmental Impacts of the... be no significant environmental impact if the exemption is granted. The staff has determined that the...

Using kinetic models to predict thermal degradation of fire-retardant-treated plywood roof sheathing

Treesearch

Patricia Lebow; Jerrold E. Winandy; Patricia K. Lebow

2003-01-01

Between 1985-1995 a substantial number of multifamily housing units in the Eastern and Southern U.S. experienced problems with thermally degraded fire-retardant-treated (FRT) plywood roof sheathing. A series of studies conducted at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), examined the materials, chemical mechanisms, and process implications and has...

Research accomplishments for wood transportation structures based on a national research needs assessment

Treesearch

M. A. Ritter; S. R. Duwadi

1998-01-01

In 1991, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) formed a joint cooperative research program for wood transportation structures. Development and execution of this program was based on a national assessment of research needs and priorities. In the 5 years since completion of the research needs assessment,...

77 FR 61585 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... Hydro LLC; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application Document (PAD... Application for a New License and Commencing Pre-filing Process. b. Project No.: 2531-067. c. Dated Filed... Commission a Pre-Application Document (PAD; including a proposed process plan and schedule), pursuant to 18...

Smart timber bridge on geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) abutments

Treesearch

Adam Senalik; James P. Wacker; Travis K. Hosteng; John Hermanson

2017-01-01

Recently, Buchanan County, Iowa, has cooperated with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), and Iowa State University’s Bridge Engineering Center (ISU–BEC) to initiate a project involving the construction and monitoring of a glued-laminated (glulam) timber superstructure on geosynthetic reinforced soil (...

Xylitol production from DEO hydrolysate of corn stover by Pichia stipitis YS-30

Treesearch

Rita C.L.B. Rodrigues; William R. Kenealy; Thomas W. Jeffries

2011-01-01

Corn stover that had been treated with vapor-phase diethyl oxalate released a mixture of mono-and oligosaccharides consisting mainly of xylose and glucose. Following overliming and neutralization, a D-xylulokinase mutant of Pichia stipitis, FPL-YS30 (xyl3 -Ä1), converted the stover hydrolysate into xylitol. This research examined the effects of phosphoric or gluconic...

Live-load distribution on glued-laminated timber girder bridges : final report : conclusions and recommendations

Treesearch

Fouad Fanous; Jeremy May; Terry Wipf; Michael Ritter

2011-01-01

Increased use of timber bridges in the U.S. transportation system has required additional research to improve the current design methodology of these bridges. For this reason, the U.S. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), and the Federal Highway Administration have supported several research programs to attain the objective listed above. This report is a...

Pulp extrusion at ultra-high consistencies : selection of water soluble polymers for process optimization

Treesearch

C. Tim Scott

2002-01-01

Pulp extrusion at ultra-high consistencies (20% to 40% solids) is a new process developed at USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) to convert recovered papers, wastepaper, and papermill residuals into solid sheets or profiles for compression molding. This process requires adding a water-soluble polymer (WSP) to alter the rheological properties of the...

Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Martin Next Generation Solar Energy

Science.gov Websites

solar plant of any kind outside of California. The facility is the first hybrid facility in the world to connect a solar facility to an existing combined-cycle power plant, providing 75 megawatts of solar up to about 200,000 mirrors over about 500 acres at the existing FPL Martin Plant site. Status Date

Investment opportunity : the FPL EGAR lumber manufacturing system

Treesearch

George B. Harpole; Ed Williston; Hiram H. Hallock

1979-01-01

A model of present-day computer-controlled sawmilling technology is modified for the manufacture of any desired width of EGAR dimension lumber from small logs. EGAR lumber is manufactured via headrig production of 2-inch-thick flitches which are in turn dried, edged full width, edge-glued, and gang-novelty-ripped to wide widths (EGAR). The EGAR system is compared to...

75 FR 76695 - Request for Proposals for 2011 Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-09

... submitted to the appropriate grant officer. The grant funds are taxable income and a Form 1099 Miscellaneous... substantiated. Total Points 15. d. Amount and type of fossil fuel offset in therms/year once project is... special covers). Do not staple. c. Application Content. All forms can be found at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us...

Fire endurance research at the Forest Products Laboratory

Treesearch

R. H. White

1990-01-01

Fire endurance research activities and facilities at the FPL concern the ability of a wood member or assembly to withstand the effects of fire while acting as a fire barrier and supporting a load. Fire endurance is generally concerned with the post-flashover portion of the fire. The importance of fire endurance in fire safety is reflected in building code requirements...

Modeling drying of three-dimensional pulp molded structures. Part I, Experimental program

Treesearch

Heike Nyist; John F. Hunt; Margit Tamasy-Bano

1998-01-01

Researchers at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory have developed a new three-dimensional structural panel, called FPL Spaceboard. This panel is formed using a U.S. patented three-dimensional mold capable of using a variety of fibrous materials with either the wet- or dry-forming process. Structurally, the panel departs from the traditional two-dimensional panel by...

Analysis of tracheid development in suppressed-growth Ponderosa Pine using the FPL ring profiler

Treesearch

C. Tim Scott; David W. Vahey

2012-01-01

The Ring Profiler was developed to examine the cross-sectional morphology of wood tracheids in a 12.5-mm core sample. The instrument integrates a specially designed staging apparatus with an optical imaging system to obtain high-contrast, high-resolution images containing about 200-500 tracheids. These images are further enhanced and analyzed to extract tracheid cross-...

(Eds.) Proceedings: Mass Timber Research Workshop 2015

Treesearch

Tom Williamson; Robert J. Ross

2016-01-01

This report summarizes the proceedings, including key points and identified research needs, that evolved from the Mass Timber Research Workshop, which was held at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), November 3–4, 2015. The purpose of the workshop was to bring design professionals, researchers, and industry leaders together to examine the state-of-the-art in mass...

FASTGRASS implementation in BISON and Fission gas behavior characterization in UO 2 and connection to validating MARMOT

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

Yun, Di; Mo, Kun; Ye, Bei

2015-09-30

This activity is supported by the US Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Fuels Product Line (FPL). Two major accomplishments in FY 15 are summarized in this report: (1) implementation of the FASTGRASS module in the BISON code; and (2) a Xe implantation experiment for large-grained UO 2. Both BISON AND MARMOT codes have been developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to enable next generation fuel performance modeling capability as part of the NEAMS Program FPL. To contribute to the development of the Moose-Bison-Marmot (MBM) code suite, we have implemented the FASTGRASS fission gas model as a module inmore » the BISON code. Based on rate theory formulations, the coupled FASTGRASS module in BISON is capable of modeling LWR oxide fuel fission gas behavior and fission gas release. In addition, we conducted a Xe implantation experiment at the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) in order to produce the needed UO 2 samples with desired bubble morphology. With these samples, further experiments to study the fission gas diffusivity are planned to provide validation data for the Fission Gas Release Model in MARMOT codes.« less

Nutritional profile of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program household food and beverage purchases.

PubMed

Grummon, Anna H; Taillie, Lindsey Smith

2017-06-01

Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States, serves nearly 1 of 7 Americans. To date, few studies have examined food and beverage purchase behaviors in SNAP participants with the use of electronic purchase data. Objective: In this cross-sectional study, we examined household store purchases of key food, beverage, and nutrient groups in SNAP participants and nonparticipants. Design: Using a data set of US households' ( n = 98,256 household-by-quarter observations) packaged food and beverage purchases and SNAP status [current participant, income-eligible nonparticipant (income ≤130% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]), and higher-income nonparticipants (income >130% of the FPL)] from 3 quarters during 2012-2013, we estimated pooled ordinary least-squares models, clustered at the household level, to examine the association between SNAP status and purchases while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. We examined purchases of health- and policy-relevant food and beverage groups [e.g., fruit and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)] and nutrients (e.g., total calories and sodium). Results: Regardless of SNAP status, households had low mean purchases of fruit, vegetables, and fiber and high mean purchases of junk foods, saturated fat, and sodium. After adjustment for multiple comparisons and demographic characteristics, we found significant differences by SNAP status of purchases of fruit, processed meat, salty snacks, sweeteners and toppings, SSBs, and total calories, fiber, sugar, and sodium. Several of these differences were clinically important. For example, compared with income-eligible and higher-income nonparticipants, SNAP participants purchased an additional ∼15-20 kcal · person -1 · d -1 from SSBs ( P < 0.0001) and ∼174-195 mg total Na · person -1 · d -1 ( P <0.0001). Results were robust to corrections for sample-selection bias and to the exclusion of observations with potentially misreported SNAP status. Conclusions: American households, including SNAP households, show room for improvement in the nutritional quality of store purchases. New interventions and policies may be needed to improve food and beverage purchases in both SNAP and non-SNAP households. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

FPL design for lumber dry kiln using solar/wood energy in tropical latitudes

Treesearch

J. L. Tschernitz; W. T. Simpson

1985-01-01

Developing countries with a timber resource that can be manufactured into finished products either for local use or export often lack the capital to build high-cost dry kilns. Many of these countries are in the tropics where solar radiation and ambient temperatures are high. The low-cost solar/wood energy lumber dry kiln described in this report was designed and tested...

Mechanical grading of 6-inch-diameter lodgepole pine logs for the travelers’ rest and rattlesnake creek bridges

Treesearch

David W. Green; James W. Evans; Joseph F. Murphy; Cherilyn A. Hatfield

2005-01-01

Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) assistance was requested in mechanical grading of logs for two cable suspension bridges intended for pedestrian use in parks near Missoula, Montana. Two hundred ninety two lodgepole pine logs were obtained from a beetle-killed stand near Elk City, Idaho, by Porterbuilt, Inc., of Hamilton, Montana, and machined (dowelled) to a constant...

Cost and time study for constructing raised wood floor systems in the Gulf Coast Region of the United States

Treesearch

Marie Del Bianco; David B. McKeever; Lance Barta

2012-01-01

This report is the result of a co-operative effort between the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) Advanced Housing Research Center, the National Assocation of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, and builder members of the Metropolitan Mobile and Baldwin County Home Builders Associations. The study was undertaken to further knowledge that will...

Testing painted wood : past practices at the Forest Products Laboratory and recommendations for future research

Treesearch

R. Sam Williams

2009-01-01

A brief history of paint research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin, sets the stage for a discussion of testing paint on wood and wood products. Tests include laboratory and outdoor tests, and I discuss them in terms of several degradation mechanisms (loss of gloss and fading, mildew growth, extractives bleed, and cracking, flaking, and...

United States pulpwood receipts : softwood and hardwood, roundwood and residues, 1950-1996

Treesearch

C. Denise Ingram; Peter J. Ince; Ryan L. Mehlberg

1999-01-01

This report shows pulpwood receipts at wood pulp mills in the United States for the period 1950 to 1996. It is an update of the General Technical Report FPL1GTR173, bUnited States Pulpwood Receipts: Softwood and Hardwood, Roundwood and Residues, 195011989,c published in 1993. This report continues as a compilation of published and estimated data based on information...

Lignocellulose to transportation fuels—historical perspectives and status of worldwide facilities in 2010–2011

Treesearch

John Zerbe; David Nicholls

2013-01-01

The U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), located in Madison, Wisconsin, celebrated its centennial in 2010, and one of the lab’s signature research areas during this century of achievement has been lignocellulosic transportation fuels. Many of these research advances have occurred either during wartime emergencies or times of economic crisis. Although...

75 FR 27330 - FPL Energy Maine Hydro LLC, Madison Paper Industries, and Merimil Limited Partnership; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-14

...) 629- 1817. i. FERC Contact: John Costello (202) 502-6119 or [email protected] j. The deadline for... mid-May) of each year. The licensee is required to cease peaking operation and resume normal operation... through June 30th and from September 1st through November 5th of each year. The current license requires...

Forest Products Laboratory : supporting the nation's armed forces with valuable wood research for 90 years

Treesearch

Christopher D. Risbrudt; Robert J. Ross; Julie J. Blankenburg; Charles A. Nelson

2007-01-01

Founded in 1910 by the U.S. Forest Service to serve as a centralized, national wood research laboratory, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has a long history of providing technical services to other government agencies, including those within the Defense (DoD). A recent search of FPL’s library and correspondence files revealed that approximately 10,000...

Recent activities in flame retardancy of wood-plastic composites at the Forest Products Laboratory

Treesearch

Robert H. White; Nicole M. Stark; Nadir Ayrilmis

2011-01-01

For a variety of reasons, wood-plastic composite (WPC) products are widely available for some building applications. In applications such as outdoor decking, WPCs have gained a significant share of the market. As an option to improve the efficient use of wood fiber, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), has an extensive research program on WPCs....

Lumber drying and heat sterilization research at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory

Treesearch

William T. Simpson

2002-01-01

The Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has a long history of research and technology transfer in lumber drying. Many of the dry kiln schedules used in industry today were developed by the staff of the Laboratory, and for many years the Laboratory conducted a kiln drying short course for training dry kiln operators. The purpose of this report is to describe the Laboratory...

Genetic Analysis and QTL Mapping of Fruit Peduncle Length in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

PubMed Central

Zhang, Song; Wang, Ye; Zhang, Sheng-Ping; Gu, Xing-Fang

2016-01-01

Mechanized harvesting of cucumbers offers significant advantages compared to manual labor as both shortages and costs of labor increase. However the efficient use of machines depends on breeding plants with longer peduncles, but the genetic and molecular basis of fruit peduncle development in cucumber is not well understood. In this study, F2 populations were developed from a cross between two inbred lines, 1101 with a long peduncle and 1694 with a short peduncle. These were grown at two field sites, Hainan, with a tropical marine climate, in December 2014, and Beijing, with a warm temperate climate, in May 2015. Electron microscope examination of the pith cells in the peduncles of the two parental lines showed that line 1101 had significantly greater numbers of smaller cells compared to line 1694. The inheritance of cucumber fruit peduncle length (FPL) was investigated by the mixed major gene and polygene inheritance model. Genetic analysis indicated that FPL in cucumber is quantitatively inherited and controlled by one additive major gene and additive-dominant polygenes (D-2 model). A total of 1460 pairs of SSR (simple sequence repeat) primers were analyzed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Two similar genetic maps with 78 SSR markers which covered 720.6 cM in seven linkage groups were constructed based on two F2 populations. QTL analysis from the data collected at the two field sites showed that there are two minor QTLs on chromosome 1, named qfpl1.1 and qfpl1.2, and one major QTL on chromosome 6, named qfpl6.1. The marker UW021226, which was the closest one to qfpl6.1, had an accuracy rate of 79.0% when tested against plants selected from populations of the two parents. The results from this study provide insights into the inheritance and molecular mechanism of the variation of FPL in cucumber, and further research will be carried out to fine map qfpl6.1 to develop more accurate markers for MAS breeding. PMID:27936210

Trends in racial/ethnic and income disparities in foods and beverages consumed and purchased from stores among US households with children, 2000-2013.

PubMed

Ng, Shu Wen; Poti, Jennifer M; Popkin, Barry M

2016-09-01

It is unclear whether racial/ethnic and income differences in foods and beverages obtained from stores contribute to disparities in caloric intake over time. We sought to determine whether there are disparities in calories obtained from store-bought consumer packaged goods (CPGs), whether brands (name brands compared with private labels) matter, and if disparities have changed over time. We used NHANES individual dietary intake data among households with children along with the Nielsen Homescan data on CPG purchases among households with children. With NHANES, we compared survey-weighted energy intakes for 2003-2006 and 2009-2012 from store and nonstore sources by race/ethnicity [non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs), and Hispanic Mexican-Americans) and income [≤185% federal poverty line (FPL), 186-400% FPL, and >400% FPL]. With the Nielsen data, we compared 2000-2013 trends in calories purchased from CPGs (obtained from stores) across brands by race/ethnicity (NHW, NHB, and Hispanic) and income. We conducted random-effect models to derive adjusted trends and differences in calories purchased (708,175 observations from 64,709 unique households) and tested whether trends were heterogeneous by race/ethnicity or income. Store-bought foods and beverages represented the largest component of dietary intake, with greater decreases in energy intakes in nonstore sources for foods and in store sources for beverages. Beverages from stores consistently decreased in all subpopulations. However, in adjusted models, reductions in CPG calories purchased in 2009-2012 were slower for NHB and low-income households than for NHW and high-income households, respectively. The decline in calories from name-brand food purchases was slower among NHB, Hispanic, and lowest-income households. NHW and high-income households had the highest absolute calories purchased in 2000. Across 2 large data sources, we found decreases in intake and purchases of beverages from stores across racial/ethnic and income groups. However, potentially beneficial reductions in calories purchased were more pronounced in some subgroups over others. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Trends in racial/ethnic and income disparities in foods and beverages consumed and purchased from stores among US households with children, 2000–201312

PubMed Central

Poti, Jennifer M; Popkin, Barry M

2016-01-01

Background: It is unclear whether racial/ethnic and income differences in foods and beverages obtained from stores contribute to disparities in caloric intake over time. Objective: We sought to determine whether there are disparities in calories obtained from store-bought consumer packaged goods (CPGs), whether brands (name brands compared with private labels) matter, and if disparities have changed over time. Design: We used NHANES individual dietary intake data among households with children along with the Nielsen Homescan data on CPG purchases among households with children. With NHANES, we compared survey-weighted energy intakes for 2003–2006 and 2009–2012 from store and nonstore sources by race/ethnicity [non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs), and Hispanic Mexican-Americans) and income [≤185% federal poverty line (FPL), 186–400% FPL, and >400% FPL]. With the Nielsen data, we compared 2000–2013 trends in calories purchased from CPGs (obtained from stores) across brands by race/ethnicity (NHW, NHB, and Hispanic) and income. We conducted random-effect models to derive adjusted trends and differences in calories purchased (708,175 observations from 64,709 unique households) and tested whether trends were heterogeneous by race/ethnicity or income. Results: Store-bought foods and beverages represented the largest component of dietary intake, with greater decreases in energy intakes in nonstore sources for foods and in store sources for beverages. Beverages from stores consistently decreased in all subpopulations. However, in adjusted models, reductions in CPG calories purchased in 2009–2012 were slower for NHB and low-income households than for NHW and high-income households, respectively. The decline in calories from name-brand food purchases was slower among NHB, Hispanic, and lowest-income households. NHW and high-income households had the highest absolute calories purchased in 2000. Conclusions: Across 2 large data sources, we found decreases in intake and purchases of beverages from stores across racial/ethnic and income groups. However, potentially beneficial reductions in calories purchased were more pronounced in some subgroups over others. PMID:27488233

Integration of data from a safety net health care system into the Vaccine Safety Datalink.

PubMed

Hambidge, Simon J; Ross, Colleen; Shoup, Jo Ann; Wain, Kris; Narwaney, Komal; Breslin, Kristin; Weintraub, Eric S; McNeil, Michael M

2017-03-01

In 2013 the Institute of Medicine suggested that the Vaccine Safety DataLink (VSD) should broaden its population by including data of more patients from low income and racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. In response, Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) partnered with Denver Health (DH), an integrated safety net health care system, to explore the integration of DH data. We compared three different methods (reference date of September 1, 2013): "Empanelment" (any patient who has had a primary care visit in the past 18months), "Proxy-enrollment" (two health care visits in 3years separated by 90days), and "Enrollment" in a managed care plan. For each of these methods, we compared cohort size, vaccination rates, socio-demographic characteristics, and health care utilization. The empaneled population at DH provided the best comparison to KPCO. DH's empaneled population was 111,330 (57,173 adults; 54,157 children), while KPCO had 436,290 empaneled patients (336,462 adults; 99,828 children). Vaccination rates in both health care systems for empaneled patients were comparable. Two year-old up-to-date coverage rates were 83.2% (KPCO) and 86.9% (DH); rates for adolescent Tdap and MCV4 were 85.5% (KPCO) and 90.6% (DH). There were significant differences in the two populations in age, gender, race, preferred language, and % Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (DH 70.7%<100% FPL; KPCO 17.4%), as well as in healthcare utilization - for example pediatric emergency department utilization was twice as high at DH. Using a cohort of "empaneled" patients, it is possible to integrate data from a safety net health care system that does not have a uniform managed care population into the VSD, and to compare vaccination rates, socio-demographic characteristics, and health care utilization across the two systems. The KPCO-DH collaboration may serve as a model for incorporating data from a safety net healthcare system into the VSD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Models of torsades de pointes: effects of FPL64176, DPI201106, dofetilide, and chromanol 293B in isolated rabbit and guinea pig hearts.

PubMed

Cheng, Hsien C; Incardona, Josephine

2009-01-01

For studying the torsades de pointes (TdP) liability of a compound, most high and medium throughput methods use surrogate markers such as HERG inhibition and QT prolongation. In this study, we have tested whether isolated hearts may be modified to allow TdP to be the direct readout. Isolated spontaneously beating rabbit and guinea pig hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff method in hypokalemic (2.1 mM) solution. The in vitro lead II ECG equivalent and the incidence of TdP were monitored for 1 h. In addition, heart rate, QTc, Tp-Te, short-term variability (STV), time to arrhythmia, and time to TdP were also analyzed. FPL64176, a calcium channel activator; and DPI201106, a sodium channel inactivation inhibitor, produced TdP in isolated rabbit and guinea pig hearts in a concentration dependent manner; guinea pig hearts were 3- to 5-fold more sensitive than rabbit hearts. Both compounds also increased QTc and STV. In contrast, dofetilide, an IKr inhibitor, produced no (or a low incidence of) TdP in both species, in spite of prolongation of QTc intervals. Chromanol 293B, an IKs inhibitor, did not produce TdP in rabbit hearts but elicited TdP concentration dependently in guinea pig hearts even though the compound had no effect on QTc intervals. IKs inhibition appears to be more likely to produce TdP in isolated guinea pig hearts than IKr inhibition. Chromanol 293B did not produce TdP in rabbit hearts presumably due to a low level of IKs channels in the heart. TdP produced in this study was consistent with the notion that its production was a consequence of reduced repolarization reserve, thereby causing rhythmic abnormalities. This isolated, perfused, and spontaneously beating rabbit and guinea pig heart preparation in hypokalemic medium may be useful as a preclinical test model for studying proarrhythmic liability of compounds in new drug development.

A comparison of wood preservatives in posts in southern Mississippi : results from a half-decade of testing

Treesearch

Mike H. Freeman; Douglas Crawford; Patricia Lebow; James A. Brient

2005-01-01

Wood preservatives extend the useful service life of all wooden commodities used above ground and in ground contact, Over SO years ago, the USDA-Forest Products Lab established tests in a high decay and high termite hazard zone in southern Mississippi. During the last five decades, periodic reports have been issued by researchers located at the USDA-FPL, in Madison, WI...

Modelling the drying of three-dimensional pulp moulded structures. Part II, Drying data obtained from flat panels using virgin and recycled paper fibre

Treesearch

John F. Hunt; Margit Tamasy-Bano; Heike Nyist

1999-01-01

A three-dimensional structural panel, called FPL Spaceboard, was developed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Spaceboard panels have been formed using a variety of fibrous materials using either a wet- or dry-forming process. Geometrically, the panel departs from the traditional two-dimensional flat panel by integrally forming an array of perpendicular ribs and...

Synchrotron characterization of nanograined UO 2 grain growth

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

Mo, Kun; Miao, Yinbin; Yun, Di

2015-09-30

This activity is supported by the US Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Fuels Product Line (FPL) and aims at providing experimental data for the validation of the mesoscale simulation code MARMOT. MARMOT is a mesoscale multiphysics code that predicts the coevolution of microstructure and properties within reactor fuel during its lifetime in the reactor. It is an important component of the Moose-Bison-Marmot (MBM) code suite that has been developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to enable next generation fuel performance modeling capability as part of the NEAMS Program FPL. In order to ensure the accuracy of the microstructuremore » based materials models being developed within the MARMOT code, extensive validation efforts must be carried out. In this report, we summarize our preliminary synchrotron radiation experiments at APS to determine the grain size of nanograin UO 2. The methodology and experimental setup developed in this experiment can directly apply to the proposed in-situ grain growth measurements. The investigation of the grain growth kinetics was conducted based on isothermal annealing and grain growth characterization as functions of duration and temperature. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy for grain growth for UO 2 with different stoichiometry are obtained and compared with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.« less

Supplying materials needed for grain growth characterizations of nano-grained UO 2

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

Mo, Kun; Miao, Yinbin; Yun, Di

2015-09-30

This activity is supported by the US Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Fuels Product Line (FPL) and aims at providing experimental data for the validation of the mesoscale simulation code MARMOT. MARMOT is a mesoscale multiphysics code that predicts the coevolution of microstructure and properties within reactor fuel during its lifetime in the reactor. It is an important component of the Moose-Bison-Marmot (MBM) code suite that has been developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to enable next generation fuel performance modeling capability as part of the NEAMS Program FPL. In order to ensure the accuracy of the microstructuremore » based materials models being developed within the MARMOT code, extensive validation efforts must be carried out. In this report, we summarize our preliminary synchrotron radiation experiments at APS to determine the grain size of nanograin UO 2. The methodology and experimental setup developed in this experiment can directly apply to the proposed in-situ grain growth measurements. The investigation of the grain growth kinetics was conducted based on isothermal annealing and grain growth characterization as functions of duration and temperature. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy for grain growth for UO 2 with different stoichiometry are obtained and compared with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.« less

Prevalence of Obesity Among Youths by Household Income and Education Level of Head of Household - United States 2011-2014.

PubMed

Ogden, Cynthia L; Carroll, Margaret D; Fakhouri, Tala H; Hales, Craig M; Fryar, Cheryl D; Li, Xianfen; Freedman, David S

2018-02-16

Obesity prevalence varies by income and education level, although patterns might differ among adults and youths (1-3). Previous analyses of national data showed that the prevalence of childhood obesity by income and education of household head varied across race/Hispanic origin groups (4). CDC analyzed 2011-2014 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to obtain estimates of childhood obesity prevalence by household income (≤130%, >130% to ≤350%, and >350% of the federal poverty level [FPL]) and head of household education level (high school graduate or less, some college, and college graduate). During 2011-2014 the prevalence of obesity among U.S. youths (persons aged 2-19 years) was 17.0%, and was lower in the highest income group (10.9%) than in the other groups (19.9% and 18.9%) and also lower in the highest education group (9.6%) than in the other groups (18.3% and 21.6%). Continued progress is needed to reduce disparities, a goal of Healthy People 2020. The overall Healthy People 2020 target for childhood obesity prevalence is <14.5% (5).

A Microwave Method for Measuring Moisture Content, Density, and Grain Angle of Wood.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

Livermore, CA 94550. James, William L; Yen , You - Hsin ; King, Ray J. A microwave method for measuring moisture content,density, and grain angle of wood...Note S FPL-0250 March 1985 Density, and Grain 8 Angle of Wood William L. James, Physicist Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI You -Hain Yen ... Yen . You -1tsin. Microwave electromagnetic nondestructive testing of wood in real- time. Madison. WI: Department of Electronic and Computer

Selection of Air Traffic Controllers,

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-01

job turnover. In most countries, only well - educated people have high job mobility. However, .for many years, the United States has offered many more...necessary to renew their FPL proficiency, so that they could be available to control air traffic. With advent of the strike, these management people ...facility and are given a test to qualify for radar training at the Academy. If succesful , they return to Oklahoma City for the six week Radar Training

Energy Action Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-25

Anuj Chokshi of FPL, center, speaks during the Energy Action Day employee event held in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Part of Energy Awareness Month, the event featured subject matter experts in the area of solar energy, its connections to the space program and options for residential solar power. From left to right are Chuck Tatro of NASA's Launch Services Program; Sam Ball of NASA Kennedy's Engineering directorate; Chokshi; and Bill McMullen of Southern Power.

Experimental studies of Micro- and Nano-grained UO 2: Grain Growth Behavior, Sufrace Morphology, and Fracture Toughness

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

Miao, Yinbin; Mo, Kun; Jamison, Laura M.

This activity is supported by the US Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Fuels Product Line (FPL) and aims at providing experimental data for the validation of the mesoscale simulation code MARMOT. MARMOT is a mesoscale multiphysics code that predicts the coevolution of microstructure and properties within reactor fuel during its lifetime in the reactor. It is an important component of the Moose-Bison-Marmot (MBM) code suite that has been developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to enable next generation fuel performance modeling capability as part of the NEAMS Program FPL. In order to ensure the accuracy of the microstructure-basedmore » materials models being developed within the MARMOT code, extensive validation efforts must be carried out. In this report, we summarize the experimental efforts in FY16 including the following important experiments: (1) in-situ grain growth measurement of nano-grained UO 2; (2) investigation of surface morphology in micrograined UO 2; (3) Nano-indentation experiments on nano- and micro-grained UO 2. The highlight of this year is: we have successfully demonstrated our capability to in-situ measure grain size development while maintaining the stoichiometry of nano-grained UO 2 materials; the experiment is, for the first time, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction to in-situ measure grain growth behavior of UO 2.« less

Improving xylem hydraulic conductivity measurements by correcting the error caused by passive water uptake.

PubMed

Torres-Ruiz, José M; Sperry, John S; Fernández, José E

2012-10-01

Xylem hydraulic conductivity (K) is typically defined as K = F/(P/L), where F is the flow rate through a xylem segment associated with an applied pressure gradient (P/L) along the segment. This definition assumes a linear flow-pressure relationship with a flow intercept (F(0)) of zero. While linearity is typically the case, there is often a non-zero F(0) that persists in the absence of leaks or evaporation and is caused by passive uptake of water by the sample. In this study, we determined the consequences of failing to account for non-zero F(0) for both K measurements and the use of K to estimate the vulnerability to xylem cavitation. We generated vulnerability curves for olive root samples (Olea europaea) by the centrifuge technique, measuring a maximally accurate reference K(ref) as the slope of a four-point F vs P/L relationship. The K(ref) was compared with three more rapid ways of estimating K. When F(0) was assumed to be zero, K was significantly under-estimated (average of -81.4 ± 4.7%), especially when K(ref) was low. Vulnerability curves derived from these under-estimated K values overestimated the vulnerability to cavitation. When non-zero F(0) was taken into account, whether it was measured or estimated, more accurate K values (relative to K(ref)) were obtained, and vulnerability curves indicated greater resistance to cavitation. We recommend accounting for non-zero F(0) for obtaining accurate estimates of K and cavitation resistance in hydraulic studies. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2012.

Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults, by Household Income and Education - United States, 2011-2014.

PubMed

Ogden, Cynthia L; Fakhouri, Tala H; Carroll, Margaret D; Hales, Craig M; Fryar, Cheryl D; Li, Xianfen; Freedman, David S

2017-12-22

Studies have suggested that obesity prevalence varies by income and educational level, although patterns might differ between high-income and low-income countries (1-3). Previous analyses of U.S. data have shown that the prevalence of obesity varied by income and education, but results were not consistent by sex and race/Hispanic origin (4). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), CDC analyzed obesity prevalence among adults (aged ≥20 years) by three levels of household income, based on percentage (≤130%, >130% to ≤350%, and >350%) of the federal poverty level (FPL) and individual education level (high school graduate or less, some college, and college graduate). During 2011-2014, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults was lower in the highest income group (31.2%) than the other groups (40.8% [>130% to ≤350%] and 39.0% [≤130%]). The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among college graduates was lower (27.8%) than among those with some college (40.6%) and those who were high school graduates or less (40.0%). The patterns were not consistent across all sex and racial/Hispanic origin subgroups. Continued progress is needed to achieve the Healthy People 2020 targets of reducing age-adjusted obesity prevalence to <30.5% and reducing disparities (5).

Population Change as Related to Long-Term Cycles in Residential Construction in the United States.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

Research Paper Long-Term Cycles FPL 392 March 1 in Residential Construction in the United States , mllmill - -N ABSTRACT Major demographic changes have...ferent from what they are now. This paper analyzes the potential impact of changing population growth rates and the age structure of the population...United StatesPuiChangeDepartment of AgriculturePo ua inCng Forest Service Forest Lrouato as Related toP ductsLaboratory, Research Paper LongnTerm Cycles

Building America Case Study: Pilot Demonstration of Phased Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Shallow Retrofit Results, Central and South Florida

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

2017-02-22

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), in collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL), is pursuing a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida. Researchers are looking to establish the impacts of technologies of two retrofit packages -- shallow and deep -- on annual energy and peak energy reductions. Sixty homes have been instrumented to record total house power and detailed energy end-use data on all appliances as well as household interior temperature and relative humidity conditions.

Building America Case Study: Pilot Demonstration of Phased Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Shallow Retrofit Results, Central and South Florida

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

D. Parker, K. Sutherland, D. Chasar, J. Montemurno, B. Amos, J. Kono

2017-02-01

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), in collaboration with Florida Power & Light (FPL), is pursuing a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida. Researchers are looking to establish the impacts of technologies of two retrofit packages -- shallow and deep -- on annual energy and peak energy reductions. Sixty homes have been instrumented to record total house power and detailed energy end-use data on all appliances as well as household interior temperature and relative humidity conditions.

Predictors of financial difficulties and work modifications among cancer survivors in the United States.

PubMed

Whitney, Robin L; Bell, Janice F; Reed, Sarah C; Lash, Rebecca; Bold, Richard J; Kim, Katherine K; Davis, Andra; Copenhaver, David; Joseph, Jill G

2016-04-01

The aim of this study is to examine predictors of cancer-related financial difficulties and work modifications in a national sample of cancer survivors. Using the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement, the prevalence of financial difficulties and work modifications was examined. Logistic regression and survey weights were used to model these outcomes as functions of sociodemographic and health covariates separately among survivors in active treatment and survivors under age 65 years. Among all survivors, 33.2% reported any financial concern, with 17.9% reporting financial difficulties such as debt or bankruptcy. Among working survivors, 44.0% made any work modification and 15.3% made long-term work modifications (e.g., delayed or early retirement). Among those in active treatment, predictors of financial difficulty included: race/ethnicity other than white, non-Hispanic [OR = 8.0; 95% CI 2.2-28.4]; income <200% of federal poverty level (FPL) [OR = 15.7; 95% CI 2.6-95.2] or between 200 and 400% of FPL [OR = 8.2; 95% CI 1.3-51.4]; residence in a non-metropolitan service area [OR = 6.4; 95% CI 1.6-25.0]; and good/fair/poor self-rated health [OR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.0-14.2]. Among survivors under age 65 years, predictors of long-term work modifications included good/fair/poor self-rated health [OR = 4.1; 95% CI 1.6-10.2], being married [OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.0-4.7], uninsured [OR = 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-9.3], or publicly insured [OR = 9.0; 95% CI 3.3-24.4]. A substantial proportion of cancer survivors experience cancer-related financial difficulties and work modifications, particularly those who report race/ethnicity other than white, non-Hispanic, residence in non-metropolitan areas, worse health status, lower income, and public or no health insurance. Attention to the economic impact of cancer treatment is warranted across the survivorship trajectory, with particular attention to subgroups at higher risk.

Comparative morphology of the pollical distal phalanx.

PubMed

Shrewsbury, M M; Marzke, M W; Linscheid, R L; Reece, S P

2003-05-01

Functional analysis of human pollical distal phalangeal (PDP) morphology is undertaken to establish a basis for the assessment of fossil hominid PDP morphology. Features that contribute to the effectiveness of grips involving the distal thumb and finger pulp areas include: 1) distal thumb interphalangeal joint morphology, facilitating PDP conjunct pronation with flexion; 2) differentiation of a proximal, mobile pulp region from a distal, stable pulp region, providing for firm precision pinch grips and precision handling of objects; and 3) asymmetric attachment of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon fibers, favoring PDP conjunct pronation. A proportionately larger size of the ulnar vs. radial ungual spine suggests differential loading intensity of the ulnar side of the proximal ungual pulp and supporting nail bed. Stresses at the distal interphalangeal joint are indicated by the presence of a sesamoid bone within the volar (palmar) plate, which also increases the length of the flexor pollicis longus tendon moment arm. Dissections of specimens from six nonhuman primate genera indicate that these human features are shared variably with individuals in other species, although the full pattern of features appears to be distinctively human. Humans share variably with these other species all metric relationships examined here. The new data identify a need to systematically review long-standing assumptions regarding the range of precision and power manipulative capabilities that might reasonably be inferred from morphology of the distal phalangeal tuberosity and from the FPL tendon insertion site on the PDP. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

NGP1-01, a multi-targeted polycyclic cage amine, attenuates brain endothelial cell death in iron overload conditions.

PubMed

Lockman, J A; Geldenhuys, W J; Jones-Higgins, M R; Patrick, J D; Allen, D D; Van der Schyf, C J

2012-12-13

Development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders have, amongst other potential causes, been attributed to a disruption of iron regulatory mechanisms and iron accumulation. Excess extracellular iron may enter cells via nontraditional routes such as voltage-gated calcium channels and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors leading to intracellular oxidative damage and ultimately mitochondrial failure. Nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker has been shown to reduce iron-induced toxicity in neuronal and brain endothelial cells. Our current study investigates NGP1-01, a multimodal drug acting as an antagonist at both the NMDA receptor and the L-type calcium channel. Our previous studies support NGP1-01 as a promising neuroprotective agent in diseases involving calcium-related excitotoxicity. We demonstrate here that NGP1-01 (1 and 10μM) pretreatment abrogates the effects of iron overload in brain endothelial cells protecting cellular viability. Both concentrations of NGP1-01 were found to attenuate iron-induced reduction in cellular viability to a similar extent, and were statistically significant. To further verify the mechanism, the L-type calcium channel agonist FPL 64176 was administered to promote iron uptake. Addition of NGP1-01 dose-dependently reduced FPL 64176 stimulated uptake of iron. These data support further evaluation of NGP1-01 as a neuroprotective agent, not only in diseases associated with excitotoxicity, but also in those of iron overload. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acute flexor tendon injury following midshaft radius and ulna fractures in a paediatric patient.

PubMed

Williams, James; Wharton, Rupert; Peev, Peter; Horwitz, Maxim

2018-06-01

Delayed rupture of the extensor and flexor tendons are recognised complications of distal radius fractures. However, acute flexor tendon rupture in the context of forearm fractures is rare. A twelve-year-old female sustained midshaft fractures of the radius and ulna. Intra-operatively the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) was found to be stripped from its musculotendinous junction at the level of the fracture fragment. The ruptured tendon was repaired using a modified Krackow technique at the time of fracture fixation. The repair was protected in plaster of Paris prior to referral to the paediatric hand clinic. The patient made a full recovery. Flexor tendon injury is a rare but potentially devastating consequence of acute forearm fractures. High energy trauma, significant volar angulation of the fracture fragment and clinical signs of flexor tendon injury should raise suspicion of this injury. A high index of suspicion in conjunction with repeat clinical examination of flexor tendon function should be performed before opting for closed management or intramedullary nailing in paediatric patients.

Study of Benefits of Passenger Protective Breathing Equipment from Analysis of Past Accidents

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

Rodeos (Tenerife) El 27 De Marzo De 1977 2. ICAO Aircraft Accident Digest No. 23, No. 2 B-30 AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT SUMMARY Carrier - Continental Airways...than FPL. However, a I’)-second donning de -lay of PBE may have resulted in a net disbenefit. k~f ¶ ~ 17. Key Words 18. Distributiion Stotement...in C-133 Test Article 23 with Postcrash Fire Conditions 5 Accident Profiles for 3/5/67 Varig DC-8 24 6 Accident Profiles for 4/8/68 British Overseas

Periodic modulation of motor-unit activity in extrinsic hand muscles during multidigit grasping.

PubMed

Johnston, Jamie A; Winges, Sara A; Santello, Marco

2005-07-01

We recently examined the extent to which motor units of digit flexor muscles receive common input during multidigit grasping. This task elicited moderate to strong motor-unit synchrony (common input strength, CIS) across muscles (flexor digitorum profundus, FDP, and flexor pollicis longus, FPL) and across FDP muscle compartments, although the strength of this common input was not uniform across digit pairs. To further characterize the neural mechanisms underlying the control of multidigit grasping, we analyzed the relationship between firing of single motor units from these hand muscles in the frequency domain by computing coherence. We report three primary findings. First, in contrast to what has been reported in intrinsic hand muscles, motor units belonging to different muscles and muscle compartments of extrinsic digit flexors exhibited significant coherence in the 0- to 5- and 5- to 10-Hz frequency ranges and much weaker coherence in the higher 10-20 Hz range (maximum 0.0025 and 0.0008, respectively, pooled across all FDP compartment pairs). Second, the strength and incidence of coherence differed considerably across digit pairs. Third, contrary to what has been reported in the literature, across-muscle coherence can be stronger and more prevalent than within-muscle coherence, as FPL-FDP2 (thumb-index digit pair) exhibited the strongest and most prevalent coherence in our data (0.010 and 43% at 3 Hz, respectively). The heterogeneous organization of common input to these muscles and muscle compartments is discussed in relation to the functional role of individual digit pairs in the coordination of multiple digit forces in grasping.

Hazardous Chemical Pump Tests.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

hydraulic flow rate is the product of the pump speed and the pump displacement. The pump displacement for each respective pump was constant throughout...speed - rpm T - torque - ft lbs 7= 3.1416 By substituting the product of pump speed and pump displacement for the hydraulic flow rate (Q=NO) in the above...FF:iipr’: iL 40 H FLUID F-’UMPED; FPl H FVIi T’E1l ’HJO I...S Lu FL: H KFITE C F~~:ri FIGURE 2 CC E MT 2, Fi C F . c ;E’C F11 *:;_cl PF fog O ~ \\ 4 1

Energy Action Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-25

NASA Kennedy Space Center's Sam Ball, third from left, speaks during the Energy Action Day employee event held in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. Part of Energy Awareness Month, the event featured subject matter experts in the area of solar energy, its connections to the space program and options for residential solar power. From left to right are Nick Murdock, energy and water program manager at Kennedy; Chuck Tatro of NASA's Launch Services Program; Ball; Anuj Chokshi of FPL; Bill McMullen of Southern Power; John Sherwin of the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa; and Lorraine Koss of the Brevard County Solar Co-op.

Warthog: Progress on Coupling BISON and PROTEUS

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

Hart, Shane W.D.

The Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program from the Office of Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE) provides a robust toolkit for modeling and simulation of current and future advanced nuclear reactor designs. This toolkit provides these technologies organized across product lines, with two divisions targeted at fuels and end-to-end reactor modeling, and a third for integration, coupling, and high-level workflow management. The Fuels Product Line (FPL) and the Reactor Product Line (RPL) provide advanced computational technologies that serve each respective field effectively. There is currently a lack of integration between the product lines, impeding futuremore » improvements of simulation solution fidelity. In order to mix and match tools across the product lines, a new application called Warthog was produced. Warthog is built on the Multi-physics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This report details the continuing efforts to provide the Integration Product Line (IPL) with interoperability using the Warthog code. Currently, this application strives to couple the BISON fuel performance application from the FPL using the PROTEUS Core Neutronics application from the RPL. Warthog leverages as much prior work from the NEAMS program as possible, enabling interoperability between the independently developed MOOSE and SHARP frameworks, and the libMesh and MOAB mesh data formats. Previous work performed on Warthog allowed it to couple a pin cell between the two codes. However, as the temperature changed due to the BISON calculation, the cross sections were not recalculated, leading to errors as the temperature got further away from the initial conditions. XSProc from the SCALE code suite was used to calculate the cross sections as needed. The remainder of this report discusses the changes to Warthog to allow for the implementation of XSProc as an external code. It also discusses the changes made to Warthog to allow it to fit more cleanly into the MultiApp syntax of the MOOSE framework. The capabilities, design, and limitations of Warthog will be described, in addition to some of the test cases that were used to demonstrate the code. Future plans for Warthog will be discussed, including continuation of the modifications to the input and coupling to other SHARP codes such as Nek5000.« less

Income differences in social control of eating behaviors and food choice priorities among southern rural women in the US: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Vilaro, Melissa J; Barnett, Tracey E; Mathews, Anne; Pomeranz, Jamie; Curbow, Barbara

2016-12-01

The role of social influences on rural women's food choice is not well understood. Rural adults experience high rates of obesity and poor diet quality prompting exploration of how social factors influence food choice in this population. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women in rural North Central Florida. Women were purposively sampled and stratified by race and income. Lower income was defined as household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Women at or below 185% poverty level (BPL) experienced direct social control of their eating behaviors, which occurred when social network members explicitly regulated or otherwise sanctioned eating behaviors or food choices. Women above 185% of the federal poverty level (APL) internalized social norms and self-regulated their eating behaviors to maintain healthy habits. APL women described choosing foods for health reasons whereas BPL women offered a variety of reasons including taste, convenience, family history, price, health, and routine. Findings suggest that women in different income groups have different social influences working to help them regulate eating behaviors as well as diverse priorities influencing their food choices. Future interventions to promote healthy eating may be more effective by incorporating social network members and framing intervention messages so they are consistent with priorities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

L-type Ca(2+) currents overlapping threshold Na(+) currents: could they be responsible for the "slip-mode" phenomenon in cardiac myocytes?

PubMed

Piacentino, Valentino; Gaughan, John P; Houser, Steven R

2002-03-08

Phosphorylation of Na channels has been suggested to increase their Ca permeability. Termed "slip-mode conductance" (SMC), this hypothesis predicts that Ca influx via protein kinase A (PKA)-modified Na channels can induce sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release. We tested this hypothesis by determining if SR Ca release is graded with I(Na) in the presence of activated PKA (with Isoproterenol, ISO). V(m), I(m), and [Ca](i) were measured in feline (n=26) and failing human (n=19) ventricular myocytes. Voltage steps from -70 through -40 mV were used to grade I(Na). Na channel antagonists (tetrodotoxin), L-type Ca channel (I(Ca,L)) antagonists (nifedipine, cadmium, verapamil), and agonists (Bay K 8644, FPL 64176) were used to separate SMC from I(Ca,L). In the absence of ISO, I(Na) was associated with SR Ca release in human but not feline myocytes. After ISO, graded I(Na) was associated with small amounts of SR Ca release in feline myocytes and the magnitude of release increased in human myocytes. I(Na)-related SR Ca release was insensitive to tetrodotoxin (n=10) but was blocked by nifedipine (n=10) and cadmium (n=3). SR Ca release was induced over the same voltage range in the absence of ISO with Bay K 8644 and FPL 64176 (n=9). Positive voltage steps (to 0 mV) to fully activate Na channels (SMC) in the presence of ISO and Verapamil only caused SR Ca release when block of I(Ca,L) was incomplete. We conclude that PKA-mediated increases in I(Ca,L) and SR Ca loading can reproduce many of the experimental features of SMC.

Studies of the mechanism of passive anaphylaxis in human airway smooth muscle.

PubMed

Davis, C; Jones, T R; Daniel, E E

1983-07-01

This investigation was carried out to study allergic contraction of passively sensitized human airway smooth muscle in response to specific antigen challenge. We attempted to determine the role played by histamine, slow reaction substances (SRSs), and cyclooxygenase products in the mediation of this response in tracheal smooth muscle. Tissues were passively sensitized with serum from ragweed-sensitive patients (15 h, 4 degrees C). Subsequent challenge with ragweed antigen produced a slowly developing contraction. The peak contraction to a dose producing a maximal response was 37 +/- 6% of the carbachol maximum. Mepyramine (5 X 10(-6) M) did not alter the contraction. Methylprednisolone (2 X 10(-5) M) attenuated the response to antigen but had no significant effect on the contractile response to arachidonic acid. Indomethacin (5.6-28 X 10(-6) M) enhanced the peak antigen-induced contractions by 25 +/- 11% whereas 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (6.4 X 10(-5) M) selectively attenuated the antigen-induced contraction by 86 +/- 12%. Nordihydroguarietic acid (6-12 X 10(-6) M) attenuated both the antigen plus arachidonate induced responses. FPL-55712 (1-2 X 10(-6) M) antagonized the contractions to antigen. Compound 48/80 and goat antihuman immunoglobulin E produced similar slowly developing contractions in sensitized and in some nonsensitized tissues. These responses, except for an early component of the response to 48/80, were independent of histamine and were reversed by FPL-55712. These findings suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites mediate (slow reacting substances) and modulate (prostaglandins) allergic contraction of human airway smooth muscle while any histamine released contributes little or nothing to the contraction in the larger airways.

Trends in depression among low-income mothers in the United States, 2005-2015.

PubMed

Oh, Sehun; Salas-Wright, Christopher P; Vaughn, Michael G

2018-08-01

Prior research has examined the association between low-income status and maternal depression; however, important questions remain in terms of trends in the prevalence of major depressive episodes (MDE) and treatment seeking among mothers in the United States. The objective of the present study is to examine trends in MDE among low-income mothers and explore perceived barriers to mental health treatment seeking. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH; 2005-2015), we examined the prevalence of past-year MDE among mothers living in poverty (0-99% federal poverty line [FPL]; n = 23,264) and near-poverty (100-200% FPL; n = 21,655). Consistent with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, we conducted survey-adjusted logistic regression analyses to examine the significance of survey year in relation to MDE while controlling for key social demographic correlates. The overall decreasing MDE trend was found only among mothers in near-poverty, not mothers in poverty. Only for mothers in poverty, financial (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52-0.95) and information barriers (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.39-0.73) were associated with mental health service use. Self-reports of depressive symptoms and service receipt may have led to over or underreporting due to recall or social desirability bias. Additionally, NSDUH data are cross-sectional and thereby limit our ability to make causal inferences. Greater attention should be paid to the prevention/treatment of depression among mothers in poverty. Efforts may include expanding financial assistance for mental health service use and educational campaigns to increase awareness of services available. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of site layout for change of plant operation

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

Reuwer, S.M.; Kasperski, E.; Joseph, T.D.

1995-12-31

Several of the Florida Power & Light operating fossil power plants have undergone significant site layout changes as well as changes in plant operation. The FPL Fort Lauderdale Plant was repowered in 1992 which consisted of using four (4) Westinghouse 501F Combustion Turbines rated at 158 Mw each, to repower two (2) existing steam turbines rates at 143 Mw each. In 1991, a physical security fence separation occurred between Turkey Point Plants`s fossil fueled Units 1&2, and its nuclear fueled Units 3&4. As a result of this separation, certain facilities common to both the nuclear side and fossil side ofmore » the plant required relocating. Also, the Sanford and Manatee Plants were evaluated for the use of a new fuel as an alternative source. Manatee Plant is currently in the licensing process for modifications to burn a new fuel, requiring expansion of backened clean-up equipment, with additional staff to operate this equipment. In order to address these plant changes, site development studies were prepared for each plant to determine the suitability of the existing ancillary facilities to support the operational changes, and to make recommendations for facility improvement if found inadequate. A standardized process was developed for all of the site studies. This proved to be a comprehensive process and approach, that gave FPL a successful result that all the various stake holders bought into. This process was objectively based, focused, and got us to where we need to be as quickly as possible. As a result, this paper details the outline and various methods developed to prepare a study following this process, that will ultimately provide the optimum site development plan for the changing plant operations.« less

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

Parker, D.; Sutherland, K.; Chasar, D.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America program, in collaboration with Florida Power and Light (FPL), conducted a phased residential energy-efficiency retrofit program. This research sought to establish impacts on annual energy and peak energy reductions from the technologies applied at two levels of retrofit - shallow and deep, with savings levels approaching the Building America program goals of reducing whole-house energy use by 40%. Under the Phased Deep Retrofit (PDR) project, we have installed phased, energy-efficiency retrofits in a sample of 56 existing, all-electric homes. End-use savings and economic evaluation results from the phased measure packages and singlemore » measures are summarized in this report. Project results will be of interest to utility program designers, weatherization evaluators, and the housing remodel industry. Shallow retrofits were conducted in all homes from March to June 2013. The measures for this phase were chosen based on ease of installation, targeting lighting (CFLs and LED lamps), domestic hot water (wraps and showerheads), refrigeration (cleaning of coils), pool pump (reduction of operating hours), and the home entertainment center (smart plugs). Deep retrofits were conducted on a subset of ten PDR homes from May 2013 through March 2014. Measures included new air source heat pumps, duct repair, ceiling insulation, heat pump water heaters, variable speed pool pumps and learning thermostats. Major appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers were replaced where they were old and inefficient.« less

Determination of the absolute binding free energies of HIV-1 protease inhibitors using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngo, Son Tung; Nguyen, Minh Tung; Nguyen, Minh Tho

2017-05-01

The absolute binding free energy of an inhibitor to HIV-1 Protease (PR) was determined throughout evaluation of the non-bonded interaction energy difference between the two bound and unbound states of the inhibitor and surrounding molecules by the fast pulling of ligand (FPL) process using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. The calculated free energy difference terms help clarifying the nature of the binding. Theoretical binding affinities are in good correlation with experimental data, with R = 0.89. The paradigm used is able to rank two inhibitors having the maximum difference of ∼1.5 kcal/mol in absolute binding free energies.

Influence of various force fields in estimating the binding affinity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors using fast pulling of ligand scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tam, Nguyen Minh; Vu, Khanh B.; Vu, Van V.; Ngo, Son Tung

2018-06-01

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is considered as one of the most favored drug targets for Alzheimer's disease. The effects of different force fields (FFs) on ranking affinity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were obtained using the fast pulling of ligand (FPL) method in steered-molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations. GROMOS, AMBER, CHARMM, and OPLS-AA FFs were investigated in this work. The pulling work derived with GROMOS FF has the strongest correlation and smallest error compared with experimental binding affinity. Moreover, the CPU consumption in the calculations using GROMOS FF is the lowest, which could allow us to rank affinity of a large number of AChE ligands.

An integrated platform for simultaneous multi-well field potential recording and Fura-2-based calcium transient ratiometry in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Rast, Georg; Weber, Jürgen; Disch, Christoph; Schuck, Elmar; Ittrich, Carina; Guth, Brian D

2015-01-01

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are available from various sources and they are being evaluated for safety testing. Several platforms are available offering different assay principles and read-out parameters: patch-clamp and field potential recording, imaging or photometry, impedance measurement, and recording of contractile force. Routine use will establish which assay principle and which parameters best serve the intended purpose. We introduce a combination of field potential recording and calcium ratiometry from spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes as a novel assay providing a complementary read-out parameter set. Field potential recording is performed using a commercial multi-well multi-electrode array platform. Calcium ratiometry is performed using a fiber optic illumination and silicon avalanche photodetectors. Data condensation and statistical analysis are designed to enable statistical inference of differences and equivalence with regard to a solvent control. Simultaneous recording of field potentials and calcium transients from spontaneously beating monolayers was done in a nine-well format. Calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine) and a blocker of calcium store release (ryanodine) can be recognized and discriminated based on the calcium transient signal. An agonist of L-type calcium channels, FPL 64176, increased and prolonged the calcium transient, whereas BAY K 8644, another L-type calcium channel agonist, had no effect. Both FPL 64176 and various calcium channel antagonists have chronotropic effects, which can be discriminated from typical "chronotropic" compounds, like (±)isoprenaline (positive) and arecaidine propargyl ester (negative), based on their effects on the calcium transient. Despite technical limitations in temporal resolution and exact matching of composite calcium transient with the field potential of a subset of cells, the combined recording platform enables a refined interpretation of the field potential recording and a more reliable identification of drug effects on calcium handling. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of finite element model loading condition on fracture risk assessment in men and women: the AGES-Reykjavik study.

PubMed

Keyak, J H; Sigurdsson, S; Karlsdottir, G S; Oskarsdottir, D; Sigmarsdottir, A; Kornak, J; Harris, T B; Sigurdsson, G; Jonsson, B Y; Siggeirsdottir, K; Eiriksdottir, G; Gudnason, V; Lang, T F

2013-11-01

Proximal femoral (hip) strength computed by subject-specific CT scan-based finite element (FE) models has been explored as an improved measure for identifying subjects at risk of hip fracture. However, to our knowledge, no published study has reported the effect of loading condition on the association between incident hip fracture and hip strength. In the present study, we performed a nested age- and sex-matched case-control study in the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES) Reykjavik cohort. Baseline (pre-fracture) quantitative CT (QCT) scans of 5500 older male and female subjects were obtained. During 4-7years follow-up, 51 men and 77 women sustained hip fractures. Ninety-seven men and 152 women were randomly selected as controls from a pool of age- and sex-matched subjects. From the QCT data, FE models employing nonlinear material properties computed FE-strength of the left hip of each subject in loading from a fall onto the posterolateral (FPL), posterior (FP) and lateral (FL) aspects of the greater trochanter (patent pending). For comparison, FE strength in stance loading (FStance) and total femur areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were also computed. For all loading conditions, the reductions in strength associated with fracture in men were more than twice those in women (p≤0.01). For fall loading specifically, posterolateral loading in men and posterior loading in women were most strongly associated with incident hip fracture. After adjusting for aBMD, the association between FP and fracture in women fell short of statistical significance (p=0.08), indicating that FE strength provides little advantage over aBMD for identifying female hip fracture subjects. However, in men, after controlling for aBMD, FPL was 424N (11%) less in subjects with fractures than in controls (p=0.003). Thus, in men, FE models of posterolateral loading include information about incident hip fracture beyond that in aBMD. © 2013.

Limited independent flexion of the thumb and fingers in human subjects.

PubMed Central

Kilbreath, S L; Gandevia, S C

1994-01-01

1. We investigated whether human subjects can activate selectively flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and digital portions of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP). These muscles were selected because they are the only flexors of the distal phalanges. 2. Electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded with intramuscular electrodes from one digital component of the deep flexors ('test') while subjects lifted weights by flexing the distal interphalangeal joint of the other digits in turn ('lifting' digits). Only recording sites at which single motor units were recruited selectively at low forces were used. The weights lifted represented 2.5-50% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). We measured the lowest weight lifted which produced phasic and tonic coactivation in the 'test' muscle. 3. The extent of coactivation varied with the 'distance' between the test and lifting digits although no significant difference occurred in the pattern of coactivation thresholds among the digital flexors. The extent of coactivation increased when angular displacement or velocity at the distal interphalangeal joint of the lifting digit increased but was not critically dependent on restraint of the hand. 4. Because mechanical 'connections' could interfere with the ability to move a distal phalanx independently, the arms of nine cadavers were studied. The separation of tendons between the thumb (FPL) and the index portion of FDP, and between the index and middle portions of FDP, usually extended more proximally in the forearm than separation between the tendons to the middle and ring fingers and between the ring and little fingers. Direct intertendinous links were also noted. 5. It is not possible to direct a sufficiently focal motor command to flex selectively the distal joint of the fingers and thumb when forces exceeding 2.5% MVC are generated. For the middle, ring and little fingers in particular, movement of adjacent digits may also involve 'in-series' mechanical links between adjacent components of FDP. Images Figure 6 PMID:7837104

Phased Retrofits in Existing Homes in Florida Phase II: Shallow Plus Retrofits

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

Sutherland, K.; Parker, D.; Martin, E.

The BAPIRC team and Florida Power and Light (FPL) electric utility pursued a pilot phased energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida by creating detailed data on the energy and economic performance of two levels of retrofit - simple and deep. For this Phased Deep Retrofit (PDR) project, a total of 56 homes spread across the utility partner's territory in east central Florida, southeast Florida, and southwest Florida were instrumented between August 2012 and January 2013, and received simple pass-through retrofit measures during the period of March 2013 - June 2013. Ten of these homes received a deeper package of retrofits duringmore » August 2013 - December 2013. A full account of Phase I of this project, including detailed home details and characterization, is found in Parker et al, 2015 (currently in draft). Phase II of this project, which is the focus of this report, applied the following additional retrofit measures to select homes that received a shallow retrofit in Phase I: a) Supplemental mini-split heat pump (MSHP) (6 homes); b) Ducted and space coupled Heat Pump Water Heater (8 homes); c) Exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) (1 homes); d) Window retrofit (3 homes); e) Smart thermostat (21 homes: 19 NESTs; 2 Lyrics); f) Heat pump clothes dryer (8 homes); g) Variable speed pool pump (5 homes).« less

Pressure distribution on the roof of a model low-rise building tested in a boundary layer wind tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goliber, Matthew Robert

With three of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States along the Gulf coast (Houston, Tampa, and New Orleans), residential populations ever increasing due to the subtropical climate, and insured land value along the coast from Texas to the Florida panhandle greater than $500 billion, hurricane related knowledge is as important now as ever before. This thesis focuses on model low-rise building wind tunnel tests done in connection with full-scale low-rise building tests. Mainly, pressure data collection equipment and methods used in the wind tunnel are compared to pressure data collection equipment and methods used in the field. Although the focus of this report is on the testing of models in the wind tunnel, the low-rise building in the field is located in Pensacola, Florida. It has a wall length of 48 feet, a width of 32 feet, a height of 10 feet, and a gable roof with a pitch of 1:3 and 68 pressure ports strategically placed on the surface of the roof. Built by Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in 2002, the importance of the test structure has been realized as it has been subjected to numerous hurricanes. In fact, the validity of the field data is so important that the following thesis was necessary. The first model tested in the Bill James Wind Tunnel for this research was a rectangular box. It was through the testing of this box that much of the basic wind tunnel and pressure data collection knowledge was gathered. Knowledge gained from Model 1 tests was as basic as how to: mount pressure tubes on a model, use a pressure transducer, operate the wind tunnel, utilize the pitot tube and reference pressure, and measure wind velocity. Model 1 tests also showed the importance of precise construction to produce precise pressure coefficients. Model 2 was tested in the AABL Wind Tunnel at Iowa State University. This second model was a 22 inch cube which contained a total of 11 rows of pressure ports on its front and top faces. The purpose of Model 2 was to validate the tube length, tube diameter, port diameter, and pressure transducer used in the field. Also, Model 2 was used to study the effects of surface roughness on pressure readings. A partial roof and wall of the low-rise building in the field was used as the third model. Similar to the second model, Model 3 was tested in the AABL Wind Tunnel. Initially, the objectives of the third model were to validate the pressure port protection device (PPPD) being used in the field and test the possibility of interpolating between pressure ports. But in the end, Model 3 was best used to validate the inconsistencies of the full-scale PPPD, validate the transducers used in the field, and prove the importance of scaling either all or none of the model. Fourthly, Model 4 was a 1:16 model of the low-rise building itself. Based on the three previous model tests, Model 4 was instrumented with 202 pressure transducers to better understand: (1) the pressure distribution on the roof of the structure, (2) the affects of the fundamental test variables such as tube length, tube diameter, port diameter, transducer type, and surface roughness, (3) the affects of a scaled PPPD, (4) the importance of wind angle of attack, and (5) the possibility of measuring pressure data and load data simultaneously. In the end, the combination of all four model tests proved to be helpful in understanding the pressure data gathered on the roof of the low-rise building in the field. The two main recommendations for the field structure are for reevaluation of the PPPD design and slight redistribution of the pressure ports. The wind tunnel model tests show a need for these two modifications in order to gather more accurate field pressure data. Other than these two adjustments, the model tests show that the remaining data gathering system is currently accurate.

Racial/ethnic differences in health insurance adequacy and consistency among children: Evidence from the 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health.

PubMed

Soylu, Tulay G; Elashkar, Eman; Aloudah, Fatemah; Ahmed, Munir; Kitsantas, Panagiota

2018-02-05

Surveillance of disparities in healthcare insurance, services and quality of care among children are critical for properly serving the medical/healthcare needs of underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to assess racial/ethnic differences in children's (0 to 17 years old) health insurance adequacy and consistency (child has insurance coverage for the last 12 months). We used data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children's Health (n=79,474). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the distribution and influence of several sociodemographic/family related factors on insurance adequacy and consistency across different racial/ethnic groups. Stratified analyses by race/ethnicity revealed that white and black children living in households at or below 299% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) were approximately 29 to 42% less likely to have adequate insurance compared to children living in families of higher income levels. Regardless of race/ethnicity, we found that children with public health insurance were more likely to have adequate insurance than their privately insured counterparts, while adolescents were at greater risk of inadequate coverage. Hispanic and black children were more likely to lack consistent insurance coverage. This study provides evidence that racial/ethnic differences in adequate and consistent health insurance exists with both white and minority children being affected adversely by poverty. Establishing outreach programs for low income families, and cross-cultural education for healthcare providers may help increase health insurance adequacy and consistency within certain underserved populations.

Building America Case Study: Supplemental Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump in the Hot-Humid Climate, Brevard and Volusia Counties, Florida

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

"The BAPIRC team and Florida Power and Light (FPL) electric utility pursued a pilot phased energy-efficiency retrofit program in Florida by creating detailed data on the energy and economic performance of two levels of retrofit - simple and deep. For this Phased Deep Retrofit (PDR) project, a total of 56 homes spread across the utility partner's territory in east central Florida, southeast Florida, and southwest Florida were instrumented between August 2012 and January 2013, and received simple pass-through retrofit measures during the period of March 2013 - June 2013. Ten of these homes received a deeper package of retrofits duringmore » August 2013 - December 2013. A full account of Phase I of this project, including detailed home details and characterization, is found in Parker et al, 2015 (currently in draft). Phase II of this project, which is the focus of this report, applied the following additional retrofit measures to select homes that received a shallow retrofit in Phase I: supplemental mini-split heat pump (MSHP) (6 homes), ducted and space coupled heat pump water heater (8 homes), exterior insulation finish system (EIFS) (1 homes), window retrofit (3 homes), smart thermostat (21 homes: 19 NESTs; 2 Lyrics), heat pump clothes dryer (8 homes), and variable speed pool pump (5 homes).« less

Auditory function in normal-hearing, noise-exposed human ears

PubMed Central

Stamper, Greta C.; Johnson, Tiffany A.

2014-01-01

Objectives To determine if supra-threshold measures of auditory function, such as distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), are correlated with noise exposure history in normal-hearing human ears. Recent data from animal studies have revealed significant deafferentation of auditory nerve fibers following full recovery from temporary noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Furthermore, these data report smaller ABR wave I amplitudes in noise-exposed animal ears when compared to non-noise exposed control animals or pre-noise exposure amplitudes in the same animal. It is unknown if a similar phenomenon exists in the normal-hearing, noise-exposed human ear. Design Thirty normal-hearing human subjects with a range of noise exposure backgrounds (NEBs) participated in this study. NEB was quantified by the use of a noise exposure questionnaire that extensively queried loud sound exposure over the previous 12 months. DPOAEs were collected at three f2’s (1, 2, and 4 kHz) over a range of L2’s. DPOAE stimulus level began at 80 dB FPL (forward-pressure level) and decreased in 10 dB steps. Two-channel ABRs were collected in response to click stimuli and 4 kHz tone bursts; one channel utilized an ipsilateral mastoid electrode and the other an ipsilateral tympanic membrane (TM) electrode. ABR stimulus level began at 90 dB nHL and was decreased in 10 dB steps. Amplitudes of waves I and V of the ABR were analyzed. Results A statistically significant relationship between ABR wave I amplitude and NEB was found for clicked-evoked ABRs recorded at a stimulus level of 90 dB nHL using a mastoid recording electrode. For this condition, ABR wave I amplitudes decreased as a function of NEB. Similar systematic trends were present for ABRs collected in response to clicks and 4 kHz tone bursts at additional supra-threshold stimulation levels (≥ 70 dB nHL). The relationship weakened and disappeared with decreases in stimulation level (≤ 60 dB nHL). Similar patterns were present for ABRs collected using a TM electrode. However, these relationships were not statistically significant and were weaker and more variable than those collected using a mastoid electrode. In contrast to the findings for ABR wave I, wave V amplitude was not significantly related to NEB. Furthermore, there was no evidence of a systematic relationship between supra-threshold DPOAEs and NEB. Conclusions A systematic trend of smaller ABR wave I amplitudes was found in normal-hearing human ears with greater amounts of voluntary NEB in response to supra-threshold clicks and 4 kHz tone bursts. These findings are consistent with data from previous work completed in animals, where the reduction in supra-threshold responses was a result of deafferentation of high-threshold/low-spontaneous rate auditory nerve fibers. These data suggest a similar mechanism might be operating in human ears following exposure to high sound levels. However, evidence of this damage is only apparent when examining supra-threshold wave I amplitude of the ABR. In contrast, supra-threshold DPOAE level was not significantly related to NEB. This was expected, given noise-induced auditory damage findings in animal ears did not extend to the outer hair cells, the generator for the DPOAE response. PMID:25350405

Effect of the yeast and bacteria biomass on the microbiota in the rumen.

PubMed

Vamanu, E; Vamanu, A; Popa, O; Vassu, Tatiana; Ghindea, Raluca; Pelinescu, Diana; Nita, Sultana; Babeanu, Narcisa

2008-09-15

This study aims at obtaining a probiotic product based on viable biomass from 6 yeast strains and 2 strains of lactic bacteria used for nutrition of animals. The strains are subjected to some resistance tests, at temperature, pH, pepsin, pancreatin and biliary salts so as to make obvious their viability. Tests were done by comparison to the witness strain and respectively a protective solution based on mucin and casein. Based on the resulted viabilities 2 products are formulated. Their effect is tested by inoculating fresh rumen content and supervising the microbic balance for a period of 12 days. After the final tests, it resulted that the product Fpl (20% Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1-29, 10% Kluyveromyces marxianus R-CS, 20% Issatchenkia orientalis R-BC, 30% Lactobacillus paracasei CMGB16, 20% Enterococcus faecium GM8) was chosen because anaerobic strains were preponderant as a consequence of the tests performed with rumen.

Ten-year trends in the health of young children in California: 2003 to 2011-2012.

PubMed

Holtby, Sue; Zahnd, Elaine; Grant, David

2015-05-01

This policy brief presents 10-year trends in several key health and wellness indicators for children ages 0-5 in California. These indicators are health insurance coverage; source of medical care; dental visits; overweight-for-age; parents singing and reading to their child and going out with the child; and preschool attendance. The data are from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the largest state health survey in the U.S. The survey gathers information on a range of health behaviors and health conditions, as well as on access to health care among children, adolescents, and adults in California. A number of these key indicators are compared by income and by racial/ethnic group. This policy brief covers the years 2003 to 2011-2012, a period in which public health efforts for children focused on childhood obesity and improved nutrition, access to low-cost and free dental services, and the expansion of children's health insurance programs. CHIS data show improvement in health insurance coverage and access to dental services for low-income children over the 10-year period. However, the percentage of children who were overweight for their age remained unchanged among those in households with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). In terms of measures associated with school readiness, preschool attendance dropped overall between 2003 and 2011-2012, but the proportions of parents who sang, read, and went out with their children every day increased significantly during the 10-year period.

Coupled Physical/Chemical and Biofiltration Technologies to Reduce Air Emissions from Forest Products Industries

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

Gary D. McGinnis

2001-12-31

The research is a laboratory and bench-scale investigation of a system to concentrate and destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hazardous air pollutants, formed from the drying of wood and the manufacture of wood board products (e.g., particle board and oriented strandboard). The approach that was investigated involved concentrating the dilute VOCs (<500 ppmv) with a physical/chemical adsorption unit, followed by the treatment of the concentrated voc stream (2,000 to 2,500 ppmv) with a biofiltration unit. The research program lasted three years, and involved three research organizations. Michigan Technological University was the primary recipient of the financial assistance, the USDAmore » Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) and Mississippi State University (MSU) were subcontractors to MTU. The ultimate objective of this research was to develop a pilot-scale demonstration of the technology with sufficient data to provide for the design of an industrial system. No commercialization activities were included in this project.« less

Take-up of public insurance and crowd-out of private insurance under recent CHIP expansions to higher income children.

PubMed

Gresenz, Carole Roan; Edgington, Sarah E; Laugesen, Miriam; Escarce, José J

2012-10-01

To analyze the effects of states' expansions of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility to children in higher income families on health insurance coverage outcomes. 2002-2009 Current Population Survey linked to multiple secondary data sources. Instrumental variables estimation of linear probability models. Outcomes are whether the child had any public insurance, any private insurance, or no insurance coverage during the year. Among children in families with incomes between two and four times the federal poverty line (FPL), four enrolled in CHIP for every 100 who became eligible. Roughly half of the newly eligible children who took up public insurance were previously uninsured. The upper bound "crowd-out" rate was estimated to be 46 percent. The CHIP expansions to children in higher income families were associated with limited uptake of public coverage. Our results additionally suggest that there was crowd-out of private insurance coverage. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Influence of mental stress on the plasma homocysteine level and blood pressure change in young men.

PubMed

Sawai, Asuka; Ohshige, Kenji; Kura, Naoki; Tochikubo, Osamu

2008-04-01

Objective. This study aimed to determine whether mental stress influences the plasma total homocysteine level or blood pressure in young men. Method. Twenty-seven male university students were assigned to a normal blood pressure group (24-h systolic blood pressure <125 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <75 mmHg; 13 subjects) or a high blood pressure group (24-h systolic blood pressure > or =125 mmHg, or 24-h diastolic blood pressure > or =75 mmHg; 14 subjects). Wearing an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device, subjects rested for 30 minutes, underwent an arithmetic test for 15 minutes, and rested again for 15 minutes. Blood samples were taken before and after the test. Plasma total homocysteine levels were measured. Heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathovagal balance were determined during the test. Results. The mean total homocysteine level at rest in the high blood pressure group was slightly, but not significantly, higher than that in the normal blood pressure group. The resting total homocysteine level was significantly higher in subjects with parental history of hypertension than in those without (p < 0.01). Blood pressure, heart rate, and the plasma total homocysteine level were increased significantly by mental stress (p < 0.05). The change in total homocysteine correlated significantly with the changes in systolic blood pressure and sympathovagal balance (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Resting total homocysteine level was significantly higher in male students with a parental history of hypertension than in those without. It was shown that mental stress elevates heart rate, blood pressure, sympathovagal activity, and the plasma total homocysteine level in young men.

Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on brain tissue oxygen pressure of severe traumatic brain injury patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A pilot study.

PubMed

Nemer, Sérgio Nogueira; Caldeira, Jefferson B; Santos, Ricardo G; Guimarães, Bruno L; Garcia, João Márcio; Prado, Darwin; Silva, Ricardo T; Azeredo, Leandro M; Faria, Eduardo R; Souza, Paulo Cesar P

2015-12-01

To verify whether high positive end-expiratory pressure levels can increase brain tissue oxygen pressure, and also their effects on pulse oxygen saturation, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure. Twenty traumatic brain injury patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were submitted to positive end-expiratory pressure levels of 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O progressively. The 3 positive end-expiratory pressure levels were used during 20 minutes for each one, whereas brain tissue oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure were recorded. Brain tissue oxygen pressure and oxygen saturation increased significantly with increasing positive end-expiratory pressure from 5 to 10 and from 10 to 15 cm H2O (P=.0001 and P=.0001 respectively). Intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure did not differ significantly with increasing positive end-expiratory pressure from 5 to 10 and from 10 to 15 cm H2O (P=.16 and P=.79 respectively). High positive end-expiratory pressure levels increased brain tissue oxygen pressure and oxygen saturation, without increase in intracranial pressure or decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure. High positive end-expiratory pressure levels can be used in severe traumatic brain injury patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome as a safe alternative to improve brain oxygenation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the estrous cycle in female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) using urinary endocrine monitoring and transabdominal ultrasound: Evidence of facultative induced ovulation.

PubMed

Steinman, K J; O'Brien, J K; Monfort, S L; Robeck, T R

2012-02-01

Recent, successful application of assisted reproductive technologies in captive beluga has resulted from the extensive study of male beluga reproductive biology. Optimization of assisted reproduction requires additional detailed knowledge of the female estrous cycle. Our specific objectives were to: (1) validate urinary immunoassays for use in this species; (2) elucidate annual ovarian cycle dynamics through the combined use of hormone excretion patterns and transabdominal ultrasound; and (3) establish whether ovulation in this species is spontaneous or induced by male factors. Ovulation was observed in four of 15 estrous cycles monitored in four adult female beluga maintained in a single-sex group. After introduction of a breeding male, ovulation was observed in six of seven estrous cycles. All estrous cycles occurred from March through June. For spontaneous ovulations (n=4), the inter-estrous interval was 34d (range 33-35d), with a follicular phase length (FPL) of 25±8d (mean±SD). For all ovulatory estrous cycles (with and without a breeding male), urinary estrogen conjugates (EC, 15.3±7.9ng/mg Cr) and ovulatory luteinizing hormone (ovLH, 17.1±6.6ng/mg Cr) concentrations both peaked on Day 0, and EC concentrations returned to baseline 8±7d later. For non-conceptive cycles, urinary progestagen (Pg) concentrations increased on Day 0 (3.5±1.7ng/mg Cr), peaked on Day+19 (19.7±17.1ng/mg Cr), and were elevated above baseline for 27±4d. Preovulatory follicular diameter and circumference on Day -2±2 (range: Day -4 to -1) from peak EC were 2.5±0.7 and 7.8±1.3cm, respectively. The FPL in non-ovulatory estrous cycles (n=11) lasted 24±10d and EC concentrations gradually declined to baseline over a 21±10d interval following the EC peak (27.8±28.8ng/mg Cr). Non-ovulatory estrous cycles were characterized by the absence of an ovLH surge and no concomitant increase in Pg concentrations above baseline excretion; the mean follicular diameter at or near peak EC was 3.1±0.8cm on Day 2 ±3d from peak EC (range: -1 to +5days from peak EC). Overall, these data confirm that captive beluga exhibit reproductive seasonality and demonstrate that the species is a facultative-induced ovulator. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combined hydraulic and regenerative braking system

DOEpatents

Venkataperumal, R.R.; Mericle, G.E.

1979-08-09

A combined hydraulic and regenerative braking system and method for an electric vehicle is disclosed. The braking system is responsive to the applied hydraulic pressure in a brake line to control the braking of the vehicle to be completely hydraulic up to a first level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a constant braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly increasing braking force from the first level of applied brake line pressure to a higher second level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly decreasing braking force from the second level of applied line pressure to a third and higher level of applied line pressure, and to be completely hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force from the third level to all higher applied levels of line pressure.

Combined hydraulic and regenerative braking system

DOEpatents

Venkataperumal, Rama R.; Mericle, Gerald E.

1981-06-02

A combined hydraulic and regenerative braking system and method for an electric vehicle, with the braking system being responsive to the applied hydraulic pressure in a brake line to control the braking of the vehicle to be completely hydraulic up to a first level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a constant braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly increasing braking force from the first level of applied brake line pressure to a higher second level of brake line pressure, to be partially hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force and partially regenerative at a linearly decreasing braking force from the second level of applied line pressure to a third and higher level of applied line pressure, and to be completely hydraulic at a linearly increasing braking force from the third level to all higher applied levels of line pressure.

An alternative to reduction of surface pressure to sea level

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deardorff, J. W.

1982-01-01

The pitfalls of the present method of reducing surface pressure to sea level are reviewed, and an alternative, adjusted pressure, P, is proposed. P is obtained from solution of a Poisson equation over a continental region, using the simplest boundary condition along the perimeter or coastline where P equals the sea level pressure. The use of P would avoid the empiricisms and disadvantages of pressure reduction to sea level, and would produce surface pressure charts which depict the true geostrophic wind at the surface.

The position of the arm during blood pressure measurement in sitting position.

PubMed

Adiyaman, Ahmet; Verhoeff, Rutger; Lenders, Jacques W M; Deinum, Jaap; Thien, Theo

2006-12-01

Determining the influence of the position of the arm on blood pressure measurement in the sitting position. Blood pressure of 128 individuals (the majority being treated hypertensive patients) visiting the outpatient clinic was measured simultaneously on both arms with arms in two different positions. First, both arms were placed at the chair support level and blood pressure was measured three times on both arms after 10 min of rest. Subsequently, while still remaining in the same sitting position, five blood pressure measurements were made simultaneously at both arms with one arm placed on the desk and one arm placed and supported at heart level (mid-sternal). The arm placed at heart level served as the reference arm. The choice of which arm was placed at desk level and which arm was placed at heart level was randomized. Both at desk level and at chair support level, mean (+/-SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher than blood pressure at heart level by 6.1/5.7+/-4.6/3.1 and 9.3/9.4+/-5.4/3.4 mmHg, respectively. The effect of the height differences between the arm positions on the blood pressure readings was smaller than predicted (0.49 mmHg/cm systolic and 0.47 mmHg/cm diastolic). No significant correlation was found between blood pressure difference in the different arm positions (desk and heart level) and age, sex, weight or baseline blood pressure. Different arm positions below heart level have significant effects on blood pressure readings. The leading guidelines about arm position during blood pressure measurement are not in accordance with the arm position used in the Framingham study, the most frequently used study for risk estimations.

Arterial Pressure Gradients during Upright Posture and 30 deg Head Down Tilt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, E. R; William, J. M.; Ueno, T.; Ballard, R. E.; Hargens, A. R.; Holton, Emily M. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

Gravity alters local blood pressure within the body so that arterial pressures in the head and foot are lower and higher, respectively, than that at heart level. Furthermore, vascular responses to local alterations of arterial pressure are probably important to maintain orthostatic tolerance upon return to the Earth after space flight. However, it has been difficult to evaluate the body's arterial pressure gradient due to the lack of noninvasive technology. This study was therefore designed to investigate whether finger arterial pressure (FAP), measured noninvasively, follows a normal hydrostatic pressure gradient above and below heart level during upright posture and 30 deg head down tilt (HDT). Seven healthy subjects gave informed consent and were 19 to 52 years old with a height range of 158 to 181 cm. A Finapres device measured arterial pressure at different levels of the body by moving the hand from 36 cm below heart level (BH) to 72 cm above heart level (AH) in upright posture and from 36 cm BH to 48 cm AH during HDT in increments of 12 cm. Mean FAP creased by 85 mmHg transitioning from BH to AH in upright posture, and the pressure gradient calculated from hydrostatic pressure difference (rho(gh)) was 84 mmHg. In HDT, mean FAP decreased by 65 mmHg from BH to AH, and the calculated pressure gradient was also 65 mmHg. There was no significant difference between the measured FAP gradient and the calculated pressure gradient, although a significant (p = 0.023) offset was seen for absolute arterial pressure in upright posture. These results indicate that arterial pressure at various levels can be obtained from the blood pressure at heart level by calculating rho(gh) + an offset. The offset equals the difference between heart level and the site of measurement. In summary, we conclude that local blood pressure gradients can be measured by noninvasive studies of FAP.

Blood pressure changes over 7 years in a large workforce cohort in New Zealand.

PubMed

Metcalf, Patricia; Scragg, Robert; Jackson, Rod

2006-11-17

The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with changes in blood pressure levels over 7 years. The baseline Workforce Diabetes Survey was carried out between 1988 and 1990 on workers predominantly aged =40 years, and a follow-up survey of 4053 participants was carried out between 1995 and 1997. Overall, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased by 6.0 (5.2%) and 3.1 (4.9%) mmHg, respectively, between the two surveys. The prevalence of GP-diagnosed raised blood pressure more than doubled over the 7 years--from 16.7% at baseline to 36.4% at follow-up. The two-thirds of participants whose blood pressure increased between the two surveys had on average lower baseline blood pressure levels, and were of shorter stature compared to those whose blood pressure levels showed no change or decreased (all p<0.05). A multivariate regression model of change in blood pressure over the 7 years showed that increase in systolic blood pressure levels was associated with lower baseline blood pressure levels; male gender; higher baseline weight and urinary albumin levels and greater increase in weight and urinary albumin levels over the 7 years; being of lower stature; being a never smoker; having newly or previously diagnosed diabetes; and being on current blood pressure lowering medication. The principal modifiable factor associated with increasing blood pressure over the 7 years was higher baseline weight and a greater increase in weight during that time period. This study highlights the importance of prevention of weight gain as a key public health strategy and for managing raised blood pressure, which is one of the major determinants of the burden of CVD in New Zealand.

Evaluation of Dietary Intake, Leisure-Time Physical Activity, and Metabolic Profile in Women with Mutation in the LMNA Gene.

PubMed

Monteiro, Luciana; Foss-Freitas, Maria Cristina; Navarro, Anderson; Pereira, Francisco; Coeli, Fernanda; Carneseca, Estela; Júnior, Renan Montenegro; Foss, Milton

2017-01-01

Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by selective lack of subcutaneous fat, which is associated with insulin-resistant diabetes. The Dunnigan variety (FPLD2) is caused by several missense mutations in the lamin A/C (LMNA) gene, most of which are typically located in exon 8 at the codon position 482. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the dietary intake, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and biochemical measurements (glucose, A1C, and plasma lipids) in women with FPLD2 and without (control group, CG) and to examine the associations between dietary intake and biochemical measurements (BM). LTPA was measured with a questionnaire and metabolic equivalent (MET) hours per week (hours/week) were calculated. Dietary intake by the 3-day recall method and clinical laboratory parameters were collected. Characteristics of women with FPLD2: 35.8 ± 13.9 years, fat mass = 10 ± 2.3 kg and fat free mass = 41.4 ± 4.5 kg (p < 0.05). Women with FPLD2 showed a smaller intake of energy (kcal), lipids, and carbohydrates and a large intake of protein (p < 0.01) compared to CG. Comparing the 2 groups in terms of LTPA, 78% of women with FPLD2 performed insufficient physical activity. In addition, they had a higher levels of glucose, A1C, and triglycerides (TG) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). There was no correlation between dietary intake and biochemical measurements. Women with FPLD2 have a lower intake of energy (kcal), lipids, and carbohydrates and greater changes in biochemical measurements. Because this is a rare disease, future studies are needed with encouragement of the practice of physical activity and of healthy eating habits, preventing the onset of diseases.

A comparison of disturbance levels measured in hypersonic tunnels using a hot-wire anemometer and a pitot pressure probe.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stainback, P. C.; Wagner, R. D.

1972-01-01

Disturbance levels were measured in the test section of a Mach 5 blowdown jet using a constant-current, hot-wire anemometer and a pressure transducer. The disturbance levels, measured by the two instruments and normalized by local mean values, agreed within about 30%, with the pitot data higher than the hot-wire data. The rms disturbance levels measured with the hot-wire anemometer and converted to pitot pressures using a quasi-steady flow analysis, were about two-thirds the levels measured with the pitot probe. The variation of the normalized rms disturbance levels with stagnation pressure indicated that transition occurred in the boundary layer on the nozzle wall and influenced the outputs of the instruments located at the exit of the nozzle when the total pressure was about 35 N/sq cm. Below this pressure the disturbance levels decreased markedly. At higher pressures the disturbances were predominantly aerodynamic noise generated by the turbulent boundary layer on the nozzle wall.

[Possibilities of bi-level positive pressure ventilation in chronic hypoventilation].

PubMed

Saaresranta, Tarja; Anttalainen, Ulla; Polo, Olli

2011-01-01

During the last decade, noninvasive bi-level positive pressure ventilation has enabled respiratory support in inpatient wards and at home. In many cases, a bi-level airway pressure ventilator can be used to avoid artificial airway and respirator therapy, and may shorten hospital stay and save costs. The treatment alleviates the patient's dyspnea and fatigue, whereby the quality of life improves, and in certain situations also the life span increases. The implementation of bi-level positive pressure ventilation by the physician requires knowledge of the basics of respiratory physiology and familiarization with the bi-level airway pressure ventilator.

Variability in alignment of central venous pressure transducer to physiologic reference point in the intensive care unit-A descriptive and correlational study.

PubMed

Sjödin, Carl; Sondergaard, Soren; Johansson, Lotta

2018-06-01

The phlebostatic axis is the most commonly used anatomical external reference point for central venous pressure measurements. Deviation in the central venous pressure transducer alignment from the phlebostatic axis causes inadequate pressure readings, which may affect treatment decisions for critically ill patients in intensive care units. The primary aim of the study was to assess the variability in central venous pressure transducer levelling in the intensive care unit. We also assessed whether patient characteristics impacted on central venous pressure transducer alignment deviation. A sample of 61 critical care nurses was recruited and asked to place a transducer at the appropriate level for central venous pressure measurement. The measurements were performed in the intensive care unit on critically ill patients in supine and Fowler's positions. The variability among the participants using eyeball levelling and a laser levelling device was calculated in both sessions and adjusted for patient characteristics. A significant variation was found among critical care nurses in the horizontal levelling of the pressure transducer placement when measuring central venous pressure in the intensive care unit. Using a laser levelling device did not reduce the deviation from the phlebostatic axis. Patient characteristics had little impact on the deviation in the measurements. The anatomical external landmark for the phlebostatic axis varied between critical care nurses, as the variation in the central venous pressure transducer placement was not reduced with a laser levelling device. Standardisation of a zero-level for vascular pressures should be considered to reduce the variability in vascular pressure readings in the intensive care unit to improve patient treatment decisions. Further studies are needed to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and use of central venous pressure monitoring and whether assistive tools and/or routines can improve the accuracy in vascular pressure measurements in intensive care units. Copyright © 2018 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The determination of arterial pressure by the physician or the nurse: its relation to ambulatory pressure and left ventricular mass. The MAPA-Madrid Group. Monitorización Ambulatoria de la Presión Arterial (Ambulatory Monitoring of Arterial Pressure)].

PubMed

Martínez, M A; Aguirre, A; Sánchez, M; Nevado, A; Laguna, I; Torre, A; Manuel, E; Villar, C; García-Puig, J

1999-12-11

In the present study we evaluated the influence of the observer's status--physician or nurse--on blood pressure levels and the relationship among clinic blood pressure measurement with ambulatory blood pressure and left ventricle mass. Cross sectional study performed in seven primary care centers. Participating physicians and nurses were trained for blood pressure measurement prior to the study and subsequently retrained at 3 month intervals during the study. Patients included in the study were 122 subjects with mild to moderate hypertension who underwent the following study protocol: a) measurement of clinic blood pressure by physician and nurse, in an independent fashion, on 3 visits; b) clinic-epidemiologic questionnaire; c) conventional hematological and biochemical study; d) electrocardiogram; e) 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, f) M-mode and Doppler echocardiography (only in 58 subjects). Nurse-measured blood pressure levels were higher than those determined by physicians (mean differences: 3.9 [6.7] mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 2.6 [5.4] mmHg in diastolic blood pressure). The blood pressure level differences between the two observers were higher in female patients and subjects with low educational level, independently of the observer's gender. Nurse-measured blood pressure was more closely related to ambulatory blood pressure and left ventricle mass than physician-measured blood pressure. Nurse-measured blood pressure levels are lower than those determined by physicians and more closely related to ambulatory blood pressure and left ventricle mass than physician-measured blood pressure. These data support that nurses, instead of doctors, should routinely measure blood pressure in primary care centers.

Elevated blood pressure, race/ethnicity, and C-reactive protein levels in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Lande, Marc B; Pearson, Thomas A; Vermilion, Roger P; Auinger, Peggy; Fernandez, Isabel D

2008-12-01

Adult hypertension is independently associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels, after controlling for obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to determine, with a nationally representative sample of children, whether the relationship between elevated blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels may be evident before adulthood. Cross-sectional data for children 8 to 17 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2004 were analyzed. Bivariate analyses compared children with C-reactive protein levels of >3 mg/L versus or=95th percentile and 1.3% had diastolic blood pressure of >or=95th percentile. Children with C-reactive protein levels of >3 mg/L had higher systolic blood pressure, compared with children with C-reactive protein levels of or=95th percentile was independently associated with C-reactive protein levels in boys but not girls. Subset analyses according to race/ethnicity demonstrated that the independent association of elevated systolic blood pressure with C-reactive protein levels was largely limited to black boys. These data indicate that there is interplay between race/ethnicity, elevated systolic blood pressure, obesity, and inflammation in children, a finding that has potential implications for disparities in cardiovascular disease later in life.

Evaluation of the impact of noise metrics on tiltrotor aircraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sternfeld, H.; Spencer, R.; Ziegenbein, P.

1995-01-01

A subjective noise evaluation was conducted in which the test participants evaluated the annoyance of simulated sounds representative of future civil tiltrotor aircraft. The subjective responses were correlated with the noise metrics of A-weighted sound pressure level, overall sound pressure level, and perceived level. The results indicated that correlation between subjective response and A-weighted sound pressure level is considerably enhanced by combining it in a multiple regression with overall sound pressure level. As a single metric, perceived level correlated better than A-weighted sound pressure level due to greater emphasis on low frequency noise components. This latter finding was especially true for indoor noise where the mid and high frequency noise components are attenuated by typical building structure. Using the results of the subjective noise evaluation, the impact on tiltrotor aircraft design was also evaluated. While A-weighted sound pressure level can be reduced by reduction in tip speed, an increase in number of rotor blades is required to achieve significant reduction of low frequency noise as measured by overall sound pressure level. Additional research, however, is required to achieve comparable reductions in impulsive noise due to blade-vortex interaction, and also to achieve reduction in broad band noise.

Perioperative factors associated with pressure ulcer development after major surgery.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong Min; Lee, Hyunjeong; Ha, Taehoon; Na, Sungwon

2018-02-01

Postoperative pressure ulcers are important indicators of perioperative care quality, and are serious and expensive complications during critical care. This study aimed to identify perioperative risk factors for postoperative pressure ulcers. This retrospective case-control study evaluated 2,498 patients who underwent major surgery. Forty-three patients developed postoperative pressure ulcers and were matched to 86 control patients based on age, sex, surgery, and comorbidities. The pressure ulcer group had lower baseline hemoglobin and albumin levels, compared to the control group. The pressure ulcer group also had higher values for lactate levels, blood loss, and number of packed red blood cell ( p RBC) units. Univariate analysis revealed that pressure ulcer development was associated with preoperative hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, lactate levels, intraoperative blood loss, number of p RBC units, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Braden scale score, postoperative ventilator care, and patient restraint. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, only preoperative low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.82; P < 0.05) and high lactate levels (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07-2.71; P < 0.05) were independently associated with pressure ulcer development. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive power of the logistic regression model, and the area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79-0.97; P < 0.001). The present study revealed that preoperative low albumin levels and high lactate levels were significantly associated with pressure ulcer development after surgery.

[Breast feeding and systemic blood pressure in infants].

PubMed

Hernández-González, Martha A; Díaz-De-León, Luz V; Guízar-Mendoza, Juan M; Amador-Licona, Norma; Cipriano-González, Marisol; Díaz-Pérez, Raúl; Murillo-Ortiz, Blanca O; De-la-Roca-Chiapas, José María; Solorio-Meza, Sergio Eduardo

2012-01-01

Blood pressure levels in childhood influence these levels in adulthood, and breastfeeding has been considered such as a cardioprotective. We evaluated the association between blood pressure levels and feeding type in a group of infants. We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in term infants with appropriate weight at birth, to compare blood pressure levels in those children with exclusively breastfeeding, mixed-feeding and formula feeding. The comparison of groups was performed using ANOVA and multiple regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with mean arterial blood pressure levels. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. We included 20 men and 24 women per group. Infant Formula Feeding had higher current weight and weight gain compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure levels, as well as respiratory and heart rate were higher in the groups of exclusively formula feeding and mixed-feeding than in those with exclusively breastfeeding (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified that variables associated with mean blood pressure levels were current body mass index, weight gain and formula feeding. Infants in breastfeeding show lower blood pressure, BMI and weight gain.

[Study on relationship between prevalence or co-prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure level in adults in China].

PubMed

Chen, Z H; Zhang, M; Li, Y C; Zhao, Z P; Zhang, X; Huang, Z J; Li, C; Wang, L M

2018-05-10

Objective: To study the relationship between blood pressure level and major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adults in China. Methods: A total of 179 347 adults aged ≥18 years were recruited from 298 surveillance points in 31 provinces in China in 2013 through complex multistage stratified sampling. The survey included face to face interview and physical examination to collect information about risk factors, such as smoking, drinking, diet pattern, physical activity, overweight or obesity, and the prevalence of hypertension. The blood pressure was classified into 6 levels (ideal blood pressure, normal blood pressure, normal high blood pressure and hypertension phase Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ). The relationship between the prevalence or co-prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure was analyzed. Results: The adults with ideal blood pressure, normal blood pressure, normal high pressure, hypertension phase Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ accounted for 36.14 % , 22.77 % , 16.22 % , 16.43 % , 5.97 % and 2.48 % , respectively. Among them, the blood pressure was higher in men, people in Han ethnic group and those married, and the blood pressure was higher in those with older age, lower income level and lower education level, the differences were all significant ( P <0.05). Whether taking antihypertensive drug or not, co-prevalence of risk factors influenced the blood pressure levels of both sexes ( P <0.05), and the blood pressure levels of those taking no antihypertensive drug was influenced more by the co-prevalence of risk factors. Finally, multiple logistic analysis showed that the risks for high blood pressure in adults with 1, 2 and ≥3 risk factors were 1.36, 1.79 and 2.38 times higher, respectively, than that of the adults without risk factor. Conclusion: The more the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults, the higher their blood pressure were. It is necessary to conduct comprehensive behavior intervention targeting ≥ 2 risk factors for the better control of blood pressure in general population.

The effect of regional sea level atmospheric pressure on sea level variations at globally distributed tide gauge stations with long records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iz, H. Bâki

2018-05-01

This study provides additional information about the impact of atmospheric pressure on sea level variations. The observed regularity in sea level atmospheric pressure depends mainly on the latitude and verified to be dominantly random closer to the equator. It was demonstrated that almost all the annual and semiannual sea level variations at 27 globally distributed tide gauge stations can be attributed to the regional/local atmospheric forcing as an inverted barometric effect. Statistically significant non-linearities were detected in the regional atmospheric pressure series, which in turn impacted other sea level variations as compounders in tandem with the lunar nodal forcing, generating lunar sub-harmonics with multidecadal periods. It was shown that random component of regional atmospheric pressure tends to cluster at monthly intervals. The clusters are likely to be caused by the intraannual seasonal atmospheric temperature changes,which may also act as random beats in generating sub-harmonics observed in sea level changes as another mechanism. This study also affirmed that there are no statistically significant secular trends in the progression of regional atmospheric pressures, hence there was no contribution to the sea level trends during the 20th century by the atmospheric pressure.Meanwhile, the estimated nonuniform scale factors of the inverted barometer effects suggest that the sea level atmospheric pressure will bias the sea level trends inferred from satellite altimetry measurements if their impact is accounted for as corrections without proper scaling.

The oral health of upper income Americans.

PubMed

Bailit, Howard; Lim, Sungwoo; Ismail, Amid

2016-06-01

Limited information is available on the oral health status of upper income Americans (>400 percent of the FPL). They constitute 33 percent of the population and account for 53 percent of dental expenditures. Using 1999-2004 NHANES data, we examined differences in the mean number and percentage of decayed and filled permanent surfaces and missing teeth among age and family income groups. For upper income Americans, across age groups, the mean number of untreated decayed surfaces and missing teeth ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 and 2.6 to 3.3, respectively. The mean number of restored surfaces was low in children but extensive in adults. Income disparities increased with increasing age. Overall, upper income Americans have good oral health. Relatively few have untreated decayed surfaces or missing teeth. The reasons for the large number of restored surfaces in upper income adults require further research. Most upper income Americans are in good oral health, especially the 12-18 year cohort. As this group ages, the oral health of upper income adults is expected to improve. © 2015 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

USAF bioenvironmental noise data handbook. Volume 168: MB-3 tester, pressurized cabin leakage, aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, T. H.

1982-06-01

The MB-3 Tester is an electric motor-driven cabin leakage tester designed to furnish pressurized air to the aircraft at controlled pressures and temperatures during ground pressurization of aircraft cockpits and pressurized compartments. This report provides measured data defining the bioacoustic environments produced by this unit operating at a normal rated/load condition. Near-field data are reported for 37 locations in a wide variety of physical and psychoacoustic measures: overall and band sound pressure levels, C-weighted and A-weighted sound levels, preferred speech interference level, perceived noise level, and limiting times for total daily exposure of personnel with and without standard Air Force ear protectors.

Tissue interface pressure and skin integrity in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients.

PubMed

Grap, Mary Jo; Munro, Cindy L; Wetzel, Paul A; Schubert, Christine M; Pepperl, Anathea; Burk, Ruth S; Lucas, Valentina

2017-02-01

To describe tissue interface pressure, time spent above critical pressure levels and the effect on skin integrity at seven anatomical locations. Descriptive, longitudinal study in critically ill mechanically ventilated adults, from Surgical Trauma ICU-STICU; Medical Respiratory ICU-MRICU; Neuroscience ICU-NSICU in a Mid-Atlantic urban university medical centre. Subjects were enroled in the study within 24hours of intubation. Tissue interface pressure was measured continuously using the XSENSOR pressure mapping system (XSENSOR Technology Corporation, Calgary, Canada). Skin integrity was observed at all sites, twice daily, using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel staging system, for the first seven ICU days and at day 10 and 14. Of the 132 subjects, 90.9% had no observed changes in skin integrity. Maximum interface pressure was above 32mmHg virtually 100% of the time for the sacrum, left and right trochanter. At the 45mmHg level, the left and right trochanter had the greatest amount of time above this level (greater than 95% of the time), followed by the sacrum, left and right scapula, and the left and right heels. Similarly, at levels above 60mmHg, the same site order applied. For those six subjects with sacral skin integrity changes, maximum pressures were greater than 32mmHg 100% of the time. Four of the six sacral changes were associated with greater amounts of time above both 45mmHg and 60mmHg than the entire sample. Maximum tissue interface pressure was above critical levels for the majority of the documented periods, especially in the sacrum, although few changes in skin integrity were documented. Time spent above critical levels for mean pressures were considerably less compared to maximum pressures. Maximum pressures may have reflected pressure spikes, but the large amount of time above the critical pressure levels remains substantial. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tissue interface pressure and skin integrity in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients☆

PubMed Central

Grap, Mary Jo; Munro, Cindy L.; Wetzel, Paul A.; Schubert, Christine M.; Pepperl, Anathea; Burk, Ruth S.; Lucas, Valentina

2016-01-01

Summary Objective To describe tissue interface pressure, time spent above critical pressure levels and the effect on skin integrity at seven anatomical locations. Design, setting, patients Descriptive, longitudinal study in critically ill mechanically ventilated adults, from Surgical Trauma ICU-STICU; Medical Respiratory ICU-MRICU; Neuroscience ICU-NSICU in a Mid-Atlantic urban university medical centre. Subjects were enroled in the study within 24 hours of intubation. Measurements Tissue interface pressure was measured continuously using the XSENSOR pressure mapping system (XSENSOR Technology Corporation, Calgary, Canada). Skin integrity was observed at all sites, twice daily, using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel staging system, for the first seven ICU days and at day 10 and 14. Results Of the 132 subjects, 90.9% had no observed changes in skin integrity. Maximum interface pressure was above 32 mmHg virtually 100% of the time for the sacrum, left and right trochanter. At the 45 mmHg level, the left and right trochanter had the greatest amount of time above this level (greater than 95% of the time), followed by the sacrum, left and right scapula, and the left and right heels. Similarly, at levels above 60 mmHg, the same site order applied. For those six subjects with sacral skin integrity changes, maximum pressures were greater than 32 mmHg100% of the time. Four of the six sacral changes were associated with greater amounts of time above both 45 mmHg and 60 mmHg than the entire sample. Conclusions Maximum tissue interface pressure was above critical levels for the majority of the documented periods, especially in the sacrum, although few changes in skin integrity were documented. Time spent above critical levels for mean pressures were considerably less compared to maximum pressures. Maximum pressures may have reflected pressure spikes, but the large amount of time above the critical pressure levels remains substantial. PMID:27836262

Perioperative factors associated with pressure ulcer development after major surgery

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background Postoperative pressure ulcers are important indicators of perioperative care quality, and are serious and expensive complications during critical care. This study aimed to identify perioperative risk factors for postoperative pressure ulcers. Methods This retrospective case-control study evaluated 2,498 patients who underwent major surgery. Forty-three patients developed postoperative pressure ulcers and were matched to 86 control patients based on age, sex, surgery, and comorbidities. Results The pressure ulcer group had lower baseline hemoglobin and albumin levels, compared to the control group. The pressure ulcer group also had higher values for lactate levels, blood loss, and number of packed red blood cell (pRBC) units. Univariate analysis revealed that pressure ulcer development was associated with preoperative hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, lactate levels, intraoperative blood loss, number of pRBC units, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Braden scale score, postoperative ventilator care, and patient restraint. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, only preoperative low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.82; P < 0.05) and high lactate levels (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07–2.71; P < 0.05) were independently associated with pressure ulcer development. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive power of the logistic regression model, and the area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79–0.97; P < 0.001). Conclusions The present study revealed that preoperative low albumin levels and high lactate levels were significantly associated with pressure ulcer development after surgery. PMID:29441175

The incidence of pressure ulcer in patients on mechanical ventilation andeffects of selected risk factors on pressure ulcer development.

PubMed

Karayurt, Özgül; Akyol, Özay; Kılıçaslan, Necmiye; Akgün, Nuray; Sargın, Ümran; Kondakçı, Melike; Ekinci, Hanım; Sarı, Neslihan

2016-11-17

This study aimed to determine the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients on mechanical ventilation and selected risk factors likely to play a role in pressure ulcer development. The study included 110 patients recruited from an anesthesia critical care unit of a university hospital. Data were collected with a demographic and clinical characteristics form. The form was composed of questions about demographic characteristics and clinical features including diagnosis, duration of mechanical ventilation, general well-being, oxygenation, perfusion, and skin condition. The incidence of pressure ulcer was 15.5%. Duration of mechanical ventilation was longer and the body mass index was higher in patients developing pressure ulcers than in those without pressure ulcers. Additionally, 90.11% of patients with pressure ulcers had edema and 82.35% of patients with pressure ulcers received vasopressin. The patients with pressure ulcers had higher PH levels, lower PaO2 levels, higher PCO2 levels, lower SaO2 levels, and higher urine output. It can be recommended that nurses and other health professionals should be aware of factors playing a role in pressure ulcer development and should be able to conduct appropriate interventions to prevent pressure ulcers.

Extubation success in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome treated with bi-level nasal continuous positive airway pressure versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation.

PubMed

Thomas, Patricia E; LeFlore, Judy

2013-01-01

Infants born prematurely with respiratory distress syndrome are at high risk for complications from mechanical ventilation. Strategies are needed to minimize their days on the ventilator. The purpose of this study was to compare extubation success rates in infants treated with 2 different types of continuous positive airway pressure devices. A retrospective cohort study design was used. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records for patients in a large, metropolitan, level III neonatal intensive care unit. A sample of 194 premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome was selected, 124 of whom were treated with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and 70 with bi-level variable flow nasal continuous positive airway pressure (bi-level nasal continuous positive airway pressure). Infants in both groups had high extubation success rates (79% of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation group and 77% of bi-level nasal continuous positive airway pressure group). Although infants in the bi-level nasal continuous positive airway pressure group were extubated sooner, there was no difference in duration of oxygen therapy between the 2 groups. Promoting early extubation and extubation success is a vital strategy to reduce complications of mechanical ventilation that adversely affect premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Multi-bottle, no compressor, mean pressure control system for a Stirling engine

DOEpatents

Corey, John A.

1990-01-01

The invention relates to an apparatus for mean pressure control of a Stirling engine without the need for a compressor. The invention includes a multi-tank system in which there is at least one high pressure level tank and one low pressure level tank wherein gas flows through a maximum pressure and supply line from the engine to the high pressure tank when a first valve is opened until the maximum pressure of the engine drops below that of the high pressure tank opening an inlet regulator to permit gas flow from the engine to the low pressure tank. When gas flows toward the engine it flows through the minimum pressure supply line 2 when a second valve is opened from the low pressure tank until the tank reaches the engine's minimum pressure level at which time the outlet regulator opens permitting gas to be supplied from the high pressure tank to the engine. Check valves between the two tanks prevent any backflow of gas from occurring.

Specification of absorbed-sound power in the ear canal: Application to suppression of stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions

PubMed Central

Keefe, Douglas H.; Schairer, Kim S.

2011-01-01

An insert ear-canal probe including sound source and microphone can deliver a calibrated sound power level to the ear. The aural power absorbed is proportional to the product of mean-squared forward pressure, ear-canal area, and absorbance, in which the sound field is represented using forward (reverse) waves traveling toward (away from) the eardrum. Forward pressure is composed of incident pressure and its multiple internal reflections between eardrum and probe. Based on a database of measurements in normal-hearing adults from 0.22 to 8 kHz, the transfer-function level of forward relative to incident pressure is boosted below 0.7 kHz and within 4 dB above. The level of forward relative to total pressure is maximal close to 4 kHz with wide variability across ears. A spectrally flat incident-pressure level across frequency produces a nearly flat absorbed power level, in contrast to 19 dB changes in pressure level. Calibrating an ear-canal sound source based on absorbed power may be useful in audiological and research applications. Specifying the tip-to-tail level difference of the suppression tuning curve of stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions in terms of absorbed power reveals increased cochlear gain at 8 kHz relative to the level difference measured using total pressure. PMID:21361437

Complete annular and partial oblique pulley release for pediatric locked trigger thumb

PubMed Central

Kuo, Meiying

2010-01-01

Purpose To report the surgical treatment outcome of pediatric locked trigger thumb by sequential release of the annular pulley and partial release of the oblique pulley. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was undertaken on 28 operative thumbs in 24 patients with an average follow-up of 79 months. Intraoperative observations focused on the pathology of the pulley system. Surgical technique involved complete release of the annular pulley, which alone was insufficient in relieving the deformity, along with release of the proximal 50% of the oblique pulley in all patients. Postoperative parameters of bowstringing, resolution of Notta's node, thumb interphalangeal motion, and patient/parent satisfaction were assessed. Results The oblique pulley appeared stenotic, whereas the annular pulley was observed to be membranous and nearly indistinguishable from the tendon sheath. No patients had recurrence of thumb locking or triggering. No bowstringing was detected, and Notta’s node resolved fully in 19 of 20 thumbs. Five thumbs had an average of 12o less active IP joint motion without flexion contracture (i.e., less flexion). All patients or families expressed overall satisfaction with the procedure. Conclusion The annular pulley was attenuated in the majority of cases and the proximal half of the oblique pulley was stenotic in all patients. Releasing 50% of the oblique pulley after complete annular pulley release was necessary in all thumbs to achieve full FPL excursion. Mistaking the constricted proximal oblique pulley for an annular pulley may encourage releasing the entire oblique pulley, leading to an adverse result. Satisfactory outcome was achieved after surgical treatment of pediatric locked trigger thumbs. Type of Study/Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV. PMID:22131924

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: impact on the care of gynecologic oncology patients in the absence of Medicaid expansion in central Virginia.

PubMed

Courtney-Brooks, Madeleine; Pelkofski, Elizabeth B; Engelhard, Carolyn L; Duska, Linda R

2013-08-01

Many gynecologic oncology (GO) patients in Virginia are low income and their care is supplemented by Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funds. Our objective is to estimate how many new GO patients may lose access to care if the state forgoes Medicaid expansion. New patients referred to the GO service between July 1, 2010 and July 1, 2012 were identified. Data were collected regarding age, race, referral diagnosis, payor, and state pay scale. Pay scale 1 (PS1) is equal to the federal poverty level (FPL). Assumptions included the following: (1) pay scale is a surrogate for income, (2) PS1 patients will be ineligible for discounted insurance through the exchanges, and (3) decreasing DSH funds will result in a reduction of the free-care pool. There were 1623 referrals to the GO service and the majority (83%) was Caucasian. The payor distribution was 44% commercial insurance, 5.6% Medicaid, 31% Medicare, and 10.4% uninsured. Among the 361 women who were PS1, 32% were uninsured. Thirty percent of PS1 patients were minorities and 47.4% had a malignancy. Of note, 52% of new patients with cervical cancer were PS1. Seven percent of new GO patients are PS1 and uninsured. This population contains a disproportionate number of minorities and women with cancer. These women will have difficulty affording care as DSH funding decreases, particularly in states with lean Medicaid that opt out of Medicaid expansion. The burden of lack of access to care will be shouldered by an unfortunate few. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Growing massive black holes in a Local Group environment: the central supermassive, slowly sinking and ejected populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micic, Miroslav; Holley-Bockelmann, Kelly; Sigurdsson, Steinn

2011-06-01

We explore the growth of ≤107 M⊙ black holes that reside at the centres of spiral and field dwarf galaxies in a Local Group type of environment. We use merger trees from a cosmological N-body simulation known as Via Lactea 2 (VL-2) as a framework to test two merger-driven semi-analytic recipes for black hole growth that include dynamical friction, tidal stripping and gravitational wave recoil in over 20 000 merger tree realizations. First, we apply a Fundamental Plane limited (FPL) model to the growth of Sgr A*, which drives the central black hole to a maximum mass limited by the black hole Fundamental Plane after every merger. Next, we present a new model that allows for low-level prolonged gas accretion (PGA) during the merger. We find that both models can generate an Sgr A* mass black hole. We predict a population of massive black holes in local field dwarf galaxies - if the VL-2 simulation is representative of the growth of the Local Group, we predict up to 35 massive black holes (≤106 M⊙) in Local Group field dwarfs. We also predict that hundreds of ≤105 M⊙ black holes fail to merge, and instead populate the Milky Way halo, with the most massive of them at roughly the virial radius. In addition, we find that there may be hundreds of massive black holes ejected from their hosts into the nearby intergalactic medium due to gravitational wave recoil. We discuss how the black hole population in the Local Group field dwarfs may help to constrain the growth mechanism for Sgr A*.

A comparison of retraction pressure during anterior cervical plate surgery and cervical disc replacement: a cadaveric study.

PubMed

Tortolani, P Justin; Cunningham, Bryan W; Vigna, Franco; Hu, Nianbin; Zorn, Candace M; McAfee, Paul C

2006-07-01

Dysphagia is a well-recognized complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, observed in as high as 50% of cases by videofluoroscopic evaluation postoperatively. Esophageal injury due to surgical retraction is a complication due to which swallowing difficulties may ensue. There are limited published data evaluating the effect of soft tissue retraction on intraesophageal pressures during anterior cervical instrumentation procedures. The purpose of this study was to (a) measure the intraesophageal pressure secondary to retraction during anterior instrumentation, (b) determine whether any pressure differences exist between plating and cervical disc replacement, and (c) determine whether the surgical level or length of the plate influences the magnitude of intraesophageal pressure during retraction. An analysis of soft tissue retraction pressure was performed for anterior single-level and 3-level cervical plating and cervical disc replacement procedures. Using a 4-cm transverse incision, a Smith-Robinson anterior approach to the cervical spine was performed on 7 fresh, frozen cadavers. The correct placement of an esophageal pressure-transducing catheter was confirmed by laryngoscopy, manual palpation of the esophagus, and fluoroscopic imaging. Three surgical instrumentation groups were used for comparisons: (a) single-level plate (b) single-level Porous Coated Motion cervical disc replacement, and (c) 3-level plate. Hand-held appendiceal retractors were used to retract the soft tissues during screw insertion into the plate and during application of the disc prosthesis into the interspace. Care was taken to exert just enough force on the retractors to allow the surgeon to move the desired implant into the correct position. In addition the individual performing the retraction was blinded to the procedure being performed-1-level plating, 3-level plating, or disk replacement. Fluoroscopy confirmed that the pressure sensors were directly behind the retractors during data acquisition. Significantly greater intraesophageal pressures were demonstrated for single-level cervical plating at C5-6 compared to that at C3-4 (P=0.036). Similarly, significantly greater pressures were recorded at C5-6 versus C3-4 for the 3-level plating group (P<0.001). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in pressures observed during disk replacement at C5-6 compared to that at C3-4 (P=0.084). Significantly greater pressures were recorded during single-level plating compared to disc replacement at both C3-4 (P=0.016) and C5-6 (P=0.016). Three-level plating demonstrated significantly greater pressures at C5-6 compared to disk replacement (P<0.001) but no statistically significant difference compared to disk replacement at C3-4 (P=0.333). The highest mean pressure, 154.5+/-49.5 mm Hg, was recorded at C5-6 level during insertion of the 3-level plates. On the basis of the data presented here, anterior cervical plating results in significantly greater intraesophageal pressures when performed at C5-6 compared to C3-4. This holds regardless of whether the plate spans the distance from C3 to C6 (3-level plate) or the single C5-6 level. In addition, the insertion of the cervical disc replacement seems to require less esophageal retraction and hence reduced intraesophageal pressures when compared to anterior cervical plating.

Plasma apelin levels, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in a coastal Chinese population.

PubMed

Zhu, Pengli; Huang, Feng; Lin, Fan; Yuan, Yin; Chen, Falin; Li, Qiaowei

2013-11-01

To describe the relationship of plasma apelin levels with blood pressure in a coastal Chinese population. This cross-sectional study included a total of 1031 subjects from the coastal areas of China. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear trend test, Pearson's correlation analysis, as well as multivariate linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between plasma apelin levels and blood pressure. Plasma apelin levels dropped with increasing quartiles of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (all P<0.001). SBP, DBP, and MABP values decreased as the apelin levels increased within the quartiles. After adjusting for age and gender, the significant differences in SBP, DBP, and MABP between the groups within the apelin quartiles remained (all P<0.05). A significant negative correlation between SBP, DBP, as well as MABP and apelin levels was observed (all P<0.01); even after adjusting for cardiovascular confounding factors, this negative correlation remained (all P<0.001). A negative correlation between plasma apelin levels and blood pressure was found in this 1000-population-based epidemiological study. Apelin may become a potential therapeutic target of anti-hypertensive treatment.

Investigating Individual- and Area-Level Socioeconomic Gradients of Pulse Pressure among Normotensive and Hypertensive Participants

PubMed Central

Matricciani, Lisa A.; Paquet, Catherine; Howard, Natasha J.; Adams, Robert; Coffee, Neil T.; Taylor, Anne W.; Daniel, Mark

2013-01-01

Socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. Pulse pressure, the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, has been identified as an important predictor of cardiovascular risk even after accounting for absolute measures of blood pressure. However, little is known about the social determinants of pulse pressure. The aim of this study was to examine individual- and area-level socioeconomic gradients of pulse pressure in a sample of 2,789 Australian adults. Using data from the North West Adelaide Health Study we estimated the association between pulse pressure and three indices of socioeconomic status (education, income and employment status) at the area and individual level for hypertensive and normotensive participants, using Generalized Estimating Equations. In normotensive individuals, area-level education (estimate: −0.106; 95% CI: −0.172, −0.041) and individual-level income (estimate: −1.204; 95% CI: −2.357, −0.050) and employment status (estimate: −1.971; 95% CI: −2.894, −1.048) were significant predictors of pulse pressure, even after accounting for the use of medication and lifestyle behaviors. In hypertensive individuals, only individual-level measures of socioeconomic status were significant predictors of pulse pressure (education estimate: −2.618; 95% CI: −4.878, −0.357; income estimate: −1.683, 95% CI: −3.743, 0.377; employment estimate: −2.023; 95% CI: −3.721, −0.326). Further research is needed to better understand how individual- and area-level socioeconomic status influences pulse pressure in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. PMID:23380912

High sound pressure levels in Bavarian discotheques remain after introduction of voluntary agreements.

PubMed

Twardella, Dorothee; Wellhoefer, Andrea; Brix, Jutta; Fromme, Hermann

2008-01-01

While no legal rules or regulations exist in Germany, voluntary measures were introduced to achieve a reduction of sound pressure levels in discotheques to levels below 100 dB(A). To evaluate the current levels in Bavarian discotheques and to find out whether these voluntary measures ensured compliance with the recommended limits, sound pressure levels were measured in 20 Bavarian discotheques between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. With respect to the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for each 30-minute period (L Aeq,30min ), only 4/20 discotheques remained below the limit of 100 dB(A) in all time periods. Ten discotheques had sound pressure levels below 100 dB(A) for the total measurement period (L Aeq,180min ). None of the evaluated factors (weekday, size, estimated age of attendees, the use of voluntary measures such as participation of disc jockeys in a tutorial, or the availability of a sound level meter for the DJs) was significantly associated with the maximal L Aeq, 30min . Thus, the introduction of voluntary measures was not sufficient to ensure compliance with the recommended limits of sound pressure levels.

Blood pressure, excess weight and level of physical activity in students of a public university.

PubMed

Martins, Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e; Ricarte, Irapuá Ferreira; Rocha, Cláudio Henrique Lima; Maia, Rodrigo Batista; Silva, Vitor Brito da; Veras, André Bastos; Filho, Manoel Dias de Souza

2010-08-01

High blood pressure, excess weight and sedentary lifestyle are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and they are closely associated. To evaluate the nutritional status, level of physical activity and blood pressure levels of students of Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Brazil. Cross-sectional study with a sample of 605 students (46.1% males and 53.9% females), with a mean age of 21.7 ± 3.7 years. The nutritional status was classified according to body mass index (BMI), and central adiposity according to waist circumference (WC). The level of physical activity was evaluated using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Elevated blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 9.7%, and was higher among men. Excess weight (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)) was found in 18.2% of the students, with overweight and obesity rates of 15.2% and 3%, respectively. Abdominal obesity was found in 2.4% of the students regardless of gender, and sedentary lifestyle in 52%. The mean blood pressure increased with increasing BMI and WC. No association was found between the levels of physical activity and blood pressure. An association of increased body weight and waist circumference with higher blood pressure levels was observed among the participants. Instruments for an early assessment of the cardiovascular risk and preventive advice should be established for these young individuals.

[Features of diurnal profile of blood pressure in workers having serum aromatic hydrocarbons level].

PubMed

Baĭdina, A S; Safonova, M A; Alekseev, V B

2012-01-01

Features of diurnal profile of blood pressure in workers having serum level of benzol and ethylbenzene are high systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure during the day, index of systolic arterial pressure time and index diastolic arterial pressure time was also high. These features should be considered in anti-hypertensives prescription.

Temperature and pressure effects on capacitance probe cryogenic liquid level measurement accuracy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Lawrence G.; Haberbusch, Mark

1993-01-01

The inaccuracies of liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen level measurements by use of a coaxial capacitance probe were investigated as a function of fluid temperatures and pressures. Significant liquid level measurement errors were found to occur due to the changes in the fluids dielectric constants which develop over the operating temperature and pressure ranges of the cryogenic storage tanks. The level measurement inaccuracies can be reduced by using fluid dielectric correction factors based on measured fluid temperatures and pressures. The errors in the corrected liquid level measurements were estimated based on the reported calibration errors of the temperature and pressure measurement systems. Experimental liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) level measurements were obtained using the calibrated capacitance probe equations and also by the dielectric constant correction factor method. The liquid levels obtained by the capacitance probe for the two methods were compared with the liquid level estimated from the fluid temperature profiles. Results show that the dielectric constant corrected liquid levels agreed within 0.5 percent of the temperature profile estimated liquid level. The uncorrected dielectric constant capacitance liquid level measurements deviated from the temperature profile level by more than 5 percent. This paper identifies the magnitude of liquid level measurement error that can occur for LN2 and LH2 fluids due to temperature and pressure effects on the dielectric constants over the tank storage conditions from 5 to 40 psia. A method of reducing the level measurement errors by using dielectric constant correction factors based on fluid temperature and pressure measurements is derived. The improved accuracy by use of the correction factors is experimentally verified by comparing liquid levels derived from fluid temperature profiles.

Prediction of light aircraft interior sound pressure level using the room equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atwal, M.; Bernhard, R.

1984-01-01

The room equation is investigated for predicting interior sound level. The method makes use of an acoustic power balance, by equating net power flow into the cabin volume to power dissipated within the cabin using the room equation. The sound power level transmitted through the panels was calculated by multiplying the measured space averaged transmitted intensity for each panel by its surface area. The sound pressure level was obtained by summing the mean square sound pressures radiated from each panel. The data obtained supported the room equation model in predicting the cabin interior sound pressure level.

Effect of Fuel Injection and Mixing Characteristics on Pulse-Combustor Performance at High-Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yungster, Shaye; Paxson, Daniel E.; Perkins, Hugh D.

2014-01-01

Recent calculations of pulse-combustors operating at high-pressure conditions produced pressure gains significantly lower than those observed experimentally and computationally at atmospheric conditions. The factors limiting the pressure-gain at high-pressure conditions are identified, and the effects of fuel injection and air mixing characteristics on performance are investigated. New pulse-combustor configurations were developed, and the results show that by suitable changes to the combustor geometry, fuel injection scheme and valve dynamics the performance of the pulse-combustor operating at high-pressure conditions can be increased to levels comparable to those observed at atmospheric conditions. In addition, the new configurations can significantly reduce the levels of NOx emissions. One particular configuration resulted in extremely low levels of NO, producing an emission index much less than one, although at a lower pressure-gain. Calculations at representative cruise conditions demonstrated that pulse-combustors can achieve a high level of performance at such conditions.

Job strain and ambulatory work blood pressure in healthy young men and women.

PubMed

Light, K C; Turner, J R; Hinderliter, A L

1992-08-01

The effect of high job strain (defined as high psychological demands plus low decision latitude at work) on blood pressure was determined in 129 healthy, nonhypertensive men (n = 65) and women (n = 64). Blood pressure measures included mean screening levels obtained in a clinical environment, mean ambulatory levels from one 8-hour workday, and the change in levels from screening to mean work levels. In male workers, men with high and low job strain showed similar blood pressures at screening, but men with high job strain showed greater increases from screening to work, resulting in higher mean work blood pressure. Occupational status was unrelated to job strain or blood pressure in men. In female workers, women with high and low job strain did not differ in any measure of blood pressure; however, there were trends for higher occupational status and greater skill discretion to be associated with higher blood pressure responses at work in women.

Torsional ultrasonic wave based level measurement system

DOEpatents

Holcomb, David E [Oak Ridge, TN; Kisner, Roger A [Knoxville, TN

2012-07-10

A level measurement system suitable for use in a high temperature and pressure environment to measure the level of coolant fluid within the environment, the system including a volume of coolant fluid located in a coolant region of the high temperature and pressure environment and having a level therein; an ultrasonic waveguide blade that is positioned within the desired coolant region of the high temperature and pressure environment; a magnetostrictive electrical assembly located within the high temperature and pressure environment and configured to operate in the environment and cooperate with the waveguide blade to launch and receive ultrasonic waves; and an external signal processing system located outside of the high temperature and pressure environment and configured for communicating with the electrical assembly located within the high temperature and pressure environment.

Pressure ulcer healing promoted by adequate protein intake in rats

PubMed Central

Qin, Zhanfen; Wang, Yao; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Yanan; Tian, Yiqing; Sun, Sujuan; Li, Xian

2018-01-01

The effect of protein intake on rat pressure ulcer healing was evaluated. One hundred rats were numbered according to body weight and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=25) using the random number table. After rat models of stage II pressure ulcer were established, they were fed with feed containing different protein levels (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Healing time, pressure ulcer area, body weight, albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among groups were compared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to observe pressure ulcer tissue structure. In the healing process of pressure ulcer, rats with 20% protein intake had the shortest healing time and the smallest pressure ulcer area. Body weight, ALB and Hb levels were much closer to the normal level. H&E staining result also suggested that the pressure ulcer healing degree of rats with 20% protein intake was much better than the others. Adequate protein intake is therefore conducive to pressure ulcer healing, while excessive or insufficient protein intake has negative impact on healing. PMID:29731816

Pressure ulcer healing promoted by adequate protein intake in rats.

PubMed

Qin, Zhanfen; Wang, Yao; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Yanan; Tian, Yiqing; Sun, Sujuan; Li, Xian

2018-05-01

The effect of protein intake on rat pressure ulcer healing was evaluated. One hundred rats were numbered according to body weight and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=25) using the random number table. After rat models of stage II pressure ulcer were established, they were fed with feed containing different protein levels (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Healing time, pressure ulcer area, body weight, albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among groups were compared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to observe pressure ulcer tissue structure. In the healing process of pressure ulcer, rats with 20% protein intake had the shortest healing time and the smallest pressure ulcer area. Body weight, ALB and Hb levels were much closer to the normal level. H&E staining result also suggested that the pressure ulcer healing degree of rats with 20% protein intake was much better than the others. Adequate protein intake is therefore conducive to pressure ulcer healing, while excessive or insufficient protein intake has negative impact on healing.

Cardiovascular autonomic modulation and activity of carotid baroreceptors at altitude.

PubMed

Bernardi, L; Passino, C; Spadacini, G; Calciati, A; Robergs, R; Greene, R; Martignoni, E; Anand, I; Appenzeller, O

1998-11-01

1. To assess the effects of acute exposure to high altitude on baroreceptor function in man we evaluated the effects of baroreceptor activation on R-R interval and blood pressure control at high altitude. We measured the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components in R-R, non-invasive blood pressure and skin blood flow, and the effect of baroreceptor modulation by 0. 1-Hz sinusoidal neck suction. Ten healthy sea-level natives and three high-altitude native, long-term sea-level residents were evaluated at sea level, upon arrival at 4970 m and 1 week later.2. Compared with sea level, acute high altitude decreased R-R and increased blood pressure in all subjects [sea-level natives: R-R from 1002+/-45 to 775+/-57 ms, systolic blood pressure from 130+/-3 to 150+/-8 mmHg; high-altitude natives: R-R from 809+/-116 to 749+/-47 ms, systolic blood pressure from 110+/-12 to 125+/-11 mmHg (P<0.05 for all)]. One week later systolic blood pressure was similar to values at sea level in all subjects, whereas R-R remained elevated in sea-level natives. The low-frequency power in R-R and systolic blood pressure increased in sea-level natives [R-R-LF from 47+/-8 to 65+/-10% (P<0.05), systolic blood pressure-LF from 1.7+/-0. 3 to 2.6+/-0.4 ln-mmHg2 (P<0.05)], but not in high-altitude natives (R-R-LF from 32+/-13 to 38+/-19%, systolic blood pressure-LF from 1. 9+/-0.5 to 1.7+/-0.8 ln-mmHg2). The R-R-HF decreased in sea-level natives but not in high-altitude natives, and no changes occurred in systolic blood pressure-HF. These changes remained evident 1 week later. Skin blood flow variability and its spectral components decreased markedly at high altitude in sea-level natives but showed no changes in high-altitude natives. Neck suction significantly increased the R-R- and systolic blood pressure-LF in all subjects at both sea level and high altitude.3. High altitude induces sympathetic activation in sea-level natives which is partially counteracted by active baroreflex. Despite long-term acclimatization at sea level, high-altitude natives also maintain active baroreflex at high altitude but with lower sympathetic activation, indicating a persisting high-altitude adaptation which may be genetic or due to baroreflex activity not completely lost by at least 1 year's sea-level residence.

Heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula therapy: yet another way to deliver continuous positive airway pressure?

PubMed

Kubicka, Zuzanna J; Limauro, Joseph; Darnall, Robert A

2008-01-01

The goal was to estimate the level of delivered continuous positive airway pressure by measuring oral cavity pressure with the mouth closed in infants of various weights and ages treated with heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula at flow rates of 1-5 L/minute. We hypothesized that clinically relevant levels of continuous positive airway pressure would not be achieved if a nasal leak is maintained. After performing bench measurements and demonstrating that oral cavity pressure closely approximated levels of traditionally applied nasal continuous positive airway pressure, we successfully measured oral cavity pressure during heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment in 27 infants. Small (outer diameter: 0.2 cm) cannulae were used for all infants, and flow rates were left as ordered by providers. Bench measurements showed that, for any given leak size, there was a nearly linear relationship between flow rate and pressure. The highest pressure achieved was 4.5 cmH2O (flow rate: 8 L/minute; leak: 3 mm). In our study infants (postmenstrual age: 29.1-44.7 weeks; weight: 835-3735 g; flow rate: 1-5 L/minute), no pressure was generated with the mouth open at any flow rate. With the mouth closed, the oral cavity pressure was related to both flow rate and weight. For infants of < or = 1500 g, there was a linear relationship between flow rate and oral cavity pressure. Oral cavity pressure can estimate the level of continuous positive airway pressure. Continuous positive airway pressure generated with heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula treatment depends on the flow rate and weight. Only in the smallest infants with the highest flow rates, with the mouth fully closed, can clinically significant but unpredictable levels of continuous positive airway pressure be achieved. We conclude that heated, humidified high-flow nasal cannula should not be used as a replacement for delivering continuous positive airway pressure.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions upon ear canal pressurization.

PubMed

Zebian, Makram; Schirkonyer, Volker; Hensel, Johannes; Vollbort, Sven; Fedtke, Thomas; Janssen, Thomas

2013-04-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify the change in distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) level upon ear canal pressurization. DPOAEs were measured on 12 normal-hearing human subjects for ear canal static pressures between -200 and +200 daPa in (50 ± 5) daPa steps. A clear dependence of DPOAE levels on the pressure was observed, with levels being highest at the maximum compliance of the middle ear, and decreasing on average by 2.3 dB per 50 daPa for lower and higher pressures. Ear canal pressurization can serve as a tool for improving the detectability of DPOAEs in the case of middle-ear dysfunction.

Higher levels of spontaneous breathing reduce lung injury in experimental moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PubMed

Carvalho, Nadja C; Güldner, Andreas; Beda, Alessandro; Rentzsch, Ines; Uhlig, Christopher; Dittrich, Susanne; Spieth, Peter M; Wiedemann, Bärbel; Kasper, Michael; Koch, Thea; Richter, Torsten; Rocco, Patricia R; Pelosi, Paolo; de Abreu, Marcelo Gama

2014-11-01

To assess the effects of different levels of spontaneous breathing during biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation on lung function and injury in an experimental model of moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome. Multiple-arm randomized experimental study. University hospital research facility. Thirty-six juvenile pigs. Pigs were anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated. Moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome was induced by repetitive saline lung lavage. Biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation was conducted using the airway pressure release ventilation mode with an inspiratory/expiratory ratio of 1:1. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four levels of spontaneous breath in total minute ventilation (n = 9 per group, 6 hr each): 1) biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation, 0%; 2) biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation, > 0-30%; 3) biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation, > 30-60%, and 4) biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation, > 60%. The inspiratory effort measured by the esophageal pressure time product increased proportionally to the amount of spontaneous breath and was accompanied by improvements in oxygenation and respiratory system elastance. Compared with biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation of 0%, biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation more than 60% resulted in lowest venous admixture, as well as peak and mean airway and transpulmonary pressures, redistributed ventilation to dependent lung regions, reduced the cumulative diffuse alveolar damage score across lungs (median [interquartile range], 11 [3-40] vs 18 [2-69]; p < 0.05), and decreased the level of tumor necrosis factor-α in ventral lung tissue (median [interquartile range], 17.7 pg/mg [8.4-19.8] vs 34.5 pg/mg [29.9-42.7]; p < 0.05). Biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation more than 0-30% and more than 30-60% showed a less consistent pattern of improvement in lung function, inflammation, and damage compared with biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation more than 60%. In this model of moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome in pigs, biphasic positive airway pressure/airway pressure release ventilation with levels of spontaneous breath higher than usually seen in clinical practice, that is, more than 30% of total minute ventilation, reduced lung injury with improved respiratory function, as compared with protective controlled mechanical ventilation.

49 CFR 178.338-14 - Gauging devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... gauging devices, which accurately indicate the maximum permitted liquid level at the loading pressure, in... trycock line, or a differential pressure liquid level gauge must be used as the primary control for... filling. (2) The design pressure of each liquid level gauging device must be at least that of the tank. (3...

49 CFR 178.338-14 - Gauging devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... gauging devices, which accurately indicate the maximum permitted liquid level at the loading pressure, in... trycock line, or a differential pressure liquid level gauge must be used as the primary control for... filling. (2) The design pressure of each liquid level gauging device must be at least that of the tank. (3...

49 CFR 178.338-14 - Gauging devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... gauging devices, which accurately indicate the maximum permitted liquid level at the loading pressure, in... trycock line, or a differential pressure liquid level gauge must be used as the primary control for... filling. (2) The design pressure of each liquid level gauging device must be at least that of the tank. (3...

49 CFR 178.338-14 - Gauging devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... gauging devices, which accurately indicate the maximum permitted liquid level at the loading pressure, in... trycock line, or a differential pressure liquid level gauge must be used as the primary control for... filling. (2) The design pressure of each liquid level gauging device must be at least that of the tank. (3...

Work Status, Work Satisfaction, and Blood Pressure Among Married Black and White Women

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hauenstein, Louise S.; And Others

1977-01-01

This study examined blood pressure levels of married women in relation to such work-related variables as work load, satisfaction with work, reported strain, and evaluated performance. Differences in work load were unrelated to blood pressure levels. However, currently unemployed working women had lower levels. (Author)

Calculating far-field radiated sound pressure levels from NASTRAN output

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipman, R. R.

1986-01-01

FAFRAP is a computer program which calculates far field radiated sound pressure levels from quantities computed by a NASTRAN direct frequency response analysis of an arbitrarily shaped structure. Fluid loading on the structure can be computed directly by NASTRAN or an added-mass approximation to fluid loading on the structure can be used. Output from FAFRAP includes tables of radiated sound pressure levels and several types of graphic output. FAFRAP results for monopole and dipole sources compare closely with an explicit calculation of the radiated sound pressure level for those sources.

Pressure ulcer prevention knowledge among Jordanian nurses: a cross- sectional study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Pressure ulcer remains a significant problem in the healthcare system. In addition to the suffering it causes patients, it bears a growing financial burden. Although pressure ulcer prevention and care have improved in recent years, pressure ulcer still exists and occurs in both hospital and community settings. In Jordan, there are a handful of studies on pressure ulcer. This study aims to explore levels of knowledge and knowledge sources about pressure ulcer prevention, as well as barriers to implementing pressure ulcer prevention guidelines among Jordanian nurses. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design and a self-administered questionnaire, data was collected from 194 baccalaureate and master’s level staff nurses working in eight Jordanian hospitals. From September to October of 2011, their knowledge levels about pressure ulcer prevention and the sources of this knowledge were assessed, along with the barriers which reduce successful pressure ulcer care and prevention. ANOVA and t-test analysis were used to test the differences in nurses’ knowledge according to participants’ characteristics. Means, standard deviation, and frequencies were used to describe nurses’ knowledge levels, knowledge sources, and barriers to pressure ulcer prevention. Results The majority (73%, n = 141) of nurses had inadequate knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention. The mean scores of the test for all participants was 10.84 out of 26 (SD = 2.3, range = 5–17), with the lowest score in themes related to PU etiology, preventive measures to reduce amount of pressure/shear, and risk assessment. In-service training was the second source of education on pressure ulcer, coming after university training. Shortage of staff and lack of time were the most frequently cited barriers to carrying out pressure ulcer risk assessment, documentation, and prevention. Conclusions This study highlights concerns about Jordanian nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. The results of the current study showed inadequate knowledge among Jordanian nurses about pressure ulcer prevention based on National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel guidelines. Also, the low level of nurses’ pressure ulcer knowledge suggests poor dissemination of pressure ulcer knowledge in Jordan, a suggestion supported by the lack of relationship between years of experience and pressure ulcer knowledge. PMID:24565372

Blood pressure monitor with a position sensor for wrist placement to eliminate hydrostatic pressure effect on blood pressure measurement.

PubMed

Sato, Hironori; Koshimizu, Hiroshi; Yamashita, Shingo; Ogura, Toshihiko

2013-01-01

Accurate measurement of blood pressure at wrist requires the heart and wrist to be kept at the same level to avoid the effects of hydrostatic pressure. Although a blood pressure monitor with a position sensor that guides appropriate forearm angle without use of a chair and desk has already been proposed, a similar functioning device for measuring upper arm blood pressure with a chair and desk is needed. In this study, a calculation model was first used to explore design of such a system. The findings were then implemented into design of a new blood pressure monitor. Results of various methods were compared. The calculation model of the wrist level from arthrosis angles and interarticulars lengths was developed and considered using published anthropometric dimensions. It is compared with 33 volunteer persons' experimental results. The calculated difference of level was -4.1 to 7.9 (cm) with a fixed chair and desk. The experimental result was -3.0 to 5.5 (cm) at left wrist and -2.1 to 6.3(cm) at right wrist. The absolute difference level equals ±4.8 (mmHg) of blood pressure readings according to the calculated result. This meets the AAMI requirements for a blood pressure monitor. In the conclusion, the calculation model is able to effectively evaluate the difference between the heart and wrist level. Improving the method for maintaining wrist to heart level will improve wrist blood pressure measurement accuracy when also sitting in the chair at a desk. The leading angle of user's forearm using a position sensor is shown to work for this purpose.

Static pressure accelerates ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation via SREBP-1-mediated caveolin-1 downregulation in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

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

Luo, Di-xian, E-mail: luodixian_2@163.com; Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, College of Science and Technology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan; First People's Hospital of Chenzhou City, Chenzhou 423000, Hunan

Research highlights: {yields} Vertical static pressure accelerates ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. {yields} Static pressure induces SREBP-1 activation. {yields} Static pressure downregulates the expressions of caveolin-1 by activating SREBP-1. {yields} Static pressure also downregulates the transcription of ABCA1 by activating SREBP-1. {yields} Static pressure increases ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation by SREBP-1-mediated caveolin-1 downregulation in vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in vitro. -- Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of static pressure on cholesterol accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its mechanism. Methods: Rat-derived VSMC cell line A10 treated with 50 mg/L ox-LDL and different staticmore » pressures (0, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 mm Hg) in a custom-made pressure incubator for 48 h. Intracellular lipid droplets and lipid levels were assayed by oil red O staining and HPLC; The mRNA levels of caveolin-1 and ABCA1, the protein levels of caveolin-1 SREBP-1 and mature SREBP-1 were respectively detected by RT-PCR or western blot. ALLN, an inhibitor of SREBP metabolism, was used to elevate SREBP-1 protein level in VSMCs treated with static pressure. Results: Static pressures significantly not only increase intracellular lipid droplets in VSMCs, but also elevate cellular lipid content in a pressure-dependent manner. Intracellular free cholesterol (FC), cholesterol ester (CE), total cholesterol (TC) were respectively increased from 60.5 {+-} 2.8 mg/g, 31.8 {+-} 0.7 mg/g, 92.3 {+-} 2.1 mg/g at atmosphere pressure (ATM, 0 mm Hg) to 150.8 {+-} 9.4 mg/g, 235.9 {+-} 3.0 mg/g, 386.7 {+-} 6.4 mg/g at 180 mm Hg. At the same time, static pressures decrease the mRNA and protein levels of caveolin-1, and induce the activation and nuclear translocation of SREBP-1. ALLN increases the protein level of mature SREBP-1 and decreases caveolin-1 expression, so that cellular lipid levels were upregulated. Conclusion: Static pressures stimulate ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation in cultured VSMCs through decreasing caveolin-1 expression via inducing the maturation and nuclear translocation of SREBP-1.« less

Urinary Angiotensinogen Excretion Level Is Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure in the Normotensive General Population.

PubMed

Sato, Emiko; Wang, An Yi; Satoh, Michihiro; Nishikiori, Yoko; Oba-Yabana, Ikuko; Yoshida, Mai; Sato, Hiroshi; Ito, Sadayoshi; Hida, Wataru; Mori, Takefumi

2018-05-07

Inflammation, intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, oxidative stress, and carbonyl stress have been postulated to play a fundamental role in controlling blood pressure. However, little is known about the association among renal RAS activation, carbonyl stress, and blood pressure elevation. We evaluated the relationship between blood pressure elevation and either renal RAS activity or carbonyl stress in the general population (N = 355) in Japan. To minimize the effect of antihypertensive drug therapy, we divided participants into 3 groups (normotensive, hypertensive-with-non-medication, and hypertensive-with-medication). Intrarenal RAS activity and carbonyl stress were indicated by the urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) and carbonyl compound excretion levels, respectively. The urinary AGT and carbonyl compound excretion levels were significantly associated with blood pressure. Using a stepwise multiple regression analysis, we found that the urinary AGT excretion levels were strongly associated with blood pressure elevation, compared with inflammation, oxidative stress, and carbonyl stress markers, in all groups. Urinary carbonyl compound excretion was significantly associated with blood pressure in only the hypertensive-without-medication group. Furthermore, blood pressure was significantly increased in these participants, and both the urinary AGT and carbonyl compound levels were high. The urinary AGT excretion levels were strongly associated with elevated blood pressure in normotensive people, and inappropriate renal RAS activity and carbonyl stress independently contributed to the development of hypertension. These findings suggest that RAS activation, particularly renal RAS activation exert a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the general population.

The rotary subwoofer: a controllable infrasound source.

PubMed

Park, Joseph; Garcés, Milton; Thigpen, Bruce

2009-04-01

The rotary subwoofer is a novel acoustic transducer capable of projecting infrasonic signals at high sound pressure levels. The projector produces higher acoustic particle velocities than conventional transducers which translate into higher radiated sound pressure levels. This paper characterizes measured performance of a rotary subwoofer and presents a model to predict sound pressure levels.

Noise in a Laboratory Animal Facility from the Human and Mouse Perspectives

PubMed Central

Reynolds, Randall P; Kinard, Will L; Degraff, Jesse J; Leverage, Ned; Norton, John N

2010-01-01

The current study was performed to understand the level of sound produced by ventilated racks, animal transfer stations, and construction equipment that mice in ventilated cages hear relative to what humans would hear in the same environment. Although the ventilated rack and animal transfer station both produced sound pressure levels above the ambient level within the human hearing range, the sound pressure levels within the mouse hearing range did not increase above ambient noise from either noise source. When various types of construction equipment were used 3 ft from the ventilated rack, the sound pressure level within the mouse hearing range was increased but to a lesser degree for each implement than were the sound pressure levels within the human hearing range. At more distant locations within the animal facility, sound pressure levels from the large jackhammer within the mouse hearing range decreased much more rapidly than did those in the human hearing range, indicating that less of the sound is perceived by mice than by humans. The relatively high proportion of low-frequency sound produced by the shot blaster, used without the metal shot that it normally uses to clean concrete, increased the sound pressure level above the ambient level for humans but did not increase sound pressure levels above ambient noise for mice at locations greater than 3 ft from inside of the cage, where sound was measured. This study demonstrates that sound clearly audible to humans in the animal facility may be perceived to a lesser degree or not at all by mice, because of the frequency content of the sound. PMID:20858361

A common humoral background of intraocular and arterial blood pressure dysregulation.

PubMed

Skrzypecki, Janusz; Grabska-Liberek, Iwona; Przybek, Joanna; Ufnal, Marcin

2018-03-01

It has been postulated that intraocular pressure, an important glaucoma risk factor, correlates positively with arterial blood pressure (blood pressure). However, results of experimental and clinical studies are often contradictory. It is hypothesized that, in some hypertensive patients, disturbances in intraocular pressure regulation may depend on biological effects of blood borne hormones underlying a particular type of hypertension, rather than on blood pressure level itself. This review compares the effects of hormones on blood pressure and intraocular pressure, in order to identify a hormonal profile of hypertensive patients with an increased risk of intraocular pressure surge. The PUBMED database was searched to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the role of angiotensin II, vasopressin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, prostaglandins, and gaseous transmitters in the regulation of blood pressure and intraocular pressure. Studies included in the review suggest that intraocular and blood pressures often follow a different pattern of response to the same hormone. For example, vasopressin increases blood pressure, but decreases intraocular pressure. In contrast, high level of nitric oxide decreases blood pressure, but increases intraocular pressure. Arterial hypertension is associated with altered levels of blood borne hormones. Contradicting results of studies on the relationship between arterial hypertension and intraocular pressure might be partially explained by diverse effects of hormones on arterial and intraocular pressures. Further studies are needed to evaluate if hormonal profiling may help to identify glaucoma-prone patients.

The influence of low and high pressure levels during negative-pressure wound therapy on wound contraction and fluid evacuation.

PubMed

Borgquist, Ola; Ingemansson, Richard; Malmsjö, Malin

2011-02-01

Negative-pressure wound therapy promotes healing by drainage of excessive fluid and debris and by mechanical deformation of the wound. The most commonly used negative pressure, -125 mmHg, may cause pain and ischemia, and the pressure often needs to be reduced. The aim of the present study was to examine wound contraction and fluid removal at different levels of negative pressure. Peripheral wounds were created in 70-kg pigs. The immediate effects of negative-pressure wound therapy (-10 to -175 mmHg) on wound contraction and fluid removal were studied in eight pigs. The long-term effects on wound contraction were studied in eight additional pigs during 72 hours of negative-pressure wound therapy at -75 mmHg. Wound contraction and fluid removal increased gradually with increasing levels of negative pressure until reaching a steady state. Maximum wound contraction was observed at -75 mmHg. When negative-pressure wound therapy was discontinued, after 72 hours of therapy, the wound surface area was smaller than before therapy. Maximum wound fluid removal was observed at -125 mmHg. Negative-pressure wound therapy facilitates drainage of wound fluid and exudates and results in mechanical deformation of the wound edge tissue, which is known to stimulate granulation tissue formation. Maximum wound contraction is achieved already at -75 mmHg, and this may be a suitable pressure for most wounds. In wounds with large volumes of exudate, higher pressure levels may be needed for the initial treatment period.

Pediatric Blood Pressure and Adult Preclinical Markers of Cardiovascular Disease

PubMed Central

Magnussen, Costan G.; Smith, Kylie J.

2016-01-01

A high blood pressure level in adults is considered the single most important modifiable risk factor for global disease burden, especially those of cardiovascular (CV) origin such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. Because blood pressure levels have been shown to persist from childhood to adulthood, elevations in pediatric levels have been hypothesized to lead to increased CV burden in adulthood and, as such, might provide a window in the life course where primordial and primary prevention could be focused. In the absence of substantive data directly linking childhood blood pressure levels to overt adult CV disease, this review outlines the available literature that examines the association between pediatric blood pressure and adult preclinical markers of CV disease. PMID:27168729

Prediction of light aircraft interior sound pressure level from the measured sound power flowing in to the cabin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atwal, Mahabir S.; Heitman, Karen E.; Crocker, Malcolm J.

1986-01-01

The validity of the room equation of Crocker and Price (1982) for predicting the cabin interior sound pressure level was experimentally tested using a specially constructed setup for simultaneous measurements of transmitted sound intensity and interior sound pressure levels. Using measured values of the reverberation time and transmitted intensities, the equation was used to predict the space-averaged interior sound pressure level for three different fuselage conditions. The general agreement between the room equation and experimental test data is considered good enough for this equation to be used for preliminary design studies.

Cholecalciferol treatment to reduce blood pressure in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension: the VitDISH randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Witham, Miles D; Price, Rosemary J G; Struthers, Allan D; Donnan, Peter T; Messow, Claudia-Martina; Ford, Ian; McMurdo, Marion E T

2013-10-14

Observational data link low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to both prevalent blood pressure and incident hypertension. No clinical trial has yet examined the effect of vitamin D supplementation in isolated systolic hypertension, the most common pattern of hypertension in older people. To test whether high-dose, intermittent cholecalciferol supplementation lowers blood pressure in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Primary care clinics and hospital clinics. Patients 70 years and older with isolated systolic hypertension (supine systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg and supine diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels less than 30 ng/mL were randomized into the trial from June 1, 2009, through May 31, 2011. A total of 100,000 U of oral cholecalciferol or matching placebo every 3 months for 1 year. Difference in office blood pressure, 24-hour blood pressure, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, cholesterol level, insulin resistance, and b-type natriuretic peptide level during 12 months. A total of 159 participants were randomized (mean age, 77 years). Mean baseline office systolic blood pressure was 163/78 mm Hg. Mean baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 18 ng/mL. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels increased in the treatment group compared with the placebo group (+8 ng/mL at 1 year, P < .001). No significant treatment effect was seen for mean (95% CI) office blood pressure (−1 [−6 to 4]/−2 [−4 to 1] mm Hg at 3 months and 1 [−2 to 4]/0 [−2 to 2] mm Hg overall treatment effect). No significant treatment effect was evident for any of the secondary outcomes (24-hour blood pressure, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, cholesterol level, glucose level, and walking distance). There was no excess of adverse events in the treatment group, and the total number of falls was nonsignificantly lower in the group receiving vitamin D (36 vs 46, P = .24). Vitamin D supplementation did not improve blood pressure or markers of vascular health in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension. isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN92186858.

GSOD Based Daily Global Mean Surface Temperature and Mean Sea Level Air Pressure (1982-2011)

DOE Data Explorer

Xuan Shi, Dali Wang

2014-05-05

This data product contains all the gridded data set at 1/4 degree resolution in ASCII format. Both mean temperature and mean sea level air pressure data are available. It also contains the GSOD data (1982-2011) from NOAA site, contains station number, location, temperature and pressures (sea level and station level). The data package also contains information related to the data processing methods

Effect of external pressure environment on the internal noise level due to a source inside a cylindrical tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clevenson, S. A.; Roussos, L. A.

1984-01-01

A small cylindrical tank was used to study the effect on the noise environment within a tank of conditions of atmospheric (sea level) pressure or vacuum environments on the exterior. Experimentally determined absorption coefficients were used to calculate transmission loss, transmissibility coefficients and the sound pressure (noise) level differences in the interior. The noise level differences were also measured directly for the two exterior environments and compared to various analytical approximations with limited agreement. Trend study curves indicated that if the tank transmission loss is above 25 dB, the difference in interior noise level between the vacuum and ambient pressure conditions are less than 2 dB.

33 CFR 86.07 - Directional properties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... properties. The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall be not more than 4 dB below the sound... forward axis. The sound pressure level of the whistle in any other direction in the horizontal plane shall not be more than 10 dB less than the sound pressure level specified for the forward axis, so that the...

Reactive rise in blood pressure upon cuff inflation: cuff inflation at the arm causes a greater rise in pressure than at the wrist in hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Charmoy, Alexia; Würzner, Grégoire; Ruffieux, Christiane; Hasler, Christopher; Cachat, François; Waeber, Bernard; Burnier, Michel

2007-10-01

Cuff inflation at the arm is known to cause an instantaneous rise in blood pressure, which might be due to the discomfort of the procedure and might interfere with the precision of the blood pressure measurement. In this study, we compared the reactive rise in blood pressure induced by cuff inflation when the cuff was placed at the upper arm level and at the wrist. The reactive rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure to cuff inflation was measured in 34 normotensive participants and 34 hypertensive patients. Each participant was equipped with two cuffs, one around the right upper arm (OMRON HEM-CR19, 22-32 cm) and one around the right wrist (OMRON HEM-CS 19, 17-22 cm; Omron Health Care Europe BV, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands). The cuffs were inflated in a double random order (maximal cuff pressure and position of the cuff) with two maximal cuff pressures: 180 and 240 mmHg. The cuffs were linked to an oscillometric device (OMRON HEM 907; Omron Health Care). Simultaneously, blood pressure was measured continuously at the middle finger of the left hand using photoplethysmography. Three measurements were made at each level of blood pressure at the arm and at the wrist, and the sequence of measurements was randomized. In normotensive participants, no significant difference was observed in the reactive rise in blood pressure when the cuff was inflated either at the arm or at the wrist irrespective of the level of cuff inflation. Inflating a cuff at the arm, however, induced a significantly greater rise in blood pressure than inflating it at the wrist in hypertensive participants for both systolic and diastolic pressures (P<0.01), and at both levels of cuff inflation. The blood pressure response to cuff inflation was independent of baseline blood pressure. The results show that in hypertensive patients, cuff inflation at the wrist produces a smaller reactive rise in blood pressure. The difference between the arm and the wrist is independent of the patient's level of blood pressure.

The child-adolescent blood pressure study: I. Distribution of blood pressure levels in Seventh-Day-Adventist (SDA) and non-SDA children.

PubMed

Harris, R D; Phillips, R L; Williams, P M; Kuzma, J W; Fraser, G E

1981-12-01

Distribution of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (measured with an automated blood pressure recorder) of two large groups of children-3,159 from Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) schools and 4,681 from non-SDA schools-are reported. They boys and girls were from four different ethnic groups and attended grades one through 10 in 29 Southern California schools. The analysis of the data failed to show significant differences in mean blood pressure levels between the two groups of children at all ages, despite marked differences in life-style between the two groups, and despite the fact that adults from the two population groups have marked differences in mortality from diseases associated with elevated blood pressure. A comparison between boys and girls showed significantly higher trends in mean systolic blood pressure for boys after age 12. Inter-ethnic comparisons of blood pressure revealed that Black children of both sexes had slightly higher mean blood pressure levels at all ages.

The child-adolescent blood pressure study: I. Distribution of blood pressure levels in Seventh-Day-Adventist (SDA) and non-SDA children.

PubMed Central

Harris, R D; Phillips, R L; Williams, P M; Kuzma, J W; Fraser, G E

1981-01-01

Distribution of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (measured with an automated blood pressure recorder) of two large groups of children-3,159 from Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) schools and 4,681 from non-SDA schools-are reported. They boys and girls were from four different ethnic groups and attended grades one through 10 in 29 Southern California schools. The analysis of the data failed to show significant differences in mean blood pressure levels between the two groups of children at all ages, despite marked differences in life-style between the two groups, and despite the fact that adults from the two population groups have marked differences in mortality from diseases associated with elevated blood pressure. A comparison between boys and girls showed significantly higher trends in mean systolic blood pressure for boys after age 12. Inter-ethnic comparisons of blood pressure revealed that Black children of both sexes had slightly higher mean blood pressure levels at all ages. PMID:7315999

MP3 player listening sound pressure levels among 10 to 17 year old students.

PubMed

Keith, Stephen E; Michaud, David S; Feder, Katya; Haider, Ifaz; Marro, Leonora; Thompson, Emma; Marcoux, Andre M

2011-11-01

Using a manikin, equivalent free-field sound pressure level measurements were made from the portable digital audio players of 219 subjects, aged 10 to 17 years (93 males) at their typical and "worst-case" volume levels. Measurements were made in different classrooms with background sound pressure levels between 40 and 52 dBA. After correction for the transfer function of the ear, the median equivalent free field sound pressure levels and interquartile ranges (IQR) at typical and worst-case volume settings were 68 dBA (IQR = 15) and 76 dBA (IQR = 19), respectively. Self-reported mean daily use ranged from 0.014 to 12 h. When typical sound pressure levels were considered in combination with the average daily duration of use, the median noise exposure level, Lex, was 56 dBA (IQR = 18) and 3.2% of subjects were estimated to exceed the most protective occupational noise exposure level limit in Canada, i.e., 85 dBA Lex. Under worst-case listening conditions, 77.6% of the sample was estimated to listen to their device at combinations of sound pressure levels and average daily durations for which there is no known risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss, i.e., ≤  75 dBA Lex. Sources and magnitudes of measurement uncertainties are also discussed.

Pressure Switch Is a Low Cost Battery Indicator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abita, J. L.

1982-01-01

Conventional pressure switch, fabricated by printed-circuit manufacturing techniques, can indicate when charge on battery departs from preset level. Membrane on switch is exposed to internal pressure of battery, which varies according to stored charge. When pressure varies from preset level, switch can turn on a light-emitting diode or similar indicator to warn user that battery is low.

Thermodynamic models for bounding pressurant mass requirements of cryogenic tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandresar, Neil T.; Haberbusch, Mark S.

1994-01-01

Thermodynamic models have been formulated to predict lower and upper bounds for the mass of pressurant gas required to pressurize a cryogenic tank and then expel liquid from the tank. Limiting conditions are based on either thermal equilibrium or zero energy exchange between the pressurant gas and initial tank contents. The models are independent of gravity level and allow specification of autogenous or non-condensible pressurants. Partial liquid fill levels may be specified for initial and final conditions. Model predictions are shown to successfully bound results from limited normal-gravity tests with condensable and non-condensable pressurant gases. Representative maximum collapse factor maps are presented for liquid hydrogen to show the effects of initial and final fill level on the range of pressurant gas requirements. Maximum collapse factors occur for partial expulsions with large final liquid fill fractions.

Arctic Ocean Freshwater Content and Its Decadal Memory of Sea-Level Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Helen L.; Cornish, Sam B.; Kostov, Yavor; Beer, Emma; Lique, Camille

2018-05-01

Arctic freshwater content (FWC) has increased significantly over the last two decades, with potential future implications for the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation downstream. We investigate the relationship between Arctic FWC and atmospheric circulation in the control run of a coupled climate model. Multiple linear lagged regression is used to extract the response of total Arctic FWC to a hypothetical step increase in the principal components of sea-level pressure. The results demonstrate that the FWC adjusts on a decadal timescale, consistent with the idea that wind-driven ocean dynamics and eddies determine the response of Arctic Ocean circulation and properties to a change in surface forcing, as suggested by idealized models and theory. Convolving the response of FWC to a change in sea-level pressure with historical sea-level pressure variations reveals that the recent observed increase in Arctic FWC is related to natural variations in sea-level pressure.

Value and limitations of transpulmonary pressure calculations during intra-abdominal hypertension.

PubMed

Cortes-Puentes, Gustavo A; Gard, Kenneth E; Adams, Alexander B; Faltesek, Katherine A; Anderson, Christopher P; Dries, David J; Marini, John J

2013-08-01

To clarify the effect of progressively increasing intra-abdominal pressure on esophageal pressure, transpulmonary pressure, and functional residual capacity. Controlled application of increased intra-abdominal pressure at two positive end-expiratory pressure levels (1 and 10 cm H2O) in an anesthetized porcine model of controlled ventilation. Large animal laboratory of a university-affiliated hospital. Eleven deeply anesthetized swine (weight 46.2 ± 6.2 kg). Air-regulated intra-abdominal hypertension (0-25 mm Hg). Esophageal pressure, tidal compliance, bladder pressure, and end-expiratory lung aeration by gas dilution. Functional residual capacity was significantly reduced by increasing intra-abdominal pressure at both positive end-expiratory pressure levels (p ≤ 0.0001) without corresponding changes of end-expiratory esophageal pressure. Above intra-abdominal pressure 5 mm Hg, plateau airway pressure increased linearly by ~ 50% of the applied intra-abdominal pressure value, associated with commensurate changes of esophageal pressure. With tidal volume held constant, negligible changes occurred in transpulmonary pressure due to intra-abdominal pressure. Driving pressures calculated from airway pressures alone (plateau airway pressure--positive end-expiratory pressure) did not equate to those computed from transpulmonary pressure (tidal changes in transpulmonary pressure). Increasing positive end-expiratory pressure shifted the predominantly negative end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure at positive end-expiratory pressure 1 cm H2O (mean -3.5 ± 0.4 cm H2O) into the positive range at positive end-expiratory pressure 10 cm H2O (mean 0.58 ± 1.2 cm H2O). Despite its insensitivity to changes in functional residual capacity, measuring transpulmonary pressure may be helpful in explaining how different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure influence recruitment and collapse during tidal ventilation in the presence of increased intra-abdominal pressure and in calculating true transpulmonary driving pressure (tidal changes of transpulmonary pressure). Traditional interpretations of respiratory mechanics based on unmodified airway pressure were misleading regarding lung behavior in this setting.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on middle ear pressure.

PubMed

Lin, Fred Y; Gurgel, Richard K; Popelka, Gerald R; Capasso, Robson

2012-03-01

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea treatment, its effect on middle ear pressure is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of CPAP on middle ear pressure and describe the correlation between CPAP levels and middle ear pressures. Retrospective review of normal tympanometry values and a prospective cohort evaluation of subjects' tympanometric values while using CPAP at distinct pressure levels. A total of 3,066 tympanograms were evaluated to determine the normal range of middle ear pressures. Ten subjects with no known history of eustachian tube dysfunction or obstructive sleep apnea had standard tympanometry measurements while wearing a CPAP device. Measurements were taken at baseline and with CPAP air pressures of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H(2)O. The percentage of normal control patients with middle ear pressures above 40 daPa was 0.03%. In the study population, prior to a swallowing maneuver to open the eustachian tube, average middle ear pressures were 21.67 daPa, 22.63 daPa, 20.42, daPa, and 21.58 daPa with CPAP pressures of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H(2) 0, respectively. After swallowing, average middle ear air pressures were 18.83 daPa, 46.75 daPa, 82.17 daPa, and 129.17 daPa with CPAP pressures of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H(2)0, respectively. The postswallow Pearson correlation coefficient correlating CPAP and middle ear pressures was 0.783 (P < 0.001). Middle ear air pressure is directly proportional to CPAP air pressure in subjects with normal eustachian tube function. Middle ear pressure reaches supraphysiologic levels at even minimal CPAP levels. Although further investigation is necessary, there may be otologic implications for patients who are chronically CPAP dependent. These findings may also influence the perioperative practice of otologic and skull base surgeons. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Do Prophylactic Foam Dressings Reduce Heel Pressure Injuries?

PubMed

Ramundo, Janet; Pike, Catlin; Pittman, Joyce

The purpose of this evidence-based report card is to examine the evidence and provide recommendations related to the effectiveness of prophylactic foam dressings in reducing heel pressure injuries. Do prophylactic foam dressings applied to the heel reduce heel pressure injuries for patients in the acute care setting? A search of the literature was performed by a trained university librarian that resulted in 56 articles that examined pressure injury, prevention, and prophylactic dressings. A systematic approach was used to review titles, abstracts, and text, yielding 13 studies that met inclusion criteria. Strength of the evidence was rated based on the methodology from Essential Evidence Plus: Levels of Evidence and Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Thirteen studies were identified that met inclusion criteria; 1 was a randomized controlled trial, 2 were systematic reviews, 3 quasi-experimental cohort studies, 1 quality improvement study, 1 case series, 1 scoping review, 1 consensus panel, and 3 bench studies. All of the studies identified suggest that the use of prophylactic foam dressings reduces the development of pressure injuries on the heel when used in conjunction with a pressure injury prevention program. The strength of the evidence for the identified studies was level 1 (4 level A, 4 level B, and 5 level C). The use of prophylactic multilayer foam dressings applied to the heels, in conjunction with an evidence-based pressure injury prevention program, is recommended for prevention of pressure injuries on the heel (SORT level 1).

Can Population-Level Laterality Stem from Social Pressures? Evidence from Cheek Kissing in Humans

PubMed Central

Chapelain, Amandine; Pimbert, Pauline; Aube, Lydiane; Perrocheau, Océane; Debunne, Gilles; Bellido, Alain; Blois-Heulin, Catherine

2015-01-01

Despite extensive research, the origins and functions of behavioural laterality remain largely unclear. One of the most striking unresolved issues is the fact that laterality generally occurs at the population-level. Why would the majority of the individuals of a population exhibit the same laterality, while individual-level laterality would yet provide the advantages in terms of improving behavioural efficiency? Are social pressures the key factor? Can social pressures induce alignment of laterality between the individuals of a population? Can the effect of social pressures overpass the effect of other possible determining factors (e.g. genes)? We tested this important new hypothesis in humans, for the first time. We asked whether population-level laterality could stem from social pressures. Namely, we assessed social pressures on laterality in an interactive social behaviour: kissing on the cheek as a greeting. We performed observations in 10 cities of France. The observations took place in spots where people of the city meet and greet each other. We showed that: a) there is a population-level laterality for cheek kissing, with the majority of individuals being aligned in each city, and b) there is a variation between populations, with a laterality that depends on the city. These results were confirmed by our complementary data from questionnaires and internet surveys. These findings show that social pressures are involved in determining laterality. They demonstrate that population-level laterality can stem from social pressures. PMID:26270648

Can Population-Level Laterality Stem from Social Pressures? Evidence from Cheek Kissing in Humans.

PubMed

Chapelain, Amandine; Pimbert, Pauline; Aube, Lydiane; Perrocheau, Océane; Debunne, Gilles; Bellido, Alain; Blois-Heulin, Catherine

2015-01-01

Despite extensive research, the origins and functions of behavioural laterality remain largely unclear. One of the most striking unresolved issues is the fact that laterality generally occurs at the population-level. Why would the majority of the individuals of a population exhibit the same laterality, while individual-level laterality would yet provide the advantages in terms of improving behavioural efficiency? Are social pressures the key factor? Can social pressures induce alignment of laterality between the individuals of a population? Can the effect of social pressures overpass the effect of other possible determining factors (e.g. genes)? We tested this important new hypothesis in humans, for the first time. We asked whether population-level laterality could stem from social pressures. Namely, we assessed social pressures on laterality in an interactive social behaviour: kissing on the cheek as a greeting. We performed observations in 10 cities of France. The observations took place in spots where people of the city meet and greet each other. We showed that: a) there is a population-level laterality for cheek kissing, with the majority of individuals being aligned in each city, and b) there is a variation between populations, with a laterality that depends on the city. These results were confirmed by our complementary data from questionnaires and internet surveys. These findings show that social pressures are involved in determining laterality. They demonstrate that population-level laterality can stem from social pressures.

Level indicator for pressure vessels

DOEpatents

Not Available

1982-04-28

A liquid-level monitor for tracking the level of a coal slurry in a high-pressure vessel including a toroidal-shaped float with magnetically permeable bands thereon disposed within the vessel, two pairs of magnetic-field generators and detectors disposed outside the vessel adjacent the top and bottom thereof and magnetically coupled to the magnetically permeable bands on the float, and signal-processing circuitry for combining signals from the top and bottom detectors for generating a monotonically increasing analog control signal which is a function of liquid level. The control signal may be utilized to operate high-pressure control valves associated with processes in which the high-pressure vessel is used.

High pressure liquid level monitor

DOEpatents

Bean, Vern E.; Long, Frederick G.

1984-01-01

A liquid level monitor for tracking the level of a coal slurry in a high-pressure vessel including a toroidal-shaped float with magnetically permeable bands thereon disposed within the vessel, two pairs of magnetic field generators and detectors disposed outside the vessel adjacent the top and bottom thereof and magnetically coupled to the magnetically permeable bands on the float, and signal processing circuitry for combining signals from the top and bottom detectors for generating a monotonically increasing analog control signal which is a function of liquid level. The control signal may be utilized to operate high-pressure control valves associated with processes in which the high-pressure vessel is used.

Steady-State Plant Model to Predict Hydroden Levels in Power Plant Components

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

Glatzmaier, Greg C.; Cable, Robert; Newmarker, Marc

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Acciona Energy North America developed a full-plant steady-state computational model that estimates levels of hydrogen in parabolic trough power plant components. The model estimated dissolved hydrogen concentrations in the circulating heat transfer fluid (HTF), and corresponding partial pressures within each component. Additionally for collector field receivers, the model estimated hydrogen pressure in the receiver annuli. The model was developed to estimate long-term equilibrium hydrogen levels in power plant components, and to predict the benefit of hydrogen mitigation strategies for commercial power plants. Specifically, the model predicted reductions in hydrogen levels within the circulatingmore » HTF that result from purging hydrogen from the power plant expansion tanks at a specified target rate. Our model predicted hydrogen partial pressures from 8.3 mbar to 9.6 mbar in the power plant components when no mitigation treatment was employed at the expansion tanks. Hydrogen pressures in the receiver annuli were 8.3 to 8.4 mbar. When hydrogen partial pressure was reduced to 0.001 mbar in the expansion tanks, hydrogen pressures in the receiver annuli fell to a range of 0.001 mbar to 0.02 mbar. When hydrogen partial pressure was reduced to 0.3 mbar in the expansion tanks, hydrogen pressures in the receiver annuli fell to a range of 0.25 mbar to 0.28 mbar. Our results show that controlling hydrogen partial pressure in the expansion tanks allows us to reduce and maintain hydrogen pressures in the receiver annuli to any practical level.« less

Foot pressure analysis of gait pattern in older Japanese females requiring different personal care support levels.

PubMed

Takayanagi, Naoto; Sudo, Motoki; Fujii, Masahiko; Sakai, Hirokazu; Morimoto, Keiko; Tomisaki, Masumi; Niki, Yoshifumi; Tokimitsu, Ichiro

2018-03-01

[Purpose] This study evaluated gait parameters and foot pressure in two regions of the feet among older females with different personal care support needs to analyze factors that contribute to higher support requirements. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two older females were divided into support-need and care-need level groups. Gait parameters (speed, cadence, step length, step width, gait angle, toe angle, double support phase, swing phase, and stance phase) and foot pressure during a 5-m walk were measured and analyzed in the two groups. [Results] The percentage of the double support phase on both feet and the right stance phase were significantly higher in the care-need level group, while that of the right swing phase was significantly lower than that of the support-need level group. Additionally, the phase showing peak pressure on the left rear foot was significantly delayed and the left forefoot pressure in the terminal stance was significantly lower in the care-need level group than in the support-need level group. [Conclusion] These findings show that the temporal duration parameters and foot pressure on a particular side were significantly different between the two groups and suggest that these differences were associated with a higher care level.

Numerical simulation of large-scale ocean-atmosphere coupling and the ocean's role in climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gates, W. L.

1983-01-01

The problem of reducing model generated sigma coordinate data to pressure levels is considered. A mass consistent scheme for performing budget analyses is proposed, wherein variables interpolated to a given pressure level are weighted according to the mass between a nominal pressure level above and either a nominal pressure level below or the Earth's surface, whichever is closer. The method is applied to the atmospheric energy cycle as simulated by the OSU two level atmospheric general circulation model. The results are more realistic than sigma coordinate analyses with respect to eddy decomposition, and are in agreement with the sigma coordinate evaluation of the numerical energy sink. Comparison with less sophisticated budget schemes indicates superiority locally, but not globally.

STE/ICE (Simplified Test Equipment/Internal Combustion Engines) Design Guide for Vehicle Diagnostic Connector Assemblies

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

19 3.2 Diesel Engine Speed Transducer 20 3.3 Pressure Transducer 20 3.4 Temperature Transducer 22 3.5 Differential Pressure Switch 22 3.6 Differential... Pressure Switch , Multi-Point 22 3.7 Current Measurement Transducer 23 - 3.8 Electrolyte Level Probes 23 3.9 Diagnostic Connector 24 3.10 Harness...12258933 Differential Pressure Switch - Multi-point 12258934 K -. Differential Pressure Switch 12258938 Electrolyte Level Sensor 12258935 Shunt 1000

Water-level and wave measurements in the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, 2012 and 2013

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dickhudt, Patrick J.; Sherwood, Christopher R.; DeWitt, Nancy T.

2015-01-01

This report documents measurements of atmospheric pressure, water levels, and waves made by the U.S. Geological Survey in the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana, during 2012 and 2013 as part of the Barrier Island Evolution Research project. Simple, inexpensive pressure sensors mounted in shallow wells were buried in the beach and left for one hurricane season and one winter-storm season. Gauges with rapid-sampling pressure sensors that provided nondirectional wave data and water-level data were mounted on rugged mounts on the Chandeleur Sound side and at the base of a tower at the northern end of the island chain. Additionally, an atmospheric pressure sensor was mounted on the tower to provide a local atmospheric pressure measurement for correcting the submerged pressure records.

Gas pressure and electron density at the level of the active zone of hollow cathode arc discharges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minoo, M. H.

1984-01-01

A model for the longitudinal variations of the partial pressures of electrons, ions, and neutral particles is proposed as a result of an experimental study of pressure variations at the level of the active zone as a function of the various discharge parameters of a hollow cathode arc. The cathode region where the temperature passes through its maximum is called active zone. The proposed model embodies the very important variations which the partial electron and neutral particles pressures undergo at the level of the active zone.

Cardiovascular effects of anti-G suit inflation at 1 and 2 G.

PubMed

Montmerle, Stéphanie; Linnarsson, Dag

2005-06-01

We sought to determine to which pressure a full-coverage anti-G suit needs to be inflated in order to obtain the same stroke volume during a brief exposure to twice the normal gravity (2 G) as that at 1 G without anti-G suit inflation. Nine sitting subjects were studied at normal (1 G) and during 20 s of exposure to 2 G. They wore anti-G suits, which were inflated at both G-levels to the following target pressures: 0, 70, 140 and 210 mmHg. Stroke volume was computed from cardiac output, which was measured by rebreathing. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure at heart level were recorded. Inflation to 70 mmHg compensated for the decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output caused by hypergravity. Mean arterial pressure at heart level was comparable at 1 G and at 2 G and increased gradually and similarly with inflation (P<0.001) at both gravity levels. Thus, anti-G suits act by increasing both preload and afterload but the two effects counteract each other in terms of cardiac output, so that cardiac output at 2 G is maintained at its 1 G level. This effect is reached already at 70 mmHg of inflation. Greater inflation pressure further increases mean arterial pressure at heart level and compensates for the increased difference in hydrostatic pressure between heart and head in moderate hypergravity.

Effects of sound level fluctuations on annoyance caused by aircraft-flyover noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccurdy, D. A.

1979-01-01

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effects of variations in the rate and magnitude of sound level fluctuations on the annoyance caused by aircraft-flyover noise. The effects of tonal content, noise duration, and sound pressure level on annoyance were also studied. An aircraft-noise synthesis system was used to synthesize 32 aircraft-flyover noise stimuli representing the factorial combinations of 2 tone conditions, 2 noise durations, 2 sound pressure levels, 2 level fluctuation rates, and 2 level fluctuation magnitudes. Thirty-two test subjects made annoyance judgements on a total of 64 stimuli in a subjective listening test facility simulating an outdoor acoustic environment. Variations in the rate and magnitude of level fluctuations were found to have little, if any, effect on annoyance. Tonal content, noise duration, sound pressure level, and the interaction of tonal content with sound pressure level were found to affect the judged annoyance significantly. The addition of tone corrections and/or duration corrections significantly improved the annoyance prediction ability of noise rating scales.

Power control system for a hot gas engine

DOEpatents

Berntell, John O.

1986-01-01

A power control system for a hot gas engine of the type in which the power output is controlled by varying the mean pressure of the working gas charge in the engine has according to the present invention been provided with two working gas reservoirs at substantially different pressure levels. At working gas pressures below the lower of said levels the high pressure gas reservoir is cut out from the control system, and at higher pressures the low pressure gas reservoir is cut out from the system, thereby enabling a single one-stage compressor to handle gas within a wide pressure range at a low compression ratio.

Interpretation of changes in water level accompanying fault creep and implications for earthquake prediction.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wesson, R.L.

1981-01-01

Quantitative calculations for the effect of a fault creep event on observations of changes in water level in wells provide an approach to the tectonic interpretation of these phenomena. For the pore pressure field associated with an idealized creep event having an exponential displacement versus time curve, an analytic expression has been obtained in terms of exponential-integral functions. The pore pressure versus time curves for observation points near the fault are pulselike; a sharp pressure increase (or decrease, depending on the direction of propagation) is followed by more gradual decay to the normal level after the creep event. The time function of the water level change may be obtained by applying the filter - derived by A.G.Johnson and others to determine the influence of atmospheric pressure on water level - to the analytic pore pressure versus time curves. The resulting water level curves show a fairly rapid increase (or decrease) and then a very gradual return to normal. The results of this analytic model do not reproduce the steplike changes in water level observed by Johnson and others. If the procedure used to obtain the water level from the pore pressure is correct, these results suggest that steplike changes in water level are not produced by smoothly propagating creep events but by creep events that propagate discontinuously, by changes in the bulk properties of the region around the well, or by some other mechanism.-Author

Effect of dark chocolate on nitric oxide serum levels and blood pressure in prehypertension subjects.

PubMed

Sudarma, Verawati; Sukmaniah, Sri; Siregar, Parlindungan

2011-10-01

to investigate the effect of consumption of dark chocolate 30 g/day for fifteen days on Nitric oxide (NO) serum levels and blood pressure in male and female employees with prehypertension. the study was a parallel randomized clinical trial. A total of thirty-two subjects was divided into two groups using block randomization. Sixteen subjects received 30 g/day dark chocolate and dietary counseling (treatment group) and the other 16 subjects received white chocolate 25 g/day and dietary counseling (control group) for fifteen days. Data collected in this study consisted of age, physical activity, body massa index, intake of energy, intake of sodium, and intake of polyphenol, NO serum levels and blood pressure. The measurement of NO serum levels was done in pre- and after- treatment, while blood pressure was assessed in pre- , during- and after- treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test for normal distribution data and Mann-Whitney test for not normal distribution data, with the level of significancy of 5%. after 15 days treatment, NO serum level between treatment and control groups were significantly different 7.70 ± 3.84 vs 1.92(-0.79 ± 17.78) (p=0.001). Both groups had decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure was different significantly between groups after treatment 120.64 ± 8.47 vs 131.19 ± 7.45 (p=0.001), while diastolic blood pressure was not significant 74.14 ± 6.30 vs 77.44 ± 10.29 (p=0.308). in prehypertension subjects, dark chocolate 30 g/day increased NOx serum levels and decreased systolic blood pressure after 15 days of treatment.

Objective sea level pressure analysis for sparse data areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Druyan, L. M.

1972-01-01

A computer procedure was used to analyze the pressure distribution over the North Pacific Ocean for eleven synoptic times in February, 1967. Independent knowledge of the central pressures of lows is shown to reduce the analysis errors for very sparse data coverage. The application of planned remote sensing of sea-level wind speeds is shown to make a significant contribution to the quality of the analysis especially in the high gradient mid-latitudes and for sparse coverage of conventional observations (such as over Southern Hemisphere oceans). Uniform distribution of the available observations of sea-level pressure and wind velocity yields results far superior to those derived from a random distribution. A generalization of the results indicates that the average lower limit for analysis errors is between 2 and 2.5 mb based on the perfect specification of the magnitude of the sea-level pressure gradient from a known verification analysis. A less than perfect specification will derive from wind-pressure relationships applied to satellite observed wind speeds.

The Impact of Maturity Stage on Cell Membrane Integrity and Enzymatic Browning Reactions in High Pressure Processed Peaches (Prunus persica).

PubMed

Techakanon, Chukwan; Gradziel, Thomas M; Zhang, Lu; Barrett, Diane M

2016-09-28

Fruit maturity is an important factor associated with final product quality, and it may have an effect on the level of browning in peaches that are high pressure processed (HPP). Peaches from three different maturities, as determined by firmness (M1 = 50-55 N, M2 = 35-40 N, and M3 = 15-20 N), were subjected to pressure levels at 0.1, 200, and 400 MPa for 10 min. The damage from HPP treatment results in loss of fruit integrity and the development of browning during storage. Increasing pressure levels of HPP treatment resulted in greater damage, particularly in the more mature peaches, as determined by shifts in transverse relaxation time (T2) of the vacuolar component and by light microscopy. The discoloration of peach slices of different maturities processed at the same pressure was comparable, indicating that the effect of pressure level is greater than that of maturity in the development of browning.

Automated control of endotracheal tube cuff pressure during simulated flight.

PubMed

Blakeman, Thomas; Rodriquez, Dario; Woods, James; Cox, Daniel; Elterman, Joel; Branson, Richard

2016-11-01

Successful mechanical ventilation requires that the airway be controlled by an endotracheal tube (ETT) with an inflatable cuff to seal the airway. Aeromedical evacuation represents a unique challenge in which to manage ETT cuffs. We evaluated three methods of automatic ETT cuff pressure adjustment during changes in altitude in an altitude chamber. Size 7.5 and 8.0 mm ETTs that are currently included in the Critical Care Air Transport Team allowance standard were used for the evaluation. Three automatic cuff pressure controllers-Intellicuff, Hamilton Medical; Pyton, ARM Medical; and Cuff Sentry, Outcome Solutions-were used to manage cuff pressures. The fourth group had cuff pressure set at sea level without further adjustment. Each ETT was inserted into a tracheal model and taken to 8,000 feet and then to 16,000 feet at 2,500 ft/min. Baseline cuff pressure at sea level was approximately 25 cm H2O. Mean cuff pressure at both altitudes with both size ETTs was as follows: Control arm, 141 ± 64 cm H2O; Pyton, 25 ± 0.8 cm H2O; Cuff Sentry, 22 ± 0.3 cm H2O; and Intellicuff, 29 ± 6.6 cm H2O. The mean time that cuff pressure was >30 cm H2O using Intellicuff at both altitudes was 2.8 ± 0.8 minutes. Pressure differences from baseline in the control arm and with Intellicuff were statistically significant. Cuff pressure with the Cuff Sentry tended to be lower than indicated on the device. Mean cuff pressures were within the recommended range with all three devices. Intellicuff had difficulty regulating the cuff pressure initially with increases in altitude but was able to reduce the pressure to a safe level during the stabilization period at each altitude. The Pyton and Cuff Sentry allowed the least variation in pressure throughout the evaluation, although the Cuff Sentry set pressure was less than the actual pressure. Therapeutic study, level V.

Evaluation of physiological standard pressures of the forearm flexor muscles during sport specific ergometry in sport climbers

PubMed Central

Schoeffl, V; Klee, S; Strecker, W

2004-01-01

Background: Chronic exertional compartment syndromes (CECS) are well known in sports medicine. Most commonly affected is the tibialis anterior muscle compartment in runners and walkers. Only a few cases of CECS of the forearm flexor muscles have been reported. Objectives: To determine pressure levels inside the deep flexor compartment of the forearms during a sport specific stress test. Method: Ten healthy, high level climbers were enrolled in a prospective study. All underwent climbing specific ergometry, using a rotating climbing wall (step test, total climbing time 9–15 minutes). Pressure was measured using a slit catheter placed in the deep flexor compartment of the forearm. Pressure, blood lactate, and heart rate were recorded every three minutes and during recovery. Results: In all the subjects, physical exhaustion of the forearms defined the end point of the climbing ergometry. Blood lactate increased with physical stress, reaching a mean of 3.48 mmol/l. Compartment pressure was related to physical stress, exceeding 30 mm Hg in only three subjects. A critical pressure of more than 40 mm Hg was never observed. After the test, the pressure decreased to normal levels within three minutes in seven subjects. The three with higher pressure levels (>30 mm Hg) required a longer time to recover. Conclusions: For further clinical and therapeutic consequences, an algorithm was derived. Basic pressure below 15 mm Hg and stress pressure below 30 mm Hg as well as pressures during the 15 minute recovery period below 15 mm Hg are physiological. Pressures of 15–30 mm Hg during recovery suggest high risk of CECS, and pressures above 30 mm Hg confirm CECS. PMID:15273176

Laboratory evaluation of the pressure water level data logger manufactured by Infinities USA, Inc.: results of pressure and temperature tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carnley, Mark V.

2015-01-01

The Pressure Water Level Data Logger manufactured by Infinities USA, Inc., was evaluated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility for conformance with the manufacturer’s stated accuracy specifications for measuring pressure throughout the device’s operating temperature range and with the USGS accuracy requirements for water-level measurements. The Pressure Water Level Data Logger (Infinities Logger) is a submersible, sealed, water-level sensing device with an operating pressure range of 0 to 11.5 feet of water over a temperature range of −18 to 49 degrees Celsius. For the pressure range tested, the manufacturer’s accuracy specification of 0.1 percent of full scale pressure equals an accuracy of ±0.138 inch of water. Three Infinities Loggers were evaluated, and the testing procedures followed and results obtained are described in this report. On the basis of the test results, the device is poorly compensated for temperature. For the three Infinities Loggers, the mean pressure differences varied from –4.04 to 5.32 inches of water and were not within the manufacturer’s accuracy specification for pressure measurements made within the temperature-compensated range. The device did not meet the manufacturer’s stated accuracy specifications for pressure within its temperature-compensated operating range of –18 to 49 degrees Celsius or the USGS accuracy requirements of no more than 0.12 inch of water (0.01 foot of water) or 0.10 percent of reading, whichever is larger. The USGS accuracy requirements are routinely examined and reported when instruments are evaluated at the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. The estimated combined measurement uncertainty for the pressure cycling test was ±0.139 inch of water, and for temperature, the cycling test was ±0.127 inch of water for the three Infinities Loggers.

Effects of blood pressure on the prothrombotic risk in 1235 patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation

PubMed Central

Varughese, George I; Patel, Jeetesh V; Tomson, Joseph; Lip, Gregory Y H

2007-01-01

Background Increased levels of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf, an index of endothelial damage/dysfunction) and soluble P‐selectin (sP‐sel, an index of platelet activation) concentrations have been reported as indices of the prothrombotic state in both non‐valvular atrial fibrillation and hypertension separately. However, the effect of hypertension on the levels of these indices in the setting of atrial fibrillation, and whether increasing severity of hypertension presents an additive prothrombotic risk, is unclear. Methods Plasma concentrations of vWf and sP‐sel were measured by ELISA in 1235 patients with atrial fibrillation, and levels related to a history of hypertension and rising quartiles of systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure in those with and without diabetes mellitus and prior vascular events. Results Mean plasma vWf was higher among patients with atrial fibrillation with a history of hypertension (149 vs 145 IU/dl, p = 0.005). Also, an increase in the levels of vWf with increasing quartiles of pulse pressure (p = 0.042) was noticed. However, on multivariate analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, the effects of both hypertension and pulse pressure became non‐significant (p = 0.261 and p = 0.5, respectively). Levels of sP‐sel were unaffected by a history of hypertension and rising quartiles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or pulse pressure. Conclusion Among patients with atrial fibrillation, patients with hypertension have higher vWf levels, indicating endothelial damage/dysfunction, which is associated with increasing pulse pressure. However, these associations are probably owing to the presence of other associated cardiovascular disease, rather than hypertension itself. Furthermore, platelet activation (sP‐sel) was unrelated to hypertension or blood pressure in this atrial fibrillation cohort. Hypertension or blood pressure levels do not seem to have an independent additive affect on the prothrombotic state in atrial fibrillation. PMID:17005711

Pressure breathing in fighter aircraft for G accelerations and loss of cabin pressurization at altitude--a brief review.

PubMed

Lauritzsen, Lars P; Pfitzner, John

2003-04-01

The purpose of this brief review is to outline the past and present use of pressure breathing, not by patients but by fighter pilots. Of the historical and recent references quoted, most are from aviation-medicine journals that are not often readily available to anesthesiologists. Pressure breathing at moderate levels of airway pressure gave World War II fighter pilots a tactical altitude advantage. With today's fast and highly maneuverable jet fighters, very much higher airway pressures of the order of 8.0 kPa (identical with 60 mmHg) are used. They are used in conjunction with a counterpressure thoracic vest and an anti-G suit for the abdomen and lower body. Pressurization is activated automatically in response to +Gz accelerations, and to a potentially catastrophic loss of cabin pressurization at altitude. During +Gz accelerations, pressure breathing has been shown to maintain cerebral perfusion by raising the systemic arterial pressure, so increasing the level of G-tolerance that is afforded by the use of anti-G suits and seat tilt-back angles alone. This leaves the pilot less reliant on rigorous, and potentially distracting, straining maneuvers. With loss of cabin pressurization at altitude, pressure breathing of 100% oxygen at high airway pressures enables the pilot's alveolar PO(2) to be maintained at a safe level during emergency descent. Introduced in military aviation, pressure breathing for G-tolerance and pressure breathing for altitude presented as concepts that may be of general physiological interest to many anesthesiologists.

The shouted voice: A pilot study of laryngeal physiology under extreme aerodynamic pressure.

PubMed

Lagier, Aude; Legou, Thierry; Galant, Camille; Amy de La Bretèque, Benoit; Meynadier, Yohann; Giovanni, Antoine

2017-12-01

The objective was to study the behavior of the larynx during shouted voice production, when the larynx is exposed to extremely high subglottic pressure. The study involved electroglottographic, acoustic, and aerodynamic analyses of shouts produced at maximum effort by three male participants. Under a normal speaking voice, the voice sound pressure level (SPL) is proportional to the subglottic pressure. However, when the subglottic pressure reached high levels, the voice SPL reached a maximum value and then decreased as subglottic pressure increased further. Furthermore, the electroglottographic signal sometimes lost its periodicity during the shout, suggesting irregular vocal fold vibration.

A novel marker in pregnant with preeclampsia: renalase.

PubMed

Yılmaz, Zehra Vural; Akkaş, Elif; Yıldırım, Tolga; Yılmaz, Rahmi; Erdem, Yunus

2017-04-01

Preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in high blood pressure and decrease in GFR and proteinuria, however, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Renalase is a recently discovered protein implicated in regulation of blood pressure in humans. Plasma concentrations of serum renalase were measured in healthy controls, healthy pregnant and pregnant with preeclampsia matched for age, gestational age, in the third trimester of pregnancy. Serum renalase levels were compared in pregnant with and without preeclampsia and non-pregnant controls. Factors associated with serum renalase levels in pregnancies were also evaluated. In healthy pregnant serum renalase levels were significantly higher than in controls. However, pregnant with preeclampsia had lower renalase levels than healthy controls. Serum renalase levels were inversely associated with blood pressure levels and positively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. The results indicated that the development of preeclampsia in pregnant is accompanied by altered serum renalase levels. High blood pressure and kidney damage that characterize this disorder are mediated at least in part by low renalase levels.

High pressure processing's potential to inactivate norovirus and other fooodborne viruses

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

High pressure processing (HPP) can inactivate human norovirus. However, all viruses are not equally susceptible to HPP. Pressure treatment parameters such as required pressure levels, initial pressurization temperatures, and pressurization times substantially affect inactivation. How food matrix ...

Application of a methodology for categorizing and differentiating urban soundscapes using acoustical descriptors and semantic-differential attributes.

PubMed

Torija, Antonio J; Ruiz, Diego P; Ramos-Ridao, A F

2013-07-01

A subjective and physical categorization of an ambient sound is the first step to evaluate the soundscape and provides a basis for designing or adapting this ambient sound to match people's expectations. For this reason, the main goal of this work is to develop a categorization and differentiation analysis of soundscapes on the basis of acoustical and perceptual variables. A hierarchical cluster analysis, using 15 semantic-differential attributes and acoustical descriptors to include an equivalent sound-pressure level, maximum-minimum sound-pressure level, impulsiveness of the sound-pressure level, sound-pressure level time course, and spectral composition, was conducted to classify soundscapes into different typologies. This analysis identified 15 different soundscape typologies. Furthermore, based on a discriminant analysis the acoustical descriptors, the crest factor (impulsiveness of the sound-pressure level), and the sound level at 125 Hz were found to be the acoustical variables with the highest impact in the differentiation of the recognized types of soundscapes. Finally, to determine how the different soundscape typologies differed from each other, both subjectively and acoustically, a study was performed.

A Sound Pressure-level Meter Without Amplification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stowell, E Z

1937-01-01

The N.A.C.A. has developed a simple pressure-level meter for the measurement of sound-pressure levels above 70 db. The instrument employs a carbon microphone but has no amplification. The source of power is five flashlight batteries. Measurements may be made up to the threshold of feeling with an accuracy of plus or minus 2 db; band analysis of complex spectra may be made if desired.

[Blood pressure was associated with body mass but no with pre- and postnatal growth in Mexican school-children].

PubMed

Cruz Angeles, Laura Isabel; Ortiz-Hernández, Luis

2006-01-01

1) To know the prevalence of malnourishment and high values of arterial blood pressure in schoolchildren of Xochimilco county, Mexico. 2) To analyze the association of pre- and postnatal growth and the body mass with high values of blood pressure. It is a cross-sectional, observational and analytic study. During the elective year 2003-2004, 972 students of Xochimilco county was studied. The independent variables was age, sex, intrauterine and infant growth, body mass, body fat and socioeconomic status. It was assessed the relationship between the independent variables and the values of blood pressure by a logistic regression model. The indicators of intrauterine (birth weight and length) and infantile (head circumference and height-for-age index) growth were not associated with the high levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After adjusted other variables, women had more risk to show high levels of systolic blood pressure, as the overweight children had more risk to show high blood pressure systolic and diastolic levels. In the students the overweight and obesity increase the probability to show high blood pressure values therefore it is necessary to implement programs to promote an adequate nutritional status. In this study was not observed empiric support to the Barker hypothesis according to the intrauterine and infantile growth could have negative effects in the blood pressure levels.

[Features of arterial blood pressure in elderly persons of different ethnic groups in Yakutsk].

PubMed

Nikitin, Iu P; Tatarinova, O V; Neustroeva, V N; Shcherbakova, L V; Sidorov, A S

2013-01-01

The differences in arterial blood pressure in the sample of population in the age of 60 and older of different ethnic groups in Yakutsk, as well as its connection with the other cardiovascular diseases risk factors have been analyzed. It was shown that the average values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subsample of the Yakuts appeared to be lower than in Caucasoid gerontic persons. The average values of systolic arterial blood pressure both in the Yakuts and in the Caucasoids were detected higher than normal values in all age-dependent subgroups. The average values of diastolic blood pressure in both ethnic groups were within the limits of high normal level. From 60 to 90 years and older the decrease in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure was detected; it was more marked in Caucasoid gerontic persons. The average values of pulse pressure in the Yakuts and in the Caucasoids appeared to be higher than the existing standard and didn't have any differences in ethnic groups. In both ethnical subsamples, pulse pressure values increase was observed in persons of 60-89 years old and its decrease after 90. Persons with overweight, obesity, central (abdominal) obesity, dyslypoproteidemias irrespective of belonging to ethnical group were characterized as having higher levels of arterial blood pressure. Statistically significant differences in the levels of arterial blood pressure in the Yakuts and in the Caucasoids depending on hyperglycemia, smoking, the presence of burdened anamnesis, educational level, marital status was not detected.

High phosphate diet increases arterial blood pressure via a parathyroid hormone mediated increase of renin.

PubMed

Bozic, Milica; Panizo, Sara; Sevilla, Maria A; Riera, Marta; Soler, Maria J; Pascual, Julio; Lopez, Ignacio; Freixenet, Montserrat; Fernandez, Elvira; Valdivielso, Jose M

2014-09-01

There is growing evidence suggesting that phosphate intake is associated with blood pressure levels. However, data from epidemiological studies show inconsistent results. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of high circulating phosphorus on arterial blood pressure of healthy rats and to elucidate the potential mechanism that stands behind this effect. Animals fed a high phosphate diet for 4 weeks showed an increase in blood pressure, which returned to normal values after the addition of a phosphate binder (lanthanum carbonate) to the diet. The expression of renin in the kidney was higher, alongside an increase in plasma renin activity, angiotensin II (Ang II) levels and left ventricular hypertrophy. The addition of the phosphate binder blunted the increase in renin and Ang II levels. The levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also higher in animals fed a high phosphate diet, and decreased when the phosphate binder was present in the diet. However, blood P levels remained elevated. A second group of rats underwent parathyroidectomy and received a continuous infusion of physiological levels of PTH through an implanted mini-osmotic pump. Animals fed a high phosphate diet with continuous infusion of PTH did not show an increase in blood pressure, although blood P levels were elevated. Finally, unlike with verapamil, the addition of losartan to the drinking water reverted the increase in blood pressure in rats fed a high phosphate diet. The results of this study suggest that a high phosphate diet increases arterial blood pressure through an increase in renin mediated by PTH.

Diabetes, obesity and non-optimum blood pressure levels in a group of employees of the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, 2003.

PubMed

Disdier-Flores, Orville M; Rodríguez-Lugo, Luis A

2005-06-01

To estimate the proportion of diabetes, obesity and non-optimum blood pressure levels in a group of employees of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus that participated in a diabetes health fair at the "Centro de Diabetes para Puerto Rico". A total of 113 participants of the diabetes health fair completed a questionnaire to obtain demographic characteristics and the frequency of self-reported diabetes. The nursing staff examined the participants in order to obtain the following clinical characteristics: body mass index, blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The proportion of self-reported diabetes, obesity (> or = 30 kg/m2) and non-optimum blood pressure levels (systolic > or = 20 mm/Hg or diastolic > or = 80 mm/Hg) were 15.4% (95% CI: 8.5% - 25.7%), 80.0% (95% CI: 70.8%-86.9%) and 70.5% (95% CI: 61.1%-78.6%), respectively. Although it was not statistically significant, diabetes was higher among females (15.4%) compared to males (12.0%). All participants with self-reported diabetes were overweight or obese, and 91.7% showed non-optimum blood pressure levels. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between blood pressure levels and body mass index (r = 0.3). The percentage of persons with diabetes, obesity, and non-optimum blood pressure levels in this sample of Medical Sciences Campus employees underscores the need for confirming these results in a larger study and developing strategies focused on reducing health risks in this population.

Blood pressure prevalences and levels for a multicultural population in Auckland, New Zealand: results from the Diabetes, Heart and Health Survey 2002/2003.

PubMed

Gentles, Dudley; Metcalf, Patricia; Dyall, Lorna; Scragg, Robert; Black, Peter; Schaaf, David; Sundborn, Gerhard; Jackson, Rod

2006-11-17

To estimate ethnic-specific raised blood pressure (RBP) prevalences, blood pressure levels, and associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the Auckland region. A cross-sectional survey of adults aged between 35-74 years in the Auckland region. There were 1006 Maori, 996 Pacific people (mostly of Samoan, Tongan, Niuean, or Cook Islands origin), and 2021 Others (mainly Europeans). Approximately 1 in 3 Maori and Pacific people had RBP (defined arbitrarily as greater than and equal to 140/90 mmHg or on blood pressure-lowering treatment), compared to 1 in 5 Others. The prevalences of RBP (adjusted for age and gender) were: Maori 37%, Pacific people 38%, and Others 22%. Maori and Pacific people had higher average systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels than Others (adjusted for age and gender). This difference became non-significant when adjusted for body mass index (BMI). SBP was (on average) higher for: male gender, increased age, increased BMI, no tertiary education, high pulse rate, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, those on current blood pressure-lowering medication. SBP was (on average) lower for current cigarette smokers. Average blood pressure levels and the prevalences of RBP were higher in Pacific people and Maori compared to Others. BMI was identified as the major modifiable factor.

14 CFR 29.979 - Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Powerplant Fuel System § 29.979 Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level. (a) Each fueling connection... from that tank in case of malfunction of the fuel entry valve. (b) For systems intended for pressure...

14 CFR 29.979 - Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Powerplant Fuel System § 29.979 Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level. (a) Each fueling connection... from that tank in case of malfunction of the fuel entry valve. (b) For systems intended for pressure...

14 CFR 29.979 - Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Powerplant Fuel System § 29.979 Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level. (a) Each fueling connection... from that tank in case of malfunction of the fuel entry valve. (b) For systems intended for pressure...

14 CFR 29.979 - Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Powerplant Fuel System § 29.979 Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level. (a) Each fueling connection... from that tank in case of malfunction of the fuel entry valve. (b) For systems intended for pressure...

14 CFR 29.979 - Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Powerplant Fuel System § 29.979 Pressure refueling and fueling provisions below fuel level. (a) Each fueling connection... from that tank in case of malfunction of the fuel entry valve. (b) For systems intended for pressure...

49 CFR 178.338-14 - Gauging devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., a fixed trycock line, or a differential pressure liquid level gauge must be used as the primary... control for filling. (2) The design pressure of each liquid level gauging device must be at least that of... openings for dip tube gauging devices and pressure gauges in flammable cryogenic liquid service must be...

Results of a heart disease risk-factor screening among traditional college students.

PubMed

Spencer, Leslie

2002-05-01

The author collected data on serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and self-reported health behavior in 226 college students aged 18 to 26 years. Twenty-nine percent had undesirable total cholesterol levels, 10% had high cholesterol, 10% had high systolic blood pressure, and 11% had high diastolic blood pressure. Half or more of the participants consumed a diet high in saturated fats, engaged in binge drinking, had a parental risk for high cholesterol or blood pressure, or reported they experienced elevated stress levels. Men had higher risk-factor levels than women. Findings from a regression analysis revealed that smoking, binge drinking, lack of cardiovascular exercise, and eating a high saturated-fat diet were predictive of undesirable cholesterol levels. Study limitations included self-selection of participants and single measurements of blood pressure and cholesterol. Trained students served as screeners in the program for providing an effective, low-cost screening intervention.

The Effect of Pressure-Controlled Ventilation and Volume-Controlled Ventilation in Prone Position on Pulmonary Mechanics and Inflammatory Markers.

PubMed

Şenay, Hasan; Sıvacı, Remziye; Kokulu, Serdar; Koca, Buğra; Bakı, Elif Doğan; Ela, Yüksel

2016-08-01

The aim of this present study is to compare the effect of pressure-controlled ventilation and volume-controlled ventilation on pulmonary mechanics and inflammatory markers in prone position. The study included 41 patients undergoing to vertebrae surgery. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received volume-controlled ventilation, while group 2 received pressure-controlled ventilation. The demographic data, pulmonary mechanics, the inflammatory marker levels just after the induction of anesthetics, at the 6th and 12th hours, and gas analysis from arterial blood samples taken at the beginning and the 30th minute were recorded. The inflammatory marker levels increased in both groups, without any significant difference among groups. Peak inspiratory pressure level was higher in the volume-controlled ventilation group. This study revealed that there is no difference regarding inflammatory marker levels between volume- and pressure-controlled ventilation.

Self-pressurization of a flightweight liquid hydrogen tank: Effects of fill level at low wall heat flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandresar, N. T.; Hasan, M. M.; Lin, C.-S.

1991-01-01

Experimental results are presented for the self pressurization and thermal stratification of a 4.89 cu m liquid hydrogen storage tank subjected to low heat flux (2.0 and 3.5 W/sq m) in normal gravity. The test tank was representative of future spacecraft tankage, having a low mass to volume ratio and high performance multilayer thermal insulation. Tests were performed at fill levels of 29 and 49 pcts. (by volume) and complement previous tests at 83 pct. fill. As the heat flux increases, the pressure rise rate at each fill level exceeds the homogeneous rate by an increasing ratio. Herein, this ratio did not exceed a value of 2. The slowest pressure rise rate was observed for the 49 pct. fill level at both heat fluxes. This result is attributed to the oblate spheroidal tank geometry which introduces the variables of wetted wall area, liquid-vapor interfacial area, and ratio of side wall to bottom heating as a function of fill level or liquid depth. Initial tank thermal conditions were found to affect the initial pressure rise rate. Quasi steady pressure rise rates are independent of starting conditions.

Passenger comfort on high-speed trains: effect of tunnel noise on the subjective assessment of pressure variations.

PubMed

Sanok, Sandra; Mendolia, Franco; Wittkowski, Martin; Rooney, Daniel; Putzke, Matthias; Aeschbach, Daniel

2015-01-01

When passing through a tunnel, aerodynamic effects on high-speed trains may impair passenger comfort. These variations in atmospheric pressure are accompanied by transient increases in sound pressure level. To date, it is unclear whether the latter influences the perceived discomfort associated with the variations in atmospheric pressure. In a pressure chamber of the DLR-Institute of Aerospace Medicine, 71 participants (M = 28.3 years ± 8.1 SD) rated randomised pressure changes during two conditions according to a crossover design. The pressure changes were presented together with tunnel noise such that the sound pressure level was transiently elevated by either +6 dB (low noise condition) or +12 dB (high noise condition) above background noise level (65 dB(A)). Data were combined with those of a recent study, in which identical pressure changes were presented without tunnel noise (Schwanitz et al., 2013, 'Pressure Variations on a Train - Where is the Threshold to Railway Passenger Discomfort?' Applied Ergonomics 44 (2): 200-209). Exposure-response relationships for the combined data set comprising all three noise conditions show that pressure discomfort increases with the magnitude and speed of the pressure changes but decreases with increasing tunnel noise. Practitioner Summary: In a pressure chamber, we systematically examined how pressure discomfort, as it may be experienced by railway passengers, is affected by the presence of tunnel noise during pressure changes. It is shown that across three conditions (no noise, low noise (+6 dB), high noise (+12 dB)) pressure discomfort decreases with increasing tunnel noise.

[Hypertension in Dutch and English ethnic minorities. Blood pressure better controlled in English groups than in Dutch groups].

PubMed

Agyemang, Charles; Kunst, Anton E; Bhopal, Raj; Zaninotto, Paola; Unwin, Nigel; Nazroo, James; Nicolaou, Mary; Redekop, William K; Stronks, Karien

2011-01-01

To compare blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension in white Dutch and Dutch of Suriname-hindustani and Suriname-creole ethnic derivation with corresponding ethnic minority groups in England and to assess the quality of hypertension treatment in these groups. Retrospective; comparison of cross-sectional studies. Secondary analyses were performed on data from 3 population-based studies with 13,999 participants in total of European, African of South-Asian origin from England and the Netherlands. English South-Asian men and women had lower blood pressure and lower prevalence of hypertension than people of South-Asian origin in the Netherlands (Suriname-hindustani), except for systolic blood pressure in men of Indian extraction in England. There was no difference in systolic blood pressure between groups of African origin in the Netherlands and England. Diastolic blood pressure levels, however, were lower in English men and women of African origin than in people of African origin in the Netherlands (Suriname-creole). White Dutch had higher systolic blood pressure levels, but lower diastolic blood pressure levels than white English men and women. There was no difference in the prevalence of hypertension between the white groups. In persons being treated for hypertension, a substantially lower percentage of the Suriname-hindustani and Suriname-creole persons in the Netherlands had well controlled blood pressure (lower than 140/90 mmHg) than their English equivalents, with the exception of English of Indian extraction. There were marked differences in blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension between comparable ethnic groups in England and the Netherlands. The relatively poor blood pressure control in Dutch ethnic minority groups partly explained the relatively high blood pressure levels in these groups.

Continuous hydrostatic pressure induces differentiation phenomena in chondrocytes mediated by changes in polycystins, SOX9, and RUNX2.

PubMed

Karamesinis, Konstantinos; Spyropoulou, Anastasia; Dalagiorgou, Georgia; Katsianou, Maria A; Nokhbehsaim, Marjan; Memmert, Svenja; Deschner, James; Vastardis, Heleni; Piperi, Christina

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of hydrostatic pressure on chondrocyte differentiation, as indicated by protein levels of transcription factors SOX9 and RUNX2, on transcriptional activity of SOX9, as determined by pSOX9 levels, and on the expression of polycystin-encoding genes Pkd1 and Pkd2. ATDC5 cells were cultured in insulin-supplemented differentiation medium (ITS) and/or exposed to 14.7 kPa of hydrostatic pressure for 12, 24, 48, and 96 h. Cell extracts were assessed for SOX9, pSOX9, and RUNX2 using western immunoblotting. The Pkd1 and Pkd2 mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Hydrostatic pressure resulted in an early drop in SOX9 and pSOX9 protein levels at 12 h followed by an increase from 24 h onwards. A reverse pattern was followed by RUNX2, which reached peak levels at 24 h of hydrostatic pressure-treated chondrocytes in ITS culture. Pkd1 and Pkd2 mRNA levels increased at 24 h of combined hydrostatic pressure and ITS treatment, with the latter remaining elevated up to 96 h. Our data indicate that long periods of continuous hydrostatic pressure stimulate chondrocyte differentiation through a series of molecular events involving SOX9, RUNX2, and polycystins-1, 2, providing a theoretical background for functional orthopedic mechanotherapies.

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

Carlos-Pinedo, C.; Rodríguez-Vargas, I.; Martínez-Orozco, J. C.

In this work we present the results obtained from the calculation of the level structure of a n-type delta-doped well Field Effect Transistor when is subjected to hydrostatic pressure. We study the energy level structure as a function of hydrostatic pressure within the range of 0 to 6 kbar for different Schottky barrier height (SBH). We use an analytical expression for the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the SBH and the pressure dependence of the basic parameters of the system as the effective mass m(P) and the dielectric constant ε(P) of GaAs. We found that due to the effects ofmore » hydrostatic pressure, in addition to electronic level structure alteration, the profile of the differential capacitance per unit area C{sup −2} is affected.« less

Interactions between CO2 chemoreflexes and arterial baroreflexes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, R. A.; Lu, I. L.; Beightol, L. A.; Eckberg, D. L.

1998-01-01

We studied interactions between CO2 chemoreflexes and arterial baroreflexes in 10 supine healthy young men and women. We measured vagal carotid baroreceptor-cardiac reflexes and steady-state fast Fourier transform R-R interval and photoplethysmographic arterial pressure power spectra at three arterial pressure levels (nitroprusside, saline, and phenylephrine infusions) and three end-tidal CO2 levels (3, 4, and 5%, fixed-frequency, large-tidal-volume breathing, CO2 plus O2). Our study supports three principal conclusions. First, although low levels of CO2 chemoreceptor stimulation reduce R-R intervals and R-R interval variability, statistical modeling suggests that this effect is indirect rather than direct and is mediated by reductions of arterial pressure. Second, reductions of R-R intervals during hypocapnia reflect simple shifting of vagally mediated carotid baroreflex responses on the R-R interval axis rather than changes of baroreflex gain, range, or operational point. Third, the influence of CO2 chemoreceptor stimulation on arterial pressure (and, derivatively, on R-R intervals and R-R interval variability) depends critically on baseline arterial pressure levels: chemoreceptor effects are smaller when pressure is low and larger when arterial pressure is high.

Association of physical activity with blood pressure and blood glucose among Malaysian adults: a population-based study.

PubMed

Teh, Chien Huey; Chan, Ying Ying; Lim, Kuang Hock; Kee, Chee Cheong; Lim, Kuang Kuay; Yeo, Pei Sien; Azahadi, Omar; Fadhli, Yusoff; Tahir, Aris; Lee, Han Lim; Nazni, Wasi Ahmad

2015-12-03

The health-enhancing benefits of physical activity (PA) on hypertension and diabetes have been well documented for decades. This study aimed to determine the association of PA with systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as blood glucose in the Malaysian adult population. Data were extracted from the 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), a nationally representative, cross-sectional study. A two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select a representative sample of 18,231 Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above. The PA levels of the respondents were categorised as low, moderate or high according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form. Blood pressure and fasting blood glucose levels were measured using a digital blood pressure-measuring device and finger-prick test, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) level was positively associated with PA level (p = 0.02) whilst no significant association was noted between PA level and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). In contrast, respondents with low (adjusted coefficient = 0.17) or moderate (adjusted coefficient = 0.03) level of PA had significantly higher blood glucose level as compared to those who were highly active (p = 0.04). A significant negative association was observed between PA level and blood glucose only. Future studies should employ an objective measurement in estimating PA level in order to elucidate the actual relationship between PA, hypertension and diabetes for the development of effective interventions to combat the increasing burden of premature-mortality and cardiovascular disease-related morbidity in Malaysia.

Influence of low and high pressure baroreceptors on plasma renin activity in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mark, A. L.; Abboud, F. M.; Fitz, A. E.

1977-01-01

The effects of low and high pressure baroreceptors on plasma renin activity (immunoassay) were evaluated using graded lower body suction (LBS) in six healthy men. LBS at -10 and -20 mmHg for 10 min decreased central venous pressure without changing arterial pressure and thereby presumably reduced low but not high pressure baroreceptor inhibition of renin release. LBS at these levels produced forearm vasoconstriction, but did not increase renin. LBS at -40 mmHG decreased central venous and arterial pulse pressure and thus reduced both low and high pressure baroreceptor inhibition. LBS at this level produced forearm vasoconstriction and tachycardia and increased renin. In summary, reduction in low pressure baroreceptor inhibition in humans did not increase renin in the presence of physiological tonic inhibition from high pressure baroreceptors. Increases in renin did not occur until there was combined reduction of high and low pressure baroreceptor inhibition on plasma renin activity.

Modeling conductive heat transfer during high-pressure thawing processes: determination of latent heat as a function of pressure.

PubMed

Denys, S; Van Loey, A M; Hendrickx, M E

2000-01-01

A numerical heat transfer model for predicting product temperature profiles during high-pressure thawing processes was recently proposed by the authors. In the present work, the predictive capacity of the model was considerably improved by taking into account the pressure dependence of the latent heat of the product that was used (Tylose). The effect of pressure on the latent heat of Tylose was experimentally determined by a series of freezing experiments conducted at different pressure levels. By combining a numerical heat transfer model for freezing processes with a least sum of squares optimization procedure, the corresponding latent heat at each pressure level was estimated, and the obtained pressure relation was incorporated in the original high-pressure thawing model. Excellent agreement with the experimental temperature profiles for both high-pressure freezing and thawing was observed.

Water-level measurements in Dauphin Island, Alabama, from the 2013 Hurricane Season

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dickhudt, Patrick J.; Sherwood, Christopher R.; DeWitt, Nancy T.

2015-01-01

This report describes the instrumentation, field measurements, and processing methods used by the U.S. Geological Survey to measure atmospheric pressure, water levels, and waves on Dauphin Island, Alabama, in 2013 at part of the Barrier Island Evolution Research project. Simple, inexpensive pressure sensors mounted in shallow wells were buried in the beach and left throughout the hurricane season. Additionally, an atmospheric pressure sensor was mounted on the porch of a private residence to provide a local atmospheric pressure measurement for correcting the submerged pressure records.

Association between driving pressure and development of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for general anaesthesia: a meta-analysis of individual patient data.

PubMed

Neto, Ary Serpa; Hemmes, Sabrine N T; Barbas, Carmen S V; Beiderlinden, Martin; Fernandez-Bustamante, Ana; Futier, Emmanuel; Gajic, Ognjen; El-Tahan, Mohamed R; Ghamdi, Abdulmohsin A Al; Günay, Ersin; Jaber, Samir; Kokulu, Serdar; Kozian, Alf; Licker, Marc; Lin, Wen-Qian; Maslow, Andrew D; Memtsoudis, Stavros G; Reis Miranda, Dinis; Moine, Pierre; Ng, Thomas; Paparella, Domenico; Ranieri, V Marco; Scavonetto, Federica; Schilling, Thomas; Selmo, Gabriele; Severgnini, Paolo; Sprung, Juraj; Sundar, Sugantha; Talmor, Daniel; Treschan, Tanja; Unzueta, Carmen; Weingarten, Toby N; Wolthuis, Esther K; Wrigge, Hermann; Amato, Marcelo B P; Costa, Eduardo L V; de Abreu, Marcelo Gama; Pelosi, Paolo; Schultz, Marcus J

2016-04-01

Protective mechanical ventilation strategies using low tidal volume or high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) improve outcomes for patients who have had surgery. The role of the driving pressure, which is the difference between the plateau pressure and the level of positive end-expiratory pressure is not known. We investigated the association of tidal volume, the level of PEEP, and driving pressure during intraoperative ventilation with the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. We did a meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomised controlled trials of protective ventilation during general anesthaesia for surgery published up to July 30, 2015. The main outcome was development of postoperative pulmonary complications (postoperative lung injury, pulmonary infection, or barotrauma). We included data from 17 randomised controlled trials, including 2250 patients. Multivariate analysis suggested that driving pressure was associated with the development of postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio [OR] for one unit increase of driving pressure 1·16, 95% CI 1·13-1·19; p<0·0001), whereas we detected no association for tidal volume (1·05, 0·98-1·13; p=0·179). PEEP did not have a large enough effect in univariate analysis to warrant inclusion in the multivariate analysis. In a mediator analysis, driving pressure was the only significant mediator of the effects of protective ventilation on development of pulmonary complications (p=0·027). In two studies that compared low with high PEEP during low tidal volume ventilation, an increase in the level of PEEP that resulted in an increase in driving pressure was associated with more postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 3·11, 95% CI 1·39-6·96; p=0·006). In patients having surgery, intraoperative high driving pressure and changes in the level of PEEP that result in an increase of driving pressure are associated with more postoperative pulmonary complications. However, a randomised controlled trial comparing ventilation based on driving pressure with usual care is needed to confirm these findings. None. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pressure effects on magnetic ground states in cobalt doped multiferroic Mn 1-xCo xWO 4

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jinchen; Ye, Feng; Chi, Songxue; ...

2016-04-28

Using x-ray and high pressure neutron diffraction, we studied the pressure effect on structural and magnetic properties of multiferroic Mn 1-xCo xWO 4 single crystals (x = 0, 0.05, 0.135 and 0.17), and compared it with the effects of doping. Both Co doping and pressure stretch the Mn-Mn chain along the c direction. At high doping level (x = 0.135 and 0.17), pressure and Co doping drive the system in a very similar way and induce a spin-flop transition for the x = 0.135 compound. In contrast, magnetic ground states at lower doping level (x = 0 and 0.05) aremore » robust against pressure but experience a pronounced change upon Co substitution. As Co introduces both chemical pressure and magnetic anisotropy into the frustrated magnetic system, our results suggest the magnetic anisotropy is the main driving force for the Co induced phase transitions at low doping level, and chemical pressure plays a more significant role at higher Co concentrations.« less

Effects of Different Levels of Intra-Abdominal Pressure on the Postoperative Hepatic Function of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Cheng, Zheng-Jun; Wang, Yun-Bing; Chen, Long; Gong, Jian-Ping; Zhang, Wei

2018-04-18

The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the differences in postoperative markers of the hepatic function under different intra-abdominal pressures in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Several databases were searched for control studies, and then the weighted data were pooled with random-effect models. A total of 11 studies involving 865 patients were included. The meta-analysis reveals that the level of the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase of the low-pressure group has a lower postoperative increase than the moderate-pressure group (P<0.001). The level of the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase of the moderate-pressure group has a lower postoperative increase than the high-pressure group (P<0.001). Totally, the effect of lower pressure LC on postoperative hepatic functions is less significant than that of the higher one. Potential subgroup analysis does not modify these results. The recommended pressure in LC is suggested to be lower so as to result in a better surgical safety, especially for special populations.

Ultrasonic liquid-level detector for varying temperature and pressure environments

DOEpatents

Anderson, R.L.; Miller, G.N.

1981-10-26

An ultrasonic liquid level detector for use in varying temperature and pressure environments, such as a pressurized water nuclear reactor vessel, is provided. The detector employs ultrasonic extensional and torsional waves launched in a multiplexed alternating sequence into a common sensor. The sensor is a rectangular cross section stainless steel rod which extends into the liquid medium whose level is to be detected. The sensor temperature derived from the extensional wave velocity measurements is used to compensate for the temperature dependence of the torsional wave velocity measurements which are also level dependent. The torsional wave velocity measurements of a multiple reflection sensor then provide a measurement of liquid level over a range of several meters with a small uncertainty over a temperature range of 20 to 250/sup 0/C and pressures up to 15 MPa.

Exploring the relationship of peripheral total bilirubin, red blood cell, and hemoglobin with blood pressure during childhood and adolescence.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Tian; Yang, Song; Yang, Ya-Ming; Zhao, Hai-Long; Chen, Yan-Chun; Zhao, Xiang-Hai; Wen, Jin-Bo; Tian, Yuan-Rui; Yan, Wei-Li; Shen, Chong

2017-11-04

Total bilirubin is beneficial for protecting cardiovascular diseases in adults. The authors aimed to investigate the association of total bilirubin, red blood cell, and hemoglobin levels with the prevalence of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. A total of 3776 students (aged from 6 to 16 years old) were examined using cluster sampling. Pre-high blood pressure and high blood pressure were respectively defined as the point of 90th and 95th percentiles based on the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were standardized into z-scores. Peripheral total bilirubin, red blood cell and hemoglobin levels were significantly correlated with age, and also varied with gender. Peripheral total bilirubin was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure in 6- and 9-year-old boys, whilst positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure in the 12-year-old boys and 13- to 15-year-old girls (p<0.05). Higher levels of red blood cell and hemoglobin were observed in pre-high blood pressure and high blood pressure students when compared with their normotensive peers (p<0.01). The increases in red blood cell and hemoglobin were significantly associated with high blood pressure after adjusting for confounding factors. The ORs (95% CI) of each of the increases were 2.44 (1.52-3.92) and 1.04 (1.03-1.06), respectively. No statistical association between total bilirubin and high blood pressure was observed (p>0.05). Total bilirubin could be weakly correlated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as correlations varied with age and gender in children and adolescents; in turn, the increased levels of red blood cell and hemoglobin are proposed to be positively associated with the prevalence of high blood pressure. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Communist China. Section 23. Weather and Climate. Part 3 - North China

DTIC Science & Technology

1964-06-01

Introduction 1 2. Climatic controls 2 a. General circulation and air masses 2 b. Migratory pressure systems and fronts 3 (1) Extratropical ...Sea-level pressure and surface airflow, January (map) 2 Fig. 2 Sea-level pressure and surface airflow, July (mop) 2 Fig. 3 Tracks of extratropical ...become weaker and less frequent as those of the invading monsoon become more prevalent. b. MIGRATORY PRESSURE SYSTEMS AND FRONTS (1) Extratropical

Social pressure-induced craving in patients with alcohol dependence: application of virtual reality to coping skill training.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Suk; Namkoong, Kee; Ku, Jeonghun; Cho, Sangwoo; Park, Ji Yeon; Choi, You Kyong; Kim, Jae-Jin; Kim, In Young; Kim, Sun I; Jung, Young-Chul

2008-12-01

This study was conducted to assess the interaction between alcohol cues and social pressure in the induction of alcohol craving. Fourteen male patients with alcohol dependence and 14 age-matched social drinkers completed a virtual reality coping skill training program composed of four blocks according to the presence of alcohol cues (x2) and social pressure (x2). Before and after each block, the craving levels were measured using a visual analogue scale. Patients with alcohol dependence reported extremely high levels of craving immediately upon exposure to a virtual environment with alcohol cues, regardless of social pressure. In contrast, the craving levels of social drinkers were influenced by social pressure from virtual avatars. Our findings imply that an alcohol cue-laden environment should interfere with the ability to use coping skills against social pressure in real-life situations.

Factors determining the level and changes in intra-articular pressure in the knee joint of the dog.

PubMed Central

Nade, S; Newbold, P J

1983-01-01

Intra-articular pressure levels were determined for joint positions throughout the normal physiological range of movement of dogs' knee joints. Change in joint position resulted in change in intra-articular pressure. It was demonstrated that intra-articular pressure is highest with the joint in the fully flexed position. Minimum pressure was recorded at a position between 80 degrees and 120 degrees. Minimum pressures were usually subatmospheric. The rate of change of joint position affected intra-articular pressure. The relationship of intra-articular pressure and joint position before and after full flexion demonstrated a hysteresis effect; the pressures were lower than for the same joint position before flexion. Maintenance of the joint in the fully flexed position for increasing periods of time between repeated movement cycles resulted in a similar reduction, of constant magnitude, in pressure between joint positions before and after each period of flexion. However, there was also a progressive decrease in pressure for all joint angles over the total number of movement cycles. There is a contribution to intra-articular pressure of joint capsular compliance and fluid movement into and out of the joint (both of which are time-dependent). The recording of intra-articular pressure in conscious, upright dogs revealed similar pressure levels to those measured in anaesthetized supine dogs. The major determinants of intra-articular pressure in normal dog knee joints include joint size, synovial fluid volume, position of joint, peri-articular tissue and joint anatomy, membrane permeability, capsular compliance, and movement of fluid into and out of the joint. Images Fig. 1 PMID:6875957

Studies on unsteady pressure fields in the region of separating and reattaching flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Govinda Ram, H. S.; Arakeri, V. H.

1990-12-01

Experimental studies on the measurement of pressure fields in the region of separating and reattaching flows behind several two-dimensional fore-bodies and one axisymmetric body are reported. In particular, extensive measurements of mean pressure, surface pressure fluctuation, and pressure fluctuation within the flow were made for a series of two-dimensional fore-body shapes consisting of triangular nose with varying included angle. The measurements from different bodies are compared and one of the important findings is that the maximum values of rms pressure fluctuation levels in the shear layer approaching reattachment are almost equal to the maximum value of the surface fluctuation levels.

Use of submersible pressure transducers in water-resources investigations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Freeman, Lawrence A.; Carpenter, Michael C.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Rousseau, Joseph P.; Unger, Randy; McLean, John S.

2004-01-01

Submersible pressure transducers, developed in the early 1960s, have made the collection of water-level and pressure data much more convenient than former methods. Submersible pressure transducers, when combined with electronic data recorders have made it possible to collect continuous or nearly continuous water-level or pressure data from wells, piezometers, soil-moisture tensiometers, and surface water gages. These more frequent measurements have led to an improved understanding of the hydraulic processes in streams, soils, and aquifers. This manual describes the operational theory behind submersible pressure transducers and provides information about their use in hydrologic investigations conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Urinary cadmium and blood pressure: results from the NHANES II survey.

PubMed Central

Whittemore, A S; DiCiccio, Y; Provenzano, G

1991-01-01

Relationships between urinary cadmium levels and blood pressure were examined in a sample of 951 adult men and women who participated in the Second National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES II). Among all participants, positive relationships were seen between urinary cadmium levels and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively), after adjusting for age, sex, race, relative body weight, smoking status, and hypertensive medication use. However, analyses for subgroups determined by sex and smoking status were inconsistent. Among current smokers, urinary cadmium levels were significantly positively associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure for women, and with diastolic blood pressure for men. Yet among former smokers and lifelong nonsmokers of both sexes, urinary cadmium was not significantly associated with either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Evidence that some hypertensive medications increase urinary cadmium excretion suggests that the positive associations seen among current smokers may reflect high urinary cadmium levels among hypertensives induced by hypertensive treatment. After treated hypertensives were removed from the analysis, regression coefficients relating blood pressure to cadmium dropped by a factor of two and lost statistical significance. We conclude that the present data provide little support for a causal association between systemic cadmium and hypertension at nonoccupational exposure levels. Further, conflicting results of previous studies may reflect failure to control adequately for age, smoking status, and hypertensive treatment. PMID:2040243

Low-level wind response to mesoscale pressure systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garratt, J. R.; Physick, W. L.

1983-09-01

Observations are presented which show a strong correlation between low-level wind behaviour (e.g., rotation near the surface) and the passage of mesoscale pressure systems. The latter are associated with frontal transition zones, are dominated by a pressure-jump line and a mesoscale high pressure area, and produce locally large horizontal pressure gradients. The wind observations are simulated by specifying a time sequence of perturbation pressure gradient and subsequently solving the vertically-integrated momentum equations with appropriate initial conditions. Very good agreement is found between observed and calculated winds; in particular, (i) a 360 ° rotation in wind on passage of the mesoscale high; (ii) wind-shift lines produced dynamically by the pressure-jump line; (iii) rapid linear increase in wind speed on passage of the pressure jump.

Pneumatic pressure wave generator provides economical, simple testing of pressure transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaal, A. E.; Weldon, T. P.

1967-01-01

Testing device utilizes the change in pressure about a bias or reference pressure level produced by displacement of a center-driven piston in a closed cylinder. Closely controlled pneumatic pressure waves allow testing under dynamic conditions.

49 CFR Appendix D to Part 227 - Audiometric Test Rooms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... sound pressure levels exceeding those in Table D-1 when measured by equipment conforming at least to the..._regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table D-1—Maximum Allowable Octave-Band Sound Pressure Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms Octave-band center frequency (Hz) 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Sound pressure levels—supra-aural...

49 CFR Appendix D to Part 227 - Audiometric Test Rooms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... sound pressure levels exceeding those in Table D-1 when measured by equipment conforming at least to the..._regulations/ibr_locations.html. Table D-1—Maximum Allowable Octave-Band Sound Pressure Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms Octave-band center frequency (Hz) 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Sound pressure levels—supra-aural...

Differences in Blood Pressure and Vascular Responses Associated with Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Exposures Measured at the Personal Versus Community Level

EPA Science Inventory

Background Higher ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) levels can be associated with increased blood pressure and vascular dysfunction. Objectives To determine the differential effects on blood pressure and vascular function of daily changes in community ambient-...

Analysis of sound pressure levels emitted by children's toys.

PubMed

Sleifer, Pricila; Gonçalves, Maiara Santos; Tomasi, Marinês; Gomes, Erissandra

2013-06-01

To verify the levels of sound pressure emitted by non-certified children's toys. Cross-sectional study of sound toys available at popular retail stores of the so-called informal sector. Electronic, mechanical, and musical toys were analyzed. The measurement of each product was carried out by an acoustic engineer in an acoustically isolated booth, by a decibel meter. To obtain the sound parameters of intensity and frequency, the toys were set to produce sounds at a distance of 10 and 50cm from the researcher's ear. The intensity of sound pressure [dB(A)] and the frequency in hertz (Hz) were measured. 48 toys were evaluated. The mean sound pressure 10cm from the ear was 102±10 dB(A), and at 50cm, 94±8 dB(A), with p<0.05. The level of sound pressure emitted by the majority of toys was above 85dB(A). The frequency ranged from 413 to 6,635Hz, with 56.3% of toys emitting frequency higher than 2,000Hz. The majority of toys assessed in this research emitted a high level of sound pressure.

Ultrasonic level sensors for liquids under high pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuckerwar, A. J.; Mazel, D. S.; Hodges, D. Y.

1986-01-01

An ultrasonic level sensor of novel design continuously measures the level of a liquid subjected to a high pressure (up to about 40 MPa), as is sometimes required for the effective transfer of the liquid. The sensor operates as a composite resonator fabricated from a standard high-pressure plug. A flat-bottom hole is machined into the plug along its center line. An ultrasonic transducer is bonded rigidly to the interior surface of the bottom wall, while the exterior surface is in contact with the liquid. Although the bottom wall is designed to satisfy the pressure code, it is still sufficiently thin to permit ready excitation of the axisymmetric plate modes of vibration. The liquid level is measured by a conventional pulse-echo technique. A prototype sensor was tested successfully in a 2300-l water vessel at pressures up to about 37 MPa. A spectral analysis of the transmitted pulse reveals that the flexural, extensional, thickness-shear, and radial plate modes are excited into vibration, but none of these appears to be significantly affected by the pressurization of the liquid.

Secondary Increase of Lactate Levels in Asphyxiated Newborns during Hypothermia Treatment: Reflect of Suboptimal Hemodynamics (A Case Series and Review of the Literature)

PubMed Central

Al Balushi, Asim; Guilbault, Marie-Pier; Wintermark, Pia

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate whether a secondary increase of serum lactate levels in asphyxiated newborns during hypothermia treatment may reflect suboptimal dynamics. Methods–Retrospective case series and review of the literature. We present the clinical course of four asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia who presented with hypotension requiring inotropic support, and who displayed a secondary increase of serum lactate levels during hypothermia treatment. Serial serum lactate levels are correlated with blood pressure and inotropic support within the first 96 hours of life. Results Lactate levels initially decreased in the four patients. However, each of them started to present lower blood pressure, and lactate levels started to increase again. Inotropic support was started to raise blood pressure. The introduction of an epinephrine drip consistently worsened the increase of lactate levels in these newborns, whereas dopamine and dobutamine enabled the clearance of lactate in addition to raising the blood pressure. Rewarming was associated with hemodynamics perturbations (a decrease of blood pressure and/or an increase of lactate levels) in the three newborns who survived. Conclusions Lactate levels during the first 4 days of life should be followed as a potential marker for suboptimal hemodynamic status in term asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia, for whom the maintenance of homeostasis during hypothermia treatment is of utmost importance to alleviate brain injury. PMID:26929870

Fan Noise Source Diagnostic Test: Vane Unsteady Pressure Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Envia, Edmane

2002-01-01

To investigate the nature of fan outlet guide vane pressure fluctuations and their link to rotor-stator interaction noise, time histories of vane fluctuating pressures were digitally acquired as part of the Fan Noise Source Diagnostic Test. Vane unsteady pressures were measured at seven fan tip speeds for both a radial and a swept vane configuration. Using time-domain averaging and spectral analysis, the blade passing frequency (BPF) harmonic and broadband contents of the vane pressures were individually analyzed. Significant Sound Pressure Level (SPL) reductions were observed for the swept vane relative to the radial vane for the BPF harmonics of vane pressure, but vane broadband reductions due to sweep turned out to be much smaller especially on an average basis. Cross-correlation analysis was used to establish the level of spatial coherence of broadband pressures between different locations on the vane and integral length scales of pressure fluctuations were estimated from these correlations. Two main results of this work are: (1) the average broadband level on the vane (in dB) increases linearly with the fan tip speed for both the radial and swept vanes, and (2) the broadband pressure distribution on the vane is nearly homogeneous and its integral length scale is a monotonically decreasing function of fan tip speed.

Combined effects of high hydrostatic pressure and sodium nitrite on color, water holding capacity and texture of frankfurter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonas, G.; Csehi, B.; Palotas, P.; Toth, A.; Kenesei, Gy; Pasztor-Huszar, K.; Friedrich, L.

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium nitrite and high hydrostatic pressure on the color, water holding capacity (WHC) and texture characteristics of frankfurter. Three hundred, 450 and 600 MPa (5 minutes; 20 °C) and 50, 75, 100 and 125 ppm (calculated on weight of meat) sodium nitrite were applied. Parameters were measured right after the pressure treatment. Data were evaluated with two-way analysis of variance (p 0.05) with pressure levels and sodium nitrite amounts as factors. Nitrite reduction significantly increased lightness (L*) and resulted in decreased redness (a*) value. The pressure treatments decreased the lightness at all nitrite concentrations and did not significantly affect the red color of frankfurters. Fifty and 75 ppm nitrite and pressurization at 300 or 450 MPa improved the water holding property of frankfurter. The pressure treatment did not significantly affect the WHC but changing the nitrite amount had significant effect on it. Interactive effect occurred between pressure levels and nitrite concentrations for hardness. The pressure treatment increased and the nitrite reduction decreased hardness. Significant changes were found in cohesiveness at 450 and 600 MPa in frankfurters containing 50 and 75 ppm nitrite: pressure treatment at higher levels and nitrite reduction decreased the value of cohesiveness.

Pressurized transient otoacoustic emissions measured using click and chirp stimuli.

PubMed

Keefe, Douglas H; Patrick Feeney, M; Hunter, Lisa L; Fitzpatrick, Denis F; Sanford, Chris A

2018-01-01

Transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) responses were measured in normal-hearing adult ears over frequencies from 0.7 to 8 kHz, and analyzed with reflectance/admittance data to measure absorbed sound power and the tympanometric peak pressure (TPP). The mean TPP was close to ambient. TEOAEs were measured in the ear canal at ambient pressure, TPP, and fixed air pressures from 150 to -200 daPa. Both click and chirp stimuli were used to elicit TEOAEs, in which the incident sound pressure level was constant across frequency. TEOAE levels were similar at ambient and TPP, and for frequencies from 0.7 to 2.8 kHz decreased with increasing positive and negative pressures. At 4-8 kHz, TEOAE levels were larger at positive pressures. This asymmetry is possibly related to changes in mechanical transmission through the ossicular chain. The mean TEOAE group delay did not change with pressure, although small changes were observed in the mean instantaneous frequency and group spread. Chirp TEOAEs measured in an adult ear with Eustachian tube dysfunction and TPP of -165 daPa were more robust at TPP than at ambient. Overall, results demonstrate the feasibility and clinical potential of measuring TEOAEs at fixed pressures in the ear canal, which provide additional information relative to TEOAEs measured at ambient pressure.

Synoptic patterns leading to hailstorm in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salahi, Bromand; Nohegar, Ahmad; Behrouzi, Mahmoud; Aalijahan, Mehdi

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to extract the synoptic patterns of 500 mb geopotential height and the sea level pressure leading to form hail in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. To this end, at first, we explored hail occurrence in different areas of the province under investigation. Then, using sea level pressure and 500 mb geopotential height data, the patterns of hail occurrence were investigated through hierarchical clustering and Ward's method. The level of 500 mb patterns resulting in hail formation in the area include: (1) settlement of a cut-off low pressure blocking in Turkey and Iran's position in downstream of trough and injection of humidity coming from the Red Sea; (2) settlement of low ridge in northern Europe and Iran lying in downstream of the trough and injection of humidity of the Mediterranean Sea; (3) settlement of a cut-off low pressure in east of Europe and Iran lying in downstream of the trough; and (4) settlement of a deep trough in the Mediterranean Sea, formation of an omega-shaped blocking in Northern Europe and Iran lying in downstream of the trough. At sea level, the following patterns have caused hail formation in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province: (1) settlement of low pressure in Iran and Russia accompanying high pressure in Taklimakan Desert and east of Europe; (2) settlement of low pressure in Iran and high pressure in Egypt, northern Europe, and Taklimakan Desert; and (3) settlement of low pressure in Iran, Saudi Arabia and south of Italy and high pressure in Egypt and Siberia.

Organizational culture, team climate, and quality management in an important patient safety issue: nosocomial pressure ulcers.

PubMed

Bosch, Marije; Halfens, Ruud J G; van der Weijden, Trudy; Wensing, Michel; Akkermans, Reinier; Grol, Richard

2011-03-01

Increasingly, policy reform in health care is discussed in terms of changing organizational culture, creating practice teams, and organizational quality management. Yet, the evidence for these suggested determinants of high-quality care is inconsistent. To determine if the type of organizational culture (Competing Values Framework), team climate (Team Climate Inventory), and preventive pressure ulcer quality management at ward level were related to the prevalence of pressure ulcers. Also, we wanted to determine if the type of organizational culture, team climate, or the institutional quality management related to preventive quality management at the ward level. In this cross-sectional observational study multivariate (logistic) regression analyses were performed, adjusting for potential confounders and institution-level clustering. Data from 1274 patients and 460 health care professionals in 37 general hospital wards and 67 nursing home wards in the Netherlands were analyzed. The main outcome measures were nosocomial pressure ulcers in patients at risk for pressure ulcers (Braden score ≤ 18) and preventive quality management at ward level. No associations were found between organizational culture, team climate, or preventive quality management at the ward level and the prevalence of nosocomial pressure ulcers. Institutional quality management was positively correlated with preventive quality management at ward level (adj. β 0.32; p < 0.001). Although the prevalence of nosocomial pressure ulcers varied considerably across wards, it did not relate to organizational culture, team climate, or preventive quality management at the ward level. These results would therefore not subscribe the widely suggested importance of these factors in improving health care. However, different designs and research methods (that go beyond the cross-sectional design) may be more informative in studying relations between such complex factors and outcomes in a more meaningful way. Copyright ©2010 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Comparison of Regression Methods to Compute Atmospheric Pressure and Earth Tidal Coefficients in Water Level Associated with Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Anhua; Singh, Ramesh P.; Sun, Zhaohua; Ye, Qing; Zhao, Gang

2016-07-01

The earth tide, atmospheric pressure, precipitation and earthquake fluctuations, especially earthquake greatly impacts water well levels, thus anomalous co-seismic changes in ground water levels have been observed. In this paper, we have used four different models, simple linear regression (SLR), multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) to compute the atmospheric pressure and earth tidal effects on water level. Furthermore, we have used the Akaike information criterion (AIC) to study the performance of various models. Based on the lowest AIC and sum of squares for error values, the best estimate of the effects of atmospheric pressure and earth tide on water level is found using the MLR model. However, MLR model does not provide multicollinearity between inputs, as a result the atmospheric pressure and earth tidal response coefficients fail to reflect the mechanisms associated with the groundwater level fluctuations. On the premise of solving serious multicollinearity of inputs, PLS model shows the minimum AIC value. The atmospheric pressure and earth tidal response coefficients show close response with the observation using PLS model. The atmospheric pressure and the earth tidal response coefficients are found to be sensitive to the stress-strain state using the observed data for the period 1 April-8 June 2008 of Chuan 03# well. The transient enhancement of porosity of rock mass around Chuan 03# well associated with the Wenchuan earthquake (Mw = 7.9 of 12 May 2008) that has taken its original pre-seismic level after 13 days indicates that the co-seismic sharp rise of water well could be induced by static stress change, rather than development of new fractures.

Structural changes induced by high-pressure processing in micellar casein and milk protein concentrates.

PubMed

Cadesky, Lee; Walkling-Ribeiro, Markus; Kriner, Kyle T; Karwe, Mukund V; Moraru, Carmen I

2017-09-01

Reconstituted micellar casein concentrates and milk protein concentrates of 2.5 and 10% (wt/vol) protein concentration were subjected to high-pressure processing at pressures from 150 to 450 MPa, for 15 min, at ambient temperature. The structural changes induced in milk proteins by high-pressure processing were investigated using a range of physical, physicochemical, and chemical methods, including dynamic light scattering, rheology, mid-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, and soluble mineral analyses. The experimental data clearly indicate pressure-induced changes of casein micelles, as well as denaturation of serum proteins. Calcium-binding α S1 - and α S2 -casein levels increased in the soluble phase after all pressure treatments. Pressurization up to 350 MPa also increased levels of soluble calcium and phosphorus, in all samples and concentrations, whereas treatment at 450 MPa reduced the levels of soluble Ca and P. Experimental data suggest dissociation of calcium phosphate and subsequent casein micelle destabilization as a result of pressure treatment. Treatment of 10% micellar casein concentrate and 10% milk protein concentrate samples at 450 MPa resulted in weak, physical gels, which featured aggregates of uniformly distributed, casein substructures of 15 to 20 nm in diameter. Serum proteins were significantly denatured by pressures above 250 MPa. These results provide information on pressure-induced changes in high-concentration protein systems, and may inform the development on new milk protein-based foods with novel textures and potentially high nutritional quality, of particular interest being the soft gel structures formed at high pressure levels. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).

Centrifugal study of zone of influence during air-sparging.

PubMed

Hu, Liming; Meegoda, Jay N; Du, Jianting; Gao, Shengyan; Wu, Xiaofeng

2011-09-01

Air sparging (AS) is one of the groundwater remediation techniques for remediating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in saturated soil. However, in spite of the success of air sparging as a remediation technique for the cleanup of contaminated soils, to date, the fundamental mechanisms or the physics of air flow through porous media is not well understood. In this study, centrifugal modeling tests were performed to investigate air flow rates and the evolution of the zone of influence during the air sparging under various g-levels. The test results show that with the increase in sparging pressure the mass flow rate of the air sparging volume increases. The air mass flow rate increases linearly with the effective sparging pressure ratio, which is the difference between sparging pressure and hydrostatic pressure normalized with respect to the effective overburden pressure at the sparging point. Also the slope of mass flow rate with effective sparging pressure ratio increases with higher g-levels. This variation of the slope of mass flow rate of air sparging volume versus effective sparging pressure ratio, M, is linear with g-level confirming that the air flow through soil for a given effective sparging pressure ratio only depends on the g-level. The test results also show that with increasing sparging pressure, the zone of influence (ZOI), which consists of the width at the tip of the cone or lateral intrusion and the cone angle, will lead to an increase in both lateral intrusion and the cone angle. With a further increase in air injection pressure, the cone angle reaches a constant value while the lateral intrusion becomes the main contributor to the enlargement of the ZOI. However, beyond a certain value of effective sparging pressure ratio, there is no further enlargement of the ZOI.

Development and evaluation of a self-regulating alternating pressure air cushion.

PubMed

Nakagami, Gojiro; Sanada, Hiromi; Sugama, Junko

2015-03-01

To investigate the effect of alternating air cells of a newly developed dynamic cushion on interface pressure and tissue oxygenation levels. This cross-over experimental study included 19 healthy volunteers. The dynamic cushion used has an automatic self-regulating alternating pressure air-cell system with 35 small and four large air cells for maintaining posture while seated. This cushion also has 17 bottoming-out detectors that automatically inflate the air cells to release a high interface pressure. To assess the effect of this alternating system, participants sat on the new cushion with an alternating system or static system for 30 min and then performed push-ups. The interface pressure was monitored by pressure-sensitive and conductive ink film sensors and tissue oxygenation levels were monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy. A reactive hyperaemia indicator was calculated using tissue oxygenation levels as an outcome measure. The peak interface pressure was not significantly different between the groups. The reactive hyperaemia indicator was significantly higher in the static group than in the alternating group. An alternating system has beneficial effects on blood oxygenation levels without increasing interface pressure. Therefore, our new cushion is promising for preventing pressure ulcers with patients with limited ability to perform push-ups. Implications for Rehabilitation A dynamic cushion was developed, which consists of a uniquely-designed air-cell layout, detectors for bottoming out, and an alternating system with multiple air-cell lines. The alternating system did not increase interface pressure and it significantly reduced reactive hyperaemia after 30 min of sitting in healthy volunteers. This cushion is a new option for individuals who require stable posture but have limitations in performing scheduled push-ups for prevention of pressure ulcers.

Do high sound pressure levels of crowing in roosters necessitate passive mechanisms for protection against self-vocalization?

PubMed

Claes, Raf; Muyshondt, Pieter G G; Dirckx, Joris J J; Aerts, Peter

2018-02-01

High sound pressure levels (>120dB) cause damage or death of the hair cells of the inner ear, hence causing hearing loss. Vocalization differences are present between hens and roosters. Crowing in roosters is reported to produce sound pressure levels of 100dB measured at a distance of 1m. In this study we measured the sound pressure levels that exist at the entrance of the outer ear canal. We hypothesize that roosters may benefit from a passive protective mechanism while hens do not require such a mechanism. Audio recordings at the level of the entrance of the outer ear canal of crowing roosters, made in this study, indeed show that a protective mechanism is needed as sound pressure levels can reach amplitudes of 142.3dB. Audio recordings made at varying distances from the crowing rooster show that at a distance of 0.5m sound pressure levels already drop to 102dB. Micro-CT scans of a rooster and chicken head show that in roosters the auditory canal closes when the beak is opened. In hens the diameter of the auditory canal only narrows but does not close completely. A morphological difference between the sexes in shape of a bursa-like slit which occurs in the outer ear canal causes the outer ear canal to close in roosters but not in hens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Comparison of different assimilation methodologies of groundwater levels to improve predictions of root zone soil moisture with an integrated terrestrial system model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongjuan; Kurtz, Wolfgang; Kollet, Stefan; Vereecken, Harry; Franssen, Harrie-Jan Hendricks

2018-01-01

The linkage between root zone soil moisture and groundwater is either neglected or simplified in most land surface models. The fully-coupled subsurface-land surface model TerrSysMP including variably saturated groundwater dynamics is used in this work. We test and compare five data assimilation methodologies for assimilating groundwater level data via the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to improve root zone soil moisture estimation with TerrSysMP. Groundwater level data are assimilated in the form of pressure head or soil moisture (set equal to porosity in the saturated zone) to update state vectors. In the five assimilation methodologies, the state vector contains either (i) pressure head, or (ii) log-transformed pressure head, or (iii) soil moisture, or (iv) pressure head for the saturated zone only, or (v) a combination of pressure head and soil moisture, pressure head for the saturated zone and soil moisture for the unsaturated zone. These methodologies are evaluated in synthetic experiments which are performed for different climate conditions, soil types and plant functional types to simulate various root zone soil moisture distributions and groundwater levels. The results demonstrate that EnKF cannot properly handle strongly skewed pressure distributions which are caused by extreme negative pressure heads in the unsaturated zone during dry periods. This problem can only be alleviated by methodology (iii), (iv) and (v). The last approach gives the best results and avoids unphysical updates related to strongly skewed pressure heads in the unsaturated zone. If groundwater level data are assimilated by methodology (iii), EnKF fails to update the state vector containing the soil moisture values if for (almost) all the realizations the observation does not bring significant new information. Synthetic experiments for the joint assimilation of groundwater levels and surface soil moisture support methodology (v) and show great potential for improving the representation of root zone soil moisture.

Pressure ulcer guideline development and dissemination in Europe.

PubMed

Meesterberends, Esther; Halfens, Ruud; Lohrmann, Christa; de Wit, Rianne

2010-06-01

To explore the current state of pressure ulcer guideline development and dissemination, from national to local level (i.e. nursing homes) in six European countries: England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden. Pressure ulcers are a persistent problem in healthcare institutions. Their prevalence is influenced by many factors, one of them being the development and dissemination of pressure ulcer guidelines. These are difficult and complex processes and it is not clear whether they differ between European countries. Literature review and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted in six countries at national and nursing home level. Four countries had national pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines. Portugal had no national guidelines and Sweden had shifted the responsibility to regional level. All participating nursing homes had pressure ulcer guidelines except those in Portugal. Control and monitoring of guideline dissemination was carried out only in Sweden and England. All countries studied have national or regional pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines, except Portugal. Portugal is also the only country where none of the nursing homes included had pressure ulcer guidelines. Because the dissemination of such guidelines does not imply actual implementation, further research should focus on the implementation process. Clinical guidelines, like pressure ulcer guidelines, are important tools in guiding the care processes in healthcare institutions. Successful dissemination of guidelines from national level to individual healthcare institutions is a first and necessary step in actually applying them. Monitoring of the guideline dissemination process is therefore essential.

Acute baroreflex resetting and its control of blood pressure in an open loop model.

PubMed

Tan, W; Panzenbeck, M J; Zucker, I H

1989-01-01

Acute baroreflex resetting has been quantitatively studied in anesthetized dogs. Carotid sinuses were isolated bilaterally and carotid sinus conditioning pressure (CPcsp) was set at nine different levels for 20 min over a range of from 40 to 200 mm Hg. Over this range of 160 mm Hg in CPcsp, the magnitude of baroreflex resetting of set point pressure (Psp), threshold pressure (Pth) and BP50 was 32.0 +/- 5, 43.3 +/- 6 and 39.6 +/- 6 mm Hg, respectively. The extent of resetting was a non-linear function of the level of CPcsp. There is less resetting at high CPcsp. The average extent of resetting is only about 25%. In contrast to this small degree of resetting, a profound inverse relationship between the baseline pressure and the conditioning pressure was observed at the end of the conditioning period for each CPcsp. In addition, we also observed an attenuation in the buffering capacity of the baroreflex at very high or very low CPcsp. Vagotomy and aortic section did not alter baroreflex resetting. This data indicates that the baroreflex is capable of monitoring the absolute level of blood pressure during acute resetting in addition to buffering transient disturbances in arterial pressure. Based upon the results of the present experiments, the concept that acute baroreflex resetting results in an inability of the baroreflex to monitor the absolute level of arterial pressure does not appear to be valid.

Correlation of combustor acoustic power levels inferred from internal fluctuating pressure measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonglahn, U. H.

1978-01-01

Combustion chamber acoustic power levels inferred from internal fluctuating pressure measurements are correlated with operating conditions and chamber geometries over a wide range. The variables include considerations of chamber design (can, annular, and reverse-flow annular) and size, number of fuel nozzles, burner staging and fuel split, airflow and heat release rates, and chamber inlet pressure and temperature levels. The correlated data include those obtained with combustion component development rigs as well as engines.

Mitigation of steam generator tube rupture in a pressurized water reactor with passive safety systems

DOEpatents

McDermott, D.J.; Schrader, K.J.; Schulz, T.L.

1994-05-03

The effects of steam generator tube ruptures in a pressurized water reactor are mitigated by reducing the pressure in the primary loop by diverting reactor coolant through the heat exchanger of a passive heat removal system immersed in the in containment refueling water storage tank in response to a high feed water level in the steam generator. Reactor coolant inventory is maintained by also in response to high steam generator level introducing coolant into the primary loop from core make-up tanks at the pressure in the reactor coolant system pressurizer. The high steam generator level is also used to isolate the start-up feed water system and the chemical and volume control system to prevent flooding into the steam header. 2 figures.

Mitigation of steam generator tube rupture in a pressurized water reactor with passive safety systems

DOEpatents

McDermott, Daniel J.; Schrader, Kenneth J.; Schulz, Terry L.

1994-01-01

The effects of steam generator tube ruptures in a pressurized water reactor are mitigated by reducing the pressure in the primary loop by diverting reactor coolant through the heat exchanger of a passive heat removal system immersed in the in containment refueling water storage tank in response to a high feed water level in the steam generator. Reactor coolant inventory is maintained by also in response to high steam generator level introducing coolant into the primary loop from core make-up tanks at the pressure in the reactor coolant system pressurizer. The high steam generator level is also used to isolate the start-up feed water system and the chemical and volume control system to prevent flooding into the steam header. 2 figures.

Empirical prediction of peak pressure levels in anthropogenic impulsive noise. Part I: Airgun arrays signals.

PubMed

Galindo-Romero, Marta; Lippert, Tristan; Gavrilov, Alexander

2015-12-01

This paper presents an empirical linear equation to predict peak pressure level of anthropogenic impulsive signals based on its correlation with the sound exposure level. The regression coefficients are shown to be weakly dependent on the environmental characteristics but governed by the source type and parameters. The equation can be applied to values of the sound exposure level predicted with a numerical model, which provides a significant improvement in the prediction of the peak pressure level. Part I presents the analysis for airgun arrays signals, and Part II considers the application of the empirical equation to offshore impact piling noise.

Application of the Extreme Value Distribution to Estimate the Uncertainty of Peak Sound Pressure Levels at the Workplace.

PubMed

Lenzuni, Paolo

2015-07-01

The purpose of this article is to develop a method for the statistical inference of the maximum peak sound pressure level and of the associated uncertainty. Both quantities are requested by the EU directive 2003/10/EC for a complete and solid assessment of the noise exposure at the workplace. Based on the characteristics of the sound pressure waveform, it is hypothesized that the distribution of the measured peak sound pressure levels follows the extreme value distribution. The maximum peak level is estimated as the largest member of a finite population following this probability distribution. The associated uncertainty is also discussed, taking into account not only the contribution due to the incomplete sampling but also the contribution due to the finite precision of the instrumentation. The largest of the set of measured peak levels underestimates the maximum peak sound pressure level. The underestimate can be as large as 4 dB if the number of measurements is limited to 3-4, which is common practice in occupational noise assessment. The extended uncertainty is also quite large (~2.5 dB), with a weak dependence on the sampling details. Following the procedure outlined in this article, a reliable comparison between the peak sound pressure levels measured in a workplace and the EU directive action limits is possible. Non-compliance can occur even when the largest of the set of measured peak levels is several dB below such limits. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Noise in the operating rooms of Greek hospitals.

PubMed

Tsiou, Chrisoula; Efthymiatos, Gerasimos; Katostaras, Theophanis

2008-02-01

This study is an evaluation of the problem of noise pollution in operating rooms. The high sound pressure level of noise in the operating theatre has a negative impact on communication between operating room personnel. The research took place at nine Greek public hospitals with more than 400 beds. The objective evaluation consisted of sound pressure level measurements in terms of L(eq), as well as peak sound pressure levels in recordings during 43 surgeries in order to identify sources of noise. The subjective evaluation consisted of a questionnaire answered by 684 operating room personnel. The views of operating room personnel were studied using Pearson's X(2) Test and Fisher's Exact Test (SPSS Version 10.00), a t-test comparison was made of mean sound pressure levels, and the relationship of measurement duration and sound pressure level was examined using linear regression analysis (SPSS Version 13.00). The sound pressure levels of noise per operation and the sources of noise varied. The maximum measured level of noise during the main procedure of an operation was measured at L(eq)=71.9 dB(A), L(1)=84.7 dB(A), L(10)=76.2 dB(A), and L(99)=56.7 dB(A). The hospital building, machinery, tools, and people in the operating room were the main noise factors. In order to eliminate excess noise in the operating room it may be necessary to adopt a multidisciplinary approach. An improvement in environment (background noise levels), the implementation of effective standards, and the focusing of the surgical team on noise matters are considered necessary changes.

Association of serum uric acid level and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes mellitus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savira, M.; Rusdiana; Syahputra, M.

2018-03-01

Uric acid is an end product of purine degradation in humans and primarily excreted through urine. In adulthood, concentrations rise steadily over time and vary with height, body weight, blood pressure, renal function, and alcohol intake. Uric acid is known as anti-oxidant, it has a beneficial role in diseases. Elevated serum uric acid associated with anincreased risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been found that elevated levels of uric acid associated with high risks of acomplication of type 2 diabetes mellitus and It has astrong association between elevated uric acid levels and obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular and renal disorders. The aim of the study analyzed the association between serum uric acid level and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This research is descriptive analytic research with a cross sectional design included 50 diabetic subjects aged over 40 years old. Subjects picked by consecutive sampling then we examined the weight, height, waist size, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and serum uric acid level. Statistical analysis using chi-square found that there was no significant association between serum uric acid level and systole and diastole pressure in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (p>0.005).

49 CFR 227.5 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... second or less. Decibel (dB) means a unit of measurement of sound pressure levels. dB(A) means the sound... operate similar equipment under similar conditions. Sound level or Sound pressure level means ten times... an eight-hour time-weighted-average sound level (TWA) of 85 dB(A), or, equivalently, a dose of 50...

Neonatal incubators: a toxic sound environment for the preterm infant?*.

PubMed

Marik, Paul E; Fuller, Christopher; Levitov, Alexander; Moll, Elizabeth

2012-11-01

High sound pressure levels may be harmful to the maturing newborn. Current guidelines suggest that the sound pressure levels within a neonatal intensive care unit should not exceed 45 dB(A). It is likely that environmental noise as well as the noise generated by the incubator fan and respiratory equipment may contribute to the total sound pressure levels. Knowledge of the contribution of each component and source is important to develop effective strategies to reduce noise within the incubator. The objectives of this study were to determine the sound levels, sound spectra, and major sources of sound within a modern neonatal incubator (Giraffe Omnibed; GE Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland) using a sound simulation study to replicate the conditions of a preterm infant undergoing high-frequency jet ventilation (Life Pulse, Bunnell, UT). Using advanced sound data acquisition and signal processing equipment, we measured and analyzed the sound level at a dummy infant's ear and at the head level outside the enclosure. The sound data time histories were digitally acquired and processed using a digital Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to provide spectra of the sound and cumulative sound pressure levels (dBA). The simulation was done with the incubator cooling fan and ventilator switched on or off. In addition, tests were carried out with the enclosure sides closed and hood down and then with the enclosure sides open and the hood up to determine the importance of interior incubator reverberance on the interior sound levels With all the equipment off and the hood down, the sound pressure levels were 53 dB(A) inside the incubator. The sound pressure levels increased to 68 dB(A) with all equipment switched on (approximately 10 times louder than recommended). The sound intensity was 6.0 × 10(-8) watts/m(2); this sound level is roughly comparable with that generated by a kitchen exhaust fan on high. Turning the ventilator off reduced the overall sound pressure levels to 64 dB(A) and the sound pressure levels in the low-frequency band of 0 to 100 Hz were reduced by 10 dB(A). The incubator fan generated tones at 200, 400, and 600 Hz that raised the sound level by approximately 2 dB(A)-3 dB(A). Opening the enclosure (with all equipment turned on) reduced the sound levels above 50 Hz by reducing the revereberance within the enclosure. The sound levels, especially at low frequencies, within a modern incubator may reach levels that are likely to be harmful to the developing newborn. Much of the noise is at low frequencies and thus difficult to reduce by conventional means. Therefore, advanced forms of noise control are needed to address this issue.

Comparative effect of the sites of anterior cervical pressure on the geometry of the upper esophageal sphincter high-pressure zone.

PubMed

Mei, Ling; Jiao, Hongmei; Sharma, Tarun; Dua, Arshish; Sanvanson, Patrick; Jadcherla, Sudarshan R; Shaker, Reza

2017-11-01

External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. Case-control study. We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry. There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure. The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure. 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466-2474, 2017. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Non-linear pressure/temperature-dependence of high pressure thermal inactivation of proteolytic Clostridium botulinum type B in foods.

PubMed

Maier, Maximilian B; Lenz, Christian A; Vogel, Rudi F

2017-01-01

The effect of high pressure thermal (HPT) processing on the inactivation of spores of proteolytic type B Clostridium botulinum TMW 2.357 in four differently composed low-acid foods (green peas with ham, steamed sole, vegetable soup, braised veal) was studied in an industrially feasible pressure range and temperatures between 100 and 120°C. Inactivation curves exhibited rapid inactivation during compression and decompression followed by strong tailing effects. The highest inactivation (approx. 6-log cycle reduction) was obtained in braised veal at 600 MPa and 110°C after 300 s pressure-holding time. In general, inactivation curves exhibited similar negative exponential shapes, but maximum achievable inactivation levels were lower in foods with higher fat contents. At high treatment temperatures, spore inactivation was more effective at lower pressure levels (300 vs. 600 MPa), which indicates a non-linear pressure/temperature-dependence of the HPT spore inactivation efficiency. A comparison of spore inactivation levels achievable using HPT treatments versus a conventional heat sterilization treatment (121.1°C, 3 min) illustrates the potential of combining high pressures and temperatures to replace conventional retorting with the possibility to reduce the process temperature or shorten the processing time. Finally, experiments using varying spore inoculation levels suggested the presence of a resistant fraction comprising approximately 0.01% of a spore population as reason for the pronounced tailing effects in survivor curves. The loss of the high resistance properties upon cultivation indicates that those differences develop during sporulation and are not linked to permanent modifications at the genetic level.

The effects of intraduodenal nutrient infusion on serum CCK, LES pressure, and gastroesophageal reflux.

PubMed

Lacy, B E; Carter, J; Weiss, J E; Crowell, M D

2011-07-01

Fats cause reflux symptoms in many patients and cholecystokinin (CCK) may play a role. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of intraduodenal nutrient infusion on serum CCK levels, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Twenty-four asymptomatic volunteers were studied. A Dent sleeve catheter assessed LES function while an impedance-pH catheter measured reflux events. Participants were randomized to fat (F), carbohydrate (C) or protein (P) infusion. Serum CCK and LES pressures were measured at baseline and after nutrient infusion. Baseline LES pressures and CCK levels were similar in all three groups. A significant linear decrease was found in LES pressure during F, but not C or P, infusion (P=0.004). A significant interaction effect was noted between the infusion groups and CCK levels (P=0.002). A significant linear increase was noted in CCK levels during F but not during C or P infusion (P=0.02). A significant inverse correlation was found between CCK levels and LES pressure (ρ=-0.43; P=0.04). Esophageal acid exposure was significantly increased in the F infusion group (median; interquartile range: 1.10%; 0.25-4.7%) compared to both the C (0.03%; 0.00-0.39%) and P infusion (0.03%; 0.00-0.39%) groups (P=0.04). Intraduodenal F infusion was associated with an increase in CCK levels, while P and C were not. LES pressure decreased significantly after fat infusion and reflux events were more frequent. Fat-induced CCK release is another mechanism that contributes to GER. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Modulatory Effect of Inflammation on Blood Pressure Reduction via Therapeutic Lifestyle Change.

PubMed

Milani, Richard V; Lavie, Carl J

2009-01-01

Since inflammatory status, as determined by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is correlated with many cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors and major CV events, we sought to determine if median levels of CRP can modulate blood pressure changes as well as other CV risk factors that are typically improved by therapeutic lifestyle changes with formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs. We retrospectively evaluated CRP status and standard CV risk factors both before and after formal, phase II CRET programs (12 weeks; 36 educational and exercise sessions) in 635 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease after major CV events. The median CRP level at baseline was 3.2 mg/L (range, 0.2-80.1 mg/L; mean, 5.8±8.4 mg/L). After CRET, both the patients with high and those with low CRP concentrations exhibited statistically significant improvements in most CV risk factors when their CRP levels were divided by median levels. However, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure improved in patients with low CRP levels (each by -4%) but did not change significantly in patients with high CRP levels. In multiple regression models, only young age, low CRP levels, and low body mass index were significant independent predictors of improved mean arterial blood pressure after CRET. In contrast to patients with coronary artery disease and low levels of CRP, patients with high baseline CRP levels did not demonstrate significant reductions in blood pressure after therapeutic lifestyle changes via formal CRET programs.

Effect of the spectrum of a high-intensity sound source on the sound-absorbing properties of a resonance-type acoustic lining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ipatov, M. S.; Ostroumov, M. N.; Sobolev, A. F.

2012-07-01

Experimental results are presented on the effect of both the sound pressure level and the type of spectrum of a sound source on the impedance of an acoustic lining. The spectra under study include those of white noise, a narrow-band signal, and a signal with a preset waveform. It is found that, to obtain reliable data on the impedance of an acoustic lining from the results of interferometric measurements, the total sound pressure level of white noise or the maximal sound pressure level of a pure tone (at every oscillation frequency) needs to be identical to the total sound pressure level of the actual source at the site of acoustic lining on the channel wall.

A Graphical Method for Estimation of Barometric Efficiency from Continuous Data - Concepts and Application to a Site in the Piedmont, Air Force Plant 6, Marietta, Georgia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gonthier, Gerard

2007-01-01

A graphical method that uses continuous water-level and barometric-pressure data was developed to estimate barometric efficiency. A plot of nearly continuous water level (on the y-axis), as a function of nearly continuous barometric pressure (on the x-axis), will plot as a line curved into a series of connected elliptical loops. Each loop represents a barometric-pressure fluctuation. The negative of the slope of the major axis of an elliptical loop will be the ratio of water-level change to barometric-pressure change, which is the sum of the barometric efficiency plus the error. The negative of the slope of the preferred orientation of many elliptical loops is an estimate of the barometric efficiency. The slope of the preferred orientation of many elliptical loops is approximately the median of the slopes of the major axes of the elliptical loops. If water-level change that is not caused by barometric-pressure change does not correlate with barometric-pressure change, the probability that the error will be greater than zero will be the same as the probability that it will be less than zero. As a result, the negative of the median of the slopes for many loops will be close to the barometric efficiency. The graphical method provided a rapid assessment of whether a well was affected by barometric-pressure change and also provided a rapid estimate of barometric efficiency. The graphical method was used to assess which wells at Air Force Plant 6, Marietta, Georgia, had water levels affected by barometric-pressure changes during a 2003 constant-discharge aquifer test. The graphical method was also used to estimate barometric efficiency. Barometric-efficiency estimates from the graphical method were compared to those of four other methods: average of ratios, median of ratios, Clark, and slope. The two methods (the graphical and median-of-ratios methods) that used the median values of water-level change divided by barometric-pressure change appeared to be most resistant to error caused by barometric-pressure-independent water-level change. The graphical method was particularly resistant to large amounts of barometric-pressure-independent water-level change, having an average and standard deviation of error for control wells that was less than one-quarter that of the other four methods. When using the graphical method, it is advisable that more than one person select the slope or that the same person fits the same data several times to minimize the effect of subjectivity. Also, a long study period should be used (at least 60 days) to ensure that loops affected by large amounts of barometric-pressure-independent water-level change do not significantly contribute to error in the barometric-efficiency estimate.

Potential Biomarker Peptides Associated with Acute Alcohol-Induced Reduction of Blood Pressure

PubMed Central

Wakabayashi, Ichiro; Marumo, Mikio; Nonaka, Daisuke; Shimomura, Tomoko; Eguchi, Ryoji; Lee, Lyang-Ja; Tanaka, Kenji; Hatake, Katsuhiko

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the peptides that are related to acute reduction of blood pressure after alcohol drinking. Venous blood was collected from male healthy volunteers before and after drinking white wine (3 ml/kg weight) containing 13% of ethanol. Peptidome analysis for serum samples was performed using a new target plate, BLOTCHIP®. Alcohol caused significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels at 45 min. The peptidome analysis showed that the levels of three peptides of m/z 1467, 2380 and 2662 changed significantly after drinking. The m/z 1467 and 2662 peptides were identified to be fragments of fibrinogen alpha chain, and the m/z 2380 peptide was identified to be a fragment of complement C4. The intensities of the m/z 2380 and m/z 1467 peptides before drinking were associated with % decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels at 45 min after drinking compared with the levels before drinking, while there were no significant correlations between the intensity of the m/z 2662 peptide and % decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels after drinking. The m/z 1467 and 2380 peptides are suggested to be markers for acute reduction of blood pressure after drinking alcohol. PMID:26815288

The insertion-deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with increased blood pressure in women at the end of pregnancy.

PubMed

Reshetnikov, Evgeny A; Akulova, Ludmila Y; Dobrodomova, Irina S; Dvornyk, Volodymyr Y; Polonikov, Alexey V; Churnosov, Mikhail I

2015-09-01

Malfunctioning of the cardiovascular system during pregnancy may be responsible for adverse effects on the 'mother-fetus' system. The cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman develops adaptation to the increased load. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is known to play an important role in the adaptation. The present study was designed to investigate whether the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with the level of arterial blood pressure in women before and during pregnancy. The level of blood pressure was measured in 591 Russian women (Central Russia) before and during (37-40 weeks term) pregnancy. The women were divided into three groups which were hypertensive, hypotensive, and normotensive according to blood pressure level. Genotyping of the ACE I/D polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism assay. Women with genotype DD showed the highest blood pressure level both during and at the end of pregnancy (p<0.05). The highest frequencies of allele D and genotype DD were found in pregnant women in the hypertensive group. The deletion variant of the ACE gene is associated with high blood pressure level at the end of pregnancy. © The Author(s) 2013.

Pressure Dependence of Excitation Cross Sections for Resonant Levels of Rare Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Michael D.; Chilton, J. Ethan; Lin, Chun C.

2000-06-01

In the rare gases, the excited n'p^5ns and n'p^5nd levels with J = 1 are optically coupled to ground as well as lower lying p levels. Resonant photons emitted when the atom decays to ground can be reabsorbed by another ground-state atom. At low gas pressures this reabsorption occurs infrequently, but at higher pressures becomes increasingly likely until the resonant transition is completely suppressed. This enhances the cascade transitions into lower p levels, resulting in pressure dependent optical emission cross sections. This reabsorption process can be understood quantitatively with a model developed by Heddle et al(D. W. O. Heddle and N. J. Samuel, J. Phys. B 3), 1593 (1970).. The radiation from transitions into the nonresonant levels often lie in the ir, while the resonant radiation is always in the uv spectral region. Using a Fourier-transform spectrometer, one can measure the cross sections for the ir transitions as a function of pressure. The Heddle model can be fit to these data with the use of theoretical values for the Einstein A coefficients. This provides a test of the accuracy of calculated A values. Discussion will include cross section measurements for Ne, Ar, and Kr excited by electron impact over a range of gas pressures.

Coupling of Low Speed Fan Stator Vane Unsteady Pressures to Duct Modes: Measured versus Predicted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutliff, Daniel L.; Heidelberg, Laurence J.; Envia, Edmane

1999-01-01

Uniform-flow annular-duct Green's functions are the essential elements of the classical acoustic analogy approach to the problem of computing the noise generated by rotor-stator interaction inside the fan duct. This paper investigates the accuracy of this class of Green's functions for predicting the duct noise levels when measured stator vane unsteady surface pressures are used as input to the theoretical formulation. The accuracy of the method is evaluated by comparing the predicted and measured acoustic power levels for the NASA 48 inch low speed Active Noise Control Fan. The unsteady surface pressures are measured,by an array of microphones imbedded in the suction and pressure sides of a single vane, while the duct mode levels are measured using a rotating rake system installed in the inlet and exhaust sections of the fan duct. The predicted levels are computed using properly weighted integrals of measured surface pressure distribution. The data-theory comparisons are generally quite good particularly when the mode cut-off criterion is carefully interpreted. This suggests that, at least for low speed fans, the uniform-flow annular-duct Green's function theory can be reliably used for prediction of duct mode levels if the cascade surface pressure distribution is accurately known.

Sound pressure levels generated at risk volume steps of portable listening devices: types of smartphone and genres of music.

PubMed

Kim, Gibbeum; Han, Woojae

2018-05-01

The present study estimated the sound pressure levels of various music genres at the volume steps that contemporary smartphones deliver, because these levels put the listener at potential risk for hearing loss. Using six different smartphones (Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 3, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, LG G2, and LG G3), the sound pressure levels for three genres of K-pop music (dance-pop, hip-hop, and pop-ballad) and a Billboard pop chart of assorted genres were measured through an earbud for the first risk volume that was at the risk sign proposed by the smartphones, as well as consecutive higher volumes using a sound level meter and artificial mastoid. The first risk volume step of the Galaxy S6 and the LG G2, among the six smartphones, had the significantly lowest (84.1 dBA) and highest output levels (92.4 dBA), respectively. As the volume step increased, so did the sound pressure levels. The iPhone 6 was loudest (113.1 dBA) at the maximum volume step. Of the music genres, dance-pop showed the highest output level (91.1 dBA) for all smartphones. Within the frequency range of 20~ 20,000 Hz, the sound pressure level peaked at 2000 Hz for all the smartphones. The results showed that the sound pressure levels of either the first volume step or the maximum volume step were not the same for the different smartphone models and genres of music, which means that the risk volume sign and its output levels should be unified across the devices for their users. In addition, the risk volume steps proposed by the latest smartphone models are high enough to cause noise-induced hearing loss if their users habitually listen to music at those levels.

High blood pressure medicines

MedlinePlus

Hypertension - medicines ... blood vessel diseases. You may need to take medicines to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes ... blood pressure to the target level. WHEN ARE MEDICINES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE USED Most of the ...

[Analysis on the trend of long-term change of blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated with benazepril].

PubMed

Lu, Jun; Li, Li-Ming; He, Ping-Ping; Cao, Wei-Hua; Zhan, Si-Yan; Hu, Yong-Hua

2004-06-01

To introduce the application of mixed linear model in the analysis of secular trend of blood pressure under antihypertensive treatment. A community-based postmarketing surveillance of benazepril was conducted in 1831 essential hypertensive patients (age range from 35 to 88 years) in Shanghai. Data of blood pressure was analyzed every 3 months with mixed linear model to describe the secular trend of blood pressure and changes of age-specific and gender-specific. The changing trends of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were found to fit the curvilinear models. A piecewise model was fit for pulse pressure (PP), i.e., curvilinear model in the first 9 months and linear model after 9 months of taking medication. Both blood pressure and its velocity gradually slowed down. There were significant variation for the curve parameters of intercept, slope, and acceleration. Blood pressure in patients with higher initial levels was persistently declining in the 3-year-treatment. However blood pressures of patients with relatively low initial levels remained low when dropped down to some degree. Elderly patients showed high SBP but low DBP, so as with higher PP. The velocity and sizes of blood pressure reductions increased with the initial level of blood pressure. Mixed linear model is flexible and robust when applied to the analysis of longitudinal data but with missing values and can also make the maximum use of available information.

Pulsed pressure treatment for inactivation of escherichia coli and listeria innocua in whole milk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzrul, S.; Largeteau, A.; Alpas, H.; Demazeau, G.

2008-07-01

E. coli and L. innocua in whole milk were subjected to continuous pressure treatments (300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 MPa) at ambient temperature for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. These treatments underlined that at moderate pressure values (300, 350 and 400 MPa), increasing the pressurization time from 5 to 20 min did not improve cell death to a great extent. Therefore, pulsed pressure treatments (at 300, 350 and 400 MPa) for 5 min (2.5 min × 2 pulses, 1 min × 5 pulses and 0.5 min × 10 pulses), 10 min (5 min × 2 pulses, 2 min × 5 pulses and 1 min × 10 pulses), 15 min (5 min × 3 pulses, 3 min × 5 pulses and 1.5 min × 10 pulses) and 20 min (10 min × 2 pulses, 5 min × 4 pulses, 4 min × 5 pulses and 2 min × 10 pulses) were applied. As already observed in continuous pressure experiments, in pulsed pressure treatments the inactivation level is improved with increasing pressure level and in addition with the number of applied pulses; however, the effect of pulse number is not additive. Results obtained in this study indicated that pulsed pressure treatments could be used to pasteurize the whole milk at lower pressure values than the continuous pressure treatments. Nevertheless, an optimization appears definetely necessary between the number of pulses and pressure levels to reach the desirable number of log-reduction of microorganisms.

Retort Upgrading for Surge

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

Endress & Hauser Analog Level Gauge PV with Sight Glass Minco Temperature Transmitters (2) Steam Pressure Alarm Switch ABB Kent Taylor...Transmitter SV (0-100 psig range) LogTec Pressure Transmitter PV (0-60 psig) Strobe Light Rotor Proximity Switches (3) Endress & Hauser ... Endress & Hauser Analog Level Gauge PV with Sight Glass Minco Temperature Transmitters (2) Steam Pressure Alarm Switch ABB Kent Taylor

77 FR 46385 - Certain Small Diameter Seamless Carbon and Alloy Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe From Germany...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-03

...: Seamless pressure pipes are intended for the conveyance of water, steam, petrochemicals, chemicals, oil... Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stress levels. Alloy pipes made to ASTM standard A-335 must be used if temperatures and stress levels exceed those allowed for A-106 and the ASME codes. Seamless pressure pipes sold...

SPAKling insight into blood pressure regulation

PubMed Central

Castañeda-Bueno, María; Gamba, Gerardo

2010-01-01

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important health problems in industrialized cities. Blood pressure levels are influenced by renal salt handling and salt reabsorption in the kidney. In this Closeup, Castañeda-Bueno and Gamba discuss the work from Alessi and coworkers on the in vivo roles of the SPAK kinase in defining blood pressure levels. PMID:20112249

A joint analysis of sea-level and meteorological data over the past 19th and 20th century on the Charente-Maritime French Atlantic coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouriou, Thomas; Wöppelmann, Guy

2010-05-01

A systematic survey of the historical French archives was initiated in 2004 to search for ancient sea level observations. Long term sea-level records are invaluable to study trends in sea level components in the context of climate change due to global warming. A large amount of records have been discovered, notably on the Charente-Maritime French Atlantic coast: fort Enet (1859-1873) and fort Boyard (1873-1909), a few kilometres apart. These two historical data sets include meteorological observations in addition to the sea-level heights: sea-level pressure, air temperature, wind direction and speed, and sometimes daily indications on the local climatic conditions. Sea-level heights were measured with a "Chazallon" type of float tide gauge and whereas the sea-level pressures were measured with a "Fortin" mercury barometer. The historical data sets are now in computer-accessible form. They were manually checked for consistency, and compared to nearby data sets (e.g. Brest, Hadley centre Sea Level Pressure data set HadSLP2). We will present the data sets, the composite time series that were built for the period 1859-1909, and the joint sea level and meteorological data analysis which proved worthwhile. The pressure data were indeed of particular interest (7 observations per day, from 6.00am to 9.00pm between 1859 and 1909). First, examining the inverse barometer (IB) effect was demonstrated to be a good means to check the sea-level data sets (Woodworth 2006). If the data sets were of poor quality, then the sea-level height and air pressure monthly mean time series would show low or no correlation. Conversely, if both data sets were of good quality, there would be a high negative correlation between the local sea-level heights and sea-level pressure changes. Second, a linear regression between the two parameters (sea level and atmospheric pressure) would be giving a regression coefficient of approximately -1 cm/mbar under static assumption. Any departure from this relationship is indicative of wind-driven dynamical processes. As will be shown, the Charente-Maritime French Atlantic coast is a particular environment subject to westward winds with a complex coastline and bathymetry (islands, shallow waters). Last but not least, our data archeology exercise will provide additional evidence to the intriguing relation that was first noted by Miller and Douglas (2007) between sea level on the eastern boundary of the North Atlantic and the strength of the gyre-scale circulation, as represented by air pressure in the centre of the gyre, on multi-decadal and century-timescales.

Comparison of low-frequency noise levels of the Concorde supersonic transport with other commercial service airplanes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, C. A.; Mccurdy, D. A.

1978-01-01

Fifty-two airplane noise recordings, made at several locations around Dulles International Airport, were analyzed to compare the low-frequency noise levels of the Concorde supersonic transport with those of other commercial jet airplanes. Comparisons of the relative low-frequency noise levels which were produced at close and distant locations for departures and arrivals were made for three noise measures: the sound pressure level in the 1/3 octave band centered at 20 Hz, the total sound pressure level in the 1/3 octave bands with center frequencies less than or equal to 125 Hz, and the total sound pressure level in the 1/3 octave bands with center frequencies less than or equal to 500 Hz. Although the absolute noise levels for Concorde were found, in general, to be higher than those for the other airplane types, the level of low-frequency noise of the Concorde relative to the perceived noise level (PNL), effective perceived noise level (EPNL), and overall sound pressure level (OASPL) was within the range established by the other airplane types, except for the arrival operations of four-engine, narrow-body airplanes. The measure OASPL was found to be a significantly better predictor of low-frequency noise level than PNL or EPNL.

Comparison of Hydraulic Conductivity Determinations in Co-located Conventional and Direct-Push Monitoring Wells

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-08

pressure gauge on the pneumatic head and indicate the number of inches the water level was lowered in the well to induce the slug test. ERDC/CRREL...a pneumatic slug-test system and its major components. ERDC/CRREL TR-11-6 10 pressure gauge on the pneumatic head, which is graduated in inches...The water level changes induced by the slug test were measured with a 10-psi pressure transducer installed below the water level. An analog-to

The curvilinear relationship between work pressure and momentary task performance: the role of state and trait core self-evaluations.

PubMed

Hofmans, Joeri; Debusscher, Jonas; Dóci, Edina; Spanouli, Andromachi; De Fruyt, Filip

2015-01-01

Whereas several studies have demonstrated that core self-evaluations (CSE)-or one's appraisals about one's own self-worth, capabilities, and competences-relate to job outcomes, less is known about the mechanisms underlying these relationships. In the present study, we address this issue by examining the role of within- and between-person variation in CSE in the relationship between work pressure and task performance. We hypothesized that (a) work pressure relates to task performance in a curvilinear way, (b) state CSE mediates the curvilinear relationship between work pressure and task performance, and (c) the relationship between work pressure and state CSE is moderated by trait CSE. Our hypotheses were tested via a 10-day daily diary study with 55 employees in which trait CSE was measured at baseline, while work pressure, task performance, and state CSE were assessed on a daily basis. Bayesian multilevel path analysis showed that work pressure affects task performance via state CSE, with state CSE increasing as long as the employee feels that (s)he is able to handle the work pressure, while it decreases when the level of work pressure exceeds the employees' coping abilities. Moreover, we found that for people low on trait CSE, the depleting effect of work pressure via state CSE happens for low levels of work pressure, while for people high in trait CSE the depleting effect is located at high levels of work pressure. Together, our findings suggest that the impact of work pressure on task performance is driven by a complex interplay of between- and within-person differences in CSE.

The Role of Agonistic Striving in the Association Between Cortisol and High Blood Pressure.

PubMed

Ewart, Craig K; Elder, Gavin J; Jorgensen, Randall S; Fitzgerald, Sheila T

2017-05-01

A social action theory of chronic stress proposes that agonistic striving (seeking to influence or control others) impairs cardiovascular health by magnifying the impact of high adversity-induced cortisol levels on blood pressure. We tested three predictions of social action theory: (1) the social action theory taxonomy of regulatory strivings characterizes young adults from high-adversity neighborhoods; (2) high cortisol levels predict high blood pressure more reliably in the subgroup with the agonistic striving profile than in subgroups with other profiles; (3) the association of higher cortisol and higher blood pressure with agonistic striving is not explained by negative affect (depressive symptoms/dysphoria, anger, hostility). Participants were young adults (N = 198, mean [SD] age = 32 [3.4] years); 71% female; 65% black) from disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. Motive profiles (including agonistic strivings) were assessed using the Social Competence Interview. Cortisol levels were derived from saliva samples; blood pressure level was obtained during two days of ambulatory monitoring. Psychological measures of negative affect were assessed using questionnaires. The predicted taxonomy of regulatory strivings was replicated in this sample; the interaction between cortisol and motive profile was significant (F(2, 91) = 6.72, p = .002); analyses of simple effects disclosed that higher cortisol levels predicted higher ambulatory blood pressure only in individuals who exhibited agonistic striving. Depressive symptoms/dysphoria, trait anger, and hostility were not correlated with agonistic striving, cortisol, or blood pressure. Agonistic striving may represent a distinctive (and novel) social-cognitive mechanism of toxic stress and cardiovascular risk.

Comparing otoacoustic emissions evoked by chirp transients with constant absorbed sound power and constant incident pressure magnitude.

PubMed

Keefe, Douglas H; Feeney, M Patrick; Hunter, Lisa L; Fitzpatrick, Denis F

2017-01-01

Human ear-canal properties of transient acoustic stimuli are contrasted that utilize measured ear-canal pressures in conjunction with measured acoustic pressure reflectance and admittance. These data are referenced to the tip of a probe snugly inserted into the ear canal. Promising procedures to calibrate across frequency include stimuli with controlled levels of incident pressure magnitude, absorbed sound power, and forward pressure magnitude. An equivalent pressure at the eardrum is calculated from these measured data using a transmission-line model of ear-canal acoustics parameterized by acoustically estimated ear-canal area at the probe tip and length between the probe tip and eardrum. Chirp stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude and constant absorbed sound power across frequency were generated to elicit transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which were measured in normal-hearing adult ears from 0.7 to 8 kHz. TEOAE stimuli had similar peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure levels across calibration conditions. Frequency-domain TEOAEs were compared using signal level, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), coherence synchrony modulus (CSM), group delay, and group spread. Time-domain TEOAEs were compared using SNR, CSM, instantaneous frequency and instantaneous bandwidth. Stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude or constant absorbed sound power across frequency produce generally similar TEOAEs up to 8 kHz.

A novel method for calculating the dynamic capillary force and correcting the pressure error in micro-tube experiment.

PubMed

Wang, Shuoliang; Liu, Pengcheng; Zhao, Hui; Zhang, Yuan

2017-11-29

Micro-tube experiment has been implemented to understand the mechanisms of governing microcosmic fluid percolation and is extensively used in both fields of micro electromechanical engineering and petroleum engineering. The measured pressure difference across the microtube is not equal to the actual pressure difference across the microtube. Taking into account the additional pressure losses between the outlet of the micro tube and the outlet of the entire setup, we propose a new method for predicting the dynamic capillary pressure using the Level-set method. We first demonstrate it is a reliable method for describing microscopic flow by comparing the micro-model flow-test results against the predicted results using the Level-set method. In the proposed approach, Level-set method is applied to predict the pressure distribution along the microtube when the fluids flow along the microtube at a given flow rate; the microtube used in the calculation has the same size as the one used in the experiment. From the simulation results, the pressure difference across a curved interface (i.e., dynamic capillary pressure) can be directly obtained. We also show that dynamic capillary force should be properly evaluated in the micro-tube experiment in order to obtain the actual pressure difference across the microtube.

Determining the response of sea level to atmospheric pressure forcing using TOPEX/POSEIDON data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fu, Lee-Lueng; Pihos, Greg

1994-01-01

The static response of sea level to the forcing of atmospheric pressure, the so-called inverted barometer (IB) effect, is investigated using TOPEX/POSEIDON data. This response, characterized by the rise and fall of sea level to compensate for the change of atmospheric pressure at a rate of -1 cm/mbar, is not associated with any ocean currents and hence is normally treated as an error to be removed from sea level observation. Linear regression and spectral transfer function analyses are applied to sea level and pressure to examine the validity of the IB effect. In regions outside the tropics, the regression coefficient is found to be consistently close to the theoretical value except for the regions of western boundary currents, where the mesoscale variability interferes with the IB effect. The spectral transfer function shows near IB response at periods of 30 degrees is -0.84 +/- 0.29 cm/mbar (1 standard deviation). The deviation from = 1 cm /mbar is shown to be caused primarily by the effect of wind forcing on sea level, based on multivariate linear regression model involving both pressure and wind forcing. The regression coefficient for pressure resulting from the multivariate analysis is -0.96 +/- 0.32 cm/mbar. In the tropics the multivariate analysis fails because sea level in the tropics is primarily responding to remote wind forcing. However, after removing from the data the wind-forced sea level estimated by a dynamic model of the tropical Pacific, the pressure regression coefficient improves from -1.22 +/- 0.69 cm/mbar to -0.99 +/- 0.46 cm/mbar, clearly revealing an IB response. The result of the study suggests that with a proper removal of the effect of wind forcing the IB effect is valid in most of the open ocean at periods longer than 20 days and spatial scales larger than 500 km.

An analysis of collegiate band directors' exposure to sound pressure levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roebuck, Nikole Moore

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant but unfortunate common occupational hazard. The purpose of the current study was to measure the magnitude of sound pressure levels generated within a collegiate band room and determine if those sound pressure levels are of a magnitude that exceeds the policy standards and recommendations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition, reverberation times were measured and analyzed in order to determine the appropriateness of acoustical conditions for the band rehearsal environment. Sound pressure measurements were taken from the rehearsal of seven collegiate marching bands. Single sample t test were conducted to compare the sound pressure levels of all bands to the noise exposure standards of OSHA and NIOSH. Multiple regression analysis were conducted and analyzed in order to determine the effect of the band room's conditions on the sound pressure levels and reverberation times. Time weighted averages (TWA), noise percentage doses, and peak levels were also collected. The mean Leq for all band directors was 90.5 dBA. The total accumulated noise percentage dose for all band directors was 77.6% of the maximum allowable daily noise dose under the OSHA standard. The total calculated TWA for all band directors was 88.2% of the maximum allowable daily noise dose under the OSHA standard. The total accumulated noise percentage dose for all band directors was 152.1% of the maximum allowable daily noise dose under the NIOSH standards, and the total calculated TWA for all band directors was 93dBA of the maximum allowable daily noise dose under the NIOSH standard. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the room volume, the level of acoustical treatment and the mean room reverberation time predicted 80% of the variance in sound pressure levels in this study.

Intrathoracic and venous pressure relationships during responses to changes in body position

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avasthey, P.; Wood, E. H.

1974-01-01

Simultaneous end-expiratory pressures, referred to midthoracic level, in the superior and abdominal venae cavae, pericardial space, and right and left heart, were recorded without thoracotomy in three anesthetized dogs during sudden changes from supine to vertical head-up or head-down body positions. Intrathoracic and dependent great vein pressures referred to midchest level (sixth thoracic vertebra) decreased and showed simple hydrostatic gradients in either vertical position. However, a discontinuity in the large vein hydrostatic gradient occurred just distal to the superior margin of the thorax in either body position and was resumed again above this level. It is concluded that, just as the cerebrospinal fluid and intraperitoneal pressures minimize the effects of gravitational and inertial forces on the cerebral and visceral circulations, the pericardial and pleural pressures have a similar role for the heart proper.

Fluctuating pressures in flow fields of jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schroeder, J. C.; Haviland, J. K.

1976-01-01

The powered lift configurations under present development for STOL aircraft are the externally blown flap (EBF), involving direct jet impingement on the aircraft flaps, and the upper surface blown (USB), where the jet flow is attached on the upper surface of the wing and directed downwards. Towards the goal of developing scaling laws to predict unsteady loads imposed on the structural components of these STOL aircraft from small model tests, the near field fluctuating pressure behavior for the simplified cases of a round free cold jet and the same jet impinging on a flat plate was investigated. Examples are given of coherences, phase lags (giving convection velocities), and overall fluctuating pressure levels measured. The fluctuating pressure levels measured on the flat plate are compared to surface fluctuating pressure levels measured on full-scale powered-lift configuration models.

Noninvasive CPAP with face mask: comparison among new air-entrainment masks and the Boussignac valve.

PubMed

Mistraletti, Giovanni; Giacomini, Matteo; Sabbatini, Giovanni; Pinciroli, Riccardo; Mantovani, Elena S; Umbrello, Michele; Palmisano, Debora; Formenti, Paolo; Destrebecq, Anne L L; Iapichino, Gaetano

2013-02-01

The performances of 2 noninvasive CPAP systems (high flow and low flow air-entrainment masks) were compared to the Boussignac valve in 3 different scenarios. Scenario 1: pneumatic lung simulator with a tachypnea pattern (tidal volume 800 mL at 40 breaths/min). Scenario 2: Ten healthy subjects studied during tidal breaths and tachypnea. Scenario 3: Twenty ICU subjects enrolled for a noninvasive CPAP session. Differences between set and effective CPAP level and F(IO(2)), as well as the lowest airway pressure and the pressure swing around the imposed CPAP level, were analyzed. The lowest airway pressure and swing were correlated to the pressure-time product (area of the airway pressure curve below the CPAP level) measured with the simulator. P(aO(2)) was a subject's further performance index. Lung simulator: Boussignac F(IO(2)) was 0.54, even if supplied with pure oxygen. The air-entrainment masks had higher swing than the Boussignac (P = .007). Pressure-time product correlated better with pressure swing (Spearman correlation coefficient [ρ] = 0.97) than with lowest airway pressure (ρ = 0.92). In healthy subjects, the high-flow air-entrainment mask showed lower difference between set and effective F(IO(2)) (P < .001), and lowest airway pressure (P < .001), compared to the Boussignac valve. In all measurements the Boussignac valve showed higher than imposed CPAP level (P < .001). In ICU subjects the high-flow mask had lower swing than the Boussignac valve (P = .03) with similar P(aO(2)) increase. High-flow air-entrainment mask showed the best performance in human subjects. During high flow demand, the Boussignac valve delivered lower than expected F(IO(2)) and showed higher dynamic hyper-pressurization than the air-entrainment masks. © 2013 Daedalus Enterprises.

A national project to evaluate and reduce high sound pressure levels from music.

PubMed

Ryberg, Johanna Bengtsson

2009-01-01

The highest recommended sound pressure levels for leisure sounds (music) in Sweden are 100 dB LAeq and 115 dB LAFmax for adults, and 97 dB LAeq and 110 dB LAFmax where children under the age of 13 have access. For arrangements intended for children, levels should be consistently less than 90 dB LAeq. In 2005, a national project was carried out with the aim of improving environments with high sound pressure levels from music, such as concert halls, restaurants, and cinemas. The project covered both live and recorded music. Of Sweden's 290 municipalities, 134 took part in the project, and 93 of these carried out sound measurements. Four hundred and seventy one establishments were investigated, 24% of which exceeded the highest recommended sound pressure levels for leisure sounds in Sweden. Of festival and concert events, 42% exceeded the recommended levels. Those who visit music events/establishments thus run a relatively high risk of exposure to harmful sound levels. Continued supervision in this field is therefore crucial.

The influence of a low air pressure environment on human metabolic rate during short-term (< 2 h) exposures.

PubMed

Cui, W; Wang, H; Wu, T; Ouyang, Q; Hu, S; Zhu, Y

2017-03-01

Passengers in aircraft cabins are exposed to low-pressure environments. One of the missing links in the research on thermal comfort under cabin conditions is the influence of low air pressure on the metabolic rate. In this research, we simulated the cabin pressure regime in a chamber in which the pressure level could be controlled. Three pressure levels (101/85/70 kPa) were tested to investigate how metabolic rate changed at different pressure levels. The results show that as pressure decreased, the respiratory flow rate (RFR) at standard condition (STPD: 0°C, 101 kPa) significantly decreased. Yet the oxygen (O 2 ) consumption and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) production significantly increased, as reflected in the larger concentration difference between inhaled and exhaled air. A significant increase in the respiratory quotient (RQ) was also observed. For metabolic rate, no significant increase (P > 0.05) was detected when pressure decreased from 101 kPa to 85 kPa; however, the increase associated with a pressure decrease from 85 kPa to 70kPa was significant (P < 0.05). Empirical equations describing the above parameters are provided, which can be helpful for thermal comfort assessment in short-haul flights. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Logical Issues With the Pressure Natriuresis Theory of Chronic Hypertension

PubMed Central

DiCarlo, Stephen E.; Morris, R. Curtis

2016-01-01

Abstract The term “abnormal pressure natriuresis” refers to a subnormal effect of a given level of blood pressure (BP) on sodium excretion. It is widely believed that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes an initial increase in BP to be sustained. We refer to this view as the “pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension.” The proponents of the theory contend that all forms of chronic hypertension are sustained by abnormal pressure natriuresis, irrespective of how hypertension is initiated. This theory would appear to follow from “the three laws of long-term arterial pressure regulation” stated by Guyton and Coleman more than 3 decades ago. These “laws” articulate the concept that for a given level of salt intake, the relationship between arterial pressure and sodium excretion determines the chronic level of BP. Here, we review and examine the recent assertion by Beard that these “laws” of long-term BP control amount to nothing more than a series of tautologies. Our analysis supports Beard’s assertion, and also indicates that contemporary investigators often use tautological reasoning in support of the pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension. Although the theory itself is not a tautology, it does not appear to be testable because it holds that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes salt-induced hypertension to be sustained through abnormal increases in cardiac output that are too small to be detected. PMID:28637271

Associations between cadmium levels in blood and urine, blood pressure and hypertension among Canadian adults

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

Garner, Rochelle E., E-mail: rochelle.garner@canad

Background: Cadmium has been inconsistently related to blood pressure and hypertension. The present study seeks to clarify the relationship between cadmium levels found in blood and urine, blood pressure and hypertension in a large sample of adults. Methods: The study sample included participants ages 20 through 79 from multiple cycles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007 through 2013) with measured blood cadmium (n=10,099) and urinary cadmium (n=6988). Linear regression models examined the association between natural logarithm transformed cadmium levels and blood pressure (separate models for systolic and diastolic blood pressure) after controlling for known covariates. Logistic regression models weremore » used to examine the association between cadmium and hypertension. Models were run separately by sex, smoking status, and body mass index category. Results: Men had higher mean systolic (114.8 vs. 110.8 mmHg, p<0.01) and diastolic (74.0 vs. 69.6 mmHg, p<0.01) blood pressure compared to women. Although, geometric mean blood (0.46 vs. 0.38 µg/L, p<0.01) and creatinine-adjusted standardized urinary cadmium levels (0.48 vs. 0.38 µg/L, p<0.01) were higher among those with hypertension, these differences were no longer significant after adjustment for age, sex and smoking status. In overall regression models, increases in blood cadmium were associated with increased systolic (0.70 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.25–1.16, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (0.74 mmHg, 95% CI=0.30–1.19, p<0.01). The associations between urinary cadmium, blood pressure and hypertension were not significant in overall models. Model stratification revealed significant and negative associations between urinary cadmium and hypertension among current smokers (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.44–0.85, p<0.01), particularly female current smokers (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.32–0.85, p=0.01). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a significant association between cadmium levels, blood pressure and hypertension. However, the significance and direction of this association differs by sex, smoking status, and body mass index category. - Highlights: • Blood and urinary cadmium levels higher among those with hypertension. • Evidence of association between cadmium levels, blood pressure and hypertension. • Significance and direction of association differs by sex, smoking status, and BMI. • Higher urinary cadmium levels lower hypertension risk for current (female) smokers.« less

Temperature compensated liquid level sensor using FBGs and a Bourdon tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, D.; Shankar, M. Sai; Rao, P. Vengal; Reddy, P. Saidi; Sai Prasad, R. L. N.; Kishore, P.; Srimannarayana, K.

2011-12-01

A temperature compensated liquid level sensor using FBGs and a bourdon tube that works on hydrostatic pressure is presented. An FBG (FBG1) is fixed between free end and a fixed end of the bourdon tube. When hydrostatic pressure applied to the bourdon tube FBG1 experience an axial strain due to the movement of free end. Experimental result shows, a good linearity in shift in Bragg wavelength with the applied pressure. The performance of this arrangement is tested for 21metre water column pressure. Another FBG (FBG2) is included for temperature compensation. The design of the sensor head is simple and easy mountable external to any tank for liquid level measurements.

Energy efficient engine: High pressure turbine uncooled rig technology report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, W. B.

1979-01-01

Results obtained from testing five performance builds (three vane cascades and two rotating rigs of the Energy Efficient Engine uncooled rig have established the uncooled aerodynamic efficiency of the high-pressure turbine at 91.1 percent. This efficiency level was attained by increasing the rim speed and annulus area (AN(2)), and by increasing the turbine reaction level. The increase in AN(2) resulted in a performance improvement of 1.15 percent. At the design point pressure ratio, the increased reaction level rig demonstrated an efficiency of 91.1 percent. The results of this program have verified the aerodynamic design assumptions established for the Energy Efficient Engine high-pressure turbine component.

Mapping in-vivo optic nerve head strains caused by intraocular and intracranial pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, H.; Grimm, J.; Wang, B.; Smith, M. A.; Gogola, A.; Nelson, S.; Tyler-Kabara, E.; Schuman, J.; Wollstein, G.; Sigal, I. A.

2017-02-01

Although it is well documented that abnormal levels of either intraocular (IOP) or intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to potentially blinding conditions, such as glaucoma and papilledema, little is known about how the pressures actually affect the eye. Even less is known about potential interplay between their effects, namely how the level of one pressure might alter the effects of the other. Our goal was to measure in-vivo the pressure-induced stretch and compression of the lamina cribrosa due to acute changes of IOP and ICP. The lamina cribrosa is a structure within the optic nerve head, in the back of the eye. It is important because it is in the lamina cribrosa that the pressure-induced deformations are believed to initiate damage to neural tissues leading to blindness. An eye of a rhesus macaque monkey was imaged in-vivo with optical coherence tomography while IOP and ICP were controlled through cannulas in the anterior chamber and lateral ventricle, respectively. The image volumes were analyzed with a newly developed digital image correlation technique. The effects of both pressures were highly localized, nonlinear and non-monotonic, with strong interactions. Pressure variations from the baseline normal levels caused substantial stretch and compression of the neural tissues in the posterior pole, sometimes exceeding 20%. Chronic exposure to such high levels of biomechanical insult would likely lead to neural tissue damage and loss of vision. Our results demonstrate the power of digital image correlation technique based on non-invasive imaging technologies to help understand how pressures induce biomechanical insults and lead to vision problems.

Socioeconomic Status Modifies the Seasonal Effect on Blood Pressure

PubMed Central

Cois, Annibale; Ehrlich, Rodney

2015-01-01

Abstract Seasonal variations in blood pressure have been consistently reported. However, uncertainty remains about the size of the seasonal effect in different regions, and about factors that explain the differences observed across and within populations. Using data from a national panel study, we investigated seasonal variations in blood pressure in the South African adult population, and whether these variations differed across socioeconomic strata. We estimated age-specific seasonal effects on blood pressure using a multilevel structural equation model, with repeated measurements nested within subjects. Effect modification by socioeconomic status was assessed by repeating the analyses in the subpopulations defined by levels of education, household income per capita, and type of housing. In men and women, season had a statistically significant effect on blood pressure, with higher levels in winter and lower levels in summer. For systolic blood pressure, the magnitude of the seasonal effect was 4.25/4.21 mmHg (women/men) and was higher in the older age groups. For diastolic blood pressure, the effect size was 4.00/4.01 mmHg, with no evident age trend. Seasonal effects were higher among subjects in the lowest socioeconomic classes than in the highest, with differences between 2.4 and 7.7 mmHg, depending on gender, whether systolic or diastolic blood pressure, and socioeconomic status indicator. In the South African adult population, blood pressure shows seasonal variation modified by age and socioeconomic status. These variations have epidemiological, clinical, and public health implications, including the prospect of population level intervention to reduce elevated risk of cold weather cardiovascular morbidity. PMID:26334893

Association of physical activity and physical fitness with blood pressure profile in Gujarati Indian adolescents.

PubMed

Shaikh, Wasim A; Patel, Minal C; Singh, S K

2011-01-01

The current study was conducted to determine how physical activity level and physical fitness affects the blood pressure profile of Gujarati Indian adolescents so as to help in developing preventive strategies for the local population as ethnic differences exist in the aetiopathogenesis of hypertension. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 485 Gujarati Indian adolescent boys and girls of age group 16-19 years. Physical activity level was assessed using Johnson Space Center/NASA Physical Activity Rating Scale and VO2 max was used to assess the physical fitness. Body composition was assessed in terms of Body Mass Index, Fat Mass Index and Waist Circumference. Blood Pressure was measured by oscillometry. One-way ANOVA was used to study if any significant differences (P<0.05) existed in the blood pressure profile between the high, moderate and low physical activity groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient was determined to assess the relationship between VO2 max and blood pressure profile. In girls, physical activity level was not found to have a significant effect on the blood pressure profile. In boys, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were found to be significantly higher in Moderate Physical Activity Group as compared to Low Physical Activity Group. PVO2 max was found to have a significant negative correlationship with SBP, DBP and MAP in girls and a significant negative correlationship with SBP, PP and MAP in boys. It could thus be concluded that a better physical fitness rather than a higher physical activity level could keep the blood pressure in check in the Gujarati Indian adolescents.

Elevated plasma endothelin-1 and pulmonary arterial pressure in children exposed to air pollution.

PubMed

Calderón-Garcidueñas, Lilian; Vincent, Renaud; Mora-Tiscareño, Antonieta; Franco-Lira, Maricela; Henríquez-Roldán, Carlos; Barragán-Mejía, Gerardo; Garrido-García, Luis; Camacho-Reyes, Laura; Valencia-Salazar, Gildardo; Paredes, Rogelio; Romero, Lina; Osnaya, Hector; Villarreal-Calderón, Rafael; Torres-Jardón, Ricardo; Hazucha, Milan J; Reed, William

2007-08-01

Controlled exposures of animals and humans to particulate matter (PM) or ozone air pollution cause an increase in plasma levels of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor that regulates pulmonary arterial pressure. The primary objective of this field study was to determine whether Mexico City children, who are chronically exposed to levels of PM and O(3) that exceed the United States air quality standards, have elevated plasma endothelin-1 levels and pulmonary arterial pressures. We conducted a study of 81 children, 7.9 +/- 1.3 years of age, lifelong residents of either northeast (n = 19) or southwest (n = 40) Mexico City or Polotitlán (n = 22), a control city with PM and O(3) levels below the U.S. air quality standards. Clinical histories, physical examinations, and complete blood counts were done. Plasma endothelin-1 concentrations were determined by immunoassay, and pulmonary arterial pressures were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Mexico City children had higher plasma endothelin-1 concentrations compared with controls (p < 0.001). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was elevated in children from both northeast (p < 0.001) and southwest (p < 0.05) Mexico City compared with controls. Endothelin-1 levels in Mexico City children were positively correlated with daily outdoor hours (p = 0.012), and 7-day cumulative levels of PM air pollution < 2.5 mum in aerodynamic diameter (PM(2.5)) before endothelin-1 measurement (p = 0.03). Chronic exposure of children to PM(2.5) is associated with increased levels of circulating endothelin-1 and elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure.

Music improves dopaminergic neurotransmission: demonstration based on the effect of music on blood pressure regulation.

PubMed

Sutoo, Den'etsu; Akiyama, Kayo

2004-08-06

The mechanism by which music modifies brain function is not clear. Clinical findings indicate that music reduces blood pressure in various patients. We investigated the effect of music on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Previous studies indicated that calcium increases brain dopamine (DA) synthesis through a calmodulin (CaM)-dependent system. Increased DA levels reduce blood pressure in SHR. In this study, we examined the effects of music on this pathway. Systolic blood pressure in SHR was reduced by exposure to Mozart's music (K.205), and the effect vanished when this pathway was inhibited. Exposure to music also significantly increased serum calcium levels and neostriatal DA levels. These results suggest that music leads to increased calcium/CaM-dependent DA synthesis in the brain, thus causing a reduction in blood pressure. Music might regulate and/or affect various brain functions through dopaminergic neurotransmission, and might therefore be effective for rectification of symptoms in various diseases that involve DA dysfunction.

Direct measurement of capillary blood pressure in the human lip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parazynski, S. E.; Tucker, B. J.; Aratow, M.; Crenshaw, A.; Hargens, A. R.

1993-01-01

In this study, we developed and tested a new procedure for measuring microcirculatory blood pressures above heart level in humans. Capillary and postcapillary venule blood pressures were measured directly in 13 human subjects by use of the servonulling micropressure technique adapted for micropuncture of lip capillaries. Pressure waveforms were recorded in 40 separate capillary vessels and 14 separate postcapillary venules over periods ranging from 5 to 64 s. Localization and determination of capillary and postcapillary vessels were ascertained anatomically before pressure measurements. Capillary pressure was 33.2 +/- 1.5 (SE) mm Hg in lips of subjects seated upright. Repeated micropunctures of the same vessel gave an average coefficient of variation of 0.072. Postcapillary venule pressure was 18.9 +/- 1.6 mm Hg. This procedure produces a direct and reproducible means of measuring microvascular blood pressures in a vascular bed above heart level in humans.

Investigation of space shuttle vehicle 140C configuration orbiter (model 16-0) wheel well pressure loads in the Rockwell International 7.75 x 11 foot wind tunnel (OA143)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mennell, R. C.

1975-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting mounted .0405-scale representation of the 140C outer mold line space shuttle orbiter configuration in the Rockwell International 7.75 x 11.00 foot low speed wind tunnel. The primary test objectives were to define the orbiter wheel well pressure loading and its effects on landing gear thermal insulation and to investigate the pressure environment experienced by both the horizontal flight nose probe and air vent door probes. Steady state and dynamic pressure values were recorded in the orbiter nose gear well, left main landing gear well, horizontal flight nose probe, and both left and right air vent door probe. All steady state pressure levels were measured by Statham differential pressure transducers while dynamic pressure levels were recorded by Kulite high frequency response pressure sensors.

Association between individual-level and community-level socio-economic status and blood pressure among Inuit in Greenland.

PubMed

Riva, Mylène; Larsen, Christina Viskum Lytken; Bjerregaard, Peter

2016-01-01

Despite abundant evidence that socio-economic status (SES) is a fundamental determinant of health, there is a dearth of research examining association between SES, measured at the individual and community levels, and cardiovascular risk factors and morbidity among indigenous populations. To examine the influence of individual-level and community-level SES on systolic and diastolic blood pressure among Greenlandic Inuit. Multilevel analysis of cross-sectional data from the Inuit Health in Transition - Greenland Survey, to which 3,108 Greenlandic Inuit aged 18 years and older participated. Blood pressure is measured using an automatic device, according to standardized protocol. Individual SES is measured by education. Community socio-economic conditions are measured using combined information on average disposable household income and settlement type. Education was not significantly associated with blood pressure. There was an inverse U-shape association between community socio-economic conditions and blood pressure with significantly lower SBP and DBP among participants living in remote traditional villages characterized by lower average disposable household income and in affluent more urbanized towns. Sex-stratified analyses demonstrate the salience of community conditions for men. The association observed between blood pressure and community-level socio-economic conditions suggests that public health and social policies, programmes and interventions aiming to improve living conditions might improve cardiovascular health in Greenland. Studies are required to further examine social gradients in cardiovascular risk factors and morbidity among indigenous populations using different measures of SES.

Effect of tubing condensate on non-invasive positive pressure ventilators tested under simulated clinical conditions.

PubMed

Hart, Diana Elizabeth; Forman, Mark; Veale, Andrew G

2011-09-01

Water condensate in the humidifier tubing can affect bi-level ventilation by narrowing tube diameter and increasing airflow resistance. We investigated room temperature and tubing type as ways to reduce condensate and its effect on bi-level triggering and pressure delivery. In this bench study, the aim was to test the hypothesis that a relationship exists between room temperature and tubing condensate. Using a patient simulator, a Res-med bi-level device was set to 18/8 cm H(2)O and run for 6 h at room temperatures of 16°C, 18°C and 20°C. The built-in humidifier was set to a low, medium or high setting while using unheated or insulated tubing or replaced with a humidifier using heated tubing. Humidifier output, condensate, mask pressure and triggering delay of the bi-level were measured at 1 and 6 h using an infrared hygrometer, metric weights, Honeywell pressure transducer and TSI pneumotach. When humidity output exceeded 17.5 mg H(2)O/L, inspiratory pressure fell by 2-15 cm H(2)O and triggering was delayed by 0.2-0.9 s. Heating the tubing avoided any such ventilatory effect whereas warmer room temperatures or insulating the tubing were of marginal benefit. Users of bi-level ventilators need to be aware of this problem and its solution. Bi-level humidifier tubing may need to be heated to ensure correct humidification, pressure delivery and triggering.

Acute post-stroke blood pressure relative to premorbid levels in intracerebral haemorrhage versus major ischaemic stroke: a population-based study

PubMed Central

Fischer, Urs; Cooney, Marie Therese; Bull, Linda M; Silver, Louise E; Chalmers, John; Anderson, Craig S; Mehta, Ziyah; Rothwell, Peter M

2014-01-01

Summary Background It is often assumed that blood pressure increases acutely after major stroke, resulting in so-called post-stroke hypertension. In view of evidence that the risks and benefits of blood pressure-lowering treatment in acute stroke might differ between patients with major ischaemic stroke and those with primary intracerebral haemorrhage, we compared acute-phase and premorbid blood pressure levels in these two disorders. Methods In a population-based study in Oxfordshire, UK, we recruited all patients presenting with stroke between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2012. We compared all acute-phase post-event blood pressure readings with premorbid readings from 10-year primary care records in all patients with acute major ischaemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale >3) versus those with acute intracerebral haemorrhage. Findings Of 653 consecutive eligible patients, premorbid and acute-phase blood pressure readings were available for 636 (97%) individuals. Premorbid blood pressure (total readings 13 244) had been measured on a median of 17 separate occasions per patient (IQR 8–31). In patients with ischaemic stroke, the first acute-phase systolic blood pressure was much lower than after intracerebral haemorrhage (158·5 mm Hg [SD 30·1] vs 189·8 mm Hg [38·5], p<0·0001; for patients not on antihypertensive treatment 159·2 mm Hg [27·8] vs 193·4 mm Hg [37·4], p<0·0001), was little higher than premorbid levels (increase of 10·6 mm Hg vs 10-year mean premorbid level), and decreased only slightly during the first 24 h (mean decrease from <90 min to 24 h 13·6 mm Hg). By contrast with findings in ischaemic stroke, the mean first systolic blood pressure after intracerebral haemorrhage was substantially higher than premorbid levels (mean increase of 40·7 mm Hg, p<0·0001) and fell substantially in the first 24 h (mean decrease of 41·1 mm Hg; p=0·0007 for difference from decrease in ischaemic stroke). Mean systolic blood pressure also increased steeply in the days and weeks before intracerebral haemorrhage (regression p<0·0001) but not before ischaemic stroke. Consequently, the first acute-phase blood pressure reading after primary intracerebral haemorrhage was more likely than after ischaemic stroke to be the highest ever recorded (OR 3·4, 95% CI 2·3–5·2, p<0·0001). In patients with intracerebral haemorrhage seen within 90 min, the highest systolic blood pressure within 3 h of onset was 50 mm Hg higher, on average, than the maximum premorbid level whereas that after ischaemic stroke was 5·2 mm Hg lower (p<0·0001). Interpretation Our findings suggest that systolic blood pressure is substantially raised compared with usual premorbid levels after intracerebral haemorrhage, whereas acute-phase systolic blood pressure after major ischaemic stroke is much closer to the accustomed long-term premorbid level, providing a potential explanation for why the risks and benefits of lowering blood pressure acutely after stroke might be expected to differ. Funding Wellcome Trust, Wolfson Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, Stroke Association, British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research. PMID:24582530

Built Environment and Changes in Blood Pressure in Middle Aged and Older Adults

PubMed Central

Li, Fuzhong; Harmer, Peter; Cardinal, Bradley J.; Vongjaturapat, Naruepon

2009-01-01

Objective Few studies have examined interaction effects between person and environment, especially for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The purpose of this study was to examine built environment characteristics and resident health behaviors as they relate to change in blood pressure, an important component of CVD. Methods Participants (N=1,145, aged 50–75 at baseline) were recruited from 120 neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. Using a longitudinal design, we assessed changes in participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 1-year follow-up (2006–2007 to 2007–2008). Independent variables included baseline neighborhood-level measures of GIS-constructed neighborhood walkability and density of fast-food restaurants, and resident-level measures of meeting physical activity recommendations and eating fruits and vegetables. Results There was a small but significant resident-level increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.001) over the 1-year observation period. A similar trend was also observed at the neighborhood level (P<0.001). Significant differences in change in blood pressure, by neighborhood walkability, were observed, with decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure for those living in high walkable neighborhoods (P<0.001). Neighborhoods of low walkability but with a high density of fast-food outlets and residents making visits to fast-food restaurants were significantly associated with increases in blood pressure measures over time. The negative effect of fast-food restaurants on blood pressure was diminished among high-walkable neighborhoods, with benefits observed among residents meeting guidelines for physical activity and eating fruits and vegetables. Conclusions Neighborhoods with high walkability may ameliorate the risk of hypertension at the community level and promotion of neighborhood walkability could play a significant role in improving population health and reducing CVD risk. PMID:19297686

Uric Acid Level and Elevated Blood Pressure in U.S. Adolescents

PubMed Central

Loeffler, Lauren F.; Navas-Acien, Ana; Brady, Tammy M.; Miller, Edgar R.; Fadrowski, Jeffrey J.

2012-01-01

Uric acid is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors in adults, including chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertension. We examined the association between uric acid and elevated blood pressure in a large, nationally representative cohort of U.S. adolescents, a population with a relatively low prevalence of CVD and CVD risk factors. Among 6,036 adolescents 12-17 years of age examined in the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) the mean age was 14.5 years, 17% were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥95th percentile), and 3.3% had elevated blood pressure. Mean serum uric acid level was 5.0 mg/dL and 34% had a uric acid level ≥5.5 mg/dL. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity and BMI percentile, the odds ratio of elevated blood pressure, defined as a systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥95th percentile for age, sex and height, for each 0.1 mg/dL increase in uric acid level was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 1.65). Compared to <5.5 mg/dL, participants with a uric acid level ≥5.5 mg/dL had a 2.03 times higher odds of having elevated blood pressure (95% CI, 1.38 to 3.00). In conclusion, increasing levels of serum uric acid are associated with elevated blood pressure in healthy U.S. adolescents. Additional prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to determine if uric acid is merely a marker in a complex metabolic pathway, or causal of hypertension and thus a potential screening and therapeutic target. PMID:22353609

Evidence for a defect level above the conduction band edge of InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices for applications in efficient infrared photodetectors

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

Prins, A. D.; Lewis, M. K.; Bushell, Z. L.

2015-04-27

We report pressure-dependent photoluminescence (PL) experiments under hydrostatic pressures up to 2.16 GPa on a mid-wave infrared InAs/InAs{sub 0.86}Sb{sub 0.14} type-II superlattice (T2SL) structure at different pump laser excitation powers and sample temperatures. The pressure coefficient of the T2SL transition was found to be 93 ± 2 meV·GPa{sup −1}. The integrated PL intensity increases with pressure up to 1.9 GPa then quenches rapidly indicating a pressure induced level crossing with the conduction band states at ∼2 GPa. Analysis of the PL intensity as a function of excitation power at 0, 0.42, 1.87, and 2.16 GPa shows a clear change in the dominant photo-generated carrier recombination mechanism frommore » radiative to defect related. From these data, evidence for a defect level situated at 0.18 ± 0.01 eV above the conduction band edge of InAs at ambient pressure is presented. This assumes a pressure-dependent energy shift of −11 meV·GPa{sup −1} for the valence band edge and that the defect level is insensitive to pressure, both of which are supported by an Arrhenius activation energy analysis.« less

Optimization of pressure settings during adaptive servo-ventilation support using real-time heart rate variability assessment: initial case report.

PubMed

Imamura, Teruhiko; Nitta, Daisuke; Kinugawa, Koichiro

2017-01-05

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) therapy is a recent non-invasive positive pressure ventilation therapy that was developed for patients with heart failure (HF) refractory to optimal medical therapy. However, it is likely that ASV therapy at relatively higher pressure setting worsens some of the patients' prognosis compared with optimal medical therapy. Therefore, identification of optimal pressure settings of ASV therapy is warranted. We present the case of a 42-year-old male with HF, which was caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, who was admitted to our institution for evaluating his eligibility for heart transplantation. To identify the optimal pressure setting [peak end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ramp test], we performed an ASV support test, during which the PEEP settings were set at levels ranging from 4 to 8 mmHg, and a heart rate variability (HRV) analysis using the MemCalc power spectral density method. Clinical parameters varied dramatically during the PEEP ramp test. Over incremental PEEP levels, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index and high-frequency level (reflecting parasympathetic activity) decreased; however, the low-frequency level increased along with increase in plasma noradrenaline concentrations. An inappropriately high PEEP setting may stimulate sympathetic nerve activity accompanied by decreased cardiac output. This was the first report on the PEEP ramp test during ASV therapy. Further research is warranted to determine whether use of optimal pressure settings using HRV analyses may improve the long-term prognosis of such patients.

Comparison of nine methods to estimate ear-canal stimulus levels

PubMed Central

Souza, Natalie N.; Dhar, Sumitrajit; Neely, Stephen T.; Siegel, Jonathan H.

2014-01-01

The reliability of nine measures of the stimulus level in the human ear canal was compared by measuring the sensitivity of behavioral hearing thresholds to changes in the depth of insertion of an otoacoustic emission probe. Four measures were the ear-canal pressure, the eardrum pressure estimated from it and the pressure measured in an ear simulator with and without compensation for insertion depth. The remaining five quantities were derived from the ear-canal pressure and the Thévenin-equivalent source characteristics of the probe: Forward pressure, initial forward pressure, the pressure transmitted into the middle ear, eardrum sound pressure estimated by summing the magnitudes of the forward and reverse pressure (integrated pressure) and absorbed power. Two sets of behavioral thresholds were measured in 26 subjects from 0.125 to 20 kHz, with the probe inserted at relatively deep and shallow positions in the ear canal. The greatest dependence on insertion depth was for transmitted pressure and absorbed power. The measures with the least dependence on insertion depth throughout the frequency range (best performance) included the depth-compensated simulator, eardrum, forward, and integrated pressures. Among these, forward pressure is advantageous because it quantifies stimulus phase. PMID:25324079

Modulatory Effect of Inflammation on Blood Pressure Reduction via Therapeutic Lifestyle Change

PubMed Central

Milani, Richard V.; Lavie, Carl J.

2009-01-01

Purpose: Since inflammatory status, as determined by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is correlated with many cardiovascular (CV) disease risk factors and major CV events, we sought to determine if median levels of CRP can modulate blood pressure changes as well as other CV risk factors that are typically improved by therapeutic lifestyle changes with formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated CRP status and standard CV risk factors both before and after formal, phase II CRET programs (12 weeks; 36 educational and exercise sessions) in 635 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease after major CV events. Results: The median CRP level at baseline was 3.2 mg/L (range, 0.2–80.1 mg/L; mean, 5.8±8.4 mg/L). After CRET, both the patients with high and those with low CRP concentrations exhibited statistically significant improvements in most CV risk factors when their CRP levels were divided by median levels. However, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure improved in patients with low CRP levels (each by −4%) but did not change significantly in patients with high CRP levels. In multiple regression models, only young age, low CRP levels, and low body mass index were significant independent predictors of improved mean arterial blood pressure after CRET. Conclusions: In contrast to patients with coronary artery disease and low levels of CRP, patients with high baseline CRP levels did not demonstrate significant reductions in blood pressure after therapeutic lifestyle changes via formal CRET programs. PMID:21603441

Semicircular Canal Pressure Changes During High-intensity Acoustic Stimulation.

PubMed

Maxwell, Anne K; Banakis Hartl, Renee M; Greene, Nathaniel T; Benichoux, Victor; Mattingly, Jameson K; Cass, Stephen P; Tollin, Daniel J

2017-08-01

Acoustic stimulation generates measurable sound pressure levels in the semicircular canals. High-intensity acoustic stimuli can cause hearing loss and balance disruptions. To examine the propagation of acoustic stimuli to the vestibular end-organs, we simultaneously measured fluid pressure in the cochlea and semicircular canals during both air- and bone-conducted sound presentation. Five full-cephalic human cadaveric heads were prepared bilaterally with a mastoidectomy and extended facial recess. Vestibular pressures were measured within the superior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canals, and referenced to intracochlear pressure within the scala vestibuli with fiber-optic pressure probes. Pressures were measured concurrently with laser Doppler vibrometry measurements of stapes velocity during stimulation with both air- and bone-conduction. Stimuli were pure tones between 100 Hz and 14 kHz presented with custom closed-field loudspeakers for air-conducted sounds and via commercially available bone-anchored device for bone-conducted sounds. Pressures recorded in the superior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canals in response to sound stimulation were equal to or greater in magnitude than those recorded in the scala vestibuli (up to 20 dB higher). The pressure magnitudes varied across canals in a frequency-dependent manner. High sound pressure levels were recorded in the semicircular canals with sound stimulation, suggesting that similar acoustical energy is transmitted to the semicircular canals and the cochlea. Since these intralabyrinthine pressures exceed intracochlear pressure levels, our results suggest that the vestibular end-organs may also be at risk for injury during exposure to high-intensity acoustic stimuli known to cause trauma in the auditory system.

Acceleration sensitivity of micromachined pressure sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

August, Richard; Maudie, Theresa; Miller, Todd F.; Thompson, Erik

1999-08-01

Pressure sensors serve a variety of automotive applications, some which may experience high levels of acceleration such as tire pressure monitoring. To design pressure sensors for high acceleration environments it is important to understand their sensitivity to acceleration especially if thick encapsulation layers are used to isolate the device from the hostile environment in which they reside. This paper describes a modeling approach to determine their sensitivity to acceleration that is very general and is applicable to different device designs and configurations. It also describes the results of device testing of a capacitive surface micromachined pressure sensor at constant acceleration levels from 500 to 2000 g's.

Observing and Studying Extreme Low Pressure Events with Altimetry

PubMed Central

Carrère, Loren; Mertz, Françoise; Dorandeu, Joel; Quilfen, Yves; Patoux, Jerome

2009-01-01

The ability of altimetry to detect extreme low pressure events and the relationship between sea level pressure and sea level anomalies during extra-tropical depressions have been investigated. Specific altimeter treatments have been developed for tropical cyclones and applied to obtain a relevant along-track sea surface height (SSH) signal: the case of tropical cyclone Isabel is presented here. The S- and C-band measurements are used because they are less impacted by rain than the Ku-band, and new sea state bias (SSB) and wet troposphere corrections are proposed. More accurate strong altimeter wind speeds are computed thanks to the Young algorithm. Ocean signals not related to atmospheric pressure can be removed with accuracy, even within a Near Real Time context, by removing the maps of sea level anomaly (SLA) provided by SSALTO/Duacs. In the case of Extra-Tropical Depressions, the classical altimeter processing can be used. Ocean signal not related to atmospheric pressure is along-track filtered. The sea level pressure (SLP)-SLA relationship is investigated for the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Indian oceans; three regression models are proposed allowing restoring an altimeter SLP with a mean error of 5 hPa if compared to ECMWF or buoys SLP. The analysis of barotropic simulation outputs points out the regional variability of the SLP/Model Sea Level relationship and the wind effects. PMID:22573955

Long term effects of guar gum on metabolic control, serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with high blood pressure.

PubMed

Uusitupa, M; Tuomilehto, J; Karttunen, P; Wolf, E

1984-01-01

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in 17 Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, treated with diet therapy alone to study the effects of guar gum on metabolic control, serum lipids, and blood pressure levels. Thirteen of the patients had drug treatment for hypertension. Guar gum was taken with meals three times a day, and the dose was gradually increased to 21 g per day. A slight, but not significant improvement was found in the metabolic control of the patients after the guar gum treatment compared to the placebo. Serum total cholesterol was 11% (p greater than 0.01) lower after the guar gum but no significant differences were found in HDL-cholesterol or serum triglycerides during the guar gum treatment compared to the placebo. Diastolic blood pressure level was significantly lower during the guar gum treatment compared to placebo. No difference was observed in systolic blood pressure levels between the guar gum and placebo treatments. The reduction of diastolic blood pressure was independent of changes in fasting blood glucose level or body weight, but could in part be due to simultaneous reduction in serum cholesterol concentration. The changes associated with guar gum supplementation suggest a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

Blood pressure changes in man during infrasonic exposure. An experimental study.

PubMed

Danielsson, A; Landström, U

1985-01-01

Twenty healthy male volunteers were exposed to infrasound in a pressure chamber especially designed for the experiments. The effects on blood pressure, pulse rate and serum cortisol levels of acute infrasonic stimulation were studied in a series of different experiments. Varying frequencies (6, 12, 16 Hz) and pressure levels (95, 110, 125 dB(lin)) were tested. Significantly increased diastolic and decreased systolic blood pressures were recorded without any rise in pulse rate. The increase in diastolic blood pressure reached a maximal mean of about 8 mmHg after 30 min exposure. The results suggest that acute infrasonic stimulation induces a peripheral vasoconstriction with increased blood pressure, previously shown to occur in conjunction with industrial noise. Chronic long-term exposure to environmental infrasound may be of importance for the development of essential hypertension in predisposed individuals.

Device for accurately measuring mass flow of gases

DOEpatents

Hylton, J.O.; Remenyik, C.J.

1994-08-09

A device for measuring mass flow of gases which utilizes a substantially buoyant pressure vessel suspended within a fluid/liquid in an enclosure is disclosed. The pressure vessel is connected to a weighing device for continuously determining weight change of the vessel as a function of the amount of gas within the pressure vessel. In the preferred embodiment, this pressure vessel is formed from inner and outer right circular cylindrical hulls, with a volume between the hulls being vented to the atmosphere external the enclosure. The fluid/liquid, normally in the form of water typically with an added detergent, is contained within an enclosure with the fluid/liquid being at a level such that the pressure vessel is suspended beneath this level but above a bottom of the enclosure. The buoyant pressure vessel can be interconnected with selected valves to an auxiliary pressure vessel so that initial flow can be established to or from the auxiliary pressure vessel prior to flow to or from the buoyant pressure vessel. 5 figs.

Genetics and blood pressure response to exercise, and its interactions with adiposity.

PubMed

Rankinen, T; Bouchard, C

2002-01-01

Regular aerobic exercise has the potential to induce several beneficial health effects, including a decrease in blood pressure level, especially in hypertensive patients and in subjects with high-normal blood pressure. However, it is also well documented that some people show more pronounced blood pressure responses to endurance training than others, despite identical training programs and similar initial blood pressure levels. This kind of variation is an example of normal biologic diversity and most likely originates from interactions with genetic factors. Data from genetic epidemiologic studies indicate that there is a genetic component that affects both resting blood pressure and blood pressure responses to acute exercise. Evidence from molecular genetic studies is scarce, but the first reports suggest that DNA sequence variation in the hypertension candidate genes, such as angiotensinogen, also modify blood pressure responses to endurance training. The current knowledge regarding the role of genetic factors in the modification of blood pressure responses to endurance training will be summarized and discussed. Copyright 2002 CHF, Inc.

Device for accurately measuring mass flow of gases

DOEpatents

Hylton, James O.; Remenyik, Carl J.

1994-01-01

A device for measuring mass flow of gases which utilizes a substantially buoyant pressure vessel suspended within a fluid/liquid in an enclosure. The pressure vessel is connected to a weighing device for continuously determining weight change of the vessel as a function of the amount of gas within the pressure vessel. In the preferred embodiment, this pressure vessel is formed from inner and outer right circular cylindrical hulls, with a volume between the hulls being vented to the atmosphere external the enclosure. The fluid/liquid, normally in the form of water typically with an added detergent, is contained within an enclosure with the fluid/liquid being at a level such that the pressure vessel is suspended beneath this level but above a bottom of the enclosure. The buoyant pressure vessel can be interconnected with selected valves to an auxiliary pressure vessel so that initial flow can be established to or from the auxiliary pressure vessel prior to flow to or from the buoyant pressure vessel.

Intracochlear Pressure Transients During Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion.

PubMed

Greene, Nathaniel T; Mattingly, Jameson K; Banakis Hartl, Renee M; Tollin, Daniel J; Cass, Stephen P

2016-12-01

Cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion into the round window induces pressure transients in the cochlear fluid comparable to high-intensity sound transients. Many patients receiving a CI have some remaining functional hearing at low frequencies; thus, devices and surgical techniques have been developed to use this residual hearing. To maintain functional acoustic hearing, it is important to retain function of any hair cells and auditory nerve fibers innervating the basilar membrane; however, in a subset of patients, residual low-frequency hearing is lost after CI insertion. Here, we test the hypothesis that transient intracochlear pressure spikes are generated during CI electrode insertion, which could cause damage and compromise residual hearing. Human cadaveric temporal bones were prepared with an extended facial recess. Pressures in the scala vestibuli and tympani were measured with fiber-optic pressure sensors inserted into the cochlea near the oval and round windows, whereas CI electrodes (five styles from two manufacturers) were inserted into the cochlea via a round window approach. Pressures in the scala tympani tended to be larger in magnitude than pressures in the scala vestibuli, consistent with electrode insertion into the scala tympani. CI electrode insertion produced a range of pressure transients in the cochlea that could occur alone or as part of a train of spikes with equivalent peak sound pressure levels in excess of 170 dB sound pressure level. Instances of pressure transients varied with electrode styles. Results suggest electrode design, insertion mechanism, and surgical technique affect the magnitude and rate of intracochlear pressure transients during CI electrode insertion. Pressure transients showed intensities similar to those elicited by high-level sounds and thus could cause damage to the basilar membrane and/or hair cells.

Models of brachial to finger pulse wave distortion and pressure decrement.

PubMed

Gizdulich, P; Prentza, A; Wesseling, K H

1997-03-01

To model the pulse wave distortion and pressure decrement occurring between brachial and finger arteries. Distortion reversion and decrement correction were also our aims. Brachial artery pressure was recorded intra-arterially and finger pressure was recorded non-invasively by the Finapres technique in 53 adult human subjects. Mean pressure was subtracted from each pressure waveform and Fourier analysis applied to the pulsations. A distortion model was estimated for each subject and averaged over the group. The average inverse model was applied to the full finger pressure waveform. The pressure decrement was modelled by multiple regression on finger systolic and diastolic levels. Waveform distortion could be described by a general, frequency dependent model having a resonance at 7.3 Hz. The general inverse model has an anti-resonance at this frequency. It converts finger to brachial pulsations thereby reducing average waveform distortion from 9.7 (s.d. 3.2) mmHg per sample for the finger pulse to 3.7 (1.7) mmHg for the converted pulse. Systolic and diastolic level differences between finger and brachial arterial pressures changed from -4 (15) and -8 (11) to +8 (14) and +8 (12) mmHg, respectively, after inverse modelling, with pulse pressures correct on average. The pressure decrement model reduced both the mean and the standard deviation of systolic and diastolic level differences to 0 (13) and 0 (8) mmHg. Diastolic differences were thus reduced most. Brachial to finger pulse wave distortion due to wave reflection in arteries is almost identical in all subjects and can be modelled by a single resonance. The pressure decrement due to flow in arteries is greatest for high pulse pressures superimposed on low means.