A new NIST primary standardization of 18F.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, R; Zimmerman, B E; Bergeron, D E; Cessna, J C; Pibida, L; Moreira, D S

2014-02-01

A new primary standardization of (18)F by NIST is reported. The standard is based on live-timed beta-gamma anticoincidence counting with confirmatory measurements by three other methods: (i) liquid scintillation (LS) counting using CIEMAT/NIST (3)H efficiency tracing; (ii) triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) counting; and (iii) NaI integral counting and HPGe γ-ray spectrometry. The results are reported as calibration factors for NIST-maintained ionization chambers (including some "dose calibrators"). The LS-based methods reveal evidence for cocktail instability for one LS cocktail. Using an ionization chamber to link this work with previous NIST results, the new value differs from the previous reports by about 4%, but appears to be in good agreement with the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of 2005. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A cross sectional study investigating weight management motivations, methods and perceived healthy eating and physical activity influences in women up to five years following childbirth.

PubMed

Vincze, Lisa; Rollo, Megan E; Hutchesson, Melinda J; Burrows, Tracy L; MacDonald-Wicks, Lesley; Blumfield, Michelle; Collins, Clare E

2017-06-01

to explore motivations for weight change, weight loss methods used and factors perceived to influence healthy eating and physical activity for weight management following childbirth, and to evaluate differences by socio-demographic, weight status and pregnancy characteristics. cross-sectional online survey completed from May to August 2013. Australian women (n=874, aged 32.8±4.5 years, pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index 25.6±5.7kg/m 2 ) aged 18-40 years who had given birth in the previous 5 years MEASUREMENTS: women self-reported socio-demographic, weight status and pregnancy characteristics. Those who reported being unhappy at their current weight ranked their most to least important reasons for wanting to change their weight from a list of nine options. Weight control methods used in the previous two years were reported from a list of 12 options. Perceived healthy eating and physical activity factors influencing weight management were assessed across 20 items using a five-point Likert scale. the most prevalent motivators reported for weight change were to improve health (26.1%) and lift mood (20.3%). Three-quarters (75.7%) of women reported having used at least one weight loss method in the previous two years. Time constraints due to family commitments, enjoyment of physical activity and healthy eating, motivation and cost were factors most commonly reported to influence weight management. Body mass index, parity, education, household income and time since last birth were related to motivations for weight change, weight loss methods used and/or factors perceived to influence weight management. weight management support provided by health professionals should consider women's expressed motivators and factors influencing weight management, along with differences in sociodemographic, pregnancy and weight status characteristics, in order to engage women at this life-stage and facilitate adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Small-volume potentiometric titrations: EPR investigations of Fe-S cluster N2 in mitochondrial complex I.

PubMed

Wright, John J; Salvadori, Enrico; Bridges, Hannah R; Hirst, Judy; Roessler, Maxie M

2016-09-01

EPR-based potentiometric titrations are a well-established method for determining the reduction potentials of cofactors in large and complex proteins with at least one EPR-active state. However, such titrations require large amounts of protein. Here, we report a new method that requires an order of magnitude less protein than previously described methods, and that provides EPR samples suitable for measurements at both X- and Q-band microwave frequencies. We demonstrate our method by determining the reduction potential of the terminal [4Fe-4S] cluster (N2) in the intramolecular electron-transfer relay in mammalian respiratory complex I. The value determined by our method, E m7 =-158mV, is precise, reproducible, and consistent with previously reported values. Our small-volume potentiometric titration method will facilitate detailed investigations of EPR-active centres in non-abundant and refractory proteins that can only be prepared in small quantities. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of primary standards for use in the HPLC analysis of the procyanidin content of cocoa and chocolate containing products.

PubMed

Hurst, William J; Stanley, Bruce; Glinski, Jan A; Davey, Matthew; Payne, Mark J; Stuart, David A

2009-10-15

This report describes the characterization of a series of commercially available procyanidin standards ranging from dimers DP = 2 to decamers DP = 10 for the determination of procyanidins from cocoa and chocolate. Using a combination of HPLC with fluorescence detection and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the purity of each standard was determined and these data were used to determine relative response factors. These response factors were compared with other response factors obtained from published methods. Data comparing the procyanidin analysis of a commercially available US dark chocolate calculated using each of the calibration methods indicates divergent results and demonstrate that previous methods may significantly underreport the procyanidins in cocoa-containing products. These results have far reaching implications because the previous calibration methods have been used to develop data for a variety of scientific reports, including food databases and clinical studies.

Wait Time for Treatment in Hospital Emergency Departments: 2009

MedlinePlus

... on Vital and Health Statistics Annual Reports Health Survey Research Methods Conference Reports from the National Medical Care ... SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care ... with previous research, longer wait time for treatment was associated with ...

A rapid and easy method for the DNA extraction from Cryptococcus neoformans

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

DNA isolation from C. neoformans is difficult due to a thick and resistant capsule. We have optimized a new and rapid DNA isolation method for Cryptococcus using a short urea treatment followed by a rapid method using a chelex resin suspension. This procedure is simpler than previously reported methods. PMID:21777412

Interleaved diffusion-weighted EPI improved by adaptive partial-Fourier and multi-band multiplexed sensitivity-encoding reconstruction

PubMed Central

Chang, Hing-Chiu; Guhaniyogi, Shayan; Chen, Nan-kuei

2014-01-01

Purpose We report a series of techniques to reliably eliminate artifacts in interleaved echo-planar imaging (EPI) based diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Methods First, we integrate the previously reported multiplexed sensitivity encoding (MUSE) algorithm with a new adaptive Homodyne partial-Fourier reconstruction algorithm, so that images reconstructed from interleaved partial-Fourier DWI data are free from artifacts even in the presence of either a) motion-induced k-space energy peak displacement, or b) susceptibility field gradient induced fast phase changes. Second, we generalize the previously reported single-band MUSE framework to multi-band MUSE, so that both through-plane and in-plane aliasing artifacts in multi-band multi-shot interleaved DWI data can be effectively eliminated. Results The new adaptive Homodyne-MUSE reconstruction algorithm reliably produces high-quality and high-resolution DWI, eliminating residual artifacts in images reconstructed with previously reported methods. Furthermore, the generalized MUSE algorithm is compatible with multi-band and high-throughput DWI. Conclusion The integration of the multi-band and adaptive Homodyne-MUSE algorithms significantly improves the spatial-resolution, image quality, and scan throughput of interleaved DWI. We expect that the reported reconstruction framework will play an important role in enabling high-resolution DWI for both neuroscience research and clinical uses. PMID:24925000

Calcium stone lithoptysis in promary ciliary dyskinesia

EPA Science Inventory

BACKGROUND: An association between lithoptysis and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has not been previously reported. However, reports of lithoptysis from 2 older patients (>60 yr) prompted a study of this association. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of all PCD patients...

Assessment of Psychophysiological Responses During Motion Sickness Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoud, Cynthia S.; Toscano, William B.; Cowings, Patricia; Freidman, Gary

1994-01-01

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate a methodology designed to accurately trace the temporal progression of motion sickness and space motion sickness symptoms. With this method, subjects continuously monitor their own motion sickness symptoms during exposure to a provocative stimulus as symptoms occur, in contrast to previous methods during which subjects report symptoms verbally at discrete time intervals. This method not only is comparable to previous methods in the type of symptoms that subjects report, but subjects report symptoms more frequently. Frequent reporting of motion sickness symptoms allows researchers to detail the waxing and waning of motion sickness symptoms for each individual. Previous research has shown that physiological responses to motion sickness stimuli are characterized by unique individual differences in response patterns. By improving our assessment of motion sickness symptoms with continuous monitoring of symptoms, the relationship between specific physiological responses and sickness levels can be more accurately determined for each individual. Results from this study show significant positive relationships between skin conductance levels and symptom levels for ten individuals; a significant positive relationship between temperature and symptom levels for 5 of 10 individuals; and both positive and negative relationships between respiration, heart rate, blood volume pulse and symptom levels. Continuous monitoring of motion sickness symptoms can be used to more accurately assess motion sickness to aid in the evaluation of countermeasures. In addition, recognition of the onset of symptoms that are strongly related to specific physiological responses could be used as cues to initiate procedures (e.g., Autogenic Feedback Training) to prevent the development of severe motion sickness symptoms.

A FASTER METHOD OF MEASURING RECREATIONAL WATER QUALITY FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF SWIMMER'S HEALTH

EPA Science Inventory

Introduction

Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used to monitor recreational water quality worldwide. Current methods of measuring FIB require at least 24-hours for visible bacterial colonies to grow. We previously reported that a faster method (< 2 hours) of measuring FI...

Improvement of ion chromatography with ultraviolet photometric detection and comparison with conductivity detection for the determination of serum cations.

PubMed

Shintani, H

1985-05-31

Studies were made of the analytical conditions required for indirect photometric ion chromatography using ultraviolet photometric detection (UV method) for the determination of serum cations following a previously developed serum pre-treatment. The sensitivities of the conductivity detection (CD) and UV methods and the amounts of serum cations determined by both methods were compared. Attempts to improve the sensitivity of the conventional UV method are reported. It was found that the mobile phase previously reported by Small and Miller showed no quantitative response when more than 4 mM copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate was used. As a result, there was no significant difference in the amounts of serum cations shown by the CD and UV methods. However, by adding 0.5-5 mM cobalt(II) sulphate heptahydrate, nickel(II) sulphate hexahydrate, zinc(II) sulphate heptahydrate or cobalt(II) diammonium sulphate hexahydrate to 0.5-1.5 mM copper(II) sulphate pentahydrate, higher sensitivity and a quantitative response were attained.

Development of a model for predicting NASA/MSFC program success

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggs, Jeffrey; Miller, Tracy; Finley, Rosemary

1990-01-01

Research conducted during the execution of a previous contract (NAS8-36955/0039) firmly established the feasibility of developing a tool to aid decision makers in predicting the potential success of proposed projects. The final report from that investigation contains an outline of the method to be applied in developing this Project Success Predictor Model. As a follow-on to the previous study, this report describes in detail the development of this model and includes full explanation of the data-gathering techniques used to poll expert opinion. The report includes the presentation of the model code itself.

Comparing ensemble learning methods based on decision tree classifiers for protein fold recognition.

PubMed

Bardsiri, Mahshid Khatibi; Eftekhari, Mahdi

2014-01-01

In this paper, some methods for ensemble learning of protein fold recognition based on a decision tree (DT) are compared and contrasted against each other over three datasets taken from the literature. According to previously reported studies, the features of the datasets are divided into some groups. Then, for each of these groups, three ensemble classifiers, namely, random forest, rotation forest and AdaBoost.M1 are employed. Also, some fusion methods are introduced for combining the ensemble classifiers obtained in the previous step. After this step, three classifiers are produced based on the combination of classifiers of types random forest, rotation forest and AdaBoost.M1. Finally, the three different classifiers achieved are combined to make an overall classifier. Experimental results show that the overall classifier obtained by the genetic algorithm (GA) weighting fusion method, is the best one in comparison to previously applied methods in terms of classification accuracy.

Application of the backstepping method to the prediction of increase or decrease of infected population.

PubMed

Kuniya, Toshikazu; Sano, Hideki

2016-05-10

In mathematical epidemiology, age-structured epidemic models have usually been formulated as the boundary-value problems of the partial differential equations. On the other hand, in engineering, the backstepping method has recently been developed and widely studied by many authors. Using the backstepping method, we obtained a boundary feedback control which plays the role of the threshold criteria for the prediction of increase or decrease of newly infected population. Under an assumption that the period of infectiousness is same for all infected individuals (that is, the recovery rate is given by the Dirac delta function multiplied by a sufficiently large positive constant), the prediction method is simplified to the comparison of the numbers of reported cases at the current and previous time steps. Our prediction method was applied to the reported cases per sentinel of influenza in Japan from 2006 to 2015 and its accuracy was 0.81 (404 correct predictions to the total 500 predictions). It was higher than that of the ARIMA models with different orders of the autoregressive part, differencing and moving-average process. In addition, a proposed method for the estimation of the number of reported cases, which is consistent with our prediction method, was better than that of the best-fitted ARIMA model ARIMA(1,1,0) in the sense of mean square error. Our prediction method based on the backstepping method can be simplified to the comparison of the numbers of reported cases of the current and previous time steps. In spite of its simplicity, it can provide a good prediction for the spread of influenza in Japan.

Optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume in humans using the indocyanine green dilution method.

PubMed

Polidori, David; Rowley, Clarence

2014-07-22

The indocyanine green dilution method is one of the methods available to estimate plasma volume, although some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this method. We developed a new, physiologically based mathematical model of indocyanine green kinetics that more accurately represents indocyanine green kinetics during the first few minutes postinjection than what is assumed when using the traditional mono-exponential back-extrapolation method. The mathematical model is used to develop an optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume based on simulated indocyanine green kinetics obtained from the physiological model. Results from a clinical study using the indocyanine green dilution method in 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that the estimated plasma volumes are considerably lower when using the traditional back-extrapolation method than when using the proposed back-extrapolation method (mean (standard deviation) plasma volume = 26.8 (5.4) mL/kg for the traditional method vs 35.1 (7.0) mL/kg for the proposed method). The results obtained using the proposed method are more consistent with previously reported plasma volume values. Based on the more physiological representation of indocyanine green kinetics and greater consistency with previously reported plasma volume values, the new back-extrapolation method is proposed for use when estimating plasma volume using the indocyanine green dilution method.

Validity of self-reported lunch recalls in Swedish school children aged 6–8 years

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Previous studies have suggested that young children are inaccurate reporters of dietary intake. The purpose of this study was to validate a single recall of the previous day’s school lunch reported by 6–8 year old Swedish children and to assess teacher-recorded intake of the same meal in a standardized food journal. An additional research question was whether parents could report their child’s intake of the previous day’s lunch. Subjects constituted a convenience sample from the large, multi-country study Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS). Validations of both children’s recalls and teachers’ records were made by comparing results with the duplicate plate reference method. Findings Twenty-five children (12 boys/13 girls) aged 6–8 years participated in the validation study at one school in western Sweden. Children were accurate self-reporters of their dietary intake at lunch, with no significant difference between reported and weighed intake (Mean difference (SD): 7(50) kcals, p=0.49). Teachers significantly over-reported intake (Mean difference (SD): 65(79) kcals, p=0.01). For both methods, child-reported and teacher-recorded, correlations with weighed intake were strong (Pearson’s correlations r=0.92, p<0.001 and r=0.83, p<0.001 respectively). Bland-Altman plots showed strong agreement between child-reported and weighed intakes but confirmed systematic differences between teacher-records and weighed intakes. Foods were recalled by children with a food-match rate of 90%. In all cases parents themselves were unable to report on quantities consumed and only four of 25 children had parents with knowledge regarding food items consumed. Conclusions Children 6–8 years of age accurately recalled their school lunch intake for one occasion while teachers recorded with less accuracy. Our findings suggest that children as young as six years of age may be better able to report on their dietary intake than previously suggested, at least for one main meal at school. Teacher-recorded intake provides a satisfactory estimate but with greater systematic deviation from the weighed intake. Parents were not able to report on their children’s school lunches consumed on the previous day. PMID:24047239

Use of Recommended Search Strategies in Systematic Reviews and the Impact of Librarian Involvement: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Recent Authors

PubMed Central

Koffel, Jonathan B.

2015-01-01

Background Previous research looking at published systematic reviews has shown that their search strategies are often suboptimal and that librarian involvement, though recommended, is low. Confidence in the results, however, is limited due to poor reporting of search strategies the published articles. Objectives To more accurately measure the use of recommended search methods in systematic reviews, the levels of librarian involvement, and whether librarian involvement predicts the use of recommended methods. Methods A survey was sent to all authors of English-language systematic reviews indexed in the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) from January 2012 through January 2014. The survey asked about their use of search methods recommended by the Institute of Medicine, Cochrane Collaboration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and if and how a librarian was involved in the systematic review. Rates of use of recommended methods and librarian involvement were summarized. The impact of librarian involvement on use of recommended methods was examined using a multivariate logistic regression. Results 1560 authors completed the survey. Use of recommended search methods ranged widely from 98% for use of keywords to 9% for registration in PROSPERO and were generally higher than in previous studies. 51% of studies involved a librarian, but only 64% acknowledge their assistance. Librarian involvement was significantly associated with the use of 65% of recommended search methods after controlling for other potential predictors. Odds ratios ranged from 1.36 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.75) for including multiple languages to 3.07 (95% CI 2.06 to 4.58) for using controlled vocabulary. Conclusions Use of recommended search strategies is higher than previously reported, but many methods are still under-utilized. Librarian involvement predicts the use of most methods, but their involvement is under-reported within the published article. PMID:25938454

Quantification of the Relationship between Surrogate Fuel Structure and Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-31

order to account for know deficiencies [18]. The frequencies are then used to calculate the zero point energy ( ZPE ). In the G3 theory HF/6-31G* was used...for the ZPE and the new procedure is likely to be more reliable. Also in contrast to previous G series composite methods, the Hartree–Fock energy...The total energy is obtained by adding the previously calculated ZPE . Durant and Rohlfing [38] reported that B3LYP density functional methods provide

Measuring fluorescence polarization with a dichrometer.

PubMed

Sutherland, John C

2017-09-01

A method for obtaining fluorescence polarization data from an instrument designed to measure circular and linear dichroism is compared with a previously reported approach. The new method places a polarizer between the sample and a detector mounted perpendicular to the direction of the incident beam and results in determination of the fluorescence polarization ratio, whereas the previous method does not use a polarizer and yields the fluorescence anisotropy. A similar analysis with the detector located axially with the excitation beam demonstrates that there is no frequency modulated signal due to fluorescence polarization in the absence of a polarizer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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

Sutherland, John C.

In this article, a method for obtaining fluorescence polarization data from an instrument designed to measure circular and linear dichroism is compared with a previously reported approach. The new method places a polarizer between the sample and a detector mounted perpendicular to the direction of the incident beam and results in determination of the fluorescence polarization ratio, whereas the previous method does not use a polarizer and yields the fluorescence anisotropy. A similar analysis with the detector located axially with the excitation beam demonstrates that there is no frequency modulated signal due to fluorescence polarization in the absence of amore » polarizer.« less

An Analysis of Transmission and Storage Gains from Sliding Checksum Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-11-01

analysed a protocol "rsync" for synchronising related files at different ends of a communications channel with a minimum of transmitted data. This report...Sliding Checksum Methods Executive Summary In a previous report we described, modelled and analysed a protocol "rsync" for synchronising related...collaborative writing of documentation and synchronisation of distributed databases in the situation where no one location is aware of the differences

Simple and rapid quantification of brominated vegetable oil in commercial soft drinks by LC–MS

PubMed Central

Chitranshi, Priyanka; da Costa, Gonçalo Gamboa

2016-01-01

We report here a simple and rapid method for the quantification of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in soft drinks based upon liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Unlike previously reported methods, this novel method does not require hydrolysis, extraction or derivatization steps, but rather a simple “dilute and shoot” sample preparation. The quantification is conducted by mass spectrometry in selected ion recording mode and a single point standard addition procedure. The method was validated in the range of 5–25 μg/mL BVO, encompassing the legal limit of 15 μg/mL established by the US FDA for fruit-flavored beverages in the US market. The method was characterized by excellent intra- and inter-assay accuracy (97.3–103.4%) and very low imprecision [0.5–3.6% (RSD)]. The direct nature of the quantification, simplicity, and excellent statistical performance of this methodology constitute clear advantages in relation to previously published methods for the analysis of BVO in soft drinks. PMID:27451219

The Identification and Assessment of Late-life ADHD in Memory Clinics

PubMed Central

Fischer, Barbara L.; Gunter-Hunt, Gail; Steinhafel, Courtney Holm; Howell, Timothy

2013-01-01

INTRODUCTION Little data exists about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in late life. While evaluating patients’ memory problems, our Memory Clinic staff has periodically identified ADHD in previously undiagnosed adults. We conducted a survey to assess the extent to which other memory clinics view ADHD as a relevant clinical issue. METHOD We developed and sent a questionnaire to Memory Clinics in the United States to ascertain how ADHD was identified and addressed. The percentage of responding memory clinics’ means of assessing and managing late-life ADHD comprised the measurements for this study. RESULTS Approximately one-half of responding memory clinics reported seeing ADHD patients. Of these, one-half reported identifying previously diagnosed cases, and almost one-half reported diagnosing ADHD themselves. One fifth of clinics reported screening regularly for ADHD, and few clinics described treatment methods. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that U.S. memory clinics may not adequately identify and address ADHD in late life. PMID:22173147

National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:2000) Methodology Report, 1999-2000. Technical Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riccobono, John A.; Cominole, Melissa B.; Siegel, Peter H.; Gabel, Tim J.; Link, Michael W.; Berkner, Lutz K.

This report describes the methods and procedures used for the 2000 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:2000). NPSAS:2000 included notable changes from previous NPSAS surveys (conducted in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1996) in its sample design and collection of data. For example, this study is the first to restrict institutional sampling to…

Use of recommended search strategies in systematic reviews and the impact of librarian involvement: a cross-sectional survey of recent authors.

PubMed

Koffel, Jonathan B

2015-01-01

Previous research looking at published systematic reviews has shown that their search strategies are often suboptimal and that librarian involvement, though recommended, is low. Confidence in the results, however, is limited due to poor reporting of search strategies the published articles. To more accurately measure the use of recommended search methods in systematic reviews, the levels of librarian involvement, and whether librarian involvement predicts the use of recommended methods. A survey was sent to all authors of English-language systematic reviews indexed in the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) from January 2012 through January 2014. The survey asked about their use of search methods recommended by the Institute of Medicine, Cochrane Collaboration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and if and how a librarian was involved in the systematic review. Rates of use of recommended methods and librarian involvement were summarized. The impact of librarian involvement on use of recommended methods was examined using a multivariate logistic regression. 1560 authors completed the survey. Use of recommended search methods ranged widely from 98% for use of keywords to 9% for registration in PROSPERO and were generally higher than in previous studies. 51% of studies involved a librarian, but only 64% acknowledge their assistance. Librarian involvement was significantly associated with the use of 65% of recommended search methods after controlling for other potential predictors. Odds ratios ranged from 1.36 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.75) for including multiple languages to 3.07 (95% CI 2.06 to 4.58) for using controlled vocabulary. Use of recommended search strategies is higher than previously reported, but many methods are still under-utilized. Librarian involvement predicts the use of most methods, but their involvement is under-reported within the published article.

Comparing electrochemical performance of transition metal silicate cathodes and chevrel phase Mo6S8 in the analogous rechargeable Mg-ion battery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xinzhi; Bleken, Francesca L.; Løvvik, Ole Martin; Vullum-Bruer, Fride

2016-07-01

Polyanion based silicate materials, MgMSiO4 (M = Fe, Mn, Co), previously reported to be promising cathode materials for Mg-ion batteries, have been re-examined. Both the sol-gel and molten salt methods are employed to synthesize MgMSiO4 composites. Mo6S8 is synthesized by a molten salt method combined with Cu leaching and investigated in the equivalent electrochemical system as a bench mark. Electrochemical measurements for Mo6S8 performed using the 2nd generation electrolyte show similar results to those reported in literature. Electrochemical performance of the silicate materials on the other hand, do not show the promising results previously reported. A thorough study of these published results are presented here, and compared to the current experimental data on the same material system. It appears that there are certain inconsistencies in the published results which cannot be explained. To further corroborate the present experimental results, atomic-scale calculations from first principles are performed, demonstrating that diffusion barriers are very high for Mg diffusion in MgMSiO4. In conclusion, MgMSiO4 (M = Fe, Mn, Co) olivine materials do not seem to be such good candidates for cathode materials in Mg-ion batteries as previously reported.

A New Method for Calibrating Perceptual Salience across Dimensions in Infants: The Case of Color vs. Luminance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaldy, Zsuzsa; Blaser, Erik A.; Leslie, Alan M.

2006-01-01

We report a new method for calibrating differences in perceptual salience across feature dimensions, in infants. The problem of inter-dimensional salience arises in many areas of infant studies, but a general method for addressing the problem has not previously been described. Our method is based on a preferential looking paradigm, adapted to…

Innovative signal processing for Johnson Noise thermometry

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

Ezell, N. Dianne Bull; Britton, Jr, Charles L.; Roberts, Michael

This report summarizes the newly developed algorithm that subtracted the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). The EMI performance is very important to this measurement because any interference in the form on pickup from external signal sources from such as fluorescent lighting ballasts, motors, etc. can skew the measurement. Two methods of removing EMI were developed and tested at various locations. This report also summarizes the testing performed at different facilities outside Oak Ridge National Laboratory using both EMI removal techniques. The first EMI removal technique reviewed in previous milestone reports and therefore this report will detail the second method.

Creatinine elevation associated with nitromethane exposure: a marker of potential methanol toxicity.

PubMed

Cook, Matthew D; Clark, Richard F

2007-10-01

Nitromethane, methanol, and oil are the common components of radio-controlled (R/C) vehicle fuels. Nitromethane can cause a false elevation of serum creatinine concentration as measured by the widely used Jaffe colorimetric method. We gathered data from our poison control system and from previously published case reports to see if a correlation exists between serum methanol concentrations and spuriously elevated serum creatinine concentrations after human exposures to R/C fuel. The California Poison Control System (CPCS) computerized database was queried for all cases of human exposure to R/C vehicle fuel reported between December 1, 2002 and December 1, 2004. Serum creatinine and methanol concentrations were recorded when available, as was the method used to determine serum creatinine. A MEDLINE search was used to obtain previously published cases of human nitromethane exposure associated with falsely elevated creatinine concentrations. During the 2-year period, serum creatinine concentrations were recorded in 7 of 26 R/C fuel exposures (all ingestions), and 6 of these were abnormal (range of 1.9-11.5 mg/dL). In this series, the higher the serum creatinine concentration measured by Jaffe method, the higher the serum methanol concentration. The MEDLINE search yielded data from six previously published case reports on this topic. The data from these case reports seem to follow the trend seen in our case series. These data suggest that a spuriously elevated serum creatinine (by Jaffe method) may have value as an early surrogate marker of methanol poisoning in those who ingest R/C fuel. Also, the degree to which the serum creatinine is elevated may indicate the severity of methanol poisoning.

DNA ISOLATION FROM SMALL TISSUE SAMPLES USING SALT AND SPERMINE

EPA Science Inventory

Common DNA isolation methods rely upon protein denaturation by organic solvents such as phenol and chloroform. hese solvents pose some risk to the user and require special disposal procedures. e have previously reported a method for isolating DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes...

*A FASTER METHOD OF MEASURING RECREATIONAL WATER QUALITY FOR BETTER PROTECTION OF SWIMMER'S HEALTH

EPA Science Inventory

We previously reported that a faster method (< 2 hours) of measuring fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), based on Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (QPCR), was predictive of swimming associated gastrointestinal illness. Using data from two additional beaches, we examined the re...

Data analysis considerations for pesticides determined by National Water Quality Laboratory schedule 2437

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shoda, Megan E.; Nowell, Lisa H.; Stone, Wesley W.; Sandstrom, Mark W.; Bexfield, Laura M.

2018-04-02

In 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) made a new method available for the analysis of pesticides in filtered water samples: laboratory schedule 2437. Schedule 2437 is an improvement on previous analytical methods because it determines the concentrations of 225 fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and associated degradates in one method at similar or lower concentrations than previously available methods. Additionally, the pesticides included in schedule 2437 were strategically identified in a prioritization analysis that assessed likelihood of occurrence, prevalence of use, and potential toxicity. When the NWQL reports pesticide concentrations for analytes in schedule 2437, the laboratory also provides supplemental information useful to data users for assessing method performance and understanding data quality. That supplemental information is discussed in this report, along with an initial analysis of analytical recovery of pesticides in water-quality samples analyzed by schedule 2437 during 2013–2015. A total of 523 field matrix spike samples and their paired environmental samples and 277 laboratory reagent spike samples were analyzed for this report (1,323 samples total). These samples were collected in the field as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment groundwater and surface-water studies and as part of the NWQL quality-control program. This report reviews how pesticide samples are processed by the NWQL, addresses how to obtain all the data necessary to interpret pesticide concentrations, explains the circumstances that result in a reporting level change or the occurrence of a raised reporting level, and describes the calculation and assessment of recovery. This report also discusses reasons why a data user might choose to exclude data in an interpretive analysis and outlines the approach used to identify the potential for decreased data quality in the assessment of method recovery. The information provided in this report is essential to understanding pesticide data determined by schedule 2437 and should be reviewed before interpretation of these data.

Washing with contaminated bar soap is unlikely to transfer bacteria.

PubMed Central

Heinze, J. E.; Yackovich, F.

1988-01-01

Recent reports of the isolation of microorganisms from used soap bars have raised the concern that bacteria may be transferred from contaminated soap bars during handwashing. Since only one study addressing this question has been published, we developed an additional procedure to test this concern. In our new method prewashed and softened commercial deodorant soap bars (0.8% triclocarban) not active against Gram-negative bacteria were inoculated with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to give mean total survival levels of 4.4 X 10(5) c.f.u. per bar which was 70-fold higher than those reported on used soap bars. Sixteen panelists were instructed to wash with the inoculated bars using their normal handwashing procedure. After washing, none of the 16 panelists had detectable levels of either test bacterium on their hands. Thus, the results obtained using our new method were in complete agreement with those obtained with the previously published method even though the two methods differ in a number of procedural aspects. These findings, along with other published reports, show that little hazard exists in routine handwashing with previously used soap bars and support the frequent use of soap and water for handwashing to prevent the spread of disease. PMID:3402545

Effect of delayed reporting of band recoveries on survival estimates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, David R.; Burnham, Kenneth P.

1980-01-01

Brownie et al. (U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Resource Publ. 131, 1978) presented 14 models based on an array of explicit assumptions for the study of survival in avian populations. These methods are replacing the life table methods previously used to estimate survival rates (e.g., Burnham and Anderson, J. Wildl. Manage., 43: 356-366, 1979). The new methods allow survival or recovery rates, or both, to be constant, time-specific, or time- and age-specific. In studies to estimate survival rates for birds the data are often from recoveries of birds shot or found dead during the hunting season and reported to the Bird Banding Laboratory by sportsmen, conservation agency employees, or the general public. This note examines the bias in estimating annual survival due to a proportion of the recoveries being incorrectly reported a year late. Specifically, a few recoveries each year of, for example, adult male American Widgeon (Anas americana) banded in California are reported as being recovered in year i + 1 when in fact they were actually recovered the previous year i. Delayed reporting might typically be caused by people finding a band in their health clothing in the fall of the year and, being embarrassed about their failure to report the band when it was taken, report it a year late not mentioning the actual year of recovery. Heuristically, delayed reporting should bias estimated annual survival rates upwards because it appears from the data that the birds corresponding to the "delayed" recoveries actually lived an additional year.

Fiber Segment-Based Degradation Methods for a Finite Element-Informed Structural Brain Network

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

Services , Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents...should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law , no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of...functional communication between brain regions. This report presents an expansion of our previous methods used to create a finite element–informed

High correlations between MRI brain volume measurements based on NeuroQuant® and FreeSurfer.

PubMed

Ross, David E; Ochs, Alfred L; Tate, David F; Tokac, Umit; Seabaugh, John; Abildskov, Tracy J; Bigler, Erin D

2018-05-30

NeuroQuant ® (NQ) and FreeSurfer (FS) are commonly used computer-automated programs for measuring MRI brain volume. Previously they were reported to have high intermethod reliabilities but often large intermethod effect size differences. We hypothesized that linear transformations could be used to reduce the large effect sizes. This study was an extension of our previously reported study. We performed NQ and FS brain volume measurements on 60 subjects (including normal controls, patients with traumatic brain injury, and patients with Alzheimer's disease). We used two statistical approaches in parallel to develop methods for transforming FS volumes into NQ volumes: traditional linear regression, and Bayesian linear regression. For both methods, we used regression analyses to develop linear transformations of the FS volumes to make them more similar to the NQ volumes. The FS-to-NQ transformations based on traditional linear regression resulted in effect sizes which were small to moderate. The transformations based on Bayesian linear regression resulted in all effect sizes being trivially small. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a method for transforming FS to NQ data so as to achieve high reliability and low effect size differences. Machine learning methods like Bayesian regression may be more useful than traditional methods. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation and improvements of a mayfly, Neocloeon (Centroptilum) triangulifer ?(Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) toxicity test method

EPA Science Inventory

A recently published test method for Neocloeon triangulifer assessed the sensitivities of larval mayflies to several reference toxicants (NaCl, KCl, and CuSO4). Subsequent exposures have shown discrepancies from those results previously reported. To identify potential sources of ...

Objective Sleep Measurement in Typically and Atypically Developing Preschool Children with ADHD-Like Profiles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodlin-Jones, Beth L.; Waters, Sara; Anders, Thomas F.

2009-01-01

Objective: This study investigated the association between preschool children's sleep patterns measured by actigraphy and parent-reported hyperactivity symptoms. Many previous studies have reported sleep problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms. Methods: This study examined a cross-sectional sample of…

Leisure Service Career Programs Model. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Twining, Marilyn

This report identifies leisure career occupations, determines the occupational outlook, and develops primary core competencies as well as specialized, optional competencies for entry level employment. The main method of inquiry is described as a needs assessment based on an audit at Moraine Valley Community College, two previous studies by the…

Optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume in humans using the indocyanine green dilution method

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The indocyanine green dilution method is one of the methods available to estimate plasma volume, although some researchers have questioned the accuracy of this method. Methods We developed a new, physiologically based mathematical model of indocyanine green kinetics that more accurately represents indocyanine green kinetics during the first few minutes postinjection than what is assumed when using the traditional mono-exponential back-extrapolation method. The mathematical model is used to develop an optimal back-extrapolation method for estimating plasma volume based on simulated indocyanine green kinetics obtained from the physiological model. Results Results from a clinical study using the indocyanine green dilution method in 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes indicate that the estimated plasma volumes are considerably lower when using the traditional back-extrapolation method than when using the proposed back-extrapolation method (mean (standard deviation) plasma volume = 26.8 (5.4) mL/kg for the traditional method vs 35.1 (7.0) mL/kg for the proposed method). The results obtained using the proposed method are more consistent with previously reported plasma volume values. Conclusions Based on the more physiological representation of indocyanine green kinetics and greater consistency with previously reported plasma volume values, the new back-extrapolation method is proposed for use when estimating plasma volume using the indocyanine green dilution method. PMID:25052018

Sex estimation by femur in modern Thai population.

PubMed

Monum, T; Prasitwattanseree, S; Das, S; Siriphimolwat, P; Mahakkanukrauh, P

2017-01-01

Sex estimation is an important step of postmortem investigation and the femur is a useful bone for sex estimation by using metric analysis method. Even though there have been a reported sex estimation method by using femur in Thais, the temporal change related to time and anthropological data need to be renewed. Thus the aim of this study is to re-evaluate sex estimation by femur in Thais. 97 adult male and 103 female femora were random chosen from Forensic osteology research center and 6 measurements were applied tend to. To compare with previous Thai data, mid shaft diameter to increase but femoral head and epicondylar breadth to stabilize and when tested previous discriminant function by vertical head diameter and epicondalar breadth, the accuracy of prediction was lower than previous report. From the new data, epicondalar breadth is the best variable for distinguishing male and female at 88.7 percent of accuracy, following by transverse and vertical head diameter at 86.7 percent and femoral neck diameter at 81.7 percent of accuracy. Multivariate discriminant analysis indicated transverse head diameter and epicondylar breadth performed highest rate of accuracy at 89.7 percent. The percent of accuracy of femur was close to previous reported sex estimation by talus and calcaneus in Thai population. Thus, for especially in case of lower limb remain, which absence of pelvis.

Reporting Standards for Literature Searches and Report Inclusion Criteria: Making Research Syntheses More Transparent and Easy to Replicate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atkinson, Kayla M.; Koenka, Alison C.; Sanchez, Carmen E.; Moshontz, Hannah; Cooper, Harris

2015-01-01

A complete description of the literature search, including the criteria used for the inclusion of reports after they have been located, used in a research synthesis or meta-analysis is critical if subsequent researchers are to accurately evaluate and reproduce a synthesis' methods and results. Based on previous guidelines and new suggestions, we…

Quality-assurance plan for groundwater activities, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington Water Science Center

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kozar, Mark D.; Kahle, Sue C.

2013-01-01

This report documents the standard procedures, policies, and field methods used by the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Washington Water Science Center staff for activities related to the collection, processing, analysis, storage, and publication of groundwater data. This groundwater quality-assurance plan changes through time to accommodate new methods and requirements developed by the Washington Water Science Center and the USGS Office of Groundwater. The plan is based largely on requirements and guidelines provided by the USGS Office of Groundwater, or the USGS Water Mission Area. Regular updates to this plan represent an integral part of the quality-assurance process. Because numerous policy memoranda have been issued by the Office of Groundwater since the previous groundwater quality assurance plan was written, this report is a substantial revision of the previous report, supplants it, and contains significant additional policies not covered in the previous report. This updated plan includes information related to the organization and responsibilities of USGS Washington Water Science Center staff, training, safety, project proposal development, project review procedures, data collection activities, data processing activities, report review procedures, and archiving of field data and interpretative information pertaining to groundwater flow models, borehole aquifer tests, and aquifer tests. Important updates from the previous groundwater quality assurance plan include: (1) procedures for documenting and archiving of groundwater flow models; (2) revisions to procedures and policies for the creation of sites in the Groundwater Site Inventory database; (3) adoption of new water-level forms to be used within the USGS Washington Water Science Center; (4) procedures for future creation of borehole geophysics, surface geophysics, and aquifer-test archives; and (5) use of the USGS Multi Optional Network Key Entry System software for entry of routine water-level data collected as part of long-term water-level monitoring networks.

The Fentanyl Patch Boil-Up - A Novel Method of Opioid Abuse.

PubMed

Schauer, Cameron K M W; Shand, James A D; Reynolds, Thomas M

2015-11-01

Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic used in the treatment of pain. Transdermal fentanyl patches are now widely utilized as an acceptable and efficacious method of medication delivery. Unfortunately, the potential for their abuse is well recognized. Previous case reports have documented deaths after intravenous (IV) misuse of fentanyl which had been extracted from Duragesic (liquid reservoir type) patches. We present a case of IV fentanyl abuse after the extraction from a Mylan (matrix type) patch. This method of abuse has not previously been described in the literature. © 2015 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

Measuring fluorescence polarization with a dichrometer

DOE PAGES

Sutherland, John C.

2017-04-06

In this article, a method for obtaining fluorescence polarization data from an instrument designed to measure circular and linear dichroism is compared with a previously reported approach. The new method places a polarizer between the sample and a detector mounted perpendicular to the direction of the incident beam and results in determination of the fluorescence polarization ratio, whereas the previous method does not use a polarizer and yields the fluorescence anisotropy. A similar analysis with the detector located axially with the excitation beam demonstrates that there is no frequency modulated signal due to fluorescence polarization in the absence of amore » polarizer.« less

Environmental stress cracking of polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahan, K. I.

1980-01-01

A two point bending method for use in studying the environmental stress cracking and crazing phenomena is described and demonstrated for a variety of polymer/solvent systems. Critical strain values obtained from these curves are reported for various polymer/solvent systems including a considerable number of systems for which critical strain values have not been previously reported. Polymers studied using this technique include polycarbonate (PC), ABS, high impact styrene (HIS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Critical strain values obtained using this method compared favorably with available existing data. The major advantage of the technique is the ability to obtain time vs. strain curves over a short period of time. The data obtained suggests that over a short period of time the transition in most of the polymer solvent systems is more gradual than previously believed.

Birth month affects lifetime disease risk: a phenome-wide method

PubMed Central

Boland, Mary Regina; Shahn, Zachary; Madigan, David; Hripcsak, George; Tatonetti, Nicholas P

2015-01-01

Objective An individual’s birth month has a significant impact on the diseases they develop during their lifetime. Previous studies reveal relationships between birth month and several diseases including atherothrombosis, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and myopia, leaving most diseases completely unexplored. This retrospective population study systematically explores the relationship between seasonal affects at birth and lifetime disease risk for 1688 conditions. Methods We developed a hypothesis-free method that minimizes publication and disease selection biases by systematically investigating disease-birth month patterns across all conditions. Our dataset includes 1 749 400 individuals with records at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center born between 1900 and 2000 inclusive. We modeled associations between birth month and 1688 diseases using logistic regression. Significance was tested using a chi-squared test with multiplicity correction. Results We found 55 diseases that were significantly dependent on birth month. Of these 19 were previously reported in the literature (P < .001), 20 were for conditions with close relationships to those reported, and 16 were previously unreported. We found distinct incidence patterns across disease categories. Conclusions Lifetime disease risk is affected by birth month. Seasonally dependent early developmental mechanisms may play a role in increasing lifetime risk of disease. PMID:26041386

Oxalate content of some common foods: determination by an enzymatic method.

PubMed

Kasidas, G P; Rose, G A

1980-08-01

A specific enzymatic method was used to determine the oxalate content of some common foods. No preliminary isolation of oxalate was required and recoveries ranging from 95-110 per cent were obtained. Spinach, rhubarb, peanuts, chocolates, parsley and tea were found to contain high levels of oxalate as previously described by others. On the other hand the oxalate content of beetroot was found to be five times as high as previously reported, but coca-cola and beer were almost free from oxalate. Cereals and meat were either low or deficient in oxalate.

Reporting and dealing with missing quality of life data in RCTs: has the picture changed in the last decade?

PubMed

Fielding, S; Ogbuagu, A; Sivasubramaniam, S; MacLennan, G; Ramsay, C R

2016-12-01

Missing data are a major problem in the analysis of data from randomised trials affecting power and potentially producing biased treatment effects. Specifically focussing on quality of life outcomes, we aimed to report the amount of missing data, whether imputation was used and what methods and was the missing mechanism discussed from four leading medical journals and compare the picture to our previous review nearly a decade ago. A random selection (50 %) of all RCTS published during 2013-2014 in BMJ, JAMA, Lancet and NEJM was obtained. RCTs reported in research letters, cluster RCTs, non-randomised designs, review articles and meta-analysis were excluded. We included 87 RCTs in the review of which 35 % the amount of missing primary QoL data was unclear, 31 (36 %) used imputation. Only 23 % discussed the missing data mechanism. Nearly half used complete case analysis. Reporting was more unclear for secondary QoL outcomes. Compared to the previous review, multiple imputation was used more prominently but mainly in sensitivity analysis. Inadequate reporting and handling of missing QoL data in RCTs are still an issue. There is a large gap between statistical methods research relating to missing data and the use of the methods in applications. A sensitivity analysis should be undertaken to explore the sensitivity of the main results to different missing data assumptions. Medical journals can help to improve the situation by requiring higher standards of reporting and analytical methods to deal with missing data, and by issuing guidance to authors on expected standard.

What can we learn from parents about enhancing participation in pharmacovigilance?

PubMed Central

Arnott, Janine; Hesselgreaves, Hannah; Nunn, Anthony J; Peak, Matthew; Pirmohamed, Munir; Smyth, Rosalind L; Turner, Mark A; Young, Bridget

2013-01-01

Aims To investigate parents' views and experiences of direct reporting of a suspected ADR in their child. Methods We audio-recorded semi-structured qualitative interviews with parents of children with suspected ADRs. Our sample included parents with (n = 17) and without (n = 27) previous experience of submitting a Yellow Card. Results Parents in both groups described poor awareness of the Yellow Card Scheme. Parents who had participated in the Yellow Card Scheme were generally happy to report their child's ADR via the Scheme and valued the opportunity to report concerns independently of health practitioners. They expressed motivations for reporting that have not previously been described linked to the parental role, including how registering a concern about a medicine helped to resolve uncomfortable feelings about their child's ADR. Parents who had not previously submitted a Yellow Card expressed uncertainty about the legitimacy of their involvement in reporting and doubts about the value of the information that they could provide. Conclusion Promoting wider participation in pharmacovigilance schemes will depend on raising public awareness. Additionally, our findings point to the need to empower lay people to submitting reports and to reassure them about the value of their reports. PMID:22905902

High-frequency techniques for RCS prediction of plate geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balanis, Constantine A.; Polka, Lesley A.

1992-01-01

The principal-plane scattering from perfectly conducting and coated strips and rectangular plates is examined. Previous reports have detailed Geometrical Theory of Diffraction/Uniform Theory of Diffraction (GTD/UTD) solutions for these geometries. The GTD/UTD solution for the perfectly conducting plate yields monostatic radar cross section (RCS) results that are nearly identical to measurements and results obtained using the Moment Method (MM) and the Extended Physical Theory of Diffraction (EPTD). This was demonstrated in previous reports. The previous analysis is extended to bistatic cases. GTD/UTD results for the principal-plane scattering from a perfectly conducting, infinite strip are compared to MM and EPTD data. A comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the GTD/UTD and of the EPTD and a detailed analysis of the results from both methods are provided. Several previous reports also presented preliminary discussions and results for a GTD/UTD model of the RCS of a coated, rectangular plate. Several approximations for accounting for the finite coating thickness, plane-wave incidence, and far-field observation were discussed. Here, these approximations are replaced by a revised wedge diffraction coefficient that implicitly accounts for a coating on a perfect conductor, plane-wave incidence, and far-field observation. This coefficient is computationally more efficient than the previous diffraction coefficient because the number of Maliuzhinets functions that must be calculated using numerical integration is reduced by a factor of 2. The derivation and the revised coefficient are presented in detail for the hard polarization case. Computations and experimental data are also included. The soft polarization case is currently under investigation.

In Situ CaptureRT-qPCR: A new simple and sensitive method to detect human norovirus in oysters

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the major cause for the non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis worldwide. RT-qPCR is a widely used method to detect HuNoVs. However, the method is unable to discriminate between infectious and non-infectious viruses. Previously, we reported that the receptor mediated in s...

Airflow Resistance of Loose-Fill Mineral Fiber Insulations in Retrofit Applications

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

Schumacher, C. J.; Fox, M. J.; Lstiburek, J.

2015-02-01

This report expands on Building America Report 1109 by applying the experimental apparatus and test method to dense-pack retrofit applications using mineral fiber insulation materials. Three fiber glass insulation materials and one stone wool insulation material were tested, and the results compared to the cellulose results from the previous study.

Long-Term, Open-Label Safety and Efficacy of Atomoxetine in Adults with ADHD: Final Report of a 4-Year Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adler, Lenard A.; Spencer, Thomas J.; Williams, David W.; Moore, Rodney J.; Michelson, David

2008-01-01

Objective: Previously, data from 97 weeks of open-label atomoxetine treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were reported. This final report of that study presents results from over 4 years of treatment. Method: Results were derived from the study of 384 patients (125 patients remaining in the open-label trial…

Image analysis methods for assessing levels of image plane nonuniformity and stochastic noise in a magnetic resonance image of a homogeneous phantom.

PubMed

Magnusson, P; Olsson, L E

2000-08-01

Magnetic response image plane nonuniformity and stochastic noise are properties that greatly influence the outcome of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations such as gel dosimetry measurements using MRI. To study these properties, robust and accurate image analysis methods are required. New nonuniformity level assessment methods were designed, since previous methods were found to be insufficiently robust and accurate. The new and previously reported nonuniformity level assessment methods were analyzed with respect to, for example, insensitivity to stochastic noise; and previously reported stochastic noise level assessment methods with respect to insensitivity to nonuniformity. Using the same image data, different methods were found to assess significantly different levels of nonuniformity. Nonuniformity levels obtained using methods that count pixels in an intensity interval, and obtained using methods that use only intensity values, were found not to be comparable. The latter were found preferable, since they assess the quantity intrinsically sought. A new method which calculates a deviation image, with every pixel representing the deviation from a reference intensity, was least sensitive to stochastic noise. Furthermore, unlike any other analyzed method, it includes all intensity variations across the phantom area and allows for studies of nonuniformity shapes. This new method was designed for accurate studies of nonuniformities in gel dosimetry measurements, but could also be used with benefit in quality assurance and acceptance testing of MRI, scintillation camera, and computer tomography systems. The stochastic noise level was found to be greatly method dependent. Two methods were found to be insensitive to nonuniformity and also simple to use in practice. One method assesses the stochastic noise level as the average of the levels at five different positions within the phantom area, and the other assesses the stochastic noise in a region outside the phantom area.

Predicting hospital accounting costs

PubMed Central

Newhouse, Joseph P.; Cretin, Shan; Witsberger, Christina J.

1989-01-01

Two alternative methods to Medicare Cost Reports that provide information about hospital costs more promptly but less accurately are investigated. Both employ utilization data from current-year bills. The first attaches costs to utilization data using cost-charge ratios from the previous year's cost report; the second uses charges from current year's bills. The first method is the more accurate of the two, but even using it, only 40 percent of hospitals had predicted costs within plus or minus 5 percent of actual costs. The feasibility and cost of obtaining cost reports from a small, fast-track sample of hospitals should be investigated. PMID:10313352

The Survey of Fires in Buildings. Third Report: The Use of Information Obtained From Fire Surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silcock, A.

1973-01-01

The previous two reports in this series gave details of the general. scope of the pilot exercise and methods by which it was carried out. In addition the nature of the information obtained was illustrated by preliminary analyses of the house and industrial fires surveyed. Some brief comments on the use of the information were made. This report indicates a method of assessing the nation wide effects of applying conclusions drawn from the results of limited numbers of surveys and considers the use of the information for specific purposes.

A resonance shift prediction based on the Boltzmann-Ehrenfest principle for cylindrical cavities with a rigid sphere.

PubMed

Santillan, Arturo O; Cutanda-Henríquez, Vicente

2008-11-01

An investigation on the resonance frequency shift for a plane-wave mode in a cylindrical cavity produced by a rigid sphere is reported in this paper. This change of the resonance frequency has been previously considered as a cause of oscillational instabilities in single-mode acoustic levitation devices. It is shown that the use of the Boltzmann-Ehrenfest principle of adiabatic invariance allows the derivation of an expression for the resonance frequency shift in a simpler and more direct way than a method based on a Green's function reported in literature. The position of the sphere can be any point along the axis of the cavity. Obtained predictions of the resonance frequency shift with the deduced equation agree quite well with numerical simulations based on the boundary element method. The results are also confirmed by experiments. The equation derived from the Boltzmann-Ehrenfest principle appears to be more general, and for large spheres, it gives a better approximation than the equation previously reported.

Grinding and cooking dry-mill germ to optimize aqueous enzymatic oil extraction

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The many recent dry grind plants that convert corn to ethanol are potential sources of substantial amounts of corn oil. This report describes an aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE) method to separate oil from dry-mill corn germ (DMG). The method is an extension of AEE previously developed for wet...

Reasoning Maps: A Generally Applicable Method for Characterizing Hypothesis-Testing Behaviour. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Brian

2004-01-01

This paper presents a generally applicable method for characterizing subjects' hypothesis-testing behaviour based on a synthesis that extends on previous work. Beginning with a transcript of subjects' speech and videotape of their actions, a Reasoning Map is created that depicts the flow of their hypotheses, tests, predictions, results, and…

Evaluation of pier-scour measurement methods and pier-scour predictions with observed scour measurements at selected bridge sites in New Hampshire, 1995-98

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-11-01

In a previous study, 44 of 48 bridge sites examined in New Hampshire were categorized as scour critical. This report summarizes research conducted to evaluate pier-scour measurement methods and predictions at many of these sites. This evaluation incl...

A rapid and efficient newly established method to detect COL1A1-PDGFB gene fusion in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

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

Yokoyama, Yoko; Shimizu, Akira; Okada, Etsuko

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We developed new method to rapidly identify COL1A1-PDGFB fusion in DFSP. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New PCR method using a single primer pair detected COL1A1-PDGFB fusion in DFSP. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This is the first report of DFSP with a novel COL1A1 breakpoint in exon 5. -- Abstract: The detection of fusion transcripts of the collagen type 1{alpha}1 (COL1A1) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGFB) genes by genetic analysis has recognized as a reliable and valuable molecular tool for the diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). To detect the COL1A1-PDGFB fusion, almost previous reports performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using multiplex forward primersmore » from COL1A1. However, it has possible technical difficulties with respect to the handling of multiple primers and reagents in the procedure. The objective of this study is to establish a rapid, easy, and efficient one-step method of PCR using only a single primer pair to detect the fusion transcripts of the COL1A1 and PDGFB in DFSP. To validate new method, we compared the results of RT-PCR in five patients of DFSP between the previous method using multiplex primers and our established one-step RT-PCR using a single primer pair. In all cases of DFSP, the COL1A1-PDGFB fusion was detected by both previous method and newly established one-step PCR. Importantly, we detected a novel COL1A1 breakpoint in exon 5. The newly developed method is valuable to rapidly identify COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcripts in DFSP.« less

Neural Network Training by Integration of Adjoint Systems of Equations Forward in Time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toomarian, Nikzad (Inventor); Barhen, Jacob (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A method and apparatus for supervised neural learning of time dependent trajectories exploits the concepts of adjoint operators to enable computation of the gradient of an objective functional with respect to the various parameters of the network architecture in a highly efficient manner. Specifically. it combines the advantage of dramatic reductions in computational complexity inherent in adjoint methods with the ability to solve two adjoint systems of equations together forward in time. Not only is a large amount of computation and storage saved. but the handling of real-time applications becomes also possible. The invention has been applied it to two examples of representative complexity which have recently been analyzed in the open literature and demonstrated that a circular trajectory can be learned in approximately 200 iterations compared to the 12000 reported in the literature. A figure eight trajectory was achieved in under 500 iterations compared to 20000 previously required. Tbc trajectories computed using our new method are much closer to the target trajectories than was reported in previous studies.

Neural network training by integration of adjoint systems of equations forward in time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toomarian, Nikzad (Inventor); Barhen, Jacob (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A method and apparatus for supervised neural learning of time dependent trajectories exploits the concepts of adjoint operators to enable computation of the gradient of an objective functional with respect to the various parameters of the network architecture in a highly efficient manner. Specifically, it combines the advantage of dramatic reductions in computational complexity inherent in adjoint methods with the ability to solve two adjoint systems of equations together forward in time. Not only is a large amount of computation and storage saved, but the handling of real-time applications becomes also possible. The invention has been applied it to two examples of representative complexity which have recently been analyzed in the open literature and demonstrated that a circular trajectory can be learned in approximately 200 iterations compared to the 12000 reported in the literature. A figure eight trajectory was achieved in under 500 iterations compared to 20000 previously required. The trajectories computed using our new method are much closer to the target trajectories than was reported in previous studies.

Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies

PubMed Central

Boeve, Bradley F.; Dickson, Dennis W.; Halliday, Glenda; Taylor, John-Paul; Weintraub, Daniel; Aarsland, Dag; Galvin, James; Attems, Johannes; Ballard, Clive G.; Bayston, Ashley; Beach, Thomas G.; Blanc, Frédéric; Bohnen, Nicolaas; Bonanni, Laura; Bras, Jose; Brundin, Patrik; Burn, David; Chen-Plotkin, Alice; Duda, John E.; El-Agnaf, Omar; Feldman, Howard; Ferman, Tanis J.; ffytche, Dominic; Fujishiro, Hiroshige; Galasko, Douglas; Goldman, Jennifer G.; Gomperts, Stephen N.; Graff-Radford, Neill R.; Honig, Lawrence S.; Iranzo, Alex; Kantarci, Kejal; Kaufer, Daniel; Kukull, Walter; Lee, Virginia M.Y.; Leverenz, James B.; Lewis, Simon; Lippa, Carol; Lunde, Angela; Masellis, Mario; Masliah, Eliezer; McLean, Pamela; Mollenhauer, Brit; Montine, Thomas J.; Moreno, Emilio; Mori, Etsuro; Murray, Melissa; O'Brien, John T.; Orimo, Sotoshi; Postuma, Ronald B.; Ramaswamy, Shankar; Ross, Owen A.; Salmon, David P.; Singleton, Andrew; Taylor, Angela; Thomas, Alan; Tiraboschi, Pietro; Toledo, Jon B.; Trojanowski, John Q.; Tsuang, Debby; Walker, Zuzana; Yamada, Masahito; Kosaka, Kenji

2017-01-01

The Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) Consortium has refined its recommendations about the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of DLB, updating the previous report, which has been in widespread use for the last decade. The revised DLB consensus criteria now distinguish clearly between clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers, and give guidance about optimal methods to establish and interpret these. Substantial new information has been incorporated about previously reported aspects of DLB, with increased diagnostic weighting given to REM sleep behavior disorder and 123iodine-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy. The diagnostic role of other neuroimaging, electrophysiologic, and laboratory investigations is also described. Minor modifications to pathologic methods and criteria are recommended to take account of Alzheimer disease neuropathologic change, to add previously omitted Lewy-related pathology categories, and to include assessments for substantia nigra neuronal loss. Recommendations about clinical management are largely based upon expert opinion since randomized controlled trials in DLB are few. Substantial progress has been made since the previous report in the detection and recognition of DLB as a common and important clinical disorder. During that period it has been incorporated into DSM-5, as major neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies. There remains a pressing need to understand the underlying neurobiology and pathophysiology of DLB, to develop and deliver clinical trials with both symptomatic and disease-modifying agents, and to help patients and carers worldwide to inform themselves about the disease, its prognosis, best available treatments, ongoing research, and how to get adequate support. PMID:28592453

Prospective monitoring and self-report of previous falls among older women at high risk of falls and fractures: a study of comparison and agreement

PubMed Central

Garcia, Patrícia A.; Dias, João M. D.; Silva, Silvia L. A.; Dias, Rosângela C.

2015-01-01

Background: The identification of the occurrence of falls is an important step for screening and for rehabilitation processes for the elderly. The methods of monitoring these events are susceptible to recording biases, and the choice of the most accurate method remains challenging. Objectives: (i) To investigate the agreement between retrospective self-reporting and prospective monitoring of methods of recording falls, and (ii) to compare the retrospective self-reporting of falls and the prospective monitoring of falls and recurrent falls over a 12-month period among older women at high risk of falls and fractures. Method: A total of 118 community-dwelling older women with low bone density were recruited. The incidence of falls was monitored prospectively in 116 older women (2 losses) via monthly phone calls over the course of a year. At the end of this monitoring period, the older women were asked about their recall of falls in the same 12-month period. The agreement between the two methods was analyzed, and the sensitivity and specificity of self-reported previous falls in relation to the prospective monitoring were calculated. Results: There was moderate agreement between the prospective monitoring and the retrospective self-reporting of falls in classifying fallers (Kappa=0.595) and recurrent fallers (Kappa=0.589). The limits of agreement were 0.35±1.66 falls. The self-reporting of prior falls had a 67.2% sensitivity and a 94.2% specificity in classifying fallers among older women and a 50% sensitivity and a 98.9% specificity in classifying recurrent fallers. Conclusion: Self-reporting of falls over a 12-month period underestimated 32.8% of falls and 50% of recurrent falls. The findings recommend caution if one is considering replacing monthly monitoring with annual retrospective questioning. PMID:26083603

The application of moment methods to the analysis of fluid electrical conductivity logs in boreholes

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

Loew, S.; Tsang, Chin-Fu; Hale, F.V.

1990-08-01

This report is one of a series documenting the results of the Nagra-DOE Cooperative (NDC-I) research program in which the cooperating scientists explore the geological, geophysical, hydrological, geochemical, and structural effects anticipated from the use of a rock mass as a geologic repository for nuclear waste. Previous reports have presented a procedure for analyzing a time sequence of wellbore electric conductivity logs in order to obtain outflow parameters of fractures intercepted by the borehole, and a code, called BORE, used to simulate borehole fluid conductivity profiles given these parameters. The present report describes three new direct (not iterative) methods formore » analyzing a short time series of electric conductivity logs based on moment quantities of the individual outflow peaks and applies them to synthetic as well as to field data. The results of the methods discussed show promising results and are discussed in terms of their respective advantages and limitations. In particular it is shown that one of these methods, the so-called Partial Moment Method,'' is capable of reproducing packer test results from field experiments in the Leuggern deep well within a factor of three, which is below the range of what is recognized as the precision of packer tests themselves. Furthermore the new method is much quicker than the previously used iterative fitting procedure and is even capable of handling transient fracture outflow conditions. 20 refs., 11 figs., 10 tabs.« less

Influence of phase inversion on the formation and stability of one-step multiple emulsions.

PubMed

Morais, Jacqueline M; Rocha-Filho, Pedro A; Burgess, Diane J

2009-07-21

A novel method of preparation of water-in-oil-in-micelle-containing water (W/O/W(m)) multiple emulsions using the one-step emulsification method is reported. These multiple emulsions were normal (not temporary) and stable over a 60 day test period. Previously, reported multiple emulsion by the one-step method were abnormal systems that formed at the inversion point of simple emulsion (where there is an incompatibility in the Ostwald and Bancroft theories, and typically these are O/W/O systems). Pseudoternary phase diagrams and bidimensional process-composition (phase inversion) maps were constructed to assist in process and composition optimization. The surfactants used were PEG40 hydrogenated castor oil and sorbitan oleate, and mineral and vegetables oils were investigated. Physicochemical characterization studies showed experimentally, for the first time, the significance of the ultralow surface tension point on multiple emulsion formation by one-step via phase inversion processes. Although the significance of ultralow surface tension has been speculated previously, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental confirmation. The multiple emulsion system reported here was dependent not only upon the emulsification temperature, but also upon the component ratios, therefore both the emulsion phase inversion and the phase inversion temperature were considered to fully explain their formation. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the formation of these normal multiple emulsions is not a result of a temporary incompatibility (at the inversion point) during simple emulsion preparation, as previously reported. Rather, these normal W/O/W(m) emulsions are a result of the simultaneous occurrence of catastrophic and transitional phase inversion processes. The formation of the primary emulsions (W/O) is in accordance with the Ostwald theory ,and the formation of the multiple emulsions (W/O/W(m)) is in agreement with the Bancroft theory.

Digital enhancement of X-rays for NDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butterfield, R. L.

1980-01-01

Report is "cookbook" for digital processing of industrial X-rays. Computer techniques, previously used primarily in laboratory and developmental research, have been outlined and codified into step by step procedures for enhancing X-ray images. Those involved in nondestructive testing should find report valuable asset, particularly is visual inspection is method currently used to process X-ray images.

The Jigsaw Technique and Self-Efficacy of Vocational Training Students: A Practice Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darnon, Celine; Buchs, Celine; Desbar, Delphine

2012-01-01

Can teenagers' self-efficacy be improved in a short time? Previous research has shown the positive effect of cooperative learning methods, including "jigsaw classrooms" (Aronson and Patnoe, 1997), on various outcomes (e.g., the liking of school, self-esteem, and reduction of prejudices). The present practice report investigated the effects of…

Airflow Resistance of Loose-Fill Mineral Fiber Insulations in Retrofit Applications

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

Schumacher, C. J.; Fox, M. J.; Lstiburek, J.

2015-02-01

This report expands on Building America Report 1109 by applying the experimental apparatus and test method to dense-pack retrofit applications using mineral fiber insulation materials. Three (3) fiber glass insulation materials and one (1) stone wool insulation material were tested, and the results compared to the cellulose results from the previous study.

Molecular identification of Emericella echinulata as a cause of Cerebral Aspergillosis in a patient following small bowel and liver transplantation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Molecular methods are now more commonly used for identification of the aspergilli and their teleomorphs and have led to reports of species not previously recognized as causing human disease. We report the first case of cerebral aspergillosis in a compromised patient caused by Emericella echinulata,...

Summary and evaluation of hydraulic property data available for the Hanford Site upper basalt confined aquifer system

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

Spane, F.A. Jr.; Vermeul, V.R.

Pacific Northwest Laboratory, as part of the Hanford Site Ground-Water Surveillance Project, examines the potential for offsite migration of contamination within the upper basalt confined aquifer system. For the past 40 years, hydrologic testing of the upper basalt confined aquifer has been conducted by a number of Hanford Site programs. Hydraulic property estimates are important for evaluating aquifer flow characteristics (i.e., ground-water flow patterns, flow velocity, transport travel time). Presented are the first comprehensive Hanford Site-wide summary of hydraulic properties for the upper basalt confined aquifer system (i.e., the upper Saddle Mountains Basalt). Available hydrologic test data were reevaluated usingmore » recently developed diagnostic test analysis methods. A comparison of calculated transmissivity estimates indicates that, for most test results, a general correspondence within a factor of two between reanalysis and previously reported test values was obtained. For a majority of the tests, previously reported values are greater than reanalysis estimates. This overestimation is attributed to a number of factors, including, in many cases, a misapplication of nonleaky confined aquifer analysis methods in previous analysis reports to tests that exhibit leaky confined aquifer response behavior. Results of the test analyses indicate a similar range for transmissivity values for the various hydro-geologic units making up the upper basalt confined aquifer. Approximately 90% of the calculated transmissivity values for upper basalt confined aquifer hydrogeologic units occur within the range of 10{sup 0} to 10{sup 2} m{sup 2}/d, with 65% of the calculated estimate values occurring between 10{sup 1} to 10{sup 2} m{sup 2}d. These summary findings are consistent with the general range of values previously reported for basalt interflow contact zones and sedimentary interbeds within the Saddle Mountains Basalt.« less

Measurements of Flat-Flame Velocities of Diethyl Ether in Air

PubMed Central

Gillespie, Fiona; Metcalfe, Wayne K.; Dirrenberger, Patricia; Herbinet, Olivier; Glaude, Pierre-Alexandre; Battin-Leclerc, Frédérique; Curran, Henry J.

2013-01-01

This study presents new adiabatic laminar burning velocities of diethyl ether in air, measured on a flat-flame burner using the heat flux method. The experimental pressure was 1 atm and temperatures of the fresh gas mixture ranged from 298 to 398 K. Flame velocities were recorded at equivalence ratios from 0.55 to 1.60, for which stabilization of the flame was possible. The maximum laminar burning velocity was found at an equivalence ratio of 1.10 or 1.15 at different temperatures. These results are compared with experimental and computational data reported in the literature. The data reported in this study deviate significantly from previous experimental results and are well-predicted by a previously reported chemical kinetic mechanism. PMID:23710107

Advantages of using tetrahydrofuran-water as mobile phases in the quantitation of cyclosporin A in monkey and rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Austin C; Li, Yinghe; Guirguis, Micheal S; Caldwell, Robert G; Shou, Wilson Z

2007-01-04

A new analytical method is described here for the quantitation of anti-inflammatory drug cyclosporin A (CyA) in monkey and rat plasma. The method used tetrahydrofuran (THF)-water mobile phases to elute the analyte and internal standard, cyclosporin C (CyC). The gradient mobile phase program successfully eluted CyA into a sharp peak and therefore improved resolution between the analyte and possible interfering materials compared with previously reported analytical approaches, where CyA was eluted as a broad peak due to the rapid conversion between different conformers. The sharp peak resulted from this method facilitated the quantitative calculation as multiple smoothing and large number of bunching factors were not necessary. The chromatography in the new method was performed at 30 degrees C instead of 65-70 degrees C as reported previously. Other advantages of the method included simple and fast sample extraction-protein precipitation, direct injection of the extraction supernatant to column for analysis, and elimination of evaporation and reconstitution steps, which were needed in solid phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction reported before. This method is amenable to high-throughput analysis with a total chromatographic run time of 3 min. This approach has been verified as sensitive, linear (0.977-4000 ng/mL), accurate and precise for the quantitation of CyA in monkey and rat plasma. However, compared with the usage of conventional mobile phases, the only drawback of this approach was the reduced detection response from the mass spectrometer that was possibly caused by poor desolvation in the ionization source. This is the first report to demonstrate the advantages of using THF-water mobile phases to elute CyA in liquid chromatography.

Structural characterization of product ions of regulated veterinary drugs by electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (part 3) Anthelmintics, thyreostats, and flukicides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

RATIONALE: Previously we have reported a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the identification and quantification of regulated veterinary drugs. The methods used three selected transition ions but most of these ions lacked structural characterization. The work presented here ...

Self-Esteem and Method Effects Associated with Negatively Worded Items: Investigating Factorial Invariance by Sex

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiStefano, Christine; Motl, Robert W.

2009-01-01

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE) has been widely used in examinations of sex differences in global self-esteem. However, previous examinations of sex differences have not accounted for method effects associated with item wording, which have consistently been reported by researchers using the RSE. Accordingly, this study examined the…

PHENYLKETONURIA, DETECTION IN THE NEWBORN INFANT AS A ROUTINE HOSPITAL PROCEDURE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GUTHRIE, ROBERT; WHITNEY, STEWART

A FIELD TRIAL OF AN INHIBITION ASSAY METHOD FOR SCREENING FOR PHENYLKETONURIA (PKU) TESTED MORE THAN 400,000 NEWBORN INFANTS PRIOR TO DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPTIAL. IN ALL, 39 CASES WERE FOUND, A HIGHER INCIDENCE THAN HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXPECTED. THE PRACTICALITY OF THE INHIBITION ASSAY METHOD WAS ALSO DEMONSTRATED. THE REPORT DETAILS THE TRIAL'S…

Simple Optoelectronic Feedback in Microwave Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Iltchenko, Vladimir

2009-01-01

A proposed method of stabilizing microwave and millimeter-wave oscillators calls for the use of feedback in optoelectronic delay lines characterized by high values of the resonance quality factor (Q). The method would extend the applicability of optoelectronic feedback beyond the previously reported class of optoelectronic oscillators that comprise two-port electronic amplifiers in closed loops with high-Q feedback circuits.

New solitary wave solutions of the time-fractional Cahn-Allen equation via the improved (G'/G)-expansion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batool, Fiza; Akram, Ghazala

2018-05-01

An improved (G'/G)-expansion method is proposed for extracting more general solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear fractional Cahn-Allen equation. The temporal fractional derivative is taken in the sense of Jumarie's fractional derivative. The results of this article are generalized and extended version of previously reported solutions.

New reporting procedures based on long-term method detection levels and some considerations for interpretations of water-quality data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Childress, Carolyn J. Oblinger; Foreman, William T.; Connor, Brooke F.; Maloney, Thomas J.

1999-01-01

This report describes the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory?s approach for determining long-term method detection levels and establishing reporting levels, details relevant new reporting conventions, and provides preliminary guidance on interpreting data reported with the new conventions. At the long-term method detection level concentration, the risk of a false positive detection (analyte reported present at the long-term method detection level when not in sample) is no more than 1 percent. However, at the long-term method detection level, the risk of a false negative occurrence (analyte reported not present when present at the long-term method detection level concentration) is up to 50 percent. Because this false negative rate is too high for use as a default 'less than' reporting level, a more reliable laboratory reporting level is set at twice the determined long-term method detection level. For all methods, concentrations measured between the laboratory reporting level and the long-term method detection level will be reported as estimated concentrations. Non-detections will be censored to the laboratory reporting level. Adoption of the new reporting conventions requires a full understanding of how low-concentration data can be used and interpreted and places responsibility for using and presenting final data with the user rather than with the laboratory. Users must consider that (1) new laboratory reporting levels may differ from previously established minimum reporting levels, (2) long-term method detection levels and laboratory reporting levels may change over time, and (3) estimated concentrations are less certain than concentrations reported above the laboratory reporting level. The availability of uncensored but qualified low-concentration data for interpretation and statistical analysis is a substantial benefit to the user. A decision to censor data after they are reported from the laboratory may still be made by the user, if merited, on the basis of the intended use of the data.

Boundary conditions for simulating large SAW devices using ANSYS.

PubMed

Peng, Dasong; Yu, Fengqi; Hu, Jian; Li, Peng

2010-08-01

In this report, we propose improved substrate left and right boundary conditions for simulating SAW devices using ANSYS. Compared with the previous methods, the proposed method can greatly reduce computation time. Furthermore, the longer the distance from the first reflector to the last one, the more computation time can be reduced. To verify the proposed method, a design example is presented with device center frequency 971.14 MHz.

Rapid screening of tannase producing microbes by using natural tannin

PubMed Central

Jana, Arijit; Maity, Chiranjit; Halder, Suman Kumar; Pati, Bikas Ranjan; Mondal, Keshab Chandra; Mohapatra, Pradeep Kumar Das

2012-01-01

Use of natural tannin in the screening of tannase producing microbes is really promising. The present work describes about the possibility and integrity of the newly formulated method over the previously reported methods. Tannin isolated from Terminalia belerica Roxb. (Bahera) was used to differentiate between tanninolytic and nontanninolytic microbes. The method is simple, sensitive and superior for the rapid screening and isolation of tannase-producing microbes. PMID:24031931

Rapid screening of tannase producing microbes by using natural tannin.

PubMed

Jana, Arijit; Maity, Chiranjit; Halder, Suman Kumar; Pati, Bikas Ranjan; Mondal, Keshab Chandra; Mohapatra, Pradeep Kumar Das

2012-07-01

Use of natural tannin in the screening of tannase producing microbes is really promising. The present work describes about the possibility and integrity of the newly formulated method over the previously reported methods. Tannin isolated from Terminalia belerica Roxb. (Bahera) was used to differentiate between tanninolytic and nontanninolytic microbes. The method is simple, sensitive and superior for the rapid screening and isolation of tannase-producing microbes.

Projected 1981 exposure estimates using iterative proportional fitting

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-10-01

1981 VMT estimates categorized by eight driver, vehicle, and environmental : variables are produced. These 1981 estimates are produced using analytical : methods developed in a previous report. The estimates are based on 1977 : NPTS data (the latest ...

Evidence for hubs in human functional brain networks

PubMed Central

Power, Jonathan D; Schlaggar, Bradley L; Lessov-Schlaggar, Christina N; Petersen, Steven E

2013-01-01

Summary Hubs integrate and distribute information in powerful ways due to the number and positioning of their contacts in a network. Several resting state functional connectivity MRI reports have implicated regions of the default mode system as brain hubs; we demonstrate that previous degree-based approaches to hub identification may have identified portions of large brain systems rather than critical nodes of brain networks. We utilize two methods to identify hub-like brain regions: 1) finding network nodes that participate in multiple sub-networks of the brain, and 2) finding spatial locations where several systems are represented within a small volume. These methods converge on a distributed set of regions that differ from previous reports on hubs. This work identifies regions that support multiple systems, leading to spatially constrained predictions about brain function that may be tested in terms of lesions, evoked responses, and dynamic patterns of activity. PMID:23972601

Effective Instruction and Assessment Methods That Lead to Gains in Critical Thinking as Measured by the Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leming, Katie P.

2016-01-01

Previous qualitative research on educational practices designed to improve critical thinking has relied on anecdotal or student self-reports of gains in critical thinking. Unfortunately, student self-report data have been found to be unreliable proxies for measuring critical thinking gains. Therefore, in the current interpretivist study, five…

Last Year Your Answer Was… : The Impact of Dependent Interviewing Wording and Survey Factors on Reporting of Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Baghal, Tarek

2017-01-01

Prior studies suggest memories are potentially error prone. Proactive dependent interviewing (PDI) is a possible method to reduce errors in reports of change in longitudinal studies, reminding respondents of previous answers while asking if there has been any change since the last survey. However, little research has been conducted on the impact…

Energy Implementation Centers: A Method of Speeding the Use of Solar Energy and Other Energy Conserving Technologies. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirshberg, A. S.; And Others

This report examines the role of implementation centers as a vehicle for speeding the use of solar energy and energy conservation. It covers a study of previous building industry innovations; a brief review of the diffusion of innovation literature, including several case studies; identification of the solar thermal application process and…

Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviors among Adolescents Requesting Emergency Contraception.

PubMed

Cwiak, Carrie; Howard, Brandon; Hsieh, Jennifer; Ricciotti, Nancy; Sucato, Gina S

2016-12-01

Unintended pregnancy rates in the United States remain high among adolescents. Emergency contraception (EC) provides the only option for pregnancy prevention after unprotected sex. To better define the population of adolescents who request and use EC pills, we performed a post hoc analysis of an over-the-counter simulation study of EC pills. Teen reproductive health clinics in 5 cities. Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years who requested EC. Single-tablet levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. We calculated the correlations between age and baseline sexual and contraceptive behaviors. χ 2 Tests were used to compare behaviors of first-time and repeat EC users. Overall, the most commonly reported contraceptive methods ever used were condoms, oral contraceptives, none, and withdrawal; the most common method ever used in each age group was no method for 13- to 14-year-olds and condom for 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds. The percentage of participants who had never used contraception before requesting EC decreased with age (53% [20/28] of 13- to 14-year-olds vs 15% [10/65] of 17-year-olds). First-time EC users were more likely to report no previous contraceptive use compared with repeat EC users (42% [88/208] vs 10% [13/135]; P < .001). Regardless of age, the most commonly reported reason for requesting EC was nonuse of any contraceptive method (ie, "unprotected sex"). Adolescents who requested EC most commonly reported ever-use of contraceptive methods that rely on user adherence or no method at all, with younger adolescents more likely than older adolescents to have used no previous method. The provision of EC presents an opportunity to provide education and access to highly effective, long-term contraceptive methods. Copyright © 2016 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sparse maps—A systematic infrastructure for reduced-scaling electronic structure methods. II. Linear scaling domain based pair natural orbital coupled cluster theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riplinger, Christoph; Pinski, Peter; Becker, Ute; Valeev, Edward F.; Neese, Frank

2016-01-01

Domain based local pair natural orbital coupled cluster theory with single-, double-, and perturbative triple excitations (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) is a highly efficient local correlation method. It is known to be accurate and robust and can be used in a black box fashion in order to obtain coupled cluster quality total energies for large molecules with several hundred atoms. While previous implementations showed near linear scaling up to a few hundred atoms, several nonlinear scaling steps limited the applicability of the method for very large systems. In this work, these limitations are overcome and a linear scaling DLPNO-CCSD(T) method for closed shell systems is reported. The new implementation is based on the concept of sparse maps that was introduced in Part I of this series [P. Pinski, C. Riplinger, E. F. Valeev, and F. Neese, J. Chem. Phys. 143, 034108 (2015)]. Using the sparse map infrastructure, all essential computational steps (integral transformation and storage, initial guess, pair natural orbital construction, amplitude iterations, triples correction) are achieved in a linear scaling fashion. In addition, a number of additional algorithmic improvements are reported that lead to significant speedups of the method. The new, linear-scaling DLPNO-CCSD(T) implementation typically is 7 times faster than the previous implementation and consumes 4 times less disk space for large three-dimensional systems. For linear systems, the performance gains and memory savings are substantially larger. Calculations with more than 20 000 basis functions and 1000 atoms are reported in this work. In all cases, the time required for the coupled cluster step is comparable to or lower than for the preceding Hartree-Fock calculation, even if this is carried out with the efficient resolution-of-the-identity and chain-of-spheres approximations. The new implementation even reduces the error in absolute correlation energies by about a factor of two, compared to the already accurate previous implementation.

Pretreatment method for immunoassay of polychlorinated biphenyls in transformer oil using multilayer capillary column and microfluidic liquid-liquid partitioning.

PubMed

Aota, Arata; Date, Yasumoto; Terakado, Shingo; Ohmura, Naoya

2013-01-01

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that are present in the insulating oil inside a large number of transformers. To aid in eliminating PCB-contaminated transformers, PCBs in oil need to be measured using a rapid and cost-effective analytical method. We previously reported a pretreatment method for the immunoassay of PCBs in oil using a large-scale multilayer column and a microchip with multiple microrecesses, which permitted concentrated solvent extraction. In this paper, we report on a more rapid and facile pretreatment method, without an evaporation process, by improving the column and the microchip. In a miniaturized column, the decomposition and separation of oil were completed in 2 min. PCBs can be eluted from the capillary column at concentrations seven-times higher than those from the previous column. The total volume of the microrecesses was increased by improving the microrecess structure, the enabling extraction of four-times the amount of PCBs achieved with the previous system. By interfacing the capillary column with the improved microchip, PCBs in the eluate from the column were extracted into dimethyl sulfoxide in microrecesses with high enrichment and without the need for evaporation. Pretreatment was completed within 20 min. The pretreated oil was analyzed using a flow-based kinetic exclusion immunoassay. The limit of detection of PCBs in oil was 0.15 mg kg(-1), which satisfies the criterion set in Japan of 0.5 mg kg(-1).

AJIPHASE®: A Highly Efficient Synthetic Method for One-Pot Peptide Elongation in the Solution Phase by an Fmoc Strategy.

PubMed

Takahashi, Daisuke; Inomata, Tatsuji; Fukui, Tatsuya

2017-06-26

We previously reported an efficient peptide synthesis method, AJIPHASE®, that comprises repeated reactions and isolations by precipitation. This method utilizes an anchor molecule with long-chain alkyl groups as a protecting group for the C-terminus. To further improve this method, we developed a one-pot synthesis of a peptide sequence wherein the synthetic intermediates were isolated by solvent extraction instead of precipitation. A branched-chain anchor molecule was used in the new process, significantly enhancing the solubility of long peptides and the operational efficiency compared with the previous method, which employed precipitation for isolation and a straight-chain aliphatic group. Another prerequisite for this solvent-extraction-based strategy was the use of thiomalic acid and DBU for Fmoc deprotection, which facilitates the removal of byproducts, such as the fulvene adduct. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Linear scaling computation of the Fock matrix. II. Rigorous bounds on exchange integrals and incremental Fock build

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwegler, Eric; Challacombe, Matt; Head-Gordon, Martin

1997-06-01

A new linear scaling method for computation of the Cartesian Gaussian-based Hartree-Fock exchange matrix is described, which employs a method numerically equivalent to standard direct SCF, and which does not enforce locality of the density matrix. With a previously described method for computing the Coulomb matrix [J. Chem. Phys. 106, 5526 (1997)], linear scaling incremental Fock builds are demonstrated for the first time. Microhartree accuracy and linear scaling are achieved for restricted Hartree-Fock calculations on sequences of water clusters and polyglycine α-helices with the 3-21G and 6-31G basis sets. Eightfold speedups are found relative to our previous method. For systems with a small ionization potential, such as graphitic sheets, the method naturally reverts to the expected quadratic behavior. Also, benchmark 3-21G calculations attaining microhartree accuracy are reported for the P53 tetramerization monomer involving 698 atoms and 3836 basis functions.

Spoof Detection for Finger-Vein Recognition System Using NIR Camera.

PubMed

Nguyen, Dat Tien; Yoon, Hyo Sik; Pham, Tuyen Danh; Park, Kang Ryoung

2017-10-01

Finger-vein recognition, a new and advanced biometrics recognition method, is attracting the attention of researchers because of its advantages such as high recognition performance and lesser likelihood of theft and inaccuracies occurring on account of skin condition defects. However, as reported by previous researchers, it is possible to attack a finger-vein recognition system by using presentation attack (fake) finger-vein images. As a result, spoof detection, named as presentation attack detection (PAD), is necessary in such recognition systems. Previous attempts to establish PAD methods primarily focused on designing feature extractors by hand (handcrafted feature extractor) based on the observations of the researchers about the difference between real (live) and presentation attack finger-vein images. Therefore, the detection performance was limited. Recently, the deep learning framework has been successfully applied in computer vision and delivered superior results compared to traditional handcrafted methods on various computer vision applications such as image-based face recognition, gender recognition and image classification. In this paper, we propose a PAD method for near-infrared (NIR) camera-based finger-vein recognition system using convolutional neural network (CNN) to enhance the detection ability of previous handcrafted methods. Using the CNN method, we can derive a more suitable feature extractor for PAD than the other handcrafted methods using a training procedure. We further process the extracted image features to enhance the presentation attack finger-vein image detection ability of the CNN method using principal component analysis method (PCA) for dimensionality reduction of feature space and support vector machine (SVM) for classification. Through extensive experimental results, we confirm that our proposed method is adequate for presentation attack finger-vein image detection and it can deliver superior detection results compared to CNN-based methods and other previous handcrafted methods.

Spoof Detection for Finger-Vein Recognition System Using NIR Camera

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Dat Tien; Yoon, Hyo Sik; Pham, Tuyen Danh; Park, Kang Ryoung

2017-01-01

Finger-vein recognition, a new and advanced biometrics recognition method, is attracting the attention of researchers because of its advantages such as high recognition performance and lesser likelihood of theft and inaccuracies occurring on account of skin condition defects. However, as reported by previous researchers, it is possible to attack a finger-vein recognition system by using presentation attack (fake) finger-vein images. As a result, spoof detection, named as presentation attack detection (PAD), is necessary in such recognition systems. Previous attempts to establish PAD methods primarily focused on designing feature extractors by hand (handcrafted feature extractor) based on the observations of the researchers about the difference between real (live) and presentation attack finger-vein images. Therefore, the detection performance was limited. Recently, the deep learning framework has been successfully applied in computer vision and delivered superior results compared to traditional handcrafted methods on various computer vision applications such as image-based face recognition, gender recognition and image classification. In this paper, we propose a PAD method for near-infrared (NIR) camera-based finger-vein recognition system using convolutional neural network (CNN) to enhance the detection ability of previous handcrafted methods. Using the CNN method, we can derive a more suitable feature extractor for PAD than the other handcrafted methods using a training procedure. We further process the extracted image features to enhance the presentation attack finger-vein image detection ability of the CNN method using principal component analysis method (PCA) for dimensionality reduction of feature space and support vector machine (SVM) for classification. Through extensive experimental results, we confirm that our proposed method is adequate for presentation attack finger-vein image detection and it can deliver superior detection results compared to CNN-based methods and other previous handcrafted methods. PMID:28974031

Mind wandering while reading easy and difficult texts.

PubMed

Feng, Shi; D'Mello, Sidney; Graesser, Arthur C

2013-06-01

Mind wandering is a phenomenon in which attention drifts away from the primary task to task-unrelated thoughts. Previous studies have used self-report methods to measure the frequency of mind wandering and its effects on task performance. Many of these studies have investigated mind wandering in simple perceptual and memory tasks, such as recognition memory, sustained attention, and choice reaction time tasks. Manipulations of task difficulty have revealed that mind wandering occurs more frequently in easy than in difficult conditions, but that it has a greater negative impact on performance in the difficult conditions. The goal of this study was to examine the relation between mind wandering and task difficulty in a high-level cognitive task, namely reading comprehension of standardized texts. We hypothesized that reading comprehension may yield a different relation between mind wandering and task difficulty than has been observed previously. Participants read easy or difficult versions of eight passages and then answered comprehension questions after reading each of the passages. Mind wandering was reported using the probe-caught method from several previous studies. In contrast to the previous results, but consistent with our hypothesis, mind wandering occurred more frequently when participants read difficult rather than easy texts. However, mind wandering had a more negative influence on comprehension for the difficult texts, which is consistent with the previous data. The results are interpreted from the perspectives of the executive-resources and control-failure theories of mind wandering, as well as with regard to situation models of text comprehension.

Lossed in translation: an off-the-shelf method to recover probabilistic beliefs from loss-averse agents.

PubMed

Offerman, Theo; Palley, Asa B

2016-01-01

Strictly proper scoring rules are designed to truthfully elicit subjective probabilistic beliefs from risk neutral agents. Previous experimental studies have identified two problems with this method: (i) risk aversion causes agents to bias their reports toward the probability of [Formula: see text], and (ii) for moderate beliefs agents simply report [Formula: see text]. Applying a prospect theory model of risk preferences, we show that loss aversion can explain both of these behavioral phenomena. Using the insights of this model, we develop a simple off-the-shelf probability assessment mechanism that encourages loss-averse agents to report true beliefs. In an experiment, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this modification in both eliminating uninformative reports and eliciting true probabilistic beliefs.

Methods for the Compilation of a Core List of Journals in Toxicology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuch, T. D. C.

Previously reported methods for the compilation of core lists of journals in multidisciplinary areas are first examined, with toxicology used as an example of such an area. Three approaches to the compilation of a core list of journals in toxicology were undertaken and the results analyzed with the aid of models. Analysis of the results of the…

Preservation of methane hydrate at 1 atm

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stern, L.A.; Circone, S.; Kirby, S.H.; Durham, W.B.

2001-01-01

A "pressure-release" method that enables reproducible bulk preservation of pure, porous, methane hydrate at conditions 50 to 75 K above its equilibrium T (193 K) at 1 atm is refined. The amount of hydrate preserved by this method appears to be greatly in excess of that reported in the previous citations, and is likely the result of a mechanism different from ice shielding.

Accuracy evaluation of fluoroscopy-based 2D and 3D pose reconstruction with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Van Duren, B H; Pandit, H; Beard, D J; Murray, D W; Gill, H S

2009-04-01

The recent development in Oxford lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) design requires a valid method of assessing its kinematics. In particular, the use of single plane fluoroscopy to reconstruct the 3D kinematics of the implanted knee. The method has been used previously to investigate the kinematics of UKA, but mostly it has been used in conjunction with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, no accuracy assessment of the method when used for UKA has previously been reported. In this study we performed computer simulation tests to investigate the effect of the different geometry of the unicompartmental implant has on the accuracy of the method in comparison to the total knee implants. A phantom was built to perform in vitro tests to determine the accuracy of the method for UKA. The computer simulations suggested that the use of the method for UKA would prove less accurate than for TKA's. The rotational degrees of freedom for the femur showed greatest disparity between the UKA and TKA. The phantom tests showed that the in-plane translations were accurate to <0.5mm RMS and the out-of-plane translations were less accurate with 4.1mm RMS. The rotational accuracies were between 0.6 degrees and 2.3 degrees which are less accurate than those reported in the literature for TKA, however, the method is sufficient for studying overall knee kinematics.

Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronikowski, Michael

2004-01-01

Some changes have been incorporated into a proposed method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes. Such arrays could be useful as mechanical resonators for signal filters and oscillators, and as electrophoretic filters for use in biochemical assays. A prior version of the method was described in Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes, (NPO-30240), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 4 (April 2003), page 56. To recapitulate from that article: As in other previously reported methods, carbon nanotubes would be formed by decomposition of carbon-containing gases over nanometer-sized catalytic metal particles that had been deposited on suitable substrates. Unlike in other previously reported methods, the catalytic metal particles would not be so randomly and densely distributed as to give rise to thick, irregular mats of nanotubes with a variety of lengths, diameters, and orientations. Instead, in order to obtain regular arrays of spaced-apart carbon nanotubes as nearly identical as possible, the catalytic metal particles would be formed in predetermined regular patterns with precise spacings. The regularity of the arrays would be ensured by the use of nanostructured templates made of block copolymers.

Gas Pressure Monitored Iodide-Catalyzed Decomposition Kinetics of H[subscript 2]O[subscript 2]: Initial-Rate and Integrated-Rate Methods in the General Chemistry Lab

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nyasulu, Frazier; Barlag, Rebecca

2010-01-01

The reaction kinetics of the iodide-catalyzed decomposition of [subscript 2]O[subscript 2] using the integrated-rate method is described. The method is based on the measurement of the total gas pressure using a datalogger and pressure sensor. This is a modification of a previously reported experiment based on the initial-rate approach. (Contains 2…

A Forensic Workshop Report Concerning (1) The Measurement and Analysis of Energetic Materials and (2) Databasing

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

contaminating the surface. Research efforts to develop an improved sampling method have previously been limited to deposits made from solutions of explosives...explosive per fingerprint calculated in this way has too much variation to allow determination of sampling efficiency or to use this method to prepare...crystals is put into suspension, the actual amount is determined by usual methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas

Use of media for recruiting clinical research volunteers in Ecuador.

PubMed

Peñaherrera, Carlos Andrés; Palacios, Michael; Duarte, María Carolina; Santibáñez, Rocío; Tamariz, Leonardo; Palacio, Ana

2015-12-10

Up to this date, there are no reports made about the use of media for recruiting research volunteers in Latin American populations. Given the emergence of clinical research in Ecuador, a study of this kind in the local population will be beneficial for future research, and is probably applicable to other countries in the region. Two public calls were made for a cross-sectional study on cognitive function and diabetes. We only included people between 55 and 65 years of age without previous neurocognitive conditions. We invited individuals through interviews on the radio, television broadcasts and local newspapers, along with social media ads. Each individual was asked about the method by which they learned of the project. We calculated the frequency in which each method was reported and a chi-square test was used to assess gender differences in the results. A total of 274 patients were enrolled in the study, 64.2% are women and 35.8% men. We found that 29.93% learned of it from third persons, 20.8% through radio, 8.76% through social media, 8.39% by newspaper, and 5.11% by television, while a remaining 27.01% had not previously heard of the recruitment call. Methods reported varied significantly between men and women (p = 0.03). Traditional media were the most common method of recruitment, with radio interviews being the most frequently reported. Individually, none of them surpassed the frequency of people learning of the project from other people (snowball effect). Social networks play an important role, exceeding certain traditional media. We have described for the first time in Latin America the use of media as methods to recruit volunteers for research, and the importance of project dissemination by the participants to reach more people.

Realist identification of group-level latent variables for perinatal social epidemiology theory building.

PubMed

Eastwood, John Graeme; Jalaludin, Bin Badrudin; Kemp, Lynn Ann; Phung, Hai Ngoc

2014-01-01

We have previously reported in this journal on an ecological study of perinatal depressive symptoms in South Western Sydney. In that article, we briefly reported on a factor analysis that was utilized to identify empirical indicators for analysis. In this article, we report on the mixed method approach that was used to identify those latent variables. Social epidemiology has been slow to embrace a latent variable approach to the study of social, political, economic, and cultural structures and mechanisms, partly for philosophical reasons. Critical realist ontology and epistemology have been advocated as an appropriate methodological approach to both theory building and theory testing in the health sciences. We describe here an emergent mixed method approach that uses qualitative methods to identify latent constructs followed by factor analysis using empirical indicators chosen to measure identified qualitative codes. Comparative analysis of the findings is reported together with a limited description of realist approaches to abstract reasoning.

A Comparison of the Take-off and Landing Characteristics of a Number of Service Airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carroll, Thomas

1927-01-01

This investigation, which is a continuation of Technical Report 154, follows very closely the earlier methods and covers a number of service airplanes, whereas the previous report covered but one, the JN-4H. In addition to the air speed, acceleration, and control positions as given in report no. 154, information is here given regarding the distance run and the ground speed for the various airplanes during the two maneuvers.

Baseline Survey of Root-Associated Microbes of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd

PubMed Central

Sun, Guiling; Wilson, Iain W.; Wu, Jianqiang; Hoffman, Angela; Cheng, Junwen; Qiu, Deyou

2015-01-01

Taxol (paclitaxel) a diterpenoid is one of the most effective anticancer drugs identified. Biosynthesis of taxol was considered restricted to the Taxus genera until Stierle et al. discovered that an endophytic fungus isolated from Taxus brevifolia could independently synthesize taxol. Little is known about the mechanism of taxol biosynthesis in microbes, but it has been speculated that its biosynthesis may differ from plants. The microbiome from the roots of Taxus chinensis have been extensively investigated with culture-dependent methods to identify taxol synthesizing microbes, but not using culture independent methods.,Using bar-coded high-throughput sequencing in combination with a metagenomics approach, we surveyed the microbial diversity and gene composition of the root-associated microbiomefrom Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. High-throughput amplicon sequencing revealed 187 fungal OTUs which is higher than any previously reported fungal number identified with the culture-dependent method, suggesting that T. chinensis roots harbor novel and diverse fungi. Some operational taxonomic units (OTU) identified were identical to reported microbe strains possessing the ability to synthesis taxol and several genes previously associated with taxol biosynthesis were identified through metagenomics analysis. PMID:25821956

Baseline survey of root-associated microbes of Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Liu, Hongwei; Sun, Guiling; Wilson, Iain W; Wu, Jianqiang; Hoffman, Angela; Cheng, Junwen; Qiu, Deyou

2015-01-01

Taxol (paclitaxel) a diterpenoid is one of the most effective anticancer drugs identified. Biosynthesis of taxol was considered restricted to the Taxus genera until Stierle et al. discovered that an endophytic fungus isolated from Taxus brevifolia could independently synthesize taxol. Little is known about the mechanism of taxol biosynthesis in microbes, but it has been speculated that its biosynthesis may differ from plants. The microbiome from the roots of Taxus chinensis have been extensively investigated with culture-dependent methods to identify taxol synthesizing microbes, but not using culture independent methods.,Using bar-coded high-throughput sequencing in combination with a metagenomics approach, we surveyed the microbial diversity and gene composition of the root-associated microbiomefrom Taxus chinensis (Pilger) Rehd. High-throughput amplicon sequencing revealed 187 fungal OTUs which is higher than any previously reported fungal number identified with the culture-dependent method, suggesting that T. chinensis roots harbor novel and diverse fungi. Some operational taxonomic units (OTU) identified were identical to reported microbe strains possessing the ability to synthesis taxol and several genes previously associated with taxol biosynthesis were identified through metagenomics analysis.

The Incidence of Human Papillomavirus in Tanzanian Adolescent Girls Before Reported Sexual Debut

PubMed Central

Houlihan, Catherine F.; Baisley, Kathy; Bravo, Ignacio G.; Kapiga, Saidi; de Sanjosé, Silvia; Changalucha, John; Ross, David A.; Hayes, Richard J.; Watson-Jones, Deborah

2016-01-01

Purpose Acquisition of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women occurs predominantly through vaginal sex. However, HPV has been detected in girls reporting no previous sex. We aimed to determine incidence and risk factors for HPV acquisition in girls who report no previous sex in Tanzania, a country with high HPV prevalence and cervical cancer incidence. Methods We followed 503 adolescent girls aged 15–16 years in Mwanza, Tanzania, with face-to-face interviews and self-administered vaginal swabs every 3 months for 18 months; 397 girls reported no sex before enrollment or during follow-up; of whom, 120 were randomly selected. Samples from enrollment, 6-, 12-, and 18-month visits were tested for 37 HPV genotypes. Incidence, clearance, point prevalence, and duration of any HPV and genotype-specific infections were calculated and associated factors were evaluated. Results Of 120 girls who reported no previous sex, 119 were included, contributing 438 samples. HPV was detected in 51 (11.6%) samples. The overall incidence of new HPV infections was 29.4/100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 15.9–54.2). The point prevalence of vaccine types HPV-6,-11,-16, and -18 was .9%, .9%, 2.0%, and 0%, respectively. Spending a night away from home and using the Internet were associated with incident HPV, and reporting having seen a pornographic movie was inversely associated with HPV incidence. Conclusions Incident HPV infections were detected frequently in adolescent girls who reported no previous sex over 18 months. This is likely to reflect under-reporting of sex. A low-point prevalence of HPV genotypes in licensed vaccines was seen, indicating that vaccination of these girls might still be effective. PMID:26725717

Selecting a dynamic simulation modeling method for health care delivery research-part 2: report of the ISPOR Dynamic Simulation Modeling Emerging Good Practices Task Force.

PubMed

Marshall, Deborah A; Burgos-Liz, Lina; IJzerman, Maarten J; Crown, William; Padula, William V; Wong, Peter K; Pasupathy, Kalyan S; Higashi, Mitchell K; Osgood, Nathaniel D

2015-03-01

In a previous report, the ISPOR Task Force on Dynamic Simulation Modeling Applications in Health Care Delivery Research Emerging Good Practices introduced the fundamentals of dynamic simulation modeling and identified the types of health care delivery problems for which dynamic simulation modeling can be used more effectively than other modeling methods. The hierarchical relationship between the health care delivery system, providers, patients, and other stakeholders exhibits a level of complexity that ought to be captured using dynamic simulation modeling methods. As a tool to help researchers decide whether dynamic simulation modeling is an appropriate method for modeling the effects of an intervention on a health care system, we presented the System, Interactions, Multilevel, Understanding, Loops, Agents, Time, Emergence (SIMULATE) checklist consisting of eight elements. This report builds on the previous work, systematically comparing each of the three most commonly used dynamic simulation modeling methods-system dynamics, discrete-event simulation, and agent-based modeling. We review criteria for selecting the most suitable method depending on 1) the purpose-type of problem and research questions being investigated, 2) the object-scope of the model, and 3) the method to model the object to achieve the purpose. Finally, we provide guidance for emerging good practices for dynamic simulation modeling in the health sector, covering all aspects, from the engagement of decision makers in the model design through model maintenance and upkeep. We conclude by providing some recommendations about the application of these methods to add value to informed decision making, with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement, starting with the problem definition. Finally, we identify areas in which further methodological development will likely occur given the growing "volume, velocity and variety" and availability of "big data" to provide empirical evidence and techniques such as machine learning for parameter estimation in dynamic simulation models. Upon reviewing this report in addition to using the SIMULATE checklist, the readers should be able to identify whether dynamic simulation modeling methods are appropriate to address the problem at hand and to recognize the differences of these methods from those of other, more traditional modeling approaches such as Markov models and decision trees. This report provides an overview of these modeling methods and examples of health care system problems in which such methods have been useful. The primary aim of the report was to aid decisions as to whether these simulation methods are appropriate to address specific health systems problems. The report directs readers to other resources for further education on these individual modeling methods for system interventions in the emerging field of health care delivery science and implementation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Diagnoses of Depression and Anxiety Versus Current Symptoms and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Marrie, Ruth Ann; Patten, Scott B; Berrigan, Lindsay I; Tremlett, Helen; Wolfson, Christina; Warren, Sharon; Leung, Stella; Fiest, Kirsten M; McKay, Kyla A; Fisk, John D

2018-01-01

Studies assessing the prevalence of depression and anxiety in multiple sclerosis (MS) have used various ascertainment methods that capture different constructs. The relationships between these methods are incompletely understood. Psychiatric comorbidity is associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in MS, but the effects of past diagnoses of depression and anxiety on HRQOL are largely unknown. We compared the prevalence of depression and anxiety in persons with MS using administrative data, self-reported physician diagnoses, and symptom-based measures and compared characteristics of persons classified as depressed or anxious by each method. We evaluated whether HRQOL was most affected by previous diagnoses of depression or anxiety or by current symptoms. We linked clinical and administrative data for 859 participants with MS. HRQOL was measured by the Health Utilities Index Mark 3. We classified participants as depressed or anxious using administrative data, self-reported physician diagnoses, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Multivariable linear regression examined whether diagnosed depression or anxiety affected HRQOL after accounting for current symptoms. Lifetime prevalence estimates for depression were approximately 30% regardless of methods used, but 35.8% with current depressive symptoms were not captured by either administrative data or self-reported diagnoses. Prevalence estimates of anxiety ranged from 11% to 19%, but 65.6% with current anxiety were not captured by either administrative data or self-reported diagnoses. Previous diagnoses did not decrease HRQOL after accounting for current symptoms. Depression and, to a greater extent, anxiety remain underdiagnosed and undertreated in MS; both substantially contribute to reduced HRQOL in MS.

Probe Heating Method for the Analysis of Solid Samples Using a Portable Mass Spectrometer

PubMed Central

Kumano, Shun; Sugiyama, Masuyuki; Yamada, Masuyoshi; Nishimura, Kazushige; Hasegawa, Hideki; Morokuma, Hidetoshi; Inoue, Hiroyuki; Hashimoto, Yuichiro

2015-01-01

We previously reported on the development of a portable mass spectrometer for the onsite screening of illicit drugs, but our previous sampling system could only be used for liquid samples. In this study, we report on an attempt to develop a probe heating method that also permits solid samples to be analyzed using a portable mass spectrometer. An aluminum rod is used as the sampling probe. The powdered sample is affixed to the sampling probe or a droplet of sample solution is placed on the tip of the probe and dried. The probe is then placed on a heater to vaporize the sample. The vapor is then introduced into the portable mass spectrometer and analyzed. With the heater temperature set to 130°C, the developed system detected 1 ng of methamphetamine, 1 ng of amphetamine, 3 ng of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 1 ng of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, and 0.3 ng of cocaine. Even from mixtures consisting of clove powder and methamphetamine powder, methamphetamine ions were detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The developed probe heating method provides a simple method for the analysis of solid samples. A portable mass spectrometer incorporating this method would thus be useful for the onsite screening of illicit drugs. PMID:26819909

Developmental exposure to triclosan alters microbiota community structure and locomotor activity in larval zebrafish

EPA Science Inventory

Growing evidence indicates that host-associated microbiota modify the toxicokinetics and/or toxicodynamics of environmental chemicals; however, current risk assessment methods do not consider interactions between microbiota and chemical toxicity. We previously reported that micro...

The Reporting Quality of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Industrial and Organizational Psychology: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Schalken, Naomi; Rietbergen, Charlotte

2017-01-01

Objective: The goal of this systematic review was to examine the reporting quality of the method section of quantitative systematic reviews and meta-analyses from 2009 to 2016 in the field of industrial and organizational psychology with the help of the Meta-Analysis Reporting Standards (MARS), and to update previous research, such as the study of Aytug et al. (2012) and Dieckmann et al. (2009). Methods: A systematic search for quantitative systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted in the top 10 journals in the field of industrial and organizational psychology between January 2009 and April 2016. Data were extracted on study characteristics and items of the method section of MARS. A cross-classified multilevel model was analyzed, to test whether publication year and journal impact factor (JIF) were associated with the reporting quality scores of articles. Results: Compliance with MARS in the method section was generally inadequate in the random sample of 120 articles. Variation existed in the reporting of items. There were no significant effects of publication year and journal impact factor (JIF) on the reporting quality scores of articles. Conclusions: The reporting quality in the method section of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was still insufficient, therefore we recommend researchers to improve the reporting in their articles by using reporting standards like MARS. PMID:28878704

Dependence of future mortality changes on global CO2 concentrations: A review.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Young; Choi, Hayoung; Kim, Ho

2018-05-01

The heterogeneity among previous studies of future mortality projections due to climate change has often hindered comparisons and syntheses of resulting impacts. To address this challenge, the present study introduced a novel method to normalize the results from projection studies according to different baseline and projection periods and climate scenarios, thereby facilitating comparison and synthesis. This study reviewed the 15 previous studies involving projected climate change-related mortality under Representative Concentration Pathways. To synthesize their results, we first reviewed the important study design elements that affected the reported results in previous studies. Then, we normalized the reported results by CO 2 concentration in order to eliminate the effects of the baseline period, projection period, and climate scenario choices. For twenty-five locations worldwide, the normalized percentage changes in temperature-attributable mortality per 100 ppm increase in global CO 2 concentrations ranged between 41.9% and 330%, whereas those of total mortality ranged between 0.3% and 4.8%. The normalization methods presented in this work will guide future studies to provide their results in a normalized format and facilitate research synthesis to reinforce our understanding on the risk of climate change. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of Physical and Sexual Abuse on Treatment Response in the Treatment of Resistant Depression in Adolescent Study (TORDIA)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shamseddeen, Wael; Asarnow, Joan Rosenbaum; Clarke, Gregory; Vitiello, Benedetto; Wagner, Karen Dineen; Birmaher, Boris; Keller, Martin B.; Emslie, Graham; Iyengar, Satish; Ryan, Neal D.; McCracken, James T.; Porta, Giovanna; Mayes, Taryn; Brent, David A.

2011-01-01

Objective: We previously reported that a history of abuse was associated with a poorer response to combination treatment in the Treatment of Resistant Depression in Adolescents study (TORDIA). We now report on the nature and correlates of abuse that might explain these findings. Method: Youth who did not benefit from an adequate selective…

Genome-wide association study of telomere length among South Asians identifies a second RTEL1 association signal

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chenan; Chen, Lin S; Gao, Jianjun; Roy, Shantanu; Shinkle, Justin; Sabarinathan, Mekala; Tong, Lin; Ahmed, Alauddin; Islam, Tariqul; Rakibuz-Zaman, Muhammad; Sarwar, Golam; Shahriar, Hasan; Rahman, Mahfuzar; Yunus, Mohammad; Jasmine, Farzana; Kibriya, Muhammad G; Ahsan, Habibul; Pierce, Brandon L

2018-01-01

Background Leucocyte telomere length (TL) is a potential biomarker of ageing and risk for age-related disease. Leucocyte TL is heritable and shows substantial differences by race/ethnicity. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) report ~10 loci harbouring SNPs associated with leucocyte TL, but these studies focus primarily on populations of European ancestry. Objective This study aims to enhance our understanding of genetic determinants of TL across populations. Methods We performed a GWAS of TL using data on 5075 Bangladeshi adults. We measured TL using one of two technologies (qPCR or a Luminex-based method) and used standardised variables as TL phenotypes. Results Our results replicate previously reported associations in the TERC and TERT regions (P=2.2×10−8 and P=6.4×10−6, respectively). We observed a novel association signal in the RTEL1 gene (intronic SNP rs2297439; P=2.82×10−7) that is independent of previously reported TL-associated SNPs in this region. The minor allele for rs2297439 is common in South Asian populations (≥0.25) but at lower frequencies in other populations (eg, 0.07 in Northern Europeans). Among the eight other previously reported association signals, all were directionally consistent with our study, but only rs8105767 (ZNF208) was nominally significant (P=0.003). SNP-based heritability estimates were as high as 44% when analysing close relatives but much lower when analysing distant relatives only. Conclusions In this first GWAS of TL in a South Asian population, we replicate some, but not all, of the loci reported in prior GWAS of individuals of European ancestry, and we identify a novel second association signal at the RTEL1 locus. PMID:29151059

Evaluation of three methods for the concentration of poliovirus from oysters.

PubMed

Bouchriti, N; Goyal, S M

1992-10-01

Three methods for the concentration of poliovirus from oyster homogenates were compared. The adsorption-elution-precipitation method gave the lowest average virus recovery (24.1%), while the beef extract elution-acid precipitation method and the non-fat dry milk elution-acid precipitation methods gave recoveries of 47.2% and 39.6%, respectively. Although the overall recovery rates with these methods were lower than those reported in previous studies, recoveries of 40-47% obtained with the elution-precipitation methods used in the present study are considered to be above average in terms of recovery efficiency.

Fast detection and characterization of organic and inorganic gunshot residues on the hands of suspects by CMV-GC-MS and LIBS.

PubMed

Tarifa, Anamary; Almirall, José R

2015-05-01

A rapid method for the characterization of both organic and inorganic components of gunshot residues (GSR) is proposed as an alternative tool to facilitate the identification of a suspected shooter. In this study, two fast screening methods were developed and optimized for the detection of organic compounds and inorganic components indicative of GSR presence on the hands of shooters and non-shooters. The proposed methods consist of headspace extraction of volatile organic compounds using a capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) device previously reported as a high-efficiency sampler followed by detection by GC-MS. This novel sampling technique has the potential to yield fast results (<2min sampling) and high sensitivity capable of detecting 3ng of diphenylamine (DPA) and 8ng of nitroglycerine (NG). Direct analysis of the headspace of over 50 swabs collected from the hands of suspected shooters (and non-shooters) provides information regarding VOCs present on their hands. In addition, a fast laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) screening method for the detection of the inorganic components indicative of the presence of GSR (Sb, Pb and Ba) is described. The sampling method for the inorganics consists of liquid extraction of the target elements from the same cotton swabs (previously analyzed for VOCs) and an additional 30 swab samples followed by spiking 1μL of the extract solution onto a Teflon disk and then analyzed by LIBS. Advantages of LIBS include fast analysis (~12s per sample) and high selectivity and sensitivity, with expected LODs 0.1-18ng for each of the target elements after sampling. The analytical performance of the LIBS method is also compared to previously reported methods (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy). The combination of fast CMV sampling, unambiguous organic compound identification with GC-MS and fast LIBS analysis provides the basis for a new comprehensive screening method for GSR. Copyright © 2015 Forensic Science Society. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated control/structure optimization by multilevel decomposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeiler, Thomas A.; Gilbert, Michael G.

1990-01-01

A method for integrated control/structure optimization by multilevel decomposition is presented. It is shown that several previously reported methods were actually partial decompositions wherein only the control was decomposed into a subsystem design. One of these partially decomposed problems was selected as a benchmark example for comparison. The system is fully decomposed into structural and control subsystem designs and an improved design is produced. Theory, implementation, and results for the method are presented and compared with the benchmark example.

California's New School Funding Flexibility. Technical Appendices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weston, Margaret

2011-01-01

The three appendices herein accompany the main report, "California's New School Funding Flexibility." Included are: (1) California's Previous Flexibility Policies; (2) Data and Methods; and (3) Categorical Funding and Student Disadvantage. (Contains 3 tables and 12 footnotes.) [For "California's New School Funding Flexibility,"…

Parameter identification for nonlinear aerodynamic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearson, Allan E.

1993-01-01

This final technical report covers a three and one-half year period preceding February 28, 1993 during which support was provided under NASA Grant NAG-1-1065. Following a general description of the system identification problem and a brief survey of methods to attack it, the basic ideas behind the approach taken in this research effort are presented. The results obtained are described with reference to the published work, including the five semiannual progress reports previously submitted and two interim technical reports.

Surgical repair of an aberrant splenic artery aneurysm: report of a case.

PubMed

Illuminati, Giulio; LaMuraglia, Glenn; Nigri, Giuseppe; Vietri, Francesco

2007-03-01

Aneurysms of the splenic artery are the most common splanchnic aneurysms. Aneurysms of a splenic artery with an anomalous origin from the superior mesenteric artery are however rare, with eight previously reported cases. Their indications for treatment are superposable to those of aneurysms affecting an orthotopic artery. Methods of treatment of this condition include endovascular, minimally invasive techniques and surgical resection. We report one more case of aneurysm of an aberrant splenic artery, treated with surgical resection, and preservation of the spleen.

A summary of methods for the collection and analysis of basic hydrologic data for arid regions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rantz, S.E.; Eakin, T.E.

1971-01-01

This report summarizes and discusses current methods of collecting and analyzing the data required for a study of the basic hydrology of arid regions. The fundamental principles behind these methods are no different than those that apply to studies of humid regions, but in arid regions the infrequent occurrence of precipitation, the great variability of the many hydrologic elements, and the inaccessibility of most basins usually make it economically infeasible to use conventional levels of instrumentation. Because of these economic considerations hydrologic studies in arid regions have been commonly of the reconnaissance type; the more costly detailed studies are generally restricted to experimental basins and to those basins that now have major economic significance. A thorough search of the literature and personal communication with workers in the field of arid-land hydrology provided the basis for this summary of methods used in both reconnaissance and detailed hydrologic studies. The conclusions reached from a consideration of previously reported methods are interspersed in this report where appropriate.

How blockchain-timestamped protocols could improve the trustworthiness of medical science

PubMed Central

Irving, Greg; Holden, John

2017-01-01

Trust in scientific research is diminished by evidence that data are being manipulated. Outcome switching, data dredging and selective publication are some of the problems that undermine the integrity of published research. Methods for using blockchain to provide proof of pre-specified endpoints in clinical trial protocols were first reported by Carlisle. We wished to empirically test such an approach using a clinical trial protocol where outcome switching has previously been reported. Here we confirm the use of blockchain as a low cost, independently verifiable method to audit and confirm the reliability of scientific studies. PMID:27239273

Optical biosensor based on liquid crystal droplets for detection of cholic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Xiaofang; Luo, Dan; Chen, Rui; Wang, Fei; Sun, Xiaowei; Dai, Haitao

2016-12-01

A highly sensitive cholic acid biosensor based on 4-cyano-4‧-penthlbiphenyl (5CB) Liquid crystal droplets in phosphate buffer saline solution was reported. A radial-to-bipolar transition of 5CB droplet would be triggered during competitive reaction of CA at the sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant-laden 5CB droplet surface. Our liquid crystal droplet sensor is a low-cost, simple and fast method for CA detection. The detection limit (5 μM) of our method is 2.4 times lower than previously report by using liquid crystal film to detection of CA.

How blockchain-timestamped protocols could improve the trustworthiness of medical science.

PubMed

Irving, Greg; Holden, John

2016-01-01

Trust in scientific research is diminished by evidence that data are being manipulated. Outcome switching, data dredging and selective publication are some of the problems that undermine the integrity of published research. Methods for using blockchain to provide proof of pre-specified endpoints in clinical trial protocols were first reported by Carlisle. We wished to empirically test such an approach using a clinical trial protocol where outcome switching has previously been reported. Here we confirm the use of blockchain as a low cost, independently verifiable method to audit and confirm the reliability of scientific studies.

Enhancing the Stiffness of Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Controlled Surface Coating and Mineralization

PubMed Central

Liu, Wenying; Yeh, Yi-Chun; Lipner, Justin; Xie, Jingwei; Sung, Hsing-Wen; Thomopoulos, Stavros; Xia, Younan

2011-01-01

A new method was developed to coat hydroxyapatite (HAp) onto electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers for tendon-to-bone insertion site repair applications. Prior to mineralization, chitosan and heparin were covalently immobilized onto the surface of the fibers to accelerate the nucleation of bone-like HAp crystals. Uniform coatings of HAp were obtained by immersing the nanofiber scaffolds into a modified 10 times concentrated simulated body fluid (m10SBF) for different periods of time. The new method resulted in thicker and denser coatings of mineral on the fibers compared to previously reported methods. Scanning electron microscopy measurements confirmed the formation of nanoscale HAp particles on the fibers. Mechanical property assessment demonstrated higher stiffness with respect to previous coating methods. A combination of the nanoscale fibrous structure and bone-like mineral coating could mimic the structure, composition, and function of mineralized tissues. PMID:21710996

Underreporting of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the US Army

PubMed Central

Smith, Laurel; Westrick, Richard; Sauers, Sarah; Cooper, Adam; Scofield, Dennis; Claro, Pedro; Warr, Bradley

2016-01-01

Background: Musculoskeletal injury is a significant threat to readiness in the US Army. Current injury surveillance methods are constrained by accurate injury reporting. Input into electronic medical records or databases therefore may not accurately reflect injury incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate injury reporting among active-duty US Army soldiers to explore potential limitations of surveillance approaches. Hypothesis: A significant number of injuries go unreported to medical personnel. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Surveys were completed by soldiers assigned to an Army Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Survey questions inquired about injuries sustained in the previous 12 months, injury onset, and whether injuries were reported to a medical provider. Participants were asked to rank reasons for accurately reporting, underreporting, and/or exaggerating injuries. Chi-square analyses were used to compare differences among underreported injuries in terms of injury onset (gradual vs acute) and sex. Results: A total of 1388 soldiers reported 3202 injuries that had occurred in the previous 12-month period, including 1636 (51%) that were reported and 1566 (49%) that were identified as not reported to medical personnel. More than 49% of reported injuries were described as acute and 51% were described as chronic. Injury exaggeration was reported by 6% of soldiers. The most common reasons for not reporting injuries were fear that an injury might affect future career opportunities and avoidance of military “profiles” (mandated physical restrictions). Conclusion: Approximately half of musculoskeletal injuries in a Brigade Combat Team were not reported. Clinical Relevance: Unreported and untreated injuries can lead to reinjury, chronic pain, performance decrements, and increased costs associated with disability benefits. Additionally, unreported injuries can undermine injury surveillance efforts aimed at reducing the musculoskeletal injury problem in the military. PMID:27789871

Data Mining Methods Applied to Flight Operations Quality Assurance Data: A Comparison to Standard Statistical Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stolzer, Alan J.; Halford, Carl

2007-01-01

In a previous study, multiple regression techniques were applied to Flight Operations Quality Assurance-derived data to develop parsimonious model(s) for fuel consumption on the Boeing 757 airplane. The present study examined several data mining algorithms, including neural networks, on the fuel consumption problem and compared them to the multiple regression results obtained earlier. Using regression methods, parsimonious models were obtained that explained approximately 85% of the variation in fuel flow. In general data mining methods were more effective in predicting fuel consumption. Classification and Regression Tree methods reported correlation coefficients of .91 to .92, and General Linear Models and Multilayer Perceptron neural networks reported correlation coefficients of about .99. These data mining models show great promise for use in further examining large FOQA databases for operational and safety improvements.

Reflection coefficients of permeant molecules in human red cell suspensions.

PubMed

Owen, J D; Eyring, E M

1975-08-01

The Staverman reflection coefficient, sigma for several permeant molecules was determined in human red cell suspensions with a Durrum stopped-flow spectrophotometer. This procedure was first used with dog, cat, and beef red cells and with human red cells. The stopped-flow technique used was similar to the rapid-flow method used by those who originally reported sigma measurements in human red cells for molecules which rapidly penetrate the red cell membrane. The sigma values we obtained agreed with those previously reported for most of the slow penetrants, except malonamide, but disagreed with all the sigma values previously reported for the rapid penetrants. We were unable to calculate an "equivalent pore radius" with our sigma data. The advantages of our equipment and our experimental procedure are discussed. Our sigma data suggest that sigma is indirectly proportional to the log of the nonelectrolyte permeability coefficient, omega. Since a similar trend has been previously shown for log omega and molar volume of the permeant molecules, a correlatioo was shown between sigma and molar volume suggesting the membrane acts as a sieve.

Two novel disease-causing mutations in the CLRN1 gene in patients with Usher syndrome type 3

PubMed Central

García-García, Gema; Aparisi, María J.; Rodrigo, Regina; Sequedo, María D.; Espinós, Carmen; Rosell, Jordi; Olea, José L.; Mendívil, M. Paz; Ramos-Arroyo, María A; Ayuso, Carmen; Jaijo, Teresa; Aller, Elena

2012-01-01

Purpose To identify the genetic defect in Spanish families with Usher syndrome (USH) and probable involvement of the CLRN1 gene. Methods DNA samples of the affected members of our cohort of USH families were tested using an USH genotyping array, and/or genotyped with polymorphic markers specific for the USH3A locus. Based on these previous analyses and clinical findings, CLRN1 was directly sequenced in 17 patients susceptible to carrying mutations in this gene. Results Microarray analysis revealed the previously reported mutation p.Y63X in two unrelated patients, one of them homozygous for the mutation. After CLRN1 sequencing, we found two novel mutations, p.R207X and p.I168N. Both novel mutations segregated with the phenotype. Conclusions To date, 18 mutations in CLRN1 have been reported. In this work, we report two novel mutations and a third one previously identified in the Spanish USH sample. The prevalence of CLRN1 among our patients with USH is low. PMID:23304067

Tissue classification using depth-dependent ultrasound time series analysis: in-vitro animal study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imani, Farhad; Daoud, Mohammad; Moradi, Mehdi; Abolmaesumi, Purang; Mousavi, Parvin

2011-03-01

Time series analysis of ultrasound radio-frequency (RF) signals has been shown to be an effective tissue classification method. Previous studies of this method for tissue differentiation at high and clinical-frequencies have been reported. In this paper, analysis of RF time series is extended to improve tissue classification at the clinical frequencies by including novel features extracted from the time series spectrum. The primary feature examined is the Mean Central Frequency (MCF) computed for regions of interest (ROIs) in the tissue extending along the axial axis of the transducer. In addition, the intercept and slope of a line fitted to the MCF-values of the RF time series as a function of depth have been included. To evaluate the accuracy of the new features, an in vitro animal study is performed using three tissue types: bovine muscle, bovine liver, and chicken breast, where perfect two-way classification is achieved. The results show statistically significant improvements over the classification accuracies with previously reported features.

Counteracting moment device for reduction of earthquake-induced excursions of multi-level buildings.

PubMed

Nagaya, K; Fukushima, T; Kosugi, Y

1999-05-01

A vibration-control mechanism for beams and columns was presented in our previous report in which the earthquake force was transformed into a vibration-control force by using a gear train mechanism. In our previous report, however, only the principle of transforming the earthquake force into the control force was presented; the discussion for real structures and the design method were not presented. The present article provides a theoretical analysis of the column which is used in multi-layered buildings. Experimental tests were carried out for a model of multi-layered buildings in the frequency range of a principal earthquake wave. Theoretical results are compared to the experimental data. The optimal design of the control mechanism, which is of importance in the column design, is presented. Numerical calculations are carried out for the optimal design. It is shown that vibrations of the column involving the mechanism are suppressed remarkably. The optimal design method and the analytical results are applicable to the design of the column.

Enzymatic Kinetic Isotope Effects from First-Principles Path Sampling Calculations.

PubMed

Varga, Matthew J; Schwartz, Steven D

2016-04-12

In this study, we develop and test a method to determine the rate of particle transfer and kinetic isotope effects in enzymatic reactions, specifically yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH), from first-principles. Transition path sampling (TPS) and normal mode centroid dynamics (CMD) are used to simulate these enzymatic reactions without knowledge of their reaction coordinates and with the inclusion of quantum effects, such as zero-point energy and tunneling, on the transferring particle. Though previous studies have used TPS to calculate reaction rate constants in various model and real systems, it has not been applied to a system as large as YADH. The calculated primary H/D kinetic isotope effect agrees with previously reported experimental results, within experimental error. The kinetic isotope effects calculated with this method correspond to the kinetic isotope effect of the transfer event itself. The results reported here show that the kinetic isotope effects calculated from first-principles, purely for barrier passage, can be used to predict experimental kinetic isotope effects in enzymatic systems.

The automated radiosynthesis and purification of the opioid receptor antagonist, [6-O-methyl-11C]diprenorphine on the GE TRACERlab FXFE radiochemistry module.

PubMed

Fairclough, Michael; Prenant, Christian; Brown, Gavin; McMahon, Adam; Lowe, Jonathan; Jones, Anthony

2014-05-15

[6-O-Methyl-(11)C]diprenorphine ([(11)C]diprenorphine) is a positron emission tomography ligand used to probe the endogenous opioid system in vivo. Diprenorphine acts as an antagonist at all of the opioid receptor subtypes, that is, μ (mu), κ (kappa) and δ (delta). The radiosynthesis of [(11)C]diprenorphine using [(11)C]methyl iodide produced via the 'wet' method on a home-built automated radiosynthesis set-up has been described previously. Here, we describe a modified synthetic method to [(11)C]diprenorphine performed using [(11)C]methyl iodide produced via the gas phase method on a GE TRACERlab FXFE radiochemistry module. Also described is the use of [(11)C]methyl triflate as the carbon-11 methylating agent for the [(11)C]diprenorphine syntheses. [(11)C]Diprenorphine was produced to good manufacturing practice standards for use in a clinical setting. In comparison to previously reported [(11)C]diprenorphine radiosyntheisis, the method described herein gives a higher specific activity product which is advantageous for receptor occupancy studies. The radiochemical purity of [(11)C]diprenorphine is similar to what has been reported previously, although the radiochemical yield produced in the method described herein is reduced, an issue that is inherent in the gas phase radiosynthesis of [(11)C]methyl iodide. The yields of [(11)C]diprenorphine are nonetheless sufficient for clinical research applications. Other advantages of the method described herein are an improvement to both reproducibility and reliability of the production as well as simplification of the purification and formulation steps. We suggest that our automated radiochemistry route to [(11)C]diprenorphine should be the method of choice for routine [(11)C]diprenorphine productions for positron emission tomography studies, and the production process could easily be transferred to other radiochemistry modules such as the TRACERlab FX C pro. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rapid method for monitoring N-nitrosodimethylamine in drinking water at the ng/L level without pre-concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography-chemiluminescence detection.

PubMed

Kodamatani, Hitoshi; Yamasaki, Hitomi; Sakaguchi, Takeru; Itoh, Shinya; Iwaya, Yoshimi; Saga, Makoto; Saito, Keiitsu; Kanzaki, Ryo; Tomiyasu, Takashi

2016-08-19

As a contaminant in drinking water, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is of great concern because of its carcinogenicity; it has been limited to levels of ng/L by regulatory bodies worldwide. Consequently, a rapid and sensitive method for monitoring NDMA in drinking water is urgently required. In this study, we report an improvement of our previously proposed HPLC-based system for NDMA determination. The approach consists of the HPLC separation of NDMA, followed by NDMA photolysis to form peroxynitrite and detection with a luminol chemiluminescence reaction. The detection limit for the improved HPLC method was 0.2ng/L, which is 10 times more sensitive than our previously reported system. For tap water measurements, only the addition of an ascorbic acid solution to eliminate residual chlorine and passage through an Oasis MAX solid-phase extraction cartridge are needed. The proposed NDMA determination method requires a sample volume of less than 2mL and a complete analysis time of less than 15min per sample. The method was utilized for the long-term monitoring of NDMA in tap water. The NDMA level measured in the municipal water survey was 4.9ng/L, and a seasonal change of the NDMA concentration in tap water was confirmed. The proposed method should constitute a useful NDMA monitoring method for protecting drinking water quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two Point Exponential Approximation Method for structural optimization of problems with frequency constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fadel, G. M.

1991-01-01

The point exponential approximation method was introduced by Fadel et al. (Fadel, 1990), and tested on structural optimization problems with stress and displacement constraints. The reports in earlier papers were promising, and the method, which consists of correcting Taylor series approximations using previous design history, is tested in this paper on optimization problems with frequency constraints. The aim of the research is to verify the robustness and speed of convergence of the two point exponential approximation method when highly non-linear constraints are used.

The method of lines in three dimensional fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gyekenyesi, J.; Berke, L.

1980-01-01

A review of recent developments in the calculation of design parameters for fracture mechanics by the method of lines (MOL) is presented. Three dimensional elastic and elasto-plastic formulations are examined and results from previous and current research activities are reported. The application of MOL to the appropriate partial differential equations of equilibrium leads to coupled sets of simultaneous ordinary differential equations. Solutions of these equations are obtained by the Peano-Baker and by the recurrance relations methods. The advantages and limitations of both solution methods from the computational standpoint are summarized.

Polychlorinated biphenyl exposure, diabetes and endogenous hormones: a cross-sectional study in men previously employed at a capacitor manufacturing plant

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Studies have shown associations of diabetes and endogenous hormones with exposure to a wide variety of organochlorines. We have previously reported positive associations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and inverse associations of selected steroid hormones with diabetes in postmenopausal women previously employed in a capacitor manufacturing plant. Methods This paper examines associations of PCBs with diabetes and endogenous hormones in 63 men previously employed at the same plant who in 1996 underwent surveys of their exposure and medical history and collection of bloods and urine for measurements of PCBs, lipids, liver function, hematologic markers and endogenous hormones. Results PCB exposure was positively associated with diabetes and age and inversely associated with thyroid stimulating hormone and triiodothyronine-uptake. History of diabetes was significantly related to total PCBs and all PCB functional groupings, but not to quarters worked and job score, after control for potential confounders. None of the exposures were related to insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in non-diabetic men. Conclusions Associations of PCBs with specific endogenous hormones differ in some respects from previous findings in postmenopausal women employed at the capacitor plant. Results from this study, however, do confirm previous reports relating PCB exposure to diabetes and suggest that these associations are not mediated by measured endogenous hormones. PMID:22931295

Design, Synthesis and Mechanistic Evaluation of Iron-Based Catalysis for Synthesis Gas Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals

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

Akio Ishikawa; Manuel Ojeda; Nan Yao

2007-03-31

This project extends previously discovered Fe-based catalysts to hydrogen-poor synthesis gas streams derived from coal and biomass sources. These catalysts have shown unprecedented Fischer-Tropsch synthesis rates and selectivities for synthesis gas derived from methane. During the first reporting period, we certified a microreactor, installed required analytical equipment, and reproduced synthetic protocols and catalytic results previously reported. During the second reporting period, we prepared several Fe-based compositions for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis and tested the effects of product recycle under both subcritical and supercritical conditions. During the third and fourth reporting periods, we improved the catalysts preparation method, which led to Fe-based materialsmore » with the highest FTS reaction rates and selectivities so far reported, a finding that allowed their operation at lower temperatures and pressures with high selectivity to desired products (C{sub 5+}, olefins). During the fifth and sixth reporting period, we studied the effects of different promoters on catalytic performance, specifically how their sequence of addition dramatically influenced the performance of these materials in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. We also continued our studies of the kinetic behavior of these materials during the sixth reporting period. Specifically, the effects of H{sub 2}, CO, and CO{sub 2} on the rates and selectivities of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis reactions led us to propose a new sequence of elementary steps on Fe and Co Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. Finally, we also started a study of the use of colloidal precipitation methods for the synthesis small Co clusters using recently developed methods to explore possible further improvements in FTS rates and selectivities. We found that colloidal synthesis makes possible the preparation of small cobalt particles, although large amount of cobalt silicate species, which are difficult to reduce, were formed. During this seventh reporting period, we have explored several methods to modify the silanol groups on SiO{sub 2} by using either a homogeneous deposition-precipitation method or surface titration of Si-OH on SiO{sub 2} with zirconium (IV) ethoxide to prevent the formation of unreducible and unreactive CoO{sub x} species during synthesis and FTS catalysis. We have synthesized monometallic Co/ZrO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} catalysts with different Co loadings (11-20 wt%) by incipient wetness impregnation methods and characterized the prepared Co supported catalysts by H{sub 2} temperature-programmed reduction (H{sub 2}-TPR) and H{sub 2}-chemisorption. We have measured the catalytic performance in FTS reactions and shown that although the hydroxyl groups on the SiO{sub 2} surface are difficult to be fully titrated by ZrO{sub 2}, modification of ZrO{sub 2} on SiO{sub 2} surface can improve the Co clusters dispersion and lead to a larger number of exposed Co surface atoms after reduction and during FTS reactions. During this seventh reporting period, we have also advanced our development of the reaction mechanism proposed in the previous reporting period. Specifically, we have shown that our novel proposal for the pathways involved in CO activation on Fe and Co catalysts is consistent with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations carried out in collaboration with Prof. Manos Mavrikakis (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Finally, we have also worked on the preparation of several manuscripts describing our findings about the preparation, activation and mechanism of the FTS with Fe-based catalysts and we have started redacting the final report for this project.« less

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

Soerensen, M.P.; Davidson, A.; Pedersen, N.F.

We use the method of cell-to-cell mapping to locate attractors, basins, and saddle nodes in the phase plane of a driven Josephson junction. The cell-mapping method is discussed in some detail, emphasizing its ability to provide a global view of the phase plane. Our computations confirm the existence of a previously reported interior crisis. In addition, we observe a boundary crisis for a small shift in one parameter. The cell-mapping method allows us to show both crises explicitly in the phase plane, at low computational cost.

Integrated control/structure optimization by multilevel decomposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeiler, Thomas A.; Gilbert, Michael G.

1990-01-01

A method for integrated control/structure optimization by multilevel decomposition is presented. It is shown that several previously reported methods were actually partial decompositions wherein only the control was decomposed into a subsystem design. One of these partially decomposed problems was selected as a benchmark example for comparison. The present paper fully decomposes the system into structural and control subsystem designs and produces an improved design. Theory, implementation, and results for the method are presented and compared with the benchmark example.

Material Compatibility for Historic Items Decontaminated with ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report This project continued research of the effects of decontamination methods for biological agents on materials identified as representative of types of irreplaceable objects or works of art found in museums and/or archive settings. In the previous research, surrogate materials were checked for compatibility with four decontamination methods: chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide vapor, methyl bromide, and ethylene oxide gas. This project investigated the effects of gamma irradiation, which has also been shown to be an effective decontamination method for biological agents, on the surrogate test materials.

High -- Resolution Laser Spectroscopy of the a 3Π1 ← X 1σ+ System of ICl in 0.7 μm Region.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimiya, Nobuo; Yukiya, Tokio; Suzuki, Masao; Le Roy, Robert J.

2015-06-01

Spectroscopic data for the A 3Π1 and X 1σ+ states of I35/37Cl have been obtained by many researchers using grating spectrometers and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometers. In a previous paper we reported the measurement of doppler limited electronic vib-rotational absorption lines of the A 3Π1 ← X 1σ+ system of I35/37Cl using a source modulation method, and new Mass-reduced Dunham coefficients were reported for the X-state. However, it is becoming increasingly common to analyse diatomic molecule spectroscopic data using the ``direct-potential-fit'' (DPF) method in which observed transition energies are fitted to simulated spectra generated from analyic models for the potential energy function(s). This method tends to require fewer fitting parameters than traditional Dunham analyses, as well as having more robust extrapolation properties in both the v and J domains. The present work combines all available previously reported data for the A 3Π1 and X 1σ+ states with new measurements up to v'=10 in the 0.7μm region obtained with a tone burst method using a Ti:Sapphire Ring Laser (M Squared Ltd SolsTis CW with Tera scan) in the the first DPF analysis reported for this system. The results of this study and our new fully analytic potential energy functions for the A 3Π1 and X 1σ+ states of ICl will be presented. J.A. Coxon, R.M. Gordon and M.A. Wickramaaratchi, J. Mol. Spectr. 79 (1983) 363, 380. H. Hedderich P.F. Bernath and G.A. McRae J. Mol. Spectr. 155 (1992) 384. T.Yukiya, N. Nishimiya and M. Suzuki, J. Mol. Spectr. 269 (2011) 193.

Soot Volume Fraction Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenberg, Paul S.; Ku, Jerry C.

1994-01-01

A new technique is described for the full-field determination of soot volume fractions via laser extinction measurements. This technique differs from previously reported point-wise methods in that a two-dimensional array (i.e., image) of data is acquired simultaneously. In this fashion, the net data rate is increased, allowing the study of time-dependent phenomena and the investigation of spatial and temporal correlations. A telecentric imaging configuration is employed to provide depth-invariant magnification and to permit the specification of the collection angle for scattered light. To improve the threshold measurement sensitivity, a method is employed to suppress undesirable coherent imaging effects. A discussion of the tomographic inversion process is provided, including the results obtained from numerical simulation. Results obtained with this method from an ethylene diffusion flame are shown to be in close agreement with those previously obtained by sequential point-wise interrogation.

Magnetic isolation of Plasmodium falciparum schizonts iRBCs to generate a high parasitaemia and synchronized in vitro culture.

PubMed

Mata-Cantero, Lydia; Lafuente, Maria J; Sanz, Laura; Rodriguez, Manuel S

2014-03-21

The establishment of methods for an in vitro continuous culture of Plasmodium falciparum is essential for gaining knowledge into its biology and for the development of new treatments. Previously, several techniques have been used to synchronize, enrich and concentrate P. falciparum, although obtaining cultures with high parasitaemia continues being a challenging process. Current methods produce high parasitaemia levels of synchronized P. falciparum cultures by frequent changes of culture medium or reducing the haematocrit. However, these methods are time consuming and sometimes lead to the loss of synchrony. A procedure that combines Percoll and sorbitol treatments, the use of magnetic columns, and the optimization of the in vitro culture conditions to reach high parasitaemia levels for synchronized Plasmodium falciparum cultures is described. A new procedure has been established using P. falciparum 3D7, combining previous reported methodologies to achieve in vitro parasite cultures that reach parasitaemia up to 40% at any intra-erythrocytic stage. High parasitaemia levels are obtained only one day after magnetic column purification without compromising the parasite viability and synchrony. The described procedure allows obtaining a large scale synchronized parasite culture at a high parasitaemia with less manipulations than other methods previously described.

Robust rotational-velocity-Verlet integration methods.

PubMed

Rozmanov, Dmitri; Kusalik, Peter G

2010-05-01

Two rotational integration algorithms for rigid-body dynamics are proposed in velocity-Verlet formulation. The first method uses quaternion dynamics and was derived from the original rotational leap-frog method by Svanberg [Mol. Phys. 92, 1085 (1997)]; it produces time consistent positions and momenta. The second method is also formulated in terms of quaternions but it is not quaternion specific and can be easily adapted for any other orientational representation. Both the methods are tested extensively and compared to existing rotational integrators. The proposed integrators demonstrated performance at least at the level of previously reported rotational algorithms. The choice of simulation parameters is also discussed.

Robust rotational-velocity-Verlet integration methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozmanov, Dmitri; Kusalik, Peter G.

2010-05-01

Two rotational integration algorithms for rigid-body dynamics are proposed in velocity-Verlet formulation. The first method uses quaternion dynamics and was derived from the original rotational leap-frog method by Svanberg [Mol. Phys. 92, 1085 (1997)]; it produces time consistent positions and momenta. The second method is also formulated in terms of quaternions but it is not quaternion specific and can be easily adapted for any other orientational representation. Both the methods are tested extensively and compared to existing rotational integrators. The proposed integrators demonstrated performance at least at the level of previously reported rotational algorithms. The choice of simulation parameters is also discussed.

Electron impact excitation of the q{sup 1}S {r_arrow}n{sup 1}P (n=3,4) transitions in helium

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

Khakoo, M.A.; Rugamas, F.; Roundy, D.

1996-05-01

Experimental differential cross-section (DCS) ratios for the above transitions to the 1{sup 1}S {r_arrow} 2{sup 1}P transition are reported at impact energies of 30eV, 40eV and 80eV and scattering angles in the range of 5{degrees} to 130{degrees}. The data are an extension of previously reported work using the electron-photon coincidence method in the VUV. The DCS ratios are normalized to available absolute DCSs for the 1{sup 1}S {r_arrow} 2{sup 1}P transition and the resulting n{sup 1}P DCSs are compared to previous semi-empirical DCSs as well as available theory.

Repair of Traumatic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Combined with Congenital Falciform Retinal Detachment

PubMed Central

Mano, Fukutaro; Chang, Kuo-Chung; Mano, Tomiya

2018-01-01

Purpose To report a case of surgical repair of traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment combined with congenital falciform retinal detachment (FRD). Methods A retrospective case report. Results A 36-year-old man with traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicating a previously known FRD was successfully treated despite residual FRD following pars plana lensectomy, vitrectomy, and encircling scleral buckling. His best corrected visual acuity improved from hand motion at 50 cm to 20/1,000. Conclusion We concluded that the root of the FRD is susceptible to trauma because of the contraction of fibrovascular tissue. The early intervention of modern vitrectomy to traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicating a previously known FRD is an important consideration for enhanced quality of care and optimal patient outcomes. PMID:29643782

Characterization of mechanical properties of leather with airborne ultrasonics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A nondestructive method to accurately evaluate the quality of hides and leather is urgently needed by leather and hide industries. We previously reported the research results for airborne ultrasonic (AU) testing using non-contact transducers to evaluate the quality of hides and leather. The abilit...

Comparison of two spectrometers for profile soil carbon sensing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy satisfies the need for speed and precision in estimation of soil carbon and other soil properties. Previous work has established accuracy of the method, with much of the reported research done using bench spectrometers from a single manufacturer. Ho...

Auditory Scene Analysis: An Attention Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sussman, Elyse S.

2017-01-01

Purpose: This review article provides a new perspective on the role of attention in auditory scene analysis. Method: A framework for understanding how attention interacts with stimulus-driven processes to facilitate task goals is presented. Previously reported data obtained through behavioral and electrophysiological measures in adults with normal…

Development in Children with Achondroplasia: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ireland, Penelope J.; Donaghey, Samantha; McGill, James; Zankl, Andreas; Ware, Robert S.; Pacey, Verity; Ault, Jenny; Savarirayan, Ravi; Sillence, David; Thompson, Elizabeth; Townshend, Sharron; Johnston, Leanne M.

2012-01-01

Aim: Achondroplasia is characterized by delays in the development of communication and motor skills. While previously reported developmental profiles exist across gross motor, fine motor, feeding, and communication skills, there has been no prospective study of development across multiple areas simultaneously. Method: This Australasian…

Development and evaluation of a simplified superpave IDT testing system for implementation in mix design and control : final report, March 2008.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

Asphalt mixtures designed using modern conventional methods, whether Marshall or Superpave methodologies, fail to address the cracking performance of these mixtures. Research previously conducted at the University of Florida for the Florida Departmen...

Enhanced identification of synergistic and antagonistic emergent interactions among three or more drugs

PubMed Central

White, Cynthia; Mao, Zhiyuan; Savage, Van M.

2016-01-01

Interactions among drugs play a critical role in the killing efficacy of multi-drug treatments. Recent advances in theory and experiment for three-drug interactions enable the search for emergent interactions—ones not predictable from pairwise interactions. Previous work has shown it is easier to detect synergies and antagonisms among pairwise interactions when a rescaling method is applied to the interaction metric. However, no study has carefully examined whether new types of normalization might be needed for emergence. Here, we propose several rescaling methods for enhancing the classification of the higher order drug interactions based on our conceptual framework. To choose the rescaling that best separates synergism, antagonism and additivity, we conducted bacterial growth experiments in the presence of single, pairwise and triple-drug combinations among 14 antibiotics. We found one of our rescaling methods is far better at distinguishing synergistic and antagonistic emergent interactions than any of the other methods. Using our new method, we find around 50% of emergent interactions are additive, much less than previous reports of greater than 90% additivity. We conclude that higher order emergent interactions are much more common than previously believed, and we argue these findings for drugs suggest that appropriate rescaling is crucial to infer higher order interactions. PMID:27278366

A study revealing the key aroma compounds of steamed bread made by Chinese traditional sourdough*

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guo-hua; Wu, Tao; Sadiq, Faizan A.; Yang, Huan-yi; Liu, Tong-jie; Ruan, Hui; He, Guo-qing

2016-01-01

Aroma of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is one of the important parameters that determines the overall quality attributes and consumer acceptance. However, the aroma profile of CSB still remains poorly understood, mainly because of relying on only a single method for aroma extraction in previous studies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the volatile aroma compounds of five different samples of CSB using three different aroma extraction methods, namely solid-phase microextraction (SPME), simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE), and purge and trap (P&T). All samples showed a unique aroma profile, which could be attributed to their unique microbial consortia. (E)-2-Nonenal and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal were the most prevalent aromatic compounds revealed by SDE, which have not been reported previously, while ethanol and acetic acid proved to be the most dominant compounds by both SPME and P&T. Our approach of combining three different aroma extraction methods provided better insights into the aroma profile of CSB, which had remained largely unknown in previous studies. PMID:27704748

A method for acetylcholinesterase staining of brain sections previously processed for receptor autoradiography.

PubMed

Lim, M M; Hammock, E A D; Young, L J

2004-02-01

Receptor autoradiography using selective radiolabeled ligands allows visualization of brain receptor distribution and density on film. The resolution of specific brain regions on the film often can be difficult to discern owing to the general spread of the radioactive label and the lack of neuroanatomical landmarks on film. Receptor binding is a chemically harsh protocol that can render the tissue virtually unstainable by Nissl and other conventional stains used to delineate neuroanatomical boundaries of brain regions. We describe a method for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining of slides previously processed for receptor binding. AChE staining is a useful tool for delineating major brain nuclei and tracts. AChE staining on sections that have been processed for receptor autoradiography provides a direct comparison of brain regions for more precise neuroanatomical description. We report a detailed thiocholine protocol that is a modification of the Koelle-Friedenwald method to amplify the AChE signal in brain sections previously processed for autoradiography. We also describe several temporal and experimental factors that can affect the density and clarity of the AChE signal when using this protocol.

High Sensitivity Analysis of Nanoliter Volumes of Volatile and Nonvolatile Compounds using Matrix Assisted Ionization (MAI) Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Khoa; Pophristic, Milan; Horan, Andrew J.; Johnston, Murray V.; McEwen, Charles N.

2016-10-01

First results are reported using a simple, fast, and reproducible matrix-assisted ionization (MAI) sample introduction method that provides substantial improvements relative to previously published MAI methods. The sensitivity of the new MAI methods, which requires no laser, high voltage, or nebulizing gas, is comparable to those reported for MALDI-TOF and n-ESI. High resolution full acquisition mass spectra having low chemical background are acquired from low nanoliters of solution using only a few femtomoles of analyte. The limit-of-detection for angiotensin II is less than 50 amol on an Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer. Analysis of peptides, including a bovine serum albumin digest, and drugs, including drugs in urine without a purification step, are reported using a 1 μL zero dead volume syringe in which only the analyte solution wetting the walls of the syringe needle is used in the analysis.

Summary of Previous Chamber or Controlled Anthrax Studies and Recommendations for Possible Additional Studies

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

Piepel, Gregory F.; Amidan, Brett G.; Morrow, Jayne B.

2010-12-29

This report and an associated Excel file(a) summarizes the investigations and results of previous chamber and controlled studies(b) to characterize the performance of methods for collecting, storing and/or transporting, extracting, and analyzing samples from surfaces contaminated by Bacillus anthracis (BA) or related simulants. This report and the Excel are the joint work of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate. The report was originally released as PNNL-SA-69338, Rev. 0 in November 2009 with limited distribution, but was subsequently cleared for release withmore » unlimited distribution in this Rev. 1. Only minor changes were made to Rev. 0 to yield Rev. 1. A more substantial update (including summarizing data from other studies and more condensed summary tables of data) is underway« less

Technical Review of SRS Dose Reconstrruction Methods Used By CDC

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

Simpkins, Ali, A

2005-07-20

At the request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a subcontractor Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc.(ATL) issued a draft report estimating offsite dose as a result of Savannah River Site operations for the period 1954-1992 in support of Phase III of the SRS Dose Reconstruction Project. The doses reported by ATL differed than those previously estimated by Savannah River Site SRS dose modelers for a variety of reasons, but primarily because (1) ATL used different source terms, (2) ATL considered trespasser/poacher scenarios and (3) ATL did not consistently use site-specific parameters or correct usage parameters. Themore » receptors with the highest dose from atmospheric and liquid pathways were within about a factor of four greater than dose values previously reported by SRS. A complete set of technical comments have also been included.« less

Quantification of false positive reduction in nucleic acid purification on hemorrhagic fever DNA.

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

James, Conrad D.; Pohl, Kenneth Roy; Derzon, Mark Steven

2006-11-01

Columbia University has developed a sensitive highly multiplexed system for genetic identification of nucleic acid targets. The primary obstacle to implementing this technology is the high rate of false positives due to high levels of unbound reporters that remain within the system after hybridization. The ability to distinguish between free reporters and reporters bound to targets limits the use of this technology. We previously demonstrated a new electrokinetic method for binary separation of kb pair long DNA molecules and oligonucleotides. The purpose of this project 99864 is to take these previous demonstrations and further develop the technique and hardware formore » field use. Specifically, our objective was to implement separation in a heterogeneous sample (containing target DNA and background oligo), to perform the separation in a flow-based device, and to develop all of the components necessary for field testing a breadboard prototype system.« less

Oxidation of Benzoin to Benzil Using Alumina-Supported Active MnO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crouch, R. David; Holden, Michael S.; Burger, Jennifer S.

2001-07-01

The use of alumina-supported active MnO2 to oxidize benzoin to benzil is described. The advantages of this reagent include ease of handling and separation from the product and lower toxicity than previously reported supported oxidizing agents. The product is purified by elution through a simple chromatography column consisting of a silica gel-packed Pasteur pipet. Students' yields are comparable to yields from other reported oxidation methods.

Occupational Asthma in Antibiotic Manufacturing Workers: Case Reports and Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Díaz Angulo, Sara; Szram, Joanna; Welch, Jenny; Cannon, Julie; Cullinan, Paul

2011-01-01

Background. The risks of occupational asthma (OA) from antibiotics are uncertain. We report 4 new cases and a systematic review of the literature. Methods. Cases were identified through a specialist clinic, each underwent specific provocation testing (SPT). We subsequently reviewed the published literature. Results. The patients were employed in the manufacture of antibiotics; penicillins were implicated in three cases, in the fourth erythromycin, not previously reported to cause OA. In two, there was evidence of specific IgE sensitisation. At SPT each developed a late asthmatic reaction and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. 36 case reports have been previously published, 26 (citing penicillins or cephalosporins). Seven cross-sectional workplace-based surveys found prevalences of 5–8%. Conclusions. OA in antibiotic manufacturers may be more common than is generally recognised. Its pathogenesis remains unclear; immunological tests are of uncertain value and potential cases require confirmation with SPT. Further study of its frequency, mechanisms, and diagnosis is required. PMID:21603168

The Complete, Temperature Resolved Spectrum of Methyl Formate Between 214 and 265 GHZ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMillan, James P.; Fortman, Sarah; Neese, Christopher F.; De Lucia, Frank C.

2015-06-01

We have studied methyl formate, one of the so-called 'astronomical weeds', in the 214--265 GHz band. We have experimentally gathered a set of intensity calibrated, complete, and temperature resolved spectra from across the astronomically significant temperature range of 248--406 K. Using our previously reported method of analysis, the point by point method, we are capable of generating the complete spectrum at an arbitrary temperature. Thousands of lines, of nontrivial intensity, which were previously not included in the available astrophysical catalogs have been found. The sensitivity of the point by point analysis is such that we are able to identify lines which would not have manifest in a single scan across the band. The consequence has been to reveal not only a number of new methyl formate lines, but also trace amounts of contaminants. We show how the intensities from the contaminants can be removed with indiscernible impact on the signal from methyl formate. To do this we use the point by point results from our previous studies of these contaminants. The efficacy of this process serves as strong proof of concept for usage of our point by point results on the problem of the 'weeds'. The success of this approach for dealing with the weeds has also previously been reported. J.~McMillan, S.~Fortman, C.~Neese, F.~DeLucia, ApJ. 795, 56 (2014) S.~Fortman, J.~McMillan, C.~Neese, S.~Randall, and A.~Remijan, J.~Mol.~Spectrosc. 280, 11 (2012).

Birth month affects lifetime disease risk: a phenome-wide method.

PubMed

Boland, Mary Regina; Shahn, Zachary; Madigan, David; Hripcsak, George; Tatonetti, Nicholas P

2015-09-01

An individual's birth month has a significant impact on the diseases they develop during their lifetime. Previous studies reveal relationships between birth month and several diseases including atherothrombosis, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and myopia, leaving most diseases completely unexplored. This retrospective population study systematically explores the relationship between seasonal affects at birth and lifetime disease risk for 1688 conditions. We developed a hypothesis-free method that minimizes publication and disease selection biases by systematically investigating disease-birth month patterns across all conditions. Our dataset includes 1 749 400 individuals with records at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center born between 1900 and 2000 inclusive. We modeled associations between birth month and 1688 diseases using logistic regression. Significance was tested using a chi-squared test with multiplicity correction. We found 55 diseases that were significantly dependent on birth month. Of these 19 were previously reported in the literature (P < .001), 20 were for conditions with close relationships to those reported, and 16 were previously unreported. We found distinct incidence patterns across disease categories. Lifetime disease risk is affected by birth month. Seasonally dependent early developmental mechanisms may play a role in increasing lifetime risk of disease. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association.

Vaginal Douching Among Latinas: Practices and Meaning

PubMed Central

Baquero, María; Anderson, Matthew R.; Alvarez, Adelyn; Karasz, Alison

2009-01-01

Objectives Vaginal douching is widely practiced by American women, particularly among minority groups, and is associated with increased risk of pelvic and vaginal infections. This research sought to investigate vaginal hygiene practices and meaning associated with them among Latina women and adolescents. Study results would guide development of an intervention to decrease douching among Latinas. Methods In depth qualitative interviews conducted with English- and Spanish-speaking women aged 16–40, seeking care for any reason who reported douching within the last year (n = 34). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods. One-third of interviews were conducted in Spanish. Results Two explanatory models for douching motives emerged: one stressed cosmetic benefits; the other, infection prevention and control. Most women reported douching to eliminate menstrual residue; a small number reported douching in context of sexual intercourse or vaginal symptoms. Many were unaware of associated health risks. Respondents typically learned about douching from female family members and friends. Male partners were described as having little to no involvement in the decision to douche. Women varied in their willingness to stop douching. Two-thirds reported receiving harm reduction messages about “overdouching”. About half indicated previous discussion about douching with health care providers; some had reduced frequency in response to counseling. A number of previously unreported vaginal hygiene practices and products were described, including use of a range of traditional hygiene practices, and products imported from outside the US. Conclusions Respondents expressed a range of commitment to douching. Counseling messages acknowledging benefits women perceive as well as health risks should be developed and delivered tailored to individual beliefs. Further research is needed to assess prevalence and safety of previously unreported practices. PMID:18297379

Measurement of Thermal Properties of Rocks at Temperature up to 1,000°C with Transient Plane Source Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. K.; Lee, Y.

2017-12-01

A set of devices that can measure thermal properties of rocks over a temperature range from room temperature up to 1,000°C with transient plane source techniques (also known as a Hot Disk method) is introduced. It consists of a main control system (e.g., TPS 2500 S from Hot Disk), mica-insulated sensor, tubular furnace, N2 gas supplier, and pressure regulator. The TPS 2500 S is the core instrument designed for precise analysis of thermal transport properties including thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity. The mica-insulated sensor is composed of an insulated nickel double spiral, which is utilized for both transient heating and precise temperature reading; a mica insulator protects the sensor against mechanical and thermal damage at high temperatures. The tubular furnace can hold two rock core samples of 50-mm-diameter and 25-mm-height with increasing temperatures up to 1,000°C. N2 gas supplier and pressure regulator are used to keep the inside the furnace away from oxygen. Thermal properties of most rocks and minerals vary with increasing temperatures. Experimental measurements of thermal properties at high temperatures have been made mostly using laser flash, needle probe, and divided bar methods in the previous researches, and no previous measurements with the Hot Disk method have been reported yet. We report thermal conductivities, thermal diffusivities, and volumetric heat capacities determined by a transient plane heat source method for fused silica and mafic rock samples using the introduced transient plane source apparatus. The thermal properties of fused silica have been measured mainly over the temperature range from ambient temperature to 500°C. The results seem to agree moderately with the previously reported values by Birch and Clark (Am. J. Sci., 1940). We now check the possible causes of measurement errors in our measurements and prepare to measure thermal properties of the mafic rock samples at temperatures up to 1,000°C using the hot disk method.

Scaling of Two-Phase Flows to Partial-Earth Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlbert, Kathryn M.; Witte, Larry C.

2003-01-01

A report presents a method of scaling, to partial-Earth gravity, of parameters that describe pressure drops and other characteristics of two-phase (liquid/ vapor) flows. The development of the method was prompted by the need for a means of designing two-phase flow systems to operate on the Moon and on Mars, using fluid-properties and flow data from terrestrial two-phase-flow experiments, thus eliminating the need for partial-gravity testing. The report presents an explicit procedure for designing an Earth-based test bed that can provide hydrodynamic similarity with two-phase fluids flowing in partial-gravity systems. The procedure does not require prior knowledge of the flow regime (i.e., the spatial orientation of the phases). The method also provides for determination of pressure drops in two-phase partial-gravity flows by use of a generalization of the classical Moody chart (previously applicable to single-phase flow only). The report presents experimental data from Mars- and Moon-activity experiments that appear to demonstrate the validity of this method.

Methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on data through water year 2011: Chapter F in Montana StreamStats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sando, Roy; Sando, Steven K.; McCarthy, Peter M.; Dutton, DeAnn M.

2016-04-05

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, completed a study to update methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in Montana based on peak-flow data at streamflow-gaging stations through water year 2011. The methods allow estimation of peak-flow frequencies (that is, peak-flow magnitudes, in cubic feet per second, associated with annual exceedance probabilities of 66.7, 50, 42.9, 20, 10, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.2 percent) at ungaged sites. The annual exceedance probabilities correspond to 1.5-, 2-, 2.33-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-year recurrence intervals, respectively.Regional regression analysis is a primary focus of Chapter F of this Scientific Investigations Report, and regression equations for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites in eight hydrologic regions in Montana are presented. The regression equations are based on analysis of peak-flow frequencies and basin characteristics at 537 streamflow-gaging stations in or near Montana and were developed using generalized least squares regression or weighted least squares regression.All of the data used in calculating basin characteristics that were included as explanatory variables in the regression equations were developed for and are available through the USGS StreamStats application (http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/) for Montana. StreamStats is a Web-based geographic information system application that was created by the USGS to provide users with access to an assortment of analytical tools that are useful for water-resource planning and management. The primary purpose of the Montana StreamStats application is to provide estimates of basin characteristics and streamflow characteristics for user-selected ungaged sites on Montana streams. The regional regression equations presented in this report chapter can be conveniently solved using the Montana StreamStats application.Selected results from this study were compared with results of previous studies. For most hydrologic regions, the regression equations reported for this study had lower mean standard errors of prediction (in percent) than the previously reported regression equations for Montana. The equations presented for this study are considered to be an improvement on the previously reported equations primarily because this study (1) included 13 more years of peak-flow data; (2) included 35 more streamflow-gaging stations than previous studies; (3) used a detailed geographic information system (GIS)-based definition of the regulation status of streamflow-gaging stations, which allowed better determination of the unregulated peak-flow records that are appropriate for use in the regional regression analysis; (4) included advancements in GIS and remote-sensing technologies, which allowed more convenient calculation of basin characteristics and investigation of many more candidate basin characteristics; and (5) included advancements in computational and analytical methods, which allowed more thorough and consistent data analysis.This report chapter also presents other methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites. Two methods for estimating peak-flow frequencies at ungaged sites located on the same streams as streamflow-gaging stations are described. Additionally, envelope curves relating maximum recorded annual peak flows to contributing drainage area for each of the eight hydrologic regions in Montana are presented and compared to a national envelope curve. In addition to providing general information on characteristics of large peak flows, the regional envelope curves can be used to assess the reasonableness of peak-flow frequency estimates determined using the regression equations.

Experiential sampling in the study of multiple personality disorder.

PubMed

Loewenstein, R J; Hamilton, J; Alagna, S; Reid, N; deVries, M

1987-01-01

The authors describe the application of experiential sampling, a new time-sampling method, to the assessment of rapid state changes in a woman with multiple personality disorder. She was signaled at random intervals during study periods and asked to provide information on alternate personality switches, amnesia, and mood state. The alternates displayed some characteristics that were as different as those occurring between separate individuals studied previously with this method. There were notable discrepancies between the self-report study data and information reported during therapy hours. The authors conclude that the phenomenology of multiple personality disorder is frequently more complex than is suspected early in the course of treatment.

Parameter inference in small world network disease models with approximate Bayesian Computational methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, David M.; Allingham, David; Lee, Heung Wing Joseph; Small, Michael

2010-02-01

Small world network models have been effective in capturing the variable behaviour of reported case data of the SARS coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong during 2003. Simulations of these models have previously been realized using informed “guesses” of the proposed model parameters and tested for consistency with the reported data by surrogate analysis. In this paper we attempt to provide statistically rigorous parameter distributions using Approximate Bayesian Computation sampling methods. We find that such sampling schemes are a useful framework for fitting parameters of stochastic small world network models where simulation of the system is straightforward but expressing a likelihood is cumbersome.

Comprehensive GMO detection using real-time PCR array: single-laboratory validation.

PubMed

Mano, Junichi; Harada, Mioko; Takabatake, Reona; Furui, Satoshi; Kitta, Kazumi; Nakamura, Kosuke; Akiyama, Hiroshi; Teshima, Reiko; Noritake, Hiromichi; Hatano, Shuko; Futo, Satoshi; Minegishi, Yasutaka; Iizuka, Tayoshi

2012-01-01

We have developed a real-time PCR array method to comprehensively detect genetically modified (GM) organisms. In the method, genomic DNA extracted from an agricultural product is analyzed using various qualitative real-time PCR assays on a 96-well PCR plate, targeting for individual GM events, recombinant DNA (r-DNA) segments, taxon-specific DNAs, and donor organisms of the respective r-DNAs. In this article, we report the single-laboratory validation of both DNA extraction methods and component PCR assays constituting the real-time PCR array. We selected some DNA extraction methods for specified plant matrixes, i.e., maize flour, soybean flour, and ground canola seeds, then evaluated the DNA quantity, DNA fragmentation, and PCR inhibition of the resultant DNA extracts. For the component PCR assays, we evaluated the specificity and LOD. All DNA extraction methods and component PCR assays satisfied the criteria set on the basis of previous reports.

Prediction of binding hot spot residues by using structural and evolutionary parameters.

PubMed

Higa, Roberto Hiroshi; Tozzi, Clésio Luis

2009-07-01

In this work, we present a method for predicting hot spot residues by using a set of structural and evolutionary parameters. Unlike previous studies, we use a set of parameters which do not depend on the structure of the protein in complex, so that the predictor can also be used when the interface region is unknown. Despite the fact that no information concerning proteins in complex is used for prediction, the application of the method to a compiled dataset described in the literature achieved a performance of 60.4%, as measured by F-Measure, corresponding to a recall of 78.1% and a precision of 49.5%. This result is higher than those reported by previous studies using the same data set.

Relationship between Defect Size and Fatigue Life Distributions in Al-7 Pct Si-Mg Alloy Castings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiryakioğlu, Murat

2009-07-01

A new method for predicting the variability in fatigue life of castings was developed by combining the size distribution for the fatigue-initiating defects and a fatigue life model based on the Paris-Erdoğan law for crack propagation. Two datasets for the fatigue-initiating defects in Al-7 pct Si-Mg alloy castings, reported previously in the literature, were used to demonstrate that (1) the size of fatigue-initiating defects follow the Gumbel distribution; (2) the crack propagation model developed previously provides respectable fits to experimental data; and (3) the method developed in the present study expresses the variability in both datasets, almost as well as the lognormal distribution and better than the Weibull distribution.

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

Wemmer, D.E.; Kumar, N.V.; Metrione, R.M.

Toxin II from Radianthus paumotensis (Rp/sub II/) has been investigated by high-resolution NMR and chemical sequencing methods. Resonance assignments have been obtained for this protein by the sequential approach. NMR assignments could not be made consistent with the previously reported primary sequence for this protein, and chemical methods have been used to determine a sequence with which the NMR data are consistent. Analysis of the 2D NOE spectra shows that the protein secondary structure is comprised of two sequences of ..beta..-sheet, probably joined into a distorted continuous sheet, connected by turns and extended loops, without any regular ..cap alpha..-helical segments.more » The residues previously implicated in activity in this class of proteins, D8 and R13, occur in a loop region.« less

Validation of automated white matter hyperintensity segmentation.

PubMed

Smart, Sean D; Firbank, Michael J; O'Brien, John T

2011-01-01

Introduction. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common finding on MRI scans of older people and are associated with vascular disease. We compared 3 methods for automatically segmenting WMHs from MRI scans. Method. An operator manually segmented WMHs on MRI images from a 3T scanner. The scans were also segmented in a fully automated fashion by three different programmes. The voxel overlap between manual and automated segmentation was compared. Results. Between observer overlap ratio was 63%. Using our previously described in-house software, we had overlap of 62.2%. We investigated the use of a modified version of SPM segmentation; however, this was not successful, with only 14% overlap. Discussion. Using our previously reported software, we demonstrated good segmentation of WMHs in a fully automated fashion.

How should we categorise self-reported data on subsequent injuries?

PubMed

Von Rosen, Philip; Heijne, Annette

2017-06-01

Classifying subsequent injuries is of high importance in injury epidemiology since a previous injury has been reported to increase the risk of a new injury or increase the risk of a more severe injury. Multiple reports have shown that self-reported data provide an extensive view of an injury problem and add valuable information to the understanding of the athlete's health. The purpose of this study was to display a method that can be used to facilitate classification of subsequent injuries and to discuss challenges faced when categorising subsequent injuries based on self-reported data. The suitability of a new model for Subsequent Injuries Adjusted for Self-reported data (SIAS model) was demonstrated with sport injury data from a cohort of 101 adolescent elite track & field athletes, followed over 52 weeks. A total number of 71 subsequent injuries were identified. Of all subsequent injuries, recurrent injuries represented 69.0% (n = 49) and 31.0% (n = 22) were classified as new injuries. The majority of subsequent injuries (n = 60, 84.5%) occurred after athletes had recovered from a previous injury. Of all subsequent injuries, 15.5% (n = 11) represented injuries where athletes had not fully recovered from a previous injury. Application of the SIAS model allows for classification of subsequent injuries based on self-reported data on the recovery level of the athletes, the injury onset and injury type. The developed SIAS model follows the consensus recommendations of injury definition, injury classification and is an attempt to increase the understanding of the complex relationship of subsequent injuries in self-reported data sets.

Mental Health Aspects of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skokauskas, N.; Gallagher, L.

2012-01-01

Background: Previous studies have reported variable and at times opposite findings on comorbid psychiatric problems in children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Aims: This study aimed to examine patterns of comorbid psychiatric problems in children with ASD and their parents compared with IQ matched controls and their parents. Methods:…

Reply to Comment on "Fringe projection profilometry with nonparallel illumination: a least-squares approach"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lujie; Quan, Chenggen

2006-07-01

We have confirmed that a mathematical expression in our previous Letter [Chen and Quan, Opt. Lett.30, 2101 (2005)] should be modified. The modification, however, does not affect the validity of the method reported, the results obtained and the subsequent conclusions made.

Perspectives on Rural Health Workforce Issues: Illinois-Arkansas Comparison

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacDowell, Martin; Glasser, Michael; Fitts, Michael; Fratzke, Mel; Peters, Karen

2009-01-01

Context: Past research has documented rural physician and health care professional shortages. Purpose: Rural hospital chief executive officers' (CEOs') reported shortages of health professionals and perceptions about recruiting and retention are compared in Illinois and Arkansas. Methods: A survey, previously developed and sent to 28 CEOs in…

A procedure for estimating the frequency distribution of CO levels in the micro-region of a highway.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-01-01

This report demonstrates that the probability of violating a "not to be exceeded more than once per year", one-hour air quality standard can be bounded from above. This result represents a significant improvement over previous methods of ascertaining...

A graft-based chemotherapy method for screening effective molecules and rescuing Huanglongbing (HLB)-affected citrus plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide, is associated with three species of fastidious and phloem-limited a-Proteobacteria in the genus of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’. We previously reported a regeneration-based chemical screening system using periwinkle cuttings. In ...

Widespread Cortical Thinning Is a Robust Anatomical Marker for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narr, Katherine L.; Woods, Roger P.; Lin, James; Kim, John; Phillips, Owen R.; Del'Homme, Melissa; Caplan, Rochelle; Toga, Arthur W.; McCracken, James T.; Levitt, Jennifer G.

2009-01-01

Objective: This cross-sectional study sought to confirm the presence and regional profile of previously reported changes in laminar cortical thickness in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with typically developing control subjects. Method: High-resolution magnetic resonance images were obtained…

Longitudinal Associations across Prematurity, Attention, and Language in School-Age Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahurin-Smith, Jamie; DeThorne, Laura S.; Petrill, Stephen A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: This research note explores the potential role of attention in mediating previously reported associations between language outcomes and prematurity. Method: As a follow-up investigation to Mahurin Smith, DeThorne, Logan, Channell, and Petrill (2014), we employed multilevel modeling to analyze longitudinal data on language and attention…

Foam Fractionation of Lycopene: An Undergraduate Chemistry Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Yan; Zhang, Mingjie; Hu, Yongliang

2010-01-01

A novel experiment for the extraction of lycopene from tomato paste by foam fractionation is described. Foam fractionation is a process for separating and concentrating chemicals by utilizing differences in their surface activities. Extraction of lycopene by foam fractionation is a new method that has not been previously reported in the…

Trends in Children's Video Game Play: Practical but Not Creative Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamlen, Karla R.

2013-01-01

Prior research has found common trends among children's video game play as related to gender, age, interests, creativity, and other descriptors. This study re-examined the previously reported trends by utilizing principal components analysis with variables such as creativity, general characteristics, and problem-solving methods to determine…

20171130_Ind Ergo Report_631 DI Water Movement Process.

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

Rivera, Cynthia R.

Perform an industrial ergonomic assessment to evaluate the new procedures for filling, lifting, and delivering high purity de-ionized water to building 9925. The goal was to improve on the previous method by minimizing/eliminating as much lifting and bending as possible to reduce the potential for overexertion-related injuries.

Toilet Training, Cueing, Praise, and Self-Cleaning in the Treatment of Classroom Encopresis: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixon, Joe W.; Saudargas, Richard A.

1980-01-01

Reports a successful method of teaching toileting procedures to a young elementary student. Implications discussed for school psychologists were: (1) handling intervention through a consultation model; (2) using the simplest approach before attempting more powerful procedures; and (3) attempting treatment despite previously unsuccessful…

The Contribution of Mediator-Based Deficiencies to Age Differences in Associative Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunlosky, John; Hertzog, Christopher; Powell-Moman, Amy

2005-01-01

Production, mediational, and utilization deficiencies, which describe how strategy use may contribute to developmental trends in episodic memory, have been intensively investigated. Using a mediator report-and-retrieval method, the authors present evidence concerning the degree to which 2 previously unexplored mediator-based deficits--retrieval…

Comparative ruminant genomics highlights segmental duplication and mobile element insertion diversity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We have expanded upon a previously reported comparative genomics approach using a read-depth (JaRMs) and a hybrid read-pair, split-read (RAPTR-SV) copy number variation (CNV) detection method that uses read alignments to the cattle reference genome in order to identify species-specific genomic rearr...

Reexamination of color vision standards, part II. a computational method to assess the effect of color deficiencies in using ATC displays : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-03-01

The previous study showed that many colors were used in air traffic control displays. We also found that colors were used mainly for three purposes: capturing controllers immediate attention, identifying targets, and segmenting information. This r...

Lessons from a Large-Scale Assessment: Results from Conceptual Inventories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thacker, Beth; Dulli, Hani; Pattillo, Dave; West, Keith

2014-01-01

We report conceptual inventory results of a large-scale assessment project at a large university. We studied the introduction of materials and instructional methods informed by physics education research (PER) (physics education research-informed materials) into a department where most instruction has previously been traditional and a significant…

Relation of precipitation to annual ground-water recharge in the Edwards Aquifer, San Antonio area, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Puente, Celso

1975-01-01

The report includes a brief review of the geology and hydrology of the Edwards aquifer, a discussion of the preparation and evaluation of the precipitation data used in the regression analyses, and a brief summary of the method previously used to estimate recharge.

PHENYLENE HOMOLOGS OF BENZIDINE: MUTAGENICITY AND USE IN DYE/PIGMENT SYNTHESIS

EPA Science Inventory

In a previous paper in this area, we reported results from studies pertaining to the use of molecular modeling methods in predicting the properties of some Congo Red analogs containing 4,4'-diaminoterphenyl (DATP) and 4,4'-diaminoquarterphenyl (DAQP) in lieu of the benzidine moie...

Reporting of methods was better in the Clinical Trials Registry-India than in Indian journal publications.

PubMed

Tharyan, Prathap; George, Aneesh Thomas; Kirubakaran, Richard; Barnabas, Jabez Paul

2013-01-01

We sought to evaluate if editorial policies and the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had improved since our 2004-05 survey of 151 RCTs in 65 Indian journals, and to compare reporting quality of protocols in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI). An observational study of endorsement of Consolidated Standards for the Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) requirements in the instructions to authors in Indian journals, and compliance with selected requirements in all RCTs published during 2007-08 vs. our previous survey and between all RCT protocols in the CTRI on August 31, 2010 and published RCTs from both surveys. Journal policies endorsing the CONSORT statement (22/67, 33%) and ICMJE requirements (35/67, 52%) remained suboptimal, and only 4 of 13 CONSORT items were reported in more than 50% of the 145 RCTs assessed. Reporting of ethical issues had improved significantly, and that of methods addressing internal validity had not improved. Adequate methods were reported significantly more frequently in 768 protocols in the CTRI, than in the 296 published trials. The CTRI template facilitates the reporting of valid methods in registered trial protocols. The suboptimal compliance with CONSORT and ICMJE requirements in RCTs published in Indian journals reduces credibility in the reliability of their results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Generic Sensor Modeling Using Pulse Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helder, Dennis L.; Choi, Taeyoung

2005-01-01

Recent development of high spatial resolution satellites such as IKONOS, Quickbird and Orbview enable observation of the Earth's surface with sub-meter resolution. Compared to the 30 meter resolution of Landsat 5 TM, the amount of information in the output image was dramatically increased. In this era of high spatial resolution, the estimation of spatial quality of images is gaining attention. Historically, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) concept has been used to estimate an imaging system's spatial quality. Sometimes classified by target shapes, various methods were developed in laboratory environment utilizing sinusoidal inputs, periodic bar patterns and narrow slits. On-orbit sensor MTF estimation was performed on 30-meter GSD Landsat4 Thematic Mapper (TM) data from the bridge pulse target as a pulse input . Because of a high resolution sensor s small Ground Sampling Distance (GSD), reasonably sized man-made edge, pulse, and impulse targets can be deployed on a uniform grassy area with accurate control of ground targets using tarps and convex mirrors. All the previous work cited calculated MTF without testing the MTF estimator's performance. In previous report, a numerical generic sensor model had been developed to simulate and improve the performance of on-orbit MTF estimating techniques. Results from the previous sensor modeling report that have been incorporated into standard MTF estimation work include Fermi edge detection and the newly developed 4th order modified Savitzky-Golay (MSG) interpolation technique. Noise sensitivity had been studied by performing simulations on known noise sources and a sensor model. Extensive investigation was done to characterize multi-resolution ground noise. Finally, angle simulation was tested by using synthetic pulse targets with angles from 2 to 15 degrees, several brightness levels, and different noise levels from both ground targets and imaging system. As a continuing research activity using the developed sensor model, this report was dedicated to MTF estimation via pulse input method characterization using the Fermi edge detection and 4th order MSG interpolation method. The relationship between pulse width and MTF value at Nyquist was studied including error detection and correction schemes. Pulse target angle sensitivity was studied by using synthetic targets angled from 2 to 12 degrees. In this report, from the ground and system noise simulation, a minimum SNR value was suggested for a stable MTF value at Nyquist for the pulse method. Target width error detection and adjustment technique based on a smooth transition of MTF profile is presented, which is specifically applicable only to the pulse method with 3 pixel wide targets.

Built-Up Area Feature Extraction: Second Year Technical Progress Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

Contract DACA 72-87-C-001. During this year we have built on previous research, in road network extraction and in the detection and delineation of buildings...methods to perform stereo analysis using loosely coupled techniques where comparison is deferred until each method has performed a complete estimate...or missing information. A course of action may be suggested to the user depending on the error. Although the checks do not guarantee the correctness

Corynebacterium diphtheriae in a free-roaming red fox: case report and historical review on diphtheria in animals.

PubMed

Sing, Andreas; Konrad, Regina; Meinel, Dominik M; Mauder, Norman; Schwabe, Ingo; Sting, Reinhard

2016-08-01

Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the classical causative agent of diphtheria, is considered to be nearly restricted to humans. Here we report the first finding of a non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae biovar belfanti strain in a free-roaming wild animal. The strain obtained from the subcutis and mammary gland of a dead red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was characterized by biochemical and molecular methods including MALDI-TOF and Multi Locus Sequence Typing. Since C. diphtheriae infections of animals, usually with close contact to humans, are reported only very rarely, an intense review comprising also scientific literature from the beginning of the 20th century was performed. Besides the present case, only 11 previously reported C. diphtheriae animal infections could be verified using current scientific criteria. Our report is the first on the isolation of C. diphtheriae from a wildlife animal without any previous human contact. In contrast, the very few unambiguous publications on C. diphtheriae in animals referred to livestock or pet animals with close human contact. C. diphtheriae carriage in animals has to be considered as an exceptionally rare event.

Comparison of thiaminase activity in fish using the radiometric and 4-nitrothiophenol colorimetric methods

USGS Publications Warehouse

Honeyfield, D.C.; Hanes, J.W.; Brown, L.; Kraft, C.E.; Begley, T.P.

2010-01-01

Thiaminase induced thiamine deficiency occurs in fish, humans, livestock and wild animals. A non-radioactive thiaminase assay was described in 2007, but a direct comparison with the radioactive 14C-thiamine method which has been in use for more than 30years has not been reported. The objective was to measure thiaminase activity in forage fish (alewife Alosa pseudoharengus, rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus) consumed by predators that manifest thiamine deficiency using both methods. Modifications were made to the colorimetric assay to improve repeatability. Modification included a change in assay pH, enhanced sample clean-up, constant assay temperature (37??C), increase in the concentration of 4-nitrothiophenol (4NTP) and use of a spectrophotometer fitted with a 0.2cm cell. A strong relationship between the two assays was found for 51 alewife (R2=0.85), 36 smelt (R2=0.87) and 20 sculpin (R2=0.82). Thiaminase activity in the colorimetric assay was about 1000 times higher than activity measured by the radioactive method. Application of the assay to fish species from which no thiaminase activity has previously been reported resulted in no 4NTP thiaminase activity being found in bloater Coregonus hoyi, lake trout Salvelinus namaycusch, steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss or Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. In species previously reported to contain thiaminase, 4NTP thiaminase activity was measured in bacteria Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus, gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum, quagga mussel Dreissena bugensis and zebra mussels D. polymorpha. ?? 2010.

Improved Method for Determination of Respiring Individual Microorganisms in Natural Waters

PubMed Central

Tabor, Paul S.; Neihof, Rex A.

1982-01-01

A method is reported that combines the microscopic determinations of specific, individual, respiring microorganisms by the detection of electron transport system activity and the total number of organisms of an estuarine population by epifluorescence microscopy. An active cellular electron transport system specifically reduces 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) to INT-formazan, which is recognized as opaque intracellular deposits in microorganisms stained with acridine orange. In a comparison of previously described sample preparation techniques, a loss of >70% of the counts of INT-reducing microorganisms was shown to be due to the dissolution of INT-formazan deposits by immersion oil (used in microscopy). In addition, significantly fewer fluorescing microorganisms and INT-formazan deposits, both ≤0.2 μm in size, were found for sample preparations that included a Nuclepore filter. Visual clarity was enhanced, and significantly greater direct counts and counts of INT-reducing microorganisms were recognized by transferring microorganisms from a filter to a gelatin film on a cover glass, followed by coating the sample with additional gelatin to produce a transparent matrix. With this method, the number of INT-reducing microorganisms determined for a Chesapeake Bay water sample was 2-to 10-fold greater than the number of respiring organisms reported previously for marine or freshwater samples. INT-reducing microorganisms constituted 61% of the total direct counts determined for a Chesapeake Bay water sample. This is the highest percentage of metabolically active microorganisms of any aquatic population reported using a method which determines both total counts and specific activity. PMID:16346025

Improved method for determination of respiring individual microorganisms in natural waters.

PubMed

Tabor, P S; Neihof, R A

1982-06-01

A method is reported that combines the microscopic determinations of specific, individual, respiring microorganisms by the detection of electron transport system activity and the total number of organisms of an estuarine population by epifluorescence microscopy. An active cellular electron transport system specifically reduces 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) to INT-formazan, which is recognized as opaque intracellular deposits in microorganisms stained with acridine orange. In a comparison of previously described sample preparation techniques, a loss of >70% of the counts of INT-reducing microorganisms was shown to be due to the dissolution of INT-formazan deposits by immersion oil (used in microscopy). In addition, significantly fewer fluorescing microorganisms and INT-formazan deposits, both

The hypertensive response to intubation. Do researchers acknowledge previous work?

PubMed

Smith, A J; Goodman, N W

1997-01-01

To see whether investigators of a circumscribed research topic, the haemodynamic response to orotracheal intubation, review and cite previous work. A 1989 editorial about the response was critical to investigators for measuring physiology but not outcome; for nonetheless making recommendations; for studying only patients not at risk; and for implying patients are at risk when this is not certain. A systemic Medline search was made for English language reports published during or after 1990, and their citation lists read for missed reports. All retrieved papers were read for citation of the editorial and for acknowledgement of its criticisms. Citations were tabulated, and cross-referenced between papers, to see whether blocks of citations had been obtained from other investigators' reports. Eighty-one full reports, from 48 groups of investigators, were obtained. The 1989 editorial was cited twice. All studies included physiological measurements, but none reported long-term outcome. There was no comment on the need to know outcome in 39 reports. Pre-existing risk factors were exclusions in 65 studies. In 56 papers, complications of the response were given as the reason for the study; in 41 of these papers only healthy subjects were studied. In total, 249 references about the response were identified from the 81 papers. There was no obvious evidence that citations were obtained from others' papers. Recognised deficiencies in research method were not acknowledged. When submitting work for publication, investigators should provide evidence of how they searched for previous work.

Qualitative interviews vs standardized self-report questionnaires in assessing quality of life in heart transplant recipients.

PubMed

Abbey, Susan E; De Luca, Enza; Mauthner, Oliver E; McKeever, Patricia; Shildrick, Margrit; Poole, Jennifer M; Gewarges, Mena; Ross, Heather J

2011-08-01

Quality of life (QoL) studies in heart transplant recipients (HTRs) using validated, quantitative, self-report questionnaires have reported poor QoL in approximately 20% of patients. This consecutive mixed methods study compared self-report questionnaires, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) and the Atkinson Life Satisfaction Scale, with phenomenologically informed audiovisual (AV) qualitative interview data in 27 medically stable HTRs (70% male; age 53 ± 13.77 years; time since transplant 4.06 ± 2.42 years). Self-report questionnaire data reported poor QoL and more distress compared with previous studies and normative population samples; in contrast, 52% of HTRs displayed pervasive distress according to visual methodology. Using qualitative methods to assess QoL yields information that would otherwise remain unobserved by the exclusive use of quantitative QOL questionnaires. Copyright © 2011 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of bioirrigation of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) on lake sediment respiration

PubMed Central

Baranov, Viktor; Lewandowski, Jörg; Romeijn, Paul; Singer, Gabriel; Krause, Stefan

2016-01-01

Bioirrigation or the transport of fluids into the sediment matrix due to the activities of organisms such as bloodworms (larvae of Diptera, Chironomidae), has substantial impacts on sediment respiration in lakes. However, previous quantifications of bioirrigation impacts of Chironomidae have been limited by technical challenges such as the difficulty to separate faunal and bacterial respiration. This paper describes a novel method based on the bioreactive tracer resazurin for measuring respiration in-situ in non-sealed systems with constant oxygen supply. Applying this new method in microcosm experiments revealed that bioirrigation enhanced sediment respiration by up to 2.5 times. The new method is yielding lower oxygen consumption than previously reported, as it is only sensitive to aerobic heterotrophous respiration and not to other processes causing oxygen decrease. Hence it decouples the quantification of respiration of animals and inorganic oxygen consumption from microbe respiration in sediment. PMID:27256514

Effects of bioirrigation of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) on lake sediment respiration.

PubMed

Baranov, Viktor; Lewandowski, Jörg; Romeijn, Paul; Singer, Gabriel; Krause, Stefan

2016-06-03

Bioirrigation or the transport of fluids into the sediment matrix due to the activities of organisms such as bloodworms (larvae of Diptera, Chironomidae), has substantial impacts on sediment respiration in lakes. However, previous quantifications of bioirrigation impacts of Chironomidae have been limited by technical challenges such as the difficulty to separate faunal and bacterial respiration. This paper describes a novel method based on the bioreactive tracer resazurin for measuring respiration in-situ in non-sealed systems with constant oxygen supply. Applying this new method in microcosm experiments revealed that bioirrigation enhanced sediment respiration by up to 2.5 times. The new method is yielding lower oxygen consumption than previously reported, as it is only sensitive to aerobic heterotrophous respiration and not to other processes causing oxygen decrease. Hence it decouples the quantification of respiration of animals and inorganic oxygen consumption from microbe respiration in sediment.

Effects of bioirrigation of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) on lake sediment respiration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, Viktor; Lewandowski, Jörg; Romeijn, Paul; Singer, Gabriel; Krause, Stefan

2016-06-01

Bioirrigation or the transport of fluids into the sediment matrix due to the activities of organisms such as bloodworms (larvae of Diptera, Chironomidae), has substantial impacts on sediment respiration in lakes. However, previous quantifications of bioirrigation impacts of Chironomidae have been limited by technical challenges such as the difficulty to separate faunal and bacterial respiration. This paper describes a novel method based on the bioreactive tracer resazurin for measuring respiration in-situ in non-sealed systems with constant oxygen supply. Applying this new method in microcosm experiments revealed that bioirrigation enhanced sediment respiration by up to 2.5 times. The new method is yielding lower oxygen consumption than previously reported, as it is only sensitive to aerobic heterotrophous respiration and not to other processes causing oxygen decrease. Hence it decouples the quantification of respiration of animals and inorganic oxygen consumption from microbe respiration in sediment.

Seeing without Seeing? Degraded Conscious Vision in a Blindsight Patient.

PubMed

Overgaard, Morten; Fehl, Katrin; Mouridsen, Kim; Bergholt, Bo; Cleeremans, Axel

2008-08-21

Blindsight patients, whose primary visual cortex is lesioned, exhibit preserved ability to discriminate visual stimuli presented in their "blind" field, yet report no visual awareness hereof. Blindsight is generally studied in experimental investigations of single patients, as very few patients have been given this "diagnosis". In our single case study of patient GR, we ask whether blindsight is best described as unconscious vision, or rather as conscious, yet severely degraded vision. In experiment 1 and 2, we successfully replicate the typical findings of previous studies on blindsight. The third experiment, however, suggests that GR's ability to discriminate amongst visual stimuli does not reflect unconscious vision, but rather degraded, yet conscious vision. As our finding results from using a method for obtaining subjective reports that has not previously used in blindsight studies (but validated in studies of healthy subjects and other patients with brain injury), our results call for a reconsideration of blindsight, and, arguably also of many previous studies of unconscious perception in healthy subjects.

Feedback systems for nontraditional medicines: a case for the signal flow diagram.

PubMed

Tice, B S

1998-11-01

The signal flow diagram is a graphic method used to represent complex data that is found in the field of biology and hence the field of medicine. The signal flow diagram is analyzed against a table of data and a flow chart of data and evaluated on the clarity and simplicity of imparting this information. The data modeled is from previous clinical studies and nontraditional medicine from Africa, China, and South America. This report is a development from previous presentations of the signal flow diagram.1-4

Applications of asynoptic space - Time Fourier transform methods to scanning satellite measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lait, Leslie R.; Stanford, John L.

1988-01-01

A method proposed by Salby (1982) for computing the zonal space-time Fourier transform of asynoptically acquired satellite data is discussed. The method and its relationship to other techniques are briefly described, and possible problems in applying it to real data are outlined. Examples of results obtained using this technique are given which demonstrate its sensitivity to small-amplitude signals. A number of waves are found which have previously been observed as well as two not heretofore reported. A possible extension of the method which could increase temporal and longitudinal resolution is described.

Risk Factors for Injury Associated with Low, Moderate, and High Mileage Road Marching in a U.S. Army Infantry Brigade

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-24

Injuries in the previous 6 months were identified by survey from 831 U.S Army infantry soldiers. Road marching-related injuries were reported as those...2 2 References 2 3 Authority 3 4 Background 3 5 Methods 5 5.1 Survey Design and Administration...the 6 months prior to survey administration. Most respondents (89 percent, n=736) reported participation in road marching with their unit during

Copper-catalyzed decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of allylic bromodifluoroacetates.

PubMed

Ambler, Brett R; Altman, Ryan A

2013-11-01

The development of new synthetic fluorination reactions has important implications in medicinal, agricultural, and materials chemistries. Given the prevalence and accessibility of alcohols, methods to convert alcohols to trifluoromethanes are desirable. However, this transformation typically requires four-step processes, specialty chemicals, and/or stoichiometric metals to access the trifluoromethyl-containing product. A two-step copper-catalyzed decarboxylative protocol for converting allylic alcohols to trifluoromethanes is reported. Preliminary mechanistic studies distinguish this reaction from previously reported Cu-mediated reactions.

Development of a multiple-parameter nonlinear perturbation procedure for transonic turbomachinery flows: Preliminary application to design/optimization problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahara, S. S.; Elliott, J. P.; Spreiter, J. R.

1983-01-01

An investigation was conducted to continue the development of perturbation procedures and associated computational codes for rapidly determining approximations to nonlinear flow solutions, with the purpose of establishing a method for minimizing computational requirements associated with parametric design studies of transonic flows in turbomachines. The results reported here concern the extension of the previously developed successful method for single parameter perturbations to simultaneous multiple-parameter perturbations, and the preliminary application of the multiple-parameter procedure in combination with an optimization method to blade design/optimization problem. In order to provide as severe a test as possible of the method, attention is focused in particular on transonic flows which are highly supercritical. Flows past both isolated blades and compressor cascades, involving simultaneous changes in both flow and geometric parameters, are considered. Comparisons with the corresponding exact nonlinear solutions display remarkable accuracy and range of validity, in direct correspondence with previous results for single-parameter perturbations.

A simple and efficient method for deriving neurospheres from bone marrow stromal cells

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

Yang Qin; Mu Jun; Li Qi

2008-08-08

Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) can be differentiated into neuronal and glial-like cell types under appropriate experimental conditions. However, previously reported methods are complicated and involve the use of toxic reagents. Here, we present a simplified and nontoxic method for efficient conversion of rat MSCs into neurospheres that express the neuroectodermal marker nestin. These neurospheres can proliferate and differentiate into neuron, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte phenotypes. We thus propose that MSCs are an emerging model cell for the treatment of a variety of neurological diseases.

The holistic analysis of gamma-ray spectra in instrumental neutron activation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaauw, Menno

1994-12-01

A method for the interpretation of γ-ray spectra as obtained in INAA using linear least squares techniques is described. Results obtained using this technique and the traditional method previously in use at IRI are compared. It is concluded that the method presented performs better with respect to the number of detected elements, the resolution of interferences and the estimation of the accuracies of the reported element concentrations. It is also concluded that the technique is robust enough to obviate the deconvolution of multiplets.

The influence of previous subject experience on interactions during peer instruction in an introductory physics course: A mixed methods analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vondruska, Judy A.

Over the past decade, peer instruction and the introduction of student response systems has provided a means of improving student engagement and achievement in large-lecture settings. While the nature of the student discourse occurring during peer instruction is less understood, existing studies have shown student ideas about the subject, extraneous cues, and confidence level appear to matter in the student-student discourse. Using a mixed methods research design, this study examined the influence of previous subject experience on peer instruction in an introductory, one-semester Survey of Physics course. Quantitative results indicated students in discussion pairs where both had previous subject experience were more likely to answer clicker question correctly both before and after peer discussion compared to student groups where neither partner had previous subject experience. Students in mixed discussion pairs were not statistically different in correct response rates from the other pairings. There was no statistically significant difference between the experience pairs on unit exam scores or the Peer Instruction Partner Survey. Although there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-MPEX and post-MPEX scores, there was no difference between the members of the various subject experience peer discussion pairs. The qualitative study, conducted after the quantitative study, helped to inform the quantitative results by exploring the nature of the peer interactions through survey questions and a series of focus groups discussions. While the majority of participants described a benefit to the use of clickers in the lecture, their experience with their discussion partners varied. Students with previous subject experience tended to describe peer instruction more positively than students who did not have previous subject experience, regardless of the experience level of their partner. They were also more likely to report favorable levels of comfort with the peer instruction experience. Students with no previous subject experience were more likely to describe a level of discomfort being assigned a stranger for a discussion partner and were more likely to report communication issues with their partner. Most group members, regardless of previous subject experience, related deeper discussions occurring when partners did not initially have the same answer to the clicker questions.

Convergence of methods for coupling of microscopic and mesoscopic reaction-diffusion simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flegg, Mark B.; Hellander, Stefan; Erban, Radek

2015-05-01

In this paper, three multiscale methods for coupling of mesoscopic (compartment-based) and microscopic (molecular-based) stochastic reaction-diffusion simulations are investigated. Two of the three methods that will be discussed in detail have been previously reported in the literature; the two-regime method (TRM) and the compartment-placement method (CPM). The third method that is introduced and analysed in this paper is called the ghost cell method (GCM), since it works by constructing a "ghost cell" in which molecules can disappear and jump into the compartment-based simulation. Presented is a comparison of sources of error. The convergent properties of this error are studied as the time step Δt (for updating the molecular-based part of the model) approaches zero. It is found that the error behaviour depends on another fundamental computational parameter h, the compartment size in the mesoscopic part of the model. Two important limiting cases, which appear in applications, are considered: Δt → 0 and h is fixed; Δt → 0 and h → 0 such that √{ Δt } / h is fixed. The error for previously developed approaches (the TRM and CPM) converges to zero only in the limiting case (ii), but not in case (i). It is shown that the error of the GCM converges in the limiting case (i). Thus the GCM is superior to previous coupling techniques if the mesoscopic description is much coarser than the microscopic part of the model.

Nano-sized Mn3O4 and β-MnOOH from the decomposition of β-cyclodextrin-Mn: 2. The water-oxidizing activities.

PubMed

Najafpour, Mohammad Mahdi; Mostafalu, Ramin; Hołyńska, Małgorzata; Ebrahimi, Foad; Kaboudin, Babak

2015-11-01

Nano-sized Mn oxides contain Mn3O4, β-MnOOH and Mn2O3 have been prepared by a previously reported method using thermal decomposition of β-cyclodextrin-Mn complexes. In the next step, the water-oxidizing activities of these Mn oxides using cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate as a chemical oxidant are studied. The turnover frequencies for β-MnO(OH) and Mn3O4 are 0.24 and 0.01-0.17 (mmol O2/mol Mns), respectively. Subsequently, water-oxidizing activities of these compounds are compared to the other previously reported Mn oxides. Important factors affecting water oxidation by these Mn oxides are also discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of Henry`s law constants by equilibrium partitioning in a closed system using a new in situ optical absorbance method

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

Allen, J.M.; Balcavage, W.X.; Ramachandran, B.R.

Currently, a great deal of interest exists in developing quantitative descriptions of the transport behavior for organic chemical compounds in the environment. Transport between water and air is of particular significance in this regard. A new method for measurement of thermodynamic Henry`s law constants (H) is reported. In this method, the optical absorbance of a dilute aqueous solution containing an organic compound is followed with time as the compound partitions into the air above the solution in a sealed vessel. The change in optical absorbance and the vapor to liquid volume ratio of the vessel are then used to calculatemore » the value for H. The concentration of the organic compound in the aqueous and vapor phases need not be known. This method allows the approach to equilibrium to be observed in real time so that attainment of equilibrium is readily apparent. This method works particularly well for water-soluble compounds having low vapor pressures. The applicability of this method is limited to compounds that exhibit significant optical absorbance in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Values for H and their temperature dependencies measured using this new method are reported for methacrolein, methyl vinyl ketone, benzaldehyde, and acetophenone. Values for H are also reported for benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene at 298 K. All reported H data are compared with previously reported values.« less

Electron beams scanning: A novel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askarbioki, M.; Zarandi, M. B.; Khakshournia, S.; Shirmardi, S. P.; Sharifian, M.

2018-06-01

In this research, a spatial electron beam scanning is reported. There are various methods for ion and electron beam scanning. The best known of these methods is the wire scanning wherein the parameters of beam are measured by one or more conductive wires. This article suggests a novel method for e-beam scanning without the previous errors of old wire scanning. In this method, the techniques of atomic physics are applied so that a knife edge has a scanner role and the wires have detector roles. It will determine the 2D e-beam profile readily when the positions of the scanner and detectors are specified.

Improved microautoradiographic method to determine individual microorganisms active in substrate uptake in natural waters.

PubMed

Tabor, P S; Neihof, R A

1982-10-01

We report a method which combines epifluorescence microscopy and microautoradiography to determine both the total number of microorganisms in natural water populations and those individual organisms active in the uptake of specific substrates. After incubation with H-labeled substrate, the sample is filtered and, while still on the filter, mounted directly in a film of autoradiographic emulsion on a microscope slide. The microautoradiogram is processed and stained with acridine orange, and, subsequently, the filter is removed before microscopic observation. This novel preparation resulted in increased accuracy in direct counts made from the autoradiogram, improved sensitivity in the recognition of uptake-active (H-labeled) organisms, and enumeration of a significantly greater number of labeled organisms compared with corresponding samples prepared by a previously reported method.

Improved Microautoradiographic Method to Determine Individual Microorganisms Active in Substrate Uptake in Natural Waters

PubMed Central

Tabor, Paul S.; Neihof, Rex A.

1982-01-01

We report a method which combines epifluorescence microscopy and microautoradiography to determine both the total number of microorganisms in natural water populations and those individual organisms active in the uptake of specific substrates. After incubation with 3H-labeled substrate, the sample is filtered and, while still on the filter, mounted directly in a film of autoradiographic emulsion on a microscope slide. The microautoradiogram is processed and stained with acridine orange, and, subsequently, the filter is removed before microscopic observation. This novel preparation resulted in increased accuracy in direct counts made from the autoradiogram, improved sensitivity in the recognition of uptake-active (3H-labeled) organisms, and enumeration of a significantly greater number of labeled organisms compared with corresponding samples prepared by a previously reported method. Images PMID:16346120

The ugrizYJHK luminosity distributions and densities from the combined MGC, SDSS and UKIDSS LAS data sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, David T.; Driver, Simon P.; Cameron, Ewan; Cross, Nicholas; Liske, Jochen; Robotham, Aaron

2010-05-01

We combine data from the Millennium Galaxy Catalogue, Sloan Digital Sky Survey and UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey Large Area Survey to produce ugrizYJHK luminosity functions and densities from within a common, low-redshift volume (z < 0.1, ~ 71000h-31 Mpc3 for L* systems) with 100 per cent spectroscopic completeness. In the optical the fitted Schechter functions are comparable in shape to those previously reported values but with higher normalizations (typically 0, 30, 20, 15, 5 per cent higher φ* values in u, g, r, i, z, respectively, over those reported by the SDSS team). We attribute these to differences in the redshift ranges probed, incompleteness and adopted normalization methods. In the near-IR (NIR) we find significantly different Schechter function parameters (mainly in the M* values) to those previously reported and attribute this to the improvement in the quality of the imaging data over previous studies. This is the first homogeneous measurement of the extragalactic luminosity density which fully samples both the optical and NIR regimes. Unlike previous compilations that have noted a discontinuity between the optical and NIR regimes our homogeneous data set shows a smooth cosmic spectral energy distribution (CSED). After correcting for dust attenuation we compare our CSED to the expected values based on recent constraints on the cosmic star formation history and the initial mass function.

Co-occurring substance-related and behavioral addiction problems: A person-centered, lay epidemiology approach.

PubMed

Konkolÿ Thege, Barna; Hodgins, David C; Wild, T Cameron

2016-12-01

Background and aims The aims of this study were (a) to describe the prevalence of single versus multiple addiction problems in a large representative sample and (b) to identify distinct subgroups of people experiencing substance-related and behavioral addiction problems. Methods A random sample of 6,000 respondents from Alberta, Canada, completed survey items assessing self-attributed problems experienced in the past year with four substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine) and six behaviors (gambling, eating, shopping, sex, video gaming, and work). Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to classify patterns of co-occurring addiction problems on an analytic subsample of 2,728 respondents (1,696 women and 1032 men; M age  = 45.1 years, SD age  = 13.5 years) who reported problems with one or more of the addictive behaviors in the previous year. Results In the total sample, 49.2% of the respondents reported zero, 29.8% reported one, 13.1% reported two, and 7.9% reported three or more addiction problems in the previous year. Cluster-analytic results suggested a 7-group solution. Members of most clusters were characterized by multiple addiction problems; the average number of past year addictive behaviors in cluster members ranged between 1 (Cluster II: excessive eating only) and 2.5 (Cluster VII: excessive video game playing with the frequent co-occurrence of smoking, excessive eating and work). Discussion and conclusions Our findings replicate previous results indicating that about half of the adult population struggles with at least one excessive behavior in a given year; however, our analyses revealed a higher number of co-occurring addiction clusters than typically found in previous studies.

Co-occurring substance-related and behavioral addiction problems: A person-centered, lay epidemiology approach

PubMed Central

Konkolÿ Thege, Barna; Hodgins, David C.; Wild, T. Cameron

2016-01-01

Background and aims The aims of this study were (a) to describe the prevalence of single versus multiple addiction problems in a large representative sample and (b) to identify distinct subgroups of people experiencing substance-related and behavioral addiction problems. Methods A random sample of 6,000 respondents from Alberta, Canada, completed survey items assessing self-attributed problems experienced in the past year with four substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine) and six behaviors (gambling, eating, shopping, sex, video gaming, and work). Hierarchical cluster analyses were used to classify patterns of co-occurring addiction problems on an analytic subsample of 2,728 respondents (1,696 women and 1032 men; Mage = 45.1 years, SDage = 13.5 years) who reported problems with one or more of the addictive behaviors in the previous year. Results In the total sample, 49.2% of the respondents reported zero, 29.8% reported one, 13.1% reported two, and 7.9% reported three or more addiction problems in the previous year. Cluster-analytic results suggested a 7-group solution. Members of most clusters were characterized by multiple addiction problems; the average number of past year addictive behaviors in cluster members ranged between 1 (Cluster II: excessive eating only) and 2.5 (Cluster VII: excessive video game playing with the frequent co-occurrence of smoking, excessive eating and work). Discussion and conclusions Our findings replicate previous results indicating that about half of the adult population struggles with at least one excessive behavior in a given year; however, our analyses revealed a higher number of co-occurring addiction clusters than typically found in previous studies. PMID:27829288

Modeling the Water - Quality Effects of Changes to the Klamath River Upstream of Keno Dam, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sullivan, Annett B.; Sogutlugil, I. Ertugrul; Rounds, Stewart A.; Deas, Michael L.

2013-01-01

The Link River to Keno Dam (Link-Keno) reach of the Klamath River, Oregon, generally has periods of water-quality impairment during summer, including low dissolved oxygen, elevated concentrations of ammonia and algae, and high pH. Efforts are underway to improve water quality in this reach through a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program and other management and operational actions. To assist in planning, a hydrodynamic and water-quality model was used in this study to provide insight about how various actions could affect water quality in the reach. These model scenarios used a previously developed and calibrated CE-QUAL-W2 model of the Link-Keno reach developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Watercourse Engineering Inc., and the Bureau of Reclamation for calendar years 2006-09 (referred to as the "USGS model" in this report). Another model of the same river reach was previously developed by Tetra Tech, Inc. and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for years 2000 and 2002 and was used in the TMDL process; that model is referred to as the "TMDL model" in this report. This report includes scenarios that (1) assess the effect of TMDL allocations on water quality, (2) provide insight on certain aspects of the TMDL model, (3) assess various methods to improve water quality in this reach, and (4) examine possible water-quality effects of a future warmer climate. Results presented in this report for the first 5 scenarios supersede or augment those that were previously published (scenarios 1 and 2 in Sullivan and others [2011], 3 through 5 in Sullivan and others [2012]); those previous results are still valid, but the results for those scenarios in this report are more current.

Biomarker of Exposure and Mechanism of Action of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

Quarterly Report for the period January 1, 2013-March 31, 2013. Using the sensitive and highly selective MRM approach described in that Quarterly...undetectable. This indicates that our LC-MS method is applicable to both high and low exposure levels. Second, the MRM method used on these samples is...toxicity of AN. First is that it can be metabolized in the body to cyanide, a well-known acute toxin. However, we have previously shown that

Purification of swine haptoglobin by affinity chromatography.

PubMed Central

Eurell, T E; Hall, W F; Bane, D P

1990-01-01

A globin-agarose affinity chromatography technique was used to purify swine haptoglobin. This technique provides a highly specific, single-step purification method without the contamination of extraneous serum proteins reported by previous studies. Complex formation between the haptoglobin isolate and swine hemoglobin confirmed that biological activity was maintained during the purification process. Immunoelectrophoretic and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion methods revealed that the swine haptoglobin isolate cross-reacted with polyvalent antisera against human haptoglobin. Images Fig. 2. Fig. 3. PMID:2123414

A Delphi forecast of technology in education

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, B. E.

1973-01-01

The results are reported of a Delphi forecast of the utilization and social impacts of large-scale educational telecommunications technology. The focus is on both forecasting methodology and educational technology. The various methods of forecasting used by futurists are analyzed from the perspective of the most appropriate method for a prognosticator of educational technology, and review and critical analysis are presented of previous forecasts and studies. Graphic responses, summarized comments, and a scenario of education in 1990 are presented.

Effects of ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 on cell fusion through a microslit.

PubMed

Wada, Ken-Ichi; Hosokawa, Kazuo; Ito, Yoshihiro; Maeda, Mizuo

2015-11-01

We previously reported a direct cytoplasmic transfer method using a microfluidic device, in which cell fusion was induced through a microslit (slit-through-fusion) by the Sendai virus envelope (HVJ-E) to prevent nuclear mixing. However, the method was impractical due to low efficiency of slit-through-fusion formation and insufficient prevention of nuclear mixing. The purpose of this study was to establish an efficient method for inducing slit-through-fusion without nuclear mixing. We hypothesized that modulation of cytoskeletal component can decrease nuclear migration through the microslit considering its functions. Here we report that supplementation with Y-27632, a specific ROCK inhibitor, significantly enhances cell fusion induction and prevention of nuclear mixing. Supplementation with Y-27632 increased the formation of slit-through-fusion efficiency by more than twofold. Disruption of F-actin by Y-27632 prevented nuclear migration between fused cells through the microslit. These two effects of Y-27632 led to promotion of the slit-through-fusion without nuclear mixing with a 16.5-fold higher frequency compared to our previous method (i.e., cell fusion induction by HVJ-E without supplementation with Y-27632). We also confirmed that mitochondria were successfully transferred to the fusion partner under conditions of Y-27632 supplementation. These findings demonstrate the practicality of our cell fusion system in producing direct cytoplasmic transfer between live cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Method for Multiplexed Measurement of Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Activity*

PubMed Central

Gray, Lawrence R.; Rauckhorst, Adam J.; Taylor, Eric B.

2016-01-01

The discovery that the MPC1 and MPC2 genes encode the protein components of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) has invigorated studies of mitochondrial pyruvate transport and its regulation in normal and disease states. Indeed, recent reports have demonstrated MPC involvement in the control of cell fate in cancer and gluconeogenesis in models of type 2 diabetes. Biochemical measurements of MPC activity are foundational for understanding the role of pyruvate transport in health and disease. We developed a 96-well scaled method of [14C]pyruvate uptake that markedly decreases sample requirements and increases throughput relative to previous techniques. This method was applied to determine the mouse liver MPC Km (28.0 ± 3.9 μm) and Vmax (1.08 ± 0.05 nmol/min/mg), which have not previously been reported. Km and Vmax of the rat liver MPC were found to be 71.2 ± 17 μm and 1.42 ± 0.14 nmol/min/mg, respectively. Additionally, we performed parallel pyruvate uptake and oxidation experiments with the same biological samples and show differential results in response to fasting, demonstrating the continued importance of a direct MPC activity assay. We expect this method will be of value for understanding the contribution of the MPC activity to health and disease states where pyruvate metabolism is expected to play a prominent role. PMID:26823462

Forensic Facial Reconstruction: The Final Frontier.

PubMed

Gupta, Sonia; Gupta, Vineeta; Vij, Hitesh; Vij, Ruchieka; Tyagi, Nutan

2015-09-01

Forensic facial reconstruction can be used to identify unknown human remains when other techniques fail. Through this article, we attempt to review the different methods of facial reconstruction reported in literature. There are several techniques of doing facial reconstruction, which vary from two dimensional drawings to three dimensional clay models. With the advancement in 3D technology, a rapid, efficient and cost effective computerized 3D forensic facial reconstruction method has been developed which has brought down the degree of error previously encountered. There are several methods of manual facial reconstruction but the combination Manchester method has been reported to be the best and most accurate method for the positive recognition of an individual. Recognition allows the involved government agencies to make a list of suspected victims'. This list can then be narrowed down and a positive identification may be given by the more conventional method of forensic medicine. Facial reconstruction allows visual identification by the individual's family and associates to become easy and more definite.

A Resource-Oriented Functional Approach to English Language Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Jia

2018-01-01

This article reports on a case study that investigates the learning preferences and strategies of Chinese students learning English as a second language (ESL) in Canadian school settings. It focuses on the interaction between second language (L2) learning methods that the students have adopted from their previous learning experience in China and…

Computer Aided Phenomenography: The Role of Leximancer Computer Software in Phenomenographic Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Penn-Edwards, Sorrel

2010-01-01

The qualitative research methodology of phenomenography has traditionally required a manual sorting and analysis of interview data. In this paper I explore a potential means of streamlining this procedure by considering a computer aided process not previously reported upon. Two methods of lexicological analysis, manual and automatic, were examined…

Disadvantaged Youth Report Less Negative Emotion to Minor Stressors When with Peers: An Experience Sampling Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uink, Bep Norma; Modecki, Kathryn Lynn; Barber, Bonnie L.

2017-01-01

Previous Experience Sampling Method (ESM) studies demonstrate that adolescents' daily emotional states are heavily influenced by their immediate social context. However, despite adolescence being a risk period for exposure to daily stressors, research has yet to examine the influence of peers on adolescents' emotional responses to stressors…

An Evaluation of Student Team Teaching in Sophomore Physics Classes. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thrasher, Paul H.

In the present document the effectiveness of a student team teaching technique is evaluated in comparison with the lecture method. The team teaching technique, previously used for upper division and graduate physics courses, was, for this study, used in a sophomore physics, electricity and magnetism course for engineers, mathematicians, chemists,…

Early Behavioral Intervention Is Associated with Normalized Brain Activity in Young Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dawson, Geraldine; Jones, Emily J. H.; Merkle, Kristen; Venema, Kaitlin; Lowy, Rachel; Faja, Susan; Kamara, Dana; Murias, Michael; Greenson, Jessica; Winter, Jamie; Smith, Milani; Rogers, Sally J.; Webb, Sara J.

2012-01-01

Objective: A previously published randomized clinical trial indicated that a developmental behavioral intervention, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), resulted in gains in IQ, language, and adaptive behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. This report describes a secondary outcome measurement from this trial, EEG activity. Method:…

Comparative Study of School Principals' Leadership Practices: Lessons for Chile from a Cross-Country Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marfan, Javiera; Pascual, Javier

2018-01-01

The article reports the results of a cross-country educational research project that uses quantitative methods to identify school leadership practices and contextual characteristics that contribute to explain student achievement in Chile, considering international comparisons. The results question previous evidence about a common repertoire of…

Attitudes of College Freshmen toward Bibliographic Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leighton, Gordon B.; Markman, Marsha C.

1991-01-01

Reports on a study which evaluated student attitudes toward a new bibliographic instruction (BI) manual designed to address their individual needs and compares the results with those of previous studies on BI methods, i.e., lecture and discussion practicum versus a self-guided workbook. It is concluded that the new manual is regarded more…

Preferences Regarding School Sexuality Education among Elementary Schoolchildren's Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dake, Joseph A.; Price, James H.; Baksovich, Christine M.; Wielinski, Margaret

2014-01-01

Background: A comprehensive review of the literature failed to find any studies to assess elementary school parents' preferred philosophical approach to teaching sexuality education and sexuality education topics discussed by parents. All previous research reported parent data for grades K-12 or grades 9-12 only. Methods: A random sample of 2400…

Comparison of quantitative PCR assays for Escherichia coli targeting ribosomal RNA and single copy genes

EPA Science Inventory

Aims: Compare specificity and sensitivity of quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting single and multi-copy gene regions of Escherichia coli. Methods and Results: A previously reported assay targeting the uidA gene (uidA405) was used as the basis for comparing the taxono...

Online Survey on Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners with Disabilities. Report 13

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albus, Deb; Shyyan, Vitaliy; Thurlow, Martha L.

2006-01-01

The current study, an online survey about instructional strategies for English language learners (ELLs) with disabilities, was designed to build on the findings of the previous study about educator perceptions of instructional strategies. Although the current study did not use consensus building methods, it was similarly designed to obtain…

Haemophilus haemolyticus Isolates Causing Clinical Disease

PubMed Central

Wang, Xin; Briere, Elizabeth C.; Katz, Lee S.; Cohn, Amanda C.; Clark, Thomas A.; Messonnier, Nancy E.; Mayer, Leonard W.

2012-01-01

We report seven cases of Haemophilus haemolyticus invasive disease detected in the United States, which were previously misidentified as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae. All cases had different symptoms and presentations. Our study suggests that a testing scheme that includes reliable PCR assays and standard microbiological methods should be used in order to improve H. haemolyticus identification. PMID:22573587

Haemophilus haemolyticus isolates causing clinical disease.

PubMed

Anderson, Raydel; Wang, Xin; Briere, Elizabeth C; Katz, Lee S; Cohn, Amanda C; Clark, Thomas A; Messonnier, Nancy E; Mayer, Leonard W

2012-07-01

We report seven cases of Haemophilus haemolyticus invasive disease detected in the United States, which were previously misidentified as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae. All cases had different symptoms and presentations. Our study suggests that a testing scheme that includes reliable PCR assays and standard microbiological methods should be used in order to improve H. haemolyticus identification.

A Cross-Lagged Longitudinal Study of Relations between Academic Achievement and Korean Adolescent Delinquency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Julie

2013-01-01

Objective: Previous studies have shown that academic achievement has a significant effect on juvenile delinquency, with the reverse reported as well. This study, therefore, examined the reciprocal causal relationships between academic achievement and juvenile delinquency. Methods: The participants were 3449 Korean adolescents (mean age 13.2 years,…

Burning and chopping for woodpeckers and wiregrass?

Treesearch

Joan L. Walker; Brian P. van Eerden; David Robinson; Mike Hausch

2004-01-01

To restore red-cockaded woodpecker habitat managers must reduce hardwoods while maintaining native ground cover. Fire, chemical, and mechanical methods are used alone or in combination to reduce oaks. Previous studies have reported selected single treatment effects (e.g., Outcalt and Lewis 1990, Robbins and Myers 1992, Glitzenstein et al. 1995, Provencher et al. 2001...

Controlled Multivariate Evaluation of Open Education: Application of a Critical Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sewell, Alan F.; And Others

This paper continues previous reports of a controlled multivariate evaluation of a junior high school open-education program. A new method of estimating program objectives and implementation is presented, together with the nature and degree of obtained student outcomes. Open-program students were found to approve more highly of their learning…

Teaching Complex Dynamic Systems to Young Students with StarLogo

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klopfer, Eric; Yoon, Susan; Um, Tricia

2005-01-01

In this paper, we report on a program of study called Adventures in Modeling that challenges the traditional scientific method approach in science classrooms using StarLogo modeling software. Drawing upon previous successful efforts with older students, and the related work of other projects working with younger students, we explore: (a) What can…

The role of moisture content in above-ground leaching

Treesearch

Stan Lebow; Patricia Lebow

2007-01-01

This paper reviews previous reports on the moisture content of wood exposed above ground and compares those values to moisture contents obtained using simulated rainfall and immersion methods. Laboratory leaching trials with CCA-treated specimens were also conducted and the results compared to published values for leaching of CCA-treated specimens exposed above ground...

Half-lives of 101Rh g and 108Ag m

DOE PAGES

Shugart, Howard A.; Browne, Edgardo; Norman, Eric B.

2018-02-20

Using long-term gamma-ray spectroscopy with high resolution germanium detectors and a ratio method, the half-lives of 101Rh g and 108Ag m have been determined to be 4.07 ± 0.05 years and 448 ± 27 years, respectively. These results are then compared with previously reported values.

Inhibitory Control in Childhood Stuttering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eggers, Kurt; De Nil, Luc F.; Van den Bergh, Bea R. H.

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether previously reported parental questionnaire-based differences in inhibitory control (IC; Eggers, De Nil, & Van den Bergh, 2010) would be supported by direct measurement of IC using a computer task. Method: Participants were 30 children who stutter (CWS; mean age = 7;05 years) and 30…

Auditory Attentional Set-Shifting and Inhibition in Children Who Stutter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eggers, Kurt; Jansson-Verkasalo, Eira

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether previously reported parental questionnaire-based differences in attentional shifting and inhibitory control (AS and IC; Eggers, De Nil, & Van den Bergh, 2010) would be supported by direct measurement of AS and IC using a computer task. Method: Participants were 16 Finnish children…

Half-lives of 101Rh g and 108Ag m

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

Shugart, Howard A.; Browne, Edgardo; Norman, Eric B.

Using long-term gamma-ray spectroscopy with high resolution germanium detectors and a ratio method, the half-lives of 101Rh g and 108Ag m have been determined to be 4.07 ± 0.05 years and 448 ± 27 years, respectively. These results are then compared with previously reported values.

Half-lives of 101 Rh g and 108 Ag m

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

Shugart, H.; Browne, E.; Norman, E.

Using long-term gamma-ray spectroscopy with high resolution germanium detectors and a ratio method, the half-lives of 101Rhg and 108Agm have been determined to be 4.07 ± 0.05 years and 448 ± 27 years, respectively. These results are compared with previously reported values.

Localization microscopy of DNA in situ using Vybrant(®) DyeCycle™ Violet fluorescent probe: A new approach to study nuclear nanostructure at single molecule resolution.

PubMed

Żurek-Biesiada, Dominika; Szczurek, Aleksander T; Prakash, Kirti; Mohana, Giriram K; Lee, Hyun-Keun; Roignant, Jean-Yves; Birk, Udo J; Dobrucki, Jurek W; Cremer, Christoph

2016-05-01

Higher order chromatin structure is not only required to compact and spatially arrange long chromatids within a nucleus, but have also important functional roles, including control of gene expression and DNA processing. However, studies of chromatin nanostructures cannot be performed using conventional widefield and confocal microscopy because of the limited optical resolution. Various methods of superresolution microscopy have been described to overcome this difficulty, like structured illumination and single molecule localization microscopy. We report here that the standard DNA dye Vybrant(®) DyeCycle™ Violet can be used to provide single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) images of DNA in nuclei of fixed mammalian cells. This SMLM method enabled optical isolation and localization of large numbers of DNA-bound molecules, usually in excess of 10(6) signals in one cell nucleus. The technique yielded high-quality images of nuclear DNA density, revealing subdiffraction chromatin structures of the size in the order of 100nm; the interchromatin compartment was visualized at unprecedented optical resolution. The approach offers several advantages over previously described high resolution DNA imaging methods, including high specificity, an ability to record images using a single wavelength excitation, and a higher density of single molecule signals than reported in previous SMLM studies. The method is compatible with DNA/multicolor SMLM imaging which employs simple staining methods suited also for conventional optical microscopy. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Sea level rise from the Greenland Ice Sheet during the Eemian interglacial: Review of previous work with focus on the surface mass balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plach, Andreas; Hestnes Nisancioglu, Kerim

2016-04-01

The contribution from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) to the global sea level rise during the Eemian interglacial (about 125,000 year ago) was the focus of many studies in the past. A main reason for the interest in this period is the considerable warmer climate during the Eemian which is often seen as an equivalent for possible future climate conditions. Simulated sea level rise during the Eemian can therefore be used to better understand a possible future sea level rise. The most recent assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR5) gives an overview of several studies and discusses the possible implications for a future sea level rise. The report also reveals the big differences between these studies in terms of simulated GIS extent and corresponding sea level rise. The present study gives a more exhaustive review of previous work discussing sea level rise from the GIS during the Eemian interglacial. The smallest extents of the GIS simulated by various authors are shown and summarized. A focus is thereby given to the methods used to calculate the surface mass balance. A hypothesis of the present work is that the varying results of the previous studies can largely be explained due to the various methods used to calculate the surface mass balance. In addition, as a first step for future work, the surface mass balance of the GIS for a proxy-data derived forcing ("index method") and a direct forcing with a General Circulation Model (GCM) are shown and discussed.

Variable interpretation of ultrasonograms may contribute to variation in the reported incidence of white matter damage between newborn intensive care units in New Zealand

PubMed Central

Harris, D L; Bloomfield, F H; Teele, R L; Harding, J E

2006-01-01

Background The incidence of cerebral white matter damage reported to the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) varies between neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Hypothesis Differences in the capture, storage, and interpretation of the cerebral ultrasound scans could account for some of this variation. Methods A total of 255 infants of birth weight <1500 g and gestation <32 weeks born between 1997 and 2002 and drawn equally from each of the six NICUs in New Zealand were randomly selected from the ANZNN database. Half had early cerebral ultrasound scans previously reported to ANZNN as normal, and half had scans reported as abnormal. The original scans were copied, anonymised, and independently read by a panel of three experts using a standardised method of reviewing and reporting. Results There was considerable variation between NICUs in methods of image capture, quality, and completeness of the scans. There was only moderate agreement between the reviewers' reports and the original reports to the ANZNN (κ 0.45–0.51) and between the reviewers (κ 0.54–0.64). The reviewers reported three to six times more white matter damage than had been reported to the ANZNN. Conclusion Some of the reported variation in white matter damage between NICUs may be due to differences in capture and interpretation of cerebral ultrasound scans. PMID:16159954

Identification of genes related to proliferative diabetic retinopathy through RWR algorithm based on protein-protein interaction network.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian; Suo, Yan; Liu, Min; Xu, Xun

2018-06-01

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and can lead to blindness. Proteomic studies have provided insight into the pathogenesis of PDR and a series of PDR-related genes has been identified but are far from fully characterized because the experimental methods are expensive and time consuming. In our previous study, we successfully identified 35 candidate PDR-related genes through the shortest-path algorithm. In the current study, we developed a computational method using the random walk with restart (RWR) algorithm and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify potential PDR-related genes. After some possible genes were obtained by the RWR algorithm, a three-stage filtration strategy, which includes the permutation test, interaction test and enrichment test, was applied to exclude potential false positives caused by the structure of PPI network, the poor interaction strength, and the limited similarity on gene ontology (GO) terms and biological pathways. As a result, 36 candidate genes were discovered by the method which was different from the 35 genes reported in our previous study. A literature review showed that 21 of these 36 genes are supported by previous experiments. These findings suggest the robustness and complementary effects of both our efforts using different computational methods, thus providing an alternative method to study PDR pathogenesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous Determination of Procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide in Rat Plasma by Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Coupled with a Diode Array Detector and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats.

PubMed

Balla, Anusha; Cho, Kwan Hyung; Kim, Yu Chul; Maeng, Han-Joo

2018-03-30

A simple, sensitive, and reliable reversed-phase, Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a Diode Array Detector (DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of Procainamide (PA) and its major metabolite, N -acetylprocainamide (NAPA), in rat plasma was developed and validated. A simple deproteinization method with methanol was applied to the rat plasma samples, which were analyzed using UHPLC equipped with DAD at 280 nm, and a Synergi™ 4 µm polar, reversed-phase column using 1% acetic acid (pH 5.5) and methanol (76:24, v / v ) as eluent in isocratic mode at a flow rate 0.2 mL/min. The method showed good linearity ( r ² > 0.998) over the concentration range of 20-100,000 and 20-10,000 ng/mL for PA and NAPA, respectively. Intra- and inter-day accuracies ranged from 97.7 to 110.9%, and precision was <10.5% for PA and 99.7 to 109.2 and <10.5%, respectively, for NAPA. The lower limit of quantification was 20 ng/mL for both compounds. This is the first report of the UHPLC-DAD bioanalytical method for simultaneous measurement of PA and NAPA. The most obvious advantage of this method over previously reported HPLC methods is that it requires small sample and injection volumes, with a straightforward, one-step sample preparation. It overcomes the limitations of previous methods, which use large sample volume and complex sample preparation. The devised method was successfully applied to the quantification of PA and NAPA after an intravenous bolus administration of 10 mg/kg procainamide hydrochloride to rats.

Prediction of binding hot spot residues by using structural and evolutionary parameters

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

In this work, we present a method for predicting hot spot residues by using a set of structural and evolutionary parameters. Unlike previous studies, we use a set of parameters which do not depend on the structure of the protein in complex, so that the predictor can also be used when the interface region is unknown. Despite the fact that no information concerning proteins in complex is used for prediction, the application of the method to a compiled dataset described in the literature achieved a performance of 60.4%, as measured by F-Measure, corresponding to a recall of 78.1% and a precision of 49.5%. This result is higher than those reported by previous studies using the same data set. PMID:21637529

Validation of Automated White Matter Hyperintensity Segmentation

PubMed Central

Smart, Sean D.; Firbank, Michael J.; O'Brien, John T.

2011-01-01

Introduction. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common finding on MRI scans of older people and are associated with vascular disease. We compared 3 methods for automatically segmenting WMHs from MRI scans. Method. An operator manually segmented WMHs on MRI images from a 3T scanner. The scans were also segmented in a fully automated fashion by three different programmes. The voxel overlap between manual and automated segmentation was compared. Results. Between observer overlap ratio was 63%. Using our previously described in-house software, we had overlap of 62.2%. We investigated the use of a modified version of SPM segmentation; however, this was not successful, with only 14% overlap. Discussion. Using our previously reported software, we demonstrated good segmentation of WMHs in a fully automated fashion. PMID:21904678

The frequency of previously undetectable deletions involving 3' Exons of the PMS2 gene.

PubMed

Vaughn, Cecily P; Baker, Christine L; Samowitz, Wade S; Swensen, Jeffrey J

2013-01-01

Lynch syndrome is characterized by mutations in one of four mismatch repair genes, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2. Clinical mutation analysis of these genes includes sequencing of exonic regions and deletion/duplication analysis. However, detection of deletions and duplications in PMS2 has previously been confined to Exons 1-11 due to gene conversion between PMS2 and the pseudogene PMS2CL in the remaining 3' exons (Exons 12-15). We have recently described an MLPA-based method that permits detection of deletions of PMS2 Exons 12-15; however, the frequency of such deletions has not yet been determined. To address this question, we tested for 3' deletions in 58 samples that were reported to be negative for PMS2 mutations using previously available methods. All samples were from individuals whose tumors exhibited loss of PMS2 immunohistochemical staining without concomitant loss of MLH1 immunostaining. We identified seven samples in this cohort with deletions in the 3' region of PMS2, including three previously reported samples with deletions of Exons 13-15 (two samples) and Exons 14-15. Also detected were deletions of Exons 12-15, Exon 13, and Exon 14 (two samples). Breakpoint analysis of the intragenic deletions suggests they occurred through Alu-mediated recombination. Our results indicate that ∼12% of samples suspected of harboring a PMS2 mutation based on immunohistochemical staining, for which mutations have not yet been identified, would benefit from testing using the new methodology. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Faintest WISE Debris Disks: Enhanced Methods for Detection and Verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Rahul I.; Metchev, Stanimir A.; Heinze, Aren; Trollo, Joseph

2017-02-01

In an earlier study, we reported nearly 100 previously unknown dusty debris disks around Hipparcos main-sequence stars within 75 pc by selecting stars with excesses in individual WISE colors. Here, we further scrutinize the Hipparcos 75 pc sample to (1) gain sensitivity to previously undetected, fainter mid-IR excesses and (2) remove spurious excesses contaminated by previously unidentified blended sources. We improve on our previous method by adopting a more accurate measure of the confidence threshold for excess detection and by adding an optimally weighted color average that incorporates all shorter-wavelength WISE photometry, rather than using only individual WISE colors. The latter is equivalent to spectral energy distribution fitting, but only over WISE bandpasses. In addition, we leverage the higher-resolution WISE images available through the unWISE.me image service to identify contaminated WISE excesses based on photocenter offsets among the W3- and W4-band images. Altogether, we identify 19 previously unreported candidate debris disks. Combined with the results from our earlier study, we have found a total of 107 new debris disks around 75 pc Hipparcos main-sequence stars using precisely calibrated WISE photometry. This expands the 75 pc debris disk sample by 22% around Hipparcos main-sequence stars and by 20% overall (including non-main-sequence and non-Hipparcos stars).

Groin Problems in Male Soccer Players Are More Common Than Previously Reported.

PubMed

Harøy, Joar; Clarsen, Ben; Thorborg, Kristian; Hölmich, Per; Bahr, Roald; Andersen, Thor Einar

2017-05-01

The majority of surveillance studies in soccer have used a time-loss injury definition, and many groin problems result from overuse, leading to gradually increasing pain and/or reduced performance without necessarily causing an absence from soccer training or match play. Thus, the magnitude of groin problems in soccer has probably been underestimated in previous studies based on traditional injury surveillance methods. To investigate the prevalence of groin problems among soccer players of both sexes and among male soccer players at different levels of play through a new surveillance method developed to capture acute and overuse problems. Descriptive epidemiology study. We registered groin problems during a 6-week period of match congestion using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. A total of 240 players from 15 teams across different levels of play and from both sexes were included, and they responded to the weekly questionnaire. We calculated the average weekly prevalence of all groin problems and substantial groin problems. Of the 240 players, 112 male players (59%) and 20 female players (45%) reported at least 1 episode of groin problems. The average weekly prevalence of any groin problem and substantial groin problem for all male players was 29% (range, 23%-32% across different levels) and 10% (7%-13%), respectively. Elite male players had an increased risk of experiencing groin problems (odds ratio: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5-6.4, P = .03) compared with elite female players. There was no difference in the risk of experiencing groin problems among elite, subelite, and amateur male players. For substantial problems, there was no difference between elite male and elite female players or among levels of play for senior male soccer players. We found a high prevalence of groin problems among male soccer players during a period with match congestion. Time-loss definition as used in previous injury surveillance studies captured only one-third of the male groin problems registered with the new method. Elite male players had 3 times' higher risk of reporting groin problems as compared with elite female players, while playing level did not influence the risk of reporting a groin problem among males.

Refractory post visual internal urethrotomy bleeding managed by angioembolization

PubMed Central

Dhabalia, Jayesh V; Nelivigi, Girish G; Punia, Mahendra Singh; Kumar, Vikash

2010-01-01

Post visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) bleeding is usually treated successfully with local compression. Angioembolization for post VIU bleeding has not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge. This is a case report of a 55-year-old man who was referred with persistent per urethral bleeding around a Foley catheter, three days following VIU. When standard methods of treatment were unsuccessful, the bleeding was controlled by embolizing the bulbourethral artery with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. PMID:20351990

Double arch mirror study. Part 3: Fabrication and test report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vukobratovich, D.; Hillman, D.

1983-01-01

A method of mounting a cryogenically cooled, lightweight, double arch, glass mirror was developed for infrared, astronomical telescopes such as the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). A 50 cm, fused silica mirror which was previously fabricated was modified for use with a new mount configuration. This mount concept was developed. The modification of the mirror, the fabrication of the mirror mount, and the room temperature testing of the mounted mirror are reported. A design for a SIRTF class primary mirror is suggested.

Guidance for Planning and Conduct of Field Exercises at the Maneuver Company Level. Improved Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP) Methods for Unit Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

SECURITY CLA,$S (of this report) Unclassified 15a. DECLASSI FICATION/ DOWNGRADING SCHEDULE 16. DISTRIEBJTiON. STATEMENIT (of this Report) Approved for...evaluation plan sketch is essentially a preliminary schedule out- lining the order by day and time of day that the ARTEP missions previously selected (see...individual plans, which parallel the normal coordinating staff functions, are as follows: * The Schedule of Events - includes a list of major missions

Validation of mega composite sampling and nationwide mass inventories for 26 previously unmonitored contaminants in archived biosolids from the U.S National Biosolids Repository

PubMed Central

Chari, Bipin P.; Halden, Rolf U.

2012-01-01

In the present study, archived U.S biosolids from the 2001 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Sewage Sludge Survey were analyzed with an expanded U.S EPA Method 1694, to determine the occurrence of 26 previously unmonitored pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) among a total of 120 analytes. The study further served to examine the reproducibility of a mega-composite approach for creating chemical mass inventories in biosolids based on pooled samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) nationwide. Five mega-composites reflecting 94 WWTPs in 32 states and the District of Columbia were constructed from archived biosolids and analyzed by LC/ESI-MS/MS using a newly introduced analytical method expanding upon U.S EPA Method 1694. In addition, soil-biosolids mixtures from a mesocosm setup were analyzed to experimentally determine the half-lives of biosolids-borne compounds applied on U.S land. Among 59 analytes detected, 33 had been reported previously, whereas 26 are reported in biosolids for the first time, at levels ranging from 1.65 to 673 μg kg−1 dry weight. Newly recognized biosolids constituents were identified as Ca2+ channel blockers, antidepressants, diuretics, β-blockers and analgesics. Using a mass balance approach, the total loading of these 26 pharmaceuticals to U.S soils from biosolids land application was estimated at 5–15 tons year−1. Past and present datasets for 30 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were determined to be statistically indistinguishable (paired t-test; p = 0.01). This study expands the list of PPCPs reported in U.S biosolids, provides the first estimates of nationwide release rates to and environmental half-lives in U.S agricultural soils, and confirms the utility of using mega-composite sampling for economical tracking of chemical inventories in biosolids on a national scale. PMID:22789759

Desflurane Hepatitis Associated with Hapten and Autoantigen-Specific IgG4 Antibodies

PubMed Central

Anderson, James S.; Rose, Noel R.; Martin, Jackie L.; Eger, Edmond I.; Njoku, Dolores B.

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Three cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been reported after desflurane anesthesia. However, no previous reports have detected serum autoantibodies such as that reported with DILI from halothane or isoflurane. METHODS AND RESULTS We describe the first documentation of cytochrome P450 2E1 IgG4 autoantibodies, as well as 58 kDa endoplasmic reticulum protein and trifluoroacetyl chloride hapten-specific IgG4 antibodies, in a patient who developed DILI after desflurane anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that allergic and autoimmune mechanisms have critical roles in the development of desflurane DILI. PMID:17513640

The surface area of soil organic matter

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chiou, C.T.; Lee, J.-F.; Boyd, S.A.

1990-01-01

The previously reported surface area for soil organic matter (SOM) of 560-800 m2/g as determined by the ethylene glycol (EG) retention method was reexamined by the standard BET method based on nitrogen adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature. Test samples consisted of two high organic content soils, a freeze-dried soil humic acid, and an oven-dried soil humic acid. The measured BET areas for these samples were less than 1 m2/g, except for the freeze-dried humic acid. The results suggest that surface adsorption of nonionic organic compounds by SOM is practically insignificant in comparison to uptake by partition. The discrepancy between the surface areas of SOM obtained by BET and EG methods was explained in terms of the 'free surface area' and the 'apparent surface area' associated with these measurements.The previously reported surface area for soil organic matter (SOM) of 560-800 m2/g as determined by the ethylene glycol (EG) retention method was reexamined by the standard BET method based on nitrogen adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature. Test samples consisted of two high organic content soils, a freeze-dried soil humic acid, and an oven-dried soil humic acid. The measured BET areas for these samples were less than 1 m2/g, except for the freeze-dried humic acid. The results suggest that surface adsorption of nonionic organic compounds by SOM is practically insignificant in comparison to uptake by partition. The discrepancy between the surface areas of SOM obtained by BET and EG methods was explained in terms of the 'free surface area' and the 'apparent surface area' associated with these measurements.

Yakima River Species Interactions Studies, Annual Report 1993.

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

Pearsons, Todd N.

Species interactions research was initiated in 1989 to investigate ecological interactions among fish in response to proposed supplementation of salmon and steelhead in the upper Yakima River basin. Data have been collected prior to supplementation to characterize the rainbow trout population, predict the potential interactions that may occur as a result of supplementation, and develop methods to monitor interactions. Major topics of this report are associated with the life history of rainbow trout, interactions experimentation, and methods for sampling. This report is organized into nine chapters with a general introduction preceding the first chapter and a general discussion following themore » last chapter. This annual report summarizes data collected primarily by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) between January 1 and December 31, 1993 in the upper Yakima basin above Roza Dam, however these data were compared to data from previous years to identify preliminary trends and patterns. Major preliminary findings from each of the chapters included in this report are described.« less

When ab ≠ c - c': published errors in the reports of single-mediator models.

PubMed

Petrocelli, John V; Clarkson, Joshua J; Whitmire, Melanie B; Moon, Paul E

2013-06-01

Accurate reports of mediation analyses are critical to the assessment of inferences related to causality, since these inferences are consequential for both the evaluation of previous research (e.g., meta-analyses) and the progression of future research. However, upon reexamination, approximately 15% of published articles in psychology contain at least one incorrect statistical conclusion (Bakker & Wicherts, Behavior research methods, 43, 666-678 2011), disparities that beget the question of inaccuracy in mediation reports. To quantify this question of inaccuracy, articles reporting standard use of single-mediator models in three high-impact journals in personality and social psychology during 2011 were examined. More than 24% of the 156 models coded failed an equivalence test (i.e., ab = c - c'), suggesting that one or more regression coefficients in mediation analyses are frequently misreported. The authors cite common sources of errors, provide recommendations for enhanced accuracy in reports of single-mediator models, and discuss implications for alternative methods.

Revisiting the Estimation of Dinosaur Growth Rates

PubMed Central

Myhrvold, Nathan P.

2013-01-01

Previous growth-rate studies covering 14 dinosaur taxa, as represented by 31 data sets, are critically examined and reanalyzed by using improved statistical techniques. The examination reveals that some previously reported results cannot be replicated by using the methods originally reported; results from new methods are in many cases different, in both the quantitative rates and the qualitative nature of the growth, from results in the prior literature. Asymptotic growth curves, which have been hypothesized to be ubiquitous, are shown to provide best fits for only four of the 14 taxa. Possible reasons for non-asymptotic growth patterns are discussed; they include systematic errors in the age-estimation process and, more likely, a bias toward younger ages among the specimens analyzed. Analysis of the data sets finds that only three taxa include specimens that could be considered skeletally mature (i.e., having attained 90% of maximum body size predicted by asymptotic curve fits), and eleven taxa are quite immature, with the largest specimen having attained less than 62% of predicted asymptotic size. The three taxa that include skeletally mature specimens are included in the four taxa that are best fit by asymptotic curves. The totality of results presented here suggests that previous estimates of both maximum dinosaur growth rates and maximum dinosaur sizes have little statistical support. Suggestions for future research are presented. PMID:24358133

Matched-filtering line search methods applied to Suzaku data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, Naoto; Yamada, Shin'ya; Enoto, Teruaki; Axelsson, Magnus; Ohashi, Takaya

2016-12-01

A detailed search for emission and absorption lines and an assessment of their upper limits are performed for Suzaku data. The method utilizes a matched-filtering approach to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio for a given energy resolution, which could be applicable to many types of line search. We first applied it to well-known active galactic nuclei spectra that have been reported to have ultra-fast outflows, and find that our results are consistent with previous findings at the ˜3σ level. We proceeded to search for emission and absorption features in two bright magnetars 4U 0142+61 and 1RXS J1708-4009, applying the filtering method to Suzaku data. We found that neither source showed any significant indication of line features, even using long-term Suzaku observations or dividing their spectra into spin phases. The upper limits on the equivalent width of emission/absorption lines are constrained to be a few eV at ˜1 keV and a few hundreds of eV at ˜10 keV. This strengthens previous reports that persistently bright magnetars do not show proton cyclotron absorption features in soft X-rays and, even if they exist, they would be broadened or much weaker than below the detection limit of X-ray CCD.

Novel Methods to Determine Feeder Locational PV Hosting Capacity and PV Impact Signatures

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

Reno, Matthew J.; Coogan, Kyle; Seuss, John

Often PV hosting capacity analysis is performed for a limited number of distribution feeders. For medium - voltage distribution feeders, previous results generally analyze less than 20 feeders, and then the results are extrapolated out to similar types of feeders. Previous hosting capacity research has often focused on determining a single value for the hosting capacity for the entire feeder, whereas this research expands previous hosting capacity work to investigate all the regions of the feeder that may allow many different hosting capacity values wit h an idea called locational hosting capacity (LHC)to determine the largest PV size that canmore » be interconnected at different locations (buses) on the study feeders. This report discusses novel methods for analyzing PV interconnections with advanced simulati on methods. The focus is feeder and location - specific impacts of PV that determine the locational PV hosting capacity. Feeder PV impact signature are used to more precisely determine the local maximum hosting capacity of individual areas of the feeder. T he feeder signature provides improved interconnection screening with certain zones that show the risk of impact to the distribution feeder from PV interconnections.« less

Poor methodological detail precludes experimental repeatability and hampers synthesis in ecology.

PubMed

Haddaway, Neal R; Verhoeven, Jos T A

2015-10-01

Despite the scientific method's central tenets of reproducibility (the ability to obtain similar results when repeated) and repeatability (the ability to replicate an experiment based on methods described), published ecological research continues to fail to provide sufficient methodological detail to allow either repeatability of verification. Recent systematic reviews highlight the problem, with one example demonstrating that an average of 13% of studies per year (±8.0 [SD]) failed to report sample sizes. The problem affects the ability to verify the accuracy of any analysis, to repeat methods used, and to assimilate the study findings into powerful and useful meta-analyses. The problem is common in a variety of ecological topics examined to date, and despite previous calls for improved reporting and metadata archiving, which could indirectly alleviate the problem, there is no indication of an improvement in reporting standards over time. Here, we call on authors, editors, and peer reviewers to consider repeatability as a top priority when evaluating research manuscripts, bearing in mind that legacy and integration into the evidence base can drastically improve the impact of individual research reports.

Diagnostic accuracy of different caries risk assessment methods. A systematic review.

PubMed

Senneby, Anna; Mejàre, Ingegerd; Sahlin, Nils-Eric; Svensäter, Gunnel; Rohlin, Madeleine

2015-12-01

To evaluate the accuracy of different methods used to identify individuals with increased risk of developing dental coronal caries. Studies on following methods were included: previous caries experience, tests using microbiota, buffering capacity, salivary flow rate, oral hygiene, dietary habits and sociodemographic variables. QUADAS-2 was used to assess risk of bias. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated. Quality of evidence based on ≥3 studies of a method was rated according to GRADE. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and reference lists of included publications were searched up to January 2015. From 5776 identified articles, 18 were included. Assessment of study quality identified methodological limitations concerning study design, test technology and reporting. No study presented low risk of bias in all domains. Three or more studies were found only for previous caries experience and salivary mutans streptococci and quality of evidence for these methods was low. Evidence regarding other methods was lacking. For previous caries experience, sensitivity ranged between 0.21 and 0.94 and specificity between 0.20 and 1. Tests using salivary mutans streptococci resulted in low sensitivity and high specificity. For children with primary teeth at baseline, pooled LR for a positive test was 3 for previous caries experience and 4 for salivary mutans streptococci, given a threshold ≥10(5) CFU/ml. Evidence on the validity of analysed methods used for caries risk assessment is limited. As methodological quality was low, there is a need to improve study design. Low validity for the analysed methods may lead to patients with increased risk not being identified, whereas some are falsely identified as being at risk. As caries risk assessment guides individualized decisions on interventions and intervals for patient recall, improved performance based on best evidence is greatly needed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pharmacy claims data versus patient self-report to measure contraceptive method continuation.

PubMed

Triebwasser, Jourdan E; Higgins, Stephanie; Secura, Gina M; Zhao, Qiuhong; Peipert, Jeffrey F

2015-07-01

To compare self-reported 12-month continuation of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), patch, and ring versus continuation by pharmacy claims data. Women in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project who chose OCPs, the patch, or the ring as their initial method were included. Continuation was assessed by periodic telephone survey and by obtaining prescription claims data. Continuation was defined as no gap of more than 30 days. Kaplan-Meier survival functions were used to estimate continuation rates and cumulative unintended pregnancy rates. Kappa statistic assessed the level of agreement between self-report and claims data. We analyzed 1510 women who initiated use by 3 months and provided information on discontinuation. Of OCP users, 59% continued their method at 12 months by self-report versus 38% by pharmacy claims. Patch and ring users had self-reported/pharmacy continuation of 45%/28% and 57%/37%, respectively. Kappa coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals between the two measurements were 0.46 (0.40, 0.52), 0.54 (0.39, 0.68), and 0.54 (0.47, 0.61) for OCP, patch, and ring, respectively. Among women who self-reported continuation, unintended pregnancy rates were 0.4% in those who continued by pharmacy claims versus 4.9% in those who discontinued according to claims data. Contraceptive continuation rates differ by self-report versus pharmacy claims with women overestimating their continuation by self-report. This article directly compares contraception continuation rates by self-report and by pharmacy claims data. The study suggests that previously reported continuation rates from survey data overestimate specific method use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New decision criteria for selecting delta check methods based on the ratio of the delta difference to the width of the reference range can be generally applicable for each clinical chemistry test item.

PubMed

Park, Sang Hyuk; Kim, So-Young; Lee, Woochang; Chun, Sail; Min, Won-Ki

2012-09-01

Many laboratories use 4 delta check methods: delta difference, delta percent change, rate difference, and rate percent change. However, guidelines regarding decision criteria for selecting delta check methods have not yet been provided. We present new decision criteria for selecting delta check methods for each clinical chemistry test item. We collected 811,920 and 669,750 paired (present and previous) test results for 27 clinical chemistry test items from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. We devised new decision criteria for the selection of delta check methods based on the ratio of the delta difference to the width of the reference range (DD/RR). Delta check methods based on these criteria were compared with those based on the CV% of the absolute delta difference (ADD) as well as those reported in 2 previous studies. The delta check methods suggested by new decision criteria based on the DD/RR ratio corresponded well with those based on the CV% of the ADD except for only 2 items each in inpatients and outpatients. Delta check methods based on the DD/RR ratio also corresponded with those suggested in the 2 previous studies, except for 1 and 7 items in inpatients and outpatients, respectively. The DD/RR method appears to yield more feasible and intuitive selection criteria and can easily explain changes in the results by reflecting both the biological variation of the test item and the clinical characteristics of patients in each laboratory. We suggest this as a measure to determine delta check methods.

Node-making process in network meta-analysis of nonpharmacological treatment are poorly reported.

PubMed

James, Arthur; Yavchitz, Amélie; Ravaud, Philippe; Boutron, Isabelle

2018-05-01

To identify methods to support the node-making process in network meta-analyses (NMAs) of nonpharmacological treatments. We proceeded in two stages. First, we conducted a literature review of guidelines and methodological articles about NMAs to identify methods proposed to lump interventions into nodes. Second, we conducted a systematic review of NMAs of nonpharmacological treatments to extract methods used by authors to support their node-making process. MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched to identify articles assessing NMA guidelines or methodology intended for NMA authors. MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched to identify reports of NMAs including at least one nonpharmacological treatment. Both searches involved articles available from database inception to March 2016. From the methodological review, we identified and extracted methods proposed to lump interventions into nodes. From the systematic review, the reporting of the network was assessed as long as the method described supported the node-making process. Among the 116 articles retrieved in the literature review, 12 (10%) discussed the concept of lumping or splitting interventions in NMAs. No consensual method was identified during the methodological review, and expert consensus was the only method proposed to support the node-making process. Among 5187 references for the systematic review, we included 110 reports of NMAs published between 2007 and 2016. The nodes were described in the introduction section of 88 reports (80%), which suggested that the node content might have been a priori decided before the systematic review. Nine reports (8.1%) described a specific process or justification to build nodes for the network. Two methods were identified: (1) fit a previously published classification and (2) expert consensus. Despite the importance of NMA in the delivery of evidence when several interventions are available for a single indication, recommendations on the reporting of the node-making process in NMAs are lacking, and reporting of the node-making process in NMAs seems insufficient. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-Throughput Fabrication Method for Producing a Silver-Nanoparticles-Doped Nanoclay Polymer Composite with Novel Synergistic Antibacterial Effects at the Material Interface.

PubMed

Cai, Shaobo; Pourdeyhimi, Behnam; Loboa, Elizabeth G

2017-06-28

In this study, we report a high-throughput fabrication method at industrial pilot scale to produce a silver-nanoparticles-doped nanoclay-polylactic acid composite with a novel synergistic antibacterial effect. The obtained nanocomposite has a significantly lower affinity for bacterial adhesion, allowing the loading amount of silver nanoparticles to be tremendously reduced while maintaining satisfactory antibacterial efficacy at the material interface. This is a great advantage for many antibacterial applications in which cost is a consideration. Furthermore, unlike previously reported methods that require additional chemical reduction processes to produce the silver-nanoparticles-doped nanoclay, an in situ preparation method was developed in which silver nanoparticles were created simultaneously during the composite fabrication process by thermal reduction. This is the first report to show that altered material surface submicron structures created with the loading of nanoclay enables the creation of a nanocomposite with significantly lower affinity for bacterial adhesion. This study provides a promising scalable approach to produce antibacterial polymeric products with minimal changes to industry standard equipment, fabrication processes, or raw material input cost.

Self-reported illness and household strategies for coping with health-care payments in Bangladesh

PubMed Central

Gilmour, Stuart; Saito, Eiko; Sultana, Papia; Shibuya, Kenji

2013-01-01

Abstract Objective To investigate self-reported illness and household strategies for coping with payments for health care in a city in Bangladesh. Methods A cluster-sampled probability survey of 1593 households in the city of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, was conducted in 2011. Multilevel logistic regression – with adjustment for any clustering within households – was used to examine the risk of self-reported illness in the previous 30 days. A multilevel Poisson regression model, with adjustment for clustering within households and individuals, was used to explore factors potentially associated with the risk of health-care-related “distress” financing (e.g. paying for health care by borrowing, selling, reducing food expenditure, removing children from school or performing additional paid work). Findings According to the interviewees, about 45% of the surveyed individuals had suffered at least one episode of illness in the previous 30 days. The most frequently reported illnesses among children younger than 5 years and adults were common tropical infections and noncommunicable diseases, respectively. The risks of self-reported illness in the previous 30 days were relatively high for adults older than 44 years, women and members of households in the poorest quintile. Distress financing, which had been implemented to cover health-care payments associated with 13% of the reported episodes, was significantly associated with heart and liver disease, asthma, typhoid, inpatient care, the use of public outpatient facilities, and poverty at the household level. Conclusion Despite the subsidization of public health services in Bangladesh, high prevalences of distress financing – and illness – were detected in the surveyed, urban households. PMID:24052682

Methods and formulas for calculating the strength of plate and shell constructions as used in airplane design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heck, O S; Ebner, H

1936-01-01

This report is a compilation of previously published articles on formulas and methods of calculation for the determination of the strength and stability of plate and shell construction as employed in airplane design. In particular, it treats the problem of isotropic, orthotopic, and stiffened rectangular plates, thin curved panels, and circular cylinders under various loading conditions. The purpose of appending the pertinent literature references following the subjects discussed was to facilitate a comprehensive study of the treated problems.

Practical uncertainty reduction and quantification in shock physics measurements

DOE PAGES

Akin, M. C.; Nguyen, J. H.

2015-04-20

We report the development of a simple error analysis sampling method for identifying intersections and inflection points to reduce total uncertainty in experimental data. This technique was used to reduce uncertainties in sound speed measurements by 80% over conventional methods. Here, we focused on its impact on a previously published set of Mo sound speed data and possible implications for phase transition and geophysical studies. However, this technique's application can be extended to a wide range of experimental data.

Transport Test Problems for Hybrid Methods Development

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

Shaver, Mark W.; Miller, Erin A.; Wittman, Richard S.

2011-12-28

This report presents 9 test problems to guide testing and development of hybrid calculations for the ADVANTG code at ORNL. These test cases can be used for comparing different types of radiation transport calculations, as well as for guiding the development of variance reduction methods. Cases are drawn primarily from existing or previous calculations with a preference for cases which include experimental data, or otherwise have results with a high level of confidence, are non-sensitive, and represent problem sets of interest to NA-22.

Organophosphorus pesticide poisonings in humans: determination of residues and metabolites in tissues and urine.

PubMed

Lores, E M; Bradway, D E; Moseman, R F

1978-01-01

The analyses of four organophosphorus pesticide poisoning cases, three of which resulted in death, are reported. The case histories of the subjects, along with the analysis of tissues, urine, and blood for the levels of pesticides and metabolites are given. The pesticides involved include dicrotophos, chlorpyrifos, malathion, and parathion. The methods of analysis were adapted from previously published methods that provide a very rapid means of identification of organophosphorus pesticides in the tissues or in the blood of poisoned patients.

New technique for treating pseudocyst of the auricle.

PubMed

Zhu, L X; Wang, X Y

1990-01-01

Although pseudocyst of the auricle is a common disease in China, its cause and mechanism are still not clear. Several methods of treatment have been advocated: repeated aspirations combined with physiotherapy, and incision and drainage with contour pressure dressing, magnetotherapy etc. In recent years, a new technique with a drainage tube inserted into the pseudocyst using a guide needle has been used in our hospital in the treatment of this condition. We report 45 cases treated by this method, none of whom had the condition previously.

Electropyroelectric technique: A methodology free of fitting procedures for thermal effusivity determination in liquids.

PubMed

Ivanov, R; Marin, E; Villa, J; Gonzalez, E; Rodríguez, C I; Olvera, J E

2015-06-01

This paper describes an alternative methodology to determine the thermal effusivity of a liquid sample using the recently proposed electropyroelectric technique, without fitting the experimental data with a theoretical model and without having to know the pyroelectric sensor related parameters, as in most previous reported approaches. The method is not absolute, because a reference liquid with known thermal properties is needed. Experiments have been performed that demonstrate the high reliability and accuracy of the method with measurement uncertainties smaller than 3%.

Internal carotid artery rupture caused by carotid shunt insertion

PubMed Central

Illuminati, Giulio; Caliò, Francesco G.; Pizzardi, Giulia; Vietri, Francesco

2015-01-01

Introduction Shunting is a well-accepted method of maintaining cerebral perfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Nonetheless, shunt insertion may lead to complications including arterial dissection, embolization, and thrombosis. We present a complication of shunt insertion consisting of arterial wall rupture, not reported previously. Presentation of case A 78-year-old woman underwent CEA combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). At the time of shunt insertion an arterial rupture at the distal tip of the shunt was detected and was repaired via a small saphenous vein patch. Eversion CEA and subsequent CABG completed the procedure whose postoperative course was uneventful. Discussion Shunting during combined CEA-CABG may be advisable to assure cerebral protection from possible hypoperfusion due to potential hemodynamic instability of patients with severe coronary artery disease. Awareness and prompt management of possible shunt-related complications, including the newly reported one, may contribute to limiting their harmful effect. Conclusion Arterial wall rupture is a possible, previously not reported, shunt-related complication to be aware of when performing CEA. PMID:26255001

Economic evaluation in collaborative hospital drug evaluation reports.

PubMed

Ortega, Ana; Fraga, María Dolores; Marín-Gil, Roberto; Lopez-Briz, Eduardo; Puigventós, Francesc; Dranitsaris, George

2015-09-01

economic evaluation is a fundamental criterion when deciding a drug's place in therapy. The MADRE method (Method for Assistance in making Decisions and Writing Drug Evaluation Reports) is widely used for drug evaluation. This method was developed by the GENESIS group of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), including economic evaluation. We intend to improve the economic aspects of this method. As for the direction to take, we have to first analyze our previous experiences with the current methodology and propose necessary improvements. economic evaluation sections in collaboratively conducted drug evaluation reports (as the scientific society, SEFH) with the MADRE method were reviewed retrospectively. thirty-two reports were reviewed, 87.5% of them included an economic evaluation conducted by authors and 65.6% contained published economic evaluations. In 90.6% of the reports, a Budget impact analysis was conducted. The cost per life year gained or per Quality Adjusted Life Year gained was present in 14 reports. Twenty-three reports received public comments regarding the need to improve the economic aspect. Main difficulties: low quality evidence in the target population, no comparative studies with a relevant comparator, non-final outcomes evaluated, no quality of life data, no fixed drug price available, dosing uncertainty, and different prices for the same drug. proposed improvements: incorporating different forms of aid for non-drug costs, survival estimation and adapting published economic evaluations; establishing criteria for drug price selection, decision-making in conditions of uncertainty and poor quality evidence, dose calculation and cost-effectiveness thresholds depending on different situations. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

LC-UV assay method and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS characterisation of saponins from Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (mate) unripe fruits.

PubMed

Peixoto, Maria Paula Garofo; Kaiser, Samuel; Verza, Simone Gasparin; de Resende, Pedro Ernesto; Treter, Janine; Pavei, Cabral; Borré, Gustavo Luís; Ortega, George González

2012-01-01

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (mate) is known in several South American countries because of the use of its leaves in stimulant herbal beverages. High saponin contents were reported in mate leaves and unripe fruits that possess a dissimilar composition. Two LC-UV methods previously reported for mate saponins assay focused on mate leaves and the quantification of the less polar saponin fraction in mate fruits. To develop and validate a LC-UV method to assay the total content of saponins in unripe mate fruits and characterise the chemical structure of triterpenic saponins by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. From unripe fruits of mate a crude ethanolic extract was prepared (EX40) and the mate saponin fraction (MSF) purified by solid phase extraction. The LC-UV method was validated using ilexoside II as external standard. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS was adjusted from the LC-UV method to obtain the fragmentation patterns of the main saponins present in unripe fruits. Both LC-UV and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS methods indicate a wide range of Ilex saponins polarity. The ilexoside II and total saponin content of EX40 were 8.20% (w/w) and 47.60% (w/w), respectively. The total saponin content in unripe fruits was 7.28% (w/w). The saponins present in MSF characterised by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS are derived mainly from ursolic/oleanolic, acetyl ursolic or pomolic acid. The validated LC-UV method was shown to be linear, precise, accurate and to cover several saponins previously isolated from Ilex species and could be applied for the quality control of unripe fruit saponins. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Performance of Renormalization Group Algebraic Turbulence Model on Boundary Layer Transition Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahn, Kyung H.

1994-01-01

The RNG-based algebraic turbulence model, with a new method of solving the cubic equation and applying new length scales, is introduced. An analysis is made of the RNG length scale which was previously reported and the resulting eddy viscosity is compared with those from other algebraic turbulence models. Subsequently, a new length scale is introduced which actually uses the two previous RNG length scales in a systematic way to improve the model performance. The performance of the present RNG model is demonstrated by simulating the boundary layer flow over a flat plate and the flow over an airfoil.

Do criminals go to the hospital when they are shot?

PubMed Central

May, J; Hemenway, D; Hall, A

2002-01-01

Setting: Five jails across the US. Methods: A survey of inmates being booked into jail, administered by in-house health care staff. Results: Over 90% of over 300 criminals who had been wounded sometime before their incarceration reported going to a hospital for treatment after being shot. These results are consistent with previous findings from one jail. Conclusions: Jail inmates who had previously been shot were likely to have been treated in a hospital. This limited finding is consistent with the proposition that hospital/emergency department data may miss only a small percentage of gunshot wounds to criminals. PMID:12226123

Methyl malondialdehyde is not suitable as an internal standard for malondialdehyde detection in urine after derivatisation with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.

PubMed

Korchazhkina, Olga; Yang, Ying

2004-07-05

A previously described method of measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) in human urine after derivatisation with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) was tested for a possibility of using methyl malondialdehyde (MeMDA) as an internal standard. Despite structural similarity, those compounds were found to produce different yields of derivatisation under the same conditions depending on urine matrix. We conclude, that MeMDA is not suitable as an internal standard for the measurement of MDA in urine under previously reported conditions when DNPH is used as a deriviatising agent.

Patients Who Attend the Emergency Department Following Medication Overdose: Self-Reported Mental Health History and Intended Outcomes of Overdose

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buykx, Penny; Ritter, Alison; Loxley, Wendy; Dietze, Paul

2012-01-01

Medication overdose is a common method of non-fatal self-harm. Previous studies have established which mental health disorders are commonly associated with the behaviour (affective, substance use, anxiety and personality disorders) and which medications are most frequently implicated (benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and non-opioid…

2011-12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12). Data File Documentation. NCES 2014-182

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wine, Jennifer; Bryan, Michael; Siegel, Peter

2013-01-01

This report describes the methods and results for the 2011-12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12), conducted for the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Washington, DC. The following legislation authorizes this and previous cycles of NPSAS, as well as two longitudinal studies deriving…

An Automated Method to Generate e-Learning Quizzes from Online Language Learner Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flanagan, Brendan; Yin, Chengjiu; Hirokawa, Sachio; Hashimoto, Kiyota; Tabata, Yoshiyuki

2013-01-01

In this paper, the entries of Lang-8, which is a Social Networking Site (SNS) site for learning and practicing foreign languages, were analyzed and found to contain similar rates of errors for most error categories reported in previous research. These similarly rated errors were then processed using an algorithm to determine corrections suggested…

Factor Analysis Methods and Validity Evidence: A Systematic Review of Instrument Development across the Continuum of Medical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wetzel, Angela Payne

2011-01-01

Previous systematic reviews indicate a lack of reporting of reliability and validity evidence in subsets of the medical education literature. Psychology and general education reviews of factor analysis also indicate gaps between current and best practices; yet, a comprehensive review of exploratory factor analysis in instrument development across…

Childhood Sexual Abuse, Attachment, and Trauma Symptoms in College Females: The Moderating Role of Attachment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aspelmeier, Jeffery E.; Elliott, Ann N.; Smith, Christopher H.

2007-01-01

Objective: The present study tests a model linking attachment, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and adult psychological functioning. It expands on previous work by assessing the degree to which attachment security moderates the relationship between a history of child sexual abuse and trauma-related symptoms in college females. Method: Self-reports of…

Efficient Method for the Determination of the Activation Energy of the Iodide-Catalyzed Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeney, William; Lee, James; Abid, Nauman; DeMeo, Stephen

2014-01-01

An experiment is described that determines the activation energy (E[subscript a]) of the iodide-catalyzed decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide in a much more efficient manner than previously reported in the literature. Hydrogen peroxide, spontaneously or with a catalyst, decomposes to oxygen and water. Because the decomposition reaction is…

Soluble Ions with ICP-MS are Superior to Total Elements with XRF in Assessing Component-specific Cardiovascular Effects of Fine Particulate Matter

EPA Science Inventory

Background: We previously reported that total fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with flow-mediated dilation (FMD), interleukin-6 (lL-6) and tumor-necrosisfactor-alpha (TNFa) in 22 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Objectives: We now compare two laboratory methods of ...

Potential concerns with analytical methods used for the detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans from archived DNA of amphibian swab samples, Oregon, USA

Treesearch

Deborah D. Iwanowicz; William B. Schill; Deanna H. Olson; Michael J. Adams; Christine Densmore; R. Scott Cornman; Cynthia Adams; Jr. Figiel; Chauncey W. Anderson; Andrew R. Blaustein; Tara Chestnut

2017-01-01

We report on the results of surveillance for the salamander chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Two samples from archived DNA used in a previous chytrid study in Oregon were Bsal-positive, alerting us to the first potential finding of this pathogen in North America, infecting American...

Methodological Considerations in On-Line Contingent Research and Implications for Learning. Technical Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whittington, Marna C.

Methods for the implementation of on-line contingent research are described in this study. In a contingent experimentation procedure, the content of successive experimental trials is a function of a subject's responses to a previous trial or trials (in contrast to traditional experimentation in which the subject is presented a previously…

Confronting Conceptual Challenges in Thermodynamics by Use of Self-Generated Analogies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haglund, Jesper; Jeppsson, Fredrik

2014-01-01

Use of self-generated analogies has been proposed as a method for students to learn about a new subject by reference to what they previously know, in line with a constructivist perspective on learning and a resource perspective on conceptual change. We report on a group exercise on using completion problems in combination with self-generated…

The Association between Changes in Health Status and Nursing Home Resident Quality of Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degenholtz, Howard B.; Rosen, Jules; Castle, Nicholas; Mittal, Vikas; Liu, Darren

2008-01-01

Purpose: Previous research on nursing home resident quality of life (QOL) has mainly been cross-sectional. This study examined the association between changes in QOL and changes in resident clinical factors. Design and Methods: A longitudinal study of resident QOL was conducted in two nursing homes. Self-report interviews using a multidimensional…

A review of double-diffusion wood preservation suitable for Alaska.

Treesearch

K. Josephine Pavia

2006-01-01

Currently, all treated lumber used in Alaska is imported from the 48 contiguous states and Canada because there are no wood-treating facilities in Alaska. This report explores conventional and alternative wood-treating methods and reviews previous studies and laboratory tests on treated wood. In investigating wood treatment as a possible processing option for Alaska...

Using Self-Generated Analogies in Teaching of Thermodynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haglund, Jesper; Jeppsson, Fredrik

2012-01-01

Using self-generated analogies has been proposed as a method in a constructivist tradition for students to learn about a new subject, by use of what they previously know. We report on a group exercise on using self-generated analogies to make sense of two thermodynamic processes, reversible adiabatic expansion and free adiabatic expansion of an…

Developing Emotional Literacy through Individual Dance Movement Therapy: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meekums, Bonnie

2008-01-01

This paper reports a pragmatic mixed methods pilot study of teacher perceptions regarding a school-based Dance Movement therapy (DMT) service for six children aged four to seven in a North of England primary school. No previous studies have systematically evaluated DMT in terms of the development of Emotional Literacy (EL), though theoretical…

Scientific and technical advisory committee review of the nutrient inputs to the watershed model

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The following is a report by a STAC Review Team concerning the methods and documentation used by the Chesapeake Bay Partnership for evaluation of nutrient inputs to Phase 6 of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model. The “STAC Review of the Nutrient Inputs to the Watershed Model” (previously referred to...

Eradicating European pine shoot moth in commercial nurseries with methyl bromide.

Treesearch

V.M. Carolin; W.K. Coulter

1963-01-01

This is the third in a series of reports on experimental fumigation of the European pine shoot moth in residential areas and nurseries. Methods and techniques derived in previous studies on single ornamentals were adapted to fumigation of a commercial nursery. An elongate cubical chamber was built for treatment of trees in rows. Fumigation of an...

The Effect of Tomatis Therapy on Children with Autism: Eleven Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerritsen, Jan

2010-01-01

This article presents a reanalysis of a previously reported study on the impact of the Tomatis Method of auditory stimulation on subjects with autism. When analyzed as individual case studies, the data showed that six of the 11 subjects with autism demonstrated significant improvement from 90 hours of Tomatis Therapy. Five subjects did not benefit…

Risk of Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilens, Timothy E.; Biederman, Joseph; Kwon, Anne; Ditterline, Jeffrey; Forkner, Peter; Moore, Hadley; Swezey, Allison; Snyder, Lindsey; Henin, Aude; Wozniak, Janet; Faraone, Stephen V.

2004-01-01

Objective: Previous work in adults and youths has suggested that juvenile onset bipolar disorder (BPD) is associated with an elevated risk of substance use disorders (SUD). Considering the public health importance of this issue, the authors now report on a controlled study of adolescents with and without BPD to evaluate the risk of SUD. Method:…

Logging slash flammability after five years

Treesearch

George R. Fahnestock; John H. Dieterich

1962-01-01

This paper reports the final phase of research that has determined the flammability of slash for nine species of northern Rocky Mountain conifers at three ages. Visual characteristics, rate of fire spread, and fire intensity for 5-year-old slash were studied by essentially the same methods as had been used previously on freshly cut and 1-year-old material. Final...

Impact of peer review audit on occupational health report quality.

PubMed

Lalloo, D; Demou, E; Macdonald, E B

2015-08-01

In a previous report, we described the implementation of a formal process for peer review of occupational health (OH) reports and a method of assessment of the outcomes of this process. The initial audit identified that 27% of OH reports required modifications. To assess formally, following implementation of this process, if changes in practice had occurred, i.e. whether fewer deficiencies were being identified in reports. We repeated a prospective internal audit of all peer reviewed OH reports between September and November 2011. We used an abbreviated assessment form, based on questions 4-8 and 10-12 of the modified SAIL (Sheffield Assessment Instrument for Letters), with four possible outcomes: no action, no changes made to report following discussion with author, changes made without discussion with author and changes made following discussion with author. One hundred seventy-three reports by 10 clinicians were audited. The audit identified a 13% reduction in OH reports requiring modifications (from 27 to 14%) compared with the previous cycle. Where modifications were required, 8% of these were related to minor typographical, spelling and grammar errors and 6% were for more complex reasons. Implementation of this process also produced a reduction in clinical complaints about OH reports from customers, from three in the preceding year to none 2 years later. Peer review improved the standard of OH reports and was associated with a reduction in customer complaints about reports. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine.

Sunburn and sun-protective behaviors among adults with and without previous nonmelanoma skin cancer: a population-based study

PubMed Central

Fischer, Alexander H.; Wang, Timothy S.; Yenokyan, Gayane; Kang, Sewon; Chien, Anna L.

2016-01-01

Background Individuals with previous nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are at increased risk for subsequent skin cancer, and should therefore limit UV exposure. Objective To determine whether individuals with previous NMSC engage in better sun protection than those with no skin cancer history. Methods We pooled self-reported data (2005 and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys) from US non-Hispanic white adults (758 with and 34,161 without previous NMSC). We calculated adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aPOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), taking into account the complex survey design. Results Individuals with previous NMSC versus no history of NMSC had higher rates of frequent use of shade (44.3% versus 27.0%; aPOR=1.41; 1.16–1.71), long sleeves (20.5% versus 7.7%; aPOR=1.55; 1.21–1.98), a wide-brimmed hat (26.1% versus 10.5%; aPOR=1.52; 1.24–1.87), and sunscreen (53.7% versus 33.1%; aPOR=2.11; 95% CI=1.73–2.59), but did not have significantly lower odds of recent sunburn (29.7% versus 40.7%; aPOR=0.95; 0.77–1.17). Among subjects with previous NMSC, recent sunburn was inversely associated with age, sun avoidance, and shade but not sunscreen. Limitations Self-reported cross-sectional data and unavailable information quantifying regular sun exposure. Conclusion Physicians should emphasize sunburn prevention when counseling patients with previous NMSC, especially younger adults, focusing on shade and sun avoidance over sunscreen. PMID:27198078

Examining Sexual Dysfunction in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results of Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Research

PubMed Central

Kowalkowski, Marc A; Chandrashekar, Aravind; Amiel, Gilad E; Lerner, Seth P; Wittmann, Daniela A; Latini, David M; Goltz, Heather Honoré

2014-01-01

Introduction More than 70,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in the United States annually; with 75% being non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC). Research examining sexual dysfunction in bladder cancer survivors is limited, and previous studies have focused on cystectomy patients. Aims To evaluate the impact of sexual dysfunction on NMIBC survivors. Methods Mixed-methods data collection integrated a quantitative survey (Study 1; n = 117) and semi-structured qualitative interviews (Study 2; n = 26) from a non-overlapping sample of NMIBC survivors. We performed descriptive and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses of survey data and qualitative analysis of interviews. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported sexual activity, interest in sex, and physiologic symptoms (e.g., male erectile/ejaculatory difficulties, female vaginal dryness) over the previous 4 weeks; partner communication about sexuality; contamination concerns; illness intrusiveness. Results Participants in these studies averaged 65 years of age (mean and median) and were male (77%), white (91%), and married (75%). Survey (Study 1) results linked NMIBC treatment to sexual symptoms and relationship issues. Many participants reported sexual inactivity (38.8%). Sexually active participants reported erectile difficulties (60.0%), vaginal dryness (62.5%), and worry about contaminating partner with treatment agents (23.2%). While almost one-half reported the usefulness of talking with partners about sexual function, only one-fifth of participants reported sharing all concerns with their partners. CART analysis supported the importance of communication. One-half of interviewees (Study 2) reported sexual dysfunction. Two-thirds reported negative impacts on their relationships, including perceived loss of intimacy and divorce; over one-third were sexually inactive for fear of contaminating their partner or spreading NMIBC. Conclusions Survivors' sexual symptoms may result from NMIBC, comorbidities, or both. These results inform literature and practice by raising awareness about the frequency of symptoms and the impact on NMIBC survivors' intimate relationships. Further work is needed to design symptom management education programs to dispel misinformation about contamination post-treatment and improve quality of life. Kowalkowski MA, Chandrashekar A, Amiel GE, Lerner SP, Wittmann DA, Latini DM, and Goltz HH. Examining sexual dysfunction in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Results of cross-sectional mixed-methods research. Sex Med 2014;2:141–151. PMID:25356311

New Hydroxyproline Radiocarbon Dates from Sungir, Russia, Confirm Early Mid Upper Palaeolithic Burials in Eurasia

PubMed Central

Nalawade-Chavan, Shweta; McCullagh, James; Hedges, Robert

2014-01-01

Sungir (Russia) is a key Mid-Upper Palaeolithic site in Eurasia, containing several spectacular burials that disclose early evidence for complex burial rites in the form of a range of grave goods deposited along with the dead. Dating has been particularly challenging, with multiple radiocarbon dates ranging from 19,160±270 to 28,800±240 BP for burials that are believed to be closely similar in age. There are disparities in the radiocarbon dates of human bones, faunal remains and charcoal found on the floor of burials [1], [2], [3]. Our approach has been to develop compound-specific methods using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to separate single amino acids, such as hydroxyproline, and thereby avoid the known human contamination on the bones themselves. Previously, we applied this technique to obtain radiocarbon dates of ∼30,000 BP for Sungir 2, Sungir 3 and a mammoth bone from the occupation levels of the site [4]. The single amino acid radiocarbon dates were in good agreement with each other compared to all the dates previously reported, supporting their reliability. Here we report new hydroxyproline dates for two more human burials from the same site, Sungir 1 and Sungir 4. All five hydroxyproline dates reported are statistically indistinguishable and support an identical age for the group. The results suggest that compound-specific radiocarbon analysis should be considered seriously as the method of choice when precious archaeological remains are to be dated because they give a demonstrably contaminant-free radiocarbon age. The new ages are, together with the previously dated ‘Red Lady of Paviland’ human in the British Isles, the earliest for Mid Upper Palaeolithic burial behaviour in Eurasia, and point to the precocious appearance of this form of rite in Europe Russia. PMID:24416120

New hydroxyproline radiocarbon dates from Sungir, Russia, confirm early Mid Upper Palaeolithic burials in Eurasia.

PubMed

Nalawade-Chavan, Shweta; McCullagh, James; Hedges, Robert

2014-01-01

Sungir (Russia) is a key Mid-Upper Palaeolithic site in Eurasia, containing several spectacular burials that disclose early evidence for complex burial rites in the form of a range of grave goods deposited along with the dead. Dating has been particularly challenging, with multiple radiocarbon dates ranging from 19,160±270 to 28,800±240 BP for burials that are believed to be closely similar in age. There are disparities in the radiocarbon dates of human bones, faunal remains and charcoal found on the floor of burials. Our approach has been to develop compound-specific methods using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to separate single amino acids, such as hydroxyproline, and thereby avoid the known human contamination on the bones themselves. Previously, we applied this technique to obtain radiocarbon dates of ∼30,000 BP for Sungir 2, Sungir 3 and a mammoth bone from the occupation levels of the site. The single amino acid radiocarbon dates were in good agreement with each other compared to all the dates previously reported, supporting their reliability. Here we report new hydroxyproline dates for two more human burials from the same site, Sungir 1 and Sungir 4. All five hydroxyproline dates reported are statistically indistinguishable and support an identical age for the group. The results suggest that compound-specific radiocarbon analysis should be considered seriously as the method of choice when precious archaeological remains are to be dated because they give a demonstrably contaminant-free radiocarbon age. The new ages are, together with the previously dated 'Red Lady of Paviland' human in the British Isles, the earliest for Mid Upper Palaeolithic burial behaviour in Eurasia, and point to the precocious appearance of this form of rite in Europe Russia.

Method: automatic segmentation of mitochondria utilizing patch classification, contour pair classification, and automatically seeded level sets

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background While progress has been made to develop automatic segmentation techniques for mitochondria, there remains a need for more accurate and robust techniques to delineate mitochondria in serial blockface scanning electron microscopic data. Previously developed texture based methods are limited for solving this problem because texture alone is often not sufficient to identify mitochondria. This paper presents a new three-step method, the Cytoseg process, for automated segmentation of mitochondria contained in 3D electron microscopic volumes generated through serial block face scanning electron microscopic imaging. The method consists of three steps. The first is a random forest patch classification step operating directly on 2D image patches. The second step consists of contour-pair classification. At the final step, we introduce a method to automatically seed a level set operation with output from previous steps. Results We report accuracy of the Cytoseg process on three types of tissue and compare it to a previous method based on Radon-Like Features. At step 1, we show that the patch classifier identifies mitochondria texture but creates many false positive pixels. At step 2, our contour processing step produces contours and then filters them with a second classification step, helping to improve overall accuracy. We show that our final level set operation, which is automatically seeded with output from previous steps, helps to smooth the results. Overall, our results show that use of contour pair classification and level set operations improve segmentation accuracy beyond patch classification alone. We show that the Cytoseg process performs well compared to another modern technique based on Radon-Like Features. Conclusions We demonstrated that texture based methods for mitochondria segmentation can be enhanced with multiple steps that form an image processing pipeline. While we used a random-forest based patch classifier to recognize texture, it would be possible to replace this with other texture identifiers, and we plan to explore this in future work. PMID:22321695

On the origins of approximations for stochastic chemical kinetics.

PubMed

Haseltine, Eric L; Rawlings, James B

2005-10-22

This paper considers the derivation of approximations for stochastic chemical kinetics governed by the discrete master equation. Here, the concepts of (1) partitioning on the basis of fast and slow reactions as opposed to fast and slow species and (2) conditional probability densities are used to derive approximate, partitioned master equations, which are Markovian in nature, from the original master equation. Under different conditions dictated by relaxation time arguments, such approximations give rise to both the equilibrium and hybrid (deterministic or Langevin equations coupled with discrete stochastic simulation) approximations previously reported. In addition, the derivation points out several weaknesses in previous justifications of both the hybrid and equilibrium systems and demonstrates the connection between the original and approximate master equations. Two simple examples illustrate situations in which these two approximate methods are applicable and demonstrate the two methods' efficiencies.

Experimental Design for a Macrofoam Swab Study Relating the Recovery Efficiency and False Negative Rate to Low Concentrations of Two Bacillus anthracis Surrogates on Four Surface Materials

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

Piepel, Gregory F.; Hutchison, Janine R.

2014-04-16

This report describes the experimental design for a laboratory study to quantify the recovery efficiencies and false negative rates of a validated, macrofoam swab sampling method for low concentrations of Bacillus anthracis Sterne (BAS) and Bacillus atrophaeus (BG) spores on four surface materials (stainless steel, glass, vinyl tile, plastic light cover panel). Two analytical methods (plating/counting and polymerase chain reaction) will be used. Only one previous study has investigated false negative as a function of affecting test factors. The surrogates BAS and BG have not been tested together in the same study previously. Hence, this study will provide for completingmore » gaps in the available information on the performance of macrofoam swab sampling at low concentrations.« less

The Complete, Temperature Resolved Spectrum of Methyl Cyanide Between 200 and 277 GHZ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMillan, James P.; Neese, Christopher F.; De Lucia, Frank C.

2016-06-01

We have studied methyl cyanide, one of the so-called 'astronomical weeds', in the 200--277 GHz band. We have experimentally gathered a set of intensity calibrated, complete, and temperature resolved spectra from across the temperature range of 231--351 K. Using our previously reported method of analysis, the point by point method, we are capable of generating the complete spectrum at astronomically significant temperatures. Lines, of nontrivial intensity, which were previously not included in the available astrophysical catalogs have been found. Lower state energies and line strengths have been found for a number of lines which are not currently present in the catalogs. The extent to which this may be useful in making assignments will be discussed. J. McMillan, S. Fortman, C. Neese, F. DeLucia, ApJ. 795, 56 (2014)

Dimethyl Ether Between 214.6 and 265.3 Ghz: the Complete, Temperature Resolved Spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMillan, James P.; Neese, Christopher F.; De Lucia, Frank C.

2017-06-01

We have studied dimethyl ether, one of the so-called 'astronomical weeds', in the 214.6-265.3 GHz band. We have experimentally gathered a set of intensity calibrated, complete, and temperature resolved spectra from across the temperature range of 238-391 K. Using our previously reported method of analysis, the point by point method, we are capable of generating the complete spectrum at astronomically significant temperatures. Many lines, of nontrivial intensity, which were previously not included in the available astrophysical catalogs have been found. Lower state energies and line strengths have been found for a number of lines which are not currently present in the catalogs. The extent to which this may be useful in making assignments will be discussed. J. McMillan, S. Fortman, C. Neese, F. DeLucia, ApJ. 795, 56 (2014)

Experimental Design for a Macrofoam-Swab Study Relating the Recovery Efficiency and False Negative Rate to Low Concentrations of Two Bacillus anthracis Surrogates on Four Surface Materials

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

Piepel, Gregory F.; Hutchison, Janine R.

This report describes the experimental design for a laboratory study to quantify the recovery efficiencies and false negative rates of a validated, macrofoam-swab sampling method for low concentrations of Bacillus anthracis Sterne (BAS) and Bacillus atrophaeus (BG) spores on four surface materials (stainless steel, glass, vinyl tile, plastic light cover panel). Two analytical methods (culture and polymerase chain reaction) will be used. Only one previous study has investigated how the false negative rate depends on test factors. The surrogates BAS and BG have not been tested together in the same study previously. Hence, this study will provide for completing gapsmore » in the available information on the performance of macrofoam-swab sampling at low concentrations.« less

Solvent shift method for anti-precipitant screening of poorly soluble drugs using biorelevant medium and dimethyl sulfoxide.

PubMed

Yamashita, Taro; Ozaki, Shunsuke; Kushida, Ikuo

2011-10-31

96-well plate based anti-precipitant screening using bio-relevant medium FaSSIF (fasted-state simulated small intestinal fluid) is a useful technique for discovering anti-precipitants that maintain supersaturation of poorly soluble drugs. In a previous report, two disadvantages of the solvent evaporation method (solvent casting method) were mentioned: precipitation during the evaporation process and the use of volatile solvents to dissolve compounds. In this report, we propose a solvent shift method using DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). Initially, the drug substance was dissolved in DMSO at a high concentration and diluted with FaSSIF that contained anti-precipitants. To evaluate the validity of the method, itraconazole (ITZ) was used as the poorly soluble model drug. The solvent shift method resolved the disadvantages of the evaporation method, and AQOAT (HPMC-AS) was found as the most appropriate anti-precipitant for ITZ in a facile and expeditious manner when compared with the solvent evaporation method. In the large scale JP paddle method, AQOAT-based solid dispersion maintained a higher concentration than Tc-5Ew (HPMC)-based formulation; this result corresponded well with the small scale of the solvent shift method. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reinvestigation of the effect of heat pretreatment of corn fiber and corn germ on the levels of extractable tocopherols and tocotrienols.

PubMed

Moreau, Robert A; Hicks, Kevin B

2006-10-18

We previously reported that heat pretreatment of corn fiber (150 degrees C, 1 h) caused a tenfold increase in the levels of extractable gamma-tocopherol. The current study was a reinvestigation of the previous effect, using improved methods (HPLC with fluorescence detection, diode-array UV detection, and mass spectrometry) for tocol analysis. Heat pretreatment did not cause an increase in the levels of any of the tocopherols or tocotrienols in corn fiber oil, but lowered the levels of three of the tocols and had no effect on the levels of the other two tocols. Heat pretreatment of corn germ had a similar effect. UV and mass spectra indicated that the peak that we had identified as gamma-tocopherol in our previous report was probably a mixture of oxidation products of triacylglycerols. Thus, heat treatment of corn germ or other corn-oil containing fractions at high temperatures leads to decreases in gamma-tocopherol, gamma-tocotrienol, and delta-tocotrienol and to the production of triacylglycerol oxidation products.

Femtosecond Laser Flap Creation for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis in the Setting of Previous Radial Keratotomy.

PubMed

Rush, Sloan W; Rush, Ryan B

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to report the outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in subjects with previous radial keratotomy (RK) using a novel femtosecond laser setting on a proprietary femtosecond laser platform. This was a retrospective, consecutive chart review of patients at a single private practice institution. The medical records of 16 eyes of 8 subjects who underwent femtosecond-assisted LASIK for consecutive hyperopia after RK were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. All 16 eyes had successful femtosecond laser flap creation without significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Uncorrected visual acuity significantly improved postoperatively (P = 0.0142) and remained stable through the final follow-up interval at 9 to 12 months postoperatively. None of the subjects lost any lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in the postoperative period. The novel femtosecond laser technique described in this study can provide a safe and effective method for patients undergoing LASIK after previous RK. Future investigations are required to further validate the findings reported in this study.

IMPROVED Ti II log(gf) VALUES AND ABUNDANCE DETERMINATIONS IN THE PHOTOSPHERES OF THE SUN AND METAL-POOR STAR HD 84937

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

Wood, M. P.; Lawler, J. E.; Sneden, C.

2013-10-01

Atomic transition probability measurements for 364 lines of Ti II in the UV through near-IR are reported. Branching fractions from data recorded using a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and a new echelle spectrometer are combined with published radiative lifetimes to determine these transition probabilities. The new results are in generally good agreement with previously reported FTS measurements. Use of the new echelle spectrometer, independent radiometric calibration methods, and independent data analysis routines enables a reduction of systematic errors and overall improvement in transition probability accuracy over previous measurements. The new Ti II data are applied to high-resolution visible and UVmore » spectra of the Sun and metal-poor star HD 84937 to derive new, more accurate Ti abundances. Lines covering a range of wavelength and excitation potential are used to search for non-LTE effects. The Ti abundances derived using Ti II for these two stars match those derived using Ti I and support the relative Ti/Fe abundance ratio versus metallicity seen in previous studies.« less

Quality of Life Outcomes From a Phase 2 Trial of Short-Course Radiation Therapy Followed by FOLFOX Chemotherapy as Preoperative Treatment for Rectal Cancer

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

Khwaja, Shariq S.; Roy, Amit; Markovina, Stephanie

Purpose: A prospective phase 2 trial of short-course (SC) radiation therapy (RT) with 25 Gy over 5 fractions, followed by 4 cycles of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin (mFOLFOX6) before surgery was recently completed at our institution. We present here the patient-reported quality of life (QOL) outcomes from this trial. Methods and Materials: Eighty patients with cT3/T4, any N, any M rectal adenocarcinoma planned for resection were enrolled between 2009 and 2012. The QOL data were obtained prospectively using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colon (FACT-C) questionnaire before RT, before surgery, and 1 year after surgery. The previously validated minimally importance difference (MID)more » method was used to measure clinically significant QOL changes in FACT-C scores for each patient across time points. We examined the role of ostomy on QOL. We also compared QOL with disease outcomes and physician-reported toxicity. Results: The FACT-C questionnaire was completed by 97% of patients before RT, 85% immediately before surgery, and 62% 1 year after surgery. There was no statistically significant change in mean FACT-C scores from before treatment to after treatment. The majority of patients had either no change or an increase in QOL 1 year after treatment using the MID method. There were significant changes in QOL between patients with ostomy versus no ostomy 1 year after treatment for functional well-being (FWB) (14.81 vs 20.52, P=.018) and the colorectal cancer subscale (CCS) using the MID method (P=.004). Patients without ostomy reported stable changes in bowel control 1 year after surgery. There was no statistically significant correlation between QOL and disease recurrence, pathologic complete response, pathologic T stage downstaging, or acute/late toxicity. Conclusions: SC-RT and sequential mFOLFOX6 as preoperative therapy for rectal cancer results in stable patient-reported QOL outcomes 1 year after treatment. These findings in conjunction with previously reported oncologic outcomes support further evaluation of this regimen in a phase 3 setting.« less

Automated neurovascular tracing and analysis of the knife-edge scanning microscope Rat Nissl data set using a computing cluster.

PubMed

Sungjun Lim; Nowak, Michael R; Yoonsuck Choe

2016-08-01

We present a novel, parallelizable algorithm capable of automatically reconstructing and calculating anatomical statistics of cerebral vascular networks embedded in large volumes of Rat Nissl-stained data. In this paper, we report the results of our method using Rattus somatosensory cortical data acquired using Knife-Edge Scanning Microscopy. Our algorithm performs the reconstruction task with averaged precision, recall, and F2-score of 0.978, 0.892, and 0.902 respectively. Calculated anatomical statistics show some conformance to values previously reported. The results that can be obtained from our method are expected to help explicate the relationship between the structural organization of the microcirculation and normal (and abnormal) cerebral functioning.

An SSP-PCR method for the rapid detection of disease-associated alleles HLA-A*29 and HLA-B*51.

PubMed

Amstutz, U; Schaerer, D; Andrey, G; Wirthmueller, U; Largiadèr, C R

2018-05-15

HLA-A*29 and HLA-B*51 are associated with birdshot uveitis and Behçet's disease, respectively, and are used as a diagnostic criterion in patients with suspected disease, requiring their detection in diagnostic laboratories. While commercial tests for individual HLA alleles are available for other disease-associated HLA variants, no similar allele-specific assays are available for HLA-A*29 and -B*51. Here, we report SSP-PCR methods for the detection of HLA-A*29 and -B*51 using a single PCR reaction per allele. The assays were tested in 30 and 32 previously HLA-typed samples, respectively, representing >97% of HLA-A alleles and >93% of HLA-B alleles in a European population. A concordance of 100% was observed with previous typing results, validating these methods for use in a diagnostic or research context. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of constant-Weber-number scaling for icing tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, David N.

1996-01-01

Previous studies showed that for conditions simulating an aircraft encountering super-cooled water droplets the droplets may splash before freezing. Other surface effects dependent on the water surface tension may also influence the ice accretion process. Consequently, the Weber number appears to be important in accurately scaling ice accretion. A scaling method which uses a constant-Weber-number approach has been described previously; this study provides an evaluation of this scaling method. Tests are reported on cylinders of 2.5 to 15-cm diameter and NACA 0012 airfoils with chords of 18 to 53 cm in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT). The larger models were used to establish reference ice shapes, the scaling method was applied to determine appropriate scaled test conditions using the smaller models, and the ice shapes were compared. Icing conditions included warm glaze, horn glaze and mixed. The smallest size scaling attempted was 1/3, and scale and reference ice shapes for both cylinders and airfoils indicated that the constant-Weber-number scaling method was effective for the conditions tested.

Improved method for the extraction and chromatographic analysis on a fused-core column of ellagitannins found in oak-aged wine.

PubMed

Navarro, María; Kontoudakis, Nikolaos; Canals, Joan Miquel; García-Romero, Esteban; Gómez-Alonso, Sergio; Zamora, Fernando; Hermosín-Gutiérrez, Isidro

2017-07-01

A new method for the analysis of ellagitannins observed in oak-aged wine is proposed, exhibiting interesting advantages with regard to previously reported analytical methods. The necessary extraction of ellagitannins from wine was simplified to a single step of solid phase extraction (SPE) using size exclusion chromatography with Sephadex LH-20 without the need for any previous SPE of phenolic compounds using reversed-phase materials. The quantitative recovery of wine ellagitannins requires a combined elution with methanol and ethyl acetate, especially for increasing the recovery of the less polar acutissimins. The chromatographic method was performed using a fused-core C18 column, thereby avoiding the coelution of main ellagitannins, such as vescalagin and roburin E. However, the very polar ellagitannins, namely, the roburins A, B and C, still partially coeluted, and their quantification was assisted by the MS detector. This methodology also enabled the analysis of free gallic and ellagic acids in the same chromatographic run. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reducing the latency of the Fractal Iterative Method to half an iteration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Béchet, Clémentine; Tallon, Michel

2013-12-01

The fractal iterative method for atmospheric tomography (FRiM-3D) has been introduced to solve the wavefront reconstruction at the dimensions of an ELT with a low-computational cost. Previous studies reported the requirement of only 3 iterations of the algorithm in order to provide the best adaptive optics (AO) performance. Nevertheless, any iterative method in adaptive optics suffer from the intrinsic latency induced by the fact that one iteration can start only once the previous one is completed. Iterations hardly match the low-latency requirement of the AO real-time computer. We present here a new approach to avoid iterations in the computation of the commands with FRiM-3D, thus allowing low-latency AO response even at the scale of the European ELT (E-ELT). The method highlights the importance of "warm-start" strategy in adaptive optics. To our knowledge, this particular way to use the "warm-start" has not been reported before. Futhermore, removing the requirement of iterating to compute the commands, the computational cost of the reconstruction with FRiM-3D can be simplified and at least reduced to half the computational cost of a classical iteration. Thanks to simulations of both single-conjugate and multi-conjugate AO for the E-ELT,with FRiM-3D on Octopus ESO simulator, we demonstrate the benefit of this approach. We finally enhance the robustness of this new implementation with respect to increasing measurement noise, wind speed and even modeling errors.

Radiographic Measurement of Displacement in Acetabular Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Dodd, Andrew; Osterhoff, Georg; Guy, Pierre; Lefaivre, Kelly A

2016-06-01

To report methods of measurement of radiographic displacement and radiographic outcomes in acetabular fractures described in the literature. A systematic review of the English literature was performed using EMBASE and Medline in August 2014. Inclusion criteria were studies of operatively treated acetabular fractures in adults with acute (<6 weeks) open reduction and internal fixation that reported radiographic outcomes. Exclusion criteria included case series with <10 patients, fractures managed >6 weeks from injury, acute total hip arthroplasty, periprosthetic fractures, time frame of radiographic outcomes not stated, missing radiographic outcome data, and non-English language articles. Basic information collected included journal, author, year published, number of fractures, and fracture types. Specific data collected included radiographic outcome data, method of measuring radiographic displacement, and methods of interpreting or categorizing radiographic outcomes. The number of reproducible radiographic measurement techniques (2/64) and previously described radiographic interpretation methods (4) were recorded. One radiographic reduction grading criterion (Matta) was used nearly universally in articles that used previously described criteria. Overall, 70% of articles using this criteria documented anatomic reductions. The current standard of measuring radiographic displacement in publications dealing with acetabulum fractures almost universally lacks basic description, making further scientific rigor, such as testing reproducibility, impossible. Further work is necessary to standardize radiographic measurement techniques, test their reproducibility, and qualify their validity or determine which measurements are important to clinical outcomes. Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Methods of defining the non-inferiority margin in randomized, double-blind controlled trials: a systematic review.

PubMed

Althunian, Turki A; de Boer, Anthonius; Klungel, Olaf H; Insani, Widya N; Groenwold, Rolf H H

2017-03-07

There is no consensus on the preferred method for defining the non-inferiority margin in non-inferiority trials, and previous studies showed that the rationale for its choice is often not reported. This study investigated how the non-inferiority margin is defined in the published literature, and whether its reporting has changed over time. A systematic PubMed search was conducted for all published randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trials from January 1, 1966, to February 6, 2015. The primary outcome was the number of margins that were defined by methods other than the historical evidence of the active comparator. This was evaluated for a time trend. We also assessed the under-reporting of the methods of defining the margin as a secondary outcome, and whether this changed over time. Both outcomes were analyzed using a Poisson log-linear model. Predictors for better reporting of the methods, and the use of the fixed-margin method (one of the historical evidence methods) were also analyzed using logistic regression. Two hundred seventy-three articles were included, which account for 273 non-inferiority margins. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of margins that were defined by other methods compared to those defined based on the historical evidence (ratio 2.17, 95% CI 0.86 to 5.82, p = 0.11), and this did not change over time. The number of margins for which methods were unreported was similar to those with reported methods (ratio 1.35, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.43, p = 0.31), with no change over time. The method of defining the margin was less often reported in journals with low-impact factors compared to journals with high-impact factors (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.37, p < 0.0001). The publication of the FDA draft guidance in 2010 was associated with increased reporting of the fixed-margin method (after versus before 2010) (OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.12 to 13.35, p = 0.04). Non-inferiority margins are not commonly defined based on the historical evidence of the active comparator, and they are poorly reported. Authors, reviewers, and editors need to take notice of reporting this critical information to allow for better judgment of non-inferiority trials.

Homozygous Mutation G539R in the Gene for P450 Oxidoreductase in a Family Previously Diagnosed as Having 17,20-Lyase Deficiency

PubMed Central

Hershkovitz, Eli; Parvari, Ruthi; Wudy, Stefan A.; Hartmann, Michaela F.; Gomes, Larissa G.; Loewental, Neta; Miller, Walter L.

2008-01-01

Context: Very few patients have been described with isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency who have had their mutations in P450c17 (17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) proven by DNA sequencing and in vitro characterization of the mutations. Most patients with 17,20-lyase deficiency have mutations in the domain of P450c17 that interact with the electron-donating redox partner, P450 oxidoreductase (POR). Objective: Our objective was to clarify the genetic and functional basis of isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency in familial cases who were previously reported as having 17,20-lyase deficiency. Patients: Four undervirilized males of an extended Bedouin family were investigated. One of these has previously been reported to carry mutations in the CYP17A1 gene encoding P450c17 causing isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency. Methods: Serum hormones were evaluated before and after stimulation with ACTH. Urinary steroid metabolites were profiled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Exons 1 and 8 of CYP17A1 previously reported to harbor mutations in one of these patients and all 15 coding exons of POR were sequenced. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) urinary steroid profiling and serum steroid measurements showed combined deficiencies of 17,20-lyase and 21-hydroxylase. Sequencing of exons 1 and 8 of CYP17A1 in two different laboratories showed no mutations. Sequencing of POR showed that all four patients were homozygous for G539R, a previously studied mutation that retains 46% of normal capacity to support the 17α-hydroxylase activity but only 8% of the 17,20-lyase activity of P450c17. Conclusion: POR deficiency can masquerade clinically as isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency. PMID:18559916

How health technology assessment agencies address the issue of unpublished data.

PubMed

Kreis, Julia; Panteli, Dimitra; Busse, Reinhard

2014-01-01

Reporting bias potentially threatens the validity of results in health technology assessment (HTA) reports. Our study aimed to explore policies and practices of HTA agencies regarding strategies to include previously unpublished data in their assessments, focusing on requests to industry for unpublished data. We included international HTA agencies with publicly available methods papers as well as HTA reports. From the methods papers and recent reports we extracted information on requests to industry and on searches in trial registries, regulatory authority Web sites and for conference abstracts. Eighteen HTA agencies and seventy-three reports were included. Agencies' methods papers showed variability regarding requests to industry (requests are routinely carried out in seven cases, not mentioned in six, at the discretion of HTA authors in three, and based on manufacturer applications in two), which were reflected in the reports investigated. As reporting of requests was limited, it often remained unclear whether unpublished data had been received. Searches in trial registries, at regulatory authorities or for conference abstracts are described as a routine or optional part of the search strategy in the methods papers of 9, 11, and 8 included agencies, respectively. A total of 52 percent, 39 percent, and 16 percent of reports described searches in trial registries, at regulatory agencies, and hand searching of conference proceedings. International HTA agencies currently differ considerably in their efforts to address the issue of unpublished data. Requests to industry may constitute one strategy to access and include unpublished data, while agencies can learn from each other concerning successful practice.

The scenario of norovirus contamination in food and food handlers.

PubMed

Tuan Zainazor, C; Hidayah, M S Noor; Chai, L C; Tunung, R; Ghazali, F Mohamad; Son, R

2010-02-01

Recently, many cases related to viral gastroenteritis outbreaks have been reported all over the world. Noroviruses are found to be leading as the major cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis. Patients with the acute gastroenteritis normally found to be positive with norovirus when stools and vomit were analyzed. This paper reviews various activities and previous reports that describe norovirus contaminated in various food matrixes and relationship between food handlers. Lately, a numbers of norovirus outbreaks have been reported which are involved fresh produce (such as vegetables, fruits), shellfish and prepared food. Food produces by infected food handlers may therefore easily contaminated. In addition, food that required much handling and have been eaten without heat treatment gave the high risk for getting foodborne illnesses. The standard method for detection of norovirus has already been available for stool samples. However, only few methods for detection of norovirus in food samples have been developed until now.

Accurate reporting of adherence to inhaled therapies in adults with cystic fibrosis: methods to calculate “normative adherence”

PubMed Central

Hoo, Zhe Hui; Curley, Rachael; Campbell, Michael J; Walters, Stephen J; Hind, Daniel; Wildman, Martin J

2016-01-01

Background Preventative inhaled treatments in cystic fibrosis will only be effective in maintaining lung health if used appropriately. An accurate adherence index should therefore reflect treatment effectiveness, but the standard method of reporting adherence, that is, as a percentage of the agreed regimen between clinicians and people with cystic fibrosis, does not account for the appropriateness of the treatment regimen. We describe two different indices of inhaled therapy adherence for adults with cystic fibrosis which take into account effectiveness, that is, “simple” and “sophisticated” normative adherence. Methods to calculate normative adherence Denominator adjustment involves fixing a minimum appropriate value based on the recommended therapy given a person’s characteristics. For simple normative adherence, the denominator is determined by the person’s Pseudomonas status. For sophisticated normative adherence, the denominator is determined by the person’s Pseudomonas status and history of pulmonary exacerbations over the previous year. Numerator adjustment involves capping the daily maximum inhaled therapy use at 100% so that medication overuse does not artificially inflate the adherence level. Three illustrative cases Case A is an example of inhaled therapy under prescription based on Pseudomonas status resulting in lower simple normative adherence compared to unadjusted adherence. Case B is an example of inhaled therapy under-prescription based on previous exacerbation history resulting in lower sophisticated normative adherence compared to unadjusted adherence and simple normative adherence. Case C is an example of nebulizer overuse exaggerating the magnitude of unadjusted adherence. Conclusion Different methods of reporting adherence can result in different magnitudes of adherence. We have proposed two methods of standardizing the calculation of adherence which should better reflect treatment effectiveness. The value of these indices can be tested empirically in clinical trials in which there is careful definition of treatment regimens related to key patient characteristics, alongside accurate measurement of health outcomes. PMID:27284242

Advances in shock timing experiments on the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robey, H. F.; Celliers, P. M.; Moody, J. D.; Sater, J.; Parham, T.; Kozioziemski, B.; Dylla-Spears, R.; Ross, J. S.; LePape, S.; Ralph, J. E.; Hohenberger, M.; Dewald, E. L.; Berzak Hopkins, L.; Kroll, J. J.; Yoxall, B. E.; Hamza, A. V.; Boehly, T. R.; Nikroo, A.; Landen, O. L.; Edwards, M. J.

2016-03-01

Recent advances in shock timing experiments and analysis techniques now enable shock measurements to be performed in cryogenic deuterium-tritium (DT) ice layered capsule implosions on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Previous measurements of shock timing in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions were performed in surrogate targets, where the solid DT ice shell and central DT gas were replaced with a continuous liquid deuterium (D2) fill. These previous experiments pose two surrogacy issues: a material surrogacy due to the difference of species (D2 vs. DT) and densities of the materials used and a geometric surrogacy due to presence of an additional interface (ice/gas) previously absent in the liquid-filled targets. This report presents experimental data and a new analysis method for validating the assumptions underlying this surrogate technique.

Low Level of Knowledge of Contraceptive Methods among Pregnant Teens in Brazil.

PubMed

Brito, Milena Bastos; Alves, Fernanda Scoppetta Sampaio; Souza, Marlene Quadro; Requião, Samara Rezende

2018-06-01

To describe knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among pregnant teens in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey. A tertiary care center in Bahia, Brazil. Pregnant teens 10-19 years old. Participants were asked about contraceptive knowledge and previous contraceptive use. Contraceptive knowledge, previous contraceptive use, and contraceptive intentions for after pregnancy. Other survey topics included demographic characteristics, school attendance, and sexual history. A total of 90 participants wereincluded in the study, with an average age of 15.4 ± 1.7 years, and a mean age at first sexual intercourse of 13.8 ± 1.2 years. Most participants were unmarried (58/90), of mixed race (57/90), had a household income below minimum wage (59/83), lived with their parents (54/90), and unemployment (81/90). More than 80% were not using contraception or were using it irregularly whenthey became pregnant. Most participants reported knowledge of condoms (82/90), of the combined oral contraceptive pill (75/90) and of injectable contraceptives (68/90). However, less than half reported knowledge oflong-acting reversible contraceptive methods. In terms of contraceptive intentions after pregnancy, the most commonly cited methods were the contraceptive injection (36/90), the intrauterine device (17/90) and the combined pill (9/90). In this study we found a low level of knowledge of contraceptive methods, and especially of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, among pregnant teens in Northeast Brazil. Low socioeconomic status and high rates of unplanned pregnancy might be reasons for insufficient sexual and reproductive health counseling in this population. Copyright © 2017 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-Reported Pediatric Measures of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Strength Impact for PROMIS®: Conceptual Framework

PubMed Central

Tucker, Carole A.; Bevans, Katherine B.; Teneralli, Rachel E.; Smith, Ashley Wilder; Bowles, Heather R; Forrest, Christopher B.

2014-01-01

Purpose Children's physical activity (PA) levels are commonly assessed in pediatric clinical research, but rigorous self-report assessment tools for children are scarce, and computer adaptive test implementations are rare. Our objective was to improve pediatric self-report measures of activity using semi-structured interviews with experts and children for conceptualization of a child-informed framework. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted to conceptualize physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and strengthening activities. We performed systematic literature reviews to identify item-level concepts used to assess these 3 domains. Results We developed conceptual frameworks for each domain using words and phrases identified by children as relevant. Conclusions Semi-structured interview methods provide valuable information of children's perspectives and the ways children recall previous activities. Conceptualized domains of physical activity are based on the literature and expert views that also reflect children's experiences and understanding providing a basis for pediatric self-report instruments. PMID:25251789

Recall of past use of mobile phone handsets.

PubMed

Parslow, R C; Hepworth, S J; McKinney, P A

2003-01-01

Previous studies investigating health effects of mobile phones have based their estimation of exposure on self-reported levels of phone use. This UK validation study assesses the accuracy of reported voice calls made from mobile handsets. Data collected by postal questionnaire from 93 volunteers was compared to records obtained prospectively over 6 months from four network operators. Agreement was measured for outgoing calls using the kappa statistic, log-linear modelling, Spearman correlation coefficient and graphical methods. Agreement for number of calls gained moderate classification (kappa = 0.39) with better agreement for duration (kappa = 0.50). Log-linear modelling produced similar results. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.48 for number of calls and 0.60 for duration. Graphical agreement methods demonstrated patterns of over-reporting call numbers (by a factor of 1.7) and duration (by a factor of 2.8). These results suggest that self-reported mobile phone use may not fully represent patterns of actual use. This has implications for calculating exposures from questionnaire data.

Phase transitions of sodium niobate powder and ceramics, prepared by solid state synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koruza, J.; Tellier, J.; Malič, B.; Bobnar, V.; Kosec, M.

2010-12-01

Phase transitions of sodium niobate, prepared by the solid state synthesis method, were examined using dielectric measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and high temperature x-ray diffraction, in order to contribute to the clarification of its structural behavior below 400 °C. Four phase transitions were detected in the ceramic sample using dielectric measurements and differential scanning calorimetry and the obtained temperatures were in a good agreement with previous reports for the transitions of the P polymorph. The anomaly observed by dielectric measurements in the vicinity of 150 °C was frequency dependent and could be related to the dynamics of the ferroelectric nanoregions. The phase transitions of the as-synthesized NaNbO3 powder were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and high temperature x-ray diffraction. The results show the existence of the Q polymorph at room temperature, not previously reported for the powder, which undergoes a transition to the R polymorph upon heating through a temperature region between 265 and 326.5 °C. This transition is mainly related to the displacement of Na into a more symmetric position and a minor change in the tilting system. The structures at room temperature, 250, 300, and 420 °C were refined by the Rietveld method and the evolution of the tilting system of the octahedral network and cationic displacement are reported.

Atomic Resonance Radiation Energetics Investigation as a Diagnostic Method for Non-Equilibrium Hypervelocity Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Scott A.; Bershader, Daniel; Sharma, Surendra P.; Deiwert, George S.

1996-01-01

Absorption measurements with a tunable vacuum ultraviolet light source have been proposed as a concentration diagnostic for atomic oxygen, and the viability of this technique is assessed in light of recent measurements. The instrumentation, as well as initial calibration measurements, have been reported previously. We report here additional calibration measurements performed to study the resonance broadening line shape for atomic oxygen. The application of this diagnostic is evaluated by considering the range of suitable test conditions and requirements, and by identifying issues that remain to be addressed.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the conjunctiva.

PubMed Central

Pe'er, J.; Levinger, S.; Ilsar, M.; Climenhaga, H.; Okon, E.

1990-01-01

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the conjunctiva is an extremely rare tumour, and only three previous cases have been reported. We describe two patients with MFH of the conjunctiva: a 58-year-old white male with epibulbar tumour who had exenteration and is alive after five years' follow-up, and a 3 1/2-year-old African girl with xeroderma pigmentosum and an MFH of her right eye conjunctiva, the first reported case of this association. The characteristics and the methods of diagnosis of MFH are discussed. Images PMID:1704795

Indirect Measurement of Energy Density of Soft PZT Ceramic Utilizing Mechanical Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unruan, Muangjai; Unruan, Sujitra; Inkong, Yutthapong; Yimnirun, Rattikorn

2017-11-01

This paper reports on an indirect measurement of energy density of soft PZT ceramic utilizing mechanical stress. The method works analogous to the Olsen cycle and allows for a large amount of electro-mechanical energy conversion. A maximum energy density of 350 kJ/m3/cycle was found under 0-312 MPa and 1-20 kV/cm of applied mechanical stress and electric field, respectively. The obtained result is substantially higher than the results reported in previous studies of PZT materials utilizing a direct piezoelectric effect.

[Import and local transmission of Haemophilus ducreyi].

PubMed

Knudsen, Troels Bygum; Sand, Carsten; Jensen, Jørgen Skov

2010-07-26

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by painful ulcers with a soft margin, necrotic base and purulent exudate. Previously, only sporadic, imported cases have been reported in Denmark. The bacterium is difficult to culture and novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for direct demonstration of bacterial DNA have facilitated rapid verification of the clinical diagnosis. We report two cases which demonstrate import and subsequent local transmission in Denmark. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis was rapidly verified by a combined PCR testing for multiple causes of venereal ulcers.

Energy-gap spectroscopy of superconductors using a tunneling microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le Duc, H. G.; Kaiser, W. J.; Stern, J. A.

1987-01-01

A unique scanning tunneling microscope (STM) system has been developed for spectroscopy of the superconducting energy gap. High-resolution control of tunnel current and voltage allows for measurement of superconducting properties at tunnel resistance levels 100-1000 greater than that achieved in prior work. The previously used STM methods for superconductor spectroscopy are compared to those developed for the work reported here. Superconducting energy-gap spectra are reported for three superconductors, Pb, PbBi, and NbN, over a range of tunnel resistance. The measured spectra are compared directly to theory.

Versatile Alkylation of (Hetero)Aryl Iodides with Ketones via β-C(sp3)-H Activation.

PubMed

Zhu, Ru-Yi; Liu, Luo-Yan; Park, Han Seul; Hong, Kai; Wu, Yongwei; Senanayake, Chris H; Yu, Jin-Quan

2017-11-15

We report Pd(II)-catalyzed β-C(sp 3 )-H (hetero)arylation of a variety of ketones using a commercially available 2,2-dimethyl aminooxyacetic acid auxiliary. Facile installation and removal of the auxiliary as well as its superior scope for both ketones and (hetero)aryl iodides overcome the significant limitations of the previously reported β-C(sp 3 )-H arylation of ketones. The ready availability of ketones renders this reaction a broadly useful method for alkyl-(hetero)aryl coupling involving both primary and secondary alkyls.

Statistical significance of the rich-club phenomenon in complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhi-Qiang; Zhou, Wei-Xing

2008-04-01

We propose that the rich-club phenomenon in complex networks should be defined in the spirit of bootstrapping, in which a null model is adopted to assess the statistical significance of the rich-club detected. Our method can serve as a definition of the rich-club phenomenon and is applied to analyze three real networks and three model networks. The results show significant improvement compared with previously reported results. We report a dilemma with an exceptional example, showing that there does not exist an omnipotent definition for the rich-club phenomenon.

GalaxyGPCRloop: Template-Based and Ab Initio Structure Sampling of the Extracellular Loops of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors.

PubMed

Won, Jonghun; Lee, Gyu Rie; Park, Hahnbeom; Seok, Chaok

2018-06-07

The second extracellular loops (ECL2s) of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are often involved in GPCR functions, and their structures have important implications in drug discovery. However, structure prediction of ECL2 is difficult because of its long length and the structural diversity among different GPCRs. In this study, a new ECL2 conformational sampling method involving both template-based and ab initio sampling was developed. Inspired by the observation of similar ECL2 structures of closely related GPCRs, a template-based sampling method employing loop structure templates selected from the structure database was developed. A new metric for evaluating similarity of the target loop to templates was introduced for template selection. An ab initio loop sampling method was also developed to treat cases without highly similar templates. The ab initio method is based on the previously developed fragment assembly and loop closure method. A new sampling component that takes advantage of secondary structure prediction was added. In addition, a conserved disulfide bridge restraining ECL2 conformation was predicted and analytically incorporated into sampling, reducing the effective dimension of the conformational search space. The sampling method was combined with an existing energy function for comparison with previously reported loop structure prediction methods, and the benchmark test demonstrated outstanding performance.

Detection of food intake from swallowing sequences by supervised and unsupervised methods.

PubMed

Lopez-Meyer, Paulo; Makeyev, Oleksandr; Schuckers, Stephanie; Melanson, Edward L; Neuman, Michael R; Sazonov, Edward

2010-08-01

Studies of food intake and ingestive behavior in free-living conditions most often rely on self-reporting-based methods that can be highly inaccurate. Methods of Monitoring of Ingestive Behavior (MIB) rely on objective measures derived from chewing and swallowing sequences and thus can be used for unbiased study of food intake with free-living conditions. Our previous study demonstrated accurate detection of food intake in simple models relying on observation of both chewing and swallowing. This article investigates methods that achieve comparable accuracy of food intake detection using only the time series of swallows and thus eliminating the need for the chewing sensor. The classification is performed for each individual swallow rather than for previously used time slices and thus will lead to higher accuracy in mass prediction models relying on counts of swallows. Performance of a group model based on a supervised method (SVM) is compared to performance of individual models based on an unsupervised method (K-means) with results indicating better performance of the unsupervised, self-adapting method. Overall, the results demonstrate that highly accurate detection of intake of foods with substantially different physical properties is possible by an unsupervised system that relies on the information provided by the swallowing alone.

Detection of Food Intake from Swallowing Sequences by Supervised and Unsupervised Methods

PubMed Central

Lopez-Meyer, Paulo; Makeyev, Oleksandr; Schuckers, Stephanie; Melanson, Edward L.; Neuman, Michael R.; Sazonov, Edward

2010-01-01

Studies of food intake and ingestive behavior in free-living conditions most often rely on self-reporting-based methods that can be highly inaccurate. Methods of Monitoring of Ingestive Behavior (MIB) rely on objective measures derived from chewing and swallowing sequences and thus can be used for unbiased study of food intake with free-living conditions. Our previous study demonstrated accurate detection of food intake in simple models relying on observation of both chewing and swallowing. This article investigates methods that achieve comparable accuracy of food intake detection using only the time series of swallows and thus eliminating the need for the chewing sensor. The classification is performed for each individual swallow rather than for previously used time slices and thus will lead to higher accuracy in mass prediction models relying on counts of swallows. Performance of a group model based on a supervised method (SVM) is compared to performance of individual models based on an unsupervised method (K-means) with results indicating better performance of the unsupervised, self-adapting method. Overall, the results demonstrate that highly accurate detection of intake of foods with substantially different physical properties is possible by an unsupervised system that relies on the information provided by the swallowing alone. PMID:20352335

Prevalence of lifetime abortion and methods of contraception among female sex workers in Bogota, Colombia.

PubMed

Bautista, Christian T; Mejía, Alfredo; Leal, Luis; Ayala, Claudia; Sanchez, Jose L; Montano, Silvia M

2008-03-01

The primary objective was to estimate the lifetime prevalence of abortion and the secondary objective was to describe the use of contraceptive methods among female sex workers (FSW) in Bogota, Colombia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSW. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive methods, number of abortions, reasons for abortions and sexual practices was collected. A total of 514 FSW were enrolled. Of these, 264 (53%) had a lifetime abortion. Age, years in sex work and a previous sexually transmitted infection were associated with abortion. A total of 89 FSW(17%) reported no contraception method. Oral contraceptives, use of condoms, female sterilization and intrauterine device insertion were the most common methods of contraception. Women who were poorer, who initiated sex work at a younger age and who reported use of illegal drugs were associated with inconsistent contraception. A high lifetime prevalence of abortion and inconsistent contraception was found among FSW in Bogota. There is a need for effective and practical contraceptive methods of family health planning among FSW in Colombia.

DURIP: Super-Resolution Module for Confocal Microscopy of Reconfigurable Matter

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-28

Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 superresolution microscopy, colloidal particles, self-assembly REPORT...previously have been resolved by optical microscopy. Results of Super Resolution Technique Evaluation Commercially available superresolution imaging...Weaknesses of the method are that is fundamentally a measurement that can only be deployed for fixed samples. Because superresolution is obtained by

Kirkpatrick and Beyond: A Review of Models of Training Evaluation. IES Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamkin, P.; Yarnall, J.; Kerrin, M.

Many organizations are not satisfied that their methods of evaluating training are rigorous or extensive enough to answer questions of value to them. Complaints about Kirkpatrick's popular four-step model (1959) of training evaluation are that each level is assumed to be associated with the previous and next levels and that the model is too simple…

A Mixed Methods Comparison of Teacher Education Faculty Perceptions of the Integration of Technology into Their Courses and Student Feedback on Technology Proficiency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teclehaimanot, Berhane; Mentzer, Gale; Hickman, Torey

2011-01-01

Results from previous studies on pre-service teacher technology integration and faculty perceptions of technology integration within the teacher education program at a medium-sized, Midwestern university are compared to account for the self-reported lack of confidence pre-service teachers have integrating technology into their teaching. Also…

AM2 Brickwork Pattern Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

pavement applications. Designation : D 6951. West Consho- hocken, PA: ASTM International. ASTM International. 2010a. Standard test method for in-place... design . This report provides test results for each evaluation and discussions comparing their perfor- mance to previous tests conducted under similar... designated by other authorized documents. DESTRUCTION NOTICE - For classified documents, follow the procedures in DOD5200.22-M, Industrial Security Manual

Nicaraguan Sign Language and Theory of Mind: The Issue of Critical Periods and Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Gary; Kegl, Judy

2006-01-01

Background: Previous studies in the literature report that deaf individuals who experience late access to language perform poorly on false belief tests of Theory of Mind (ToM) compared with age-matched deaf and hearing controls exposed to language early. Methods: A group of 22 deaf Nicaraguans (aged 7 to 39 years) who learned Nicaraguan Sign…

Measuring Load on Working Memory: The Use of Heart Rate as a Means of Measuring Chemistry Students' Cognitive Load

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cranford, Kristen N.; Tiettmeyer, Jessica M.; Chuprinko, Bryan C.; Jordan, Sophia; Grove, Nathaniel P.

2014-01-01

Information processing provides a powerful model for understanding how learning occurs and highlights the important role that cognitive load plays in this process. In instances in which the cognitive load of a problem exceeds the available working memory, learning can be seriously hindered. Previously reported methods for measuring cognitive load…

Reading Together: A Summer Family Reading Apprenticeship Program for Delayed and Novice Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knapp, Nancy Flanagan

2016-01-01

The Reading Apprenticeship is an intervention that has been shown in previous studies to increase struggling readers, tested reading achievement by 8 to 9 months during a 12 week, in-school program. This article reports on the first study of the Reading Apprenticeship method conducted in the summer using parents, rather than supervised volunteers,…

The SWAN Captures Variance at the Negative and Positive Ends of the ADHD Symptom Dimension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnett, Anne B.; Pennington, Bruce F.; Friend, Angela; Willcutt, Erik G.; Byrne, Brian; Samuelsson, Stefan; Olson, Richard K.

2013-01-01

Objective: The Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN) Rating Scale differs from previous parent reports of ADHD in that it was designed to also measure variability at the positive end of the symptom spectrum. Method: The psychometric properties of the SWAN were tested and compared with an established measure of ADHD,…

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Risk Factors, Vaccination Patterns, and Vaccine Perceptions among a Sample of Male College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fontenot, Holly B.; Collins Fantasia, Heidi; Charyk, Anna; Sutherland, Melissa A.

2014-01-01

Objective: To examine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, including initiation and completion of the vaccine series, and barriers to vaccination in a sample of male college students. Participants: Male students between the ages of 18 and 25 who reported being currently or previously sexually active (N = 735). Methods: A cross-sectional…

Notes on a General Framework for Observed Score Equating. Research Report. ETS RR-08-59

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moses, Tim; Holland, Paul

2008-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to extend von Davier, Holland, and Thayer's (2004b) framework of kernel equating so that it can incorporate raw data and traditional equipercentile equating methods. One result of this more general framework is that previous equating methodology research can be viewed more comprehensively. Another result is that the…

Mothers' Reports of Play Dates and Observation of School Playground Behavior of Children Having High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frankel, Frederick D.; Gorospe, Clarissa M.; Chang, Ya-Chih; Sugar, Catherine A.

2011-01-01

Background: Children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are generally included with typically developing peers at school. They have difficulties interacting with peers on the school playground. Previous literature suggests that having play dates in the home may be related to better peer acceptance at school. Methods: This study…

Comparison of amyloid plaque contrast generated by T2-, T2*-, and susceptibility-weighted imaging methods in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

PubMed Central

Chamberlain, Ryan; Reyes, Denise; Curran, Geoffrey L.; Marjanska, Malgorzata; Wengenack, Thomas M.; Poduslo, Joseph F.; Garwood, Michael; Jack, Clifford R.

2009-01-01

One of the hallmark pathologies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is amyloid plaque deposition. Plaques appear hypointense on T2- and T2*-weighted MR images probably due to the presence of endogenous iron, but no quantitative comparison of various imaging techniques has been reported. We estimated the T1, T2, T2*, and proton density values of cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue and analyzed the plaque contrast generated by a collection of T2-, T2*-, and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) methods in ex vivo transgenic mouse specimens. The proton density and T1 values were similar for both cortical plaques and normal cortical tissue. The T2 and T2* values were similar in cortical plaques, which indicates that the iron content of cortical plaques may not be as large as previously thought. Ex vivo plaque contrast was increased compared to a previously reported spin echo sequence by summing multiple echoes and by performing SWI; however, gradient echo and susceptibility weighted imaging was found to be impractical for in vivo imaging due to susceptibility interface-related signal loss in the cortex. PMID:19253386

Synthesis and Investigation of Millimeter-Scale Vertically Aligned Boron Nitride Nanotube Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tay, Roland; Li, Hongling; Tsang, Siu Hon; Jing, Lin; Tan, Dunlin; Teo, Edwin Hang Tong

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have shown potential in a wide range of applications due to their superior properties such as exceptionally high mechanical strength, excellent chemical and thermal stabilities. However, previously reported methods to date only produced BNNTs with limited length/density and insufficient yield at high temperatures. Here we present a facile and effective two-step synthesis route involving template-assisted chemical vapor deposition at a relatively low temperature of 900 degree C and subsequent annealing process to fabricate vertically aligned (VA) BN coated carbon nanotube (VA-BN/CNT) and VA-BNNT arrays. By using this method, we achieve the longest VA-BN/CNTs and VA-BNNTs to date with lengths of over millimeters (exceeding two orders of magnitude longer than the previously reported length of VA-BNNTs). In addition, the morphology, chemical composition and microstructure of the resulting products, as well as the mechanism of coating process are systematically investigated. This versatile BN coating technique and the synthesis of millimeter-scale BN/CNT and BNNT arrays pave a way for new applications especially where the aligned geometry of the NTs is essential such as for field-emission, interconnects and thermal management.

Successful Object Encoding Induces Increased Directed Connectivity in Presymptomatic Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Ochoa, John Fredy; Alonso, Joan Francesc; Duque, Jon Edinson; Tobón, Carlos Andrés; Mañanas, Miguel Angel; Lopera, Francisco; Hernández, Alher Mauricio

2016-01-01

Background: Recent studies report increases in neural activity in brain regions critical to episodic memory at preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although electroencephalography (EEG) is widely used in AD studies, given its non-invasiveness and low cost, there is a need to translate the findings in other neuroimaging methods to EEG. Objective: To examine how the previous findings using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at preclinical stage in presenilin-1 E280A mutation carriers could be assessed and extended, using EEG and a connectivity approach. Methods: EEG signals were acquired during resting and encoding in 30 normal cognitive young subjects, from an autosomal dominant early-onset AD kindred from Antioquia, Colombia. Regions of the brain previously reported as hyperactive were used for connectivity analysis. Results: Mutation carriers exhibited increasing connectivity at analyzed regions. Among them, the right precuneus exhibited the highest changes in connectivity. Conclusion: Increased connectivity in hyperactive cerebral regions is seen in individuals, genetically-determined to develop AD, at preclinical stage. The use of a connectivity approach and a widely available neuroimaging technique opens the possibility to increase the use of EEG in early detection of preclinical AD. PMID:27792014

De novo synthesis of trideuteromethyl esters of amino acids for use in GC-MS and GC-tandem MS exemplified for ADMA in human plasma and urine: standardization, validation, comparison and proof of evidence for their aptitude as internal standards.

PubMed

Tsikas, Dimitrios

2009-08-01

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, N(G),N(G)-dimethyl-L-arginine) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and a powerful biochemical parameter in clinical studies. In our previous work we have reported on a GC-tandem MS method for the accurate and precise quantification of ADMA in biological fluids using de novo synthesized [(2)H(3)]-methyl ester ADMA (d(3)Me-ADMA) as internal standard (IS). This method provides basal ADMA concentrations in biological fluids that agree with those obtained by other groups using other validated methods for ADMA. Unanimously, de novo synthesized stable-isotope labeled analogues are considered not ideal IS, because they must be prepared in a matrix different from the biological sample. Recently, [2,3,3,4,4,5,5-(2)H(7)]-ADMA (d(7)-ADMA) has become commercially available and we took this opportunity to test the reliability of the de novo synthesized d(3)Me-ADMA as an IS for ADMA in GC-tandem MS. In this article, we report on the re-validation of the previously reported GC-tandem MS method for ADMA in human plasma and urine using d(7)-ADMA as IS, and on comparative quantitative analyses of ADMA by GC-tandem MS using d(7)-ADMA and d(3)Me-ADMA. After thorough standardization of d(7)-ADMA and methods validation, we obtained by GC-tandem MS very similar ADMA concentrations in plasma and urine using d(7)-ADMA and d(3)Me-ADMA. The present study gives a proof of evidence for the aptitude of (2)H(3)-ADMA as IS in GC-tandem MS and suggests that de novo synthesis of stable-isotope labeled alkyl esters of amino acids and amino acid derivates may be a generally applicable method in mass spectrometry-based methods for amino acids. This approach is especially useful for amino acids for which no stable-isotope labeled analogues are commercially available.

Research and Development of Non-Spectroscopic MEMS-Based Sensor Arrays for Targeted Gas Detection

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

Loui, A; McCall, S K

2011-10-24

The ability to monitor the integrity of gas volumes is of interest to the stockpile surveillance community. Specifically, the leak detection of noble gases, at relevant concentration ranges and distinguished from other chemical species that may be simultaneously present, is particularly challenging. Aside from the laboratory-based method of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), where samples may be collected by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) or cryofocusing, the other major approaches for gas-phase detection employ lasers typically operating in the mid-infrared wavelength region. While mass spectrometry can readily detect noble gases - the helium leak detector is an obvious example - laser-based methods suchmore » as infrared (IR) or Raman spectroscopy are completely insensitive to them as their monatomic nature precludes a non-zero dipole moment or changes in polarizability upon excitation. Therefore, noble gases can only be detected by one of two methods: (1) atomic emission spectroscopies which require the generation of plasmas through laser-induced breakdown, electrical arcing, or similar means; (2) non-spectroscopic methods which measure one or more physical properties (e.g., mass, thermal conductivity, density). In this report, we present our progress during Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) in the research and development of a non-spectroscopic method for noble gas detection. During Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10), we demonstrated via proof-of-concept experiments that the combination of thermal conductivity detection (TCD) and coating-free damped resonance detection (CFDRD) using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) could provide selective sensing of these inert species. Since the MEMS-based TCD technology was directly adapted from a brassboard prototype commissioned by a previous chemical sensing project, FY11 efforts focused on advancing the state of the newer CFDRD method. This work, guided by observations previously reported in the open literature, has not only resulted in a substantially measureable increase in selectivity but has also revealed a potential method for mitigating or eliminating thermal drift that does not require a secondary reference sensor. The design of an apparatus to test this drift compensation scheme will be described. We will conclude this report with a discussion of planned efforts in Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12).« less

Minimum Information for Reporting Next Generation Sequence Genotyping (MIRING): Guidelines for Reporting HLA and KIR Genotyping via Next Generation Sequencing

PubMed Central

Mack, Steven J.; Milius, Robert P.; Gifford, Benjamin D.; Sauter, Jürgen; Hofmann, Jan; Osoegawa, Kazutoyo; Robinson, James; Groeneweg, Mathijs; Turenchalk, Gregory S.; Adai, Alex; Holcomb, Cherie; Rozemuller, Erik H.; Penning, Maarten T.; Heuer, Michael L.; Wang, Chunlin; Salit, Marc L.; Schmidt, Alexander H.; Parham, Peter R.; Müller, Carlheinz; Hague, Tim; Fischer, Gottfried; Fernandez-Viňa, Marcelo; Hollenbach, Jill A; Norman, Paul J.; Maiers, Martin

2015-01-01

The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for HLA and KIR genotyping is rapidly advancing knowledge of genetic variation of these highly polymorphic loci. NGS genotyping is poised to replace older methods for clinical use, but standard methods for reporting and exchanging these new, high quality genotype data are needed. The Immunogenomic NGS Consortium, a broad collaboration of histocompatibility and immunogenetics clinicians, researchers, instrument manufacturers and software developers, has developed the Minimum Information for Reporting Immunogenomic NGS Genotyping (MIRING) reporting guidelines. MIRING is a checklist that specifies the content of NGS genotyping results as well as a set of messaging guidelines for reporting the results. A MIRING message includes five categories of structured information – message annotation, reference context, full genotype, consensus sequence and novel polymorphism – and references to three categories of accessory information – NGS platform documentation, read processing documentation and primary data. These eight categories of information ensure the long-term portability and broad application of this NGS data for all current histocompatibility and immunogenetics use cases. In addition, MIRING can be extended to allow the reporting of genotype data generated using pre-NGS technologies. Because genotyping results reported using MIRING are easily updated in accordance with reference and nomenclature databases, MIRING represents a bold departure from previous methods of reporting HLA and KIR genotyping results, which have provided static and less-portable data. More information about MIRING can be found online at miring.immunogenomics.org. PMID:26407912

Fathers' Depression Related to Positive and Negative Parenting Behaviors With 1-Year-Old Children

PubMed Central

Davis, Matthew M.; Freed, Gary L.; Clark, Sarah J.

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between depression in fathers of 1-year-old children and specific positive and negative parenting behaviors discussed by pediatric providers at well-child visits. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional secondary analysis by using interview data from 1746 fathers of 1-year-old children in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Positive parenting behaviors included fathers' reports of playing games, singing songs, and reading stories to their children ≥3 days in a typical week. Negative parenting behavior included fathers' reports of spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month. Depression was assessed by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form. Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses of parenting behaviors were performed while controlling for demographics and paternal substance abuse. RESULTS: Overall, 7% of fathers had depression. In bivariate analyses, depressed fathers were more likely than nondepressed fathers to report spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month (41% compared with 13%; P < .01). In multivariate analyses, depressed fathers were less likely to report reading to their children ≥3 days in a typical week (adjusted odds ratio: 0.38 [95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.98]) and much more likely to report spanking (adjusted odds ratio: 3.92 [95% confidence interval: 1.23–12.5]). Seventy-seven percent of depressed fathers reported talking to their children's doctor in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: Paternal depression is associated with parenting behaviors relevant to well-child visits. Pediatric providers should consider screening fathers for depression, discussing specific parenting behaviors (eg, reading to children and appropriate discipline), and referring for treatment if appropriate. PMID:21402627

Predictors of Sun Protection Behaviours and Severe Sunburn inan International on-line study

PubMed Central

Bränström, Richard; Kasparian, Nadine A.; Chang, Yu-mei; Affleck, Paul; Tibben, Aad; Aspinwall, Lisa G.; Azizi, Esther; Baron-Epel, Orna; Battistuzzi, Linda; Bergman, Wilma; Bruno, William; Chan, May; Cuellar, Francisco; Dębniak, Tadeusz; Pjanova, Dace; Ertmański, Sƚawomir; Figl, Adina; Gonzalez, Melinda; Hayward, Nicholas K.; Hocevar, Marko; Kanetsky, Peter A.; Leachman, Sancy A.; Heisele, Olita; Palmer, Jane; Peric, Barbara; Puig, Susana; Schadendorf, Dirk; Gruis, Nelleke A.; Newton-Bishop, Julia; Brandberg, Yvonne

2013-01-01

Background The incidence of melanoma continues to increase in many countries, and primary prevention of melanoma includes avoidance of sunburn as well as adequate sun protection behaviour. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported sun protection behaviours and sunburn in users of the Internet, and to identify the demographic, clinical and attitudinal/motivational correlates of sun protection behaviours. Methods Self-report data were gathered on behalf of GenoMEL (www.genomel.org) using an online survey available in 10 different languages, and 8,178 individuals successfully completed at least 80% of survey items, with 73% of respondents from Europe, 12% from Australia, 7% from the USA, 2% from Israel, and 6% from other countries. Results Half of all respondents and 27% of those with a previous melanoma reported at least one severe sunburn during the previous 12 months. The strongest factors associated with sun protection behaviour were perceived barriers to protection (β=−0.44/β=−0.37), and respondents who reported a positive attitude towards suntans were less likely to protect (β=−0.16/β=−0.14). Reported use of protective clothing and shade, as well as avoidance of midday sun exposure, were more strongly related to reduced risk of sunburn than sunscreen use. Conclusions Despite widespread dissemination of public health messages about the importance of sun protection, a substantial proportion of this international sample, including respondents with a previous melanoma, reported inadequate sun protection behaviours resulting in severe sunburn. Impact Future strategies to decrease sunburn should target the practical, social and psychological barriers associated with non-uptake of sun protection. PMID:20643826

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

Song, Ehwang; Gao, Yuqian; Wu, Chaochao

Here, mass spectrometry (MS) based targeted proteomic methods such as selected reaction monitoring (SRM) are becoming the method of choice for preclinical verification of candidate protein biomarkers. The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) of the National Cancer Institute has investigated the standardization and analytical validation of the SRM assays and demonstrated robust analytical performance on different instruments across different laboratories. An Assay Portal has also been established by CPTAC to provide the research community a resource consisting of large set of targeted MS-based assays, and a depository to share assays publicly, providing that assays meet the guidelines proposed bymore » CPTAC. Herein, we report 98 SRM assays covering 70 candidate protein biomarkers previously reported as associated with ovarian cancer that have been thoroughly characterized according to the CPTAC Assay Characterization Guidance Document. The experiments, methods and results for characterizing these SRM assays for their MS response, repeatability, selectivity, stability, and reproducible detection of endogenous analytes are described in detail.« less

Failure monitoring in dynamic systems: Model construction without fault training data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smyth, P.; Mellstrom, J.

1993-01-01

Advances in the use of autoregressive models, pattern recognition methods, and hidden Markov models for on-line health monitoring of dynamic systems (such as DSN antennas) have recently been reported. However, the algorithms described in previous work have the significant drawback that data acquired under fault conditions are assumed to be available in order to train the model used for monitoring the system under observation. This article reports that this assumption can be relaxed and that hidden Markov monitoring models can be constructed using only data acquired under normal conditions and prior knowledge of the system characteristics being measured. The method is described and evaluated on data from the DSS 13 34-m beam wave guide antenna. The primary conclusion from the experimental results is that the method is indeed practical and holds considerable promise for application at the 70-m antenna sites where acquisition of fault data under controlled conditions is not realistic.

Temporary Fixation Using a Long Femoral-tibial Nail to Treat a Displaced Medial Tibial Plateau Fracture in a 90-year-old Patient: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Batta, V; Sinha, S; Trompeter, A

2017-01-01

Introduction: Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries in the elderly population. When traditional methods of fixation are not suitable, an alternative method needs to be chosen for a favorable outcome. We demonstrate a previously undescribed treatment for displaced tibial plateau fractures in the very elderly with poor soft-tissue integrity. Case Report: A 90-year-old woman suffered an open, Gustilo Grade IIIA, displaced fracture of the tibial plateau. An intramedullary knee arthrodesis, the femoral-tibial nail was used to temporarily stabilize her fracture. She was able to weight bear immediately postfixation. Conclusion: A long femoral-tibial nail allows favorable fracture and soft tissue healing, ease of nursing and immediate full weight-bearing. It shows good promise and should be considered as a management option when traditional methods are not applicable in select patients. PMID:29181350

An indirect method of imaging the Stokes parameters of a submicron particle with sub-diffraction scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullah, Kaleem; Garcia-Camara, Braulio; Habib, Muhammad; Yadav, N. P.; Liu, Xuefeng

2018-07-01

In this work, we report an indirect way to image the Stokes parameters of a sample under test (SUT) with sub-diffraction scattering information. We apply our previously reported technique called parametric indirect microscopic imaging (PIMI) based on a fitting and filtration process to measure the Stokes parameters of a submicron particle. A comparison with a classical Stokes measurement is also shown. By modulating the incident field in a precise way, fitting and filtration process at each pixel of the detector in PIMI make us enable to resolve and sense the scattering information of SUT and map them in terms of the Stokes parameters. We believe that our finding can be very useful in fields like singular optics, optical nanoantenna, biomedicine and much more. The spatial signature of the Stokes parameters given by our method has been confirmed with finite difference time domain (FDTD) method.

Comparative analysis of the modified enclosed energy metric for self-focusing holograms from digital lensless holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Trujillo, Carlos; Garcia-Sucerquia, Jorge

2015-06-01

A comparative analysis of the performance of the modified enclosed energy (MEE) method for self-focusing holograms recorded with digital lensless holographic microscopy is presented. Notwithstanding the MEE analysis previously published, no extended analysis of its performance has been reported. We have tested the MEE in terms of the minimum axial distance allowed between the set of reconstructed holograms to search for the focal plane and the elapsed time to obtain the focused image. These parameters have been compared with those for some of the already reported methods in the literature. The MEE achieves better results in terms of self-focusing quality but at a higher computational cost. Despite its longer processing time, the method remains within a time frame to be technologically attractive. Modeled and experimental holograms have been utilized in this work to perform the comparative study.

The hydrogen sulfide metabolite trimethylsulfonium is found in human urine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lajin, Bassam; Francesconi, Kevin A.

2016-06-01

Hydrogen sulfide is the third and most recently discovered gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, playing important roles both in normal physiological conditions and disease progression. The trimethylsulfonium ion (TMS) can result from successive methylation reactions of hydrogen sulfide. No report exists so far about the presence or quantities of TMS in human urine. We developed a method for determining TMS in urine using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QQQ), and applied the method to establish the urinary levels of TMS in a group of human volunteers. The measured urinary levels of TMS were in the nanomolar range, which is commensurate with the steady-state tissue concentrations of hydrogen sulfide previously reported in the literature. The developed method can be used in future studies for the quantification of urinary TMS as a potential biomarker for hydrogen sulfide body pools.

On the vacuum Einstein equations along curves with a discrete local rotation and reflection symmetry

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

Korzyński, Mikołaj; Hinder, Ian; Bentivegna, Eloisa, E-mail: korzynski@cft.edu.pl, E-mail: ian.hinder@aei.mpg.de, E-mail: eloisa.bentivegna@ct.infn.it

We discuss the possibility of a dimensional reduction of the Einstein equations in S{sup 3} black-hole lattices. It was reported in previous literature that the evolution of spaces containing curves of local, discrete rotation and reflection symmetry (LDRRS) can be carried out via a system of ODEs along these curves. However, 3+1 Numerical Relativity computations demonstrate that this is not the case, and we show analytically that this is due to the presence of a tensorial quantity which is not suppressed by the symmetry. We calculate the term analytically, and verify numerically for an 8-black-hole lattice that it fully accountsmore » for the anomalous results, and thus quantify its magnitude in this specific case. The presence of this term prevents the exact evolution of these spaces via previously-reported methods which do not involve a full 3+1 integration of Einstein's equation.« less

High-Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in 6 US Cities: Baseline Data From the EXPLORE Study

PubMed Central

Koblin, Beryl A.; Chesney, Margaret A.; Husnik, Marla J.; Bozeman, Sam; Celum, Connie L.; Buchbinder, Susan; Mayer, Kenneth; McKirnan, David; Judson, Franklyn N.; Huang, Yijian; Coates, Thomas J.

2003-01-01

Objectives. We describe the prevalence of risk behaviors at baseline among men who have sex with men (MSM) who were enrolled in a randomized behavioral intervention trial conducted in 6 US cities. Methods. Data analyses involved MSM who were negative for HIV antibodies and who reported having engaged in anal sex with 1 or more partners in the previous year. Results. Among 4295 men, 48.0% and 54.9%, respectively, reported unprotected receptive and insertive anal sex in the previous 6 months. Unprotected sex was significantly more likely with 1 primary partner or multiple partners than with 1 nonprimary partner. Drug and alcohol use were significantly associated with unprotected anal sex. Conclusions. Our findings support the continued need for effective intervention strategies for MSM that address relationship status, serostatus of partners, and drug and alcohol use. PMID:12773357

Media suicide-reports, Internet use and the occurrence of suicides between 1987 and 2005 in Japan

PubMed Central

Hagihara, Akihito; Tarumi, Kimio; Abe, Takeru

2007-01-01

Background Previous investigations regarding the effects of suicide reports in the media on suicide incidence in Japan have been limited and inconclusive and, although Internet use has greatly increased, its influence on suicide is completely unknown. Thus, the relationship between newspaper articles about suicide, Internet use, and the incidence of suicide in Japan was examined. Methods A linear model was fitted to time series data from January 1987 to March 2005 (218 months). Results Consistent with previous findings, the number of newspaper articles about suicide was a predictor of suicide among both male and female subjects. Internet use was also a predictor of suicide among males, probably because males spent more time online than females. Conclusion Because this is the first, preliminary study examining the association between Internet use and suicide, further research is required to verify the present findings. PMID:17996117

A new family of polymerases related to superfamily A DNA polymerases and T7-like DNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

PubMed

Iyer, Lakshminarayan M; Abhiman, Saraswathi; Aravind, L

2008-10-04

Using sequence profile methods and structural comparisons we characterize a previously unknown family of nucleic acid polymerases in a group of mobile elements from genomes of diverse bacteria, an algal plastid and certain DNA viruses, including the recently reported Sputnik virus. Using contextual information from domain architectures and gene-neighborhoods we present evidence that they are likely to possess both primase and DNA polymerase activity, comparable to the previously reported prim-pol proteins. These newly identified polymerases help in defining the minimal functional core of superfamily A DNA polymerases and related RNA polymerases. Thus, they provide a framework to understand the emergence of both DNA and RNA polymerization activity in this class of enzymes. They also provide evidence that enigmatic DNA viruses, such as Sputnik, might have emerged from mobile elements coding these polymerases.

A new family of polymerases related to superfamily A DNA polymerases and T7-like DNA-dependent RNA polymerases

PubMed Central

Iyer, Lakshminarayan M; Abhiman, Saraswathi; Aravind, L

2008-01-01

Using sequence profile methods and structural comparisons we characterize a previously unknown family of nucleic acid polymerases in a group of mobile elements from genomes of diverse bacteria, an algal plastid and certain DNA viruses, including the recently reported Sputnik virus. Using contextual information from domain architectures and gene-neighborhoods we present evidence that they are likely to possess both primase and DNA polymerase activity, comparable to the previously reported prim-pol proteins. These newly identified polymerases help in defining the minimal functional core of superfamily A DNA polymerases and related RNA polymerases. Thus, they provide a framework to understand the emergence of both DNA and RNA polymerization activity in this class of enzymes. They also provide evidence that enigmatic DNA viruses, such as Sputnik, might have emerged from mobile elements coding these polymerases. This article was reviewed by Eugene Koonin and Mark Ragan. PMID:18834537

A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation.

PubMed

Deci, E L; Koestner, R; Ryan, R M

1999-11-01

A meta-analysis of 128 studies examined the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. As predicted, engagement-contingent, completion-contingent, and performance-contingent rewards significantly undermined free-choice intrinsic motivation (d = -0.40, -0.36, and -0.28, respectively), as did all rewards, all tangible rewards, and all expected rewards. Engagement-contingent and completion-contingent rewards also significantly undermined self-reported interest (d = -0.15, and -0.17), as did all tangible rewards and all expected rewards. Positive feedback enhanced both free-choice behavior (d = 0.33) and self-reported interest (d = 0.31). Tangible rewards tended to be more detrimental for children than college students, and verbal rewards tended to be less enhancing for children than college students. The authors review 4 previous meta-analyses of this literature and detail how this study's methods, analyses, and results differed from the previous ones.

Scintillation efficiency measurement of Na recoils in NaI(Tl) below the DAMA/LIBRA energy threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jingke; Shields, Emily; Calaprice, Frank; Westerdale, Shawn; Froborg, Francis; Suerfu, Burkhant; Alexander, Thomas; Aprahamian, Ani; Back, Henning O.; Casarella, Clark; Fang, Xiao; Gupta, Yogesh K.; Ianni, Aldo; Lamere, Edward; Lippincott, W. Hugh; Liu, Qian; Lyons, Stephanie; Siegl, Kevin; Smith, Mallory; Tan, Wanpeng; Kolk, Bryant Vande

2015-07-01

The dark matter interpretation of the DAMA modulation signal depends on the NaI(Tl) scintillation efficiency of nuclear recoils. Previous measurements for Na recoils have large discrepancies, especially in the DAMA/LIBRA modulation energy region. We report a quenching effect measurement of Na recoils in NaI(Tl) from 3 to 52 keVnr, covering the whole DAMA/LIBRA energy region for dark matter-Na scattering interpretations. By using a low-energy, pulsed neutron beam, a double time-of-flight technique, and pulse-shape discrimination methods, we obtained the most accurate measurement of this kind for NaI(Tl) to date. The results differ significantly from the DAMA reported values at low energies but fall between the other previous measurements. We present the implications of the new quenching results for the dark matter interpretation of the DAMA modulation signal.

Scintillation efficiency measurement of Na recoils in NaI(Tl) below the DAMA/LIBRA energy threshold

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

Xu, Jingke; Shields, Emily; Calaprice, Frank

2015-07-01

The dark matter interpretation of the DAMA modulation signal depends on the NaI(Tl) scintillation efficiency of nuclear recoils. Previous measurements for Na recoils have large discrepancies, especially in the DAMA/LIBRA modulation energy region. We report a quenching effect measurement of Na recoils in NaI(Tl) from 3 to 52 keVnr, covering the whole DAMA/LIBRA energy region for dark matter-Na scattering interpretations. By using a low-energy, pulsed neutron beam, a double time-of-flight technique, and pulse-shape discrimination methods, we obtained the most accurate measurement of this kind for NaI(Tl) to date. The results differ significantly from the DAMA reported values at low energies butmore » fall between the other previous measurements. We present the implications of the new quenching results for the dark matter interpretation of the DAMA modulation signal.« less

Measuring Empathy in Pharmacy Students

PubMed Central

Van Winkle, Lon J.; Hojat, Mohammadreza

2011-01-01

Objective. To validate the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students version (JSE-HPS) in pharmacy students. Methods. The JSE-HPS (20 items), adapted from the original Jefferson Scale of Empathy for use among students in the healthcare professions, was completed by 187 first-year pharmacy students at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy. Results. Two factors, “perspective-taking” and “compassionate care,” emerged from factor analysis in this study, accounting for 31% and 8% of the variance, respectively. These factors are similar to the prominent ones reported in previous research involving physicians and medical students, supporting the construct validity of this instrument for pharmacy students. In the current study, mean JSE-HPS score was comparable to those reported for medical students, and consistent with previous findings with medical students and physicians. Women scored significantly higher than men. Conclusions. Findings support the construct validity and reliability of the JSE-HPS for measuring empathy in pharmacy students. PMID:21931447

Bulk and surface event identification in p-type germanium detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, L. T.; Li, H. B.; Wong, H. T.; Agartioglu, M.; Chen, J. H.; Jia, L. P.; Jiang, H.; Li, J.; Lin, F. K.; Lin, S. T.; Liu, S. K.; Ma, J. L.; Sevda, B.; Sharma, V.; Singh, L.; Singh, M. K.; Singh, M. K.; Soma, A. K.; Sonay, A.; Yang, S. W.; Wang, L.; Wang, Q.; Yue, Q.; Zhao, W.

2018-04-01

The p-type point-contact germanium detectors have been adopted for light dark matter WIMP searches and the studies of low energy neutrino physics. These detectors exhibit anomalous behavior to events located at the surface layer. The previous spectral shape method to identify these surface events from the bulk signals relies on spectral shape assumptions and the use of external calibration sources. We report an improved method in separating them by taking the ratios among different categories of in situ event samples as calibration sources. Data from CDEX-1 and TEXONO experiments are re-examined using the ratio method. Results are shown to be consistent with the spectral shape method.

A comparison of numerical methods for the prediction of two-dimensional heat transfer in an electrothermal deicer pad. M.S. Thesis. Final Contractor Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, William B.

1988-01-01

Transient, numerical simulations of the deicing of composite aircraft components by electrothermal heating have been performed in a 2-D rectangular geometry. Seven numerical schemes and four solution methods were used to find the most efficient numerical procedure for this problem. The phase change in the ice was simulated using the Enthalpy method along with the Method for Assumed States. Numerical solutions illustrating deicer performance for various conditions are presented. Comparisons are made with previous numerical models and with experimental data. The simulation can also be used to solve a variety of other heat conduction problems involving composite bodies.

Inductive matrix completion for predicting gene-disease associations.

PubMed

Natarajan, Nagarajan; Dhillon, Inderjit S

2014-06-15

Most existing methods for predicting causal disease genes rely on specific type of evidence, and are therefore limited in terms of applicability. More often than not, the type of evidence available for diseases varies-for example, we may know linked genes, keywords associated with the disease obtained by mining text, or co-occurrence of disease symptoms in patients. Similarly, the type of evidence available for genes varies-for example, specific microarray probes convey information only for certain sets of genes. In this article, we apply a novel matrix-completion method called Inductive Matrix Completion to the problem of predicting gene-disease associations; it combines multiple types of evidence (features) for diseases and genes to learn latent factors that explain the observed gene-disease associations. We construct features from different biological sources such as microarray expression data and disease-related textual data. A crucial advantage of the method is that it is inductive; it can be applied to diseases not seen at training time, unlike traditional matrix-completion approaches and network-based inference methods that are transductive. Comparison with state-of-the-art methods on diseases from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database shows that the proposed approach is substantially better-it has close to one-in-four chance of recovering a true association in the top 100 predictions, compared to the recently proposed Catapult method (second best) that has <15% chance. We demonstrate that the inductive method is particularly effective for a query disease with no previously known gene associations, and for predicting novel genes, i.e. genes that are previously not linked to diseases. Thus the method is capable of predicting novel genes even for well-characterized diseases. We also validate the novelty of predictions by evaluating the method on recently reported OMIM associations and on associations recently reported in the literature. Source code and datasets can be downloaded from http://bigdata.ices.utexas.edu/project/gene-disease. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.

Significantly Increased Odds of Reporting Previous Shoulder Injuries in Female Marines Based on Larger Magnitude Shoulder Rotator Bilateral Strength Differences

PubMed Central

Eagle, Shawn R.; Connaboy, Chris; Nindl, Bradley C.; Allison, Katelyn F.

2018-01-01

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries to the extremities are a primary concern for the United States (US) military. One possible injury risk factor in this population is side-to-side strength imbalance. Purpose: To examine the odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury in US Marine Corps Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force volunteers based on side-to-side strength differences in isokinetic shoulder strength. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male (n = 219) and female (n = 91) Marines were included in this analysis. Peak torque values from 5 shoulder internal/external rotation repetitions were averaged and normalized to body weight. The difference in side-to-side strength measurements was calculated as the absolute value of the limb difference divided by the mean peak torque of the dominant limb. Participants were placed into groups based on the magnitude of these differences: <10%, 10% to 20%, and >20%. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: When separated by sex, 13.2% of men reported an injury, while 5.5% of women reported an injury. Female Marines with >20% internal rotation side-to-side strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with female Marines with <10% strength differences (OR, 15.4; 95% CI, 1.4-167.2; P = .03 ) and female Marines with 10% to 20% strength differences (OR, 13.9; 95% CI, 1.3-151.2; P = .04). No significant ORs were demonstrated in male Marines. Conclusion: Marines with larger magnitude internal rotation strength differences demonstrated increased odds of reporting a previous shoulder injury compared with those with lesser magnitude differences. Additionally, female sex appears to drastically affect the increased odds of reporting shoulder injuries (OR, 13.9-15.4) with larger magnitude differences (ie, >20%) compared with those with lesser magnitude differences (ie, <10% and 10%-20%). The retrospective cohort design of this study cannot delineate cause and effect but establishes a relationship between female Marines and greater odds of larger magnitude strength differences after returning from an injury. PMID:29497623

Characterization of Fissile Assemblies Using Low-Efficiency Detection Systems

DOE PAGES

Chapline, George F.; Verbeke, Jerome M.

2017-02-02

Here, we have investigated the possibility that the amount, chemical form, multiplication, and shape of the fissile material in an assembly can be passively assayed using scintillator detection systems by only measuring the fast neutron pulse height distribution and distribution of time intervals Δt between fast neutrons. We have previously demonstrated that the alpha-ratio can be obtained from the observed pulse height distribution for fast neutrons. In this paper we report that we report that when the distribution of time intervals is plotted as a function of logΔt, the position of the correlated neutron peak is nearly independent of detectormore » efficiency and determines the internal relaxation rate for fast neutrons. If this information is combined with knowledge of the alpha-ratio, then the position of the minimum between the correlated and uncorrelated peaks can be used to rapidly estimate the mass, multiplication, and shape of fissile material. This method does not require a priori knowledge of either the efficiency for neutron detection or the alpha-ratio. Although our method neglects 3-neutron correlations, we have used previously obtained experimental data for metallic and oxide forms of Pu to demonstrate that our method yields good estimates for multiplications as large as 2, and that the only constraint on detector efficiency/observation time is that a peak in the interval time distribution due to correlated neutrons is visible.« less

Measuring the impact of a health information exchange intervention on provider-based notifiable disease reporting using mixed methods: a study protocol.

PubMed

Dixon, Brian E; Grannis, Shaun J; Revere, Debra

2013-10-30

Health information exchange (HIE) is the electronic sharing of data and information between clinical care and public health entities. Previous research has shown that using HIE to electronically report laboratory results to public health can improve surveillance practice, yet there has been little utilization of HIE for improving provider-based disease reporting. This article describes a study protocol that uses mixed methods to evaluate an intervention to electronically pre-populate provider-based notifiable disease case reporting forms with clinical, laboratory and patient data available through an operational HIE. The evaluation seeks to: (1) identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, adoption and utilization of the intervention; (2) measure impacts on workflow, provider awareness, and end-user satisfaction; and (3) describe the contextual factors that impact the effectiveness of the intervention within heterogeneous clinical settings and the HIE. The intervention will be implemented over a staggered schedule in one of the largest and oldest HIE infrastructures in the U.S., the Indiana Network for Patient Care. Evaluation will be conducted utilizing a concurrent design mixed methods framework in which qualitative methods are embedded within the quantitative methods. Quantitative data will include reporting rates, timeliness and burden and report completeness and accuracy, analyzed using interrupted time-series and other pre-post comparisons. Qualitative data regarding pre-post provider perceptions of report completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, reporting burden, data quality, benefits, utility, adoption, utilization and impact on reporting workflow will be collected using semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey items. Data will be triangulated to find convergence or agreement by cross-validating results to produce a contextualized portrayal of the facilitators and barriers to implementation and use of the intervention. By applying mixed research methods and measuring context, facilitators and barriers, and individual, organizational and data quality factors that may impact adoption and utilization of the intervention, we will document whether and how the intervention streamlines provider-based manual reporting workflows, lowers barriers to reporting, increases data completeness, improves reporting timeliness and captures a greater portion of communicable disease burden in the community.

Experiences Using Formal Methods for Requirements Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Easterbrook, Steve; Lutz, Robyn; Covington, Rick; Kelly, John; Ampo, Yoko; Hamilton, David

1996-01-01

This paper describes three cases studies in the lightweight application of formal methods to requirements modeling for spacecraft fault protection systems. The case studies differ from previously reported applications of formal methods in that formal methods were applied very early in the requirements engineering process, to validate the evolving requirements. The results were fed back into the projects, to improve the informal specifications. For each case study, we describe what methods were applied, how they were applied, how much effort was involved, and what the findings were. In all three cases, the formal modeling provided a cost effective enhancement of the existing verification and validation processes. We conclude that the benefits gained from early modeling of unstable requirements more than outweigh the effort needed to maintain multiple representations.

Numerical simulations of motion-insensitive diffusion imaging based on the distant dipolar field effects.

PubMed

Lin, Tao; Sun, Huijun; Chen, Zhong; You, Rongyi; Zhong, Jianhui

2007-12-01

Diffusion weighting in MRI is commonly achieved with the pulsed-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) method. When combined with spin-warping image formation, this method often results in ghosts due to the sample's macroscopic motion. It has been shown experimentally (Kennedy and Zhong, MRM 2004;52:1-6) that these motion artifacts can be effectively eliminated by the distant dipolar field (DDF) method, which relies on the refocusing of spatially modulated transverse magnetization by the DDF within the sample itself. In this report, diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) using both DDF and PGSE methods in the presence of macroscopic sample motion were simulated. Numerical simulation results quantify the dependence of signals in DWI on several key motion parameters and demonstrate that the DDF DWIs are much less sensitive to macroscopic sample motion than the traditional PGSE DWIs. The results also show that the dipolar correlation distance (d(c)) can alter contrast in DDF DWIs. The simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental results reported previously.

Synthesis of Ammonia-Assisted Porous Nickel Ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) Nanostructures as an Electrode Material for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Bhojane, Prateek; Sharma, Alfa; Pusty, Manojit; Kumar, Yogendra; Sen, Somaditya; Shirage, Parasharam

2017-02-01

In this work, we report a low cost, facile synthesis method for Nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) nanostructures obtained by chemical bath deposition method for alternate transition metal oxide electrode material as a solution for clean energy. We developed a template free ammonia assisted method for obtaining porous structure which offering better supercapacitive performance of NiFe₂O₄ electrode material than previously reported for pure NiFe₂O₄. Here we explore the physical characterizations X-ray diffraction, FESEM, HRTEM performed to under-stand its crystal structure and morphology as well as the electrochemical measurements was performed to understand the electrochemical behaviour of the material. Here ammonia plays an important role in governing the structure/morphology of the material and enhances the electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance of 541 Fg⁻¹ is achieved at 2 mVs⁻¹ scan rate which is highest for the pure NiFe₂O₄ electrode material without using any addition of carbon based material, heterostructure or template based method.

Vitamin A determination in milk samples based on the luminol-periodate chemiluminescence system.

PubMed

Rishi, Lubna; Yaqoob, Mohammad; Waseem, Amir; Nabi, Abdul

2014-01-01

A simple and rapid flow injection (FI) method for the determination of retinyl acetate is reported based on its enhancing effect on the luminol-periodate chemiluminescence (CL) system in an alkaline medium. The detection limit (3s×blank) was 8.0×10⁻⁸ mol L⁻¹, with an injection throughput of 90 h⁻¹. The method allows linear increase of CL intensity over the retinyl acetate concentration range of 1.0-100×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹ (R²=0.9996) with relative standard deviations of 2.4% (n=10) for 5.0×10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. The key chemical and physical variables (reagent concentrations, flow rates, sample volume, and photomultiplier tube (PMT) voltage) were optimized and potential interferences were investigated. The method was successfully applied to human milk, fresh cow's milk and infant milk-based formulas and the results were in good agreement with the previously reported HPLC method. A brief discussion on the possible CL reaction mechanism is also presented.

Implementation of a model based fault detection and diagnosis for actuation faults of the Space Shuttle main engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duyar, A.; Guo, T.-H.; Merrill, W.; Musgrave, J.

1992-01-01

In a previous study, Guo, Merrill and Duyar, 1990, reported a conceptual development of a fault detection and diagnosis system for actuation faults of the space shuttle main engine. This study, which is a continuation of the previous work, implements the developed fault detection and diagnosis scheme for the real time actuation fault diagnosis of the space shuttle main engine. The scheme will be used as an integral part of an intelligent control system demonstration experiment at NASA Lewis. The diagnosis system utilizes a model based method with real time identification and hypothesis testing for actuation, sensor, and performance degradation faults.

Extended Hellmann-Feynman theorem for degenerate eigenstates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, G. P.; George, Thomas F.

2004-04-01

In a previous paper, we reported a failure of the traditional Hellmann-Feynman theorem (HFT) for degenerate eigenstates. This has generated enormous interest among different groups. In four independent papers by Fernandez, by Balawender, Hola, and March, by Vatsya, and by Alon and Cederbaum, an elegant method to solve the problem was devised. The main idea is that one has to construct and diagonalize the force matrix for the degenerate case, and only the eigenforces are well defined. We believe this is an important extension to HFT. Using our previous example for an energy level of fivefold degeneracy, we find that those eigenforces correctly reflect the symmetry of the molecule.

Estimation of the Operating Characteristics when the Test Information of the Old Test is not Constant II: Simple Sum Procedure of the Conditional P.D.F. Approach/Normal Approach Method Using Three Subtests of the Old Test. Research Report 80-4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samejima, Fumiko

The rationale behind the method of estimating the operating characteristics of discrete item responses when the test information of the Old Test is not constant was presented previously. In the present study, two subtests of the Old Test, i.e. Subtests 1, and 2, each of which has a different non-constant test information function, are used in…

A new method to synthesize complicated multi-branched carbon nanotubes with controlled architecture and composition.

PubMed

Wei, Dacheng; Liu, Yunqi; Cao, Lingchao; Fu, Lei; Li, Xianglong; Wang, Yu; Yu, Gui; Zhu, Daoben

2006-02-01

Here we develop a simple method by using flow fluctuation to synthesize arrays of multi-branched carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are far more complex than those previously reported. The architectures and compositions can be well controlled, thus avoiding any template or additive. A branching mechanism of fluctuation-promoted coalescence of catalyst particles is proposed. This finding will provide a hopeful approach to the goal of CNT-based integrated circuits and be valuable for applying branched junctions in nanoelectronics and producing branched junctions of other materials.

Increasing medical student exposure to clinical dermatology through participation in volunteer clinics.

PubMed

Beroukhim, Kourosh; Nguyen, Catherine; Danesh, Melissa; Lee, Kristina; Liao, Wilson

2015-10-16

Over the previous decade, several innovative teaching methods have been introduced to overcome the decreasing allotment of time dedicated to dermatology in U.S. medical school curricula. We report our experience of increasing medical student exposure to clinical dermatology thorough involvement in an extracurricular, volunteer-driven dermatology clinic. The clinic was well received by students and faculty. Our experience demonstrates that volunteer-driven dermatology clinics may be an effective method of teaching and engendering a culture of community outreach among medical students and faculty.

Internal combustion engine fuel controls. December 1970-December 1989 (Citations from the US Patent data base). Report for December 1970-December 1989

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

Not Available

1990-01-01

This bibliography contains citations of selected patents concerning fuel control devices, and methods used to regulate speed and load in internal combustion engines. Techniques utilized to control air-fuel ratios by sensing pressure, temperature, and exhaust composition, and the employment of electronic and feedback devices are discussed. Methods used for engine protection and optimum fuel conservation are considered. (This updated bibliography contains 327 citations, 160 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)

Barriers to Rural Induced Abortion Services in Canada: Findings of the British Columbia Abortion Providers Survey (BCAPS)

PubMed Central

Norman, Wendy V.; Soon, Judith A.; Maughn, Nanamma; Dressler, Jennifer

2013-01-01

Background Rural induced abortion service has declined in Canada. Factors influencing abortion provision by rural physicians are unknown. This study assessed distribution, practice, and experiences among rural compared to urban abortion providers in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). Methods We used mixed methods to assess physicians on the BC registry of abortion providers. In 2011 we distributed a previously-published questionnaire and conducted semi-structured interviews. Results Surveys were returned by 39/46 (85%) of BC abortion providers. Half were family physicians, within both rural and urban cohorts. One-quarter (17/67) of rural hospitals offer abortion service. Medical abortions comprised 14.7% of total reported abortions. The three largest urban areas reported 90% of all abortions, although only 57% of reproductive age women reside in the associated health authority regions. Each rural physician provided on average 76 (SD 52) abortions annually, including 35 (SD 30) medical abortions. Rural physicians provided surgical abortions in operating rooms, often using general anaesthesia, while urban physicians provided the same services primarily in ambulatory settings using local anaesthesia. Rural providers reported health system barriers, particularly relating to operating room logistics. Urban providers reported occasional anonymous harassment and violence. Conclusions Medical abortions represented 15% of all BC abortions, a larger proportion than previously reported (under 4%) for Canada. Rural physicians describe addressable barriers to service provision that may explain the declining accessibility of rural abortion services. Moving rural surgical abortions out of operating rooms and into local ambulatory care settings has the potential to improve care and costs, while reducing logistical challenges facing rural physicians. PMID:23840578

The process and organizational characteristics of memory clinics in Israel in 2007.

PubMed

Werner, Perla; Goldstein, Dovrat; Heinik, Jeremia

2009-01-01

We previously described the characteristics and activities of 25 memory clinics in Israel in 1998 using a mail survey. Questionnaires assessing the administrative structure of the clinics, patient characteristics, processes and methods used, and outcomes of the assessment were mailed again in 2007 to 35 memory clinics. Overall, the general operating characteristics of the clinics in 2007 were found to be similar to those reported in the previous survey conducted in 1998. The assessment process in 2007 was shorter than in 1998 (mean time=1.92 and 3.12 h, respectively), although both surveys were based on an interdisciplinary team, including a physician, a nurse and a social worker. However, in 2007 the teams were more wide-ranging. A wider variety of instruments were reported in the more recent survey. Most of the clinics in both surveys reported that family members were involved at all stages of the assessment. Medication treatment was the main outcome reported by the clinics in both surveys. There has been a development in the process and organizational characteristics of memory clinics in Israel over the years, probably as a consequence of the development of knowledge in the area of cognitive deterioration.

Management of orthodontic emergencies in primary care - self-reported confidence of general dental practitioners.

PubMed

Popat, H; Thomas, K; Farnell, D J J

2016-07-08

Objective To determine general dental practitioners' (GDPs) confidence in managing orthodontic emergencies.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Primary dental care.Subjects and methods An online survey was distributed to dentists practicing in Wales. The survey collected basic demographic information and included descriptions of ten common orthodontic emergency scenarios.Main outcome measure Respondents' self-reported confidence in managing the orthodontic emergency scenarios on a 5-point Likert scale. Differences between the Likert responses and the demographic variables were investigated using chi-squared tests.Results The median number of orthodontic emergencies encountered by respondents over the previous six months was 1. Overall, the self-reported confidence of respondents was high with 7 of the 10 scenarios presented scoring a median of 4 indicating that GDPs were 'confident' in their management. Statistical analysis revealed that GDPs who saw more orthodontic emergencies in the previous six months were more confident when managing the presented scenarios. Other variables such as age, gender, geographic location of practice and number of years practising dentistry were not associated with self-reported confidence.Conclusions Despite GDPs encountering very few orthodontic emergencies in primary care, they appear to be confident in dealing with commonly arising orthodontic emergency situations.

Concentrations of the Allelochemical (+/-)-catechin IN Centaurea maculosa soils.

PubMed

Perry, Laura G; Thelen, Giles C; Ridenour, Wendy M; Callaway, Ragan M; Paschke, Mark W; Vivanco, Jorge M

2007-12-01

The phytotoxin (+/-)-catechin has been proposed to mediate invasion and autoinhibition by the Eurasian plant Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed). The importance of (+/-)-catechin to C. maculosa ecology depends in part on whether sufficient catechin concentrations occur at appropriate times and locations within C. maculosa soil to influence neighboring plants. Previous research on catechin in C. maculosa soils has yielded conflicting results, with some studies finding high soil catechin concentrations and other, more recent studies finding little or no catechin in field soils. Here, we report the most extensive study of soil catechin concentrations to date. We examined soil catechin concentrations in 402 samples from 11 C. maculosa sites in North America sampled in consecutive months over 1 yr, excluding winter months. One site was sampled on seven dates, another was sampled twice, and the remaining nine sites were each sampled once on a range of sampling dates. Methods used were similar to those with which we previously measured high soil catechin concentrations. We detected catechin only in the site that was sampled on seven dates and only on one sampling date in that site (May 16 2006), but in all samples collected on that date. The mean soil catechin concentration on that date was 0.65 +/- 0.45 (SD) mg g(-1), comparable to previously reported high concentrations. There are a number of possible explanations for the infrequency with which we detected soil catechin in this work compared to previous studies. Differences in results could reflect spatial and temporal variation in catechin exudation or degradation, as we examined different sites in a different year from most previous studies. Also, large quantities of catechin were detected in blanks for two sampling periods in the present study, leading us to discard those data. This contamination suggests that previous reports of high catechin concentrations that did not include blanks should be viewed with caution. Our results suggest that pure catechin is only rarely present in C. maculosa bulk soils. Thus, although catechin may play a role in C. maculosa invasion, the infrequency of soil catechin that we determined in this study suggests that we cannot be as certain of its role as previous reports of high soil catechin concentrations suggested.

Physical Examination Reporting System

PubMed Central

Rowley, B.A.; Cameron, J.M.; Anderson, D.E.; Nicholas, T.A.; Hogue, R.L.; Hutcheson, J.L.; Peralta, V.H.; Johansen, B.; Walston, D.

1978-01-01

The following is a description of a Physical Examination Reporting System which was developed in cooperation with physicians from the Department of Family Practice and the Department of Preventive Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas. This system was designed to evaluate what effect such a report would have on the practice of medicine in underserved areas with regard to health benefit, medical impact, and economic impact. The set of observations was assembled over a three month period by utilizing techniques previously developed in this area as well as the expertise of the TTUSM faculty. This system was developed for impact evaluation purposes. Its actual daily use may require changes in the form, in method of entry, and in format of the report.

Adult Onset Still’s Disease Presenting with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Dua, Anisha B.; Manadan, Augustine M.; Case, John P.

2013-01-01

Introduction: Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by rash, leukocytosis, fevers, and arthralgias. Pulmonary involvement has been reported rarely in AOSD, but acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is extremely rare and potentially fatal and must be recognized as potential manifestation of underlying AOSD. Methods: We present a case of AOSD manifested by ARDS and review the previously reported cases in Medline/Pub med. Results: Including this case, 19 cases of AOSD complicated with ARDS have been reported in the literature. Conclusions: It is important to recognize ARDS as a manifestation of AOSD so that proper diagnostic and therapeutic management can be initiated promptly. PMID:24459537

Refinery Capacity Report

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

Data series include fuel, electricity, and steam purchased for consumption at the refinery; refinery receipts of crude oil by method of transportation; and current and projected atmospheric crude oil distillation, downstream charge, and production capacities. Respondents are operators of all operating and idle petroleum refineries (including new refineries under construction) and refineries shut down during the previous year, located in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and other U.S. possessions. The Refinery Capacity Report does not contain working and shell storage capacity data. This data is now being collected twice a year as of March 31 and September 30 on the Form EIA-810, "Monthly Refinery Report", and is now released as a separate report Working and Net Available Shell Storage Capacity.

Comparison of Conjugate Gradient Density Matrix Search and Chebyshev Expansion Methods for Avoiding Diagonalization in Large-Scale Electronic Structure Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bates, Kevin R.; Daniels, Andrew D.; Scuseria, Gustavo E.

1998-01-01

We report a comparison of two linear-scaling methods which avoid the diagonalization bottleneck of traditional electronic structure algorithms. The Chebyshev expansion method (CEM) is implemented for carbon tight-binding calculations of large systems and its memory and timing requirements compared to those of our previously implemented conjugate gradient density matrix search (CG-DMS). Benchmark calculations are carried out on icosahedral fullerenes from C60 to C8640 and the linear scaling memory and CPU requirements of the CEM demonstrated. We show that the CPU requisites of the CEM and CG-DMS are similar for calculations with comparable accuracy.

Are LOD and LOQ Reliable Parameters for Sensitivity Evaluation of Spectroscopic Methods?

PubMed

Ershadi, Saba; Shayanfar, Ali

2018-03-22

The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) are common parameters to assess the sensitivity of analytical methods. In this study, the LOD and LOQ of previously reported terbium sensitized analysis methods were calculated by different methods, and the results were compared with sensitivity parameters [lower limit of quantification (LLOQ)] of U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The details of the calibration curve and standard deviation of blank samples of three different terbium-sensitized luminescence methods for the quantification of mycophenolic acid, enrofloxacin, and silibinin were used for the calculation of LOD and LOQ. A comparison of LOD and LOQ values calculated by various methods and LLOQ shows a considerable difference. The significant difference of the calculated LOD and LOQ with various methods and LLOQ should be considered in the sensitivity evaluation of spectroscopic methods.

Experiences Using Lightweight Formal Methods for Requirements Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Easterbrook, Steve; Lutz, Robyn; Covington, Rick; Kelly, John; Ampo, Yoko; Hamilton, David

1997-01-01

This paper describes three case studies in the lightweight application of formal methods to requirements modeling for spacecraft fault protection systems. The case studies differ from previously reported applications of formal methods in that formal methods were applied very early in the requirements engineering process, to validate the evolving requirements. The results were fed back into the projects, to improve the informal specifications. For each case study, we describe what methods were applied, how they were applied, how much effort was involved, and what the findings were. In all three cases, formal methods enhanced the existing verification and validation processes, by testing key properties of the evolving requirements, and helping to identify weaknesses. We conclude that the benefits gained from early modeling of unstable requirements more than outweigh the effort needed to maintain multiple representations.

In-situ measurement of electroosmotic drag coefficient in Nafion membrane for the PEMFC.

PubMed

Peng, Zhe; Morin, Arnaud; Huguet, Patrice; Schott, Pascal; Pauchet, Joël

2011-11-10

A new method based on hydrogen pump has been developed to measure the electroosmotic drag coefficient in representative PEMFC operating conditions. It allows eliminating the back-flow of water which leads to some errors in the calculation of this coefficient with previously reported electrochemical methods. Measurements have been performed on 50 μm thick Nafion membranes both extruded and recast. Contrary to what has been described in most of previous published works, the electroosmotic drag coefficient decreases as the membrane water content increases. The same trend is observed for temperatures between 25 and 80 °C. For the same membrane water content, the electroosmotic drag coefficient increases with temperature. In the same condition, there is no difference in drag coefficient for extruded Nafion N112 and recast Nafion NRE212. These results are discussed on the basis of the two commonly accepted proton transport mechanisms, namely, Grotthus and vehicular.

A reexamination of the evidence for the somatic marker hypothesis: what participants really know in the Iowa gambling task.

PubMed

Maia, Tiago V; McClelland, James L

2004-11-09

Bechara, Damasio, and coworkers [Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D. & Damasio, A. R. (1997) Science 275, 1293-1295] have reported that normal participants decide advantageously before knowing the advantageous strategy in a simple card game designed to mimic real-life decision-making. Bechara et al. have used this result to support their view that nonconscious somatic markers can guide advantageous behavior. By using more sensitive methods, we show that participants have much more knowledge about the game than previously thought. In fact, participants report knowledge of the advantageous strategy more reliably than they behave advantageously. Furthermore, when they behave advantageously, their verbal reports nearly always reveal evidence of quantitative knowledge about the outcomes of the decks that would be sufficient to guide such advantageous behavior. In addition, there is evidence that participants also have access to more qualitative reportable knowledge. These results are compatible with the view that, in this task, both overt behavior and verbal reports reflect sampling from consciously accessible knowledge; there is no need to appeal to nonconscious somatic markers. We also discuss the findings of other studies that similarly suggest alternative interpretations of other evidence previously used to support a role for somatic markers in decision-making.

African-American participants in a bipolar disorder registry: clinical and treatment characteristics.

PubMed

Kupfer, David J; Frank, Ellen; Grochocinski, Victoria J; Houck, Patricia R; Brown, Charlotte

2005-02-01

The goal of this paper was to compare clinical characteristics and treatment history of African-American and Caucasian participants in a bipolar disorder registry. The Western Pennsylvania Bipolar Disorder Registry used several recruitment methods to reach individuals self-identified as having bipolar disorder. Individuals who contacted and joined the registry completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on clinical characteristics and treatment history. A sample of 2,718 registry participants was analyzed in order to compare these characteristics and history by race. African-Americans in the registry reported a greater number of inpatient hospitalizations (9.8 versus 4.4) than Caucasians, as well as a higher suicide attempt rate (64% versus 49%). African-American participants were more likely to report a family member with schizophrenia. With respect to psychotropic medication, African-Americans were less likely to report taking antimanic medication or benzodiazepines, but more likely to report taking antipsychotics than Caucasians. The present findings reinforce previous reports regarding the chronicity and severity of bipolar disorder among African-Americans. They also support previous studies that found high rates of attempted suicide among African-Americans with bipolar disorder. These findings provide further impetus for specific community and mental health services delivery efforts to reduce barriers to early accurate diagnosis and to appropriate ambulatory treatment for bipolar disorder. Copyright (c) 2005, Blackwell Munksgaard.

Metagenomic-Based Screening and Molecular Characterization of Cowpea-Infecting Viruses in Burkina Faso.

PubMed

Palanga, Essowè; Filloux, Denis; Martin, Darren P; Fernandez, Emmanuel; Gargani, Daniel; Ferdinand, Romain; Zabré, Jean; Bouda, Zakaria; Neya, James Bouma; Sawadogo, Mahamadou; Traore, Oumar; Peterschmitt, Michel; Roumagnac, Philippe

2016-01-01

Cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) is an annual tropical grain legume. Often referred to as "poor man's meat", cowpea is one of the most important subsistence legumes cultivated in West Africa due to the high protein content of its seeds. However, African cowpea production can be seriously constrained by viral diseases that reduce yields. While twelve cowpea-infecting viruses have been reported from Africa, only three of these have so-far been reported from Burkina Faso. Here we use a virion-associated nucleic acids (VANA)-based metagenomics method to screen for the presence of cowpea viruses from plants collected from the three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Besides the three cowpea-infecting virus species which have previously been reported from Burkina Faso (Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus [Family Potyviridae], the Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus-a strain of Bean common mosaic virus-[Family Potyviridae] and Cowpea mottle virus [Family Tombusviridae]) five additional viruses were identified: Southern cowpea mosaic virus (Sobemovirus genus), two previously uncharacterised polerovirus-like species (Family Luteoviridae), a previously uncharacterised tombusvirus-like species (Family Tombusviridae) and a previously uncharacterised mycotymovirus-like species (Family Tymoviridae). Overall, potyviruses were the most prevalent cowpea viruses (detected in 65.5% of samples) and the Southern Sudan zone of Burkina Faso was found to harbour the greatest degrees of viral diversity and viral prevalence. Partial genome sequences of the two novel polerovirus-like and tombusvirus-like species were determined and RT-PCR primers were designed for use in Burkina Faso to routinely detect all of these cowpea-associated viruses.

Metagenomic-Based Screening and Molecular Characterization of Cowpea-Infecting Viruses in Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Palanga, Essowè; Filloux, Denis; Martin, Darren P.; Fernandez, Emmanuel; Gargani, Daniel; Ferdinand, Romain; Zabré, Jean; Bouda, Zakaria; Neya, James Bouma; Sawadogo, Mahamadou; Traore, Oumar; Peterschmitt, Michel; Roumagnac, Philippe

2016-01-01

Cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) is an annual tropical grain legume. Often referred to as “poor man’s meat”, cowpea is one of the most important subsistence legumes cultivated in West Africa due to the high protein content of its seeds. However, African cowpea production can be seriously constrained by viral diseases that reduce yields. While twelve cowpea-infecting viruses have been reported from Africa, only three of these have so-far been reported from Burkina Faso. Here we use a virion-associated nucleic acids (VANA)-based metagenomics method to screen for the presence of cowpea viruses from plants collected from the three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Besides the three cowpea-infecting virus species which have previously been reported from Burkina Faso (Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus [Family Potyviridae], the Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus—a strain of Bean common mosaic virus—[Family Potyviridae] and Cowpea mottle virus [Family Tombusviridae]) five additional viruses were identified: Southern cowpea mosaic virus (Sobemovirus genus), two previously uncharacterised polerovirus-like species (Family Luteoviridae), a previously uncharacterised tombusvirus-like species (Family Tombusviridae) and a previously uncharacterised mycotymovirus-like species (Family Tymoviridae). Overall, potyviruses were the most prevalent cowpea viruses (detected in 65.5% of samples) and the Southern Sudan zone of Burkina Faso was found to harbour the greatest degrees of viral diversity and viral prevalence. Partial genome sequences of the two novel polerovirus-like and tombusvirus-like species were determined and RT-PCR primers were designed for use in Burkina Faso to routinely detect all of these cowpea-associated viruses. PMID:27764211

Calculating Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates: Comparing Dietary "24-Hour Recall" with Recall "Since Birth" Methods.

PubMed

Abdel-Hady, Doaa M; El-Gilany, Abdel-Hady

2016-12-01

Calculating exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates based on the previous-day recall has been recommended by the World Health Organization to avoid the recall bias but it also may not accurately reflect the feeding pattern since birth and leads to overestimate of the proportion of exclusively breastfed infants. The objective of this study was to compare the (EBF) rates calculated by the 24-hour recall and since birth recall and their association with different sociodemographic and maternal data. Prospective descriptive study in Mansoura District including 1,102 mother-infant dyad attending primary healthcare centers for vaccination. One thousand ninety-one and 1,029 were followed up at 4 and 6 months during a period from January to October 2015. Sociodemographic data, maternal, antenatal, birth, and some infant related data were collected through interview. Questions about EBF using the 24-hour recall and since birth recall definitions were asked. This study shows consistent difference in breastfeeding pattern reported by 24-hour recall with recall since birth at all age intervals. At the age of 6 months 13.6% of infants were EBF as reported by 24-hour recall method versus 5.2% for recall since birth method. Different factors were associated with EBF practice reported using these different methods. The two recall methods describe the reality in different and incomplete ways. It is better to measure and report EBF rated using both methods so as to give a full picture of breastfeeding practice. And it is very important to distinguish between both methods and not to be used interchangeably with each other.

Application of the Refined Integral Method in the mathematical modeling of drug delivery from one-layer torus-shaped devices.

PubMed

Helbling, Ignacio M; Ibarra, Juan C D; Luna, Julio A

2012-02-28

A mathematical modeling of controlled release of drug from one-layer torus-shaped devices is presented. Analytical solutions based on Refined Integral Method (RIM) are derived. The validity and utility of the model are ascertained by comparison of the simulation results with matrix-type vaginal rings experimental release data reported in the literature. For the comparisons, the pair-wise procedure is used to measure quantitatively the fit of the theoretical predictions to the experimental data. A good agreement between the model prediction and the experimental data is observed. A comparison with a previously reported model is also presented. More accurate results are achieved for small A/C(s) ratios. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of a powered shaver to remove multiple oral cavity papillomas.

PubMed

Miller, Robert Sean; Tami, Thomas A

2005-05-01

We report a previously undescribed method of removing multiple oral papillomas, which we performed on 5 men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Patients were brought to the operating room and placed under general anesthesia. In addition, 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine was injected under and around the lesions. We then removed the lesions with a Tricut laryngeal blade attached to a handheld powered shaver Postoperatively, patients were sent home on clindamycin, a pain medication, and Peridex. At the 1-week follow-up, patients reported only minimal pain, and their wounds were well healed. We observed no adverse events associated with the shaving procedure. Our method expedites the process of removing multiple oral cavity papillomas while reducing the morbidity generally associated with other procedures.

Selected field and analytical methods and analytical results in the Dutch Flats area, western Nebraska, 1995-99

USGS Publications Warehouse

Verstraeten, Ingrid M.; Steele, G.V.; Cannia, J.C.; Bohlke, J.K.; Kraemer, T.E.; Hitch, D.E.; Wilson, K.E.; Carnes, A.E.

2001-01-01

A study of the water resources of the Dutch Flats area in the western part of the North Platte Natural Resources District, western Nebraska, was conducted from 1995 through 1999 to describe the surface water and hydrogeology, the spatial distribution of selected water-quality constituents in surface and ground water, and the surface-water/ground-water interaction in selected areas. This report describes the selected field and analytical methods used in the study and selected analytical results from the study not previously published. Specifically, dissolved gases, age-dating data, and other isotopes collected as part of an intensive sampling effort in August and November 1998 and all uranium and uranium isotope data collected through the course of this study are included in the report.

Experimental determination of thermodynamic equilibrium in biocatalytic transamination.

PubMed

Tufvesson, Pär; Jensen, Jacob S; Kroutil, Wolfgang; Woodley, John M

2012-08-01

The equilibrium constant is a critical parameter for making rational design choices in biocatalytic transamination for the synthesis of chiral amines. However, very few reports are available in the scientific literature determining the equilibrium constant (K) for the transamination of ketones. Various methods for determining (or estimating) equilibrium have previously been suggested, both experimental as well as computational (based on group contribution methods). However, none of these were found suitable for determining the equilibrium constant for the transamination of ketones. Therefore, in this communication we suggest a simple experimental methodology which we hope will stimulate more accurate determination of thermodynamic equilibria when reporting the results of transaminase-catalyzed reactions in order to increase understanding of the relationship between substrate and product molecular structure on reaction thermodynamics. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Legionnaires disease in Europe: 2005-2006.

PubMed

Ricketts, K D; Joseph, C A

2007-12-01

Once a year, every country that participates in the European Surveillance Scheme for Travel Associated Legionnaires' Disease (EWGLINET) is asked to submit a dataset comprising all cases of Legionnaires' disease (not only travel-associated) with date of onset in the previous year. This paper presents the data collected for 2005 and 2006. In this period, 11,980 cases were reported by 35 countries, showing a continued increase compared with earlier years. 214 outbreaks or clusters were reported, involving 1028 cases. 377 cases died, giving a case fatality rate of 6.6%. The highest incidence rates in both years were recorded in Spain, while six countries reported a rate of less than one case per million population in at least one of the years. Incidence rates by age group were included in the dataset for the first time, showing an increase of the overall rate with age. Main method of diagnosis was the urinary antigen test (76.0%), whilst the percentage of cases diagnosed by culture fell from 10.0% in previous years to 8.9% in 2005-2006.

Internal carotid artery rupture caused by carotid shunt insertion.

PubMed

Illuminati, Giulio; Caliò, Francesco G; Pizzardi, Giulia; Vietri, Francesco

2015-01-01

Shunting is a well-accepted method of maintaining cerebral perfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Nonetheless, shunt insertion may lead to complications including arterial dissection, embolization, and thrombosis. We present a complication of shunt insertion consisting of arterial wall rupture, not reported previously. A 78-year-old woman underwent CEA combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). At the time of shunt insertion an arterial rupture at the distal tip of the shunt was detected and was repaired via a small saphenous vein patch. Eversion CEA and subsequent CABG completed the procedure whose postoperative course was uneventful. Shunting during combined CEA-CABG may be advisable to assure cerebral protection from possible hypoperfusion due to potential hemodynamic instability of patients with severe coronary artery disease. Awareness and prompt management of possible shunt-related complications, including the newly reported one, may contribute to limiting their harmful effect. Arterial wall rupture is a possible, previously not reported, shunt-related complication to be aware of when performing CEA. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin Method for Bending Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Dawn R.; Raju, Ivatury S.

2002-01-01

Recent literature shows extensive research work on meshless or element-free methods as alternatives to the versatile Finite Element Method. One such meshless method is the Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method. In this report, the method is developed for bending of beams - C1 problems. A generalized moving least squares (GMLS) interpolation is used to construct the trial functions, and spline and power weight functions are used as the test functions. The method is applied to problems for which exact solutions are available to evaluate its effectiveness. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated for problems with load discontinuities and continuous beam problems. A Petrov-Galerkin implementation of the method is shown to greatly reduce computational time and effort and is thus preferable over the previously developed Galerkin approach. The MLPG method for beam problems yields very accurate deflections and slopes and continuous moment and shear forces without the need for elaborate post-processing techniques.

A variationally coupled FE-BE method for elasticity and fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Y. Y.; Belytschko, T.; Liu, W. K.

1991-01-01

A new method for coupling finite element and boundary element subdomains in elasticity and fracture mechanics problems is described. The essential feature of this new method is that a single variational statement is obtained for the entire domain, and in this process the terms associated with tractions on the interfaces between the subdomains are eliminated. This provides the additional advantage that the ambiguities associated with the matching of discontinuous tractions are circumvented. The method leads to a direct procedure for obtaining the discrete equations for the coupled problem without any intermediate steps. In order to evaluate this method and compare it with previous methods, a patch test for coupled procedures has been devised. Evaluation of this variationally coupled method and other methods, such as stiffness coupling and constraint traction matching coupling, shows that this method is substantially superior. Solutions for a series of fracture mechanics problems are also reported to illustrate the effectiveness of this method.

Laser-Induced Graphene by Multiple Lasing: Toward Electronics on Cloth, Paper, and Food.

PubMed

Chyan, Yieu; Ye, Ruquan; Li, Yilun; Singh, Swatantra Pratap; Arnusch, Christopher J; Tour, James M

2018-03-27

A simple and facile method for obtaining patterned graphene under ambient conditions on the surface of diverse materials ranging from renewable precursors such as food, cloth, paper, and cardboard to high-performance polymers like Kevlar or even on natural coal would be highly desirable. Here, we report a method of using multiple pulsed-laser scribing to convert a wide range of substrates into laser-induced graphene (LIG). With the increased versatility of the multiple lase process, highly conductive patterns can be achieved on the surface of a diverse number of substrates in ambient atmosphere. The use of a defocus method results in multiple lases in a single pass of the laser, further simplifying the procedure. This method can be implemented without increasing processing times when compared with laser induction of graphene on polyimide (Kapton) substrates as previously reported. In fact, any carbon precursor that can be converted into amorphous carbon can be converted into graphene using this multiple lase method. This may be a generally applicable technique for forming graphene on diverse substrates in applications such as flexible or even biodegradable and edible electronics.

USSR Report, Cybernetics, Computers and Automation Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-02

Communication Channel (NTR: PROBLEMY I RESHENIYA, No 14, 22 Jul-4 Aug 86) 52 EDUCATION Informatics and the National Information Resource (I. Chebotaru...the method of actions, which were successful in the past. The experience of previous developments is implemented in the prototype programs. Many data...of the converter lining, due to reduction of ferroalloy consumption, oxygen consumption and energy resource consumption and due to a decrease of

Exchange and simple transfusion in sickle-cell diseases in pregnancy

PubMed Central

Buckle, A. E. R.; Price, T. M. L.; Whitmore, D. N.

1969-01-01

The management of sickle-cell crisis in a pregnant patient by exchange transfusion is described, the procedure leading to immediate and dramatic improvement in the condition. Partial exchange transfusion in three other patients with sickle-cell anaemia, judged by episodes of crisis in previous pregnancies to be at particular risk, is also reported and the value of this method of management discussed. PMID:5359314

Maximizing the Predictive Value of Production Rules

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-31

Clancev, 1985] Clancey, W. "Heuristic Classification." Artifcial Intelligence . 27 (1985) 289-350. [Crawford, 19881 Crawford, S. "Extensions to the CART...Optimality 16 6.1.2. Comparative Analysis for Normally Distributed Data 17 6.2. Comparison with Alternative Machine Learning Methods 18 6.2.1. Alternative...are reported on data sets previously analyzed in the Al literature using alternative classification techniques. 1. Introduction MIanv decision-making

A Computer Program for Solving a Set of Conditional Maximum Likelihood Equations Arising in the Rasch Model for Questionnaires.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andersen, Erling B.

A computer program for solving the conditional likelihood equations arising in the Rasch model for questionnaires is described. The estimation method and the computational problems involved are described in a previous research report by Andersen, but a summary of those results are given in two sections of this paper. A working example is also…

Biodiversity and hypervirulence of Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Grad, Yonatan H; Fortune, Sarah M

2016-03-01

The integration of large, well-sampled collections of bacterial isolates with genomics and experimental methods provides opportunities for 'top-down' discovery of the genetic basis of phenotypes of interest. In a new report, the authors apply this approach to investigate the heterogeneity in manifestations of disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes and demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized cellobiose PTS system is involved in central nervous system infection.

THRESHOLD LOGIC.

DTIC Science & Technology

synthesis procedures; a ’best’ method is definitely established. (2) ’Symmetry Types for Threshold Logic’ is a tutorial expositon including a careful...development of the Goto-Takahasi self-dual type ideas. (3) ’Best Threshold Gate Decisions’ reports a comparison, on the 2470 7-argument threshold ...interpretation is shown best. (4) ’ Threshold Gate Networks’ reviews the previously discussed 2-algorithm in geometric terms, describes our FORTRAN

Feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of patient participation at bedside shift reporting: mixed-method research protocol.

PubMed

Malfait, Simon; Eeckloo, Kristof; Lust, Elisa; Van Biesen, Wim; Van Hecke, Ann

2017-02-01

To evaluate the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of bedside shift reporting in a minimum of five interventions and five control wards. Hospitals continually improve their quality of care. Next to improvements in clinical performance, more patient participation is stimulated through different methods. Methods to enhance patient participation such as bedside shift reporting lack rigorously performed research to determine their feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness. Small-scale research and a previous pilot study indicate that bedside shift reporting improves patient participation, nurse-nurse communication and nurse-patient communication. The development, implementation and evaluation of bedside shift report are based on the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions in health care. A matched, controlled, mixed-method, longitudinal study design will be used. The Feasibility-Appropriateness-Meaningfulness-Effectiveness framework will be applied for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of bedside shift report. A tailored intervention and implementation process for bedside shift report will be developed using diagnostic interviews, co-design and acceptability testing. The intervention will be evaluated before implementation and three times after implementation. Individual and focus group interviews will be performed. Questionnaires, observations and analysis of the medical records and administrative databases will be completed. This study was funded in October 2015. Research Ethics Committee approval was granted in March 2016. There is a pressing need for rigorous research into the effects of interventions for improving patient participation. This study addresses the significance of bedside shift report as an intervention to improve quality of care, communication and patient participation within a large-scale, matched, controlled research design. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Examining the Association between Patient-Reported Symptoms of Attention and Memory Dysfunction with Objective Cognitive Performance: A Latent Regression Rasch Model Approach.

PubMed

Li, Yuelin; Root, James C; Atkinson, Thomas M; Ahles, Tim A

2016-06-01

Patient-reported cognition generally exhibits poor concordance with objectively assessed cognitive performance. In this article, we introduce latent regression Rasch modeling and provide a step-by-step tutorial for applying Rasch methods as an alternative to traditional correlation to better clarify the relationship of self-report and objective cognitive performance. An example analysis using these methods is also included. Introduction to latent regression Rasch modeling is provided together with a tutorial on implementing it using the JAGS programming language for the Bayesian posterior parameter estimates. In an example analysis, data from a longitudinal neurocognitive outcomes study of 132 breast cancer patients and 45 non-cancer matched controls that included self-report and objective performance measures pre- and post-treatment were analyzed using both conventional and latent regression Rasch model approaches. Consistent with previous research, conventional analysis and correlations between neurocognitive decline and self-reported problems were generally near zero. In contrast, application of latent regression Rasch modeling found statistically reliable associations between objective attention and processing speed measures with self-reported Attention and Memory scores. Latent regression Rasch modeling, together with correlation of specific self-reported cognitive domains with neurocognitive measures, helps to clarify the relationship of self-report with objective performance. While the majority of patients attribute their cognitive difficulties to memory decline, the Rash modeling suggests the importance of processing speed and initial learning. To encourage the use of this method, a step-by-step guide and programming language for implementation is provided. Implications of this method in cognitive outcomes research are discussed. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Previous experience in manned space flight: A survey of human factors lessons learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandlee, George O.; Woolford, Barbara

1993-01-01

Previous experience in manned space flight programs can be used to compile a data base of human factors lessons learned for the purpose of developing aids in the future design of inhabited spacecraft. The objectives are to gather information available from relevant sources, to develop a taxonomy of human factors data, and to produce a data base that can be used in the future for those people involved in the design of manned spacecraft operations. A study is currently underway at the Johnson Space Center with the objective of compiling, classifying, and summarizing relevant human factors data bearing on the lessons learned from previous manned space flights. The research reported defines sources of data, methods for collection, and proposes a classification for human factors data that may be a model for other human factors disciplines.

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) derived Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in finite element studies: a review of the literature.

PubMed

Knowles, Nikolas K; Reeves, Jacob M; Ferreira, Louis M

2016-12-01

Finite element modeling of human bone provides a powerful tool to evaluate a wide variety of outcomes in a highly repeatable and parametric manner. These models are most often derived from computed tomography data, with mechanical properties related to bone mineral density (BMD) from the x-ray energy attenuation provided from this data. To increase accuracy, many researchers report the use of quantitative computed tomography (QCT), in which a calibration phantom is used during image acquisition to improve the estimation of BMD. Since model accuracy is dependent on the methods used in the calculation of BMD and density-mechanical property relationships, it is important to use relationships developed for the same anatomical location and using the same scanner settings, as these may impact model accuracy. The purpose of this literature review is to report the relationships used in the conversion of QCT equivalent density measures to ash, apparent, and/or tissue densities in recent finite element (FE) studies used in common density-modulus relationships. For studies reporting experimental validation, the validation metrics and results are presented. Of the studies reviewed, 29% reported the use of a dipotassium phosphate (K 2 HPO 4 ) phantom, 47% a hydroxyapatite (HA) phantom, 13% did not report phantom type, 7% reported use of both K 2 HPO 4 and HA phantoms, and 4% alternate phantom types. Scanner type and/or settings were omitted or partially reported in 31% of studies. The majority of studies used densitometric and/or density-modulus relationships derived from different anatomical locations scanned in different scanners with different scanner settings. The methods used to derive various densitometric relationships are reported and recommendations are provided toward the standardization of reporting metrics. This review assessed the current state of QCT-based FE modeling with use of clinical scanners. It was found that previously developed densitometric relationships vary by anatomical location, scanner type and settings. Reporting of all parameters used when referring to previously developed relationships, or in the development of new relationships, may increase the accuracy and repeatability of future FE models.

Quantitation of ortho-Cresyl Phosphate Adducts to Butyrylcholinesterase in Human Serum by Immunomagnetic-UHPLC-MS/MS

PubMed Central

Johnson, Darryl; Carter, Melissa D.; Crow, Brian S.; Isenberg, Samantha L.; Graham, Leigh Ann; Erol, H. Akin; Watson, Caroline M.; Pantazides, Brooke G.; van der Schans, Marcel J.; Langenberg, Jan P.; Noort, Daan; Blake, Thomas A.; Thomas, Jerry D.; Johnson, Rudolph C.

2017-01-01

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (ToCP) is an anti-wear, flame retardant additive used in industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and gasoline. The neurotoxic effects of ToCP arise from the liver-activated metabolite 2-(o-cresyl)-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphoran-2-one (cresyl saligenin phosphate or CBDP), which inhibits esterase enzymes including butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Following BChE adduction, CBDP undergoes hydrolysis to form the aged adduct ortho-cresyl phosphoserine (oCP-BChE), thus providing a biomarker of CBDP exposure. Previous studies have identified ToCP in aircraft cabin and cockpit air, but assessing human exposure has been hampered by the lack of a laboratory assay to confirm exposure. This work presents the development of an immunomagnetic-UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of unadducted BChE and the long-term CBDP biomarker, oCP-BChE, in human serum. The method has a reportable range from 2.0 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL, which is consistent with the sensitivity of methods used to detect organophosphorus nerve agent protein adducts. The assay demonstrated high intraday and interday accuracy (≥ 85%) and precision (RSD ≤ 15%) across the calibration range. The method was developed for future analyses of potential human exposure to CBDP. Analysis of human serum inhibited in vitro with CBDP demonstrated that the oCP-BChE adduct was stable for at least 72 hours at 4, 22 and 37 °C. Compared to a previously reported assay, this method requires 75% less sample volume, reduces analysis time by a factor of 20, and demonstrates a 3-fold improvement in sensitivity. PMID:26149113

Localization microscopy of DNA in situ using Vybrant{sup ®} DyeCycle™ Violet fluorescent probe: A new approach to study nuclear nanostructure at single molecule resolution

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

Żurek-Biesiada, Dominika; Szczurek, Aleksander T.; Prakash, Kirti

Higher order chromatin structure is not only required to compact and spatially arrange long chromatids within a nucleus, but have also important functional roles, including control of gene expression and DNA processing. However, studies of chromatin nanostructures cannot be performed using conventional widefield and confocal microscopy because of the limited optical resolution. Various methods of superresolution microscopy have been described to overcome this difficulty, like structured illumination and single molecule localization microscopy. We report here that the standard DNA dye Vybrant{sup ®} DyeCycle™ Violet can be used to provide single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) images of DNA in nuclei ofmore » fixed mammalian cells. This SMLM method enabled optical isolation and localization of large numbers of DNA-bound molecules, usually in excess of 10{sup 6} signals in one cell nucleus. The technique yielded high-quality images of nuclear DNA density, revealing subdiffraction chromatin structures of the size in the order of 100 nm; the interchromatin compartment was visualized at unprecedented optical resolution. The approach offers several advantages over previously described high resolution DNA imaging methods, including high specificity, an ability to record images using a single wavelength excitation, and a higher density of single molecule signals than reported in previous SMLM studies. The method is compatible with DNA/multicolor SMLM imaging which employs simple staining methods suited also for conventional optical microscopy. - Highlights: • Super-resolution imaging of nuclear DNA with Vybrant Violet and blue excitation. • 90nm resolution images of DNA structures in optically thick eukaryotic nuclei. • Enhanced resolution confirms the existence of DNA-free regions inside the nucleus. • Optimized imaging conditions enable multicolor super-resolution imaging.« less

Experimental and numerical investigation into the influence of loading conditions in biomechanical testing of locking plate fracture fixation devices

PubMed Central

MacLeod, A.; Simpson, A. H. R. W.

2018-01-01

Objectives Secondary fracture healing is strongly influenced by the stiffness of the bone-fixator system. Biomechanical tests are extensively used to investigate stiffness and strength of fixation devices. The stiffness values reported in the literature for locked plating, however, vary by three orders of magnitude. The aim of this study was to examine the influence that the method of restraint and load application has on the stiffness produced, the strain distribution within the bone, and the stresses in the implant for locking plate constructs. Methods Synthetic composite bones were used to evaluate experimentally the influence of four different methods of loading and restraining specimens, all used in recent previous studies. Two plate types and three screw arrangements were also evaluated for each loading scenario. Computational models were also developed and validated using the experimental tests. Results The method of loading was found to affect the gap stiffness strongly (by up to six times) but also the magnitude of the plate stress and the location and magnitude of strains at the bone-screw interface. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the method of loading is responsible for much of the difference in reported stiffness values in the literature. It also shows that previous contradictory findings, such as the influence of working length and very large differences in failure loads, can be readily explained by the choice of loading condition. Cite this article: A. MacLeod, A. H. R. W. Simpson, P. Pankaj. Experimental and numerical investigation into the influence of loading conditions in biomechanical testing of locking plate fracture fixation devices. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:111–120. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0074.R2. PMID:29363522

Comparison of MRI-based estimates of articular cartilage contact area in the tibiofemoral joint.

PubMed

Henderson, Christopher E; Higginson, Jill S; Barrance, Peter J

2011-01-01

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) detrimentally impacts the lives of millions of older Americans through pain and decreased functional ability. Unfortunately, the pathomechanics and associated deviations from joint homeostasis that OA patients experience are not well understood. Alterations in mechanical stress in the knee joint may play an essential role in OA; however, existing literature in this area is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based modeling method to estimate articular cartilage contact area in vivo. Imaging data of both knees were collected on a single subject with no history of knee pathology at three knee flexion angles. Intra-observer reliability and sensitivity studies were also performed to determine the role of operator-influenced elements of the data processing on the results. The method's articular cartilage contact area estimates were compared with existing contact area estimates in the literature. The method demonstrated an intra-observer reliability of 0.95 when assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and was found to be most sensitive to changes in the cartilage tracings on the peripheries of the compartment. The articular cartilage contact area estimates at full extension were similar to those reported in the literature. The relationships between tibiofemoral articular cartilage contact area and knee flexion were also qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those previously reported. The MRI-based knee modeling method was found to have high intra-observer reliability, sensitivity to peripheral articular cartilage tracings, and agreeability with previous investigations when using data from a single healthy adult. Future studies will implement this modeling method to investigate the role that mechanical stress may play in progression of knee OA through estimation of articular cartilage contact area.

Identification of aberrant gene expression associated with aberrant promoter methylation in primordial germ cells between E13 and E16 rat F3 generation vinclozolin lineage

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Background Transgenerational epigenetics (TGE) are currently considered important in disease, but the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. TGE abnormalities expected to cause disease are likely to be initiated during development and to be mediated by aberrant gene expression associated with aberrant promoter methylation that is heritable between generations. However, because methylation is removed and then re-established during development, it is not easy to identify promoter methylation abnormalities by comparing normal lineages with those expected to exhibit TGE abnormalities. Methods This study applied the recently proposed principal component analysis (PCA)-based unsupervised feature extraction to previously reported and publically available gene expression/promoter methylation profiles of rat primordial germ cells, between E13 and E16 of the F3 generation vinclozolin lineage that are expected to exhibit TGE abnormalities, to identify multiple genes that exhibited aberrant gene expression/promoter methylation during development. Results The biological feasibility of the identified genes were tested via enrichment analyses of various biological concepts including pathway analysis, gene ontology terms and protein-protein interactions. All validations suggested superiority of the proposed method over three conventional and popular supervised methods that employed t test, limma and significance analysis of microarrays, respectively. The identified genes were globally related to tumors, the prostate, kidney, testis and the immune system and were previously reported to be related to various diseases caused by TGE. Conclusions Among the genes reported by PCA-based unsupervised feature extraction, we propose that chemokine signaling pathways and leucine rich repeat proteins are key factors that initiate transgenerational epigenetic-mediated diseases, because multiple genes included in these two categories were identified in this study. PMID:26677731

A Comprehension Based Analysis of Autoflight System Interfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Everett (Technical Monitor); Polson, Peter G.

2003-01-01

This cooperative agreement supported Dr. Peter Polson's participation in two interrelated research programs. The first was the development of the Situation-Goal-Behavior (SGB) Model that is both a formal description of an avionics system's logic and behavior and a representation of a system that can be understood by avionics designers, pilots, and training developers. The second was the development of a usability inspection method based on an approximate model, RAFIV, of pilot interactions with the Flight Management System (FMS). The main purpose of this report is to integrate the two models and provide a context in order to better characterize the accomplishments of this research program. A major focus of both the previous and this Cooperative Agreement was the development of usability evaluation methods that can be effectively utilized during all phases of the design, development, and certification process of modern avionics systems. The current efforts to validate these methods have involved showing that they generate useful analyses of known operational and training problems with the current generation of avionics systems in modern commercial airliners. This report is organized into seven sections. Following the overview, the second section describes the Goal-Situation-Behavior model and its applications. The next section summarizes the foundations of the RAFIV model and describes the model in some detail. The contents of both these sections are derived from previous reports referenced in footnotes. The fourth section integrates these two models into a complete design evaluation and training development framework. The fifth section contains conclusions and possible future directions for research. References are in Section 6. Section 7 contains the titles and abstracts of the papers paper describing in more detail the results of this research program.

An Efficient, Rapid, and Recyclable System for CRISPR-Mediated Genome Editing in Candida albicans.

PubMed

Nguyen, Namkha; Quail, Morgan M F; Hernday, Aaron D

2017-01-01

Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of humans. Historically, molecular genetic analysis of this important pathogen has been hampered by the lack of stable plasmids or meiotic cell division, limited selectable markers, and inefficient methods for generating gene knockouts. The recent development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(s) (CRISPR)-based tools for use with C. albicans has opened the door to more efficient genome editing; however, previously reported systems have specific limitations. We report the development of an optimized CRISPR-based genome editing system for use with C. albicans . Our system is highly efficient, does not require molecular cloning, does not leave permanent markers in the genome, and supports rapid, precise genome editing in C. albicans . We also demonstrate the utility of our system for generating two independent homozygous gene knockouts in a single transformation and present a method for generating homozygous wild-type gene addbacks at the native locus. Furthermore, each step of our protocol is compatible with high-throughput strain engineering approaches, thus opening the door to the generation of a complete C. albicans gene knockout library. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is the major fungal pathogen of humans and is the subject of intense biomedical and discovery research. Until recently, the pace of research in this field has been hampered by the lack of efficient methods for genome editing. We report the development of a highly efficient and flexible genome editing system for use with C. albicans . This system improves upon previously published C. albicans CRISPR systems and enables rapid, precise genome editing without the use of permanent markers. This new tool kit promises to expedite the pace of research on this important fungal pathogen.

A case report: using SNOMED CT for grouping Adverse Drug Reactions Terms

PubMed Central

Alecu, Iulian; Bousquet, Cedric; Jaulent, Marie-Christine

2008-01-01

Background WHO-ART and MedDRA are medical terminologies used for the coding of adverse drug reactions in pharmacovigilance databases. MedDRA proposes 13 Special Search Categories (SSC) grouping terms associated to specific medical conditions. For instance, the SSC "Haemorrhage" includes 346 MedDRA terms among which 55 are also WHO-ART terms. WHO-ART itself does not provide such groupings. Our main contention is the possibility of classifying WHO-ART terms in semantic categories by using knowledge extracted from SNOMED CT. A previous paper presents the way WHO-ART term definitions have been automatically generated in a description logics formalism by using their corresponding SNOMED CT synonyms. Based on synonymy and relative position of WHO-ART terms in SNOMED CT, specialization or generalization relationships could be inferred. This strategy is successful for grouping the WHO-ART terms present in most MedDRA SSCs. However the strategy failed when SSC were organized on other basis than taxonomy. Methods We propose a new method that improves the previous WHO-ART structure by integrating the associative relationships included in SNOMED CT. Results The new method improves the groupings. For example, none of the 55 WHO-ART terms in the Haemorrhage SSC were matched using the previous method. With the new method, we improve the groupings and obtain 87% coverage of the Haemorrhage SSC. Conclusion SNOMED CT's terminological structure can be used to perform automated groupings in WHO-ART. This work proves that groupings already present in the MedDRA SSCs (e.g. the haemorrhage SSC) may be retrieved using classification in SNOMED CT. PMID:19007441

The utilisation of health research in policy-making: concepts, examples and methods of assessment

PubMed Central

Hanney, Stephen R; Gonzalez-Block, Miguel A; Buxton, Martin J; Kogan, Maurice

2003-01-01

The importance of health research utilisation in policy-making, and of understanding the mechanisms involved, is increasingly recognised. Recent reports calling for more resources to improve health in developing countries, and global pressures for accountability, draw greater attention to research-informed policy-making. Key utilisation issues have been described for at least twenty years, but the growing focus on health research systems creates additional dimensions. The utilisation of health research in policy-making should contribute to policies that may eventually lead to desired outcomes, including health gains. In this article, exploration of these issues is combined with a review of various forms of policy-making. When this is linked to analysis of different types of health research, it assists in building a comprehensive account of the diverse meanings of research utilisation. Previous studies report methods and conceptual frameworks that have been applied, if with varying degrees of success, to record utilisation in policy-making. These studies reveal various examples of research impact within a general picture of underutilisation. Factors potentially enhancing utilisation can be identified by exploration of: priority setting; activities of the health research system at the interface between research and policy-making; and the role of the recipients, or 'receptors', of health research. An interfaces and receptors model provides a framework for analysis. Recommendations about possible methods for assessing health research utilisation follow identification of the purposes of such assessments. Our conclusion is that research utilisation can be better understood, and enhanced, by developing assessment methods informed by conceptual analysis and review of previous studies. PMID:12646071

Assessment of self-reported sexual behavior and condom use among female sex workers in India using a polling box approach: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Hanck, Sarah E; Blankenship, Kim M; Irwin, Kevin S; West, Brooke S; Kershaw, Trace

2008-05-01

The accuracy of behavioral data related to risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is prone to misreporting because of social desirability effects. Because computer-assisted approaches are not always feasible, a noncomputerized interview method for reducing social desirability effects is needed. The previous performance of alternative methods has been limited to aggregate data or constrained by the simplicity of dichotomous-only responses. We designed and tested a "polling box" method for case-attributable, multiple-response survey items in a low literacy population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 812 female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India. For a subset of questions embedded in a face-to-face survey questionnaire, every third participant was provided graphical response cards upon which to mark their answer and place in a polling box outside the view of the interviewer. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test for response differences to questions about socially undesirable, socially desirable, or sensitivity-neutral behaviors in the 2 interview methods. Polling box participants demonstrated higher reporting of risky sexual behaviors and lower reporting of condom use, with no conclusive response patterns among sensitivity-neutral items. Our findings suggest that the polling box approach provides a promising technique for improving the accurate reporting of sensitive behaviors among a low-literacy population in a resource poor setting. Additional research is needed to test logistical adaptations of the polling box approach.

Identification of Veillonella Species in the Tongue Biofilm by Using a Novel One-Step Polymerase Chain Reaction Method

PubMed Central

Mashima, Izumi; Theodorea, Citra Fragrantia; Thaweboon, Boonyanit; Thaweboon, Sroisiri; Nakazawa, Futoshi

2016-01-01

Six Veillonella species have been frequently isolated from human oral cavities including infectious sites. Recently, it was reported that diet, smoking, and possibly socioeconomic status can influence the bacterial profile in oral cavities. In addition, oral hygiene habits may also influence oral microbiota in terms of both numbers and diversity of microorganisms. In this study, the identification of Veillonella species in tongue biofilms of Thai children, divided into three groups dependent on their status of oral hygiene. For this, we used a novel one-step PCR method with species-specific primer sets based on sequences of the rpoB gene. As shown in the results, the number of isolates of Veillonella species was 101 strains from only 10 of 89 subjects. However, the total number of bacteria was high for all subjects. Since it was reported in previous studies that Veillonella species were easy to isolate in human tongue biofilms at high numbers, the results obtained in this study may suggest country- or age-specific differences. Moreover, Veillonella species were detected predominantly in subjects who had poor oral hygiene compared to those with good or moderate oral hygiene. From these results, there is a possibility that Veillonella species may be an index of oral hygiene status. Furthermore, V. rogosae was a predominant species in tongue biofilms of Thai children, whereas V. parvula and V. denticariosi were not isolated at all. These characteristics of the distribution and frequency of Veillonella species are similar to those reported in previous studies. Although further studies are needed in other countries, in this study, a successful novel one-step PCR method was established to detect Veillonella species in human oral cavities easily and effectively. Furthermore, this is the first report investigating the distribution and frequency of Veillonella species in tongue biofilms of Thai children. PMID:27326455

Preparation of Nonionic Vesicles Using the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Reverse Phase Evaporation Method and Analysis of Their Solution Properties.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Shunsuke; Tsuchiya, Koji; Sakai, Kenichi; Abe, Masahiko; Sakai, Hideki

2016-01-01

We have previously reported a new preparation method for liposomes using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a solvent, referred to as the supercritical carbon dioxide reverse phase evaporation (scRPE) method. In our previous work, addition of ethanol to scCO2 as a co-solvent was needed, because lipid molecules had to be dissolved in scCO2 to form liposomes. In this new study, niosomes (nonionic surfactant vesicles) were prepared from various nonionic surfactants using the scRPE method. Among the nonionic surfactants tested were polyoxyethylene (6) stearylether (C18EO6), polyoxyethylene (5) phytosterolether (BPS-5), polyoxyethylene (6) sorbitan stearylester (TS-106V), and polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan stearylester (Tween 61). All these surfactants have hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values (HLBs) around 9.5 to 9.9, and they can all form niosomes using the scRPE method even in the absence of ethanol. The high solubility of these surfactants in scCO2 was shown to be an important factor in yielding niosomes without ethanol addition. The niosomes prepared with the scRPE method had higher trapping efficiencies than those prepared using the conventional Bangham method, since the scRPE method gives a large number of unilamellar vesicles while the Bangham method gives multilamellar vesicles. Polyoxyethylene-type nonionic surfactants with HLB values from 9.5 to 9.9 were shown to be optimal for the preparation of niosomes with the scRPE method.

Phylogenetic analysis of a spontaneous cocoa bean fermentation metagenome reveals new insights into its bacterial and fungal community diversity.

PubMed

Illeghems, Koen; De Vuyst, Luc; Papalexandratou, Zoi; Weckx, Stefan

2012-01-01

This is the first report on the phylogenetic analysis of the community diversity of a single spontaneous cocoa bean box fermentation sample through a metagenomic approach involving 454 pyrosequencing. Several sequence-based and composition-based taxonomic profiling tools were used and evaluated to avoid software-dependent results and their outcome was validated by comparison with previously obtained culture-dependent and culture-independent data. Overall, this approach revealed a wider bacterial (mainly γ-Proteobacteria) and fungal diversity than previously found. Further, the use of a combination of different classification methods, in a software-independent way, helped to understand the actual composition of the microbial ecosystem under study. In addition, bacteriophage-related sequences were found. The bacterial diversity depended partially on the methods used, as composition-based methods predicted a wider diversity than sequence-based methods, and as classification methods based solely on phylogenetic marker genes predicted a more restricted diversity compared with methods that took all reads into account. The metagenomic sequencing analysis identified Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Acetobacter pasteurianus as the prevailing species. Also, the presence of occasional members of the cocoa bean fermentation process was revealed (such as Erwinia tasmaniensis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Oenococcus oeni). Furthermore, the sequence reads associated with viral communities were of a restricted diversity, dominated by Myoviridae and Siphoviridae, and reflecting Lactobacillus as the dominant host. To conclude, an accurate overview of all members of a cocoa bean fermentation process sample was revealed, indicating the superiority of metagenomic sequencing over previously used techniques.

UPLC-MSE Profiling of Phytoplankton Metabolites: Application to the Identification of Pigments and Structural Analysis of Metabolites in Porphyridium purpureum

PubMed Central

Juin, Camille; Bonnet, Antoine; Nicolau, Elodie; Bérard, Jean-Baptiste; Devillers, Romain; Thiéry, Valérie; Cadoret, Jean-Paul; Picot, Laurent

2015-01-01

A fast and high-resolution UPLC-MSE analysis was used to identify phytoplankton pigments in an ethanol extract of Porphyridium purpureum (Pp) devoid of phycobiliproteins. In a first step, 22 standard pigments were analyzed by UPLC-MSE to build a database including retention time and accurate masses of parent and fragment ions. Using this database, seven pigments or derivatives previously reported in Pp were unequivocally identified: β,β-carotene, chlorophyll a, zeaxanthin, chlorophyllide a, pheophorbide a, pheophytin a, and cryptoxanthin. Minor amounts of Divinyl chlorophyll a, a chemotaxonomic pigment marker for prochlorophytes, were also unequivocally identified using the database. Additional analysis of ionization and fragmentation patterns indicated the presence of ions that could correspond to hydroxylated derivatives of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a, produced during the ethanolic extraction, as well as previously described galactosyldiacylglycerols, the thylakoid coenzyme plastoquinone, and gracilamide B, a molecule previously reported in the red seaweed Gracillaria asiatica. These data point to UPLC-MSE as an efficient technique to identify phytoplankton pigments for which standards are available, and demonstrate its major interest as a complementary method for the structural elucidation of ionizable marine molecules. PMID:25913708

Performance of probabilistic method to detect duplicate individual case safety reports.

PubMed

Tregunno, Philip Michael; Fink, Dorthe Bech; Fernandez-Fernandez, Cristina; Lázaro-Bengoa, Edurne; Norén, G Niklas

2014-04-01

Individual case reports of suspected harm from medicines are fundamental for signal detection in postmarketing surveillance. Their effective analysis requires reliable data and one challenge is report duplication. These are multiple unlinked records describing the same suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) in a particular patient. They distort statistical screening and can mislead clinical assessment. Many organisations rely on rule-based detection, but probabilistic record matching is an alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate probabilistic record matching for duplicate detection, and to characterise the main sources of duplicate reports within each data set. vigiMatch™, a published probabilistic record matching algorithm, was applied to the WHO global individual case safety reports database, VigiBase(®), for reports submitted between 2000 and 2010. Reported drugs, ADRs, patient age, sex, country of origin, and date of onset were considered in the matching. Suspected duplicates for the UK, Denmark, and Spain were reviewed and classified by the respective national centre. This included evaluation to determine whether confirmed duplicates had already been identified by in-house, rule-based screening. Furthermore, each confirmed duplicate was classified with respect to the likely source of duplication. For each country, the proportions of suspected duplicates classified as confirmed duplicates, likely duplicates, otherwise related, and unrelated were obtained. The proportions of confirmed or likely duplicates that were not previously known by the national organisation were determined, and variations in the rates of suspected duplicates across subsets of reports were characterised. Overall, 2.5 % of the reports with sufficient information to be evaluated by vigiMatch were classified as suspected duplicates. The rates for the three countries considered in this study were 1.4 % (UK), 1.0 % (Denmark), and 0.7 % (Spain). Higher rates of suspected duplicates were observed for literature reports (11 %) and reports with fatal outcome (5 %), whereas a lower rate was observed for reports from consumers and non-health professionals (0.5 %). The predictive value for confirmed or likely duplicates among reports flagged as suspected duplicates by vigiMatch ranged from 86 % for the UK, to 64 % for Denmark and 33 % for Spain. The proportions of confirmed duplicates that were previously unknown to national centres ranged from 89 % for Spain, to 60 % for the UK and 38 % for Denmark, despite in-house duplicate detection processes in routine use. The proportion of unrelated cases among suspected duplicates were below 10 % for each national centre in the study. Probabilistic record matching, as implemented in vigiMatch, achieved good predictive value for confirmed or likely duplicates in each data source. Most of the false positives corresponded to otherwise related reports; less than 10 % were altogether unrelated. A substantial proportion of the correctly identified duplicates had not previously been detected by national centre activity. On one hand, vigiMatch highlighted duplicates that had been missed by rule-based methods, and on the other hand its lower total number of suspected duplicates to review improved the accuracy of manual review.

Digital report in an anatomy laboratory: a new method for team-based dissection, reporting, and evaluation.

PubMed

Oh, Chang-Seok; Kim, Kyong-Jee; Chung, Eilho; Choi, Hong-Joo

2015-04-01

Digital report (DR), a new method for students' dissection report, has been introduced to replace the traditional method in the anatomy laboratory. Laboratory tasks were assigned to groups of five students, and each group was asked to make a DR of their dissection tasks and upload it on the website for the anatomy course developed by the authors' institution. For creating the DR, students were instructed to take photographs of their findings with digital cameras, to mark the orientation and label the structures on the photograph. Students were assessed as a group by evaluating the DR. All the photographs of the DR were saved to construct a database that can be used by the students who will take the anatomy course in the following years. A questionnaire consisting of 14 questions was administered at the end of the anatomy course to evaluate the effectiveness of the DR. The results of the student survey showed that the DR was useful for making the students participate more actively in the teamwork for dissection, and for making dissection reports by referring to the DR made by the students from previous years. The DR was also more helpful for the anatomy teacher to assess student learning in the anatomy laboratory than conventional practical examinations and paper-based dissection reports. DR, a paperless report of team-based dissection, is concurrent with the 'digital' age and is in line with the need for a more systematic and objective evaluation of students' dissection.

Palladium nanoparticles formed on titanium silicate ETS-10.

PubMed

Lin, Christopher C H; Danaie, Mohsen; Mitlin, David; Kuznicki, Steven M

2011-03-01

We report that surface templated and supported palladium nanoparticles self assemble on ETS-10 type molecular sieve surfaces by simple exchange and activation procedures in the absence of a reductant. This procedure is similar to the one previously reported for silver nanoparticle self assembly on ETS-10. We observed a bimodal distribution with particle sizes ranging from 2-5 and 15-30 nm. This simple, economical method generates high concentrations (approximately 12 wt% of total composite) of uniform, metallic palladium nanoparticles that are multiply twinned and thermally stable making them potentially unique for advanced catalytic and electronic applications.

Magnetoacoustic imaging of human liver tumor with magnetic induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Gang; Cressman, Erik; He, Bin

2011-01-01

Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is an imaging technique under development to achieve imaging of electrical impedance contrast in biological tissues with spatial resolution close to ultrasound imaging. However, previously reported MAT-MI experimental results are obtained either from low salinity gel phantoms, or from normal animal tissue samples. In this study, we report the experimental study on the performance of the MAT-MI imaging method for imaging in vitro human liver tumor tissue. The present promising experimental results suggest the feasibility of MAT-MI to image electrical impedance contrast between the cancerous tissue and its surrounding normal tissues.

Identification of ω-N-Methyl-4-hydroxytryptamine (Norpsilocin) as a Psilocybe Natural Product.

PubMed

Lenz, Claudius; Wick, Jonas; Hoffmeister, Dirk

2017-10-27

We report the identification of ω-N-methyl-4-hydroxytryptamine (norpsilocin, 1) from the carpophores of the hallucinogenic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis. The structure was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Norpsilocin has not previously been reported as a natural product. It likely represents the actual psychotropic agent liberated from its 4-phosphate ester derivative, the known natural product baeocystin. We further present a simple and artifact-free extraction method that prevents dephosphorylation and therefore helps reflect the naturally occurring metabolic profile of Psilocybe mushrooms in subsequent analyses.

Decomposition-Based Failure Mode Identification Method for Risk-Free Design of Large Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tumer, Irem Y.; Stone, Robert B.; Roberts, Rory A.; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

When designing products, it is crucial to assure failure and risk-free operation in the intended operating environment. Failures are typically studied and eliminated as much as possible during the early stages of design. The few failures that go undetected result in unacceptable damage and losses in high-risk applications where public safety is of concern. Published NASA and NTSB accident reports point to a variety of components identified as sources of failures in the reported cases. In previous work, data from these reports were processed and placed in matrix form for all the system components and failure modes encountered, and then manipulated using matrix methods to determine similarities between the different components and failure modes. In this paper, these matrices are represented in the form of a linear combination of failures modes, mathematically formed using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) decomposition. The PCA decomposition results in a low-dimensionality representation of all failure modes and components of interest, represented in a transformed coordinate system. Such a representation opens the way for efficient pattern analysis and prediction of failure modes with highest potential risks on the final product, rather than making decisions based on the large space of component and failure mode data. The mathematics of the proposed method are explained first using a simple example problem. The method is then applied to component failure data gathered from helicopter, accident reports to demonstrate its potential.

A rapid detection method for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins by cell bioassay.

PubMed

Okumura, Masanao; Tsuzuki, Hideaki; Tomita, Ban-Ichi

2005-07-01

We report here a rapid detection method for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins using a cultured neuroblastoma cell line, modified from the bioassay system previously established by Manger et al. [Manger, R.L., Leja, L.S., Lee, S.Y., Hungerford, J.M., Kirkpatrick, M.A., Yasumoto, T., Wekell, M.M., 2003. Detection of paralytic shellfish poison by rapid cell bioassay: antagonism of voltage-gated sodium channel active toxins in vitro. J. AOAC Int. 86 (3), 540-543]. In the present study, we made two major modifications to the previous method. The first is the use of maitotoxin, a marine toxin of ciguatera fish poisoning, which enables the incubation period to be reduced to 6 h when applied to the microplate 15 min prior to the end of the incubation. The second is the use of WST-8, a dehydrogenase detecting water-soluble tetrazolium salt for determining the target cell viability, which permits the omission of a washing step and simplifies the counting process. In addition, we attempted to reduce the required materials as much as possible. Thus, our modified method should be useful for screening the PSP-toxins from shellfish.

Assessment of In-Place Oil Shale Resources of the Green River Formation, Piceance Basin, Western Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Ronald C.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Brownfield, Michael E.; Pantea, Michael P.; Self, Jesse G.

2009-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently completed a reassessment of in-place oil shale resources, regardless of richness, in the Eocene Green River Formation in the Piceance Basin, western Colorado. A considerable amount of oil-yield data has been collected after previous in-place assessments were published, and these data were incorporated into this new assessment. About twice as many oil-yield data points were used, and several additional oil shale intervals were included that were not assessed previously for lack of data. Oil yields are measured using the Fischer assay method. The Fischer assay method is a standardized laboratory test for determining the oil yield from oil shale that has been almost universally used to determine oil yields for Green River Formation oil shales. Fischer assay does not necessarily measure the maximum amount of oil that an oil shale can produce, and there are retorting methods that yield more than the Fischer assay yield. However, the oil yields achieved by other technologies are typically reported as a percentage of the Fischer assay oil yield, and thus Fischer assay is still considered the standard by which other methods are compared.

Rapid quantification of imidazolium-based ionic liquids by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography: Methodology and an investigation of the retention mechanisms.

PubMed

Hawkins, Cory A; Rud, Anna; Guthrie, Margaret L; Dietz, Mark L

2015-06-26

The separation of nine N,N'-dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) by an isocratic hydrophilic interaction high-performance liquid chromatographic method using an unmodified silica column was investigated. The chosen analytical conditions using a 90:10 acetonitrile-ammonium formate buffer mobile phase on a high-purity, unmodified silica column were found to be efficient, robust, and sensitive for the determination of ILs in a variety of solutions. The retention window (k' = 2-11) was narrower than that of previous methods, resulting in a 7-min runtime for the nine IL homologues. The lower limit of quantification of the method, 2-3 μmol L(-1), was significantly lower than those reported previously for HPLC-UV methods. The effects of systematically modifying the IL cation alkyl chain length, column temperature, and mobile-phase water and buffer content on solute retention were examined. Cation exchange was identified as the dominant retention mechanism for most of the solutes, with a distinct (single methylene group) transition to a dominant partitioning mode at the highest solute polarity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Health Research Participants’ Preferences for Receiving Research Results

PubMed Central

Long, Christopher R.; Stewart, M. Kathryn; Cunningham, Thomas V.; Warmack, T. Scott; McElfish, Pearl A.

2017-01-01

Background Participants in health research studies typically express interest in receiving results from the studies in which they participate. However, participants’ preferences and experiences related to receiving results are not well understood. In general, existing studies have had relatively small sample sizes and typically address specific and often sensitive issues within targeted populations. Methods The present study used an online survey to explore attitudes and experiences of registrants in ResearchMatch, a large database of past, present, and potential health research participants. Survey respondents provided information related to whether or not they received research results from studies in which they participated, the methods used to communicate results, their satisfaction with results, and when and how they would like to receive research results from future studies. 70,699 ResearchMatch registrants were notified of the study’s topic. Of the 5,207 registrants who requested full information about the study, 3,381 respondents completed the survey. Results Approximately 33% of respondents with previous health research participation reported receiving results. Approximately half of respondents with previous research participation reported no opportunity to request results. However, almost all respondents said researchers should always or sometimes offer results to participants. Respondents expressed particular interest in results related to their (or a loved one's) health, as well as information about studies’ purposes and any medical advances based on the results. In general, respondents’ most preferred dissemination methods for results were email and website postings. The least desirable dissemination methods for results included Twitter, conference calls, and text messages. Across all results, we compare the responses of respondents with and without previous research participation experience, and those who have worked in research organizations vs. those who have not. Compared to respondents who have previous participation experience, a greater proportion of respondents with no participation experience indicated that results should always be shared with participants. Likewise, respondents with no participation experience placed higher importance on the receipt of each type of results information included in the survey. Conclusions We present findings from a survey assessing attitudes and experiences of a broad sample of respondents that addresses gaps in knowledge related to participants’ preferences for receiving results. The study’s findings highlight the potential for inconsistency between respondents’ expressed preferences to receive specific types of results via specific methods and researchers’ unwillingness or inability to provide them. We present specific recommendations to shift the approach of new studies to investigate participants’ preferences for receiving research results. PMID:27562368

Challenges in projecting clustering results across gene expression-profiling datasets.

PubMed

Lusa, Lara; McShane, Lisa M; Reid, James F; De Cecco, Loris; Ambrogi, Federico; Biganzoli, Elia; Gariboldi, Manuela; Pierotti, Marco A

2007-11-21

Gene expression microarray studies for several types of cancer have been reported to identify previously unknown subtypes of tumors. For breast cancer, a molecular classification consisting of five subtypes based on gene expression microarray data has been proposed. These subtypes have been reported to exist across several breast cancer microarray studies, and they have demonstrated some association with clinical outcome. A classification rule based on the method of centroids has been proposed for identifying the subtypes in new collections of breast cancer samples; the method is based on the similarity of the new profiles to the mean expression profile of the previously identified subtypes. Previously identified centroids of five breast cancer subtypes were used to assign 99 breast cancer samples, including a subset of 65 estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) samples, to five breast cancer subtypes based on microarray data for the samples. The effect of mean centering the genes (i.e., transforming the expression of each gene so that its mean expression is equal to 0) on subtype assignment by method of centroids was assessed. Further studies of the effect of mean centering and of class prevalence in the test set on the accuracy of method of centroids classifications of ER status were carried out using training and test sets for which ER status had been independently determined by ligand-binding assay and for which the proportion of ER+ and ER- samples were systematically varied. When all 99 samples were considered, mean centering before application of the method of centroids appeared to be helpful for correctly assigning samples to subtypes, as evidenced by the expression of genes that had previously been used as markers to identify the subtypes. However, when only the 65 ER+ samples were considered for classification, many samples appeared to be misclassified, as evidenced by an unexpected distribution of ER+ samples among the resultant subtypes. When genes were mean centered before classification of samples for ER status, the accuracy of the ER subgroup assignments was highly dependent on the proportion of ER+ samples in the test set; this effect of subtype prevalence was not seen when gene expression data were not mean centered. Simple corrections such as mean centering of genes aimed at microarray platform or batch effect correction can have undesirable consequences because patient population effects can easily be confused with these assay-related effects. Careful thought should be given to the comparability of the patient populations before attempting to force data comparability for purposes of assigning subtypes to independent subjects.

Do Drinking Episodes Contribute to Sexual Aggression Perpetration in College Men?

PubMed Central

Testa, Maria; Parks, Kathleen A.; Hoffman, Joseph H.; Crane, Cory A.; Leonard, Kenneth E.; Shyhalla, Kathleen

2015-01-01

Objective: Survey and experimental analog studies suggest that alcohol consumption contributes to perpetration of sexual aggression. However, few studies have considered the temporal association between naturally occurring episodes of drinking and subsequent sexual aggression. This daily report study was designed to examine whether alcohol consumption increases the odds of aggressive sexual activity within the next 4 hours. Method: First-year male college students (N = 427) completed daily online reports of drinking and sexual activity for up to 56 days. Multilevel modeling was used to determine whether drinking episodes increased the odds of the following outcomes occurring within 4 hours: (a) aggressive sex with a new partner, (b) non-aggressive sex with a new partner, (c) aggressive sex with a previous partner, and (d) non-aggressive sex with a previous partner. Results: Drinking episodes increased the odds of both aggressive and non-aggressive sex with a new partner. In contrast, drinking episodes did not predict aggression involving previous partners and decreased the odds of non-aggressive sex with a previous partner. Contrary to hypotheses, individual difference variables associated with propensity toward sexual aggression (sexual misperception, antisocial behavior, hostility toward women) did not interact with daily alcohol. Conclusions: The complex pattern of results is more consistent with situational as opposed to pharmacological effects of alcohol on sexual aggression and suggests that prevention efforts focus on drinking contexts known to facilitate sexual activity. PMID:26098025

Blind prediction of noncanonical RNA structure at atomic accuracy.

PubMed

Watkins, Andrew M; Geniesse, Caleb; Kladwang, Wipapat; Zakrevsky, Paul; Jaeger, Luc; Das, Rhiju

2018-05-01

Prediction of RNA structure from nucleotide sequence remains an unsolved grand challenge of biochemistry and requires distinct concepts from protein structure prediction. Despite extensive algorithmic development in recent years, modeling of noncanonical base pairs of new RNA structural motifs has not been achieved in blind challenges. We report a stepwise Monte Carlo (SWM) method with a unique add-and-delete move set that enables predictions of noncanonical base pairs of complex RNA structures. A benchmark of 82 diverse motifs establishes the method's general ability to recover noncanonical pairs ab initio, including multistrand motifs that have been refractory to prior approaches. In a blind challenge, SWM models predicted nucleotide-resolution chemical mapping and compensatory mutagenesis experiments for three in vitro selected tetraloop/receptors with previously unsolved structures (C7.2, C7.10, and R1). As a final test, SWM blindly and correctly predicted all noncanonical pairs of a Zika virus double pseudoknot during a recent community-wide RNA-Puzzle. Stepwise structure formation, as encoded in the SWM method, enables modeling of noncanonical RNA structure in a variety of previously intractable problems.

Effect of Cognitive Activity Level on Duration of Post-Concussion Symptoms

PubMed Central

Brown, Naomi J.; Mannix, Rebekah C.; O’Brien, Michael J.; Gostine, David; Collins, Michael W.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of cognitive activity level on duration of post-concussion symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients who presented to a Sports Concussion Clinic within 3 weeks of injury between October 2009 and July 2011. At each visit, patients completed a scale that recorded their average level of cognitive activity since the previous visit. The product of cognitive activity level and days between visits (cognitive activity-days) was calculated and divided into quartiles. Kaplan-Meier Product Limit method was used to generate curves of symptom duration based on cognitive activity level. To adjust for other possible predictors of concussion recovery, we constructed a Cox proportional hazard model with cognitive activity-days as the main predictor. RESULTS: Of the 335 patients included in the study, 62% were male, 19% reported a loss of consciousness, and 37% reported experiencing amnesia at the time of injury. The mean age of participants was 15 years (range, 8–23) and the mean number of previous concussions was 0.76; 39% of athletes had sustained a previous concussion. The mean Post-Concussion Symptom Scale score at the initial visit was 30 (SD, 26). The overall mean duration of symptoms was 43 days (SD, 53). Of all variables assessed, only total symptom burden at initial visit and cognitive activity level were independently associated with duration of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Increased cognitive activity is associated with longer recovery from concussion. This study supports the use of cognitive rest and adds to the current consensus opinion. PMID:24394679

Interval sampling methods and measurement error: a computer simulation.

PubMed

Wirth, Oliver; Slaven, James; Taylor, Matthew A

2014-01-01

A simulation study was conducted to provide a more thorough account of measurement error associated with interval sampling methods. A computer program simulated the application of momentary time sampling, partial-interval recording, and whole-interval recording methods on target events randomly distributed across an observation period. The simulation yielded measures of error for multiple combinations of observation period, interval duration, event duration, and cumulative event duration. The simulations were conducted up to 100 times to yield measures of error variability. Although the present simulation confirmed some previously reported characteristics of interval sampling methods, it also revealed many new findings that pertain to each method's inherent strengths and weaknesses. The analysis and resulting error tables can help guide the selection of the most appropriate sampling method for observation-based behavioral assessments. © Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Suspected pulmonary embolism and lung scan interpretation: Trial of a Bayesian reporting method

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

Becker, D.M.; Philbrick, J.T.; Schoonover, F.W.

The objective of this research is to determine whether a Bayesian method of lung scan (LS) reporting could influence the management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). The study is performed by the following: (1) A descriptive study of the diagnostic process for suspected PE using the new reporting method; (2) a non-experimental evaluation of the reporting method comparing prospective patients and historical controls; and (3) a survey of physicians' reactions to the reporting innovation. Of 148 consecutive patients enrolled at the time of LS, 129 were completely evaluated; 75 patients scanned the previous year served as controls. Themore » LS results of patients with suspected PE were reported as posttest probabilities of PE calculated from physician-provided pretest probabilities and the likelihood ratios for PE of LS interpretations. Despite the Bayesian intervention, the confirmation or exclusion of PE was often based on inconclusive evidence. PE was considered by the clinician to be ruled out in 98% of patients with posttest probabilities less than 25% and ruled in for 95% of patients with posttest probabilities greater than 75%. Prospective patients and historical controls were similar in terms of tests ordered after the LS (e.g., pulmonary angiography). Patients with intermediate or indeterminate lung scan results had the highest proportion of subsequent testing. Most physicians (80%) found the reporting innovation to be helpful, either because it confirmed clinical judgement (94 cases) or because it led to additional testing (7 cases). Despite the probabilistic guidance provided by the study, the diagnosis of PE was often neither clearly established nor excluded. While physicians appreciated the innovation and were not confused by the terminology, their clinical decision making was not clearly enhanced.« less

Optimization of a direct spectrophotometric method to investigate the kinetics and inhibition of sialidases

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Backgrounds Streptococcus pneumoniae expresses three distinct sialidases, NanA, NanB, and NanC, that are believed to be key virulence factors and thus, potential important drug targets. We previously reported that the three enzymes release different products from sialosides, but could share a common catalytic mechanism before the final step of product formation. However, the kinetic investigations of the three sialidases have not been systematically done thus far, due to the lack of an easy and steady measurement of sialidase reaction rate. Results In this work, we present further kinetic characterization of pneumococcal sialidases by using a direct spectrophotometric method with the chromogenic substrate p-nitrophenyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid (p-NP-Neu5Ac). Using our assay, the measured kinetic parameters of the three purified pneumococcal sialidase, NanA, NanB and NanC, were obtained and were in perfect agreement with the previously published data. The major advantage of this alternative method resides in the direct measurement of the released product, allowing to readily determine of initial reaction rates and record complete hydrolysis time courses. Conclusion We developed an accurate, fast and sensitive spectrophotometric method to investigate the kinetics of sialidase-catalyzed reactions. This fast, sensitive, inexpensive and accurate method could benefit the study of the kinetics and inhibition of sialidases in general. PMID:23031230

Lumbar vertebral hemangioma causing cauda equina syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Ahn, Henry; Jhaveri, Subir; Yee, Albert; Finkelstein, Joel

2005-11-01

Case report. To report a case of lumbar hemangioma causing neurogenic claudication and early cauda equina, managed with hemostatic vertebroplasty and posterior decompression. This is the first report to our knowledge of a lumbar hemangioma causing neurogenic claudication and early cauda equina syndrome. Most hemangiomas causing neurologic symptoms occur in thoracic spine and cause spinal cord compression. Vertebroplasty as a method of hemostasis and for providing mechanical stability in this situation has not been discussed previously in the literature. L4 hemangioma was diagnosed in a 64-year-old woman with severe neurogenic claudication and early cauda equina syndrome. Preoperative angiograms showed no embolizable vessels. Posterior decompression was performed followed by bilateral transpedicular vertebroplasty. The patient received postoperative radiation to prevent recurrence. Complete relief of neurogenic claudication and cauda equina with less than 100 mL of blood loss. A lumbar hemangioma of the vertebral body, although rare, can cause neurogenic claudication and cauda equina syndrome. Intraoperative vertebroplasty can be an effective method of hemostasis and provide stability of the vertebra following posterior decompression.

Wave optics theory and 3-D deconvolution for the light field microscope

PubMed Central

Broxton, Michael; Grosenick, Logan; Yang, Samuel; Cohen, Noy; Andalman, Aaron; Deisseroth, Karl; Levoy, Marc

2013-01-01

Light field microscopy is a new technique for high-speed volumetric imaging of weakly scattering or fluorescent specimens. It employs an array of microlenses to trade off spatial resolution against angular resolution, thereby allowing a 4-D light field to be captured using a single photographic exposure without the need for scanning. The recorded light field can then be used to computationally reconstruct a full volume. In this paper, we present an optical model for light field microscopy based on wave optics, instead of previously reported ray optics models. We also present a 3-D deconvolution method for light field microscopy that is able to reconstruct volumes at higher spatial resolution, and with better optical sectioning, than previously reported. To accomplish this, we take advantage of the dense spatio-angular sampling provided by a microlens array at axial positions away from the native object plane. This dense sampling permits us to decode aliasing present in the light field to reconstruct high-frequency information. We formulate our method as an inverse problem for reconstructing the 3-D volume, which we solve using a GPU-accelerated iterative algorithm. Theoretical limits on the depth-dependent lateral resolution of the reconstructed volumes are derived. We show that these limits are in good agreement with experimental results on a standard USAF 1951 resolution target. Finally, we present 3-D reconstructions of pollen grains that demonstrate the improvements in fidelity made possible by our method. PMID:24150383

RNA-ID, a highly sensitive and robust method to identify cis-regulatory sequences using superfolder GFP and a fluorescence-based assay.

PubMed

Dean, Kimberly M; Grayhack, Elizabeth J

2012-12-01

We have developed a robust and sensitive method, called RNA-ID, to screen for cis-regulatory sequences in RNA using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of yeast cells bearing a reporter in which expression of both superfolder green fluorescent protein (GFP) and yeast codon-optimized mCherry red fluorescent protein (RFP) is driven by the bidirectional GAL1,10 promoter. This method recapitulates previously reported progressive inhibition of translation mediated by increasing numbers of CGA codon pairs, and restoration of expression by introduction of a tRNA with an anticodon that base pairs exactly with the CGA codon. This method also reproduces effects of paromomycin and context on stop codon read-through. Five key features of this method contribute to its effectiveness as a selection for regulatory sequences: The system exhibits greater than a 250-fold dynamic range, a quantitative and dose-dependent response to known inhibitory sequences, exquisite resolution that allows nearly complete physical separation of distinct populations, and a reproducible signal between different cells transformed with the identical reporter, all of which are coupled with simple methods involving ligation-independent cloning, to create large libraries. Moreover, we provide evidence that there are sequences within a 9-nt library that cause reduced GFP fluorescence, suggesting that there are novel cis-regulatory sequences to be found even in this short sequence space. This method is widely applicable to the study of both RNA-mediated and codon-mediated effects on expression.

HIV Model Parameter Estimates from Interruption Trial Data including Drug Efficacy and Reservoir Dynamics

PubMed Central

Luo, Rutao; Piovoso, Michael J.; Martinez-Picado, Javier; Zurakowski, Ryan

2012-01-01

Mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations (ODE) have had significant impact on understanding HIV disease dynamics and optimizing patient treatment. A model that characterizes the essential disease dynamics can be used for prediction only if the model parameters are identifiable from clinical data. Most previous parameter identification studies for HIV have used sparsely sampled data from the decay phase following the introduction of therapy. In this paper, model parameters are identified from frequently sampled viral-load data taken from ten patients enrolled in the previously published AutoVac HAART interruption study, providing between 69 and 114 viral load measurements from 3–5 phases of viral decay and rebound for each patient. This dataset is considerably larger than those used in previously published parameter estimation studies. Furthermore, the measurements come from two separate experimental conditions, which allows for the direct estimation of drug efficacy and reservoir contribution rates, two parameters that cannot be identified from decay-phase data alone. A Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo method is used to estimate the model parameter values, with initial estimates obtained using nonlinear least-squares methods. The posterior distributions of the parameter estimates are reported and compared for all patients. PMID:22815727

Association of Relative Backpack Weight with Reported Pain, Pain Sites, Medical Utilization, and Lost School Time in Children and Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Michael J.; White, Gregory L.; Moore, Donna L.

2007-01-01

Background: There is debate about a 10% versus 15% of body weight cutoff point for safe weight of school backpacks. Estimation of the cutoff may be affected by use of survey methods and failure to assess pain experienced while wearing a backpack. Previous research also suggests that younger students and females are more at risk for developing…

Labdane-type diterpenes active against acne from pine cones (Pinus densiflora).

PubMed

Sultan, Md Zakir; Jeon, Young-Min; Moon, Surk-Sik

2008-03-01

Bioassay-guided extraction and fractionation of the aqueous methanolic extract of the cones of Pinus densiflora (Pinaceae) afforded one new labdane-type diterpene aldehyde, 15-nor-14-oxolabda-8(17),12 E-diene-18-oic acid, along with eight known diterpenes. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods as well as by comparison with previously reported data. The isolates showed antibacterial (Propionibacterium acnes) and antifungal activities.