Transient Three-Dimensional Analysis of Nozzle Side Load in Regeneratively Cooled Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

ng, Ten-See

2005-01-01

Nozzle side loads are potentially detrimental to the integrity and life of almost all launch vehicles. the lack of a detailed prediction capability results in reducing life and increased weight for reusable nozzle systems. A clear understanding of the mechanism that contribute to side loads during engine startup, shutdown, and steady-state operations must be established. A CFD based predictive tool must be developed to aid the understanding of side load physics and development of future reusable engine.

Bilateral Activity-Dependent Interactions in the Developing Corticospinal System

PubMed Central

Friel, Kathleen M.; Martin, John H.

2009-01-01

Activity-dependent competition between the corticospinal (CS) systems in each hemisphere drives postnatal development of motor skills and stable CS tract connections with contralateral spinal motor circuits. Unilateral restriction of motor cortex (M1) activity during an early postnatal critical period impairs contralateral visually guided movements later in development and in maturity. Silenced M1 develops aberrant connections with the contralateral spinal cord whereas the initially active M1, in the other hemisphere, develops bilateral connections. In this study, we determined whether the aberrant pattern of CS tract terminations and motor impairments produced by early postnatal M1 activity restriction could be abrogated by reducing activity-dependent synaptic competition from the initially active M1 later in development. We first inactivated M1 unilaterally between postnatal weeks 5–7. We next inactivated M1 on the other side from weeks 7–11 (alternate inactivation), to reduce the competitive advantage that this side may have over the initially inactivated side. Alternate inactivation redirected aberrant contralateral CS tract terminations from the initially silenced M1 to their normal spinal territories and reduced the density of aberrant ipsilateral terminations from the initially active side. Normal movement endpoint control during visually guided locomotion was fully restored. This reorganization of CS terminals reveals an unsuspected late plasticity after the critical period for establishing the pattern of CS terminations in the spinal cord. Our findings show that robust bilateral interactions between the developing CS systems on each side are important for achieving balance between contralateral and ipsilateral CS tract connections and visuomotor control. PMID:17928450

Negative feedback system reduces pump oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenmann, W.

1967-01-01

External negative feedback system counteracts low frequency oscillations in rocket engine propellant pumps. The system uses a control piston to sense pump discharge fluid on one side and a gas pocket on the other.

Microgrid Restraining Strategy Based on Improved DC Grid Connected DFIG Torque Ripple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Xia; Yang, Zhixiong; Zongze, Xia

2017-05-01

Aiming to the voltage of the stator side is generated by the modulation of the SSC in the improved topology, especially under the circumstance with the asymmTeric fault of stator side, DFIG’s electromagnTeic torque, amplifies ripple of grid-connected power for the grid side. The novel control mTehod suitable to stator side converter and rotor side converter based on reduced-order resonant controller (RORC) is proposed in this thesis, DFIG’s torque and output power performance are improved. Under the RORC control conditions the transfer functions of stator current and torque control system are established, the amplitude characteristic and the system stability of RORC control are analysed. The simulation results in Matlab/Simulink verify the correctness and validity of the proposed mTehod.

Difference in dummy responses in matched side impact tests of vehicles with and without side airbags.

PubMed

Viano, David C; Parenteau, Chantal S

2016-07-03

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) high-hooded side impacts were analyzed for matched vehicle tests with and without side airbags. The comparison provides a measure of the effectiveness of side airbags in reducing biomechanical responses for near-side occupants struck by trucks, SUVs, and vans at 50 km/h. The IIHS moving deformable barrier (MDB) uses a high-hooded barrier face. It weighs 1,500 kg and impacts the driver side perpendicular to the vehicle at 50 km/h. SID IIs dummies are placed in the driver and left second-row seats. They represent fifth percentile female occupants. IIHS tests were reviewed for matches with one test with a side airbag and another without it in 2003-2007 model year (MY) vehicles. Four side airbag systems were evaluated: (1) curtain and torso side airbags, (2) head and torso side airbag, (3) curtain side airbag, and (4) torso side airbag. There were 24 matched IIHS vehicle tests: 13 with and without a curtain and torso side airbags, 4 with and without a head and torso side airbag, 5 with and without a side curtain airbag, and 2 with and without a torso airbag. The head, chest, and pelvis responses were compared for each match and the average difference was determined across all matches for a type of side airbag. The average reduction in head injury criterion (HIC) was 68 ± 16% (P < .001) with curtain and torso side airbags compared to the HIC without side airbags. The average HIC was 296 with curtain and torso side airbags and 1,199 without them. The viscous response (VC) was reduced 54 ± 19% (P < .005) with curtain and torso side airbags. The combined acetabulum and ilium force (7 ± 15%) and pelvic acceleration (-2 ± 17%) were essentially similar in the matched tests. The head and torso side airbag reduced HIC by 42 ± 30% (P < .1) and VC by 32 ± 26% compared to vehicles without a side airbag. The average HIC was 397 with the side head and torso airbag compared to 729 without it. The curtain airbag and torso airbag only showed lower head responses but essentially no difference in the chest and pelvis responses. The curtain and torso side airbags effectively reduced biomechanical responses for the head and chest in 50 km/h side impacts with a high-hooded deformable barrier. The reductions in the IIHS tests are directionally the same as estimated fatality reductions in field crashes reported by NHTSA for side airbags.

Light metal production

DOEpatents

Fan, Qinbai

2016-04-19

An electrochemical process for the production of light metals, particularly aluminum. Such a process involves contacting a light metal source material with an inorganic acid to form a solution containing the light metal ions in high concentration. The solution is fed to an electrochemical reactor assembly having an anode side containing an anode and a cathode side containing a cathode, with anode side and the cathode side separated by a bipolar membrane, with the solution being fed to the anode side. Light metal ions are electrochemically transferred through the bipolar membrane to the cathode side. The process further involves reducing the light metal ions to light metal powder. An associated processing system is also provided.

Local therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic side effects by rapamycin-loaded subcapsular microspheres.

PubMed

Falke, Lucas L; van Vuuren, Stefan H; Kazazi-Hyseni, Filis; Ramazani, Farshad; Nguyen, Tri Q; Veldhuis, Gert J; Maarseveen, Erik M; Zandstra, Jurjen; Zuidema, Johan; Duque, Luisa F; Steendam, Rob; Popa, Eliane R; Kok, Robbert Jan; Goldschmeding, Roel

2015-02-01

Kidney injury triggers fibrosis, the final common pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The increase of CKD prevalence worldwide urgently calls for new therapies. Available systemic treatment such as rapamycin are associated with serious side effects. To study the potential of local antifibrotic therapy, we administered rapamycin-loaded microspheres under the kidney capsule of ureter-obstructed rats and assessed the local antifibrotic effects and systemic side effects of rapamycin. After 7 days, microsphere depots were easily identifiable under the kidney capsule. Both systemic and local rapamycin treatment reduced intrarenal mTOR activity, myofibroblast accumulation, expression of fibrotic genes, and T-lymphocyte infiltration. Upon local treatment, inhibition of mTOR activity and reduction of myofibroblast accumulation were limited to the immediate vicinity of the subcapsular pocket, while reduction of T-cell infiltration was widespread. In contrast to systemically administered rapamycin, local treatment did not induce off target effects such as weight loss. Thus subcapsular delivery of rapamycin-loaded microspheres successfully inhibited local fibrotic response in UUO with less systemic effects. Therapeutic effect of released rapamycin was most prominent in close vicinity to the implanted microspheres. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method of Minimizing Size of Heat Rejection Systems for Thermoelectric Coolers to Cool Detectors in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Michael K.

2014-01-01

A thermal design concept of attaching the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) hot side directly to the radiator and maximizing the number of TECs to cool multiple detectors in space is presented. It minimizes the temperature drop between the TECs and radiator. An ethane constant conductance heat pipe transfers heat from the detectors to a TEC cold plate which the cold side of the TECs is attached to. This thermal design concept minimizes the size of TEC heat rejection systems. Hence it reduces the problem of accommodating the radiator within a required envelope. It also reduces the mass of the TEC heat rejection system. Thermal testing of a demonstration unit in vacuum verified the thermal performance of the thermal design concept.

[Prevention of neuro- and cardiotoxic side effects of tuberculosis chemotherapy with noopept].

PubMed

Mordyk, A V; Lysov, A V; Kondria, A V; Gol'dzon, M A; Khlebova, N V

2009-01-01

The study evaluated clinical efficiency of noopept used to prevent adverse side effects of antituberculous agents. It included 60 patients with newly diagnosed respiratory tuberculosis. Those in group 1 (n = 30) received 10 mg of noopept twice daily during the first month. The treatment promoted functional normalization of vegetative nervous system and antioxidative systems, reduced manifestations of anxiety, decreased frequency of adverse neuro- and cardiotoxic responses to antituberculous drugs.

The Hamiltonian and Lagrangian approaches to the dynamics of nonholonomic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koon, Wang Sang; Marsden, Jerrold E.

1997-08-01

This paper compares the Hamiltonian approach to systems with nonholonomic constraints (see [31, 2, 4, 29] and references therein) with the Lagrangian approach (see [16, 27, 9]). There are many differences in the approaches and each has its own advantages; some structures have been discovered on one side and their analogues on the other side are interesting to clarify. For example, the momentum equation and the reconstruction equation were first found on the Lagrangian side and are useful for the control theory of these systems, while the failure of the reduced two-form to be closed (i.e., the failure of the Poisson bracket to satisfy the Jacobi identity) was first noticed on the Hamiltonian side. Clarifying the relation between these approaches is important for the future development of the control theory and stability and bifurcation theory for such systems. In addition to this work, we treat, in this unified framework, a simplified model of the bicycle (see [12, 13]), which is an important underactuated (nonminimum phase) control system.

Target detection portal

DOEpatents

Linker, Kevin L.; Brusseau, Charles A.

2002-01-01

A portal apparatus for screening persons or objects for the presence of trace amounts of target substances such as explosives, narcotics, radioactive materials, and certain chemical materials. The portal apparatus can have a one-sided exhaust for an exhaust stream, an interior wall configuration with a concave-shape across a horizontal cross-section for each of two facing sides to result in improved airflow and reduced washout relative to a configuration with substantially flat parallel sides; air curtains to reduce washout; ionizing sprays to collect particles bound by static forces, as well as gas jet nozzles to dislodge particles bound by adhesion to the screened person or object. The portal apparatus can be included in a detection system with a preconcentrator and a detector.

Does daily folic acid supplementation reduce methotrexate efficacy?

PubMed

Cline, A; Jorizzo, J L

2017-11-15

Methotrexate is a mainstay treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in the field of Dermatology. However, in some patients, its use is associated with significant side effects and toxicity. Folate supplementation with either folic acid or folinic acid often mitigates side effects and reduces the incidence of systemic toxicity related to methotrexate. Although the value of methotrexate is clear, debate remains about folate supplementation. There is little agreement about the proper dosing or frequency of folate supplementation as many believe that daily folate supplementation can reduce methotrexate efficacy. Although daily use of folic acid does not appear to affect methotrexate efficacy, dosing of folinic acid close to methotrexate administration may hinder methotrexate efficacy. Therefore, folic acid should be used daily with methotrexate to ameliorate side effects, whereas folinic acid should only be used for methotrexate toxicity.

Prediction of Central Nervous System Side Effects Through Drug Permeability to Blood-Brain Barrier and Recommendation Algorithm.

PubMed

Fan, Jun; Yang, Jing; Jiang, Zhenran

2018-04-01

Drug side effects are one of the public health concerns. Using powerful machine-learning methods to predict potential side effects before the drugs reach the clinical stages is of great importance to reduce time consumption and protect the security of patients. Recently, researchers have proved that the central nervous system (CNS) side effects of a drug are closely related to its permeability to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Inspired by this, we proposed an extended neighborhood-based recommendation method to predict CNS side effects using drug permeability to the BBB and other known features of drug. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to predict CNS side effects considering drug permeability to the BBB. Computational experiments demonstrated that drug permeability to the BBB is an important factor in CNS side effects prediction. Moreover, we built an ensemble recommendation model and obtained higher AUC score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) and AUPR score (area under the precision-recall curve) on the data set of CNS side effects by integrating various features of drug.

Evaluation of camera-based systems to reduce transit bus side collisions : phase II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

The sideview camera system has been shown to eliminate blind zones by providing a view to the driver in real time. In : order to provide the best integration of these systems, an integrated camera-mirror system (hybrid system) was : developed and tes...

Vedolizumab is an effective alternative in inflammatory bowel disease patients with anti-TNF-alpha therapy-induced dermatological side effects.

PubMed

Pijls, Philippe A R R; Gilissen, Lennard P L

2016-11-01

The treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases has been revolutionized by the introduction of biological therapy with TNF-alpha blockers. However, TNF-alpha blockers are also associated with a wide variety of dermatological side effects, such as local skin infections, psoriasis and eczema. A new biological therapy, targeting the gut-specific adhesion molecule alpha4beta7 integrin, is the humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody vedolizumab. Vedolizumab prevents leukocyte migration to the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing inflammation. This gut-specific therapy has the potential to reduce systemic side effects, including dermatological ones. We describe 3 inflammatory bowel disease patients who experience anti-TNF-alpha therapy-induced dermatological side effects, consisting of hidradenitis suppurativa, a folliculitis, scalp psoriasis and a dissecting folliculitis. In all patients, anti-TNF-alpha therapy-induced dermatological side effects diminished after switching to vedolizumab. Vedolizumab may be a viable alternative biological therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients who experience anti-TNF-alpha therapy-induced dermatological side effects. Copyright © 2016 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential of a precrash lateral occupant movement in side collisions of (electric) minicars.

PubMed

Hierlinger, T; Lienkamp, M; Unger, J; Unselt, T

2015-01-01

In minicars, the survival space between the side structure and occupant is smaller than in conventional cars. This is an issue in side collisions. Therefore, in this article a solution is studied in which a lateral seat movement is imposed in the precrash phase. It generates a pre-acceleration and an initial velocity of the occupant, thus reducing the loads due to the side impact. The assessment of the potential is done by numerical simulations and a full-vehicle crash test. The optimal parameters of the restraint system including the precrash movement, time-to-fire of head and side airbag, etc., are found using metamodel-based optimization methods by minimizing occupant loads according to European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The metamodel-based optimization approach is able to tune the restraint system parameters. The numerical simulations show a significant averaged reduction of 22.3% in occupant loads. The results show that the lateral precrash occupant movement offers better occupant protection in side collisions.

Behavior of aircraft antiskid braking systems on dry and wet runway surfaces - A velocity-rate-controlled, pressure-bias-modulated system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stubbs, S. M.; Tanner, J. A.

1976-01-01

During maximum braking the average ratio of drag-force friction coefficient developed by the antiskid system to maximum drag-force friction coefficient available at the tire/runway interface was higher on dry surfaces than on wet surfaces. The gross stopping power generated by the brake system on the dry surface was more than twice that obtained on the wet surfaces. With maximum braking applied, the average ratio of side-force friction coefficient developed by the tire under antiskid control to maximum side-force friction available at the tire/runway interface of a free-rolling yawed tire was shown to decrease with increasing yaw angle. Braking reduced the side-force friction coefficient on a dry surface by 75 percent as the wheel slip ratio was increased to 0.3; on a flooded surface the coefficient dropped to near zero for the same slip ratio. Locked wheel skids were observed when the tire encountered a runway surface transition from dry to flooded, due in part to the response time required for the system to sense abrupt changes in the runway friction; however, the antiskid system quickly responded by reducing brake pressure and cycling normally during the remainder of the run on the flooded surface.

Evaluation of the Prince William County collision countermeasure system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-02-01

The Collision Countermeasure System (CCS) is an ITS application intended to reduce side-impact accident potential at rural, limited sight-distance intersections. It consists of activated warning signs and pavement loop detectors designed to enhance d...

System and method for phase retrieval for radio telescope and antenna control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce H. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for radio phase retrieval. A system practicing the method gathers first data from radio waves associated with an object observed via a first aperture, gathers second data from radio waves associated with the object observed via an introduced second aperture associated with the first aperture, generates reduced noise data by incoherently subtracting the second data from the first data, and performs phase retrieval for the radio waves by modeling the reduced noise data using a single Fourier transform. The first and second apertures are at different positions, such as side by side. This approach can include determining a value Q which represents a ratio of wavelength times a focal ratio divided by pixel spacing. This information can be used to accurately measure and correct alignment errors or other optical system flaws in the apertures.

A randomized controlled trial of a middle meatal silastic stent for reducing adhesions and middle turbinate lateralization following endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Chan, Chun L; Elmiyeh, Behrad; Woods, Charmaine; Ullah, Shahid; Gunawardena, Indunil; Carney, A Simon; Ooi, Eng H

2015-06-01

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is indicated for patients with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. However, surgical revision can be required because of adhesion formation and middle turbinate lateralization. We investigate the efficacy of a middle meatal silastic stent in reducing these complications after ESS. Thirty-six patients were randomized to receive a silastic stent in the middle meatus unilaterally after ESS. The surgeon was blinded to the side receiving the stent until completion of the ESS. The contralateral side, with no stent, was the control side. Patients completed a 7-day, postoperative, visual analog scale symptom diary and were blinded to the stent side until its removal at the first postoperative visit. Patients were followed up after 2, 8, and 24 weeks. Endoscopic video of the sinus cavities were recorded at all visits and 2 blinded, independent ear/nose/throat (ENT) surgeons assessed the videos using a modified Lund-Kennedy scoring system. Thirty-five of 36 patients completed 6-months' follow-up. Middle turbinate lateralization was observed in 13 sides without a stent vs 1 side with a stent. There was a significant reduction in adhesions at weeks 2 and 8 (p < 0.001) and crusting (p < 0.01) in the stent side compared to control. Video scores at 6 months after surgery for stent and control sides remained unchanged from the 8-week visit. There was no difference between sides for symptom scores, edema, or nasal discharge. Middle meatal silastic stents are well tolerated by patients and effective in reducing middle turbinate lateralization, adhesions, and crusting postoperatively in ESS. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Worldsid Assessment of Far Side Impact Countermeasures

PubMed Central

Pintar, Frank A.; Yoganandan, Narayan; Stemper, Brian D.; Bostrom, Ola; Rouhana, Stephen W.; Smith, Stuart; Sparke, Laurie; Fildes, Brian N.; Digges, Kennerly H.

2006-01-01

Far side impact trauma has been demonstrated as a significant portion of the total trauma in side impacts. The objective of the study was to assess the potential usefulness of countermeasures and assess the trade-offs associated with generic countermeasure design. Because the WorldSID dummy has demonstrated promise as a potential far side impact dummy, it was chosen to assess countermeasures in this mode. A unique far side impact buck was designed for a sled test system that included, as a standard configuration, a center console and outboard three-point belt system. This configuration assumed a left side driver with a right side impact. The buck allowed for additional options of generic restraints including shoulder or thorax plates or an inboard shoulder belt. The entire buck could be mounted on the sled in either a 90-degree (3-o’clock PDOF) or a 60-degree (2-o’clock PDOF) orientation. A total of 19 WorldSID tests were completed. The inboard shoulder belt configuration produced high shear forces in the lower neck (2430 N) when the belt position was placed over the mid portion of the neck. Shear forces were reduced and of opposite sign when the inboard belt position was horizontal and over the shoulder; forces were similar to the standard outboard belt configuration (830 – 1100 N). A shoulder or thorax restraint was effective in limiting the head excursion, but each caused significant displacement at the corresponding region on the dummy. A shoulder restraint resulted in shoulder displacements of 30 – 43 mm. A thorax restraint caused thorax deflections of 39 – 64 mm. Inboard restraints for far side impacts can be effective in reducing head excursion but the specific design and placement of these restraints determine their overall injury mitigating characteristics. PMID:16968638

Side Effects of Chloroquine and Primaquine and Symptom Reduction in Malaria Endemic Area (Mâncio Lima, Acre, Brazil)

PubMed Central

Braga, Cássio Braga e; Martins, Antonio Camargo; Cayotopa, Athaid David Escalante; Klein, Wagner Werner; Schlosser, Andreus Roberto; da Silva, Aline Ferreira; de Souza, Mardelson Nery; Andrade, Breno Wilson Benevides; Filgueira-Júnior, José Alcântara; Pinto, Wagner de Jesus; da Silva-Nunes, Mônica

2015-01-01

Side effects of antimalarial drug can overlap with malaria symptoms. We evaluated 50 patients with vivax malaria in Mâncio Lima, Acre, treated with chloroquine and primaquine. Patients were evaluated for the presence of 21 symptoms before and after treatment and for reported side effects of these drugs after treatment was started. The most frequent symptoms before medication were headache, fever, chills, sweating, arthralgia, back pain, and weakness, which were present in between 40% and 76% of respondents. The treatment reduced the occurrence of these symptoms and reduced the lack of appetite, but gastrointestinal symptoms and choluria increased in frequency. There were no reports of pale stools before medication, but 12% reported the occurrence of this symptom after treatment started. Other symptoms such as blurred vision (54%), pruritus (22%), paresthesia (6%), insomnia (46%), and “stings” into the skin (22%) were reported after chloroquine was taken. The antimalarial drugs used to treat P. vivax malaria reduce much of the systemic and algic symptoms but cause mainly gastrointestinal side effects that may lead to lack of adherence to drug treatment. It is important to guide the patient for the appearance and the transience of such side effects in order to avoid abandoning treatment. PMID:26357512

Efficacy of side airbags in reducing driver deaths in driver-side car and SUV collisions.

PubMed

McCartt, Anne T; Kyrychenko, Sergey Y

2007-06-01

To estimate the efficacy of side airbags in preventing driver deaths in passenger vehicles struck on the driver side. Risk ratios for driver deaths per driver-side collision were computed for side airbag-equipped cars and SUVs, relative to vehicles without side airbags. Driver fatality ratios also were calculated for the same vehicles in front and rear impacts, and these were used to adjust the side crash risk ratios for differences in fatality risk unrelated to side airbags. Risk ratios were calculated separately for side airbags providing torso-only protection and side airbags with head protection; almost all head protecting airbags also had airbags protecting the torso. Car driver death risk in driver-side crashes was reduced by 37 percent for head protecting airbags and 26 percent for torso-only side airbags. Car driver death risk was reduced for older and younger drivers, males and females, and drivers of small and midsize cars, and when the striking vehicle was an SUV/pickup or a car/minivan. Death risk for drivers of SUVs was reduced by 52 percent with head protecting side airbags and by 30 percent with torso-only airbags. The effectiveness of side airbags could not be assessed for pickups and minivans due to the small number of these vehicles with airbags involved in crashes. Side airbags substantially reduce the risk of car and SUV driver death in driver-side collisions. Making side airbags with head protection available to drivers and right front passengers in all passenger vehicles could reduce the number of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in the United States by about 2,000 each year.

Supplementation with vitamin B6 reduces side effects in Cambodian women using oral contraception.

PubMed

Var, Chivorn; Keller, Sheryl; Tung, Rathavy; Freeland, Dylan; Bazzano, Alessandra N

2014-08-26

Hormonal contraceptives may produce side effects that deter women from their use as a method of family planning. In nutritionally vulnerable populations these effects may be more pronounced due to micronutrient deficiencies and health status. Previous studies have been unable to resolve whether micronutrient supplementation may reduce such side effects. In a longitudinal study, 1011 women obtaining oral contraception through the public health system in rural Cambodia were allocated to either intervention or control groups, receiving either daily Vitamin B6 supplement or care as usual (without placebo). The intervention participants (n = 577) reported fewer side effects in three categories: nausea/no appetite, headache, and depression compared with control group participants (n = 434). Women taking Vitamin B6 supplement were less likely to report side effects in a nutritionally vulnerable population. Underlying nutrition status should be considered by clinicians and reproductive health policy makers in the context of providing contraceptive services. Further investigation into micronutrient supplementation, particularly with B6, in reproductive-aged women using hormonal contraception should be conducted in other settings to determine the potential for widespread adoption.

Cooling system having reduced mass pin fins for components in a gas turbine engine

DOEpatents

Lee, Ching-Pang; Jiang, Nan; Marra, John J

2014-03-11

A cooling system having one or more pin fins with reduced mass for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The cooling system may include one or more first surfaces defining at least a portion of the cooling system. The pin fin may extend from the surface defining the cooling system and may have a noncircular cross-section taken generally parallel to the surface and at least part of an outer surface of the cross-section forms at least a quartercircle. A downstream side of the pin fin may have a cavity to reduce mass, thereby creating a more efficient turbine airfoil.

An experimental investigation of a thermoelectric power generation system with different cold-side heat dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. H.; Wu, Z. H.; Xie, H. Q.; Xing, J. J.; Mao, J. H.; Wang, Y. Y.; Li, Z.

2018-01-01

Thermoelectric generation technology has attracted increasing attention because of its promising applications. In this work, the heat transfer characteristics and the performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) with different cold-side heat dissipation intensity has been studied. By fixing the hot-side temperature of TEG, the effects of various external conditions including the flow rate and the inlet temperature of the cooling water flowing through the cold-sided heat sink have been investigated detailedly. It was showed that the output power and the efficiency of TEG increased with temperature different enlarged, whereas the efficiency of TEG reduced with flow rate increased. It is proposed that more heat taken by the cooling water is attributed to the efficiency decrease when the flow rate of the cooling water is increased. This study would provide fundamental understanding for the design of more refined thermoelectric generation systems.

Solving periodic block tridiagonal systems using the Sherman-Morrison-Woodbury formula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yarrow, Maurice

1989-01-01

Many algorithms for solving the Navier-Stokes equations require the solution of periodic block tridiagonal systems of equations. By applying a splitting to the matrix representing this system of equations, it may first be reduced to a block tridiagonal matrix plus an outer product of two block vectors. The Sherman-Morrison-Woodbury formula is then applied. The algorithm thus reduces a periodic banded system to a non-periodic banded system with additional right-hand sides and is of higher efficiency than standard Thomas algorithm/LU decompositions.

A multifunctional metal-organic framework based tumor targeting drug delivery system for cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-Gang; Dong, Zhi-Yue; Cheng, Hong; Wan, Shuang-Shuang; Chen, Wei-Hai; Zou, Mei-Zhen; Huo, Jia-Wei; Deng, He-Xiang; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2015-09-01

Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects.Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis procedure, 1HNMR, ESI-MS and additional data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04045k

Reducing Stereotype Threat With Embodied Triggers: A Case of Sensorimotor-Mental Congruence.

PubMed

Chalabaev, Aïna; Radel, Rémi; Masicampo, E J; Dru, Vincent

2016-08-01

In four experiments, we tested whether embodied triggers may reduce stereotype threat. We predicted that left-side sensorimotor inductions would increase cognitive performance under stereotype threat, because such inductions are linked to avoidance motivation among right-handers. This sensorimotor-mental congruence hypothesis rests on regulatory fit research showing that stereotype threat may be reduced by avoidance-oriented interventions, and motor congruence research showing positive effects when two parameters of a motor action activate the same motivational system (avoidance or approach). Results indicated that under stereotype threat, cognitive performance was higher when participants contracted their left hand (Study 1) or when the stimuli were presented on the left side of the visual field (Studies 2-4), as compared with right-hand contraction or right-side visual stimulation. These results were observed on math (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and Stroop (Study 3) performance. An indirect effect of congruence on math performance through subjective fluency was also observed. © 2016 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Reducing Aversion to Side Effects in Preventive Medical Treatment Decisions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waters, Erika A.; Weinstein, Neil D.; Colditz, Graham A.; Emmons, Karen M.

2007-01-01

Laypeople tend to be overly sensitive to side effects of treatments that prevent illness, possibly leading them to refuse beneficial therapies. This Internet-based study attempted to reduce such side effect aversion by adding graphic displays to the numerical risk probabilities. It also explored whether graphics reduce side effect aversion by…

Deep brain stimulation to reduce sexual drive.

PubMed

Fuss, Johannes; Auer, Matthias K; Biedermann, Sarah V; Briken, Peer; Hacke, Werner

2015-11-01

To date there are few treatment options to reduce high sexual drive or sexual urges in paraphilic patients with a risk for sexual offending. Pharmacological therapy aims to reduce sexual drive by lowering testosterone at the cost of severe side effects. We hypothesize that high sexual drive could also be reduced with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of circuits that generate sexual drive. This approach would help to avoid systemic side effects of antiandrogenic drug therapies. So far the best investigated target to reduce sexual drive is the ventromedial hypothalamus, which was lesioned unilaterally and bilaterally by stereotaxic interventions in paraphilic patients in the 1970s. Here, we discuss DBS as a treatment strategy in patients with severe paraphilic disorders with a serious risk of sexual offending. There are profound ethical and practical issues associated with DBS treatment of paraphilic patients that must be solved before considering such a treatment approach.

'Smart' nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for applications in tumor therapy.

PubMed

Fang, Zhi; Wan, Lin-Yan; Chu, Liang-Yin; Zhang, Yan-Qiong; Wu, Jiang-Feng

2015-01-01

In the therapy of clinical diseases such as cancer, it is important to deliver drugs directly to tumor sites in order to maximize local drug concentration and reduce side effects. This objective may be realized by using 'smart' nanoparticles (NPs) as drug delivery systems, because they enable dramatic conformational changes in response to specific physical/chemical stimuli from the diseased cells for targeted and controlled drug release. In this review, we first briefly summarize the characteristics of 'smart' NPs as drug delivery systems in medical therapy, and then discuss their targeting transport, transmembrane and endosomal escape behaviors. Lastly, we focus on the applications of 'smart' NPs as drug delivery systems for tumor therapy. Biodegradable 'smart' NPs have the potential to achieve maximum efficacy and drug availability at the desired sites, and reduce the harmful side effects for healthy tissues in tumor therapy. It is necessary to select appropriate NPs and modify their characteristics according to treatment strategies of tumor therapy.

Nonlinear stability research on the hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Huang, Qingxue; An, Gaocheng; Qi, Qisong; Sun, Binyu

2015-10-01

This paper researches the stability of the nonlinear system taking the hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear as an example. The hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear uses unsymmetrical electro-hydraulic proportional servo valve to control the cylinder with single piston rod, which can make best use of the space and reduce reversing shock. It is a typical nonlinear structure. The nonlinear state-space equations of the unsymmetrical valve controlling cylinder system are built first, and the second Lyapunov method is used to evaluate its stability. Second, the software AMEsim is applied to simulate the nonlinear system, and the results indicate that the system is stable. At last, the experimental results show that the system unsymmetrical valve controlling the cylinder with single piston rod is stable and conforms to what is deduced by theoretical analysis and simulation. The construction and application of Lyapunov function not only provide the theoretical basis for using of unsymmetrical valve controlling cylinder with single piston rod but also develop a new thought for nonlinear stability evaluation.

Nonlinear stability research on the hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Huang, Qingxue; An, Gaocheng; Qi, Qisong; Sun, Binyu

2015-10-01

This paper researches the stability of the nonlinear system taking the hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear as an example. The hydraulic system of double-side rolling shear uses unsymmetrical electro-hydraulic proportional servo valve to control the cylinder with single piston rod, which can make best use of the space and reduce reversing shock. It is a typical nonlinear structure. The nonlinear state-space equations of the unsymmetrical valve controlling cylinder system are built first, and the second Lyapunov method is used to evaluate its stability. Second, the software AMEsim is applied to simulate the nonlinear system, and the results indicate that the system is stable. At last, the experimental results show that the system unsymmetrical valve controlling the cylinder with single piston rod is stable and conforms to what is deduced by theoretical analysis and simulation. The construction and application of Lyapunov function not only provide the theoretical basis for using of unsymmetrical valve controlling cylinder with single piston rod but also develop a new thought for nonlinear stability evaluation.

Turbine blade tip gap reduction system

DOEpatents

Diakunchak, Ihor S.

2012-09-11

A turbine blade sealing system for reducing a gap between a tip of a turbine blade and a stationary shroud of a turbine engine. The sealing system includes a plurality of flexible seal strips extending from a pressure side of a turbine blade generally orthogonal to the turbine blade. During operation of the turbine engine, the flexible seal strips flex radially outward extending towards the stationary shroud of the turbine engine, thereby reducing the leakage of air past the turbine blades and increasing the efficiency of the turbine engine.

Experimental study of void formation during aluminum solidification in reduced gravity. Ph.D. Thesis - Toledo Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chiaramonte, Francis Paul, III

1993-01-01

Void formation due to volumetric shrinkage and liquid/vapor reorientation during aluminum solidification was observed in real time by using a radiographic viewing system in normal and reduced gravity. An end-chill directional solidification furnace with water quench was designed and constructed to solidify aluminum samples during the approximately 16 sec of reduced gravity (+/-0.02g) achieved by flying an aircraft through a parabolic trajectory. In the first series of tests the aluminum was contained in a vacuum sealed, pyrolytic boron nitride crucible. An ullage space was present during each test. Void formation was recorded for two cases: a nonwetting system, and a wetting system where wetting occurred between the aluminum and the crucible lid. The void formation in the nonwetting case was similar in normal and reduced gravity, with a single vapor cavity forming at the top of the crucible. In the wetting case during reduced gravity surface tension caused two voids to form in the top corners of the crucible, but during normal gravity only one large void formed across the top. In the second series of tests the aluminum was contained in a pyrolytic boron nitride crucible that was placed in a stainless steel container and sealed in an environment of argon plus 4 percent hydrogen. An ullage space was present during each test. Void formation was recorded for two cases: a nonwetting system, and a wetting system where wetting occurred between the aluminum and one side wall and the lid. The void for nation in the nonwetting case was similar in normal and reduced gravity, with a single vapor cavity forming at the top of the crucible, although the meniscus became more convex in reduced gravity. In the wetting case the aluminum did not climb up the corners in 1g, and one large symmetric void resulted at the top when the aluminum had solidified. In the wetting case during reduced gravity the molten aluminum was drawn up the wetted wall and partially across the lid by a capillary underpressure; however, on the nonwetting wall the aluminum moved down. One void resulted along the nonwetting side of the container continuing to the top on the same side.

Development of a split-flow system for high precision variable sample introduction in supercritical fluid chromatography.

PubMed

Sakai, Miho; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Funada, Yasuhiro; Ando, Takashi; Fukusaki, Eiichiro; Bamba, Takeshi

2017-09-15

In this study, we propose a novel variable sample injection system based on full-loop injection, named the split-flow sample introduction system, for application in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this system, the mobile phase is split by the differential pressure between two back pressure regulators (BPRs) after full-loop injection suitable for SFC, and this differential pressure determines the introduction rate. Nine compounds with a wide range of characteristics were introduced with high reproducibility and universality, confirming that a robust variable sample injection system was achieved. We also investigated the control factors of our proposed system. Sample introduction was controlled by the ratio between the column-side pressure drops in splitless and split flow, ΔP columnsideinsplitless and ΔP columnsideinsplit , respectively, where ΔP columnsideinsplitless is related to the mobile phase flow rate and composition and the column resistance. When all other conditions are kept constant, increasing the make-up flow induces an additional pressure drop on the column side of the system, which leads to a reduced column-side flow rate, and hence decreased the amount of sample injected, even when the net pressure drop on the column side remains the same. Thus, sample introduction could be highly controlled at low sample introduction rate, regardless of the introduction conditions. This feature is advantageous because, as a control factor, the solvent in the make-up pump is independent of the column-side pressure drop. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Adenosine-Associated Delivery Systems

PubMed Central

Kazemzadeh-Narbat, Mehdi; Annabi, Nasim; Tamayol, Ali; Oklu, Rahmi; Ghanem, Amyl; Khademhosseini, Ali

2016-01-01

Adenosine is a naturally occurring purine nucleoside in every cell. Many critical treatments such as modulating irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), regulation of central nervous system (CNS) activity, and inhibiting seizural episodes can be carried out using adenosine. Despite the significant potential therapeutic impact of adenosine and its derivatives, the severe side effects caused by their systemic administration have significantly limited their clinical use. In addition, due to adenosine’s extremely short half-life in human blood (less than 10 s), there is an unmet need for sustained delivery systems to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. In this paper, various adenosine delivery techniques, including encapsulation into biodegradable polymers, cell-based delivery, implantable biomaterials, and mechanical-based delivery systems, are critically reviewed and the existing challenges are highlighted. PMID:26453156

Association between side air bags and risk of injury in motor vehicle collisions with near-side impact.

PubMed

McGwin, Gerald; Metzger, Jesse; Porterfield, John R; Moran, Stephan G; Rue, Loring W

2003-09-01

Side air bags (SABs) have been introduced in an attempt to reduce the risk of injury in near-side-impact motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). The impact of SABs on MVC-related mortality and morbidity has yet to be evaluated with a large population-based study. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SABs in reducing the risk of injury or death in near-side-impact MVCs. A retrospective study investigated outboard front seat occupants involved in police-reported, near-side-impact MVCs using data from the General Estimates System (1997-2000). The risk of MVC-related nonfatal and fatal injury for occupants of vehicles with and without SABs was compared. Front seat occupants of vehicles with SABs had a risk of injury similar to that of occupants of vehicles without SABs (risk ratio [RR], 0.96; 95% CI confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.15). Adjustment for the potentially confounding effects of age, gender, seat belt use, seating position, damage severity and location, and vehicle body type did not meaningfully affect the association (RR, 0.90; 95% CICI, 0.76-1.08). There is no association between the availability of SABs and overall injury risk in near-side-impact MVCs. Future research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of SABs in preventing the injuries for which they were specifically designed.

Multidisciplinary Conceptual Design for Reduced-Emission Rotorcraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silva, Christopher; Johnson, Wayne; Solis, Eduardo

2018-01-01

Python-based wrappers for OpenMDAO are used to integrate disparate software for practical conceptual design of rotorcraft. The suite of tools which are connected thus far include aircraft sizing, comprehensive analysis, and parametric geometry. The tools are exercised to design aircraft with aggressive goals for emission reductions relative to fielded state-of-the-art rotorcraft. Several advanced reduced-emission rotorcraft are designed and analyzed, demonstrating the flexibility of the tools to consider a wide variety of potentially transformative vertical flight vehicles. To explore scale effects, aircraft have been sized for 5, 24, or 76 passengers in their design missions. Aircraft types evaluated include tiltrotor, single-main-rotor, coaxial, and side-by-side helicopters. Energy and drive systems modeled include Lithium-ion battery, hydrogen fuel cell, turboelectric hybrid, and turboshaft drive systems. Observations include the complex nature of the trade space for this simple problem, with many potential aircraft design and operational solutions for achieving significant emission reductions. Also interesting is that achieving greatly reduced emissions may not require exotic component technologies, but may be achieved with a dedicated design objective of reducing emissions.

Mining drug-disease relationships as a complement to medical genetics-based drug repositioning: Where a recommendation system meets genome-wide association studies.

PubMed

Wang, H; Gu, Q; Wei, J; Cao, Z; Liu, Q

2015-05-01

A novel recommendation-based drug repositioning strategy is presented to simultaneously determine novel drug indications and side effects in one integrated framework. This strategy provides a complementary method to medical genetics-based drug repositioning, which reduces the occurrence of false positives in medical genetics-based drug repositioning, resulting in a ranked list of new candidate indications and/or side effects with different confidence levels. Several new drug indications and side effects are reported with high prediction confidences. © 2015 American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

First report of the successful operation of a side stream supersaturation hypolimnetic oxygenation system in a eutrophic, shallow reservoir.

PubMed

Gerling, Alexandra B; Browne, Richard G; Gantzer, Paul A; Mobley, Mark H; Little, John C; Carey, Cayelan C

2014-12-15

Controlling hypolimnetic hypoxia is a key goal of water quality management. Hypoxic conditions can trigger the release of reduced metals and nutrients from lake sediments, resulting in taste and odor problems as well as nuisance algal blooms. In deep lakes and reservoirs, hypolimnetic oxygenation has emerged as a viable solution for combating hypoxia. In shallow lakes, however, it is difficult to add oxygen into the hypolimnion efficiently, and a poorly designed hypolimnetic oxygenation system could potentially result in higher turbidity, weakened thermal stratification, and warming of the sediments. As a result, little is known about the viability of hypolimnetic oxygenation in shallow bodies of water. Here, we present the results from recent successful tests of side stream supersaturation (SSS), a type of hypolimnetic oxygenation system, in a shallow reservoir and compare it to previous side stream deployments. We investigated the sensitivity of Falling Creek Reservoir, a shallow (Zmax = 9.3 m) drinking water reservoir located in Vinton, Virginia, USA, to SSS operation. We found that the SSS system increased hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations at a rate of ∼1 mg/L/week without weakening stratification or warming the sediments. Moreover, the SSS system suppressed the release of reduced iron and manganese, and likely phosphorus, from the sediments. In summary, SSS systems hold great promise for controlling hypolimnetic oxygen conditions in shallow lakes and reservoirs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Operation and Maintenance Manual, TECS 18.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-11-01

width modulated variable output voltage and frequency using a three-phase transistor bridge circuit . Reduced power line electromagnetic interference...Description 3-1 Section II. Circuit Fundamentals 3-1 Section III. System Description 3-2 CHAPTER 4. Protection and Maintenance 4-1 Section I. Internal...Number I-la TECS 18 Electronic Module Location-Evaporator Side 1-3 1-lb TECS 18 Electronic Module Location-Condenser Side 1-4 1-2 Remote Control Panel 1-5

Flapping propulsion with side-by-side pitching foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huera-Huarte, Francisco

2016-11-01

Fish schools are one of the most common types of collective behaviour observed in nature. One of the reasons why fish swim in groups, is to reduce the cost of transport of the school. In this work we explore the propulsive performance of two foils flapping in a symmetric configuration, i.e. with an out-of-phase flapping motion. Direct thrust measurements and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) allowed a detailed examination of the forces and the wake generated by the system, for different kinematics (swept angles and frequencies) and shaft separations. For certain specific cases, volumetric PIV shows major differences on how the different structures in the wake of the system evolve, depending on the imposed kinematics and the side-by-side separation between the foils. Results obtained will be compared against data produced with isolated flapping foils with similar imposed kinematics, with the aim to better understand the interactions between both and the performance of the system as a whole. The author would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y competitividad (MINECO) through Grant DPI2015-71645-P.

Mining adverse drug reactions from online healthcare forums using hidden Markov model.

PubMed

Sampathkumar, Hariprasad; Chen, Xue-wen; Luo, Bo

2014-10-23

Adverse Drug Reactions are one of the leading causes of injury or death among patients undergoing medical treatments. Not all Adverse Drug Reactions are identified before a drug is made available in the market. Current post-marketing drug surveillance methods, which are based purely on voluntary spontaneous reports, are unable to provide the early indications necessary to prevent the occurrence of such injuries or fatalities. The objective of this research is to extract reports of adverse drug side-effects from messages in online healthcare forums and use them as early indicators to assist in post-marketing drug surveillance. We treat the task of extracting adverse side-effects of drugs from healthcare forum messages as a sequence labeling problem and present a Hidden Markov Model(HMM) based Text Mining system that can be used to classify a message as containing drug side-effect information and then extract the adverse side-effect mentions from it. A manually annotated dataset from http://www.medications.com is used in the training and validation of the HMM based Text Mining system. A 10-fold cross-validation on the manually annotated dataset yielded on average an F-Score of 0.76 from the HMM Classifier, in comparison to 0.575 from the Baseline classifier. Without the Plain Text Filter component as a part of the Text Processing module, the F-Score of the HMM Classifier was reduced to 0.378 on average, while absence of the HTML Filter component was found to have no impact. Reducing the Drug names dictionary size by half, on average reduced the F-Score of the HMM Classifier to 0.359, while a similar reduction to the side-effects dictionary yielded an F-Score of 0.651 on average. Adverse side-effects mined from http://www.medications.com and http://www.steadyhealth.com were found to match the Adverse Drug Reactions on the Drug Package Labels of several drugs. In addition, some novel adverse side-effects, which can be potential Adverse Drug Reactions, were also identified. The results from the HMM based Text Miner are encouraging to pursue further enhancements to this approach. The mined novel side-effects can act as early indicators for health authorities to help focus their efforts in post-marketing drug surveillance.

Temperature distribution of laser crystal in end-pumped DPSSL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yibo; Jia, Liping; Zhang, Lei; Wen, Jihua; Kang, Junjian

2009-11-01

The temperature distribution in different cooling system was studied. A thermal distribution model of laser crystal was established. Based on the calculation, the temperature distribution and deformation of ND:YVO4 crystal in different cooling system were obtained. When the pumping power is 2 W and the radius of pumping beams is 320μm, the temperature distribution and end face distortion of the laser crystal are lowest by using side directly hydrocooling method. The study shows that, the side directly hydrocooling method is a more efficient method to control the crystal temperature distribution and reduce the thermal effect.

Increasing the Efficiency of a Thermoelectric Generator Using an Evaporative Cooling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boonyasri, M.; Jamradloedluk, J.; Lertsatitthanakorn, C.; Therdyothin, A.; Soponronnarit, S.

2017-05-01

A system for reducing heat from the cold side of a thermoelectric (TE) power generator, based on the principle of evaporative cooling, is presented. An evaporative cooling system could increase the conversion efficiency of a TE generator. To this end, two sets of TE generators were constructed. Both TE generators were composed of five TE power modules. The cold and hot sides of the TE modules were fixed to rectangular fin heat sinks. The hot side heat sinks were inserted in a hot gas duct. The cold side of one set was cooled by the cooling air from a counter flow evaporative cooling system, whereas the other set was cooled by the parallel flow evaporative cooling system. The counter flow pattern had better performance than the parallel flow pattern. A comparison between the TE generator with and without an evaporative cooling system was made. Experimental results show that the power output increased by using the evaporative cooling system. This can significantly increase the TE conversion efficiency. The evaporative cooling system increased the power output of the TE generator from 22.9 W of ambient air flowing through the heat sinks to 28.6 W at the hot gas temperature of 350°C (an increase of about 24.8%). The present study shows the promising potential of using TE generators with evaporative cooling for waste heat recovery.

Real World Data Driven Evolution of Volvo Cars’ Side Impact Protection Systems and their Effectiveness

PubMed Central

Jakobsson, Lotta; Lindman, Magdalena; Svanberg, Bo; Carlsson, Henrik

2010-01-01

This study analyses the outcome of the continuous improved occupant protection over the last two decades for front seat near side occupants in side impacts based on a real world driven working process. The effectiveness of four generations of improved side impact protection are calculated based on data from Volvo’s statistical accident database of Volvo Cars in Sweden. Generation I includes vehicles with a new structural and interior concept (SIPS). Generation II includes vehicles with structural improvements and a new chest airbag (SIPSbag). Generation III includes vehicles with further improved SIPS and SIPSbag as well as the new concept with a head protecting Inflatable Curtain (IC). Generation IV includes the most recent vehicles with further improvements of all the systems plus advanced sensors and seat belt pretensioner activation. Compared to baseline vehicles, vehicles of generation I reduce MAIS2+ injuries by 54%, generation II by 61% and generation III by 72%. For generation IV effectiveness figures cannot be calculated because of the lack of MAIS2+ injuries. A continuous improved performance is also seen when studying the AIS2+ pelvis, abdomen, chest and head injuries separately. By using the same real world driven working process, future improvements and possibly new passive as well as active safety systems, will be developed with the aim of further improved protection to near side occupants in side impacts. PMID:21050597

Evaluation of automatic exposure control system chamber for the dose optimization when examining pelvic in digital radiography.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Chul; Lee, Hae-Kag; Lee, Yang-Sub; Cho, Jae-Hwan

2015-01-01

We found a way to optimize the image quality and reduce the exposure dose of patients through the proper activity combination of the automatic exposure control system chamber for the dose optimization when examining the pelvic anteroposterior side using the phantom of the human body standard model. We set 7 combinations of the chamber of automatic exposure control system. The effective dose was yielded by measuring five times for each according to the activity combination of the chamber for the dose measurement. Five radiologists with more than five years of experience evaluated the image through picture archiving and communication system using double blind test while classifying the 6 anatomical sites into 3-point level (improper, proper, perfect). When only one central chamber was activated, the effective dose was found to be the highest level, 0.287 mSv; and lowest when only the top left chamber was used, 0.165 mSv. After the subjective evaluation by five panel members on the pelvic image was completed, there was no statistically meaningful difference between the 7 chamber combinations, and all had good image quality. When testing the pelvic anteroposterior side with digital radiography, we were able to reduce the exposure dose of patients using the combination of the top right side of or the top two of the chamber.

Potential benefits of underride guards in large truck side crashes.

PubMed

Brumbelow, Matthew L

2012-01-01

To evaluate the maximum potential for side underride guards (SUGs) to reduce passenger vehicle occupant fatalities and injuries in crashes with large trucks in the United States. Examination of the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) identified 206 crash events involving a passenger vehicle impact with the side of a large truck. Each case was evaluated to determine whether the most severe injury sustained by a passenger vehicle occupant was a result of the impact with the side of the truck and whether an SUG could have reduced the injury severity. Data from the 2006-2008 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents (TIFA) survey were used to compare the types of trucks involved in all fatal side impacts with passenger vehicles with the truck types in the LTCCS cases that were studied. FARS and TIFA data also were used to estimate the total annual number of passenger vehicle occupants killed in truck side impacts. In 143 of the 206 cases, the truck side impact produced the most severe injury sustained by a passenger vehicle occupant. In the other cases, no passenger vehicle occupant was injured or the most severe injury was due to an event preceding or following the truck side impact. Forty-nine of these occupants sustained injuries coded as level 3 or higher on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) or were killed. SUGs could have reduced injury severity in 76 of the 143 cases, including 38 of the 49 cases with an AIS ≥ 3 coded injury or fatality. Semi-trailers were the most common type of impacted truck unit, both overall and when considering only cases where an SUG could have mitigated injury severity. Crashes where the front of the passenger vehicle struck the side of the semi-trailer perpendicularly or obliquely from the oncoming direction were less common overall than side-to-side and oblique/same direction crashes but more often produced an AIS ≥ 3 injury or fatality. The distribution of truck types in the LTCCS sample was similar to that in the FARS and TIFA data. Overall, around 1600 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in 2-vehicle truck side impact crashes during 2006-2008, or 22 percent of all passenger vehicle occupants who died in 2-vehicle crashes with large trucks. Structural incompatibility was a common factor in LTCCS crashes between passenger vehicles and the sides of large trucks. SUGs could have reduced injury risk in around three fourths of the crashes that produced an AIS ≥ 3 injury or fatality. Most of these crashes involved semi-trailers. However, the necessary strength and location of these SUGs present technical challenges that need to be addressed.

Dendrimer brain uptake and targeted therapy for brain injury in a large animal model of hypothermic circulatory arrest.

PubMed

Mishra, Manoj K; Beaty, Claude A; Lesniak, Wojciech G; Kambhampati, Siva P; Zhang, Fan; Wilson, Mary A; Blue, Mary E; Troncoso, Juan C; Kannan, Sujatha; Johnston, Michael V; Baumgartner, William A; Kannan, Rangaramanujam M

2014-03-25

Treatment of brain injury following circulatory arrest is a challenging health issue with no viable therapeutic options. Based on studies in a clinically relevant large animal (canine) model of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA)-induced brain injury, neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity have been identified as key players in mediating the brain injury after HCA. Therapy with large doses of valproic acid (VPA) showed some neuroprotection but was associated with adverse side effects. For the first time in a large animal model, we explored whether systemically administered polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers could be effective in reaching target cells in the brain and deliver therapeutics. We showed that, upon systemic administration, hydroxyl-terminated PAMAM dendrimers are taken up in the brain of injured animals and selectively localize in the injured neurons and microglia in the brain. The biodistribution in other major organs was similar to that seen in small animal models. We studied systemic dendrimer-drug combination therapy with two clinically approved drugs, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (attenuating neuroinflammation) and valproic acid (attenuating excitotoxicity), building on positive outcomes in a rabbit model of perinatal brain injury. We prepared and characterized dendrimer-NAC (D-NAC) and dendrimer-VPA (D-VPA) conjugates in multigram quantities. A glutathione-sensitive linker to enable for fast intracellular release. In preliminary efficacy studies, combination therapy with D-NAC and D-VPA showed promise in this large animal model, producing 24 h neurological deficit score improvements comparable to high dose combination therapy with VPA and NAC, or free VPA, but at one-tenth the dose, while significantly reducing the adverse side effects. Since adverse side effects of drugs are exaggerated in HCA, the reduced side effects with dendrimer conjugates and suggestions of neuroprotection offer promise for these nanoscale drug delivery systems.

Dendrimer Brain Uptake and Targeted Therapy for Brain Injury in a Large Animal Model of Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Treatment of brain injury following circulatory arrest is a challenging health issue with no viable therapeutic options. Based on studies in a clinically relevant large animal (canine) model of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA)-induced brain injury, neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity have been identified as key players in mediating the brain injury after HCA. Therapy with large doses of valproic acid (VPA) showed some neuroprotection but was associated with adverse side effects. For the first time in a large animal model, we explored whether systemically administered polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers could be effective in reaching target cells in the brain and deliver therapeutics. We showed that, upon systemic administration, hydroxyl-terminated PAMAM dendrimers are taken up in the brain of injured animals and selectively localize in the injured neurons and microglia in the brain. The biodistribution in other major organs was similar to that seen in small animal models. We studied systemic dendrimer–drug combination therapy with two clinically approved drugs, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (attenuating neuroinflammation) and valproic acid (attenuating excitotoxicity), building on positive outcomes in a rabbit model of perinatal brain injury. We prepared and characterized dendrimer-NAC (D-NAC) and dendrimer-VPA (D-VPA) conjugates in multigram quantities. A glutathione-sensitive linker to enable for fast intracellular release. In preliminary efficacy studies, combination therapy with D-NAC and D-VPA showed promise in this large animal model, producing 24 h neurological deficit score improvements comparable to high dose combination therapy with VPA and NAC, or free VPA, but at one-tenth the dose, while significantly reducing the adverse side effects. Since adverse side effects of drugs are exaggerated in HCA, the reduced side effects with dendrimer conjugates and suggestions of neuroprotection offer promise for these nanoscale drug delivery systems. PMID:24499315

[Recommendation for the prevention and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal ulcers and its complications].

PubMed

2017-01-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a broad class of non glucocorticoid drugs which are extensively used in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic therapies. However, NSAIDs may cause many side effects, most commonly in gastrointestinal(GI) tract. Cardiovascular system, kidney, liver, central nervous system and hematopoietic system are also involved. NSAID-induced GI side effects not only endanger the patients' health, increase mortality, but also greatly increase the cost of medical care. Therefore, how to reduce GI side effects is of particular concern to clinicians. The Chinese Rheumatism Data Center(CRDC) and Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group(CSTAR) compose a "Recommendation for the prevention and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal ulcers and its complications" , as following: (1) GI lesions are the most common side effects of NSAIDs. (2) NSAID-induced GI side effects include gastritis, esophagitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, bleeding, perforation and obstruction. (3) With the application of capsule endoscopy and small intestinal endoscopy, growing attention is being paid to the NASID-induced small intestine mucosa damage, which is mainly erosion and ulcer. (4) Risk factors related to NSAID-induced GI ulcers include: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, age> 65 years, past history of GI ulcers, high doses of NSAIDs, multiple-drug combination therapy, and comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and nephropathy.(5) GI and cardiovascular function should be evaluated before using NSAIDs and gastric mucosal protective agents. (6) The risk of GI ulcers and complications caused by selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors is less than that of non-selective COX-2 inhibitors. (7)Hp eradication therapy helps to cure GI ulcers and prevent recurrence when Hp infection is positive in NSAID-induced ulcers. (8) Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is the first choice for the prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced GI injury. Gastric mucosal protective agents also suggested.(9) H 2 receptor antagonist (H 2 RA) can reduce the risk of NSAID-induced duodenal injury, however, the therapeutic effect of NSAID-induced gastric ulcer remains to be further confirmed. (10) Endoscopic treatment is the first recommendation for NSAID-induced peptic ulcers combined with upper GI bleeding, high-dose PPI effectively prevent rebleeding, reduce the possibility of surgery and mortality rate.

The Cultural Interface of Islander and Scientific Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakata, Martin

2010-01-01

The interface between Indigenous knowledge systems and Western scientific knowledge systems is a contested space where the difficult dialogue between us and them is often reduced to a position of taking sides. Storytelling is however a very familiar tradition in Indigenous families where we can and do translate expertly difficult concepts from one…

System for corrosion monitoring in pipeline applying fuzzy logic mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzyakov, O. N.; Kolosova, A. L.; Andreeva, M. A.

2018-05-01

A list of factors influencing corrosion rate on the external side of underground pipeline is determined. Principles of constructing a corrosion monitoring system are described; the system performance algorithm and program are elaborated. A comparative analysis of methods for calculating corrosion rate is undertaken. Fuzzy logic mathematics is applied to reduce calculations while considering a wider range of corrosion factors.

Investigating the Effects of Side Airbag Deployment in Real-World Crashes Using Crash Comparison Techniques

PubMed Central

Loftis, Kathryn L.; Weaver, Ashley A.; Stitzel, Joel D.

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate side airbag (SAB) deployment in near side crashes and compare injuries and contact points between occupants with and without SAB deployment. Using NASS 2000–2008 and selecting for near side cases, with PDOF ± 20 degrees from 90 or 270, for non-pregnant adult belted occupants, there were 20,253 (weighted) SAB deployments. NASS showed that SABs have been increasing within the fleet, comprising 2% of airbags in 2000 and increasing to 33% of airbags in 2008. To investigate deployed SABs, we developed a three-step methology to pair CIREN cases to study the effects of deployment on occupant outcome. The first step involved extracting near side impacts from CIREN with adult, non-pregnant occupants seated in row 1 (drivers or right front passengers). In the second step, each case was quantitatively compared to FMVSS 214 barrier test standards using a 6 point similarity scoring system. Cases scoring at least 3 points were then qualitatively analyzed and 33 pairs of cases of the same vehicle make/model but opposite SAB status were chosen. Occupants with deployed SAB had reduced occurrences and severity of head and face, neck and cervical spine, and thoracic injuries and fewer injurious contacts to side components including the door, a-pillar, and window sill. SAB deployment was statistically significant for reducing occupant MAIS and ISS and thorax airbags were statistically significant for reducing thoracic and neck/cervical spine injury severity. The average ISS with SAB deployment was 21, while the average ISS of those without was 33. This study establishes methods for performing comparisons between CIREN cases based on regulatory conditions and shows injury reduction in key body regions with SAB deployment. PMID:22105386

Remediation of negative side effects of an on-going response-cost system with chronic mental patients.

PubMed

Doty, D W; McInnis, T; Paul, G L

1974-01-01

Response-cost procedures within a token economy with extremely regressed residents excluded many residents from access to positive reinforcement. Procedures allowing residents to "purchase eligibility" to obtain backup reinforcers through contingent payment on standing fines, combined with proportional fine payoff schedules contingent upon time without new fines, increased payment on fines, reduced incidence of new fines, and increased utilization of backup reinforcers. These modifications removed adverse side effects while retaining the benefits associated with response costs. Failures or adverse effects of elements of token systems should not occasion abandonment of token economies, but rather encourage their continual evaluation and modification.

Endomorphin-2 analogs with C-terminal esterification produce potent systemic antinociception with reduced tolerance and gastrointestinal side effects.

PubMed

Wang, Chang-Lin; Qiu, Ting-Ting; Yang, Dai-Jun; Yuan, Bi-Yu; Han, Feng-Tong; Li, Li; Gu, Ning

2017-04-01

C-terminal esterification of opioid peptides may change their opioid activities due to the modified physicochemical properties. In the present study, the pharmacological activities of C-terminal esterified endomorphin-2 (EM-2) analogs 1-3 were characterized by in vitro metabolic stability and octanol/buffer distribution assays. Also, the antinociceptive profiles in the radiant heat paw withdrawal test and related side effects of these analogs were determined. Our results showed that all three analogs significantly increased the metabolic stability and lipophilicity. Moreover, analogs 1-3 displayed potent antinociceptive activities after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. Analogs 1 and 3 exhibited about 2-fold higher antinociception than EM-2, and differential opioid mechanisms were involved. In addition, EM-2 at 50 μmol/kg failed to produce any significant antinociceptive activity after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration, whereas equimolar dose of analogs 1-3 produced significant analgesic effects. Analog 3 showed the highest antinociceptive activity after systemic administration, which was consistent with its in vitro stability and lipophilicity. We further evaluated the antinociceptive tolerance of analogs 1-3. In acute tolerance test, analogs 1-3 shifted the dose-response curves rightward by only 1.4-3.2 fold as determined by tolerance ratio, whereas EM-2 by 5.6-fold, demonstrating reduced antinociceptive tolerance. Also, analogs 1 and 2 decreased chronic antinociceptive tolerance by central and peripheral administration of drugs. In particular, analogs 3 displayed insignificant chronic antinociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, analogs 1-3 were less prone to induce gastrointestinal side effects at analgesic doses. The present investigation gave the evidence that C-terminal esterified modifications of EM-2 will facilitate the development of novel opioid analgesics with reduced side effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parallel Photonic Quantum Computation Assisted by Quantum Dots in One-Side Optical Microcavities

PubMed Central

Luo, Ming-Xing; Wang, Xiaojun

2014-01-01

Universal quantum logic gates are important elements for a quantum computer. In contrast to previous constructions on one degree of freedom (DOF) of quantum systems, we investigate the possibility of parallel quantum computations dependent on two DOFs of photon systems. We construct deterministic hyper-controlled-not (hyper-CNOT) gates operating on the spatial-mode and the polarization DOFs of two-photon or one-photon systems by exploring the giant optical circular birefringence induced by quantum-dot spins in one-sided optical microcavities. These hyper-CNOT gates show that the quantum states of two DOFs can be viewed as independent qubits without requiring auxiliary DOFs in theory. This result can reduce the quantum resources by half for quantum applications with large qubit systems, such as the quantum Shor algorithm. PMID:25030424

Parallel photonic quantum computation assisted by quantum dots in one-side optical microcavities.

PubMed

Luo, Ming-Xing; Wang, Xiaojun

2014-07-17

Universal quantum logic gates are important elements for a quantum computer. In contrast to previous constructions on one degree of freedom (DOF) of quantum systems, we investigate the possibility of parallel quantum computations dependent on two DOFs of photon systems. We construct deterministic hyper-controlled-not (hyper-CNOT) gates operating on the spatial-mode and the polarization DOFs of two-photon or one-photon systems by exploring the giant optical circular birefringence induced by quantum-dot spins in one-sided optical microcavities. These hyper-CNOT gates show that the quantum states of two DOFs can be viewed as independent qubits without requiring auxiliary DOFs in theory. This result can reduce the quantum resources by half for quantum applications with large qubit systems, such as the quantum Shor algorithm.

Sided functions of an arginine-agmatine antiporter oriented in liposomes.

PubMed

Tsai, Ming-Feng; Fang, Yiling; Miller, Christopher

2012-02-28

The arginine-dependent extreme acid resistance system helps enteric bacteria survive the harsh gastric environment. At the center of this multiprotein system is an arginine-agmatine antiporter, AdiC. To maintain cytoplasmic pH, AdiC imports arginine and exports its decarboxylated product, agmatine, resulting in a net extrusion of one "virtual proton" in each turnover. The random orientation of AdiC in reconstituted liposomes throws up an obstacle to quantifying its transport mechanism. To overcome this problem, we introduced a mutation, S26C, near the substrate-binding site. This mutant exhibits substrate recognition and pH-dependent activity similar to those of the wild-type protein but loses function completely upon reaction with thiol reagents. The membrane-impermeant MTSES reagent can then be used as a cleanly sided inhibitor to silence those S26C-AdiC proteins whose extracellular portion projects from the external side of the liposome. Alternatively, the membrane-permeant MTSEA and membrane-impermeant reducing reagent, TCEP, can be used together to inhibit proteins in the opposite orientation. This approach allows steady-state kinetic analysis of AdiC in a sided fashion. Arginine and agmatine have similar Michaelis-Menten parameters for both sides of the protein, while the extracellular side selects arginine over argininamide, a mimic of the carboxylate-protonated form of arginine, more effectively than does the cytoplasmic side. Moreover, the two sides of AdiC have different pH sensitivities. AdiC activity increases to a plateau at pH 4 as the extracellular side is acidified, while the cytoplasmic side shows an optimal pH of 5.5, with further acidification inhibiting transport. This oriented system allows more precise analysis of AdiC-mediated substrate transport than has been previously available and permits comparison to the situation experienced by the bacterial membrane under acid stress.

Production of an ion-exchange membrane-catalytic electrode bonded material for electrolytic cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takenaka, H.; Torikai, E.

1986-01-01

A good bond is achieved by placing a metal salt in solution on one side of a membrane and a reducing agent on the other side so that the reducing agent penetrates the membrane and reduces the metal. Thus, a solution containing Pt, Rh, etc., is placed on one side of the membrane and a reducing agent such as NaBH, is placed on the other side. The bonded metal layer obtained is superior in catalytic activity and is suitable as an electrode in a cell such as for solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis.

Unified treatment of microscopic boundary conditions and efficient algorithms for estimating tangent operators of the homogenized behavior in the computational homogenization method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Van-Dung; Wu, Ling; Noels, Ludovic

2017-03-01

This work provides a unified treatment of arbitrary kinds of microscopic boundary conditions usually considered in the multi-scale computational homogenization method for nonlinear multi-physics problems. An efficient procedure is developed to enforce the multi-point linear constraints arising from the microscopic boundary condition either by the direct constraint elimination or by the Lagrange multiplier elimination methods. The macroscopic tangent operators are computed in an efficient way from a multiple right hand sides linear system whose left hand side matrix is the stiffness matrix of the microscopic linearized system at the converged solution. The number of vectors at the right hand side is equal to the number of the macroscopic kinematic variables used to formulate the microscopic boundary condition. As the resolution of the microscopic linearized system often follows a direct factorization procedure, the computation of the macroscopic tangent operators is then performed using this factorized matrix at a reduced computational time.

Natural gas-assisted steam electrolyzer

DOEpatents

Pham, Ai-Quoc; Wallman, P. Henrik; Glass, Robert S.

2000-01-01

An efficient method of producing hydrogen by high temperature steam electrolysis that will lower the electricity consumption to an estimated 65 percent lower than has been achievable with previous steam electrolyzer systems. This is accomplished with a natural gas-assisted steam electrolyzer, which significantly reduces the electricity consumption. Since this natural gas-assisted steam electrolyzer replaces one unit of electrical energy by one unit of energy content in natural gas at one-quarter the cost, the hydrogen production cost will be significantly reduced. Also, it is possible to vary the ratio between the electricity and the natural gas supplied to the system in response to fluctuations in relative prices for these two energy sources. In one approach an appropriate catalyst on the anode side of the electrolyzer will promote the partial oxidation of natural gas to CO and hydrogen, called Syn-Gas, and the CO can also be shifted to CO.sub.2 to give additional hydrogen. In another approach the natural gas is used in the anode side of the electrolyzer to burn out the oxygen resulting from electrolysis, thus reducing or eliminating the potential difference across the electrolyzer membrane.

Volvo and Infiniti drivers' experiences with select crash avoidance technologies.

PubMed

Braitman, Keli A; McCartt, Anne T; Zuby, David S; Singer, Jeremiah

2010-06-01

Vehicle-based crash avoidance systems can potentially reduce crashes, but success depends on driver acceptance and understanding. This study gauged driver use, experience, and acceptance among early adopters of select technologies. Telephone interviews were conducted in early 2009 with 380 owners of Volvo vehicles equipped with forward collision warning with autobrake, lane departure warning, side-view assist, and/or active bi-xenon headlights and 485 owners of Infiniti vehicles with lane departure warning/prevention. Most owners kept systems turned on most of the time, especially forward collision warning with autobrake and side-view assist. The exception was lane departure prevention; many owners were unaware they had it, and the system must be activated each time the vehicle is started. Most owners reported being safer with the technologies and would want them again on their next vehicles. Perceived false or unnecessary warnings were fairly common, particularly with side-view assist. Some systems were annoying, especially lane departure warning. Many owners reported safer driving behaviors such as greater use of turn signals (lane departure warning), increased following distance (forward collision warning), and checking side mirrors more frequently (side-view assist), but some reported driving faster at night (active headlights). Despite some unnecessary or annoying warnings, most Volvo and Infiniti owners use crash avoidance systems most of the time. Among early adopters, the first requirement of effective warning systems (that owners use the technology) seems largely met. Systems requiring activation by drivers for each trip are used less often. Owner experience with the latest technologies from other automobile manufacturers should be studied, as well as for vehicles on which technologies are standard (versus optional) equipment. The effectiveness of technologies in preventing and mitigating crashes and injuries, and user acceptance of interfaces, should be examined as more vehicles with advanced technologies penetrate the fleet.

GraphSAW: a web-based system for graphical analysis of drug interactions and side effects using pharmaceutical and molecular data.

PubMed

Shoshi, Alban; Hoppe, Tobias; Kormeier, Benjamin; Ogultarhan, Venus; Hofestädt, Ralf

2015-02-28

Adverse drug reactions are one of the most common causes of death in industrialized Western countries. Nowadays, empirical data from clinical studies for the approval and monitoring of drugs and molecular databases is available. The integration of database information is a promising method for providing well-based knowledge to avoid adverse drug reactions. This paper presents our web-based decision support system GraphSAW which analyzes and evaluates drug interactions and side effects based on data from two commercial and two freely available molecular databases. The system is able to analyze single and combined drug-drug interactions, drug-molecule interactions as well as single and cumulative side effects. In addition, it allows exploring associative networks of drugs, molecules, metabolic pathways, and diseases in an intuitive way. The molecular medication analysis includes the capabilities of the upper features. A statistical evaluation of the integrated data and top 20 drugs concerning drug interactions and side effects is performed. The results of the data analysis give an overview of all theoretically possible drug interactions and side effects. The evaluation shows a mismatch between pharmaceutical and molecular databases. The concordance of drug interactions was about 12% and 9% of drug side effects. An application case with prescribed data of 11 patients is presented in order to demonstrate the functionality of the system under real conditions. For each patient at least two interactions occured in every medication and about 8% of total diseases were possibly induced by drug therapy. GraphSAW (http://tunicata.techfak.uni-bielefeld.de/graphsaw/) is meant to be a web-based system for health professionals and researchers. GraphSAW provides comprehensive drug-related knowledge and an improved medication analysis which may support efforts to reduce the risk of medication errors and numerous drastic side effects.

Health-system reform and universal health coverage in Latin America.

PubMed

Atun, Rifat; de Andrade, Luiz Odorico Monteiro; Almeida, Gisele; Cotlear, Daniel; Dmytraczenko, T; Frenz, Patricia; Garcia, Patrícia; Gómez-Dantés, Octavio; Knaul, Felicia M; Muntaner, Carles; de Paula, Juliana Braga; Rígoli, Felix; Serrate, Pastor Castell-Florit; Wagstaff, Adam

2015-03-28

Starting in the late 1980s, many Latin American countries began social sector reforms to alleviate poverty, reduce socioeconomic inequalities, improve health outcomes, and provide financial risk protection. In particular, starting in the 1990s, reforms aimed at strengthening health systems to reduce inequalities in health access and outcomes focused on expansion of universal health coverage, especially for poor citizens. In Latin America, health-system reforms have produced a distinct approach to universal health coverage, underpinned by the principles of equity, solidarity, and collective action to overcome social inequalities. In most of the countries studied, government financing enabled the introduction of supply-side interventions to expand insurance coverage for uninsured citizens--with defined and enlarged benefits packages--and to scale up delivery of health services. Countries such as Brazil and Cuba introduced tax-financed universal health systems. These changes were combined with demand-side interventions aimed at alleviating poverty (targeting many social determinants of health) and improving access of the most disadvantaged populations. Hence, the distinguishing features of health-system strengthening for universal health coverage and lessons from the Latin American experience are relevant for countries advancing universal health coverage. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Approach-related lesions of the sympathetic chain in anterior correction and instrumentation of idiopathic scoliosis

PubMed Central

Adolphs, Bastian; Oberdiek, Denise; Osada, Nani; Liljenqvist, Ulf; Filler, Timm J.; Marziniak, Martin; Bullmann, Viola

2010-01-01

During anterior scoliosis instrumentation with a dual-rod system, the vertebrae are dissected anterolaterally. After surgery, some patients report a change in temperature perception and perspiration in the lower extremities. Sympathetic lesions might be an explanation for this. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate sympathetic function after anterior scoliosis instrumentation. A total of 24 female patients with idiopathic scoliosis (mean age at follow-up, 23.8 years) who had undergone anterior instrumentation on average 6.6 years earlier were included. Due to the suspected relevance of the sympathetic L2 ganglion, two groups were created: a T12 group, in which instrumentation down to T12 was carried out (n = 12), and an L3 group, in which instrumentation down to L3 was done (n = 12). Sympathetic function was assessed by measuring skin temperature at the back of the foot, a plantar ninhydrin sweat test and sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) following electrical stimulation. The side on which the surgical approach was carried out was compared with the contralateral, control side. Health-related quality of life was investigated using the Scoliosis Research Society SRS-22 patient questionnaire. In the T12 group, mean temperatures of 29.6°C on the side of the approach versus 29.5°C on the control side were measured (P > 0.05); in the L3 group, the mean temperatures were 33.2°C on the approach side versus 30.5°C on the control side (P = 0.001). A significant difference between the T12 group and the L3 group (P < 0.001) was observed on the approach side, but not on the control side (P = 0.15). The ninhydrin sweat test showed reduced perspiration in 11 of 12 patients in the L3 group on the approach side in comparison with the control side (P = 0.002). In the T12 group, no significant differences were noted between the left and right feet. SSRs differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.005). They were detected in all nine analyzable patients in the T12 group on both sides. In the L3 group, they were found on the approach side only in 4 of 11 analyzable patients versus 11 patients on the control side. The results of the SRS-22 questionnaire did not show any significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, anterior scoliosis instrumentation with a dual-rod system including vertebrae down to L3 regularly leads to lesions in the sympathetic trunk. These are detectable with an increase in temperature, reduced perspiration and reduced SSRs. The caudal level of instrumentation (T12 vs. L3) has an impact on the extent of impairment, supporting the suspected importance of the L2 ganglion. The clinical outcome does not seem to be significantly limited by sympathetic trunk lesions. PMID:20502925

C-SIDE: The control-structure interaction demonstration experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohl, James B.; Davis, Hugh W.

1993-01-01

The Control-Structure Interaction Demonstration Experiment (C-SIDE) is sponsored by the Electro-Optics and Cryogenics Division of Ball Aerospace Systems Group. Our objective is to demonstrate methods of solution to structure control problems utilizing currently available hardware in a system that is an extension of our corporate experience. The larger space structures with which Ball has been associated are the SEASAT radar antenna, Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR) -A, -B and -C antennas and the Radarsat spacecraft. The motivation for the C-SIDE configuration is to show that integration of active figure control in the radar's system-level design can relieve antenna mechanical design constraints. This presentation is primarily an introduction to the C-SIDE testbed. Its physical and functional layouts, and major components are described. The sensor is of special interest as it enables direct surface figure measurements from a remote location. The Remote Attitude Measurement System (RAMS) makes high-rate, unobtrusive measurements of many locations, several of which may be collocated easily with actuators. The control processor is a 386/25 executing a reduced order model-based algorithm with provision for residual mode filters to compensate for structure interaction. The actuators for the ground demonstration are non-contacting, linear force devices. Results presented illustrate some basic characteristics of control-structure interaction with this hardware. The testbed will be used for evaluation of current technologies and for research in several areas. A brief indication of the evolution of the C-SIDE is given at the conclusion.

Wind Turbine Control Systems | Wind | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Turbine Control Systems Wind Turbine Control Systems Advanced wind turbine controls can reduce the loads on wind turbine components while capturing more wind energy and converting it into electricity turbines. A photo of a wind turbine against blue sky with white blades on their sides in the foreground

Voltage Based Detection Method for High Impedance Fault in a Distribution System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Mini Shaji; Bhaskar, Namrata; Prakash, Anupama

2016-09-01

High-impedance faults (HIFs) on distribution feeders cannot be detected by conventional protection schemes, as HIFs are characterized by their low fault current level and waveform distortion due to the nonlinearity of the ground return path. This paper proposes a method to identify the HIFs in distribution system and isolate the faulty section, to reduce downtime. This method is based on voltage measurements along the distribution feeder and utilizes the sequence components of the voltages. Three models of high impedance faults have been considered and source side and load side breaking of the conductor have been studied in this work to capture a wide range of scenarios. The effect of neutral grounding of the source side transformer is also accounted in this study. The results show that the algorithm detects the HIFs accurately and rapidly. Thus, the faulty section can be isolated and service can be restored to the rest of the consumers.

Selecting Random Distributed Elements for HIFU using Genetic Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yufeng

2011-09-01

As an effective and noninvasive therapeutic modality for tumor treatment, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has attracted attention from both physicians and patients. New generations of HIFU systems with the ability to electrically steer the HIFU focus using phased array transducers have been under development. The presence of side and grating lobes may cause undesired thermal accumulation at the interface of the coupling medium (i.e. water) and skin, or in the intervening tissue. Although sparse randomly distributed piston elements could reduce the amplitude of grating lobes, there are theoretically no grating lobes with the use of concave elements in the new phased array HIFU. A new HIFU transmission strategy is proposed in this study, firing a number of but not all elements for a certain period and then changing to another group for the next firing sequence. The advantages are: 1) the asymmetric position of active elements may reduce the side lobes, and 2) each element has some resting time during the entire HIFU ablation (up to several hours for some clinical applications) so that the decreasing efficiency of the transducer due to thermal accumulation is minimized. Genetic algorithm was used for selecting randomly distributed elements in a HIFU array. Amplitudes of the first side lobes at the focal plane were used as the fitness value in the optimization. Overall, it is suggested that the proposed new strategy could reduce the side lobe and the consequent side-effects, and the genetic algorithm is effective in selecting those randomly distributed elements in a HIFU array.

Research on the Control Strategy for Grid-side Converter of PWM Doubly Fed Induction Wind Power Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yifang; Wang, Zhijie; Li, Renfu; Jiang, Xiuchen; Sheng, Gehao; Liu, Tianyu; Liu, Sanming

2017-05-01

When the grid voltage drop, over current of transient rotor and over voltage may damage the power electronic devices. The attenuation of electromagnetic torque will lead to speed up. This paper proposes an improved feed-forward control strategy and its application in the PWM converter. When the PWM converter on voltage drops, bus voltage will be more stable. So over current problems of the DFIG rotor side can be reduced, and it also can improve voltage regulation speed of the DC bus voltage and reduce the oscillation amplitude. Furthermore, the stability of doubly fed wind generator system can be improved. The simulation results verify the validity of the modified control strategy.

Comparison of hair removal efficacy and side effect of neodymium:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and intense pulsed light systems (18-month follow-up).

PubMed

Szima, Georgina Zita; Janka, Eszter Anna; Kovács, Anikó; Bortély, Blanka; Bodnár, Edina; Sawhney, Irina; Szabó, Éva; Remenyik, Éva

2017-06-01

Photothermal destruction of hair shaft melanin with intense pulsed light (IPL) and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has become an effective treatment of hair removal. Our aim was to compare efficacy, satisfactory levels, safety, and side effects of Nd:YAG and IPL in hair reduction. This was a prospective randomized intrapatient, right-left, assessor-blinded comparison of Nd:YAG vs IPL. There were 38 volunteers recruited. Seven sessions were performed. Hair count, efficacy, and side effects were compared before and after each treatment and 6 months after the last treatment. In respect of 12 volunteers, we have examined the reduction in hair after 18 months. Initially, there was no significant difference between the numbers of hair follicles. There was significant hair reduction after each treatment on the Nd:YAG-treated side. The hair reduction became significant after the third treatment with IPL. Comparison of the efficacy of the two devices on each visits showed no significant difference. There was statistically lower pain score on the IPL-treated side and statistically higher erythema, burning sensation, and edema on the Nd:YAG-treated side. Statistically lower side effect score was observed on the IPL-treated side. Eight months after the last treatment, there was significant hair reduction both on the Nd:YAG and on the IPL-treated side, and there was no difference between the efficacy. The patient satisfaction scores were higher with the IPL. Unwanted hair can be reduced by both systems safely and effectively; however, IPL has less side effects and higher satisfaction scores. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of the oscillation frequency of different side-to-side toothbrushes on noncontact biofilm removal.

PubMed

Schmidt, Julia C; Astasov-Frauenhoffer, Monika; Waltimo, Tuomas; Weiger, Roland; Walter, Clemens

2018-01-22

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different oscillation frequencies of three powered toothbrushes with side-to-side action for noncontact biofilm removal in an artificial interdental space model. A three-species biofilm (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus sanguinis) was formed in vitro on protein-coated titanium disks using a flow chamber system combined with a static biofilm growth model. The oscillation frequencies of three commercial side-to-side toothbrushes were evaluated by means of a dose response. The frequency was decreased in steps (100, 85, 70, 55, and 40%). Subsequently, the biofilm-coated substrates were exposed to the side-to-side toothbrushes. The biofilm volumes were measured using volumetric analyses (Imaris 8.1.2) with confocal laser scanning microscope images (Zeiss LSM700). Compared to maximum oscillation frequency (100%), lower oscillation frequencies (up to 40%) resulted in reduced median percentages of biofilm reduction (median biofilm reduction up to 53% for maximum oscillation frequency, and up to 13% for 40% oscillation frequency) (p ≥ 0.03). In addition, decreasing the oscillation frequencies of the side-to-side toothbrushes showed an enhanced variety in the results of repeated experiments. The oscillation frequency of the tested side-to-side toothbrushes affected the biofilm reduction in an interdental space model. Within a toothbrush, higher oscillation frequencies may lead to beneficial effects on interdental biofilm removal by noncontact brushing.

Fabrication of catalyzed ion transport membrane systems

DOEpatents

Carolan, Michael Francis; Kibby, Charles Leonard

2013-06-04

Process for fabricating a catalyzed ion transport membrane (ITM). In one embodiment, an uncatalyzed ITM is (a) contacted with a non-reducing gaseous stream while heating to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM possessing anion mobility; (b) contacted with a reducing gaseous stream for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM having anion mobility and essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry; (c) cooled while contacting the ITM with the reducing gaseous stream to provide an ITM having essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry and no anion mobility; and (d) treated by applying catalyst to at least one of (1) a porous mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide (MCMO) layer contiguous with a first side of a dense layer of MCMO and (2) a second side of the dense MCMO layer. In another embodiment, these steps are carried out in the alternative order of (a), (d), (b), and (c).

Lavia – an Evaluation of the Potential Safety Benefits of the French Intelligent Speed Adaptation Project

PubMed Central

Driscoll, R.; Page, Y.; Lassarre, S.; Ehrlich, J.

2007-01-01

This paper presents the potential safety benefits of the experimental French LAVIA Intelligent Speed Adaptation system, according to road network and system mode, based on observed driving speeds, distributions of crash severity and crash injury risk. Results are given for car frontal and side impacts that together, represent 80% of all serious and fatal injuries in France. Of the three system modes tested (advisory, driver select, mandatory), our results suggest that driver select would most significantly reduce serious injuries and death. We estimate this 100% utilization of cars equipped with this type of speed adaptation system would decrease injury rates by 6% to 16% over existing conditions depending on the type of crash (frontal or side) and road environment considered. Some limitations associated with the analysis are also identified. PMID:18184509

Opportunities for reduction of fatalities in vehicle-guardrail collisions.

PubMed

Gabler, Hampton C; Gabauer, Douglas J

2007-01-01

In the United States in 2005, there were 1,189 fatal crashes and 35,000 injurious crashes into guardrails. Current efforts to reduce fatalities occurring in guardrail collisions have focused on frontal oblique collisions of cars and light trucks into guardrail. These crashes however represent a diminishing target population for fatality reduction. This paper examines the current opportunities for reducing fatalities in guardrail collisions in the United States. The analysis was based upon crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System (GES) for the years 2000-2005. The greatest opportunity for fatality reduction is the protection of motorcyclists, who now account for 32% of guardrail fatalities, and car and light truck occupants in side impact, who now comprise 14% of all guardrail fatalities. Together, protection of motorcycle riders and protection of car and light truck occupants in side impacts account for nearly half of all fatalities (46%) which occur in vehicle-guardrail collisions. Additional targets for fatality reduction include light truck rollover and collisions with guardrail ends.

Food security and sustainable intensification.

PubMed

Godfray, H Charles J; Garnett, Tara

2014-04-05

The coming decades are likely to see increasing pressures on the global food system, both on the demand side from increasing population and per capita consumption, and on the supply side from greater competition for inputs and from climate change. This paper argues that the magnitude of the challenge is such that action is needed throughout the food system, on moderating demand, reducing waste, improving governance and producing more food. It discusses in detail the last component, arguing that more food should be produced using sustainable intensification (SI) strategies, and explores the rationale behind, and meaning of, this term. It also investigates how SI may interact with other food policy agendas, in particular, land use and biodiversity, animal welfare and human nutrition.

Fundamental study on the magnetic field control method using multiple HTS coils for Magnetic Drug Delivery System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirano, R.; Kim, S. B.; Nakagawa, T.; Tomisaka, Y.; Ueda, H.

2017-07-01

The magnetic drug delivery system (MDDS) is a key technology to reduce the side effects in the medical applications, and the magnetic force control is very important issue in MDDS. In this application, the strength of magnetic field and gradient required to MDDS devices are 54 mT and 5.5 T/m, respectively. We proposed the new magnetic force control system that consists of the multiple racetrack HTS magnets. We can control the magnetic field gradient along the longitudinal direction by the arrangement of the multiple racetrack HTS magnets and operating current of each magnet. When the racetrack HTS magnets were used, the critical current was reduced by the self-magnetic field. Therefore, the shape design of HTS magnet to reduce the magnet field into the surface of HTS tapes was required. Therefore, the electromagnetic analysis based on finite element method (FEM) was carried out to design and optimize the shape of multiple racetrack HTS magnet. We were able to suppress the reduction of critical current by placing the magnetic substance at upper and lower side of the HTS magnets. It was confirmed that obtained maximum values of magnetic field strength and field gradient were 33 mT and 0.18 T/m, respectively.

Superiority of stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy over conventional hand-sewn end-to-side gastrojejunostomy for reducing the risk of primary delayed gastric emptying after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Murata, Yasuhiro; Tanemura, Akihiro; Kato, Hiroyuki; Kuriyama, Naohisa; Azumi, Yoshinori; Kishiwada, Masashi; Mizuno, Shugo; Usui, Masanobu; Sakurai, Hiroyuki; Isaji, Shuji

2017-08-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is the most common complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The clinical efficacy of stapled side-to-side anastomosis using a laparoscopic stapling device during alimentary reconstruction in PD is not well understood and its superiority over conventional hand-sewn end-to-side anastomosis remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the stapled side-to-side anastomosis in preventing the development of DGE after PD. The subjects of this retrospective study were 137 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, as subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD; n = 130), or conventional whipple procedure (n = 7) with Child reconstruction, between January 2010 and May 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had had a stapled side-to-side anastomosis (SA group; n = 57) or a conventional hand-sewn end-to-side anastomosis (HA group; n = 80). SA reduced the operative time (SA vs. HA: 508 vs. 557 min, p = 0.028) and the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (SA vs. HA: 21.1 vs. 46.3%, p = 0.003) and was associated with shorter hospitalization (SA vs. HA: 33 vs. 39.5 days, p = 0.007). In this cohort, SA was the only significant factor contributing to a reduction in the incidence of DGE (p = 0.002). Stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy reduced the operative time and the incidence of DGE following PD with Child reconstruction, thereby also reducing the length of hospitalization.

Implementation of Bluetooth technology in processing aspheric mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dong-yun; Li, Xiao-jin

2010-10-01

This paper adopts the Bluetooth wireless transmission to replace the conducting rings currently using in the active lap process to overcome the cost and abrasion problems brought by the conducting rings, which has great significance for reducing the costs of processing large aspheric mirrors. Based on the actual application requirements, Article proposes the overall program of using Bluetooth technology as data transmission, including the active lap-side and machine tool-side: In the machine tool-side, the MCU separately connects with Bluetooth module and the sensor via UART0 and UART1 serial port, and when the MCU receives the signals sending from the sensor, the MCU packs and then sends them through the Bluetooth module; while in the active lap side, the CCAL reads-out the position signals of sensor detecting in dual-port memory via one-side ports, and the other side ports connect with the MCU's high ports P4-P7, so the MCU can unpacks and stores the position signals receiving via Bluetooth module. This paper designs and implements the system's hardware circuit, and mainly introduces the ways of serial and parallel. Based upon the realized system, design the test program for the Bluetooth wireless transmission and the experiment results, in the condition of the active lap processing large aspheric mirrors, showed that Bluetooth technology can meet the requirements of practical applications.

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

Hanlon, Edward; Capece, John

Hendry County Sustainable Bio-Fuels Center (HCSBC) is introduced and its main components are explained. These primarily include (1) farming systems, (2) sustainability analysis, (3) economic analysis and (4) educational components. Each of these components is discussed in further details, main researchers and their responsibility areas and introduced. The main focus of this presentation is a new farming concept. The proposed new farming concept is an alternative to the current "two sides of the ditch" model, in which on one side are yield-maximizing, input-intensive, commodity price-dependent farms, while on the other side are publicly-financed, nutrient-removing treatment areas and water reservoirs tryingmore » to mitigate the externalized costs of food production systems and other human-induced problems. The proposed approach is rental of the land back to agriculture corporations during the restoration transition period in order to increase water storage (allowing for greater water flow-through and/or water storage on farms), preventing issues such as nutrients removal, using flood-tolerant crops and reducing soil subsidence. Various pros and cons of the proposed agricultural eco-services are discussed - the advantages include flexibility for participating farmers to achieve environmental outcomes with reduced costs and using innovative incentives; the minuses include the fact that the potential markets are not developed yet or that existing regulations may prevent agricultural producers from selling their services.« less

Fabrication of novel vesicles of triptolide for antirheumatoid activity with reduced toxicity in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Wang, Tengteng; Li, Qiang; Huang, Jing; Xu, Hao; Li, Jinlong; Wang, Yongjun; Liang, Qianqian

2016-01-01

Triptolide (TP) displays a strong immunosuppression function in immune-mediated diseases, especially in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, in addition to its medical and health-related functions, TP also exhibits diverse pharmacological side effects, for instance, liver and kidney toxicity and myelosuppression. In order to reduce the side effects, a nano drug carrier system (γ-PGA-l-PAE-TP [PPT]), in which TP was loaded by a poly-γ-glutamic acid-grafted l-phenylalanine ethylester copolymer, was developed. PPT was characterized by photon scattering correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which demonstrated that the average diameter of the drug carrier system is 98±15 nm, the polydispersity index is 0.18, the zeta potential is -35 mV, and the TP encapsulation efficiency is 48.6% with a controlled release manner. The methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry revealed that PPT could decrease toxicity and apoptosis induced by free TP on RAW264.7 cells, respectively. The detection of reactive oxygen species showed that PPT could decrease the cellular reactive oxygen species induced by TP. Compared with the free TP-treated group, PPT improved the survival rate of the mice (P<0.01) and had no side effects or toxic effects on the thymus index (P>0.05) and spleen index (P>0.05). The blood biochemical indexes revealed that PPT did not cause much damage to the kidney (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), liver (serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), or blood cells (P>0.05). Meanwhile, hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining indicated that PPT reduced the damage of free TP on the liver, kidney, and spleen. Our results demonstrated that PPT reduced free TP toxicity in vitro and in vivo and that it is a promising fundamental drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Structural heat pipe. [for spacecraft wall thermal insulation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ollendorf, S. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A combined structural reinforcing element and heat transfer member is disclosed for placement between a structural wall and an outer insulation blanket. The element comprises a heat pipe, one side of which supports the outer insulation blanket, the opposite side of which is connected to the structural wall. Heat penetrating through the outer insulation blanket directly reaches the heat pipe and is drawn off, thereby reducing thermal gradients in the structural wall. The element, due to its attachment to the structural wall, further functions as a reinforcing member.

Non-fluoroscopic navigation systems for radiofrequency catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia reduce ionising radiation exposure.

PubMed

See, Jason; Amora, Jonah L; Lee, Sheldon; Lim, Paul; Teo, Wee Siong; Tan, Boon Yew; Ho, Kah Leng; Lee, Chee Wan; Ching, Chi-Keong

2016-07-01

The use of non-fluoroscopic systems (NFS) to guide radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is associated with lower radiation exposure. This study aimed to determine if NFS reduces fluoroscopy time, radiation dose and procedure time. We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing RFCA for SVT. NFS included EnSiteTM NavXTM or CARTO® mapping. We compared procedure and fluoroscopy times, and radiation exposure between NFS and conventional fluoroscopy (CF) cohorts. Procedural success, complications and one-year success rates were reported. A total of 200 patients over 27 months were included and RFCA was guided by NFS for 79 patients; those with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), left-sided atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and right-sided AVRT were included (n = 101, 63 and 36, respectively). Fluoroscopy times were significantly lower with NFS than with CF (10.8 ± 11.1 minutes vs. 32.0 ± 27.5 minutes; p < 0.001). The mean fluoroscopic dose area product was also significantly reduced with NFS (NSF: 5,382 ± 5,768 mGy*cm2 vs. CF: 21,070 ± 23,311 mGy*cm2; p < 0.001); for all SVT subtypes. There was no significant reduction in procedure time, except for left-sided AVRT ablation (NFS: 79.2 minutes vs. CF: 116.4 minutes; p = 0.001). Procedural success rates were comparable (NFS: 97.5% vs. CF: 98.3%) and at one-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in the recurrence rates (NFS: 5.2% vs. CF: 4.2%). No clinically significant complications were observed in both groups. The use of NFS for RFCA for SVT is safe, with significantly reduced radiation dose and fluoroscopy time. Copyright © Singapore Medical Association.

Putting Theory Into Practice: A Case Study of Diabetes-Related Behavioral Change Interventions on Chicago's South Side

PubMed Central

Peek, Monica E.; Ferguson, Molly J.; Roberson, Tonya P.; Chin, Marshall H.

2014-01-01

Diabetes self-management is central to diabetes care overall, and much of self-management entails individual behavior change, particularly around dietary patterns and physical activity. Yet individual-level behavior change remains a challenge for many persons with diabetes, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities who disproportionately face barriers to diabetes-related behavioral changes. Through the South Side Diabetes Project, officially known as “Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago,” our team sought to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among residents in the largely working-class African American communities that comprise Chicago's South Side. In this article, we describe several aspects of the South Side Diabetes Project that are directly linked to patient behavioral change, and discuss the theoretical frameworks we used to design and implement our programs. We also briefly discuss more downstream program elements (e.g., health systems change) that provide additional support for patient-level behavioral change. PMID:25359248

Putting theory into practice: a case study of diabetes-related behavioral change interventions on Chicago's South Side.

PubMed

Peek, Monica E; Ferguson, Molly J; Roberson, Tonya P; Chin, Marshall H

2014-11-01

Diabetes self-management is central to diabetes care overall, and much of self-management entails individual behavior change, particularly around dietary patterns and physical activity. Yet individual-level behavior change remains a challenge for many persons with diabetes, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities who disproportionately face barriers to diabetes-related behavioral changes. Through the South Side Diabetes Project, officially known as "Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago," our team sought to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among residents in the largely working-class African American communities that comprise Chicago's South Side. In this article, we describe several aspects of the South Side Diabetes Project that are directly linked to patient behavioral change, and discuss the theoretical frameworks we used to design and implement our programs. We also briefly discuss more downstream program elements (e.g., health systems change) that provide additional support for patient-level behavioral change. © 2014 Society for Public Health Education.

Delayed Gastric Emptying in Side-to-Side Gastrojejunostomy in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Result of a Propensity Score Matching.

PubMed

Tsutaho, Akio; Nakamura, Toru; Asano, Toshimichi; Okamura, Keisuke; Tsuchikawa, Takahiro; Noji, Takehiro; Nakanishi, Yoshitsugu; Tanaka, Kimitaka; Murakami, Soichi; Kurashima, Yo; Ebihara, Yuma; Shichinohe, Toshiaki; Ito, Yoichi M; Hirano, Satoshi

2017-10-01

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common morbidities of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study was to clarify whether the incidence of DGE can be reduced by side-to-side gastric greater curvature-to-jejunal anastomosis in subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD). The clinical data of 253 patients who had undergone PD were examined. Of a total of 188 patients who had undergone SSPPD, a gastrojejunostomy (GJ) was performed with end-to-side anastomosis in 87 patients (SSPPD-ETS group), and a GJ was performed with a greater curvature side-to-jejunal side anastomosis in 101 patients (SSPPD-STS group). After propensity score matching, the matched cohort consisted of 74 patients in each group. The postoperative data were evaluated according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery grade of DGE. The total incidence of DGE was 9.4% in the SSPPD-ETS group and 4% in the SSPPD-STS group, with no significant difference (p = 0.1902). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of DGE grade C (p = 0.0426). The incidence of total DGE was not reduced statistically in the STS group compared with the ETS group, but reduced DGE grade C. Side-to-side anastomosis might be associated with a reduced incidence of DGE grade C.

Annoyance, Sleep and Concentration Problems due to Combined Traffic Noise and the Benefit of Quiet Side

PubMed Central

Bodin, Theo; Björk, Jonas; Ardö, Jonas; Albin, Maria

2015-01-01

Background: Access to a quiet side in one’s dwelling is thought to compensate for higher noise levels at the most exposed façade. It has also been indicated that noise from combined traffic sources causes more noise annoyance than equal average levels from either road traffic or railway noise separately. Methods: 2612 persons in Malmö, Sweden, answered to a residential environment survey including questions on outdoor environment, noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, sleep quality and concentration problems. Road traffic and railway noise was modeled using Geographic Information System. Results: Access to a quiet side, i.e., at least one window facing yard, water or green space, was associated with reduced risk of annoyance OR (95%CI) 0.47 (0.38–0.59), and concentration problems 0.76 (0.61–0.95). Bedroom window facing the same environment was associated to reduced risk of reporting of poor sleep quality 0.78 (0.64–1.00). Railway noise was associated with reduced risk of annoyance below 55 dB(A) but not at higher levels of exposure. Conclusions: Having a window facing a yard, water or green space was associated to a substantially reduced risk of noise annoyance and concentration problems. If this window was the bedroom window, sleeping problems were less likely. PMID:25642690

FLARE: The Far Side Lunar Research Expedition. A design of a far side lunar observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bishop, David W.; Chakrabarty, Rudhmala P.; Hannula, Dawn M.; Hargus, William A., Jr.; Melendrez, A. Dean; Niemann, Christopher J.; Neuenschwander, Amy L.; Padgett, Brett D.; Patel, Sanjiv R.; Wiesehuegel, Leland J.

1991-01-01

This document outlines the design completed by members of Lone Star Aerospace, Inc. (L.S.A.) of a lunar observatory on the far side of the Moon. Such a base would not only establish a long term human presence on the Moon, but would also allow more accurate astronomical data to be obtained. A lunar observatory is more desirable than an Earth based observatory for the following reasons: instrument weight is reduced due to the Moon's weaker gravity; near vacuum conditions exist on the Moon; the Moon has slow rotation to reveal the entire sky; and the lunar surface is stable for long baseline instruments. All the conditions listed above are favorable for astronomical data recording. The technical aspects investigated in the completion of this project included site selection, mission scenario, scientific instruments, communication and power systems, habitation and transportation, cargo spacecraft design, thermal systems, robotic systems, and trajectory analysis. The site selection group focused its efforts on finding a suitable location for the observatory. Hertzsprung, a large equatorial crater on the eastern limb, was chosen as the base site.

Actions of the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL195 in a murine neuropathic pain model

PubMed Central

Adamson Barnes, Nicholas S.; Mitchell, Vanessa A.; Kazantzis, Nicholas P.

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose While cannabinoids have been proposed as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain, they have limitations. Cannabinoid receptor agonists have good efficacy in animal models of neuropathic pain; they have a poor therapeutic window. Conversely, selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors that enhance the endocannabinoid system have a better therapeutic window, but lesser efficacy. We examined whether JZL195, a dual inhibitor of FAAH and monacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), could overcome these limitations. Experimental Approach C57BL/6 mice underwent the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. Mechanical and cold allodynia, plus cannabinoid side effects, were assessed in response to systemic drug application. Key Results JZL195 and the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212 produced dose‐dependent reductions in CCI‐induced mechanical and cold allodynia, plus side effects including motor incoordination, catalepsy and sedation. JZL195 reduced allodynia with an ED50 at least four times less than that at which it produced side effects. By contrast, WIN55212 reduced allodynia and produce side effects with similar ED50s. The maximal anti‐allodynic effect of JZL195 was greater than that produced by selective FAAH, or MAGL inhibitors. The JZL195‐induced anti‐allodynia was maintained during repeated treatment. Conclusions and Implications These findings suggest that JZL195 has greater anti‐allodynic efficacy than selective FAAH, or MAGL inhibitors, plus a greater therapeutic window than a cannabinoid receptor agonist. Thus, dual FAAH/MAGL inhibition may have greater potential in alleviating neuropathic pain, compared with selective FAAH and MAGL inhibitors, or cannabinoid receptor agonists. PMID:26398331

Positive Side Effects in the Treatment of SIB Using the Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS): Implications for Operant and Biochemical Explanations of SIB.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Linscheid, Thomas R.; And Others

1994-01-01

The rate of self-injurious head hitting in an eight-year old with severe/profound mental retardation was reduced using contingent electric shock delivered via the Self Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System. An improved affective state and increased interaction with the environment were documented. Treatment gains were maintained at one-year…

Retinal Drug Delivery System, Phase I

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-06-01

retinal lesions, need an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, and an analgesic, and, recent research suggests that it might be advantageous to treat...predetermined) manner, that is, control over time, amount and sequence, either continuously or pulsed. This system would have all of the advantages of...delivery would produce the same therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects and toxic exposure. Recent studies have shown the advantages of pulse

Food security and sustainable intensification

PubMed Central

Godfray, H. Charles J.; Garnett, Tara

2014-01-01

The coming decades are likely to see increasing pressures on the global food system, both on the demand side from increasing population and per capita consumption, and on the supply side from greater competition for inputs and from climate change. This paper argues that the magnitude of the challenge is such that action is needed throughout the food system, on moderating demand, reducing waste, improving governance and producing more food. It discusses in detail the last component, arguing that more food should be produced using sustainable intensification (SI) strategies, and explores the rationale behind, and meaning of, this term. It also investigates how SI may interact with other food policy agendas, in particular, land use and biodiversity, animal welfare and human nutrition. PMID:24535385

An update on analgesics.

PubMed

Power, I

2011-07-01

Recent introduction of new analgesics into the clinic is best described as a slow process with activity classified into two main areas: improving analgesic efficacy/potency and reducing side-effect profile. This review article describes some of the recent advances with an emphasis on use in the acute setting. In this respect, opioids continue to be the mainstay (but not the only) analgesic and there have been important improvements in their clinical effect profile. For example, tapentadol has been introduced as a mixed opioid and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor which, unlike tramadol, does not require metabolic activation and does not suffer from isomer-dependent pharmacodynamics. Opioid antagonists have received much attention recently either used alone, methylnaltrexone (s.c) or alvimopan (p.o), or in combination, Targinact (oxycodone/naloxone), and appear to be effective in reducing opioid side-effects such as those in the gastrointestinal tract. Other agents where there has been recent development include the use of gabapentin, methylxanthines, and local anaesthetics. An interesting area of translation of basic research is in the inhibition of breakdown of endogenous opioids with opiorphin, targeting of the endocannabinoid system, and the use of ampakines to obtund opioid-induced side-effects. It is clear that there is still much work to be done, but the need for highly efficacious analgesics with good side-effect profile remains.

New developments in the management of periocular capillary hemangioma in children.

PubMed

Ni, Nina; Wagner, Rudolph S; Langer, Paul; Guo, Suqin

2011-01-01

The authors describe the theories of pathogenesis for capillary hemangioma and discuss the benefits and side effects of current treatment options, such as systemic and intralesional corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgical excision. They also evaluate the recent systemic and topical applications of beta-blockers to treat infantile hemangioma. Although no major adverse events from beta-blocker treatment have been reported, the incidence of potential side effects such as bronchospasm, hypoglycemia, heart block, bradycardia, and congestive heart failure is unknown due to the novelty of the treatment. It has been postulated that topical application for localized superficial tumor may reduce systemic effects. Further research is necessary to compare the effectiveness of different treatments and to find the optimal dosing and delivery methods to minimize adverse effects in the treatment of this disorder. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.

Effects of unilatral- and bilateral inhibition of rostral ventral tegmental area and central nucleus of amygdala on morphine-induced place conditioning in male Wistar rat.

PubMed

Mohammadian, Zahra; Sahraei, Hedayat; Meftahi, Gholam Hossein; Ali-Beik, Hengameh

2017-03-01

The rostral ventral tegmental area (VTAR) and central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) are considered the main regions for induction of psychological dependence on abused drugs, such as morphine. The main aim of this study was to investigate the transient inhibition of each right and left side as well as both sides of the VTAR and the CeA by lidocaine (2%) on morphine reward properties using the conditioned place preference (CPP) method. Male Wistar rats (250±20 g) 7 days after recovery from surgery and cannulation were conditioned to morphine (7.5 mg/kg) in CPP apparatus. Five minutes before morphine injection in conditioning phase, lidocaine was administered either uni- or bilaterally into the VTAR (0.25 μL/site) or CeA (0.5 μL/site). The results revealed that lidocaine administration into the left side, but not the right side of the VTAR and the CeA reduced morphine CPP significantly. The reduction was potentiated when lidocaine was injected into both sides of the VTAR and the CeA. The number of compartment crossings was reduced when lidocaine was injected into both sides of the VTAR and the CeA as well as the left side. Rearing was reduced when lidocaine was injected into the right, but not the left side of the VTAR. Sniffing and rearing increased when animals received lidocaine in the right side and reduced in the group that received lidocaine in the left side of the CeA. It was concluded that the right and the left side of VTAR and the CeA play different roles in morphine-induced activity and reward. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Terbinafine: novel formulations that potentiate antifungal activities.

PubMed

Ma, Y; Chen, X; Guan, S

2015-03-01

Terbinafine, an orally and topically active antifungal agent, has been available for the treatment of dermatophytic infections and onychomycosis for more than a decade. In addition, oral administration has been shown to be associated with drug-drug interactions, hepatotoxicity, low concentration at the infected sites, gastrointestinal and systemic side effects and other adverse effects. Since topical drug delivery can provide higher patient compliance, allow immediate access to the infected site and reduce unwanted systemic drug exposure, an improved topical drug delivery approach with high permeability, sustained release and prolonged retainment could overcome the limitations and side effects caused by oral administration. Conventional topical formulations cannot keep the drug in the targeted sites for a long duration of time and hence a novel drug delivery that can avoid the side effects while still providing sustained efficacy in treatment should be developed. This brief review of novel formulations based on polymers and nanostructure carriers provides insight into the efficacy and topical delivery of terbinafine. Copyright 2015 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.

29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push or pull any part of the device, leaving both... the carrier. When the system is exposed to wind, cable guides for flexible carriers shall be installed... mountings and cable guides shall not reduce the design strength of the ladder. (24) The side rails of...

29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... ascend or descend without continually having to hold, push or pull any part of the device, leaving both... the carrier. When the system is exposed to wind, cable guides for flexible carriers shall be installed... mountings and cable guides shall not reduce the design strength of the ladder. (24) The side rails of...

Methodology for evaluating effectiveness of traffic-responsive systems on intersection congestion and traffic safety

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

In 1986, the city of Milwaukee applied for and received approval for a hazard elimination grant to reduce congestion and traffic accidents at the intersection of two major and one minor arterial on the northwest side of the city. The intersection com...

Reduced posting and marking of flight progress strips for en route air traffic control : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

The new Display System Replacement (DSR) being implemented in air route traffic control centers (ARTCCs) will allow the data-side controller less room to post Flight Progress Strips (FPSs). We tested a new FPS marking and posting procedure designed t...

Analysis of series resonant converter with series-parallel connection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bor-Ren; Huang, Chien-Lan

2011-02-01

In this study, a parallel inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) resonant converter series-connected on the primary side and parallel-connected on the secondary side is presented for server power supply systems. Based on series resonant behaviour, the power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors are turned on at zero voltage switching and the rectifier diodes are turned off at zero current switching. Thus, the switching losses on the power semiconductors are reduced. In the proposed converter, the primary windings of the two LLC converters are connected in series. Thus, the two converters have the same primary currents to ensure that they can supply the balance load current. On the output side, two LLC converters are connected in parallel to share the load current and to reduce the current stress on the secondary windings and the rectifier diodes. In this article, the principle of operation, steady-state analysis and design considerations of the proposed converter are provided and discussed. Experiments with a laboratory prototype with a 24 V/21 A output for server power supply were performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.

Blood pressure control with selective vagal nerve stimulation and minimal side effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plachta, Dennis T. T.; Gierthmuehlen, Mortimer; Cota, Oscar; Espinosa, Nayeli; Boeser, Fabian; Herrera, Taliana C.; Stieglitz, Thomas; Zentner, Joseph

2014-06-01

Objective. Hypertension is the largest threat to patient health and a burden to health care systems. Despite various options, 30% of patients do not respond sufficiently to medical treatment. Mechanoreceptors in the aortic arch relay blood pressure (BP) levels through vagal nerve (VN) fibers to the brainstem and trigger the baroreflex, lowering the BP. Selective electrical stimulation of these nerve fibers reduced BP in rats. However, there is no technique described to localize and stimulate these fibers inside the VN without inadvertent stimulation of non-baroreceptive fibers causing side effects like bradycardia and bradypnea. Approach. We present a novel method for selective VN stimulation to reduce BP without the aforementioned side effects. Baroreceptor compound activity of rat VN (n = 5) was localized using a multichannel cuff electrode, true tripolar recording and a coherent averaging algorithm triggered by BP or electrocardiogram. Main results. Tripolar stimulation over electrodes near the barofibers reduced the BP without triggering significant bradycardia and bradypnea. The BP drop was adjusted to 60% of the initial value by varying the stimulation pulse width and duration, and lasted up to five times longer than the stimulation. Significance. The presented method is robust to impedance changes, independent of the electrode's relative position, does not compromise the nerve and can run on implantable, ultra-low power signal processors.

Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of a Film Cooled Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ten-See; Guidos, Mike

2008-01-01

Transient three-dimensional numerical investigations on the side load physics for an engine encompassing a film cooled nozzle extension and a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, were performed. The objectives of this study are to identify the three-dimensional side load physics and to compute the associated aerodynamic side load using an anchored computational methodology. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Ultimately, the computational results will be provided to the nozzle designers for estimating of effect of the peak side load on the nozzle structure. Computations simulating engine startup at ambient pressures corresponding to sea level and three high altitudes were performed. In addition, computations for both engine startup and shutdown transients were also performed for a stub nozzle, operating at sea level. For engine with the full nozzle extension, computational result shows starting up at sea level, the peak side load occurs when the lambda shock steps into the turbine exhaust flow, while the side load caused by the transition from free-shock separation to restricted-shock separation comes at second; and the side loads decreasing rapidly and progressively as the ambient pressure decreases. For the stub nozzle operating at sea level, the computed side loads during both startup and shutdown becomes very small due to the much reduced flow area.

Characterising the three-dimensional ozone distribution of a tidally locked Earth-like planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proedrou, Elisavet; Hocke, Klemens

2016-06-01

We simulate the 3D ozone distribution of a tidally locked Earth-like exoplanet using the high-resolution, 3D chemistry-climate model CESM1(WACCM) and study how the ozone layer of a tidally locked Earth (TLE) (Ω _{TLE}= 1/365 days) differs from that of our present-day Earth (PDE) (Ω _{PDE}= 1/1 day). The middle atmosphere reaches a steady state asymptotically within the first 80 days of the simulation. An upwelling, centred on the subsolar point, is present on the day side while a downwelling, centred on the antisolar point, is present on the night side. In the mesosphere, we find similar global ozone distributions for the TLE and the PDE, with decreased ozone on the day side and enhanced ozone on the night side. In the lower mesosphere, a jet stream transitions into a large-scale vortex around a low-pressure system, located at low latitudes of the TLE night side. In the middle stratosphere, the concentration of odd oxygen is approximately equal to that of the ozone [({O}x) ≈ ({O}3)]. At these altitudes, the lifetime of odd oxygen is ˜16 h and the transport processes significantly contribute to the global distribution of stratospheric ozone. Compared to the PDE, where the strong Coriolis force acts as a mixing barrier between low and high latitudes, the transport processes of the TLE are governed by jet streams variable in the zonal and meridional directions. In the middle stratosphere of the TLE, we find high ozone values on the day side, due to the increased production of atomic oxygen on the day side, where it immediately recombines with molecular oxygen to form ozone. In contrast, the ozone is depleted on the night side, due to changes in the solar radiation distribution and the presence of a downwelling. As a result of the reduced Coriolis force, the tropical and extratropical air masses are well mixed and the global temperature distribution of the TLE stratosphere has smaller horizontal gradients than the PDE. Compared to the PDE, the total ozone column global mean is reduced by ˜19.3 %. The day side and the night side total ozone column means are reduced by 23.21 and 15.52 %, respectively. Finally, we present the total ozone column (TOC) maps as viewed by a remote observer for four phases of the TLE during its revolution around the star. The mean TOC values of the four phases of the TLE vary by up to 23 %.

Validation of Foot Placement Locations from Ankle Data of a Kinect v2 Sensor

PubMed Central

Geerse, Daphne; Coolen, Bert; Kolijn, Detmar; Roerdink, Melvyn

2017-01-01

The Kinect v2 sensor may be a cheap and easy to use sensor to quantify gait in clinical settings, especially when applied in set-ups integrating multiple Kinect sensors to increase the measurement volume. Reliable estimates of foot placement locations are required to quantify spatial gait parameters. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of distance from the sensor, side and step length on estimates of foot placement locations based on Kinect’s ankle body points. Subjects (n = 12) performed stepping trials at imposed foot placement locations distanced 2 m or 3 m from the Kinect sensor (distance), for left and right foot placement locations (side), and for five imposed step lengths. Body points’ time series of the lower extremities were recorded with a Kinect v2 sensor, placed frontoparallelly on the left side, and a gold-standard motion-registration system. Foot placement locations, step lengths, and stepping accuracies were compared between systems using repeated-measures ANOVAs, agreement statistics and two one-sided t-tests to test equivalence. For the right side at the 2 m distance from the sensor we found significant between-systems differences in foot placement locations and step lengths, and evidence for nonequivalence. This distance by side effect was likely caused by differences in body orientation relative to the Kinect sensor. It can be reduced by using Kinect’s higher-dimensional depth data to estimate foot placement locations directly from the foot’s point cloud and/or by using smaller inter-sensor distances in the case of a multi-Kinect v2 set-up to estimate foot placement locations at greater distances from the sensor. PMID:28994731

Validation of Foot Placement Locations from Ankle Data of a Kinect v2 Sensor.

PubMed

Geerse, Daphne; Coolen, Bert; Kolijn, Detmar; Roerdink, Melvyn

2017-10-10

The Kinect v2 sensor may be a cheap and easy to use sensor to quantify gait in clinical settings, especially when applied in set-ups integrating multiple Kinect sensors to increase the measurement volume. Reliable estimates of foot placement locations are required to quantify spatial gait parameters. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of distance from the sensor, side and step length on estimates of foot placement locations based on Kinect's ankle body points. Subjects (n = 12) performed stepping trials at imposed foot placement locations distanced 2 m or 3 m from the Kinect sensor (distance), for left and right foot placement locations (side), and for five imposed step lengths. Body points' time series of the lower extremities were recorded with a Kinect v2 sensor, placed frontoparallelly on the left side, and a gold-standard motion-registration system. Foot placement locations, step lengths, and stepping accuracies were compared between systems using repeated-measures ANOVAs, agreement statistics and two one-sided t -tests to test equivalence. For the right side at the 2 m distance from the sensor we found significant between-systems differences in foot placement locations and step lengths, and evidence for nonequivalence. This distance by side effect was likely caused by differences in body orientation relative to the Kinect sensor. It can be reduced by using Kinect's higher-dimensional depth data to estimate foot placement locations directly from the foot's point cloud and/or by using smaller inter-sensor distances in the case of a multi-Kinect v2 set-up to estimate foot placement locations at greater distances from the sensor.

Association of Primary Tumor Site With Mortality in Patients Receiving Bevacizumab and Cetuximab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Aljehani, Mayada A; Morgan, John W; Guthrie, Laurel A; Jabo, Brice; Ramadan, Majed; Bahjri, Khaled; Lum, Sharon S; Selleck, Matthew; Reeves, Mark E; Garberoglio, Carlos; Senthil, Maheswari

2018-01-01

Biologic therapy (BT) (eg, bevacizumab or cetuximab) is increasingly used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Recent investigations have suggested that right- or left-sided primary tumor origin affects survival and response to BT. To evaluate the association of tumor origin with mortality in a diverse population-based data set of patients receiving systemic chemotherapy (SC) and bevacizumab or cetuximab for mCRC. This population-based nonconcurrent cohort study of statewide California Cancer Registry data included all patients aged 40 to 85 years diagnosed with mCRC and treated with SC only or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2014. Patients were stratified by tumor origin in the left vs right sides. Treatment with SC or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab. Mortality hazards by tumor origin (right vs left sides) were assessed for patients receiving SC alone or SC plus bevacizumab or cetuximab. Subgroup analysis for patients with wild-type KRAS tumors was also performed. A total of 11 905 patients with mCRC (6713 men [56.4%] and 5192 women [43.6%]; mean [SD] age, 60.0 [10.9] years) were eligible for the study. Among these, 4632 patients received SC and BT. Compared with SC alone, SC plus bevacizumab reduced mortality among patients with right- and left-sided mCRC, whereas SC plus cetuximab reduced mortality only among patients with left-sided tumors and was associated with significantly higher mortality for right-sided tumors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14-1.51; P < .001). Among patients treated with SC plus BT, right-sided tumor origin was associated with higher mortality among patients receiving bevacizumab (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.25-1.36; P < .001) and cetuximab (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.68-2.12; P < .001) BT, compared with left-sided tumor origin. In patients with wild-type KRAS tumors (n = 668), cetuximab was associated with reduced mortality among only patients with left-sided mCRC compared with bevacizumab (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.90; P = .002), whereas patients with right-sided mCRC had more than double the mortality compared with those with left-sided mCRC (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.83-3.25, P < .001). Primary tumor site is associated with response to BT in mCRC. Right-sided primary tumor location is associated with higher mortality regardless of BT type. In patients with wild-type KRAS tumors, treatment with cetuximab benefited only those with left-sided mCRC and was associated with significantly poorer survival among those with right-sided mCRC. Our results underscore the importance of stratification by tumor site for current treatment guidelines and future clinical trials.

Quercetin and rutin as potential agents antifungal against Cryptococcus spp.

PubMed

Oliveira, V M; Carraro, E; Auler, M E; Khalil, N M

2016-01-01

Amphotericin B is a fungicidal substance that is treatment of choice for most systemic fungal infections affecting as cryptococcosis the immunocompromised patients. However, severe side effects have limited the utility of this drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of the combination of amphotericin B with quercetin or rutin and as a protective of citotoxic effect. The antifungal activity to amphotericin B, quercetin and rutin alone and in combination was determined in Candida sp and Cryptococcus neoformans strains. Cytotoxicity test on erythrocytes was performed by spectrophotometric absorbance of hemoglobin. The amphotericin B MIC was reduced when used in combination with quercetin or rutin to C. neoformans ATCC strain and reduced when combined with rutin to a clinical isolate of C. neoformans. In addition, the combination of quercetin with amphotericin B may reduce the toxicity of amphotericin B to red blood cells. Our results suggest that quercetin and rutin are potential agents to combine with amphotericin B in order to reduce the amphotericin dose to lessen side effects and improve antifungal efficacy.

Automated electric valve for electrokinetic separation in a networked microfluidic chip.

PubMed

Cui, Huanchun; Huang, Zheng; Dutta, Prashanta; Ivory, Cornelius F

2007-02-15

This paper describes an automated electric valve system designed to reduce dispersion and sample loss into a side channel when an electrokinetically mobilized concentration zone passes a T-junction in a networked microfluidic chip. One way to reduce dispersion is to control current streamlines since charged species are driven along them in the absence of electroosmotic flow. Computer simulations demonstrate that dispersion and sample loss can be reduced by applying a constant additional electric field in the side channel to straighten current streamlines in linear electrokinetic flow (zone electrophoresis). This additional electric field was provided by a pair of platinum microelectrodes integrated into the chip in the vicinity of the T-junction. Both simulations and experiments of this electric valve with constant valve voltages were shown to provide unsatisfactory valve performance during nonlinear electrophoresis (isotachophoresis). On the basis of these results, however, an automated electric valve system was developed with improved valve performance. Experiments conducted with this system showed decreased dispersion and increased reproducibility as protein zones isotachophoretically passed the T-junction. Simulations of the automated electric valve offer further support that the desired shape of current streamlines was maintained at the T-junction during isotachophoresis. Valve performance was evaluated at different valve currents based on statistical variance due to dispersion. With the automated control system, two integrated microelectrodes provide an effective way to manipulate current streamlines, thus acting as an electric valve for charged species in electrokinetic separations.

Immunotherapy for the treatment of drug abuse.

PubMed

Kosten, Thomas; Owens, S Michael

2005-10-01

Antibody therapy (as either active or passive immunization) is designed primarily to prevent drugs of abuse from entering the central nervous system (CNS). Antidrug antibodies reduce rush, euphoria, and drug distribution to the brain at doses that exceed the apparent binding capacity of the antibody. This is accomplished through a pharmacokinetic antagonism, which reduces the amount of drug in the brain, the rate of clearance across the blood-brain barrier, and the volume of drug distribution. Because the antibodies remain primarily in the circulatory system, they have no apparent central nervous system side effects. Active immunization with drug-protein conjugate vaccines has been tested for cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and nicotine in animal, with 1 cocaine and 3 nicotine vaccines in Phase 2 human trials. Passive immunization with high affinity monoclonal antibodies has been tested for cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and phencyclidine (PCP) in preclinical animal models. Antibodies have 2 immediate clinical applications in drug abuse treatment: to treat drug overdose and to reduce relapse to drug use in addicted patients. The specificity of the therapies, the lack of addiction liability, minimal side effects, and long-lasting protection against drug use offer major therapeutic benefit over conventional small molecule agonists and antagonists. Immunotherapies can also be combined with other antiaddiction medications and enhance behavioral therapies. Current immunotherapies already show efficacy, but improved antigen design and antibody engineering promise highly specific and rapidly developed treatments for both existing and future addictions.

Black and white teas as potential agents to combine with amphotericin B and protect red blood cells from amphotericin B-mediated toxicity.

PubMed

Oliveira, V M; Khalil, N M; Carraro, E

2018-02-01

Amphotericin B is a fungicidal substance that is treatment of choice for most systemic fungal infections affecting immunocompromised patients. However, severe side effects have limited the utility of this drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effect of the combination of amphotericin B with black tea or white tea and protective of citotoxic effect. The present study shows that white and black teas have additive effects with amphotericin B against some species Candida. In addition, the combination of white and black tea with amphotericin B may reduce the toxicity of amphotericin B to red blood cells. Our results suggest that white and black tea is a potential agent to combine with amphotericin for antifungal efficacy and to reduce the amphotericin dose to lessen side effects.

Airport emissions quantification: Impacts of electrification. Final report

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

Geba, V.

1998-07-01

Four airports were assessed to demonstrate that electrification of economically viable air- and land-side vehicles and equipment can significantly reduce total airport emissions. Assessments were made using the FAA`s Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System and EPRI Airport Electrification Project data. Development and implementation of cost-effective airport emissions reduction strategies can be complex, requiring successful collaboration of local, state, and federal regulatory agencies with airport authorities. The methodology developed in this study helps to simplify this task. The objectives of this study were: to develop a methodology to quantify annual emissions at US airports from all sources--aircraft, vehicles, and infrastructure; andmore » to demonstrate that electrification of economically viable air- and land-side vehicles and equipment can significantly reduce total airport emissions on-site, even when allowing for emissions from the generation of electricity.« less

A Combined Finite-Element/Discrete-Particle Analysis of a Side-Vent-Channel-Based Concept for Improved Blast-Survivability of Light Tactical Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

design of side- vent-channels. The results obtained confirmed the beneficial effects of the side-vent-channels in reducing the blast momentum , although...confirmed the beneficial effects of the side-vent-channels in reducing the blast momentum , although the extent of these effects is relatively small (3...products against the surrounding medium is associated with exchange of linear momentum and various energy components (e.g. potential, thermal

An Ensemble Approach for Drug Side Effect Prediction

PubMed Central

Jahid, Md Jamiul; Ruan, Jianhua

2014-01-01

In silico prediction of drug side-effects in early stage of drug development is becoming more popular now days, which not only reduces the time for drug design but also reduces the drug development costs. In this article we propose an ensemble approach to predict drug side-effects of drug molecules based on their chemical structure. Our idea originates from the observation that similar drugs have similar side-effects. Based on this observation we design an ensemble approach that combine the results from different classification models where each model is generated by a different set of similar drugs. We applied our approach to 1385 side-effects in the SIDER database for 888 drugs. Results show that our approach outperformed previously published approaches and standard classifiers. Furthermore, we applied our method to a number of uncharacterized drug molecules in DrugBank database and predict their side-effect profiles for future usage. Results from various sources confirm that our method is able to predict the side-effects for uncharacterized drugs and more importantly able to predict rare side-effects which are often ignored by other approaches. The method described in this article can be useful to predict side-effects in drug design in an early stage to reduce experimental cost and time. PMID:25327524

System Engineering Analysis of Topside Cranes Installed on AD, AR, and AS Class Ships

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-06

4 severity CASREPs. Water or moisture in oumzs or motors accounted for five CASREPs; moisture in a transformer caused a class C fire , which resulted...Components of Bridge Cranes, Monorail Hoist Systems, and Side Port Hoists Associated Equipment: Accumulators Ladders Speed reducers Brakes Load blocks...Switches Bridge Locking devices *Tow bars Bumpers * Monorails Tracks Collector assembly Motors (electrical *Trolley buses Controller and hydraulic) *Trolleys

Multi-resolution extension for transmission of geodata in a mobile context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Follin, Jean-Michel; Bouju, Alain; Bertrand, Frédéric; Boursier, Patrice

2005-03-01

A solution is proposed for the management of multi-resolution vector data in a mobile spatial information visualization system. The client-server architecture and the models of data and transfer of the system are presented first. The aim of this system is to reduce data exchanged between client and server by reusing data already present on the client side. Then, an extension of this system to multi-resolution data is proposed. Our solution is based on the use of increments in a multi-scale database. A database architecture where data sets for different predefined scales are precomputed and stored on the server side is adopted. In this model, each object representing the same real world entities at different levels of detail has to be linked beforehand. Increments correspond to the difference between two datasets with different levels of detail. They are transmitted in order to increase (or decrease) the detail to the client upon request. They include generalization and refinement operators allowing transitions between the different levels. Finally, a framework suited to the transfer of multi-resolution data in a mobile context is presented. This allows reuse of data locally available at different levels of detail and, in this way, reduces the amount of data transferred between client and server.

Drug delivery system and breast cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colone, Marisa; Kaliappan, Subramanian; Calcabrini, Annarica; Tortora, Mariarosaria; Cavalieri, Francesca; Stringaro, Annarita

2016-06-01

Recently, nanomedicine has received increasing attention for its ability to improve the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. Nanosized polymer therapeutic agents offer the advantage of prolonged circulation in the blood stream, targeting to specific sites, improved efficacy and reduced side effects. In this way, local, controlled delivery of the drug will be achieved with the advantage of a high concentration of drug release at the target site while keeping the systemic concentration of the drug low, thus reducing side effects due to bioaccumulation. Various drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microparticles and implants have been demonstrated to significantly enhance the preventive/therapeutic efficacy of many drugs by increasing their bioavailability and targetability. As these carriers significantly increase the therapeutic effect of drugs, their administration would become less cost effective in the near future. The purpose of our research work is to develop a delivery system for breast cancer cells using a microvector of drugs. These results highlight the potential uses of these responsive platforms suited for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. At the request of all authors of the paper an updated version was published on 12 July 2016. The manuscript was prepared and submitted without Dr. Francesca Cavalieri's contribution and her name was added without her consent. Her name has been removed in the updated and re-published article.

An experimental study of an adaptive-wall wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Celik, Zeki; Roberts, Leonard

1988-01-01

A series of adaptive wall ventilated wind tunnel experiments was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of using the side wall pressure distribution as the flow variable for the assessment of compatibility with free air conditions. Iterative and one step convergence methods were applied using the streamwise velocity component, the side wall pressure distribution and the normal velocity component in order to investigate their relative merits. The advantage of using the side wall pressure as the flow variable is to reduce the data taking time which is one the major contributors to the total testing time. In ventilated adaptive wall wind tunnel testing, side wall pressure measurements require simple instrumentation as opposed to the Laser Doppler Velocimetry used to measure the velocity components. In ventilated adaptive wall tunnel testing, influence coefficients are required to determine the pressure corrections in the plenum compartment. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence coefficients from side wall pressure distributions, and from streamwise and normal velocity distributions at two control levels. Velocity measurements were made using a two component Laser Doppler Velocimeter system.

Transporter Protein-Coupled DPCPX Nanoconjugates Induce Diaphragmatic Recovery after SCI by Blocking Adenosine A1 Receptors.

PubMed

Minic, Zeljka; Zhang, Yanhua; Mao, Guangzhao; Goshgarian, Harry G

2016-03-23

Respiratory complications in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are common and have a negative impact on the quality of patients' lives. Systemic administration of drugs that improve respiratory function often cause deleterious side effects. The present study examines the applicability of a novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery system, which induces recovery of diaphragm function after SCI in the adult rat model. We developed a protein-coupled nanoconjugate to selectively deliver by transsynaptic transport small therapeutic amounts of an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist to the respiratory centers. A single administration of the nanoconjugate restored 75% of the respiratory drive at 0.1% of the systemic therapeutic drug dose. The reduction of the systemic dose may obviate the side effects. The recovery lasted for 4 weeks (the longest period studied). These findings have translational implications for patients with respiratory dysfunction after SCI. The leading causes of death in humans following SCI are respiratory complications secondary to paralysis of respiratory muscles. Systemic administration of methylxantines improves respiratory function but also leads to the development of deleterious side effects due to actions of the drug on nonrespiratory sites. The importance of the present study lies in the novel drug delivery approach that uses nanotechnology to selectively deliver recovery-inducing drugs to the respiratory centers exclusively. This strategy allows for a reduction in the therapeutic drug dose, which may reduce harmful side effects and markedly improve the quality of life for SCI patients. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/363441-12$15.00/0.

IMPACT OF ETHANOL ON THE NATURAL ATTENUATION OF BENZENE, TOLUENE, AND O-XYLENE IN A NORMALLY SULFATE-REDUCING AQUIFER

EPA Science Inventory

Two side-by-side field experiments were conducted in a shallow sulfate-reducing aquifer at a former service station site at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. On one side, we injected site groundwater amended with 1-3 mg/L benzene, toluene, and o-xylene (B, T, and o-X). On the othe...

Valve exploiting the principle of a side channel turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jandourek, Pavel; Pochylý, František; Haban, Vladimír

2017-04-01

The presented article deals with a side channel turbine, which can be used as a suitable substitute for a pressure reducing valve. Pressure reducing valves are a source of high hydraulic losses. The aim is to replace them by a side channel turbine. With that in mind, hydraulic losses can be replaced by a production of electrical energy at comparable characteristics of the reducing valve and the side channel turbine. The basis for the design is the loss characteristics of the pressure reducing valve. Thereby create a new kind of turbine valve with speed-controlled flow in dependence of the runner revolution. It is technical innovation and new renewable source of energy, which can be in future used in rehabilitation or projecting of pumped-storage power plants. It also increases the power of the power plant.

The Social Side Effects of Acetaminophen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mischkowski, Dominik

About 23% of all adults in the US take acetaminophen during an average week (Kaufman, Kelly, Rosenberg, Anderson, & Mitchell, 2002) because acetaminophen is an effective physical painkiller and easily accessible over the counter. The physiological side effects of acetaminophen are well documented and generally mild when acetaminophen is consumed in the appropriate dosage. In contrast, the psychological and social side effects of acetaminophen are largely unknown. Recent functional neuroimaging research suggests that the experience of physical pain is fundamentally related to the experience of empathy for the pain of other people, indicating that pharmacologically reducing responsiveness to physical pain also reduces cognitive, affective, and behavioral responsiveness to the pain of others. I tested this hypothesis across three double-blind between-subjects drug intervention studies. Two experiments showed that acetaminophen had moderate effects on empathic affect, specifically personal distress and empathic concern, and a small effect on empathic cognition, specifically perceived pain, when facing physical and social pain of others. The same two experiments and a third experiment also showed that acetaminophen can increase the willingness to inflict pain on other people, i.e., actual aggressive behavior. This effect was especially pronounced among people low in dispositional empathic concern. Together, these findings suggest that the physical pain system is more involved in the regulation of social cognition, affect, and behavior than previously assumed and that the experience of physical pain and responsiveness to the pain of others share a common neurochemical basis. Furthermore, these findings suggest that acetaminophen has unappreciated but serious social side effects, and that these side effects may depend on psychological characteristics of the drug consumer. This idea is consistent with recent theory and research on the context-dependency of neurochemical processes. Finally, public health and legal implications of the social side effects of acetaminophen are discussed.

Local potential evolutions during proton exchange membrane fuel cell operation with dead-ended anode - Part II: Aging mitigation strategies based on water management and nitrogen crossover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbou, S.; Dillet, J.; Maranzana, G.; Didierjean, S.; Lottin, O.

2017-02-01

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells operate with dead-ended anode in order to reduce system cost and complexity when compared with hydrogen re-circulation systems. In the first part of this work, we showed that localized fuel starvation events may occur, because of water and nitrogen accumulation in the anode side, which could be particularly damaging to the cell performance. To prevent these degradations, the anode compartment must be purged which may lead to an overall system efficiency decrease because of significant hydrogen waste. In the second part, we present several purge strategies in order to minimize both hydrogen waste and membrane-electrode assembly degradations during dead-ended anode operation. A linear segmented cell with reference electrodes was used to monitor simultaneously the current density distribution along the gas channel and the time evolution of local anode and cathode potentials. To asses MEA damages, Platinum ElectroChemical Surface Area (ECSA) and cell performance were periodically measured. The results showed that dead-end mode operation with an anode plate maintained at a temperature 5 °C hotter than the cathode plate limits water accumulation in the anode side, reducing significantly purge frequency (and thus hydrogen losses) as well as MEA damages. As nitrogen contribution to hydrogen starvation is predominant in this thermal configuration, we also tested a microleakage solution to discharge continuously most the nitrogen accumulating in the anode side while ensuring low hydrogen losses and minimum ECSA losses provided the right microleakage flow rate is chosen.

Review Article: Fabricated Microparticles: An Innovative Method to Minimize the Side Effects of NSAIDs in Arthritis.

PubMed

Abadi, Shaivad Shabee Hulhasan; Moin, Afrasim; Veerabhadrappa, Gangadharappa Hosahalli

2016-01-01

Microparticles are polymeric bodies ranging 1-1000 µm that constitute a variety of forms such as microcapsules, microspheres, microcages, microshells, microrods, biosensors microparticles, radiolabeled microparticles, and so forth. This review focuses on general microparticles, mainly microcapsules and microspheres. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the mostcommonly prescribed medications in the world. Most of the NSAIDs available have severe side effects. With increased awareness of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, safety has become a priority in treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases with NSAIDs. A trend in NSAID development has been to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing the severity of GI side effects by altering dosage through modified release to optimize drug delivery. One such approach is the use of fabricated microparticles such as microcapsules and microspheres as carriers of drugs. Microparticles provide delivery of macromolecules and micromolecules via different routes and effectively control the release profile of such drugs. Microcapsules and microspheres are compatible with most natural and synthetic polymers and can be used for several routes of administration, including parenteral, oral, nasal, intra-ocular, topical, and the like. Because of greater stability and multiple manufacturing techniques, microspheres and microcapsules are preferred as drug carriers over other colloidal drug delivery systems. Microparticles provide effective protection of the encapsulated agent against degradation by enzymatic activities, controlled and confined delivery of drugs from a few hours to months, and ingenious administration compared to alternative forms of controlled-release parenteral dosages, such as macro-sized implants. This comprehensive overview of fabricated microparticles describes microencapsulation technologies to produce microparticles for targeted therapy of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases which provide constant and prolonged therapeutic effects that reduce dosing frequency and thereby minimize potential adverse effects of NSAIDs such as GI irritation and insufficient patient compliance. The present review describes the latest developments in microparticulate drug delivery systems and the best alternatives for safe and effective microcapsular systems in a controlled manner for the delivery of NSAIDs.

Simple methods to reduce major allergen Ara h 1 and Ana o 1/2 in peanut and cashew extracts

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Whole peanut extracts are usually used in immunotherapy but may have side effects. Reducing major peanut allergen(s) in the extracts may reduce the side effects. Three simple methods were evaluated to reduce major allergen Ara h 1 from a peanut extract: (1) treatment with p-aminobenzamidine (pABA); ...

Efficient immunization strategies to prevent financial contagion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Teruyoshi; Hasui, Kohei

2014-01-01

Many immunization strategies have been proposed to prevent infectious viruses from spreading through a network. In this work, we study efficient immunization strategies to prevent a default contagion that might occur in a financial network. An essential difference from the previous studies on immunization strategy is that we take into account the possibility of serious side effects. Uniform immunization refers to a situation in which banks are ``vaccinated'' with a common low-risk asset. The riskiness of immunized banks will decrease significantly, but the level of systemic risk may increase due to the de-diversification effect. To overcome this side effect, we propose another immunization strategy, called counteractive immunization, which prevents pairs of banks from failing simultaneously. We find that counteractive immunization can efficiently reduce systemic risk without altering the riskiness of individual banks.

Drug side effect extraction from clinical narratives of psychiatry and psychology patients

PubMed Central

Kocher, Jean-Pierre A; Chute, Christopher G; Savova, Guergana K

2011-01-01

Objective To extract physician-asserted drug side effects from electronic medical record clinical narratives. Materials and methods Pattern matching rules were manually developed through examining keywords and expression patterns of side effects to discover an individual side effect and causative drug relationship. A combination of machine learning (C4.5) using side effect keyword features and pattern matching rules was used to extract sentences that contain side effect and causative drug pairs, enabling the system to discover most side effect occurrences. Our system was implemented as a module within the clinical Text Analysis and Knowledge Extraction System. Results The system was tested in the domain of psychiatry and psychology. The rule-based system extracting side effects and causative drugs produced an F score of 0.80 (0.55 excluding allergy section). The hybrid system identifying side effect sentences had an F score of 0.75 (0.56 excluding allergy section) but covered more side effect and causative drug pairs than individual side effect extraction. Discussion The rule-based system was able to identify most side effects expressed by clear indication words. More sophisticated semantic processing is required to handle complex side effect descriptions in the narrative. We demonstrated that our system can be trained to identify sentences with complex side effect descriptions that can be submitted to a human expert for further abstraction. Conclusion Our system was able to extract most physician-asserted drug side effects. It can be used in either an automated mode for side effect extraction or semi-automated mode to identify side effect sentences that can significantly simplify abstraction by a human expert. PMID:21946242

FX-87 performance measurements: data-flow implementation. Technical report

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

Hammel, R.T.; Gifford, D.K.

1988-11-01

This report documents a series of experiments performed to explore the thesis that the FX-87 effect system permits a compiler to schedule imperative programs (i.e., programs that may contain side-effects) for execution on a parallel computer. The authors analyze how much the FX-87 static effect system can improve the execution times of five benchmark programs on a parallel graph interpreter. Three of their benchmark programs do not use side-effects (factorial, fibonacci, and polynomial division) and thus did not have any effect-induced constraints. Their FX-87 performance was comparable to their performance in a purely functional language. Two of the benchmark programsmore » use side effects (DNA sequence matching and Scheme interpretation) and the compiler was able to use effect information to reduce their execution times by factors of 1.7 to 5.4 when compared with sequential execution times. These results support the thesis that a static effect system is a powerful tool for compilation to multiprocessor computers. However, the graph interpreter we used was based on unrealistic assumptions, and thus our results may not accurately reflect the performance of a practical FX-87 implementation. The results also suggest that conventional loop analysis would complement the FX-87 effect system« less

Novel Formulation Strategy to Improve the Feasibility of Amifostine Administration.

PubMed

Ranganathan, Kavitha; Simon, Eric; Lynn, Jeremy; Snider, Alicia; Zhang, Yu; Nelson, Noah; Donneys, Alexis; Rodriguez, Jose; Buchman, Lauren; Reyna, Dawn; Lipka, Elke; Buchman, Steven R

2018-03-19

Amifostine (AMF), a radioprotectant, is FDA-approved for intravenous administration in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy (XRT). Unfortunately, it remains clinically underutilized due to adverse side effects. The purpose of this study is to define the pharmacokinetic profile of an oral AMF formulation potentially capable of reducing side effects and increasing clinical feasibility. Calvarial osteoblasts were radiated under three conditions: no drug, AMF, and WR-1065 (active metabolite). Osteogenic potential of cells was measured using alkaline phosphatase staining. Next, rats were given AMF intravenously or directly into the jejunum, and pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated. Finally, rats were given AMF orally or subcutaneously, and blood samples were analyzed for pharmacokinetics. WR-1065 preserved osteogenic potential of calvarial osteoblasts after XRT to a greater degree than AMF. Direct jejunal AMF administration incurred a systemic bioavailability of 61.5%. Subcutaneously administrated AMF yielded higher systemic levels, a more rapid peak exposure (0.438 vs. 0.875 h), and greater total systemic exposure of WR-1065 (116,756 vs. 16,874 ng*hr/ml) compared to orally administered AMF. Orally administered AMF achieves a similar systemic bioavailability and decreased peak plasma level of WR-1065 compared to intravenously administered AMF, suggesting oral AMF formulations maintain radioprotective efficacy without causing onerous side effects, and are clinically feasible.

[Acupuncture Intervention Reduced Weight Gain Induced by Hypoglycemic Agents through Food Intake-related Targets in Central Nervous System].

PubMed

Jing, Xin-yue; Ou, Chen; Lu, Sheng-feng; Zhu, Bing-mei

2015-12-01

Clinical practice shows that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) induce weight gain in patients with type-II diabetes mellitus during treatment, which restrains its application and generalization clinically. It has been demonstrated that acupuncture therapy is useful in easing obesity in clinical trials. In the present paper, we summarize the underlying mechanism of weight gain induced by TZDs through food intake-related targets in the central nervous system and analyze the possible effects of acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture therapy is expected to reduce weight gain side effect of TZDs through 1) lowering permeability of blood brain barrier to reduce TZDs concentration in the brain, 2) upregulating the expression of hypothalamic leptin and inhibiting hypothalamic neuropiptide Y expression, and 3) down-regulating activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor to reduce energy intake and fat syntheses.

Alleviation of harmful effect in stillage reflux in food waste ethanol fermentation based on metabolic and side-product accumulation regulation.

PubMed

Ma, Hongzhi; Yang, Jian; Jia, Yan; Wang, Qunhui; Ma, Xiaoyu; Sonomoto, Kenji

2016-10-01

Stillage reflux fermentation in food waste ethanol fermentation could reduce sewage discharge but exert a harmful effect because of side-product accumulation. In this study, regulation methods based on metabolic regulation and side-product alleviation were conducted. Result demonstrated that controlling the proper oxidation-reduction potential value (-150mV to -250mV) could reduce the harmful effect, improve ethanol yield by 21%, and reduce fermentation time by 20%. The methods of adding calcium carbonate to adjust the accumulated lactic acid showed that ethanol yield increased by 17.3%, and fermentation time decreased by 20%. The accumulated glyceal also shows that these two methods can reduce the harmful effect. Fermentation time lasted for seven times without effect, and metabolic regulation had a better effect than side-product regulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Center of Pressure Displacement of Standing Posture during Rapid Movements Is Reorganised Due to Experimental Lower Extremity Muscle Pain.

PubMed

Shiozawa, Shinichiro; Hirata, Rogerio Pessoto; Graven-Nielsen, Thomas

2015-01-01

Postural control during rapid movements may be impaired due to musculoskeletal pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of experimental knee-related muscle pain on the center of pressure (CoP) displacement in a reaction time task condition. Nine healthy males performed two reaction time tasks (dominant side shoulder flexion and bilateral heel lift) before, during, and after experimental pain induced in the dominant side vastus medialis or the tibialis anterior muscles by hypertonic saline injections. The CoP displacement was extracted from the ipsilateral and contralateral side by two force plates and the net CoP displacement was calculated. Compared with non-painful sessions, tibialis anterior muscle pain during the peak and peak-to-peak displacement for the CoP during anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) of the shoulder task reduced the peak-to-peak displacement of the net CoP in the medial-lateral direction (P<0.05). Tibialis anterior and vastus medialis muscle pain during shoulder flexion task reduced the anterior-posterior peak-to-peak displacement in the ipsilateral side (P<0.05). The central nervous system in healthy individuals was sufficiently robust in maintaining the APA characteristics during pain, although the displacement of net and ipsilateral CoP in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions during unilateral fast shoulder movement was altered.

Abnormalities in emotion processing within cortical and subcortical regions in criminal psychopaths: evidence from a functional magnetic resonance imaging study using pictures with emotional content.

PubMed

Müller, Jürgen L; Sommer, Monika; Wagner, Verena; Lange, Kirsten; Taschler, Heidrun; Röder, Christian H; Schuierer, Gerhardt; Klein, Helmfried E; Hajak, Göran

2003-07-15

Neurobiology of psychopathy is important for our understanding of current neuropsychiatric questions. Despite a growing interest in biological research in psychopathy, its neural underpinning remains obscure. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the influence of affective contents on brain activation in psychopaths. Series containing positive and negative pictures from the International Affective Picture System were shown to six male psychopaths and six male control subjects while 100 whole-brain echo-planar-imaging measurements were acquired. Differences in brain activation were evaluated using BrainVoyager software 4.6. In psychopaths, increased activation through negative contents was found right-sided in prefrontal regions and amygdala. Activation was reduced right-sided in the subgenual cingulate and the temporal gyrus, and left-sided in the dorsal cingulate and the parahippocampal gyrus. Increased activation through positive contents was found left-sided in the orbitofrontal regions. Activation was reduced in right medial frontal and medial temporal regions. These findings underline the hypotheses that psychopathy is neurobiologically reflected by dysregulation and disturbed functional connectivity of emotion-related brain regions. These findings may be interpreted within a framework including prefrontal regions that provide top-down control to and regulate bottom-up signals from limbic areas. Because of the small sample size, the results of this study have to be regarded as preliminary.

Examination of redirected continuous miner scrubber discharge configurations for exhaust face ventilation systems

PubMed Central

Organiscak, J.A.; Beck, T.W.

2015-01-01

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) has recently studied several redirected scrubber discharge configurations in its full-scale continuous miner gallery for both dust and gas control when using an exhaust face ventilation system. Dust and gas measurements around the continuous mining machine in the laboratory showed that the conventional scrubber discharge directed outby the face with a 12.2-m (40-ft) exhaust curtain setback appeared to be one of the better configurations for controlling dust and gas. Redirecting all the air toward the face equally up both sides of the machine increased the dust and gas concentrations around the machine. When all of the air was redirected toward the face on the off-curtain side of the machine, gas accumulations tended to be reduced at the face, at the expense of increased dust levels in the return and on the curtain side of the mining machine. A 6.1-m (20-ft) exhaust curtain setback without the scrubber operating resulted in the lowest dust levels around the continuous mining machine, but this configuration resulted in some of the highest levels of dust in the return and gas on the off-curtain side of the mining face. Two field studies showed some similarities to the laboratory findings, with elevated dust levels at the rear corners of the continuous miner when all of the scrubber exhaust was redirected toward the face either up the off-tubing side or equally up both sides of the mining machine. PMID:26251566

Nanoformulated water-soluble paclitaxel to enhance drug efficacy and reduce hemolysis side effect.

PubMed

Gu, Weiting; Chen, Jie; Patra, Prabir; Yang, Xiaoyan; Gu, Quanrong; Wei, Lingxuan; Acker, Jason P; Kong, Beihua

2017-07-01

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the three top cancer treatment modalities. Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs. However, its clinical applications have been significantly limited due to: (i) serious hemolysis effect of currently available commercial paclitaxel formulations and (ii) its water insolubility. An easy way to deliver paclitaxel by a new nanocarrier system using pluronic copolymers of P123/F68 and Sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) was reported in our previous research article. The characterization of the formulation and analysis of drug release and cellular uptake were also presented. In this article, we reported discoveries of our follow-up in vivo antitumor and in vitro hemolytic study discoveries. The experimental results showed that the nanoformulated PTX achieved much better tumor suppression performance while reducing hemolysis side effects. This newly formulated drug can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer chemotherapy.

A New Type Hi-Speed BLDC Control System Base on Indirect Current Control Strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, D. P.; Wang, Y. C.; Zhang, F. G.; Jin, S.

2017-05-01

High speed BLDC has the characteristic as larger air gap smaller armature inductance, traditional PWM modulation will produce a great number of high frequency current harmonics which led problem like large torque ripple and serious motor heat. In the meantime traditional PWM modulation use the diode rectifier which cause harmonic pollution in electric power net. To solve the problem above, proposes a new motor controller topology. Using the IGBT device to replace the diode on frequency converter rectifier side, apply the power factor correction technology, reduce the pollution on the grid. Using busbar current modulation on the inverter, driving bridge-arm use 3-phase 6-state open as driving Mode, realize the control on a 10000r/min,10kw BLDC. The results of Simulation on matlab show the topological structure as proposed can effectively improve the network side power factor and reduce the motor armature winding harmonic and motor torque ripple.

Real-life fatal outcome in car-to-car near-side impacts--implications for improved protection considering age and crash severity.

PubMed

Sunnevang, Cecilia; Rosén, Erik; Bostrom, Ola

2009-04-01

Recent studies have shown that current side airbags, protecting head and chest, are saving lives in near-side impacts (Kahane 2007; McCartt and Kyrychenko 2007). The aim of this study was to analyze NASS/CDS real-life data on fatal trauma in near-side car-to-car crashes, stratified by age into non-senior and senior occupants. Furthermore, a hypothetical model explaining side airbag effectiveness as a function of lateral delta-v was presented. The model together with the field data was then used to demonstrate further enhancement of side airbag restraint performance. Weighted NASS/CDS data from 1994 to 2006 for front seat occupants in near-side car-to-car impacts was used to calculate the exposure, incidence, and risk of fatal trauma with respect to lateral delta-v. The dataset was also divided into non-senior (10-59 years) and senior (age > or = 60 years) occupants. The hypothetical model was created to adjust the NASS/CDS data to represent a car fleet fully equipped with current side airbag protection. The model was then used to evaluate the increase in effectiveness of improved side airbag protection achieved by increasing the lateral delta-v in the range where the airbag have most mitigating effect, increasing the airbag protection level within the delta-v range currently tested, and a combination of the two approaches. From the NASS/CDS data, the median delta-v for fatal injury was 37 km/h for the total sample. When stratified with respect to age, the median delta-v for fatal injury was 41 km/h for non-seniors and 28 km/h for senior occupants. The exposures for both age groups were similar. However, the fatal incidence showed a difference in delta-v range between non-senior and senior occupants. Applying the airbag model increased the median delta-v to 40 km/h for the total sample and 47 and 30 km/h for non-seniors and seniors, respectively. Current side airbag systems offer very good protection for non-senior occupants up to delta-v 40 km/h. Though still high, the protection for senior occupants is lower. To enhance side airbag protection, the side airbag performance should be maximized where the fatal incidence is high. Therefore, to further reduce non-senior fatalities, the test speed should be increased. To further reduce senior fatalities, the protection level within severities currently tested should be increased. A combination of the two approaches would result in about a 40 percent increase of the side airbag effectiveness.

Stimulation of D2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex reduces PCP-induced hyperactivity, acetylcholine release and dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens.

PubMed

Del Arco, A; Mora, F; Mohammed, A H; Fuxe, K

2007-02-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of stimulation of D2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) on spontaneous motor activity and the hyperactivity induced by the psychomimetic phencyclidine (PCP). In addition, the effects of prefrontal D2 stimulation under PCP treatment on dialysate concentrations of acetylcholine, choline, dopamine, DOPAC and HVA in the nucleus accumbens were also investigated. Sprague-Dawley male rats were implanted with guide cannulae to perform bilateral injections into the medial PFC of the D2 agonist quinpirole (1.5 and 5 microg/side). Horizontal and vertical spontaneous motor activity and the motor activity induced by systemic injections of the PCP (5 mg/kg i.p.) were monitored in the open field. PFC injections of quinpirole (1.5 and 5 microg/side) significantly decreased horizontal and vertical spontaneous motor activity in a dose-related manner. These effects were blocked by the D2 antagonist raclopride (5 microg/side). Microinjections of quinpirole (1.5 and 5 microg/side) into the PFC also significantly attenuated the hyperactivity produced by PCP (5 mg/kg i.p.). PCP also increased dialysate concentrations of acetylcholine, and dopamine metabolites in the nucleus accumbens. These increases were also reduced by injections of quinpirole (5 microg/side) into the PFC. These results suggest that the stimulation of prefrontal D2 receptors plays an inhibitory role in regulating spontaneous and PCP-induced motor activity and also in the neurochemical changes produced by PCP in the nucleus accumbens.

A multilayer perceptron solution to the match phase problem in rule-based artificial intelligence systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sartori, Michael A.; Passino, Kevin M.; Antsaklis, Panos J.

1992-01-01

In rule-based AI planning, expert, and learning systems, it is often the case that the left-hand-sides of the rules must be repeatedly compared to the contents of some 'working memory'. The traditional approach to solve such a 'match phase problem' for production systems is to use the Rete Match Algorithm. Here, a new technique using a multilayer perceptron, a particular artificial neural network model, is presented to solve the match phase problem for rule-based AI systems. A syntax for premise formulas (i.e., the left-hand-sides of the rules) is defined, and working memory is specified. From this, it is shown how to construct a multilayer perceptron that finds all of the rules which can be executed for the current situation in working memory. The complexity of the constructed multilayer perceptron is derived in terms of the maximum number of nodes and the required number of layers. A method for reducing the number of layers to at most three is also presented.

Coordination of Fictive Motor Activity in the Larval Zebrafish Is Generated by Non-Segmental Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Wiggin, Timothy D.; Peck, Jack H.; Masino, Mark A.

2014-01-01

The cellular and network basis for most vertebrate locomotor central pattern generators (CPGs) is incompletely characterized, but organizational models based on known CPG architectures have been proposed. Segmental models propose that each spinal segment contains a circuit that controls local coordination and sends longer projections to coordinate activity between segments. Unsegmented/continuous models propose that patterned motor output is driven by gradients of neurons and synapses that do not have segmental boundaries. We tested these ideas in the larval zebrafish, an animal that swims in discrete episodes, each of which is composed of coordinated motor bursts that progress rostrocaudally and alternate from side to side. We perturbed the spinal cord using spinal transections or strychnine application and measured the effect on fictive motor output. Spinal transections eliminated episode structure, and reduced both rostrocaudal and side-to-side coordination. Preparations with fewer intact segments were more severely affected, and preparations consisting of midbody and caudal segments were more severely affected than those consisting of rostral segments. In reduced preparations with the same number of intact spinal segments, side-to-side coordination was more severely disrupted than rostrocaudal coordination. Reducing glycine receptor signaling with strychnine reversibly disrupted both rostrocaudal and side-to-side coordination in spinalized larvae without disrupting episodic structure. Both spinal transection and strychnine decreased the stability of the motor rhythm, but this effect was not causal in reducing coordination. These results are inconsistent with a segmented model of the spinal cord and are better explained by a continuous model in which motor neuron coordination is controlled by segment-spanning microcircuits. PMID:25275377

Consciousness can reduce the voltage of the output signal of solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Dayong

2011-03-01

When the sun's light radiate on the solar cell, it can produce the output signal as the pho- tocurrent. We use the Data Acquisition Modules to record the voltage of the output signals. The v1 is voltage of the photocurrent of solar cell1; The v2 is the one of solar cell2. And these two solar cells stay side by side. When we record the voltages from the morning to the noon, the voltages will go up, and the v1 is bigger than the v2 during this time. But in other experi- menter, not only sun's light ratiade on two solar cells, but also consciousness act on two solar cells. Not only I can use consciousness to reduce the growth voltage of the output signals, but also can change the v1 to be littler than the v2. The experiment was conducted on Sep. 2010. When light of lamp radiate on two solar cells, I can reduce v1, at the same time, can augment v2. These experiments had been finished in Los Angeles, Oct. 26th. And the experiment show that the consciousness active function differ from the passive function of conditioned reflex (of Pavlov). There is the physical system of the mass, energy, space and time-MEST; There is the spirited system of the mind, consciousness, emotion and desire-MECD; the information system is the code system. We can use the consciousness change the electron-structure of solar cell by the interaction of the information.

Polynomial f (R ) Palatini cosmology: Dynamical system approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szydłowski, Marek; Stachowski, Aleksander

2018-05-01

We investigate cosmological dynamics based on f (R ) gravity in the Palatini formulation. In this study, we use the dynamical system methods. We show that the evolution of the Friedmann equation reduces to the form of the piecewise smooth dynamical system. This system is reduced to a 2D dynamical system of the Newtonian type. We demonstrate how the trajectories can be sewn to guarantee C0 extendibility of the metric similarly as "Milne-like" Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker spacetimes are C0-extendible. We point out that importance of the dynamical system of the Newtonian type with nonsmooth right-hand sides in the context of Palatini cosmology. In this framework, we can investigate singularities which appear in the past and future of the cosmic evolution. We consider cosmological systems in both Einstein and Jordan frames. We show that at each frame the topological structures of phase space are different.

Enzyme responsive drug delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles for tumor therapy in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yun; Ding, Xingwei; Li, Jinghua; Luo, Zhong; Hu, Yan; Liu, Junjie; Dai, Liangliang; Zhou, Jun; Hou, Changjun; Cai, Kaiyong

2015-04-01

To reduce the toxic side effects of traditional chemotherapeutics in vivo, we designed and constructed a biocompatible, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) responsive drug delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). MMPs substrate peptide containing PLGLAR (sensitive to MMPs) was immobilized onto the surfaces of amino-functionalized MSNs via an amidation reaction, serving as MMPs sensitive intermediate linker. Bovine serum albumin was then covalently coupled to linker as end-cap for sealing the mesopores of MSNs. Lactobionic acid was further conjugated to the system as targeting motif. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was used as the model anticancer drug in this study. A series of characterizations revealed that the system was successfully constructed. The peptide-functionalized MSNs system demonstrated relatively high sensitivity to MMPs for triggering drug delivery, which was potentially important for tumor therapy since the tumor’s microenvironment overexpressed MMPs in nature. The in vivo experiments proved that the system could efficiently inhibit the tumor growth with minimal side effects. This study provides an approach for the development of the next generation of nanotherapeutics toward efficient cancer treatment.

Four-wall turbine airfoil with thermal strain control for reduced cycle fatigue

DOEpatents

Cambell, Christian X

2013-09-17

A turbine airfoil (20B) with a thermal expansion control mechanism that increases the airfoil camber (60, 61) under operational heating. The airfoil has four-wall geometry, including pressure side outer and inner walls (26, 28B), and suction side outer and inner walls (32, 34B). It has near-wall cooling channels (31F, 31A, 33F, 33A) between the outer and inner walls. A cooling fluid flow pattern (50C, 50W, 50H) in the airfoil causes the pressure side inner wall (28B) to increase in curvature under operational heating. The pressure side inner wall (28B) is thicker than walls (26, 34B) that oppose it in camber deformation, so it dominates them in collaboration with the suction side outer wall (32), and the airfoil camber increases. This reduces and relocates a maximum stress area (47) from the suction side outer wall (32) to the suction side inner wall (34B, 72) and the pressure side outer wall (26).

Investigation of excitation control for wind-turbine generator stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gebben, V. D.

1977-01-01

High speed horizontal axis wind turbine generators with blades on the downwind side of the support tower require special design considerations to handle disturbances introduced by the flow wake behind the tower. Experiments and analytical analyses were made to determine benefits that might be obtained by using the generator exciter to provide system damping for reducing power fluctuations.

Oil-in-water lipid emulsions: implications for parenteral and ocular delivering systems.

PubMed

Tamilvanan, S

2004-11-01

Lipid emulsions (LEs) are heterogenous dispersions of two immiscible liquids (oil-in-water or water-in-oil) and they are subjected to various instability processes like aggregation, flocculation, coalescence and hence eventual phase separation according to the second law of thermodynamics. However, the physical stability of the LE can substantially be improved with help of suitable emulsifiers that are capable of forming a mono- or multi-layer coating film around the dispersed liquid droplets in such a way to reduce interfacial tension or to increase droplet-droplet repulsion. Depending on the concentrations of these three components (oil-water-emulsifier) and the efficiency of the emulsification equipments used to reduce droplet size, the final LE may be in the form of oil-in-water (o/w), water-in-oil (w/o), micron, submicron and double or multiple emulsions (o/w/o and w/o/w). The o/w type LEs (LE) are colloidal drug carriers, which have various therapeutic applications. As an intravenous delivery system it incorporates lipophilic water non-soluble drugs, stabilize drugs that tend to undergo hydrolysis and reduce side effects of various potent drugs. When the LE is used as an ocular delivery systems they increase local bioavailability, sustain the pharmacological effect of drugs and decrease systemic side effects of the drugs. Thus, the rationale of using LE as an integral part of effective treatment is clear. Following administration of LE through these routes, the biofate of LE associated bioactive molecules are somehow related to the vehicles disposition kinetics inside blood or eyeball. However, the LE is not devoid from undergoing various bio-process while exerting their efficacious actions. The purpose of this review is therefore to give an implication of LE for parenteral and ocular delivering systems.

Side impact crashes--factors affecting incidence and severity: review of the literature.

PubMed

Chipman, Mary L

2004-03-01

Many traffic crashes are side impact collisions resulting in significant death and injury. A review was conducted of the evidence of driver, road, and vehicle characteristics affecting either the risk of occurrence or the severity of injury in such crashes for papers published from 1996 to early 2003. For drivers, evidence was found of increased crash risk or injury severity only for age and age-related medical conditions (e.g., dementia). Traffic roundabouts and other traffic control devices--stop signs, traffic lights, and so on--had mixed results; traffic controls were better than no controls, but their effectiveness varied with circumstance. Most vehicle characteristics have had little or no effect on crash occurrence. Antilock braking systems (ABS) in the striking vehicle had been anticipated to reduce the risk of crashes, but so far have demonstrated little effect. The primary emphasis in vehicle design has been on protective devices to reduce the severity of injury. Disparity in the size of the two vehicles, especially when the struck vehicle is smaller and lighter, is almost a consistent risk factor for occupant injury. The occupants of light trucks, however, when struck by passengers cars on the opposite side, were at higher risk of injury. Wearing seat belts had a consistently protective effect; airbags did not, but there were few studies, and no field studies, of lateral airbags found. Of all the characteristics examined, vehicle design, including occupant restraints, is the most easily modified in the short term, although road design, traffic control, and the monitoring of older drivers may also prove effective in reducing side impact crashes in the longer term.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for electroconvulsive therapy-induced cognitive side effects: a systematic review.

PubMed

Henstra, Marieke J; Jansma, Elise P; van der Velde, Nathalie; Swart, Eleonora L; Stek, Max L; Rhebergen, Didi

2017-05-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe late-life depression; however, ECT-induced cognitive side effects frequently occur. The cholinergic system is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. We systematically reviewed the evidence for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Ache-I) to prevent or reduce ECT-induced cognitive side effects. A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane database to identify clinical trials investigating the effect of Ache-I on ECT-induced cognitive side effects. Key search terms included all synonyms for ECT and Ache-I. Risk of bias assessment was conducted by using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Five clinical trials were eligible for inclusion. All studies focused on cognitive functioning as primary endpoint, but assessment of cognitive functioning varied widely in time point of assessment and in cognitive tests that were used. There was also great variety in study medication, route and time of administration and dosages, duration of drug administration, and ECT techniques. Finally, only two out of five studies were considered at low risk of bias. Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, without exception, all studies demonstrated significantly better cognitive performance in individuals treated with Ache-I. Despite large heterogeneity in studies, Ache-I appear to have beneficial effects on ECT-induced cognitive side effects, supporting an association with the cholinergic system in ECT-induced cognitive impairment. Methodological sound studies controlling for putative confounders are warranted. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Water Quality Performance of Three Side-by-Side Permeable Pavement Surface Materials: Three Year Update

EPA Science Inventory

Communities are increasingly installing structural low impact development (LID) practices to mange stormwater and reduce pollutant loads associated with stormwater runoff. Permeable pavement is a LID practice that has limited research on working-scale, side-by-side performance o...

Ultrasonic Low-Friction Containment Plate for Thermal and Ultrasonic Stir Weld Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graff, Karl; Short, Matt

2013-01-01

The thermal stir welding (TSW) process is finding applications in fabrication of space vehicles. In this process, workpieces to be joined by TSW are drawn, by heavy forces, between "containment plates," past the TSW tool that then causes joining of the separate plates. It is believed that the TSW process would be significantly improved by reducing the draw force, and that this could be achieved by reducing the friction forces between the workpieces and containment plates. Based on use of high-power ultrasonics in metal forming processes, where friction reduction in drawing dies has been achieved, it is believed that ultrasonic vibrations of the containment plates could achieve similar friction reduction in the TSW process. By applying ultrasonic vibrations to the containment plates in a longitudinal vibration mode, as well as by mounting and holding the containment plates in a specific manner such as to permit the plates to acoustically float, friction between the metal parts and the containment plates is greatly reduced, and so is the drawing force. The concept was to bring in the ultrasonics from the sides of the plates, permitting the ultrasonic hardware to be placed to the side, away from the equipment that contains the thermal stir tooling and that applies clamping forces to the plates. Tests demonstrated that one of the major objectives of applying ultrasonics to the thermal stir system, that of reducing draw force friction, should be achievable on a scaled-up system.

Fabrication and Optimization of Properties of Polymer Laminated Nanoreinforced Automobile Glasses: Experiments and Modeling

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

Khaleel, Mohammad A.; Sun, Xin; Simmons, Kevin L.

2008-05-01

This paper describes the fabrication process for the thin cast-in-place laminate glazing systems to be used in cars of the future to achieve the weight reduction goals of FreedomCAR. The primary objective of the project is to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel economy, and reduce vehicle emissions through the use of structurally reliable, high acoustic performance and lightweight glazing systems with low manufacturing costs. Energy savings come from reducing weight by using thinner glazing: prior studies at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have demonstrated a potential of 30% weight reductions compared with standard glazing system. Energy savings will also comemore » from reducing interior heat loads; that, in turn, will reduce the demand for air conditioning. The evaluation of alternative glazing concepts seek to improve acoustical performance such that reduced interior noise levels can be achieved while maintaining glazing at minimal thickness and weight levels. The most important factor in utilizing laminated glazing systems as vehicle side glass is its advantage in cost savings for material and manufacturing processes. To this end, a new, innovative manufacturing process is developed such that laminated glazing systems can be made with low cost in terms of raw materials and process-related equipment/facility investment.« less

Effects of non-uniform root zone salinity on water use, Na+ recirculation, and Na+ and H+ flux in cotton

PubMed Central

Kong, Xiangqiang; Luo, Zhen; Dong, Hezhong; Eneji, A. Egrinya

2012-01-01

A new split-root system was established through grafting to study cotton response to non-uniform salinity. Each root half was treated with either uniform (100/100 mM) or non-uniform NaCl concentrations (0/200 and 50/150 mM). In contrast to uniform control, non-uniform salinity treatment improved plant growth and water use, with more water absorbed from the non- and low salinity side. Non-uniform treatments decreased Na+ concentrations in leaves. The [Na+] in the ‘0’ side roots of the 0/200 treatment was significantly higher than that in either side of the 0/0 control, but greatly decreased when the ‘0’ side phloem was girdled, suggesting that the increased [Na+] in the ‘0’ side roots was possibly due to transportation of foliar Na+ to roots through phloem. Plants under non-uniform salinity extruded more Na+ from the root than those under uniform salinity. Root Na+ efflux in the low salinity side was greatly enhanced by the higher salinity side. NaCl-induced Na+ efflux and H+ influx were inhibited by amiloride and sodium orthovanadate, suggesting that root Na+ extrusion was probably due to active Na+/H+ antiport across the plasma membrane. Improved plant growth under non-uniform salinity was thus attributed to increased water use, reduced leaf Na+ concentration, transport of excessive foliar Na+ to the low salinity side, and enhanced Na+ efflux from the low salinity root. PMID:22200663

Research on Battery Energy Storage System Based on User Side

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qian; Zhang, Yichi; Yun, Zejian; Wang, Xuguang; Zhang, Dong; Bian, Di

2018-01-01

This paper introduces the effect of user side energy storage on the user side and the network side, a battery energy storage system for the user side is designed. The main circuit topology of the battery energy storage system based on the user side is given, the structure is mainly composed of two parts: DC-DC two-way half bridge converter and DC-AC two-way converter, a control strategy combining battery charging and discharging characteristics is proposed to decouple the grid side and the energy storage side, and the block diagram of the charging and discharging control of the energy storage system is given. The simulation results show that the battery energy storage system of the user side can not only realize reactive power compensation of low-voltage distribution network, but also improve the power quality of the users.

Abnormal landing strategies after ACL reconstruction.

PubMed

Gokeler, A; Hof, A L; Arnold, M P; Dijkstra, P U; Postema, K; Otten, E

2010-02-01

The objective was to analyze muscle activity and movement patterns during landing of a single leg hop for distance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Nine (six males, three females) ACL-reconstructed patients 6 months after surgery and 11 (eight males, three females) healthy control subjects performed the hop task. Electromyographic signals from lower limb muscles were analyzed to determine onset time before landing. Biomechanical data were collected using an Optotrak Motion Analysis System and force plate. Matlab was used to calculate kinetics and joint kinematics. Side-to-side differences in ACL-reconstructed patients and healthy subjects as well as differences between the patients and control group were analyzed. In ACL-reconstructed limbs, significantly earlier onset times were found for all muscles, except vastus medialis, compared with the uninvolved side. The involved limbs had significantly reduced knee flexion during the take-off and increased plantarflexion at initial contact. The knee extension moment was significantly lower in the involved limb. In the control group, significantly earlier onset times were found for the semitendinosus, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius of the non-dominant side compared with the dominant side. Muscle onset times are earlier and movement patterns are altered in the involved limb 6 months after ACL reconstruction.

Perceptual expertise: can sensorimotor experience change holistic processing and left-side bias?

PubMed

Tso, Ricky Van-yip; Au, Terry Kit-fong; Hsiao, Janet Hui-wen

2014-09-01

Holistic processing and left-side bias are both behavioral markers of expert face recognition. By contrast, expert recognition of characters in Chinese orthography involves left-side bias but reduced holistic processing, although faces and Chinese characters share many visual properties. Here, we examined whether this reduction in holistic processing of Chinese characters can be better explained by writing experience than by reading experience. Compared with Chinese nonreaders, Chinese readers who had limited writing experience showed increased holistic processing, whereas Chinese readers who could write characters fluently showed reduced holistic processing. This result suggests that writing and sensorimotor experience can modulate holistic-processing effects and that the reduced holistic processing observed in expert Chinese readers may depend mostly on writing experience. However, both expert writers and writers with limited experience showed similarly stronger left-side bias than novices did in processing mirror-symmetric Chinese characters; left-side bias may therefore be a robust expertise marker for object recognition that is uninfluenced by sensorimotor experience. © The Author(s) 2014.

Local sustained delivery of bupivacaine HCl from a new castor oil-based nanoemulsion system.

PubMed

Rachmawati, Heni; Arvin, Yang Aryani; Asyarie, Sukmadjaja; Anggadiredja, Kusnandar; Tjandrawinata, Raymond Rubianto; Storm, Gert

2018-06-01

Bupivacaine HCl (1-butyl-2',6'-pipecoloxylidide hydrochloride), an amide local anesthetic compound, is a local anesthetic drug utilized for intraoperative local anesthesia, post-operative analgesia and in the treatment of chronic pain. However, its utility is limited by the relative short duration of analgesia after local administration (approximately 9 h after direct injection) and risk for side effects. This work is aimed to develop a nanoemulsion of bupivacaine HCl with sustained local anesthetics release kinetics for improved pain management, by exhibiting extended analgesic action and providing reduced peak levels in the circulation to minimize side effects. Herein, biodegradable oils were evaluated for use in nanoemulsions to enable sustained release kinetics of bupivacaine HCl. Only with castor oil, a clear and stable nanoemulsion was obtained without the occurrence of phase separation over a period of 3 months. High loading of bupivacaine HCl into the castor oil-based nanoemulsion system was achieved with about 98% entrapment efficiency and the resulting formulation showed high stability under stress conditions (accelerated stability test) regarding changes in visual appearance, drug content, and droplet size. We show herein that the in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles as well as pharmacodynamic outcome (pain relief test) after subcutaneous administration in rats correlate well and clearly demonstrate the prolonged release and extended duration of activity of our novel nanoformulation. In addition, the lower C max value achieved in the blood compartment suggests the possibility that the risk for systemic side effects is reduced. We conclude that castor oil-based nanomulsion represents an attractive pain treatment possibility to achieve prolonged local action of bupivacaine HCl.

Electroactive polymer actuator based on a reduced graphene electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, Ki Hong; Choi, Hyonkwang

2014-03-01

We report an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator using a reduced graphene electrode for a ionic polymer-metal composite actuator. Aqueous-reduced graphene is deposited to both sides of the ionic polymer membranes by using a simple inkjet printing process. The electrical and the optical properties of the reduced graphene were evaluated by using a four-point probe system, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. The actuator properties were evaluated from the curvatures of the ionic polymer graphene composite (IPGC) for various input voltages. From the results, we propose a new and simple isosceles trapezoidal element model for analyzing the relations among the input voltage, thickness, and curvature of IPGC.

Efficacy of adhesive strips to reduce postoperative periorbital edema and ecchymosis following rhinoplasty

PubMed

Tatar, Sedat; Bulam, Mehmet Hakan; Özmen, Selahattin

2018-02-23

Background/aim: Periorbital edema and ecchymosis may develop following rhinoplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of adhesive strip application on the upper and lower eyelids to reduce postoperative edema and ecchymosis following rhinoplasty. Materials and methods: The eyelids of one side were randomly selected, and an adhesive strip of standard size and number was applied at the end of the operation. The strips were removed at postoperative day 3; photos of the eyes were taken at days 3 and 7. Edema and ecchymosis were graded on a scale from 1 to 4. The ecchymosis areas on the lower and upper eyelids were measured and compared in square centimeters. Results: The mean ecchymosis area of the lower eyelid on the side of the adhesive strip and on the side without the strip was 1.63 cm2 and 3.32 cm2 in the early period, respectively. It was 1.15 cm2 on the upper eyelid on the side of the adhesive strip, and 1.87 cm2 on the side without the strip. It was 0.224 cm2 on the side of the adhesive strip, and 0.498 cm2 on the side without the adhesive strip in the late period. Conclusion: Applying adhesive strips reduces periorbital edema and ecchymosis.

Psychopharmacology of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects and Side Effects.

PubMed

Golmirzaei, Javad; Mahboobi, Hamidreza; Yazdanparast, Maryam; Mushtaq, Gohar; Kamal, Mohammad A; Hamzei, Enayatollah

2016-01-01

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder in children which manifests with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. Several drugs are used in treatment of ADHD. Stimulants, atomoxetine, anti-depressants, and bupropion are common medications used in the treatment of ADHD. Stimulants are widely used as the first line treatment in children with ADHD. Their mechanism of action is the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in central nervous system. Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD. Methylphenidate significantly reduces ADHD symptoms in children both at home and school and improves their social skills. Methylphenidate is safe in healthy children and has shown to have no cardiac side effects in these patients. Other medications include: Atomoxetine, Amphetamines, Clonidine, Melatonin, and anti-depressants. Effects, side effects, and mechanism of action these drugs have been discussed in this paper.

Flight Evaluation of an Aircraft with Side and Center Stick Controllers and Rate-Limited Ailerons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deppe, P. R.; Chalk, C. R.; Shafer, M. F.

1996-01-01

As part of an ongoing government and industry effort to study the flying qualities of aircraft with rate-limited control surface actuators, two studies were previously flown to examine an algorithm developed to reduce the tendency for pilot-induced oscillation when rate limiting occurs. This algorithm, when working properly, greatly improved the performance of the aircraft in the first study. In the second study, however, the algorithm did not initially offer as much improvement. The differences between the two studies caused concern. The study detailed in this paper was performed to determine whether the performance of the algorithm was affected by the characteristics of the cockpit controllers. Time delay and flight control system noise were also briefly evaluated. An in-flight simulator, the Calspan Learjet 25, was programmed with a low roll actuator rate limit, and the algorithm was programmed into the flight control system. Side- and center-stick controllers, force and position command signals, a rate-limited feel system, a low-frequency feel system, and a feel system damper were evaluated. The flight program consisted of four flights and 38 evaluations of test configurations. Performance of the algorithm was determined to be unaffected by using side- or center-stick controllers or force or position command signals. The rate-limited feel system performed as well as the rate-limiting algorithm but was disliked by the pilots. The low-frequency feel system and the feel system damper were ineffective. Time delay and noise were determined to degrade the performance of the algorithm.

Evaluation of Side Stream Filtration Technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Boyd, Brian K.

2014-08-01

This technology evaluation was performed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory on behalf of the Federal Energy Management Program. The objective was to quantify the benefits side stream filtration provides to a cooling tower system. The evaluation assessed the performance of an existing side stream filtration system at a cooling tower system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Spallation Neutron Source research facility. This location was selected because it offered the opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of a system featuring side stream filtration and an unfiltered system.

Basic imaging properties of an indirect flat-panel detector system employing irradiation side sampling (ISS) technology for chest radiography: comparison with a computed radiographic system.

PubMed

Tanaka, Nobukazu; Yano, Yuki; Yabuuchi, Hidetake; Akasaka, Tsutomu; Sasaki, Masayuki; Ohki, Masafumi; Morishita, Junji

2013-01-01

The image quality and potential usefulness for patient skin-dose reduction of a newly developed flat-panel detector (FPD) system employing irradiation side sampling (ISS) were investigated and compared to a conventional computed radiography (CR) system. We used the X-ray beam quality of RQA 9 as noted in the standard evaluation method by the International Electrotechnical Commission 62220-1 to evaluate the image quality of the detector for chest radiography. The presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) of the ISS-FPD system was slightly higher than that of the CR system in the horizontal direction at more than 2.2 cycles/mm. However, the presampled MTF of the ISS-FPD system was slightly lower than that of the CR system in the vertical direction. The Wiener spectrum of the ISS-FPD system showed a 50-65 % lesser noise level than that of the CR system under the same exposure condition. The detective quantum efficiency of the ISS-FPD system was at least twice as great as that of the CR system. We conclude that the ISS-FPD system has the potential to reduce the patient skin dose compared to a conventional CR system for chest radiography.

Electrochemical sensor having suspended element counter electrode and deflection method for current sensing

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G.; Brown, Gilbert M.

2010-05-18

An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.

Men's preferences for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a discrete choice experiment.

PubMed

Mankowski, Colette; Ikenwilo, Divine; Heidenreich, Sebastian; Ryan, Mandy; Nazir, Jameel; Newman, Cathy; Watson, Verity

2016-01-01

To explore and quantify men's preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for attributes of medications for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia using a discrete choice experiment. Men in the UK aged ≥45 years with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (based on self-reported International Prostate Symptom Score ≥8) were recruited. An online discrete choice experiment survey was administered. Eligible men were asked to consider different medication scenarios and select their preferred medication according to seven attributes: daytime and nighttime (nocturia) urinary frequency, urinary urgency, sexual and nonsexual side effects, number of tablets/day, and cost/month. A mixed-logit model was used to estimate preferences and WTP for medication attributes. In all, 247 men completed the survey. Men were willing to trade-off symptom improvements and treatment side effects. Men preferred medications that reduced urinary urgency and reduced day- and nighttime urinary frequency. Men preferred medications without side effects (base-case level), but did not care about the number of tablets per day. WTP for symptomatic improvement was £25.33/month for reduced urgency (urge incontinence to mild urgency), and £6.65/month and £1.39/month for each unit reduction in night- and daytime urination frequency, respectively. The sexual and nonsexual side effects reduced WTP by up to £30.07/month. There was significant heterogeneity in preferences for most attributes, except for reduced urinary urgency from urge incontinence to mild urgency and no fluid during ejaculation (dry orgasm). To compensate for side effects, a medicine for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia must provide a combination of benefits, such as reduced urgency of urination plus reduced nighttime and/or reduced daytime urination.

Lowest cost due to highest productivity and highest quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenk, Daniel

2003-03-01

Since global purchasing in the automotive industry has been taken up all around the world there is one main key factor that makes a TB-supplier today successful: Producing highest quality at lowest cost. The fact that Tailored Blanks, which today may reach up to 1/3 of a car body weight, are purchased on the free market but from different steel suppliers, especially in Europe and NAFTA, the philosophy on OEM side has been changing gradually towards tough evaluation criteria. "No risk at the stamping side" calls for top quality Tailored- or Tubular Blank products. Outsourcing Tailored Blanks has been starting in Japan but up to now without any quality request from the OEM side like ISO 13919-1B (welding quality standard in Europe and USA). Increased competition will automatically push the quality level and the ongoing approach to combine high strength steel with Tailored- and Tubular Blanks will ask for even more reliable system concepts which enables to weld narrow seams at highest speed. Beside producing quality, which is the key to reduce one of the most important cost driver "material scrap," in-line quality systems with true and reliable evaluation is going to be a "must" on all weld systems. Traceability of all process related data submitted to interfaces according to customer request in combination with ghost-shift-operation of TB systems are tomorrow's state-of-the-art solutions of Tailored Blank-facilities.

[Injection Pressure Evaluation of the New Venous Catheter with Side Holes for Contrast-enhanced CT/MRI].

PubMed

Fukuda, Junya; Arai, Keisuke; Miyazawa, Hitomi; Kobayashi, Kyouko; Nakamura, Junpei; Suto, Takayuki; Tsushima, Yoshito

2018-01-01

The simulation study was conducted for the new venous catheter with side holes of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the infusion pressure on four contrast media and several injection speeds. All infusion pressure of the new venous catheter with side holes were less than 15 kg/cm 2 as limitation of extension tube and also reduced the infusion pressure by 15% at the maximum compared to the catheter with single hole. The results suggest that the new venous catheter with side holes can reduce the infusion pressure by power injection of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI.

The Airbag as a Supplement to Standard Restraint Systems in the AH-1 and AH-64 Attack Helicopters and Its Role in Reducing Head Strikes of the Copilot/ Gunner. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

shelf and locally available automotive airbag system was selected for the tests. The system was a driver’s side airbag designed by Honda Motor Company...allowance for hardware redesign or modifi- cation. Despite these limitations, the study succeeded in demonstrating a problem exists and a supplemental airbag ...JSAARL Repqrt No. 91-8 AD-A233 349 Volume’ I(3 The Airbag as a Supplement to Standard Restraint Systems in the AH-1 and AH-64 Attack Helicopters and

Aloesin as a medical food ingredient for systemic oxidative stress of diabetes

PubMed Central

Yimam, Mesfin; Brownell, Lidia; Jia, Qi

2015-01-01

Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires a long term management where oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in disease progression and intensifying secondary complications. In spite of all the research on diabetes and recent advances in diabetes treatments, the reality is that there is no cure for diabetes and its devastating complications. While currently available anti-diabetic therapies are effective in reducing blood glucose level, they are not without associated side effects when they are used for a long term applications. As a result, physicians and patients are inclining more towards to a safer therapy with less serious side effects in the form of medicinal foods and botanical alternatives that are suitable for chronic usage. Aloesin, an Aloe chromone, has previously been formulated with an aloe polysaccharide to give a composition called Loesyn, where it showed significant impact in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, fructosamine and plasma insulin level in humans. Radical scavenging activities of chromones and polysaccharides from Aloe have also been reported. Here we rationalize the relevance of use of Aloesin alone or in a standardized blend with Aloe polysaccharides, as a potential medical food to manage systemic oxidative stress and/or high blood glucose of diabetes. PMID:26265996

Parameter study for child injury mitigation in near-side impacts through FE simulations.

PubMed

Andersson, Marianne; Pipkorn, Bengt; Lövsund, Per

2012-01-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of crash-related car parameters on head and chest injury measures for 3- and 12-year-old children in near-side impacts. The evaluation was made using a model of a complete passenger car that was impacted laterally by a barrier. The car model was validated in 2 crash conditions: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the US New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) side impact tests. The Small Side Impact Dummy (SID-IIs) and the human body model 3 (HBM3) (Total HUman Model for Safety [THUMS] 3-year-old) finite element models were used for the parametric investigation (HBM3 on a booster). The car parameters were as follows: vehicle mass, side impact structure stiffness, a head air bag, a thorax-pelvis air bag, and a seat belt with pretensioner. The studied dependent variables were as follows: resultant head linear acceleration, resultant head rotational acceleration, chest viscous criterion, rib deflection, and relative velocity at head impact. The chest measurements were only considered for the SID-IIs. The head air bag had the greatest effect on the head measurements for both of the occupant models. On average, it reduced the peak head linear acceleration by 54 g for the HBM3 and 78 g for the SID-IIs. The seat belt had the second greatest effect on the head measurements; the peak head linear accelerations were reduced on average by 39 g (HBM3) and 44 g (SID-IIs). The high stiffness side structure increased the SID-IIs' head acceleration, whereas it had marginal effect on the HBM3. The vehicle mass had a marginal effect on SID-IIs' head accelerations, whereas the lower vehicle mass caused 18 g higher head acceleration for HBM3 and the greatest rotational acceleration. The thorax-pelvis air bag, vehicle mass, and seat belt pretensioner affected the chest measurements the most. The presence of a thorax-pelvis air bag, high vehicle mass, and a seat belt pretensioner all reduced the chest viscous criterion (VC) and peak rib deflection in the SID-IIs. The head and thorax-pelvis air bags have the potential to reduce injury measurements for both the SID-IIs and the HBM3, provided that the air bag properties are designed to consider these occupant sizes also. The seat belt pretensioner is also effective, provided that the lateral translation of the torso is managed by other features. The importance of lateral movement management is greater the smaller the occupant is. Light vehicles require interior restraint systems of higher performance than heavy vehicles do to achieve the same level of injury measures for a given side structure. Copyright © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Horizontal wells in the Java Sea

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

Barrett, S.L.; Lyon, R.

1988-05-01

The utilization of the Navigation Drilling System in recent drilling activity has established that: Continuous build rates as high as 6.75 degrees/100 ft are achievable (with a .74 degree DTU), making possible the tapping of near platform reserves. The system provides the flexibility necessary to drill a continuous curve or an irregular path without bottomhole assembly changes. The system provides the flexibility for sidetracks to the ''low side'' of the well bore without coming out of the hole for bottomhole assembly changes or a cement plug. Geological objectives can be reached with a high degree of accuracy. The system greatlymore » reduces the costly learning curve associated with rotary bottomhole assemblies and substantially increases the confidence of the operator. Significant drilling cost reductions resulted from the use of the system. The cost per foot was further reduced as additional familiarity with the equipment was gained.« less

Monthly plasmapheresis for systemic lupus erythematosus with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Clark, William F.; Lindsay, Robert M.; Cattran, Daniel C.; Chodirker, William B.; Barnes, Colin C.; Linton, Adam L.

1981-01-01

Twelve patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and biopsy-proved diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis were randomly allocated to a control group (to continue receiving conventional therapy only) or to a plasmapheresis group (to receive conventional therapy along with one 4-I plasma exchange a month). The six patients treated with plasmapheresis had better preservation of renal function, reduced disease activity, fewer admissions to hospital and less need for steroid and immunosuppressive therapy than the six control patients. The patients treated with plasmapheresis also showed evidence of reduced immunologic activity and had no side effects attributable to the plasma exchange. These results suggest that monthly plasma exchange should be assessed in a controlled randomized trial as a possible therapeutic adjunct in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. PMID:7272867

Dissecting the immune cell mayhem that drives lupus pathogenesis.

PubMed

Craft, Joseph E

2011-03-09

The autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) results from an inability of the immune system to discriminate between certain self-antigens and foreign ones. The most common treatment of SLE involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation, but these therapies have serious side effects. Three recent papers in Science Translational Medicine redirect focus on neutrophils, platelets, and interferon-α in the pathogenesis of SLE and reinforce the notion that researchers should seek to discover and devise combination therapies that target these processes.

Acoustic resonance in MEMS scale cylindrical tubes with side branches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schill, John F.; Holthoff, Ellen L.; Pellegrino, Paul M.; Marcus, Logan S.

2014-05-01

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a useful monitoring technique that is well suited for trace gas detection. This method routinely exhibits detection limits at the parts-per-million (ppm) or parts-per-billion (ppb) level for gaseous samples. PAS also possesses favorable detection characteristics when the system dimensions are scaled to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) design. One of the central issues related to sensor miniaturization is optimization of the photoacoustic cell geometry, especially in relationship to high acoustical amplification and reduced system noise. Previous work relied on a multiphysics approach to analyze the resonance structures of the MEMS scale photo acoustic cell. This technique was unable to provide an accurate model of the acoustic structure. In this paper we describe a method that relies on techniques developed from musical instrument theory and electronic transmission line matrix methods to describe cylindrical acoustic resonant cells with side branches of various configurations. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the ease and accuracy of this method. All experimental results were within 2% of those predicted by this theory.

Investigation of the Performance of Safety Systems for Protection of the Elderly

PubMed Central

Augenstein, J.; Digges, K; Bahouth, G.; Dalmotas, D.; Perdeck, E.; Stratton, J.

2005-01-01

This study investigates injury occurrence for belted occupants as a function of age. An analysis of NASS/CDS 1997–2003 data was conducted to determine crash involvement rates and injury rates for front seat occupants versus mean occupant age. In frontal and near-side crashes, the average age of MAIS 3+ belted front seat occupants injured in crashes less severe than 15 mph is of the order of 50 years. The average age of the population exposed to crashes less severe than 15 mph is under 40 years old. The crash exposure and frequency if injuries to the elderly were both found to be the highest in low severity crashes. The chest is the most frequent body region injured for the elderly. These findings suggest the need for more benign safety systems to protect the elderly in low severity crashes. Design of safety systems for the elderly should give priority to reducing the chest loading in low severity frontal and near-side crashes. PMID:16179159

Study on Walking Training System using High-Performance Shoes constructed with Rubber Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayakawa, Y.; Kawanaka, S.; Kanezaki, K.; Doi, S.

2016-09-01

The number of accidental falls has been increasing among the elderly as society has aged. The main factor is a deteriorating center of balance due to declining physical performance. Another major factor is that the elderly tend to have bowlegged walking and their center of gravity position of the body tend to swing from side to side during walking. To find ways to counteract falls among the elderly, we developed walking training system to treat the gap in the center of balance. We also designed High-Performance Shoes that showed the status of a person's balance while walking. We also produced walk assistance from the insole in which insole stiffness corresponded to human sole distribution could be changed to correct the person's walking status. We constructed our High- Performances Shoes to detect pressure distribution during walking. Comparing normal sole distribution patterns and corrected ones, we confirmed that our assistance system helped change the user's posture, thereby reducing falls among the elderly.

Ducted fan inlet/exit and rotor tip flow improvements for vertical lift systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akturk, Ali

The current research utilized experimental and computational techniques in 5" and 22" diameter ducted fan test systems that have been custom designed and manufactured. Qualitative investigation of flow around the ducted fan was also performed using smoke flow visualizations. Quantitative measurements consisted of 2D and 3D velocity measurements using planar and Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV and SPIV), high resolution total pressure measurements using Kiel total pressure probes and real time six-component force and torque measurements. The computational techniques used in this thesis included a recently developed radial equilibrium based rotor model(REBRM) and a three dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) based CFD model. A radial equilibrium based rotor model (REBRM) developed by the author was effectively integrated into a three-dimensional RANS based computational system. The PIV measurements and computational flow predictions using (REBRM) near the fan inlet plane were in a good agreement at hover and forward flight conditions. The aerodynamic modifications resulting from the fan inlet flow distortions in forward flight regime were clearly captured in 2D PIV results. High resolution total pressure measurements at the downstream of the fan rotor showed that tip leakage, rotor hub separation, and passage flow related total pressure losses were dominant in hover condition. However, the losses were dramatically increased in forward flight because of inlet lip separation and distortion. A novel ducted fan inlet flow conditioning concept named "Double Ducted Fan" (DDF) was developed. The (DDF) concept has a potential to significantly improve the performance and controllability of VTOL UAVs and many other ducted fan based vertical lift systems. The new concept that will significantly reduce the inlet lip separation related performance penalties used a secondary stationary duct system to control "inlet lip separation" occurring especially at elevated forward flight velocities. The (DDF) is self-adjusting in a wide forward flight velocity range. DDFs corrective aerodynamic in influence becomes more pronounced with increasing flight velocity due to its inherent design properties. RANS simulations of the flow around rotor blades and duct geometry in the rotating frame of reference provided a comprehensive description of the tip leakage and passage flow in the flow environment of the two ducted fan research facilities developed throughout this thesis. The aerodynamic measurements and results of the RANS simulation showed good agreement especially near the tip region. A number of novel tip treatments based on custom designed pressure side extensions were introduced. Various tip leakage mitigation schemes were introduced by varying the chordwise location and the width of the extension in the circumferential direction. The current study showed that a proper selection of the pressure side bump location and width were the two critical parameters in influencing the success of the tip leakage mitigation approach. Significant gains in axial mean velocity component were observed when a proper pressure side tip extension was used. It is also observed that an effective tip leakage mitigation scheme significantly reduced the tangential velocity component near the tip of the axial fan blade. Reduced tip clearance related flow interactions were essential in improving the energy efficiency and range of ducted fan based vehicle. Full and inclined pressure side tip squealers were designed. Squealer tips were effective in changing the overall trajectory of the tip vortex to a higher path in radial direction. The interaction of rotor blades and tip vortex was effectively reduced and aerodynamic performance of the rotor blades was improved. The overall aerodynamic gain was a measurable reduction in leakage mass flow rate. This leakage reduction increased thrust significantly. Full and inclined pressure side tip squealers increased thrust obtained in hover condition by 9.1 % and 9.6 % respectively. A reduction or elimination of the momentum deficit in tip vortices is essential to reduce the adverse performance effects originating from the unsteady and highly turbulent tip leakage flows rotating against a stationary casing. The novel tip treatments developed throughout this thesis research are highly effective in reducing the adverse performance effects of ducted fan systems developed for VTOL vehicles. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Biomedical sensor design using analog compressed sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balouchestani, Mohammadreza; Krishnan, Sridhar

2015-05-01

The main drawback of current healthcare systems is the location-specific nature of the system due to the use of fixed/wired biomedical sensors. Since biomedical sensors are usually driven by a battery, power consumption is the most important factor determining the life of a biomedical sensor. They are also restricted by size, cost, and transmission capacity. Therefore, it is important to reduce the load of sampling by merging the sampling and compression steps to reduce the storage usage, transmission times, and power consumption in order to expand the current healthcare systems to Wireless Healthcare Systems (WHSs). In this work, we present an implementation of a low-power biomedical sensor using analog Compressed Sensing (CS) framework for sparse biomedical signals that addresses both the energy and telemetry bandwidth constraints of wearable and wireless Body-Area Networks (BANs). This architecture enables continuous data acquisition and compression of biomedical signals that are suitable for a variety of diagnostic and treatment purposes. At the transmitter side, an analog-CS framework is applied at the sensing step before Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) in order to generate the compressed version of the input analog bio-signal. At the receiver side, a reconstruction algorithm based on Restricted Isometry Property (RIP) condition is applied in order to reconstruct the original bio-signals form the compressed bio-signals with high probability and enough accuracy. We examine the proposed algorithm with healthy and neuropathy surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals. The proposed algorithm achieves a good level for Average Recognition Rate (ARR) at 93% and reconstruction accuracy at 98.9%. In addition, The proposed architecture reduces total computation time from 32 to 11.5 seconds at sampling-rate=29 % of Nyquist rate, Percentage Residual Difference (PRD)=26 %, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE)=3 %.

Carbon fiber post-tensioned cables reduce bridge deck cracking, extend service life : research spotlight.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-09-01

Side-by-side box-beam bridges are low-cost and easy to construct, : but it is difficult to inspect the interior beam webs, which can hide : potential defects such as cracking and other deterioration. A new : design reduces these problems and could do...

Thalidomide analogue CC-3052 reduces HIV+ neutrophil apoptosis in vitro

PubMed Central

Guckian, M; Dransfield, I; Hay, P; Dalgleish, A G

2000-01-01

Thalidomide has significant immunomodulatory properties and has been used successfully in the treatment of oral ulcers and wasting in HIV patients. However, its use is limited by its poor bioavailability due to low solubility and short half life in solution, and teratogenic and neurotoxic side-effects. Recently, water-soluble analogues of thalidomide with significantly greater immunomodulatory activity and reduced side-effects have become available. We examined the effect of thalidomide and one analogue, CC-3052, on neutrophil apoptosis following culture for 20 h in vitro. Apoptosis was assessed by reduced CD16 expression and Annexin V binding using flow cytometry. Thalidomide or CC-3052 alone had no effect on neutrophil apoptosis when used at physiological levels. However, when used together with prostaglandin E2 (10−7 m), a potent adenylate cyclase activator, CC-3052 but not thalidomide (both 10−5 m) reduced apoptosis in neutrophils from normal and HIV+ donors. The reduced apoptosis could not be attributed to the ability of CC-3052 to reduce tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production, but may be due to its PDE4 inhibitor properties, as it increased [cAMP]i, and mimicked the effect of increasing [cAMP]i using dibutryl cAMP, a membrane-permeable analogue of cAMP. The results suggest a role for thalidomide analogue CC-3052 in reducing persistent activation of the TNF-α system in HIV without markedly impairing neutrophil viability. PMID:10971513

Oblique incidence reflectometry: optical models and measurements using a side-viewing gradient index lens-based endoscopic imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wall, R. Andrew; Barton, Jennifer K.

2014-06-01

A side-viewing, 2.3-mm diameter oblique incidence reflectometry endoscope has been designed to obtain optical property measurements of turbid samples. Light from a single-mode fiber is relayed obliquely onto the tissue with a gradient index lens-based distal optics assembly and the resulting diffuse reflectance profile is imaged and collected with a 30,000 element, 0.72 mm clear aperture fiber bundle. Sampling the diffuse reflectance in two-dimensions allows for fitting of the reflected intensity profile to a well-known theoretical model, permitting the extraction of both absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the tissue sample. Models and measurements of the endoscopic imaging system are presented in tissue phantoms and in vivo mouse colon, verifying the endoscope's capabilities to accurately measure effective attenuation coefficient and differentiate diseased from normal colon.

Nonlinear focusing of ultrasonic waves by an axisymmetric diffraction grating embedded in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, N.; Romero-García, V.; Picó, R.; Garcia-Raffi, L. M.; Staliunas, K.

2015-11-01

We report the nonlinear focusing of ultrasonic waves by an axisymmetric diffraction grating immersed in water. In the linear regime, the system presents high focal gain (32 dB), with a narrow beam-width and intense side lobes as it is common in focusing by Fresnel-like lenses. Activating the nonlinearity of the host medium by using high amplitude incident waves, the focusing properties of the lens dramatically change. Theoretical predictions show that the focal gain of the system extraordinary increases in the strongly nonlinear regime (Mach number of 6.1 × 10-4). Particularly, the harmonic generation is locally activated at the focal spot, and the second harmonic beam is characterized by strongly reduced side-lobes and an excellent beam profile as experiments show in agreement with theory. The results can motivate applications in medical therapy or second harmonic imaging.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment: current realities and future.

PubMed

Berthon-Jones, M; Lawrence, S; Sullivan, C E; Grunstein, R

1996-11-01

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) is reduced 10-fold, but the patient dropout rate is up to 30%, and usage is typically < 5 hours per night. Titration, designed to make the best trade-off between effectiveness and side effects, is expensive. Autotitrating devices make this trade-off on a minute-by-minute basis, potentially reducing mean pressure delivery, reducing side effects, and increasing compliance. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the AutoSet self-adjusting nasal CPAP system (ResMed, Sydney, Australia) in eliminating obstructive events and normalizing the arousal index. Forty-five subjects (41 males and 4 females with AHI) values of > 20/hour were recruited, with written informed consent. Subjects slept for a diagnostic night, followed by a treatment night, in the laboratory, using the AutoSet system with full polysomnographic monitoring of respiratory and sleep variables. Arousals were scored using ASDA criteria. Hypopneas were scored when there was a 50% reduction in ventilation for > 10 seconds, associated with a 4% drop in oxygen saturation. For comparison, the ASDA arousal index in 16 normal subjects (without nasal CPAP) is provided. Results are given as mean +/- standard error of the mean. AHI was reduced from 55 +/- 3 to 1.5 +/- 0.35 events/hour (p < 0.0001). The arousal index was reduced from 65 +/- 3 to 18 +/- 2 events/hour (p < 0.0001), identical to the value in the 16 healthy normal subjects. There was a 158% +/- 21% increase in slow-wave sleep (p = 0.01) and a 186% +/- 27% increase in rapid eye movement sleep (p = 0.013). The AutoSet self-adjusting nasal CPAP system adequately treats obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the first night under laboratory conditions.

The biomechanics of one-footed vertical jump performance in unilateral trans-tibial amputees.

PubMed

Strike, S C; Diss, C

2005-04-01

This study investigated vertical jumps from single support for two trans-tibial amputees from a standing position. The mechanisms used to achieve flight and the compensatory mechanisms used in the production of force in the absence of plantarflexors are detailed. Two participants completed countermovement maximum vertical jumps from the prosthetic and the sound limbs. The jumps were recorded by a 7-camera 512 VICON motion analysis system integrated with a Kistler forceplate. Flight height was 5 cm jumping from the prosthetic side and 18-19 cm from the sound side. The countermovement was shallower and its duration was less on the prosthetic side compared to the sound side. The reduced and passive range of motion at the prosthesis resulted in an asymmetrical countermovement for both participants with the knee and ankle joints most affected. The duration of the push-off phase was not consistently affected. At take-off the joints on the sound side reached close to full extension while on the prosthetic side they remained more flexed. Joint extension velocity in the push-off phase was similar for both participants on the sound side, though the timing for participant 2 illustrated earlier peaks. The pattern of joint extension velocity was not a smooth proximal to distal sequence on the prosthetic side. The magnitude and timing of the inter-segment extensor moments were asymmetrical for both subjects. The power pattern was asymmetrical in both the countermovement and push-off phases; the lack of power generation at the ankle affected that produced at the remaining joints.

Antibiotic administration alleviates the aggravating effect of orthodontic force on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis bone loss in mice.

PubMed

Shi, J; Liu, Z; Kawai, T; Zhou, Y; Han, X

2017-08-01

It is recognized that orthodontic force (OF) has an aggravating effect on the progression of destructive periodontitis if periodontitis have not been well controlled. However, the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. This study was to investigate the effect of antibiotic administration on OF-aggravated, ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in mice. C57BL/6 mice (male, 8 wk old) were divided into three groups (n = 8). Silk ligatures (SL) were tied around the maxillary right (group 1) or both (groups 2 and 3) first molars on day 0, removed on day 8 and systemic antibiotics was administered through drinking water (group 3) since day 8. OF was applied on the maxillary right first molars since day 13 (groups 2 and 3). All mice were killed on day 20. Total oral bacteria load was significantly higher in group 2 when compared to group 1 on day 20, whereas such count was greatly reduced in group 3 when antibiotics were administered. Periodontal bone loss was significantly increased on SL side vs. control side in group 1. Periodontal bone loss was significantly increased on OF + SL side vs. SL side in group 2 (p < 0.05) but not in group 3 when systemic antibiotics were administered. Gingival mRNA and protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/osteoprotegerin were significantly increased on OF + SL side vs. SL side in group 2 (p < 0.01) but not in group 3. However, comparable levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cell formation within periodontal space and tooth movement were observed on OF + SL side in groups 2 and 3. Our results suggest that reduction of oral bacterial load by antibiotic administration alleviate orthodontic force-aggravated periodontitis bone loss. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Conjugation of diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate reduces polymerization shrinkage and increases the hardness of composite resins.

PubMed

Jan, Yih-Dean; Lee, Bor-Shiunn; Lin, Chun-Pin; Tseng, Wan-Yu

2014-04-01

Polymerization shrinkage is one of the main causes of dental restoration failure. This study tried to conjugate two diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate resins in order to reduce polymerization shrinkage and increase the hardness of composite resins. Diisocyanate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and bisphenol A dimethacrylate were reacted in different ratios to form urethane-modified new resin matrices, and then mixed with 50 wt.% silica fillers. The viscosities of matrices, polymerization shrinkage, surface hardness, and degrees of conversion of experimental composite resins were then evaluated and compared with a non-modified control group. The viscosities of resin matrices increased with increasing diisocyanate side chain density. Polymerization shrinkage and degree of conversion, however, decreased with increasing diisocyanate side chain density. The surface hardness of all diisocyanate-modified groups was equal to or significantly higher than that of the control group. Conjugation of diisocyanate side chains to dimethacrylate represents an effective means of reducing polymerization shrinkage and increasing the surface hardness of dental composite resins. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Whole-head functional brain imaging of neonates at cot-side using time-resolved diffuse optical tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dempsey, Laura A.; Cooper, Robert J.; Powell, Samuel; Edwards, Andrea; Lee, Chuen-Wai; Brigadoi, Sabrina; Everdell, Nick; Arridge, Simon; Gibson, Adam P.; Austin, Topun; Hebden, Jeremy C.

2015-07-01

We present a method for acquiring whole-head images of changes in blood volume and oxygenation from the infant brain at cot-side using time-resolved diffuse optical tomography (TR-DOT). At UCL, we have built a portable TR-DOT device, known as MONSTIR II, which is capable of obtaining a whole-head (1024 channels) image sequence in 75 seconds. Datatypes extracted from the temporal point spread functions acquired by the system allow us to determine changes in absorption and reduced scattering coefficients within the interrogated tissue. This information can then be used to define clinically relevant measures, such as oxygen saturation, as well as to reconstruct images of relative changes in tissue chromophore concentration, notably those of oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin. Additionally, the effective temporal resolution of our system is improved with spatio-temporal regularisation implemented through a Kalman filtering approach, allowing us to image transient haemodynamic changes. By using this filtering technique with intensity and mean time-of-flight datatypes, we have reconstructed images of changes in absorption and reduced scattering coefficients in a dynamic 2D phantom. These results demonstrate that MONSTIR II is capable of resolving slow changes in tissue optical properties within volumes that are comparable to the preterm head. Following this verification study, we are progressing to imaging a 3D dynamic phantom as well as the neonatal brain at cot-side. Our current study involves scanning healthy babies to demonstrate the quality of recordings we are able to achieve in this challenging patient population, with the eventual goal of imaging functional activation and seizures.

Alternative rapamycin treatment regimens mitigate the impact of rapamycin on glucose homeostasis and the immune system.

PubMed

Arriola Apelo, Sebastian I; Neuman, Joshua C; Baar, Emma L; Syed, Faizan A; Cummings, Nicole E; Brar, Harpreet K; Pumper, Cassidy P; Kimple, Michelle E; Lamming, Dudley W

2016-02-01

Inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by the FDA-approved drug rapamycin has been shown to promote lifespan and delay age-related diseases in model organisms including mice. Unfortunately, rapamycin has potentially serious side effects in humans, including glucose intolerance and immunosuppression, which may preclude the long-term prophylactic use of rapamycin as a therapy for age-related diseases. While the beneficial effects of rapamycin are largely mediated by the inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), which is acutely sensitive to rapamycin, many of the negative side effects are mediated by the inhibition of a second mTOR-containing complex, mTORC2, which is much less sensitive to rapamycin. We hypothesized that different rapamycin dosing schedules or the use of FDA-approved rapamycin analogs with different pharmacokinetics might expand the therapeutic window of rapamycin by more specifically targeting mTORC1. Here, we identified an intermittent rapamycin dosing schedule with minimal effects on glucose tolerance, and we find that this schedule has a reduced impact on pyruvate tolerance, fasting glucose and insulin levels, beta cell function, and the immune system compared to daily rapamycin treatment. Further, we find that the FDA-approved rapamycin analogs everolimus and temsirolimus efficiently inhibit mTORC1 while having a reduced impact on glucose and pyruvate tolerance. Our results suggest that many of the negative side effects of rapamycin treatment can be mitigated through intermittent dosing or the use of rapamycin analogs. © 2015 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

Kahan, A.; Devaux, J.Y.; Amor, B.

In systemic sclerosis, abnormalities of myocardial perfusion are common and may be caused by a disturbance of the coronary microcirculation. We evaluated the long-term effect of captopril (75 to 150 mg per day) on thallium 201 myocardial perfusion in 12 normotensive patients with systemic sclerosis. Captopril significantly decreased the mean (+/- SD) number of segments with thallium 201 myocardial perfusion defects (6.5 +/- 1.9 at baseline and 4.4 +/- 2.7 after 1 year of treatment with captopril; p less than 0.02) and increased the mean global thallium score (9.6 +/- 1.7 at baseline and 11.4 +/- 2.1 after captopril; pmore » less than 0.05). In a control group of eight normotensive patients with systemic sclerosis who did not receive captopril, no significant modification in thallium results occurred. Side effects with captopril included hypotension (six patients), taste disturbances (one patient), and skin rash (one patient). These side effects subsided when the dosage was reduced. These findings demonstrate that captopril improves thallium 201 myocardial perfusion in patients with systemic sclerosis and may therefore have a beneficial effect on scleroderma myocardial disease.« less

Staged fluidized-bed combustion and filter system

DOEpatents

Mei, Joseph S.; Halow, John S.

1994-01-01

A staged fluidized-bed combustion and filter system for substantially reducing the quantity of waste through the complete combustion into ash-type solids and gaseous products. The device has two fluidized-bed portions, the first primarily as a combustor/pyrolyzer bed, and the second as a combustor/filter bed. The two portions each have internal baffles to define stages so that material moving therein as fluidized beds travel in an extended route through those stages. Fluidization and movement is achieved by the introduction of gases into each stage through a directional nozzle. Gases produced in the combustor/pyrolyzer bed are permitted to travel into corresponding stages of the combustor/filter bed through screen filters that permit gas flow but inhibit solids flow. Any catalyst used in the combustor/filter bed is recycled. The two beds share a common wall to minimize total volume of the system. A slightly modified embodiment can be used for hot gas desulfurization and sorbent regeneration. Either side-by-side rectangular beds or concentric beds can be used. The system is particularly suited to the processing of radioactive and chemically hazardous waste.

Transient three-dimensional startup side load analysis of a regeneratively cooled nozzle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ten-See

2009-07-01

The objective of this effort is to develop a computational methodology to capture the side load physics and to anchor the computed aerodynamic side loads with the available data by simulating the startup transient of a regeneratively cooled, high-aspect-ratio nozzle, hot-fired at sea level. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based, reacting flow computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Emphases were put on the effects of regenerative cooling on shock formation inside the nozzle, and ramp rate on side load reduction. The results show that three types of asymmetric shock physics incur strong side loads: the generation of combustion wave, shock transitions, and shock pulsations across the nozzle lip, albeit the combustion wave can be avoided with sparklers during hot-firing. Results from both regenerative cooled and adiabatic wall boundary conditions capture the early shock transitions with corresponding side loads matching the measured secondary side load. It is theorized that the first transition from free-shock separation to restricted-shock separation is caused by the Coanda effect. After which the regeneratively cooled wall enhances the Coanda effect such that the supersonic jet stays attached, while the hot adiabatic wall fights off the Coanda effect, and the supersonic jet becomes detached most of the time. As a result, the computed peak side load and dominant frequency due to shock pulsation across the nozzle lip associated with the regeneratively cooled wall boundary condition match those of the test, while those associated with the adiabatic wall boundary condition are much too low. Moreover, shorter ramp time results show that higher ramp rate has the potential in reducing the nozzle side loads.

Structural Design and Analysis of a Light-Weight Laminated Composite Heat Sink for Spaceflight PWBs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, Mark S.; Niemeyer, W. Lee

1997-01-01

In order to reduce the overall weight in spaceborne electronic systems, a conventional metallic heat sink typically used for double-sided printed wiring boards was suggested to be replaced by light-weight and high-strength laminated composite materials. Through technology validation assurance (TVA) approach, it has been successfully demonstrated that using laminated composite heat sink can not only reduce the weight of the heat sink by nearly 50%, but also significantly lower the internal thermally-induced stresses that are largely responsible for potential delamination under cyclic temperature variations. With composite heat sink, both thermal and dynamic performance of the double-sided printed wiring board (PWB) exceeds that of its counterpart with metallic heat sink. Also included in this work is the original contribution to the understanding of creep behavior of the worst-case leadless chip carrier (LCC) surface mount solder joint. This was identified as the interconnection most susceptible to thermal fatigue damage in the PWB assembly.

Proton Therapy for Thoracoabdominal Tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakurai, Hideyuki; Okumura, Toshiyuki; Sugahara, Shinji; Nakayama, Hidetsugu; Tokuuye, Koichi

In advanced-stage disease of certain thoracoabdominal tumors, proton therapy (PT) with concurrent chemotherapy may be an option to reduce side effects. Several technological developments, including a respiratory gating system and implantation of fiducial markers for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), are necessary for the treatment in thoracoabdominal tumors. In this chapter, the role of PT for tumors of the lung, the esophagus, and liver are discussed.

The Nervous System and Metabolic Dysregulation: Emerging Evidence Converges on Ketogenic Diet Therapy

PubMed Central

Ruskin, David N.; Masino, Susan A.

2012-01-01

A link between metabolism and brain function is clear. Since ancient times, epileptic seizures were noted as treatable with fasting, and historical observations of the therapeutic benefits of fasting on epilepsy were confirmed nearly 100 years ago. Shortly thereafter a high fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) debuted as a therapy to reduce seizures. This strict regimen could mimic the metabolic effects of fasting while allowing adequate caloric intake for ongoing energy demands. Today, KD therapy, which forces predominantly ketone-based rather than glucose-based metabolism, is now well-established as highly successful in reducing seizures. Cellular metabolic dysfunction in the nervous system has been recognized as existing side-by-side with nervous system disorders – although often with much less obvious cause-and-effect as the relationship between fasting and seizures. Rekindled interest in metabolic and dietary therapies for brain disorders complements new insight into their mechanisms and broader implications. Here we describe the emerging relationship between a KD and adenosine as a way to reset brain metabolism and neuronal activity and disrupt a cycle of dysfunction. We also provide an overview of the effects of a KD on cognition and recent data on the effects of a KD on pain, and explore the relative time course quantified among hallmark metabolic changes, altered neuron function and altered animal behavior assessed after diet administration. We predict continued applications of metabolic therapies in treating dysfunction including and beyond the nervous system. PMID:22470316

Intravitreal injection therapy in the treatment of noninfectious uveitis.

PubMed

Modorati, Giulio; Miserocchi, Elisabetta

2012-01-01

Uveitis is responsible for 5-20% of legal blindness in the United States and in Europe. In noninfectious uveitis, the most frequent uveitic complication that endangers sight is cystoid macular edema. Clinical characteristics, inflammation grading and visual acuity determine the choice of the correct therapy for each patient. We can utilize drugs either alone or in combination using different dosages and routes of administration. Intravitreal injection directly into the vitreous cavity leads to rapid therapeutic drug concentration in the retinal tissue and reduces systemic side effects. Intravitreally injected triamcinolone acetonide is the most powerful drug for the treatment of cystoid macular edema related to intraocular inflammation, but it also causes the most frequent and serious side effects. Due to the numerous side effects associated with the use of corticosteroids, there is a need to identify other anti-inflammatory agents with a better safety profile. Recent studies have demonstrated that intravitreal immunosuppressant injections of methotrexate or anti-VEGF agents may lead to fewer intraocular side effects, but also have a lower therapeutic activity for the reduction of macular edema. At present, intraocular anti-TNF-α drugs do not show promising results. As regards nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, further data are necessary to fully understand their efficacy and potential side effects. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Ocular bioavailability and systemic loss of topically applied ophthalmic drugs.

PubMed

Patton, T F; Francoeur, M

1978-02-01

We used 20-day-old rabbits as a model to show that the ocular bioavailability of topically applied pilocarpine nitrate increased as the instilled volume of the drug was decreased. Decreasing the instilled volume from 25 to 5 microliter permitted a dosage reduction of greater than 2.5 times without sacrificing overall drug concentrations in the eye. Since only a small fraction of topically applied doses to the eye actually reached the interior of the eye, the remainder of the dose was lost and available for systemic absorption. The reduction in dosage permitted by this approach resulted in less drug appearing in the general circulation, as shown by comparative plasma level-time profiles. The advantages of reducing drop size are improved ocular bioavailability permitting the use of smaller doses; and less systemic drug loss, thus reducing the potential for systemic side effects. These advantages could be especially significant in the pediatric and geriatric age groups.

Evaluating visual discomfort in stereoscopic projection-based CAVE system with a close viewing distance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Weitao; Weng, Dongdong; Feng, Dan; Li, Yuqian; Liu, Yue; Wang, Yongtian

2015-05-01

As one of popular immersive Virtual Reality (VR) systems, stereoscopic cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE) system is typically consisted of 4 to 6 3m-by-3m sides of a room made of rear-projected screens. While many endeavors have been made to reduce the size of the projection-based CAVE system, the issue of asthenopia caused by lengthy exposure to stereoscopic images in such CAVE with a close viewing distance was seldom tangled. In this paper, we propose a light-weighted approach which utilizes a convex eyepiece to reduce visual discomfort induced by stereoscopic vision. An empirical experiment was conducted to examine the feasibility of convex eyepiece in a large depth of field (DOF) at close viewing distance both objectively and subjectively. The result shows the positive effects of convex eyepiece on the relief of eyestrain.

Improved Stirling engine performance using jet impingement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. C.; Britt, E. J.; Thieme, L. G.

1982-01-01

Of the many factors influencing the performance of a Stirling engine, that of transferring the combustion gas heat into the working fluid is crucial. By utilizing the high heat transfer rates obtainable with a jet impingement heat transfer system, it is possible to reduce the flame temperature required for engine operation. Also, the required amount of heater tube surface area may be reduced, resulting in a decrease in the engine nonswept volume and a related increase in engine efficiency. A jet impingement heat transfer system was designed by Rasor Associates, Inc., and tested in the GPU-3 Stirling engine at the NASA Lewis Research Center. For a small penalty in pumping power (less than 0.5% of engine output) the jet impingement heat transfer system provided a higher combustion-gas-side heat transfer coefficient and a smoothing of heater temperature profiles resulting in lower combustion system temperatures and a 5 to 8% increase in engine power output and efficiency.

Upper extremity interaction with a helicopter side airbag: injury criteria for dynamic hyperextension of the female elbow joint.

PubMed

Duma, Stefan M; Hansen, Gail A; Kennedy, Eric A; Rath, Amber L; McNally, Craig; Kemper, Andrew R; Smith, Eric P; Brolinson, P Gunnar; Stitzel, Joel D; Davis, Martin B; Bass, Cameron R; Brozoski, Frederick T; McEntire, B Joseph; Alem, Nabih M; Crowley, John S

2004-11-01

This paper describes a three part analysis to characterize the interaction between the female upper extremity and a helicopter cockpit side airbag system and to develop dynamic hyperextension injury criteria for the female elbow joint. Part I involved a series of 10 experiments with an original Army Black Hawk helicopter side airbag. A 5(th) percentile female Hybrid III instrumented upper extremity was used to demonstrate side airbag upper extremity loading. Two out of the 10 tests resulted in high elbow bending moments of 128 Nm and 144 Nm. Part II included dynamic hyperextension tests on 24 female cadaver elbow joints. The energy source was a drop tower utilizing a three-point bending configuration to apply elbow bending moments matching the previously conducted side airbag tests. Post-test necropsy showed that 16 of the 24 elbow joint tests resulted in injuries. Injury severity ranged from minor cartilage damage to more moderate joint dislocations and severe transverse fractures of the distal humerus. Peak elbow bending moments ranged from 42.4 Nm to 146.3 Nm. Peak bending moment proved to be a significant indicator of any elbow injury (p = 0.02) as well as elbow joint dislocation (p = 0.01). Logistic regression analyses were used to develop single and multiple variate injury risk functions. Using peak moment data for the entire test population, a 50% risk of obtaining any elbow injury was found at 56 Nm while a 50% risk of sustaining an elbow joint dislocation was found at 93 Nm for the female population. These results indicate that the peak elbow bending moments achieved in Part I are associated with a greater than 90% risk for elbow injury. Subsequently, the airbag was re-designed in an effort to mitigate this as well as the other upper extremity injury risks. Part III assessed the redesigned side airbag module to ensure injury risks had been reduced prior to implementing the new system. To facilitate this, 12 redesigned side airbag deployments were conducted using the same procedures as Part I. Results indicate that the re-designed side airbag has effectively mitigated elbow injury risks induced by the original side airbag design. It is anticipated that this study will provide researchers with additional injury criteria for assessing upper extremity injury risk caused by both military and automotive side airbag deployments.

Valve exploiting the principle of a side channel turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jandourek, Pavel; Habán, Vladimír; Pochylý, František; Fic, Miloslav

The article deals with a side channel turbine, which can be used as a suitable substitute for a pressure reducing valve. Reducing valves are a source of hydraulic losses. The aim is to replace them by a side channel turbine. With that in mind, hydraulic losses can be replaced by a production of electrical energy at comparable characteristics of the valve and the turbine. The basis for the design is the loss characteristics of the valve. Thereby creating a kind of turbine valve with speed-controlled flow in dependence of runner revolution.

Above threshold spectral dependence of linewidth enhancement factor, optical duration and linear chirp of quantum dot lasers.

PubMed

Kim, Jimyung; Delfyett, Peter J

2009-12-07

The spectral dependence of the linewidth enhancement factor above threshold is experimentally observed from a quantum dot Fabry-Pérot semiconductor laser. The linewidth enhancement factor is found to be reduced when the quantum dot laser operates approximately 10 nm offset to either side of the gain peak. It becomes significantly reduced on the anti-Stokes side as compared to the Stokes side. It is also found that the temporal duration of the optical pulses generated from quantum dot mode-locked lasers is shorter when the laser operates away from the gain peak. In addition, less linear chirp is impressed on the pulse train generated from the anti-Stokes side whereas the pulses generated from the gain peak and Stokes side possess a large linear chirp. These experimental results imply that enhanced performance characteristics of quantum dot lasers can be achieved by operating on the anti-Stokes side, approximately 10 nm away from the gain peak.

Passive Gas-Gap Heat Switches for Use in Low-Temperature Cryogenic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimball, M. O.; Shirron, P. J.; Canavan, E. R.; Tuttle, J. G.; Jahromi, A. E.; Dipirro, M. J.; James, B. L.; Sampson, M. A.; Letmate, R. V.

2017-01-01

We present the current state of development in passive gas-gap heat switches. This type of switch does not require a separate heater to activate heat transfer but, instead, relies upon the warming of one end due to an intrinsic step in a thermodynamic cycle to raise a getter above a threshold temperature. Above this temperature sequestered gas is released to couple both sides of the switch. This enhances the thermodynamic efficiency of the system and reduces the complexity of the control system. Various gas mixtures and getter configurations will be presented.

Recent Progress of Nano-drug Delivery System for Liver Cancer Treatment.

PubMed

Zhou, Feilong; Teng, Fangfang; Deng, Peizong; Meng, Ning; Song, Zhimei; Feng, Runliang

2018-02-07

Liver cancer is one of serious diseases which threaten human life and health. Studies on the treatment of liver cancer have attracted widespread attention. Application of nano-drug delivery system (NDDS) can not only improve selective drug delivery to liver tissue and improve the bioavailability of drug, but also can reduce the side effects of drugs when it is specially modified in the respects of structure modification or specific target molecules decoration. This review will address the latest development of liver-targeted drug delivery system. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Pressure oscillations occurring in a centrifugal compressor system with and without passive and active surge control

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

Jungowski, W.M.; Weiss, M.H.; Price, G.R.

1996-01-01

A study of pressure oscillations occurring in small centrifugal compressor systems without a plenum is presented. Active and passive surge control were investigated theoretically and experimentally for systems with various inlet and discharge piping configurations. The determination of static and dynamic stability criteria was based on Greitzer`s (1981) lumped parameter model modified to accommodate capacitance of the piping. Experimentally, passive control using globe valves closely coupled to the compressor prevented the occurrence of surge even with the flow reduced to zero. Active control with a sleeve valve located at the compressor was effective but involved a significant component of passivemore » throttling which reduced the compressor efficiency. With an oscillator connected to a short side branch at the compressor, effective active control was achieved without throttling. Both methods of active control reduced the flow rate at surge onset by about 30%. In general, the experiments qualitatively confirmed the derived stability criteria.« less

Guiding supersonic projectiles using optically generated air density channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Luke A.; Sprangle, Phillip

2015-09-01

We investigate the feasibility of using optically generated channels of reduced air density to provide trajectory correction (guiding) for a supersonic projectile. It is shown that the projectile experiences a force perpendicular to its direction of motion as one side of the projectile passes through a channel of reduced air density. A single channel of reduced air density can be generated by the energy deposited from filamentation of an intense laser pulse. We propose changing the laser pulse energy from shot-to-shot to build longer effective channels. Current femtosecond laser systems with multi-millijoule pulses could provide trajectory correction of several meters on 5 km trajectories for sub-kilogram projectiles traveling at Mach 3.

Reducing nurses'. Workload using a computerized nursing support system linked to the hospital information system.

PubMed

Ito, C; Satoh, I; Michiya, H; Kitayama, Y; Miyazaki, K; Ota, S; Satoh, H; Sakurai, T; Shirato, H; Miyasaka, K

1997-01-01

A computerised nursing support system (CNSS) linked to the hospital information system (HIS) was developed and has been in use for one year, in order to reduce the workload of nurses. CNSS consists of (1) a hand held computer for each nurse (2) desk-top computers in the nurses' station and doctors' rooms (3) a data server (4) an interface with the main hospital information system. Nurses enter vital signs, food intake and other information about the patients into the hand held computer at the bed-side. The information is then sent automatically to the CNSS data server, which also receives patients' details (prescribed medicines etc.) from the HIS. Nurses and doctors can see all the information on the desk-top and hand held computers. This system was introduced in May 1995 into a university hospital ward with 40 beds. A questionnaire was completed by 23 nurses before and after the introduction of CNSS. The mean time required to post vital data was significantly reduced from 121 seconds to 54 seconds (p < 0.01). After three months 30% of nurses felt CNSS had reduced their workload, while 30% felt it had complicated their work; after five months 70% noted a reduction and 0% reported that CNSS had made their work more complex. The study therefore concludes that the interface between a computerised nursing support system and the hospital information system reduced the workload of nurses.

Fatal necrotising enterocolitis due to mydriatic eye drops.

PubMed

Ozgun, Uygur; Demet, Terek; Ozge, Koroglu A; Zafer, Dokumcu; Murat, Sezak; Mehmet, Yalaz; Nilgun, Kultursay

2014-05-01

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious problem of preterm infants which may lead to impairment of vision and even to blindness if untreated. Routine eye examination is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment of ROP in preterm infants. Mydriatic eye drops (cyclopentolate, tropicamide and phenylephrine) are applied before the ophthalmic examination. These agents are rarely absorbed to systemic circulation and in some cases result with serious side effects like skin rash, tachycardia, feeding intolerance, discomfort, apnea, gastric dilatation and ileus, despite different treatment models and dosage reducing strategies. We report here a preterm patient who died because of severe diffuse necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after topical application of 0.5% cyclopentolate and 1.25% phenylephrine during ROP screening to emphasise the serious side effects of these agents.

System for slicing wafers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A newly patented process for slicing silicon wafers that has distinct advantages over methods now widely used is described. The primary advantage of the new system is that it allows the efficient slicing of a number of ingots simultaneously at high speed. The cutting action is performed mechanically, most often with diamond particles that are transported to the cutting zone by a fluid vehicle or have been made an integral part of the blade by plating or impregnation. The new system uses a multiple or ganged band saw, arranged and spaced so that each side, or length, segment of a blade element, or loop, provides a cutting function. Each blade is maintained precisely in position by guides as it enters and leaves each ingot. The cutting action is performed with a conventional abrasive slurry composed of diamond grit suspended in an oil- or water-based vehicle. The distribution system draws the slurry from the supply reservoir and pumps it to the injection tubes to supply it to each side of each ingot. A flush system is provided at the outer end of the work-station zone. In order to reduce potential damage, a pneumatically driven flushing fluid is provided.

The endocannabinoid hydrolysis inhibitor SA-57: Intrinsic antinociceptive effects, augmented morphine-induced antinociception, and attenuated heroin seeking behavior in mice.

PubMed

Wilkerson, Jenny L; Ghosh, Sudeshna; Mustafa, Mohammed; Abdullah, Rehab A; Niphakis, Micah J; Cabrera, Roberto; Maldonado, Rafael L; Cravatt, Benjamin F; Lichtman, Aron H

2017-03-01

Although opioids are highly efficacious analgesics, their abuse potential and other untoward side effects diminish their therapeutic utility. The addition of non-opioid analgesics offers a promising strategy to reduce required antinociceptive opioid doses that concomitantly reduce opioid-related side effects. Inhibitors of the primary endocannabinoid catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) show opioid-sparing effects in preclinical models of pain. As simultaneous inhibition of these enzymes elicits enhanced antinociceptive effects compared with single enzyme inhibition, the present study tested whether the dual FAAH-MAGL inhibitor SA-57 [4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl ester] produces morphine-sparing antinociceptive effects, without major side effects associated with either drug class. SA-57 dose-dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in the constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve model of neuropathic pain and carrageenan inflammatory pain model. As previously reported, SA-57 was considerably more potent in elevating anandamide (AEA) than 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) in brain. Its anti-allodynic effects required cannabinoid (CB) 1 and CB 2 receptors; however, only CB 2 receptors were necessary for the anti-edematous effects in the carrageenan assay. Although high doses of SA-57 alone were required to produce antinociception, low doses of this compound, which elevated AEA and did not affect 2-AG brain levels, augmented the antinociceptive effects of morphine, but lacked cannabimimetic side effects. Because of the high abuse liability of opioids and implication of the endocannabinoid system in the reinforcing effects of opioids, the final experiment tested whether SA-57 would alter heroin seeking behavior. Strikingly, SA-57 reduced heroin-reinforced nose poke behavior and the progressive ratio break point for heroin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that inhibition of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes represents a promising therapeutic approach to decrease effective doses of opioids needed for clinical pain control, and may also possess therapeutic potential to reduce opioid abuse. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Endocannabinoid Hydrolysis Inhibitor SA-57: Intrinsic Antinociceptive Effects, Augmented Morphine-induced Antinociception, and Attenuated Heroin Seeking Behavior in Mice

PubMed Central

Wilkerson, Jenny L.; Ghosh, Sudeshna; Mustafa, Mohammed; Abdullah, Rehab A.; Niphakis, Micah J.; Cabrera, Roberto; Maldonado, Rafael L.; Cravatt, Benjamin F.; Lichtman, Aron H.

2017-01-01

Although opioids are highly efficacious analgesics, their abuse potential and other untoward side effects diminish their therapeutic utility. The addition of non-opioid analgesics offers a promising strategy to reduce required antinociceptive opioid doses that concomitantly reduce opioid-related side effects. Inhibitors of the primary endocannabinoid catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) show opioid-sparing effects in preclinical models of pain. As simultaneous inhibition of these enzymes elicits enhanced antinociceptive effects compared with single enzyme inhibition, the present study tested whether the dual FAAH-MAGL inhibitor SA-57 [4-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl ester] produces morphine-sparing antinociceptive effects, without major side effects associated with either drug class. SA-57 dose-dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in the constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve model of neuropathic pain and carrageenan inflammatory pain model. As previously reported, SA-57 was considerably more potent in elevating anandamide (AEA) than 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) in brain. Its anti-allodynic effects required cannabinoid (CB)1 and CB2 receptors; however, only CB2 receptors were necessary for the anti-edematous effects in the carrageenan assay. Although high doses of SA-57 alone were required to produce antinociception, low doses of this compound, which elevated AEA and did not affect 2-AG brain levels, augmented the antinociceptive effects of morphine, but lacked cannabimimetic side effects. Because of the high abuse liability of opioids and implication of the endocannabinoid system in the reinforcing effects of opioids, the final experiment tested whether SA-57 would alter heroin seeking behavior. Strikingly, SA-57 reduced heroin-reinforced nose poke behavior and the progressive ratio break point for heroin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that inhibition of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes represents a promising therapeutic approach to decrease effective doses of opioids needed for clinical pain control, and may also possess therapeutic potential to reduce opioid abuse. PMID:27890602

Thermal Performance of Vegetative Roofing Systems

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

Desjarlais, Andre Omer; Zaltash, Abdolreza; Atchley, Jerald Allen

2010-01-01

Vegetative roofing, otherwise known as green or garden roofing, has seen tremendous growth in the last decade in the United States. The numerous benefits that green roofs provide have helped to fuel their resurgence in industrial and urban settings. There are many environmental and economical benefits that can be realized by incorporating a vegetative roof into the design of a building. These include storm-water retention, energy conservation, reduction in the urban heat island effect, increased longevity of the roofing membrane, the ability of plants to create biodiversity and filter air contaminants, and beautification of the surroundings by incorporating green space.more » The vegetative roof research project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was initiated to quantify the thermal performance of various vegetative roofing systems relative to black and white roofs. Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) continued its long-term commitment to cooperative research with ORNL in this project. Low-slope roof systems for this study were constructed and instrumented for continuous monitoring in the mixed climate of East Tennessee. This report summarizes the results of the annual cooling and heating loads per unit area of three vegetative roofing systems with side-by-side comparison to black and white roofing systems as well as a test section with just the growing media without plants. Results showed vegetative roofs reduced heat gain (reduced cooling loads) compared to the white control system due to the thermal mass, extra insulation, and evapo-transpiration associated with the vegetative roofing systems. The 4-inch and tray systems reduced the heat gain by approximately 61%, while the reduction with the 8-inch vegetative roof was found to be approximately 67%. The vegetative roofing systems were more effective in reducing heat gain than in reducing heat losses (heating loads). The reduction in heat losses for the 4-inch and tray systems were found to be approximately 40% in the mixed climate of East Tennessee. It should be noted that these values are climate dependent. Vegetative roofs also reduced the temperature (heat exposure) and temperature fluctuations (thermal stress) experienced by the membrane. In the cooling season of East Tennessee, the average peak temperature of the 4-inch and tray systems was found to be approximately 94 F cooler than the control black roofing system. The average temperature fluctuations at the membrane for the 4-inch and tray systems were found to be approximately 10 F compared to 125 F for black and 64 F for white systems. As expected, the 8-inch vegetative roof had the lowest fluctuations at approximately 2 F. Future work will include modeling of the energy performance of vegetative roof panels in the test climate of East Tennessee. The validated model then will be used to predict energy use in roofs with different insulation levels and in climates different from the test climate.« less

SU-E-T-317: The Development of a DIBH Technique for Left Sided Breast Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy Utilizing Varians RPM System in a Community Hospital

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

Hasson, B; Young, M; Workie, D

2014-06-01

Purpose: To develop and implement a Deep Inhalation Breath Hold program (DIBH) for treatment of patients with Left-sided breast cancer in a community hospital. Methods: All patients with left sided breast cancer underwent a screening free breathing CT. Evaluation of the conventional tangent treatment fields and the heart was conducted. If the heart would not be excluded using tangents, the patient then received DIBH breathe coaching. The patients returned for a 4D CT simulation. The patients breathing cycle was monitored using the Varian Real-Time position ManagementTM (RPM) system to assess duration of DIBH, amplitude, phase and recovery time to normalmore » breathing. Then a DIBH CT was obtained at the desired amplitude. Duplicate plans were developed for both free breathing and DIBH on the Eclipse planning system and comparison DVH's were created. The plan that provided the prescribed treatment coverage and the least doses to the OAR (heart, Lt. Lung) was determined. Those patients selected to receive treatment with DIBH were set up for treatment, and breathing was monitored using the RPM system. Practice trials were used to confirm that the amplitude, phase and recovery were consistent with findings from simulation. Results: 10 patients have been treated using the DIBH procedure in our clinic. The DIBH patients had an average increase of 80% lung volume on DIBH, decreased lung volume receiving 50% of the dose, and decreases in the V20 dose. Significant reduction in the maximum and mean dose to the heart, as well as the dose to 1CC of the volume for the DIBH plans. Conclusion: Using the RPM system already available in the clinic, staff training, and patient coaching a simple DIBH program was setup. The use of DIBH has shown promise in reducing doses to the critical organs while maintaining PTV coverage for left sided breast treatments.« less

In vivo systemic chlorogenic acid therapy under diabetic conditions: Wound healing effects and cytotoxicity/genotoxicity profile.

PubMed

Bagdas, Deniz; Etoz, Betul Cam; Gul, Zulfiye; Ziyanok, Sedef; Inan, Sevda; Turacozen, Ozge; Gul, Nihal Yasar; Topal, Ayse; Cinkilic, Nilufer; Tas, Sibel; Ozyigit, Musa Ozgur; Gurun, Mine Sibel

2015-07-01

Oxidative stress occurs following the impairment of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in chronic wounds and leads to harmful delays in healing progress. A fine balance between oxidative stress and endogenous antioxidant defense system may be beneficial for wound healing under redox control. This study tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress in wound area can be controlled with systemic antioxidant therapy and therefore wound healing can be accelerated. We used chlorogenic acid (CGA), a dietary antioxidant, in experimental diabetic wounds that are characterized by delayed healing. Additionally, we aimed to understand possible side effects of CGA on pivotal organs and bone marrow during therapy. Wounds were created on backs of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. CGA (50 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally. Animals were sacrificed on different days. Biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed. Side effects of chronic antioxidant treatment were tested. CGA accelerated wound healing, enhanced hydroxyproline content, decreased malondialdehyde/nitric oxide levels, elevated reduced-glutathione, and did not affect superoxide dismutase/catalase levels in wound bed. While CGA induced side effects such as cyto/genotoxicity, 15 days of treatment attenuated blood glucose levels. CGA decreased lipid peroxidation levels of main organs. This study provides a better understanding for antioxidant intake on diabetic wound repair and possible pro-oxidative effects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design Multi-Sides System Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Rocket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syam, Rafiudin; Sutresman, Onny; Mappaita, Abdullah; Amiruddin; Wiranata, Ardi

2018-02-01

This study aims to design and test USV multislide forms. This system is excellent for maneuvering on the x-y-z coordinates. The disadvantage of a single side USV is that it is very difficult to maneuver to achieve very dynamic targets. While for multi sides system easily maneuvered though x-y-z coordinates. In addition to security defense purposes, multi-side system is also good for maritime intelligence, surveillance. In this case, electric deducted fan with Multi-Side system so that the vehicle can still operate even in reverse condition. Multipleside USV experiments have done with good results. In a USV study designed to use two propulsions.

Utility Sector Impacts of Reduced Electricity Demand

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

Coughlin, Katie

2014-12-01

This report presents a new approach to estimating the marginal utility sector impacts associated with electricity demand reductions. The method uses publicly available data and provides results in the form of time series of impact factors. The input data are taken from the Energy Information Agency's Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) projections of how the electric system might evolve in the reference case, and in a number of side cases that incorporate different effciency and other policy assumptions. The data published with the AEO are used to define quantitative relationships between demand-side electricity reductions by end use and supply-side changes tomore » capacity by plant type, generation by fuel type and emissions of CO2, Hg, NOx and SO2. The impact factors define the change in each of these quantities per unit reduction in site electricity demand. We find that the relative variation in these impacts by end use is small, but the time variation can be significant.« less

Potential climate engineering effectiveness and side effects during a high carbon dioxide-emission scenario

PubMed Central

Keller, David P.; Feng, Ellias Y.; Oschlies, Andreas

2014-01-01

The realization that mitigation efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions have, until now, been relatively ineffective has led to an increasing interest in climate engineering as a possible means of preventing the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change. While many studies have addressed the potential effectiveness of individual methods there have been few attempts to compare them. Here we use an Earth system model to compare the effectiveness and side effects of afforestation, artificial ocean upwelling, ocean iron fertilization, ocean alkalinization and solar radiation management during a high carbon dioxide-emission scenario. We find that even when applied continuously and at scales as large as currently deemed possible, all methods are, individually, either relatively ineffective with limited (<8%) warming reductions, or they have potentially severe side effects and cannot be stopped without causing rapid climate change. Our simulations suggest that the potential for these types of climate engineering to make up for failed mitigation may be very limited. PMID:24569320

The role of three-dimensional high-definition laparoscopic surgery for gynaecology.

PubMed

Usta, Taner A; Gundogdu, Elif C

2015-08-01

This article reviews the potential benefits and disadvantages of new three-dimensional (3D) high-definition laparoscopic surgery for gynaecology. With the new-generation 3D high-definition laparoscopic vision systems (LVSs), operation time and learning period are reduced and procedural error margin is decreased. New-generation 3D high-definition LVSs enable to reduce operation time both for novice and experienced surgeons. Headache, eye fatigue or nausea reported with first-generation systems are not different than two-dimensional (2D) LVSs. The system's being more expensive, having the obligation to wear glasses, big and heavy camera probe in some of the devices are accounted for negative aspects of the system that need to be improved. Depth loss in tissues in 2D LVSs and associated adverse events can be eliminated with 3D high-definition LVSs. By virtue of faster learning curve, shorter operation time, reduced error margin and lack of side-effects reported by surgeons with first-generation systems, 3D LVSs seem to be a strong competition to classical laparoscopic imaging systems. Thanks to technological advancements, using lighter and smaller cameras and monitors without glasses is in the near future.

Postoperative analgesic efficiency of transversus abdominis plane block after ventral hernia repair: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Chesov, Ion; Belîi, Adrian

2017-10-01

Effective postoperative analgesia is a key element in reducing postoperative morbidity, accelerating recovery and avoiding chronic postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block, performed before surgical incision, in providing postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair under general anaesthesia. Seventy elective patients scheduled for open ventral hernia repair surgery under general anaesthesia were divided randomly into two equal groups: Group I received bilateral TAP block performed before surgical incision (n = 35); Group II received systemic postoperative analgesia with parenteral opioid (morphine) alone (n = 35). Postoperatively pain scores at rest and with movement, total morphine consumption and opioid related side effects were recorded. Postoperative pain scores at rest and mobilization/cough were significantly higher in patients without TAP block (p < 0.05). Mean intraoperative fentanyl consumption was comparable between the two groups: 0.75 ± 0.31 mg in group I (TAP) and 0.86 ± 0.29 mg in group II (MO), p = 0.1299. Patients undergoing preincisional TAP block had reduced morphine requirements during the first 24 hours after surgery, compared to patients from group II, without TAP block (p = 0.0001). There was no difference in the incidence of opioid related side effects (nausea, vomiting) in the both groups during the first 24 postoperative hours. The use of preincisional ultrasound guided TAP block reduced the pain scores at rest and with movement/cough, opioid consumption and opioid-related side effects after ventral hernia repair when compared with opioid-only analgesia.

Systemic bias in the medical literature on androgen deprivation therapy and its implication to clinical practice.

PubMed

Phillips, J L; Wassersug, R J; McLeod, D L

2012-12-01

LHRH agonists are used for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to treat prostate cancer, but have many side effects that reduce of the quality of life of prostate cancer patients and their partners. Patients are poorly informed about the side effects of these drugs and how to manage them. To test the hypothesis that there is bias in the peer-reviewed literature on ADT that correlates with an association between authors and the luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists pharmaceutical industry. We assessed 155 articles on ADT published in English-language peer-reviewed journals in terms of how comprehensive they were in acknowledging LHRH agonists' side effects. Although the literature regarding ADT is substantial, the vast majority of articles failed to acknowledge many of the more stressful side effects of ADT for patients and their partners. Articles most likely to acknowledge the psychosocial impact of ADT were significantly less likely to have had industrial support than those articles that did not mention those side effects. Alternative treatments to the LHRH agonists were rarely mentioned. Authors who indicated some association with a pharmaceutical company tended to minimise the side effects of LHRH agonists and not acknowledge alternatives to the LHRH agonists for ADT. Industrial support is associated with a proliferation of articles published in the peer-reviewed literature directed at practising physicians. Such flooding of the literature may, in part, limit physicians' knowledge of the side effects of these drugs and, in turn, account for the poor knowledge that patients on LHRH agonists have about the drugs they are taking and ways to manage their side effects. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Energy Sustainability and the Green Campus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpson, Walter

2003-01-01

Discusses the importance of campus energy sustainability, explaining that both demand- and supply-side strategies are required. Suggests that on the demand side, an aggressive campus energy conservation program can reduce campus energy consumption by 30 percent or more. Asserts that addressing the supply side of the energy equation means shifting…

The impact of cardiovascular drugs on the efficacy of local anesthesia in dentistry.

PubMed

Milosavljevic, Мarko J; Jankovic, Slobodan M

2016-12-01

Drugs used chronically by patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system (group C of the ATC classification) may act on adrenergic receptors and/or certain ion channels, which gives them the potential to interact with the action of local dental anesthetics. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of systemically administered chronic cardiovascular medication (oral route) on the efficacy of intraoral local anesthesia in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system. This was a prospective cohort study which analyzed the efficacy of local terminal anesthesia (onset of anesthesia, duration anesthetized area) in the upper jaw of 70 patients: 40 patients on medication for cardiovascular system disorders and 30 patients who were not using these drugs (the control group). The following cardiovascular drugs were used: beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, vasodilatators, diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers, antiarrhythmics, statins and alfa blockers. The onset of anesthesia on the vestibular side was faster in those taking cardiovascular drugs (40.50±19.87 s) than the control patients (58.93±31.07 s; P = 0.004) and duration of anesthesia on this side was shorter. Although the difference was not significant, it was evident that on vestibular and palatal side the anesthetized area was more rapidly reduced in the patients taking cardiovascular drugs. The duration of cardiovascular therapy also had a significant impact on the anesthetized area. Drugs acting on cardiovascular system may influence the effect of local anesthetics used in dentistry, possibly through interaction with autonomic receptors and ion channels.

Nanotechnological advances for cutaneous release of tretinoin: an approach to minimize side effects and improve therapeutic efficacy.

PubMed

Raminelli, Ana Claudia Pompeu; Romero, Valeria; Semreen, Mohammad H; Leonardi, Gislaine Ricci

2018-03-12

The clinical efficacy of the topical tretinoin is widely studied and has been well established for many therapeutic interventions, among some, photoaging, acne, and melasma. However, the side effects, mainly cutaneous irritation, erythema, xerosis and peeling, remain major obstacle to the patient compliance. Besides, the insight regarding the drug delivery profile is essential to understand the therapeutic action of the drug. Herein we highlight further advances and an update on tretinoin delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, cyclodextrins, nanostructured polymers and other technological systems that reduce its side effects and improve the permeation profile to potentiate efficacy and drug safety on the skin. Pharmaceutical preparations were developed and evaluated for permeability in in vitro models using pig ear, snake, mouse and human skin, and potential for irritation was also verified using release systems for tretinoin and compared to available commercial formulations. Overall results indicated the composition, charge and size of the system influences the tretinoin delivery, modulating the type of release and its retention. Small unilamellar vesicles promoted greater cutaneous delivery of tretinoin. Negative charge, for both liposomes and niosomes, can improve pig skin hydration as well as the tretinoin retention. The quantity of solid lipids and the type of oil used in the composition of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers affected percutaneous drug delivery. As evident from the literature, the tretinoin technological delivery systems consist an innovative and potential management for increasing the patient compliance presenting safety and efficacy. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Performance evaluation of a robot-assisted catheter operating system with haptic feedback.

PubMed

Song, Yu; Guo, Shuxiang; Yin, Xuanchun; Zhang, Linshuai; Hirata, Hideyuki; Ishihara, Hidenori; Tamiya, Takashi

2018-06-20

In this paper, a novel robot-assisted catheter operating system (RCOS) has been proposed as a method to reduce physical stress and X-ray exposure time to physicians during endovascular procedures. The unique design of this system allows the physician to apply conventional bedside catheterization skills (advance, retreat and rotate) to an input catheter, which is placed at the master side to control another patient catheter placed at the slave side. For this purpose, a magnetorheological (MR) fluids-based master haptic interface has been developed to measure the axial and radial motions of an input catheter, as well as to provide the haptic feedback to the physician during the operation. In order to achieve a quick response of the haptic force in the master haptic interface, a hall sensor-based closed-loop control strategy is employed. In slave side, a catheter manipulator is presented to deliver the patient catheter, according to position commands received from the master haptic interface. The contact forces between the patient catheter and blood vessel system can be measured by designed force sensor unit of catheter manipulator. Four levels of haptic force are provided to make the operator aware of the resistance encountered by the patient catheter during the insertion procedure. The catheter manipulator was evaluated for precision positioning. The time lag from the sensed motion to replicated motion is tested. To verify the efficacy of the proposed haptic feedback method, the evaluation experiments in vitro are carried out. The results demonstrate that the proposed system has the ability to enable decreasing the contact forces between the catheter and vasculature.

Comparison of Accuracy between Side-Cutting Instruments and Front-Cutting Instruments in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Pinsornsak, Piya; Harnroongroj, Thos

2016-11-01

The specialized instrument system used in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been developed for reducing soft tissue trauma in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Compared with front-cutting MIS instruments, side-cutting quadriceps sparing MIS instruments have the advantage of creating a smaller incision and causing fewer traumas to the quadriceps tendon. However, the accuracy of side-cutting instruments concerns surgeons in prosthesis malalignment. To compare the accuracy of side-cutting quadriceps sparing instruments versus front-cutting instruments in MIS-TKA. In this prospective randomized controlled study, we compared the accuracy of side-cutting quadriceps sparing instruments versus the front-cutting instruments used in MIS-TKA. Sixty knees were included in the study, with 30 knees in each group. All the operations were performed by single surgeon. Coronal alignment (tibiofemoral angle, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle), and sagittal alignment (femoral component flexion and tibial posterior slope) were measured and compared. Tibiofemoral angle, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle, all of which are considered in the assessment of acceptable coronal radiographic alignment, were not different between groups (p = 0.353, 0.500, and 0.177, respectively). However, side-cutting quadriceps sparing instruments produced less acceptable sagittal radiographic alignment, femoral component flexion (63% vs. 93%, p = 0.005), and tibial posterior slope (73% vs. 93%, p = 0.04). Side-cutting quadriceps sparing MIS-TKA instruments had similar accuracy to front-cutting MIS-TKA instruments for coronal alignment but is less accurate for sagittal alignment.

8. SEDIMENTATION CHAMBER, VIEW UPSTREAM (PLANK COVER REMOVED FOR CLARITY). ...

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

8. SEDIMENTATION CHAMBER, VIEW UPSTREAM (PLANK COVER REMOVED FOR CLARITY). BOX FLUME DROPS SLIGHTLY INTO CHAMBER ON LEFT SIDE. CHAMBER IS A SERIES OF BAFFLES DESIGNED TO SLOW THE FLOW OF WATER. FLOW IS REDUCED TO ALLOW PARTICULATES TO SETTLE TO THE BOTTOM. TWO SCREENS (NOT SHOWN) FILTER LARGER DEBRIS. - Kalaupapa Water Supply System, Waikolu Valley to Kalaupapa Settlement, Island of Molokai, Kalaupapa, Kalawao County, HI

Prototype Development of an Implantable Compliance Chamber for a Total Artificial Heart.

PubMed

Schmitz, Stephanie; Unthan, Kristin; Sedlaczek, Marc; Wald, Felix; Finocchiaro, Thomas; Spiliopoulos, Sotirios; Koerfer, Reiner; Steinseifer, Ulrich

2017-02-01

At our institute a total artificial heart is being developed. It is directly actuated by a linear drive in between two ventricles, which comprise membranes to separate the drive and blood flow. A compliance chamber (CC) is needed to reduce pressure peaks in the ventricles and to increase the pump capacity. Therefore, the movement of the membrane is supported by applying a negative pressure to the air volume inside the drive unit. This study presents the development of the implantable CC which is connected to the drive unit of the total artificial hearts (TAH). The anatomical fit of the CC is optimized by analyzing CT data and adapting the outer shape to ensure a proper fit. The pressure peaks are reduced by the additional volume and the flexible membrane of the CC. The validation measurements of change in pressure peaks and flow are performed using the complete TAH system connected to a custom mock circulation loop. Using the CC, the pressure peaks could be damped below 5 mm Hg in the operational range. The flow output was increased by up to 14.8% on the systemic side and 18.2% on the pulmonary side. The described implantable device can be used for upcoming chronic animal trials. © 2016 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nanoparticles: Nanoscale Systems for Medical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wadkins, David Allen

The goal of this project was to develop a series of nano platforms for single cell analysis and drug delivery. Nanoparticles are a promising option to improve our medical therapies by controlling biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of therapeutics. Nanosystems also offer significant opportunity to improve current imaging modalities. The systems developed during this thesis work can be foundations for developing advanced therapies for obesity and improving our fundamental understandings of single cell behavior. The first of the two systems we attempt to create was a drug delivery system that could selectively target adipose tissue to deliver uncoupling agents and drive browning of adipose tissue and associated weight loss. Protonophores have a history of significant toxic side effects in cardiac and neuronal tissues a recently discovered protonophore, but BAM-15, has been shown to have reduced cytotoxicity. We hypothesized that the altered biodistribution of BAM-15 encapsulated in a nanoparticle could provide systemic weight loss with minimized side effects. The second system developed utilized quantum dots to create a fluorescent barcode that could be repeatedly identified using quantitative fluorescent emission readings. This platform would allow for the tracking of individual cells, allowing repeat interrogation across time and space in complex multicellular environments. Ultimately this work demonstrates the process and complexity involved in developing nanoparticulate systems meant to interact with incredibly complex intracellular environments.

Pre-packed vacuum bone cement mixing systems. A further step in reducing methylmethacrylate exposure in surgery.

PubMed

Schlegel, Ulf J; Sturm, Michael; Eysel, Peer; Breusch, Steffen J

2010-11-01

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cements are widely used in orthopaedic and trauma surgery as well as in dentistry. The toxic side effects of inhaled methylmethacrylate (MMA) fumes generated during mixing have been well studied. Vacuum cement mixing systems have been shown to reduce the risk of airborne MMA significantly compared to handmixing. In an effort to further reduce MMA exposure, the latest generation of mixing devices are pre-packed with the ingredients and thus allow preparation in nearly closed circuits. Until now, there has been no study proofing the efficacy of those systems in protecting theatre staff from MMA vapours. A pre-packed vacuum mixing system (Optipac®) was compared with two standard systems (Palamix® and Easymix®) regarding MMA emission. The latter systems require loading with the bone cement compounds prior to mixing. Following a standardized procedure, 10 mixes were performed with each system and the emission of MMA vapours in the breathing zone was recorded using photoionization detection over a period of 3 min. The mean MMA exposure was reduced when using the pre-packed system compared to the devices that require filling with the components. The highest emission peaks were recorded during the mixing and preparation steps in all systems. Modern pre-packed vacuum mixing systems further help to reduce the occupational hazards created by bone cement preparation. However, MMA fumes can still be detected using this technique. Although this is an important step in reducing MMA exposure in the operating theatre, further technical effort has to be taken to eliminate the continuous leakage of monomer from the devices while mixing and to minimize necessary manipulation for final delivery.

Preferences for a potential longer-acting injectable contraceptive: perspectives from women, providers, and policy makers in Kenya and Rwanda.

PubMed

Tolley, Elizabeth E; McKenna, Kevin; Mackenzie, Caroline; Ngabo, Fidele; Munyambanza, Emmanuel; Arcara, Jennet; Rademacher, Kate H; Lendvay, Anja

2014-05-01

Between 1995 and 2005, injectable use doubled worldwide. However, discontinuation rates remain high, partly because of side effects but also because of missed appointments for reinjection. A longer-acting injectable (LAI) may improve compliance by reducing the required number of reinjection visits, thereby reducing unintentional discontinuation. This study examined acceptability of LAI characteristics comprising the target product profile (TPP). In 2012, we conducted qualitative case studies in Kenya and Rwanda, consisting of 19 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 177 current, previous, or never users of injectables and 46 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with providers, program implementers, and policy makers. FGDs and IDIs assessed current injectable experiences; attitudes toward potential LAI products; and perceptions of TPP attributes, including ranking preferences for the most and least important characteristics. In addition, we obtained completed electronic surveys from 28 international family planning opinion leaders about the perceived need for an LAI, important product characteristics, and challenges to LAI development or introduction. Many FGD participants and interviewees spontaneously expressed strong interest in an LAI, but there was some variation in TPP preferences. The majority of participants ranked effectiveness as the most important TPP attribute. Providers were generally more concerned about side effects than potential users; some potential users suggested that side effects were related less to the product than to their own body chemistry and that side effects were acceptable as long as they did not last a long time or disrupt daily activities. Women and providers, especially in Kenya, preferred a method with a predictable return to fertility. Some participants associated amenorrhea with delayed or reduced fertility. Most women and providers preferred delivery of the LAI in a single, prepackaged, disposable injection system to facilitate injections by providers and to reduce the risk of pain or discomfort for women. While providers and policy makers ranked cost as one of the most important issues, it was among the least important issues for most potential users. Many Kenyan, but few Rwandan, participants appeared willing to pay for an LAI, with some presuming cost savings from reduced menstruation and fewer clinic visits. Some TPP preferences for an LAI have implications for product development decisions about formulation, delivery mechanism, or presentation, while others point to the need for tailored communication and counseling approaches to ensure acceptability and adherence within clinical trials and beyond.

The Portuguese generic medicines market: a policy analysis

PubMed Central

Simoens, Steven

2008-01-01

Objectives: This study aims to conduct a descriptive analysis of the policy environment surrounding the generic medicines retail market in Portugal. The policy analysis focuses on supply-side measures (i.e. market access, pricing, reference-pricing and reimbursement of generic medicines) and demand-side measures (i.e. incentives for physicians to prescribe, for pharmacists to dispense and for patients to use generic medicines). Methods: The policy analysis was based on an international literature review. Also, a simulation exercise was carried out to compute potential savings from substituting generic for originator medicines in Portugal using IMS Health data. Results: Portugal has developed a successful generic medicines market by increasing reimbursement of generic medicines (until October 2005), by introducing a reference-pricing system, by encouraging physicians to prescribe by international non-proprietary name (INN), and by allowing generic substitution by pharmacists. However, the development of the generic medicines market has been hindered by the existence of copies, pricing regulation, certain features of the reference-pricing system, weak incentives for physicians to prescribe generic medicines and a financial disincentive for pharmacists to dispense generic medicines. Increased generic substitution would be expected to reduce public expenditure on originator medicines by 45%. Conclusions: The development of the Portuguese generic medicines market has mainly been fuelled by supply-side measures. To support the further expansion of the market, policy makers need to strengthen demand-side measures inciting physicians to prescribe, pharmacists to dispense and patients to use generic medicines. PMID:25152781

Aerospace applications of mass market MEMS products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Karin; Kroetz, Gerhard; Schalk, Josef; Mueller, Gerhard

2002-07-01

Aerospace applications of MEMS products, originally developed for automotive mass markets, are discussed. Various sensor examples with a high dual use potential are presented: inertial sensing, flow and gas sensing, robust micro sensors including SiC- and GaN-based devices, as well as first approaches towards flexible and distributed microsystems. In Europe the automotive industry is one of the main MEMS market drivers, simply because of the sheer size of this market and Europe's strong position in this industrial field. Main MEMS activities are development and integration of vehicle dynamics sensing systems, passenger safety and navigation systems, air and fuel intake systems, as well as sensor systems for exhaust gas after treatment and climate control. Benefits on the customer side are increased safety, passenger comfort and reduced fuel consumption. Benefits on the manufacturer's side are increased sub-system integration, modularity and reduced production cost. In the future the aerospace industry is likely to benefit from the introduction of micro-systems for the same reasons as the automotive industry. Interests of the aerospace industry are increasing safety and reliability of airplane operation, health and state monitoring of fuselage and airplane subsystems as well as improving service and maintenance procedures. In comparison to automotive applications, the numbers of devices needed is likely to be much smaller, however, new challenges arise in so far as distributed sensing and actuating microsystems will be needed. The idea is to identify and to exploit synergies between automotive mass market MEMS applications and lower-volume aerospace ones. The effort necessary to meet aerospace requirements and the extent of necessary trade-offs in customizing automotive MEMS is addressed considering the above-mentioned examples.

Masseteric nerve for reanimation of the smile in short-term facial paralysis.

PubMed

Hontanilla, Bernardo; Marre, Diego; Cabello, Alvaro

2014-02-01

Our aim was to describe our experience with the masseteric nerve in the reanimation of short term facial paralysis. We present our outcomes using a quantitative measurement system and discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Between 2000 and 2012, 23 patients had their facial paralysis reanimated by masseteric-facial coaptation. All patients are presented with complete unilateral paralysis. Their background, the aetiology of the paralysis, and the surgical details were recorded. A retrospective study of movement analysis was made using an automatic optical system (Facial Clima). Commissural excursion and commissural contraction velocity were also recorded. The mean age at reanimation was 43(8) years. The aetiology of the facial paralysis included acoustic neurinoma, fracture of the skull base, schwannoma of the facial nerve, resection of a cholesteatoma, and varicella zoster infection. The mean time duration of facial paralysis was 16(5) months. Follow-up was more than 2 years in all patients except 1 in whom it was 12 months. The mean duration to recovery of tone (as reported by the patient) was 67(11) days. Postoperative commissural excursion was 8(4)mm for the reanimated side and 8(3)mm for the healthy side (p=0.4). Likewise, commissural contraction velocity was 38(10)mm/s for the reanimated side and 43(12)mm/s for the healthy side (p=0.23). Mean percentage of recovery was 92(5)mm for commissural excursion and 79(15)mm/s for commissural contraction velocity. Masseteric nerve transposition is a reliable and reproducible option for the reanimation of short term facial paralysis with reduced donor site morbidity and good symmetry with the opposite healthy side. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electric drive systems including smoothing capacitor cooling devices and systems

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

Dede, Ercan Mehmet; Zhou, Feng

An electric drive system includes a smoothing capacitor including at least one terminal, a bus bar electrically coupled to the at least one terminal, a thermoelectric device including a first side and a second side positioned opposite the first side, where the first side is thermally coupled to at least one of the at least one terminal and the bus bar, and a cooling element thermally coupled to the second side of the thermoelectric device, where the cooling element dissipates heat from the thermoelectric device.

Advanced Supported Liquid Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Control in Extravehicular Activity Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gleason, Kevin J. (Inventor); Cowley, Scott W. (Inventor); Wickham, David T. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

There is disclosed a portable life support system with a component for removal of at least one selected gas. In an embodiment, the system includes a supported liquid membrane having a first side and a second side in opposition to one another, the first side configured for disposition toward an astronaut and the second side configured for disposition toward a vacuum atmosphere. The system further includes an ionic liquid disposed between the first side and the second side of the supported liquid membrane, the ionic liquid configured for removal of at least one selected gas from a region housing the astronaut adjacent the first side of the supported liquid membrane to the vacuum atmosphere adjacent the second side of the supported liquid membrane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Protection of children restrained in child safety seats in side impact crashes.

PubMed

Arbogast, Kristy B; Locey, Caitlin M; Zonfrillo, Mark R; Maltese, Matthew R

2010-10-01

The performance of child restraint systems (CRS) in side impact motor vehicle crashes has been under study due to the injury and fatality burden of these events. Although previous research has quantified injury risk or described injured body regions, safety advances require an understanding of injury causation. Therefore, the objective was to delineate injury causation scenarios for CRS-restrained children in side impacts and document probable contact points in the vehicle interior. Two in-depth crash investigation databases, the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network and the Partners for Child Passenger Safety Study, were queried for rear-seated, CRS-restrained children in side impact crashes who sustained Abbreviated Injury Scale 2+ injury. These cases were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and engineers to describe injury patterns, injury causation, and vehicle components that contributed to the injuries. Forty-one occupants (average age, 2.6 years) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four were near side to the crash, 7 were far side, and 10 were center seated. The most common injuries were to the skull and brain with an increasing proportion of skull fracture as age increased. Head and spine injuries without evidence of head contact were rare but present. All thoracic injuries were lung contusions and no rib fractures occurred. Near-side head and face contacts points were along the rear vertical plane of the window and the horizontal plane of the window sill. Head and face contact points for center- and far-side occupants were along the edges of the front seat back and front seat head restraint. Head injuries are the target for injury prevention for children in CRS in side impact crashes. Most of these injuries are due to the contact; for near-side occupants, contact with the CRS structure and the door interior, for far- or center-seated occupants, contact with the front seat back. These data are useful in developing both educational and technological interventions to reduce the burden of injury to these children.

Changes in entrance surface dose in relation to the location of shielding material in chest computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Y. M.; Cho, J. H.; Kim, S. C.

2015-07-01

This study examined the effects of entrance surface dose (ESD) on the abdomen and pelvis of the patient when undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) procedure, and evaluated the effects of ESD reduction depending on the location of radiation shield. For CT scanner, the 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography was used. The alderson radiation therapy phantom and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD), which enabled measurement from low to high dose, were also used. For measurement of radiation dose, the slice number from 9 to 21 of the phantom was set as the test range, which included apex up to both costophrenic angles. A total of 10 OSLD nanoDots were attached for measurement of the front and rear ESD. Cyclic tests were performed using the low-dose chest CT and high-resolution CT (HRCT) protocol on the following set-ups: without shielding; shielding only on the front side; shielding only on the rear side; and shielding for both front and rear sides. According to the test results, ESD for both front and rear sides was higher in HRCT than low-dose CT when radiation shielding was not used. It was also determined that, compared to the set-up that did not use the radiation shield, locating the radiation shield on the front side was effective in reducing front ESD, while locating the radiation shield on the rear side reduced rear ESD level. Shielding both the front and rear sides resulted in ESD reduction. In conclusion, it was confirmed that shielding the front and rear sides was the most effective method to reduce the ESD effect caused by scatter ray during radiography.

Neurotoxicity of neem commercial formulation (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PubMed

Bernardi, M M; Dias, S G; Barbosa, V E

2013-11-01

The neurotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, also called neem or nim, in adult zebrafish were determined using behavioral models. General activity, anxiety-like effects, and learning and memory in a passive avoidance task were assessed after exposure to 20 or 40 μl/L neem. The results showed that 20 μl/L neem reduced the number of runs. Both neem concentrations increased the number of climbs to the water surface, and 40 μl/L increased the number of tremors. In the anxiety test, the 20 μl/L dose increased the number of entries in the light side compared with controls, but the latency to enter the dark side and the freezing behavior in this side did not changed. In relation to controls, the 40 μl/L neem reduced the latency to enter in the light side, did not change the number of entries in this side and increased freezing behavior in the light side. In the passive avoidance test, pre-training and pre-test neem exposure to 40 μl/L decreased the response to the learning task. Thus, no impairment was observed in this behavioral test. We conclude that neem reduced general activity and increased anxiety-like behavior but did not affect learning and memory. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Settling a U.S. Senatorial Debate: Understanding Declines in State Higher Education Funding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klein, Michael W.

2015-01-01

This paper examines the debate in the U.S. Senate over the reasons why state governments have decreased funding for higher education. One side believes that federal mandates on states to pay for Medicaid have forced them to reduce spending on higher education. The other side believes that states unwisely reduced taxes, which decreased their…

Propofol interruption of ECT seizure to reduce side-effects: a pilot study.

PubMed

Warnell, Ronald L; Swartz, Conrad M; Thomson, Alice

2010-01-30

Fifteen depressed subjects received six bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments under etomidate anesthesia. They were randomized to blindly either receive propofol 0.5mg/kg 15s post-stimulus or not. Propofol infusion significantly prevented long seizures, and prevented cognitive decrements in most neuropsychological tests, several significantly. Propofol interruption may clinically help reduce ECT side-effects.

Reduced somatosensory impairment by piezosurgery during orthognathic surgery of the mandible.

PubMed

Brockmeyer, Phillipp; Hahn, Wolfram; Fenge, Stefan; Moser, Norman; Schliephake, Henning; Gruber, Rudolf Matthias

2015-09-01

This clinical trial aimed to test the hypothesis that piezosurgery causes reduced nerval irritations and, thus, reduced somatosensory impairment when used in orthognathic surgery of the mandible. To this end, 37 consecutive patients with Angle Class II and III malocclusion were treated using bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO) of the mandible. In a split mouth design, randomized one side of the mandible was operated using a conventional saw, while a piezosurgery device was used on the contralateral side. In order to test the individual qualities of somatosensory function, quantitative sensory testings (QSTs) were performed 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. A comparison of the data using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant reduction in postoperative impairment in warm detection threshold (WDT) (P = 0.046), a decreased dynamic mechanical allodynia (ALL) (P = 0.002) and a decreased vibration detection threshold (VDT) (P = 0.030) on the piezosurgery side of the mandible as opposed to the conventionally operated control side. In the remaining QSTs, minor deviations from the preoperative baseline conditions and a more rapid regression could be observed. Piezosurgery caused reduced somatosensory impairment and a faster recovery of somatosensory functions in the present investigation.

Improvement of side-effects and treatment on the experimental colitis in mice of a resin microcapsule-loading hydrocortisone sodium succinate.

PubMed

Dong, Kai; Zhang, Hefeng; Yan, Yan; Sun, Jinyao; Dong, Yalin; Wang, Ke; Zhang, Lu; Shi, Xianpeng; Xing, Jianfeng

2017-03-01

Extensive or long-time use of corticosteroids often causes many toxic side-effects. The ion exchange resins and the coating material, Eudragit, can be used in combination to form a new oral delivery system to deliver corticosteroids. The resin microcapsule (DRM) composed by Amberlite 717 and Eudragit S100 was used to target hydrocortisone (HC) to the colon in order to improve its treatment effect on ulcerative colitis (UC) and reduce its toxic side-effects. Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) was sequentially encapsulated in Amberlite 717 and Eudragit S100 to prepare the HSS-loaded resin microcapsule (HSS-DRM). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the morphology and structure of HSS-DRM. The in vitro release and in vivo studies of pharmacokinetics and intestinal drug residues in rat were used to study the colon-targeting of HSS-DRM. The mouse induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid was used to study the treatment of HSS-DRM on experimental colitis. SEM study showed good morphology and structure of HSS-DRM. In the in vitro release study, > 80% of HSS was released in the colon environment (pH 7.4). The in vivo studies showed good colon-targeting of HSS-DRM (T max  = 0.97 h, C max  = 118.28 µg/mL of HSS; T max  = 2.16 h, C max  = 64.47 µg/mL of HSS-DRM). Moreover, the HSS-DRM could reduce adverse reactions induced by HSS and had good therapeutic effects on the experimental colitis. The resin microcapsule system has good colon-targeting and can be used in the development of colon-targeting preparations.

The effect of the palmitoylethanolamide analogue, palmitoylallylamide (L-29) on pain behaviour in rodent models of neuropathy.

PubMed

Wallace, V C J; Segerdahl, A R; Lambert, D M; Vandevoorde, S; Blackbeard, J; Pheby, T; Hasnie, F; Rice, A S C

2007-08-01

Cannabinoids are associated with analgesia in acute and chronic pain states. A spectrum of central cannabinoid (CB(1)) receptor-mediated motor and psychotropic side effects limit their therapeutic potential. Here, we investigate the analgesic effect of the palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) analogue, palmitoylallylamide (L-29), which via inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) may potentiate endocannabinoids thereby avoiding psychotropic side effects. The in vivo analysis of the effect of L-29 on measures of pain behaviour in three rat models of neuropathic pain. Systemically administered L-29 (10 mg kg(-1)) reduced hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli in the partial sciatic nerve injury (PSNI) model of neuropathic pain; and mechanical hypersensitivity in a model of antiretroviral (ddC)-associated hypersensitivity and a model of varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated hypersensitivity. The effects of L-29 were comparable to those of gabapentin (50 mg kg(-1)). The CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716a (1 mg kg(-1)) and the CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528 (1 mg kg(-1)) reduced the effect of L-29 on hypersensitivity in the PSNI and ddC models, but not in the VZV model. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha antagonist, MK-886 (1 mg kg(-1)), partially attenuated the effect of L-29 on hypersensitivity in the PSNI model. L-29 (10 mg kg(-1)) significantly attenuated thigmotactic behaviour in the open field arena without effect on locomotor activity. L-29 produces analgesia in a range of neuropathic pain models. This presents L-29 as a novel analgesic compound that may target the endogenous cannabinoid system while avoiding undesirable side effects associated with direct cannabinoid receptor activation.

29 CFR 1915.507 - Land-side fire protection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Land-side fire protection systems. 1915.507 Section 1915... Protection in Shipyard Employment § 1915.507 Land-side fire protection systems. (a) Employer responsibilities. The employer must ensure all fixed and portable fire protection systems needed to meet an OSHA...

29 CFR 1915.507 - Land-side fire protection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Land-side fire protection systems. 1915.507 Section 1915... Protection in Shipyard Employment § 1915.507 Land-side fire protection systems. (a) Employer responsibilities. The employer must ensure all fixed and portable fire protection systems needed to meet an OSHA...

29 CFR 1915.507 - Land-side fire protection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Land-side fire protection systems. 1915.507 Section 1915... Protection in Shipyard Employment § 1915.507 Land-side fire protection systems. (a) Employer responsibilities. The employer must ensure all fixed and portable fire protection systems needed to meet an OSHA...

29 CFR 1915.507 - Land-side fire protection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 7 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Land-side fire protection systems. 1915.507 Section 1915... Protection in Shipyard Employment § 1915.507 Land-side fire protection systems. (a) Employer responsibilities. The employer must ensure all fixed and portable fire protection systems needed to meet an OSHA...

29 CFR 1915.507 - Land-side fire protection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... specific recommendations in NFPA 14-2003 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems... 29 Labor 7 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Land-side fire protection systems. 1915.507 Section 1915... Protection in Shipyard Employment § 1915.507 Land-side fire protection systems. (a) Employer responsibilities...

The effect of health payment reforms on cost containment in Taiwan hospitals: the agency theory perspective.

PubMed

Chang, Li

2011-01-01

This study aims to determine whether the Taiwanese government's implementation of new health care payment reforms (the National Health Insurance with fee-for-service (NHI-FFS) and global budget (NHI-GB)) has resulted in better cost containment. Also, the question arises under the agency theory whether the monitoring system is effective in reducing the risk of information asymmetry. This study uses panel data analysis with fixed effects model to investigate changes in cost containment at Taipei municipal hospitals before and after adopting reforms from 1989 to 2004. The results show that the monitoring system does not reduce information asymmetry to improve cost containment under the NHI-FFS. In addition, after adopting the NHI-GB system, health care costs are controlled based on an improved monitoring system in the policymaker's point of view. This may suggest that the NHI's fee-for-services system actually causes health care resource waste. The GB may solve the problems of controlling health care costs only on the macro side.

Configurable, wearable sensing and vibrotactile feedback system for real-time postural balance and gait training: proof-of-concept.

PubMed

Xu, Junkai; Bao, Tian; Lee, Ung Hee; Kinnaird, Catherine; Carender, Wendy; Huang, Yangjian; Sienko, Kathleen H; Shull, Peter B

2017-10-11

Postural balance and gait training is important for treating persons with functional impairments, however current systems are generally not portable and are unable to train different types of movements. This paper describes a proof-of-concept design of a configurable, wearable sensing and feedback system for real-time postural balance and gait training targeted for home-based treatments and other portable usage. Sensing and vibrotactile feedback are performed via eight distributed, wireless nodes or "Dots" (size: 22.5 × 20.5 × 15.0 mm, weight: 12.0 g) that can each be configured for sensing and/or feedback according to movement training requirements. In the first experiment, four healthy older adults were trained to reduce medial-lateral (M/L) trunk tilt while performing balance exercises. When trunk tilt deviated too far from vertical (estimated via a sensing Dot on the lower spine), vibrotactile feedback (via feedback Dots placed on the left and right sides of the lower torso) cued participants to move away from the vibration and back toward the vertical no feedback zone to correct their posture. A second experiment was conducted with the same wearable system to train six healthy older adults to alter their foot progression angle in real-time by internally or externally rotating their feet while walking. Foot progression angle was estimated via a sensing Dot adhered to the dorsal side of the foot, and vibrotactile feedback was provided via feedback Dots placed on the medial and lateral sides of the mid-shank cued participants to internally or externally rotate their foot away from vibration. In the first experiment, the wearable system enabled participants to significantly reduce trunk tilt and increase the amount of time inside the no feedback zone. In the second experiment, all participants were able to adopt new gait patterns of internal and external foot rotation within two minutes of real-time training with the wearable system. These results suggest that the configurable, wearable sensing and feedback system is portable and effective for different types of real-time human movement training and thus may be suitable for home-based or clinic-based rehabilitation applications.

Ruxolitinib-conjugated gold nanoparticles for topical administration: An alternative for treating alopecia?

PubMed

Boca, Sanda; Berce, Cristian; Jurj, Ancuta; Petrushev, Bobe; Pop, Laura; Gafencu, Grigore-Aristide; Selicean, Sonia; Moisoiu, Vlad; Temian, Daiana; Micu, Wilhelm-Thomas; Astilean, Simion; Braicu, Cornelia; Tomuleasa, Ciprian; Berindan-Neagoe, Ioana

2017-11-01

Alopecia is a dermatological condition for which Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have recently emerged as potential therapy options, but with limited practical use because of the systemic side effects. The topical use of Ruxolitinib in alopecia universalis has been demonstrated, but little is known about the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of this way of administration. Nanomedicine provides improved therapeutics. In the current paper we present preliminary data regarding the potential use of Ruxolitinib-conjugated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in dermatological conditions, as GNPs have been proven to have a reduced absorption rate into the systemic blood flow for cutaneous administration. Internalization of the newly formed bioconjugate was assessed by electron microscopy and the functional effects of the drug were investigated by cell counting, flow cytometry and western blotting. Our data show that gold nanoparticles conjugated with Ruxolitinib inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts by inhibiting JAK2 protein. Ruxolitinib carried by gold nanoparticles alters the proliferation of human fibroblasts, which is of great clinical importance as it can be readily administered on the skin with minimal risk of systemic side effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Flexible 360-Degree Thermal Sound Source Based on Laser Induced Graphene

PubMed Central

Tao, Lu-Qi; Liu, Ying; Ju, Zhen-Yi; Tian, He; Xie, Qian-Yi; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2016-01-01

A flexible sound source is essential in a whole flexible system. It’s hard to integrate a conventional sound source based on a piezoelectric part into a whole flexible system. Moreover, the sound pressure from the back side of a sound source is usually weaker than that from the front side. With the help of direct laser writing (DLW) technology, the fabrication of a flexible 360-degree thermal sound source becomes possible. A 650-nm low-power laser was used to reduce the graphene oxide (GO). The stripped laser induced graphene thermal sound source was then attached to the surface of a cylindrical bottle so that it could emit sound in a 360-degree direction. The sound pressure level and directivity of the sound source were tested, and the results were in good agreement with the theoretical results. Because of its 360-degree sound field, high flexibility, high efficiency, low cost, and good reliability, the 360-degree thermal acoustic sound source will be widely applied in consumer electronics, multi-media systems, and ultrasonic detection and imaging. PMID:28335239

A spectral method determination of the first critical Rayleigh number for a low-Prandtl number crystal melt in a cylindrical container

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietz, C. M., Jr.; Diplas, P.

1993-01-01

The onset of laminar axisymmetric Rayleigh-Benard convection is investigated for a low-Prandtl number liquid metal in a cylindrical container. All surfaces are considered to be solid and no-slip. Two separate cases are examined for the thermal boundary conditions at the side wall, one with conducting and the other with insulated surface. The governing Boussinesq system is first perturbed and then simplified by introducing a Stokes stream function. Subsequently, a Chebyshev Galerkin spectral model is employed to reduce the simplified system to a system of first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A local stability analysis determines the two values of the first critical Rayleigh number, Ra(sub cl), for the insulated and conducting side walls. As expected, the conducting Ra(sub cl) value of 2882.5 obtained from the present approach exceeded the corresponding insulated Ra(sub cl) value of 2331.6. For the insulated case, an earlier study using a different numerical approach suggests that Ra(sub cl) = 2261.9, while an experimental study measured Ra(sub cl) = 2700.

sideSPIM - selective plane illumination based on a conventional inverted microscope.

PubMed

Hedde, Per Niklas; Malacrida, Leonel; Ahrar, Siavash; Siryaporn, Albert; Gratton, Enrico

2017-09-01

Previously described selective plane illumination microscopy techniques typically offset ease of use and sample handling for maximum imaging performance or vice versa . Also, to reduce cost and complexity while maximizing flexibility, it is highly desirable to implement light sheet microscopy such that it can be added to a standard research microscope instead of setting up a dedicated system. We devised a new approach termed sideSPIM that provides uncompromised imaging performance and easy sample handling while, at the same time, offering new applications of plane illumination towards fluidics and high throughput 3D imaging of multiple specimen. Based on an inverted epifluorescence microscope, all of the previous functionality is maintained and modifications to the existing system are kept to a minimum. At the same time, our implementation is able to take full advantage of the speed of the employed sCMOS camera and piezo stage to record data at rates of up to 5 stacks/s. Additionally, sample handling is compatible with established methods and switching magnification to change the field of view from single cells to whole organisms does not require labor intensive adjustments of the system.

Highly Integrated Quality Assurance – An Empirical Case

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

Drake Kirkham; Amy Powell; Lucas Rich

2011-02-01

Highly Integrated Quality Assurance – An Empirical Case Drake Kirkham1, Amy Powell2, Lucas Rich3 1Quality Manager, Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program, Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625 M/S 6122, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6122 2Quality Engineer, RPS Program, Idaho National Laboratory 3Quality Engineer, RPS Program, Idaho National Laboratory Contact: Voice: (208) 533-7550 Email: Drake.Kirkham@inl.gov Abstract. The Radioisotope Power Systems Program of the Idaho National Laboratory makes an empirical case for a highly integrated Quality Assurance function pertaining to the preparation, assembly, testing, storage and transportation of 238Pu fueled radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Case data represents multiple campaigns including the Pluto/New Horizons mission,more » the Mars Science Laboratory mission in progress, and other related projects. Traditional Quality Assurance models would attempt to reduce cost by minimizing the role of dedicated Quality Assurance personnel in favor of either functional tasking or peer-based implementations. Highly integrated Quality Assurance adds value by placing trained quality inspectors on the production floor side-by-side with nuclear facility operators to enhance team dynamics, reduce inspection wait time, and provide for immediate, independent feedback. Value is also added by maintaining dedicated Quality Engineers to provide for rapid identification and resolution of corrective action, enhanced and expedited supply chain interfaces, improved bonded storage capabilities, and technical resources for requirements management including data package development and Certificates of Inspection. A broad examination of cost-benefit indicates highly integrated Quality Assurance can reduce cost through the mitigation of risk and reducing administrative burden thereby allowing engineers to be engineers, nuclear operators to be nuclear operators, and the cross-functional team to operate more efficiently. Applicability of this case extends to any high-value, long-term project where traceability and accountability are determining factors.« less

Intracortical inhibition in the human trigeminal motor system.

PubMed

Jaberzadeh, Shapour; Pearce, Sophie L; Miles, Timothy S; Türker, Kemal S; Nordstrom, Michael A

2007-08-01

To investigate the presence and features of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in the human trigeminal motor system. Surface electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from left and right digastric muscles in 7 subjects, along with additional experiments with intramuscular EMG in 2 subjects. Focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to activate the motor cortex of one hemisphere and elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in digastric muscles on each side, at rest and while subjects activated the muscles at 10% maximal EMG. Paired or single TMS pulses were delivered in blocks of trials, while conditioning TMS intensity and interstimulus interval (ISI) were varied. At rest, paired TMS (3-ms ISI) with conditioning intensities 0.8-0.9x active motor threshold (TA) reduced the digastric MEP amplitude to a similar extent bilaterally. Conditioning at 0.5-0.7TA did not significantly reduce the MEP. MEP amplitude was reduced to a similar extent in both digastric muscles by ISIs between 1 and 4 ms (0.8TA). Voluntary bilateral activation of digastric muscles reduced the effectiveness of conditioning TMS compared to the resting state, with no differences between sides. The similarity of the responses in both digastric muscles was not due to EMG cross-talk (estimated to be approximately 10% in surface records and approximately 2% in intramuscular records), as the intramuscular records showed the same pattern as the surface records. The effects of paired-pulse TMS on digastric are similar to those reported for contralateral hand muscles, and are consistent with activation of SICI circuits in M1 by conditioning TMS. Our evidence further suggests that the corticomotor representations of left and right digastric muscles in M1 of a single hemisphere receive analogous inhibitory modulation from SICI circuits. SICI has been demonstrated in the face area of motor cortex controlling the trigeminal motor system in normal subjects. This method can be used to investigate abnormalities of SICI in movement disorders affecting the masticatory muscles in humans.

Comparing the effects of cryotherapy with nitrous oxide gas versus topical corticosteroids in the treatment of oral lichen planus.

PubMed

Amanat, Dariush; Ebrahimi, Hooman; Zahedani, Maryam Zahed; Zeini, Nasim; Pourshahidi, Sara; Ranjbar, Zahra

2014-01-01

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa with treatment challenges for clinicians. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of cryotherapy as a new modality with topical corticosteroids as a conventional therapy in the treatment of OLP. Thirty patients with bilateral OLP lesions were selected. From each patient a lesion on one side was chosen randomly for a single session of cryotherapy with nitrous oxide gas and the lesion on the other side received triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment in orabase. Treatment outcome was measured by means of an appearance score, pain score (visual analogue scale), and severity of lesions before treatment and after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. Paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon test. In both methods of treatment sign score, pain score and severity of lesions was significantly reduced in all follow-up sessions (P<0.05). But the treatment outcome and relapse was not significantly different between the two treatment methods (P>0.05). Cryotherapy with nitrous oxide gas is as effective as topical triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of OLP with no systemic side effects and needs less patient compliance. It can be considered as an alternative or adjuvant therapy in OLP patients to reduce the use of treatments with adverse effects.

Side-Specific Endothelial-Dependent Regulation of Aortic Valve Calcification

PubMed Central

Richards, Jennifer; El-Hamamsy, Ismail; Chen, Si; Sarang, Zubair; Sarathchandra, Padmini; Yacoub, Magdi H.; Chester, Adrian H.; Butcher, Jonathan T.

2014-01-01

Arterial endothelial cells maintain vascular homeostasis and vessel tone in part through the secretion of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we determined how aortic valve endothelial cells (VEC) regulate aortic valve interstitial cell (VIC) phenotype and matrix calcification through NO. Using an anchored in vitro collagen hydrogel culture system, we demonstrate that three-dimensionally cultured porcine VIC do not calcify in osteogenic medium unless under mechanical stress. Co-culture with porcine VEC, however, significantly attenuated VIC calcification through inhibition of myofibroblastic activation, osteogenic differentiation, and calcium deposition. Incubation with the NO donor DETA-NO inhibited VIC osteogenic differentiation and matrix calcification, whereas incubation with the NO blocker l-NAME augmented calcification even in 3D VIC–VEC co-culture. Aortic VEC, but not VIC, expressed endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in both porcine and human valves, which was reduced in osteogenic medium. eNOS expression was reduced in calcified human aortic valves in a side-specific manner. Porcine leaflets exposed to the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ increased osteocalcin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. Finally, side-specific shear stress applied to porcine aortic valve leaflet endothelial surfaces increased cGMP production in VEC. Valve endothelial-derived NO is a natural inhibitor of the early phases of valve calcification and therefore may be an important regulator of valve homeostasis and pathology. PMID:23499458

IMPACT OF ETHANOL ON THE NATURAL ATTENUATION OF MTBE IN A NORMALLY SULFATE-REDUCING AQUIFER

EPA Science Inventory

Two side-by-side experiments were conducted in an MTBE-contaminated aquifer at a former service station site to determine the effect of ethanol release on the fate of pre-existing MTBE contamination. On one side, we injected groundwater amended with 1-3 mg/L benzene, toluene, and...

Use of a 22-gauge Whitacre needle to reduce the incidence of side effects after lumbar myelography: a prospective randomised study comparing Whitacre and Quincke spinal needles.

PubMed

Pedersen, O N

1996-01-01

In a prospective study lumbar iohexol myelography was performed in 107 consecutive patients, randomised for lumbar puncture with a Quincke or Whitacre spinal needle. All patients answered a questionnaire about possible side effects. Data from 100 patients (58 men, 42 women) were evaluated. In the Quincke group (n = 53), 23 (43%) reported no side effects. In the 30 patients who reported various side effects, post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) occurred in 22 (42%), of whom 9 had mild, 6 moderate and 7 (13%) severe cephalalgia, 18 (34%) reported increased low back pain/sciatica, 5 nausea and 7 dizziness. In the Whitacre group (n = 47), 33 (70%) had no side effects. PDPH was reported by 9 patients (19%), of whom 2 had mild, 6 moderate and only 1 (2%) severe cephalalgia, 4 (9%) reported increased low back pain/sciatica, 5 nausea and 4 dizziness. The conclusion drawn from this study is that lumbar myelography performed with the Whitacre spinal needle reduces postspinal side effects.

Evidence of saturable uptake mechanisms at maternal and fetal sides of the perfused human placenta by rapid paired-tracer dilution: studies with calcium and choline.

PubMed

Sweiry, J H; Page, K R; Dacke, C G; Abramovich, D R; Yudilevich, D L

1986-12-01

Rapid uptake and efflux of 45Ca2+ and [3H]choline at the maternal and fetal interfaces of the syncytiotrophoblast in the dually-perfused human placenta was investigated by application of the single circulation paired-tracer dilution method (Yudilevich, Eaton, Short & Leichtweiss 1979). Cotyledons were perfused with Krebs-bicarbonate containing dextran (30 g/l; MW = 60-70,000) at 20 and 6 ml/min on maternal and fetal sides, respectively. The paired-tracer (test substrate and extracellular marker) technique consisted of an intra-arterial injection of a tracer bolus, followed by venous sampling over 5-6 min. There was a rapid (sec) uptake of 45Ca2+, followed by backflux (efflux into the ipsilateral circulation) which, over 5-6 min, was 59-100% on the fetal side. It was more variable but generally lower on the maternal interface. At 0.1 mM calcium, 45Ca2+ maximal uptake (Umax) was about 53% on the fetal side but on the maternal side it was variable and averaged 17%. At 2.4 mM calcium fetal side Umax was reduced to 40%. However, on the maternal side the effect was not consistent. Unidirectional influx (nmol/min per g) appeared to be not different on the two sides of the placenta. For [3H]choline (in choline-free perfusates) Umax was about 50% and 30% on fetal and maternal sides, respectively; tracer backflux was variable on the maternal side and averaged 50% on the fetal side. [3H]Choline uptake was highly inhibited by either 1.0 mM choline or the specific competitive inhibitor, hemicholinium-3 (0.1 mM). Specific transplacental transfer of 45Ca2+ (i.e. in excess of the extracellular marker) was not significant in either direction. For [3H]choline there was an apparent small excess (about 4%) preferential towards the fetal circulation. These findings in the human placenta are similar to those demonstrated previously in the guinea-pig placenta which suggested the existence of specific transport systems for choline and calcium on both sides of the syncytiotrophoblast.

CMV - gastroenteritis/colitis

MedlinePlus

... may include: Drugs to prevent or reduce diarrhea Painkillers (analgesics) Nutritional supplements or nutrition given through a ... used to fight the virus may cause side effects. The type of side effect depends on the ...

Puncture Reduction in Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy with HE's Lumbar LOcation (HELLO) System: A Cadaver Study.

PubMed

Fan, Guoxin; Guan, Xiaofei; Sun, Qi; Hu, Annan; Zhu, Yanjie; Gu, Guangfei; Zhang, Hailong; He, Shisheng

2015-01-01

Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) usually requires numerous punctures under X-ray fluoroscopy. Repeated puncture will lead to more radiation exposure and reduce the beginners' confidence. This cadaver study aimed to investigate the efficacy of HE's Lumbar Location (HELLO) system in puncture reduction of PTED. Cadaver study. Comparative groups. HELLO system consists of self-made surface locator and puncture locator. One senior surgeon conducted the puncture procedure of PTED on the left side of 20 cadavers at L4/L5 and L5/S1 level with the assistance of HELLO system (Group A). Additionally, the senior surgeon conducted the puncture procedure of PTED on the right side of the cadavers at L4/L5 and L5/S1 level with traditional methods (Group B). On the other hand, an inexperienced surgeon conducted the puncture procedure of PTED on the left side of the cadavers at L4/L5 and L5/S1 level with the assistance of our HELLO system (Group C). At L4/L5 level, there was significant difference in puncture times between Group A and Group B (P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed between Group A and Group C (P = 0.811). Similarly at L5/S1 level, there was significant difference in puncture times between Group A and Group B (P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed between Group A and Group C (P = 0.981). At L4/L5 level, there was significant difference in fluoroscopy time between Group A and Group B (P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed between Group A and Group C (P = 0.290). Similarly at L5/S1 level, there was significant difference in fluoroscopy time between Group A and Group B (P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed between Group A and Group C (P = 0.523). As for radiation exposure, HELLO system reduced 39%-45% radiation dosage when comparing Group A and Group B, but there was no significant difference in radiation exposure between Group A and Group C whatever at L4/L5 level or L5/S1 level (P>0.05). There was no difference in location time between Group A and Group B or Group A and Group C either at L4/L5 level or L5/S1 level (P>0.05). Small-sample preclinical study. HELLO system was effective in reducing puncture times, fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure, as well as the difficulty of learning PTED. (2015-RES-127).

Electric-acoustic stimulation suppresses tinnitus in a subject with high-frequency single-sided deafness.

PubMed

Mertens, Griet; Van Rompaey, Vincent; Van de Heyning, Paul

2018-05-17

A suggested solution to suppress tinnitus is to restore the normal sensory input. This is based on the auditory deprivation hypothesis. It is known that hearing aids can provide sufficient activation of the auditory nervous system and reduce tinnitus in subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss and that cochlear implantation can reduce tinnitus in subjects with severe to profound hearing loss. This applies to subjects with single-sided deafness (SSD) or bilateral hearing loss. To investigate if electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) can reduce severe tinnitus in a subject with residual hearing in the ipsilateral ear and contralateral normal hearing (high-frequency SSD) by restoring the auditory input. Tinnitus reduction was investigated for 1 year after implantation in a subject with high-frequency SSD, who uses EAS, and was compared to 11 subjects with a cochlear implant (CI) with SSD. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) were administered pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after implantation. Significant tinnitus reduction was observed 1 month after implantation on the VAS in the subjects with SSD using a CI. Tinnitus reduction was also observed in the subject with high-frequency SSD using EAS. A further decrease was observed 3 months after implantation. The TQ and VAS scores remained stable up to 1 year after implantation. A CI can significantly reduce ipsilateral severe tinnitus in a subject with SSD. Ipsilateral severe tinnitus can also be reduced using EAS in subjects with high-frequency SSD.

Informatics in radiology: web-based preliminary reporting system for radiology residents with PACS integration.

PubMed

O'Connell, Timothy; Chang, Debra

2012-01-01

While on call, radiology residents review imaging studies and issue preliminary reports to referring clinicians. In the absence of an integrated reporting system at the training sites of the authors' institution, residents were typing and faxing preliminary reports. To partially automate the on-call resident workflow, a Web-based system for resident reporting was developed by using the free open-source xAMP Web application framework and an open-source DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) software toolkit, with the goals of reducing errors and lowering barriers to education. This reporting system integrates with the picture archiving and communication system to display a worklist of studies. Patient data are automatically entered in the preliminary report to prevent identification errors and simplify the report creation process. When the final report for a resident's on-call study is available, the reporting system queries the report broker for the final report, and then displays the preliminary report side by side with the final report, thus simplifying the review process and encouraging review of all of the resident's reports. The xAMP Web application framework should be considered for development of radiology department informatics projects owing to its zero cost, minimal hardware requirements, ease of programming, and large support community.

Right-side-stretched multifractal spectra indicate small-worldness in networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oświȩcimka, Paweł; Livi, Lorenzo; Drożdż, Stanisław

2018-04-01

Complex network formalism allows to explain the behavior of systems composed by interacting units. Several prototypical network models have been proposed thus far. The small-world model has been introduced to mimic two important features observed in real-world systems: i) local clustering and ii) the possibility to move across a network by means of long-range links that significantly reduce the characteristic path length. A natural question would be whether there exist several ;types; of small-world architectures, giving rise to a continuum of models with properties (partially) shared with other models belonging to different network families. Here, we take advantage of the interplay between network theory and time series analysis and propose to investigate small-world signatures in complex networks by analyzing multifractal characteristics of time series generated from such networks. In particular, we suggest that the degree of right-sided asymmetry of multifractal spectra is linked with the degree of small-worldness present in networks. This claim is supported by numerical simulations performed on several parametric models, including prototypical small-world networks, scale-free, fractal and also real-world networks describing protein molecules. Our results also indicate that right-sided asymmetry emerges with the presence of the following topological properties: low edge density, low average shortest path, and high clustering coefficient.

Novel Fish Oil-based Bigel System for Controlled Drug Delivery and its Influence on Immunomodulatory Activity of Imiquimod Against Skin Cancer.

PubMed

Rehman, Khurram; Zulfakar, Mohd Hanif

2017-01-01

To characterize bigel system as a topical drug delivery vehicle and to establish the immunomodulatory role of imiquimod-fish oil combination against skin cancer and inflammation resulting from chemical carcinogenesis. Imiquimod-loaded fish oil bigel colloidal system was prepared using a blend of carbopol hydrogel and fish oil oleogel. Bigels were first characterized for their mechanical properties and compared to conventional gel systems. Ex vivo permeation studies were performed on murine skin to analyze the ability of the bigels to transport drug across skin and to predict the release mechanism via mathematical modelling. Furthermore, to analyze pharmacological effectiveness in skin cancer and controlling imiquimod-induced inflammatory side effects, imiquimod-fish oil combination was tested in vitro on epidermoid carcinoma cells and in vivo in Swiss albino mice cancer model. Imiquimod-loaded fish oil bigels exhibited higher drug availability inside the skin as compared to individual imiquimod hydrogel and oleogel controls through quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Imiquimod-fish oil combination in bigel enhanced the antitumor effects and significantly reduced serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, and reducing tumor progression via inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Imiquimod-fish oil combination also resulted in increased expression of interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which could also aid anti-tumor activity against skin cancer. Imiquimod administration through a bigel vehicle along with fish oil could be beneficial for controlling imiquimod-induced inflammatory side effects and in the treatment of skin cancer.

[Constricted ear therapy with free auricular composite grafts].

PubMed

Liu, Tun; Zhang, Lian-sheng; Zhuang, Hong-xing; Zhang, Ke-yuan

2004-03-01

A simple and effective therapy for single side constricted ear. Transplanting normal side free composite auricular grafts to constricted ear (15 patients and 15 sides), then lengthening the helix, exposing the scapha, correcting deformity. The 15 patients composite grafts all survived. The helix has been lengthened, the scapha exposed, the normal ear reduced, the constricted ear augmented and two sides ear have become symmetry. This method is simple and results are satisfied.

Antenna for Measuring Electric Fields Within the Inner Heliosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sittler, Edward Charles

2007-01-01

A document discusses concepts for the design of an antenna to be deployed from a spacecraft for measuring the ambient electric field associated with plasma waves at a location within 3 solar radii from the solar photosphere. The antenna must be long enough to extend beyond the photoelectron and plasma sheaths of the spacecraft (expected to be of the order of meters thick) and to enable measurements at frequencies from 20 Hz to 10 MHz without contamination by spacecraft electric-field noise. The antenna must, therefore, extend beyond the thermal protection system (TPS) of the main body of the spacecraft and must withstand solar heating to a temperature as high as 2,000 C while not conducting excessive heat to the interior of the spacecraft. The TPS would be conical and its axis would be pointed toward the Sun. The antenna would include monopole halves of dipoles that would be deployed from within the shadow of the TPS. The outer potion of each monopole would be composed of a carbon-carbon (C-C) composite surface exposed to direct sunlight (hot side) and a C-C side in shadow (cold side) with yttria-stabilized zirconia spacers in-between. The hot side cannot view the spacecraft bus, while the cold side can. The booms also can be tilted to minimize heat input to spacecraft bus. This design allows one to reduce heat input to the spacecraft bus to acceptable levels.

Modulations of Foot and Ankle Frontal Kinematics for Breaking and Propulsive Movement Characteristics during Side-Step Cutting with Varying Midsole Thicknesses

PubMed Central

Lin, Yi-Jia; Lee, Shih-Chi; Chang, Chao-Chin; Liu, Tsung-Han

2018-01-01

This study is aimed at determining the effects of midsole thickness on movement characteristic during side cutting movement. Fifteen athletes performed side-step cutting while wearing shoes with varying midsole thicknesses. Temporal-spatial and ground reaction force variables as well as foot and ankle frontal kinematics were used to describe breaking and propulsive movement characteristics and modulation strategies. Regardless of midsole thickness, temporal-spatial variables and breaking and propulsive force during side cutting were statistically unchanged. Significantly greater peaks of ankle inversion and plantarflexion with a thicker sole and greater midtarsal pronation with a thinner sole were observed. Current results demonstrated that hypotheses formed solely based on material testing were insufficient to understand the adaptations in human movement because of the redundancy of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Participants were able to maintain temporal-spatial performance during side cutting while wearing shoes with midsoles of varying thicknesses. Increased pronation for a thinner sole might help reduce the force of impact but might be associated with an increased risk of excessive stress on soft tissue. Increased peak of ankle inversion and plantarflexion for a thicker sole may be unfavorable for the stability of ankle joint. Information provided in human movement testing is crucial for understanding factors associated with movement characteristics and injury and should be considered in the future development of shoe design. PMID:29854000

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

Three side-by-side lab houses were built, instrumented and monitored in an effort to determine through field testing and analysis the relative contributions of select technologies toward reducing energy use in new manufactured homes.The lab houses in Russellville, Alabama compared the performance of three homes built to varying levels of thermal integrity and HVAC equipment: a baseline HUD-code home equipped with an electric furnace and a split system air conditioner; an ENERGY STAR manufactured home with an enhanced thermal envelope and traditional split system heat pump; and a house designed to qualify for Zero Energy Ready Home designation with a ductlessmore » mini-split heat pump with transfer fan distribution system in place of the traditional duct system for distribution. Experiments were conducted in the lab houses to evaluate impact on energy and comfort of interior door position, window blind position and transfer fan operation. The report describes results of tracer gas and co-heating tests and presents calculation of the heat pump coefficient of performance for both the traditional heat pump and the ductless mini-split. A series of calibrated energy models was developed based on measured data and run in three locations in the Southeast to compare annual energy usage of the three homes.« less

Behavior of aircraft antiskid breaking systems on dry and wet runway surfaces: A slip-ratio-controlled system with ground speed reference from unbraked nose wheel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanner, J. A.; Stubbs, S. M.

1977-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted at the Langley aircraft landing loads and traction facility to study the braking and cornering response of a slip ratio controlled aircraft antiskid braking system with ground speed reference derived from an unbraked nose wheel. The investigation, conducted on dry and wet runway surfaces, utilized one main gear wheel, brake, and tire assembly of a DC-9 series 10 airplane. During maximum braking, the average ratio of the drag force friction coefficient developed by the antiskid system to the maximum drag force friction coefficient available was higher on the dry surface than on damp and flooded surfaces, and was reduced with lighter vertical loads, higher yaw angles, and when new tire treads were replaced by worn treads. Similarly, the average ratio of side force friction coefficient developed by the tire under antiskid control to the maximum side force friction coefficient available to a freely rolling yawed tire decreased with increasing yaw angle, generally increased with ground speed, and decreased when tires with new treads were replaced by those with worn treads.

Direct Visualization of Aggregate Morphology and Dynamics in a Model Soil Organic–Mineral System

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

Hufschmid, Ryan; Newcomb, Christina J.; Grate, Jay W.

Interactions between mineral surfaces and organic matter are ubiquitous in soils and the environment. Through both physical and chemical mechanisms, organic-mineral assemblages prevent decomposition of soil organic matter by limiting accessibility or reducing efficacy of enzymes and microbes. To understand the mechanisms underlying organic-mineral interactions, researchers have begun to interrogate these systems at smaller length scales. Current techniques that maintain a hydrated state and allow researchers to characterize nanometer length scales are limited. Here we chose a model organic-mineral system and performed complementary imaging techniques that enable direct nanoscale observations in environmentally relevant conditions: cryogenic TEM and in-situ liquid cellmore » TEM. We observed a three-fold increase in aggregate size of goethite nanoparticles upon addition of a model organic phosphate ligand and quantification of nanoparticle orientation reveals a preference for side-to-side interactions independent of the addition of an organic ligand. Additionally, in-situ liquid cell TEM experiments provides a dynamic view of the interactions allowing us to report velocities of mineral assemblages during aggregation and disaggregation, which could potentially provide binding energetics and kinetic parameters about organic-mineral and mineral-mineral systems.« less

Impact of adherence on the outcome of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

PubMed

Mulhall, Brian P; Younossi, Zobair

2005-01-01

Nearly 4 million people in the United States have evidence of hepatitis C infection (HCV), representing a significant cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer as well a major burden to our healthcare systems and society. Antiviral therapy can successfully eradicate HCV over the long term, potentially reducing the risk of progression and improving patients' quality of life. The currently preferred HCV treatment is a combination of pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin, which can achieve an overall sustained viral eradication rate of 55%. The duration of this treatment is typically determined by HCV genotype and the patient's early virologic response to the antiviral regimen. Evidence has accumulated over the past few years to indicate that close adherence to the optimal antiviral regimen can enhance sustained virologic response. But optimal treatment outcomes require diligence and careful management of side effects related to combination therapy. Although reducing the dose of pegylated interferon alfa, ribavirin, or both can effectively treat side effects, suboptimal doses of this regimen, especially ribavirin, may negatively affect virologic response. An alternative strategy is to use growth factors to treat cytopenias. This strategy can obviate dose reductions while potentially improving patients' quality of life. Patient support seems especially important early after the initiation of antiviral therapy. Encouraging study findings involving the growth factors, epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa, suggest improved anemia and quality of life while maintaining the optimal ribavirin dose. Future work should be aimed at providing stronger evidence for the use of these "supportive products" during anti-HCV therapy. As we strive to develop better treatment options for our HCV patients, the importance of adhering to the treatment regimen continues to play a central role. Effective side effect management is crucial for the success of this treatment because adherence is negatively affected by side effects related to the antiviral regimen. By identifying and addressing the important side effects of combination therapy for HCV, adherence to treatment can be improved and optimal outcomes can be achieved.

3D mosquito screens to create window double screen traps for mosquito control.

PubMed

Khattab, Ayman; Jylhä, Kaisa; Hakala, Tomi; Aalto, Mikko; Malima, Robert; Kisinza, William; Honkala, Markku; Nousiainen, Pertti; Meri, Seppo

2017-08-29

Mosquitoes are vectors for many diseases such as malaria. Insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying of insecticides are the principal malaria vector control tools used to prevent malaria in the tropics. Other interventions aim at reducing man-vector contact. For example, house screening provides additive or synergistic effects to other implemented measures. We used commercial screen materials made of polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene to design novel mosquito screens that provide remarkable additional benefits to those commonly used in house screening. The novel design is based on a double screen setup made of a screen with 3D geometric structures parallel to a commercial mosquito screen creating a trap between the two screens. Owing to the design of the 3D screen, mosquitoes can penetrate the 3D screen from one side but cannot return through the other side, making it a unidirectional mosquito screen. Therefore, the mosquitoes are trapped inside the double screen system. The permissiveness of both sides of the 3D screens for mosquitoes to pass through was tested in a wind tunnel using the insectary strain of Anopheles stephensi. Among twenty-five tested 3D screen designs, three designs from the cone, prism, or cylinder design groups were the most efficient in acting as unidirectional mosquito screens. The three cone-, prism-, and cylinder-based screens allowed, on average, 92, 75 and 64% of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes released into the wind tunnel to penetrate the permissive side and 0, 0 and 6% of mosquitoes to escape through the non-permissive side, respectively. A cone-based 3D screen fulfilled the study objective. It allowed capturing 92% of mosquitoes within the double screen setup inside the wind tunnel and blocked 100% from escaping. Thus, the cone-based screen effectively acted as a unidirectional mosquito screen. This 3D screen-based trap design could therefore be used in house screening as a means of avoiding infective bites and reducing mosquito population size.

Water augmented indirectly-fired gas turbine systems and method

DOEpatents

Bechtel, Thomas F.; Parsons, Jr., Edward J.

1992-01-01

An indirectly-fired gas turbine system utilizing water augmentation for increasing the net efficiency and power output of the system is described. Water injected into the compressor discharge stream evaporatively cools the air to provide a higher driving temperature difference across a high temperature air heater which is used to indirectly heat the water-containing air to a turbine inlet temperature of greater than about 1,000.degree. C. By providing a lower air heater hot side outlet temperature, heat rejection in the air heater is reduced to increase the heat recovery in the air heater and thereby increase the overall cycle efficiency.

Controlled Photon Switch Assisted by Coupled Quantum Dots

PubMed Central

Luo, Ming-Xing; Ma, Song-Ya; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Wang, Xiaojun

2015-01-01

Quantum switch is a primitive element in quantum network communication. In contrast to previous switch schemes on one degree of freedom (DOF) of quantum systems, we consider controlled switches of photon system with two DOFs. These controlled photon switches are constructed by exploring the optical selection rules derived from the quantum-dot spins in one-sided optical microcavities. Several double controlled-NOT gate on different joint systems are greatly simplified with an auxiliary DOF of the controlling photon. The photon switches show that two DOFs of photons can be independently transmitted in quantum networks. This result reduces the quantum resources for quantum network communication. PMID:26095049

Experimental Discussion on a 6-kW, 2-kWh Battery Energy Storage System Using a Bidirectional Isolated DC/DC Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Takahiro; Tan, Nadia Mei Lin; Akagi, Hirofumi

This paper presents an experimental discussion on a 6-kW, full-bridge, zero-voltage switching bidirectional isolated dc/dc converter for a 53.2-V, 2-kWh Li-ion battery energy storage system. The combination of high-frequency switching devices, 600-V/200-A IGBTs and 100-V/500-A MOSFETs with a high-frequency transformer reduces the weight and physical size of the bidirectional isolated dc/dc converter. The dc voltage on the high-voltage side of the converter is controlled in a range of 300V to 355V as the battery voltage on the low-voltage side varies from 50V to 59V. Experimental verification of bidirectional power flow into (battery charging) or out of (battery discharging) the Li-ion battery bank is also presented. The maximal efficiency of the dc/dc converter is measured to be 98.1% during charging and 98.2% during discharging, excluding the gate drive loss and control circuit loss.

Integration of both dense wavelength-division multiplexing and coarse wavelength-division multiplexing demultiplexer on one photonic crystal chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Huiping; Shen, Guansheng; Liu, Weijia; Ji, Yuefeng

2013-07-01

An integrated model of photonic crystal (PC) demultiplexer that can be used to combine dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) and coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (CWDM) systems is first proposed. By applying the PC demultiplexer, dense channel spacing 0.8 nm and coarse channel spacing 20 nm are obtained at the same time. The transmission can be improved to nearly 90%, and the crosstalk can be decreased to less than -18 dB by enlarging the width of the bus waveguide. The total size of the device is 21×42 μm2. Four channels on one side of the demultiplexer can achieve DWDM in the wavelength range between 1575 and 1578 nm, and the other four channels on the other side can achieve CWDM in the wavelength range between 1490 and 1565 nm, respectively. The demonstrated demultiplexer can be applied in the future CWDM and DWDM system, and the architecture costs can be significantly reduced.

Could cannabidiol be used as an alternative to antipsychotics?

PubMed

Fakhoury, Marc

2016-09-01

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects close to 1% of the population. Individuals with this disorder often present signs such as hallucination, anxiety, reduced attention, and social withdrawal. Although antipsychotic drugs remain the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, they are associated with severe side effects. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for pharmacotherapy that is involved in a wide range of disorders, including schizophrenia. Since its discovery, a lot of effort has been devoted to the study of compounds that can modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, shows great promise for the treatment of psychosis, and is associated with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than conventional antipsychotic drugs. The overarching goal of this review is to provide current available knowledge on the role of the dopamine system and the ECS in schizophrenia, and to discuss key findings from animal studies and clinical trials investigating the antipsychotic potential of CBD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chitin Oligosaccharide (COS) Reduces Antibiotics Dose and Prevents Antibiotics-Caused Side Effects in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients with Spinal Fusion Surgery.

PubMed

Qu, Yang; Xu, Jinyu; Zhou, Haohan; Dong, Rongpeng; Kang, Mingyang; Zhao, Jianwu

2017-03-14

Antibiotics are always considered for surgical site infection (SSI) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery. However, the use of antibiotics often causes the antibiotic resistance of pathogens and side effects. Thus, it is necessary to explore natural products as drug candidates. Chitin Oligosaccharide (COS) has anti-inflammation and anti-bacteria functions. The effects of COS on surgical infection in AIS surgery were investigated. A total of 312 AIS patients were evenly and randomly assigned into control group (CG, each patient took one-gram alternative Azithromycin/Erythromycin/Cloxacillin/Aztreonam/Ceftazidime or combined daily), experiment group (EG, each patient took 20 mg COS and half-dose antibiotics daily), and placebo group (PG, each patient took 20 mg placebo and half-dose antibiotics daily). The average follow-up was one month, and infection severity and side effects were analyzed. The effects of COS on isolated pathogens were analyzed. SSI rates were 2%, 3% and 8% for spine wounds and 1%, 2% and 7% for iliac wound in CG, EG and PG ( p < 0.05), respectively. COS reduces the side effects caused by antibiotics ( p < 0.05). COS improved biochemical indexes and reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. COS reduced the antibiotics dose and antibiotics-caused side effects in AIS patients with spinal fusion surgery by improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. COS should be developed as potential adjuvant for antibiotics therapies.

Effect of driver's age and side of impact on crash severity along urban freeways: a mixed logit approach.

PubMed

Haleem, Kirolos; Gan, Albert

2013-09-01

This study identifies geometric, traffic, environmental, vehicle-related, and driver-related predictors of crash injury severity on urban freeways. The study takes advantage of the mixed logit model's ability to account for unobserved effects that are difficult to quantify and may affect the model estimation, such as the driver's reaction at the time of crash. Crashes of 5 years occurring on 89 urban freeway segments throughout the state of Florida in the United States were used. Examples of severity predictors explored include traffic volume, distance of the crash to the nearest ramp, and detailed driver's age, vehicle types, and sides of impact. To show how the parameter estimates could vary, a binary logit model was compared with the mixed logit model. It was found that the at-fault driver's age, traffic volume, distance of the crash to the nearest ramp, vehicle type, side of impact, and percentage of trucks significantly influence severity on urban freeways. Additionally, young at-fault drivers were associated with a significant severity risk increase relative to other age groups. It was also observed that some variables in the binary logit model yielded illogic estimates due to ignoring the random variation of the estimation. Since the at-fault driver's age and side of impact were significant random parameters in the mixed logit model, an in-depth investigation was performed. It was noticed that back, left, and right impacts had the highest risk among middle-aged drivers, followed by young drivers, very young drivers, and finally, old and very old drivers. To reduce side impacts due to lane changing, two primary strategies can be recommended. The first strategy is to conduct campaigns to convey the hazardous effect of changing lanes at higher speeds. The second is to devise in-vehicle side crash avoidance systems to alert drivers of a potential crash risk. The study provided a promising approach to screening the predictors before fitting the mixed logit model using the random forest technique. Furthermore, potential countermeasures were proposed to reduce the severity of impacts. Copyright © 2013 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Systematic screen of chemotherapeutics in Drosophila stem cell tumors

PubMed Central

Markstein, Michele; Dettorre, Samantha; Cho, Julio; Neumüller, Ralph A.; Craig-Müller, Sören; Perrimon, Norbert

2014-01-01

Here we report the development of an in vivo system to study the interaction of stem cells with drugs using a tumor model in the adult Drosophila intestine. Strikingly, we find that some Food and Drug Administration-approved chemotherapeutics that can inhibit the growth of Drosophila tumor stem cells can paradoxically promote the hyperproliferation of their wild-type counterparts. These results reveal an unanticipated side effect on stem cells that may contribute to tumor recurrence. We propose that the same side effect may occur in humans based on our finding that it is driven in Drosophila by the evolutionarily conserved Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. An immediate implication of our findings is that supplementing traditional chemotherapeutics with anti-inflammatories may reduce tumor recurrence. PMID:24616500

Team Training for Command and Control Systems. Volume IV. Recommendations for Simulation Facility.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

free - play war gaming exercises. The tactical situation models should allow the researcher to specify certain relevant environmental conditions: weather...emphasizes dynamic free - play and task-oriented responses. The individualized CBT exercises would not necessarily replace or even reduce the amount of time...intercept exercises and bump-heads free - play , but they cannot currently be used to simulate larger-scale, two-sided, free - play engagements. 69 . All

Novel drug delivery systems for glaucoma

PubMed Central

Lavik, E; Kuehn, M H; Kwon, Y H

2011-01-01

Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) by pharmaceutical or surgical means has long been the standard treatment for glaucoma. A number of excellent drugs are available that are effective in reducing IOP. These drugs are typically applied as eye drops. However, patient adherence can be poor, thus reducing the clinical efficacy of the drugs. Several novel delivery systems designed to address the issue of adherence and to ensure consistent reduction of IOP are currently under development. These delivery systems include contact lenses-releasing glaucoma medications, injectables such as biodegradable micro- and nanoparticles, and surgically implanted systems. These new technologies are aimed at increasing clinical efficacy by offering multiple delivery options and are capable of managing IOP for several months. There is also a desire to have complementary neuroprotective approaches for those who continue to show progression, despite IOP reduction. Many potential neuroprotective agents are not suitable for traditional oral or drop formulations. Their potential is dependent on developing suitable delivery systems that can provide the drugs in a sustained, local manner to the retina and optic nerve. Drug delivery systems have the potential to improve patient adherence, reduce side effects, increase efficacy, and ultimately, preserve sight for glaucoma patients. In this review, we discuss benefits and limitations of the current systems of delivery and application, as well as those on the horizon. PMID:21475311

Treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae in very dark skin with a long pulse Nd:YAG laser.

PubMed Central

Ross, E. Victor; Cooke, Linda M.; Overstreet, Kristen A.; Buttolph, Greg D.; Blair, Mark A.

2002-01-01

BACKGROUND: Pseudofolliculitis barbae affects some individuals with coarse curly hair. Currently available treatment modalities are often ineffective. In some studies, lasers have been shown to be potentially helpful in mitigating disease severity by reducing the number and/or thickness of hair shafts. METHODS: This was a side-by-side interventional study conducted at a military tertiary medical facility. The study group included 26 patients (skin types IV, V, and VI) referred from primary care physicians with a diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae refractory to medical therapy. A neodymium YAG laser was used to treat one half of the neck. One month later, shaving bumps were counted and compared to their preoperative levels on both sides. RESULTS: Mean postoperative papule counts were 11.6 +/- 6 (SD) and 30.1 +/- 19 (SD) on the treated side and untreated sides, respectively. CONCLUSION: Neodymium YAG laser treatment represents a safe and effective option for reducing papule formation in patients with pseudofolliculitis barbae. Images Figure 1 PMID:12408693

Intein-mediated site-specific synthesis of tumor-targeting protein delivery system: Turning PEG dilemma into prodrug-like feature

PubMed Central

Chen, Yingzhi; Zhang, Meng; Jin, Hongyue; Tang, Yisi; Wang, Huiyuan; Xu, Qin; Li, Yaping; Li, Feng; Huang, Yongzhuo

2017-01-01

Poor tumor-targeted and cytoplasmic delivery is a bottleneck for protein toxin-based cancer therapy. Ideally, a protein toxin drug should remain stealthy in circulation for prolonged half-life and reduced side toxicity, but turn activated at tumor. PEGylation is a solution to achieve the first goal, but creates a hurdle for the second because PEG rejects interaction between the drugs and tumor cells therein. Such PEG dilemma is an unsolved problem in protein delivery. Herein proposed is a concept of turning PEG dilemma into prodrug-like feature. A site-selectively PEGylated, gelatinase-triggered cell-penetrating trichosanthin protein delivery system is developed with three specific aims. The first is to develop an intein-based ligation method for achieving site-specific modification of protein toxins. The second is to develop a prodrug feature that renders protein toxins remaining stealthy in blood for reduced side toxicity and improved EPR effect. The third is to develop a gelatinase activatable cell-penetration strategy for enhanced tumor targeting and cytoplasmic delivery. Of note, site-specific modification is a big challenge in protein drug research, especially for such a complicated, multifunctional protein delivery system. We successfully develop a protocol for constructing a macromolecular prodrug system with intein-mediated ligation synthesis. With an on-column process of purification and intein-mediated cleavage, the site-specific PEGylation then can be readily achieved by conjugation with the activated C-terminus, thus constructing a PEG-capped, cell-penetrating trichosanthin system with a gelatinase-cleavable linker that enables tumor-specific activation of cytoplasmic delivery. It provides a promising method to address the PEG dilemma for enhanced protein drug delivery, and importantly, a facile protocol for site-specific modification of such a class of protein drugs for improving their druggability and industrial translation. PMID:27914267

Analysis of Hypericin-Mediated Effects and Implications for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy

PubMed Central

Mühleisen, Laura; Alev, Magdalena; Unterweger, Harald; Subatzus, Daniel; Pöttler, Marina; Friedrich, Ralf P.; Alexiou, Christoph; Janko, Christina

2017-01-01

The phototoxic effect of hypericin can be utilized for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of cancer. After intravenous application and systemic distribution of the drug in the patient’s body, the tumor site is exposed to light. Subsequently, toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, inducing tumor cell death. To prevent unwanted activation of the drug in other regions of the body, patients have to avoid light during and after the treatment cycles, consequently impairing quality of life. Here, we characterize toxicity and hypericin-mediated effects on cancer cells in vitro and confirm that its effect clearly depends on concentration and illumination time. To reduce side effects and to increase therapy success, selective accumulation of hypericin in the tumor region is a promising solution. Loading hypericin on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and guiding them to the desired place using an external magnetic field might accomplish this task (referred to as Magnetic Drug Targeting (MDT)). Thus, using a double targeting strategy, namely magnetic accumulation and laser induced photoactivation, might improve treatment effectivity as well as specificity and reduce toxic side effects in future clinical applications. PMID:28661430

Analysis of Hypericin-Mediated Effects and Implications for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy.

PubMed

Mühleisen, Laura; Alev, Magdalena; Unterweger, Harald; Subatzus, Daniel; Pöttler, Marina; Friedrich, Ralf P; Alexiou, Christoph; Janko, Christina

2017-06-29

The phototoxic effect of hypericin can be utilized for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of cancer. After intravenous application and systemic distribution of the drug in the patient's body, the tumor site is exposed to light. Subsequently, toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated, inducing tumor cell death. To prevent unwanted activation of the drug in other regions of the body, patients have to avoid light during and after the treatment cycles, consequently impairing quality of life. Here, we characterize toxicity and hypericin-mediated effects on cancer cells in vitro and confirm that its effect clearly depends on concentration and illumination time. To reduce side effects and to increase therapy success, selective accumulation of hypericin in the tumor region is a promising solution. Loading hypericin on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and guiding them to the desired place using an external magnetic field might accomplish this task (referred to as Magnetic Drug Targeting (MDT)). Thus, using a double targeting strategy, namely magnetic accumulation and laser induced photoactivation, might improve treatment effectivity as well as specificity and reduce toxic side effects in future clinical applications.

Treatment-induced mucositis: an old problem with new remedies.

PubMed

Symonds, R P

1998-05-01

Mucositis may be a painful, debilitating, dose-limiting side-effect of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy for which there is no widely accepted prophylaxis or effective treatment. The basis of management is pain relief, prevention of dehydration and adequate nutrition. When tested vigorously, most antiseptic mouthwashes and anti-ulcer agents are ineffective. Simple mechanical cleansing by saline is the most effective traditional measure. A variety of new agents are effective. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) act outwith the haemopoeitic system and can reduce mucositis, but the best schedule, dosage and method of administration is not known or which is the best growth factor to prevent this side-effect. A placebo-controlled randomized trial of antibiotic pastilles has shown a significant reduction in mucositis and weight loss during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Another method to reduce radiation effects in normal tissue is to stimulate cells to divide before radiotherapy by silver nitrate or interleukin 1. These methods may be particularly effective when given along with hyperfractionated radiation treatment such as CHART.

Comparison of High Aspect Ratio Cooling Channel Designs for a Rocket Combustion Chamber with Development of an Optimized Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wadel, Mary F.

1998-01-01

An analytical investigation on the effect of high aspect ratio (height/width) cooling channels, considering different coolant channel designs, on hot-gas-side wall temperature and coolant pressure drop for a liquid hydrogen cooled rocket combustion chamber, was performed. Coolant channel design elements considered were: length of combustion chamber in which high aspect ratio cooling was applied, number of coolant channels, and coolant channel shape. Seven coolant channel designs were investigated using a coupling of the Rocket Thermal Evaluation code and the Two-Dimensional Kinetics code. Initially, each coolant channel design was developed, without consideration for fabrication, to reduce the hot-gas-side wall temperature from a given conventional cooling channel baseline. These designs produced hot-gas-side wall temperature reductions up to 22 percent, with coolant pressure drop increases as low as 7.5 percent from the baseline. Fabrication constraints for milled channels were applied to the seven designs. These produced hot-gas-side wall temperature reductions of up to 20 percent, with coolant pressure drop increases as low as 2 percent. Using high aspect ratio cooling channels for the entire length of the combustion chamber had no additional benefit on hot-gas-side wall temperature over using high aspect ratio cooling channels only in the throat region, but increased coolant pressure drop 33 percent. Independent of coolant channel shape, high aspect ratio cooling was able to reduce the hot-gas-side wall temperature by at least 8 percent, with as low as a 2 percent increase in coolant pressure drop. ne design with the highest overall benefit to hot-gas-side wall temperature and minimal coolant pressure drop increase was the design which used bifurcated cooling channels and high aspect ratio cooling in the throat region. An optimized bifurcated high aspect ratio cooling channel design was developed which reduced the hot-gas-side wall temperature by 18 percent and reduced the coolant pressure drop by 4 percent. Reductions of coolant mass flow rate of up to 50 percent were possible before the hot-gas-side wall temperature reached that of the baseline. These mass flow rate reductions produced coolant pressure drops of up to 57 percent.

Side-chain-side-chain interactions and stability of the helical state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zangi, Ronen

2014-01-01

Understanding the driving forces that lead to the stability of the secondary motifs found in proteins, namely α-helix and β-sheet, is a major goal in structural biology. The thermodynamic stability of these repetitive units is a result of a delicate balance between many factors, which in addition to the peptide chain involves also the solvent. Despite the fact that the backbones of all amino acids are the same (except of that of proline), there are large differences in the propensity of the different amino acids to promote the helical structure. In this paper, we investigate by explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations the role of the side chains (modeled as coarse-grained single sites) in stabilizing α helices in an aqueous solution. Our model systems include four (six-mer-nine-mer) peptide lengths in which the magnitude of the effective attraction between the side chains is systematically increased. We find that these interactions between the side chains can induce (for the nine-mer almost completely) a transition from a coil to a helical state. This transition is found to be characterized by three states in which the intermediate state is a partially folded α-helical conformation. In the absence of any interactions between the side chains the free energy change for helix formation has a small positive value indicating that favorable contributions from the side chains are necessary to stabilize the helical conformation. Thus, the helix-coil transition is controlled by the effective potentials between the side-chain residues and the magnitude of the required attraction per residue, which is on the order of the thermal energy, reduces with the length of the peptide. Surprisingly, the plots of the population of the helical state (or the change in the free energy for helix formation) as a function of the total effective interactions between the side chains in the helical state for all peptide lengths fall on the same curve.

Analysis of alternative modifications for reducing backwater at the Interstate Highway 10 crossing of the Pearl River near Slidell, Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiche, Gregg J.; Gilbert, J.J.; Froehlich, David C.; Lee, Jonathan K.

1988-01-01

In April 1979 and April 1980, major flooding along the lower Pearl River caused extensive damage to homes located on the flood plain in the Slidell, Louisiana, area. In response to questions about causes of these floods and means of mitigating future floods, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Office of Highways, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, used a two-dimensional finite-element surface-water flow-modeling system to study the effect of four alternative modifications for improving the hydraulic characteristics of the Interstate Highway 10 crossing of the flood plain near Slidell. The analysis used the model's capability to simulate changes in flood-plain topography, flood-plain vegetative cover, and highway-embankment geometry. Compared with the existing highway crossing, the four alternative modifications reduce backwater and average velocities through bridge openings for a flood of the magnitude of the 1980 flood. The four alternatives also eliminate roadway overtopping during such a flood. For the four modifications, maximum backwater on the west side of the flood plain ranges from 0.3 to 1.1 feet and on the east side from 0.3 to 0.7 foot. Results of the alternative-model simulations show that backwater is greater on the west side of the flood plain than on the east side, but upstream from Interstate Highway 10 backwater decreases more rapidly in the upstream direction on the west side of the flood plain than on the east side. Downstream from Interstate Highway 10, modeling of the four alternatives indicates that backwater and drawdown still occur on the east and west sides of the flood plain, respectively, but are less than the values computed for the April 1980 flood with Interstate Highway 10 in place. In addition to other highway-crossing modifications, alternatives 2 and 3 include simulation of a new 2,000-foot bridge opening, and ,alternative 4 includes simulation of a 1,000-foot bridge opening. The new bridge conveys 25, 23, and 21 percent of the total computed discharge in alternatives 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The average velocity through the new bridge is 2.0, 1.9, and 3.4 feet per second for alternatives 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Energy savings modelling of re-tuning energy conservation measures in large office buildings

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

Fernandez, Nick; Katipamula, Srinivas; Wang, Weimin

Today, many large commercial buildings use sophisticated building automation systems (BASs) to manage a wide range of building equipment. While the capabilities of BASs have increased over time, many buildings still do not fully use the BAS’s capabilities and are not properly commissioned, operated or maintained, which leads to inefficient operation, increased energy use, and reduced lifetimes of the equipment. This paper investigates the energy savings potential of several common HVAC system re-tuning measures on a typical large office building, using the Department of Energy’s building energy modeling software, EnergyPlus. The baseline prototype model uses roughly as much energy asmore » an average large office building in existing building stock, but does not utilize any re-tuning measures. Individual re-tuning measures simulated against this baseline include automatic schedule adjustments, damper minimum flow adjustments, thermostat adjustments, as well as dynamic resets (set points that change continuously with building and/or outdoor conditions) to static pressure, supply-air temperature, condenser water temperature, chilled and hot water temperature, and chilled and hot water differential pressure set points. Six combinations of these individual measures have been formulated – each designed to conform to limitations to implementation of certain individual measures that might exist in typical buildings. All the individual measures and combinations were simulated in 16 climate locations representative of specific U.S. climate zones. The modeling results suggest that the most effective energy savings measures are those that affect the demand-side of the building (air-systems and schedules). Many of the demand-side individual measures were capable of reducing annual total HVAC system energy consumption by over 20% in most cities that were modeled. Supply side measures affecting HVAC plant conditions were only modestly successful (less than 5% annual HVAC energy savings for most cities for all measures). Combining many of the re-tuning measures revealed deep savings potential. Some of the more aggressive combinations revealed 35-75% reductions in annual HVAC energy consumption, depending on climate and building vintage.« less

Brief Exposure to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reduces Side-Effect Symptoms in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy.

PubMed

Doerfler, R Eric; Goodfellow, Linda

2016-01-01

No study has tested the effectiveness of individualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions to reduce persistent nausea, pain, anxiety, and fatigue in patients on continuous antiretroviral therapy (ART). Our objective was to determine if CBT could reduce nausea, pain, anxiety, and fatigue in patients with HIV on ART. Men ages 40 to 56 years on ART (n = 18) at a suburban HIV clinic were randomly assigned to a control group or the CBT intervention. Usual adherence education and side-effect management were provided to both groups. Symptoms, health perception, medication adherence, and side-effect-reducing medication use were measured at four time points over 3 months. Participants in the intervention group rated usual fatigue and worst fatigue at 60 days, and nausea duration at 90 days significantly lower than controls (p < .05). Brief CBT training may reduce fatigue and nausea in patients with HIV undergoing ART. Copyright © 2016 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of Out-of-Round Film Cooled Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Ten-See; Lin, Jeff; Ruf, Joe; Guidos, Mike

2010-01-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nozzle out-of-roundness on the transient startup side loads at a high altitude, with an anchored computational methodology. The out-of-roundness could be the result of asymmetric loads induced by hardware attached to the nozzle, asymmetric internal stresses induced by previous tests, and deformation, such as creep, from previous tests. The rocket engine studied encompasses a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber and a film cooled nozzle extension with film coolant distributed from a turbine exhaust manifold. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Transient startup computations were performed with the out-of-roundness achieved by four different degrees of ovalization: one perfectly round, one slightly out-of-round, one more out-of-round, and one significantly out-of-round. The results show that the separation-line-jump is the peak side load physics for the round, slightly our-of-round, and more out-of-round cases, and the peak side load increases as the degree of out-of-roundness increases. For the significantly out-of-round nozzle, however, the peak side load reduces to comparable to that of the round nozzle and the separation line jump is not the peak side load physics. The counter-intuitive result of the significantly out-of-round case is found to be related to a side force reduction mechanism that splits the effect of the separation-line-jump into two parts, not only in the circumferential direction and most importantly in time.

Reducing heat loss from the energy absorber of a solar collector

DOEpatents

Chao, Bei Tse; Rabl, Ari

1976-01-01

A device is provided for reducing convective heat loss in a cylindrical radiant energy collector. It includes a curved reflective wall in the shape of the arc of a circle positioned on the opposite side of the exit aperture from the reflective side walls of the collector. Radiant energy exiting the exit aperture is directed by the curved wall onto an energy absorber such that the portion of the absorber upon which the energy is directed faces downward to reduce convective heat loss from the absorber.

Cervical sympathetic block prolongs the latency and reduces the amplitude of trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials on the contralateral side.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Jun; Matsuura, Nobuyuki; Kasahara, Masataka; Ichinohe, Tatsuya

2015-02-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the latency and amplitude of trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials to clarify how nerve function on the contralateral side is affected after cervical sympathetic block (CSB). Subjects comprised 16 volunteers. For CSB, the tip of a needle was contacted with the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra on the right side, and lidocaine was injected. Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded bilaterally from C5/C6 scalp positions. Pupil diameters were also measured. Electrical stimulations were applied to the left-side lower lip, and trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials waveforms derived from both sides of the scalp were recorded. Then, electrical stimulations were applied to the right-side of the lower lip, and recording was again performed. Recordings were performed at 5, 15, and 30 minutes after CSB. On the CSB side, pupil diameter decreased at 5 and 15 minutes after CSB. Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials at contralateral stimulation showed a prolongation of the latency in both P20 and N25 components on bilateral recording sites 5 and 15 minutes after CSB. Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials' amplitude at contralateral stimulation was smaller than at ipsilateral stimulation 5 minutes after CSB. Cervical sympathetic block prolongs the latency and reduces the amplitude of trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials on the contralateral side.

Implementation of internal model based control and individual pitch control to reduce fatigue loads and tower vibrations in wind turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Ebrahim; Fadaeinedjad, Roohollah; Moschopoulos, Gerry

2018-05-01

Vibration control and fatigue loads reduction are important issues in large-scale wind turbines. Identifying the vibration frequencies and tuning dampers and controllers at these frequencies are major concerns in many control methods. In this paper, an internal model control (IMC) method with an adaptive algorithm is implemented to first identify the vibration frequency of the wind turbine tower and then to cancel the vibration signal. Standard individual pitch control (IPC) is also implemented to compare the performance of the controllers in term of fatigue loads reduction. Finally, the performance of the system when both controllers are implemented together is evaluated. Simulation results demonstrate that using only IMC or IPC alone has advantages and can reduce fatigue loads on specific components. IMC can identify and suppress tower vibrations in both fore-aft and side-to-side directions, whereas, IPC can reduce fatigue loads on blades, shaft and yaw bearings. When both IMC and IPC are implemented together, the advantages of both controllers can be used. The aforementioned analysis and comparisons were not studied in literature and this study fills this gap. FAST, AreoDyn and Simulink are used to simulate the mechanical, aerodynamic and electrical aspects of wind turbine.

Physiological roles of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase.

PubMed

Hoek, J B; Rydström, J

1988-08-15

From the foregoing considerations, the energy-linked transhydrogenase reaction emerges as a powerful and flexible element in the network of redox and energy interrelationships that integrate mitochondrial and cytosolic metabolism. Its thermodynamic features make it possible for the reaction to respond readily to challenges, either on the side of NADPH utilization or on the side of energy depletion. Yet, the kinetic features are designed to prevent a wasteful input of energy when other sources of reducing equivalents to NADP are available, or to deplete the redox potential of NADPH in other than emergency conditions. By virtue of these characteristics, the energy-linked transhydrogenase can act as an effective buffer system, guarding against an excessive depletion of NADPH, preventing uncontrolled changes in key metabolites associated with NADP-dependent enzymes and calling on the supply of reducing equivalents from NAD-linked substrates only under conditions of high demand for NADPH. At the same time, it can provide an emergency protection against a depletion of energy, especially in situations of anoxia where a supply of reducing equivalents through NADP-linked substrates can be maintained. The flexibility of this design makes it possible that the functions of the energy-linked transhydrogenase vary from one tissue to another and are readily adjustable to different metabolic conditions.

Sustained Attention Training Reduces Spatial Bias in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Case Series

PubMed Central

DeGutis, Joseph; Grosso, Mallory; VanVleet, Thomas; Esterman, Michael; Pistorino, Laura; Cronin-Golomb, Alice

2016-01-01

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) commonly demonstrate lateralized spatial biases, which affect daily functioning. Those with PD with initial motor symptoms on the left body side (LPD) have reduced leftward attention whereas PD with initial motor symptoms on the right side (RPD) may display reduced rightward attention. We investigated whether a sustained attention training program could help reduce these spatial biases. Four non-demented individuals with PD (2 LPD/2 RPD) performed a visual search task before and after one month of computer training. Before training, all participants showed a significant spatial bias and after training, all participants’ spatial bias was eliminated. PMID:26360648

Sustained attention training reduces spatial bias in Parkinson's disease: a pilot case series.

PubMed

DeGutis, Joseph; Grosso, Mallory; VanVleet, Thomas; Esterman, Michael; Pistorino, Laura; Cronin-Golomb, Alice

2016-01-01

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly demonstrate lateralized spatial biases, which affect daily functioning. Those with PD with initial motor symptoms on the left body side (LPD) have reduced leftward attention, whereas PD with initial motor symptoms on the right side (RPD) may display reduced rightward attention. We investigated whether a sustained attention training program could help reduce these spatial biases. Four non-demented individuals with PD (2 LPD, 2 RPD) performed a visual search task before and after 1 month of computer training. Before training, all participants showed a significant spatial bias and after training, all participants' spatial bias was eliminated.

Jet impingement heat transfer enhancement for the GPU-3 Stirling engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. C.; Congdon, C. W.; Begg, L. L.; Britt, E. J.; Thieme, L. G.

1981-01-01

A computer model of the combustion-gas-side heat transfer was developed to predict the effects of a jet impingement system and the possible range of improvements available. Using low temperature (315 C (600 F)) pretest data in an updated model, a high temperature silicon carbide jet impingement heat transfer system was designed and fabricated. The system model predicted that at the theoretical maximum limit, jet impingement enhanced heat transfer can: (1) reduce the flame temperature by 275 C (500 F); (2) reduce the exhaust temperature by 110 C (200 F); and (3) increase the overall heat into the working fluid by 10%, all for an increase in required pumping power of less than 0.5% of the engine power output. Initial tests on the GPU-3 Stirling engine at NASA-Lewis demonstrated that the jet impingement system increased the engine output power and efficiency by 5% - 8% with no measurable increase in pumping power. The overall heat transfer coefficient was increased by 65% for the maximum power point of the tests.

High-precision piezo-ejection ocular microdosing: Phase II study on local and systemic effects of topical phenylephrine.

PubMed

Ianchulev, Tsontcho; Weinreb, Robert; Tsai, James C; Lin, Shan; Pasquale, Louis R

2018-01-01

Conventional eyedropper-delivered volumes (25-50 µl) exceed the eye's usual tear-film volume (7 µl) and precorneal reservoir capacity, risking overflow and ocular/systemic complications. Piezoelectric high-precision microdosing may circumvent these limitations. Results & methodology: In this masked, nonrandomized, cross-over study, subjects (n = 12) underwent pupil dilation with topical phenylephrine (PE) administered by 32-µl eyedropper (2.5% or 10% formulation) and 8-µl electronic microdosing (10% formulation). Microdosing with PE-10% achieved comparable peak dilation as 10% eyedropper-delivery and superior dilation to 2.5% eyedropper-delivery (p = 0.009) at 75 min. Microdosing significantly reduced 20-min plasma PE levels versus PE10% eyedropper; neither treatment altered heart rate/blood pressure. Eye irritation occurred significantly less frequently with microdosing than PE10% eyedrops. Piezo-ejection PE microdosing achieves comparable biological effect as eyedropper dosing; reduced systemic absorption may decrease risk of systemic side effects.

Sci—Thur AM: YIS - 01: Dosimetric Analysis of Respiratory Induced Cardiac Intrafraction Motion in Left-sided Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

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

El-Sherif, O; Xhaferllari, I; Patrick, J

2014-08-15

Introduction: Long-term cardiac side effects in left-sided breast cancer patients (BREL) after post-operative radiotherapy has become one of the most debated issues in radiation oncology. Through breathing-adapted radiotherapy the volume of the heart exposed to radiation can be significantly reduced by delivering the radiation only at the end of inspiration phase of the respiratory cycle, this is referred to as inspiration gating (IG). The purpose of this study is to quantify the potential reduction in cardiac exposure during IG compared to conventional BREL radiotherapy and to assess the dosimetric impact of cardiac motion due to natural breathing. Methods: 24 BRELmore » patients treated with tangential parallel opposed photon beams were included in this study. All patients received a standard fast helical planning CT (FH-CT) and a 4D-CT. Treatment plans were created on the FH-CT using a clinical treatment planning system. The original treatment plan was then superimposed onto the end of inspiration CT and all 10 phases of the 4D-CT to quantify the dosimetric impact of respiratory motion and IG through 4D dose accumulation. Results: Through IG the mean dose to the heart, left ventricle, and left anterior descending artery (LAD) can be reduced in comparison to the clinical standard BREL treatment by as much as 8.39%, 10.11%, and 13.71% respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Failure to account for respiratory motion can lead to under or overestimation in the calculated DVH for the heart, and it's sub-structures. IG can reduce cardiac exposure especially to the LAD during BREL radiotherapy.« less

Real-time windowing in imaging radar using FPGA technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponomaryov, Volodymyr I.; Escamilla-Hernandez, Enrique

2005-02-01

The imaging radar uses the high frequency electromagnetic waves reflected from different objects for estimating of its parameters. Pulse compression is a standard signal processing technique used to minimize the peak transmission power and to maximize SNR, and to get a better resolution. Usually the pulse compression can be achieved using a matched filter. The level of the side-lobes in the imaging radar can be reduced using the special weighting function processing. There are very known different weighting functions: Hamming, Hanning, Blackman, Chebyshev, Blackman-Harris, Kaiser-Bessel, etc., widely used in the signal processing applications. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) offers great benefits like instantaneous implementation, dynamic reconfiguration, design, and field programmability. This reconfiguration makes FPGAs a better solution over custom-made integrated circuits. This work aims at demonstrating a reasonably flexible implementation of FM-linear signal and pulse compression using Matlab, Simulink, and System Generator. Employing FPGA and mentioned software we have proposed the pulse compression design on FPGA using classical and novel windows technique to reduce the side-lobes level. This permits increasing the detection ability of the small or nearly placed targets in imaging radar. The advantage of FPGA that can do parallelism in real time processing permits to realize the proposed algorithms. The paper also presents the experimental results of proposed windowing procedure in the marine radar with such the parameters: signal is linear FM (Chirp); frequency deviation DF is 9.375MHz; the pulse width T is 3.2μs taps number in the matched filter is 800 taps; sampling frequency 253.125*106 MHz. It has been realized the reducing of side-lobes levels in real time permitting better resolution of the small targets.

Email notification combined with off site signing substantially reduces resident approval to faculty verification time.

PubMed

Deitte, Lori A; Moser, Patricia P; Geller, Brian S; Sistrom, Chris L

2011-06-01

Attending radiologist signature time (AST) is a variable and modifiable component of overall report turnaround time. Delays in finalized reports have potential to undermine radiologists' value as consultants and adversely affect patient care. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of notebook computer distribution and daily automated e-mail notification on reducing AST. Two simultaneous interventions were initiated in the authors' radiology department in February 2010. These included the distribution of a notebook computer with preloaded software for each attending radiologist to sign radiology reports and daily automated e-mail notifications for unsigned reports. The digital dictation system archive and the radiology information system were queried for all radiology reports produced from January 2009 through August 2010. The time between resident approval and attending radiologist signature before and after the intervention was analyzed. Potential unintended "side effects" of the intervention were also studied. Resident-authored reports were signed, on average, 2.53 hours sooner after the intervention. This represented a highly significant (P = .003) decrease in AST with all else held equal. Postintervention reports were authored by residents at the same rate (about 70%). An unintended "side effect" was that attending radiologists were less likely to make changes to resident-authored reports after the intervention. E-mail notification combined with offsite signing can reduce AST substantially. Notebook computers with preloaded software streamline the process of accessing, editing, and signing reports. The observed decrease in AST reflects a positive change in the timeliness of report signature. Copyright © 2011 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spacecube V2.0 Micro Single Board Computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrick, David J. (Inventor); Geist, Alessandro (Inventor); Lin, Michael R. (Inventor); Crum, Gary R. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A single board computer system radiation hardened for space flight includes a printed circuit board having a top side and bottom side; a reconfigurable field programmable gate array (FPGA) processor device disposed on the top side; a connector disposed on the top side; a plurality of peripheral components mounted on the bottom side; and wherein a size of the single board computer system is not greater than approximately 7 cm.times.7 cm.

Exploring the Phase Behavior of Monoolein/Oleic Acid/Water Systems for Enhanced Donezepil Administration for Alzheimer Disease Treatment.

PubMed

Ruela, André Luís Morais; Carvalho, Flávia Chiva; Pereira, Gislaine Ribeiro

2016-01-01

Donepezil is a drug usually administered by oral route for Alzheimer disease treatment, but several gastric side effects have been reported as diarrhea, nausea, and anorexia. We explored the phase behavior of lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) mesophases composed by monoolein/oleic acid/water for enhanced administration of donepezil. Polarized light microscopy suggested that these systems ranged from isotropic inverse micellar solutions (L2) to viscous and birefringent reverse hexagonal (HII) mesophases according to the amount of water in the ternary systems. Phase transition was observed from a L2 phase to HII mesophase after swelling studies, an interesting property to be explored as a precursor of LLC mesophases for mucosal administration that increases its viscosity in situ. Mucoadhesive properties of LLC mesophases were characterized using a texture analyzer indicating that these systems can have an increased residence time in the site of absorption. Donepezil-free base was incorporated in the evaluated formulations, and their in vitro release was controlled up to 24 h. The phase behavior of the systems demonstrated a great potential for enhanced donepezil administration once these mucoadhesive-controlled release formulations can incorporate the drug and prolong its release, possibly reducing its side effects. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Examination of the impact of airbags on renal injury using a national database.

PubMed

Smith, Thomas G; Wessells, Hunter B; Mack, Chris D; Kaufman, Robert; Bulger, Eileen M; Voelzke, Bryan B

2010-09-01

Little is known about preventative measures to lessen solid organ injury in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). To evaluate the efficacy of airbags in reducing renal injuries in MVC, we analyzed renal injury rates in vehicles with and without airbags using the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) database. The CIREN database was queried for MVC and renal injury from 1996 to September 2008. CIREN is weighted toward late model vehicles and selects more severely injured patients. Search fields were primary direction of force (PDOF), presence of airbags, and location of airbags (steering wheel, instrument panel, seat back, door panel, and roof-side curtain). Abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score was converted to AAST renal injury grade. Renal injury rates were compared between vehicles with and without frontal and side airbags. We reviewed 2,864 records and identified 139 renal injuries (28.9% AAST grade III to V). In MVCs with renal injuries, frontal impact was 54.7% of total (n = 76) and side impact was 45.3% of total (n = 63). Most occupants in frontal impact MVCs had exposure to a steering wheel airbag (74.9%); 16.6% had an instrument panel (passenger) airbags. In side impact MVCs, 32.2% of occupants had a side airbag. Compared with the non-airbags cohort, frontal airbags and side airbags were associated with a 45.3% and 52.8% reduction in renal injury, respectively. Passengers in automobiles with frontal and side airbags have a reduced rate of renal injury compared with those without airbags. Our data support further study of the role of airbags in reducing renal injury after MVC. Copyright 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wide area coverage radar imaging satellite for earth applications. [surveillance and mapping of ice on Great Lakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, G. H.; Ramler, J. R.

1974-01-01

A preliminary study was made of a radar imaging satellite for earth applications. A side-looking synthetic-aperture radar was considered and the feasibility of obtaining a wide area coverage to reduce the time required to image a given area was investigated. Two basic approaches were examined; low altitude sun-synchronous orbits using a multibeam/multifrequency radar system and equatorial orbits up to near-synchronous altitude using a single beam system. Surveillance and mapping of ice on the Great Lakes was used as a typical application to focus the study effort.

Optimal control of parametric oscillations of compressed flexible bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alesova, I. M.; Babadzanjanz, L. K.; Pototskaya, I. Yu.; Pupysheva, Yu. Yu.; Saakyan, A. T.

2018-05-01

In this paper the problem of damping of the linear systems oscillations with piece-wise constant control is solved. The motion of bar construction is reduced to the form described by Hill's differential equation using the Bubnov-Galerkin method. To calculate switching moments of the one-side control the method of sequential linear programming is used. The elements of the fundamental matrix of the Hill's equation are approximated by trigonometric series. Examples of the optimal control of the systems for various initial conditions and different number of control stages have been calculated. The corresponding phase trajectories and transient processes are represented.

Response of the physiological parameters of mango fruit (transpiration, water relations and antioxidant system) to its light and temperature environment.

PubMed

Léchaudel, Mathieu; Lopez-Lauri, Félicie; Vidal, Véronique; Sallanon, Huguette; Joas, Jacques

2013-04-15

Depending on the position of the fruit in the tree, mango fruit may be exposed to high temperature and intense light conditions that may lead to metabolic and physiological disorders and affect yield and quality. The present study aimed to determine how mango fruit adapted its functioning in terms of fruit water relations, epicarp characteristics and the antioxidant defence system in peel, to environmental conditions. The effect of contrasted temperature and light conditions was evaluated under natural solar radiation and temperature by comparing well-exposed and shaded fruit at three stages of fruit development. The sun-exposed and shaded peels of the two sides of the well-exposed fruit were also compared. Depending on fruit position within the canopy and on the side of a well-exposed fruit, the temperature gradient over a day affected fruit characteristics such as transpiration, as revealed by the water potential gradient as a function of the treatments, and led to a significant decrease in water conductance for well-exposed fruits compared to fruits within the canopy. Changes in cuticle thickness according to fruit position were consistent with those of fruit water conductance. Osmotic potential was also affected by climatic environment and harvest stage. Environmental conditions that induced water stress and greater light exposure, like on the sunny side of well-exposed fruit, increased the hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and total and reduced ascorbate contents, as well as SOD, APX and MDHAR activities, regardless of the maturity stage. The lowest values were measured in the peel of the shaded fruit, that of the shaded side of well-exposed fruit being intermediate. Mango fruits exposed to water-stress-induced conditions during growth adapt their functioning by reducing their transpiration. Moreover, oxidative stress was limited as a consequence of the increase in antioxidant content and enzyme activities. This adaptive response of mango fruit to its climatic environment during growth could affect postharvest behaviour and quality. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Method and system for powering and cooling semiconductor lasers

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

Telford, Steven J; Ladran, Anthony S

A semiconductor laser system includes a diode laser tile. The diode laser tile includes a mounting fixture having a first side and a second side opposing the first side and an array of semiconductor laser pumps coupled to the first side of the mounting fixture. The semiconductor laser system also includes an electrical pulse generator thermally coupled to the diode bar and a cooling member thermally coupled to the diode bar and the electrical pulse generator.

Yoga-Based Rehabilitation Program in Reducing Physical and Emotional Side Effects in Patients With Cancer

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-01-23

Alopecia; Anxiety; Breast Carcinoma; Cognitive Side Effects of Cancer Therapy; Colorectal Carcinoma; Depression; Fatigue; Lung Carcinoma; Nausea and Vomiting; Pain; Psychological Impact of Cancer; Sleep Disorder; Weight Change

Influence of biofilm formation on corrosion and scaling in geothermal plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleyböcker, Anne; Lerm, Stephanie; Monika, Kasina; Tobias, Lienen; Florian, Eichinger; Andrea, Seibt; Markus, Wolfgramm; Hilke, Würdemann

2017-04-01

Process failures may occur due to corrosion and scaling processes in open loop geothermal systems. Especially after heat extraction, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) contribute to corrosion processes due to a more favorable temperature for their growth. In biofilms containing FeS scales, corrosion processes are enhanced. Furthermore, scales can lead to reduced pipe profiles, to a diminished heat transfer and a decrease in the wellbore injectivity. Inhibitors are frequently applied to minimize scaling in technical systems. A prerequisite for the application of inhibitors in geothermal plants located in the Molasse basin is their degradability under reservoir conditions, e. g. in a reduced environment. In order to determine the effects of scale-inhibitors on the subsurface and microbial processes, laboratory experiments were performed focusing on the microbial inhibitor degradation. First results indicate that the inhibitor degradation under anaerobic conditions is possible. Besides the inhibitor application also other techniques are investigated to economically reduce corrosion and scaling in geothermal plants. In a mobile bypass system, the influence of biofilm formation on corrosion and scaling was investigated. The bypass system was tested at a geothermal heat store in the North German Basin. The plant is operated with highly saline fluid (salinity 130 g/L) and known to be affected by SRB. The SRB contributed to corrosion damages especially at the pump in the well on the cold side. Heat shocks were successfully used in the bypass system to reduce biofilm formation as well as corrosion and scaling processes.

Modeling and Analysis of Commercial Building Electrical Loads for Demand Side Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berardino, Jonathan

In recent years there has been a push in the electric power industry for more customer involvement in the electricity markets. Traditionally the end user has played a passive role in the planning and operation of the power grid. However, many energy markets have begun opening up opportunities to consumers who wish to commit a certain amount of their electrical load under various demand side management programs. The potential benefits of more demand participation include reduced operating costs and new revenue opportunities for the consumer, as well as more reliable and secure operations for the utilities. The management of these load resources creates challenges and opportunities to the end user that were not present in previous market structures. This work examines the behavior of commercial-type building electrical loads and their capacity for supporting demand side management actions. This work is motivated by the need for accurate and dynamic tools to aid in the advancement of demand side operations. A dynamic load model is proposed for capturing the response of controllable building loads. Building-specific load forecasting techniques are developed, with particular focus paid to the integration of building management system (BMS) information. These approaches are tested using Drexel University building data. The application of building-specific load forecasts and dynamic load modeling to the optimal scheduling of multi-building systems in the energy market is proposed. Sources of potential load uncertainty are introduced in the proposed energy management problem formulation in order to investigate the impact on the resulting load schedule.

Side-by-side comparisons of evacuated compound parabolic concentrator and flat plate solar collector systems at temperatures of 90 to 100C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, J. W.; Schertz, W. W.; Wantroba, A. S.

1987-03-01

This collector system study is an extension of a previous system study in which Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) compared the performance of three solar energy systems operated side by side for over a year. In the present system study, four solar energy systems were operated side by side for part of a year. Two of the collector systems used commercially available compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) collectors, one used a commercially available flat plate collector, and one used an experimental CPC collector built by The University of Chicago. The collectors were mounted in fixed positions; they did not track the Sun, and their tilt angles were not seasonally adjusted. All of the collector arrays faced south and were tilted at 42 deg with respect to the horizon (to match the 42 deg N latitude at ANL). All four collector systems started each day with their storage temperatures at 90 C. During the day, each system was operated by its own solar controller. At the end of the day, the tanks were mixed and the temperature changes in the tanks were measured. The change in storage energy was calculated from the temperature change, the heat capacity of the storage system, and the pump energy.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Procedure Using a Suspensory Femoral Fixation System

PubMed Central

Nakagawa, Shuji; Arai, Yuji; Kan, Hiroyuki; Ueshima, Keiichiro; Ikoma, Kazuya; Terauchi, Ryu; Kubo, Toshikazu

2013-01-01

Recurrent patellar dislocation has recently been treated with anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using a semitendinosus muscle tendon. Although it is necessary to add tension to fix the tendon graft without loading excess stress on the patellofemoral joint, adjustment of the tension can be difficult. To resolve this problem, we developed an MPFL reconstruction procedure using the ToggleLoc Fixation Device (Biomet, Warsaw, IN), in which the semitendinosus muscle tendon is folded and used as a double-bundle tendon graft and 2 bone tunnels and 1 bone tunnel are made on the patellar and femoral sides, respectively. The patellar side of the tendon graft is fixed with an EndoButton (Smith & Nephew, London, England), and the femoral side is fixed with the ToggleLoc. Stepless adjustment of tension of the tendon graft is possible by reducing the size of the loop of the ToggleLoc hung onto the tendon graft. It may be useful to position the patella in the center of the femoral sulcus by confirming the patellofemoral joint fitting. Stability can be confirmed by loading lateral stress on the patella in the extended knee joint. This procedure is less invasive because opening of the lateral side of the femur is not necessary, and it may be useful for MPFL reconstruction. PMID:24892014

Analysis of clinical efficacy, side effects, and laboratory changes among patients with acne vulgaris receiving single versus twice daily dose of oral isotretinoin.

PubMed

Ahmad, Hesham M

2015-01-01

Acne vulgaris is a debilitating disorder and requires proper treatment. This work evaluates the clinical efficacy, side effects, and laboratory changes of serum lipids and liver function during oral isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris, comparing single versus twice daily dose. Fifty-eight patients with acne vulgaris were included and randomized into group I (26 patients), who received once daily dose, and group II (32 patients), who received twice daily dose of oral isotretinoin. Global acne scoring system was used to evaluate acne severity and post-treatment improvement. Both regimens resulted in highly significant clinical improvement of acne with no significant difference. However, side effects were significantly more common among patients of group I. Both regimens caused mild rise of serum cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with more prominent rise of triglycerides especially with twice daily dose. Oral isotretinoin is a very effective treatment for acne vulgaris with no statistically significant difference in clinical efficacy between once and twice daily doses. However, dividing dose to twice per day might cause fewer incidence of side effects without reducing clinical efficacy. The drug causes mild clinically insignificant rise of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, and ALT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Flapping modes of three filaments placed side by side in a free stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Fang-Bao; Luo, Haoxiang; Zhu, Luoding; Lu, Xi-Yun

2010-11-01

Flexible filaments flapping in a surrounding flow are useful models for understanding the flow-induced vibration and mimicking the schooling behavior of fish. In the present work, the coupled modes of three identical filaments in a side-by- side arrangement are studied using the linear stability analysis and also an immersed boundary--lattice Boltzmann method for low Reynolds numbers (Re on order of 100). The numerical simulations show that the system dynamics exhibits several patterns that depend on the spacing between the filaments. Among these patterns, three can be predicted by the linear analysis and have been reported before. These modes are: (1) the three filaments all flap in phase; (2) the two outer filaments are out of phase while the middle one is stable; (3) the two outer filaments are in phase while the middle one is out of phase. The simulations also identified two additional modes: (1) the outer two filaments are out of phase while the middle one flaps at a frequency reduced by half; (2) the outer two filaments are out of phase while the middle one flaps at a slightly different frequency. In addition to the vibratory modes, the drag force and the flapping amplitude are also computed, and the implication of the result will be discussed.

Urban water infrastructure optimization to reduce environmental impacts and costs.

PubMed

Lim, Seong-Rin; Suh, Sangwon; Kim, Jung-Hoon; Park, Hung Suck

2010-01-01

Urban water planning and policy have been focusing on environmentally benign and economically viable water management. The objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model to integrate and optimize urban water infrastructures for supply-side planning and policy: freshwater resources and treated wastewater are allocated to various water demand categories in order to reduce contaminants in the influents supplied for drinking water, and to reduce consumption of the water resources imported from the regions beyond a city boundary. A case study is performed to validate the proposed model. An optimal urban water system of a metropolitan city is calculated on the basis of the model and compared to the existing water system. The integration and optimization decrease (i) average concentrations of the influents supplied for drinking water, which can improve human health and hygiene; (ii) total consumption of water resources, as well as electricity, reducing overall environmental impacts; (iii) life cycle cost; and (iv) water resource dependency on other regions, improving regional water security. This model contributes to sustainable urban water planning and policy. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost Efficiency Implications of International Cooperation (Implications de rentabilite de la cooperation internationale)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

CZECH REPUBLIC Col. Zdenek Petras Centre for Security and Military Strategic Studies University of Defence Kounicova 156/65 66210 Brno Email...military systems in order to reduce costs. Nine Nations are cooperating with Lockheed Martin to develop and produce the next generation fighter jets...is led by the technologically first-tier Nation, the US, where Lockheed Martin is the managing authority on the supply side and the US F-35 Joint

Local Antibiotic Delivery by a Bioabsorbable Gel Is Superior to PMMA Bead Depot in Reducing Infection in an Open Fracture Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

be achieved in the wound while avoiding the side effects and cost of systemic administration. Beads molded from polymethylmethacrylate cement are... polymethylmethacrylate antibiotic beads is less effective because this method has to rely on diffusion of the antibiotic from the high concentration close...antibiotics in clinical use is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) blended with antibiotics and molded into beads.6–8 There are, however, disadvantages

Development of a Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Early Detection of Masses Using Retrospectively Detected Cancers on Prior Mammograms

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

Hadjiiski, and N. Petrick, "Computerized nipple identification for multiple image analysis in computer-aided diagnosis," Medical Physics 31, 2871...candidates, 3 identification of suspicious objects, 4 feature extraction and analysis, and 5 FP reduc- tion by classification of normal tissue...detection of microcalcifi- cations on digitized mammograms.41 An illustration of a La- placian decomposition tree is shown on the left-hand side of Fig. 4

City of San Antonio, Texas Better Buildings Program

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

Meyer, Liza C.; Hammer, Mary C.

2014-06-30

The San Antonio Better Buildings Program is a unified single-point-of-service energy efficiency delivery mechanism targeting residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and public buildings. This comprehensive and replicable energy efficiency program is designed to be an effective demand side management initiative to provide a seamless process for program participants to have turn-key access to expert analysis, support and incentives to improve the performance of their in-place energy using systems, while reducing electrical energy use and demand.

Improving the NPSCuL Structure: Optimizing the Mass

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

Satellite Launcher . The current structure weights 170.63 lbs and can hold up to 24 Cube Satellites. The weight of the whole system, which includes the... launcher and all contained satellites, cannot exceed 177 lbs or be lighter than 169 lbs. By reducing the mass of the launcher , the freed weight can then...free weight. During the course of the analysis, it is found that removal of unused portions of the four side walls of the launcher structure will

Experimental Verification of a Dynamic Voltage Restorer Capable of Significantly Reducing an Energy-Storage Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimichi, Takushi; Fujita, Hideaki; Akagi, Hirofumi

This paper deals with a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) characterized by installing the shunt converter at the load side. The DVR can compensate for the load voltage when a voltage sag appears in the supply voltage. An existing DVR requires a large capacitor bank or other energy-storage elements such as double-layer capacitors or batteries. The DVR presented in this paper requires only a small dc capacitor intended for smoothing the dc-link voltage. Moreover, three control methods for the series converter are compared and discussed to reduce the series-converter rating, paying attention to the zero-sequence voltages included in the supply voltage and the compensating voltage. Experimental results obtained from a 200-V, 5-kW laboratory system are shown to verify the viability of the system configuration and the control methods.

Potential of glyburide to reduce intracerebral edema in brain metastases.

PubMed

Boggs, Drexell Hunter; Simard, J Marc; Steven, Andrew; Mehta, Minesh P

2014-04-01

Metastatic disease to the brain results in significant morbidity because of edema in the central nervous system. Current anti-edema therapies are either expensive or result in unwanted long-term side effects. Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1) is a transmembrane protein that, when activated in the central nervous system, allows for unregulated sodium influx into cells, a process that has been linked to cytotoxic edema formation in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and, most recently, brain metastases. In this focused review, we explore preclinical data linking Sur1 channel formation to development of edema and reference evidence suggesting that the antidiabetic sulfonylurea drug glyburide (a Sur1 inhibitor) is an inexpensive and well-tolerated agent that can be clinically tested to reduce or prevent malignancy and/or treatment-associated edema.

Livestock and human use of land: Productivity trends and dietary choices as drivers of future land and carbon dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weindl, Isabelle; Popp, Alexander; Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon; Rolinski, Susanne; Lotze-Campen, Hermann; Biewald, Anne; Humpenöder, Florian; Dietrich, Jan Philipp; Stevanović, Miodrag

2017-12-01

Land use change has been the primary driving force of human alteration of terrestrial ecosystems. With 80% of agricultural land dedicated to livestock production, the sector is an important lever to attenuate land requirements for food production and carbon emissions from land use change. In this study, we quantify impacts of changing human diets and livestock productivity on land dynamics and depletion of carbon stored in vegetation, litter and soils. Across all investigated productivity pathways, lower consumption of livestock products can substantially reduce deforestation (47-55%) and cumulative carbon losses (34-57%). On the supply side, already minor productivity growth in extensive livestock production systems leads to substantial CO2 emission abatement, but the emission saving potential of productivity gains in intensive systems is limited, also involving trade-offs with soil carbon stocks. If accounting for uncertainties related to future trade restrictions, crop yields and pasture productivity, the range of projected carbon savings from changing diets increases to 23-78%. Highest abatement of carbon emissions (63-78%) can be achieved if reduced consumption of animal-based products is combined with sustained investments into productivity increases in plant production. Our analysis emphasizes the importance to integrate demand- and supply-side oriented mitigation strategies and to combine efforts in the crop and livestock sector to enable synergies for climate protection.

A new RF window designed for high-power operation in an S-band LINAC RF system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, Youngdo; Kim, Seung-Hwan; Hwang, Woonha; Ryu, Jiwan; Roh, Sungjoo

2016-09-01

A new RF window is designed for high-power operation at the Pohang Light Source-II (PLSII) S-band linear accelerator (LINAC) RF system. In order to reduce the strength of the electric field component perpendicular to the ceramic disk, which is commonly known as the main cause of most discharge breakdowns in ceramic disk, we replace the pill-box type cavity in the conventional RF window with an overmoded cavity. The overmoded cavity is coupled with input and output waveguides through dual side-wall coupling irises to reduce the electric field strength at the iris and the number of possible mode competitions. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, CST MWS, was used in the design process. The simulated maximum electric field component perpendicular to the ceramic for the new RF window is reduced by an order of magnitude compared with taht for the conventional RF window, which holds promise for stable high-power operation.

Liposomal Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients: A Review

PubMed Central

Lao, Juan; Madani, Julia; Puértolas, Teresa; Álvarez, María; Hernández, Alba; Pazo-Cid, Roberto; Artal, Ángel; Antón Torres, Antonio

2013-01-01

Drug delivery systems can provide enhanced efficacy and/or reduced toxicity for anticancer agents. Liposome drug delivery systems are able to modify the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of cytostatic agents, increasing the concentration of the drug released to neoplastic tissue and reducing the exposure of normal tissue. Anthracyclines are a key drug in the treatment of both metastatic and early breast cancer, but one of their major limitations is cardiotoxicity. One of the strategies designed to minimize this side effect is liposome encapsulation. Liposomal anthracyclines have achieved highly efficient drug encapsulation and they have proven to be effective and with reduced cardiotoxicity, as a single agent or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of either anthracyclines-treated or naïve metastatic breast cancer patients. Of particular interest is the use of the combination of liposomal anthracyclines and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. In this paper, we discuss the different studies on liposomal doxorubicin in metastatic and early breast cancer therapy. PMID:23634302

GEOSIM: A numerical model for geophysical fluid flow simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, Karen A.; Miller, Timothy L.; Lu, Huei-Iin

1991-01-01

A numerical model which simulates geophysical fluid flow in a wide range of problems is described in detail, and comparisons of some of the model's results are made with previous experimental and numerical studies. The model is based upon the Boussinesq Navier-Stokes equations in spherical coordinates, which can be reduced to a cylindrical system when latitudinal walls are used near the pole and the ratio of latitudinal length to the radius of the sphere is small. The equations are approximated by finite differences in the meridional plane and spectral decomposition in the azimuthal direction. The user can specify a variety of boundary and initial conditions, and there are five different spectral truncation options. The results of five validation cases are presented: (1) the transition between axisymmetric flow and baroclinic wave flow in the side heated annulus; (2) the steady baroclinic wave of the side heated annulus; (3) the wave amplitude vacillation of the side heated annulus; (4) transition to baroclinic wave flow in a bottom heated annulus; and (5) the Spacelab Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (spherical) experiment.

Bifacial aspects of industrial n-Pasha solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Aken, Bas B.; Tool, Kees; Kossen, Eric J.; Carr, Anna J.; Janssen, Gaby J. M.; Newman, Bonna K.; Romijn, Ingrid G.

2017-08-01

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules make optimal use of diffuse and ground-reflected light. The gain in energy yield depends on both the local climatic conditions and the PV system layout. These determine the additional irradiance on the rear of the PV panels. The rear response of the (laminated) solar cell(s) determines how much additional energy this rear irradiance generates. Based on our experiments and simulations, the main parameters that determine the bifaciality factor of solar cells with a front side junction are the rear metal coverage, the base resistivity and the diffusion profile on the rear. These will be evaluated and discussed in this paper. Front-junction solar cells with low base resistivity have a lower short circuit current when illuminated from the rear due to enhanced recombination in the BSF. Stencil printed rear metallization yields a higher bifaciality factor compared to screen printed by reducing the metal coverage and consumption and maintaining the front side efficiency. For our optimized 239 cm2 bifacial cell we estimate that the output with 20% contributed by the rear side is equivalent to that of a 24.4% efficient monofacial cell.

Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting Using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in High Temperature Environments in Aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elefsiniotis, A.; Becker, Th.; Schmid, U.

2014-06-01

Wireless, energy-autonomous structural health-monitoring systems in aircraft have the potential of reducing total maintenance costs. Thermoelectric energy harvesting, which seems the best choice for creating truly autonomous health monitoring sensors, is the principle behind converting waste heat to useful electrical energy through the use of thermoelectric generators. To enhance the temperature difference across the two sides of a thermoelectric generator, i.e. increasing heat flux and energy production, a phase change material acting as thermal mass is attached on one side of the thermoelectric generators while the other side is placed on the aircraft structure. The application area under investigation for this paper is the pylon aft fairing, located near the engine of an aircraft, with temperatures reaching on the inside up to 350 °C. Given these harsh operational conditions, the performance of a device, containing erythritol as a phase change material, is evaluated. The harvested energy reaching values up to 81.4 J can be regulated by a power management module capable of storing the excess energy and recovering it from the medium powering a sensor node and a wireless transceiver.

Sun and Skin: The Dark Side of Sun Exposure

MedlinePlus

... 2014 Print this issue Sun and Skin The Dark Side of Sun Exposure En español Send us ... says. Several factors—like cloudy days or having dark-colored skin—can reduce the amount of vitamin ...

Synthetic Studies of Neoclerodane Diterpenes from Salvia divinorum: Identification of a Potent and Centrally Acting μ Opioid Analgesic with Reduced Abuse Liability.

PubMed

Crowley, Rachel Saylor; Riley, Andrew P; Sherwood, Alexander M; Groer, Chad E; Shivaperumal, Nirajmohan; Biscaia, Miguel; Paton, Kelly; Schneider, Sebastian; Provasi, Davide; Kivell, Bronwyn M; Filizola, Marta; Prisinzano, Thomas E

2016-12-22

Opioids are widely used to treat millions suffering from pain, but their analgesic utility is limited due to associated side effects. Herein we report the development and evaluation of a chemical probe exhibiting analgesia and reduced opioid-induced side effects. This compound, kurkinorin (5), is a potent and selective μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist (EC 50 = 1.2 nM, >8000 μ/κ selectivity). 5 is a biased activator of MOR-induced G-protein signaling over β-arrestin-2 recruitment. Metadynamics simulations of 5's binding to a MOR crystal structure suggest energetically preferred binding modes that differ from crystallographic ligands. In vivo studies with 5 demonstrate centrally mediated antinociception, significantly reduced rewarding effects, tolerance, and sedation. We propose that this novel MOR agonist may represent a valuable tool in distinguishing the pathways involved in MOR-induced analgesia from its side effects.

Liquid Crystalline Systems Based on Glyceryl Monooleate and Penetration Enhancers for Skin Delivery of Celecoxib: Characterization, In Vitro Drug Release, and In Vivo Studies.

PubMed

Dante, Mariane de Cássia Lima; Borgheti-Cardoso, Livia Neves; Fantini, Marcia Carvalho de Abreu; Praça, Fabíola Silva Garcia; Medina, Wanessa Silva Garcia; Pierre, Maria Bernadete Riemma; Lara, Marilisa Guimarães

2018-03-01

Celecoxib (CXB) is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug that also acts as a chemopreventive agent against several types of cancer, including skin cancer. As the long-term oral administration of CXB has been associated with severe side effects, the skin delivery of this drug represents a promising alternative for the treatment of skin inflammatory conditions and chemoprevention of skin cancer. We prepared and characterized liquid crystalline systems based on glyceryl monooleate and water containing penetration enhancers which were primarily designed to promote skin delivery of CXB. Analysis of their phase behavior revealed the formation of cubic and hexagonal phases depending on the systems' composition. The systems' structure and composition markedly affected the in vitro CXB release profile. Oleic acid reduced CXB release rate, but association oleic acid/propylene glycol increased the drug release rate. The developed systems significantly reduced inflammation in an aerosil-induced rat paw edema model. The systems' composition and liquid crystalline structure influenced their anti-inflammatory potency. Cubic phase systems containing oleic acid/propylene glycol association reduced edema in a sustained manner, indicating that they modulate CXB release and permeation. Our findings demonstrate that the developed liquid crystalline systems are potential carriers for the skin delivery of CXB. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exploring Tradeoffs in Demand-side and Supply-side Management of Urban Water Resources using Agent-based Modeling and Evolutionary Computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanta, L.; Berglund, E. Z.

2015-12-01

Urban water supply systems may be managed through supply-side and demand-side strategies, which focus on water source expansion and demand reductions, respectively. Supply-side strategies bear infrastructure and energy costs, while demand-side strategies bear costs of implementation and inconvenience to consumers. To evaluate the performance of demand-side strategies, the participation and water use adaptations of consumers should be simulated. In this study, a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework is developed to simulate consumer agents that change their consumption to affect the withdrawal from the water supply system, which, in turn influences operational policies and long-term resource planning. Agent-based models are encoded to represent consumers and a policy maker agent and are coupled with water resources system simulation models. The CAS framework is coupled with an evolutionary computation-based multi-objective methodology to explore tradeoffs in cost, inconvenience to consumers, and environmental impacts for both supply-side and demand-side strategies. Decisions are identified to specify storage levels in a reservoir that trigger (1) increases in the volume of water pumped through inter-basin transfers from an external reservoir and (2) drought stages, which restrict the volume of water that is allowed for residential outdoor uses. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for Arlington, Texas, water supply system to identify non-dominated strategies for an historic drought decade. Results demonstrate that pumping costs associated with maximizing environmental reliability exceed pumping costs associated with minimizing restrictions on consumer water use.

Guidance and flight control law development for hypersonic vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calise, A. J.; Markopoulos, N.

1993-01-01

During the third reporting period our efforts were focused on a reformulation of the optimal control problem involving active state-variable inequality constraints. In the reformulated problem the optimization is carried out not with respect to all controllers, but only with respect to asymptotic controllers leading to the state constraint boundary. Intimately connected with the traditional formulation is the fact that when the reduced solution for such problems lies on a state constraint boundary, the corresponding boundary layer transitions are of finite time in the stretched time scale. Thus, it has been impossible so far to apply the classical asymptotic boundary layer theory to such problems. Moreover, the traditional formulation leads to optimal controllers that are one-sided, that is, they break down when a disturbance throws the system on the prohibited side of the state constraint boundary.

Top tether effectiveness during side impacts.

PubMed

Majstorovic, Jordan; Bing, Julie; Dahle, Eric; Bolte, John; Kang, Yun-Seok

2018-02-28

Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of the top tether during side impacts. In these studies, limited anthropomorphic test device (ATD) data were collected and/or few side impact scenarios were observed. The goal of this study was to further understand the effects of the top tether on ATD responses and child restraint system (CRS) kinematics during various side impact conditions. A series of high-speed near-side and far-side sled tests were performed using the FMVSS213 side impact sled buck and Q3s ATD. Tests were performed at both 10° and 30° impacts with respect to the pure lateral direction. Two child restraints, CRS A and CRS B, were attached to the bench using flexible lower anchors. Each test scenario was performed with the presence and absence of a top tether. Instrumentation recorded Q3s responses and CRS kinematics, and the identical test scenarios with and without a top tether attachment were compared. For the far-side lateral (10°) and oblique (30°) impacts, top tether attachment increased resultant head accelerations by 8-38% and head injury criterion (HIC 15 ) values by 20-140%. However, the top tether was effective in reducing lateral head excursion by 5-25%. For near-side impacts, the top tether resulted in less than 10% increases in both resultant head acceleration and HIC 15 in the lateral impact direction. For near-side oblique impacts, the top tether increased HIC 15 by 17.3% for CRS A and decreased it by 19.5% for CRS B. However, the injury values determined from both impact conditions were below current injury assessment reference values (IARVs). Additionally, the top tether proved beneficial in preventing forward and lateral CRS rotations. The results show that the effects of the top tether on Q3s responses were dependent on impact type, impact angle, and CRS. Tether attachments that increased head accelerations and HIC 15 values were generally counterbalanced by a reduction in head excursion and CRS rotation compared to nontethered scenarios.

How Accumulated Real Life Stress Experience and Cognitive Speed Interact on Decision-Making Processes

PubMed Central

Friedel, Eva; Sebold, Miriam; Kuitunen-Paul, Sören; Nebe, Stephan; Veer, Ilya M.; Zimmermann, Ulrich S.; Schlagenhauf, Florian; Smolka, Michael N.; Rapp, Michael; Walter, Henrik; Heinz, Andreas

2017-01-01

Rationale: Advances in neurocomputational modeling suggest that valuation systems for goal-directed (deliberative) on one side, and habitual (automatic) decision-making on the other side may rely on distinct computational strategies for reinforcement learning, namely model-free vs. model-based learning. As a key theoretical difference, the model-based system strongly demands cognitive functions to plan actions prospectively based on an internal cognitive model of the environment, whereas valuation in the model-free system relies on rather simple learning rules from operant conditioning to retrospectively associate actions with their outcomes and is thus cognitively less demanding. Acute stress reactivity is known to impair model-based but not model-free choice behavior, with higher working memory capacity protecting the model-based system from acute stress. However, it is not clear which impact accumulated real life stress has on model-free and model-based decision systems and how this influence interacts with cognitive abilities. Methods: We used a sequential decision-making task distinguishing relative contributions of both learning strategies to choice behavior, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale questionnaire to assess accumulated real life stress, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test to test cognitive speed in 95 healthy subjects. Results: Individuals reporting high stress exposure who had low cognitive speed showed reduced model-based but increased model-free behavioral control. In contrast, subjects exposed to accumulated real life stress with high cognitive speed displayed increased model-based performance but reduced model-free control. Conclusion: These findings suggest that accumulated real life stress exposure can enhance reliance on cognitive speed for model-based computations, which may ultimately protect the model-based system from the detrimental influences of accumulated real life stress. The combination of accumulated real life stress exposure and slower information processing capacities, however, might favor model-free strategies. Thus, the valence and preference of either system strongly depends on stressful experiences and individual cognitive capacities. PMID:28642696

How Accumulated Real Life Stress Experience and Cognitive Speed Interact on Decision-Making Processes.

PubMed

Friedel, Eva; Sebold, Miriam; Kuitunen-Paul, Sören; Nebe, Stephan; Veer, Ilya M; Zimmermann, Ulrich S; Schlagenhauf, Florian; Smolka, Michael N; Rapp, Michael; Walter, Henrik; Heinz, Andreas

2017-01-01

Rationale: Advances in neurocomputational modeling suggest that valuation systems for goal-directed (deliberative) on one side, and habitual (automatic) decision-making on the other side may rely on distinct computational strategies for reinforcement learning, namely model-free vs. model-based learning. As a key theoretical difference, the model-based system strongly demands cognitive functions to plan actions prospectively based on an internal cognitive model of the environment, whereas valuation in the model-free system relies on rather simple learning rules from operant conditioning to retrospectively associate actions with their outcomes and is thus cognitively less demanding. Acute stress reactivity is known to impair model-based but not model-free choice behavior, with higher working memory capacity protecting the model-based system from acute stress. However, it is not clear which impact accumulated real life stress has on model-free and model-based decision systems and how this influence interacts with cognitive abilities. Methods: We used a sequential decision-making task distinguishing relative contributions of both learning strategies to choice behavior, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale questionnaire to assess accumulated real life stress, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test to test cognitive speed in 95 healthy subjects. Results: Individuals reporting high stress exposure who had low cognitive speed showed reduced model-based but increased model-free behavioral control. In contrast, subjects exposed to accumulated real life stress with high cognitive speed displayed increased model-based performance but reduced model-free control. Conclusion: These findings suggest that accumulated real life stress exposure can enhance reliance on cognitive speed for model-based computations, which may ultimately protect the model-based system from the detrimental influences of accumulated real life stress. The combination of accumulated real life stress exposure and slower information processing capacities, however, might favor model-free strategies. Thus, the valence and preference of either system strongly depends on stressful experiences and individual cognitive capacities.

Action of ethyl and methyl methane sulfonates on DNA injection and genetic recombination in T7 bacteriophage.

PubMed Central

Karska-Wysocki, B; Mamet-Bratley, M D; Verly, W G

1976-01-01

After treatment with methyl or ethyl methane sulfonate, T7 amber mutants display a reduced capacity for recombination. Moreover, alkylation reduces recombination frequency involving markers on the right-hand side of the genetic map more than it reduces recombination frequency involving markers on the left-hand side. We interpret this to mean that alkylation can stop DNA injection at any point along the DNA molecule, and that T7 phage injects its DNA in a unique fashion starting from the end carrying the genes for early proteins. PMID:183007

Analysis of Risk Compensation Behavior on Night Vision Enhancement System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiraoka, Toshihiro; Masui, Junya; Nishikawa, Seimei

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as a forward obstacle collision warning system (FOCWS) and a night vision enhancement system (NVES) aim to decrease driver's mental workload and enhance vehicle safety by provision of useful information to support driver's perception process and judgment process. On the other hand, the risk homeostasis theory (RHT) cautions that an enhanced safety and a reduced risk would cause a risk compensation behavior such as increasing the vehicle velocity. Therefore, the present paper performed the driving simulator experiments to discuss dependence on the NVES and emergence of the risk compensation behavior. Moreover, we verified the side-effects of spontaneous behavioral adaptation derived from the presentation of the fuel-consumption meter on the risk compensation behavior.

Comparison of different laser systems in the treatment of hypertrophic and atrophic scars and keloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scharschmidt, D.; Algermissen, Bernd; Willms-Jones, J.-C.; Philipp, Carsten M.; Berlien, Hans-Peter

1997-12-01

Different laser systems and techniques are used for the treatment of hypertrophic scars, keloids and acne scars. Significant criteria in selecting a suitable laser system are the scar's vascularization, age and diameter. Flashlamp- pumped dye-lasers, CO2-lasers with scanner, Argon and Nd:YAG-lasers are used. Telangiectatic scars respond well to argon lasers, erythematous scars and keloids to dye-laser treatment. Using interstitial Nd:YAG-laser vaporization, scars with a cross-section over 1 cm can generally be reduced. For the treatment of atrophic and acne scars good cosmetic results are achieved with a CO2-laser/scanner system, which allows a precise ablation of the upper dermis with low risk of side-effects.

The people side of MRP (materiel requirements planning).

PubMed

Lunn, T

1994-05-01

A montage of ideas and concepts have been successfully used to train and motivate people to use MRP II systems more effectively. This is important today because many companies are striving to achieve World Class Manufacturing status. Closed loop Materiel Requirements Planning (MRP) systems are an integral part of the process of continuous improvement. Successfully using a formal management planning system, such as MRP II, is a fundamental stepping stone on the path toward World Class Excellence. Included in this article are techniques that companies use to reduce lead time, simplify bills of materiel, and improve schedule adherence. These and other steps all depend on the people who use the system. The focus will be on how companies use the MRP tool more effectively.

Numerical optimization methods for controlled systems with parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyatyushkin, A. I.

2017-10-01

First- and second-order numerical methods for optimizing controlled dynamical systems with parameters are discussed. In unconstrained-parameter problems, the control parameters are optimized by applying the conjugate gradient method. A more accurate numerical solution in these problems is produced by Newton's method based on a second-order functional increment formula. Next, a general optimal control problem with state constraints and parameters involved on the righthand sides of the controlled system and in the initial conditions is considered. This complicated problem is reduced to a mathematical programming one, followed by the search for optimal parameter values and control functions by applying a multimethod algorithm. The performance of the proposed technique is demonstrated by solving application problems.

Adaptations in single-leg hop biomechanics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Orishimo, Karl F; Kremenic, Ian J; Mullaney, Michael J; McHugh, Malachy P; Nicholas, Stephen J

2010-11-01

When a patient performs a clinically normal hop test based on distance, it cannot be assumed that the biomechanics are similar between limbs. The objective was to compare takeoff and landing biomechanics between legs in patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded as 13 patients performed the single-leg hop on each leg. Distance hopped, joint range of motion, peak joint kinetics and the peak total extensor moment were compared between legs during both takeoff and landing. Average hop distance ratio (involved/noninvolved) was 93 ± 4%. Compared to the noninvolved side, knee motion during takeoff on the involved side was significantly reduced (P = 0.008). Peak moments and powers on the involved side were lower at the knee and higher at the ankle and hip compared with the noninvolved side (Side by Joint P = 0.011; P = 0.003, respectively). The peak total extensor moment was not different between legs (P = 0.305) despite a decrease in knee moment and increases in ankle and hip moments (Side by Joint P = 0.015). During landing, knee motion was reduced (P = 0.043), and peak power absorbed was decreased at the knee and hip and increased at the ankle on the involved side compared to the noninvolved side (P = 0.003). The compensations by other joints may indicate protective adaptations to avoid overloading the reconstructed knee.

Reduction of Flap Side Edge Noise - the Blowing Flap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutcheson, Florence V.; Brooks, THomas F.

2005-01-01

A technique to reduce the noise radiating from a wing-flap side edge is being developed. As an airplane wing with an extended flap is exposed to a subsonic airflow, air is blown outward through thin rectangular chord-wise slots at various locations along the side edges and side surface of the flap to weaken and push away the vortices that originate in that region of the flap and are responsible for important noise emissions. Air is blown through the slots at up to twice the local flow velocity. The blowing is done using one or multiple slots, where a slot is located along the top, bottom or side surface of the flap along the side edge, or also along the intersection of the bottom (or top) and side surfaces.

Self Induced Buoyant Blow Off in Upward Flame Spread on Thin Solid Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Michael C.; T'ien, James S.; Muff, Derek E.; Olson, Sandra L.; Ferkul, Paul V.

2013-01-01

Upward flame spread experiments were conducted on a thin fabric cloth consisting of 75% cotton and 25% fiberglass. The sample is sandwiched symmetrically with stainless steel plates with the exposed width varying between 2 to 8.8 cm from test to test and >1.5m tall. The bottom edge was ignited resulting in a symmetric two sided flame. For the narrower samples (. 5cm), two sided flame growth would proceed until reaching some limiting value (15-30 cm depending on sample width). Fluctuation or instability of the flame base on one side would initially become visible and then the flame base would retreat downstream and cause extinguishment on one side. Detailed examination of the still images shows that the fuel continues to vaporize from the extinguished side due to the thermally thin nature of the fuel. But, due to the remaining inert fiberglass mesh, which acts as a flashback arrestor, the extinguished side was not able to be reignited by the remaining flame. The remaining flame would then shrink in length due to the reduced heat transfer to the solid to a shorter length. The one-sided flame will spread stably with a constant speed and a constant flame length to the end of the sample. A constant length flame implies that the pyrolysis front and the burnt out fronts move at the same speed. For the wider samples (. 7cm), no one-sided extinction is observed. Two-sided flames spread all the way to the top of the sample. For these wider widths, the flames are still growing and have not reached their limiting length if it exists. Care was taken to minimize the amount of non-symmetries in the experimental configuration. Repeated tests show that blow-off can occur on either side of the sample. The flame growth is observed to be very symmetric during the growth phase and grew to significant length (>10cm) before extinction of the flame on one side. Our proposed explanation of this unusual phenomenon (i.e. stronger two ]sided flame cannot exist but weaker one-sided flame can) is as follows: The observed one-sided extinction is a blow- off induced by buoyant entrainment. It is known that the flammable diffusion flame regime is bounded by quenching and blow ]off limits when varying incoming air velocity. The narrowest samples tested (between 2 and 5 cm) begin within the flammable range, but as the flame grows, the buoyancy driven air velocity increases at the neighborhood of the flame base. The initially stable flame crosses the extinguishment boundary resulting in a flame blow-off. When one-side of the flame extinguishes, the remaining side shrinks due to the reduced heat transfer to the solid. This reduces the induced velocity and the flame becomes stable. It is proposed that this may have implications to upward flame growth beyond this experiment.

Application Side Casing on Open Deck RoRo to Improve Ship Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasanudin; K. A. P Utama, I.; Chen, Jeng-Horng

2018-03-01

RoRo is a vessel that can transport passengers, cargo, container and cars. Open Car Deck is favourite RoRo Vessel in developing countries due to its small GT, small tax and spacious car deck, but it has poor survival of stability. Many accident involve Open Car Deck RoRo which cause fatalities and victim. In order to ensure the safety of the ship, IMO had applied intact stability criteria IS Code 2008 which adapted from Rahola’s Research, but since 2008 IMO improved criteria become probabilistic damage stability SOLAS 2009. The RoRo type Open Car Deck has wide Breadth (B), small Draft (D) and small freeboard. It has difficulties to satisfy the ship’s stability criteria. Side Casings which has been applied in some RoRo have be known reduce freeboard or improve ship’s safety. In this paper investigated the effect side casings to survival of intact dan damage ship’s stability. Calculation has been conducted for four ships without, existing and full side casings. The investigation results shows that defect stability of Open Deck RoRo can be reduce with fitting side casing.

Drug Delivery Systems for Imaging and Therapy of Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Gunay, Mine Silindir; Ozer, A Yekta; Chalon, Sylvie

2016-01-01

Although a variety of therapeutic approaches are available for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, challenges limit effective therapy. Among these challenges are delivery of drugs through the blood brain barier to the target brain tissue and the side effects observed during long term administration of antiparkinsonian drugs. The use of drug delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, micelles, nanoparticles, nanocapsules, gold nanoparticles, microspheres, microcapsules, nanobubbles, microbubbles and dendrimers is being investigated for diagnosis and therapy. This review focuses on formulation, development and advantages of nanosized drug delivery systems which can penetrate the central nervous system for the therapy and/or diagnosis of PD, and highlights future nanotechnological approaches. It is esential to deliver a sufficient amount of either therapeutic or radiocontrast agents to the brain in order to provide the best possible efficacy or imaging without undesired degradation of the agent. Current treatments focus on motor symptoms, but these treatments generally do not deal with modifying the course of Parkinson's disease. Beyond pharmacological therapy, the identification of abnormal proteins such as α -synuclein, parkin or leucine-rich repeat serine/threonine protein kinase 2 could represent promising alternative targets for molecular imaging and therapy of Parkinson's disease. Nanotechnology and nanosized drug delivery systems are being investigated intensely and could have potential effect for Parkinson's disease. The improvement of drug delivery systems could dramatically enhance the effectiveness of Parkinson's Disease therapy and reduce its side effects.

Lsiviewer 2.0 - a Client-Oriented Online Visualization Tool for Geospatial Vector Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikanta, K.; Rajan, K. S.

2017-09-01

Geospatial data visualization systems have been predominantly through applications that are installed and run in a desktop environment. Over the last decade, with the advent of web technologies and its adoption by Geospatial community, the server-client model for data handling, data rendering and visualization respectively has been the most prevalent approach in Web-GIS. While the client devices have become functionally more powerful over the recent years, the above model has largely ignored it and is still in a mode of serverdominant computing paradigm. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop and demonstrate LSIViewer - a simple, easy-to-use and robust online geospatial data visualisation system for the user's own data that harness the client's capabilities for data rendering and user-interactive styling, with a reduced load on the server. The developed system can support multiple geospatial vector formats and can be integrated with other web-based systems like WMS, WFS, etc. The technology stack used to build this system is Node.js on the server side and HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript on the client side. Various tests run on a range of vector datasets, upto 35 MB, showed that the time taken to render the vector data using LSIViewer is comparable to a desktop GIS application, QGIS, over an identical system.

Critical side channel effects in random bit generation with multiple semiconductor lasers in a polarization-based quantum key distribution system.

PubMed

Ko, Heasin; Choi, Byung-Seok; Choe, Joong-Seon; Kim, Kap-Joong; Kim, Jong-Hoi; Youn, Chun Ju

2017-08-21

Most polarization-based BB84 quantum key distribution (QKD) systems utilize multiple lasers to generate one of four polarization quantum states randomly. However, random bit generation with multiple lasers can potentially open critical side channels that significantly endangers the security of QKD systems. In this paper, we show unnoticed side channels of temporal disparity and intensity fluctuation, which possibly exist in the operation of multiple semiconductor laser diodes. Experimental results show that the side channels can enormously degrade security performance of QKD systems. An important system issue for the improvement of quantum bit error rate (QBER) related with laser driving condition is further addressed with experimental results.

A side-by-side comparison of CPV module and system performance

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

Muller, Matthew; Marion, Bill; Kurtz, Sarah

A side-by-side comparison is made between concentrator photovoltaic module and system direct current aperture efficiency data with a focus on quantifying system performance losses. The individual losses measured/calculated, when combined, are in good agreement with the total loss seen between the module and the system. Results indicate that for the given test period, the largest individual loss of 3.7% relative is due to the baseline performance difference between the individual module and the average for the 200 modules in the system. A basic empirical model is derived based on module spectral performance data and the tabulated losses between the modulemore » and the system. The model predicts instantaneous system direct current aperture efficiency with a root mean square error of 2.3% relative.« less

Saksenaea vasiformis and Apophysomyces elegans zygomycotic infections in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), a killer whale (Orcinus orca), and pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).

PubMed

Robeck, T R; Dalton, L M

2002-12-01

During a 10-yr period, a killer whale (Orcinus orca), two Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), all housed at SeaWorld of Texas from 1991 to 2001, were infected with fungi from the class Zygomycetes. In four out of five cases, the fungi were identified as either Saksenaea vasiformis or Apophysomyces elegans. All fungi in the class Zygomycetes aggressively invade the vascular system. Death occurred within 23 days after the initial clinical signs. The primary site of infection involved the s.c. tissue and skeletal musculature. In one case, infection originated in the placenta and uterus of a periparturient animal. All cases exhibited systemic spread of the organisms, including two to the central nervous system. The fifth and most recent case, a bottlenose dolphin, was treated with liposomal nystatin, an antifungal formulation with reduced nephrotoxicity. This animal initially responded to therapy; however, 14 days after cessation of therapy, fungal growth reoccurred. Thus, the animal was euthanatized 39 days after the initial clinical signs. This drug represents a promising treatment option if combined with early disease detection and aggressive tissue resection.

sideSPIM – selective plane illumination based on a conventional inverted microscope

PubMed Central

Hedde, Per Niklas; Malacrida, Leonel; Ahrar, Siavash; Siryaporn, Albert; Gratton, Enrico

2017-01-01

Previously described selective plane illumination microscopy techniques typically offset ease of use and sample handling for maximum imaging performance or vice versa. Also, to reduce cost and complexity while maximizing flexibility, it is highly desirable to implement light sheet microscopy such that it can be added to a standard research microscope instead of setting up a dedicated system. We devised a new approach termed sideSPIM that provides uncompromised imaging performance and easy sample handling while, at the same time, offering new applications of plane illumination towards fluidics and high throughput 3D imaging of multiple specimen. Based on an inverted epifluorescence microscope, all of the previous functionality is maintained and modifications to the existing system are kept to a minimum. At the same time, our implementation is able to take full advantage of the speed of the employed sCMOS camera and piezo stage to record data at rates of up to 5 stacks/s. Additionally, sample handling is compatible with established methods and switching magnification to change the field of view from single cells to whole organisms does not require labor intensive adjustments of the system. PMID:29026679

Cosmological dynamics with non-minimally coupled scalar field and a constant potential function

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

Hrycyna, Orest; Szydłowski, Marek, E-mail: orest.hrycyna@ncbj.gov.pl, E-mail: marek.szydlowski@uj.edu.pl

2015-11-01

Dynamical systems methods are used to investigate global behaviour of the spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological model in gravitational theory with a non-minimally coupled scalar field and a constant potential function. We show that the system can be reduced to an autonomous three-dimensional dynamical system and additionally is equipped with an invariant manifold corresponding to an accelerated expansion of the universe. Using this invariant manifold we find an exact solution of the reduced dynamics. We investigate all solutions for all admissible initial conditions using theory of dynamical systems to obtain a classification of all evolutional paths. The right-hand sides of themore » dynamical system depend crucially on the value of the non-minimal coupling constant therefore we study bifurcation values of this parameter under which the structure of the phase space changes qualitatively. We found a special bifurcation value of the non-minimal coupling constant which is distinguished by dynamics of the model and may suggest some additional symmetry in matter sector of the theory.« less

Single-step simultaneous side-by-side placement of a self-expandable metallic stent with a 6-Fr delivery system for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Kawakubo, Kazumichi; Kawakami, Hiroshi; Kuwatani, Masaki; Kudo, Taiki; Abe, Yoko; Kawahata, Shuhei; Kubo, Kimitoshi; Kubota, Yoshimasa; Sakamoto, Naoya

2015-02-01

Bilateral self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for the management of unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (UMHBO) is technically challenging to perform using the existing metallic stents with thick delivery systems. The recently developed 6-Fr delivery systems could facilitate a single-step simultaneous side-by-side placement through the accessory channel of the duodenoscope. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this procedure. Between May and September 2013, 13 consecutive patients with UMHBO underwent a single-step simultaneous side-by-side placement of SEMS with the 6-Fr delivery system. The technical success rate, stent patency, and rate of complications were evaluated from the prospectively collected database. Technical success was achieved in 11 (84.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.8-95.8) patients. The median procedure time was 25 min. Early and late complications were observed in 23% (one segmental cholangitis and two liver abscesses) and 15% (one segmental cholangitis and one cholecystitis) patients, respectively. Median dysfunction free patency was 263 days (95% CI: 37-263). Five patients (38%) experienced stent occlusion that was successfully managed by endoscopic stent placement. A single-step simultaneous side-by-side placement of SEMS with a 6-Fr delivery system was feasible for the management of UMHBO. © 2014 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

Active control of noise on the source side of a partition to increase its sound isolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarabini, Marco; Roure, Alain; Pinhede, Cedric

2009-03-01

This paper describes a local active noise control system that virtually increases the sound isolation of a dividing wall by means of a secondary source array. With the proposed method, sound pressure on the source side of the partition is reduced using an array of loudspeakers that generates destructive interference on the wall surface, where an array of error microphones is placed. The reduction of sound pressure on the incident side of the wall is expected to decrease the sound radiated into the contiguous room. The method efficiency was experimentally verified by checking the insertion loss of the active noise control system; in order to investigate the possibility of using a large number of actuators, a decentralized FXLMS control algorithm was used. Active control performances and stability were tested with different array configurations, loudspeaker directivities and enclosure characteristics (sound source position and absorption coefficient). The influence of all these parameters was investigated with the factorial design of experiments. The main outcome of the experimental campaign was that the insertion loss produced by the secondary source array, in the 50-300 Hz frequency range, was close to 10 dB. In addition, the analysis of variance showed that the active noise control performance can be optimized with a proper choice of the directional characteristics of the secondary source and the distance between loudspeakers and error microphones.

The effect of augmented real-time image guidance on task workload during endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Dixon, Benjamin J; Chan, Harley; Daly, Michael J; Vescan, Allan D; Witterick, Ian J; Irish, Jonathan C

2012-01-01

Due to proximity to critical structures, the need for spatial awareness during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is essential. We have developed an augmented, real-time image-guided surgery (ART-IGS) system that provides live navigational data and proximity alerts to the operating surgeon during ablation. We wished to test the hypothesis that task workload would be reduced when using this technology. A trial involved 8 otolaryngology residents and fellows performing ESS on cadaveric specimens; 1 side in a conventional method (control) and 1 side with ART-IGS. After computed tomography scanning, anatomical contouring, and registration of the head, a three-dimensional (3D) virtual endoscopic view, ablative tool tracking, and proximity alerts were enabled. Each subject completed ESS tasks and rated their workload during and after the exercise using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (TLX). A questionnaire and open feedback interview were completed after the procedure. There was a significant reduction in mental demand, temporal demand, effort, and frustration when using the ART-IGS system in comparison to the control (p < 0.02). Perceived performance was increased (p = 0.02). Most subjects agreed that the system was sufficiently accurate, caused minimal interruption, and increased confidence. Optical tracking line-of-sight issues were frequently cited as the main limitation early in the study; however, this was largely resolved. ART-IGS reduces task workload for trainees performing ESS. Live navigation and alert zones may be a valuable intraoperative teaching aid. Copyright © 2012 American Rhinologic Society-American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, LLC.

Combination chemotherapy of doxorubicin, all-trans retinoic acid and low molecular weight heparin based on self-assembled multi-functional polymeric nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ting; Xiong, Hui; Zohra Dahmani, Fatima; Sun, Li; Li, Yuanke; Yao, Li; Zhou, Jianping; Yao, Jing

2015-04-01

Based on the complementary effects of doxorubicin (DOX), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), the combination therapy of DOX, ATRA and LMWH was expected to exert the enhanced anti-tumor effects and reduce the side effects. In this study, amphiphilic LMWH-ATRA conjugate was synthesized for encapsulating the DOX. In this way, DOX, ATRA and LMWH were assembled into a single nano-system by both chemical and physical modes to obtain a novel anti-tumor targeting drug delivery system that can realize the simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs with different properties to the tumor. LMWH-ATRA nanoparticles exhibited good loading capacities for DOX with excellent physico-chemical properties, good biocompatibility, and good differentiation-inducing activity and antiangiogenic activity. The drug-loading capacity was up to 18.7% with an entrapment efficiency of 78.8%. It was also found that DOX-loaded LMWH-ATRA nanoparticles (DHR nanoparticles) could be efficiently taken up by tumor cells via endocytic pathway, and mainly distributed in cytoplasm at first, then transferred into cell nucleus. Cell viability assays suggested that DHR nanoparticles maintained the cytotoxicity effect of DOX on MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the in vivo imaging analysis indicated that DiR-loaded LMWH-ATRA nanoparticles could target the tumor more effectively as compared to free DiR. Furthermore, DHR nanoparticles possessed much higher anticancer activity and reduced side effects compared to free drugs solution. These results suggested that DHR nanoparticles could be considered as a promising targeted delivery system for combination cancer chemotherapy with lower adverse effects.

MERRA/AS: The MERRA Analytic Services Project Interim Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schnase, John; Duffy, Dan; Tamkin, Glenn; Nadeau, Denis; Thompson, Hoot; Grieg, Cristina; Luczak, Ed; McInerney, Mark

2013-01-01

MERRA AS is a cyberinfrastructure resource that will combine iRODS-based Climate Data Server (CDS) capabilities with Coudera MapReduce to serve MERRA analytic products, store the MERRA reanalysis data collection in an HDFS to enable parallel, high-performance, storage-side data reductions, manage storage-side driver, mapper, reducer code sets and realized objects for users, and provide a library of commonly used spatiotemporal operations that can be composed to enable higher-order analyses.

Side effects during subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic diseases.

PubMed

Tophof, Max A; Hermanns, Anne; Adelt, Thomas; Eberle, Peter; Gronke, Christine; Friedrichs, Frank; Knecht, Roland; Mönter, Ernst; Schöpfer, Helmut; Schwerk, Nicolaus; Steinbach, Jörg; Umpfenbach, Hans-Ulrich; Weißhaar, Christian; Wilmsmeyer, Brigitte; Bufe, Albrecht

2018-05-01

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only causal form of therapy for IgE-mediated allergic diseases. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is considered safe and well tolerated in adults, yet there is less evidence of safety in the pediatric population. A non-interventional prospective observing longitudinal study was carried out to determine the incidence of local and systemic side effects by SCIT, routinely performed in pediatric patients. A total of 581 pediatric patients were observed in 18 study centers between March 2012 and October 2014, recording 8640 treatments and 10 015 injections. A total of 54.6% of the patients experienced immediate local side effects at least once; delayed local side effects were seen in 56.1%. Immediate systemic adverse reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients; 7.4% experienced delayed systemic side effects. However, severe systemic side effects (grade III in the classification of Ring and Messmer) were seen in 0.03% of all treatments, all appearing within 30 minutes after the injections. No grade IV reactions were observed. In addition, many potential risk factors were investigated, yet only a few were found to be associated with the occurrence of side effects. Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a safe form of therapy in pediatric patients, with similar rates of local side effects compared to adult patients and low rates of severe systemic side effects. However, local and systemic reactions occurring later than 30 minutes after injection were observed more often than expected, which makes it essential to be attentive on behalf of pediatricians, patients, and parents. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

Sediment sorting at a side channel bifurcation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Denderen, Pepijn; Schielen, Ralph; Hulscher, Suzanne

2017-04-01

Side channels have been constructed to reduce the flood risk and to increase the ecological value of the river. In various Dutch side channels large aggradation in these channels occurred after construction. Measurements show that the grain size of the deposited sediment in the side channel is smaller than the grain size found on the bed of the main channel. This suggest that sorting occurs at the bifurcation of the side channel. The objective is to reproduce with a 2D morphological model the fining of the bed in the side channel and to study the effect of the sediment sorting on morphodynamic development of the side channel. We use a 2D Delft3D model with two sediment fractions. The first fraction corresponds with the grain size that can be found on the bed of the main channel and the second fraction corresponds with the grain size found in the side channel. With the numerical model we compute several side channel configurations in which we vary the length and the width of the side channel, and the curvature of the upstream channel. From these computations we can derive the equilibrium state and the time scale of the morphodynamic development of the side channel. Preliminary results show that even when a simple sediment transport relation is used, like Engelund & Hansen, more fine sediment enters the side channel than coarse sediment. This is as expected, and is probably related to the bed slope effects which are a function of the Shields parameter. It is expected that by adding a sill at the entrance of the side channel the slope effect increases. This might reduce the amount of coarse sediment which enters the side channel even more. It is unclear whether the model used is able to reproduce the effect of such a sill correctly as modelling a sill and reproducing the correct hydrodynamic and morphodynamic behaviour is not straightforward in a 2D model. Acknowledgements: This research is funded by STW, part of the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research under grant number P12-P14 (RiverCare Perspective Programme) project number 13516.

Increasing efficacy and reducing systemic absorption of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic gels in rabbits.

PubMed

Pang, Xiaochen; Li, Jiawei; Pi, Jiaxin; Qi, Dongli; Guo, Pan; Li, Nan; Wu, Yumei; Liu, Zhidong

2018-03-01

Systemic absorption of ocularly administered Brimonidine Tartrate has been reported to give rise to several side-effects. Hence, it has become crucial to develop a delivery system that could increase efficacy and reduce systemic absorption. Therefore, the present work aims to develop Brimonidine Tartrate gels with different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v, respectively) using Carbopol 974 P and HPMC E4M, and compare the therapeutic efficacy and systemic absorption with that of eye drop (0.2%, w/v) by UPLC-MS/MS. The result of histological analysis did not show any morphological or structural changes after the administration of formulations. In vitro residence time studies demonstrated that the gels exhibited a better precorneal residence time as compared with the eye drop. The gels with lower concentrations of the drug (0.05% and 0.1%, w/v) could significantly decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) in both normal and water-loaded rabbits as compared to the eye drop. Finally, the values of the ratio of AUC (0→∞) in comparison to eye drop showed the gels with lower concentrations of Brimonidine Tartrate could decrease the systemic absorption. From the result, it can be concluded the 0.1% ophthalmic gel has a potential to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce the potential toxicity caused by systemic absorption.

New image-processing and noise-reduction software reduces radiation dose during complex endovascular procedures.

PubMed

Kirkwood, Melissa L; Guild, Jeffrey B; Arbique, Gary M; Tsai, Shirling; Modrall, J Gregory; Anderson, Jon A; Rectenwald, John; Timaran, Carlos

2016-11-01

A new proprietary image-processing system known as AlluraClarity, developed by Philips Healthcare (Best, The Netherlands) for radiation-based interventional procedures, claims to lower radiation dose while preserving image quality using noise-reduction algorithms. This study determined whether the surgeon and patient radiation dose during complex endovascular procedures (CEPs) is decreased after the implementation of this new operating system. Radiation dose to operators, procedure type, reference air kerma, kerma area product, and patient body mass index were recorded during CEPs on two Philips Allura FD 20 fluoroscopy systems with and without Clarity. Operator dose during CEPs was measured using optically stimulable, luminescent nanoDot (Landauer Inc, Glenwood, Ill) detectors placed outside the lead apron at the left upper chest position. nanoDots were read using a microStar ii (Landauer Inc) medical dosimetry system. For the CEPs in the Clarity group, the radiation dose to surgeons was also measured by the DoseAware (Philips Healthcare) personal dosimetry system. Side-by-side measurements of DoseAware and nanoDots allowed for cross-calibration between systems. Operator effective dose was determined using a modified Niklason algorithm. To control for patient size and case complexity, the average fluoroscopy dose rate and the dose per radiographic frame were adjusted for body mass index differences and then compared between the groups with and without Clarity by procedure. Additional factors, for example, physician practice patterns, that may have affected operator dose were inferred by comparing the ratio of the operator dose to procedural kerma area product with and without Clarity. A one-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare groups for radiation doses, reference air kermas, and operating practices for each procedure type. The analysis included 234 CEPs; 95 performed without Clarity and 139 with Clarity. Practice patterns of operators during procedures with and without Clarity were not significantly different. For all cases, procedure radiation dose to the patient and the primary and assistant operators were significantly decreased in the Clarity group by 60% compared with the non-Clarity group. By procedure type, fluorography dose rates decreased from 44% for fenestrated endovascular repair and up to 70% with lower extremity interventions. Fluoroscopy dose rates also significantly decreased, from about 37% to 47%, depending on procedure type. The AlluraClarity system reduces the patient and primary operator's radiation dose by more than half during CEPs. This feature appears to be an effective tool in lowering the radiation dose while maintaining image quality. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Launch Lock Assemblies with Reduced Preload and Spacecraft Isolation Systems Including the Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barber, Tim Daniel (Inventor); Young, Ken (Inventor); Hindle, Timothy (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Launch lock assemblies with reduced preload are provided. The launch lock assembly comprises first and second mount pieces, a releasable clamp device, and a pair of retracting assemblies. Each retracting assembly comprises a pair of toothed members having interacting toothed surfaces. The releasable clamp device normally maintains the first and second mount pieces in clamped engagement. When the releasable clamp device is actuated, the first and second mount pieces are released from clamped engagement and one toothed member of each retracting assembly moves in an opposite direction relative to the other one toothed member of the other retracting assembly to define an axial gap on each side of the first mount piece.

Bacterial biomarkers thermally released from dissolved organic matter

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greenwood, P.F.; Leenheer, J.A.; McIntyre, C.; Berwick, L.; Franzmann, P.D.

2006-01-01

Hopane biomarker products were detected using microscale sealed vessel (MSSV) pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of dissolved organic matter from natural aquatic systems colonised by bacterial populations. MSSV pyrolysis can reduce the polyhydroxylated alkyl side chain of bacteriohopanepolyols, yielding saturated hopane products which are more amenable to GC-MS detection than their functionalised precursors. This example demonstrates how the thermal conditions of MSSV pyrolysis can reduce the biologically-inherited structural functionality of naturally occurring organic matter such that additional structural fragments can be detected using GC methods. This approach complements traditional analytical pyrolysis methods by providing additional speciation information useful for establishing the structures and source inputs of recent or extant organic material. ?? 2006.

A randomized, controlled multicentric study of inhaled budesonide and intravenous methylprednisolone in the treatment on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Ding, Zhen; Li, Xiu; Lu, Youjin; Rong, Guangsheng; Yang, Ruiqing; Zhang, Ruixia; Wang, Guiqin; Wei, Xiqiang; Ye, Yongqing; Qian, Zhaoxia; Liu, Hongyan; Zhu, Daifeng; Zhou, Ruiqing; Zhu, Kun; Ni, Rongping; Xia, Kui; Luo, Nan; Pei, Cong

2016-12-01

Almost all international guidelines recommend corticosteroids for management of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), because it leads to improved outcomes of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Nevertheless, due to its side effects, there are still concerns regarding the use of systemic corticosteroid (SC). Inhaled corticosteroids (IC) can be used as an alternative to SC, while reducing the risk of occurrence of side effects. To measure the clinical efficacy and side effects of nebulized budesonide and systemic methylprednisolone in AECOPD. Valid data from 410 AECOPD patients in 10 hospitals was collected. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; budesonide group, treated with nebulized budesonide (2 mg 3 times/day); and methylprednisolone group, treated with intravenously injected methylprednisolone (40 mg/day). COPD assessment test (CAT), arterial blood gas analysis, hospitalization days, adverse effects, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase levels, and blood drug were measured and analyzed in both groups. Symptoms, pulmonary function and arterial blood gas analysis were significantly improved after treatment in both groups (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between them (P > 0.05), while incidence of adverse events in the budesonide group was lower (P < 0.05). No significant differences in CAT score, days of admission, blood gas analysis results and physiological and biochemical indexes were found between the two groups. Patients treated with methylprednisolone showed a higher degree of PaO 2 level improvement. Results show that inhalation of budesonide (2 mg 3 times/day) and systemic methylprednisolone (40 mg/day) had similar clinical outcome in AECOPD. In conclusion, inhaled budesonide is an alternative to systemic corticosteroids in AECOPD treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research Update from EPA Permeable Parking Lot in Edison, NJ

EPA Science Inventory

Communities are increasingly installing green infrastructure stormwater control measures (SCMs) to reduce pollutant loads associated with stormwater runoff. Permeable pavement is a SCM that has limited research on working-scale, side-by-side performance of different pavement sur...

Analysis of high temperature stress on the dynamics of antenna size and reducing side heterogeneity of Photosystem II in wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum).

PubMed

Mathur, Sonal; Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I; Jajoo, Anjana

2011-01-01

This study demonstrates the effect of high temperature stress on the heterogeneous behavior of PSII in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) leaves. Photosystem II in green plant chloroplasts displays heterogeneity both in the composition of its light harvesting antenna i.e. on the basis of antenna size (α, β and γ centers) and in the ability to reduce the plastoquinone pool i.e. the reducing side of the reaction centers (Q(B)-reducing centers and Q(B)-non-reducing centers). Detached wheat leaves were subjected to high temperature stress of 35°C, 40°C and 45°C. The chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence transient were recorded in vivo with high time resolution and analyzed according to JIP test which can quantify PS II behavior using Plant efficiency analyzer (PEA). Other than PEA, Biolyzer HP-3 software was used to evaluate different types of heterogeneity in wheat leaves. The results revealed that at high temperature, there was a change in the relative amounts of PSII α, β and γ centers. As judged from the complementary area growth curve, it seemed that with increasing temperature the PSII(β) and PSII(γ) centers increased at the expense of PSII(α) centers. The reducing side heterogeneity was also affected as shown by an increase in the number of Q(B)-non-reducing centers at high temperatures. The reversibility of high temperature induced damage on PSII heterogeneity was also studied. Antenna size heterogeneity was recovered fully up to 40°C while reducing side heterogeneity showed partial recovery at 40°C. An irreversible damage to both the types of heterogeneity was observed at 45°C. The work is a significant contribution to understand the basic mechanism involved in the adaptation of crop plants to stress conditions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical characterization of bilayer lipid membrane-semiconductor junctions

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

Zhao, Xiao Kang; Baral, S.; Fendler, J.H.

Three different systems of glyceryl monooleate (GMO), bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) supported semiconductor particles have been prepared and characterized. A single composition of particulate semiconductor deposited only on one side of the BLM constituted system A, two different compositions of particulate semiconductors sequentially deposited on the same side of the BLM represented system B, and two different compositions of particulate semiconductors deposited on the opposite sides of the BLM made up system C.

Effects of remedial grouting on the ground-water flow system at Red Rock Dam near Pella, Iowa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Linhart, S. Mike; Schaap, Bryan D.

2001-01-01

Hydrographs, statistical analysis of waterlevel data, and water-chemistry data suggest that underseepage on the northeast side of the dam has been reduced but not completely eliminated. Some areas appear to have been affected to a greater degree and for a longer period of time than other areas. Future monitoring of water levels, water chemistry, and stable isotopes can aid in the evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of remedial grouting.

Agent-Based Simulation to Support the Effectiveness, Procurement, and Employment of Non-Lethal Weapon Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

cases have the most significant impact on reducing the number of lethal shots fired in the simulation. Table 10 shows the reduction in the average...Figure ES-2 was developed to show the results of the focused study on maximum effective range. After analyzing the results of the 1,700 simulated...toward other agents based on whose side they are on at that time. This attribute is critical to this study as the sidedness of the local population is

Joint Planning Of Energy Storage and Transmission Considering Wind-Storage Combined System and Demand Side Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Y.; Liu, B. Z.; Wang, K. Y.; Ai, X.

2017-12-01

In response to the new requirements of the operation mode of wind-storage combined system and demand side response for transmission network planning, this paper presents a joint planning of energy storage and transmission considering wind-storage combined system and demand side response. Firstly, the charge-discharge strategy of energy storage system equipped at the outlet of wind farm and demand side response strategy are analysed to achieve the best comprehensive benefits through the coordination of the two. Secondly, in the general transmission network planning model with wind power, both energy storage cost and demand side response cost are added to the objective function. Not only energy storage operation constraints and but also demand side response constraints are introduced into the constraint condition. Based on the classical formulation of TEP, a new formulation is developed considering the simultaneous addition of the charge-discharge strategy of energy storage system equipped at the outlet of the wind farm and demand side response strategy, which belongs to a typical mixed integer linear programming model that can be solved by mature optimization software. The case study based on the Garver-6 bus system shows that the validity of the proposed model is verified by comparison with general transmission network planning model. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the joint planning model can gain more economic benefits through setting up different cases.

Development of the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space of rat incisors.

PubMed

Inoue, Kouji; Hara, Yaiko; Kuroda, Noriyuki; Sato, Tetsuji

2013-10-01

The present study clarifies developmental organization of the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space of both the enamel (labial) and cementum (lingual) sides of rat incisors. The number of oxytalan fibers per unit area (μm(2)) was counted in rat incisors at stages of embryonic day 20 (E20) to postnatal day 35 (P35). Oxytalan fibers in the periodontal space of the enamel side were apt to decrease in number during the postnatal period, whereas their number remained almost unchanged on the cementum side during the developmental period. When the incisor emerged through the gum at P11, thinner oxytalan fibers distributed in the apical growing periodontium of the cementum side seemed to be fused with one another to become thicker fibers as has been reported for rat molars (Inoue et al., 2012). Thus, the oxytalan fiber system in the periodontal space represented significant differences in its distributional density between the enamel and cementum sides after E23. At the stage of P35, oxytalan fibers presented significantly denser distribution in all territories of the periodontal ligament of the cementum side versus the enamel side. The present findings claim that the oxytalan fiber system might bind the tooth to the periodontal ligament and provide equilibrium of vascular system and control of blood flow in the periodontal ligament of the cementum side, while it might exclusively regulate the high level of physiologically adapted vasculature in the periodontal space of the enamel side. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR IMMUNE THERAPY: Systemic Indications and Ophthalmic Side Effects.

PubMed

Dalvin, Lauren A; Shields, Carol L; Orloff, Marlana; Sato, Takami; Shields, Jerry A

2018-06-01

To review immune checkpoint inhibitor indications and ophthalmic side effects. A literature review was performed using a PubMed search for publications between 1990 and 2017. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to treat system malignancies by targeting one of three ligands, leading to T-cell activation for attack against malignant cells. These ligands (and targeted drug) include cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4, ipilimumab), programmed death protein 1 (PD-1, pembrolizumab, nivolumab), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab). These medications upregulate the immune system and cause autoimmune-like side effects. Ophthalmic side effects most frequently manifest as uveitis (1%) and dry eye (1-24%). Other side effects include myasthenia gravis (n = 19 reports), inflammatory orbitopathy (n = 11), keratitis (n = 3), cranial nerve palsy (n = 3), optic neuropathy (n = 2), serous retinal detachment (n = 2), extraocular muscle myopathy (n = 1), atypical chorioretinal lesions (n = 1), immune retinopathy (n = 1), and neuroretinitis (n = 1). Most inflammatory side effects are managed with topical or periocular corticosteroids, but advanced cases require systemic corticosteroids and cessation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors enhance the immune system by releasing inhibition on T cells, with risk of autoimmune-like side effects. Ophthalmologists should include immune-related adverse events in their differential when examining cancer patients with new ocular symptoms.

Nucleus accumbens acetylcholine and food intake: decreased muscarinic tone reduces feeding but not food-seeking.

PubMed

Pratt, Wayne E; Blackstone, Kaitlin

2009-03-02

Separate groups of food-deprived rats were given 2h access to food after receiving bilateral nucleus accumbens infusions of the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine methyl bromide (at 0, 1.0, and 10.0 microg/side), the M2-preferring agonist oxotremorine sesquifumarate (Oxo-S; at 0, 1.0, or 10.0 microg/side) or the M2 antagonist AFDX-116 (at 0, 0.2, or 1.0 microg/side). Injections of scopolamine or Oxo-S, but not AFDX-116, reduced food consumption across the 2h. These experiments confirm a critical role for Acb acetylcholine in promoting food ingestion, and suggest that decreased acetylcholine tone at post-synaptic muscarinic receptors disrupts normal consummatory behavior.

Load reduction of a monopile wind turbine tower using optimal tuned mass dampers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Xin; Zhao, Xiaowei; Zhao, Shi

2017-07-01

We investigate to apply tuned mass dampers (TMDs) (one in the fore-aft direction, one in the side-side direction) to suppress the vibration of a monopile wind turbine tower. Using the spectral element method, we derive a finite-dimensional state-space model Σd from an infinite-dimensional model Σ of a monopile wind turbine tower stabilised by a TMD located in the nacelle. Σ and Σd can be used to represent the dynamics of the tower and TMD in either the fore-aft direction or the side-side direction. The wind turbine tower subsystem of Σ is modelled as a non-uniform SCOLE (NASA Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment) system consisting of an Euler-Bernoulli beam equation describing the dynamics of the flexible tower and the Newton-Euler rigid body equations describing the dynamics of the heavy rotor-nacelle assembly (RNA) by neglecting any coupling with blade motions. Σd can be used for fast and accurate simulation for the dynamics of the wind turbine tower as well as for optimal TMD designs. We show that Σd agrees very well with the FAST (fatigue, aerodynamics, structures and turbulence) simulation of the NREL 5-MW wind turbine model. We optimise the parameters of the TMD by minimising the frequency-limited ?-norm of the transfer function matrix of Σd which has input of force and torque acting on the RNA, and output of tower-top displacement. The performances of the optimal TMDs in the fore-aft and side-side directions are tested through FAST simulations, which achieve substantial fatigue load reductions. This research also demonstrates how to optimally tune TMDs to reduce vibrations of flexible structures described by partial differential equations.

A three-dimensional analysis of skeletal and dental characteristics in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry.

PubMed

Yu, Jinfeng; Hu, Yun; Huang, Mingna; Chen, Jun; Ding, Xiaoqian; Zheng, Leilei

2018-03-15

To evaluate the skeletal and dental characteristics in skeletal class III patients with facial asymmetry and to analyse the relationships among various parts of the stomatognathic system to provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice. Asymmetric cone-beam computed tomography data acquired from 56 patients were evaluated using Mimics 10.0 and 3-Matic software. Skeletal and dental measurements were performed to assess the three-dimensional differences between two sides. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations among measurements. Linear measurements, such as ramal height, mandible body length, ramal height above the sigmoid notch (RHASN), maxillary height, condylar height, buccal and total cancellous bone thickness, and measurements of condylar size, were significantly larger on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side (P <  0.05). Crown root ratio and buccolingual angle of mandibular first molar were found to be significantly smaller on the nondeviated side than on the deviated side (P <  0.05). A negative correlation was also discovered between the buccolingual angle of mandibular first molar and the ramal height (P <  0.01). In patients with facial asymmetry, asymmetries in the mandible, maxilla and condylar morphology, and skeletal canting served as major components of skeletal asymmetry. Furthermore, a reduced thickness of buccal cancellous bone and a larger crown root ratio were found on the deviated side, indicating that orthodontic camouflage has limitations and potential risks. A combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery may be the advisable choice in patients with a menton deviation greater than 4 mm. An important association between vertical skeletal disharmony and dental compensation was also observed.

Homeostasis in leaf water potentials on leeward and windward sides of desert shrub crowns: water loss control vs. high hydraulic efficiency.

PubMed

Iogna, Patricia A; Bucci, Sandra J; Scholz, Fabián G; Goldstein, Guillermo

2013-11-01

Phenotypic plasticity in morphophysiological leaf traits in response to wind was studied in two dominant shrub species of the Patagonian steppe, used as model systems for understanding effects of high wind speed on leaf water relations and hydraulic properties of small woody plants. Morpho-anatomical traits, hydraulic conductance and conductivity and water relations in leaves of wind-exposed and protected crown sides were examined during the summer with nearly continuous high winds. Although exposed sides of the crowns were subjected to higher wind speeds and air saturation deficits than the protected sides, leaves throughout the crown had similar minimum leaf water potential (ΨL). The two species were able to maintain homeostasis in minimum ΨL using different physiological mechanisms. Berberis microphylla avoided a decrease in the minimum ΨL in the exposed side of the crown by reducing water loss by stomatal control, loss of cell turgor and low epidermal conductance. Colliguaja integerrima increased leaf water transport efficiency to maintain transpiration rates without increasing the driving force for water loss in the wind-exposed crown side. Leaf physiological changes within the crown help to prevent the decrease of minimum ΨL and thus contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, assuring the hydraulic integrity of the plant under unfavorable conditions. The responses of leaf traits that contribute to mechanical resistance (leaf mass per area and thickness) differed from those of large physiological traits by exhibiting low phenotypic plasticity. The results of this study help us to understand the unique properties of shrubs which have different hydraulic architecture compared to trees.

Characterization of exploratory activity and learning ability of healthy and "schizophrenia-like" rats in a square corridor system (AMBITUS).

PubMed

Horvath, G; Liszli, P; Kekesi, G; Büki, A; Benedek, G

2017-02-01

The rodent tasks with food rewards are useful methods to evaluate memory functions, including hole-board and corridor tests. The AMBITUS system (a square corridor with several food rewards), as a combination of these tests, was developed for the investigation of a variety of parameters associated with exploration and cognitive performance in rodents. Experiments were performed to characterize these behaviors in healthy rats and a new "schizophrenia-like" rat substrain with impaired learning ability to reveal the reliability in tests related to these functions. A square corridor was constructed with equally spaced sites along each wall (4 inside and 4 outside) resulting in 16 side-boxes for food rewards. Photocells at each box recorded the visits into the side-boxes (as exploratory activity), while the eating parameters were obtained from video records. The animals were exposed to two types of tasks repeatedly in two series: all (16) or only the inside (8) boxes (Task 1 or Task 2, respectively) were baited. Most of the rats acquired Task 1, and their performance improved by repetition, but the new substrain showed decreased exploration and learning capacity. The introduction of Task 2 caused prompt preference of the baited inner side-boxes, and gradually improved working and reference memory during the trials. The manual and automated scoring of the visits into the side-boxes showed significant (r=0.97) correlation. The results proved that healthy animals could perform the simple tasks in the square corridor after a few repetitions. The semi-automated AMBITUS system might be appropriate to detect cognitive flexibility after different manipulations, and it provides immediate, online assessment of exploratory behavior of a large number of animals within a short period of time, and it reduces the possibility of experimenter bias. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A combined gas cooled nuclear reactor and fuel cell cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, David J.

Rising oil costs, global warming, national security concerns, economic concerns and escalating energy demands are forcing the engineering communities to explore methods to address these concerns. It is the intention of this thesis to offer a proposal for a novel design of a combined cycle, an advanced nuclear helium reactor/solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) plant that will help to mitigate some of the above concerns. Moreover, the adoption of this proposal may help to reinvigorate the Nuclear Power industry while providing a practical method to foster the development of a hydrogen economy. Specifically, this thesis concentrates on the importance of the U.S. Nuclear Navy adopting this novel design for its nuclear electric vessels of the future with discussion on efficiency and thermodynamic performance characteristics related to the combined cycle. Thus, the goals and objectives are to develop an innovative combined cycle that provides a solution to the stated concerns and show that it provides superior performance. In order to show performance, it is necessary to develop a rigorous thermodynamic model and computer program to analyze the SOFC in relation with the overall cycle. A large increase in efficiency over the conventional pressurized water reactor cycle is realized. Both sides of the cycle achieve higher efficiencies at partial loads which is extremely important as most naval vessels operate at partial loads as well as the fact that traditional gas turbines operating alone have poor performance at reduced speeds. Furthermore, each side of the cycle provides important benefits to the other side. The high temperature exhaust from the overall exothermic reaction of the fuel cell provides heat for the reheater allowing for an overall increase in power on the nuclear side of the cycle. Likewise, the high temperature helium exiting the nuclear reactor provides a controllable method to stabilize the fuel cell at an optimal temperature band even during transients helping to increase performance and reduce degradation of the fuel cell. It also provides the high temperature needed to efficiently produce hydrogen for the fuel cell. Moreover, the inclusion of a highly reliable and electrically independent fuel cell is particularly important as the ship will have the ability to divert large amounts of power from the propulsion system to energize high energy weapon pulse loads without disturbing vital parts of the C4ISR systems or control panels. Ultimately, the thesis shows that the combined cycle is mutually beneficial to each side of the cycle and overall critically needed for our future.

Drug accumulation by means of noninvasive magnetic drug delivery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuzawa, M.; Mishima, F.; Akiyama, Y.; Nishijima, S.

2011-11-01

The medication is one of the most general treatment methods, but drugs diffuse in the normal tissues other than the target part by the blood circulation. Therefore, side effect in the medication, particularly for a drug with strong effect such as anti-cancer drug, are a serious issue. Drug Delivery System (DDS) which accumulates the drug locally in the human body is one of the techniques to solve the side-effects. Magnetic Drug Delivery System (MDDS) is one of the active DDSs, which uses the magnetic force. The objective of this study is to accumulate the ferromagnetic drugs noninvasively in the deep part of the body by using MDDS. It is necessary to generate high magnetic field and magnetic gradient at the target part to reduce the side-effects to the tissues with no diseases. The biomimetic model was composed, which consists of multiple model organs connected with diverged blood vessel model. The arrangement of magnetic field was examined to accumulate ferromagnetic drug particles in the target model organ by using a superconducting bulk magnet which can generate high magnetic fields. The arrangement of magnet was designed to generate high and stable magnetic field at the target model organ. The accumulation experiment of ferromagnetic particles has been conducted. In this study, rotating HTS bulk magnet around the axis of blood vessels by centering on the target part was suggested, and the model experiment for magnet rotation was conducted. As a result, the accumulation of the ferromagnetic particles to the target model organ in the deep part was confirmed.

Noise Measurements of High Aspect Ratio Distributed Exhaust Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridges, James

2015-01-01

This paper covers far-field acoustic measurements of a family of rectangular nozzles with aspect ratio 8, in the high subsonic flow regime. Several variations of nozzle geometry, commonly proposed for embedded exhaust systems, are explored, including bevels, slants, single broad chevrons and notches, and internal septae. Far-field acoustic results, presented previously for the simple rectangular nozzle, showed that increasing aspect ratio increases the high frequency noise, especially directed in the plane containing the minor axis of the nozzle. Detailed changes to the nozzle geometry generally made little difference in the noise, and the differences were greatest at low speed. Having an extended lip on one broad side ('bevel') did produce up to 3dB more noise in all directions, while extending the lip on the narrow side ('slant') produced up to 2dB more noise, primarily on the side with the extension. Adding a single, non-intrusive chevron, made no significant change to the noise, while inverting the chevron ('notch') produced up to 2dB increase in the noise. Having internal walls ('septae') within the nozzle, such as would be required for structural support or when multiple fan ducts are aggregated, reduced the noise of the rectangular jet, but could produce a highly directional shedding tone from the septae trailing edges. Finally, a nozzle with both septae and a beveled nozzle, representative of the exhaust system envisioned for a distributed propulsion aircraft with a common rectangular duct, produced almost as much noise as the beveled nozzle, with the septae not contributing much reduction in noise.

Noise Measurements of High Aspect Ratio Distributed Exhaust Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridges, James E.

2015-01-01

This paper covers far-field acoustic measurements of a family of rectangular nozzles with aspect ratio 8, in the high subsonic flow regime. Several variations of nozzle geometry, commonly found in embedded exhaust systems, are explored, including bevels, slants, single broad chevrons and notches, and internal septae. Far-field acoustic results, presented previously for the simple rectangular nozzle, showed that increasing aspect ratio increases the high frequency noise, especially directed in the plane containing the minor axis of the nozzle. Detailed changes to the nozzle geometry generally made little difference in the noise, and the differences were greatest at low speed. Having an extended lip on one broad side (bevel) did produce up to 3 decibels more noise in all directions, while extending the lip on the narrow side (slant) produced up to 2 decibels more noise, primarily on the side with the extension. Adding a single, non-intrusive chevron, made no significant change to the noise, while inverting the chevron (notch) produced up to 2decibels increase in the noise. Having internal walls (septae) within the nozzle, such as would be required for structural support or when multiple fan ducts are aggregated, reduced the noise of the rectangular jet, but could produce a highly directional shedding tone from the septae trailing edges. Finally, a nozzle with both septae and a beveled nozzle, representative of the exhaust system envisioned for a distributed electric propulsion aircraft with a common rectangular duct, produced almost as much noise as the beveled nozzle, with the septae not contributing much reduction in noise.

Pharmacologic overview of systemic chlorogenic acid therapy on experimental wound healing.

PubMed

Bagdas, Deniz; Gul, Nihal Yasar; Topal, Ayse; Tas, Sibel; Ozyigit, Musa Ozgur; Cinkilic, Nilufer; Gul, Zulfiye; Etoz, Betul Cam; Ziyanok, Sedef; Inan, Sevda; Turacozen, Ozge; Gurun, Mine Sibel

2014-11-01

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a well-known natural antioxidant in human diet. To understand the effects of CGA on wound healing by enhancing antioxidant defense in the body, the present study sought to investigate the potential role of systemic CGA therapy on wound healing and oxidative stress markers of the skin. We also aimed to understand whether chronic CGA treatment has side effects on pivotal organs or rat bone marrow during therapy. Full-thickness experimental wounds were created on the backs of rats. CGA (25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally for 15 days. All rats were sacrificed on the 16th day. Biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Possible side effects were also investigated. The results suggested that CGA accelerated wound healing in a dose-dependent manner. CGA enhanced hydroxyproline content, decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. and elevated reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in wound tissues. Epithelialization, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen formation increased by CGA while polymorph nuclear leukocytes infiltration decreased. CGA modulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor-2 expression in biopsies. Otherwise, high dose of CGA increased lipid peroxidation of liver and kidney without affecting the heart and muscle samples. Chronic CGA increased micronuclei formation and induced cytotoxicity in the bone marrow. In conclusion, systemic CGA has beneficial effects in improving wound repair. Antioxidant, free radical scavenger, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects of CGA may ameliorate wound healing. High dose of CGA may induce side effects. In light of these observations, CGA supplementation or dietary CGA may have benefit on wound healing.

Optimal parallel solution of sparse triangular systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alvarado, Fernando L.; Schreiber, Robert

1990-01-01

A method for the parallel solution of triangular sets of equations is described that is appropriate when there are many right-handed sides. By preprocessing, the method can reduce the number of parallel steps required to solve Lx = b compared to parallel forward or backsolve. Applications are to iterative solvers with triangular preconditioners, to structural analysis, or to power systems applications, where there may be many right-handed sides (not all available a priori). The inverse of L is represented as a product of sparse triangular factors. The problem is to find a factored representation of this inverse of L with the smallest number of factors (or partitions), subject to the requirement that no new nonzero elements be created in the formation of these inverse factors. A method from an earlier reference is shown to solve this problem. This method is improved upon by constructing a permutation of the rows and columns of L that preserves triangularity and allow for the best possible such partition. A number of practical examples and algorithmic details are presented. The parallelism attainable is illustrated by means of elimination trees and clique trees.

Comparison of Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation of Water Supply and Flood Control Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ng, T. L.; Yang, P.; Bhushan, R.

2016-12-01

With climate change, streamflows are expected to become more fluctuating, with more frequent and intense floods and droughts. This complicates reservoir operation, which is highly sensitive to inflow variability. We make a comparative evaluation of three strategies for adapting reservoirs to climate-induced shifts in streamflow patterns. Specifically, we examine the effectiveness of (i) expanding the capacities of reservoirs by way of new off-stream reservoirs, (ii) introducing wastewater reclamation to augment supplies, and (iii) improving real-time streamflow forecasts for more optimal decision-making. The first two are hard strategies involving major infrastructure modifications, while the third a soft strategy entailing adjusting the system operation. A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the three strategies is as yet lacking in the literature despite the many past studies investigating the strategies individually. To this end, we developed an adaptive forward-looking linear program that solves to yield the optimal decisions for the current time as a function of an ensemble forecast of future streamflows. Solving the model repeatedly on a rolling basis with regular updating of the streamflow forecast simulates the system behavior over the entire operating horizon. Results are generated for two hypothetical water supply and flood control reservoirs of differing inflows and demands. Preliminary findings suggest that of the three strategies, improving streamflow forecasts to be most effective in mitigating the effects of climate change. We also found that, in average terms, both additional reservoir capacity and wastewater reclamation have potential to reduce water shortage and downstream flooding. However, in the worst case, the potential of the former to reduce water shortage is limited, and similarly so the potential of the latter to reduce downstream flooding.

Drug Delivery Systems and Combination Therapy by Using Vinca Alkaloids

PubMed Central

Lee, Chun-Ting; Huang, Yen-Wei; Yang, Chih-Hui; Huang, Keng-Shiang

2015-01-01

Developing new methods for chemotherapy drug delivery has become a topic of great concern. Vinca alkaloids are among the most widely used chemotherapy reagents for tumor therapy; however, their side effects are particularly problematic for many medical doctors. To reduce the toxicity and enhance the therapeutic efficiency of vinca alkaloids, many researchers have developed strategies such as using liposome-entrapped drugs, chemical- or peptide-modified drugs, polymeric packaging drugs, and chemotherapy drug combinations. This review mainly focuses on the development of a vinca alkaloid drug delivery system and the combination therapy. Five vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vindesine, and vinflunine) are reviewed. PMID:25877096

EPA'S PHOTOVOLTAIC DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT COST-SHARED DEMONSTRATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an investigation of how photovoltaics (PV) may be used as both a pollution-mitigating energy replacement for fossil fuels and a demand-side management (DSM) option to reduce peak electrical demands of commercial and residential buildings. leven electric utilit...

U.S. EPA'S PHOTOVOLTAIC DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROJECT

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an investigation of how photovoltaic (PV) may be used as both a pollution-mitigating energy replacement for fossil fuels and a demand-side management (DSM) option to reduce peak electrical demands of commercial and residential buildings. leven electric utiliti...

Response of an Impact Test Apparatus for Fall Protective Headgear Testing Using a Hybrid-III Head/Neck Assembly

PubMed Central

Caccese, V.; Ferguson, J.; Lloyd, J.; Edgecomb, M.; Seidi, M.; Hajiaghamemar, M.

2017-01-01

A test method based upon a Hybrid-III head and neck assembly that includes measurement of both linear and angular acceleration is investigated for potential use in impact testing of protective headgear. The test apparatus is based upon a twin wire drop test system modified with the head/neck assembly and associated flyarm components. This study represents a preliminary assessment of the test apparatus for use in the development of protective headgear designed to prevent injury due to falls. By including angular acceleration in the test protocol it becomes possible to assess and intentionally reduce this component of acceleration. Comparisons of standard and reduced durometer necks, various anvils, front, rear, and side drop orientations, and response data on performance of the apparatus are provided. Injury measures summarized for an unprotected drop include maximum linear and angular acceleration, head injury criteria (HIC), rotational injury criteria (RIC), and power rotational head injury criteria (PRHIC). Coefficient of variation for multiple drops ranged from 0.4 to 6.7% for linear acceleration. Angular acceleration recorded in a side drop orientation resulted in highest coefficient of variation of 16.3%. The drop test apparatus results in a reasonably repeatable test method that has potential to be used in studies of headgear designed to reduce head impact injury. PMID:28216804

White-matter microstructure and language lateralization in left-handers: a whole-brain MRI analysis.

PubMed

Perlaki, Gabor; Horvath, Reka; Orsi, Gergely; Aradi, Mihaly; Auer, Tibor; Varga, Eszter; Kantor, Gyongyi; Altbäcker, Anna; John, Flora; Doczi, Tamas; Komoly, Samuel; Kovacs, Norbert; Schwarcz, Attila; Janszky, Jozsef

2013-08-01

Most people are left-hemisphere dominant for language. However the neuroanatomy of language lateralization is not fully understood. By combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we studied whether language lateralization is associated with cerebral white-matter (WM) microstructure. Sixteen healthy, left-handed women aged 20-25 were included in the study. Left-handers were targeted in order to increase the chances of involving subjects with atypical language lateralization. Language lateralization was determined by fMRI using a verbal fluency paradigm. Tract-based spatial statistics analysis of DTI data was applied to test for WM microstructural correlates of language lateralization across the whole brain. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were used as indicators of WM microstructural organization. Right-hemispheric language dominance was associated with reduced microstructural integrity of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and left-sided parietal lobe WM. In left-handed women, reduced integrity of the left-sided language related tracts may be closely linked to the development of right hemispheric language dominance. Our results may offer new insights into language lateralization and structure-function relationships in human language system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly damped kinematic coupling for precision instruments

DOEpatents

Hale, Layton C.; Jensen, Steven A.

2001-01-01

A highly damped kinematic coupling for precision instruments. The kinematic coupling provides support while causing essentially no influence to its nature shape, with such influences coming, for example, from manufacturing tolerances, temperature changes, or ground motion. The coupling uses three ball-cone constraints, each combined with a released flexural degree of freedom. This arrangement enables a gain of higher load capacity and stiffness, but can also significantly reduce the friction level in proportion to the ball radius divided by the distance between the ball and the hinge axis. The blade flexures reduces somewhat the stiffness of the coupling and provides an ideal location to apply constrained-layer damping which is accomplished by attaching a viscoelastic layer and a constraining layer on opposite sides of each of the blade flexures. The three identical ball-cone flexures provide a damped coupling mechanism to kinematically support the projection optics system of the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) system, or other load-sensitive apparatus.

Continuous prostaglandin-F 2 infusion for middle-trimester abortion.

PubMed

Lauersen, N H; Wilson, K H

1973-05-26

Induction of midtrimester abortion with a continuous intravenous infusion of prostaglandin (PG) was described by Karim and Filshie and Roth-Brandel et al. in 1970, but the effective dose of PGF2alpha was associated with side effects severely limiting clinical usefulness. Karim and Sharma induced abortion by intravaginal PG, but again this route also seemed complicated by severe side effects. Independent reports followed of successful induction of midtrimester abortion by intraamniotic PGF2alpha and PGE2 with few side effects. Although we also successfully induced abortion in 20 patients with a single intraamniotic instillation of 40 mg PGF2alpha, there is a potential hazard in this method; i.e., PG may leak from the amniotic cavity around the catheter and pass in large quantity into the systemic circulation, resulting in undesirable, severe side effects. A more reasonable and effective method would be to inject the PGF2alpha directly at the target organ, the myometrium, by extraovular administration. Side effects could thus be minimized and effective doses of PG reduced. Such intrauterine extraovular administration of PG has been reported. The incidence of side effects was greatly reduced, although the instillation of PG was required every 1-3 hours and there were some incomplete abortions. The investigation of extraovular PGF2alpha administration for induction of abortion in gestations between 12 and 16 weeks has been especially interesting. The procedure outlined by Wiqvist and Bygdeman and Embrey and Hillier was the 1 that the authors followed initially. 250 mcg PGF2alpha was instilled initially and was followed by 750 mcg in 5 minutes and 1 mg in 30 minutes. 1 mg was then instilled at 6 hour intervals. However, the failure rate with this dosage schedule was quite high. There was a good initial uterine response, but during the administrationsat 12, 18, and 24 hours, the response diminished considerably . The frequency of administration was then increased to every 2-3 hours and the amount instilled was increased to 2-3 mg. Although somewhat more successful than the original dose schedule, this method was also unsatisfactory. It appeared from our results that the closer the injections, the higher the success rate. Thus, a brief case report is presented using continuous extraovular administration of PGF2alpha with a Harvard pump, and the results indicate it is quite satisfactory. The patients complained of very little pain and side effects have been slight. The mean abortion time for 15 patients was 14 hours. The mean time for multiparas, 11.7 hours, was faster than the 15.8 hours for primiparas.

Efficacy of 10% whole Azadirachta indica (neem) chip as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in chronic periodontitis: A clinical and microbiological study.

PubMed

Vennila, K; Elanchezhiyan, S; Ilavarasu, Sugumari

2016-01-01

Anti-microbial therapy is essential along with conventional therapy in the management of periodontal disease. Instead of systemic chemical agents, herbal products could be used as antimicrobial agents. Herbal local drug delivery systems are effective alternative for systemic therapy in managing the chronic periodontal disease. In this study, 10% neem oil chip was used as a local drug delivery system to evaluate the efficacy in the periodontal disease management. Twenty otherwise healthy patients with the bilateral periodontal probing depth of 5-6 mm were included in the study. After scaling and root planning (SRP), 10% nonabsorbable neem chip was placed in the pocket in one side of the arch. Other side was done with SRP only. Clinical parameters were recorded on the baseline, 7th day, and 21st day. Plaque samples were obtained for a microbiological study on the baseline and 21st day. Porphyromonas gingivalis strains were seen using quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction assay. All results were statistically evaluated. Clinical parameters showed statistically improved on the neem chip sites and presence of P. gingivalis strains were significantly reduced on the neem chip sites. Hence, 10% neem oil local delivery system delivers desired effects on P. gingivalis. Further research is needed to evaluate the neem oil efficacy on other periodontal pathogens.

A new adaptive control strategy for a class of nonlinear system using RBF neuro-sliding-mode technique: application to SEIG wind turbine control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenné, Godpromesse; Fotso, Armel Simo; Lamnabhi-Lagarrigue, Françoise

2017-04-01

In this paper, a new hybrid method which combines radial basis function (RBF) neural network with a sliding-mode technique to take advantage of their common features is used to control a class of nonlinear systems. A real-time dynamic nonlinear learning law of the weight vector is synthesized and the closed-loop stability has been demonstrated using Lyapunov theory. The solution presented in this work does not need the knowledge of the perturbation bounds, neither the knowledge of the full state of the nonlinear system. In addition, the bounds of the nonlinear functions are assumed to be unknown and the proposed RBF structure uses reduced number of hidden units. This hybrid control strategy is applied to extract the maximum available energy from a stand-alone self-excited variable low-wind speed energy conversion system and design the dc-voltage and rotor flux controllers as well as the load-side frequency and voltage regulators assuming that the measured outputs are the rotor speed, stator currents, load-side currents and voltages despite large variation of the rotor resistance and uncertainties on the inductances. Finally, simulation results compared with those obtained using the well-known second-order sliding-mode controller are given to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach.

Chaos in quantum steering in high-dimensional systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Guang Ping

2018-04-01

Quantum steering means that in some bipartite quantum systems the local measurements on one side can determine the state of the other side. Here we show that in high-dimensional systems there exists a specific entangled state which can display a kind of chaos effect when being adopted for steering. That is, a subtle difference in the measurement results on one side can steer the other side into completely orthogonal states. Moreover, by expanding the result to infinite-dimensional systems, we find two sets of states for which, contrary to common belief, even though their density matrices approach being identical, the steering between them is impossible. This property makes them very useful for quantum cryptography.

A hierarchical anatomical classification schema for prediction of phenotypic side effects

PubMed Central

Kanji, Rakesh

2018-01-01

Prediction of adverse drug reactions is an important problem in drug discovery endeavors which can be addressed with data-driven strategies. SIDER is one of the most reliable and frequently used datasets for identification of key features as well as building machine learning models for side effects prediction. The inherently unbalanced nature of this data presents with a difficult multi-label multi-class problem towards prediction of drug side effects. We highlight the intrinsic issue with SIDER data and methodological flaws in relying on performance measures such as AUC while attempting to predict side effects.We argue for the use of metrics that are robust to class imbalance for evaluation of classifiers. Importantly, we present a ‘hierarchical anatomical classification schema’ which aggregates side effects into organs, sub-systems, and systems. With the help of a weighted performance measure, using 5-fold cross-validation we show that this strategy facilitates biologically meaningful side effects prediction at different levels of anatomical hierarchy. By implementing various machine learning classifiers we show that Random Forest model yields best classification accuracy at each level of coarse-graining. The manually curated, hierarchical schema for side effects can also serve as the basis of future studies towards prediction of adverse reactions and identification of key features linked to specific organ systems. Our study provides a strategy for hierarchical classification of side effects rooted in the anatomy and can pave the way for calibrated expert systems for multi-level prediction of side effects. PMID:29494708

A hierarchical anatomical classification schema for prediction of phenotypic side effects.

PubMed

Wadhwa, Somin; Gupta, Aishwarya; Dokania, Shubham; Kanji, Rakesh; Bagler, Ganesh

2018-01-01

Prediction of adverse drug reactions is an important problem in drug discovery endeavors which can be addressed with data-driven strategies. SIDER is one of the most reliable and frequently used datasets for identification of key features as well as building machine learning models for side effects prediction. The inherently unbalanced nature of this data presents with a difficult multi-label multi-class problem towards prediction of drug side effects. We highlight the intrinsic issue with SIDER data and methodological flaws in relying on performance measures such as AUC while attempting to predict side effects.We argue for the use of metrics that are robust to class imbalance for evaluation of classifiers. Importantly, we present a 'hierarchical anatomical classification schema' which aggregates side effects into organs, sub-systems, and systems. With the help of a weighted performance measure, using 5-fold cross-validation we show that this strategy facilitates biologically meaningful side effects prediction at different levels of anatomical hierarchy. By implementing various machine learning classifiers we show that Random Forest model yields best classification accuracy at each level of coarse-graining. The manually curated, hierarchical schema for side effects can also serve as the basis of future studies towards prediction of adverse reactions and identification of key features linked to specific organ systems. Our study provides a strategy for hierarchical classification of side effects rooted in the anatomy and can pave the way for calibrated expert systems for multi-level prediction of side effects.

Particle-In-Cell Simulations of a Thermionic Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, S. E.

2017-12-01

Simulations of thermionic converters are presented where cesium is used as a work function reducing agent in a nano-fabricated triode configuration. The cathode and anode are spaced on the order of 100 μm, and the grid structure has features on the micron scale near the anode. The hot side is operated near 1600 K, the cold side near 600 K, and the converter has the potential to convert heat to DC electrical current upwards of 20% efficiency. Affordable and robust thermionic converters have the potential to displace century old mechanical engines and turbines as a primary means of electrical power generation in the near future. High efficiency converters that operate at a small scale could be used to generate power locally and alleviate the need for large scale power transmission systems. Electron and negative cesium ion back emission from the anode are considered, as well as device longevity and fabrication feasibility.

Cooling system for three hook ring segment

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

Campbell, Christian X.; Eng, Darryl; Lee, Ching-Pang

2014-08-26

A triple hook ring segment including forward, midsection and aft mounting hooks for engagement with respective hangers formed on a ring segment carrier for supporting a ring segment panel, and defining a forward high pressure chamber and an aft low pressure chamber on opposing sides of the midsection mounting hook. An isolation plate is provided on the aft side of the midsection mounting hook to form an isolation chamber between the aft low pressure chamber and the ring segment panel. High pressure air is supplied to the forward chamber and flows to the isolation chamber through crossover passages in themore » midsection hook. The isolation chamber provides convection cooling air to an aft portion of the ring segment panel and enables a reduction of air pressure in the aft low pressure chamber to reduce leakage flow of cooling air from the ring segment.« less

Motor adaptation to lateral pelvis assistance force during treadmill walking in individuals post-stroke

PubMed Central

Wu, Ming; Hsu, Chao-Jung; Kim, Janis

2018-01-01

The goal of this study was to determine how individuals post-stroke response to the lateral assistance force applied to the pelvis during treadmill walking. Ten individuals post chronic (> 6 months) stroke were recruited to participate in this study. A controlled assistance force (~10% of body weight) was applied to the pelvis in the lateral direction toward the paretic side during stance of the paretic leg. Kinematics of the pelvis and legs were recorded. Applying pelvis assistance force facilitated weight shifting toward the paretic side, resulting in a more symmetrical gait pattern but also inducing an enlarged range of motion of the pelvis during early adaptation period. The neural system of individuals post stroke adapted to the pelvis assistance force and showed an aftereffect consists of reduced range of motion of the pelvis following load release during post adaptation period. PMID:28813835

Motor adaptation to lateral pelvis assistance force during treadmill walking in individuals post-stroke.

PubMed

Wu, Ming; Hsu, Chao-Jung; Kim, Janis

2017-07-01

The goal of this study was to determine how individuals post-stroke response to the lateral assistance force applied to the pelvis during treadmill walking. Ten individuals post chronic (> 6 months) stroke were recruited to participate in this study. A controlled assistance force (∼10% of body weight) was applied to the pelvis in the lateral direction toward the paretic side during stance of the paretic leg. Kinematics of the pelvis and legs were recorded. Applying pelvis assistance force facilitated weight shifting toward the paretic side, resulting in a more symmetrical gait pattern but also inducing an enlarged range of motion of the pelvis during early adaptation period. The neural system of individuals post stroke adapted to the pelvis assistance force and showed an aftereffect consists of reduced range of motion of the pelvis following load release during post adaptation period.

An airport wind shear detection and warning system using Doppler radar: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccarthy, J.; Blick, E. F.; Elmore, K. L.

1981-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to determine whether ground based Doppler radar could measure the wind along the path of an approaching aircraft with sufficient accuracy to predict aircraft performance. Forty-three PAR approaches were conducted, with 16 examined in detail. In each, Doppler derived longitudinal winds were compared to aircraft measured winds; in approximately 75 percent of the cases, the Doppler and aircraft winds were in acceptable agreement. In the remaining cases, errors may have been due to a lack of Doppler resolution, a lack of co-location of the two sampling volumes, the presence of eddy or vortex like disturbances within the pulse volume, or the presence of point targets in antenna side lobes. It was further concluded that shrouding techniques would have reduced the side lobe problem. A ground based Doppler radar operating in the optically clear air, provides the appropriate longitudinal winds along an aircraft's intended flight path.

Particle-In-Cell Simulations of a Thermionic Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Stephen

2017-10-01

Simulations of thermionic converters are presented where cesium is used as a work function reducing agent in a nano-fabricated triode configuration. The cathode and anode are spaced on the order of 100 μm, and the grid structure has features on the micron scale near the anode. The hot side is operated near 1600 K, the cold side near 600 K, and the converter has the potential to convert heat to DC electrical current upwards of 20% efficiency. Affordable and robust thermionic converters have the potential to displace century old mechanical engines and turbines as a primary means of electrical power generation in the near future. High efficiency converters that operate at a small scale could be used to generate power locally and alleviate the need for large scale power transmission systems. Electron and negative cesium ion back emission from the anode are considered, as well as device longevity and fabrication feasibility.

The effect of side motion in the dynamics of interacting molecular motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Midha, Tripti; Gupta, Arvind Kumar; Kolomeisky, Anatoly B.

2017-07-01

To mimic the collective motion of interacting molecular motors, we propose and discuss an open two-lane symmetrically coupled interactive TASEP model that incorporates interaction in the thermodynamically consistent fashion. We study the effect of both repulsive and attractive interaction on the system’s dynamical properties using various cluster mean field analysis and extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The interactions bring correlations into the system, which were found to be reduced due to the side motion of particles. We produce the steady-state phase diagrams for symmetrically split interaction strength. The behavior of the maximal particle current with respect to the interaction energy E is analyzed for different coupling rates and interaction splittings. The results suggest that for strong coupling and large splittings, the maximal flow of the motors occurs at a weak attractive interaction strength which matches with the known experimental results on kinesin motor protein.

Reconstruction of the gastric passage by a side-to-side gastrogastrostomy after failed vertical-banded gastroplasty: a case report

PubMed Central

Soll, Christopher; Müller, Markus K; Wildi, Stefan; Clavien, Pierre-Alain; Weber, Markus

2008-01-01

Introduction Vertical-banded gastroplasty, a technique that is commonly performed in the treatment of morbid obesity, represents a nonadjustable restrictive procedure which reduces the volume of the upper stomach by a vertical stapler line. In addition, a textile or silicone band restricts food passage through the stomach. Case presentation A 71-year-old woman presented with a severe gastric stenosis 11 years after vertical gastroplasty. We describe a side-to-side gastrogastrostomy as a safe surgical procedure to restore the physiological gastric passage after failed vertical-banded gastroplasty. Conclusion Occasionally, restrictive procedures for morbid obesity cannot be converted into an alternative bariatric procedure to maintain weight control. This report demonstrates that a side-to-side gastrogastrostomy is a feasible and safe procedure. PMID:18513454

Microwave Transversal Equalizer.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

AD-AO?7 603 EATONCORP MELVILLE NY AIL DIV F/6 9/5 MICROWAVE TRANSVERSAL EQUALIZER .(U) MAY 80 J WOLCZOK. 6 KANISCHAK F 3 0602-T8-C-0352 UNCLASSIFIED... Equalizer (MTE) Side-lobe distortion Equalization II Automation ABSTRACT (Continue on revere side It necesary and identify by block numb.r) A...Microwave Transversal Equalizer has been designed, fabricated, and installed at RADC and is capable of reducing side-lobe distortion levels of -18 dBm to

Mobile Phone Based System Opportunities to Home-based Managing of Chemotherapy Side Effects.

PubMed

Davoodi, Somayeh; Mohammadzadeh, Zeinab; Safdari, Reza

2016-06-01

Applying mobile base systems in cancer care especially in chemotherapy management have remarkable growing in recent decades. Because chemotherapy side effects have significant influences on patient's lives, therefore it is necessary to take ways to control them. This research has studied some experiences of using mobile phone based systems to home-based monitor of chemotherapy side effects in cancer. In this literature review study, search was conducted with keywords like cancer, chemotherapy, mobile phone, information technology, side effects and self managing, in Science Direct, Google Scholar and Pub Med databases since 2005. Today, because of the growing trend of the cancer, we need methods and innovations such as information technology to manage and control it. Mobile phone based systems are the solutions that help to provide quick access to monitor chemotherapy side effects for cancer patients at home. Investigated studies demonstrate that using of mobile phones in chemotherapy management have positive results and led to patients and clinicians satisfactions. This study shows that the mobile phone system for home-based monitoring chemotherapy side effects works well. In result, knowledge of cancer self-management and the rate of patient's effective participation in care process improved.

Functional hyper-IL-6 from vaccinia virus-colonized tumors triggers platelet formation and helps to alleviate toxicity of mitomycin C enhanced virus therapy

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Combination of oncolytic vaccinia virus therapy with conventional chemotherapy has shown promise for tumor therapy. However, side effects of chemotherapy including thrombocytopenia, still remain problematic. Methods Here, we describe a novel approach to optimize combination therapy of oncolytic virus and chemotherapy utilizing virus-encoding hyper-IL-6, GLV-1h90, to reduce chemotherapy-associated side effects. Results We showed that the hyper-IL-6 cytokine was successfully produced by GLV-1h90 and was functional both in cell culture as well as in tumor-bearing animals, in which the cytokine-producing vaccinia virus strain was well tolerated. When combined with the chemotherapeutic mitomycin C, the anti-tumor effect of the oncolytic virotherapy was significantly enhanced. Moreover, hyper-IL-6 expression greatly reduced the time interval during which the mice suffered from chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. Conclusion Therefore, future clinical application would benefit from careful investigation of additional cytokine treatment to reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. PMID:22236378

The impact of traffic-flow patterns on air quality in urban street canyons.

PubMed

Thaker, Prashant; Gokhale, Sharad

2016-01-01

We investigated the effect of different urban traffic-flow patterns on pollutant dispersion in different winds in a real asymmetric street canyon. Free-flow traffic causes more turbulence in the canyon facilitating more dispersion and a reduction in pedestrian level concentration. The comparison of with and without a vehicle-induced-turbulence revealed that when winds were perpendicular, the free-flow traffic reduced the concentration by 73% on the windward side with a minor increase of 17% on the leeward side, whereas for parallel winds, it reduced the concentration by 51% and 29%. The congested-flow traffic increased the concentrations on the leeward side by 47% when winds were perpendicular posing a higher risk to health, whereas reduced it by 17-42% for parallel winds. The urban air quality and public health can, therefore, be improved by improving the traffic-flow patterns in street canyons as vehicle-induced turbulence has been shown to contribute significantly to dispersion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancing productivity for cascade biotransformation of styrene to (S)-vicinal diol with biphasic system in hollow fiber membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Gao, Pengfei; Wu, Shuke; Praveen, Prashant; Loh, Kai-Chee; Li, Zhi

2017-03-01

Biotransformation is a green and useful tool for sustainable and selective chemical synthesis. However, it often suffers from the toxicity and inhibition from organic substrates or products. Here, we established a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor (HFMB)-based aqueous/organic biphasic system, for the first time, to enhance the productivity of a cascade biotransformation with strong substrate toxicity and inhibition. The enantioselective trans-dihydroxylation of styrene to (S)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol, catalyzed by Escherichia coli (SSP1) coexpressing styrene monooxygenase and an epoxide hydrolase, was performed in HFMB with organic solvent in the shell side and aqueous cell suspension in the lumen side. Various organic solvents were investigated, and n-hexadecane was found as the best for the HFMB-based biphasic system. Comparing to other reported biphasic systems assisted by HFMB, our system not only shield much of the substrate toxicity but also deflate the product recovery burden in downstream processing as the majority of styrene stayed in organic phase while the diol product mostly remained in the aqueous phase. The established HFMB-based biphasic system enhanced the production titer to 143 mM, being 16-fold higher than the aqueous system and 1.6-fold higher than the traditional dispersive partitioning biphase system. Furthermore, the combination of biphasic system with HFMB prevents the foaming and emulsification, thus reducing the burden in downstream purification. HFMB-based biphasic system could serve as a suitable platform for enhancing the productivity of single-step or cascade biotransformation with toxic substrates to produce useful and valuable chemicals.

Modeling and experimental studies of a side band power re-injection locked magnetron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Wen-Jun; Zhang, Yi; Yuan, Ping; Zhu, Hua-Cheng; Huang, Ka-Ma; Yang, Yang

2016-12-01

A side band power re-injection locked (SBPRIL) magnetron is presented in this paper. A tuning stub is placed between the external injection locked (EIL) magnetron and the circulator. Side band power of the EIL magnetron is reflected back to the magnetron. The reflected side band power is reused and pulled back to the central frequency. A phase-locking model is developed from circuit theory to explain the process of reuse of side band power in SBPRIL magnetron. Theoretical analysis proves that the side band power is pulled back to the central frequency of the SBPRIL magnetron, then the amplitude of the RF voltage increases and the phase noise performance is improved. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation of a 10-vane continuous wave (CW) magnetron model is presented. Computer simulation predicts that the frequency spectrum’s peak of the SBPRIL magnetron has an increase of 3.25 dB compared with the free running magnetron. The phase noise performance at the side band offset reduces 12.05 dB for the SBPRIL magnetron. Besides, the SBPRIL magnetron experiment is presented. Experimental results show that the spectrum peak rises by 14.29% for SBPRIL magnetron compared with the free running magnetron. The phase noise reduces more than 25 dB at 45-kHz offset compared with the free running magnetron. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2013CB328902) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61501311).

Dental changes evaluated with a 3D computer-assisted model analysis after long-term tongue retaining device wear in OSA patients.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Lowe, Alan A; Strauss, Arthur M; de Almeida, Fernanda Riberiro; Ueda, Hiroshi; Fleetham, John A; Wang, Bangkang

2008-05-01

Oral appliances (OAs) have been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients for decades. However, detailed dental side effects in long-term OA cases analyzed with an accurate three-dimensional (3D) measurement tool have seldom been reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate dental side effects in five OSA patients, who had used a tongue retaining device (TRD) (with occasional other OA wear) for an average of 6 years and 4 months. The baseline and follow-up orthodontic study models were measured with a newly developed MicroScribe-3DX analysis system. High compliance of TRD wear was confirmed in all cases and different patterns and amounts of dental changes were observed. The most common appliance-induced dental changes included anterior and/or unilateral posterior open-bites and reduced anterior overjets. It was hypothesized that there might be two possible mechanisms for the TRD side effects--one is the forward pressure of the tongue upon the anterior dental arch and the other is the lateral pressure of the tongue upon the posterior arch. Considerations to correct the TRD dental side effects should be guided by these different mechanisms of the tongue on the dental arch. Possible solutions to minimize occlusal changes and maximize the benefits for OSA patients are also discussed.

Landscape assessment of side channel plugs and associated cumulative side channel attrition across a large river floodplain.

PubMed

Reinhold, Ann Marie; Poole, Geoffrey C; Bramblett, Robert G; Zale, Alexander V; Roberts, David W

2018-04-24

Determining the influences of anthropogenic perturbations on side channel dynamics in large rivers is important from both assessment and monitoring perspectives because side channels provide critical habitat to numerous aquatic species. Side channel extents are decreasing in large rivers worldwide. Although riprap and other linear structures have been shown to reduce side channel extents in large rivers, we hypothesized that small "anthropogenic plugs" (flow obstructions such as dikes or berms) across side channels modify whole-river geomorphology via accelerating side channel senescence. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a geospatial assessment, comparing digitized side channel areas from aerial photographs taken during the 1950s and 2001 along 512 km of the Yellowstone River floodplain. We identified longitudinal patterns of side channel recruitment (created/enlarged side channels) and side channel attrition (destroyed/senesced side channels) across n = 17 river sections within which channels were actively migrating. We related areal measures of recruitment and attrition to the density of anthropogenic side channel plugs across river sections. Consistent with our hypothesis, a positive spatial relationship existed between the density of anthropogenic plugs and side channel attrition, but no relationship existed between plug density and side channel recruitment. Our work highlights important linkages among side channel plugs and the persistence and restoration of side channels across floodplain landscapes. Specifically, management of small plugs represents a low-cost, high-benefit restoration opportunity to facilitate scouring flows in side channels to enable the persistence of these habitats over time.

Hydrogel tissue construct-based high-content compound screening.

PubMed

Lam, Vy; Wakatsuki, Tetsuro

2011-01-01

Current pharmaceutical compound screening systems rely on cell-based assays to identify therapeutic candidates and potential toxicities. However, cells grown on 2D substrata or in suspension do not exhibit the mechanical or physiological properties of cells in vivo. To address this limitation, the authors developed an in vitro, high-throughput, 3D hydrogel tissue construct (HTC)-based assay system to quantify cell and tissue mechanical properties and multiple parameters of physiology. HTC mechanics was quantified using an automated device, and physiological status was assessed using spectroscopy-based indicators that were read on microplate readers. To demonstrate the application of this system, the authors screened 4 test compounds--rotenone (ROT), cytochalasin D (CD), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), and Rho kinase inhibitor (H-1152)--for their ability to modulate HTC contractility without affecting actin integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), or viability. All 4 compounds dose-dependently reduced HTC contractility. However, ROT was toxic, DNP dissipated MMP, and CD reduced both intracellular F-actin and viability. H-1152 was found to be the best candidate compound since it reduced HTC contractility with minimal side effects. The authors propose that their HTC-based assay system can be used to screen for compounds that modulate HTC contractility and assess the underlying physiological mechanism(s) of compound activity and toxicity.

The DarkSide awakens

DOE PAGES

Davini, S.; Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; ...

2016-06-09

Here, the DarkSide program at LNGS aims to perform background-free WIMP searches using two phase liquid argon time projection chambers, with the ultimate goal of covering all parameters down to the so-called neutrino floor. One of the distinct features of the program is the use of underground argon with has a reduced content of the radioactive 39Ar compared to atmospheric argon. The DarkSide Collaboration is currently operating the DarkSide-50 experiment, the first such WIMP detector using underground argon. Operations with underground argon indicate a suppression of 39Ar by a factor (1.4 ± 0.2) × 10 3 relative to atmospheric argon.more » The new results obtained with DarkSide-50 and the plans for the next steps of the DarkSide program, the 20t fiducial mass DarkSide-20k detector and the 200 t fiducial Argo, are reviewed in this proceedings.« less

The DarkSide awakens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davini, S.; Agnes, P.; Agostino, L.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Alexander, T.; Alton, A. K.; Arisaka, K.; Back, H. O.; Baldin, B.; Biery, K.; Bonfini, G.; Bossa, M.; Bottino, B.; Brigatti, A.; Brodsky, J.; Budano, F.; Bussino, S.; Cadeddu, M.; Cadonati, L.; Cadoni, M.; Calaprice, F.; Canci, N.; Candela, A.; Cao, H.; Cariello, M.; Carlini, M.; Catalanotti, S.; Cavalcante, P.; Chepurnov, A.; Cocco, A. G.; Covone, G.; D'Angelo, D.; D'Incecco, M.; De Cecco, S.; De Deo, M.; De Vincenzi, M.; Derbin, A.; Devoto, A.; Di Eusanio, F.; Di Pietro, G.; Edkins, E.; Empl, A.; Fan, A.; Fiorillo, G.; Fomenko, K.; Foster, G.; Franco, D.; Gabriele, F.; Galbiati, C.; Giganti, C.; Goretti, A. M.; Granato, F.; Grandi, L.; Gromov, M.; Guan, M.; Guardincerri, Y.; Hackett, B. R.; Herner, K. R.; Hungerford, E. V.; Ianni, Aldo; Ianni, Andrea; James, I.; Jollet, C.; Keeter, K.; Kendziora, C. L.; Kobychev, V.; Koh, G.; Korablev, D.; Korga, G.; Kubankin, A.; Li, X.; Lissia, M.; Lombardi, P.; Luitz, S.; Ma, Y.; Machulin, I. N.; Mandarano, A.; Mari, S. M.; Maricic, J.; Marini, L.; Martoff, C. J.; Meregaglia, A.; Meyers, P. D.; Miletic, T.; Milincic, R.; Montanari, D.; Monte, A.; Montuschi, M.; Monzani, M. E.; Mosteiro, P.; Mount, B. J.; Muratova, V. N.; Musico, P.; Napolitano, J.; Orsini, M.; Ortica, F.; Pagani, L.; Pallavicini, M.; Pantic, E.; Parmeggiano, S.; Pelczar, K.; Pelliccia, N.; Perasso, S.; Pocar, A.; Pordes, S.; Pugachev, D. A.; Qian, H.; Randle, K.; Ranucci, G.; Razeto, A.; Reinhold, B.; Renshaw, A. L.; Romani, A.; Rossi, B.; Rossi, N.; Rountree, S. D.; Sablone, D.; Saggese, P.; Saldanha, R.; Sands, W.; Sangiorgio, S.; Savarese, C.; Segreto, E.; Semenov, D. A.; Shields, E.; Singh, P. N.; Skorokhvatov, M. D.; Smirnov, O.; Sotnikov, A.; Stanford, C.; Suvorov, Y.; Tartaglia, R.; Tatarowicz, J.; Testera, G.; Tonazzo, A.; Trinchese, P.; Unzhakov, E. V.; Vishneva, A.; Vogelaar, B.; Wada, M.; Walker, S.; Wang, H.; Wang, Y.; Watson, A. W.; Westerdale, S.; Wilhelmi, J.; Wojcik, M. M.; Xiang, X.; Xu, J.; Yang, C.; Yoo, J.; Zavatarelli, S.; Zec, A.; Zhong, W.; Zhu, C.; Zuzel, G.

2016-05-01

The DarkSide program at LNGS aims to perform background-free WIMP searches using two phase liquid argon time projection chambers, with the ultimate goal of covering all parameters down to the so-called neutrino floor. One of the distinct features of the program is the use of underground argon with has a reduced content of the radioactive 39Ar compared to atmospheric argon. The DarkSide Collaboration is currently operating the DarkSide-50 experiment, the first such WIMP detector using underground argon. Operations with underground argon indicate a suppression of 39Ar by a factor (1.4 ± 0.2) × 103 relative to atmospheric argon. The new results obtained with DarkSide-50 and the plans for the next steps of the DarkSide program, the 20t fiducial mass DarkSide-20k detector and the 200 t fiducial Argo, are reviewed in this proceedings.

Total lymphoid irradiation in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus

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

Ben-Chetrit, E.; Gross, D.J.; Braverman, A.

1986-07-01

In two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, conventional therapy was considered to have failed because of persistent disease activity and unacceptable side effects. Both were treated with total lymphoid irradiation without clinical benefit, despite adequate immunosuppression as documented by markedly reduced numbers of circulating T lymphocytes and T-lymphocyte-dependent proliferative responses in vitro. The first patient developed herpes zoster, gram-negative septicemia, neurologic symptoms, and deterioration of lupus nephritis. The second patient developed massive bronchopneumonia, necrotic cutaneous lesions, and progressive nephritis and died 2 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. These observations, although limited to two patients, indicate that total lymphoid irradiation inmore » patients with severe systemic lupus erythematosus should be regarded as strictly experimental.« less

Dose reduction of bone morphogenetic protein-2 for bone regeneration using a delivery system based on lyophilization with trehalose.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaochen; Yu, Quan; Wang, Yan-An; Zhao, Jun

2018-01-01

To induce sufficient new bone formation, high doses of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are applied in regenerative medicine that often induce serious side effects. Therefore, improved treatment strategies are required. Here, we investigate whether the delivery of BMP-2 lyophilized in the presence of trehalose reduced the dose of BMP-2 required for bone regeneration. A new growth factor delivery system was fabricated using BMP-2-loaded TiO 2 nanotubes by lyophilization with trehalose (TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2). We measured BMP-2 release characteristics, bioactivity, and stability, and determined the effects on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in vitro. Additionally, we evaluated the ability of this formulation to regenerate new bone around implants in rat femur defects by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), sequential fluorescent labelling, and histological analysis. Compared with absorbed BMP-2-loaded TiO 2 nanotubes (TiO 2 -BMP-2), TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2 exhibited sustained release, consistent bioactivity, and higher stability of BMP-2, and resulted in greater osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Eight weeks post-operation, TiO 2 -Lyo-Tre-BMP-2 nanotubes, with various dosages of BMP-2, regenerated larger amounts of new bone than TiO 2 -BMP-2 nanotubes. Our findings indicate that delivery of BMP-2 lyophilized with trehalose may be a promising method to reduce the dose of BMP-2 and avoid the associated side effects.

A novel microgrid demand-side management system for manufacturing facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, Terance J.

Thirty-one percent of annual energy consumption in the United States occurs within the industrial sector, where manufacturing processes account for the largest amount of energy consumption and carbon emissions. For this reason, energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities is increasingly important for reducing operating costs and improving profits. Using microgrids to generate local sustainable power should reduce energy consumption from the main utility grid along with energy costs and carbon emissions. Also, microgrids have the potential to serve as reliable energy generators in international locations where the utility grid is often unstable. For this research, a manufacturing process that had approximately 20 kW of peak demand was matched with a solar photovoltaic array that had a peak output of approximately 3 KW. An innovative Demand-Side Management (DSM) strategy was developed to manage the process loads as part of this smart microgrid system. The DSM algorithm managed the intermittent nature of the microgrid and the instantaneous demand of the manufacturing process. The control algorithm required three input signals; one from the microgrid indicating the availability of renewable energy, another from the manufacturing process indicating energy use as a percent of peak production, and historical data for renewable sources and facility demand. Based on these inputs the algorithm had three modes of operation: normal (business as usual), curtailment (shutting off non-critical loads), and energy storage. The results show that a real-time management of a manufacturing process with a microgrid will reduce electrical consumption and peak demand. The renewable energy system for this research was rated to provide up to 13% of the total manufacturing capacity. With actively managing the process loads with the DSM program alone, electrical consumption from the utility grid was reduced by 17% on average. An additional 24% reduction was accomplished when the microgrid and DSM program was enabled together, resulting in a total reduction of 37%. On average, peak demand was reduced by 6%, but due to the intermittency of the renewable source and the billing structure for peak demand, only a 1% reduction was obtained. During a billing period, it only takes one day when solar irradiance is poor to affect the demand reduction capabilities. To achieve further demand reduction, energy storage should be introduced and integrated.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) does not reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue by local adipocyte injury but rather by modulation of systemic lipid metabolism.

PubMed

Jankowski, Marek; Gawrych, Mariusz; Adamska, Urszula; Ciescinski, Jakub; Serafin, Zbigniew; Czajkowski, Rafal

2017-02-01

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been applied recently to body contouring. However the mechanism of LLLT-induced reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness has not been elucidated and proposed hypotheses are highly controversial. Non-obese volunteers were subject to 650nm LLLT therapy. Each patient received 6 treatments 2-3 days apart to one side of the abdomen. The contralateral side was left untreated and served as control. Subjects' abdominal adipose tissue thickness was measured by ultrasound imaging at baseline and 2 weeks post-treatment. Our study is to the best of our knowledge, the largest split-abdomen study employing subcutaneous abdominal fat imaging. We could not show a statistically significant reduction of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue by LLLT therapy. Paradoxically when the measurements of the loss of fat thickness on treated side was corrected for change in thickness on non treated side, we have observed that in 8 out of 17 patients LLLT increased adipose tissue thickness. In two patients severe side effect occurred as a result of treatment: one patient developed ulceration within appendectomy scar, the other over the posterior superior iliac spine. The paradoxical net increase in subcutaneous fat thickness observed in some of our patients is a rationale against liquefactive and transitory pore models of LLLT-induced adipose tissue reduction. LLLT devices with laser diode panels applied directly on the skin are not as safe as devices with treatment panels separated from the patient's skin.

Surgical scheduling: a lean approach to process improvement.

PubMed

Simon, Ross William; Canacari, Elena G

2014-01-01

A large teaching hospital in the northeast United States had an inefficient, paper-based process for scheduling orthopedic surgery that caused delays and contributed to site/side discrepancies. The hospital's leaders formed a team with the goals of developing a safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and accurate orthopedic scheduling process; smoothing the schedule so that block time was allocated more evenly; and ensuring correct site/side. Under the resulting process, real-time patient information is entered into a database during the patient's preoperative visit in the surgeon's office. The team found the new process reduced the occurrence of site/side discrepancies to zero, reduced instances of changing the sequence of orthopedic procedures by 70%, and increased patient satisfaction. Copyright © 2014 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hypoxia Responsive Drug Delivery Systems in Tumor Therapy.

PubMed

Alimoradi, Houman; Matikonda, Siddharth S; Gamble, Allan B; Giles, Gregory I; Greish, Khaled

2016-01-01

Hypoxia is a common characteristic of solid tumors. It is mainly determined by low levels of oxygen resulting from imperfect vascular networks supplying most tumors. In an attempt to improve the present chemotherapeutic treatment and reduce associated side effects, several prodrug strategies have been introduced to achieve hypoxia-specific delivery of cytotoxic anticancer agents. With the advances in nanotechnology, novel delivery systems activated by the consequent outcomes of hypoxia have been developed. However, developing hypoxia responsive drug delivery systems (which only depend on low oxygen levels) is currently naïve. This review discusses four main hypoxia responsive delivery systems: polymeric based drug delivery systems, oxygen delivery systems combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, anaerobic bacteria which are used for delivery of genes to express anticancer proteins such as tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) and hypoxia-inducible transcription factors 1 alpha (HIF1α) responsive gene delivery systems.

A system shift in tidal choking due to the construction of Yangshan Harbour, Shanghai, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wenyun; Wang, Xiao Hua; Ding, Pingxing; Ge, Jianzhong; Song, Dehai

2018-06-01

Tidal choking is a geometric feature caused by a narrowed channel. Construction of the Yangshan Harbour, Shanghai, China obstructed three key channels and intensively changed the local geometry and topography. In this study nine numerical experiments based on the Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model are conducted to study the project's influence on tidal characteristics. Results show that stronger tidal choking happened at the East Entrance after project, mainly due to the jet induced water-level drop forced by Bernoulli law and the longer and narrower geometry. The stronger tidal choking forces a faster flow and larger tidal energy flux at the choked channel while reducing the tidal amplitude in the Inner Harbour Area (IHA). The scouring on this channel reduces the choking effect but further enlarges tidal energy flux. Moreover, damming the channels decrease the tidal amplitude at the lee side of tidal propagating direction while increasing the amplitude on the stoss side. The dams also decrease the tidal current on both sides, and meanwhile develop two patches with stronger current aside the dam. The project induced changes in tidal characteristics are complex in space, and perturbations in bathymetry increase this complexity. Yangshan Harbour's construction induces little changes in the total tidal energy density in the IHA, but induces obvious changes in the spatial distribution of tidal energy. Although this study is site-specific, the findings may be applicable to tidal dynamics in land reclamation close to open seas, such as the dramatic reclamation of islands in the South China Sea.

Deep inspiration breath hold with electromagnetic confirmation of chest wall position for adjuvant therapy of left-sided breast cancer: Technique and accuracy.

PubMed

Kathpal, Madeera; Tinnel, Brent; Sun, Kelly; Ninneman, Stephanie; Malmer, Cynthia; Wendt, Stacie; Buff, Sheena; Valentich, David; Gossweiler, Marisa; Macdonald, Dusten

2016-01-01

With most patients now living long after their breast cancer diagnosis, minimizing long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as reducing late cardiac and pulmonary side effects of radiation therapy (RT), is particularly important. It is now possible to use an electromagnetic tracking system to allow real-time tracking of chest wall (CW) position during the delivery of RT. Here, we report our experience using electromagnetic surface transponders as an added measure of CW position during deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH). We conducted a single-institution institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 15 female left-sided breast cancer patients treated between July 2012 and June 2013 with conventional whole breast radiation. We compared daily port films with treatment planning digitally reconstructed radiographs to establish daily setup accuracy, then used Calypso tracings to compare the position of the CW during the daily port film with the position of the CW during that day's treatment to determine the reproducibility of the breath hold position. Finally, we created competing treatment plans not using DIBH and used a paired t test to compare mean heart (MH) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery dose between the 2 techniques. Mean total error (inter- and intrafraction) was dominated by interfraction error and was greatest in the longitudinal direction with a mean of 2.13 mm and 2 standard deviations of 8.2 mm. DIBH significantly reduced MH and LAD dose versus free breathing plans (MH, 1.26 Gy vs 2.84 Gy, P ≤ .001; LAD, 5.49 Gy vs 18.15 Gy, P ≤ .001). This study demonstrates that DIBH with electromagnetic confirmation of CW position is feasible, and allows potential improvement in the accurate delivery of adjuvant RT therapy for breast cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Need of Slanted Side Holes for Venous Cannulae

PubMed Central

Park, Joong Yull

2012-01-01

Well-designed cannulae must allow good flow rate and minimize nonphysiologic load. Venous cannulae generally have side holes to prevent the rupture of blood vessel during perfusion. Optimizing side hole angle will yield more efficient and safe venous cannulae. A numerical modeling was used to study the effect of the angle (0°–45°) and number (0–12) of side holes on the performance of cannulae. By only slanting the side holes, it increases the flow rate up to 6% (in our models). In addition, it was found that increasing the number of side holes reduces the shear rate up to 12% (in our models). A new parameter called “penetration depth” was introduced to describe the interfering effect of stream jets from side holes, and the result showed that the 45°-slanted side holes caused minimum interfering for the flow in cannula. Our quantitative hemodynamic analysis study provides important guidelines for venous cannulae design. PMID:22291856

Stair ascent with an innovative microprocessor-controlled exoprosthetic knee joint.

PubMed

Bellmann, Malte; Schmalz, Thomas; Ludwigs, Eva; Blumentritt, Siegmar

2012-12-01

Climbing stairs can pose a major challenge for above-knee amputees as a result of compromised motor performance and limitations to prosthetic design. A new, innovative microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee joint, the Genium, incorporates a function that allows an above-knee amputee to climb stairs step over step. To execute this function, a number of different sensors and complex switching algorithms were integrated into the prosthetic knee joint. The function is intuitive for the user. A biomechanical study was conducted to assess objective gait measurements and calculate joint kinematics and kinetics as subjects ascended stairs. Results demonstrated that climbing stairs step over step is more biomechanically efficient for an amputee using the Genium prosthetic knee than the previously possible conventional method where the extended prosthesis is trailed as the amputee executes one or two steps at a time. There is a natural amount of stress on the residual musculoskeletal system, and it has been shown that the healthy contralateral side supports the movements of the amputated side. The mechanical power that the healthy contralateral knee joint needs to generate during the extension phase is also reduced. Similarly, there is near normal loading of the hip joint on the amputated side.

Emergency Management of Malignant Acute Left-Sided Colonic Obstruction

PubMed Central

Trompetas, Vasileios

2008-01-01

INTRODUCTION The management of acute left-sided colonic obstruction still remains a challenging problem despite significant progress. METHODS A literature search was undertaken using PubMed and the Cochrane Library regarding the options in emergency management of left-sided colonic obstruction focusing on outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, long-term prognosis and cost effectiveness. DISCUSSION Colonic stenting is the best option either for palliation or as a bridge to surgery. It reduces morbidity and mortality rate and the need for colostomy formation. Stenting is likely to be cost effective, but data are variable depending on the individual healthcare system. Nevertheless, surgical management remains relevant as colonic stenting has a small rate of failure, and it is not always available. There are various surgical options. One-stage primary resection and anastomosis is the preferred choice for low-risk patients. Intra-operative colonic irrigation has no proven benefit. Subtotal colectomy is useful in cases of proximal bowel damage or synchronous tumours. Hartmann's procedure should be reserved for high-risk patients. Simple colostomy has no role other than for use in very ill patients who are not fit for any other procedure. PMID:18430330

Systemic hypertension and the right-sided cardiovascular system: a review of the available evidence.

PubMed

Pedrinelli, Roberto; Dell'Omo, Giulia; Talini, Enrica; Canale, Maria Laura; Di Bello, Vitantonio

2009-02-01

Abnormal vasoconstriction of the lesser circulation characterizes a subset of patients with essential hypertension, a possible effect of mechanisms, such as enhanced sympathetic tone, increased delivery of blood-borne vasoconstrictor substances or abnormal local release of vasoactive factors, acting on both sides of the circulation or to backward transmission of increased pressure due to stiffer left ventricles with more advanced diastolic dysfunction. Elevated systemic pressure also associates with thickening of the right ventricle, a central element of the low-pressure system. Right ventricular remodelling develops in parallel with a similar process occurring at the left side, likely as a result of ventricular interdependence under the influence of trophic factors targeting both ventricles, though other mechanisms, including increased pulmonary afterload, may also be operative. By and large independent of the extent of structural remodelling of both ventricles, systemic hypertension also conditions an impaired filling rate of the right ventricle that accompanies a similar phenomenon at the left side. Thus, quite in contrast with the common and simplistic assumption of a separate behaviour of the two ventricles, the right-sided cardiovascular system is not immune to the effect of systemic hypertension, a concept whose clinical and pathophysiological implications require further studies.

Universal health coverage in Turkey: enhancement of equity.

PubMed

Atun, Rifat; Aydın, Sabahattin; Chakraborty, Sarbani; Sümer, Safir; Aran, Meltem; Gürol, Ipek; Nazlıoğlu, Serpil; Ozgülcü, Senay; Aydoğan, Ulger; Ayar, Banu; Dilmen, Uğur; Akdağ, Recep

2013-07-06

Turkey has successfully introduced health system changes and provided its citizens with the right to health to achieve universal health coverage, which helped to address inequities in financing, health service access, and health outcomes. We trace the trajectory of health system reforms in Turkey, with a particular emphasis on 2003-13, which coincides with the Health Transformation Program (HTP). The HTP rapidly expanded health insurance coverage and access to health-care services for all citizens, especially the poorest population groups, to achieve universal health coverage. We analyse the contextual drivers that shaped the transformations in the health system, explore the design and implementation of the HTP, identify the factors that enabled its success, and investigate its effects. Our findings suggest that the HTP was instrumental in achieving universal health coverage to enhance equity substantially, and led to quantifiable and beneficial effects on all health system goals, with an improved level and distribution of health, greater fairness in financing with better financial protection, and notably increased user satisfaction. After the HTP, five health insurance schemes were consolidated to create a unified General Health Insurance scheme with harmonised and expanded benefits. Insurance coverage for the poorest population groups in Turkey increased from 2·4 million people in 2003, to 10·2 million in 2011. Health service access increased across the country-in particular, access and use of key maternal and child health services improved to help to greatly reduce the maternal mortality ratio, and under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Several factors helped to achieve universal health coverage and improve outcomes. These factors include economic growth, political stability, a comprehensive transformation strategy led by a transformation team, rapid policy translation, flexible implementation with continuous learning, and simultaneous improvements in the health system, on both the demand side (increased health insurance coverage, expanded benefits, and reduced cost-sharing) and the supply side (expansion of infrastructure, health human resources, and health services). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The delivery of poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles loaded with non-toxic drug to overcome drug resistance for the treatment of neuroblastoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhulekar, Jhilmil

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. A neuroblastoma tumor develops in the nerve tissue and is diagnosed in infants and children. Approximately 10.2 per million children under the age of 15 are affected in the United States and is slightly more common in boys. Neuroblastoma constitutes 6% of all childhood cancers and has a long-term survival rate of only 15%. There are approximately 700 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States. With such a low rate of survival, the development of more effective treatment methods is necessary. A number of therapies are available for the treatment of these tumors; however, clinicians and their patients face the challenges of systemic side effects and drug resistance of the tumor cells. The application of nanoparticles has the potential to provide a safer and more effective method of delivery drugs to tumors. The advantage of using nanoparticles for drug delivery is the ability to specifically or passively target tumors while reducing the harmful side effects of chemotherapeutics. Drug delivery via nanoparticles can also allow for lower dosage requirements with controlled release of the drugs, which can further reduce systemic toxicity. The aim of this research was to develop a polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. Nanoparticles composed of a poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer were formulated to deliver a non-toxic drug in combination with Temozolomide, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of neuroblastoma. The non-toxic drug acts as an inhibitor to the DNA-repair protein present in neuroblastoma cells that is responsible for inducing drug resistance in the cells, which would potentially allow for enhanced temozolomide activity. A variety of studies were completed to prove the nanoparticles' low toxicity, loading abilities, and uptake into cells. Additionally, studies were performed to determine the individual effect on cell toxicity of each drug and in combination. Finally, nanoparticles were loaded with the non-toxic drug and delivered with free temozolomide to determine the overall efficacy of the drugs in reducing neuroblastoma cell viability.

Stability of hydrogenated graphene: a first-principles study

DOE PAGES

Yi, Ding; Yang, Liu; Xie, Shijie; ...

2015-02-10

In order to explain the disagreement between present theoretical and experimental investigations on the stability of hydrogenated graphene, we have systematically studied hydrogenated graphene with different configurations from the consideration of single-side and double-side adsorption using first-principles calculations. Both binding energy and formation energy are calculated to characterize the stability of the system. It is found that single-side hydrogenated graphene is always unstable. However, for double-side hydrogenation, some configurations are stable due to the increased carbon–carbon sp 3 hybridization compared to single-side hydrogenation. Furthermore, it is found that the system is energetically favorable when an equal number of hydrogen atomsmore » are adsorbed on each side of the graphene.« less

Effects of road traffic noise and the benefit of access to quietness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Öhrström, E.; Skånberg, A.; Svensson, H.; Gidlöf-Gunnarsson, A.

2006-08-01

Socio-acoustic surveys were carried out as part of the Soundscape Support to Health research programme to assess the health effects of various soundscapes in residential areas. The study was designed to test whether having access to a quiet side of one's dwelling enhances opportunities for relaxation and reduces noise annoyance and other adverse health effects related to noise. The dwellings chosen were exposed to sound levels from road traffic ranging from about L=45-68 dB at the most-exposed side. The study involved 956 individuals aged 18-75 years. The results demonstrate that access to quiet indoor and outdoor sections of one's dwelling supports health; it produces a lower degree and extent of annoyance and disturbed daytime relaxation, improves sleep and contributes to physiological and psychological well-being. Having access to a quiet side of one's dwelling reduces disturbances by an average of 30-50% for the various critical effects, and corresponds to a reduction in sound levels of ( LAeq,24h) 5 dB at the most-exposed side. To protect most people (80%) from annoyance and other adverse effects, sound levels from road traffic should not exceed ( LAeq,24h) 60 dB at the most-exposed side, even if there is access to a quiet side of one's dwelling ( LAeq,24h⩽45 dB).

Drug Delivery Systems for Imaging and Therapy of Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

Gunay, Mine Silindir; Ozer, A. Yekta; Chalon, Sylvie

2016-01-01

Background: Although a variety of therapeutic approaches are available for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, challenges limit effective therapy. Among these challenges are delivery of drugs through the blood brain barier to the target brain tissue and the side effects observed during long term administration of antiparkinsonian drugs. The use of drug delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, micelles, nanoparticles, nanocapsules, gold nanoparticles, microspheres, microcapsules, nanobubbles, microbubbles and dendrimers is being investigated for diagnosis and therapy. Methods: This review focuses on formulation, development and advantages of nanosized drug delivery systems which can penetrate the central nervous system for the therapy and/or diagnosis of PD, and highlights future nanotechnological approaches. Results: It is esential to deliver a sufficient amount of either therapeutic or radiocontrast agents to the brain in order to provide the best possible efficacy or imaging without undesired degradation of the agent. Current treatments focus on motor symptoms, but these treatments generally do not deal with modifying the course of Parkinson’s disease. Beyond pharmacological therapy, the identification of abnormal proteins such as α-synuclein, parkin or leucine-rich repeat serine/threonine protein kinase 2 could represent promising alternative targets for molecular imaging and therapy of Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: Nanotechnology and nanosized drug delivery systems are being investigated intensely and could have potential effect for Parkinson’s disease. The improvement of drug delivery systems could dramatically enhance the effectiveness of Parkinson’s Disease therapy and reduce its side effects. PMID:26714584

Tuning all-Optical Analog to Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in nanobeam cavities using nanoelectromechanical system.

PubMed

Shi, Peng; Zhou, Guangya; Deng, Jie; Tian, Feng; Chau, Fook Siong

2015-09-29

We report the observations of all-optical electromagnetically induced transparency in nanostructures using waveguide side-coupled with photonic crystal nanobeam cavities, which has measured linewidths much narrower than individual resonances. The quality factor of transparency resonance can be 30 times larger than those of measured individual resonances. When the gap between cavity and waveguide is reduced to 10 nm, the bandwidth of destructive interference region can reach 10 nm while the width of transparency resonance is 0.3 nm. Subsequently, a comb-drive actuator is introduced to tune the line shape of the transparency resonance. The width of the peak is reduced to 15 pm and the resulting quality factor exceeds 10(5).

Quantification of Gaussian quantum steering.

PubMed

Kogias, Ioannis; Lee, Antony R; Ragy, Sammy; Adesso, Gerardo

2015-02-13

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering incarnates a useful nonclassical correlation which sits between entanglement and Bell nonlocality. While a number of qualitative steering criteria exist, very little has been achieved for what concerns quantifying steerability. We introduce a computable measure of steering for arbitrary bipartite Gaussian states of continuous variable systems. For two-mode Gaussian states, the measure reduces to a form of coherent information, which is proven never to exceed entanglement, and to reduce to it on pure states. We provide an operational connection between our measure and the key rate in one-sided device-independent quantum key distribution. We further prove that Peres' conjecture holds in its stronger form within the fully Gaussian regime: namely, steering bound entangled Gaussian states by Gaussian measurements is impossible.

Modeling of coupling mechanism of wireless power transfer system and vibration phenomenon of receiver-coil in three-coil system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Suqi; Tan, Jianping; Wen, Xue

2017-11-01

Wireless power transfer (WPT) via coupled magnetic resonances has become a focus recently, but the mechanisms responsible for such work are uncertain. We found that WPT system is a self-organization system by utilizing self-organization theory to judge. Firstly, the circuit model was established and transfer characteristic of a system was researched by utilizing circuit theories. Thus, with the introduction of entropy variable S, the energy equation of state can be established from the energy of the transmitter side and the energy of the receiver side. According to the energy equation of state, this paper obtains two equations when the reactance of the transmitter side and the receiver side equate to zero respectively. The vibration phenomenon of the receiver-coil in a three-coil WPT system was predicted and explained. Our findings illuminate the unusual self-organization in the WPT system and explain the vibration phenomenon of the receiver-coil in a three-coil WPT system.

Distal end side-to-side anastomoses of sequential vein graft to small target coronary arteries improve intraoperative graft flow

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background End-to-side anastomoses to connect the distal end of the great saphenous vein (GSV) to small target coronary arteries are commonly performed in sequential coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the oversize diameter ratio between the GSV and small target vessels at end-to-side anastomoses might induce adverse hemodynamic condition. The purpose of this study was to describe a distal end side-to-side anastomosis technique and retrospectively compare the effect of distal end side-to-side versus end-to-side anastomosis on graft flow characteristics. Methods We performed side-to-side anastomoses to connect the distal end of the GSV to small target vessels on 30 patients undergoing off-pump sequential CABG in our hospital between October 2012 and July 2013. Among the 30 patients, end-to-side anastomoses at the distal end of the GSV were initially performed on 14 patients; however, due to poor graft flow, those anastomoses were revised into side-to-side anastomoses. We retrospectively compared the intraoperative graft flow characteristics of the end-to-side versus side-to-side anastomoses in the 14 patients. The patient outcomes were also evaluated. Results We found that the side-to-side anastomosis reconstruction improved intraoperative flow and reduced pulsatility index in all the 14 patients significantly. The 16 patients who had the distal end side-to-side anastomoses performed directly also exhibited satisfactory intraoperative graft flow. Three-month postoperative outcomes for all the patients were satisfactory. Conclusions Side-to-side anastomosis at the distal end of sequential vein grafts might be a promising strategy to connect small target coronary arteries to the GSV. PMID:24884776

The effectiveness of the controlled release of simvastatin from β-TCP macrosphere in the treatment of OVX mice.

PubMed

Chou, Joshua; Ito, Tomoko; Otsuka, Makoto; Ben-Nissan, Besim; Milthorpe, Bruce

2016-03-01

Simvastatin, a cholesterol treatment drug, has been shown to stimulate bone regeneration. As such, there has been an increase interest in the development of suitable materials and systems for the delivery of simvastatin. Without the appropriate dosage of simvastatin, the therapeutic effects on bone growth will be significantly reduced. Furthermore, similar to many pharmaceutical compounds, at high concentration simvastatin can cause various adverse side-effects. Given the associated side-effects with the usage of simvastatin, the development of suitable controlled drug release system is pertinent. Calcium phosphate in particularly beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) has been extensively studied and used as a carrier material for drug delivery system. In this study, Foraminifera exoskeletons were used as calcium carbonate precursor materials, which were hydrothermally converted to β-TCP as a carrier material for simvastatin. Natural marine exoskeletons posses interconnected and uniformly porous network capable of improving drug loading and release rate. To prolong the release of simvastatin, an apatite coating was made around the β-TCP sample and in vitro release studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed a significant decrease in release rate. Osteoporotic mice were used to examine the compare therapeutic effectiveness of β-TCP, β-TCP with simvastatin, apatite-coated β-TCP with simvastatin and direct injection of simvastatin near the right femur of the mice. Localized and systemic effect were compared with the femur of the non-implanted side (left) and showed that β-TCP with or without simvastatin was able to induce significant bone formation over 6 weeks. Mechanical analysis showed that apatite-coated β-TCP with simvastatin produced significantly stronger bones compared with other experimental groups. This study shows that natural exoskeletons with the appropriate structure can be successfully used as a drug delivery system for simvastatin and can its release can be prolonged with an apatite coating to significantly promote relevant bone formation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance

DOEpatents

Graham, Sean C.

2006-08-22

A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body adjacent its sides, a plurality of opposing flat sheets attached to the load bearing struts, and angled flaps attached to the lower edge of the opposing sheets defining an obtuse angle with the opposing flat sheets extending inwardly with respect to the sides of the rectangular body to a predetermined height above the ground, which, stiffen the opposing flat sheets, bend to resist damage when struck by the ground, and guide airflow around the rear wheels of the vehicle to reduce its aerodynamic resistance when moving.

Reduction of chemotherapy-induced febrile leucopenia by prophylactic use of ciprofloxacin and roxithromycin in small-cell lung cancer patients: an EORTC double-blind placebo-controlled phase III study.

PubMed

Tjan-Heijnen, V C; Postmus, P E; Ardizzoni, A; Manegold, C H; Burghouts, J; van Meerbeeck, J; Gans, S; Mollers, M; Buchholz, E; Biesma, B; Legrand, C; Debruyne, C; Giaccone, G

2001-10-01

CDE (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide) is one of the standard chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), with myelosuppression as dose-limiting toxicity. In this trial the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on incidence of febrile leucopenia (FL) during chemotherapy for SCLC was evaluated. Patients with chemo-naïve SCLC were randomized to standard-dose CDE (C 1,000 mg/m2 day 1, D 45 mg/m2 day 1, E 100 mg/m2 days 1-3. i.v., q 3 weeks, x5) or to intensified CDE chemotherapy (125% dose, q 2 weeks, x4, with filgrastim 5 microg/kg/day days 4-13) to assess the impact on survival (n = 240 patients). Patients were also randomized to prophylactic antibiotics (ciprofloxacin 750 mg plus roxithromycin 150 mg, bid. days 4-13) or to placebo in a 2 x 2 factorial design (first 163 patients). This manuscript focuses on the antibiotics question. The incidence of FL during the first cycle was 25% of patients in the placebo and 11% in the antibiotics arm (P = 0.010; 1-sided), with an overall incidence through all cycles of 43% vs. 24% respectively (P = 0.007; 1-sided). There were less Gram-positive (12 vs. 4), Gram-negative (20 vs. 5) and clinically documented (38 vs. 15) infections in the antibiotics arm. The use of therapeutic antibiotics was reduced (P = 0.013; 1-sided), with less hospitalizations due to FL (31 vs. 17 patients, P = 0.013: 1-sided). However, the overall number of days of hospitalization was not reduced (P = 0.05; 1-sided). The number of infectious deaths was nil in the antibiotics vs. five (6%) in the placebo arm (P = 0.022; 2-sided). Prophylactic ciprofloxacin plus roxithromycin during CDE chemotherapy reduced the incidence of FL, the number of infections, the use of therapeutic antibiotics and hospitalizations due to FL by approximately 50%, with reduced number of infectious deaths. For patients with similar risk for FL, the prophylactic use of antibiotics should be considered.

Side-scan sonar mapping: Pseudo-real-time processing and mosaicking techniques

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

Danforth, W.W.; Schwab, W.C.; O'Brien, T.F.

1990-05-01

The US Geological Survey (USGS) surveyed 1,000 km{sup 2} of the continental shelf off San Francisco during a 17-day cruise, using a 120-kHz side-scan sonar system, and produced a digitally processed sonar mosaic of the survey area. The data were processed and mosaicked in real time using software developed at the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory and modified by the USGS, a substantial task due to the enormous amount of data produced by high-resolution side-scan systems. Approximately 33 megabytes of data were acquired every 1.5 hr. The real-time sonar images were displayed on a PC-based workstation and the data were transferred tomore » a UNIX minicomputer where the sonar images were slant-range corrected, enhanced using an averaging method of desampling and a linear-contrast stretch, merged with navigation, geographically oriented at a user-selected scale, and finally output to a thermal printer. The hard-copy output was then used to construct a mosaic of the survey area. The final product of this technique is a UTM-projected map-mosaic of sea-floor backscatter variations, which could be used, for example, to locate appropriate sites for sediment sampling to ground truth the sonar imagery while still at sea. More importantly, reconnaissance surveys of this type allow for the analysis and interpretation of the mosaic during a cruise, thus greatly reducing the preparation time needed for planning follow-up studies of a particular area.« less

Combining doxorubicin-nanobubbles and shockwaves for anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment: preclinical study in a xenograft mouse model.

PubMed

Marano, Francesca; Frairia, Roberto; Rinella, Letizia; Argenziano, Monica; Bussolati, Benedetta; Grange, Cristina; Mastrocola, Raffaella; Castellano, Isabella; Berta, Laura; Cavalli, Roberta; Catalano, Maria Graziella

2017-06-01

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the most lethal diseases, and a curative therapy does not exist. Doxorubicin, the only drug approved for anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment, has a very low response rate and causes numerous side effects among which cardiotoxicity is the most prominent. Thus, doxorubicin delivery to the tumor site could be an import goal aimed to improve the drug efficacy and to reduce its systemic side effects. We recently reported that, in human anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines, combining doxorubicin-loaded nanobubbles with extracorporeal shock waves, acoustic waves used in lithotripsy and orthopedics without side effects, increased the intracellular drug content and in vitro cytotoxicity. In the present study, we tested the efficacy of this treatment on a human anaplastic thyroid cancer xenograft mouse model. After 21 days, the combined treatment determined the greatest drug accumulation in tumors with consequent reduction of tumor volume and weight, and an extension of the tumor doubling time. Mechanistically, the treatment induced tumor apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. Finally, although doxorubicin caused the increase of fibrosis markers and oxidative stress in animal hearts, loading doxorubicin into nanobubbles avoided these effects preventing heart damage. The improvement of doxorubicin anti-tumor effects together with the prevention of heart damage suggests that the combination of doxorubicin-loaded nanobubbles with extracorporeal shock waves might be a promising drug delivery system for anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

Ethanol production from xylose with the yeast Pichia stipitis and simultaneous product recovery by gas stripping using a gas-lift loop fermentor with attached side-arm (GLSA).

PubMed

Domínguez, J M; Cao, N; Gong, C S; Tsao, G T

2000-02-05

The bioconversion of xylose into ethanol with the yeast Pichia stipitis CBS 5773 is inhibited when 20 g/L of ethanol are present in the fermentation broth. In order to avoid this limitation, the fermentation was carried out with simultaneous recovery of product by CO(2) stripping. The fermentation was also improved by attaching a side-arm to the main body of a classical gas-lift loop fermentor. This side-arm increases the liquid circulation, mass transfer, and gas distribution, reducing the amount of oxygen in the inlet gas necessary to perform the fermentation of xylose under microaerobic conditions (K(L)a approximately 16 h(-1)). The continuous stripping of ethanol from the fermentation broth in this new bioreactor system allowed the consumption of higher xylose concentrations than using Erlenmeyer shaker flasks, improved significantly the process productivity and provided a clean ethanol solution by using an ice-cooled condenser system. Finally, a fed-batch fermentation was carried out with a K(L)a = 15.8 h(-1). Starting with 248.2 g of xylose, 237.6 g of xylose was consumed to produce 88.1 g of ethanol which represents 72.6% of the theoretical yield (47.2 g/L of ethanol was recovered in the condenser, while 9.6 g/L remained in the fermentation broth). Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[Extrapyramidal side-effects: avoidance, diagnosis and treatment].

PubMed

Fleischhacker, W Wolfgang; Widschwendter, Christian

2005-04-01

Acute extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS) are a common phenomenon of treatment with antipsychotics. They are associated with a substantial reduction of the patient's quality of life and of compliance with the treatment. This article gives an overview of the different forms of EPS. It outlines strategies to avoid these side-effects and discusses problems in diagnosis and treatment. In comparison to conventional compounds, the clearest advantage of new generation antipsychotics is a reduced risk of the occurrence of extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS). Many studies have found that newer antipsychotics have a lesser propensity to causes EPS. Nevertheless, there are some conflicting results on this topic. This article discusses some of these results and sheds light on methodological problems in the evaluation of side-effects of antipsychotic treatment.

Electric terminal performance and characterization of solid oxide fuel cells and systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindahl, Peter Allan

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical devices which can effect efficient, clean, and quiet conversion of chemical to electrical energy. In contrast to conventional electricity generation systems which feature multiple discrete energy conversion processes, SOFCs are direct energy conversion devices. That is, they feature a fully integrated chemical to electrical energy conversion process where the electric load demanded of the cell intrinsically drives the electrochemical reactions and associated processes internal to the cell. As a result, the cell's electric terminals provide a path for interaction between load side electric demand and the conversion side processes. The implication of this is twofold. First, the magnitude and dynamic characteristics of the electric load demanded of the cell can directly impact the long-term efficacy of the cell's chemical to electrical energy conversion. Second, the electric terminal response to dynamic loads can be exploited for monitoring the cell's conversion side processes and used in diagnostic analysis and degradation-mitigating control schemes. This dissertation presents a multi-tier investigation into this electric terminal based performance characterization of SOFCs through the development of novel test systems, analysis techniques and control schemes. First, a reference-based simulation system is introduced. This system scales up the electric terminal performance of a prototype SOFC system, e.g. a single fuel cell, to that of a full power-level stack. This allows realistic stack/load interaction studies while maintaining explicit ability for post-test analysis of the prototype system. Next, a time-domain least squares fitting method for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is developed for reduced-time monitoring of the electrochemical and physicochemical mechanics of the fuel cell through its electric terminals. The utility of the reference-based simulator and the EIS technique are demonstrated through their combined use in the performance testing of a hybrid-source power management (HSPM) system designed to allow in-situ EIS monitoring of a stack under dynamic loading conditions. The results from the latter study suggest that an HSPM controller allows an opportunity for in-situ electric terminal monitoring and control-based mitigation of SOFC degradation. As such, an exploration of control-based SOFC degradation mitigation is presented and ideas for further work are suggested.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a voucher scheme combined with obstetrical quality improvements: quasi experimental results from Uganda.

PubMed

Alfonso, Y Natalia; Bishai, David; Bua, John; Mutebi, Aloysius; Mayora, Crispus; Ekirapa-Kiracho, Elizabeth

2015-02-01

The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Uganda has declined significantly during the last 20 years, but Uganda is not on track to reach the millennium development goal of reducing MMR by 75% by 2015. More evidence on the cost-effectiveness of supply- and demand-side financing programs to reduce maternal mortality could inform future strategies. This study analyses the cost-effectiveness of a voucher scheme (VS) combined with health system strengthening in rural Uganda against the status quo. The VS, implemented in 2010, provided vouchers for delivery services at public and private health facilities (HF), as well as round-trip transportation provided by private sector workers (bicycles or motorcycles generally). The VS was part of a quasi-experimental non-randomized control trial. Improvements in institutional delivery coverage (IDC) rates can be estimated using a difference-in-difference impact evaluation method and the number of maternal lives saved is modelled using the evidence-based Lives Saved Tool. Costs were estimated from primary and secondary data. Results show that the demand for births at HFs enrolled in the VS increased by 52.3 percentage points. Out of this value, conservative estimates indicate that at least 9.4 percentage points are new HF users. This 9.4% bump in IDC implies 20 deaths averted, which is equivalent to 1356 disability-adjusted-life years (DALYs) averted. Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the status quo and VS's most conservative effectiveness estimates shows that the VS had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per DALY averted of US$302 and per death averted of US$20 756. Although there are limitations in the data measures, a favourable cost-effectiveness ratio persists even under extreme assumptions. Demand-side vouchers combined with supply-side financing programs can increase attended deliveries and reduce maternal mortality at a cost that is acceptable. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2013; all rights reserved.

Landscape assessment of side channel plugs and associated cumulative side channel attrition across a large river floodplain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reinhold, Ann Marie; Poole, Geoffrey C.; Bramblett, Robert G.; Zale, Alexander V.; Roberts, David W.

2018-01-01

Determining the influences of anthropogenic perturbations on side channel dynamics in large rivers is important from both assessment and monitoring perspectives because side channels provide critical habitat to numerous aquatic species. Side channel extents are decreasing in large rivers worldwide. Although riprap and other linear structures have been shown to reduce side channel extents in large rivers, we hypothesized that small “anthropogenic plugs” (flow obstructions such as dikes or berms) across side channels modify whole-river geomorphology via accelerating side channel senescence. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a geospatial assessment, comparing digitized side channel areas from aerial photographs taken during the 1950s and 2001 along 512 km of the Yellowstone River floodplain. We identified longitudinal patterns of side channel recruitment (created/enlarged side channels) and side channel attrition (destroyed/senesced side channels) across n = 17 river sections within which channels were actively migrating. We related areal measures of recruitment and attrition to the density of anthropogenic side channel plugs across river sections. Consistent with our hypothesis, a positive spatial relationship existed between the density of anthropogenic plugs and side channel attrition, but no relationship existed between plug density and side channel recruitment. Our work highlights important linkages among side channel plugs and the persistence and restoration of side channels across floodplain landscapes. Specifically, management of small plugs represents a low-cost, high-benefit restoration opportunity to facilitate scouring flows in side channels to enable the persistence of these habitats over time.

Geometric Corrections for Topographic Distortion from Side Scan Sonar Data Obtained by ANKOU System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Fujio; Kato, Yukihiro; Ogasawara, Shohei

The ANKOU is a newly developed, full ocean depth, long-range vector side scan sonar system. The system provides real time vector side scan sonar data to produce backscattering images and bathymetric maps for seafloor swaths up to 10 km on either side of ship's centerline. Complete geometric corrections are made using towfish attitude and cross-track distortions known as foreshortening and layover caused by violation of the flat bottom assumption. Foreshortening and layover refers to pixels which have been placed at an incorrect cross-track distance. Our correction of this topographic distortion is accomplished by interpolating a bathymetric profile and ANKOU phase data. We applied these processing techniques to ANKOU backscattering data obtained from off Boso Peninsula, and confirmed their efficiency and utility for making geometric corrections of side scan sonar data.

Strategies of targeting oral drug delivery systems to the colon and their potential use for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Krishnaiah, Yellela S R; Khan, Mansoor A

2012-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in both men and women. Often, surgical intervention remains the choice in treating CRC. Traditional dosage forms used for treating CRC deliver drug to wanted as well as unwanted sites of drug action resulting in several adverse side effects. Targeted oral drug delivery systems are being investigated to target and deliver chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents directly to colon and rectum. Site-specific delivery of a drug to colon increases its concentration at the target site, and thus requires a lower dose with reduced incidence of side effects. The major obstacle to be overcome for successful targeting of drug to colon through oral route is that drug absorption/degradation must be avoided in stomach and small intestine before the dosage form reaches colon. The review includes discussion of physiological factors that must be considered when targeting drugs directly to colorectal region, an outline on drugs used for treatment and prevention of CRC, and a brief description of various types of colon-targeted oral drug delivery systems. The focus is on the assessment of various formulation approaches being investigated for oral colon-specific delivery of drugs used in the treatment and prevention of CRC.

Hydrogeology of the vicinity of Homestake mine, South Dakota, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdoch, Larry C.; Germanovich, Leonid N.; Wang, Herb; Onstott, T. C.; Elsworth, Derek; Stetler, Larry; Boutt, David

2012-02-01

The former Homestake mine in South Dakota (USA) cuts fractured metamorphic rock over a region several km2 in plan, and plunges to the SE to a depth of 2.4 km. Numerical simulations of the development and dewatering of the mine workings are based on idealizing the mine-workings system as two overlapping continua, one representing the open drifts and the other representing the host rock with hydrologic properties that vary with effective stress. Equating macroscopic hydrologic properties with characteristics of deformable fractures allows the number of parameters to be reduced, and it provides a physically based justification for changes in properties with depth. The simulations explain important observations, including the co-existence of shallow and deep flow systems, the total dewatering flow rate, the spatial distribution of in-flow, and the magnitude of porosity in the mine workings. The analysis indicates that a deep flow system induced by ~125 years of mining is contained within a surface-truncated ellipsoid roughly 8 km by 4 km in plan view and 5.5 km deep with its long-axis aligned to the strike of the workings. Groundwater flow into the southern side of the workings is characterized by short travel times from the ground surface, whereas flow into the northern side and at depth consists of old water removed from storage.

Extravascular use of drug-eluting beads: A promising approach in compartment-based tumor therapy

PubMed Central

Binder, Simon; Lewis, Andrew L; Löhr, J-Matthias; Keese, Michael

2013-01-01

Intraperitoneal carcinomatosis (PC) may occur with several tumor entities. The prognosis of patients suffering from PC is usually poor. Present treatment depends on the cancer entity and includes systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and surgical resection. Only few patients may also benefit from hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with a complete tumor remission. These therapies are often accompanied by severe systemic side-effects. One approach to reduce side effects is to target chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor with carrier devices. Promising experimental results have been achieved using drug-eluting beads (DEBs). A series of in vitro and in vitro experiments has been conducted to determine the suitability of their extravascular use. These encapsulation devices were able to harbor CYP2B1 producing cells and to shield them from the hosts immune system when injected intratumorally. In this way ifosfamide - which is transformed into its active metabolites by CYP2B1 - could be successfully targeted into pancreatic tumor growths. Furthermore DEBs can be used to target chemotherapeutics into the abdominal cavity for treatment of PC. If CYP2B1 producing cells are proven to be save for usage in man and if local toxic effects of chemotherapeutics can be controlled, DEBs will become promising tools in compartment-based anticancer treatment. PMID:24282349

Subharmonic response of a single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear vibro-impact system to a narrow-band random excitation.

PubMed

Haiwu, Rong; Wang, Xiangdong; Xu, Wei; Fang, Tong

2009-08-01

The subharmonic response of single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear vibro-impact oscillator with a one-sided barrier to narrow-band random excitation is investigated. The narrow-band random excitation used here is a filtered Gaussian white noise. The analysis is based on a special Zhuravlev transformation, which reduces the system to one without impacts, or velocity jumps, thereby permitting the applications of asymptotic averaging over the "fast" variables. The averaged stochastic equations are solved exactly by the method of moments for the mean-square response amplitude for the case of linear system with zero offset. A perturbation-based moment closure scheme is proposed and the formula of the mean-square amplitude is obtained approximately for the case of linear system with nonzero offset. The perturbation-based moment closure scheme is used once again to obtain the algebra equation of the mean-square amplitude of the response for the case of nonlinear system. The effects of damping, detuning, nonlinear intensity, bandwidth, and magnitudes of random excitations are analyzed. The theoretical analyses are verified by numerical results. Theoretical analyses and numerical simulations show that the peak amplitudes may be strongly reduced at large detunings or large nonlinear intensity.

Topical Medical Cannabis: A New Treatment for Wound Pain-Three Cases of Pyoderma Gangrenosum.

PubMed

Maida, Vincent; Corban, Jason

2017-11-01

Pain associated with integumentary wounds is highly prevalent, yet it remains an area of significant unmet need within health care. Currently, systemically administered opioids are the mainstay of treatment. However, recent publications are casting opioids in a negative light given their high side effect profile, inhibition of wound healing, and association with accidental overdose, incidents that are frequently fatal. Thus, novel analgesic strategies for wound-related pain need to be investigated. The ideal methods of pain relief for wound patients are modalities that are topical, lack systemic side effects, noninvasive, self-administered, and display rapid onset of analgesia. Extracts derived from the cannabis plant have been applied to wounds for thousands of years. The discovery of the human endocannabinoid system and its dominant presence throughout the integumentary system provides a valid and logical scientific platform to consider the use of topical cannabinoids for wounds. We are reporting a prospective case series of three patients with pyoderma gangrenosum that were treated with topical medical cannabis compounded in nongenetically modified organic sunflower oil. Clinically significant analgesia that was associated with reduced opioid utilization was noted in all three cases. Topical medical cannabis has the potential to improve pain management in patients suffering from wounds of all classes. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Internal Data Non-hiding Type Real-time Kernel and its Application to the Mechatronics Controller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Toshio

For the mechatronics equipment controller that controls robots and machine tools, high-speed motion control processing is essential. The software system of the controller like other embedded systems is composed of three layers software such as real-time kernel layer, middleware layer, and application software layer on the dedicated hardware. The application layer in the top layer is composed of many numbers of tasks, and application function of the system is realized by the cooperation between these tasks. In this paper we propose an internal data non-hiding type real-time kernel in which customizing the task control is possible only by change in the program code of the task side without any changes in the program code of real-time kernel. It is necessary to reduce the overhead caused by the real-time kernel task control for the speed-up of the motion control of the mechatronics equipment. For this, customizing the task control function is needed. We developed internal data non-cryptic type real-time kernel ZRK to evaluate this method, and applied to the control of the multi system automatic lathe. The effect of the speed-up of the task cooperation processing was able to be confirmed by combined task control processing on the task side program code using an internal data non-hiding type real-time kernel ZRK.

[Understanding chair-side digital technology for stomatology from an engineering viewpoint].

PubMed

Zhao, Y J; Wang, Y

2018-04-09

In recent years with the rapid development of digital technology for stomatology, the application field, application model, technical features and technical connotation of the chair-side digital technology has got development and change. The open modular system has gradually replaced the traditional closed system, and the application field of digital technology is no longer limited to chair-side dental restoration, it also has been extend to various kinds of chair-side digital treatment-assisted technology. In this paper, from the engineering point of view, the up to date general connotation of chair-side digital technology was explained, the characteristics and the development of each unit in chair-side digital technology were analyzed, and the application pattern and the localization status were also discussed in this paper. The aim of this paper was to introduce the trend of chair-side digital technological to readers and to better guide clinical application.

Encyclopedia of U.S. Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems. Volume 2. Post-World War II Bombers, 1945-1973

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

36 program. Of perhaps greater import, this cooperation would blend Northrop’s engineering skill and Convair’s experience in quantity production of...projects. Small swept winglets were attached along- side the nose of the reconfigured bomber-NB-52E. A long probe extended from the nose of the modified...the aircraft’s winglets (canards), which reduced 30 percent of the vertical and 50 percent of the horizontal vibrations caused by air gusts. The NB

Magnifying Lenses with Weak Achromatic Bends for High-Energy Electron Radiography

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

Walstrom, Peter Lowell

2015-02-27

This memo briefly describes bremsstrahlung background effects in GeV-range electron radiography systems and the use of weak bending magnets to deflect the image to the side of the forward bremsstrahlung spot to reduce background. The image deflection introduces first-order chromatic image blur due to dispersion. Two approaches to eliminating the dispersion effect to first order by use of magnifying lens with achromatic bends are described. Also, higher-order image blur terms caused by weak bends are also discussed, and shown to be negligibly small in most cases of interest.

Applications of variable focus liquid lenses for curvature wave-front sensors in astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuentes-Fernández, J.; Cuevas, S.; Alvarez-Nuñez, L. C.; Watson, A. M.

2014-08-01

Curvature wavefront sensors obtain the wave-front aberrations from two defocused intensity images at each side of the pupil plane. Typically, when high modulation speeds are required, as it is the case with Adaptive Optics, that defocusing is done with a fast vibrating membrane mirror. We propose an alternative defocusing mechanism based on an electrowetting variable focus liquid lens. The use of such lenses may perform the required focus modulation without the need of extra moving parts, reducing the overall size of the system.

Smart City Energy Interconnection Technology Framework Preliminary Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Guotai; Zhao, Baoguo; Zhao, Xin; Li, Hao; Huo, Xianxu; Li, Wen; Xia, Yu

2018-01-01

to improve urban energy efficiency, improve the absorptive ratio of new energy resources and renewable energy sources, and reduce environmental pollution and other energy supply and consumption technology framework matched with future energy restriction conditions and applied technology level are required to be studied. Relative to traditional energy supply system, advanced information technology-based “Energy Internet” technical framework may give play to energy integrated application and load side interactive technology advantages, as a whole optimize energy supply and consumption and improve the overall utilization efficiency of energy.

Status of wraparound contact solar cells and arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baraona, C. R.; Young, L. E.

1978-01-01

Solar cells with wraparound contacts provide the following advantages in array assembly: (1) eliminate the need for discretely formed, damage susceptible series tabs; (2) eliminate the n gap problem by allowing the use of uniform covers over the entire cell surface; (3) allow a higher packing factor by reducing the additional series spacing formly required for forming, and routing the series tab; and (4) allow the cell bonding to the interconnect system to be a single-side function wherein series contacts can be made at the same time parallel contracts are made.

Transforming Agricultural Water Management in Support of Ecosystem Restoration

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

Hanlon, Edward; Capece, John

Threats to ecosystems are not local; they have to be handled with the global view in mind. Eliminating Florida farms, in order to meet its environmental goals, would simply move the needed agricultural production overseas, where environmentally less sensitive approaches are often used, thus yielding no net ecological benefit. South Florida is uniquely positioned to lead in the creation of sustainable agricultural systems, given its population, technology, and environmental restoration imperative. Florida should therefore aggressively focus on developing sustainable systems that deliver both agricultural production and environmental services. This presentation introduces a new farming concept of dealing with Florida’s agriculturalmore » land issues. The state purchases large land areas in order to manage the land easily and with ecosystem services in mind. The proposed new farming concept is an alternative to the current “two sides of the ditch” model, in which on one side are yield-maximizing, input-intensive, commodity price-dependent farms, while on the other side are publicly-financed, nutrient-removing treatment areas and water reservoirs trying to mitigate the externalized costs of food production systems and other human-induced problems. The proposed approach is rental of the land back to agriculture during the restoration transition period in order to increase water storage (allowing for greater water flow-through and/or water storage on farms), preventing issues such as nutrients removal, using flood-tolerant crops and reducing soil subsidence. Since the proposed approach is still being developed, there exist various unknown variables and considerations. However, working towards a long-term sustainable scenario needs to be the way ahead, as the threats are global and balancing the environment and agriculture is a serious global challenge.« less

Adjuvant endocrine therapy after breast cancer: a qualitative study of factors associated with adherence

PubMed Central

Boulton, Mary; Fenlon, Debbie; Hulbert-Williams, Nick J; Walter, Fiona M; Donnelly, Peter; Lavery, Bernadette A; Morgan, Adrienne; Morris, Carolyn; Watson, Eila K

2018-01-01

Introduction Despite evidence of the efficacy of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in reducing the risk of recurrence and mortality after treatment for primary breast cancer, adherence to AET is suboptimal. This study aimed to explore factors that influence adherence and nonadherence to AET following breast cancer to inform the development of supportive interventions. Methods Interviews were conducted with 32 women who had been prescribed AET, 2–4 years following their diagnosis of breast cancer. Both adherers (n=19) and nonadherers (n=13) were recruited. The analysis was conducted using the Framework approach. Results Factors associated with adherence were as follows: managing side effects including information and advice on side effects and taking control of side effects, supportive relationships, and personal influences. Factors associated with nonadherence were as follows: burden of side effects, feeling unsupported, concerns about long-term AET use, regaining normality, including valuing the quality of life over length of life, and risk perception. Conclusion Provision of timely information to prepare women for the potential side effects of AET and education on medication management strategies are needed, including provision of timely and accurate information on the efficacy of AET in reducing breast cancer recurrence and on potential side effects and ways to manage these should they arise. Trust in the doctor–patient relationship and clear patient pathways for bothersome side effects and concerns with AET are important. Training and education on AET for GPs should be considered alongside novel care pathways such as primary care nurse cancer care review and community pharmacist follow-up. PMID:29497284

Seeing is believing: Impact of social modeling on placebo and nocebo responding.

PubMed

Faasse, Kate; Grey, Andrew; Jordan, Rachel; Garland, Stacie; Petrie, Keith J

2015-08-01

This study investigated the impact of the social modeling of side effects following placebo medication ingestion on the nocebo and placebo effect. It also investigated whether medication branding (brand or generic labeling) moderated social modeling effects. Eighty-two university students took part in the study which was purportedly investigating the impact of fast-acting beta-blocker medications (actually placebos) on preexamination anxiety. After taking the medication, participants were randomized to either witness a female confederate report experiencing side effects or no side effects after taking the same medication. Differences in symptom reporting, blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety were assessed between the social modeling of side effects and no modeling groups. Seeing a female confederate report side effects reduced the placebo effect in systolic (p = .009) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .033). Seeing a female confederate report side effects also increased both total reported symptoms (mean [SE] 7.35 [.54] vs. 5.16 [0.53] p = .005) and symptoms attributed to the medication (5.27 [0.60] vs. 3.04 [0.59] p = .01), although the effect on symptoms was only seen in female participants. Females who saw the confederate report side effects reported approximately twice the number of symptoms as those in the no modeling group. Social modeling did not affect heart rate or anxiety. Medication branding did not influence placebo or nocebo outcomes. The social modeling of symptoms can substantially reduce or eliminate the placebo effect. Viewing a female confederate display symptoms after taking the same medication increases symptom reporting in females. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of poling on physiological, kinematic and kinetic responses in roller ski skating.

PubMed

Grasaas, Erik; Hegge, Ann Magdalen; Ettema, Gertjan; Sandbakk, Øyvind

2014-09-01

We investigated the effects of poling on physiological, kinematic and kinetic responses in the G4 skating technique where the poling movement is synchronized with the leg push-off on one side (strong side) followed by a forward arm swing during the leg push-off on the other side (weak side). G4 skating with (G4-P) and without (G4-NP) poling was compared in 17 elite male cross-country skiers during 4-min submaximal tests on a 2% inclined roller ski treadmill at 10, 15 and 20 km h(-1). G4-P demonstrated less ventilatory stress and higher gross efficiency compared to G4-NP at all velocities, and the blood lactate concentration was lower at the high velocity (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, longer cycle lengths and lower cycle rates were found with G4-P at all velocities, with correspondingly lower peak ski forces, increased ski velocities and less angling and edging of the skis (all P < 0.05). The peak ski forces on the strong side were lower than on the weak side with G4-P at all velocities (all P < 0.05), but no differences between the sides were found with G4-NP. The reduced physiological cost, higher gross efficiency and longer cycle lengths together with the lower ski forces at a given work rate with G4-P demonstrate the effectiveness of poling in the G4 skating technique. Thus, poling provides possibilities to increase total propulsion, to reduce ski forces and to enhance skiing efficiency.

Application of VSC-HVDC with Shunt Connected SMES for Compensation of Power Fluctuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linn, Zarchi; Kakigano, Hiroaki; Miura, Yushi; Ise, Toshifumi

This paper describes the application of VSC-HVDC (High Voltage DC Transmission using Voltage Source Converter) with shunt connected SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) for compensation of power fluctuation caused by fluctuating power source such as photovoltaics and wind turbines. The objectives of this proposed system is to smooth out fluctuating power in one terminal side of HVDC in order to avoid causing power system instability and frequency deviation by absorbing or providing power according to the system requirement while another terminal side power is fluctuated. The shunt connected SMES charges and discharges the energy to and from the dc side and it compensates required power of fluctuation to obtain constant power flow in one terminal side of VSC-HVDC system. This system configuration has ability for power system stabilization in the case of power fluctuation from natural energy source. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is used to evaluate the performance of applied system configuration and control method.

A future Demand Side Management (DSM) opportunity for utility as variable renewable penetrate scale up using agriculture.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ines, A.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Modi, V.; Robertson, A. W.; Lall, U.; Kocaman Ayse, S.; Chaudhary, S.; Kumar, A.; Ganapathy, A.; Kumar, A.; Mishra, V.

2015-12-01

Energy demand management, also known as demand side management (DSM), is the modification of consumer demand for energy through various methods such as smart metering, incentive based schemes, payments for turning off loads or rescheduling loads. Usually, the goal of demand side management is to encourage the consumer to use less power during periods of peak demand, or to move the time of energy use to off-peak times. Peak demand management does not necessarily decrease total energy consumption, but could be expected to reduce the need for investments in networks and/or power plants for meeting peak demands. Electricity use can vary dramatically on short and medium time frames, and the pricing system may not reflect the instantaneous cost as additional higher-cost that are brought on-line. In addition, the capacity or willingness of electricity consumers to adjust to prices by altering elasticity of demand may be low, particularly over short time frames. In the scenario of Indian grid setup, the retail customers do not follow real-time pricing and it is difficult to incentivize the utility companies for continuing the peak demand supply. A question for the future is how deeper penetration of renewable will be handled? This is a challenging problem since one has to deal with high variability, while managing loss of load probabilities. In the case of managing the peak demand using agriculture, in the future as smart metering matures with automatic turn on/off for a pump, it will become possible to provide an ensured amount of water or energy to the farmer while keeping the grid energized for 24 hours. Supply scenarios will include the possibility of much larger penetration of solar and wind into the grid. While, in absolute terms these sources are small contributors, their role will inevitably grow but DSM using agriculture could help reduce the capital cost. The other option is of advancing or delaying pump operating cycle even by several hours, will still ensure soil moisture requirements met while, balancing the overall system load with generation, reducing critical power mismatches. Through this presentation the author will describe different techniques and results from field experiments in India.

Ramjet/scramjet plus rocket propulsion for a heavy-lift Space Shuttle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lantz, Edward

1993-10-01

The possibility of using hydrogen-fueled ramjet/scramjet engines for improving the performance and reducing the operating cost of a second-generation Space Shuttle is examined. For a heavy-lift capability, a two-stage system would be necessary. This could consist of a central Trans Atmospheric Vehicle (TAV) with a hypersonic booster attached to each side. A wheeled ground-based launcher could make the takeoff of such a system possible. By using data from the NASP project and the present Space Shuttle, it is shown that a TAV, which is about 20 percent longer than a Boeing 747, could take a payload of about 200,000 pounds to an earth orbit.

A patient perspective of the impact of medication side effects on adherence: results of a cross-sectional nationwide survey of patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Dibonaventura, Marco; Gabriel, Susan; Dupclay, Leon; Gupta, Shaloo; Kim, Edward

2012-03-20

Antipsychotic medications often have a variety of side effects, however, it is not well understood how the presence of specific side effects correlate with adherence in a real-world setting. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between these variables among community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. Data were analyzed from a 2007-2008 nationwide survey of adults who self-reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were currently using an antipsychotic medication (N = 876). The presence of side effects was defined as those in which the patient reported they were at least "somewhat bothered". Adherence was defined as a score of zero on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. To assess the relationship between side effects and adherence, individual logistic regression models were fitted for each side effect controlling for patient characteristics. A single logistic regression model assessed the relationship between side effect clusters and adherence. The relationships between adherence and health resource use were also examined. A majority of patients reported experiencing at least one side effect due to their medication (86.19%). Only 42.5% reported complete adherence. Most side effects were associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of adherence. When grouped as side effect clusters in a single model, extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS)/agitation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, p = 0.0007), sedation/cognition (OR = 0.70, p = 0.033), prolactin/endocrine (OR = 0.69, p = 0.0342), and metabolic side effects (OR = 0.64, p = 0.0079) were all significantly related with lower rates of adherence. Those who reported complete adherence to their medication were significantly less likely to report a hospitalization for a mental health reason (OR = 0.51, p = 0.0006), a hospitalization for a non-mental health reason (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0002), and an emergency room (ER) visit for a mental health reason (OR = 0.60, p = 0.008). Among patients with schizophrenia, medication side effects are highly prevalent and significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Nonadherence is significantly associated with increased healthcare resource use. Prevention, identification, and effective management of medication-induced side effects are important to maximize adherence and reduce health resource use in schizophrenia.

A patient perspective of the impact of medication side effects on adherence: results of a cross-sectional nationwide survey of patients with schizophrenia

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Antipsychotic medications often have a variety of side effects, however, it is not well understood how the presence of specific side effects correlate with adherence in a real-world setting. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between these variables among community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. Methods Data were analyzed from a 2007-2008 nationwide survey of adults who self-reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were currently using an antipsychotic medication (N = 876). The presence of side effects was defined as those in which the patient reported they were at least "somewhat bothered". Adherence was defined as a score of zero on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. To assess the relationship between side effects and adherence, individual logistic regression models were fitted for each side effect controlling for patient characteristics. A single logistic regression model assessed the relationship between side effect clusters and adherence. The relationships between adherence and health resource use were also examined. Results A majority of patients reported experiencing at least one side effect due to their medication (86.19%). Only 42.5% reported complete adherence. Most side effects were associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of adherence. When grouped as side effect clusters in a single model, extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS)/agitation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, p = 0.0007), sedation/cognition (OR = 0.70, p = 0.033), prolactin/endocrine (OR = 0.69, p = 0.0342), and metabolic side effects (OR = 0.64, p = 0.0079) were all significantly related with lower rates of adherence. Those who reported complete adherence to their medication were significantly less likely to report a hospitalization for a mental health reason (OR = 0.51, p = 0.0006), a hospitalization for a non-mental health reason (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0002), and an emergency room (ER) visit for a mental health reason (OR = 0.60, p = 0.008). Conclusions Among patients with schizophrenia, medication side effects are highly prevalent and significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Nonadherence is significantly associated with increased healthcare resource use. Prevention, identification, and effective management of medication-induced side effects are important to maximize adherence and reduce health resource use in schizophrenia. PMID:22433036

An Overview of the Commercial Navigation Industry of the United States on the Great Lakes

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

two water-side cement producers on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes. They are located in Charlevoix and Alpena , Michigan. The manufacture of cement...is an industry in which economies of scale are important. The producer at Alpena , a water-side location in close proximity to the industry’s principal...more shipment by self-unloading bulk freighters. In the summer of 1991, the Alpena , Mich. producer purchased an older iron ore freighter and reduced its

A comparison of latanoprost monotherapy with a combination therapy of timolol/dorzolamide in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PubMed

Caça, Ihsan; Simsek, Hüseyin; Unlü, Kaan; Ari, Seyhmus; Keklikçi, Ugur

2006-01-01

We compared latanoprost monotherapy therapy with timolol/ dorzolamide in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma to evaluate the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) and occurrence of adverse events. IOP and topical side effects were evaluated at the beginning, first, and third months. Mean IOP was decreased at the third month. The most common side effect was hyperemia (43.6%). We concluded that latanoprost reduces IOP better than fixed combination and its topical side effects are tolerable.

Central nervous system side effects associated with zolpidem treatment.

PubMed

Toner, L C; Tsambiras, B M; Catalano, G; Catalano, M C; Cooper, D S

2000-01-01

Zolpidem is one of the newer medications developed for the treatment of insomnia. It is an imidazopyridine agent that is an alternative to the typical sedative-hypnotic agents. Zolpidem use is gaining favor because of its efficacy and its side effect profile, which is milder and less problematic than that of the benzodiazepines and barbiturates used to treat insomnia. Still, side effects are not uncommon with zolpidem use. We report a series of cases in which the patients developed delirium, nightmares and hallucinations during treatment with zolpidem. We will review its pharmacology, discuss previous reports of central nervous system side effects, examine the impact of drug interactions with concurrent use of antidepressants, examine gender differences in susceptibility to side effects, and explore the significance of protein binding in producing side effects.

Contoured inner after-heater shield for reducing stress in growing crystalline bodies

DOEpatents

Kalejs, Juris P.

1996-09-24

An apparatus for growing hollow crystalline bodies by the EFG process, comprising an EFG die having a top surface shaped for growing a hollow crystalline body having a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of a polygon having n faces, and a radiation shield adjacent to and surrounded by the top end surface of the die, characterized in that the shield has an inner edge defining a similar polygon with n sides, and the inner edge of the shield is notched so that the spacing between the n faces and the n sides is greatest between the central portions of the n faces and the n sides, whereby the greater spacing at the central portions helps to reduce lateral temperature gradients in the crystalline body that is grown by use of the die.